Buffett giving $50 million to stop nuke spread

[cory777]

Source: Reuters

VIENNA — Saying weapons of mass destruction are the biggest problem facing mankind, billionaire Warren Buffett on Friday said he was putting up $50 million for a new initiative aimed at preventing the spread of atomic bombs as more countries seek nuclear energy.

His donation was matched by the United States and other governments, bringing the total to $150 million for the plan, which was approved by member states of the U.N. nuclear agency in Vienna on Friday.

"Throughout my lifetime I will be interested in this subject and I will back that interest up with money," Buffett told Reuters. "If the project sounds like a good one and has any real chance of reducing the probabilities of the terrible use of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, I'm prepared to put up significant money."

"Something can come up that requires a million dollar or something can come up that requires a $100 million," he added.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40496615/ns/world_news/

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Activist News http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40496615/ns/world_news/

[wtbymark]

1. Why doesn't Buffet call Sen. Kyl and say quit the BS and ratify START

[FailureToCommunicate]

3. Agreed. Tho maybe Buffet is just buffing his image with this.

[DJ13]

2. $50m is pocket change to him

And I agree with the poster above me, these billionaires who act like they want to improve the world have sufficient contacts throughout the government that they could easily leverage to have things change if they really want it.

Thats the same tactics they use on a daily basis in their business dealings, in fact its many times how they became so wealthy, so they know how to do it if they want to.

[renate]

4. it may be pocket change to him, but he didn't have to donate it

And he says he'll give more if a project seems to merit it.

I think he's always been a good guy, down to earth and willing to give money to well-run charities. He still lives in the same house in Kansas that he bought before he made his billions--pretty cool.

[aquart]

5. Let me guess. They're going to study the problem.

That man is insufficiently taxed.

[BrendaBrick]

6. Oh Buffet has his reasons alright!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/03/buffetts-berkshire-burlin_n_343418.html

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Warren_Buffett

[Lucinda]

7. Dear Warren

I promise not to spread WMD.
Can I have 50 million too?
I promise to spend it wisely.

I hope his efforts bear good fruit.