The Law of Accumulation of Wealth

"We are to consider all surplus revenues which come to us simply as trust funds which we are called upon to administer in the manner in which our judgement is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results to the community. Thus a man of wealth becomes a mere agent and trustee for his poorer brethren."

-Andrew Carnegie

Jon Hunstman Sr., a world famous chemicals company owner, has this quote on the wall in his office to remind himself to always consider the less fortunate. After quoting it, Hunstman then listed was his company administers its surplus. (Hunstman Cancer Institute, scholarships, homeless, or to reach out to failing countries).

After my last post, I came across this and though it tied in well with my opinion on professional athletes and how they can contribute. I am not a socialist liberal. I oppose spreading wealth for the sake of spreading wealth. I am a conservative, and believe in responsibility.

NBA Players with Haiti Relief

The country of Haiti was leveled nearly two weeks ago, killing hundreds of thousands and leaving millions homeless and in need of medical attention. Haiti is a poor country that had no building codes. With no reinforced concrete walls and floors, all came down within a matter of minutes. A cry for help has been answered by several nations, including the United States.

NBA players have had much to do with the relief effort. Haiti born player, Samuel Dalembert, from the 76ers, donated $100,000 of his paycheck. Dwayne Wade and former Heat center Alonzo Mourning raised over $800,000 toward the relief. Wade's donation was a one-game salary, about $175,000, while Mourning, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul each pledged $100,000, fund officials said.

Among the other NBA players announced as donors: Gilbert Arenas, Al Horford, Anthony Parker, Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony, Ben Gordon, Mike Dunleavy, Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem, Quentin Richardson, Devin Harris, Michael Finley, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Ronnie Brewer and Caron Butler.

Athletes are paid an enormous amount of money ($175k a game!) and to see them step up and contribute in this way goes to show that they, and humans alike, are generally good-hearted. I'm sure there are many more that gave that are not listed here. To those who can give, I think it is their duty.

Reaction to the All-Star Game Starters

Fans should not be able to have full authority on who starts in the All Star Game. I believe that fans vote for the marquis players every year when players with breakout seasons should be having a shot. Some argue that the All Star Game has lost its glamour anyway, so should we even care? Ray Allen, Boston Celtics guard, cares, but with some regulation.

"I like the fact that the fans get the opportunity to vote and pick who they'd like to see in the All-Star Game, but I don't think it should be 100 percent," Allen said.

The NBA doesn't see any reason to change the voting process however. It just seems a bit unfair that every player on the Houston Rockets ballot got substantial votes. Obviously, China has a huge population fan base for Yao Ming and his team mates. I mean, Aaron Brooks got more votes that Deron Williams!

I guess at the end of the day, who cares, right? Who really watches the All-Star game hoping for a real contest? We'll see if the Jazz can represent in the playoffs.