Minimum-Wage Life

One could not help noting the irony in the two front-page stories (“Surviving on $4.25 an Hour” and “Militias Rely on Networks of Fiery Right,” April 30). A legal immigrant manages to make a life for himself and his family on meager wages without going on welfare. A contractor in the Midwest (whose wife is also working) is disillusioned with taxes and regulations. The former carries his burden with quiet dignity as he pursues the American dream; the latter joins a militant group whose objective is to bring down the “enemy,” the U.S. government. If America is to regain its vigor and spirit, it should put out the welcome mat for more Samuel Pinedas!

PERLA L. MANAPOL

Thousand Oaks

Am I supposed to feel sorry for Pineda and his struggling family? Although Pineda currently finds it difficult to support himself, his two children, his live-in girlfriend and her child, this isn’t preventing him from fathering yet another child. I don’t care what type of job he has, most people accept the fact that you can’t support a family of six with just one income. Factor in that the one income is for minimum wage, and it becomes nearly impossible. Although I commend Pineda’s strong work ethic and refusal to accept food stamps, I have to question his common sense. A $2,800 stereo and a $450 VCR hardly seem like practical purchases. The Times barely mentions the fact that Pineda breaks the law daily by driving without auto insurance.

KYLE ERICSON

Riverside

Perhaps $4.25 per hour plus a monthly supply of condoms and birth-control pills would help. When you can’t support the children you already have, it is patently irresponsible to be having more. By the way, who is going to pay for the birth of this baby?

JUDY KANTRA

Long Beach