Bono, Geldof Slam Canada As A 'Laggard'

4376 Views 56 Replies 17 Participants Last post by Beej, Jun 16, 2007

SINC

Discussion Starter · Jun 9, 2007

I know this won't be popular with the Mayor, but really, enough is enough. I’m about fed up with these two guys calling down our country.

The editorial in the Edmonton Journal is pretty much right on the money.

First from CBC news:

The comments by U2 front man Bono and musician Bob Geldof came after the countries pledged on Friday, the final day of the G8 summit in Germany, to recommit $60 billion to fight the spread of disease and poverty engulfing the continent.

U2 front man Bono leaves at the end of the G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, on Friday.

"I said some years ago that the world needs more Canadas, and I meant it," Bono said. "I can't believe that this Canada has become a laggard. I think he's [Harper's] out of sync with the people."
"A man called Stephen Harper came to Heiligendamm," added Geldof. "But Canada stayed home."

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/06/08/harper-g8.html?ref=rss

Then the Edmonton Journal got it right, emphasis mine:

Bono's ideas, as is the case with the more sanctimonious contributions of Sir Bob Geldof, are well-known and straightforward. This is not to belittle Bono's commitment to Africa. He actually knows what he is talking about. But after years of cameo appearances at political events, Bono no doubt is accustomed to the world's most powerful, elected leaders fawning over him. Harper, however, shows little interest, probably because he feels he's heard Bono's message before.
Perhaps Harper also remembers how his predecessor, Paul Martin, tried mightily to catch a piece of Bono's star power in the hope it would impress voters back home. For a while Martin was almost an honorary member of U2 -- and look where it got him.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjourn....html?id=533d87dd-8acb-40ab-ace5-702508eaf60b

See less See more

1 - 20 of 57 Posts

ehMax

· #2 · Jun 9, 2007

Harper, and this columnist are idiots. And I'm sick of people commenting on the subject who know nothing about the facts and details, but are simpletons who rely on one-line soundbites.

Harper said yesterday about meeting with "celebs" is not his "schtik".

What a schmuk.

Er.. Wasn't this like last week?

I think I would classify Awnold as a celeb... who happens to be governer. So what.
Bono is a celeb... who happens to have dozens of prestigious awards, is founder and rep to one of the largest African relief agencies, has been a front runner for the Nobel piece prize, was Time Man of the Year, and who literally has the respect of dozens of world leaders... even George Bush. And dim-watt Harper refuses to meet with him because "it's not his schtik"

Harper is not following through on promises that Canada made in 2005. They signed in writing. This year, they were supposed to release a specific time-table and real tangible goals. Instead, the G8 released extremely vague statements, and are skirting around their commitments.

Canada's made commitments in writing, and they are not keeping them - period.

This has nothing to do with star power, celebs or using this to make stupid one-liners for cheap political points. It's a complete cop-out by Harper.

See less See more

SINC

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 9, 2007

See. I told you the mayor would not like it.

For the record, I don't like Bono any more than he likes Harper.

Bottom line? We agree to disagree.

And by the way, last time I checked Arnold was the duly elected Governor of California.

That makes him technically a politician and not a celeb.

Bono should become a politician if he wants to continue to criticize my country. Other wise, he remains a celeb and I have zero respect for his calling down my country

Dr.G.

· #4 · Jun 9, 2007

"What a schmuk." Do you not mean "schmuck"? Schmuk means to have a smudge of jam or cream cheese on your face. Schmuck means what I feel you had as your original intent.

Sadly, I fear that Bono's intended message and appeal for Africa might get lost in the public "back and forth" in the media. We shall see.

ehMax

· #5 · Jun 9, 2007

SINC said:
See. I told you the mayor would not like it.

For the record, I don't like Bono any more than he likes Harper.

Bottom line? We agree to disagree.

And by the way, last time I checked Arnold was the duly elected Governor of California.

That makes him technically a politician and not a celeb.

Bono should become a politician if he wants to continue to criticize my country. Other wise, he remains a celeb and I have zero respect for his calling down my country

Bono has been hounded repeatedly to run in politics.
Believe me, if he were able to run in Canada, and could debate against Harper, he'd expose Harper for the lying idiot he is, and you could book the Uhaul for Sussex.

Leaders of countries meet with people who are not politicians all the time. What politician is there to meet who is running an African aid agency? How stupid. Every other G8 leader met with Bono except Harper. If there is anyone with credentials as a spokesperson for African relief, its Bono. He won't meet with him because he's not a politician? Speaks volumes about Harper. A guy who avoids talking to the media. A guy who tells his party to keep quiet for fear they'll let their true feelings out. A guy who's so afraid of losing his minority (Bye-bye east coast) that he's already spending the big bucks on attack ads.

I hope he keeps it up to hasten his timely departure.

mrjimmy

· #6 · Jun 9, 2007

From The Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/223328

Bono, lead singer for U2 and activist for humanitarian aid, singled out Harper for criticism and accused the prime minister of blocking a deal – a charge Harper vehemently denied.

"It's completely false and the people saying this have no proof to their allegations," Harper said at a news conference as the summit ended in Germany.

But Bono said he had numerous sources at the negotiating table. ``It's as if we have the place bugged, because everybody tells us," he said.

"We know who's causing the trouble and who isn't. And we know that Canada blocked progress. We know that Harper blocked it."

Harper has said he's a U2 fan but he's not at the summit to meet celebrities. His office did not respond to a phone call from Bono seeking a meeting to discuss aid for Africa. Later, it was explained that the prime minister could meet Bono at another time.

Bono said he doesn't believe the prime minister was too busy to meet with him at the summit – the leaders of the United States, Germany, France and Britain managed to do so.

"It's not the pop stars he doesn't want to meet. It's the movement that we represent," Bono said.

Harper says Canada will meet its targets and is the only G8 country ahead of schedule in doing so.

His officials explained that Canada plans to increase its Africa funding to $2.1 billion for 2008-09, from $1.05 billion in 2003-04.

But the opposition says they've only arrived at a claim to be on target by re-calculating Canada's 2005 commitment and shaving off $800 million – nearly one-third – from the $2.9 billion the Liberals promised in 2005.

Mark Eyking, the Liberal critic for the Canadian International Development Agency, said Harper is embarrassing Canada with his remarks on Africa.

"Instead of living up to the commitment the Liberal government made in 2005, this prime minister has broken our word, allocating only a fraction of what we committed and then going to the G8 to try to trick the world into believing that he's doubling Canada's commitment," Eyking said.

Harper is such a weasel. Can't wait to see him gone.

JumboJones

· #7 · Jun 9, 2007

ehMax said:
Harper said yesterday about meeting with "celebs" is not his "schtik".

Sir Bono's schtik is getting a little old and tired, selling himself as a vote getter to the politicians. Trouble is no one falling for the noble cause rock star anymore, politcians or the public. Might want to ride his white horse over to the "red" campaign and get it out of the red if he is that gun-ho about Africa.

ehMax

· #8 · Jun 9, 2007

JumboJones said:
Sir Bono's schtik is getting a little old and tired, selling himself as a vote getter to the politicians. Trouble is no one falling for the noble cause rock star anymore, politcians or the public. Might want to ride his white horse over to the "red" campaign and get it out of the red if he is that gun-ho about Africa.

I have no idea what you were trying to say. Don't hurt yourself.

Jeepdude

· #9 · Jun 9, 2007

There's a big difference between "celebs" and celebs who use their prominence to benefit worthwhile issues and causes.

I'm somewhat anti-pop culture. I find it obnoxious and an incredible waste of time.

However, Bono has taken the time to know what he's talking about, and to bring that message to those who may not be apt to listen to the average Joe spinning the same message. That, to me, is a good use of a celeb's influence.

Look at the alternatives: Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and countless others that make the "tremendous waste of skin" list. They make small fortunes and do nothing important or worthwhile for anyone.

Nobody likes to see their country called down internationally. But rather than striking back at the critics, let's strike back at the cause of their criticism...next election.

ehMax said:
Bono has been hounded repeatedly to run in politics.
Believe me, if he were able to run in Canada, and could debate against Harper, he'd expose Harper for the lying idiot he is, and you could book the Uhaul for Sussex.

Leaders of countries meet with people who are not politicians all the time. What politician is there to meet who is running an African aid agency? How stupid. Every other G8 leader met with Bono except Harper. If there is anyone with credentials as a spokesperson for African relief, its Bono. He won't meet with him because he's not a politician? Speaks volumes about Harper. A guy who avoids talking to the media. A guy who tells his party to keep quiet for fear they'll let their true feelings out. A guy who's so afraid of losing his minority (Bye-bye east coast) that he's already spending the big bucks on attack ads.

I hope he keeps it up to hasten his timely departure.

ArtistSeries

· #10 · Jun 9, 2007

I'm one of the first to be cynical at celebrity politics and of Bono.
I liked how Harper decided to take another jab at the Liberals:

"Meeting celebrities isn't my shtick," Harper said, although he expressed admiration for Bono's humanitarian work.
"That was the shtick of the previous guy," added the prime minister, in reference to former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, who met with Bono several times.

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/06/08/harper-g8.html?ref=rss

"Canada's on target to meet those obligations," Harper said. "I think we're the only country on target to meet them, and to meet them early, in fact."
The Prime Minister's Office was unable to provide documentation to prove his claim. A senior Canadian official said Canada's aid budget for Africa will amount to $2.1 billion in 2008-09, but DATA, an aid agency co-founded by Bono, estimates Canada will need to increase aid by $479 million this year and next to meet its commitment. Only Japan and Britain are on track to meet their promise, DATA says.

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=7f7bdf0d-a378-45d5-ac88-881e1efc4b05
Would not be the first time that Harper lies....

It's easy to criticize a celebrity that takes up a cause, but in the case of Bono and Geldof they are committed to it. I think that Bono has used his "star power" long enough to at least say he's genuine - there is an integrity in what they are doing that goes beyond petty politics.

It's easy to dismiss Bono but at the same time how come the righties have not rejected Regan or Arnie for that matter?

One thing for sure, is that Bono cannot be easily silenced and does not jive with our present Harpocrite.

I wonder if Stevie knows another hebrew word: schmendrik

Our international reputation has been severely tarnished since "the new government" has taken over....

See less See more

JumboJones

· #11 · Jun 9, 2007

ehMax said:
I have no idea what you were trying to say. Don't hurt yourself.

Bono needs to stick to what he is good at, singing songs, selling records and raping fans of their money at concerts. Unfortunately for him, shaking his hand (or as he would prefer, bowing at his feet) doesn't mean winning votes anymore here in Canada, good on Harper for understanding this.

Fink-Nottle

· #12 · Jun 9, 2007

I have no problems with foreigners criticizing our country... we certainly do it to other countries all the time. However, I find these quotes rather presumptuous:

"I said some years ago that the world needs more Canadas, and I meant it," Bono said. "I can't believe that this Canada has become a laggard. I think he's [Harper's] out of sync with the people."
"A man called Stephen Harper came to Heiligendamm," added Geldof. "But Canada stayed home."

So a couple of Irishmen have a better understanding of Canada and Canadians than the government we elected? Bono and Geldof have been tireless advocates for Africa and I have tremendous respect for them... but in turn, a little respect from them for Canadian voters wouldn't go amiss. Harper's there because enough Canadians elected him. And if enough Canadians believe strongly that we need to do more for Africa, then it will happen... witness the Conservative volte-face on environmental issues.

Demosthenes X

· #13 · Jun 9, 2007

Harper is willing to meet with businessmen, lobbyists, and other prominent figures who are not politicians... what's his logic for not meeting with Bono, again? It's hypocrisy, a poor excuse for his refusal to meet with the man because HE DOESN'T WANT TO.

That's all.

JumboJones

· #14 · Jun 9, 2007

ArtistSeries said:
One thing for sure, is that Bono cannot be easily silenced and does not jive with our present Harpocrite.

Didn't he criticize Marin too back in 2005, or did they jive because Martin gave in to Bono's whining?

ArtistSeries

· #15 · Jun 9, 2007 (Edited)

Fink-Nottle said:
Harper's there because enough Canadians elected him. And if enough Canadians believe strongly that we need to do more for Africa, then it will happen... witness the Conservative volte-face on environmental issues.

Just enough voted him in - he's still a minority and more Canadians did NOT vote for him....

I'm not sure when this happened...

Prime Minister Stephen Harper signalled a major shift in Canadian aid policy yesterday, saying that Canada's primary focus is moving away from Africa and toward the Western Hemisphere.

"Canada's sole focus and primary focus is not necessarily Africa, but we remain engaged there, we will meet our targets and will move forward with that plan into the future," Mr. Harper told reporters at the G8 summit.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070608.wg8africa08/BNStory/Front

And before some go off saying Bono and Geldof slagged Canada, Geldof was very clear "Harper is blocking progress, not Canada"...
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/06/08/harper-g8.html

ArtistSeries

· #16 · Jun 9, 2007

6

ehMax said:
Harper said yesterday about meeting with "celebs" is not his "schtik".

What a schmuk.

Source: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1039

And when he spoke about the other guy, did he mean:

See less See more

Macfury

· #17 · Jun 9, 2007

I will reserve judgement until George Clooney weighs in on this important issue.

Dreambird

· #18 · Jun 9, 2007

ehMax said:
Bono has been hounded repeatedly to run in politics.
Believe me, if he were able to run in Canada, and could debate against Harper, he'd expose Harper for the lying idiot he is, and you could book the Uhaul for Sussex.

Leaders of countries meet with people who are not politicians all the time. What politician is there to meet who is running an African aid agency? How stupid. Every other G8 leader met with Bono except Harper. If there is anyone with credentials as a spokesperson for African relief, its Bono. He won't meet with him because he's not a politician? Speaks volumes about Harper. A guy who avoids talking to the media. A guy who tells his party to keep quiet for fear they'll let their true feelings out. A guy who's so afraid of losing his minority (Bye-bye east coast) that he's already spending the big bucks on attack ads.

I hope he keeps it up to hasten his timely departure.

Can't we just fast track his Canadian citizenship somehow and work it out...

On the matter of "big buck on attack ads" since the Liberals got themselves a new leader I have been harassed on the phone 3 times to donate to the Conservative party. Seems somewhere... they got the idea I'm a supporter...

I assure you I never declared my support or signed anything of that nature, etc.

In any case twice I told them I was definitely NOT a supporter... not to call me again. 3rd time I told them if they bothered me again I'd give their number to my phone service provider and whoever else I could find that was appropriate and file a complaint of harassment.

Ah... blessed silence since!

ArtistSeries

· #19 · Jun 9, 2007

Dreambird said:
Seems somewhere... they got the idea I'm a supporter... I assure you I never declared my support or signed anything of that nature, etc.

I think it's assumed that because you live in Alberta.... just pointing it out

zoziw

· #20 · Jun 9, 2007

At the present time I can't find substantiation that Canada blocked setting clear targets for African aid outside of Bono and Geldof's comments.

That isn't to say that we didn't, but given that Harper refused to meet with Bono, this is an excellent sound bite to ratchet up attention to the issue in Canada and put pressure on Harper. In other words, this may just be a political play by Bono.

If for no other reason than the politics, Harper should have met with Bono, however, given that Bono "allowed himself to be used" by Paul Martin in the lead up to the 2004 election, which gave Martin some good press at a critical time, I can understand why Harper might not have wanted to meet with him.

Such is politics.

Regardless, Canada must make sure that we meet the goals that were laid out for Africa by the G8 in 2005. A flag also needs to be raised to point out that we are already halfway to 2015 which is the due date for the UN's Millennium Development Goals and we need to work hard to help realize those as well.

See less See more

1 - 20 of 57 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.