Open Forum

I personally like to thank Ms. Tweed for the article she wrote about the delegation from Minnesota who went on a tour to Saudi Arabia. During this difficult time that all we read about is the kidnappings and the killings on both sides, it was very refreshing to see that a talented and compassionate newspaper writer took the time to show the readers the other side of the Saudi people. "The human side." That should be an example for us all to make an effort and put aside our prejudice and forget the news, expand our horizons and learn more about the human race that live in different countries. I bet that all of us will be more tolerant and accept our neighbors from different backgrounds than ours, instead of stereotyping them. Thanks again Ms. Tweed from an Egyptian reader.

Sami Talhami

Brainerd

Emergency contraception

It has been reported that the Bush Administration is likely to reverse course on its decision to deny over-the-counter status for a brand of Emergency Contraception. I am overjoyed that President Bush is finally aware that science, not politics, should influence decisions about the country's public health policy.

Improved access of Emergency Contraception, or EC, could prevent 1.7 million unintended pregnancies and 800,000 abortions each year in the US! It has been available for more than 25 years and is a safe and effective method of contraception. EC prevents pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse.

It is crucial that this product be readily available in emergency rooms for sexual assault victims. Sadly, EC is currently not available in more than half of Minnesota's emergency rooms.

EC does not cause abortion. It prevents unwanted pregnancy and abortion.

Do you want to make a difference? Please write to your state legislator and tell him or her to support the "EC in the ER" bill. Contact Senators Dayton and Coleman, and your Congressman, and ask them to urge the Bush Administration to grant EC over-the-counter status.

Caitlin Singer

Golden Valley