Powell’s Candor on Condom Use

Secretary of State Colin Powell is to be commended for speaking out in favor of condom use (“Unlike His Boss, Powell Takes Pro-Condom Stand,” Feb. 15). As for those who are criticizing him for doing so, it’s clear that they’re more interested in advancing a sex-negative agenda than they are in saving lives.

Yes, abstinence should be taught. But it should be taught as part of a complete program of sex education, including information on masturbation and all forms of contraception. While it is true that abstinence is the surest way to avoid sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy, it’s also true that proper condom use greatly reduces those risks. This is not a “mixed message,” it’s just simply the truth.

True education means teaching all the facts, not merely those that support a given agenda. Abstinence-only sex “education” is not education at all, it’s indoctrination.

Steve Omlid

Upland