Capitalism 2.0

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I am glad that people like Bono and Bill Gates are endorsing the practice of spreading corporate profits among the world's disadvantaged and helping convince the business élite that it is in their interest to care about the world's less fortunate [Aug. 11]. Both individuals have used their influence to do great things. But let's not forget that our elected representatives must be the ones held responsible for protecting the poor. Since the government must set a minimum wage for justice's sake, perhaps it can set maximums for corporate profits or individual salaries and offer incentives for the rich to give back.
Ralph Scheidler, FORT FAIRFIELD, MAINE, U.S.

Gates' article made me want to stand up and cheer. As he phrased it, "There are two great forces of human nature: self-interest and caring for others." By using his own wealth and influence to respond to world poverty in a meaningful way, Gates exemplifies the latter force. His initiatives (sharing technology, providing small-business loans, eradicating preventable diseases) make measurable differences.
Rebecca E. Hight, PENNEY FARMS, FLA., U.S.

I applaud the Andrew Carnegie type of philanthropic work that Gates is trying to accomplish — not only with his resources but also with the resources of any major corporation. Corporations that adopt his ideas might find a win-win situation for everyone involved. I would support businesses that adopt this philosophy.
Jeff Heinz, HOUSTON

While Gates does a fine job outlining his creative-capitalism initiative, his exclusive focus on developing nations at the expense of his own is a tremendous oversight. Corporations in developed countries certainly should feel socially responsible for those in developing ones. But if they ever want to be taken seriously as agents of social change, they need to consider their own nation's economy as well. Gates is incorrect to brush over the U.S.'s economic woes so lightly, especially when creative capitalism could solve some problems like our oft-neglected poverty. Only when America proves that capitalism can cure social ills within its borders should it start looking to prove so abroad.
Regina Tavani, NASHUA, N.H., U.S.

Gratit-E.U.-de
Europe's frustration with creating a binding narrative reminds me of another group of diverse people who couldn't agree on much — Canadians [Aug. 11]. Much like the E.U., Canada has constituents who pull it in different directions, wary of quick action or consolidation by any one group. I believe the heart of Canadian goodness can be found in the checks and balances that result from this interplay. I would encourage the E.U. to appreciate what it has — a collection of peacefully co-existing cultures possessing a collective voice with which to speak to the world.
Jeff Faris, WATERLOO, ONT., CANADA

Star Quality
Saying Barack Obama's celebrity is a reason he would not make a good President is like saying, "Sure, Tiger Woods is a celebrity, but can he play golf?" [Aug. 11]. Woods is a celebrity because he is good at what he does: golf. Obama is a celebrity because he is good at politics. Period.
Ignacio Acosta, ARLINGTON, TEXAS, U.S.

The point of Ramesh Ponnuru's commentary seems to be that Obama benefits from "plain old liberal bias" while John McCain suffers from it. But the claim that the mainstream media are "smitten with Obama" wasn't reflected in a recent analysis by George Mason University's Center for Media and Public Affairs, which found that on the three major TV networks, coverage of Obama during the first six weeks of the general election was 72% negative and only 28% positive. McCain's coverage, by contrast, was 57% negative and 43% positive.
Jessica G. Gugino, 
AYER, MASS., U.S.

Let the Games Begin
I'd like to thank Alice Park and the folks at TIME for the article on Dara Torres [Aug. 4]. As a 40-year-old father of three young ones, I have long taken pride in my training and strength. I invested a lot of time in trail-running and martial arts. However, this past November I underwent neurosurgery to remove a tumor from my spinal cord. I now need a cane to walk and have lost dexterity in my right arm. Not only will women be cheering for Dara, but us "older" guys will be stomping our canes for her as well.
Robert Zuni, MARTINEZ, CALIF., U.S.

If Torres tests positive for steroid 
use, then certainly, let's all be disappointed and heap derision on her. For now, may we please celebrate her focus, competitive spirit, discipline and willpower?
Nancy Johnson, AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.

I recognize that your magazine caters largely to a U.S. audience, but the over-representation of U.S. athletes in "100 Olympic Athletes to Watch" may mean that some readers do not focus on athletes from other countries who have fascinating stories.
Richard Barrett, HONOLULU

Beijing's Obstacle Course
In "The Olympic Challenge," Pico Iyer insinuates that the world will regret awarding China the 2008 Olympics as it did with the 1936 Games in Berlin [Aug. 4]. Why even mention that established architect Albert Speer, the son of Hitler's architect, contributed to the design of the event? China is not without indiscretions, but to equate the country with the Nazi regime is reprehensibly unjust.
Winston Wang, PRINCETON, N.J., U.S.

The Diplomacy Gap
Massimo Calabresi's article reads like a State Department press release [Aug. 11]. How is it that when the White House declares a "diplomacy surge," this message is dutifully repeated in the mainstream press yet when Iranian President Mohammed Khatami offered to negotiate all outstanding issues with the U.S. in 2003, the press ignored Iran's diplomatic gestures?
Timothy Eddy, PITTSFIELD, MASS., U.S.