To the Editor:
I have no problem with men or women having a legitimate cry in public (“The Crying Game,” by Gail Collins, column, Dec. 16). Speaker-to-be John Boehner’s propensity for breaking into tears when he visits schools and sees the children could be classified as legitimate tears if the crying were backed up by his voting record in the House.
Mr. Boehner’s voting record, like that of most Republican politicians, seems to support conservative Republicans’ views that the poor can achieve the American dream by lifting themselves up by their own bootstraps. Mr. Boehner deserves kudos for his lifetime achievements, but that praise is diminished somewhat if he is saying, “If I can lift myself up by my own bootstraps, you can, too.”
When do we ever see and hear Republicans serving in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of our local, state and national governments as well as those working in our financial institutions lamenting or crying over our country’s serious poverty problem?
John Boehner has the opportunity over the next two years to show that his crying is rooted in genuine compassion. He can do this by providing legislative leadership that makes sure bootless children in America have a shot at realizing the American dream.
Paul L. Whiteley Sr.
Louisville, Ky., Dec. 16, 2010
Note from KBJ: The best way to help the poor is to alleviate their dependence on government. By subsidizing poverty, we get more of it.
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 