W002.TXT

Extreme Wealth and Poverty

"We live in a world where the richest 20 percent of the population is 60 times richer than the poorest 20 percent. This is a world where 400 multimillionaires have more wealth than half the world's population.

Our leaders have to understand that the 21st century cannot survive with the ethics of the 20th century. We must all become less selfish less contentious, and find within our souls the necessary compassion for the poorest people on the planet."

Oscar Arias, The former president of Costa Rica and the winner of 1987 Nobel Peace Prize.

Newsweek, May 19, 1997, p58.