We get a lot of American news in Britain. I'm very aware of the National Basketball Association, the NBA and lately, the situation with the Los Angeles Clippers. I also recall how upset I was when the Vancouver Grizzlies moved to Memphis and the Seattle Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City to become the Oklahoma City Thunder. If you're not aware of the story in regards to the Clippers, further info can be found here : Steve Ballmer buys LA Clippers.
The LA Clippers were put up for sale when the NBA banned the owner, Donald Sterling, for life due to racist remarks he made in a recorded conversation.
Former Microsoft chief executive, Steve Ballmer, has purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for two billion US dollars. Considering that Donald Sterling bought the Clippers for twelve and a half million US dollars in 1981, which were then located in San Diego, that's one hell of a mark up price.
This got me to thinking what would I do if I had two billion dollars. Obviously, I cannot buy the LA Clippers. Maybe I could go buy the Memphis Grizzlies and return them to Vancouver. Seems only right. After all, basketball was invented by a Canadian named, James Naismith.
Now then, what would I really do with two billion dollars? I would donate it to charities to look after the homeless, the rough sleepers, many of them veterans who returned to their countries only to be neglected. Veterans suffering on the streets with the hell that is their memories. I would give money to help create work and give those most underprivileged the opportunity to sense the self-esteem they crave. I would forward on money to causes that are trying to eradicate puppy mills aka puppy farms. Yes, I would give it all away. The thought of the dying child given the chance to live a life of dignity, a gift from my heart.
Our governments are accountable and they should be actively leading by example that compassion, not corruption, is the way forward. Then again, our governments are too busy sticking their greedy snouts in the public trough. Will their immoral outrage ever end? Probably not as they target the most vulnerable in society to pay for the blunders of the incompetent fortunate.
Two billion dollars spent in an act of anonymous altruism. I would sleep well in the knowledge that I tried to make a difference. Peace of mind is priceless.
What would you do with two billion dollars?
Klahanie Blog. Celebrating the all different, all equal diversity we share. Help each other, we help ourselves. Header photo: Penny roaming free in a field, with The Roaches, near Leek Staffordshire, in the background.
I can't even imagine what it would be like to have such an excess.
ReplyDeleteHi The Happy Whisk,
DeleteIt would be a lot of excess and something I wouldn't want to keep. Have a nice weekend.
Gary :)
I tell you though, if I ever won money, I'd tell only my husband and then we'd sit on it for awhile until it sunk in. And a little off subject but where I live, when someone wins the lottery, the papers release the name of that person. I don't get that. It's no one's business. Though there is a way around that by getting a lawyer to pick up it. But still, it bugs me. Even though I don't play the lotto.
DeleteNo one person should have that much money, unless it is me (grin).
ReplyDeleteHi Dizzy-Dick,
ReplyDeleteIf you really did have that much money, you would be my long lost best relative!
A good weekend to you, sir.
Gary :)
2 billion? House, vehicles, houses for the kids, charity donations, helping out friends and travel travel travel.
ReplyDeleteHi JoJo,
DeleteI like your balance in all of this. I reckon you'd buy me a house, my best ever friend. LOL
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, JoJo.
Gary :)
Damn, if I had 2 billion dollars not sure I'd even know where to begin, but yeah I'd get rid of 90% of it, no one needs that much money
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteI know you would get rid of most of it. An obscene amount of money to just use for amusement.
Gary
I would feed people. I would have a shelter in every single church and public building and homeless people could sleep there for free until I could them into permanent housing. They'd get three meals a day plus snacks. I guess two billion wouldn't cover that because we have a lot of homeless people everywhere. I'm an American, and I don't know much about American news and I like it that way.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
If you had that much cash, the powers that be would require you to give at least half to them. We all know that they know how to spend our money better than we do...wait isn't that the problem instead of helping those that need it they fight with each other over who is right and wrong? We'll just not tell them you have it and let you help those who need it.
ReplyDeleteYou would do such wonderful and good things with that money. You're the biggest-hearted person I know, and you understand what it's like to have challenges and get no help. I really wish you DID have that 2 billion...
ReplyDeleteI would never want that amount of money. Little good would come to me and my loved ones if it was given to me. Yes, I would find ways to give it away, but finding the right places would cause me grief.
ReplyDeleteI like my ordinary life.
What would I do? I have a very long list. For schools, animal causes, and whatever it takes to bring morality back to this country.
ReplyDeleteIronically, Sterling is now suing the NBA for defamation of character, etc. for a billion dollars. Doesn't that just blow your mind?
Two billion dollars? An incomprehensible amount of money. And judging by the very wealthy people I read about something which destroys ethics, empathy and compassion.
ReplyDeleteI would have to give it away. And there are a lot of people and causes which could do with it. Like Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe, the challenge would not be whether but where.
I would do something for seniors. Many seniors are living on restricted and restrictive incomes which don't allow them to do much at all. Not only that, our pensions are taxed anyway.
ReplyDeleteHello Gary:
ReplyDeleteWe cannot possibly imagine what two billion dollars looks like if it were to be assembled together. How many suitcases, for example, would it fill?
In the instance, as you cite here, of being in possession of such a sum, we should totally endorse all of the ways in which you would use it and embrace totally your view of world governments where compassion should be the order of the day rather than, as appears to be the case, corruption.
$2billion...wow.... I'm a practical person Gary. First I would make sure that ourselves and all family members were financially secure. After that initial step I would dispose of the balance to places like food banks, battered women shelters, humane societies, health clinics, community centres, senior centres....the list could go on forever. There IS no end to the causes that deserve assistance around the globe.
ReplyDeleteIt does not surprise me at all Gary that you would chose to donate the 2 billion dollars to charitable causes if you had it. It's so sad that some people have so much while millions and millions have so little...
ReplyDeleteYou have a great heart, Gary. It's such a sad place out there that I often try to ignore it but if I had the money I'd try to help the people who deserve it and those willing to pay it forward. There are so many selfish people in the world. I'm thankful for friends like you. You are a balm to my soul.
ReplyDeleteIt's the sorry state of the world today that a racist jerk can make a profit of almost 2 billion dollars. And as if that's not enough he's suing the league for another billion! The guy's like 82; there's no way he can spend all that before he kicks. I guess some people just can't have enough money.
ReplyDeleteTwo billion? You could certainly buy Stoke City for that much but I doubt if it would stretch to West Ham United!
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
I do think that people who are that rich have lost touch with the real world long ago. I am not sure at all that I would wish to join them. Perhaps if I really had 2 billion dollars I would find myself identifying with them. Horrible thought!
ReplyDeleteI would feed all the starving children and parents. That's what I would do.
ReplyDeleteI know you don't do religion. But in the end God will strike down all these evil, selfish, wealthy muckers.
Dear Gary,
ReplyDeleteYou are the recipient of the "Most compassionate blogger" award. No, I was joking... but, seriously, I would do the same. And even when we don't have those billions, we can still do something to help those in need.
I've just done that by donating things my daughter outgrew: clothes, toys. And things that are in good condition, yet we no longer need them.
Stay well, my friend. Have a lovely weekend.
2 billion is a serious amount of money. I would certainly want to do a lot of good with it if it was up to me. As Julia so rightly says, we can all do our bit in our own ways if everyone did that we could stop a lot of suffering.
ReplyDeleteMy best to you and the lovely Penny.
An honest person? To bad you are not in government.
ReplyDeleteI would do the same as you, Gary. However, I suspect more money would go into saving animals rather than humans. We have each other after all. Animals have no voice without us.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
Two billion is beyond comprehension. And no, I definitely wouldn't waste it on a sports team. There are so many good causes that I can't support at the moment, because I don't have the money - they would all get a good share.
ReplyDeleteyou hit it on the head right here "Now then, what would I really do with two billion dollars? I would donate it to charities to look after the homeless, the rough sleepers, many of them veterans who returned to their countries only to be neglected. Veterans suffering on the streets with the hell that is their memories. I would give money to help create work and give those most underprivileged the opportunity to sense the self-esteem they crave. I would forward on money to causes that are trying to eradicate puppy mills aka puppy farms. Yes, I would give it all away. The thought of the dying child given the chance to live a life of dignity, a gift from my heart. "
ReplyDeleteWhat's spent on professional sports as compared to what's actually needed in a country is just outrageous. I know that if I had what seems like unlimited money to give away, I could do a lot better than buy sports team. You know that we share the same passions. I'd also try to take care of the children, and the vets, and the mentally stigmatized. You and I are on the same page, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!
Now then, what would I really do with two billion dollars? I would donate it to charities to look after the homeless, the rough sleepers, many of them veterans who returned to their countries only to be neglected. Veterans suffering on the streets with the hell that is their memories. I would give money to help create work and give those most underprivileged the opportunity to sense the self-esteem they crave. I would forward on money to causes that are trying to eradicate puppy mills aka puppy farms. Yes, I would give it all away. The thought of the dying child given the chance to live a life of dignity, a gift from my heart.
ReplyDeleteMost of that I would do. I balk at giving it ALL away. I'd keep enough to support myself for the rest of my lifetime so as not to be a drain on the welfare departments and I would give my children each a similar amount to help out with future generations.
Gary, I also think that you're an extremely generous person. Donating to the veterans, as well as other organizations is a great idea. I also like Delores' thoughts on taking care of everyone in her family first, and then dividing it up among many deserving charities.
ReplyDeleteJulie
My sister and I like to play this game. We've never gone as high as two billion before, though! That seems like an unfathomable amount of money. I'd do the same as you, donate to a few charities. I'd also fund a lot of medical research. And of course, family. It'd be hard to narrow it down but I guess I'd be safe enough giving money to immediate family (parents, in-laws, siblings) - impossible to branch out further unless you give to all the aunts and uncles and cousins, and none to charity?
ReplyDeleteI'd also buy a seaside cottage in England or Wales or Scotland :-)
Hi everybody,
ReplyDeleteI do usually try to comment back to each person individually. However, in this case, I just want to say that this was exactly the sort of interaction I had hoped for. I came from a certain angle, knowing that you would add dimensions that I had left out. Family, friends and the most vulnerable in society are definite priorities. The caring of our precious animals and this fragile planet in general, would be an ideal to be embraced. I'm happy with what I have. I'm blessed. I'm blessed to know you. Thank you.
In peace, hope and compassion,
Gary
YESSSSSSSSS.
ReplyDeleteI am w/ you, dear.
Give most of it away, volunteer, make a difference.
Of course, I would want a small flat in London!! xxxx
Hi Kim,
DeleteI shall see what I can do. Although a small flat in London costs about two billion pounds! :) xxx
Gary
Lots of food for thought here. Two billion is way too much for my own needs. I would definitely give it to worthy causes.
ReplyDeleteHi Medeia,
ReplyDeleteI just knew you would pay it forward. You are a good lady.
Gary :)
Wow, Gary! That truly is an amazing and very thought-provoking and inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteI cannot even wrap my mind around 2 billion dollars. I can't wrap it around one million, how is it possible to have an idea what 2 billion are. The more I think about it, the more I'd be sure I'd do it this way: I would try to do something that would constantly make more money of the 2 billion - stocks, estates, whatever gives enough interest - I have no idea what's possible. Because I would want to be able to not only give the money away once, but constantly! I want to help the homeless, the people in need, the animals and do anything that could help rescue our planet earth. The only thing I would want from that money is to help me finance myself while helping others, because I think I'd want to change my job to a full time world-changer :)
First the government would take half of it for taxes, leaving me with 1 billion dollars. I would quit my job, if I had a job. I'd pay off my mortgage and all my credit cards and all my children's mortgages and credit cards and set up trust funds for all six grandchildren's college educations. For a time I'm sure I would indulge myself with mansions, Lamborginis, Ferraris, DeLoreans, jet planes, yachts, trips to far-off places like the Greek isles, the Taj Mahal, Mars. I would buy several suits and pairs of shoes and lots of new undies -- I read somewhere that Jerry Lewis wears a pair of socks once and then disposes of them, which borders on decadent -- until my better self (translation: less selfish, more altruistic) would kick in with what I should do with the remaining 800 or 900 million. It's too easy to say "give it to charity"...the question is, which charities? SPCA? Cancer research? I think of someone like Danny Thomas who built the St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis that is still going strong to this day under the watchcare of his daughter Marlo and no parent ever has to pay a penny. You have given us much to think about.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't spend that much money with the time I have left, so I agree, give it away. Oh, and travel all over the world just to stop in and visit with my blogger buddies.
ReplyDeleteI'd be giving my money to charities, too. Especially ones for kids, like Smile Train, or Plan USA, or Education Through Music.
ReplyDeleteI love your heart and where it takes you.
ReplyDeleteI'd do everything I could to help others with that money, after I took care of my family first, of course. There wouldn't be too much that I would spend "excessively" though I would absolutely love to have my own library in my house! :D But anyway, I digress. Yes, animal rescues and Veterans' organizations are a must!
Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
Be Positive in Life and Writing
Caring for My Veteran
I like your plan way better. It's sad how we treat our vets, have you followed the story of our VA hospitals lying about waiting lists until vets died? So very very wrong.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. There are many better ways to spend $2 billion dollars.
I love your ideas! Kinda sickening, the thought of all that money just for a basketball team. Even more disheartening - all the profit that nasty Sterling must have gleaned over the years from owning that team. He's a fine example, though, of so much of what is wrong in our world. I'm with you, Gary, on where the priorities oughta lie. Now to elect government "representatives" who actually represent us!
ReplyDeleteP.S. - Very interesting factoid about Naismith, I had no idea!
(On a side note, what are your thoughts on the Blackhawks now?? hehe)
There should be a rule that people have to spend as much on worthwhile charities as they do on sports. That would go a long way to putting things back into proportion.
ReplyDeleteI'd copy your list, do as it said, then buy you a house with the most perfect garden for your wee friends and you in the world.
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot of hungry people in our world. I think I'd set up a fund that would see to it that the hungry were fed directly, not through any government agency. I believe if people have food they'll be better able to cope with their other life struggles. It's not everything they need (safe shelter, education, work probably still lacking), but being well-nourished gives them at least one leg up.
ReplyDeleteIf I had that kind of cash, I would purchase a nice house and turn it into a foster home. So many helpless kids end up with nothing. I would love to provide them with as much as I can. I would be nice to show them they are not alone and they have someone to love them.
ReplyDeleteI think if i had all that money I would lose friends and have headaches . . . . . . Luckily I dont, but I have just enough to be happy and draw pictures on scraps of paper . . . .
ReplyDeleteI can barely wrap my thoughts around how much 2B actually is. It sounds like a lot of money - and it is. But when you think of it terms of helping millions of people, it doesn't go too far for too long. So I would probably take some off the top to set up a fund for children and invest the rest to continue the fund.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Once again, I apologise for not doing what I usually try to do and comment back to each person individually. On this post I sit back and marvel at the incredibly thoughtful responses. I'm overwhelmed that so many ideas and hopes have come together. This is another example of learning and sharing. I rejoice in the diversity of our all different, all equal blogging community.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such enlightenment. I'm proudly gratefully for the thought provoking reactions. Yep, even the smart ass comments had an underlying irony.
Peace and hope, your way,
Gary :)
This is a question that I'm sure everyone has thought about at some point in their lives. Being completely honest here, I wouldn't give it all away, but I would give A LOT of it away, and invest the rest so I could continue to donate, to give, to place it where it would do the most good on a regular basis, as well as taking care of my family. I wish more "rich" folks would do that and not just enough to be able to write it off. Thanks for a thoughtful post Gary...
ReplyDeleteI could invest $2bil at 1% monthly interest and make millions every month into perpetuity. And of that, I'd probably spend a significant amount giving to organizations and people in need.
ReplyDeleteBuy world peace. No?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean 2 billion is not enough?
I have to think about it but I love your idea it would be something kind of like that... I just don't know what yet
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of returning the Memphis Grizzlies to Vancouver. In all the maddening madness (I had no idea the Cippers were bought for 2 BILLION - had to read that twice), you made me laugh. I would move all pro sports to Canada and perhaps Switzerland - where priorities are more aligned with compassion and logic.
ReplyDeleteBut I Was Seeking Gary today today. Sorry, Gary, for my delays and absence. You may not apologize to me, but please accept mine. This blogging thing is a time suck, isn't it?
Peace and hugs, dear gentleman.
A safe haven for kids and runaways. I hate the fact that some kids have nothing or no one to depend on. I know there are some programs out there, but I don't think there is enough.
ReplyDeleteSpend 1 billion (wisely) and invest the other half so we can help even more puppies, children and vets. You have great ideas Gary. I wonder if Penny puts these ideas into your head?
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! I'd spend a ton to hire more child psychologists - so many kids struggling with so many mental health issues. Then I'd spend some on improved technology for schools in underprivileged areas to level the playing field and the rest on kids' charities. So many great causes.
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderfully compassionate human being. I would donate to help animals and children, and the local woman's shelter here in town that does such awesome work.
ReplyDeleteHello Gary. I'm with you brother! My two billion dollars would go some way to alleviating the inequality for those with disabilities - more care, more opportunities, more respect.
ReplyDeleteHi Gary - much the same as you .. I'd definitely encourage people to be entrepreneurial and to learn .. and like you say as too Denise ..
ReplyDeleteLet's see if Mr Ballmer has another $2billion free?! Cheers and enjoy some summer if you're getting it .. lots of rain too I think .. Hilary
First of all, thank you so much for visiting my blog! I NEVER tire of my wonderful blog friends! BTW we don't hear much about the UK unless it is about the royals or some such thing. Otherwise, we must tune in to the BBC cable channel to hear what's up. We hear even less about Canada! Two billion? I have a hard time even envisioning that much money! You are a generous soul my friend. I would donate much of the money, I love wildlife and domestic animals and I think most would go there.
ReplyDeleteIf I had 2 billion dollars I think I'd buy a nice Chesterfield or an ottoman and some expensive ketchups. ;) Actually, I'd definitely donate a large part of that to charities around the world, but also to research to help cure diseases. I'd pay off my debts, but I'd also invest part of it so I could continue to keep donating. Or maybe screw it, I'd buy a space ship and blast off this forsaken rock. But I guess 2 billion wouldn't get me much of a spaceship.... :P
ReplyDeleteIf I had 2 billion dollars? I would invest in children. Food and care, homes and parents, education...
ReplyDeleteOf course, I would pay off credit cards, etc. But really we live within our means. We don't need that much money.
After making sure my future and those of my family are covered, at least economically, I would most likely put them to good use in benefit of the less fortunate, both animals and human beings.
ReplyDeleteMy kind friends,
ReplyDeleteI sincerely apologise for not being able to comment back to each of you individually. I have been overwhelmed with the incredibly thoughtful comments. My individual reply, on this occasion, would not do the comments justice.
I just wanted to state how fantastic your responses have been. I'm profoundly grateful. Thank you and have a peaceful weekend.
In kindness,
Gary :)