BSOD Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 Story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4204425.stm not such a bad chap after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkey_magic Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 Heard on the news this morning that he's donated over $4billion to various charities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blixo Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 "Bill and Melinda Gates “Foundation.” Gate’s trillionaire status is based on a nasty little monopoly-protecting trade treaty called “TRIPS” – the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights rules of the World Trade Organization. TRIPS gives Gates a hammerlock on computer operating systems worldwide, legally granting him the kind of monopoly the Robber Barons of yore could only dream of. But TRIPS, the rule which helps Gates rule, also bars African governments from buying AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis medicine at cheap market prices." Bill is a big pharma player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkey_magic Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 I see the quote but I don't see the source. I also don't quite see the point. Microsoft has a virtual monopoly, which is helped by WTO rules. WTO rules prevent African countries from buying medicine at knock down prices. But do Microsoft actively support this particular policy? Or is the only connection between Microsoft and African medical problems the fact that both are affected by WTO rules? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blixo Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 TRIPS works in favour of the Big (western) Pharma companies by blocking third world access to cheaper generic pharmaceuticals.... This $750m will be spent on US/Western Pharma... And who's a big shareholder/patent holder in these companies? Why Bill Gates of course. I'm in the grip of the morrin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkey_magic Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 So, taking into account the profits that the pharmacutical companies that he has shares in will make, it might end up costing him (complete guess) $500 - 600m rather than $750m? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blixo Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 Don't get me wrong here I applaud what he's done (something’s better than nothing)... BUT he could do more. I mean what's $750million to someone who has a 55billion dollar fortune... 1.5%??? what percentage of your salary did you give towards the Tsunami Aid effort this Christmas?? He probably spends more on lawyers fee's.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ans Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 I mean what's $750million to someone who has a 55billion dollar fortune... 1.5%??? what percentage of your salary did you give towards the Tsunami Aid effort this Christmas?? Salary and fortune are two different things. You could almost say that the 55billion is his net worth. So, with that in mind, did you come anywhere near 1.5% of the value of your house, car, possessions and bank accounts in donations? I don't hate Microsoft. I don't really like them but you have to have grudging respect for a businessman like Gates who has achieved his world dominance through smart business decisions. I don't see why you feel he should have to give more than he has already. It's his money after all... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blixo Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 I don't hate Microsoft. I don't really like them but you have to have grudging respect for a businessman like Gates who has achieved his world dominance through smart business decisions. I don't see why you feel he should have to give more than he has already. It's his money after all... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Very true... & after all it does make wonderful PR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkey_magic Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 Just been reading about this in the Guardian. WHO have set a target of $8 - $12 billion over the next ten years, which should immunise 90% of worlds children. So he's almost covered the first year single handed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ans Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 I actually believe him when he says he plans on giving away most of his money before he's dead to charities as he simply has too much. Despite being a ruthless businessman, I suspect he's a decent enough guy as well. All that said, whether it be PR or not, it still should be up to him if he distributes his wealth more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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