Sotto in ‘alternative universe’

This refers to Oscar Franklin Tan’s column titled “Why is it so easy to hate Sen. Tito Sotto?” Opinion, 5/8/17) which, I would say, is a very wise one.

First of all, I do not hate Senator Sotto. But I do dislike some of his political and philosophical views.

The senator is opposed to the use of contraceptives and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012. Which means, he is against safe sex and population control. Which means, he is living in a bubble or an alternative universe.

Senator Sotto should wake up: We are past the 19th and 20th centuries. This is now the 21st century. Let’s welcome the future with open arms. Women from poor families in a poor country are getting pregnant and no one cares, and they are left alone with their problems. And in this country, the incidence of HIV/AIDS is ever-increasing, with no definite cure for it.

Senator Sotto should know that there is no such thing as medical marijuana. He should ask medical experts who are not blinded by politics or religion. He should read regularly Nature and Science Magazine; it’s written not just for scientists and academicians; it’s written in a language that even a layman, or one who is not in the research profession, can understand.

And it’s not wrong to be a single mother, but it’s very wrong to make fun of such mothers, or to discriminate against them. Senator Sotto should not be more popish than the Pope. Would he have played the same joke with a lady who has no past from the rebel movement, or with somebody from high society, or with a political ally, or with a friend?

It was good that he apologized, which shows that he is still a gentleman, for which reason I respect him. I wish the senator the gift of an open mind—and the best.

JÜRGEN SCHÖFER, PhD, [email protected]