October 19, 2007, - 12:47 pm
Bravo, Mr. Kohlberg: Putting His Millions Where His Mouth Is For Our Troops
By Debbie Schlussel
In this day and age when so many billionaires and multi-millionaires we hear from are trying to take America down (George Soros), or make it harder for those who are not wealthy (Warren Buffett denouncing income tax cuts and decreases in the estate tax), or engage in racist policies (Bill Gates giving foundation scholarships to Blacks and minorities only), Jerome Kohlberg is a breath of fresh air . . . and dollars.
Washington Wire reports that he’s giving millions to help our troops get educated, in a sort of private G.I. Bill:
Onetime KKR executive Jerome Kohlberg gives $4 million to increase education benefits for former Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers, while lobbying Congress to offer its own funding. Arguing the value of such benefits has eroded since the GI bill financed his post-World War II education, Kohlberg says Congress must “get the idea that this is an investment.”
The G.I Bill was a good thing in its day, allowing veterans to attend college and grad school who otherwise might not have. But as for a new G.I. Bill, whether or not you believe more tax money financing this is a good idea (and it may not be), at least Kohlberg is putting his money where his mouth is. On the other hand, there are plenty of multi-millionaires like Bono, who ask U.S. taxpayers to give millions in increased taxes to African, terror-base debtors, while he gives nothing or next to nothing and doesn’t pay Irish taxes.
Three cheers for Jerome Kohlberg. Unlike many in his position, he’s no hypocrite.
Tags: Afghanistan, America, Bill Gates, Congress, Debbie Schlussel, Executive, G.I. Bill, George Soros, Iraq, Jerome Kohlberg, Jerome Kohlberg Gives, Onetime KKR, Skull Candy G.I. Consumer Headphones, United States, USD, Warren Buffett, Washington Wire
Bravo to him. I don’t understand why there can’t be a fund of $1 to 100 billion started, that would draw 4% a year and pay for vet’s kid’s education, or be used to increase their pay so their spouses wouldn’t have to be insulted by being given assistance to supplement the low pay.
steve ventry on October 21, 2007 at 12:34 am