Hard Up for Definition of Need

What’s wrong with this picture? A family of five with an income of less than $73,550 needs assistance in buying a home, and they have a cellular phone? (“Lucky Few Draw to a Full House,” June 23). Am I the only crazy one or what?

Assistance should go to people who need it, not who have enough disposable income for a frill. That $40 a month (minimum cost counting air time) invested over 10 years at 6% (reasonable return on a mutual fund) would be about $6,500. What else are they wasting money on? Want to bet they have cable TV and carry-overs on credit cards?

KATE RANDALL REEVES

Fullerton