The Bush administration is ignoring sexual realities
I'd like to respond to the letter by Wade F. Horn, assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, when he made the assertion that abstinence-only education "delays the onset of sexual activity" ("President Bush Believes in Telling the Truth About STDs," April 26).

The key word here is "delay." How long is sexual activity delayed? Six months? Two years? Five years? Moreover, how are we to believe these surveys? Can we really expect a young person who participated in an "abstinence-only" program to admit his or her sexual exploits to researchers?

Furthermore, what happens when teenagers become adults? They will continue to have sex without correct information about contraception and the symptoms of HIV and other STDs. We are encouraging a culture of shame and ignorance around the hard reality of the sexual activities of teenagers and adults in this country. Pretending that people don't have sex will not prevent the growing AIDS rate, especially in the African-American community. Only responsible education about contraception will.

Mr. Horn and the Bush administration also continue to miss an important point regarding abstinence-only education. Many victims of AIDS here and abroad are actually partners in marriage. Notably, many women in sub-Saharan Africa are beaten and shamed if they even suggest using condoms in married relationships (men believe they have been cheating and have contracted an STD).

Congratulations, Mr. Horn, for perpetuating the shame of contraception and following such notables as President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe in ignoring the daily realities of the sexual activities of their country's citizens.

NATALIA RUDIAK
Carrick

Not a free service
The information offered by the National Weather Service is not "free," as described in the article "Storm Over Weather Service: Santorum Bill Would Protect Private Forecast Firms" (April 26). Unless I am seriously mistaken, the National Weather Service is funded with taxpayers' money.

Now, the private weather industry and their paladin, Sen. Rick Santorum, want the public to be denied access to a service the public has paid for. So, the public would have to pay twice for the same service: once to the government and once to companies such as AccuWeather. And I thought Republicans were against double taxation.

FRANCESCA DI POPPA
Point Breeze

Pure protectionism
Way back (75 years), when I was young, I was taught senators represented all of their constituents, not just private weather companies. We all pay for the National Weather Service data. It's insane to force this service to refer to burdensome legislation to do its job.

Legislating protectionism for segments of a free-market society is not what Sen. Rick Santorum was elected to do.

What is his motivation here?

GEORGE H. PILSZAK Sr.
Franklin, Pa.

Responsibility to all
I respond to the First Person article "I'm Old" (April 16) by John F. Waldron. I also qualify for that designation, at 81, and have been a widow almost 15 years. Life goes on. With God's help, a positive attitude, good health and sufficient resources, old age can be good.

Each morning I thank God for the new day, and for my happy circumstances and good health. My caring daughter lives nearby. I attend the Methodist Church and have found opportunities to be helpful there and at local museums and a community ministry as a volunteer. I enjoy the good bus service that enables me to get there and Downtown. I live in a comfortable apartment with good neighbors, and in a wonderful neighborhood for walking. I am content.

I am blessed with sufficient resources. It is much more difficult for those who are not. The choice often is not whether to travel or enjoy home, but whether to buy medication or food.

Government officials and the relatively few wealthy individuals determining what new laws we will have must begin to consider the true status of most of us. Christianity encourages helping the sick, the hungry, the homeless. The Christians who are well-off financially should be willing to pay higher taxes so that their mandate as Christians can be carried out on the scale needed. Jesus didn't advocate selfishness.

Jesus did advocate personally helping to satisfy needs seen close by. Volunteers can be present-day Good Samaritans. Help at a local soup kitchen. Social service agencies that endeavor to supply ordinary basic needs are always in need of help and of funds.

Our country would be closer to Jesus' ideal if those who call themselves Christian would look for the good in all God's children (everyone) and begin to accept their personal responsibilities. It is good to "talk the talk" but necessary to also "walk the walk."

LYNN KITTNER
Regent Square

Please reconsider
Kennywood, what have you done ("Kennywood Full Price, Rides or Not," April 25)? Being lucky enough to live close to Kennywood, my husband and I would, at least three or four times a year, get general admission entrance, watch people, play games and have french fries and a dip cone.

Now (being over 55) just entering the park will cost us $29.90 for two. Not everyone goes to Kennywood to ride; the park has many more attractions to it. Please, please bring back the general admission rate!

ROSE MARIE GOODNIGHT
West Mifflin

Confused Rogers
Quite simply, a good political cartoon makes you smile and think, even when you are on the other side of the issue and don't agree with the content.

The PG's Rob Rogers confuses nastiness and meanness with sharp political commentary. He should remember that a cartoon is, first of all, to be funny.

BART ARLET
Crafton Heights