It is inspiring to see the response to the tragic consequences of the tsunami disaster. Pledges of support of more than $4 billion have already been made by countries and individuals around the world.

President Bush has asked that government buildings fly the flag at half-mast in memory of the innocent people hurt by this tragedy.

I would ask that readers also remember that there is tremendous suffering in the world every day by those less fortunate than us. An estimated 36,000 to 40,000 innocent children die every day as a result of starvation and preventable disease. These are problems that we know how to solve, but for some reason we lack the resolve to accomplish the task.

Maybe we should continue to fly our flags at half-mast until the tremendous suffering by children in developing countries is reduced or eliminated.

Readers should consider supporting some of the fine organizations that combat childhood deaths worldwide. If we are serious about this issue as a nation, we should reduce military spending and increase humanitarian support to others.

Frank John

Brooklin