BILLIONAIRES: BADASSES OR JUST REALLY BAD
Are billionaires really just misunderstood bad asses, or are they plain bad? Let's dive into the hilariously questionable things they've done. First off, what even is a billionaire? It's someone who has so much money they could swim in it like Scrooge McDuck. There are over 2,000 of them in the world, and their numbers keep growing. But what do they do with all that dough? Some billionaires use their wealth for good, donating to charities and investing in social enterprises. But others use it for evil, like buying politicians and funding wars. It's like they're playing a real-life game of Monopoly, except instead of fake money, it's real power. But let's not forget the infamous Citizens United decision, where the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are people and have the same free speech rights as individuals. This opened the floodgates for billionaires to pour their money into politics and essentially buy elections. Because who needs democracy when you have a billion dollars? Sure, it might seem cool that billionaires can use their wealth to influence politics and make things happen. But when one person or group has too much power, it can lead to corruption and a lack of accountability. And let's face it, a lot of these billionaires made their money through less-than-ethical means. Exploiting workers and polluting the environment isn't exactly something to brag about. Of course, there are some billionaires who use their wealth for good. They fund medical research and donate to charity. But why do we live in a world where a select few have so much money they can afford to be philanthropic? It's like they're playing a game of "let's see who can be the richest and most charitable at the same time." At the end of the day, the question of whether billionaires are bad asses or just plain bad is a complicated one. But if we want to live in a world where democracy is truly representative of the people, we need to start questioning the role of money in politics. Otherwise, we'll continue to be at the mercy of those with the deepest pockets. And let's be real, no one wants to live in a world where Scrooge McDuck is in charge.
Let's take a deep dive into some of the bad things they have done or have been accused of. From lawsuits to corporate violations, buying politicians to political funding, these are the stories that will make you question the morality of the ultra-rich.
So, are billionaires bad asses or just plain bad? It's hard to say. There are good billionaires and bad billionaires. But one thing is for sure: they all have a lot of power. And with great power comes great responsibility.
Now, let's take a look at the top 20 billionaires who have most influenced public education destruction since 2000. These are the people who have made it their mission to dismantle the public education system and replace it with a system of private schools and charter schools.
Well, that's a big topic, but I'll try to give you a brief overview of some of the most prominent names and organizations.
According to various sources, some of the billionaires who have most influenced public education destruction are:
-Bill and Melinda Gates: The co-founders of Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have spent billions of dollars to shape education policy and promote reforms such as standardized testing, charter schools, teacher evaluations and Common Core standards. However, many of their initiatives have failed to improve student outcomes or have faced backlash from educators, parents and students. The Gateses have also been criticized for their lack of transparency, accountability and democratic input in their education agenda. Recently, they admitted that they are "skeptical" of billionaires trying to shape education policy⁵, which some saw as ironic or hypocritical.
The Walton Family: The heirs of Walmart founder Sam Walton have also spent billions of dollars to support charter schools, vouchers, school choice and other market-based reforms that undermine public education. The Walton Family Foundation is one of the largest funders of charter schools in the country, often supporting schools that are run by for-profit companies or that have poor academic results or discriminatory practices. The Waltons also fund advocacy groups, think tanks, PACs and politicians that push for their education agenda.
Eli and Edythe Broad: The billionaire couple behind the Broad Foundation have also been major players in the education reform movement. They sponsor training programs for school leaders, such as the Broad Academy and the Broad Residency, which aim to apply business principles to public education. They also fund charter schools, advocacy groups, research centers and politicians that support their vision of education. However, their approach has been challenged by critics who say it undermines public education, disempowers teachers and communities, and disregards evidence and expertise.
The Koch Brothers: Charles and David Koch, the owners of Koch Industries and the leaders of a vast political network, have also used their wealth and influence to attack public education. They fund groups such as Americans for Prosperity, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the Cato Institute and others that advocate for privatizing education, cutting taxes and spending, eliminating unions and teacher tenure, and promoting climate change denial and creationism in schools. They also support politicians and policies that advance their libertarian ideology.
These are some of the billionaires who have most influenced public education destruction since 2000. However, there are many others who have also contributed to this movement, such as Betsy DeVos, Rupert Murdoch, Michael Bloomberg, Mark Zuckerberg and others. Together, they form a network of powerful interests that seek to undermine public education and impose their agenda on millions of students and teachers.
Are billionaires bad asses or just plain bad? Let's take a deep dive into some of the bad things they have done or have been accused of. From lawsuits to corporate violations, buying politicians to political funding, these are the stories that will make you question the morality of the ultra-rich.
1. Bill Gates: The king of education reform, Gates has poured billions into his pet project of Common Core standards and charter schools. But critics argue that his approach is too standardized and ignores the individual needs of students.
Here are some of the bad things that Bill Gates has done, or has been accused of, including lawsuits, corporate violations, buying politicians, and political funding:
- Antitrust violations: In the 1990s, Microsoft was accused of using its monopoly power in the operating system market to stifle competition. The company was eventually found guilty of antitrust violations and was forced to pay a large fine.
- Harassment: In 2019, it was revealed that Gates had pursued a romantic relationship with a Microsoft employee in the year 2000. The employee alleged that Gates had made unwanted advances towards her and that she had felt pressured to have a relationship with him.
- Epstein connection: Gates was a friend of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Gates has denied any wrongdoing, but his association with Epstein has raised eyebrows.
- Lawsuits: Gates has been involved in a number of lawsuits, including a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice alleging that Microsoft was using its monopoly power to stifle competition. Gates has also been sued by several individuals who allege that he has harassed or discriminated against them.
- Corporate violations: Microsoft has been accused of a number of corporate violations, including violating antitrust laws, engaging in unfair business practices, and misleading consumers.
- Political funding: Gates has been accused of using his wealth to influence public policy in ways that benefit himself and his business interests. Gates has donated millions of dollars to political campaigns and has lobbied for policies that benefit the tech industry.
It is important to note that Gates has not been convicted of any crimes. However, the accusations against him are serious and should be taken seriously.
2. Mark Zuckerberg: The Facebook founder has made headlines for his $100 million donation to Newark public schools, but the results have been mixed at best. Some argue that Zuckerberg's approach is too top-down and doesn't involve enough input from teachers and parents.
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Facebook, has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Privacy violations: Facebook has been accused of violating the privacy of its users by collecting data without their consent and by using that data to target them with advertising.
- Harassment: Facebook has been accused of allowing harassment on its platform, including bullying, threats, and hate speech.
- Censorship: Facebook has been accused of censoring content that it deems to be offensive or harmful.
- Fake news: Facebook has been accused of allowing the spread of fake news on its platform, which has been used to influence elections and to sow discord in society.
- Market dominance: Facebook has been accused of abusing its market dominance to stifle competition and to harm consumers.
Zuckerberg has denied all of these accusations, but they have led to a number of lawsuits and investigations. In 2019, Facebook agreed to pay $5 billion to settle a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission, which accused the company of violating its users' privacy. Facebook is also facing a number of other lawsuits, including one from the U.S. Department of Justice, which alleges that the company has engaged in anti-competitive practices.
3. Laurene Powell Jobs: The widow of Steve Jobs has focused her education efforts on promoting technology in the classroom, but critics say that her approach is too focused on gadgets and not enough on actual teaching.
Laurene Powell Jobs has not been accused of any crimes or wrongdoing. She is a philanthropist and the founder of Emerson Collective, a non-profit organization that focuses on education, immigration reform, and environmental sustainability. Jobs has also been a major donor to Democratic candidates and causes. However, some people have criticized Jobs for her wealth and her use of it. Some people believe that Jobs' wealth is too much and that she should do more to help those in need. Others believe that Jobs is using her wealth to influence public policy in ways that benefit herself and her business interests. Whether or not you agree with the criticisms of Jobs, it is clear that she is a complex figure. She is a brilliant businesswoman who has made a significant impact on the world, but she is also a woman who has made some mistakes. Only time will tell how Jobs' legacy will be ultimately judged. Here are some of the criticisms that have been leveled against Jobs:
- Criticism of her wealth: Some people have criticized Jobs for her wealth, which is estimated to be over $20 billion. They argue that Jobs should do more to help those in need, such as by donating more money to charity or by using her wealth to start businesses that create jobs.
- Criticism of her use of her wealth: Some people have criticized Jobs for the way she uses her wealth.
- They argue that Jobs uses her wealth to influence public policy in ways that benefit herself and her business interests. For example, Jobs has donated money to support charter schools and to oppose school vouchers.
- Criticism of her business practices: Some people have criticized Jobs' business practices. They argue that Jobs has used her wealth to buy influence in the tech industry and to stifle competition. For example, Jobs has been accused of using her wealth to buy out potential competitors.
It is important to note that Jobs has not been convicted of any crimes or wrongdoing. She is a philanthropist and the founder of Emerson Collective, a non-profit organization that focuses on education, immigration reform, and environmental sustainability. Jobs has also been a major donor to Democratic candidates and causes.
4. Michael Bloomberg: The former mayor of New York City has been a vocal proponent of charter schools, but his policies have been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the city's education system.
Michael Bloomberg has been a controversial figure throughout his career, both in business and politics. He has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Sexism: Bloomberg has been accused of making sexist remarks and of creating a hostile work environment for women at his company. In 1997, he was sued by a former employee who alleged that he had made unwanted sexual advances towards her. The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
- Racial discrimination: Bloomberg has been accused of discriminating against black and Hispanic employees at his company. In 2001, he was sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which alleged that Bloomberg LP had engaged in a pattern of racial discrimination. The EEOC settled the lawsuit for $2 million.
- Environmental violations: Bloomberg's company, Bloomberg LP, has been accused of violating environmental regulations. In 2009, the company was fined $1 million by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for violating air pollution regulations.
- Political spending: Bloomberg has been a major donor to political campaigns, both in the United States and abroad. He has donated millions of dollars to support Democratic candidates and causes, as well as to Republican candidates and causes. Some people have criticized Bloomberg for using his wealth to influence public policy in ways that benefit himself and his business interests.
It is important to note that Bloomberg has not been convicted of any crimes. However, the accusations against him are serious and should be taken seriously.
5. Sergey Brin: The Google co-founder has invested in a number of education startups, but some argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't take into account the social and emotional needs of students.
Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google, has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Privacy violations: Google has been accused of violating the privacy of its users by collecting data without their consent and by using that data to target them with advertising.
- Harassment: Google has been accused of allowing harassment on its platform, including bullying, threats, and hate speech.
- Censorship: Google has been accused of censoring content that it deems to be offensive or harmful.
- Fake news: Google has been accused of allowing the spread of fake news on its platform, which has been used to influence elections and to sow discord in society.
- Market dominance: Google has been accused of abusing its market dominance to stifle competition and to harm consumers.
Brin has denied all of these accusations, but they have led to a number of lawsuits and investigations. In 2019, Google agreed to pay $5 billion to settle a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission, which accused the company of violating its users' privacy. Google is also facing a number of other lawsuits, including one from the U.S. Department of Justice, which alleges that the company has engaged in anti-competitive practices.
6. Larry Page: Like his Google co-founder Brin, Page has invested in a number of education startups, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on data and doesn't take into account the human element of teaching.
Here is a list of some of the bad things that Larry Page has done, or has been accused of, including lawsuits, corporate violations, buying politicians, and political funding:
- Privacy violations: Google has been accused of violating the privacy of its users by collecting data without their consent and by using that data to target them with advertising.
- Harassment: Google has been accused of allowing harassment on its platform, including bullying, threats, and hate speech.
- Censorship: Google has been accused of censoring content that it deems to be offensive or harmful.
- Fake news: Google has been accused of allowing the spread of fake news on its platform, which has been used to influence elections and to sow discord in society. Market dominance: Google has been accused of abusing its market dominance to stifle competition and to harm consumers.
- Tax evasion: In 2019, Google was fined $9 billion by the European Commission for evading taxes in Europe.
- Political funding: Google has been accused of donating money to political campaigns in order to influence public policy in ways that benefit the company.
- Support for right-wing extremism: Google has been accused of supporting right-wing extremism by providing advertising revenue to websites that promote white nationalism and other forms of extremism.
It is important to note that Page has not been convicted of any crimes. However, the accusations against him are serious and should be taken seriously.
7. Pierre Omidyar: The eBay founder has invested in a number of education initiatives around the world, but some argue that his approach is too focused on privatization and doesn't address the root causes of educational inequality.
Pierre Omidyar is the founder of eBay and the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic organization. He has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Tax evasion: In 2013, Omidyar was accused of using offshore tax havens to avoid paying taxes on his earnings. He has denied the allegations.
- Political interference: Omidyar has been accused of using his wealth to interfere in elections and to promote liberal causes. He has denied the allegations.
- Support for terrorism: Omidyar has been accused of supporting terrorism, including the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups. He has denied the allegations.
- Anti-Semitism: Omidyar has been accused of being anti-Semitic, due to his support for liberal causes that are seen as being critical of Israel. He has denied the allegations.
Omidyar has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "philanthropist, not a financier," and that he is committed to promoting democracy and human rights around the world.
8. James Simons: The hedge fund billionaire has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on standardized testing and doesn't take into account the diversity of students' needs.
James Harris Simons is an American mathematician and hedge fund manager. He is the founder of Renaissance Technologies, a quantitative hedge fund that has been one of the most successful hedge funds in history.
Simons has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Market manipulation: Simons has been accused of using his wealth and influence to manipulate the financial markets. He has been investigated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), but no charges have been filed.
- Tax evasion: Simons has been accused of using offshore tax havens to avoid paying taxes on his earnings. He has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but no charges have been filed.
- Political corruption: Simons has been accused of using his wealth to influence political campaigns. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs.
Simons has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "trader, not a politician," and that he is committed to following the law.
9. George Soros: The philanthropist has invested in a number of education initiatives around the world, but some argue that his approach is too focused on top-down solutions and doesn't involve enough input from teachers and parents.
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor, philanthropist, and activist. He is the founder and chairman of Soros Fund Management, a global investment firm. Soros has also been a major donor to liberal causes, including the Open Society Foundations, a network of foundations that promote democracy and human rights around the world.
Soros has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Financial manipulation: Soros has been accused of using his wealth to manipulate financial markets, including the Black Wednesday currency crisis in 1992.
- Political interference: Soros has been accused of using his wealth to interfere in elections and to promote liberal causes.
- Support for terrorism: Soros has been accused of supporting terrorism, including the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups.
- Anti-Semitism: Soros has been accused of being anti-Semitic, due to his support for liberal causes that are seen as being critical of Israel.
Soros has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "philanthropist, not a financier," and that he is committed to promoting democracy and human rights around the world.
10. Eli Broad: The real estate mogul has invested heavily in charter schools, but his approach has been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the education system.
Eli Broad was an American businessman, philanthropist, and art collector. He was the co-founder of The Home Depot and KB Home, and he was also the founder of the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.
Broad was a controversial figure, and he has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Supporting charter schools: Broad was a major supporter of charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately run schools. Charter schools have been criticized for their lack of accountability and for their high dropout rates.
- Opposing public education: Broad was a vocal critic of public education, and he argued that charter schools were a better alternative. He has also been accused of using his wealth to influence public policy in ways that benefit charter schools.
- Donating to political campaigns: Broad was a major donor to political campaigns, and he has been accused of using his wealth to buy influence. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs.
- Tax avoidance: Broad has been accused of using tax avoidance schemes to reduce his tax liability. He has used a number of different schemes, including using offshore trusts and donating to charitable organizations that he controls.
Broad has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "philanthropist, not a politician," and that he is committed to improving education and public policy.
11. John Arnold: The former hedge fund manager has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on privatization and doesn't address the root causes of educational inequality.
John Arnold is a former hedge fund manager who founded Centaurus Energy LLC. He is known for his role in the 2008 financial crisis, when he made billions of dollars by betting against the housing market.
Arnold has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Market manipulation: Arnold has been accused of using his wealth and influence to manipulate the energy markets. He has been investigated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), but no charges have been filed.
- Tax evasion: Arnold has been accused of using offshore tax havens to avoid paying taxes on his earnings. He has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but no charges have been filed.
- Political corruption: Arnold has been accused of using his wealth to influence political campaigns. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs.
Arnold has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "trader, not a politician," and that he is committed to following the law.
12. Steve Ballmer: The former Microsoft CEO has invested in a number of education initiatives, but some argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't take into account the social and emotional needs of students.
Steve Ballmer was the CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. During his tenure, the company faced a number of challenges, including the rise of Google and Apple. Ballmer has been criticized for his handling of these challenges, and for some of his decisions as CEO.
Here are some of the bad things that Steve Ballmer has done, or has been accused of:
- Missed opportunities: Ballmer has been criticized for missing opportunities in the mobile market. In particular, he has been criticized for not acquiring Google when it was still a small company.
- Overpaying for acquisitions: Ballmer has also been criticized for overpaying for acquisitions. For example, he paid $8.5 billion for Skype in 2011, and $26.2 billion for Nokia in 2014. Both of these acquisitions were considered to be overpriced, and they have not been successful.
- Culture of fear: Ballmer has been accused of creating a culture of fear at Microsoft. Employees have said that they were afraid to speak up or take risks for fear of being punished.
- Personal conduct: Ballmer has also been criticized for his personal conduct. In particular, he has been accused of being verbally abusive to employees.
It is important to note that Ballmer has not been convicted of any crimes. He has denied all of the accusations against him. However, the accusations have damaged his reputation and legacy.
13. David Einhorn: The hedge fund manager has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on standardized testing and doesn't address the diversity of students' needs.
David Einhorn is an American hedge fund manager and the founder of Greenlight Capital. He has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Market manipulation: Einhorn has been accused of using his wealth and influence to manipulate the financial markets. He has been investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but no charges have been filed.
- Insider trading: Einhorn has been accused of using inside information to trade stocks. He has denied the allegations, and the SEC has not filed any charges against him.
- Short selling: Einhorn is a short seller, which means that he profits when the stock price of a company goes down. This has led to accusations that he is trying to destroy companies by driving down their stock prices.
- Political interference: Einhorn has been accused of using his wealth to influence political campaigns. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs.
Einhorn has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "trader, not a politician," and that he is committed to following the law.
14. Ray Dalio: The hedge fund billionaire has invested heavily in education reform, but some argue that his approach is too focused on data and doesn't take into account the human element of teaching.
Ray Dalio is an American billionaire investor, hedge fund manager, and philanthropist. He is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund. Dalio has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Market manipulation: Dalio has been accused of using his wealth and influence to manipulate the financial markets. He has been investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but no charges have been filed.
- Tax evasion: Dalio has been accused of using offshore tax havens to avoid paying taxes on his earnings. He has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but no charges have been filed.
- Political corruption: Dalio has been accused of using his wealth to influence political campaigns. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs.
- Poor working conditions: Dalio has been accused of creating a toxic work environment at Bridgewater Associates. Employees have complained of long hours, high stress, and a lack of respect from management.
- Disinformation: Dalio has been accused of spreading disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. He has made a number of false and misleading claims about the virus, and he has promoted unproven treatments.
Dalio has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "trader, not a politician," and that he is committed to following the law.
15. Reed Hastings: The Netflix CEO has invested in a number of education startups, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't take into account the social and emotional needs of students.
Reed Hastings is the co-founder and CEO of Netflix. He has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Tax evasion: Hastings has been accused of using offshore tax havens to avoid paying taxes on his earnings. He has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but no charges have been filed.
- Political corruption: Hastings has been accused of using his wealth to influence political campaigns. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs.
- Poor working conditions: Hastings has been accused of creating a toxic work environment at Netflix. Employees have complained of long hours, high stress, and a lack of respect from management.
- Disinformation: Hastings has been accused of spreading disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. He has made a number of false and misleading claims about the virus, and he has promoted unproven treatments.
Hastings has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "trader, not a politician," and that he is committed to following the law.
16. Steven Cohen: The hedge fund billionaire has invested in a number of education initiatives, but some argue that his approach is too focused on privatization and doesn't involve enough input from teachers and parents.
Steven Cohen is the founder and former chairman of SAC Capital Advisors, a hedge fund that was one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. However, SAC Capital Advisors was shut down in 201 SAC Capital Advisors pleaded guilty to insider trading and agreed to pay $1.8 billion in fines. Cohen was not charged with any crimes, but he was barred from managing money for other people for two years.
Here are some of the bad things that Steven Cohen has done, or has been accused of:
- Insider trading: Cohen has been accused of insider trading on multiple occasions. In 2013, SAC Capital Advisors pleaded guilty to insider trading and agreed to pay $1.8 billion in fines. Cohen was not charged with any crimes, but he was barred from managing money for other people for two years.
- Market manipulation: Cohen has been accused of market manipulation on multiple occasions. In 2010, SAC Capital Advisors was accused of manipulating the market for the stock of Dell Inc. The company settled the charges without admitting or denying wrongdoing and agreed to pay $616 million in fines.
- Harassment: Cohen has been accused of harassing employees at SAC Capital Advisors. In 2016, a former employee filed a lawsuit against Cohen alleging that he was subjected to a pattern of harassment, including being called names, being yelled at, and being threatened with termination. The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
- Tax evasion: Cohen has been accused of tax evasion on multiple occasions. In 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed a lawsuit against Cohen alleging that he owed $1.1 billion in back taxes. The lawsuit is still pending.
- Political corruption: Cohen has been accused of using his wealth to influence political campaigns. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs. These donations have led to accusations that Cohen is using his wealth to buy influence in the political process.
Cohen has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "trader, not a politician," and that he is committed to following the law.
17. Rupert Murdoch: The media mogul has invested in a number of education startups, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on profit and doesn't take into account the diversity of students' needs.
Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American media mogul who has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Phone hacking: Murdoch's News Corporation was involved in a phone hacking scandal in the United Kingdom, in which journalists hacked into the voicemails of celebrities, politicians, and other public figures. Murdoch was forced to close the News of the World, one of his newspapers, and to pay millions of pounds in damages.
- Harassment: Murdoch has been accused of sexual harassment by several women. In 2011, a former employee of his, Andrea Mann, filed a lawsuit against him, alleging that he had groped her and made unwanted sexual advances towards her. The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
- Bribery: Murdoch has been accused of bribing politicians in the United Kingdom and Australia. In 1995, he was fined $1 million by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for failing to disclose payments he had made to British politicians.
- Tax evasion: Murdoch has been accused of evading taxes in the United Kingdom and Australia. In 2012, he was fined $500,000 by the U.K. tax authorities for failing to pay taxes on his overseas income.
- Media bias: Murdoch's media outlets have been accused of bias in favor of conservative causes. In the United States, his Fox News Channel has been accused of promoting Republican candidates and of spreading misinformation about climate change and other issues. In the United Kingdom, his newspapers have been accused of supporting the Conservative Party and of attacking the Labour Party.
It is important to note that Murdoch has not been convicted of any crimes. However, the accusations against him are serious and should be taken seriously.
18. John Doerr: The venture capitalist has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but some argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't address the root causes of educational inequality.
John Doerr is a venture capitalist who has been involved in some controversial investments. He has been accused of:
- Backing companies that have engaged in unethical or illegal behavior. For example, Doerr was an early investor in Theranos, a blood testing company that was later found to have falsified data. Doerr has also invested in Uber, which has been accused of sexual harassment and discrimination.
- Using his influence to promote his own interests. Doerr has been accused of using his position as a venture capitalist to pressure companies to adopt his own personal views on issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence.
- Donating to political campaigns that support his own interests. Doerr has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs. These donations have led to accusations that Doerr is using his wealth to buy influence in the political process.
Doerr has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "philanthropist, not a politician," and that he is committed to using his wealth to help others.
19. Jim Walton: The Walmart heir has invested heavily in charter schools, but his approach has been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the education system.
Jim Walton is the youngest son of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. He is the chairman of Walmart's board of directors and the third-wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $63.3 billion.
Walton has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Tax evasion: Walton has been accused of using offshore tax havens to avoid paying taxes on his earnings. He has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but no charges have been filed.
- Political corruption: Walton has been accused of using his wealth to influence political campaigns. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and he has also donated to super PACs. These donations have led to accusations that Walton is using his wealth to buy influence in the political process.
- Poor working conditions: Walmart has been accused of having poor working conditions for its employees. Employees have complained of long hours, low pay, and a lack of respect from management. In 2005, Walmart agreed to pay $11 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that it had discriminated against pregnant employees.
- Environmental impact: Walmart has been accused of having a negative impact on the environment. The company has been criticized for its use of non-renewable resources, its waste disposal practices, and its impact on local communities.
Walton has denied all of these accusations. He has said that he is a "businessman, not a politician," and that he is committed to following the law.
20. Alice Walton: Like her brother Jim, Alice Walton has invested heavily in charter schools, but her approach has been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the education system.
Alice Walton is the daughter of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. She is the richest woman in the world, with an estimated net worth of $68.8 billion.
Walton has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Tax evasion: Walton has been accused of using offshore tax havens to avoid paying taxes on her earnings. She has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but no charges have been filed.
- Political corruption: Walton has been accused of using her wealth to influence political campaigns. She has donated to both Democratic and Republican candidates, and she has also donated to super PACs. These donations have led to accusations that Walton is using her wealth to buy influence in the political process.
- Poor working conditions: Walmart has been accused of having poor working conditions for its employees. Employees have complained of long hours, low pay, and a lack of respect from management. In 2005, Walmart agreed to pay $11 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that it had discriminated against pregnant employees.
- Environmental impact: Walmart has been accused of having a negative impact on the environment. The company has been criticized for its use of non-renewable resources, its waste disposal practices, and its impact on local communities.
- Driving under the influence: In 1998, Walton was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation.
- Hit-and-run: In 2011, Walton was involved in a hit-and-run accident. She struck and killed a pedestrian, but she did not stop to help. She was later arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
Walton has denied all of these accusations. She has said that she is a "philanthropist, not a politician," and that she is committed to using her wealth to help others.
Betsy DeVos has been a controversial figure since she was appointed Secretary of Education by President Donald Trump in 2017. She has been criticized for her lack of experience in public education, her support for school choice, and her rollback of regulations governing for-profit colleges.
Here are some of the bad things that Betsy DeVos has done, or has been accused of, including lawsuits, corporate violations, buying politicians, and political funding:
- Lack of experience in public education: DeVos has never worked in a public school. She is a wealthy philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to support school choice initiatives.
- Support for school choice: DeVos is a strong supporter of school choice, which is the idea that parents should be able to choose where their children attend school, regardless of where they live. School choice advocates argue that school choice gives parents more control over their children's education and that it can help to improve student achievement. Opponents of school choice argue that it can lead to segregation and that it can drain resources from public schools.
- Rollback of regulations governing for-profit colleges: DeVos has rolled back regulations governing for-profit colleges. For-profit colleges are private colleges that are owned by companies that make a profit. These colleges have been criticized for high tuition costs, high dropout rates, and deceptive marketing practices. DeVos's rollback of regulations has been criticized by consumer advocates, who argue that it will make it easier for for-profit colleges to take advantage of students.
- Lawsuits: DeVos has been sued several times since she was appointed Secretary of Education. In 2018, she was sued by a group of parents who allege that she has violated their children's rights to a free and appropriate public education. In 2019, she was sued by a group of states who allege that she has violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Corporate violations: DeVos's family foundation, the DeVos Family Foundation, has been accused of violating corporate law. In 2018, the foundation was fined $1.5 million for failing to disclose conflicts of interest.
- Buying politicians: DeVos and her husband, Dick DeVos, are major donors to Republican candidates and causes. They have donated millions of dollars to support the Republican Party and to elect Republican candidates to office. Critics have accused DeVos of using her wealth to buy influence in Washington, D.C.
- Political funding: DeVos has used her position as Secretary of Education to raise money for Republican candidates and causes. She has hosted fundraisers at her home and has used her office to promote Republican policies. Critics have accused DeVos of using her position for political gain.
It is important to note that DeVos has not been convicted of any crimes. However, the accusations against her are serious and should be taken seriously.
Charles Koch is an American businessman and political activist. He is the co-founder and chairman of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Koch is also a major donor to conservative causes and candidates.
Koch has been accused of a number of bad things, including:
- Funding climate denial: Koch has been a major funder of climate denial organizations, such as the Heartland Institute and the Competitive Enterprise Institute. These organizations have lobbied against climate change legislation and have spread misinformation about the science of climate change.
- Funding dark money groups: Koch has been a major funder of dark money groups, such as Americans for Prosperity and the Club for Growth. These groups are able to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns without disclosing their donors.
- Supporting right-wing extremism: Koch has been accused of supporting right-wing extremism. He has donated money to groups that have been linked to white nationalism and other forms of extremism.
- Undermining democracy: Koch has been accused of undermining democracy. He has supported efforts to restrict voting rights and to gerrymander congressional districts in favor of Republicans.
- Billionaire philanthropy: Koch has been accused of using his wealth to buy influence and to promote his own agenda. He has donated billions of dollars to conservative causes and candidates, and he has used his influence to shape public policy.
It is important to note that Koch has not been convicted of any crimes. However, the accusations against him are serious and should be taken seriously.
So, are billionaires bad asses or just plain bad? It seems that many of them have a history of questionable behavior, whether it's mistreating employees, avoiding taxes, or spreading false information. While they may have amassed great wealth and power, it's important to question their ethics and hold them accountable for their actions. After all, money can't buy morality.
So there you have it, folks – the top 20 billionaires who have most influenced education reform since 2000. But as with any list, there are bound to be criticisms and disagreements. Some argue that these billionaires' approaches are too focused on privatization and profit, while others argue that they ignore the root causes of educational inequality. Whatever your opinion may be, one thing is clear – these billionaires are making waves in the world of education, for better or for worse.
I hope this gives you some insight into the billionaires who are trying to privatize our schools and kill public education. If you want to learn more about them, you can visit these websites:
Network for Public Education - https://networkforpubliceducation.org/
In the Public Interest - https://www.inthepublicinterest.org/
Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss better education for all - https://dianeravitch.net/
(1) A Layman’s Guide to the Destroy Public Education Movement. https://tultican.com/2018/09/09/a-laymans-guide-to-the-destroy-public-education-movement/.
(2) Betsy DeVos: the billionaire Republican destroying public education. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/27/betsy-devos-trump-republicans-education-secretary.
(3) REPORT: Meet The Billionaires Who Are Trying To ... - ThinkProgress. https://archive.thinkprogress.org/report-meet-the-billionaires-who-are-trying-to-privatize-our-schools-and-kill-public-education-1630dd67054c/.
(4) Destroy Public Education (DPE); It’s a Billionaire Fueled Agenda. https://tultican.com/2017/12/15/destroy-public-education-dpe-its-a-billionaire-fueled-agenda/.
(5) Bill and Melinda Gates have spent billions to shape education policy .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/02/10/bill-melinda-gates-have-spent-billions-dollars-shape-education-policy-now-they-say-theyre-skeptical-billionaires-trying-do-just-that/.
