The Weeks Review

THE POLITICS OF "THE HIP"
What Defines Them is Not What They're For; It's All About What They're Against

With at least two notable exceptions.

In the neverending cavalcade of "socially aware" yet vacuum skulled entertainers, there appears to be at least two individuals who actually prefer actually doing something constructive over repeating worthless jingoisms; Bob Geldof and Bono.

Both are involved in trying to relieve the crisis in Africa, and both of them have chosen to associate themselves with people who are not acceptable to their entertainment collegues.

Bono is taking heat for meeting with George W. Bush and Tony Blair:

BONO has been attacked by his rock peers for associating with US President
GEORGE W BUSH and British Prime Minister TONY BLAIR.

The U2 rocker recently admitted friction has been sparked within the band since his transformation from rock star to anti-poverty campaigner.

But fellow musicians are concerned Bono is taking his desire to make a global difference too far. Fellow Irish star SINEAD O'CONNOR says, "I think you risk losing your credibility by going to a party at Downing Street.

"I would draw a line at drinking wine and eating cheese with the Prime Minister."

Meanwhile, songwriter BILLY BRAGG says, "Bono is prepared to sit down and talk directly with George Bush in his territory.

You may recall that Sinead O'Conner proved her credibility by tearing up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live.

Meanwhile, Bob Geldof, who has already been criticized for wanting to include the Pope in his efforts on behalf of Africa (which I wrote about here) continues to show that he cares more about his cause than the approval of his peers. Why else would he say this?

"America doesn't have a lack of empathy; they just don't know the issues as well.
Actually, today I had to defend the Bush Administration in France again. They refuse to accept, because of their political ideology, that he has ctually done more than any American President for Africa. But it's empirically so."

Well Bob, that will certainly not set well with the likes of Sinead O'Conner. But that's not all, Bob further wants no Bush bashing at his benefit concerts!

LIVE 8 founder Bob Geldof is determined to see his international concerts stay focused on the plight of Africa's poor -- and not fall into cliched Bush bashing and global warming rhetoric.

Geldof has ordered show organizers and producers to redouble all efforts to keep LIVE 8 performers "on message" during the July 2 event, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

"Please remember, absolutely no ranting and raving about Bush or Blair and the Iraq war, this is not why you have been invited to appear," Geldoff said to the manager of a top recording artist, who asked not to be identified. "We want to bring Mr. Bush in, not run him away."

Good luck with that one Bob.

As I've said before, whether the efforts of Bono and Bob Geldof will have an appreciable effect on the immense problems that Africa faces is debatable, but their efforts are nonetheless laudable. They have both proven themselves to be adults among children. They have taken the time to learn the facts and have exhibited courage in stating those facts at the risk of "losing credibility" (as Sinead O'Conner puts it) among their peers. One can not only be judged by one's supporters, but also by one's critics. By that measure, Bono and Geldof seem to be on the right track.

What O'Conner and her kind are incapable of understanding is that these men are actually building credibility rather than losing it.