The fight against AIDS takes many forms

Re “An old way to fight AIDS,” editorial, Feb. 10

The most effective way to fight AIDS is to teach new behaviors and to provide incentives to practice the new behaviors. The new behaviors include always using a condom when having sex. This new behavior also requires a global commitment to providing condoms worldwide and to teaching men and women how to use them. However, the Bush administration has us fighting AIDS with virginity pledges, chastity promises and now possibly a return to genital mutilation.

Your support for amputating the foreskin of sexually active men is the antithesis of a progressive approach to fighting AIDS. Circumcision doesn’t stop irresponsible sexual behavior or the spread of AIDS. Education and condom use do.

MONICA D. LANGE PHD

Department of Women’s Studies,

Cal State Long Beach

*

Instead of utilizing the barbaric practice of circumcision, men may want to consider the use of another medical breakthrough. It was invented centuries ago, costs next to nothing to produce in large quantities and, when mixed with water and applied topically to the skin, it kills many germs and bacteria, including HIV. It’s called soap.

DAVID M. ROMERO

Acton