Strange African Trip Fellows

[JazzManJim]

So apparently our Secretary of the Treasury isn't quite capable enough of assessing the financial and humanitarian needs of West Africa. He needed another expert. One wise to the ways of foreign policy, one who knows conversion rates of a hundred nations, one who can discuss either supply-side of Keynsian economics in his sleep in Bantu.

He needed Bono.

Okay. Sure. Bono's a smart guy. He writes a good song. He's kind of an activist. But a meet official companion to the Secretary of the Treasury? No freaking way. He doesn't even handle the money for his group, much less a nation.

Can someone please, please, please remind my country that just because someone is famous, that doesn't make them a political or social expert. Please? Yeah, that goes for Martin "I play the President on TV, so that must mean I am one!" Sheen, too.

(I know this isn't new news, but c'mon. I like Bono as much as the next guy, but this is just silly.)

 

[StondTmplPilot]

FIRST POST!!!!


Ya know, it has always annoyed me when celebrities make a big deal of becoming politically involved.
Case in point, Ted Nugent. I love his tunes, don't get me wrong, but personally don't give a rats ass if he supports the NRA or not. I just want to hear him play his music and sing his songs.
I don't want to read what his opinions on gun control are, so stay the fuck outta my sports page uncle Tedly! (He does a weekly column in the Detroit Free Press, for those of you who do want to read his opinions)

 

[La Principessa]

WHAAAAAA WHAAAAA WHAAAAAA
I wanted first post!!! *pout

 

[perks]

I think it is a good thing for the awareness level. People, especially young ones, don't always follow politics and are blissfully unaware how money is being used, either properly or improperly. They know nothing of international aid or the state of countries that are getting our aid.

That someone famous sticks their neck in and gets involved isn't about his political background, it's about having the ability to be involved because of what he does.

That he's taking the time, not only brings issues to light to the people that like him for his music, but it brings the issues to the spotlight all across the world.

Before Bono ever started this whole thing, who was paying attention? Now everyone is.

Just by being there he's promoting change.

That he's doing more than just his music, just making a dollar, I think is commendable. I respect him for that.

 

[StondTmplPilot]

Ya know Perky, that's a dam good point.

 

[JazzManJim]

My problem with it is not that people lend their celebrity status to help bring attention to under-noticed causes, but that they are listened to as experts in the subject itself.


Bono is a smart guy, but he's definitely not a foreign-aid expert nor does he know nearly what he should about aid and relief requirements. I just think it's a foolish thing to see him interviewed talking on exactly the same subjects as the Secretary of the Treasury and being listened to as if his knowledge was on the same scale. It's not. The man's a celebrity, not a financial expert. That's all.