Debbie Schlussel: HOprah Watch: "Oprah's" Kickback Debit Cards
Much is being made of Oprah's giveaway on her show, yesterday, of $1,000 debit cards to her guests.
First of all, despite her saying this is "her favorite giveaway ever," she didn't give them away. The cards--and all of the money on them--were given away by sponsor Bank of America, NOT Oprah. Just like the G6 cars "she" gave away, in 2004. Those were from GM, NOT Oprah.
Then, there are the cards themselves. Oprah says the money on the cards is to be donated to chartiable causes, but the money can be given to another person (relatives are not eligible). Well, did it ever occur to HRHSBotU (Her Royal Highness Supreme Being of the Universe) Queen Oprah that anyone can donate the entire sum to a friend with the friend agreeing to split it or give a certain percentage back?
That's what's known as a kickback. And don't be shocked if Oprah's 300 plus guests who received the cards do exactly that. Most of them-were specifically recruited for that particular show because they were poor and/or unfortunate. Why shouldn't they do that? Who wouldn't expect them to? Let gazillionaire Oprah donate her own dough.
Posted by Debbie on October 31, 2006 11:22 AM to Debbie Schlussel