Bono became a billionaire today...

[one eyed jack]

Hi Ken

Given that you wrote: "... it's very hypocritical to lecture others about giving, when holding on to such vast sums of money yourself"

Who is to say that Bono hasnt donated large sums to any charities. He may well have done. It seems to me that people wan tto have a pop at him because he wears those shades all the time and they dont rust him because they cannot see his eyes.

I know, a bizarre comment coming from me but it might have some weight as to why the man isn't liked by many on here and quick to be discredited when the man is only trying to use his fame to do good.

Hurray for Bono and hoo-ray for Geldof I say. Boo to the critics who have sat on their arse, wagged their fingers in distrust and wild accusations and done nothing else for any cause in their life I say

I know people in the porn industry that have done charity work but didnt want it publicised. I had to chew the arm off one girl to get her to okay me filming her on a charity run for my documentary and missed out on a day with a known name behind the scenes who did a long bike ride for a charitable cause.

My point being is that people with vast amounts of money actually find it tasteless to make it public how much they are giving because they dont want to be seen as paragons to the causes they are giving to for various personal reasons.

I'm sure there would be an uproar in politics if what that link claimed was true. Look at how those non dom, tax exiles were treated then think about that link and ask yourself if it is really true.

I dont doubt there are some scams involving charities but not as gross as that link suggests

[Ken Shabby]

I don't know who's given what to whom. And we'll probably never know. All I'm saying is that I find it amazing how immensely rich people, who are very vocal about hunger, manage to stay immensely rich. You can call me cynical if you want to....

[lloyd42]

[max_tranmere]

Hi David. I agree not all organisations are solely about giving money to causes, some raise awareness. I think a charity or similar organisation should publish where the money goes though.

[David Johnson]

"I think a charity or similar organisation should publish where the money goes though."

To a certain extent you can do that now. In the States, charities provide their accounts to the IRS. In the UK charities registered with the Charity Commission can have their accounts with HMRC perused via the Charity Commission website.

The only issue is the level of detail those accounts go to. Certainly they would show you overall income, money spent on salaries, expenses etc and money that leaves the charity. It probably wouldnt go down to the nth degree in terms of what Joe Public could see e.g. a detailed breakdown of who got what expenditure wise but it would definitely give you a good idea.

CHeers
D