Arise, Sir Bono of Rotterdam

There can't be many people who still think that Bono is an outsider, speaking truth to power - after all, his little photo-op for Bush during the midterms was a clear indication of what the tax-sheltering, Wall Street property millionaire saw as his duty. But if you still need convincing that Bono is windowdressing for the status quo rather than a challenge to authority, he's happily accpeting an honorary knighthood from Tony Blair:

We understand that Bono is 'very flattered' to be honoured, particularly if the honour - like its French counterpart - opens doors for his long standing campaigning work against extreme poverty in Africa.

Aah! You see: it's nothing to do with Bono's love of shaking hands with heads of state and smiling modestly as lists of his many achievements are read out in public. It's not because it'll look good on the headed notepaper of his venture capital company. It's not even the thought of the rinky-dinky medal. It's just to help with all his campaigning work.

We're a little curious, though: could Bono elaborate on the doors which are currently closed to one of the world's most famous and tireless self-promoters which would suddenly be opened by a knighthood? Are there, perhaps, drug companies which give an extra ten percent discount on presentation of the medal?

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