| Author | Topic | | AnonJr
Absent-minded Webmaster
USA
621 Posts |  Posted - 30 Jun 2006 : 23:43:42 
| I've been reading an awful lot of commentary on Bill's retirement from Microsoft. One of the better ones is here: link.
All that aside, one of the editors over at Computer World made a rather interesting point - all the discussions so far have been on his retirement, or if/how his retirement will affect Microsoft... but no one is saying much about what he's planning to do with his retirement - and that is the true significance. He's planning on taking his money and actually trying to do some good through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
I'll comment a little more on this in a bit, but first you might find the editorial rather enlightening... (here's the link) |
There's no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you.
- Will Rogers |
| AXEMAN2415
Guitar Weenie
USA
740 Posts | Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 16:10:43
| Not being all that computer savvy (no comments from you, Anon...), I am very aware of the significance of Bill Gates and his obvious influence upon all of society.I am aware that many people have criticisms of Gates, in regards to some of Microsoft's products, and perhaps Gates' own handlings of Microsoft. But those are arguments and debates that I am unqualified to get involved in.
I do, however, feel that he should be able to do with his money what he wants to do. I have always known that Gates has been quite the philanthropist, perhaps one of the largest philanthropists in the 20th century.Yet he does not make all of his philanthropic activities public knowledge.That says something to me.In a politically charged climate, where it seems perfectly acceptable to demonize those who are more wealthy than the rest of us, I am not surprised that Gates shelters his philanthropic activities from the public, even if it invites criticism from those of less understanding.
Here is a man who built an empire out of hardwork. And here is a man who chooses to give a large portion of his private wealth to charity.I personally find that, not only refreshing, but above criticism.Say what you want about the product, and as I understand, we can choose another system, but I cannot find Gates contemptible for how he uses his fortune.Even if I could, it really wouldn't be any of my business, anyway. |
"C'mon Dave, Gimme a break!" |  |
| AnonJr
Absent-minded Webmaster
USA
621 Posts | Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 17:00:53
| True. I think what got me thinking of this the most was the Computer World editorial (third link in my first post) - in particular this little bit:quote:
Go to the foundation's Web site (www.gatesfoundation.org ) and you'll find this in the mission statement: "Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world."
Why is it that we see this endeavor as less worthy of our attention than the strategic direction of a software company? Maybe it's because we've been inoculated against caring by self-proclaimed philanthropists whose fortunes were made in the IT industry and whose motives appear questionable. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison comes to mind.
Last week, the Financial Times reported that Harvard University has been left high and dry by Ellison, who in March 2005 committed to donating $115 million to Harvard to establish the Ellison Institute for World Health. The Times reported that Ellison never paid up and that his advisers last fall began linking the payment to the final settlement of an insider trading lawsuit brought against Ellison by Oracle's shareholders. That settlement called for Ellison to donate $100 million to charity in Oracle's name.
Then there's Ellison's own nonprofit organization, the Ellison Medical Foundation. Go to its Web site (www.ellisonfoundation.org) and you'll find this in the mission statement:
"The Ellison Medical Foundation supports basic biomedical research on aging relevant to understanding aging processes and age-related diseases and disabilities." Leave it to Larry to set up a foundation that's searching for the Fountain of Youth. I can't be the only one who has a hunch that Larry isn't crazy about turning 63 in August.
Ellison got into quite a bit of trouble over that little snafu. |
There's no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you.
- Will Rogers | |
| AXEMAN2415
Guitar Weenie
USA
740 Posts | Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 17:12:48
| And yet Gates will somehow be lumped into the same catagory as Ellison, simply because Gates is rich, one of the wealthiest men on the planet.
But I think that this kind of stigma, warranted or not, is placed by those who desire to impugn those who have wealth. It is class envy, and I despise that kind of attitude. I applaud anyone who works hard, plays by the rules, and uses thier intellect to make money for themselves. If they misuse thier forune, they will ultimately pay the consequences. Just look at Enron. But even if they do not have any justice brought upon them on this earth, surely God will see to it that they are compensated justly.
As for me, it is not my place to condemn anyone , whether they are destitute or wealthy. Both the rich and the poor need Jesus. |
"C'mon Dave, Gimme a break!" | |
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