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Giving Away Billions Feels Great: Gates

Microsoft founder touts philan-therapy for world's rich

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Jun 3, 2009 3:58 PM CDT

(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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
psycada
Jun 4, 2009 12:04 PM CDT
IT: Not that I disagree with your point, but the "good business decision" you spoke of was theft. Microsoft was founded and made their millions on stolen software. Most of the now big computer companies from the 70's and 80's all did it, including Apple. Bill Gates is a good man because he is making amends with that decision and doing a tremendous amount of good. He makes a good ending to an immoral beginning. In God's eyes, he's ok, supposedly.
Observer
Jun 4, 2009 12:02 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.
Mr.C
Jun 4, 2009 5:20 AM CDT
well said. Warren Buffet is among my list of heroes as well.

Gates, Bono meet up
Irish Central

Meanwhile, Ballmer threatens Obama
Associated Press

Money • Health • World

 
philanthropy • Bill Gates • vaccine • charity • poverty • billionaire • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation • AIDS vaccine

 
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