‘Economic Compassion’
I would like to take this opportunity to respond to your editorial, and expand on it, at a global level. What follows is a classic example of this.
In the 1970s, this country participated in an international campaign to eradicate smallpox from the Earth. Even though smallpox wasn’t a problem in the United States, the United States contributed $50 million to the $100 million campaign. By investing $50 million to help end smallpox in the world, this country now saves $100 million annually in money it would have spent on immunization, and quarantine facilities, vaccinations, surveillance, etc.
Although smallpox has been eradicated, UNICEF estimates that 5 million children die each year from other diseases. These are measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, tuberculosis, and polio. A full $5 course of immunization can protect these children.
Can we afford economic compassion? You bet we can. Not only do we save money; what’s more important, we save lives.
STEVE WEATHERWAX
Los Angeles
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