Letters to the editor for Monday, March 17

The recent CDC study on sexually transmitted diseases (Star Tribune, March 12) is a wake-up call for the country and for Minnesota. The study presents the staggering estimate that one in four teenage girls nationwide may be infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Regrettably, Minnesota communities have not avoided this epidemic. The Minnesota Department of Health estimates the number of new chlamydia cases has more than doubled in the past 10 years, and the majority of cases are among adolescents and young adults (ages 15-24). Regular screening is crucial since some STDs, like chlamydia, may have no symptoms and are only discovered when the individual is tested. When left untreated, sexually transmitted infections can lead to infertility and pregnancy complications with devastating effects on individuals and our communities. Early detection and treatment of STDs is also cost-effective. For example, screening and treatment for a case of chlamydia is estimated to be $75 while it may cost $1,000 to $3,000 to treat a case of pelvic inflammatory disease, a common complication of untreated STDs.

Minnesota cannot afford to stand by while this epidemic grows. Fortunately, we have the knowledge and tools to combat the STD epidemic and protect our youth. Public health strategies such as screening, treatment and education are effective in combating STDs and will result in long-term health care savings.

Through efforts such as the recent Legislative Commission on Health Care Access, Minnesota leaders are engaging in important discussions regarding public health priorities. In light of the recent CDC study and the local epidemic in Minnesota, the STD problem should be included in these discussions and considered a priority for future funding.

DR. NANCY C. RAYMOND, DIRECTOR,

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA POWELL CENTER FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH, AND Sally J. Kenney, director, Center on Women and Public

Policy, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute

No time for denial Release of the national study of common STDs is a clear indictment of the failed "abstinence only" approach to sex education. STDs are a clear and present health risk for teens.

Barrier-method protection, typically condoms, is known to be effective, inexpensive and widely available to the teenage population. The tragedy of this report is not so much the widespread distribution of STDs but rather the appalling denial of the issue by otherwise responsible adults. We refuse to make comprehensive sex education available to teens, and now this study lays bare the consequences.

GEORGE HUTCHINSON, MINNEAPOLIS

A March 13 letter writer is happy to see that the racinos are once again being considered as a method of raising revenue for the state. Placing the question on the November ballot is a method that would allow all Minnesotans to let their voices be heard.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has utilized its monopoly on slot machines, along with its tax-free income, to tout its charitable giving. It provided $21 million in charitable contributions and another $10 million toward the Gophers' new stadium plaza -- prime examples of how to toot your own horn while Minnesota's taxpaying public continues the struggle to fund education, transportation, etc.

The Legislature, at the very least, should put the proposal of a state-run and regulated casino (or a racino at Canterbury) on the ballot this year and allow the taxpayers of the state to vote.

MARLIN THOMPSON, CHANHASSEN

Shades of ancient Roman hedonism in today's culture! What an insult to human dignity! Eating "food" off of naked human flesh (Star Tribune, March 10)!

I am deeply ashamed at the human depravity the Star Tribune promotes. I did not think you would sink to that level of depravity. Shame on you! I would expect this kind of trash from an X-rated tabloid but from a family newspaper? Never!

WILLIAM EATON, BROOKLYN PARK

In his attempt to balance the budget, Pawlenty would increase spending for the Boxing Commission while putting some of our state's most vulnerable citizens on the back burner.

It's true -- among a long list of irresponsible proposals, the governor's new budget plan kicks 20,000 Minnesota kids off health care, raises tuition at our colleges and universities, eliminates $30 million in metro transit funding, shortchanges long-term care facilities that serve our elderly and most vulnerable citizens, and slashes essential services for disabled adults.

As chair of the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee, I also have serious concerns about the governor's deep cuts to victims of violent crime. He would cut over $630,000 every year from the Minnesota Center from Crime Victims Services -- a program he already raided in 2003.

Pawlenty's governorship has hardly been a glimmering example of responsible leadership. In an effort to preserve his conservative image, the governor has neglected schools, allowed roads and bridges to fall apart, jeopardized economic stability and continued to shortchange public safety efforts.

Minnesota is facing a $935 million budget deficit because of the state's recent economic downturn. At a time when hard decisions must be made, we need the strength of real leadership to guide us. I hope the governor will rethink his priorities and reconsider his misguided commitment to professional boxing at the expense of innocent crime victims.

Lori Sturdevant is correct! The constituents in Rep. Ron Erhardt and Rep. Neil Peterson's districts did in fact punish them for their vote on the transportation bill (Opinion Exchange, March 11).

They were punished for going against the wishes of the voters who put them in office.

What is really rich is that Sturdevant believes the punishment is unfair when Republicans vote to stand up for what they believe in, but when St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly endorsed President Bush in 2004 and was thrown out of office because of he did, she was nowhere to be found.