Here's the thing - my dad valued me enough to keep me from being alone with anyone of the opposite sex until I got married. I value my children that much, also. Is a 16-year-old girl mature enough to have a child? To deal with HPV, then getting cervical cancer? To handle being used, then dumped by some loser guy? I certainly don't think so. Why then would I assume that a 16-year-old girl is mature enough to have sex?
Sex between people who are not committed for life is dangerous and destructive.
I don't think there should be an age of consent - it's just legislating immorality. Maybe an age for marriage, but not a "lets see what we can get away with without legal consequences" age.
Very good post, PLGW! We need to start valuing our children once again. Hopefully, there are enough of us who do value our children to make a difference in the next generation.