ryoushi12

"May more of the worthless fascist rich follow his noble example."

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Wow ryoushi12 why are you so filled with hate this morning? A human being is killed in an accident and all you can do is spew hate? I feel sorry for you.

My condolences to the family at such a loss.

"May more of the worthless fascist rich follow his noble example"

Horrible! A man dies you do not make such comments. And be clear that I am a liberal Democrat.

Politics has nothing to do with such occasions. While it disgusted me to no end to see such remarks from the Right on occasions like the death of Ted Kennedy it galls me even more to see someone on the Left make such a comment. How can we claim we are any better when one of us stoops to this level?

I put you in the extremes. And as someone who just invoked for themself a karmic nightmare.

While my condolences go out, one cannot make up for a life of white collar crime by donating a small portion of it to charity.

That's not a condolence Scott, that's a jab.

really sucks, somehow i knew when i saw the headline i knew this was going to be another porsche! im not even going to try to explain the factors again. someone should make a class, high profile death car 101.

May others be more kinder to you when you pass, Brian.

at the end, we all end up 6 ft under. at the end, you will find out if you were loved or hated. at the end, our life choices will be judged by our maker (whoever that may be and if one exists).

so it does not matter if you die with $6 billion or 6 dollars; it matters how you made the $6 or the $6 billion, doesn't it?

well... i didn't know the man...hope he rest in peace...and left me all his money...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX9B2dVdrqI

This man helped many people and seems to have had a huge impact on the Arts. That is enough. We may not appreciate the political "gifts" but it is not about how we may want to spend other people's money, but rather it is about how important it is to care outside of our own self. He cared outside of himself. May he rest in peace.

Ryoushi, peterparker, bill and your ilk.

What makes me laugh is you think you are better people than Dick Cheney. When really you are the exact same person. A red-faced, FOS liar who thinks their cause justifies their A-Hole behavior. Soros was convicted of insider trading, but when he dies you'll feel a little bad. Hypocrisy at its best. Personally, what neither you or your little enemies who spew from the other side can understand is some people do good in the world, even when they don't work for your 'team'

You show a fundamental lack of understanding of what good this guy did in his lifetime, just like the crybaby Tea Baggers fail to understand the good of philanthropists on the left. The best revenge on you is twofold. A ) your vote doesn't matter in politics when it comes to the election of a President. Of course, neither does that of your angry radical opposition. Revel in your lack of importance together. B ) Nobody really needs to get revenge on you at all, really, since the best revenge is just not being you.

Go on with your ludicrous high blood pressure. Moving on now to talking to the people who think.

Condolences to the family and friends. Tragedies are unpredictable as is death.

Rest in Peace.

Giving millions to the arts and Texas politicians, won't feed hungry children.

One in five children IN America go to sleep hungry every night.

Didn't know the man really don't care.

Isn't it the American way? It is our money to do with what we want. Why should anyone complain how you spend it - whether for schools in Africa or the Republican party. Yes we all have to give part of it to the government, but that is also the American way to support our government.

To the family, sorry for your loss.

The democrats have done nothing but enact legislation that brought our country down. Clinton's bank mandates to give home loans to unqualified buyers thereby creating a housing bubble, Obama's overspending and Obamacare (which is why companies won't hire). MSN only cited his connection to the GOP. They would never do anything that doesn't bad mouth the GOP. You people that bad mouth this guy don't know how much money he gave to the poor.

Last summer, the Securities and Exchange Commission accused Wyly and his brother of using offshore havens to hide more than a half-billion dollars in profits over 13 years of insider stock trading. The brothers denied and were fighting the allegations.

As a taxpayer, this I have a problem with, not how he gave his money away.

Steve. Right on! Brian should give his money to the ...Government! THEY know best. Maybe THEY could have his waterhole in Boca too, surely THEY know someone [maybe a leetle less 'affluent' ..maybe "illegal"?] who needs it more than he. Brain worked for it. Brain maybe saved up and bought it. Let's TAKE IT FROM BR A I N and give it to someone who'll appreciate it more ..someone with NO SWEAT EQUITY IN IT ! ISN'T THAT B R A I N ' S WAY?

One just knew that the idiot side of liberals would be all over this today.

And Steve,

There but for the grace of God go I.

Conservatives talk it, Liberals DO it.

Yes, Liberals do. Just with other people's money.

I pray for the family.

Did any libs read the article? Guy gew up poor...family lost everything in the great depression...he went to college and became extremely successful. God bless the USA! Capitalism works for the hard working.

I have never heard such venomous hateful disgusting comments about a man who died and about whom most posts know nothing. I hope all of you sub-human cowards who posted these comments suffer the same as you wished for this man. You are living your lives with such hate, you will never be able to be happy and will unfortunately pass this hate on to your children. You are the spawn of the KKK. You will die without honor, without any real friends and certainly without respect.

How do you like having someone post a comment denigrating you?

Some so called Americans need to stop drinking the Kool-aid that Boehner and Cantor is serving and start thinking for themselves.

I never understood why people need to be billionaires? I understand millionaires, but billionaire? Who needs that kind of money? It would be very difficult to make that kind of money legitimately or without a lot of greed. With all of the poor out there, there should never be billionaires.

Prohibition,

Why don't you get all of those "rich" people in the Porsche. Then the other half can start paying their "fair share" of taxes, since they don't pay anything now.

@ Steve Columbus,

good question. You have to realize that it is their net worth. Not what they have in assets such as homes, boats, money etc.

For example, When Sam Walton started Wal-Mart it was a private company. If he would not have gone public, then he would be a billionaire. Not necessarily with what he personally has but Wal-mart is an asset worth billions, and Sam owns it, therefore his worth is that of a Billionaire. (Of course he was anyways because he held significant stock when Wal-Mart went public but...) What you are asking is for Sam to sell Wal-Mart to give to the poor. And many billionaires do exactly that.

Actually, yeah cdahl, all those corporate execs that are getting tax breaks could get crammed in there, then put their money where it belongs, back in the US economy instead of sitting in an account off-shore or in Switzerland.

What an appalling bunch of comments guys. Homie's dead, whether or not he believed in one ideology or another is not only beside the point, it's outright cruel to make such comments. Imagine your spouse/children coming upon other folks comments about you like those you've posted, they would be hurt beyond belief.

You're lucky you haven't been suspended, much less banned altogether.

Steve Columbus I have often asked how much is enough to a wealthy person?

Ask a poor or middle class person and they will give you an amount. Ask a wealthy person and they can't give you a number.

My condolences to the family.

What? Rick Perry's prayer meeting results in this? Killing one of his donors?

@ Brian - The left has been bashing the right for decades. I grew up hearing about how Republicans were baby killers, and WANTED dirty water and bad air. Republicans WANTED people to starve. The left loves tossing it's vitriol around but all of a suddenly it's no long acceptable when the Republicans join in. Sounds like the reaction of a 3 year old to me.

Brian P,

I think that Sally's point is that your first 2 posts have little value, and fit completely with your definition of vitriol and rancor that you attribute to those on the right. In fact, those right wing talk show hosts at least argue opinion and don't wish death onto people, when talking about a tragic death.

At least your last couple of posts started moving towards an argument.

Prohibition,

we will agree to disagree. If people can legally afford to shelter taxes overseas then it is their right to do so. I find it difficult to blame them for being smart with their money. If you don't like it, argue to change the laws.

Brian, have you ever heard of (bad) Karma? If not, you will know all about it very soon, my friend.

Lets see if this will be deleted, May a war between the gun toting Conservatives and the hand ringing Liberals breakout and BINGO no more problems !!!!

Death is the greatest equalizer of all.

Reading some of these comments makes me realize that there are times you need to keep your thoughts from coming out your mouth.

This is one of those times.

Brian - The left has been bashing the right for decades. I grew up hearing about how Republicans were baby killers, and WANTED dirty water and bad air. Republicans WANTED people to starve.

THATS BECAUSE ITS TRUE...

Gneisenau,

The only usage of "baby-killer" I recall was during Vietnam and was used and directed at both Democrats and Republicans who supported that disaster. There was a draft then, and if you were connected and wealthy you got out or got a ticket to the National Guard. Otherwise, you were forced to participate in a war in which our country wasn't threatened. The outcome speaks volumes.

As far as dirty air or water, no I don't think nor have I ever thought that Republicans are FOR dirty air or water - just like Democrats aren't FOR abortions. Elected Republicans VOTE in manner where corporate interests come first even though environmental damage may be a by-product. The left IMHO goes way too far as does the right on this issue. Common sense should prevail although when greed is involved often it takes precedence. Take this fracking method currently used by the Koch bros. for natural gas. If my tap water caught on fire I'd be pissed too. In this case, the corporate interests and their boards need to sole source that same tap water solely for themselves and their families by law. Watch how fast that fracking would come to an end.

Lastly, there was a time when the Republican party had reasonable minds and rational thought. I used to watch William F. Buckley and although I disagreed with him more often than not, he presented honest, reasonable, and cogent arguements. There are none left on the right like that any longer as an almost Stalin-like purge has happened in the Republican party and nut's, unwilling to compromise as evidenced by the last 2 years have taken over.

WAAA!WAAA!WAAA! Cry Babies!!! The media has once again succeeded in attracting the mindless hoards of the American population to a headline that makes another persons life seem worse than the pathetic life they have created for themselves..... And then..... Turn it into a political debate. From America the beautiful, to America the stupid, in one headline flat. Congrats!

@Steve Columbus: Totally agree.

With all of the poor out there, there should never be billionaires.

In fact, I'd go one step further: Without all the poor out there, there never would be billionaires. The way I see it, money is like energy: it can be neither created nor destroyed. For someone to get rich, the money they gain has to come from somewhere. You don't get to be a billionaire without creating a lot of poverty for other people.

@MarkNY

Capitalism works for the hard working.

Well, it used to... when this guy was young. Nowadays, with all the breaks rich people get (tax- and otherwise), and all the barriers put in place to keep the rich rich (which result in keeping the poor poor) if you weren't born rich you'll have a hell of a time getting that way. The Zuckerbergs of the world are few and far between, and getting rarer by the minute.

@Gneisenau:

Funny, I've only ever heard things like that come from the mouths of Republicans. Pretty sure they're not just now "joining in"...

Stupid is as Stupid Posts.

I am saddened by how people can be so cruel.. It is a loss of life, and I feel so bad for the people that view this as a political issue. I don't care about the money, or what he was worth.. The judgement isn't up to us. May you people that cast stones, not have glass houses!

I am absolutely sure there is a very special place in the afterlife for people like him that helped so many of the lives they touched, with so much indifference for rich or poor. Sounds like a bang up guy!

@ Brian - Oh no, baby killer was used against the right also. The mantra from the congressional left against the right was that we wanted dirty water and dirty air. It went on for many years. The right usually ignored their jabs until that generation passed it's mantle on so to speak. The generation of the right that arrived in the 80's and 90's didn't have a problem retuning the jabs in kind.

It's true that the Republican party has changed and it angers me. Unfortunately, the left has continued further left and so I have even less common ground with them then I did back when I was younger. I want to go back the fiscal responsible republicans and I want to stay away from the government providing too many services of the left.

Brian P Sally, "you must honestly realize the vitriol and rancor that have created this environment weren't created by those who lean left flashing the peace sign."

Really Brian, let's see the leftist calls TheTea Party, "astroturf from ex- speaker Pelsoi," teabaggers, "terrorist by Vice President Biden" Bill Maher calls Sarah Palin a c--t, and you call Fox News, faux news. Then you have "the party of no" really during debates on Obamacare they had closed door meeting and the Republicans weren't invited. What ever happen to "the most transparent Whitehouse ever" per Obama. Ever bill will be on cspan for everyone to see and it will be posted on the internet for 72 hours before it's voted on to give the American people time to read it. Ha, none of that has happened, heck they don't even bother to read the bills and admitted they didn't have the time. I could have sworn that was part of their job description.

Wow these comments are so hostile. Coming from the so called party of tolerance. Yehhh, right.

What a coincidence that this tragedy happened just after the Prayer event that Perry put together. Maybe the Dems hired someone to cause this horrible so called accident???? To keep him from donating to Perry if he runs for office????

There, attack that one for a while oh great party of tolerance.

Your hateful ignorant comments really prove what you support.

Why was the amount of donations towards a political party included?

Obviously it was to create partisan friction following someone's death, otherwise it would be just another of the many accidents that occur daily.

I wonder who is going to take the bait?

(I didn't read any of the above comments but I assume it was taken.)

Maw, you need to find out about the Gramm (R TEXAS), Leach (R IOWA), Bliley (R VIRGINA) Act of 1999, the Citizens United Versus Federal Election Commission Supreme Court ruling that was passed by the 5 Supreme Court Justices that were either appointed by Reagan or worked in his administration and the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Moderization Act passed by the Republican congress and signed into law by GEORGE W. BUSH (R TEXAS). Then ask yourself, Is this what I wanted?

Karma's a bitch, isn't it bourgeois Babylon monkeys.

And would somebody buy the roadkill coyote a vowel please.

The wrong always hate the successful and hate them even after they die, thinking they didn't deserve what they earned, and laugh when the government initiates the death tax upon them.

What is the matter with the wrong in America? Are they so full of hate that the only happiness they get is form the death of someone successful?

And Sally, you have banned people for much less, yet the wrong slide in your presence. What kind of moderator are you?

I see that if you are not falling in line with the rich ... who give their money to the RIGHT politicians so they can stay rich ... you get taken off the board.

My feeling is ... He's gone ... GOOD!!!

Bob, the vast majority of the time they didn't earn it. They either inherited it, or they exploited the @!$%# out of other people for it.

Capitalism is itself a gigantic ponzi scheme.

you are presumptuous sir.my master also said its easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.his ultimate destination is unknown to us

Bill - you sir are the crazy one.

This man was a self-made billionaire who, as a child of the depression, literally came from nothing. He embodies the American spirit of hardwork, dedication, civic duty, and giving.

"destroying America" . . . get real.

Self-made through insider trading, apparently.

Well, Angry Guy, your post epitomizes what happened to our country. Anyone successful just has to be a crook, since you couldn't match his ability. The man did more for the american people than 99.9% of the rest of us, and you hate him for it. Multiply the wealth envy, such as you, by millions, and we can understand why our economy is in the doldrums.. Gimmie, gimmie, and being nothing but a leech such as yourself is a recipe for disaster for all of America.

Was Claudine Longet driving at the wheel :+) ...If so ,,sheee's back!

PS.. as far as the Dallas Art World, I've seen plenty of Fakes passing through a so-called prestigious action house based in Dallas. Wyly was probably an uniformed customer/buyer. So typical of the nouveau riche that has invaded Aspen since the early 1980's.

So you "think"? Good to know your "uninformed" opinion. Keep to yourself.

OKinLC:

Most of the self-made billionaires who get rich do it on the actual hard work of thousands of others, who usually get paid a pittance. Most don't care about who they step on along the way. This guy's "hard work" consisted of sitting at a desk, going to business meetings, and deductible wining/dining/entertaining. These people are so removed from the lives of most Americans that they eat pizza with a fork like Trump. Most would keel over if they ever had to sweat while mowing a lawn or doing any physical labor.

I didn't see where his giving went back to his roots. He contributed tens of millions to other rich people, and those who exalt them, and did nothing to help those who are at the bottom.

I have to laugh at middle and lower class Republican apologists, who remind me of the English crown chasers. In love with those who look down on them.

Oh, and to 3rdparty:

"That which you do unto the least of these so have you done unto me." Jesus

Donating to Republicans and the arts is hardly "doing unto the least"! Unless you are one of those people who believe an adjusted gross income of 250K or more and being in the top 1% is not rich at all.

Any public school teacher had made a greater contribution to society than this guy.

I love when the repubs talk about hard work. What does a repub know about hard work in the first place? All of the repubs I know are spoiled rotten.

pfffffft steve Columbus a good number are on welfare, collecting disability or drawing unemployment. They only wish they were wealthy. Don't give them more power than they already think they have.

You're not in Michigan anymore?

All this man's death proves is that Texans are no better, no bigger, no greater than anyone else. They all owe a death like we all do. They all put their pants on like we all do...one leg at a time. Now...time to move on to more important issues.

I'd bet anything his Texas billions bought him plenty more in the way of government influence. It would be interesting to know how much his financing helped the worst president in US History make it to the White House. You can just bet his financials will be dust before he is.

@pissedoff...

I trust you were not making the assumption that I am a Republican. I made no such allusions to my party affiliation in that comment.

What I spoke of - American ideals upon which this country was founded - I trust/hope crosses all party lines.

Regarding how he got to the top - hard work is hard work . . . whether it be of the mind or body. I mean, how can you sit there and diminish what he did, simply because he did not "labor" as you'd define labor (sweat, physical labor). Do you not aspire to be something better than you currently are?! Sounds like the attitude of a defeatist, if you ask me.

ewent, He did not donate to the worst president in our lifetime. He gave nothing to Obama's campaign.

Of course, dasvet, you turned down your GI Bill money, right?

Douche. How dare you claim to know anything about me at all.

Prove me wrong on the insider trading thing.

you are presumptuous sir.my master also said its easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.his ultimate destination is unknown to us

That's exactly correct.

If Christ is truly the Messiah, the elitists are ALL damned.

ewent

"It would be interesting to know how much his financing helped the worst president in US History make it to the White House. You can just bet his financials will be dust before he is."

So, how much do you think he donated to the worst president in history - Obama?

scir91: I hope you plan to say the same thing about the Democrats when Soros dies. You will, right?

What's so bad about George Soros anyway? I've read about him and he seems like a pretty cool guy. :3

Who doesn't have an agenda?

RIP.

His agenda was being a success, unlike the freeloaders of our country. The man provided thousands of people with jobs with his companies earnings. He even provided jobs with his charity, many had jobs because of the museums, etc that he supported.

giving to the republicans will help every american even the ones that are too dumb to realize that socialism is not the way to go.

Maybe the left went after this guy. By the way, Obama's policies (Obamacare, etc.) have choked the economy so no job creation. Soros bets on economies and helps them fail (check out what he's done in Europe). Obama, Chris Dodd, and Barney Frank even helped him with the Dodd Frank financial act--they said if hedge funds are "family" businesses they don't have to be regulated. So now Soros' funds are not regulated. He is a huge giver to progressive institutions and you can be he was tipped off (and shorted the market) when Obama announced a release of oil from the strategic oil reserves when the prices went down.

Soros is apiece of dootoo

MAW, how can 'Obama care" choke the economy when it does not even take effect fully until around 2014? So how has this resulted in taking away jobs?

If anything don't you think that it will more than likely increase jobs in the health insurance sector....as someone has to process and satisfy all those claims as a larger portion of the population will now be covered by health insurance etc.....?.

What other Obama policies are you talking about that has choked the economy resulted in no job creation? Why don't you name a few?

Wasn't the Dodd/Frank financial act attempting to put back some of the regulations that were removed during the previous admins, and to attempt to prevent some of the activities that resulted in the financial meltdown from being repeated?

Where did you get this one about..... Hedge Funds being 'family' businesses thus do not have to be regulated?

Obama, Chris Dodd, and Barney Frank even helped him with the Dodd Frank financial act--they said if hedge funds are "family" businesses they don't have to be regulated. So now Soros' funds are not regulated.

Are you accusing the President , Dodd and Frank of being in collusion with Soros giving him inside information so he could commit insider trading/fraud?

Weren't these the folks who were attempting to take aim at the hedge funds because these folks....although earning billions of dollars in profit..... were only paying taxes (if they pay any taxes at all with all the tax loopholes for the rich) at the capital gains level, which is about half the rate and thus much lower than at the 33 or so % that is the that is the tax rate for the top 10%ers?

Of course I could be wrong....but..... Hmmm

Do you understand any of this stuff that you are posting or are you just doing a Faux regurg/redump?

By the way....I am an Independent, unaffilliated and also a pocket book voter.... so an equal opportunity basher of those who would frack my finances..... and I am no syncopant to any of these polititians......

But one has to be fair etc.....

BZe1

"MAW, how can 'Obama care" choke the economy when it does not even take effect fully until around 2014? So how has this resulted in taking away jobs?

If anything don't you think that it will more than likely increase jobs in the health insurance sector....as someone has to process and satisfy all those claims as a larger portion of the population will now be covered by health insurance etc.....?.

What other Obama policies are you talking about that has choked the economy resulted in no job creation? Why don't you name a few?

Wasn't the Dodd/Frank financial act attempting to put back some of the regulations that were removed during the previous admins, and to attempt to prevent some of the activities that resulted in the financial meltdown from being repeated?

Where did you get this one about..... Hedge Funds being 'family' businesses thus do not have to be regulated?

Obama, Chris Dodd, and Barney Frank even helped him with the Dodd Frank financial act--they said if hedge funds are "family" businesses they don't have to be regulated. So now Soros' funds are not regulated.

Are you accusing the President , Dodd and Frank of being in collusion with Soros giving him inside information so he could commit insider trading/fraud?

Weren't these the folks who were attempting to take aim at the hedge funds because these folks....although earning billions of dollars in profit..... were only paying taxes (if they pay any taxes at all with all the tax loopholes for the rich) at the capital gains level, which is about half the rate and thus much lower than at the 33 or so % that is the that is the tax rate for the top 10%ers?

Of course I could be wrong....but..... Hmmm

Do you understand any of this stuff that you are posting or are you just doing a Faux regurg/redump?

By the way....I am an Independent, unaffilliated and also a pocket book voter.... so an equal opportunity basher of those who would frack my finances..... and I am no syncopant to any of these polititians......

But one has to be fair etc....."

It is really too bad that the ones trying to be fair knew how to spell, for a start. The reason those who's finances are "fracked" are because they are uneducated, have no concept of math or grammar (which keeps them from getting a decent job), believe the wrong as some sort of god, and think those who know how to make money are evil. But if the wrong figure out how to make money, they will gladly do whatever they can to screw others anyway they can - hence Soros. The leftists leftist. The 18 billion $ queen of the wrong. A foreigner who cares not about America, but about buying power to destroy it.

scir,

donating 20m to a performing arts center sure sounds like a "liberal" sort of move to me...smart-azz. He was good man with a non-subversive agenda. Btw, nice f-ing picture, hang-over???

Well said GATORBOY. This man had the motivation to rise from his situation,and makes his money working for it-no silverspoon. And does anyone have an issue(and I'm a dog lover who spent (ballpark #) $40,000 to save my dogs life. Bit Opran is leaving 30 MILLION dollars to each of her dogs in her will, Leona Helmsley around the sme or more. Its theirs to do with it what they want. (and its money I didnt have laying around,waiting for a rainy day). I hope his family wont read the negative,just plain mean remarks.

gatorboy, thanks for your post. The freeloaders hate you, while they have no idea where their government freebies come from. .

Yes,gatorboy, very well said. Be proud in knowing you are on the BAD LIST of the leftists.

didn't know the man. he really didn't impact me that much other than gathering all the wealth of our great nation under one person's control.

Sounds like a connection to me, the dems were jealous and tried to bring him down.

MSNBC please use a dictionary, political donations does not qualify as philanthropy, which is defined as:

1 : goodwill to fellow members of the human race; especially : active effort to promote human welfare 2 a : an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes b : an organization distributing or supported by funds set aside for humanitarian purposes

Idiots, donating with the expectation of return is NOT philanthropy, it's self-interest. What's next, every lobbyist on the Hill is a philanthropist ?

Get it together and start hiring college education people, not right wing hacks who are easily confused by basic definitions.

Yeah, just like George McGovern - who was worth over a million dollars 4 years after being elected, on a salary of $50,00 a year.

Connection?

I guess if you had the Billions then you could donate as you see fit....but giving the money to the government to waste is an absolute idiotic idea...my opinion

Scott, please don't apply for the job with MSNBC, as you obviously have a reading comprehension issue. But then again, by your logic you would be the perfect candidate! You totally missed that he donated millions to the arts but hey, when you're a lemming who gets marching orders from a particular political party how could one expect you to know how to read? Sounds like he was a self made man to me (I did read the entire article) who launched a successful life off a football scholarship. Rest in peace Mr. Wyly.

when are you going to realize government & wall street make strange bedfellows? Geez!

The man is dead - let him rest - his money he earned it - just because you didn't don't be hateful

Johny,

The country is in so much trouble because there are so many Dumb@ss people. They can't help everyone, especially those who aren't interested in help and just want handouts.

I confess - I don't speak contemporary English. How does contributing to the GOP render one a philanthropist? A simple explanation, if one is available, will suffice...

The man donates millions to the arts and the lefties say he should have donated to starving children. Try to cut government funding to the arts and the lefties go crazy telling us how important the arts are and in desperate need of the funding. Are the arts one of those things that only the lefties get to have an opinion on? Conservatives aren't allowed to see a play or listen to music? Republicans can't appreciate a painting? The left needs to make up their schizophrenic minds on who is allowed to donate and who isn't.

It seems a simple explanation is not forthcoming. No surprises there. I do know from experience, though, that if they had their way, ONLY conservatives would be allowed the opportunity to enjoy the arts (or anything else).

johny-3662856

"If the rich did so much good. WHy is the country in so much trouble?"

It is not in trouble because of the wealthy. It is in trouble because of those who want to be wealthy at the expense of others. You have a right to pursue happiness but nothing guarantees that but your own labor. And even that doesn't guarantee happiness. trying to bring others down because you are not skillful is not about their success, but your own inability to achieve it.

The ongoing myth (that success in this country is solely a function of how hard one works) fails to address the fact that the majority of the wealthy are so because they inherited their wealth, while for those of more modest means, it's largely true that no amount of effort will suffice to raise them even one notch up the ladder. People don't believe this because they want to buy into the fairy tale, but it's time to take off the rose colored glasses. The fact is, the people you're clubbing over the head with that tired, old chestnut have more in common with you than you will ever have with the wealthy - to them, you're just another sycophant.

It us unfortunate that our viewpoints on such a personal family loss are governed by the pain and fear we feel about our future. The rich are a target because they have had such an impact on the daily lives of the unfortunate. Greed promotes hatred. One cannot accumulate billions without greed. The Republican philosophy is based on it.

VERY well articulated tex2c. The rich have and continue to exploit humanity for their greed.

The two above posts are very ignorant. Just what have you done lately to help the poor?

I certainly wish more people would read just how this man lifted himself up by the bootstraps. And to the gentleman who made mention of the arts donations as pieces of crap.......there are many many low income children who starve for the chance to express themselves in the area of arts in the Dallas area....and this man was giving them a chance. You, my good man, sound like you would like them to remain at the low income level, not even WANT to move forward in life and continue taking our money without even being part of the solution. Same on you!

According to the liberals........If your are a self made man (ie: worked from the bottom up to the top) and are Conservative...damn you!. If you inherited your money , have "family wealth and are Conservative....damn you. IF you are a Hollywood elite, make tons of money and are Liberal....love ya, smooch smooch. And I'll starve the kids to look and be like you.

hang on there hockeygirl, although i tend to tread the middle ( i jokingly consider myself to be a moderately conservative liberal), i'm sure i am considered a lib-tard by my right-wing radicals, but i had to step in and answer your question. in my life of sworn enemy to money, hatred, greed and hypocrisy, i have managed to help 3 unwed mothers off welfare, along with their 4 children, i have given countless jobs to those "angels unaware" that good ole white christian hypocrites (republicans?0 would call "dolts, leeches, parasites, welfare moms and drug addicts". just last week i anonymously paid my neighbors electric bill to keep them from suffocating in the heat (don't know if they are republican, they certainly are not rich, but they hate Obama, and all blacks, as much as any republican could), and then paid for all the food at the benefit dinner for their son who was permanently disabled due to the greed of the giant corp. he worked for and denied his rightful compensation by the laws that are written by ceo's and insurance companies and set to law by our whores in congress. so, not all of us worthless lib-tards live off the system, some of us actually do what we can to help our fellow man. i too, am a "self made man" who has no treasures on this earth that are not bought and paid for with my hard work, and give freely to those in need. i, however, have never donated to an art institute, the rich have enough already, never gave money to a politician (same reason as above), and no longer give money to organized "religion" when i learned that many of my "christian brethren" would deny the second coming of Jesus himself if he came back as a black man, hispanic, or poor. don't you find it a bit ironic that the party who claims to be religious conservatives conveniently ingnores verses of scripture like "judge not, that ye be not judged" and "love thy neighbor, as thyself" (didn't say love thy rich white neighbor, or republican neighbor)? it is not my place to judge this rich man's life or works, but i agree with the above post...good luck with that "eye of the needle thing".

Hockey girl, I'll take those hollywood types over conservative wealth any day. People like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who may be a little strange, but spends most of her money helping people. People like Bono who have done so much for Africa. But you know, I guess building a monument to yourself in downtown Dallas counts for something. You guys are ripe with your condemnation of people who actually do something for others and your praise for those who do only for themselves.

Did I hear that Kerry just got another new yacht, right after Heinz shipped a bunch of jobs to China, or was that Obama's buddy Immelt.

MADMARINEDAD- Thank you also for your post which was so well written, your points made with relevant info to support your views instead of some ignorant random comments. And what you do(probably anonymously) is so kind and generous and I thank you so much for being everything that most people are not, esp quite a few on this topic alone. What an amazing, selfless person-thank you again for your contributions!! And many of above people could help in so many different ways-helping isnt just handing out money-the gift of donating time goes a long way also!

Maybe marinedad should have used a condom.

Dasvet

Maybe your mother should have taught you some manners.

Marinedad

I also work at a soup kitchen and contribute each year to a number of charitable organizations. I definitely grew up poor but have worked hard to become financially independent and personally choose to give back to the community. I can appreciate your generosity and thank you for your kindness.

marinedad

Thanks for your service. All work we do is important and necessary

My point is to look at the man rather than his political views. You and your efforts do just that. I too, in my younger days helped through non-profits, mother's try to remain clean from drugs to keep their chidlren...cooked "anonymous" Thanksgiving dinners, paid the next guys dry cleaning bill, paid rent for people when they were not able to.

Just what has happened to human beings? And why does MSNBC continuously put out these articles with just a tease that you know is going to bring out the hatred and be devisive to the greatest extent. And I know I'm guilty for reading it so don't pounce everyone.

My problem lies in the rhetoric. When the conservatives do it (I am middle of the road which doesn't mean a hill of beans here and you all sound like evil people when, not even knowing me, you feel the need to attack because someone disagrees with you......if you do something "Christian-like you're a conservative) slander and name calling galore takes place. When Brad or Angie do it (or any other liberal) they are adored.........and they each have perhaps acted in the same good samaratin manner.

I'm 66 and am very saddened by this all. I never in my lifetime (and I spent the 60's in my college years as a liberal) have seen so much hatred. I'm just trying to stick up for the right thing being done. I don't care WHO does it. Just do it and the more anonymously is ok

#10-11

To try and answer your concern:

Since the Internet has become, one of if not the favorite choice for social discourse, it has become fashionable to try and post the most vile comment.

Many interesting comments and philosophies expressed here but I, for one, am beyond weary of the labels "conservative" and "liberal". They have lost their meaning because they have been turned into weapons. I don't like Career Welfare Recipients, so I'll hurl my Liberal Spear at anyone who cares about helping someone down on their luck. I don't like people who use the Bible instead of the Constitution as a basis for making laws to govern the land, so I'll throw my Conservative Spear.

Think about it: Is it right call the "leader" who demands entitlements based on race and the proponent of job training and extended unemployment benefits both Liberals. One is demanding a hand-out for a few, while the other is calling for a helping hand for the working Middle Class.

It's equally wrong to label both the citizen who lives within him means and expects the same of the US Government and the hate-mongers on talk radio preaching hate as Conservatives. The former is a right-thinking business head, while the latter is radical with a selfish agenda.

Just sayin'...

Any proof to that or just ranting?

"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get into heaven.." is a quote from the bible. Maybe you should read it sometime if you're gonna claim to live by it......

And here we go again! Just like the amazing story the other day about the quadroplegic girl who married her high school sweetheart despite the accident. That was so cruel,the accusations made were despicable and the whole dialog turned from the happy story it was intended it to be on the Today show and turned into debate on views of God,religion,medicine vs prayer etc. some of the things people said were so unbelieably cruel and I had never looked at comments before but in that case I could not believe how many sick people are out there-making"jokes,determing it was her fault,and predicting when her marriage will end etc. I was truly shock but not speechless. And the same thing again. I woder what was said about Amy Wineheart, but I would guess her talent as an artist, and her (I think a soon to be adopted god daughter),regardless it was that she had choosen to spend tine with this little girl and I sure her gift ot time spent with Amy will stay with her forever and who knows what impact it will have on her future.

Um, the next verse does say "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Um, the next verse in that context says: But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Hang on there HUh?!3037476 , Judge not lest you be judged by that same measure. Are you one to know if this man had a personal relationship with Jesus. The bible says that there is only one reason the rich man to have to try to attempt entering through the eye of a needle. You should know this, if you are quoting the bible. You should also know that King Solomon, had more money than any one before or after him, according to the bible. He had a relationship with God. God used Solomon to do great and wonderful things for the people. Not all rich rulers will make the decision to forfeit their souls for riches. The gentleman, Mr Charles Wyly was a genuine leader and cared for those who were less fortunate. God bless and keep the Wyly family in His peace during this time.

Well Kevin, I guess their won't be many politicians, movie stars, professional athletes or singers in Heaven. The bible also say's judge not lest you be judged with the same judgement.

I don't care who you are or what you've done when someone dies it always affects innocent people around them, that's what people should remember. This man may have great grand children who are innocent and grieving for their loved one. I know my sister passed away in November and her 3 & 4 year old grandchildren are still in pain and don't understand where grandma is. They lived with her and she was helping to raise the so they were together everyday and they suddenly she was gone and never came back. Just try and remember pain is pain doesn't matter what party you believe in.

And what is the eye of a needle? If you are thinking of a sewing needle, you're wrong. When night came to the walled in cities in the Middle East, the main gates to the cities were closed and barred to prevent unwanted entry to the city. Smaller pedestrian openings in the wall were left open, entry ways just big enough for a man to walk through. A camel could also get through the opening, called the eye of the needle, but the camel's load would have to be unpacked and the camel would then have to get on his knees and stomach and scoot through the opening. So a camel can pass, it just takes work and a "humbling" to get on his knees to do it. Are we as humble as camels?

And all your money won't another minute buy - Kansas

But that is just Kansas. We have rain here. :-)

Well said, Dani!

My condolences to the family and friends of the departed.

Apparently, he earned it by engaging in various forms of white-collar crime and cheating on his taxes. Are you OK with that?

So I take it innocent before proven guilty no longer applies?

Well, we'll see - his brother is still under investigation, at least. Given how much the SEC routinely lets people get away with, I'm inclined to think that when they actually go after someone, there's probably more there than smoke.

The "mourning" over this man's death is a bit like mourning the passing of Al Capone because he ran a bunch of soup kitchens.

EarlyOut-1524710

Apparently, he earned it by engaging in various forms of white-collar crime and cheating on his taxes. Are you OK with that?

Perhaps he's related to the Kennedy's?

Earlyout: Actually, there are a lot of wealthy people who are "investigated" because of the current mindset that no one acquires wealth without being dishonest.

Having money may not be an "immortal sin" as you put it, but what you DO with it matters.

Millions - that's MILLIONS - of dollars given to POLITICIANS and the ARTS.

What purpose does any of that serve? How exactly does THAT help other humans?

What a waste of money. Seriously. If he donated those millions to homeless shelters, battered women's shelters, adopting agencies, and education programs, then I'd respect the man.

He gave to politicians. Sounds like he didn't have too much of a soul.

Dani said, "Having money isn't a mortal sin."\

Actually, to Barack Obama and "Progressives," for a conservative to have money is a mortal sin, deserving of their taking the money as their "fair share" of the wealth. The logic of that belief escapes me.

@Johny-3662856

I have been where your uncle was at, the richer they are the bigger @!$%#s they are. They decide what it should cost and all the freebies that go with it. I have worked for some of the richest people in Chicago, and they all want you to give your blood. I have had them complain bad workman ship, get down on their knees with mirrors and inspection glasses. They expect you to take you shoes off outside in the snow or rain and then bitch about your wet feet, you can not please a a rich person. They get off putting people thru crap. Honest

johny, I have a bad feeling that a lot of wealthy people behave in the manner you describe. It's difficult to get rich without being at least a bit of a cutthroat, and considering the ongoing investigation into Mr. Wyly's finances I wouldn't be too surprised to find out that he was just another scummy greedhead. It's telling that a lot of this man's "philanthropy" went to financing a political party that has done whatever it can to protect the wealthy at everyone else's expense.

All of the folks on these threads who defend people like Mr. Wyly should keep in mind that people like him don't truely "earn" their billions. No one who is rich on that scale really does. There are throngs of unseen workers toiling away to make individuals like him abnormally rich. At most, he provided some high-level direction for his companies and financial resources. He didn't do most of the nose-to-the-grindstone work, he simply enjoyed the lion's share of the rewards.

No, I don't wish this man "hell" or some other afterlife torment. I don't wish that on anybody. However, I will not spend a moment mourning him. So many other people deserve the attention more than him. If there is an afterlife, I hope that the memories of his mountains of cash bring him a small crumb of comfort.

Jake, I volunteer with the disabled veterans, giving out help to those in need. Some of the most unappreciative people I have ever met are among the poor. I paid the electric bill to one guy, and was cussed out and threatened because I did give him the money. We gave him the money once, and he went straight to the liquor store. There are bad rich people, but no more so than poor people.

yep hate rots it's container

Everyone here is quick to jump to the conclusion that he only gave money to the arts and politicians but no one here knows that. That is the only thing that the story teller decided to print. This is a liberal site so what would you expect them to say? That he was a good man and donated to good causes. You will never hear anything kin from liberal haters. They just stand there with their hands out wanting more and more! They don't even like Obama anymore because he doesn't give them enough of OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY!!!!!

They donate for tax savings, if they really cared, they would pay their fair share of taxes. I do have a question for you hockeymom, If we let the bush era tax cuts expire, we are told by the republicans that we would lose jobs and new jobs would not be created, if that is true, as your friends at fox comedy (news?) channel say it is, then where the heck did all they jobs go in the last decade? According to what they are spewing to their ignorant viewers, shouldn't we have more jobs than we know what to do with? You are a pawn in a game that you have no clue about. Turn the channel!

Well, Pat, you want to know where all the jobs went? Ask the Democrats. They were in control in Congress for most of the past decade. They made laws and levied taxes that make it unprofitable to operate a business- especially a manufacturing company- in the US. That's why companies move out of the US- to save money. Businesses aren't non-profit agencies; they exist to make money. They also are the very things which provide jobs to working-class people. Poor people don't create jobs- we work them to earn a living. If the employers of the US are run out of the country by higher and higher taxes, the jobs that we need go with them.

Taxing companies and "rich" people at 90% isn't going to improve our economy and bring jobs back to the US. It will have the opposite effect. The clowns in DC haven't got a clue about the real world.

Dani, they had control from 06 to 2010. But of course anything they tried was rejected by Bush. Obama was elected in 08 and made the mistake of trying to compromise with the corporatists to no avail, (the party of "No"), Then in 2010, the corporations bought the house back. End of story. The elite have the power and do not want to give it up. When our country was thriving, the average ceo made about 40 times the average worker for that company and everyone was doing well. A family could buy a home, a car ,send their kids to college on one income. That number has gone up to over 500 times that amount and it takes both parents working and still no garantee of being able to afford a home a car and most definetly a college education. It's the corporate loop holes that encourage these companies to take their jobs elsewhere, it's pure greed Dani, nothing else.

That's right glenda

Give it all to us you bastard! You actually may have been the recipient of someone's money and are not a gratefully puppy at all. Tsk tsk tsk. You gave me my laugh for the morning

You have no clue how these people spend their money. Unlike you, who probably does squat to help people, their are many people who do most of their giving "anonymously" and could care less whether you agree or not.

Please excuse Glennda, she hasn' the ability to comprehend even her own words. The man was self-made billionaire, and she hates him. This the end-all for freeloaders she appears to be a part of. Weath/success is a hard thing for her ilk.

t wasnt meant to impres you.

Give it all to us you bastard!

again, LMAO...

their are many people who do most of their giving "anonymously" and could care less whether you agree or not.

I've heard of websites that "Donors" can go to, to Donate Anonymously, I was trying to find one to give an example, but I can't find any... Maybe it was a 60 minutes special...

mac, do you even know what "philantropist" means ?

...which has exactly what to do with the subject of the story?

Besides nothing, I mean.

As well as being totally off-topic, your words might carry more weight if you could spell "Capitalised" and "Capitalisation" correct or at least show enough wit to use a spell checker.

What makes you think this man didn't pay taxes? Do you have a copy of his tax returns for the past few decades?

Well the GOP is about the GOP. Every body else is just prey

there has been no allegation of tax fraud or is it just like most liberals you figure that if you tell a lie big enough and long enough others will believe it.

Jay P.S- hope if you are ever find yourself in court for something you may or may not have done, I think you would like to be "innocent until proven guilty. Am I missing something-do Independants fund their futile campaign from their savings account and their kid lemonade stand?

Do your history. The Great depression started October 1929..ended around 1938 some nations early 1940's. He was born during the Great depression "1934".

John, libs don't do math.

Conservatives don't do common sense.

If you mean spending 40% than revenues is common sense. You are correct, marinmom. But you seem as though you are a devout Californicut.

300,000.00 to Rick Perry. What a compasionate guy!

He buried a lot of money off-shore, to avoid taxes. He donated many millions to typical wealthy causes. While having an arts scene in Dallas may be important, how much did he donate towards feeding the poor? The eye of the needle is very small.

Hoping for the death of someone is not exactly a moral attitude. While I never liked Bush or Reagan, I never hated them. Never wanted them to die. It would have been great if they had not favored the wealthy so much, as we are now paying up the nose for that philosophy.