Tuesday, September 13, 2005 Comments (3)
Rush Gives Props to Drug Companies & Wal-Mart: How Much Are They REALLY Donating?
On yesterday's program, in regards to the relief effort of hurricane Katrina, Rush said:
In media real world, the pharmaceutical companies are evil and killing people. In the real world, the pharmaceutical companies work very hard to make drugs and medicines that save lives and have extended the life expectancy. They have donated more than $25 million in cash and pharmaceutical supplies.
Well, I have to admit that no one knows drugs like Rush Limbaugh. He forgot to mention that they're not only working hard to make drugs and medicines that save lives, but also making drugs that create dependencies, eh Rush? It's great they donated $25 million, but with addicts an ex-addicts like Rush, who have spent and are spending such a large amount on controlled substances, I'm sure that's chump change.
As a sidenote, he also supported and praised Wal-Mart's donations of $15 million dollars to the Gulf Coast tragedy:
In the media and liberal Democrat world, Wal-Mart is evil. Wal-Mart, in the real world, has donated something like $15 million.
Well, that's great. Wal-Mart really had to shell out the big bucks here. Dig deep in the pockets of their Faded Glory jeans.
In 2000, almost 5 years ago, Wal-Mart earned $6,295,000,000. Over six billion dollars. Now, I don't know what kind of advanced math skills Rush has, but let's just take a look at this a little more:
15,000,000 of 6,295,000,000 is .24%. How does that compare to an individual who makes $20,000 a year? Well, .24% of $20,000 a year is $48. So, Wal-Mart is essentially donating the equivalent of 48 dollars, when compared to an individual who makes $20,000. Not a lot for a multi-billion dollar company.
SUPER MEGA DITTOS WAL-MART. We salute you!
Comments
Yikes, why bash companies for donating?
Yeah, that's what I'm wondering, "FE!!" — why bash companies that are donating? Nobody is obligated to donate anything to anyone because (and here's the key) donation is entirely volunatary. Have YOU donated, Miss Everyday Fiance? How much money do you make every year? $35,000? I guess that means you need to donate a least $84 or you're no better than the great big "evil" WalMart in your view. The truth of the matter is, we should be glad that these companies are giving ANYTHING, because they don't have to.
Dootz,
Unfortunately, I think you missed my point. My post was more about Rush's comments of praise (hence the direct quotes), than Wal-Mart directly. While using big figures that people aren't experienced in dealing with (I certainly don't carry billions of dollars around in my pocket), he was able to put a certain amount of spin on how much Wal-Mart is giving.
My comment on drug companies was not in regards to how much they are giving, but more on Rush's drug habit. I meant that Rush had such a hard time with controlled substances that I'm sure that he indirectly donated to the relief effort. I just found his praise comical, that's all.
However, I can take your approach, as well. I do think it's undeserved to praise Wal-Mart to a large extent for what they're doing in regards to monetary donations in this relief effort. Yes, I'm sure all money is appreciated, but there are citizens that do not own multi-billion corporations that are donating just as much, if not more, in comparison. For me, $15 million doesn't make-up for how Wal-Mart treats their workers in and out of normal circumstances. For the employees affected by this disaster, they are paying 3 days worth of wages to these already poor (basically minimum wage earners) individuals:
Wal-Mart will only pay its employees for three days, along with offers of limited cash assistance.
No one or no company has a legal obligation to donate. But in my opinion, everyone has a moral obligation. That's right, I think everyone should donate what they can - whether it's 5 bucks or 500 bucks. Not just when there's some big disaster, either, but donate or volunteer to and for organizations and causes that need assistance everyday on "normal days."
I don't presume to know how much you donate, or how much you earn. I think it's laughable that you presume to know these things about me. I will admit, though, to being a little bit better "than the great big 'evil' Wal-Mart in your view." I think it's tactful to leave it at that.
Lastly, I think you're dramatizing my feelings about Wal-Mart. I never said that Wal-Mart was evil, but I will admit to not liking their company policies, low wages, and bad healthcare.
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