Principal Voices is intended to be a global debate everyone can participate in, and we are keen to hear your views on the subjects being discussed. These comments will form a central part of the Principal Voices Web site.

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Name: Saadat
Location: Peshawar, Pakistan

It's a cruel joke when you talk about billionaire "philanthropists." They make money out of poor people's sweat and blood.

If they really want to help, let them pay all their taxes, not have offices in tax havens, avoid luxuries at shareholders' expenses, avoid building properties in exotic locations that damage wildlife, avoid making money out of drugs/vaccines/weapons, avoid firing staff just because returns are not high or employees have gotten old, pay for pension funds, use jets as little as possible, etc.

There are infinite ways in which they suck money, happiness and justice from poor people. It is more than enough if they behave like human beings. No one needs money more than them, so let them keep their billions! Just be honest and do not fleece people.

Name: Shehla Masood
Location: Bhopal, India

Theresa Lloyd correctly said: "People often tend to be in their late 40s or 50s, perhaps they have retired early or sold their business and they need a new focus".

But at the same time, the good they do for society is by building trust in them and forcing more and more genuine people to come forward. The impact they leave on society is far reaching beyond their dreams, intentions, where we increase the ratio of few good men on the planet.

Name: Eric Cohen
Location: U.S.

I work for one of the most successful innovation companies. We are based in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. We have been helping companies innovate and become very successful.

But I am now starting a group that uses these same principles to help create real and effective solutions to social issues. We don't have money, but we have the ability to look at problems with a different perspective and solve problems in new ways.

I know there is a lot of talk about problems and money being spent. I want to focus on developing real solutions that are sustainable and meaningful. Does anybody have any comments about this?

Name: Annebeth Riles Broad
Location: New Zealand

When we come into this world, we are helpless. When we move through the stages of our lives, we can contribute to the positive development of our human family, and preservation of the natural environment, with all of our strength. When we leave this world, we are helpless.

Name: Alex de la Paz
Location: Philippines

It is heart-warming to learn that billionaires like Bill Gates and some others are sharing their wealth to the poor.

Although its just a drop in the bucket, so to speak, it is a good start. I hope that other billionaires follow suit.

Name: Nancy Hewitt
Location: Casselberry, Florida

I wish someone would help me and my family. We are struggling so bad!!

Name: Tolu Rock Martins
Location: Lagos, Nigeria

I think it is great to see the rich give more money as acts of philanthropy, but my concern is how the money will make life better for those for whom it is meant. I believe the philanthropists should keep an eye in how effectively their money is being used to pursue the worthy causes.

Name: Samuel Watkins
Location: Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S.

What we are seeing is the wise among the wealthy that realize government alone has failed its people.

It is a very brave situation taken up by people such as Buffet and Gates, who are really attempting to find solutions to the problems affecting society's poor. I only wish the rest of the super-rich felt this way!

Name: G.R. Kishan Rao
Location: Hyderabad, India

I gratefully thank all those philanthropists who have done enormous humanitarian services in our contemporary world. May God give them enough time and energy to do more good to mankind.

Name: Si Kelly
Location: Bristol, U.K.

Microsoft may have made a lot of money from people's blood, sweat and tears, but it has also provided jobs, health-care and pensions for them as well.

Who else but people like Gates and Buffet can afford to donate £37 billion to fight Aids and malaria? No nation state could afford that, no-one else has the capacity to give so much to the common good.

Name: June Brian Salvado
Location: Philippines

It's OK for philanthropists to share their earnings to research things to help those in ill health, but it would be better if they were to give a little share to the country that really needs it.

If they will spread what they have instead of only giving it to research they can surely save more than they think they can save.

Name: Blanca Duranona
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

My opinion is that the fissure between rich and poor people is increasing and we must do all that is possible to reduce the differences.

Name: Marc Ihuwe
Location: Makurdi, Nigeria

I think philanthropists should concern themselves more with poor countries and those really in need, like the people in the Darfur region of Sudan and other refugees in Somalia instead of channeling huge amounts of money into medical research purposes that only benefit the rich, as the poor are too impoverished to be able to afford the breakthroughs.

Name: Nimin
Location: Beijing, China

To my mind, being a billionaire is not a bad thing. We should not hate him or her unless they have illegal and immoral behavior.

If they are committed to charity activities, I really respect them. Society should encourage more billionaires to be philanthropists.

Name: Ajay Ramaswamy
Location: San Francisco, California, U.S.

It's a cruel joke when you talk about billionaire "philanthropists." They make money out of poor people's sweat and blood.

If they really want to help, let them pay all their taxes, not have offices in tax havens, avoid luxuries at shareholders' expenses, avoid building properties in exotic locations that damage wildlife, avoid making money out of drugs/vaccines/weapons, avoid firing staff just because returns are not high or employees have gotten old, pay for pension funds, use jets as little as possible, etc

There are infinite ways in which they suck money, happiness and justice from poor people. It is more than enough if they behave like human beings. No one needs money more than them, so let them keep their billions! Just be honest and do not fleece people.