Microscopic Genes

What is the purpose of being alive? A very reasonable answer is, to get our genes into the next generation.

It is in this context that I read Ellen Goodman (Commentary, Aug. 9) as she whimpers about Arlette Schweitzer, the surrogate mother who is pregnant with her daughter’s babies. As Goodman puts it, “Why is it so hard to switch our sights from our microscopic genes to the world of children who need parents?”

I’ll tell you why, Ms. Goodman. It’s because people are made that way. This results from the experience of billions of years, in which concern for those “microscopic genes” has been the way to keep from becoming extinct. And it might be a good idea for you to pay some heed to this common sense and common experience, rather than expect the world to dance to your politically correct tune. After all, it’s not as though Ms. Schweitzer is telling you how to live your life.

T. A. HEPPENHEIMER

Fountain Valley