Читать книгу Thanks Be to Bono - Brent Barton - Страница 9

U2opian Ministries. TEMPLE™. URBAN TEMPLE™. TEMPLE SUBURB™. ELEVATION: RETREAT™. CENTER CENTRE™. Our faith developed many branches. We were something blooming, a garden for sure. As a religion, as a global phenomenon, we invigorated new meaning to the word massive. We spread our ideas so far and so wide. We touched a deep nerve, no one can deny it. I suppose that the true impact of our ministry is actually beyond calculation. We left a meaningful impression on things. We got a conversation started. And that’s something worth noting. We got people engaged. We stirred up some passion, uh huh, alright. And that’s very important to have in life. We opened up a thought process. We opened up channels for communication. The fire of the U2opian movement swept around the world and into the hearts and into the minds of all people everywhere.

I’ve been told that the joy of our celebrations has brought a little pain, to others. It saddens me to think that my life’s work has caused any discomfort or unease to anyone.

Our beliefs, our convictions, and our faith in their certainty, were too much (too much, too much) for some to bear.

And for any troubles that our freedom and our expression may have caused, I am sorry.

Oh, I enraged a few. From the evangelical right through the ranks of all the jihadists and all the so-called whitey-tighty-righty cultural warriors. From the guerrilla anarchist street punk and up, along each rung of the corporate ladder, to the top peak of the global political elite. I’ve pissed off the leaders of fan clubs, activist groups, trade unions, international charities and development organizations, and the legislative and judicial branches of governments on each continent. Not to mention rock stars. I’ve pissed off a rock star or two in my day.

I meant no offense and I do apologize.

I certainly meant no offense to Jesus.

I by no means meant any offense to Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him).

Please understand that I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the wonderful people, culture and industry of China.

To the band: I am sorry if I misinterpreted any of the lyrics or used your music out of a context that you intended. I acknowledge, celebrate and salute the rights you hold over your magnificent creative and intellectual properties!

To Bono and his family, I am sorry for intruding upon your privacy. I crossed that line and I shouldn’t have. Please forgive my indiscretions.

This crazy journey of mine subjected my own family to trials and tribulations. I am so grateful for their love and patience. I have made things terribly difficult for my loved ones. Offstage and on, the wild scandals and globe trotting antics were poor repayment for the gifts given to me. To write of each blessing I’ve received would take several books. Thanks be to the blessings of a broad definition of family: aunts, uncles, cousins once, cousins twice, cousins three times removed. Thanks be to the blessings of friends and friends of friends. There is a community to thank. Thanks be to all in my life who have shown me that the differences between people should not be just tolerated or accepted, but celebrated. It’s the common ground, the one shared by all of humanity, that is the real ground. This is our ground.

This is our ground.

We share it, together.

Although there may be times when we may feel that we walk alone, I tell you brothers, sisters, sons and daughters: we’re all walking through this world together. The universal story is our story. To all the people who hold convictions close to their heart that are different from mine, I mean you no disrespect. I value you and your beliefs! Peace, health and prosperity to you all. I am sorry. And I will be sorrier still I if I fail to communicate this message to you effectively now in this collection of my thoughts and stories. Communicating the idea of love to you is what I want most in life, and knowing that it has brought anger or hate into your heart, in any way, troubles me deeply.

I like to think that I have had my own taste of perspective now.

Time away from the world can give that to you.

It can bring a better sense of balance.