‘AIDS Bills Don’t Fare Well’

Deukmejian’s veto of the AIDS education bill has only served to cripple a crucial element of the fight against AIDS. By denying access to AIDS-related information, he has, in a very real sense, condemned our children to death. The facts are clear: Until the advent of a vaccine or cure, AIDS education is the only effective means available. There is simply no other way to prevent its spread.

We cannot count on education to begin in the home, as studies show the majority of the adult population to be woefully ignorant and irrationally biased on AIDS-related matters. Deukmejian’s veto has struck down the only far-reaching, comprehensive program available as yet. Today, teen-age girls and young women represent the fastest growing AIDS risk group. The veto and subsequent explanation that “we are already leading the fight” is not only inadequate, but arrogant.

JIM WILKE

Los Angeles