Child labor laws really do deserve a second look

I agree that we should revise our child labor laws. However, in response to the "Opinion" on July 24, I resent our children being referred to as "freeloaders" and as the "answer to the high cost of gasoline."

Our "kids" have not "been living on Easy Street for 70 years."

For us, they are a true blessing and contribute greatly to the dynamics of our family. Our young people are the crown jewels in our community. On the other hand, many young people, who would like to earn some income other than baby-sitting, are frustrated by the restrictive child labor laws.

Electronics stores could use the help of knowledgeable teenagers. Agriculture could certainly use their help with the harvest. Retail and grocery stores could use their help.

However, at present, the child labor laws are so restrictive that it isn't worth the trouble for an employer to comply. Thus, rather than protecting young people, they are discriminating against them being hired. The child labor laws need to be revised. Robin G. Mitchell Calabasas The editorial was meant to be tongue-in-cheek.