I read, with great disgust, about the “Great Condom Rating Contest” at Northern Illinois University. As a parent and a registered nurse, I have never bought into the “safe sex” lie. Then in the Feb. 24 issue of the Chronicle, I read where Rev. Scott Stocking’s comments about the contest were called “outrageous” by Michael Haines, NIU Health Enhancement Services Coordinator. Rev. Stocking said, according to the article, that condoms fail at a rate of 15 percent among teenagers. If he was quoted accurately, his figure rate was estimated at 18 percent. This figure rate is for pregnancy. But before we get bogged down here in the accuracy of MY statistics and sources, let’s consider the key word: FAILURE. This failure means death when the STD is AIDS. So why are we getting picky about statistics? And please note that this life-destroying virus is 500 times SMALLER than a sperm. So we are saying that sex is safe with a condom when STD’s are a 365-days-a-year possibility, and 1 in 50 condoms fail to meet the leakage standards? Are we intelligent and accurate to teach students that they are “safe.”

What is being implied here by NIU is that, although condoms have failed at preventing pregnancy for married couples in a loving, understanding and responsible relationship, they will protect young people in relationships without commitment and with a partner that is in questionable health.

One last thought here, directed to all the young people who have been taught the safe sex myth. I believe in the young people of America. You are smarter and more talented than any generation yet. I believe you are smarter than your teachers and can figure out when you are being sold down the river. Self-control is well within your abilities. But most of all, your life is valuable and we would miss you if you were not here. For many reasons, we will hear the safe sex myth purported as fact and those of us, like Rev. Stocking, will be considered fanatics. Abstinence until marriage and a monogamous relationship after marriage are attainable. Does this mean we don’t want young people to have fun? Not true. I wish you all a long and happy life, free of the consequences of wrong teaching and bad decisions.

ANN EKLE

Waterman Resident