They threaten to sue municipalities and school districts which display any sign of religious observance. If the ACLU wins, the school district or town must pay outrageous legal fees. Thus, school boards and town councils are cowed into submission if they even suspect the ACLU might sue them. They fail to respect the First Amendment rights of citizens to a free religious expression.
This bill would stop the ACLU from doing this.
Religious-Liberties Bill Reintroduced in Senate
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Legislation would deny attorneys' fees to groups including the ACLU.
The Public Expressions of Religion Act made a comeback on Capitol Hill on Monday.
The bill would prevent activist groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) from challenging religious displays on public property and then demanding the government pay attorneys' fees.
It failed in the 109th Congress.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., said his legislation is needed because numerous school districts and towns have been "coerced into settling claims out of a fear of huge monetary losses."
"It's not fair for the ACLU to make taxpayers pay their legal bills," the senator added.
Amanda Banks, federal policy analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said the ACLU scours the country to find schools and other public places where the Ten Commandments, crosses or Bibles are displayed. The group sues for removal, misusing a law originally intended for civil-rights cases.
"They can say, 'If you don't remove this, we're going to sue you," Banks said. "The position they put a school district or town in is -- 'Either cave in or be prepared to lose a very large amount of money.' "
Not surprisingly, the ACLU opposes the measure.
"If PERA were to pass, Congress would isolate and discourage enforcement of a specific piece of our Bill of Rights," said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU's Washington, D.C., office.
But Brownback said the Bill of Rights takes a body blow whenever the ACLU wins legal fees in freedom of religious expression cases.
One such case occurred in 2003, he said, when liberal groups won a challenge in Alabama to remove a Ten Commandments display from the rotunda of the Alabama Supreme Court building. Taxpayers were forced to pay nearly $550,000 in attorneys' fees to Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the ACLU of Alabama and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Then, in Pennsylvania, a judge awarded $2 million to the ACLU of Pennsylvania and Americans United after the groups successfully sued the Dover, Pa., school board for requiring science teachers to teach intelligent design alongside evolution. The award was later reduced to $1 million.
The real question: How realistic are PERA's chances with ACLU-friendly Democrats in charge?
"It's going to be a tough bill to sell in this Congress," Banks said.
Last September, the House passed its own version -- championed by then-Rep. John Hostettler, R-Ind. That bill died in the Senate, and Hostettler was not re-elected.
"Last year, just one Democratic Senate member was a co-sponsor of the bill, and that was Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska," Banks noted. "He has not signed onto it yet this year, but there's no reason to believe that he wouldn't do so at a later date. One out of 51 Democratic senators is probably not enough."
Brownback, meanwhile, said his legislation would not stop plaintiffs with legitimate claims from having their day in court.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
WABC radio host Jerry Agar Stands up for Life!
I was driving home from a class tonight when I happened upon this riveting conversation about aborting babies who have Down Syndrome. Jerry Agar is a radio host I have never listened to, but I'm a fan now. He so vigorously defended the right to life of unborn children with Down Syndrome, that he had me rushing into the house to hear the rest of the show. I tried to call in, but it was too late. Check out his new blog.He was referring to the Newsweek column of George Will whose son has Down Sydrome. This column was recommended to me by Senator Brownback, and makes the case rather eloquently that no human being deserves to be the victim of a "search and destroy mission", least of all his loving son, Jon.
What didn't surprise me was a call from a 35 year old man who was planning to have a family with his 32 year old wife, who said he would certainly abort a child who had Down Syndrome, because, " they have depressed intelligence, and I think I owe it to a child to let him have the best shot in life". Nothing Jerry said could convince him that this was a selfish, consumerist perspective where parents decided that, "I deserve the perfect child". What did surprise me was the doctor from Westchester who called in to agree with Jerry, and call this type of attitude profit-driven. He told us to "follow the money trail, and see who is making the recommendations for amniocentesis, and who has ties to the abortion mills". Very interesting, the good doctor is on to something.
Great discussion, Jerry, you've just gained a new loyal listener!
Monday, January 29, 2007
We sure know where we rank as pro-life marchers
Two marches took place in Washington DC this week, one on Monday with 134,000 marchers, more than half of whom were under 30. Congressmen and President Bush participated, and Dr. Martin Luther King's niece spoke. It was completely law-abiding. No arrests were made.The other with a mere 10,000 marchers who behaved poorly, spray painting the Capitol Building with their signs, an arrestable offense. No arrests were made, at the request of the new Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Some Hollywood stars known for past protests spoke.
Family Research Council has done some digging and uncovered more shocking details about the anti-war march in Washington this past weekend. For such a small crowd, the demonstrators were an interesting bunch of people - everything from actors and anarchists to the members of Congress who marched alongside them, including: Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Reps. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI). Also addressing the crowd from his prison cell was convicted cop-killer Mumia Abu Jamal. After talking to members of the Capitol Hill police, FRC discovered that one reason the officers held back from confronting one batch of protestors was because the anarchists threatened the officers with bottles of human urine. Additional damage done to both city and personal property includes a news truck pelted with rocks and spray-painted street signs. Although the demonstrators claimed they supported the troops but not the war, The New York Times reported that some of the protestors actually spat at war veterans as they marched by. Peaceful civil disobedience has an honorable history in the United States, yet many of those who protested last weekend were neither civil nor peaceful.The anti-war march was splashed over the front pages of virtually every newspaper in the country. The March for Life, was completely ignored by papers such as Newsday, or relegated to the 'Metropolitan' section of the Washington Post.
Senator Brownback said at Bloggers for Life, that if any other march had this large number of youth, it would be headline news, and be labelled a grassroots movement by the mainstream press.
That is why I thank God for EWTN, talk radio,Fox News, and of course, bloggers. No wonder the Democrats want to sensor us!
Keep blogging, you Culture of Life bloggers, they're feeling threatened.
The Culture of Hollywood is a Zoo
The film "Zoo"marks the lowest depth to which Hollywood has plummeted. What's the only moral barrier left to break since "Million Dollar Baby" and "Brokeback Mountain"? Yup. No more species-centric relationships for me! And the Sundance Film Festival, sponsored by Robert Redford promoted this outrage.Remember which film won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival? It was "Bella". THIS is what happens when normal people are allowed a voice in their entertainment choices.
Speaking of choices, I met a couple, Deborah, and Jonathan Flora,(formerly of Disney Studios) at Bloggers for Life, who just produced the pro-life film, "A Distant Thunder" a supernatural thriller based on the facts of Partial-Birth Abortion. It is difficult to watch because of it's emotional realism, and terrifying flashbacks, but it packs an unforgettable punch in it's ending. It reminds me of "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" in it's message and powerful surprise ending, whose message won't easily be forgotten.
Fr. Robert Drinan is Dead at 86
I remember Fr. Drinan as the nemesis of the pro-life movement of the late 1970's when I was first going to the March for Life. Here we were, freezing on Constitution Avenue, while Fr. Drinan was warm in his Congressional Office, voting to kill babies.He left office at the directive of Pope John Paul II in the eighties, and I hadn't heard much from him until earlier this month, when he said Nancy Pelosi's mass on her triumphant first day as Speaker of the House. He lent credibility to her facade of Catholicism, and those of us loyal to Church teaching were once again out in the cold, holding signs saying, "you can't be Catholic and pro-choice. Bishop Wuerl made no statement about her receiving communion, and we felt betrayed.
In 1980 Pope John Paul II ordered Drinan to vacate his seat in Congress. In 1996 Drinan spoke out in favor of Bill Clinton's veto of the partial birth abortion ban. He also was an advisor on religious affairs to John Kerry during his 2004 presidential campaign. And in 2007 he was celebrant to a mass honoring Nancy Pelosi.
To quote Fr. Neuhaus, "a Jesuit who, more than any other single figure, has been influential in tutoring Catholic politicians on the acceptability of rejecting the Church’s teaching on the defense of innocent human life." Christopher (comment on The Curt Jester)
Fr. Drinan, you now have to give account for these travesties, at the foot of the throne of the Almighty God, and there are no spin doctors or Democratic buddies to hide behind.
May Our Merciful Saviour have mercy on your eternal soul.
Please pray for priests.
To quote Fr. Neuhaus, "a Jesuit who, more than any other single figure, has been influential in tutoring Catholic politicians on the acceptability of rejecting the Church’s teaching on the defense of innocent human life." Christopher (comment on The Curt Jester)
Fr. Drinan, you now have to give account for these travesties, at the foot of the throne of the Almighty God, and there are no spin doctors or Democratic buddies to hide behind.
May Our Merciful Saviour have mercy on your eternal soul.
Please pray for priests.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Another friend of mine has entered the Blogosphere
Welcome image and likeness of God! I appreciate your roundup of bishops with backbone!
These, for the uninitiated, are bishops whose crozier has special strength, garnered from their owner's intestinal fortitude in denying communion to COD politicians.
Onward, valiant shepherds, the faithful few are behind you!!
These, for the uninitiated, are bishops whose crozier has special strength, garnered from their owner's intestinal fortitude in denying communion to COD politicians.
Onward, valiant shepherds, the faithful few are behind you!!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Town Hall.com on Senator Brownback's Blogs for Life Speech
People for the American Way blog noted how Senator Brownback mentioned my daughter Christina, age 4 with Down Syndrome in his speech, but the tone is condescending. Also, I am suspicious of a blog which doesn't allow comments.
So I prefer this post from Katie Lavazza at Townhall.com who reported on his talk, which convinced me he has a viable chance at winning the presidency.
So I prefer this post from Katie Lavazza at Townhall.com who reported on his talk, which convinced me he has a viable chance at winning the presidency.
Senator Brownback Keeps His Promise to Me
And to us. He introduced the Fetal Pain Awareness act to the Senate today.
This bill which informs women who are about to abort their unborn child after 20 weeks gestation, that the child will feel intense pain, and offer them the option of anesthetizing the child.
Derrick Jones the acting director of media relations for the National Right to Life Committee, wrote in the National Catholic Register this week, "'Right to know' legislation has provided a significant decrease in the number of abortions because the more women know about the development of their unborn children, the less inclined they are to have the abortion, and the more they seek out life-saving alternatives".
"When looking at the country as a whole, a poll conducted by the Polling Company in April 2006 found that 22% were opposed to abortion except when the mother's life was in danger, or in cases of rape or incest, 16% were opposed to abortion except to save the mother's life, and only 16% were opposed to abortion in all circumstances."
In other words, the incremental approach, while repulsive to pro-lifers on it's face, (how many murders must we accept?) works to save lives.
Americans aren't educated on the facts of abortion, and until they are, they still want to keep at least some abortions legal. While Senator Brownback spoke on Monday, he stated his opposition to all abortions, except when the life of the mother is in danger. Dr.Isajiw from the Catholic Medical Association stood up and corrected him, saying that abortion is never medically necessary, because abortion involves the deliberate killing of the unborn child. Medical procedures such as hysterectomy, and removal of an ectopic pregnancy do, indirectly kill the baby to save the mother's life, but they are NOT abortions. This is what medical ethicists call the principle of double effect. The baby dies as a result of the surgery, but the surgeon has NOT intentionally killed the child. This has always been permissible in the Church. Senator Brownback graciously replied, "well said".
What happens when well-intentioned people leave a life of the mother clause in an abortion ban, is it renders the law useless, as abortionists lie and say that every abortion they perform is 'lifesaving'.
George, the baby killer Tiller uses this defense to kill late term babies. Nearly every woman who has a late term abortion in his notorious Witchita mill, states, "depression" as her medical reason for the abortion, thus fulfilling Kansas law. So far, Tiller has escaped prosecution for this deceptive practice.
This bill which informs women who are about to abort their unborn child after 20 weeks gestation, that the child will feel intense pain, and offer them the option of anesthetizing the child.
Derrick Jones the acting director of media relations for the National Right to Life Committee, wrote in the National Catholic Register this week, "'Right to know' legislation has provided a significant decrease in the number of abortions because the more women know about the development of their unborn children, the less inclined they are to have the abortion, and the more they seek out life-saving alternatives".
"When looking at the country as a whole, a poll conducted by the Polling Company in April 2006 found that 22% were opposed to abortion except when the mother's life was in danger, or in cases of rape or incest, 16% were opposed to abortion except to save the mother's life, and only 16% were opposed to abortion in all circumstances."
In other words, the incremental approach, while repulsive to pro-lifers on it's face, (how many murders must we accept?) works to save lives.
Americans aren't educated on the facts of abortion, and until they are, they still want to keep at least some abortions legal. While Senator Brownback spoke on Monday, he stated his opposition to all abortions, except when the life of the mother is in danger. Dr.Isajiw from the Catholic Medical Association stood up and corrected him, saying that abortion is never medically necessary, because abortion involves the deliberate killing of the unborn child. Medical procedures such as hysterectomy, and removal of an ectopic pregnancy do, indirectly kill the baby to save the mother's life, but they are NOT abortions. This is what medical ethicists call the principle of double effect. The baby dies as a result of the surgery, but the surgeon has NOT intentionally killed the child. This has always been permissible in the Church. Senator Brownback graciously replied, "well said".
What happens when well-intentioned people leave a life of the mother clause in an abortion ban, is it renders the law useless, as abortionists lie and say that every abortion they perform is 'lifesaving'.
George, the baby killer Tiller uses this defense to kill late term babies. Nearly every woman who has a late term abortion in his notorious Witchita mill, states, "depression" as her medical reason for the abortion, thus fulfilling Kansas law. So far, Tiller has escaped prosecution for this deceptive practice.
An Endorsement of Sam Brownback for President
Dear Friend,
When my friend Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas asked me to serve on the Advisory Committee of his campaign for President I eagerly said "Yes."
Since the day he was first elected to Congress in 1994 Sam has been a hero for the unborn and one of the strongest and most consistent supporters of pro-life policies.
He has my unequivocal support. And I urge you to read his important message below and to strongly consider joining me in supporting his campaign.
With best wishes,
Fr. Frank Pavone
Senator Sam Brownback
(R-KS)
Dear Fellow Conservative,
I've sent YOU this urgent email message because I was told that just like me you are a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, God-fearing American.
Is that correct?
If it's NOT then you might as well just go ahead and delete this message now.
But if it is true -- if you ARE pro-life and if you DO care about protecting marriage -- then I'm personally asking you to take just 30 more seconds to read the rest of this important email.
Why is it so critical that you read this?
Because I need you to take action today!
You need to act TODAY if you want to have a say in who wins the Republican nomination for President
Even as I type out this message to you the battle for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination is raging in full force.
And if you want YOUR pro-life and YOUR pro-marriage views to be represented in the Republican primary, then it's absolutely crucial that you act today to make sure your voice is heard.
There is no time to waste!
If you blink, the Republican primary campaign will be over before you know it.
I am the most consistent social conservative running for the Republican nomination. I represent your values more effectively than anyone else. I need your help today!
As the only tried-and-true social conservative seeking the Republican Party's nomination, I'm personally asking for your support.
In fact, differing stands on social issues like life and marriage represent the main contrast between the candidates running for the Republican nomination.
And this is where the critical battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party is being waged.
My friend, I don't know about you, but for me the social issues are why I became a Republican in the first place.
Yes, I believe strongly in lower taxes, smaller government, and a strong national defense.
But it's the social issues first and foremost that drive my passion.
Others may talk the talk from time to time.
But I've walked the walk for 10 years in the U.S. Senate and 2 years in the U.S House.
My record on social issues is second to none.
Do you want the Republican Party's presidential nominee to be unequivocally and unashamedly pro-life and pro-traditional marriage? If yes, you need to act today!
If you agree with me on these vital issues...
...if you want the presidential nominee of the Republican Party to be unequivocally and unashamedly pro-life...
...if you want the presidential nominee of the Republican Party to work as hard at protecting marriage as he does at cutting taxes...
...then I'm urgently asking for your help today.
Just imagine if Republicans nominate a presidential candidate who is NOT honestly and faithfully pro-life.
Or if Republicans nominate a presidential candidate who is NOT ready and willing to do whatever it takes to protect traditional marriage.
Ask yourself, would it still be YOUR Republican Party?
Would you have a candidate to vote for in 2008 that you felt good about?
Or would you simply be holding your nose while you voted for the candidate not named Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Right now is your best chance to make a difference.
You have a chance to have a serious impact on who wins the Republican nomination and the presidency.
And I'm personally asking you right now to support my campaign.
You can make sure the Republican nominee is not just an economic and national security conservative, but also a rock-solid, true-believing social conservative!
But to win I need you to stand up and make your voice heard.
Reporters have already been calling me the choice of pro-life Americans and "values voters." But they question whether I can raise the money I need to compete.
They are carefully watching my fundraising to gauge how much support I am receiving.
So please, will you cast your vote for a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage nominee for the Republican Party?
My friend, your chance to make a difference for our values is right now - before it's too late!
May God bless you and our great country.
Sincerely,
Sam Brownback
U.S. Senator, Kansas
P.S. If you want the Republican Party's presidential nominee in 2008 to share your pro-life and pro-traditional marriage values then please make a difference today by supporting my campaign for President with an immediate contribution of $25 or more. Many thanks in advance for your generous support!!
PAID FOR BY BROWNBACK FOR PRESIDENT
When my friend Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas asked me to serve on the Advisory Committee of his campaign for President I eagerly said "Yes."
Since the day he was first elected to Congress in 1994 Sam has been a hero for the unborn and one of the strongest and most consistent supporters of pro-life policies.
He has my unequivocal support. And I urge you to read his important message below and to strongly consider joining me in supporting his campaign.
With best wishes,
Fr. Frank Pavone
Senator Sam Brownback
(R-KS)
Dear Fellow Conservative,
I've sent YOU this urgent email message because I was told that just like me you are a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, God-fearing American.
Is that correct?
If it's NOT then you might as well just go ahead and delete this message now.
But if it is true -- if you ARE pro-life and if you DO care about protecting marriage -- then I'm personally asking you to take just 30 more seconds to read the rest of this important email.
Why is it so critical that you read this?
Because I need you to take action today!
You need to act TODAY if you want to have a say in who wins the Republican nomination for President
Even as I type out this message to you the battle for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination is raging in full force.
And if you want YOUR pro-life and YOUR pro-marriage views to be represented in the Republican primary, then it's absolutely crucial that you act today to make sure your voice is heard.
There is no time to waste!
If you blink, the Republican primary campaign will be over before you know it.
I am the most consistent social conservative running for the Republican nomination. I represent your values more effectively than anyone else. I need your help today!
As the only tried-and-true social conservative seeking the Republican Party's nomination, I'm personally asking for your support.
In fact, differing stands on social issues like life and marriage represent the main contrast between the candidates running for the Republican nomination.
And this is where the critical battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party is being waged.
My friend, I don't know about you, but for me the social issues are why I became a Republican in the first place.
Yes, I believe strongly in lower taxes, smaller government, and a strong national defense.
But it's the social issues first and foremost that drive my passion.
Others may talk the talk from time to time.
But I've walked the walk for 10 years in the U.S. Senate and 2 years in the U.S House.
My record on social issues is second to none.
Do you want the Republican Party's presidential nominee to be unequivocally and unashamedly pro-life and pro-traditional marriage? If yes, you need to act today!
If you agree with me on these vital issues...
...if you want the presidential nominee of the Republican Party to be unequivocally and unashamedly pro-life...
...if you want the presidential nominee of the Republican Party to work as hard at protecting marriage as he does at cutting taxes...
...then I'm urgently asking for your help today.
Just imagine if Republicans nominate a presidential candidate who is NOT honestly and faithfully pro-life.
Or if Republicans nominate a presidential candidate who is NOT ready and willing to do whatever it takes to protect traditional marriage.
Ask yourself, would it still be YOUR Republican Party?
Would you have a candidate to vote for in 2008 that you felt good about?
Or would you simply be holding your nose while you voted for the candidate not named Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Right now is your best chance to make a difference.
You have a chance to have a serious impact on who wins the Republican nomination and the presidency.
And I'm personally asking you right now to support my campaign.
You can make sure the Republican nominee is not just an economic and national security conservative, but also a rock-solid, true-believing social conservative!
But to win I need you to stand up and make your voice heard.
Reporters have already been calling me the choice of pro-life Americans and "values voters." But they question whether I can raise the money I need to compete.
They are carefully watching my fundraising to gauge how much support I am receiving.
So please, will you cast your vote for a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage nominee for the Republican Party?
My friend, your chance to make a difference for our values is right now - before it's too late!
May God bless you and our great country.
Sincerely,
Sam Brownback
U.S. Senator, Kansas
P.S. If you want the Republican Party's presidential nominee in 2008 to share your pro-life and pro-traditional marriage values then please make a difference today by supporting my campaign for President with an immediate contribution of $25 or more. Many thanks in advance for your generous support!!
PAID FOR BY BROWNBACK FOR PRESIDENT
YouTube Video on March for Life
The Franciscan University of Steubenville has always had a big contingent at the March for Life, and now they have a blogger, Billy Valentine, who has posted his video on YouTube.
He, like me, is a big fan of Senator Sam Brownback.
He, like me, is a big fan of Senator Sam Brownback.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
My take on Senator Brownback's Chances of Winning the Presidency
I witnessed a groundswell of support for Senator Brownback's candidacy for president, at the March for Life Monday, after I met him at the Bloggers for Life Conference at Family Research Council. He spoke with me about his consistent pro-life leadership on such issues as the fetal pain bill he's introducing in the Senate, and the bill to provide correct information about Down Syndrome to parents expecting Downs children. He met my daughter Christina who has Downs, and mentioned her in his speech, citing the fact that there is an 80% abortion rate for these children, yet, there is also a waiting list for parents who want to adopt them if they are born.Senator Brownback comes across as completely sincere, people-oriented, yet a talented politician. He won his Senate seat from the Lt. Governor Sheila Frahm a pro-abortion Republican who was appointed to replace Senator Bob Dole, who was running for president. He was 26 points behind, yet won his seat with 15 points to spare a 40 point gain! He told us at the Conference, that once he connects with the core voters who brave the Iowa weather to make the caucuses, he fe
els that he will do well in the primaries. Dana Millbank, a Washington Post reporter who was present at the Conference, agrees.
els that he will do well in the primaries. Dana Millbank, a Washington Post reporter who was present at the Conference, agrees. Senator Brownback was originally elected to Congress as part of the Republican Revolution of 1994, and he is one of the few who haven't forgotten his core conservative values. He has won the support of Tom Monaghan of Ave Maria University and Fr. Frank Pavone, as well as Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, and pro-life activist. He draws his inspiration from the works of Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II, to whom he awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom.
I can't remember a politician who has captivated the marchers like Sam Brownback. His signs were everywhere, and the crowd roared when he was introduced. Look out COD(Culture of Death) Catholic politicians (Guiliani), here comes a man who deserves the label Catholic politician. May God grant him success.
This photo is of a young man campaigning for Senator Brownback at the March for Life.
See who is behind him? Hmmm. . . interesting!
See C-Span Coverage of Senator Brownback's March for Life Speech
If you missed the March for Life coverage, and it's easy to miss it because the mainstream media do their best to ignore it.Senator Brownback said that it's the most under-reported event in Washington. He said if 100,000 mostly young people showed up for any other cause, it would be front page news and called a grassroots movement.We were virtually ignored by the media, You can watch the coverage on EWTN and C-Span video.
Another video of the March for Life
This one is from the Dominican Friars. I met Fr. Francis de Sales at the Bloggers for Life Conference the morning of the March. Happy feast day Fr Francis!
HT American Papist
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Go and See Mommy Life's Slideshow on the March for Life
It puts mine to shame. Someone asked me if I were her at the Bloggers for Life Conference. I was thrilled to be confused for this fantastic blogger and journalist. She is one of my role models.
The Difference between old and new Catholics
Thomas J Craughwell writes a perceptive article in the American Spectator, entitled "Bishop, I Have the Pope on Line One", on the dichotomy between liberal and traditional Catholics.
HT Kansas City Catholic
HT Kansas City Catholic
Senator Brownback announces Presidential Bid
Senator Sam Brownback announced that he is running for the Republican nomination for the presidency.
Brownback announces presidential bidSurrounded by family at Expocentre, Brownback takes the 'first steps on the yellow brick road to the White House'By Tim CarpenterThe Capital-JournalPublished Sunday, January 21, 2007Republican Sen. Sam Brownback opened his campaign for president Saturday by proclaiming the power of God to heal the nation's suffering and calling upon Americans to put divisiveness aside to meet challenges of poverty, abortion, war and cancer."I'm proud to be a conservative that believes in addressing problems, not ignoring them," Brownback told an estimated 800 people attending the official announcement rally at Heritage Hall in the Kansas Expocentre. "At the end of the day, it comes back to the basics: faith, family and freedom."The one-time state president of Future Farmers of America, who stepped with relative ease from the post of Kansas agriculture secretary to seats in the U.S. House and Senate, became Kansas' latest favorite son candidate for the White House. Securing the GOP nomination in 2008 will require Brownback to move beyond his conservative Christian base to overcome rivals with more robust fundraising experience and broader name recognition.Brownback, 50, said he was taking the "first steps on the yellow brick road to the White House" with "sincere humility and determination." He would offer himself as a "full-scale" conservative in the mold of Ronald Reagan, a Republican who served two terms as president.It was happenstance that Brownback entered the presidential fray on the day Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y, declared for the Democratic Party's nomination. Brownback joked that the timing indicated "she's scared of me."Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee released a statement urging Brownback to "reconcile his compassionate rhetoric with the callous conservatism his record shows." DNC spokeswoman Amaya Smith pointed to Brownback's votes to limit minimum wage protection for workers, to oppose spending for armored military vehicles used in Iraq and to reject funding hikes for veterans' medical care.Brownback, who has said he won't seek re-election to the Senate in 2010, entered a race that could draw as many as 10 GOP candidates, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.In a 15-minute announcement speech, Brownback vowed to campaign on behalf of Americans opposed to gay marriage, abortion, taxes and "pork-barrel" government spending.He called for the nation to end the scourge of deadly cancers, reduce reliance on foreign oil, pull families out of poverty and block the work of "activist" judges.The war raging in Iraq and Afghanistan, which has cost the lives of more than 3,000 U.S. troops, requires Republicans and Democrats to develop a bipartisan strategy for victory that matches the courage of men and women offering their lives for freedom, Brownback said."We must win to redeem our troops' sacrifices," he said. "We need unity here to win over there. Lives, and our future, are at stake."Brownback didn't mention his opposition to President Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq. Nor did he address his view, shared by Bush, that Congress should adopt comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for millions of people living in the United States without permission.Brownback, surrounded on a small stage by members of his family from his current hometown of Topeka and his childhood home in Parker, promised during the speech to not sign into law a tax hike if elected president. He proposed an "alternative flat tax," which would give people the option of paying one flat rate on income."We need a different income tax system altogether," Brownback said. "This one, the Internal Revenue Code, should be taken behind a barn and killed with a dull axe."Brownback said the "foundational institution of marriage as the union of a man and woman for life" had to be reinforced. Federal policy should support marriage, not tax it, and people shouldn't lose welfare benefits when they get married, he said.The underlying goal should be to halt wasteful government spending that "steals a family's income and then insults them by throwing their money away on pork-barrel projects," the senator said.He said the time has come to conquer cancer, which he proclaimed as America's No. 1 fear. He said it was possible to end deaths by cancer in a decade, a vision bolstered by a decrease in deaths from cancer over the past two years."It's time to put this killer to death," Brownback said. "With our intense effort, we can make it a chronic rather than terminal illness."Brownback said it was urgent that quality, affordable health care be available to all Americans. Anticipating unease among fiscal conservatives on that point, Brownback assured the audience this issue could be addressed with market-based solutions rather than through expansion of a government-run health care system.He set an ambitious goal of making North America energy self-reliant in 15 years. That must be accomplished while reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, he said.Restraint needs to be applied to federal judges who go beyond interpretation of law to what amounts to formation of law from the bench, Brownback said."We need judges who want to be judges not legislators," he said.Brownback said the country would make a huge mistake by stripping God from public life and institutions, making reference to the nation's motto, "In God We Trust.""To walk away from the Almighty is to embrace decline for a nation," he said. "To embrace him leads to renewal for individuals and for nations."He said that perspective was no more important than in the country's stance on abortion. The senator believes the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion should be overturned."Let's start following our hearts and work to protect all innocent human life at all stages," said Brownback, departing from his prepared remarks. "It is all beautiful. It is all sacred. It is all unique. Let's guard and protect them."He said policy objectives outlined in his speech might appear lofty. At the same time, he said, history demonstrates that a nation's goodness could be developed inch by inch, day by day.The senator offered as evidence the work of obscure British parliamentarian William Wilberforce, who was a committed Christian dedicated to eradication of slavery in the empire. Wilberforce beat the odds by ending the slave trade 200 years ago, Brownback said."Our mandate today has a similar feel," he said. "If Wilberforce were alive today, I believe he would passionately fight for the dignity of every human life everywhere without regard to race, wealth or status. He would also feel compelled to take up the vital cause of renewing the family and the culture.""And these are our fights today," he continued. "We must fight for the downtrodden, and for the voiceless, and for the powerless. We must fight for freedom and justice. To do otherwise would be to betray our heritage."Brownback, elected to the House in 1994 and subsequently to the Senate seat vacated by Bob Dole when he resigned to run for president, said the United States required leadership that tapped into the innate goodness of a society working together."So," said the man who once dreamed of being a farmer, not commander in chief, "it is with sincere humility and determination to do good that I declare my candidacy for president."
Brownback announces presidential bidSurrounded by family at Expocentre, Brownback takes the 'first steps on the yellow brick road to the White House'By Tim CarpenterThe Capital-JournalPublished Sunday, January 21, 2007Republican Sen. Sam Brownback opened his campaign for president Saturday by proclaiming the power of God to heal the nation's suffering and calling upon Americans to put divisiveness aside to meet challenges of poverty, abortion, war and cancer."I'm proud to be a conservative that believes in addressing problems, not ignoring them," Brownback told an estimated 800 people attending the official announcement rally at Heritage Hall in the Kansas Expocentre. "At the end of the day, it comes back to the basics: faith, family and freedom."The one-time state president of Future Farmers of America, who stepped with relative ease from the post of Kansas agriculture secretary to seats in the U.S. House and Senate, became Kansas' latest favorite son candidate for the White House. Securing the GOP nomination in 2008 will require Brownback to move beyond his conservative Christian base to overcome rivals with more robust fundraising experience and broader name recognition.Brownback, 50, said he was taking the "first steps on the yellow brick road to the White House" with "sincere humility and determination." He would offer himself as a "full-scale" conservative in the mold of Ronald Reagan, a Republican who served two terms as president.It was happenstance that Brownback entered the presidential fray on the day Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y, declared for the Democratic Party's nomination. Brownback joked that the timing indicated "she's scared of me."Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee released a statement urging Brownback to "reconcile his compassionate rhetoric with the callous conservatism his record shows." DNC spokeswoman Amaya Smith pointed to Brownback's votes to limit minimum wage protection for workers, to oppose spending for armored military vehicles used in Iraq and to reject funding hikes for veterans' medical care.Brownback, who has said he won't seek re-election to the Senate in 2010, entered a race that could draw as many as 10 GOP candidates, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.In a 15-minute announcement speech, Brownback vowed to campaign on behalf of Americans opposed to gay marriage, abortion, taxes and "pork-barrel" government spending.He called for the nation to end the scourge of deadly cancers, reduce reliance on foreign oil, pull families out of poverty and block the work of "activist" judges.The war raging in Iraq and Afghanistan, which has cost the lives of more than 3,000 U.S. troops, requires Republicans and Democrats to develop a bipartisan strategy for victory that matches the courage of men and women offering their lives for freedom, Brownback said."We must win to redeem our troops' sacrifices," he said. "We need unity here to win over there. Lives, and our future, are at stake."Brownback didn't mention his opposition to President Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq. Nor did he address his view, shared by Bush, that Congress should adopt comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for millions of people living in the United States without permission.Brownback, surrounded on a small stage by members of his family from his current hometown of Topeka and his childhood home in Parker, promised during the speech to not sign into law a tax hike if elected president. He proposed an "alternative flat tax," which would give people the option of paying one flat rate on income."We need a different income tax system altogether," Brownback said. "This one, the Internal Revenue Code, should be taken behind a barn and killed with a dull axe."Brownback said the "foundational institution of marriage as the union of a man and woman for life" had to be reinforced. Federal policy should support marriage, not tax it, and people shouldn't lose welfare benefits when they get married, he said.The underlying goal should be to halt wasteful government spending that "steals a family's income and then insults them by throwing their money away on pork-barrel projects," the senator said.He said the time has come to conquer cancer, which he proclaimed as America's No. 1 fear. He said it was possible to end deaths by cancer in a decade, a vision bolstered by a decrease in deaths from cancer over the past two years."It's time to put this killer to death," Brownback said. "With our intense effort, we can make it a chronic rather than terminal illness."Brownback said it was urgent that quality, affordable health care be available to all Americans. Anticipating unease among fiscal conservatives on that point, Brownback assured the audience this issue could be addressed with market-based solutions rather than through expansion of a government-run health care system.He set an ambitious goal of making North America energy self-reliant in 15 years. That must be accomplished while reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, he said.Restraint needs to be applied to federal judges who go beyond interpretation of law to what amounts to formation of law from the bench, Brownback said."We need judges who want to be judges not legislators," he said.Brownback said the country would make a huge mistake by stripping God from public life and institutions, making reference to the nation's motto, "In God We Trust.""To walk away from the Almighty is to embrace decline for a nation," he said. "To embrace him leads to renewal for individuals and for nations."He said that perspective was no more important than in the country's stance on abortion. The senator believes the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion should be overturned."Let's start following our hearts and work to protect all innocent human life at all stages," said Brownback, departing from his prepared remarks. "It is all beautiful. It is all sacred. It is all unique. Let's guard and protect them."He said policy objectives outlined in his speech might appear lofty. At the same time, he said, history demonstrates that a nation's goodness could be developed inch by inch, day by day.The senator offered as evidence the work of obscure British parliamentarian William Wilberforce, who was a committed Christian dedicated to eradication of slavery in the empire. Wilberforce beat the odds by ending the slave trade 200 years ago, Brownback said."Our mandate today has a similar feel," he said. "If Wilberforce were alive today, I believe he would passionately fight for the dignity of every human life everywhere without regard to race, wealth or status. He would also feel compelled to take up the vital cause of renewing the family and the culture.""And these are our fights today," he continued. "We must fight for the downtrodden, and for the voiceless, and for the powerless. We must fight for freedom and justice. To do otherwise would be to betray our heritage."Brownback, elected to the House in 1994 and subsequently to the Senate seat vacated by Bob Dole when he resigned to run for president, said the United States required leadership that tapped into the innate goodness of a society working together."So," said the man who once dreamed of being a farmer, not commander in chief, "it is with sincere humility and determination to do good that I declare my candidacy for president."
Sunday, January 21, 2007
How did we come to accept legalized abortion in America?
The Cafeteria is Closed has a great post by Fr. Richard Neuhaus on the Catholic history of abortion in America.
NY Times Magazine Debunks "Post Abortion Syndrome"
The cover article for the New York Times Magazine questions whether Post-Abortion Syndrome exists. . .three guesses, they say it's a fake, foisted on hysterical women who are losers, looking for something to blame their pathetic failures on, and manipulated by the 'anti-choice' movement. Save your money, and your blood pressure, and do not buy this pro-death progaganda. See the facts on post-abortion syndrome, PAS here.
Instead read Amy Welborn's take on the article, and the comments that follow.
My response is this: the Silent No More Awareness Campaign has both the New York Times and Ms. Magazine worried enough to respond by too loudly saying this syndrome is a fake. Well done, Silent No More.
See you on the Supreme Court steps on Monday.
Instead read Amy Welborn's take on the article, and the comments that follow.
My response is this: the Silent No More Awareness Campaign has both the New York Times and Ms. Magazine worried enough to respond by too loudly saying this syndrome is a fake. Well done, Silent No More.
See you on the Supreme Court steps on Monday.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
New Years Resolutions Made by Blogging Moms
Are at the Loveliness of New Year's Resolutions Fair at Living Without School. I'm not the only one bold enough to post my resolutions publicly.
Check them out, you may find yourself making a belated resolution.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Amnio Testing for Down Syndrome Shouldn't be Routine
Patricia E. Bauer, a former reporter for the Washington Post, is the mother of a child with Down Sydrome. She opposes the American College of Obstetrician and Gynocologist's reccommendation that all women over 35 have routine early screenings for Down Syndrome. She states that since, Downs cannot be cured, that more babies will be aborted. The rate of abortions for Down Syndrome is already close to 90%.
"We're embarking on the elimination of an entire class of people who have a history of exclusion. Much
of what people think they know about intellectual disabilities is inaccurate and remains rooted in stigma and opinions formed when institutionalization was routine."
In my community, there are a disproportionate number of disabled adults, thanks to the many homes run by Independent Group Home Living, which is based here. Many of these are older adults with the vacuous stares that feed that stereotype, thanks to decades of neglect in institutions such as the infamous Willowbrook, which was exposed by Geraldo Rivera in the 70's.
What most people don't know, is what Patricia Bauer asserts in the article, that "people with Down Syndrome and ar
e better educated, and leading longer, healthier, and more productive lives." A case in point: Sujeet Desai and Carrie Berejon, two young people in their twenties,who happen to have Down Syndrome have just gotten married and moved into their own apartment. Both hold down jobs, in fact Sujeet is a musician.
A couple of years ago, Sen Sam Brownback, and Ted Kennedy, whose sister Rose had an intellectual disability, co-sponsored a bill which would make doctors inform mothers whose unborn child had Down Syndrome or another disability, about the true capabilites of these children.
Here's a link to an article in the Daily Mail by the mother of an actor, Max Lewis, who has Down Syndrome. My Lovely Son: The Hollywood Star.
"We're embarking on the elimination of an entire class of people who have a history of exclusion. Much
of what people think they know about intellectual disabilities is inaccurate and remains rooted in stigma and opinions formed when institutionalization was routine."In my community, there are a disproportionate number of disabled adults, thanks to the many homes run by Independent Group Home Living, which is based here. Many of these are older adults with the vacuous stares that feed that stereotype, thanks to decades of neglect in institutions such as the infamous Willowbrook, which was exposed by Geraldo Rivera in the 70's.
What most people don't know, is what Patricia Bauer asserts in the article, that "people with Down Syndrome and ar
e better educated, and leading longer, healthier, and more productive lives." A case in point: Sujeet Desai and Carrie Berejon, two young people in their twenties,who happen to have Down Syndrome have just gotten married and moved into their own apartment. Both hold down jobs, in fact Sujeet is a musician.A couple of years ago, Sen Sam Brownback, and Ted Kennedy, whose sister Rose had an intellectual disability, co-sponsored a bill which would make doctors inform mothers whose unborn child had Down Syndrome or another disability, about the true capabilites of these children.
Here's a link to an article in the Daily Mail by the mother of an actor, Max Lewis, who has Down Syndrome. My Lovely Son: The Hollywood Star.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Judie Brown's Hard Hitting new Book, "Saving Those Damned Catholics", is Not a Play on Words
"Saving Those Damned Catholics outlines the logic behind the most controversial teachings in the Church today, and exposes the arguments put forth by priests and bishops who clearly do not agree with some of these teachings themselves. Astounding as it may seem, there are reasons why federal funding has become more important than protecting innocent life; why popularity among the most liberal of politicians has trumped Pope Benedict XVI’s call to be good shepherds and, indeed, to be counter-cultural. There are reasons why homosexuals are still in the seminaries; and there are reasons why the vast majority of Catholics use birth control and condone abortion. "says the review.
I think the current crisis in this immoral society, this Culture of Death is due to lack of leadership in the American Catholic Church. If the Church leadership had the strength of the Polish clergy, traitors notwithstanding, abortion would be illegal in this country today, and the disabled elderly would not need to fear for their lives. Families would be intact, and seminaries would be full of dedicated young men. This has been a difficult 40 years in the desert for the Church, but I believe we are turning the corner. The old guard still resists, however, believing in the faded promise of the liberal revolution, like the grizzled old communist professors in Ivy League schools, with ancient busts of Lenin on their desks, still quoting Marx.
May Almighty God have mercy on them. Pray for them.
I think the current crisis in this immoral society, this Culture of Death is due to lack of leadership in the American Catholic Church. If the Church leadership had the strength of the Polish clergy, traitors notwithstanding, abortion would be illegal in this country today, and the disabled elderly would not need to fear for their lives. Families would be intact, and seminaries would be full of dedicated young men. This has been a difficult 40 years in the desert for the Church, but I believe we are turning the corner. The old guard still resists, however, believing in the faded promise of the liberal revolution, like the grizzled old communist professors in Ivy League schools, with ancient busts of Lenin on their desks, still quoting Marx.
May Almighty God have mercy on them. Pray for them.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Catholic Politicians and Abortion
The Curt Jester has one of his imaginative posts where he adds new words to Catholic lexicon. This one is 'COD politician'. (Culture of Death). Unfortunately,in New York State I am represented by too many of them.
The Rules of Engagement: Fair Fighting for Married Couples
This post over at Evangelical Catholicism, is an excellent reminder to those of us who have chosen the vocation of marriage to fight fair. I think this would make an excellent online quiz, but who'd have the guts to take it?[marriage]
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Dr. Martin Luther King has a Pro-life Niece, Dr Alveda King
Ivy Catholic has a great post in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His niece, Dr. Alveda King is an active pro-lifer with the Silent No More Awareness Campaign.Thanks Ivy Catholic, for the reminder to post something in honor of Dr. Kings: both Martin Luther and his niece, Alveda. Both have great messages which are not always welcome in their time, yet, please God, Alveda's message may one day find the acceptance her uncle's has.
I met Dr. Alveda King this October; her testimony is quite powerful in person, she had a roomful of young black teens and old jaded university faculty transfixed. Nothing is quite as amazing as the truth eloquently yet plainly spoken.
I introduced her to my girls, and she and Christina shared a hug and a cookie.
New Amniotic Fluid Stem Cell Discovery Discussed on EWTN
Richard Doerflinger is the head of the Pro-life secretariat of the USCCB, and he had some interesting facts to share about the stem cell debate on the EWTN news show, The World Over.
As I posted earlier, the discovery of stem cells which are neither embryonic nor adult, in amniotic fluid, which have many of the same properties of embryonic stem cells without the persistent tumor growth, was the result of a careful peer-reviewed study done over a number of years, yet it had trouble getting published in a scientific journal. It is a potential breakthrough in that these cells do NOT involve the destruction of human life, merely the collection of the by-products of live birth(Mr. Doerflinger stated that cord blood and placental tissue are rich sources of stem cells).
The sad fact is, the scientific community is stuck in it's blind faith in embryonic stem cells which have not produced ONE clinical trial with humans despite millions spent here and abroad in research. Groups like the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation route all their money to this type of research, and refuse to fund studies like an FDA approved clinical trial at Harvard University using adult stem cells to cure diabetes, that is still not launched for lack of funds. As a Type II diabetic, I find this kind of willful ignorance appalling, as human lives are at stake.
Non-embryonic, sometimes called adult stem cells are in clinical trials with humans and have produced results with 72 different diseases. Yet, the public, and Congress are pitifully misinformed about this, lumping them together with immorally obtained and useless embryonic stem cells. Then the Catholic Church and other pro-lifers like President Bush are called anti-progress for opposing the destruction of embryos for research.
Richard Doerflinger was questioned why he thinks scientists hold on to embryonic stem cell research so tightly, when journals like the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine have had to issue retractions on it's high flown promises on this research. He said that scientists are interested in exploring the origins of life, via cloning, and this is merely a wedge issue to help them gain public support for human cloning in order to mass produce babies for research. Over 97%of the frozen embryos formed for IVF are NOT released for research, and are cared for by laboratories paid by their parents. Embryos for research will largely come via egg donation, which is already exploiting poor women, and cloning.
Brave New World, here we come!
As I posted earlier, the discovery of stem cells which are neither embryonic nor adult, in amniotic fluid, which have many of the same properties of embryonic stem cells without the persistent tumor growth, was the result of a careful peer-reviewed study done over a number of years, yet it had trouble getting published in a scientific journal. It is a potential breakthrough in that these cells do NOT involve the destruction of human life, merely the collection of the by-products of live birth(Mr. Doerflinger stated that cord blood and placental tissue are rich sources of stem cells).
The sad fact is, the scientific community is stuck in it's blind faith in embryonic stem cells which have not produced ONE clinical trial with humans despite millions spent here and abroad in research. Groups like the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation route all their money to this type of research, and refuse to fund studies like an FDA approved clinical trial at Harvard University using adult stem cells to cure diabetes, that is still not launched for lack of funds. As a Type II diabetic, I find this kind of willful ignorance appalling, as human lives are at stake.
Non-embryonic, sometimes called adult stem cells are in clinical trials with humans and have produced results with 72 different diseases. Yet, the public, and Congress are pitifully misinformed about this, lumping them together with immorally obtained and useless embryonic stem cells. Then the Catholic Church and other pro-lifers like President Bush are called anti-progress for opposing the destruction of embryos for research.
Richard Doerflinger was questioned why he thinks scientists hold on to embryonic stem cell research so tightly, when journals like the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine have had to issue retractions on it's high flown promises on this research. He said that scientists are interested in exploring the origins of life, via cloning, and this is merely a wedge issue to help them gain public support for human cloning in order to mass produce babies for research. Over 97%of the frozen embryos formed for IVF are NOT released for research, and are cared for by laboratories paid by their parents. Embryos for research will largely come via egg donation, which is already exploiting poor women, and cloning.
Brave New World, here we come!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Come Join Us at the Youth Mass with Tony Melendez
Join Pro-Life Rally and Mass for Pro-Life Youth in Washington, DC
On January 22 there will be a (8:45 a.m.) Rally for Life and (10:00 a.m.) Youth Mass at DAR Constitution Hall. Join Tony Melendez and the Toe Jam Band and the John Flynn Band. Located at 18th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. between “C” and “D” Streets. Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant. Confessions available. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. No tickets. First come first served. At 10:30 a.m. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is celebrant for Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. N. W. Washington, D.C. Martin Doman will lead the music at the Cathedral. Information: http://www.adw.org/
On January 22 there will be a (8:45 a.m.) Rally for Life and (10:00 a.m.) Youth Mass at DAR Constitution Hall. Join Tony Melendez and the Toe Jam Band and the John Flynn Band. Located at 18th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. between “C” and “D” Streets. Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant. Confessions available. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. No tickets. First come first served. At 10:30 a.m. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is celebrant for Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. N. W. Washington, D.C. Martin Doman will lead the music at the Cathedral. Information: http://www.adw.org/
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Where the Catholics Are
Go to Time magazine's denomination population map to see where Catholics live in the USA.
Let's Organize for the March for Life!!
Gaby, Bella and Christy have been going with me to the March for Life for years, and we even made a spur of the moment trip to Washington to beg for the life of Terri Schiavo. Holding a protest sign just comes naturally to them! Of 
course, in the same hand, they are also gripping their rosaries!Who out there is coming to the March for Life? HT photos:Mommy Life
The morning of the March, there's a rousing Catholic recording artist rally at 8:45, in the MCI/Verizon Stadium only 5 blocks from where the March takes place, followed by a Mass sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington DC. I'll send my older girls to the Mass with my friend, while Christina and I attend the Blogs for Life Conference around the corner at the Family Research Council. Let me know to look for you, fellow bloggers!
We'll meet up at the March, (thanks to cell phones!)and then lobby our dear Senators Clinton and Schumer.
Last year's March made such an impression on the teenage students of my catechism class, that they're begging to go again. I hope to fill my van with young people and set them on fire for the pro-life cause! Who's coming with us?!
course, in the same hand, they are also gripping their rosaries!Who out there is coming to the March for Life? HT photos:Mommy LifeThe morning of the March, there's a rousing Catholic recording artist rally at 8:45, in the MCI/Verizon Stadium only 5 blocks from where the March takes place, followed by a Mass sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington DC. I'll send my older girls to the Mass with my friend, while Christina and I attend the Blogs for Life Conference around the corner at the Family Research Council. Let me know to look for you, fellow bloggers!
We'll meet up at the March, (thanks to cell phones!)and then lobby our dear Senators Clinton and Schumer.
Last year's March made such an impression on the teenage students of my catechism class, that they're begging to go again. I hope to fill my van with young people and set them on fire for the pro-life cause! Who's coming with us?!
Other Bloggers Weigh in on Mandatory Down Syndrome Testing
Mama Says "That's just wrong", Amy Welborn speaks of 'widening the net," Who knew that Downs' Syndrome people were, apparently, such a great threat to humanity?"
Catholic Matriarch in My Domestic Church:AKA Catholic Mom says "This issue is so much bigger than Down’s Syndrome. The contraceptive culture views parenting as the acquisition of children--not much different than buying a car or a house."
Catholic Matriarch in My Domestic Church:AKA Catholic Mom says "This issue is so much bigger than Down’s Syndrome. The contraceptive culture views parenting as the acquisition of children--not much different than buying a car or a house."
Pro-Family Advocates Protect the First Amendment
"A legislative fix was offered today that could kill an onerous measure in the Senate that threatens the right of citizens to influence their lawmakers.
It all depends on how the votes line up next week.
The lobbying-reform bill numbered S. 1 contains a provision -- Section 220 -- that would require grassroots organizations and churches to file federal reports on communications that urge people to speak out on public-policy issues."
As I stated in an earlier post, groups like Focus on the Family, and the American Family Asssociation have done much of the Lord's work in Washington, protecting the rights of the family, parents, and the unborn. Now a Democratic Congress wants to wrest power from the people, who like us, contact our Congressmen to voice our opinion on pending legislation. If they have to file federal reports each time they send out alerts, you can be sure that their freedom to launch grassroots campaigns is in jeopardy.
It all depends on how the votes line up next week.
The lobbying-reform bill numbered S. 1 contains a provision -- Section 220 -- that would require grassroots organizations and churches to file federal reports on communications that urge people to speak out on public-policy issues."
As I stated in an earlier post, groups like Focus on the Family, and the American Family Asssociation have done much of the Lord's work in Washington, protecting the rights of the family, parents, and the unborn. Now a Democratic Congress wants to wrest power from the people, who like us, contact our Congressmen to voice our opinion on pending legislation. If they have to file federal reports each time they send out alerts, you can be sure that their freedom to launch grassroots campaigns is in jeopardy.
Pope Benedict XVI writing book entitled, "Jesus of Nazareth"
NewsMax.com states that: " Pope Benedict XVI has finished the first part of what he plans as a two-volume work on “the mystery of Jesus Christ,” and it will be published in the spring. In a preface to the book — to be titled “Jesus of Nazareth” — the Pope explains that it represents his own “personal research,” and should not be regarded as authoritative church teaching. Pope Benedict began writing the book before his April 2005 election and has continued working on it since then, according to the Catholic World Report. The Pope’s publisher Rizzoli says the book combines rigorous scholarship with “great passion.” ' I know what book I'll be reading next year.
Good News for Sen. Brownback
NewsMax.com says,
"THAT Kansas Senator and potential presidential candidate Sam Brownback has been endorsed by the leader of a pro-life group with thousands of members in Iowa — site of the first Republican caucus in 2008.
Kim Lehman, president of Iowa Right to Life, said: “While other candidates are in the process of defining and refining their position at the start of this campaign, Sen. Brownback has been principled, consistent, and unwavering in his support for the right to life.” Brownback filed papers in December to set up an exploratory committee to gauge support for a presidential bid. If he runs, a strong showing in Iowa early in the campaign could give him a big boost in the quest for the GOP nomination."
"THAT Kansas Senator and potential presidential candidate Sam Brownback has been endorsed by the leader of a pro-life group with thousands of members in Iowa — site of the first Republican caucus in 2008.
Kim Lehman, president of Iowa Right to Life, said: “While other candidates are in the process of defining and refining their position at the start of this campaign, Sen. Brownback has been principled, consistent, and unwavering in his support for the right to life.” Brownback filed papers in December to set up an exploratory committee to gauge support for a presidential bid. If he runs, a strong showing in Iowa early in the campaign could give him a big boost in the quest for the GOP nomination."
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Update on the Long Island Catholic Radio Station
My friends and I have officially submitted an application for membership in the
Catholic Radio Association, and for an engineering study on where the signal for a radio station would be located, (somewhere on Eastern Central Long Island).
In two months, when the FCC opens a brief window (five days long!) for applications for the free Non-Commercial Educational FM license, we will submit the completed application, and wait 9 months for an answer on whether we are awarded the license. There will be plenty of novenas going, you can count on that!
If we get it, we have up to four years to get it up and running. Then, the fundraising part comes. We'll need up to $70,000 to rent tower space and buy equipment. The station can actually be run from a properly equipped personal computer!
It's still not too late to see if this is possible in your area. Sharon Minson, the attorney in charge of membership at Catholic Radio Association informed me that Evangelical Protestants own over 1, 700 radio stations in the US, and Catholics own only 120! Pope John Paul II said,
"Radio may well be the most cost-effective means of reaching large numbers of people who. . .will be willing to 'eavesdrop' on Catholic radio stations or programming. . . Radio is an intimate medium which can reach people on the street, in their cars, or in their homes."
Catholic Radio Association, and for an engineering study on where the signal for a radio station would be located, (somewhere on Eastern Central Long Island).
In two months, when the FCC opens a brief window (five days long!) for applications for the free Non-Commercial Educational FM license, we will submit the completed application, and wait 9 months for an answer on whether we are awarded the license. There will be plenty of novenas going, you can count on that!
If we get it, we have up to four years to get it up and running. Then, the fundraising part comes. We'll need up to $70,000 to rent tower space and buy equipment. The station can actually be run from a properly equipped personal computer!
It's still not too late to see if this is possible in your area. Sharon Minson, the attorney in charge of membership at Catholic Radio Association informed me that Evangelical Protestants own over 1, 700 radio stations in the US, and Catholics own only 120! Pope John Paul II said,
"Radio may well be the most cost-effective means of reaching large numbers of people who. . .will be willing to 'eavesdrop' on Catholic radio stations or programming. . . Radio is an intimate medium which can reach people on the street, in their cars, or in their homes."
A Great Conference is Being Planned in Upstate New York this Summer
Want to meet Raymond Arroyo and Fr. Corapi? Go over to Mary Ann Bernard and read all about it.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Pope Benedict XVI Spoke Recently on Immigration
"Another concern which looms ever larger is that of the movement of persons: millions of men and women are forced to leave their homes or their native lands because of violence or in order to seek more dignified living conditions. It is an illusion to think that migration can be blocked or checked simply by force. Migration and the problems to which it gives rise must be addressed humanely, with justice and compassion."
Designer Genes
This is what happens when sex is divorced from procreation. In this society, women routinely have sex without babies, so now, after years of contracepting, a woman's cycle destroyed,and yet she wants to be a mother. So now, there are babies without sex, and they can't help but become comodified. A product to be manufactured.
When will be understand that parenthood is a privelege, NOT a right? I have friends who can't become biological parents, and it really hurts. They adopted, and are now happy parents. I lost three children to miscarriage, but am fortunate to have three healthy girls, one of whom would not have made the petry dish cut, as she has Down Syndrome. I consider mothering her a privelege, and a blessing, one these women will never know.
When will be understand that parenthood is a privelege, NOT a right? I have friends who can't become biological parents, and it really hurts. They adopted, and are now happy parents. I lost three children to miscarriage, but am fortunate to have three healthy girls, one of whom would not have made the petry dish cut, as she has Down Syndrome. I consider mothering her a privelege, and a blessing, one these women will never know.
How to Escape the Tolerance Trap
Ever get accused of being intolerant? I certainly hope so! It means you have beliefs and you aren't afraid to express them. The classical definition of a liberal is; "I may not agree with your beliefs, but I would give my life to preserve your ability to express them".
How many liberals you know could honestly claim this as their motto?
More often you hear what I heard in a homily by a popular priest who works with youth,
"the only sin is the sin of intolerance". What does this mean? That I condemn the sin while loving the sinner? I agree with that, but that isn't what is usually meant by that statement. Unfortunately, that view, once universally held by the Church, is now out of favor as well. We are considered hateful if we can sin sin, and don't excuse that which is sinful, calling it acceptable, and giving the sinner protected status (ie homosexual marriage). This is actually the opposite of a spiritual act of mercy, admonishing the sinner. Why do we admonish him? Because we are above sin? Certainly not, we do it to save his immortal soul!
The idea in this article is to be elitist about ideas, and egalitarian about people. That is, can sin sin, YET love those who are trapped in it (as we all are, to some degree)and help the sinner to repentance. It's been done for me, and God, willing, I can help others out of the trap of the enemy. Satan's greatest victory is when we deny his existence, and temporarily soothe the troubled soul of the sinner, telling him he's not on the path to damnation.
Think of this the next time you are invited over to have dinner at an unmarried couple's home.
Or asked to attend an invalid second marriage. Take a stand, and risk being called intolerant. Let them know you love them enough to tell them the truth.
How many liberals you know could honestly claim this as their motto?
More often you hear what I heard in a homily by a popular priest who works with youth,
"the only sin is the sin of intolerance". What does this mean? That I condemn the sin while loving the sinner? I agree with that, but that isn't what is usually meant by that statement. Unfortunately, that view, once universally held by the Church, is now out of favor as well. We are considered hateful if we can sin sin, and don't excuse that which is sinful, calling it acceptable, and giving the sinner protected status (ie homosexual marriage). This is actually the opposite of a spiritual act of mercy, admonishing the sinner. Why do we admonish him? Because we are above sin? Certainly not, we do it to save his immortal soul!
The idea in this article is to be elitist about ideas, and egalitarian about people. That is, can sin sin, YET love those who are trapped in it (as we all are, to some degree)and help the sinner to repentance. It's been done for me, and God, willing, I can help others out of the trap of the enemy. Satan's greatest victory is when we deny his existence, and temporarily soothe the troubled soul of the sinner, telling him he's not on the path to damnation.
Think of this the next time you are invited over to have dinner at an unmarried couple's home.
Or asked to attend an invalid second marriage. Take a stand, and risk being called intolerant. Let them know you love them enough to tell them the truth.
Rudy Guiliani doesn't think supporting Partial-Birth Abortion will discourage voters
Republicans, let's prove him wrong!
Morally, what would be the difference between him and Hillary?
Morally, what would be the difference between him and Hillary?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Urgent Message from the American Family Association
The American Family Association, for all who haven't heard of it, was largely responsible for various pro-family victories in Congress and in the media. Do you remember the huge outcry about the Superbowl incident with Janet Jackson? It was started by AFA. Remember how Walmart started to say "Merry Christmas" this year? AFA was involved.
Now Congress is trying to silence them.
Donald E. WildmonFounder and Chairman
January 11, 2006
Please help us get this information into the hands of as many people as possible by forwarding it to your entire email list of family and friends.
Senate Tired of Your E-mails, Phone Calls; Expected to Pass Bill that Will Keep You From Getting Needed Information.
Without a doubt, this could be the most important letter I have written you. The U.S. Senate is poised to pass Senate Bill 1 (Section 220), which would effectively keep AFA and every other pro-family organization in America from providing you information on bills in Congress. Under Senate Bill 1 (Section 220), we would only be able to provide you information on a bill at a high cost and at great danger of being penalized by Congress. To put it bluntly, members of Congress are tired of getting your e-mails and phone calls, and Senate Bill 1(Section 220) is designed to keep information from you that might inspire you to call or write your senator. Click Here to read AFA's review of Senate Bill 1 (Section 220). The new Democratic Senate thinks that if it can keep you from getting information—which is what Senate Bill 1 (Section 220) would do—then it will not be getting e-mails and phone calls from you. Senators favoring this bill are simply tired of hearing from you. That is the bottom line. They don’t want to hear from you. They don’t want you to be informed. They want to silence you. How? By simply keeping you from receiving information that AFA provides. I know that language is strong, but Senate Bill 1 (Section 220) will do exactly what I’ve said.
Take Action
1. Send an e-mail to your two senators now!
2. Call your two senators at 202-224-3121. (Simply ask for one senator. Then call the other one at the same number. Ask your senators to vote against Senate Bill 1 (Section 220).
3. Please forward this to your friends and family. It is vitally important that they know what members of the Senate are trying to do.
4. Print this information, and share it with members in your Sunday School class and church and urge them to send an e-mail and call.
Now Congress is trying to silence them.
Donald E. WildmonFounder and Chairman
January 11, 2006
Please help us get this information into the hands of as many people as possible by forwarding it to your entire email list of family and friends.
Senate Tired of Your E-mails, Phone Calls; Expected to Pass Bill that Will Keep You From Getting Needed Information.
Without a doubt, this could be the most important letter I have written you. The U.S. Senate is poised to pass Senate Bill 1 (Section 220), which would effectively keep AFA and every other pro-family organization in America from providing you information on bills in Congress. Under Senate Bill 1 (Section 220), we would only be able to provide you information on a bill at a high cost and at great danger of being penalized by Congress. To put it bluntly, members of Congress are tired of getting your e-mails and phone calls, and Senate Bill 1(Section 220) is designed to keep information from you that might inspire you to call or write your senator. Click Here to read AFA's review of Senate Bill 1 (Section 220). The new Democratic Senate thinks that if it can keep you from getting information—which is what Senate Bill 1 (Section 220) would do—then it will not be getting e-mails and phone calls from you. Senators favoring this bill are simply tired of hearing from you. That is the bottom line. They don’t want to hear from you. They don’t want you to be informed. They want to silence you. How? By simply keeping you from receiving information that AFA provides. I know that language is strong, but Senate Bill 1 (Section 220) will do exactly what I’ve said.
Take Action
1. Send an e-mail to your two senators now!
2. Call your two senators at 202-224-3121. (Simply ask for one senator. Then call the other one at the same number. Ask your senators to vote against Senate Bill 1 (Section 220).
3. Please forward this to your friends and family. It is vitally important that they know what members of the Senate are trying to do.
4. Print this information, and share it with members in your Sunday School class and church and urge them to send an e-mail and call.
Embryonic Stem Cell Funding Bill Passes
. . . but it isn't veto-proof at 59%. It only picked up 15 votes from last year, though the Dems won 30 seats, winning 253-174. It will be vetoed by President Bush, and perhaps serve as a campaign rallying point for Hillary and Obama.
Aren't Scientists Supposed to be Objective?
Then why did scientist, Paolo de Coppi, who discovered stem cells in amniotic fluid have to bring his research to four different scientific journals waiting 7 years until Nature Biotechnology published it?
Ann Coulter in Godless says that liberals like killing babies, and that's why they love embryonic stem cell research. I, of course rejected the idea initially, "who enjoys killing babies?" I said. Now, I'm beginning to wonder. . .
Ann Coulter in Godless says that liberals like killing babies, and that's why they love embryonic stem cell research. I, of course rejected the idea initially, "who enjoys killing babies?" I said. Now, I'm beginning to wonder. . .
Nancy Pelosi pushes Embryonic Stem Cell Vote Today in Effort to Overturn Bush Veto
Ron Dreher over at Cruncy Con says,
"The sanctity of life issue is not one among many. Why do some Catholic bishops continue to succor politicians like Pelosi? Where is the courage of Catholic bishops of yore, like the late Archbishop Joseph Rummel of New Orleans, who excommunicated several segregationist Louisiana Catholic politicians who tried to make it illegal for the Church to integrate Catholic schools? s reaction to Nancy Pelosi."
I’m disgusted as well with the USCCB constantly giving the Dems a pass because they check off the boxes on the left of their useless voter’s guide. The prudential issues of welfare, warfare, and wages.
The sanctity of human life, if it doesn’t outweigh all these issues combined, is apparently worthless to both Pelosi and the USCCB.
Judy Brown of American Life League says;
'Nancy Pelosi is an extremist at every level including her voracious appetite for power. Among her most telling quotes, one also finds the following as reported in Newsweek Magazine:
"As a staunch Roman Catholic, Pelosi has been a target of the most extreme anti-choice elements but has remained committed to a woman’s right to choose. During a floor debate on abortion in 1998, she said:
“I will say as a Catholic that I have done some of my own research on this…St. Augustine himself when he was asked would a fetus before 3 months…go to the judgment day and be resurrected into heaven as a person, he said, ‘No, because before 3 months, it isn’t a person.’ They made him a saint. He is a saint of the church. He has a different view from some of my colleagues on when life begins. We do not know. It is a mystery.”'
So she ignores Evangelium Vitae and all the moral teaching of the Church since the flawed science of St. Augustine, and pretends to have all the answers to the pro-lifers. Or does she?
Pelosi also said,
"To me it isn’t even a question. God has given us a free will. We’re all responsible for our actions. If you don’t want an abortion, you don’t believe in it, [then] don’t have one. But don’t tell somebody else what they can do in terms of honoring their responsibilities. My family is very pro-life. They’re not fanatics and they’re not activists. I think they’d like it if I were not so vocally pro-choice. (Newsweek, Oct. 23, 2006)
"The sanctity of life issue is not one among many. Why do some Catholic bishops continue to succor politicians like Pelosi? Where is the courage of Catholic bishops of yore, like the late Archbishop Joseph Rummel of New Orleans, who excommunicated several segregationist Louisiana Catholic politicians who tried to make it illegal for the Church to integrate Catholic schools? s reaction to Nancy Pelosi."
I’m disgusted as well with the USCCB constantly giving the Dems a pass because they check off the boxes on the left of their useless voter’s guide. The prudential issues of welfare, warfare, and wages.
The sanctity of human life, if it doesn’t outweigh all these issues combined, is apparently worthless to both Pelosi and the USCCB.
Judy Brown of American Life League says;
'Nancy Pelosi is an extremist at every level including her voracious appetite for power. Among her most telling quotes, one also finds the following as reported in Newsweek Magazine:
"As a staunch Roman Catholic, Pelosi has been a target of the most extreme anti-choice elements but has remained committed to a woman’s right to choose. During a floor debate on abortion in 1998, she said:
“I will say as a Catholic that I have done some of my own research on this…St. Augustine himself when he was asked would a fetus before 3 months…go to the judgment day and be resurrected into heaven as a person, he said, ‘No, because before 3 months, it isn’t a person.’ They made him a saint. He is a saint of the church. He has a different view from some of my colleagues on when life begins. We do not know. It is a mystery.”'
So she ignores Evangelium Vitae and all the moral teaching of the Church since the flawed science of St. Augustine, and pretends to have all the answers to the pro-lifers. Or does she?
Pelosi also said,
"To me it isn’t even a question. God has given us a free will. We’re all responsible for our actions. If you don’t want an abortion, you don’t believe in it, [then] don’t have one. But don’t tell somebody else what they can do in terms of honoring their responsibilities. My family is very pro-life. They’re not fanatics and they’re not activists. I think they’d like it if I were not so vocally pro-choice. (Newsweek, Oct. 23, 2006)
Monday, January 08, 2007
Bella, the movie
Bob Novak writes a column about the movie which has the pro-life community buzzing.He concludes, "It was a stretch to get "Bella" even shown at Toronto, much less win an award. "Going into the festival," said the Hollywood Reporter, "absolutely no one, including the team of filmmakers that made 'Bella,' ever imagined it would capture the People's Choice Award, voted on by festival audiences."
Even with the Toronto prize, however, it is hard to get the film in movie houses.
The avowed reason for the difficulty is inexperience of the director and a cast with names unfamiliar to American moviegoers. But the film's producers say the same left-wing Hollywood establishment that attacked "The Passion of The Christ" is sniping at "Bella," which lacks a Mel Gibson in support.
While the audience at Monday's screening was moved to tears, reaction from a commercial theater audience -- including women who have chosen an abortion -- could be different. The pro-life movement hopes, in the absence of effort by supposedly pro-life politicians, it will point to a different way to deal with an unwanted pregnancy."
New Source of Stem Cells May Change Legislative Debate This Week
Wake Forest University's discovery of stem cells in amniotic fluid, may change the debate in Congress this week, over Nancy Pelosi's planned legislation to re-consider federal funding o f embryonic stem cell research in an effort to overcome President Bush's veto.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The Catholic Carnival is Up
Go on over to Kicking Over My Traces and pay a visit to see what Catholic bloggers are talking about.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
President Bush Stands Strong on Opposition to Federal Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Although President Bush hasn't backed down on his unpopular position opposing federal funds for embryonic stem cells, (NOT Adult Stem Cells, those he encourages)his only veto of 6 years in office most likely will not stand, thanks to a Democratic Congress.
Remember, embryonic stem cells haven't cured anyone yet. All clinical success (and there's been plenty in a variety of diseases) has been with Adult Stem Cells, the kind you get from cord blood, the kind that doesn't involve the death of the donor, as embryonic stem cells do.
Remember, embryonic stem cells haven't cured anyone yet. All clinical success (and there's been plenty in a variety of diseases) has been with Adult Stem Cells, the kind you get from cord blood, the kind that doesn't involve the death of the donor, as embryonic stem cells do.
New York Times Comes Clean on El Salvador Story
After having it's misrepresentation of the facts of the story of the El Salvadorean woman, cleared up last November, the New York Times, after a month of what must have been interesting infighting, er, decisionmaking, has finally come clean and admitted "mistakes were made". Those acquainted with Democratic politikspeak know this is code for "we lied, and we got caught, so let's just spin this to an innocent oversight".Kudos to Life News who broke the story in November. Steve Ertelt, who is featured in a story in this week's National Catholic Register, is the director of LifeNews.com and provides the top 5-6 pro-life news items in a daily or twice a week free email service. It's what I use for many of these posts because it's accurate, concise, and up-to-the-minute. Plus it saves me the effort of finding all this news myself. Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life says, "It gets me the breading pro-life news quickly.LifeNews.com is a great way to go to a single place and know that the initial information about what is happening is close at hand".
Pro-lifers, stay informed, and armed with the truth the mainstream press supresses, subscribe today.
Why did the Chicken Cross the Road?
If you need a good laugh, after all the bad news I've been dishing out, go over to the Digital Hairshirt, and find some new answers to that age old question.
He's invited us to add some of our own answers. . . so here goes:
Bill Clinton: Did you say chicks were crossing the road? Where?
Hillary: Don't even go over there, or I'll divorce you before Inauguration Day!
He's invited us to add some of our own answers. . . so here goes:
Bill Clinton: Did you say chicks were crossing the road? Where?
Hillary: Don't even go over there, or I'll divorce you before Inauguration Day!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Blogs4Life Conference in DC 1/22, Be There!
Happy New Year from the prolifeblogs.com team!
I’m writing with exciting news about Blogs4Life (www.blogs4life.com), the Second Annual Conference of Pro-Life Bloggers (Jan. 22, 2007).
We are privileged to announce that the following group of influential and noted pro-life leaders plans to speak at this year’s event:
Bobby Schindler (Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation)
Jill Stanek (noted pro-life leader/blogger and WorldNetDaily Columnist)
Joe Scheidler (Founder, Pro-Life Action League)
Ramesh Ponnuru (author of the Party of Death, National Review Online Editor)
In addition, we’ve just received word that Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KA) will address the conference in person.
The one-day event will take place on January 22nd, 2007 (in 17 days!) prior to and after the annual March for Life in Washington DC. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Family Research Council, the conference is located just a few blocks from the March at the FRC’s headquarters.
Joe Carter, the FRC’s Director of Web Communications, is organizing a virtual symposium leading up to the conference on various life issues. Visit Blogs4Life.com early next week for more information about how you can participate.
Blogs4Life will include a capstone session for the symposium and various workshops ranging from online activism to stem cell research.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals and organizations to network with pro-life bloggers and develop an understanding about how weblog technology can be strategically used to promote life and turn ideas into action. It is also a unique occasion for bloggers to meet face to face and brainstorm about how to work together more effectively.
Please check out the conference website: http://www.blogs4life.com/ and register if you are able to attend . Even if you are unable to attend, we would appreciate your help in promoting the event via a post or a link (please help).
We hope to see at the conference!
God Bless,
Tim (on behalf of Blogs4Life) prolifeblogs@gmail.com www.prolifeblogs.com
I’m writing with exciting news about Blogs4Life (www.blogs4life.com), the Second Annual Conference of Pro-Life Bloggers (Jan. 22, 2007).
We are privileged to announce that the following group of influential and noted pro-life leaders plans to speak at this year’s event:
Bobby Schindler (Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation)
Jill Stanek (noted pro-life leader/blogger and WorldNetDaily Columnist)
Joe Scheidler (Founder, Pro-Life Action League)
Ramesh Ponnuru (author of the Party of Death, National Review Online Editor)
In addition, we’ve just received word that Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KA) will address the conference in person.
The one-day event will take place on January 22nd, 2007 (in 17 days!) prior to and after the annual March for Life in Washington DC. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Family Research Council, the conference is located just a few blocks from the March at the FRC’s headquarters.
Joe Carter, the FRC’s Director of Web Communications, is organizing a virtual symposium leading up to the conference on various life issues. Visit Blogs4Life.com early next week for more information about how you can participate.
Blogs4Life will include a capstone session for the symposium and various workshops ranging from online activism to stem cell research.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals and organizations to network with pro-life bloggers and develop an understanding about how weblog technology can be strategically used to promote life and turn ideas into action. It is also a unique occasion for bloggers to meet face to face and brainstorm about how to work together more effectively.
Please check out the conference website: http://www.blogs4life.com/ and register if you are able to attend . Even if you are unable to attend, we would appreciate your help in promoting the event via a post or a link (please help).
We hope to see at the conference!
God Bless,
Tim (on behalf of Blogs4Life) prolifeblogs@gmail.com www.prolifeblogs.com
More Pre-natal Tesing Means Fewer Down Syndrome Babies Will Make it to Birth
And this is a good thing, right?
The ACOG gets more anti-life all the time. I know they make money from abortions, but don't they make a lot more from live births?
The ACOG gets more anti-life all the time. I know they make money from abortions, but don't they make a lot more from live births?
More Congressmen are Catholic than any single denomination
And yet we can't outlaw even the most henious form of abortion? Shame on us!!
Please don't tell me, let me guess, Nancy Pelosi, the queen of pro-aborts, considers herself a Catholic?!
You just had to answer that rhetorical question,
Please don't tell me, let me guess, Nancy Pelosi, the queen of pro-aborts, considers herself a Catholic?!
You just had to answer that rhetorical question,
New York Times Embroiled in Major Controversy over Yellow Journalism
The New York Times finally showed it's true colors in a recent controversy involving an article which Jack Hitt wrote for the NYTimes Magazine last April, entitled, "Pro-life Nation". It told the story of a woman allegedly in prison for aborting an 18 week unborn child, and the author pointed out that this would be legal in America. Only problem was the translator used for the story works for Ipas, a company which makes abortion machines that suck babies limb from limb. They stand to make millions if abortion is legalized in El Salvador.
The woman in question actually gave birth to a full term infant, and then strangled him, an act, which, at least, at present, is still illegal in America.
The question is, who will hold the New York Times responsible for this deliberate lie?
Tim, in his El Salvador blog is reporting on this scandal.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The People of Massachusetts Support the Traditional Family
The legislature of Massachusetts have shown their support of the traditional family, by moving a Marriage Amendment one step closer to a vote in 2008. This would define marriage in the state as between one man and one woman, overturning the Massachusetts Supreme Court's ruling permitting homosexual marriage.
Now, could we take a lesson from this, as a nation, and overturn Roe v Wade after 34 years?
Now, could we take a lesson from this, as a nation, and overturn Roe v Wade after 34 years?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Feast of St. Basil the Great inspires New Years Resolutions
St. Basil the Great gave up a promising career in teaching to become a monk. He eventually became known as 'the St. Benedict of the East", but, typically, his writings were only appreciated posthumously. Here's a quote of his I had always admired;
“The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry;
the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked;
the shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot;
the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor;
the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit.”
This sounds like a good place to name my New Year's Resolutions:
(HT Danielle Bean for naming hers publicly first)
1. Read and pray my Magnificat daily, it has more than just the daily readings, it's meditations often set the tone for my entire day, when I read it.
2. Give away all that extra clutter in the house to the poor, to whom, according to St. Basil, it belongs anyway. My in-laws are coming up from El Salvador at the end of the month, perhaps they need some of it. Surely, I don't!
3. Get back to walks, and pilates, and watching my diet to get into my pre-Mommy clothes still waiting in a box in my closet. It's been 14 years, so this will be a long term resolution.
The one resolution I wouldn't have dared mention last year, that I have accomplished, is to begin writing again. For various reasons, I have held myself back for many years, but thanks to having nearly 300 of you willing to read the two blogs I write daily, and my ever-supportive mother, I am encouraged, and willing to give freelance writing a shot. Thanks for reading this, and being part of what's right with my life these days!
“The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry;
the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked;
the shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot;
the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor;
the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit.”
This sounds like a good place to name my New Year's Resolutions:
(HT Danielle Bean for naming hers publicly first)
1. Read and pray my Magnificat daily, it has more than just the daily readings, it's meditations often set the tone for my entire day, when I read it.
2. Give away all that extra clutter in the house to the poor, to whom, according to St. Basil, it belongs anyway. My in-laws are coming up from El Salvador at the end of the month, perhaps they need some of it. Surely, I don't!
3. Get back to walks, and pilates, and watching my diet to get into my pre-Mommy clothes still waiting in a box in my closet. It's been 14 years, so this will be a long term resolution.
The one resolution I wouldn't have dared mention last year, that I have accomplished, is to begin writing again. For various reasons, I have held myself back for many years, but thanks to having nearly 300 of you willing to read the two blogs I write daily, and my ever-supportive mother, I am encouraged, and willing to give freelance writing a shot. Thanks for reading this, and being part of what's right with my life these days!
Monday, January 01, 2007
My New Year's Day Tradition
Is to watch the Vienna Philharmonic perform their annual Johann Strauss Jr. concert on PBS at 9PM today.The programme, devoted exclusively to his famous waltzes, will be conducted my Maestro Zubin Mehta this year, and ends with the traditional encore of "The Blue Danube" waltz.Prosit Neues Jahr!
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