U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who ruled last week that a voter-approved amendment to California’s constitution that limited marriage to the union of one man and one woman violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, based that ruling in part on his finding that a child does not need and has no right to a mother. Nor, he found, does a child have a need or a right to a father.
UPDATE 4/26/11: Marriage Defenders File Motion Saying Walker Ruling Biased
UPDATE 4/8/11: Judge says being a homosexual did not prejudice him
UPDATE 9/30/10: Homosexual judge retires after accomplishing his Gay Agenda
UPDATE 10/1/10: Absent the activist judge -- possibly a game changer
-- From "Same-Sex Marriage Judge Finds That a Child Has Neither a Need Nor a Right to a Mother" by Terence P. Jeffrey, Editor-in-Chief CNSNews.com 8/9/10
“Children do not need to be raised by a male parent and a female parent to be well-adjusted, and having both a male and a female parent does not increase the likelihood that a child will be well-adjusted,” the judge wrote in finding of fact No. 71 in his opinion.
“The gender of a child’s parent is not a factor in a child’s adjustment,” the judge stated in finding of fact No. 70. “The sexual orientation of an individual does not determine whether that individual can be a good parent. Children raised by gay or lesbian parents are as likely as children raised by heterosexual parents to be healthy, successful and well-adjusted. The research supporting this conclusion is accepted beyond serious debate in the field of developmental psychology.”
Despite Walker’s claim that this “fact” is “beyond serious debate,” one of the sources he cited for it was a brochure published by the American Psychological Association (APA) that was entered into evidence in the case, which specifically stated twice: “Few studies are available regarding children of gay fathers.” Walker did not quote this part of the brochure in his opinion.
However, Walker did quote this same brochure as saying: “[S]ocial science has shown that the concerns often raised about children of lesbian and gay parents--concerns that are generally grounded in prejudice against and stereotypes about gay people--are unfounded.”
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Obama Wins - Kenya Advances Abortion
President Obama on Thursday praised the passage of Kenya's new constitution, which was approved by an overwhelming majority amid claims that the United States improperly meddled in promoting passage of the document, which contains controversial abortion language.
UPDATE 11/17/11: Obama admin ‘hired surrogates’ to push for abortion in Kenya
UPDATE 10/6/10: Congressman Wants Probe of Obama's Illegal Abortion Push in Kenya
UPDATE 10/2/10: USAID rules Obama did not illegally fund legalization of abortion in Kenya
UPDATE 8/27/10: Kenya's president Omar al-Bashir signs new constitution into law
-- From "Vote in Kenya: Why U.S. Abortion Debate Has Become a Factor" by Dana Hughes, ABC News
Millions of Kenyans have taken to the polls in one of the country's most historic elections. They are voting for a new draft constitution that . . . will overhaul the current constitution, which was ratified at the country's independence in 1963.
[It] includes a provision on abortion that the Kenyan clergy and religious leaders say opens up the door to "abortion on demand." The clause still outlaws the act, but says that if the mother's health or life is in danger a qualified "health professional" may perform one. The health professional language allows for abuse, say religious leaders and anti-abortion activists.
Though the argument may not win over Kenyans, it has found support from an unlikely source – members of the U.S. Congress. . . .
[New Jersey Representative Chris Smith] cites a State Department Inspector General Report showing that some of the groups associated with voter education projects and which are being funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, are also tied to abortion-rights groups. In response to the report the US Embassy in Nairobi said it suspended funding to some of the voter education programs in question. There have also been accusations that anti-abortion rights groups linked to the Christian Right in the United States have helped fund the campaign against the referendum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Lauds Passage of Kenyan Constitution As Critics Slam Its Abortion Rights Stand" FoxNews.com 8/5/10
Results showed nearly 70 percent of Kenyan voters backed the document . . .
Obama applauded the Kenyan people for approving the document and conducting a "peaceful, transparent and credible" vote.
[A] federal law makes it illegal for the U.S. government to lobby on abortion overseas -- Smith cited a report by the U.S. Agency for International Development that estimated more than $23 million in taxpayer funds were spent on the referendum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Kenyans approve constitution that legalizes abortion following congressional inquiry into U.S. funding" by Amanda Carey, The Daily Caller 8/6/10
A report released by the Office of Inspector General of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) after the congressional inquiry showed that the federal government had used $23 million in American taxpayer money to support the passage of the Kenyan constitution, which contradicted earlier statements from the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. Using taxpayer dollars to lobby for or against abortion violates federal law.
The White House has yet to address such concerns. It did however, voice support for passage. Vice President Biden traveled to Kenya earlier this summer to urge Kenyans to vote “yes.” On Thursday President Obama released a statement congratulating the people of Kenya on passing the constitution.
In a recent press conference, Smith restated his concerns about the White House’s involvement in the Kenyan referendum. “There has been U.S. complicity at every turn,” he told The Daily Caller.
Smith said that in recent months, officials from the Kenyan government visited the White House asking for financial support for their constitutional process.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 11/17/11: Obama admin ‘hired surrogates’ to push for abortion in Kenya
UPDATE 10/6/10: Congressman Wants Probe of Obama's Illegal Abortion Push in Kenya
UPDATE 10/2/10: USAID rules Obama did not illegally fund legalization of abortion in Kenya
UPDATE 8/27/10: Kenya's president Omar al-Bashir signs new constitution into law
-- From "Vote in Kenya: Why U.S. Abortion Debate Has Become a Factor" by Dana Hughes, ABC News
Millions of Kenyans have taken to the polls in one of the country's most historic elections. They are voting for a new draft constitution that . . . will overhaul the current constitution, which was ratified at the country's independence in 1963.
[It] includes a provision on abortion that the Kenyan clergy and religious leaders say opens up the door to "abortion on demand." The clause still outlaws the act, but says that if the mother's health or life is in danger a qualified "health professional" may perform one. The health professional language allows for abuse, say religious leaders and anti-abortion activists.
Though the argument may not win over Kenyans, it has found support from an unlikely source – members of the U.S. Congress. . . .
[New Jersey Representative Chris Smith] cites a State Department Inspector General Report showing that some of the groups associated with voter education projects and which are being funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, are also tied to abortion-rights groups. In response to the report the US Embassy in Nairobi said it suspended funding to some of the voter education programs in question. There have also been accusations that anti-abortion rights groups linked to the Christian Right in the United States have helped fund the campaign against the referendum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Lauds Passage of Kenyan Constitution As Critics Slam Its Abortion Rights Stand" FoxNews.com 8/5/10
Results showed nearly 70 percent of Kenyan voters backed the document . . .
Obama applauded the Kenyan people for approving the document and conducting a "peaceful, transparent and credible" vote.
[A] federal law makes it illegal for the U.S. government to lobby on abortion overseas -- Smith cited a report by the U.S. Agency for International Development that estimated more than $23 million in taxpayer funds were spent on the referendum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Kenyans approve constitution that legalizes abortion following congressional inquiry into U.S. funding" by Amanda Carey, The Daily Caller 8/6/10
A report released by the Office of Inspector General of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) after the congressional inquiry showed that the federal government had used $23 million in American taxpayer money to support the passage of the Kenyan constitution, which contradicted earlier statements from the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. Using taxpayer dollars to lobby for or against abortion violates federal law.
The White House has yet to address such concerns. It did however, voice support for passage. Vice President Biden traveled to Kenya earlier this summer to urge Kenyans to vote “yes.” On Thursday President Obama released a statement congratulating the people of Kenya on passing the constitution.
In a recent press conference, Smith restated his concerns about the White House’s involvement in the Kenyan referendum. “There has been U.S. complicity at every turn,” he told The Daily Caller.
Smith said that in recent months, officials from the Kenyan government visited the White House asking for financial support for their constitutional process.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Prayer Essential to Save America
"We [will] come together and ask God for some kind of sovereign intervention. We need to pray for a great awakening."
Christians: Commit to prayer now (2 Chron. 7:14)
-- From "Prop. 8 Supporters Prepare for Long Legal Battle" by Adrienne S. Gaines, Charisma News Online 8/4/10
Proposition 8 [California traditional marriage] advocates argue that same-sex marriage is not ideal for child rearing, but they say it also has serious implications on religious freedom.
"It's a chilling moment," said TheCall founder Lou Engle, who organized a prayer rally in support of Proposition 8 in September 2008. "Democracy is crumbling, and I believe, again, we're going to see the persecution of the church. ... Across the board, religious freedom now is being trumped by gender freedom."
[California pastor Jim Garlow, who helped organize the ProtectMarriage.com -Yes on 8 campaign] said in several areas where gay marriage has been legalized, Christians have lost personal and religious liberties. He points to Swedish pastor Ake Green, who was jailed after preaching that homosexuality is a sin, and to a Christian camp in Ocean Grove, N.J., that lost a discrimination lawsuit filed after it refused to allow a lesbian couple to hold a commitment ceremony at its facility.
[Garlow] and Engle are encouraging . . . activism through Pray & Act, an initiative calling for 40 days of prayer and fasting in the run up to Nov. 2. The effort begins Sept. 20 and ends with a webcast event at the Lincoln Memorial Oct. 30.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Also read: Pastor Warns America of Socialism, Calls for Prayer
Christians: Commit to prayer now (2 Chron. 7:14)
-- From "Prop. 8 Supporters Prepare for Long Legal Battle" by Adrienne S. Gaines, Charisma News Online 8/4/10
Proposition 8 [California traditional marriage] advocates argue that same-sex marriage is not ideal for child rearing, but they say it also has serious implications on religious freedom.
"It's a chilling moment," said TheCall founder Lou Engle, who organized a prayer rally in support of Proposition 8 in September 2008. "Democracy is crumbling, and I believe, again, we're going to see the persecution of the church. ... Across the board, religious freedom now is being trumped by gender freedom."
[California pastor Jim Garlow, who helped organize the ProtectMarriage.com -Yes on 8 campaign] said in several areas where gay marriage has been legalized, Christians have lost personal and religious liberties. He points to Swedish pastor Ake Green, who was jailed after preaching that homosexuality is a sin, and to a Christian camp in Ocean Grove, N.J., that lost a discrimination lawsuit filed after it refused to allow a lesbian couple to hold a commitment ceremony at its facility.
[Garlow] and Engle are encouraging . . . activism through Pray & Act, an initiative calling for 40 days of prayer and fasting in the run up to Nov. 2. The effort begins Sept. 20 and ends with a webcast event at the Lincoln Memorial Oct. 30.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Also read: Pastor Warns America of Socialism, Calls for Prayer
Saturday, August 07, 2010
GOP Avoids Same-sex 'Marriage' Issue
With polls already in their favor, Republicans plan to avoid hot button "Culture War" issues for 2010 (thus placing politics above principle), and are considering entirely abandoning some social conservative issues in the future.
UPDATE 8/31/10: Where Have All the Conservatives Gone — Long Time Passing (commentary)
UPDATE 8/17/10: Why conservatives have abandoned The Culture War (commentary)
UPDATE 8/10/10: (only) Four congressmen speak in favor of traditional marriage
-- From "Gay marriage ruling unlikely to become midterm rallying issue" by Dan Balz, Washington Post 8/7/10
At another time, the ruling overturning California's ban on same sex marriages might have landed with the force of a political earthquake. Instead, the relatively restrained response underscores both the singular economic focus of this year's elections and the shifting politics of one of the country's major social issues.
"Republicans are better off focusing on fiscal issues -- economy, spending, taxes, debt -- in this political environment," said a Republican who is helping to guide strategy for the party. "For the first time in years, Republicans have regained their credibility as the party of fiscal responsibility, and most voters are concerned with the direction of our country's economy, so it could backfire with independent voters if the campaigns get bogged down on immigration or marriage."
. . . Republican "swing voters are simply too preoccupied [with the economy] to care about the culture wars," said Jim Jordan, a Democratic strategist.
. . . As of 2008, there were 38 states where a majority of those between ages 18 and 29 expressed support for same sex marriages. In 23 states, at least 50 percent of those between ages 30 and 44 also backed such marriages. In no state were more than 35 percent of those over age 65 in favor of gay marriages.
That's the more telling reason why Republicans are now conflicted about how to handle the issue in the future. They know the issue can motivate conservatives. Privately many say they can see where the issue is heading and fear they will be on the losing side of public opinion at some point in the future.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Why GOP reaction is muted as judge affirms gay marriage rights" by Patrik Jonsson, Staff writer, Christian Science Monitor 8/7/10
. . . Republican leaders today are focused intently on the economy – and on blaming Democratic policies for its still-sluggish state – as they try to rally independents, libertarians, and "tea party" adherents around conservative economic ideals in advance of midterm elections.
"Every indicator that I have ... generally speaking, is that economic growth and job creation are the tandem issues that will be the principal drivers of voter decision at polls,” Republican National Committee political director Gentry Collins told reporters Thursday. "What I’m encouraging candidates to do is go out and run on an economic platform, a jobs platform."
. . . Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican and a staunch opponent of gay marriage, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, and a several other top Republicans have offered muted responses so far to Wednesday's ruling from federal Judge Vaughn Walker.
In 2004, Republicans introduced 11 measures against same-sex marriage in various states, as part of a strategy to attract conservative voters to the polls at a time when President George W. Bush was running for reelection. President Bush himself railed against activist judges and backed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
But the gay marriage issue, after years in the culture-wars limelight, may be losing its luster as a hot-button political wedge, writes Peter Dreier on the Huffington Post website.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read: Abortion is Election Issue with Some Candidates
UPDATE 8/31/10: Where Have All the Conservatives Gone — Long Time Passing (commentary)
UPDATE 8/17/10: Why conservatives have abandoned The Culture War (commentary)
UPDATE 8/10/10: (only) Four congressmen speak in favor of traditional marriage
-- From "Gay marriage ruling unlikely to become midterm rallying issue" by Dan Balz, Washington Post 8/7/10
At another time, the ruling overturning California's ban on same sex marriages might have landed with the force of a political earthquake. Instead, the relatively restrained response underscores both the singular economic focus of this year's elections and the shifting politics of one of the country's major social issues.
"Republicans are better off focusing on fiscal issues -- economy, spending, taxes, debt -- in this political environment," said a Republican who is helping to guide strategy for the party. "For the first time in years, Republicans have regained their credibility as the party of fiscal responsibility, and most voters are concerned with the direction of our country's economy, so it could backfire with independent voters if the campaigns get bogged down on immigration or marriage."
. . . Republican "swing voters are simply too preoccupied [with the economy] to care about the culture wars," said Jim Jordan, a Democratic strategist.
. . . As of 2008, there were 38 states where a majority of those between ages 18 and 29 expressed support for same sex marriages. In 23 states, at least 50 percent of those between ages 30 and 44 also backed such marriages. In no state were more than 35 percent of those over age 65 in favor of gay marriages.
That's the more telling reason why Republicans are now conflicted about how to handle the issue in the future. They know the issue can motivate conservatives. Privately many say they can see where the issue is heading and fear they will be on the losing side of public opinion at some point in the future.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Why GOP reaction is muted as judge affirms gay marriage rights" by Patrik Jonsson, Staff writer, Christian Science Monitor 8/7/10
. . . Republican leaders today are focused intently on the economy – and on blaming Democratic policies for its still-sluggish state – as they try to rally independents, libertarians, and "tea party" adherents around conservative economic ideals in advance of midterm elections.
"Every indicator that I have ... generally speaking, is that economic growth and job creation are the tandem issues that will be the principal drivers of voter decision at polls,” Republican National Committee political director Gentry Collins told reporters Thursday. "What I’m encouraging candidates to do is go out and run on an economic platform, a jobs platform."
. . . Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican and a staunch opponent of gay marriage, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, and a several other top Republicans have offered muted responses so far to Wednesday's ruling from federal Judge Vaughn Walker.
In 2004, Republicans introduced 11 measures against same-sex marriage in various states, as part of a strategy to attract conservative voters to the polls at a time when President George W. Bush was running for reelection. President Bush himself railed against activist judges and backed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
But the gay marriage issue, after years in the culture-wars limelight, may be losing its luster as a hot-button political wedge, writes Peter Dreier on the Huffington Post website.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read: Abortion is Election Issue with Some Candidates
Jesus OK: Fed. Judge Rules Against Atheists
A federal judge in New York has rejected a demand from the Americans United for Separation of Church and State that a town board be ordered to change its invocation procedures so that the statements from volunteers on a rotating basis would be more "ecumenical" and "inclusive."
-- From "Greece town meeting prayers legal, judge says" by Meaghan M. McDermott, Staff writer, Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY) 8/7/10
Prayers in Jesus’ name before Greece Town Board meetings do not violate the U.S. Constitution, a federal judge has ruled.
In February 2008, two Greece residents filed suit accusing the town of flouting the First Amendment by opening public sessions with explicitly Christian prayers.
On the side of plaintiffs Susan Galloway and Linda Stephens were church-state watchdogs Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Arguing for the town were Christian religious freedom fighters Alliance Defense Fund.
On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Charles Siragusa ruled in favor of the town and dismissed the suit.
“The Town did not begin having prayer at meetings in order to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief,” Siragusa wrote. “…The Town’s prayer policy, to the extent that one exists, is to invite clergy from all denominations within the Town, without any guidance or restriction on the content of prayers. The Town will also permit anyone who volunteers to give an invocation, including atheists and members of non-Judeo-Christian religions such as Wicca, and has never denied a request by anyone to deliver a prayer.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge rejects demand to censor Christian prayer" by Bob Unruh © 2010 WorldNetDaily 8/7/10
Two plaintiffs represented by the Americans United organization had wanted a court order that the town instruct those who deliver prayers to be "inclusive and ecumenical."
"The court finds that the policy requested by plaintiffs would … impose a state-created orthodoxy," the judge said. "The court has also considered the identities of the prayer-givers and the process that the town employed in inviting clergy to deliver prayers, and finds that these factors did not have the purpose or effect of proselytizing or advancing any one, or disparaging any other, faith or belief, within the meaning of the Establishment Clause."
"Congress continues to permit sectarian invocations, as it has since the practice's inception," the opinion explained. "On this point the court takes judicial notice of just two recent prayers given at the beginning of sessions of the United States House of Representatives. On April 15, 2010, the Rev. Clyde Mighells, of Lighthouse Reformed Church, gave the opening prayer in the House, which ended with the words, 'It is in the blessed name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that we lay these requests at Your feet. Amen.'"
It was a rare victory for prayer over the general rulings in recent years that often have restricted, limited or censored prayers that are offered at the openings of various government meetings, such as town and county boards and commissions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Greece town meeting prayers legal, judge says" by Meaghan M. McDermott, Staff writer, Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY) 8/7/10
Prayers in Jesus’ name before Greece Town Board meetings do not violate the U.S. Constitution, a federal judge has ruled.
In February 2008, two Greece residents filed suit accusing the town of flouting the First Amendment by opening public sessions with explicitly Christian prayers.
On the side of plaintiffs Susan Galloway and Linda Stephens were church-state watchdogs Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Arguing for the town were Christian religious freedom fighters Alliance Defense Fund.
On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Charles Siragusa ruled in favor of the town and dismissed the suit.
“The Town did not begin having prayer at meetings in order to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief,” Siragusa wrote. “…The Town’s prayer policy, to the extent that one exists, is to invite clergy from all denominations within the Town, without any guidance or restriction on the content of prayers. The Town will also permit anyone who volunteers to give an invocation, including atheists and members of non-Judeo-Christian religions such as Wicca, and has never denied a request by anyone to deliver a prayer.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge rejects demand to censor Christian prayer" by Bob Unruh © 2010 WorldNetDaily 8/7/10
Two plaintiffs represented by the Americans United organization had wanted a court order that the town instruct those who deliver prayers to be "inclusive and ecumenical."
"The court finds that the policy requested by plaintiffs would … impose a state-created orthodoxy," the judge said. "The court has also considered the identities of the prayer-givers and the process that the town employed in inviting clergy to deliver prayers, and finds that these factors did not have the purpose or effect of proselytizing or advancing any one, or disparaging any other, faith or belief, within the meaning of the Establishment Clause."
"Congress continues to permit sectarian invocations, as it has since the practice's inception," the opinion explained. "On this point the court takes judicial notice of just two recent prayers given at the beginning of sessions of the United States House of Representatives. On April 15, 2010, the Rev. Clyde Mighells, of Lighthouse Reformed Church, gave the opening prayer in the House, which ended with the words, 'It is in the blessed name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that we lay these requests at Your feet. Amen.'"
It was a rare victory for prayer over the general rulings in recent years that often have restricted, limited or censored prayers that are offered at the openings of various government meetings, such as town and county boards and commissions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Medical Researchers Ignore God Despite Own Evidence
An Indiana University study of people in Africa has shown the power of prayer to heal.
-- From "Healing power of prayer may exist" posted at WWLP-TV 22 News (Chicopee, MA) 8/5/10
A new study suggests prayers may truly be answered if you're in close proximity to the patient.
Researchers found when people said healing prayers physically close to the patients, some saw improvements in their conditions.
It's unclear how it might work, and researchers said more studies are needed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Can Hands-On Prayer Help Heal?" by Amanda Gardner, HealthDay Reporter (posted at Business Week) 8/5/10
An older Mozambican woman named Maryam could not see two fingers held up just one foot in front of her when she arrived for a Pentecostal prayer intervention in her village. Nor could she see an eye chart from a similarly close distance.
But after a healer at the evangelical meeting laid hands on her and prayed for less than a minute, Maryam was able to not only see the fingers held up in front of her but could count them as well. The eye chart also came into view, with Maryam able to read down to the 20/125 line.
The experiences of Maryam and 23 other Mozambicans, part of a study reported in the September issue of the Southern Medical Journal, a peer-reviewed journal, suggest to the researchers that "proximal intercessory prayer (PIP)" -- in which the healer is in close proximity to the patient, often touching or hugging him or her -- may be a useful complement to Western medical practice.
In this study, the degree of improvement seen in people with vision and hearing impairments was more than that seen previously in hypnosis and suggestion studies, the team noted.
The investigators found improvement across the group of participants.
One physician believes prayer may have some as-yet-unexplained power to heal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Healing power of prayer may exist" posted at WWLP-TV 22 News (Chicopee, MA) 8/5/10
A new study suggests prayers may truly be answered if you're in close proximity to the patient.
Researchers found when people said healing prayers physically close to the patients, some saw improvements in their conditions.
It's unclear how it might work, and researchers said more studies are needed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Can Hands-On Prayer Help Heal?" by Amanda Gardner, HealthDay Reporter (posted at Business Week) 8/5/10
An older Mozambican woman named Maryam could not see two fingers held up just one foot in front of her when she arrived for a Pentecostal prayer intervention in her village. Nor could she see an eye chart from a similarly close distance.
But after a healer at the evangelical meeting laid hands on her and prayed for less than a minute, Maryam was able to not only see the fingers held up in front of her but could count them as well. The eye chart also came into view, with Maryam able to read down to the 20/125 line.
The experiences of Maryam and 23 other Mozambicans, part of a study reported in the September issue of the Southern Medical Journal, a peer-reviewed journal, suggest to the researchers that "proximal intercessory prayer (PIP)" -- in which the healer is in close proximity to the patient, often touching or hugging him or her -- may be a useful complement to Western medical practice.
In this study, the degree of improvement seen in people with vision and hearing impairments was more than that seen previously in hypnosis and suggestion studies, the team noted.
The investigators found improvement across the group of participants.
One physician believes prayer may have some as-yet-unexplained power to heal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Jesus Moves GOP Senator to Vote for Kagan
In spite of Elena Kagan's pro-abortion/pro-homosexualist ideology, and her history of committing fraud, Senator Graham voted to confirm her to the Supreme Court for the next several decades because it's what Jesus would've done.
-- From "Republican Senator: Jesus’s ‘Golden Rule’ Inspired His Vote For Pro-Abortion Kagan" by Terence P. Jeffrey, Editor-in-Chief CNSNews.com 8/6/10
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said that Jesus’s Golden Rule inspired him to vote to confirm Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court and suggested it would be a good thing for his Senate colleagues to also ponder Jesus’s words as they prepared to vote on Kagan.
As an associate counsel in the Clinton White House, Kagan was an architect of the legal and political strategy that President Bill Clinton used in vetoing the ban on partial-birth abortion. Her nomination by President Barack Obama in May was instantly endorsed by Planned Parenthood, one of the nation’s leading advocates of legalized abortion.
In casting his vote for Kagan, Sen. Graham said he expected her to follow a voting pattern “similar” to Justice John Paul Stevens whom she will replace. In his more than three decades on the court, Justice Stevens persistently backed the position that there is a constitutional right to abortion.
Graham also said Kagan “meets the test” the Framers envisioned for a Supreme Court Justice.
Sen. Graham was one of only five Republicans to vote to confirm Kagan to the Supreme Court. The other four were Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, Richard Lugar of Indiana, and Olympia Snowe of Maine. The Senate confirmed Kagan, 63-37, on Thursday, Aug. 5. Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska was the only Democrat who voted against the confirmation of Kagan.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Senator Lindsey Graham Says "Golden Rule" Inspired Vote for Pro-Abortion Kagan" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com Editor 8/6/10
A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters released today finds that 54% of Palmetto State Republicans still have a favorable opinion of Graham. But 44% view the senator unfavorably, and that’s up 13 points from December.
These findings include 29% of GOP voters with a very favorable view of Graham and 22 percent with a very unfavorable one.
Sixty percent of South Carolina Republicans think their party should be more like the state’s other Republican senator, Jim DeMint, than like Graham. That’s a nine-point increase from December. Just 27% believe the party should be more like Graham, and 14% more are undecided.
Ninety-two percent of the state’s Republicans have a favorable opinion of DeMint, including 61% with a Very Favorable view of him.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Republican Senator: Jesus’s ‘Golden Rule’ Inspired His Vote For Pro-Abortion Kagan" by Terence P. Jeffrey, Editor-in-Chief CNSNews.com 8/6/10
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said that Jesus’s Golden Rule inspired him to vote to confirm Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court and suggested it would be a good thing for his Senate colleagues to also ponder Jesus’s words as they prepared to vote on Kagan.
As an associate counsel in the Clinton White House, Kagan was an architect of the legal and political strategy that President Bill Clinton used in vetoing the ban on partial-birth abortion. Her nomination by President Barack Obama in May was instantly endorsed by Planned Parenthood, one of the nation’s leading advocates of legalized abortion.
In casting his vote for Kagan, Sen. Graham said he expected her to follow a voting pattern “similar” to Justice John Paul Stevens whom she will replace. In his more than three decades on the court, Justice Stevens persistently backed the position that there is a constitutional right to abortion.
Graham also said Kagan “meets the test” the Framers envisioned for a Supreme Court Justice.
Sen. Graham was one of only five Republicans to vote to confirm Kagan to the Supreme Court. The other four were Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, Richard Lugar of Indiana, and Olympia Snowe of Maine. The Senate confirmed Kagan, 63-37, on Thursday, Aug. 5. Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska was the only Democrat who voted against the confirmation of Kagan.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Senator Lindsey Graham Says "Golden Rule" Inspired Vote for Pro-Abortion Kagan" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com Editor 8/6/10
A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters released today finds that 54% of Palmetto State Republicans still have a favorable opinion of Graham. But 44% view the senator unfavorably, and that’s up 13 points from December.
These findings include 29% of GOP voters with a very favorable view of Graham and 22 percent with a very unfavorable one.
Sixty percent of South Carolina Republicans think their party should be more like the state’s other Republican senator, Jim DeMint, than like Graham. That’s a nine-point increase from December. Just 27% believe the party should be more like Graham, and 14% more are undecided.
Ninety-two percent of the state’s Republicans have a favorable opinion of DeMint, including 61% with a Very Favorable view of him.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Sharron Angle, God & Mainstream Media
RE: Nevada GOP candidate Sharron Angle challenging Senator Harry Reid . . .
Out of touch with America, the liberal media think that it's extreme, out of the mainstream, and even ridiculous to believe that God is omnipotent, while government is impotent.
-- From "Sharron Angle: Democrats Making 'Government Our God'" by Stephanie Condon, CBS News 8/4/10
Nevada Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle told a Christian radio station earlier this year that President Obama and Democrats in Congress are violating the Bible's First Commandment by turning government into a false god.
Angle's remarks were highlighted by the Las Vegas Sun as an illustration of her relatively extreme views, which pundits have suggested are making a tight race out of what should have been an easy GOP victory over unpopular Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
"And these programs that you mentioned -- that Obama has going with Reid and Pelosi pushing them forward -- are all entitlement programs built to make government our God," Angle said in an April interview with TruNews Christian Radio. "And that's really what's happening in this country is a violation of the First Commandment. We have become a country entrenched in idolatry, and that idolatry is the dependency upon our government. We're supposed to depend upon God for our protection and our provision and for our daily bread, not for our government."
Angle has used strong religious rhetoric before, characterizing her candidacy as a "calling" from God. Angle's words have given some Nevada voters pause: "She talks to the far Christian right, but that's about it," Las Vegas resident Michele Ficano told Hotsheet.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Angle: Democrats want to 'make government our God'" by Michael R. Blood, Associated Press 8/4/10
. . . Angle describes her effort to oust Majority Leader Harry Reid as a religious calling in "a war of ideology, it's a war of thoughts and of faith."
Reid's campaign said in a statement Wednesday that Angle's statements are "frightening." Since Angle won the GOP nomination in June, Reid's campaign has depicted the tea party favorite in TV ads as an extremist who would gut federal programs and turn her back on those in need.
Angle's campaign pointed out that Reid, too, has spoken about the relationship between politics and his Mormon religion. In a speech at Brigham Young University in 2007, he said, "My faith and political beliefs are deeply intertwined. I am a Democrat because I am a Mormon, not in spite of it."
Angle, a Southern Baptist, has called herself a faith-based politician and prays daily. Among her positions, she opposes abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest.
Asked why she would enter a race to challenge the most powerful Democrat in the Senate, Angle said, "We're at war in this country, for our freedom, our culture, for our liberty, our Constitution."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Out of touch with America, the liberal media think that it's extreme, out of the mainstream, and even ridiculous to believe that God is omnipotent, while government is impotent.
-- From "Sharron Angle: Democrats Making 'Government Our God'" by Stephanie Condon, CBS News 8/4/10
Nevada Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle told a Christian radio station earlier this year that President Obama and Democrats in Congress are violating the Bible's First Commandment by turning government into a false god.
Angle's remarks were highlighted by the Las Vegas Sun as an illustration of her relatively extreme views, which pundits have suggested are making a tight race out of what should have been an easy GOP victory over unpopular Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
"And these programs that you mentioned -- that Obama has going with Reid and Pelosi pushing them forward -- are all entitlement programs built to make government our God," Angle said in an April interview with TruNews Christian Radio. "And that's really what's happening in this country is a violation of the First Commandment. We have become a country entrenched in idolatry, and that idolatry is the dependency upon our government. We're supposed to depend upon God for our protection and our provision and for our daily bread, not for our government."
Angle has used strong religious rhetoric before, characterizing her candidacy as a "calling" from God. Angle's words have given some Nevada voters pause: "She talks to the far Christian right, but that's about it," Las Vegas resident Michele Ficano told Hotsheet.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Angle: Democrats want to 'make government our God'" by Michael R. Blood, Associated Press 8/4/10
. . . Angle describes her effort to oust Majority Leader Harry Reid as a religious calling in "a war of ideology, it's a war of thoughts and of faith."
Reid's campaign said in a statement Wednesday that Angle's statements are "frightening." Since Angle won the GOP nomination in June, Reid's campaign has depicted the tea party favorite in TV ads as an extremist who would gut federal programs and turn her back on those in need.
Angle's campaign pointed out that Reid, too, has spoken about the relationship between politics and his Mormon religion. In a speech at Brigham Young University in 2007, he said, "My faith and political beliefs are deeply intertwined. I am a Democrat because I am a Mormon, not in spite of it."
Angle, a Southern Baptist, has called herself a faith-based politician and prays daily. Among her positions, she opposes abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest.
Asked why she would enter a race to challenge the most powerful Democrat in the Senate, Angle said, "We're at war in this country, for our freedom, our culture, for our liberty, our Constitution."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Nancy Pelosi on Christ's Right to Life
Speaker of the House Pelosi, outspoken on her Catholic faith, refused to answer the question "Did Jesus have the right to life from the moment of conception?" She indicated that discussion belongs in church.
This appears to be a bipartisan response, as Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia also refused to answer.
UPDATE 10/13/11: Ending Abortion Federal Funding is Deadly Says Pelosi
-- From "Pelosi Won’t Say When Jesus Got the Right to Life" by Jane McGrath, CNSNews.com 8/3/10
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), a Catholic, publicly stated earlier this year that she had a duty to pursue policies “in keeping with the values” of Jesus Christ, the “Word made Flesh.” But at a press briefing last week, when reminded of this statement, Pelosi declined to say when Jesus got the right to life.
“Whenever it was,” said Pelosi, “we bow our heads when we talk about it in church, and that’s where I’d like to talk about that.”
Later, when asked in writing through her press secretary whether the speaker believed Jesus had a right to life from the moment of conception, the press secretary responded: “The speaker answered the question. Thanks.”
On May 6 of this year, at a Catholic Community Conference on Capitol Hill, Pelosi said: “They ask me all the time, ‘What is your favorite this? What is your favorite that? What is your favorite that?’ And one time, ‘What is your favorite word?’ And I said, ‘My favorite word? That is really easy. My favorite word is the Word, is the Word. And that is everything. It says it all for us. And you know the biblical reference, you know the Gospel reference of the Word.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Speaker Pelosi avoids question about unborn Jesus’ right to life" Catholic News Agency 8/5/10
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Son of God assumed humanity and “made it his own, from his conception.” The Church also recognizes that the child has the right to life “from its conception.”
Speaker Pelosi favors legalized abortion and voted against a ban on partial-birth abortion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Republican Senator Isakson Refuses to Say When Jesus Got Right to Life" by Jane McGrath, CNSNews.com 8/5/10
After a Wednesday press conference, CNSNews.com told Sen. Isakson about what Pelosi had said and asked Isakson the following: “Senator, last week, House Speaker Pelosi declined to say when Jesus Christ got the right to life. Can I ask you -- She declined to say when she thought Jesus Christ got the right to life. Can I ask you if you think Jesus got the right to life at the moment of conception?”
Senator Isakson said, “Look, Jesus Christ is my savior and I believe in him and his redemption. I’m not going to get into commenting on what Nancy Pelosi might think of that.”
CNSNews.com followed up, saying, “Well, just your opinion about – ” and Isakson said, “I’m not, I’m not going to get into a Nancy Pelosi trap.”
Though he is a Republican from the South, Sen. Isakson has been criticized by pro-lifers for his position on abortion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Read also: Nancy Pelosi Thanks God for Nuns' Support for Abortion Bill
This appears to be a bipartisan response, as Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia also refused to answer.
UPDATE 10/13/11: Ending Abortion Federal Funding is Deadly Says Pelosi
-- From "Pelosi Won’t Say When Jesus Got the Right to Life" by Jane McGrath, CNSNews.com 8/3/10
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), a Catholic, publicly stated earlier this year that she had a duty to pursue policies “in keeping with the values” of Jesus Christ, the “Word made Flesh.” But at a press briefing last week, when reminded of this statement, Pelosi declined to say when Jesus got the right to life.
“Whenever it was,” said Pelosi, “we bow our heads when we talk about it in church, and that’s where I’d like to talk about that.”
Later, when asked in writing through her press secretary whether the speaker believed Jesus had a right to life from the moment of conception, the press secretary responded: “The speaker answered the question. Thanks.”
On May 6 of this year, at a Catholic Community Conference on Capitol Hill, Pelosi said: “They ask me all the time, ‘What is your favorite this? What is your favorite that? What is your favorite that?’ And one time, ‘What is your favorite word?’ And I said, ‘My favorite word? That is really easy. My favorite word is the Word, is the Word. And that is everything. It says it all for us. And you know the biblical reference, you know the Gospel reference of the Word.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Speaker Pelosi avoids question about unborn Jesus’ right to life" Catholic News Agency 8/5/10
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Son of God assumed humanity and “made it his own, from his conception.” The Church also recognizes that the child has the right to life “from its conception.”
Speaker Pelosi favors legalized abortion and voted against a ban on partial-birth abortion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Republican Senator Isakson Refuses to Say When Jesus Got Right to Life" by Jane McGrath, CNSNews.com 8/5/10
After a Wednesday press conference, CNSNews.com told Sen. Isakson about what Pelosi had said and asked Isakson the following: “Senator, last week, House Speaker Pelosi declined to say when Jesus Christ got the right to life. Can I ask you -- She declined to say when she thought Jesus Christ got the right to life. Can I ask you if you think Jesus got the right to life at the moment of conception?”
Senator Isakson said, “Look, Jesus Christ is my savior and I believe in him and his redemption. I’m not going to get into commenting on what Nancy Pelosi might think of that.”
CNSNews.com followed up, saying, “Well, just your opinion about – ” and Isakson said, “I’m not, I’m not going to get into a Nancy Pelosi trap.”
Though he is a Republican from the South, Sen. Isakson has been criticized by pro-lifers for his position on abortion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Read also: Nancy Pelosi Thanks God for Nuns' Support for Abortion Bill
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Homosexual Judge Rules for Same-sex 'Marriage' in Calif.
A federal judge, himself in open homosexual relationship(s), has ruled not only that the U.S. Constitution provides rights to homosexuals, he also blasted Christians for saying homosexual behavior is sinful.
UPDATE 3/1/11: Calif. Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris asks federal appeals court to permit same-sex 'marriage' during the Prop 8 appeal (an outrageous defiance of the voters' will)
UPDATE 8/17/10: Same-sex "marriages" on hold pending appeals process
UPDATE 8/13/10: Marriage Judge Is on Shaky Ground (legal opinion)
-- From "Court Rejects Same-Sex Marriage Ban in California" by Jesse Mckinley And John Schwartz, New York Times 8/4/10
A federal judge in San Francisco struck down California’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage on Wednesday, handing a temporary victory to gay rights advocates in a legal battle that seems all but certain to be settled by the Supreme Court.
Wednesday’s decision is just the latest chapter of what is expected to be a long legal battle over the ban — Proposition 8, which was passed in 2008 with 52 percent of the vote -- and proponents were already promising to appeal, confidently predicting that higher courts would be less accommodating to the other side than Vaughn R. Walker, the judge who issued the ruling.
There were also signs that Judge Walker’s personal life – several published reports have said he is gay -- might become an issue for those opposed to his ruling.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Landmark: Judge overturns Calif. 'gay marriage' ban" by Michael Foust, Baptist Press 8/4/10
The San Francisco Chronicle reported in February that Walker himself is homosexual -- a fact that led both sides of the issue debating whether such a revelation is pertinent. The case was randomly assigned to him. He was nominated by the first President Bush.
"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license," Walker wrote in a 136-page ruling. "Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples."
Religion was a major theme on five of the 12 days of trial testimony, with orthodox views on homosexuality cast by the plaintiffs as bigoted. The official statements on marriage of the Southern Baptist Convention and Roman Catholic church were read in the courtroom on the trial's third day as examples of prejudice. On the seventh day, Stanford University political science professor Gary Segura, a witness for the plaintiffs, called religion "the chief obstacle for gay and lesbian political progress."
Religious liberty will take a hit if the ruling is upheld, conservative groups are warning. They point to a host of legal cases in recent years that they say prove their point.
Walker's ruling came less than a month after a federal judge in Massachusetts issued another first-of-its-kind decision, reversing part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and ruling that the government cannot constitutionally distinguish between traditional marriage and same-sex "marriage." That decision likely will be appealed.
[Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission,] said he is seeing "an unprecedented effort going on across the nation" whereby Christians are "uniting for sustained prayer, for revival, awakening and deliverance." He encourage Christians to visit 4040prayer.com to learn ways they can pray for the nation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Same-Sex Marriage Ban Overturned; What's Next?" by Jan Crawford, CBS News 8/4/10
This is a devastating opinion for opponents of same-sex marriage. In his wording, the judge isn't just wading into the cultural wars, he is diving in. It's a forceful defense not only of same-sex marriage but of gay people.
There are 80 different findings of fact, including that "same-sex love and intimacy are well-documented in human history" and that "same-sex couples are identical to opposite-sex couples and that religious beliefs that homosexual relationships are sinful harm gays and lesbians."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 3/1/11: Calif. Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris asks federal appeals court to permit same-sex 'marriage' during the Prop 8 appeal (an outrageous defiance of the voters' will)
UPDATE 8/17/10: Same-sex "marriages" on hold pending appeals process
UPDATE 8/13/10: Marriage Judge Is on Shaky Ground (legal opinion)
-- From "Court Rejects Same-Sex Marriage Ban in California" by Jesse Mckinley And John Schwartz, New York Times 8/4/10
A federal judge in San Francisco struck down California’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage on Wednesday, handing a temporary victory to gay rights advocates in a legal battle that seems all but certain to be settled by the Supreme Court.
Wednesday’s decision is just the latest chapter of what is expected to be a long legal battle over the ban — Proposition 8, which was passed in 2008 with 52 percent of the vote -- and proponents were already promising to appeal, confidently predicting that higher courts would be less accommodating to the other side than Vaughn R. Walker, the judge who issued the ruling.
There were also signs that Judge Walker’s personal life – several published reports have said he is gay -- might become an issue for those opposed to his ruling.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Landmark: Judge overturns Calif. 'gay marriage' ban" by Michael Foust, Baptist Press 8/4/10
The San Francisco Chronicle reported in February that Walker himself is homosexual -- a fact that led both sides of the issue debating whether such a revelation is pertinent. The case was randomly assigned to him. He was nominated by the first President Bush.
"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license," Walker wrote in a 136-page ruling. "Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples."
Religion was a major theme on five of the 12 days of trial testimony, with orthodox views on homosexuality cast by the plaintiffs as bigoted. The official statements on marriage of the Southern Baptist Convention and Roman Catholic church were read in the courtroom on the trial's third day as examples of prejudice. On the seventh day, Stanford University political science professor Gary Segura, a witness for the plaintiffs, called religion "the chief obstacle for gay and lesbian political progress."
Religious liberty will take a hit if the ruling is upheld, conservative groups are warning. They point to a host of legal cases in recent years that they say prove their point.
Walker's ruling came less than a month after a federal judge in Massachusetts issued another first-of-its-kind decision, reversing part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and ruling that the government cannot constitutionally distinguish between traditional marriage and same-sex "marriage." That decision likely will be appealed.
[Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission,] said he is seeing "an unprecedented effort going on across the nation" whereby Christians are "uniting for sustained prayer, for revival, awakening and deliverance." He encourage Christians to visit 4040prayer.com to learn ways they can pray for the nation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Same-Sex Marriage Ban Overturned; What's Next?" by Jan Crawford, CBS News 8/4/10
This is a devastating opinion for opponents of same-sex marriage. In his wording, the judge isn't just wading into the cultural wars, he is diving in. It's a forceful defense not only of same-sex marriage but of gay people.
There are 80 different findings of fact, including that "same-sex love and intimacy are well-documented in human history" and that "same-sex couples are identical to opposite-sex couples and that religious beliefs that homosexual relationships are sinful harm gays and lesbians."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
WikiLeaker a Homosexual with Army Grudge
SPC Bradley Manning, who has been arrested and detained in connection with the leak of thousands of classified documents recently released on WikiLeaks, is a homosexual activist who has spoken out against the U.S. military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.
UPDATE 8/15/13: Defense argues Manning suffers from "gender confusion"
UPDATE 8/8/10: Mainstream media now reporting this story (click for New York Times)
-- From "Bradley Manning, suspected source of Wikileaks documents, raged on his Facebook page" by Heidi Blake, John Bingham and Gordon Rayner, London Telegraph 7/30/10
Bradley Manning, the prime suspect in the leaking of the Afghan war files, raged against his US Army employers and "society at large" on his Facebook page in the days before he allegedly downloaded thousands of secret memos, The Daily Telegraph has learnt.
The Pentagon, which is investigating the source of the leak, is expected to study Mr Manning’s background to ascertain if they missed any warnings when he applied to join the US Army. The postings on his Facebook page are also likely to form part of the inquiry.
Mr Manning, who is openly homosexual, began his gloomy postings on January 12, saying: "Bradley Manning didn't want this fight. Too much to lose, too fast."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Was Alleged Wikileaks Source a Homosexual with Axe to Grind against U.S. Military?" by James Tillman, LifeSiteNews.com 8/3/10
A childhood friend of Manning, Jordan Davis, has said that the young man “came out” as gay when he was only 13.
Manning’s Facebook page reveals that he was depressed over a recent breakup with his boyfriend. One photo on the page shows him holding a sign asking for equality on the battlefield. Among his "Likes and Interests" were "REPEAL THE BAN - End ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,’” "QueerToday.com," "Stonewall Democrats," "LGBT America," "Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell," "No on Prop 8 | Don't Eliminate Marriage for Anyone," and the homosexualist "Human Rights Campaign."
He also “liked” Barack Obama and the openly homosexual congressman Barney Frank, who has worked to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT).
Although the Senate is considering overturning DADT, the open service of homosexuals in the military is currently forbidden. This has lead some to ask why, given Manning's open homosexuality, he was not discharged.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 8/15/13: Defense argues Manning suffers from "gender confusion"
UPDATE 8/8/10: Mainstream media now reporting this story (click for New York Times)
-- From "Bradley Manning, suspected source of Wikileaks documents, raged on his Facebook page" by Heidi Blake, John Bingham and Gordon Rayner, London Telegraph 7/30/10
Bradley Manning, the prime suspect in the leaking of the Afghan war files, raged against his US Army employers and "society at large" on his Facebook page in the days before he allegedly downloaded thousands of secret memos, The Daily Telegraph has learnt.
The Pentagon, which is investigating the source of the leak, is expected to study Mr Manning’s background to ascertain if they missed any warnings when he applied to join the US Army. The postings on his Facebook page are also likely to form part of the inquiry.
Mr Manning, who is openly homosexual, began his gloomy postings on January 12, saying: "Bradley Manning didn't want this fight. Too much to lose, too fast."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Was Alleged Wikileaks Source a Homosexual with Axe to Grind against U.S. Military?" by James Tillman, LifeSiteNews.com 8/3/10
A childhood friend of Manning, Jordan Davis, has said that the young man “came out” as gay when he was only 13.
Manning’s Facebook page reveals that he was depressed over a recent breakup with his boyfriend. One photo on the page shows him holding a sign asking for equality on the battlefield. Among his "Likes and Interests" were "REPEAL THE BAN - End ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,’” "QueerToday.com," "Stonewall Democrats," "LGBT America," "Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell," "No on Prop 8 | Don't Eliminate Marriage for Anyone," and the homosexualist "Human Rights Campaign."
He also “liked” Barack Obama and the openly homosexual congressman Barney Frank, who has worked to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT).
Although the Senate is considering overturning DADT, the open service of homosexuals in the military is currently forbidden. This has lead some to ask why, given Manning's open homosexuality, he was not discharged.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Abortifacients Seen as Unstoppable
As public opinion turns increasingly against abortion, pro-abortion advocates look to abortion pills as a more palatable alternative to surgical abortion.
". . . it would be tough to carry out a ban on medical abortion."
-- From "Another Pill That Could Cause a Revolution" by Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times 7/31/10
This pharmaceutical approach is called “medical abortion.” In the United States and Europe it typically consists of two sets of “M” pills. The first is mifepristone, formerly known as RU-486, and then a day or two later the misoprostol.
Using the drugs in combination produces a miscarriage more than 95 percent of the time in early pregnancy. But mifepristone is difficult to obtain in much of the world, because it is used only to induce abortions. In contrast, misoprostol is very widely available and can’t easily be banned because it is also used for ulcers and can save lives of women with postpartum hemorrhages. Whatever one thinks of misoprostol for abortions, it also is a potential lifesaver for women who hemorrhage after childbirth.
Medical abortion causes a miscarriage that is indistinguishable from a natural one. That’s important for women in countries where they risk arrest if they seek help in a hospital after a botched abortion. The risks to a woman seem no greater than with a natural miscarriage, and there’s no known harm to a woman who turns out not to have been pregnant after all. One serious downside is that misoprostol is suspected of causing birth defects, perhaps 1 percent of the time, but only if it fails and the pregnancy continues to term.
What do these pills mean for the political battles over abortion? To firm opponents of abortion, the means of ending a pregnancy doesn’t matter. But my hunch is that, for those in the middle, taking pills at home may seem a more natural process than a surgical abortion, and the result may be a tad more acceptance.
To read the entire opinion column, CLICK HERE.
". . . it would be tough to carry out a ban on medical abortion."
-- From "Another Pill That Could Cause a Revolution" by Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times 7/31/10
This pharmaceutical approach is called “medical abortion.” In the United States and Europe it typically consists of two sets of “M” pills. The first is mifepristone, formerly known as RU-486, and then a day or two later the misoprostol.
Using the drugs in combination produces a miscarriage more than 95 percent of the time in early pregnancy. But mifepristone is difficult to obtain in much of the world, because it is used only to induce abortions. In contrast, misoprostol is very widely available and can’t easily be banned because it is also used for ulcers and can save lives of women with postpartum hemorrhages. Whatever one thinks of misoprostol for abortions, it also is a potential lifesaver for women who hemorrhage after childbirth.
Medical abortion causes a miscarriage that is indistinguishable from a natural one. That’s important for women in countries where they risk arrest if they seek help in a hospital after a botched abortion. The risks to a woman seem no greater than with a natural miscarriage, and there’s no known harm to a woman who turns out not to have been pregnant after all. One serious downside is that misoprostol is suspected of causing birth defects, perhaps 1 percent of the time, but only if it fails and the pregnancy continues to term.
What do these pills mean for the political battles over abortion? To firm opponents of abortion, the means of ending a pregnancy doesn’t matter. But my hunch is that, for those in the middle, taking pills at home may seem a more natural process than a surgical abortion, and the result may be a tad more acceptance.
To read the entire opinion column, CLICK HERE.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Embryonic Stem Cells Fail Where Other Research Advances
Embryonic cells may indeed be used someday to grow replacement tissue or therapeutic material for diseases like Parkinson's or diabetes . . . [but don't bet your life on it].
Note that this ABC News report concerns advances with adult stem cells, NOT embryonic.
-- From "Adult Stem Cell Studies Ahead of Embryonic Research" by Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press Science Writer 8/2/10
For all the emotional debate that began about a decade ago on allowing the use of embryonic stem cells, it's adult stem cells that are in human testing today. An extensive review of stem cell projects and interviews with two dozen experts reveal a wide range of potential treatments.
Adult stem cells are being studied in people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, heart attacks and diabetes. Some early results suggest stem cells can help some patients avoid leg amputation. Recently, researchers reported that they restored vision to patients whose eyes were damaged by chemicals.
Apart from these efforts, transplants of adult stem cells have become a standard lifesaving therapy for perhaps hundreds of thousands of people with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Adult Stem Cell Research Leaving Embryos Behind" posted at CBS News 8/2/10
The Pro-Life Secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to oppose embryonic work. Deirdre McQuade, an official there, said that compared to adult stem cell research, work on embryonic cells is proving "fruitless."
Adult cells have been transplanted routinely for decades, first in bone marrow transplants and then in procedures that transfer just the cells. Doctors recover the cells from the marrow or bloodstream of a patient or a donor, and infuse them as part of the treatment for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases. Tens of thousands of people are saved each year by such procedures, experts say.
. . . the Vatican announced it was funding adult stem cell research on the intestine at the University of Maryland. And on Friday, Italian doctors said they'd transplanted two windpipes injected with the recipients' own stem cells.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Note that this ABC News report concerns advances with adult stem cells, NOT embryonic.
-- From "Adult Stem Cell Studies Ahead of Embryonic Research" by Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press Science Writer 8/2/10
For all the emotional debate that began about a decade ago on allowing the use of embryonic stem cells, it's adult stem cells that are in human testing today. An extensive review of stem cell projects and interviews with two dozen experts reveal a wide range of potential treatments.
Adult stem cells are being studied in people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, heart attacks and diabetes. Some early results suggest stem cells can help some patients avoid leg amputation. Recently, researchers reported that they restored vision to patients whose eyes were damaged by chemicals.
Apart from these efforts, transplants of adult stem cells have become a standard lifesaving therapy for perhaps hundreds of thousands of people with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Adult Stem Cell Research Leaving Embryos Behind" posted at CBS News 8/2/10
The Pro-Life Secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to oppose embryonic work. Deirdre McQuade, an official there, said that compared to adult stem cell research, work on embryonic cells is proving "fruitless."
Adult cells have been transplanted routinely for decades, first in bone marrow transplants and then in procedures that transfer just the cells. Doctors recover the cells from the marrow or bloodstream of a patient or a donor, and infuse them as part of the treatment for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases. Tens of thousands of people are saved each year by such procedures, experts say.
. . . the Vatican announced it was funding adult stem cell research on the intestine at the University of Maryland. And on Friday, Italian doctors said they'd transplanted two windpipes injected with the recipients' own stem cells.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Suicide for Elderly Billboards Going Nationwide
Plain black billboards reading "My Life My Death My Choice FinalExitNetwork.org" are being placed by Final Exit Network, claiming to help people with the pain of incurable illness.
-- from "National campaign guiding ill adults to end lives advertises on Hillside billboard" by Steve Strunsky, New Jersey Star-Ledger 7/14/10
The [New Jersey] billboard, along with one in San Francisco and another planned for Florida, anchor a national campaign by the network to raise awareness of itself and its mission. Members say the locations were chosen for their reputations as socially progressive and, in Florida’s case, for its elderly population.
Jim Goodness, a spokesman for the [Catholic Church] Archdiocese of Newark, said the message "cannot be condoned."
Therapists called the billboard "irresponsible," arguing it could serve as a "tipping point" for troubled teens or others at risk of suicide.
The network does not advocate physician-assisted suicide . . . Instead, it recommends suffocation by donning an air-tight hood and inhaling helium pumped in through a tube.
Thomas E. Goodwin, a physician who founded the network in Florida in 2004, is facing criminal charges of violating Georgia’s law against assisted suicide in the 2008 death of a 58-year-old man at his home near Atlanta. Network members face similar charges in Arizona. New Jersey also prohibits assisted suicide.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- from "National campaign guiding ill adults to end lives advertises on Hillside billboard" by Steve Strunsky, New Jersey Star-Ledger 7/14/10
The [New Jersey] billboard, along with one in San Francisco and another planned for Florida, anchor a national campaign by the network to raise awareness of itself and its mission. Members say the locations were chosen for their reputations as socially progressive and, in Florida’s case, for its elderly population.
Jim Goodness, a spokesman for the [Catholic Church] Archdiocese of Newark, said the message "cannot be condoned."
Therapists called the billboard "irresponsible," arguing it could serve as a "tipping point" for troubled teens or others at risk of suicide.
The network does not advocate physician-assisted suicide . . . Instead, it recommends suffocation by donning an air-tight hood and inhaling helium pumped in through a tube.
Thomas E. Goodwin, a physician who founded the network in Florida in 2004, is facing criminal charges of violating Georgia’s law against assisted suicide in the 2008 death of a 58-year-old man at his home near Atlanta. Network members face similar charges in Arizona. New Jersey also prohibits assisted suicide.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Christians Arrested for Praying Near Abortion Clinic
Two Chicago-area men have been accused of "disorderly conduct" for standing on a public sidewalk outside an influential abortion business and praying, and the move appears to be a deliberate attempt by officials to intimidate Christians, according to a law firm.
UPDATE 8/4/10: Police drop charges
UPDATE 8/2/10 from "Praying Outside Clinic Gets Man Disorderly Conduct Charge" by Diane Macedo, FoxNews.com
Joseph Holland, a 25-year-old graduate student at Northwestern University, says he was standing still praying the rosary outside a Planned Parenthood facility in downtown Chicago July 3 when police arrested him for violating the city's new "Bubble Zone" ordinance.
But Holland says he didn't approach or interfere with anyone.
"I tried to talk to the officer first and explain that the building doesn't have an 8-foot bubble and that I didn't talk to anyone," Holland said. "I said, 'I'm praying, I'm praying to God, not talking to people' and basically he said me praying was a type of approaching people and violated the bubble zone ordinance."
Chicago police spokesman Roderick Drew told FoxNews.com that, according to the report, Holland "stood within an inch of the victim, prayed out loud at a high volume for over 10 minutes" but ultimately got arrested for blocking the entrance.
"The offender refused two requests to move, and continued to block customer access to the establishment after being asked to clear the entrance by the person in charge of the facility," he said.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
From "Standing still, praying gets man 'disorderly conduct' rap" by Bob Unruh © 2010 WorldNetDaily 7/29/10
"This arrest was about one thing: trying to scare pro-life people away from Planned Parenthood," said Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel for the Thomas More Society [TMS].
The organization is representing David Avignone and Joe Holland, whose "offense" was captured in a video.
The arrests were made because of Chicago's recently adopted "bubble" law that prevents approaching within eight feet of a person, without consent, "for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign to or engaging in oral protest, education or counseling."
Breen confirmed to WND Holland was engaged solely in prayer activity and not in leafleting, picketing or "sidewalk counseling." Holland was cuffed, taken into custody and booked at a police station for an offense that carries no possibility of jail time and is similar to offenses addressed by an officer handing out a citation.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
From "Chicago’s ‘Bubble Zone’ Lands Praying Pro-Lifer in Court" by Peter J. Smith, LifeSiteNews.com 7/29/10
Breen and TMS have argued that the “Bubble Zone” ordinance is unconstitutional, and have even gained the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois on that issue.
According to pro-life advocates with the Pro-Life Action League, police have previously misinterpreted the ordinance, getting their interpretation of the law from Planned Parenthood employees. In January, an officer told pro-life counselors that they could not come within eight feet of the Planned Parenthood doorway.
Again, in February one officer told sidewalk counselors not to come "within ten feet of the doorway ... that's panhandling."
Pro-Life Action League's projects coordinator, Corrina Gura, previously described the situation, saying that Planned Parenthood gives “the officers their version of what they wish the law said, then they ask the police to enforce their imaginary law."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Also read California Pastor Jailed for Standing near Abortion Clinic
UPDATE 8/4/10: Police drop charges
UPDATE 8/2/10 from "Praying Outside Clinic Gets Man Disorderly Conduct Charge" by Diane Macedo, FoxNews.com
Joseph Holland, a 25-year-old graduate student at Northwestern University, says he was standing still praying the rosary outside a Planned Parenthood facility in downtown Chicago July 3 when police arrested him for violating the city's new "Bubble Zone" ordinance.
But Holland says he didn't approach or interfere with anyone.
"I tried to talk to the officer first and explain that the building doesn't have an 8-foot bubble and that I didn't talk to anyone," Holland said. "I said, 'I'm praying, I'm praying to God, not talking to people' and basically he said me praying was a type of approaching people and violated the bubble zone ordinance."
Chicago police spokesman Roderick Drew told FoxNews.com that, according to the report, Holland "stood within an inch of the victim, prayed out loud at a high volume for over 10 minutes" but ultimately got arrested for blocking the entrance.
"The offender refused two requests to move, and continued to block customer access to the establishment after being asked to clear the entrance by the person in charge of the facility," he said.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
From "Standing still, praying gets man 'disorderly conduct' rap" by Bob Unruh © 2010 WorldNetDaily 7/29/10
"This arrest was about one thing: trying to scare pro-life people away from Planned Parenthood," said Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel for the Thomas More Society [TMS].
The organization is representing David Avignone and Joe Holland, whose "offense" was captured in a video.
The arrests were made because of Chicago's recently adopted "bubble" law that prevents approaching within eight feet of a person, without consent, "for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign to or engaging in oral protest, education or counseling."
Breen confirmed to WND Holland was engaged solely in prayer activity and not in leafleting, picketing or "sidewalk counseling." Holland was cuffed, taken into custody and booked at a police station for an offense that carries no possibility of jail time and is similar to offenses addressed by an officer handing out a citation.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
From "Chicago’s ‘Bubble Zone’ Lands Praying Pro-Lifer in Court" by Peter J. Smith, LifeSiteNews.com 7/29/10
Breen and TMS have argued that the “Bubble Zone” ordinance is unconstitutional, and have even gained the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois on that issue.
According to pro-life advocates with the Pro-Life Action League, police have previously misinterpreted the ordinance, getting their interpretation of the law from Planned Parenthood employees. In January, an officer told pro-life counselors that they could not come within eight feet of the Planned Parenthood doorway.
Again, in February one officer told sidewalk counselors not to come "within ten feet of the doorway ... that's panhandling."
Pro-Life Action League's projects coordinator, Corrina Gura, previously described the situation, saying that Planned Parenthood gives “the officers their version of what they wish the law said, then they ask the police to enforce their imaginary law."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Also read California Pastor Jailed for Standing near Abortion Clinic
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Pastor Warns America of Socialism, Calls for Prayer
America currently stands in a very dangerous position, said renowned pastor and author Dr. Charles Stanley. Today more than ever, the country is turning away from God and moving closer toward socialism, he warned. And the consequences will be grave.
Dr. Stanley is calling for 140 days of prayer for our nation (see below).
-- From "Dr. Charles Stanley Warns of the Danger of a Tide of Socialism" by David Outten, Atlanta Conservative Examiner 7/4/10
In the July 4th sermon posted on InTouch.org Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist of Atlanta, spoke on "Turning the Tide." [click here to watch] A primary focus of the sermon is the clash between Christianity and Socialism.
Dr. Stanley said, "We find ourselves, as a nation, violating the laws of God and heading in a direction that is going to be disastrous for us, for our children and for the generations that are to come, unless there is a change. . . . There is a tide that has touched our shores and reached the heart of our nation. It is a tide that is bringing with it ideas and philosophies, actions and attitudes, that will ultimately destroy the way of life that you and I have."
He said Christianity interferes with the spread of Socialism.
Dr. Stanley closed with a story about German Christians gathering to pray in 1989 -- against the will of their Communist government. Over time, the prayer meetings swelled from a handful to over 10,000. It got so there were too many to fit in the church where the prayers started. Very soon the Berlin Wall came down.
Such a sermon is so rare that InTouch ministries has been overwhelmed by the response. Their web servers are having difficult handling the traffic.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Influential Pastor Warns of Socialism, Departure from God" by Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter 7/3/10
Speaking to thousands at First Baptist Church of Atlanta and to a live Web audience on Friday [July 2], Stanley delivered a sobering 4th of July message [click here to watch] about a dangerous spiritual tide that is engulfing the country and the crucial need for prayer.
Socialism, he pointed out, is opposed primarily to Christianity and Judaism.
"In Christianity, we're taught to do our best because we've been gifted by God. So there's motivation, willingness and we cooperate," he explained. "We use our spiritual gifts for the good of everyone."
But under a socialist society, in which the government controls all means of production and distribution, there is no motivation for diligence and creativity is stifled, he said.
He added, "Naturally, when the government takes control, do you think that freedom of speech is always going to be there?"
"The tide is bringing in a control that will indeed attempt to silence the truth and will attempt to squash the religious devotion and worship of the people of God."
"It is an attempt to destroy the Christian spirit in America," he said.
"There is a war going on against Jesus," he declared. "It's part of the strategy. The primary reason for this war against Him is He is interfering with the plan to make this a socialist nation. Mark it down. It is the truth."
"Do you want this nation to keep going where it's going or do you want us to get back on track?" he posed.
Prayer, he said, is the one thing he knows that works.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (full movie on YouTube):
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Full Movie) FREE to watch for a limited time (click here)! from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.
Dr. Stanley is calling for 140 days of prayer for our nation (see below).
-- From "Dr. Charles Stanley Warns of the Danger of a Tide of Socialism" by David Outten, Atlanta Conservative Examiner 7/4/10
In the July 4th sermon posted on InTouch.org Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist of Atlanta, spoke on "Turning the Tide." [click here to watch] A primary focus of the sermon is the clash between Christianity and Socialism.
Dr. Stanley said, "We find ourselves, as a nation, violating the laws of God and heading in a direction that is going to be disastrous for us, for our children and for the generations that are to come, unless there is a change. . . . There is a tide that has touched our shores and reached the heart of our nation. It is a tide that is bringing with it ideas and philosophies, actions and attitudes, that will ultimately destroy the way of life that you and I have."
He said Christianity interferes with the spread of Socialism.
Dr. Stanley closed with a story about German Christians gathering to pray in 1989 -- against the will of their Communist government. Over time, the prayer meetings swelled from a handful to over 10,000. It got so there were too many to fit in the church where the prayers started. Very soon the Berlin Wall came down.
Such a sermon is so rare that InTouch ministries has been overwhelmed by the response. Their web servers are having difficult handling the traffic.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Influential Pastor Warns of Socialism, Departure from God" by Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter 7/3/10
Speaking to thousands at First Baptist Church of Atlanta and to a live Web audience on Friday [July 2], Stanley delivered a sobering 4th of July message [click here to watch] about a dangerous spiritual tide that is engulfing the country and the crucial need for prayer.
Socialism, he pointed out, is opposed primarily to Christianity and Judaism.
"In Christianity, we're taught to do our best because we've been gifted by God. So there's motivation, willingness and we cooperate," he explained. "We use our spiritual gifts for the good of everyone."
But under a socialist society, in which the government controls all means of production and distribution, there is no motivation for diligence and creativity is stifled, he said.
He added, "Naturally, when the government takes control, do you think that freedom of speech is always going to be there?"
"The tide is bringing in a control that will indeed attempt to silence the truth and will attempt to squash the religious devotion and worship of the people of God."
"It is an attempt to destroy the Christian spirit in America," he said.
"There is a war going on against Jesus," he declared. "It's part of the strategy. The primary reason for this war against Him is He is interfering with the plan to make this a socialist nation. Mark it down. It is the truth."
"Do you want this nation to keep going where it's going or do you want us to get back on track?" he posed.
Prayer, he said, is the one thing he knows that works.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (full movie on YouTube):
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Full Movie) FREE to watch for a limited time (click here)! from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.
Atheists Fail to Stop Texas Cross Sculpture
After a nine-year battle, a seven story symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ has been erected by The Coming King Foundation (TCKF) along Interstate 10 at Kerrville, TX.-- From "77'7" Kerrville Cross Raised on IH-10, Ending 9 Year Epic Struggle" Christian Newswire 7/28/10
This historic event caps a 9-year epic struggle to raise the cross which included several financial "miracles", threats and attacks by atheists and others opposed to the cross, numerous letters to the media and city government, and a lawsuit filed by neighboring landowners which was settled.
The spiritual park, located at the main entrance of Kerrville, looks like the "Holy Land" and happens to be at the same latitude as Israel. The "Hill Country" town of Kerrville is home to about 23,000 people.
The unique hollow cross symbolizes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The "walk-in" cross sculpture is being displayed at the top of a 1,930' hill, at the end of a 100-yard-long, cross-shaped Garden. The Garden when completed, will display 77 Biblical scriptures on 16" etched ceramic tiles in multiple languages.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "A cross to bear" by Mark Armstrong, Kerrville Daily Times 7/27/10
In posts on Facebook and in Letters to the Editor, many area residents have expressed disappointment and a strong opposition to the giant cross.
The raising of the cross had been the subject of litigation after neighbors in the adjoining subdivisions filed suit against the foundation, claiming the cross would violate deed restrictions of the land. In the suit, they argued the land could not be used for commercial purposes.
The lawsuit was eventually settled and, since the site is outside the city limits, none of the city’s zoning regulations applied to the land.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sweeping Pro-life, Bipartisan Legislation in Congress
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) filed the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," which would permanently prohibit taxpayer funding of abortion in every federal program and establish as permanent many of the pro-life policies currently relying on regular congressional re-approval.
-- From "House bill would ban federal abortion funding" by Mike Lillis, The Hill 7/29/10
While a 24-year-old law — dubbed the Hyde Amendment — already ensures taxpayers don’t subsidize abortions under Medicaid and all other federal health programs, the law is temporary, forcing Congress to pass it each year as a rider to broader spending bills.
The Smith/Lipinski bill [HR 5939] would permanently solidify the funding ban across all federal agencies.
“Congress can act now and fix this problem once and for all,” Charmaine Yoest, head of Americans United for Life Action, said in a statement endorsing the bill.
The legislation arrives as lawmakers joust over the possibility that newly created high-risk pools — established by the new healthcare reform law — could cover elective abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act' Introduced" by James Tillman, LifeSiteNews.com 7/30/10
The proposed legislation would make permanent the Hyde amendment, which prohibits the funding of elective abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or threat to the life of the mother, through any program funded by the annual Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Act.
The bill would also make permanent the Helms amendment, the Smith FEHBP amendment, and the Dornan amendment, which respectively prohibit the funding of abortion overseas, the funding of elective abortion coverage for federal employees, and the use of congressionally appropriated funds for abortion in the District of Columbia.
In addition to banning abortion funding, the bill would also codify the Hyde-Weldon conscience clause within the Hyde amendment. This ensures that recipients of federal funding do not discriminate against health care providers because they do not provide or facilitate abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "House bill would ban federal abortion funding" by Mike Lillis, The Hill 7/29/10
While a 24-year-old law — dubbed the Hyde Amendment — already ensures taxpayers don’t subsidize abortions under Medicaid and all other federal health programs, the law is temporary, forcing Congress to pass it each year as a rider to broader spending bills.
The Smith/Lipinski bill [HR 5939] would permanently solidify the funding ban across all federal agencies.
“Congress can act now and fix this problem once and for all,” Charmaine Yoest, head of Americans United for Life Action, said in a statement endorsing the bill.
The legislation arrives as lawmakers joust over the possibility that newly created high-risk pools — established by the new healthcare reform law — could cover elective abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act' Introduced" by James Tillman, LifeSiteNews.com 7/30/10
The proposed legislation would make permanent the Hyde amendment, which prohibits the funding of elective abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or threat to the life of the mother, through any program funded by the annual Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Act.
The bill would also make permanent the Helms amendment, the Smith FEHBP amendment, and the Dornan amendment, which respectively prohibit the funding of abortion overseas, the funding of elective abortion coverage for federal employees, and the use of congressionally appropriated funds for abortion in the District of Columbia.
In addition to banning abortion funding, the bill would also codify the Hyde-Weldon conscience clause within the Hyde amendment. This ensures that recipients of federal funding do not discriminate against health care providers because they do not provide or facilitate abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Feds' Computer Sex Game for Kids Teaches Abstinence?
The federal government is using taxpayer dollars for a video game wherein young girls, including preteens, are enticed into sexual situations by a 'trained adult.'
-- From "UCF gets $434K NIH grant" by Orlando Business Journal 7/26/10
The University of Central Florida was awarded a $434,800 National Institutes of Health grant that will allow researchers there to develop a game using life-size avatars and real-life scenarios to promote sexual abstinence among Latina middle schoolers.
Anne Norris, a UCF nursing professor, and Charles Hughes, a UCF computer science professor, will work together with UCF’s Institute for Simulation & Training during the next two years on the project.
The game is intended to be played in after-school and youth outreach programs run by trained teachers and counselors. It will be designed to improve girls’ skills in responding to peer pressure to engage in sexual behavior.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease among the young Latina population,” Norris said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Avatars to Help Latina Girls Say 'No' to Sex" by Kimberly Lewis, University of Central Florida 7/27/10
The schoolgirls will interact with realistic computer-generated characters that speak and respond to them in real-life scenarios. To make the game as realistic as possible, the avatars are controlled by the actions of a skilled "interactor" using motion-capture technology. The interactor remains hidden, often in a remote location, during game play.
Norris cites many reasons for focusing on young Latina adolescents, age 12-15. Low-income Latinas have higher teen birth rates and higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases than their white peers. The best time to teach girls abstinence and peer-resistance skills is during middle school -- those approaches are less effective once girls become sexually active. And many Latina girls may lack role models who can help them learn how to resist peer pressure.
While the peer-resistance computer game is focused on young adolescent Latinas, all middle schoolers could benefit. If the game is successful for these girls, Norris plans to develop a similar game for boys and girls of other ethnicities.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Federal government funds virtual 'sex' game" by Chelsea Schilling © 2010 WorldNetDaily 7/30/10
"[The game is] a place to practice where there aren't any social consequences," Norris said.
Developers expect to finish the game by spring of 2011.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "UCF gets $434K NIH grant" by Orlando Business Journal 7/26/10
The University of Central Florida was awarded a $434,800 National Institutes of Health grant that will allow researchers there to develop a game using life-size avatars and real-life scenarios to promote sexual abstinence among Latina middle schoolers.
Anne Norris, a UCF nursing professor, and Charles Hughes, a UCF computer science professor, will work together with UCF’s Institute for Simulation & Training during the next two years on the project.
The game is intended to be played in after-school and youth outreach programs run by trained teachers and counselors. It will be designed to improve girls’ skills in responding to peer pressure to engage in sexual behavior.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease among the young Latina population,” Norris said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Avatars to Help Latina Girls Say 'No' to Sex" by Kimberly Lewis, University of Central Florida 7/27/10
The schoolgirls will interact with realistic computer-generated characters that speak and respond to them in real-life scenarios. To make the game as realistic as possible, the avatars are controlled by the actions of a skilled "interactor" using motion-capture technology. The interactor remains hidden, often in a remote location, during game play.
Norris cites many reasons for focusing on young Latina adolescents, age 12-15. Low-income Latinas have higher teen birth rates and higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases than their white peers. The best time to teach girls abstinence and peer-resistance skills is during middle school -- those approaches are less effective once girls become sexually active. And many Latina girls may lack role models who can help them learn how to resist peer pressure.
While the peer-resistance computer game is focused on young adolescent Latinas, all middle schoolers could benefit. If the game is successful for these girls, Norris plans to develop a similar game for boys and girls of other ethnicities.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Federal government funds virtual 'sex' game" by Chelsea Schilling © 2010 WorldNetDaily 7/30/10
"[The game is] a place to practice where there aren't any social consequences," Norris said.
Developers expect to finish the game by spring of 2011.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Religious Left Says 'Tea Party' Unbiblical
Just like the mainstream media, liberal/progressive 'christians' are desperate to paint grassroots Americans negatively.
-- From "Is The Tea Party Unbiblical?" by Alfredo Garcia, Religion News Service (on the Huffington Post) 7/23/10
When conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck warned churchgoers to "run as fast as you can" if their pastors preach about "social justice," was he also encouraging them to run from the Bible?
That's what some progressive Christian leaders are arguing as battle lines are drawn for the 2010 mid-term elections. They say Beck and his Tea Party followers are, in a word, unbiblical.
Not so fast, say Tea Party activists, who claim biblical grounds for a libertarian-minded Jesus. He didn't like tax-based welfare programs, they say, and encouraged his followers to donate from the heart.
The insurgent Tea Party movement threatens to usurp the political prominence of religious conservatives, whose focus on hot-button social issues has been overshadowed by the Tea Party's fight against big government.
[David Gushee, professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University and co-founder of the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good] described the Tea Party as "an uneasy marriage between the libertarian conservative strand and the Christian right strand" of American politics. In this "uneasy alliance," however, he said the Christian side has taken a backseat to the movement's libertarian impulses.
The Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of the Washington-based social justice group Sojourners, is even blunter in his assessment of the Tea Party's approach to giving.
"The libertarian enshrinement of individual choice is not the pre-eminent Christian virtue," he wrote on his blog, God's Politics. "Emphasizing individual rights at the expense of others violates the common good, a central Christian teaching and tradition."
Lloyd Marcus of Deltona, Fla., a spokesman for the Tea Party Express, is a born-again, nondenominational Christian who says flatly that "Jesus was not for socialism."
Joseph Farah, founder and CEO of the website WorldNetDaily and author of the new "Tea Party Manifesto," agreed.
"When Jesus talks about clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, he's talking to us as individuals," Farah said. The Bible does not "suggest that government is the institution that he designed to help the poor."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Is The Tea Party Unbiblical?" by Alfredo Garcia, Religion News Service (on the Huffington Post) 7/23/10
When conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck warned churchgoers to "run as fast as you can" if their pastors preach about "social justice," was he also encouraging them to run from the Bible?
That's what some progressive Christian leaders are arguing as battle lines are drawn for the 2010 mid-term elections. They say Beck and his Tea Party followers are, in a word, unbiblical.
Not so fast, say Tea Party activists, who claim biblical grounds for a libertarian-minded Jesus. He didn't like tax-based welfare programs, they say, and encouraged his followers to donate from the heart.
The insurgent Tea Party movement threatens to usurp the political prominence of religious conservatives, whose focus on hot-button social issues has been overshadowed by the Tea Party's fight against big government.
[David Gushee, professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University and co-founder of the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good] described the Tea Party as "an uneasy marriage between the libertarian conservative strand and the Christian right strand" of American politics. In this "uneasy alliance," however, he said the Christian side has taken a backseat to the movement's libertarian impulses.
The Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of the Washington-based social justice group Sojourners, is even blunter in his assessment of the Tea Party's approach to giving.
"The libertarian enshrinement of individual choice is not the pre-eminent Christian virtue," he wrote on his blog, God's Politics. "Emphasizing individual rights at the expense of others violates the common good, a central Christian teaching and tradition."
Lloyd Marcus of Deltona, Fla., a spokesman for the Tea Party Express, is a born-again, nondenominational Christian who says flatly that "Jesus was not for socialism."
Joseph Farah, founder and CEO of the website WorldNetDaily and author of the new "Tea Party Manifesto," agreed.
"When Jesus talks about clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, he's talking to us as individuals," Farah said. The Bible does not "suggest that government is the institution that he designed to help the poor."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
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