Greed ruining our democracy

Regarding Kathleen J. Hall's Dec. 16 guest column “The politics of mean”:

In short, Hall has expressed what so many of us feel, as we watch appalled at the increasingly self-centered greed that is ruining life as we know it, ruining our “democracy,” ruining our economy, in fact, threatening everything we hold dear.

It's a great time of year to remember these values - which are both Christian values and Iowa values. Who among us has gotten where we are without someone - a teacher, a colleague/mentor, a parent or friend who reached out and helped us up? How arrogant of those who insist that they “made it” on their own and who are so mean-spirited as to deny others the basic support (food, health care, education) that are basic human needs. Our nation's true wealth is our “commonwealth” and the combined resources we all bring to the table.

Hall's letter could be the basis for many a holiday sermon at almost any denomination church. I certainly could hear Pope Francis agreeing heartily. I am reminded of John F. Kennedy's reflection: “Here on earth, God's work must truly be our own.” Amen!

Marybeth Gardam