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Comment by ggm | Hacker News Reader

I'm inclined to believe the premise. Tax is just better at equalising. But, I do respect the Gates for their philanthropy towards health, especially, women's reproductive health during a time US political toxicity removed a huge amount of aid due to the anti abortionists power in domestic politics.

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Are you saying that individuals wielding massive amounts of power in shaping social policy isn't such a terrible thing as long as those people have the "right" political view?

Individuals wielding massive amounts of power still add diversity in their philantropy approaches, compared to government position.

No. I'm saying that out of all the philanthropising which happens, I respect the Gates. It is still a terrible thing they got so wealthy. Thats why I prefer the tax solution.

Okay, so entrepreneurs should not be allowed to become wealthy. How do you plan to enforce that? What about politicians, should they be wealthy? How about their friends and donors and special interests that get giant contracts and banking monopolies? Should the people that control the money supply be ‘allowed’ to get rich off of it?

Is there a single example in all of history where attempts at enforcing wealth or income equality didn’t just end up putting wealth into the pockets of those in power? I’m sure this time is different.

Bill Gates was a destructive businessman. His philanthropy is tied up in his "power" world view. The way the press fawns over his every word is nauseating and a part of this power dynamic. We worship the rich.

yes, he was. But, now, he isn't. He isn't at the helm of MS any more.

I think having got to a certain place with a big caveat, what he and Melinda Gates are choosing to do with the pile of money, is better than what other people (Bezos, Musk) are doing with the money. Even Bezos' ex-wife is doing better things with her share of the money.

The caveat is that I am told, the Gates often require you to use Microsoft IT to do whatever thing you're doing.

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