Better acceptance of nurturing dads

In the Opinion piece "Real men take care of their kids, too" [Dec. 30], Caryl Rivers makes some very good points. From the perspective of a middle-class male living in suburbia, I will say that now that my wife has rejoined the working world (part time), I do feel less pressure to work or be on call constantly.

I did fully participate in the care of our home and three children when working 80 hours a week and can now do more (at home) with a sunnier disposition. It is good to hear that men can remain home with their children and not be called a bum. The chore of working outside the home is more equally shared. This has been especially useful in the current job climate. It's nice that men caring for their children can be looked upon not as bumbling fools who need someone to help them.

Unfortunately, Rivers' otherwise well-founded article will only find agreement in those who dislike Sarah Palin. She preaches to her own choir and seemingly cannot help allowing her politics, totally unrelated to her thesis, to contaminate an otherwise well-founded treatise.

I think it ironic, from reading and hearing about Palin, that she has shared the chores of child-rearing with her husband. She is not a stay-at-home mom and has participated in what can be described as traditionally manly pursuits, both recreational and careerwise. My own opinion, and it is only germane to this critical review, is that Palin is a very likable person who has many talents; a president she is not.

Alan J. Pollock

Merrick