MINUTES - March 11, 2009

Marge Clayton welcomed members of the forum at the Bountiful City Library at 10:15 am. the invocation was given by Marva Lyman and the pledge of Allegiance was led by Laurie Cutler.

Marge expressed gratitude for all of those attending and who have attended and are interested in a focus on the founding principles of our Constitution. Especially, in the troubled times we are living in, she said it is important to step up and take a stand on important matters. She referred to the book, "The 5000 Year Leap" by W. Cleon Skousen, from which we take our Principles of Freedom that are presented at our forum meetings. This book can greatly enhance our understanding of our country's founding principles and is available to anyone who does not yet have a copy.

The Principle of Freedom for this month was taught by Becky Nelson. The subject was "The Highest Level of Prosperity Occurs when there is a Free-market Economy and a Minimum of Government regulations." She began by reading us the 'Dedication' page at the front of the book which reminded us of our great Founding Fathers and the inspired Constitution they wrote. Today's principle deals with the creation of our free-market economy, its history and its contribution to the early prosperity of our country, in part due to a "minimum of governments regulations. She mentioned the 4 laws of Economic Freedom: to try, to buy, to sell, to fail. Then, in relating this principle to today's meeting topic, she taught us that one area of legitimate responsibility which belongs to government includes efforts to prevent "debauchery of the culteral standards and moral fiber of society by commercial exploitation of vice" which includes the distribution of pornography ---clearly a threat we are facing in our country today.

Marge Clayton thanked Becky and then asked us to think, 'What do I do now regarding this principle and how can I make a difference?' She also recognized a visitor, Fred Behrmann, whose specialty includes treating addiction with EFT. His pamphlets were available on the table for anyone interested.

Debra Poulsen gave us a report on the Legislature, shich is still in session. She also expressed appreciation for our inspired Founding Fathers. She then expressed enthusiastic and genuine thanks to many women of the forum who have become educated about and active in our state's legislative process. She is excited to see more women participating---some stepping out of their 'comfort zone'! She applauds women who have taken the initiative to get involved whether they attended meetings, testified to committees, wrote emails or called their Legislators. By raise of hand, many in attendance have been active in this cause! She specifically thanked Laura Bunker, Daland England and our President-elect Kris Kimball. It has made a difference for our forum to be recognized as a group who has had influence on pro0family issues. Some of the bills mentioned were: HB90, HB114, HB222, HB 353, HB 337, SB 187. You can visit the website: www.le.state.ut.us for details on these and other bills.

Diane Prince introduced our guest speaker, Mark Chamberlain, PhD. He is a Salt Lake City-based clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of sexual addiction. He is in private practice and the author of several books, including "Confronting Pornography."

Dr. Chamberlain began by telling of a very early introduction to the world of psychology. As a young boy he was part of a study by the well-known Victor B. Cline, PhD, that was looking at TV viewing and desensitization to violence, excitment, etc. He told us that his current work is primarily with individaul clients. He reference John Harmer and his work with the terrible effects of and addiction of pronography; he agrees with Mr. Harmer's views that the commercial exploitation of pornographic materials is one of the greatest threats to individuals and to our society as a whole. Dr. Chamberlain says people may have the view that his work is depressing; on the contrary he sees many of his clients enjoy a good outcome and being "freed" from this addiction of pornography.

Pornography is a huge problem in our society; from an economic standpoint, its income annually is over $80 billion, surpassing revenues of all professional sports and related businesses. Concerning the nature of the problem, he sited sudied done using rhesus monkeys that translate into comparable behavior in humans. Sexuality as a motivator is very strong; even stronger in males. Dr. Chamberlain also explained the role of emotions in those seeking pornography. Very stron human emotions including depression, anger, grustration, anxiety have been shown to be linked to compulsive behavior, such as involvement with pornography. Of course, expression of strong emotions in humans is natural in important, but must be redirected and not suppressed. He said often, if a person cannot talk it out, then sometimes they act it out in a less desirable way. He cited anonymous experiences and situations people he has treated to illustrate many of these points.

There were questions from the forum members throughout his remarks which he tried to answer. Many are concerned about family members, expecially children and grandchildren, and their exposure to this medium. Dr. Chamberlain encouraged us to pay attention to what our kids are doing on the computer and watch for changes in their behavior. Some behavioral changes he said to watch for include: DETACHMENT, MOODINESS, BEING IMPATIENT, BEING RECLUSIVE OR OVERLY JUDGEMENTAL. In addressing some of the concerns expressed, he said of great importance is an open communicative family environment. Young people who can talk to their parents, be involved in service, or who have a good spiritual support group, etc. can all help with prevention of pornography addiction.

Most importantly, he urged us to become educated and take time to warn and teach your family about pornography and what to do about it if they mistakenly come across it - before it happens to them.

To hear Dr. Chamberlain's complete talk you can click on the audio link here on our blog.