While considering a speech by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) promoting a Constitutional Amendment elevating banner worship above the principles of democracy, I thought I could hear the familiar dismissal; “There’s no difference between Republicans and Democrats.” Too often the similarities obscure the differences. Often, I suspect Feinstein and even Howard Dean of being Rockefeller Democrats, refugees from an intolerant, theocratic Christian-Republican party.

But, then, I consider Warren Buffet’s decision to give well over $30 billion to the Gates Foundation to fight diseases worldwide and improve education in America. And, compare Larry Ellison’s decision to welsh on a $115 million pledge to Harvard for medical research. Two billionaires dispensing their wealth as personal, not community, property. Is there a discernable difference between them? Yes. While anyone would reasonably consider Bill Gates a monopolist and plutocrat, Buffet’s decision demonstrated a committment to wider concerns than Ellison could envision. One demonstrates a global vision, the other focuses on petty personal cronyism.

I also hope the White House and members of Congress listened carefully to Buffet’s arguments to maintain the aristocracy tax (a.k.a. the estate tax). He displayed a concern for his country and the world that extended beyond the privileges of his class and heirs.

While I have your attention, go make an online contribution…now.