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Color Me Skeptical's avatar

Agree on calling it an assassination attempt. We should use this framing in the same way we call January 6 a coup attempt or insurrection.

Regarding tech billionaires, there is actually one who has made life better for millions after stepping out of his original domain - Bill Gates. But he is the lone exception.

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Jane in NC's avatar

Thanks for the edit, Charles. You're right about Gates. Sadly, I think he's the exception that proves the rule.

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Oct 31, 2022
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Sherm's avatar

Buffet's not a tech billionaire. More of a proto-hedge fund manager.

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Oct 31, 2022
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Sherm's avatar

In a conversation explicitly about tech billionaires, that someone is not a tech billionaire would seem to be germane.

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Cheerio's avatar

agreed.

Tech billionaires always seem to be called "genius" and "visionary" but are usually just grabbing beyond their reach... what is that quote about being out over one's skis? Their rise and fall almost seem to be a well worn tragedy of ego.

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knowltok's avatar

Hasn't Buffet donated very heavily to the Gates foundation?

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DeeDee D's avatar

Yes... very heavily... Buffet's okay.

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Paul K. Ogden's avatar

People forget that Bill Gates had to be shamed into becoming a philanthropist. There was news stories about how he gave so little to charity. That's when Gates decided to be more generous with his money.

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Sherm's avatar

So? I don't particularly care why people do things, so long as they get done.

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DeeDee D's avatar

Actually, what motivated him was his awesome wife Melinda. She's an amazing human. Along with Bezos' ex-wife. Both these women are billionaires now in their own right (thanks to divorce settlements), and both women are profoundly wise and generous.

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Paul K. Ogden's avatar

No, Melinda was on Team Bill Gates when the shaming began because of a lack of philanthropy. She might have encouraged him post-shaming, but the shaming came first.

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Sherm's avatar

His father (who has always been a good and honorable man) also played a role.

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Oct 31, 2022
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Paul K. Ogden's avatar

Well, that's true.

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Bluchek Mark's avatar

So, naturally, he too is demonized by the RW conspiracy enthusiasts.

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