Spending by Both Rich and Poor Provides Jobs

Regan DuCasse (letter, Dec. 4) asks, “Do the poor provide jobs, as the rich do?” The answer is yes. Most certainly! Every time people, rich or poor, walk into a store and buy a product, they are helping to provide jobs. When they go to a movie, buy dinner at McDonald’s, clothes at Wal-Mart, dog food at 7-Eleven ... they are providing employment. Employment for workers. For shippers. For the wholesaler and retailer. For clerks and accountants and janitors and, yes, for chief executives as well. The poor may not spend much. But unlike the rich with their 401(k)s and IRAs and T-bills, they spend nearly every dime they make.

Contrary to popular belief, money does not trickle down. It trickles up. As long as the so-called poor have an opportunity to earn a living, the rich need not worry where their own money comes from. America was never in better shape than in the 20 years after World War II when simple jobs paid decent wages. More homes were sold, more cars were bought and more mothers got to stay at home with their kids. And funny, the rich seemed to be doing OK despite 75% income taxes.

Robert A. Fruge

Cathedral City