Government Spent $1 Billion Against... Sex?

News Type: Event — Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:16 PM EST

education, sex, school, hot-chicks, abstinence, public-education, bullshit

Live Poll

Sex before marriage?

Yes, please!
90%
No, but thanks!
7%
SIN!
3%

Total Votes: 72

Let's scare children away from doing something that is perfectly nature and actually quite a bit of fun if I do say so myself. Yea, I'm a sinner.

At least it has the support of the people, right?

Agreed.

But, I like that one!

So the government thinks I should just say no? Haha.

Every once in awhile in my internet browsing I find something particularly angering, and to be honest it usually involves the government. The upset today comes from Wikipedia, specifically the article on Abstinenc e-only sex education. Scroll down to the Rise in the U.S. section. Read the first paragraph.

" Through direct funding and matching grant incentives, the U.S. government steered more than a billion dollars to abstinence-only education programs between 1996 and 2006."

Think about that for a second.

Over one billion dollars.

The government has stolen $1 billion+ from their citizens and used it to promote a largely religious ideal in the schools. You have not had a choice in this. What right does the government have to replace parents in the lives of children?

Oh, and it would in the least be nice if the material used in the programs was accurate; however, a report released in 2004 found many errors:

misrepresenting the failure rates of contraceptives

misrepresenting the effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission, including the citation of a discredited 1993 study by Dr. Susan Weller, when the federal government had acknowledged it was inaccurate in 1997 and larger and more recent studies that did not have the problems of Weller's study were available

false claims that abortion increases the risk of infertility, premature birth for subsequent pregnancies, and ectopic pregnancy

treating stereotypes about gender roles as scientific fact

other scientific errors, e.g. stating that "twenty-four chromosomes from the mother and twenty-four chromosomes from the father join to create this new individual" (the actual number is 23).

To me it seems like every other government program pushed through quickly not intended to actually be successful or try to be truthful. This is a clear example of governments pandering to interest groups or installing law based on their own beliefs, even though these types of government interference are against the Constitution and just plain logic.

The program doesn't even work. Many studies, such one released this year that I looked at, found that those under an abstinence-only program were no more likely to remain virgins when compared to a control group who did not follow an abstinence-only program. Regardless, the federal government still pays out the ass for these programs. In 2006, the fiscal budget for Community-Based Abstinence Education was $115 million.

If spending hundreds of millions of dollars domestically on this trash wasn't enough, Bush has brought it to the rest of the world:

President George W. Bush announced his Five-Year Global HIV/AIDS Strategy. Also known as The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the plan committed the U.S. to provide $15 billion over five years towards AIDS relief in 15 countries in Africa and the Caribbean, and in Vietnam. About 20 percent of the funding, or $3 billion over five years, was allocated for prevention. The program required that, starting in fiscal year 2006, one-third of prevention funding be earmarked specifically for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.

I'm glad you aren't coming here to Canada, because I would start taking it personally.

This really isn't more than a rant, but please. "Sex education doesn't work, a team of McMaster University researchers has found. And neither do the other methods of preventing teen pregnancies" (source). Leave it to the parents to teach their children. Teach the kids to be rational and they will act in that way. Teach them that they will get warts if they have sex just isn't logical.

Stop @!$%#ing with the future of children because your delusions of a God say premarital sex is bad.

All quotes and numbers are from the Wikipedia article in the first paragraph, unless otherwise sourced.

27 Votes
Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.

Published to:

prompt's Column, All of Newsvine
Groups: Free Market, Hot-Chicks, Left of Center, Liberal Atheists, Libertarians, Newsvine Academy, Personal Responsibility, Political Analysis, SexVine, The young and the damned
Regions: none

What's this?

Who's leading the conversation?

This visualization below allows you to see the impact that each user has on the current conversation. The top row contains the group of users who have had the most impact, the 2nd row the group of users who have had the 2nd most impact (et cetera). Users with similar impact are grouped together, and the average score of the group is shown to the left of the group. The author of the article is also shown on the left, in their corresponding group. Each user's score is based on the number of comments the user has made plus the number of votes their comments have received. The scores are calculated relative one another, so while their absolute value is not particularly important, their relative difference does indicate a larger difference in impact on the conversation.

6.4

0.6

{"commentId":1230793,"authorDomain":"prompt"}

prompt

Abstinence-Only Doesn't Work
Still a Puritan Nation? Most '08 Candidates Support Abstinence Education
Abstinence funds target of debate

{"commentId":1230793,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"prompt"}

2 votes

#1 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:29 PM EST

{"commentId":1230868,"authorDomain":"prompt"}

prompt

Digg || Propeller

{"commentId":1230868,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"prompt"}

2 votes

#1.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:47 PM EST

{"commentId":1230860,"authorDomain":"Brad-Leclerc"}

Brad Leclerc

Yeah, it doesn't work, it never has, and causes for more harm than good based on what it seems to be trying to do, and even if it DID work it would be pushing lies and confusion on teenagers to suit the desires of the minority using tax dollars. Even if it's a success it's a failure....why is this even an issue?

{"commentId":1230860,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"Brad-Leclerc"}

1 vote

#2 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:43 PM EST

{"commentId":1230873,"authorDomain":"prompt"}

prompt

Even if it's a success it's a failure....why is this even an issue?

Because God is still an issue.

{"commentId":1230873,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"prompt"}

2 votes

#2.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:48 PM EST

{"commentId":1231275,"authorDomain":"SuperUnspecial"}

SuperUnspecial

prompt

I'm angered myself, but don't you think

The government has stolen $1 billion+ from their citizens

Is misstating the case, maybe, shifting the focus. We need to be mad at ourselves for this one...we (and the courts) elected them.

{"commentId":1231275,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"SuperUnspecial"}

1 vote

#3 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:14 PM EST

{"commentId":2430959,"authorDomain":"feman185"}

feman185Deleted

{"commentId":2431255,"authorDomain":"Brad-Leclerc"}

Brad LeclercDeleted

{"commentId":2431284,"authorDomain":"prompt"}

promptDeleted

{"commentId":2432024,"authorDomain":"feman185"}

feman185Deleted

{"commentId":2432201,"authorDomain":"Brad-Leclerc"}

Brad LeclercDeleted

{"commentId":2432454,"authorDomain":"feman185"}

feman185Deleted

{"commentId":2432999,"authorDomain":"Brad-Leclerc"}

Brad LeclercDeleted

{"commentId":2433040,"authorDomain":"prompt"}

promptDeleted

{"commentId":2437740,"authorDomain":"pmags"}

magzDeleted

{"commentId":2438549,"authorDomain":"prompt"}

promptDeleted

{"commentId":2438600,"authorDomain":"pmags"}

magzDeleted

{"commentId":2447904,"authorDomain":"feman185a"}

feman185aDeleted

{"commentId":2447993,"authorDomain":"Brad-Leclerc"}

Brad LeclercDeleted

{"commentId":2448040,"authorDomain":"feman185a"}

feman185aDeleted

{"commentId":2448145,"authorDomain":"feman185a"}

feman185aDeleted

{"commentId":2448350,"authorDomain":"dreadspydr"}

DreadspydrDeleted

{"commentId":1231298,"authorDomain":"SuperUnspecial"}

SuperUnspecial

That fourth image, the "no holding onto the ottoman lady!" (that's what it means right?) is great. The oval surrounding the image suggests an eye looking contemptuously at everyone "not fit for the right hand", like the celibate priests telling everyone about sex and how it's bad and you'll grow hair on your palms.

{"commentId":1231298,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"SuperUnspecial"}

4 votes

#4 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:22 PM EST

{"commentId":3586304,"authorDomain":"christopherkidwell1"}

LerianisDeleted

{"commentId":1231912,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

Jared Kardos

I'm somewhat of a rarity. My parents were honest about sex. They told me that if/when I become sexualy active, I should wear protection and all that jazz. She even showed me a condom and how it worked.

To these @!$%#ing idiots, I should be a raping deviant. But, I'm still a virgin (not exactly of my own volition, but still), and I'm a well-balanced individual.

So, there is proof that a well-rounded sex education program does work. The only thing Abstenence-Only programs do is increase the amound of oral and anal sex with teenagers. If they weren't so sexually retarded, that would be a good thing.

{"commentId":1231912,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

5 votes

#5 - Sat Dec 1, 2007 12:59 AM EST

{"commentId":1232161,"authorDomain":"laughman"}

Laughman

From the folks who brought you The War on Terror, it's The War on Sex. And it'll prove just about as effective...

{"commentId":1232161,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"laughman"}

4 votes

#6 - Sat Dec 1, 2007 5:52 AM EST

{"commentId":1232580,"authorDomain":"davidmcgirr"}

David Mc Girr

Coming next week, the war on baggy pants and t-shirts with slogans on them.

-Dave

{"commentId":1232580,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"davidmcgirr"}

3 votes

#6.1 - Sat Dec 1, 2007 11:11 AM EST

{"commentId":1236561,"authorDomain":"thedagda"}

The Dagda

Wait a minute, didn't we all wind up getting screwed by the War on Terror?! So...yer sayin'...during the War on Sex, we'll all...— Jaysus I hope there's enough condoms f'r iv'rybody!

{"commentId":1236561,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"thedagda"}

1 vote

#7 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 2:53 AM EST

{"commentId":1236564,"authorDomain":"thedagda"}

The Dagda

From the folks who brought you The War on Terror, it's The War on Sex. And it'll prove just about as effective...

Wait a minute..didn't we all get screwed in the War on Terror? So...yer saying...in the War on Sex, we'll all (?) ...— sweet Jaysus, I hope there's enough condoms f'r iv'rywan!

{"commentId":1236564,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"thedagda"}

1 vote

#8 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 2:54 AM EST

{"commentId":1236574,"authorDomain":"thedagda"}

The Dagda

From the folks who brought you The War on Terror, it's The War on Sex. And it'll prove just about as effective...

Wait a minute..didn't we all get screwed in the War on Terror? So...yer saying...in the War on Sex, we'll all (?) ...— sweet Jaysus, I hope there's enough condoms f'r iv'rywan!

{"commentId":1236574,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"thedagda"}

1 vote

#9 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 3:03 AM EST

{"commentId":1236578,"authorDomain":"thedagda"}

The Dagda

From the folks who brought you The War on Terror, it's The War on Sex. And it'll prove just about as effective...

Wait a minute..didn't we all get screwed in the War on Terror? So...yer saying...in the War on Sex, we'll all (?) ...— sweet Jaysus, I hope there's enough condoms f'r iv'rywan!

{"commentId":1236578,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"thedagda"}

1 vote

#10 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 3:05 AM EST

{"commentId":1236920,"authorDomain":"thedagda"}

The Dagda

sorry, it looked like the comment wasn't posting so I tried again...and again...and again...and again.

{"commentId":1236920,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"thedagda"}

#11 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 8:45 AM EST

{"commentId":1236983,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

Jared Kardos

Yeah, it looked like it was doing that to me last night, too, so I said "To Hell with it" and went somewhere else.

{"commentId":1236983,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

#11.1 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 9:14 AM EST

{"commentId":2430961,"authorDomain":"feman185"}

feman185Deleted

{"commentId":1276704,"authorDomain":"moeloe"}

Maureen Mower

Well, now we know how George Bush repaid all his campaign contributors from the religious right. After all, he's not exactly a shining example of Christendom (and never was), so he had to offer them something to support him during the elections.

Unfortunately, I'm sure a large portion of that money went into the pockets of Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Ted Haggard, etc. After all, these "preachers" have shown over and over again that what they really want is to control your life AND your money - while they totally ignore the teachings of the man they claim is their "savior".

When will people wake up?

{"commentId":1276704,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"moeloe"}

2 votes

#12 - Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:11 PM EST

{"commentId":1276719,"authorDomain":"moeloe"}

Maureen Mower

Oh, and let's not forget that Bush has also used his "Faith-Based Initiatives" to fund all those so-called "crisis centers" for pregnant women - which are run by Christian groups. These centers also disseminate false information to the teens and women who come to them in an effort to steer them away from abortions. The same kind of brainwashing tactics are used in those "recovery" centers where they try to turn gay people straight (which is impossible).

Lying, of course, is a violation of the Commandments these alleged "Christians" claim to uphold. But apparently they think it's okay if it bullies or brainwashes some young girl into becoming a new convert, convinces a gay person to deny their own nature, or if it puts more money in the pockets of their church leaders and political allies.

It's all about the money, as always. Even among those who think they are devoutly religious, money is still given more value than ethics, or human beings. When is the last time any of us has seen or heard of a Christian (of ANY denomination) giving "the shirt off his back" to help someone else? They look down on the poor, just as they look down on anyone who doesn't fit with their idea of a "good" Christian.

These folks can't even talk the talk any more, let alone walk the walk.

{"commentId":1276719,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"moeloe"}

2 votes

#13 - Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:24 PM EST

{"commentId":3586313,"authorDomain":"christopherkidwell1"}

LerianisDeleted

{"commentId":1292562,"authorDomain":"edelweiss"}

Edelweiss

What a ridiculous waste of money. Love the Screw Abstinence shirt, though!

{"commentId":1292562,"threadId":"183413","contentId":"1133035","authorDomain":"edelweiss"}

#14 - Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:56 PM EST

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"183413","isPrivate":false}

PROMPT

Backyard

Government Spent $1 Billion Against... Sex?

Live Poll

" Through direct funding and matching grant incentives, the U.S. government steered more than a billion dollars to abstinence-only education programs between 1996 and 2006."

Published to:

FUN STUFF:

COMPANY STUFF:

LEGAL STUFF: