This article speaks volumes about the difference between the rich and poor.  There are 2 arguments you could make about the rich though.

One side of me wants to say, "good for you, you can afford to buy an expensive dead zebra."  The other side wants to say, "couldn't you have done something better with your money?"

The rich folk are certainly much more privileged than middle and lower class, they afford nicer stuff, but there is a fuzzy line between what is luxurious and what is ridiculous.  For example, I would consider having a Bentley to be luxurious.  It is both functional and nice.  Owning a zebra that has been preserved in formaldehyde is kinda of ridiculous (a live zebra would be cooler anyways).  At what point do we look at the actions of the rich and criticize them for not making better choices with their money?  This is hard to say because we cannot put ourselves in their shoes.  It is easy tell people what they should do with their money, but when other people tell you what do with your money you are less inclined to listen.  After all, it is their money and they can spend it how they please.

Now that I have that out of the way, we can move on.  

In all honesty, we all know that there are people around the world who are in need.  There are people in 3rd world countries who lack the basic necessities.  Hell, I walk by homeless folks everyday who need help.  Instead of spending 2 million US dollars on a dead zebra, $2 million could buy a lot of food, build quite a few houses, and vaccinate thousands of people.

The money at the auction could have been spent more wisely, but we are in no position to tell others what to do with their money.  I don't like it when people tell me what to do with mine.