The G.O.P. Campaign, at a Fever Pitch

Re “For Gingrich, Rival’s Gift and an Ex-Wife’s Sting” (front page, Jan. 20):

The issue I will focus on is not whether Newt Gingrich had an “open marriage” or wanted one, but whether he can take personal responsibility and accountability for his own actions and behavior — and once again it appears that he cannot.

It’s ironic that he can wrap himself in the ideal of free speech and at the same time complain about being questioned on his personal conduct. In this day of the Internet and social media, it is difficult to understand how anyone, particularly a politician, can expect to say and do things and not be held accountable.

For too long, we have tolerated poor personal conduct, frequently even immoral, unethical and illegal behavior, in our political leaders. In the end, I believe that Mr. Gingrich’s bombastic responses and misguided indignation to questions about his own behavior are examples of the narcissism at the root of the political gridlock we see now in Washington.

It would be sad to see Newt Gingrich, or others like him, return to Washington. They are about themselves first, and have lost sight of our country and our people.

JOHN McLANE
New York, Jan. 20, 2012

To the Editor:

Re “Gingrich Jousts With Rivals on Matters Professional and Personal” (news article, Jan. 20):

If one is “appalled” by former wives and marital fidelity as topics for a presidential debate, perhaps the person who gives rise to such questions is not a fit candidate for the presidency.

RACHEL STRAUBER
New York, Jan. 20, 2012

To the Editor:

David Brooks (“The Wealth Issue,” column, Jan. 20) says Mitt Romney’s character was not formed by his wealth, and he provides a history of the Romney family work ethic and perseverance.

But Mitt Romney’s wealth was formed by wealth, and that in and of itself greatly affects one’s character. If, growing up, someone has all the advantages inherent in a rich and powerful family, and can pursue ideals without the burdens caused by financial constraints, that, too, has to be included in a family history and considered part of what informs a person’s character.

DEBRA KUPPERSMITH
Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Jan. 20, 2012

The writer is a psychoanalyst.

To the Editor:

For once I agree with David Brooks. Money did not make Mitt Romney.

But money does display his character. His business specialized in leveraged buyouts, not the capitalist ideal of venture capitalism. The media have reported on the bankruptcies, job losses and personal enrichment that resulted from this enterprise. Mr. Romney is someone who is comfortable taking great personal gain at the expense of others.

Consider the secrecy with which Mr. Romney shields his income tax filings, and the shadowy nature of his offshore tax shelters.

Money did not make Mr. Romney, but it does allow us to see who he is.

BOB MARSHALL
Portland, Ore., Jan. 20, 2012

To the Editor:

Re “Taxes at the Top,” by Paul Krugman (column, Jan. 20):

What is galling about the inadequate taxes paid by some of the very wealthy is that a significant portion of the cost of our government results from maintenance of the tools of their wealth and protection of their assets and opportunities: highways to ship their goods, airports for travel of their executives, ocean shipping routes, ports for unloading their goods, and protection for their facilities, communications systems and contracts.

We are entangled in the affairs of virtually every oil-producing country in the world, and we have committed our military to assure an even flow of the commodity — to our private companies. Those who benefit mightily from this largess in creating their wealth should at least pay their fair share of these costs. And it isn’t 15 percent of income!

SHARON MORRISON
Whitefish, Mont., Jan. 20, 2012

To the Editor:

Re “The 1% and That 15%” (editorial, Jan. 19):

Thank you for again exposing how the yawning loophole that favors America’s richest and risk-taking is unfair to the rest of us.

While I would not cast my vote for Mitt Romney even if he disclosed a decade’s worth of tax returns, Americans should know how and where potential presidents have made their money to avoid even the merest whisper of conflict of interest.

Some of our 2011 tax documents have arrived. I am pleased to pay my taxes because that’s how it works here. But I would welcome the opportunity to pay at the Romney rate.

MAXINE LEVY
Dallas, Jan. 19, 2012