Quote of the day
posted at 10:00 pm on October 18, 2009 by Allahpundit
“Many have spoken about the need for a rebranding of America. Rebrand, restart, reboot. In my view these 36 words, alongside the administration’s approach to fighting nuclear proliferation and climate change, improving relations in the Middle East and, by the way, creating jobs and providing health care at home, are rebranding in action…
In dangerous, clangorous times, the idea of America rings like a bell (see King, M. L., Jr., and Dylan, Bob). It hits a high note and sustains it without wearing on your nerves. (If only we all could.) This was the melody line of the Marshall Plan and it’s resonating again. Why? Because the world sees that America might just hold the keys to solving the three greatest threats we face on this planet: extreme poverty, extreme ideology and extreme climate change. The world senses that America, with renewed global support, might be better placed to defeat this axis of extremism with a new model of foreign policy…
[A]n America that’s tired of being the world’s policeman, and is too pinched to be the world’s philanthropist, could still be the world’s partner. And you can’t do that without being, well, loved. Here come the letters to the editor, but let me just say it: Americans are like singers — we just a little bit, kind of like to be loved. The British want to be admired; the Russians, feared; the French, envied. (The Irish, we just want to be listened to.) But the idea of America, from the very start, was supposed to be contagious enough to sweep up and enthrall the world.
And it is. The world wants to believe in America again because the world needs to believe in America again.”
Blowback
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Another stupid Irishman pretending he actually accomplished something besides getting drunk.
Jeff from WI on October 19, 2009 at 7:47 AM
Jeff from WI:I do believe Denis Leary would agree with you!
:)
canopfor on October 19, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Well I suppose if you already think you’re a God, that’s only one short step from ending world poverty, injustice etc etc.
Might do Great Leader some good though to ask why the real God doesn’t seem to have it on His agenda just yet.
jeanie on October 19, 2009 at 8:28 AM
If you want to know what part of the world loves America look at the people clamoring to enter the united states. The worlds elites have always hated us for accepting their runaway
slavesserfs and making them into citizens.Slowburn on October 19, 2009 at 8:30 AM
When Ireland was about to raise income tax rates, Bono moved to another country–France or Belgium, I forget which.
When he gives away all his wealth to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, I’ll take him seriously. Otherwise, he always has his hand out like a panhandler at a bus station. A Canadian PM got that last year and refused to meet him.<a
Liam on October 18, 2009 at 10:13 PM
U2 as a corporate entity moved a large chunk of their corporate assets to Amsterdam in order to avoid paying higher taxes in Ireland.
cheblows on October 19, 2009 at 8:32 AM
Here is a link to a story regarding U moving to Amsterdam.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2006/08/10/2003322614
cheblows on October 19, 2009 at 8:33 AM
At every opportunity, someone should ask Mr. Bono and other celebrity activists when they will give their wealth to the poor.
justltl on October 19, 2009 at 8:35 AM
I blame the Beatles.
OldEnglish on October 19, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Don’t ever pay to see a U2 concert. You will hear a sermon instead of music. Bono going off about how we all need to sacrifice, get along, change the climate, etc. And of course, his millions must be too important to give away. Don’t forget his guitar player Edge committed an atrocity in liberal eyes by wanting to build several mansions in Malibu. I don’t have a link but it was another one of those hypocritical moments that just had me chuckling.
Alfresco on October 19, 2009 at 8:39 AM
The Climate Change (aka Global Warming) issue is already solved according to the EPA. It appears there is no evidence except on computer models to support this latest Y2Kish, apocalyptic balderdash. Too bad people refuse to let this unscientific hysteria go. Poverty, Islamic aggression, energy costs and pollution could stand some attention, but hey, let’s create more carbon discussing and flying jets to find a cure for a problem that doesn’t exist, but works real well with getting extremists elected.
Hening on October 19, 2009 at 8:40 AM
It would be incredibly easy to do an Alinsky on these hypocritical, vacuous celebrity morons.
Imagine, as only one example, a web site that displays the incredible wealth and excess of these people alongside examples of poverty.
“Do you really need all of this, Mr. Bono? Please give it to the poor.”
justltl on October 19, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Bono is well intentioned and my brother in Christ. However, he has been in the celebrity millionaire bubble far too long and just doesn’t get it. We who pay mortgages, taxes, car payments, et al… get it. Bono, you won’t find socialism in the Bible, what you’ll find is uncoerced generosity. There’s a big difference.
Mojave Mark on October 19, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Just because I don’t agree with someone politically doesn’t mean I can’t recognize and appreciate their talent or admirable qualities. If that were the case I’d never listen to music or watch movies because the politics of most musicians and actors is beneath contempt. Doesn’t change the fact they have talent.
I’ve been a U2 fan since the 80′s, I love their music. Their politics, not so much, to say the least. I do think Bono is one of the few libs who is genuine and sincere in what he believes, that he’s motivated from a good heart. He’s not mean-spirited like that Billy Joe idiot from Green Day or the Pretender’s Chrissie Hynde.
But he is clueless in his cluelessness. I truly believe he doesn’t even realize how insulting, infuriating, hypocritical and embarrassingly cringe worthy most of what he says comes across to others.
He did however recently apologize for his actions towards Bush in avoiding a hug at an event a few years back, admitting that it was shameful and ungrateful on his part, and I think he’s sincerely sorry for his behavior, which he should be. At least he recognizes it, which is more than can be said for most libs. And on their recent concert tour he thanks Bush at each show for his part in aid to Africa.
As with the majority of entertainers (although I have no desire to stifle anyone’s free speech or curtail the doing of good deeds) Bono would do well to heed Laura Ingraham’s advice to just “shut up and sing”.
beachgirlusa on October 19, 2009 at 9:10 AM
I don’t know what Cher ever waw in him.
Akzed on October 19, 2009 at 9:12 AM
I couldn’t agree more.
beachgirlusa on October 19, 2009 at 9:21 AM
I don’t know where this nonsense about Americans wanting to be loved came from. Americans don’t want to be loved. Most of us don’t travel abroad and most of us don’t give a flip what Irish singers or French actresses think about us. This is all a confection created by the John Kerrys of the world to pile on yet another undeserved criticism of George Bush and the war in Iraq.
We just want to be Americans and do what we do best – invent stuff, create wealth, worship our God, raise our children to be responsible citizens, and create happy communities. We’ll gladly contribute lots of money and time to help starving Africans, tsunami-stricken islanders, earthquake victims around the world, and other noble relief efforts. But we don’t appreciate lectures on being loved by vacuous pop singers.
rockmom on October 19, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Well said, brother. Bono’s intentions are great but he wants the poor to become addicted to coerced OPM (other people’s money). I hope Bono listens to Dambisa Moyo.
clorensen on October 19, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Exactly. The left wants to be loved and accepted by what they view as the “sophisticated” Eurotrash. They’re embarrassed by ordinary everyday patriotic hardworking Americans, they view us backward hicks and rednecks. They’re like high school kids wanting to be accepted by the popular crowd.
beachgirlusa on October 19, 2009 at 9:28 AM
So is it OK when American companies do it but not U2?
Squid Shark on October 19, 2009 at 9:29 AM
The other thing that annoys me about this argument is that it creates an artificial bar that Barack Obama can jump over and claim a great “accomplishment.” Wow, he gives a few speeches in Egypt and at the U.N. and everyone loves America again! Isn’t that great! Isn’t he wonderful!
Now somebody needs to tell me how this is going to help me find another job or prevent the next attack by Al Qaeda.
rockmom on October 19, 2009 at 9:29 AM
You ain’t seen nothing yet, pal. Just wait until the massive tax increases hit here. By the time Obama’s term is done, there won’t be a major corporation left in the U.S.
rockmom on October 19, 2009 at 9:31 AM
He also openly supports the democracy movement in Iran, “Dedicating Sunday Bloody Sunday” to them and lighting the stage green in every show. It is more than you can say for our president.
Squid Shark on October 19, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Shut up and sing err yell.
marklmail on October 19, 2009 at 9:40 AM
And some are impressed by name-dropping. I’m not one of them.
beachgirlusa on October 19, 2009 at 9:42 AM
Who cares.
Johan Klaus on October 19, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Apples to apples would require the companies you mention to beg the government to spend more taxpayer-seized funds on favorite and preached-upon save-the-world projects, all while removing their taxable income from government reach. Which company did you have in mind?
rogerb on October 19, 2009 at 9:50 AM
My tank of liberalism is bone dry. I don’t give a rat’s a$$ about Bono, his causes or even his music (generous assumption). And I especially don’t care about America being liked. I care about freedom and what it took for us to become free and what it will take to keep us free. Being liked is just not in the equation. Being respected as a force that will kick your nasty Jihady a$$ when necessary is. Being a just and righteous nation will cause us to be hated by those who cannot stand freedom and who fear their own people should they ever become free. When they stop hating us I’ll know we have lost our way.
SKYFOX on October 19, 2009 at 9:52 AM
He’s right- the world needs America, and needs to believe in America.
But he’s wrong that America needs to become a facsimile of Europe in order to be loved. If we do that, then we’re no longer able to do the things he wants us to do.
Note to Bono: while people were busy hating him, Bush was fighting AIDS in Africa, muslim extremism in the Middle East, and apathy in Europe. We don’t need the rest of the world. You need us, in full-on cowboy mode.
hawksruleva on October 19, 2009 at 9:56 AM
The funny thing is, Bono thinks he’s number 1. But he’s really number 2.
WarEagle01 on October 19, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Well said. Bono only sees bits and pieces of America. He’s got no idea that our strength comes from the things that make us hated. Or that the Americans who curry favor with Europe are too weak to accomplish the goals he wants accomplished.
Maybe Bono will get it if he attends the Berlin Wall ceremonies. You know, the wall that stood until an American had the crazy cowboy idea of demanding that it be torn down.
hawksruleva on October 19, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Because in the rest of the world’s mind we are a giant ass ATM machine doling sh!% out for free, like a corporate Easter Bunny or Santa Clause,…just believe!
Alden Pyle on October 19, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Bono is such an environmentalist hypocrite. I’ve read that his current tour uses approximately 200(!) big rigs to drive his enormous stage from venue to venue. That is one HUGE carbon footprint simply for entertainment, and doesn’t even count the tens of thousands of cars that his fans drive to go see his concerts.
LASue on October 19, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Good comments here. I really do like U2′s latest album, borrowed from my child. There are so many talented singers/songwriters and I feel I should enjoy their gifts in those areas whether or not they know how to shut up and just sing. Yes, I believe we need a strong military and that there will always be wars. But I also think there’s nothing wrong with “imagining” peace. There’s a time for everything.
liv2race on October 19, 2009 at 10:36 AM
funny story i heard about Boner…
he was playing a concert in Ireland and right in the most dramatic part of one of U2′s big hits (say, Sunday Bloody Sunday) he stops short.. halts the band and slowly begins with a dramatic slow-clap routine. [claps once.. claps twice...] then he slowly intones while clapping … “Each time I clap my hands a child in Africa dies…”
… and (you gotta love the Irish)… a voice from the crowd rings out in the stillness..
‘WELL STOP YOUR BLOODY CLAPPIN’ THEN!”
:)
max1 on October 19, 2009 at 10:40 AM
We’ve always been here.. Now go back to Dublin…
Khun Joe on October 19, 2009 at 10:59 AM
More accurate, yes. I just think “fossil” media rolls off the tongue a little wasier. :-)
Either phrase definitely describes them better than mainstream Media. They ceased being mainstream a long time ago.
UltimateBob on October 19, 2009 at 11:19 AM
jesus wept, why, does Bono even think we care what he thinks or what he says about America matters to us?
This hypocritical buffoon didn’t even have the class Gedlorf did, as in complimenting Bush for going the extra mile in helping out in Africa, he escaped the “hug” with kudos from the messiah, maybe we should reset every dime we have sent over there, hows that grab you “Bo-nought”?…… a bunch of effete snobs, please stay on your side of the Atlantic, or whatever tax haven you are using now thank you.
imperator on October 19, 2009 at 11:29 AM
He has thanked Bush repeatedly and a apologized for not doing it sooner. I saw him do it at a concert just a few weeks ago.
Squid Shark on October 19, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Ok, picture this. Your prospective significant other says he/she’d like to love you; but first you have to be weakened/crippled so you can’t be a policeman, and lose enough of your wealth that you can’t be rich… only then will he/she love you.
Do you stay with the prospective spouse that will only love you if you significantly lessen yourself; or do you decide that someone who desperately wants to weaken you perhaps doesn’t have your best interests at heart?
Maybe I’m wrong; but that doesn’t seem a persuasive motivation to change.
gekkobear on October 19, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Lucky Charms and Kool-Aid.
A malnourishing combo.
HOPE and CHANGE without WILL and MIGHT are paralyzed pair.
profitsbeard on October 19, 2009 at 12:16 PM
He recently apologized for his actions towards Bush in avoiding a hug at an event a few years back, admitting that it was shameful and ungrateful on his part, and I think he’s sincerely sorry for his behavior, which he should be. At least he recognizes it, which is more than can be said for most libs. And on their recent concert tour he thanks Bush at each show for his part in aid to Africa.
beachgirlusa on October 19, 2009 at 12:50 PM
If only America would lie down with pigs, then, and only then, will the pigs be happy. So sayeth Bozo.
allstonian on October 19, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Why is Obama tickling Bono’s nose with a feather?
shick on October 19, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I have officially reached a new low point.
One of my favorite memories of all time is sitting under the apple tree in my backyard with my first crush, listening over and over and over and over again to U2′s New Years’ Day when I was 12 – still my favorite recording of anything, ever. I can’t, I just can’t give it up. I can smell the grass, hear the bees humming in the tree, feel the sun on my face – a perfect episode in an imperfect life.
And yet I feel strangely compelled to shred all my cd’s – from Boy to whatever the one before this last one was – as a statement (to no one) that I will not give in to this insanity.
F You Bono! Go suck down more lattes in trendy Dublin cafes whilst waiting for your children to get out of their posh prep school. Leave the hard work to the rest of us.
gopmom on October 19, 2009 at 4:24 PM
BRAVO!!! The world cannot have my daughter either. Or my nieces or nephew. Or grandchildren. F ‘em. They can’t even have my dog.
It’s on a crappy day like this, when it all seems insurmountable, that I am comforted by the fact that when the $hit finally does hit the fan, no matter how bad it is here for us, for the rest of the world it will be worse.
Is it 5:00 yet? I need a drink.
gopmom on October 19, 2009 at 4:36 PM
He’s not, its a frond from a plant in the background.
beachgirlusa on October 19, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Thirded. And after the Marshall plan went into effect, and America became responsible for both the success and protection of Western Europe, they began to get a tad resentful.
Somebody has probably said this already, but how on earth does Bono think America’s going to solve global poverty without being the “world’s philanthropist?” Seriously, why the disconnect? He’s been highly praised in some quarters, and is certainly better informed and committed than other celebrity activists, but how does he intend to reconcile those two hopes?
Black Yoshi on October 19, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Yep. Reminds me of “when you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas”.
beachgirlusa on October 19, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Gives a whole added meaning to that U2 sound: chinkachinkachinkachinkachinkachinkachinkachinka…
I’ve always found that U2 “sound” to be like Chinese water torture. I mean, for Heaven’s sake, change the chords, use both hands in non-uniform moves.
Lourdes on October 19, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I prefer FLOGGIN’ MOLLY.
Lourdes on October 19, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Sure, the world needs America….
But only if it’s France.
Ripley on October 19, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Why aren’t my comments showing up?
beachgirlusa on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Never mind lol
beachgirlusa on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 PM
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