PLATFORM : Ultimate Protection
On the same day the governor’s remarks appeared, papers carried the grim news that syphilis has risen again, up 75% from 1985. Norplant, of course, does nothing to curb this and other sexually transmitted diseases. Teens being teens, Norplant will lure them into falsely thinking they have solved “that problem,” and more will contract sexually transmitted diseases.
On another issue, adults have managed to send teens a clear message: “Don’t do drugs.” And the fact that some will ignore the advice has not deterred it. Slowly, the message that “drugs are uncool” is starting to take hold.
Another governor, L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia, is sending the same kind of clear message about teen sex: “If they want to have a future, it is imperative that our young . . . embrace the ultimate protection, abstinence.” Ultimately, that is healthier than Norplant.
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