Population control neglected

Bill and Melinda Gates are indeed to be commended for committing $10 billion to the vaccination of children in the developing world. Every child who is born should have a reasonable chance of living a healthy and productive life. If, indeed, the lives of 8 million children will be saved over the next decade, that is wonderful.

But if the world’s population is already growing too fast, especially in the developing world, and if nothing else changes, the Gateses’ largess will serve to accelerate that already excessive growth. Wouldn’t it be better to apply $5 billion to simple and effective birth control, and the other $5 billion to improving the lives of children by vaccination? I understand that the Gateses have also supported family planning and for that, too, I commend them.

Paul Allison

Spokane Valley