Success results in jobs, charity

Regarding “Absurd inequity is threatening U.S.” (Viewpoints, Saturday): So what? Bob Lord laments the fact that the rich are getting richer, at least in terms of inflated dollars, but offers no solutions or reasons as to why it’s a problem.

Billionaires like Bill Gates create wealth from nothing and generate thousands of jobs in the process. Successful entrepreneurs produce products or services that people want. Their success does not deprive the poor or middle class of a single dime.

The economic “pie” is not fixed. It’s constantly growing — creating a larger middle class in the process.

As my grandmother said, “The rich can’t take it with them.” Yes, they can live the good life — better than most — but in the end, they must give it up. Many set up charitable foundations like Gates and Warren Buffett. Others fund research and the building of libraries, hospital wings and college facilities. All of these charitable efforts get done more efficiently without government involvement.

I detect a tinge of envy and resentment in the column and an implication that we need some sort of “spread the wealth” scheme to make things right. Envy plants the seeds of self-destruction, and if you live a life desiring what others have, you can never be at peace or be happy. Let it go.

— Ernie Picard,

Christian school tells it like it is

I read with interest the article concerning the ad campaign by the Kentucky school encouraging their students to look beyond fantasy to achieve their goals (“Ads for Ky. girls school bash fairy-tale narrative,” Thursday).

It is funny that a Christian school would advise anyone to search for reality.

— Chris Altendorf,

— Joe Marsh,

Reagan advice seems thin today

Regarding “Obama needs to stop his Pinocchio ways, remember public is watching,” (Opinions, Monday): How ironic! The letter writer critical of President Barack Obama’s negotiation with Iran as being one-sided advocated using former President’s Ronald Reagan’s famous admonition, “Trust, but verify.”

Didn’t the illegal sale of missiles known as the Iran-Contra affair occur under Reagan’s watch?

Hmmm.