In response to Ted Hardmeyer's letter (Dec. 17) denouncing The Forum's decision to run a story on Natalie Sparrow, and in fact denouncing Natalie Sparrow as a poor/negligent parent:
My first point is that it was a very brief story. From that story how can Hardmeyer make an accurate judgment on Sparrow, her career, spouse or family?
Second, The Forum did not uphold Sparrow up as a "role model" as Hardmeyer suggests. It was a human interest story; nothing more, nothing less.
Third, according to the article, she works at home, allowing her to spend time with her children.
Fourth, Hardmeyer attacks Sparrow's volunteer work! The under privileged/underemployed women she helps prepare for job interviews need the support! Or maybe Hardmeyer feels they should not work either? Maybe they should be home with their children on welfare, because no one in the family has a job.
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With the lack of information both Hardmeyer and I have, there are probably things we don't know; maybe she has a spouse who respects her and her decisions, one who actually has an active role in raising his own children.
It may not be the life choice of Hardmeyer, or even mine, but it is Sparrow's.
I wonder if this article had been written about "Nathan" Sparrow would his attitude have been different? Would he have applauded his "work ethic"?
Kathy Hoverson
Cooperstown, N.D.
