World Poverty and Corrupt Regimes

Re “Gates Sends a Message: A Wired World Can’t End Poverty,” by Robert Scheer, Commentary, Nov. 7: Yes, it is sad when someone is poor, but when the suggested solution is more U.S. government aid to foreign countries, Bill Gates has a short memory. He asks, “Do people have a clear idea of what it is to live on $1 a day?” My question to Gates would be, “What do you tell the parents of Marines killed in Somalia whose bodies were dragged through the streets?” As noble as our intentions were, the place was so corrupt, the aid went to the hands of a few warlords.

We must stop supporting corrupt regimes. We must lead by example and show the world that the free market generates the greatest good for the greatest number of people. When a country gets “wired” and sees the benefits of freedom, a Chinese student can find the courage to stand up to a tank.

MARK A. OVERTURF

Reseda

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It appears that Gates is focusing on the survival issues plaguing the developing nations. More than 10% of Americans faced hunger in 1999, including 12 million children. Private charities alone can’t address this problem. The presidential campaign paid little attention to the meager federal expenditures that fail to provide an adequate safety net for those people who are so poor as to be hungry.

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger was founded 15 years ago. Since that time, we have been able to grant more than $23 million to carefully selected nonprofit agencies both here and abroad. Those agencies use their expertise to provide direct food assistance and services, training and/or the education and advocacy that address the root causes of hunger.

Perhaps the endorsement of the leader of the new economy will raise awareness of the scandal of hunger in a land of plenty. We welcome Gates’ involvement in the effort to bring help and hope to hungry people everywhere.

SUSAN CRAMER, Exec. Dir.

MAZON, Los Angeles