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Agreed. Actions speak louder than words. This (and many other company statements like this) are mostly empty nice feel good words, but merely that. Just like wh

by Rury 6y ago

Agreed. Actions speak louder than words. This (and many other company statements like this) are mostly empty nice feel good words, but merely that. Just like what a populist or demagogue would say/do to appear favorably in the eyes of others... IMO donating to an organization seems weak. It's like outsourcing the problem to someone else, and thinking your helping them because you're giving them money. If you really want to help, get your hands dirty, and take matters into your own hands...

kthejoker2 6y ago
Strongly disagree with this sentiment. Not everyone has the time, skills, or even the "cred" to get their hands dirty. Giving money to good causes is never weak. It is an extraordinarily effective tool for those of us who want to help. An effective legal advocacy or lobby group is a force multiplier - they're hands down the best "bang for your buck" in this situation. By contrast, me spending a day working with inner city youth or building Habitat for Humanity is laudable or protesting in the streets is at best effective on a much smaller scale. And secondly, this message is clearly aimed squarely at other well to do concerned citizens like him who are looking for ways to help. He is effectively vetting these organizations as "acceptable by the CitiGroup C suite." As an example, I forwarded this to my parents who would never "get their hands dirty" but also are open to donating to good causes. This will reach them in a way no celebrity tweet or protest sign possibly could.
dahfizz 6y ago
What do you expect him to do?? This mindset is incredibly toxic. "If you are not personally fixing all the problems in the world you are weak". And what are you doing?? Complaining about it on HN? There is a very reasonable argument that says this guy is using all the tools at his disposal. He has money, and he has influence. He is exercising both to make the world a better place. How can you possibly complain about that?

by Rury 6y ago

kthejoker2 6y ago

Strongly disagree with this sentiment. Not everyone has the time, skills, or even the "cred" to get their hands dirty. Giving money to good causes is never weak. It is an extraordinarily effective tool for those of us who want to help. An effective legal advocacy or lobby group is a force multiplier - they're hands down the best "bang for your buck" in this situation. By contrast, me spending a day working with inner city youth or building Habitat for Humanity is laudable or protesting in the streets is at best effective on a much smaller scale. And secondly, this message is clearly aimed squarely at other well to do concerned citizens like him who are looking for ways to help. He is effectively vetting these organizations as "acceptable by the CitiGroup C suite." As an example, I forwarded this to my parents who would never "get their hands dirty" but also are open to donating to good causes. This will reach them in a way no celebrity tweet or protest sign possibly could.

dahfizz 6y ago

What do you expect him to do?? This mindset is incredibly toxic. "If you are not personally fixing all the problems in the world you are weak". And what are you doing?? Complaining about it on HN? There is a very reasonable argument that says this guy is using all the tools at his disposal. He has money, and he has influence. He is exercising both to make the world a better place. How can you possibly complain about that?