Yeah, I know that pre-teen sex is a hot and volatile subject and that, at least in this country, jail time is the penalty if/when caught.

However, we should be aware that the world community, as a whole, does not share our feelings, concern and outrage at sex involving the very young.

Two extreme examples come to mind: The first are the Japanese, a first-rate, technological giant that wields a huge economic sword. Yet, men in that country believe that woman are no better than dogs. And ask yourself: Why are bangs, and dressing like a 12 year old, so popular for mature woman throughout the country?

The other example are those societies that have puberty rights that begin at birth. In Africa, there are tribes that find enlongated lips to be the height of eroticism. Training to increase the size of a woman's lips begins when she is very young, for the larger her lips at puberty, the better her chances are of being wed to a rich man. Hob 'bout female genital mutilation? Do you think the Chinese bind the feet of their female babies so save on shoe leather?

The Victorian double standard adopted by our own society is well documented, as is the moral outrage that it gives rise to.

Those that don't advocate or that feel outrage at sex with the young are supporting the feelings supported by their society. But (thank God!), not all societies have the same feelings.

Phew! Time for a tall glass of cold, pure water.

PS - I remember, as a youngster, the popular song that begins: Thank heavan, for little girls....

Okay, okay, just joking, I think....