[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 U2'S CONTRIBUTION TO A LOST GENERATION

  Mr. FRIST. Madam President, I would like to take this time to 
congratulate Bono and the band U2 on receiving four Grammy Awards at 
last night's ceremony. While music listeners across the globe recognize 
Bono's music is well deserving of such accolades, I believe that 
another aspect of his career is also deserving of recognition.
  I was first introduced to Bono when he came by my office to talk 
about Africa and the struggles many third world countries face, 
including the issues of debt relief and the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. 
As chair of the Senate subcommittee on African Affairs and an active 
participant in medical missionary work in Africa, I was interested in 
learning how a rock star could contribute to international policy. I 
quickly found out that Bono was much more than a music icon. He is a 
serious person, well versed in the many issues that plague third world 
countries. More importantly, I found a person who was willing to use 
his time and talent to champion issues that will help end poverty and 
disease throughout the world.
  In January, Bono joined me on my trip to Uganda, where we visited 
health centers and AIDS clinics to learn how countries are coping with 
what's become the world's greatest health crisis. In a region where 
over half the population is under 15, Bono was able to carefully 
balance compassion and pragmatism. He asked the hard questions that 
countries like Uganda now face and how we, as a world, can aid in the 
fight. His interest was genuine. His commitment to making a difference 
was concrete. And because of his efforts, countries like Uganda and 
many others have a viable spokesperson committed to ending their 
strife.
  U2's music has always been one of compassion and humanity, committed 
as much to what their lyrics say as to how the music sounds. But this 
higher level of political consciousness goes far beyond U2's music. 
It's a part of their advocacy efforts and apparent in their ability to 
stay committed to the issues they support. Just as U2 is still being 
honored for their music after 25 years, I fully expect them to also be 
remembered for their efforts to improve international policy 25 years 
from now.
  Taking home four of music's most prestigious honors is, in itself, an 
inspiring feat. But it's Bono and U2's ability to be a voice for a lost 
generation that deserves the real honor.

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