Swanky gala masks the grim realities

“IF you’re a political junkie” -- especially one from Hollywood -- “this was almost as good as Oscar night,” wrote Tina Daunt about the party in New York where guests doled out $15,000 apiece to attend Bill Clinton’s Global Aid Initiative and mix with some of the world’s most rich and powerful [“A Soiree With a Serious Agenda,” Sept. 22]. There is a chasm as deep and as wide as the Pacific Ocean between that party and the grim reality of millions living in wretched conditions.

True, it was a feel-good event that raised funds to help the distressed of the world. Let me caution, however, based on my global travels, there isn’t much to feel good about once you are aware of the enormity of human suffering that exists on our planet -- no matter the size of your check.

JIM HUBBARD

Venice