To the editor:

Like there will never not be a “1 percent.” The Review continues its socialist sophistry and pablum into the new year with its selection of “today’s cartoon(s).” Jan. 5, 7 and 9 are the examples.

Regarding the “1 percent” the real question is who’s it to be, those who earn it by producing or those who get it through socialist theft as government bureaucrats? Income inequality? Let’s ask the machinist at Boeing whether they think a hamburger flipper should be paid the same as them, or ask a nurse if she/he thinks a Walmart greeter should get like compensation.

Class warfare? Only in the delusion of the socialist’s mind. What these cartoons really promote is envy, greed, consumerism and materialism. Certainly not “human flourishing.”

Jan. 7 and 9 continue the theme but with the addition of a speciously speculative “cold indifference” in America’s elite to the plight of the economically disadvantaged. America’s elite being, of course, the corporate tycoon (cartoon’s oil baron). Somehow it’s OK to question Romney’s $250 million net worth but not Bill Gates’ billions, or Oprah’s estimated $2.5 billion. Difference? The latter are liberal “elites.”

Why spoof Rand Paul? Because he’s a threat to the “status quo” of a big government that jawbones about the plight of the poor and middle class but has actually done precious little good and far more harm in their regard over the last 100 years. It’s time to do something truly “radical,” return to the spirit and, more importantly, the letter of our Constitution.

If we see the three characters in the Jan. 5 cartoon not as implied but, rather, as “politicians” at any level of government then we begin to see the root of the real problem that afflicts our economy and society. Too much government!

PETE BRADY

Bainbridge Island