The fruits of a capitalistic system

Re “The key to a free lunch,” Column One, Sept. 11

While I agree that Americans waste a ridiculous amount of food, a person who lives off savings earned at a six-figure-a-year corporate gig has not shunned capitalism or made any logical statement against it. She is enjoying the fruits of a capitalistic system that enabled her to save up a large nest egg, which she is now using in her retirement to pursue a hobby that is almost as ridiculous as hitting a small white ball around a manicured lawn.

Tommy Moran

Encino

Madeline Nelson and the other “freegans” are not really anti-consumer or anti-capitalism, because they rely on the drive to consume and free markets to provide the surpluses for their own consumption. It would be terrible for anyone to have to live a “freegan” lifestyle as a necessity. Too many live that way already.

Russell Jeans

San Pedro