But, when regarded more deeply, the controversy involves the way people choose significant others and personal goals. In particular, sexuality was to be channeled into fidelity, procreation and the support structures of the extended family. The system worked to a point, providing somewhat stable support structures yet leaving families the targets of manipulation by politicians. With this new personal libertarianism, we've seen the whole range of personal results.
Some people do incredibly well, even in young adulthood, while others destroy themselves.
We see AIDS and cocaine, but we see the Internet, marvelous advances in medical technology, and finally a resurgence of an interest in space. For indeed, when one who has never done these things and who has remained peripheral or expendable in personal relationships approaches others for personal social contact, his motives tend to become suspect, even creepy. A variation of this problem is the Clinton-Lewinsky affair, where an older man craves the aesthetic satisfaction of someone much younger. Should America go down a socially conservative path after the Y2000 election, the slope might become slippery indeed. Older men in stable marriages may have more reason to maintain medical checkups and may find it easier to face cancer and heart treatments when they have committed partners to take care of them.