Letters to the editor
Abortion not a church-versus-state issue
To the editor:
Many presidential exit polls showed that morality played an influential role in determining voter preference. Abortion, especially in light of the potential three Supreme Court vacancies, was among the top issues on this list.
Proponents of abortion argue that the implementation of pro-life policy would be a violation of the separation of church and state since Catholicism defends the rights of the unborn. In the second presidential debate, John Kerry emphasized this point when he said that he, as a Catholic, could not "take what is an article of faith to (him) and legislate it for someone who doesn't share that article of faith."
When will abortion advocates realize that the pro-life agenda has nothing to do with the separation of church and state, that Catholicism did not create the pro-life agenda but rather uncovered it through sound reasoning? One then does not need to be Catholic (or of any faith for that matter) to be pro-life. One only needs to understand that killing an innocent human being is wrong.
Why then is abortion singled out and stigmatized as a church and state issue while other issues, especially the pro-life issues such as the death penalty or war, are seen as secular? When one reflects on the fundamental basis of any just law, do not these fundamentals always have their basis in an absolute sense of right and wrong that cuts through any humanly constructed religious tradition?
Abortion is no different, and pursuing a pro-life agenda is simply doing what is right, which happens to be (although it is not dependent on) Catholicism's position as well.
George Barnidge
Class of 2001
Gonzaga game turnout
To the editor:
I just want to take a moment to thank the entire student body for showing up in full force for the Gonzaga game on Thursday and for being so positive.
That was a phenomenal effort on your part, and created precisely the sort of game-day atmosphere that gives our team a great home court advantage. The announcers with ESPN2 were very impressed and indicated so during the telecast.
Countless fans and alumni mentioned at the game and afterward what a wonderful atmosphere we had in the arena.
While we narrowly missed victory, your effort unquestionably contributed mightily to a near-upset of the 11th-ranked team in the nation and demonstrates what great school spirit we have here at Santa Clara.
Thanks again for that wonderful showing. We hope you continue your support for our teams throughout the rest of the winter and spring. Go Broncos!
Dan Coonan
Athletic Director
Reproductive health trumps other concerns
To the editor:
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte is writing in response to your article regarding Santa Clara's health center's inability to distribute contraceptives on campus.
We are firm supporters of religious freedom. However, where students' health is at stake, we cannot condone a policy in which students are not provided with access to birth control pills, condoms and other contraceptives.
* Half of new HIV infections occur in people who are under the age of 25.
* Young people are at the greatest risk of obtaining sexually transmitted infections.
* The rate of unintended pregnancy is highest for women who are under the age of 25.
Students clearly need complete access to all reproductive health care services that give them the tools, information and preventive health care they need to make responsible choices about their lives.
That's why Planned Parenthood Mar Monte proudly provides complete reproductive health care services at our health centers, which includes the distribution of birth control pills, condoms and other contraceptives.
Many of our health centers also offer prenatal care and some provide primary general care like our health center on The Alameda in San Jose. Primary health care includes physicals, immunizations, pediatrics, mid-life services; and treatment for headaches, sore throats, rashes, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Our patients range from newborn babies, children, young women and men, and older people. We are proud that our health centers embrace the entire community.
Gayle M. Tiller
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Public Affairs Director for Santa Clara and San Benito counties