(08-09-2005) Time for Bono to Shut Up and Sing - National Ledger*

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HelloAngel

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Time for Bono to Shut Up and Sing


By Cliff Kincaid


Actor and scientologist Tom Cruise has gotten his comeuppance for spouting off on the evils of psychiatry. His exchange with Matt Lauer of the NBC Today Show showed that Cruise was an ill-informed zealot. Lauer put Cruise in his place, noting that psychiatry has helped people, and that certain drugs have proven beneficial to people with mental illnesses. But being subjected to Cruise’s rhetoric was the price of media figures getting interviews with him about his new movie.

Rock star Bono, on the other hand, has escaped the kind of pounding that Lauer gave to Cruise. Bono, a multimillionaire rock star, has somehow emerged as an expert on foreign aid and was even interviewed on NBC’s prestigious Meet the Press program. He was described by host Tim Russert simply as an “activist,” in order to mask his dubious or non-existent academic credentials, who runs something called DATA, standing for debt, AIDS, trade and Africa. When you sign up at the group’s website, you are urged to send a message to Congress urging more foreign aid spending and cancellation of foreign countries’ debts. This is what passes for expertise in today’s media world.

Bono should stick to singing. His advice is even worse than that being offered by the hapless Cruise. While he pays lip service to the problem of foreign corruption, Bono’s prescription is still the same-throw more good money-ours-after bad. Yet a comprehensive new study concludes that foreign aid has mostly been counterproductive because it crowds out private sector investment, undermines democracy, and perpetuates poverty. When foreign aid rises, economic growth falls, the report says.

This 28-page study was published on June 10, 2005, by the International Policy Network, a London-based development charity, in association with think tanks from several countries. To my knowledge, the International Policy Network study hasn’t been covered by one major media organ in the U.S. In a reference to the July 2 Live8 concerts, one of which featured Bono, Julian Morris, executive director of International Policy Network, said that “rock star economists” have a “misguided” world view and fail to see that foreign aid actually hurts the poor. Live8 was designed to put pressure on the Group of Eight most industrialized countries, meeting in Scotland from July 6-8, to spend more on foreign aid.

To read the full article, please visit:
http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_2726172.shtml
 
For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction, right? :shrug:

Bono's doing what he believes will make the world a better place. Is he misguided? Maybe. Is he not traditionally educated and inexperenced in such matters? Certainly. But likewise, he's not just sitting back bitching & telling everyone else what THEY need to do. He's put his convictions into action - under the microscope of "fame", no less - and for that he has my respect, adoration, and support.

So Cliff Kincaid - go F*CK yourself. :madspit:
 
I think it is reasonable to take a sceptical approach with regard to aid programs.
 
Worse than Cruise? :coocoo:

Bono doesn't get time in front of world leaders just because they want to try on his shades. He knows his stuff, has a passion and is not pushing for a simple money solution.
 
Jeffrey Sachs and former Treasure Secretary O'Neill both praised Bono for doing his homework.

But I'm sure critics know better.

Oh and the old "rock bands/singers shouldn't mix with politics and stick to music" cliche has been disproved many times before.
 
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Bono's main advisor on the issues of poverty and development issues for the world's poorest countries has always been Prof. Jeff Sachs, the U.N. main economic advisor on the issues of poverty and sustainable development.

He is one of the most renowned and well-accomplished economists in the world whose economic advice to countries like Argentina brought their economies back to life in the 1980s.

Here is a link to Prof. Sachs' Earth Institute:

http://www.earth.columbia.edu/

Again, this is a less than well-known columnist whose trying to up their visibility level by riding the coat tails of Bono's fame (even if it is done in a negative way) , part of which has been elevated in recent years BECAUSE of his tireless and unselfish work for the poorest in our world.

Bono is a free person - he can do what he likes.

:yes:
 
A pedestrian glance at the article reveals a lot of assumptions that the author made, especially with respect to the nature of DATA's strive to increase foreign aid. The organization does not support the conventional interest-based tied aid, but instead DATA seeks an incentive driven aid that tracks the allocation of funds. Kincaid's point regarding the potential for restriction of the private sector and a possible over-emphasis of government regulation (in foreign countries) as a result of increased aid is a well-founded argument... however, the suffering of enterprise would be a consequence of dictatorial abuse under the old mandate of foreign aid. With the incentive-based aid (as yet unproven), the goal is to provide a blank economic slate to allow the market system to thrive. I won't even get into the status of the tier system that our current "market" perpetuates on the level of international trade.

The bottom line is not the quantity of money, but how it will be spent... the attention deficit style of thinking that went into writing this Ledger editorial runs too far in line with early 20th century American protectionist policy (which had severe negative effects on foreign relations until the introduction of the Marshall Plan).

DDT as an efficient malaria-killer? That is true. But why not use napalm?... The same environmental effects but with more explosions and blowing shit up!!! YEAH. Another example of the reactionary consveratism tone that pervades in Kincaid's diatribe.

I am a critic of the way Bono operates, but even I found contention with the misplaced-statistic-laden points in the above article. If there was more reasoning included in the content as opposed to arbitrary figures that reference irrelevant themes, then there would be more basis for Kincaid's claims.
 
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So what is the solution then???????????????????
Private investment can't begin in these countries while they are receiving money??? RUBBISH.
This article is pure BULLSHIT. Yes we are to weary about "throwing" money at some of these countries and that's fine - be weary. But to simply ignore this situation and allow only "Private Investment" is ridiculous. So called "Private Investment" is what got us all in this kind of trouble in the first place...in other words GREED!!! Nothing wrong with "honest" private investment but does such a creature exist?
 
HelloAngel said:
Time for Bono to Shut Up and Sing

He was described by host Tim Russert simply as an “activist,” in order to mask his dubious or non-existent academic credentials


Whenever an article such as this rears its ugly head I turn to the always informative Google...from what I can see, this guy is a professional critic, a man who takes the opposite point of view in order to appear clever.

I'm not an expert on African politics, and perhaps neither is Bono. What I do know is that he and others have stirred the debate and gotten the issues into the mainstream--which is one of the hardest and most crucial nuts to crack when it comes to tackling serious global issues.

Credentials smentials....they matter not. Bono is about ideas...as are U2. They are not experts, but they, like no other band in history, get us paying attention to those who are.

Aside from the honourary degrees, the boys have a lack of formal education. But isn't it ironic, don't ya think, that it is U2 who will no doubt take up a few well-earned chapters in media classes in the decades to come?
 
If you check out the publication in which this drivel appears, quite a few of the journalists are fresh from Fox News...so a highly politicized and partisan approach to the issue of foreign aid. The issue of mismanaged aid is an important one, but what pundits like Kincaid fail to see is the role of European colonialism, and how this *created* poverty and political upheaval in Africa in the first place--and created policies that encouraged dependency on colonies rather than self-sufficiency.

While there are no easy answers, Kincaid all too easily dismisses Bono as someone who "somehow emerged as an expert on foreign aid." Bono is well-educated on the issues. He's studied with Jeffrey Sachs of Harvard, as Jamila points out, who is one of the leading specialists on international development--and he has a better grip on the nuances of foreign aid policy than many of the journalists who are ready to attack him for fanaticism.

Articles like these, which are right-wing agendas dressed up in sheep's clothing, do very little to critically challenge the real problems of delivering aid, and instead go for the simplistic approach of dismantling Bono's credibility on the basis of his celebrity status.

FinanceGuy points out we should be skeptical of foreign aid programs, and rightly so. If foreign aid does not contribute to developing a solid and sustainable economic infrastructure in the receiving countries it does little to remedy the problems (problems that Western nations created, as i've pointed out). But Kincaid doesn't address that problem, and instead follows an ad-hominem approach which in the end, only reveals his own superficial understanding of the issues at hand.
 
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ruffian said:
If you check out the publication in which this drivel appears, quite a few of the journalists are fresh from Fox News...so a highly politicized and partisan approach to the issue of foreign aid. The issue of mismanaged aid is an important one, but what pundits like Kincaid fail to see is the role of European colonialism, and how this *created* poverty and political upheaval in Africa in the first place--and created policies that encouraged dependency on colonies rather than self-sufficiency.

While there are no easy answers, Kincaid all too easily dismisses Bono as someone who "somehow emerged as an expert on foreign aid." Bono is well-educated on the issues. He's studied with Jeffrey Sachs of Harvard, as Jamila points out, who is one of the leading specialists on international development--and he has a better grip on the nuances of foreign aid policy than many of the journalists who are ready to attack him for fanaticism.

Articles like these, which are right-wing agendas dressed up in sheep's clothing, do very little to critically challenge the real problems of delivering aid, and instead go for the simplistic approach of dismantling Bono's credibility on the basis of his celebrity status.

FinanceGuy points out we should be skeptical of foreign aid programs, and rightly so. If foreign aid does not contribute to developing a solid and sustainable economic infrastructure in the receiving countries it does little to remedy the problems (problems that Western nations created, as i've pointed out). But Kincaid doesn't address that problem, and instead follows an ad-hominem approach which in the end, only reveals his own superficial understanding of the issues at hand.

I think you may be one of the experts I talked about....great post:up:
 
In my opinion ACTIONS apeak louder than mere words and Kincaid as I see it is all words. Bono along with other celebrities back their words with ACTIONS. Regarding the pandemic in Africa Bono has certainly done his homework and extensive research not to mention he has actually visited there many times. He isn't invited into the offices and homes of world leaders and dignitaries for pure entertainment value-he and his word is well respected globally. I consider myself a fair and honest person and will read what others have to write, such as Kincaid. However my heart and support in this Africa issue remains with Bono, Live8 and those organizations such as DATA, the One Campaign and Devotion Campaign. I strongly believe we can make a difference in this world if we speak up and take action, despite the greed, despite the private funding vs aid issues, despite which celebrities speak on behalf of which causes....or which journalists choose to bash others. Stand Up. Speak Up. Take Action.
 
I can't believe this guy thinks that credentials equal knowledge. If a person has studied an issue they are bound to be much better informed than some idiot who may have skipped classes on the way to their degree.
 
While he may be correct about African aid hindering development (read Paul Theroux's Dark Star Safari), he makes too many assumptions about what type of aid Bono is encouraging. Bono has stated many, many times publicly that throwing money at the problem doesn't work, and fair trade and rooting out corruption is what's needed in the end.

'Help them help themselves' is what I hear coming out of Bono's mouth...
 
I just did a quick internet search on The International Policy Network - IPN and here's what I found on Source Watch (an organization that I don't know much about, I'll admit):

The IPN's main area of interest is the environment, campaigning, for example, against the Kyoto Protocol, recycling, or any environmental regulation at all.

It has also become involved in international pharmaceutical issues, seeking to defend the pharmaceutical industry from claims that it ignores the diseases of the developing world in favour of the more profitable lifestyle diseases of wealthy countries.

In November 2004, IPN released a report claiming that "climate change is 'a myth', sea levels are not rising and Britain's chief scientist is 'an embarrassment' for believing catastrophe is inevitable." It called "the science warning of an environmental disaster caused by climate change ... 'fatally flawed'" and contested predictions that the global sea level would increase by a meter over the next century, saying that "sea level rises will reach a maximum of just 20cms." Moreover, the report listed some benefits of global warming, including "increasing fish stocks in the north Atlantic and reducing the incidence of temperature-related deaths among vulnerable people."

Click here to read more:

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=International_Policy_Network

It's hard to imagine that ANYONE would use this organization's studies as reference.:eyebrow:

Keep singing and don't shut up Bono.
 
OK - now which of us has the time to send Mr. Kincaid our studious opinion of his critique of Bono's involvement for Africa?

If someone does, I'd be interested in his response.:wink:
 
of us has the time to send Mr. Kincaid our studious opinion of his critique of Bono's involvement for Africa?

IOriginally posted by Jamila

OK - now whichf someone does, I'd be interested in his response.:wink:

i don't know, but hotpepper's done a damn good job of "dismantling" the credibility/neutrality of the sources that are used. Bravo to all of you :up: If people ever think that fans are merely knee-jerk supporters of U2 because we like the music, this thread is pretty good evidence of a group of people who've given these issues some careful thought.

(mumbling Bono, Theroux's book does address some pretty serious issues in bungled aid attempts, but in the last 20 years there have been some serious revisions of early development projects. Sustaintability has really become a cornerstone of modern development aid, and I think agencies like USAID and World Bank realize that they need grass-roots involvement to create ongoing stability. I've worked in development for 10 years, and I'm happy to say it's getting better all the time, so there's hope!)
 
BluRmGrl said:
Bono's doing what he believes will make the world a better place. Is he misguided? Maybe. Is he not traditionally educated and inexperenced in such matters? Certainly. But likewise, he's not just sitting back bitching & telling everyone else what THEY need to do. He's put his convictions into action - under the microscope of "fame", no less - and for that he has my respect, adoration, and support.

Very well said :up:
 
U2girl said:
Oh and the old "rock bands/singers shouldn't mix with politics and stick to music" cliche has been disproved many times before.

Yeah, really. Boy, it's a good thing that the previous generation didn't have those kinds of attitudes in the 60s, huh?

*Realizes this isn't a musician, but is waiting for this guy to suggest that, say, Arnold Schwartzenegger step down from his governor position as well. I mean, if he thinks celebrities should just stick to acting and/or singing...*

Anywho, I've never gotten the impression that Bono doesn't know what he's talking about when he's spoke on the issues he supports. He actually reads economic books, studies this stuff intensely, goes and talks to non-music related people who have been doing this stuff for years and who might know something Bono isn't aware of. He's never claimed to have all the answers, he's still studying this stuff and is still trying to make sure that his positions are accurate on everything.

I'm all for legitimate questioning of a plan to help these people-I don't doubt Bono would quite welcome any concerns and questions people may have about the issue. But this guy didn't do that, he basically just sat there and told him to shut up. Well, gee, that really sold me! Good arguments there, buddy!

Besides that, you just know that if Bono had no involvement in these issues at all, if he'd just gone about living the typical rock star life, people like the writer of this article would sit there and complain that he wasn't doing anything to help others. Bono can't win either way.

Angela
 
The author of this article lambasts Cruise and Bono - but someone should lambast him. He criticizes Cruise and Bono for not knowing enough, yet this author is easily one of the biggest morons this planet has seen.

Please, read the facts before you start your criticism, Mr. Kincaid! Your little diatribe is full of useless dribble, the type that makes Tom Cruise sound like Einstein. Bono just doesn't "runsomething called DATA", as you so unceremoniously stated. He is the founder of the organization. And Bono does not support "throwing money" at Third World nations in any form. Rather, he's supporting dropping debt, providing fair trade agreements, and providing much needed medicines to treat AIDS. Where in that is the term "throwing money" used? Relieving debt simply means that countries no longer have to pay back (or at least pay less) of their national gross to old loans - loans taken out by corrupt fascists. They can now use those funds to support infrastructure in their countries. These nations aren't asking for hand-outs or more $$. Rather, just the chance to get going, build things on their own. This leads to fair trade agreements - something that even the U.S. is arguing about with countries like China! Seems that it's fair for the U.S. to complain about fair trade, but when it comes to Africa, it's just some charity case that can be ignored. Lastly, AIDS is killing Africa and an abominable rate. We have the medicines to slow down the death rate and give people a chance. It won't cure HIV/AIDS, but at least there won't be a generation of children not knowing their parents.

So, Mr. Kincaid, the next time you want to mock Bono or anyone else for not knowing enough, look in the mirror. I'd suggest you'd stick to your day job, but apparently, you aren't very good at it. I recommend a new career - one suitable for your low level of intelligence.
 
People like Kincaid might be a reason why U2 don't play Crumbs :mad:
They don't want to be bashed :sad:
 
I commend Bono for speaking up about what he believes in and trying to make a difference.\

However, I have to agree, during a concert...less talk and sing "Bad" or"Wild Horses", please!
 
I commend Bono for speaking up about what he believes in and trying to make a difference.

However, I have to agree, during a concert...less talk and sing "Bad" or"Wild Horses", please!
 
We all heard you the first time, Beverly. ;)

Also, if you are a U2 fan, then by now you should know that Bono talks during the concerts. He even talked during ZOO TV! So this shouldn't be annoying to anyone by now. If it is, I recommend skipping the concert.
 
I'm sick and tired of people lumping Bono in with other celebrities who don't deserve the praise he does. Or who forget to do their research. They should know that Bono's intellectual interest in the poor and oppressed began with October in 1981, and his practical career on said subject in 1985, when he and his wife traveled incognito to Ethiopia and cleaned latrines in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, because they thought there was no other way they could help. (Then, a week after doing this, someone finally found out who they were, and when the media were alerted and the camp found out they had a famous Western rock star there, they were invited to that orphanage to help out in a more constructive, musical way. Can you see Tom Cruise shoveling human manure? I don't think so. We must Remember that Bono had 5 years of being a celebrity behind him. Or more like 2, anyway, at that point.)

This idiot hasn't done his research about Bono's long hours spent not only in Congress but in the back rooms of Washington, in the past 5 years. Even the hard-bitten Washington establishment has praised him, and they are the most skeptical people on the planet. He has disrupted his home life (and, at one point 2 yrs ago, almost wrecked his health), and aggravated his band. He may not have physically suffered as much as the average Nobel laureate, but someday 20 yrs from now, if they finally decide to give it to him for his life's work, it wouldn't be undeserved. He should not win it for another 10 yrs at least, anyway.

Don't be bothered by this drivel. I'm not, not anymore. Reemmber the opening lines of SYCMIOYO.
 
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