What all Girls Should Know before Having Sex

Rachel Allison

Dr. Miriam Grossman, M.D. worked at a campus counseling center for more than 10 years.  The young women who came to her were in crisis. They were “working hard to fulfill their dreams:  a college education, maybe grad school, a great career, and—at some point—a home, husband, and kids.”  But they come to her office in tears because of struggles and setbacks caused by decisions and regrets. “She’s already involved with the wrong guy, or infected with genital warts or herpes.  She’s already lost a great relationship, missed an opportunity, or failed a midterm.  I’m her doctor, but all I can do is sit there, listen, and hand her tissues.”

Dr. Grossman’s book “Unprotected” should be a must read for every teenager in the United States, Canada, England, France…ok, the world. But until parents and youth leaders can get them their must read copy, here are a few things Dr. Grossman has prepared for young women to read before the regrets begin …information young girls should know before sexual intimacy.

1.  Intimacy promotes attachment and trust.

Intimate behavior floods your brain with a chemical that fuels attachment. Cuddling, kissing, and sexual contact release oxytocin, a hormone that announces: “I’m with someone special now. Time to switch love on, and caution off.  When oxytocin levels are high, you’re more likely to overlook your partner’s faults and take risks you otherwise wouldn’t…

When it comes to sex, oxytocin, like alcohol, turns red lights green.  It plays a major role in what’s called “the biochemistry of attachment.”  Because of it, you could develop feelings for a guy whose last intention is to bond with you. You might think of him all day, but he can’t remember your name.

2.  Science confirms:  alcohol makes him hot…when he’s not.

Science has confirmed the existence of “beer goggles”—when a person seems more attractive to you after you’ve had a few drinks….Drinking affects the nucleus accumbens, the area of the brain used to determine facial attractiveness.  It’s probably one of several reasons that casual, high-risk sex is often preceded by alcohol consumption.

3.  A hook-up usually leads to regret.

A recent study of  the hook-up culture at Princeton University reveals:  Before the hook-up, girls expect emotional involvement almost twice as often as guys; 34% hope “a relationship might evolve.”  Guys, more than girls, are in part motivated by hopes of improving their social reputation, or of bragging about their exploits to friends the next day.

After the hook-up: 91% of girls admit to having feelings of regret, at least occasionally.  Guilt and ‘feeling used’ are commonly cited, and overall, 80% of girls wish the hook-up hadn’t happened. Other studies have shown: 84% of women said that after having sex a few times, …they begin to feel vulnerable and would at least like to know if the other person cares about them.

As the number of casual sex partners increased, so did signs of depression in college women.  49% of students whose hook-up included intercourse never see one another again, and less than 10% of “friends with benefits” develop into romances.

4.  A younger cervix is more vulnerable to infection.

Your cervix, the entrance to your uterus, has a vulnerable area one cell thick, called the transformation zone. It’s easy for HPV (the human papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts, and even cervical cancer) to settle there. That’s why most teen girls are infected from one of their first sexual partners.  By adulthood the transformation zone is replaced with a thicker, tougher surface.  So it’s wise to delay sexual activity, or, if you’ve already started, to stop.

Even though these infections are common, and usually disappear with time, learning you have one can be devastating. Natural reactions are shock, anger, and confusion. “Who did I get this from, and when? Was he unfaithful? Who should I tell?” and hardest of all: “Who will want me now?”

These concerns can affect your mood, concentration, and sleep.  They can deal a serious blow to your self-esteem…and to your GPA.

The HPV vaccine is a major achievement, but the protection it provides is limited.  You are still vulnerable to other infections like herpes, Chlamydia, HIV, and non-covered strains of HPV.  And of course no vaccine prevents a broken heart.

5.  He may not know he has HPV or herpes.

Most guys who have a sexually transmitted infection don’t know it….it’s easiest to transmit herpes or HPV when warts or sores are present, but it can also happen at other times, when everything looks OK. Condoms only reduce the risk by 60-70%.

6.  The rectum is an exit, not an entrance.

And about those other sexual activities…

Having more than five oral-sex partners has been associated with throat cancer. Turns out that HPV can cause malignant tumors in the throat, just like it does in the cervix.

In a study of sexually active college men, HPV was found both where you’d expect—the genital area—and where you wouldn’t: under fingernails.  Yes, you read that right.  Researchers now speculate whether the virus can be shared during activities considered “safe,” like mutual masturbation.

According to the Centers for disease Control, approximately 30% of all women will have had anal intercourse by the age of 24.  Even with condoms, this behavior places them at increased risk of infection with HIV and other STDs.  For example, the risk of HIV transmission during anal intercourse is at least 20 times higher than with vaginal intercourse.

The government website, www.fda.gov, provides no-nonsense advise about avoiding HIV:  “Condoms provide some protection, but anal intercourse is simply too dangerous to practice.”

The rectum is an exit, not an entrance.  Anal penetration is hazardous.  Don’t do it.

“Young women are bombarded with the message: “Exploring and experimenting—as long as you’re “protected”—can be safe, satisfying, and beneficial.”

“Don’t fall for it.  It’s easy to forget, but the characters on Grey’s Anatomy and Sex in the City are not real.  In real life, Meredith and Carrie would have warts or herpes.  They’d likely be on Prozac or Zoloft.  Today a woman cannot have so many partners with paying a price….We’re fighting a horde of bugs, and the bugs are winning.  It’s no longer enough to communicate with your “partners,” get tested, and use condoms.”

“Any genital contact with another person is a serious matter. A single encounter can have life-long consequences, especially for a woman. That’s not sexist, that’s biology—your biology. Ignorance or denial of this fact will only increase your vulnerability.”

“You’re in control, it’s all in your hands.  The distress that often follows casual sex is 100% preventable.  Life may throw you some curve balls, but STDs, and encounters you’d rather forget, are burdens that you can avoid.”

“Listen to the lesson of hard science:  It’s wise to be very, very careful about who you allow to get intimately close to you.”

Dr. Grossman concludes:  “I believe in you.  And I don’t want to see you in my office.  Now go pursue your dreams.”

This information was taken from the booklet, Sense & Sexuality, prepared by Dr. Miriam Grossman for college coeds.

Where’s the Proof that Video Games Promote Violence?

Rebecca Mallory

If you haven’t been bombarded with an endless litany of pros and cons concerning violent video games, guns, second ammendment rights, reasons why we need to “revamp” that dusty old constitution thing, etc., then you obviously live under a rock with no ties to the outside world.  Inimical chatter is only getting louder and more vociferous attempting to prove who’s wrong and who’s right. How about we use some critical thinking skills and then make up our own minds?

Remember clear back in 2007? When anyone who owned shoes and could chew gum could make money?  The economy was booming, government regulators had not yet crawled from the swamps… remember those days? My husband and I had an acquaintance approach us and explain this pretty great way to make some fast money by investing in an exploding industry: video games. This new game (I honestly can’t remember the name of it!) Was supposed to far surpass “World of Warcraft” and be the hot new item. Now, being one of nine children, eight of us girls, and having four daughters, I had close to zero experience with video games – unless “Donkey Kong” gives me any credibility. (Incidentally, my husband announced over the pulpit last week at church that I am addicted to Instagram. Does that count? Thanks dear…)

Violence as a business

This business presentation started with statistics on the demographics of the millions of online gamers, what gaming entailed, how they spent their money to beef up their game, have greater chances of winning, become stronger, more buff (is that still a word?) or whatever. They could play people all over the world! I was dumbfounded, intrigued and spellbound. Wow! That’s incredible! What a blast! The presenter then went on to imply how it was so cool because these gamers could be the biggest nerds ever at work, come home to an empty house, turn on their computer, log onto this game, create their character, and voila! They became the man/woman they’d always dreamt of: beautiful, rich, famous, etc. He admitted that a teeny weeny downside could be that these people sometimes had a more difficult time relating to coworkers, neighbors, even family members because of their intense desire to be their imaginary personae.  So what? He/she didn’t need these people anyway, because he/she would soon be in the middle of their fantasy world living their dream. All they needed was their PC and a credit card. Wasn’t that awesome that we could “help” people like that??

We didn’t commit that night as we wanted to talk about it. We both had that sick feeling inside like when you eat six Krispy Kremes before you even realize it.  How could we consciously be part of such a revolting industry that preyed on the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of others? Who, out of their desperation, would pay any amount just to live a few moments of fantasy?  It suddenly seemed so eerily dark.  Something about money being the root of all evil came to mind. But the return on our investment seemed to be instant and endless. How could we pass that up?

Well… many may think we were brainless, but we said no. The only other experience I have with video games is simply observing my grandchildren as they play seemingly harmless games on the computer, iPad, Tablets, iPhones.  I thought it was difficult keeping my own kids from the TV for hours on end in the ‘80’s, but now technology is at our fingertips, in every room, car, and store. Are there any lingering effects?

Only a bazillion studies have been done on this subject and the answers seem to favor that group trying to prove their particular point. Some say video games are perfectly fine: that they promote dexterity, improved peripheral vision, decision making, etc. Probably true. What are the negatives?  Being that this is an above-average intelligent audience, I’m not going to answer that. Even Justice Antonin Scalia said, “Psychological studies purporting to show a connection between exposure to violent video games and harmful effects on children do not prove that such exposure causes minors to act aggressively,”

Well, ok then! There you have it! Video games must be ok! Straight from the highest court in the land….

Common Sense

Here’s my thought. Can we please use our own brain for one millisecond?  If you need the government or some university brainiac study to tell you that your kid needs to play with other actual (not virtual!) kids, or that he/she needs to get outdoors and get some exercise on a real (not virtual!) bike or swimming pool, then you may as well grab that other console or joy stick and stare at the screen for hours on end right along with them.

Still aren’t sure there are any downsides to video games? – especially violent video games, here are a few things to think about. Studies show that most parents have no idea about the content or ratings of their children’s video games. Most are just happy that the kids are quiet and not bugging each other. Big deal, right?  Prolonged exposure to violent video games show that many boys are much more aggressive at home, school, and are more defiant to authority in direct relation to the content of their video games. Why would this be shocking to anyone? How do children usually learn? Through constant repetition. One psychologist observed,

 “…violent acts are continually repeated throughout the video game. This method of repetition has long been considered an effective teaching method in reinforcing learning patterns because players are able to make decisions affecting the actions of the character they are imitating. After a limited amount of time playing a violent video game, a player can “automatically prime aggressive thoughts” (Bushman & Anderson, 2002, p. 1680). [emphasis added]

The researchers concluded that players who had prior experience playing violent video games responded with an increased level of aggression when they encountered confrontation. This study goes on to say that aggressive affects are not immediate but are gradual and increase over time.

Recently, the NY Daily News printed an article by Mike Lupica who broke a story on the New Town, Connecticut shooter, Adam Lanza, and his obsession with violent video games. Apparently Lanza was trying to “score” a high body count and earn killing “points” according to “Call of Duty” his game of choice. He allegedly had been planning this travesty over many years and in great detail. Why did he choose Sandy Hook Elementary? Simple. It was a no gun zone. No opposition, and more importantly, he could score the most “points” by killing the most people possible. He even killed himself to earn those “points”. He made sure that the policemen didn’t earn points for killing him first. Wow… because of an obsessive video game addiction.

Adam Lanza must have not been aware of the strict anti gun laws in Connecticut. Surely he would have never committed this horrific crime if he had! Did it make any difference? How many lives would have been saved had armed guards been there to protect those innocent children? But I digress… this is not a second amendment article. This is a “what’s the big deal with violent video games?” article. You need to figure it out for you and your own family. But never fear! President Obama has proposed a $10 million study on “the relationship between video games, media images and violence.” The study has not gotten congressional approval.

Gee, I wonder what they’ll find out. I mean, think about it. What happens to you when you do and see something over, and over, and over? What happens when you continue to practice the piano over and over and over? Throw a baseball over and over and over? Cook the same dish over and over and over?  Does it affect your proficiency? Of course.  You don’t need someone else with twelve letters behind their name, or “US Department of______” to tell you that. Hey… I think I just saved the government $10 million.

Not sure I’ll hold my breath before congress calls to thank me. Gotta go… Instagram calling!

CSOPE… Coming to a School Near You?

Rebecca Mallory

What do George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Patrick Henry and Ronald Regan have in common? Well, if you ask a child who has been educated with CSCOPE instructional material, those names might not ring a bell. Neither would “American exceptionalism”, rugged individualism or Christopher Columbus’s devotion to his Christian God. Ask that child what the “Boston Tea Party” was about and he/she just might tell you that it was one of the first acts of terrorism. Shocked? Well get used to it because CSCOPE is presently being taught in over 800 schools in conservative Texas… yes, I said Texas, and its proponents are pushing its expansion in schools K-12 across the United States.  You’re likely chuckling and thinking, “Certainly not my child’s school!” Please read on.

If CSCOPE does not ring a bell, “Common Core” may. Though they are touted as different, they are both frighteningly filled with indoctrination of our youngest and most vulnerable. CSCOPE was adopted in 2006 and was not referred to as curriculum but rather instructional material and could thereby hopefully circumvent State Board of Education scrutiny. Teachers were allegedly forced to sign documents promising not to share lesson plans with parents.

“Complaints came mostly from teachers over criminal penalties they could receive for the release of lesson plans, the rigid timetables for delivering the lessons, the requirement to read from the curriculum verbatim, and the effectiveness of what is being taught in the classroom.”

How are these courses different from what you and I learned?

Content outlines can easily be reviewed at the following website http://www.cscope.us/faq.html, but here are a couple of examples of what Texas children are learning via CSCOPE which seems to not be bothered with truth in dusty “old” textbooks.   Rather the “… goal of curriculum should not be the coverage of content, but rather the discovery of content. … If done well, Common Core will elevate our teaching to new heights, and emphasize the construction of meaning, while deepening our understanding of our students.”

How’s that for scary?

Some of the lesson plans include, asking students to “design a flag for a new socialist nation.” One Texas school had some girls dress in burqas so that they could appreciate the value of Sharia law. These same girls will not learn of the Liberty Bell, why Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, Christmas, Rosh Hashanah, or exceptional American military history. What they will study is social justice, political correctness, imperialism, instruction on American propaganda, “fairness” and the virtues of other governments like Communism and Socialism, and the evils of Capitalism.

Uncovering this controversial system of education, thanks to Texas state Senator Dan Patrick and others, has forced CSCOPE enthusiasts to remove some questionable material and make lesson plans public. During the hearings one “veteran Algebra teacher almost broke down in tears as he told of having to quit his teaching job recently because he was required to teach CSCOPE.  He said he could not look his students in the eyes, knowing that he was “aiding and abetting ignorance…and giving them an allusion of an education.” (from Conservative Teachers of America).

That may be the most damning aspect of all; that the goal is indoctrination, not honest education. When will we, as parents and educators, have the courage to return to demanding that our children are taught the truth; the good and bad of America and other countries and their histories? No sugar-coating… just the truth. What have been the consequences of human behavior to various societies? How does human behavior affect governments and legislation? Critical thinking about true history will restore and educate our children. Who’s teaching that?

Meanwhile, if your kid asks you to make a burqa for a class project tomorrow, you may want to be a “teacher’s helper.”

 

Reader Poll: “Is it helpful to the cause of religious freedom to have clergy and congregation participate in ‘Pulpit Freedom Sunday’?”

Here’s the question we asked UFI readers:

“Is it helpful to the cause of religious freedom to have clergy and congregation participate in ‘Pulpit Freedom Sunday’?”

Here’s how readers responded:

82 percent       Yes

 9 percent        No

9 percent         Unsure

There wasn’t a huge response to this poll question and we suspect that it is because few people understood what “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” is all about.  During October each year hundreds of pastors and preachers join in “a calculated act of civil disobedience aimed squarely at the IRS.”

Their goal is to draw attention to what they believe is an unconstitutional law in the tax code that stops them from addressing political candidates and controversial policy issues from the pulpit.  These pastors are hoping the IRS will come after them and then the tax code law can be challenged.

These pastors and the legal groups supporting them are confident that they can get the law overturned and once again allow all pastors to always speak freely in their own churches.  What is interesting is that the numbers who participate in “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” has been increasing each year (more than 1500 this year) and yet none of the pastors have been challenged by the IRS.  These pastors even send video tapes of their sermons to the IRS!

We at UFI make no claim as to knowing whether or not this approach is good or bad, but we were curious to see what our readers think.

 

Reader Poll: “If your 14-year-old child had Olympic-quality talent, would you be willing to let your child move a thousand miles away to train with a top-notch coach and live with a wonderful, yet non-relative, family?”

Here’s the question we asked UFI readers:

“If your 14-year-old child had Olympic-quality talent, would you be willing to let your child move a thousand miles away to train with a top-notch coach and live with a wonderful, yet non-relative, family?”

Here’s how readers responded:

Yes                         16 Percent

No                          72 Percent

Unsure                 12 Percent

The story of Olympian Gabby Douglas has captured the heart of America (although her love of God and her religiosity makes secularists a little uncomfortable).  Gabby left her mother and siblings and moved to Iowa to receive world-class coaching and to live with a host family.  By all accounts the arrangement has ended up being successful for Gabby, but we wondered how many of you parents would do the same thing.

Looks like not that many.

 

My Parents drugged us

Rachel Allison

Seems that parenting tips abound, but this is one that every parent needs to be reminded of.   This little piece has been around for years, but a new generation needs to see it.   Enjoy and share!

My Parents Drugged Us

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question.  “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?”

I replied I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug
to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a
bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher
or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything
that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds and cockle bur’s out of dad’s fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some
poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or
chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a
single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to
the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than  cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, the world would be a better place.

God bless the parents who drugged us.

Rules of Fatherhood AND Motherhood

By Rachel Allison

Parents never retire.  Even though our children are adults they are never far from our thoughts,  and even now we look for positive ways to influence them.  My husband and I read the following article together and realized that we could improve our parenting skills.  We discussed what we could do to better show our love and the importance of praising more.  We discussed ways to help them recognize the importance of daily living so that goals are realized.  We both felt the article worthy of sharing.  We hope you like it as much as we did.

Learn to be a Better Father…Rules Of Fatherhood

                                By Vatche Bartekian

Rule #1: Use Reprimands

The word “discipline” comes from the Latin word “disciplina,” which means “teaching.” A father’s job is to teach his children the advantages of self-discipline, not behave like the next Punisher. You can discipline your children so that they will want to behave themselves.

In return, both you and your child will begin to build a stronger relationship based on mutual respect. The first step in starting this learning process is to tell yourself the following: “When I discipline my children, I want them to feel bad about their misbehavior but good about themselves.”

Many of us think that someone’s behavior and the way they see themselves are one and the same. However, they are two completely different things. If you start to attack a child’s behavior as though it were the same as his worth, then he will become defensive, and will naturally defend his behavior, even when he knows he’s wrong.

Therefore, you must begin to realize the simplest truth — if you love your children, you feel two things: real anger and real love, so you need to verbalize both. You must show your emotions honestly to them, in order for them to feel what you feel. Let them know that you are angry or annoyed with their behavior…Just like the famous Dr. Phil says on Oprah, “tell it like it is,” and this will help them learn.

Remember one important thing before giving the actual reprimand; your children are not punching bags. Do not go on and on about it. It doesn’t take long to let someone know how you feel, and it will take less than a minute for him to understand your emotions.

Show Your Child Love

Keep in mind that the first half of the reprimand described previously is the emotional side of it. You are letting your child know that you are upset at his behavior, not at him personally.

Now, you must take a deep breath and calm down. When you are ready to speak again, make sure to touch your child in a way that lets him know you are on his side. For the next 30 seconds, quietly tell your child the rest of the truth — that he is a good person and that you love him.

This part of the reprimand is the hardest thing a father will have to do because it requires a change in his own behavior. A good example of what to tell your child is, “Your behavior tonight was not good. But you are good! That’s why I’m so upset. You’re better than that kind of behavior, and I love you for the good person that you are.” Then it’s very important to give your child a hug to let him know that the reprimand is over. And remember, when it’s over, it’s over. Do not mention it again.

Finally, remember this phrase next time you’d like to implement Rule #1 of Fatherhood: “The more children like themselves, the more they like to behave themselves.” This simple truth never fails to work.

Rule #2: Use Praise

Now, it is one thing to take action when your children misbehave, but it’s even worse not to take any action when they do behave. When you do nothing to recognize your child’s good behavior, he will start feeling neglected and will begin to misbehave again, but this time he will do it to get your full attention.

After you start implementing Rule #1, you must also begin implementing Rule #2: praising good behavior. Start paying more attention to what your child is doing right, and praise him for it with a simple hug. Make your child feel like he’s a winner in your eyes, and this will lead to more self-confidence and self-esteem. In return, not only will he feel better about himself, but you will also feel closer and more loving towards him.

Rule #3: Use Goals

Now that we’ve looked at both the consequences of reprimands and praises for your child, the next step is to realize that your child is a human being who will eventually, one day, want to accomplish important things in his lifetime. Goal setting is the next step of being a good father.

You need to teach your child how to effectively set realistic goals. This can be as simple as asking what he’d like to do over the weekend with his friends, to what he’d like to be when he grows up. Make sure that your child writes his goals down all the time and takes a minute to read them over. Then, remind him if his current behavior matches his goals. If not, then he’ll have to adapt.

That’s it my friends. Yes, I’m done. Three steps are all you need to become a better father…Three steps and a new way of thinking. Becoming a better father is not a one-way street. You must begin to realize that you will also have to change in order to see positive results with your child and with your whole family as well.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Dear Friends:

We wanted to commemorate this special time with a few of our favorite quotes:

Christmas is a necessity.  There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves. ~Eric Sevareid

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day.  We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year.  As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year.  And thus I drift along into the holidays – let them overtake me unexpectedly – waking up some find morning and suddenly saying to myself:  “Why, this is Christmas Day!” ~David Grayson

And we’ll end with our favorite:

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

We appreciate all that you do for families every day of the year, but none more than during this special time.

Merry Christmas from our homes to yours!

The Volunteers and Staff of United Families International

 

Ten States file brief with 9th Circuit Court in Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage

Ten states have signed onto an amicus brief opposing same-sex marriage.  Alabama, Florida, Idaho Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming have filed the brief with the 9^th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals  in support of Prop 8—California’s state amendment defining marriage as being between one man and one woman.

Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in August that California’s marriage Amendment (Proposition 8), a 2008 initiative supported by 7 million California voters  (52%), was unconstitutional.  Walker ruled that there was no legitimate state interest in prohibiting same-sex marriages, that there is no difference in the contributions that male and females make to the rearing of children, that gender is irrelevant and that to believe otherwise is discriminatory.  This case and Walker’s ruling are being appealed.

The 39-page brief argues that same-sex marriage is not a fundamental right.  The brief states:  “The district court’s open-ended redefinition of marriage has no legal basis and no principled limits.”  “If public affirmation of anyone and everyone’s personal love and commitment is the single purpose of marriage, a limitless number of rights claims could be set up that evacuate the term marriage of any meaning.”

All of the states, with the exception of Wyoming and Indiana, already have state constitutional amendments defining marriage.  Wyoming and Indiana do have statutes that define marriage, but as of yet, do not have state constitutional amendments.  Each of these states stands to see their marriage laws over-ruled if Walker’s ruling is not overturned.  Both sides, however, expect this case to go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

See other UFI posts on this topic:

Perry v. Schwarzenegger: The Beginning of the End of Religious Freedom in America

Federal Court Grants Stay on Same-Sex Marriages in California

Judge Rejects a “Stay” on Same-Sex Marriages in California

U.S. District Judge Overturns California’s Prop 8

Is patriotism and love of country the equivalent of nationalism?

Let your voice be heard!  Vote on the current UFI poll question – Is patriotism and love of country the equivalent of nationalism?

Definition of nationalism – Excessive patriotism, chauvinism, the desire for national advancement, the policy or doctrine of asserting the interest of one’s own nation above the interest of other nations.  Excessive loyalty to one’s own nation.

Click HERE and scroll to bottom of the page to cast your vote!