Letter: There’s more to being rich than money

Thursday, July 27, 2006 | 7:39 a.m.

In reference to Rich Simpson's July 25 letter, which was headlined, "Wealthy people have earned their wares," I'd like to expand upon that sentiment. It seems since Biblical times the less fortunate have assailed those who have more money than they.

We live in the richest country in the world, with more millionaires than any other nation. In fact, our economy and laws are such that everyone has the opportunity to create their own destiny.

It is the rich, not the poor, who keep our economy going, who provide jobs and who pay for the social services (through taxes, charitable gifts and volunteerism). It is the rich who provide us with leadership. Do you really want someone in office who can't even balance their own budget?

While everyone has the opportunity to become rich through their own efforts, it does require extreme effort and risk. But for some, it is easier to just sit back and collect a free check while others take the chances to become great.

That's not to say that every welfare recipient doesn't deserve a break. What concerns me are the chronic recipients who refuse to work. There are good and bad in every segment of society. There are people who abuse our welfare system and rich people who abuse their status. But simply being rich deserves condemnation no more than being down on your luck deserves ridicule.

I don't understand why people blame their woes on the rich. If asked if they would like to be rich, they enthusiastically answer, "Yes." For those who say it takes opportunity, I say opportunities are made. Don't blame the rich just because they have what you want. The only alternative is communism, which has been shown not to work. Without the rich, our society would collapse.

Dan Heffley, Las Vegas