Lack of Fathers

I commend you for publishing “In the No-Daddy Culture, Pity the Kids” by Donna Britt (Commentary, Sept. 8). This column draws attention to a major problem in our society. By pointing out the very strong correlation between the presence or absence of a father and the incarceration rate of young males, Britt takes a very positive step toward attacking the problem.

In contrast, the publishing of statistics breaking down incarceration rates by race is a very destructive practice, which does not help in solving the problem. Such statistics are too easily interpreted as 1) there is an inherent racial difference and we therefore can’t solve the problem, or 2) the problem is entirely due to racial discrimination (i.e., let’s . not address the real cause).

ROGER LINFIELD

Pasadena