LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Bain questions are legitimate

OPINION:

I am very disappointed by the lack of support Republicans and conservatives have demonstrated for Newt Gingrich’s position regarding some of the activities at Bain Capital (“Huntsman set to exit GOP presidential race,” Web, Monday).

First, I think it is very healthy to have this discussion regarding Mitt Romney’s Bain activities, the 800-pound gorilla in the room everyone is ignoring. This is an issue that needs to be discussed because everyone knows the Democrats will harp on it no matter what the truth is. Instead, Republicans are putting their heads in the sand hoping it will go away.

I am a very strong conservative who supports Mr. Gingrich. I am not one of those people who thinks everything a capitalist does is correct because it falls under the banner of capitalism. True, we are a capitalistic society, but maybe more importantly, we are a society founded on Judeo-Christian values. This mix of capitalism and these religious principles is what makes us unique.

We cannot have one without the other. Without these religious principles acting as our guidelines for ethical behavior, there is potential for capitalism to become a cold, secular system that destroys our very essence as a society. The combination of the two, however, allows us as individuals and a nation to thrive.

Since Mr. Romney touts his business successes, isn’t it our right to know what kind of business he conducted at Bain? He touts 100,000 jobs he created. How did he do that? These are basic questions that should be answered if he is going to be our next president. There is nothing anti-capitalistic about this inquiry. Let Mr. Romney stand up there and be proud of what he accomplished.

Treating people fairly is an important cornerstone of a thriving society and of a thriving capitalist system. Our Judeo-Christian beliefs can work in tandem with capitalism, and we would be a better people and country if we allowed ethics to guide our financial system. Profits at all costs without a moral compass is not what America is all about.

Shame on all these conservatives and Republicans who have attacked Mr. Gingrich for calling these practices into question.

THOMAS P. CODY

Andover, Mass.