Letter to the Editor

 To the Editor:

Is a dialogue possible when all views are not given a framework through which to voice their concerns?

The civility and tone of citizens who have expressed concerns through news editorials about the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (i.e. TPPI or Planned Parenthood) have been questioned as being degrading to opposing views.

However, one must ask, “Why is this only being discussed in the editorials section?” Media headlines and treatment tell us what is important and give legitimacy to an issue. Why have the major news outlets in our community been silent on both sides of the issue?

Perhaps the most important role of the media in a democracy is to report the news, as the vast majority of people expect the media to provide them with information. Elected officials also have a responsibility to their constituents to share through media their views on topics of utmost importance to those they represent.

There is a major lack of information from our community’s media and elected officials regarding the issue. Why would the newspaper report that “Page County has been given a Number One ranking in the State of Iowa that isn’t one to be proud of – teen pregnancies,” and then not print any sort of correction when that was found to be inaccurate? Why has the regional radio station been silent on the respectful dialogue going on at the few community meetings held?

If editorials are the only way that civil discourse can be conducted, the media and our elected officials have done us a disservice.

The information contained in the editorials has been the product of research done by concerned community members who have been willing to stand up for what is right. We have not been given access to the “proprietary” PP curriculum or answered regarding what organizations invited PP into our town.

Please go to the curriculum website recapp.etr.org/ and search for the curriculum being promoted to our youth, Get Real and Making Proud Choices. Inform yourself from the curriculum’s own website that at last half the modules offered are focused on making condom use “fun and pleasurable.” You will see that it stresses condom use, practicing “safer” sex, and always using a condom to reduce risk for STDs, HIV, and pregnancy. It addresses attitudes and beliefs about using condoms and builds skills to use condoms correctly and negotiate condom use. This is not a focus on abstinence.

Furthermore, the source of education is disturbing. Come on, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know a business which makes its money off of selling condoms and failed birth control might slant the curriculum in their favor.

All parts of a democracy must participate in facilitating dialogue to create workable solutions – including the media and elected officials communicating with their constituents.

Anne McDonald, Imogene


The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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