Facebook founder offers inspiration: #tellusatoday

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, last week pledged to give away 99% of their Facebook shares — about $45 billion — within their lifetime. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

God bless them for such noble acts of giving. I, too, believe it will help better the lives of millions, and if they invest in some type of scientific research, it could save or significantly better the lives of even more.

— Eric Davis

“Giving” your fortune to a corporation controlled by you and, ultimately, your heirs is not the same as giving it to charity. This is a way for Mark Zuckerberg and his wife to protect their fortunes from the tax man and profligate heirs. It is the ultimate act of narcissism.

— Michael Steel

While it’s tempting to cast this move as a naked instance of tax evasion, I’m more inclined to view this as Zuckerberg feeling that he will be able to accomplish more good with the funds in his direct control. Personally, I have more faith in someone like Zuckerberg to use $45 billion effectively than if it were just dumped in the lap of various charities across the world.

— Chris Fitch

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Fans of these liberal and progressive icons — especially Bill Gates and Zuckerberg — act as if these billionaires have already divested themselves of their wealth. Hardly.

They plan to give it away before they die, which is no more than their acknowledging the obvious: They can’t take the money with them.

— Roberto Johnson

I’d much rather have the wealthy dole out their money than have the federal government take it and waste it. Bravo!

— Larry Gilbert

I have new respect for this guy. It’s about what we contribute and the legacy we leave behind. Not the money.

— David Arbeláez

We asked our followers what they did for #givingtuesday and how they give back throughout the year. Comments from Twitter are edited for clarity and grammar:

We donated five wreaths to Wreaths Across America for Arlington National Cemetery.

— @joyabsalon

I give throughout the year to an amazing agricultural program, echonet.org.

— @hawretreattoo

Instead of giving money, I give my time by volunteering with charities.

— @k4yteeee

I donate clothes and food to our local mission. I also donate to local police charity that collects money for coats for kids.

— @1MCKnapp

For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday.