Gates, Buffett call on billionaires to give it all away

[Francis]

So here is the idea and concept..

Good, bad or just nutty ?

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett's call this week asking the world's billionaires to give away half their fortunes has been met by a touch of skepticism by some who wonder if the motivation is one of true charity.

Gates and Buffett announced this new initiative, called the Giving Pledge, which calls on everyone on the Forbes 400 American rich list to pledge half their net worth -- either now or at their death. The hope is that if everyone on the list agrees, the plan could raise US$600 billion.

Buffett has already written his pledge, which is published on the Giving Pledge website --though he's going beyond the 50 per cent target, aiming to give away 99 per cent of his $50 billion fortune.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20100618/billionaires-buffett-gates-100619/

 

[hart]

I don't know how I feel about that.......

 

[Guyzerr]

Who cares what they do with their money. I know for a fact they wouldn't be giving me a check anytime soon. Bastards!

 

[edgray]

Gates could start by giving every Windows user a refund... :24:

Gates has a nice idea here. 600$ billion goes a long way all manner of good could be done with the money. I don't think it should just be given as a handout to the needy, but used in social programs maybe, housing projects, social research, scientific research etc. Maybe even space exploration or something.

I don't see any damage that can come from the money being given away, they're certainly not using it.

 

[Kyle B]

Kudos to them if they decide to give some of it away. Donating money to those less fortunate is always an honorable thing.

 

[Accountable]

It's their money. I think it's a great idea that they give it away, rather than insisting that the gov't force everyone to do it. Of course it will be like hitting the lottery for those that get money, and we've seen the havoc that hitting the lottery sometimes wreaks. But then again, that's the recipient's decision whether to use the money wisely, waste it, or inject it in their veins.

 

[Guyzerr]

It's their money. I think it's a great idea that they give it away, rather than insisting that the gov't force everyone to do it. Of course it will be like hitting the lottery for those that get money, and we've seen the havoc that hitting the lottery sometimes wreaks. But then again, that's the recipient's decision whether to use the money wisely, waste it, or inject it in their veins.

From what Gates said in the article it seems his money might end up offshore to help those in need before anyone in North America sees it.

 

[Accountable]

That's what Oprah ended up doing with her charity money. Seems American kids didn't pay the appropriate amount of appreciation to which she'd become accustomed.

I'll bet gods do that, too.

 

[Guyzerr]

That's what Oprah ended up doing with her charity money. Seems American kids didn't pay the appropriate amount of appreciation to which she'd become accustomed.

I'll bet gods do that, too.

That's what bothers me about celeb type people. If they do something in the name of charity they have to let the world know. I'm of the opinion they should keep their mouth shut and just do it.

 

[Accountable]

That's what really impressed me about Brad Pitt & Sean Penn after Katrina.

 

[Guyzerr]

That's what really impressed me about Brad Pitt & Sean Penn after Katrina.

I didn't hear about them but if you did I suppose others did as well. Who let the cat out of the bag in their case?

 

[Accountable]

I didn't hear about them but if you did I suppose others did as well. Who let the cat out of the bag in their case?

Cameras found Penn in a rented rowboat carrying a shotgun helping evacuate residents. I watch a Canadian show Holmes on Homes that mentioned Brad Pitt staying active in the lower 9th ward even now.

 

[cam elle toe]

From what I understood, Gates is already giving it away. Hasnt he set up immunisation programns in Africa, and other 3rd world countries? (too lazy to look myself...its Sunday morning after all)

 

[Kyle B]

Cameras found Penn in a rented rowboat carrying a shotgun helping evacuate residents. I watch a Canadian show Holmes on Homes that mentioned Brad Pitt staying active in the lower 9th ward even now.

Wait, Holmes on Homes is a Canadian show? :eek

 

[Francis]

Of course they should be allowed to do what they want with they money.

Again, it comes down to, making a story out of it, or are they really making a point..

I guess it depends on how you view it and how they approach the topic..

At first I liked Bill Gates saying politely he was giving away millions to charity thru his foundation as it was much more low key. Now it is more becoming a spectacle and it is almost to the point if reaching annoying.. The watch me " I am so rich I can give it all away " and still have millions in else where.. :willy_nilly:

OK we know you have tons of money and can give it away and earn it right back.. Just do it, let the IRS know you have and let us move on..

 

[Accountable]

Wait, Holmes on Homes is a Canadian show? :eek

I thought half his clients were Irish. I was really confused until I realized that when he talks about hydro he means electricity, not water. :willy_nilly:

 

[Francis]

I thought half his clients were Irish. I was really confused until I realized that when he talks about hydro he means electricity, not water. :willy_nilly:

Hydro is what we call most of our electricity up here due to the fact most of it comes from Water Based sources, hence dams.. It is also a big part of our exports to your country along with Oil..

Hydro Quebec
http://www.hydroquebec.com/en/index.html

Ontario Hydro ( Hydroone )
http://www.hydroone.com/Pages/Default.aspx#

BC Hydro
http://www.bchydro.com/

 

[Accountable]

Hydro is what we call most of our electricity up here due to the fact most of it comes from Water Based sources, hence dams.. It is also a big part of our exports to your country along with Oil..

Hydro Quebec
http://www.hydroquebec.com/en/index.html

Ontario Hydro ( Hydroone )
http://www.hydroone.com/Pages/Default.aspx#

BC Hydro
http://www.bchydro.com/

Export?!? You mean like sell?? You should be giving it away, like Gates & Buffett.
(ya like the way I tied that back in there? :woot: )

 

[Francis]

Export?!? You mean like sell?? You should be giving it away, like Gates & Buffett.
(ya like the way I tied that back in there? :woot: )

Yah but we sell it at a minimum cost ( low time of day ) and buy some of it back at premium ( peak ).. I see problems here..

Maybe you have a point and it should be free and giving it away, so I agree...

 

[Accountable]