james t kirk
Babyface
My first thread.
Been a U2 fan since 1984 (since the second I heard war). Probably longer than most of you have been alive. I've always loved their music, their passion, their energy, and even their politics.
I was slightly taken aback when U2 packed up its corporate offices from Ireland and moved the entire show to the Netherlands in essentially a means to avoid paying taxes. Oh, I listened to the arguments. I even defended the move to my friends who would kid me (somewhat mercilessly) about the hypocrisy of Bono and U2 (urging governments around the world to increase foreign aid spending, but they themselves were doing everything in their power to avoid paying their taxes.) I must admit, it was a hard thing for a fan such as me to stare at in the face and wonder what the hell they were thinking. Not only for the hypocrisy of it all, but also for the callousness of it all - i.e. you had an office full of people in Dublin - whose families presumably lived in Dublin and suddenly you're relocating them all to the Netherlands.
Anyway, today we have the news that Ireland is seeking financial aid from the IMF and the European Union in order to stave off insolvency. It's very sad to see this unfold on Television (here in Toronto). I understand how the Irish people would feel humiliated at having to accept a bailout from the international community - too weak to address their own massive problems. Ireland faces mounting deficits, increased taxes and unemployment and despair.
It is my opinion that U2 Inc. needs to do the right thing and move back to Ireland - now more than ever.
I wonder if the band has even thought of this.
Time to put your money where your mouth is Bono. Make me a believer again.
Been a U2 fan since 1984 (since the second I heard war). Probably longer than most of you have been alive. I've always loved their music, their passion, their energy, and even their politics.
I was slightly taken aback when U2 packed up its corporate offices from Ireland and moved the entire show to the Netherlands in essentially a means to avoid paying taxes. Oh, I listened to the arguments. I even defended the move to my friends who would kid me (somewhat mercilessly) about the hypocrisy of Bono and U2 (urging governments around the world to increase foreign aid spending, but they themselves were doing everything in their power to avoid paying their taxes.) I must admit, it was a hard thing for a fan such as me to stare at in the face and wonder what the hell they were thinking. Not only for the hypocrisy of it all, but also for the callousness of it all - i.e. you had an office full of people in Dublin - whose families presumably lived in Dublin and suddenly you're relocating them all to the Netherlands.
Anyway, today we have the news that Ireland is seeking financial aid from the IMF and the European Union in order to stave off insolvency. It's very sad to see this unfold on Television (here in Toronto). I understand how the Irish people would feel humiliated at having to accept a bailout from the international community - too weak to address their own massive problems. Ireland faces mounting deficits, increased taxes and unemployment and despair.
It is my opinion that U2 Inc. needs to do the right thing and move back to Ireland - now more than ever.
I wonder if the band has even thought of this.
Time to put your money where your mouth is Bono. Make me a believer again.