It's unfair to give lawyers debt relief

Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine, in his support of the forgiveness bill for attorneys engaged in public service (Fence Post, Aug. 22), comments that they should not be consigned to lives of crippling debt for that choice.

If they entered private practice, they would still have a debt. College and graduate school are expensive. There is no doubt about it, and many students incur considerable debt in obtaining their degrees while others pay as they go with employment.

To single out one profession for debt forgiveness is unfair to others.

Forgiveness would have to apply to doctors, nurses, social workers, law enforcement professionals, engineers, chemists, teachers and any employment that requires a baccalaureate degree or above.

These people also incur an educational cost and their service is vital in our society, in both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Devine is commended for his consideration of his employees, but forgiveness of a loan will not increase the retention of attorneys.

As soon as the required employment commitment is fulfilled, many will seek more lucrative employment. It is not uncommon for young professionals to change employment, especially as they formularize their skills.

John Culloton

Chicago