Aaron Feuerstein

Good health and a long life to Aaron Feuerstein, owner of the recently fire-gutted Malden Mills of Methuen, Mass., for his broad social and economic vision (Dec. 19)!

Here is an entrepreneur who is apparently motivated in his actions by something more than the proverbial “bottom line.” What a rarity is this “boss” in a business world dominated by mean-spirited runaways ever ready to relocatem upholstery factory of 70 workers for a family business founded by my grandfather here in Los Angeles in 1912. I did this for approximately 17 years, until last year. I know that an owner-manager must walk the fine line between what is best for the business and what is best for those employed by the business. Ultimately, it always felt appropriate and correct to help those whose daily efforts provided the lifeblood of the business. For it is the human relationships and the human efforts which provide the basis of the business.

Feuerstein is a living example of the fact that there does exist heroism and generosity of spirit which may provide hope for white collar and blue collar alike; for people of any color or background; for humankind in general. True success is measured, in the last analysis, by our deeds, those we have touched and how we have lived our lives.

MICHAEL I. RUDIN

Los Angeles

* Thanks for the lovely article on the Massachusetts angel: Feuerstein. Imagine what our world would be like if we had more people with his spirit of community and brotherhood!

JOYCE WISWELL