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I wish to commend The Times for publishing what I am sure to be an unpopular column by John Stossel, "What seems wrong might not be when you look a little closer" (Monday).
Among the wrongs that might be right he addresses are child labor laws. One has only to consider the benefits of eliminating child labor laws to see the validity of such a proposal. Striking down current child labor restrictions would go hand in hand with doing away with mandatory school attendance as well as the minimum wage law.
Right away, taxpayers would see significant savings in that working children do not attend government-financed schools. Children go from being a drain on society to productive members.
Working children would learn real world lessons about the value of a strong work ethic as well as how a free market works. Not only do families benefit from additional income but millions of jobs will return to America from overseas. Our children would be able to compete with Chinese children on a level playing field.
So thank you, John Stossel, for having the courage to show us "that what seems harmful is actually good for society" and illuminating "what common sense overlooks." Kudos to you sir.
William Saye
Gainesville