These telling clips are from Congressional Hearings in 2004. Don’t expect to see this on CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC:
Rendell court appointments -- That's the facts
Lawyer Tom Nocella has run for judge on at least four occasions and he lost each time. No matter. He might very well get to sit on the bench after all. That's because Gov. Rendell last week tapped Nocella, a longtime Democratic City Committee insider, to fill a Municipal Court vacancy. Read More
Power hikes may be phased
You may not have to pay your entire electricity bill, at least for a while. With the bills of millions of customers poised to skyrocket to reflect radically higher fuel prices, state lawmakers may require Pennsylvania's electric utilities to eat part of the cost of providing power when deregulation-era rate caps expire. Read More
Nearly 500 teens serving life terms in Pa. prisons
Pennsylvania leads the nation in teen lifers -- prisoners serving life without parole for crimes they committed as minors -- and last week legislators met to examine the issue for the first time. Read More
Does the Developer Have Money for the Grand Plan?
Pittsburgh’s leaders continue to insist that economic development projects be based on ‘visions’ rather than reality. Obviously, lessons from the failed Lazarus and Lord and Taylor’s department stores were not learned. The latest episode involves building a long awaited grocery store in the Hill District. District residents and the City’s Urban Redevelopment Authority must decide between two proposals, a relatively modest but fully adequate low cost store and a more extravagant development that would include a ‘super’ market with a dry cleaner and pharmacy. Continue
The Spiritual Buffet
ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON TOWNHALL.COM
I don't know how many of you caught Amy Sullivan’s recent Time/CNN commentary on the plight of Catholic Democrats, titled “Does [Sen. Joseph] Biden have a Catholic problem?” Raised a Baptist, Sullivan is now a Time magazine senior editor and author of The Party Faithful: How and Why the Democrats Are Closing the God Gap.
She suggested in her September 13 column that, this year, Sen. Biden faces the same rough treatment Catholic Democratic candidate Sen. John Kerry allegedly got in 2004 because of his support for abortion rights. The called to task Denver’s Archbishop Charles Chaput, and called him one of “a handful of the most extreme bishops” who had “targeted Kerry in 2004 but [had] become marginalized in the bishops’ conference—losing key leadership elections–in part because of his extreme views about denying Communion to politicians.”
Sullivan went on to suggest that Chaput is using a double standard in the 2008 election by criticizing Catholic supporters of Barack Obama, while turning a blind eye to John McCain’s support for embryonic stem cell research.
Let's look at the facts shall we? On September 7, the parade of bad logic, bad theology, and bad science rivaled only by Catholic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi views marched before the media. Sen. Biden said on NBC's Meet the Press that the question of when life begins is a personal and private issue. Then he said he accepted “on faith” that life begins at conception. But then he said that he supported a woman’s right to choose to terminate that unborn life anyway.
Once you toss those views out for mass consumption it is the duty of any Bishop to respond. Biden’s is running for national office and speaking to a national audience. As a practicing, self-described Catholic, he was defending an abortion policy gravely incompatible with Catholic faith. And he was talking to Catholic across the country. Should not the act of leading others into error or sin be acknowledged by clergy?
For my readers who are not Catholic let me explain something. The Catholic Church is not community of faith in which you get to share your own ideas of God and incorporate them into some personal custom theology. You either believe what the catholic churches teaches or you are not a Catholic. The problem comes when these public leaders distort what Catholics believe, what the church teaches and somehow suggest that any level of dissension is tolerated. They do this all while claiming to be really Catholic.
Individual conscience doesn’t have absolute sovereignty over reality. Conscience must be formed by the truth, which we learn through the counsel and teaching of the Church. If Catholics reject what the Church teaches on a serious matter, they break unity with the community of believers. And if they break that unity and then present themselves for Communion anyway they abuse the rights and the faith of other Catholics. Bishops have a serious duty to correct that. I only wish more Bishops would would do so.
Bishop Chaput actions should be applauded instead of condemned by those who dance up to the spiritual buffet where you can take the pudding and leave the brussel sprouts.
I don't know how many of you caught Amy Sullivan’s recent Time/CNN commentary on the plight of Catholic Democrats, titled “Does [Sen. Joseph] Biden have a Catholic problem?” Raised a Baptist, Sullivan is now a Time magazine senior editor and author of The Party Faithful: How and Why the Democrats Are Closing the God Gap.
She suggested in her September 13 column that, this year, Sen. Biden faces the same rough treatment Catholic Democratic candidate Sen. John Kerry allegedly got in 2004 because of his support for abortion rights. The called to task Denver’s Archbishop Charles Chaput, and called him one of “a handful of the most extreme bishops” who had “targeted Kerry in 2004 but [had] become marginalized in the bishops’ conference—losing key leadership elections–in part because of his extreme views about denying Communion to politicians.”
Sullivan went on to suggest that Chaput is using a double standard in the 2008 election by criticizing Catholic supporters of Barack Obama, while turning a blind eye to John McCain’s support for embryonic stem cell research.
Let's look at the facts shall we? On September 7, the parade of bad logic, bad theology, and bad science rivaled only by Catholic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi views marched before the media. Sen. Biden said on NBC's Meet the Press that the question of when life begins is a personal and private issue. Then he said he accepted “on faith” that life begins at conception. But then he said that he supported a woman’s right to choose to terminate that unborn life anyway.
Once you toss those views out for mass consumption it is the duty of any Bishop to respond. Biden’s is running for national office and speaking to a national audience. As a practicing, self-described Catholic, he was defending an abortion policy gravely incompatible with Catholic faith. And he was talking to Catholic across the country. Should not the act of leading others into error or sin be acknowledged by clergy?
For my readers who are not Catholic let me explain something. The Catholic Church is not community of faith in which you get to share your own ideas of God and incorporate them into some personal custom theology. You either believe what the catholic churches teaches or you are not a Catholic. The problem comes when these public leaders distort what Catholics believe, what the church teaches and somehow suggest that any level of dissension is tolerated. They do this all while claiming to be really Catholic.
Individual conscience doesn’t have absolute sovereignty over reality. Conscience must be formed by the truth, which we learn through the counsel and teaching of the Church. If Catholics reject what the Church teaches on a serious matter, they break unity with the community of believers. And if they break that unity and then present themselves for Communion anyway they abuse the rights and the faith of other Catholics. Bishops have a serious duty to correct that. I only wish more Bishops would would do so.
Bishop Chaput actions should be applauded instead of condemned by those who dance up to the spiritual buffet where you can take the pudding and leave the brussel sprouts.
Evangelicals and Catholics: Is Alliance Fraying?
Some disturbing news from Steven Waldman . He is president and editor-in-chief of Beliefnet.com, and author of Founding Faith. His article shows that the extreme ignorance of Catholic faith often displayed by elected officials has spilled over to the voters as well. Education in these faith matters is urgently needed.
One of the leading myths about the 2004 election is that George W. Bush won mostly because of massive support from evangelicals.
Support of evangelicals wouldn’t have been nearly enough without his big victory among conservative Catholics and mainline Protestants. In the last few elections, we’ve seen the birth of a “Religious Conservative Alliance” that spanned different denominations, with Catholic conservatives behaving similarly to Protestant conservatives.
That may be changing. A series of new polls show that while Barack Obama has made very little headway among evangelicals – even moderate evangelicals — practicing Catholics are now distinguishing themselves from their evangelical allies.
In 2004, for instance, vast majorities of traditional white evangelicals (85%) and traditional white Catholics (70%) thought the war in Iraq was “justified.” Since then, conservative white evangelical support for the war has declined slightly to 76.8% but conservative Catholic support has plummeted to 46.8%, according to the National Survey of Religion and Politics conducted by John Green at the University of Akron. (By “traditional,” Mr. Green means those who attend church more and hold theologically traditional views).
Look, too, at gay marriage. In 2004, white observant evangelicals and Catholics were kindred spirits: 90% of these evangelicals supported “traditional marriage” and 72.9% of traditional Catholics did. But while evangelicals still hold those views, the ground has shifted tremendously for Catholics. About 86.6% of traditional white evangelicals still believe only in traditional marriage, while 58.4% of traditional white Catholics now do.
The percentage of traditional white evangelicals who want stricter environmental regulation fell 15 points while the percentage of traditional white Catholics went up 3.7 points!
Full Story
One of the leading myths about the 2004 election is that George W. Bush won mostly because of massive support from evangelicals.
Support of evangelicals wouldn’t have been nearly enough without his big victory among conservative Catholics and mainline Protestants. In the last few elections, we’ve seen the birth of a “Religious Conservative Alliance” that spanned different denominations, with Catholic conservatives behaving similarly to Protestant conservatives.
That may be changing. A series of new polls show that while Barack Obama has made very little headway among evangelicals – even moderate evangelicals — practicing Catholics are now distinguishing themselves from their evangelical allies.
In 2004, for instance, vast majorities of traditional white evangelicals (85%) and traditional white Catholics (70%) thought the war in Iraq was “justified.” Since then, conservative white evangelical support for the war has declined slightly to 76.8% but conservative Catholic support has plummeted to 46.8%, according to the National Survey of Religion and Politics conducted by John Green at the University of Akron. (By “traditional,” Mr. Green means those who attend church more and hold theologically traditional views).
Look, too, at gay marriage. In 2004, white observant evangelicals and Catholics were kindred spirits: 90% of these evangelicals supported “traditional marriage” and 72.9% of traditional Catholics did. But while evangelicals still hold those views, the ground has shifted tremendously for Catholics. About 86.6% of traditional white evangelicals still believe only in traditional marriage, while 58.4% of traditional white Catholics now do.
The percentage of traditional white evangelicals who want stricter environmental regulation fell 15 points while the percentage of traditional white Catholics went up 3.7 points!
Full Story
One U.K. Catholic School Stands against HPV Vaccination
A solitary Catholic school in Britain has refused to go along with the government's plans to vaccinate 12 year-old girls against a sexually transmitted disease. Governors at St. Monica's High School in Prestwich, Greater Manchester believe the school is "not the right place" to administer the drug. Full Story
Life Update
I had a great weekend. (Despite a bit of rain). On Saturday, I provided the musical entertainment for the Knoch High School Class Reunion in Roebling Park in Saxonburg. There was a classic car show all day and at night we opened up the dance floor and played some great oldies. It was great to be invited back again and hats off to the gang from Knoch HS for a great time.Shameless Plug - I'm available to DJ and host your next event. Class reunions, car cruises, weddings, cororate events, fundraisers. Book your Christmas parties now. Call me at 724-986-6939 for pricing and availability.
In other news, I've been working a radio project that I can't say much about. It's been a roller coaster ride to say the least and I'm still not sure what will happen. Please keep our efforts in your prayers.
For those of you wondering, yes I'm still searching for a job. So many people have been so supportive in offering assistance and I thank you all.
In a few weeks (October 24th, 25th and 26th) I will participate in Emmaus. It is a weekend retreat program for people who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ, regardless of their present level of faith and practice. The purpose of the weekend is to give young adults an opportunity to reflect upon themselves and their relationship with God and their community. Emmaus is a Catholic retreat program that is open to people of all Christian faiths. It coming up very soon and I'd like to invite men in the Pittsburgh area to join me.
You can find more info here
Money In The Mattress
Another fine mess you got us into this time...
With meetings happening, the media pacing like an expectant father and the president addressing the nation twice in one week, we have a problem. This morning president Bush basically say chill put we will fix this.
The problem is the freak out factor. People are losing their minds along with their money. Can we put the blame game back in the box for now and fix this mess.
It's my belief that if our government would not have attempted to out out the fire with gasoline we would not be in this mess. Let's see if these elected officials can remember for a moment how to lead.
Take a deep breath people.
With meetings happening, the media pacing like an expectant father and the president addressing the nation twice in one week, we have a problem. This morning president Bush basically say chill put we will fix this.
The problem is the freak out factor. People are losing their minds along with their money. Can we put the blame game back in the box for now and fix this mess.
It's my belief that if our government would not have attempted to out out the fire with gasoline we would not be in this mess. Let's see if these elected officials can remember for a moment how to lead.
Take a deep breath people.
Debate Is On
Senator John McCain’s campaign said Friday morning that he will attend tonight’s debate with Senator Barack Obama at the University of Mississippi, reversing his earlier call to postpone the debate so he could participate in the Congressional negotiations over the $700 billion bailout plan for financial firms.
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Rendell signs bills for early release of prisoners
Gov. Rendell signed a package of bills into law yesterday that allows releasing some prisoners early in an effort to rein in costs and tackle the growing problem of overcrowding in state and county prisons. Read More
Lector removed from Mass. church after gay memoir
A Roman Catholic church in Boston has removed a man from lay leadership posts over a book he wrote describing himself as "a happy porn-writing Sodomite."
Scott Pomfret served eight years at St. Anthony Shrine. The book, "Since My Last Confession, mocks Cardinal Sean O'Malley and suggests some local clergy are sexually active.
Pomfret said he was amazed the friars removed him from leadership because he interviewed many for the book.
Pa. Marine sues Rep. Murtha over Haditha comments
A former Marine sued Rep. John Murtha for slander on Thursday, saying the congressman damaged his reputation by saying he and his comrades killed women and children "in cold blood" in Haditha, Iraq, in November 2005.
Former Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt filed the federal lawsuit in Pittsburgh. Sharratt claims the comments the high-ranking Pennsylvania Democrat made on news shows in May 2006 also violated his constitutional rights to due process and presumption of innocence.
"Sharratt, in being labeled repeatedly by Murtha as a 'cold-blooded murderer,' and by Murtha outrageously claiming that the Haditha incident was comparable to the infamous (My Lai) massacre of Vietnam, has suffered permanent, irreversible damage to his reputation," the lawsuit states.
Military prosecutors have said two dozen Iraqis, including women and children, were killed in Haditha on Nov. 19, 2005, after one Marine died and two others were wounded by a roadside bomb. Murtha, a former Marine and decorated Vietnam War veteran, spoke out about the killings, saying that troops in Iraq were being put under too much pressure.
Sharratt, 24, of the Pittsburgh suburb of Canonsburg, was initially charged with three counts of premeditated murder but was exonerated after a full investigation and a hearing. He was honorably discharged last year.
Sharratt said he has received hate e-mails and been called a "baby killer" when he goes out in Canonsburg.
Murtha's office said the congressman had no comment on the lawsuit.
Sharratt is the second Marine to sue Murtha over his comments about Haditha. Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, the only person still facing charges in the Haditha case, sued Murtha for defamation in 2006. That lawsuit is pending.
In his lawsuit, Sharratt accuses Murtha of repeatedly saying on CNN, NBC and other outlets that Sharratt and his fellow Marines "overreacted because of the pressure on them and killed innocent civilians in cold blood."
Murtha said the Haditha killings were comparable to the March 1968 My Lai massacre, when American servicemen killed as many as 504 Vietnamese villagers, Geary said in a statement.
Sharratt and Geary denied any civilians were killed on purpose, and Sharratt said he didn't witness any civilian deaths. Sharratt and his father, Darryl, said that he killed three insurgents, two armed with assault rifles and a third about to retrieve a rifle.
Murtha didn't name Sharratt, but media members were able to identify him from the congressman's comments and other information, said the Sharratt's attorney, Noah Geary, at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Four enlisted Marines, including Sharratt, were originally charged for their roles in the killings and four officers were charged in connection to the investigation. One officer was acquitted and charges have since been dropped against everyone else except Wuterich, whose case is pending.
Wuterich, of Meriden, Conn., has pleaded not guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter. He is accused of ordering his men to clear several houses with grenades and gunfire, leading to the deaths of women and children.
An 18-term congressman, Murtha was hawkish on war issues for decades but has come to believe the U.S. should leave Iraq as soon as possible. He is known for bringing money and jobs, especially in the defense industries, to his district in rural Pennsylvania.
He faces Republican William T. Russell, a career Army member who left the service two years short of retirement, in the November election. Russell has run campaign ads criticizing Murtha for his comments about Haditha.
Former Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt filed the federal lawsuit in Pittsburgh. Sharratt claims the comments the high-ranking Pennsylvania Democrat made on news shows in May 2006 also violated his constitutional rights to due process and presumption of innocence.
"Sharratt, in being labeled repeatedly by Murtha as a 'cold-blooded murderer,' and by Murtha outrageously claiming that the Haditha incident was comparable to the infamous (My Lai) massacre of Vietnam, has suffered permanent, irreversible damage to his reputation," the lawsuit states.
Military prosecutors have said two dozen Iraqis, including women and children, were killed in Haditha on Nov. 19, 2005, after one Marine died and two others were wounded by a roadside bomb. Murtha, a former Marine and decorated Vietnam War veteran, spoke out about the killings, saying that troops in Iraq were being put under too much pressure.
Sharratt, 24, of the Pittsburgh suburb of Canonsburg, was initially charged with three counts of premeditated murder but was exonerated after a full investigation and a hearing. He was honorably discharged last year.
Sharratt said he has received hate e-mails and been called a "baby killer" when he goes out in Canonsburg.
Murtha's office said the congressman had no comment on the lawsuit.
Sharratt is the second Marine to sue Murtha over his comments about Haditha. Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, the only person still facing charges in the Haditha case, sued Murtha for defamation in 2006. That lawsuit is pending.
In his lawsuit, Sharratt accuses Murtha of repeatedly saying on CNN, NBC and other outlets that Sharratt and his fellow Marines "overreacted because of the pressure on them and killed innocent civilians in cold blood."
Murtha said the Haditha killings were comparable to the March 1968 My Lai massacre, when American servicemen killed as many as 504 Vietnamese villagers, Geary said in a statement.
Sharratt and Geary denied any civilians were killed on purpose, and Sharratt said he didn't witness any civilian deaths. Sharratt and his father, Darryl, said that he killed three insurgents, two armed with assault rifles and a third about to retrieve a rifle.
Murtha didn't name Sharratt, but media members were able to identify him from the congressman's comments and other information, said the Sharratt's attorney, Noah Geary, at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Four enlisted Marines, including Sharratt, were originally charged for their roles in the killings and four officers were charged in connection to the investigation. One officer was acquitted and charges have since been dropped against everyone else except Wuterich, whose case is pending.
Wuterich, of Meriden, Conn., has pleaded not guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter. He is accused of ordering his men to clear several houses with grenades and gunfire, leading to the deaths of women and children.
An 18-term congressman, Murtha was hawkish on war issues for decades but has come to believe the U.S. should leave Iraq as soon as possible. He is known for bringing money and jobs, especially in the defense industries, to his district in rural Pennsylvania.
He faces Republican William T. Russell, a career Army member who left the service two years short of retirement, in the November election. Russell has run campaign ads criticizing Murtha for his comments about Haditha.
Presbyterian (USA) Employees Join Fete For Iran's President
From the story: Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – who says the holocaust never occurred, calls for the annihilation of Israel and is moving toward a nuclear arsenal – [was] the guest of honor in Manhattan [Thursday night] at a dinner meeting co-sponsored by the World Council of Churches.
Three employees of the Presbyterian Church (USA) – Joel Hanisek, PCUSA representative to the United Nations; Sara Lisherness, director of Peace and Justice Ministry, and Catherine Gordon of the PCUSA UN Office [were] in attendance.
United Church of Christ renewal leader David Runnion-Bareford, executive director of the confessing movement in the UCC and president of the Association for Church Renewal, called on the sponsors of the dinner to cancel their plans.
"It is an outrage that Christian leaders would so abjectly sacrifice justice for peace by feting a known murderer, anti-Semite, and international criminal," he said in a press release. "There is documented evidence that Ahmadinejad is a holocaust denier who has supported the killing of innocent civilians in Israel, killed and tortured political opponents personally, executed children and sponsored legislation about to be finalized this week which will criminalize conversion to Christianity in Iran." Read more....
Oh, how I wish my denomination would try to show a modicum of good judgment…..
Three employees of the Presbyterian Church (USA) – Joel Hanisek, PCUSA representative to the United Nations; Sara Lisherness, director of Peace and Justice Ministry, and Catherine Gordon of the PCUSA UN Office [were] in attendance.
United Church of Christ renewal leader David Runnion-Bareford, executive director of the confessing movement in the UCC and president of the Association for Church Renewal, called on the sponsors of the dinner to cancel their plans.
"It is an outrage that Christian leaders would so abjectly sacrifice justice for peace by feting a known murderer, anti-Semite, and international criminal," he said in a press release. "There is documented evidence that Ahmadinejad is a holocaust denier who has supported the killing of innocent civilians in Israel, killed and tortured political opponents personally, executed children and sponsored legislation about to be finalized this week which will criminalize conversion to Christianity in Iran." Read more....
Oh, how I wish my denomination would try to show a modicum of good judgment…..
Pennsylvania Marine sues Rep. Murtha
A former Marine Corps lance corporal sued U.S. Rep. John Murtha for slander on Thursday, saying the Congressman damaged his reputation by saying Marines killed women and children "in cold blood" in Haditha, Iraq, in November 2005.
The federal lawsuit filed in Pittsburgh says the high-ranking Democrat violated Justin Sharratt's rights to due process and presumption of innocence with comments on various news shows in May 2006. Sharratt, honorably discharged last year, said he's received hate e-mails and been called "baby killer" when he goes out in Canonsburg, about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh.
The lawsuit said Murtha repeatedly said on CNN, NBC and other outlets that the Marines "overreacted because of the pressure on them and killed innocent civilians in cold blood." Murtha claimed his Haditha information came from Pentagon higher-ups, who denied that, Geary said. Read more....
It is telling that Murtha, who could not wait to get in front of TV cameras to make these unfounded charges, has since then steadfastly refused to respond to any requests for comments, or to issue an apology. YouTube has videos posted of Murtha ducking questions on this issue for over a year.
The federal lawsuit filed in Pittsburgh says the high-ranking Democrat violated Justin Sharratt's rights to due process and presumption of innocence with comments on various news shows in May 2006. Sharratt, honorably discharged last year, said he's received hate e-mails and been called "baby killer" when he goes out in Canonsburg, about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh.
The lawsuit said Murtha repeatedly said on CNN, NBC and other outlets that the Marines "overreacted because of the pressure on them and killed innocent civilians in cold blood." Murtha claimed his Haditha information came from Pentagon higher-ups, who denied that, Geary said. Read more....
It is telling that Murtha, who could not wait to get in front of TV cameras to make these unfounded charges, has since then steadfastly refused to respond to any requests for comments, or to issue an apology. YouTube has videos posted of Murtha ducking questions on this issue for over a year.
Gingrich On the Financial Crisis
This is one of the best proposed solutions I’ve seen to solve this “crisis”. Gingrich nails it on the first portion of the interview with Alan Colmes.
Six Virginia State Police Chaplains resign over request not to reference Jesus Christ
From the story: Six of 17 Virginia State Police Chaplains have resigned over a request they not reference Jesus Christ at public events.
Instead, they've been instructed by the Superintendent to offer non-denominational prayers, a decision made following a recent ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Chaplains are trained in ministry and counsel employees and their families. Troopers volunteer for the program which began nearly 30 years ago. The policy does not apply to private services like funerals.
In a statement Wednesday, Grayson County Delegate Bill Carrico called on the Superintendent to abandon, "this attack on Christianity."
Delegate Morgan Griffith says, to "require those troopers to disregard their own faith while serving violates their First Amendment rights and prevents them from serving effectively as chaplains. These men had little choice but to resign." Read more…
Instead, they've been instructed by the Superintendent to offer non-denominational prayers, a decision made following a recent ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Chaplains are trained in ministry and counsel employees and their families. Troopers volunteer for the program which began nearly 30 years ago. The policy does not apply to private services like funerals.
In a statement Wednesday, Grayson County Delegate Bill Carrico called on the Superintendent to abandon, "this attack on Christianity."
Delegate Morgan Griffith says, to "require those troopers to disregard their own faith while serving violates their First Amendment rights and prevents them from serving effectively as chaplains. These men had little choice but to resign." Read more…
Christian soldier ruled a conscientious objector
A federal judge has ordered the Army to grant conscientious objector status and an honorable discharge to a soldier who says he experienced a religious awakening in Iraq.
The ruling supersedes the Army's decision last year to deny Pfc. Michael Barnes' request. Barnes had told the Army that his religious experience two years ago left him opposed to war in any form.
U.S. District Judge John Sedwick said military investigators failed to provide "a basis in fact" to support their contention that Barnes' religious objections to war were insincere.
Barnes, a 26-year-old native of Portland, Ore., said Monday in a statement released by his lawyer that he was thankful the court found his request was based on his "sincere belief as a Christian."
Barnes enlisted in the Army in March 2005 and arrived in Iraq in September 2006. Soldiers in his unit testified that he devoted much of his spare time to reading the Bible.
"I have been trying to justify being a soldier and finding a way to do so while still being a Christian, because that is what I wanted to do since I was a kid," Barnes wrote in his request for conscientious objector status in December 2006.
"But I can no longer justify spending my short time in this world participating in or supporting war. ... I must try to save souls, not help take them."
Barnes remained in Iraq through the duration of his unit's 15-month deployment. His brigade returned to Anchorage last November.
It was not immediately clear if the Army would appeal the ruling. An Army spokesman late Tuesday could not immediately comment.
Groups push to expand ex-felon voting
Hoping to boost voter turnout in a historic presidential election year, civil rights groups and other advocacy organizations are trying to get as many ex-felons as possible to cast ballots in November. Read More
N. Korea orders UN nuclear inspectors from reactor
North Korea barred U.N. nuclear inspectors from its main nuclear reactor on Wednesday and within a week plans to reactivate the plant that once provided the plutonium for its atomic test explosion, the chief U.N. nuclear inspector said.
The North ordered the removal of the U.N. seals and surveillance equipment from the Yongbyon reactor, a sign it is making good on threats to restart a nuclear program that allowed it to conduct a test explosion two years ago.
The North ordered the removal of the U.N. seals and surveillance equipment from the Yongbyon reactor, a sign it is making good on threats to restart a nuclear program that allowed it to conduct a test explosion two years ago.
Clay Aiken comes out of the closet
Clay Aiken appears on the cover of the latest People magazine holding his infant son, Parker Foster Aiken, with the headline: "Yes, I'm Gay."
Does any of this seem rather odd to anyone else? It's no shock that Clay is gay, but to bring a child into this world and then use that child in some public announcement of sexuality is just wrong..
It was the first decision I made as a father," Aiken told the magazine, which arrives on newsstands Friday. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."
The magazine cover features Aiken holding his son, born in August. Aiken, who considers himself a born-again Christian, said he knows he may turn off some fans -- known as Claymates -- with his admission and his decision to have a child outside traditional marriage.
Clay, forget about fans, how about the faith that you claim to have? That's the bigger issue.
Does any of this seem rather odd to anyone else? It's no shock that Clay is gay, but to bring a child into this world and then use that child in some public announcement of sexuality is just wrong..
It was the first decision I made as a father," Aiken told the magazine, which arrives on newsstands Friday. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."
The magazine cover features Aiken holding his son, born in August. Aiken, who considers himself a born-again Christian, said he knows he may turn off some fans -- known as Claymates -- with his admission and his decision to have a child outside traditional marriage.
Clay, forget about fans, how about the faith that you claim to have? That's the bigger issue.
Bloggers Untrustworthy, Threatening to Mainstream Media, Journalist Panel Concludes
News Busters: After Rathergate, the New Republic's Scott Thomas Beauchamp scandal, the protracted coverup of the John Edwards affair story, the ongoing refusal to challenge Barack Obama's claim that terrorist William Ayers was just "some guy" in his neighborhood, and Matt Drudge's history-changing decision to break the Monica Lewinsky story after mainstream media outlets refused to report it, it's clear that bloggers, many of whom spend their time fact-checking stories disseminated by the mainstream media, represent a threat to the mainstream media.
That's the shocking conclusion of a panel of journalists at a National Press Club forum at Johnson & Wales University.
"I think citizen journalism is grossly overrated," says Robert Whitcomb, the Providence Journal's editorial page editor. "It's great for parts of the media to save money. But as rigorous journalism for informing the public, much of it stinks; it's terrible. Many of the citizen journalists have large axes to grind."
And MSM journalists don't?
The National Press Club doth protest too much, methinks.
That's the shocking conclusion of a panel of journalists at a National Press Club forum at Johnson & Wales University.
"I think citizen journalism is grossly overrated," says Robert Whitcomb, the Providence Journal's editorial page editor. "It's great for parts of the media to save money. But as rigorous journalism for informing the public, much of it stinks; it's terrible. Many of the citizen journalists have large axes to grind."
And MSM journalists don't?
The National Press Club doth protest too much, methinks.
Commercials Driving Catholics Back into the Pews
Catholics Come Home Inc., an independent, non-profit is the group behind the current TV advertising campaign that is contributing to thousands of lapsed Catholics returning to the active practice of their faith. The commercials direct the viewer to the http://www.catholicscomehome.org/ website to explore answers to questions of faith, and to utilize the site's parish-finder feature to locate their local parish community.The campaign originally aired in the initial test markets of Phoenix, AZ and Lexington, KY, where after a three week campaign more that six thousand lapsed Catholics found their way back to the Catholic Church. 3.5 Million people (99%) within Phoenix and Northern Arizona saw the commercials, 14 times per person, during the three weeks leading up to Easter Sunday.
Tom Peterson, CCH Founder and President informed LifeSiteNews.com that the ads are slated to air in major US markets this year, including Atlanta, Chicago, Corpus Christi, Colorado Springs, Lincoln, and eventually on National networks and possibly even the Super Bowl.
See the ads for yourself
From the "What the ???" Files: British 'Moralist' says Dementia Patients Have a 'Duty to Die'
In an interview, Baroness Mary Helen Warnock has said that people suffering dementia have a duty to commit suicide.Baroness Warnock, called the "philosopher queen", is regarded as Britain's leading moral philosopher. She said that she hopes people will soon be "licensed to put others down" who have become a burden on the health care system.
She told the Church of Scotland's Life and Work magazine, "If you're demented, you're wasting people's lives - your family's lives - and you're wasting the resources of the National Health Service." In another article for a Norwegian periodical, titled "A Duty to Die?" she suggests, "There's nothing wrong with feeling you ought to do so [commit suicide] for the sake of others as well as yourself.In other contexts, sacrificing oneself for one's family would be considered good. I don't see what is so horrible about the motive of not wanting to be an increasing nuisance."
Well I detect a large amount of demented thought here. Hitler would have loved this chick. Maybe we should get the net!
John Smeaton, director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, wrote that Warnock's comments are "a regression to the brutal ancient world, when enforced suicide as a punishment was commonplace."
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She told the Church of Scotland's Life and Work magazine, "If you're demented, you're wasting people's lives - your family's lives - and you're wasting the resources of the National Health Service." In another article for a Norwegian periodical, titled "A Duty to Die?" she suggests, "There's nothing wrong with feeling you ought to do so [commit suicide] for the sake of others as well as yourself.In other contexts, sacrificing oneself for one's family would be considered good. I don't see what is so horrible about the motive of not wanting to be an increasing nuisance."
Well I detect a large amount of demented thought here. Hitler would have loved this chick. Maybe we should get the net!
John Smeaton, director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, wrote that Warnock's comments are "a regression to the brutal ancient world, when enforced suicide as a punishment was commonplace."
Full Story
Biden Backs McCain
Barack Obama's running mate says a campaign ad that mocked Republican presidential candidate John McCain as an out-of-touch, out-of-date computer illiterate was "terrible" and would not have been done had he known about it.
A+ for honesty Joe, but bring a sweater, it might get a bit cold in the next campaign meeting.
If you missed the ad, it included unflattering footage of Sen. McCain at a hearing in the early '80s, wearing giant glasses and an out-of-style suit, interspersed with shots of a disco ball, a clunky phone, an outdated computer and a Rubik's Cube.
"He admits he still doesn't know how to use a computer, can't send an e-mail, still doesn't understand the economy, and favors $200 billion in new tax cuts for corporations, but almost nothing for the middle class," the ad says.
"I thought that was terrible, by the way," Biden said. Asked why it was done, he said: "I didn't know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we'd have never done it."
If the VP thing doesn't work maybe Biden could team up with Rodger Ebert for movie reviews....
A+ for honesty Joe, but bring a sweater, it might get a bit cold in the next campaign meeting.
If you missed the ad, it included unflattering footage of Sen. McCain at a hearing in the early '80s, wearing giant glasses and an out-of-style suit, interspersed with shots of a disco ball, a clunky phone, an outdated computer and a Rubik's Cube.
"He admits he still doesn't know how to use a computer, can't send an e-mail, still doesn't understand the economy, and favors $200 billion in new tax cuts for corporations, but almost nothing for the middle class," the ad says.
"I thought that was terrible, by the way," Biden said. Asked why it was done, he said: "I didn't know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we'd have never done it."
If the VP thing doesn't work maybe Biden could team up with Rodger Ebert for movie reviews....
Failed Attempt to Toll I-80 Costly to Taxpayers
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rejected the plan to toll Interstate 80. Tolling I-80 was the linchpin of Pennsylvania’s transportation funding under Act 44 and was to provide funds for road and bridge repair as well as mass transit. As we pointed out in previous Policy Briefs, the notion of tolling a federal highway to pay for other projects was doomed from the start. Continue
No Oil for Blood
Here is a question for you. Why, after all the assistance we've given to Iraq over the past five years, was the first major Iraqi oil deal signed with China and not with an American or even a western company? The answer is, in part, because three Democratic senators intervened in Iraqi domestic politics earlier this year to prevent Iraq from signing short-term agreements with Exxon Mobil, Shell, Total, Chevron, and BP.
Frederick Kagan has written a report for The Weekly Standard that should tick you off. It documents how three U.S. senators (Chuck Schumer, John Kerry, and Claire McCaskill) torpedoed Iraq’s plans to sign no-bid contracts with American oil companies that would help boost Iraq’s oil industry, providing Iraq with more stability and bringing more oil onto the market.
Think about that the next time you fill up.
Frederick Kagan has written a report for The Weekly Standard that should tick you off. It documents how three U.S. senators (Chuck Schumer, John Kerry, and Claire McCaskill) torpedoed Iraq’s plans to sign no-bid contracts with American oil companies that would help boost Iraq’s oil industry, providing Iraq with more stability and bringing more oil onto the market.
Think about that the next time you fill up.
YouTube Censorship
First, YouTube yanked videos in which representatives from Planned Parenthood were taped accepting racist donations that were specifically earmarked for abortions of minorities.
Next, YouTube blocked a pro-life post from the Kansas Coalition for Life that detailed Obama's unconditional support of abortion--including partial-birth abortion.
Now, YouTube has yanked NBC’s Palin “incest” skit from Saturday Night Live.
From the story: YouTube has pulled from its website a video of a "Saturday Night Live" skit featuring characters portraying New York Times reporters investigating whether Todd Palin was having sex with the couple's own daughters after NBC expressed a claim of copyright, even though a wide range of other "SNL" clips remain available.
But trying to prevent the clip from being replayed wasn't protecting the program and network today from the wrath of viewers, bloggers and radio talk show hosts who believe the "joke" simply went too far. Read more…
Next, YouTube blocked a pro-life post from the Kansas Coalition for Life that detailed Obama's unconditional support of abortion--including partial-birth abortion.
Now, YouTube has yanked NBC’s Palin “incest” skit from Saturday Night Live.
From the story: YouTube has pulled from its website a video of a "Saturday Night Live" skit featuring characters portraying New York Times reporters investigating whether Todd Palin was having sex with the couple's own daughters after NBC expressed a claim of copyright, even though a wide range of other "SNL" clips remain available.
But trying to prevent the clip from being replayed wasn't protecting the program and network today from the wrath of viewers, bloggers and radio talk show hosts who believe the "joke" simply went too far. Read more…
Bailouts Galore!
(From Michelle Malkin) Both parties in Washington are about to [take advantage of us] on an unprecedented scale. They are threatening us with fiscal apocalypse if we don’t fork over $700 billion to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and allow him to dole it out to whomever he chooses in whatever amount he chooses — without public input or recourse.
They are rushing like mad to cram this Mother of All Bailouts down our throats in the next 72-96 hours. And right there in the text of the proposal is this naked power grab: “Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.” Read more...
$700 billion is about $2,300 for every man, woman and child in the U.S.
They are rushing like mad to cram this Mother of All Bailouts down our throats in the next 72-96 hours. And right there in the text of the proposal is this naked power grab: “Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.” Read more...
$700 billion is about $2,300 for every man, woman and child in the U.S.
Election Smackdown
As the clock ticks things are getting nastier. Some are stoking the embers of "troopergate" and Sarah Palin’s decision to dismiss Alaska’s public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, who says he was dismissed for refusing to fire Palin’s former brother-in-law, Mike Wooten, a state trooper. But Monegan said that he never received explicit orders to fire Wooten, but that this was the implication during discussions, which he said included suggestions that Wooten was unfit for his job. Some are hoping to cause a blaze of controversy. Personally I think it's all in vain.
The we have "email-gate". (Is anyone else tired of the 'gate" use every time feathers get ruffled?) Someone hacked into Sarah Palin’s personally email account. Just about any teenager could probably pull this off but bloggers have alleged that David Kernell, 20, is the one who has claimed responsibility for breaking into the Alaska governor’s e-mail account.
Who is David Kernell? He is a student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and the son of a Democratic politician, State Rep. Mike Kernell.
The FBI and Secret Service have launched an investigation. For anyone all excited about some juicy secret to be revealed, sorry to disappoint you. A person using the e-mail address
rubico10@yahoo.com posted a message to an online forum about how he used Yahoo Mail’s password-recovery tool to obtain Palin’s password.
“I am the lurker who did it, and I would like to tell the story,” rubico10@yahoo.com wrote on the Web site.
The hacker later explained how he reviewed Palin’s e-mail messages one by one: “I read though the emails … ALL OF THEM … before I posted, and what I concluded was anticlimactic, there was nothing there, nothing incriminating, nothing that would derail her campaign as I had hoped, all I saw was personal stuff, some clerical stuff from when she was governor. … And pictures of her family.”
The hacker used easily available information about Palin to answer questions Yahoo! Mail uses to verify identity. The hacker answered the first two questions easily — birth date and ZIP code. The third question — “Where did you meet your spouse?” — required the hacker to research the answer until he found the correct one, Wasilla High. “It took seriously 45 (minutes) on Wikipedia and Google to find the info”
Yet it will take the FBI and Secret Service months and thousands of dollars to figure this all out.
The we have "email-gate". (Is anyone else tired of the 'gate" use every time feathers get ruffled?) Someone hacked into Sarah Palin’s personally email account. Just about any teenager could probably pull this off but bloggers have alleged that David Kernell, 20, is the one who has claimed responsibility for breaking into the Alaska governor’s e-mail account.
Who is David Kernell? He is a student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and the son of a Democratic politician, State Rep. Mike Kernell.
The FBI and Secret Service have launched an investigation. For anyone all excited about some juicy secret to be revealed, sorry to disappoint you. A person using the e-mail address
rubico10@yahoo.com posted a message to an online forum about how he used Yahoo Mail’s password-recovery tool to obtain Palin’s password.
“I am the lurker who did it, and I would like to tell the story,” rubico10@yahoo.com wrote on the Web site.
The hacker later explained how he reviewed Palin’s e-mail messages one by one: “I read though the emails … ALL OF THEM … before I posted, and what I concluded was anticlimactic, there was nothing there, nothing incriminating, nothing that would derail her campaign as I had hoped, all I saw was personal stuff, some clerical stuff from when she was governor. … And pictures of her family.”
The hacker used easily available information about Palin to answer questions Yahoo! Mail uses to verify identity. The hacker answered the first two questions easily — birth date and ZIP code. The third question — “Where did you meet your spouse?” — required the hacker to research the answer until he found the correct one, Wasilla High. “It took seriously 45 (minutes) on Wikipedia and Google to find the info”
Yet it will take the FBI and Secret Service months and thousands of dollars to figure this all out.
Episcopalians vote to oust Pittsburgh bishop
It's a sad day for Episcopals. With this recent action the church has condemed itself. It's like watch a ship sink below the surface.The Episcopal House of Bishops has voted to remove Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh from all ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.
The action came as the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh prepares for an Oct. 4 vote to secede from the 2.4 million-member Episcopal Church -- the U.S. branch of the 77 million-member Anglican Communion -- and realign with the more conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America.
The action came as the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh prepares for an Oct. 4 vote to secede from the 2.4 million-member Episcopal Church -- the U.S. branch of the 77 million-member Anglican Communion -- and realign with the more conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America.
The vote, which took place yesterday afternoon in a closed meeting in Salt Lake City, was 88-35 with four abstentions.
According to diocesan spokesman Deacon Peter Frank, the deposed bishop of Pittsburgh was immediately credentialed as a bishop-at-large by the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone.
The result means that Bishop Duncan cannot act in the name of the Episcopal Church for the diocese of Pittsburgh but that he still retains all the sacramental authority of a bishop.
It marks the second time this has happened to a U.S. bishop over this issue. In December, the diocese of San Joaquin, Calif., became the first to secede from the Episcopal Church and realign with the Southern Cone. The House of Bishops deposed San Joaquin's Bishop David Schofield in March.
"I'm very sad, sad for the Episcopal Church," Bishop Duncan said after the vote. He did not attend the Salt Lake City meeting to defend himself, but chose to attend an annual gathering of Pittsburgh's Episcopal clergy that was scheduled long before the special meeting of the House of Bishops.
"In 15 days the diocese will determine whether it, too, wants to be part of the Southern Cone and figure out whether it wants me back as bishop. That is up to the diocese, although I have a sneaking suspicion they will want me back," he said.
Bishop Duncan has been a U.S. leader of Episcopalians who claim that the U.S. church has lost its commitment to classic Christian beliefs regarding the divinity and mission of Jesus, biblical authority and sexual ethics. They feel more attuned to Anglicans in the global South.
A statement from the House of Bishops reported hours of discussions over two days regarding Bishop Duncan's fate.
"Throughout the discussions, the gathering was quiet, prayerful and respectful as the bishops listened to one another," it said.
"By the action of a majority of the House of Bishops, it was agreed that Bishop Duncan was actively attempting to remove the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh from the Episcopal Church in violation of the Constitutions and Canons of the Diocese and the Episcopal Church. The majority concluded that Bishop Duncan's actions constituted a renunciation of the Discipline of the Episcopal Church."
Failed Attempt to Toll I-80 Costly to Taxpayers
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rejected the plan to toll Interstate 80. Tolling I-80 was the linchpin of Pennsylvania’s transportation funding under Act 44 and was to provide funds for road and bridge repair as well as mass transit. As we pointed out in previous Policy Briefs, the notion of tolling a federal highway to pay for other projects was doomed from the start. Continue
U.S. Embassy in Yemen: Just the beginning
My thanks to the Northeast Intelligence Network for this report.
The attack against the US Embassy in Yemen is just the beginning of a resurgence of terrorist attacks against the West, according to intelligence sources close to the Northeast Intelligence Network. The attack on Wednesday, conducted by the Islamic Jihad group in Yemen, claimed the lives of 16 Yemeni soldiers and civilians.
One of the civilians killed in the embassy bombing has been identified as 18 year-old Susan ELBANEH of Lackawanna, NY. Ms. ELBANEH, a U.S. citizen and a 2008 graduate of the Lackawanna High School in the Buffalo suburb, is the cousin of Jaber ELBANEH, a Yemeni-American fugitive who is on the FBI's most wanted list. Jaber ELBANEH is associated with the infamous "Lackawanna Six," a reference to six members of the Buffalo suburb who were arrested in 2002 for terrorist-related activities.
Despite Jaber's most-wanted status, the government of Yemen has been steadfast in their refusal to extradite him to the United States. According to the family of Susan ELBANEH, the young woman was killed outside of the embassy, where she was with her husband of two months and her sister-in-law.
According to information developed from intelligence sources, additional attacks against other embassies are anticipated. "This appears to be the start of a more aggressive campaign being launched by al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations," stated one intelligence source. "Expect more attacks, and perhaps more spectacular attacks, in the immediate future," added this source.
The attack against the US Embassy in Yemen is just the beginning of a resurgence of terrorist attacks against the West, according to intelligence sources close to the Northeast Intelligence Network. The attack on Wednesday, conducted by the Islamic Jihad group in Yemen, claimed the lives of 16 Yemeni soldiers and civilians.
One of the civilians killed in the embassy bombing has been identified as 18 year-old Susan ELBANEH of Lackawanna, NY. Ms. ELBANEH, a U.S. citizen and a 2008 graduate of the Lackawanna High School in the Buffalo suburb, is the cousin of Jaber ELBANEH, a Yemeni-American fugitive who is on the FBI's most wanted list. Jaber ELBANEH is associated with the infamous "Lackawanna Six," a reference to six members of the Buffalo suburb who were arrested in 2002 for terrorist-related activities.
Despite Jaber's most-wanted status, the government of Yemen has been steadfast in their refusal to extradite him to the United States. According to the family of Susan ELBANEH, the young woman was killed outside of the embassy, where she was with her husband of two months and her sister-in-law.
According to information developed from intelligence sources, additional attacks against other embassies are anticipated. "This appears to be the start of a more aggressive campaign being launched by al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations," stated one intelligence source. "Expect more attacks, and perhaps more spectacular attacks, in the immediate future," added this source.
Reject 'Living Constitution,' Scalia tells crowd at USU
From the story: The legality of abortion, same-sex marriage and other controversial issues should be decided by the American people and not a panel of unelected judges, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia told students and faculty at Utah State University on Monday.
A shift in political practices in recent years, however, has left judges to legislate from the bench as they rewrite the Constitution, the judge said.
"A change occurred in the last half of the 20th century, and I'm sorry to say that my court was responsible for it," Scalia said. "It was my court that invented the notion of a living Constitution" to keep up with what some justices call "the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society." Read more…
In the vacuum of moral relativism, a “living constitution” can be molded to do anything….
A shift in political practices in recent years, however, has left judges to legislate from the bench as they rewrite the Constitution, the judge said.
"A change occurred in the last half of the 20th century, and I'm sorry to say that my court was responsible for it," Scalia said. "It was my court that invented the notion of a living Constitution" to keep up with what some justices call "the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society." Read more…
In the vacuum of moral relativism, a “living constitution” can be molded to do anything….
HARRY POTTER GETS POLITICAL SHOW ON MSNBC
By Shaun Pierce
I caught Harry Potter interviewing Bill Maher about.... Oh wait. I've just been informed it was not Harry Potter, but Rachel Maddow who has the new show on MSNBC.
My sincere apologies to Harry.
Anyway... Maher was asked by Rachel about the upcoming elections and about the democrats shift now in favor of off shore drilling.
Because we are so stupid as to believe that increasing the oil supply would lower prices, we Americans are "too dumb to be governed," according to Bill Maher.
While I have to agree there are stupid people as evidenced by the folks the give Maher a show, invite him a a guest like he has some valuable knowledge to offer, and shower fame and fortune upon him, even those poor souls are governed.
Note to Mr. Maher It does not take intelligence to be governed. It takes intelligence to recognize two liberal windbags who spew anger and hatred as political insight.
It's mildly entertaining in small doses, but these folks really believe this stuff.
I caught Harry Potter interviewing Bill Maher about.... Oh wait. I've just been informed it was not Harry Potter, but Rachel Maddow who has the new show on MSNBC.My sincere apologies to Harry.
Anyway... Maher was asked by Rachel about the upcoming elections and about the democrats shift now in favor of off shore drilling.
Because we are so stupid as to believe that increasing the oil supply would lower prices, we Americans are "too dumb to be governed," according to Bill Maher.
While I have to agree there are stupid people as evidenced by the folks the give Maher a show, invite him a a guest like he has some valuable knowledge to offer, and shower fame and fortune upon him, even those poor souls are governed.
Note to Mr. Maher It does not take intelligence to be governed. It takes intelligence to recognize two liberal windbags who spew anger and hatred as political insight.
It's mildly entertaining in small doses, but these folks really believe this stuff.
Lawrence County casino developer gives back $455 million
The would-be developer of a Lawrence County racetrack and casino no longer has the money to build the $455 million Valley View Downs facility. Read More
That's ok. Having money is not a requirement in building a casino in Pennsylvania.
That's ok. Having money is not a requirement in building a casino in Pennsylvania.
Gaming Board director's severance package under review
The state Department of Treasury is temporarily withholding severance payments to the former head of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board because they were not given the proper legal review. Read More
It seems more lucrative to get fired then hired from a government job these days! Ask Pat Ford...
It seems more lucrative to get fired then hired from a government job these days! Ask Pat Ford...
Senate backs early release for nonviolent Pa. criminals
Legislation designed to move thousands of nonviolent criminals out of Pennsylvania prisons more quickly and rein in booming correctional costs is nearing final approval. Read More
Senate panel approves convention bills
A Senate committee Wednesday approved three bills calling for a constitutional convention in Pennsylvania to reshape state government, but even a supporter wondered if it was a "pre-election gimmick." Read More
Trump -- Rendell's no friend of mine
To hear Donald Trump tell it yesterday, the 2006 decision that left him without a casino in Philadelphia was an "outrageous" case of political insiders reaping awards that outsiders like Trump can't attain. Gov. Rendell is doing "a lousy job" and puts his friends first in casino matters, Trump fumed. He said he'd probably avoid doing any future casino business in Pennsylvania. Read More
A Stacked Deck Favors the Transit Union
When one party to a negotiation, because of law and prior experience, holds all the metaphorical high cards, it is child’s play to predict who will come out on top in the bargaining process. Such is the current bargaining situation between the Port Authority and Local 85 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. On the morning of September 12, the board accepted a fact finder’s recommendations for settling the contract dispute—recommendations that represent a minimum of what needs to happen. A few hours later the union rejected the fact finder’s recommendations with comments suggesting it is not about to make the concessions called for in the report. And once again the union has won an important skirmish. Full operations continue and no job cuts have been made. Continue
NPR Reports: 'Non-Partisan' NOW Endorses Obama
From News Busters: Lazy journalism at NPR typically causes a return to their default position: liberal bias. Such was the case yesterday. In the morning edition, NPR reported on the recent and unsurprising announcement that NOW--the National Organization For Women, an ideological & partisan group--would endorse Barack Obama.
NPR Reports: “Rarely does the National Organization For Women endorse a presidential candidate. On Tuesday, the group announced it is endorsing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Kim Gandy, president of NOW, talks with Renee Montagne about why the organization is endorsing Obama.”
According to NPR, NOW rarely endorses a presidential candidate. If by "rarely" they mean once every 4 years, then, yeah, they rarely endorse a candidate for President. But here's the problem, a cursory search of the internet reveals that earlier this year, when she was still in the running, NOW endorsed Hillary Clinton. In 2004, NOW endorsed John Kerry.
Discovering this information took me about five minutes. Five minutes! Do you think it was laziness on the part of NPR that caused them to present NOW's endorsement in this fashion? Read more….
Only in NPR’s skewed world view, could one ever believe that NOW is a “non-partisan” organization. NOW’s silence during the Clinton sex scandals settled this question years ago.
NPR Reports: “Rarely does the National Organization For Women endorse a presidential candidate. On Tuesday, the group announced it is endorsing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Kim Gandy, president of NOW, talks with Renee Montagne about why the organization is endorsing Obama.”
According to NPR, NOW rarely endorses a presidential candidate. If by "rarely" they mean once every 4 years, then, yeah, they rarely endorse a candidate for President. But here's the problem, a cursory search of the internet reveals that earlier this year, when she was still in the running, NOW endorsed Hillary Clinton. In 2004, NOW endorsed John Kerry.
Discovering this information took me about five minutes. Five minutes! Do you think it was laziness on the part of NPR that caused them to present NOW's endorsement in this fashion? Read more….
Only in NPR’s skewed world view, could one ever believe that NOW is a “non-partisan” organization. NOW’s silence during the Clinton sex scandals settled this question years ago.
Abortion Survivor Calls Out Obama in New Ad
I’ve seen an interview of Gianna Jessen. In addition to the ad, she also gives a great testimony of her faith.
Obama Tried To Stall GI’s Iraq Withdrawal
From the story: While campaigning in public for a speedy withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Sen. Barack Obama has tried in private to persuade Iraqi leaders to delay an agreement on a draw-down of the American military presence.
According to Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Obama made his demand for delay a key theme of his discussions with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad in July.
Obama insisted that Congress should be involved in negotiations on the status of US troops - and that it was in the interests of both sides not to have an agreement negotiated by the Bush administration in its "state of weakness and political confusion." Read more.
Obama’s request to delay the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq should go over well with his anti-war left base. Most Obama yard signs are paired with yard signs stating “Support the troops – End the War”. Should read “Support the troops – Don’t End The War Just Yet”.
According to Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Obama made his demand for delay a key theme of his discussions with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad in July.
Obama insisted that Congress should be involved in negotiations on the status of US troops - and that it was in the interests of both sides not to have an agreement negotiated by the Bush administration in its "state of weakness and political confusion." Read more.
Obama’s request to delay the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq should go over well with his anti-war left base. Most Obama yard signs are paired with yard signs stating “Support the troops – End the War”. Should read “Support the troops – Don’t End The War Just Yet”.
Fr. Pavone: A New Chapter in the Pro-life Movement
By Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life
It was the Spring of 1992 and I was sitting with my Archbishop, John Cardinal O’Connor of New York, telling him that I had come to the point where I could not go on with my life “business as usual” without devoting myself full-time to the defense of the unborn against abortion.
It was a matter of weeks later that he granted me permission to become the first full-time director of Priests for Life. “I know of no effort more noble, more timely, or more important than the recruitment of our clergy in the cause for life,” he wrote to me. I have been doing it ever since.
In that initial conversation, I explained to him that I wanted Priests for Life to avoid a big pitfall which, frankly, many institutions in the Church fall into. My exact words to him were, “Your Eminence, I don’t want to create new structures, but rather to infuse the structures we already have with new enthusiasm, vigor, and effectiveness.”
And that’s just what Priests for Life has been doing. There has not been a day that I have looked back. There has not been a day that I have not felt the enthusiasm of the very first day of this mission.
I am convinced at the present moment that the pro-life movement is entering a new chapter of this battle. We are closer to victory than ever before, and now is the time to redouble every effort and to push over the finish line. Now is the time to cut off any “dead wood,” any projects that aren’t bearing fruit, any expenditures and efforts that are not actually moving us toward the goal of ending abortion, and any bureaucracy in our structures that is hindering rather than advancing the mission.
There is a new thirst for unity in our movement, and I have been committed to promoting that unity in various ways since 1993. Gathering leaders for retreats and strategy sessions, and building bridges of communication and collaboration that didn’t exist before, continues to be one of the most important things in which I am involved. These efforts for unity are bearing fruit, and many leaders have approached me about how we can harvest that fruit and begin more joint efforts, rather than just pursuing, on parallel paths, the work of our individual organizations. More leaders than ever are ready to do this.
Moreover, people who want to support the pro-life movement financially are looking for that kind of active unity and collaboration. They are looking for convincing plans that have a promise of success and that meet the varied needs of the movement rather than the vision of just one organization. Various leaders on the national level, including myself, have been formulating such plans and it is time to invest even greater effort and attention to bringing them to fruition.
My team and I have therefore enacted a number of changes, in order to best use your resources and ours to hasten the day of victory, and to stay faithful to the vision I articulated to Cardinal O’Connor sixteen years ago.
For one thing, Priests for Life is not going to have its own seminarians. We started down that road a couple of years ago, convinced that we had to leave no stone unturned in looking for ways to advance the pro-life cause within the Church. We tried it, but it began to divert too much time, energy, and resources away from the primary purpose of our organization. Experience has proven that it’s best to stay with the original design of Priests for Life, namely, that the dioceses, seminaries, and religious communities take care of training men for the priesthood, and that we take care of specialized training in the pro-life cause, both for priests who want to work with us full-time, and for all the priests, deacons, seminarians, and laity in the Church (and outside the Church).
We are also going to vastly scale down the building projects that we have in the works. After all, we are a missionary organization. My suitcase and those of our whole pastoral team are never unpacked. Moreover, we come into people’s homes and cars through television, radio, and internet on a daily basis. Both of those dynamics suggest that a big central headquarters isn’t necessary. A small one suffices.
Again, our current approach is working, so I don’t want to divert all kinds of attention and resources to building anything that may prove superfluous. We are not here to build new structures, but to renew the existing ones. The Church has massive structures to gather and communicate with people. Priests for Life is present to those structures, challenging everyone in the Church to put ending abortion higher on the priority list.
We’re closer to victory than ever before. The focus now needs to be getting the job done, not setting up more structures for plans to get it done in the next generation. The time is now.Now is the time to stop all the cautious dancing with language and plainly challenge our citizens to elect pro-life candidates.
Now is the time to stop lamenting that we’re not reaching abortion-minded women and instead, simply go to the places where they obviously are – the abortion clinics – and be present at those killing centers twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, until the killing stops.
Now is the time to stop worrying about those who aren’t doing their job, and partnering more closely with those who are. It doesn’t take a majority to get the job done; it takes a minority who risk everything and stop at nothing.
We have entered a new phase of the pro-life movement. Come with us. It’s time for victory.
It was the Spring of 1992 and I was sitting with my Archbishop, John Cardinal O’Connor of New York, telling him that I had come to the point where I could not go on with my life “business as usual” without devoting myself full-time to the defense of the unborn against abortion.
It was a matter of weeks later that he granted me permission to become the first full-time director of Priests for Life. “I know of no effort more noble, more timely, or more important than the recruitment of our clergy in the cause for life,” he wrote to me. I have been doing it ever since.
In that initial conversation, I explained to him that I wanted Priests for Life to avoid a big pitfall which, frankly, many institutions in the Church fall into. My exact words to him were, “Your Eminence, I don’t want to create new structures, but rather to infuse the structures we already have with new enthusiasm, vigor, and effectiveness.”
And that’s just what Priests for Life has been doing. There has not been a day that I have looked back. There has not been a day that I have not felt the enthusiasm of the very first day of this mission.
I am convinced at the present moment that the pro-life movement is entering a new chapter of this battle. We are closer to victory than ever before, and now is the time to redouble every effort and to push over the finish line. Now is the time to cut off any “dead wood,” any projects that aren’t bearing fruit, any expenditures and efforts that are not actually moving us toward the goal of ending abortion, and any bureaucracy in our structures that is hindering rather than advancing the mission.
There is a new thirst for unity in our movement, and I have been committed to promoting that unity in various ways since 1993. Gathering leaders for retreats and strategy sessions, and building bridges of communication and collaboration that didn’t exist before, continues to be one of the most important things in which I am involved. These efforts for unity are bearing fruit, and many leaders have approached me about how we can harvest that fruit and begin more joint efforts, rather than just pursuing, on parallel paths, the work of our individual organizations. More leaders than ever are ready to do this.
Moreover, people who want to support the pro-life movement financially are looking for that kind of active unity and collaboration. They are looking for convincing plans that have a promise of success and that meet the varied needs of the movement rather than the vision of just one organization. Various leaders on the national level, including myself, have been formulating such plans and it is time to invest even greater effort and attention to bringing them to fruition.
My team and I have therefore enacted a number of changes, in order to best use your resources and ours to hasten the day of victory, and to stay faithful to the vision I articulated to Cardinal O’Connor sixteen years ago.
For one thing, Priests for Life is not going to have its own seminarians. We started down that road a couple of years ago, convinced that we had to leave no stone unturned in looking for ways to advance the pro-life cause within the Church. We tried it, but it began to divert too much time, energy, and resources away from the primary purpose of our organization. Experience has proven that it’s best to stay with the original design of Priests for Life, namely, that the dioceses, seminaries, and religious communities take care of training men for the priesthood, and that we take care of specialized training in the pro-life cause, both for priests who want to work with us full-time, and for all the priests, deacons, seminarians, and laity in the Church (and outside the Church).
We are also going to vastly scale down the building projects that we have in the works. After all, we are a missionary organization. My suitcase and those of our whole pastoral team are never unpacked. Moreover, we come into people’s homes and cars through television, radio, and internet on a daily basis. Both of those dynamics suggest that a big central headquarters isn’t necessary. A small one suffices.
Again, our current approach is working, so I don’t want to divert all kinds of attention and resources to building anything that may prove superfluous. We are not here to build new structures, but to renew the existing ones. The Church has massive structures to gather and communicate with people. Priests for Life is present to those structures, challenging everyone in the Church to put ending abortion higher on the priority list.
We’re closer to victory than ever before. The focus now needs to be getting the job done, not setting up more structures for plans to get it done in the next generation. The time is now.Now is the time to stop all the cautious dancing with language and plainly challenge our citizens to elect pro-life candidates.
Now is the time to stop lamenting that we’re not reaching abortion-minded women and instead, simply go to the places where they obviously are – the abortion clinics – and be present at those killing centers twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, until the killing stops.
Now is the time to stop worrying about those who aren’t doing their job, and partnering more closely with those who are. It doesn’t take a majority to get the job done; it takes a minority who risk everything and stop at nothing.
We have entered a new phase of the pro-life movement. Come with us. It’s time for victory.
Political Tide: Democrats Struggle
By Shaun Pierce
Things aren't very good for Democrats in this area these days. With the history of union power and Democrats (both dwindling), it's often assumed that the GOP has a real disadvantage in Pennsylvania. However, history does not dictate the future.
With 'Bonusgate' in the news and national and local campaigns generating excitement with voters, Democrats are facing a strong challenge and may pay the price by losing their slim 102-101 margin in Harrisburg.
Republicans have run the Senate for almost all of the past 25 years. While it's true there are now more than 1 million more registered Democrats than Republicans in Pennsylvania, what Democrats have done with their power leaves many looking for alternatives.
The corruption charges and allegations attached to long time officials and once promising new comers give the GOP and tremendous opportunity to expand their influence and take Pennsylvanians out of culture of corruption.
As "Bonusgate" plays out, how much affect it will have on state House races remains to be seen. The allegations are that some House Democratic staffers, in 2006, spent days and even weeks working on political campaigns and later were illegally rewarded with at least $1.2 million in state-funded bonuses.
To date, all 12 arrests have been of House Democratic lawmakers or staff members, including the former No. 2 Democrat, ex-Rep. Mike Veon, and Rep. Sean Ramaley, both of Beaver County. As the pay raise outrage of the last election still smolders in some voters minds, the political tide may be turning.
Attorney General Tom Corbett has said additional arrests are likely, and some state officials expect them to hit before Sept. 30. The next round could deeper ensnare Democratic leader Bill DeWeese as he presided over this corruption. Some are already calling on Mr. DeWeese to step down as House leader.
Whoever wins, let's hope the culture of corruption ends, those in power serve the people and the Keystone state gets back on track.
Troy Hill chapel keeps the faith
In the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette, Alan Petrucelli has written a piece on St. Anthony's Chapel in Troy Hill. They have the largest reliquary outside the Vatican and it includes a fragment of the Last Supper table. The inscription reads "Ex Sacra Tabula Ultimae Coenae, D.N.J. Christi" (From the sacred table of the Last Supper of Our Lord Jesus Christ).
Check out the article.
Check out the article.
Saturday Night Live: Hey is that????
A few weeks ago I posted here how I thought Tina Fey (Sat. Night Live & 30 Rock) looked like she could be Sarah Palin's sister. I guess I wasn't the only one thinking along those lines. If you caught Saturday Night Live you know what I mean.Barack Obama canceled his appearance on Saturday Night Live in the wake of Hurricane Ike, but Sarah Palin was still there - played by former SNL star Tina Fey. She was so good I bet she could make campaign stops as Palin and no one would know the difference.
Even the left wing cyber space dumping ground the "Huffington Post" loved it. “Brilliant” said Rachel Sklar at the Huffington Post: “Fey, the “30 Rock” creator and former SNL star, returned triumphantly to the show last night to play Palin in a brilliant impersonation, knocking it out of the park…”
Lines of the night?
A frustrated Hillary Clinton (played by Amy Poehler) on the topic of foreign affairs said, “…diplomacy should be the cornerstone of any foreign policy. Fey, as Palin, deadpanned, “And I can see Russia from my house.”
A frustrated Hillary Clinton (played by Amy Poehler) on the topic of foreign affairs said, “…diplomacy should be the cornerstone of any foreign policy. Fey, as Palin, deadpanned, “And I can see Russia from my house.”
On the issue of global warming, Poehler said she believed it was “caused by man.”
Responding with a near-perfect imitation of Palin’s accent, Fey said, “And I believe it’s just God huggin’ us closer.”
Responding with a near-perfect imitation of Palin’s accent, Fey said, “And I believe it’s just God huggin’ us closer.”
Poehler wrapped up the sketch: "In conclusion, I invite the media to grow a pair. And if you can't, I will lend you mine."
You can see the sketch here
BRAVO!
Drink Tax Referenda Questions: Ballot Incompatible
Presently weaving their way through the courts, the dueling referenda questions on the County’s drink tax could both end up on the November ballot. But as our analysis shows that should not be allowed to occur. If by some happenstance they are both on the ballot, there are potentially serious conflicts arising out of the vote results. The problems will require extensive court involvement to resolve. Continue
Onorato urges Port Authority, union to accept deal
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato says he specifically stayed out of the labor negotiations at the Port Authority because there was nothing concrete about them, until now.
Mr. Onorato yesterday called on the authority and Local 85 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents 2,300 bus and trolley workers and support personnel, to accept the settlement recommended by a fact-finder.
"I am encouraging both management and the union to accept [the fact-finder's report] because it addresses the issue of legacy costs, which is the biggest problem facing the Port Authority," Mr. Onorato said.
If they get greedy it may be for the last time!
The Holdup at Washington Park
August 2008 was to be an important month in the development of the Washington Park Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project, a mixed-use residential development, in Mt. Lebanon. It was the anticipated completion date for Phase I and the anticipated starting date for Phase II. But as August has come and gone, there is no serious construction activity underway at the site. The municipality and school district should be concerned as the results to date verify this was an ill-advised TIF. Continue
Alternative Reality
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Former Rhode Island Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee has called vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin a "cocky wacko" and said her selection as John McCain's running mate has energized supporters of Democrat Barack Obama.
Yes – Former Rhode Island Republican….. I guess that the "energized" Obama supporters must be the reason Obama is falling in the polls. Is anything that this former senator says grounded in reality?
Yes – Former Rhode Island Republican….. I guess that the "energized" Obama supporters must be the reason Obama is falling in the polls. Is anything that this former senator says grounded in reality?
9-11 Seven Years On
Seven years ago I was in a radio studio surrounding by news reports coming in of the events of 9-11. Some reports were true, some were false. At the time it was impossible to know which was which.
This is the first year since that day that I will not be able to share with a radio audience the pain and the resolve that was born that day. So I take a moment here, the place where we all can still gather in some small way to remember with all of you.
Amid flags at half-mast and a capital city shrouded in clouds, the seventh anniversary of September 11, 2001 arrives quietly in a nation still divided over the war it provoked.
From Ground Zero to the broken ring of the Pentagon, we can't help but remember how many of the fallen were heroes that day. They were men and women on planes, in skyscrapers, charging up stairwells, and digging through rubble. As diverse as they were, the victims had one thing in common--they were all patriots. Today, that of selfless determination is still very much alive in our brave troops overseas. Despite bickering, politics and distractions at home, our soldiers have carried out their mission valiantly, many of them making the ultimate sacrifice while their fellow citizens, speaking from the safety and comfort they provide, feel free to question what these soldiers are giving their lives for.
Sadly, few seem to remember why we're fighting. The "war of oil" cry rings hollow and as a mere excuse to oppose any action by the current administration. We fight for nothing other than the liberty Americans so quickly take for granted. This cause has been at the root of every American war trough out history. Many in this country have forgotten that the best way to honor those who died on September 11, and since, is by upholding the commitment to do everything we can to keep it from happening again. Part of that commitment is to confront evil promptly near and far.
Al-Queda's long-term goal is to convert Americans and other Westerners to its extreme version of Islam. This is the ultimate struggle between good and evil, the long-standing battle for our ideals of faith, family, and freedom. In the end, this war is not only a military conflict, but a spiritual one. Few seem to grasp that. Other reject any and all notions that spiritual battles even exist outside the twisted minds of Christan fanatics. Whatever your belief, the fact is the entire Western world hangs in the balance.
For those of us who take comfort in knowing that God is in control, let us pray, as the stone walls of the Pentagon have been rebuilt and construction is under way at the site of the World Trade Center, the we rebuilding our resolve. Let us honor those who have died in our nation's service not just in memorial remembrances, but in victory over tyranny. May we always recognize and confront evil and remember peace is often the result of conflict and not just the avoidance of it.
God bless our nation.
SC Dem Chief Says Sorry for Palin-Abortion Comment
(ABC News) South Carolina's Democratic Party chairwoman said Wednesday that Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's top qualification seems to be not having had an abortion. She later apologized.
In an interview posted on the political Web site Politico, Chairwoman Carol Fowler said Republican John McCain picked a running mate "whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn't had an abortion."
Fowler later apologized, saying she made the statement during an interview about single-issue voters.
"I think it has more to do with the fact our Democratic colleagues and opponents are in a meltdown mode over Gov. Palin," [South Carolina Senator Lindsey] Graham said. He said there would be a "firestorm of monumental proportion" if a Republican had said the same thing about a female Democrat running for vice president, and called on Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama to repudiate Fowler's remark.
"If he doesn't speak to this and condemn this statement, it will speak volumes about where we're at on the Democratic side," Graham said.
In an interview posted on the political Web site Politico, Chairwoman Carol Fowler said Republican John McCain picked a running mate "whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn't had an abortion."
Fowler later apologized, saying she made the statement during an interview about single-issue voters.
"I think it has more to do with the fact our Democratic colleagues and opponents are in a meltdown mode over Gov. Palin," [South Carolina Senator Lindsey] Graham said. He said there would be a "firestorm of monumental proportion" if a Republican had said the same thing about a female Democrat running for vice president, and called on Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama to repudiate Fowler's remark.
"If he doesn't speak to this and condemn this statement, it will speak volumes about where we're at on the Democratic side," Graham said.
Camille Paglia On Sarah Palin’s Debut and Abortion
A surprising admission from a liberal pro-abortion woman. Some key quotes:
The gigantic, instantaneous coast-to-coast rage directed at Sarah Palin when she was identified as pro-life was, I submit, a psychological response by loyal liberals who on some level do not want to open themselves to deep questioning about abortion and its human consequences. I have written about the eerie silence that fell over campus audiences in the early 1990s when I raised this issue on my book tours. At such moments, everyone in the hall seemed to feel the uneasy conscience of feminism. Naomi Wolf later bravely tried to address this same subject but seems to have given up in the face of the resistance she encountered.
It is nonsensical and counterproductive for Democrats to imagine that pro-life values can be defeated by maliciously destroying their proponents. And it is equally foolish to expect that feminism must for all time be inextricably wed to the pro-choice agenda. There is plenty of room in modern thought for a pro-life feminism -- one in fact that would have far more appeal to third-world cultures where motherhood is still honored and where the Western model of the hard-driving, self-absorbed career woman is less admired.
The complete article….
The gigantic, instantaneous coast-to-coast rage directed at Sarah Palin when she was identified as pro-life was, I submit, a psychological response by loyal liberals who on some level do not want to open themselves to deep questioning about abortion and its human consequences. I have written about the eerie silence that fell over campus audiences in the early 1990s when I raised this issue on my book tours. At such moments, everyone in the hall seemed to feel the uneasy conscience of feminism. Naomi Wolf later bravely tried to address this same subject but seems to have given up in the face of the resistance she encountered.
It is nonsensical and counterproductive for Democrats to imagine that pro-life values can be defeated by maliciously destroying their proponents. And it is equally foolish to expect that feminism must for all time be inextricably wed to the pro-choice agenda. There is plenty of room in modern thought for a pro-life feminism -- one in fact that would have far more appeal to third-world cultures where motherhood is still honored and where the Western model of the hard-driving, self-absorbed career woman is less admired.
The complete article….
Episcopal Bishops in California Support Homosexual 'Marriage'
LifeSiteNews (www.lifesitenews.com)
The Episcopal Church in California is taking up arms against Proposition 8, an amendment that would change the California constitution to preserve the integrity of marriage as being between one man and one woman. In the process the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion is clashing with a huge interfaith coalition, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Hindus and Sikhs, which is simultaneously launching a campaign to promote the proposition.
But the bishops of the Episcopal Church in California have joined the ranks of those working against Proposition 8. All six bishops in the state will officially protest the traditional marriage amendment, according to the Sacramento Bee. The Right Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Episcopal Bishop of California, will hold a press conference at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral on Wednesday to represent the church's position, "calling for compassion, love and equal protections" for homosexual couples.
The Bishop of Egypt, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, the Rt. Rev. Mouneer Anis, commenting on the overwhelming representation of the homosexual community at the recent Lambeth Conference, expressed disgust at the "advocacy of unscriptural practices" and called the sexual obsessions of the liberal faction, "a new form of slavery: a slavery to modern secular culture and to immoral desires and lusts."
The Episcopal Church in California is taking up arms against Proposition 8, an amendment that would change the California constitution to preserve the integrity of marriage as being between one man and one woman. In the process the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion is clashing with a huge interfaith coalition, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Hindus and Sikhs, which is simultaneously launching a campaign to promote the proposition.
But the bishops of the Episcopal Church in California have joined the ranks of those working against Proposition 8. All six bishops in the state will officially protest the traditional marriage amendment, according to the Sacramento Bee. The Right Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Episcopal Bishop of California, will hold a press conference at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral on Wednesday to represent the church's position, "calling for compassion, love and equal protections" for homosexual couples.
The Bishop of Egypt, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, the Rt. Rev. Mouneer Anis, commenting on the overwhelming representation of the homosexual community at the recent Lambeth Conference, expressed disgust at the "advocacy of unscriptural practices" and called the sexual obsessions of the liberal faction, "a new form of slavery: a slavery to modern secular culture and to immoral desires and lusts."
Bishops criticize Biden's abortion statements
Two prominent U.S. Catholic bishops said Tuesday that Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden contradicted church teaching by saying in a weekend interview that determining when human life begins is a "personal and private" matter of religious faith he would not impose on others.
The statement from Cardinal Justin Rigali and Bishop William Lori said Biden, who appeared Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," is the latest case of the U.S. Catholic hierarchy correcting a Catholic politician.
Asked on the program about when life begins, Biden said: "Look, I know when it begins for me. It's a personal and private issue. For me, as a Roman Catholic, I am prepared to accept the teachings in my church."
He added that while he believes life begins "at the moment of conception," it would inappropriate to impose that view on others in a pluralistic society.
The bishops said Biden was right to say human life begins at conception. But the church "does not teach this as matter of faith; it acknowledges it as a matter of objective fact," they said.
"Protection of innocent human life is not an imposition of personal religious conviction but a demand of justice," they added.
Last month, a chorus of bishops issued statements scolding Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for misstating Catholic teaching about when life begins in defense of her support for abortion rights. She accepted an invitation to meet privately with San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer, the bishop of her home diocese, to discuss the matter.
Joe, you can put lipstick on heresy, it's still heresy!
The statement from Cardinal Justin Rigali and Bishop William Lori said Biden, who appeared Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," is the latest case of the U.S. Catholic hierarchy correcting a Catholic politician.
Asked on the program about when life begins, Biden said: "Look, I know when it begins for me. It's a personal and private issue. For me, as a Roman Catholic, I am prepared to accept the teachings in my church."
He added that while he believes life begins "at the moment of conception," it would inappropriate to impose that view on others in a pluralistic society.
The bishops said Biden was right to say human life begins at conception. But the church "does not teach this as matter of faith; it acknowledges it as a matter of objective fact," they said.
"Protection of innocent human life is not an imposition of personal religious conviction but a demand of justice," they added.
Last month, a chorus of bishops issued statements scolding Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for misstating Catholic teaching about when life begins in defense of her support for abortion rights. She accepted an invitation to meet privately with San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer, the bishop of her home diocese, to discuss the matter.
Joe, you can put lipstick on heresy, it's still heresy!
Us Weekly now offering “five FREE issues” to outraged readers
From the story: It looks like "Us Weekly" is desperate to stem the tide of angry cancellations by offering free issues to anyone upset over the Palin-Bashing issue. Michelle Malkin is reporting that the magazine is sending subscribers an email begging them not to cancel and offering a groveling apology.
From: US Weekly USWcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 11:17:57 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: cancel subscription (KMM23347217I103L0KM)
To: xxx
Thank you for contacting US Weekly.
We are sorry you are upset over the Governor Palin cover. We do not want to lose you as a subscriber over one article in one issue. In an effort to keep you as a subscriber, we will add five FREE issues to your subscription. Please let us know if you would like us to extend your current subscription rather than canceling our publication.
Thank you,
US Weekly
Cari
Read more...
From: US Weekly USWcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 11:17:57 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: cancel subscription (KMM23347217I103L0KM)
To: xxx
Thank you for contacting US Weekly.
We are sorry you are upset over the Governor Palin cover. We do not want to lose you as a subscriber over one article in one issue. In an effort to keep you as a subscriber, we will add five FREE issues to your subscription. Please let us know if you would like us to extend your current subscription rather than canceling our publication.
Thank you,
US Weekly
Cari
Read more...
Sarah Palin dolls go on sale
The dolls are an attempt to cash in on the popularity of the Alaskan governor, who has impressed since being chosen as John McCain's running mate.Mrs Palin joins an illustrious list of politicians, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, to have been immortalised as plastic toys.
The executive doll is available for $27.95 from the website HeroBuilders.com. The action hero version costs two dollars more.
Should 16-year-olds drive?
It's a question that could reverberate across the country, wherever a new teen driver is turning a key in an ignition. Is 16 the right age to get a driver's license? Researchers for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety say the answer is no, and they point to statistics to back up the position that raising the driving age makes sense and would save lives. Read More
U.S. highway fund needs $8 billion bailout this month
A U.S. trust fund that finances highway construction needs $8 billion from Congress by the end of next week to cover a shortfall as a drop in driving shrinks fuel-tax receipts, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said. Read More
Fumo's deleted e-mail at issue
The long-awaited trial of State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo got under way yesterday, as lawyers engaged in a last-minute fight over a bid by the prosecution to explore advice given Fumo by his previous lawyer, Richard A. Sprague. Read More
The Holdup at Washington Park
August 2008 was to be an important month in the development of the Washington Park Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project, a mixed-use residential development, in Mt. Lebanon. It was the anticipated completion date for Phase I and the anticipated starting date for Phase II. But as August has come and gone, there is no serious construction activity underway at the site. The municipality and school district should be concerned as the results to date verify this was an ill-advised TIF. Continue
Main Stream Media Disconnect
As the main stream media were coming unglued last week over Sarah Palin, Eleanor Clift of Newsweek either inadvertently stated the truth, showing how out of touch newsrooms all over the county are to the values of America, or resorted to an adolescent comeback after being caught in an apparent “untruth”.
According to Eleanor Clift, the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s V.P. pick generated "literal laughter in many places" around the country. When asked where, Ms. Clift stated, "In very many newsrooms."
Really?
Which newsroom Eleanor? Since the question was never answered, I will assume that you are telling the truth and that the laughter must have emanated from the newsrooms at Newsweek.
Since the beginning of this year, newsrooms around the country have reduced their employment force by over 4,500. I would respectfully suggest that there is not much laughter to be found in most newsrooms, much less over this V.P. pick.
Never the less, I will take you at your word. On Wednesday of last week, I left phone messages for you, the office of your managing editor, Ann L. McDaniel, and a separate email for Newsweek’s Editor, Mr. Jon Meacham, each asking for a return call. In each message, I asked which newsrooms you were referring to in your quote, along with cancelling my subscription to Newsweek.
Needless to say, as of a week later, there has been no response from anyone at Newsweek.
According to Eleanor Clift, the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s V.P. pick generated "literal laughter in many places" around the country. When asked where, Ms. Clift stated, "In very many newsrooms."
Really?
Which newsroom Eleanor? Since the question was never answered, I will assume that you are telling the truth and that the laughter must have emanated from the newsrooms at Newsweek.
Since the beginning of this year, newsrooms around the country have reduced their employment force by over 4,500. I would respectfully suggest that there is not much laughter to be found in most newsrooms, much less over this V.P. pick.
Never the less, I will take you at your word. On Wednesday of last week, I left phone messages for you, the office of your managing editor, Ann L. McDaniel, and a separate email for Newsweek’s Editor, Mr. Jon Meacham, each asking for a return call. In each message, I asked which newsrooms you were referring to in your quote, along with cancelling my subscription to Newsweek.
Needless to say, as of a week later, there has been no response from anyone at Newsweek.
Robert Novak column describes cancer treatment
Since being diagnosed with brain cancer, Robert Novak has lost partial vision and undergone surgery to remove a tumor, the conservative political commentator wrote in a column published Saturday.In a piece entitled "My brain tumor brings out the best in people" posted on the Chicago Sun-Times' Web site, Novak details his life since his diagnosis, including losing his way to his longtime office and having seizures.
"I have lost not only left peripheral vision but nearly all my left vision, probably permanently," Novak wrote.
Novak, editor of the Evans-Novak Political Report, has been a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for decades. He is perhaps best known as the longtime co-host of CNN's "Crossfire" from 1980 to 2005.
He announced his retirement on Aug. 4, less than a week after he struck a pedestrian with his car in downtown Washington, telling the newspaper his prognosis was "dire." He has since written columns sporadically for the newspaper.
In Saturday's column, Novak wrote that he underwent a four-hour surgery Aug. 15 at Duke University Medical Center during which a 3-by-1 1/2-inch tumor was removed. Dr. Allan H. Friedman, the chief of neurosurgery at the hospital who operated on Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's brain tumor this summer, performed the surgery.
The columnist said he spoke with Kennedy's wife, Vicki Kennedy, on the phone and she urged him to have surgery at Duke.
"The Kennedys were not concerned by political and ideological differences when someone's life was at stake, recalling at least the myth of milder days in Washington," Novak wrote. "My long conversation with Vicki Kennedy filled me with hope."
Six minutes before his surgery, President George W. Bush phoned to wish him well, Novak said.
Novak said he still must undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatment at George Washington University Hospital in Washington.
He said his doctor suggested he write columns to return to parts of his normal life.
"There are mad bloggers who profess to take delight in my distress, but there's no need to pay them attention in the face of such an outpouring of goodwill for me," Novak wrote. "I had thought 51 years of rough-and-tumble journalism in Washington made me more enemies than friends, but my recent experience suggests the opposite may be the case."
MSNBC Drops Olbermann, Matthews as News Anchors
Oh what a gift! I can't stand even flipping past these two guys. Especially Olbermann who is rude and obnoxious.
The Washington Post is reporting that MSNBC is removing Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as the anchors of live political events, bowing to growing criticism that they are too opinionated to be seen as neutral in the heat of the presidential campaign. Gee you think? I never noticed...... Just because Olbermann, regularly assails President Bush and John McCain on his "Countdown" program, and heaped sickening praise on the acceptance speech of Democratic nominee Barack Obama doesn't mean .... Ok I get it.
David Gregory, (the guy who was drunk on the Don Imus Show) the NBC newsman and White House correspondent who also hosts a program on MSNBC, will take over during such events as this fall's presidential and vice presidential debates and election night. That's not much better.
The move, confirmed by spokesmen for both networks, follows increasingly loud complaints about Olbermann's anchor role at the Democratic and Republican conventions. He drew flak Thursday when the Republicans played a video that included a tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, saying that if the networks had done that, "we would be rightly eviscerated at all quarters, perhaps by the Republican Party itself, for exploiting the memories of the dead, and perhaps even for trying to evoke that pain again. If you reacted to that videotape the way I did, I apologize."
No Keith you were alone. Well maybe Chris Matthews agreed.....
The Washington Post is reporting that MSNBC is removing Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as the anchors of live political events, bowing to growing criticism that they are too opinionated to be seen as neutral in the heat of the presidential campaign. Gee you think? I never noticed...... Just because Olbermann, regularly assails President Bush and John McCain on his "Countdown" program, and heaped sickening praise on the acceptance speech of Democratic nominee Barack Obama doesn't mean .... Ok I get it.
David Gregory, (the guy who was drunk on the Don Imus Show) the NBC newsman and White House correspondent who also hosts a program on MSNBC, will take over during such events as this fall's presidential and vice presidential debates and election night. That's not much better.
The move, confirmed by spokesmen for both networks, follows increasingly loud complaints about Olbermann's anchor role at the Democratic and Republican conventions. He drew flak Thursday when the Republicans played a video that included a tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, saying that if the networks had done that, "we would be rightly eviscerated at all quarters, perhaps by the Republican Party itself, for exploiting the memories of the dead, and perhaps even for trying to evoke that pain again. If you reacted to that videotape the way I did, I apologize."
No Keith you were alone. Well maybe Chris Matthews agreed.....
Ban on Political Endorsements by Pastors Targeted
Declaring that clergy have a constitutional right to endorse political candidates from their pulpits, the socially conservative Alliance Defense Fund is recruiting several dozen pastors to do just that on Sept. 28, in defiance of Internal Revenue Service rules.
The effort by the Arizona-based legal consortium is designed to trigger an IRS investigation that ADF lawyers would then challenge in federal court. The ultimate goal is to persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a 54-year-old ban on political endorsements by tax-exempt houses of worship.
"For so long, there has been this cloud of intimidation over the church," ADF attorney Erik Stanley said. "It is the job of the pastors of America to debate the proper role of church in society. It's not for the government to mandate the role of church in society."
Yet an opposing collection of Christian and Jewish clergy will petition the IRS today to stop the protest before it starts, calling the ADF's "Pulpit Initiative" an assault on the rule of law and the separation of church and state.
Obama's Muslim Mistake
If you caught Barack Obama Sunday on "This Week" you might have heard a brief slip of the tongue as he was outlining his Christianity but accidentally said, "my Muslim faith."The three words -- immediately corrected -- were during an exchange with ABC's George Stephanopoulos on "This Week," when he was trying to criticize the quiet smear campaign suggesting he is a Muslim.
The exchange came after Mr. Obama said that Republicans are attempting to scare voters by suggesting he is not Christian, which McCain campaign manager Rick Davis said was "cynical."
"Let's not play games," he said. "What I was suggesting -- you're absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith. And you're absolutely right that that has not come."
Mr. Stephanopoulos interrupted with, "Christian faith."
"My Christian faith," Mr. Obama said quickly. "Well, what I'm saying is that he hasn't suggested that I'm a Muslim. And I think that his campaign's upper echelons have not, either. What I think is fair to say is that, coming out of the Republican camp, there have been efforts to suggest that perhaps I'm not who I say I am when it comes to my faith -- something which I find deeply offensive, and that has been going on for a pretty long time."
Speaker Pelosi Summoned by Archbishop
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is being invited by her hometown archbishop to discuss her erroneous views on the Catholic Church's teaching on abortion.In a statement, Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco joined the list of bishops who have responded to Pelosi's misrepresentation of Church teaching, which she expressed during an interview Aug. 24 on NBC-TV's "Meet the Press."
Catholic San Francisco, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, published Archbishop Niederauer's text.Pelosi, when asked to comment on when life begins, said that as a Catholic, she had studied the issue for "a long time" and that "the doctors of the Church have not been able to make that definition."
Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William Lori, chairman of the Committee on Doctrine, responded the next day stating that her answer "misrepresented the history and nature of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church against abortion."
The prelates noted that since the first century the Church has "affirmed the moral evil of every abortion." A series of statements were released by other bishops across the United States, including Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., Archbishop Charles Chaput and Auxiliary Bishop James Conley of Denver, Cardinal Edward Egan, archbishop of New York, Archbishop John Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, North Dakota.
Elections Board Referendum Ruling Should Lose On Appeal
It was easy to predict. The three judge panel reviewing the referendum question generated through a citizens’ petition drive has decided not to certify the question based on their conclusion that the voters do not have the power to change tax rates set by the Council. Continue
Convention Recap
Overall I think McCain delivered a speech on par of what was expected. Nothing spectacular but nothing devastatingly bad either. That in itself is a win these days.
It seems most of the men in this country secretly wish they were dating Sarah Palin. They might cast a vote so they can see their political girlfriend in the news on a regular basis. The problem is her Dad (McCain) answers the door when you knock and that sorta kills the mood.
I've decided to vote for McCain. Not because if Palin, but because my other choice really scares me. I'm also confident that McCain will do a fine job and if he puts Sarah Palin in front of the camera now and then that's just fine.
These are the folks God has put before us. Let's treat them with respect and make a well informed choice in November.
It seems most of the men in this country secretly wish they were dating Sarah Palin. They might cast a vote so they can see their political girlfriend in the news on a regular basis. The problem is her Dad (McCain) answers the door when you knock and that sorta kills the mood.
I've decided to vote for McCain. Not because if Palin, but because my other choice really scares me. I'm also confident that McCain will do a fine job and if he puts Sarah Palin in front of the camera now and then that's just fine.
These are the folks God has put before us. Let's treat them with respect and make a well informed choice in November.
North Side group suing stadium authority
From the story:
The battle over two controversial sales of land between Heinz Field and PNC Park apparently will end up in court.
Pittsburgh United, a group campaigning for a community benefits agreement in connection with a proposed hotel development on the North Shore, plans to file lawsuits today seeking to block the deals, according to spokeswoman Jennifer England.
Pittsburgh Stadium Authority board members voted 3-1 last month to sell one North Shore parcel and portions of three others to Continental Real Estate Cos. for $1.32 million for the proposed Hyatt Place hotel development.
In a separate vote, also 3-1, the board sold a prime four-acre riverfront parcel near Heinz Field to Continental and the Pittsburgh Steelers for $1.37 million for development of a $10 million year-round entertainment venue.
The sales came over the objections of Pittsburgh United and its allies and stadium authority board Chairwoman Debbie Lestitian, who argued that the sale prices were too low and not a good deal for taxpayers. An appraiser hired by the authority to look at the entertainment parcel disagreed.
More
The battle over two controversial sales of land between Heinz Field and PNC Park apparently will end up in court.
Pittsburgh United, a group campaigning for a community benefits agreement in connection with a proposed hotel development on the North Shore, plans to file lawsuits today seeking to block the deals, according to spokeswoman Jennifer England.
Pittsburgh Stadium Authority board members voted 3-1 last month to sell one North Shore parcel and portions of three others to Continental Real Estate Cos. for $1.32 million for the proposed Hyatt Place hotel development.
In a separate vote, also 3-1, the board sold a prime four-acre riverfront parcel near Heinz Field to Continental and the Pittsburgh Steelers for $1.37 million for development of a $10 million year-round entertainment venue.
The sales came over the objections of Pittsburgh United and its allies and stadium authority board Chairwoman Debbie Lestitian, who argued that the sale prices were too low and not a good deal for taxpayers. An appraiser hired by the authority to look at the entertainment parcel disagreed.
More
Us Weekly Editor Can’t Defend Palin Story
Glad to see that the editor of Us magazine was called on the carpet for a report that contained untruths and slander. Too bad only FOX had the journalistic integrity to do this. What say you CBS, NBC, ABC, MSNBC and CNN?
Specter Says GOP Moderates Should Have Fought Harder on Abortion Plank
From the story: Sen. Arlen Specter said Tuesday night that moderate Republicans should have done more to ensure that the Republican platform reflected John McCain ’s centrist views on abortion and embryonic stem cell research.
The Pennsylvania Republican, addressing a reception hosted by the Republican Majority for Choice, said McCain does not oppose abortion in cases of rape, incest or where the life of the mother is in jeopardy—but the GOP platform provides for no exceptions in those instances. And he said the platform does not echo McCain’s support for embryonic stem cell research.
Specter said the platform’s hard anti-abortion position “shocks me. Where are the moderate Republicans when it comes to having some influence on the platform? We have a candidate who is for exceptions for the life of the mother and for rape and incest. So where are they?” Read more...
Specter seems oblivious to the fact that V.P. candidate Sarah Palin, who, from Arlen’s perspective is “hard right” on abortion, has energized the Republican Party in a way that Arlen or other “moderates” could never achieve.
The Pennsylvania Republican, addressing a reception hosted by the Republican Majority for Choice, said McCain does not oppose abortion in cases of rape, incest or where the life of the mother is in jeopardy—but the GOP platform provides for no exceptions in those instances. And he said the platform does not echo McCain’s support for embryonic stem cell research.
Specter said the platform’s hard anti-abortion position “shocks me. Where are the moderate Republicans when it comes to having some influence on the platform? We have a candidate who is for exceptions for the life of the mother and for rape and incest. So where are they?” Read more...
Specter seems oblivious to the fact that V.P. candidate Sarah Palin, who, from Arlen’s perspective is “hard right” on abortion, has energized the Republican Party in a way that Arlen or other “moderates” could never achieve.
Is North Huntingdon 'church' really disguised sex club?
Has Swingers Palace, an alleged sex club, been operating as a church out of a residence in North Huntingdon for the past seven years?
Rev. Ondrik, of Fredericktown, Washington County, says he is an ordained minister of the nondenominational adults-only Church of Spiritual Humanities, which serves "the People," not God.
Followers must be at least 21 years old to participate in the weekly service that starts at midnight on Saturdays.
The red flag went up after township officials learned about a Web site advertisement for Swinger's Palace, owned by "John and Kim" and operating at the Turner Valley Road address.
"The Web site listed charges of $75 per couple and $50 per single person. No charge for single women"
How did Rev. Ondrick become a Reverend??? Mr. Ondrik says he purchased a "deluxe ministerial kit" for $90 online. He was declared ordained, which allowed him to choose from among several ministerial titles.Although he said his father was a minister and he came from an unidentified Church of Christ, Mr. Ondrick conceded he never attended a college or theological seminary.
While most ministers don't run sex clubs, this is yet another example of phony preachers starting phony "churches".
Palin Saves The Day
What a dynamic speech Sarah Palin gave last night.She is real and that's what I like. Not perfect mind you,but real.
In fact it almost seems like she is the one running for the top spot. McCain and Obama have taken a back seat to this woman.
I was not a big McCain fan to start. I still have some concerns but I must admit Sarah Palin has done an amazing job in such a short time of speaking directly to issue I care about.
The frantic attention the media has paid to her and her family just goes to show how worried they are about her. Anything and everything will be done to discredit her. That would be fine if it were a two way street, but it's not.
A son and a brother of Sen. Joseph Biden are accused in two lawsuits of defrauding a former business partner and an investor of millions of dollars in a hedge fund deal that went sour, court records show.
The Democratic vice presidential candidate's son Hunter, 38, and brother James, 59, assert instead that their former partner defrauded them by misrepresenting his experience in the hedge fund industry and recommending that they hire a lawyer with felony convictions. Yet you don't hear a thing on that. All we hear is about a pregnant 17 year old.
As the weeks roll on get ready for the October surprises. McCain speaks tonight.....
In fact it almost seems like she is the one running for the top spot. McCain and Obama have taken a back seat to this woman.
I was not a big McCain fan to start. I still have some concerns but I must admit Sarah Palin has done an amazing job in such a short time of speaking directly to issue I care about.
The frantic attention the media has paid to her and her family just goes to show how worried they are about her. Anything and everything will be done to discredit her. That would be fine if it were a two way street, but it's not.
A son and a brother of Sen. Joseph Biden are accused in two lawsuits of defrauding a former business partner and an investor of millions of dollars in a hedge fund deal that went sour, court records show.
The Democratic vice presidential candidate's son Hunter, 38, and brother James, 59, assert instead that their former partner defrauded them by misrepresenting his experience in the hedge fund industry and recommending that they hire a lawyer with felony convictions. Yet you don't hear a thing on that. All we hear is about a pregnant 17 year old.
As the weeks roll on get ready for the October surprises. McCain speaks tonight.....
Shameless Plug
Since I'm still out of a job, I had to resort to selling of pieces of my collection that I have amassed over the years.
I keep everything, much to the dismay of my wife. I currently have listed some Pittsburgh Pirates items, albums and even a piece of Disney artwork. If you are interested, check out my ebay listings or tell a friend. I be listing more items over time.
You can find my virtual garage sale here
Radio Waves
New Format
Labor Day saw the format flip of McKeesport's 1360 from a talk station to a business/financial format and expects a daily talk show to begin September 15. That's when "Pittsburgh Renaissance Radio" will start airing weekdays from 3 - 6 pm. The program is aimed at local business issues and breaking stories surrounding local businesses. Ron Morris (host of "American Entrepreneur"), John Poister and Darryl Grandy are behind the program. The program will have a variety of hosts including former WPTT talk show host Jerry Bowyer. Morris will also host the show while Poister will anchor hourly business reports. Until the program launches, three syndicated programs will air in its place.
KDKA Radio NOT for sale
CBS Radio is not planning to sell KDKA-AM (1020) or St. Louis' KMOX-AM (1120) but their respective FM sisters are listed. For Pittsburgh that means WBZW-FM (93.7), WZPT-FM (100.7) and WDSY-FM (107.9) are all apparently on the block.
Labor Day saw the format flip of McKeesport's 1360 from a talk station to a business/financial format and expects a daily talk show to begin September 15. That's when "Pittsburgh Renaissance Radio" will start airing weekdays from 3 - 6 pm. The program is aimed at local business issues and breaking stories surrounding local businesses. Ron Morris (host of "American Entrepreneur"), John Poister and Darryl Grandy are behind the program. The program will have a variety of hosts including former WPTT talk show host Jerry Bowyer. Morris will also host the show while Poister will anchor hourly business reports. Until the program launches, three syndicated programs will air in its place.
KDKA Radio NOT for sale
CBS Radio is not planning to sell KDKA-AM (1020) or St. Louis' KMOX-AM (1120) but their respective FM sisters are listed. For Pittsburgh that means WBZW-FM (93.7), WZPT-FM (100.7) and WDSY-FM (107.9) are all apparently on the block.
All eyes on Sarah Palin
Confronted by new and, to some, vexing information about their vice presidential candidate, Pennsylania's Republican delegates have rallied to her defense, arguing that the struggles of Sarah Palin's family will only help voters relate to the Alaska governor. Read More
County Solicitor’s Opinion on Shaky Grounds
The drink tax referendum question—the one generated by the petition drive—has apparently passed muster from the Department of Elections as far as the number of signatures required, but it is about to get hung up in what could be a major legal battle based on a County Law Department opinion calling the referendum question illegal. Continue
50K Bounty on Pastor Rod Parsley
Note: Credit goes to "Archangel" and the Northeast Intelligence Network as those responsible for discovering this threat within a password protected Al Qaeda forum.
I'm no fan of Rod Parsley. In fact I successfully fought to keep him of of the air at WORD FM. Yet I was never willing to pay the have him whacked!
However some Islamic Jihadists are. They have posted a threat on the life of American Evangelical Pastor Rod Parsley. Pastor Parsley is the spiritual advisor to Republican Presidential nominee Senator John McCain. The threat offers a $50,000.00 bounty for the head of Pastor Parsley.
I have the text of the threat. After reading it I suggest the Jihadists invest theor money in hooked on phonics. That way they could threaten with proper spelling and grammer.
Here is the text of the threat:
50 thousand dollars to those who come Presse Rod Parsley
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Name of God the Merciful
(To hear from those who were given the book before you who have been involved is often abused) of Imran, 186
To each of Nasser taghoots this is America incite fighting all MuslimsTo both defend Americans from the Muslims, this is America incite fighting all MuslimsTo all secular Ethan, this is America incite fighting all MuslimsToner to the bad and scientists Sultan, this is America incite fighting all MuslimsThe dogs and interior ministries in the Arab and Muslim worlds, this is America incite fighting all Muslims
The sincerity of the Mujahideen in the name of Allah and there is superseding Khose and Almkzlon, the Americans claim to a crusade and annoy Allah and His Messenger, it would read the article fully aware repugnant to Islam and the Reverend Enough of this lowliness and Hakarh when he says that God Almighty is the devil who was revealed to Muhammad peace be upon him.
This is Rod Carsley Rod Parsley, who incited Christians in the United States to prepare to fight a war to eliminate the new crusade against Islam and Muslims, through speeches and written by the famous religious center in the pro-American Republicans. This is a priest's spiritual adviser McCain nowThis picture of the American priest - Treasury God - Muslims, it is able to do it already, who is president of the Church "World Harvest" and you following URL who wants to prosecute and eliminateAnd praise to God we have God for the allocation of $ 50 thousand dollars to those who bring this dog's head, which hurt Allah and His Messenger.
Reverend Rod Carsley, the spiritual guide of McCain wants to "destroy Islam"
Evangelical Pastor Rod Carsley ally United States Senator John McCain in Ohio calls for the eradication of "fraudulent religion."David Korn, March 12, 2008John McCain praised the position of the priest's spiritual adviser, who leads the Evangelical Church of Harvest International Christopher Columbus called all Christians to declare "war" against "counterfeit religion" Islam is the aim of eliminating them. They met during a general meeting of the electoral campaign in Cincinnati, has pointed out that the monk McCain is a "conservative forces that can be trusted and relied upon."Carsley and this is one of renowned religious leaders in the region where the sweet, rallied 120 thousand people have many books that show how his ideas extremism. In issued in 2005 a book entitled: "Enough of silence" as indicating "spiritual despair" reached by the United States and blows the usual doubts: eliminate activists, civilians Liberals defend the separation of church and state "culture" of homosexuality, "abortion industry," " Duffer activity and Kafr industry ", but focused on another serious threat in the United States is the" Islamic religion ".In one of the chapters of the book entitled: God of Islam deception "Carsley refers to the existence of war between" Islam and Christian civilization "and says:" I can not say that the abandonment of you that it is important to understand the nature of Islam and the fact we look at reality. In fact, I will tell you, because I do not think that our country can truly achieve the ability of the divine only if absorbed historic conflict with Islam. I know that this seems exaggerated to say much, but I will not give in to its obligations. In fact, has been the establishment of the United States, part of which, with the intention to see this religion counterfeit devastating and I think that September 11, 2001 was not a generous invitation to bear arms so we can not ignore more than this time. "
The Carsley is not afraid of his desire Balkdhaeali Islam, says in his book "Enough silence" that Christopher Columbus (Nahp Indians of South America) had been investigating the same goal: "We went to the defeat of Islam in addition to another where he felt sail around the world in the new in 1429. .. And he had dreamt defeated the armies of Islam in Europe, a giant, through the use of the riches the New World, was part of that dream had begun in America. " Carsley has insisted on reading to be alert that a clash between Christianity and Islam can not be avoided: "We are now a presence in the event that we can not choose, but the time has come." He also stated that he had bad news: "We could have lost the battle. The picture that I see the world through I find that Islam is responsible for many of the pain, massacres and many more have not caused loss of power away again until now."
Carsley has also stated that Islam was "hostile to the Christian religion" depends on "Trick", and says: that the Muslim Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) has received revelation from the Devils and not from true God "and also indicates:" God is a spirit of a satanic " Almighty God and what dub highest considerably.Carsley also does not differentiate between Muslim extremists and others exist to this religion "Some might say, of course, remind him that violence is exceptional and not the rule. Irregularities I regret to you, respectfully tell you that some extremists belonging to the mainstream of where believers were selected from the heart of Islam Real "He recalled that "the spirit of Islam" hostile, and stressed that this religion is "inspired" the attacks of Sept. 11, regrets that one year after the attacks in a Sept. 11, 2002 converted to Islam 34 thousand U.S. and that there is "1209" mosques in the United States. And make Islam "the doctrine that it is trying to control the whole world" through violence. And that the United States had historically been a stronghold for fighting Islam, but history "turned us"In another chapter on Islam Carsley wondered: "Are we a Christian nation? Say yes", without identifying the specific measures or work to eliminate Islam, but calls for a crusade.
Take God is capable AzizGod enabled the Mujahedeen of the neck
The latest pretext that Praise to Allah, Lord of the WorldsDo not forget the benefit of supplicationOrkut Aboualkaha Shami
I'm no fan of Rod Parsley. In fact I successfully fought to keep him of of the air at WORD FM. Yet I was never willing to pay the have him whacked!
However some Islamic Jihadists are. They have posted a threat on the life of American Evangelical Pastor Rod Parsley. Pastor Parsley is the spiritual advisor to Republican Presidential nominee Senator John McCain. The threat offers a $50,000.00 bounty for the head of Pastor Parsley.
I have the text of the threat. After reading it I suggest the Jihadists invest theor money in hooked on phonics. That way they could threaten with proper spelling and grammer.
Here is the text of the threat:
50 thousand dollars to those who come Presse Rod Parsley
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Name of God the Merciful
(To hear from those who were given the book before you who have been involved is often abused) of Imran, 186
To each of Nasser taghoots this is America incite fighting all MuslimsTo both defend Americans from the Muslims, this is America incite fighting all MuslimsTo all secular Ethan, this is America incite fighting all MuslimsToner to the bad and scientists Sultan, this is America incite fighting all MuslimsThe dogs and interior ministries in the Arab and Muslim worlds, this is America incite fighting all Muslims
The sincerity of the Mujahideen in the name of Allah and there is superseding Khose and Almkzlon, the Americans claim to a crusade and annoy Allah and His Messenger, it would read the article fully aware repugnant to Islam and the Reverend Enough of this lowliness and Hakarh when he says that God Almighty is the devil who was revealed to Muhammad peace be upon him.
This is Rod Carsley Rod Parsley, who incited Christians in the United States to prepare to fight a war to eliminate the new crusade against Islam and Muslims, through speeches and written by the famous religious center in the pro-American Republicans. This is a priest's spiritual adviser McCain nowThis picture of the American priest - Treasury God - Muslims, it is able to do it already, who is president of the Church "World Harvest" and you following URL who wants to prosecute and eliminateAnd praise to God we have God for the allocation of $ 50 thousand dollars to those who bring this dog's head, which hurt Allah and His Messenger.
Reverend Rod Carsley, the spiritual guide of McCain wants to "destroy Islam"
Evangelical Pastor Rod Carsley ally United States Senator John McCain in Ohio calls for the eradication of "fraudulent religion."David Korn, March 12, 2008John McCain praised the position of the priest's spiritual adviser, who leads the Evangelical Church of Harvest International Christopher Columbus called all Christians to declare "war" against "counterfeit religion" Islam is the aim of eliminating them. They met during a general meeting of the electoral campaign in Cincinnati, has pointed out that the monk McCain is a "conservative forces that can be trusted and relied upon."Carsley and this is one of renowned religious leaders in the region where the sweet, rallied 120 thousand people have many books that show how his ideas extremism. In issued in 2005 a book entitled: "Enough of silence" as indicating "spiritual despair" reached by the United States and blows the usual doubts: eliminate activists, civilians Liberals defend the separation of church and state "culture" of homosexuality, "abortion industry," " Duffer activity and Kafr industry ", but focused on another serious threat in the United States is the" Islamic religion ".In one of the chapters of the book entitled: God of Islam deception "Carsley refers to the existence of war between" Islam and Christian civilization "and says:" I can not say that the abandonment of you that it is important to understand the nature of Islam and the fact we look at reality. In fact, I will tell you, because I do not think that our country can truly achieve the ability of the divine only if absorbed historic conflict with Islam. I know that this seems exaggerated to say much, but I will not give in to its obligations. In fact, has been the establishment of the United States, part of which, with the intention to see this religion counterfeit devastating and I think that September 11, 2001 was not a generous invitation to bear arms so we can not ignore more than this time. "
The Carsley is not afraid of his desire Balkdhaeali Islam, says in his book "Enough silence" that Christopher Columbus (Nahp Indians of South America) had been investigating the same goal: "We went to the defeat of Islam in addition to another where he felt sail around the world in the new in 1429. .. And he had dreamt defeated the armies of Islam in Europe, a giant, through the use of the riches the New World, was part of that dream had begun in America. " Carsley has insisted on reading to be alert that a clash between Christianity and Islam can not be avoided: "We are now a presence in the event that we can not choose, but the time has come." He also stated that he had bad news: "We could have lost the battle. The picture that I see the world through I find that Islam is responsible for many of the pain, massacres and many more have not caused loss of power away again until now."
Carsley has also stated that Islam was "hostile to the Christian religion" depends on "Trick", and says: that the Muslim Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) has received revelation from the Devils and not from true God "and also indicates:" God is a spirit of a satanic " Almighty God and what dub highest considerably.Carsley also does not differentiate between Muslim extremists and others exist to this religion "Some might say, of course, remind him that violence is exceptional and not the rule. Irregularities I regret to you, respectfully tell you that some extremists belonging to the mainstream of where believers were selected from the heart of Islam Real "He recalled that "the spirit of Islam" hostile, and stressed that this religion is "inspired" the attacks of Sept. 11, regrets that one year after the attacks in a Sept. 11, 2002 converted to Islam 34 thousand U.S. and that there is "1209" mosques in the United States. And make Islam "the doctrine that it is trying to control the whole world" through violence. And that the United States had historically been a stronghold for fighting Islam, but history "turned us"In another chapter on Islam Carsley wondered: "Are we a Christian nation? Say yes", without identifying the specific measures or work to eliminate Islam, but calls for a crusade.
Take God is capable AzizGod enabled the Mujahedeen of the neck
The latest pretext that Praise to Allah, Lord of the WorldsDo not forget the benefit of supplicationOrkut Aboualkaha Shami
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