I agree in principle with Greg J. Miranda’s letter (July 17) that people should in fact do more for themselves and rely less on government. However, Mr. Miranda trots out the utopian myth of the absolutes of self-reliance.

How does he come by an income? By relying on an employer. And if Mr. Miranda owned a business, he would have to rely on labor as well as customers to make it a success. Just as he must rely on government in the event that his neighbor engages in criminal wrongdoing against himself to seek justice; as an example.

On the other hand, has Mr. Miranda considered that business interests and religious groups, the special interest darlings of the Republican Party, do not rely on themselves to advance their favorite agendas? Whether it involves the marketplace or moral values, these factions expect government to act on their behalf.

It seems to me that “thinking conservatively” should only apply to the fellow without the wealth and influence to buy favors from government and not apply to those who can. “Conservatism” that is based on hypocrisy and dishonesty isn’t conservative.

Joan E. Harman

Dalton Gardens, Idaho