Open nominations
In response to Wim Orth’s recent op-ed, his suggestion that the U.S. should have a multiparty system has merit.
I would suggest returning to the way we elected presidents during the 1960s and earlier — that is, choosing our leaders at the conventions vs. anointing candidates via the party bosses. Any number of candidates could run for president, giving voters many more choices of candidates with different views.
At the end of the conventions, roll call votes can be taken, and the candidate with the majority would be the presidential candidate. We need many more candidates and perspectives involved in debates right up until the conventions. That would make for a much more democratic process.
Brian Reilly, Medford
Fund caregivers
I have, for many years, been a supporter of wages for housework, including wages for parents who care for their children, clean, cook, and do all the kinds of work needed at home. That work is real work and deserves monetary support. Some people pay others to do that work, which is proof of its financial value. Surprisingly, our government has embarked on a plan to pay stay-at-home parents.
One catch is that the wages will come from money earmarked for childcare subsidy programs, programs that already exist and are desperately needed by people who must work outside the home to survive. The other catch is that the money will go to married couples, while the current subsidies largely go to single mothers.
This robbing Peter to pay Paul scenario is utter cruelty — the same kind of cruelty that reduces money from Head Start, from Medicaid, from the Affordable Care Act, from the U.S. Agency for International Development, and many other programs. There is potentially enough money to pay wages for housework and to support childcare subsidies. To state the obvious, we just have to change our priorities. Why not create a special childcare tax for the rich? It’s past time for them to pay their fair share, and even a small tax could probably cover those who choose to work as full-time homemakers and those who must work outside the home to make ends meet, married or not.
Lynne Yermanock Strieb, Philadelphia
Great timing
It was interesting to note that during their recent trip to Ukraine, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had a “delightful trip” and a “great time.” What’s more interesting is the fact that Russia and Ukraine stopped firing at each other while Witkoff and Kushner were visiting each country. If that is what it takes to have a ceasefire, perhaps they should have stayed longer.
Susan Ward, Marlton
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