'Barack Obama'
(comes in a rainbow of colours)
10/25/08
Shocking Generosity Sets Example
Scott Ott:
Coming off a month in which his campaign raised a record-breaking $150 million, Sen. Barack Obama announced today that he would voluntarily redistribute his cash to his presidential rivals including Libertarian Bob Barr, Independent Ralph Nader, Green Party pick Cynthia McKinney and even Republican John McCain, who has struggled to make ends meet while running on public assistance....
Did She Mean Canada?
Sarah Palin warns about 'big government':
??
.
“See, under a big government agenda, what you thought was yours, your income, your property, your inventory, your investments, really would belong to somebody else, to everybody else. And it would be shared with everybody else.” Palin said, “That philosophy of government taking more, which is a misuse of the power to tax. It leads to government moving into the role of taking care of you and government and politicians and kind of moving in as the other half of your family to make decisions for you. Now they do this in other countries where the people are not free.”
??
.
For Power And Pensions
A very frank essay on the decline of the 'old media', by columnist Michael Malone:
...Picture yourself in your 50s in a job where you’ve spent 30 years working your way to the top, to the cockpit of power . . . only to discover that you’re presiding over a dying industry. The Internet and alternative media are stealing your readers, your advertisers and your top young talent. Many of your peers shrewdly took golden parachutes and disappeared. Your job doesn’t have anywhere near the power and influence it did when your started your climb. The Newspaper Guild is too weak to protect you any more, and there is a very good chance you’ll lose your job before you cross that finish line, ten years hence, of retirement and a pension.
In other words, you are facing career catastrophe -and desperate times call for desperate measures. Even if you have to risk everything on a single Hail Mary play. Even if you have to compromise the principles that got you here. After all, newspapers and network news are doomed anyway - all that counts is keeping them on life support until you can retire.
And then the opportunity presents itself: an attractive young candidate whose politics likely matches yours, but more important, he offers the prospect of a transformed Washington with the power to fix everything that has gone wrong in your career. With luck, this monolithic, single-party government will crush the alternative media via a revived Fairness Doctrine, re-invigorate unions by getting rid of secret votes, and just maybe, be beholden to people like you in the traditional media for getting it there.
And besides, you tell yourself, it’s all for the good of the country . . .
(h/t american catholic)
If they really think B.O. is their redemption, I'm afraid they're in for a rough ride. (Afterall...he doesn't even like babies!)
Day 32
Intention:
Pray that we display an attitude of humility as we stand in peaceful vigil, as we fast, as we knock on doors in our communities. Though we proudly proclaim Christ's truth, may our boasting be only in His grace.
Scripture:
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
-- Proverbs 6:16-19
Reflection:
The Lord who made us knows us well. I can't help but think that perhaps as He inspired these words, He knew that our tendency might be to make the judgment call on which sins should be labeled as detestable. He wants us to be absolutely clear, however, that the sinfulness of man encompasses much more than the external sins that we easily identify.
Lest we assign a particular sin as that of an abortionist, or a worker in an abortion facility, or an abortion activist, the Holy Spirit insured that our sin of pride would be listed first. In this passage that speaks of eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet we realize than every part of our being is subject to the curse of sin.
We all need Jesus Christ who saved us from the penalty of sin, saves us from the practice of sin as we abide in Him, and will one day remove us from the presence of sin. Praise His Holy name!
Proper self-esteem in a follower of Christ is a matter of recognizing and confronting yourself in your humanity, including the tendency to sin. It is also a matter of embracing Jesus' work on the cross --- His grace that covers a multitude of sins. The Apostle Paul sums it up best in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18: "But he who glories let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."
Prayer:
Dear Father, Guard my heart. Prick my conscience and may I be receptive to your rebuke at any moment I drift towards pride. May I remember in fear and trembling that You cause the proud to fall, but the humble You raise up. Lord, may I never forget my true identity is in Christ and that apart from Him I am nothing. By His grace, I pray, amen.
Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show
40 Days For Life
Not Really Funny!
"This offer depends on the willingness of the Chinese government to continue buying U.S. government debt. Terms and conditions depend on the whim of Congress and may be changed without notice. U.S. Taxpayers may not apply."
Nightly Business Report (h/t SJ)
10/24/08
AU HAS THROWN DOWN THE GAUNTLET- The Fight Is On!!
Deacon Keith Fournier:
This will separate the wheat from the chaff (I think I see Kmiec et al on the threshing floor already...)
...“Americans United for the Separation of Church and State” has formally requested the Internal Revenue Service to investigate the Roman Catholic Bishop of Paterson, N.J., the Most Reverend Arthur Serratelli. I believe this is their first volley in a concerted effort to silence Catholic Bishops. They want to prevent them from teaching the unchangeable Moral Truth, revealed in the Natural Law and confirmed by medical science, that the child in the first home of the whole human race is one of us and that every procured abortion constitutes an intrinsically evil act because it is the taking of innocent human life. They accused the Bishop of “illegal partisanship”. We published Bishop Satarelli’s excellent piece “No Right to Life! No Freedom!” We republish it again today for our readers. It is only one of a number of articles and public statements coming from our beloved Bishops. None of these statements is “partisan” in nature. There are Democrats, Republicans and Independents who recognize the humanity of the child in the womb and seek to restore legal protection to our first neighbors.
Rob Boston warned that he and Barry Lynn were going to attempt to stop our Bishops from speaking and writing in a posting on the AU web site entitled “Texas Side Step: Bishops’ Letter Attacking Pro-Choice Candidates Attempts to Sashay Past Federal Tax Law”. In that posting they also singled out Bishop Kevin Farrell of the Diocese of Dallas, Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Fort Worth and Bishop Joseph F. Martino of Scranton. I would not be surprised to see these Shepherds suffer a similar treatment, along with the “the Lion of Denver”, courageously Pro-Life Archbishop Charles Chaput. Barry Lynn and Rob Boston’s interpretation of the Establishment Clause, Free Speech Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution is simply wrong. It is not faithful to history, it is not a proper reading of Constitutional law, it is not good for the public order and it does not promote or serve the common good. This clause was never intended by the American founders to prevent religious groups from full participation in the public square nor to censor out religious speech or the religious speaker from civic participation. It was never intended to stop Bishops from being Moral teachers....
This will separate the wheat from the chaff (I think I see Kmiec et al on the threshing floor already...)
Where and Why Goes the Research Dollar
LifeSiteNews:
Afterall, the success of adult stem cells to ACTUALLY cure patients only serves to dry up the opportunity to exploit embryos, and who knows what use we may have for them in the future...
A leading U.K. adult stem cell scientist has left his post at Newcastle University and is heading to France, alleging U.K. universities and funding agencies continually prioritize embryonic stem cell research over his work - despite the superior clinical success of adult stem cells.
Colin McGuckin, professor of regenerative medicine at Newcastle University, told Times Higher Education that he had to put his patients and staff first. "The bottom line is my vocation is to work with patients and help patients and unfortunately I can't do that in the UK." He said France offered a "much better environment" both to "cure and treat more people" and to "do good work".
The Catholic professor's research on umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells at Newcastle has led him to conclude that the U.K. is fixated on embryonic stem cell research to the "detriment" of adult stem cell research, and therefore is taking his research team of 10 to the University of Lyon because France sports a "much more reasoned balance" between the two stem cell branches.
"(France) is very supportive of adult stem cells because they know that these are the things that are in the clinic right now and will be more likely in the clinic," said McGuckin. "A vast amount of money in the UK from the Government has gone into embryonic stem-cell research with not one patient having being treated, to the detriment of (research into) adult stem cells, which has been severely underfunded."
"You would barely know that adult stem cells exist at Newcastle," he added.
Addressing the specific barriers he faced while employed at the north-eastern university, McGuckin mentioned he had to turn down £1.8 million in funding because of insufficient laboratory space and more notably, he said that he was forced to decline a £10 million investment towards a company he was attempting initialize because the university's business development office "could not get it together."
Newcastle is finding it hard to keep top stem cell scientists, as McGuckin's forerunner Miodrag Stojkovic quit his post in favor of one in Spain in 2006.
Newcastle has released a statement saying they never received a £10 million offer but did try extensively to come to an agreement with McGuckin and are currently taking measures to increase the school's academic facilities.
McGuckin is not alone in criticizing the U.K.'s lack of attention to adult stem cell research. Anthony Hollander, a professor of rheumatology and tissue engineering at the University of Bristol reiterated McGuckin's concerns.
"We desperately need more funding for adult stem-cell research because with these cells we really can make a difference to patients' lives, and we can do it now, not in ten years' time as is promised for embryonic stem cells," said Hollander...
Afterall, the success of adult stem cells to ACTUALLY cure patients only serves to dry up the opportunity to exploit embryos, and who knows what use we may have for them in the future...
Fighting The Grinch
LifeSiteNews:
...The annual battle for Christmas has begun early this year, with the announcement that the internationally known fireworks company, Grucci, has pulled out of an annual Christmas event on Long Island.
Grucci made the decision in protest against the town of Patchogue’s decision to break with its 15-year tradition of holding a Christmas Boat Parade and instead to rename the event the Patchogue Holiday Boat Parade.
Grucci vice president Phil Butler, a vocal critic of the secularization of Christmas, accused the parade’s organizers of “using all the themes of Christmas and plagiarizing all those themes.” Grucci is headquartered on Long Island.
"When I think about fireworks, I don't think about Christmas anyway," Mayor Paul Pontieri said in response to Grucci’s decision. "I think about the Fourth of July."
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commended Butler’s decision. “If more people like Phil Butler stood up to the high priests of political correctness, the dumbing-down of Christmas would cease.”
“Christmas is the only holiday that is singled out by these authoritarians,” continued Donohue. “They do not object to Jewish or Muslim holidays, nor do they object to holidays like Martin Luther King Day. And they relish Kwanzaa celebrations. But when it comes to Christmas, they quickly become censors.
“So Kudos to Grucci. Let this be the first of many counterpunches thrown at the cultural fascists this year.”..
Palin and the Pope
passing this along from Socialist Squirrel:
So, Sarah Palin’s advisors decide that it is time for her to meet a bunch of serious world leaders. They head to Europe , where, first up, she has an appointment with the Pope. The Pope and some of his Cardinals invite her for a boat ride on the Tiber . As they are sitting in the gondola talking, a wind starts up and blows the Pope’s hat into the water. Palin looks around and realizes that no one is going to do anything about it, so she calmy rises, takes off her her high heels, and steps off the side of the boat. Instead of diving into the water, however, she walks across it, to the hat, picks it up and walks back across the water to the boat. She climbs in, hands the Pope his hat and continues discussing whatever it was they had been talking about. The Cardinals are open mouthed in astonishment at what they have just seen. The news media, in nearby boats are busy discussing among themselves how to report it. Headlines the next day at the New York Times, The Washington Post and the networks all blare: New Revelation: Sarah Palin Can’t Swim
Cardinal Egan - " Just Look!"
Catholic New York posts the latest article by Cardinal Egan:
Have you any doubt that it is a human being?...But you might protest that all of this is too easy. Why, you might inquire, have I not delved into the opinion of philosophers and theologians about the matter? And even worse: Why have I not raised the usual questions about what a "human being" is, what a "person" is, what it means to be "living," and such? People who write books and articles about abortion always concern themselves with these kinds of things. Even the justices of the Supreme Court who gave us "Roe v. Wade" address them. Why do I neglect philosophers and theologians? Why do I not get into defining "human being," defining "person," defining "living," and the rest? Because, I respond, I am sound of mind and endowed with a fine set of eyes, into which I do not believe it is well to cast sand. I looked at the photograph, and I have no doubt about what I saw and what are the duties of a civilized society if what I saw is in danger of being killed by someone who wishes to kill it or, if you prefer, someone who "chooses" to kill it. In brief: I looked, and I know what I saw...
(h/t ProEcclesia)
Wente Can't See The Story For Her Prejudice
'Elizabeth' commented at ProWomanProLife:
"Thank you for taking a pro-Palin position here. I was quite annoyed with Wente’s column; it was genuinely sexist. This is a VP candidate who has more experience than Obama, but the press refuses to acknowledge this. Instead, it is all about her clothes, she is a ditz, etc. She not only has experience, but a number of accomplishments in a very short time period. After 50 days on the national scene she has performed reasonably well, while Biden (after decades in Washington) makes insane mistakes in terms of knowledge of foreign affairs that scare the h*** out of me. If McCain loses, I really hope Palin beats Obama in 2012.
Here we have an amazingly accomplished woman, who did it all herself with no politician husband or wealthy connections and so -called feminists cannot even acknowledge any of this. Her husband is exactly what these women would call a “feminist” - does diapers, is not threatened by his wife,s success, seems like a wonderful father - but most refuse to acknowledge this as he is also pro-life. I loved her story about when she first told him she was expected Trig and she asked him “why did God choose us to have a down syndrome baby” and Todd answered “well, why not us?”. With all the men out there abandoning kids, pressuring women into abortion or convincing them they will be deadbeat - Todd’s attitude should be celebrated.
Why are no feminists willing to admit that the images of a VP candidate with a husband cradling an infant is a landmark for women? Never before in history. I am astonished as to why this pic is not on the cover of Ms. with some kind of heading like “21st century feminist husband” or something.
Anyways - it all comes down to the “right” to kill fetuses I guess. Does not matter how accomplished, groundbreaking or impressive one is - without that belief it counts for nothing."
"Thank you for taking a pro-Palin position here. I was quite annoyed with Wente’s column; it was genuinely sexist. This is a VP candidate who has more experience than Obama, but the press refuses to acknowledge this. Instead, it is all about her clothes, she is a ditz, etc. She not only has experience, but a number of accomplishments in a very short time period. After 50 days on the national scene she has performed reasonably well, while Biden (after decades in Washington) makes insane mistakes in terms of knowledge of foreign affairs that scare the h*** out of me. If McCain loses, I really hope Palin beats Obama in 2012.
Here we have an amazingly accomplished woman, who did it all herself with no politician husband or wealthy connections and so -called feminists cannot even acknowledge any of this. Her husband is exactly what these women would call a “feminist” - does diapers, is not threatened by his wife,s success, seems like a wonderful father - but most refuse to acknowledge this as he is also pro-life. I loved her story about when she first told him she was expected Trig and she asked him “why did God choose us to have a down syndrome baby” and Todd answered “well, why not us?”. With all the men out there abandoning kids, pressuring women into abortion or convincing them they will be deadbeat - Todd’s attitude should be celebrated.
Why are no feminists willing to admit that the images of a VP candidate with a husband cradling an infant is a landmark for women? Never before in history. I am astonished as to why this pic is not on the cover of Ms. with some kind of heading like “21st century feminist husband” or something.
Anyways - it all comes down to the “right” to kill fetuses I guess. Does not matter how accomplished, groundbreaking or impressive one is - without that belief it counts for nothing."
Somebody's Getting It!
American Catholic:
The most accurate poll from the 2004 presidential election, the Investors Business Daily (IDB) poll, shows a phenomenal 20 point switch towards Senator McCain among Catholic voters . In the previous IDB tracking poll Senator Obama once held a commanding 11 point advantage among Catholic voters. In the latest tracking poll Senator McCain now has a nine (9) point lead among Catholic voters over Senator Obama. Senator McCain leads Senator Obama among Catholic voters 48% to 39%...
Day 31
Intention:
For the medical community, that the truth they know about the human body may become awe and wonder at the God who made it.
Scripture:
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
--Psalm 139:16
Reflection:
Human beings -- God's tapestries.
Psalm 139 is a psalm that reveals the enormity and otherness of God. His divine attributes are on display: omniscience (2-4), omnipresence (7-12), loving-kindness (17-18), justice (19-20), righteousness (23-24), and omnipotence. Yet, when it came to express this last attribute, what example did the psalmist use - God's creation of mountains, seas, or far-flung galaxies? No, he used none of these. To express the wonder of God's unparalleled creative power the writer mentions the fashioning of the human in the womb (14-16).
The Hebrew word used to express God's forming of us in the womb, raqam, is the same term for needlework or embroidery. In other words, we are a tapestry that displays God's artistic mastery. And, like the artist who knows his creation down to the last detail, God intimately knows us. This reality provokes the writer to awe and wonder. He proclaims, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
What is true for this psalmist is true for each human being. Each is fashioned by God and known by him and we can proclaim on behalf of each, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Prayer:
Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions. Amen.
Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
Pastor, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
40 Days For Life
10/23/08
I AM JOE
IOWAHAWK:
(h/t GP)
I AM JOE.
I am a Wal Mart schlub in flyover country who changes my own oil and unclogs drains without a license. I smoke and drink beer and toss the football in the front yard with my kid, and I figure I can fend my way without handouts from some Magic Messiah's candy bags. Most everyone in my family and most everyone I grew up with is another Joe, and if you screw with them, you screw with me.
Are you a Joe? Say it proud. Leave it on every .. newspaper comment section and online forum. Let these pressroom and online thugs know you won't stay silent when they try to destroy the life of a private citizen for speaking his mind -- because for every one of them, there are a million Joe Wurzelbachers. And for that we should all be thankful.
(h/t GP)
Best Reason Yet...
Telegraph(UK):
Law enforcement officials say the intense public interest and historic nature of the vote could lead to violent outbreaks if people are unhappy with the results, encounter problems casting their ballots or suspect voting irregularities.
Police departments say they cannot rule out disorder and are mobilising extra forces and putting SWAT teams on standby.
In Oakland, near San Francisco, police will have tactical squads, SWAT teams and officers trained in riot control on standby.
"We always try to prepare for the worst," said Oakland police department spokesman Jeff Thomason.
"This election is going to mark in history a change in the presidency: you're going to have a woman in the presidency or an African American as president. I think everybody around here is voting for Obama, so if he gets in the White House everybody's going to be happy.
"But we'll have our SWAT teams on standby and traffic teams here, so if something goes off we'll organise and take care of the problem."...
Palin Apologizes
Scrappleface:
Vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin today apologized to Republican supporters after expense reports revealed that the Republican National Committee used about $150,000 to buy designer clothing for her in September.
“I’m sorry we wasted your hard-earned campaign contributions,” said Gov. Palin. “When you think of how that money could have been spent, you realize what a terrible decision it was to buy clothes for me to wear out there on the campaign trail.”
Gov. Palin said that “Rather than squander that money with retail merchants and textile workers, it might have been more prudent to invest it in political consultants who earn six-figure salaries for devising clever slogans like ‘Obama: Not Ready’.” ...
MA Parents Warn Florida - Its About POWER
Lifesite News:
... Massachusetts’s parents Robb and Robin Wirthlin warned Floridians about the detrimental effects of same sex marriage on public education and religious liberty at the Florida Press Center in Tallahassee yesterday.
Florida is one of three states in the upcoming election that are considering marriage amendments that would protect true marriage. The ballot title for the Florida initiative, titled Amendment 2, says, “In as much as a marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."
The Wirthlins related how their seven year old son, Joey, came home from second grade public school one day to tell them his teacher had read the class a book about a prince who married another prince and the two men went on to become, King and King. The book includes a scene of the two male princes kissing each other and the prince rejecting other female princesses who were either too short, had long arms and one who had dark colored skin.
“We were absolutely shocked. We felt extremely violated. Our son was just a little boy and not at the age we were planning on discussing sexual topics with him,” Robin Wirthlin said. “Our son needs to learn to read and write and do math. Second grade is no place to be promoting homosexuality - a highly charged social issue. And this book was hardly value neutral. It was completely one-sided. It was loaded with values that were contrary to our own and amounted to an assault on our family, our values and our marriage. It was an attack on the conscience of our child.”
When the Wirthlins contacted school officials to complain about homosexual "marriage" being forced on young children in the Massachusetts public school, they were told they had no right to control the curriculum, no right to be notified when gay marriage might be taught in school, and no right to pull their child from class...
Meanwhile in California...
..Parents of students attending an elementary school in Hayward, California, are in a frenzy after learning the school allegedly made no effort to inform them their children were to participate in today's homosexual "Coming Out Day" school event, reports the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), a legal firm specializing in the defense of religious freedoms and parental rights.
Parents of children at Faith Ringgold School of Art and Science were shocked to see a poster announcing the homosexual event, as they had not received any previous notification. In fact, according PJI, the school specifically decided not to inform parents ahead of time...
NOVEMBER 4 IS YOUR CHANCE FOLKS! POSSIBLY YOUR LAST!!!
FOREBODINGS
Col.Oliver North:
...Napoleon, in the aftermath of the bloody French Revolution, described himself as "essential" to the future of France – and was appointed dictator. The aftermath was a disaster for his countrymen and much of Europe.
Adolf Hitler was elected by the German people and then given absolute power because he claimed that only he could "preserve the Aryan race." The result was a global conflagration that resulted in the death of more than 25 million.
More recently — from Idi Amin in Uganda, to Pol Pot in Cambodia, Kim Jung Il in Korea and Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe — all have "led" their people to perdition after describing themselves as the only men capable of leading their populations through difficult times. Yet, all their people were ultimately worse off.
It is notable that until the 20th century, the American people managed to avoid selecting leaders who held messianic self-esteem. Neither George Washington nor Abraham Lincoln — arguably two of this nation's greatest leaders through the toughest crises in our history — described themselves in such terms. In fact, the record of what they said and wrote is replete with humility.
Not until Franklin Delano Roosevelt decided in 1940 that our country needed his "seasoned leadership," did any U.S. president even contemplate a third successive term in office. While FDR rose to become a great wartime leader, there is also little doubt that he amassed far more power in the office of chief executive than any of his predecessors. Roosevelt's authority was so great that his successor, Harry Truman, the modest man from Missouri, saw fit to endorse a constitutional amendment limiting presidents to two terms...
...During Wednesday afternoon's rush hour, I was making my way home on the "Dulles Greenway" when a phalanx of police motorcycles and cruisers stopped all traffic and ordered us to pull our vehicles off the highway onto the shoulders. Over a loudspeaker we were told to stay put until the Obama campaign convoy passed, on the way to a rally in Leesburg, Virginia.
Instantly, hundreds of people were out of their cars. Directly in front of me a group of supporters — evident by their bumper-stickers — jumped out with cameras, cell-phones and banners. They began chanting: "The Messiah! He's coming! Obama is coming!" The shouting only intensified as the candidate and his entourage — motorcycles, police cars, black Secret Service Suburbans and busses — roared past us.
What I found so disturbing was seeing so many of my countrymen who apparently think — or believe — or hope — that the next president of the United States will save us from ourselves. Senator Obama has said we can not, "Wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for." He would do well to remember that unfulfilled expectations are the greatest cause of anger on the planet. That's true whether it is between a husband and wife, students and teacher, employers and employees, or leaders and the led. He might also recall that humility is a virtue that has distinguished our greatest leaders.
What all this means to the future of this republic, I don't know. I'm a military historian, not a prophet. But I do know the first name of the Messiah...it isn't Barack.
Scott Roundhouses Corrupt Media
(Posted at PTBC) ORSON SCOTT CARD:Would The Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On The Lights?:
...Now let’s follow the money ... right to the presidential candidate who is the number-two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.
And after Freddie Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate’s campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing.
If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was.
But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an “adviser” to the Obama campaign — because that campaign had sought his advice — you actually let Obama’s people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn’t listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign.
You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican.
If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish, and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.
If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis...
Exactly!
Gosh, I love those Albertans!
Rebecca Walberg, Edmonton Journal:
Oh Canada! Why such a hard time with freedom?
*full disclosure-born in Edmonton*
Rebecca Walberg, Edmonton Journal:
...When voters feel disenfranchised by a lack of candidates whose values they share, they tend to stay home, and this is part of the story of the 2008 election.
Overall voter turnout was 59 per cent, an unprecedented low for a federal election. The CPC lost 11 ridings by fewer than 1,500 votes, six of which had turnout below even this year's dismal average. Potential Conservative voters who stayed home rather than support a party that does not support them played a decisive role in these ridings, and doubtless in many others.
In a perfect world, parties would let their MPs and candidates express themselves freely as a matter of principle. An increasingly informed electorate expects to engage its potential representatives on all issues, not only those pre-approved by Ottawa. Since, in our parliamentary system, legislators are, at least in theory, answerable to their constituents, we should inculcate the habit of honest dialogue during campaigns, rather than wondering after the fact why politicians are out of touch with those who elected them.
If principle won't sway the Conservative party to adopt this philosophy next election season, perhaps the "Bruinooge effect" will. There is largely untapped support among Canadian voters for social conservatism, and for politicians who defend traditional morality and aren't ashamed to say so.
If the CPC won't court their vote, they will stay home until someone else does.
Oh Canada! Why such a hard time with freedom?
*full disclosure-born in Edmonton*
Let's Try This Again...
Guelph University Student Union is the living evidence that student governments are a joke. They not only don't know what gov't is, they don't know why they are at university!(That would be pursuit of TRUTH and development of character while BROADENING their knowledge of the world .)
Every year, fresh faces must learn the hard way what it means to live in a democracy. What freedom means. What responsibility means. What being an adult is all about.
Unfortunately for student unions across Canada, developmentally retarded 'adults' who spend their next 20 years after their mediocre B.A. as paid 'researchers' for student unions, often also don't know these things. They have never graduated from the NDP youth corps into real life.
Truth, reason, fairness, reality - all foreign concepts to these individuals. Whenever the radical feminist lobby calls them up, they run to serve, drooling with conspiratorial anticipation of their rewards in liberal heaven. Never mind that 'liberal heaven' is an oxymoron. They don't know that either.
As a former student politician,(ancient history!) present at the formation of the now infamous CFS, I can attest to the adrenaline affect of being up against 'the man'. We actually spent most of our time on funding, not persecuting other students ( I declined to participate in the 'women's caucus', not being lesbian enough to really fit in.)
I know I sound harsh. I remember my frustration at the time, with outside groups trying to push their politics on us- the Marxist/Leninists who 'joined' in our protests at gov't house, the hate-filled feminasties - and frustration with the kids who couldn't care less about funding so didn't want to pay student fees. Frustration with gov't who ocassionally patted us on the head but mostly ignored us. I know.
Student politics is at best a learning experience for those involved. At Guelph, and other universities across Canada,its the worst. Its a TOOL for others' agendas, unrepresentative of the students themselves, and apparantly facist. (Unions used to leave 'facist' to the administration!) At least when you're dealing with funding, you know it will help all students. When you label some students as 'unfit' members of the community by 'outlawing' their groups and maligning their intent, you are being intolerant in the most facist of ways. You are denying them the right to use their own reason to determine their own beliefs. You are demanding conformity to YOUR beliefs.
In twenty years, half of those involved- perhaps more, will have entirely different perspectives on life, and LIFE. Student governments are a joke. A bad one.
Prolife students need to disassociate themselves from unions like that at the University of Guelph. Don't pay the fees. And don't pay the fees for the 'women's center either!
If you need help, call me. Really.
Day 30
Intention:
That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.
Scripture:
And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
-- Luke 1:41-44
Reflection:
Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one himself!
Think about this for a moment.
We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother. Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child "on the way," but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.
Prayer:
Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
40 Days For Life
Morality Is Essential To Good Government
Matthew Warner:
(see Fallible Blogma for video)
...The freedom that we practice in the United States of America is not a prize won once and for all. It is more like the top of a hill that governments have attacked, taken, rushed, and fallen off of repeatedly throughout history. And often the force that gets us to the top of the hill is the same force that propels us off of the other side.
It must be carefully climbed, fortified, and actively defended. Our founders knew this. That is why they gave us a law that would keep us atop that hill. It is only within those limitations that we are truly free to roam around the top of the hill without fear of falling off.
Unfortunately, over time our government has reached far beyond those limitations. And while we still enjoy much of our freedom, we do so at a greater risk of slipping off...
(see Fallible Blogma for video)
10/22/08
We Must Guard Against Scientific Arrogance
ZENIT:
The (Faith and Reason) conference, which gathered philosophers, theologians and scientists, is the fruit of collaboration between the Lateran University, the Pontifical Academies of Science and Social Science and the Global Conference of Catholic University Institutes of Philosophy. It touched on topics in anthropology, ethics and politics, science, metaphysics and interreligious discussion.
The Bishop of Rome observed that over the course of time there has been a shift from "predominantly speculative thought to one that is much more experiential," which has led to a divide between faith and reason.
"Research," he said, "has turned above all to the observation of nature in the attempt to discover its secrets. The desire to know nature has transformed itself into the will to reproduce it. The scientific and technological conquest […] has marginalized the reason that pursued the ultimate truth of things to make way for a reason that is satisfied with discovering the contingent truth of the laws of nature."
The Holy Father clarified that faith has no fear of the "progress of science and the developments that its conquests lead to, when these aim at benefiting man, his well-being and the progress of all humanity."
But, he said, "scientific research does not always have these as its ends."
"Easy gain or, worse still, the arrogance of taking the place of the Creator, at times play a decisive role," the Pope affirmed, emphasizing the threat that such mentalities can pose for humanity.
"But science is not competent to elaborate ethical principles; it can only accept them in themselves and recognize them as necessary for overcoming [science's] possible pathologies," he continued.
Benedict XVI affirmed that science could derive much fruit from a constructive dialogue with philosophy and theology.
"This would not at all aim at limiting scientific research or at preventing technology from producing instruments of development," he explained. "It would aim rather at keeping alive the sense of responsibility that reason and faith have for science so that science would continue to carry out its work in the service of man.
"The truth of revelation does not superimpose itself on the truth discovered by reason; rather, it purifies reason and elevates it, permitting it thus to expand its own sphere and insert itself into a field of research that is as unfathomable as the mystery itself."
How The World Does Love Obama!
And Why...
National Post:
“The only country in Europe where McCain leads his Democrat rival is Georgia, where his tough stance on Russia has gone down particularly well,” writes Nile Gardiner in The Daily Telegraph
He suggests it is nothing more than naked self-interest.
“Whatever sugar-coated spin is put on the reasons for Obama’s favourable image abroad, the harsh reality is that the Illinois senator is seen in many countries as a soft touch, an American leader who, it is hoped, will adopt a new European-style consensus approach to world affairs.”
Brave New World via London
British MP's voted to pass the already infamous Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill, launching themselves into a Brave New World. Not only will the new bill allow human/animal hybrid embryos to be developed, but also allows parents to deliberately develop 'savior siblings'.
Because the gov't limited debate to just two hours, some amendments that would have increased access to abortion, including allowing it in Northern Ireland, were not debated.
Brown's gov't, reputedly extremely unpopular and likely to end the Labour Party's hold, seems determined to pass as many unnatural and morally depraved laws as it can in advance of losing power. One can only feel sorry for the British population, who in the name of 'science' have now been given the status of 'guniea pigs'. The new 'security' proposals, including a requirement to register 'data' when purchasing a cell-phone, will enable the gov't to 'track' more efficiently their new 'menagerie'.
How much divides the gov't of Britain today from the gov't of Germany in 1933?
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"Credulity and Skepticism"
BY Mark Shea
"The devil, so the saying goes, is the ape of God. And so one of his standard methods for deceiving is to create parodies of good things and send them into the world in pairs.
Why parodies? Because he cannot make, he can only mock. So instead of love, he offers lust. Instead of justice, he offers merciless vengeance. Instead of dignity, he offers pride. Instead of contentment with the world’s goods, he offers greed.
Why does he send errors into the world in pairs? So that, in fleeing one lie, you will embrace the opposite lie. And so, for instance, he ignores the Church’s ancient affirmation of both faith and reason and instead foments credulity and skepticism, which are to faith and reason as carob is to fine Belgian chocolate.
Halloween is an especially good time for the devil, for it annually introduces into our national conversation a good solid dose of both credulity and skepticism, while encouraging us to overlook both faith and reason.
Credulity encourages us to believe without thinking, and skepticism encourages us to disbelieve without thinking. Both are folly.
The credulous person accepts tales of the supernatural without bothering to find out if they are a) true or b) from God.
The skeptic reflexively rejects the supernatural, not on the basis of the evidence, but on the basis of a personal dogma that rules out the supernatural in advance of and in the teeth of whatever evidence there may be.
Neither approach is the way of the Catholic faith. The Church is open to the reality that God made the world to be orderly and discoverable by reason. This fundamental faith statement is the basis of all the sciences.
Without the basic (and scientifically unprovable) faith that the mind can grasp reality there would be no science.
The dogmatic skeptic who believes that everything you cannot prove with reason should be rejected is sawing off the branch he is sitting on, because you cannot prove with reason that reason is reliable. We take that assumption on faith. A thorough commitment to skepticism means the end, not just of faith, but of reason.
Conversely, the credulous person who sees the miraculous at work everywhere and is ready to declare every water stain on a freeway underpass an apparition of the Blessed Virgin is also acting against both faith and reason.
Credulity will often race ahead of the Church to embrace loony seers and visionaries who announce all manner of non-Catholic rubbish. It will often cower in fear before such seers in anticipation of some terrible divine judgment or demonic spectacle. That kind of credulity is also frequently ready to see demons at work in every head cold or hangnail — with the result that the dogmatic skeptic feels vindicated in sneering at the supernatural.
The Catholic way is wedded to common sense. With respect to credulity, Catholic common sense says, “Chances are the water stain is just a water stain and not a miraculous apparition. Chances are the cold is just a cold and not a manifestation of demonic power.” With respect to dogmatic skepticism, Catholic common sense says, “If a person with nothing to gain and a lot to lose reports seeing a miracle, odds are he is at least being honest. If that honest person’s report of a miracle has solid evidence backing it, then the sensible thing to do is praise God for a miracle.”
So when the apostles and 500 witnesses report seeing the risen Christ and live lives of suffering and martyrdom for it, the most reasonable (and faithful) thing to do is acknowledge that the thing happened. After all, nothing in science or the Catholic faith really makes it impossible since God, under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, can do whatever he likes.
Both faith and reason are grounded in truth: the truth God has revealed about himself, and the truth he has built into creation.
Both credulity and skepticism are grounded in personal prejudice: a person’s will to believe or disbelieve something based, not on the truth, but on one’s own personal preference imposed on the evidence. Both the credulous person and the skeptic are driven to arrive at conclusions that fit their personal prejudices.
The Catholic is free to follow the evidence where it leads and even, when necessary, leave a mystery mysterious.
A Catholic can look at the odd things of this world and say, “I don’t know what it means, so I will think about it and, God willing, form a conclusion based on the evidence.”
The credulous person and the skeptic are committed by their philosophies to not think about it and leap to their conclusions. They must pretend they have knowledge and understanding, when really they only have a prejudice."
(Mark Shea is senior content editor
for CatholicExchange.com.)
"The devil, so the saying goes, is the ape of God. And so one of his standard methods for deceiving is to create parodies of good things and send them into the world in pairs.
Why parodies? Because he cannot make, he can only mock. So instead of love, he offers lust. Instead of justice, he offers merciless vengeance. Instead of dignity, he offers pride. Instead of contentment with the world’s goods, he offers greed.
Why does he send errors into the world in pairs? So that, in fleeing one lie, you will embrace the opposite lie. And so, for instance, he ignores the Church’s ancient affirmation of both faith and reason and instead foments credulity and skepticism, which are to faith and reason as carob is to fine Belgian chocolate.
Halloween is an especially good time for the devil, for it annually introduces into our national conversation a good solid dose of both credulity and skepticism, while encouraging us to overlook both faith and reason.
Credulity encourages us to believe without thinking, and skepticism encourages us to disbelieve without thinking. Both are folly.
The credulous person accepts tales of the supernatural without bothering to find out if they are a) true or b) from God.
The skeptic reflexively rejects the supernatural, not on the basis of the evidence, but on the basis of a personal dogma that rules out the supernatural in advance of and in the teeth of whatever evidence there may be.
Neither approach is the way of the Catholic faith. The Church is open to the reality that God made the world to be orderly and discoverable by reason. This fundamental faith statement is the basis of all the sciences.
Without the basic (and scientifically unprovable) faith that the mind can grasp reality there would be no science.
The dogmatic skeptic who believes that everything you cannot prove with reason should be rejected is sawing off the branch he is sitting on, because you cannot prove with reason that reason is reliable. We take that assumption on faith. A thorough commitment to skepticism means the end, not just of faith, but of reason.
Conversely, the credulous person who sees the miraculous at work everywhere and is ready to declare every water stain on a freeway underpass an apparition of the Blessed Virgin is also acting against both faith and reason.
Credulity will often race ahead of the Church to embrace loony seers and visionaries who announce all manner of non-Catholic rubbish. It will often cower in fear before such seers in anticipation of some terrible divine judgment or demonic spectacle. That kind of credulity is also frequently ready to see demons at work in every head cold or hangnail — with the result that the dogmatic skeptic feels vindicated in sneering at the supernatural.
The Catholic way is wedded to common sense. With respect to credulity, Catholic common sense says, “Chances are the water stain is just a water stain and not a miraculous apparition. Chances are the cold is just a cold and not a manifestation of demonic power.” With respect to dogmatic skepticism, Catholic common sense says, “If a person with nothing to gain and a lot to lose reports seeing a miracle, odds are he is at least being honest. If that honest person’s report of a miracle has solid evidence backing it, then the sensible thing to do is praise God for a miracle.”
So when the apostles and 500 witnesses report seeing the risen Christ and live lives of suffering and martyrdom for it, the most reasonable (and faithful) thing to do is acknowledge that the thing happened. After all, nothing in science or the Catholic faith really makes it impossible since God, under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, can do whatever he likes.
Both faith and reason are grounded in truth: the truth God has revealed about himself, and the truth he has built into creation.
Both credulity and skepticism are grounded in personal prejudice: a person’s will to believe or disbelieve something based, not on the truth, but on one’s own personal preference imposed on the evidence. Both the credulous person and the skeptic are driven to arrive at conclusions that fit their personal prejudices.
The Catholic is free to follow the evidence where it leads and even, when necessary, leave a mystery mysterious.
A Catholic can look at the odd things of this world and say, “I don’t know what it means, so I will think about it and, God willing, form a conclusion based on the evidence.”
The credulous person and the skeptic are committed by their philosophies to not think about it and leap to their conclusions. They must pretend they have knowledge and understanding, when really they only have a prejudice."
(Mark Shea is senior content editor
for CatholicExchange.com.)
Day 29
Intention:
Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.
Scripture:
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."
-- Micah 7:18-19
Reflection:
Micah had been sent to declare God's judgment and call the people of Judah to repentance. The people had become spiritually and ethically corrupt. Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were oppressed and the heirs to David's throne were practicing abominations and idolatry. Is it not easy to see the parallels of God's people in Micah's day and God's people today in America?
Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.
In speaking of Old Testament stories of God's people turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10: 11, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."
Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His hedge of protection around our nation in response to our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you. Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.
Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore America so that a generation not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ Jesus, who has done great things for us, amen.
Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show
40 Days For Life
10/21/08
Supporting Abortion IS Pro-Abortion
Jeff Miller:
Having a conversation with an Obama supporter I heard yet again the argument "nobody is pro-abortion." This made me wonder just why it is that people who support legal abortion as an option don't want to be called pro-abortion? This seems to me to say quite a deal. If as they often contend that it is not a child and just a lump of tissue of the equivalent of a tadpole then what is the big deal if I or someone else call you pro-abortion. Why should their be any argument about this and why shouldn't they be proudly pro-abortion? If they are not pro-abortion then do they think they are anti-abortion? Is there a middle ground where you are neither for or against abortion? Don't think so.
Besides the definition of "pro" that applies is "an argument in favor of a course of action." If you say that abortion is an acceptable course of action then you are in fact pro-abortion. There is often an equivocation about letting it be a choice for somebody else to make. But again if you support somebody in their choice of action you are in favor of that action happening. If I said it was okay for an individual to choose to go around shooting people or not based on their preference, I would in fact be pro-murder even if I never shot someone myself.
I think abortion supporters get upset about being called pro-abortion because they do no really believe what they say they believe. Very few will admit that it is murder, but that they still believe the women has the right to murder in this circumstance. Instead they will talk about reducing abortion and never explain why "an acceptable moral choice" needs reducing. They will call abortion a right, but as others have noted can point to no other right that needs reducing. They set up a barricade of linguistic obstacles such as being pro-choice (they don't mind the "pro" in this case) as if anybody in the world was anti-choice. It is like saying you are pro-air. The reality of abortion must be obscured in a cloud of words so that what you say you are supporting doesn't sound all that bad. The morality of abortion in phrased in the circumstance of the pregnant women instead of addressing whether they are killing a person or not. The language used to defend abortion is deeply conflicted simply because the logic involved is conflicted as well.
Either dismembering a child in the womb is an acceptable moral act or it isn't. If you think it is then you are pro-abortion and should admit it.
Having a conversation with an Obama supporter I heard yet again the argument "nobody is pro-abortion." This made me wonder just why it is that people who support legal abortion as an option don't want to be called pro-abortion? This seems to me to say quite a deal. If as they often contend that it is not a child and just a lump of tissue of the equivalent of a tadpole then what is the big deal if I or someone else call you pro-abortion. Why should their be any argument about this and why shouldn't they be proudly pro-abortion? If they are not pro-abortion then do they think they are anti-abortion? Is there a middle ground where you are neither for or against abortion? Don't think so.
Besides the definition of "pro" that applies is "an argument in favor of a course of action." If you say that abortion is an acceptable course of action then you are in fact pro-abortion. There is often an equivocation about letting it be a choice for somebody else to make. But again if you support somebody in their choice of action you are in favor of that action happening. If I said it was okay for an individual to choose to go around shooting people or not based on their preference, I would in fact be pro-murder even if I never shot someone myself.
I think abortion supporters get upset about being called pro-abortion because they do no really believe what they say they believe. Very few will admit that it is murder, but that they still believe the women has the right to murder in this circumstance. Instead they will talk about reducing abortion and never explain why "an acceptable moral choice" needs reducing. They will call abortion a right, but as others have noted can point to no other right that needs reducing. They set up a barricade of linguistic obstacles such as being pro-choice (they don't mind the "pro" in this case) as if anybody in the world was anti-choice. It is like saying you are pro-air. The reality of abortion must be obscured in a cloud of words so that what you say you are supporting doesn't sound all that bad. The morality of abortion in phrased in the circumstance of the pregnant women instead of addressing whether they are killing a person or not. The language used to defend abortion is deeply conflicted simply because the logic involved is conflicted as well.
Either dismembering a child in the womb is an acceptable moral act or it isn't. If you think it is then you are pro-abortion and should admit it.
We Do Both
Thomas Peters of American Papist writes a good article covering the latest developments in the 'Catholic Obamites Apologetics'.
Catholics care about the mother, the child, and even the abortionist. This is not impossible with the Republicans. This IS impossible with the Democrats.
Catholics care about the mother, the child, and even the abortionist. This is not impossible with the Republicans. This IS impossible with the Democrats.
Michael Yon
For the pictures alone, photo-journalist Michael Yon's series 'Jurassic Trailer Park' is well worth a visit. Spectacular with commentary that is personal and fresh.
Day 28
Intention:
We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates.
Scripture:
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."
-- Isaiah 1:16-17
Reflection:
God is just.
Inscribed around the inside of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, are the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson: "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just." If the deist, Jefferson, knew in the depths of his being that God is just, how much more ought we Christians to reflect on this profound truth? The justice of God, like his holiness and his purity, encourages us to seek justice for all people. It is the evil deeds and wrong, selfish attitudes of our modern society that have led to the cavalier acceptance of abortion and euthanasia. But, as Jefferson also said, "his justice will not sleep forever."
God is calling us today to seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, and to defend the orphans and widows of our society. It is a noble calling! It is one which every true believer, every God-fearing man and woman, should heed with no hesitation and no reluctance. To follow the God of justice and truth is to stand unequivocally for the right to life of everyone, especially the unborn, the physically disabled, and the terminally ill. God's word through the prophet Isaiah is as relevant in today's 21st century world as it was in Isaiah's 8th century BC world. May God's grace help us to defend the unborn's right to life as well as that of the already born.
Prayer:
O God, our heavenly Father, give us courage and wisdom as we seek to eradicate the evil in our society. Help us to realize that your divine Spirit alone can change hearts and minds so that all your human creatures may enjoy the fullness of life you intended for them. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Rev. Ben Sheldon
President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-life and National Pro-life Religious Council
40 Days For Life
"At Long Last - Obama, Abortion and the Courts"
An excellent article by Fr. Neuhaus at First Things discusses the importance of Obama's perception of the role of the courts, should he become President, and delineates the differences between the two factions in America's ongoing 'culture war'.
...What in the last several decades came to be called the “culture wars” runs very deep, and there is no end in sight. Nobody who cares about this constitutional order can be happy with our present circumstance. Politics is supposed to be about persuasion, deliberation, and decision-making through the process of representative democracy. It is not supposed to be warfare conducted by other means. And yet it is hard to suppress the impression that we are two nations in conflict. The alignments are not always clear-cut and there are overlappings on some issues, but the general picture is evident to all who have eyes to see.
We are two nations: one concentrated on rights and laws, the other on rights and wrongs; one radically individualistic and dedicated to the actualized self, the other communal and invoking the common good; one viewing law as the instrument of the will to power and license, the other affirming an objective moral order reflected in a Constitution to which we are obliged; one given to private satisfaction, the other to familial responsibility; one typically secular, the other typically religious; one elitist, the other populist. These strokes are admittedly broad, but the reality is all too evident in the increasingly ugly rancor that dominates and debases our public life. And, of course, for many Americans the conflicts in the culture wars run through their own hearts.
No other question cuts so close to the heart of the culture wars as the question of abortion. The abortion debate is about more than abortion. It is about the nature of human life and community. It is about whether rights are the product of human assertion or the gift of “Nature and Nature’s God.” It is about euthanasia, eugenic engineering, and the protection of the radically handicapped. But the abortion debate is most inescapably about abortion. In that debate, the Supreme Court has again and again, beginning with the Roe and Doe decisions of 1973, gambled its authority, and with it our constitutional order, by coming down on one side.
The result is the Court’s clear declaration of belligerency on one side of the culture wars, endorsing the radically individualistic concept of the self-constituted self...
10/20/08
For The Soul
Fr.Z's 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession:
We should…
1) ...examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;
2) ...wait our turn in line patiently;
3) ...come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;
4) ...speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;
5) ...state our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;
6) ...confess all mortal sins in number and kind;
7) ...listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;
8) ...confess our own sins and not someone else’s;
9) ...carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;
10) ...use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;
11) ...never be afraid to say something "embarrassing"... just say it;
12) ...never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks…. he is usually impressed by our courage;
13) ...never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is bound by the Seal;
14) ...never confess "tendencies" or "struggles"... just sins;
15) ...never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;
16) ...memorize an Act of Contrition;
17) ...answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;
18) ...ask questions if we can’t understand what he means when he tells us something;
19) ...keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;
20) ...remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are going through.
Charles Chaput, American Hero (Kmiec NOT)
LifesiteNews:
In an address delivered to a women's group last week, Archbishop Charles Chaput of the Archdiocese of Denver strongly criticized Obama-supporting Catholic Doug Kmeic, and called it absurd for self-professedly pro-life Catholics to support Obama, "the most committed 'abortion-rights' candidate ... since the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973."
"To suggest - as some Catholics do - that Senator Obama is this year's 'real' prolife candidate requires a peculiar kind of self-hypnosis, or moral confusion, or worse," said the archbishop, who emphasized that his address at the ENDOW ('Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women') dinner expressed his views as a private citizen, and not as a representative of the Church.
Archbishop Chaput made his remarks as he spoke about his recently published book, “Render Unto Caesar,” in which he delineates the role of Catholics in the political life of the nation. He then mentioned Prof. Doug Kmeic's book, “Can a Catholic Support Him? Asking the Big Question about Barack Obama,” in which Kmeic had quoted part of Chaput's book and claimed that the archbishop's reasoning and his are "not far distant on the moral inquiry necessary in the election of 2008."
"Unfortunately, he either misunderstands or misuses my words, and he couldn't be more mistaken," said the archbishop in reply. Kmeic, whose "strong record of service to the church" the archbishop commended, recently went public with his support of Obama, and has encouraged Catholics to vote for the virulently pro-abortion Obama as a morally viable option.
"His activism for Senator Obama, and the work of Democratic-friendly groups like Catholics United and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, have done a disservice to the Church, confused the natural priorities of Catholic social teaching, undermined the progress prolifers have made, and provided an excuse for some Catholics to abandon the abortion issue instead of fighting within their parties and at the ballot box to protect the unborn," continued the archbishop...
Brown's Gov't Sneaks In Another Disgusting Proposal
Telegraph:
..On Wednesday MPs will vote on a bill which would allow the creation of human/animal hybrid embryos to be used for stem cell research, change the conditions for granting IVF, and possibly liberalise the abortion laws.
The passage through Parliament of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill has been dogged by controversy. Failed attempts to outlaw late abortion have dominated the debate, while scientists, medical ethics experts and religious leaders have clashed over the hybrid embryo issue.
Defenders of the bill have repeatedly stressed the importance of gaining consent from anyone whose tissue is taken for the creation of human/animal hybrid embryos.
It can now be revealed that a Government amendment, agreed after the main parliamentary debates, would allow tissue to be used from people who lack the "mental capacity" to give consent, children whose parents give permission, and anyone who has previously donated samples to hospitals for medical research but can no longer be traced...
Pray For This bill's DEFEAT! Only God Can Save The Brits From Themselves!!
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Aussies Lead The Way In Western Repressive Movement
Mercator Net:"The Australian state of Victoria has a world first: a law which forces doctors to refer women for abortion or to do it themselves -- even if they have a conscientious objection..."
The Barack Test - Will He Serve YOU?
*Obamater* - A fairly thorough round up of Barack Obama's positions on everything, concluding with total results. Worth a look.
NCR For Obama
Why is it that some journals can relate what's happening in the Church and beyond in a 'support the church' kind of way (faithful) and others cannot?
National Catholic(!)Reporter:
'U.S. bishops damaging rich Catholic faith tradition'(Lisa Cahill)
(h/t american papist)
Blah, Blah, Blah... I'm still going to go with the Church over those who 'call' themselves Catholic. The Church has been very clear. Life is essential. (I would have thought that was obvious...)
.
National Catholic(!)Reporter:
'U.S. bishops damaging rich Catholic faith tradition'(Lisa Cahill)
The Catholic church has a problem on its hands. Just weeks before the presidential election, a few bishops and prelates have come dangerously close to making implicit political endorsements by telling Catholics that abortion trumps all other moral issues and lashing out against the Democratic Party.
For those who support an essential role for faith in public life, this is a disturbing trend for both religion and democracy...
(h/t american papist)
Blah, Blah, Blah... I'm still going to go with the Church over those who 'call' themselves Catholic. The Church has been very clear. Life is essential. (I would have thought that was obvious...)
.
"Powell For Obama" - Perspective
While listening to Powell make the announcement, it seemed to me he was saying "Its very important to world peace and the image of America, that we have a black President now". More important than the genocide of blacks IN America?
American Catholic:"To tell the truth, although Powell is a Republican, I am not surprised. I am shocked and saddened though that another African American political figure has decided to support the most pro-abortion candidate in the history of the US. Does Gen. Powell not know of the genocide of his people, not in Darfur but here in the abortion mills of America? As I stated months ago on my personal blog, as much as I would love to see a black President I can never support an African American candidate like Obama. Despite his smooth words, his downright hostility to the pro-Life cause is sickening and keeps me from ever supporting him, even if I agreed with his other economic and social policies. It saddens me to see that so few of the black electorate and elected officials care at all that the future of their community destroyed."
Booker Rising:(J.B.White)""You see, the problem we have in the black community (and the problem the nation has overall) is the universally accepted academic concept known in the black community as the Talented Tenth (and associated with W.E.B. DuBois). It took me years to realize this concept has no faith in the average man or woman (this is why DuBois opposed Booker T. Washington, who had complete faith in the average man and woman). It dictates that we be led from above. By our betters, and betters is defined as the more book-smart. Do you see the problem here? Do you see the plantation? The susceptibility to totalitarian instincts and the requirement to act as a herd? And it runs contrary to the concept of America, does it not? Peggy Noonan, George Will, David Brooks, David Frum et al. -- they have that same mentality. There is a vibe in the black community that is completely rattled by Sarah Palin. In actual, objective fact Sarah Palin is far more representative of black American women than (for example) Hillary Clinton ever will be."
Previous posts:
Obama vs LIFE
Obama Is NOT King
American Catholic:"To tell the truth, although Powell is a Republican, I am not surprised. I am shocked and saddened though that another African American political figure has decided to support the most pro-abortion candidate in the history of the US. Does Gen. Powell not know of the genocide of his people, not in Darfur but here in the abortion mills of America? As I stated months ago on my personal blog, as much as I would love to see a black President I can never support an African American candidate like Obama. Despite his smooth words, his downright hostility to the pro-Life cause is sickening and keeps me from ever supporting him, even if I agreed with his other economic and social policies. It saddens me to see that so few of the black electorate and elected officials care at all that the future of their community destroyed."
Booker Rising:(J.B.White)""You see, the problem we have in the black community (and the problem the nation has overall) is the universally accepted academic concept known in the black community as the Talented Tenth (and associated with W.E.B. DuBois). It took me years to realize this concept has no faith in the average man or woman (this is why DuBois opposed Booker T. Washington, who had complete faith in the average man and woman). It dictates that we be led from above. By our betters, and betters is defined as the more book-smart. Do you see the problem here? Do you see the plantation? The susceptibility to totalitarian instincts and the requirement to act as a herd? And it runs contrary to the concept of America, does it not? Peggy Noonan, George Will, David Brooks, David Frum et al. -- they have that same mentality. There is a vibe in the black community that is completely rattled by Sarah Palin. In actual, objective fact Sarah Palin is far more representative of black American women than (for example) Hillary Clinton ever will be."
Previous posts:
Obama vs LIFE
Obama Is NOT King
Day 27
Intention:
We pray for humility in our work for God's Kingdom.
Scripture:
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
-- Philippians 2:5-8
Reflection:
There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we don't care who gets the credit.
Jesus Christ's life on earth exemplifies a total submission to the will of the Father. His humility, compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness are reflected over and over again in the New Testament. He was God incarnate, yet He chose to be born to a humble, working class home.
How absurd it must have seemed to the rich and powerful that the Son of God, the Messiah, the one foretold by the prophets, the 'King of the Jews' was born and raised as a simple peasant.
During His thirty-three years on earth, He sought no riches, claimed no secular power and gathered no possessions. Yet, His short time on earth changed more lives, softened more hearts, and gave hope to more people, than all the rich and powerful human 'kings' combined. And, at the end of His life on earth, by dying on the cross, He opened the door to eternal life for those who heed his words and follow in his footsteps.
Prayer:
O Lord, help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Let us humbly and diligently work to restore legal protection for the unborn, the disabled, the medically dependent and all innocent children of God whose lives are threatened. Let us remember the old adage that "He can never lead who has not first learned to obey." And, Lord, grant us a peaceful heart as we labor in your name. Amen.
Ernest Ohlhoff
Outreach Director, National Right to Life
40 Days For Life
10/19/08
Day 26
Intention:
That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.
Scripture:
These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.
-- Psalm 104:27-30
Reflection:
"I am a feather on the breath of God."
As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice and happens only by His willing to do so.
He who created the universe also created that which is "me." I do not "have" a soul - I AM a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.
Prayer:
Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one's lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.
Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
Vera Faith Lord
Director, Alpha/Omega Life Ministry
Representative of the Orthodox Church to the National Pro-life Religious Council
40 Days For Life
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