Kudos to columnist

I wish to acknowledge a talented journalist whose column appears in the Jewish Light the first edition of each month — Eric Mink. In the interest of full disclosure, allow me to say that I’ve been corresponding with Eric over the past many years although I’ve never met him.

Although he is a liberal Democrat, and I’m a conservative Independent, I’m amazed by our common ground on many issues. Our discussions have been predicated upon civility and respect, a rarity in today’s environment of political partisanship. 

I hope Eric’s columns continue to be a staple in the Jewish Light for many, many, more years to come.

Gene Carton, Olivette

Foreign assistance is worth the investment 

A statement issued by American Jewish World Service’s Director of Affairs Rori Kramer denounced President Donald Trump’s proposed foreign aid budget cuts, charging that they “would harm the world’s most vulnerable people by further reducing important aid and development programs.” I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Trump’s proposed budget would reduce foreign assistance accounts by 24 percent in FY2020. Such programs account for less than 1 percent of the federal budget, yet achieve tremendous results. 

Global AIDS programs are on Trump’s chopping block, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was created in the administration of President George W. Bush and has done much to halt the spread of this disease, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, a partnership which has saved 27 million lives since its inception in 2002. Fortunately, these programs enjoy bipartisan support. 

For example, Rep. Ann Wagner from Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District recently signed a letter circulated by Congresswoman Barbara Lee from California advocating continued robust funding for the Global Fund. It is critical that all in Missouri’s Congressional delegation speak out in defense of foreign assistance programs, which save millions of lives, promote global stability and represent the best of America’s values.

Greg Campbell, Creve Coeur 

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