BONO ISN'T HAPPY

It's hilarious the way that Bono will, from time to time, tick off a minor politico for using him in their election campaign - especially when it looks like they're in trouble already.

So the Greatest Living Bonoman has sent an open letter to Silvio Berlusconi, accusing him of "exploiting" Bono's image:

In the letter, which was translated into Italian and published on the front page of the Corriere della Sera daily on Sunday, Bono said: "Mr Berlusconi, as flattered as I can be of appearing in your brochure, I also feel a bit exploited."

Bono also said he recalled a conversation with Mr Berlusconi during which the prime minister committed himself to implementing a G8 decision to cancel the debt of poor countries.

He said Italy would have to more than double its aid by 2010 to honour its commitment.

Bono added: "If your commitment is real and your signature is trustworthy, then the world wants to know how Italy intends to reach this target.

"For now you haven't offered any explanation, even though luckily there is still some time."

Berlusconi is widely believed to be coming to the end of his time in control in Rome, which is probably why Bono is happy to publicly have a go at him - you'll recall the only other time Bono has told off one of his chums in the media was when Paul Martin was struggling badly in the opinion polls before the Canadian election.

Intrestingly, Bono's private DATA organization is dropping flattering hints about how the new Canadian Tory government could expect to be lauded by Mr. Bono if it boosts the country's foreigm aid.

When there's this sort of offer on the table, what exactly does Bono think he's offering?

Does he think the Canadian Premier, Stephen Harper, is going to redirect his funds out of belief? Clearly not, because if he had the conviction such a move was neccesary, he'd do it without a call from Bono.

Does he think that a quiet meeting with Bono, away from the eyes of the world, is what's required?

Or could it be that Bono is using his presence, his circus rolling into town, his few minutes in front of CNN playing with Harper and swapping glasses, his little bit of showbiz glitter, to buy influence?

And, since that's what Bono is working with, the chance to say publicly "look! Bono loves me!", why does Bono come across all hissy when someone cashes in those chips?

And why is it that Bono only complains when the former friend is in the last throws of their presidency, or premiership? Why is Bono not bothered by the US State Department trumpeting that Rock Star Bono Applauds Bush Efforts to Aid Africa - Cites AIDS funding, anti-corruption element of Millennium Challenge Account?

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