Ernest Schaal <eschaal@max.hi-ho.ne.jp> wrote:
> in article catgr4$r9h$3@news.Stanford.EDU, mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net at
> mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net wrote on 6/18/04 10:34 AM:

>>>> He gets MANY benefits, including GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.
>> 
>>> Your argument is a tad strange.
>> 
>> Sorry, but getting a benefit from the government is getting a benefit
>> from the government.
>> 
>> Really can't make it any clearer than that, unless you mistakenly
>> believe cash is the only possible benefit. Even then, Gates gets a
>> greater BENEFIT FROM THE GOVERNMENT than almost anyone.

> Your definition of benefit does not seem to be aligned with that of the
> Merriam-Webster OnLine dictionary, which gives the following definition of
> the word "benefit":


"#  a.  Something that promotes or enhances well-being; an advantage:
The field trip was of great benefit to the students.  b.  Help; aid.

# A payment made or an entitlement available in accordance with a wage
# agreement, an insurance policy, or a public assistance program.

# A public entertainment, performance, or social event held to raise
# funds for a person or cause.

> Remember, that in a government contract, the payments received are not aid
> but merely compensation for goods or services received.

Correct.

And pray, how many of these poor have the advantage of selling things to 
the government.

Mike