Whereas, pornography degrades and dehumanizes both female and male participants; and

Whereas, pornography presents youth with a false and distorted image of human sexuality, devoid of love, commitment and responsibility; and

Whereas, pornography features criminal and other anti-social behaviors including adultery, bestiality, incest, child abuse, prostitution, teen promiscuity, unsafe sex, and the degradation, rape and torture of women; and

Whereas, the continued strength of our still great nation depends on the social and moral order nurtured in healthy families; and

Whereas, pornography leads males and females into sexual addictions that prevent and tear marriages apart; and

Whereas, the explosion of obscenity helps create the demand for women and children trafficked into sexual slavery; and

Whereas, so-called “adult” pornography is used by adult predators both to stimulate themselves and to entice, desensitize and instruct their child victims; and

Whereas, children molest other children in imitation of what they see in pornography; and

Whereas, according to a study conducted by the Crimes Against Children’s Resource Center, the percentage of Internet users ages 10-17 who were exposed to unwanted pornography in the previous year increased from 25% in 2000 to 34% in 2005; and

Whereas, the Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment does not protect obscenity; and that legitimate governmental interests are furthered by enforcing obscenity laws, including the protection of morality, public safety, the community environment, and family life; and

Whereas, a poll conducted by Harris Interactive in July 2006 found that 73% of adult Americans think that viewing pornographic websites and videos is morally unacceptable; and

Whereas, a poll conducted by Harris Interactive in April 2008 found that 75% of adult Americans said that they would support the next president were he to do all in his constitutional power to ensure that federal obscenity laws are enforced vigorously.

Now Therefore, I, James Liska, Mayor of the City of Three Rivers, Texas, do hereby proclaim October 26 through November 2, 2008, as

White Ribbon Against Pornography Week

In Three Rivers, Texas and call upon all citizens to wear or display white ribbons as a sign of their commitment to community standards of decency and their support for enforcement of the laws against obscene materials.

Signed - James Liska, Mayor City of Three RIvers, Texas

Attest: M. R. Forehand, City Secretary/Administrator