I was reading an article in the WSJ about Bill Gates new efforts in charity. Already having set up a record setting foundation along with Warren Buffett's fortune, as he is moving away from active involvement in Microsoft, he is moving to a much more active role with his foundation. One of the major themes he was discussing was the failure of historical capitalism in the vast majority of the world that suffers from endemic poverty and sub-standard living conditions. The gist of his argument was that a revised approach to capitalism and charity were called for.
The article's author quoted many who were quite critical of Mr. Gates saying that who was he to be criticizing classic capitalism when he has been a primary user of that system to build up his wealth. Efforts by Microsoft to squelch competition has been the critics example. Mr. Gates says he was younger and as he and his wife have traveled the world for their foundation, he has changed his opinions.
This gets to our topic. Because we are inundated with people who want us to forgive always their prior lives, decisions and actions. It makes no difference if it is the politician caught stealing, the religious leader with the sex problems, the athlete with the drug problems, and on and on, when they are brought to task there is the great mia culpa and claim that they've learned their lessons and now they're going to be different and a credit to humanity.
Is this all bullshit? Have we just made it so no one ever should suffer the consequences of their actions? Or is this an acknowledgment that people can change and we should embrace that change.
What do you think?
3 comments:
Yeah, it's been something I've struggled with regarding athletes and such. It's easier there though because if they take steroids and then stopped, admitted it and apologized, then it's easier to believe that they've reformed.
Now if they go out and kill someone, say strangle them to death with their hands, it's hard for me to believe that they are EVER going to be reformed.
I think people can and do change, but first they have to admit (publicly for public figures) that they were wrong and have a desire to change.
that's a broad statement - do we give everyone in all situations a second chance?
I would say our culture encourages this. Especially in the US with the heavy influence of Christianity which is based on folks f***ing up and trying to make up for it the rest of their lives.
Specifically in the Gates case - why look a gift horse in the mouth? The end result is many people will benefit from this money that otherwise would not have.
Whoa, deep post today Dad! I agree with AinA that I think Americans LOVE someone who has repented and reformed. (See: George Bush getting elected)
As to whether persons with a certain celebrity or financial status should receive a "get out of jail free" card for their pasts i think it all depends on the situation. If you take steroids you know you are willingly doing something that is against the law. I think that's different from a business person who had no qualms with perfectly legal if ethically suspect capitalist behavior.
I think in either case it is how you behave after you have "reformed" that is the true test. If Bill Gates spends the next 30 years giving more then he ever made what will history say about him?
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