Mailbag:

Community outrage against the local high school production of “Rent” at Corona del Mar High has nothing to do with “homophobia.”

Parents, administrators and the community are appalled at the play’s attitude toward promiscuity, sexual and drug experimentation and profanity.

In today’s era of rising teen pregnancy rates, rampant sexually transmitted diseases, out-of-control drug use and teen violence, our role as parents, educators and community is to encourage our youth toward responsible decision making, respect for self and others, and resisting the lure of peer pressure toward behaviors that can destroy our youth’s future.

The play “Rent” undermines all of our efforts in these areas. It glamorizes the drug culture, promotes sexual experimentation and promiscuity and encourages acceptance of peer-pressure-based decisions.

The ACLU has done a great disservice to our students by labeling the opposition to “Rent” as “homophobia.” This is not a play about a stable long-term gay relationship. In raising the “homophobia” flag, it has silenced the true reasons for opposition to this high school production. This production is inappropriate not because of its gay content, but because it promotes detrimental risk-taking behavior and derides thoughtful decision making.

It is damaging not only for the Corona del Mar High School students, but even more so to the vulnerable junior high students who share the same facilities as the high school.

YVETTE KRATZBERG

Newport Beach

Health care needs to be affordable

Our health care has for too long been a “for-profit” industry run by middle men overriding the doctors.

My insurance has gone up from $450 to $689 a month, and I still have a $2,500 deductible. It is time for the lobbyists to be exposed and for us to receive the same health care all the politicians have.

President Obama has challenged Congress to pass real health care reform in 2009 that upholds three basic principles:

?Reduce costs by improving efficiency and investing in preventive care.

?Guarantee every American the right to choose their plan and doctor, including a public insurance option.

?Ensure quality, affordable care for every American.

My family struggles to pay health care now, and my children, 27 and 28 — both with jobs — do not have health care. I worry about what they would do or how it would mean financial disaster if something serious happens to one of them.

The people want a public health care option. Why isn’t Congress listening? I thought they represented us.

MARK ELLIOTT