from one extreme to.... where?

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Jan 19, 2007

Columnist Ellen Goodman goes searching for "Abortion's Elusive Middle Ground," and finds-- now get ready for a shock-- that the "moderate" position is the one she occupies.

On one side, to her right, you'll find the "extremists" who oppose abortion. And on the other side? Well now here's the funny thing: Goodman doesn't identify the other extreme position. You might be tempted to think that she can't find anyone far to her left because the territory to the left of her is so very sparsely occupied. But that can't possibly be right, can it, because she's in the middle; she's just told us that. All very confusing.

But now Ellen Goodman has something important to tell you, so pay attention. She's worried that some pro-lifers are so extreme that they'll even oppose public programs that promote birth control. Imagine that! Let's see: Is there an institution in American known for its opposition to birth control?

While you're pondering that subtle message, our heroine is off to tell a story about a newly appointed federal official who actually believes that promiscuity is bad for teenagers. Dr. Eric Keroack believes that there's even a scientific reason for opposing promiscuity, involving oxytocin. To be honest I don't know what oxytocin is, but I guess Ellen Goodman does, because she flourishes her scientific credentials and pronounces the theory nonsensical.

More sex leads to less bonding? This ranks with old-time warnings that you-know-what leads to warts.

So there you have it. The notion that promiscuity degrades the value of sexual fidelity is absurd. A man who tries to dissuade young people from extra-marital sexual adventures is an extremist.

What do "moderate" Americans believe about this whole matter?

The point on which most Americans agree is reducing unplanned pregnancies.

Some people believe that you can reduce unplanned pregnancies by reducing "unplanned" sexual intercourse. These people are dangerous extremists; we know that now, thanks to Goodman. Now if only someone would explain to us what the other people believe...