I am writing in response to last week's article about funding being denied for "rape cards." I was outraged to see that a measly $700 was not expendable for the safety of students. Senators, do you even know what numbers are on these cards? Have you ever even read one?

On one side of the cards, there is a list of six instructions that a person should do if they are raped. Rape victims are not exactly clear-minded and these instructions will help them make safe decisions when they are unable to think rationally.

The other side of the card lists phone numbers for medical treatment, emotional support, police information, and advocate information.

No, Mr. Covener, it is not always "common sense" to call 911, especially when the offender may have been a friend or date.

Victims may blame themselves for what has happened and these phone numbers provide resources for the victims so that they may decide who theywant to contact (counselors, police and lawyers, for example).

At the end of the article, Sen. Michaels tells a story about his sister's purse getting stolen.

He found out she threw away a list of instructions he had given her in the event that this happened. Mr. Michaels, how could you even compare a rape to a purse theft? A purse is replaceable -- your safety, self-respect and sanity are not.