Quote:
Originally Posted by Azure
The foundation Gates setup has been so effective because it is completely void of the politics involved in aid.
The problem with getting into bed with the government is that the government often gives out aid depending on who the leader of a certain country is. And the aid often goes through government channels on BOTH ends, and more often than not doesn't actually end up helping anyone.
Gates and the rest of these rich old guys have the ability to directly setup and organization that GOES to Africa, like the Red Cross and many OTHER charity organizations and use their money to do work on the ground, without getting involved in the political implications of supporting the government with aid money.
Also, private organizations can operate outside of the government red tape. Which makes them much more effective.
|
I'm not questioning what the Gates foundation has done thus far. From what I know it has been effective work. If they stay the course this expanded partnership will do a lot of good.
What I'm suggesting is that perhaps with this new partnership a shift in methodology has occured. I hope I'm wrong.
George Soros being a part of it does worry me. He's already invested millions in political movements. The talking heads on the right regularly mention him as the money behind most of socialist movements within the States.
Another suggestion I heard today is that these foundations are commonly set up to avoid estate taxes which for these guys would be at 55%. They can control their money in a tax free environment. They can pay themselves whatever they want as overseers of the foundation and eventually can Will control of the foundation to their children.. Of course if a tax shelter was the motivation one would expect these guys all to set up their own.