Marilyn Sandstrom’s letter (“
Maybe she doesn’t realize that one’s financial statement is not all disposable income.
Who would take a train engine as payment for a car, and if that were possible, what would the maintenance costs be to own that engine?
That “poor millionaire” may only be in that category because of acquisition and ownership of non-cash assets which continue to require major expenditures and a payroll adequate for extensive maintenance.
The bottom line may show significant losses because of unforeseen events, yet business costs must still be paid, sometimes by borrowing against that bottom line.
Acquiring a million on paper requires major planning, hard work, risk and passion, which few have enough of to accumulate $1 million.
Ordinary citizens know of the risks of fires and flooding, no matter the cause, and must be prepared to deal with those impacts.
And knowing citizens “not doubting the cause” of the 416 Fire is an assumption and not evidence of anything.
Let’s not “ennoble” or blame anyone.
Rather, let’s try to deal with reality and understand unpredictable risks taken by all, and probably proportionately more by millionaires, many of whom can and do contribute substantially to their communities – because their hard work, risk, generosity and gratitude enable them to.
Camille Horak
Mancos
