Spoiled children | The Salt Lake Tribune

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In "Peters and Pauls" (Forum, Nov. 27), Bud Mahas' observation that young supporters of President Barack Obama are "subsidized by parents" conveys the same condescending attitude of Gov. Mitt Romney in his comment that 47 percent of Americans are "dependent upon government."

The list of things Mahas cites as possible motivating factors for these youth activists should include an enthusiasm for change away from the policies that President George W. Bush put in place favoring those making extraordinary incomes at the expense of those in the massive group in the middle.

If, as Mahas speculates, their free time was subsidized by their parents, it may be that those young people are simply following the advice Romney gave to struggling students: Ask your parents. That advice may be fine for the Romney boys, but not all youth have Mitt for a father.

Rather than Mahas' robbing-Peter-to-pay-Paul metaphor, a better example would be that of a parent with a spoiled child who feels "entitled" to all things: Buddy, you have to share. You can't have all the toys, all the time.

Alan Peterson

Mayfield