Putting Condoms On The Table

They fit, how? Anyway, mental imagery run amok there.

Here's the story (sigh). In the continuing Texas Saga entitled, "Gasp! Texans Might Be Having Sex", State Senator Kevin Eltife (R-Lost Somewhere in the East Texas Piney Woods) is shocked to find out UT Tyler's health center gives out free condoms to students. 6000 in the past 18 months! Which sounds like a lot of safe sex to me. Enough to make a momma's heart rest easy knowing her adult child has got no excuse for not using protection.

But, Eltife, like many R's, takes the prudish sexual path:

"I had no idea and I'd imagine most parents don't know either," said Senator Eltife. "I can assure you there are a lot of parents whose kids are going there who would probably not be happy about what they're doing."

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"If it's such a good deal, why don't we talk about it, why don't we debate it," said Senator Eltife. "Let's debate it on campus. Let's get input from the parents, and the students, and the people who are supporting U.T. Health Center in Tyler and the entire system. Let's talk about it in the legislature, let's get it out on the table and discuss it. If it's a great idea and a great concept, let's get it out on the table and discuss it."

The health clinic has this in response:

"In response to the students requesting condoms be available, I felt like it was a prime opportunity to be able to provide education to the students," said nurse practitioner Kerry Scruggs. "As appropriate, I talk to them about safer sex practices, encourage the use of condoms if they choose to be sexually active, and talk to them about the sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms may or may not help prevent some of that."

My response:

Senator Eltife, a couple of ideas. why don't you spend the state's time and money figuring out how to lower college costs? I suppose it's too much to ask that our state provide real sex education in public schools, not abstinence only.