I think Bono actually explained the point he intended to make in the LA Times concert review (Apr. 4):
In one especially thoughtful sequence, U2 turned to a series of older songs, including "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Running to Stand Still," to explore issues on a worldwide agenda. At one point, Bono dramatized the issue of terrorism by pulling a headband over his eyes and falling to his knees; a chilling reminder of horrifying scenes on video from Iraq. During this sequence, the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights was spelled out on a screen above the stage.
"What I hope people see is that many of these issues are interrelated," he said. "You can't fight the war against terror without fighting the war against poverty, because people you need to reach won't trust you."
That last sentence, I think, is where the 'running to stand still' image comes in. The phrase means to strive fruitlessly, to struggle valiantly but to no avail--which, Bono seems to be suggesting, is all the occupation of Iraq can ultimately hope to achieve, unless the conditions that made Iraq fertile ground for anti-Westernism and Islamic extremism to begin with are addressed. And they can't be adressed by warfare.
Of course, whether or not you agree with Bono about the connections between poverty and terrorism is another matter. (Though to be fair to Bono here, it seems obvious from the context that he's using 'poverty' as a shorthand for a wide array of assaults on human dignity--torture, authoritarianism, etc., in addition to material deprivation.)
IMO, he probably should have 'updated' the lyrics a bit to reflect the new way he's using the song live. It wouldn't have compromised his message, and might have reduced the chances of unintentionally offending those he meant to salute.
knox said:
...remember that soldiers vote overwhelmingly Republican, and while most of them might not having to risk their lives, they believe in it.
Actually, no one knows how
active-duty soldiers vote--exit polls of the military are illegal, and have been since WWII. Even the Department of Defense isn't allowed to track how soldiers vote. (Alhough they will confirm that soldier voter turnout is 'only slightly higher' than that of their age cohorts back home, which is a pathetic 10%.)
Generally, when you hear about 'the military vote' that really just means the veterans' vote. Sometimes polling companies will survey
Army Times subscribers, etc. and ask how they
plan to vote, but since participation usually requires an active email account, the number of active-duty respondents is small and consists mostly of officers.
You're right that today's veterans do tend to vote Republican, although not 'overwhelmingly.' In 2004 the breakdown was 57% Bush, 41% Kerry--a decisive margin, but far from a landslide.
More importantly, though, just because someone voted Republican does NOT prove they 'believe in' the war. Nor does voting Democrat prove they don't.
Bono can say anything and make it sound cool, and make everyone go "Yeah", and then everyone goes and wolfs down burgers after the show
I guess I don't know THAT many soldiers, but the ones I do know who've served/are serving/plan to serve in Iraq likely would've been confused if not offended.
