>Philanthropy is often used a strategy to lobby politicians and drive policy that benefits other investments while avoiding most taxes. Forbes estimates that G

>Philanthropy is often used a strategy to lobby politicians and drive policy that benefits other investments while avoiding most taxes. Forbes estimates that Gates would be a trillionaire if it weren't for his philanthropy. Perhaps some philanthropists pursue the strategy you describe, but it's unreasonable to assume this is their strategy by default. >Nobody voted people like Bill Gates to have such a massive influence over media and institutions via "donations". In a free society, not everything people do needs to be authorized by the government. I believe that Gates has sincere concern about the well-being of people in the developing world, so it doesn't particularly bother me when he lobbies on their behalf. Insofar as cynicism is justified, it should be easy to provide concrete and compelling evidence that Gates has bad intentions in his philanthropy. So why isn't there any such evidence in your comment?