When situations are going south, that's a sign to think of solutions

          Without sounding like some sort of weak brown-noser, my local government class is the cherriest  of all my courses this semester. There's something special about the campfire atmosphere and structure of the lectures lead by the interesting and involved people. Sure, it's 9am and the chairs don't recline but the laissez style and genuineness makes up for it. Also, something I've never experienced in any class before, but I feel REALLY guilty when my eyelids get heavy and I assume the 'head resting on desk' move every once in a while. Basically, this class is worth my time and and my thoughts.

          A couple of weeks ago a student in class made a presentation on the trouble state of planned parenthood. The ban on clinics affiliated with abortion providers and the end of state funding has placed much attention and stress on the future of this constructive and preventative program. Much was said on either side of the situation, but it made me think of how we can further strengthen Texans as far as sex education goes. Education is badass because of the influences it makes in our choices, with this I've come to the conclusion that Texas needs to offer a better quality and quantity of sexual education courses to our youths, providing a stronger impression of preventative care for the adolescents in a formative time in their lives.

          Texas is cool, but unfortunately it has one of the highest teen birthrates in the nation. Coming in at 46th in the United States, it's difficult to think of the future obstacles for this increasing trend in  demographic. The imperative and important choices that our youths are having to make for both themselves and their child's wellbeing must be thoroughly developed and informed. Unfortunately the majority of teens and young adults don't have the resources or means to properly provide for themselves. With an abundance of quality information about the consequences of sexual and social actions we can enforce a greater understanding of choices and responsibility that our youth can use as tools for their future.

          The reality is a bit overwhelming and worrisome, and with the current state of Texas' sex ed having a large emphasis on abstinence we need to start asking the right questions about how we are going to teach our youths about healthy lifestyles. What is the most effective way to educate our youth? How can the government help with this increasing trend? What teens need reliable sources of information and appropriate educational tools at appropriate ages. We need a better system that can be followed through out an educational carer to thwart disease and life altering decisions. If Planned Parenthood is to go down, and even if it doesn't, we need to start spending more money on beneficial comprehensive sex education.