Letters to the editor

NOW mischaracterized

Regarding "NOW's one dimension" (Letter of the Day, Jan. 28):

It is difficult to believe this writer was ever a member of the National Organization for Women as he states, or he would know the myriad of issues NOW works on.

The goal of NOW reads in part: "NOW's role is to affect the legal and institutional structures of society in a way that systemically expands the choices available to all women ... taking action to bring women, as a class, into the mainstream of society ..."

Contrary to the writer's comments, NOW, along with other like-minded groups, speaks out and lobbies for universal education for women and girls.

And what does he mean NOW doesn't care about rape as an instrument of political "thuggery" or the objectification of women for marketing purposes?

These are exactly the issues NOW speaks about while supporting candidates who will affect change in these areas.

The implication that NOW trivialized statutory rape is an out-right fabrication.

Our organization was one of the first to speak out against Roman Polanski.

Further, NOW immediately issued a statement of concern when David Letterman admitted sleeping with women from his office, pointing out this made for a hostile work environment.

NOW has always been in the forefront working for equal pay for women as evidenced by the recent strong support of the Lilly Ledbetter Act.

While I strongly support the writer's right to express his opinion and to disagree with NOW on issues, I don't support his mischaracterization of the organization.

ELEANOR CECIL

Lutz

Lawmakers distracted

While new laws limiting cell phone use or texting while driving may be politically popular and make for a great campaign commercial, they would be almost impossible to enforce ("Lawmakers planning to attack distracted driving," Jan. 20). While distracted driving is obviously a problem, it's literally impossible for police officers to tell the difference between people texting behind the wheel and those simply dialing telephone numbers.

Likewise, individual judgment also should play a role: While nobody should compose long e-mail missives behind the wheel, texting "OK" while at a stop light shouldn't be an offense. While well intentioned, the proposed laws wouldn't work, and the Legislature shouldn't move forward with them.

CHRISTIAN R. CAMARA

Tallahassee