Bono Blasted for Tax Avoidance

[excerpt] The U2 frontman regularly meets  political leaders to lobby on behalf of developing nations and has visited countries including Ethiopia and Mexico to try to improve the lives of the world's poor.

But U2 sparked criticism in 2006 by shifting part of their business affairs from Ireland to the Netherlands after a cap on generous tax breaks for artists in their home country.

[excerpt] Last year, U2 members were the highest-earning musicians in the world, raking in approximately £80 million.

There will be counter arguments that suggest Bono is right to move his wealth offshore simply because governments "waste" money. There will also be plenty of people who argue that Bono should hide his wealth in offshore accounts and exploit loopholes in international tax laws simply because he "donates" so much of his time to bettering the lives of poor people in developing countries.

Anyone who suggests that he pay up will be called "stupid" and "ignorant" and told to learn how business works.

Never mind that Bono's ONE Foundation only donates 1% of it's funds to charity.