Letters to the editor

UC not immune to education cuts

I think it is very important for students to take note of the
news article “Some fear UC could bear brunt of deficit”
(Oct. 15). The article definitely raises issues students should be
concerned about. If the analysts are right and
Schwarzenegger’s idea of preserving education is mainly at
the K-12 level, students at UCLA will definitely suffer. Programs
have already been cut and fees have seen sharp increases.

To stop further cuts and preserve UCLA’s education,
students need to step up. As students of UCLA, we have a
responsibility to protect higher education for students across the
state. All students should write letters and make phone calls to
both our new gov.-elect and the legislature urging them not to cut
higher education in next year’s budget.

Students need to remind those in Sacramento that higher
education is an investment for the future that should not be
targeted for cuts today.

Jolene Mitchell

Second-year, mathematics / applied science

Condoms only viable alternative

Joseph De Feo’s letter on Oct. 15 asserts that Cardinal
Trujillo’s advice regarding condoms is not dangerous. He
states that “Uganda, acting in accord with Catholic teaching,
has used abstinence programs for some time … “ This
misstates Uganda’s experience and program. Uganda’s
model, endorsed by President Bush, is referred to as the “ABC
Model.” It is summarized as “Abstinence first, or Be
Faithful, if not, use Condoms.” Uganda’s program uses
condoms as the “safety net.” This is not Catholic
teaching, nor does the church approve.

De Feo describes Trujillo’s advice as dangerous only to
“the big business that is the condom industry.” That
misstates the industry. The vast majority of condoms are made
overseas and donated by non-profit and governmental agencies in an
effort to provide protection to infected populations. The average
person who is infected with HIV/AIDS in Africa today is a young,
monogamous wife. Condoms offer her the only opportunity to prevent
infection.

Since the 1992 study cited by De Feo was conducted,
manufacturing processes have improved, quality levels have
significantly increased, and test methods are more sensitive. While
the data De Feo cited was good in 1992, the latest information is
that condoms are approximately 90 percent effective in protection
against HIV/AIDS.

Withdrawal alone, according to consensus studies, is 70 percent
effective and does not protect from HIV/AIDS. If business sought to
market “abstinence” as a medical device, regulators
would not allow it because of its lack of effectiveness. To believe
De Feo’s defense of the cardinal is to leave people at the
most risk, the least protected and the most harmed. If sexual
activity is chosen, use condoms.

Lillie C. Thomas, M.S.

Vice President Education Services

Custom Services International Inc.