Bono: TED Prize wish: Join my call to action on Africa

[FractalBolt]

This bono asshole really gets on my nerves.

[stinkbegaaier]

A true role model.

[panmoudrej]

Mother Theresa II.

[astudyofeverything]

@panmoudrej Oh please.

[gunithdev]

Such a brilliant speech!

[AmericanPlatinum]

The problem isn't that what Bono is doing is bad, the only problem is that he's doing it too much alone, as an Irishman, not an American. Fine, I'll be the American to lead this from here as a citizen. To leave this all on Bono's shoulders, but criticize his zeal is wrong: As a young girl, and I 'm 41, (this started when I was 14) I experienced the future of the young Bono as imminent, critical, like life and death. I was right, so that I even pissed off Paul McGuinness, but I was right, Bono.

[AmericanPlatinum]

To clarify - Anne Louise, U2's secretary, mailed me a postcard from Dublin to Los Angeles, which I recieved. I called her in Dublin, this led to calls back and forth from Dublin to LA. As I reported below...I was the 15 yr. old girl who prophesied to Bono about Africa, Ethiopia, and even tucked a photo of 2 yr. old Adinew Adugna, a toddler in a World Vision camp into the letter requested by Paul McGuinness on Nov. 8, 1984, after already telling Bono this IN sealed letters held by Anne Louise.

[AmericanPlatinum]

In 1984.....a miracle story......at the age of 15, from May to November I WROTE BONO LETTERS which U2 Secretary Anne Louise Kelly held, sealed and dated, contacting me about via post in Los Angeles from Dublin. I spoke to Anne, and my guitarist also spoke to Paul U2's Manager who requested another letter by November 17, 1984. I prophesied to Bono - his success and mission in Africa and Ethiopia IN ADVANCE if any Geldof calls. The story is truly a miracle, but this is the SECRET behind the zeal.

[StevieWondersWhy24]

a sickening creep. 

[Orygyn]

LOL. Everyone calling Bono a hypocrite try and find one activist that has never done anything even slightly hypocritical to their own activism. Why care about one instance of hypocrisy when he's been working on Africa for 25 years, and certainly when you must know that using it against him will hurt his cause? Or is that the reason you're doing it?

[GoatRaper09]

Pay your taxes you arrogant prick. As soon as the Irish government reduced the artist excemption from tax Bono moved all his money to holland the fucking horrible little hypocrite.

[breda83]

fat little hypocrite

[kroikye]

Bono knows about international banksters raping the (third) world economy.

But decides to shut up about that, hypocrite.

Thats the reason he is allowed to be the star he is.

Power to the people in Iceland, Greece and te rest of the world

[R2Driver]

@kroikye and what are you doing about it sweetcheeks? seems to me you're doing exactly what you're accusing Bono of - shouting your mouth off. The difference is, he makes things happen.

[kroikye]

@R2Driver Spread awareness about the criminal banking system, Bono has a great platform to do this.

Instead he is being sentimental, not adressing the real issues.

He is playing his part in the game, not challenging the criminal banking system causing the problems (this would be the end of his fame).

Gates foundation = Eugenics foundation, Watch" Bill Gates Busted " (on vaccins)

[matako07]

he's a bone head who believe's every stupid utterance from Jeffrey Sachs pie hole.

[ikeano29]

bono pays no tax in ireland. some of our tax gets sent to africa and if bono were to pay tax it would mean an extra 4million every year. bono is two faced.

[R2Driver]

@ikeano29 this comment is not only ill-informed, it is utter nonsense.

[ikeano29]

@R2Driver i suggest you do some homework on the matter so. i give facts, you give nothing as to why its utter nonsense.

[TyraRay]

Amazing!!

[JoyC666]

Amazing Guy,

[Loofized07]

Bono is the shiz ! that guy is amazing,

and giving his money aint gunna change shiz, only will go in the pocket of the corrupted officials and currupted NGOs, what needs africa is good governance and tranparancy.

Yea Go Bono your the best man !

[Mainscout]

If you cant say anything nice or useful, dont say anything at all!

[0asparagus0]

I'm sick of this guy... and he got the prize??? Bill Cliton also?... I'm surprised fckin Gordon Brown didn't get the TED Prize. Next thing will be a Pope gets the TED Prize and then the end of the world will come! ;)

[YVS83]

Bono, you fucking hypocrite, if you believe in your cause so much, why not give some of YOUR millions to it?

[godsmokesweed]

You can tell you're an asshole as you have no idea what Bono is on about you fuckin moron!

WHy don't YOU take your own money and shove it up your own ass you fuckin retard!

[YVS83]

Normally, I wouldn't respond to the criticism of a cretin, but I'll make an exception in your case, sweetheart ;-)

The problem with giving money to African nations has to do with the instability and corruption of many of its regimes. Much of the time it's a regional warlord who's running shit over there and corruption is especially prevalent, meaning any foreign aid given will basically go down the shitter.

I have no problem with sending doctors to Africa, but I do with monetary aid.

[SilverNrGy985]

@YVS83 i agree compltely ! i love Bono and U2 but i think he is completely going about this the wrong way,when you try and use corporations for charitable donations for 3rd world countries, you can bet the money will be given into the wrong hands.

[edwar666]

You make the best comment in this video.

I agree with you.

[ralphiealfie]

Oh the humanity.... Hard to watch this guy talk.

[Teratornis]

So what did Africa do during the tens of thousands of years before Europeans arrived to take responsibility for Africa's problems?

Africa suffers today because of the diffusion of modern technology into Africa, which has been just enough to decrease mortality, but not enough to decrease fertility. The result has been an explosion in Africa's population, with the result that everything we do to "help" Africa today makes tomorrow's problem twice as big. And then four times as big. Etc.

[nestorrfortuna]

you are right.

wel should let the course of action of "nature" take his tall in africa and elsewhere, but i myself cannot stand idle with my liberties intact, my full stomach and my phds while other humans suffer.

[Teratornis]

It is difficult to watch other humans suffer, but how will you stop Africans from breeding themselves into a catastrophe of overpopulation? The result of past assistance to Africa has been to increase the population, and thus the problem.

And even if you just want to make a few Africans a bit more comfortable as they propagate themselves to oblivion, soon you will be unable to do even that, as the peaking and irreversible decline of fossil fuels further undermines the modern economies.

[nestorrfortuna]

once again, you are right.

that is why i believe the key is not to feed them or make them rich.

the key is to educate the population.

empower women.

if you educate for responsable breeding you might have a chance.

senegal and ivory coast are good examples of that.

i must say you are very brave to express your point of view, but just consider the education factor into your equation.

cheers

[exclamation3mark]

Its a slow burn. It has been allowed to happen. The resources to stem the flow are available. The West and the Rest (China etc) revel in the chaos. Disorder is a smoke screen for the Dark Objective. Compassion? My black ass! Went out with the Holocaust.

[Tyler13R]

U2 has been my favorite band since I first started listening to music when I was little, but I'm so sick of Bono's obsession about Africa! What makes suffering people in Africa any more painful then suffering people in Asia, or Latin America?

If Bono truly wants to help Africa, then he should give some of his millions towards birth control for Africans...I mean lets get the to root of the problem here!

[stabcitySB]

my father and i went to sierra lione in africa to build houses, schools etc etc, during summer 2007, and although poverty is thriving in latin america, north america and asia, it is nothing compared to north africa, believe me. i personally cannot critisise bono for producing his music outside of ireland, because ireland's taxes are ridiculous at the moment, i mean regardless of what anybody says about bono on youtube, if they had as much money as him, im sure they would do the same.

[Tyler13R]

So your point is two wrongs make a right??? Sorry, but you don't speak for me, and just because you would do the same thing doesn't mean everyone else would, and certainly doesn't make it right...so your point is?

Secondly, people in Asia die all the time from starvation and disease, so again, what's your point, that people in Africa suffer more...pleeease! That's like saying a Jew suffered more then a Gypsy in a concentration camp, they both suffered and died terribly, what more matters?

[tiger5455]

bono,for a man that urges the leaders to donate money to the poor in africa,i never heard of him donateing money from his own millions,and yes there would be millions since he would avail of the artists tax break in ireland

[gordonbennet]

eh, he doesnt pay taxes in ireland. this hypocrite moved his businesses to holland to avail of the lower taxes and then criticises the irish government for not paying enough to africa.

[timmyboy1970]

You need to do a little more investigating obviously. He's asking wealthy countries to DROP THE DEBT not donate money. You've never "heard of him donating money" because it's hardly something he discusses with the press. Why? Because the issue isn't about self glorification it's about creating a world which values human life equally. Please try and understand what you're talking about before dropping misinformed comments with spelling mistakes no less.

[Clichyabarbes22]

Africa is perfectly capable of financing its own advancement They have lots of arable land, minerals & human resources. However they also suffer from lots of bad management, tribalism, bigman politics, incessant wars & a hunger to blame others for thr incompetence particularly whites. We can't control this. If thr r probs with thr dignity & equality then they must look to themselves. Bono uses 'We'. How arrogant. As if 'WE' have all the solutions. The solutions r in Africa.

[mrkvamaster]

Boner is a political WHORE

[invisiblegamma]

yep, we're the best at doing nothing else but criticizing such an initiative...

i guess that what bone wants to get through his speech first of all is each individuals awareness of his indifference towards somethings that's actually an obligation rather than voluntary involvement for a cause.

[invisiblegamma]

"we're not asking for your money, we're asking for your voice."

[charliewnd]

Sometimes people get drunk and make stuff up about Bono on youtube. I'm not saying I'm one of those people who clearly hates themselves that would say something about the U2 frontman, but such people exist. Read Bono comments carefully.

[BonoAndU2]

Wow. You guys are some pathetic self-centered people.

Bono been getting involved with poverty since the mid-80's I believe. So, don't think Bono does all of this because he is greedy, because he cares. If he was so greedy for money, why is he doing all these commercial's for helping the cause in Africa? Because HE CARES. He has done so much to help these Africans, and yet you put him down. Great, job.

Also, think of all the singers, actors doing the same thing as Bono.

[betrys]

dear all who didn't like Bono's talk: so because he is famous, any charity work would be just for his own promotion?? Just imagine -you and me could had been born to a homeless woman with AIDS somewhere in Africa or anywhere else... would you not be amazed by his talk then? Not by your merits you were born where you were born.. It's not just about charity (as he said) but about justice.. our voice can help too!!

[scottyrockstheshow]

let us have a cup of tea will yer

[scottyrockstheshow]

why dont the black music artist help with africa??????????

you lot make me sick, we dont want racism in our country you bunch of friggin do gooders.

ur such a bunch of wierdo`s.

[eckhardtk]

I challenge Bono to now come out of his palace and convince me and others (all born in Africa) how the fuck the money we gave to his cause is going to help victims in Zimbabwe survive the antics of the baboon called mugabe and his cadres in other Afican nations.

See why we are so sceptical of these so-called celebrity causes which are nothing more than self-promoting self congratulatory backslapping efforts.

[gemwocoj]

What have I done? I worked in seven countries in Africa for four years enough to know that bono and geldof are self gratifying and have no understanding of the problems in Africa,their causes, or the mindset of Africans. If you were to actually spend some time there instead of having your mind made up by the media, you might have an informed eduacated opinion. If bono+geldof care so much about poverty, what about Ireland? Lots of poor there - oh, i forgot, its not exotic and cool like Africa!

[vhuskey]

gemwocoj:

fair enough.

[erroneous169]

thats a disgusting comment....bob geldof organised the biggest and most publicised worldwide aid movement for africa in history. nothing about bono or bob geldof is self gratifying, theyve used their fame and influence in the most positive way possible and have saved thousands of lives...and just so you know irelands economy is currently one of the strongest in europe and has its lowest unemployment rates in history. mayb next time you'll have an educated informed opinion

[vhuskey]

gemwank: he isn't above his station: u2 really IS the biggest band in the world! for someone who doesn't care about all these issues he sure spends endless hours working very hard for them, when he just as well could sit on his ass and do nothing but find excuses not to help. gee...just like you! unlike you he is not a prick...he's a hero.

[gemwocoj]

I've lived in 7 African countries for 4 years working there. I have an informed, educated opinion, unlike your media-fed opinions. If your 'heroes' really cared about Africa, they'd go live there and get to understand what the problems and causes are there and how Africans think. Instead, they turn up in a private jet surrounded by bodyguards for a few days. Being in the biggest band doesnt give you intelligence or understanding. Why dont you spend some time in Africa? Get educated. Prick.

[WhiteJack8791]

He has actually spent a lot of time in Africa but if anything was clear Africans can't help themselves. So he spends a great deal of time talking to bigwigs with money, to the point where his own band gets frustrated with him. Bono is a lot of things but uneducated and a prick he isn't.

[gemwocoj]

Bono may have spent 'time' in Africa, but that doesnt mean he understands it. In Europe and N. America, we have our own idea of what life is about and how society should be. That idea is very different on different continents. All Bono and co do is go to Africa and try to get them to think and live like europeans. What we consider 'problems' in Africa arent necessarily considered as problems by Africans, just like a lot of what we consider good in Europe is considered bad by Africans.

[WhiteJack8791]

I actually agree with your last point completely. How often have we seen a celebrity walk into an African hut on TV, and then tell the people they're living like animals. The camera zooms in on their tears as the African family looks on puzzled. "How can these people survive with neither air conditioners or microwaves?!"

With that said, malaria and famine are still %&$# from anyones perspective.

[VictoryinUnity]

Yeah u mentioned u lived there (a couple of times), I get that & commend u for it. Bottom line, AIDS and poverty ARE a problem no matter who says it. As irritating as it might be, celebrity activists gain awareness & raise money for causes that people on the ground level can use to do their thing. You may think alot of urself because of 4 yrs, there are always others who have done more. Instead of critisizing others who are not doing things by your "standard", judge those who do nothing at all.

[gemwocoj]

Yes, they raise money and gain awareness for aids and poverty. The money then gets misdirected and squandered and ends up in the wrong hands, not helping the people who it was intended for. This is because there is no real understanding of the causes of aids and poverty in africa cos rock stars and film celebrities are often not particularly intelligent and worldly. The fact is that I have insight, I know that there is stuff I dont understand. When you are a bit older, you will too.

[Rubikscube27]

I doubt they consider dying of AIDS a good thing.

[gemwocoj]

different people have different values and priorities in life. some people would rather chance catching HIV than abstain from sex or use protection. they want to have as much fun in life as possible and live for the moment. that is the mind set of lots of people in Africa which is why HIV is so prevalent. when you talk to people, young and old, who look you in the eye and tell you this, you realise that in Europe and North America, we don't understand. some of us claim we do, though.

[gemwocoj]

by the way, I wasnt calling Bono a prick or uneducated, I was responding to vhuskey 'cos he was being personal.

[Rubikscube27]

gemwocoj, good for you spending time in Africa, but please don't be such an arrogant prick about it. Bono and Bob Geldof spend a lot of time in Africa, which you strangely don't seem to grasp. They both are trying to get support, not cash, from the people. Don't you get this? I'm actually beginning to doubt whether you've even been there before. Maybe you're just making it up so that your anti-Bono stance will somehow have more credibility? Just a thought.

[gemwocoj]

visiting a place, even for a few weeks, is very different than actually living in a place for a length of time. it takes a good few months to realise what you first thought is actually wrong and only after a year or so is when one gets any clarity as to what a place is really about. 'spending a lot of time' in Africa, then, does not necessarily equate to much of an understanding, especially when you're surrounded by media / bodyguards / interpreters etc. where else in the world have you lived?

[vhuskey]

babless: right, sure, that's how he got the ears of this phenomenal group. the more time and work he does for others, the more selfish people say he is. go figure!

[janapinto]

regardless of what bono is getting out of it (though i believe in his good heart) it is thanks to his work with awareness so many thousands of lives are being saved. i myself am going to africa to volunteer and his campaign is what inspired me. its not about him or us, its about the people getting help, and they are getting it. and no one can save the world, you have to be specific to be effective, he chose africa and hopefully will inspire others to advocate for other countries. dont judge him

[zealotnut]

APPLE ARE THE BIGGEST ARMS MANUFACTURERS IN THE U.S.

don't judge him?

wtf!

[berkowcm]

If someone is bold enough to start a movement which has passed legislation, raised money for a cause, and inspired millions, then what difference does it make if that individual is a "rockstar"? The seemingly anti Bono and human rights individuals amongst us, offer terrible counter arguments.

Bono should not be critized for his public standing, he should be admired for using his pre established stance in the pulbic sphere to perpetuate societal change.

[steampunk18]

Some of your are really despicable human beings.

[markus310773]

It must be really exiting for Bono, to have all these other celebrities trying to be near him. At the end of the day he is interesting to some people.

Never the less he is such a hypocrite. To just name one example: Though he makes all this money he moved his company from Ireland to the Dutch Antilles in order to avoid paying taxes. Taxes are important to keep countries going...

Well all people are equal, but some are more equal. How dare I criticize our new Jesus? Shame on me :-(

[reddsledd]

I thought he was trying to help africa. Africa is not the only place that needs justice and human rights. He is missing the real problem and focusing world problems on one population.

[sjandrews]

Bono is not speaking out specifically for any one country; just poverty in general.

Why the hate? He does not think he is better than anyone else, he just wants to raise awareness. The most influence he will have are with rich colleagues, which have seen be very effective.

I don't understand the hate. I certainly agree with you that Palestine is vacant of human rights and the so many Israeli policy makers and military personal should be put away for war crimes, but that's another issue.

[sjandrews]

Many and all should be concerned about extreme poverty in Africa.

In words of a hero of mine, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King

Englishrose14 - my answer to you is that I care about Africa and injustice everywhere as many people do.

[Englishrose14]

bono is a sell out who has turned his back on the white working class in his homeland.

His ego is so big, im a rockstar ect.

He's just an old fart that is probably a member of the labour party.

Who cares about africa its hell on earth there.

Yeh the rich care cos they can afford to.

[jordie0bogart]

man. that was bull shit.

[Hendrixes]

"But Justice is a tougher standard than Charity"

This guy rocks

[travis122imdb]

if africa were a white nation it wouldve been salvaged decades ago. instead this man is being mocked by soulless western cynicism.

[TheBlueWonderBoy]

I am gonna take my stance on the ppl dieing in Africa and say that its just natural selection. I'm not sorry if any one gets offended, but we have to take care of what we have going on in our down country before we go and govern and fix whats going on in other countries.

[k3304]

private jet liberals who shovel money,,,

Africa needs alot of condoms, education, less child abuse and less out-of-wedlock births

[ytstef]

search: Bush Vulture Fund 

Fight goes on.

[humanitas1985]

are you all too stupid to get the message of this speech???? ..damn.. what the f**k is wrong with you??????

[LivestockBlues]

Ive never seen a video of Bono not declaring the world that he is a ROCKSTAR

[905euclid]

LOL! Amen brother!

[LivestockBlues]

My (white) teacher failed me because he loved Africa and Bono so much. And I dont like bono.

[905euclid]

I love how bono preaches about ending poverty from behind his $600 sunglasses that he refuses to remove.

[carlosvox]

the program against the poverty don't have to say don't use of the captalism.

[mirNdalovesu]

of course bono is helping in Africa. thats why U2 hasent come out with a differtent cd since '05. hes not as self obsorbed as you think he is.

we love you bono<33

[mattws84]

Please can someone tell me how you are to make poverty history. The way the rest of the world works does not suit Africa - simple.

[mazur0040]

Maybe it's the way the rest of the world works that needs fixing before Africa can be healed.

[THEGREATROBYNIE]

I've been looking all over for this video, thank you for posting this.

[thelevellers]

I'm gonna have to say that my opinion of Bono has gone up a bit after watching that... Respect to him... Still not my favourite person, but he does at least sound fairly genuine.

[reddsledd]

This is the 2nd time i am watching this. I am 4:19 in and have to turn the sound off. the begining was so funny! bla bla bla ha ha ha!

[reddsledd]

Did he say he summuned spirits with others? This is simply grouping major amounts of support for one world government and the idea that companies and world leaders and celebrities have the solutions. How will the ellimination of poverty take place? Giving aid and support to major companies and organizations still keeps a person and countries poor. Relief=control=oppresion=pover­ty=death!

[abehtusa]

I appreiciet your hard work. However, the biggest problem that is facing Africa is war, corruption, and dictatorship. for example, the tyrant Meles Zenawi's regim is receiving millions of dollars from U.S. However, most of the money is spent to wage unecessary wars againist all his neighboring countries. i.e. border conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Bono, I know your intention is good, and I admire you for that. Unfortunetly, money you are raising in the name of Ethiopia, is used for war.

[awti204]

you are scum of the earth who mixed up humanitarian issue with your chip opposition politics.you are a chrony of shabia or shabia panderers like icu,cud,olf or onlf.Ethiopia is going in the right direction .

[awti204]

you are scum of the earth who mixed up humanitarian issue with your chip opposition politics.you are a chrony of shabia or shabia panderers like icu,cud,olf or onlf.Ethiopia is going in the right direction .THIS IS WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO abehtusa.

[teatreeleaves]

This is not about charity, this is about Bono.

[thisisapreviewvideo]

commercialism capitalism and branding divide people not religion and believe or race

[particle409]

Really? Capitalism? Branding? Name a single international conflict that DIDN'T involve religion or race. Go ahead. For every one you name, I'll name twenty.

[thisisapreviewvideo]

hmm kay, all those stuff happen because of what man? capitalism right? branding right>? if they not goin mental because they see people driving mercedes, people buying stuff in beverly hilss., people can eat burger king and all that what ever neo liberalism product and all the "trend", they wont bombing people man.

[thisisapreviewvideo]

hmmm kay, all that conflict happen because of what? MONEY man..they all feel like shit and they see other people can enjoy their life without conflict and all, and they cant even stand up in their own feet cos to many other people shit in their land.

[thisisapreviewvideo]

and commercialism and branding make it worst, so with their low education they come up with things that obvious in their head, race, religion and all that shity genre. welcome to 21st century.yeah TED is smart, but dont be just smart, use ur heart see other people

[thisisapreviewvideo]

and commercialism and branding make it worst, so with their low education they come up with things that obvious in their head, race, religion and all that shity genre. welcome to 21st century.yeah TED is smart, but dont be just smart, use ur heart see other people

[thisisapreviewvideo]

im Indonesian..and..true..working together..can u do that people?

[shackle5]

absolute legend

[bla169]

Geldof and Bono! Give up your millions! Give up your luxurious lifestyles! Go! Go now! Go to Africa! Work as an aid workers! Others do! Work as selfless saviours to the African people! Abandon your fame! Go now! Famine is ever present it doesn't happen every 20 years! Go now! Show us your true principles! Go to Africa!

[gemwocoj]

100% You are so right. They talk big, lots of lip service. I dont see them getting their hands dirty, though!!

[Libbyw1993]

Yeah, Bono only met with world leaders about poverty and went to Africa himself to help the people there. He cut his hair so the bugs wouldn't get in his hair so much. Geez, at least do some research.

[gemwocoj]

you're so thick you actually believe he's doing something useful. if you went to live in africa for a while, like i did for two years, youd realise that the world doesnt understand africa. it is trying to solve the problems there the way we would solve those problems if they were in our countries. bono and 'the world leaders' fly over in private jets, sit in air conditioned rooms with nice food, then take a short stroll around with loads of bodyguards. they'll never understand. nor will you ;)

[ToulacAxeHand]

Capitalism - the cause of poverty.

WE need to give up our life-styles, to stop poverty.

That will never happen.

[BABGESS]

What are you all naive? I live in Africa, I was born in Africa, I am an African and I will tell you people that dont live in Africa that Africans do not think like Europeans, kill and be killed is the motto of Africa

[Superphilipp]

And so you don't want help? Because you are all killers??

[BABGESS]

I was born in Africa and see myself as an African but I am white. With at least a little bit more intellect than your average black african

[Superphilipp]

Goodbye.

[NathanFGoldstein]

I think it's horrible that all of those people in South Africa are starving and dieing because of the hurricane and AIDS and all that, and we should do what we can, but truth be told--I'm not SUPER DEPRESSED about it. Like tonight, I'm going to do my homework and maybe watch some MTV, and then I'll go to bed and not really lose any sleep. Does that make me a bad person? Seriously, what does anybody think about this?

[expandmymind]

Bono, love your music, but why is the test for hiv different in different countries and why do the makers of these tests admit that it should not be used to determine the presence or absence of hiv?

[Polyfooka]

Rock 'n roll Bono - you are the man to get the ball rolling.

[xclusiv4321]

Wow, i had no idea how intelligent Bono is, I really liked the points he made. However I do have to say this, the real reason why Africa isn't getting help, why the AIDS problem keeps getting bigger is because people keep talking, talking about taking action, and never actually taking it. Conversation will never save the world, and inspiration is only inspiration if action is followed after it.

[akazombie]

He was reading a prompter.... Nah I'm jk. Yes, he's really smart.

[joelsamuel]

I have been preaching this message since I first began producing television since 1982 and i have a West African boy saying the same message so you can be at two places at once and more. joelsamuelpresents

with 250 original video's on my channel. I am and always have been a doer.

[evbruiser]

You go baby! We are right behind you!

[BlackPookie]

happy birthday BONO

[CaptainLoveBomb]

Oh, look... another Bono whore has spoken... time to go kiss that pop star poster on your wall, kiethwise.

[kasegan]

A big heartfelt THANKYOU to all the celebrities who use their voice for something other than themselves.

The internet providing rapid exchange of ideas and people like Bono keep me optimistic.

[MrFrankBullitt]

Fluff

[CaptainLoveBomb]

The difference with Oprah is that she does specific, manageable things, like digging wells and bringing fresh water to villages. Or opening a school. Plus she uses her OWN money and does not ask everyone else to follow her celebrity flag. I get the impression Bono just wants to be perceived as some iconic figure worthy of sainthood, but I don't believe he is solving anything.

[druz99]

Your perception of the world is mistakenly skewed buddy. If you can't hear the urgency and sincerity in Bono's voice you are really sad.

[CaptainLoveBomb]

I agree with JD1010. Rock stars and other celebrities have a history of attaching themselves to huge impossible causes, which only serves to promote their own public profile. The Africa problem has been an impossibly complex issue for decades, long before most of us were born. It will not be solved by a pompous rock star. The only person who really stands to gain here is Bono himself.

[sitjar]

What do you think to Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network? It is after all another celebrity figure making huge personal contributions to the impossible africa problem, and like bono and his backing of the "one" campaign, they are also succesfully making headway

[jodyrojas]

You can't even spell correctly and it is obvious you don't know your ass from your elbow and you are an idiot...you sound like a typical narcissistic jerk that can't listen because they are always gloating about their own great selves and bashing someone else who is right and good.

[JD1010101110]

sorry to bash your god? but right and good? what has he done thats actually helped anything but his own PR with morons like you? what actually is wrong with my spelling? it maybe that i use English spelling, however i am dyspraxia-dyslexia am and always trying to overcome this difficulty, as for being an Idiot? where did you get your degree? its not gloating its life experience you should try get some, actually go out and help people but then that would be too Un-bono wouldn't it?

[quakey987]

JD1010101110 you're my hero .The world would be better if he stayed a singer ,that's all. stop being influenced by this man

[iloveedgeu2]

Actualy, some people do and I'm one of them...

[ninjaturtle99]

so bono has finally achieved his ultimate goal: to become a hologram. but seriously who wants to listen to this douchebag for 28 minutes

[sitjar]

hmmm not sure if bono's goal has ever been to become a hologram.

as for listening to him for 28 mins....well that's up to the individual. perhaps if you had something interesting to say on a subject of importance people would pay attention to your views...it's not that easy when you think about it.

[chrisbenavides]

Bono is a great man, doing great things. He has every right to spend his own money the way he wishes, and use his fame to help. I would doubt (JD1010101110) you have accomplished as much as he has for Africa. Although I may be wrong.

[JD1010101110]

how exactly is he a great man? FDR was a great man Churchill, Paddy Maine all great, all Bono does is try to aid a flagging music career with some positive PR

[JD1010101110]

well pretty much every British Taxpayer done more for Africa since britain gives more in aid and has cancelled more debts, yet another burden the British Working class have to bear, where as bono pays virtually no tax his businesses and assets all being in tax havens i could swallow this bile far more easily if he did himself what he expects of others.

[innerveit]

i'm sorry to say this but somehow the phrase "poor british working class" sounds to me a bit like an anecdote. Not that i doubt the burdens you mentioned but this is a question of a reference point

[JD1010101110]

the gap between rich and poor has been increasing since the 80s and social mobility has been decreasing. for instance during live 8 i was delivering food in london to starving people.

[JD1010101110]

but specifically with Africa when i served with the vso i built a taught in schools in africa the kinda of one Bono turns up at to get his photo taken then fucks off never to be seen again.

[JD1010101110]

he's a Hipocrite, he expects Governments to spend money not on there own people but on foreigners, well dodging paying tax, if he really cared about helping africa, he could sell all his Mansions and possessions and give the money to africa instead he expects working class tax payers to foot the bill.

[sitjar]

sometimes ignorance is bliss, at other times it's just ignorance.

Bono has done more for africa than any other person i know, he has been instrumental in cancelling many of their debts (many billions of pounds) and spends countless man hours on this project. yes, he could sell his mansions and give his wealth to the cause but it wouldn't make the difference his campaigning has achieved.

[JD1010101110]

he could at least pay his fair share in tax towards couldn't he or is that to much to ask? countless hours? the geniunes who do spend countless hours at various charities i do respect and you dishonour them to compare a couple of photoshoots to years spent lobbying, writing articles, etc your hero is a failing Popstar seeking to grasp fame once again in his old age.

[sitjar]

the band do pay their share of tax, though have moved the more expensive parts of u2 elsewhere. not many millionaires live in ireland for that reason. he does spend hundreds of genuine hourse on the campaign, loobying politicians and large companies.

he's certainly not my hero, but i do admire him for his conscience.

do failing popstars sell out large concert stadiums around the world?

[JD1010101110]

they paid less tax than me last year, why should the taxpayer have to pay but not him? hows that fair, all he is, is a hipocrite. private healthcare and private schools so things like public education and health care are of no importance to him, aslong as he keeps getting photo ops with african kids to make himself way to go bono save africa with a photo shoot rather than spending your vast wealth on buy aids medicine or drilling wells.

[sitjar]

Do you have access to Bono's business layout and tax receipts? I find it hard to believe you pay more tax than he and can't just take your word as gospel.

Would be good if you replied to the answers I gave for the other points you initially raised.

Sure he does more photoshoots and less digging trenches etc, but he does have an incredible amount of clout, mix this with well thought out arguments and effective lobbying and hey presto, huge benefits for the African continent.

[JD1010101110]

his personal tax burden was leaked in the Irish papers not long after convincing the irish government to increase its aid to africa it was revealed he'd recently moved his businesses to Holland and his personal assets off shore

[JD1010101110]

he has no clout with anyone they take the photo op with to apply to people like you then ignore it, aid to africa has decreased over the last few years, they still have no power with the WTO, IMF or World Bank, poverty is increasing in africa and aids has reached pandemic level way to go saint bono. if you want to praise anyone praise the doctor who gives a promising medical career to try and save the lives of aids infected orphans in buildings barely worthy of being a barn.

[sitjar]

you make a lot of claims without any evidence. you could at least provide links to articles or dates and names of papers where your info has come from.

He has been entertained by many world leaders who are scared of their public image in the eyes of his audience, (probably over a billion people worldwide) hence my use of the word "clout".

[JD1010101110]

over a bilion people hahahahaha. thats good really given U2 that would mean U2 was the most popular band of all time, it fact they' have as many fans as there are christians, but i do understand you worship Bono its a cult. stop being an idiot. i seriously doubt any politician would be scared about there image, it gives a bit of press with younger people, but in ever opinion poll ever taken the top 5 issues are Education, Law and Order, Health, economy and Defence.

[jodyrojas]

You can't even spell correctly and it is obvious you don't know your ass from your elbow and you are an idiot...you sound like a typical narcissistic jerk that can't listen because they are always gloating about their own great selves and bashing someone else who is right and good.

[sitjar]

you seem to have a bee in your bonnet over bono and the use of his fame, surely it would be more productive for you to pick on the people who aren't trying at all.

[JD1010101110]

My problem is he simply hunting after praise with spending a penny of his own money to help and avoiding even paying tax toward his "goals". back when U2 were popular 20 years ago northern Ireland had the worst povery in europe and was torn apart by the troubles, did he ever use his "clout" to help the people on his doorstop. no he made a cash-in song. he is a pathetic liar seeking praise when he deserves scorn.

[FutureStates]

Scorn? The man deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

You have no idea how much of his own money goes towards charity.

Don't judge this man negatively for his good works.

[JD1010101110]

yeah so guess all those times i've seen George Bush with the troops he's being an inspirational leader, not callously taking advantage of other people to improve his own image.