Story Photos
 Kyle Beasley, youth pastor and AWARE speaker, presents at R.A. Long and all Longview middle schools and high schools. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News
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Abstinence advocate uses humor to shift teens' focus from sex to relationships
Monday, March 24, 2008 6:18 AM PDT
By Carrie Pederson
Printable version
E-mail this articleKyle Beasley, youth pastor at Northlake Baptist Church, warned students at Monticello Middle School last week of the "cheerleader killer" called chlamydia.
If chlamydia spreads to the fallopian tubes, Beasley said, it could kill the cilium "cheerleaders" trying to pass the egg to the "planet uterus." The sexually transmitted disease could increase their chances of a problem pregnancy.
"Go! Go! Go!" Beasley cheered, like enthusiastic cilium passing on a fertilized egg.
The students laughed. "It's funny, easier to understand," said eighth-grader Toni Martinez of Beasley's presentation.
Humor is one way Beasley encourages students in Longview schools to wait until marriage to have sex. He teaches the AWARE (Abstinence Wait-training And Relationship Education) presentation, which has been used several years in all Longview middle and high schools to encourage abstinence.
Despite the statewide trend away from abstinence-only education, schools may offer outside presentations such as AWARE's, as long as the curriculum includes information on contraception.
AWARE'S curriculum is taught by local volunteer pastors, but their presentation isn't about religion, they say. Rather, it's about promoting a culture that embraces and supports abstinence and healthy marriages, which is a way to reduce the area's exceptionally high rate of STDs.
With a focus on relationships, AWARE speakers present information on sexually transmitted diseases from a different point of view, said Jaime Woodard, family and consumer science teacher at R.A. Long.
AWARE is a Christian, decade-old nonprofit organization based in Vancouver. It's funded in part by a $391.7 million federal grant program called Community-Based Abstinence Education that Congress created in 2001.
AWARE Director Jim Grenfell said the organization receives between $200,000 to $600,000 a year from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in addition to private funding.
AWARE prepares students so they don't bring emotional and physical baggage to a marriage, Grenfell said. (Premarital sex) "could cause problems in future relationships."
"I don't want to be the guy who comes in here and tells you not to have sex," Beasley said he tells students. "I want to you have sex. I don't just want you to have any sex but great sex."
That means the highest level of intimacy plus commitment, which in our society is marriage, he says. In other words, save the "prom dress" for the "prom," he said.
Statistics show that a majority of young people are sexually active well before they get married, and Beasley acknowledges that he's fighting a tide.
Still, he persists: "Anything you can do to help them to put sex off - even for a couple of years."
Beasley asked the Monticello eighth-graders to keep a Hershey's Kiss candy overnight to test their restraint. He gave suggestions on other ways to show love.
At the end of the presentation Beasley offered a "virginity pledge" key chain, optional to sign. "A lot sign a pledge and don't follow through - but (at least they) wait a little longer," he said.
He uses humor and motivational stories to keep students engaged. "That's part of who I am as a youth speaker," he said.
Sophomore Rachel Zdilar and junior Samantha Jordan, both at R.A. Long, said they found Beasley friendly and approachable, the type of person they would feel comfortable talking to about sex.
Some students, however, disagreed with Beasley's message and say it's unrealistic.
"If they're going to do it, they are going to it," said R.A. Long senior Brianna Hiebert. What's important is self respect and preparation, she said.
"I really respect that, and some teens will say I disagree," Beasley said. "At the end I say, 'I hope this makes sense to you.' "
AWARE was part of Kelso's sex education curriculum in 2005-'06, but the committee that created Kelso's new sex education curriculum that went into effect this year did not include AWARE.
Kelso health teacher Pansy Nofzinger said "there were some things in it we didn't quite go along with," but more information was not available.
Grenfell, AWARE'S director, said the group's presentation has been reviewed for accuracy by doctors on the AWARE board and the Clark County Health Department.
The program is up for review this year by the state Department of Health.
"If it's medically inaccurate it needs to be something that can be easily corrected. If it can't, it won't be used," said Pam Tollefsen of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
In the meantime, Beasley works on sharpening the facts, saying he often consults the Centers for Disease Control Web site. There, he learned, chlamydia can be a "cheerleader killer," but not until it becomes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in 40 percent of the cases that go untreated.
"We don't want to overdramatize," Grenfell said. "I want them to be alarmed enough to weigh out the decision."
Eye agree wrote on Mar 24, 2008 8:38 AM:
" Im glad to see Longview has kept this program in their schools. With the current divorce rates and STD rates I couldn't imagine not trying every aproach possible to build a future for our kids. Statistics show that couples who abstain until marriage have a significantly lower divorce rate. It would be logical that the STD rate would be lower too. "
ggmo wrote on Mar 24, 2008 8:43 AM:
" How quaint. Another 1950's style approach in dealing with VD and of course, premaritial sex. What's next? Maybe a Korean-era Army movie graphically showing diseased genitals??? This guy would better succeed trying to convince the kids to go back to wearing wingtip shoes, pleated dresses and bobbie socks. I applaud the kids that realized that this approach is unrealistic and doomed to failure. I didn't read anywhere in the article that this guy mentioned condoms (the most REALISTIC and effective approach to preventing the spread of STD's). If the community is serious about stopping unwanted pregnancies and STD's in our schools they'd install fishbowls full of free condoms at the front doors of the high schools and encourage their usage (along with the Army movie). But then again, we seem to tollerate unwanted pregnancies in our drop-out factories. Just like in Third-World countries, the rich stay rich and the poor have babies. "
Look At Facts wrote on Mar 24, 2008 8:51 AM:
" The facts show that abstinence does not prevent STD's and creates more teen pregnancy because students do not have birth control knowledge. Having a minister make a joke of this topic in public schools is wrong. This crosses the line and does not provide students information to make educated decisions based on fact. "
stink wrote on Mar 24, 2008 8:55 AM:
" But I thought schools were pushing a homosexual agenda? My world-view is blown!! "
Motherof3 wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:17 AM:
" Sorry ggmo, but as a mother of 3, I would much prefer my kids to practice abstinence over the school handing out condoms to them at the front door. Is that unrealistic? Maybe, but I want that to be their first option. Why is that so bad to teach? I applaud Mr. Beasley for what he is trying to do for our community. By the way, why would you applaud children who "realize" that this approach in unrealistic? How about applauding the children who take what he said to heart. "
Isn't as great as it seems wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:29 AM:
" I also agree that abstinence is a great option. Having seen my friends that were pregnant after taking a abstinence pledge, they didn't know about birth control. AWARE is the same group that teaches our children to be abstinent and that masterbation causes unrealistic ideas about sex. So you don't want my 15 year old full of hormones to have sex or masterbate? Good plan. That's why these kids are getting pregnant,STD, etc. We avoid teaching about all the options; if you must have sex, this is what you need to do. I would love to think my child will be abstinent, but I also have opened the line of communication so there is no fear of asking about birth control. Communication with your teens is the key to helping them through their teen years. When you tell your kids no to birth control and masterbation, they are going to do worse than if you told them how to be safe. AWARE is not what it appears to be; read their literature before they brainwash your child. "
Motherof4 wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:35 AM:
" Thank God for other options than what the media would have us believe and men like Mr. Beasley who shares them with young people. I raised 4 kids and encouraged abstinence. Handing a young person a condom without trying to help them make healthy and practical choices first, is like giving them a license and permission to be promiscuous.
All four of mine are wonderful young adults, married, employed, some with kids (in that order). I, and they, are not perfect, but at least they had guidelines in this gray and muddled world we now live in. "
All four of mine are wonderful young adults, married, employed, some with kids (in that order). I, and they, are not perfect, but at least they had guidelines in this gray and muddled world we now live in. "
Wait till engaged wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:03 AM:
" I would not tell my daughter to wait until marriage, but I would tell her to wait until she is engaged. I've heard horror stories from married relatives who went to the Wedding night completely unprepared. They go from holding hands to "all-the-way" in 20 minutes. My mother's said "don't have sex until you are ready for that man to be the father of your children." Smart advise I followed. "
LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE! wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:04 AM:
" We need to remember that the AWARE Program is just one of the outside organizations that Longview Public Schools allows to come in and speak to kids as part of the "comprehensive" sex education plan. I know that Planned Parenthood actually does come in and speak, about contraception. Do I agree with this approach? No I do not. But, I realize that is part of the plan for a public school system funded by tax payers with a variety of beliefs on this subject. We need to remember that the AWARE teachings are not all that the kids are hearing. They are allowed to make a choice on what they agree with. I am grateful that they are given the option of abstinence, and the option to choose it for their lives if they would like to. Remember we are a country built on democracy, we have the right to speak our mind, and we have a lot of different minds speaking. The school district has to provide options, and AWARE is just as viable an just as the others which include contraception. But, we have the right to have this message in our schools, just like proponents of contraception have the right to have their message heard! For the record, abstinence, when practiced, do prevent STD's and pregnancy, you do not have sex when you are abstinent and both are a result of sex. "
ggmo wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:08 AM:
" RE: Motherof3, As a "Fatherof2" I am not against teaching. Absolutely to the contrary. I'm just for teaching the most effective methods that are proven to work. If abstinence only education works well for your kids, so be it. HOWEVER, Abstinence ONLY education has statistically proven itself to be a failure in the control of unwanted pregnancies and STD's. So, when my tax dollars go to teaching a lesser effective program, I get angry at the backwards mentality. Also, I applaud kids that "realize" abstinence only education is statistically a failure the same as I applaud naval navigators that, centuries ago, "realized" that the earth wasn't flat. "
Don't blame AWARE wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:09 AM:
" To those of you who think that this program is responsible for teens not having info on birth control...grow up! Most teens in today's society could teach a college lecture on all the forms of birth control available & how to access it free or at very little cost. AWARE is only one section of the sex education program taught at Longview public schools. They are taught also about safe sex, birth control & disease prevention. I think it is sad that those of you condemning this program don't think that it's a good thing to ENCOURAGE kids to wait. My son came home & talked about this program, he liked how it encouraged ways to grow a relationship with a person of the opposite sex, ways to strengthen your relationship & build it up without throwing yourself into it sexually. He thought it was a good idea to remind kids what sex is really about, giving yourself intimately to your spouse. A special gift, not used goods. I think any program out there that encourages waiting as a birth control/STD prevention tool is a good thing! "
Good program wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:11 AM:
" Anyone who criticizes this man's work needs to see a shrink. Now I don't think his message is the only one that should be taught, it should be the primary message. Too many lives are ruined the other way, either from unwanted pregnancies, teen pregnancies or disease. I still wonder since neither works to the satisfaction of everyone, if a third way should be considered. How about putting some consequences on both parties who create the teenage pregnancy. Right now there really are no consequences or limitations. It's total freedom. Well all I can say is look at the lives it has ruined from the fathers and mothers to the children. We really need to take a look at age requirement. We have them for voting, drinking, and driving. Are you telling me those are bigger responsibilities than bringing a life into this world? I think not. "
yummy wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:15 AM:
" that meeting was sweet, beasleys awesome. i got a twix bar for participating yummy. also to all the mothers reading this, why dont you go 4 years without having sex, you wouldnt last a month. "
Why or why???? wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:15 AM:
" Why do the Liberal Democrats only want it their way? There is nothing wrong with this gentleman's message. Is it the only way? I fear not. But neither is creating a system without this message. I am so tired of the Liberal Democrats hate-mongering. If they can't say anything positive, why say anthing at all? "
Kids know when they are being lied to. wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:15 AM:
" Sex ed has to be comprehensive and as long as the state offers comprehensive sex ed I don't care if you have abstinence class as well. Abstinence only reminds me World War I pilots that were not given parachutes because generals thought it would lead to too many lost planes, when it really just lead to dead pilots. If my planes gets shot down I want a parachute. If I'm having sex I at least want something; admittedly imperfect, but something is better than nothing. The abstinence only crowd, by their flawed logic, would have us believe that life jackets increase boating accidents. "
To ggmo: wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:15 AM:
" Oh, you are soooo right (heavy sarcasm), fishbowls full of condoms! They should also set out a big bowl of clean needles & throw out the DARE program too... we shouldn't encourage them not to do it, just teach them how to do it safely! You got the right idea...are you available for after school child care? I am sure my kids could really learn a lot from you! "
LongviewRez wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:18 AM:
" to "Look at the Facts" So it's ok to joke about sex and sleeping around on sitcoms that our kids are watching seven days a week, but when a young man tries to use humor to get through to our youth about a serious subject so they will tune in, it's wrong???? I don't believe he was making a "joke" of the topic, he was trying to relate in a way they would understand.
And to "stink" funny! sad but true... "
And to "stink" funny! sad but true... "
RE: ggmo wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:20 AM:
" Where does this say "Abstinence Only?" The article clears says that it can be taught as long as it includes information on contraception. Your problem is that it is faith-based. Wow some people have a good message to give and all you see is religion. Your message is far more destructive. "
Doing Something wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:49 AM:
" I get sick of hearing from people who want to judge. I don't have anything against sex ed. In fact, I teach my children about their bodies and all the natural functions before they hear it in science class; but the reality is that we have a high rate of teen pregnancy and STD's in our community. I'm no religious nut, but I commend the ministers and other organizations who are willing to take the time to tell the kids about alternatives. The kids will get many points of view, so why shouldn't they have this one too? My son has talked to me, his dad, his friends, his science teacher and his youth group leader about sex. It is an issue that the kids deserve to gain other perspectives on. Until people get off their butts, they shouldn't criticize Mr. Beasley. I commend him for taking time to talk to our youth about sex, no matter what his opinion is. "
Hide Behind wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:56 AM:
" Yes its meassage of health issues is valid but no more valid than what professional teachers tell students in schools. Abstinace till married means nothing other than absinence till married and statisitcly cannot be found to change in any means the averages of happily married, lower divorce rate, or even to the numbers of their children becoming infected or rates of teen pregenacy of those marriages. Those stats do not exist other than in religous publications and taken as facts by indoctrination. Does infection rate go down with abstinace , yes, do bears poop in woods, common sense.This is not a health organization it is a religous organization funded by your tax dollars, a part of religious organizations that already take in over $450,000,000,000 tax free every year;Money now being used to influence every established politcal entity.No different than bloody car crash , fried eggs for drugs, maniacal killers on weed, abortions and homosexuals caused Twin Towers to fall mentality. It is no different than people who gripe about what teachers present in school and now they have an official government approved organ to try and effect how your children will be educated. NO school dares or can refuse this organization an assembly or class time. Research the founding and founders of this organization on your own, this news paper will just print from the source views, look at contributors, and while one part of message, health is apparent understand the true purpose of that group. "
Borrow & Spend wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:58 AM:
" "AWARE is a Christian, decade-old nonprofit organization based in Vancouver. It's funded in part by a $391.7 million federal grant." Bush and the GOP love spending yet call for lower taxes. This sells well at election time. Imagine if a Hare-Krishna came to the school to spread THEIR taxpayer funded faith based agenda? "
Worth it wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:04 AM:
" Waiting to have sex until you are married is absolutely the best choice. What is the point in doing it before? People just get emotionally hurt, STD's, or pregnant. If you wait until marriage, you and your spouse share a beautiful bond that you have with no one else. What a great way to start a marriage!!!
I applaud the pastors that are sharing this with the kids; It IS the way God intended it, and I think he knows what he's doing! If we all lived our lives according to God and the principles of Christianity than the world would be a much better place. "
I applaud the pastors that are sharing this with the kids; It IS the way God intended it, and I think he knows what he's doing! If we all lived our lives according to God and the principles of Christianity than the world would be a much better place. "
Highschoolers don't need to "learn" about condoms, abstinence instead wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:05 AM:
" Why waste tax-payers money "teaching" a bunch of kids about condoms? That won't do anything! What high-schooler seriously doesn't know what a condom is or where to get one?! If we are being realistic here, abistence is worth the effort spent teaching kids about it.... Why?....Because as a high school students I can confidently say more kids could tell you how to use a condom to prevent STDs then kids who could tell you THE ONLY DEFINITE WAY TO PREVENT PREGNANCY OR STDS!!...ABSTINENCE! "
RE: Hide Behind wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:10 AM:
" Once again you have wandered down some path of nonsense that any human can follow. What exactly was it you were trying to say?
As for this topic, it was stated in the article that this program is PART of a comprehensive sex education curriculum. That includes the importance of birth control. Why would anyone have a problem with our kids hearing the message that it's okay not to have sex? Some will listen, others will not.....about the same results you get from the birth control lectures. It's all still very important. "
As for this topic, it was stated in the article that this program is PART of a comprehensive sex education curriculum. That includes the importance of birth control. Why would anyone have a problem with our kids hearing the message that it's okay not to have sex? Some will listen, others will not.....about the same results you get from the birth control lectures. It's all still very important. "
Citizen wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:16 AM:
" Abstinence is the BEST way to grow up and find your path in life. It keeps you from being diverted permanently.
HOWEVER.
The subject matter does NOT warrant TOP STORY FIRST ONE UP ON THE PAGE.
My goodness, when will you people at the paper GROW UP? This thing reads like a HIGH SCHOOL PAPER. "
HOWEVER.
The subject matter does NOT warrant TOP STORY FIRST ONE UP ON THE PAGE.
My goodness, when will you people at the paper GROW UP? This thing reads like a HIGH SCHOOL PAPER. "
RE: Borrow & Spend wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:19 AM:
" Would you rather have Gay Pride week? This is a positive message for the kids to hear. It is exactly part of what we should be spending our money on. Oh wait. It's a volunteer organization with a free, approved message. Image that. If I were the Liberal Democrats I would be more concerned with the message sent out by Obama's hate-mongering, racist minister. Maybe if this guy was up on a pulpit screaming about the white power government you would accept this. "
Waiting is the answer wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:32 AM:
" I think what Kyle does is awesome, he teaches it with his heart and a strong belief in what he's doing. We need to teach our kids that waiting is the answer. I'm a mother of 4 and my kids know what is right. "
Re: Good Program wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:40 AM:
" We really need to take a look at age requirement. We have them for voting, drinking, and driving. Are you telling me those are bigger responsibilities than bringing a life into this world? I think not. " I think you're right. We should jail anyone under legal age that has sex. Of course, any underage mother should be jailed. Hey, wait a moment...Let's take this just one tiny step further...Why don't we just stone them to death like they do now in IRAN. Yeah, that oughta show 'em.
"
"
Stephanie wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:50 AM:
" Thank you Daily News for actually putting something moral and beneficial on the top headline, rather than some "success" story of a teenage mother, like what was posted a few weeks ago. This is what society needs in hopes of someday re-instilling morals, ethics and family values back into what should be the norm, but so sadly isn't anymore. Instead, we have the media and the Paris Hiltons filling our children's minds with trash, thus giving them a false sense of identity, and encouraging promiscuous, self serving, outrageous behavior. This gentleman and his teachings actually give me hope that someday when I have children of my own I MIGHT just think about putting them in public school after all. "
Mr. Bastinado wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:56 AM:
" Where's the perfect counter-balance (Larry Wagle) when ya need him. "
An educator wrote on Mar 24, 2008 12:42 PM:
" Comprehensive sex ed has been taught in our public schools for well over 25 years. Planned Parenthood representives have stood in my class room demonstrating contraceptives along with pics of STD infected bodies. Yet in the past 25 years reported STD's have escalated along with teen pregnancy and teen abortion rates. Adding abstinance and healthy relationship info to the over all sex ed curriculum can only benefit our kids. If it takes caring volunteers with a sense of humor like Mr. Beasley with the AWARE program to reach the students.....I say welcome and more power to you! "
wow wrote on Mar 24, 2008 1:04 PM:
" as a 16 year old with a father who tells me not to have sex than hands me and my boyfriend a handfull of condoms i do understand the risks of sex i also know that i like sex i enjoy as do most people who do it i think that people should be encouraged to be abstant but also be informed of the ways to be safe so im kindof a middle person "
15 and pregnant wrote on Mar 24, 2008 1:07 PM:
" as the other people have said abstaniance is not always the right way to go for, it's a very good choice but no teen will actually listen to that rule. i mean look at me i'll have my baby before i'm 16 i'm not complaining. yes i know i'm too young for a baby but hell this is what life is made for it's to make your own mistakes not learn from others. LET YOUR CHILDREN LEARN FROM THIER OWN MISTAKES!!!! i learned my own way which was also the hard way, so let your teens do the same. if you try to tell them any different they might wind up hating you. "
Fine with me wrote on Mar 24, 2008 1:15 PM:
" I, for one, am perfectly fine with Mr. Beasley teaching abstinence in our schools. I realize not everyone feels this is the WHOLE package on sex ed and it isn't, frankly. That is where the parents are to come in and finish. I also realize parents don't always do their job. I am a direct result of parents telling me while growing up that sex shouldn't happen until marriage. It's safer, less complicated and (for us) morally correct. I took that to heart, felt it was important to my parents, so felt it was important to me too. I didn't have sex until I was married. I didn't grow up in the 50s, but rather the 80s. I am very open with my kids about sex. We sat each of them down at age 8 and told them the facts. I didn't want them to hear from other kids or TV what it was or especially what it wasn't. Hear something else? Come ask us. And BOY did they. As they have grown we continue the conversations to include things like STDs, AIDS, alternative lifestyles--all age appropriate. Turns out to be the best parenting decision so far. Don't kill the messenger. It's an okay idea. "
Oh, pleeeez, 'why or why??' wrote on Mar 24, 2008 1:55 PM:
" " Why do the Liberal Democrats only want it their way? There is nothing wrong with this gentleman's message. Is it the only way? I fear not. But neither is creating a system without this message. I am so tired of the Liberal Democrats hate-mongering. If they can't say anything positive, why say anthing at all? "
Are you looking in a mirror as you write? Look up 'liberal' in the dictionary (I know where you can borrow one). It's the CONs who want it their way alone: abstinence-ONLY, anti-choice, anti-homosexual, only Christian holidays observed (and with gusto). Liberals see more than one solution. "
Are you looking in a mirror as you write? Look up 'liberal' in the dictionary (I know where you can borrow one). It's the CONs who want it their way alone: abstinence-ONLY, anti-choice, anti-homosexual, only Christian holidays observed (and with gusto). Liberals see more than one solution. "
RE: Educator wrote on Mar 24, 2008 2:18 PM:
" You can bet the Liberal Democrats won't see it your way. They have their own social agenda mainly for the gays and the rest of the world that doesn't agree with them can go straight to .... "
ggmo wrote on Mar 24, 2008 2:24 PM:
" Re: An educator; You must have access to different statistics than I. You state, "Yet in the past 25 years reported STD's have escalated along with teen pregnancy and teen abortion rates." Yet, The abortion rate among teens ages 15 to 17 has declined by 45 percent since 1990, from 26.5 abortions per 1,000 teen females in 1990 to 14.5 abortions per 1,000 teen females in 2000. Overall, teen abortion rates have been declining since the late 1980s. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancy are major health consequences associated with unprotected sexual activity. Condom use at most recent sexual intercourse among sexually active high school students increased from 46 percent in 1991 to 63 percent in 2003 and has remained constant through 2005. Although a similar percentage of teens are sexually active in the United States as in western European countries, the U.S. has much higher teen pregnancy and STI rates than does Western Europe.1,2 This is due to lower consistency and effectiveness of contraceptive use in the U.S.
http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/index.cfm
"
http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/index.cfm
"
:) wrote on Mar 24, 2008 2:34 PM:
" wow that guys sounds funny. "I dont want to be the guy that comes in here and says dont have sex. I want you to have sex, but I dont want you to just have any sex, i want you to have great sex." maybe he should come to my school there are so many girls who have dropped out because of pregnancy and i know people that have STDs, and have to live with them for the rest of their lives. i wish people would think before they act. this guy should talk to the high schools too. "
Re:ggmo wrote on Mar 24, 2008 3:55 PM:
" I would argue that one abortion is one too many, one teen pregnancy is one too many. The people who want abstinence to be part of the message should get their wish. You want more education, fine you too. But going either way too far is not the right standard. Still you offer no solution to the teenage pregnancy rate. I have one for you. Tie it to mandatory military service for the mother and father. Give the child a guarantee of health care at military facilities, provide the parents or parent with childcare while in the service and do other things for the child. I guarantee you, try that and that teenage pregnancy rate will drop very fast and abstinence and condoms will be very popular. Leave it as is now and they have to show more responsibility to drink, drive or vote than to create a child. This idea will also greatly reduce the abortion rate. Everyone wins. Lives don't have to be aborted, and lives of parents don't have to be ruined. Still the best message of all is abstinence and this guy should be applauded not criticized by hate-mongering Liberal Democrats. "
jennifer wrote on Mar 24, 2008 3:55 PM:
" As a mother of 3 girls,I can say that I believe in waiting for sex...However,do any of the parents in Longview keep any control over where and what their children are doing?Handing condoms out at school?Not a horrific idea,my 12 yr old knows what condoms are,WE have educated her,and she knows what "can"happen if she has sex at a young age,and the difference in her life if she chooses to wait.Don't expect the Longview schools to properly educate your child about sex,be a parent and educate your child yourself about sex,and the risks of having sex at a young age.My girls don't leave the house without me or their dad. "
To Jennifer: wrote on Mar 24, 2008 4:25 PM:
" I do everything in my power to keep track of my daughter, but I'm a little concernced about your girls not leaving your house without you or their dad. At the age of 12 that could be possible, but give it another year or two and you could be hard pressed to have that much control. What is going to happen when all three of them have three different things going at the same time? Good luck! "
to ggmo/stats wrote on Mar 24, 2008 5:06 PM:
" Center for Disease Controll; Trends for reported sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. is my source for statistics.
An Educator "
An Educator "
RE: Borrow & Spend wrote on Mar 24, 2008 5:45 PM:
" You ask, " Would you rather have Gay Pride week?" No I wouldn't and you have assumed wrongly. My point is AWARE, Gay Pride or the Kooky Rev. Wright should not be supported by taxpayers. I'm not liberal - I want government to spend less! My other point is there's a fine line between a religion and a cult. One's faith is their own business and government needs to stay out of that too!!!!! "
jennifer wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:16 PM:
" My 12 yr old walked our dog a month and a half ago,and two men tried to get her into their car....My other two are 7 and 4.My 4 yr old has severe epilepsy and cannot leave the house unsupervised.I can promise,in 2 or 3 yrs,I will have that control,because my children were not born in Longview thank god,and they have respect for rules and boundaries.We were at the doctors the other week and saw a 12 yr old pregnant....You tell me,completly her fault or her parents for not keeping track of where or what she was doing...Hmmmmmm "
Hide Behind wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:53 PM:
" Acqaintences among NGO's and UN programs of Africa AID's effort having to kowtow to US enforced Abstinance and refusual to give condoms, as this groups founders want preached has killed more than helped. Talk of programs; this is Dominionism trying to enter its religous dogma into and replacing secular education. They lay moral decay at feet of non-evangelical parents, education and politics and that is their primary message, and mission. This groups funding is overseen by FEMA, DEPT. Of AG. and Homeland Security and money laundered from other recipients of $Faith. Funds that get shifted to programs of an ex-Lonview native who profess's to be education minded is also an example. Tie teen sex violations to militry service, good GOD this is the United States, but it does show mentality and severity of groups supporters. Dominionist use our dollars and save theirs for entry in politcs to control or influence every thing from NASA to EPA scienses to office space for Evangelicals in Pentagon and military bases, that limit new Chaplins to mainly those of evangelical sects. Far Right X's have been very quiet lately and it is deliberate to avoid appearing too strong until after next election of guess whom. Salavation Army,a multi-bill buisness running Australian Welfare Programs, spent 100,000 a week to GOP connected ad agency in hopes of also cashing IN GOD WE TRUST checks. Education by facts from reasoning of parents and community oversight of teachers is best way. "
bshaw wrote on Mar 24, 2008 8:40 PM:
" hope those kids remember Abstinence when prom night hits and they are horny for one another. you may get some kids to not have sex, but most will. and when they do, they need to know the importance of prevention, and safe "fun" sex. who wants to have sex on there wedding night to only find out that they are not a good sexual fit? and i wonder what the stat is for unsafe sex and drug use would be if it where tied together. "
Great program! wrote on Mar 24, 2008 8:49 PM:
" This sounds like a great program and something that brings balance to other programs taught by the schools. "
Darling Nikki wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:30 PM:
" "I don't want to be the guy who comes in here and tells you not to have sex. I want to you have sex. I don't just want you to have any sex but great sex."
Pastor Kyle Beasley
Oh my God, I've never heard anything so funny in my whole life. Dude, I think this guy is a little to obsessed/repressed... Here's an idea - practice makes perfect!!!!
"
Pastor Kyle Beasley
Oh my God, I've never heard anything so funny in my whole life. Dude, I think this guy is a little to obsessed/repressed... Here's an idea - practice makes perfect!!!!
"
To Jennifer wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:48 PM:
" What does where you are born have to do with anything? I was born in Longview, AND I have respect for rules and boundaries. I now have an 8 year old that is learning about the changes that will happen in her life from me. Being born in Longview or Timbuktu has absolutely no bearing on whether they will listen or not. "
one who waited wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:11 PM:
" It bothers me as someone who recently graduated from the Longview school system that people have so little faith in teens. It is indeed possible to go through four years of high school and (gasp) even college without bending to the culture and having sex. I was not even a Christian and managed to abstain until I was married. It can be done. "
RE: Re: Borrow and Spend wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:38 PM:
" Well if you want Government to spend less than programs such as AWARE are essential to that. Education costs money and here is a free form of education that is wwtched closed by the school administrations and the state. There message isn't just about abstinence but yes they focus on it. This is a good progame that should be continued, regardless of the rans from the left against faith based. There is nothing wrong faith based for those who want to participate. It should not be a requirement, but then neither should be the sole message. So put your fears away and be part of the solution. "
chacha wrote on Mar 24, 2008 11:29 PM:
" maybe he could have a meeting with all the teachers and coaches, and get them to have abstinence with our school children? "
Sand Sailor wrote on Mar 25, 2008 2:04 AM:
" As a former student of the Longview School system there is a few problems I have with this type of "teaching." However my problem is not that of teaching abstinence verus safe sex, I believe that both should be taught with equal emphasis on both. It is time people quit being ignorant to the fact that their "perfect little angels" will not wait until marriage. It is important for them to be exposed to as much safe sex and absitence education as possible to protect themselves. My only problem here is the bringing in of a religous leader to preach, oops it says he teaches, a highly propaganda filled lecture. This is a prime example of a good idea in bad execution. Having a pastor come in to teach this subject is highly inappropriate because as much as he may try there is no way that he could preach this, oops did it again, without borderline/blantant dissregarding for keeping religion out of our schools. "
Chuck Anziulewicz wrote on Mar 25, 2008 5:02 AM:
" It's great to teach abstinence as the only foolproof way to avoid pregnancy and STDs. But this guy is getting federal funding to abstinence until MARRIAGE, and that's a message that is going to be absolutely irrelevant to Gay youth for whom marriage is simply not an option. If I had kids who were Gay, I would want my tax dollars being used for messages that are INCLUSIVE of them. "
Jennifer wrote on Mar 25, 2008 8:35 AM:
" I didn't say anything about where they were born,I was talking about where they grew up.We have noticed in Longview,a majority of the kids do not have respect for any adults.The parents(some,not all)are either scared or just choose not to discipline their children.If some parents grew a pair,the meth problem would not be so terrible in Longview.disrespect from children is not only tolerated here,but accepted.We will be moving back to where we moved from this summer.Not every child or every parent in Longview are "bad apples"there are some very hard working people in this town,unfortunatly they are out weighed by the oversexed under disciplined children and teens in this town that seem to think they can do whatever,whenever they please to.It is outragous what Longview will tolerate. "
to Jennifer wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:29 AM:
" "I will have that control,because my children were not BORN in Longview thank god,and they have respect for rules and boundaries." Yeah, you did say that, actually. "
The Munaki Man wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:14 PM:
" I agree that abstinence still needs to be taught in school, but there also needs to be other lessons that need to be taught about sex. I am reminded of a great movie, The 40 Year Old Virgin, when they are at the clinic and talking about all of the other options that aren't sex related. Students also need to be aware of all options, including birth control, condoms, etc. Not enough is being taught that students have so many misunderstandings about sex and this is why you see such a high percentage of our youth having sex and getting STDs. I think it needs to be more well rounded. "
Jennifer wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:59 PM:
" Okay,I stand corrected on that.What is you point?The children born here for the most part are raised with no or very low morals,and no ethics.We are blaming the schools for not teachong proper sex education?I don't feel it's the schools job,that should be taught at home,especially if parents don't agree with how the school district decides to teach it. "
To Jennifer wrote on Mar 25, 2008 3:52 PM:
" You are going to find children that don't have respect for people or morals no matter where you live, get a grip. "
Jennifer wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:47 PM:
" That is true...My point is,that if Longview parents specifically taught their children morals,and stood up for their town,Longview would not have the highest STD rate in the state of Washington,and would not be the dumping grounds for child molesters.Disrespectful children are everywhere,however Longview has the MOST disrespectful children and adults for that matter that I have ever seen in one town.Longview is pathetic as a whole.The schools show that by how they teach our children and how even the schools neglect their own rules.So no honey,you get a grip.If you choose to keep your children here untell adulthood,I truly pitty them. "
Two Birds with One Stone wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:18 AM:
" Why not combine the message about " no sex until marriage" and the $20,000 Quest for an better public image of Longview and use the slogan...Come to Longview, Land of the 8 pound Preemies! "
ellewood wrote on Apr 6, 2008 3:44 PM:
" i think this is a good thing for kyle to be teaching he really cares about these kids or else he wouldn't be spending his time telling them the dangers of premarital sex. he wants to see them grow up how God planned it and too finish school he really cares about them... "
Life Choices wrote on Apr 8, 2008 11:53 AM:
" I went throught the AWARE program when I was in 10th grade at R.A. Long High School. I am now a freshman in college and guess what I haven't had sex.. But that was my choice.. Kyle Beasley didn't tell me that I couldn't have sex and that I had to wait until marriage.. no he just lets you know that there are rewards and safety with waiting until marriage. A lot of you people posting on this blog are saying that it isn't right that Kyle Beasley is telling this to our children becuase he's a youth pastor. But if he doesn't say it or give them the option who will?? It's not like he goes into the classroom and tells the students that they'll be condemmed if they have sex. He doesn't even bring up the topic of religion. So you can;t say that he's trying to connect religion and state.. no he's just trying to make a very good point.. to offer another option for your children. We live in a society that thinks that sex is the only thing that is important in life.. We need programs like AWARE to help our children make good decisions for thier future.. If you haven't actually been in a class with him and actually listened to what he has to say you have no right to judge him... He's doing a good thing.. "
ktw wrote on Apr 18, 2008 4:15 PM:
" Only in this quaint place Longview could a MINISTER go in to a PUBLIC school to teach sex ed. Imagine the uproar if Planned Parenthood taught the class without the religion part. Oh my. Teach kids the facts, how to protect themselves physically and emotionally, and be there when they need you...sounds like the job of parents. "
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