Advice From Nader to Gates Is Cheap

To the Editor:

It is commendable that Ralph Nader wants to encourage America’s billionaires to address the needs of the less fortunate (“Billionaires Weigh Plea From Nader,” August 13). I have a suggestion, however.

Mr. Nader should invest his life savings in a business opportunity that he hopes will be enormously successful. There is no guarantee, of course, and he could lose everything and end up impoverished himself. This is identical to the risk taken by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and nearly every other billionaire in the world.

If Mr. Nader succeeds in his venture, he will then have earned the right to do whatever he wishes with his fortune, just as Mr. Gates has done. And regardless of Mr. Nader’s decision, I personally promise not to bad-mouth him or smear his name in the media.

Richard Potter
Kansas City, Mo.