Thomas Sowell is spot-on in pointing out the misleading nature of the statistic saying women earn only 77 cents to men’s dollars (“Facts undercut the left’s ‘war on women’ slogans,” Opinion, April 16). The truth is that we don’t live in a “man’s world” in which women have lost a mythical “battle of the sexes.” Societies have both patriarchal and matriarchal elements. To a large extent, the 77 cents figure represents women’s greater freedom to move in and out of the paid labor market. Men’s profound disadvantages in some areas can be seen in their over-representation among the homeless and the incarcerated.
DENISE NOE, ATLANTA
Hiking minimum pay won’t really help workers
The CEO of the Small Business Majority needs a fire extinguisher for his pants (“Businesses support minimum wage hike,” Opinion, April 16). He reports an obviously bogus poll. Any business that wants to pay more can — no law stopping that. No business campaigns for more government restrictions and higher costs. He says when you pay your workers a fair wage, it shows you respect them and they’ll work harder for you. He also says a positive work environment means increased productivity. What increased productivity means is fewer workers needed for the same output, i.e., layoffs. That part is probably true. If the minimum wage goes up, business costs go up. Raising the minimum wage is foolish. No one should expect to be able to support a family on it. It’s not a career—it’s a job.
CAROLYN ANGEL, MARIETTA
Raising pay will help lift lowest boats
The op-ed (“Support pro-growth policies,” Opinion, April 16) against an increase in the minimum wage uses the tactic of fear and blame to tie such an increase to the loss of jobs. It fails to mention any of the numerous real world examples in which states raised their minimum wage rates without experiencing an increase in unemployment.
The op-ed also says that the way to help working Americans is tohelp the job creators. That is code for the tired, old Republican answer to every economic problem, cut taxes for the wealthy and the benefits will trickle down to the masses. Income inequality is at all-time high levels. Raising the minimum wage will help reduce some of the inequality because it is the “rising tide that lifts all boats.”
MIKE HAREMSKI, TUCKER
Greenhouse gas disruption demands action
I am writing in response to (“UN panel seeks climate change action,” News, April 14 ). We are at a critical juncture. For the health and safety of our children and grandchildren, action must be taken now. Greenhouse gases are disrupting our climate, leading to drought in some areas and more violent rains and flooding elsewhere. Military planners worry about world instability as food production decreases. Sea levels have risen 10 inches with a prediction of at least 2.5 feet more this century. Coastal cities, some of America’s most beautiful and historically important lands, are in great peril. Scientists are certain that the world is committed to a 3.5 degree fahrenheit temperature rise, even if drastic reductions in greenhouse gases happen now. Despite the article’s statement about increased political will, Americans know that such is far from accurate here at home. It is time for a revenue-neutral carbon fee and leaders willing to help make America sustainably strong.
JEFF JOSLIN, ATLANTA
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