This post over at Uptown Girl got me thinking....
I often hear people running Oprah down for her conspicuous consumption or her lifestyle or, in this case, not understanding the concerns of the 'regular' people. I can't believe that any of these people would actually have the nerve to complain about receiving a free car - because they have to pay the taxes on it.
A car that:
1) they can refuse
2) they can sell
3) they can consider themselves lucky to have gotten for over $20,000 less than anyone else would have paid.
I don't really think it is the audience members, but the press trying to manufacture a story. "How horrible that Oprah didn't consider the consequences of her actions" puh-leez!
But it goes beyond that. Oprah is worth millions (has she reached billions yet?) and she earned it. She made a fortune talking to people. The woman found a niche and exploited the hell out of it. Good for her. That is what our system is all about, folks. She is the American dream - up from poverty to the lap of luxury on her own devices. Then she turns around and gives away lots of her own money, starts foundations that encourage giving in others, makes it hip to make charitable donations.... You don't have to agree with her to respect that.
Yet, when she turned fifty and celebrated like the incredibly wealthy chick she is, people were complaining "think how much good could have been done with that money" "I can't believe she would waste her money on something like that" It's her money people - she has every right to spend it how she wants. She doesn't have to give any of it to charity. How much of your income have you donated? Do you want someone telling you you can't buy that new pair of shoes because it is an extravagance and that money could feed a poor family? NO. It's your money, you worked for it, you get to enjoy it. Why is it the American people hate the rich so much? Is it just envy, "I can't spend like that so she shouldn't either"?
If it helps you feel better; those parties employed a lot of people, many goods and services were purchased, money was flowing into the economy and into the pockets of many people who are not as well off as Oprah.
I have seen the cars/tax story posted all over the blogosphere - I have meant to comment on it sooner. Uptown Girl just happened to post it when I had time to write so she gets credit/blame for my rant.
Posted by Vox at September 25, 2004 12:48 AM | celebritiesI know exactly what you mean Vox - - when she gave away the cars I read on a blog somewhere that she should do more with her money - - that she has too much and that madde me ask ask the blogger out of all the millionaires / billionaires in the world how many of them have done what she has? How many gave away all those cars to those in need? How many gave away homes, college funds, medical, dental and so much more? The blogger had no reponse other than to tell me I had missed the point when in fact the point was she doesn't have to do anything with the money she earns - - It is her money, bottom line and she chooses to help those in need - - people just get mad and stupid because they think she should give the gifts to them ;)
Posted by: Uptown Girl at September 25, 2004 05:26 AMToo true.
I think a lot of people missed the fact that it wasn't a random give away - the audience was hand picked, every one there being someone who had written (or been written about) because they needed a car.
I don't always agree with her charitable works, but there is no denying she does them.
Posted by: Vox at September 25, 2004 09:23 AMI don't know about any of them but that is the first thing I would have been thinking about, the taxes! My grandam offered me her car a few years ago and I said "No thank you I don't whant to pay inheritance taxes on your old crappy car." it came out diffrent to her though...
Posted by: wickld at September 25, 2004 12:35 PMShe is a billionare I do believe. The richest black woman alive. I may not believe in her politics but I do like her and admire her and she is a very smart SELFMADE woman.
These pathetic b*****s who are complaining about having to pay TAXES? What the hell. Refuse the car if it's that damn bad. OR get an auto loan for 7 grand and enjoy your 25+ grand car. OR pay the taxes SELL the car and buy a cheaper one.
Just shut up already. If *I* were Oprah I would take them back.
And she can spend her money on whatever the hell she wants. The same people that complain about HOW she spends it are the same people that complain about having to pay taxes on a free gift.
Idiots.