Satcher deserves kudos

for issuing ‘Call to Action’
I want to applaud Surgeon General David Satcher for having the courage to release his long-awaited “Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Behavior.” Sadly, frank discussions of sexuality are all too often avoided because of discomfort with the topic or because of scientifically baseless political opposition. By releasing his findings, Dr. Satcher has raised awareness about the state of America’s sexual health and the critical need for more knowledge, more services and more open discussion, so people can make responsible choices. This report will save lives.
The call to action is an important step. However, implementation is up to us. Planned Parenthood has launched an initiative called “Rights, Respect, Responsibility.” As part of this initiative, 16 Oregonians from across the state recently completed a 14-day European Study Tour. We had the opportunity to hear from students, educators, health-care providers, media specialists and researchers about how the Netherlands, Germany and France have succeeded in dramatically reducing unintended pregnancies, abortion and STDs through providing young people with honest and accurate information about sexuality, responsibility and relationships, combined with access to contraception.
Just as the Surgeon General has called us to do, we intend to work with Oregonians to develop healthier sexual attitudes and behaviors. We have begun a bold initiative that we hope will be one of many throughout this country to save the lives and futures of our most important national assets, our children.
 

Kitty Piercy
public affairs director
Planned Parenthood Health Services of Southwestern Oregon

Old growth trees still in danger
I think it is great that your paper is telling people about the great outdoors. I only want to inform you, and those who really care, about what else is going on in the woods.
The Forest Service is anxious to cut down old growth trees in the Fall Creek area. A timber sale named “Clark” has been the home to many tree sitters from this area. The sit has been going on for three years and has proved to be somewhat successful in that the trees are still there. But the Forest Service still has a deal and plans to deliver. This valuable piece of Oregon is still threatened. People who really enjoy Oregon and care about Oregon should know this.
 

Chuck Holding
Erb Essentials