Purdue Exponent Online: Opinions

1/28/2000

U.S. economy relies on hard work

Concerning the Opinions column by John Cody in the Jan. 25 Exponent, economics is obviously a large factor in the stratification of wealth, but the ability of a person to become wealthy through hard work is what our whole economy and society is based on.

The social problems arise when people start out with wealth, i.e. inheritance. This is basically the same as being born into the noble classes in the Middle Ages. You start out with a huge advantage over others, since once you have money it is easy to generate more. Also, it is to your benefit to make sure others can't catch up because those who work for their wealth will obviously compete better.

I don't know if inheritance taxes were designed with this is mind, but the effect they have is to level the playing field somewhat. In my opinion, the real war is the struggle to make sure every young person begins the climb up the social ladder from a similar rung. Possible ways to do this are to dramatically increase inheritance taxes, or give government grants to poorer people of every race to help them get started once they finish school.

The drive to get rich is what makes people work hard, benefiting themselves, providing for their families, and helping the nation grow. It is those who get wealth without work that are the root of the problems.

Jeffrey Stewart
graduate student

Fraternity member praises Exponent

This letter is in regards to the latest efforts of the Purdue Exponent to improve its services to the Purdue community, and in particular to Purdue's Greek Community.

With the new and improved Exponent online, students are able to access the entire newspaper, including separate sections for sports, campus, the front page, and even classified ads. Previously, information was difficult to find and not very pleasing to read. I now look forward to sitting at my computer in the morning and browsing the articles without having to brave the cold and find a hardcopy.

Furthermore, I find it extremely commendable for the new—found support of the Greek community, which the Exponent has reported. As a graduating senior, never have I seen such positive articles and accounts of the Greek community, its leaders, and its activities. I find it very refreshing for a news agency on a college campus to break the mold of negative stereotype—laden reports of Greeks and their activities. Thank you to the Exponent staff for helping Purdue's fraternities and sororities gain some of the positive recognition that they deserve. Keep up the good work.

Go Boilers!

Rob Nussbaum
senior, Schools of Engineering.

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