From the Readers

Punish the corrupt first

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-28 07:49

Comment on "Tycoon donates entire fortune, worth $1.2b" (China Daily, April 23)

I hope the philanthropist's action will have the shock impact on some unqualified politicians, rather than on other tycoons only. Businessmen can possess more property than ordinary people but they have to earn the money legally. Donation is an individual action. It can be encouraged, but should never be made compulsory.

The philanthropist who donated almost his entire fortune to charity is worthy of praise. On the contrary, some officials always occupy public property and take advantage of public resources to fulfill personal needs. Instead of helping the public to become rich through lawful means, some of them abuse their power to acquire wealth for themselves. They have thus become obstacles on our road to social progress.

Instead of urging other tycoons to donate money, authorities should first punish these corrupt officials.

Freeman, on China Daily website

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(China Daily 04/28/2010 page9)