Logic Misplaced

I would like to respond to the article “Street Smarts: AIDS Educators Team With Prostitutes to Get Out Word on Safe Sex,” (May 22) by Linda Roach Monroe.

The logic being used to combat (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is absolutely incredible! Using prostitutes to fight AIDS? What kind of a solution is that? Why not get drug pushers to fight AIDS too? We know how this disease is spread but, instead of attacking the actions that cause its spread, we try to make those actions “safe.” We also know what prohibits its spread: abstinence. But that’s too difficult for people, so let’s try to achieve the same results by not changing our behavior--that way we get the best of both worlds: pleasure and safety. It cannot be done.

The absolute truth about abstinence will never be taught by prostitutes: that’s how they make their living, off of other people’s lack of self-control and moral restraint. Reason would dictate that, if you don’t want to contract the disease or allow it to spread, then don’t do the things that cause its contraction or spreading. Our public educators should be ashamed of themselves for pushing “safe” sex instead of abstinence.

I don’t pay taxes so that the government can condone the very behavior that’s brought this plague on ourselves. And I don’t like my government using the very people whose livelihoods are based on the actions that are responsible for the disease in the first place.

CHRIS HEATH

Costa Mesa