Obviously, the virginity fetish has been around a long time and will not go away anytime soon. As for stressing abstinence only, it is the most reliable form of birth control and I suppose that is why parents often rely on it. Unfortunately, the argument for abstinence is lost when it becomes a religious mandate. On the other hand, abstinence can be a tool for getting to know another person rather than just hopping in bed because it is expected. Let's face it, for many of us, sex is a very delicate subject and should be approached in an atmosphere where someone does not feel pressured. Far too often, it is presumed that everyone sleeps with other people as a matter of course... and, furthermore, to refuse to do so is socially unacceptable.

Finally, there are men who prefer virgins...however, it can easily be argued that these men are very, very nervous about their own performance and fear comparisons.

The Republicans are doing everything they can to make this an issue that sticks. Thus far, I don't think they've been successful. In the first place, much of America doesn't even listen to the news and in the second place, it doesn't find the Republicans worth listening to. Thirdly, on the news websites, Democrats are talking back to the right-wingers. Last but not least, people aren't that crazy about the CIA which they consider to be dangerous and not very competent.

Some of Michelle's frocks have been downright ugly, a few too frilly for her size, but many, particularly the ethnic ones, are simply beautiful. The dress she is wearing in the photo is very much to my liking and I love her hair, jewelry, and make-up. The First Lady looks beautiful here. However, this is coming from a person who loves make-up, wears it herself, and has, in the past, been very interested in fashion. That does not preclude me from being a political animal which is obvious or I wouldn't be reading Salon day in and day out!

Michelle should wear whatever she wants to so long as it is appropriate and I think she aims to do this. Sleeveless dresses can be tasteful...certainly, Michelle's have been.

There is such a contrast in the underlying motives of Cheney and Obama. Obama wants to curb our darkest instincts for revenge and empire building while Cheney wants to get even and exploit! Most Republicans sneer at anything that smacks of humanitarian values suggesting that it is weak and will be perceived as weak by our enemies. Cheney's remarks will resonate with the harsh right wing and even some moderate Republicans.

Yes, America has enemies but forsaking democratic principals in pursuit of the terrorists diminishes us and exposes us as hypocrites. Bush gave democracy a bad name with all his gilded palaver about bringing democracy to the world. Again, he was actually saying "it is our way or the highway."

It is encouraging to realize that in all the mayhem of the terrorist attacks and subsequent chaos, at least half of Americans decried the use of torture as evidenced by their voting preferences. Unfortunately, had Al Gore been elected in the first place, we would not be having this national debate over whether torture is legal or ethical and we certainly wouldn't have squandered our treasure and reputation by invading Iraq. I have no doubt about this.

When I read this article, I was incensed all over again at the utter irresponsibility of George Bush who all but gutted our primary mission in Afghanistan to wage a senseless, utterly stupid war in Iraq. Even now, Cheney carries on about how vital our task was in Iraq while the right wing dumbbells cheer him on! Everything that made any sense was shunted aside while we wasted zillions in Iraq. Now it may be all but impossible to win over the people in Afghanistan...and Pakistan is in danger, too, from the Taliban. Oh well, it is done and we'll just have to make the best of it and move on....but in what direction?

Nothing will quiet this group who delights in being angry. Now they hate Letterman even more because he took away their justification. Sarah Palin's acceptance of the apology was entirely trite and curt. I can understand her anger at Letterman...I'm sure I would be angry, too, but her response shows her lack of compassion and empathy...and savvy. A magnanimous acceptance would have made her look big. Instead she chose to resort to platitudes about our military. What a disaster she would be as a national leader with her penchant for feeling offended at any and all things thrown her way. This women is cold, harsh, and vindictive!

I confess to never having watched O'Reilly...in fact, I don't watch the Fox Network at all unless the Super Bowl is carried on it or when I go into a doctor's office where they have their television tuned to it in the waiting room. I simply do not want to enrich Fox in any shape, form, or fashion because I consider them a real danger to this country. They will do anything for a dollar including condoning the murder of an abortion doctor to raise their ratings. What a sickening spectacle!!!

This was a very interesting article to me as I don't watch CNN, MSNBC, etc. and have not heard all the sound bites. That said, my reaction to Michael Jackson's death was strange...I somehow felt relief for him. It was painful to watch him struggle with the world, to see his ruined face so marred by plastic surgery, to watch his legal battles, and to wonder whether he really was a pedophile or simply the victim of opportunistic parents on the prowl for a quick buck. He seemed so sad and isolated... actually the word, pitiful, says it all. However, the circus atmosphere is shocking and the media deserve to be chastised for capitalizing on his death!