I read both PSU Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) chairman Joe Ramagli's letter "Claims do not accurately reflect Penn State's group" (Oct. 31) and former MSU YAF chairman Kyle Bristow's letter "Writer displays ignorance about issues that matter" (Oct. 29). I must say, as a YAF activist from the late 1960s and early 1970s, that Mr. Bristow's beliefs represent the traditional values of YAF, while Mr. Ramagli's views are an aberration. Mr. Ramagli writes that he and PSU YAF believe in an "individual's right to practice 'sexual deviancy.'" Even on the National YAF Web site (www.YAF.com), a picture can be found of a YAF member holding up a sign that states "Sodomy = Death." While Mr. Ramagli defends deviant sexual practices, YAF historically has been in opposition to them.

Mr. Ramagli also states that YAF believes "that the sexes are created equal," which is an asinine assertion. Sexual anatomy is a physiological reality, not a social construct as Marxist theorists would have us believe.

YAF is a conservative organization, and Mr. Ramagli seems to advocate the ideology of libertarianism more than true conservatism.

Heinz-Christian Strache

Florida YAF member, 1968-72

Pensacola, Fla.