(December 15, 2009) If your state doesn't have laws that let you do what you'd like to do, how much can you "shop around" for one with different rules?  Dr J responds to the proposal (stated here by MSU legal researcher Adam Candeub) that we allow homosexual marriages to be performed over the internet.  It may alleviate the state-to-state legal battles appearing all over the United States...or it may be a foot-in-the-door policy like so many others.  How would we ensure that both parties are consenting?  Dr J addresses these concerns and much more on this episode of Issues, Etc.

(December 17, 2009) This morning, Dr J appeared on Dennis O'Donovan's Florida-based radio show, "Religion, Politics, and Culture."  She discussed a wide range of topics--including equality, the so-called "sandwich generation," socialism, the Catholic Church, and European society--and how they relate to that particular social institution called "marriage."  Movements away from marriage make us all more vulnerable and allow expansion of the power of the state.  This podcast is roughly an hour long.

(December 4, 2009) "Sexting"--the practice of sending pornographic self-portraits via cell-phone--has become a widespread part of the dating experience among young people.  Dr J unpacks how a casual attitude toward the human body--and sexting is just one of its manifestations--sends shocks through the sexual and emotional parts of your being.

(November 24, 2009) Dr J and Todd Wilken meet on Issues, Etc. to discuss no-fault divorce and its 40-year legacy in Canada and the United States.  The discussion was sparked by Dr. Anne-Marie Ambert's report on the subject, "Divorce: Facts, Causes, and Consequences."

(November 18, 2009) The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issues a pastoral letter on the source of marriage and its value to non-religious society.  View the entire letter here in PDF format.

(November 17, 2009) DC Catholic Charities has been issued an ultimatum by the City Council: change your views on homosexuality, or we won't allow you to participate in city contracts that aid the poor.  The council is trying to paint the situation as inflexibility on the part of the charities.  Dr J elucidates...

(November 17, 2009) Dr J appears on Issues, Etc. to discuss this morning's Barbara Walters/Sarah Palin interview and the ongoing reaction to Sarah Palin herself.  She's a very polarizing figure, even though she seems to fit the definition of a modern woman in many ways: mom of a large family, high-profile job with possibilities of promotion.  Yet feminists loathe her and conservatives applaud her.  Dr J elucidates the feminists' position and the reasons for their reaction to this pro-family politico.

(November 11, 2009) The U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops has been pushing for universal healthcare in America since the 1950's.  However, the current crop of legislation includes taxpayer funding for abortion.  Dr J unpacks their stance on the bill in this segment of Issues, Etc.

(November 3, 2009) Today Maine's citizens vote on whether to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in their state.  They will either become the first state where voters have supported gay marriage...or the 31st state whose voters have upheld traditional marriage.  Dr J has some thoughts on this historic vote.

(October 27, 2009) The New York Times titled "The Lifetime Cost of Being Gay" makes some larger (unintended) points about marriage in general.  Dr J illuminates them in this Issues, Etc segment.