Like I said, BOYCOTT Home Depot, they support the Gay Agenda

Like I said in my most popular post ever, Home Depot is on the side of the homosexualists who want to destroy the fabric of the family and must not receive our patronage. Read what the AFA has to say about how same sex marriage passed in New York State. 


From the American Family Association:

The nation's largest pro-homosexual activist group, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), credited Home Depot for helping it pass gay marriage in New York State last week.

Calling it the "most aggressive state legislative advocacy campaign ever," HRC it pumped more than $1 million into the effort. Just after the gay marriage bill passed, HRC issued an email asking "What was the secret weapon behind this incredible achievement?" It went on to say that "a group of dedicated HRC Partners who fueled the fight for marriage equality by providing the resources."

Home Depot is one of those HRC "partners." HRC's secret weapon in passing gay marriage was Home Depot! Home Depot's own website says it "is honored to say we support" HRC and other pro-gay marriage groups.

Over one-half million people have signed a pledge to boycott The Home Depot until it agrees to remain neutral in the culture and political war over homosexual marriage.

NEW! To help promote the boycott, AFA has produced the AFA Pass Along Sheet. Please print copies of this sheet and share them with your neighbors, friends and co-workers. Encourage them to join the boycott of The Home Depot.

TAKE ACTION

1. Pray for Home Depot Chairman Frank Blake to make wise decisions regarding his company's direction.
2. If you have not done so, sign the Boycott Pledge at BoycottTheHomeDepot.com.
3. Call your local Home Depot store and ask to speak to the manager. You can find the number to your local store here (click "Store Finder" at top of page) or in your local phone book.
4. Print the paper petition and distribute it at Sunday school and church.

I'll be Relevant on my birthday!

I just got an email from The Drew Mariani Show's scheduler and I'll be on his radio show at 3:30 EST to discuss my work with Keep Infants with Down Syndrome.

 Tune in if you get the chance.

Lift the City - a Catholic Eucharistic flash mob

Calling Back Black Sheep Dog HOME

New Yorkers show overwhelming support for traditional marriage

AP video on new Down syndrome tests

Erin Witkowski is worried that the new non-invasive pre-natal tests will mean that there are no babies left like her son. See her comments in the AP Video here. 

Down syndrome parents to take screening complaint to the International Criminal Court.

 Following TV3's 60 Minutes(on New Zealand television) documentary on June 12 “Down but not out'', parents of children with Down syndrome announced they will lodge a complaint with the International Criminal Court against the Governments screening programme for Down syndrome.

The basis of the parents' complaint is that the Government's antenatal screening programme specifically targets foetuses with Down syndrome and other rare genetic conditions, through the prevention of their births.

 The 60 Minutes documentary was introduced with the statement “people with Down syndrome may soon disappear from the face of the earth.'' 60 Minutes revealed the new screening programme was introduced without public consultation and the Ministry of Health “did not bother'' asking the opinion of anyone who has Down syndrome, about the programme.

Mike Sullivan, father of three-year-old Rebecca Sullivan who has Down syndrome, featured in the 60 Minutes documentary. He said people with Down syndrome and other disabilities are human beings who live full and rewarding lives. “They must be treated on an equal basis with other members of our society, without any form of discrimination.''

De-Anne Jensen, mother of three with her oldest son having Down syndrome also featured on 60 Minutes. “Government documents say it costs less not to have children with Down syndrome around, so it looks like they are working to do away with Down syndrome. It's cheaper; you don't have to pay for the special needs things. The Government and medical experts are putting a monetary value on our baby's lives,'' Mrs Jensen said.

 The parents' complaint references Government Cabinet papers obtained under the Official Information Act stating the outcomes of the programme will be a reduction in the number of births of
people with Down syndrome, with around 90% of unborn children diagnosed with the condition being terminated. The persecution of an identifiable group of the civilian population through the prevention of births is specifically prohibited under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which New Zealand is signatory.

The group is supported by parents with other disabilities that are being similarly targeted and other organisations who support their concerns.

The groups position statement is that genetic screening must not be used to prevent the birth of unborn children with Down syndrome, or cause harm to any unborn child.

The group recognises genetic testing may help some parents prepare for the birth of a child with Down syndrome. Any testing must respect the life and integrity of the unborn child, cause no harm, be only directed towards safeguarding or healing the unborn child and be presented in a way that does not discriminate against people with Down syndrome or any disability. Any testing must be developed in full engagement with those with Down syndrome.
See Mike Sullivan interviewed in the 60 Minutes video, "Down not Out". 

For further
information contact:

Mike Sullivan, 09
436 1498 0r 021 406 266 mike.b.sullivan@xtra.co.nz

The tragedy of Fr Corapi

I don't intend to give a history here of the tragedy of Fr Corapi, when Fr Jenkins has already done a fair, and detailed job on his blog.

The best of priests fall short. If he were sincere then he should fight for his priesthood, no matter how much time it might take to be restored to ministry or good standing. However, such must be done within the system and among the fraternity of his brother priests. He should hold his tongue about how he feels about the process and treat the bishop, his superiors and the Church with trusting respect. A priest who caricaturizes the Church as the enemy is burning his bridges. These latest remarks have ignited a fiery inferno. Fame and fortune should mean nothing to a good and humble priest.

I merely want to chime in as a loyal supporter of Fr Corapi who watched him regularly on EWTN and quoted him often on my blogs. I was in his corner when I heard his speech about being a 'black sheep dog', after all I know the sordid history of many Church saints who have been suppressed by a corrupt hierarchy. I wrongly assumed this was the case, UNTIL I read this news from the National Catholic Register. It totally changed my opinion of Fr Corapi, and I began to see a familiar trajectory in his career.
Then I realized that his case resembles that of Thomas Merton, another famous Catholic convert whose tragic death by electrocution while exploring Eastern Mysticism in India was preceded by and equally tragic fall from grace. Why? Fame ruined him, making his pride swell and his superiors allowed him many privileges not given to other, less famous members of his order. Dr Alice Von Hildebrand's excellent talk on tape, "The Tragedy of Thomas Merton" details how his ego over his worldwide fame ultimately led to heresy and death. I think the same fate is being suffered by my former favorite preacher.
Fr Corapi is living on a ranch in Montana, NOT in  community within his order SOLT. He was ordained when members of the order were allowed to live separately, but when he was later asked to join them he refused. When we see a religious who doesn't want to submit to his own order, its highly probable we are looking at an out of control ego.
We have to remember Fr Corapi has a seriously dysfunctional past. and now  he is showing classic signs of an addictive personality, what we called in my training in Alcohol Rehab social work, "grandiosity" .Its when an addict thinks that rehab is fine for the other slobs, but he can cure himself, thank you, he just doesn't want to stop drinking just yet. He's fooling himself, and ruining his life by thinking he's too good for the humility necessary to submit to the 12 Steps. They require an examination of conscience and confession of wrongdoing, very much like confession in the Church.
 Just my paraphrase, but a grandiose Fr Corapi's internal monologue would go this way,  ":Those other lowly members of my order can live in community, but I'm special, I have a multi-million dollar enterprise and my own ranch,  I don't have to submit to their rules. Bishop, Mulvey, who does he think he is, I'm  world famous Fr Corapi, I'll show him by rallying my fans under a new ministry name, they love me, they'll stand by me, who needs SOLT or the bishop anyway?" That sounds a lot like Martin Luther. Or Henry VIII. It isn't the inner workings of the mind of say, St Faustina and St Pio, whose apparitions were suppressed and who were criticized as frauds, or other saints who were mistreated by the Church and quietly offered their sufferings for the good of the souls of their persecutors. That is the mark of true humility. Those saints knew God would sort it all out for the good of souls in the end, and that their own 'ministry' is of no consequence. God operated in the world before them and His Kingdom would exist without them.

I once heard Fr Corapi say "don't be surprised if you hear one day I died face down in a crack house, don't think it couldn't  happen". I think this is what we are seeing in this complex and upsetting turn of events, a man whose past patterns of behavior overcame the enormous gifts and grace he received, and for the moment at least, the devil has him in his hands. Whenever you are being used mightily for the salvation of souls, the enemy has you in his sights, and he enters by your weak spot. A man with a past like Fr Corapi has many vulnerable points, former experience with women, drug addiction being the first to come to mind but they all boil down to ego. I am in control.  Non servium. That's how the brightest angel in Heaven, Lucifer, became the Prince of Darkness.
I am not pointing fingers at Fr Corapi, just posing a possible scenario based on my experience in the psychology of addiction. I have to remain humble, it may happen to me as my book gets published, if its successful,  I will come under  attack. Spiritual attack to induce me to take full credit and allow my ego to become bloated, forgetting it was God's project in the beginning and has to remain His, even if that means never writing another word to save my soul.  I have to remain humble because pride is the way the enemy gets most of us to fall. The hallmark of a holy person is humility. The Lord can only work within humble souls. Thank God I have a pastor who helps me focus on that virtue and loves to recite the
Litany of Humility. 
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart,Hear me.
Fromthe desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
Fromthe fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I,provided that I may become as holy as I should
Read more here
No matter what you feel about Fr Corapi's situation, does this litany sound like it would come from the same man who spoke in the pompous language we heard in his speech? If not, we are talking about a sick soul of a priest, and one who desperately needs our prayers.
That is what our energies should do now, not protest injustice, but  pray him out of whatever mess he is in, whether it be by his own design or that of those trying to silence him, pray for his salvation and for his return to his vocation of the priesthood which he so eloquently defended. May Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity on this Feast of the Holy Trinity, pray for him and for all of us.

AP takes up debate over new Down syndrome screening test

The best part about the bad news that a non-invasive maternal blood test which can predict with nearly 100% accuracy whether a baby has Down syndrome, is the discussion it is generating in the media.
Dr Brian Skotko was interviewed in a two part article in the Associated Press on whether this was a good thing.
He says,

 "the vast majority of people with Down syndrome and families affirm that their contributions to their communities are significant, and their lives are very valuable."

Also featured in this powerful article is Erin Witkowski of Port Jervis, NY who says,

 "When they first gave him to me," Witkowski said, "I saw tiny little hands, and he had the most beautiful eyes... He didn't have `Down syndrome' stamped on his forehead. He cried and he peed and he pooped. He was a baby."

So, like the partial-birth abortion ban debate, which changed American public opinion against abortion forever, public awareness is being raised on this issue which has been sidelined for far too long. And those of us who stand with the right of those with Down syndrome to be born, are happy to engage in the discussion.
Its about time, since national health care programs in nations such as France and New Zealand are considering instituting universal pre-natal screening for Down syndrome, regardless of age.
Mike Sullivan a member of the International Down Syndrome Coaltion for Life is featured in this short documentary about pre-natal testing for New Zealand television. entitled,
Down but Not Out. 
Lets make enough noise to awaken the consciences of the good people out there who have no idea of the 90% abortion rate, so that the cry of "eugenics" can reach the ears of the powerful.

Sarah Palin's letter from God

When the news outlets rushed up to Alaska like sharks smelling blood in the water, they were disappointed in the lack of raw meat in Sarah Palin's newly-released emails.  Instead of corruption and vitriol they saw the correspondence of  a powerful,  hard-working, God-fearing woman. Those of us who appreciate her, were vindicated. And more than a little pleased.
I hope Sarah doesn't mind my sharing this beautiful letter she wrote just before the birth of her son Trig. She wrote it as a letter from God, explaining His gift of a son with Down syndrome. Oddly enough, I wrote a very similar letter myself for Catholic Mom.  This 'coincidence' (though those of us who have loved Our Lord for any length of time know there are no coincidences in His Kingdom) proves that God works mightily in the hearts of those whom He chooses to parent a special needs child.  You can hear His voice in both of these letters.
He makes  special parents understand, right at the outset, that raising this child is a gift from His Hand, and that it will profoundly deepen our perspective, and make us more the people He wants us to be, because, as Sarah and I both say, "I only want the very best for you". 

Sarah, now, more than ever, you are my soul sister in Christ. May the good God strengthen you in whatever path you serve Him. Your very family life is a witness to the eternal destiny of each of us, and the central importance of the family in society. Your love for your special needs son is an affront to the Culture of Death:  that's why they revile you and persecute you so intensely. You are carrying their guilt as surely as Christ did when He carried His cross, and you do it with love and hope, refusing to surrender to bitterness! You are victorious in conquering the power of hatred against you by your love of Our Lord! This is an awe-inspiring feat!

Sometimes you spit in the eye of the Culture of Death, just to let it know that you aren't cowed by its dark hold on our nation. You know you serve a mighty God whose justice may tarry but will come, it will surely come for each of us. You are doing His will, and do not fear the consequences of defying the Culture of Death. May our other political, and religious leaders find similar courage, and take up their crosses and follow Christ. 

Here is Palin's entire letter:

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because I only want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up.

Though another girl would be so nice, you didn't think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be 'Trig', because it's so fitting, with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news - that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count down so many days - just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palmas look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days_ you all really like cake.) I know you, I knew you'd be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for.

At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing. But I gave Trig's mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that.

I'll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you... I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig's life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters.

The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true, brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect°.

You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will he born along with Trig.Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did.

And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for_in fact Trig will - in some diagnostic ways - always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it "Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family.

Many people won't understand_ and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider "perfect" or even "normal" anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as "perfect" on t.v.? Have you noticed I make 'em all shapes and sizes? Believe me, there is no "perfect"!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: "My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts- for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!"

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book! Look it up! You claim that you believe me - now it's time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can't wait to meet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,
Trig's Creator, Your Heavenly Father