Sex and Values: Politicians Still Trying To Replace Parents

I have a plan for Massachusetts public schools that will help their students become better people, more productive citizens..In schools, we will teach the Ten Commandments. Then we will move to the Beatitudes, and finally a summation of the two great commandments presented by that first century prophet Jesus of Nazareth..I hear the alarms going off. Controversial! How dare I think of promoting an ideology..Don't worry, I say. Parents can have their children opt out of these controversial ideas. Sure, the other kids might wonder what's wrong with your children, but that's your problem..But, you say, schools should stick to facts: English, Math, Science ….So, my plan is dead on arrival. I get it. No one should be pushing their ideology on children..Unless, of course, you're pushing sex education in Massachusetts. And this is not just "Birds and Bees" kind of stuff – i.e., the facts – but opinions on when to have sex. Plus, there are how-to tutorials on oral and anal sex – for seventh graders. For some drama, we have role-playing between children who want to have sex..But don't you worry parents, you can have your kids opt out..Why is this even in the school to begin with?.As noted in New Boston Post, some Massachusetts legislators are once again trying to push ideological sex programs in the schools with, among the sponsors, Planned Parenthood, backing the cause. I've written about this before in this space, wondering why political leaders continue to take on the role of parents. As well-intentioned as these leaders might be, government cannot replace parents..State Representative James O'Day (D-West Boylston) is trying to get a version of the Massachusetts Senate measure passed in the Massachusetts House..O'Day said, "There are some of my colleagues who are still skittish about this issue … It blows my mind. But it is what it is.".Nice word, "skittish." What is O'Day saying about others don't promote his idea of sex education? Are they afraid, embarrassed?.Maybe they have different values. Maybe others think sex education beyond basic biology is promoting one ideology over another. Because people think differently does not make them afraid..Two other representatives chimed in..Jack Lewis (D-Framingham): "I need to know that when my kid goes to health class he is getting sex ed.".My only question, Mr. Lewis, is why isn't he getting sex education from his father?.Paul Brodeur (D-Melrose) is a father and is quoted as saying that parents need help because sex is hard to talk about. "It just is," he said..Yes, parents, any responsibility that is yours – which you deem too difficult – pass it off onto someone else..Please, schools, just teach..Check out the State of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. It begins with five essentials:.English Language, Arts and LiteracyMathematicsScience and Technology/EngineeringDigital Literacy and Computer ScienceHistory and Social Science.So far, so good..Then more frameworks are listed, including Arts, Foreign Language and Vocational/Technical..No problem..But also included is "Comprehensive Health" which covers a multitude of items, including sexual education. And most of these items can be covered in science classes, along with physical education – without the ideology added..If officials want to promote their version of sexual education (and other ideologies as well), maybe they should start their own schools. They could teach the basic subjects as well as their beliefs. They could even lobby for government funding for vouchers, so students could afford their schools..Parents could choose what schools they want for their children. They could pick schools that emphasize the Planned Parenthood vision of sex. They could choose a more conservative school … maybe one that emphasizes those banned commandments and Beatitudes..How about a bill for school choice? Then politicians wouldn't make decisions for children. Parents would. .Kevin Thomas is a writer and former teacher, living with his wife and children in Standish, Maine.

Sex and Values: Politicians Still Trying To Replace Parents

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