‘Where Are All the Fathers?’

There were two major problems with the editorial regarding “fatherlessness” which asked, “What social policy can encourage more men to accept responsibility for their children? What government supports can encourage marriages?” (“Where Are All the Fathers?” Nov. 18).

The editorial ignores two of the main problems facing fatherless families. First, pay inequity facing women penalizes families in which the mother is the primary breadwinner. Second, the rising cost of living is prohibitive for single-parent families or families in which one parent works in the home as a primary caretaker. Our society forces both parents to work while the far right is continuing to urge women to withdraw from the work force.

The Times is also irresponsible in wanting to encourage marriage and the fathers of these children to take a leading role in their lives. Forcing fathers to remain in families against their desire will not improve the lives of most of these children. These forced family units will mostly result in an environment of resentment leading to abuse or neglect.

D. ZEKE ZEIDLER

Redondo Beach