It's disappointing that they're not on my side, politically, but so what? And for those of you who concern yourselves with any potential estate tax evasion, get over it. I'd legally evade any tax I could; reminds me of the old saw about offering a woman $1 million and then $10 to have a little romp. It's all relative.
And by the way, the Gates foundation has provided millions for cancer research, which is in my opinion the best use of exhorbitant wealth.
Abortion aside. The Gates foundation does have a useful focus. They are trying to use mostly existing technologies to attack disease worldwide (for example vaccines that do not require refrigeration etc). Such approaches can serve to alleviate suffering worldwide (a goal all conservatives should be in favor of).
I also agree with Buffett's decision to force the funds to be sent the year given and not be carried inside an evergrowing foundation which will outlive you and can be used for crap (like Rockefeller etc) which have morphed way beyond what they were intended.
I, for one, commend you for your sensible commentary.
There is absolutely zero value in either praising or hammering Buffett or Gates for their spending proclivities.
I agree, Both of these individuals are giving away fortunes to many good causes and also many causes that some of aren't into. Bottom line, they're giving and because of them millions of lives will benefit even if only in a small way.
The fact that some of their money end up in a cause we may not agree with is incidental compared with the good they are doing, selflessly. Some of these posts I read say much more about the authors than about the targets of their wrath.