"Modest proposals for the nouveau riche," and "$2, big dreams and a good plan," both Nov. 29, concerned the effects — good and bad — of winning the lottery and suggestions as to what the money could buy go far to highlight the current taxation debate.
Most of us "commoners" have no idea just how rich the rich are. And what, really, can they buy with all that money that can make them happier than a well-adjusted, upper-middle-class person?
There is such a thing as enough. A reasonable amount of money provides comfort and security. Happiness comes from other things such as cultivating knowledge, skills and interests that are creative and fulfilling or from being a caring spouse, parent or friend. The rich may or may not have these most valuable things.
For the rich, accumulating money is often a goal in itself, an addiction; sometimes it's a compensation for other things missing from their lives. The mostly worthless stuff it buys are just higher-priced versions of simple necessities. My average-priced car takes me where I want to go in as much comfort and safety as their luxury models. My $25 watch tells the same time as a diamond-encrusted one, which has no purpose except to tell others that "I'm important."
Tax them more, and they will suffer no more or less than they are already suffering.
SANDRA DOVBERG
Albany