Parsimony is good too

I was pleasantly surprised to read the column by Katie Blair on the difference between equality and equity (“Valuing equity rather than equality is the key to creating a just world,” Dec. 14). I think this concept is very important and very rarely (almost never) addressed. Katie has a good if somewhat complex perspective on this vitally important idea and I applaud her decision to do this.

I have no disagreement with her outstanding column. I am 70 years old and a lifelong learner so for Katie to approach this at a younger age than I did is wonderful.

The only comment I have to make as an addition not a criticism to her piece involves parsimony, which in my mind is saying the most with the least number of words and it’s a concept that’s a long and never-ending journey. Parsimony also allows for a much larger audience.

From my perspective (learned from others) the most simple expression of equity and equality is: equality means equal opportunity (e.g. politics) and equity means fairness (e.g. economics) of outcomes.

Marcus Lehmann

Spokane