Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry is taking heat for his new ad that states "...there's something wrong with this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can't openly celebrate Christmas and pray in school."

Let the controversy begin! The video received (as of this writing) 10, 104 "likes" and 420, 719 "dislikes," and comments are flowing in on Rick Perry's Facebook page.

In response to the outrage over the ad, Rick Perry's campaign told the Boston Herald,

This ad accurately reflects Governor Perry's faith and opposition to the Obama Administration's attacks on faith-based organizations. Such attacks include penalizing religious health care providers, attacking the right of churches and religious organizations to make certain hiring decisions, and refusing to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in federal court.

It is a good strong ad that accurately reflects the Governor's faith and policy positions. We believe it is a message that will resonate with a majority of Republican voters, especially Iowans.

Discussion Starters:

• What's your reaction to Rick Perry's ad? Do you find it offensive, spot-on, or something else?
• What effect, if any, do you think the ad will have on Rick Perry's campaign?
• How effective do you consider the Perry campaign's response?