Many resent privilege, and the advantages it grants

Commentary writer Michael Medved’s piece “Romney and the wealth gap” was very close to being spot on ( The Forum, Wednesday).

As a retired economics professor, I have seldom heard of anyone who begrudges self- made individuals. However, what no rational person can or should buy is privilege.

Medved’s statement that we cheerfully forgave FDR and JFK implied that they were not the beneficiaries of stupendous privilege. Better examples would have been Harry Truman, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, who were self- made men.

I have often taught that JFK and I had an equal right to run the race toward success, the only difference is that JFK started his race a yard from the finish line while I started 99 yards away. We had the equal right to run, just never the same chance to win. That, at the bottom line, is what upsets most of us.

A carrot on a stick can motivate us only until we die of starvation. Bill Chapman Columbia, Mo.

Romney a poor example

In Michael Medved’s piece, he asserts that the American people have no issue with the wealthy, especially if an individual came from humble beginnings and worked his way up through the ranks to attain lofty status and power. I agree. But that is not the case with Mitt Romney.

Romney grew up as the privileged son of George Romney, millionaire CEO of American Motors Corp. and governor of Michigan. As a consequence, he was handed almost everything throughout his life. His time in business involved, with some exceptions such as Staples, destroying companies and laying off employees. In many ways, he is like George W. Bush, another Republican handed the world by his rich and powerful father. Conversely, Presidents Obama and Clinton came from poor families and worked hard to attain the highest position in the country.

Though it is most certainly true that the American people respect those who have worked hard to make their money, pointing to Romney as an example is rather absurd. Jeff Clauser

Chicago

Look at true character

Don’t people always say, “Actions speak louder than words”? If that is the case, how can anyone compare Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, calling one moderate and the other conservative? There is a big difference between claiming to be a conservative and being one.

If I judge two men by their actions to find the true conservative, I’m choosing the one who has been married to the same woman, through sickness and health, for more than 40 years; the one whohas raised five polite and successful sons; the one who is a fantastic family man with impeccable morals. Romney is above reproach when it comes to the way he has lived his life.

Note to Gingrich: Please stop saying Mitt Romney is not conservative.

Note to those who listen to Gingrich: Please stop believing it and let the former House speaker’s lifestyle be your guide.

It only makes common sense, and we could use a lot more of that these days! Karen M. Cook

Urbana, Ohio

By Stephen Maturen, Getty Images Romney: Campaigning in Eagan, Minn., on Wednesday.