In brief, the Nos. 1 and 2 (and spouses, no doubt) of this loaded hierarchy–excepting Carlos Helu of Mexico who tops both by an astounding $18 billion—considered it was high time what with all the irritating, public "Occupying" souls everywhere you looked.
Buffett/Gates calls it "The Giving Pledge."[3]
Their real problem, however, isn't the millions of deprived of the world but that the world’s people en masse are in danger of totally disappearing in a nuclear cloud, them (and their foundations) included. (See Ted Turner’s "problems" that concern him the most in the appendix of "quotes" from their letters to Buffett)
(Note: Warren, Bill, and all your flush if restless
crowd: We proposed in 2007 a more relevant survival program[4]. I
dubbed it "The Receiving Pledge" kind of) But nobody blinked so far
To those of us who are already broke, or slowly getting
there, yet who have worthy humanitarian projects en route requiring serious
funding, if there is new hope it is yet mixed with frustration. How to revive
our own "Receiving Pledge" for this vaunted membership sheathed in layers of
highly-salaried defenders?
We appreciate that giving billions away is hard, if
highly rewarding work. First of all, how do you actually do it? Well, you don't.
Your Foundation does except for drips and dabs. That spreads the work. It also
complicates it. The staff takes the first bite. Then the board of directors.
Next the lawyers, investment counselors and accountants. After that, the web
masters, Facebook & Twitter coordinators and finally the public relations
and media team. Finally, who or what is worthy enough to justify your largesse?
OK, universities are a safe and obvious choice. Besides, you get a building,
stadium or scholarship grants named after your demise. The U's are always
seeking a handout especially from their own alumni. Then there are the
never-ending religious supplicants, another safe choice, from the faithful.
(with relevant quotes from the scriptures). Now the difficult part: who or what
else do you donate to? I mean, most everyone else wants a handout, some more
desperately than others. Choices, choices. And what kind of organization or
individual can actually handle that much do-re-mi?
Well, for one, we world citizens could use a mite, say,
a mere billion...for a start. What for? You see, we are intensely interested in
surviving on the planet. (Many of you profess the same in your letters to
Warren). And to do that we need a global code of conduct called "laws". World
laws, to be blunt, to outlaw war
which we consider the ultimate crime, not to mention insanity. And for that, we
desperately need our own world court to defend our human
rights, since our very lives are now
threatened by the entire warring nation-state system.[5] We're
talking here about World War III, the FINIS. It will kill us humans whatever our
fictional nationality, religion, cultural linkages, or indeed,
wealth or indigence.
After all, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights acknowledges that "Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law." But where is and what is the law for "everyone"? Sounds like world law to this writer (who in a former national life was a B-17 bomber pilot in WWII[6]). But law must be adjudicated. And, having been hauled into 31 national courts (and jails) since 1948 following my claim of world citizenship after becoming "stateless", I myself became "World Litigant No. 1" but with no world court to plead my case.[7]
Yes Siree, that billion bucks,
(euros, yen, pesos, pounds, riyals, wons or whatever) would be a
big start to staking our own World Court of Human Rights to the world map just
for we humans, NOT nation-states. After all, it's our planet not the fictional
nation-state and though we share it with millions of other species, we call
ourselves "sovereign" which, in my Thesaurus, means "supreme." Indeed there is
already uniform and enthusiastic agreement re the vital need for a world human
rights court among all jurists of whatever ilk for a world community where war
is still insanely considered a legitimate option despite its now genocidal
character as of August 5, 1945. And there are already thousands of out-of-work
judges for hire to exercise their legal expertise on such a court. Where is
Judge C.G. Weeramantry when you need him? And, incidentally, what’s Sandra Day
O’Connor doing now for heaven’s sake? Or Judge Goldstone? Indeed, the
world-renowned City Montessori school in Lucknow has been having yearly meetings
since 2001 of national Supreme Court judges conferring on and enthusiastically
supporting the subject of "international law." Then the International
Association of Women Jurists, 4000 members are devoted to justice for women (and
men) sanctioned by human rights and world law yet has no court to adjudicate
horrendous violations of womankind all over the world.
But Judges have to be paid, and operate in a court in a
heated building with clerks and running water (maybe next to the ICC in The
Hague or on an island in the Mediterranean) and a cluster of regional courts
chaired with associate justices, etc., etc. A billion would do for a start but
just think what a bargain if that court (ours) OUTLAWED WAR. (the Statute of
which already does just that!)[8]
The nations' global military budget for 2011 was
$2,157,172,000,000! That's 2 trillion, etc. And that doesn't count the
environmental damage to the planet which is incalculable. A world without war
would be a world of abundance. A metamorphic change in human affairs. A paradigm
shift in human evolution. A blessing to all the kids of the planet who wonder
now whether we adults are not stark raving mad to even contemplate genocidal war
and why did we bring them into the world anyway if only to blow them
up?
So, nothing to lose, I downloaded the letters the "Giving Pledge" member were obliged to write to Buffett explaining their reasons for wanting to participate, an extraordinarily revealing read. As I perused from letter to letter the intimate thoughts of these fellow humans, I realized to my astonishment (and some chagrin) that here were real concerned people, (like you and me) and many were couples. Indeed many were concerned about the state of the world. Take Joyce and Bill Cummings for instance who wrote that 1) "The lessons of the Holocaust are too vital to be forgotten or denied"; 2) "Genocides are still occurring around the world"; and 3) "We cannot simply sit quietly and let them happen.” Frankly, after reading that, my mind raced to find out what they intended to do about stopping the “Biggest-Holocaust-in-the-Making via The Bomb”. Alas, though they continued that “Convinced that real change can come from the next generation of world citizens, we created the interfaith ‘Cummings/Hillel Program for Holocaust and Genocide Education’ at Tufts University.” (Emphasis added) In short, let’s leave it to the next generation to make world peace cause we, the living, don’t know how to do it. (Note to Bill and Joyce Cummings: There may not be a “next generations of world citizens” if this generation of world citizens, you and your progeny, are blown away by WWIII).
The Cummings couple, however, did seem to recognize that peace and justice were corollaries since one of their subsidiaries, formed in 2010, is an Institute for World Justice, LLC. “which we hope will play a role in reducing genocide, as well as all the societal problems that lead to it…”[9] (Emphasis added) .” No further mention, however, in the web site of the Institute of the practice of “world justice” and its framework or adjudication process: “the maintenance or administration of what is just according to law.”[10]
The letter concluded: “…we welcome the support and partnership of others who share our belief that genocide should be a matter of great concern and responsibility for all people.” We heartily agree Richard and Joyce. Please make your check out to the “World Court of Human Rights Fund”[11] and forward to World Government House, POB 9390, South Burlington, VT 05407. Thank you in anticipation.[12]
Not to single out this concerned couple, I read every letter underlining passages relevant to our global project of world peace through adjudicated law. (Appended)
Thus for the rest of the “Giving Pledgees” (including, of course, Warren and Bill) we, world citizens, can employ your largesse beneficially as well for humanity’s benefit. Because the sooner the WCHR takes shape and begins adjudicating the inalienable rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” along with the other inalienable rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the happier you all will feel and maybe even thank us for our initiative in unburdening you from a modicum of your earthly gains so that you can depart peacefully in good conscience before meeting face-to-face, as it were, with YOUKNOWWHO.
Appendix:
PAUL G. ALLEN
As our philanthropy continues in the years ahead, we will
look for new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of future
generations.
JOHN & LAURA ARNOLD
We view our wealth…not as an
end in itself, but as an instrument to effect positive and transformative
change. We are
blessed to embark on this critical endeavor at a relatively early stage in our
lives and with a great sense of urgency.
ELI AND EDYTHE BROAD
Those who have been blessed
with extraordinary wealth have an opportunity, some would say a
responsibility—we consider it a privilege to give back to their
communities, be they local, national or global...We view our grants as
investments, and we expect a return.
STEVE CRANE
…what really drove us was the
mission of building a new medium that could empower individuals…we seek to inspire individuals to
realize their potential to create change…We want to use all the tools available to us, to have the
greatest impact, and to achieve the greatest good....We share the view that those to
whom much is given, much is expected.…we also want to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to
encouraging a citizen-centered approach to philanthropy…
LEON A. COPERMAN
…Andrew Carnegie said “He who
dies rich, dies disgraced.”…Sir Winston Churchill observed that “We make a living by
what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”…it is written in the Talmud that
“a man’s net worth is measured not by what he earns but rather what he gives
away.”
BARBARA DALIO
When we earned more money, we
experienced relief and then the diminishing benefits of having more
money...We
experienced directly what the studies on happiness show—that once the basis are
covered there is no correlation between how much money one has and how happy one
is...We had planned
to give most of our money to those it will most help anyway.
JOHN PAULK DEJORIA
Living is giving. I won’t
deprive my family of knowing how good it feels to help those in need with some
of the basics we already have…food, shelter, care and a future.I plan to help the world now and
in the future…with half (if not more) of what I have been blessed with
today.
LARRY ELLISON
I have already given hundreds
of millions of dollars to medical research and education, and I will give
billions more over time.…I have done this giving quietly….So why am I going
public now? Warren Buffett personally asked me to write this letter because he
said it would be ‘setting an example’ and ‘influencing others’ to
give.
CHARLES F. FEENY
I cannot think of a more
personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is
living—to personally devote oneself to meaningful efforts to improve the human
condition....The
challenges, even set backs, I have experienced in my decades of personal
engagement in philanthropy pale in comparison to the impact and deep personal
satisfaction we have realized.
SUE ANN HAMM
We have always felt a strong
obligation to lead by example. Through our giving pledge, we hope to encourage
others to commit their time and resources to worthy causes that will enable
other people with ambition and tenacity to achieve their
goals.
MISS LYDA HILL
I wish to make the world a
better place….At my death my entire estate and my foundation will be distributed
to charities I have designated....“Science is the solution to most of the world’s
challenges, be they food shortage, energy, medicine or pollution. These matters
have become my life’s interests….the (Hockaday) women who will solve many of
these problems. I thought it would be fun to set the bar high.”
MARK ZUCKERBERG
People wait until late in their
careers to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done? With a
generation of younger folks who have thrived on the success of their companies,
there is a big opportunity for many of us to give back earlier in our lifetimes
and see the impact of our philanthropic efforts.”
TOM & CINDY
SECUNDA
We're honored to be in such
great company and we pledge to do our small part to make the world a better
place for our children and grandchildren.
CARL C. ICAHN
…those who have benefited the
most from our economic system have a responsibility to give back to society in a
meaningful way.
GEORGE B. KAISE
I suppose I arrived at my
charitable commitment largely through guilt....I am entranced by Warren’s and
Bill’s visionary appeal to those who have accumulated unconscionable resources,
to dedicate at least half of them back to purposes more useful than dynastic
perpetuation....If
enough acolytes follow Bill’s and Warren’s example, then maybe we will more
closely approach the idea of equal opportunity throughout the United States and
the world
NANCY KINDER
…when we set up our personal
foundation and committed to give 95% of our wealth to charitable causes whether
during our lifetimes or at our deaths, we never dreamed that there would be such
a gathering of like-minded individuals who firmly believe in the favorable
impact of giving on the world.
KENNETH G. LANGONE
…..your graceful letter…conveys
a spiritual purpose that has long been close to our hearts…It is inspiring how such a simple
idea puts faith into action for the community as a whole.
LORRY I. LOKEY
I began to realize the
importance of money consists of buying what is worth the price...Throughout the world without an
exception, education is the determinant of a person’s intelligence level and
possible success. And success is not making a million a month or a year. It’s
earning enough to live comfortably and being able to finance children’s
education...As we
went into the 21st century, I began quipping that I want to die
broke...The larger
the estate, the more important it is to revitalize the soil.
GEORGE LUCAS
Storytellers are teachers and
communicators who speak a universal language...Good storytelling is based on truths and insights, and a
good storyteller is ultimately a teacher…We are the facilitators….This level of
engagement dates back to the beginning of human life…There have to be universal
standards…We need to build new foundations, fostering independent thought and a
desire to keep learning….We need to
promote critical thinking…prepare our children for the real world….working
together and building character…as a means to a greater end.
DAVID & BARBARA GREEN
…God gifted me with a mind for
understanding business, and that gift would allow me to carry out His work
through contributions to great missions throughout the
world…
TED FORSTMANN
TED FORSTMANN
…you save one life and you save
the world.
THOMAS S. MONAGHAN
I came into the world penniless
and as a Catholic Christian, I know I cannot take any of it with
me...I knew that all
these things would pass away and that the only think that really mattered was
the state of my soul…I now began to look for how I could really be effective,
really make a difference in what truly mattered; in people’s eternal lives….I
realized that to have a more global impact, I would need to focus on Catholic
higher education…
DUSTIN MOSKOVITZ
(Helped create Facebook) Today,
I view that reward not as personal wealth, but as a tool with which I hope to
bring even more benefit to the world...We will donate and invest with both urgency and
mindfulness arriving to foster a safer, healthier and more economically
empowered global community.
PIERRE & PAM OMIDYAR (Ebay)
Our view is fairly
simple…There’s no need to hold onto it when it can be put to use today, to help
solve some of the world/s intractable problems…Our common challenge is not
necessarily about dollar’s raise, it’s about discovering the most efficient and
effective use of our resources and leaving a legacy of hope for those to
come.
RONALD O. PERELMAN
I have always been interested
in giving to projects that may not get done otherwise. If the research wasn’t
productive, I would have spent money to no avail, but if the idea worked, the
potential was enormous—it was a risk I was willing to take…I can think of no greater example
as to why giving now and seeing the benefits first hand can be the single most
rewarding thing any of us can do.
DAVID M. RUBENSTEIN
…I recognize that to have any
significant impact on an organization or a cause, one must concentrate
resources, and make transformative gifts—and to be involved in making certain
those gifts transform in a positive way. And I am heading in that
direction…Everyone
can and should give, and everyone can and should feel that their gifts may make
the world a little bit better place...My hope, again, is that individuals of all levels of
resources will also increase their giving, and feel they are helping their
countries and humanity by doing so….so as to bring whatever benefits come from
giving to the world a bit sooner.
HERBERT & MARION SANDLER
When you think about it, no
other approach seems to make sense. Passing down fortunes from generation to
generation can do irreparable harm. In addition, there is no way to spend a
fortune. How many residences, automobiles, airplanes and other luxury items can
one acquire and use?...The Buffett/Gates initiative is likely to be a major
“game changer.”.Believe it or not, the psychic income — the highs if you
will — associated with giving money away thoughtfully and effectively has even
been more gratifying than running a successful business.
LYNN SCHUSTERMAN
…I also pledge to continue
working to encourage others, including emerging philanthropists of all ages and
all capacities, to join us in seeking to repair the world; the further we
broaden our reach, the more we will benefit from a diversity of people,
perspectives and approaches we strive to tackle problems of common
concern.
SANFORD & JOAN WEILL
In the years we have left, we
want to continue to try and do whatever small part we can to leave the world a
little better that we found it. That return on investment would be
unquantifiable and something we would cherish the most...We are firm believers that
shrouds don’t have pockets.
TED TURNER
My experiences with
organizations like the Better World Society opened my eyes to the power of
assembling a team of international leaders to address global issues.…it was time for me to get out in
front of the parade...After the billion dollar pledge, I challenged my fellow
billionaires to do more.I’ve discovered that the more people you meet, the more
you learn, and the more you learn, the more you want to help, and the more you
help, the better you feel...These days I’m putting my resources and energies toward
tackling the worlds more important issues...The three problems that concern me the most are the
threat of nuclear annihilation, climate change and the continuing growth of the
world’s population...“Ted, it could be that these problems can/t be solved,
but what can men of good conscience do but keep trying until the very end.”
(Cousteau to Turner)…at the time of my death, virtually all of my wealth will
have gone to charity...I’m particularly thankful for my father’s advice to set
goals so high that they can’t possibly be reached during a lifetime and to give
help where help is needed most. That inspiration keeps me energized and eager to
help keep working hard every day on giving back and making the world a better
place for generations to come.
=============================================
[1] There are 1210 billionaires worldwide according to Forbes, Inc
[2] “He who dies rich, dies disgraced.” (Andrew
Carnegie)
[3] http://givingpledge.org/
[4] See View From My Space, Memo To The
World’s Billionaires, March 15, 2007
“I tell you what.
Let's start a World Citizens' Billionaire's Club and you can all become members.
The membership fee will be a paltry $50 million. That'll give it a starting net
worth of $473,000,000. Then we'll start a bank, a world bank, and use the fees
as capital, minus expenses and overhead, to print and issue world money against
national currencies. (A Bucky Fuller idea, incidentally, who wrote that money
was only 'crystallized energy' and proposed 'kilowatt dollars' as the world
currency*). After all, national currencies are 'floating' out there between
nations anarchically with no real solid base like goods and services….Then
there’s wars to get rid of. Who can afford them anymore?....And besides, If
WWIII starts, your billions won’t be worth the paper they’re printed
on…”
[5] “Peace is order based on law. There is no other
imaginable definition.” (Emery Reves, The Anatomy of Peace, 1946
[6] And before that an actor on Broadway who went to high
school in a Rolls-Royce.
[7] See
http://www.worldservice.org/cat.html?s=4#books
[8] See
http://www.worldservice.org/wsalstat.html
[9] Another reason for a court on the world level which
adjudicates violations of human rights including arbitrary detention only
protected by the habeas corpus principle.
[10] Webster’s College Dictionary,
1991
[11] Peoples United Bank, Account
#097802533335,
[12] See
www.worldservice.org/cat.html?s=4#books
