Old-school leadership absent from Washington

To the editor:

Many, many years ago, as an Army officer, I learned that leadership means setting the example.

It means sacrifice on the leader's part to relieve the hurt of those being led.

It means going hungry, if necessary, so that the troops may have a bit extra to eat.

It means that the leader's needs and wants are insignificant compared to the needs of those he leads.

It means that duty, honor and integrity work from the top down -- not the bottom up.

That said, today's political culture has left me confused. Does today's news mean that I no longer should pay taxes, since my leaders have set the example that this is not really necessary? Does this mean that the rule of law applies only to me and not to my leaders, who made the laws in the first place?

I already know the answers to these questions and, like many of my fellow citizens, I am not satisfied with the leadership qualities (loose term) exhibited by those in Washington, D.C. My solution will be revealed at the voting booth.

Meanwhile, I will continue to pay my taxes and obey the rule of law.

Wish I could say the same for my so-called "leadership."

AL CIRICILLO

LAS VEGAS

Welfare for all

To the editor:

Lawrence Kudlow's reaction to government help for beleaguered homeowners ("Housing bailout just more welfare," Wednesday Review-Journal) was entirely predictable, coming from one beholden to New York's banking and investment community. Just one question for Mr. Kudlow: If a $275 billion housing rescue program is "just more welfare," then what do you call the gargantuan infusion of taxpayer money to the banks? Would that not be "just more welfare"?

Bob Cain

LAS VEGAS

No fear

To the editor:

In his first inaugural address, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

It matters not whether one is a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or any other political bent. The largest problem facing our economy today is the nearly complete cessation of consumer buying.

My suggestion to everyone in the country is to spend some money. Please remember, more than 90 percent of the American population is still employed.

Jerry Baer

LAS VEGAS