I am not going to go into any major philosophical discussion about this because (1) it is dangerous and
(2) people who are interested in politics usually have their minds made up already anyway. I will say that I am a humanist. To be a humanist, you cannot be sexist, racist, heterosexist, classist, or "religious elitist." When I look at our two political parties' platforms, the one that closest resembles my values is the Democractic party's. That is not to say that I do not consider Republicans. I have voted for outstanding people on both sides of the table. What I am saying is that the Republican party practices categorical exclusion and proudly states this in its platform. I do not reinforce that kind of thinking or policy.

People seem to have the same misguided notions about sex that they have about homosexuality: if youths hear about "it" or youths see "it," they will do "it."

For the most part, young kids think sex is "icky." Older kids whose hormones begin to kick in often start masturbating, usually without any "instruction" from others. Adolescents are curious about sex and sexuality and often have inadequate and/or inaccurate information. On one hand, sex is glorified and "mystified" in/by the media and among young people. On the other hand, youths are "assumed" to be naive that the topic even exists. Attempts to "shelter" young people from issues of sexuality only serve to "tabooize" sex and make the youths more curious.

Youths often learn about sex and sexuality from the media and their peers, for the most part, because only 15 percent of parents are reported to be a "major source of information" regarding sexuality. In addition, sex education curricula often just talks about the "reproductive mechanics," parts, and body chemistry of heterosexual sex. Other important issues (i.e., relationships/intimacy, negotiating using a condom or being abstinent, being sexually fulfilled without having sex, sexual diversity) are often not addressed by sex education curricula.

Bottom line: youths have been having sex, are having sex, and will continue to have sex, so they might as well be educated about "it" so they can make informed decisions, be prepared for relationships, and be responsible.

For those of you who have told me "You should keep your private life private" I will respond, "I will if you will." Here are some things to do:

• Do not wear your wedding ring.
• Do not discuss your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend.
• Do not put photos of your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend on your desk.
• Do not say "we did" or "my wife and I...," "my girlfriend and I...," "my husband and I..., " or "my boyfriend and I...".
• Do not bring your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend to any church, community, or work events.
• Do not hold the hand of your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend in public.
• Do not go out in public with your wife/girlfriend or husband/boyfriend.

Anyway, I'll get off of my soapbox now. I hope I have not offended anyone. But I wanted to take some time to respond. (Remember...you asked for it!)