Compassion for Africa

Re “Powell’s Visit Signals a New African Focus,” May 24: Can we hope that, as a consequence of Colin Powell’s trip to Africa, the Bush administration will support an increased commitment to reducing hunger and poverty there?

An alliance of faith-based organizations, including Bread for the World, has called for an additional $1 billion in aid and debt relief that would be used for education, health care, clean water, small-business development and other programs aimed at helping ordinary people, on a continent where one in three is chronically undernourished. Support of this initiative would be a sign that compassion is a reality and not just a slogan in Washington.

Paul C. Eklof

Costa Mesa