Cindy Alden [07/10/2008]

To the editor:Let me preface my comments by stating that any individual's choice of life partners for intimate relationships should be respected, especially when they are willing to make long-term commitments to such a partnership. Promiscuity among heterosexuals is just as health detrimental as it is known to be among homosexuals worldwide. It is reassuring to know the STDs in general may be decreasing in demand on personal insurance, and taxpayers' supported health benefits. Prevention techniques may be just as important to that end as the treatments available. Practicing "safe sex" should be part of any adolescent boy or girl health education programs. Claiming ignorance should no longer be grounds for seeking treatments (or tragic abortions for that matter). Means of prevention of STDs and unwanted pregnancies, although often costly in themselves, could be far less expensive to individuals or government-supported health plans. An ounce of prevention is often most assuredly worth a pound of cure. People of any sexual orientation should definitely be held accountable for their behaviors, especially those that will affect others in their local, state and national communities. Disproportionate expenditure of government funds toward any health conditions that can be proven preventable should be discouraged. Alcoholism, lung cancer in folks who have smoked since middle school or military service, obesity due to self-indulgence (often a self-esteem issue, too) to name only three self-inflicted conditions, should very definitely be the responsibility of the individuals who create their own misery. They can take steps to change their habits and should find ways to pay for their necessary recovery costs, too (individual health insurance plans that used to be more affordable should be the answer).It doesn't require a degree in mathematics or economics to recognize that our government, which has been reactive rather than proactive, for many years, is quite often throwing good money after bad, in attempts to humor the voting public, which is more and more made up of self-indulgent, self-pitying people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and economic levels. Advances in technology have encouraged life in the fast lane. Fraught with means to implement immediate gratification of many human whims.I want it and I want it now. This approach often leads to misery of some type in the future. Future? What future? What point is there in prolonging life expectancies the way the world appears to be headed these days? People whose decisions may shorten their life expectancy should be prepared to deal with the consequences of such decisions without whining or complaining or draining resources of people who make more appropriate behaviors and decisions their lifelong pursuits. Our young people need to be given truth, even the inconvenient truths, so they can make better informed decisions about all aspects of their lives.They also deserve the right to determine which behaviors they will accept or reject, based on accurate and complete-as-possible information.Is it not a bit ironic that in our present human condition information can be spread worldwide, faster than a speeding bullet, but it appears much of it is lost because we turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to any of it that does not suit our immediate personal mindset or selfish desires? If the people who are spreading AIDS were to be responsible among themselves for prevention or paying for treatment, through community efforts of their own, that would reflect a truly democratic attitude and approach that might gain them the respect they are fighting so desperately to attain around the world. Decadence breeds contempt. Integrity enhances approval. Governments reflect the mindsets and will of the societies which impel them. Throwing money at many problems does not necessarily eliminate them, however.