FreeStylin' Feedback

FEEDBACK TO: Store policies scare shoppers

You said in a recent commentary that condoms and pregnancy kits are now removed from shelving and customers must ask pharmacy personnel for assistance to access these things.

It seems that the "state" has mandated morality supposedly in the name of education and prevention.

The fact is, you can't educate those who won't come forward.

As you pointed out, now many teens will feel hugely embarrassed to get the safe sex protection needed for unwanted pregnancy and HIV/AIDS prevention.

This dangerously myopic legislation will lead to untold misery with lives greatly burdened and/or lost. It is time to reverse this regressive stance.

Many teens and young adults are now going to be double-whammied by this "state" stance together with a fundamentalist "church" stance that abstinence is the best practice.

These fundamentalists believe that discussion about these things belongs only in the church with only one choice for "unmarrieds" - that abstinence is the best practice. As a result of this taboo many undaunted and guilty sexually active young Christians do put themselves at risk sexually and do have unwanted pregnancies.

I say that the basic human sex drive is so strong and undeniable that in many cases "abstinence" is not an option. Furthermore, a totalitarian "Big Brother" approach will not work.

I, for one, do believe that sex education does belong in schools or community, which is the natural meeting point for both "church" and "state" points of view.

This nation tries to present to the world that it is an inclusive multicultural mosaic. Therefore, I'd like to see incorporation of tolerant global views and discussions on sexuality and safe sex morality at all levels of the school system.

Yes, but the school system is "state" once again, isn't it?

Well, it is worth a shot in trying to improve sex education in schools. Parents can elect to have their children attend sex ed. classes, subject by subject - or not, but at least life-saving information can be available.

The Education system ideally incorporates the views of all its communities at all levels of government. Change does not happen easily because of the layers and checkpoints involved. Therefore, the education system cannot be disturbed as easily by people with distorted viewpoints hounding city hall or provincial chambers to finally win their way.

In summary, I am alarmed by the precedent set in your province!

Put condoms and pregnancy test kits back on the shelves where they belong - no questions asked - to prevent needless pregnancies or deaths from AIDS.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau said it best: "The state has no affairs in the people's bedroom".

-Carolyn

FEEDBACK TO: "Cheers & Jeers": Mitzi's is marvellous

I am the daughter of the owner of Mitzi's Restaurant. My mom absolutely loved your article. I just wanted to say thanks on behalf of the restaurant for writing such a wonderful review. We are going to be posting your review on our wall near the front entrance.

-Alexandra

FEEDBACK TO: Afghanistan SpeakFree-for-all

I am not proud of the deaths of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, nor am I proud to see their grief at the loss of their comrades. I also feel sadness and pain when I see a flag-draped coffin and the lament of the bagpipes. BUT I am proud that Canada has decided to try change the lives of a tormented and unjustly brutalized people. And I am proud that we have stood up and put our words into action and joined the fight against terror. This is not a U.S. issue alone and anyone who thinks that is sadly deluded and perhaps dangerously so. This is a fight against tyranny masquerading as a justified "holy war". These people must be and will be defeated.

-Dean