Child needs both parents involved

To the editor:

This is in response to the Speak Out comment describing a father's role in a child's development is only to be a sperm donor and financial provider. I would wager a majority of the people who read this tirade against men were as outraged as I.

When a child is brought into this world, the ideal situation is for both parents together to raise this child. The child will learn from both a male and female perspective. Unfortunately, at times the parents cannot live together. Both parents should be active in the child's life. To think otherwise is flat-out wrong.

There are situations where one of the parents either can't or won't or be allowed to be part of the child's life. If this is the case, that parent should still provide financially for that child. Nowhere is it written that only the mother can get sole custody. The courts now look at the whole person. In many cases, fathers end up with custody.

Don't make blanket statements against men as providers and role models just because you are upset. If you feel that the biological father of your child is not the type of person who should not be in the process of raising your child, then provide the evidence to the court, and let it decide.

TOM GILMER, Scott City