I generally like Bono, and think that he makes many persuasive arguments when it comes to third-world indebtedness. Interestingly though, while advocating more tax money go to relieve poverty, U2 has [relocated](http://www.slate.com/id/2152580/?nav=tap3) part of its business to avoid Irish taxes. Generally I don’t see a problem with legally avoiding taxes, but in light of Bono’s activism it seems like hypocrisy to me. From the article:

>[Bono said] “Holding children to ransom for the debts of their grandparents … that’s a justice issue. Withholding life-saving medicines out of deference to the Office of Patents … that’s a justice issue.”

>And relocating your business offshore in order to avoid paying taxes to the Republic of Ireland, where poverty is [higher than in almost any other developed nation](http://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/youth/republic_of_ireland)?

Bono’s hypocrisy seems even more naked when you consider that Ireland is a tax haven for artists. What U2 should do to be morally consistent is announce that they are taking all the money saved in taxes and spending it directly on aid to Africa. Doesn’t help Ireland too much, but it’s ones right to have priorities… (and right now the priority of self is painfully apparent).

Hat tip to [Instapundit](http://instapundit.com/archives/033713.php).