Faithmouse Spotlights PowerBlog!


I've long been a fan of Faithmouse. They are a hub for pro-life bloggers. I first learned of them a few years ago while in DC for the pro-life march. They do wonderful work for the unborn.


I'm honored the have Faithmouse spotlight PowerBlog! with a cartoon!


Wolf Comes To Town: Benny Hinn Comes to Pittsburgh

The circus is in town! Benny Hinn comes to the Pittsburgh convention center for the next few days. Hinn makes his visit in the wake of an ongoing Senate investigation into his ministry finances. The investigation is being headed by Sen. Charles Grassley.

I've heard many commentators who I greatly respect come out and chide Grassley for this government intrusion into the church. I disagree. The investigation is not about any church, rather it seeks to discover if these so called ministries rightfully deserve the tax exempt status that often funds lavish lifestyles.

Getting back to Hinn, I would hope that people would stay away from this guy. He preys on the weak. I happened to see him on TV this morning with other "pastors" who preached a false gospel of prosperity. Steve Munsey, who I written about before was on stage with Hinn. Steve has done fund raising for Cornerstone TV in the past and his words then we are wrong as they are today. In my opinion this man is not of God. He has 10,000 people in his church that is run by his family and I think he is leading thousands of people astray.

On the other side of Hinn stood John Francis. His watch and ring clearly visible and dripping with diamonds on my TV screen. I don't know much about Francis. He claims the title of bishop. But if he is partnered with the likes of Hinn, I would advise anyone to run the other way.

A few years ago I learned of a woman who stopped he cancer treatment after attending a Benny Hinn event. Hinn told her she was cured. She believed every word and pushed away her doctors and medical treatment. She died some months later after he cancer went untreated.

If Benny Hinn really has the power to heal, then I invite him to stop by Children's Hospital and empty them out.

MAN SLIPS GIRLFRIEND ABORTION PILL, CHARGED WITH MURDER OF UNBORN CHILD

It will be interesting to see how pro-abortion people who claim they want fewer abortions will treat this.

FOX News

Huh? TOWN TO POSSIBLY ADD SNOWMAN, SANTA TO NATIVITY SCENE

No I don't make this stuff up. Picture a snowman in the manger. You know the story of the wise men, Santa & Frosty. This is all to please Americans for the Separation of Church and State.

This is the separation of rational thought!

Daily News

Changing TunesL MURTHA ADMITS THE SURGE IS WORKING!

Yes, he admits it after a trip to Iraq last week.

Post-Gazette

BIDEN SAYS IMPEACHMENT BEGINS IF BUSH BOMBS IRAQ

That sound like a threat. That is if he goes without permission from Democrats. Hey Joe, action is long overdue!

Seacoast Online

Senator Casey Urged To Return To Pro-Life Roots

Focus on the Family and the PA Family Institute are publicly calling on Senator Casey to honor his pro-life stance when running for the U.S. Senate. Ads are being placed in four Pennsylvania newspapers including the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. The ad highlights Sen. Casey's pro-life campaign, and his anti-life voting record.

The ad reads: “Senator, be who you claim to be. Live up to your pro-life commitment. And if you are who you claim to be, then work to defend the most innocent, defenseless member of the human family, the unborn child."

Click here to see the ad...

HILLARY SPEAKS AT SADDLEBACK CHURCH

Regular readers of this blog will know I'm not a big fan of Rick Warren. I know he is very popular but I think he is much better at marketing then being a pastor.

I've met Rick in the past and while he is a nice enough guy, I wouldn't trust him to lead a parade much less a church. And gosh darn it he keeps proving me right. Putting the purpose driven products aside, last year Rick jumped in the sandbox with Syria.

Warren told Syria's Islamic grand mufti there could be no peace in the region without Syria and 80 percent of Americans rejecting the U.S. administration's policies and actions in Iraq. Well then.....

But that's old news. Here is the new stuff. Mr. Warren has chosen to use his church as a platform to welcome a pro-choice, pro-gay marriage political campaign speech by Hillary Clinton.

Brace yourself for this from the story: The speech gave Clinton a chance to appear on stage with the popular pastor — who greeted her with a hug — as well as talk at length about her own faith. The centerpiece of a speech laced with Biblical references and reflections on her own faith was a call to spend billions of dollars to combat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases at home and abroad. (FOX News)

You might also recall Rick Warren, hosted Obama last year. (AP)

I know many are scratching their heads over this guy. He was the golden boy of evangelicals. We are promised that the truth shall be revealed. Maybe now all those who bought into the Purpose Driven Lie will see what Warren's true purpose is. It's not about truth, it's about power and he masks it under the banner of AIDS. I wonder if he rebuked Hillary on any of her beliefs????

CNN DEFENDS THEIR DEBATE

Attacking the credibility of their accusers, “The vested interests who are challenging the credibility of the questioners are trying to distract voters from the substantive issues they care most about. Americans are tired of that discredited low-road approach, and throughout this election campaign CNN will stay focused on what the candidates are saying about the pressing issues facing this country at a critical time in our history.” (FOX News)

CNN insists the questioner wasn’t a plant. (AJC)

From Investors Business Daily: The Hillary Rodham Clinton News Network may be as dishonest as it is slanted. (IBD)

From Peggy Noonan: It's not bad that the questions had a certain spin, and played on stereotypes of the GOP. It's just bad that it doesn't quite happen at Democratic debates. (WSJ)

From Hugh Hewitt: …as we saw with the "insufficiently black" question, the CNN team used the device of the third party video to inject a question that would have embarrassed any anchor posing it. (Townhall)

Pregnant Questions

I don't often read the Pittsburgh City Paper. The few times I've looked at it, I have not been impressed with some of the trashy things I found. But my thanks to Andrew Maul who tipped me off to this.

Andrew writes: "I'm not sure you noticed the front page of this week's (every Wednesday) City Paper, but it's aimed towards abortion. The picture on the front page I think is very powerful. Although the CP can be a very liberal rag, it does address issues that other papers ignore."

The article talks about women who faced the question of abortion after a finding of "fetus abnormalities". She was considering an abortion following a standard pregnancy screening test that falsely showed she had a 1 in 240 chance of having a child with Down syndrome.

I encourage you to read the story and share your thoughts. You will find it here

An Early Gift! Planned gas tax increase derailed!!!

Drivers won't be paying an extra penny per gallon at the pump after all. After lawmakers of both parties balked, the state Insurance Department backed off a plan to add 1 cent to Pennsylvania's 31-cent gasoline tax, starting Jan. 1.

Read More

The American Union?

Pope invites senior Muslims to Vatican meeting

Guess who coming to dinner??? Pope Benedict XVI invited a delegation of senior Muslim personalities, who signed an appeal for greater dialogue between religions, to a meeting at the Vatican. (Tip to the Pontiff, don't serve ham)

The pope praised the "positive spirit" behind the October 11 message signed by 138 top Muslims from around the world and sent to Christian leaders and now wants to meet a representative group of the signatories at the Vatican.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone wrote: "Without ignoring or downplaying our differences as Christians and Muslims, we can and therefore should look to what unites us, namely, belief in the one God, the provident Creator and universal Judge who at the end of time will deal with each person according to his or her actions. We are all called to commit ourselves totally to him and to obey his sacred will."

No date is set for the meeting.

Story

Like A Vigin Wool?

When was the last time you saw blue sheep? Very recently if you were hanging out at Madonna's (The singer not the Blessed Mother) house. Her English estate was complete with colored sheep.

When you mix tea and crumpets with PETA, you end up with "The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" Ah so very fancy. Pass the grey poupon for my hamburger please.


Well the posh group became bloody perturbed at the mere thought of dyed wool. They would hate my sweater. They said, “It sends out the wrong message about how to use animals." I totally agree. Here and here are some better ways to use them.

KIDS’ TOYS GOING HIGH TECH

From the story: Technology has been slowly permeating the toy business for a number of years, but the trend has been accelerating. On Wednesday, six of the nine best-selling toys for 5- to 7-year-olds on Amazon.com were tech gadgets. For all of 2006, three of the top nine toys for that age group were tech-related. The trend concerns pediatricians and educators, who say excessive screen time stifles the imagination. But more traditional toys — ones without computer monitors, U.S.B. cables and memory cards — are seen by many children as obsolete.

NY Times

NEW REALITY SHOW: “WHO WANTS TO MARRY A U.S. CITIZEN?”

According to the story, some “praise the match-making concept.”

Houston Chronicle

DNC CANCELS DEBATE OVER CBS NEWS STRIKE

The Democratic National Committee announced Wednesday that it has canceled its upcoming debate in Los Angeles, after the top Democratic presidential candidates said they would not cross a picket line to attend the CBS event if news writers decide to strike. Well maybe we should just postpone the election untill the union tantrum is over?

Democratic candidates quickly voiced their intentions for the debate the day before Thanksgiving, after Hillary Clinton released a statement saying she hopes both sides will reach an agreement at CBS, but that she would "honor the picket line if the workers at CBS News decide to strike."

John Edwards said he too would not cross the picket line in the event of a strike.
Barack Obama's campaign quickly followed suit, as did the campaigns of Bill Richardson, Joe

Biden and Chris Dodd, saying they would not attend the debate if there were a strike.

FOX News

CNN ALLOWS GAY CLINTON STAFFER TO QUIZ GOP AT DEBATE

If you watched the debate last night you probably saw a man who asked about gays in the military. Today we are learning who this person was. Story notes “The broadcast, however, failed to mention that Kerr, who served as a brigadier general in the reserves, is a member of a gay and lesbian steering committee for Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.” (FOX News) You can see the Video. (Townhall)

Apparently, he wasn’t the only plant. (Malkin) From Fred Barnes: This debate not only was mortifying to the candidates. It also should have been embarrassing to the viewers, especially Republican voters who might have been watching. (Weekly Standard)

From Hewitt: The spin releases are excellent guides to who really won the carnival debate. (CNN's reputation lost. Again.) Mike Huckabee won on Ruffini's card. Rudy Giuliani won on Kate O'Beirne's and Ana Marie Cox's cards. Romney won everyone else. (Townhall)
Transcript of the debate. (CNN)

Party Over Principles

(Family Research Council) This week the Republican Party of Virginia passed a new requirement for people wishing to vote in the state's presidential primary. The new policy requires that 2008 GOP primary voters sign an oath of loyalty to the eventual GOP presidential nominee - regardless of who the nominee might be. For example, should a pro-abortion candidate win the Republican nomination, committed pro-life voters who sign this oath could face a general election scenario of either breaking their oath or violating their conscience. This bullying tactic will only drive voters away and worsen the wounds inflicted on the Virginia GOP in recent elections.

According to the AP report on this story, “There is no practical way to enforce the GOP covenant in the constitutionally guaranteed secrecy of the voting booth. Yet the oath is a concept Virginia's GOP has considered for years.”

For this bone-headed idea, the Virginia GOP does not deserve to win in any elections.

Van Halen Heading To Pittsburgh

The off agian, on again reunion tour of Van Halen is currently on and makes a steel city stop (if all goes well) in the spring.

Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang Van Halen, along with David Lee Roth, will perform at the Mellon Arena on March 21. Ticket sale dates have not been announced.

Why am I writing about this? I have no idea other than they had some cool music I would not mind hearing live.

Onorato's Bus Stop

UPDATE: Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato participated in "very productive" contract negotiations with representatives of the Amalgamated Transit Union and the Port Authority. Mr. Onorato is lobbying Allegheny County Council to enact a 10 percent tax on poured alcoholic drinks and a $2-a-day tax on car rentals to provide the county's $30 million Port Authority subsidy. But even if council approves the taxes, Mr. Onorato said he will not release the money -- used to match millions more in state funds -- unless the union agrees to concessions.Mr. Onorato said he explained to union leaders that he won't be able to attend all negotiating sessions, but his representatives at the talks can speak for him.

Original post:

The PAT union is not happy. Yes, Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union is frowning. The cash they thought was headed their way is being held by Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. I applaud him for that.

Mr. Onorato signed an executive order restricting any new county funds from going to the authority until its labor unions make certain concessions. The Port Authority's current three-year contract with Local 85 will expire in June.

Mr. Onorato has said he wants Local 85 to accept concessions similar to those that the authority's management and nonunion employees agreed to in March, including changes in retirement age and health care.. Otherwise, he will withhold the county's $30 million subsidy to the authority.

It about time the union wakes up and understands that if they don't start living in the real world transit will go private. They need to learn how to operate on transit profits, not tax subsidies.

The county money has a direct impact on the ability for PAT to leverage state funds. If the county won't spend the money, the state may follow.

Why am I not siding with the union? Well, the Port Authority's union contract with bus-trolley hourly workers provides the most generous retiree health-care benefits when compared to a number of other public sector contracts, according to a the Pennsylvania Economy League of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The study shows wages paid to members of Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union, are the highest of any transit system in the U.S. when adjust for the cost of living in the region.

I've said this over and over... Mass transit does not work in this region. It's bleeds money and union greed does not to create much sympathy.

Cash Tank on Empty

Have you bought gas lately? You need to fill out a loan application just to fill up. Well dig in your change holder because Eddie Rendell wants to pinch another penny a gallon out of you.

Here is the kicker, just five years ago, the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (don't ask me what the heck that is) was so flush with cash that legislators and then-Gov. Mark Schweiker borrowed $100 million from it to plug a hole in the state budget. Less than a third of that amount has been repaid. But even if the loan is fully repaid, a state consultant says the obscure, state-administered insurance fund will be out of cash by 2015. In other words the state cash tank is on empty!

As a result, the fund's board, with backing by the administration of Gov. Ed Rendell, has proposed nearly doubling one of the fees that finances it to 2 cents a gallon, and asked for a speedy approval from a state regulatory panel. Senate Republicans accuse the administration of trying to mount a stealth tax increase and they are right. It's a tax. It goes up. That's a tax increase!!!!

We will be watching to see what the Harrisburg grinches do.

Terri's Watch: Terri Schiavo's Brother Meets with Mitt Romney

The brother of Terri Schiavo, Robert Schindler Jr., met with Massachusetts' Governor Mitt Romney just prior to the Republican Presidential Debate to be held tonight.

Given that the Presidential candidates are repeatedly asked to comment on the circumstances and outcome of Terri Schiavo's case, Mr. Schindler sent a letter to every candidate requesting a meeting to discuss the implications of Terri's case on the right to life of people living with disabilities. Presently, Governor Romney is the only candidate to accept the invitation for a meeting. ( Read letter here)

The meeting had a two-fold purpose:
First, to discuss the media's distortions of Terri's actual medical condition and the dangers that this misinformation poses to our country today.

Secondly, to specifically address the plight of people with disabilities who are gravely concerned about being denied basic medical care, particularly after Terri's court-ordered death by dehydration and starvation.

Mr. Schindler asked Governor Romney to commit to standing behind the tens of thousands of people with disabilities in America who fear that they may be among those denied food and water against their will simply because someone may deem their life "unworthy of living."

BILL DONOHUE LISTS ATTACKS ON CHRISTMAS

He writes “The multicultural monsters are rearing their ugly heads once again, showing what they really mean by tolerance for diversity.”

Catholic League

THE DEAD GIVING TO POLITICAL CAUSES

They both do it although Democrats squeeze their dead better than Republicans. Story notes “The Democratic committee received the most campaign money from deceased donors, nearly $225,000.” But earlier in the story, they note “Federal rules allow such donations as long as contributions don't exceed legal limits and the intentions of the deceased were known, said Federal Election Commission spokesman Bob Biersack.”

I can understand this. You see for me to make a donation to the Democrats they would have to pry the money from my cold dead hands. Or get elected and raise taxes.......

USA Today

GALLUP: WHY PEOPLE WON’T VOTE FOR HILLARY

The story notes “Clinton detractors are about equally likely to give a reason falling into one of the three broad categories of responses described above -- basic dislike of her or her husband (35%), policy disagreements (39%), and character concerns (34%).” (Gallup)

Meanwhile, Zogby reacts to the bashing they took from the Hillary camp after a poll revealed she would lose to any of the top five Republicans. (Zogby)

MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE LOOKS AT OUTLAWING SPANKING

From the stunning story: “…parents would be prohibited from forcefully laying a hand on any child under age 18 unless it was to wrest them from danger, lest they be charged with abuse or neglect.” Democrat Jay Kaufman submitted the petition.

Boston Herald

BILL CLINTON DENIES EVER GIVING SUPPORT TO THE WAR

Clinton said he “opposed Iraq from the beginning.” (FOX News)

Did he think nobody remembers? From the story: "I supported the President when he asked the Congress for authority to stand up against weapons of mass destruction in Iraq," said Clinton in 2003 while delivering commencement remarks at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss.
(ABC News)

Buddhist Prayer Opens PA State Senate To Show Diversity

From the story: A Buddhist leader, making a first-ever appearance before the state Senate yesterday, said he's OK with opening legislative sessions with a prayer as long as leaders of all faiths get a chance to speak and they don't try to proselytize.

The Senate is trying to show it doesn't limit the prayers to just Christian ministers or Jewish rabbis but follows a diverse religious policy, in hopes of persuading a Washington, D.C., group, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, not to file suit to halt the opening-prayer practice. Read more..

It seems that the Americans United for Separation of Church and State don’t mind prayers, just as long as everyone is worshiping the idol of diversity, and not some real or even perceived Deity.

Deck The Blogs

Well most of the turkey is gone. There is a chill in the air and the malls are packed with frantic shoppers. Yes, Christmas is on it's way.
We here at PowerBlog! plan to celebrate with all of you. You will begin to notice a few changes as we decorate PowerBlog! for Christmas. You may even find a few gifts!
Check out the our new streaming link to WORD FM. Now you can listen anywhere in the world.
Join me on Dec 12th for the "Winter Wonderland" Concert with Point of Grace and Scott Krippayne. Back for a second year -- 101.5 WORD-FM and South Hills Bible Chapel present Point of Grace, in concert, at South Hills Bible Chapel. Reserved Tickets $20; Artist Circle $30. Doors open at 6:30 pm, music begins at 7:30 pm. For more information, call 724-941-8990 or click here. This show sold out last year, so get your tickets now.
There are more great things planned as well.
So crank up the Christmas tunes and let the countdown begin!

Radio Waves: More changes at KrockManStationbzz94FM

It looks like a B will be getting new call letters for Christmas. The cursed WTZN,has asked the Friendly Candy Company who own the calls "WBZW" from a change. FCC records indicate the application was filed last Tuesday (Nov. 20). The station had the WTZN call letters since April 2. Before that is was WRKZ. The "WBZZ" calls used by B94 from 1981 until 2004 are now assigned to an FM station in Malta, N.Y. and they are not going to give them back. Slap whatever letters you want on the front door, a turd by any other name is still a turd.

Pa. officials' raises coming

The 253 members of the state General Assembly will receive pay raises of 3.5 percent starting Saturday, thanks to a cushion against inflation that is written into law. How much of a raise are you getting?

Read More

State Senate prayer under fire

An activist group based in Washington, D.C., has called on the Pennsylvania Senate to either drop its daily prayer or make it more inclusive. Read More

GOLDEN COMPASS” MOVIE BASED ON ANTI-RELIGION CONCEPT

Mark Early of Breakpoint explains that the writer “uses his stories to twist and distort familiar biblical accounts of creation, fall, and redemption, making heroes of those who rebel against religion, and having one of his “good” characters even say, “The Christian religion is a very powerful and convincing mistake.” It’s sort of a Da Vinci Code theme for kids.” (Breakpoint)
More on the controversy. (FOX News)

Christmas comes early for GOP

According to a new Zogby poll Hillary Clinton would lose to any top GOP candidate. Story notes “Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton would lose to every one of the top five Republican contenders in a head-to-head match-up — a complete reversal of fortune for the New York senator who has thus far led against all prospective GOP opponents.” (FOX News)

Hillary hovered in the 39 percent range. (Zogby)

After pretending she was the underdog to begin the race, Hillary told Katie Couric she’s never even considered the possibility that she might not be the nominee. (CBS News) Is that confidence or arrogance?

A Change At The Post Gazette?

After last week’s defeat of the high profile gun-control effort in the Pennsylvania House Judicial Committee, featuring a rare appearance by Governor Rendell, I have been waiting for the obligatory “Enact overdue ‘sensible’ gun-control now!" editorial follow-up from the Post Gazette.

Silence……

Possible explanations:

1. An anti-gun editorial would have run over the weekend marking the start of deer hunting season, antagonizing more of their readership, and leading to another 4% - 6% drop in circulation.

2. An editorial slamming the House Judicial Committee votes would have hit too many Democrats with friendly fire, as the Democrats enjoy a 3-vote advantage on the House Judicial Committee.

3. A legitimate concern that Article 1, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution would have been violated with the passage of these bills.

4. Agreement with the Federal Government’s CDC report that increased gun control legislation does not decrease gun-related crime.

A few years ago, a Post Gazette editorial slamming the defeat of these bills would have hit the streets before the last House Committee person left the room. Call me naive, but I actually think that the Post Gazette is coming to realize that there are other deserving opinions on this issue other than the typical knee-jerk liberal response. For this I give them credit.

Say it with me "CHRISTMAS"

It happens this time every year. People flip out over what to call December 25th. Winter Break, Sparkle Season, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Kwanzaa, Xmas, international yippee day!

Personally, I don't care what you call it. I won't boycott a store if a sign out front says "Happy Holidays" If you own the store, you pick the signs. Just don't jump on my case if I choose to call it CHRISTMAS.

You know someone had to do a poll on this. Ah look ....the Rasmussen survey found 67 percent favor "Merry Christmas" while just 26 percent prefer "Happy Holidays."

While 88 percent of Republicans prefer "Merry Christmas," just 57 percent of Democrats favor the saying. So Merry Christmas all you Dems. I guess I just offended 47% of democrats.

Several activist groups have launched campaigns in the last few years to encourage stores to acknowledge that their biggest retail season of the year is about Christmas, not winter or simply "holidays." With all due respect, work on the abortion issue first before you nit pick shopping malls.

But for those of you who want to grab a pitchfork and riot in the streets you might want to join the Committee to Save Merry Christmas. You can check out their site for the naughty and nice list

ORU: The False Doctrine Traning Camp Begins To Crumble

ORU is in the news and not for good reasons. I used to live in the shadow of ORU. They had a bronze statue of praying hands that looked more like a bankers hands as one applies for a loan. You can imagine how popular a Catholic was in those parts. Not to mention a Yankee Catholic!

Back in 1963, when Oral Roberts built this false doctrine training camp on Tulsa's outskirts and put his name on it, he believed he was taking orders from God.

At the center of campus he built a 200-foot steel and glass prayer tower that looks like a spaceship and is topped with a flickering gas flame representing the Holy Spirit. (I think they have something similar in Vegas)

Roberts' vision was to brainwash the mind, body and spirit with mandatory chapel attendance, body-fat measurements and citations for public displays of affection. Times have changed. The prayer tower is showing rust and so is the lie that was passed off as God's idea. Roberts has a history of claiming God is behind his own desires. Back in1987 Oral Roberts said that God would "call me home" if he didn't raise $8 million in three months (he raised more than $9 million).

Oral Roberts, now 89, recently returned from semi retirement to try to quell a scandal that has shaken the flagship training camp for charismatics, but on Friday the scandal caused the downfall of his heir.

Roberts' son, Richard Roberts, resigned Friday as president of the school, facing accusations that he misspent school funds to support a lavish lifestyle and ordered an accountant to help hide improper and illegal financial wrongdoing.

To ORU's students, the events of recent weeks have brought an unexpected test, one that caused them to choose between questioning or defending the administration, worry about tainted diplomas and search for spiritual answers.

One student said, "To see something like this, it feels empty, like an elaborate masquerade party." Well that's because it is. Before Richard Roberts stepped down, tenured faculty gave him a no-confidence vote and his hand-picked provost said he would resign if Roberts were reinstated.

"There was a time when the wagons would circle and we'd protect our own," said the Rev. Carlton Pearson, a former member of the ORU board of regents who is now a United Church of Christ minister. "But we don't know what our own is anymore. People are asking questions and questioning answers, and we're not used to it."

By the looks of it, it may be time to get used to it. Oral Roberts' teachings is responsible for a whole new generation of "prosperity gospel" false preachers, six of whom are the target of a financial inquiry led by the ranking Republican on the Senate finance committee. Three of those under scrutiny - Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar - sit on the ORU board of regents.

Oral Roberts felt God used him as instrument to heal, and claimed Jesus had commissioned him to find a cure for cancer. If only that were true. Roberts also "felt" called to build the City of Faith, an enormous hospital complex that was to combine prayer and medicine. Despite this supoosed "call",the project collapsed in the late 1980's. The lasting legacy is ORU's $52.5 million in debt.

Requests for interviews were denied by an ORU spokesman.

Islamic Academy in Virginia on Defensive

It's most virulent critics have dubbed it "Terror High," and 12 U.S. senators and a federal commission want to shut it down.

The teachers, administrators and some 900 students at the Islamic Saudi Academy in Fairfax County have heard the allegations for years - after the Sept. 11 attacks and then a few years later when a class valedictorian admitted he had joined al-Qaida.
Now the school is on the defensive again, with a report issued last month by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom saying the academy should be closed, pending a review of its curriculum and textbooks.

Abdalla al-Shabnan, the school's director general, says criticism of the school is based not on evidence, but on preconceived notions of the Saudi educational system.

The school, serving grades K-12 on campuses in Fairfax and Alexandria, receives financial support from the Saudi government, and its textbooks are based on Saudi curriculum. Critics say the Saudis propagate a severe version of Islam in their schools.

But al-Shabnan said the school significantly modified those textbooks to remove passages deemed intolerant of other religions. Among the changes, officials removed from teachers' versions of first-grade textbooks an excerpt instructing teachers to explain "that all religions, other than Islam, are false, including that of the Jews, Christians and all others."

TBO

Presbytery Is Pushing To Redefine Marriage

Members of the largest denomination of Presbyterian churches in Baltimore are calling on their national body to change the definition of marriage to permit same-sex couples -- the first time the national group has considered such a change, local advocates said.

Delegates in Baltimore have approved a petition seeking to remove references that restrict marriage to a man and a woman in the Presbyterian Book of Order, which serves as the denomination's constitution. Read more....

Philadelphia Mayor Presides Over Same-Sex 'Wedding'

From the story: Outgoing Philadelphia Mayor John Street officiated at his first same-sex commitment ceremony at City Hall on Saturday. A pro-family organization said the event marked a "dark day in the history of the City of Brotherly Love."

For the 64-year-old Street, who is concluding his final year as the city's mayor, the event was a significant departure from the Democrat who was elected to the office eight years ago on a family-values platform rooted in his personal faith as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. Read more…

Happy Thanksgiving


PowerBlog! will be eating turkey and giving thanks for the next few days. We will resume posting on 11/26.

I hope you are able to spend this time with family and friends and take some time to reflect on all that is good in life.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!



Scientific breakthroughs seen in new stem-cell studies

Scientists and ethicists alike hailed as a breakthrough two studies showing that human skin cells can be reprogrammed to work as effectively as embryonic stem cells, thus negating the need to destroy embryos in the name of science.Separate studies from teams led by Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University in Japan and Junying Yu and James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin-Madison were published online Nov. 20 by the journals Cell and Science, respectively.

Full Story


Congress Quiz

Which member of Congress . . .
1. Is the only one who refuses to disclose his or her date of birth?
2. Is baseball great Hank Aaron's brother-in-law?
3. Delivered his 2002 opponent's baby?
4. Worked for Jerry Springer's '82 Ohio gubernatorial campaign?
5. Carried the "nuclear football" for Presidents Carter and Reagan?
6. Is the only member to list the addresses of all his district's bowling alleys on his congressional Web site?

Answers:
1. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.)
2. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.)
3. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Tex.)
4. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
5. Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.)
6. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)

CITIZENS SHOOTING INTRUDERS, ANTI-GUN ACTIVISTS UPSET

As the Castle Doctrine Law gets attention.

USA Today

SAN FRANCISCO ID CARDS WON’T MENTION GENDER

The story concludes: Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council, a conservative advocacy group, says he's concerned that use of the cards will encourage the idea that gender identity is flexible. "It gives support to the philosophy that says gender is a social construct," Sprigg says. "I think that philosophy is harmful to society at large."

USA Today

SAUDIS DEFEND PUNISHING WOMAN WHO WAS RAPED

Reading the story, it’s tough to find the defense. From the story: Under law in Saudi Arabia, women are subject to numerous restrictions, including a strict dress code, a prohibition against driving and a requirement that they get a man's permission to travel or have surgery. Women are also not allowed to testify in court unless it is about a private matter that was not observed by a man, and they are not allowed to vote.

CNN

JERUSALEM POST: BOMB IRAN NOW

The writer worries that although there has been tough talk against Iran in the past, “something appears to have changed. Various reports in recent days seem to indicate that US policy may have taken a sharp and terribly treacherous U-turn in the direction of acquiescence.” Later: “it might reflect the shifting political realities in the US, where public opinion, goaded on by the mainstream liberal media, has turned against the war in neighboring Iraq.”

Jerusalem Post

MURTHA: “WE CAN’T WIN MILITARILY”



How encouraging that must be to troops batting in Iraq. The story also notes “The dim view of U.S. military progress in Iraq and a resolve to force a pullout have been echoed by the two top Democrats on Capitol Hill — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.”

Washington Times

HILLARY CAMPAIGN AD: “REPUBLICAN ATTACK MACHINE IS BACK”

The ad says, among other things, “Maybe it's because they know that there's one candidate with the strength and experience to get us out of Iraq.” (USA Today)

Hillary reiterated her desire to allow gays to openly serve in the military. (NY Times)

Audit finds misuse of $34 million student loan subsidy

The student loan corporation in Pennsylvania improperly exploited a subsidy program to collect $34 million from the government, said a report released yesterday by the inspector general of the federal Education Department. Read More

PA House Committee Kills Gun Control Legislation

The PA House Judicial Committee voted down or tabled all gun control legislation presented this morning. This was despite an appeal presented in person by Governor Rendell to the committee prior to the committee votes.

The only bill passed by the committee this morning requires a minimum of 20 year sentence if someone discharges a gun towards a law enforcement officer.

Radio Waves

CBS News Radio & TV Writers Authorize Strike

The union that represents some 500 news writers -- most of which work for CBS News radio and TV -- voted last week to authorize a strike, joining their entertainment counterparts. The news writers with the Writers Guild of America East have been working without a contract since April, 2005. Neither party has been at the negotiating table since January.


Philadelphia Radio Legend, Pioneer Hy Lit Dead at 73
Hy Lit with the 4 Tops

Rock radio pioneer and legendary Philadelphia air personality Hy Lit (aka Hyman Litsky) has died following complications of a knee injury earlier this month. He was 73. Lit had also suffered from Parkinson's disease. During his 50-plus years on the Philly airwaves, Lit worked for over ten radio outlets, before launching the Oldies format on WCAU-AM in 1990. Hy Lit Lives on. Tune In To Hear Him

Catholic Radio Coming?

Members of Knights of Columbus Lodge 1400 in Bellevue have applied for a license in Evans City, Butler County, under the corporate name "Fourteen Hundred Inc." The proposed station would broadcast on 89.7 mHz with 3.7 kW of power. The filing is among 132 new non-commercial FM applications in Pennsylvania received by the FCC during a recent "filing window." A majority of the applications are from religious groups.

PARENTS SPY ON KIDS INTERNET CHAT, SOME SAY IT’S AN INVASION OF PRIVACY

Then there’s this from the story: But then the dilemma - do they confront her with their knowledge and blow their cover? “Absolutely not. No way, I think parents have to do whatever it takes to keep kids safe on the Internet,” said Gregory Smith, an author who wrote a book on the subject. “If they sense that parents are doing it, or if they know they’re doing it, they will adapt and they will change their behavior,” Smith said. In the end, Tom and Cindy told Jane they heard about the party from other parents and asked her not to go. She agreed - this time - a good thing, because the police came and broke it up.

CBS News

UN: AIDS NOT AS BAD AS REPORTED

Admitting they overestimated the size and course of the epidemic.

Washinton Post

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHER LINKED TO INSURGENTS

How is the AP handling it? From the story: AP chief executive officer and president Tom Curley said the agency has "grave concerns" that Hussein's rights are being "ignored and even abused" and called on the United States to release the photographer. (CNN)

Remember, it was the Associate Press who edited Dungy’s Christian comment earlier this year. After the Super Bowl victory, the Colts coach said “We took the hit early with Devin Hester. But we talked about it. We said there was going to be a storm. We said the Lord doesn't always bring you directly through. Sometimes you've got to work for it.” (South Bend Tribune)

Here’s how the Associated Press reported the talk: “We took the hit early with Devin Hester. We talked about it; it's going to be a storm. Sometimes you have to work for it.” (AP)

It was also the Associated Press that claimed, with ironic inaccuracy, ““The nation's top climate scientists are giving "An Inconvenient Truth," Al Gore's documentary on global warming, five stars for accuracy.” (ABC News)

BATTLE OVER LANGUAGE HEATS UP IN CONGRESS

As Pelosi, according to the sub headline in this story, “tries to force the Salvation Army to hire people who can't speak English.”

WSJ

HILLARY SLIPPING, ROMNEY RISING

Obama leads in Iowa, though Hillary still holds a big lead nationally. (Washington Post)

One poll indicates Giuliani, Romney or Thompson would beat Hillary in Florida. (Miami Herald)

In New Hampshire, Thompson is dropping as Romney is gaining. (CNN)

Dennis Prager looks at the many silly statements coming from the Democratic candidates. (Townhall)

Sex Scandal Hits Atlanta-Area Megachurch

The 80-year-old leader of a suburban Atlanta megachurch is at the center of a sex scandal of biblical dimensions: He slept with his brother's wife and fathered a child by her.
Members of Archbishop Earl Paulk's family stood at the pulpit of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill Harvester Church a few Sundays ago and revealed the secret exposed by a recent court-ordered paternity test.

In truth, this is not the first - or even the second - sex scandal to engulf Paulk and the independent, charismatic church. But this time, he could be in trouble with the law for lying under oath about the affair.

The archbishop, his brother and the church are being sued by former church employee Mona Brewer, who says Earl Paulk manipulated her into an affair from 1989 to 2003 by telling her it was her only path to salvation. (Now that's the most original pick up line I ever heard) Earl Paulk admitted to the affair in front of the church last January.

In a 2006 deposition stemming from the lawsuit, the archbishop said under oath that the only woman he had ever had sex with outside of his marriage was Brewer. But the paternity test said otherwise. "And the DNA shall set the truth free"

Terri's Watch: Terri Schiavo Was Not Brain Dead

Yesterday on This Week, George Stephanopoulos, in an interview with Senator Fred Thompson, commented that Terri Schiavo's autopsy proved she was "brain dead." The New York Times also reported on this interview, repeating that the autopsy proved Terri was "brain dead."
This is patently false and Terri's family is requesting that the media immediately stop using this offensive and inaccurate expression to describe her condition.

Terri's brother, Bobby Schindler, says, "Brain death is an authentic diagnosis, not some catch phrase that should be loosely used based upon a 'summary of widespread response' or opinions that have been written about my sister. We are requesting that the media take a few minutes to research the facts regarding Terri's case and, more importantly, her condition. In doing so they would learn that not one doctor ever diagnosed Terri as being 'brain-dead.' This includes those who wrote her autopsy report. All of this information is easily available and accessible."

Rarely, if ever, mentioned in media reports are the more than 40 doctors' affidavits submitted to the court that either contradicted that Terri was in a so-called PVS or stated that she could have been helped with proper rehabilitation.

The media also fails to report the medical records confirming that Terri at one time was beginning to speak, or the videos of Terri interacting with her family and her surroundings, all of which prove that she was very much alive, and very much responsive.

Schindler added, "This has been a major problem with the mainstream media - not just that they are writing that Terri was brain dead, but how they continue to inaccurately and irresponsibly report blatant falsehoods regarding my sister's condition."

Schiavo's autopsy itself proved that, prior to her death, she was never dying, was physically healthy and would have lived a long life had she not been dehydrated over a period of two weeks. Furthermore, the autopsy was unable to determine whether or not Terri was actually in a persistent vegetative state, as her estranged husband, Michael Schiavo, and his attorney claimed in their quest to have her killed.

Suzanne Vitadamo, Terri's sister, adds, "If the media took the time to research Terri's case, perhaps they would understand that she was simply a woman living with a disability, just like the 50 million persons living with a disability in our country today, and was in need of only love and compassion. The media's continuing quest to somehow justify her death is offensive to her memory and even more offensive to the tens of thousands of people who live with cognitive disabilities similar to Terri's."

"Terri was a daughter, a sister and a friend who was loved by many who feel the pain of her loss every single day. She was guilty only of having a brain injury and being dependent on others for her care. Sadly, in today's culture, this was not enough to save her from being killed," said Vitadamo. "My sister fell victim to an ever-growing and dangerous 'quality of life' standard used to decide whether one should live or die."

NY POST: CBS NEWS LIKELY LYING ABOUT VET SUICIDES

Story begins: THERE'S "startling" and "stunning" news of a "hidden epidemic" of veteran suicides. So claimed CBS News in two reports last week. Most of the airtime went for heart-rending interviews with wives of vets who had killed themselves. But CBS also provided statistics that it said showed that "veterans were more than twice as likely to commit suicide in 2005 than non-vets." Problem is, we have absolutely no way of verifying the CBS data nor how the network claims it collected the info. CBS News admits to collecting the data itself, rather than relying on an independent outside party. It also concedes its rate is "much higher" than that in an uncompleted Department of Veterans Affairs study. So somebody isn't telling the truth. And the evidence is overwhelming that it's CBS.

NY Post

PHILADELPHIA TO SCOUTS: OPEN UP TO GAYS OR GET LOST

The city is threatening to stop giving the Scouts a deal on building rental.

Washington Post

OHIO DEMOCRAT CLAIMS CRITICISM WORSE THAN CRUCIFIXION

The Attorney General, Marc Dann apparently hasn’t apologized for the comment. From the story: The GOP has also called on Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, a Methodist minister, to condemn the attorney general's statement. Strickland has reportedly refused. "There are millions of people in this state who we believe took offense to what he said," GOP spokesman John McClelland said of Dann's quip. "He's a public official. I don't care if he's a Republican or a Democrat. He owes the people of Ohio an apology."

FOX News

REID TO KEEP SENATE OPEN TO AVOID RECESS APPOINTMENT

Of the well qualified James Holsinger, which Reid and other Democrats refuse to bring up for a vote.

Boston Globe

PA Court Strikes Down State's 'Hate Crimes' Law

From the story: A court has struck down Pennsylvania's version of a "hate crimes" law, ruling that what officials there call an "Ethnic Intimidation Law" restriction was "unconstitutional and therefore null and void."

…The bill, which originally criminalized agricultural crop destruction but was altered to become the first proposal in Pennsylvania to recognize "sexual orientation" as a protected class, failed to follow Article III of the state constitution. That provision prohibits the complete overhaul of a bill in the course of its passage. Read more…

While this is a welcomed ruling, it is disappointing that the court found this law unconstitutional based on the legislative “procedure” used for its passage. It should have been found unconstitutional based on the equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Illegal Immigration in Pittsburgh! (They are from Cleveland)

We are being invaded! Oakland is in trouble. Sound the alarm!

I know this world was in bad shape but a Cleveland Browns bar in Pittsburgh? Say it aint so.

Peter's Pub in Oakland is not a Browns bar, according to the owner, but that doesn't stop dozens of Cleveland fans from gathering there every week. The group calls itself the "PBB," or Pittsburgh Browns Backers.

Powerball has to be making this up. There is no way this could happen. Oh Yeah! I have proof! This Web Site recruits and list the names of current members -- about 108 people so far!


Now before yo start to picket the bar, you must know that bar owner George Leventis, said he'll never turn the fans away but does not want his business to be branded a Browns bar. Leventis said he is a diehard Steelers fan who enjoys the rivalry between the two teams.

What is this world coming to?????

The People On The Bus Jump Up and Down

Port Authority management today recommended a 25-cent increase in base fares and other proportional across-the-board fare increases, effective Jan. 1.

The Administration and Finance Committee approved the changes that the full, nine-member board is expected to ratify at its monthly meeting next week.

The 14 percent increase will raise the base cash fare from the current $1.75 to $2 in Zone 1, which covers most rides and encompasses an area extending 8 miles from Downtown.

More

State probe angling for Dem leaders?

The state attorney general's criminal case against former state lawmaker Frank LaGrotta appears to be a steppingstone toward an investigation of House Democratic leaders, Capitol observers say. Read More

Radio Waves

WSHH (99.7) has adopted its all-Christmas format. The "flip" took place this morning. The flip typically occurs the same day as the City of Pittsburgh's Light-Up Night event. WLTJ's (92.9) HD2 Channel has been playing Christmas music for a few weeks now.

Flick joined trainwreck radio stationWTZN (B94) for nights. Flick arrives from the night shift at Youngstown. I'm not sure which is worse???

Slacker announced an expansion of its portable Internet radio service, with the release of the Slacker Portable Player allowing for 15, 25 and 40 station capabilities. The company also introduces its new Premium Radio service, which allows users to skip past an unlimited amount of songs.

Pro-Lifers Keep An Eye On The Rocky Mountains

For a case with such enormous implications, Tuesday's ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court has received relatively little media attention. The Rocky Mountain region is poised to take an enormous step in the movement to defend and define the personhood of the unborn.

By a unanimous 7-0 decision, the high court gave its approval to language for a ballot initiative that pro-lifers hope to put before voters in November 2008. If successful, the campaign would make Colorado the first state to vote on the question of when life begins. Even more importantly, it would give voters the opportunity to establish a human life in the womb as a "person" under state law. As such, even the smallest unborn child would receive the constitutional protections of "inalienable rights, justice, and due process."

A victory would strike at the very heart of Roe v. Wade and have far-reaching significance in addressing the legality of abortion. While social conservatives have a momentous task before them--collecting 76,047 signatures in the next six months to secure the amendment's place on next year's ballot--they believe the momentum is building in their favor.

We will be watching this debate unfold from afar yet similar proposals in Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Mississippi, and Oregon are already underway. Regardless of where you live, your family can enter the battle in the most crucial way of all--by committing to pray that the voters of Colorado spark all Americans to revisit the dignity of life at every stage.

A Pittsburgh Tradition & A Hospital Transfer & Sound of the Season

The Pittsburgh Creche will be dedicated at noon on Light Up Night, Friday, November 16. For more information, pictures, and a schedule of performances, visit the official website.

The following statement is from Bishop David A. Zubik, Diocese of Pittsburgh on the Vatican's clearance of the transfer of ownership of the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh to UPMC:

The announcement that the Holy See has given clearance to the transfer of ownership of Mercy Hospital to UPMC is most welcome. We are grateful for the work of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies for Apostolic Life for their quick work in considering the petition. This result means that Catholic health care will remain in Pittsburgh, while the Sisters of Mercy will be able to expand their vital social services. We look forward to working with all involved to ensure that the tradition of excellence that made Mercy Hospital a beacon in Catholic health care in the past will continue with uninterrupted Catholic health care well into the future.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music and Campus Ministry are joining forces to present O Come All Ye Faithful, an annual concert that celebrates the season of Advent through music and sacred readings chosen to prepare the hearts of the faithful for the Christmas season.
The concert takes place Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. in St. Paul Cathedral, Oakland. It is free and open to the public.

Advent is the traditional time for spiritual preparation in anticipation of the birth of the Savior, and the program of O Come All Ye Faithful is an amalgam of musical styles and compositions, ranging from hymns and carols from the Renaissance to American Spirituals to works by Handel, Grieg, Rachmaninoff and other composers.

TRENDY HOTELS ELIMINATING THE BIBLE

From the story: The more you pay for a hotel room, the less likely a Bible will be there. Only 73 percent of luxury hotels provided a Bible compared with 99 percent of economy hotels. Location also plays a factor. Hotels with the lowest percentage of Bibles were in urban areas or were resorts. Those with the most were located near interstate highways and at airports. (ABC News)

One of those hotel chains, Kimpton, notes on their website “As a result of a formal diversity initiative, Kimpton has embarked on its first ad campaign specifically targeting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travelers.” (Kimpton)

Gives a whole new meaning to "All Inclusive"

DEMOCRATS: VICTORY IN IRAQ “OUT OF REACH”

Reid decided “It's not getting better; it's getting worse." Lieberman said war critics "remain emotionally invested in a narrative of retreat and defeat, even as facts on the ground show that we are advancing and winning."

Washington Times

Carlisle aide fired

Pittsburgh City Council today fired Sheryl Pinson-Smith, who pleaded no contest Tuesday to theft and conspiracy charges in relation to former Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle's corruption case.

Ms. Pinson-Smith, 49, of Lawrenceville, had been an administrative assistant since July 31, 2006, earning $24,600 a year. She was charged with helping to shift some $13,200 from the city to Ms. Carlisle's campaign and personal accounts, out of $43,160 the former councilwoman received in kickbacks from three consultants.
Both are to be sentenced on Feb. 4.

Story

MORE ON THE MANY EARMARKS IN THE DEFENSE SPENDING BILL

Including one million dollars for an “Extended Cold Weather Clothing System.”

Washington Post

BISHOPS WARN CATHOLICS AGAINST VOTING FOR PRO-CHOICE CANDIDATES

The statement said “The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life is always wrong and is not just one issue among many, It must always be opposed."

Roman Catholic voters and lawmakers must heed church teaching on abortion or risk losing their eternal salvation. Now that's a warning! And yes, you can lose it.


"Political choices faced by citizens have an impact on general peace and prosperity and also may affect individual salvation," the bishops stated. "Similarly, the kinds of laws and policies supported by public officials affect their spiritual well-being."


Yippee! Do the happy dance.... (Now let's see if they listen)

Washington Times

LOWES APOLOGIZES FOR CALLING CHRISTMAS TREES “FAMILY” TREES

Saying it was an unintentional error, stating “We refer to them as Christmas trees in all of our television and magazine ads and also in our advertising fliers. We take this situation very seriously and are redoubling our efforts to proofread those catalogs in the future.”

CNS News

HOUSE PASSES WAR FUNDING: INCLUDES PULLOUT

But, the story notes, “while the measure was unlikely to pass in the Senate — let alone overcome a presidential veto — Democrats said they wanted voters to know they were not giving up.” While this, it turns out, is a symbolic effort by the Dems, see Topic number 6 for concrete results.

FOX News

HILLARY GETTING DONATIONS FROM THOSE PARDONED BY HUSBAND

Creating “an appearance of impropriety.” Hillary’s campaign manager handled it as they do all trouble, with sarcasm you expect from royalty. "We have raised over $65 million from over 200,000 people. I appreciate your bringing the instance of this $5,300 and these three people to our attention." (ABC News) I bet he does!

Tonight, Hillary faces her rivals in a Las Vegas debate. But what happens there will not stay there. (CNN)

This just as she flip-flops on the unpopular idea of licenses for illegals. (AP)

What are the Vegas odds on a Hillary win?

Ex-Rep. LaGrotta Charged with Felonies

Prosecutors on Wednesday accused former Democratic lawmaker Frank LaGrotta of placing two relatives on the state payroll as "ghost employees," the first criminal charges to result from a grand jury investigating legislative corruption.

Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell addressed the House Democratic Caucus behind a closed door after Corbett's announcement.

"I think his message to the caucus was that you need to demonstrate to the public you are a productive body" by approving bills on health care and alternative energy, said Rep. Greg Vitali of Delaware County. "He did not say 'grand jury' or 'Tom Corbett,' but I think everyone understood." Read more...

Evidently, the Democrat House leaders are not listening to the governor. These same leaders cancelled committee meetings scheduled for Wednesday. In addition, there are rumors that the Democrat majority leaders in the PA House are looking to cancel several weeks of scheduled sessions in November and December.

If the house leaders alter the legislative schedule in terms of weeks as rumored, it would appear that the wagons are being circled in anticipation of larger bombshells. Given the fact that LaGrotta is supposedly cooperating with the Attorney General’s Office on this investigation, and was STILL charged with two felonies, the anticipation of larger bombshells is justified.

PowerBlog! Classic: A Plethora of Pastors

From January 4, 2004:

Within the Roman Catholic Church the title Pastor (Father, Priest, Reverend, etc) is a title that is earned by a select few. There are Protestants who simply claim the title of Pastor and start their own church. These days you can be ordained over the internet!

Here is a actual quote from one of the many ordaining websites: "After you receive ordination from XXXX XXXXX Ministries you will have the authority to do what thousands of people we ordained are now doing, perform a wedding ceremony. This is a wonderful opportunity to earn extra money to support yourself and family and your ministry" another site says "you can officiate one wedding ceremony or you can make weddings, funerals, baptisms, house blessings, etc. your business. You can even start your own ministry. You can become a legally ordained minister, instantly, online" God is now a home based business!

I meet people all the time who tell me they are a Pastor. Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor. Singles Pastor, Outreach Pastor. A Pastor is responsible for nothing less then souls and not just anyone should take on that responsibility. James tells us in the bible "Let Not Many Of You Become Teachers" (3:1-12) James does not say, "Let not many of you BE teachers" but rather, "Let not many of you BECOME teachers". This passage is not just a rebuke of those who try to BE teachers before they are ready, but a warning that many should not even BECOME teachers in the future! It is a mistake to believe that EVERYONE should become a teacher at some point in their service to Christ! Teachers shall receive "a stricter judgment" There is a grave responsibility involved in teaching others.

We can lead people to TRUTH - but we just as easily lead them to ERROR! Many are doing just that. Those who teach will be held accountable if they mislead others but what about the poor souls who follow these teachers? There are a few things a Pastor should NOT be... 1. A Pastor should NOT be married much less have children. Christ says "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I" In marriage, a man and woman vow to place each other second only to God. If you are married, your wife and children should be first on your priority list. That puts your parishioners third on the list and is unacceptable. A true Pastor is married to the Church and has dedicated his entire life to such. He should have an undivided heart. 1 Cor.32-33: "An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affiars - how can he please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world- how he can please his wife and his interests are divided" 2. A Pastor should NOT be a woman. This is not a sexist comment. Read the Bible. 3. A Pastor should NOT start his own church. God has not called anyone to build a church on their own. Christ will build his church as he has done for thousands of years. 4. A Pastor should NOT be ordained by those without authority to do so. (That includes the internet.)A Bishop has the sole responsibility to ordain. He assigns priests, allows new parishes and churches to be developed. He must oversee all moral teaching and Scripture. A Pastor should be called by God to serve only him. You can serve Christ and the church without become a Pastor. Too many people are following men who have not earned, and should not be given the title or responsibility of Pastor. This is one of the reasons for the mass confusion among Christians today.

Being a nice guy and having good intentions does not qualify one to guide souls on a righteous path to Heaven. I would carefully examine who you choose to Shepard you in this life and know that few are truly Pastors no matter what them call themselves. "Let us pray for heretics and schismatics: that Our Lord God would be pleased to rescue them from all their errors; and recall them to our Holy Mother the Catholic and Apostolic Church."

WORD Live Worldwide!

Well after years of hearing "Why don't you guys stream on the web?" NO WE DO!

We are now streaming WORD Fm Pittsburgh. Listen here

Radio Waves

WDUQ remains strong with pledges
WDUQ's Fall fund-raising campaign was successful despite dire predictions from some after the station refused a Planned Parenthood underwriting campaign. GM Scott Hanley told the Post-Gazette that the station came within 3% of the $275,000 goal.

WKHB Told No on Move
For the second time, the Federal Communications Commission has rejected a proposal to move the city of license of WKHB (620) from Irwin in Westmoreland County to Brentwood in Allegheny County. The FCC told Broadcast Communications Inc. on Oct. 26 that changing the city of license would have "no net service benefit" to the market while removing "the obligation to provide service" to Irwin. A 5.5kW daytime, 50W nighttime station, WKHB is co-owned with Jeannette-licensed WKFB (770) and Waynesburg's WANB-AM/FM.

Slots will pay off in 2008-09

One year after the state's first casino opened at Pocono Downs, it's clear Pennsylvania slots parlors will generate enough money to cut property taxes. What's unclear is how much relief property owners can expect. Read More

State panel's stance on slots award draws ire

A Republican state House member said Tuesday he was baffled that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board thinks it can "stiff-arm" the Legislature and refuse to answer questions about its awarding of Pittsburgh's casino license. Read More

PEW POLL: MOST BLACKS BLAME INDIVIDUALS, NOT RACISM, FOR FAILURES

Story begins: A majority of black Americans blame individual failings -- not racial prejudice -- for the lack of economic progress by lower-income African Americans, according to a survey released Tuesday -- a significant change in attitudes from the early 1990s. (LA Times)

Maggie Gallagher looks at how the marriage gap damages black families. (Townhall)

COLORADO AMENDMENT DECLARES FERTILIZED EGG A PERSON

From the story: They believe passage of the measure could lead to the eventual overturning of Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion.

Rocky Mountain News

SPITZER DROPS PLAN FOR LICENSES FOR ILLEGALS

The damage to Hillary’s campaign already done. (FOX News)

From the NY Post: Elected a year ago with 69 percent of the vote (and the widest victory margin in state history), Spitzer can now claim support from just 25 percent of voters. Almost twice that, 49 percent, say they'd back "someone else," were the next gubernatorial election held today. Also, Spitzer's job-performance rating is now 2-1 negative. And nearly half of all voters (45 percent) think the state is headed in the wrong direction. (NY Post)

GALLUP POLL: AMERICANS DOWN ON DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS

From the story: The latest Gallup Panel survey, conducted Oct. 25-28, 2007, asked Americans to say whether they are “pleased,” “neutral,” “disappointed,” or “angry” about the way the Democrats in Congress have been dealing with seven major issues confronting the nation. Overall, relatively few Americans are pleased with the Democrats’ performance on any of them. Of the seven categories, the highest “pleased” rating they got was 17 percent.

Gallup

HILLARY’S STUDENT PLANT TALKS

Troubled by the incident, she said “I don't know whether Hillary knew what my question was going to be, but it seemed like she knew to call on me because there were so many people, and ... I was the only college student in that area.” Then she dropped this bomb: “I heard another man ... talking about the question he asked, and he said that the campaign had asked him to ask that question.” (CNN)

State Democrats Purge Top Staffers

From the story: In a startling day of political bloodletting, House Majority Leader H. William DeWeese forced out several top aides as he acted to distance the House leadership from a widening pay bonus scandal.

In all, seven people were turned out yesterday, including three who played key roles in running the Democratic caucus.

The Attorney General is trying to determine whether the [$1.8 million in] taxpayer-funded bonuses were veiled and illegal compensation for campaign work. Mr. DeWeese has said the bonuses for legitimate state work. Read more….

DeWeese may believe that his pre-emptive strike in purging staffers who allegedly were paid in tax dollars to do campaign work may yet spare him. But these staffers did not have the authority to grant these bonuses to themselves. This is akin to shooting the messengers.

PowerBlog! Classic: Examining the Doctor

As PowerBlog! passes the 3 year mark I thought it would be fun to go back and look at at some of the posts that have appeared over the years.

From Dec 29, 2004:
Ok it's finally done! I have read, studied, prayed about and written this piece on Dr. John MacArthur. I have nothing against him personally. In fact, I find much of his teachings to be very positive and I enjoy much of what he has to say. However, I've focused on Chapter 5 of his book "Sola Scriptura! The Protestant Position on the Bible".

The name Dr. John MacArthur is familiar to most Christians. He is an influential Bible teacher, author and a well-known radio preacher. His program "Grace to You" airs across the country and is heard by thousands. Many evangelicals hold him in high regard and often refer to his theology to form their own personal beliefs. I would agree with Dr. MacArthur on many things, but I would caution Christians as to his understanding of Roman Catholicism and tradition. Dr. John MacArthur's article, "The Sufficiency of the Written Word: Answering the Modern Roman Catholic Apologists" exposes some of his misunderstanding.

MacArthur refuses to accept that Scripture and the traditional interpretation of that scripture are needed in conjunction to fully understand the Word of God. He says, "Whenever tradition is elevated to such a high level of authority, it inevitably becomes detrimental to the authority of Scripture." This is just not true. Scripture and tradition co-exist on the same level. Tradition is as much the Word of God as the written word. They cannot be separated. Tradition is useless without Scripture. Scripture is misunderstood and misused without tradition. That is not to say the teaching of the Catholic Church is superior to the Word of God, but to say that supremely authoritative Scripture has to be interpreted is not to denigrate it. The question is how do we interpret it?

We compare what the early Christians believed to scripture. This is what forms tradition. Dr. MacArthur correctly asserts tradition is the "lens through which the written word is interpreted and stands as the authority rendering the only true interpretation of the Word." Christians need a single authority to consistently instruct and guide. That preserved consistency is the tradition found only in the Roman Catholic Church. Yet to many Protestants "tradition" is a dirty word. Many will challenge with Mark 7:6 ("Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.") but you need to understand what scripture (Not Dr. MacArthur) really says. The Bible does not teach that all "tradition" is bad or evil or merely the "traditions of men." It teaches that there are indeed untrue traditions (Matt 15:2-6, Mk 7:8-13, Col 2:8), but there are also apostolic traditions, which are positively endorsed. These apostolic traditions are not contrary to Scripture and are in total harmony with the Bible.

Catholics believe that the true traditions must always be consistent with Scripture. I would challenge anyone to find a Catholic tradition that goes against the Word of God. In that sense, Scripture is its "final judge," but not in the sense that Scripture somehow rules out or makes impossible all tradition and church authority. If you really look into this you will find the Catholic Church is right on track and the Bible espouses true tradition:1 Corinthians 11:2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you.2 Thessalonians 2:15 . . . stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth, or by letter.2 Thessalonians 3:6 . . . keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.The Apostle Paul explicitly grants oral proclamation or teaching the same authority as written:2 Timothy 1:13-14 Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me . . . guard the truth which has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.2 Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

I know this will shock those of the Protestant Sola Scriptura mindset but with some simple biblical cross-referencing you will discover Tradition, Word of God, and the Gospel are regarded as essentially identical in Scripture. All are conceived as predominantly oral, and all are referred to as being delivered and received.1 Corinthians 11:2 . . . maintain the traditions . . . . even as I have delivered them to you.2 Thessalonians 2:15 . . . hold to the traditions . . . . taught . . . by word of mouth or by letter.2 Thessalonians 3:6 . . . the tradition that you received from us.1 Corinthians 15:1 . . . the gospel, which you received . . .Galatians 1:9 . . . the gospel . . . which you received.1 Thessalonians 2:9 . . . we preached to you the gospel of God.Acts 8:14 . . . Samaria had received the word of God . . .1 Thessalonians 2:13 . . . you received the word of God, which you heard from us, . . .2 Peter 2:21 . . . the holy commandment delivered to them. Go back and see how the Word of God has been delivered to man. There is a history of oral presentation throughout the Bible. In fact, the Bible itself is a result of these collected presentations.

Ironically, Dr. MacArthur's view (and the larger Protestant view) between the Bible and tradition is unbiblical itself and must be discarded by any truly biblically minded person as a corrupt tradition of men. This is the inherent danger in dismissing the authority of the Church and following man's interpretation. God's word is both oral and written and one must not contradict or corrupt that word. Sola Scriptura does this and exposes itself as a self-defeating concept, since it cannot be established from Scripture alone.

With all do respect to Dr. MacArthur, when one falsehood is accepted, everything else is suspect and often corrupted. Protestant theology is built upon a foundation of flawed belief. Stemming from that foundation are other falsehoods that fuel resistance to the Catholic Church teachings, foster a consistent misunderstanding and maintain the man made divide between Christians. Catholics regard Scripture and tradition as a single authority.

In Scripture, the Church has a binding authority. No one has the right to change or dismiss this fact. In Paul's statement: ".the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15) the design is clearly displayed. If the Church is the pillar, then that pillar holds up Scripture. To believe otherwise you must claim Scripture is the pillar holding up the Church. To do that ignores the Word of God.

We find ecclesiastical authority in Matthew 18:17, where "the church" is to settle issues of conflict between believers. We see Church authority in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:6-30), where we see Peter and James speaking with authority. This Council makes an authoritative pronouncement, which was binding on all Christians not just those who felt like it. "Abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from unchastity." (15:29) In the next chapter, Paul, Timothy, and Silas were traveling proclaiming: "they delivered to them for observance the decisions which had been reached by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem." (Acts 16:4) This Church authority is far more like Catholic structure than any Sola Scriptura based Christianity. Sola Scripture, that so many mislead Christians cling to, is nothing more then a false manufactured tradition of men.

Roman Catholicism has a high regard for Scripture as a source of knowledge. Roman Catholic statements concerning the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture would satisfy any Protestant fundamentalist. Yet there is no agreement by which standard Scripture is to be interpreted if tradition is abandoned. MacArthur admits Scriptural authority was not clearly delineated in the early church. The church as an institution through the ages has been and remains the foundation and arbiter of truth. To admit that leads to the true concerns of those defending the reformation. MacArthur repeatedly refers to the "attacks" by Catholic apologists on the issue of Sola Scriptura. He says, " If they can topple this one doctrine, all the Reformers' other points will fall." In his own words he reveals the weak foundation of the Protestant church. He continues, "if Rome can prove her case against Sola Scripture, she overturns the arguments for the Reformation in one fell swoop." That concern would explain the forceful argument against using Scripture to disprove Sola Scripture.

If MacArthur and Protestants will not accept what Scripture has to say about the issue, yet they claim to base everything else on Scripture, they have in a sense proven themselves wrong. If Scripture is, as MacArthur claims, "the perfect and only standard of spiritual truth, revealing infallibly all that we must believe in order to be saved" then why does disagreement exist among Protestants on so many issues? Throughout his article, MacArthur self-interprets Scripture and uses it to attempt to defend his position. However he relies on his "infalliblilty" to do so and continually ignores Scripture to the contrary of his belief.

In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul instructs Timothy to train other men for leadership in the church. But MacArthur refuses to recognize this as apostolic succession. What Timothy was to teach, Paul himself had preached "in the presence of many witnesses." MacArthur ignores this oral presentation. All through his writing on this subject, MacArthur seems to be in a tug-o-war with himself. His own contradictions reveal this. He says, "Protestants do not deny that the oral teaching of the apostles was authoritive, inerrant truth, binding as a rule of faith." If God could inspire and guide church leaders then, he surely does so today. He continues, "Even non-Catholic versions of scripture speak of a certain 'tradition' that is to be received and obeyed with unquestioning reverence." Yet where in Scripture is one given the right to pick and choose which ones to follow? Catholics do not seek to emasculate Scripture, as MacArthur would have you believe. Rather Catholics hold it equal and essential with tradition.

MacArthur writes some things about the Roman Catholic faith that is wrong or misleading. He says, "If we accept the voice of the Church as infallibly correct, then what Scripture says about these questions is irrelevant." That is not true. The voice of the Church that tells us what the Scripture really says. He also claims that Roman Catholics are forbidden to compare Church teachings to Scripture. That is not true. We are to submit to the authority of the Church, but reading Scripture is not forbidden for any Catholic. MacArthur acknowledges that not everything Jesus taught is preserved in Scripture. Yet he claims everything God requires of us is included in Scripture. So MacArthur writes off some off Christ's teaching as unimportant and irrelevant if it was not included in Scripture. This is a dangerous assumption knowing that not a single word contained in the scriptures was ever written by Jesus himself. Even Jesus chose to give us his Word by speaking it and handing it down to his apostles in non-written form. Dr. MacArthur claims 2 Timothy 3:15-17 clearly affirms Scripture is sufficient for salvation. The problem is when you read this, and every other passage of Scripture, you must truly understand it. Dr. MacArthur is reading the large role scripture plays in our salvation and stretching that into something it is not.

Scripture can teach, reproof, correct, train and equip us for good works; however, it does not say Scripture alone is what we are to exclusively cling to. Sola Scriptura appeals to the modern mind. We live in a "do it yourself" environment. It is much more appealing to read and claim to understand, then to submit to a higher authority. Jesus taught orally and the disciples handed on his teaching by the spoken word. It took several decades for the 27 books of the New Testament to be written - and much longer for them to be officially recognized as inspired. This cannot be denied.

There are many like MacArthur, who mislead and present twisted elements of theology to those who do not know any better. In 2 Thessalonians the people had be mislead by the forged words of Paul. Paul warns them not to be taken in by false "inspired truth". He tells them they had heard the truth from his mouth and not to be misled by false words.

MacArthur says, "The point of debate between Catholics and Protestants is whether that teaching was infallibly preserved by word of mouth." I submit it has been. Those teachings are only corrupted outside the Church. How do I know this? For over 2000 years the Catholic Church has taught, preserved, written, protected and passed on those essential teachings. Paul ordered the Thessalonians to receive as infallible his word of mouth teaching. The Catholic Church does the same today for all Christians. MacArthur continues to say, "it is pointless to test the Catholic Church's teachings by Scripture" because conflicts are settled by the traditions of the Catholic Church. A conflict is a misunderstanding. It is the duty of the Catholic Church to address that misunderstanding to insure that nothing goes against the word of God and the properly interpret the Word of God in matters. The faithful will accept that instruction.

Knowing that only a fraction of Paul's message is preserved in his epistles, Dr. MacArthur says he assumes what Paul taught the Thessalonians is contained in such. I will not base my belief on an assumption, but the larger problem is, so many Protestant claims are based on just that, assumptions. Dr. MacArthur asks the question of New Testament Scripture, "Who can prove that anything essential is omitted?" I would ask Dr. MacArthur, who could prove that it isn't?You are free to accept Dr. MacArthur's assumption that Scripture is sufficient for salvation and to equip us for life and eternity, however, you are missing much of what the early Christians taught and you are left guessing at interpretations of his Word. It leaves those denying tradition and the historical teachings of the Church with mere pieces of truth.