I've got a new celebrity crush. He's cool and he's a capitalist. Those are two things that typically don't go together -- celebrity and capitalism.
It's no secret that Hollywood doesn't roll out the red carpet for capitalists -- in real life or in the movies. But if my new crush has anything to say about it, the stars just may start singing a different tune.
It's Bono of U2 fame. And, it's what he said at a speech at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. that made my heart skip a beat. Bono was talking about Africa and what needs to happen to help the country end poverty and become an economic powerhouse.
Aid is just a stop-gap. Commerce [and] entrepreneurial capitalism takes more people out of poverty than aid.
In dealing with poverty here and around the world, welfare and foreign aid are a Band-Aid. Free enterprise is a cure. Entrepreneurship is the most sure way of development.
Rock star preaches capitalism. Sometimes I hear myself and I just can't believe it.
Bono's speech is not new. In fact, he gave it in November 2012, but it wasn't until recently that people began to take notice and the video has since gone viral.
Maybe somebody finally found what they're looking for?
But I know what you're probably thinking. In spite of our meeting of the minds, Bono is just too old for me. And you're probably right. No worries, I have another celebrity in mind who is a little bit closer to my age.
Move over Mila. Ashton Kutcher's inspirational speech at the Teen Choice Awards made me and many other girls fall head over heels for him, again. Ashton talked about his work experiences before he became a famous actor, saying "I've never had a job in life that I was better than. I was always lucky to have a job. And every job I had was a stepping stone to my next job. And I never quit my job until I had my next job."
Ashton also told the audience to believe in yourself, "that everything around us that we call life was made up by people that are no smarter than you. And you can build your own thing. You can build your own life."
Rock on Bono and Ashton. It's a beautiful day for capitalism, earned success, hard work and good old American values.
Peace Love Profits,
Blake