Your Oct. 24 editorial “Death of a brilliant capitalist,” while perhaps meaning to extol the life of a man of note, gave the message that running a profitable business and becoming extremely wealthy were more important than also being a generous contributor of wealth. Certainly this CEO of Coca-Cola, through his leadership, helped individual stockholders gain from their investments, gave employment to tremendous numbers and provided opportunities for many.
Needless to say, war also provides for great employment and opportunities and makes money for investors, yet that is no reason to praise war or those who profit from it.
While you say, “Though affable and dapper, Goizueta was no flamboyant corporate icon either, a la Ted Turner, flashing his fortune and giving chunks of it away,” you never mention even a small chunk of money Mr. Goizueta ever gave away.
We are fortunate that many wealthy corporate leaders have also been very generous giving away large chunks of money. Many fine cultural and educational institutions and programs, for example, exist as a result of this generosity, which enriches both society and individuals. If Roberto C. Goizueta were worthy of editorial comment because of the personal qualities he exhibited or his excellent managerial skill, then write such an editorial.
But to write with the apparent reason of justifying and glorifying the virtues of capitalism via this successful capitalist, while making a point of sneering at others who are successful capitalists but in addition have shared their wealth, is ridiculous and sends a dangerous message.
