WHAT SHE SAID

The remarks that tipped the scales occurred Dec. 1 at a World AIDS Day conference in New York. When asked her views on masturbation, Elders said the act is "part of human sexuality and it's a part of something that perhaps should be taught. But we've not even taught our children the very basics. And I feel that we have tried ignorance for a very long time and it's time we try education." The White House says it only learned of the statement yesterday. "The president feels that's wrong," Panetta said.