Here's some thoughts for the rest of us from the New York Times (11-21) pertaining to Goldman Sachs and its intention to establish a Philanthropy Fund.  P.S. I am truly grateful for G.S.' largess.  If there was a more universal commitment to even out the wealth in America, America would not be so poor.

From the chair and chief exec at G.S.: "We know we make a lot of money, and we know that we live in this world and we have a responsibility to give something back."

From a security analyst: "At the two firms I worked at, it was not career-enhancing to not do your bit for society.  There was a noblesse oblige, a sense that you would be generous with your contributions."

From G.S., "We have, as a part of who we are, a very long history of charitable giving.  Think about the people who leave Goldman and go into public service.  They don't become like that  -- they were like that when we recruited them and we retained them."

From a security analyst: "It is better to be charitable than not to be charitable, particularly if you are going to blow the socks off your competition."

From G.S. "It is in the long-term interest of this firm to do good things and not just dress up as if we are doing it.  And we are really doing it."