Greed

Kudos to Times editorial writer Ernest Conine for his very penetrating summary regarding the free-enterprise system and unfettered capitalism (“Milk of Human Kindness Hasn’t Borne a GOP Label,” Op-Ed Page, Oct. 27). As one who has a long background in working for private companies in the U.S. and abroad, in working for the federal Civil Service (and appreciating its many positive aspects), and now owning (successfully) my own business, I too have felt very strongly about recent years’ business world trends towards excessive greed and callousness.

Containment of excessive greed and callousness may well become the major problem for the political structure of nations which have achieved a sense of citizen rights and a restriction on the powers of government. I think there is no question that constructive greed, which in time results in an improved life for a free citizenry, is a very desirable element.

As Conine illuminates so well in his article, the problem is how to create and maintain through the complex of our society a deep and genuine sense of responsibility to not only ourselves and our immediate circle, but to the whole of our society.

His article has helped clarify some of my own muddy thoughts.

JOHN J. SOCHOR

Oxnard