Polone’s opinion

In Patrick Goldstein’s article (“Gavin Polone, the Iconoclast,” May 18), it was not entirely clear whether “ardent Republican” Gavin Polone was speaking for himself or describing the motivations of others when he said, “If you believe Christ is coming and we’ll all live in the kingdom of God, then why care if you destroy the environment along the way?” But however Polone meant it, that’s an attitude that pervades a lot of conservative thinking but is seldom discussed openly.

What does it say about someone who believes the Rapture is coming, yet thinks the way to prepare for it is not to be kinder to others and get closer to God, but instead to ramp up the single-minded acquisition of personal possessions? And to pursue it with a ruthless determination to sweep aside anyone or anything that stands in your way -- including your neighbors, children, the poor and the environment? Is that how to prepare to live in the kingdom of God?

And what if the pursuit of that short-term gain means the environment, and with it mankind, ends up getting destroyed before the Rapture occurs?

Bob Underwood

Los Angeles