betsy

IT started in the family, during childhood. I wonder how old was his mother when she had him. Society's been facing other serious problems that seems to have something in common at the roots: poverty And here's how society chosed to deal with them. We have problems with prostitution....let's legalize it. We have problems with teen pregnancy....let's legalize abortion. We have problems with marijuana....let's legalize it. We have problems with crack....let's legalize it. Since he had lived in poverty and been abused since childhood, he had suffered a great deal indeed. So, shall we legalize the crime then?

His point has everything to do with the topic. That's one of the problems in today's society....that sort of sneering attitude towards family! You can't just pick and choose what's supposed to have got to do with this! Family and environment! Then of course, there's a big possibility of genetics being involved too. Everything is co-related! Of course you don't need a scientist to tell you that being a single parent is harder! And children being raised in single-parent homes face a lot more challenge. Who really knows what goes on in the heart and mind of each and every child who loses his family? They're all just statistics now! Just numbers! That's another problem in today's attitude.....big-time problem actually....this "pick-and-choose-what-suits-me-for-the-moment" syndrome! Moral Relativity! And why do we have these problems???? Lack of values! Family values! Moral values! Poverty does not always produce criminals! How many families who struggled had produced kids who kill? Your comment is a smear on the poor folks who not only struggles to put food on the table, but also struggles to instill values in their children that eventually will make their children not only mindful of the law but also to better themselves in the future! Talk to old folks in the Nursing Homes. A lot of them would say: "We were poor." And they would describe how their parents would struggle to make ends meet. And what are their children who come to visit now? Lawyers. Teachers. Carpenters. Analysts. Priests. etc.., I imagine those kids who are on LWOP did not do just some petty crimes! Gosh listen to me....even I had diminished the act of stealing, assault and other misdemeanor into something just petty. We live in a very hedonistic society...where the law of "ME-comes-first "rules. This is an awfully confused society now who had managed to produced a whole lot of confused parents and confused educators....and a more confused future generation!

Yes. And for those who remain skeptics about the spiritual aspect...just look at the New Testament as a great "How-to" book. If you ponder and chew on some of the teachings of Christ, you'll find answers and tips that could change your views and cope with the challenges of everyday life. Faith does not come instantly. You have to work on it. Don't get distracted. The door is always open for everyone. Come in and humbly accept Christ. Give yourself to God. If you have faith, you'll' always have hope. No matter how tough it's gonna be, your attitude will be, "bring it on!"

As I said before, Charles Price have a refreshing way of explaining the passages in the Bible. I accidentally discovered him one Sunday morning. It was a time when I long to strengthen my weakening faith....lo and behold, he was talking about "Abraham Living By Faith On A Rocky Road." I try to tune in as often as I can...although I am not an official member of his ministry. I think he is inspired by God. I also read the Bible on my own. For those of you who might be interested: http://www.livingtruth.ca/default.asp

Open the Bible with an open mind. Learn about Christ. A lot of those who used to believe in Christ have turned their backs on the Lord because of the failings and deceptions by the clergy or someone they trust. But you feel a kind of hollowness inside you...something is missing. And you know what it is that's missing. Why would you let mere people sway you...to get between you and your Lord? Humble yourself. Call on the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible.

I got one from mignalukz too saying Help me. I didn't click the link. I meant to reply to his PM and ask him what kind of help he needs....but I saw that he's a "deleted member." Whew!

Death by beheading is quite shockingly gruesome. It probably is painfully a slow torturous death. The video of the first western guy who got beheaded got to the core...I haven't seen that and I have no intention of seeing it. What makes it all the more scary is the coldness of the perpetrators who's actually doing the killing. They have a purpose. It's meant to shock us into fear. Remember that other English woman who married a Muslim and was doing charity works for that community, was abducted and executed? Her husband and the people she was helping pleaded for her. Marriage and doing good things for the community did not give her immunity. If this poor woman die, let her death be not for naught. Let it be a clear warning to all that converting to Islam, and being an activist for the jihadists' cause does not mean you are no longer seen as an infidel. I pray Al Jazeera will do the best they can to help her. They must know somebody who's got connection...

Every little bit will help. Some teens had responded to that delayed sex (according to the research finding)...and some won't (and perhaps they will benefit from the education on condoms and monogamy). The more options there are, the better. And if all options are used, awesome! It's undeniably a win-win situation with all combined together! Tyra Banks is pushing for delayed sex in her show and use of condom (it was about teen pregnancy) with several pregnant teens (some as young as 14), giving testimony about their folly and regret. If only all celebrities will unitedly give their determined support...with the same enthusiasm they'd given the green movement...the positive results will come much sooner. Right now, they and the media hold so much power to sway and change.

Actually sometime last week Michael Coren Show had several guests on his panel (a priest representing the Catholic Church, a Muslim, another guy from another denomination, and one I'm not sure but seems to be representing the atheists). In that discussion it was said that the article about the Pope which was circulated in the papers was not complete. Apparently in that interview, the Pope had also included education and change of lifestyle. I did not bring it up on the discussion since I cannot find a transcript of that Coren Show. All of the people in that panel except for the one who seems to represent the atheists agreed with the Pope. I agree with you that not any one of them, on its own, will work. Not in this current climate that we have.

Yes it's just common sense. But is it realistic to just pin all hope on condom? Nope. If we're to stop the rapid spread of disease, we need to focus on the young. Delaying sex until well-informed and mature enough, education on the change of sexual behaviour, monogamy and the crucial importance of using condoms should all go hand-in-hand in battling AIDS. If all influence-wielding individuals whom young people idolize and copy-cat will get in on the band-wagon and strongly endorse the new lifestyle, we'll achieve what we want to achieve. This hoopla on the Pope became a farce when critics started blaming his comment for derailing the battle against AIDS. If we're to apply arm-twisting pressure on anybody...it should be heaped on role-model figures of the youth....the stars, the fashion models, the sports players, the rock singers, and other celebrities, the media....being emulated by the youth!

And he started with the most basic common sense: abstinence. Realistic in this age, as of right now? Of course not. But read it as DELAYED sex. The research finding I've posted above had found that slowly, teens are getting into this. This, alongside monogamy and education on the importance of changing sexual behaviours and the use of condom....all these combined, will be a powerful deterrant to stop the rapid spread of AIDS. I don't think we'll ever be able to totally stop AIDS. Just like other old STDs are still around. Hopefully, we can discover the drug that will successfully combat it.

What principles and ethical rules? That's what I mean when I said don't even think about "ethics"....those are gone! Nada! Kaput! They're nothing when there's no objectivity! You cannot even bring yourself to acknowledge the contributing role of abstinence and/or monogamy (alongside education in the change of sexual behaviours and the use of condom). Principles and ethics are nothing...they don't exist in the face of ruthless, senseless determination to bash! Hence there's no point in discussion. It's futile. You're blinded by anger and bitterness! At least, that's the impression you give...and that's how you sound to me. But hey, feel free to continue your rant and let off steam. Hope that will make you feel much better. I'm done.

Then what? <shaking head> You wouldn't understand unless you learn about the true teachings of Christ. That's why I've been inviting you to learn about Him. Spreading the Word of God does not always...and doesn't have to be just limited to tele-marketing styles or knocking on doors or leaving pamphlets. It goes well beyond that. Humans do feel anger. In everyday life! For just about any reason! That's a fact! So you worry that some hold their anger back...<scratch head>....and I assume you wouldn't want them to express it through violence either...or to let it all out. You are de-humanizing humans (specifically the ones who believe in a religion). What? Only non-believers like you have the right to express your anger....like what you're doing now? Man, you seem so confused. Sometimes "persecution complex" is created and nourished by a "guilt complex." One feels persecution even when none is intended. Deceptions are done by preachers and those with authority...those who are looked up to and trusted by the people. I am talking about the preachers who unconsciously or wilfully deceive. Using the name of God. And some do the deception wilfully. How do you think a priest will set about seducing a young lad into having sex with him....without assuring the lad that what he is about to do is not wrong? What about the religion of Atheism? The Atheist-Preachers who exhibit the arrogance to assume everyone must change whatever they believe in, and fall in line. By the way, that bus running that ad. You don't support that, do you? Oh those blustering and belligerent fools! Don't they know who truly holds the exclusive truth about the Divine? It's the ATHEISTS, dummies! ha-ha-ha Behold, another one! Oh well, what can I say.... the more the merrier. But man, I must say you're right up there in fervor and intensity! A true fundamentalist! ha-ha-ha I'm done.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I've always thought that the Taliban had always made demands such as prisoner exchange or dictates for infidels to leave, etc.., That it's always been for a cause...or their rights... I'm surprised that the Taliban would demand for monetary ransom. So in other words after all their posturing, it's nothing but just a common criminal after all.

Not giving any ransom does not mean society does not care. On the contrary, giving in and making beheading-for-ransom pay off will only encourage unscrupulous people, perhaps even organized crime to get into the lucrative business. Don't ever kid yourself that it's not going to happen. Kids and vulnerable people are being deliberately maimed in third-world countries to elicit more pity when pan-handling! Bleeding-hearts and those that give knee-jerk reactions to anything that reminds them of religion or God should not let themselves be stunted in their vision...that they should strive to see past what's infront of their noses. Impulsive reactions without further much thought will only make matters worse.

She was collecting documentary materials for Al Jazeera. She's working for Al Jazeera....Al Jazeera should handle that problem. Anyway, she is pro-Islamic terrorism. She converted and even got herself a website. Although I'd like to give it the benefit of the doubt....a nagging thought at the back of my head is dubious about this situation. Her situation is riddled with ironies. We are at war with the Taliban and terrorism. At another time, her politics and action would surely have landed her in the same predicament: execution for treason. But I see the irony mentioned by another poster, if the situation is accurate and true (and not just a ploy to outsmart and make a fool of us and the government and get us to add more funds to the coffers of our own enemy which will be used to fight and kill our own soldiers- which is another irony, if that's the case). If her predicament is true, how ironic to die in the hands of those you zealously support....in the very same reason why we are at war with terrorism. I'll pray for her. That's all we can and must do.

So it's just the usual blather about "don't have sex" or "fidelity"......it happens that this blather has a valid point! Like it or not, it is! It's the logical solution, alongside education in the change of lifestyle/sexual behaviour....(and to those who couldn't and wouldn't follow nor believe his beleifs), the use of condoms. So who cares who Michael Coren is. His article just happens to hit it bulls-eye about the anti-Catholic hypocrisy just really gunning for Benedict. AIDS just happens to be a convenient vehicle. Read your own posts on this topic and you'll probably see what I mean. There's no point discussing the topic since it's really not about this topic. Not at all.

Another research finding had stressed the important role of values in changing sexual behaviours. Condoms alone will not have a dent! This topic is not really about an objective look or sincere desire to find solutions to a critical problem...it's nothing more than a pathetic means to vilify a figure. Several contradictions and illogic, insensible responses had plainly outed the true motives of those who pretend outrage/indignation that the Pope had dared to "interfere" with fighting the spread of AIDS. Enough! Let's not try to be anymore funnier after all this is not a laughing matter... Don't even think of bringing up the word "ethics". An objective, non-partisan-sans-agenda-or-motive response to this should have acknowledged at least that although the POPE's solutions may not be acceptable to some people, it cannot be denied that they can be made part of - in fact, it is imperative that they be made a part of education, alongside the use of condoms - in fighting AIDS. Changing sexual behaviours and lifestyle is crucial to fighting AIDS. If people - and that importantly include the media and influence-wielding celebrities will endorse and promote monogamy and/or a change in sexual behaviours, much the same way that they'd endorsed saving the environment and going green....the positive result will come much faster. If there is anyone who's been interfering with the efforts to combat the spread of AIDS and other STDs, it is these celebrities and the media. So those of you indignant about obstacles being thrown to undermine progress....better get your sights focused towards the right direction! EMERGING ANSWERS 2007 by Douglas Kirby, PH.D "More teens are delaying sex and those that are sexually active are using contraception more consistently and carefully. Both of these developments have made important contributions to the impressive decline in teen pregnancy and childbearing. Recent years have also brought good news on the research front. As Doug Kirby so carefully points out in Emerging Answers 2007, the quality and quantity of evaluation research in this field has improved dramatically and there is now more persuasive evidence than ever before that a limited number of programs can delay sexual activity, improve contraceptive use among sexually active teens, and/or prevent teen pregnancy. Having accurate, research-based information on what works to prevent teen pregnancy is critically important information for communities and practitioners trying to make informed decisions about preventing teen pregnancy. Even so—because teen pregnancy has many causes, and because even effective programs do not eliminate the problem—it is unreasonable to expect any single curriculum or community program to make a serious dent in the problem of teen pregnancy on its own. Making true and lasting progress in preventing teen pregnancy requires a combination of community programs and broader efforts to influence values and popular culture, to engage parents and schools, to change the economic incentives that face teens, and more. Despite these encouraging results, getting young people to delay having sex or to use protection against pregnancy and STD remains a challenge. There are many factors in young people’s lives that affect their sexual behavior, for example, their own sexual drive and desire for intimacy, their family’s values, their friends’ values and behavior, their own attitudes and skills, the media,the monitoring of young people by their community, and opportunities for the future in their community" http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/EA2007/EA2007_full.pdf

U.S. STD Rates On the Rise Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis infections rose again in the United States in 2006, the second year in a row that rates of these sexually transmitted bacterial infections increased. The rate of chlamydia increased by 5.6 percent between 2005 and 2006, with more than 1 million reported chlamydia cases in 2006 -- the highest number of annual U.S. cases ever for any sexually transmitted disease. According to the CDC, the reported cases of chlamydia are likely less than half the actual occurrence. The rate of gonorrhea rose 5.5 percent in 2006, with more than 350,000 cases reported, and the rate of syphilis rose 13.8 percent, with nearly 10,000 cases. About 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year in the U.S., almost half among people ages 15 to 24. "This is a hidden epidemic," said Dr. Stuart Berman, who helps track STD's for the CDC. http://www.livingtreecommunity.com/store2/...s_std_rates.asp

excerpts from... Open season on Benedict Michael Coren, National Post Published: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 "The attacks upon the Roman Catholic Church in the last two weeks following the Pope's comments about the dangers of condom use in Africa in the attempt to prevent AIDS have been an extraordinary lesson in applied ignorance and the survival of prejudice. Talk-radio hosts who have long callously and naively blamed Africans for all of Africa's sufferings suddenly become champions of the continent. Doctors and academics who have shown no previous concern for the plight of Africa are instantly transformed into experts and partisans. It is enough to make one weep. The weeping, however, should be for Africa rather than a bunch of anti-Catholic hypocrites. Some context first. AIDS had smashed its way through Africa for almost two generations before many people in Europe or North America had even heard of it. It was killing poor black people many miles away and nobody matters less to the wealthy whites than poor blacks many miles away. It was only when the disease was brought into the male homosexual community of the United States that the likes of Elizabeth Taylor became so emotional on television and numerous actors, politicians and public figures made AIDS one of the most fashionable causes in modern times. Yet it was the Church that was in Africa caring for people with AIDS when Hollywood and the Western media were more concerned with puppies and kittens. Even today, almost half of all Africans with AIDS are nursed by people working for the Roman Catholic Church. None of this is mentioned when Pope Benedict is attacked for his condemnation of the condom fetish. If we read the man's statements, however, what we see is a sophisticated deconstruction of Western double-standards and a thoughtful critique of the failed attempt to control AIDS. First, it's not working. In countries where condoms are state-distributed, free and ubiquitous AIDS has not been controlled and is often spreading. Second, even where AIDS is less of an issue, such as in North America, the increased availability and use of condoms has coincided with an annual increase in STDs and so-called unwanted pregnancies. Third, one failure of a condom to work -- and the failure rate is significant if not overwhelming --is not a mere mistake but a death sentence. Fourth, condoms enable promiscuity rather than encourage abstinence. And sexual activity is about more than mere intercourse; a cut finger or a small body wound can allow infection to occur. Fifth, how dare we treat black people as if they were children. They are capable of self-control and all over Africa, most successfully but not exclusively in Uganda, there are elaborate, empathetic and extraordinarily successful abstinence programs that emphasize humanity rather than lust -- a philosophy that runs directly contrary to the sexual gratification cult so favoured by some of the people in the West now so apoplectic at Pope Benedict's comments. Paradox and lack of understanding rules the day. We applaud an obscenely wealthy American actress when she takes a black baby from Africa, but forget that the Hollywood values she epitomizes encourage loveless sex and treating one another as sexual objects rather than distinct individuals -- the precise phenomenon that encourages the spread of AIDS. It appears these days to be open season on Pope Benedict XVI. In that he leads an organization that is supposed to be a mirror held up to the world to reflect society's failures and absurdities, the man must be doing a great deal right."

The Pope gave two REAL solutions to reduce that odds. Perhaps cousins of the same lamebrains who still don't get the crucial importance of using these condoms...after $$$ of dollars worth of education and programs! Perhaps you should direct your attacks on celebrities and Hollywood....who glorified and promoted promiscuity. And the media that helped promote it. If there's anyone who wields more power and influence, it's them. Some influence-wielding celebrities are treated like gods and you rant about his headquarters! Ha-ha-ha Because the efficiency of condom is hugely debatable! It will only work if it is being used EACH AND EVERY TIME a person have sex! And it is sending the wrong message. It is encouraging promiscuity among the very young. Lulling people to false security, because a lot of times...we know those condoms are not being used! Let's not open up a can of worms that would detract from this topic. You might want to start another topic on that instead. I commented on guns simply to correct your logic. See what I mean? This is not really about fighting AIDS. This is just all about the Pope and what he represents. Too bad. The sufferings and the death tolls are real. I rest my case.

On the contrary. Adhering to the teachings of Christ, I will be more accepting and welcoming of people. For is it not my duty as a Christian to spread the word of God? Spreading the word of God does not always mean standing in the pulpit and preaching. And because Jesus said that he reaches out and search for the sheep that's lost....it only follows that someone who's trying to follow his teaching would do the same. Can a true Christian spread the word of Christ if he does not go out there and be with people....most especially the non-believers? Of course I am angry for I feel that people who seeks the Lord are being decieved. Whether you agree with me or not that a deception had been made, and still being made (whether unconsciously or wilfully by some of those that preach in the name of God) , it still does not change how I personally perceive it. And being Christian does not mean I can not feel anger. On the other hand, it is you who's more limited in your acceptance....for I sense in your various posts that you still harbor some grudge...or pain....I don't know what truly causes that... but it manifest into some form of hostility towards anyone who represents or follows religion. The world is peopled with billions of people who follow religion.

Go ahead, bash the Pope...I have issues with the Pope too. It still doesn't change the fact of cause and effect! Cause -> Degree of Risk -> Effect.....Fact.

You don't want la-la land? You guys want realistic??? Think of yourself as a racoon. And AIDS as a truck. Do you want to be roadkill? Then go ahead and take the risk.... Cross at night.

And It is possible to get AIDS from oral sex. Stupid...thrill-seekers...deathwish...mentally ill...immaturity....feeling invincible...a gambler....the reasons could go on endlessly. It's even used ...or should I say un-used, to commit murder or vengeance. It depends on the person who is carrying the virus. I wonder how many sexual encounters did not reach penetration stage....because there's no condom at hand? More likely they'll go ahead, risking "just this once." Same attitude like most who drank quite a bit of alcohol and risk driving anyway. Just this once.... The moment you use a condom....you're no longer abstinent. Abstinence means no sex. I don't know if education will help anymore. People who are promiscuous tend to be "adventurous." Otherwise how can it be so easy for them to trust strangers and do one-night stands? Prostitutes are usually easy target for murders because they deal with strangers. I assume they read papers and see the danger in that. Again, it all largely depends on the person who carries the virus. What are his/her morals? And pray the condom didn't leak. Cause and effect. Education cannot and will not change that fact.