I am mostly writing to follow-up on a post that I wrote originally regarding my thoughts on the impact that one person can have on their family, neighborhood, community and - yes, even their planet if they planned, strategized and maximized their gift-giving potential, be it time or money . I have been flooded with stories the last couple of weeks that have shown me the (often very polarized) many sides of this concept.
I will not point fingers. I will not name names. I absolutely am in no way advertising or arguing my political beliefs. These are merely examples of one side or the other of a concept that I have that posesses my every thought, word, and action.
When reading the newspaper I am usually less-than-impressed. I can't even watch most political debates. Whenever an arrogant millionaire is on the television complaining about being asked to forfeit a portion of their fortune to cover healthcare to a sick or starving child, I have to change the channel. Professional athletes who go on strike because they feel that $8 million a year isn't substantial enough to maintain their lifestyle literally give me the urge to vomit.
Sickening. Greedy. Disturbing. Repulsive. These aren't necessarily the things that I would like to think of when I think about this world that I live in, or the people that I share it with.
"[my father] felt it was our God-given responsibility to alleviate the suffering of the most disadvantaged among us"
-Barron Hilton
Despite all this unwarranted resentment that for some reason we seem to carry towards one-another, and sense of entilement that we, as Americans, feel that we have- there are those people and stories that come up every now and again that renew my faith in the human race. There are still so many wonderful, giving people that are willing to help push us forward - together - as humans, neighbors, friends, and a giant family network. My latest burst of renewed hope came with the words of Warren Buffet, who proclaimed, "My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. It's time for our government to get serious about shared sacrifice." Not only is he willing to pull his share in taxes, but he is also one of the co-founders of The Giving Pledge. Call me a socialist, but I think this guy is on to something.
People such as these helped shape my own goals and aspirations for the future. I have a Vision Board
for when I win the lottery that I think Mr. Buffet would be proud of. I know that while I may never have as much disposable income as he, I can take small steps now towards accomplishing my goals. While I may also never be able to change the way of thinking of the ignorant, intolerant and the greedy, I can help to shape this planet into one that is worthy of harboring such good-hearted spirits.
Warren Buffet comments on his pledge, "The reaction of my family and me to our extraordinary good fortune is not guilt, but rather gratitude. Were we to use more than 1% of my claim checks on ourselves, neither our happiness nor our well-being would be enhanced. In contrast, that remaining 99% can have a huge effect on the health and welfare of others. That reality sets an obvious course for me and my family: Keep all we can conceivably need and distribute the rest to society, for its needs. My pledge starts us down that course."
Barron Hilton recalls his fathers words beautifully, "...felt it was our God-given responsibility to alleviate the suffering of the most disadvantaged among us."
Jon & Karen Huntsman: "I saw with clarity the vision that the Huntsman fortune is a means to cure cancer and that my purpose on earth is to facilitate the research which will illuminate its mysteries."
Bill and Melinda Gates: "Both of us were fortunate to grow up with parents who taught us some tremendously important values. Work hard. Show respect. Have a sense of humor. And if life happens to bless you with talent or treasure, you have a responsibility to use those gifts as well and as wisely as you possibly can. Now we hope to pass this example on to our own children."
Being a Jazz-woman, I took a special delight in this one:
Kyle Korver started the Kyle Korver Foundation several years ago, and I literally am in tears reading through the website. If I didn't love him already, I would after reading this.
Oprah Winfrey founded the Angel Network, O Ambassadors, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
...I seem to have rambled on longer that I planned to. With all the depressing crap on TV and in the newspapers, I just thought a little ray of sunshine may help to warm your heart and chase the gloom and doom away. :)
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