The article about Phoebe Hearst Cooke (“Phoebe’s side,” April 16) moved me. It was obvious from her comments that she has full connection to her capacities. Her eccentricities do not qualify for the treatment she is receiving from her family or the county. I am appalled that San Luis Obispo County would dare to become involved in the personal issues of the Hearst family. She has been robbed of her rights and it’s completely inappropriate.
As for her family: Aren’t they wealthy enough without going after her money? At the estimated $1.4 billion, I say she can do whatever the #@&% she wants with it. In her remaining years, she couldn’t come close to disposing of it, even with the most frivolous spending. After the burden that kind of wealth can be, she deserves to do whatever she wants with it. No doubt she earned it.
This article appears in Apr 23-30, 2009.