Music

U2's Bono suggests sending comedians to combat ISIS

by Jeremy Mersereau

Are we still taking Bono seriously when he opens his mouth to do anything other than the chorus to “With Or Without You”?

At a U.S. Senate sub-committee hearing on how to fund campaigns against violent extremism, the U2 frontman, activist, and sunglasses enthusiast jokily suggested sending an elite, A-Team-esque squad of comedians including Sacha Baron Cohen, Amy Schumer, and Chris Rock to undermine extremist groups’ authority, in lieu of violence.

“I think comedy should be deployed. It’s like, you speak violence, you speak their language. If you laugh at them when they’re goose-stepping down the street, then it takes away their power,” Bono said at the hearing. “So, I am suggesting that the Senate send in Amy Schumer and Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen, thank you.”

Sure! What could go wrong!? I imagine ISIS will get a big kick out of Borat, and pretty soon, everyone will be laughing their heads quite literally off.

Alright, so maybe we’re being unfair and Bono comments’ weren’t completely off base: Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said she’s heard plans similar to Bono’s before, from counter-extremism experts. Bono also followed up his comedian Suicide Squad idea with a more thought-out proposal that the U.S. provide Marshall Plan-style aid to the Middle East, which sounds reasonable.

Or maybe it was just a cover for Bono’s nefarious ulterior motive? *To self, in delightful Irish brogue* “How can I get rid of all the comedians who make fun of me band?” *whole ageless face curls up into a sadistic grin like the Grinch*

[h/t The Guardian]