... if they discovered a gene which gave people a propensity to be attracted sexually and otherwise to young people-- as in "underage?" Would we, could we change or morays and our laws or would we continue to punish those who do what just comes "naturally?" What do you all think? Would we have a new frontier in the battle for civil rights?
Giddyup, read the transcript of the conversations, and then imagine that it was your minor children who had a summer job, and that their powerful, well connected boss was calling them up, asking them about how they masturbate, and then masturbating over the phone with them, and trying to get them to come over and sex with him, and then whether or not you'd start stupid threads like this if that was the case
I heard someone ask this question. I think it is a provocative one. If you don't want to contribute... don't. Sam, I don't believe I need to take instruction from you about how to take care of my four children between the ages of 4 and 22. Thank you though! It's just a discussion.
It sounds more like insinuation to me and backhanded scorn than an actual question to me. If you hate gay people just come out and say it already.
I'm not instructing you, I'm asking you how you'd feel about the kind of conduct you're going out of your way to defend if you had to experience it. Read the transcript for yourself. http://www.slate.com/id/2150769/
Either: You really did get this question from somewhere else and are too dense to understand the implications. You are being deceptive and are asking a leading question to make a point. I refuse to believe that you are that dense and I think there is ample historical evidence of you posting deceptive and leading questions. I therefore choose B. The obvious point of this question is to draw a parallel between the often discussed supposition that homosexuality is a result of genetics and therefore can't be helped. This theory is soundly rejected by the 'Religious Right' without and concrete evidence because it means that homosexuality is not the result of personal sin and therefore all gay people should feel great shame and try to 'become straight'. This question seeks to ridicule gay rights by positing a similar set of circumstances for pedophiles. It says if we gave all the f**s rights because it is genetic and they can't help it we should do the same for pedophiles, ha, ha, ha. Therefore, the logic goes, gay rights are an abomination before God and evil. The obvious difference which this ignores is that homosexuality and gay sex involves two consensual adults, while pedophiles are victimizing minors.
I prefer this transcript. (don't know if this was posted in the other thread) http://www.thepoorman.net/2006/10/01/i-like-steamroom/
Ding Ding Ding... and probably the most important point. Look, there are genetic links to things like kleptomania or raw aggression. No one suggests that we let thieves off the hook because they are kleptomaniacs. We offer them counseling and therapy to help deal with their issues. Sexuality is slightly different because the libertarian in all of us doesn't like controlling sexual behavior. However, targeting minors (i.e. pedophilia) is different and does not involve true consent for both sides. Adults are in a position of power in the relationship and can effectively control the other party. There's a reason no one spoke up till now. The sheer power of an adult and this case a congressman can make kids stay quiet. Hell, the scandal with the Catholic Church only just came out despite it being an ongoing issue for decades. This does bring up an issue as to how to treat child predators, and I will say our current approach is just as ridiculous as the idea that we should do nothing at all (which you implicitly suggest under your hypothetical situation) Currently, we just lock em up and release them, but most don't realize the recidivism rates for pedophilia are some of the highest in the world and each jailing actually increases those rates. Vermont is the only state with active and mandatory rehabilitation and therapy/counseling for child predators and so far recidivism rates have declined substantially.
Wouldn't It Be Funny... if they discovered a gene which gave people a propensity to vote for r****ded liars and then defend them constantly? Holy **** that'd be whack!
This is the giddyup strategy. Post something controversial and then run away from it and act like he doesn't necessarily believe it (while not giving his own opinion) while asking others to give theirs.
I think this is a little premature because as far as i know .. their is NO evidence that Homosexuality is Genetic Not trying to derail the thread Rocket River
You're wrong, there's plenty of evidence that suggests that. While it hasn't been proven definitively because the gene has yet to be isolated, your statement that "their is NO evidence" is just plain wrong.
List of animals that are known to engage in homosexual behavior: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_animals_displaying_homosexual_behavior What's more natural than nature?
How about a list of animals known to eat their young? Not trying to say there's anything wrong with homosexuality, but using animals isn't exactly the best way to justify it... There's a bigger issue here. If we chalk up our own sexuality, or ANYTHING be it a fault or a strength to our genes, it opens the door for ridiculous justifications like the one giddyup proposed. The right needs to stop trying to claim moral superiority on this matter and the left needs to stop being so cynical. Sure, nobody consciously chooses what they are, but to write off a person's life experiences, preferences, goals, choices, and desires as simply a product of their DNA is a terrible copout.
