Many conservatives believe in the “survival of the fittest” (“What Conservatives Believe,” Phil Valentine, PostScript, Aug. 3). If people cannot make it on their own initiative, that’s too bad. They should not expect a helping hand from government. Yet conservatives are first in line when it is time to sign up for Medicare benefits, and conservatives believe in trickle-down economics, which is a complete failure. Both liberals and conservatives should be working for the common good of all our citizens.

Paul L. Whiteley Sr.,

Louisville, Ky.