As we read Michael Chugani's article criticising the charitable giving of successful Hong Kong businessmen ('Charity begins at home: philanthropist or patriot?' November 18), we could not help but wonder if Mr Chugani had ever looked into the eyes of an impoverished child who, for the first time, was being offered the gift of learning.
We wondered if he had ever felt the sudden hope of a promising secondary student who without the means to attend college on her own learns that her tuition - and the tuition of thousands like her - has been paid, and that she will be able to earn a four-year degree from a prestigious university.
We wondered if Mr Chugani had ever held the hand of a terminally ill cancer patient, so poor that he was unable to afford even the most basic health care, while doctors alleviated his insufferable pain and provided critical therapy so he could continue to love and live with his family in a remote village.
Had Mr Chugani, we wondered, ever walked with an impoverished elderly couple, as they left their dusty fields and journeyed to a modern hospital to have their eye-sight restored and their hope renewed, all free of charge - as even the most nominal fee would have been cost- prohibitive?
All of these experiences came to mind as we tried to understand what would motivate such mean-spirited criticism, particularly directed towards Li Ka-shing, the philanthropist who has made these opportunities and millions just like them possible in the lives of people throughout the world.
Mr Chugani appears to be attempting to make the case that Mr Li's $100 million donation to support the 2008 Olympics is a self-serving gesture being made to distinguish himself as a patriot with Beijing - that somehow Mr Li should be questioned for taking pride in the Olympic activities coming to China, and for supporting our amateur athletes as they pursue their dreams and bring honour and aspiration to our nation.
Analytically and emotionally, his case falls apart - particularly for those of us who have been on the frontlines in Mr Li's global philanthropic endeavours. Supporting the 2008 Olympics and the athletes from all nations who will perform in Beijing by building them a swimming centre, is a noble activity in its own right. However, when that single gift is put in the context of the more than $5 billion that Mr Li has provided to worthy causes around the world, it becomes unassailable - to all but perhaps the most cynical journalist.