Freedom of choice is one of the fundamental tenets of American society. So it should not be problematic to make joining a labor union a free choice in American business.

If the Ohio House passes the Ohio Right to Work Act, the state would be one step closer to ensuring this choice. The act would override a current law that requires employees to pay membership dues if unions exist at their companies.

Labor organization officials view the act as an attempt to weaken their influence. They say it could kill collective bargaining rights, which are used to negotiate wages and benefits.

Despite the necessity and effectiveness of unions, this act should be enacted, because the act can benefit workers and unions. Employees will be given further control over their labor rights. If they feel unions will not represent their views properly, then they can choose to be nonunion. And workers will have more job opportunities, because they will not be shut out of positions that require union membership.

It also might help unions by pushing them to improve with the added pressure of attracting members. Unions also might seek more member input to encourage membership. The more unions focus on serving members the better.

It is especially important to Southeast Ohio that this bill be supported by the House Commerce and Labor Committee. Employment in the 21 states with similar right-to-work laws grew steadily from 1982 to 1998. As a region with high unemployment rates, Southeast Ohio could use an extra push with increasing employment.

Government is supposed to reflect the national values through its legislation. Ohio has a duty to uphold freedom of choice - and that includes in the business world.

It's a matter of political agendas getting in the way of common sense.

Nine years after beginning a study of the effects of birth control pills, a Japanese Health Ministry committee concluded there is no reason to restrict the use of the contraceptives. Yet the ministry has not yet gone ahead and approved the sale of the pill.

The issue is marred by personal beliefs taking precedence over logical reasoning. First, some lawmakers say the ban of the contraceptives is a long-held Japanese belief that should be continued. But tradition does not translate to truth, and the country should re-evaluate its birth control pill policy.

Second, others say the health industry wants to keep the ban because performing abortions is big business. The health risks of abortions and the benefits of birth control pills, such as their regulation of certain menstrual problems, show the need for the contraceptives. Besides, abortion should not be the main form of legal birth control in any country.

Japan is a highly populated country that needs to study its priorities in maintaining a good environment for its citizens. Viagra, the male impotence drug, was approved for sale after a record-short six months in a ministry committee, yet the ministry still has not approved birth control pills. Supporting sex lives without supporting responsible decisions about reproduction is a double standard that needs to be remedied.

The ministry should approve the sale of birth control pills and allow its people to make the choice about its use without the influence of individual agendas.