Judge George Greer to Discuss Schiavo Case at University of Pennsylvania Bioethics Conference
The surviving family of Terri Schiavo, the disabled Florida woman who died in 2005 of marked dehydration, are expressing their alarm at the participation of Circuit George W. Greer at the University of Pennsylvania’s 10th Anniversary Symposium at the Center for Bioethics.
The symposium, titled The Legacy of the Teri Schiavo Case: Why is it so hard to die in America runs April 30th and May 1st with speakers to include Michael Schiavo, Dr. Jay Wolfson, Dr. Ronald Cranford and presiding Florida Circuit Judge George W. Greer.
Bobby Schindler, Terri’s brother and advocate with the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation Center for Health Care Ethics, will be protesting Judge Geer’s presence on the panel, 10:30 am, Monday, May 1 outside of the University of Pennsylvania’s Biomedical Research Building.
“Judge Geer’s presence at the University of Pennsylvania’s bioethics conference is not only outright offensive and inappropriate but it is indicative of his own biases against the disabled, and may well be in violation of Florida’s judicial canons as prescribed by the Supreme Court of the State of Florida,” says Schindler.
“We are entitled to a fair and unbiased judiciary. Judge Greer is confirming exactly what my family has maintained from the beginning of Terri’s case – that he has a disposition against the vulnerable people whose cases he controls.
“Judges are duty-bound to be an unbiased, fair finder of fact, not an advocate of the ‘right-to-die’ movement. Judge Geer is not retired. He is a seated judge who still hears guardianship and life/death cases in the probate court. Do you want him sitting in judgment of you or your loved ones’ life?”
About the Schindler Family:
Mary and Robert Schindler as well as Suzanne Schindler Vitadamo and Bobby Schindler now work full time for The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation Center for Health Care Ethics in St. Petersburg, Florida, an organization dedicated to ensuring the rights of disabled, elderly and vulnerable citizens against care rationing, euthanasia and medical killing.
CATHOLIC SNAPSHOT: FEWER THAN ONE IN FIVE ATTEND MASS AT A PARISH IN BOSTON
While attendance has dipped from around 20 percent prior to the clergy sex abuse crisis, which centered in the Boston Archdiocese, experts see the numbers as part of a wider trend -- a de-emphasis on Mass as a critical part of Catholic living.
Boston Globe
Boston Globe
FIVE REASONS TO SKIP COLLEGE
1) You'll be losing four working years.
2) You won't necessarily earn less money.
3) In fact, you could probably make more money if you invested your tuition.
4) You don't need to be in a classroom in order to learn something.
5) Plenty of other people did fine: Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Quentin Tarantino, David Geffen, and Thomas Edison, among others, never graduated from college. Peter Jennings and John D. Rockefeller never finished high school.
Forbes Magazine
2) You won't necessarily earn less money.
3) In fact, you could probably make more money if you invested your tuition.
4) You don't need to be in a classroom in order to learn something.
5) Plenty of other people did fine: Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Quentin Tarantino, David Geffen, and Thomas Edison, among others, never graduated from college. Peter Jennings and John D. Rockefeller never finished high school.
Forbes Magazine
CONGRESS STRUGGLES TO ACT ON GAS PRICES
Senate Republicans proposed a $100 fuel-cost rebate for millions of taxpayers. Democrats talked of a two-month suspension of the 18.4-cent per gallon federal gasoline tax.
Associated Press
Associated Press
Catholic College Group Helps Guide Young Men
As the Catholic Church in the United States is facing both an unprecedented decline in young men entering the priesthood and an increasingly aging priest population, a national campus ministry is inspiring a growing number of young men to enter the seminary.
Founded in 1998, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), is a national outreach to college campuses, both secular and Catholic. The growing campus ministry has proven to be an effective instrument to foster religious vocations, with at least 67 men having entered seminaries and 25 women having entered religious life, in part because of their involvement with FOCUS.
When Deacon Peter Mussett joined a FOCUS small group Bible study at the University of Northern Colorado, he admits he was suspicious about his Catholic Faith. "The truth about my faith life at that time was it was hanging on by a much thinner thread than I knew." Six years later, Deacon Mussett looks forward to his ordination to the priesthood in May. "Without the environment of FOCUS, I seriously doubt that I would have been able to perceive or discern my call to become a priest."
Renewed interest among college students to consider the religious life comes at a time when the Church in America is facing a priest shortage crisis. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) project:
• 27 percent of U.S. parishes do not have a resident priest, an increase of 17 percent since 1996;
• Between 1950 and 2000 the Catholic population increased by 107 percent, while the total number of priests increased by only 6 percent;
• At the same time the average age of priests increased so that there are now more priests over 90 (433) than there are under 30 (298).
"FOCUS gave me an outlet to learn more about my Catholic Faith and to be around others who cared about their faith", said Benjamin Barron, a second year student at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Minneapolis, MN. "My FOCUS Bible study was a good fraternity of men, and we held each other accountable to lead a good life. I made some good friends and discovered I didn’t have to be a ‘dork’ to be a good Catholic."
While fostering an increased interest in religious life among college students is one positive outcome of FOCUS, the organization’s primary goal is to form communities on college campuses nationwide where students can follow Jesus Christ and live out their Catholic Faith —even in an environment that is often hostile to that very faith. Through small group Bible studies, large group leadership training and one-on- one discipleship, FOCUS brings the fullness of Christianity in the Catholic Church to college students and provides the tools to help them share the Church’s teachings with their friends.
ABOUT FOCUS: Founded in Atchison, KS in 1998 by Curtis Martin, Catholic theologian and author, FOCUS is a national outreach to college campus. Through small group Bible studies, large group leadership training and one-on-one discipleship, FOCUS brings the fullness of life and truth in the Catholic Church to college students. With 100 staff members FOCUS has extended its reach to 27 campuses in 15 states. FOCUS is headquartered in Greeley, CO.
Founded in 1998, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), is a national outreach to college campuses, both secular and Catholic. The growing campus ministry has proven to be an effective instrument to foster religious vocations, with at least 67 men having entered seminaries and 25 women having entered religious life, in part because of their involvement with FOCUS.
When Deacon Peter Mussett joined a FOCUS small group Bible study at the University of Northern Colorado, he admits he was suspicious about his Catholic Faith. "The truth about my faith life at that time was it was hanging on by a much thinner thread than I knew." Six years later, Deacon Mussett looks forward to his ordination to the priesthood in May. "Without the environment of FOCUS, I seriously doubt that I would have been able to perceive or discern my call to become a priest."
Renewed interest among college students to consider the religious life comes at a time when the Church in America is facing a priest shortage crisis. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) project:
• 27 percent of U.S. parishes do not have a resident priest, an increase of 17 percent since 1996;
• Between 1950 and 2000 the Catholic population increased by 107 percent, while the total number of priests increased by only 6 percent;
• At the same time the average age of priests increased so that there are now more priests over 90 (433) than there are under 30 (298).
"FOCUS gave me an outlet to learn more about my Catholic Faith and to be around others who cared about their faith", said Benjamin Barron, a second year student at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Minneapolis, MN. "My FOCUS Bible study was a good fraternity of men, and we held each other accountable to lead a good life. I made some good friends and discovered I didn’t have to be a ‘dork’ to be a good Catholic."
While fostering an increased interest in religious life among college students is one positive outcome of FOCUS, the organization’s primary goal is to form communities on college campuses nationwide where students can follow Jesus Christ and live out their Catholic Faith —even in an environment that is often hostile to that very faith. Through small group Bible studies, large group leadership training and one-on- one discipleship, FOCUS brings the fullness of Christianity in the Catholic Church to college students and provides the tools to help them share the Church’s teachings with their friends.
ABOUT FOCUS: Founded in Atchison, KS in 1998 by Curtis Martin, Catholic theologian and author, FOCUS is a national outreach to college campus. Through small group Bible studies, large group leadership training and one-on-one discipleship, FOCUS brings the fullness of life and truth in the Catholic Church to college students. With 100 staff members FOCUS has extended its reach to 27 campuses in 15 states. FOCUS is headquartered in Greeley, CO.
Terri's Watch: Family scrambles to save sick mother
A Texas family is working feverishly to transfer their ill mother from a Houston, Texas, hospital where an ethics committee has ruled the facility will stop life-sustaining treatment, including a ventilator, if the woman is not moved or does not get a new physician by Sunday.
As WorldNetDaily reported, Andrea Clark is scheduled to be on the receiving end of a Texas law that allows a hospital ethics committee to terminate care with 10 days' notice – this despite the fact the 54-year-old is not in a coma, is not brain dead and wants to go on living, her family says. St. Luke's Hospital issued the ultimatum on Good Friday.
WorldNetDaily.com
As WorldNetDaily reported, Andrea Clark is scheduled to be on the receiving end of a Texas law that allows a hospital ethics committee to terminate care with 10 days' notice – this despite the fact the 54-year-old is not in a coma, is not brain dead and wants to go on living, her family says. St. Luke's Hospital issued the ultimatum on Good Friday.
WorldNetDaily.com
Snow Job
ABC and NBC on Wednesday night delighted in showcasing how incoming White House Press Secretary Tony Snow last year wrote that President Bush had become "an embarrassment." But in portraying the quote as a declarative accusation, neither ABC's Elizabeth Vargas or NBC's David Gregory put the remark into the context of how Snow was observing that Virginia Republicans not wishing to appear with Bush during the 2005 campaign suggested "Bush has become something of an embarrassment." And neither bothered to let their viewers in on how they were just funneling quotes from a short list collected by the left-wing Center for American Progress. Vargas teased at the top of World News Tonight, "President Bush chooses a new spokesman: A conservative commentator who once called the President 'an embarrassment.'" NBC's David Gregory at least hinted at some context, though he still implied it was an accusation, as he related how Snow "has criticized his new boss, writing last year that, quote, 'George Bush has become something of an embarrassment.'"
Vargas managed to apply an ideological tag to Snow three times in under two minutes. She also ludicrously asserted that "Tony Snow is the first journalist to get this job." Tell that to Pierre Salinger, Bill Moyers, Ron Nessen or Joe Lockhart -- who was a producer for Vargas' own ABC News.
Vargas managed to apply an ideological tag to Snow three times in under two minutes. She also ludicrously asserted that "Tony Snow is the first journalist to get this job." Tell that to Pierre Salinger, Bill Moyers, Ron Nessen or Joe Lockhart -- who was a producer for Vargas' own ABC News.
Romney's Religious Test
(CNSNews.com) - Mitt Romney, the governor of Massachusetts, was in Washington Tuesday to address the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in an early stage of his 2008 presidential campaign. To a growing number of Republican activists, he looks like the party's best bet, says columnist Robert D. Novak. But some Evangelical Christians stumble over Romney's Mormon faith.
Read the commentary
Read the commentary
$80 Million a Minute!
Congress is spending $80 million a minute and there is no sign of them slowing down! Congress is currently working on a $100+ billion emergency spending bill for hurricane relief and the war on terror.I'll bet you didn't know that there's an "emergency" that requires Congress to spend $3 million for tourism in Kentucky or nearly $1 million for Dartmouth College. They're pretty far from a hurricane, but too close to the federal trough. President Bush--at last--is threatening a veto.
The Bush administration "strongly objects" to spend $700 million to relocate a "privately owned rail line that runs along the Mississippi Gulf Coast." That's Sen. Trent Lott's (R-MS) pet project. It just so happens it would also aid the casino industry in Mississippi. That's doubly offensive.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), chairman of the Republican Study Group, are both calling for the President to unsheathe his veto pen. I completely agree. Sen. Frist made his well-deserved reputation as a cardio-thoracic surgeon. He should wield his scalpel on this bloated spending bill. He now says he will support a veto--if necessary--to trim out-of-control federal spending. In my view, it's long overdue.
And, instead of trying to out-socialist the socialists, Republicans should give up their ill-considered investigation of oil industry executive salaries. If Congress really wants to help us at the gas pump, how about cutting the federal gasoline tax?
SENATE APPROVES $2 BILLION TO STOP ILLEGALS
Here's a thought, why don't air drop a billion dollars in cash across the Mexican boarder. We'd save billion and people would be rushing back into Mexico to grab the cash.
I could be a foreign policy advisor!
Instead, nearly all voted in favor of just spending 2 billion:
Washington Times
I could be a foreign policy advisor!
Instead, nearly all voted in favor of just spending 2 billion:
Washington Times
CBS NEWS PRODUCES FOR GAY NEWS NETWORK
Credibility means nothing. From the story: That doesn't mean they play by the same rules as other media outlets, however. "We get our notions of balance and objectivity from voices within our community," says Passant. On an issue like gay adoption, he says, that means they don't have to put a conservative on air to balance the issue, since almost all of those opposed to gay adoption are outside the gay community.
CBS News
CBS News
Dear Powerball
Dear Powerball:
I've read about the idea that clergy should be celebate. I'm still not clear on what you base this on. Can you explain?
Sure. The theological concept of a celibate clergy is based on the Church’s belief in the example of the celibacy of Christ himself.
After Jesus rejects divorce as accepted in the Law of Moses, his disciples say that "it is better not to marry" (Mt 19:10). Jesus then speaks about those incapable of marriage "because they were born so" or "made so by others" and also those who "have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it" (Mt 19:12).
St. Paul—who writes to the Corinthians, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1)—also writes, "Now to the unmarried and to widows I say: it is a good thing for them to remain as they are, as I do, but if they cannot exercise self-control they should marry, for it is better to marry than to be on fire" (1 Cor 7:8-9).
This call to celibacy does not diminish the importance of marriage. Matrimony, like Holy Orders, is a sacrament, one of the seven signs through which Christ’s abiding presence is active in his Church. In marriage, the spiritual and physical relationships between husband and wife become a holy symbol of Christ’s love for the Church (Eph 5:25-33).
I've read about the idea that clergy should be celebate. I'm still not clear on what you base this on. Can you explain?
Sure. The theological concept of a celibate clergy is based on the Church’s belief in the example of the celibacy of Christ himself.
After Jesus rejects divorce as accepted in the Law of Moses, his disciples say that "it is better not to marry" (Mt 19:10). Jesus then speaks about those incapable of marriage "because they were born so" or "made so by others" and also those who "have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it" (Mt 19:12).
St. Paul—who writes to the Corinthians, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1)—also writes, "Now to the unmarried and to widows I say: it is a good thing for them to remain as they are, as I do, but if they cannot exercise self-control they should marry, for it is better to marry than to be on fire" (1 Cor 7:8-9).
This call to celibacy does not diminish the importance of marriage. Matrimony, like Holy Orders, is a sacrament, one of the seven signs through which Christ’s abiding presence is active in his Church. In marriage, the spiritual and physical relationships between husband and wife become a holy symbol of Christ’s love for the Church (Eph 5:25-33).
Senator calls for suspension of state gas tax
State Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, announced today that he will introduce a bill in Harrisburg to suspend the 31.2-cents-per-gallon state gasoline tax until Oct. 31.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Terrorist on Tape
The leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, said mujahideen were fighting on despite a three-year "crusader" war, according to a rare video of him posted on the Internet on Tuesday.
A statement from the al-Qaeda affiliated Mujahideen Council, accompanying the tape said it was the first "video of the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq".
"Your mujahideen sons were able to confront the most ferocious of crusader campaigns on a Muslim state. They have stood in the face of this onslaught for three years," Zarqawi said on the video.
"When the crusader enemy entered Iraq, he intended to control the Islamic nation and supported the Zionist state," said Zarqawi, who was clad in black and a green vest with an assault rifle by his side. Zarqawi, who has earlier issued his messages via audio recordings, was also shown training with a group of masked men outdoors.
View the RealMedia™ Video HERE
A statement from the al-Qaeda affiliated Mujahideen Council, accompanying the tape said it was the first "video of the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq".
"Your mujahideen sons were able to confront the most ferocious of crusader campaigns on a Muslim state. They have stood in the face of this onslaught for three years," Zarqawi said on the video.
"When the crusader enemy entered Iraq, he intended to control the Islamic nation and supported the Zionist state," said Zarqawi, who was clad in black and a green vest with an assault rifle by his side. Zarqawi, who has earlier issued his messages via audio recordings, was also shown training with a group of masked men outdoors.
View the RealMedia™ Video HERE
Does the Pope Wear Prada?
Pope Benedict XVI is appealing to a new group of admirers: marketers seeking not blessings but pontifical product placements.For the marketing world, the change at the helm of the Holy See is presenting an unprecedented opportunity, but also an ethical dilemma over how far to exploit religion for hyping a product.
But unlike movie stars, who can command huge sums for product endorsements, or the queen of England, who discreetly allows companies to mention royal patronage, the pope, as the moral and spiritual leader of more than one billion Catholics, endorses holiness and chastity but not products.
That means companies have to hope the pontiff uses a product they have donated to him and then tastefully note the event, or delicately capitalize on a photograph showing the 79-year-old theologian using or wearing a particular brand.
Over the past few months, scores of media reports have dubbed Benedict XVI the "Prada Pope," crediting the Italian fashion house with having made the pope's eye-catching red loafers.The senior Vatican official says the loafers were actually made by the pope's personal cobbler. But Prada has refused to confirm or deny the reports, allowing the press speculation to continue.
Wall Street Journal
To Follow a Man
I'm blessed to meet and talk to many different people. Some with very different beliefs and practices. I try always to be respectful, yet still truthful.
For some time now, I have warned about the dangers of non-denominational churches. I know this offends some people and while that is not my intention, I must speak.
I got a call from a very nice couple who attended one of these small "Bible believing" churches. They were very actively involved and the gentleman even had a leadership role in the church. Yet over time they learned a very sad lesson. While I can't share all the details, they learned they had been following a man and not Jesus.
Their former pastor had no authority structure. He was judge and jury. His interpretations of Scripture were the only ones that could be accepted. I can tell you his interpretations were not only wrong, in many cases they were dangerous.
This couple shared with me the hurt, abuse and disappointment they suffered before they left the church, wounded and humiliated before other members. It was sad to hear their mistrust of all churches now. They thought God had led them to this wonderful place. Now they question where was God in all this. Not long ago this couple would not have even considered me a Christian because of my Catholic faith. Now they were calling me out of desperation wondering what to do.
I've had many calls like this over the years. I will share all of you what I shared with them. It's easy for someone to say "the Lord called me to do this". I have no doubt that many people believe that to be true. I meet pastors all the time. Most of them are honest, well intentioned people. Yet I have a hard time believing that God calls any person to start their own church. Still you see these churches everywhere. From sprawling campuses to tiny store front churches. I fear the old "The Lord led me" is often used as an excuse to meet personal desires and not what God wants.
Divorce rates among conservative Christians are significantly higher other faith groups, and even higher than Atheists and Agnostics! Now does anyone really believe that the Lord calls all these people to marriage and then to divorce?
We all need to take a step back and stop using God as a hall pass to get where we want to go. There is nothing independent about Christianity. In fact, it's just the opposite. We are to be united and worship together. The ongoing splintering of churches does nothing to honor God.
Not every person who reads the Bible should be a pastor. Some pastors have a very poor understanding of scripture and led others down false paths. Don't claim to be a "Bible believing" church if you do not submit yourself to any ecclesiastical authority structure. That's not biblical! No Christian church should be that way. It time for all Christians to take a look at how and where they worship.
I know there are many pastors who fail in traditional denominations. You will not not find a perfect person who pastors a perfect church. But when the faithful come together, under the authority given by Jesus to his apostles, then the failings of man can not topple what is blessed and protected by the Holy Spirit.
Please, I ask you to look for a moment at your life. Maybe your pastor is the kindest most loving person in the world. The question is, are you following a man or are you following Jesus? You are always welcome to come back home.
For some time now, I have warned about the dangers of non-denominational churches. I know this offends some people and while that is not my intention, I must speak.
I got a call from a very nice couple who attended one of these small "Bible believing" churches. They were very actively involved and the gentleman even had a leadership role in the church. Yet over time they learned a very sad lesson. While I can't share all the details, they learned they had been following a man and not Jesus.
Their former pastor had no authority structure. He was judge and jury. His interpretations of Scripture were the only ones that could be accepted. I can tell you his interpretations were not only wrong, in many cases they were dangerous.
This couple shared with me the hurt, abuse and disappointment they suffered before they left the church, wounded and humiliated before other members. It was sad to hear their mistrust of all churches now. They thought God had led them to this wonderful place. Now they question where was God in all this. Not long ago this couple would not have even considered me a Christian because of my Catholic faith. Now they were calling me out of desperation wondering what to do.
I've had many calls like this over the years. I will share all of you what I shared with them. It's easy for someone to say "the Lord called me to do this". I have no doubt that many people believe that to be true. I meet pastors all the time. Most of them are honest, well intentioned people. Yet I have a hard time believing that God calls any person to start their own church. Still you see these churches everywhere. From sprawling campuses to tiny store front churches. I fear the old "The Lord led me" is often used as an excuse to meet personal desires and not what God wants.
Divorce rates among conservative Christians are significantly higher other faith groups, and even higher than Atheists and Agnostics! Now does anyone really believe that the Lord calls all these people to marriage and then to divorce?
We all need to take a step back and stop using God as a hall pass to get where we want to go. There is nothing independent about Christianity. In fact, it's just the opposite. We are to be united and worship together. The ongoing splintering of churches does nothing to honor God.
Not every person who reads the Bible should be a pastor. Some pastors have a very poor understanding of scripture and led others down false paths. Don't claim to be a "Bible believing" church if you do not submit yourself to any ecclesiastical authority structure. That's not biblical! No Christian church should be that way. It time for all Christians to take a look at how and where they worship.
I know there are many pastors who fail in traditional denominations. You will not not find a perfect person who pastors a perfect church. But when the faithful come together, under the authority given by Jesus to his apostles, then the failings of man can not topple what is blessed and protected by the Holy Spirit.
Please, I ask you to look for a moment at your life. Maybe your pastor is the kindest most loving person in the world. The question is, are you following a man or are you following Jesus? You are always welcome to come back home.
CHRISTIANS PUTTING A DIFFERENT SPIN ON YOGA
Years ago I was in a debate on air over yoga of all things. I take the view that yoga can be a harmless and beneficial exercise to reduce stress and promote health. I know some incorporate yoga into a religious practice. The issue them becomes a false religion not the yoga itself.
I see no reason why a Christian can not participate in yoga so long as the do not make it part of worship to a false god.
I came across this article, read it and let me know what you think.
The story notes "yoga purists say that without Hinduism this simply isn't yoga. "If you take a tree and chop off its roots, then you don't have a tree, do you?" said Subhas Tiwaris, a professor of yoga philosophy. "Yoga is mind, body, spirit. You want to make those separations," he said."
ABC News
I see no reason why a Christian can not participate in yoga so long as the do not make it part of worship to a false god.
I came across this article, read it and let me know what you think.
The story notes "yoga purists say that without Hinduism this simply isn't yoga. "If you take a tree and chop off its roots, then you don't have a tree, do you?" said Subhas Tiwaris, a professor of yoga philosophy. "Yoga is mind, body, spirit. You want to make those separations," he said."
ABC News
UNMARRIED COUPLE TOLD THEY DON’T QUALIFY AS FAMILY
They have three kids and refuse to marry even though they’ve “been together for 13 years.” The CNN reporter, Anderson Cooper, is too politically correct to ask the question, “Why haven’t they married?”
CNN
CNN
TEACHERS FINDING UNION CAN’T BE TRUSTED
At least on the investment side, where, the story notes, “Labor groups have joined forces with investment firms to steer members into savings plans that often have high expenses and poor returns.” It’s funny to see a teacher “thought she could trust the woman because her company had been endorsed by the Los Angeles teachers union.” Au contraire. The story later reveals “In what might seem an unlikely partnership, the unions endorse investment providers, even specific products, and the companies reciprocate with financial support. They sponsor union conferences, advertise in union publications or make direct payments to union treasuries.”
LA Times
LA Times
SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO TOSS RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION CASE
From the story: In June 1999, Antonio Peck was told to create a poster about the environment. Peck drew a picture depicting Jesus praying and two children kneeling before a rock with the word "savior" on it. The words "The only way to save our world" were across the top, according to earlier reports. Peck was told by his kindergarten teacher Susan Weichert to redo the assignment. He did. The new drawing had people recycling and throwing away trash, as well as a robed man kneeling with his hands outstretched toward the sky. The district displayed it along with 80 others in McNamara Elementary School's cafeteria, Staver said. But the picture was folded, hiding the robed man, presumed to be Jesus.
Post-Standard
Post-Standard
Promoting Abortion around the World
Proponents of abortion never stop working for legalization. In Colombia, lawyers have filed suits arguing that international law requires Colombia to legalize abortion - an astounding claim when one considers (a) that Colombia's own laws forbid abortion and (b) that international law has never recognized a right to abortion.
Colombia's Constitutional Court is expected to rule within the week. Please pray that the Constitutional Court will uphold Colombia's own national laws against the pro-abortion forces. Abortion lawyers hope a favorable ruling in Colombia will lead to decisions of other national courts legalizing abortion throughout Latin America.
Except for communist Cuba, Latin America's laws are pro-life. In a related development, we have learned that the World Bank is holding seminars in Thailand that appear to promote abortion as part of "health sector reform." Pro-abortion forces have always argued that "reproductive health" includes an unfettered right to abortion. Reports have regularly surfaced that international lending institutions have pressured developing countries to "liberalize" their laws on abortion. Pro-abortion groups tried to promote abortion through the Millennium Summit last fall.
We must make sure that countries are not being led to believe that international law or agreements require them to legalize abortion. With President Bush's choice for World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz, at the helm, the World Bank should not be sponsoring seminars unless they are clear on this point. Please contact the Bank via email at pic@worldbank.org
Colombia's Constitutional Court is expected to rule within the week. Please pray that the Constitutional Court will uphold Colombia's own national laws against the pro-abortion forces. Abortion lawyers hope a favorable ruling in Colombia will lead to decisions of other national courts legalizing abortion throughout Latin America.
Except for communist Cuba, Latin America's laws are pro-life. In a related development, we have learned that the World Bank is holding seminars in Thailand that appear to promote abortion as part of "health sector reform." Pro-abortion forces have always argued that "reproductive health" includes an unfettered right to abortion. Reports have regularly surfaced that international lending institutions have pressured developing countries to "liberalize" their laws on abortion. Pro-abortion groups tried to promote abortion through the Millennium Summit last fall.
We must make sure that countries are not being led to believe that international law or agreements require them to legalize abortion. With President Bush's choice for World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz, at the helm, the World Bank should not be sponsoring seminars unless they are clear on this point. Please contact the Bank via email at pic@worldbank.org
PA taxpayers pay $1 million to following ACLU lawsuit
By Steven T. Voigt
The ACLU's recent lawsuit against Dover Area School District in Pennsylvania, where the ACLU opposed Dover's effort to balance its science curriculum with different viewpoints on evolution, is over for the ACLU. For local residents, however, the impact of the litigation has only begun. As a result of the judge's ruling in favor of the plaintiffs--who were represented by the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State ("AUSCS"), and a corporate law firm--Dover Township residents will pay $1 million in attorneys' fees and costs to the plaintiffs' lawyers.
From the million dollar purse, the two legal organizations and the law firm will first deduct their out-of-pocket expenses, and then the ACLU and the AUSCS will split the remainder as fees, and these fees represent the bulk of the cash. Of course, Dover taxpayers also had to pay the fees for the attorneys for the defendant, Dover Area School District, as well.
In nearly all lawsuits, litigants pay only the fees for their own attorneys, regardless who prevails. This is known as the "American Rule." One exception to the American Rule is where the plaintiffs' attorneys recover their fees from the defendant under a fee shifting statute, 42 U.S.C. §1988, which Congress ratified in 1976.
The ACLU and like-minded groups have abused 42 U.S.C. §1988 to perpetuate endless lawsuits, such as the Dover lawsuit, against religion. Using this statute, the ACLU has been accumulating a war chest of cash to fund ongoing and future attacks against communities and schools that display crosses, post the Ten Commandments, set up nativity scenes, permit moments of silence, or allow public prayer.
To return to the original legislative intent behind civil rights legislation and to stop taxpayer funded lawsuits against religion, Congress must pass new legislation that amends or re-drafts 42 U.S.C. §1988 to expressly exclude suits against religion from its scope.
It would also effectively decommission the ACLU and the AUSCS as taxpayer-funded "private attorney generals" in religion cases, stop wasting judicial resources on these cases, and move a long way toward restoring trust in the legal profession.
To read more of Steven's works, please also visit www.VoigtonAmerica.us.
The ACLU's recent lawsuit against Dover Area School District in Pennsylvania, where the ACLU opposed Dover's effort to balance its science curriculum with different viewpoints on evolution, is over for the ACLU. For local residents, however, the impact of the litigation has only begun. As a result of the judge's ruling in favor of the plaintiffs--who were represented by the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State ("AUSCS"), and a corporate law firm--Dover Township residents will pay $1 million in attorneys' fees and costs to the plaintiffs' lawyers.
From the million dollar purse, the two legal organizations and the law firm will first deduct their out-of-pocket expenses, and then the ACLU and the AUSCS will split the remainder as fees, and these fees represent the bulk of the cash. Of course, Dover taxpayers also had to pay the fees for the attorneys for the defendant, Dover Area School District, as well.
In nearly all lawsuits, litigants pay only the fees for their own attorneys, regardless who prevails. This is known as the "American Rule." One exception to the American Rule is where the plaintiffs' attorneys recover their fees from the defendant under a fee shifting statute, 42 U.S.C. §1988, which Congress ratified in 1976.
The ACLU and like-minded groups have abused 42 U.S.C. §1988 to perpetuate endless lawsuits, such as the Dover lawsuit, against religion. Using this statute, the ACLU has been accumulating a war chest of cash to fund ongoing and future attacks against communities and schools that display crosses, post the Ten Commandments, set up nativity scenes, permit moments of silence, or allow public prayer.
To return to the original legislative intent behind civil rights legislation and to stop taxpayer funded lawsuits against religion, Congress must pass new legislation that amends or re-drafts 42 U.S.C. §1988 to expressly exclude suits against religion from its scope.
It would also effectively decommission the ACLU and the AUSCS as taxpayer-funded "private attorney generals" in religion cases, stop wasting judicial resources on these cases, and move a long way toward restoring trust in the legal profession.
To read more of Steven's works, please also visit www.VoigtonAmerica.us.
Pro-Abortion ‘Catholics’ Applaud Cardinal Martini and Talk of Vatican Altering Condom Stand
The uproar caused last week as a highly placed Vatican Cardinal announced the Pope had asked for a study on the use of condoms and AIDS prevention, on the heels of statements in support of condoms in the context of AIDS by another notable Cardinal, has put a smile on the faces of anti-Catholic groups.
The notorious ‘Catholics for a Free Choice’, who have been condemned as an anti-Catholic, pro-abortion group, responded to the news saying, "As we mark the one year anniversary of Benedict XVI's papacy, the Vatican has floated a welcome trial balloon suggesting that it will revisit its ban on condoms to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
The announcement of a “study” of the issue, far from signalling a change, however, is a normal Vatican procedure when a teaching of the Church is persistently publicly questioned, or when confusion seems to be prevalent even within the ranks of clergy.
Allowing the use of condoms as a specific HIV/AIDS prevention measure would not be a part of Catholic teaching since according to the Church, sexual intercourse can only be moral in the context of marriage and open to the possibility of conception.
The notorious ‘Catholics for a Free Choice’, who have been condemned as an anti-Catholic, pro-abortion group, responded to the news saying, "As we mark the one year anniversary of Benedict XVI's papacy, the Vatican has floated a welcome trial balloon suggesting that it will revisit its ban on condoms to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
The announcement of a “study” of the issue, far from signalling a change, however, is a normal Vatican procedure when a teaching of the Church is persistently publicly questioned, or when confusion seems to be prevalent even within the ranks of clergy.
Allowing the use of condoms as a specific HIV/AIDS prevention measure would not be a part of Catholic teaching since according to the Church, sexual intercourse can only be moral in the context of marriage and open to the possibility of conception.
“OPIE AND ANTHONY” MOVE TO CBS RADIO
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented today on news reports about a pending move by CBS Radio to hire radio talk-show hosts “Opie and Anthony”:
“After I lashed out against ‘Opie and Anthony’ for providing an on-air account of a sexual stunt in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in 2002, they were fired by Infinity Broadcasting, the CBS Radio outlet. Once they were dumped, I withdrew the complaint that I had filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and asked the FCC to drop its investigation. On August 5, 2004, I issued a news release about the decision of XM Satellite Radio to pick up the duo beginning October 4. At that time I said, ‘We wish Opie and Anthony well and trust they have learned their lesson.’ Now CBS Radio is set to bring them back on its Free-FM outlets.
“To those who say ‘you can’t go home again,’ I say nonsense: In the year-and-a-half that Opie and Anthony have been on XM Satellite, not a single complaint has reached our office about anything they’ve said. Indeed, when the two shock jocks were picked up by XM, their producer called one morning and asked if I would go on the air with them. Though I had some reservations, I said yes, and was immediately put through. They made it clear that they regretted the St. Patrick’s stunt. We mixed it up for a bit and had a great time.
“In short, the Catholic League hopes Opie and Anthony have a great run on CBS Radio.”
“After I lashed out against ‘Opie and Anthony’ for providing an on-air account of a sexual stunt in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in 2002, they were fired by Infinity Broadcasting, the CBS Radio outlet. Once they were dumped, I withdrew the complaint that I had filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and asked the FCC to drop its investigation. On August 5, 2004, I issued a news release about the decision of XM Satellite Radio to pick up the duo beginning October 4. At that time I said, ‘We wish Opie and Anthony well and trust they have learned their lesson.’ Now CBS Radio is set to bring them back on its Free-FM outlets.
“To those who say ‘you can’t go home again,’ I say nonsense: In the year-and-a-half that Opie and Anthony have been on XM Satellite, not a single complaint has reached our office about anything they’ve said. Indeed, when the two shock jocks were picked up by XM, their producer called one morning and asked if I would go on the air with them. Though I had some reservations, I said yes, and was immediately put through. They made it clear that they regretted the St. Patrick’s stunt. We mixed it up for a bit and had a great time.
“In short, the Catholic League hopes Opie and Anthony have a great run on CBS Radio.”
Billy Graham Idolitry
I always here people say "You Catholics should not have all those statues, it's idolitry". Well, this made me chuckle a bit....
At age 87, Rev. Billy Graham can no longer stride to the pulpit and must use a walker to get around. But a bronze statue to be unveiled by the Southern Baptist Convention will recall the evangelist in his prime.
Sculpted by Rev. Terrell O'Brien of Wyoming, the figure of Graham will stand larger than life with a Bible in one hand and arms outstretched before a giant cross. The statue will be presented in June at the Southern Baptists' annual meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, before being permanently installed at the denomination's headquarters in Nashville.
Graham did not sit for the statue, so O'Brien used photographs to sculpt and mold the piece. When finished, the statue of Graham will be more than nine feet tall while the cross will be 17 feet. At the foot of the cross is a stone inscribed with John 3:16 and three nails.
At age 87, Rev. Billy Graham can no longer stride to the pulpit and must use a walker to get around. But a bronze statue to be unveiled by the Southern Baptist Convention will recall the evangelist in his prime.
Sculpted by Rev. Terrell O'Brien of Wyoming, the figure of Graham will stand larger than life with a Bible in one hand and arms outstretched before a giant cross. The statue will be presented in June at the Southern Baptists' annual meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, before being permanently installed at the denomination's headquarters in Nashville.
Graham did not sit for the statue, so O'Brien used photographs to sculpt and mold the piece. When finished, the statue of Graham will be more than nine feet tall while the cross will be 17 feet. At the foot of the cross is a stone inscribed with John 3:16 and three nails.
Rendell wants federal tax on windfall profits
The Inquirer (Philadelphia):
Gov. Rendell yesterday urged President Bush to impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to curb "profiteering" that he said is driving the recent spike in gasoline prices. Read More
Gov. Rendell yesterday urged President Bush to impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to curb "profiteering" that he said is driving the recent spike in gasoline prices. Read More
Phil Walden Dies
Phil Walden, the Capricorn Records founder who launched the careers of Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band, has died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 66.The Macon, Ga.-based record label was influential in creating the Southern rock sound of the 1970s. Walden's two most famous artists, Redding and guitarist Duane Allman, both died tragically, Redding in a plane crash in 1967 at 26 and Allman in a motorcycle accident in 1971 at age 24.
Phil Walden & Otis Redding
Upper St. Clair brings back IBP
An internationally recognized academic program has been reinstated by a school board two months after it was abolished for a curriculum that critics called anti-American and anti-Christian.
Under the vote by the Upper St. Clair School Board on Monday night, parents will shoulder some of the costs of the program known as International Baccalaureate. The decision ends a lawsuit filed by 10 families against the district and five board members who voted in February to cut the program.
Board members said they cut the program primarily to save money but cited a number of reasons, including the International Baccalaureate Organization's relationship with the Earth Charter, a collection of global principles created in France in 2000.
Critics have said that the program's multicultural themes promote values that conflict with traditional Judeo-Christian values, and some have said it smacks of Marxism because of the link to the Earth Charter.
As part of the settlement agreement, plaintiffs are required to donate $45,000 to help with next year's funding. The district has said the program costs about $85,000 while board members had put the figure at nearly $200,000.
AP
Under the vote by the Upper St. Clair School Board on Monday night, parents will shoulder some of the costs of the program known as International Baccalaureate. The decision ends a lawsuit filed by 10 families against the district and five board members who voted in February to cut the program.
Board members said they cut the program primarily to save money but cited a number of reasons, including the International Baccalaureate Organization's relationship with the Earth Charter, a collection of global principles created in France in 2000.
Critics have said that the program's multicultural themes promote values that conflict with traditional Judeo-Christian values, and some have said it smacks of Marxism because of the link to the Earth Charter.
As part of the settlement agreement, plaintiffs are required to donate $45,000 to help with next year's funding. The district has said the program costs about $85,000 while board members had put the figure at nearly $200,000.
AP
Targeting Youth With 'Silence' and 'Truth'
CNSNews.com - A homosexual advocacy group says half a million students at some 4,000 schools will take part in the tenth annual "Day of Silence" on Wednesday. On Thursday, counter-protesters will have their say. Full Story
HOWARD DEAN THREATENS CHURCHES
Saying “The religious community has to decide whether they want to be tax-exempt or involved in politics.” (FNIF) The original source. (CS Monitor)
IRANIAN PRESIDENT: ISRAEL CANNOT CONTINUE TO EXIST
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said "Some 60 years have passed since the end of World War II. Why should the people of Germany and Palestine pay now for a war in which the current generation was not involved?" (ABC News) Israel’s defense minister said of Iran’s Nuclear program “Since Hitler we have not faced such a threat.” (Telegraph) Jack Kemp writes why Israel needs a fence. (Townhall)
Americans Don't Understand 'Roe vs. Wade'
A national poll released today at the National Press Club by the Real Women’s Voices coalition shows that while 65 percent of Americans say they are familiar with the 1973 landmark abortion case, Roe vs. Wade, only 29 percent are able to select an accurate description of the ruling.
Real Women’s Voices is a coalition of national and state-based pro-life organizations bringing women from across the country to Washington on Wednesday to lobby Congress. The national survey of 1000 adults age 18 and over was conducted by the polling company,inc./WomanTrend on April 13-14, 2006. The margin of error is calculated at +/- 3.1 percent.
Key Findings: --Sixty-five percent of respondents said they considered themselves familiar (23 percent very familiar and 42 percent somewhat familiar) with the 1973 United States Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade. Thirty-one percent said they were not familiar (19 percent just a little familiar and 12 percent not at all familiar).
--Though 65 percent said they were familiar with Roe, when asked to identify which of four descriptions most accurately describes what the case provides as the law, only 29 percent selected the correct description:
--29% Made abortion legal in essentially all circumstances throughout pregnancy
--18% Made abortion legal but only in the first trimester--17% Made abortion legal but only in limited circumstances
--15% Made abortion legal but only in the first and second trimesters
--The majority (54 percent) agreed with one of three traditional pro-life statements:
-- Abortion should be prohibited in all circumstances,
-- Abortion should be legal only to save the life of the mother,
-- Abortion should be legal only in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life.
Only 41 percent selected a pro-choice view. Notably, three-quarters of Americans (75 percent) say they believe abortions should never be allowed, allowed only in very limited circumstances, or not past the first trimester of pregnancy. The 18-34 year old group (especially 18-34 year old women) was more likely than respondents overall to identify with one of the three pro-life views of abortion.
www.sba-list.org
Real Women’s Voices is a coalition of national and state-based pro-life organizations bringing women from across the country to Washington on Wednesday to lobby Congress. The national survey of 1000 adults age 18 and over was conducted by the polling company,inc./WomanTrend on April 13-14, 2006. The margin of error is calculated at +/- 3.1 percent.
Key Findings: --Sixty-five percent of respondents said they considered themselves familiar (23 percent very familiar and 42 percent somewhat familiar) with the 1973 United States Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade. Thirty-one percent said they were not familiar (19 percent just a little familiar and 12 percent not at all familiar).
--Though 65 percent said they were familiar with Roe, when asked to identify which of four descriptions most accurately describes what the case provides as the law, only 29 percent selected the correct description:
--29% Made abortion legal in essentially all circumstances throughout pregnancy
--18% Made abortion legal but only in the first trimester--17% Made abortion legal but only in limited circumstances
--15% Made abortion legal but only in the first and second trimesters
--The majority (54 percent) agreed with one of three traditional pro-life statements:
-- Abortion should be prohibited in all circumstances,
-- Abortion should be legal only to save the life of the mother,
-- Abortion should be legal only in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life.
Only 41 percent selected a pro-choice view. Notably, three-quarters of Americans (75 percent) say they believe abortions should never be allowed, allowed only in very limited circumstances, or not past the first trimester of pregnancy. The 18-34 year old group (especially 18-34 year old women) was more likely than respondents overall to identify with one of the three pro-life views of abortion.
www.sba-list.org
It's Offical David Lee Roth is Done
It's now official. David Lee Roth's radio show is gone from the Pittsburgh airwvaes. (Note to Infinity: Take Down Billboards ASAP).
It's the return of OPIE AND ANTHONY to terrestrial radio on WEDNESDAY (4/26) to replace the departed DAVID LEE ROTH show. The pair had been fired from CBS after a stunt in which a couple had sex in St. Patrick's Cathedral. The show will air on CBS stations in six markets 6-9a (ET), simulcast with XM (in an uncensored form).
WRKZ (93.7 K-ROCK)/PITTSBURGH was on the list to get the new show. In a special O&A broadcast announcement that aired at 9a (ET) today on their new morning show stations, O&A joked about sitting in HOWARD STERN's chair and about having to go out to WFNY VP/GM TOM CHIUSANO's country club to ink their deal, OPIE said, "Stupid HOWARD. This is the move ... we do both (satellite & terrestrial)." They also joked that there'd be a parade every day at 9a as they march down the street from CBS to the XM studios.
It's the return of OPIE AND ANTHONY to terrestrial radio on WEDNESDAY (4/26) to replace the departed DAVID LEE ROTH show. The pair had been fired from CBS after a stunt in which a couple had sex in St. Patrick's Cathedral. The show will air on CBS stations in six markets 6-9a (ET), simulcast with XM (in an uncensored form).
WRKZ (93.7 K-ROCK)/PITTSBURGH was on the list to get the new show. In a special O&A broadcast announcement that aired at 9a (ET) today on their new morning show stations, O&A joked about sitting in HOWARD STERN's chair and about having to go out to WFNY VP/GM TOM CHIUSANO's country club to ink their deal, OPIE said, "Stupid HOWARD. This is the move ... we do both (satellite & terrestrial)." They also joked that there'd be a parade every day at 9a as they march down the street from CBS to the XM studios.
Ask Powerball
Q: Now that Lent is over, does that mean that we don't have to do anything special on Fridays?
A: No it doesn't. Friday is still a day of penance, even when it isn't during Lent. Here is what the Code of Canon Law has to say on the subject:
1249 All Christ's faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to do penance. However, so that all may be joined together in a certain common practice of penance, days of penance are prescribed. On these days the faithful are in a special manner to devote themselves to prayer, to engage in works of piety and charity, and to deny themselves, by fulfilling their obligations more faithfully and especially by observing the fast and abstinence which the following canons prescribe.
This is the same as with worship. All the faithful are also obliged by divine law to worship God and, so that all may join together in the corporate worship of God, days of worship (Sundays and holy days of obligation) have been instituted. The flip-side of this is penance. All are obliged to repent, and so that there may be corporate repentance toward God, days of penance have been set up, as in the Old Testament when the Jews proclaimed a national fast to do repent of their sins against God. Today, Friday is the chief day of penance since Christ died because of our sins on Friday, and Sunday is the chief day of worship, since Christ rose for our salvation on Sunday. Thus . . .
1250 The days and times of penance for the universal Church are each Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.
1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are o be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority [i.e., 18 years old; cf. canon 97:1], until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to enure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the rue meaning of penance.
1253 The Episcopal Conference can determine more precisely the ways in which fasting and abstinence are to be observed. In place of abstinence or fasting it can substitute, in whole or in part, other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.
Thus the law of abstinence from meat is still binding unless one's national bishops' conference has changed this. In the case of the United States, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops has obtained permission from the Vatican to have other forms of penance substituted for abstinence, and so today in the United States Catholics are still obliged to do some form of penance on Fridays and keep the day as per canon 1249 (above), however they can now pick the form of penance they wish to do.
A: No it doesn't. Friday is still a day of penance, even when it isn't during Lent. Here is what the Code of Canon Law has to say on the subject:
1249 All Christ's faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to do penance. However, so that all may be joined together in a certain common practice of penance, days of penance are prescribed. On these days the faithful are in a special manner to devote themselves to prayer, to engage in works of piety and charity, and to deny themselves, by fulfilling their obligations more faithfully and especially by observing the fast and abstinence which the following canons prescribe.
This is the same as with worship. All the faithful are also obliged by divine law to worship God and, so that all may join together in the corporate worship of God, days of worship (Sundays and holy days of obligation) have been instituted. The flip-side of this is penance. All are obliged to repent, and so that there may be corporate repentance toward God, days of penance have been set up, as in the Old Testament when the Jews proclaimed a national fast to do repent of their sins against God. Today, Friday is the chief day of penance since Christ died because of our sins on Friday, and Sunday is the chief day of worship, since Christ rose for our salvation on Sunday. Thus . . .
1250 The days and times of penance for the universal Church are each Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.
1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are o be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority [i.e., 18 years old; cf. canon 97:1], until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to enure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the rue meaning of penance.
1253 The Episcopal Conference can determine more precisely the ways in which fasting and abstinence are to be observed. In place of abstinence or fasting it can substitute, in whole or in part, other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.
Thus the law of abstinence from meat is still binding unless one's national bishops' conference has changed this. In the case of the United States, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops has obtained permission from the Vatican to have other forms of penance substituted for abstinence, and so today in the United States Catholics are still obliged to do some form of penance on Fridays and keep the day as per canon 1249 (above), however they can now pick the form of penance they wish to do.
Terri's Watch: Attorney General Says Bush Had it Wrong
Gov. Jeb Bush erred when he entered the bitter fight over whether to keep brain-damaged Terri Schiavo alive because government should not be involved in end-of-life decisions, Attorney General Charlie Crist said Thursday.
"I am pro-life and I respect life," Crist, a Republican candidate for governor, said at a gathering of the nonpartisan Forum Club of the Palm Beaches."There are some decisions that ought to be left to God and family," Crist said. "Had I have been governor, I would have not done the same thing" as Bush.
CBS4
"I am pro-life and I respect life," Crist, a Republican candidate for governor, said at a gathering of the nonpartisan Forum Club of the Palm Beaches."There are some decisions that ought to be left to God and family," Crist said. "Had I have been governor, I would have not done the same thing" as Bush.
CBS4
Homeowners ban Bible study
Two residents of a Southern California senior mobile home park are suing the homeowner's association for barring prayer and Bible study meetings in common areas.
For 17 years, residents met weekly in the Warner Springs Estates clubhouse for a prayer and Bible study meeting, most recently led by local pastor Andy Graham. But in August 2004, after new leadership took over the homeowner's association, Graham was told in a threatening letter posted at the clubhouse to stop the Wednesday night meetings, according to the United States Justice Foundation, or USJF, which represents residents Susan Eva-Marie Heraver and Catherine Lovejoy.
For 17 years, residents met weekly in the Warner Springs Estates clubhouse for a prayer and Bible study meeting, most recently led by local pastor Andy Graham. But in August 2004, after new leadership took over the homeowner's association, Graham was told in a threatening letter posted at the clubhouse to stop the Wednesday night meetings, according to the United States Justice Foundation, or USJF, which represents residents Susan Eva-Marie Heraver and Catherine Lovejoy.
PACleanSweep head resigns
Dubbed "Mr. PACleanSweep" by his supporters, Russ Diamond, founder of the grassroots organization, officially stepped down yesterday as chairman of the group. Read More
"Alleged" Terrorists
We are following the case of Syed Haris AHMED, the Pakistani Georgia Tech student who was arrrested by federal authorities on March 23 on charges related to terrorism.According to developing information, AHMED, 21, who was under investigation and surveillance for the last 12-14 months, has been indicted on charges of providing “material support” to a terrorist organization. AHMED appeared before US Magistrate Joel Feldman Wednesday, pleading not guity to the charges contained in the indictment.
Bad News for Incumbents
The anti-incumbent mood of the public is as high as it has been since the midterm elections of 1994.
A majority of people in this country say they do not want to see most members of Congress re-elected this November, and almost three in 10 say that about their own representative to Congress, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.
Baylor U. warns students about appearing in Playboy
Playboy is looking for Baylor women to photograph, but the school warns that “associating with a magazine that is clearly antithetical to Baylor’s mission would be considered a violation of the code of conduct." Possible sanctions for students at the religious school could range from a warning to expulsion, says a Baylor spokesperson. (Waco Tribune)
20,000 Strong
U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) has always believed that campaigns are won because of the enthusiastic support of grassroots activists across the Commonwealth. And with six months to go before the election this November, the Santorum 2006 campaign reached a major milestone this week with 20,000 Running Mates. Rick's Running Mates are folks from across Pennsylvania dedicated to communicating Rick Santorum's positive message for Pennsylvanians.
To sign up as a Rick Running Mate, please visit http://www.ricksantorum.com/SignUp
To sign up as a Rick Running Mate, please visit http://www.ricksantorum.com/SignUp
David Lee Roth, could the end be near?
News reports are suggesting that a deal is being finalized for XM Satellite Radio's Opie & Anthony and the show's third star, Jim Norton, to replace David Lee Roth on CBS Radio's Free-FM outlets, possibly within the next two weeks.
A deal is supposedly being worked out by CBS's Joel Hollander and XM's Hugh Panero that would bring O&A to WFNY/New York, WYSP/Philadelphia and WBCN/Boston. All three markets are former O&A outlets. Other Roth outlets include KLLI/Dallas, WNCX/Cleveland, here in Pittsburgh, WRKZ/Pittsburgh and WPBZ/West Palm Beach. It is unclear if O&A would appear in those markets.
A deal is supposedly being worked out by CBS's Joel Hollander and XM's Hugh Panero that would bring O&A to WFNY/New York, WYSP/Philadelphia and WBCN/Boston. All three markets are former O&A outlets. Other Roth outlets include KLLI/Dallas, WNCX/Cleveland, here in Pittsburgh, WRKZ/Pittsburgh and WPBZ/West Palm Beach. It is unclear if O&A would appear in those markets.
Evangelical Converts to Catholicism
Top 10 Reasons Why Evangelical Converts Rock
by J. B. Watson
10. We can speak Evangelicalese. “Yes, thank you, I have asked Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior…”
9. Every once in a while one of us will stop, clutch his forehead, and mutter, “Holy mackeral, I’m Catholic!” This is fun to experience and entertaining to watch.
8. We actually know why we’re Catholic.
7. Our touching naiveté: “Wait. You mean they didn’t just translate it from the Latin?”
6. We’ve never been hit on the hand with a ruler. Our sole experiences with nuns are the cheery ones in Sound of Music and hot Sister Steve on Fr. Dowling.
5. We’re familiar with all those obscure Old Testament characters.
4. The silly grin we get on our faces when the parish wet-bar is open for business.
3. Two words: Cardinal Newman.
2. We used to think C.S. Lewis was Evangelical. Now we know he was actually Catholic.
1. We’ve never voted for a Kennedy.
by J. B. Watson
10. We can speak Evangelicalese. “Yes, thank you, I have asked Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior…”
9. Every once in a while one of us will stop, clutch his forehead, and mutter, “Holy mackeral, I’m Catholic!” This is fun to experience and entertaining to watch.
8. We actually know why we’re Catholic.
7. Our touching naiveté: “Wait. You mean they didn’t just translate it from the Latin?”
6. We’ve never been hit on the hand with a ruler. Our sole experiences with nuns are the cheery ones in Sound of Music and hot Sister Steve on Fr. Dowling.
5. We’re familiar with all those obscure Old Testament characters.
4. The silly grin we get on our faces when the parish wet-bar is open for business.
3. Two words: Cardinal Newman.
2. We used to think C.S. Lewis was Evangelical. Now we know he was actually Catholic.
1. We’ve never voted for a Kennedy.
Slams on Christianity at Costco?
Swipes and attacks on Christianity are not limited to television, magazines, and the movies. A recent visit to a Costco warehouse shows that slams on the Christian faith are plentiful in book displays.
One side of a(n) (estimated) 40-foot-long table showcased a ridiculously high number of new titles that set out to challenge the traditional Christian narrative or attack its believers. Witness the Costco table with the book titles,
The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent (Baigent makes the outrageous claim that Jesus faked his crucifixion. (Yes, Baigent really claims this.) He also told NBC News that "we don't even know He (Jesus) existed." Hmmm ... See any contradiction there?)
Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman (Challenging the New Testament documents, Ehrman appears to have forged a career in trying to degrade orthodox Christianity. He describes himself as a "happy agnostic." His work has been rebutted (here, for example).
One side of a(n) (estimated) 40-foot-long table showcased a ridiculously high number of new titles that set out to challenge the traditional Christian narrative or attack its believers. Witness the Costco table with the book titles,
The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent (Baigent makes the outrageous claim that Jesus faked his crucifixion. (Yes, Baigent really claims this.) He also told NBC News that "we don't even know He (Jesus) existed." Hmmm ... See any contradiction there?)
Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman (Challenging the New Testament documents, Ehrman appears to have forged a career in trying to degrade orthodox Christianity. He describes himself as a "happy agnostic." His work has been rebutted (here, for example).
This Means WAR
Philips Electronics wants to force you to watch commercials! I'm a flipper and darn proud of it. I grab the remote a see what else I can fit into my brain during the 60 seconds that the Di Tech commercial (that I've seen 10,000 times) comes on. But now viewers one day could be forced to watch commercials with a system that prevents channel-switching.
Royal Philips Electronics has a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a technology that could let broadcasters freeze up a channel during a commercial, so viewers would not be able to avoid it. (Now this calls fro a pre-emptive strike!)
Philips acknowledged, however, the anti-channel-changing technology might not sit well with consumers and suggested in its patent filing consumers be allowed to avoid the feature if they paid broadcasters a fee.
We will be back with more on this story after a word from our sponsors .....
SECOND GRADE TEACHER READS GAY MARRIAGE FAIRY TALE TO STUDENTS
Lexington Superintendent of Schools Paul Ash insisted ''We couldn't run a public school system if every parent who feels some topic is objectionable to them for moral or religious reasons decides their child should be removed. Lexington is committed to teaching children about the world they live in, and in Massachusetts same-sex marriage is legal."
Boston Globe
Boston Globe
Insanity at the U.N.
U.N. MAKES IRAN REP VICE CHAIR OF DISARMAMENT COMMISSION
From the story: The ambassador, who is one of three vice-chairpersons, said during the meeting of the commission that Israel's nuclear stockpile is among "the major sources of concern with regard to global peace and security." (Jerusalem Post)
From Senator Norm Coleman: “Having the Iranians serve on this commission is like asking the fox to guard the hens, and will only ensure its ineffectiveness.” (Duluth News Tribune)
From the story: The ambassador, who is one of three vice-chairpersons, said during the meeting of the commission that Israel's nuclear stockpile is among "the major sources of concern with regard to global peace and security." (Jerusalem Post)
From Senator Norm Coleman: “Having the Iranians serve on this commission is like asking the fox to guard the hens, and will only ensure its ineffectiveness.” (Duluth News Tribune)
FCC Comes Knocking
The FCC has launched its formal investigation of CLEAR CHANNEL, CBS, ENTERCOM, and CITADEL over payola allegations, according to a LOS ANGELES TIMES report. The paper says that letters of inquiry have been issued to the companies after talks about a settlement broke down.
Silent Hill
The commericals caught my eye. It opens Friday and I want to see it. It's the big screen adaptation of one of the scariest video games of all time. I checked out the site a bit of Latin caught my attention. "Domine Deus Omnipotens".
Sony uses it as part of a still shot image for the site. It's a latin pryer.
The full Latin prayer is:
Domine Deus Omnipotens, Rex regum et Dominus dominantium, in cuius manu omnis victoria consistit et omne bellum conteritur, concede mihi ut tua manus cor meum corroboret ut in virtute tua in manibus viribusque meis bene pugnare viriliterque agere valeam ut inimici mei in conspectu meo cadent et corruant sicut corruit Golias ante faciem pueri tui David, et sicut populus Pharaonis coram Moysi in mare rubro, et sicut Philistini coram populo Israel cecidi1 sunt, et Amalech coram Moysi et Chananei coram Iesu corruerunt, sic cadant inimici mei sub pedibus meis, et per viam unam conveniant adversum me et per septem fugiant a me; et conteret Deus arma eorum et confringet framea eorum, et liquescent in conspectu meo sicut cera a facie ignis ut sciant omnes populi terrae quia invocatum est nomen Domini nostri Iesu Christi super me et magnificetur nomen tuum Domine, in adversariis meis, Domine Deus Israel.
The transaltion is:
O LORD God Almighty, King of kings, Lord of rulers, in whose hand all victory rests and all war is destroyed, grant me that Thy hand may strengthen my heart so I may fight well and act courageously so my enemies may fall before my sight. May they fall as did Goliath fall before Thy servant David, as did the people of the Pharaoh in the Red Sea before Moses, as did the Philistines before the people of Israel, as did Amalech before Moses, and as did the Canaanites before Joshua, so may my enemies fall beneath my feet. May all who come against me be dispersed and God destroy their weapons and shatter their swords. They will melt in my sight as wax in the face of fire so all the peoples of the earth will know that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ has been invoked over me. May Thy Name, O Lord, be made great over my adversaries, O Lord, God of Israel.
This is a powerful backdrop for the movie. I'm not sure it's proper. I will reserve judgement, While I've only played the original Silent Hill on the original Playstation, it still holds a profound place in memory due to how well it was crafted. The game had subtleties like this movie-prayer reference. I'm sure I'll have more to say on all this after I see the movie.......
Sony uses it as part of a still shot image for the site. It's a latin pryer.
The full Latin prayer is:
Domine Deus Omnipotens, Rex regum et Dominus dominantium, in cuius manu omnis victoria consistit et omne bellum conteritur, concede mihi ut tua manus cor meum corroboret ut in virtute tua in manibus viribusque meis bene pugnare viriliterque agere valeam ut inimici mei in conspectu meo cadent et corruant sicut corruit Golias ante faciem pueri tui David, et sicut populus Pharaonis coram Moysi in mare rubro, et sicut Philistini coram populo Israel cecidi1 sunt, et Amalech coram Moysi et Chananei coram Iesu corruerunt, sic cadant inimici mei sub pedibus meis, et per viam unam conveniant adversum me et per septem fugiant a me; et conteret Deus arma eorum et confringet framea eorum, et liquescent in conspectu meo sicut cera a facie ignis ut sciant omnes populi terrae quia invocatum est nomen Domini nostri Iesu Christi super me et magnificetur nomen tuum Domine, in adversariis meis, Domine Deus Israel.
The transaltion is:
O LORD God Almighty, King of kings, Lord of rulers, in whose hand all victory rests and all war is destroyed, grant me that Thy hand may strengthen my heart so I may fight well and act courageously so my enemies may fall before my sight. May they fall as did Goliath fall before Thy servant David, as did the people of the Pharaoh in the Red Sea before Moses, as did the Philistines before the people of Israel, as did Amalech before Moses, and as did the Canaanites before Joshua, so may my enemies fall beneath my feet. May all who come against me be dispersed and God destroy their weapons and shatter their swords. They will melt in my sight as wax in the face of fire so all the peoples of the earth will know that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ has been invoked over me. May Thy Name, O Lord, be made great over my adversaries, O Lord, God of Israel.
This is a powerful backdrop for the movie. I'm not sure it's proper. I will reserve judgement, While I've only played the original Silent Hill on the original Playstation, it still holds a profound place in memory due to how well it was crafted. The game had subtleties like this movie-prayer reference. I'm sure I'll have more to say on all this after I see the movie.......
MTV Pro-Life?
Nick Cannon, a successful rap singer/songwriter, producer and movie actor (Garfield, Men in Black II and Drumline), is promoting a culture of life through his new music video "Can I Live?" The video has been consistently voted in the top ten at BET's music-video rating site for weeks, recently reaching the #2 spot on the BET countdown. The video which also recently premiered on MTV, portrays Nick's mom as a teenager, lying in an abortion clinic as the spirit of Nick pleads for her not to take his life. Cannon, who also produced the video, captures the trauma of post-abortion grief as he sings: "What you want, morning sickness or the sickness of mourning?" In the end, his mother jumps off the table and runs out of the clinic, with Nick thanking her for the gift of life. To watch the video go to http://www.nickcannonmusic.com/index_main.html (Click on "watch the video.")
The closing scene of the video has a host of young kids, all wearing a "Can I Live?" t-shirts, singing "Can I live? Can I live? I will always be a part of you. Trust your soul; know his heart is true." The powerful message of this video is representative of the trend of the younger generation (not necessarily from conservative families) to be more pro-life. It should be noted that Nick Cannon's pro-life message on this song does not mean that his broader body of work (at least up to this point) reflect traditional values (e.g., an earlier album is "Gigolo"). The unabashedly pro-life message in "Can I Live," is getting attention from those within the rap/hip-hop world as well as observers in the culture at large.
Let us all cheer this rare postitve message from the world of Rap music and pop culture.
The closing scene of the video has a host of young kids, all wearing a "Can I Live?" t-shirts, singing "Can I live? Can I live? I will always be a part of you. Trust your soul; know his heart is true." The powerful message of this video is representative of the trend of the younger generation (not necessarily from conservative families) to be more pro-life. It should be noted that Nick Cannon's pro-life message on this song does not mean that his broader body of work (at least up to this point) reflect traditional values (e.g., an earlier album is "Gigolo"). The unabashedly pro-life message in "Can I Live," is getting attention from those within the rap/hip-hop world as well as observers in the culture at large.
Let us all cheer this rare postitve message from the world of Rap music and pop culture.
Keeping the Faith
As we move toward the final two years of the Bush Administration, many expect some turnover of key aides, especially with a new chief of staff.Jim Towey, who for the past four years has headed President Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, has been tapped as the new President of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Jim has played a key role in building the President's army of compassion, which has helped transform lives all across the country. While Jim's commitment to the President was unquestioned, it was his commitment to the calling of helping those in need through the arms of the body of Christ that has been his passion. Most people do not realize the postive impact Jim Towey has had. He was an unsung hero in the aftermath of last year's devastating hurricanes, as the faith-based community filled the void left by bickering bureaucrats.
Jim is an example of how God uses the faithful and the humble in ways others can only dream of. We should all express our appreciation to Jim and pray God's favor on him, his wife Mary and their children in this new endeavor. We will miss his influence in the White House, but we trust that the White House will keep the faith with its faith-based outreach.
Catholic Adoption Agencies Allowed to Refuse Homosexuals
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 18, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) -
State laws requiring Catholic adoption agencies to give equal consideration to homosexuals as adoptive parents will not be enforced, at least for the time being.
The Department of Early Education, which regulates adoption agencies, said the agency wouldn't take action against Catholic adoption organizations in Worcester, Fall River and Springfield who are refusing to consider homosexuals on religious grounds. The DEE said they would wait to see if legislation proposed by Gov. Mitt Romney exempting Catholic agencies would be accepted, reported the Associated Press.
Gov. Romney proposed the bill after Catholic Charities of Boston declared last month it would no longer be placing any children for adoption because state laws requiring that gays be considered were in conflict with church teaching that homosexual activity is "gravely immoral."
Church leaders had asked the state for an exemption for Catholic agencies at the time, but Gov. Romney said he didn't have the authority to grant a unilateral exemption.
State laws requiring Catholic adoption agencies to give equal consideration to homosexuals as adoptive parents will not be enforced, at least for the time being.
The Department of Early Education, which regulates adoption agencies, said the agency wouldn't take action against Catholic adoption organizations in Worcester, Fall River and Springfield who are refusing to consider homosexuals on religious grounds. The DEE said they would wait to see if legislation proposed by Gov. Mitt Romney exempting Catholic agencies would be accepted, reported the Associated Press.
Gov. Romney proposed the bill after Catholic Charities of Boston declared last month it would no longer be placing any children for adoption because state laws requiring that gays be considered were in conflict with church teaching that homosexual activity is "gravely immoral."
Church leaders had asked the state for an exemption for Catholic agencies at the time, but Gov. Romney said he didn't have the authority to grant a unilateral exemption.
Random Thoughts
What time is it?
If you instinctively looked at your wrist for the answer, you're old. That's the conclusion of an article I read in the L.A. Times the other day- wristwatches are done, finished, hopelessly outmoded, passe. Young adults rarely wear watches; kids don't even know what they are. The time is what you read on your cell phone screen. That's what I do, not because I'm cool, because my watch broke and I'm too lazy to get it fixed.
I've worn many watches in my lifetime. Especially in school. Everybody did. We wore Swatches- like regular watches, only plastic and colorful and prone to just stop working without warning, at which time you'd buy a new one. It had no minute or hour markings, so you couldn't tell what time it was, but it LOOKED cool in a 1980's sort of way.
Now I have no clue who's who in hip-hop or what's cool. It it wasn't for my wife I'd still be wearing my faded Jamz with my Journey 1987 World Tour T-shirt. Time to move on.
And don't even THINK of having a MySpace page if you're over 40 unless you insist on being a "Creepy Old Guy," the same as the grey-ponytailed 40-something guy in the mosh pit at every concert. Or someone whose name is bound to be included in a newspaper story that also includes the words "underage," "alleged" and "arrested."
I have come to embrace the fact that I don't need to know who Katherine McPhee is or T.I. or Ne-Yo or Gnarls Barkley or what the top videos are on MyTube.
I know some of you will now Google "Gnarls Barkley" in order to hold on to those teenage years a bit longer but be sure to come back to Powerblog! when you are done.
If you instinctively looked at your wrist for the answer, you're old. That's the conclusion of an article I read in the L.A. Times the other day- wristwatches are done, finished, hopelessly outmoded, passe. Young adults rarely wear watches; kids don't even know what they are. The time is what you read on your cell phone screen. That's what I do, not because I'm cool, because my watch broke and I'm too lazy to get it fixed.
I've worn many watches in my lifetime. Especially in school. Everybody did. We wore Swatches- like regular watches, only plastic and colorful and prone to just stop working without warning, at which time you'd buy a new one. It had no minute or hour markings, so you couldn't tell what time it was, but it LOOKED cool in a 1980's sort of way.
Now I have no clue who's who in hip-hop or what's cool. It it wasn't for my wife I'd still be wearing my faded Jamz with my Journey 1987 World Tour T-shirt. Time to move on.
And don't even THINK of having a MySpace page if you're over 40 unless you insist on being a "Creepy Old Guy," the same as the grey-ponytailed 40-something guy in the mosh pit at every concert. Or someone whose name is bound to be included in a newspaper story that also includes the words "underage," "alleged" and "arrested."
I have come to embrace the fact that I don't need to know who Katherine McPhee is or T.I. or Ne-Yo or Gnarls Barkley or what the top videos are on MyTube.
I know some of you will now Google "Gnarls Barkley" in order to hold on to those teenage years a bit longer but be sure to come back to Powerblog! when you are done.
Christ and Politics
By Dr. Gary Scott Smith
Garry Wills’ claim in a recent op-ed in the New York Times “Christ Among the Partisans” that “there is no such thing as a ‘Christian politics’” is biblically and historically suspect. Wills cites Christ’s statement to Pilate, “My reign is not of this present order” (John 18:36), and his declaration, “Let Caesar have what belongs to him, and God what belongs to him” (Matthew 22:21), to contend that Jesus had “no political message or program.”
Although Christ did not have a distinctive political agenda, his teachings have implications for all aspects of life, including government and politics. He told his followers to be salt, light, and leaven in the world, which necessitates participating in the political arena. Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat, but he does care about politics. After all, much good or evil can be done through government. Jesus said that he was the vine and his followers were to be the branches; that is, they were to produce good fruit in all areas of life. Although there is no single Christian approach to politics, the Bible encourages believers to serve as political officials and to craft laws that incarnate its norms of justice, civility, peace, and virtue.
A long tradition of Christian political philosophy stretching from Augustine to Thomas Aquinas to John Calvin to Reinhold Niebuhr to John Paul II argues that the state is ordained by God and that the political realm is subject to his rule (see, for example, Romans 13:1-5; Psalm 24:1, 97:9, 99:2, 102:15). Jesus told Pilate: “you would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Christian theologians and leaders throughout the ages, not just current leaders of the religious right, have urged believers to apply biblical principles to their corporate life. This is especially important in republics where citizens choose their representatives and help devise their laws.
Government officials, like clergy, parents, or teachers, hold a God-given office and therefore have a responsibility to serve him through their callings. Christians should focus more on the Bible’s larger themes than on single issues, as do many evangelicals and conservative Catholics. They should support policies that benefit the common good and work to achieve public justice, not try to gain special privileges or advantages in society. Thus they should support policies that provide racial justice, protect the environment, encourage just accumulation and use of wealth, use force appropriately, promote peace, and alleviate poverty and disease around the world. Simply because many American Christians have often failed to address these issues from a biblical perspective is not a valid reason for ignoring the relevance of Scripture today.
Wills maintains that Jesus “was the original proponent of a separation of church and state” and contends that asking “what would Jesus do?” in the political realm is misguided. Faith—although not always orthodox, Christian faith—had a powerful influence on the thoughts and actions of many presidents. Most chief executives did not confine their religious convictions to their private lives. While presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush rarely talked explicitly about Jesus, many of them were guided by their personal faith and their understanding of biblical teachings in their work. Many of them argued that God rules the universe, that the dictates of reason and revelation reinforce one another and supply a basis for both individual morality and public policy, and that religious faith best sustains the nation’s constitutional democracy and provides the strongest safeguard and support for republican virtue and liberty.
Most of our presidents used biblical motifs to define and defend the nation’s goals and purposes. Many of them argued that faith in God was essential to sustaining America’s traditional values, strengthening its resolve, and solving its problems. Numerous chief executives testified that they valued prayer and frequently sought divine assistance in making decisions and leading the nation. Their faith helped many of them gain perspective, establish priorities, be confident about their decisions, endure trials, and accept defeats. Presidents often used religious rhetoric to satisfy the expectations of American civil religion and justify their policies. But they also frequently employed it to comfort the grieving, challenge citizens to promote justice, appeal to commonly held moral values, and invoke God’s blessing on America and thank him for his guidance. Christ’s teachings are still relevant to politics, and our history demonstrates that trying to implement them can help advance justice, peace, equality, compassion, and virtue.
Gary Scott Smith is a professor of history at Grove City College and the author of Faith and the Presidency from George Washington to George W. Bush (Oxford University Press, August 2006)
Garry Wills’ claim in a recent op-ed in the New York Times “Christ Among the Partisans” that “there is no such thing as a ‘Christian politics’” is biblically and historically suspect. Wills cites Christ’s statement to Pilate, “My reign is not of this present order” (John 18:36), and his declaration, “Let Caesar have what belongs to him, and God what belongs to him” (Matthew 22:21), to contend that Jesus had “no political message or program.”
Although Christ did not have a distinctive political agenda, his teachings have implications for all aspects of life, including government and politics. He told his followers to be salt, light, and leaven in the world, which necessitates participating in the political arena. Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat, but he does care about politics. After all, much good or evil can be done through government. Jesus said that he was the vine and his followers were to be the branches; that is, they were to produce good fruit in all areas of life. Although there is no single Christian approach to politics, the Bible encourages believers to serve as political officials and to craft laws that incarnate its norms of justice, civility, peace, and virtue.
A long tradition of Christian political philosophy stretching from Augustine to Thomas Aquinas to John Calvin to Reinhold Niebuhr to John Paul II argues that the state is ordained by God and that the political realm is subject to his rule (see, for example, Romans 13:1-5; Psalm 24:1, 97:9, 99:2, 102:15). Jesus told Pilate: “you would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Christian theologians and leaders throughout the ages, not just current leaders of the religious right, have urged believers to apply biblical principles to their corporate life. This is especially important in republics where citizens choose their representatives and help devise their laws.
Government officials, like clergy, parents, or teachers, hold a God-given office and therefore have a responsibility to serve him through their callings. Christians should focus more on the Bible’s larger themes than on single issues, as do many evangelicals and conservative Catholics. They should support policies that benefit the common good and work to achieve public justice, not try to gain special privileges or advantages in society. Thus they should support policies that provide racial justice, protect the environment, encourage just accumulation and use of wealth, use force appropriately, promote peace, and alleviate poverty and disease around the world. Simply because many American Christians have often failed to address these issues from a biblical perspective is not a valid reason for ignoring the relevance of Scripture today.
Wills maintains that Jesus “was the original proponent of a separation of church and state” and contends that asking “what would Jesus do?” in the political realm is misguided. Faith—although not always orthodox, Christian faith—had a powerful influence on the thoughts and actions of many presidents. Most chief executives did not confine their religious convictions to their private lives. While presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush rarely talked explicitly about Jesus, many of them were guided by their personal faith and their understanding of biblical teachings in their work. Many of them argued that God rules the universe, that the dictates of reason and revelation reinforce one another and supply a basis for both individual morality and public policy, and that religious faith best sustains the nation’s constitutional democracy and provides the strongest safeguard and support for republican virtue and liberty.
Most of our presidents used biblical motifs to define and defend the nation’s goals and purposes. Many of them argued that faith in God was essential to sustaining America’s traditional values, strengthening its resolve, and solving its problems. Numerous chief executives testified that they valued prayer and frequently sought divine assistance in making decisions and leading the nation. Their faith helped many of them gain perspective, establish priorities, be confident about their decisions, endure trials, and accept defeats. Presidents often used religious rhetoric to satisfy the expectations of American civil religion and justify their policies. But they also frequently employed it to comfort the grieving, challenge citizens to promote justice, appeal to commonly held moral values, and invoke God’s blessing on America and thank him for his guidance. Christ’s teachings are still relevant to politics, and our history demonstrates that trying to implement them can help advance justice, peace, equality, compassion, and virtue.
Gary Scott Smith is a professor of history at Grove City College and the author of Faith and the Presidency from George Washington to George W. Bush (Oxford University Press, August 2006)
The Calling
I finally caught an episode of "God or the Girl" on A&E last night. It's a "reality" series about four young Catholic men who are trying to decide if they should become priests. The whole thing is a bit odd but I was drawn like a moth to a flame.They play these weird blurry segments in between the stories that make the church seem like some haunted place you would be afraid to enter. It's a bit strange, but I digress.
On the surface this show is tragic. At one point a scripture reciting fundamentalist began to challenge the young man Dan on his Catholic beliefs. Dan choked. He could not answer the challenge. There are very good scriptural explanations for the beliefs of the Catholic church but Dan was not able present them.
Steve comes across as a rich kid who does not want to get his hands dirty. Joe has spent 10 years deciding what he wants to do and Mike seems more interested in girls then the priesthood. Some of this may be a rush judgment because I've only seen two shows.
The show really portrays only two options for these young men, priesthood or marriage. While it may be entertaining to peek into these life changing decisions through our TV, I'm not sure a TV show is the best place to hear God's call.
We are all called to be and do something. Doctors, teachers, construction workers, truck drivers are all called to duty. It is up to us to discover and accept whatever the call. Yet when one is called to a religious life, it is the church and not the individual who should confirm and authenticate that call.
All to often people claim they are called to do something when they really are not. I've met so many people who say God called them to be a pastor, so they started their own church. The sad truth is their claim can not be validated on their own.
A young man who feels he is called to a religious vocation would be admitted by the Catholic Church into a seminary. Lot's of people go to seminary. That's does not means that all or even most of them should ever become priests. Seminary is a time to discover of their calling is true. In time a determination should be made by the Church and the seminarian. Such a decision could never be made as a season finale on a TV show.
I do believe that all priests should remain celibate and unmarried. I know may of you will disagree. To live a life of celibacy is not to reject happiness. Celibacy is a gift given from God. It is not just giving up something, it's loving through sacrifice. It's sacred.
One does not chose God over love, for choosing God is choosing love. It is just done in a way that is not understood by most of society today.
Praise God for the men that are truly called to serve the faithful. While this is a vital and noble vocation, it is not mere TV entertainment.
Internet becoming campaign mainstay
Some political hopefuls are animating themselves and popping up on your computer screen and in your inbox for the chance to relay a message, raise money and show off their personalities -- a new trend in the short history of campaign Web sites. Read More
Aim of new law is to protect farmers, target eco-terrorism
Gov. Ed Rendell has signed into law a bill aimed at protecting farmers, researchers and others from what the bill's sponsor called "environmental extremists." Read More
Crazy Iranian Quote of the Day
Speaking at a recent news conference in Tehran promoting the nation as a “new Middle Eastern superpower,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims to have upwards of 40,000 suicide bombers prepared to strike British and U.S. targets if any Iranian nuclear sites are attacked, and warned that Israel was heading towards “annihilation.”
Prof. Told Students to Destroy Pro-Life Crosses
A college professor has been put on leave and will retire at the end of the semester after admitting she told students to destroy an anti-abortion display on campus.
NewsMax.com
NewsMax.com
Opus Dei Asks for 'Da Vinci' Disclaimer
The conservative religious group Opus Dei has asked for a disclaimer on the upcoming film based on the best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code."
Opus Dei, portrayed as a murderous, power-hungry sect in the novel by Dan Brown, wrote in an April 6 letter to Sony Corp. that a disclaimer would show respect to Jesus and to the Catholic Church.
A spokesman for Sony Pictures Entertainment declined to say whether the film would bear a disclaimer.
AP
Opus Dei, portrayed as a murderous, power-hungry sect in the novel by Dan Brown, wrote in an April 6 letter to Sony Corp. that a disclaimer would show respect to Jesus and to the Catholic Church.
A spokesman for Sony Pictures Entertainment declined to say whether the film would bear a disclaimer.
AP
The divided states of America
22 State are likely to restrict abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
•Twenty-two state legislatures are likely to impose significant new restrictions on abortion. They include nearly every state in the South and a swath of big states across the industrial Rust Belt, from Pennsylvania to Ohio and Michigan. These states have enacted most of the abortion restrictions now allowed.
Nine states are considering bans similar to the one passed in South Dakota — it's scheduled to go into effect July 1 — and four states are debating restrictions that would be triggered if the Supreme Court overturned Roe.
•Sixteen state legislatures are likely to continue current access to abortion. They include every state on the West Coast and almost every state in the Northeast. A half-dozen already have passed laws that specifically protect abortion rights. Most of the states in this group have enacted fewer than half of the abortion restrictions now available to states.
•Twelve states fall into a middle ground between those two categories. About half are in the Midwest, the rest scattered from Arizona to Rhode Island.
USA TODAY
•Twenty-two state legislatures are likely to impose significant new restrictions on abortion. They include nearly every state in the South and a swath of big states across the industrial Rust Belt, from Pennsylvania to Ohio and Michigan. These states have enacted most of the abortion restrictions now allowed.
Nine states are considering bans similar to the one passed in South Dakota — it's scheduled to go into effect July 1 — and four states are debating restrictions that would be triggered if the Supreme Court overturned Roe.
•Sixteen state legislatures are likely to continue current access to abortion. They include every state on the West Coast and almost every state in the Northeast. A half-dozen already have passed laws that specifically protect abortion rights. Most of the states in this group have enacted fewer than half of the abortion restrictions now available to states.
•Twelve states fall into a middle ground between those two categories. About half are in the Midwest, the rest scattered from Arizona to Rhode Island.
USA TODAY
Lawmakers fail to reach agreement on tax cuts
By Jan Murphy and Charles Thompson, The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)
A compromise continues to elude a House-Senate conference committee trying to figure out a plan to cut homeowners' school property tax bills.
Read More
A compromise continues to elude a House-Senate conference committee trying to figure out a plan to cut homeowners' school property tax bills.
Read More
Pope condemns geneticists 'who play at being God'
The Pope will deliver a blistering attack on the “satanic” mores of modern society today, warning against an “inane apologia of evil” that is in danger of destroying humanity.
In a series of Good Friday meditations that he will lead in Rome, the Pope will say that society is in the grip of a kind of “anti-Genesis” described as “a diabolical pride aimed at eliminating the family”. He will pray for society to be cleansed of the “filth” that surrounds it and be restored to purity, freed from “decadent narcissism”.
Particular condemnation is reserved for scientific advances in the field of genetic manipulation. Warning against the move to “modify the very grammar of life as planned and willed by God”, the Pope will lead prayers against “insane, risky and dangerous” ventures in attempting “to take God’s place without being God”.
POLL: 82 PERCENT BELIEVE IN GOD
Presidential Message: Easter 2006
The following is a message from President Bush for Easter 2006:
Easter 2006"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said."Matthew 28:6
I send greetings to those observing the joyous holiday of Easter. On Easter, Christians around the world join together with family and friends to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of love over death. This is a season of renewal, a time for giving thanks and praise and for remembering that hope overcomes despair.
Christ's extraordinary sacrifice and compassion continue to inspire people around the world. His promise of new life gives hope and confidence to His followers. His service and love for His neighbors offer a profound lesson for all people.
During this Easter season, we celebrate God's gifts of freedom and justice. We pray for peace and ask for God's blessings on the brave men and women who wear our Nation's uniform and their families.
Laura and I wish you a Happy Easter.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Easter 2006"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said."Matthew 28:6
I send greetings to those observing the joyous holiday of Easter. On Easter, Christians around the world join together with family and friends to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of love over death. This is a season of renewal, a time for giving thanks and praise and for remembering that hope overcomes despair.
Christ's extraordinary sacrifice and compassion continue to inspire people around the world. His promise of new life gives hope and confidence to His followers. His service and love for His neighbors offer a profound lesson for all people.
During this Easter season, we celebrate God's gifts of freedom and justice. We pray for peace and ask for God's blessings on the brave men and women who wear our Nation's uniform and their families.
Laura and I wish you a Happy Easter.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Must We Go To Church?
I was dismayed at a caller to the show who said he was a former Catholic and was taught the he only had to attend church on Christmas and Easter. That's is the exact opposite of what the Church teaches.
Catholics put so much emphasis on “going to church” by way of keeping holy the Sabbath. Of course Protestant Christians, too, are committed to Sunday worship, but we Catholics add a note of obligation. For us, participating in Sunday Mass is a great privilege but also a serious responsibility. We may not “miss” Sunday Mass—except for some very good reason.
Catholics are called to “full, conscious and active participation [as] demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation is [our] right and duty by reason of baptism” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #14). Far more than attending as spectators, we must function as active members in a bonded community.
The Bible highlights the communal nature of faith. Indeed, it seems that God designed our very human nature as relational. When God differentiated the lonely Adam into male and female, God made them “companions” to each other. Then, beginning with God’s call of Abraham and Sarah to parent a people, Hebrew faith is lived in and as community. No sin or success is purely personal. God makes every covenant with the Hebrews as a people, not as individuals. That “I will be your God and you will be my people” (Leviticus 26:12) was their sustaining conviction.
It is sad so many people leave the Catholic faith without even having a basic understanding of it. You owe it to yourself to at least undersand what you choose to abandon before you abandon it.
Catholics put so much emphasis on “going to church” by way of keeping holy the Sabbath. Of course Protestant Christians, too, are committed to Sunday worship, but we Catholics add a note of obligation. For us, participating in Sunday Mass is a great privilege but also a serious responsibility. We may not “miss” Sunday Mass—except for some very good reason.
Catholics are called to “full, conscious and active participation [as] demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation is [our] right and duty by reason of baptism” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #14). Far more than attending as spectators, we must function as active members in a bonded community.
The Bible highlights the communal nature of faith. Indeed, it seems that God designed our very human nature as relational. When God differentiated the lonely Adam into male and female, God made them “companions” to each other. Then, beginning with God’s call of Abraham and Sarah to parent a people, Hebrew faith is lived in and as community. No sin or success is purely personal. God makes every covenant with the Hebrews as a people, not as individuals. That “I will be your God and you will be my people” (Leviticus 26:12) was their sustaining conviction.
It is sad so many people leave the Catholic faith without even having a basic understanding of it. You owe it to yourself to at least undersand what you choose to abandon before you abandon it.
Show Update
I know many of you have contacted my about Jerry Bowyer and the Talk Show. It was Feb 20th the last time Jerry was on the air. In March the Post-Gazette ran a bit on the situation. I promised to keep you all up to date as to what's is happening.
Jerry, due to personal medical reasons, has now officially resigned from the show. We had hoped that after a leave of absence that he would return.
I wish to thank all of you for your concern. I ask that you keep Jerry and his family in your prayers.
As for the show, we are actively seeking a new host. I have no doubt that our journey will continue with a new member of the family very soon. I plan to continue to produce the program and do my best to keep you entertained, educated and challenged to think. That has always been the goal. To grow together as we seek truth and consider things from a Christian perspective.
I hope you will continue to join us in that endeavor.
Jerry, due to personal medical reasons, has now officially resigned from the show. We had hoped that after a leave of absence that he would return.
I wish to thank all of you for your concern. I ask that you keep Jerry and his family in your prayers.
As for the show, we are actively seeking a new host. I have no doubt that our journey will continue with a new member of the family very soon. I plan to continue to produce the program and do my best to keep you entertained, educated and challenged to think. That has always been the goal. To grow together as we seek truth and consider things from a Christian perspective.
I hope you will continue to join us in that endeavor.
Protests backfire!
A Zogby survey of nearly 8,000 people shows coast-to-coast protests against immigration proposals in Congress – particularly to make it a federal felony to be an illegal worker in the U.S. – have not persuaded a majority of likely American voters.
Asked whether the protests have made likely voters more or less sympathetic toward undocumented workers, 61 percent said they're less likely to be sympathetic to the plight of illegals as a result of the protests, while only 32 percent of respondents said they're now more sympathetic. Younger respondents to the poll were more likely to be sympathetic than were older participants. And while 56 percent of Democrats said the protests made them feel more sympathy for unlawful workers, just 6 percent of Republicans felt that way.
Asked whether the protests have made likely voters more or less sympathetic toward undocumented workers, 61 percent said they're less likely to be sympathetic to the plight of illegals as a result of the protests, while only 32 percent of respondents said they're now more sympathetic. Younger respondents to the poll were more likely to be sympathetic than were older participants. And while 56 percent of Democrats said the protests made them feel more sympathy for unlawful workers, just 6 percent of Republicans felt that way.
Russ Diamind Runs For PA Governor
In what was already proving a surprisingly tight contest, the race for governor of Pennsylvania has grown more complicated with the entry of an independent candidate who helped spearhead a grass-roots insurgency last year against the state legislature.
The latest arrival in the race is Russ Diamond, a businessman who last July founded PACleanSweep, a political action committee born of voter outrage after legislators approved a controversial raise for themselves.
"Pennsylvania is a ship that is off course, and the way to get it back on course is from the captain's chair," Mr. Diamond said in making his candidacy public during an interview here Tuesday. "That means it's time for us to take the governor's office."
NY Times
The latest arrival in the race is Russ Diamond, a businessman who last July founded PACleanSweep, a political action committee born of voter outrage after legislators approved a controversial raise for themselves.
"Pennsylvania is a ship that is off course, and the way to get it back on course is from the captain's chair," Mr. Diamond said in making his candidacy public during an interview here Tuesday. "That means it's time for us to take the governor's office."
NY Times
Pro-Life Prayer
People Concerned for the Unborn Child (PCUC) has been praying at the abortion mill downtown Pittsburgh every Good Friday since they first opened their doors. Please join the this Friday at 10 am at the Planned Parenthood killing center at 933 Liberty Avenue to ask God to end this tragedy.
They will be praying for the conversion of those who work at this establishment and for the unborn babies who die here and for their vulnerable parents who make bad decisions. Thanks to all who do.
They will be praying for the conversion of those who work at this establishment and for the unborn babies who die here and for their vulnerable parents who make bad decisions. Thanks to all who do.
MTV Targets The Catholic Church
As Christians around the world prepare for Easter, magazine readers in Germany were confronted this week by full-page advertisements depicting Jesus, wearing a crown of thorns but descended from the cross, enjoying a television program.
The ad promotes MTV's plan to broadcast a cartoon lampooning the pope and Vatican hierarchy. The series, Popetown, was considered too controversial to be aired in Britain, and it caused an uproar in the one country where it has appeared, New Zealand.
Coming at a time when the dust has yet to settle from the furor over newspaper cartoons caricaturing Mohammed, the row has prompted some Germans to ask why their faith should be an easy target. Germany is the home country of the present pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI.
The series portrays the pope as an uncontrollable, infantile character who pogo-sticks around a Vatican populated by corrupt, money-grabbing cardinals.
"South Park" regularly airs offensive programs on Comedy Central here in the U.S. The interesting things is Comedy Central and MTV are both owned by the media conglomerate Viacom. Viacom also own CBS, CMT, LOGO, Neopets, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, TV Land, Noggin, Spike TV, VH1, Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Studios and local Infinity Pittsburgh radio stations 93.7, 100.7, 107.9 and KDKA. What is is being pumped into our life by Viacom?
More: CNSNews.com
The ad promotes MTV's plan to broadcast a cartoon lampooning the pope and Vatican hierarchy. The series, Popetown, was considered too controversial to be aired in Britain, and it caused an uproar in the one country where it has appeared, New Zealand.
Coming at a time when the dust has yet to settle from the furor over newspaper cartoons caricaturing Mohammed, the row has prompted some Germans to ask why their faith should be an easy target. Germany is the home country of the present pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI.
The series portrays the pope as an uncontrollable, infantile character who pogo-sticks around a Vatican populated by corrupt, money-grabbing cardinals.
"South Park" regularly airs offensive programs on Comedy Central here in the U.S. The interesting things is Comedy Central and MTV are both owned by the media conglomerate Viacom. Viacom also own CBS, CMT, LOGO, Neopets, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, TV Land, Noggin, Spike TV, VH1, Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Studios and local Infinity Pittsburgh radio stations 93.7, 100.7, 107.9 and KDKA. What is is being pumped into our life by Viacom?
More: CNSNews.com
Stern Reality
Howard Stern, is facing a stern reality - the vast majority of his estimated 12 million listeners didn't go with him to satellite radio.
Stern jumped to satellite broadcasting where industry execs expected subscribers to pay to relish his vulgarity. Sirius, the satellite company that charges subscribers $13 a month for Stern, will not release numbers. But industry analysts believe Stern has managed to corral no more than 1-2 million members of his old audience. Stern's reality shows what an empowered FCC can do to keep the public airwaves decent for America's families.
Despite the FCC's successes Congress has yet to give them the tools it needs to clean up broadcast television. A major obstacle is Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) who continues to resist get-tough broadcast decency legislation. All the while he has hailed his own efforts in the Senate Commerce Committee, which he chairs, as "family friendly" and even claims support from "faith-based" organizations.
The reality is that the broadcast indecency measure has passed the House, has received almost unanimous support in the Senate, but the bill H.R. 810 is being held up by Sen. Stevens. Let's hope that will soon change.
Stern jumped to satellite broadcasting where industry execs expected subscribers to pay to relish his vulgarity. Sirius, the satellite company that charges subscribers $13 a month for Stern, will not release numbers. But industry analysts believe Stern has managed to corral no more than 1-2 million members of his old audience. Stern's reality shows what an empowered FCC can do to keep the public airwaves decent for America's families.
Despite the FCC's successes Congress has yet to give them the tools it needs to clean up broadcast television. A major obstacle is Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) who continues to resist get-tough broadcast decency legislation. All the while he has hailed his own efforts in the Senate Commerce Committee, which he chairs, as "family friendly" and even claims support from "faith-based" organizations.
The reality is that the broadcast indecency measure has passed the House, has received almost unanimous support in the Senate, but the bill H.R. 810 is being held up by Sen. Stevens. Let's hope that will soon change.
LYING ON THE JOB
According to a recent survey, 19 percent of workers admit they lie at the office at least once a week. Among the reasons:
To appease a customer: 26%
To cover up a failed project, mistake or missed deadline: 13%
To explain an unexcused absence or late arrival: 8%
To protect another employee: 8%
To get another employee in trouble: 5%
[Boston Globe]
To appease a customer: 26%
To cover up a failed project, mistake or missed deadline: 13%
To explain an unexcused absence or late arrival: 8%
To protect another employee: 8%
To get another employee in trouble: 5%
[Boston Globe]
CLIMATE OF FEAR
M. Lindzen, Alfred P. Sloan Professor of Atmospheric Science at MIT, points to the prevalence of alarmism for keeping global warming theories alive: “Scientists who dissent from the alarmism have seen their grant funds disappear, their work derided, and themselves libeled as industry stooges, scientific hacks or worse. Consequently, lies about climate change gain credence even when they fly in the face of the science that supposedly is their basis.”
[Opinion Journal]
[Opinion Journal]
STUDENT EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL FOR BEING GAY
Student Jason Johnson, a sophomore, was expelled from a Baptist-affiliated college under a new sexual conduct policy that forbids engaging in or promoting homosexuality. He’s hired a lawyer even though he had prior plans to transfer to the school where his boyfriend attends.
[Courier-Journal]
[Courier-Journal]
Please Help
Food For The Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through the churches and charity organizations already operating in areas of need. In this way, the organization serves the poor with dignity and ensures the most appropriate use of donors' funds.
Pens won't commit to Rendell's Plan B
Nearly two weeks after Gov. Ed Rendell unveiled it, the Penguins aren't ready to commit to his Plan B for funding a new arena, calling the proposal "incomplete." Read More
Kennedy Bashed for Illegal Aliens-Civil Rights Comparison
A black conservative minister and staunch immigration reform advocate Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson Tuesday denounced Sen. Ted Kennedy for comparing pro-illegal immigration rallies to civil rights marches for blacks half a century ago.
The Massachusetts Democrat, who is a proponent of a Senate plan that would open the way to citizenship for illegals, said recent illegal immigration rallies are "reminiscent of the civil rights movement.”
Rev. Peterson said, "Ted Kennedy should be ashamed for comparing the civil rights struggles of blacks to that of illegal aliens. Black Americans are being driven out of their jobs and schools by the influx of illegals — while politicians like Kennedy sell them out for Hispanic votes.”
NewsMax.com
The Massachusetts Democrat, who is a proponent of a Senate plan that would open the way to citizenship for illegals, said recent illegal immigration rallies are "reminiscent of the civil rights movement.”
Rev. Peterson said, "Ted Kennedy should be ashamed for comparing the civil rights struggles of blacks to that of illegal aliens. Black Americans are being driven out of their jobs and schools by the influx of illegals — while politicians like Kennedy sell them out for Hispanic votes.”
NewsMax.com
Brittney in Trouble Again
Every now and then I post some pop story. Not long ago we covered Brittney Spears driving with her new baby on her lap. Not a good move.
Now there is news Spears and her husband are being quizzed after their baby son suffered a suspected fractured skull. Six-month-old Sean smashed his head falling to the ground from his high chair. His injury emerged when Britney, 24, took him to a doctor six days later after he became groggy and tearful.
Dare I say it, "oops, she did it again". Sorry, I know that was in bad taste.
Suspicious medical officials filed a complaint to the Los Angeles child welfare department and the couple were questioned by investigators who were escorted by police.
Britney and husband Kevin Federline, 28, have been accused of poor parenting before. If found guilty of ill treatment or neglect they could receive a warning - or even lose their baby.
Now there is news Spears and her husband are being quizzed after their baby son suffered a suspected fractured skull. Six-month-old Sean smashed his head falling to the ground from his high chair. His injury emerged when Britney, 24, took him to a doctor six days later after he became groggy and tearful.
Dare I say it, "oops, she did it again". Sorry, I know that was in bad taste.
Suspicious medical officials filed a complaint to the Los Angeles child welfare department and the couple were questioned by investigators who were escorted by police.
Britney and husband Kevin Federline, 28, have been accused of poor parenting before. If found guilty of ill treatment or neglect they could receive a warning - or even lose their baby.
The Ticking Clock: Condi Says Time for Action
Condoleezza Rice said Iran's assertion it has enriched uranium will require "strong steps" from the United Nations Security Council.
Rice said the announcement from Tehran was further proof it was not adhering to requirements already set out by the international community.
"I do think the Security Council will need to take into consideration this move by Iran," Rice said at the State Department. She urged that when the council reconvenes it take "strong steps to make certain (to) maintain the credibility of the international community."
Allow me to translate - "Lock and Load"
Rice said the announcement from Tehran was further proof it was not adhering to requirements already set out by the international community.
"I do think the Security Council will need to take into consideration this move by Iran," Rice said at the State Department. She urged that when the council reconvenes it take "strong steps to make certain (to) maintain the credibility of the international community."
Allow me to translate - "Lock and Load"
Casey Slings Mud
During Saturday's debate with the Democratic Senate candidates, Bobby Casey Jr. focused his answers not on his stances on positions, but on attacking Senator Rick Santorum.
"[Mr. Casey] focused most of his jabs at Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, using language aimed at reaching out to voters across the political spectrum." (Jeff Miller, "Two Democrats vying with Casey try to make a name for themselves," The Morning Call, April 9, 2006).
"Throughout the 90-minute forum at Slippery Rock University, Mr. Casey took every opportunity to turn questions against the incumbent, portraying Mr. Santorum not as a traditional conservative, but as an ideologue beyond the mainstream of American politics." (James O'Toole, "Democrat Casey, his two opponents debate in race for Santorum's seat," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 2006)
"Accusing Mr. Casey of vagueness, Mr. Sandals insisted he still didn't know his position on key issues. Mr. Pennacchio said of the front-runner: 'I thought it was ironic [Mr. Casey] was attacking Santorum for taking money from pharmaceutical and insurance [interests] when he's taken the same money.' Asked to respond, Mr. Casey said, 'I don't think that's accurate.' As always, he took the opportunity to turn the focus to the Republicans." (James O'Toole, "Democrat Casey, his two opponents debate in race for Santorum's seat," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 2006)
"But for 90 minutes in a Slippery Rock University auditorium, Casey kept his attention mostly on the one candidate not in the room: Sen. Rick Santorum (R., Pa.)." (Carrie Budoff, "Casey, opponents square off in first Democratic debate," The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 9, 2006).
"Bobby Casey established a well-known record when he ran for governor that negative attacks are his best defense. That track record is alive and well in the Senate race. Rather than speaking out on the important issues facing our Commonwealth and the nation, Casey prefers to attack Rick Santorum to cover up his unwillingness to take positions on the tough issues," said Vince Galko, campaign manager for Santorum 2006.
Casey continues to refuse to debate Senator Santorum, and has only agreed to two debates with his primary opponents avoiding both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for those debates.
"[Mr. Casey] focused most of his jabs at Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, using language aimed at reaching out to voters across the political spectrum." (Jeff Miller, "Two Democrats vying with Casey try to make a name for themselves," The Morning Call, April 9, 2006).
"Throughout the 90-minute forum at Slippery Rock University, Mr. Casey took every opportunity to turn questions against the incumbent, portraying Mr. Santorum not as a traditional conservative, but as an ideologue beyond the mainstream of American politics." (James O'Toole, "Democrat Casey, his two opponents debate in race for Santorum's seat," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 2006)
"Accusing Mr. Casey of vagueness, Mr. Sandals insisted he still didn't know his position on key issues. Mr. Pennacchio said of the front-runner: 'I thought it was ironic [Mr. Casey] was attacking Santorum for taking money from pharmaceutical and insurance [interests] when he's taken the same money.' Asked to respond, Mr. Casey said, 'I don't think that's accurate.' As always, he took the opportunity to turn the focus to the Republicans." (James O'Toole, "Democrat Casey, his two opponents debate in race for Santorum's seat," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 2006)
"But for 90 minutes in a Slippery Rock University auditorium, Casey kept his attention mostly on the one candidate not in the room: Sen. Rick Santorum (R., Pa.)." (Carrie Budoff, "Casey, opponents square off in first Democratic debate," The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 9, 2006).
"Bobby Casey established a well-known record when he ran for governor that negative attacks are his best defense. That track record is alive and well in the Senate race. Rather than speaking out on the important issues facing our Commonwealth and the nation, Casey prefers to attack Rick Santorum to cover up his unwillingness to take positions on the tough issues," said Vince Galko, campaign manager for Santorum 2006.
Casey continues to refuse to debate Senator Santorum, and has only agreed to two debates with his primary opponents avoiding both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for those debates.
This Land Is Your Land
Tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets of D.C. as coordinated protests took place across the country against Congress' efforts to address illegal immigration."La Marcha" as it was called was a rally for "immigration rights." It's hard to maintain that anyone has a right to violate U.S. laws. Although their signs and speeches were mostly in Spanish crowds were non-violent and most took care not to antagonize law-abiding Americans by waving Mexican flags in their faces.
A survey taken by the Family Reasearch council shows that people are very concerned about the illegal immigration issue. Protecting human life from abortion stills registers a No.1 concern (44 percent), followed by judicial activism (25 percent), protecting marriage (21 percent) and stopping illegal immigration (18 percent).
There is little question in the minds of Values Voters, as well as Americans at large, about how to address the issue of illegal immigration: Strong border security (81 percent). By a lop-sided margin of 91 to 9 percent, the survey respondents said illegal immigrants should be treated humanely but should be detected, arrested, and returned to their country of origin. Respondents also agreed (78 percent) that official election ballots should be printed in English only.
Party activists used the crowds to register voters. Knowing that thousands of rally participants are illegally in the U.S., these activists are deliberately setting up election day challenges. Then, of course, they will scream racism. I leave it to your imagination which party that was. Some of yesterday's marchers carried No barreras (No barriers) signs. That demand effectively would end the sovereignty of the United States. Five years after 9/11, it is intolerable that America's borders are so porous.
Day of Truth
On Thursday, April 27, students from across the country will stand together on the Day of Truth...will you be one of them?
This year marks the second year of the Day of Truth, which was established to counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective. Last year more than 1,100 students from over 350 schools participated and shared the Truth with their classmates. But there are so many more who need to hear the Truth, spoken in love.
To get involved, go to the web site ( www.dayoftruth.org )
This year marks the second year of the Day of Truth, which was established to counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective. Last year more than 1,100 students from over 350 schools participated and shared the Truth with their classmates. But there are so many more who need to hear the Truth, spoken in love.
To get involved, go to the web site ( www.dayoftruth.org )
Publisher says Catholic Leaders Acting Dangerously by Encouraging Illegal Immigrants
Jason T. Christy is outraged that Catholic faith leaders, namely Cardinal Mahoney and Bishop Slatterley, would rally for such a dangerous and unlawful proposal in his home state of Arizona and across the country. Christy, the CEO of Christy Media, publishers of The Church Report magazine and The CR Daily, a national news and business publication for Christian pastors and leaders, says he has no choice but to make his voice heard.
“The Catholic leadership in America is endangering our country, draining our financial resources and encouraging their parishioners to break laws. Illegal immigration cannot be properly dealt with by offering amnesty, by not protecting the border and certainly not by Catholic leaders encouraging the continual aid illegal immigrants,” Christy said.
“The Catholic leadership in America is endangering our country, draining our financial resources and encouraging their parishioners to break laws. Illegal immigration cannot be properly dealt with by offering amnesty, by not protecting the border and certainly not by Catholic leaders encouraging the continual aid illegal immigrants,” Christy said.
Salem expands in conservative talk
Salem already aggressively pursues a radio + website strategy for its Christian stations (including WORD FM) - and now aims to do the same using its platform of conservative news/talkers. Salem didn't announce a price - but said they became aware TownHall.com was available just as they were close to launching their own site.
Theocons?
Author Kevin Phillips is out with a new book--In God's Country. He warns--in the direst of terms--about a "takeover" of the GOP by religious conservatives.
Phillips has made a career of being an "ex" Republican adviser, emphasizing the ex. And the label "theocon" is being thrown around, mostly as a term of abuse for conservatives who believe in God.
What is so alarming about Americans who happen to be believers getting involved in the political process? What is so radical about opposing the heinous partial-birth abortion procedure? Or seeking legal protections for parents who don't want their minor daughters taken across state lines for secret abortions? We have tried to protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. What's far out about that? We win in liberal as well as conservative states whenever the people are trusted to answer on that one. And we've opposed taking "Under God" out of the Pledge. How many Americans want this to be an officially atheist country?
Phillips may be upset that his previously Mainline Protestant GOP has had to get used to millions of Evangelicals and Catholics, but it became a majority party by doing so. As Ross Douthat points out in a piece that was highlighted in the Washington Times today, with the Republican White House and Republican Congress disappointing so many fiscal conservatives, the only possible hope they have for retaining their majorities rests upon the social conservatives.
The bad news is, polling data shows increasing disappointment with the GOP's failure to advance the "values" issues. The good news is Congress still has time to act on proven popular agenda items. Americans need to see that it makes a difference who runs Washington.
Phillips has made a career of being an "ex" Republican adviser, emphasizing the ex. And the label "theocon" is being thrown around, mostly as a term of abuse for conservatives who believe in God.
What is so alarming about Americans who happen to be believers getting involved in the political process? What is so radical about opposing the heinous partial-birth abortion procedure? Or seeking legal protections for parents who don't want their minor daughters taken across state lines for secret abortions? We have tried to protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. What's far out about that? We win in liberal as well as conservative states whenever the people are trusted to answer on that one. And we've opposed taking "Under God" out of the Pledge. How many Americans want this to be an officially atheist country?
Phillips may be upset that his previously Mainline Protestant GOP has had to get used to millions of Evangelicals and Catholics, but it became a majority party by doing so. As Ross Douthat points out in a piece that was highlighted in the Washington Times today, with the Republican White House and Republican Congress disappointing so many fiscal conservatives, the only possible hope they have for retaining their majorities rests upon the social conservatives.
The bad news is, polling data shows increasing disappointment with the GOP's failure to advance the "values" issues. The good news is Congress still has time to act on proven popular agenda items. Americans need to see that it makes a difference who runs Washington.
RU-486 and Real Women
On April 26 "Real Women's Voices," will take place. It's a lobbying and information day on Capitol Hill. In addition to a number of pressing issues, the shocking stories in The New York Times will be told about deaths of women who took RU-486. The fact is that the publication that considers itself America's "newspaper of record" has brought these deaths to wider public notice. The Times has made this issue one that legislators cannot ignore--even if the Times' liberal editorialists wish it would go away. The Congress and the White House should make sure that the voices of real women are heard in the process!
MILLIONS OF STERN LISTENERS LOST
Only a fraction of Stern’s listeners have followed him to satellite. Whatever is says about Stern, could it be a good sign for terrestrial radio?
[LATimes]
[LATimes]
NOT JUST MORE JOBS, BETTER JOBS
No only do the numbers indicate strong job growth, but a growing number of new jobs are higher-wage positions.
[CSMonitor]
[CSMonitor]
FACING DOWN IRAN
From the article by Mark Steyn: “The cost of de-nuking Iran will be high now but significantly higher with every year it’s postponed. The lesson of the Danish cartoons is the clearest reminder that what is at stake here is the credibility of our civilization. Whether or not we end the nuclearization of the Islamic Republic will be an act that defines our time.”
[City Journal]
[City Journal]
THE BLAME GAME
I don't want to sound cold here, but the last time I checked a person who breaks the the law commits a crime. A person who commits a crime is called a criminal. If you come into this country illegally (the means against the law) you have broken the law, committed a crime and are now a criminal no matter how good your intentions may be.
Can we please stop calling criminals "immigrants" just because it sounds better. I know you might not have thousands who come out to support a "pro-criminal" rally but that's what is happening.
I'm not against honest, hard-working people coming to this country to improve their life, earn their keep and contribute to society. In fact, I think we need more people like that. Far too many in this country are lazy and only earn more money though an increase in the minimum wage or some government entitlement program.
I am against any person who steals their citizenship and bypasses the laws of the country they seek to live in. We do need reform in this area. We need to get rid of this sub-economic class of people. We should be ashamed that we have Americans who take advantage of people. The sad fact is this has become a political issue and not a humanitarian one.
With dramatic demonstrations across the country, Democrats unwilling to yield to Republicans on genuine border security (i.e. a wall) and Republicans reluctant to grant citizenship, the question is, how will voters respond?
News coverage: [Washington Post]
Opinion: What would Mexico do with protesting illegals? [City Journal]
Built on Immigrant Genes [Washington Post]
Can we please stop calling criminals "immigrants" just because it sounds better. I know you might not have thousands who come out to support a "pro-criminal" rally but that's what is happening.
I'm not against honest, hard-working people coming to this country to improve their life, earn their keep and contribute to society. In fact, I think we need more people like that. Far too many in this country are lazy and only earn more money though an increase in the minimum wage or some government entitlement program.
I am against any person who steals their citizenship and bypasses the laws of the country they seek to live in. We do need reform in this area. We need to get rid of this sub-economic class of people. We should be ashamed that we have Americans who take advantage of people. The sad fact is this has become a political issue and not a humanitarian one.
With dramatic demonstrations across the country, Democrats unwilling to yield to Republicans on genuine border security (i.e. a wall) and Republicans reluctant to grant citizenship, the question is, how will voters respond?
News coverage: [Washington Post]
Opinion: What would Mexico do with protesting illegals? [City Journal]
Built on Immigrant Genes [Washington Post]
CHAVEZ COZIES UP TO IRAN
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is seeking to deepen ties with Iran, with discussions on holding joint military exercises and obtaining uranium, according to Bush administration officials.
[Washington Times]
[Washington Times]
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