What social responsibility?

In 1895, J.P. Morgan organized several bankers to loan the U.S. government $65 million in gold — which essentially saved the U.S. from bankruptcy. That’s right, one of the richest men in the world, a banker no less, saved the United States financially by lending the U.S. what amounts to over 2 billion in today’s dollars.

With today’s self-imposed financial crisis due to the coronavirus threatening to permanently close thousands of business, put millions out of work, and permanently destroy the most prosperous country in the world, where are today’s J.P. Morgans? We know the names. The 10 wealthiest people on the planet — where are they during this crisis?

Its easy to tell people how to live. Pretend to be “woke,” and virtually signal all these great ideals, but where are they when they have to dig into their own pocket? Which of these is willing to pick up the challenge J.P. Morgan laid down over 100 years ago? Who will put their own money into businesses to help people keep their jobs, help families keep their homes, their health insurance, their way of life?

The answer is obvious. The typical NIMBY (not in my backyard) mentality. They are perfectly willing to take your money, but not willing to contribute except with crumbs from their pockets, not willing to collectively put a consortium of other wealthy people together to essentially save this country. Hypocrisy abounds!!

Larry Zigmond

Newman Lake, Wash.