To what end ...?

You say you want to continue the conversation, but I ask you: "To what end?" We disagree, plain and simple. I believe it is possible to reallocate funding to allow for the increase expenditure on foreign aide. You are ... how to say? ... less optimistic that such a reallocation could and/or will occur. Thus, in Bono, you see a foreigner asking the government to raise your taxes to fund his "pet project." I see a man making a moral argument grounded in the idea that "From everyone whom has been given much, much will be required." (Luke 12:48) I see a man who recognizes that the US - a country that has certainly been given much -- does not necessarily live up to its call to give much (certainly not by comparison to other "Developed Nations). From your postings, it appears that you believe that if a man protects a portion of his earnings from taxation, said man should not say anything about how taxes are spent. I believe that most conservatives try to rightfully limit the amount of taxes collected by their government, but I also believe that they still have a right to exercise their voice in arguing for how the money is spent.

In the end, I guess I would say this. I believe this man to be a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Do I agree with everything he says or does? No. But I am not terribly inclined to tear down those that I believe are actively trying to live out their faith (however flawed those attempts may be from time to time).