This is in response to Esther Tyson's column of Sunday, June 7.

Dear Mrs Tyson,

Your column was a good one and I think covered all the bases. That said, however, let me ask you for your suggestions for practical solutions. All that you said was true, as the use of condoms is an impractical long-term fix.

The 'sermon' part of your article seems to have implied abstinence, which has never proven to be a practical solution in and of itself. As a Christian, I am as concerned as you are, and as a citizen of the world, I am mortified at the consequences that I see and must sometimes deal with. No amount of sex education and preaching seem to be able to stem the tide significantly enough for us to claim more that a modicum of success.

Wrong approach

There seems to be a lower incidence of the consequences of sexually related diseases and pregnancy among the target group when females and males have strong self-respect, self-worth and a good grip on their lives. Could it be that we have been approaching the problem from the perspective of restriction instead of educating persons to embrace their worth as individuals?

This question is by no means intended to be accusatory as I, too, am in a quandary as to the best path to take. Morality cannot be legislated, and this appears to be the quixotic suggestion of some to the perceived causative issues impacting the problem. (For example, censure dancehall and public lewdness of any kind by enacting laws, etc.). Right now, condoms have a place, at least as an attempt in the war against the spread of some sexually transmitted disease.

It might be only a low fence, but it is a barrier nonetheless.

I am, etc.,

S. PETER CAMPBELL Sr

speterc@aol.com

Havertown

Pennsylvania