Did Brokaw ask Buffett to take out his check book and make out a check to the revenuer of his choice for that amount he thinks he underpaid over the years?
This has always been my point, too. I teach in a university and there always there bleeding heart liberals who say we need to give more to the poor, provide more opportunities, health care is a right, blah, blah, blah. I finally said: "The rich support charities, invest, create new businesses and jobs, create sources of capital, plus hundreds of other good things for society. Now, what are the things poor people do for society other than suck down the resource pool?"
If you want to help the poor, fine. Write them a check, but don't force me to do it. I'll help someone, but only if they first demonstrate that they will help themselves.