Let Geldof and Bono preach
Myers acknowledged that Bono and Geldof have the right to earn as much money as they want by legal means. He also acknowledged that they are entitled to lecture about the plight of the Third World.
His criticism is, that while they are so wealthy and while they lecture about the plight of the Third World, they do not themselves put their money where their mouths are and that nobody in the media confronts them about this. They are also, he says, hypocrites.
Does Kevin Myers actually know whether Bono and Geldof contribute financially to Third World causes? Apart from the fact that Geldof helped raise many millions of pounds through Live Aid, one would not expect them to publicly boast about any contributions they make.
Neither Bono nor Geldof should be expected to provide multi-million euro financial support to Africa. However wealthy they seem, their wealth is inconsequential in terms of alleviating Africa's problems - even if they donated their entire fortunes. Realistically, only Governments have the financial and other resources to make a genuine impact. It is obvious that Bono and Geldof can achieve far more by using their fame and influence, than by donating their wealth. Even if they are sanctimonious or self-serving, one might say: "So what? The end justifies the means."
Accusing Bono and Geldof of hypocrisy is predictable, but unjustified. If they demanded that wealthy, private citizens gave freely of their financial resources to Africa, yes, they would be open to that charge.
But they do not make such demands, so they cannot be accused of hypocrisy.
It is governments of whom they make these demands and it is only governments that truly have the power (whatever about the will) to make effective and lasting reforms.
A more valid criticism might be that debt forbearance or direct financial transfers achieve nothing, if they sustain corrupt regimes that exist purely for their leaders' benefit and the forces of the state that support them.
Africa needs reform of corrupt governments and sound economic policies and incentives, not aid - but those are different matters.
If Kevin Myers' overriding criticism is the failure of the media to confront Bono and Geldof about their activities, one must ask on what grounds exactly, because the ones he mentioned are not rational.
It is more valid to confront the minority of Bono and Geldof's critics in the media who for no good reason, apparently want them publicly upbraided and humiliated.
Rene Rosenstock
Eden Gate
Delgany
Co Wicklow
