She looks so young for her age
the pretty one
oh so wise
with the silver heart
only big enough for one

Which you can tell, because
she'd rather give her love away
than keep any for herself

She, who left a trail of injured lovers
to find her way back home
looked into a reflecting pool
to see a girl unknown to her
a missionary
with a familiar grin
but with no more faith to spread

Shore or not, she'll dive right in
because she's heard tales of hot tubs
somewhere on the southern beach
where she'll raise her hands defiantly
to stop tidal waves

And although I see her cry
with her stoic pretenses
she'd better keep swimming
because she'll get none of my sympathies

I have always been confused as to why some people feel that homosexual relationships are going to bring about the end of civilization. A couple nights ago, I think I found my answer.

Krafft-Ebing began to spread this thing called 'degeneration theory' in his work Psychopathia Sexualis [1886], which was set in the context of other contemporary theories that emphasized the relationship between evolution and civilization. This thought that a society evolves has not always been popular, nor is it completely incorrect in my opinion. However, Krafft-Ebing, as many other citizens of America, tend to see evolution through colored lenses.

Krafft-Ebing establishes that order and sexual morality are the "basis upon which social advancement is developed."

This extrapolates, of course, that sex is free and wild in 'primitive' cultures, while the order that 'civilized' peoples impose creates the opportunity for culture and sociological evolution to occur.

Now, I do agree that sex is related to evolution, but in terms of cultural evolution, things become more complex. DNA has no moral quandary; cultures do.

But all that aside, let's focus on this idea that homosexuals are the end of civilization. Krafft-Ebing's ideas became dominant for a while and began to shape the way that people viewed sexuality and moral-cultural evolution. For further context, T Roosevelt had established a sort of rugged vision for American superiority in 1901. The vision was that our American masculinity was what made our nation culturally superior to the 'over-civilized' weak nations or the 'savage' uncivilized nations. Should we lose this masculinity, our great nation would eventually fall into ruin.

A model showing French socio-political 'overcivilization'

Ok, I've set it up, now. Sexual morality is key for cultural evolution. American masculinity is the key to our superiority. Homosexuals are a threat to the cultural viability in our civilization.

So, I'm not saying that this progression of thought was conscious, but scientific thought is filtered through the biases of society, and society influences the biases of science. Over time, I feel that homosexuals have unjustly been blamed for the degeneration of civilization, but in an unconscious sort of way.

Way to go eugenics... slapped on the wrist for placing us in concentration camps, but still alive and kicking in the cultural fabric of our 'great nation.' Well played indeed.

Speaking of Carmen Sandiego, I had a chance to dress up as my childhood hero for Halloween!

Carmen Sandiego has fled to the city most known for police overreaction during Halloween celebrations.

I was surprised that there wasn't more violence on State Street, as opposed to previous Halloween nights in Madison. Only a few accounts of police violence, as usual, when they gas the peaceful population of celebration-minded citizens and harass the women-folk.

However, the use of riot control was probably necessary to maintain order against the lone assailant who fought back against the police.

Oh, and great job of almost fencing in an area you fear may erupt into riots, Mr./Mrs. Madison Official. My respect for you is, as always, substandard.

My respect began to wane during another Halloween celebration three years ago. I dressed as a swashbuckler, pointy weapon included. When approached by the police, an officer told me I wasn't allowed to have objects like that in the celebration. He asked me if the sword was sharp...

Then gripped the sword and pulled along the potentially razor sharp edge.

Obviously, his fingers remained intact, but it doesn't make someone to appear smart if you ask if an object is dangerous, then proceed to use the object on yourself to find out.

Dearest Madison, I wonder if I'll miss you when I'm gone.