Nader’s Latest Crusade Is ‘Over the Edge’

To the Editor:

I agree often with Ralph Nader, but on the issue of philanthropic accountability for family foundations (“Ralph Nader’s Quiet Crusade,” November 5), I think he’s gone over the edge with his holier-than-thouness.

Good for him that he claims to be able to live on $30,000 a year — and that he takes no compensation from the many non-profits he has established. Where is it written that philanthropy — on either side, giving or getting — has to be noble to the point of poverty, and who is he to determine how much any foundation official can earn? Since when does the American system of democracy deny anyone the right to earn as much as possible?

Without philanthropy, where would we be? The thousands of seniors, children, and cancer survivors in whose behalf I raise money in Seattle would be a darn sight worse off than they are now. In a million years I would not criticize the officials of family foundations who take a livable wage for their work. The money they make available to charities is there only by way of a generosity of spirit that makes miracles possible in this world.

Mr. Nader knows full well that the nearly 700,000 non-profits in this country gain support from family foundations because they have worked hard to establish relationships with people involved with, or close to, the decision makers. To be sure, this is really a horrible way to survive, since we’re all always worried about where the next grant is coming from and how we’re going to continue providing services.

But the fact is, grants generally are dispersed when there is a modicum of trust in the grantee, and having the recommendation of a friend and colleague goes a long way toward insuring that the gift will be well-placed.

I’m all for ethical and responsible behavior and well aware that abuses occur. (You should have heard me screaming about the Aramony abuse and the recent decision to further reward his criminal behavior.) But it would not be in the democratic spirit to legislate how foundations should behave.

Trust me, Mr. Nader, I’m a cynic’s cynic. But, in this case, you’re in a position to do serious harm to the safety net.

Holly M. Redell
Seattle