Starvation in Africa

Re “In Niger, Hunger Hits Crisis Level,” Aug. 5

Our compassionate, conservative president used phony information about Niger selling yellowcake uranium to Iraq as part of his justification for the current war on the hapless Iraqi people.

Tens of thousands of malnourished children in Niger today face death from starvation. In March, an appeal to the world for $16 million in food aid for Niger resulted in $1 million in contributions. We are currently spending, conservatively, $4 billion a month in Iraq. That comes to about $133 million a day. Or about $5.5 million per hour. Therefore, devoting roughly two hours of Iraqi war spending could have possibly avoided the impending starvation epidemic in Niger. I guess preventing starvation in Africa doesn’t get you too many votes from America’s heartland.

BOB LENTZ

Sylmar