The Holy Father speaks of the protection of children.

"Children deserve to grow up with a healthy understanding of sexuality and its proper place in human relationships," he said. "They should be spared the degrading manifestations and the crude manipulation of sexuality so prevalent today. They have a right to be educated in authentic moral values rooted in the dignity of the human person."
The Pope asked: "What does it mean to speak of child protection when pornography and violence can be viewed in so many homes through media widely available today?
"We need to reassess urgently the values underpinning society, so that a sound moral formation can be offered to young people and adults alike."

So spoke Benedict XVI yesterday, as reported by EWTN, while expressing his shame and sadness at the sexual abuse scandal. He was not in any way trying to justify, minimize, or even explain the horror of what happened to these people and many others. There is no way to explain these abuse cases except in the context of utter evil. The pope knows this full well.But I think his above point is well taken. Our culture today has a very warped understanding of human sexuality. Actually the word "warped" is quite an understatement. Does the pornography on the internet not make your skin crawl? As a parent, I find it terrifying.

Shall I bring up my latest irritants on this subject? These are much smaller issues compared to the problem of pornography, but they're really bugging me lately. Why must we hear an endless stream of commercials on Viagra and Cialis on television during prime time viewing? Can nothing just remain in the doctor's office? Is it fair to make children wonder what on earth this discussion is about? Should parents have to explain?

Second gripe--- I am very offended by the salacious window displays of the Victoria's Secret store in our local mall. OK. I know they're mannequins. But they are wearing provocative lingerie in suggestive positions. And it's right in the middle of the mall!

Why no consideration for the protection of the innocence of children? Should we not allow them to be children in every way for their entire childhood? Why must they be introduced to sexual matters just by walking through a mall with mom or watching an otherwise innocuous show on television? I guess it's a sign of the brokenness of the times we live in.