Truth in Education

[rodeodance]

One would expect that 'truths' be taught in schools--One would expect!!

"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34000-2004Dec3.html?nav=most_emailed"

Truth in Education


Saturday, December 4, 2004; Page A22


SINCE PRESIDENT BUSH took office, federal funding for "abstinence-only" sex education has more than doubled. Abstinence-only programs, which encourage teenagers to refrain from sex outside marriage and provide no information about contraceptive options, are to receive $167 million this fiscal year, and the president wanted to give even more: $270 million. Whether these programs are effective in reducing unwanted pregnancy and whether they work better than more comprehensive sex education programs are charged questions. Advocates on both sides insist that the data resoundingly back their position, but in fact it's too early, and much of the work that's been done has been too loosely designed, to provide conclusive answers. That is troubling in itself: As the federal government devotes increasing funds to abstinence-only programs, it ought to insist on rigorous studies to determine whether they work.

What's gotten even less attention, though, is the content of the federally funded abstinence-only curricula. The government reviews only a brief summary about the programs it funds, and applicants must teach, among other things, "that sexual activity outside the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects." Astonishingly, for most of the programs there's no requirement that the information they provide be scientifically accurate. In fact, a study released this week by Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.) cites numerous examples in which abstinence-only programs spread false or misleading information. ....

[RC]

1. So we are to believe that a piece of paper

(Marriage License) signed only by witnesses will prevent harmful psychological and physical effects on the participants?

"...and applicants must teach, among other things, "that sexual activity outside the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects." Astonishingly, for most of the programs there's no requirement that the information they provide be scientifically accurate."


What would cause these harmful psychological and physical effects? My guess would be the guilt trip laid on our young people for doing what young people have been doing for hundreds of thousands of years.
What is wrong with supplying our young people with facts. Telling them the truth for a change? They will finish growing up with whatever they are told to believe. So aren't facts & truth better in the long run?

Isn't there some way to get these psychological wrecks that are pushing Abstinence only off the streets to give the next generation a better chance to grow up emotionally healthy?