Ted Turner

I cannot remember a time that I have been so excited and moved as when I learned of Ted Turner’s large donation to the United Nations (Sept. 20). To the best of my recollection, at age 53, I cannot recall an extremely wealthy person putting such a large sum of money where his mouth is, especially in the name of world peace and compassion.

I would like to challenge the wealthy of the world to contribute in like manner to causes that promote human growth, tolerance and understanding (whatever the organization may be). People like Rupert Murdoch and Bill Gates could really make a difference, as Turner has done.

I have been a political cynic all my adult life. Generous acts like this may make the glass of life look half full. In the words of Tiny Tim, God bless us every one!

JOHN PRINCE

Long Beach

* I wonder why Turner decided to donate $1 billion to the U.N. rather than worthy charities here in the U.S. (Imagine all of the private schools he could have built in the inner cities, for example.) It is frightening to me that a savvy businessman like Turner does not realize that the U.N. is composed of the most wasteful, corrupt and anti-American bureaucracies. Even more frightening is if he does realize this.

RANDY DEBBER

Santa Monica

* There must be something terribly wrong with a country where Turner can make a billion dollars in nine months and yet millions of American children are homeless and hungry.

MARJORIE SCHWARTZ

Los Angeles