Why, on Mother's Day, did The Inquirer choose as its lead story a piece that focused only on the lives of a tiny sliver of mothers - the privileged, well-educated moms who have left the labor force?

Nearly three-quarters of American moms work outside the home, most of them full time. Most are not highly educated and affluent, like those in your article. Seventy percent of American women are not college graduates; those with advanced degrees represent only 10 percent of the population, yet they get the vast majority of the media's attention.

Why not take on the tough issues that confront nearly all of America's working mothers: the long hours and constant accessibility that many employers demand; the inflexible job schedules that punish caregivers; the millions who work full time but have no health coverage for their families; the unlivable wages of the service and pink-collar sectors, where the overwhelming majority of moms work; and the shortage of affordable and high-quality child care?

A courageous dialogue on Mother's Day would involve honoring all mothers and finding ways to support them, which in turn would make for healthier and more productive work and family lives for all.

Melissa Weiler Gerber

Executive Director, WOMENS WAY
Philadelphia