I have written on this subject before but it's come up again. The question remains the same: Why do some people so dislike the wealthy?
OK, there are some really nasty rich people. And rich people don't mingle with us common folk too much. On the other hand, there are some really nasty poor people and middle class people. And they don't hobnob with each other either. People tend to stick within their own social structure. There's nothing particularly evil about that. That's simply the way society works. I go to Kilkenny's for a drink. They go to Southern Hills. I have no problem with that.
I admit, I wish I had a bunch of money. Who doesn't? I suspect even rich people wish they had more. But I don't resent a person being wealthy. They are just smarter or luckier than I am. That's life.
I do resent someone being a jerk – rich or poor.
Tulsa used to be a really progressive place. Not so much these days. Thankfully there are still some forward-thinking people in town. And, believe it or not, some of those people are wealthy.
Tulsa was built on philanthropy. The oil tycoons of the early 20th century help build a city that still holds some of the most distinct architecture in the world. It has two world-class museums. It has world renowned ballet and opera companies. Tulsa always ranks very high on philanthropic and charitable giving lists.
Thank goodness, there are still several of those families around. And there are new additions. The one constant has been that these families and foundations continue to give back to their community. I know, give back to their community is a hackneyed phrase. I'm tired of counting the times a political candidate comes in and announces he is ready to "give back to the community." By running for office and letting us pay you? That's giving back?
Giving back is what a group of wealthy Tulsans decided to do when the Arkansas River project was proposed. It is what they did when a new baseball park was needed downtown. It's what they did when the River Parks trails and park facilities needed to be updated and improved. It is what they have done so many times in the past.
And what have they gotten for it? They rarely ask for a lot of hoopla. Most would prefer to remain quiet about their philanthropy. What they have been getting is criticized and accused of trying to line their own pockets at the expense of the public.
I still believe that these critics are a small group. I will continue to believe that the great majority of Tulsans respect and appreciate the philanthropy. It's just that the critics seem to have more time on their hands to spend at a computer and a bad case of resentment.
Their tackniness might end up costing Tulsa its downtown baseball park. How unfortunate that would be.
I hope that those individuals, families and foundations who have been so unfairly attacked and criticized by this vocal minority will see them for exactly what they are: People who dislike and are jealous of anyone who has more than they do or a better idea than they do.
I hope these generous Tulsans will understand that their critics are a handful of people with access to the Internet and a mean and selfish streak. If Tulsa loses its philanthropic foundation, then we're really in the soup.
I don't go to Southern Hills. But I have met and know some wealthy people. They would be welcome at Kilkenny's and would fit right in. Some the people who make wild accusations and criticize wealthy people for wanting to help, I don't want to have a drink with.
I'll stick with the people interested in Tulsa and willing to do what they can to make it a better place live – rich or poor or middle class. And I hope our philanthropic families don't give up on us.
