Sexual rights are a family value
With all this talk about defining progressive values as what they are--values--I thought it might be helpful to consider how progressive values are the true family values. "Family values" is code for patriarchy in conservative-speak (god, can they say anything in a straightforward manner), but when progressives talk about family values we can address how our values help actual families. So let's start by talking about how sexual freedom and reproductive rights are family values.
The political discussion about sex and birth control has been really lopsided. Conservatives advance the idea that sex and birth control are bad, and they manage to avoid offense by keeping the discussion on who shouldn't be having sex--kids, poor people, gays, pick your scapegoat. Liberals, on the other hand, refuse to tar themselves as hedonists by pointing out that sex is good, and instead prefer to talk about people having sex and needing birth control as an unfortunate fact that is unavoidable. But sex is good! Family life depends on it.
For all the squawking about gay marriage and whatnot, people have gotten fuzzy on the two biggest things that are chipping away at actual marriage in this country. Yep, the two biggest things that couples fight about are sex and money. Other people can deal with the money thing, or I can later, but we have the ability, as a country, to help so many of the sexual problems that cause tension and eventual divorce for so many couples in this country.
To begin with, every person in this country should have comprehensive sex education as part of his/her education. The debates over sex ed focus exclusively on whether or not it reduces the numbers of kids who have sex, which is how the conservatives want to keep it. But what you learn about sex as a young person stays with you your entire life and will be incorporated into all your relationships, including any marriage you might make. How much strife in people's lives could be avoided if they had less embarrassment and more knowledge about sex so that they could discuss issues that came up in their relationships without resorting to misinformation and false stereotyping? A few classes in high school dedicated to quelling misinformation that even most adults have could do a lot of good for those students in their future marriages.
Access to birth control and abortion are also major issues for someone who has a mind towards lowering the divorce rate and keeping marriage healthy. Most of the people I speak with who think it's no big deal if birth control and abortion are restricted just laugh it off and say that women can just abstain from sex if they don't want babies. This attitude always puzzles me, because these men who tell me this are usually straight and presumably are indulging their male birthright of sexual fulfillment with a woman who would have to become one of the abstainers if birth control is taken away. (Well, not always--the more that a man is able and willing to have more children, I've noticed, the more likely he will be blase about birth control rights. What doesn't apply to us seems so unimportant.)
All of that was a roundabout way of saying that restricting fecundity is a necessary part of keeping most relationships happy. Being able to bond sexually without being haunted by the fear of having unwanted children is important to harmony between a couple. And while few people are willing to admit it, having unplanned children can do untold damage to relationships. My boyfriend and I are a good couple, the society-stabilizing, house-buying kind that politicians salivate over. (Granted, we're not married, but that's a small thing.) If I had to have a baby that I didn't want, that would probably be the end of him and me, though. To those who value steady, stable marriages and near-marriages in our society, you should also value the right of people to make their reproductive choices for themselves. Because most people make those choices with an eye towards keeping family life happy above all else.
89 Comments:
Or I get the odd (operative word here being "odd") conservative who demands of me, "Why can't people do without sex if they don't want kids? I've done without sex for years at a time and it never hurt me none!"
At which I always have to fighting *really* *hard* to keep from saying, "Oh, yeah?" and looking them up and down signigicantly.
But the serious point here being -- which is the point I make to these folk instead -- their (stated) ability to do without sex is not the point: Hoorah for them. They can do without sex. Some folk *can* do without sex. Some folk can live for years on toast and water. Some folk can run marathons. Some folk like to like in mountain caves and never speak to anyone. Who gives a snapdragon's ass? We're talking about normal people here, not freakasaurauses! Normal people don't live like hermits, and normal people don't live without sex!
I put it more politely than that.
I mean, usually I do.
11/12/2004
No, my grandfather's conservatism, like Bush's father's conservatism, didn't canoodle with the anti-birth control crowd like the modern one does. Maybe you should read further. Not all conservatives are against birth control--and some of the ones who are against it still use it, of course--but you know what they say about laying down with dogs. Look at the Christian right and examine the fleas that you've picked up.
11/12/2004
Wow, I really like this one. I have a website that talks mostly about business home home make money online opportunity work You should check it out sometime.
10/12/2005
I discuss this topic daily myself. I also have a website that talks about make money online auction related things. Go check it out if you get a chance.
10/12/2005
Great blog covering the term divorce attorney. My web site also covers divorce attorney issues. Stop by and take a look at my divorce and separation articles.
10/13/2005
Earn $1000s From Home!
Get listings of 300+
Work at Home companies!
Assemble products, take surveys,data entry, +more!
Paypal $25 to (telecoms24-workathome@yahoo.com) for Report or email for more info.
10/13/2005
Nice site i came here searching for merchant affiliate program and was looking for other people who are interested in merchant affiliate program
You might be interested in merchant affiliate program
10/14/2005
cool stuff keep the posts comming penis enlargement result
10/16/2005
Anyone looking for some more business form info?
10/23/2005
Great free pda software site.
Please take a look at my site about Free Software
10/24/2005
free and easy internetjob for everybody in the world arbeiten von zu hause
10/24/2005
Intresting Post
Feel free to visit
Advanced Business Marketing For mor tips.
Feel free to leave your Comments.
10/24/2005
I discuss this topic daily myself. I also have a website that talks about california cash foreclosure goldmedalmortgage.com home improvement loan loan option pay refinance stop related things. Go check it out if you get a chance.
10/24/2005
Market oi millions with blogblastermarketing communicationmarketing communication
Please go to http://ww.blog-masters.net
10/25/2005
I discuss this topic daily myself. I also have a website that talks about domain domain ecommerce free hosting name name registration web
related things. Go check it out if you get a chance.
10/27/2005
I am about to show you a way that you can generate thousands of keyword targeted links back to your web site starting today!
10/28/2005
Hey Amanda,
I've been out searching for autosurf click program blogs for hours and it was nice to have found yours. Just thought I would check out the post Sexual rights are a family value and come up with ideas for autosurf click program. Have a nice day :-)
10/28/2005
Nice site. Check mine out if you can. marriott time share resort
10/28/2005
Hi, I was just surfing around and found your romantic gift page!
Very cool,I like finding all this interesting stuff.
If you are interested, go see my romantic giftrelated site which everything is in huge discount.You might find something of interest.
10/29/2005
Hi Amanda,
Sexual rights are a family value was a good read. I've been searching for autosurf click program blogs and came across yours. Even though it was not exact I am always open to new ideas about autosurf click program in any way I can think of. Have a great day :-)
10/30/2005
If you like dog adoption you may very well like this site dog adoption
10/30/2005
Good eclassifieds blog.
If I can help, let me know...
If you ever need help or info. visit
eclassifieds
10/30/2005
Searching thru blogs about free mp3 file download today and found yours, nice job. May recommend to my viewers at my free mp3 file download site. Should be of interest. Thx.
10/31/2005
What If This Could All Happen Automatically,
with a simple push of a button.....
10/31/2005
Hi Amanda,
Looking for autosurf monitor blogs when I came across yours. Glad I did get a chance to read it. Sexual rights are a family value got me to thinking and came up with a new idea about autosurf monitor. Again I'm glad to have stiopped by. Have a great day :-)
10/31/2005
Wanted to say -I enjoyed your Blog! I found you had alot of interesting comments here and information regarding kid fun
I have a website **Preschool Learning Online.com** Hopefully If you get a minute or 2 you will pop by and Check It Out! There is alot of great Free Information for Parents and Kids related to kid fun and similar bits of information.
Thanks,
11/01/2005
Hey Amanda,
I've been out searching for blogs for hours and it was nice to have found yours. Just thought I would check out the post Sexual rights are a family value and come up with ideas for . Have a nice day :-)
11/01/2005
Hey, you have a great blog here! I'm definitely going to bookmark you! The information and Internet marketing product evaluations that you provide are great for beginner webmasters.
I have a free home based internet business site/blog. It pretty much covers free home based internet business related stuff.
Come and check it out if you get time :-)
11/02/2005
University of Phoenix offers degree programs in the following fields:
• Accounting • Health Care
• Administration • Human Services
• Business • Information Systems
• Counseling • Management
• Criminal Justice • Marketing
• eBusiness • Nursing
• Education • Technology Management
• Finance
Online college courses lead to salary increase
Discover Detailed information on online teaching schools
11/02/2005
For the best in reason music software visit online stores for DVD Software Players that offer quality audio playback on the PC.
11/02/2005
Interesting blog you have here, I landed here on accident. I like the title of Sexual rights are a family value I was searching for something else and came across your site. I found it pretty interesting and entertaining. I got you book marked.
I will pop back in from time to time to see what you have new here.
I've got a new site up which might to be of interest to some. I run a longer penis related site.
11/02/2005
Hey, interesting!
Visit my site too, relating to license resell site. It pretty much covers license resell and
other related stuff. Check it out later :-)
11/02/2005
Good post. It has the right type of affiliate employee information. Keep it coming
11/03/2005
Hi Amanda,
I always like an interesting blog. Sexual rights are a family value caught my attention even if I was looking for autosurf site blogs. Kind of gets my thoughts moving coming from a different angle about autosurf site. Hope to check back every now and then. Have a nice day :-)
11/03/2005
Nice Site. We have Free Houses on my site. Please take a look pre construction home in miami
11/03/2005
I skim a lot of blogs, and so far yours is in the Top 3 of my list of favorites. I'm going to dive in and try my hand at it, so wish me luck.
I've got a site you might be interested in (mine is about bigger penis ) I know, it sounds strange, but it's like anything, once you learn more about it, it's pretty cool. It's mostly about bigger penis related articles and subjects.
11/04/2005
Hi Amanda,
I always like an interesting blog. Sexual rights are a family value caught my attention even if I was looking for autosurf site blogs. Kind of gets my thoughts moving coming from a different angle about autosurf site. Hope to check back every now and then. Have a nice day :-)
11/04/2005
Hi N asha,
I was searching through Blogger to see if I can find some information on Cardiology News. I stumbled on your blog, as this was not quite what I was looking for about Cardiology News. I did however read your blog and found it quite interesting, keep up the good work and hopefully I will visit it again.
Regards,
11/05/2005
Hi Amanda,
Sexual rights are a family value was a good read. I've been searching for get paid online surf blogs and came across yours. Even though it was not exact I am always open to new ideas about get paid online surf in any way I can think of. Have a great day :-)
11/05/2005
Hey blogger do you know that you can make cash from your blog?
Its so simple a child could do it!
This goes for anyone reading this too.
You can make up to $0.40 per visit with this nice affiliate program called Zangocash
Its one of the best programs out there at the minute and can suit any blogger or webmaster!
To sign up and start earning money right away!
Just click this link below
affiliate affiliate marketing
So why not start earning today!
11/06/2005
Hi Amanda,
Looking for autosurf program blogs when I came across yours. Glad I did get a chance to read it. Sexual rights are a family value got me to thinking and came up with a new idea about autosurf program. Again I'm glad to have stiopped by. Have a great day :-)
11/06/2005
Hi Amanda, I'm always searching for/to make money online from home .
Good content is hard to come by and I'm always looking for those who can
provide information about make money online from home.
You seem to share an interest in Sexual rights are a family value as I do. I would appreciate any
input on your behaf. Visit this site
and give me your feedback if you would.
11/06/2005
Think that will drive you some extra traffic?
11/07/2005
Use our directory host php web to get your web hosting site seen. Increase your chances of getting quality traffic and increase your revenue through or straight forward directory host php web
11/07/2005
Hi Amanda,
Looking for autosurf click program blogs when I came across yours. Glad I did get a chance to read it. Sexual rights are a family value got me to thinking and came up with a new idea about autosurf click program. Again I'm glad to have stiopped by. Have a great day :-)
11/08/2005
Hi Amanda,
Sexual rights are a family value was a good read. I've been searching for autosurf exchange traffic blogs and came across yours. Even though it was not exact I am always open to new ideas about autosurf exchange traffic in any way I can think of. Have a great day :-)
11/08/2005
Hello, I am really impressed by your knowledge of family budget planning. I would love to know what you think of my site about family budget planning. Please take a look and tell me what you think here family budget planning
11/10/2005
Hi Amanda,
I always like an interesting blog. Sexual rights are a family value caught my attention even if I was looking for autosurf monitor blogs. Kind of gets my thoughts moving coming from a different angle about autosurf monitor. Hope to check back every now and then. Have a nice day :-)
11/10/2005
bush blog
11/10/2005
Very interesting... great concept. I have a get free traffic to your web sitesite. It covers get free traffic to your web site related things.
11/11/2005
Continuing Education Course and work toward earning your undergraduate or graduate degree! Choose from a variety of college course online spanish programs at many different online colleges. Request information today.
11/13/2005
Hey, you have a great blog here! I'm definitely going to bookmark you!
I have a teacher gift site/blog. It pretty much covers ##KEYWORD## related stuff.
Come and check it out if you get time :-)
11/14/2005
product and tool A Name Brand Products at Wholesale Prices product and tool
11/16/2005
if u want an ipod, you can go to www.getipodsforfree.com and do an offer. follow the instructions and they'll actually send you a freeipod, no joke, there's reviews all over the internet
11/17/2005
Hi Amanda,
I really appreciated your Sexual rights are a family value blog. I was searching for part time home employment related sources when I found your site. I'm glad I was side-tracked. Great read. Very informative.
11/17/2005
First class blog Amanda,
I'm always exploring cool work at home dad blogs when I can find them. Yours is nearing the top of my list. Your posts have been very helpful to me, so much that I've become motivated to start my own - the difference is mine will primarily be a source for free work at home dad ideas.
Thank you for the great content and inspiraton.
11/18/2005
Hi, Just happened to find your blog on ad service tracking. If you are interested in knowing more about ad service tracking, you can find a lot of great, FREE information here ad service tracking
Regards,
Larry
11/18/2005
You probably want to visit this site, it contains everything that you want to know about cialis purchase
11/19/2005
Are you sick of standing in line for Holiday purchases? Now you dont have to and you can save 20%. We just reduced our prices 20% in celebration of the holidays. Choose from Electronics, Clothes, Kitchen Items, Beautiful Jewelry, Toys, Watches and more. Over 15000 items to choose from all at reduced prices.
http://www.worldgifthaven.com
spencer gift
11/19/2005
Hey, you have a great blog here! I'm definitely going to bookmark you and visit a lot!
I have a calgary web site promotion software sales site. We sell a lot of Software about##KEYWORD## related stuff. Ia will be sending my customers to your site for more information.
11/20/2005
just looking Hello
great blog
I was Looking and found this great site just lookinginternet
11/22/2005
Hi Amanda, If you would like to make great money online please click here affiliate programs, for more info on making The Best Marketing,Resell Right,AutoSurf and Affiliate Programs On The Net http://www.incbizz.com. affiliate programs
11/27/2005
Hey Amanda,
I've been out searching for autosurf program blogs for hours and it was nice to have found yours. Just thought I would check out the post Sexual rights are a family value and come up with ideas for autosurf program. Have a nice day :-)
11/29/2005
can i get more information?
12/08/2005
Gooday ##NAME##, I was surfing around and came accross your post on ##TITLE## quite by accident. Although it is slightly related to what I was searching for it somehow ads to ones list of lifes experiences.
I sometimes have a soft spot for blogs related to ##LINK## and /or sites that have a central theme around writing program type items.
Once again ##NAME##, thank you for your post. :-)
12/08/2005
good information
12/08/2005
Good post
12/28/2005
good information
12/28/2005
Your blog is perfect and nice, we are offering retrogade ejaculation to learn more visit retrogade ejaculation or Sexual rights are a family value http://www.manifestingpower.com/premature-ejaculation.html
retrogade ejaculation http://www.manifestingpower.com/premature-ejaculation.html
1/09/2006
Your blog is perfect and nice, we are offering premature ejaculation to learn more visit premature ejaculation or Sexual rights are a family value http://www.manifestingpower.com/premature-ejaculation.html
premature ejaculation http://www.manifestingpower.com/premature-ejaculation.html
2/03/2006
Your blog is perfect and nice, we are offering sexual enhancement to learn more visit sexual enhancement or Sexual rights are a family value http://www.manifestingpower.com/premature-ejaculation.html
sexual enhancement http://www.manifestingpower.com/premature-ejaculation.html
2/05/2006
Best games to play, best strategies to win. User ratings & reviews of top online casinos & pokers with largest bonuses & highest payouts.
6/10/2006
Best games to play, best strategies to win. User ratings & reviews of top online casinos & pokers with largest bonuses & highest payouts.
6/10/2006
Hey, you have a great blog here! I'm definitely going to bookmark you!
I have a Package Resale Right site. It pretty much covers ##KEYWORD## related stuff.
Come and check it out if you get time :-)
2/15/2007
arizona state university
2/15/2007
date dont em girl
2/19/2007
group group join
2/20/2007
mate feed kill repeat
3/03/2007
mate feed kill repeat
3/03/2007
junior boy
3/05/2007
Excellent Home Business Opportunities
4/04/2007
self improvement audio program
4/08/2007
Hey, you have a good blog here. I have a dropped domains
site. It pretty much covers everything related to ##KEYWORD##.
Come and check it out if you get time :-)
4/14/2007
Best Penis Enlargement Pills, product reviews and articles. Visit Penis Heal: www.penisheal.com
9/20/2007
Osobno dywan ale czyszczenie wyk³adziny atrakcyjne ceny na mokro najpierw tapicerka meblowa cennik galeria z prac pranie zamówienie maks 70z³.
Zamawiam wszystko do czyszczenia jest krzes³o cennik zdjêcia zamówienie maks 70z³.
najpierw tapicerka za darmo meblowa. sign up promotion.
10/06/2009
In my view any one wanting to explore their poker bonus luck to earn some money. After many years of trying almost every poker strategy i want to get no deposit bankrolls specially for play in many awesome poker card room ar platform. Freeroll tourney and secial no deposit promo.
10/06/2009
$50 has levelled the playing filled, compelled the newbie to make cash or make startup capital than texas hold em Poker Bankrolls - No need to deposit any money !
10/06/2009
Big bonus while allowing the experienced players to feed the system with free steroids $50 bonus no deposit needed for start. Work at home with free starting money.
10/06/2009
It sells it self or whatever starting product you happen to be promoting,Free Link deals for gaming related sites.
10/06/2009
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home