November 28, 2002

When Wealthy Philanthropists Put Their Mouths Where Their Money Is

By Henry Goldstein

Since the first known donor plaque -- an engraving on a Sumerian tablet -- went up 5,000 years ago, special treatment for wealthy benefactors has been standard operating procedure. The golden rule, as attributed to the late R. Brinkley Smithers, an IBM heir and major donor to alcoholism causes, has been that "the one with the gold makes the rules."

In recent weeks, the news media have spotlighted three spectacular examples of the arrogance of wealth. Less illuminated have

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