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Public Campaign To Stop “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames”:
Update
18 July 2006
On July 5th, the Venezuela Solidarity Network (VSN) launched a public campaign to stop the distribution of the video game “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames”, the game that depicts the virtual invasion of Venezuela, the overthrow of the government, the destruction of major Venezuelan cities and rural areas, and the takeover of the oil industry.
First of all, thanks for the support from all who have spoken out about this so-called “game” and why it should be stopped. The public campaign was launched after there was no response from the game producer (Pandemic Studios) or from Bono of U2 and his investment company, Elevation Partners, the company that has invested $300 million in Pandemic Studios.
On July 5th, the VSN sent out a press release. We also sent a fact sheet and the original letter to Bono (English & Spanish) to a variety of internet sites.
The response was impressive. Within 24 hours, the story had circled the world.
Over the last week, stories have run in a wide range of media. A sampling of headlines: “Far-Lefties See Red Over Bono” (New York Post), “Is Bono a Vapid Poseur?” (The Nation), “Bono Gets Strife From Far Left for Video Game” (AOL Entertainment). The last story stated, “Now, left-wing commentators are blasting Bono, saying that he "glorifies stale, old mercenary approaches" by investing in Pandemic, and that he "should use his financial interest in the company to kill it, or better, he should pull out entirely as an investor, and condemn such imperialist garbage." Bono had no comment.”
Given all of this, the Venezuela Solidarity Network calls on one and all to please continue to distribute information about this outrageous game and to please help inform others about what is really happening in Venezuela and throughout Latin America. “Mercenaries 2: World In Flames” should be stopped.
If you are interested in contacting Bono and letting your voice be heard about this, see the fact sheet (below) with contact information. We encourage individuals to contact Bono or his representatives directly. This has the potential of having the most impact.
Resources you can use to contact Bono and his associates:
Fact Sheet (pdf)
Fact Sheet (Spanish-pdf)
Original Letter to Bono (pdf)
Original Letter to Bono-Spanish
If you would like more information, please contact the Venezuela Solidarity Network at vsn@afgj.org
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