Miami Herald; Tuesday, December 3, 1991
Robert L. Steinback, Herald Columnist

The nation is facing its worst economic crisis in years: lost jobs, bankruptcies, busted budgets. And what topic seems to be dominating our attention? Sex.

There were other stories -- the economy, taxes, Haiti, David Duke. Yet sex often led the news: harassment testifier Anita Hill, accused prostitute Kathy Willets, accused rapist William Kennedy Smith, video crotch-grabber Michael Jackson, sexual conquistador Magic Johnson. Interesting that when real-life pressures mount, we escape in the titillation of sexual scandal.

* Is Magic Johnson a hero? Yes -- and no. Yes, for revealing his HIV-positive condition with bravery, honesty and a willingness to use his misfortune to benefit others.

But no, for his apparent lack of respect for sex itself. No one -- our fantasies notwithstanding -- can have that many sexual liaisons and still regard each with respect. Celebrity excesses obscure the reality that an absence of sexual respect can cause untold emotional trauma for both men and women.

I don't agree, however, with those who say Johnson should be advocating "no sex" rather than "safe sex." In the real world, two facts are clear: Young people will have sex, and thoughtless sex can be dangerous. Johnson is trying to do what most adults won't: Give teen-agers the real facts, then trust them to make good decisions.

* There are two distinct issues related to the current exodus of Haitian refugees: U.S. immigration and refugee policy, and the fairness of that policy. The issue at hand is fairness: How can the United States justify sending Haitians back when many more thousands from other nations were and are being allowed to enter? Whatever policy this country implements -- even closing its doors to foreigners -- must be administered equitably. And the Haitians should be looked upon as refugees seeking temporary sanctuary, not permanent residency. How sad a day it will be when the United States can't offer safe haven to those fleeing life-threatening conflict.

By the way, I goofed up the most memorable line from Emma Lazarus's poem "The New Colossus." It's supposed to read, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," not, "yearning to be free."

* David Duke tapped into the discontent of many of Louisiana's voters. But by allowing an economic issue to become a racial one, Duke -- like too many more-subtle politicians -- sought success through division, at the expense of ethnic unity. That is like seeking to raise the bow of a ship by poking holes in the stern -- the short-run success pales next to the long-run disaster.

When Duke goes national, the only difference will be that his rhetoric will threaten a far bigger ship.

* Haven't we figured out yet that we're all being used by Kathy Willets -- the justice system, the media and the public, not to mention the hapless on-the-list johns? A banner plane towing the number of Willets' new call-and-listen 900 telephone service flew above Sunday's Dolphins game at Joe Robbie Stadium. Kathy Willets posters were on sale last week at the Broward County Fair. Willets -- nymphomania her only claim to fame -- isn't even above conducting her tacky self-promotion at youth-oriented events (her flying ad said only those 18 and older should call. Good luck.)

The Willetses could have pleaded out to lesser charges a long time ago. But under the stewardship of attorney Ellis Rubin, Kathy Willets is vying for celebrityhood. And making suckers out of us all in the process.

* And she's not alone. Remember the Swedish Bikini Team, from the Old Milwaukee Beer commercials, which glorified the bimbo as the male ideal? The ads provoked controversy, and even a novel discrimination lawsuit filed by five female employees of Stroh Brewery, the maker of Old Milwaukee.

The response? The "team" appears on the cover of -- and uncovered in -- Playboy magazine.

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