Bono was in Philadelphia on Thursday night to accept the Liberty Award for his humanitarian work in Africa, but it was the current political unrest in Burma that was on his mind as he addressed the audience, which included one of last year's recipients, former President George H. W. Bush. "When you are a monk in Burma this very week, barred from entering a temple because of your gospel of peace ... well, then none of us are truly free," Bono said.Bono accepted the medal on behalf of Debt AIDS Trade Africa, which he co-founded in 2002. He will donate the $100,000 prize to the organization.
Even though his roots are in Ireland, the U2 frontman has a special affinity for the United States. "America is not just a country, it's an idea, isn't it? It's a great and powerful idea," he told the crowd. "America has so many great answers to offer. We can't fix all the world's problems, but the ones we can we must."
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Reader Comments(1 of 1)
mrs rat 9-28-2007
oh bono is such a great person why not help out the states more .if your so for it
SSchus87at 9-29-2007
Oh no, Bono...what do you expect...
dorisat 9-30-2007
You people are such idiots. Bono has enough sense to know that people in the United States CAN help themselves. If they don't, it's more likely by choice. People in Africa, don't have choices. In America, you can easily get water. In Africa, if a woman walks down the road to a well that MAY be there, she could be killed or raped. If you have AIDS in AMERICA, their are medicines that are readily available. In Africa, if you have AIDS, you die. But Bono is changing that. He and others that formed DATA know that what really makes change is when people are "lifted up" to believe that they can make the changes themselves, and that is what is happening in Africa. Bono is from Ireland, he doesn't owe America anything, he just loves our Country anyway. Why? Because of everything our fore fathers have done to give us Freedom. If someone finds something bad to say about Bono, then your probably just an unhappy person to begin with!
teresa m propatoat 9-30-2007
I agree with Doris. Anyone who can possibly find fault with the good deeds that Bono and DATA have brought to aid Africa, should look within themselves and ask "what have I done to help make the lives of others better?" whether it is in this country or around the world. I was at the Liberty medal ceremony, and can tell you that Bono was humble, and as usual, passionate about making this a better world for all of us. If you are in the position to help others (and let's face it, the majority of americans are) then I encourage you to do so. Whether it is your next door neighbor, a neighboring town, or another country. The reward is in how you will feel about yourself as a human being when you see the impact your life can have on the life of another less fortunate than you. Then let's see how critical you are of people like Bono and DATA.
Marilynat 9-30-2007
Doris, you're absolutely right! I hope there are many other people like you who appreciate the work being done by Bono & the others that formed DATA. I totally support you and everyone who thinks like you. Bono & DATA deserve all our support!
Marilyn
dorisat 9-30-2007
Thanks Theresa and Marilyn! I was also at the Liberty Medal Ceremony this week, and anyone watching Bono speak could see and feel the heart felt compassion he has for those who are suffering. I think a Nobel Peace prize should be next!