To the editor:

I was a bit dismayed by the remarks made by a recent writer.

I would like to tell Michael J. Nolan, who suggested Mehlville residents “do without” and look up the word “altruism,” that “charity begins at home.”

Speaking as one of those, as the writer refers, “selfish” residents and a “cheap” retiree as well, I’m tired of being compelled for years to pay taxes to a fiscally irresponsible school district.

I ask the writer to become more open-minded and realize seniors’ incomes are limited; many residents may be unemployed or underemployed; and many families pay thousands of dollars in addition to taxes to educate their own children in parochial or private schools, thereby saving all taxpayers substantial tax increases to accommodate those not presently enrolled in Mehlville schools.

So for these tuition-strapped parents: “Charity begins at home.” For me, the one-time tuition poor, “selfish, cheap retiree,” “Been there — done that.”

My suggestion is to stop relying on the masses to educate others’ few. I feel no moral duty to pay more taxes. Strong-minded parents whose children attend Mehlville schools must personally bear more financial responsibility. They should feel the sacrifice others already know to accommodate their educational priorities.

I suggest concerned parents who supported Prop C freely send an additional check directly to the school district to cover wish list services if their children utilize the system.

The question is: How many families would be willing to voluntarily adjust their own financial stake to satisfy Mr. Nolan’s idea of “moral duty”?

When personal benefit is a conclusion, it is easy to be “altruistic” with other people’s money.

Sue Jernigan

Oakville