Joycelyn Elders

In response to U.S. Sen. Trent Lott’s Column Right, Sept. 7, on Dr. Joycelyn Elders:

Again we are hearing misstatements about qualifications for this outspoken, no-nonsense, well-qualified Dr. Joycelyn Elders as surgeon general. Maybe Lott is naive and unaware of just what is going on in this country--that 12-year-olds are having sex and babies. Thank God for someone outspoken enough to get the attention of the country and do something about it.

KATHRYN LONGLEY, Irvine

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I’m afraid Elders fails to take into account teen-age human nature when she boasts of the merits of her condom giveaway plan in Arkansas. How many kids wear seat belts in cars when no adult is present? Many youngsters on the receiving end may perceive the whole deal as green-lighting promiscuity.

MARTIN COYNE, Santa Monica

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Regarding Joycelyn Elders’ apology to U.S. Catholic leaders, Sept 4:

What a shame! The quote, “. . . Look who’s fighting the pro-choice movement, a celibate, male-dominated church,” is not only accurate and fair but an appropriate concern for the ongoing debate. The church accused her of contempt, and of implying that Catholics do not have the right to contribute to the debate. This is obviously untrue, but helps to stifle relevant questions on critical issues by major players.

As a result, we must stomach an apology for the truth, in the ever-increasing demand for political correctness.

KARL W. JOHNSON, Studio City