The Gates Foundation and Their Never-Ending Reach
First off, bless Melinda and Bill Gates for being willing to give away money for world health and public education in the U.S. I applaud anyone who steps up to help. They are likely helping many people.
However, we all know, as citizens in a city where we have more than one billionaire, that while philanthropy is a great thing, these people giveth...and they taketh. The new mantra is "venture philanthropy" - they expect a return on their investment.
And why not? It's their money, right? Okay, sure, I get that. No one wants to throw their charitable dollars into a black hole. But, when you are talking about people who not only have a HUGE foundation as well as owning a HUGE corporation, then you are talking about a different kind of philanthropist. You are talking about people who are using their money and their power to bend and shape public policy.
At that point, it becomes troubling.
The New York Times ran a front page article on the Gates Foundation's educational wing this past Sunday.
However, we all know, as citizens in a city where we have more than one billionaire, that while philanthropy is a great thing, these people giveth...and they taketh. The new mantra is "venture philanthropy" - they expect a return on their investment.
And why not? It's their money, right? Okay, sure, I get that. No one wants to throw their charitable dollars into a black hole. But, when you are talking about people who not only have a HUGE foundation as well as owning a HUGE corporation, then you are talking about a different kind of philanthropist. You are talking about people who are using their money and their power to bend and shape public policy.
At that point, it becomes troubling.
The New York Times ran a front page article on the Gates Foundation's educational wing this past Sunday.
