The Foundation for a Better Life

Someone sent me a link to this site:

http://www.forbetterlife.org/

I have seen these billboards around town from time to time. The purpose seems noble: "The Foundation supports the belief that each individual is entitled to personal dignity and self-respect and that most individuals are willing, when given the opportunity, to take personal responsibility for their actions and well-being."

But the message gets twisted--check out this TV spot the group produced where a very white executive pushes himself through a group of young people (doesn't excuse himself) and drops some money. A tough-looking black kid in dreads calls out, "Hey mister...you dropped this. Have a good day, sir." (the executive doesn't thank him). The tagline is "Honesty. Pass it on."

http://www.forbetterlife.org/media/eng/QT/QT300/newsstand300.mov

Message: "For a better life, young negroes of the street, be honest and kind to white people." WTF? (Now if the executive went to his office and returned all the money he was embezzling...) :wtf:

I'm not sure who's behind the Foundation for a Better Life, but their ads all seem a little too Stepford.

Makes sense.

Why else would there be no information anywhere on their web page about who is behind this group...

No mention of who is on the board of directors, who are the officers and what exactly is the mission.... This is because it is a private foundation.... They want you to heed their message but not know who is sending this message...

Turns out that Colorado mogul and Qwest owner, Phil Anschutz, a man the BBC describes as..."one of the hungriest of US corporate vultures"...

He owns the Regal Cinema chain of theaters and was behind the early 2000's bomb, a remake of Around the World in 80 Days with Jackie Chan...

He is one of the largest landowners in Colorado...

It's interesting that he would be behind this quasi religious foundation...

One note, he is rumoured to have turned down a chance to invest in Mel Gibson's blood orgy disguised as a movie about Jesus' last day because it was too bloody.... At least he has that going for him...

but dayum. The silver-spoon worldview is frightening.

Send the money to New Orleans and make a real difference.