A study entitled, “The Effect of Parental Involvement Laws on Youth Suicide” conducted from 1987 to 2003, found that a law requiring parental consent before a minor can have an abortion correlated with a 11 – 21 percent drop in suicides among 15-17-year-olds. The research comes from the Center for Disease Control Mortality Reports and concludes the results “are consistent with the hypothesis that parental involvement laws…serve to protect young females from depression and what have been termed ‘stressful life events.’”

The Guttmacher Institute lists a chart of each state’s parental consent laws for abortion. Only three, Kansas, Mississippi and North Dakota, require both parents’ approval for the procedure, while in Minnesota both parents have to at least be notified.

Further evidence that a lower suicide rate is linked to parental consent laws for abortion are the statistics of suicide rates on StateMaster.com.

California, which represents 17.7 percent of all abortions in the United States, ranks as the unfortunate number one with 3,397 suicides. New York, representing another large portion of the country’s total abortions with 12.6 percent, also ranked in the top five with 1,169 suicides. Meanwhile, Kansas, Mississippi and North Dakota, the states in which young women face the obstacle of obtaining parental consent before having abortions, showed significantly fewer suicides.

Not only is abortion in California easy to obtain, it is easy to find as well. There are a staggering 522 abortion facilities in the Golden State. With a total of 58 counties, this could mean nine facilities in each one. Combined with New York, more than a quarter of the country’s total abortions are concentrated in these two states alone.

The evidence suggests the states in which it is simplest to obtain an abortion are also the most mentally unhealthy.

‘Before and After’ pictures were common at Thursday’s Senate hearing entitled “Hurricane Sandy and its Effects: A Local Perspective.” The Environment and Public Works Committee met to discuss the storm’s path of destruction – a topic close to home for the senators who call the Northeast their home.

“We have a long road ahead to rebuild lives,” said Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

In her introduction, Boxer detailed the extent of Sandy’s devastation, citing staggering statistics such as 120 deaths, eight million people who lost power and 12,000 flights cancelled, just to name a few. To place the destruction in more perspective, Boxer’s fellow senators shared personal stories about how Sandy ravaged their communities.

Sen. Carper (D-DE), a native of Delaware, could not hide his concern.

“Sandy didn’t spare Delaware by any measure,” he said.

Carper showed attendees pictures of a Delaware Bay wildlife refuge prior to and after the storm, revealing an unnerving contrast.

“It was a wildlife refuge, but it turned into a saltwater marsh.”

Sen. Cardin (D-MD) had a similar report for his home state of Maryland. Although he said Maryland “fared better than most states,” he revealed how many citizens were “extremely vulnerable to public safety.” In Garrett County alone, he explained, with a population of roughly 30,000 people, 15,000 homes lost power. In other words, the storm impacted nearly every resident.

Sens. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Whitehouse (D-RI), too, shared gloomy reports about how their home states of New Jersey and Rhode Island were ravaged.

The majority agreed, however, that climate change could explain the sheer size of the storm, citing a shift in global temperature.

In any case, and, after sharing information about the sheer devastation faced in their respective states, each senator suggested ways to move forward – in regards to both cleanup and prevention. Most praised Obama’s and FEMA’s response to the tragedy, suggesting the federal government should be highly involved and they discussed the need to improve their states’ highways and other forms of transportation.

“Infrastructure has to be in concert with what we now know, in order to prevent tragedy,” said Lautenberg.

The colleagues also stressed the need to pursue Sen. Boxer’s Water Resources Development bill, an act which would fund water supplies, restoration and flood control projects.

Boxer expressed hopes of bringing the bill forward within the first 30 days of the new administration. The participants seemed to agree the topic at hand was difficult, but necessary.

“It’s hard to imagine what life is like when your home is gone,” said Lautenberg. “These things…are reduced to rubble. Coming home to find nothing there.”

But, the senators were confident in each of their states and in the American people and shared optimism for the future.

“There were extreme efforts by first responders and ordinary citizens,” explained Carper.

“We’ll rebuild stronger than ever,” said Lautenberg.

 

Yesterday, Katie posted this video of Jamie Foxx calling Obama his “Lord and Savior.” Soon after the actor’s ridiculous comments, #IfObamaWasJesus became one of the most popular trending topics on Twitter. Here are some of the more amusing tweets:

@BenHowe: #IfObamaWasJesus He would've spent most of his sermon on the mount blaming the previous messiah.

@Doc_0: #IfObamaWasJesus The huge celestial teleprompter that appeared for the Sermon on the Mount would really have intimidated the Romans.

@Doc_0: #IfObamaWasJesus Judas would have been forced to re-distribute that silver to the other apostles.

@RebeccaAnn81: #IfObamaWasJesus He wouldn't have raised Lazarus from the dead because he could have voted anyway.

@AspiringThrawn: #IfObamaWasJesus , he would have pointed to the Earth and yelled to God - "You didn't build that!".

@ChiefNavyTim: #IfObamaWasJesus The Final Supper would have been paid for with an #EBT card

@PointlessPol: #IfObamaWasJesus He wouldn't heal the blind until an "independent panel of medical experts" told him too.

@Imaumbn: #IfObamaWasJesus he could turn water in to Kool-Aid®

@ColoradoRight: #IfObamaWasJesus Follow me and I will make you organizers of communities

@gwardhome: #IfObamaWasJesus could we Impeach him over the Separation of Church and State?

As eager families travel to relatives’ homes this week to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, they may be surprised by billboards from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals discouraging holiday merriment. The billboards are targeted at children, reading “KIDS: If you wouldn’t eat your dog, why eat a turkey? Go Vegan.” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal’s latest advertising ploy in Nevada and California is sure to make people lose their appetites.

The animal rights group even took its attack on traditional Thanksgiving dinner all the way to the White House. On Tuesday, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk implored President Obama to forgo the presidential turkey pardon. The event is a tradition in which the Commander in Chief grants a bird forgiveness from ending up the main dish at Thanksgiving dinner.

"It makes light of the mass slaughter of some 46 million gentle, intelligent birds and portrays the United States' president as being in some sort of business partnership with the turkey-killing industry," Newkirk wrote in a letter to the White House. Newkirk also asked the president to choose a "delicious, healthy Tofurkey" for his holiday dinner instead.

Many charities and food banks are in desperate need of help, yet donors blindsided by PETA’s attention grabbing advertising are cutting checks for animals instead of people.

PETA’s misguided allocation of money is no surprise considering its long history of valuing animals over human life. In 2003, the group embarked on a campaign in California entitled “Holocaust on Your Plate.” At the event, 60-square-foot panels showed chilling scenes from Nazi death camps juxtaposed with disturbing photographs from factory farms and slaughterhouses. That’s not where PETA ended the comparison, making sure to point out 12 million animals are killed every four hours in the U.S. and juxtaposing with six million people exterminated in the Holocaust. Hitler ordered his Nazi regime to brutally kill Jews and other victims because of his hatred and racism, disposing of anyone who did not fit in his “perfect” Aryan race. Animals, on the other hand, are killed so that people may eat.

PETA’s outlandish events and advertising are not the only way the organization wastes money. In its 2011 annual report, the non-profit reveals it received $30 million in contributions, over $20 million of which went toward “public outreach and education” and “research, investigations and rescue.”

Part of the “research” PETA has conducted in the past includes studying the treatment of monkeys in the Oregon National Primate Research Center. For four months, a PETA investigator claimed the monkeys were “driven insane by laboratory conditions,” according to peta.org.

In New York City, approximately 1.4 million people rely on food banks. The New York Food Bank spent $1,807,319 in 2010 on its Community Kitchen program, a food banking mission that provides the needy an average of 50,000 meals each month, the organization reports. Based on this statistic, the $30 million in contributions that went toward PETA could easily fund the program and keep New Yorkers full for a decade. PETA's time and money suggest that disinfecting monkey cages are more valuable.

To counter PETA’s goals this Thanksgiving, let’s explain why we celebrate the holiday in the first place. Let’s highlight the pilgrims’ bravery in coming to the New World to escape a system in which they were persecuted to build a better life. Thanksgiving is meant to celebrate our love of family and country, not an opportunity for animal rights groups to persuade us meat eaters are cold-hearted animal abusers. With the right message, we can ensure dinners will be guilt-free and we can keep turkey on the table.

"Why did Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan lose?” Jonathan Weisman, a congressional reporter for the New York Times, posed this challenging, yet important question to Republican congressmen who took part in this month’s Conservations with Conservatives. Among the election results, the congress members also discussed the fiscal cliff, the lame duck session, immigration and Paul Ryan.

Rep. Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), along with Rep. Raúl Labrador (ID-01), Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04) and Rep. Steve King (IA-05), discussed the future of the GOP, as well as a host of policy issues they will face as members of the 113th Congress. The Heritage Foundation’s Lachlan Markay moderated the hour-long event, which took place at the Rayburn House Office Building next door to the Capitol.

“We need to do a better job of articulating conservative principles,” said Huelskamp. “Millions of Americans have not heard what we believe in – the value of individual opportunity.”

Rep. Labrador suggested another reason the GOP did not win the White House was its failure to attract certain demographics. “We (Republicans) will never be the majority party if we don't reach out to Hispanics.”

When the conversation switched to the economy, Rep. King issued a stark warning, “It’s not a fiscal cliff, it’s a fiscal waterfall.”

Huelskamp challenged Obama to bring some new economically sound plans to the table, “This is the time, Mr. President, for you to step up to the plate.”

Although they cannot control the steps the president will take next, Labrador insisted he and his fellow congressmen will work hard on their end to avoid an economic crisis. “He has the mandate to talk about it and we have a mandate to fight it.”

The congressman proceeded to explain how they will fight against raising taxes and work to raise revenue through tax reform and regulatory reform.

The congress members cheered up when talking about Rep. Paul Ryan. Ryan received a double standing ovation when walking into Congress today, according to King. The other panel representatives commended the Budget Committee Chairman’s efforts on the campaign trail as Mitt Romney’s running mate and his articulate way of explaining the need for economic reform.

“He’s probably our best spokesperson on how serious this fiscal situation is,” said Rep. Jordan.

With Ryan and a new fighting spirit, the conservative members of Congress are ready to begin this congressional term with confidence and a plan to restore American individualism.

Liberal arts colleges these days often promote alternative lifestyles with the implementation of Sexuality, Gender and Queer Studies programs in their course catalogues. Instead of the typical English, math or science course, students can now enroll in classes such as “Sexual Justice: Lesbians, Gays and the Law” at DePaul University, or Portland State University’s “Lesbian Literature.” But, this semester Oberlin College is taking education in gay culture to a whole new level by dubbing 2012 the Year of the Queer.

During the 2012-13 academic year, Oberlin is celebrating homosexuality with an interdisciplinary series of academic courses, events, performances and lectures aimed at encouraging students to engage in a community-wide conversation about queer life today, according to oberlin.edu.

One of the most recently scheduled speakers, University of Michigan professor David Halperin, gave a talk entitled, “How to Be Gay.” Halperin has a long history of studying gay culture and taught a class called “How to be Gay: Male Homosexuality and Initiation” at UM. He describes the course:

“It was [on] the question of whether there is a gay cultural difference,” Halperin said.” “In particular I was interested in non-gay objects from mainstream culture that gay men have appropriated and made over so that they function in gay male social worlds as vehicle[s for] gay male cultural expression. A well-known example would be anything from Judy Garland to Bette Davis to Madonna or Cher. Lady Gaga wasn’t around at the time, but that would be another good example.”

After his formal speech at Oberlin, Halperin continued to promote a discussion on gay lifestyle on the campus. The next morning, he attended a sociology class and invited students to ask him further questions about queer theory.

Esther Newton, a lesbian professor who teaches Women's Studies and American Culture at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and is Professor Emerita of Anthropology and Kempner Distinguished Research Professor at Purchase College, State University of New York, is another lecturer for Year of the Queer. Her speech, scheduled for today, will center on her new book, My Butch Career: A Scholar's Life. Newton is no amateur of studying gay culture. A few of her other books include Fire Island: Sixty Years in America's first gay and lesbian town, Margaret Mead made me gay: personal essays, public ideas and Mother Camp: Female Impersonators in America. While conducting research for Mother Camp, a book detailing the lives of drag queens, Newton performed field spending time in the noisy bars, dressing rooms, cheap apartments and hotels to create a first-hand account of the alternative lifestyle, according to goodreads.com.

Oberlin’s goal of encouraging queer dialogue is not limited to Year of the Queer lectures or events. Professors admitted to introducing some aspect of queer culture into other programs of study, according to the school’s website.

“Professors pulled curricula together for classes in several departments that would focus on queer theoretical subject matter in their own ways, making it possible for students to be able to take classes taught with a lens of historical and contemporary queer theory in their respective majors.” Some of these departments included African American Studies, Classics, the First Year Seminar Program, Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies, History, Politics, Religion Comparative American Studies and Theater & Dance.

The Year of the Queer series nears conclusion with a Drag Ball in April, but with gay-oriented material slowly inching its way into other programs of study, it’s clear some Oberlin professors will continue to push a homosexual agenda in their classrooms.

With the advancement of queer dialogue in liberal arts colleges, students hoping for more colorful discussions may get more than they expected.

A heated war of words is currently unfolding on Twitter between pop star Cher and mogul Donald Trump. After the singer found out Trump’s brand was all over Macy’s, the singer tweeted she is boycotting the department store:

I’ll NEVER GO TO MACY’S AGAIN ! I didnt know they sold Donald Trump’s Line! If they don’t care that they sell products from a LOUDMOUTH

Trump responded in kind:

@cher should spend more time focusing on her family and dying career!

Cher, an outspoken liberal and Obama supporter, is not a fan of the conservative Trump, who has harshly criticized the president for presiding over a failing economy. Cher refuses to step foot in a store that sells the billionaire’s line.

It’s doubtful the Trump empire will suffer from one lost sale.

We know Barack Obama will be pictured on almost every newspaper in America today. But, how does the rest of the world view America’s reelection of the Democratic president? These headlines from around the world reveal the varying perceptions foreign nations have of Obama’s success and what it means for the future of our country.

France’s Le Monde proclaims, “Les Cles de la victoire d’Obama” and analyzes the president’s decisive win:

“Paradoxically, it is the balance that allowed Barack Obama to win. He showed that federal aid can contribute to economic growth. And he managed to seduce the electorate Hispanic deterred by the conservatism of the Republicans.”

Other news sites disregard generalities and use selective wording to tout their approval. Consider this headline from Al Ja-Zeera, the popular satellite TV broadcaster based in Qatar:

“Triumphant Obama looks to the future”

Al Arabiya News, another publication in the Arab world, proclaims, “Obama does it again!”

Over in Europe, England’s The Daily Mail shows a photo of the Obamas celebrating with the words “Now make them count” underneath in bold letters.

The article proceeds to praise the president’s acceptance speech:

“Barack Obama this morning called for unity and presented an optimistic vision of the future as he declared victory in the American presidential election.”

Other outlets are not so optimistic about Obama’s pledge to reunite America. Many foresee challenges ahead for our “shining city on a hill.”

In Antarctica, for instance, MercoPress writes,

“Obama re-elected but Congress remains deeply divided.”

Switzerland’s 24 Heures echoes this warning:

“Barack Obama wins without reuniting America.”

Egypt’s Kalem Journal headlines the election with a question:

“Obama is Reelected: Now What?”

“The mood surrounding Mr. Obama’s reelection is a far cry from the gushing joy that was felt throughout the country and much of the world four years ago. The U.S. economy remains in a precarious situation: high unemployment, massive debt and sluggish growth have kept the country draped in a pessimistic mood. External contingencies like a slowing China or a Eurozone collapse threaten to drag the U.S. economy into another recession.”

Ireland’s The Independent is yet another outlet that suggests Obama can only enjoy a cautious celebration:

“US election 2012: Little victory time for President Obama as major challenges looming.”

Instead of focusing on the big picture, some international sites choose to concentrate on pretty unique angles. Italy’s CronaCaoggi, for example, centers its election coverage on/ on the president’s running mate:

“US Elections and Style of Vice President Joe Biden”

The short post, instead of discussing the results, reveals how Biden did not have to wait in line when casting his vote on Election Day.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz, meanwhile, places more emphasis on the president’s dealings with Iran than the race itself:

“Iran to take center stage again on new-old President Obama’s agenda.”

“Even if Obama’s attitude toward Israel seems estranged, he is a ‘responsible adult’ with a sober grasp of what’s happening in the Middle East and of strategic interests in the region.”

Election Day in America spawned different headlines and varying angles. But, one thing’s for sure:

Obama’s face will remain a familiar image around the world for the next four years.

Independent candidate and former Governor Angus King is the projected winner of Maine’s Senate race, the Associated Press projects. The left-leaning independent held a solid lead throughout the campaign over Republican challenger Charlie Summers and Democratic candidate Cynthia Dill. King won despite criticism for accepting large donations from billionaires such as New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He will replace former Republican candidate Olympia Snowe, who decided to retire after 18 years in the Senate because of partisan gridlock.

Tourists in downtown Washington, D.C. may have been confused by a small, colorful gathering on the mall on Saturday, as a group of activists came together for the “Million Puppet March” with a message of government support for PBS. While the Count may have been disappointed – the assembled crowd for this million-strong march was a few hundred at most – the activists in their cobbled-together homemade costumes did their best.

Big Bird, Grover and the Wild Things took pictures with fans in a sea of Obama/Biden signs and ‘Puppets Unite!’ posters. For anyone walking to the Smithsonian museums, they could be regaled by an activist dressed as Kermit singing “Rainbow Connection” as attendants cheered for the rights of their furry friends.

Co-organizers Chris Mecham and Michael Bellavia created their puppet march after the first presidential debate in which Governor Mitt Romney now infamously insisted he “loves Big Bird,” yet pledged to cut funding to PBS. Offended by the governor’s comments, the two men met on social media to vent their frustration and make their virtual idea a reality.

Their march’s mission is to increase awareness of the importance of federal funding to our public broadcasting system and to promote broad based support for its continuation, according to millionmuppetmarch.com.

While these marchers celebrated the Muppets, Romney supporters showed up in throngs this weekend to cheer the governor in battleground states Ohio, New Hampshire, Iowa and Colorado. If the Republican is elected this Tuesday, the marchers may find that the federal government isn’t always a benevolent puppetmaster.