specula [postscript]

[Marlene McMullen]

Invoke the speculum and we dudes are supposed to cringe in humility and
concede all points.  Ever been kicked in the nuts?  And some guys,
protozoans
though we may be, feel invaded by a good thorough rectal exam, with or
without prostate massage.

Actually I HAVE been kicked in the nuts and hit in the nuts in major ways on
numerous occasions...and I have had rectal exams...at the last one I said to
the doc, "This must be one of the more unpleasant things you have to do." He
replied, "Oh, believe me, It's much more unpleasant for you." But I have
also watched my companion of 15 years go through monthly mentsruation,  4
pregnancies, one miscarriage, 3 births, the physical effects which linger
after 3 pregnancies, and the treatment she has gotten on the job from men,
compared to the treatment I have gotten, and listened as she has described
the treatment doled out by her father to all of the females in her family of
origin. My pain is nothing compared to that, and her experiences are not the
exception, unfortunately. It has nothing to do with concession;  it has to
do with honesty , compassion, and a willingness to make healthy changes.

Now I am ready to move on. Are you?

Schwitterz