By Staff
The headlines say it all: "Gay Marriage is a Right…," "FCC Ok's F-Word," "Judges Ban Pledge of Allegiance from Schools…" These are taken from recent news stories and reflect what many people believe is evidence that America is now at a moral crossroads.
Recently, the national media broke the news that the Massachusetts Supreme Court has ruled in favor of same-sex marriages in that state. While the issue is by no means settled, it sets the stage for the battle over a redefinition of marriage in America. The institution of marriage is the foundation of the family.
And families play a critical role in raising our children, the future of our society.
According to recent polls, a majority of Americans believe that marriage should be reserved as a legal union between men and women. I agree, and accordingly I have cosponsored H.J. Res. 56, or the Federal Marriage Amendment.
It would amend the Constitution to state that "marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman." I am also on record as supporting the Defense of Marriage Act that passed into law in 1996. It protects marriage as a male-female bond and allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages which might be legal in other states.
Same-sex marriage partners are also ineligible for survivors benefits under Federal veterans and Social Security programs, or to file joint tax returns.
Last month, many were shocked upon reading that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allowed the broadcast of offensive language that was formerly prohibited.
Specifically, the FCC ruled October 3 that the "F-word" could be spoken on broadcast radio and television provided it is not used to depict "sexual or excretory activities." The Commission made the ruling in response to hundreds of protests from the use of this profane word by U2's Bono during the January Golden Globe Awards aired on national television.
I have received hundreds of emails from citizens of South Alabama who are understandably outraged by the FCC's action. Clearly, it sets the precedent for the use of foul language on any radio and television channel at any hour of the day and night. This is unacceptable and I have conveyed my displeasure to the FCC.
I understand the Commission is currently reviewing its decision.
Last year, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional and said it could not be recited in classrooms because of its inclusion of the words "under God." I have cosponsored legislation in the U.S. House to make the Pledge off limits to court action, effectively protecting it.
The Pledge Protection Act has 222 cosponsors.
Isn't it ironic that a Federal court can prohibit the utterance of "under God" in our schools, yet the "F-word" is now acceptable in many broadcasts?
Isn't it ironic that the sacred, time-honored institution of marriage is being undermined by the courts' interpretation of "rights," yet the 10 Commandments are banned from public display?
Liberals clamor against prayer in schools while jealously guarding the right of record companies and Hollywood moviemakers to churn out music, videos and games glorifying sex and violence.
It's time Americans woke up to the forces that are slowly seeking to transform our country.
That means putting the courts, the media, and Hollywood on notice.
Only then will your voice be heard and our moral traditions protected for future generations.