What do Bono, Brangelina and Pamela Anderson have in common?
My girlfriend and I argued recently about the validity of activism by celebrities. She is of the opinion that folks like Bono deserve to have their political views heard, and should be taken seriously. I don't agree. Where do you stand? Do you think our youth should be getting their politics from celebrities? Know who I think is really talented? Prince. Know who he feels about the war in Iraq? Me neither. And that's the way I like it. Pamela Anderson wants to protect animals? How about protecting the innocent people of this country against things like that ill-advised tv show she had, "Stacked"??? Am I really supposed to take these people seriously?As for Bono, I really don't even know where to start. Should I begin with the fact that he's almost 50 years old and still goes by a nickname? The man's name is Paul, for Christ's sake. Can't he take off the sunglasses and go by Paul when he's trying to be taken seriously? "Hi, I'm Bono. This is my associate, The Edge. May we see the Prime Minister, please?" Yeah, the Prime Minister will see you in a moment. Right now he's in a meeting with Meat Loaf.
But I can take Paul's "middle-aged guy still trying to old onto his youth" thing. That's just surface stuff. My criticism of Mr Hewson goes deeper than that. His hypocrisy is what makes me cringe when I see him blathering on about all the money that's needed to fund his initiatives. Some folks are under the impression that Paul Hewson is a heavy cash contributor to the causes for which he speaks. Let's look at that, shall we?
Bono has been quite vocal in his urging of governments to send more money in overseas aide. He has loudly criticized Ireland's Prime Minister Bertie Ahern for not increasing the amount of money sent, particularly to Africa. Here's the part Bono isn't quite so willing to talk about: in 2006, his native Ireland announced that there would be restructuring of the tax laws. One major change is that songwriters, artists and writers would now have to pay taxes on royalties. You see, gentle reader, Paul Hewson and his band, who own a publishing company together, had been enjoying years of tax free royalty income. The new Irish tax law would have had their incorporated publishing company paying a 12.5% tax. I say WOULD HAVE because when faced with the news that the free ride was over and they would have to start contributing to the coffers, Bono and his bandmates did what any good philanthropist does. They moved their publishing company to The Netherlands, where taxes are half what they are in Ireland. Tell the government how to spend tax money, yet avoid paying into the system. Hmmmmmm.
Bono is also very vocal in The United States in regard to how our country should be run, and how our tax dollars should be spent. Surely, he contributes to our tax kitty. Well, you be the judge. Paul Hewson is one of the directors of Elevation Partners, a Private Equity Firm based in California. The money held by this firm is $1.9 billion. Here's a project for you. Look into the structure of Private Equity Firms, and find out why it's the best way for massively wealthy people to shield their money.
Avoids paying taxes on his huge income in his home country, avoids paying taxes on business he's transacting here.......yet feels as though he has the right to say ANYTHING about how the money collected through taxes should be spent.
Hey Bono......Rattle THIS and hum.
Gull
Posted by mgull on 01/08 at 04:59 PM