Criminalizing Capitalism. (Letters to the Editor).

In Mr. William Norman Grigg's article "Criminalizing Capitalism" (August 26th issue), he labels Congressman Tom DeLay (R-Texas) as being an, "anti-corporate Bolshevik" merely because the congress-man expressed determination in prosecuting corporate fraud in cases like Enron. How Mr. Grigg comes to that conclusion is not stated, but clearly there is nothing in that article that warrants such a horrid description of Mr. DeLay. Just because the congressman wants to see these corporate thieves, who have stolen millions upon on millions of dollars, lose their mansions, bank accounts, and yachts does not make him a Bolshevik. I think Mr. Grigg owes Congressman DeLay an apology for his harsh and slanderous words.

JOHN THEO 

Sent via email

William Norman Grigg responds: The reference to Rep. DeLay in my article was an acceptable use of hyperbole in light of his amazing remarks. DeLay's demented attack on "corporate kingpins" -- an expression suggesting that corporations are somehow innately criminal -- unmistakably borrowed from the Marxist class warfare lexicon. It was of a piece with statements from leftist Democrats seeking to implicate the entire free market system in the crimes of a handful of white-collar crooks.

Congratulations on "Criminalizing Capitalism." I have thought right along that this was what was going on. Congressman Ron Paul said it very well: "Corporate scandals" don't begin to compare with government corporate scandals that have been going on for 70 years (since FDR) and are, apparently, accountable to no one -- just because it's the government doing it.

Keep hitting this issue; the enemy will do just that until the free enterprise system is destroyed completely.

DON ELLER

Ypsilanti, Michigan.