Question about President Bush

[lizzielou742]

I think discussing these things is good, in a way. It promotes political discourse, something this country needs more people to be concerned about. And it gives everyone a chance to see an opinion that might be contrary to theirs, so they can better understand their own positions on issues.

Of course, there are offensive things that have been said in the Dog House that should never have been said. There are times where I've felt like leaving, and have come awfully close. I just have to remind myself: things tend to get more heated over the Internet than they would in person (misunderstanding someone's wording, the advantage of not having to argue with someone to their face, etc.) and so therefore I try not to let it get to me personally.

And if it's the person I think it is, I hope they know that I realize I have been harsh in some posts, but it's only because I believe so strongly in what I say, and say what I mean. And that I've been making an active effort to be less confrontational.

[tatsxxx11]

That was very big hearted of you Lizzie I hope that she sees this.

[Kfamr]

Someone's left PT over this??

Anyone mind PM'ing me who?

[wolflady]

I was brought up correctly and still started having sex at age 17.... However, if I did get pregnant, I would have an abortion. There are enough unwanted kids in the world already. Some people are so selfish and self centered that if they can't have their own, they won't adopt. I think that is so closed minded....

Uh oh...I'm going to get slammed, I know it...which is why I don't come in these types of threads very often, but I just had to get this off my chest. I'm not directly referring to the person whose post I quoted, I'm referring to the general populace of young people today because I feel that her post directly relates to most young people's views sadly...
I tend to lean toward pro-life when it comes to this hot topic, but fit more in the grey area because I do feel that people who are raped or at risk (either the mother or baby or both) DO have a right to an abortion.
However, for the reason mentioned above makes me sad. Using abortion as a form of birth control because of irresponsible acts is wrong, IMO. If people can't keep it in their pants, and don't truely care for one another, why are they having sex in the first place? If people can't handle the outcome of having sex (ie, becoming pregnant)...why don't they just wait until they are mature enough to handle the outcome or financially stable to take care of a family, or do as our pets do and get "fixed". I know that sounds harsh, but way too many people use abortion as their birth control as an easy out to their mistakes.
I have never agreed with young people having sex because they just aren't old enough and mature enough to understand the responsibility of it. It is so sad how our society has come to make fun of the people who want to be responsible and wait for the right person rather than humping like rabbits with anyone and everyone they date
either that or they just don't value what this act really is supposed to mean...which makes it more animalistic and unemotional, which is sad IMHO. I could never open up myself and my body to someone I truely didn't trust or love, so I guess I just can't understand the mentality of people who don't associate feelings with this most intimate of relationships with another human being. Don't get me wrong, I'm not the princess of purity. I had sex before I married, but I waited longer than most people today seem to. It was with someone I thought I had loved (so I regret opening myself up to him now) and had been with for 3 years, but then turned out to be a nightmare resulting in a restraining order.
Anyway, I knew the risk of having sex with him, and if something were to have happened, it was a risk knew I was taking...
There are so many people who can't have babies because of medical reasons or whatnot, and who genuinely want to have kids and can't...and it's heartbreaking that people like this have to suffer while millions are out there having abortions left and right.
I don't think it's fair to say that people are close-minded if they don't adopt because they can't have their own children. This is a very personal thing, and adoption isn't made easy to everyone. I have some very dear friends who are unable to have children due to medical reasons, and just imagine their grief over this. It seems easy to say such harsh things, until you are put in those shoes.
I know this entire post was off topic - about woman's rights...which I don't think will be changing anytime soon.

[shutterbug0303]

Sex between unmarried people happens and will continue to happen no matter what

This is a very true statement but.......teens know that adults seem to have this laxidazical attitude, a "they'll do it anyway" feeling, so what's to stop the teens from having sex. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately...I'm not sure), because of television, I can guarantee that almost every 10-11 year old knows what a condom is and what it is used for. And certainly, anyone young that is considering having sex knows about birth control. They don't need adults telling them how to use it. I am all for the abstinence programs being implemented. No-one is going to take away condoms...and maybe only giving kids the stats on how they can fail will help deter them totally. This is all IMO of course I just feel like the attitude that most adults give to children/teens makes them think that it just doesn't matter anyway. The only other reason that younger people are running out in droves to have sex is because they are lacking the feeling of love and acceptance...I can't fix that one (heck, I can't fix any of it), but all of the teen pregnancy that I've come across seems to stem from that.

Thanks for a good discussion everyone...although I just realized how totally off-topic I was Ooopppsss!

[micki76]

I was one of those YOUNG teens having sex, too. I had sex the first few times with my first "real" boyfriend unprotected. We were together for a long time and stayed together for a long time after we began having sex. We did use condoms regularly, but at one point I thought I had become pregnant (I was about 3 wks late). I finally broke down and spoke to my mother about it. We decided that if I was pregnant there was only one choice. She and I would raise the child together. I would still be allowed to attend school and have as normal a life as I could. Well either I had a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), or I was never pregnant so no action was taken, other than Mom and I went to the Gynecologist and I went on the pill immediately. I never had unprotected sex again.

WAY of topic, but the point is that I wouldn't have used abortion as my birth control. Even though by the time I had a pregnancy scare, we were using protection, I still wouldn't have had an abortion. I understood the risks of what we were doing.

And I have to say that all those children that are waiting for homes are older (i.e. less desirable) children. People want to adopt babies, not children with learning disabilities and abusive pasts that can make them hard to deal with. It sounds horrible, but I dare say it's the truth in a lot of cases. Therefor all the infertile couples that I know have decide to try fertility drugs and even invetro. It's sad.

Yes, I think all the educated 10 year olds do know what condoms are for, but I think there are just as many kids who don't. I'd venture to say there are still kids who think kissing can make you pregnant. There are so many myths perpetuated about birth control and procreation.