Wednesday, August 4, 2010

40 billionaires pledge to give away half of wealth

Gates, Buffett lead campaign to persuade America's wealthiest to donate their fortunes

More than three dozen of America's wealthiest individuals and families have joined Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in agreeing to give away at least half their fortunes to charity.

The announcement was made Wednesday by The Giving Pledge, an effort officially launched by Gates and Buffett earlier this year to persuade the richest people in America to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to the philanthropic causes and charitable organizations of their choice, either during their lifetime or after their death. 
 

Well, it sounds nice, but wouldn't it be better to give people jobs so they didn't need charity? Just a thought... these guys could start up businesses, industries that would help people to be independent, earn a living, maybe even compete with Buffet, Turner, Pickens, Lucas, and the others at some point. 

I'm a big believer in charity, I give, I volunteer and truly believe in helping those who can't help themselves. But if you took half the fortunes of the folks who've committed to giving away half their wealth and channeled it  properly what a change this world would see! 

Oh well, it is a good gesture and I commend them for wanting to help others. I just hope it ultimately results in more people being able to take care of themselves without depending on hand-outs.

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