Charity Begins at Home

As a person living with AIDS, I applaud Bill Gates for his $100-million donation to fight AIDS on a global scale (June 20). Also, President Bush deserves credit for committing $200 million to this end. However, I strongly believe we should take care of our own before we save the world. There are people with AIDS in this country who cannot afford medications, basic medical care or housing. Beside s, what happened to drug benefits for Medicare recipients?

Dean Riner

Laguna Beach