Bill Gates recently said, “Not everyone can go into the field or donate. But every one of us can be an advocate for people whose voices are not heard.”
Ditto to what he said.
Watch Gates’s annual letter (below). This modality for telling stories is delicious and the message here is simple yet full of heart. However, like most things in life, it is not without controversy or a difference of opinion. As reported today in The New York Times, some feel Gates is off target.
I got a boost of energy listening to Gates today. It’s good to hear about progress. And even better to feel hope in the war-torn-rioting world in which we live.
Mr Gates describes efforts needed to complete polio eradication around the globe. He also points out the value of 36 (18+18) cents. Most vaccines are cheap. And although you can’t protect a child from measles for 36 cents in the United States (think co-payments and/or administrative fees), you can elsewhere. Particularly when Bill and Melinda Gates are picking up the tab.
I love to witness those with big dreams and lofty goals; it’s how and why our world progresses.
This video is worth the 4 minutes it takes to view. Both for its message and for the enjoyment that comes in watching the pictures unfold.
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StumptownMom says
I love these videos – so fun to watch!
Bill Gates was on Talk of the Nation earlier this afternoon talking about this very topic. Very interesting. You can listen online:
https://www.npr.org/2011/01/31/133377748/bill-gates-goal-get-rid-of-polio-forever
Julia says
I am so impressed with the Gates family and what they are chosing to do to help make the world a better place. For years now I have followed what William Gates Sr. has to say on taxes and fair distribution of wealth. And I find the work that Bill and Melinda Gates do with their Gates Foundation inspiring.
I read the NY Times article you linked to and all I can say is “sour grapes”. There is no reason why Bill Gates Jr. is required to give away his money for *any* cause. He could just as well pay huge taxes and not have any foundations at all. But that he has chosen to eradicate polio is wonderful in my opinion. I think it is petty to say that he should’ve chosen a better disease to conquer or that he’s foolish to think it can be eradicated. I’m amazed that anyone would insult someone for putting billions of dollars into a cause that they think will bring quality of life to others. I continue to be inspired by the Gates Foundation despite what cynics say.
Kathy says
I too admire and appreciate the Gates family and their efforts. And what an awesome video!
On this note of vaccines, I wanted to mention a great story on The Diane Rehm Show on NPR I heard this morning. Perhaps more press like this will help change the hearts and minds of those who cannot “believe” the science about vaccines:
https://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-02-02/vaccines-and-autism-story-medicine-science-and-fear