Gelernter turned a serious topic into a joke

Re “Things the ‘60s got right,” Opinion, Nov. 25

As the parent of two college-age students, a discussion of the challenges they confront is both serious and complex. Unfortunately, David Gelernter chose to use the topic as part of his quest to lay every social ill at the feet of liberals and feminists. A serious discussion of the issue would start with an examination of the differences between the economic climates today versus a generation ago.

Today, housing prices and living expenses in desirable areas are, in most cases, out of reach for single-income families. For many, including my children, a desirable area is one that allows families to send their kids to public schools and for one spouse to remain home. They rightly worry, however, whether attaining this is possible.

Contrary to Gelernter’s cartoonish portrayal, the feminist movement and its philosophy plays little role in the decision-making of today’s young adults. Though the impact of women in the workplace on the current economic environment is a legitimate discussion point, a serious discussion of the issue requires more than what Gelernter offers.

RICK BARTON

Encinitas