'Bono Pay Up': art group plans tax protest at Glastonbury

Barna77 · 06-06-2011 12:42PM

Like he could care. As long as he cashes in

Jeremiah 16:1 wrote: »

The resident U2/Bono haters are going to have an orgasm on this thread.

aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh

yyeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh

*breaths heavily and gets a smoke

Logical Fallacy · 06-06-2011 12:48PM

Any protest around U2 should really involve the fact that the music is ****ing ****e.

hatrickpatrick · 06-06-2011 12:51PM

I have a hard time feeling in any way upset about U2's tax arrangements.

Look at the amount of money U2 give to charities which actually help people in poor countries. Paying tax in Ireland is dead money - it's just paying into a slush fund for bondholders who can't accept that sometimes when you gamble, you lose.

Paying tax in this country is a complete waste with the IMF here. Until we stop putting investors above ordinary people, it will remain that way.

ejmaztec · 06-06-2011 12:55PM

hatrickpatrick wrote: »

I have a hard time feeling in any way upset about U2's tax arrangements.

Look at the amount of money U2 give to charities which actually help people in poor countries. Paying tax in Ireland is dead money - it's just paying into a slush fund for bondholders who can't accept that sometimes when you gamble, you lose.

Paying tax in this country is a complete waste with the IMF here. Until we stop putting investors above ordinary people, it will remain that way.

I would if I knew what it was.:P

hatrickpatrick · 06-06-2011 01:02PM

We know it's a lot, I'm not trying to focus on the charity stuff though, but on the fact that every single cent we pay to our government these days is going to repay debts of private companies which should have been allowed to crumble.

Every cent we pay in tax is going to corrupt gamblers and is an utter waste of money.

Show Time · 06-06-2011 01:02PM

Sonnenblumen wrote: »

He probably pays a lot more tax here than you do, how's that for starters?

His bank balance has a lot more zeros at the end of it then mine just for starters. And as an Irish tax payer the last twenty odd years i have more then earned the right to be annoyed at the overrated gimp.

Badgermonkey · 06-06-2011 01:08PM

orourkeda wrote: »

Maybe he did. But thats not the issue here.

Disagree, accusations of hypocrisy would carry far less weight if the man has made significant personal contributions imo.

Sonnenblumen · 06-06-2011 01:12PM

Is it not amazing how regular the 'short on facts' morons come on here complaining about Bono pays no tax, this, that or the other in Ireland?

If only these morons would bother to do some basic research, they will quickly discover, that Bono does pay a considerable amount of tax (directly and indirectly) to the Irish state.

One could guess that Bono pays more tax than all the morons that will ever fit into the anti-Bono bandwagon will ever do.

Don't like his music - fair enough.
Don't like his band - fair enough.
Don't like his celebrity status - fair enough.
Don't like his politicisation of certain causes - fair enough.

Table Top Joe · 06-06-2011 01:18PM

Ah the ol Bono tax thing again,do people really not understand the problem here?

Here goes,Bono lectures the world on how to spend taxes....Bono pays as little tax as he can himself

What the F is so hard to understand here??? every time this comes up we get "but you would pay less tax too if you could!" of course i would,but im not lecturing people how their taxes should be spent

This just makes me tear my hair out,i have a bit of a hangover so im fairly cranky:o but sweet Jesus its a very straight forward issue people

Show Time · 06-06-2011 01:35PM

Sonnenblumen wrote: »

Is it not amazing how regular the 'short on facts' morons come on here complaining about Bono pays no tax, this, that or the other in Ireland?

If only these morons would bother to do some basic research, they will quickly discover, that Bono does pay a considerable amount of tax (directly and indirectly) to the Irish state.

One could guess that Bono pays more tax than all the morons that will ever fit into the anti-Bono bandwagon will ever do.

Don't like his music - fair enough.
Don't like his band - fair enough.
Don't like his celebrity status - fair enough.
Don't like his politicisation of certain causes - fair enough.

Are you a family member by any chance or just willfully ignorant of what the posters on here have an issue with? I like U2 and their music and if they are enjoying the celebrity status then more power to them as they worked hard to get where they are. I would be a lot more open to Bono and his save the world message if he and the band were based in Ireland and not in some other country for tax reasons.

Ri_Nollaig · 06-06-2011 01:40PM

hatrickpatrick wrote: »

I have a hard time feeling in any way upset about U2's tax arrangements.

Look at the amount of money U2 give to charities which actually help people in poor countries. Paying tax in Ireland is dead money - it's just paying into a slush fund for bondholders who can't accept that sometimes when you gamble, you lose.

Paying tax in this country is a complete waste with the IMF here. Until we stop putting investors above ordinary people, it will remain that way.

So your argument is that its ok for Bono and co to avoid paying tax here once they are giving money to charities, most likely in Africa, than paying tax here, as its going towards paying off a huge debt?

Why are most Sub-Saharan Africa countries in huge debt exactly?

Of the hundreds of millions that is donated, how much really reaches the people that need it? How much is lost in administration or bribing corrupt government officials/warlords? But thats all ok, its not dead money...

Perhaps its a valid argument that 95% of their business isn't from Ireland. ...So is 95% of their business in The Netherlands? Why didn't they move their business to the US or UK where it probably is? He wants the G8 countries to cancel 3rd world debt in one hand and then in the other avoid paying out of his own pocket as much as possible. That really is having your cake and eating it too.

I actually like U2, I think they have had some brilliant songs over the years but every time I hear Bono speak I just have to cringe... I really hate the man.

orourkeda · 06-06-2011 01:48PM

Badgermonkey wrote: »

Disagree, accusations of hypocrisy would carry far less weight if the man has made significant personal contributions imo.

Do you know if he has or not?

Einhard · 06-06-2011 01:54PM

I think it's odd that people wouldn't give a crap about Bono's tax avoidance if he weren't campaigning on debt relief for the developing world, and at least trying to make a positive difference in the world. Sure, I'd rather he paid every cent of tax he possibly could, but in the absence of that, I applaud the man for trying to make some difference in other spheres. If he stopped being the "hypocrite" that other people claim him to be, and wound up his charitable work, and his campaigning, would it make any difference to Ireland's tax base? No. Would it make a difference to ordinary people in the third world? Most likely. So I'm not gonna get all hot and bothered about his supposed hypocrisy. He does some good in the world, and as long as he's not doing anything illegal, then I'm not gonna join in the condemnation of the man.

Einhard · 06-06-2011 02:01PM

orourkeda wrote: »

When was the last time you heard one of these companies preaching to you about third world debt?

So it's not tax avoidance you're against? Glad we cleared that up so.

Seriously, Bono's tax avoidance, and his preaching on the 3rd world aren't related. You seem to dislike him because he does both, whereas I don't see any benefit to him abandoning the latter, so as to avoid the inevitable charges of hypocrisy that such campaigners will always face.

ejmaztec · 06-06-2011 02:03PM

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

So your argument is that its ok for Bono and co to avoid paying tax here once they are giving money to charities, most likely in Africa, than paying tax here, as its going towards paying off a huge debt?

Why are most Sub-Saharan Africa countries in huge debt exactly?

Of the hundreds of millions that is donated, how much really reaches the people that need it? How much is lost in administration or bribing corrupt government officials/warlords? But thats all ok, its not dead money...

Perhaps its a valid argument that 95% of their business isn't from Ireland. ...So is 95% of their business in The Netherlands? Why didn't they move their business to the US or UK where it probably is? He wants the G8 countries to cancel 3rd world debt in one hand and then in the other avoid paying out of his own pocket as much as possible. That really is having your cake and eating it too.

I actually like U2, I think they have had some brilliant songs over the years but every time I hear Bono speak I just have to cringe... I really hate the man.

I don't even think that even the Dutch tax authorities get their hands on the loot, as U2's tax lawyer then bounces earnings across multiple companies registered in various tax havens around the globe.

Before U2 transferred to Holland back in 2006, they probably weren't paying any tax here at all, after taking into account the Artists' Exemption.They only transferred the business because the Irish government decided to place a restriction on the exemption, and U2 would have had to pay tax on most of its earnings.

It's quite possible that U2 never paid any tax anywhere, and even if they did, it was probably a piddling amount.

Sonnenblumen · 06-06-2011 02:06PM

Show Time wrote: »

Are you a family member by any chance or just willfully ignorant of what the posters on here have an issue with? I like U2 and their music and if they are enjoying the celebrity status then more power to them as they worked hard to get where they are. I would be a lot more open to Bono and his save the world message if he and the band were based in Ireland and not in some other country for tax reasons.

Who are you? You don't own Bono, apart from sameoh lameoh moaning about the location of the company for tax purposes, what has that got to do with you or I? How does where the company is registered make a difference?

For the benefit of humanity, perhaps you will let us all know what you do have done or plan to do, to help the cause of the poor, the needy etc etc. Those poor unfortunate people will not be interested in your cheap jibes at Bono etc, but if you have any clue how they might help themselves or their children to survive another day, I bet you'll get their full attention possible.

FFS get a life and help others save some more.

Einhard · 06-06-2011 02:06PM

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

I actually like U2, I think they have had some brilliant songs over the years but every time I hear Bono speak I just have to cringe... I really hate the man.

What gets me about all this, is that nobody would care if Bono just avoided tax. But when he avoids tax, and tries to do some good, people get all angsty. So, the lesson to be learned folks, is that you shouldn't try to mitigate your tax avoidance by works of charity, and deeds that help other people. Apparently, you're a worse person if you avoid tax and do charitable work, than if you just avoid tax alone. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but then the hatred of Bono, which was evident well before his corporate move to the Netherlands, never really made much sense anyway.

Ri_Nollaig · 06-06-2011 02:09PM

Einhard wrote: »

So it's not tax avoidance you're against? Glad we cleared that up so.

Seriously, Bono's tax avoidance, and his preaching on the 3rd world aren't related. You seem to dislike him because he does both, whereas I don't see any benefit to him abandoning the latter, so as to avoid the inevitable charges of hypocrisy that such campaigners will always face.

But they are!
He calls on countries such as the US to either cancel 3rd world debt or to pay more to charities in Africa. Where does that money come from? ...Tax, tax that he himself is avoiding.

Yes everyone, if they can, will avoid tax. The more you earn the more effort you will put in to try and avoid it. However the difference here is, he is telling the very countries (Ireland included) how they should spend the tax he is trying to avoid. Or worse, telling people who will never have the means to avoid tax to donate more.

Fighting Irish · 06-06-2011 02:12PM

Show Time wrote: »

I would pay more attention to what the little short arse has to say if he was willing to pay some tax here.

Jealous much?

If you could work the system so you make more money, you wouldn't?

Badgermonkey · 06-06-2011 02:13PM

orourkeda wrote: »

Do you know if he has or not?

Addressed that previously, you replied so assumed you'd read my qualification.

Correct me if I'm mistaken but the business moved to the Netherlands pertains to the bands publishing rights.

They continue to pay tax in Ireland on monies accrued from touring and merchandising, which constitutes the majority of their earnings by some significant margin.

omen80 · 06-06-2011 02:23PM

Oh what a country of begrudgers we are! I admit that Bono can be a pain when he goes on and on about third world debt etc....but at least he is using his stature for some good.........as in getting the debts cancelled for the 18 poorest countries in Africa. The bottom line is that these protesters would not go to the Glastonbury gig if he just made his millions and sat on the couch all day. Idiots the lot of them.

Einhard · 06-06-2011 02:42PM

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

But they are!
He calls on countries such as the US to either cancel 3rd world debt or to pay more to charities in Africa. Where does that money come from? ...Tax, tax that he himself is avoiding.

Yes everyone, if they can, will avoid tax. The more you earn the more effort you will put in to try and avoid it. However the difference here is, he is telling the very countries (Ireland included) how they should spend the tax he is trying to avoid. Or worse, telling people who will never have the means to avoid tax to donate more.

But he has every right to do so! And those governments have every right not to listen! First off, he's doing nothing at all illegal. Secondly, he does pay a hefty amount of tax, and so has the right to campaign about its allocation.

More to the point though, Bono's work on debt cancellation is not directed, in the main, towards Ireland, where the issue of his avoiding tax arises. I fail to see how Bono paying 100% of his potential tax in Ireland has to do with him advising the US or others on how to spend theirs. If he did pay all he could here, he would still, by your standards, have no right to campaign in the US or Russia on debt cancellation.

Also, Bono's work on debt cancellation is only a very small part of his overall campaigning on the 3rd world, and he was already being condemned by some, and described as "tiresome" well before his corporate entity sailed off towards Amsterdam.

I'd like Bono to pay extra tax. I think he should but if I were in his position, and could avoid it legitimately, I'd jump at the chance. Indeed, I'd wager that everyone posting in this thread has avoided paying some form of tax at some point. However, I'm not going to link his tax avoidance with his charitable work, because he does genuine good on the latter front, and I applaud him for it. He could just as easily sit on his arse, avoiding tax and getting no flak, instead of campaigning to alleviate the poverty of some of least well off in the world. Others though, would have him abandon his charity work, and just keep his mouth shut whilst avoiding tax, regardless of the detrimental impact this might have on the 3rd world. Which I find pretty topsy turvy thinking to be honest.

ItsAWindUp · 06-06-2011 02:46PM

Good idea, but irrelevant, the BBC won't show it on their coverage.

Show Time · 06-06-2011 02:46PM

Sonnenblumen wrote: »

Who are you? You don't own Bono, apart from sameoh lameoh moaning about the location of the company for tax purposes, what has that got to do with you or I? How does where the company is registered make a difference?

For the benefit of humanity, perhaps you will let us all know what you do have done or plan to do, to help the cause of the poor, the needy etc etc. Those poor unfortunate people will not be interested in your cheap jibes at Bono etc, but if you have any clue how they might help themselves or their children to survive another day, I bet you'll get their full attention possible.

FFS get a life and help others save some more.

I am an Irish tax payer is what i am and i have done more then my fair share for Irish charities and still do, If Bono wants to save Africa then more power to him and the rest of the do-gooders but he would impress me more if some of his money was invested in Irish charities and children's wards and hospitals here in Ireland. A good example would be Crumlin hospital for sick children up in Dublin. The amount of money wasted on Africa is beyond a joke, Any time you send money out to them it's more then likely going to end up funding some warlords next campaign of terror and will not help the average poor sod farming dirt to feed his family.

Show Time · 06-06-2011 02:48PM

Fighting Irish wrote: »

Jealous much?

If you could work the system so you make more money, you wouldn't?

Posts 37# 41# and 55# for an answer.

Sonnenblumen · 06-06-2011 04:18PM

Show Time wrote: »

I am an Irish tax payer is what i am and i have done more then my fair share for Irish charities and still do, If Bono wants to save Africa then more power to him and the rest of the do-gooders but he would impress me more if some of his money was invested in Irish charities and children's wards and hospitals here in Ireland. A good example would be Crumlin hospital for sick children up in Dublin. The amount of money wasted on Africa is beyond a joke, Any time you send money out to them it's more then likely going to end up funding some warlords next campaign of terror and will not help the average poor sod farming dirt to feed his family.

Showtime

I share your cynicism about donations ending up with warlords and I agree more help at home is needed.

hatrickpatrick · 06-06-2011 04:35PM

Ri_Nollaig wrote: »

So your argument is that its ok for Bono and co to avoid paying tax here once they are giving money to charities, most likely in Africa, than paying tax here, as its going towards paying off a huge debt?

Why are most Sub-Saharan Africa countries in huge debt exactly?

Of the hundreds of millions that is donated, how much really reaches the people that need it? How much is lost in administration or bribing corrupt government officials/warlords? But thats all ok, its not dead money...

Perhaps its a valid argument that 95% of their business isn't from Ireland. ...So is 95% of their business in The Netherlands? Why didn't they move their business to the US or UK where it probably is? He wants the G8 countries to cancel 3rd world debt in one hand and then in the other avoid paying out of his own pocket as much as possible. That really is having your cake and eating it too.

I actually like U2, I think they have had some brilliant songs over the years but every time I hear Bono speak I just have to cringe... I really hate the man.

I am merely pointing out that "tax" in this country is destined for a black hole. You may as well take the exchequer funds and burn them in a big fire, at least that way there'd be some entertainment value in it.

If we had the organizational skills as a nation, we would organize a mass tax-evasion whereby we all publicly refuse to pay our tax unless the government allows the banks to fail and stops paying for private investors' mistakes.

Show Time · 06-06-2011 04:43PM

Sonnenblumen wrote: »

Showtime

I share your cynicism about donations ending up with warlords and I agree more help at home is needed.

Having seen first hand the good(Sorry fantastic) work done by the staff in Our Lady's for sick children and to see the way it gets fcuk all government support just makes my blood boil.

Thanks for seeing my point on this subject.

Bottle_of_Smoke · 06-06-2011 05:49PM

Fair play to them.

The tax exemption for artists is there to help people with artistic talent and lack of capital.

Millionaires like Bono using it makes a mockery of the system.

Mike 1972 · 06-06-2011 06:11PM

Apparently It is a condition of the licences of most(all ?) Irish radio stations that 30% of the music they play has to be from Irish bands.

Presumably U2 are no longer in a position to take advantage of this what with being a Dutch band ?

'Bono Pay Up': art group plans tax protest at Glastonbury

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