Good Intentions

"Oh, it doesn't matter what they say in the papers
'Cause it's always been the same old scene
There's a new band in town but you can't get the sound
From a story in a magazine
Aimed at your average teen..."

Many of us have heard of Bono, the lead singer for the Irish rock band U2, and of his philanthropic efforts on the part of the those living in poverty in Africa. He has implored the government of the USA, already the greatest provider of humanitarian aid in human history, to do more to relieve the suffering. The USA, having had some experience with this sort of thing since before Bono could talk, wants to be sure the material it sends actually gets to the people in need, as opposed to the privileged in government positions for their own ends, or the black market.

While Bono is waiting less than patiently, he may wish to turn his attention closer to home, to his own "Live8" concert, which was slated to raise money for this worthy cause:

"While they preached charity and love on stage at Live8, the celebrity backstage area was all about warring egos..."

"Sir Paul McCartney, who both opened and closed Live8, made sure every one knew exactly whose show it really was by continually strolling up and down the backstage area with his entourage of six in tow."

(Hey, wasn't he supposed to be The Quiet Beatle? Or was that George? Oh, whatever...)

The point of this is not to doubt Bono's sincerity. It does, rather, consider the prospect that, like many in the public eye, he has gradually built a glass bubble around himself, through which he believes he can see the world clearly. This has served him up until now; it continues to serve those who work for him and who otherwise have something to gain from this place in the spotlight. But what of life outside the bubble? How much is Bono willing to give up for his convictions?

Could any of us do the same?

Whispers in the Loggia also has a few thoughts on the man would would save a part of the world. And yet, as with any reformation, it has to start from oneself. Otherwise, it's merely fodder for the tabloids.

"It's the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways
It's still rock and roll to me."

And so it goes.