Sex. A naughty little 3 letter word that means so much (and unfortunately sometimes so little) to each of us. An often taboo subject that some people want to discuss all the time while others shun it like an outcast leper asking for a hug. In some ways, it's one of the most powerful words around. It is one of the few words that can stop or start any conversation in its tracks. Have you ever asked yourself why? Is it, as liberals say, a very normal act that should be out in the public? Or is it, as the conservatives say, a normal private act that should be kept behind closed doors?

More importantly, for this discussion at least, where do you get information about sex? Who informs children (or young adults) about the dos's and don'ts of sex? Is it the parents responsibility or the state (school)? In many ways it's an extremely difficult question to answer because at its heart it is a question of your deeply held beliefs.

The more liberal side states that SEX EDUCATION should be taught in schools. Because a lot of kids have trouble discussing this issue with their parents (which I can fully understand. To this day I really, really don't want my mom and dad discussing sex around me. It makes me feel extremely uncomfortable.), a lot of sex education goes un-taught. If no one at home is willing or able to discuss sex with a youngster then where will that child learn about what they can or should do? This liberal viewpoint insists that the more information you have on a subject, even one as provocative as sex, then the better off you are. If you take some of the mystery out of sex you will normalize the act and take away a lot of the guilt people have for this completely natural act.

The conservative side states that sex education is solely the prerogative of the parents. You are responsible for your own children and teaching them in this very private manner is your duty not the state. Sex is a moral issue and for a lot of conservatives this means abstinence until you are married. Although sex is a normal act it should be kept solely between a man and a woman and discussed very infrequently and only between the husband and wife. Any information about this act will be taught solely by the parents. The parents will determine the morality of this act not the state.

So, who is right? Again, both sides have valid points. In relationships sex is vitally important. It can greatly enhance or destroy a relationship. So knowing more about it seems to be a valid point. If you know what to expect you can avoid teenage pregnancy, Venereal diseases as well as some heartache. However, at some point, the morality of this act comes into play. We all know that sex without consequences is not reality. If you show kids how great sex is, aren't they more likely to go try it? If you tell them it's normal and pass out condoms aren't you encouraging them to go and "do it"?

In this issue I am truly Caught in the Middle. I believe that parents should inform their children about sex. However, this education should take place BEFORE a child reaches sexual maturity. Prepare them before it happens. That being said, there is a whole slew of parents that do not talk about sex to their children which is a disservice to these kids. These children need some way, other than other kids, to get information about this vitally significant act. I believe that there is only one certain way to not get pregnant or catch a disease and that's to not do it. However, I also believe that even though abstinence should be taught, so should responsible sex practices. In other words, I believe in having more information readily available but that information should be given out by the Mom's and Dad's of the world.

Like many people I'm caught smack dab in the middle of a fight between the Left and the Right. Sometimes it feels like I'm being pulled in two separate directions in some sort of macabre Luke Skywalker - Darth Vadar battle for my soul. In this battle I must choose. Am I a Liberal or Conservative? Am I a Republican or a Democrat? Am I a  Catholic or a Protestant? Choose. I must be one or the other. You cannot be both!

 

This is one of the failings that I think we're seeing more and more in our society. The fact that you must believe in EVERYTHING your group supports. It's like a giant grown-up version of dodgeball where you have to choose which side you're playing on before the speeding Ball of government or Business bashes you upside your head. Choose. Decide which side you are on and once you choose, be sure that ALL of your opinions match ours. Oh no, don't you dare share any opinions with the OTHER side! No, don't even think about their....(cue sinister music) Eeeviiilll thoughts.  Don't let their anti-our-views seep into your thoughts and dreams. We are all of one thought. One mind. Let's just call this exactly what it is. Political Borgism.

 

Remember the Borgs from Star Trek (ok, so I watch TV, sue me)? They were an evil race that abosorbed and converted any other races they came across converting them into mindless drone robots. There was no outside thoughts allowed. You will be assimilated!

 

Well, that's how I see a lot of what's happening in the world today. Each side wants you to be EXACTLY like them. Each side wants only to hear their opinions and no others. Each side will not tolerate dissent.

 

Liberal? Conservative? Choose. Oh, and don't you dare have any viewpoints that the other side has. Become a Political Borg. Become.....One of us!