Free Republic

What would I do if I were in charge? I’d abolish General Order No. 1. Keep the rules that protect soldiers from sexual harassment. But allow deployed officers and troops to have sex while at war. West Point should come to its senses as well. West Pointers and other military service members endure tremendous sacrifices. We appreciate the adoration and respect we receive. In that same spirit, I ask the public to accept and forgive our weaknesses. It’s okay to be disappointed, but please don’t be misled. Beneath the heavy combat gear and impressive uniform, we’re human, just like you....

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum’s big mega-donor kicked up a controversy over the issue of contraception today when he urged a return to the good old days when gals had a simple solution for it: aspirin between the knees. We’re not kidding. Wealthy entreprenuer Foster Freiss, who’s backed Santorum’s Super-PAC, made the statements to MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell today, after being asked if his candidate has expressed some extremist views on contraception. He appeared to express wonder that women even have to worry about the issue of paying for contraception these days, Politico reports. “On this contraceptive thing, my Gosh it’s...

The Japanese population is believed to have peaked at about 127.5 million in 2005. Since then the figure has declined, with some estimates suggesting the population could shrink to 105 million by 2050. The drop is feared to have negative impacts on the nation's labor force and grave social and economic consequences. Recent reports seem to indicate that the sexual proclivities of Japanese men are contributing adversely to the situation. More and more men, reports maintain, are turning to masturbation and sex toys rather than to their female counterparts. And further exacerbating an already declining birthrate of 1.29 children per...

While the government hopes it can curb the falling birthrate by offering families more financial assistance, one expert says it's the lack of sex, not income, that lies at the root of the country's population problem. Kunio Kitamura, executive director of the Japan Family Planning Association Inc., an entity under the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, said the real problem is the growing number of "sexless" couples. A survey conducted last year of 936 people, aged 16 to 49, conducted by JFPA and Jichi Medical University in Tochigi Prefecture shows that 31 percent were "sexless" -- which the Japan...

ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is famous for his ambitious promises, but he is unlikely to be called to task if he breaks his latest pledge: not to have sex before the April 9 general election. At a party rally in Sardinia yesterday, the media tycoon received the blessing of television preacher Massimiliano Pusceddu, who thanked him for opposing gay marriage and defending family values. "Thank you dear Father Massimiliano, I'll try not to let you down and I promise you two and a half months of complete sexual abstinence until April 9," Mr Berlusconi replied. The twice-married Mr Berlusconi,...

MEN who cannot have sex are as much at risk of having a heart attack as smokers and diabetics. Erectile dysfunction may be a sign that coronary artery disease is developing, even in men without the typical risk factors. Researchers said the findings were alarming because almost 70 per cent of men suffering problems with erections do not seek medical advice. They said erectile dysfunction should be added to the list of risk factors for heart disease alongside high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and smoking. "Erectile dysfunction should be part of a cardiovascular risk assessment," said Emilio Chiurlia,...

Bill Dalrymple, 56, and best friend Bryan Pinn, 65, have decided to take the plunge and try out the new same-sex marriage legislation with a twist -- they're straight men. "I think it's a hoot," Pinn said. The proposal came last Monday on the patio of a Toronto bar amid shock and laughter from their friends. But the two -- both of whom were previously married and both of whom are still looking for a good woman to love -- insist that after the humour subsided, a real issue lies at the heart of it all. "There are significant tax...

Somebody is conspicuous by her absence in Little Rock THE six-year-old Billy Clinton received only satisfactory marks for arithmetic, reading, spelling and writing. But High Noon was already his favourite film and, using crayons, he could produce a picture of the final shoot-out. This and much more can be learnt from the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, a sparkling $165 million (£88.7 million) glass and steel container dubbed “trailer home chic”, which is to be dedicated today and officially opens tomorrow. In among its 80 million pieces of paper, 2 million photographs and 77,000 objects and artefacts,...