Political dissent is crucial to ensure that wrongs committed by governments are redressed. It is important that society tolerate different political views even in times where there is consensus in order to maintain a dialogue that may prevent future wrongs. However, I think human compassion and sensitivity in times of crises where lives are lost and forever changed should define the parameters of such political dissent. For example, many of America's enemies and challengers have expressed their condolences for America's tragedy. Their usual criticism of our policies has certainly been muted of late to form a common front against evil. To attack America on other issues now is untimely, insensitive, and divisive admist a much greater struggle. Now, to U2 and BTBS.
For U2 to come to America, a place that has catapulted their career, and lash out at our policies during this crisis is ungrateful, insensitive and unfair. While U2's grivences against America may be fair (guns, misguided foreign policy, materialism, etc.)such criticism now is untimely and hurtful for many. Chances are many people in the audience are going to have loved ones with their lives at risk in this battle to protect our country. While not all is perfect in America, there are many things about America that make it a shining example of how society should be. U2 would be ungrateful and ultimately insensitive to come here and criticize our policies by, for example, playing BTBS with Bono's mocking or sincere speeches criticizing America. I hope U2 shows respect for America's plight and slightly alters their show in deference.
