Says ACLU's openly gay head: "Clearly, the momentum is on our side . . . It's just a matter of time." As for President Obama's endorsement: "We will push him."
-- From "ACLU chief: Same-sex marriage 'a sure thing'" by Gail Shister, Inquirer reporter 5/11/09
Just last week, Maine's legislature voted to legalize gay marriage, New Hampshire passed a law that awaits the governor's signature, and the District of Columbia voted to recognize out-of-state unions.
Massachusetts, Iowa, Vermont, and Connecticut allow gays to marry. In California, the state Supreme Court will rule on the repeal of Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage.
In New Jersey, Gov. Corzine says he will sign a same-sex marriage bill if one reaches his desk.
Same-sex marriage is nothing new to the 550,000-member ACLU. Its first challenge to a state law restricting matrimony to opposite-sex couples was filed in 1970 on behalf of a male duo in Minnesota. They lost.
Gay marriage remains a top priority for the ACLU, behind only national-security issues, says [ACLU head, Anthony] Romero, who began his tenure four days before 9/11.
Marriage is the key word in the debate, advocates say, because it confers consistent - and transferable - federal rights. Civil-union benefits vary by state and apply only to their state of origin.
G. Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College, predicts gay marriage will be legal nationally within a decade.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Liberal Media Portray Christians as Anti-science
In this MSNBC interview (see video) with Congressman Mike Pence (R-Indiana), "Hardball" host Chris Matthews says that Bible-believing Christians are against science because they question "evolutionary fact . . . taught . . . in our biology books."
Planned Parenthood Exploits Mother's Day
Judy Blume [author] sparked a firestorm this week when she wrote a letter on behalf of Planned Parenthood, describing a donation to the group as a "gift any mother will appreciate."
-- From "Judy Blume embroiled in Planned Parenthood controversy" by Colleen Mastony, Chicago Tribune staff reporter 5/9/09
Planned Parenthood, which supports abortion rights, sent the letter Tuesday as part of a Mother's Day fundraising push, distributing it to more than 200,000 people who had signed up to receive e-mails from the organization.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pro-Lifers Call Out Planned Parenthood's Hypocrisy in Mother's Day Appeal" by Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter 5/9/09
In a letter requesting support, Blume writes: "There is no organization that I know of that supports motherhood and all that it means more than Planned Parenthood. That's why I'm honoring moms everywhere with my gift to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund today."
The Action Fund is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Recent reports revealed that Planned Parenthood clinics across the country were performing more abortions this year than previous years. Clinics in Illinois performed an all-time high number of abortions in January, according to The Associated Press. Steve Trombley, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood in the Chicago Area, said many of the abortions were motivated by economic worries.
Blume writes to potential donors, "It's not easy to be a mother these days. And right now – with more and more women seeking care from Planned Parenthood health centers – we need to do all we can to support them.
"By honoring a mother in your life with a gift to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, you'll be making a gift that protects and advocates for the health of millions of mothers and families."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Judy Blume embroiled in Planned Parenthood controversy" by Colleen Mastony, Chicago Tribune staff reporter 5/9/09
Planned Parenthood, which supports abortion rights, sent the letter Tuesday as part of a Mother's Day fundraising push, distributing it to more than 200,000 people who had signed up to receive e-mails from the organization.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pro-Lifers Call Out Planned Parenthood's Hypocrisy in Mother's Day Appeal" by Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter 5/9/09
In a letter requesting support, Blume writes: "There is no organization that I know of that supports motherhood and all that it means more than Planned Parenthood. That's why I'm honoring moms everywhere with my gift to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund today."
The Action Fund is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Recent reports revealed that Planned Parenthood clinics across the country were performing more abortions this year than previous years. Clinics in Illinois performed an all-time high number of abortions in January, according to The Associated Press. Steve Trombley, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood in the Chicago Area, said many of the abortions were motivated by economic worries.
Blume writes to potential donors, "It's not easy to be a mother these days. And right now – with more and more women seeking care from Planned Parenthood health centers – we need to do all we can to support them.
"By honoring a mother in your life with a gift to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, you'll be making a gift that protects and advocates for the health of millions of mothers and families."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Obama Thankful for Freedom to Not Worship
President Obama's proclamation – as required by federal law – marking the National Day of Prayer, which barely mentions the Almighty, praises a secular America.
Contrasting Lincoln's and Obama's proclamations . . .
-- From "Obama’s National Day of Prayer Proclamation Mentions God Only Once" by Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer, CNSNews.com 5/7/09
On March 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation beginning with the words:
“Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.”
In today’s proclamation, Obama opened the document with these words:
“Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.”
In Lincoln’s proclamation, God is mentioned five times and emphasizes God’s dominion over the nation, the need for people to repent, and the divine nature of the Bible.
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord,” Lincoln wrote.
Obama’s proclamation mentions God once – “I call upon Americans to pray in thanksgiving for our freedoms and blessings and to ask for God’s continued guidance, grace and protection for this land that we love” – and also refers to people who don’t believe in God, which is tied to a reference to the U.S. military.
“On this day of unity and prayer, let us also honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” Obama wrote. “We celebrate their commitment to uphold our highest ideals, and we recognize that it is because of them that we continue to live in a Nation where people of all faiths can worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience.”
To read the entire proclamations by both presidents, CLICK HERE.
Contrasting Lincoln's and Obama's proclamations . . .
-- From "Obama’s National Day of Prayer Proclamation Mentions God Only Once" by Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer, CNSNews.com 5/7/09
On March 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation beginning with the words:
“Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.”
In today’s proclamation, Obama opened the document with these words:
“Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.”
In Lincoln’s proclamation, God is mentioned five times and emphasizes God’s dominion over the nation, the need for people to repent, and the divine nature of the Bible.
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord,” Lincoln wrote.
Obama’s proclamation mentions God once – “I call upon Americans to pray in thanksgiving for our freedoms and blessings and to ask for God’s continued guidance, grace and protection for this land that we love” – and also refers to people who don’t believe in God, which is tied to a reference to the U.S. military.
“On this day of unity and prayer, let us also honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” Obama wrote. “We celebrate their commitment to uphold our highest ideals, and we recognize that it is because of them that we continue to live in a Nation where people of all faiths can worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience.”
To read the entire proclamations by both presidents, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Homosexualists Demand More from Obama
President Obama's recent endorsement of special rights for sexual deviancy via the Hate Crimes bill isn't enough -- Gay America now!
UPDATE 5/28/09: Obama ensures Senate will pass 'hate crimes' law
UPDATE 5/22/09: LA Times concerned Obama putting Gays on back burner
-- From "As Gay Issues Arise, Obama Is Pressed to Engage" by Sheryl Gay Stolberg, News York Times 5/7/09
President Obama was noticeably silent last month when the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
But now Mr. Obama — who has said he opposes same-sex marriage as a Christian but describes himself as a “fierce advocate of equality” for gay men and lesbians — is under pressure to engage on a variety of gay issues that are coming to the fore amid a dizzying pace of social, political, legal and legislative change.
Two of Mr. Obama’s potential Supreme Court nominees are openly gay; some advocates, irked that there are no gay men or lesbians in his cabinet, are mounting a campaign to influence his choice to replace Justice David H. Souter, who is retiring. Same-sex marriage is advancing in states — the latest to allow it is Maine — and a new flare-up in the District of Columbia could ultimately put the controversy in the lap of the president.
Mr. Obama’s new global health initiative has infuriated activists who say he is not financing AIDS programs generously enough. And while the president has urged Congress to pass a hate crimes bill, a high priority for gay groups, he has delayed action on one of his key campaign promises, repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule.
. . . gay activists . . . are unsettled by what they see as the president’s cautious approach.
In the words of David Mixner, a writer, gay activists are beginning to wonder, “How much longer do we give him the benefit of the doubt?”
The White House, aware of the discontent, invited leaders of some prominent gay rights organizations to meet Monday with top officials, including Jim Messina, Mr. Obama’s deputy chief of staff, to plot legislative strategy on the hate crimes bill as well as “don’t ask, don’t tell.”
Some say change is inevitable, not only for Mr. Obama but also for other Democratic politicians who have embraced civil unions but rejected same-sex marriage. Now that the Iowa ruling has pushed the battle into the nation’s heartland, the issue will inevitably come up during the 2010 midterm elections and the 2012 presidential campaign.
“We’ve elected probably the most pro-gay president in history; he’s very good on the issues but he is not good on gay marriage,” said Steven Elmendorf, a gay Democratic lobbyist.
Mr. Obama has chosen a number of openly gay people for prominent jobs, including Fred P. Hochberg as chairman of the Export-Import Bank and John Berry to run the Office of Personnel Management. And he is the first president to set aside tickets for gay families to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll.
But on legislation, allies of Mr. Obama’s are not surprised that he is charting a careful course. In addition to calling for the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in the military, Mr. Obama supports a legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that said states need not recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Opponents of same-sex marriage say that is an inconsistency.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Where's Our 'Fierce Advocate'?" by Richard Socarides, Washington Post 5/2/09
In December, while trying to quiet the furor over his invitation of Rick Warren to take part in his inauguration, Barack Obama reminded us that he had been a "consistent" and "fierce advocate of equality for gay and lesbian Americans." But at the end of its first 100 days, his administration has been neither.
. . . recent victories on gay marriage, a youth-driven paradigm shift in public opinion and the election of our first African American president make this a uniquely opportune moment to act.
. . . Where is our New Deal?
. . . President Obama will never have more political capital than he has now, and there will never be a better political environment to capitalize on. People are distracted by the economy and war, and they are unlikely to get stirred up by the right-wing rhetoric that has doomed efforts in the past.
. . . We have waited long enough.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Obamanomics: Abstinence Funding Out, Taxpayer Abortion In
President Obama worldview apparent in proposed 2010 budget
UPDATE 5/11/09: Conservatives vow to fight elimination of abstinence-only prgrams
-- From "President Obama's budget cuts funding for abstinence-only sex education programs" by Michael Mcauliff, Daily News Washington Bureau 5/8/09
The White House wants to get out of the business of telling youngsters "Just Say No to Sex."
President Obama is putting his own ideological stamp on federal spending in his proposed 2010 budget by cutting cash for abstinence-only sex ed programs.
He's taken a scalpel to a pair of $100 million George W. Bush-era programs that exclusively preached abstinence. Obama is replacing them with $110 million for comprehensive teen pregnancy prevention.
Dumping the say-no-to-sex programs were a tiny fraction of the $17 billion Team Obama trimmed from its $3.4 trillion funding budget request.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Wants Tax Money To Fund DC Abortions" by Joe Murray, The Bulletin [Philadelphia] 5/8/09
President Barack Obama urged the Democratic-controlled House and Senate to repeal the ban on taxpayer-funded abortions in the District of Columbia as one of his budgetary recommendations earlier this week.
The $3.4 trillion budget Mr. Obama submitted to Congress suggested the repeal of the ban, often referred to as the Dornan amendment, which prevents taxpayer-funded abortions in the District. First passed in 1988, the ban was in place until 1993 when it was briefly repealed under the Clinton administration.
By 1996, the ban was re-enacted and remains law. The budget proposal to repeal the Dornan Amendment has a number of political observers crying foul.
“Some wide-eyed journalists and various political shills for the Obama administration continue to write fairy tales about how President Obama wants to pursue policies that would reduce abortions,” said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC).
“That is a political scam. In reality, President Obama is pursuing a step-by-step strategy to expand access to abortion, and today’s step is to urge Congress to authorize the funding of abortion on demand in the nation’s capital, with funds appropriated by Congress.”
Abortion has been a tricky issue for Mr. Obama since he entered the presidential campaign. While on the trail, Mr. Obama dodged questions pertaining to his pro-choice voting record in Illinois and famously told Pastor Rick Warren the topic of abortion was above his “pay grade.”
. . . Mr. Obama’s rhetoric, pro-lifers say, does not match reality.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 5/11/09: Conservatives vow to fight elimination of abstinence-only prgrams
-- From "President Obama's budget cuts funding for abstinence-only sex education programs" by Michael Mcauliff, Daily News Washington Bureau 5/8/09
The White House wants to get out of the business of telling youngsters "Just Say No to Sex."
President Obama is putting his own ideological stamp on federal spending in his proposed 2010 budget by cutting cash for abstinence-only sex ed programs.
He's taken a scalpel to a pair of $100 million George W. Bush-era programs that exclusively preached abstinence. Obama is replacing them with $110 million for comprehensive teen pregnancy prevention.
Dumping the say-no-to-sex programs were a tiny fraction of the $17 billion Team Obama trimmed from its $3.4 trillion funding budget request.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Wants Tax Money To Fund DC Abortions" by Joe Murray, The Bulletin [Philadelphia] 5/8/09
President Barack Obama urged the Democratic-controlled House and Senate to repeal the ban on taxpayer-funded abortions in the District of Columbia as one of his budgetary recommendations earlier this week.
The $3.4 trillion budget Mr. Obama submitted to Congress suggested the repeal of the ban, often referred to as the Dornan amendment, which prevents taxpayer-funded abortions in the District. First passed in 1988, the ban was in place until 1993 when it was briefly repealed under the Clinton administration.
By 1996, the ban was re-enacted and remains law. The budget proposal to repeal the Dornan Amendment has a number of political observers crying foul.
“Some wide-eyed journalists and various political shills for the Obama administration continue to write fairy tales about how President Obama wants to pursue policies that would reduce abortions,” said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC).
“That is a political scam. In reality, President Obama is pursuing a step-by-step strategy to expand access to abortion, and today’s step is to urge Congress to authorize the funding of abortion on demand in the nation’s capital, with funds appropriated by Congress.”
Abortion has been a tricky issue for Mr. Obama since he entered the presidential campaign. While on the trail, Mr. Obama dodged questions pertaining to his pro-choice voting record in Illinois and famously told Pastor Rick Warren the topic of abortion was above his “pay grade.”
. . . Mr. Obama’s rhetoric, pro-lifers say, does not match reality.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, May 08, 2009
School Stonewalls Parents on 'Lesbian Minister' Guest Speaker
Parents sue California public high school for information on lesbian's presentation to math and science classes speaking about her "coming out to God" - District invokes "clergy-penitent privilege"
No, you couldn't make this stuff up!
-- From "Parents Complain After Lesbian Minister Speaks at High School" by Pacific Justice Institute 5/7/09
More than twenty parents filed suit yesterday against the Castro Valley Unified School District, after the District refused to comply with a public records request. The parents are represented by staff attorneys with Pacific Justice Institute.
The parents sought more information after learning from their children that a lesbian minister had been invited by the school to speak to math and science classes at Castro Valley High School. According to students, the minister spoke about her lesbian wedding and the process of "coming out" to God, self and family. Pacific Justice Institute sent a public records request to the school on the parents' behalf, seeking all records related to the minister's presentations, as well as any records demonstrating the connection between the minister's talk and the math and science curriculum.
In response, the school district flatly refused to provide the records. To the bewilderment of PJI attorneys, the District invoked the clergy-penitent privilege-ordinarily used to shield ministers from testifying in court about confessions made to them in private. PJI filed a writ petition yesterday in Alameda Superior Court to compel release of the records.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
No, you couldn't make this stuff up!
-- From "Parents Complain After Lesbian Minister Speaks at High School" by Pacific Justice Institute 5/7/09
More than twenty parents filed suit yesterday against the Castro Valley Unified School District, after the District refused to comply with a public records request. The parents are represented by staff attorneys with Pacific Justice Institute.
The parents sought more information after learning from their children that a lesbian minister had been invited by the school to speak to math and science classes at Castro Valley High School. According to students, the minister spoke about her lesbian wedding and the process of "coming out" to God, self and family. Pacific Justice Institute sent a public records request to the school on the parents' behalf, seeking all records related to the minister's presentations, as well as any records demonstrating the connection between the minister's talk and the math and science curriculum.
In response, the school district flatly refused to provide the records. To the bewilderment of PJI attorneys, the District invoked the clergy-penitent privilege-ordinarily used to shield ministers from testifying in court about confessions made to them in private. PJI filed a writ petition yesterday in Alameda Superior Court to compel release of the records.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Vote on New Maine Same-sex 'Marriage' Law Likely
Maine's constitution provides a "people's veto" referendum opportunity to nullify the legislature's "gay marriage" bill signed by Gov. John Baldacci
UPDATE 9/21/09: Fierce advertising battle shaping up for referendum
UPDATE 9/2/09: Maine citizens to vote on same-sex marriage in November
-- From "Opponents challenging new Maine gay marriage law" by Glenn Adams, Associated Press 5/7/09
Activists on both sides Thursday started working up strategies for campaigns leading up to a possible November referendum under a state constitutional provision known as the people's veto.
The deadline for opponents to collect at least 55,087 signatures will probably fall in mid-September, about the time the gay marriage law is due to take effect.
However, the law would be stayed as soon as the signatures are submitted for review by election officials. And the timing of when petitions are turned in will determine whether the referendum can be scheduled for this November or June 2010.
The National Association of Marriage Enhancement — which helped drive successful referendums in Arizona, California and Florida to pass laws defining marriage as between one man and one woman — said it is looking for ways to help out.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 9/21/09: Fierce advertising battle shaping up for referendum
UPDATE 9/2/09: Maine citizens to vote on same-sex marriage in November
-- From "Opponents challenging new Maine gay marriage law" by Glenn Adams, Associated Press 5/7/09
Activists on both sides Thursday started working up strategies for campaigns leading up to a possible November referendum under a state constitutional provision known as the people's veto.
The deadline for opponents to collect at least 55,087 signatures will probably fall in mid-September, about the time the gay marriage law is due to take effect.
However, the law would be stayed as soon as the signatures are submitted for review by election officials. And the timing of when petitions are turned in will determine whether the referendum can be scheduled for this November or June 2010.
The National Association of Marriage Enhancement — which helped drive successful referendums in Arizona, California and Florida to pass laws defining marriage as between one man and one woman — said it is looking for ways to help out.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Miss California Topless Photos Shoved in Christians' Faces
Politically Incorrect Enemy No. 1, Carrie Prejean, has been targeted by mainstream media and homosexualists worldwide for total annihilation because of her support of traditional marriage.
-- From "Miss California: I’ll fight on despite racy photos" by Mike Celizic, NBC News TODAYShow.com contributor 5/5/09
With partially nude photos of her popping up on Web sites questioning her Christian credentials, Miss California USA Carrie Prejean has fired back, claiming the racy pictures are just modeling shots and vowing to continue her battle against same-sex marriage.
“I am a Christian, and I am a model,” Prejean said in a statement released overnight to the media. “Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be.”
But Alicia Jacobs, a judge at the April 19 Miss USA pageant during which Prejean made her highly publicized statement opposing same-sex marriage, said the pictures go beyond what the Miss California pageant says are appropriate.
The images may also hurt her status as a spokeswoman for conservative causes. “She can continue to advocate for causes, but I don’t think these causes are going to advocate for her,” Ken Baker of E! News told NBC.
The Web site thedirty.com claimed that it had six pictures of Prejean. As of Tuesday morning, it had posted one on its site. The picture shows Prejean wearing nothing but a pair of revealing pink panties and smiling over her shoulder at the camera. Her breasts are covered by her arm.
Although Prejean said the pictures were taken when she was 17, others have alleged that they seem to have been taken after she underwent breast-enhancement surgery six weeks prior to the Miss USA pageant. That surgery was paid for by the Miss California pageant.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Calif pageant eyes Prejean for contract violations" by Lisa Leff, Associated Press Writer 5/5/09
The directors of the Miss California USA pageant are looking into whether title holder Carrie Prejean violated her contract by working with a national group opposed to gay marriage and by posing semi-nude when she was a teenage model.
Pageant spokesman Roger Neal said Tuesday that it appears Prejean has run afoul of several sections of the 12-page contract that all prospective contestants were required to sign before competing in the November state contest.
The detailed document prohibits the titular Miss California from making personal appearances, giving interviews or making commercials without permission from pageant officials. In the last 10 days, Prejean has made televised appearances at her San Diego church and on behalf of the National Organization for Marriage, a group opposed to same-sex marriage.
The contact also contains a clause asking participants to say whether they have conducted themselves "in accordance with the highest ethical and moral standards." As an example, it asks if they have ever been photographed nude or partially nude.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Miss California: I’ll fight on despite racy photos" by Mike Celizic, NBC News TODAYShow.com contributor 5/5/09
With partially nude photos of her popping up on Web sites questioning her Christian credentials, Miss California USA Carrie Prejean has fired back, claiming the racy pictures are just modeling shots and vowing to continue her battle against same-sex marriage.
“I am a Christian, and I am a model,” Prejean said in a statement released overnight to the media. “Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be.”
But Alicia Jacobs, a judge at the April 19 Miss USA pageant during which Prejean made her highly publicized statement opposing same-sex marriage, said the pictures go beyond what the Miss California pageant says are appropriate.
The images may also hurt her status as a spokeswoman for conservative causes. “She can continue to advocate for causes, but I don’t think these causes are going to advocate for her,” Ken Baker of E! News told NBC.
The Web site thedirty.com claimed that it had six pictures of Prejean. As of Tuesday morning, it had posted one on its site. The picture shows Prejean wearing nothing but a pair of revealing pink panties and smiling over her shoulder at the camera. Her breasts are covered by her arm.
Although Prejean said the pictures were taken when she was 17, others have alleged that they seem to have been taken after she underwent breast-enhancement surgery six weeks prior to the Miss USA pageant. That surgery was paid for by the Miss California pageant.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Calif pageant eyes Prejean for contract violations" by Lisa Leff, Associated Press Writer 5/5/09
The directors of the Miss California USA pageant are looking into whether title holder Carrie Prejean violated her contract by working with a national group opposed to gay marriage and by posing semi-nude when she was a teenage model.
Pageant spokesman Roger Neal said Tuesday that it appears Prejean has run afoul of several sections of the 12-page contract that all prospective contestants were required to sign before competing in the November state contest.
The detailed document prohibits the titular Miss California from making personal appearances, giving interviews or making commercials without permission from pageant officials. In the last 10 days, Prejean has made televised appearances at her San Diego church and on behalf of the National Organization for Marriage, a group opposed to same-sex marriage.
The contact also contains a clause asking participants to say whether they have conducted themselves "in accordance with the highest ethical and moral standards." As an example, it asks if they have ever been photographed nude or partially nude.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Marriage Death by a Thousand Cuts
Remember that President Obama said during his campaign, and posted officially on the White House website, that same-sex couples should have "all the benefits that are available for a legally sanctioned marriage" (click for Obama video).
UPDATE 7/15/09: Huffington Post writer mirrors this Blog's discernment
-- From "States grant more rights to gay couples" by Carol J. Williams, posted at the Chicago Tribune 5/6/09
. . . referring to rights incrementally accorded gay couples that have led to virtual equality between same-sex and heterosexual unions in states where gay marriage remains banned, a growing trend . . .
These rights are expanding as legally married gay couples relocate to states that don't allow gay marriage, forcing courts, legislatures and employers to deal with a new wrinkle on issues of custody, divorce, inheritance and end-of-life decisions.
In New York, which does not allow gay marriage but recognizes those conducted elsewhere, recent court decisions have granted a divorce to two gay men and surviving-spouse benefits to another. In California, federal judges have twice overruled decisions by the federal government to deny health-care coverage to gay employees' legal spouses, teeing up a constitutional challenge to the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal benefits to same-sex couples.
Rights advocates predict the tide eventually will sweep into some of the 30-plus states that have passed laws or constitutional amendments defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
"A body of law is emerging because it has no choice. Cases have been filed, and they have to be decided one way or another," said Joseph Milizio, a Long Island, N.Y., lawyer specializing in gay and lesbian representation.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
(Shhh . . . the church is sleeping)
UPDATE 7/15/09: Huffington Post writer mirrors this Blog's discernment
-- From "States grant more rights to gay couples" by Carol J. Williams, posted at the Chicago Tribune 5/6/09
. . . referring to rights incrementally accorded gay couples that have led to virtual equality between same-sex and heterosexual unions in states where gay marriage remains banned, a growing trend . . .
These rights are expanding as legally married gay couples relocate to states that don't allow gay marriage, forcing courts, legislatures and employers to deal with a new wrinkle on issues of custody, divorce, inheritance and end-of-life decisions.
In New York, which does not allow gay marriage but recognizes those conducted elsewhere, recent court decisions have granted a divorce to two gay men and surviving-spouse benefits to another. In California, federal judges have twice overruled decisions by the federal government to deny health-care coverage to gay employees' legal spouses, teeing up a constitutional challenge to the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal benefits to same-sex couples.
Rights advocates predict the tide eventually will sweep into some of the 30-plus states that have passed laws or constitutional amendments defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
"A body of law is emerging because it has no choice. Cases have been filed, and they have to be decided one way or another," said Joseph Milizio, a Long Island, N.Y., lawyer specializing in gay and lesbian representation.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
(Shhh . . . the church is sleeping)
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Teacher Calling Genesis 'Superstitious Nonsense' Loses in Court
In what apparently is a first-of-its-kind decision, a federal court has ruled that a California teacher violated the rights of a student by making fun of Christianity. "The Supreme Court's comments with regard to government promotion of religion apply with equal force where the government disapproves of religion," the court ruling said.
UPDATE 8/22/11: A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules in favor of (teacher) Corbett - for another account of the ruling, CLICK HERE
UPDATE 10/23/09: Student may have won case, but must pay $20K legal fees
-- From "Student Wins Suit After Teacher Says Creationism 'Superstitious Nonsense'" Associated Press 5/4/09
U.S. District Judge James Selna issued the ruling Friday after a 16-month legal battle between student Chad Farnan and his former teacher, James Corbett.
The lawsuit cited more than 20 statements made by Corbett during one day of class, all of which were recorded by Farnan, to support allegations of a broader teaching method that "favors irreligion over religion" and made Christian students feel uncomfortable.
. . . Selna ruled Friday that one comment, where Corbett referred to creationism as "religious, superstitious nonsense," did violate Farnan's constitutional rights.
Farnan's family would . . . like to see the school district offer teacher training and monitor Corbett's classroom for future violations, Monk said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teacher's rant on Christians draws court rebuke" by Bob Unruh © 2009 WorldNetDaily 5/4/09
Teacher James Corbett of Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo already had a reputation for dissing the faithful when Chad Farnan began taking an Advanced Placement European history class from him two years ago.
"We hope that the impact of this will be that teachers will begin to consider whether their comments express disapproval toward religion or hostility toward religion," [said Jennifer Monk] with Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a national non-profit legal organization whose aim is to protect religious liberty in the courts.
The law firm said the court decided to allow many of Corbett's comments, including his statement, "When you put on your Jesus glasses, you can't see the truth."
The case alleged Corbett "spends an extended period of time at the beginning of each class discussing topics that are not only irrelevant to history but also inflammatory and often altogether inappropriate for high school students."
It alleged that Corbett's diatribes caused "students to hold religious beliefs to feel like second-class citizens."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 8/22/11: A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules in favor of (teacher) Corbett - for another account of the ruling, CLICK HERE
UPDATE 10/23/09: Student may have won case, but must pay $20K legal fees
-- From "Student Wins Suit After Teacher Says Creationism 'Superstitious Nonsense'" Associated Press 5/4/09
U.S. District Judge James Selna issued the ruling Friday after a 16-month legal battle between student Chad Farnan and his former teacher, James Corbett.
The lawsuit cited more than 20 statements made by Corbett during one day of class, all of which were recorded by Farnan, to support allegations of a broader teaching method that "favors irreligion over religion" and made Christian students feel uncomfortable.
. . . Selna ruled Friday that one comment, where Corbett referred to creationism as "religious, superstitious nonsense," did violate Farnan's constitutional rights.
Farnan's family would . . . like to see the school district offer teacher training and monitor Corbett's classroom for future violations, Monk said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teacher's rant on Christians draws court rebuke" by Bob Unruh © 2009 WorldNetDaily 5/4/09
Teacher James Corbett of Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo already had a reputation for dissing the faithful when Chad Farnan began taking an Advanced Placement European history class from him two years ago.
"We hope that the impact of this will be that teachers will begin to consider whether their comments express disapproval toward religion or hostility toward religion," [said Jennifer Monk] with Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a national non-profit legal organization whose aim is to protect religious liberty in the courts.
The law firm said the court decided to allow many of Corbett's comments, including his statement, "When you put on your Jesus glasses, you can't see the truth."
The case alleged Corbett "spends an extended period of time at the beginning of each class discussing topics that are not only irrelevant to history but also inflammatory and often altogether inappropriate for high school students."
It alleged that Corbett's diatribes caused "students to hold religious beliefs to feel like second-class citizens."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Murderers, Terrorists, 'Right-wing Christians' Barred from UK
Among the list of sixteen people banned from entering the UK include radio talk show host Michael Savage.
-- From "Named and shamed: the 16 barred from UK" by Beverley Rouse, Press Association, posted on The Independent 5/5/09
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she decided to make public the names of 16 people banned since October so others could better understand what sort of behaviour Britain was not prepared to tolerate.
The list includes hate preachers, anti-gay protesters and a far-right US talk show host.
The list of the 16 "least wanted" includes radio talk show host Michael Savage, real name Michael Weiner.
"This is someone who has fallen into the category of fomenting hatred, of such extreme views and expressing them in such a way that it is actually likely to cause inter-community tension or even violence if that person were allowed into the country," Ms Smith told BBC Breakfast.
Hamas MP Yunis Al-Astal, Jewish extremist Mike Guzovsky, former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard Stephen Donald Black and neo-Nazi Erich Gliebe are also on the list released today.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Named and shamed: the 16 barred from UK" by Beverley Rouse, Press Association, posted on The Independent 5/5/09
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she decided to make public the names of 16 people banned since October so others could better understand what sort of behaviour Britain was not prepared to tolerate.
The list includes hate preachers, anti-gay protesters and a far-right US talk show host.
The list of the 16 "least wanted" includes radio talk show host Michael Savage, real name Michael Weiner.
"This is someone who has fallen into the category of fomenting hatred, of such extreme views and expressing them in such a way that it is actually likely to cause inter-community tension or even violence if that person were allowed into the country," Ms Smith told BBC Breakfast.
Hamas MP Yunis Al-Astal, Jewish extremist Mike Guzovsky, former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard Stephen Donald Black and neo-Nazi Erich Gliebe are also on the list released today.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Gov. Palin Backs Citizens' Vote on Abortion Restrictions
Voters, not lawmakers, would decide if doctors had to tell a parent of a girl younger than 18.
-- From "Governor supports abortion initiative" by Sean Cockerham, Anchorage Daily News 5/3/09
The initiative sponsors, including former Lt. Gov. Loren Leman, applied last week to start gathering signatures. The measure would generally forbid a girl under 18 from getting an abortion unless the doctor informed at least one of her parents beforehand.
Palin said she plans to be the first in line to sign up. The governor said she even considered sponsoring the initiative herself, but decided otherwise after checking with the state's lawyers.
The prime sponsors of the "parental involvement" initiative are former lieutenant governor Leman, recent Anchorage school board candidate Mia Costello, and Kim Hummer-Minnery, whose husband is president of the Alaska Family Council, a Christian pro-family, anti-abortion group that is supporting the effort.
The abortion rights group Planned Parenthood will oppose the initiative.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Governor supports abortion initiative" by Sean Cockerham, Anchorage Daily News 5/3/09
The initiative sponsors, including former Lt. Gov. Loren Leman, applied last week to start gathering signatures. The measure would generally forbid a girl under 18 from getting an abortion unless the doctor informed at least one of her parents beforehand.
Palin said she plans to be the first in line to sign up. The governor said she even considered sponsoring the initiative herself, but decided otherwise after checking with the state's lawyers.
The prime sponsors of the "parental involvement" initiative are former lieutenant governor Leman, recent Anchorage school board candidate Mia Costello, and Kim Hummer-Minnery, whose husband is president of the Alaska Family Council, a Christian pro-family, anti-abortion group that is supporting the effort.
The abortion rights group Planned Parenthood will oppose the initiative.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Same-sex Marriage Support Mandatory for NE Democrats
Two New England governors are facing a choice between their principles and their party as same-sex-marriage bills move nearer to landing on their desks.
Homosexual advocates are concentrating on the destruction of marriage in all of New England by 2012.
-- From "Gay-marriage bills corner 2 governors" by Valerie Richardson, Washington Times 5/4/09
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch and Maine Gov. John Baldacci had staked out clear positions against gay marriage before this year's legislative sessions. Then bills to extend marriage to same-sex couples began moving faster than expected through the Maine and New Hampshire legislatures.
The bills' supporters and detractors have been divided largely along party lines, with Democratic legislators overwhelmingly in favor. The problem for Mr. Baldacci and Mr. Lynch is that they are Democrats, and New England Democrats who oppose gay marriage are increasingly rare.
"If you read the blogs, it's almost like it's become a litmus test for Democrats here, like abortion," said Kevin Smith, executive director of Cornerstone Policy Research-Action in Manchester, N.H., which opposes same-sex marriage.
Mr. Lynch likely will confront the issue first. Both houses of the New Hampshire legislature have passed same-sex-marriage legislation, although lawmakers still must reconcile differences in the House and Senate versions before sending a bill to the governor.
In Maine, a bill to legalize same-sex marriage passed the Senate on Thursday by a vote of 21-14 and now goes to the House, where a vote is expected Tuesday. Most observers agree that House passage is likely.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Homosexual advocates are concentrating on the destruction of marriage in all of New England by 2012.
-- From "Gay-marriage bills corner 2 governors" by Valerie Richardson, Washington Times 5/4/09
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch and Maine Gov. John Baldacci had staked out clear positions against gay marriage before this year's legislative sessions. Then bills to extend marriage to same-sex couples began moving faster than expected through the Maine and New Hampshire legislatures.
The bills' supporters and detractors have been divided largely along party lines, with Democratic legislators overwhelmingly in favor. The problem for Mr. Baldacci and Mr. Lynch is that they are Democrats, and New England Democrats who oppose gay marriage are increasingly rare.
"If you read the blogs, it's almost like it's become a litmus test for Democrats here, like abortion," said Kevin Smith, executive director of Cornerstone Policy Research-Action in Manchester, N.H., which opposes same-sex marriage.
Mr. Lynch likely will confront the issue first. Both houses of the New Hampshire legislature have passed same-sex-marriage legislation, although lawmakers still must reconcile differences in the House and Senate versions before sending a bill to the governor.
In Maine, a bill to legalize same-sex marriage passed the Senate on Thursday by a vote of 21-14 and now goes to the House, where a vote is expected Tuesday. Most observers agree that House passage is likely.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Same-sex 'Marriage' Advocates Encourage Harassment of Arkansas Voters
Personal identity information of all 84,000 Arkansas residents who signed the traditional marriage petition has been published in a permanent, searchable database for worldwide viewing.
-- From "Love thy neighbor?" posted at Arkansas Times 4/28/09
KnowThyNeighbor.org, the Pro-Gay Advocacy Group which made headlines in 2005 by posting the names of signers of anti-gay petitions in Massachusetts and later in Florida is now focusing its attention on voters in Arkansas.
KnowThyNeighbor states on its website that the information which is now available on 90,000 Arkansas voters is “public data taken from actual petition sheets supplied by the Secretary of State of Arkansas.” Tom Lang, a gay, married man and Director of KnowThyNeighbor, based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, says that he uses the strategy of exposing the signers of anti-gay initiatives in order to generate the dialogue between both sides of this issue. “We believe at KnowThyNeighbor that if you truly feel that it is necessary to change laws and state constitutions to exclude gay people from the American experience then you should be proud to tell us who you are. And in like manner, if you are an LGBT person and you see someone that you know on this list, if you are related to this person or do business with this person that it is your responsibility to stand up and speak up for yourself, “ says Lang.
Read documentation of the ruthless tactics of homosexualists, including in Massachusetts and California.
To read the entire posting, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Love thy neighbor?" posted at Arkansas Times 4/28/09
KnowThyNeighbor.org, the Pro-Gay Advocacy Group which made headlines in 2005 by posting the names of signers of anti-gay petitions in Massachusetts and later in Florida is now focusing its attention on voters in Arkansas.
KnowThyNeighbor states on its website that the information which is now available on 90,000 Arkansas voters is “public data taken from actual petition sheets supplied by the Secretary of State of Arkansas.” Tom Lang, a gay, married man and Director of KnowThyNeighbor, based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, says that he uses the strategy of exposing the signers of anti-gay initiatives in order to generate the dialogue between both sides of this issue. “We believe at KnowThyNeighbor that if you truly feel that it is necessary to change laws and state constitutions to exclude gay people from the American experience then you should be proud to tell us who you are. And in like manner, if you are an LGBT person and you see someone that you know on this list, if you are related to this person or do business with this person that it is your responsibility to stand up and speak up for yourself, “ says Lang.
Read documentation of the ruthless tactics of homosexualists, including in Massachusetts and California.
To read the entire posting, CLICK HERE.
Planned Parenthood Fuming over Public Funds in Orange County Calif.
Under threat of lawsuit, Orange County supervisors reversed their previous ban on funding of Planned Parenthood, but instituted new policies to radically limit any future funding to organizations that perform abortion.
-- From "Orange County restores Planned Parenthood sex ed funding" by Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times 4/29/09
In March, supervisors said they could not tolerate funding an organization that performs abortions and voted unanimously to suspend a grant worth nearly $300,000 in tobacco settlement revenue, money earmarked for sex education.
Following the advice of county lawyers, supervisors Tuesday reinstated the grant, with Supervisor John Moorlach, who first brought up the issue, and Supervisor Bill Campbell voting no.
Supervisors then voted unanimously for the county Health Care Agency to adopt policies restricting the use of tobacco settlement revenue at community clinics to direct health services, rather than health education.
In addition to eliminating health education, the new rules say services can't be provided in the same place where abortions are performed.
"Clearly this is an effort to target Planned Parenthood," said Jon Dunn, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "County yanks future funding from abortionists" by Drew Zahn © 2009 WorldNetDaily 5/2/09
. . . the policy requires clinics that offer counseling and family planning services where abortion is discussed to account for the grant money separately, ensuring none of the money is spent on abortion counseling or referrals.
Attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund have offered to defend the Orange County Board of Supervisors pro bono in the event Planned Parenthood or similar pro-abortion groups challenge the new policy in court.
"Local governments are not required to provide bailout money to the abortion industry," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Steven H. Aden in a statement. "Taxpayers should not be required to foot the bill for the activities of groups which perform or promote abortions. The Orange County policy is perfectly consistent with similar federal restrictions and does not violate any state or federal laws."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Orange County restores Planned Parenthood sex ed funding" by Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times 4/29/09
In March, supervisors said they could not tolerate funding an organization that performs abortions and voted unanimously to suspend a grant worth nearly $300,000 in tobacco settlement revenue, money earmarked for sex education.
Following the advice of county lawyers, supervisors Tuesday reinstated the grant, with Supervisor John Moorlach, who first brought up the issue, and Supervisor Bill Campbell voting no.
Supervisors then voted unanimously for the county Health Care Agency to adopt policies restricting the use of tobacco settlement revenue at community clinics to direct health services, rather than health education.
In addition to eliminating health education, the new rules say services can't be provided in the same place where abortions are performed.
"Clearly this is an effort to target Planned Parenthood," said Jon Dunn, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "County yanks future funding from abortionists" by Drew Zahn © 2009 WorldNetDaily 5/2/09
. . . the policy requires clinics that offer counseling and family planning services where abortion is discussed to account for the grant money separately, ensuring none of the money is spent on abortion counseling or referrals.
Attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund have offered to defend the Orange County Board of Supervisors pro bono in the event Planned Parenthood or similar pro-abortion groups challenge the new policy in court.
"Local governments are not required to provide bailout money to the abortion industry," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Steven H. Aden in a statement. "Taxpayers should not be required to foot the bill for the activities of groups which perform or promote abortions. The Orange County policy is perfectly consistent with similar federal restrictions and does not violate any state or federal laws."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Obama: 100 Days of Change for the Family
Watch this video to get the full report on the first 100 Days of the Obama presidency. This report will take you beyond the media and Administration spin to what the First 100 days of "change" really means for the family.
Principal Warns Teacher About Bullying Students for being Conservative
A Michigan high school is investigating allegations that one of its teachers berated and belittled a student for taking part in what the teacher considered an unacceptable activity: reading FOXNews.com.
-- From "Student Says Teacher Scolded Him for Viewing FOXNews.com" posted at FOX News, 5/1/09
The teacher of [the student's] video production class saw what he was looking at and "proceeded to give me a 10-minute lecture on why I can't read FOX News ... and that I can only listen to BBC and other news venues," the student said.
James Feil, superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools, told FOXNews.com that any attempts to pressure students politically would go against his schools' policies.
. . . school officials said the student hadn't violated any computer-use rules in his class.
But the school has a strict policy against bullying, which it says "may in circumstances be a violation of federal or state law" and goes against its commitment to provide a safe learning environment.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Student Says Teacher Scolded Him for Viewing FOXNews.com" posted at FOX News, 5/1/09
The teacher of [the student's] video production class saw what he was looking at and "proceeded to give me a 10-minute lecture on why I can't read FOX News ... and that I can only listen to BBC and other news venues," the student said.
James Feil, superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools, told FOXNews.com that any attempts to pressure students politically would go against his schools' policies.
. . . school officials said the student hadn't violated any computer-use rules in his class.
But the school has a strict policy against bullying, which it says "may in circumstances be a violation of federal or state law" and goes against its commitment to provide a safe learning environment.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
World-wide Anti-family Forces Seek Obama's Support
A global children’s rights treaty, ratified by every U.N. member except the United States and Somalia, has so alarmed its American critics that some are pushing to add a parental rights amendment to the Constitution as a buffer.
-- From "Children’s rights treaty stirs debate" by David Crary, Associated Press 5/2/09
. . . a long-running saga over the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. The nearly 20-year-old treaty has ardent supporters and opponents in the United States, and both sides agree that its chances of ratification — while still uncertain — are better under the Obama administration than at any point in the past.
Opponents of the treaty contend it would enable government officials and a Geneva-based U.N. committee of experts to interfere with parental authority. Its supporters view the treaty as a valuable guidepost for children’s basic rights — including education, health care and protection from abuse — and say its global goals are undermined by the refusal of the world’s lone superpower to ratify it.
[Treaty advocates] ranging from Amnesty International to the Girl Scouts of the USA [have] learned to be patient, and hope an all-out push for Senate ratification will be mounted by the third year of Barack Obama’s presidency.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who chairs a Foreign Relations subcommittee handling human rights issues, has declared her strong support for ratifying the children’s rights treaty. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, as first lady back in 1995, also advocated on behalf of the treaty, while Obama, during his election campaign, suggested that U.S. failure to ratify was “embarrassing” and promised to review the treaty.
The treaty’s opponents say they will be ready to fight back, and the proposed parental rights amendment is a key part of their strategy.
Introduced this spring by Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the amendment now has 80 of his fellow Republicans as co-sponsors in the House. The amendment also has been introduced in the Senate by Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who hasn’t yet announced co-sponsors.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Parents' Rights Amendment Reaches 80 Co-Sponsors" posted at American Chronicle 5/1/09
A Constitutional Amendment to protect the parent-child relationship introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland [MI], has reached 80 co-sponsors in the House.
"The grassroots movement behind the Parents´ Rights Amendment continues to generate support throughout the United States," Hoekstra said. "It is encouraging to see so many Americans concerned about preventing government and foreign interference into the parent-child relationship."
-- From "Children’s rights treaty stirs debate" by David Crary, Associated Press 5/2/09
. . . a long-running saga over the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. The nearly 20-year-old treaty has ardent supporters and opponents in the United States, and both sides agree that its chances of ratification — while still uncertain — are better under the Obama administration than at any point in the past.
Opponents of the treaty contend it would enable government officials and a Geneva-based U.N. committee of experts to interfere with parental authority. Its supporters view the treaty as a valuable guidepost for children’s basic rights — including education, health care and protection from abuse — and say its global goals are undermined by the refusal of the world’s lone superpower to ratify it.
[Treaty advocates] ranging from Amnesty International to the Girl Scouts of the USA [have] learned to be patient, and hope an all-out push for Senate ratification will be mounted by the third year of Barack Obama’s presidency.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who chairs a Foreign Relations subcommittee handling human rights issues, has declared her strong support for ratifying the children’s rights treaty. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, as first lady back in 1995, also advocated on behalf of the treaty, while Obama, during his election campaign, suggested that U.S. failure to ratify was “embarrassing” and promised to review the treaty.
The treaty’s opponents say they will be ready to fight back, and the proposed parental rights amendment is a key part of their strategy.
Introduced this spring by Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the amendment now has 80 of his fellow Republicans as co-sponsors in the House. The amendment also has been introduced in the Senate by Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who hasn’t yet announced co-sponsors.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Parents' Rights Amendment Reaches 80 Co-Sponsors" posted at American Chronicle 5/1/09
A Constitutional Amendment to protect the parent-child relationship introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland [MI], has reached 80 co-sponsors in the House.
"The grassroots movement behind the Parents´ Rights Amendment continues to generate support throughout the United States," Hoekstra said. "It is encouraging to see so many Americans concerned about preventing government and foreign interference into the parent-child relationship."
Friday, May 01, 2009
Christian Programing Banned from National Public Radio
Since Barack Obama became president, the anti-choice trend is undeniable: Make Christianity on the airwaves rare
UPDATE 6/17/09: PBS confirms ban on airing new religious TV programs
-- From "NPR axes Christian radio programs" by Pete Chagnon, OneNewsNow 4/30/2009
In 1985, National Public Radio (NPR) adopted a policy stating that member stations had to provide "nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial" educational programming. But in February 2009, the wording was changed to say: "NPR Member Stations shall provide ONLY [emphasis added] nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial educational content on all broadcast channel(s) and related media distribution platforms such as member partners that use the NPR member brands."
The rule, which takes effect May 1, means that any NPR stations carrying religious programming must cease and desist that programming as of that date. In explaining its decision in a similar matter, PBS -- another federally funded media outlet -- says it "places a high value on presenting diverse perspectives, as opposed to rigidly adhering to any single political or religious point of view." Allowing such programming, it continues, "would cause the public's trust in PBS to erode, along with the value of the brand."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 6/17/09: PBS confirms ban on airing new religious TV programs
-- From "NPR axes Christian radio programs" by Pete Chagnon, OneNewsNow 4/30/2009
In 1985, National Public Radio (NPR) adopted a policy stating that member stations had to provide "nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial" educational programming. But in February 2009, the wording was changed to say: "NPR Member Stations shall provide ONLY [emphasis added] nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial educational content on all broadcast channel(s) and related media distribution platforms such as member partners that use the NPR member brands."
The rule, which takes effect May 1, means that any NPR stations carrying religious programming must cease and desist that programming as of that date. In explaining its decision in a similar matter, PBS -- another federally funded media outlet -- says it "places a high value on presenting diverse perspectives, as opposed to rigidly adhering to any single political or religious point of view." Allowing such programming, it continues, "would cause the public's trust in PBS to erode, along with the value of the brand."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
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