Greed will destroy; selflessness rebuilds

"It was the best of times, It was the worst of times."

For many people today is the worst of times. loss of jobs, loss of homes, cutting back on medicines and food, postponing doctors appointments because of inability to pay for their health insurance.

So, Mrs. Stephenson's letter left me with what might be termed "righteous indignation."

There is a world of hurting people out there so I find it difficult to offer consolation to her for the fact that she can only get a haircut every eight weeks. (some cannot afford a $7 cut every six months), and to have to give yourself your own manicure and pedicure (many people have never even had one.) and to have to go to a bulk warehouse for meat (there are people today who are wondering how in the world they can feed their family tonight.) No manis, no pedis, no butcher shop, wash your own car? What is this world coming to!

As for not being able to give to any charities, perhaps with the money Mrs. Stephenson saves using her new plan, she will have some money to share with others who are really in dire need.

People who want to can find any excuse for not giving to others. The people who have the least to give are very often the most generous givers. I think that this is because they know how it feels to be in need and have someone offer them help and hope. Many say that the world is in this dire state because of greed.

I take heart in Dr. Martin Luther King's words, "I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, other-centered men can build up."

Susan Merle Hoerauf

Prospect Heights