Pay ‘gender gap’ talk not cut-and-dry issue


To the editor:

Regarding the April 11 story about a bill Deb Ruggiero wants to sign into law concerning pay, a few thoughts I wish to share:

Life as a free adult requires we participate in a great number of negotiations with other free people. Some will be good at negotiations; some will not be. If people surrender their freedom to have others negotiate for them, they sacrifice their freedom and any chance of developing better skills. In considering any new law or government policy, I would suggest we ask if good government policies make citizens weaker, or stronger (more self-reliant).

For all the interest in financial “gender gaps,” is there any interest in a rigorous analysis of which gender does better, say, with retirement pay (who earns it; who spends it), or which gender uses more medical funds. Which gender does better financially in a divorce might be an interesting thing to discuss (BTW, you may want to include the diamond ring cost in that calculation).

May I ask if the calculation of the “gap” Deb Ruggiero uses includes women who might have great legs and a sexy voice who collect salaries far beyond what they produce? Or is Ms. Ruggiero in denial that this happens.

We need more adult and honest conversation about this topic by our representatives, and our newspapers. We need less pitting groups against each other, and a strong focus on individual merit and situations. I urge all to treasure their individual freedom and turn their gaze away from what others have or possess.

Brian Gardner

Port Avenue