Wise Buddha

I’ve long thought thought that Bono has strayed the wrong side of uncool, you can’t argue with the bands success but there is something about the way he handles himself that gets on my nerves. I don’t have a problem with him bringing attention to some of the biggest issues in the world - good on him, but there is just a whiff of something that I am trying to put my finger on. Perhaps it is the way that he has berated democratically elected politicians to do more for X or Y issue. Last time I checked Bono had never been elected by anyone and being pressured to spend more tax payers money by a multi multi millionaire rock star begs a question.

Does Bono put his own money where his mouth is?

It would appear not so much as this very interesting article posted on Bloomberg reveals - whilst Bono is beating up politicians to spend more, he is actively seeking ways to contribute less by minimising his tax burden every year by funnelling revenue through various trusts, off shore accounts etc.

Don’t get me wrong I don’t have a problem with smart financial planning, but it’s not like he needs the cash and when you are charging your fans $60 plus for a concert TShirt surely he could write off more of the revenue by donating it to his charitable causes.

To some this may seem petty and insignificant, to me as a regular tax payer who makes modest voluntary charitable contributions it is hard to take.