On a Guilt Trip

In his Dec. 9 letter (Letters, “Giving Is Better”) suggesting that people forgo luxury hotels in favor of “helping a poor family or a child in need,” Roger Newell is trying to induce the familiar altruistic guilt trip.

If his ethics of self-sacrifice were practiced consistently, there would be no recreational travel because one can always find someone less fortunate who needs whatever money we spend on our own pleasure. But isn’t a main purpose of earning money to enjoy your life?

MICHAEL S. BERLINER

West Los Angeles