Just how much money does Bernie (Ecclestone) have?

**anthonyvop** · 16th June 2011, 23:20

Originally Posted by ioan

Mentioning Bill Gates and BE in the same thread is a blasphemy.
While Ecclestone made a fortune for himself by the means we all know, and mostly don't approve, Gates made a fortune that is used to help the less lucky people on Earth, huge difference.

Bill Gates "philanthropy" is just a tax dodge in the from of good P.R..

If you compare business tactics Bernie's Billions were earned much more ethically than Bill Gates.

**BDunnell** · 17th June 2011, 00:27

Originally Posted by anthonyvop

Bill Gates "philanthropy" is just a tax dodge in the from of good P.R..

If you compare business tactics Bernie's Billions were earned much more ethically than Bill Gates.

Explain.

**anthonyvop** · 17th June 2011, 01:28

Originally Posted by anthonyvop

Bill Gates "philanthropy" is just a tax dodge in the form of good P.R..

If you compare business tactics Bernie's Billions were earned much more ethically than Bill Gates.

Originally Posted by BDunnell

Explain.

I Thought it would obvious to a Euro-type like you.

**BDunnell** · 17th June 2011, 10:47

Originally Posted by anthonyvop

I Thought it would obvious to a Euro-type like you.

I have no idea what you are on about. Please give us the benefit of your in-depth analysis as to the comparative ethical dimensions behind the respective wealth of Messrs Gates and Ecclestone. I expect it will have recourse to a substantial amount of independent, peer-reviewed academic research.

**Malbec** · 17th June 2011, 15:11

Originally Posted by ioan

While Ecclestone made a fortune for himself by the means we all know, and mostly don't approve,

I don't think you can say that Gates acquired his fortune entirely through ethical means either. Many of his business decisions in particular his treatment of software developers he dealt with while building up the Windows empire has been very questionable in terms of ethics.

**ioan** · 17th June 2011, 21:53

Originally Posted by anthonyvop

Bill Gates "philanthropy" is just a tax dodge in the from of good P.R..

If you compare business tactics Bernie's Billions were earned much more ethically than Bill Gates.

Rubbish.

Bill Gates gave up biggest part of his fortune to dodge much smaller taxes?! You're a looney.

**ioan** · 17th June 2011, 21:54

Originally Posted by anthonyvop

I Thought it would obvious to a Euro-type like you.

Rubbish is never obvious to us.

**odykas** · 17th June 2011, 22:21

Originally Posted by anthonyvop

Bill Gates "philanthropy" is just a tax dodge in the from of good P.R..

If you compare business tactics Bernie's Billions were earned much more ethically than Bill Gates.

You don't have to donate to avoid taxes.
Just move parts of your business to a tax haven country and the job is done....

**Jag_Warrior** · 17th June 2011, 22:24

Originally Posted by Dylan H

I don't think you can say that Gates acquired his fortune entirely through ethical means either. Many of his business decisions in particular his treatment of software developers he dealt with while building up the Windows empire has been very questionable in terms of ethics.

+1

Gates is also the same guy who tried to cheat one of his "friends" (MSFT co-founder Paul Allen) out of his Microsoft shares, through dilution, while the man was focused on fighting a life threatening battle with cancer. Just because Gates has always had a boyish, sweet face, his nature has always been more that of a snake (IMO) - but (like Bernie) that has served him well.

As for Bernie, he doesn't hide his predatory nature... or his lack of taste - which he seems to have passed on to his children. Aaron Spelling was the picture of excess and gaudiness. So, I think this mansion fits the Ecclestone profile pretty well. I'm glad the tasteless little muppet brought F1 to where it is though.

BTW:
Bernie Ecclestone Fights to Save His Formula One Empire

**odykas** · 17th June 2011, 22:40

Originally Posted by Dylan H

I don't think you can say that Gates acquired his fortune entirely through ethical means either. Many of his business decisions in particular his treatment of software developers he dealt with while building up the Windows empire has been very questionable in terms of ethics.

Bill Gates became rich by leveraging Micro$oft's monopoly.
I wouldn't call this ethical.