Dear Powerball:
I've been looking into the catholic faith and I wanted you to explain the extra books found in the catholic bible. Why are the bibles different?
Thanks for the email. The books you are asking about are called the Apocrypha. The Protestant OT is based on the Hebrew canon used by Hebrew-speaking Jews in Palestine. The Catholic OT is based on the Greek Canon used by Greek-speaking Jews throughout the Mediterranean, including Palestine - i.e. the Septuagint, translated byJewish scholars - including 6 from each tribe - according to tradition.
The Septuagint was the translation used by Jesus and the NT writers. We know this because the great majority of the OT quotations found in the NT are from the Septuagint.
The Hebrew Canon was debated by the Jews until well into the 3rd century. At that time - during the ongoing Christian persecutions - they rejected seven books found in the Septuagint - Wisdom, Sirach, Judith, Baruch, Tobit, and 1 and 2 Maccabees (as well as portions of Daniel and Esther) primarily because they could find no versions of these books written in Hebrew. Since the Church used the Septuagint from the beginning, it simply ignored the decision by the Jews and continued to use the Septuagint.
When the Church officially determined the books that comprise the Canon of the Bible at the Councils of Hippo (AD 393) and Carthage (AD 397), it approved the 46 books of the Septuagint as the Canon of the OT. Thus, for more than 1500 years, the OT canon was a matter of uncontested faith - with each of the seven rejected books being quoted by Early Church Fathers as "Scripture" or as "Inspired".
During the Reformation, Martin Luther proposed the adoption of the 39-book Hebrew canon. Luther's reason for rejecting the Deuterocanonicals is because they taught doctrines that he rejected - including purgatory and prayers for the dead. Those doctrines are still rejected by most protestants today despite the fact they are included in the oldest Bibles.
So to answer your question, the Catholic Bible includes the OT used by Jesus and all of the NT writers and defined by the same Church that defined the list of 27 NT books that we all agree upon. A protestant bible includes only the OT defined by the Jews in the 3rd century.
PENNSYLVANIA HIGH COURT: DAD CAN PROMOTE POLYGAMY TO DAUGHTER
A Judge wrote “Where, as in the instant matter, there is no finding that discussing such matters constitutes a grave threat of harm to the child, there is insufficient basis for the court to infringe on a parent's constitutionally protected right to speak to a child about religion as he or she sees fit.” An interesting question: Does a parent have the right to promote what is illegal?
USA Today
USA Today
NAACP FILES SUIT BECAUSE DENTAL CLINIC CLOSED ON SABBATH
From the story: The complaint filed Sept. 6 with the New York state Division of Human Rights accuses the Ben Gilman Medical and Dental Clinic in Spring Valley, N.Y., of imposing its religious beliefs on others by remaining closed on Saturdays. (JTA) From an earlier story: Complainants say the practice is an unlawful violation of people's civil rights, particularly since the clinic's operator, Monsey-based Community Medical and Dental Care Inc., has received millions of dollars in federal funding. (Journal News)
BOY/GIRL BRAINS VERY DIFFERENT AT BIRTH
Interesting note in the story: "It's biology, and it needs hands-on parenting,'" urged Dr. Brizendine. "It needs 'hands-on parenting.' That's why teens need a lot of wisdom and careful monitoring by adults in order to let the good connections grow strong and get rid of the bad connections."
ABC News
ABC News
SUPREME COURT GAINING IN POPULARITY
What is "Jihad"?
What is the meaning of the word “jihad”? Most of us assume that it describes a Muslim obligation to be involved in a “holy war.” Yet there are many Muslims who do not believe that is what it means and argue that Christians have misinterpreted the intent of jihad within the Qur’an.
Does jihad mean holy war or does jihad mean a struggle to conform a Muslim’s desires to the will of Allah?
The word jihad is actually the noun of the Arabic verb jahidi, which means to “strive hard.” This verse is an example: “O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell, and evil refuge indeed” (Sura 9:73).
Although many Muslims understand this striving to be merely intellectual and philosophical, the usual translation of jihad involves a holy war. That has been the traditional interpretation since the time of Muhammad.
If you read the Qur’an you will quickly see that jihad was to be waged on the battlefield. Sura 47:4 says, “When you meet the unbelievers in the battlefield, strike off their heads and, when you have laid them low, bind your captives firmly.” Sura 9:5 says, “Fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, beleager them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem.”
Consider some of these other passages concerning jihad. Faithful Muslims wage jihad against unbelievers: “O ye who believe! Fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you; and know that Allah is with those who fear Him” (Sura 9:123).
Muslims are also to wage jihad not only against unbelievers but against those who have strayed from the faith: “Prophet, make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with them. Hell shall be their home: and evil fate” (Sura 9:73).
After Muhammad’s success in the Battle of Badr, he set forth various principles of warfare. For example, according to Sura 9:29, jihad is a religious duty. He taught in Sura 9:111 that martyrdom in jihad is the highest good and guarantees salvation. Sura 9:5 says that Muslims engaged in jihad should not show tolerance toward unbelievers. And acts of terrorism are justified in Sura 8:2.
There are millions of peaceful Muslims who interpret jihad in the sense of striving in the path of God. But it is also true that there are millions of other Muslims that accept a literal interpretation of jihad which is to be waged against infidels and apostates.
Does jihad mean holy war or does jihad mean a struggle to conform a Muslim’s desires to the will of Allah?
The word jihad is actually the noun of the Arabic verb jahidi, which means to “strive hard.” This verse is an example: “O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell, and evil refuge indeed” (Sura 9:73).
Although many Muslims understand this striving to be merely intellectual and philosophical, the usual translation of jihad involves a holy war. That has been the traditional interpretation since the time of Muhammad.
If you read the Qur’an you will quickly see that jihad was to be waged on the battlefield. Sura 47:4 says, “When you meet the unbelievers in the battlefield, strike off their heads and, when you have laid them low, bind your captives firmly.” Sura 9:5 says, “Fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, beleager them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem.”
Consider some of these other passages concerning jihad. Faithful Muslims wage jihad against unbelievers: “O ye who believe! Fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you; and know that Allah is with those who fear Him” (Sura 9:123).
Muslims are also to wage jihad not only against unbelievers but against those who have strayed from the faith: “Prophet, make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with them. Hell shall be their home: and evil fate” (Sura 9:73).
After Muhammad’s success in the Battle of Badr, he set forth various principles of warfare. For example, according to Sura 9:29, jihad is a religious duty. He taught in Sura 9:111 that martyrdom in jihad is the highest good and guarantees salvation. Sura 9:5 says that Muslims engaged in jihad should not show tolerance toward unbelievers. And acts of terrorism are justified in Sura 8:2.
There are millions of peaceful Muslims who interpret jihad in the sense of striving in the path of God. But it is also true that there are millions of other Muslims that accept a literal interpretation of jihad which is to be waged against infidels and apostates.
50,000 and counting
Sometime last night PowerBlog! welcomed the 50,000th visitor. I know some blogs get that in an hour but it's quite a number for this little known, rarely mentioned corner of the universe.
For those of you who are regular readers, I want to thank you for your support. There was a time when this site attracted sudden national attention after the firing of a former talk show host. The pages were mined for words to take out of context and hate to be spread. But God is in control. If you don't speak the truth you will not last very long no matter what label you put on.
After all the attacks, PowerBlog! still remains and I believe God has used this as an outlet for truth. I know many have emailed me with a new respect and better understand of Christianity and the Catholic Church.
Looking back, there were a few moments I thought of pulling the plug. Yet still today I continue to meet great people who read it and value what we do here. It was Nov. 1st 2004, when the first PowerBlog! post went up. It was a post critical (of all things) the Catholic Church. As we approach 2 years of blogging and 2596 posts later we are still going strong. My sincere thanks to each and every one of you.
Powerball
For those of you who are regular readers, I want to thank you for your support. There was a time when this site attracted sudden national attention after the firing of a former talk show host. The pages were mined for words to take out of context and hate to be spread. But God is in control. If you don't speak the truth you will not last very long no matter what label you put on.
After all the attacks, PowerBlog! still remains and I believe God has used this as an outlet for truth. I know many have emailed me with a new respect and better understand of Christianity and the Catholic Church.
Looking back, there were a few moments I thought of pulling the plug. Yet still today I continue to meet great people who read it and value what we do here. It was Nov. 1st 2004, when the first PowerBlog! post went up. It was a post critical (of all things) the Catholic Church. As we approach 2 years of blogging and 2596 posts later we are still going strong. My sincere thanks to each and every one of you.
Powerball
NEUROBIOLOGIST, FEMINIST SAYS SHE’S A MAN NOW
I'm so confused.... In the story the PERSON is complaining that women are discriminated against in science. But she, I mean he, I mean this PERSON is saying this as, she claims, a man. It’s a strange story.
ABC News
ABC News
KIDS DRESSING SEXIER, YOUNGER
As explained by Family Circle editor in chief Linda Fears, "It's scary. Kids have always wanted to dress and look older. But I am not talking about 14-year-olds. We are talking about 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds, wanting to look a lot older. It's not okay. It's really about all the images from advertising to TV and movie and music videos. It's sexy all around them.”
CBS News
Coming this Spring, the new MARK KARR designer collection!
CBS News
Coming this Spring, the new MARK KARR designer collection!
NEW YORK PONDERS NEW BIRTH CERTIFICATES FOR TRANSGENDERED
From the story: The board, which meets tomorrow, is poised to change the city's Health Code so that new birth certificates can be issued to match a person's current gender identity.
NY Daily News
Note: Trans fats are Bad, Tran Sexuals are Good.
NY Daily News
Note: Trans fats are Bad, Tran Sexuals are Good.
CALIFORNIA COULD GIVE GAYS RIGHT TO FILE TAXES AS MARRIED
If Schwarzenegger signs or ignores the bill – and he’s yet to commit. From the story: Schwarzenegger has consistently voiced support for equal rights for gays and lesbians. Two of his top advisers, including his chief of staff, are openly gay.
Mercury News
Mercury News
Madonna Explains Crucifix Scene
Madonna has released a statement explaining her reasoning behind the controversial "crucifix scene" on her Confessions Tour. In the statement, she says, "I am very grateful that my show was so well received all over the world. But there seems to be many misinterpretations about my appearance on the cross and I wanted to explain it myself once and for all."
"There is a segment in my show where three of my dancers 'confess' or share harrowing experiences from their childhood that they ultimately overcame. My 'confession' follows and takes place on a Crucifix that I ultimately come down from. This is not a mocking of the church. It is no different than a person wearing a Cross or 'Taking Up the Cross' as it says in the Bible. My performance is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous. Rather, it is my plea to the audience to encourage mankind to help one another and to see the world as a unified whole. I believe in my heart that if Jesus were alive today he would be doing the same thing."
She continues, "My specific intent is to bring attention to the millions of children in Africa who are dying every day, and are living without care, without medicine and without hope. I am asking people to open their hearts and minds to get involved in whatever way they can. The song ends with a quote from the Bible's Book of Matthew: 'For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me,' and God replied, 'Whatever you did for the least of my brothers... you did it to me."'
Madonna concludes, "Please do not pass judgment without seeing my show."
"There is a segment in my show where three of my dancers 'confess' or share harrowing experiences from their childhood that they ultimately overcame. My 'confession' follows and takes place on a Crucifix that I ultimately come down from. This is not a mocking of the church. It is no different than a person wearing a Cross or 'Taking Up the Cross' as it says in the Bible. My performance is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous. Rather, it is my plea to the audience to encourage mankind to help one another and to see the world as a unified whole. I believe in my heart that if Jesus were alive today he would be doing the same thing."
She continues, "My specific intent is to bring attention to the millions of children in Africa who are dying every day, and are living without care, without medicine and without hope. I am asking people to open their hearts and minds to get involved in whatever way they can. The song ends with a quote from the Bible's Book of Matthew: 'For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me,' and God replied, 'Whatever you did for the least of my brothers... you did it to me."'
Madonna concludes, "Please do not pass judgment without seeing my show."
Assesment Fun
I have fallen victim to the Allegheny County Assessment debacle.
I made my third trip (yes third) to an appeal hearing. None of the appeals I actually filed. It was either the school district thought I was not paying enough taxes or the county thought I was paying too much. I choose to go with the county!
So I leave work and drag my butt downtown. I can't stand going downtown. They rape you when you pay to park and it's just never a fun trip.
I fight my way into the county building for my rescheduled hearing. My first hearing date the Mayor died so it had to be put off. I'll accept that as an excuse.
They tell you to "arrive early" so I did. I have to talk to the girl behind the bulletproof glass but first I must get her attention. I stand very patiently waiting while she looks at everything but me. So I started rocking back and forth thinking movement may cause her to acknowledge my presence. No such luck. So now I'm doing jumping jacks and chanting, "hello, can you help me please?" She finally tells me to sign in and wait across the hall. So I scribble my name and walk into what I believe to be the abandoned set of "Barney Miller". The walls, carpet, doors and window unit air conditioner all seems to say welcome to the 70's. So I sit down. It's not hot out but the AC is cranked and as it groans I can't help but think it's my money they are wasting by leaving the air on. So I walk over and turn it off. The lawyers and other poor souls in the room looked at me with disbelief. That air must have been on since 1970 and no one dared to touch it.
I sit down and start thumbing through a 1984 copy of "Woman's Day" magazine. There was an article on the new fad called break dancing. A check of the clock tells me I've now wasted 45 minutes of my life that I will never get back. All to fix a problem that I don't think will ever be fixed in my lifetime.
Finally I'm called in. I say hello and sit down for my annual meeting. "Do you swear to tell the truth?” the guy behind the desk asks me. "That depends," I said. "It's a roomful of lawyers. What do they plan to do"? Come on, I want a level playing field.
One thing I noticed, people at the county building have no sense of humor. I agreed to tell the truth and off we went. They rambled off some legal stuff and I just said I don't want to pay any more money. The lawyer for the school district offered some evidence as to why he should be able to take more money out of my pocket.
I was then asked if I'd like to review the evidence. I said sure, why not? "In fact, " I declared, "I'd like to take about 45 minutes to review the evidence since that's how much of my time was wasted so far." Again, no sense of humor. I read every word for 5 minutes or so and I'd loved the fact they were wondering if I really was going to take almost an hour to read the pages.
When it was all said and done I don't think I accomplished anything. The whole fact that the county can appeal a decision by the county shows you how messed up the whole thing is. So now I wait for that piece of mail that will tell me how much I really should move out of Allegheny County.
I made my third trip (yes third) to an appeal hearing. None of the appeals I actually filed. It was either the school district thought I was not paying enough taxes or the county thought I was paying too much. I choose to go with the county!
So I leave work and drag my butt downtown. I can't stand going downtown. They rape you when you pay to park and it's just never a fun trip.
I fight my way into the county building for my rescheduled hearing. My first hearing date the Mayor died so it had to be put off. I'll accept that as an excuse.
They tell you to "arrive early" so I did. I have to talk to the girl behind the bulletproof glass but first I must get her attention. I stand very patiently waiting while she looks at everything but me. So I started rocking back and forth thinking movement may cause her to acknowledge my presence. No such luck. So now I'm doing jumping jacks and chanting, "hello, can you help me please?" She finally tells me to sign in and wait across the hall. So I scribble my name and walk into what I believe to be the abandoned set of "Barney Miller". The walls, carpet, doors and window unit air conditioner all seems to say welcome to the 70's. So I sit down. It's not hot out but the AC is cranked and as it groans I can't help but think it's my money they are wasting by leaving the air on. So I walk over and turn it off. The lawyers and other poor souls in the room looked at me with disbelief. That air must have been on since 1970 and no one dared to touch it.
I sit down and start thumbing through a 1984 copy of "Woman's Day" magazine. There was an article on the new fad called break dancing. A check of the clock tells me I've now wasted 45 minutes of my life that I will never get back. All to fix a problem that I don't think will ever be fixed in my lifetime.
Finally I'm called in. I say hello and sit down for my annual meeting. "Do you swear to tell the truth?” the guy behind the desk asks me. "That depends," I said. "It's a roomful of lawyers. What do they plan to do"? Come on, I want a level playing field.
One thing I noticed, people at the county building have no sense of humor. I agreed to tell the truth and off we went. They rambled off some legal stuff and I just said I don't want to pay any more money. The lawyer for the school district offered some evidence as to why he should be able to take more money out of my pocket.
I was then asked if I'd like to review the evidence. I said sure, why not? "In fact, " I declared, "I'd like to take about 45 minutes to review the evidence since that's how much of my time was wasted so far." Again, no sense of humor. I read every word for 5 minutes or so and I'd loved the fact they were wondering if I really was going to take almost an hour to read the pages.
When it was all said and done I don't think I accomplished anything. The whole fact that the county can appeal a decision by the county shows you how messed up the whole thing is. So now I wait for that piece of mail that will tell me how much I really should move out of Allegheny County.
Port Authority lobbyist bills: wine, movies, greens fees
Documents released by the Port Authority provide a glimpse into the world of lobbyists, who get paid handsomely for wining and dining elected officials and policy-makers on behalf of their clients. Read More
Casino smoking gets panel approval
Smokers would be allowed to puff away when they're gambling at slot machines in Pennsylvania casinos, under an amendment adopted by the Senate Rules Committee yesterday. Read More
Racetracks enter home stretch for slots
The state Gaming Control Board is expected to issue temporary casino licenses today to Penn National and several other horse racetracks, putting the 27-month process of starting slot machine play into the home stretch. Read More
7-Eleven Dropping Citgo
Convenience store operator 7-Eleven Inc. is dropping Venezuela-backed Citgo as its gasoline supplier at more than 2,100 locations and switching to its own brand of fuel.
A spokeswoman for Dallas-based 7-Eleven said its 20-year contract with Citgo Petroleum Corp. ends next week. About 2,100 of 7-Eleven's 5,300 U.S. stores sell gasoline.
Three cheers for 7-11!
AP
A spokeswoman for Dallas-based 7-Eleven said its 20-year contract with Citgo Petroleum Corp. ends next week. About 2,100 of 7-Eleven's 5,300 U.S. stores sell gasoline.
Three cheers for 7-11!
AP
CAPITOL HILL SALARIES HIT WEB SITE
And the site crashed as it was bombarded with hits. (Washington Post) The website. (Legistorm) A look at Hillary’s entourage, 72 people strong. (Legistorm)
ANOTHER DIVIDED IN POLITICS: NUMBER OF CHILDREN
The story notes “Republican House members overwhelmingly come from districts that have high percentages of married people and lots of children, according to a USA TODAY analysis of 2005 Census Bureau data released last month.” Nancy Pelosi’s district has the fewest.
USA Today
USA Today
Get it Done
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and his colleagues passed the Child Custody Protection Act S. 403 by a vote of 65 to 34, only to have Senators Reid and Durbin take the unprecedented step of blocking it from going to conference with the House-passed bill.
Now the House will take up the Senate version and insert House-passed language that has more teeth. We expect the House to do this today. What next? It's crunch time, as this is the last week the Senate will be in Washington before heading home to campaign.
Senator Frist and his colleagues who support this bill need to call the opponents' bluff. That means Senator Frist must find a way to get it done, even when there are other important bills to be finished this week. This bill is the most important piece of pro-life legislation in this Congress, and polls show 80% of Americans support parental notification in cases where adolescent girls seek abortion. Majority Leader Frist probably has the votes, but will he and the Senate take the time to get it done?
Now the House will take up the Senate version and insert House-passed language that has more teeth. We expect the House to do this today. What next? It's crunch time, as this is the last week the Senate will be in Washington before heading home to campaign.
Senator Frist and his colleagues who support this bill need to call the opponents' bluff. That means Senator Frist must find a way to get it done, even when there are other important bills to be finished this week. This bill is the most important piece of pro-life legislation in this Congress, and polls show 80% of Americans support parental notification in cases where adolescent girls seek abortion. Majority Leader Frist probably has the votes, but will he and the Senate take the time to get it done?
Jewish Faith falters on Homosexuality.
Viacom Int., proud purveyor of the bump-and-grind trash pouring from MTV and VH1, has a new offering for the uplift of America: Logo, “the channel for gay America.”
While an ABC news poll shows that 58 percent of Americans believe gay marriage should be illegal, Jewish leftists (like Sumner Redstone, head of Viacom), are pushing against the grain for the gay agenda. The World Congress of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) Jews boasts 50 member organizations.
Although some Orthodox rabbis stand fast on Leviticus 18:22 and its prohibition of sodomy, Reform Judaism has been ordaining gays and lesbians since 1990. According to the Jewish daily Forward, conservative rabbis will soon join them, consecrating same-sex marriage and ordaining homosexual rabbis.
Last November, Abe Foxman (national director of the Anti-Defamation League) and Rabbi Eric Yoffie (president of the enormous Union for Reform Judaism) gave back-to-back speeches attacking the Christian right. Yoffie’s union is the largest Jewish organization in the United States and includes over 900 congregations. At the Union's biannual convention, Yoffie sermonized to around 5,000 attendees about the “appalling” idea that one group of people might have found the absolute truth about God.
“What could be more bigoted than to claim that you have a monopoly on God,” he huffed. You’d hope a man who thought he was wrong about God wouldn’t be delivering a sermon. But that irony was apparently lost on Yoffie.
He went on to denounce the “homophobia” of the religious right, comparing it to Nazism. “There is no excuse,” he said, “for hateful rhetoric that fuels the hellfires of anti-gay bigotry.” Like Foxman, who also compared Bible-believing Christians to Nazis, Yoffie obviously thinks it’s just fine to fuel the hellfires of anti-Christianity.
Forward magazine praised Yoffie’s and Foxman’s blisteringly anti-Christian screeds for giving “voice to something their constituents have been thinking and feeling for a long time.”
One thing Jewish America is clearly thinking and feeling is that homosexuality deserves public acceptance. In a 2004 Forward article, Jay Michaelson explained the liberalizing of Jewish attitudes toward sodomy. He quoted Jeremy Gordon, a student leader at the Jewish Theological Seminary: “[Homosexuality] has become one of the most important issues for the movement and the seminary and something leadership from across the movement feel needs to be readdressed.” He says media shapes the sensibilities of American Jews more than sacred texts ever will. “The rapid change in the status of gay people within the Jewish community owes as much to [TV show] Queer Eye as it does to novel interpretations of Leviticus.”
Will evangelicals also be more influenced by media’s gay agenda than by their own sacred text, the Bible? Jewish activists hope so. With TV shows like Will and Grace (which ran for 8 years and won truckloads of awards and award nominations), films like Brokeback Mountain, and now an all-gay channel, Jewish media moguls’ motives are clear: Bring gays out of the closet and kick Christian morals to the curb.
While an ABC news poll shows that 58 percent of Americans believe gay marriage should be illegal, Jewish leftists (like Sumner Redstone, head of Viacom), are pushing against the grain for the gay agenda. The World Congress of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) Jews boasts 50 member organizations.
Although some Orthodox rabbis stand fast on Leviticus 18:22 and its prohibition of sodomy, Reform Judaism has been ordaining gays and lesbians since 1990. According to the Jewish daily Forward, conservative rabbis will soon join them, consecrating same-sex marriage and ordaining homosexual rabbis.
Last November, Abe Foxman (national director of the Anti-Defamation League) and Rabbi Eric Yoffie (president of the enormous Union for Reform Judaism) gave back-to-back speeches attacking the Christian right. Yoffie’s union is the largest Jewish organization in the United States and includes over 900 congregations. At the Union's biannual convention, Yoffie sermonized to around 5,000 attendees about the “appalling” idea that one group of people might have found the absolute truth about God.
“What could be more bigoted than to claim that you have a monopoly on God,” he huffed. You’d hope a man who thought he was wrong about God wouldn’t be delivering a sermon. But that irony was apparently lost on Yoffie.
He went on to denounce the “homophobia” of the religious right, comparing it to Nazism. “There is no excuse,” he said, “for hateful rhetoric that fuels the hellfires of anti-gay bigotry.” Like Foxman, who also compared Bible-believing Christians to Nazis, Yoffie obviously thinks it’s just fine to fuel the hellfires of anti-Christianity.
Forward magazine praised Yoffie’s and Foxman’s blisteringly anti-Christian screeds for giving “voice to something their constituents have been thinking and feeling for a long time.”
One thing Jewish America is clearly thinking and feeling is that homosexuality deserves public acceptance. In a 2004 Forward article, Jay Michaelson explained the liberalizing of Jewish attitudes toward sodomy. He quoted Jeremy Gordon, a student leader at the Jewish Theological Seminary: “[Homosexuality] has become one of the most important issues for the movement and the seminary and something leadership from across the movement feel needs to be readdressed.” He says media shapes the sensibilities of American Jews more than sacred texts ever will. “The rapid change in the status of gay people within the Jewish community owes as much to [TV show] Queer Eye as it does to novel interpretations of Leviticus.”
Will evangelicals also be more influenced by media’s gay agenda than by their own sacred text, the Bible? Jewish activists hope so. With TV shows like Will and Grace (which ran for 8 years and won truckloads of awards and award nominations), films like Brokeback Mountain, and now an all-gay channel, Jewish media moguls’ motives are clear: Bring gays out of the closet and kick Christian morals to the curb.
Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Santorum totes empty chair to debate
Democrat Bob Casey Jr. didn't show up Monday for a U.S. Senate debate sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum carried a chair with him into the debate to emphasize his opponent's absence. Santorum answered questions for 45 minutes from "60 Minutes" co-editor Lesley Stahl during the debate in Hershey, Dauphin County, shown live on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.
Casey, the state treasurer, also didn't appear earlier at a PCN debate with Santorum and Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli, who was tossed off the ballot yesterday.
Santorum was alone at the chamber debate. As Stahl asked Santorum about the war in Iraq, he said, "My opponent (Casey) isn't here to talk about this. He talks in sound bites when he does (show up)." Santorum said the people of Pennsylvania deserve better. Casey's spokesman, Larry Smar, said Casey didn't come because the chamber's national affiliate has aired more than $500,000 worth of TV ads to help Santorum. (Not paid for them, just aired them!)
Santorum and Casey engaged in a debate on NBC's "Meet The Press" on Sept. 3. They are tentatively set to debate next month in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Casey leads in the polls. Stahl suggested that candidates with a lead sometimes won't debate. Santorum said he's done so even when leading in a race. "It is frustrating to repeat this scene over and over with the empty chair," Santorum said. He has challenged Casey to 10 debates.
Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum carried a chair with him into the debate to emphasize his opponent's absence. Santorum answered questions for 45 minutes from "60 Minutes" co-editor Lesley Stahl during the debate in Hershey, Dauphin County, shown live on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.
Casey, the state treasurer, also didn't appear earlier at a PCN debate with Santorum and Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli, who was tossed off the ballot yesterday.
Santorum was alone at the chamber debate. As Stahl asked Santorum about the war in Iraq, he said, "My opponent (Casey) isn't here to talk about this. He talks in sound bites when he does (show up)." Santorum said the people of Pennsylvania deserve better. Casey's spokesman, Larry Smar, said Casey didn't come because the chamber's national affiliate has aired more than $500,000 worth of TV ads to help Santorum. (Not paid for them, just aired them!)
Santorum and Casey engaged in a debate on NBC's "Meet The Press" on Sept. 3. They are tentatively set to debate next month in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Casey leads in the polls. Stahl suggested that candidates with a lead sometimes won't debate. Santorum said he's done so even when leading in a race. "It is frustrating to repeat this scene over and over with the empty chair," Santorum said. He has challenged Casey to 10 debates.
LOST EVIDENCE COULD SET KARR FREE
Despite his insistence that he sexually abused and murdered a six-year old girl, he wouldn’t even have to register as a sex offender.
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle
COLSON: STOP THE SPREAD OF RADICAL ISLAM IN U.S. PRISONS
From the story: I can’t help but note an irony here: The largely unimpeded spread of radical Islam through our prisons coincides with increased opposition to the one really successful antidote - that is, the presence of Christianity.
Townhall
Townhall
RICE: CLINTON LIED TO WALLACE
Rice said “The notion somehow for eight months the Bush administration sat there and didn't do that is just flatly false.” (NY Post) From an LA Times op-ed: THERE'S NO LIMIT to what a man can do," President Reagan used to say, " … if he doesn't care who gets the credit." Former President Clinton's motto seems to be a little different: "There's no limit to how much credit a man can get, if he doesn't care what he's actually done." (LA Times) But MSNBC’s wacky liberal Keith Olberman defended Clinton, insisting he was “bullied and sandbagged by a monkey posing as a newscaster.” (MSNBC)
So the former leader of the free world was bullied by a monkey? That explains why a nut in a cave could attack this country.....
So the former leader of the free world was bullied by a monkey? That explains why a nut in a cave could attack this country.....
Tribune-Review Tells it Like It Is
This piece in the Trib was so good I had to post it here.
The [Pittsburgh] Tribune-Review reported on September 24, 2006:
The pope was right, and 90 percent of sensible people know he was right.
In our time the cause of religion cannot be perverted into calls for murderous violence against others. We're cursed with too many awful technologies of destruction. Civilization dare not endure their being flung about in behalf of God. Nor can the global marketplace.
It took a religious authority of great prestige to make this case and -- and, frankly, to endure the terroristic aftershocks. Who knows if it's safe for Pope Benedict to travel anymore?
He used an obscure medieval debate on violence among people of faith to make his point, but the point is rock-solid. No adherent to religion -- any religion -- can murder over differences in religion and call it anything but a particularly awful sin.
This, like many truths too long restrained, especially when "multiculturalism" makes it such a no-no to cast aspersions, is difficult to voice in public, though nearly everyone might privately agree. Such truths pile up until it may be too late.
We try to ignore them. Look, for example, at how respected labor unions, when long entrenched, can sink major industries. The work rules, health and pension burdens tend to harden toward the impossible. Airlines get healthy only after union givebacks forced by bankruptcy. General Motors and Ford might have to talk a deathbed merger. Their labor costs approach $80 an hour. That's starving their potential to come out quickly with new models while Toyota and other non-union "transplants" eat up the U.S. market.
The anti-growth syndrome in a pleasant city like Pittsburgh involves another blinding truth: the economic deconstruction done by one-party politics in cahoots with public employee unions. More damage lies ahead. The poor will grow poorer at legalized gambling and from transit fare hikes. The continuing failure of inner-city schools, though incredibly costly to taxpayers, relates in part to "single mom" households -- wrongly idealized by the politically correct -- that produce kids lacking in discipline and learning readiness. Yet taxpayers subsidize the absence of a father.
The pope's challenge to Islam is in a class with these blinding truths.
He's calling on Muslim leaders to renounce holy war. If Islam truly is a religion of peace, then peace has got to be preached. And practiced. The faith propagated by Mohammed can't have it both ways. It can't condone -- by failing to condemn -- suicide bombings and other mayhem by Muslims, while pointing to blissfully peaceful passages in the holy texts. If the bombers and hostage-takers are wrong about what their faith is teaching them what to do, let's hear you correct them, Muslim leaders!
The pope was the first to out on this. He shouldn't be the last. We're listening, leaders of Protestant Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, et al.
The [Pittsburgh] Tribune-Review reported on September 24, 2006:
The pope was right, and 90 percent of sensible people know he was right.
In our time the cause of religion cannot be perverted into calls for murderous violence against others. We're cursed with too many awful technologies of destruction. Civilization dare not endure their being flung about in behalf of God. Nor can the global marketplace.
It took a religious authority of great prestige to make this case and -- and, frankly, to endure the terroristic aftershocks. Who knows if it's safe for Pope Benedict to travel anymore?
He used an obscure medieval debate on violence among people of faith to make his point, but the point is rock-solid. No adherent to religion -- any religion -- can murder over differences in religion and call it anything but a particularly awful sin.
This, like many truths too long restrained, especially when "multiculturalism" makes it such a no-no to cast aspersions, is difficult to voice in public, though nearly everyone might privately agree. Such truths pile up until it may be too late.
We try to ignore them. Look, for example, at how respected labor unions, when long entrenched, can sink major industries. The work rules, health and pension burdens tend to harden toward the impossible. Airlines get healthy only after union givebacks forced by bankruptcy. General Motors and Ford might have to talk a deathbed merger. Their labor costs approach $80 an hour. That's starving their potential to come out quickly with new models while Toyota and other non-union "transplants" eat up the U.S. market.
The anti-growth syndrome in a pleasant city like Pittsburgh involves another blinding truth: the economic deconstruction done by one-party politics in cahoots with public employee unions. More damage lies ahead. The poor will grow poorer at legalized gambling and from transit fare hikes. The continuing failure of inner-city schools, though incredibly costly to taxpayers, relates in part to "single mom" households -- wrongly idealized by the politically correct -- that produce kids lacking in discipline and learning readiness. Yet taxpayers subsidize the absence of a father.
The pope's challenge to Islam is in a class with these blinding truths.
He's calling on Muslim leaders to renounce holy war. If Islam truly is a religion of peace, then peace has got to be preached. And practiced. The faith propagated by Mohammed can't have it both ways. It can't condone -- by failing to condemn -- suicide bombings and other mayhem by Muslims, while pointing to blissfully peaceful passages in the holy texts. If the bombers and hostage-takers are wrong about what their faith is teaching them what to do, let's hear you correct them, Muslim leaders!
The pope was the first to out on this. He shouldn't be the last. We're listening, leaders of Protestant Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, et al.
Cat Questions Catholicisim
The crisis triggered by Pope XVI's recent remarks on Islam showed no abating Sunday, September 24, with Yusuf Islam saying its called into question Catholic theology that the pontiff cannot err, and EU Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso blasting Muslim reaction and European silence.
"At one point I used to believe that the Pope was infallible," Islam, previously British pop star Cat Stevens, told the BBC television referring to his time at a Catholic school.
Roman Catholic theology says that the pope cannot err in teachings on faith or morals, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The former pop star, who reverted to Islam in 1977 and has since become a prominent member of Britain 's Muslim community, stressed that the pope's comments showed he was fallible.
"Because of the kind of interpretation he had of Islam, he should read Gandhi and find out what he said about Islam," said the singer, adding that the Indian leader had a more peaceful interpretation of the faith.
Islam is marking his comeback with a live performance in London on September 26 to an audience that includes former US president Bill Clinton, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as well as the famous acting couple, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Islamonline.net
"At one point I used to believe that the Pope was infallible," Islam, previously British pop star Cat Stevens, told the BBC television referring to his time at a Catholic school.
Roman Catholic theology says that the pope cannot err in teachings on faith or morals, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The former pop star, who reverted to Islam in 1977 and has since become a prominent member of Britain 's Muslim community, stressed that the pope's comments showed he was fallible.
"Because of the kind of interpretation he had of Islam, he should read Gandhi and find out what he said about Islam," said the singer, adding that the Indian leader had a more peaceful interpretation of the faith.
Islam is marking his comeback with a live performance in London on September 26 to an audience that includes former US president Bill Clinton, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as well as the famous acting couple, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Islamonline.net
Pennsylvania set this week to license first slot parlors
State gambling regulators are expected this week to give Pennsylvania's horse-racing tracks the go-ahead to plug in thousands of slot machines, the biggest step in two years toward making Pennsylvania one of the nation's busiest gambling markets. Read More
Possible message from an al Qaeda leader rumored to be forthcoming
Rumors and rumblings in well established al Qaeda venues of communication are that we should be hearing from the al Qaeda leadership soon in a speech to be released on the internet, possibly through the al Jazeera network. The exact contents and whether this release will be audio or video format has not yet been determined.
Considering the upsurge in violence lately, the increasing momentum of the worldwide Islamic assault and the significance of Ramadan, this comes as no surprise.
Considering the upsurge in violence lately, the increasing momentum of the worldwide Islamic assault and the significance of Ramadan, this comes as no surprise.
PETA Upset at Six Flags
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants Six Flags Great America to scrap its Halloween-themed cockroach-eating promotion.
A spokeswoman for the animal rights organization says the contest at the amusement park's FrightFest is "gratuitously cruel."
The park in Gurnee, Ill., is joining other Six Flags parks in offering unlimited line-jumping privileges to anyone who eats a live Madagascar hissing cockroach. The bugs are up to three inches long.
The contest begins next month. Amusement park officials are defending their menu choice. Great America spokesman Jim Taylor says the bugs are nutritious, high in protein and fat free.
Yum!
A spokeswoman for the animal rights organization says the contest at the amusement park's FrightFest is "gratuitously cruel."
The park in Gurnee, Ill., is joining other Six Flags parks in offering unlimited line-jumping privileges to anyone who eats a live Madagascar hissing cockroach. The bugs are up to three inches long.
The contest begins next month. Amusement park officials are defending their menu choice. Great America spokesman Jim Taylor says the bugs are nutritious, high in protein and fat free.
Yum!
RICE BACKS FOREIGN POLICY ON 60 MINUTES
From the story: Rice is a true believer. What 60 Minutes learned, in a series of interviews, is that this smart, tough, deeply religious woman sees the struggle against the enemies of the United States as a fight of good versus evil – a lot like the struggle she experienced as a child growing up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama.
CBS News
CBS News
ELEVEN STATES TAKE ON EMINENT DOMAIN THIS ELECTION
The story also notes “Thirty state legislatures have passed laws or constitutional amendments since June 2005 to negate or limit the ruling's effect in their states.”
USA Today
USA Today
Grisly find draws attention to India fetus killings
Highlighted from the article:
"Inside the well I found bones. Small ones. Little, little ones....
... an experience he says he will never forget and one which leaves him struggling for breath at night and unable to enjoy the company of friends.
... he removed the flesh and bones of around 300 aborted babies ...
"We have been very lucky to bust this racket otherwise this so-called doctor would have continued to kill hundreds of girls ... He used to induce abortions, put the fetus in acid and also break the bones so as to destroy the evidence"
Singh was lowered toward the gruesome find but almost immediately shouted to be brought out. "The smell was very foul," he said. For the next several hours, Singh sent up buckets full of human remains ... he found "little, little" bones. "There were some skulls too. This size," he said, creating a two-inch space between his thumb and index finger. "I was in the well from eight in the morning until six in the evening, and every two or three minutes I was sending up a bucket of filth and bones."
Reuters
"Inside the well I found bones. Small ones. Little, little ones....
... an experience he says he will never forget and one which leaves him struggling for breath at night and unable to enjoy the company of friends.
... he removed the flesh and bones of around 300 aborted babies ...
"We have been very lucky to bust this racket otherwise this so-called doctor would have continued to kill hundreds of girls ... He used to induce abortions, put the fetus in acid and also break the bones so as to destroy the evidence"
Singh was lowered toward the gruesome find but almost immediately shouted to be brought out. "The smell was very foul," he said. For the next several hours, Singh sent up buckets full of human remains ... he found "little, little" bones. "There were some skulls too. This size," he said, creating a two-inch space between his thumb and index finger. "I was in the well from eight in the morning until six in the evening, and every two or three minutes I was sending up a bucket of filth and bones."
Reuters
FRC Action in Action
From Tony Perkins:
This past Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, I was pleased to join with our friends and allies, Dr. James C. Dobson of Focus on the Family Action, Dr. Ken Hutcherson, Senior Pastor of Antioch Bible Church, and Gary Bauer, Americans United to Preserve Marriage, at the Mellon Arena. We issued a call to a crowd of thousands of area residents to exercise their civic duty and vote. This nonpartisan effort will make other stops around the country, and is the focus of our Values Voter Summit this weekend in Washington, D.C. We are asking Americans to reflect on their blessings and act on their beliefs - to pray, prepare and participate in this year's elections and ballot initiatives.
This past Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, I was pleased to join with our friends and allies, Dr. James C. Dobson of Focus on the Family Action, Dr. Ken Hutcherson, Senior Pastor of Antioch Bible Church, and Gary Bauer, Americans United to Preserve Marriage, at the Mellon Arena. We issued a call to a crowd of thousands of area residents to exercise their civic duty and vote. This nonpartisan effort will make other stops around the country, and is the focus of our Values Voter Summit this weekend in Washington, D.C. We are asking Americans to reflect on their blessings and act on their beliefs - to pray, prepare and participate in this year's elections and ballot initiatives.
MEDIA TRIES TO CONVINCE US SOME EVANGELICALS ARE “LOOKING TO THE LEFT”
As they treat Jim Wallis as though he represents evangelicals. The story notes “Wallis considers himself, however, to be square dab in the middle.”
CBS News
CBS News
ARMY HAS BEST RECRUITING YEAR SINCE 1997
From the story: At the start of this recruiting year, which began Oct. 1, 2005, many questioned whether the Army would reach 80,000, given the many alternative career options available to young people and the growing unpopularity of the Iraq war. But a package of new financial incentives, new recruiting approaches and a bigger recruiting corps did the trick.
AP
AP
DEMOCRATS TO CHAVEZ: WE’VE HAD ENOUGH, TOO
Telling the nutty Venezuelan leader to stop bashing Bush. (CNN) Not all Democrats got the memo. Senator Tom Harkin said “Let me put it this way, I can understand the frustration, ah, and the anger of certain people around the world because of George Bush's policies.” (Radio Iowa) Harkin is up for reelection in 2008.
NBC backing off Madonna special
According to New York Daily News, the NBC network is retreating from an earlier announcement of its plan to air a two-hour concert special featuring Madonna hanging on a cross wearing a fake crown of thorns.
NBC Entertainment chief Kevin Reilly had said earlier Madonna considered the scene mocking the crucifixion of Christ the highlight of her show. "We (NBC) viewed it and didn't see it as being inappropriate."
However, his opinion changed quickly after NBC came under tremendous pressure. We expect a public announcement from NBC canceling the scene within two weeks
Iran leader's U.N. finale
While most of the reporting and analysis of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the U.N. focused on what he had to say about the West and specifically the U.S., his chilling closing remarks were lost on most listeners – and apparently all reporters.
The last two paragraphs of his remarks revealed his steadfast and driving conviction, as previously reported in WND ,that a messianic figure, known as the "Mahdi" to Muslims, is poised to reveal himself after an apocalyptic holocaust on Earth that leaves most of the world's population dead.
With Iran on the verge of producing nuclear weapons and already in possession of sophisticated medium-range missiles, mystical pre-occupation with the coming of a Shiite Islamic messiah is of particular concern because of Iran's potential for triggering the kind of global conflagration Ahmadinejad envisions will set the stage for the end of the world.
Ahmadinejad is on record as stating he believes he is to have a personal role in ushering in the age of the Mahdi. In a Nov. 16, 2005, speech in Tehran, he said he sees his main mission in life as to "pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance."
THIS GUY IS NUTS. SO NUTS HE MAY TRY TO KILL US ALL. HE HAS DECLARED WAR ON US AND WE MUST RESPOND.
WorldNetDaily.com
The last two paragraphs of his remarks revealed his steadfast and driving conviction, as previously reported in WND ,that a messianic figure, known as the "Mahdi" to Muslims, is poised to reveal himself after an apocalyptic holocaust on Earth that leaves most of the world's population dead.
With Iran on the verge of producing nuclear weapons and already in possession of sophisticated medium-range missiles, mystical pre-occupation with the coming of a Shiite Islamic messiah is of particular concern because of Iran's potential for triggering the kind of global conflagration Ahmadinejad envisions will set the stage for the end of the world.
Ahmadinejad is on record as stating he believes he is to have a personal role in ushering in the age of the Mahdi. In a Nov. 16, 2005, speech in Tehran, he said he sees his main mission in life as to "pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance."
THIS GUY IS NUTS. SO NUTS HE MAY TRY TO KILL US ALL. HE HAS DECLARED WAR ON US AND WE MUST RESPOND.
WorldNetDaily.com
Tracks again pushing for table games
With neighboring Pennsylvania licensing its first slot machines next week, West Virginia's racetracks have resumed their campaign to preserve their state-owned slots by adding casino table games. Read More
Santorum, Casey Court Faithful
Democrat Bob Casey highlights his religious work while Republican Sen. Rick Santorum seeks out evangelical Christians, a reflection of the fierce fight for voters of faith.
Casey, who is a Catholic, has been talking openly about his religious upbringing and his work with the Jesuit Corps. He unveiled a 60-second television ad in the Philadelphia market Tuesday featuring a former student talking about Casey's mentoring from days in the corps' inner-city program.
The two-term Santorum, who also is Catholic, has been outspoken on issues consistent with the church's teachings such as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.
On Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, close to Santorum's hometown, James Dobson's Focus on the Family Action held a "Stand for the Family" rally in support of the religious right that drew about 3,000 people to Mellon Arena, according to arena security officials. Santorum, who has regular meetings with a religious working group, is slated to address the conservative Family Research Council's voter summit on Saturday.
At the Pittsburgh rally, Dobson expressed disappointment that Republicans did not, in his view, take stands on issues ranging from the military to the definition of marriage that were more in line with the so-called values voters who turned out two years ago. Despite that, Dobson urged his supporters to vote in larger numbers in November.
Religion has been at the forefront of the competitive Pennsylvania race pitting two somewhat similar candidates _ both Catholic, both opposed to abortion. It reflects a change from recent elections when many Democrats tended to avoid talking about their faith and essentially conceded religious voters to Republicans. It also highlights a new willingness by Democrats to discuss religion in personal terms.
NewsMax.com
Casey, who is a Catholic, has been talking openly about his religious upbringing and his work with the Jesuit Corps. He unveiled a 60-second television ad in the Philadelphia market Tuesday featuring a former student talking about Casey's mentoring from days in the corps' inner-city program.
The two-term Santorum, who also is Catholic, has been outspoken on issues consistent with the church's teachings such as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.
On Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, close to Santorum's hometown, James Dobson's Focus on the Family Action held a "Stand for the Family" rally in support of the religious right that drew about 3,000 people to Mellon Arena, according to arena security officials. Santorum, who has regular meetings with a religious working group, is slated to address the conservative Family Research Council's voter summit on Saturday.
At the Pittsburgh rally, Dobson expressed disappointment that Republicans did not, in his view, take stands on issues ranging from the military to the definition of marriage that were more in line with the so-called values voters who turned out two years ago. Despite that, Dobson urged his supporters to vote in larger numbers in November.
Religion has been at the forefront of the competitive Pennsylvania race pitting two somewhat similar candidates _ both Catholic, both opposed to abortion. It reflects a change from recent elections when many Democrats tended to avoid talking about their faith and essentially conceded religious voters to Republicans. It also highlights a new willingness by Democrats to discuss religion in personal terms.
NewsMax.com
ABORTING GIRLS, NOW SOUTH KOREAN MEN LEAVE COUNTRY TO FIND WIVES
From the story: The preference for sons has translated in South Korea into 113 male births for every 100 females. Ultrasound became widely available here in the 1980s, and the first generation screened for gender before birth is now coming of marriageable age.
LA Times
LA Times
JOHN KARR OFFERED A DEAL THAT WOULD SET HIM FREE
On three years probation. The guy is a liar, a creep and scumbag. Do you want him in your neighborhood?
ABC News
ABC News
MORE POLLS: DEMOCRATS LOSING GROUND
From the LA Times: In particular, Republicans have nearly doubled their advantage when voters are asked which party they trust most to protect the nation against terrorism — the thrust of Bush's public relations blitz in recent weeks. (LA Times) Other polls aren’t as optimistic. (NY Times) Though it does look as though the GOP will keep the House and Senate. (Human Events) The price of gas is helping Bush. (USA Today) The New Jersey Senate race remains close. (CNN) From Victor Davis Hanson: Despite their dreams of recapturing one or both houses of Congress this November, the Democrats seem determined to reprise their poor showings in 2002 and 2004. Now, as then, they are dozing in the campaign's homestretch, like Aesop's hare, lulled by rosy predictions and the premature applause of Hollywood and the mainstream press. (Real Clear Politics) More on the Senate races. (Real Clear Politics)
We Stand for the Family!
Well it was great event last night. My deepest thanks to all of you who came out. It was wonderful to meet so many of you who listen to the show and read this blog.
I hope that all of you who did attend will carry the message to your family and friends. It's almost over
whelming to consider all the issues we are facing. War, terrorisim, definition of marriage, abortion and right to acknowledge God.
I hope that all of you who did attend will carry the message to your family and friends. It's almost over
whelming to consider all the issues we are facing. War, terrorisim, definition of marriage, abortion and right to acknowledge God.A few have asked me about the protestors. Yeah there were a few with their faces covered and signs in the air but they were incredibly outnumbered and did more to embarress themselves then make their case. Two got themsleves arrested but there was no violence and we all know that those depraved will always curse truth.
(John & Stephanie broadcast live)
Lawmaker takes aim at judges' raises
Just days after the state Supreme Court issued a ruling that restored an unpopular pay raise for Pennsylvania's judges, a state lawmaker is floating a plan to take away those increases. Yesterday, Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, unveiled a proposal that would reduce judges' pay upon re-election. Read More
Testament of faith
Sister Leonella devoted her humble life to helping the sick in Africa. She died Sunday, gunned down in Somalia. Her dying words were reported to be, "I forgive, I forgive."
Somalia is so unstable that her murderer might never be found. However, it is not against the odds that she was murdered in retaliation for Pope Benedict XVI's reference to an obscure medieval text which, according to The Associated Press, characterized some of the teachings of Islam's founder as "evil and inhuman."
The context of the pope's reference to Mohammad is important. He was not singling out Islam for special criticism. The quote he used was part of a broad talk on any religious motivation for violence.
The new Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, told The AP the pontiff sought in his speech to condemn all religious motivation for violence "from whatever side it may come."He also noted that earlier in his trip to Germany the pope had warned "secularized Western culture" against holding contempt for any religion or believers. Sadly, far too many in the Islamic world overlooked the historical context of the speech - Pope Benedict was citing an exchange between a 14th-century Byzantine ruler and an educated Persian on the truths of Christianity and Islam - or its overall intent. As always seems to happen, hard-line Muslims took the initiative. When news of the speech got out, Muslims took to the streets, with at least four West Bank churches being attacked. Moderate Muslims either chided the pope for his comments or remained silent, as they so often do.
There are no calls to avenge the death of Sister Leonella and her bodyguard. That would be un-Christian. Even her own last words utterd, "I forgive, I forgive."The contrast between the two faiths could not be more compelling - or damning.
NBC MAY CUT MADONNA’S MOCK CRUCIFIXION
From the story: "We're awaiting the delivery of it, and once we've seen it in its entirety, we'll make a decision," an NBC spokeswoman told Reuters on Thursday. The program is slated to air in November, but no specific date has been set.
Washington Post
Washington Post
BLACK LEADERS BACK WHITE DEMOCRAT OVER BLACK REPUBLICAN IN OHIO
Tossing out the ridiculous line “We do not know who Michael Steele is, and we do not know what he stands for."
Washington Times
Washington Times
GALLUP: GOP WILL LIKELY MAINTAIN HOUSE
This is the details from yesterday’s USA Today story. Gallup notes “With the midterm elections now less than two months away, Gallup's initial read on the voting preferences of likely voters for the U.S. House of Representatives shows a dead heat between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats have held an advantage among registered voters throughout the year and continue to do so, but the likely voter estimates suggest that the Republicans have the potential to offset that advantage with greater turnout.”
Gallup
Gallup
AHMADINEJAD BLASTS US AND ISRAEL AT U.N.
The story notes “Ahmadinejad's comments came as U.S. and French officials scrambled to smooth over differences on the Iranian nuclear issue.” (LA Times) Text of Ahmadinejad’s speech. (Turkish Press) Before Ahmadinejad spoke, Bush told the crowd “Extremists in your midst spread propaganda claiming that the West is engaged in a war against Islam. This propaganda is false, and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror." (Washington Times)
OPEN LETTER TO BOB CASEY, JR.
Catholic League president Bill Donohue wrote the following letter today:
Dear Mr. Casey:
When I lived in Pittsburgh in the 1980s, I voted with enthusiasm for your father as governor of Pennsylvania. You are now in a campaign for a U.S. Senate seat, and as a pro-life Catholic you are in a position to maintain your father’s legacy. But in order for you to do so, you will have to cut your ties to an anti-Catholic and pro-abortion organization, MoveOn.org.
According to The American Spectator Online, MoveOn.org has reportedly given your campaign $168,591. This is the same organization which, in an attempt last year to protest Republican efforts to change the filibuster rules governing federal court appointees, posted a picture of a smiling Pope Benedict XVI holding a gavel outside the U.S. Supreme Court. Above the picture was the following inscription:
God Already has a Job…
He does not need one on the Supreme Court
Protect the Supreme Court Rules
In addition to its anti-Catholic record, MoveOn.org funds pro-abortion groups like the Feminist Majority Foundation. Indeed, when Samuel Alito was being considered for the U.S. Supreme Court, the Feminist Majority Foundation publicly protested that if Alito gets on the bench, “the majority of the Court would be Roman Catholics….” Waving this red flag smacks of bigotry.
Justice demands that you follow the lead of other candidates for public office and return the money that MoveOn.org has contributed. If Senator Hillary Clinton was honest enough to return money donated by Wal-Mart because she disagrees with its worker benefits program, surely you are well poised to return the contributions of MoveOn.org.
Dear Mr. Casey:
When I lived in Pittsburgh in the 1980s, I voted with enthusiasm for your father as governor of Pennsylvania. You are now in a campaign for a U.S. Senate seat, and as a pro-life Catholic you are in a position to maintain your father’s legacy. But in order for you to do so, you will have to cut your ties to an anti-Catholic and pro-abortion organization, MoveOn.org.
According to The American Spectator Online, MoveOn.org has reportedly given your campaign $168,591. This is the same organization which, in an attempt last year to protest Republican efforts to change the filibuster rules governing federal court appointees, posted a picture of a smiling Pope Benedict XVI holding a gavel outside the U.S. Supreme Court. Above the picture was the following inscription:
God Already has a Job…
He does not need one on the Supreme Court
Protect the Supreme Court Rules
In addition to its anti-Catholic record, MoveOn.org funds pro-abortion groups like the Feminist Majority Foundation. Indeed, when Samuel Alito was being considered for the U.S. Supreme Court, the Feminist Majority Foundation publicly protested that if Alito gets on the bench, “the majority of the Court would be Roman Catholics….” Waving this red flag smacks of bigotry.
Justice demands that you follow the lead of other candidates for public office and return the money that MoveOn.org has contributed. If Senator Hillary Clinton was honest enough to return money donated by Wal-Mart because she disagrees with its worker benefits program, surely you are well poised to return the contributions of MoveOn.org.
Islam: Religion of Hate
I'll try to make this my final post on the subject until the next thing comes along to ruffle the feathers of Islam.
You know, I'm fed up with being politicaly correct. It’s about time someone in a highly respected position spoke up and said something truthful about Islam and the intentions of Islam even as seen by a man many centuries ago. My hat is off to Pope Benedict XVI and will remain unless he retracts his statements. Hang in there Pontiff. You are the leader of Western religion, so don’t drop the ball. That gets done enough already.
Of course now the Islamic lunatics around the planet are calling for the death of the Pope, which is to be expected from these Islamic scumbags who are followers of Islam, under the false claim of being a religion of Peace, Love and Tolerance. Doesn’t sound very peaceful to me, no love for the Pope is being shown and Tolerance for his opinions are zero. This simply exposes what we have said for years about the so called “religion” of Islam which is not a religion at all but instead a death cult, Nazi like fascist movement growing like weeds and about as welcome.
I can no longer accpet the "peace and love" argument when some choose to burst into a hospital in southern Mogadishu and gun down a seventy year old Catholic nurse in revenge for the Popes comments. Christian churches are being attacked overseas and have been since the Popes statement. That murder and these church attacks are a straight forward view into Islam and why it is such a threat to this world. These Islamic fascists refuse to co-exist with anyone or anything non-Islamic.
One day there will be a terrorist act within this country that will make it very difficult to blame just “isolated Islamic extremists” as some like to refer to these murderers as. Then we still claim that this isn’t a religious war, a war between good and evil? We have this unbelievable PC rhetoric that is used by western world leaders to claim that Islam is a peaceful religion and that the religion has been hijacked by a few violent ones. I reject that. If it's only a few then the rest need to banish them and stand against their deadly actions. The old byline of how Islam was hijacked by a few bad people is hogwash. Unfortunately, that limited view and outright failure to recognize the threat and speak out about it will get many Americans and Europeans killed.
Just recently there was a seizure of multiple explosives, lists of churches taken from a facility in Tennessee. That seems to indicate that this will become a full blown religious war quite soon and it will be made quite apparent. Yet that fact was pretty much ignored by the mainstream media.
How can it be that Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri can openly and repeatedly state that this is a religious war but we cannot? Seems we are doing ourselves a severe injustice hiding behind our little catch phrases and comments that seem to indicate that this war is simply about “rogue terrorism” versus the free world.
This war is about “Islam versus the Free World”. Nothing less than that. To say anything else is insinuating that we, the American people are stupid and cannot see the truth. Islam has no desire to co-exist and the proof is all around us every day.
There is a wonderful aspect and freedom referred to as Religious Freedom here in this country. BUT, once you step over the line and conspire or train to kill Americans or commit acts of terror, you should lose that freedom because you abused it. Just like having the freedom to do anything, once you abuse it, you lose it. If your mosque is a hate center and teaches followers to kill Americans, then you should be charged with hate crimes and conspiring to murder Americans and you should be jailed and the mosque bulldozed to the ground. It’s that simple. Eliminate the threat.
The Pope made his statement regarding the use of violence to further a religion and instantly there are death threats, retaliation against Christians and Christian places of worship worldwide. The entire nation of Islam worldwide and uniformly has proven exactly what the Pope said to be the truth. Yet, we still don’t get it. Islam is about death, murder and the destruction of anything non-Islam. It's time for all true peace loving Muslims to reject hatred by abandoning the false religion of Islam.
You know, I'm fed up with being politicaly correct. It’s about time someone in a highly respected position spoke up and said something truthful about Islam and the intentions of Islam even as seen by a man many centuries ago. My hat is off to Pope Benedict XVI and will remain unless he retracts his statements. Hang in there Pontiff. You are the leader of Western religion, so don’t drop the ball. That gets done enough already.
Of course now the Islamic lunatics around the planet are calling for the death of the Pope, which is to be expected from these Islamic scumbags who are followers of Islam, under the false claim of being a religion of Peace, Love and Tolerance. Doesn’t sound very peaceful to me, no love for the Pope is being shown and Tolerance for his opinions are zero. This simply exposes what we have said for years about the so called “religion” of Islam which is not a religion at all but instead a death cult, Nazi like fascist movement growing like weeds and about as welcome.
I can no longer accpet the "peace and love" argument when some choose to burst into a hospital in southern Mogadishu and gun down a seventy year old Catholic nurse in revenge for the Popes comments. Christian churches are being attacked overseas and have been since the Popes statement. That murder and these church attacks are a straight forward view into Islam and why it is such a threat to this world. These Islamic fascists refuse to co-exist with anyone or anything non-Islamic.
One day there will be a terrorist act within this country that will make it very difficult to blame just “isolated Islamic extremists” as some like to refer to these murderers as. Then we still claim that this isn’t a religious war, a war between good and evil? We have this unbelievable PC rhetoric that is used by western world leaders to claim that Islam is a peaceful religion and that the religion has been hijacked by a few violent ones. I reject that. If it's only a few then the rest need to banish them and stand against their deadly actions. The old byline of how Islam was hijacked by a few bad people is hogwash. Unfortunately, that limited view and outright failure to recognize the threat and speak out about it will get many Americans and Europeans killed.
Just recently there was a seizure of multiple explosives, lists of churches taken from a facility in Tennessee. That seems to indicate that this will become a full blown religious war quite soon and it will be made quite apparent. Yet that fact was pretty much ignored by the mainstream media.
How can it be that Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri can openly and repeatedly state that this is a religious war but we cannot? Seems we are doing ourselves a severe injustice hiding behind our little catch phrases and comments that seem to indicate that this war is simply about “rogue terrorism” versus the free world.
This war is about “Islam versus the Free World”. Nothing less than that. To say anything else is insinuating that we, the American people are stupid and cannot see the truth. Islam has no desire to co-exist and the proof is all around us every day.
There is a wonderful aspect and freedom referred to as Religious Freedom here in this country. BUT, once you step over the line and conspire or train to kill Americans or commit acts of terror, you should lose that freedom because you abused it. Just like having the freedom to do anything, once you abuse it, you lose it. If your mosque is a hate center and teaches followers to kill Americans, then you should be charged with hate crimes and conspiring to murder Americans and you should be jailed and the mosque bulldozed to the ground. It’s that simple. Eliminate the threat.
The Pope made his statement regarding the use of violence to further a religion and instantly there are death threats, retaliation against Christians and Christian places of worship worldwide. The entire nation of Islam worldwide and uniformly has proven exactly what the Pope said to be the truth. Yet, we still don’t get it. Islam is about death, murder and the destruction of anything non-Islam. It's time for all true peace loving Muslims to reject hatred by abandoning the false religion of Islam.
Netsworks blame Pope for Violence
Several network stories have framed the violent reaction of some Muslims to Pope Benedict's quotation last week of how 14th century Byzantine Emperor Manuel Paleologos II said, "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached," not around demands that Muslim leaders denounce the uncivilized reaction, but around how the Pope had "provoked" the violence, "damaged" relations with Muslims and should have realized what his words would cause. I don't recall that kind of restraint used with the Abu Ghraib photos or the false story of U.S. soldiers flushing the Koran???????
Kerry Speaks on Abortion
Senator John F. Kerry called for a new national commitment to reduce the number of abortions, saying that both sides on the abortion debate can reach "common ground". In an intimate speech laced with references to his Catholic upbringing, Kerry chastised abortion-rights supporters and anti-abortion activists for the ``overly partisan" tone that has polarized the nation.
"Even as a supporter of Roe v. Wade, I am compelled to acknowledge that the language both sides use on this subject can be, unfortunately, misleading and unconstructive," Kerry said. The speech is Kerry's most extensive attempt to describe his religious views and define where he stands on so-called "values issues". Throughout his career, Kerry has said he is personally opposed to abortion but would not impose his views on others.
Full Story
"Even as a supporter of Roe v. Wade, I am compelled to acknowledge that the language both sides use on this subject can be, unfortunately, misleading and unconstructive," Kerry said. The speech is Kerry's most extensive attempt to describe his religious views and define where he stands on so-called "values issues". Throughout his career, Kerry has said he is personally opposed to abortion but would not impose his views on others.
Full Story
Violent Muslim Reaction Justifies Pope's Stated Concerns
As the Vatican continues trying to placate Muslims angered by Pope Benedict XVI's recent remarks, a senior Catholic leader has said the violent response justified the concern the pope had been expressing in the first place.
Citing threats of violence against the pope in Somalia and Iraq, Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell said "the violent reactions ... showed the link for many Islamists between religion and violence, their refusal to respond to criticism with rational arguments, but only with demonstrations, threats and actual violence."
Powerball Says: The one thing that all Christians must realize, is to the Muslim world, the pope represents ALL Christians. When they call for the death of the pope they are really calling for the death of free speech and Christianity in general. If you are a Christian, you are a "worshiper of the cross" and Catholic or not, the pope represents you.
Give back the raise? Just 2 say they will
A day after the state Supreme Court ruled that legislators were wrong in approving midterm pay raises for themselves, several Philadelphia-area lawmakers said Friday that they would not give back the extra money they had collected. Read More
Pa. poised to follow California's stricter car pollution rules
Pennsylvania is poised to adopt new pollution standards that would require new cars to be cleaner-burning a year from now - and put the state in lockstep with California's efforts to impose even more stringent requirements by 2009. Read More
Security breach at US Capitol
Shortly before 8:00 am., a yet-unidentified man crashed his SUV through a security barricade at the U.S. Capitol and into a water fountain on the plaza in the middle of an area undergoing construction. The man then jumped from his vehicle and ran into the building near the Rotunda with Capitol Police in pursuit. According to witnesses, police caught up with the man who was apprehended in a construction area on the third floor of the Capitol complex. Hill staffers were instructed to remain in their offices while police investigated the incident.
Al-Qaida in Iraq: Pope and West are 'Doomed'
Al-Qaida in Iraq and its allies warned Pope Benedict XVI on Monday that he and the West were "doomed" and proclaimed that the holy war would continue until Islam dominates the world.
The Mujahedeen Shura Council, an umbrella organization of Sunni Arab extremist groups that includes al-Qaida in Iraq, issued a statement on a Web forum about the pope's remarks last week on Islam. The authenticity of the statement could not be immediately independently verified.
"You infidels and despotic, we will continue our jihad (holy war) and never stop until God avails us to chop your necks and raise the fluttering banner of monotheism when God's rule is established governing all people and nations," the statement said.
The group said Muslims will be victorious and addressed the pope as "the worshipper of the cross" saying "you and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword."
NewsMax.com
The Mujahedeen Shura Council, an umbrella organization of Sunni Arab extremist groups that includes al-Qaida in Iraq, issued a statement on a Web forum about the pope's remarks last week on Islam. The authenticity of the statement could not be immediately independently verified.
"You infidels and despotic, we will continue our jihad (holy war) and never stop until God avails us to chop your necks and raise the fluttering banner of monotheism when God's rule is established governing all people and nations," the statement said.
The group said Muslims will be victorious and addressed the pope as "the worshipper of the cross" saying "you and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword."
NewsMax.com
CHIRAC REJECTS SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN
CHIRAC REJECTS SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN, SAID “IRAN IS A GREAT NATION”
A far cry from a founding member of the “axis of evil.”
BBC
A far cry from a founding member of the “axis of evil.”
BBC
Couple Accused of Kidnapping Daughter
Associated Press
A Maine couple upset that their 19-year-old daughter was pregnant tied her up, loaded her in their car and began driving to New York to force her to get an abortion, police said.
The daughter, Katelyn Kampf, escaped Friday at a shopping center and called police, who arrested her parents, Nicholas Kampf, 54, and Lola, 53, of North Yarmouth, Maine. They were jailed on a kidnapping charge and were being held on $100,000 bail each.
The parents were scheduled to be arraigned in Salem District Court.
"Her parents chased her out into the yard, grabbed and tied her hands and feet together," Salem Police Officer Sean Marino wrote in a court affidavit. "Katelyn states that her father then carried her to their car and they headed toward New Hampshire."
Investigators said rope, duct tape, scissors and a .22-caliber rifle were found in the Kampfs' Lexus and Nicholas Kampf had a loaded .22- caliber magazine clip in his pants pocket.
A Maine couple upset that their 19-year-old daughter was pregnant tied her up, loaded her in their car and began driving to New York to force her to get an abortion, police said.
The daughter, Katelyn Kampf, escaped Friday at a shopping center and called police, who arrested her parents, Nicholas Kampf, 54, and Lola, 53, of North Yarmouth, Maine. They were jailed on a kidnapping charge and were being held on $100,000 bail each.
The parents were scheduled to be arraigned in Salem District Court.
"Her parents chased her out into the yard, grabbed and tied her hands and feet together," Salem Police Officer Sean Marino wrote in a court affidavit. "Katelyn states that her father then carried her to their car and they headed toward New Hampshire."
Investigators said rope, duct tape, scissors and a .22-caliber rifle were found in the Kampfs' Lexus and Nicholas Kampf had a loaded .22- caliber magazine clip in his pants pocket.
POPE APOLOGIZES, SOME MUSLIMS SAY IT’S NOT ENOUGH
Story notes “Several of the Islamic leaders who rose to condemn Benedict in the last several days have cast him as part of what they see as a vast Western conspiracy against Islam, and have put him in the same category as President Bush.” (LA Times) From a 39 year-old lawyer in the UK: “The Muslims take their religion very seriously and non-Muslims must appreciate that and that must also understand that there may be serious consequences if you insult Islam and the prophet. Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment." (Daily Mail)
My two cents: Get over it. Tell your other Muslim brothers to stop beheading people on the six o'clock news and then we can talk. A nun was shot dead in Somalia by Islamic gunmen and churches came under attack in Palestine. That doesn't really help your case Islam.
One yahoo was quoted in the paper as saying "Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment." Ahh no, that's not the way the world works. You see, one guy was holding a sign that read "Jesus is the slave of Allah". Well that offends me, but I'm not going to kill you or burn a pile of bed sheets that sort of look like you. Just when that whole cartoon thing died down the 'religion of peace' now wants to kill the pope. Get over it!
My two cents: Get over it. Tell your other Muslim brothers to stop beheading people on the six o'clock news and then we can talk. A nun was shot dead in Somalia by Islamic gunmen and churches came under attack in Palestine. That doesn't really help your case Islam.
One yahoo was quoted in the paper as saying "Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment." Ahh no, that's not the way the world works. You see, one guy was holding a sign that read "Jesus is the slave of Allah". Well that offends me, but I'm not going to kill you or burn a pile of bed sheets that sort of look like you. Just when that whole cartoon thing died down the 'religion of peace' now wants to kill the pope. Get over it!
Could Clear Channel Sell?
I've said it before and I'll say it again. For the most part radio sucks. You have people in charge that are so out of touch they can't program a VCR, much less the music we are all supposed to like.
Top 40 has turned in to sex soaked lyrics rapped to an irritating beat that sounds much like the last 39 songs that played. The DJ's sound like they are in 9th grade and talking to other ninth graders in a locker room. The personality and the soul of radio is pretty much dead and gone. Bean counters are in charge, not real radio folks.
Radio got too big an arrogant. They figured if they controlled what you saw and heard and had a lock on concerts they could force feed you garbage and you would smile and write the check. What they forgot is people don't often feel obligated to lay down and die.
Enter, ipods, Napster and all the other downloads sights, burn your own cds, listen on your camera phone or plug in to satellite radio. It'a called competition and it shows you just how good (or bad) you really are.
The amount of time people tune into radio over the course of a week has fallen by 14 percent over the last decade. Over the last three years, the stocks of the five largest publicly traded radio companies are down between 30 percent and 60 percent as investors wonder when the industry will bottom out. For me the end can't come soon enough. That's strange coming from a guy who works in radio but these greedy fellas have destroyed something that was great.
According to the New York Times Clear Channel Communications, the nation"s largest radio operator, is now considering selling some of its 1,200 stations in smaller markets after years of acquiring everything in sight, according to industry analysts. The did the same thing recently and now says it is looking at further station sales. The Walt Disney Company struck a deal this summer to get out of the radio business altogether, and in May, Susquehanna Broadcasting, the nation's largest privately held radio group, was sold to another broadcaster.
CBS (formally Infinity Broadcasting) flipped formats at 27 of its stations since last year.
They intoduced the "Jack format", which has no on-air host and sounds like someone hit "shuffle" on an ipod. Why do we need that? Just get an ipod. In the first six months of the year, the operating income of CBS's radio business fell 17 percent. That's no Jack.
Amid so much uncertainty, it is little wonder that sessions at next week's National Association of Broadcasters radio convention in Dallas advertise things like: "Learn to steal money from your local newspaper" and "Harnessing the power of blogging." How about we try doing good radio for a change?
Top 40 has turned in to sex soaked lyrics rapped to an irritating beat that sounds much like the last 39 songs that played. The DJ's sound like they are in 9th grade and talking to other ninth graders in a locker room. The personality and the soul of radio is pretty much dead and gone. Bean counters are in charge, not real radio folks.
Radio got too big an arrogant. They figured if they controlled what you saw and heard and had a lock on concerts they could force feed you garbage and you would smile and write the check. What they forgot is people don't often feel obligated to lay down and die.
Enter, ipods, Napster and all the other downloads sights, burn your own cds, listen on your camera phone or plug in to satellite radio. It'a called competition and it shows you just how good (or bad) you really are.
The amount of time people tune into radio over the course of a week has fallen by 14 percent over the last decade. Over the last three years, the stocks of the five largest publicly traded radio companies are down between 30 percent and 60 percent as investors wonder when the industry will bottom out. For me the end can't come soon enough. That's strange coming from a guy who works in radio but these greedy fellas have destroyed something that was great.
According to the New York Times Clear Channel Communications, the nation"s largest radio operator, is now considering selling some of its 1,200 stations in smaller markets after years of acquiring everything in sight, according to industry analysts. The did the same thing recently and now says it is looking at further station sales. The Walt Disney Company struck a deal this summer to get out of the radio business altogether, and in May, Susquehanna Broadcasting, the nation's largest privately held radio group, was sold to another broadcaster.
CBS (formally Infinity Broadcasting) flipped formats at 27 of its stations since last year.
They intoduced the "Jack format", which has no on-air host and sounds like someone hit "shuffle" on an ipod. Why do we need that? Just get an ipod. In the first six months of the year, the operating income of CBS's radio business fell 17 percent. That's no Jack.
Amid so much uncertainty, it is little wonder that sessions at next week's National Association of Broadcasters radio convention in Dallas advertise things like: "Learn to steal money from your local newspaper" and "Harnessing the power of blogging." How about we try doing good radio for a change?
MCGREEVEY BOOK HELPS HIM CASH IN ON HOMOSEXUAL AFFAIR
The former New Jersey governor is now making money telling how he cheated on his wife while she was in the hospital after giving birth.
FOX News
FOX News
MURDERER DEMANDING STATE PAY FOR SEX CHANGE
He killed his wife, now he wants to be a woman. Note that the kind-hearted ABC News joins other news organizations in calling the man a woman.
ABC News
ABC News
Pope's speech stirs Muslim anger
As if they weren't angry before.....
Muslim religious leaders have accused Pope Benedict XVI of quoting anti-Islamic remarks during a speech at a German university this week.
Questioning the concept of holy war, he quoted a 14th-Century Christian emperor who said Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things.
In his speech at Regensburg University, the German-born pontiff explored the historical and philosophical differences between Islam and Christianity and the relationship between violence and faith.
BBC
Muslim religious leaders have accused Pope Benedict XVI of quoting anti-Islamic remarks during a speech at a German university this week.
Questioning the concept of holy war, he quoted a 14th-Century Christian emperor who said Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things.
In his speech at Regensburg University, the German-born pontiff explored the historical and philosophical differences between Islam and Christianity and the relationship between violence and faith.
BBC
NY TIMES RIPS ECONOMY FOR WAGES, FAILS TO LOOK AT SELF
GATHERING OF TALIBAN SPARED BECAUSE IT WAS A FUNERAL
An unmanned drone spotted the group. From the story: While not giving a reason for the decision, the military concluded the statement saying that while Taliban forces have killed innocent civilians during a funeral, coalition forces "hold themselves to a higher moral and ethical standard than their enemies."
USA Today
USA Today
Federal Deficit Down 14.1 Pct.
The federal budget deficit, helped by a surge in government revenue, is running 14.1 percent below the pace of last year, the government reported Wednesday.
The Treasury Department said that with just one month to go in the budget year, the deficit totals $304.3 billion, down from $354.1 billion during the same period a year ago.
The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that the deficit for the entire year will be $260 billion, which would mean that September will see a sizable surplus.
The administration is somewhat less optimistic, forecasting a deficit of $295.8 billion for the current budget year, which ends Sept. 30.
Treasury's budget report: http://www.fms.treas.gov
The Treasury Department said that with just one month to go in the budget year, the deficit totals $304.3 billion, down from $354.1 billion during the same period a year ago.
The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that the deficit for the entire year will be $260 billion, which would mean that September will see a sizable surplus.
The administration is somewhat less optimistic, forecasting a deficit of $295.8 billion for the current budget year, which ends Sept. 30.
Treasury's budget report: http://www.fms.treas.gov
REID UPSET OVER POLYGAMY, NOT SO MUCH WITH GAY MARRIAGE
The Democratic leader in the senate said of polygamy “For too long, this outrageous activity has been disguised in the mask of religious freedom.” (Houston Chronicle) But when Bush tried to pass the Marriage Amendment, Reid said “This is another one of the president's efforts to frighten, to distort, to distract and confuse America. It is this administration's way of avoiding the tough, real problems that American citizens are confronted with each and every day.” (CNN)
UNIVERSITY STANDS BY COMICS OFFENSIVE TO CHRISTIANS
The story explains “The three different comic strips depict the Virgin Mary with a venereal disease, Jesus Christ being crucified on a Cartesian coordinate plane, and Jesus dying alongside a woman in a car crash and then using profanities.” The editor of the Cavalier Daily, the student run newspaper of the University of Virginia, issued a statement insisting there will be no apology. The story does note the paper censored a comic strip that attacked homosexuality.
Charlottesville Newsplex
Charlottesville Newsplex
AMERICANS MORE RELIGIOUS THAN THEY REALIZE
From the story: … the Baylor survey, considered one of the most detailed ever conducted about religion in the United States, found that one in 10 people who picked "no religion" out of 40 choices did something interesting when asked later where they worship: They named a place.
Washington Post
Washington Post
DEMOCRAT A STEP CLOSER TO BEING FIRST MUSLIM IN CONGRESS
What timing. While the story does note Keith Ellison’s trouble with the law: (Star Tribune) It misses much of what will trouble the rest of America. (Powerline)
Plug Your Ears
Greenstone Media, a radio company whose founders include social activist Gloria Steinem and actress Jane Fonda, has launched an all-women, all-talk network across the United States. Please shoot me now.
Steinem said the network, which is run by women, aims to provide an alternative to current radio talk, which she describes as "very argumentative, quite hostile, and very much male-dominated." So now we can listen to argumentative, hostile radio dominated by women.
Currently, the network does nine hours of programming daily, which should increase shortly to 12.
Reuters
Steinem said the network, which is run by women, aims to provide an alternative to current radio talk, which she describes as "very argumentative, quite hostile, and very much male-dominated." So now we can listen to argumentative, hostile radio dominated by women.
Currently, the network does nine hours of programming daily, which should increase shortly to 12.
Reuters
Rules convince another abortionist to quit
Ohio state regulators have uncovered more than a dozen health code violations, including a serious situation that endangered the life of a patient, and an East Side Cleveland clinic that performed second-trimester abortions is closing down.
The Ohio Department of Health concluded, in an in-depth report on the Center for Women's Health, that the business failed to have agreements with area hospitals for patients to be admitted in case of serious complications, according to the Plain Dealer.
The Ohio Department of Health concluded, in an in-depth report on the Center for Women's Health, that the business failed to have agreements with area hospitals for patients to be admitted in case of serious complications, according to the Plain Dealer.
Gap in revenue forecasts a licensing issue
A serious problem has developed in the effort to license a slots casino at The Meadows racetrack, as forecasts of gambling revenue made by the track owner differ significantly from the estimates made by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board staff. Read More
Dr. Dobson On the SHOW TODAY
Don't miss "John & Stephanie" this afternoon, Sept. 12, on 101.5 WORD-FM when Dr. James Dobson joins them for a rare radio interview in the 5:00 pm hour! Dr. Dobson, host of the 101.5 WORD-FM program "Focus on the Family," can be heard several times each day -- 7:30 am, 12:00 Noon, 3:30 pm, 8:30 pm and 3:00 am.
See Dr. Dobson in person when he visits Pittsburgh on Wednesday, September 20, at 6:30 pm for the "Stand For the Family" Rally at Mellon Arena.
This vitally important rally also features Ken Hutcherson, Gary Bauer and Tony Perkins. You'll learn about what's at stake this election and get equipped to fight for the critical issues that will protect the family. Topics include the sanctity of human life, definition of marriage and moral standards.
Tickets on sale at the Mellon Arena Gate One box office, Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com or 412-323-1919. Adults = $7, Children = $4. Groups of 25 or more should call 412-642-1977.
See Dr. Dobson in person when he visits Pittsburgh on Wednesday, September 20, at 6:30 pm for the "Stand For the Family" Rally at Mellon Arena.
This vitally important rally also features Ken Hutcherson, Gary Bauer and Tony Perkins. You'll learn about what's at stake this election and get equipped to fight for the critical issues that will protect the family. Topics include the sanctity of human life, definition of marriage and moral standards.
Tickets on sale at the Mellon Arena Gate One box office, Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com or 412-323-1919. Adults = $7, Children = $4. Groups of 25 or more should call 412-642-1977.
STUDY FINDS CELEBRITIES HIGHLY NARCISSISTIC
From the story: The average Narcissism Personality Inventory score of Americans — as demonstrated in a previous study — is 15.3 out of a possible 40. Celebrities averaged 17.8. Contrary to what occurs in the general population, women celebrities, across the board, were more narcissistic than males (19.26 versus 17.27). Musicians — who have the highest skill level — are the least narcissistic celebrity group, while reality television stars — the least talented or skilled group — are the most narcissistic.
LA Times
LA Times
BOSTON UNIVERSITY TO CRACK DOWN ON SWEARING AT GAMES
The profanity often comes in the form of chants. As expected, a student insisted “That's terrible and an infringement on our freedom of speech."
Boston Globe
Boston Globe
BUSH WARNS BIN LADEN, SEEKS SUPPORT FOR IRAQ
In his 9/11 prime time address. (Reuters) An AP story titled “5 Years After 9/11, Many Angry at U.S.” shows a picture of people burning the U.S. flag. Many people still call for “understanding” our enemies. (AP) Meanwhile, our enemies attack. This time, they target the U.S. Embassy in Damascus. (CBS News)
5 Years Ago
5 years ago I was working at a local Pittsburgh radio station. We were a music station but for days we didn't play a single song. In an instant we became all news and we learned as we went live on the air.
I remember the vast amount of information coming in from every possible source. Some was true, some was not. I was not sure what to report.
I remember seeing "Pittsburgh" come across the wire. What was going on? A US Airways plane was highjacked from Pittsburgh the first report read. I looked out the window and to the sky. I saw nothing.
That report was not true but as I wondered, word came of a crash outside of Pittsburgh. The radio veteran I was working with that day stopped mid sentence. He was silent, but we were still on the air. He began to cry, whispered "I can't do this" and walked out of the studio.
There I was, alone in the studio. I wanted to be home with my family. But I picked up the paper and began to read. I wasn't supposed to be on the air but so many things happened that day that should not have.
5 years later, so much has changed, yet in many ways that day seems so close. I've spent days listening to audio clips and reviewing material for the show. It's not old. It's still too real. It can and does bring a tear to the eye.
While grief fades with time, it always lurks in the shadows......
I remember the vast amount of information coming in from every possible source. Some was true, some was not. I was not sure what to report.
I remember seeing "Pittsburgh" come across the wire. What was going on? A US Airways plane was highjacked from Pittsburgh the first report read. I looked out the window and to the sky. I saw nothing.
That report was not true but as I wondered, word came of a crash outside of Pittsburgh. The radio veteran I was working with that day stopped mid sentence. He was silent, but we were still on the air. He began to cry, whispered "I can't do this" and walked out of the studio.
There I was, alone in the studio. I wanted to be home with my family. But I picked up the paper and began to read. I wasn't supposed to be on the air but so many things happened that day that should not have.
5 years later, so much has changed, yet in many ways that day seems so close. I've spent days listening to audio clips and reviewing material for the show. It's not old. It's still too real. It can and does bring a tear to the eye.
While grief fades with time, it always lurks in the shadows......
NEW POLL: SANTORUM CLOSING
Zogby/Wall Street Journal have the difference at 4.1. (NRO) Other polls have Santorum further behind. (Real Clear Politics)
KDKA can kiss it goodbye
The Pirates' long and storied radio relationship with CBS-owned KDKA-AM (1020) will end with the 2006 season.
The club plans to announce a new broadcast agreement with Clear Channel's WPGB-FM (104.7) on Tuesday.
Terms of the Pirates' deal with WPGB are not known, and persons affiliated with the Pirates and WPGB would not comment on the deal.
With the move, the broadcasting rights to each of Pittsburgh's three major professional sports teams will belong to Clear Channel-operated FM stations -- WDVE-FM (102.5) is home to the Steelers and WXDX-FM (105.9) recently locked up the Penguins.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
The club plans to announce a new broadcast agreement with Clear Channel's WPGB-FM (104.7) on Tuesday.
Terms of the Pirates' deal with WPGB are not known, and persons affiliated with the Pirates and WPGB would not comment on the deal.
With the move, the broadcasting rights to each of Pittsburgh's three major professional sports teams will belong to Clear Channel-operated FM stations -- WDVE-FM (102.5) is home to the Steelers and WXDX-FM (105.9) recently locked up the Penguins.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
NBC EDITS THE HEART OUT OF VEGGIE TALES
From the story: The early word from producers is that NBC has grown increasingly fierce about editing something out of "Veggie Tales" -- those apparently unacceptable, insensitive references to God and the Bible. So NBC has taken the very essence of "Veggie Tales" -- and ripped it out. It's like "Gunsmoke" without the guns, or "Monday Night Football" without the football.
Townhall
Note: Phil Visher - co-creator of "Veggie Tales" is scheduled to be on the show 9/14.
Townhall
Note: Phil Visher - co-creator of "Veggie Tales" is scheduled to be on the show 9/14.
PALESTINIANS FRUSTRATED WITH HAMAS
From the story: For the first time, large numbers of Palestinians are beginning to direct their widespread frustration toward the Islamist militant movement Hamas for its seeming inability to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Palestinians since it took over the reins of government early this year.
Boston Globe
Boston Globe
DEMOCRATS THREATEN DISNEY’S BROADCAST LICENSE OVER 9/11 MOVIE
One must wonder how this egregious effort seems to be missing, as of this morning, from mainstream media reports. (Democrats) As they continue to demand changes, it appears they’ll get some. (Washington Post) From Hewitt: I hope ABC execs add a postscript of Sandy Berger, in the National Archives, stuffing secret documents into his pants and socks, and then pleading guilty to having done so. And a nice bit of footage of Madeleine Albright clinking glasses with Kim Jung Il in late 2000 would be a fine addition as well. Perhaps a shot of the disbarment proceedings of President Clinton, or the rambling last press conference that followed the Marc Rich pardon? The Clinton censors want accuracy, then give them accuracy in everything, I say. (Townhall) Disney President Robert Iger has given money to Hillary in the past and gives mostly to Democrats. (Open Secrets) Meanwhile, Democrats plan to manipulate the internet so any search on the movie turns up their claim of inaccuracies. (FOX News) On the DNC website, stopping the miniseries is their top priority. (DNC)
IRANIAN PRESIDENT TO VISIT US SEPT. 19
Iranian President Ahmadinejad announced he plans on visiting the US Sept. 19 to take on President Bush in a debate at the UN over Iran's right to become a nuclear power. As reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency, Ahmadinejad said, "We are ready for a debate with the Americans at the U.N. General Assembly" and that "the American side can even take part in the debate side by side with his advisors, and as a full team, if they wish so."
Diplomats at the United Nations were sent into disarray yesterday when President Ahmadinejad of Iran declared that he intended to attend the General Assembly of the world body on September 19 and to debate his country's nuclear program with President Bush, who is due to address the Assembly that day.
Mr. Ahmadinejad last visited the United Nations last year.The speculation, however, was enough to prompt sharp questions from reporters to the press spokesman of Secretary-General Annan about whether a precedent existed for America denying a visa to a president visiting the General Assembly. The spokesman replied that he knew of no such precedent.The prospect of Mr. Ahmadinejad striding the world stage and voicing his well-known anti-Semitic views and his belief that Israel should be destroyed in the General Assembly was enough to cause a member of the Israeli parliament, M.K. Dan Naveh, to ask the Israeli government to demand that Mr. Ahmadinejad be prevented from attending the Assembly.
Diplomats at the United Nations were sent into disarray yesterday when President Ahmadinejad of Iran declared that he intended to attend the General Assembly of the world body on September 19 and to debate his country's nuclear program with President Bush, who is due to address the Assembly that day.
Mr. Ahmadinejad last visited the United Nations last year.The speculation, however, was enough to prompt sharp questions from reporters to the press spokesman of Secretary-General Annan about whether a precedent existed for America denying a visa to a president visiting the General Assembly. The spokesman replied that he knew of no such precedent.The prospect of Mr. Ahmadinejad striding the world stage and voicing his well-known anti-Semitic views and his belief that Israel should be destroyed in the General Assembly was enough to cause a member of the Israeli parliament, M.K. Dan Naveh, to ask the Israeli government to demand that Mr. Ahmadinejad be prevented from attending the Assembly.
AHMADINEJAD TO VISIT NEW YORK?
According to the story, “Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad plans to attend this month's U.N. General Assembly session in New York City, and has again challenged President Bush to a public debate to compare the merits of democracy and Islam.”
CNS News
CNS News
CLINTON ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS DEMAND ABC CANCEL OR CHANGE 9/11 SPECIAL
Madeline Albright, who hasn’t seen it yet, insists the miniseries “depicts scenes that never happened, events that never took place, decisions that were never made and conversations that never occurred.” At one point in the story, the New York Times references an interview on KRLA. But they wouldn’t name the host of the show, Hugh Hewitt. (NY Times)
From Hewitt: The film does not spare the Bush Administration its shots either, but for the left in the US the most damning thing possible is a recounting of the deep slumber concerning al Qaeda that overcame not just President Clinton but all parts of the national security apparatus throughout the '90s. The film does not damn those in charge during those years. It does however deliver a indictment of criminal negligence from which there is simply no escape. (Townhall)
The Democratic National Committee issued an angry letter, accusing the network of “presenting an irresponsible, slanderous, fraudulent, "docu-drama" to the American public.” (DNC)
From Hewitt: The film does not spare the Bush Administration its shots either, but for the left in the US the most damning thing possible is a recounting of the deep slumber concerning al Qaeda that overcame not just President Clinton but all parts of the national security apparatus throughout the '90s. The film does not damn those in charge during those years. It does however deliver a indictment of criminal negligence from which there is simply no escape. (Townhall)
The Democratic National Committee issued an angry letter, accusing the network of “presenting an irresponsible, slanderous, fraudulent, "docu-drama" to the American public.” (DNC)
Bobby's boo-boo
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Editorial
In the single most-watched U.S. Senate race in the country, Pennsylvanians may not be energized by the candidates' stands on Iraq, Social Security or government's gross spending.
But last year's state pay-jacking? That iron's still plenty hot.
What better test do Pennsylvanians need to see how a state official -- who aided the outrage -- will fare as a newbie on Capitol Hill.
As state treasurer, Bobby Casey Jr. didn't blow the whistle on last summer's unconstitutional legislative pay raises; he cut the checks for them. Oh, he said he opposed it. Eventually. But not until months after the fact -- and only because his hand was forced.
In response to a lawsuit against the since-repealed raises, Mr. Casey offered that the pay-jacking violated the state Constitution.
Translation: Casey knowingly aided and abetted an unconstitutional act.
Didn't this guy take an oath to defend the state Constitution? This is the watchdog Pennsylvanians would send to the Senate? Looks and sounds more like a lap dog to us.
How ironic, too, that in his first debate with Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, the Democrat challenger accused Mr. Santorum of being Bush's "yes" man, when Casey did as much for ringleaders of the reprehensible pay grab.
Pssssst, Sen. Santorum: This is an issue to keep hammering home.
Presbyterian Megachurch Becomes Largest to Leave Denomination
Members of a Presbyterian megachurch in Tulsa, Okla., have decided overwhelmingly to withdraw from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), agencies reported this week, making it the largest congregation to do so.Just over one-thousand members of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church turned out and voted 967-to-36 to affirm a vote by church elders to leave, the Associated Press reported Thursday.
On his personal web log, Rev. Thomas W. Gray explained the reason for separating from the PCUSA. "We at the Kirk are holding to what Scripture clearly teaches," he said, according to the Presbyterian News Service. "The PCUSA has left this critical foundation. We, therefore, no longer recognize the authority of the PCUSA over any congregation that chooses to hold to the traditional authority of Scripture, as once held by the PCUSA."
Baptist Foundation Leader Pleads Guilty
The final defendant has pleaded guilty in a fraud case linked to the collapse of the Baptist Foundation of Arizona, one of the nation's largest nonprofit bankruptcy filings.
Lawrence Dwain Hoover, 71, who served two decades on the foundation's board, faces up to 12 1/2 years in prison when he's sentenced in late November and has agreed to pay $500,000 in restitution, according to the Arizona Attorney General's Office. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to a single count of fraud.
The foundation, which was created in 1948 as a nonprofit religious entity to raise money for Southern Baptist causes, collapsed in 1999 in what was then the largest nonprofit bankruptcy filing in U.S. history. About 11,000 mostly elderly investors lost almost $600 million as a result.
Associated Press
Lawrence Dwain Hoover, 71, who served two decades on the foundation's board, faces up to 12 1/2 years in prison when he's sentenced in late November and has agreed to pay $500,000 in restitution, according to the Arizona Attorney General's Office. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to a single count of fraud.
The foundation, which was created in 1948 as a nonprofit religious entity to raise money for Southern Baptist causes, collapsed in 1999 in what was then the largest nonprofit bankruptcy filing in U.S. history. About 11,000 mostly elderly investors lost almost $600 million as a result.
Associated Press
DEMOCRATS CONTINUE THEIR ASSAULT ON RUMSFELD
Looking for a no confidence vote from the full senate. (CNN) It’s part of their strategy to look tough on terror. From Harry Reid: “Under the Bush administration and this Republican Congress, America is less safe, facing greater threats and unprepared for the dangerous world in which we live.” (Washington Times) Sounding just like the Democrats, ex Iranian president Mohammad Khatami said the Bush policy has led to more terrorism. (Washington Post)
THIRD PARTY CANDIDATES COULD SPOIL A NUMBER OF RACES
Schumer and other Democrats are trying to get the Green candidate off the Pennsylvania ballot.
USA Today
USA Today
'Political' Priest Looks to 2008
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, which has been named among the Top 20 Christian Political Organizations in the nation, announced today that he has launched his organization’s work for the 2008 elections. “Our work for the 2006 elections is, of course, in full gear. We fully expect victories for pro-life candidates across the board, and we intend to continue the momentum into 2008. Our goal here is not partisan,” Fr. Pavone explained. “We endorse no candidates, nor raise any money for their campaigns. Rather, what we do is to teach moral principles regarding the duty of government to protect human life. Thousands of children in the womb continue to be ripped apart alive each day. Concerns about appearing too political aren’t going to keep us silent in the face of that.”
Priests for Life has one the largest budgets of any pro-life organization, and fostering political responsibility among Churchgoers is one of its top priorities. Plans are in place to teach Churches across the country to do all those activities that tax law permits to Churches, such as non-partisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, non-partisan voter guides, and voter education campaigns regarding what issues matter most according to Church teaching. “If, in the end, our educational activity benefits one candidate or party more than another, that’s not because we’re partisan. That’s because the candidate or party in question has taken a particular position. That’s independent of our duty to stand up for what is right.”
For information, visit www.PoliticalResponsibility.com.
Priests for Life has one the largest budgets of any pro-life organization, and fostering political responsibility among Churchgoers is one of its top priorities. Plans are in place to teach Churches across the country to do all those activities that tax law permits to Churches, such as non-partisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, non-partisan voter guides, and voter education campaigns regarding what issues matter most according to Church teaching. “If, in the end, our educational activity benefits one candidate or party more than another, that’s not because we’re partisan. That’s because the candidate or party in question has taken a particular position. That’s independent of our duty to stand up for what is right.”
For information, visit www.PoliticalResponsibility.com.
Evangelicals intensify calls for parents to pull kids from public schools
NEW YORK - Public schools take a lot of criticism, but a growing, loosely organized movement is now moving from harsh words to action -- with parents taking their own children out of public schools and exhorting other families to do the same. Read More
Iran's Khatami to Speak on Ethics at Harvard
As the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks draws near, Harvard University has decided to mark the occasion by hosting Mohammed Khatami, the former president of Iran – a nation that’s engaged in a terrorist war against the United States.
Khatami agreed to speak on September 10 at the university’s John F. Kennedy School of Government on, of all things, "Ethics of Tolerance in the Age of Violence.”
As the New York Sun points out in an editorial, the title of the address "insults the intelligence of all those who would attend".
"What in the world is a man who presided over the July 9, 1999, crackdown on Tehran University, where hundreds of students were arrested and tortured, doing speaking about ‘tolerance’ at a university?” GOOD QUESTION!
Santorum Crushes Casey in Debate
Closing in on his front-runner opponent in the polls, Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., came out swinging in the first and probably the only public debate with Pennsylvania State Treasurer Bob Casey.
He may have delivered a knockout blow to Casey, who appeared confused and inarticulate during his encounter with the fast-talking Santorum during their weekend debate on NBC's "Meet the Press" with host Tim Russert.
Writing at SantorumBlog, contributor Rich Talbert observed: "Casey was a dead stick when discussing Iraq ... was absolutely clueless about Social Security ... bombed with Catholics with the abortion pill ... dropped the ball on the pay raise ... but did a good job coming across as sophomoric and being awfully smug and sarcastic.”
During the debate, which lasted for just short of a full hour, Casey bobbed and weaved when questioned about such issues as how he would balance the budget, and whether he would have voted to support the invasion of Iraq.
Full Story
He may have delivered a knockout blow to Casey, who appeared confused and inarticulate during his encounter with the fast-talking Santorum during their weekend debate on NBC's "Meet the Press" with host Tim Russert.
Writing at SantorumBlog, contributor Rich Talbert observed: "Casey was a dead stick when discussing Iraq ... was absolutely clueless about Social Security ... bombed with Catholics with the abortion pill ... dropped the ball on the pay raise ... but did a good job coming across as sophomoric and being awfully smug and sarcastic.”
During the debate, which lasted for just short of a full hour, Casey bobbed and weaved when questioned about such issues as how he would balance the budget, and whether he would have voted to support the invasion of Iraq.
Full Story
Missile fired at McCain escort helicopter
A missile was fired at a helicopter escorting Sen. John McCain during a visit to the Republic of Georgia last week. A statement from that nation’s interior ministry says the surface-to-air missile was aimed at a chopper involved in a visit of a U.S. Senate delegation to the former Soviet republic. McCain was mentioned as the leader of the group.
Word of this missile launch was made as part of a statement about a Sunday attack on a helicopter carrying Georgia’s defense minister. His aircraft was damaged by large-caliber machine gun fire and forced to make an emergency landing. No one was injured.
POLICE PSYCHOLOGIST FIRED FOR AFFILIATION WITH CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION
From the story: the Minneapolis Police Department, at the behest of pro-homosexual activists, has suspended a "highly rated" psychologist, Dr. Michael Campion, because of his past affiliation with a Christian group, the Illinois Family Institute.
Michigan News
Michigan News
Nuns prove God is not figment of the mind
The idea that there a "God spot" in the brain, a circuit of nerves which could explain mankind's almost universal belief in a deity, is questioned today by a study of Carmelite nuns.Scientists have been in the pursuit of the brain processes underlying the Unio Mystica - the Christian notion of mystical union with God - and this endeavour is now part of a newly-emerging field called "neurotheology".
Fifteen cloistered Carmelite nuns ranging from 23 to 64 years old were subjected to brain scan using a method called functional magnetic resonance imaging while being asked to relive a mystical experience, rather than actually try to achieve one.
This method was justified because previous studies with actors asked to enter a particular emotional state activated the same brain regions as people actually living those emotions.
Rather than reveal a spiritual centre in the brain, a module of neural circuits specifically designed for religious experience, the study demonstrated that a dozen different regions of the brain are activated during a mystical experience.
Full Story
Pinocchio converted to Islam
He and other characters in classic tales have been converted to Islam in Turkish school curriculum.Pinocchio, Tom Sawyer and other characters have been converted to Islam in new versions of 100 classic stories on the Turkish school curriculum.
"Give me some bread, for Allah's sake," Pinocchio says to Geppetto, his maker, in a book stamped with the crest of the ministry of education.
"Thanks be to Allah," the puppet says later. I wonder if his nose grows when he says it?
Telegraph
TIME RUNNING OUT
TIME RUNNING OUT FOR PRO-LIFE, PRO-FAMILY BILLS STALLED BY DEMOCRATS
Including the Child Custody Protection Act, which was approved by the House and Senate and has been held up by Democrats.
BP News
Including the Child Custody Protection Act, which was approved by the House and Senate and has been held up by Democrats.
BP News
MICHAEL SCHIAVO HEADS TO CONNECTICUT TO HELP LAMONT
A man known only for doing all he could to make sure his wife died. (Jewish World Review) Lieberman realizes when he returns to Washington, some Democrats will “avoid eye contact.” (CNN)
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