h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I see in the news today that the Children In Need extravaganza raised a massive £32.6m last night. I didn't watch it as such, it goes on way to late for me but I do like it as it aims to help kids from all walks of life and more importantly, just in the UK. That's mot meant in any way to be a selfish observation, its just that there are many charities dealing with international issues so its nice to have at least this one aimed at our own kids.
Now that's the good part of todays little ramble, now for the bad.
I also saw that Band Aid is reforming to do another charity record aimed at raising money for the Ebola outbreak. The intention is good. What is bad, for me anyway, is the hypocrisy of these so called stars. They've made more money than the average person will ever see in their lives, they have yachts, second, third and even fourth homes all over the globe and yet they have the nerve to say to the general public, dig deep, buy the record, support the cause.
Well here's an idea. How about the stars pay their taxes rather than use tax avoidance schemes, sell a house or two or a yacht or two and then donate that money to the cause. It would still amount to petty cash for them when all said and done. They'd get more respect if they did that instead of relying on their so called stardom to make Joe public cough up all the time.
Right, that's got that off me chest. Time for a Have a good day folks. ttfn

Deb

I wish the celebs would do as you suggest, but not all of them have kept their wealth. Every so often you read about a star [Willy Nelson? Doris Day?] who was ripped off by a business manager and/or spouse.

Then there are the addictions. I've met very few celebs, but if they are the substance abusers that the media indicate, I would rather they use their money for their own problems first. Then, if there are big bucks left over, they should donate to worthy causes.

I am with you BMT, if you are mega rich you could just quietly drop off a few thousand here and there without all this hoopla. Bill Gates is a very rich man, but although he obviously gets a lot of media attention, I don't believe he is the one seeking it. He just dispenses cash through his various foundations.

I am sure there are a number of very rich people who use some of their wealth to assist the less fortunate, but we don't hear about them because they don't hold press conferences to announce what they are doing.

Although I will say that the original Live Aid organised by Bob Geldhof did more good than Bob could possibly have done by emptying his bank account at the time.

[Amy P]