Points of Light

I am afraid that viewers of Conrad’s cartoon (“Bush’s Thousand Points of Light,” Jan. 31) might come away confused about one of the most positive movements in our country today. The Points of Light message is not one of bombs bursting at random in a destructive combat situation, but rather diverse lights shining in a unified effort to build America into a better place. Over half of adult Americans--some 80 million strong--actively volunteer in some way in their communities. These are people who give of themselves and their talents because they believe in creation, not destruction.

When President Bush spoke of a “thousands points of light” in his Inaugural Address, he was referring to “all of the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the nation, doing good.” This is the message of the Points of Light movement.

While the skies of the Persian Gulf are indeed filled with flashing lights as depicted in the Conrad cartoon, the skies of America, too, are filled with lights--the Points of Light volunteers throughout the land who are dispelling darkness through the results of their good actions.

RICHARD SCHUBERT, President

Points of Light Foundation

Washington, D.C.