The lead singer of the Irish rock band U2 cited the efforts of late President John F. Kennedy in creating the Peace Corps and going to the moon as his own inspirations for working to increase access to AIDS drugs throughout the world
Bono impresses Vt.group, praises Leahy - Jul. 28, 2004
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By CLAUDE R. MARX Vermont Press Bureau
BOSTON - Proving that star power can excite even the most sleep-deprived people, Bono received a standing ovation and was mobbed when he spoke to Vermont's delegation on Tuesday about his humanitarian work.
The lead singer of the Irish rock band U2 cited the efforts of late President John F. Kennedy in creating the Peace Corps and going to the moon as his own inspirations for working to increase access to AIDS drugs throughout the world.
"As a child in Ireland I read and heard about this Irish-American who had a great vision for America," Bono said.
He was here to sing at a concert Monday honoring Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., scheduled. After speaking to the Vermont delegation Tuesday, he left to attend a rehearsal with classical cellist Yo Yo Ma.
The singer said U.S. humanitarian efforts are especially vital in view of the unpopularity of some of its foreign policies.
"They are actually quite important because it's not just the country that is under attack, but the ideals of the country are under attack," he said.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who has worked with Bono on a range of foreign policy subjects, had in_vited the singer to speak to the Vermonters.
Bono praised the lawmaker as "the one who really fights in the legislature to get things done."
Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee that oversees most of the foreign policy budget, said the singer's advocacy has made an invaluable contribution to improving the world.
"People who will never know who he is or ever hear his music will have better lives because of him," Leahy said after Bono left.
Before and after his remarks, Bono posed extensively for pictures and signed autographs for delegates and friends of Leahy.
Among those who took pictures were the senator, an accomplished amateur photographer, and his wife, Marcelle.
Contact Claude R. Marx at rutlandherald.com.
