‘Deadbeat’ Parents

* Your article about “deadbeat” dads (April 17) provides insight that sometimes there are also deadbeat moms. In California where there is no-fault divorce, each marriage partner has the right to end the marriage; however, there is no corresponding legal requirement of joint financial responsibility attached to this mutual privilege.

As the wife of a non-custodial father, I am required by the state to share my income in support of his children at the expense of our children. Why can’t she work as I do, and be somewhat financially responsible?

I feel robbed, our kids suffer, all kids suffer and the state sanctions this action by continuing to pay deadbeat moms to not work while collecting the difference from the people who play by the rules. This stinks!

SUSAN M. ZIEROLF

Mission Viego

* In the article on deadbeat dads and welfare, 23-year-old David Misterka (the father of a 2-year-old) complains:

“It’s the woman’s decision to keep the baby or have an abortion. Guys don’t have any control.” They sure as hell do! They can say “no,” or is he claiming men are too weak for that?

David--it’s real simple: Keep it in your pants or get a vasectomy. Either way, you’ve got plenty of control. The question is, are you strong enough to use it?

KATHY SILVERI

Channel Islands Beach