Tech Philanthropists Deserve a Little More Charity

It is apparent that your college did not provide a good economics background [“Tech’s Inventive Elite Can Reinvent Philanthropy,” Innovation, Oct. 4]. And that your thinking leans toward the liberal, “let government do it” policies.

Permit me to examine some of your points:

“These [reasons for not making charitable gifts] are not simple excuses for selfishness, though the selfish rich hide behind them.”

Just because a person has wealth, they are selfish if they do not give it away? Was logic taught at your college?

“In time, the largess of the new economy will filter down to benefit society as a whole if for no other reason than the imperative of inheritance taxes.”

Inheritance taxes? Inheritance taxes do nothing but take the wealth created over a lifetime and tax it! When [they are] eliminated, you will see a surge of investing and creation of wealth with economic growth.

“Will today’s high-tech robber barons build a more innovative legacy?”

Bill Gates has created more billionaires than anyone in history. His products are responsible for creating jobs and making the United States the world leader in information technology.

“And of course, no amount of philanthropy can replace effective government services, sensible regional planning, fairness in labor relations and thoughtful laws to guard against discrimination and protect the environment.”

Name an effective government service! The U.S. Postal Service? Medicare? Welfare? Effective government services is an oxymoron.

JOSEPH G. N. IORIO

Lake Forest, Calif.