in article catgr4$r9h$3@news.Stanford.EDU, mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net at
mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net wrote on 6/18/04 10:34 AM:

> Ernest Schaal <eschaal@max.hi-ho.ne.jp> wrote:
>> in article catduj$o00$5@news.Stanford.EDU, mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net at
>> mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net wrote on 6/18/04 9:45 AM:
> 
>>> Ernest Schaal <eschaal@max.hi-ho.ne.jp> wrote:
>>>> in article cas6mk$n4e$3@news.Stanford.EDU, mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net at
>>>> mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net wrote on 6/17/04 10:35 PM:
>>> 
>>>> He benefits, as everyone else does. He benefits a tad more than the poor,
>>> 
>>> 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.
> 
> Mike

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":

1 archaic : an act of kindness : BENEFACTION
2 a : something that promotes well-being : ADVANTAGE b : useful aid : HELP
3 a : financial help in time of sickness, old age, or unemployment b : a
payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance
policy
4 : an entertainment or social event 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.