In the midst of Michael Brown's privilege-laden defense of property for the idle rich ("'Haves worked for their rewards," Sept. 13), there are misconceptions about the dichotomy of "effort" and "work" that he glosses over but need to be a part of our conversation regarding economic disparity. Therefore, I feel compelled to address these arguments that have been around since before "let them eat cake."
Taking a look at the population he castigates for a shrinking share of income, the 99 percent of us, reveals a complex set of circumstances in the system of labor. We do not work, in this belief, unless someone else uses your effort to make more money. In most cases, nothing more than money is made. If reality television offers any good, it's to see for ourselves that our society does not truly value effort, a stark mirror, dimly backlit.
Mr. Brown's view of redistributive policies discredits work for the betterment of the lazy but makes exceptions for the rich: if not for manipulations in monetary policies favoring the "already-haves," our work would be worth only and exactly what we produce. Therefore, reader, put from your mind the notion that you contribute to society merely because you collect a paycheck.
That said, both writers miss the big picture: The government is only a representation of its ownership and, in the real world, the "haves" own the government. Without popular groundswell for pure liberty and an overhaul of our tired 18th-century institutions, we have the lordship we deserve but never the one we need.
Peter S. Klotz Jr.
Schaghticoke
