News and Opinions – Blog Chow

Bono, of the band U2 has come under fire for remarks where he uses the internet policing of China as an example to go after file-sharers:

“We know from America’s noble effort to stop child pornography, not to mention China’s ignoble effort to suppress online dissent, that it’s perfectly possible to track content.”

Using what most people consider are China’s very less than ignoble efforts to suppress dissent as an example to follow has a lot of people scratching their heads.

What is equally shocking to me is that Bono also claimed that internet service providers were “reverse Robin Hoods.” That is strange considering it is the record industry that is suing poor people for millions of dollars, such as the mom of four with limited means who was fined $1.92 million for downloading 24 songs. Who are the reverse Robin Hoods here?

Keith Urban proved to be the real Robin Hood when he accepted his People’s Choice Award he said:

“I don’t even care if you download it illegally, give it to your friends, I really don’t care.”

Maybe if Bono had as much passion for music and respect and gratitude for the fans as Keith Urban he would not need to blame file-sharing for his inability to sell his songs.

Bono, who has received a lot of publicity for his campaigns against third world debt once called upon the Irish government to contribute more to Africa. When Ireland closed a loophole that let musicians and artists avoid paying taxes on royalties Bono and the band U2 moved their music company to the Netherlands. I guess he didn’t want to be a part of that contribution. At least, if there were no cameras there for the free publicity.

Those are two examples of strange comments and examples coming from the man who calls himself Bono. Hypocritical statements and actions cause some to take pause and examine the motives of those who call on “others” to do more to help the poor and the oppressed.