To the editor:

From time immemorial states and/or cultures have given special recognition and benefits (subsidies) to the coupling (marriage) of male and female with the expectation that they would produce the children the state needs to survive.

Extending these subsidies to any and all couplings defeats their purpose. Not extending is not discriminatory or unfair. States always give subsidies to encourage actions that they think will be beneficial.

European native populations have decreased by the tens of millions over the recent years due to the de-emphasis of marriage. If the trend is not reversed, Europe will change to a Moslem culture. Vote to reject R-71.

Warren Fitzpatrick

Clinton