New Pope

[Dakkster]

That makes more sense as to what your argument is now Dakkster. Yes, the papacy has had some very rough times. JP II was the last great Pope and he openly came out and apologized for the atrocities that took place during the multiple Crusades.

Benedict was a Pope who cared, but stepped down, because he realized he wasn't the guy to correct the direction the Church is in. Hopefully, Francis can do some good. Sure he has different ideas on the issues of gay marriage and contraceptives, but if they work to help the poor, the sick, and the others that are completely missed by humanity as a whole that need help, then that's something good.

Nope, Benedict wasn't a Pope who cared. If he cared he wouldn't have denounced condom use in Africa. That's a move that, in his powerful position, effectively makes him responsible for thousands of deaths. If he goes the other way and just says "if you're going to have sex, use a condom", he can prevent thousands of HIV/AIDS cases. He has that kind of power and it's just plain common sense.

[tgraveline]

Am I missing something? But I don't know of condoms that effectively prevent the transfer of aids. Unless, we're talking about aids being spread to the children that are born out of sex with one of the partners having HIV/AIDs. Is that what you're referring to?

[Dakkster]

Am I missing something? But I don't know of condoms that effectively prevent the transfer of aids. Unless, we're talking about aids being spread to the children that are born out of sex with one of the partners having HIV/AIDs. Is that what you're referring to?

This is alarmingly close to "what the ... are you serious?" territory if we don't clear this up.

Two people have sex. A has HIV, B has no STDs. If they have unprotected sex, there is a big risk that B contracts HIV from A. If they use a condom, the risk is gone unless you're mishandling the condom in a big way. THAT'S why condom use is so damn important and THAT'S why Benedict is a huuuuuuge villain responsible for the deaths and suffering of thousands.

Are we on the same page on that or are you going to try and make my brain explode by denying it?

[Tobias Funke]

Nope, Benedict wasn't a Pope who cared.

True he was, for so many years playing the role Joseph Goebbels to JPII's Hitler. Ratzinger was responsible for (trying) to hide all the sex abuse scandle. Appointed to this job by JPII. If such a place as fiery hell does exist, Ratzinger has a place waiting for him no doubt.

The Papal office is just like any other high level influencial position (like presidents etc.). No one gets into these positions unless the very rich and very powerful want you there, and are prepared to do all of thier bidding.

[tgraveline]

I've read and was taught in school that condoms don't block STDs of any form. So perhaps my education was wrong. They never guaranteed it and it really only prevents pregnancy effectively and even that's not 100%.

EDIT: Even just checked the FDA website and they say it doesn't prevent, but that many people believe it reduces the risk. They don't even quantify the risk reduction.

[Dakkster]

I've read and was taught in school that condoms don't block STDs of any form. So perhaps my education was wrong. They never guaranteed it and it really only prevents pregnancy effectively and even that's not 100%.

EDIT: Even just checked the FDA website and they say it doesn't prevent, but that many people believe it reduces the risk. They don't even quantify the risk reduction.

Are you serious? I seriously don't know what to say to this. Brain exploded.

Of course they aren't a 100% protection, but they're as good as it's going to get for people who have sex and they offer VERY good protection. But yes, they most certainly block STDs of every form. Holy crap, who was responsible for your education on this? Baffling.

[tgraveline]

I just looked up the US government website and they totally say they don't prevent STDs, but potentially limit the risk of gaining them. So either the US government is totally wrong on this or maybe you guys have some way better condoms in Sweden. That wouldn't surprise me with all the other sex toys you guys get over there.

[VincentVega]

Are you serious? I seriously don't know what to say to this. Brain exploded.

Of course they aren't a 100% protection, but they're as good as it's going to get for people who have sex and they offer VERY good protection. But yes, they most certainly block STDs of every form. Holy crap, who was responsible for your education on this?

The same school that teaches intelligent design as an alternative to evolution, I presume?

[VincentVega]

Does he shit in the woods?

If he shits in the woods and there is no one there to smell it, does it stink?

[tgraveline]

This was public school, and in one of the best districts in the US lol.

[Godin]

I think Gordie Howe should be Pope.

[Tobias Funke]

I just looked up the US government website and they totally say they don't prevent STDs, but potentially limit the risk of gaining them.

Well that settles it. The US gov't never lied to anybody...ever.

[tgraveline]

Of course not. They are infallible..............................

[Tobias Funke]

This was public school, and in one of the best districts in the US lol.

...and I heard the US education system recently passed both Kazakhstan and Laos to reach the #33 rank world wide.

Next year, top 25 baby

[Dakkster]

I just looked up the US government website and they totally say they don't prevent STDs, but potentially limit the risk of gaining them. So either the US government is totally wrong on this or maybe you guys have some way better condoms in Sweden. That wouldn't surprise me with all the other sex toys you guys get over there.

The problem, I think, is that "prevention" is used in a binary sense on that site. Condoms very much so prevents STDs. Just not 100%. From everything I've learned about it, it's way over 95% prevention rate.

I don't want to go all conspiracy nut here, but I don't trust the American government when it comes to contraception awareness spreading. One half of your political system goes on and on about that ******ed abstinence BS instead of educating and offering condoms to kids. How do we know that site wasn't written by someone with an abstinence agenda?

The reason I say that is because over here in Scandinavia where we don't have any religion pushing itself into the contraceptive/sex education, there is no language being used like the one you said was on that page. Over here condom use is a no-brainer because all the science shows that the prevention rate is sky high with condoms. Using that binary thinking with regards to the word "prevention" is dishonest IMO.