Dear Editor:
The article on the Palestinian economy ("The Alternative to
Aid," March 2006) got it half right. International aid programs, which
have largely taken the form of handouts, have been a waste of money. Why should
the Palestinians of Gaza work (and why be pragmatic?) when food and shelter are
provided by well-intentioned, international donors? But the solution is not
likely to be targeted investment in basic economic infrastructure. Palestinian
militants (who now hold the reins of power) are more interested in permanent
conflict than the stable conditions that are a prerequisite for sound economic
investment.
 What the Palestinians really need is a wake-up call in the form
of a complete and long-term cutoff of all international aid. Moderate voices
will only gain ascendancy when the vast majority of Palestinians reach the
conclusion that they will need to compromise their maximalist aspirations in
favor of the opportunity to reap the benefits of a real economy in the here and
now.
Randall J. Levitt
Rockville, Md.
Dear Editor:
In regard to "The Alternative to Aid," the described
alternative to the current simple handouts to the Palestinians–instead urging
investment by Western nations and corporations in the economy of the Palestinian
Authority–would only result in money down a sinkhole and a source of funds for
the new Hamas-led government.
Money is fungible, and the so-called investments under the
aegis of Hamas will serve to fund the terrorist actions of Hamas and not
development, as shown by the billions that are already down the rat hole in the
Palestinian-controlled territories.
Nelson Marans
Silver Spring, Md.
Credence to Credentials
Dear Editor:
"Insurance Conundrum" (February 2006) is a good
little story, except that I highly recommend that in the future, you seek the
counsel or input from individuals with appropriate and respected life insurance
credentials. Worth should
query experts who have at least the following credentials:
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), a designation awarded by the American College, out of Bryn Mawr, Pa.,
since 1927. This is the premier designation for life underwriters.
Many advisors–some credentialed, some not–can play a part. I
admit that I considered myself a good agent for 13 years before I acquired my
first designation. That said, the above credentials are a must for those
providing insurance advice. Although anyone can have an opinion for a solution,
only those who are credentialed have dedicated their professional lives to the
advancement of knowledge for the benefit of the consumer. For legal advice we go
to attorneys. For tax advice we go to the CPA. For life insurance and financial
planning, CLU and CFP are where you start.
John Signorotti
Sacramento
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