If you think there is a point to be made, for gods sake stop wasting data storage space and MAKE IT!!!

Yes, I have read the thread. Am I to be swayed by the great media research you present below? That her cousin claims to have had opprtunity to turn mates down, at 17, therefore necessarily SHE had the choice (or could even MAKE a choice at 12 years old)? Bullshit!

That you are pressing cultural relativism below? Bullshit! Tell that to al-qaeda.

That you braze over the references to punishing the girl and claim 'What force?' ? That you claim to be 'sitting on the fence' after you pin this story on media bias and criticize objections to the wedding?

That Lee is on your effing side for chrissake?

That you know ONE instance where, topically, happiness was SEEMED to have been gained by a couple some 20+ years ago? The last you met the little girl, she was 17 (by the math in your document). I would be interested in what she had to say at 19, 20, or 25.

I am so very glad that you were touched by your subjective experience. Sorry, but it does not negate the fact that marrying children is WRONG!

C'mon, Dan, Lets hear you subtle and deeply researched point that you are hinting at. I'm just sitting here waiting for it.