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$500 Billion - can this solve the big problems?
A solution to that quandary of how to solve the Big Problems?
Bill and Melinda Gates set up a philanthropic venture/idea called "Give it Away" where more than a hundred billionaires have already pledged half their wealth. They have set up various research and charities to tackle malaria, polio, hunger, etc and these people will also lend their expertise to source further solutions.
An Australian billionaire has just pledged five billion with his families consent. These people are reporting how well they feel after donating, and id like to know if their health improves also as recent research indicates that helping others increases all the good things in our body and decreases things like cholesterol, etc?
this is a very substantial way to seriously address those big problems that other conversations are discussing. Just really wanted to share this good news and welcome your comments and hopefully more postings of Good News!
Please Share how you personally are making our world a better place, or your ideas and congratulations that this is actually happening?
Closing Statement from Kate Blake
Great participation, thanks everyone, and TED for the venue!
The most impressive part of this discussion was some sharing how they help others in order to make our world a better place. This is the best we can do, our own personal contribution in our own localities. What are you doing?
Was quite surprised by the number of people who were doubtful about the ability of more than a hundred billionaires to manage their funds! Wonder how they became billionaires?
Some offered interesting projects with questionable costs, but again I would imagine that this group would have their research, projects and organisation well under control.
It would be great if we could all really rejoice that they are making such a huge effort and contributing so much expertise as well as funds - that this could happen within our life! Well done "Give it Away" and all those involved!
Jonathan Najman
THE FORBES GLOBAL 2000 CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE UNDER-5 CHILD MORTALITY
(petition on thepetitionsite.com – http://goo.gl/VfQSM)
Download, Print, Share PDF File: http://goo.gl/C8a9p
Kate Blake 50+
It seems more logical to take funds from those currently engaged in any overseas conflicts. In that for every foreign country where they contribute to ongoing conflict they should pay 15-30% of their military budget towards goods causes? Or in compensation to that country whose civilians suffer greatly in too many ways due to that ongoing conflict.
Would this make those so keen for blood shed to think twice before sending their young people to fight? To have a penalty automatically built in ....
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/06/21/why_is_the_us_selling_billions_in_weapons_to_autocrats
Kapalli Srirama
If these funds employ Managers from Local Communities (Countries) who have a feel of the problem, then their Return on Investment would be very high.
Else these funds would only paying tax-exempt salaries to Highly paid managers.
Kate Blake 50+
I doubt people become billionaires by lining other people's pockets? That seems a rather naive idea to me ...
edulover learner 10+
Kate Blake 50+
Meanwhile let's all work on our own personal changes so we can bring more harmony to our world!
What are you personally doing to make the world a better place?
bart hsi
Kate Blake 50+
Random Chance 30+
a World Commission, involving almost all the countries in the world, did a study and came up with a money figure to solve each problem we, the earth and all other forms of life, face.
So the figures for slavery, illiteracy, poverty, polluted water, homelessness, starvation, air pollution, and on and on, and on, were all added together and a total was arrived at.
As one might imagine, it was astronomical, yet........
this total was only 1/4 of the world's total military spending!!
The money is there. It has to be taken away from the military everywhere in the world.
What, a couple of years ago, Great Britain, spent 18 billion for two aircraft carriers?
Why do they need those? What do they have in mind? What are they planning on using them for? They look ahead, and plan ahead too, and with who?
I think it was a month or two later, they next spent 29 billion on other military weapons. This is outrageous and I find it hard to believe the citizens of that country want their money spent that way.
Thailand, around the same time, spent almost as much (around 19 billion if memory serves me) for military weapons.
Thailand? What in the world do they need weapons for? Who are they planning on fighting, where might they be going, or invading and why?
That's what all this weaponry is for: for using.
The money is stolen from the people in all countries and much of it is used to then hire those out of work, but they work for the military, government and other agencies, that are only working to enslave the citizens even more.
They will then be those that "have" and it will be easier to brainwash them into seeing those who "don't have" as their enemy.
Their own friends, neighbors, their own countrymen, women and children.
Kate Blake 50+
And taking such funds off the military really appeals to me, let them run a cake stall like most schools have to to buy their equipment! One good idea to stop the current conflicts.
But am sure these billionaires will be able to make reasonable in roads into these issues over the next few years.
carolyn mcauley 20+
Kate Blake 50+
carolyn mcauley 20+
Kate Blake 50+
Sometimes the helper not having that experience allows the survivor to get more open undisputed support. Otherwise it can degenerate into a competition eg well my experience was worst than yours so what are you worried about ...
Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+
Contrary to common belief Climate Change is also an opportunity for a right kind of investment.
indira priya darshini
Charles Hoes
Kate Blake 50+
Charles Hoes
That is actually a rather complex question. I can enumerate a few of the ways that I am attempting to do that. (1) My career has been as a system safety engineer - I work with manufacturers to help them make products that are safer, cheaper, more efficient and environmentally "friendly." I bring the idea of system engineering to the team(s) so that they integrate the full range of issues into their designs, beyond the written specifications and profit. (2) I am a volunteer fireman and personally get up at 3:00am to help people who are in burning buildings, or scattered around on the freeway after horrific accidents. (3) I spend a lot of time as a concerned "citizen" observer reviewing and commenting on the local politician's plans for the community with the goal of bringing some system knowledge to the discussions to help get affordable, and sustainable solutions to energy and industrial planning. (4) I attempt to keep my point of view open so that I can better understand the point of view of others, and maybe assist them in realizing a more holistic and compassionate view of the world. (5) I donate what I can to assist those in need around the world and at home. This includes providing financial assistance for at risk families, providing money to build schools where needed, and generally helping those in my community that are in need of assistance. (6) I provide a work place environment where everyone is treated as equally important and compensated accordingly. (7) I spend a lot of time and effort on my personal spiritual development so that I can love and be compassionate to myself, so that I can do they same for others. (8) I engage in conversations such as this in an attempt to broaden my views and maybe help others do likewise. (9) I design and install cost effective energy efficiency systems for friends and neighbors. (10) I write about these things in journals and other avenues. (11) I always attempt to make the world a better place.
Charles Hoes
How about you?
Kate Blake 50+
See my stuff below 3 days ago near Pabitras comments, have already edited most of it out but you will get an idea. I certainly don't have your skills or energy, but most of us help to the bets of our ability.
Thanks for joining us.
Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+
Casey Christofaris 10+
Casey Christofaris 10+
Kate Blake 50+
And what are you doing to make our world a better place?
Casey Christofaris 10+
The fundamental part of Capitalism is that people have to make less money so other people can make more. This can be seen in today's current economy as the 99% vs. the 1% in America. What most Americans don't realize is that the 99% of Americas are also in the top 1% of the world.
Because I am able to run my business in a free market, my plan is to limit my employee’s salary, as well as my own, to an amount no greater than $100,000 per year for life. I already have 3 business ventures that I am currently working to get off the ground. These businesses are as follows; One in Marketing, one in 3D printing, and one that can be best described somewhat as a Jiffy Lube for nail salons. As I’ve previously stated, my employee’s and I will never make more than $100,000 a year in income. Furthermore, I plan to automate the jobs completed by my employees and create machines that will complete the work for them. However, I will still pay them their annual salary. I will be able to accomplish this with the capital received from the automated services my businesses will provide. As an employer, I don’t really care who or what does the work as long as it gets done. With the future IT companies I plan to establish, I will be able to spread Wi-Fi coverage to everyone in the country, cheaper than it’s already being done. In addition, I will also have the ability to offer more coverage in more places. I will show those employees how they can outsource their job to 3rd world workers, where they can basically double that person’s income by only paying them a tenth of what I plan to pay my employees. This will allow my employees to semi-retire and still complete all the necessary job requirements. Essentially, this method will enable me to rescue my employees as well as the 3rd world workers from a life of poverty. This can be seen as a trickledown effect, which current businesses like to pretend they already accomplish.
Casey Christofaris 10+
Once I educate my employees on how money actually works, they will realize it is a juggling act and my enterprise will be the ultimate juggler. This will also allow the removal of government welfare programs, thus lowering everyone’s tax rates. This will be effective simply because I will be paying people for doing nothing. From then on they can volunteer or spend their time completing more hospitable and fulfilling activities while having job security.
If 25% of the world companies and charities used this model instead of our current model how fast do you think we can end poverty?
Casey Christofaris 10+
Kate Blake 50+
Totally agree with your comment about balance or harmony and glad that there are so many of us working towards this in our own way.
Casey Christofaris 10+
Casey Christofaris 10+
Random Chance 30+
It isn't "man's nature" that keeps humans from solving age-old, Big Problems.
Are people really going to continue believing that lie that we are naturally bad, greedy, deceitful, dishonest, lack ethics or integrity and so on - Original Sin, a black stain on our souls, inherently evil, & on & on, blah, blah?
Our nature is such that our genes give us a variety of responses to choose from and our choice depends a lot on what our environment is telling us.
Our environment includes the things we need to survive and we react accordingly.
I am so sick of this easy out: it's our nature.
What a great way to avoid looking at the real causes and solving them. We can give up before we even begin by simply saying, "oh, it's our nature, it's the nature of humans, it is how God made us -BAD!" So we will never change nor be able to change, even though we have ample examples of humans behaving, responding and performing in the most wonderful of ways that include inclusiveness, mutuality, love, caring, kindness, understanding and so on.................
but how can this be possible if our nature is otherwise? What a load of B....................S. Actually, what a load, meaning a burden to carry around and then teach to others to also carry around. Let's all turn to a fictional character who made us, made us evil, does nothing to help us and will only punish us because we are not perfect so we can never live differently.
There is no flaw in the Nature of man. Man is not perfect, not not good.
Things don't.........."get done"..................because of money.
Things.............."don't get done"..............because of money.
A world commission did this figuring in the early 80's. What is the cost to clean up, solve, resolve every problem mankind has? An astronomical figure.
The total? Only 1/4 of the worlds military spending.
It might help though, if the money were spent now, not in the future.
How about changing the name from "give it all away" to "solve it all away"?
Kate Blake 50+
We all have a choice to focus on our healthy aspects and attitudes whilst diluting the poison of our unhealthy aspects of greed, anger, deceit, etc. They won't vanish overnight but with persistent effort we should be able to recognise them as they arise and just not give them any energy ...
And if the resolutions of the worlds largest problems cannot be solved with the funds raised, maybe if each nation currently engaged in conflict gave 10% of their military budget it would be within comfortable reach. Then with less funds for the war mongering maybe we could all bring our troops home and enjoy more peace?
Casey Christofaris 10+
There is a logical solution to peace though
This is how objective morality should look;
We should redefine what peace is? Because whom are you to tell me what my peace is? See if you think we practiced the Golden Rule as defined as this we could create peace.
Its reciprocal, if party (y) want to have crazy kinky sex then he/she needs to find party (x) that also wants kinky sex and then the do on to others how they would want to be treated and have some crazy kinky sex. If party (y) want to have crazy kinky sex but party (z) does not want to then guess what you do on to others how you would want to be treated and don't have kinky sex with party (z) Because chances are there is something that party y does not want to do. (maybe party z want to kill some one) All he needs to do is find some one who is willing to die and kill them, if he cant find a party to kill, he doesn't do it. He respects the other person choices as if the are his own.
So if 2 parties want to kill each other from what they describe as peace or the greatest glory they can do for their god let them do it. It only becomes a problem when one party does not want to kill the other. Or be killed
Conor O'Higgins 20+
wimp.com/waterworld/
Theodore A. Hoppe 200+
http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_pritchard_invents_a_water_filter.html
Kate Blake 50+
george lockwood 20+
edward long 100+
Kate Blake 50+
Saying human nature is the cause of our bigger issues seems somewhat self defeating. It gives us an excuse not to deal with the poverty and disharmony we see around us.
I sincerely believe each of us need to get to know oursleves, our minds and emotions a lot better in order to curb our own greed, anger, hostility. Once we improve oursleves a bit more that must surely make it much more harmonious for those around us? Like family, neighbours, colleagues, etc. To me this is the most effective thing we can each do daily in our own lives.
But the fact that excessively wealthy people might find a more effective way to share their wealth, to benefit our world at whatever level - I think we should all be rejoicing that this is happening right now! Of course there are doubts and limits to a 'complete' cure to all our ailments but what a great collaborative start!
edward long 100+
Mrudula Reddy
80% of the Indian population are farmers, agriculturists. They are also the poorest of all the economic classes in India. All the politicians here do something called a 'pada yatra' in my state, where they walk the whole state, visiting all the rural areas and villages. They give them money, build them houses, promise them rations on every thing imaginable, and they win. They continue to throw money at them and give them things free of cost, with the taxpayers' money and the taxpayer's begin to accumulate their wealth and indulge in tax evasion because they have no benefits whatsoever. This again results in the Govt. not having enough money and increasing prices of electricity, etc.. This has been the scenario since a long time, and the vicious cycle has been going on.
Here, money spent at the wrong time led to many other problems.
More than the money, it's about making the right decision about where it is going to be spent and making sure that we are resposible. Money in today's world is power in many ways, thus as in Spiderman "with great power comes great responsibility" :)
george lockwood 20+
Asgar Fakhrudin
All these are world business leaders with a philanthropic heart, and they have a team of experts to guide them and take right decisions. So we should be positive. $ 500 billion will not solve all the problems, but surely it will solve many a problems being faced by the very poor of the world.
There is section of the very poor, who need direct aid. It is also true that - ' If you give a man a fish........' for this section of the marginalized, an environment of equal opportunity has to be created, and for all projects, funding is needed. The concept of 'interest free long term loan' is what I feel go a long way in helping many to become self sufficient in life.
A part of the corpus from 'Give it Away' should be channelized to small projects, where the repayments are worked out after due consideration of the income generation component, so that there is no lapse in the repayment. It may be small, but the criteria is it should be regular. Thus funds return back after doing the necessary good, so that they can be again made to 'take the road' do good and return, to start again. Just an idea I have shared.
Kate Blake 50+
And you also show how it is a world wide project, not just a local US thing, thanks for that.
Robert Winner 50+
I wish you well. Bob.
Kate Blake 50+
You don't mention how you are contributing to make our world a better place?
Robert Winner 50+
In my spare time I am writing a book ... A project that has been on going for two years already.
To me money is not always the answer ... but being involved is a force for good.
Years later kids have came back to town and when we meet they have told me that I was a influence in their lives. That means more to me than a gold bar.
I wish you well. Bob.
Kate Blake 50+
You are so right in saying if we have sincerely touched another's life that is far more rewarding than all the gold bullion in the world!
Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+
Climate Change is only one of nine big problems we are faced with. And none of these nine screw ups are local such that Americans can say, we have taken care of American Climate Change. So Xavier's 'fish' and 'fishing tools' both will be required.
I personally agree with Ying's suggestion of educating people not to be greedy. But problem is greed enters in our lives hidden as necessity where limitless possession and consumption of endless choices of consumables are seen as our rights. So such education will never work as long as the whole economic/social paradigm is in existence.
I do not believe is charity but strongly believe in compassionate investment. This is, IMO, available to many of us who cannot afford big donations. As my contribution I am trying to adopt a frugality in life by cutting down all excess - not using car when I can avail public transport, being cautious about electricity and water (it certainly encourages my neighbors when I show them my energy bills, which I make a point to do) and cooking and eating local food with as little wastage as possible. I regularly invest in Education for girls and poor students. No philanthropy, honestly, they teach me, free of cost, how to fight against odds and achieve a goal seemingly impossible.
Pity, I started late. But good news is that my son is getting a head start.
Kate Blake 50+
Much thanks for sharing what you are personally doing to help make our world a better place Pabitra, well done! Being aware of our greed and curbing our desire for always new and better gadgets is a great way to start!
My contribution is something similar, to lessen my carbon fooot print as much as possible. Generally tried to help whenever the situation was offered and I had the resources.
Now my main contribution seems to be listening when others need it. I don't have to look for these people, they just arrive when they need it.
Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+
Charles Hoes
I wonder what the huge costs that you quoted were intended to cover? Maybe burning the money in a big incinerator to make electricity?
Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+
I have no idea how CIA arrived at that figure but I am not clear why you think this cost is huge or out of line. For the US, 2 % of GDP equals $288 billion. Per person, that works out to about $938 yearly. It's not exactly nothing. But it's also not overwhelming. On a monthly basis — $78 per month — it's a little higher the price of the average cellphone plan.
The US military spending in 2008 alone had been $710 billion. That's 4.8% of US GDP.
Charles Hoes
I am not arguing that we shouldn't invest the money, in fact I am arguing just the opposite - it is very likely much less expensive than claimed.
W. Ying 10+
Yes if we use it to educate people not be greedy.
Kate Blake 50+
Conor O'Higgins 20+
Kate Blake 50+
Fritzie Reisner 100+
Further, there are some ways in which people cannot take action, regardless of its potential, because of politics or popular misconception that create a barrier. An example of a controversial area that is an obvious lever is GM food, which may be the most productive approach to the problem of inadequate consumption of micronutrients.
Xavier Belvemont 30+
Athough its not the money per-se, its the usage, the measures enforced to make sure the money is going to the right places and making sure the system(s) is re-structured to uphold a transparent, ethical and productive mechanism.
Like its been said, if you give a man a fish he'll feed himself for a day, but give him the tools to fish and he'll feed himself for a lifetime'.
We would just need to use the theoretical money to eliminate what stops people from 'feeding themselves' and not just 'give them a fish', if you catch my drift..
Kate Blake 50+
I can't for a moment imagine that they would throw their billions at wasteful projects or NGOs that skim off heaps. Doubt much of it will be transparent to us but I'm sure they will all keep a very close professional eye on it all.
Fritzie Reisner 100+
pat gilbert 50+
Gail . 50+
ZX Style 10+
Think about the times when we had no money while men were gatherer and hunters
Do you think those people were happy all the time?
What if they couldn't find any deer to hunt for months?
They could be starving to death.
Nowadays when something similar happens we can allways go to the supermarket and buy some food.
Thats a positive aspect about money isn't it?
It can keep us alive a little longer
I believe you are confusing money with evil people.
So i rephrase your sentence:
Evil people are the roots of evil!
W. Ying 10+
Money makes greed and
greed makes evil.
ZX Style 10+
For example, people with a very pretty girlfriend can become greedy and possesive.
Some people with a very beatifull home can become greedy and possesive.
Bottom line:
Greediness is a personality trait, and that has to be discouraged.
Money itself is only a trade commodity, which happened to be very effective in making our worlds spin around.
Muhammad Aizat Zainal Alam 30+
ZX Style 10+
Kate Blake 50+
Gail . 50+
ZX Style 10+
Why is money worse than greedy people?
Lionel Leigo
Short answer... No, sorry, it will continue the status quo, the upper 1%, have 90% of the money, pay none of the taxes, the middles class have 10% of the money, pay all the taxes, and the poor are just there to scare the S#*T out of the middle class (George Carlin)
I once heard that if 1 million was 12 seconds long, then 1 billion would be 30 something years.... is that right?, not sure, anyway, $5 Billion would go a huge way to sustaining life where its needed, however at the same time, through vaccines, innoculations, and other more intrusive methods, children and adults are being sterilised, so the predicted population control is well in effect, and climbing annually.
So the whole modern philanthropy deal is conditional with designed second effects.
Kate Blake 50+
Afraid I have to agree to disagree with you on this one - cant you be grateful that they are acting?
Bob Stiglitz
http://www2.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html
Kate Blake 50+
"however at the same time, through vaccines, innoculations, and other more intrusive methods, children and adults are being sterilised, so the predicted population control is well in effect, and climbing annually."
Your figures ONLY refer to US, it might help if you realise that many of us are not from US and we are discussing this from a world perspective. Australian and I'm sure other billionaires are joing in with this great idea!
Lionel Leigo
(probably just went on a weird tangent their for a while)
george lockwood 20+
Kate Blake 50+
Do hope that they get some measurable proof of the impact of such great kindness eg blood pressure, cholesterol, endorphins, etc so that they themselves will feel and see the impact of working towards a better more equitable world! I'm really impressed.
george lockwood 20+
It's just a fun little thought.
Kate Blake 50+
What are you personally doing to help make our world a better place?