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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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7

Giving Away Billions Feels Great: Gates

Microsoft founder touts philan-therapy for world's rich

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(Newser) – Bill Gates is touting the feel-good benefits of giving away money, telling a crowd in Oslo that “all billionaires should give away the vast majority of their fortunes.” Leave enough for the kids, he says, but, “I’m a great believer that great wealth should go from the richest to the poorest.” Gates has directed much of his Microsoft earnings to charity work, Reuters notes.

“I think they would enjoy it, their kids would be better off, and the world would be better off,” Gates said of wealthy philanthropists. He renewed his appeal to eradicate polio, and says his foundation’s biggest success has been in vaccinations. “We have saved millions of lives, and there is more to be done.” He’s aiming for an HIV/AIDS vaccine within 15 years.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, second left, meets Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates, right, at the Oslo conference on international poverty.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, second left, meets Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates, right, at the Oslo conference on international poverty.   (AP Photo)
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates holds a hand of cards bearing a caricature of Warren Buffett as he plays bridge.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates holds a hand of cards bearing a caricature of Warren Buffett as he plays bridge.   (AP Photo)
Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, says the organization is working on an HIV/AIDS vaccine.
Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, says the organization is working on an HIV/AIDS vaccine.   (AP Photo)
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The holy grail for AIDS is to have a vaccine, which is something we are also working on. - Melinda Gates

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7 comments
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Robert_Dada
Jun 3, 09 4:23 PM CDT
Well I take solace in knowing that the money I've paid for decades on a horrible OS is doing the world some good. Reply
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ksu92
Jun 3, 09 5:34 PM CDT
Why does no one ever ask Steve Jobs what he is doing with all of HIS filthy lucre (other than paying to have his name put on buildings at Stanford)?? Reply
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IndependentThinker
Jun 3, 09 5:58 PM CDT
What an amazing man. More people should be looking up to this guy instead of the worthless air heads of Hollywood and Wall Street. The man made a fortune with good business choice and ideas, then once on the top realizes that he doesn't need all that money horde away. If only more people were like him. May God watch over you Mr. Gates. Reply
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Mr.C
Jun 4, 09 12:20 AM CDT
well said. Warren Buffet is among my list of heroes as well.
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Observer
Jun 3, 09 7:02 PM CDT
Steve Jobs is a recognized miser who has not contributed to charity as a rich man. Hats off to Bill Gates. He has shown the world what a gracious business genius he is. He is doing more than most nations do themselves. Thank you for your generosity Bill. I hope others follow your lead. It is improving our children's children's future. If I can help your foundation let me know. Reply
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+2

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