Family Fortunes and Family Interests

Re “Estimate of Heinz Fortune Doubled,” June 27: If the Kerrys have vast wealth spread through every part of the economy, it’s hard to see how that “will likely raise questions about conflicts of interest” for U.S. Sen. John Kerry more than with any other elected official. Anything that’s good for the country will similarly benefit some portion of their portfolio. Diversification works well since everyone’s interests are aligned.

On the other hand, if the Cheneys’ wealth is Halliburton-centered, or the unspecified “Bush family assets, managed by former President George H.W. Bush,” had a preponderance of investments in oil, it’s easy to see how conflicts might arise.

Joshua Livingston

Pacific Palisades

With the number of newsworthy stories generated around the globe amid a climate of war and unrest, does this really deserve front-page status? I seem to remember The Times reporting on an almost identical story some months before. We get the point.

The speculation of “conflicts of interests” is a curious matter to fixate on. Are we then, in the nature of “conflicts of interests,” to look at the “fortunes” of the Bush and Cheney legacies? I’d think a vice president being a former chief executive of Halliburton would pose a significantly larger “conflict of interest.” Since The Times concedes that much of Heinz money is invested in charitable organizations, I think I’d rather my president have struck it rich in ketchup than in oil.

I sincerely hope The Times focuses on the issues of the candidates this coming election, and not trivialities like this.

Remy Trahant

Hollywood