Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man

If I were a billionaire, here are just a few of the things I’d do, the obvious and that which would be for the greater good.

First the obvious:

• Pay off debts of my own and those of my family.
• Renovate my house and buy one for my mom along making sure she wants for nothing.
• Buy an apartment in New York, Paris, Barçelona, and San Francisco.
• Take a trip around the world.
• Make sure it is invested wisely and continues to work for me.

Now the not so obvious:

Donate to:

• • Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight.
  • Democratic candidates running for office at all levels.
  • ACLU and Planned Parenthood.

Other causes:

• • Cover the restitution costs of those eligible in Florida to restore their voting rights. Work to have laws similar to the one in Florida passed in other states, then cover restitution costs in those states.
  • “Adopt” the poorest lowest performing elementary, middle and high school in each state and bring them to equitable funding and class sizes of higher performing schools. Pay for four years of college for every graduating senior of the high school.
  • Pay for the IDs needed to vote in states having voter ID requirements for those not able to do so themselves. Along with this, pay for transportation costs for voters to make it to the polls. Provide meals and water to voters waiting in line in precincts with fewer voting machines to help them with their wait.
  • Open small businesses in towns and inner cities in decay, paying a true livable wage while employing local residents, even if it means operating at a loss.

If only the several billionaires who think they will make a good president would do any or all of the above, they would have done more good than possible as president. Personally, I don’t believe we can survive another billionaire who believes he can save the country. So far, we don’t have a very track record of billionaire presidents.

My belief is a billionaire, or since there are now so many of them, many billionaires, could make a huge difference in our country. It would be better if they did it altruistically, but if they need their name and face all over the press, then send out a press release or call a press conference or have the press present when doing a good deed. Just do good deeds with your money.

In fact, do many many good deeds.

Make a true difference since many have helped you achieve your success, and our country has supported it through infrastructure and human capital.

Please billionaire candidates, do more with your money than give to the media for advertisements. Give to people in need, which in the end, will give them more personal satisfaction and a true legacy, than being president ever will.

Picture source: wordpress.com/2014/06/04/it-is-about-time-lets-talk-some-net-neutrality/