Beyonce just bought a mansion for $90 MILLION BUCKS

[jodymarie aimee]

what a nutty country we live in. My neighbors make $4,000-$21,000 a YEAR, in elderly and disabled housing.

[bettyellen]

1. Well, she's part of one of the most successful couples in entertainment. She's a good Dem.

Not going to hate on women who work as hard as she does. Or rich people indiscriminately.

[pangaia]

89. I think it's too much freakin' money for anybody to waste on a place to live.

Of course that begs the question, how much is NOT too much?

I have no answer for that.

[bettyellen]

97. Well on both coasts rea estate prices are ridiculous for everyone so yeah....

I've seen Beyoncé targeted by lefties and righties in a way you just don't see toward overpaid actors or athletes. Something shitty about that in my book.

[pangaia]

99. I'm not targeting her.

I'm just replying to a post.

I feel the same about over paid actors, athletes, lawyers...

[bettyellen]

201. She in particular has been targeted unfairly....

Accused of "owning slaves" because she had a clothing license. Where the pay was twice the local minimum.

[obamanut2012]

208. Successful women always are, successful POC women especially

It sucks.

[WhiteTara]

215. Isn't that the truth!

It's really time to change the paradigm.

[demosincebirth]

227. Yup. How much is too much $?

[lunasun]

197. There sure is ,remember here after she did the Superbowl half time?

[SaschaHM]

199. There always is, but let Donald Trump say something racist about Beyonce...

and all of this would be forgiven so that they can pillory him by way of race for their own political gain.

[brush]

186. That's not wasting money, it's conserving it, investing it. Safer than the stock market.

[bettyellen]

200. Well it's also spending on foods and services ...

[RestoreAmerica2020]

308. Isn't it wonderful for two beautiful talented hard working people to accomplish so much their young

.... lives, maybe they'll soon become members of the white-billionaire club, what would that make 5 persons of color out of 400 white people. Damn! Stop the presses.. better stop those black and brown immigrants ..better do something about that affirmative action better get whites supremacists out there to terrorize them, brutalize them kill them, whip them, remind them of their place OR else they'll take over our Country, then what's next they'll want a black president ..oh wait they got one of those ..damn it .what else do those people want now? .. Can't have any of that, now do we ...besides our white president gave the ok to make america white again...

....now I am not a pop music fan more of a jazz fan--one evening I happened to come across, some music awards, now since I don't liveina a cave or under a rock, I had heard of Beyonce, and saw for her performance during the superbowl, of course racistwhite people criticizee her nonstop..she was toI militant? Meaning too black! I thought it was powerful, a stong confidant falented person...did you see that in her ? So as I'm watching music show, she appeared on stage wonderfully and glowingly pregnant ...showcasing motherhood, womanhood.. Her performance was stunningly beautiful and genius .. That's what I saw ...what did you see? You see we people of color love our beautiful skin tones ..it's racistwhite people that have a problem with that ...ask yourself do I see brown and black person or do I see beyond color?

..... If not, ask--am I influeced by racist stereotypical propaganda, lies about persons of color? Images on tvMsm and movies depicting us as criminals rapists thugs drug dealers gang members ....oh wait that's what that guy in the oval office has said about all of us ...AYE!... I refuse to watch programs/ movies where we are not shown in a positive light .so that leaves out 99.99% of programming and since I don't have cable that leaves minimal choices, for example just consider late night tv ..love all the comedians not one person of color ..though, .not one woman, shite! And, if we are present, we are the side kick or the Mexican side kick used as a pinata --well at least he has a job-- or the band, all wonderful people, yet that's not the point is it? When we are not shown as criminals we are gardeners, servants, janitors all noble jobs, yet look around you we are teachers, professors, engineers politicians, doctor lawyers, public servants, business owners, we are hard working people not all on welfare or medicaid, food stamps as racist republikkklans including eltrumpf want us all to believe.

....now on a different note, yet relative to wealthy Americans, I agree with Bernie Sanders' progressive platform ...and his mantra where it is criminal [my word]that the 1% of the 1% of Americans are billionaires (only 400 Americans) and multi -millionaires benefit from the existing tax code--pay less in taxes ..what was it that trumpf said to the question, as to why he didn't pay federal tax, amounting to appox 900million dollars [is that correct?] well he said it's all legal, that he was smart; and we're quibbling about whether Beyonce or Obama dare buy million dollar estates ...yes, wealthy people should pay their fair share, tax code reform is needed to eliminate tax loopholes, yet what are the republikkklans proposing now? Tax cuts, free money to billionaires and millionaire while the rest of US hard working Americans struggle, blaming the Mexicans, Blacks for abusing programs, taking jobs..which is a lie!

.....if I want a progressive platform as Bernie Sanders supports, I'm called a socialist - a communist ...if I want a fair distribution of wealth by rasing taxes on the very wealthy then..I'm called a socialist communist . yes raise taxes on the very wealthy where we all pay our fair share, really what is wrong with that ? Where we all pay and support social, economic, environmental protections/programs so that all Americans have a fair playing field to prosper, succeed at whatever they choose to do in life ....so with that, I thank you for allowing me to vent ..

Ps.....Bernie Sanders for President 2020!.... Tperrez. Cbooker. KHarris. T.Duckworth. E.Warren. Becerra. D. Archambault (sioux nation ) and L.Gutierrez--any one listed is as qualified, passionate, aggressive as the next to run for vice president .. If we want to win we need someone who can take it to eltrumpf (if he's still around) who doesn't back down, Cara y Cara! Will call a liar, a liar, a racist a racist because that is who we are dealing with right now. Sanders has name recognition, a large base, why invent the wheel? Forego the primaries and nominate Sanders for President..lets get ahead of the race, be proactive..so If we want to win in 2020 we need a progressive platform ---go big or go home --the whole enchilada!
..
























..

[Blue_Tires]

2. That's a bargain in this neighborhood...

http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-manor-holmby-hills-for-sale-200-million-20161004-snap-story.html

[eShirl]

3. Interesting.

[ADX]

4. Don't hate; congratulate...

[HipChick]

5. Why are you counting other folks money? She and her husband are both billionaires...

[misanthrope]

145. Maybe because idolatry of gross materialism is what has our society in the shape it's in?

Just a guess.

[Demsrule86]

262. Always the women who are attacked in this manner.

[misanthrope]

311. Yep, no one has ever said the same about a man, including the POTUS

Ever, ever, ever.

[Demsrule86]

321. 45 was born with a silver spoon...but Beyonce who works hard doesn't deserve her money...

ridiculous.

[ecstatic]

6. Why single her out? She's mastered her craft,

works hard, and has a lot of happy fans. What does your neighbor's income have to do with her?

I understand if your argument is that your neighbors should make more but why bring Beyonce into the conversation?

[Warren DeMontague]

7. Nice looking pad.

No, I mean, literally, there's a helicopter pad.



Anyway, good for them.

[underpants]

172. I wonder how long it will take Jay Z to mow the grass

That is quite some house.

[erpowers]

190. Nice Home

If I had the money I would have bought the home.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. Nice to see her get ahead.

[pangaia]

92. Is that sarcasm? LOL...

[DemocratSinceBirth]

110. I can't get that excited about rich celebrities.

[pangaia]

124. OK. We're cool.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

126. Better her than , say, Kid Rock or Ted Nugent.

[Binkie The Clown]

9. Cheapskate! The garage for my collection of Rolls Royces cost more than that.

In my dreams!

But seriously, I would not want to be that rich. I won't buy lottery tickets because winning the jackpot would be the worst thing that I can imagine happening to me (short of being nibbled to death by hungry fire ants).

[Catherine Vincent]

10. So what?

[liquid diamond]

11. Fuck this world.

And fuck rich hedonists. Think of all the good that money could do to help the less fortunate.

[Tarheel_Dem]

142. Are you implying that Beyonce & JayZee don't do good with THEIR money?

[liquid diamond]

155. "Their" money.

Sometimes I question where I'm posting.

[Beaverhausen]

178. Whose money is it?

when the work they do generates money, who should get that money? Should they work for free?

[liquid diamond]

180. People like them need to be heavily taxed.

They have excess while some Americans rely on food stamps, meals on wheels, and food banks. Don't get me started on the homeless problem. I can't fucking believe people here are defending mega rich celebrities. The hypocrisy. It burns.

[Beaverhausen]

187. You didn't answer the question

who's money is it?

Is it their fault that people are on food stamps? That people are homeless?

Did they decide the tax code?

If they paid more taxes would it help those people?

Do you even know what charitable donations they make? What charities they do benefits for?

[SammyWinstonJack]

309. Won't catch me defending the mega rich, whomever they be.

[bettyellen]

203. It's not socialist underground and yes actually it's their money.

[USALiberal]

12. She has earned it! n/t

[Drahthaardogs]

13. No entertainer had "earned" that kind of money. She didn't cure cancer

In my opinion, what our society values and pays is crazy. School teachers are on food stamps and a singer can drop 90 million on a house.

What is wrong with us?

[USALiberal]

15. Wow........

She makes records that people LOVE to listen to and pay money to listen to them. They also want to see her in concert and love watching her. It makes people happy and their life more enjoyable. Just like sports and movies. Get a grip.

[OBenario4]

19. Doesn't mean she "earned". n/t

[USALiberal]

20. It sure the fuck does. You try it and see how it goes. n/t

[OBenario4]

24. No, it doesn't.

As well as what Messi or Neymar or any soccer star receive is what they "deserve".

Really, kicking a ball is not something so marvellous that should be recompensate by giving you millions of dollars.

People are dying of hungry. And this capitalist freak show is part of that.

[dhill926]

27. honestly, I don't think entertainers and sports stars....

are the real problem here...

[OBenario4]

30. I think they are part of the problem, at least. n/t

[Duppers]

239. I agree.

[LanternWaste]

322. That's an irrational sentiment and a logical fallacy.

You point to personalities rather than the system. That's both an irrational sentiment and a logical fallacy.

[USALiberal]

28. Then jump the fans asses for paying their salary. Tell people to stop buying......

Books
Movie tickets
Soccer,baseball,football tickets
concert tickets
stop watching TV
People in all the lists above make a lot of money.

Get it yet???

[OBenario4]

33. Agreed.

People should stop glorifying these things.

And the debate is part of this process.

[JustAnotherGen]

256. No way

I went and bought all of her solo albums (downloaded) when white Republicans got all up in their feelings over Lemonade. I only had one prior to that - on CD.

If folks left her alone - black women wouldn't group up and "vote" on the latest greatest outrage about what a black woman has supposedly done wrong . . .with our dollars.

Besides - they've (she and her husband) were bailing folks out in Ferguson, Baltimore etc etc . A lot of us have in the 78% (black Americans not working poor or in poverty). We can't all march in every protest - but we can congregate on the Dark Web and make sure the on the ground with their backs against the walls in poor communities where white folks have all the power . . .activists have the money to weather the storm.

There's plenty of money to go around. Susan Sarandon has six homes and "brought the Revolution" her way.

Let Beyonce bring it her way. Much as Sarandon has been made a martyr in progressive circles - the mass coming "for Bey" by white Americans of all political stripes and economic levels . . . Of COURSE we are going to stand up for her.

Ain't no takesy backsey on Tulsa folks.

Never again.

[betsuni]

259. +1

[JI7]

31. People arent dying because of beyonce

[OBenario4]

35. True.

Didn't say they were. That's not the point.

[H2O Man]

106. Them grapes sour?

[JI7]

23. How the fuck did she not earn it when the money is made through sales HER art

[Drahthaardogs]

37. It's ridiculous and the result of capitalist greed.

Sorry, entertainers like Beyonce are part of the problem with this country.

[JI7]

39. Nope . White working class men that vote republican in huge numbers are more to blame

[Drahthaardogs]

55. Nope. This battle is rich vs poor not men vs women or

White vs black, and the sooner you ALL figure that out the sooner we get our country back

[JI7]

65. Nope. White men do not include POC with them. I take beyonce over low income trump supporters

Who blame minorities for their problems

[Drahthaardogs]

69. Bullshit. You going to say OJ didn't have a legal dream team?

Wake up.

[JI7]

72. LOL. The only black people that exist are oprah obama oj and beyonce

And oj went to prison for years

[Drahthaardogs]

74. If OJ had been poor, he'd have gotten the electric chair

And you damned well known it just like everyone else.

[JI7]

109. Oj got years . The killers of emmett till , tamir rice , etc went free

[Drahthaardogs]

112. OJ walked away free from that criminal charge

He was jailed for armed robbery and admitted to doing it

[JI7]

115. Most people would not have got that many years for that. He got it for the previous case

And there are other black people besides oj oprah obama and beyonce

[Adrahil]

270. I'm not completely unsympathetic, but....

... who gets to decide who is worth what?

I mean, i think pro sports are a LOT more aggregious that a tla nter entrtainer (her music isn't my thing, but I recognize her talent).

Rather her get it than some like Trump, for example.

Nut I do not befrudge, for one second, people seeking to paid the kost someone is willing tompay in exchange for their talents.

[Drahthaardogs]

32. You get a grip, she's vastly overpaid because our values are fucked up

Sorry, but I am a Utalitarian and that's how I see it. Athletes are vastly over paid as well.

[JI7]

36. She doesn't get a fixed income. Her money is made through sales of HER art

[OBenario4]

41. But she sells this "mindset" that success is being rich.

That's a huge problem in my opinion.

[JI7]

44. No she doesn't. She sells her music.

[OBenario4]

49. Not only music.

She sells a lot more.

[JI7]

54. In trying to figure out what that problem is other than resentment

[OBenario4]

56. Don't know how to explain it more than I have.

If you think it's ok for a "progressive icon" as you call her tell all the press she's going to spend 1 million dollars to give birth... there isn't much to say.

[JI7]

60. I'm glad health care workers and others will make money from her giving birth

[OBenario4]

68. I'm sad she lost the opportunity of helping people in real need with all that money. n/t

[SaschaHM]

81. The Carters routinely contribute to many different charitable causes.

And frankly, the taxes+fees that are paid on a 90 million dollar purchase go a long way to funding state coffers, which fund social programs.

[H2O Man]

129. You have no

of what she does to help people. You are talking about something you know nothing about.

[OBenario4]

140. Bill Gates also donates large sums of money to charity.

And I'm still convinced he has much more than he should have.

[Demsrule86]

263. Being rich is a form of success that many would like to have...so?

[Drahthaardogs]

43. Her money is made through corporate tricks and trappings

Her artistic ability is a tiny fraction of it.

[USALiberal]

62. No one is forcing people to buy her music or attend her concerts. You honestly think.....

people who do these things are idiots and being suckers?

[Drahthaardogs]

66. You do realize big marketing uses science for everything

To manipulate you to buy, right? Down to how far on the shelf the Doritos bag can sit.

[USALiberal]

71. So how is this her fault? n/t

[USALiberal]

38. Then you are blaming her and not her fans. Start insulting her fans. n/t

[Beaverhausen]

76. You should save your anger for Insurance company CEOs

and other millionaires who do make there money by ripping people off.

Beyonce makes people happy. I believe she is also very charitable and is a good role model for young women.

and she pisses off the Right, which is a bonus!

[Drahthaardogs]

84. I will be angry at whoever I please

And it is a sorry world when people who educate our children are on food stamps but athletes and entertainers have billions of dollars.

Jerry Jones makes people happy too. So does Joel Osteen, LOL

[sheshe2]

273. Here is an average salary for teachers K-12.

Average Salary for All K-12 Teachers

Salary
Hourly Rate
Bonus
Popular Tallies
More
By Job
By Years Experience
By Employer Name
By Company Size
By State or Province
By City
More
All K-12 Teachers Median Salary by Job
Job
National Salary Data 
$0
$17K
$34K
$51K
Elementary School Teacher
$43,910
 


 
 
 
High School Teacher
$48,145
 


Middle School Teacher
$45,995
 


Special Education Teacher, Preschool, Kindergarten, or Elementary School
$45,242
 


Special Education Teacher, Secondary School
$49,430
 


Secondary School Teacher
$48,478
 


Special Education Teacher, Middle School
$48,230
 


Country: United States | Currency: USD | Updated: 12 Aug 2017 | Individuals Reporting: 24,096

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/All_K-12_Teachers/Salary

Of course there could be a lot of different factors...but let's just say the salaries above are for a single person. If these people are on food stamps as you say, then they are sorely mismanaging their money.

[jberryhill]

79. Okay, utilitarian

Enjoyment and entertainment are, like it or not, something that humans do need for their emotional well being.

It turns out that millions of humans derive enjoyment from Beyonce carrying on. Personally, not my cup of tea, but so what.

One can derive an economic value of an individual obtaining several minutes of entertainment, enjoyment and emotional satisfaction that comes from listening to music.

If it's some guy playing a violin in the subway station, I'll typically toss in whatever change I happen to have on me.

But if it is someone who is providing that value to millions of people, I don't see why it is any different.

[Drahthaardogs]

88. Did you make a point?

Because all I got out of that was a weak attempt at condescending drivel and the "she makes lots of people happy" argument, which seems to be the measuring stick here.

Joel Osteen does too, but I bet you have a problem with him...

[jberryhill]

94. I don't care for him either

If people want to give their money to him for whatever he provides them, no, I don't have a problem with that.

Do I have a problem with someone making a lot of money for making people happy? No.

But, as I said, I don't care for Beyonce's music, nor do I care for Joel Osteen's preaching. Consequently, they derive no revenue from me.

[Drahthaardogs]

102. The point is OUR values are a mess.

These people are worshipped, followed, and paid a kings ransom while teachers, nurses, and others who have jobs infinitely more important are minimized and paid crumbs.

[jberryhill]

111. Perhaps yours are

I don't worship, follow or pay either of the people you mentioned. I'm also not responsible for the decisions of others in that regard.

So I'm not sure who the "OUR" is in this.

[BannonsLiver]

114. It's the same logic people use to pillory pro athletes.

To which my response is usually let me know when you can run a 40-yard dash in under 5 seconds or can drain a 3-pointers at will or hit a home run off major league pitching. Point is, talent pays for some people. Why? Because not everyone can do what they do.

[USALiberal]

143. So true! n/t

[Drahthaardogs]

149. And running a 4.3 forty benefits society how?

The argument here is that we value silly things and don't value the important. So please, tell me why Beyonce should be paid better than my post-Doc cousin doing cancer research at Mayo Clinic who makes so little she shops at food banks and had $70,000 worth of student loans.

[BannonsLiver]

159. It benefits society by allowing someone to make a living from their talent. The end.

Whether or not you value that is irrelevant.

[Drahthaardogs]

161. I asked how it justified the discrepancy, you skirted the question

The end.

[Duppers]

241. Exactly

[Demit]

22. You'd rather the money go to the record label corporations? The promoters?

Instead of the creative talent? Please, tell us how you think the money she brings in should be distributed.

[Drahthaardogs]

64. Lol, it does...(or at least Sony did)

Just like the NFL gives a tiny amount to the players. Wake up. This is corporate machine at work.

[Beaverhausen]

127. Successful entertainers and athletes generate a lot of money and jobs

Ticket sales, merchandise swag, concession sales, manufacturing, venues/parking lots, CDs/DVDs...I could go on and on. You may not like it but there is a lot of money out there and I think the actual artist/athlete deserves a good portion of the money they generate.

FWIW- I work at one of the largest film studios in the world, in the department that pays out royalties. We send millions of dollars every week to actors, writers, producers, directors, etc. There are thousands of people who are employed at the studio and thousands of people employed in peripheral jobs (manufacturing, shipping, duplicating, theaters, tv stations, etc) Entertainment generates a lot of money and it has to go somewhere. The studio also fosters and supports a great many philanthropic activities and opportunities for the employees.

I'm married to a nurse and I agree that people with jobs like nurses and teachers deserve far more than they get, it doesn't mean you have to take money away from others who are earning it.

[Drahthaardogs]

132. So? And of course it does. The wage gap with raises

Only going to the rich is unsustainable. Just because Beyonce is liberal doesn't mean it's okay

[Beaverhausen]

138. That makes no sense

You are completely ignoring my point.

I give up.

[Drahthaardogs]

141. Your point is, essentially, it's okay because she employs others

Even though she makes A LOT more than them, which sure sounds like fucking Reaganomics to me...

[TexasBushwhacker]

301. The point of Reagonomics

Was that they justified tax cuts with the concept of trickle down economics. Beyonce and Jay Z are not Republicans and I haven't heard them bitching about their taxes.

In addition to employing a lot of people, directly and indirectly, they pay a buttload of income taxes, state and federal, as well as property taxes on that $90 Million mansion and all their other properties.

[misanthrope]

152. To me, someone's liberalism is reflected in how they treat others

Especially those who work for them or are further down the power scale than they are. I don't know Beyonce so I can't attest to how liberal she truly is.

I once worked for a guy who wore his "liberalism" like a badge, donating to certain causes, allowing meetings of certain groups in his establishment, etc. However those who watched the way he treated employees, the way he tried to skirt laws and other practices plus myriad other things could see his liberalism was pretension.

[Drahthaardogs]

157. Well, Warren Buffet lives in a modest house

And when he dies his money goes to charity NOT his children. To me, that is a liberal.

[misanthrope]

160. I would tend to agree

*

[airplaneman]

238. Warren Buffet is also opposed to raising the minimum wage.

I don't see him as liberal.
-Airplane

[misanthrope]

147. +1

*

[liquid diamond]

169. Exactly. As I said in my last post

I sometimes question where I am posting. I can't believe people here are cheering this shit.

[Warren DeMontague]

226. life is short and no matter how holy or virtuous you are, it always has the same ending

who is to say what value there is or isn't in entertainment?

[brooklynite]

236. How much money does J.K. Rowling "deserve"?

I don't recall being "forced" to buy Harry Potter.

[treestar]

277. True, if you look at it the US values

entertainment, including sports, the most. Though there is the issue of uniqueness, it is hard to believe she can sing so much better than the average singer that it's worth it.

We need to get people more interested in local entertainers, give someone else a chance rather than continually go back to the same ones who already succeeded.

[pangaia]

98. Really??

[USALiberal]

146. Yes, her songs and concerts sell very well! n/t

[miyazaki]

279. well her poetry is quite artful

how about "When he f**k me good, I take his ass to Red Lobster".

-The human race is doomed.

[H2O Man]

104. I agree.

[MrScorpio]

14. Congrats to Beyonc and her fam

Looks like a dream home. Might as well spend that money while you got it.

[Dream Girl]

16. Who sold it to her I wonder...

And why is no one pissing and moaning about them?

[Dreamer Tatum]

17. This thread right here.

Wow.

[BainsBane]

18. This is Oprah's handbag shopping revisited

I guess I'm supposed to pretend I don't notice these threads are so often about women of color. Where's a thread on what Jaime Diamon buys?

[MrScorpio]

50. Bingo!

No one here ever complained about white millionaires or billionaires who bought multi-million dollar mansions and that happens all the time.

[H2O Man]

131. The whiners

are all too obvious.

[sheshe2]

274. Remember the uproar not long ago about Obama's speaking fee?

[Tarheel_Dem]

154. Ding! Ding! Ding!

[obamanut2012]

212. Successful women are alwats judged, but successful WOC are savaged

This thread is one of the most fucked up things I have ever seen.

[VOX]

306. Precisely. Paul McCartney's net worth is $1.2 BILLION...

And who's ripping him for "not having earned it" or "who does he think he is"?

[Agschmid]

189. Yup.

[LovingA2andMI]

233. So Trashing This Thread....

Along with the Jealous A** Poster That Created it. Congrats Bey. Looks like a great house.

[JI7]

21. Why is it usually women and minorities that get complaints about this

She is one of the top entertainers and makes money selling her music .

This reminds me of the oprah complaints.

We know how she makes her money and she is a democrat.

[Bladewire]

58. ☝️ This 🇺🇸

🤗

[Drahthaardogs]

108. They don't. It's just the paradigm you view the world from

So it always appears that way in your mind. There are plenty of posts here of folks outraged at the wealth of the Koch's, Walton Family, Jamie Dimon and others. Outrage at the super wealthy is nothing new here.

[JI7]

113. No. They are attacked for policies they support. Not for how they gave birth or where they live

[Drahthaardogs]

116. Well, they're men so I don't think they gave birth

But I am pretty sure their wealth is a point of contention.

[JI7]

117. They are attacked for the policies they support. Not on money they spend in their private life

[Drahthaardogs]

118. Repeating the same inaccurate statement doesn't make it true.

Sorry

[JI7]

119. It's not inaccurate. It's the facts.

[Drahthaardogs]

120. Your opinion, easily disavowed with a simple search

Sorry

[JI7]

123. Its seen in this thread. She was attacked for how she fucking gave birth

[Drahthaardogs]

125. She was attacked for spending a million dollars on a birth

Which seems excessive.

[JI7]

130. Money went to health care workers so good for them

[Drahthaardogs]

135. No it didn't.

It went to private physicians that neither you or I have access to. It sure did not go to a university hospital. It went to other very wealthy people and benefited only them

[JI7]

137. I don't have a problem with physicians making money .

[Drahthaardogs]

144. Private physicians YOU and I cannot and will not access

Just like OJs lawyers. Different rules for the rich

[JI7]

163. Many people can't access the internet

But here your are making sure rich people get more rich from using the internet .

[Drahthaardogs]

166. That's not even comparable and borders on silly

If there was a special internet of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich and I used it, that argument might work. What you put forth just now is ridiculous

[JI7]

237. there are many people who don't even have ACCESS to the internet so those who have it are

privileged.

you make wealthy people evne more wealthy using it . and of course the devices it's used to access is also making wealthy people more wealthy.

[mythology]

310. Would you like to compare what you make/spend versus a person living in a 3rd world country?

Literally by living in the U.S. you are better off than the majority of people in this world. I haven't seen you critiquing yourself for whatever excess money you spend. For example, having the internet is spending money you could be using to help others. I suspect there is somebody who would regard what you spend money beyond what you need to survive is excessive.

[BainsBane]

165. Well, then you should be able to link to some threads

Complaining about what some of them buy. I look forward to seeing them.

[Drahthaardogs]

167. You can do your own Google search,

But thanks for playing. I sure you fill find the reading titillating.

[Tarheel_Dem]

176. You made the claim. Why wouldn't you want to prove it? Or just admit you made it up?

[Drahthaardogs]

182. Despite your grandiosity, you are NOT the referee here

And if I want to be outraged at the excess of someone whose job appears to be of no social value, I can.

I know you want to somehow make this about misogyny, because EVERYTHING is about misogyny to you.

So, let me put your mind at ease. If a filthy rich white dude with a twelve inch penis dropped 90 million on his house, and he was NOT the man who cured cancer, AIDs and fixed global warming I would be outraged.

[Tarheel_Dem]

188. Nice, but you still didn't answer the question. All we're asking for is a link for a claim, made by

you. Just admit you were mistaken, as hard as that may seem. I don't give a shit how much money people earn as long as they aren't victimizing anyone in the process. I don't think anyone is being victimized by Beyoncé, quite the opposite.

[BainsBane]

210. What's your social value?

Policing the social order to ensure it retains its rightful hierarchy?

Since when has wealth ever corresponded to social value? Wealth is a function of market value, not social value. To pretend there is something unique about Beyonce in that regard is bullshit. Cancer researchers don't typically earn millions of dollars UNLESS they are getting kickbacks from medical companies, which means their research is compromised.

You know who else is rich? Bill Maher. The very person people here defended for using the N word. The very person who posters here insisted that anyone objecting to his casual use of racial slurs was "stupid."

Not only that, posters here defended Susan Sarandon's six multi-million dollar homes, not one but SIX.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10027724453
Defending her in that one thread wasn't enough. They then proclaimed her a heroine, changed avatars to show her picture. https://www.democraticunderground.com/10027724675

Now what social value could Sarandon have that Beyonce doesn't? Beyonce's wealth comes from writing music, performing, and selling records. Saranon's comes from advertising for cosmetic companies like Loreal that engage in substandard labor practices in the Global South. But Sarandon's wealth was not only acceptable, it was championed because she was one of "us" (not me, but them). There is no principle, quite the opposite.

So not only is there no evidence to support your false claim that such threads are common for rich white people, and men in particular, but there is evidence showing DUers defending extreme wealth held by rich white people.

Your claims are false. Not only that, I believe you know they are false. I think if you did not know they were false you would have tried to search for threads demonstrating your claims. But you did not. Instead you responded with dismissive contempt toward a poster of color who has watched this shit on DU for a long time.

Now, you can respond with more dismissive rudeness. It doesn't change the facts. It doesn't change what is true. It only highlight your contempt for them.

Next time an election rolls around and you wonder why black people don't line up to vote as you demand, think about this. Think about how your glib dismissal of concerns about racism might be interpreted by people who have seen way too much of this shit. And then maybe, just maybe, you might have some insight into why the privilege of people like you doesn't make their list of priorities when voting.

So yeah. Beyonce has more money than you do. It pisses you off. She has no redeeming social value. She's not like you, whose social value is such that you deserve her wealth for the mere fact of being born you.

[betsuni]

223. +1

[Tarheel_Dem]

249. You win the internetz!!!!!

[ATL Ebony]

252. Kudos for your clarity. Really wish we could "like", give stars (i.e., 1-5 stars) or something

when we not only like a thread but when we really like a post.

Your honesty and insight is appreciated by this DUer. Again, kudos for posting and not rambling.

1000 stars to you.

[Demsrule86]

264. Great post as always...and exactly what I think...

[erpowers]

275. Most of Sarandon's Money Comes From Acting

Do you realize that for more than 30 years Sarandon has been an actress? In addition, Beyoncé also makes money selling cosmetics. Furthermore, I have looked at the post you linked to and most of the people in that thread are not defending Sarandon's wealth, but her right to have an opinion. People also claimed you took her words out of context. Others also pointed out that you were a supporter of a very rich white women who, in their opinions, had said some really stupid things.

[BainsBane]

276. So it's okay

Last edited Sat Aug 19, 2017, 01:45 PM - Edit history (1)

Because Sarandon supported the right guy n the 2016 primary.

There are all kinds of comments in that thread about not demonizing the rich. Your excuses don't pass the smell test. Here is what this all comes down to: a view that people like us deserve wealth but others don't. That you site my support of Clinton as justification for protection of Sarandon's wealth proves my point to a T. I am pointing to blatant contradictions by those who defend excessive wealth by some and pillory it by others. All your excuses for why Sarandon deserves that wealth only proves my point.

I do know Sarandon is an actress, and I know her films do not gross anywhere near enough to pay for all those extremely expensive homes.

This is precisely the kind of thing convinces me the posture toward wealth that we have seen in recent years has absolutely nothing to do with principle, unless the principle is that "we" (which of course does not include me, since I don't vote right and I wasn't born into the bourgeoisie, those two facts not being coincidental) deserve everything while they do not. And really, it is no more sophisticated than that. We see all kinds of pretense of grand ideas, all of which fall apart when tested in even the mildest ways, like excusing offshore trusts and six homes for the right sort of people.

[JHan]

295. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It's a bunch of hypocritical nonsense.

[Starry Messenger]

289. +1

[JHan]

296. +++++++++

[JI7]

254. supporting black lives matter is not a social value ? she uses her celebrity for that important

cause. and gets hatred from racists for it.

[Eliot Rosewater]

305. NO social value?

Jesus fucking christ , what an IGNORANT statement THAT is.

[BainsBane]

196. Rather than pretending something exists that doesn't

You could just admit you're wrong.

I've been reading this site for a years and have never seen these threads about white people. In fact, I saw DUers go to great lengths to excuse Susan Sarandin's six multimillion dollar Homs.
So I know for an absolute fact that you are not telling the truth. .

[obamanut2012]

217. Wrong -- these are self made WOC

Your concern is noted.

[bettyellen]

257. Comparing her to the Koch brothers now? LOL. Nope.

[mcar]

206. Really. It's another let's slam certain liberals for something

Her National Anthem at Obama's 2nd Inaugural was stunning.

[obamanut2012]

216. Yup, and both women are self made

Soooo obvious.

[treestar]

278. At least it gives the lie to the right winger

assertion that all Democrats don't work and are collecting welfare.

[EllieBC]

25. Am I supposed to be upset? Good for her!

Keep your eyes on your own shopping cart.

[OBenario4]

26. Impressed by the reaction.

It seems that in the United States the "capitalist" mindset is widespread even among progressives. People just love rich, famous and money.

[JI7]

34. The lower income white men that vote republican are more to blame for inequality

than beyonce is.

[USALiberal]

47. So no movies or singers or sports in your world? n/t

[OBenario4]

93. I try to avoid as much as I can. n/t

[Duppers]

243. Same here.

Until I see big salaries for people who work hard to save lives and for the folks risk their lives, I reserve the right to criticize.

[GulfCoast66]

59. I am a liberal democrat, not a progressive, whatever that means

And I support capitalism. Albeit a tightly regulated capitalism like in Europe. Not the corporate welfare we have here.

As far as entertainers go, while I would like to see all high wage earners pay much higher taxes, they create the wealth that results from their art. Had you rather they give it away?

[OBenario4]

91. Oh, I see.

I think capitalism must be destroyed, so I don't think we'll ever agree on anything related to this topic.

[GulfCoast66]

134. You are probably correct

Show me an example of a non-capitalist system that has lifted the well being of all the members of society and I might agree with you. I am not wedded to capitalism out of any kind of ideology but my observation that the societies that have done the most for the people have tightly regulated capitalists systems that insure thru law that a sufficient amount of the fruits of capitalism go to society as a whole.

When I see a nation find an alternative to capitalism that works I would be tempted to support it.

So show me an example, not a theory or platitudes and you could win me over.

Have a nice evening.

[OBenario4]

136. There aren't "non-capitalist systems" to serve as examples.

Doesn't mean we have to defend capitalism, which has oviously failed as economic system for 9 in each 10 people in this planet.

[GulfCoast66]

150. I think the evidence does not support your assertion

Less people live below the poverty level world wide that ever before.

Life expectancy is up almost every where(except, ironically, white men in the west).

More people have access to education and things like running water. I could go on.

I takes resources and wealth to do these things.

I guarantee that the people in Japan, S. Korea, and countless other nations would disagree with you.

But we must ride capitalism almost to the ground to accomplish these things. We have failed that here. Other nations are successfully doing so.

Not looking for a fight and have nothing personal against socialist. I just have yet to meet one who can overcome their honorable zeal for social justice to recognize that there is no perfect solution.

Thanks for the repartee. I enjoy polite disagreements

Have a nice evening.

[OBenario4]

153. It's all a question of point-of-view

"I guarantee that the people in Japan, S. Korea, and countless other nations would disagree with you. "

And I'm sure people throughout Africa, Asia and Latin American will disagree with you.

[GulfCoast66]

164. Again I disagree

Most South American nations have looked to mixed economic methods to improve their standards of living and the standards have improved.

Now many of those nations suffer horribly from graft and corruption but that canflourish under all economic systems.

The one nation in S America that some argue is now a 1st world nation is Chile. They got there thru capitalism. Unfortunately no economic system is inherently democratic and for too many years Chile was definitely not.

China is capitalist but authoritarian. But the people are way, way better off than when they were non-capitalist and authoritarian. I saw that and heard it from many of them on my trips there.

Have a nice evening.

[OBenario4]

168. I also disagree.

I don't think "most South American nations have looked to mixed economic methods". With the exception of Cuba, all of them have always been capitalist.

Cuba is the exception. And is the only one that has made real progress. Chile has been among the most developed Latin American nations since the 19th-century.

[GulfCoast66]

171. And now we get to the crux...

Cuba as the ideal model. Better get to work early trying to convince any people on earth to duplicate their level of prosperity.

Did you forget to throw in Venezuela. Cause they are rapidly approaching Cuba levels of shared wealth.

And so much freedom in both of them.

Have a nice evening.

[OBenario4]

175. Well, they were another Haiti.

Now, they lead Latin America in healthcare, education and have a HDI higher than most of the region.

Don't see much to be debated. Social progress in Cuba can't be denied.

And Venezuela has never been communist.

[GulfCoast66]

184. And Cubans are still fleeing like rats form a sinking ship every chance they get

Not seeing touting Cuba as a role model as a winning argument anywhere. Cause people value being able to tell their government to fuck off without being jailed just as much as they value good health care.

And a serious question. This is Democratic Underground. To be here we all agree that we will support the Democratic Party. When it comes to communism the democratic party is really no more favorable than the republican party. Why do you support Democratic Party candidates? I assume they seem closer to your ultimate goal.

Have a nice evening.

[OBenario4]

192. Haitians, Somalians, and almost every one on the undeveloped capitalist world too.

"When it comes to communism the democratic party is really no more favorable than the republican party."

Too bad. That must be why people say there is no left wing in the United States.

[GulfCoast66]

193. There is definatly no communist wing that matters

And that is a good thing.

I would like to see a larger democratic socialist wing even though I am not in that camp.

But my serious question. Why do you vote for the Democratic Candidate. Since the Democratic Candidate is as opposed to communism as is the republican candidate. Because they are marginally closer to your goals?

You do vote for the Democratic Candidate, do you not?

[OBenario4]

198. I'm Brazilian

I don't vote in the United States. I've spent some months in Chicago, studying. In Brazil we have a multi-party system. I usually vote for the Workers' Party, but have also voted for the Communist Party, the Socialist Party, the Democratic Labour Party, and the Socialism and Liberty Party. Regarding US politics, I tend to agree more - or at least disagree less - with the Democratic Party. The Republican candidates I've seen so far are all repulsive.

I'm just surprised to see that a large part of Democrats would say things such as "if you criticize rich individuals it means you're jealous because you're poor" or "it's meritocracy, she deserves every penny". I'd consider these typical right-wing, conservative talking points.

[obamanut2012]

219. Clean up the appalling income equality in Brazil first

Which is much, much worse than here.

It is telling you are attacking Beyonce.

[OBenario4]

231. You're right about Brazil.

Inequality there is much, much worse. We also have tons of celebrities, soccer players, singers, etc. who buy jets, airplanes, ships, private islands, while sending billions to offshores and pretending to be worried about poverty on Facebook and Twitter.

Differece is I don't give a crap about them. Much more worried about people suffering, wherever they are.

Not playing the "country vs country" card with you, my friend. The problem is global.

[stevenleser]

312. At the time Castro came to power, every country in Latin America was another Haiti.

the difference is, there is a lot more prosperity in most other countries in Latin America than Cuba since and now.

[OBenario4]

313. That's not what statistics show. n/t

[stevenleser]

314. Statistics? No country in Latin America was developed at all at the time.

I remember visiting Latin America in the early 1970s. When I visited Kenya 5 years ago, it was like deja-vu. Kenya's development 5 years ago reminded me of Latin America in the early 1970s.

My parents told me about Latin American in the early 1960s. Extremely low level of development. Every country was like a Haiti.

[OBenario4]

315. False.

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, southern Brazil were already far more developed than Haiti is now. Absolutely false to compare Latin America's level of development with Kenya.

[stevenleser]

316. True. I have been to those places and know people there. Do you? nt

[OBenario4]

317. I'm Brazilian, daughter of Argentinians, have traveled to almost all South American countries.

What you are saying doesn't make any sense.

[stevenleser]

318. Then talk to your elders. They will tell you what I have said is correct. nt

[OBenario4]

324. They won't. Cause it isn't.

Any person comparing Argentina, Chile, or Uruguay with Kenya doesn't know what he's saying.

[Demsrule86]

265. Cuba has made progress? It is dirt poor...the people live lives

of deprivation and misery.

[bettyellen]

170. Well it sucks but America is hella capitalist

[Dem2]

272. Sounds reasonable to me

[treestar]

280. Problem there is

what about the people we think make money on things we don't like - the banksters, etc? It would also be true of those making stealth bombers, cars, producing oil, etc.

Entertainers are the only ones that can't be "regulated" in some way that gets them whining about it the way the polluting oil producers might.

[obamanut2012]

218. yawn

[WhiskeyGrinder]

267. A person can want to end the capitalist system while taking great delight when someone the system

targets succeeds in it.

[FSogol]

29. It really sucks when you have to compromise on purchases, but

You can't have everything.

[JI7]

40. People really get riled up at black people getting paid for their labor

[OBenario4]

45. I get riled up at any celebrity getting overpaid while billions go hungry n/t

[JI7]

48. Billions are not going hungry. And low income white men that vote republican are more to blame than

[OBenario4]

53. Yes, billions are in dire poverty.

And the capitalist mindset she and other celebrities reinforce is the cause.

[JI7]

57. White men who actually support fucked up policies can't be blamed

Blame the black woman who votes for candidates that would raise her taxed

[OBenario4]

73. Not a question of blaming.

It's a question of needing a change in this pro-income concentration mindset.

[JI7]

77. So now you don't want to blame when it comes to who is actually supporting the policy ?

[OBenario4]

82. I believe you don't understand what I'm saying. n/t

[JI7]

83. I totally get it. It's something i see all the time

[OBenario4]

86. I think you don't.

You're trying to transform this into a racial debate.

I'm not white, BTW.

[JI7]

90. Lol

[OBenario4]

101. ? n/t

[JHan]

292. overpaid? People PAY to see them,

maybe you should go on twitter and pontificate to bey fans what they should pay to be entertained by Beyonce according to your subjective standards.

your arguments are beyond ridiculous.

[OBenario4]

293. I don't think saying celebrities are overpaid is ridiculous.

Not in a world where billions go hungry.

[JHan]

294. *facepalm*

[liquid diamond]

179. It has fuck all to do with color.

It's about the disgusting wage disparity in our society. And to think posters here lobby for universal healthcare, free college, and universal income. None of that is possible in this sick ass economy. People can be such hypocrites here.

[obamanut2012]

220. wrong -- the op and posts like yours have everything to do with race

Especially race and women.

[Billy Jingo]

42. Yeah. Still working on that whole allocation of resources thing

Give us a few more centuries.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

[Dreamer Tatum]

46. No, she's ENTITLED to her money. Because Beyonce.

Anyone else with a $90MM house? Watch out.

[Billy Jingo]

51. Holy shit! I missed the black thing.

Sorry about that. I thought it was a generic lament about what is valued in our economic society. I totally missed how this could turned into something melanin related.

[JI7]

63. We see it when it's always minorities and women . It use to be oprah

[Billy Jingo]

75. Hmmm. I've heard a lot about income inequality

Never realized the concern for the detrimental effects of economic bifurcation, neo-feudalism, and concentrated wealth, was all just white fragility.

[JI7]

80. It is when we can't blame the white men who actually support shit policy

But go after black women who vote in ways that would raise their taxes.

[OBenario4]

85. We can blame the white men who support the policy...

...and also understand that Beyonce's money fetishism is not appropriate.

[JI7]

96. Yes. Must discipline the black woman on what is proper

[OBenario4]

100. You're the only person bringing race here.

I think that money fetishism and ostentation are not progressive values. It doesn't matter if you are black, white, blue, purple, green etc. It's wrong.

[JI7]

103. Race was brought in when black women are blamed but on white men who sopport

Right wing policy

[OBenario4]

107. That's how you chose to see it. n/t

[JI7]

121. I see the facts. Just like we can see trump is going after minorities

[OBenario4]

128. Ok, then.

If the problem is her color, let's change it.

Can we talk about Madonna buying a palace in Portugal? Or would that be an attack on gays?

[SaschaHM]

52. Good for her. It's taken her (and Jay Z) years, hard work and lots of luck...

to amass her income.

Outside of "Omg someone has more money than people I know do", I'm not sure why this is a big deal.

[Duppers]

242. Would you say this about a CEO?

[eShirl]

246. if it was true

[Sunlei]

61. those mansions are overpriced but even here, a neighbor died in a 45k house. sold for 200k, then fli

flipped again really fast to a developer as tear down house for a million.

Hang on to your homes if you can, those are your best investment.

[Bladewire]

67. Maybe she wants a big house to have lots of space away from her husband?

Envy & spite don't benefit anyone.

I'm happy for her. She deserves it. She's been working since childhood.

[liquid diamond]

211. I'm so sick of people

talking about how "hard" Beyonce works. Plenty of people work "hard", but won't make in a lifetime what she makes in a fucking year.

[obamanut2012]

221. yawn

[AlexSFCA]

70. and she earned every penny; she wasn't born rich

[Duppers]

244. Warren Buffett wasn't born rich either.

[Demsrule86]

266. He doesn't support a $15.00 minimum wage.

[bhikkhu]

78. Good for her

And its almost embarrassing to say, as an American, that a $90 million mansion isn't really going to be that big. In some areas that's not a big deal.

I don't mind that an entertainer who has made her money with hard work, talent, intelligence and (most certainly) some luck, who also stands on the right side of things, can settle in and enjoy some of it.

[The_Casual_Observer]

87. Nobody earns that much money, but a few

People hit the life lottery and attract the public. The nickels and dimes pour in. It's rare, although if you live in LA it doesn't seem rare.
I hope that she is a charitable person, if not I hope she eventually becomes one!

[milestogo]

95. Who cares?

[OBenario4]

105. Nobody.

[Not Ruth]

122. Cha Ching!

6% to the seller's agent is ok too!

[betsuni]

133. First I see a post about Al Gore's "stupendous wealth" and now this.

Democrats are the party that wants to raise taxes on the wealthy. If one is going to complain about stupendous wealth, Al Gore and Beyonce are hardly examples of corrupt exploitative corporate oligarchs.

[ismnotwasm]

139. Hugh Hefner's Neighbor Just Bought the Playboy Mansion for More Than $100 Million

https://www.google.com/amp/m.eonline.com/amp/news/770611/hugh-hefner-s-neighbor-just-bought-the-playboy-mansion-for-more-than-100-million


Queen Bey deserves every last luxury. She earned it with her skill and incredible talent.

[Liberallover976]

148. How much

How much should we allow entertiners, and athletes to earn, how can we regulate, and control their incomes?

[SaschaHM]

158. I'm actually curious to the answer to this.

How much should a country built on the backs of slaves allow the descendants of those slaves to make off of their goods and services?

Must Beyonce give up all income over a certain amount, essentially performing a free service after a determined amount of business.

Should Beyonce fans be forbidden from purchasing Beyonce Albums, concert tickets, and other merchandise if Beyonce has made a certain amount for the year?

[OBenario4]

162. Maybe...

... simply not treating rich hedonism and money fetishism as something positive and normal would be ok.

[SaschaHM]

173. That doesn't answer the question.

It just dodges it. If Beyonce puts out an album that sells over a 2 million copies because 2 million people want to listen to her music or goes on a world tour that rakes in 250mil dollars in ticket sales, how much of that money is she allowed to keep? At what point does she have to start providing her services for free and start turning down paychecks.

[OBenario4]

177. My problem is not with Beyonce.

My problem is with the people saying that being hedonist, exhibitionist and stimulating money fetishism is normal and any criticism towards her is caused by envy or racism.

The question about "how much Beyonce should earn" would depend on which system is going to replace American capitalism.

[Beaverhausen]

183. I wish you would answer SaschaHM's question

How much should Beyonce earn?

[OBenario4]

191. Don't see the point. Quite irrelevant "what if" debate. n/t

[obamanut2012]

222. It is hysterical you said you are Brazilian and are saying that

[OBenario4]

228. Don't see what's the relation here. n/t

[mvd]

151. It's staggering for sure

I'm not going to just blame Beyonce though. There is just an unheard of gap between the rich and most everyone else. I could stomach it better if everyone got a comfortable, living wage.

[OBenario4]

156. Exactly.

The point is not blaming Beyonce. Is recognizing that seeing this and saying "oh, I'm ok with that, she deserves it because she makes people happy" is totally absurd!

[mvd]

174. Yep. It's not a Beyonce problem. It's a problem with the system

We'll never have everything completely equal IMO. But we can ease the pain that many are facing.

[liquid diamond]

205. My sentiments exactly.

It's nice to see a Bernie supporter who is consistent in their beliefs.

[MFM008]

181. I'm tired of her

And Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey ........

[USALiberal]

185. Thanks for the info! n/t

[tonedevil]

284. For a number of reasons...

it will be impossible to say how much your words will hurt those women, but mostly because they won't.

[MFM008]

299. Sigh..

I just don't like the music.
My personal preference.

[tonedevil]

304. That's fine...

I still don't see why it is relevant to this OP.

[Warpy]

194. Yeah, we need to bring back progressive taxation

Oh, she and her hubby would still get the mansion. They need a big place for guests in the business and they need the security that such a pile of masonry generally affords, most public figures do, especially women. And they need party space to entertain people in the business.

However, paying their fair share would not allow them to get to that magic one billion mark any time soon, a trade off so their fans who struggle for the money to buy their music could have nice things like health care and an adequate safety net.

I think that's a pretty good trade off.

[obamanut2012]

225. She and her husband give a huge amount of money to charity

As does Taylor Swift. And Oprah.

All are self made, with SWift and Beyonce working since they were kids, and Oprah grew up very poor.

People really should pick other targets, and not good DEms who give a lot to others.

[Warpy]

234. Hardly a target, there are reasons such people need their big mansions

which was in the body of my post, if you want to read them.

Paying her fair share of taxes would mean there wouldn't be such a desperate need for charities and the charities wouldn't see a shortfall of funding. Private charity is no substitute for a social safety net or for universal health insurance.

Anyone with her talent would have plenty left over.

[fleabiscuit]

195. 'Rich is some shit you could lose with a crazy summer and a drug habit.'

Coveting?

[mcar]

202. Professional athletes make ridiculous sums too

As do some investors, bankers, etc.

Income inequality is real. Beyonce is hardly the face of it.

[Generic Brad]

204. Oh, no! She has a time machine and will win the Powerball this weekend!

I knew I shouldn't have bought a ticket!

[obamanut2012]

207. She's self made, she earned it, she gives a lot to charity

The issue is raising up people, not tearing them down.

Leave her alone.

[bdtrppr6]

209. glad she spent it

on herself and suffering family. be a hell of a thing to contribute a mil or 2 for (many) someone's community college or medical areas coming up short. this is where the difference can be made. rich white folks have already fucked up taking care of only THEIR OWN. other racial mixtures can effect change by putting dollars where they are needed instead of an ego stroking over priced mansion that serves no purpose. rich folks are all the same-white, black, hispanic, etc. only for me, not for thee. no sharing ever!

[SaschaHM]

213. Beyonce and Jay Z both make frequent charitable contributions..

but I guess a google search was too much to ask before accusing her of not contributing.

[blogslut]

224. As long as the Carters pay their taxes and don't shit on other people,

I don't give a damn how they spend their money.

[rockfordfile]

232. I agree

[steve2470]

320. you summed up my feelings exactly nt

[underthematrix]

229. The Carters are a socially responsible WEALTHY couple

Just like the Gates couple.

I'm very happy they're wealthy and I'm happy for me. I have my health, my sanity, my wonderful husband, two chis and lots and lots of books. I live a very simple retired life and I love it.

[brooklynite]

235. So, it's not HOW sha makes her money, it's that she has too much?

[Duppers]

240. If this were some CEO, people here

Last edited Sat Aug 19, 2017, 04:13 AM - Edit history (2)

Might be using this icon...
So, double standards in this thread?

On the other hand, how much of their income do Lady Bey and Jay-Z donate to homeless shelters, black colleges, and other humanitarian efforts? Well, it would seem from a Google search, at least $14 million, but I don't know their total income. They established the BeyGood Foundation to help in many ways.

Warren Buffett, the second wealthiest person in the US, lives in a relatively modest home and has "pledged to give away 99% of his fortune to philanthropic causes."

So, it seems everything is relative and subjective.

To me, the point is not just the money people "make," it's the money people spend on themselves and how much they help others.

"From those to whom much is given, much will be expected."

[JI7]

245. Warren Buffet also questions whether we need to raise minimum wage

[eShirl]

247. Do you ask the same of every rich person in American who buys a house?

I thought the OP was obvious what this is really about.

[Tarheel_Dem]

250. Perhaps when Jay & Bey come to the end of their lives, like Buffett, they'll give away 99% as well?

They're a very young couple with children who haven't even completed grade school yet. They already donate a lot of money and time to worthy causes. Give them time.

[tenderfoot]

248. Money is only a problem when it involves celebrities.

eom

[catbyte]

251. Sad. I can't imagine being that selfish. Nobody needs that. Not dumping on her

personally; I'd dump on anybody spending $90M on a fucking house.

On edit, I'm disappointed in her. I thought she'd spend her money better, but whatever. It's not what I'd do. I just can't help thinking how that much money could really do some good. But it's hers, not mine.

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

253. It's her money. I don't care what she buys...If she wants to buy a piece

Of designer bubblegum for that same 90 million dollars, that's her business. She earned it...Why do any of us care?

[Warren DeMontague]

255. Don't care. I believe in the free market. She's obviously produced something people will pay for.

To talk about "deserves" is fucking ludicrous. Of course she deserves it, because people en masse willingly transacted with her, or her record company, exchanging their money for her intellectual property- music, or whatever else.

Also, it's not like all that money came from building stealth bombers or some shit. Music, entertainment, enriches peoples' lives. Can make their existence feel more worthwhile, more meaningful. Beautifies and adds complexity to the world. Who is to say that isn't valuable, even priceless?

And even if it isn't, too fucking bad. It's a free country. If someone is rich, really rich, even "too" rich or ungodly rich or 90 million dollar house with a helipad rich, okay, from a public policy perspective we advocate for a higher marginal tax rate on the 1% or .1% or .01% or whatever. We defend a solid social safety net for low income people. We advocate for a livable minimum wage. That's legitimate, and one can assume that Beyonce and Jay-Z, having endorsed Democrats in the past, support or at least understand this concept to some degree or another.

But it's not up to the State to determine how much an entertainer - or anyone else - should be "allowed" to make. That's some Stalinist bullshit, right there.

[bettyellen]

258. Some Stalinist bullshit!

[Warren DeMontague]

260. Totally. Like the question here - Why do "we" give so much money to entertainers?

Well obviously, "we" do because we find a great deal of value in being entertained.

And why the fuck shouldnt we? Like I said upthread, life is short and and it always ends the same way no matter what.

Music, art, entertainment convey not just joy but meaning, to millions of people. They are a big part of what makes us human.

And Beyonce kicks ass. Not necessarily my style of music, but I respect her considerable talent.

[bettyellen]

269. I hope she doesn't end up on painkillers like Prince...

They both work as hard as any athlete, and for me, much more fun to watch.

[Demsrule86]

261. So?

Many make great money and have fancy houses...actors, Romney etc...why single out Beyonce who worked for her money and gives back in spades.

[doc03]

268. Good for her but I couldn't care

less.

[Adrahil]

271. Oh Lordy! A rich black women is spending lots of money!!!

Quick! Needs a thread on DU!

[heaven05]

281. so what????

she worked for her success, she deserves to enjoy it.....many, many white celebrities have the same....is that bothering YOU at all????

[betsuni]

282. OMG, does CNN promise a story after the commercial about Beyonce's new

$90 MILLION BUCK mansion, like, after the story about HRC's new career as a PREACHER FROM THE PULPIT?

[jalan48]

283. It's America folks. This is how we roll.

[WhiteTara]

285. I'm happy for her and her family

Some will always have more and some will always have less. Our task is to be content with what we have and not compare ourselves to others.

[Locut0s]

286. Inequality is so crazy that even her wealth doesn't place her in the enemy camp...

If you look at the latest stats 8 people on this planet own more wealth than the bottom 3.5 BILLION. That there is your inequality problem. Her wealth is stupendous, silly, I agree. But if you want to find the enemy you have to go richer MUCH richer. The fact that there are classes of wealth beyond hers that make her look small is the problem. The multi billionairs of the world are the ones that need to be targeted.

[Horse with no Name]

287. I'm not sure why I am supposed to care

yes it is excessive but her family works hard and gives up a lot in the name of privacy and public shaming for whatever they do--I guess even including buying a home for their family.

[MariaCSR]

288. Good for her and Jay. She earned it.

[NurseJackie]

290. Wonderful news! She earned it... she deserves it!

[JHan]

291. hahahaha ! best gif!

[Calista241]

297. Your neighbors can walk outside in public and not be mobbed / assaulted.

They can go to the mall, or grocery store, and do normal shit. Beyoncé can never, ever set foot in public or do anything a normal person does. She'll spend the rest of her life in this cocoon of security, separated from the plebs, lest she be assaulted, robbed, or mobbed by her crazy, adoring fans.

[Ninsianna]

298. Yeah, a pretty nutty country in which a successful black woman is slammed

for being successful and buying a house with money she earned and being slammed by comparison to those who are retired and not actively working?

Nutty indeed.

[EarthFirst]

300. Rabble. Rabble. Rabble. n/t

[stonecutter357]

302. Fuck trump

[Lazy Daisy]

303. And your point is?

I'm not familiar with Beyonce's life story, but I'm pretty sure she didn't come from moneyed elite. I'm also confident in the statement of she earned it. Yes entertainers can make a crazy amount of money and if handled correctly can turn it into even more money. But people like her are not the people holding the rest of us down. She is not the 1% we speak of when speaking of financial oppression. In my mind (I could be wrong) just because you have it like that doesn't mean you are one of "them". I just don't see Beyonce & JayZ lobbying so they can get more while keeping others from getting some. I don't personally know either one of them, but I don't think either is an asshole 1%-er.

She's worked hard, taken chances and made a great deal of money. Now she gets to buy a house she loves. What's the problem?

[Eliot Rosewater]

307. FANTASTIC for her! I am very very happy for her.

Very happy.

[steve2470]

319. She's a good person, a good Dem, and I'm glad she and her family have it nt

[Bettie]

323. So what?

As I read it, she also gives quite a bit of her money away to help people.

Weird though, there generally isn't a peep about what male sports figures make or what kind of houses THEY buy, but when it's a woman! OH NOES! FANCY HOUSES!