RE “Congress unleashes the Furies, but never at itself’’ by Jeff Jacoby (Opinion, Oct. 9): Despite the promise of the Justice Department’s abandonment of private prisons, many continue to make the erroneous association between businesses and the public sector. Jacoby asserts that legislators and corporate executives alike should be held accountable for the effects of their leadership. While this assertion appears to hold promise, with the hope that accountability will lead to more efficient and ethical action, it ignores the disparate purposes between government and business.

The Constitution asserts that the role of Congress is “to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States,’’ which exemplifies the overarching role of government to protect and provide direct support for citizens. Conversely, corporations seek to improve the financial position of their shareholders. Citizens and shareholders are not synonymous.

Unlike corporations, government must be responsive to the needs of all its constituents, not just those who voluntarily decide to provide fiscal support. Therefore, the administration and drafting of public policies cannot strive only toward efficiency and cost reduction.

Many tasks are delegated to the public sector, rather than businesses, because of the need for equity. As a result, government leaders cannot be assessed in the same fashion as corporate executives. Legislators’ commitment to equity and responsiveness must be judged along with their efficiency.

Grant Conway

Franklin