Those are the words of the late Bernard Rapoport, long-time friend and financial supporter of Bill Moyers. Those of you who listen(ed) to Moyers would often hear the thanks to funders, which would end with "Bernard and Audre Rapoport" - they did it directly, not through a foundation.
The Rapoports were engaged the day after they met.
They became very wealthy.
They sold the insurance company they cofounded for half a billion dollars.
They tried to give away their wealth
except for an uncanny ability to make money faster than he could dispose of it.
I am quoting from
the transcript of the video essay Moyers offered on behalf of his friend, doing things like this:
He and Audre gave millions to help low-income children in Waco, the heart of Texas, where they lived modestly and where he died. Millions more to our beloved alma mater, the University of Texas; supported progressive causes and politicians, civil rights and voting rights, arts and culture, and social justice across the country and in Israel – from an eye clinic serving predominately Arab patients, and a high school for children of Israeli families who wanted to co-exist with Palestinians.
Rapoport also supported Mollie Ivins and
The Texas Observer.
Moyers described Rapoport as a capitalist with a conscience. They can and do exist.
He titled his essay "Capitalism With a Conscience."
Follow the link, which I repeat here to read the transcript and/or watch the video.
You will be glad you did.
Rapoport was man worth far more than Mitt Romney - that is NOT a reference to their comparative wealth, but rather to his commitment to humanity.
Peace.