Private, corporate and foundation support for cultural institutions in our state enriches us all. I recently attended a performance of the N.C. Symphony and was pleased to note many sponsors. However, I would like an explanation for the generous contributions by Duke Medicine ($100,000-plus), Rex Healthcare ($25,000-$49,999), UNC Health Care System ($15,000-$24,999), WakeMed Health & Hospital ($15,000-$24,999), and Cape Fear Valley Medical Center ($5,000-$9,999).

With the challenges posed by the rising costs of health care, 17 percent of North Carolinians without health insurance, 20 percent of poor children without health insurance, intense pressure on Medicaid and Medicare and numerous other stresses on the health care system, what is the rationale for diverting scarce resources away from health care?

Lewis Margolis

Chapel Hill