In 2005, Dr. Brian Skotko , whom I interviewed this morning for my upcoming article in the National Catholic Register, did research on how women are informed that their child has Down syndrome, both prenatally and after the child's birth.
He has a sister, Kristen, now 25 with Down sydnrome, and this influenced his decision to focus this topic. His entire family pitched in to help write the questionaire and send them out. He soon found himself in Washington DC testifying on his research before the Senate where Senators Brownback and Kennedy were introducing the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, or S 803, which was inspired by his research, which I posted on here.
Read the entire fascinating story here.
And please sign the National Down Syndrome Society petition to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to help improve the training of doctors when they advise women during this most vulnerable time, we need to lower the tragic abortion rate of children with Down syndrome from 90%.
We need the world to know the amazing potential these people have to enrich our world.
HT Pittsburgh Gazette
Monday, March 31, 2008
Bobby Schindler, brother of Terri Schindler Sciavo
At the Filipino Family Fund Champions for Family Award Celebration, I met Bobby Schindler, who impulsively hugged me when I shared how deeply his sister's murder affected me, the mother of a disabled child. When Terri died, I felt suddenly vulnerable, as I was painfully aware that my daughter Christina, who has Down syndrome, may someday be a target for denial of medical care.It happened as recently as the 1980s. The life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome has doubled since then, not due to any great strides in research (none was being done till quite recently) but because the life-saving heart surgery required by up to half of this population was no longer considered a waste of time. If Hillary Clinton takes control of the health care system, this surgery may once again be considered wasteful.
Bobby Schindler recently released this report on the Catholic clergy's active participation to hasten Terri's dehydration/starvation death.
Schindler stated that his sister "was not dying, not attached to any type of machinery and was only being sustained by food and water via a feeding tube." He noted that Catholic teaching does not allow a person "regardless of any advanced directive or even the sworn testimony of another person" to refuse food and water with the intent to cause their own death or that of another.
Still, Fr. Gerard Murphy of the Diocese of St. Petersburgh, Florida actually helped Judge Greer make the decision to dehydrate and starve Terri to death. Fr. Murphy did not consult with any members of Terri's family and did not even visit Terri. Murphy did however consult with Michael Schiavo's attorney, George Felos, an assisted suicide/euthanasia activist, and testified on behalf of Michael Schiavo.
Bishop Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg refused to help the family stop the euthanasia death order and supported Father Murphy's seriously flawed position. The bishop eventually issued a confusing statement that was of no help to the situation and after that the Florida bishops supported Bishop Lynch's position.
What a shame that Bobby wasn't supported by his bishop.
A letter from Bobby Schindler on the third anniversary of the death of Terri
Letter from Terri's Brother on the Third Anniversary of Her Death.Week of March 31, 2008Dear Friends,Today, March 31st, marks the third anniversary of Terri's death, and I want to thank everyone who has contacted my family with their words of support and prayers offered for my sister Terri and my family.The overwhelming response from people and groups that are participating in Terri's Day has been touching and one that my family really did not expect. It has provided us with much comfort during this very difficult time.Sadly, in today's culture, which seems to be declining further into a moral void every single day, people like Terri are looked upon as worthless. We are continually manipulated into believing that it is perfectly acceptable to kill them because they are "suffering." And when suffering is being taught this way, as something that is inherently bad and therefore must be completely eliminated, we begin to see why so many are able to justify the killing of the disabled even when it means barbarically dehydrating them to death.During our fight to save Terri, I thought it was ironic that so many viewed her as having no value because of her disability although, in the end, God's hand was so evident in her life. Even when she was isolated from the world and denied all but the most basic contact, He allowed Terri to touch and continues to allow her to touch the lives of millions.She reached hearts with the message that human life is precious simply because it is human life. She put a face on the evil of euthanasia and in doing so has saved many others from a similar fate.It is my hope that my beautiful sister Terri, whose light still shines brightly even after her death, will be remembered for years to come - as a child of God and as a chosen instrument that sparked the beginning of the end of an evil affliction against the sanctity of human life.Again thank you and a special thanks to Father Pavone and Priests for Life, as well, for all of their help reminding people of the anniversary of Terri's death.Words can't adequately express how much my family appreciates all of you being with us in prayer on this very special day remembering my sister Terri. Sincerely,Bobby Schindler and the Schindler Family
Dr Dobson tells it straight on Hannity's America
Dr. Dobson, speaking as a private citizen and not as a representative of Focus on the Family, as he always does when discussing political candidates, added that he “has problems” with all three major presidential contenders, especially the Democrats.
As for John McCain, Dr. Dobson responded with a question of his own when Hannity said he had received assurances from the Arizona senator that he would keep the pro-life and pro-marriage planks in the GOP’s party platform.
“Did he give you a commitment about embryonic stem-cell research?” Dr. Dobson asked.
“We did not get that,” Hannity replied.
“But that's an important one for me,” Dr. Dobson explained. “And you can't really call yourself pro-life if you're in favor of killing those babies.”
Well said, Dr Dobson!
As for John McCain, Dr. Dobson responded with a question of his own when Hannity said he had received assurances from the Arizona senator that he would keep the pro-life and pro-marriage planks in the GOP’s party platform.
“Did he give you a commitment about embryonic stem-cell research?” Dr. Dobson asked.
“We did not get that,” Hannity replied.
“But that's an important one for me,” Dr. Dobson explained. “And you can't really call yourself pro-life if you're in favor of killing those babies.”
Well said, Dr Dobson!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
This blog is on hold . . .
While I complete my first feature article for the National Catholic Register, due this Wednesday, April 2.
I will be enjoying Divine Mercy Sunday with my family and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal today, and as soon as I file the article, I'll post the photos. Here's my post on our Divine Mercy Sunday celebration last year.
Does anyone want to venture a guess on the topic I'll be covering for the Register?
I will be enjoying Divine Mercy Sunday with my family and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal today, and as soon as I file the article, I'll post the photos. Here's my post on our Divine Mercy Sunday celebration last year.
Does anyone want to venture a guess on the topic I'll be covering for the Register?
Friday, March 28, 2008
George Weigel's take on the Muslim Baptism controversy
Weigel, drawing on the themes of his recent book “Faith, Reason, and the War against Jihadism,” said that Pope Benedict’s Regensburg Lecture “identified the linked problems at the center of a lot of turbulence in world politics today.” These problems, according to Weigel, included both the detachment of faith from reason, as shown in jihadism, and the loss of faith in reason, as manifested in western Europe and American “high culture.” The Muslim theological separation of faith from reason encourages the idea that God can and does command the irrational, such as the killing of innocents. Westerners’ loss of confidence in reason, Weigel said, “leaves the West intellectually disarmed in the face of the jihadist challenge.”
At Regensburg, Weigel said, the Pope gave the world a “vocabulary with which to deal with these problems,” which Weigel characterized as “the vocabulary of rationality and irrationality.”
HT CNS
At Regensburg, Weigel said, the Pope gave the world a “vocabulary with which to deal with these problems,” which Weigel characterized as “the vocabulary of rationality and irrationality.”
HT CNS
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Chuck Colson with some amazing stats on Muslim conversions to Christianity
Is this becoming a mass movement? Unbelievable numbers of Muslims are converting to Christianity according to this article in Catholic Exchange.
A big announcement
I'm going to see Pope Benedict next month!!!!!!By the grace of God, I was up at 5:30 and online, when a friend announced to my Yahoo homeschool group that she had two tickets to the Youth Rally at Dunwoodie on April 19.
I emailed her immediately and we talked before the 7AM deadline.
I haven't been this excited since I was 17 and won the lottery to attend the youth rally with Pope John Paul II in Madison Square Garden.
Of course, then I was a youth, now my 14 year old daughter Gabbi is. No matter, you can be sure of lots of photos and, hopefully, video clips, on this blog.
Thank you, Lord for this opportunity. Please help me make the most of it.
Read about the Holy Father's visit here.
If you're going too, and you want to meet me at Dunwoodie, please leave a comment below.
Pope Benedict: on a crusade against Islam?
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - A Muslim author and critic of Islamic fundamentalism who was baptized a Catholic by Pope Benedict said on Sunday Islam is "physiologically violent" and he is now in great danger because of his conversion.
"I realize what I am going up against but I will confront my fate with my head high, with my back straight and the interior strength of one who is certain about his faith," said Magdi Allam."
HT Yahoo News
What courage this man has! He knows he may have signed his own death warrant by converting to Catholicism, particularly in such a public manner. We should value our faith as much. Pope Benedict invoked the ire and threats of Osama Bin Laden before the baptism, and Fr. Jonathan Morris, spiritual advisor to Fox News, explains why Osama should fear the intellectual octaginarian.
"While Benedict sees rationality as the only suitable launching pad of all true faith, bin Laden sees it as the great obstacle to his manipulation of the masses. While Benedict sees faith and reason as mutually enriching sources of truth, bin Laden sees the former as incompatible with the later. And while Benedict claims God can never command us to do evil because the first universal moral dictate of reason —“do good and avoid evil”— reflects his loving voice, bin Laden on the other hand claims Allah can do whatever he pleases, evil included."
Fr. Morris says that young Muslims are starting to listen to the Holy Father's call to dialogue, thus sparking panic in the radical Islamists like Bin Laden. Who will they get to carry out suicide missions?
The more Muslims enter into dialogue with Catholics, the more I am convinced that Pope Benedict will bring down the radical Islamic establishment the way his predecessor brought down the Iron Curtain. Both seem inpenetrable at first glance, but the Iron Curtain proved fragile against strong spiritual leadership and prayerful people. Are we uniting behind Pope Benedict in prayer? We may accomplish more to secure world peace in the next five years that way, than the war in Iraq did in the last five. We fought Communism all over the world, lost thousands of lives, destroyed whole countries, over 40 years, and under Pope John Paul II, it folded in 11 years like the house of cards it was. I was in Poland on December 8, 1987, when thousands of Poles prayed for the end of Communism on Our Lady's feast day, under the coat of arms of Pope John Paul II. That very day, Gorbachev and Reagan were starting the process which led to peace.
These evil empires cannot stand against the power of prayer and courageous people like Lech Walensa and Christian Magdi Allam. Not to mention Our Lady, revered by Catholics and Muslims alike. The President of Colombia credited Our Lady with halting a war between his nation, Ecuador and Venezuela.
CNS
"I realize what I am going up against but I will confront my fate with my head high, with my back straight and the interior strength of one who is certain about his faith," said Magdi Allam."
HT Yahoo News
What courage this man has! He knows he may have signed his own death warrant by converting to Catholicism, particularly in such a public manner. We should value our faith as much. Pope Benedict invoked the ire and threats of Osama Bin Laden before the baptism, and Fr. Jonathan Morris, spiritual advisor to Fox News, explains why Osama should fear the intellectual octaginarian.
"While Benedict sees rationality as the only suitable launching pad of all true faith, bin Laden sees it as the great obstacle to his manipulation of the masses. While Benedict sees faith and reason as mutually enriching sources of truth, bin Laden sees the former as incompatible with the later. And while Benedict claims God can never command us to do evil because the first universal moral dictate of reason —“do good and avoid evil”— reflects his loving voice, bin Laden on the other hand claims Allah can do whatever he pleases, evil included."
Fr. Morris says that young Muslims are starting to listen to the Holy Father's call to dialogue, thus sparking panic in the radical Islamists like Bin Laden. Who will they get to carry out suicide missions?
The more Muslims enter into dialogue with Catholics, the more I am convinced that Pope Benedict will bring down the radical Islamic establishment the way his predecessor brought down the Iron Curtain. Both seem inpenetrable at first glance, but the Iron Curtain proved fragile against strong spiritual leadership and prayerful people. Are we uniting behind Pope Benedict in prayer? We may accomplish more to secure world peace in the next five years that way, than the war in Iraq did in the last five. We fought Communism all over the world, lost thousands of lives, destroyed whole countries, over 40 years, and under Pope John Paul II, it folded in 11 years like the house of cards it was. I was in Poland on December 8, 1987, when thousands of Poles prayed for the end of Communism on Our Lady's feast day, under the coat of arms of Pope John Paul II. That very day, Gorbachev and Reagan were starting the process which led to peace.
These evil empires cannot stand against the power of prayer and courageous people like Lech Walensa and Christian Magdi Allam. Not to mention Our Lady, revered by Catholics and Muslims alike. The President of Colombia credited Our Lady with halting a war between his nation, Ecuador and Venezuela.
CNS
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The Holy Father on the Easter Triduum: Love has Triumphed
During a beautiful Easter Vigil Mass last night, I felt a touch of sadness. We celebrate Christ's resurrection in such a wounded world where He and His message of salvation are often rejected and mocked. Certainly my own life could be a much more worthy one. How can Jesus want to save such desperate sinners?The Holy Father provides the response here.
"Christ, the light of humanity, dispels any shadows in the heart and the spirit and illuminates all men who come into the world," said the Pope. "Together with the lighting of the Easter candle, the great Easter announcement reverberates throughout the Church: Christ has truly risen, death no longer has any power over him. With his death he defeats evil forever and makes man a gift of God's own life."
Thank you, Holy Father, for reminding us that our sins, no matter how terrible are no match for the power of the resurrection.
He is risen
He is risen indeed,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
HT ZENIT
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Divine Mercy Novena
Began on Good Friday, and continues until Divine Mercy Sunday. Click here for details and instructions.
If ever our country needed the Divine Mercy, it does today.
Please pray for our nation to make a wise choice in November's election.
Catholic Blog Award Winners
Are up at Tomorrow's Trust. Thanks to my mother, and my other friends who voted for me, I was honored by ten nominations, and the talented company my blogs have been keeping. I found it interesting that Cause of Our Joy, where I write about my children, got the most nominations of my blogs. Their beautiful faces, and funny exploits must be why the blog is so popular.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Walking through Holy Week with Jesus
Fr Tom Euteneuer has a meditation for each day of Holy Week to help us embrace the Sacred Mysteries of our Catholic Faith. I will not be posting this week.
A Blessed Holy Week and a Joyous Easter to all.
HT Catholic Exchange
A Blessed Holy Week and a Joyous Easter to all.
HT Catholic ExchangeSunday, March 16, 2008
Accomplishments of 40 Days for Life
by David Bereit and Fr. Frank Pavone
Today is the final day of this 40 Days for Lifecampaign.
Reports are pouring in from around the country about the amazing miracles God has accomplished in cities conducting 40 Days for Life. We will share a concise summary of these reports with you over the next few days. However, let's take a moment to look at the "bigpicture" of just SOME of the important pro-lifedevelopments that have occurred due to the power of prayer since this campaign began on February 6.
DURING THESE 40 DAYS...
1.) Ohio revoked the license of the facility operated by late-term abortionist Martin Haskell. Even though Haskell cut a deal with the state andthe clinic is still open, this fresh investigation of a notorious abortion operation has been a major sign of encouragement.
2.) Numerous states, including Georgia and Colorado, conducted courageous "personhood"legislative initiatives, recognizing the humanityof every person from the moment of conception.
3.) South Dakota kicked off a new effort to ban abortion, launching a petition drive to collect enough signatures to put the abortion ban on the ballot this November.
4.) Evidence of Planned Parenthood's racist agenda gained widespread media attention over the past few weeks, due to the undercover investigations conducted by a UCLA student magazine editor.
5.) In Kansas, an important hearing date was setto address the 107 criminal charges filed againstPlanned Parenthood by heroic District AttorneyPhill Kline.
6.) In Southfield, Michigan, an abortion center(where 40 Days for Life is being conducted) was exposed for callously disposing the dismembered bodies of aborted babies in a dumpster, an apparent violation of health and environmental regulations -- but more clearly, an indication of the abortion industry's disdain for human life. This shocking revelation made headlines across the Detroit area.
7.) In California, a lawsuit from a former Planned Parenthood Vice President came to light, accusingthe abortion organization of overbilling tax payersby $180 million, and identifying many troubling accounting irregularities at America's largest abortion chain.
8.) One day after 40 Days for Life broadcast thestory about Eileen Smith's daughter who was killed by an abortionist in Massachusetts, that abortionist lost his license, never to practice medicine again in any state.
9.) A multi-year legal battle against Planned Parenthood in Charlottesville, Virginia -- begun after the organization violated numerous zoning laws to open an abortion facility down the road from a local school -- culminated in a decisive court hearing on March 14 that could result in the closure of the abortion facility.
10.) While attorney general of New York, Eliot Spitzer launched a furious investigation of the state's pro-life pregnancy care centers --specifically targeting fall 40 Days for Life leader Chris Slattery -- threatening legal action against them, at the request of NARAL. Then as governor, Spitzer introduced a bill to loosen abortion restrictions and order religious medical centers to violate tenets of faith. But he was caught in a major scandal that forced him to resign in disgrace. The news that led to the end of his political career broke shortly before he was scheduled to speak to his supporters at a conference sponsored by Planned Parenthood --during these 40 days.
Is it mere coincidence that these developments all occurred during the 40 days when you -- and tens of thousands of other people -- were praying and fasting for an end to abortion?Perhaps......But I don't think so :-)
I believe that we are witnessing the beginning ofthe end of abortion, and for everything, God gets all the credit and the glory!
But this IS just a beginning.This work must continue until no more women cry and no more children die.
Today's devotional is by Father Frank Pavone, thenational director of Priests for Life...
DAY 40 INTENTION--------------------------------------------------
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem,where death will be no more.--------------------------------------------------SCRIPTURE--------------------------------------------------
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Therewill be no more death or mourning or crying orpain, for the old order of things has passedaway." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"-- Revelation 21:4-5
REFLECTION--------------------------------------------------
Every activity we undertake in defense of thesanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as itpoints to the day when "death will be no more."Every victory we have when an act of abortion isprevented is prophetic of that day when deathitself will be definitively conquered.Every triumph of grace in this world, wherebysomeone is brought to see the value of life andgiven the strength to welcome it, is a breakinginto our history of that definitive future inwhich the old order of things will have passed,and all things will be made new.As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixedon heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope thatthe day is coming when all evil will be conquered.It is the future that shapes the present; it isvictory that informs the battle; it is thedestination that determines the journey.Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven.When we weep, we are to think of the day whenevery tear will be wiped away.When we face the destructive power of death, weare to think of the day when death is swallowed upin victory.When we labor against abortion, we are to think ofthe day when we will have the rest and peace ofthe final triumph of life.Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will beas real as our present sorrows.
--------------------------------------------------PRAYER--------------------------------------
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fillsus with the vision of the world to come, whenevery tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more.Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth.As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord
Amen.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all youhave done to make this monumental campaign such anamazing success.
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
Today is the final day of this 40 Days for Lifecampaign.
Reports are pouring in from around the country about the amazing miracles God has accomplished in cities conducting 40 Days for Life. We will share a concise summary of these reports with you over the next few days. However, let's take a moment to look at the "bigpicture" of just SOME of the important pro-lifedevelopments that have occurred due to the power of prayer since this campaign began on February 6.
DURING THESE 40 DAYS...
1.) Ohio revoked the license of the facility operated by late-term abortionist Martin Haskell. Even though Haskell cut a deal with the state andthe clinic is still open, this fresh investigation of a notorious abortion operation has been a major sign of encouragement.
2.) Numerous states, including Georgia and Colorado, conducted courageous "personhood"legislative initiatives, recognizing the humanityof every person from the moment of conception.
3.) South Dakota kicked off a new effort to ban abortion, launching a petition drive to collect enough signatures to put the abortion ban on the ballot this November.
4.) Evidence of Planned Parenthood's racist agenda gained widespread media attention over the past few weeks, due to the undercover investigations conducted by a UCLA student magazine editor.
5.) In Kansas, an important hearing date was setto address the 107 criminal charges filed againstPlanned Parenthood by heroic District AttorneyPhill Kline.
6.) In Southfield, Michigan, an abortion center(where 40 Days for Life is being conducted) was exposed for callously disposing the dismembered bodies of aborted babies in a dumpster, an apparent violation of health and environmental regulations -- but more clearly, an indication of the abortion industry's disdain for human life. This shocking revelation made headlines across the Detroit area.
7.) In California, a lawsuit from a former Planned Parenthood Vice President came to light, accusingthe abortion organization of overbilling tax payersby $180 million, and identifying many troubling accounting irregularities at America's largest abortion chain.
8.) One day after 40 Days for Life broadcast thestory about Eileen Smith's daughter who was killed by an abortionist in Massachusetts, that abortionist lost his license, never to practice medicine again in any state.
9.) A multi-year legal battle against Planned Parenthood in Charlottesville, Virginia -- begun after the organization violated numerous zoning laws to open an abortion facility down the road from a local school -- culminated in a decisive court hearing on March 14 that could result in the closure of the abortion facility.
10.) While attorney general of New York, Eliot Spitzer launched a furious investigation of the state's pro-life pregnancy care centers --specifically targeting fall 40 Days for Life leader Chris Slattery -- threatening legal action against them, at the request of NARAL. Then as governor, Spitzer introduced a bill to loosen abortion restrictions and order religious medical centers to violate tenets of faith. But he was caught in a major scandal that forced him to resign in disgrace. The news that led to the end of his political career broke shortly before he was scheduled to speak to his supporters at a conference sponsored by Planned Parenthood --during these 40 days.
Is it mere coincidence that these developments all occurred during the 40 days when you -- and tens of thousands of other people -- were praying and fasting for an end to abortion?Perhaps......But I don't think so :-)
I believe that we are witnessing the beginning ofthe end of abortion, and for everything, God gets all the credit and the glory!
But this IS just a beginning.This work must continue until no more women cry and no more children die.
Today's devotional is by Father Frank Pavone, thenational director of Priests for Life...
DAY 40 INTENTION--------------------------------------------------
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem,where death will be no more.--------------------------------------------------SCRIPTURE--------------------------------------------------
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Therewill be no more death or mourning or crying orpain, for the old order of things has passedaway." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"-- Revelation 21:4-5
REFLECTION--------------------------------------------------
Every activity we undertake in defense of thesanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as itpoints to the day when "death will be no more."Every victory we have when an act of abortion isprevented is prophetic of that day when deathitself will be definitively conquered.Every triumph of grace in this world, wherebysomeone is brought to see the value of life andgiven the strength to welcome it, is a breakinginto our history of that definitive future inwhich the old order of things will have passed,and all things will be made new.As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixedon heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope thatthe day is coming when all evil will be conquered.It is the future that shapes the present; it isvictory that informs the battle; it is thedestination that determines the journey.Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven.When we weep, we are to think of the day whenevery tear will be wiped away.When we face the destructive power of death, weare to think of the day when death is swallowed upin victory.When we labor against abortion, we are to think ofthe day when we will have the rest and peace ofthe final triumph of life.Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will beas real as our present sorrows.
--------------------------------------------------PRAYER--------------------------------------
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fillsus with the vision of the world to come, whenevery tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more.Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth.As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord
Amen.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all youhave done to make this monumental campaign such anamazing success.
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Single sex schools are on the rise worldwide
Andrew Mullins of MercatorNet explains why here.
"Lastly, there are strong moral arguments for single-sex schooling. Perhaps there was a pre-industrial, pre-urban time in the village when mixed schooling was natural and socially appropriate. But we live in a different age. A large coeducational school in the modern city can be positively damaging for some children because parents lose all management of the incipient social life of their children. Parents are the primary educators and nobody else has the right to set the moral agenda in children’s upbringing, neither a peer group nor their teachers."
"Lastly, there are strong moral arguments for single-sex schooling. Perhaps there was a pre-industrial, pre-urban time in the village when mixed schooling was natural and socially appropriate. But we live in a different age. A large coeducational school in the modern city can be positively damaging for some children because parents lose all management of the incipient social life of their children. Parents are the primary educators and nobody else has the right to set the moral agenda in children’s upbringing, neither a peer group nor their teachers."
Friday, March 14, 2008
Holy Father to canonize 6 year old Italian girl
Her nickname was Nanolina and she died of bone cancer before reaching her 7th birthday, yet she achieved what most Catholics never achieve in a long lifetime: heroic sanctity.
She has been put on the road to canonization by Pope Benedict XVI.
HT Catholic Culture
She has been put on the road to canonization by Pope Benedict XVI.
HT Catholic Culture
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Kidnapped Iraqi archbishop is dead
Read the story here.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
The Missionaries of Charity in the US considering the Latin Mass
It should come as no surprise that a wonderul religious order like the Missionaries of Charity are seeking instruction from St. John Cantius in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Their spiritual depth and contemplative prayer must make them hunger for the depth of contemplation in the Latin Mass.
HT Fr. Z's blog
HT Fr. Z's blog
Who will pick up the Pro-life Torch?
Dr. James Dobson expressed concern now that some prominent prolife leaders have died, and others are obviously aging, that the movement will be without leadership. Looking at the youthfulness of the participants in the March for Life, I would say he shouldn't worry.
I would also say, "Here I am, Lord, I have come to do Your will."
Who's with me?President Bush to add $28 million to budget for abstinence education
President Bush’s budget proposal for 2009 includes $204 million to support Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) — a $28 million increase over last year’s budget for the program.
U.S. Reps. Lee Terry, R-Neb., and Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., have co-signed a letter to the chairman and the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, urging support for CBAE funding and current guidelines.
The president’s proposal coincides with a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that one in four teen girls in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
“With 3 million teen girls infected with STIs, safer sex in adolescents does not exist,” said Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the Family Action. “For the current and future health of teens, we must teach them how to have strong relationships not based on sex.”
HT Citizen Link
U.S. Reps. Lee Terry, R-Neb., and Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., have co-signed a letter to the chairman and the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, urging support for CBAE funding and current guidelines.
The president’s proposal coincides with a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that one in four teen girls in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
“With 3 million teen girls infected with STIs, safer sex in adolescents does not exist,” said Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the Family Action. “For the current and future health of teens, we must teach them how to have strong relationships not based on sex.”
HT Citizen Link
Catholic Blog Awards: voting ends this weekend
Voting is now open at the Catholic Blog Awards and will end on March 17 at noon.I have four blogs nominated in different categories, and would appreciate your vote if one of them is your favorite.
1. Cause of Our Joy is nominated for Best Individual Blog, Best Overall Blog, Best Written Blog, and Most Spiritual Blog.
2. Causa Nostrae Laetitiae is nominated for Best Political Social Commentary, and Best Written Blog.
These are group blogs I contribute to:
3. Mount Carmel Catholic Bloggers is nominated for Best Group Blog
4. Catholic Media Review is nominated for Best Insider News, Most Informative/Insightful, and Best Group Blog.
This is a total of ten nominations, thank you for doing me the honor of reading and appreciating my writing.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Comments from Pro-lifers on Eliot Spitzer's resignation
from Chris Slattery:
As a leading operator EMC FrontLine Pregnancy Centers in New York City with a dozen locations of women's help centers, Slattery defended against what he called "an unwarranted and intrusive investigative attack and witch hunt of life-saving help centers for women" by former Attorney General Eliot Spitzer in early 2002. After a bruising back and forth six week campaign against 24 different crisis pregnancy center sites that year, AG Spitzer was forced to withdraw his politically motivated subpoenas. According to Slattery, "Governor Spitzer has most recently proposed a new legislative bill in Albany called the "Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act" that declares that women have a "fundamental right" to abortion in New York State, including in the third trimester without restriction, which would allow non-physician abortions, and force religious hospitals including Catholic ones to actually perform abortions." "No health safeguards for women were included in the legislation," Slattery claimed."Although we cannot gloat for the personal failures of this man, and we pray for his sad family, anytime a major abortion leader in this country falls to his or her own vices it offers that person and our country a time of deep reflection on the true meaning and purpose of life," Slattery added.
I couldn't have said it better myself, Chris!
HT Christian Newswire
Here's another point of view from John Jalsevac of Life Site News:
Eliot Spitzer is the man who personally introduced legislation in New York that, if passed, would make New York the most liberal state in the country when it comes to abortion. The so-called Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act (RHPPA), seeks, amongst other measures, to make a positive "right" to abortion in New York law. Critics of the Act have also pointed out that it could easily be interpreted as forcing all hospitals and doctors to perform abortions, with no conscience exemption. In the past number of months, the governor has strongly pushed to have the legislation passed, citing the passing of the Act as a top priority.
In May of 2007 LifeSiteNews.com reported that Governor Spitzer had introduced legislation that would establish legal recognition for homosexual unions in the state. On April 27 he personally introduced legislation that would eliminate gender from the legal definition of marriage and make denying a marriage license to homosexual couples illegal. Mr. Spitzer had run his election campaign on a platform that included legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.
I keep hearing on the news that Spitzer was considered morally righteous. This is hogwash, pure and simple and is a sad commentary on those who call Spitzer a moral authority. He many have considered himself righteous, but how can a man who is ardently pursuing the above evil agenda be considered righteous? I don't know if Eliot Spitzer is a man of faith, but there is no true faith, Jewish, Christian or Muslim which approves gay marriage and the slaughter of the innocent. His corrupt agenda completely matched the corruption in his personal behavior, and I was not surprised at his activities, just surprised at how quickly they destroyed his powerful position. After all, Bill Clinton is poised to take the White House again, after the most scandal ridden administration in history. That Eliot Spitzer was considered a moral force is a sad commentary on the moral condition of the media. Lt Gov David Paterson is no bargain either, there was chatter on gay activist websites saying he may better serve the radical gay agenda since Spitzer was considered damaged goods and no longer had the confidence of the people. I'm still scratching my head at why Spitzer ever had a 70% approval rating. Just how morally depraved are the residents of New York State?
As a leading operator EMC FrontLine Pregnancy Centers in New York City with a dozen locations of women's help centers, Slattery defended against what he called "an unwarranted and intrusive investigative attack and witch hunt of life-saving help centers for women" by former Attorney General Eliot Spitzer in early 2002. After a bruising back and forth six week campaign against 24 different crisis pregnancy center sites that year, AG Spitzer was forced to withdraw his politically motivated subpoenas. According to Slattery, "Governor Spitzer has most recently proposed a new legislative bill in Albany called the "Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act" that declares that women have a "fundamental right" to abortion in New York State, including in the third trimester without restriction, which would allow non-physician abortions, and force religious hospitals including Catholic ones to actually perform abortions." "No health safeguards for women were included in the legislation," Slattery claimed."Although we cannot gloat for the personal failures of this man, and we pray for his sad family, anytime a major abortion leader in this country falls to his or her own vices it offers that person and our country a time of deep reflection on the true meaning and purpose of life," Slattery added.
I couldn't have said it better myself, Chris!
HT Christian Newswire
Here's another point of view from John Jalsevac of Life Site News:
Eliot Spitzer is the man who personally introduced legislation in New York that, if passed, would make New York the most liberal state in the country when it comes to abortion. The so-called Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act (RHPPA), seeks, amongst other measures, to make a positive "right" to abortion in New York law. Critics of the Act have also pointed out that it could easily be interpreted as forcing all hospitals and doctors to perform abortions, with no conscience exemption. In the past number of months, the governor has strongly pushed to have the legislation passed, citing the passing of the Act as a top priority.
In May of 2007 LifeSiteNews.com reported that Governor Spitzer had introduced legislation that would establish legal recognition for homosexual unions in the state. On April 27 he personally introduced legislation that would eliminate gender from the legal definition of marriage and make denying a marriage license to homosexual couples illegal. Mr. Spitzer had run his election campaign on a platform that included legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.
I keep hearing on the news that Spitzer was considered morally righteous. This is hogwash, pure and simple and is a sad commentary on those who call Spitzer a moral authority. He many have considered himself righteous, but how can a man who is ardently pursuing the above evil agenda be considered righteous? I don't know if Eliot Spitzer is a man of faith, but there is no true faith, Jewish, Christian or Muslim which approves gay marriage and the slaughter of the innocent. His corrupt agenda completely matched the corruption in his personal behavior, and I was not surprised at his activities, just surprised at how quickly they destroyed his powerful position. After all, Bill Clinton is poised to take the White House again, after the most scandal ridden administration in history. That Eliot Spitzer was considered a moral force is a sad commentary on the moral condition of the media. Lt Gov David Paterson is no bargain either, there was chatter on gay activist websites saying he may better serve the radical gay agenda since Spitzer was considered damaged goods and no longer had the confidence of the people. I'm still scratching my head at why Spitzer ever had a 70% approval rating. Just how morally depraved are the residents of New York State?
Mad World of Barack Obama
This comes courtesy of Creative Miniority Report. It's a masterpiece of social commentary.
Homeschooling in California is OK: State Superintendent
March 11, 2008An update to HSLDA Members and Friends on the California Court of Appeal Decision on Homeschooling:State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell comes to the defense of homeschool families. "The California Department of Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this ruling. Parents still have the right to homeschool in this state," he said.
After the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles ruled on February 28 that parents had to be credentialed teachers to educate their own children the statement from O'Connell is encouraging news for the homeschool community."O'Connell has it right," said Michael Farris, Chairman of HSLDA. "But the court decision must still be overturned before homeschool freedom can be restored in California."
HT Home School Legal Defense Association
After the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles ruled on February 28 that parents had to be credentialed teachers to educate their own children the statement from O'Connell is encouraging news for the homeschool community."O'Connell has it right," said Michael Farris, Chairman of HSLDA. "But the court decision must still be overturned before homeschool freedom can be restored in California."
HT Home School Legal Defense Association
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Ethical Vaccine Alternatives will be available
I don't vaccinate my children with vaccines made from aborted fetal cells. Now a biotech firm will be bringing morally acceptable alternative vaccines which are not made from aborted babies. This is wonderful news for Catholic families. Check the website of Children of God for Life for updates.
HT Life Site News
HT Life Site News
Protests to mar Papal visit to US in April
I certainly hope that enough faithful Catholics will be present on the streets of New York and Washington to counteract the childish behaviour of groups like this who plan to protest during the Holy Father's visit next month. The rainbow sash group will be throwing ashes at the Pope so he repents of his faithfulnes to the teachings of the Gospel, apparently.
AFA calls off Ford Boycott
From the Family Research Council: After almost three years, our good friends at the American Family Association (AFA) are calling a ceasefire with Ford Motor Company, ending a near three-year boycott that cost the company millions in sales--and even more in consumer goodwill. Based on months of monitoring Ford, AFA Founder Don Wildmon says that the company has made the necessary pro-family concessions. Although AFA's campaign is not solely responsible for the drop in Ford sales over the last two years, it was certainly a contributing factor. Since AFA and 780,000 supporters agreed to boycott, Ford profits dropped an average of eight percent per month. In recent months, Ford upheld its initial agreement which called for it to stop: giving corporate donations to pro-homosexual organizations, promoting activities like gay pride parades, offering incentives to groups that promote civil unions or same-sex "marriage;" and advertising in pro-gay media. While minor issues still exist, Don believes they can be ironed out.
We applaud AFA and all of you who used your dollars to make difference!
THIS is the reason we drive a Chrysler mini van!
The Wall Street Journal lists Spitzer's Crimes
I had no idea just how horrible Eliot Spitzer was in other respects, I just knew him as a ruthless pro-abort. I should have known that his obsession with death couldn't have been an isolated charater flaw. The man is diabolical in many aspects of his character, it baffles me why his behavior came as a shock, or why he was able to come accross as pure and a crusader when he tried to shut down all Crisis Pregnancy Centers in New York State as Attorney General.
Thank heavens, this destroys his presidential ambitions.
Oh, and when he resigns, which appears imminent, he may not be able to vote for Hillary at the Democratic Convention; he is a super delegate.
HT WSJ
UPDATE: CBS NEWS Spitzer to resign tomorrow.
Read story here.
Thank heavens, this destroys his presidential ambitions.
Oh, and when he resigns, which appears imminent, he may not be able to vote for Hillary at the Democratic Convention; he is a super delegate.
HT WSJ
UPDATE: CBS NEWS Spitzer to resign tomorrow.
Read story here.
Archdiocese of NY to close Catholic schools
This is the legacy of the misinterpretation of Vatican II, the corruption of the Democratic party, and the greediness of teachers unions. School closings in New York.I have worked in many poor school districts and they NEED solidly academic, orthodox Catholic schools. The public schools are infested with gangs, drugs and moral degenerates, yes, I'm talking about the teachers. Catholic schools should be a beacon of hope to the poor, and if the Democrats really cared about the poor in New York State, they'd allow the subsidy of these schools which make a difference in the lives of poor children. Instead they bow to the teacher's unions who are afraid of the least bit of competition.
There's even a tuition tax credit bill in New York State called the Educational Tax Incentive Act (S3627/A6432) which would funnel funds to both private AND public school when a family decides to enroll their child in private school. According to Rick Hinshaw the editor of the Long Island Catholic:
"The bill allows parents to deduct tuition at nonpublic schools from their state taxable income. Those with incomes too low to pay taxes and who qualify for the state earned income credit could receive a tax credit of as much as $500. That would result in a rebate being paid to them.The amount of the tax deduction will vary according to income level and will increase over the next four years. For example, a family who earns less than $115,000 a year would receive a $2,500 deduction for 2007, which would increase to $5,000 in 2008, $7,500 in 2009, and $10,000 in 2010.Those with higher incomes would receive smaller deductions. For 2010, those earning $115,000 to $120,000 would receive an $8,750 deduction. The deduction would continue to drop $1,250 for every additional $5,000 of income up to those earning between $145,000 and $150,000, who would receive a $1,250 deduction."
But the Democratic controlled State Assembly most likely won't allow the bill to see the light of day, it's so beholden to the AFT(American Federation of Teachers).
I have spoken to a politically active teacher in New York City Schools, he campaigned tirelessly against liberal Bella Abzug because she once failed to support a teachers' strike. NEVER cross the teacher's union here in NYS! That's why a blue state like New York had Republican Alfonse D'Amato as US Senator. Until he criticized Hillary, that is. . .
And as for the Catholic schools, well no school in this expensive area can run without the cost effectiveness of teaching sisters. And there are very few sisters left. They left the convents in droves after the reforms of Vatican II, and the few that remained want apartments and important jobs. They don't want to be humble teachers for the children of the poor, they want to be principals and school administrators. Those that remained in the schools here on Long Island are involved in Reiki, the enneagram and labyrinths, all linked to the occult. What ever happened to the rosary, Eucharistic devotion and the saints? What are Catholic parents to do in this state?
THAT is why my girls and I will be leaving Long Island for these wonderful Catholic schools in Connecticut(see photo). My husband will have to commute work both in CT and LI, to help us live there, but for the proper education of our girls, any sacrifice is worth it.
We are losing the children of the poor to the corruption of the streets. The sisters of the Catholic Church used to be their champions. What a shame!
HT Fox News
Monday, March 10, 2008
Secular Media picks up on the Catholic opposition to Spitzer's policies
My articles about the Catholic Church's efforts to thwart the RHAPP Program of Governor Elliot Spitzer have earned a posts on the website of the Chicago Sun Times here and on Reuter's website here and here.
Actually the planned meeting between Cardinal Egan and Gov Spitzer, scheduled for today was probably cancelled. It seems the Governor had more urgent matters to attend, however his discomfiture has had the salutory effect of shining the light of day onto the horrible RHAPP legislation. People all over the nation will learn the truth about Spitzer's abortion obsession, just in time for the Catholic Church to stand out for her valiant stand against it.
This is one of those times when I'm so proud to be a Catholic.
Actually the planned meeting between Cardinal Egan and Gov Spitzer, scheduled for today was probably cancelled. It seems the Governor had more urgent matters to attend, however his discomfiture has had the salutory effect of shining the light of day onto the horrible RHAPP legislation. People all over the nation will learn the truth about Spitzer's abortion obsession, just in time for the Catholic Church to stand out for her valiant stand against it.
This is one of those times when I'm so proud to be a Catholic.
We were praying this Novena while the Gov. Spitzer scandal hit
This was posted on my online Catholic homeschool network an hour before the scandal broke.
A coincidence?
Looks like Spitzer's confession was a good first step towards his conversion.
Let's continue to pray that the horrible Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act RHAPP is defeated as a result. God works in mysterious ways!
View the video of Elliot Spitzer's confession here.
Someone suggested recently that we (especially New Yorkers) should pray, beginning today ( or whenever you read this) the very powerful novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague (usually a 9 HOUR emergency novena, but we're praying it over 9 DAYS instead) for the conversion of NYS Governor Spitzer and the defeat of his most dangerous abortion bill.
A coincidence?
Looks like Spitzer's confession was a good first step towards his conversion.
Let's continue to pray that the horrible Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act RHAPP is defeated as a result. God works in mysterious ways!
View the video of Elliot Spitzer's confession here.
Someone suggested recently that we (especially New Yorkers) should pray, beginning today ( or whenever you read this) the very powerful novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague (usually a 9 HOUR emergency novena, but we're praying it over 9 DAYS instead) for the conversion of NYS Governor Spitzer and the defeat of his most dangerous abortion bill.
NY Gov Eliot Spitzer involved in Prostitution Ring
Married with three children, Governor Eliot Spitzer has been named as Client No. 9 for Emperor Club VIP, an expensive prostitution ring operating out of Washington, DC on Feb 13, 2008. He managed to squeeze in a prostitute between testifying before Congress and appearing on CNBC. Just before St. Valentine's Day. What a sleazy thing to do!
What Spitzer didn't realize is that the escort service was under investigation, so now that he's caught, he decided to apologize for "Not living up to my own moral standards" Fox News says he will may be indicted by the Southern District Court of NY. The liberal media may try to give him a pass on this, but he has touted himself as a corruption crusader here:
Mr. Spitzer gained national attention when he served as attorney general with his relentless pursuit of Wall Street wrongdoing. As attorney general, he also had prosecuted at least two prostitution rings as head of the state’s organized crime task force.
In one such case in 2004, Mr. Spitzer spoke with revulsion and anger after announcing the arrest of 16 people for operating a high-end prostitution ring out of Staten Island.
The NYS Assembly minority leader has called for Spitzer's resignation here.
James Tedisco, Republican leader of the State Assembly, said Spitzer “has disgraced his office and the entire state of New York. He should resign his office immediately.”
If we raise enough of an outcry, we may force him out of office and defeat RHAPP Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act.
HT NY Times
What Spitzer didn't realize is that the escort service was under investigation, so now that he's caught, he decided to apologize for "Not living up to my own moral standards" Fox News says he will may be indicted by the Southern District Court of NY. The liberal media may try to give him a pass on this, but he has touted himself as a corruption crusader here:
Mr. Spitzer gained national attention when he served as attorney general with his relentless pursuit of Wall Street wrongdoing. As attorney general, he also had prosecuted at least two prostitution rings as head of the state’s organized crime task force.
In one such case in 2004, Mr. Spitzer spoke with revulsion and anger after announcing the arrest of 16 people for operating a high-end prostitution ring out of Staten Island.
The NYS Assembly minority leader has called for Spitzer's resignation here.
James Tedisco, Republican leader of the State Assembly, said Spitzer “has disgraced his office and the entire state of New York. He should resign his office immediately.”
If we raise enough of an outcry, we may force him out of office and defeat RHAPP Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act.
HT NY Times
Another victory for the Catholic League
McCAIN DENOUNCES ANTI-CATHOLICISM;
CITES HAGEE'S ROLE
It was reported over the weekend that Sen. John McCain denounced anti-Catholicism and explicitly mentioned Rev. John Hagee's role. McCain said that "I repudiate any comments that are made, including Pastor Hagee's, if they are anti-Catholic or offensive to Catholics."
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented as follows:
"Sen. McCain has done the right thing and we salute him for doing so. As far as the Catholic League is concerned, this case is closed."
CITES HAGEE'S ROLE
It was reported over the weekend that Sen. John McCain denounced anti-Catholicism and explicitly mentioned Rev. John Hagee's role. McCain said that "I repudiate any comments that are made, including Pastor Hagee's, if they are anti-Catholic or offensive to Catholics."
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented as follows:
"Sen. McCain has done the right thing and we salute him for doing so. As far as the Catholic League is concerned, this case is closed."
Terri Schiavo siblings to host radio show for disabled
In memory of their sister who was dehydrated to death nearly three years ago by court order, Bobby Schindler and Suzanne Vitadamo will be hosting a radio show where they will advocate for the disabled. I felt so strongly about this issue since my daughter Christina has Down syndrome.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Urgent call to New Yorkers to go to Albany Tuesday March 11
Please consider this prayerfully if you live in New York State. Governor Spitzer's RHAPP bill is the most dangerous piece of legislation to come out regarding abortion in recent years, as it has the ability to Roe-proof New York State. In other words, if Roe v Wade is reversed, New York will still have access to abortion, and may even force Catholic hospitals to perform them. If this bill is successful here, it will spread to other states, and reversing Roe v Wade our goal for 35 years, will be rendered pointless. All concerned pro-lifers must stand up to this bullying by Governor Spitzer before he starts a national trend.
Schedule in Albany
10:30am General Assembly, Lewis A. Swyer Theatre, The Egg
11:30-12:30PM Mass in the Convention Center, Edwin Cardinal Egan, main celebrant
Lunch, immediately following
1:00PM Lobbying in the Capitol and Legislative Office Buildings
Return late Afternoon
http://www.nyscatholicconference.org/uploads/ppf_233402Schedule.pdf
Schedule in Albany
10:30am General Assembly, Lewis A. Swyer Theatre, The Egg
11:30-12:30PM Mass in the Convention Center, Edwin Cardinal Egan, main celebrant
Lunch, immediately following
1:00PM Lobbying in the Capitol and Legislative Office Buildings
Return late Afternoon
http://www.nyscatholicconference.org/uploads/ppf_233402Schedule.pdf
We're celebrating St. Patrick on Friday this year
It's the first time since 1940 the Church has had to move up the good saint's feast day so that it doesn't fall in Holy Week. St. Patrick's Day is to be celebrated on March 14, my daughter Christina's 6th birthday. She won't mind, she has my Irish Grandma giving her a touch of Irish blood, and we have always planned her party for the day of the town St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Enjoy my montage Beautiful Ireland in honor of St. Patrick.
Enjoy my montage Beautiful Ireland in honor of St. Patrick.
The Governator stands up for homeschoolers in California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has voiced his opposition to the State Applellate Court Ruling which effectively outlaws homeschooling in California.
"Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children," the governor said in a prepared statement. "Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education."
Way to go, Governator!
James Dobson, founder of the Focus on the Family powerhouse Christian publisher, called it "an imperious assault on the rights of parents."
"How dare these judges have the audacity to label tens of thousands of parents criminals – the equivalent of drug dealers or pickpockets – because they want to raise and educate their children according to their deeply held values?" he said.
"The case before them involved one couple – the ruling should have been confined to that one couple, not used to punish an entire class of people, the vast majority of them religious conservatives," he said.
The California Teachers' Union applauds the ruling. What a surprise. They want 166,000 more kids under their control, bringing their state subsidies with them.
HT World Net Daily, Drudge Report
"Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children," the governor said in a prepared statement. "Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education."
Way to go, Governator!
James Dobson, founder of the Focus on the Family powerhouse Christian publisher, called it "an imperious assault on the rights of parents."
"How dare these judges have the audacity to label tens of thousands of parents criminals – the equivalent of drug dealers or pickpockets – because they want to raise and educate their children according to their deeply held values?" he said.
"The case before them involved one couple – the ruling should have been confined to that one couple, not used to punish an entire class of people, the vast majority of them religious conservatives," he said.
The California Teachers' Union applauds the ruling. What a surprise. They want 166,000 more kids under their control, bringing their state subsidies with them.
HT World Net Daily, Drudge Report
Saturday, March 08, 2008
McCain finally distances himself from Pastor Hagee's anti-Catholicism
Well done, Bill Donohue, and Catholic blogosphere! McCain has felt our heat and has repudiated Hagee's bitter diatribes against the Catholic Church.
He even admits sending his children to Catholic schools. Who knew?
HT Spirit Daily
He even admits sending his children to Catholic schools. Who knew?
HT Spirit Daily
What we can learn from African families
Sixteen years of marriage to a Latin American has taught me a thing or two about family life outside the USA. Families are far stronger outside the weathier nations, but they could teach us a lesson about what a real family is. And isn't
MercatorNet: And what do you think African families can teach Western families?
Asitaki: First of all, unselfish love, then patience and finally, openness to life. I believe that it is important to remind European families that the family should not be a place to search for one’s own satisfaction. The greatest happiness is found when everyone works for the happiness of everyone else. Difficulties are natural and normal in life. It makes no sense to question the great commitments of life because difficulties crop up. One must learn how to be patient and wait for the hard times to pass. It is equally important to fight against egotism and the individualism by highlighting the happiness of remaining open to life, of accepting the children which are the true fruit of the authentic love of husband and wife.
Read the entire article from MercatorNet
MercatorNet: And what do you think African families can teach Western families?
Asitaki: First of all, unselfish love, then patience and finally, openness to life. I believe that it is important to remind European families that the family should not be a place to search for one’s own satisfaction. The greatest happiness is found when everyone works for the happiness of everyone else. Difficulties are natural and normal in life. It makes no sense to question the great commitments of life because difficulties crop up. One must learn how to be patient and wait for the hard times to pass. It is equally important to fight against egotism and the individualism by highlighting the happiness of remaining open to life, of accepting the children which are the true fruit of the authentic love of husband and wife.
Read the entire article from MercatorNet
Friday, March 07, 2008
California's one two punch for the gay agenda
Here's a Citizen Link video on how the gay agenda is being sold 'under the radar' in public schools. This storybook , "And Tango Makes Three", tells the story of two 'gay' penguins who adopt a chick and have a happy family. Some good parents had this book thrown out of school libraries in Illinois, Missouri and in Virginia, causing the ACLU types to howl censorship. These are the same people who show up with supeonas when a little girl gives a classmate a Christmas card in Kindergarten.This California pastor is advocating a full scale desertion of the public schools in California because of this:
"California pastor Ron Gleason is calling for parents to remove their children from public school after California lawmakers passed their version of affirmative action -- and he's asking churches to ease the discomfort in the process.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed into law SB 777, making it unlawful to criticize homosexual, bi-sexual, and transsexual teachers. Dr. Ron Gleason, director of the group California Exodus, says the bill goes even further. "Schools are not allowed to say 'mommy' and 'daddy' anymore," Gleason states. "Children will be taught that sexual orientation and gender are merely a matter of personal choice -- and they will be taught to find what is 'right' for them."
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed into law SB 777, making it unlawful to criticize homosexual, bi-sexual, and transsexual teachers. Dr. Ron Gleason, director of the group California Exodus, says the bill goes even further. "Schools are not allowed to say 'mommy' and 'daddy' anymore," Gleason states. "Children will be taught that sexual orientation and gender are merely a matter of personal choice -- and they will be taught to find what is 'right' for them."
HT One News Now
First Punch: force political correctness in public schools in California.
First Punch: force political correctness in public schools in California.
Second Punch: force all parents to send their children to be re-educated.
This is a lesson from the Adolf Hitler playbook. He banned homeschooling in Germany, to have access to German children. Maria Von Trapp documents this in her book, "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers". The Nazia undermined Jesus, and parents, and sought to replace them with idolizing Hitler.Melissa Buskeros' mother was detained and she was put into mental hospital for home educating, since Hitler's law still stands in Germany.
Are you frightened yet? You should be. Read this terrifying parallel between the Nazi plan and Outcome Based Education:
In spite of the information explosion, America hasn't heard the message. Perhaps our leading change agents don't know what their deceptive strategies and dumbed-down curricula will do to our children. Maybe they haven't noticed the similarities between their educational strategies and former Nazi tactics for molding young minds and teaching group conformity. Perhaps today's psychological manipulations are simply a modern expression of human "wisdom" without biblical guidelines. However, it seems clear that U.S. and Nazi change agents share one tragic trait: the dearth of the kind of honesty and integrity that once made America safe for children.
That propaganda and indoctrination were two of the cornerstones of Nazi education is no secret. Hitler's goal was National Socialism, a fascist state that would subdue the world. Learning his lessons from Soviet revolutionaries, he knew that only cloaked promises and misleading visions could win the support of the unsuspecting masses -- and build a compliant army of young radicals. That America's educational and political leaders would stoop to the same low standard has remained hidden from the general public. That their aim is global socialism with cradle-to-grave surveillance is angrily denied by the trained and trusted guardians of our children's minds.
That propaganda and indoctrination were two of the cornerstones of Nazi education is no secret. Hitler's goal was National Socialism, a fascist state that would subdue the world. Learning his lessons from Soviet revolutionaries, he knew that only cloaked promises and misleading visions could win the support of the unsuspecting masses -- and build a compliant army of young radicals. That America's educational and political leaders would stoop to the same low standard has remained hidden from the general public. That their aim is global socialism with cradle-to-grave surveillance is angrily denied by the trained and trusted guardians of our children's minds.
If the sleeping public doesn't wake up and resist soon, it will surely be too late to stop the rising tide of deception that threatens to engulf our children. If so, God's people will once again have demonstrated the blinding consequences of spurning truth and loving lies.
THIS is why homeschooling is under attack in California. They don't care if your children learn to read, write, calculate and think. They merely want to re-educate them in the liberal agenda. It began when I was in elementary school in the 70's coloring "Save the Whale" posters and continues today with little children in first grade being shown inappropriate books about sexual preference and terrifying videos of how the world will end in their lifetimes if they leave the lights on too long. Many public school teachers think themselves the moral and intellectual superiors of their students' parents, no matter how educated the parents are. I know, I was in the lunchroom as a colleague and heard their conversations. Liberals always think their views are righteous, and that conservatives are the great unwashed. THAT's why our children must be forced into re-education.
Think I'm exaggerating? Again, learn from history Goals 2000, re-designed by Hillary Clinton, and Outcome-Based Education where graduation from high school depends on children having proper attitudes, liberal attitudes, not being able to think for themselves.
Sign the petition here to protest the persecution of homeschoolers in California. Inform yourself on what this could mean if this decision stands.
Once, before my daughter Gabbi (now 14) was old enough to homeschool, a tiny paragraph in a HUGE omnibus bill would have required all mothers who homeschool be certified in each subject area they teach. This would have effectively outlawed homeschooling. At a homeschool conference, I met the valiant lady who led the charge to defeat this provision. She was aided by Dr. James Dobson who sounded the alarm on his "Focus on the Family" radio show and the Home School Legal Defense Association who are both active here. I spoke with 2 Congressmen on Long Island at the time, who were astounded at the number of phone calls to the Capitol. We literally shut down the switchboard for days, an unprecedented display of the power the grassroots. Let's do it again, let California know that their values are not our values, nor that of the majority of Americans, and we will fight for the freedom to educate our children in the Christian tradition.
What is wrong California's Catholic governor and his Catholic wife?
Where is California's cardinal?
Almost euthaized, Haleigh will testify
This was Michael Sciavo's worst nightmare; that his wife Terri should regain speech and testify how she became so oxygen deprived that her brain was forever damaged. He had promised to give her speech therapy with the malpractice award money, but he never did. He needed her silence.
Haleigh was slated for euthansia, but her stepfather, her attacker fought to keep her alive, perhaps to avoid being charged for her murder. Now she may testify against him in court.
The dark lesson in this is: if you're going to kill a loved one, make sure they're dead before you call the ambulance. Not everyone is as lucky as Michael Sciavo.
HT LifeSite News
Haleigh was slated for euthansia, but her stepfather, her attacker fought to keep her alive, perhaps to avoid being charged for her murder. Now she may testify against him in court.
The dark lesson in this is: if you're going to kill a loved one, make sure they're dead before you call the ambulance. Not everyone is as lucky as Michael Sciavo.
HT LifeSite News
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Pope Benedict addresses the Pontifical Academy of Life
Pope Benedict XVI yesterday reminded the 400 participants at the congress, organised by the Pontifical Academy for Life, devoted to the ethical and practical considerations of assistance for those with serious and incurable illnesses that all of our society is obliged to “respect the life and dignity of the seriously ill and the dying”. Doctors are required to respect human life in every moment of its earthly development, he continued. Stressing that “the firm and constant ethical condemnation of all forms of direct euthanasia, in keeping with the centuries-long teaching of the Church”, Benedict XVI denounced "the pressures in favour of euthanasia" suffered by "fragile persons and the poorest families", "in a complex society, which is strongly affected by the dynamics of productivity and the requirements of economy" in which a “utilitarian vision of the person" is insinuated. “Treatment and operations must always follow the criteria of medical proportionality” and in the case of treatment “with significant levels of risk or that may reasonably be judged to be 'extraordinary'' recourse there to may be considered as morally acceptable, but optional”, he continued.The Pope finally pleaded that close relatives caring for people in the final phase of their life be granted leave to do so, similarly to parents when a birth takes place. "Greater respect for individual human lives inevitably passes via the concrete solidarity of each and every one of us and is one of the more urgent challenges of our time”.
Is there a Day of Silence in your child's school?
Friday, April 25, several thousand schools across the nation will be observing "Day of Silence (DOS)." DOS is a nationwide push to promote the homosexual lifestyle in public schools. American Family Association is joining other family-oriented groups in urging parents to keep their children at home that day if their local school is participating in the DOS project. By remaining silent, the intent of the pro-homosexual students is to disrupt the classes while promoting the homosexual lifestyle.
DOS is sponsored by an activist homosexual group, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). DOS leads the students to believe that every person who identifies as a homosexual, bisexual or cross-dresser is a victim of ongoing, unrelenting harassment and hate. Students are taught that homosexuality is a worthy lifestyle, homosexuality has few or no risks, and individuals are born homosexual and cannot change. Those who oppose such teaching are characterized as ignorant and hateful bigots.
On October 23rd, over 1400 students nationwide participated in a Day of Pro-life Silent Solidarity... Many of them were persecuted for disrupting the school day. As a former secondary school teacher, I think a few less students talking would be a welcome change, and suspect political correctness is respsonsible for deciding which protests are sanctioned by public schools.
DOS is sponsored by an activist homosexual group, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). DOS leads the students to believe that every person who identifies as a homosexual, bisexual or cross-dresser is a victim of ongoing, unrelenting harassment and hate. Students are taught that homosexuality is a worthy lifestyle, homosexuality has few or no risks, and individuals are born homosexual and cannot change. Those who oppose such teaching are characterized as ignorant and hateful bigots.
On October 23rd, over 1400 students nationwide participated in a Day of Pro-life Silent Solidarity... Many of them were persecuted for disrupting the school day. As a former secondary school teacher, I think a few less students talking would be a welcome change, and suspect political correctness is respsonsible for deciding which protests are sanctioned by public schools.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Bishop Wenski comments on decline in Catholics in the US
A recent Pew Research Study found the number of Catholics in decline in the US, despite large numbers of Latino Catholic immigrants. Bishop Thomas Wenski comments at Catholic Exchange.
"Something changed though when their children and grandchildren(of early 20th century Italian, Irish, Polish immigrants) entered into the American mainstream. Catholics were assimilated - or absorbed - into American culture resulting in an erosion of Catholic identity. The parish play a lesser role in their lives. The strong individualism of our culture undermines the sense of a "collective identity". And thus Americans become individual "consumers" of religion, picking their religious identity "a la carte" as it were. Churches are seen as merely voluntary organizations and affiliation or non affiliation a matter of personal taste or choice. The attraction of the Evangelical denominations with their emphasis on the therapeutic side of faith seems to bear this out."
Monisgnor Michael Mozia, a Moral Theologian on sabbatical from the seminary where he is a professor his native Nigeria, has written 8 books on this and similar subjects, which I will be reviewing in the next few months. He has been coming to the USA for summers since 1996 and has some keen insights into the spiritual decline of Catholicism in the USA. He says that, "The three biggest enemies of the faith are: materialism, secularism and consumerism".
We see ourselves a consumers who pick and choose which church makes us comfortable. Now, I certainly advocate choosing a parish wisely, however, others take this too far and choose the denomination which allows them to live with the least amount of sacrifice. And for too many, this is NOT the Catholic Church.
We also compartmentilize our lives, leaving religion for Sunday morning, if there's no soccer game, that is. We don't want Christ having more of our lives than necessary, we don't want to stand out as different, and risk rejection. And we don't let anything get in the way of our passionate pursuit of the almighty dollar.
May the Lord have mercy on Americans, to whom so much has been given, and who give so little in return!
"Something changed though when their children and grandchildren(of early 20th century Italian, Irish, Polish immigrants) entered into the American mainstream. Catholics were assimilated - or absorbed - into American culture resulting in an erosion of Catholic identity. The parish play a lesser role in their lives. The strong individualism of our culture undermines the sense of a "collective identity". And thus Americans become individual "consumers" of religion, picking their religious identity "a la carte" as it were. Churches are seen as merely voluntary organizations and affiliation or non affiliation a matter of personal taste or choice. The attraction of the Evangelical denominations with their emphasis on the therapeutic side of faith seems to bear this out."
Monisgnor Michael Mozia, a Moral Theologian on sabbatical from the seminary where he is a professor his native Nigeria, has written 8 books on this and similar subjects, which I will be reviewing in the next few months. He has been coming to the USA for summers since 1996 and has some keen insights into the spiritual decline of Catholicism in the USA. He says that, "The three biggest enemies of the faith are: materialism, secularism and consumerism".
We see ourselves a consumers who pick and choose which church makes us comfortable. Now, I certainly advocate choosing a parish wisely, however, others take this too far and choose the denomination which allows them to live with the least amount of sacrifice. And for too many, this is NOT the Catholic Church.
We also compartmentilize our lives, leaving religion for Sunday morning, if there's no soccer game, that is. We don't want Christ having more of our lives than necessary, we don't want to stand out as different, and risk rejection. And we don't let anything get in the way of our passionate pursuit of the almighty dollar.
May the Lord have mercy on Americans, to whom so much has been given, and who give so little in return!
Huckabee bows out gracefully
With his wife Janet fighting back the tears Mike Huckabee gave a gracious concession speech which made me proud to have been one of his supporters. His two biggest applause lines were when he mentioned keeping the Sanctity of Human Life in the forefront of his campaign, and the fact that he never forgot the values which made him run for office in the first place.John McCain, I hope you were watching this speech, and learn from a truly great man and skilled politician that you don't have to compromise your faith to run for office.
He has run the race to the finish, and done much better than the pundits expected. Well done, Mike Huckabee!
Big news from Sweden: Fathers matter to their kids
Indians have been described as the most religious people on earth, Swedes as the least. America, then, is a nation of Indians ruled by Swedes.
Well, the Swedes have just completed a landmark longitudinal study on the effect of active fathers on the well being of children.
Note to Sweden: duh!
Let's hope this filters down to the Swedes in charge of this country!
Well, the Swedes have just completed a landmark longitudinal study on the effect of active fathers on the well being of children.
Note to Sweden: duh!
Let's hope this filters down to the Swedes in charge of this country!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Padre Pio's body found partially incorrupt
My beloved Padre Pio's body was exhumed at the 40th anniversay of his death and found to be partially incorrupt. This was difficult for his family, and I sympathize with them, however, I suppose that's what happens when your family member is canonized. He becomes a son of the Church, and that includes his mortal remains.
Ben Stein's dangerous new movie "Expelled"
Five years ago: revisiting the Priestly Scandal of 2003
Here's a thoughtful piece by Pete Vere in the Washington Times on the damage done and lessons learned. On a positive note, go and visit this beautiful new blog A Tribute to Our Priests for inspirational pictures.I hope you take some time every day to pray for our priests. We will never know what a difficult time they have, and we owe them a great deal. We take time every night in our family rosary to pray for the Holy Father and all priests, and pray a special prayer for priests on Fridays when we have a rosary Holy Hour with the Apostolate for Family Consecration. Cardinal Arinze and the wonderful priests of the Apostolate give talks from the Catechism and help us to appreciate the gift of the priesthood. On Thursdays as my parish closes Euchartistic Adoration, we say a special prayer for priests and the three seminarians from our parish. Aren't we blessed?
Let's pray especially for those seminarians who are approaching ordination this spring.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Obama's wierd take on religion
His take on the Sermon on the Mount is that it justifies Same Sex Unions. (CNSNews.com) - Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) told a crowd at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, Sunday that he believes the Sermon on the Mount justifies his support for legal recognition of same-sex unions. He also told the crowd that his position in favor of legalized abortion does not make him "less Christian.""I don't think it [a same-sex union] should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state," said Obama. "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans." ((Hear audio from WTAP-TV)) St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans condemns homosexual acts as unnatural and sinful.
Here he promises to dedicate his presidency to advancing the gay agenda.
I'm getting SO tired of this campaign, and we have so many months left!
HT Cyber News Service
Pastor Hagee is an anti-Catholic bigot
NY Catholic Mom goes into detail about the difference between Huckabee's speaking with Pastor Hagee and McCain's accepting his endorsement. Hagee is an anti-Catholic hate monger who is promulgating outright lies about the Catholic Church and the Catholic League is right; he is worse than Louis Farrakhan.
Bill Donohue is trying to get a response from McCain who as yet hasn't spoken publicly about Pastor Hagee's endorsement. Bill Donohue says" Yesterday, CNN's Wolf Blitzer asked Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson about my criticism of McCain. He asked, "Should John McCain repudiate and reject the comments, the support from John Hagee, just as Barack Obama has done that with the Rev. Louis Farrakhan?" Hutchinson responded by saying, "Well, I think there are two very different situations. John Hagee, Pastor Hagee, has done some very good things, particularly with regard to Israel and the support for Israel and denouncing terrorism in that area. And he has a very large congregation. His endorsement, I think, is for people who believe and work for him. And he does some good things." She then said McCain wouldn't support anti-Catholicism.
"Farrakhan has done some very good things, too. He has called upon young black men to steer clear of drugs and to support their families. Yet no one is citing his good work as a justification for his bigoted comments. The same rule should apply to Hagee. We hope McCain gives us something concrete the next time he speaks. "
Why should Farrakhan be called on the carpet for his bigoted remarks while Pastor Hagee gets a pass?
Send John McCain an email protesting this travesty.
Bill Donohue is trying to get a response from McCain who as yet hasn't spoken publicly about Pastor Hagee's endorsement. Bill Donohue says" Yesterday, CNN's Wolf Blitzer asked Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson about my criticism of McCain. He asked, "Should John McCain repudiate and reject the comments, the support from John Hagee, just as Barack Obama has done that with the Rev. Louis Farrakhan?" Hutchinson responded by saying, "Well, I think there are two very different situations. John Hagee, Pastor Hagee, has done some very good things, particularly with regard to Israel and the support for Israel and denouncing terrorism in that area. And he has a very large congregation. His endorsement, I think, is for people who believe and work for him. And he does some good things." She then said McCain wouldn't support anti-Catholicism.
"Farrakhan has done some very good things, too. He has called upon young black men to steer clear of drugs and to support their families. Yet no one is citing his good work as a justification for his bigoted comments. The same rule should apply to Hagee. We hope McCain gives us something concrete the next time he speaks. "
Why should Farrakhan be called on the carpet for his bigoted remarks while Pastor Hagee gets a pass?
Send John McCain an email protesting this travesty.
For those who aren't concerned about that homeschool family
from my friend NY Mom who blogs over at Catholics for Huckabee:
I just came across this poem, written at the time of the Holocaust. I thought it so appropriate for the times we are living in, given the complete apathy of many Catholics and conservative minded people to the dangers rapidly approaching the family, especially that of the homeschool family:
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
I think the parallels are clear.
I just came across this poem, written at the time of the Holocaust. I thought it so appropriate for the times we are living in, given the complete apathy of many Catholics and conservative minded people to the dangers rapidly approaching the family, especially that of the homeschool family:
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
I think the parallels are clear.
Oprah's new religion
It's trendy in Hollywood your own religion, like Tom Cruise's Scientology. Oprah's new faith is a conglomeration of many others, it is a feel good, self-indulgent philosophy, and is getting an enormous following. It's such a shame that people are following her into a realm she knows nothing about while they ignore their own Christian faith. We need someone out there to start speaking the truth in love, and telling Oprah to stop playing the prophet. Chuck Norris may not have been my first choice to do that, but he's speaking the truth. Here's an excerpt from Chuck Norris' article on World Net Daily which includes one of my favorite CSLewis quotations,
"My battle is not with Oprah – she has her guru (Tolle), and I have mine (Jesus). The real war is between those who espouse to be bearers of the truth, like Tolle and Jesus. And the question is: With contradicting truths, will we believe a mere man or one who claimed to be so much more? As C.S. Lewis, the great Oxford scholar and writer of the "Narnia" series who was once an avid atheist, wrote,
A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a good moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great moral teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."
HT World Net Daily
"My battle is not with Oprah – she has her guru (Tolle), and I have mine (Jesus). The real war is between those who espouse to be bearers of the truth, like Tolle and Jesus. And the question is: With contradicting truths, will we believe a mere man or one who claimed to be so much more? As C.S. Lewis, the great Oxford scholar and writer of the "Narnia" series who was once an avid atheist, wrote,
A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a good moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great moral teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."
HT World Net Daily
Urgent Prayer request: Iraqi archbishop kidnapped
MOSUL, IRAQ -- Gunmen kidnapped a Chaldean Catholic archbishop and killed three of his guards Friday in the latest attack targeting Iraq's dwindling Christian minority in this northern city.The armed group intercepted Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho as he left the Church of the Holy Spirit after celebrating Mass, said Iraqi Brig. Gen. Khalid Abdul Sattar, a spokesman for Nineveh province security forces.Related
Chaldean Catholics, who recognize the authority of the Roman Catholic pontiff, are the largest group among Iraq's small Christian community.Pope Benedict XVI asked the church "to unite in fervent prayer so that reason and humanity prevail among the authors of the kidnapping, and that Msgr. Rahho is returned quickly to caring for his flock," according to wire reports.
HT LATimes
Homeschooling Family in California under attack
Now that the Culture of Death has firmly ensconced itself in the government school system in California, any family who resists the anti-Christian agenda will be punished. You can only expect the noose to tighten if either Hillary or Obama is elected. They must re-educate our children, to ensure their own survival, since they don't have enough children themselves.
Who are they: the educational establishment, made up of the teachers' unions, Planned Parenthood, gay activists and the like.
Even if you don't homeschool, you must fight for the freedom of parents to resist this forced indoctrination by the Culture of Death.
Here's what the father of the family, Philip Long has to say,
"We just don't want them teaching our children," he told WND. "They teach things that are totally contrary to what we believe. They put questions in our children's minds we don't feel they're ready for.
"When they are much more mature, they can deal with these issues, alternative lifestyles, and such, or whether they came from primordial slop. At the present time it's my job to teach them the correct way of thinking," he said.
"We're going to appeal. We have to. I don't want to put my children in a public school system that teaches ideologies I don't believe in," he said.
Spoken like a true protector and primary educator of his children.
Well done, Mr. Long!
Read the entire article here.
HT World Net Daily
Who are they: the educational establishment, made up of the teachers' unions, Planned Parenthood, gay activists and the like.
Even if you don't homeschool, you must fight for the freedom of parents to resist this forced indoctrination by the Culture of Death.
Here's what the father of the family, Philip Long has to say,
"We just don't want them teaching our children," he told WND. "They teach things that are totally contrary to what we believe. They put questions in our children's minds we don't feel they're ready for.
"When they are much more mature, they can deal with these issues, alternative lifestyles, and such, or whether they came from primordial slop. At the present time it's my job to teach them the correct way of thinking," he said.
"We're going to appeal. We have to. I don't want to put my children in a public school system that teaches ideologies I don't believe in," he said.
Spoken like a true protector and primary educator of his children.
Well done, Mr. Long!
Read the entire article here.
HT World Net Daily
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