THE EDITOR, Sir:

I couldn't agree more with Ian Boyne's column 'Austerity and our bling culture', published in The Sunday Gleaner of June 24, 2012.

I have said many, many times over, to the point where my close friends have come to know me for always saying: The poor have something to prove when they try to justify their ambitious purchases.

I recently had a discussion with my brother who resorted to saying I had no ambition because, as a banker, I drive a car valued $100,000 (despite the fact that it works and I spend less than $2,500 in gas per week).

It would be safe to say that I feel that same sense of relief reading Boyne's article as the young lady he mentioned (who lives in Seaview Gardens). We are ridiculed in a subtle way, called 'cheap' and 'mean', and are sometimes asked blatantly what we earn why we chose to delay gratification.

'NOT CUTTING IT'

A policeman pulled me over the other day and was 'kind' enough to point out that a "nice brown girl like myself, wearing my work shirt, should be able to afford staff loan and buy a better car, because this one wasn't cutting it".

I was more than happy to point out that at the end of the month, I don't have to consider a car loan. Even more delighting is the fact that I can drive wherever I want to, as I don't have to ration gas (which so many persons in my industry have to do because their SUVs are all gas guzzlers, including visiting loved ones in the country only once per month). I get to go as often as I desire.

Boyne is correct: A billionaire's happiness couldn't walk close to mine, as the peace of mind I have is priceless.

BLING-FREE BANKER