Originally Posted By DVC_dad But I don't care how much he donated, how much either one of them donated. Who cares? I don't care how much ANYONE donates of THEIR own money, it's a personal choice.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I don't particuarly care where the money goes but I do think there is a moral obligation to be charitable when you are in the "have" category. Church, foundations, causes, etc. If you are a public personal, whether an athlete, celebrity or politician I think it is not only right but potentially good public relations as well. I was impressed with Gates when he called upon other wealthy folks to step up charitable contributions. Leading by example. That is how it should work.
Originally Posted By plpeters70 <<I don't particuarly care where the money goes but I do think there is a moral obligation to be charitable when you are in the "have" category.>> And both Biden and Obama did this - so what's the problem?
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I think the VP should and could do better given his status. But, the point of the thread was to commend Obama for his significant contributions and to encourage others to find it in their heart to do the same as I work with many different charities that are having trouble addressing the great need in our country and around the world. THAT is the problem and I'm encouraging a solution...or at least a stab at it.
Originally Posted By mawnck <------ prefers to support politicians based on their competence. If W gave 100% of his earnings to charity, I still wouldn't vote for him for dogcatcher.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin Who cares? It's a personal Karmic choice...whether you share your sandwich with someone on the side of the freeway offramp, give them money, give at your church, share your time volunteering...each individual makes a choice. Don't spoil the Karma by making judgements about the amount...jeez people be reasonable and logical!
Originally Posted By DyGDisney I'm surprised the Obama's charitable contributions weren't more. People in a church keep the church running by contributing (tything). A tythe is generally considered 10%. Not a judgement at all, just surprised it's less than 10% since they go to church. Oprah says we should try to donate 10% of our earnings to charity (whether it be church or other). I wonder if Oprah donates 10% of her earnings?
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan Oprah is usually ranked in the top 30 philanthropists each year. From Slate in 2006: >>Winfrey made her largest combined contribution to date, $50 million to her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation (for construction and operating costs at the school for girls she established in South Africa) and $8.3 million to Oprah's Angel Network, a charity she started to encourage others to give.<< And beyond what she herself gives, she provides an almost daily forum for charitable initiatives of various kinds through her show. So I think she's probably in pretty good shape in the karma dept. ; )
Originally Posted By Chris in Atlanta >>>I gotta say DVC, I have no real idea where you stand here.<<< This is DVC dad, my new name, which should serve as evidence that I don't even know where I stand on this. I think I got the idea that you or some people are giving Joe Biden a pass on both his philanthropy and making excuses that perhaps due to where he lives and works, his 260'ish thousand dollars isn't that much money. But if let's say Sean Hannity makes 260'ish (which we all know it's a lot more than that, but lets just say) then not only should he be more philanthropic, but he should also pay more taxes, because he is rich. But in reality, I've moved on from that, because I now realize I was being humm....whats the word... I need me one of them big words here... My comments were IMPRUDENT. And really, I actually don't care how much either one of those guys gives to charity. So that's where I stand. Put me down for "I don't care what their tax returns say as long as they pay what they owe."
