Silicon Valley wealth gap, domestic violence: Objections

Letters to the editor:

Wealth gap

Liberals and Democrats like to complain about "income inequality" and try to blame not just the wealthy, but also the upper- and middle-class college graduates ("Struggling in the shadow of Silicon Valley wealth").

Actually, the main problem is "employability inequality." Too many people put themselves at a disadvantage with their life choices. Low skills, criminal records, drug issues or poor work ethics affect their employability. And then they have the gall to complain that they can't find a decent job or equal pay.

Maybe I'm just old school, but I expect, even welcome, income inequality between a college-educated rocket scientist and a high school dropout. Bottom line: Why didn't your article better address employability inequity, or how the people at the bottom can also do more?

Ed Cooper; Florence, Ky.

Double standard?

The book review of Anjelica Huston's memoir "Watch Me" shows a double standard for intimate partner violence. Huston describes beating Jack Nicholson "savagely about the head and shoulders" ("Anjelica Huston on Jack, Ryan and stardom").

The article states she beat him a few days after learning he had had an affair, apparently justifying her action. Swap the sexes and state, "Man beats girlfriend savagely," and most people would see this as domestic violence.

The article says Huston left Ryan O'Neal because he hit her. If I were to ask if his hit were provoked by something Huston did, such as having an affair, many would say my question blames the victim. Yet the article seems to use Nicholson's affair to justify her violence, blaming the male victim. All perpetrators of domestic violence should be held accountable, not excused if they happen to be female.

Mark Shumate; Roswell, Ga.