I really, really thought this was about Mr. Kennedy.

Neutering, if done when the animal (whether men or dogs) is mature, does NOT prevent an erection. It only prevents the production of spermatazoa. In some cases it will not prevent an erection if the animal neutered was NOT mature. Testosterone is not only produced in the crouch, but can and is produced in other glands, notably the adrenals. Granted, the amounts are usually very, very small when compared to The Big Fountain, but if The Source is removed the secondary sources can produce enough to permit sexual activity.

This is not my opinion, but medical fact.

This leads to two things:

1. Castrating sexual predators will not necessarily work. The Catholic Church used to oppose castration of sexual offenders on this very ground -- it would permit them to engage in the activity while only removing the ability to procreate.

2. Harem guards who had only had "a fall on a cutlass" were quite popular with the ladies of the harem. Other guards, who had had it ALL trimmed away, were popular with the sultan or whoever.

Aren't you glad you asked?

(And if you want my sources for this, I suggest you research it yourself. Or go down to the public library and ask the Reference Librarians. Tell them a Library Director sent you.)