Inbox

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Re Rana Foroohar's "The 100% Solution" [May 23]: As a former stay-at-home dad, I can say that when women earn the same pay as men, it frees us from the burden of shouldering an imbalanced portion of the family finances. It provides men with the time to be more involved with their families and allows women to pursue more lucrative careers. Over time, this creates a shift of consciousness, making the world more tolerable and functional.

Melvin Weiner, KENNEBUNK, MAINE

It isn't, or shouldn't be, that mothers who also work outside the home have something to prove. They have something to do--a job at the office and a job at home. The price can be high, but we do it all, and well. Man up, guys! We did!

Joan Messinger, LOS ANGELES

Glad to Be Gluten-Free

I take issue with Katy Steinmetz's "Bad-Mouthing Gluten" [May 23]. My mother was diagnosed with celiac disease 50 years ago, when it was virtually unheard-of as a disease with life-threatening consequences, and I am her cook and caregiver. I am happy that gluten-free eating is getting attention and that companies are "rushing to get a slice of the market." Having a variety of gluten-free products greatly improves my mother's quality of life.

Bonny Fazzi, PORTLAND, ORE.

I found out I had a gluten sensitivity late in life. Gluten sensitivity may not be able to be measured accurately on a scale, but it certainly affects many more people then previously thought, and it has nothing to do with calories. I'd suggest, if you are feeling sick and no one can figure out why, check into a gluten-free diet.

Ronni Okon, TARZANA, CALIF.

It's the Economy--and More

Joe Klein accurately opines that a "bum economy" could cost Barack Obama re-election ["Why Obama's Not a Lock," May 23]. But by implicitly comparing Obama 2012 to Jimmy Carter 1980 and George H.W. Bush 1992, Klein omits crucial factors that also cost those two incumbents re-election. Both Carter and Bush faced significant opponents (Edward Kennedy in 1980, Pat Buchanan in 1992). Carter was not aided by the hostage crisis in Iran. And no one has accused either Carter or Bush of being great campaigners. On the other hand, there is little doubt that Obama is an excellent campaigner, putting to shame any current member of the Republican field.

Alan Ginsberg, COREA, MAINE

The Censorship Blues

Re "Talkin' Bob Dylan's 70th Birthday" [May 23]: Dylan is an icon of my generation, but the times they are a-changin'. I doubt that the Dylan who defiantly faced crowds at Newport and elsewhere would have allowed the Chinese or anyone else to "approve" his playlist.

Tony Bianchi, DETROIT

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