BVS
Blue Crack Supplier
There is a big difference between the political activism they did back in the 80's to the activism they do now. Back then it was writing songs based on politics and the occasional benefit concert (Live Aid, Amnesty, etc). These days, they have actually injected themselves into these poltical issues, such as Africa or The Edge's charity Music Rising. Now Bono is meeting face to face with these world leaders to discuss these matters.
But you made it sound like they weren't "very political" back then. Critics and fans alike used to bash U2 all the time for being too political.
Of course there's a big difference, I think they actually get more done this way then back in the 80's.
Music Rising is not about politics.