TNT letters: The economics of abortion; vaccine requirements; banning public camping

Economics of abortion

Re: “Economists know the costs of restricting abortion access” (TNT, 12/01/2021)

It’s sad that Caitlin Myers and 150 other economists have a sorry grasp of economics.

Abortion is market failure. The unborn is denied opportunity for involvement in the decision making of the transaction. Ultimately, the state ought to protect that choice.

I’ll stipulate that children cost money and can detract from income opportunities for parents, particularly mothers. However, distinguished economists look at benefits beyond money. Parenthood should have joys that cannot be measured monetarily. Myers’ analysis is shortsighted.

Myers also believes the Texas abortion law would have disastrous consequences for the state’s economy. Anecdotal surveys where respondents claim they prefer to live and work in a state with liberal abortion policy are contrary to what’s actually observed. Texas GDP grew 23% between 2013 and 2019 and the population increased 10% from 2013 to 2021.

Let’s also consider birth replacement rates. A far more dire economic consequence than a mom no longer having a high income job which would allow her the new Corvette as opposed to the used minivan is what occurs when society ages without generational progeny.

Lastly, if abortion is a recipe for economic growth, the USAID should make this policy in their work with developing countries.

Scott Livingston, University Place

Vaccine mandate

I live in Tacoma but work up in Kent. Here in King County, to eat at a restaurant, you either have to be vaccinated or be able to show a negative COVID test before being allowed in.

In light of the recent incident with the Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel in New Orleans, where at least 10 passengers and crew tested positive for COVID-19 (on a ship that required everyone to be vaccinated), doesn’t it stand to reason that those who have not been vaccinated and submit to testing are less of a threat than those who got the jab nine, 10 or even 12 months ago and yet aren’t asked to show a recent negative test?

The vaccines do seem to show good protection for 3-4 months after being administered, but since they clearly don’t keep you from getting or spreading COVID-19, we shouldn’t be requiring them in order to participate in civil society.

Brien Downie, Tacoma

Homeless camping ban

Re: “Tacoma public camping ban: Where will the homeless go?” (TNT, 12/08/2021)

I sympathize with Matt Driscoll’s editorial on Dec 8 about homelessness. He ended with: “You might be able to make pitching a tent on public property illegal, but you can’t make it illegal to exist.”

Actually, and horrifically, that has been done! During the reign of Edward VI of England, the Poor Laws imposed the death penalty for those twice found guilty of vagrancy. The first offense was two years of servitude and being branded with a V.

Thankfully, we are not considering such solutions today for our poorest citizens in one of the richest countries in the world. How about providing a Basic Minimum Income for everyone? How about allowing limited camping in public parks and other spaces while providing water, toilets and garbage pickups? How about providing housing in motels, tiny homes, mobile homes, campers or cheap apartments? What are other countries doing to deal with the problem?

There are other solutions besides prisons and death sentences. Let’s implement them.

John Selby, Edgewood