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Baltimore reflects all the problems of urban America: high rates of AIDS, addiction and welfare. According to city officials, 85% of the city's crime is drug related. The industrial base has eroded, taking blue-collar jobs with it and depleting the tax base. "We want to engage OSI in social-capital projects to rebuild the center," says Lee Tawney of the mayor's office.
If Soros were to run a campaign for public office, his opponent might characterize him as pro drugs, pro crime and even pro death. Being pro algebra would not get him elected. Soros chuckles at the level of vitriol he has attracted while addressing issues and widening debates he believes are vitally important to the country's future. He is, as he says, "grateful for the abuse," a sure sign he is having an influence.
Sitting in his New York office, absentmindedly playing with a small stuffed animal, he tries to sum up his resolve. "Once you have survived a life-threatening experience, everything pales after that. But I think integrating the different strands of my character, combining business success with philanthropy, and with reflection, gives me tremendous satisfaction."
And as long as he is willing to back his principles with cash, he can continue to be influential. He is not likely to run out of cash soon and has taken out a 20-year lease on new offices. Soros plans to indulge what he calls his "messianic tendencies" for a long time to come. There are very few billionaires who yearn to change the world for the better. Soros does. On the basis of his record so far, he will do much more good than harm.