The Most Powerful Woman
The most powerful woman in America today is Oprah Winfrey. Nancy Pelosi may hold the top post in the House of Representatives, but ask yourself how many people actually pay close attention to what goes on in Washington. Oprah, by contrast, motivates her audience to action on a daily basis. There are two women in this nation who can produce best-selling books with 100% reliability: Ann Coulter and Oprah Winfrey. Coulter hits the best-seller lists with every book she writes, but Oprah enjoys far more influence. Every book Oprah publicizes in her book club hits the best-seller lists. Her endorsement has turned several authors from obscure people into best-selling successes. That is real power, ladies and gentlemen.
Due to the popularity of her show and the loyalty of her viewers, Oprah is very wealthy, but she neither boasts about her wealth nor lectures all of us about how greedy we are. A generous philanthropist, Oprah simply walks the walk of giving to those in need and leaves most of the talking to the pundits. You don't see her going on everyone else's show to plug for causes. She advocates causes on her show and puts her money where her mouth is. I don't have to agree with everything she says to admire her ethic.
Recently, Oprah has invested $40 million into a school for girls in South Africa. This academy provides excellent living facilities, a good education and encouragement for girls to excell academically in a nation troubled by rampant AIDS. Into a hopeless place, Ms. Winfrey is introducing hope for poor girls out of her own pocket. I only learned of this project when Americans raised objections on E-News last night. "The facilities are too nice, they don't need this much space," some were saying. With smaller facilities, they could accomodate more students, etc. The comments at Hip Hop News ranged from the cynical to the hysterical: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.4767/title.oprah-builds-40-million-school-in-south-africa
Instead of applauding her generosity, Oprah's critics question her methodology, or complain that she spent the money over there instead of over here. Oprah counters that she wants to give these South African girls the best education and assistance in growing up that she can. Her critics think they can tell her better ways that she can spend her own money. When they make $40 million, they will be free to decide how to spend it.
The betrayer Judas once criticized a deed of generosity because he was a thief and envied the loss of wealth. What motive do you suppose animates Oprah's critics?
Due to the popularity of her show and the loyalty of her viewers, Oprah is very wealthy, but she neither boasts about her wealth nor lectures all of us about how greedy we are. A generous philanthropist, Oprah simply walks the walk of giving to those in need and leaves most of the talking to the pundits. You don't see her going on everyone else's show to plug for causes. She advocates causes on her show and puts her money where her mouth is. I don't have to agree with everything she says to admire her ethic.
Recently, Oprah has invested $40 million into a school for girls in South Africa. This academy provides excellent living facilities, a good education and encouragement for girls to excell academically in a nation troubled by rampant AIDS. Into a hopeless place, Ms. Winfrey is introducing hope for poor girls out of her own pocket. I only learned of this project when Americans raised objections on E-News last night. "The facilities are too nice, they don't need this much space," some were saying. With smaller facilities, they could accomodate more students, etc. The comments at Hip Hop News ranged from the cynical to the hysterical: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.4767/title.oprah-builds-40-million-school-in-south-africa
Instead of applauding her generosity, Oprah's critics question her methodology, or complain that she spent the money over there instead of over here. Oprah counters that she wants to give these South African girls the best education and assistance in growing up that she can. Her critics think they can tell her better ways that she can spend her own money. When they make $40 million, they will be free to decide how to spend it.
The betrayer Judas once criticized a deed of generosity because he was a thief and envied the loss of wealth. What motive do you suppose animates Oprah's critics?
posted by Bountyhawk at 4:24 PM
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