Education and Funds for AIDS

Thank you for printing the article entitled “Risk of Youths Contacting AIDS Virus Is Seen on Rise” (Part I, Nov. 6).

As we have been saying for the last three years or more: Teens are at risk for AIDS. That is why all responsible organizations and legislators supported SB 136 to create a videotape that teens would view before graduation. It would have stressed abstinence. It would have had to be approved by the director of the Department of Health Services, Dr. Kenneth Kizer, and the state superintendent of schools, Bill Honig. It would not have, I repeat, it would not have promoted homosexuality as its critics charged.

Our governor, in yet another obstructionist move against educating people about AIDS, vetoed SB 136.

It is heinous and unforgivable for the governor to keep life-saving information away from children, i.e. our teens, our next generation, our future.

We are working with every ounce of professionalism and commitment to battle this disease. One day, the syndrome of acquired immune deficiency will be medical history. Until then, all we have is education to stay safe from AIDS.

LYNN D. SHEPODD

Co-Chair

Municipal Elections

Committee of Los Angeles