"The World Is Better Than It Has Ever Been"

Twenty years ago, I was staunchly a member of Team Steve, and thought that members of Team Bill were evil, wicked, dishonest, thieves, and greedy, self-centered monopolists.  Much to my surprise, Bill and Melinda Gates have established a foundation to address many of the world's most pressing problems, and, because they are not government operated, they have had tremendous success.  I am publicly congratulating Bill and Melinda for their work to make the world a better place, and for their "Giving Project."  This letter should be mandatory reading for every American, especially for those pessimists who think the world is getting worse all the time.  Read this and read P.J. O'Rourke's new book, The Baby Boom, and go to bed happy because you are living at a time when the world is better off than it's ever been.

Introduction to the Annual Letter of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:

"By almost any measure, the world is better than it has ever been. People are living longer, healthier lives. Many nations that were aid recipients are now self-sufficient. You might think that such striking progress would be widely celebrated, but in fact, Melinda and I are struck by how many people think the world is getting worse. The belief that the world can’t solve extreme poverty and disease isn’t just mistaken. It is harmful. That’s why in this year’s letter we take apart some of the myths that slow down the work. The next time you hear these myths, we hope you will do the same. 

- Bill Gates"

Read the entire letter