Letters to the Editor: 01.16.97

The Answer

Kew Gardens

January 10, 1997

Dear Helen:

Looks like I'm numero uno once again! I have taken up the Alec Baldwin challenge (letters, East Hampton Star, Jan. 9) and daftly (sic) unscrambled the identity of "Bric Upstult." Yes, good readers, the answer is "Pubic Rust"! (Oops, sorry, Alec, must've mislaid an "l" and a "t" somewhere along the boat ride on the bay.)

Cheers and sokolom,

DONALD MARKS

Power, Profit, Greed

Sag Harbor

January 10, 1997

To The Editor,

Former President Ronald Reagan said it and really meant it: "Let's run government like big business. It would become more efficient."

Now, big business runs government and our lives, too. Corporate heads sit down with our Representatives and help legislate whatever they need or desire on our behalf. How ludicrous and how profitable.

In 1996, campaign spending reached a record high: $600 million. Lobbyists had a free-for-all. Favors of every stripe. For ordinary people we call it bribery and send them to prison. Inside the Beltway, it's known as immunity, immunity from prosecution. On the Presidential level, anything goes. And we have the gall to call people on welfare cheaters. How ludicrous! "The policies of the powerful, the scourge of the helpless."

Why are we so shocked and surprised? This is capitalism at its very best, a system of economics based on power, profit, and greed. Once considered our sacred cow, now exposed as nothing more than idolatry - the god of money - its very symbol ($) the dollar sign. Now we pay the price.

LARRY DARCEY

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