I see Mike Ruskovich has treated us to another of his what's-wrong-with-the-country expositions.

One of my principal objections is that he made it so much longer than it needed to be. He could have just said: "Those who work with their brains instead of lofting hay bales or pounding fence posts are victimizing those who really work" and that would have covered his whole tale.

As one who elected to take the brain rather than the brawn route to a career, I find his column not just false but insulting. I've got news, Mr Ruskovich. There are good and hard working people among the "wealthy" and there are bad and lazy people among the non-wealthy. Of course there are the opposites in both cases as well but you choose to ignore the total reality and concentrate on what you think will stir everyone up. That smells a little like rabble-rousing.

You have redefined "work" to suit your agenda. I've got more news. Many - if not most - of the "wealthy" worked just as hard if not harder than those who did physical labor. It's also true that they worked "brainy" rather than "brawny" but you equate that to something scheming and devious if not downright evil.

By the way I too have arthritis as well as having had two successful bouts with cancer, I've lived through the Great Depression and World War ll, I'm a couple of decades older than you and I don't blame anyone but myself for my not being among the fabled 1 percent. At least I've tried, am still trying and will die trying. It beats whimpering to Uncle Nanny to take (read steal) money from the wealthy and give it to poor neglected, downtrodden, victimized me. I have what appears to be an increasingly rare passion. I like to hold my head up.

Special note to Marvin Miller: Excellent response to Mr. Ruskovich in your My Turn column that said what I've said better than I said it.

PHIL MEMBURY

Coeur d'Alene