We Should Give Ted Turner the Credit He’s Due

To the Editor:

Your recent article on Ted Turner (“Ted Turner’s Headline Pledge,” October 2) pointed out the pettiness of some within our ranks by their pointing out the possibility that he might not fulfill his pledge (“If Ted Turner fulfills . . .”), questioning his motives (” . . . Mr. Turner could come out ahead by making the gift . . .”), and conveying the overall sense that, because this is Ted Turner instead of a “proper” old New England philanthropist, the money or motive is somehow tainted.

We are discussing a man who was laughed at when he decided to broadcast — by satellite — reruns of 1960s television shows on WTBS, was the object of ridicule when he announced CNN, was written off as nothing more than a gambler about to run out of luck when he bought the film library of MGM, and was deplored by the pretentious yacht-club set when he attempted (and won) the America’s Cup.

Every step of the way, we’ve been told he was about to crash and burn.

I’m sorry, but $1-billion is still $1-billion, and if Mr. Turner needs a desk and telephone from which to call other rich people so as to increase their giving, I’ve got one that can be made available.

Mike Reilly
Director of Capital Campaigns
KETC
St. Louis

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To the Editor:

I share Henry Goldstein’s opinion that Ted Turner’s gift is an important first step in a needed effort to rekindle America’s international commitment — not just in philanthropic giving but more generally in acknowledging our responsibilities and opportunities as members of the world community (“Turner Supplies Needed Boost to Overseas Giving,” Opinion, October 30).

Some of the most vocal critics of Mr. Turner’s gift have complained that by giving to support U.N. causes, he forgets his hometown. This is misguided and ignores the growing reality that each of our hometowns is caught in a web of globalization in which actions globally affect all of us locally.

Mr. Turner’s gift addresses a small number of global challenges, such as climate change, that are among the defining issues of our era — issues that not only have global reach but very local ramifications, even for Atlanta. Like the Chicagoans who died in the summer heat wave of 1995 because they couldn’t afford air conditioning, it will be the less fortunate of Atlanta who will suffer first and most in that city as the climate warms and heat waves become more frequent.

The seductive, easy path for philanthropists is to give to hometown charities, if for no other reason than that it reduces the number of awkward times that you have to say “no” to your daily contacts. Mr. Turner should be commended for his gift and for his efforts to engage the American public in thinking about the responsibilities and opportunities facing the United States in this age of globalization. Other foundations and individual philanthropists should be challenged to put their focus on a similarly bold objective.

J. P. Myers
Director
W. Alton Jones Foundation
Charlottesville, Va.