Michael Bloomberg: 'I Have Earned My Place in Heaven'

The former New York City mayor is confident that his latest $50 million gun-control initiative has secured him a happy afterlife.

"I had a dream I could buy my way to heaven." Who said it: Kanye West or Michael Bloomberg?

Well, the rapper did. But Bloomberg's recent comments in a New York Times interview on his post-mayoral career are not far off.

Bloomberg is starting another gun-control advocacy group, following his last venture with Mayors Against Illegal Guns. But this time, instead of focusing on television ads, he wants to build a grassroots network that can rival the National Rifle Association. He's pouring $50 million of his money into the effort.

The new group, which is targeting 15 states, is called Everytown for Gun Safety, and will primarily focus on the background check system and not necessarily on banning certain types of guns.

Bloomberg is proud of himself, too — ready for his Judgment Day.

"I am telling you, if there is a God, when I get to heaven I'm not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading straight in," he told reporter Jeremy Peters. "I have earned my place in heaven. It's not even close."

So,  the billionaire former mayor thinks God likes him. But what about mere mortals?

"I don't know what your perception is of our reputation, and mine, the name Bloomberg around the country," he said. But every place he goes, he added, "You're a rock star. People yelling out of cabs, 'Hey, way to go!' "

Bloomberg's $50 million contribution is not chump change. As The Times points out in its article, the NRA spends $20 million annually.