The months leading up to the 2016 presidential conventions in July were rife with violence. The first 3 months of the year showed significant increases in the homicide rate in six major cities across the U.S.: including Chicago; Dallas; Jacksonville,Florida; Las Vegas; Los Angeles and Memphis (1).
In early July, Alton Sterling of Baton Rouge, LA became the 135th black person killed by police in 2016 (2). Black Lives Matter organized to challenge this violence against them. On July 7th a Dallas sniper gunned police officers, killing 5 of them and sending screaming crowds scrambling for cover. The following week a gunman ambushed and killed three law officers in Baton Rouge, wounding three others.
GUN CONTROL OR PRISON?
The political parties took differing positions in regard to the tragic escalation of violence. President Obama, Hillary Clinton and the Democratic party platform called for increased gun control legislation. The Republican candidate, Donald Trump, called for law and order and an increase in prison sentences for law breakers.
ENOUGH BLAME TO GO AROUND
However, these are stop gap measures. They are not solutions but scapegoat measures that place the blame for violence on the perpetrators of crimes that have grown out of anger and fear, while pretending that the rest of us hold no blame.
Behaviors do not occur in a vacuum. Behaviors grow from the images that have formed in the mind about what behaviors are expected, what behaviors are legally accepted and what behaviors are appropriate.
Sadly, the moral foundation upon which our country was founded is under attack and disappearing.
IN GOD WE TRUST
Our first president, George Washington, said, "True religion offers to government its surest support." Religion in general and Christianity in particular have provided a moral foundation for American life.
The last act of Congress signed by President Lincoln required that IN GOD WE TRUST be inscribed upon our national coins.
In 1949, President Truman states, "When the U.S. was established...the motto was IN GOD WE TRUST. That is still our motto and we still place our firm trust in God."
In 1961, John F. Kennedy stated, "The guiding principle of this nation has been, is now, and ever shall be IN GOD WE TRUST." (3)
FAITH UNDER ATTACK
In 1962 and 1963, three decisions by the Supreme Court of the U.S. decreed that school sponsored prayer and Bible reading were unconstitutional. Engel v. Vitale in 1962 decreed that a prayer approved by the New York Board of Regents for use in schools violated the First Amendment because it represented the establishment of religion. (4).
Following these decisions, discussions of religious ideas and values were censored within the schools. Children who talked of God or religious values were silenced and told that school was not a place for these discussions.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS UNDER ATTACK
Throughout the history of our country the Ten Commandments have been upheld as moral expectations handed down to humankind from God through the prophet Moses some 3,500 years ago. The first four commandments require honor and respect for God, and the fifth commandment requires honor for parents. The remaining five commandments outline behaviors that lead to social harmony. These include the commandments to not murder, commit adultery, steal, bear a false witness, or covet what belongs to another.
These commandments have been held in reverence by the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths throughout their history. Respect for the commandments provided a moral foundation for appropriate social behaviors. Children were taught early to learn and respect them.
When some parents challenged a Kentucky state law that required the posting of the commandments in each public school classroom, the decision went to the Supreme Court. On Nov. 17, 1980, by a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled in Stone v. Graham that the law was unconstitutional.
Many court buildings contained plagues or monuments outlining the Ten Commandments, including even some in the Supreme Court building. In June of 2005, the Supreme Court by a 5-4 decision ruled that the Ten Commandments could not be displayed in court buildings or on government property. Children watched as the media dramatically covered the controversial removal of these monuments.
ASSAULTS ON THE SANCTITY OF SEXUALITY
Moral codes relating to sexuality have been the concern of religious leaders and civil philosophers throughout history.
Traditional sexual values supported 'Love and Marriage', protecting sexual behaviors for the formation of a 'death do us part' family for enduring nurture, support and child rearing.
In 1926, Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, challenged the moral codes when she formed the American Birth Control League. Her interest was promoting free love, sexual freedom and birth control (5).
When the birth control pill was introduced in the early 1960's, women were challenged to enter into casual sexual relationships. By 1997, 418 public schools were making condoms available to students (6).
Pornography, considered the seedy business of underground markets, brought sex into the living rooms of America when Hugh Hefner, influenced by the sexual research of Alfred Kinsey, published Playboy magazine in 1953. Pornography is addictive and can lead to desires that escalate. Sex became an almost expected behavior of casual relationships. Rape, serial killings and sexual trafficking became prevalent.
In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated sodomy laws as a criminal offense in Lawrence v. Texas, making same sex activity legal. By 2012 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 636,000 people had died from HIV/AIDS, a disease primarily transferred by men having sex with men.
ASSAULTS ON THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
In 1970 no-fault divorce was introduced in California and soon became the norm. The 'death do us part' expectations of family were challenged. Divorce escalated and each year over a million children experienced the divorce of their family, many responded to the breakup of their family with shock, fear and grieving.
In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court passed Roe v. Wade, making the taking of a child's life in the womb a legal 'right' for women. The CDC reports that since 1973, close to 60 million babies have been aborted in the United States.
Television producers discovered that graphic images of sex and violence increased their ratings and profits as they brought in more advertisers. In response to complaints, the family hour established by the Federal Communication Commission in 1975 mandated that the hours before 9:00 PM should be shows appropriate for all ages. In 1976, a U.S. District Court ruled that the family viewing policy violated the first amendment of the Constitution. Sex and violence soon filled all hours of television viewing.
A Kaiser Family Foundation study reported that in 2009 young people spent about 4 and a half hours a day watching television (7).
Following the tragic school shooting at Newtown in 2012, Parents Television Council analyzed every program that aired on prime-time television for a one-month period. Of the 392 shows examined, 193 contained violence and 121 contained violence and guns (8).
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court passed Obergefell v Hodges by a vote of 5-4, giving same sex couples the fundamental right to marry, although over 30 states had denied this right with a state constitutional amendment by popular vote.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE ASSAULTS ON OUR SEXUALITY AND FAMILIES
Instability in family relationships became prevalent in the lives of many children.
Many no longer saw marriage as a necessary or permanent commitment for living together. Cohabitation increased By 2011, 24% of children in the U.S. were born to cohabiting couples (9). and 44% of children were living in mother-only families (10).
In large numbers we have bought into the conviction that children do not need both their mother and their father to develop in a healthy, responsible and productive direction. However, family scholars and researchers provide ample documentation of problems and concerns.
Family researcher, William Galston, notes that, "The absence of fathers as models and co-disciplinarians contributes to the low self-esteem, anger, violence, and peer bonding through gang lawlessness characteristic of many fatherless boys." (11).
By 2014, children from fatherless homes included 63% of youth suicides, 90% of homeless and runaway children, 80% of rapists with anger problems, 71% of high school dropouts and 75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers (12).
After divorce, women were primarily responsible for children of the marriage and were at greater risk of poverty. Single parenting became the foremost reason leading to poverty.
In March of 2008 researchers at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 1 in 4 teen girls had at least one sexually transmitted disease, sometimes leading to infertility and cancer.
RESTORING STABLE SEXUAL AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Personal pleasure and individual 'rights' have replaced traditional family values. With the increase in casual sexuality and the decline in stable marriages, many children are failing to learn the processes necessary for responsible social interaction and family functioning.
When God and cherished historic moral values are held in social disrespect, children are at a loss in knowing how to make responsible decisions.
More gun control and prisons will not solve the violence that is overrunning our country.
It is time to restore a responsible moral foundation for our children.
THERE IS BLAME ENOUGH TO GO AROUND!
---------------------------------------------------------------
REFERENCES
1. Blau, Eric Licht and Monica Davey. "Homicide Rates Jump in Many Major U.S. Cities, New Data Shows." May 13, 2016. The New York Times.
2. Craven, Julia Huffington Post. Jul 07, 2016.
3. Federer, Susie. 2012. Miracles in American History. Amerisearch, Inc. St. Louis, MO:pgs.101-105
4. Starr, Penny. "Education Expert: Removing Bible, Prayer from Public Schools Has Caused Decline." Aug. 15, 2014. www.cnsnews.com/news/article/penny-starr/education-expert-removing-bible-prayer-public-schools-has-caused-decline.
5. Marshall, Robert G. And Chuck A. Donovan. "How Planned Parenthood duped America." Citizen. Vol. 6, No. 1 (Jan 20) 1992. Pg. 4.
6. Advocates for Youth. 1997. Unpublished data from the School Condom Availability Clearinghouse. Washington DC.
7. Media Violence: An Examination of Violence, Graphic Violence, and Gun Violence in the Media. Parents Television Council. 2013.
8. New PTC Study Shows More Than Half of Network Programs Contain Violence. Parents Television Council. Vol. 15, No. 2, April 2013.
9. Institute for American Values. 2011. Why Marriage Matters, Third Edition: Thirty Conclusions from the Social Sciences. New York, NY. Pgs.6-8.
10. Statistics on Father Absence/National Fatherhood Initiative. 2014. "The Father Factor."
11. Galston, William A. 1996 "The Reinstitutionalization of Marriage: Political Theory and Public Policy." In Promises to Keep. Editied by David Popenoe, Jean Bethke Elsthtain, and David Blankenhorn. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Pub. Pg. 273.
12. Statistics on Father Absence/National Fatherhood Initiative. 2014. "The Father Factor".
The Fatherless Generation. 2014. Statistics.http://thefatherlessgeneration.wordpress.com/statistics.
Showing posts with label sexually transmitted diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sexually transmitted diseases. Show all posts
Monday, August 8, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Speak Out Against Pornography!
OFFENSIVE TO MANY!
However, what benefits some is offensive and harmful to many. Criminal Justice statistics document that in 1996, 38 percent of Americans thought pornography should be illegal for everyone, and 58 percent thought it should be illegal for persons under eighteen. 2.
SPEAK OUT!
Citizens are encouraged to speak out to protest obscenity in our culture by:
* writing letters to the editors of the local paper to express concern,
* writing to elected officials to actively prosecute obscenity, and
* writing letters of complaint to businesses that distribute or advertise pornography.
SAMPLE LETTER (or write your own)
Dear Owner/Managers
While shopping in your store recently I noticed that you sell pornographic magazines. Please consider the harm such materials have on children's lives, our families and our community.
Statistics show that the largest consumers of pornography are children ages 12 to 17 - formative years of a young person's emotional and sexual development.
Young people are being drawn into early and promiscuous sexual behaviors. Addictions are created that harm healthy relationships and tear apart marriages and families.
* The Center for Disease Control reports that 1 in 4 teen girls has a sexually transmitted disease, often leading to cancer or infertility.
* Since 1973, more than 50 million abortions have been performed in the U.S.
- over 80% to unmarried women, 52% to women younger than 25 years of age, 19% to teens.
* 40% of births are now out-of-wedlock births.
* Out-0f-wedlock births and the increase in divorce leaves many men out of the important role of fatherhood and leaves children without a father for guidance and support.
* Children born to unwed mothers are six times more likely to live in poverty.
* Pornography is used by predators to lure children and young women into abuse and prostitution.
* Rapists and serial killers repeatedly identify pornography as a formative factor in their behaviors.
You have no obligation to sell pornography. This is not a matter of censorship. It is a matter of good citizenship and responsible choice as to what is appropriate material to be placed in a store where families shop.
Please consider replacing these materials with something more responsible. I'm sure many people in the community would support you in this decision.
I look forward to hearing from you in regard to this concern.
Sincerely,
(Sign your name)
*************************
If polite letters are not effective, pressure on elected officials to support legislation actively prosecuting obscenity and indecency in the community and media would be appropriate and necessary.
Our children and grandchildren should not be burdened by the immense moral burden that is being passed on to them by our careless abandonment of foundational personal and social values.
References:
1. Thomas, Cal. "Selling out a heritage; AT&T becomes a top provider of pornography."
World magazine. Vol. 15, No.25 (June 24) 2000:31.
2. Henslin, James M. Social Problems. 5th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ:Prentice-Hall. 2000:75-81
3.American Family Association. A Guide to What One Person Can Do About Pornography.
www.afa.net/pornography/PornGuide.pdf. pg. 41-45.
Friday, February 19, 2010
(5) Safe Sex Becomes Seductive: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America
SAFE SEX?
In the last 30 years condoms have been claimed to provide safe sex or safer sex. Condoms are being sold and distributed around the world as the solution to casual sexual behaviors in preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. They are being 'pushed'by school and university health clinics, and even medical facilities with the implicatin that sex will be safe if you 'protect' yourself with a condom. However, the typical use failure rate of condoms is 14%, accounting for inconsistent and incorrect use as well as breakage and slippage. Use factors such as experience, condom size and use of lubricant can affect slippage and breakage. 1.
A study involving 26,291 homosexual men and heterosexual man and women who visited the University of Colorado's clinic in Denver over a two year period reported that 57% of the women, 48% of the heterosexual men and 33% of the homosexual men reported error in condom use.2.
Efficacy rates for condom use is generally reported for pregnancy. However, rates for sexually transmitted diseases vary by disease. Condoms do not prevent transmission of the human papillomavirus which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Michigan's statewide gay newspaper, Between The Lines , reports that the risk of anal cancer increases by nearly 4,000% for men who have sex with men. They state that a condom only offers limited protection against anal cancer.3.
Suppose, for example, that 20 million people used condoms for 'protection' and safe sex. By the typical use rate of 14% failure, two million and eight hundred thousand people will be unpleasantly surprised that they were, in fact, not safe.
STD's IN THE GAY POPULATION
The Center for Disease Control (CDC)reports statistics on sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) in the United States and its dependent areas. Health departments report their data to CDC so the information can be analyzed to determine who is being affected and why. The CDC 2008 surveillance report estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year - almost half of them among young people 15-24 years of age.
Syphilis makes a comeback
Syphilis was a disease that was on the verge of elimination. In 2001 it re-emerged as a public health threat because of a resurgence of the disease among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2008 there were 13,500 reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis, the most infectious stages of the disease. Reported cases of syphilis showed that 63% were among MSM. This is of particular concern because syphilis infection facilitates HIV transmission. Syphilis rates among blacks were about eight times higher than that of whites in 2008.4.
HIV/AIDS enters the country
HIV was introduced into the U.S. through the homosexual community. After its initial diagnosis in 1981, it spread rapidly across the country through male homosexuality, intravenous drug use, bisexuality, and multiple heterosexual partners. Infants were infected by mothers who had the HIV virus. In 2006, CDC estimated that over half (53%) of new cases occurred in gay and bisexual men.
Through 2007, the cumulative estimated number of AIDS diagnoses in the 50 states and the District of Columbia(DC) was well over one million - 1,018,428. Over half of these cases(50.3%)was reported in four states: New York, California, Florida and Texas. By 2007, the cumulative estimated number of deaths from AIDS in the 50 states and DC included 557,902 adults and adolescents and 4,891 children under 13 years of age. Although Blacks represented about 12% of the U.S. population, cumulated estimated AIDS cases for Black and African Americans through 2007 exceeded that of Whites, numbering 426,003 to 404,465 respectively. Black women were particularly affected as bisexual men brought the disease home to their wives and girlfriends. 5.
# of AIDS cases for 50 states and DC through 2007 = 1,018,428
# of AIDS deaths for 50 states and DC through 2007 = 562,793
Life expectancy for gay and bisexual men is compromised by perhaps 20 years.
An article printed in the New York Times reported that a young male homosexual has about a 50% chance of getting HIV by middle age. In 1998 the CDC reported that an estimated half of all new infections of HIV in the U.S. were among people under 25.6.
Other STD's common among the homosexual population.
Included in this list of particular concern is anal cancer. Other maladies include Chlamydia, cryptosporidium, herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus or genital warts, isospora belli, microsporidia, gonorrhea, viral hepatitis types B&C and syphilis. 7.
PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE POLICIES
Joseph Nicolosi, President of NARTH said, "Most medical groups have embraced the homosexual agenda and are advocating that lifestyle despite all the scientific studies and medical evidence that demonstrate medical and psychological risks...Homosexual activism and political correctness are clearly trumping science." 8.
It is essential in any society that policies are implemented that promote and protect the health and well-being of its citizens. The American Public Health Association and other health organizations must be aggressively held accountable for accurate reporting. 'Activist spin' must not be allowed to override responsible scientific research.
Evidence shows that mortality and morbidity rates are substantially higher for those who engage in homosexual practices, particularly anal intercourse, with the tearing of the rectal lining and diseases associated with subsequent contact with fecal matter. "Activism must not be placed above science in informing public policy. It is an injustice to homosexual men and women to allow activism, including accusations of homophobia, to silence discussion of health risks or to suppress research." 9.
REFERENCES
1.Workshop Summary:Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention. 2000, June 12-13. Hyatt Dulles Airport. Herndon, VA. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Nat. Institute of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services. July 20, 2001:10. http://www.3.nlaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/pof/condomreport.pdf.
2.Condomman, "Condom Use and the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases." http://www.condomman.com/articles/index.php?tag=rising-std-rates. April 19, 2008.
3. Glenn, Gary. "Compassionate Society Should Discourage Homosexual Behavior." American Family Association. htp://www.freepublic.com/focus/f-news/1039280/posts. March 19, 2001.
4.CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, 2008". http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats08/trends.htm. 1/10/2010.
5.CDC. "Basic Statistics, 2007". http://www,cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/print/basic.htm. 1/10/2010.
6. Brinkman,Susan. "Health risks of the homosexual lifestyle." Catholic Standard & Times (May-June, 2004). http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/printarticle.html?id=4236. 1/10/2010.
7. Ibid
8. Ibid.
9. Byrd, A. Dean."The American Journal of Public Health Highlights Risks of Homosexual Practices." NARTH. http://www.narth.com/docs/risks.html. 1/10/2010.
In the last 30 years condoms have been claimed to provide safe sex or safer sex. Condoms are being sold and distributed around the world as the solution to casual sexual behaviors in preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. They are being 'pushed'by school and university health clinics, and even medical facilities with the implicatin that sex will be safe if you 'protect' yourself with a condom. However, the typical use failure rate of condoms is 14%, accounting for inconsistent and incorrect use as well as breakage and slippage. Use factors such as experience, condom size and use of lubricant can affect slippage and breakage. 1.
A study involving 26,291 homosexual men and heterosexual man and women who visited the University of Colorado's clinic in Denver over a two year period reported that 57% of the women, 48% of the heterosexual men and 33% of the homosexual men reported error in condom use.2.
Efficacy rates for condom use is generally reported for pregnancy. However, rates for sexually transmitted diseases vary by disease. Condoms do not prevent transmission of the human papillomavirus which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Michigan's statewide gay newspaper, Between The Lines , reports that the risk of anal cancer increases by nearly 4,000% for men who have sex with men. They state that a condom only offers limited protection against anal cancer.3.
Suppose, for example, that 20 million people used condoms for 'protection' and safe sex. By the typical use rate of 14% failure, two million and eight hundred thousand people will be unpleasantly surprised that they were, in fact, not safe.
STD's IN THE GAY POPULATION
The Center for Disease Control (CDC)reports statistics on sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) in the United States and its dependent areas. Health departments report their data to CDC so the information can be analyzed to determine who is being affected and why. The CDC 2008 surveillance report estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year - almost half of them among young people 15-24 years of age.
Syphilis makes a comeback
Syphilis was a disease that was on the verge of elimination. In 2001 it re-emerged as a public health threat because of a resurgence of the disease among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2008 there were 13,500 reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis, the most infectious stages of the disease. Reported cases of syphilis showed that 63% were among MSM. This is of particular concern because syphilis infection facilitates HIV transmission. Syphilis rates among blacks were about eight times higher than that of whites in 2008.4.
HIV/AIDS enters the country
HIV was introduced into the U.S. through the homosexual community. After its initial diagnosis in 1981, it spread rapidly across the country through male homosexuality, intravenous drug use, bisexuality, and multiple heterosexual partners. Infants were infected by mothers who had the HIV virus. In 2006, CDC estimated that over half (53%) of new cases occurred in gay and bisexual men.
Through 2007, the cumulative estimated number of AIDS diagnoses in the 50 states and the District of Columbia(DC) was well over one million - 1,018,428. Over half of these cases(50.3%)was reported in four states: New York, California, Florida and Texas. By 2007, the cumulative estimated number of deaths from AIDS in the 50 states and DC included 557,902 adults and adolescents and 4,891 children under 13 years of age. Although Blacks represented about 12% of the U.S. population, cumulated estimated AIDS cases for Black and African Americans through 2007 exceeded that of Whites, numbering 426,003 to 404,465 respectively. Black women were particularly affected as bisexual men brought the disease home to their wives and girlfriends. 5.
# of AIDS cases for 50 states and DC through 2007 = 1,018,428
# of AIDS deaths for 50 states and DC through 2007 = 562,793
Life expectancy for gay and bisexual men is compromised by perhaps 20 years.
An article printed in the New York Times reported that a young male homosexual has about a 50% chance of getting HIV by middle age. In 1998 the CDC reported that an estimated half of all new infections of HIV in the U.S. were among people under 25.6.
Other STD's common among the homosexual population.
Included in this list of particular concern is anal cancer. Other maladies include Chlamydia, cryptosporidium, herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus or genital warts, isospora belli, microsporidia, gonorrhea, viral hepatitis types B&C and syphilis. 7.
PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE POLICIES
Joseph Nicolosi, President of NARTH said, "Most medical groups have embraced the homosexual agenda and are advocating that lifestyle despite all the scientific studies and medical evidence that demonstrate medical and psychological risks...Homosexual activism and political correctness are clearly trumping science." 8.
It is essential in any society that policies are implemented that promote and protect the health and well-being of its citizens. The American Public Health Association and other health organizations must be aggressively held accountable for accurate reporting. 'Activist spin' must not be allowed to override responsible scientific research.
Evidence shows that mortality and morbidity rates are substantially higher for those who engage in homosexual practices, particularly anal intercourse, with the tearing of the rectal lining and diseases associated with subsequent contact with fecal matter. "Activism must not be placed above science in informing public policy. It is an injustice to homosexual men and women to allow activism, including accusations of homophobia, to silence discussion of health risks or to suppress research." 9.
REFERENCES
1.Workshop Summary:Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention. 2000, June 12-13. Hyatt Dulles Airport. Herndon, VA. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Nat. Institute of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services. July 20, 2001:10. http://www.3.nlaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/pof/condomreport.pdf.
2.Condomman, "Condom Use and the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases." http://www.condomman.com/articles/index.php?tag=rising-std-rates. April 19, 2008.
3. Glenn, Gary. "Compassionate Society Should Discourage Homosexual Behavior." American Family Association. htp://www.freepublic.com/focus/f-news/1039280/posts. March 19, 2001.
4.CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, 2008". http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats08/trends.htm. 1/10/2010.
5.CDC. "Basic Statistics, 2007". http://www,cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/print/basic.htm. 1/10/2010.
6. Brinkman,Susan. "Health risks of the homosexual lifestyle." Catholic Standard & Times (May-June, 2004). http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/printarticle.html?id=4236. 1/10/2010.
7. Ibid
8. Ibid.
9. Byrd, A. Dean."The American Journal of Public Health Highlights Risks of Homosexual Practices." NARTH. http://www.narth.com/docs/risks.html. 1/10/2010.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Health Care Reform Begins at Home
Each of us makes decisions about our own physical and psychological health and wellness. Much of our personal illness and injury is created by lifestyle choices related to destructive habits in eating, exercise, cleanliness, drinking, smoking, drug use, and reckless driving.
President Obama, in his discussion on health care reform policies, emphasized preventive health care, urging all of us to take more responsibility for our own health.
Chruches are also adding health and wellness dimensions to their ministry, a practice that is consistent with the concerns of Jesus for healing and wholeness.
Restoring the health of our family relationships and sexual behaviors should be a priority concern in our move toward health care reform. Both religious and secular education needs to include rigorous preparation for healthy sexual, marriage and family relationships, beginning with children and increasing for teens and older.
"The devastating impact of marital and family breakdown on individuals and on our society as a whole has been well documented, yet too often we stand by helplessly while families fall apart. We often fail to provide the relationship education and support needed to build strong families whose members enjoy each other and cope effectively with life's challenges...
We can learn the skills to build healthy relationships;
we can unravel the emotional tangles that sabotage our families;
we can build on family strengths to establish the deep friendship and mutual commitment that undergirds lasting marriages and healthy families." 1.
Many organizations and resources provide help in the development of family relationship growth. (marriagelovepower.net)
Classes on marriage enrichment and parenting skills should be offered on a continuing basis, with classes focusing on premarital counseling, different stages of marriage, and childhood development.
HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Modern social influences are bombarding us with enticement into dangerous and destructive sexual behaviors that too often result in debilitating disease, broken trust, broken relationships, and broken lives.
Healthy sexuality focuses on ultimate concern for the individual lives involved and ultimate concern for the lives of children who develop from sexual togetherness.
PORNOGRAPHY DISTORTS HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Speaking out against the dangers of pornography and educating people, especially young people, about lustful addictions and sexual distortions that grow from pornographic images is an essential and valuable concern for health and wellness.
PREMARITAL ABSTINENCE AND FAITHFUL MONOGAMY WITHIN MARRIAGE
Our contemporary society is presenting sex as a toy for personal pleasure, even to the young. Tragic consequences related to sexually transmitted diseases, loss of self esteem, broken trust, children born out-of-wedlock, and abortion become the reality for too many people. Young people need to be given the understanding and commitment to resist the temptations of careless sexuality.
An understanding of the importance of sexual abstinence before marriage and faithful monogamy after marriage is a foundation for healthy sexual behaviors.
THE DANGERS OF 'SAFE SEX'
The careless double talk of 'safe sex' and the handing out of condoms, even to middle school students, puts sexual health in jeopardy. Condoms are not safe. They have a 14% actual use failure rate, a failure rate of 1 out of 6 or 7 time. This amounts to Russian roulette sex. The common use of the phrase 'safe sex' in regard to condom use is cruel, dangerous and careless.
THE SANCTITY OF LIFE IS THREATENED
Healthy living is a call to respect the value of each life, and a call to order our lives in ways that we support and cherish our own life and the lives of others.
Since 1973, abortion has taken the lives of over 50 million infants. About 80%
of abortions are performed on unmarried women, as young women are told that a fetus is 'merely a mass of tissue' rather than a developing child.
The development of the ultrasound machine is allowing women to respect and watch the growth of their child. Pregnancy centers are protecting and educating women in the development of their child.
Women who feel that they are unable to raise a child can be supported in their pregnancy and encouraged to offer their children to loving couples seeking a child to adopt.
PROTECTING TRADITIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Heterosexual marriage is primarily a social issue. It becomes a religious concern and a political concern because it is a foundation for social integration, freedom, reproduction and health.
The normalization of homosexuality in society would create profound changes in social organization that warrant caution and serious consideration rather than the heated arguments that are being generated.
Social Integration -
The traditional family is the building block for the integration of society as members grow in understanding of various perspectives within the family. In spite of immense variation within the sexes, there remain fundamental differences in biological and psychological make up. Heterosexual marriage seeks to integrate these elements into a caring unit.
As men relate intimately to men and women to women, social disintegration will occur.
Social Freedom -
The family preserves and passes down its unique cultural values to the next generation, providing checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremism. Homosexuality will jeopardize the intergenerational transfer of cultural patterns within society.
Social Reproduction -
Homosexuality will jeopardize social reproduction and the intergenerational transfer of genetic patterns. Reproduction will necessitate contrivance and manipulation, buying and selling.
Social Health -
Personal health risks associated with homosexual behavior are deeply troubling. According to the American Medical Association, homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a sexually transmitted disease than their heterosexual counterparts. In the U.S., men who have sex with men account for 60-70% of estimated HIV infections, although they represent only 5-7% of the population.
CAUTION IS WISDOM -
Countless research studies confirm that the greatest sources of nurture, support and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within the family unit. Legal constraints maintain a sense of appropriateness. Extending the range of permissible behavior will put in jeopardy social integration, freedom, social reproduction, and social health.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEGINS WITH US AND OUR PERSONAL CHOICES.
1.United Methodist Marriage Ministries (Overview). www.marriagelovepower.net.
President Obama, in his discussion on health care reform policies, emphasized preventive health care, urging all of us to take more responsibility for our own health.
Chruches are also adding health and wellness dimensions to their ministry, a practice that is consistent with the concerns of Jesus for healing and wholeness.
Restoring the health of our family relationships and sexual behaviors should be a priority concern in our move toward health care reform. Both religious and secular education needs to include rigorous preparation for healthy sexual, marriage and family relationships, beginning with children and increasing for teens and older.
"The devastating impact of marital and family breakdown on individuals and on our society as a whole has been well documented, yet too often we stand by helplessly while families fall apart. We often fail to provide the relationship education and support needed to build strong families whose members enjoy each other and cope effectively with life's challenges...
We can learn the skills to build healthy relationships;
we can unravel the emotional tangles that sabotage our families;
we can build on family strengths to establish the deep friendship and mutual commitment that undergirds lasting marriages and healthy families." 1.
Many organizations and resources provide help in the development of family relationship growth. (marriagelovepower.net)
Classes on marriage enrichment and parenting skills should be offered on a continuing basis, with classes focusing on premarital counseling, different stages of marriage, and childhood development.
HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Modern social influences are bombarding us with enticement into dangerous and destructive sexual behaviors that too often result in debilitating disease, broken trust, broken relationships, and broken lives.
Healthy sexuality focuses on ultimate concern for the individual lives involved and ultimate concern for the lives of children who develop from sexual togetherness.
PORNOGRAPHY DISTORTS HEALTHY SEXUALITY
Speaking out against the dangers of pornography and educating people, especially young people, about lustful addictions and sexual distortions that grow from pornographic images is an essential and valuable concern for health and wellness.
PREMARITAL ABSTINENCE AND FAITHFUL MONOGAMY WITHIN MARRIAGE
Our contemporary society is presenting sex as a toy for personal pleasure, even to the young. Tragic consequences related to sexually transmitted diseases, loss of self esteem, broken trust, children born out-of-wedlock, and abortion become the reality for too many people. Young people need to be given the understanding and commitment to resist the temptations of careless sexuality.
An understanding of the importance of sexual abstinence before marriage and faithful monogamy after marriage is a foundation for healthy sexual behaviors.
THE DANGERS OF 'SAFE SEX'
The careless double talk of 'safe sex' and the handing out of condoms, even to middle school students, puts sexual health in jeopardy. Condoms are not safe. They have a 14% actual use failure rate, a failure rate of 1 out of 6 or 7 time. This amounts to Russian roulette sex. The common use of the phrase 'safe sex' in regard to condom use is cruel, dangerous and careless.
THE SANCTITY OF LIFE IS THREATENED
Healthy living is a call to respect the value of each life, and a call to order our lives in ways that we support and cherish our own life and the lives of others.
Since 1973, abortion has taken the lives of over 50 million infants. About 80%
of abortions are performed on unmarried women, as young women are told that a fetus is 'merely a mass of tissue' rather than a developing child.
The development of the ultrasound machine is allowing women to respect and watch the growth of their child. Pregnancy centers are protecting and educating women in the development of their child.
Women who feel that they are unable to raise a child can be supported in their pregnancy and encouraged to offer their children to loving couples seeking a child to adopt.
PROTECTING TRADITIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Heterosexual marriage is primarily a social issue. It becomes a religious concern and a political concern because it is a foundation for social integration, freedom, reproduction and health.
The normalization of homosexuality in society would create profound changes in social organization that warrant caution and serious consideration rather than the heated arguments that are being generated.
Social Integration -
The traditional family is the building block for the integration of society as members grow in understanding of various perspectives within the family. In spite of immense variation within the sexes, there remain fundamental differences in biological and psychological make up. Heterosexual marriage seeks to integrate these elements into a caring unit.
As men relate intimately to men and women to women, social disintegration will occur.
Social Freedom -
The family preserves and passes down its unique cultural values to the next generation, providing checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremism. Homosexuality will jeopardize the intergenerational transfer of cultural patterns within society.
Social Reproduction -
Homosexuality will jeopardize social reproduction and the intergenerational transfer of genetic patterns. Reproduction will necessitate contrivance and manipulation, buying and selling.
Social Health -
Personal health risks associated with homosexual behavior are deeply troubling. According to the American Medical Association, homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a sexually transmitted disease than their heterosexual counterparts. In the U.S., men who have sex with men account for 60-70% of estimated HIV infections, although they represent only 5-7% of the population.
CAUTION IS WISDOM -
Countless research studies confirm that the greatest sources of nurture, support and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within the family unit. Legal constraints maintain a sense of appropriateness. Extending the range of permissible behavior will put in jeopardy social integration, freedom, social reproduction, and social health.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEGINS WITH US AND OUR PERSONAL CHOICES.
1.United Methodist Marriage Ministries (Overview). www.marriagelovepower.net.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The New Morality Threatens Us All.
Fifty years ago Nikita Kruschev prophesied, "We will bury you". While this statement may be ambiguous, the direction our society has taken is not ambiguous. We have become willing accomplices in our own execution. We have dug our own graves.
LIBERATION NOW
In 1884, Friedrich Engels, the lifelong friend of Karl Marx and co-author of the Communist Manifesto, wrote a major citation of 'liberation' literature entitled "On the Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State". 1. This article outlined the blueprint for the liberation of men and women from binding family relationships and the 'oppression of monogamy'.
Engels saw two problems in the practice of lifelong, monogamous marriage. The first problem: after marriage a woman becomes the private property of her husband. Consequently unmarried men are able to find very few women willing to give themselves to them outside of prostitution. Engels contended that the exchange of sex love for money "degrades the character of the entire male world".
The second problem: marriage makes women the slave of their husbands. The husband earns and controls the economic base of the family, keeping the woman dependent upon him.
A NEW MORALITY
Engels proposed the solution to both of these problems by outlining a new morality and a new social order which involved:
* drawing "the entire female sex into public industry",
* making men and women equal "in rights and responsibilities",
* passing "the means of production into common property",
* abolishing the family as "the economic unit of society",
* transforming private housekeeping "into a social industry", and
* having society "take care of all children equally irrespective of whether they were born in wedlock or not".
SEX LOVE REPLACES COMMITTED FAMILY LOVE
Engels contended that this new social organization would give rise "to more unrestrained sexual intercourse, and along with it, a more lenient public opinion regarding virginal honour and feminine shame". The new moral standard for judging sexual intercourse would not be whether it is legitimate, but "whether it arose from mutual love or not."
From these changes will spring the new morality that Engels identified as Sex Love. "If only marriages that are based on love are moral, then also only those are moral in which love continues". Because "the urge of individual Sex Love differs," when affection is "displaced by a new passionate love", separation becomes a blessing.
Engels' new morality attacked and sought to overturn the behavioral and authority patterns of committed family practices. He outlined basic changes in social and personal interaction patterns and responsibilities.
OUR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS BOUGHT IT AND SOLD IT TO US.
In the last 50 years the mainstream media, liberal influences in the universities, and social legislation have replaced the foundation of family love with support for sex love.
When changes are made, some things of value may be gained but others are lost.
Can such ideas lead us to greater happiness, or will such disposable love lead us to the even greater oppression of our own passions?
CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES
# Before 1960, the expectation of marriage was to "love and cherish, till death us do part, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health".
In 1960, the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act outlined No-Fault divorce laws where fault was eliminated as a grounds for divorce. The first No-faultlaws were established in California in 1970, and within 10 years most of the other states followed. These laws removed power from the person wanting to remain married and gave it to the person wanting to leave a relationship.
The number of divorces in the United States rose rapidly, creating large numbers of single parent homes and emotional, financial, and structural problems for adults and children.
# Divorce accelerated the feminization of poverty. After divorce, the man's income generally rises, while the income of women and children falls, often drastically.
Children suffer in a divorce in many ways. Besides losing the nurturing presence of a parent, a study by the Census Bureau found that children could expect to become 37% poorer following the divorce of their parents. 2.
The effects of divorce on children often accumulate over time, getting worse instead of better. 3.
# Another troubling spinoff of divorce occurs when one parent, in violation of court orders, violates conditions of visitation or tries to remove a child from contact with the other parent. It is estimated that 350,000 parental abductions occur each year. The child is traumatized and the offending parent becomes a criminal. 4.
# Venereal disease has risen to epidemic proportions. Sex outside of committed, monogamous relationships has become normalized in our society, even among teens. In March of 2008, researchers at the federal Center for Disease Control announced that 1 in 4 teen girls has at least one sexually transmitted disease. The most common, the human papilloma virus, causes cervical cancer. The second most common, Chlamydia, can lead to infertility. 5.
The cumulative estimated deaths of persons with AIDS in the United States in 2005 was 530,307 persons. The first cases were reported in 1981 in the homosexual community. 77% of those affected with AIDS are male. Bisexual behaviors have transferred the disease to the heterosexual community. 6.
# In the wake of Roe v. Wade in 1973, more than 45 million abortions were performed in the United States by the year 2000. 80% of abortions are to unmarried women, and 52% are to women younger than 25 years of age. 7.
WHERE WILL THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR BEHAVIOR END?
As we consider the acceleration of our descent into destruction, it becomes evident that we must change if we are to regain control of our relationships and our society.
If we are unable to remove the blinders from our eyes and see beyond the Pollyana smiles that tell us all is well, if we are unable to regain our moral convictions, and more importantly, the courage of our convictions, we may discover that the prophecy of Kruschev becomes the prophecy of the poet T.S. Eliot, who predicted:
THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD WILL END.
This is the Way the World Will End.
this is the way the world will end.
Not with a BANG, but with a whimper.
References
1. Engels, Friedrich. "The origin of the family, private property, and the state". In: The Marx-Engels Reader. Robert C. Tucher (ed.) NY:Norton. 1978 (1884) pgs. 743-751.
2. Boublin, Gina. "Study: Children lose more than just parents in divorce." Bryan/College Station Eagle (TX) March 2, 1991.
3. Wallerstein, Judith. The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Study.
4. Child Abduction Statistics. The National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Throwaway Children (NISMART). http://www.lostchildren.org/statistics.htm. Nov. 28, 2008.
5. The Associated Press. March 11, 2008. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23574940.
6. Center for Disease Control Statistics. July, 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheet/print/msm.htm.
7. Center for Disease Control - Abortion Surveillance - U.S, 2000.
LIBERATION NOW
In 1884, Friedrich Engels, the lifelong friend of Karl Marx and co-author of the Communist Manifesto, wrote a major citation of 'liberation' literature entitled "On the Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State". 1. This article outlined the blueprint for the liberation of men and women from binding family relationships and the 'oppression of monogamy'.
Engels saw two problems in the practice of lifelong, monogamous marriage. The first problem: after marriage a woman becomes the private property of her husband. Consequently unmarried men are able to find very few women willing to give themselves to them outside of prostitution. Engels contended that the exchange of sex love for money "degrades the character of the entire male world".
The second problem: marriage makes women the slave of their husbands. The husband earns and controls the economic base of the family, keeping the woman dependent upon him.
A NEW MORALITY
Engels proposed the solution to both of these problems by outlining a new morality and a new social order which involved:
* drawing "the entire female sex into public industry",
* making men and women equal "in rights and responsibilities",
* passing "the means of production into common property",
* abolishing the family as "the economic unit of society",
* transforming private housekeeping "into a social industry", and
* having society "take care of all children equally irrespective of whether they were born in wedlock or not".
SEX LOVE REPLACES COMMITTED FAMILY LOVE
Engels contended that this new social organization would give rise "to more unrestrained sexual intercourse, and along with it, a more lenient public opinion regarding virginal honour and feminine shame". The new moral standard for judging sexual intercourse would not be whether it is legitimate, but "whether it arose from mutual love or not."
From these changes will spring the new morality that Engels identified as Sex Love. "If only marriages that are based on love are moral, then also only those are moral in which love continues". Because "the urge of individual Sex Love differs," when affection is "displaced by a new passionate love", separation becomes a blessing.
Engels' new morality attacked and sought to overturn the behavioral and authority patterns of committed family practices. He outlined basic changes in social and personal interaction patterns and responsibilities.
OUR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS BOUGHT IT AND SOLD IT TO US.
In the last 50 years the mainstream media, liberal influences in the universities, and social legislation have replaced the foundation of family love with support for sex love.
When changes are made, some things of value may be gained but others are lost.
Can such ideas lead us to greater happiness, or will such disposable love lead us to the even greater oppression of our own passions?
CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES
# Before 1960, the expectation of marriage was to "love and cherish, till death us do part, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health".
In 1960, the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act outlined No-Fault divorce laws where fault was eliminated as a grounds for divorce. The first No-faultlaws were established in California in 1970, and within 10 years most of the other states followed. These laws removed power from the person wanting to remain married and gave it to the person wanting to leave a relationship.
The number of divorces in the United States rose rapidly, creating large numbers of single parent homes and emotional, financial, and structural problems for adults and children.
# Divorce accelerated the feminization of poverty. After divorce, the man's income generally rises, while the income of women and children falls, often drastically.
Children suffer in a divorce in many ways. Besides losing the nurturing presence of a parent, a study by the Census Bureau found that children could expect to become 37% poorer following the divorce of their parents. 2.
The effects of divorce on children often accumulate over time, getting worse instead of better. 3.
# Another troubling spinoff of divorce occurs when one parent, in violation of court orders, violates conditions of visitation or tries to remove a child from contact with the other parent. It is estimated that 350,000 parental abductions occur each year. The child is traumatized and the offending parent becomes a criminal. 4.
# Venereal disease has risen to epidemic proportions. Sex outside of committed, monogamous relationships has become normalized in our society, even among teens. In March of 2008, researchers at the federal Center for Disease Control announced that 1 in 4 teen girls has at least one sexually transmitted disease. The most common, the human papilloma virus, causes cervical cancer. The second most common, Chlamydia, can lead to infertility. 5.
The cumulative estimated deaths of persons with AIDS in the United States in 2005 was 530,307 persons. The first cases were reported in 1981 in the homosexual community. 77% of those affected with AIDS are male. Bisexual behaviors have transferred the disease to the heterosexual community. 6.
# In the wake of Roe v. Wade in 1973, more than 45 million abortions were performed in the United States by the year 2000. 80% of abortions are to unmarried women, and 52% are to women younger than 25 years of age. 7.
WHERE WILL THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR BEHAVIOR END?
As we consider the acceleration of our descent into destruction, it becomes evident that we must change if we are to regain control of our relationships and our society.
If we are unable to remove the blinders from our eyes and see beyond the Pollyana smiles that tell us all is well, if we are unable to regain our moral convictions, and more importantly, the courage of our convictions, we may discover that the prophecy of Kruschev becomes the prophecy of the poet T.S. Eliot, who predicted:
THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD WILL END.
This is the Way the World Will End.
this is the way the world will end.
Not with a BANG, but with a whimper.
References
1. Engels, Friedrich. "The origin of the family, private property, and the state". In: The Marx-Engels Reader. Robert C. Tucher (ed.) NY:Norton. 1978 (1884) pgs. 743-751.
2. Boublin, Gina. "Study: Children lose more than just parents in divorce." Bryan/College Station Eagle (TX) March 2, 1991.
3. Wallerstein, Judith. The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Study.
4. Child Abduction Statistics. The National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Throwaway Children (NISMART). http://www.lostchildren.org/statistics.htm. Nov. 28, 2008.
5. The Associated Press. March 11, 2008. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23574940.
6. Center for Disease Control Statistics. July, 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheet/print/msm.htm.
7. Center for Disease Control - Abortion Surveillance - U.S, 2000.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Endangered Black Family and Our Endangered Culture
Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint courageously documented a social tragedy that has concerned social scientists for decades - the breakdown of the black family. In their book, Come On People: On the Path From Victims to Victors, they outline the problem and plead for change.
They conclude: "No more excuses, no more delays. Come on people!" 1.
Breakdown of marriage
In the 1950's, black and white marriage patterns were much alike.
* In 1960, 66% of all black women aged 30-34 were married.
* By 1990, the figure had dropped to 39%. 2.
* Divorce and separation rates for blacks are now 50% higher than for whites. 3.
* In 1950, five out of six black children were born into a two-parent home.
* Now 70% of black children are born outside of marriage. 4.
Consequences of fatherlessness
Fatherhood is the most socializing and civilizing role for men; however, many black men are caught in the cultural demand to 'be cool' and emotionally detached. 5.
The hard truth is that most social problems are the direct consequences of fatherless households.
Children born to unwed mothers are ten times more likely to live in poverty.
Sobering federal statistics report that children from fatherless homes include: 6.
* 63% of teen suicides
* 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions
* 71% of high-school dropouts
* 75% of children in chemical-abuse centers
* 80% of youth in prison
* 85% of children with behavioral disorders
* 90% of homeless and runaway children
The black high school drop-out rate is greater than 50% in many cities, with male drop-out rate higher than female. 7.
Black crime rates
* Close to half of the prison population (now about 2.2 million) are African-American. 8.
* African-Americans are 12% of the population but represent 56% of those arrested for murder and 50% of those arrested for forcible rape and violent crimes.
* Black against black homicide is the leading cause of death among black men ages 16-34.
* One out of every 21 young black men is murdered.
* 32% of all black males ages 20-29 are in jail, prison or on probation or parole. 9.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's)
* In March, 2008 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 50% of black teens had an STD, while 20% of white and Hispanic teens were so affected. 10.
* Black homosexual relationships have led to tragic consequences.
Male-to-male sexual contact (MSM) is the primary cause of HIV/AIDS transmission.
In 2005, AIDS cases in the U.S. for Blacks (20,187) exceeded the number for Whites, Hispanics, Asians and American Indians. combined (19,939). 11.
* Bisexual and heterosexual relationships spread the HIV virus to black women and children. In 2004, HIV infection was the leading cause of death for African-American women aged 35-44. 12.
Black role models
The media has elevated black role models who disdain responsible sexual relationships and marriage.
Black male rappers, particularly gangsta rappers, have churned out a hip, bold, profane style with antisocial, angry, women-hating messages. 13 Success is measured by having as much money and sex as possible. Women are seen as bitches and hos and men as pimps.
In February of 2008, the Bad Boy Entertainment founder, Sean (Puff Daddy) Combs is quoted as saying, "I'm cool, man... I've never been married, never been engaged." Combs has fathered 6 children by 3 different women. 14.
The pop singer, Beyonce, is expanding her house of fashion design to sell a line of clothes to children. Ads present 7 year old girls dressed in bling, leather, lipstick, and heels, seductively
posed to look like tarts. 15.
As the media promote sexuality and pornography, Pimp and Ho Parties are now being promoted as the 'in' way to have fun. 16.
Grief and Frustration
It is with grief and frustration that I consider these tragic statistics because statistics are not numbers. They represent human lives, hurting and failing to reach potential.
In August of 1963, my husband and I lived outside Washington DC. On August 28, a carload from our (white, suburban) church went to the Washington Mall to join the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. We stood with 200,000 people as Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. We affirmed his concern that people be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
Schools, colleges and universities have opened doors of opportunity to blacks and all Americans. Government and charitable organizations have provided assistance for food, clothing and housing for those needing a hand up.
From Victim to Responsible Citizen
I join the cry of Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint when they say,
"No more excuses, no more delays. Come on people!
I add the call to move from victims to responsible citizens!
References
1. Cosby, Bill and Alvin F. Poussaint, MD. Come On People - on the Path From Victims to Victors. Thomas Nelson. Nashville. 2007.
2. Palen, J. John. Social Problems for the Twenty-First Century. McGraw Hill Pub. 2001:291.
3. Cosby, pg. 17.
4. Cosby, pgs. 2,14.
5. Cosby, pg. 11
6. Alexander, Mark M. "Fatherless in America." June 17,2005. www.townhall.com/Common.
7. Cosby, pg. 108.
8. Cosby, pg. 192.
9. Palen, pgs. 342,243.
10. The Associated Press. March 11, 2008. "1 in 4 teen girls has at least one STD". http://www.msnbc.com/id/23574940.
11. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/print/basic.htm. 9/8/2007.
12. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/women/resources/factsheets. Revised June 2007.
13. Cosby, pgs. 12,16,119.
14. Brady, James. "In Step with Sean Combs." Parade Magazine. February 24, 2008. page 26.
15. www.parentdish.com/2008/05/12/beyonce-sexing-up-childresn-clothing.
16. www.ehow.com/how_2067020-throw-pimp-ho-party.html.
They conclude: "No more excuses, no more delays. Come on people!" 1.
Breakdown of marriage
In the 1950's, black and white marriage patterns were much alike.
* In 1960, 66% of all black women aged 30-34 were married.
* By 1990, the figure had dropped to 39%. 2.
* Divorce and separation rates for blacks are now 50% higher than for whites. 3.
* In 1950, five out of six black children were born into a two-parent home.
* Now 70% of black children are born outside of marriage. 4.
Consequences of fatherlessness
Fatherhood is the most socializing and civilizing role for men; however, many black men are caught in the cultural demand to 'be cool' and emotionally detached. 5.
The hard truth is that most social problems are the direct consequences of fatherless households.
Children born to unwed mothers are ten times more likely to live in poverty.
Sobering federal statistics report that children from fatherless homes include: 6.
* 63% of teen suicides
* 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions
* 71% of high-school dropouts
* 75% of children in chemical-abuse centers
* 80% of youth in prison
* 85% of children with behavioral disorders
* 90% of homeless and runaway children
The black high school drop-out rate is greater than 50% in many cities, with male drop-out rate higher than female. 7.
Black crime rates
* Close to half of the prison population (now about 2.2 million) are African-American. 8.
* African-Americans are 12% of the population but represent 56% of those arrested for murder and 50% of those arrested for forcible rape and violent crimes.
* Black against black homicide is the leading cause of death among black men ages 16-34.
* One out of every 21 young black men is murdered.
* 32% of all black males ages 20-29 are in jail, prison or on probation or parole. 9.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's)
* In March, 2008 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 50% of black teens had an STD, while 20% of white and Hispanic teens were so affected. 10.
* Black homosexual relationships have led to tragic consequences.
Male-to-male sexual contact (MSM) is the primary cause of HIV/AIDS transmission.
In 2005, AIDS cases in the U.S. for Blacks (20,187) exceeded the number for Whites, Hispanics, Asians and American Indians. combined (19,939). 11.
* Bisexual and heterosexual relationships spread the HIV virus to black women and children. In 2004, HIV infection was the leading cause of death for African-American women aged 35-44. 12.
Black role models
The media has elevated black role models who disdain responsible sexual relationships and marriage.
Black male rappers, particularly gangsta rappers, have churned out a hip, bold, profane style with antisocial, angry, women-hating messages. 13 Success is measured by having as much money and sex as possible. Women are seen as bitches and hos and men as pimps.
In February of 2008, the Bad Boy Entertainment founder, Sean (Puff Daddy) Combs is quoted as saying, "I'm cool, man... I've never been married, never been engaged." Combs has fathered 6 children by 3 different women. 14.
The pop singer, Beyonce, is expanding her house of fashion design to sell a line of clothes to children. Ads present 7 year old girls dressed in bling, leather, lipstick, and heels, seductively
posed to look like tarts. 15.
As the media promote sexuality and pornography, Pimp and Ho Parties are now being promoted as the 'in' way to have fun. 16.
Grief and Frustration
It is with grief and frustration that I consider these tragic statistics because statistics are not numbers. They represent human lives, hurting and failing to reach potential.
In August of 1963, my husband and I lived outside Washington DC. On August 28, a carload from our (white, suburban) church went to the Washington Mall to join the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. We stood with 200,000 people as Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. We affirmed his concern that people be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
Schools, colleges and universities have opened doors of opportunity to blacks and all Americans. Government and charitable organizations have provided assistance for food, clothing and housing for those needing a hand up.
From Victim to Responsible Citizen
I join the cry of Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint when they say,
"No more excuses, no more delays. Come on people!
I add the call to move from victims to responsible citizens!
References
1. Cosby, Bill and Alvin F. Poussaint, MD. Come On People - on the Path From Victims to Victors. Thomas Nelson. Nashville. 2007.
2. Palen, J. John. Social Problems for the Twenty-First Century. McGraw Hill Pub. 2001:291.
3. Cosby, pg. 17.
4. Cosby, pgs. 2,14.
5. Cosby, pg. 11
6. Alexander, Mark M. "Fatherless in America." June 17,2005. www.townhall.com/Common.
7. Cosby, pg. 108.
8. Cosby, pg. 192.
9. Palen, pgs. 342,243.
10. The Associated Press. March 11, 2008. "1 in 4 teen girls has at least one STD". http://www.msnbc.com/id/23574940.
11. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/print/basic.htm. 9/8/2007.
12. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/women/resources/factsheets. Revised June 2007.
13. Cosby, pgs. 12,16,119.
14. Brady, James. "In Step with Sean Combs." Parade Magazine. February 24, 2008. page 26.
15. www.parentdish.com/2008/05/12/beyonce-sexing-up-childresn-clothing.
16. www.ehow.com/how_2067020-throw-pimp-ho-party.html.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Con in Condom: Safe Sex!
SAFE. 1. Free from harm or risk, unhurt
2. Secure from threat of danger, harm or loss
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Eleventh edition (2007) Pg. 1095
In the last 30 years condoms have claimed to be the savior of sexuality by providing safe sex or safer sex. Condoms are being sold and distributed around the world as the solution to casual sexual behaviors in preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Really!
What are the odds?
In best case scenarios of condom use, approximately 3% of couples who used condoms consistently and correctly experience an unintended pregnancy during the first year of use. 1.
However, consistent and correct use does not represent typical use of condoms.
Consistency is defined as using a condom at every act of sexual intercourse. Correct use means "using undamaged, unexpired condoms, using only water-based lubricants, careful opening of the package, correct placement and use throughout intercourse, and correct removal of the condom after ejaculation." 2.
Typical condom use is more accurately represented by a failure rate of 14%, accounting for inconsistent and incorrect use as well as breakage and slippage. Use factors such as experience, condom size and use of lubricant can affect slippage and breakage. 3.
A study involving 26,291 homosexual men, heterosexual men and heterosexual women who visited the University of Colorado's clinic in Denver over a two year period reported that 57% of the women, 48% of the heterosexual men and 33% of the homosexual men reported condom error. 4
Efficacy rates for condom use is generally reported for pregnancy. However, rates for sexually transmitted diseases vary by disease.
Condoms do not prevent transmission of the human papillomavirus, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. 5.
Condoms may reduce risk of HIV infection by approximately 69%. 6.
Between The Lines, Michigan's statewide gay newspaper, reports that the risk of anal cancer increases by nearly 4,000% for men who have sex with men. They state that a condom only offers limited protection against developing anal cancer." 7.
HIGH ODDS OF 'ACCIDENT'
What do these efficacy rates mean in terms of human numbers?
Would you get into an automobile or a plane with these odds??????
Suppose, for example, that 20 million people used condoms for 'protection'.
By the best case of 3% failure rate, 600,000 people will experience failure.
How can we envision the immensity of this number? A typical arena for an NBA game holds about 20,000 people. It would take 30 arenas filled to capacity to hold the people in this sample of 20 million who failed to be 'safe' using a condom.
By the typical use rate of 14% failure, 2,800,000 people will be 'unpleasantly surprised'.
That's TWO MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND! Now we're talking about 140 arenas of 20,000 people.
SEDUCTION OF THE YOUNG
Many of us remember when sex was treated with respect and awe because it was the behavior that created new life.
Sex was treated with concern because of the serious diseases that were spread through this behavior.
Sex was not a toy to be experimented with and played with by children.
Sexuality was a sacred behavior to be saved and 'kept safe' for marriage and family.
However, in the last 30 years sexual behavior has been 'sold' to the young as a choice or an option of behavior. Condom companies have introduced their products within the school system with instructions as to its use.
In November of 1991, the New York City high schools inaugurated the first large-scale condom distribution program in the nation. Under a cloak of secrecy, condoms were made available to students, even if their parents objected. 8.
Donated by Carter-Wallace, maker of the Trojan brand of condom, and Schmid Laboratories, the maker of Ramses, 500 or 1,000 boxes of condoms were delivered to each school. A pamphlet explaining how to use the condom was included and teachers also provided instruction. Teachers were taught how to avoid discouraging students who wanted a condom, while reminding them that 'abstinence is a viable option'. 9.
By 1997, 418 public schools made condoms available to students. 10.
2. Secure from threat of danger, harm or loss
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Eleventh edition (2007) Pg. 1095
In the last 30 years condoms have claimed to be the savior of sexuality by providing safe sex or safer sex. Condoms are being sold and distributed around the world as the solution to casual sexual behaviors in preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Really!
What are the odds?
In best case scenarios of condom use, approximately 3% of couples who used condoms consistently and correctly experience an unintended pregnancy during the first year of use. 1.
However, consistent and correct use does not represent typical use of condoms.
Consistency is defined as using a condom at every act of sexual intercourse. Correct use means "using undamaged, unexpired condoms, using only water-based lubricants, careful opening of the package, correct placement and use throughout intercourse, and correct removal of the condom after ejaculation." 2.
Typical condom use is more accurately represented by a failure rate of 14%, accounting for inconsistent and incorrect use as well as breakage and slippage. Use factors such as experience, condom size and use of lubricant can affect slippage and breakage. 3.
A study involving 26,291 homosexual men, heterosexual men and heterosexual women who visited the University of Colorado's clinic in Denver over a two year period reported that 57% of the women, 48% of the heterosexual men and 33% of the homosexual men reported condom error. 4
Efficacy rates for condom use is generally reported for pregnancy. However, rates for sexually transmitted diseases vary by disease.
Condoms do not prevent transmission of the human papillomavirus, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. 5.
Condoms may reduce risk of HIV infection by approximately 69%. 6.
Between The Lines, Michigan's statewide gay newspaper, reports that the risk of anal cancer increases by nearly 4,000% for men who have sex with men. They state that a condom only offers limited protection against developing anal cancer." 7.
HIGH ODDS OF 'ACCIDENT'
What do these efficacy rates mean in terms of human numbers?
Would you get into an automobile or a plane with these odds??????
Suppose, for example, that 20 million people used condoms for 'protection'.
By the best case of 3% failure rate, 600,000 people will experience failure.
How can we envision the immensity of this number? A typical arena for an NBA game holds about 20,000 people. It would take 30 arenas filled to capacity to hold the people in this sample of 20 million who failed to be 'safe' using a condom.
By the typical use rate of 14% failure, 2,800,000 people will be 'unpleasantly surprised'.
That's TWO MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND! Now we're talking about 140 arenas of 20,000 people.
SEDUCTION OF THE YOUNG
Many of us remember when sex was treated with respect and awe because it was the behavior that created new life.
Sex was treated with concern because of the serious diseases that were spread through this behavior.
Sex was not a toy to be experimented with and played with by children.
Sexuality was a sacred behavior to be saved and 'kept safe' for marriage and family.
However, in the last 30 years sexual behavior has been 'sold' to the young as a choice or an option of behavior. Condom companies have introduced their products within the school system with instructions as to its use.
In November of 1991, the New York City high schools inaugurated the first large-scale condom distribution program in the nation. Under a cloak of secrecy, condoms were made available to students, even if their parents objected. 8.
Donated by Carter-Wallace, maker of the Trojan brand of condom, and Schmid Laboratories, the maker of Ramses, 500 or 1,000 boxes of condoms were delivered to each school. A pamphlet explaining how to use the condom was included and teachers also provided instruction. Teachers were taught how to avoid discouraging students who wanted a condom, while reminding them that 'abstinence is a viable option'. 9.
By 1997, 418 public schools made condoms available to students. 10.
Now condoms come in different colors and different flavors!
Young people have been drawn into early and promiscuous sexual relationships.
In March of 2008, researchers at the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 1 in 4 teen girls has at least one sexually transmitted disease. 11.
The virus that causes cervical cancer, the human papilloma virus, was the most common. Chlamydia, the second most common, is usually without symptoms and can cause infertility.
"America has the highest teen pregnancy rate for developed countries in the world, and has one of the highest teen STD rates as well...in recent years, 65% of STD infections were in people under the age of 24, and one out of four HIV infections were in people under the age of 22." 12.
STRAIGHT TALK
Let's talk straight to the children and youth. Let's tell it like it is.
It is the place of the public schools to teach the truth about behaviors to it's students.
It's the place of the schools to teach young people self-respect, self-control, and self-discipline rather than careless indulgence of sexual behaviors.
Abstinence is the only sure defense against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Sexuality should be returned to the safety of marriage relationships, not handed to children as lollipops.
References:
1. Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitteds Disease (STD) Prevention. June 12-13,
2000. Hyatt Dulles Airport. Herndon, Virginia. Page 10.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. National Institute of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services.July, 20, 2001.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about condoms and their use in prevcnting HIV infections and other STDs . CDC
HIV/AIDS Prevention: July 1993:1-3.
3. Workshop Summary: (see above) Page 10.
4. Condom Use and the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Dieseases. April 19th, 2008.
http://www.condomman.com/articles/index.php?tag=rising-std-rates.
5. Condoms' Effectiveness in Preventing Pregnancy, Std's at Center of Debate on Revising Package Labels. The Media Project. June
30,2005. http://www.themediaproject.com/news/itn/063005.htm.
6. Weller, SC. "A meta-analysis of condom effectiveness in reducing sexually transmitted HIV." Soc Sci Med. 1993 Jun:36(12):1635-44.
Comment in Soc Sci Med. 1994 Apr:38(8): 1169-70.
7. Glenn, Gary. "Compassionate Society Should Discourage Deadly Homosexual Behavior." American Family Association.
March 19, 2001. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1039280/posts.
8. Berger, Joseph. "Start of Condom Distribution Fails to Faze Many Students". November 24, 1991. The New York Times.
nytimes.com.
9. Ibid.
10. Advocates for Youth. Unpublished data from the School Condom Availability Clearinghouse. Washington DC: Advocates, 1997.
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/factsheet/fsschcon.htm.
11. The Associated Press. Tuesday, March 11, 2008. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23574940/print/1/displaymode/1098.
12. Safe Sex Education in the USA. March 25th, 2008. http://www.condomman.com/articles/index.php?tag=rising-std-rates.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Homosexuality? Caution is Wisdom!
At the end of April, 2008 the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and the United States Student Association will sponsor the 12th annual Day of Silence in many public schools across the country with the goal of increasing tolerance for the homosexual lifestyle among children.
I am astonished and concerned at how quickly our society has been influenced to move toward the normalization of homosexuality.
I am not here discussing homosexuals, many of whom contribute generously to their community. As individuals in society, every person deserves respect and consideration. I am rather considering the personal and social consequences of homosexuality as a normalized lifestyle.
Some argue that homosexuality has a genetic base. There is much debate about this.
A molecular biologist who headed studies on gay brothers in 1993 concluded that social influences play the leading role in determining homosexuality. He stated, "From twin studies, we already know that half or more of the variability in sexual orientation is not inherited."1.
Many behaviors, including premarital and extramarital sex, incest, sexual abuse of children, and polygamy, may have genetic predispositions; however, behavior is more than genetics. Behavior has a social dimension. To extend normality to behaviors that may be destructive to individuals and society and may take generations to repair is neither prudent, just, nor practical. 2.
The profound changes that would occur in social organization warrant caution and serious consideration, particularly in regard to social integration, social freedom, social reproduction, and social health.
Homosexuality and social integration
The normalization of homosexuality will encourage social disintegration as men relate intimately to men and women to women. In spite of immense variation within the sexes, there remain fundamental differences in biological and emotional makeup. Misunderstanding will develop as each sex holds the other in unrealistic awe on the one hand or loathing on the other.
The traditional family is the building block for the integration of society as individuals grow in
understanding of various perspectives within the heterosexual family. This family unit integrates men and women, children, grandparents and extended relatives in personal and caring relationships that transcend the generations. Countless research studies confirm that the greatest sources of nurture, support, and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within the family unit. 3. 3a.
To preserve and support the family as the building block for social integration, our schools need to include training in the processes that enable caring relationships in marriage and family, including skills in communication, conflict resolution, and compromise.
Homosexuality and social freedom
The essence of freedom in America does not rest on the belief that every person can do whatever he or she wants to do at all times. Freedom in America maintains our ability to preserve and protect our best values, express them within the culture, and pass them on to future generations. Social freedom requires responsible citizenship.
The family is the foundation upon which freedom is built. The autonomous family preserves and passes down it's unique cultural values to the next generation, providing the checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremes.Homosexuality will jeopardize the intergenerational transfer of cultural patterns within society.
Homosexuality and social reproduction
The normalization of homosexuality will jeopardize social reproduction and the intergenerational transfer of genetic patterns. Reproduction within the homosexual union will necessitate contrivance and manipulation.
The specter of eugenics becomes evident as the commercialization of reproduction through the buying of sperm and egg and the creating of children through deliberate planning by professionals (at high cost) replaces the caring and loving union of mother , father, children, and extended family.
Homosexuality and social health
Personal and public health risks associated with homosexual behaviors are deeply troubling.
According to the American Medical Association, homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) than their heterosexual counterparts.4
* Syphilis rates in the U.S. that had significantly decreased in the 1990's, increased between 2001 and 2006, primarily among men. Syphilis rates attributed to men having sex with men (MSM) increased from 4% in 2000 to 62% in 2004.5.
* In a 1997 news article, The New York Times stated that a male teenager entering the homosexual lifestyle today has a 50% chance of getting AIDS by the age of fifty.6.
* By 1998, AIDS was the fifth leading cause of death for people ages 25-44. The first cases were reported in the U.S. in 1981 in the homosexual community. 77% of those affected with AIDS are male. Bisexual behaviors have transferred the disease to the heterosexual community.7.
* In the United States, MSM accounted for 70% of all estimated HIV infections in 2004, even though only about 5-7% of male adults and adolescents identify themselves as MSM.8.
* The cumulative estimated deaths of persons with AIDS in the United States in 2005 was 530,307 persons. 9.
Homosexuality comes to school
In the early 1990's homosexual activists sought to promote tolerance of the gay and lesbian lifestyles in the public schools, and to normalize these lifestyles in the public perception. The National Education Association promoted material entitled Affording Equal Opportunity to Gay and Lesbian Students. 10.
Although children have neither the experience nor the insight to evaluate this information, comprehensive sex education curriculums included discussions of homosexuality even in elementary materials. Teaching homosexuality as a viable and normal behavior to elementary children is of particular concern because preadolescent children typically gather in same sex groups, avoiding the opposite sex. To present this as a possible sign of homosexual attraction jeopardizes the ability of children to move into a healthy heterosexual relationship and marriage.
Caution is wisdom
In 1993, Morton Kaplan analyzed the changing patterns of sexual and family relationships and wisely cautioned against hasty and unexamined changes in family patterns. He states, "Our ability to function rationally depends on taboos and social and legal constraints that maintain character and a sense of appropriateness...I suggest prudence, that we do not allow a slippery slope to take us unawares... We need serious discussion rather than the polemics and the heat we are now generating." 11.
In 2003, a writer in the Wall Street Journal cautioned, "Most of the 'slippery slope' warnings of the last decades have proved tragically accurate despite the mockery that silenced them. From the domino theory, to drugs, divorce, to permissive sexuality, who can deny the devastation wrought by each - broken homes, addictions, AIDS?"
Personal and social effects of changes should be seriously weighed before extending the range of permissible behavior.
References
1. Palen, John A. Social Problems for the twenty-First Century. 2001. McGraw Hill:438-439.
2. Kaplan. Morton A. "Common sense on gay rights." The World and I October, 1993:403-407.
3. Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation. Council on Families. 1995:pgs. 9-11.
http://www.americanvalues.org/html/r-marriage_in_america.html.
3 a. Why Marriage Matters, Second Edition: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the Social Sciences. Institute for American Values. 2005.
New York, NY.
4. American Adolescents: How Healthy Are They? The American Medical Association. 1990: pg 31.
5. Center for Disease Control, STD Surveillance 2006.
http://www.cdc,gov/STD/stats/syphilis.htm. Jan 2, 2008.
6. Sheryl Gay Stolberg. "Gay Culture Sense and Sexuality". New York Times (late edition, east coast), 23, 1997. section4, pg. 1.
7. Center for Disease Control. July 2006. http://wwwcdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/print/msm.htm.
8. Center for Disease Control, April 2004.
9. Center for Disease Control-Basic Statistics. pg. 5. June 28, 2007.
10. Buss, Dale. "homosexual rights go to school." Christianity Today. Vol. 37, No. 6 (May 17) 1993:70-72.
11. Kaplan, Morton A. "Common sense on gay rights." The World and I. October, 1993:403-407.
12. Kaylan, Melik. "The Way We Live Now". The Wall Street Journal. Friday. August 8, 2003. Opinion Page
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tragic Statistics! Wake up and smell the coffee!
On March 11, 2008 researchers at the federal Center for Disease Control announced that 1 in 4 teen girls has at least one sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). The virus that causes cervical cancer, the human papilloma virus, was the most common, affecting 18% of the 838 girls studied. Chlamydia, the second most common, affecting 4% of the sample, can cause infertility. Nearly half of black teens had one or more STD's, while 20% of white and Mexican American teens were affected. 1.
Sexual temptation is ripping the soul out of our American culture, our children's lives, and our families. As we are bombarded with sexual images, our culture is giving us a license to lust. Little is being said about the tragic consequences of behaviors once considered immoral, even sinful.
Casual sexual behaviors presented as acceptable by Hollywood, television, the press and even our universities and schools have become the dominant force in our society. Young people are being drawn into early and promiscuous sexual relationships.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING TRAGIC STATISTICS
Abortions:
In the wake of Roe v. Wade in 1973 more than 45 million abortions were performed in the United States by the year 2000. 2.
81% of abortions are to unmarried women
52% are to women younger than 25 years of age
19% are to teens
Out-of-wedlock births:
In 1960, 4% of births were to unmarried women. By 2005 out-of-wedlock births accounted for 37% of the babies born in the United States. 3.
Fatherless homes:
40% or more of children are being raised without a father present in the home. Fatherhood is the most socializing and civilizing role for men. With the increase in out-of-wedlock childbirth and the increase in divorce many men are being left out of this important social function. 4.
Deterioration of child well-being:
Key indicators point toward the deterioration of child well-being, including: rates of delinquency and crime; suicide; depresssion; growing number of children in poverty; and drug and alcohol abuse. The most fundamental factor contributing to the deteriorating well-being of children is the weakening of marriage as an institution. 5.
An epidemic of sexually trasmitted diseases has resulted from the increasing prevalence of casual and non-monogamous sexual behaviors.
3 million new cases of chlamydia occur annually in the U.S. Usually occurring without symptoms, chlamydia can lead to infertility, tubal pregnancies and increased risk of HIV infections. 6.
5.5 million people become infected with the human papilloma virus each year. Cervical cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer are attributed to this virus. 7.
Gonorrhea is the 2nd most commonly reported STD in the U.S. Gonorrhea rates for 15-19 year old women are the highest rates compared to other age or sex groups. These infections are a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. 8.
Syphilis rates in the U.S. that had significantly decreased in the 1990's, increased between 2001 and 2006, primarily among men. Syphilis rates attributed to men having sex with men increased from 4% in 2000 to 62% in 2004. 9.
7
By 1998 AIDS was the fifth leading cause of death for people ages 25-44.
The first cases were reported in the U.S. in 1981 in the homosexual community. 77% of those affected with AIDS are male. Bisexual behaviors have transferred the disease to the heterosexual community. 10.
The cumulative estimated deaths of persons with AIDS in the U.S. in 2005 was 530,307.
A male teen entering the homosexual lifestyle today has a 50% chance of getting AIDS by the age of fifty. 11.
Shame On Us!
Our parents and grandparents would have made a public outcry to the sexual portrayals assaulting us. Today we are silent!
Our silence and failure to challenge destructive behaviors provide no defense or support for young people that could help them protect their sexuality for a loving family.
Shame on us!
References:
1. The Associated Press. Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23574940/print/1/displaymode/1098.
2. Center for Disease Control - Abortion Surveillance - US, 2000.
3. Associated Press. Nov. 21, 2006. MSNBC.com
4. David Blankenhorn. Fatherlessless in America. NY:Harper Perennial. 1996.
5. Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation. Council on Families. 1995.
6. Center for Disease Control. STD Prevention Press release. Dec. 5, 2000.
7. Ibid
8 . Center for Disease Control. STD Surveillance 2006. http.www.cdc.gov/STD/stats/syphilis.htm. Jan 2,
2008
9. Ibid
10. Center for Disease Control, April 2004; June 28, 2007.
11. Sheryl Gay Stolberg, "Gay Culture" : NYTimes 23, 1997, section 4, page 1.
Sexual temptation is ripping the soul out of our American culture, our children's lives, and our families. As we are bombarded with sexual images, our culture is giving us a license to lust. Little is being said about the tragic consequences of behaviors once considered immoral, even sinful.
Casual sexual behaviors presented as acceptable by Hollywood, television, the press and even our universities and schools have become the dominant force in our society. Young people are being drawn into early and promiscuous sexual relationships.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING TRAGIC STATISTICS
Abortions:
In the wake of Roe v. Wade in 1973 more than 45 million abortions were performed in the United States by the year 2000. 2.
81% of abortions are to unmarried women
52% are to women younger than 25 years of age
19% are to teens
Out-of-wedlock births:
In 1960, 4% of births were to unmarried women. By 2005 out-of-wedlock births accounted for 37% of the babies born in the United States. 3.
Fatherless homes:
40% or more of children are being raised without a father present in the home. Fatherhood is the most socializing and civilizing role for men. With the increase in out-of-wedlock childbirth and the increase in divorce many men are being left out of this important social function. 4.
Deterioration of child well-being:
Key indicators point toward the deterioration of child well-being, including: rates of delinquency and crime; suicide; depresssion; growing number of children in poverty; and drug and alcohol abuse. The most fundamental factor contributing to the deteriorating well-being of children is the weakening of marriage as an institution. 5.
An epidemic of sexually trasmitted diseases has resulted from the increasing prevalence of casual and non-monogamous sexual behaviors.
3 million new cases of chlamydia occur annually in the U.S. Usually occurring without symptoms, chlamydia can lead to infertility, tubal pregnancies and increased risk of HIV infections. 6.
5.5 million people become infected with the human papilloma virus each year. Cervical cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer are attributed to this virus. 7.
Gonorrhea is the 2nd most commonly reported STD in the U.S. Gonorrhea rates for 15-19 year old women are the highest rates compared to other age or sex groups. These infections are a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. 8.
Syphilis rates in the U.S. that had significantly decreased in the 1990's, increased between 2001 and 2006, primarily among men. Syphilis rates attributed to men having sex with men increased from 4% in 2000 to 62% in 2004. 9.
7
By 1998 AIDS was the fifth leading cause of death for people ages 25-44.
The first cases were reported in the U.S. in 1981 in the homosexual community. 77% of those affected with AIDS are male. Bisexual behaviors have transferred the disease to the heterosexual community. 10.
The cumulative estimated deaths of persons with AIDS in the U.S. in 2005 was 530,307.
A male teen entering the homosexual lifestyle today has a 50% chance of getting AIDS by the age of fifty. 11.
Shame On Us!
Our parents and grandparents would have made a public outcry to the sexual portrayals assaulting us. Today we are silent!
Our silence and failure to challenge destructive behaviors provide no defense or support for young people that could help them protect their sexuality for a loving family.
Shame on us!
References:
1. The Associated Press. Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23574940/print/1/displaymode/1098.
2. Center for Disease Control - Abortion Surveillance - US, 2000.
3. Associated Press. Nov. 21, 2006. MSNBC.com
4. David Blankenhorn. Fatherlessless in America. NY:Harper Perennial. 1996.
5. Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation. Council on Families. 1995.
6. Center for Disease Control. STD Prevention Press release. Dec. 5, 2000.
7. Ibid
8 . Center for Disease Control. STD Surveillance 2006. http.www.cdc.gov/STD/stats/syphilis.htm. Jan 2,
2008
9. Ibid
10. Center for Disease Control, April 2004; June 28, 2007.
11. Sheryl Gay Stolberg, "Gay Culture" : NYTimes 23, 1997, section 4, page 1.
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