From Chinese Press

Poor performance of the rich

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-08 09:34

China's "first" philanthropist Cheng Guangbiao, who is respected because of his charity work, has asked the rich Chinese to forget that he exists. But the media and Chinese billionaires should thank Chen, says an article in Yangtze Evening Post. Excerpts:

The generosity of Chen and the miserliness of some Chinese billionaires have been used to criticize frivolous act of sportsmanship.

Take Bill Gates' and Warren Buffett's China visit for example, when some rich Chinese reportedly declined the invitation to the charity banquet, Chen said he would donate all his property after death, which is perhaps the reason why other billionaires feel dissatisfied with him.

But Chen's high-profile attitude toward charity, though in sharp contrast with other's miserliness, has most of the time demonstrated a positive image and won more respect for the group. Charity works done by wealthy people, such as Chen Guangbiao, will play an important role in eliminating the estrangement caused by the huge gap between the rich and the poor in China.

So why are China's superrich not saying thanks to a man who is dedicated to improve the public image of their group?

They should not criticize or even defame because they are not capable of doing what Chen has done; instead, they should double their respect for Chen. Chen is at least trying to promote charity, and that calls for people's respect.