A Hacker News discussion revolves around the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) ceasing funding for social causes, particularly a school for disadvantaged families in Silicon Valley. Commenters debate the reasons, ranging from political pressures and lack of backbone to concerns about the school's academic performance and a shift towards science investments. Some suggest it was PR, not genuine altruism. The discussion extends to broader themes of philanthropy, taxation, and the role of billionaires in addressing societal needs. One perspective advocates for taxation as a more reliable funding source, while others question the effectiveness and accountability of government versus charitable interventions. Some argue that billionaires' wealth is tied to easily influenced assets, making them susceptible to political pressures, unlike historical monopolists with tangible holdings. The discussion also questions if billionaires have a moral obligation for those dependent on programs they initiated and subsequently abandoned.