Hoo-boy...this one doesn't pass the horse laugh test.
$2 million gift for poverty study
Feinstein's husband seeks to help the world's poorest people
Sounds great until you read down a little further in the article.
.."Blum's gift to the Brookings Institution will fund research aimed at influencing the debate in Washington over America's foreign aid spending. President Bush has called for creating a Millennium Challenge Account that expands foreign aid by $10 billion over the next three years, but that idea faces a tough path as budget deficits widen and the public and Congress question overseas spending."
Hmmm...isn't that lobbying an issue that may appear before his wife? but it gets better...
.."Brookings, whose president is former Clinton administration undersecretary of state Strobe Talbott, will use the $2 million to finance research into how the proposed Millennium Challenge Account should be organized, how public support for foreign aid can be increased, how loss of aid dollars through corruption in recipient countries can be minimized and how small-scale programs can become a major focus of U.S. aid. "
In other words, not a single child will be fed or clothed, not a well dug or an oxen purchased. Tassle loafers, limos and all the perks Brookings Fellows are accustomed to will be had, of that you can be assured. The pity of this is that Dick Blum has done some very good works in Nepal (he is an avid climber). Wonder why he is handing over money to fat cats (the rich)...maybe DiFi's ratings need a little boost back home...or her stock at the DNC could use a polishing?
Maybe I am too cynical. Nah.
"not a single child will be fed or clothed"
Says it all.