The billionaires' philanthropy march continues. At President Clinton's recent Global Initiative Conference, Sir. Richard Branson, of Virgin Group (Airlines, Music, etc.) fame, stepped up to a donation of all profits from his transportation businesses over 10 years to combat global warming — profits that he estimated would reach $3B. Yes, that was a B for billion. The $7.3B total pledged at this year's conference swamped last year's $2B.

Google’s billionaire founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, pledged free advertising on their search engine to any nonprofit group or charity that made a commitment through the Clinton Global Initiative.

Even Laura Bush was there to announce Play Pumps, a partnership aimed at bringing clean drinking water to communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

And the beat goes on. An amazing feat by an ex-President who brought together a non-partisan field of world leaders to create creative and far-reaching programs to better the world. He looks like he has found his niche and might give Jimmy Carter a run for his money on being the most productive President in solving world problems after leaving office. Too bad the press paid much more attention to his run in with Fox News reporter Chris Wallace and the length (or lack thereof) of Clinton's socks during the interview. It shows how divided we are and how sensationalism trumps real news. Personally, I am really sick of it and I don't think I am alone.

United we stand, divided we fall.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive