This year, Bill and Melinda Gates are doing something a little different with their annual letter . They are answering what they call some of the "toughest questions" from their foundation's critics. On the list: Is it fair that you have the influence you do? Why don't you give more to the United States? Why do you give your money away? Since its inception, the Gates Foundation has given $41.3 billion in grants, including a grant to NPR. After the letter was published on Tuesday, Bill Gates joined Ari Shapiro of NPR's All Things Considered to answer a few more tough questions. These responses have been condensed and edited. Ari Shapiro: You have greater spending power than many countries. Unlike a government, you don't have checks and balances or the same level of transparency. How do you respond to that criticism? Bill Gates: We're fascinated to know what alternate priorities are being suggested. We want to make sure we're being smart about which things we pick. In health, we look at
↧