The Tennessee family that won the powerball are hard working people BUT.

[BlueJazz]

Everybody has their "thing" but sometimes you realize how different you are from other people. I'm certainly not dissing them but I am a billion light years from their thought patterns. They're happy so maybe that's all that matters.

Go back to work on Monday?. Me?? Are you crazy? Insane?
Invest it so my children will have some money later in life?? YOU WON OVER 300 MILLION DOLLARS! That MAY be enough to tide them over.

> At a news conference Friday, the Robinsons said they won't stop working and won't make any wild purchases. They'll pay off their mortgage and their daughter's student loans, but have no desire to move from their gray, one-story house in a close-knit community into a luxurious compound somewhere.

Lisa works at a dermatologist's office. John is a warehouse supervisor. Both will return to work Monday, they said. Friends and neighbors say the Robinsons are a hard-working, responsible family with the ability to humbly deal with their new fortune.

"That's what we've done all our lives, is work," John Robinson said. "You just can't sit down and lay down and not do nothing anymore. Because how long are you going to last? We do want to enjoy a little bit of our earnings, and maybe invest a little bit of it so our son and daughter can share in our......

[Autumn Colors]

1. prediction

I have a feeling that their church will probably end up getting a large portion of the money.

Just a hunch ...

Really. I might still "work" if I won but it would be by pursuing things I enjoy doing. I would never go back to a 9-5 job working for someone else ... and if what I enjoy happens to make some more money, fine, if not, then I'll call it "pursuing my hobbies" ...

[oberliner]

3. "I'm a firm believer in tithing to my church," John Robinson said.

John and Lisa Robinson said they bought the ticket in the town of Munford. They said they planned to take the lump sum of more than $300 million to help out certain friends, give to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, and donate to their church. "I'm a firm believer in tithing to my church," John Robinson said.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/01/15/tennessee-couple-claims-1-3-winning-powerball-tickets.html

[Autumn Colors]

8. Ha!

The only thing I knew of these people was what the OP wrote (without any link).

Figures ...

[BlueJazz]

11. It's on AOL. The 3 lines is about the whole story.

[Autumn Colors]

16. The tithing bit

I wasn't complaining about no link (if that's what you mean) ... the person who responded to my post had posted info from another article from Fox News. I was just saying I posted my "prediction" without seeing that other article where they talk about their church.

[BlueJazz]

32. No, I was just giving you a little info that there wan't much more to the story.

Sort of like: Why oh why did THESE people win?

[Hortensis]

59. :) I'd go to work to serve brief notice if desired.

I'd hope those last days among comrades would be pleasant, but I'm far from sure. In this case, who doubts these people's lives will change big even if they never spent a penny on themselves? Sadly, their relationship with the old neighborhood probably is not sustainable. Acting out resentment by just a few spoilers wouldn't allow that.

[KingCharlemagne]

15. Left unresolved is the knotty theological question of what God's position is

on gambling in the first place. I thought the Protestant God was not particularly well disposed to games of chance, but it's been a while since I studied the matter in any meaningful way.

Meh, details.

[Autumn Colors]

17. The church will require them to pay a penalty

since they sinned by gambling.

Yes, just give all those riches over to us...

[Retrograde]

79. The Catholic Church is OK with gambling in moderation

which is why a lot of churches sponsor (or sponsored) Bingo games, as well as various raffles and other low-stake games of chance. A few bucks a week - if one can afford it and it doesn't impact negatively on others - is no worse than a beer with family or friends, or dancing.

[KingCharlemagne]

95. Yeah, I made an assumption from "tithing" and from Tennessee that

this family attended a Protestant congregation of one sort or another. The Southern Baptist and denominations even further to the right have a heavy presence there.

[smirkymonkey]

43. Oh dear, that's all we need.

A rich fundy church.

[restorefreedom]

5. thst is just what i was thinking

bloodsucking church will convince them that it is God's money and they should give most of it back through the church (why waste time going directly to charities that help people, animals, or the earth ?<sarcasm&gt

note: i don't necessarily believe all churches are bloodsuckers, but i have never met a one (christian, anyway) that did not apply immense pressure to pledge and/or "tithe" (which has been completely distorted by modern churches but don't get me started.....)

[Hoppy]

24. The pastor probably needs a new Gulfstream.

[restorefreedom]

26. propserity gospel all the waaaaaayy!! nt

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

7. I'm sure their pastor is pricing out a Challenger or Gulfstream this very moment

Pardon me, his "preaching machine"...

[yeoman6987]

9. I wouldn't have come forward so soon for one thing

Immediately after announcing, I'd go on a world cruise so the hoopla of me winning would die down some. I'd quite my job 5 months after winning and turn in the ticket 2 weeks later. Give to the church is a fine idea for them. I'd give to my catholic high school before the church who has money. The rest? I'd pay my siblings monthly mortgage. And only give them money when needed. Giving money causes problems for everyone. I would not buy another home. I'd keep my car a Toyota 2011 for awhile. I have never been into cars so that status doesn't impress me.

[djean111]

2. Oh, this is just first shock, I think.

Hopefully they will work at some sort of charitable endeavor, after this all sinks in. Plus - they should really free up those jobs for people that need them.

[hollysmom]

78. I agree,

they haven't wrapped their minds around it yet. the size of the money has not sunk in, nor have the strangers converged on their house yet.

[Hiraeth]

4. This will NOT last long. Bank on it.

[cwydro]

6. Why shouldn't they do what they want? Maybe they like their jobs.

I agree with Hiraeth that this probably won't last long, but in the meantime they're doing exactly what is suggested by experts on this sort of thing.

Apparently 70% of lottery winners end up broke in a number of years. I hope this couple doesn't end up that way.

[Autumn Colors]

10. Well ...

Well, if they do end up broke, let's just see if that church that gladly takes their "tithing" turns around and helps them later on when they hit hard times ...

[oberliner]

13. They are definitely not doing what is suggested by experts

In fact, they are doing the exact opposite.

They went on the Today Show and announced that they had won before cashing in their ticket.

In fact they had their ticket with them on their trip to NY.

Neither of those actions would be suggested by any expert.

[cwydro]

71. I meant keeping their jobs and not planning any big purchases right out of the gate.

I agree the Today show was not the brightest idea, but they did have their attorney with them.

They seem level headed.

I find it fascinating all the hate on this thread regarding their "gifts" to their church. They've not made any comment in that regard that I've heard.

Lots of sour grapes on DU, it appears.

[oberliner]

73. Their attorney seems like a publicity seeker

He brought his daughter with him (the lawyer did) and they both seemed to be making themselves the stars of the Today Show appearance. I think they made a very poor choice of lawyer and that said lawyer is taking advantage of the situation for his own benefit.

I agree with your other points.

[cwydro]

75. Yeah, I'm with you on the publicity seeking lawyer.

We said as much while watching. I missed the part with the daughter...whoa.

Later I saw him holding the leash of the dog, which I thought was good employment for him lol.

But yeah, the guy struck me as a fame-seeker, money grubbing snake lol. And apparently it was HIS big idea for them to go on the Today show first. Sheesh, I'd have been down at that lottery ticket office first thing, not the Today show. My luck, I'd lose the damn ticket.

Oh well, I guess we'll get to see what happens.

[Yupster]

77. It's been said that envy is the worst of the sins

because nothing good comes from it.

If you're a glutton at least you get the ice cream.

If you lust at least you get the sex.

If you are greedy at least you get the Ferrari.

But envy really makes you unhappy and you get nothing from it either.

[cwydro]

109. Good post!

Very true.

[Yo_Mama]

119. And to St. Judes, a children's hospital. This is very strange, I agree.

St. Jude's treats children for free.

So for this, these people are mocked and reviled????

[Ilsa]

137. I guess she has no liability risk at her job.

Maybe she works in Billing or as a receptionist. But as a nurse, I'd be afraid of being sued, frivolously, if clients knew I had deep pockets. Yeah, I'd quit. Maybe use the money to fund charitable work, some for church, some for children's charities, help the homeless, overturn Citizens United.

[hfojvt]

105. well I think it is a damned shame then

many people are playing the lottery because they hate their fucking jobs. That's certainly why I get tickets. For a chance at freedom.

Seems like these lucky bastids already won ONE lottery. The lottery where they got a job they do NOT hate.

Now they have to win another one.

Some guys have all the luck.

[cwydro]

114. Lol. It does seem that way!

[mythology]

12. I wouldn't just quit my job with no notice

First there is no reason to burn a bridge that I don't need to, plus I feel a personal sense of obligation to give notice.

But also making a rash decision after a life changing event is usually a poor idea. Granted that advice is better in the event of a negative event like a death or divorce, but why not stop and make a rational decision about what you want to to?

And finally, for a lot of people, they define a significant portion of who they are from their job and the stability it provides in their life. These people just won more money than they can probably fathom. Keeping their jobs in the short term may give them a certain stability while they figure things out.

[oberliner]

14. Would you take a day off?

Or go in to work the next day?

[GummyBearz]

28. I'd personally go in the next day

Invite everyone to lunch on me. Probably sit in my office staring at the power point slides for my current project for a long time, thinking how it was a fun job, but realizing that time is something you can never get back. Give appropriate notice and enjoy time

[lumberjack_jeff]

37. Probably the most realistic scenario. Well said. n/t

[oberliner]

62. Sweet

That sounds like it would be a fun day for all.

[Tanuki]

50. I would keep my identity a secret to keep from getting harrassed or being the target of scams.

Therefore, I would go to work the next day and the next, as if nothing had happened. I have read that it takes a couple of weeks before the check is actually deposited when there is a huge jackpot (those giant-sized "checks" at the lottery office are just for show). Once the check was in the bank, I would wind down my current professional obligations on an ostensibly "leave of absence" basis and with ample notice and a plausible cover story. I actually like what I do for work and might want to go back to it in some capacity despite being a gazillionaire, but it would be great to have some time off to travel while I still can, read, relax, watch all the movies I didn't have time to see over the past few years, do some creative hobbies I have had to put on hold for too long, etc.etc. Hmmm, that sounds so good, maybe I wouldn't go back to work after all....but I wouldn't want to burn my bridges. With the kind of money in the recent jackpot, I would put much of it in a charitable trust and spend a lot of time researching where best to spend it.

[oberliner]

64. What do you do for work?

I always like hearing from people who enjoy their job. If you don't mind sharing.

[Tanuki]

87. check your pm. n.t.

[SoCalMusicLover]

70. Cannot Remain Anonymous

All 3 of the states with winners in the latest Powerball, are required to have their names released to the public, and I believe they even are required to hold a press conference at the lottery office, although I'm not positive about that part.

They cannot keep their identity secret though.

[philosslayer]

80. They have to release their name, and hometown, and home state

At least in Tennessee. But his name is "John Robinson." A fairly common name. If i were in his shoes (as if) I would have done the following:

First thing, bought a property on the other side of the state.

Then when claiming the ticket, claiming that as my hometown.

If they asked why I bought the the ticket in Mumford, I would tell them I was just passing through on a trip an stopped to purchase a ticket. That would be the official story.

No press conference, no pictures, no nothing. That's all they'd get. It wouldn't guarantee anonymity, but it would send all the wolves to my false address, and give me at least a chance of living a semi-normal life.

This guys lawyer is a total idiot IMHO.

[Tanuki]

84. Actually, in Tennessee, winners can still disguise their identity by

creating a trust, llc, or similar. That way, the winner of record is the trust. The identity is probably still discoverable, but it would take a fair amount of sleuthing. I happen to know this because I live in Tennessee and there was a major winner very recently who did this:

http://www.wsmv.com/story/30662605/winner-claims-powerball-jackpot-ticket-sold-in-antioch

[KingCharlemagne]

18. I'm not questioning your ethics, but wish to note merely that most employers will lay you

off or dismiss you without any advance warning whatsoever. So this idea of 'giving notice' out of some sense of moral obligation is basically a one-way street.

[KittyWampus]

21. MOST employers are small business owners. So you are wrong.

[KingCharlemagne]

23. No, I'm not. - nt

[ChisolmTrailDem]

40. Nope, KingCharlemagne is not wrong. nt

[Facility Inspector]

66. If you won 300 million

you could probably buy the small business in question.

maybe.

[cheapdate]

72. Twice I've been laid off, each time was without warning or ceremony.

First time was a major corporation, second time was a small firm (the small firm brought me back after 6 months or so, and I'm still there today.)

So, in my experience, the typical lay-off is an unexpected closed door meeting, followed by an unexpected short work day and an early trip home.

[KittyWampus]

88. There are actually laws about notifying employees of impending layoffs.

Both Federal and State.

[cheapdate]

89. Not for salaried there isn't.

[a la izquierda]

108. Do those work for Right to Work states? Nt

[KittyWampus]

117. The Federal laws would have to.

[hfojvt]

104. to me that is just a myth

Of course, it depends on how you define a "small" business.

From where I sit, my business was a small business. It was a one man operation with about $18,000 in annual gross sales. It wasn't even a going concern, but it was on the main street of a small town for over seven years. (There's that word again. Some people consider Lawrence, Kansas to be a "small town" (compared to what?))

The factory where I worked, with 200 employees - I do NOT consider that to be small. Compared to my shop that is quite large.

But what is the standard? Compared to Wal-mart or RCA that is tiny.

The question is, what does somebody think of when they hear the word "small business"? Do they think of places with a dozen or less employees, or do they think of a place with 200? Is the division between small-large-and huge, or is it between big-small and tiny? Most people are working for fairly large places, places with more than 20 employees.

[1939]

112. I think the feds

Have defined what they mean when they say small business. It would take some internet searching, but there must exist a published guideline as to amount of revenue, number of employees, or assets which define "small business".

[hfojvt]

138. but that is rather questionable

they define it in a way that makes fairly large businesses into "small" businesses.

My question is about the practical meaning of the term. When politicians talk about small businesses or when the media does - what do people think of? I doubt very much that people are thinking of the technical definition.

My guess is that people are thinking of the same thing I would think of - a "mom and pop" store with half a dozen employees or something about that size. They are NOT thinking of a place with 100 employees (or more) or 30 million in capitol.

The trouble with that term is that politicians are always talking about policies to favor "small businesses" and just like supposed "middle class" policies, they end up giving most of their help to pretty large businesses and pretty rich people.

[KittyWampus]

118. I think the WARN law calls a small business under 100 employees.

My own personal definition of small business- the local places not owned by a large corporation.

But off course that isn't any kind of legal definition.

[hfojvt]

139. what is a "large" corporation though?

The local grocery store, for example. To me that is a pretty big business all by itself. But one of them is owned by this guy who owns maybe a dozen stores. Is that a large corporation?

Even some of the large corporations...Well, the local KFC, I believe, is locally owned. So is the local ford dealership - for a couple of examples.

Also, I found some data about employment
http://www.bls.gov/web/cewbd/table_f.txt

they have nine size classes
1-4 - 4.9% (55.6%)
5-9 - 5.5% (19.2%)
10-19 - 7.1% (12.1%)
20-49 - 10.6% (8%)
50-99 - 7.9% (2.6%)
100-249 - 10.2% (1.5%)
250-499 - 7.2% (0.5%)
500-1,000 - 7% (0.2%)
1,000 or more - 39.5% (0.2%)

Small businesses (as I would call them) are 75% of all businesses, but they only account for 10% of all employment.

[Oneironaut]

144. It's SOP for all businesses now to give no notice.

Usually they lay you off right away, no warnings.

[Autumn Colors]

19. How about this?

Go in the next day to give a few days' notice that they're quitting and if they don't want to burn a bridge ... offer their boss/company some money to cover the cost of hiring a temp for a few weeks while interviewing for a replacement.

[ripcord]

61. Remember it takes time to actually get the money

It you don't have much in the way of saving you may need to work to get through the 6-8 weeks until you get the check.

[B2G]

65. 10 business days. nt

[Facility Inspector]

68. any competent lawyer call to handle this

(which is the absolute FIRST thing a person should do) would gladly front you enough cash or point in you in the direction of spending money since you're a new millionaire and all.

You would NOT have to work once you win no matter how long it takes to process the winnings.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

76. No, they won't. Most states' attorney ethics rules

prohibit lawyers from lending to clients; it's considered to be a conflict of interest. A bank loan would be a better and more likely option if you really can't wait.

[1939]

113. A competent lawyer

could call the local bank and arrange a "no doc" bridge loan for the winners based on the winning ticket.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

121. True, but the lawyer couldn't lend the money him/herself.

[Tanuki]

46. I agree. They are from a very small town and have probably known their co-workers their whole lives.

They probably feel they would be letting people down if they just "up and quit." Most people see their retirement coming on the horizon (unless they have to retire due to illness), and have time to plan what they will do with their time to give themselves a sense of purpose. These two are probably still in a state of shock and can't really understand how nearly limitless their options are. I think it was a huge mistake to go on national television and won't be surprised if they regret it in the future. They may also underestimate the irrational resentment some people in their community may have toward them as a result of their incredibly good fortune. They seem like nice people and I hope this doesn't end up making their lives unpleasant in unforeseen ways. I am glad to see they will be sharing some of their wealth with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which does wonderful work.
https://www.stjude.org

[RobinA]

97. Agree

I've always felt the worst thing you can do in a situation like this is quit your job. Ok, maybe if you hate it and it keeps you up at night... I would not quit. I might look for another job and not have to worry about how much it pays. We would not like to sit by the pool for the rest of my life, and I generally think that's bad for mental health.

[SDjack]

103. I would resign with class. I would send my newly hired agent in a tuxedo to

deliver my letter of resignation to the CEO -- effective IMMEDIATELY. Next, I would send a check for 10% of my winnings to American Atheists. If the president of AA asked me for a Gulf Stream, I would kick his butt out of my office and scream at him that he obviously has me confused with RW Xian. To finish day one, I would hire some fake liberal politicians, sponsor their election campaigns, and assign them the task of following Louis Goehmert everywhere and frequently surprise him by pissing on his ankles. Day two, I would establish a fake news channel to ... Well, that's what this guy would do.

[Orrex]

145. Well, think of it like this:

If your company decided that it no longer needed your services, how much notice would they give you?

If you're lucky, they'll let you finish your shift for that day. If you're astonishingly lucky, you'll get to work through the end of the current pay cycle.

The average person has had for more bridges torched out from under them than they will ever be in a position to burn on their own initiative.

for a lot of people, they define a significant portion of who they are from their job and the stability it provides in their life. These people just won more money than they can probably fathom. Keeping their jobs in the short term may give them a certain stability while they figure things out.

Well, that's certainly true. The sudden change can be wildly stressful and disruptive, even if it comes with a net gain of nine figures.

[mnhtnbb]

20. I think they are both extremely naive to think they can keep working at their current jobs

It will be too disruptive to other employees. There will be constant comments about "sharing"
and undoubtedly envy from others. I should think it will not contribute to good feelings
in the work place.

My guess? They will be asked to resign before the month's out.

[Phentex]

38. This is what my husband said...

he said they would probably make any workplace too disruptive to continue as usual. They don't realize how many people are going to seek them out to ask for money.

[bigwillq]

22. I prob wouldn't go back to my current job

But I would work somewhere. I would be too bored if I just stayed home.

I work would/volunteer somewhere.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

42. You couldn't find something to do with $300M to keep from staying home? Boy, I could! nt

[bigwillq]

47. I wouldn't want to stay home

I would want to be out living.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

49. The first thing I would do is take as much time as needed to attempt a thru-hike...

...of the Appalachian Trail. I would use the opportunity to tick off one life-long dream while giving some good, long thought about what I'm going to do with all that money!

[bigwillq]

51. Sounds good.

[sorefeet]

25. They won't be able to work OR

live in their humble little abode. These people are very ignorant uneducated people and their lawyer is an idiot. Vultures from around the world will hound them and scam them. Vultures in their own town will drive them crazy with sob stories. These people will eventually lose it all and it will change them forever.

Soooooooooooo. If a rich man has been told it is next to impossible to get in the Pearly Gates. Why in the fuck do all and I bet MOST all of the ticket buyers claim to be a Christian, cross their fingers and say a prayer so they can win the lottery?????????????

There will be traffic jams on their cozy street.

[JudyM]

34. +1. They hired the wrong lawyer. Duck and cover, people. Nt

[kairos12]

142. You got that right. Become one of those off the grid Alaska bush people.

[JudyM]

143. Ha, yep. Though I'd choose a warm climate on a beach, personally.

[exboyfil]

27. Security is a huge issue

With that kind of money I would definitely take steps to get some place where I am not known.

[A HERETIC I AM]

55. As much as gated communities are derided on DU.....

this is one situation where they are almost necessary.

Either move to a place where no one knows you and/or won't care or move to a place where random strangers can not simply walk up to your front door.

I read a story a few years back where a big money lottery winner had a woman show up at her door and DEMAND a million dollars!

They moved to a gated community within a month

[NCTraveler]

29. Fully understand the but, but...

I would like to mention this is the good side of corporate America. What I mean, it seems that they feel they are a part of something, they seem proud to be doing what they are doing. As our economy transitions we need to keep in mind and protect them. As a small business owner these stories are nice to read.

At the same time, if I were to have won, I would have been at my attorney's office the next day drafting paperwork to transfer the business to my business manager. Lol

[lumberjack_jeff]

36. People have a need for autonomy, mastery and purpose.

If employers can provide those things, staff will walk through fire for you.

[dembotoz]

30. lots of advice says if you win don't do anything rash

they seem to follow that advice

i applaud them

[LisaL]

31. If they want to go back to work, it's their business, not ours.

[get the red out]

33. They have no experience with this

Of course they are thinking these things. It is what they have been taught to think all their lives, along with me, regarding investing for the future. No working person could adjust their minds to having this much money overnight.

If I won the lottery, no Church would get a dime, but there would be some very happy animal rescues out there!

[lumberjack_jeff]

35. I wouldn't quit either, unless I became a distraction for the organization.

That said, I work for a nonprofit, so I'd stop taking a salary and give my co-workers a raise.

[Facility Inspector]

39. you could invest 250 million

and probably see 7.5 - 10,000,000 return at 4% annually.

But yeah, if they're stupid enough to tithe, they'll be broke in a decade.

Scamsters, hucksters, and all manner of sob story artists will get that dough.

[philosslayer]

81. I wouldn't invest it

I'd put it in the bank. Why do i need a return on $250M? Thats more money then they could ever spend. Why risk putting in the stock market and put up with those wild swings. No thanks.

[Facility Inspector]

92. equities aren't the only avenue for growth

With that much money, you'd have wide variety of options.

Once your money is making tons of money, you aren't a peasant anymore.

[NaturalHigh]

41. What they do is their business.

Want to keep working and living simply? Who am I to judge?

As far as the tithing goes, I would give 10% too. It probably wouldn't all go to my church, but a lot of it would go to faith-based charities.

[DefenseLawyer]

44. In a strange way, it's pretty selfish

It's fine that they want to work, but there are people who actually need those jobs. Go off and do good things. Let some single mom who really needs a good job go to work in the dermatologists office.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

93. Bull

Nothing at all selfish about staying at a job that you enjoy, even if you don't need the money.

No one should ever feel obligated to give up a job they like so that someone else can have it.

[RobinA]

98. There's More

to a job than money.

[B2G]

45. God, some of the comments here.

They're selfish for wanting to continue living their lives? Their church is going to take all of their money and condemn them for buying a ticket in the first place?

I can't decide if it's jealousy or ignorance...or both.

[BlueJazz]

56. I believe it's more concern that even though they want to lead a normal life, life for them has..

...changed and there will be situations and challenges that they've never experienced before and may or may not have the skills for dealing with them.

I hope so. They seem like wonderful people.

[B2G]

57. Maybe, but that little subthread at the top

was pretty much uncalled for.

I agree, they seem like a great family and I'm very happy for them.

[BlueJazz]

60. I'm not sure what you mean.

[B2G]

63. Pastor is picking out his Gulfstream

Church will abandon them once they've squandered all of the money.

Are we reading the same thread??

[BlueJazz]

67. Oh, I let that kind of stuff slide away...

[B2G]

69. I need to follow your lead.

[cwydro]

127. Thank you.

I've been amazed at what I assume is simply pure petty jealousy here on our forum.

Obviously, DU has decided to hate these folks because they got lucky.

[B2G]

128. That and they're Christians

Too bad they weren't Islamic and said they were going to contribute to their mosque and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Then we could all be like "Yay What a wonderful family!!'.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

130. +1000 n/t

[cwydro]

131. Lmao. I was wondering what would make winners of the lottery acceptable here.

I think you're right on that one.

[Iggo]

48. I would've gone back to work the following Monday, or Whateverday.

Not sure how long I'd stay. There would definitely be a closed-door meeting about that!

But they gave me a job when no one else would even talk to me, and so there's no way I would leave them high and dry.

I'm an asshole, but I'm not that kind of asshole.

[valerief]

52. Holy christ, I can't imagine being that unimaginative. nt

[BlueJazz]

58. Same here. Bernie's campaign people would be doing back-flips when I gave them 20-25 million

[valerief]

83. I'd buy SCOTUS, too, I think. nt

[Nye Bevan]

100. By law you can't contribute more than $2,700.

http://www.fec.gov/info/contriblimitschart1516.pdf

So no "backflips", just a letter politely declining your huge contribution.

[BlueJazz]

106. Could I make a super-pac for all democrats ?

[Nye Bevan]

110. Thanks to the Citizens United decision, yes.

You can spend as much of your prize as you like trying to get Bernie elected; you just can't donate it to his campaign or coordinate with his campaign on how to spend the money.

[BlueJazz]

111. I'd rather give money to ALL Democrats because (as you well know) Bernie or Hillary can't..

...change the country entirely by themselves.

[CajunBlazer]

146. Sounds like people who won't be blowing all of their money within the next few years like some

The responses of many lottery winners to winning tons of cash has not been pretty. Based on their initial reactions I would say that these folks understand that money alone cannot make you happy. I have often wondered how I would react.

Your job, your home, your friends, your community are a large part of who you are. Yes, they could certainly change all of that, perhaps for the better, but it could be very destabilizing. Unlike some who made replies, these people appear to happy with who they are and they don't want to money to change all of that. I would call that a sane response.

[oldandhappy]

53. Good for them

I've read that people win big and are destitute in five years. Maybe this family will make it. I applaud them.

[stone space]

54. I'd finish out the semester out of a sense of obligation, but once grades are in...

...I'd start my lifetime sabbatical.

There's some Classical Ramsey Numbers that are gonna' get knocked down!

[Tom_Foolery]

74. More power to them...

Here's to their long, rich life and the good they will do with the money.

[SoCalDem]

82. Once the shock wears off, and they have met with a financial advisor

they will probably do things differently.
For now, the normalcy of what was common to them, is probably not such a bad idea..

By this time next year, their lives may have done 180..

[BlueJazz]

86. "By this time next year, their lives may have done 180.."

I couldn't resist.
.
.

[KG]

85. till they find out how much work it is to handle that much money...

[AngryOldDem]

90. If they genuinely enjoy their work, and find it adds worth to their lives...

...more power to them.

My dad worked for over 40 years at a government job and retired with a nice pension. Not a month later he was back at a part-time job, doing basically what he did for all of his working life. True, it was a work ethic forged by the Depression. But I honestly think, too, he liked to work, and did not like the idea of true retirement.

Same with these folks, I guess.

I like their humility. How many other big lottery winners have crashed and burned over the years because they thought they had finally made it?

[Warren DeMontague]

91. Sometimes it is hard to change your entire life in the course of a weekend.

I congratulate them, and wish them well.

[JI7]

94. i think they will give a lot to church . but they are probably going about it better

Than the ones who go crazy with the spending and lose it all. Many don't have a real idea of cost of things and costs involved in maintaining it.

Then they're ate the sleazy types who will take advantage.

Based on this family they seemed to have a happy life .They probably are not overworked.

But slowly with time they may cut back some hours . Go on vacation etc.

[onecent]

96. OMG...The LAST

thing I would do with one single dime is give it to a fucking church.
Jesus H. Christ. They don't pay taxes now...and I have NO idea where the money goes.

Husband went to a catholic church that dunned us for $400 a month cuz they were building a brand NEW church
when the old one was NEVER FULL FOR ANY OF THE 3 CATHOLIC SERVICES. He quit going THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

PEOPLE are soooo fucking stupid to believe in that shit. Guess it will help them get a better fucking spot in heaven...maybe they can sit at the hand of OUR LORD...har har har

[cwydro]

99. They have not said one word about giving anything to their church.

What nonsense people are spouting here.

It's nobody's business what they do with their money.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

115. Well said

If I won, I would give a huge amount to the parish school (build a gym and fund a trust to maintain it) and to the parish itself (fund a trust from which they could draw for big ticket items for the church).

And I know where all of the money in our parish is spent - we get a financial statement at the end of every fiscal year, detailing income and outlay.

[mnhtnbb]

116. Actually, they have.

They believe in tithing, according to this article.

After that, they’ll tithe heavily to their church, John Robinson said.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/tennessee-powerball-winner-takes-ticket-new-york-city-article-1.2497890

[JI7]

140. they think God is behind their lottery win

[onecent]

141. Yes, the same way the football players think that God made that touchdown for them.

What a crock of shit.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

101. I hope it works out for them, but

they might be shocked at the number of grifters, parasites and long-lost "relatives" who suddenly come out of the woodwork. And I hope they hire some reliable and ethical people who can help them deal with all the pressure to cough up money for some "worthy cause" or "sure-fire investment."

[oasis]

102. Interesting thread with thoughtful responses. (eom)

[Renew Deal]

107. I agree with their thinking (can't just lay around).

We'll see if it works out for them. Hopefully they have some good security. They might need a gated community just to keep the people wanting some money away.

[flamingdem]

120. Sadly, people who've worked a day job for decades often haven't developed themselves

in other areas due to time constraints. Also personality bears on this. Some are very threatened by change or lack of structure and they become depressed.

It's the opposite of my world view too. If I had that kind of money I'd help others with some kind of foundation and enjoy travel and my interests that cost money.

Let's face it, some people lack imagination. When I see this behavior in people over 40 who don't need the money but keep in a boring routine I feel sorry for them.

[BlueJazz]

122. Isn't that the truth. It would be nice for them to pack up the family and tell the kids.>

"I know we've been in this town for years but I believe it's time for us to expand our horizens...so..we're going on a world tour...probably visiting places and cultures that you have only read about or seen in movies or TV. It will be great for all of us"
"Don't worry about school...we'll have nice private teachers take care of that when we get back"

One thing else that nobody has addressed in this thread. The impact on the children will be life changing in the sense that their Friends and school mates will see them in an entirely different light. I mean, if they had won a million or so then Maybe??...they could deal with it ...but over 300 million....? I wouldn't put my children through all the changes that they are going to have to face. (ESPECIALLY knowing how that they have been raised). You and I have (I'm sure) some skills that we have learned in our life...but that family?? I seriously doubt it.

[flamingdem]

123. Thinking of the kids it might be better to stay stable and get over the shock

They'll be okay if it's dealt with gradually and not materialistically. In that sense staying put and in a routine makes sense!

But still what a waste, imagine the fun one could have!

[SickOfTheOnePct]

125. How do you even know how they've raised their children?

Or what skills they've learned in their lifetime?

I don't get the dislike for this family.

[BlueJazz]

126. I don't think it's dislike at all. It's more concern that being what they are...

...a solid down-to-earth family unit, that will be exposed to every con and shyster known to exist. I'm afraid for them in the sense that their view of the world will change for the worse. Also, others have said: : "Just let them be and work it out". If they stay where they are, THAT'S not gonna' happen. People won't let them be. (sadly)
I'll be the first to admit that I may be 95 percent wrong and others may question why I care.
To that question...I don't know but for some reason, I do.

[B2G]

129. Their "children" are in their 20's

And you have no idea how they've been raised.

God.

[BlueJazz]

132. Well, they need to get some.

[B2G]

133. Get some what?? Nt

[BlueJazz]

134. Get some children so all my wise, insightful, intelligent words will be valid.

[GoCubsGo]

124. I don't give a shit what they do with their money, but...

I am sick of hearing about these people. I was sick of them from the moment I first saw the on the "Toady Show" the day after they won the lottery, throwing themselves at the public before they even bothered to go to the lottery office. "Humbly" deal with their future, my fat ass! I wouldn't be surprised if we see them in a TLC reality show before summer.

[liberal_at_heart]

135. Some of these responses in this thread are just sad. Not only can people not tolerate when

someone does something different than what they would do. They invent ways for things to go wrong for them because they don't do things the way they would to them. They won. You didn't. They get to do whatever they want with their money. I wish them the best and I hope their children and their grandchildren will benefit from their decision to invest their money.

[BlueJazz]

136. We Valley Girls like to gossip and berate. It's what we do.

[Jimbo S]

147. I'd do the same

At 49, I'm too young to fully retire. And I enjoy where I live.

[sammythecat]

148. "Life is not so bad if

you have plenty of luck, a good physique, and not too much imagination." -- Christopher Isherwood

Both in relatively good health -- check

Spectacular good luck -- check

No discernible imagination -- check

Life is not so bad for the Robinsons.