re: indeed

I can understand that you are angry. That is a terrible thing to happen.

I think working towards medicos having to make full disclosure of risk is more beneficial than working against vaccination. Also putting an end to multiple vaccines is perhaps a better goal.

Regarding tax breaks: I claim tax relief for money donated to registered charities, and I make no apology for it. I don't see why anyone, including the very rich, should be criticized for it. As far as I am concerned, if suffering is alleviated and more importantly, people learn how to take responsibility for a healthier environment themselves, I do not mind that the service providers also benefit.

The government benefits by individuals supporting each other. People in need benefit by getting more help than would ever be raised by taxation. That is why the government offers tax incentives - its cheaper than providing services at an increased cost to the taxpayer.


Regarding performance goals, all aspects of these programs have performance goals and I see that as only positive. I would also be very surprised if evaluation of the performance of both parties is not a part of the process, ensuring accountability instead of graft.

I think there is more dignity in putting charity on a business basis than on pouring money down a black hole. The Gates Foundation gives money to people who can and want to help themselves rather that the model that traditional charities take. They move in and overide what communities want, often destroying what was there because of a lack of consultation and providing useless band aid relief. they then move out and tut tut over people who cannot sustain the inappropriate aid provided. I remember a debacle where isolated African communities were provided with tractors. Wonderful. But there were no mechanics, no spare parts and no way to access them anyway. The new agriculture fell apart, and the old systems had been dismantled. People starved. The Gates foundation model may not be perfect and I am sure mistakes have been made, but it makes sense. I think the real objection people have to Gates is that he is on spectrum and doesn't waste time with waffly social niceties. He just does his job and expects everyone else to do it as well.