The Question Committee is made of very intelligent and educated patriots, but they are not experts in writing survey questions. If someone out there has that skill, and accepts the non-partisan nature of GOOOH, we will certainly give consideration to adding them to the QC.

I had very similar feelings about mixing these subjects when reading this question. I like the suggestion of separating the issues. I am new to this site and am very glad to see there is a Questionaire Committee. I have been told there is a science to writing surveys and questionaires. Are you lucky enough to have any of these professionals working on this committee?

I think you make a very good point. I've added this to the docket for the Question Committee / GOOOH Member survey. Let's allow others to weigh in, but your point about the difference between an 18 year old with a 15 or 8 year old is very valid.  

These are hairy issues, and they require careful thinking because human sexuality is not simple.  Furthermore, human social behavior is not simple.  It bothers me to see these two grouped together. 

We know that rape is wrong.  We know that abusing power for the purpose of taking advantage of a minor is wrong.

Under the current laws, an 18-year-old who accepts a 15-year-old's invitation to an interesting evening can potentially be dealt with in the same manner as an 18-year-old who forces himself upon an eight-year-old.  I don't feel that the first example is equal to the second. 

So I would suggest a few extra questions along the following routes of inquiry:

"Would you vote to (execute/life imprison) rapists on a first offense?"

"Would you vote to (execute/life imprison) child molesters on a first offense?"

"Would you vote to add a definition of child molestation to the Federal criminal code?"

The debate over just what constitutes and does not constitute child molestation could go on forever.  Personally, I believe that it will never stop our red-blooded teenagers from experimentation. 

I feel that this issue is mostly glossed over by the current version of the questionnaire.  I feel that much more extensive inquiry and even splitting of hairs is warranted when the death penalty or life imprisonment are the punishments being considered for any offense.  What do you think?