The people hold the purse strings

Re “Want peace, love and understanding? Pony up,” Opinion, April 13

I agree that the government is overspending on the defense budget and underspending on more effective ways to bring peace and stability to the world. Why are we fueling what looks to be an unending war when we could spend a fraction of it on helping people struggling with extreme poverty, people living on less than $1 a day? What people don’t realize is that, by helping the poor, we create stability and promote democracy in Third World countries without shedding any blood.

JACKIE STEINLE

Loganville, Ga.

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We can’t completely blame the politicians for this shortage of investment in the vital needs of the world. We, concerned constituents, must ensure our representatives know that we understand the humanity and necessity of such investments. I am a volunteer with a group called RESULTS, a citizens’ lobby that works to end hunger and poverty. If we, the people of America, truly support investing in the extreme poor to create markets, discourage terrorists and demonstrate our humanity, we must make sure our politicians manifest our support through legislation.

MISTY NOVITCH

Dunwoody, Ga.