Madam, - Rarely have I seen two contrasting views so well presented on any topic as those which appeared in your Letters page last Friday September 28th (US ambassador Thomas C Foley and Dr Edel McGinnity). As in all matters, there are pros and cons. I myself would uphold Dr McGinnity's opinion.
The views of our daughter, who has considerable experience in the US philanthropic model, are worth sharing. She believes the US system of philanthropy does not tend to promote equality or even social justice, because the wealthy get to decide who they give to, and how much.
Having said that, she agrees that a vibrant philanthropic sector is vital in societies with disparities like those in the US and Ireland.
Philanthropy can't take the place of good government. But many
philanthrophists do really good work and push innovative solutions
in a way that a bureaucratic and sluggish government system cannot.
- Yours, etc,
JOHN MARKHAM,
Church Lane,
Greystones,
Co. Wicklow.