Although it didn't get a fraction of the attention that his proposal for Elian received, Vice President Gore has recommended two changes to Social Security that would help make the system more fair for women. If this is a new strategy to rescue those elusive 25 electoral votes in Florida, it is a welcome change.
Women spend more time out of the labor force than men do, caring for children.
But a large part of the difference results from the time that women spend out of the labor force. It would be the first time that the Social Security system would recognize the value of care-giving, something the women's movement has demanded for a long time. Men would also be eligible for the credit to their earnings record. Gore's plan should make people think about why our society places such a low value on this important labor in the private sector as well. Gore's other proposal would benefit elderly widows by increasing their survivors' benefit.