Why is it when there is a national catastrophe, it seems that the people who can afford to give the most, proportionately give the LEAST???
The events that have happened in the Gulf Coast of the United States has given me a chance to reflect on this. Why are there people in our nation that make bazillions of dollars that give so very little to the nation that has helped them rich and famous?
We as a nation are VERY prosperous, but it sickens me that the people who have millions and millions of dollars give so very little... If EVERY major athlete and movie star gave 1-2 million dollars of TAX DEDUCTIBLE money, imagine the relief funds that would be available. I unfortunately have no way of really getting this message out, but I would encourage anyone who may have some connection to put out a call to these people. I'm not talking about a fundraiser where Hollywood collectively raises a few million dollars or the NFL contributes enough to rebuild the superdome, I'm talking about INDIVIDUAL effort from EVERY major sport star, corporate mogul, movie star, etc etc etc. The money is THERE people... Our rich and fortunate just need to come off of it and stop being so friggin greedy. I realize this borders on a rant, and I refuse to go down that road. Just look at this as a call to arms. If there are any of you who can pull even the smallest string to get this message out, you never know... It may be enough to start a ball rolling... Send messages to the NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA, Paramount, Disney MGM, the list goes on and on.
That's not entirely fair. Many professional athletes or highly successful business people have foundations or other efforts going in their home towns where they grew up, or where they currently reside. Hundreds of charity golf events, and other fundraisers generate millions of donations to various groups across the nation. Granted, many of them like Jim Kelly and Boomer Esiason have groups dedicated to something very close to them, but they give generously nonetheless.
I agree that we all have to help out, but to say that these guys aren't doing anything to help is a narrow view. They just maybe aren't helping directly to this particular event at this time (and I stress at this time...). Although I heard yesterday that the NY Yankees have donated $1M-plus, as had the NFL.
That's not entirely fair. Many professional athletes or highly successful business people have foundations or other efforts going in their home towns where they grew up, or where they currently reside. Hundreds of charity golf events, and other fundraisers generate millions of donations to various groups across the nation. Granted, many of them like Jim Kelly and Boomer Esiason have groups dedicated to something very close to them, but they give generously nonetheless.
I agree that we all have to help out, but to say that these guys aren't doing anything to help is a narrow view. They just maybe aren't helping directly to this particular event at this time (and I stress at this time...). Although I heard yesterday that the NY Yankees have donated $1M-plus, as had the NFL.
I'm not saying they don't give. You're right, they usually do give in times of major catastrophe. There are also some who give a large amount on an individual basis, but let's be realistic. As you stated, the NY Yankees donated $1M-plus as had the NFL.. Well, that's a good start, but honestly speaking, in a profession where many players salaries are many millions of dollars, do you honestly think they are giving to their full capacity?
Nevermind the nation's elite...those living above the poverty line in USA and Canada (as well as most of Europe, developed Asia and Australia) are the "world's elite".
What are the "world's elite" doing to help AIDS orphans and those dying of hunger or lack of clean water every single day? Today, about 6000 Africans will die of AIDS, 6000 people across the world will die because they don't have access to clean water and more than 24,000 people will die of hunger...and the same thing will happen tomorrow.
National catastrophes make great world news...but it's the ones dying quietly everyday that need our help when CNN has nothing flashy to report.
I don't know about the 'elite',but a local TV Station (Greenville-Spartanburg,SC),started a Red Cross drive yesterday afternoon..Contributions as of now are over $300,000...Not too shabby for us unknown working class peeps...
Nevermind the nation's elite...those living above the poverty line in USA and Canada (as well as most of Europe, developed Asia and Australia) are the "world's elite".
What are the "world's elite" doing to help AIDS orphans and those dying of hunger or lack of clean water every single day? Today, about 6000 Africans will die of AIDS, 6000 people across the world will die because they don't have access to clean water and more than 24,000 people will die of hunger...and the same thing will happen tomorrow.
National catastrophes make great world news...but it's the ones dying quietly everyday that need our help when CNN has nothing flashy to report.
I agree, this could be applied across the board, and I am not trying to turn this into a huge political discussion on world poverty, the AIDS epidemic, etc. Just trying to call attention to the matter at hand... Katrina's aftermath.
For example according to last year's NFL payroll, 21 players were paid in excess of $10M. Peyton Manning... $35,037,700!!!! (source USA Today). Now for an organization that has this kind of payroll, does "in excess of $1M" seem like a lot? I don't think so.
I don't know about the 'elite',but a local TV Station (Greenville-Spartanburg,SC),started a Red Cross drive yesterday afternoon..Contributions as of now are over $300,000...Not too shabby for us unknown working class peeps...
I'm not pointing an fingers at local contributions, I'm sure they will be tremendous. I applaud all who give even if it's just $5.00. What I'm trying to address is the people who can afford to really make a dent. Some of these people will spend $300,000 on a 4 hour shopping spree in LA.
Hmmm... that's what I was afraid of... Tried to have a civil discussion on a topic I felt could be addressed in a positive manner and got moved to Rant.
The company I work for - GE - has a history of giving generously to chairty through a variety of foundations, during the Tsunami relief and in response to the Katrina disaster, they have a system wherby on top of anything else thy give, they match any donations made by employees, the employees of GE alone gave $1million to the Tsunami appeal.
Hmmm... that's what I was afraid of... Tried to have a civil discussion on a topic I felt could be addressed in a positive manner and got moved to Rant.
Nevermind!
This is a controversial political discussion, why not just start it in Rant?
Hmmm... that's what I was afraid of... Tried to have a civil discussion on a topic I felt could be addressed in a positive manner and got moved to Rant.
Nevermind!
If you expected to create a "civil discussion," perhaps you should not have begun with a broadside on people with money or wealth.
Perhaps you're really just looking for confirmation of your own beliefs?
I don't know about the 'elite',but a local TV Station (Greenville-Spartanburg,SC),started a Red Cross drive yesterday afternoon..Contributions as of now are over $300,000...Not too shabby for us unknown working class peeps...
I'm not pointing an fingers at local contributions, I'm sure they will be tremendous. I applaud all who give even if it's just $5.00. What I'm trying to address is the people who can afford to really make a dent. Some of these people will spend $300,000 on a 4 hour shopping spree in LA.
I realize exactly what you're saying,and couldn't agree more...I'm sure many Pro Players in all sports will contibute heavily on an individual basis,and more than a few certainly have family affected..Warrick Dunn comes to mind immediately...I agree the franchise owners should being doing much more than they have thus far..
Hmmm... that's what I was afraid of... Tried to have a civil discussion on a topic I felt could be addressed in a positive manner and got moved to Rant.
Nevermind!
This is a controversial political discussion, why not just start it in Rant?
It was not meant to be a political discussion or debate... I was not trying to attack those who DO give, I was not trying to attack the generally wealthy people. I was just trying to see if anyone had any way to prompt the ridiculously wealthy INDIVIDUALS.... Not corporations who contribute, etc. Just would like to see more INDIVIDUAL contributions from those who make millions of dollars (not to take away from those who already do so)
The point was missed probably due to my inability to clearly state my point.
The point was missed. Just forget I ever said anything.
Your point was made,but apparently many readers tried to read through it and make it something it was not..As was previously stated,many 'famous' people don't want any publicity when they contribute,because it's coming from their hearts,not their PR People...
Your point was made,but apparently many readers tried to read through it and make it something it was not..As was previously stated,many 'famous' people don't want any publicity when they contribute,because it's coming from their hearts,not their PR People...
And my hat is off to those who do... I just wish they ALL would do so.
Nevermind the nation's elite...those living above the poverty line in USA and Canada (as well as most of Europe, developed Asia and Australia) are the "world's elite".
What are the "world's elite" doing to help AIDS orphans and those dying of hunger or lack of clean water every single day? Today, about 6000 Africans will die of AIDS, 6000 people across the world will die because they don't have access to clean water and more than 24,000 people will die of hunger...and the same thing will happen tomorrow.
National catastrophes make great world news...but it's the ones dying quietly everyday that need our help when CNN has nothing flashy to report.
I agree, this could be applied across the board, and I am not trying to turn this into a huge political discussion on world poverty, the AIDS epidemic, etc. Just trying to call attention to the matter at hand... Katrina's aftermath.
For example according to last year's NFL payroll, 21 players were paid in excess of $10M. Peyton Manning... $35,037,700!!!! (source USA Today). Now for an organization that has this kind of payroll, does "in excess of $1M" seem like a lot? I don't think so.
You are economically confused. The NFL has no business telling it's players how to spend their money ( other than fines levied by the league , of course ). Their payroll is not money that belongs to the NFL, so the NFL has no right to spend it. The million dollars that is being contributed to the Red Cross is money that the NFL does exercise control over, and is far, far smaller than the sum of all player salaries. From that money, a million dollars is significant.
Remember how Serena Williams was in the news for wearing $40,000 earrings at the US Open?
Well, she's in the news again...this time stating that she's willing to donate $100 for every Ace she serves for the rest of the year. The generosity is blinding...
You are economically confused. The NFL has no business telling it's players how to spend their money ( other than fines levied by the league , of course ). Their payroll is not money that belongs to the NFL, so the NFL has no right to spend it. The million dollars that is being contributed to the Red Cross is money that the NFL does exercise control over, and is far, far smaller than the sum of all player salaries. From that money, a million dollars is significant.
No you're missing the point.... I'm not saying the NFL should contribute the money, nor am I saying they should tell the players how to spend their money... Please read the entire post.... I'm talking INDIVIDUAL effort (implies effort made by the INDIVIDUAL). I was just using the payroll of the NFL as an example of how much these INDIVIDUALS are making.
I think thatcloudthere there provides a very accurate illustration of my point.
