Letters: Jan. 29, 2007

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"How Business Saw the Light" [Jan. 15] stated, "2006 was the year corporations began acting as if their existence--like the rest of the planet's--was tied to the environment," but failed to mention the obvious motivator, rising oil prices. The article complained that "the Federal Government dragged its feet on alternative energy" without recognizing that taxpayers should be grateful, since venture capitalists are pouring billions into green technologies. Free markets work. Low-priced oil increases greenhouse gases; high-priced oil leads to economically viable alternatives. We tilt at windmills when we ignore this simple economic fact.

HOWARD SIERER St. Julians, Malta

I am perplexed by why the U.S. continues to lag in energy innovation. Energy conservation seems so fundamental, and our energy dependence on foreign countries is considered a national security issue. Nevertheless, many Americans believe we have an endless supply of oil, gas and coal. Thankfully, businesses are starting to realize that energy efficiency and conservation are crucial to their survival in the marketplace. We must get past the political squabbling about protecting the environment; it happens to be the right thing to do, as we try to be good stewards of what God has given us.

RANDY RIDDELL Killen, Ala.

Funds to Fight Malaria

RE "The $10 Solution" [Jan. 15]: Jeffrey D. Sachs proposed that people in the high-income world pay $3 per year--which would amount to $3 billion total--to prevent malaria in Africa because "this is an amount that is too large for Africa but truly tiny for the rich world." But you and I have already paid this amount over a hundredfold through our tax money, which has been given as relief and aid to corrupt African leaders who have salted it away. Shouldn't our governments seize those stolen funds and then give them to the people who would benefit? How can our leaders sit by knowing all along that the donations are very often not reaching the targeted people? The public does not realize where so much of its taxes have gone, with no accountability whatsoever.

LEE W. ROM Johannesburg

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