O’Leary’s Travel

Re “O’Leary Goes in Style, You Pay,” editorial, Dec. 12:

So, Energy Secretary Hazel O’Leary took 44 business executives to India in a leased jet. The American companies probably wouldn’t have gotten the valuable contracts had she not done so. Those contracts bring in tax dollars. A lot of them. From your editorial, it’s clear that you believe the government’s only legitimate duty is to impede business. Grow up. Someone has to earn the money for your oversimplistic, counterproductive social programs.

Had the corporations paid for the leased plane, you would have accused O’Leary of “being on the take.”

BILL SERANTONI

Thousand Oaks

* O’Leary represents all that is wasteful about American bureaucracy. Having come into government service from the private sector, she has brought with her the attitude of “I’m the head; I’ll do what I please.” This kind of arrogance is shown by her numerous flight upgrades, long stays in four-star hotels, and huge traveling entourages. In fact, it appears that the only thing she hasn’t done is hire psychics as consultants.

I bring up the Pentagon psychic fiasco for a different reason: Although O’Leary is obviously out of line, her excesses cannot be the only ones in Washington. Hopefully, there will be an extensive review of her expenses, she’ll be hung out to dry and other O’Learys in Washington will take notice and stop charging room service to us taxpayers.

MASON STOCKSTILL

Irvine