yes and no

the story behind the divorce rate isn't about a lack of family values, but more about the belief that marriage is something you are supposed to do to be a real couple, leading couples into to marriage out of a sense of "requirement" and not the un-deniable desire to join with a "significant other"...

and it makes perfect sense, that in areas where marriage is believed to be a passay, worthless, meaningless, valuless, old fashioned, legacy of a "moral" nation...that only those people who really want to get married (for the right reasons) are getting married...thus fewer divorces

I've said it before and I'll say it again, there has yet to be a single divorce between two people who were really in love when they got married

@wakehead

Very few times do I see someone hit the nail on the head as you just did

the ultimate "L" / "C" question...."Do you believe it is the Governments job to provide for the people, or is it Governments job to allow people to provide for themselves...

Mr.PheaNiques makes a good point. I moved to GA from MI several years ago, and compared to MI... kids here get married YOUNG (17-18-19) and are divorced within a few years, usually with a couple kids in tow. There are very very few single women in their mid-late 20's who are without children or a divorce under their belt.

It's this sense of moral obligation to get married to someone you are dating that leads to so many divorces. High-school sweethearts and all that are still big down here. They aren't getting married for the right reasons (sex is not a good reason to get married). They are also marrying way too early before experiencing life, and like normal young human beings they begin to yearn for more.

(frowns, shakes head)

Southern states, what would Jesus do?

I am amazed (although I shouldnt be) at how quickly this devolves into a "we-them" or "liberal-conservative" thing. The article identifies poverty as a main driver and only speculates why that may not be the issue in Nevada.
There are a lot of comments to agree with here in part, but most of them also include the desire to score points on their supposed opposites. A great way to get away from dealing with the real human suffering that poverty brings.

More lower class people in those states. Go figure.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, there has yet to be a single divorce between two people who were really in love when they got married.

BS. Just 'cos you say it doesn't make it so.

Since marriage has become basically a business transaction, it makes sense that when the household business fails, so does the relationship.

Yes, it shouldn't surprise anyone that nearly all of these are RED states. The evidence of hypocrisy is never far away.

Oh, the self-loathing....

Nonya, pretty much a sad but true statement. And when people inquire about these "business" transactions that fail, they sometimes encounter a reply of "It's Nonya damn business:)!"

It is the bible thumping that makes young kids believe they should be married if they are going to have sex.

That is where the issue is, teach young adults about responsibility with their actions, preach safe protected sex.

You guys are running your mouth but you're not getting the whole picture with this article.

The article lists two things, and breaks up one of those things by sex and the other by median income and poverty level. It lists the bare basics of the economy and divorce rate for men and women. It doesn't list race, background, geographical location (urban or rural), number of children during the divorce, average income of the parties involved, if any extraneous issues such as job loss or medical conditions, or foreclosure played into the divorce etc.

All you got was exactly what the author wanted you to see to make the biased point they wanted to make. Yet the politics immediately jumps into the fray. What if we went back to all those divorcees and found out most of them were Democrats would that change the tone in this thread? Instead of discussing the issue presented this turned into a political skewing fest.

sad article...MSN could do the states with the highest success rates?

Davinci01,

More than 30 states have banned it, and this is just the ten worst states for divorce rates. But, every single state on the list is one that banned it. Just saying. ;)

What if we went back to all those divorcees and found out most of them were Democrats would that change the tone in this thread?

What if monkeys flew out of my butt?

Missouri is not on the list and they banned same-sex marriage as well.

It's number 11.

L.J. Rhodes

Nice post.

It doesn't help the statistics when there are so many youngsters all across this country being told by a doctor that they are in love. Young men and women (more like boys and girls) that want to do the right thing, for all the wrong reasons. I watched all my friends just out of high school (Class of 80) get married, have a couple kids, (if it lasted that long) and then get divorced,.......in the State of Utah. I was born and raised in Southern Calif. Moved to Utah in 79. I couldn't believe the alcoholism rate, pregnancy rate just out of high school, and divorce rate in the rural areas. There was nothing else for the younger folk to do it seemed, but to go out drinking, partying, loosing virginity, getting married, (some just to get out of mom and dad's house) and divorced when they realize it's not all they thought it'd be.

I went into the military right out of high school. I had gone through two divorces as a kid, and I swore to myself that when I grew older, and met "the right" woman, and got married and had children, that it'd be forever. I wouldn't put my children through that. I didn't get married until I was 30. Even then, I was told by a doctor, that we were in love. We married when our first was 11 months old. It wasn't easy, we went through many separations. Mostly short one's. (seems we never made it through a pregnancy without a short separation) Hormone's running wild, extreme morning sickness, whatever. my point is, marriage takes work, work, work, by both parties if it will ever last. I'm 49 now, we just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. Almost 20 years together. I'm more in love now than I have ever been with my wife. It was far from magical. But we both took our vows seriously. The sanctity of marriage isn't what it used to be. It's too easy to throw it all in the trash when it gets tough, and then off to find another. I blame society for this. Society is dysfunctional. but that is a whole other story................Peace, Out.

I LIVE in Oklahoma, and although poverty is an issue, the biggest reason is the fact that so many get married right after (or while still in) high school. I'd also add our "no-fault" divorce law as, if not a reason, then a contributing factor. The courts even have a "pro se" section for people to represent themselves in a divorce action - it's just real easy to get a divorce in this state. First sign of trouble, they bail out!

Btw, Shuklack, most Oklahomans are Democrats. Though really, I doubt party affiliation has ANYTHING to do with it.

Considering that Gay Marriage is a very recent thing, how do more women or more men get divorced within a state at the same time? Shouldn't the percentages of couples getting divorced be close to the same for male and female? Aren't most of the marriages in these states between men and women or is this a breakdown of the current number of divorced males/females currently in these states?

Do the numbers actually reflect the number of divorces taking place within the states or the number of divorced people that make up the overall percentage of the population of the states?

L.J. Not sure why Gays needed to have a state sponsered ceremony that had to be called "Marriage" in order to be treated equally. The term Marriage was coined by multiple religions to signify a God sanctioned joining of a man and a woman for the purpose of producing children and raising them together as a family. There is no natural way for two males or for two females to combine their DNA to produce offspring. It is not an equivalent relationship regardless of how much love may be involved. I do agree however that homosexual couples should also have some type of ceremony that can be performed that links them together as a couple and provides them the same protections and rights under the law as married couples. It just should not be called a "Marriage" as it does not fit the conditions required for a marriage. I"m not sure why this is a hard concept for you; but, if you ask your mother and father, I'm sure they can explain it to you. Without those that you consider to be stupid straights, none of us would be here.

Btw, Shuklack, most Oklahomans are Democrats.

Really? Because their electoral votes were Republican every 4 years since Nixon. Also, 2011 is red across the board, from governor to commissioner. Fallin, Lamb, Pruitt, Coburn, Inhofe.... all R.

wow i like how this turned into a debate on whether straights or gays are better. hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahah ive laughed at almost all of the 10 comments above me. marriage used to be successful people, when gayness wasnt as much of a fad as it is now. divorce rates were still low amongst "straight" married couples. i love how all of you know-it-alls always find a way to turn an article into some stupid controversial crap that doesnt matter. sheesh go post on a gay vs. straight article. not a state divorce rate article on msn. clearly redundant. hahahahahah rediculous!!

@ Pippo...as the worst states (if high divorce rate is bad) are those states with the highest proportion of ethnic groups that tend to get divorced most readily (Native American and Blacks are #'s 1 and 2 for divorce), and who, incidentally, tend to vote democrat, it might be argued that those states NEED to emphasize family values more than states with lower percentages of said ethnic peoples.

"there has yet to be a single divorce between two people who were really in love when they got married"

How dare you!!! How dare you ASSUME that I didn't love the man I married?

It wasn't MY fault that he, his family, his friends & his nasty half-sister (the mother of his 4 crack kids) ALL lied to me by backing up his CLAIMS of love.

Jenny McCarthy from 2 & 1/2 Men: "You know, Evelyn. When you assume, you're just a b!tch."

All Red States. Gotta love them there conservative values!

marriage used to be successful people, when gayness wasnt as much of a fad as it is now.

Source? What factors are you using to determine success? What a baseless assertion. Is that how you maintain all your thoughts and beliefs? On baseless nonsense that you couldn't logically defend when pressed if your life depended on it?

Argument of how homosexuality is a 'fad' ?

i love how all of you know-it-alls always find a way to turn an article into some stupid controversial crap that doesnt matter

Hypocrisy matters.

@ Pippo...as the worst states (if high divorce rate is bad) are those states with the highest proportion of ethnic groups that tend to get divorced most readily (Native American and Blacks are #'s 1 and 2 for divorce),

Have a source for this data? Proportion of ethnic groups and their divorce rates in comparison to other ethnic groups?

In Alaska, I think the problem is just plain stupidity. They have high income and low poverty rates, but are still high on the divorce list. Stupidity would explain it, when other theories fail. Those people thought Palin would be a great choice for governor, too. No reason to think their ability to choose mates would be any better.

Palin left before her term was up; so did many Alaska spouses. Coincidence??

marriage is an agreement between a man and a woman, not the ridiculous, unnatural proposition that lj rhodes wants us to embrace

According to who?

the Bible is the revelation of God's word and is the source of our wisdom

According to the Bible. The Word of God is in the Bible, because the Bible says so... Circular logic at its finest.

Not everyone believes in the Bible, or all of its tenants - therefore not everyone in this secular nation of a multitude of belief systems should be required to follow the doctrine extrapolated from the Bible by your preachers.

To demand that others follow your Bible beliefs in the United States is totally Un-American.

It is a good thing that 99% of all scientific discoveries have already been unveiled.

HAHAHAHAHAHA what? This is the most ridiculous statement I ever read on the vine. Unbelievable. .000001 % would be more likely. You know nothing, Jon Snow.

The issue with Oklahoma and high divorce rate stems from the high teen pregenacy rate, lack of education, and misconstrued biblical beliefs. Stupid kids get knocked up in high-school, get married (cause heaven forbid you have a child out of wedlock), and 5-10 years later want out (maybe less). Where as most people in the northern states go to school, get a degree, find a stable job/career then get married. It's completely ass-backwards in Oklahoma. They burden themselves from the beginning with no real way out which drags them down into poverty... etc. etc. etc. In the end they all end up becoming over-weight, uneducated, fat-asses... well most of them. I think it's time to move to Colorado....

"the Bible is the revelation of God's word and is the source of our wisdom"

According to whom? The MEN who wrote it, of course; To keep women under their thumbs.

The poster lost me with that statement, too. Get 'em, Shuklack.

L.J.Rhodes

The biggest problem has to do with the notion of monogamy. Men aren't hard-wired to be monogamous. Yet, women are. Women expect monogamy in relationships, and men, being the poor fools they are, agree to such terms when they get into relationships and marriages. But, nature always runs its course, and men are almost invariably prone to infidelity.

Bull! Is this your way of excusing adultery? I feel for your mate if so.

I know way more women who have cheated on their spouses than men who have cheated. Nature is a paradox and not always fair but to claim that it is the nature of men to cheat is just an excuse for men to cheat while expecting the woman to remain faithful.

Nature is a paradox and not always fair but to claim that it is the nature of men to cheat is just an excuse for men to cheat while expecting the woman to remain faithful.

An explanation =/= justification.

Men are slightly more likely to cheat than women - both sexes cheating in marriages are at about 50% though, with men a bit higher.

What else though, men tend to cheat more physically than emotionally. For men, it's largely about sexual desire - for women it tends to be some emotional needs that aren't being met by her partner. So there is some truth in Rhode's statement.

Men understand men better, and women understand women better.

@Dan,

I was thinking the same thing. How could the rates be so different between men and women in the same state? Hmmmm..................?

It is a good thing that 99% of all scientific discoveries have already been unveiled.

Seriously? Do you really think we know 99% of everything that can be known scientifically? It is horrifying that you think that.

"I do agree however that homosexual couples should also have some type of ceremony that can be performed that links them together as a couple and provides them the same protections and rights under the law as married couples. It just should not be called a "Marriage" as it does not fit the conditions required for a marriage."

I'm sorry, Dan but I can't agree with this statement.

Why? Because I don't understand why gays don't have the same right-to-be-miserable as straights.

It just should not be called a "Marriage" as it does not fit the conditions required for a marriage."

Conditions required by who? My god defines marriage differently than yours, can I call it marriage now? Or do I have to bow to your religious beliefs?

Also, if it comes down to just a word for you, that's pretty pathetic "separate but equal" style logic..

Oh good gosh, women are no more hardwired for monogomy then men are. You obviously have NOT been keeping up with research. First, who do you THINK the men are cheating with? Second, in nature, studies of DNA show that females benefit from having multiple off-spring.

Does anyone else find it ironic that the red states, who are systematically poorer and have less skilled workers, are the GOPs biggest supporters, even though the GOP fights any attempt to protect American worker's rights and insist on tax loopholes for outsourcing American jobs?

"studies of DNA show that females benefit from having multiple off-spring."

LMAO! Yeah, it's called: "drooping breasts & an spare tire". Thanx!

Next!!!

LMAO! OMG!

Supposedly, it was officially suggested back in the early part of the 20th century (in the 1920's, I believe) that the US Patent Office be shuttered because "just about everything that could be invented already has been."

I can forgive the first time a mistake is made. After that, I reserve the right to call you an idiot. You are now forewarned.

"there has yet to be a single divorce between two people who were really in love when they got married"

No warning on that one. You are definitely an idiot.

Do we really know the religious beliefs or political affiliation of the people sited in this study? Many of you are quick to jump on this as proof of hypocrisy by Christians. I'm not saying Christians don't get divorced, I know plenty who have, but I think a lot of you are reading more into this than is there, based on your own prejudices.

All Red States that fight for DOMA and family values. The GOPtp lies again.

Differnet,

They're having sex with single women who then turn around and try to break up the men's marriage, so they can have the men all to themselves. Whereas men can have sex with someone then never have any inclination to get into a relationship with them, actually preferring just to keep it about sex and nothing more.

Cultural anthropology is a great place to start studying if you don't believe these differences in the natures of men and women where sex and relationships are concerned. ;)

LJ Rhodes... some women can keep a secret. You think women are monogomous. LOL... Okay, you go with that. The recent studies show that women are only slightly more monogomous then men.

@ Shuklack in re #1.29 "source" question: The answer is yes! Search divorce rate by race/ethnicity and you will find exactly what I said; Native Americans have the highest divorce rate and blacks have the second highest divorce rate. Then search state demographics by race/ethnicity and you will find (again) exactly what I said, that even though souther states might be red, southern states have a much higher proportion of blacks than blue states. Ya know, I just didn't check the demographics on native americans for Oklahoma and Alaska. Was i wrong in assuming their proportion of native americans would be the highest of most other states?

My hypothesis, then, that the higher than average divorce rate in those red states just might be because of the higher than average proportion of ethnic groups with a known higher than average divorce rate seems a reasonable hypothesis. Again, I assumed that the common conception that indians and blacks tend to vote dem is well founded. Do you have something to show differently? If true, then it could very well be the dems in the red states who are driving up the divorce rate; not the hypocrisy of those espousing family values.

Ah, but I think Rhodes point still has some merit. Even though men and women in hetero marriages share pretty comparable rates of cheating... he is right about their psychological reasons.

Men tend to be sexually driven in their cheating; men have an easier time separating emotional commitment to a person, and sexual desire. Women tend to cheat when their emotional needs are not being met by the man (who often are not the most 'in-tune' with the woman's needs in the first place).

In a way (half joking here) Men cheat because of themselves, and women cheat because of their men.

Rick Crabtree and Shuklack--yes, most Oklahomans are Democrats. You must remember that there are a lot of older people in Oklahoma (some counties have an average age of 55), and that Democrats used to be wildly racist. Remember George Wallace? Remember Dixiecrats?

That a person can be registered Democrat and vote Republican seems to be a bit beyond both of you. That certain issues (people being African American and people being Native American) are irrelevant also seems to be beyond you. Both African American and Native Americans (especially Native Americans) are over-represented among the poor. If poverty is the principal motivating factor of divorce (which is what this article tells us), then of course you are going to find that it is more common among African Americans and Native Americans.

Rick Crabtree needs to get a sample of African Americans from the "red states" and African Americans from the "blue states," then divide them up by socio/economic class (wealthy red staters versus wealthy blue staters, poor red staters versus poor blue staters) and THEN run his silly analysis. I think that Rick Crabtree will find that this was already done by the people who did this study (it's kind of a no-brainer) and that no significant correlation was found--but that poverty did correlate.

Shucklack needs to go to and do some research--here is a helpful article to start out with: http://capitolbeatok.com/CustomContentRetrieve.aspx?ID=3453876

Notice that while the number of Democrats is falling (Oklahoma used to be solidly Democratic), there are still fewer Republicans, but notice that Republicans do in fact dominate the state in terms of office holders. Seriously--if you can't handle someone giving you factual information (there are more Democrats in Oklahoma), try at least double-checking an actual resource on the topic rather than just ranting.

Divorce happens in Oklahoma principally because people have extra-marital affairs. One can't really test for that easily because we have a no-fault divorce law--but, just anecdotally, I have lived in Oklahoma and can state that every divorce I knew of happened because either the husband strayed (usually) or the wife strayed (more often than you'd think) or both. That's why Mary Fallin is divorced and now remarried--she (allegedly--this was well covered up) cheated on her first husband with a state trooper (who initially resigned in disgrace but was rehired and "disciplined" instead when Fallin pulled strings and called in favors and covered the whole thing up). Of course, she got away with it--I believe she invented some tales about his being "controlling" and "abusive" (well, if she'd cheated on him--I bet he did get pretty upset about it and verbally abusive, at least).

I do think that the age at which people marry probably has a lot to do with this--in Oklahoma, people marry very young (especially if they are gay--and marry to "prove" they are not) because otherwise the family will disown them when they are found to be living "in sin" (does that term even exist in blue states any more?). Then, they philander. It would be interesting to break down age and income and see if poverty is more likely the cause for African or Native Americans and whether age of marriage is more likely the cause for European Americans--and if income proves to be a factor that complicates both.

guys

Don't get your knickers in a knot. Y'all are looking at 2 sets of stats and writing novellas. There is a lot more behind high divorce rates than just religion and poverty.

I should have said this sooner:

"There is a lot more behind high divorce rates than just religion and poverty."

So true.

The people that I know, have gotten divorced because of: abuse, cheating, alcohol, gambling and/or drugs.

I have not known ONE couple (not one) who got divorced because they were poor; Quite the contrary. The poor people stay together-for the same reason they breed-because they get bigger welfare checks.

Sad, but true.

@ Crabtree - was hoping for some links instead of 'google it.'

But let's see here, gonna just do the top 5 to save time...

BLK/AIAN
Oklahoma
7.4/8.6
Arkansas
15.4/0.8
Alaska
3.3/14.8
Alabama
26.2/0.6
Kentucky
7.8/0.2

Now, of the top 5, only Alabama (and to a lesser extent Arkansas) has a large black population. Oklahoma and Arkansas have top spots in AIAN populations, although very small black populations.

Comparing this to other states with higher, or equal ethnic populations yet lower divorce rates - I don't see any direct correlation with large ethnic populations and divorce. Given that, there is not even a large difference between divorce rates of Whites vs said ethnic groups (although they are slightly higher)

Although what I do see is a correlation with Southern "Bible Belt" states, excluding the anomaly of Alaska (the South of the North).

try at least double-checking an actual resource on the topic rather than just ranting.

Ranting? Usually the party of the person in state office or the direction of presidential elections as per that state is a pretty good indicator of the political leanings within the state. Call me crazy for thinking that.

"I don't understand why gays don't have the same right-to-be-miserable as straights."

Anybody?

@Pat

Like bored teenagers, society's views on having children out of wedlock, how easy it is to divorce these days, (Now you can do it all yourselves as long as you both agree to the terms, and use the states guidelines on child support) not as many people taking their vows seriously, (I don't think some even understand them) people who think that they can find happiness with another, when happiness comes from within, and of course, those who think the grass is always greener on the other side of the hill until they actually get there.

No matter what, it takes two of you to work, work, work on your marriage. After 20 years with my wife, we had gotten to a point where we were merely existing, go to work, come home and work on the house or yard, having to work side jobs to make ends meet in this economy, etc. Neither of our needs were being met. We were looking for escapes. Until one day, we realized we were in this rut, and had been taking one another for granted. Things can go south in a hurry if you don't recognise the warning signs and do something about it. We started going for walks at sunset when it would begin to cool off a little. (We live in the desert southwest on the western slopes of the Rockies) After a few nights of this, we began talking, laughing, holding hands like we used to 20 years ago, and now I love going for walks with her where I didn't before. (always to tired after work, and then working around the house or on the side) We carried our walks into the house, talking like we never had before, sharing our intimate feelings with each other, making jokes, (I love to make her laugh, especially when she's down about something) laughing, loving. I started writing her poems again, finding new inspiration. Shes been sharing feelings with me now that I had no idea of for 20 years. It's like brand new, starting over, and building on a twenty year foundation. It's incredible!

My point is, it could have very easily gone the other direction. Kids are older and starting lives of their own. It was at the time when 20 year marriages go down the tubes because people grow tired from being in a rut, almost ignoring each other, giving up and looking outside themselves for what must come from within. I consider ourselves lucky. We both felt we had invested way too much of the best years of our lives together to throw it away. Our sex life is off the scale now. It was always good, it just became infrequent, almost a chore for us both.
It's just become easier to toss it away, find another, and another. and another,.......... and so the story goes.

Never take your spouse for granted at any point, no matter how many years, or how many tears. You may wake up one day and find yourself alone, and being single is not all those single folks try to make it out to be. Try something new, do something different, mix it up, and most of all, never stop letting your better half know how much you love them, and do so with actions, and not just (as my wife would say) "pretty words". Peace all, and may you find yourselves "In Love" again with your life partner. It sure beats the alternative!

Missouri is not on the list and they banned same-sex marriage as well.

So did California, that bastian of liberal values. People can make anything reflect their bias. Simple articles like this are for simple people.

Does anyone else think it's hilarious that California and New York have a higher rate of successful marriages than most of the South?? lol

Isn't that where all the gays are destroying "the sanctity of marriage"

Also, this whole "we have more minorities in the south" debate is ridiculous - they dont get married in the first place!

"Does anyone else think it's hilarious that California and New York have a higher rate of successful marriages than most of the South?? lol"

No doubt! But not hilarious, more like amazing!!! After all, Hollyweird IS in SoCal & we all know that those people can't stay married for more than 20 minutes. (sarcasm)

Some Hollywood couples do last for a long time though. I think it's just that they got so much money that they don't need to think it through before they get married.

When you teach kids that you can't have sex without getting married first, unless they ignore what you say they'll just get married, get laid, and get divorced.

@Bean

It looks like the racist Dixiecrats you mentioned in OK are slowly realizing that their political ideals are more closely aligned with the current GOP. I'd expect to see further change in the demographics of registered voters in OK.

Presidential Elections
Year Republican Democrat
2008 65.65% 34.35%
2004 65.57% 34.43%
2000 60.31% 38.43%
1996 48.26% 40.45%
1992 42.65% 34.02%
1988 57.93% 41.28%
1984 68.61% 30.67%
1980 60.50% 34.97%
1972 73.70% 24.00%
1968 47.68% 31.99%
1964 44.25% 55.75%
1960 59.02% 40.98%

Governor of Oklahoma Mary Fallin January 10, 2011 Republican
Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb January 10, 2011 Republican
Secretary of State Glenn Coffee January 11, 2011 Republican
State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones January 10, 2011 Republican
Attorney General Scott Pruitt January 10, 2011 Republican
State Treasurer Ken A. Miller January 10, 2011 Republican
State School Superintendent Janet Barresi January 10, 2011 Republican
Labor Commissioner Mark Costello January 10, 2011 Republican
Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak January 10, 2011 Republican
Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony January 9, 1989 Republican
Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud January 13, 2003 Republican
Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy January 12, 2009 Republican

"Some Hollywood couples do last for a long time though."

True, true! However not everyone in Hollywood is Katherine Ross/Sam Elliott & Genie Frances/Jonathan Frakes.

Most of them are J Lo/Ben, J Lo/Marc, Madonna/Sean, Madonna/Guy, Jada/Will, (his first wife)/Will, Brad/Jen, Angie/Billy Bob......

Do U see where I'm going with that, Sugar?

Lotsa queer "things" out today!!

That is just rude.

I hear folks say, it's the conservative States, it's the bible thumping States, it's the family values States, and, they push kids into marriage to early..... Then explain Utah. It isn't in the top ten list. They vote conservative, promote family values, kids get married early and then have lots of kids, and they're pretty much a bible thumping State. How about Idaho? Much like Utah.

The point is there are lots of reasons, and I think the States are unique with their set of problems.

thanks middleclassnomore! i was so suprised to read all these comments on its all the Republican conservatives fault and the religious peoples fault! people blame everthing on who they hate doesnt matter if its true or not! wow i was so shocked its so wrong and rude

@u don't say

I apologize if you interpreted my comment to imply that divorces don't occur when only one partner is really in love

Its just silly to go on about the politics, race, religion and morals of individuals in individual states. The common factor here to high divorce rate is a lack of education.

The divorce rate for those who have college degrees is less than one quarter the divorce rate of those with a high school education. A higher education means you are likely to marry later, are more economically stable when you do marry, delay having children until you can afford them and have fewer of them. We don't have to pretend this is that hard to figure out.

LJ Rhodes, I'm surprised that most people still buy into the notion that women are biologically more into commitment than men. Rubbish. Women cheat like men, and for the same reasons. I have personally met many, many, many women that have cheated or are cheating on their husbands. The difference in perception is not biological, it's due to public pressure. Women have historically had fewer options to cheat and greater consequences, so they had to be more careful and sneaky. Furthermore, women police their own, so women have to hide their sexual selves even from other women, lest their reputation be smeared by their own gender. I've even had women (plural) tell me that men are the foolish ones that get emotionally involved with their mistresses, and so get caught. While cheating women (they say), are smarter. They find a guy that fulfills their fantasy, get their big O, and move on. No strings and no kick back on their marraiges is one of their top priorities. The latest statistics show that the number of women that are willing to admit to cheating to pollsters is near that of men. PEOPLE get bored, PEOPLE want escape and excitement. That's a prime reason why PEOPLE have affairs. Don't get all high and mighty on how homosexuals have it all figured out.

To those who say that marraige is becoming a business proposition I say this: It always was! Read your history. The primary purpose of marraige was a contract for raising children. People didn't even believe that romantic love was an acceptible reason to make life decisions until the 19th century. In the past people didn't expect to marry someone they were in love with. They worked at it until they grew into each other (or didn't). It's entirely possible that we have damaged marraige by setting the bar impossibly high, telling people that they will find "the one" that will fit them perfectly and easily forever. When the infatuation wears off and the work sets in, people feel disillusioned and disappointed. BTW, money has been listed as the #1 reason for divorce in America pretty much FOREVER, topping infidelity by a wide margin.

Swanieseagel: You're right. The science debunked that long ago, but it's not a myth some men are going to set aside easily. Women simply don't talk about not being monogamous (outside of the Maury Pauvich show).

You forgot to mention that it's all Obama's fault...

It's all that dawgone muslin obama's fault! If he were a REAL merkin, <insert rest of insane conservative rant here>

It's all about family values. We need to pity them that doesn't have it.

Really... this is all Obama's fault? So this has nothing to do with the fact that he has caught nothing but hell trying to clean up the mess that the previous PRESIDENT (who was republican) did to our economy? the economy was in the crapper because of 'Dubya'... not OBAMA. But everybody was so distracted by the wars in IRAQ, and Twin Towers' attack and all of the other things that Bush used to divert your attention and now that the smoke has cleared the present guy get the blame!!! (and yes BUSH was involved in the 9/11 attacks)

Too Real For TV...........you REALLY need to get a grip....Bush and 9/11? Obama has no effect on the economy???? Wow, your meds run out? The present guy DESERVES the blame....at least Carter moves up one in the rankings!

@ too Real For TV...

I see sarcasm, satire and humor are not part of your strong suit. The entire thread of comments you just replied to was actually written in jest (jest being a fancy "liberal elite" word that means joke).

Lay off the conspiracy for a little while, get some sleep, take a shower, and rejoin the human race for a change. Grow a sense of humor.

Are you only three years old and so missed the history of the Bush years?

Can not be Obama's fault, nor can one truly blame Bush.

All of you miss the mark in attacking the direct culprits, as Deviant12354 points out, too many have yet to grow up and join - not the human race, but REALITY
itself.

The human race has allowed things to juggle down to such lows, by allowing those pushing the Bush's and Obamas around in office... sorry, Pres. has little control on many things.

Direct the anger where it is truly desrved, maybe then something can be done about it... left, right, up/down?, Cons, Lib, Rep, Dem - everyone one of you need to grow up and understand you are all under direct control and not fully from those you blame.

I need not defend a thing - just stop paying your bills and see where you get to live then. Right, I'm just an idiot and free land was only a dream - in the 1800's... wonder how much money the Indians made putting that pilgrim carnival together the first time.......

"liberal elite"

The "elite" tagtha was put in the expressions of conservatives is a code started by Spiro Agnew to ry to make average Americans fear people who studied, learned and became independent thinkers. We should start using the term "conservative elite" for all the rich bible thumpers who are increasing the separation between the middle class (now the lower class) and the wealthy.

Pippo.......I'm 66 and educated. I WAS there for the Eisenhower years, Bush years and all those in between, including the Nixon years. A man I detested and yet fought and killed for. Unfortunately,I've been here for the Obama years also. I guess I didn't vote with the thought of "Gummint"money for me in mind, though. And I still don't see what this has to do with either Bush nor Obana

Garanteed that the lower class who make up the majority of the divorces vote democrat if they vote at all, so don't blame this on the moral values of conservatives. At least they get married in the south. Seventy percent of minorities don't get married when they have their children to reap their welfare from.

@Dave in NM

Carter?????????????????? Jimmy Carter???????????????? Really? There are no notches down that low. Good Grief Charlie Brown, now I've heard everything! HeHe......

@Dave in NM

Thank you for your service to our Country. I too am a veteran. Not Nam.Spent a year in Dongducheon, South Korea., and 45 days TDY near "The Bridge of no Return". Live fire between the North and South everyday. Hmmmm during the end of the Carter years. Grenada. Didn't much like the way he let Iran walk all over us. Was glad to see Reagan even though a Rep. Anyways, Peace to you Dave in New Mexico. From a friend in Southern Utah.

Woohoo! We're Number 1! We're Number 1! We're Number 1!

Woohoo! We're NOT Number 1!...................................finally..........

hehehe

alur: The majority of college educated voters are Democrats. Going to hate the opposition party, you'll have to do it for other reasons...not because they're less educated than yours.

Sad isn't it, that crowd of brain washed idiots believe whatever Rush, Beck or Foxhole News tells them. Pathetic but true.

Sad isn't it that a crowd of brainwashed idiots believe whatever obumbo tells them.

Woohoo! We're Number 1! We're Number 1! We're Number 1!

Sad isn't it that a crowd of brainwashed idiots believe whatever ANY politician tells them. Thomas Jefferson was right.............

I travel a lot for my job. I've never been to Alaska, but I can tell you that it is generally easier to hook up in the other top 10 states than it is in professed blue states.

Once in a bar in LA, I listened to a three women go on about which women in town were easiest based on what church they attended. To the locals, it was better to go to any church than be ostracized and discriminated against for being a godless heathen.

Have you told your wife about your findings??

I know what Alaska's problem is; it's too friggin cold. How can you get romantic with a parka that makes you look like the Michilin Man.

It's due to the high Black population rates in the States Mentioned except Alaska. Race is also a big contributor to Nevada's rating. As far as Conservatism having any type of contribution, only a brain washed dem would make a statement like that.

It amazes me how liberals always claim to be superior than everybody else, but they are the first to start name calling and they are rude, condescending, hateful and rabid. There is so much hate in the comments of the libs toward their fellow man who disagrees with them. It used to be a person could give a different opinion without being attacked with so much anger. Why are you all so mean?

@Al Capone: so you're blaming it on the blacks then? That's racist! At least we blame it on conservatism and ideological differences.

Mr. Capone: you post a racist diatribe attributing divorce rates to the 12% of America's population that is black, without a shred of irony for the sheer stupidity of that comment and then want to know why OTHERS might call you out for what you are?? Seriously? I'll bet you get called out quite a bit with that kind of brainpower...

No surprise here...its easier to place the high divorce rate on gay people marrying in other states than to recognize the real reasons for the high divorce rate. Bashing gay people is a great way to get elected in these states.

You'll also notice that it's the low socio-political class that tends to have the highest divorce rates. Interesting sidenote is that those classes tend to vote.....

Democrat.

Yes, the perversion that is breaking up those marriages. We need to get people there from the other states to preach good family values.

And yet these same financially and intellectually challenged people keep on voting for the RED lords so they can be protected from the evil Kenyan demon who had taken over the White House. Like the man said " ya can't fix Stupid"

Another study whose findings could mean anything. It's simple to me - the more people that are getting married in a state, the higher the incidence of divorce. It's the law of averages.

We in the South do value marriage, tend to be Christians, and want to keep our family values. The problem is, most of us don't really take time to consider the choices we make for a spouse. Feeling guilty about sex outside of marriage is a reason a lot of people here get married. They don't consider economics (ie. managing finances) very much. Saying you are Christian doesn't make you one either- you've got to live it 24/7, in good and bad times. That means when problems come, you still trust God to be your source and work with his guidance to make things better for you and your family. Real love doesn't stop just because you can no longer pay the bills. Too many of us cut and run at the first signs of trouble because we're in it for the wrong reasons.

I wonder how many of the divorce endig marriages were the "I'm pregnant. We gotta get married before I'm showing." kind.

This should be posted in school hallways and billboards everywhere, "Kids, don't let 20 minutes in the backseat of your car, or a night in your parents bed just because they're not home, dictate the rest of your life. Guy's, keep it in your pants. And girls, keep your legs closed. There's more than just STDs to get from unprotected/irresponsible/pre-marrital sex. If your lucky that's all you'll get."

Parents need to all but beat this into thier kids.

How does this have anything to do with religion?.. The Bible actually professes that it's better to be single than to marry.. SO.. at least try to be accurate with your nonsense of turning this into a religious idea..

Saying you are Christian doesn't make you one either- you've got to live it 24/7, in good and bad times.

If that's the case, Christians would be a minority religion and should stop erroneously demanding majority priviledge.

How does this have anything to do with religion?.. The Bible actually professes that it's better to be single than to marry.. SO.. at least try to be accurate with your nonsense of turning this into a religious idea..

That question has already been answered in detail. It's about sex in a lot of cases. Preachers load the guilt onto sexuality, and claim that marriage is the only proper place for it. This is a major driver for marriage among the religiously cowed young folks in the Bible Belt.

I'm just thinking that those starting off their diatribe with the word "Red" in the sentence live in the Blue states. However, having lived in both and across the geography (and with the ability to read), I ascertain that money (or lack of it), education, and the ability to divorce easily, are the reasons that the divorce rate is higher. You can make a case that the traditional South was held down economically after the Civil War as a punishment to the white populace, who then responded by making it impossible for blacks to compete with the white population. However, I'll leave the socio/political/economic ramifications of the U.S. Civil War for another day.

Suffice it to say that the "Blue" North won the war, and then determined the economics of the "Red" South for generations (there was no Marshall Plan for the defeated South). please not that those colors have swapped ends since the time of Lincoln, as he was a Republican.....

Religion doesn't have anything to do (statistically) with this phenomena because I believe religion is fairly consistent in its' message that premarital sex is to be avoided, and I see no dearth of churches anywhere I travel. And the message isn't a bad one. Sex is terrific, but the mature application of "who, when, and where" is lost on the young (I think we'd all agree). The downside consequences, are numerous as compared to the benefits incurred.

If you're poor and under educated, you tend to do things that make you poorer (continue education, have children, get divorced, etc.). All of these are detrimental to building wealth (I know, I got married at 21, dropped out of college to help support my wife's efforts to make money (R.N.) and raised 4 children. I still ended up better than most, because I was good at something that didn't require a degree to become successful, and I managed to stay married in spite of my own immaturity.

2 of my kids are in college, and I struggle financially because they will have that tool in the toolbox of / for life and I've encouraged them to wait to get married even though both have been dating young ladies 4 and 2 years respectively. I've told them to lessen married stresses, get a jog, live at home for several years, and pay off any debts (and build a nest egg) before starting on married life. It takes several years to learn to live together, and if money becomes a bone of contention, it will end up being difficult to build a life together, regardless of Red or Blue state geography.

My wife and I still have 2 more to finish with, and if I'm still able to sanely consider the future, I'll start trying to think about retiring, but I have this strange feeling, there won't be much hope of the same type of retirement my father enjoyed.....But that's another discussion.

So, my life experience leads me to believe that it really doesn't matter what "colored" state you live in, if you stack the deck against yourself educationally and/or economically, the chances of the average 18-27 year old couple surviving the proverbial "7 year itch" is slim....

@ Stephen #7.7...Paul said it's better to remain single. But what else could you expect from a short, ugly, one-eyed epileptic?

I live in a blue state, Illinois. Some school districts in Chicago have astronomical rates of teen pregnancy. Some school districts have teen pregnancy rates as high as 50% with as many as 30% having multiple kids. Other city districts in the state aren't much better. The only reason they do not show up in the divorce statistics is very few of them get married. Neither factor is anything to brag about like the hacks on the left and the right are attempting to do on these boards.

What country do you live in XMarine? It's democrats who get the majority of the votes from the financially and intellectually challenged. They want to make sure the welfare check is still in the mail. Why do you think Obama now has 45% of Americans on food stamps and/or welfare, he's buying votes.

Good reasoning Chris, I never thought about that but its true. Libs don't bother getting married in the first place. Thanks for the insight.

I live in a blue state, Illinois. Some school districts in Chicago have astronomical rates of teen pregnancy.

One can't legitimately compare a major metropolitan area like Chicago to an entire State in terms of crime rates etc. That would be like comparing New York City to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan... it doesn't work.

The only logical comparison would be something like Chicago to Houston (3rd and 4th largest cities in US respectively) Comparing Chicago to a 'large' city in one of the states on the list, like Atlanta maybe, would be a bit better - but even then they vary significantly in their urban dynamics.

Because why shuklack?--it doesn't fit your preconceived, prejudiced view of white southerners who happen to be Christians.

Paganistic, free-for-all, self-centered behavior is no respector of geographic boundaries, whether they be city, county,state, or country.

blackice: That's a really ignorant "theory" you have there. Those with college degrees are the fastest growing DEMOCRATIC group in the US, and gave Obama 68% of their vote in 2008. You'll have to take your prejudice elsewhere.

"knock'n boots" != moral depravity.

Sex is normal and healthy, whether it's a man and a woman, 2 men, 2 women, 3 women and 1 man, or any other combination of consenting adults.

I have NO problem with sex between consenting adults. What I DO have a problem with is red state politicians legislating their "family values" while doing the very things they rail against. Come out of the closet and accept your fetishes. Life will be much more satisfying.

When the Government begins to legislate morality, the citizens are doomed.

"knock'n boots", without the benefit of clergy

Ha! A perfect example of the backwards thinking that is dragging this country down. Dont you know 'puters are fullovthe devil! You better turn it off quick and go back to bowing to your middle eastern god or the sun or whatever deity gives you the answers you want to hear and protects you from the evil of the liberals and there darn free thought.

By the way, I'm from TX. We're not all perry loving, bible thumping idiots!

I don't think any state has "a corner on moral depravity" but I know some that have a corner on hypocrisy. "He does not believe who does not live according to his belief" Thomas Fuller

PS, that livin' together without benefit of marriage goes with those states too.

Sex is normal and healthy, whether it's a man and a woman, 2 men, 2 women, 3 women and 1 man, or any other combination of consenting adults.

Now we're talking!

Remember, this is a "pmsnbc" story so that should tell you how valid the results might be.

In my life, I've encountered thousands upon thousands who talk the Jesus talk. I've encountered literally dozens who walk the Jesus walk. Those who walk the walk I can respect, and even admire, though I am not religious. The vast majority of the others--well, you'd better hope God ain't real, cuz otherwise you'll be burning with me.

"knock'n boots" != moral depravity.

Barry, you're taking my analogy too much to heart. I was just pointing out that people getting divorced does not mean they are less morally upright. It just means they put a legal label on their relationship ...and now they have to peal it off, which requires a lawyer.

I don't like all this finger pointing at different parts of the country as being inhabited by hypocrites or morally deficient people. Every part of this country has something to apologize for. Yours had George W. Bush ...and now, Gov. Perry ;-)

The census bureau. A huge collection of "liberal elite" propaganda.

You'd know that if you had actually read the article.

Overall, the report shows that people living in northeastern states have lower marriage and divorce rates. And while those in the southern states are more likely to get married, they also have higher divorce rates.

"Marriage rates are higher in these places than anywhere else, too,"

Well no duh, they even mention it in second paragraph of the article! They're looking at different factors in divorce, not the one and only cause. In this article it pays attention to what role financial hardships can cause.

WELL SAID concerned bystander!!!!!

@ concerned bystander,

I find it funny how quickly people forget things. Sure, TEA party members get offended when they're called tea baggers, and rightly so... It's their own fault though.

When the TEA partiers first came about, many of them referred to themselves as tea-baggers before they knew what "tea-bagger" meant. I recall a few protests at the beginning when some ladies had tea bags all over their outfits, some were wearing tea bag earrings, and there was one lady I remember that had literally hundreds of tea bags all over her body. People had signs that said "Proud Tea-Bagger" or "Tea-Bagging for Change", etc.

When enough of them realized that "Tea-Bagging" was a derrogatory/sexual slang term, they begun to take offense to a name they gave themselves.

I'm still laughing about it.

Hmmmm, Well since these rates are based on a per-capita of 1,000 m/w each, the rates might be skewed if they considered 'singe/never married' as 'never divorced'....

if they dropped that factor from the 1,000 per capita, it would get a more accurate representation of the number of divorces among married or previously married people.

Second line of the article reads "Wall St. analyzed a report just released by the Census Bureau".

Concerned Bystander didn't deserve to get his post collapsed. His comments were reasonable and his tone quite respectful (as he asked others to be respectful in their attitude to people with differing opinions).

I'm a democrat and I think Concerned Bystander is a Republican Newsviner with whom it would actually be worthwhile having a political discussion.

Comments should be collapsed only when they are blatantly rude and offensive. Readers shouldn't collapse comments just because they disagree with the viewpoint.

Interesting post Concerned bystander. Isn't it funny how righteous you are in NOT bashing gays, yet you hang around with those that do. Bet you damn Obama for having a fund raiser in Bill Ayers living room one time, thus he is a terrorist, right? In that context. One contact taints you forever.

As far as when can we sit down and discuss things civilly? When the Republicans stop voting and supporting the lunatic fringe of their party at every level! Name the "moderate" in the R Presidential field. T-Paw MIGHT have been able to play that game, but he raced right off the cliff trying to be a fringe player. Name the moderate in leadership in Congress. Or in Congress for that matter, cuz they fall in line quicker'n pigs to the trough.

I would like to think that Americans will rediscover the "better angels of our nature", but I fear we are being driven straight off the cliff by the righteous.

Deviant, Tea Party Members never referred to themselves as Tea Baggers, it's not even logical. They were called Tea Baggers by Keith Obermann and it spread because liberals always have to call people names instead of discussing facts.

Deviant, Tea Party Members never referred to themselves as Tea Baggers, it's not even logical. They were called Tea Baggers by Keith Obermann and it spread because liberals always have to call people names instead of discussing facts.

I don't know who started it, but I also specifically recall Tea Partiers referring to themselves as "Tea-Baggers" on numerous occassions.

I wonder if one of their kids (probably one that played Halo) likely clued his mom in on what it actually meant.

LilahDaisy, Barry: Did you two even bother to read the article? You really are having this much difficulty understanding simple numbers and need to spin conspiracy theories?? High divorce rates don't have to be guessed at...right along with ages the marriage and divorce...since states record and REPORT the number of each. (you are, as they say, entitled to your own opinions. You are not entitled to your own set of facts.)

Maybe some of those people were joined together of their own will... not of God's will?

Besides the economic factors, perhaps, young people in the Bible states are so indocrinated that marriage is the only answer to teen pregnanies, and "living in sin" is wrong, so they see marriage as the answer. But poverty and teen age marriages are a recipe for disaster.

You're beginning to realize the true signs of false religions and preaching now... very nice.

If others could wise up to all this false preaching, maybe a large number would
begin to vanish... and those marriage/divorce rates might swing a bit.

In the old days people got married very young and by today's standards, were very poor. They also stayed true to the Christian values they were taught. Today's young people are immature and selfish when it comes to relationships- that's a recipe for disaaster.

@Henry Walling: I am not religious, but you apparently are: would you cite the Bible passage that says "what God has put together asunder"? Particularly in the context of matrimony.

One thing this proves, Liberals are mean, nasty and hateful to people who don't think like they do. Especially to Christians who haven't hurt them at all.

and those posting the way you do about how divorce rates are all to be blamed on race are not "mean, nasty, hateful" to people? You have a very singular notion of "Christians". As they say, with friends like you....

No kidding.

Our taxes are so goofed up in this state. For example, I received about $500 from the federal government on my returns last year, and yet somehow owed the state $1,000.

And the only reason my federal return was that low is because I have to start paying back that one-time homebuyer credit. (Yes, I bought a house the year that crap wasn't free, thanks federal government...)

But don't try to convince our fellow Oklahomans that our state doesn't need to be more Republican saturated... You'd be tarred and feathered. They're just content with letting Oklahoma go down in flames.

(Oh, and I've been married 6.5 years and going strong. Damn me and my liberal immorality...)

Careful down there Observer, don't let those heathen Bible belters corrupt you.

NO NO NO!! I thought Texas was the leader in the race to the bottom. How could we have let the "Sooners" get ahead of us on this one. Another campaign slogan for Perry - "Texans - too uneducated to get divorced"

Oklahoma: a good place to be from. I can't figure out what I'm still doing here.

I hear you. That Oklahoma is number 1 blows my mind!! We are in the bible belt and everything! Nuts. Struggling to find positive things about this state.

It's warm mostly all year round,

When it snows, it lasts a day or so and hardly more,

When it snows an eighth of an inch, schools and business close.

Everyone smiles at you, waves at you or hollers a "how ya doin'",
even if just passing in vehicles.

They love driving with windows down, AC full blast too.

As for highest cause of divorce in this Oklahoma state? I'd have to vote
for the 'extreme heat' cause over low income. People tend to get on each
other's nerves once the steam rises over normal body temperature.

Possibly those divorced actually had their AC break down, and since the
man lacked the income to replace it, the woman left for a man that had
a working one?

I truly don't know, I only lived there about a year once.

Everyone smiles at you, waves at you or hollers a "how ya doin'",
even if just passing in vehicles.

That's true. I've lived in a lot of places growing up (military brat) but I have to say, Oklahomans, in general, are probably the friendliest people on the planet. The older ones, especially.

It is its one redeeming quality. And at times, it's enough to get you through the day.

I have to say, it is quite nice to see other libs in OK. Made my day. I'm going on 8 healthy years of marriage as a liberal and a non-bible beating maniac. Makes me wonder how all of these conservative radicals we have running around here feel about the study.

The trouble with the bible beaters ( or thumpers) is that they preach on Sunday (We have always called them "Sunday Christians" ) and live like the devil the rest of the time. If the people in the so called "Bible Belt" would practice what they preach, everyone concerned would be better off and the divorce rates in those states wouldn't be the worst in the country.

Sometimes divorce IS a positive thing.

particularly from someone with a moniker like that....

What??? Robert Smith, have you ever even heard of Mr. Clinton, Mr. Spitzer, Mr. Massa, Mr. Weiner, Mr. Edwards, etc. etc.??????? all dems, all sex scandals.

What??? Robert Smith, have you ever even heard of Mr. Clinton, Mr. Spitzer, Mr. Massa, Mr. Weiner, Mr. Edwards, etc. etc.??????? all dems, all sex scandals.

Mhmmm. There is a key difference though.

They aren't thumping a Bible and casting stones.

Sex scandals are bad, hypocrits are worse.

Concerned Bystander,

Sure those Dems have had their exploits and scandals, and I'm sure they're not the last ones... Many more dems will have their own scandal.

What is really funny (yet disgusting) though, is when you get GOP (Gay Old Pedophile)guys like Vitter & Sherwood who campaign against and introduce legislation trying to quash any gay rights or equality movements, and they are caught in homosexual situtations.

How could we forget Larry (I am not gay, I never have been gay) Craig and his Minneapolis tapdance? We found out even more after he tried to say that the whole situation was lies (that he plead guilty to mind you). It turns out Mr. Craig had many more homosexual exploits in his home state, and they were kept quiet because of threats he made to the local media outlet that was going to publish them... After the airport bathroom lounge act came to light, the local newspaper went ahead and printed the stories they had held onto over the years because Mr. Craig actually tried to discredit them as a source when they weren't planning on printing them to begin with.

Mr. Craig was trying to re-inforce and bolster laws against gay marriage that were already on the books, and was pushing even harder to outright ban any legislation that would include protection for gays under hate crime laws... he really wanted to show how much he hated gays. Perhaps when he was foot tapping in minnesota, he should have asked Michelle Bachman to help him pray away the gay.

LOL

Amazing how all of you can judge a whole state based on minor information. If you're going to talk the talk then come walk the walk!

You haven't walk in our shoes so you don't know what really takes place down here! The crap your talking does not represent all of the people in Alabama! Idiot!

What that chip on your shoulder, Huntsville: Being among the highest in poverty and divorce rates is hardly something to brag about..whether or not EVERY person in your state fits the category.

I'd be more interested in how it breaks down by socioeconomic status. It would be interesting to see whether it's the "parasites", the "elites", or the "real Americans". I have my suspicions.

The majority of people in poverty and getting some assistance are WHITE.

And maxwello: The rate of divorce for COLLEGE educated couples is less than one quarter what it is for other Americans. I have my suspicions about which you might be.

Are these reasons or are these demonstrations of the external locus of control that whiners, victims, and hypocrites all have? Personally, I agree with you that there is much left to be desired by the "reporting" of statistics. However, it is more than an interesting coincidence that ALL of the states with the highest divorce rates are typically Republican/conservative. If California, Washington, and many states in New England were sprinkled into the list, I would definitely jump on your bandwagon. But that just ain't so.

By the way, congrats on the longevity of your marriage. That is something to be proud of in this day and age.

I've had 3 successful marriages! That would make me more experienced than you Texana.

I think the study is based on percentages and not strictly numbers or yes the data would be meaningless. The reason there is no study on shackin up is because it was Marriage that was the subject. Another factor is that It's a common practice of conservative politicians to harp on morality. I am also well aware of the fact that there would have to be many other factors considered to draw a conclusion. Guess what else is higher in many of these red states, out of wedlock pregnancy.

40 years? wow that's wonderful and unfortunately rare.

If people marry because they cannot support themselves on one paycheck, what is the purpose of divorce? Now you have one former spouse living in poverty paying spousal/child support, and the other spouse living in poverty with the children. I see what happens - everybody moves in with parents! Very adult. We have to change the mindset of people who marry for imagined financial gain.

I've had 3 successful marriages! That would make me more experienced than you Texana.

Three successful? woah, wouldn't state that too loud as it appears you married twce more without divorcing the first time or the second so........ must be really busy in the travel department making all three home locations on time.

Possibly, you mis-printed your comment. If you've married three times, the first two were not successful, aside from the being married part.

As for the 40yr marriage, I have to say congrats only according to the following criteria:

1. At no point has either spouse taken opportunity to cheat on the other - known or unknown.

2. The marriage is NOT one in the 'open marriage' variety where many 'partners' diminish the true meaning of marriage.

So far in life, I have yet to find one single married couple where infidelity has NOT reared its ugly head, just they chose to work through it, remain together in the ruse that, "It'll never happen again" - so long as it doesn't get discovered the next time.

If you truly found that - not one single other for me than you - marriage coming from both sides, true congrats as you found what is the most difficult to obtain.

No, harbek, he did not mistype. He was clearly making a joke that made me laugh (after all, if you are married three times, it'd be tough --though,not impossible--for them to be successful).

i have to disagree with this poll you cant just use figures and numbers to say wich state has this and that bc judging from where i live i cant see how my state isnt on the list! people are divorcing left and right! o fyi we are a blue state so there! red states arent to bame u people are desperate to blame all the conservative republicans for everything nowadays!!!! give it up ur sad!

ananymous: well instead of reports of actual marriages and actual divorces in each state, recorded legally and reported, we could just go with your theory that we all ought to just guess. (by the way, a poll is a gathering of opinion. This wasn't a "poll".)

You're desperately looking for an explanation to a fairly straightforward survey result.

The number of people moving between states is unlikely to be statistically significant, especially in a census report. Nice try though.

So the conclusions drawn in this article are totally suspect.

Only if you don't bother to go read the original report from the Census yourself, including their methodology and how they obtained their data.

Oh, wait, you can't be bothered, can you? Sorry bout that.

Denial, denial, denial. None is so blind as he who will not see.

One way that rates for men and women could vary is through multiple divorces being more prevalent for one sex.

One way that rates for men and women could vary is through multiple divorces being more prevalent for one sex.

Shuklack: I thought the same thing, but then realized that it is still one man and one woman per divorce. Unless they tracked identities and only count once for each person rather than each divorce this wouldn't be the reason. Three divorces involving the same man with three women, is it counted as 1 male divorce or 3? My brother married and divorced the same woman twice (didn't learn his lesson the first time), I wonder how this would have been counted? Since they are married yet again maybe it wouldn't even be counted?

wow...joking right? You can't figure out that not all of the men, or all of the women, have spent their entire lives in that state? Come on, this isn't too hard. Get married in one state...move to another and get divorced...(and your ex doesn't move with you.)

another telling statistic would be how many got married because the woman was pregnant.

So much for lack of birth control, eh?

So much for a lack of education and access to birth control.

But, but, but - Today's church can only see the speck of dust in someone else's eye, and not the plank in their own!

Except for some extremely rare cases, I've yet to meet a young (under 60) "Christian" who paid more attention to caring for people than they do to pointing out everything that someone is doing wrong and that they're going to "hell". And my GOD the Gossip that runs rampant in the church today... /sigh

My prayer every single day: "Lord, please save me from your followers!"

One statistic that they can't report on is how much love exists for our people.

I agree 100% but it ain't gonna happen. The line between church and state has been blurred and the separation that was put in place to protect both no longer protects either. Everything that corrupts Government now corrupts the Church and vise versa.

the line between them has been blurred and the seperation no longer exists? Last time i checked, every single founding father was christian. moreover, every single president in history has professed to be christian. yet, i do believe that the first amendment hasnt changed since 1791.............sorry but i dont buy on to what you're throwing out there. yeah there are looney SECTS (as in only a small portion of the whole) of christianity out there, but you cant possibly lump us all into the same category! My church, which happens to be the CLC btw if you want to check my facts, is relatively small. yet, we still send missionaries over seas not just to preach, but to HELP people. we send food, water, clothes, everything because our morals tell us to. furthermore, i'd like to here some examples for your last little corruption statement xmarine......i respect where you're coming from but i dont see evidence to back it up.

You may be a wonderful Christian and belong to an great church- there are many out there, but that said even you must see what is thrown at us as "Christian Values" and how truly non-Christian really is! For those of different faiths (not me, I was raised Catholic- with 14 years of religious education) When they hear politicians or these supposed religious leaders more interested in politics and telling others how to lead their lives, it's hard to blur the line between the good and the heretic.

the line between them has been blurred and the seperation no longer exists? Last time i checked, every single founding father was christian

Check again.

Not all of the founding fathers were christian.

Franklin was a polytheist. He believed in multiple gods, and he did not believe in the divinity of christ.

Adams was a deist who abhorred christian ritual.

Jefferson was deist who did not believe in the virgin birth, miracles, the resurrection, or the holy trinity. He actually rewrote the bible as "The Jefferson Bible". He did not belive that jesus was god. He was called an atheist during the 1800 presidential campaign.

Thomas Pain, author of "Common Sense" and the father of the American revolution was a deist, who believed in no form of practiced religion, not the least christianity.

"I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish Church, by the Roman Church, by the Greek Church, by the Turkish Church, by the Protestant Church, nor by any Church that I know of. My own mind is my own Church. Each of those churches accuse the other of unbelief; and for my own part, I disbelieve them all."

Ethan Allen was a non christian deist.

"I have generally been denominated a Deist, the reality of which I never disputed, being conscious I am no Christian, except mere infant baptism makes me one; and as to being a Deist, I know not strictly speaking, whether I am one or not."

I could go on and on.

The founding fathers were not all christians. They were predominantly deists who strongly questioned religious practice. Most of them did not believe in the divinity of jesus christ.

I am constantly amazed at the pure unfettered ignorance of the masses with regards to the "influence" of christianity on the forming of this country. America was formed in opposition to christian principles, not based on them.

Concerned,

My church, which happens to be the CLC btw if you want to check my facts, is relatively small. yet, we still send missionaries over seas not just to preach, but to HELP people. we send food, water, clothes, everything because our morals tell us to.

First, I think it's odd that you have to send missionaries that far away to "help people." There are plenty of people here who need help. But I applaud your efforts to help those in other countries. However, you don't do that without performing your "mission," which is to convert these people to your belief system. In other words, your "help" is really a bribe. Has any church ever "helped" people and left them to their own beliefs and cultures? The church considers these people inferior because they don't believe in the church, and it sees the mission as a chance to grow its ranks of believers. That is the real reason for the food and water.

Total agreement digitalnoise.

What's this about 'fine line' the rest of you?

The 'fine line' is merely the people, say it with me, THE PEOPLE.

Problem is, the people are relying on the church and state to rule
accordingly.

The people are supposed to rule both the church and the state accordingly, not the other way around.

Here-to-fore, THE PEOPLE are that fine line between church and state... or did you locate some other fine line?

@Pablo: Not those Founding Fathers, the other ones! I mean really, what did Jefferson, Franklin, Paine, et. al. *really* do to found this country?

Excellent post.

NOTE to the Pope, et al.

Divorced since 1972. Almost forgot that I was married.