Don’t knock a wise investor

Recently you printed a letter written by Alfred Y. Kirkland Jr. accusing Paul Ryan of not being a “man of the people.” I researched how Mr. Ryan became a millionaire and found that as a freshman representative he bought three rental properties and collected rent. In 2000 he leveraged that investment and bought a fourth property. Then in 2001 he “flipped” the properties.

What confuses me is why Mr. Kirkland thought this disqualified Mr. Ryan from being a man of the people. Did he inherit his wealth? No. He made a wise investment and was able to improve on it. Isn’t that something anyone can do if they are good stewards of their money?

Why do those who make poor choices with their money berate those who don’t? Why aren’t we praising the successes of people who become wealthy and learning from their example? I, for one, want someone who knows how to manage money well in our government. We need them now more than ever.

Charles Peraino

Cary