For the First Time Ever, Less than Half of U.S. Households are Married Couples

News sources are reporting that Census figures show that only 48% of U.S. households are made up of married couples. Further, only a fifth of households were married couples with children, down form 43% in 1950. The New York Times states that the "iconic image of the American family continues to break apart."

CNN reports that the percent of married households tends to increase in border states "where large Hispanic households represent a growing portion of the population."

Utah has the highest number of married households with 61%. New York has the lowest with approximately 44%.

To read the New York Times story, click here.

To read the CNN story, click here.

Imam's Call to Add Crescent Moon Symbol to Russian Emblem Met With Alarm

Fox News reports that Imam Talgat Tadzhuddin who heads the Central Spiritual Association of Muslims of Russia has called for a change to the Russian coat of arms. In a newspaper interview, the Imam suggested that one of the heads of the Russian double-headed eagle be topped with an Islamic crescent moon, while the other continue to be topped with a Russian Orthodox cross. The Imam notes that approximately 18% of the population of Russia is Muslim.

To read the full story, click here.

The face of Utah is changing fast

A Deseret News article today comments on the newly released Census estimates which show that since 2000, the minority population in Utah has grown three times as fast as the white non-Hispanic population. They note that in Salt Lake County, one in four residents is now a minority.

Online, the first screen of the story seems to emphasize the growth of the Hispanic population. In fact, the article begins by noting the increased number of taco carts around the corner of State Street and 800 South in Salt Lake City.

Unfortunately, as would be expected, comments posted to the story tend to emphasize the growth of the Mexican population, and illegal immigration. One individual wrote:

If Utah is getting more like Mexico, that's because it's getting worse. I've been to Mexico; for the most part it's a dump. Certain parts of Salt Lake City are starting to look like it too.

Another commented:

Ah, isn't that nice. The Third World coming to Utah making things look and operate more like Mexico Lindo every day.

And as on previous occasions, there are those comments that snipe at the LDS Church:

What is that thing called ?? Article of Faith? We believe in obeying the laws of the land, etc. Smirk. We do?? If it is convenient maybe.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705303336/The-face-of-Utah-is-changing-fast.html?pg=1

Declining Immigration Slows Asian, Hispanic Growth

An AP story run by Fox News observes that the growth of Hispanic and Asian populations in the U.S. has "slowed unexpectedly" due to immigration laws and a slow economy.

Analysts at TwoMinuteBriefing anticipated the likelihood of a slowdown, and have encouraged those in policy positions to note the possible impact of anti-immigrant feelings and the current economic situation particularly on the Hispanic population.

How long this slowdown will continue, how deep the slowdown will, and what areas will be most affected is yet to be determined.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,520138,00.html

Recycling the Suburbs

Time Magazine, in its series entitled "10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now", proposes that American suburbs as we know them are dying.

The article suggests that due to the decline in the percentage of homes with kids, and an increasing preference for urban "amenities", the "dream of a big house with the big lawn is vanishing."

See the article here

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1884779_1884782_1884756,00.html