Which one of you is this?

[maskedmelon]

Originally Posted by misterbonkers [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

what exactly is the issue? growing up fatherless? the difficulty the mother faces? what is so horrible that you would consider taking away people's fundamental right to reproduce?

A lot of things like:

Increased risk of poverty
Increased risk of abuse and neglect
Increased risk of suicide
Increased risk of substance abuse/dependency
Increased risk of criminality
Increased risk of impaired emotional development
Increased risk of behavioral problems
Increased risk of teen pregnancy

also note that I specifically referenced EXTRAMARITAL behavior. Sex isn't always about reproduction. Your average 17yo girl isn't looking to make a baby when she hooks up with her boyfriend and your average 17yo boy isn't either and NEITHER is likely to be mentally or emotionally equipped for that journey in the event they inadvertently succeed in creating life.

Very few people engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage are looking to reproduce as consequence of the activity. Even within marriage that is seldom the goal, but at least within marriage the basic framework exists for better outcomes. There are plenty of other sexual activities besides coitus allowing for intimacy and fun between partners.

I just think failing to regulate parenting in an environment exalting independence and liberty while pooh-poohing traditional values is a betrayal, not unlike issuing speeding tickets to individuals and then kicking their children in the face when there is no law regulating speed and the prevailing ethos is that we are all racers.

we don't all have to be prudes or stiffs, but prudishness protects people from potentially disastrous results. If we are going to dispense with traditional governors it is imperative that we replace them with contemporary ones, whether it is law or new uplifting mores.