Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Recent print media coverage indicates that the young people of Georgia are infected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). One article I was exposed to indicated that as many as twenty-five (25) percent of the young females from the ages of fifteen to twenty-two are carrying a Sexually Transmitted Disease or Diseases. What a Shame.

What is being done to reduce these high numbers? Or, maybe the question should be: What should have been done to reduce these high numbers?

We all know that it takes at least two individuals to conduct any activity that will result in a sexually transmitted disease. That stated, I wonder how many young males in this age group are transmitting these diseases. We often only hear about the females. What a shame. Therefore the Flower Child has several questions or concerns that I feel must be addressed:

• Where do the parents of these young people fit into the equation? Have they discussed sexual activity with their young people? Have they addressed their moral code with their own children starting at the appropriate age? In view of some reports, this must start well before Middle School age.
• Have the religious organizations that participate in Family Development discussed the need for Sex Education for their Members, adults and young people? We are all able to view the beautiful "Family Life Centers" that have become the focal point in the building programs of so many Church Organizations. Are they really focused on "Family Life?"
• Finally, how is the public education establishment reacting and responding to this crisis. I can recall just a few years ago, about 20, when our own Bibb Board of Education actually felt that Sex Education was not appropriate in a School Setting. Well, that just may be the case, if in fact the Family and Church were doing their job.
• Sexually Transmitted Disease/s and Teens having Babies is actually short changing the lives of so many of our Young Citizens!!!

With these concerns and comments in mind, I feel that it is very appropriate to address what we as a Society should be doing.

• First of all we must admit we have a problem. That is the first step to problem resolution.
• Secondly, we must all admit that we as adults actually know why were here in our lives. I am confident that we can all address our values to our young citizens. This of course must start in the Home.
• We must not allow the permissive moral code which is openly displayed in our music, activities, our entertainment, etc. to continue. We can certainly block out the undesirable in our homes by using technology that our Electronic Entertainment Boxes have been fitted with.
• We must be open and honest enough to allow, and yes, even encourage our respective religious organizations to provide wholesome, knowledgeable information to all members, young and old. Of course this education must be age appropriate. In this regard, parent/s know what is age appropriate for their own children. Of course, we must all actually admit that our own actions will be observed by your youth. Therefore we must actually be great role models for our Youth.
• We as a Society must become involved in the education process of our Young People. We cannot simply throw up our hands and simply say that this is for someone else to do. We are all in this together.

In summary, we have everything to gain if we all enjoin each other to be more responsible in our own actions as we focus on what we each can do to help our Young Citizens grow and mature into productive citizens of our Great Country. We cannot simply overlook what is going on around us and hope for the better. We must actually become engaged in the development of our future citizens.

As I compose this message today I am often reminded of my own youth, well before the age of Television when I observed life from a Young Farm Boy perspective. My parents told us why the animals were conducting sexual activity. It was quite obvious when you saw a male boar jump a female sow and become locked together for a long period of time that something special was happening.

Additionally, we must all learn and also always be aware that we must appreciate each and every member of the human race. Females are not here for the pleasure of horny males and conversely, males are not here for the pleasure of young horny females. Yet we must also teach our Young Citizens that Sexual Activity is a Special Gift. With the pleasures of life, including sexual activity, there are consequences. We must realize that a casual moment of passion can result in terrible diseases. We must realize that a moment of passion can, and often does result in a teen-pregancy. Males and Females are required to produce a baby. Unfortunately, many males drop out of the picture once they have achieved their "fun." I have also read that many males in the twenties look to much younger females for their personal pleasure because these younger females may not yet be carrying diseases. So the spread of disease/s continues.

Rather a long post, but certainly something that we, each of us must consider and also become involved in.