A new study provides more good news for pro-life advocates, as it shows fewer doctors are willing to perform abortions than before — creating a situation where the lower availability of abortion may be helping to reduce abortions.
-- From "Few obstetricians and gynecologists perform abortions" by Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times 8/23/11
Obstetricians and gynecologists are trained as women's health specialists. But only 14% provide abortions.
A 2010 opinion paper from the ethics committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists argued that ob-gyns are obligated to refer their patients to abortion providers if they do not offer the service themselves. But that paper was met with controversy, according to the authors of the new survey.
". . .previous research has shown that substantial minorities of physicians do not believe they are obligated to refer patients for or provide information about how to obtain procedures to which the physician has a religious or moral objection," they wrote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Fewer Doctors Willing to Do Abortions, New Study Shows" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/23/11
The new report, published today in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, finds 97 percent of physicians surveyed say they have encountered patients wanting an abortion while only 14 percent of doctors are willing to do an abortion. That’s lower than the 22 percent of doctors who said they would do an abortion in the last poll, from 2008.
Women were much more likely than male doctors to say they would do an abortion (18.6 percent v. 10.6 percent); doctors aged 26-35 and 56-65 were more likely to say they would do abortions compared to those 36-45 and 46-55; and physicians in urban areas were more likely to say they would do an abortion compared with doctors in smaller cities and rural settings. Meanwhile, doctors in the Northeast or West are more likely to say they would do an abortion versus those in the South or Midwest.
Some 40.2 percent of Jewish doctors say yes to doing an abortion compared to 1.2 percent of Evangelical Protestants, 9 percent of Roman Catholics or Eastern Orthodox, 10.1 percent of Non-Evangelical Protestants, 20 percent of Hindus, and 26.5 percent of doctors who said they had no religious affiliation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
V.P. Biden Pro-abortion, Anti-Human Rights in China
[Rep. Chris Smith,] A leading human rights advocate in the U.S. House of Representatives says Vice President Joe Biden betrayed Chinese women and children by saying he “fully understood” the country's one-child policy and was not “second guessing” it.
For background, read China Focuses Its Totalitarian Birth Control and also read 13 Million Unborn Murdered Annually in China as well as China's One-child Policy Propagates Gendercide
UPDATE 8/26/11: Biden fully informed of China's inhumane policy in advance
-- From "Biden's Comment On China's One-Child Policy Spurs Anti-Abortion Ire" by Frank James, NPR 8/23/11
While in China, Vice President Biden inadvertently stepped into the U.S. culture wars with a seemingly off-hand comment about China's one-child policy that has caused American abortion opponents to rebuke him.
Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate, said in a statement to the Washington Post's Right Turn blog:
China's one-child policy is gruesome and barbaric. Vice President Biden's acquiescence to such a policy should shock the conscience of every American. Instead of condoning the policy, Vice President Biden should have condemned it in the strongest possible terms. There can be no defense of a government that engages in compulsory sterilization and forced abortions in the name of population control."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pro-lifers angered Biden ‘not second-guessing’ China’s one-child policy" by Caroline May, Daily Caller 8/23/11
Following his prepared remarks about the U.S. debt, Biden answered a question about how America can reduce deficits and strengthen America’s financial system. His response included a tacit acceptance of China’s one-child policy — a mandate which has resulted in mass abortions, sterilizations and heavy penalties for violators.
In explaining the demographic concerns of funding for future generations, Biden cited the Chinese policy.
“But as I was talking to some of your leaders, you share a similar concern here in China. You have no safety net,” Biden said. “Your policy has been one which I fully understand — I’m not second-guessing — of one child per family. The result being that you’re in a position where one wage earner will be taking care of four retired people. Not sustainable.”
“So hopefully we can act in a way on a problem that’s much less severe than yours, and maybe we can learn together from how we can do that,” he added.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Biden's Office Disputes Assertion He's OK With China's 'One-Child Policy'" by FoxNews.com 8/24/11
Vice President Joe Biden's office dismissed criticism of his seeming support of China's one-child policy, saying Tuesday that the vice president's recent remarks to a Chinese audience were meant to expose unintended pitfalls of the policy, not give approval to forced abortion.
"The Obama administration strongly opposes all aspects of China's coercive birth limitation policies, including forced abortion and sterilization," Biden spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff said in a statement late Tuesday.
"The vice president believes such practices are repugnant. He also pointed out, in China, that the policy is, as a practical matter, unsustainable. He was arguing against the one-child policy to a Chinese audience," Barkoff added.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Biden accused of 'selling out' Chinese with one-child remarks" by Benjamin Mann, Catholic News Agency 8/23/11
“The one child per couple policy is cruel, inhumane and the most egregious systematic attack on women ever,” said Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said on August 23. “For the Vice President to publicly state that he fully understands the one child policy is unconscionable.”
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said on August 22 that he was “deeply troubled by the comments ... regarding China’s reprehensible one-child policy, which has resulted in forced sterilizations and coerced abortions and should not be condoned by any American official.”
In his response, Rep. Smith pointed out that the Obama administration's record on China and population issues did not support Barkoff's claim of “strong opposition.”
“This Administration has long enabled this cruel policy by its silence and financial support for organizations like UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund) that support the Chinese government’s brutal program,” Smith argued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read, Worldwide Abortion: The War on Girls
For background, read China Focuses Its Totalitarian Birth Control and also read 13 Million Unborn Murdered Annually in China as well as China's One-child Policy Propagates Gendercide
UPDATE 8/26/11: Biden fully informed of China's inhumane policy in advance
-- From "Biden's Comment On China's One-Child Policy Spurs Anti-Abortion Ire" by Frank James, NPR 8/23/11
While in China, Vice President Biden inadvertently stepped into the U.S. culture wars with a seemingly off-hand comment about China's one-child policy that has caused American abortion opponents to rebuke him.
Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate, said in a statement to the Washington Post's Right Turn blog:
China's one-child policy is gruesome and barbaric. Vice President Biden's acquiescence to such a policy should shock the conscience of every American. Instead of condoning the policy, Vice President Biden should have condemned it in the strongest possible terms. There can be no defense of a government that engages in compulsory sterilization and forced abortions in the name of population control."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pro-lifers angered Biden ‘not second-guessing’ China’s one-child policy" by Caroline May, Daily Caller 8/23/11
Following his prepared remarks about the U.S. debt, Biden answered a question about how America can reduce deficits and strengthen America’s financial system. His response included a tacit acceptance of China’s one-child policy — a mandate which has resulted in mass abortions, sterilizations and heavy penalties for violators.
In explaining the demographic concerns of funding for future generations, Biden cited the Chinese policy.
“But as I was talking to some of your leaders, you share a similar concern here in China. You have no safety net,” Biden said. “Your policy has been one which I fully understand — I’m not second-guessing — of one child per family. The result being that you’re in a position where one wage earner will be taking care of four retired people. Not sustainable.”
“So hopefully we can act in a way on a problem that’s much less severe than yours, and maybe we can learn together from how we can do that,” he added.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Biden's Office Disputes Assertion He's OK With China's 'One-Child Policy'" by FoxNews.com 8/24/11
Vice President Joe Biden's office dismissed criticism of his seeming support of China's one-child policy, saying Tuesday that the vice president's recent remarks to a Chinese audience were meant to expose unintended pitfalls of the policy, not give approval to forced abortion.
"The Obama administration strongly opposes all aspects of China's coercive birth limitation policies, including forced abortion and sterilization," Biden spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff said in a statement late Tuesday.
"The vice president believes such practices are repugnant. He also pointed out, in China, that the policy is, as a practical matter, unsustainable. He was arguing against the one-child policy to a Chinese audience," Barkoff added.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Biden accused of 'selling out' Chinese with one-child remarks" by Benjamin Mann, Catholic News Agency 8/23/11
“The one child per couple policy is cruel, inhumane and the most egregious systematic attack on women ever,” said Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said on August 23. “For the Vice President to publicly state that he fully understands the one child policy is unconscionable.”
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said on August 22 that he was “deeply troubled by the comments ... regarding China’s reprehensible one-child policy, which has resulted in forced sterilizations and coerced abortions and should not be condoned by any American official.”
In his response, Rep. Smith pointed out that the Obama administration's record on China and population issues did not support Barkoff's claim of “strong opposition.”
“This Administration has long enabled this cruel policy by its silence and financial support for organizations like UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund) that support the Chinese government’s brutal program,” Smith argued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read, Worldwide Abortion: The War on Girls
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Children are Sexual Beings, Says White House - Masturbation OK
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering advice to parents and teens about sex education, including assurances that teens may “experiment” with homosexuality as part of “exploring their own sexuality,” and that masturbation should be of concern only “if a child seems preoccupied with it to the exclusion of other activities.”
For background, read White House Says Gay Recruitment of Kids Successful and also read Feds Fund Homosexualists' School Training as well as We Recruit Kids for Sexual Deviancy: Gay Activist
-- From "HHS: Children Are ‘Sexual Beings’" by Penny Starr, CNSNews.com 8/22/11
The information, located on a “Questions and Answers About Sex” link on the “Quick Guide to Healthy Living” portion of the HHS Web site, also describes children and infants as “sexual beings.”
A link at the bottom of the Q&A page, entitled “Sexual Attraction and Orientation,” includes information on sexual experimentation, including homosexuality.
“Thinking sexually about both the same sex and the opposite sex is quite common as teens sort through their emerging sexual feelings,” the page says. “This type of imagining about people of the same or opposite sex doesn't necessarily mean that a person fits into a particular type of sexual orientation.”
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
For background, read White House Says Gay Recruitment of Kids Successful and also read Feds Fund Homosexualists' School Training as well as We Recruit Kids for Sexual Deviancy: Gay Activist
-- From "HHS: Children Are ‘Sexual Beings’" by Penny Starr, CNSNews.com 8/22/11
The information, located on a “Questions and Answers About Sex” link on the “Quick Guide to Healthy Living” portion of the HHS Web site, also describes children and infants as “sexual beings.”
A link at the bottom of the Q&A page, entitled “Sexual Attraction and Orientation,” includes information on sexual experimentation, including homosexuality.
“Thinking sexually about both the same sex and the opposite sex is quite common as teens sort through their emerging sexual feelings,” the page says. “This type of imagining about people of the same or opposite sex doesn't necessarily mean that a person fits into a particular type of sexual orientation.”
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
New Mexico Ignores Deadly Botched Abortions
Pro-life groups have released emergency 911 calls initiated by abortion clinic workers, exposing the reality of botched abortions, which resulted in at least one death of the mother in New Mexico, where health officials have resisted a full investigation.
-- From "Abortion death reported at New Mexico clinic as state officials resist launching investigation" by Kathleen Gilbert, LifeSiteNews.com 8/23/11
The pro-life groups Operation Rescue and Project Defending Life both filed complaints with the New Mexico Medical Board concerning thirteen 911 calls from the University of New Mexico Center for Reproductive Health (UNMCRH) and Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO), a late-term abortion mill operated by Texas abortionist Curtis Boyd.
Several of the calls describe profuse bleeding and other abortion complications. One recording caught the gasping of a woman struggling for breath, whom a clinic worker described as “grayish” and unresponsive, following complications from an abortion.
“The Medical Board has all it needs to investigate the thirteen abortion-related injuries in our complaints. [They're] trying to tank this investigation by making demands that are above and beyond what are actually needed to investigate why women are being injured and possibly killed at two Albuquerque abortion clinics at the rate of one every ten weeks,” [said Cheryl Sullenger of Operation Rescue (OR).]
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Woman Possibly Dies From Botched Abortion, Medical Board Stalling" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/22/11
A confidential informant has now come forward with more information about one of the patients who was the subject of the emergency calls. The information told OR and Tara Shaver of local pro-life group Project Defending Life that a woman died from abortion-related injuries at the UNM Center for Reproductive Health last month. The informant spoke several times with Shaver about the botched abortion and described how an emergency vehicle picked up the body of the woman who underwent the abortion procedure and transported the body to an undisclosed location.
Clinic workers who were visibly upset and shaken at the time of the incident were told not to discuss the situation with anyone, according to OR president Troy Newman and details the informant gave to Shaver made it appear the information was credible. Both groups have attempted to verify the information, but have had trouble getting details about the woman and her death from the abortion because of HIPAA privacy laws, but Newman says his group reported the abortion death to police.
“We have seen several abortionists, such as Rapin Osathanondh and Kermit Gosnell, criminally charged and sent to jail after abortion deaths,” he said. “Because of the fact that a death is involved, and because there appeared to be an attempt to cover up the death by ordering workers not to talk, it became our duty to report this to the police.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "More 911 Calls Show Women Victimized by Botched Abortions" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/15/11
. . . Operation Rescue has obtained eight new 911 recordings that reveal a further pattern of botched abortions at the two Albuquerque abortion clinics. Together with five 911 calls released last month, the 13 calls show that life-threatening abortion complications requiring emergency assistance occur at the rate of one every 10 weeks, the group says.
“As disturbing as the critical nature of these life-threatening emergencies are, perhaps more disturbing are the callous attitudes of some of the abortion workers and their willingness to cover up for the abortionists,” said Operation Rescue Senior Policy Advisor Cheryl Sullenger. “The clinic workers are careful about how much information they revealed to the emergency dispatchers, and in many cases, even attempt to shift the blame for the complications onto the woman. Their general actions and attitudes toward the woman they just injured are despicable.”
[The tapes] show women ranging in ages from 18 to 34 who were between 8 weeks and approximately 24 weeks pregnant. Complications included:
-- From "Abortion death reported at New Mexico clinic as state officials resist launching investigation" by Kathleen Gilbert, LifeSiteNews.com 8/23/11
The pro-life groups Operation Rescue and Project Defending Life both filed complaints with the New Mexico Medical Board concerning thirteen 911 calls from the University of New Mexico Center for Reproductive Health (UNMCRH) and Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO), a late-term abortion mill operated by Texas abortionist Curtis Boyd.
Several of the calls describe profuse bleeding and other abortion complications. One recording caught the gasping of a woman struggling for breath, whom a clinic worker described as “grayish” and unresponsive, following complications from an abortion.
“The Medical Board has all it needs to investigate the thirteen abortion-related injuries in our complaints. [They're] trying to tank this investigation by making demands that are above and beyond what are actually needed to investigate why women are being injured and possibly killed at two Albuquerque abortion clinics at the rate of one every ten weeks,” [said Cheryl Sullenger of Operation Rescue (OR).]
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Woman Possibly Dies From Botched Abortion, Medical Board Stalling" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/22/11
A confidential informant has now come forward with more information about one of the patients who was the subject of the emergency calls. The information told OR and Tara Shaver of local pro-life group Project Defending Life that a woman died from abortion-related injuries at the UNM Center for Reproductive Health last month. The informant spoke several times with Shaver about the botched abortion and described how an emergency vehicle picked up the body of the woman who underwent the abortion procedure and transported the body to an undisclosed location.
Clinic workers who were visibly upset and shaken at the time of the incident were told not to discuss the situation with anyone, according to OR president Troy Newman and details the informant gave to Shaver made it appear the information was credible. Both groups have attempted to verify the information, but have had trouble getting details about the woman and her death from the abortion because of HIPAA privacy laws, but Newman says his group reported the abortion death to police.
“We have seen several abortionists, such as Rapin Osathanondh and Kermit Gosnell, criminally charged and sent to jail after abortion deaths,” he said. “Because of the fact that a death is involved, and because there appeared to be an attempt to cover up the death by ordering workers not to talk, it became our duty to report this to the police.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "More 911 Calls Show Women Victimized by Botched Abortions" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/15/11
. . . Operation Rescue has obtained eight new 911 recordings that reveal a further pattern of botched abortions at the two Albuquerque abortion clinics. Together with five 911 calls released last month, the 13 calls show that life-threatening abortion complications requiring emergency assistance occur at the rate of one every 10 weeks, the group says.
“As disturbing as the critical nature of these life-threatening emergencies are, perhaps more disturbing are the callous attitudes of some of the abortion workers and their willingness to cover up for the abortionists,” said Operation Rescue Senior Policy Advisor Cheryl Sullenger. “The clinic workers are careful about how much information they revealed to the emergency dispatchers, and in many cases, even attempt to shift the blame for the complications onto the woman. Their general actions and attitudes toward the woman they just injured are despicable.”
[The tapes] show women ranging in ages from 18 to 34 who were between 8 weeks and approximately 24 weeks pregnant. Complications included:
• Uterine rupture with heavy bleeding.To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
• A panic-stricken 18-yer old patient with chest pains, numbness, and a severe headache after a late-term abortion.
• Cervical laceration with hemorrhaging.
• Uncontrolled bleeding after first and second trimester abortions.
• Multiple seizures.
• Abortion on a woman with an undiagnosed ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
Monday, August 22, 2011
N.C. County Challenges ACLU over Prayer Threat
North Carolina's Henderson County Commissioner Larry Young says the civic meetings will continue like always, including prayers in Jesus' name, regardless of the recent ruling by the federal 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
-- From "ACLU warns about prayers" by Gary Glancy, Times-News Staff Writer 8/21/11
[Katy Parker, legal director for the ACLU] says last month’s ruling . . . is now the law, and the ACLU intends to ensure that it is followed.
Young says he wouldn’t budge.
“That’s fine — whatever they want to do,” he said. “They can sue us, too.”
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
“I’m going to stand up for him; he stood up for me. Jesus Christ gave his life for me, so I feel like I owe him as much as I can possibly give him.”For background, read Jesus' Name Unconstitutional in Public: Fed. Court (will be appealed to Supreme Court) and also read Virginia County Ignores ACLU Threat over Prayer
-- From "ACLU warns about prayers" by Gary Glancy, Times-News Staff Writer 8/21/11
[Katy Parker, legal director for the ACLU] says last month’s ruling . . . is now the law, and the ACLU intends to ensure that it is followed.
Young says he wouldn’t budge.
“That’s fine — whatever they want to do,” he said. “They can sue us, too.”
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Pro-abortion, Girl Scouts' Appeal Diminishes
Many Christian parents are reporting that the Girl Scout's affiliation with “Planned Parenthood” is not something that they want their children involved with, and have now begun removing their daughters from the organization.
For background, read Girl Scouts Advocate Guide Teaching Sex Acts? and also read Planned Parenthood Urges HIV-infected Teens to Freely Have Sex
UPDATE 1/12/12: "Boycott Girl Scout Cookies" says Girl Scout (video)
UPDATE 10/28/11: Girl Scouts Convention Features Pro-Abortion Speakers
-- From "Children Leaving Girl Scouts Due to 'Planned Parenthood' Affiliations" by Fionna Agomuoh, Christian Post Contributor 8/18/11
In recent years, it has become more apparent to many Girl Scouts and their parents that the wholesome values that the organization claims to stand behind may not be as wholesome as expected. In response, they are favoring several faith-based girl empowerment organizations that have been founded as alternatives to the Girl Scouts.
Patti Garibay, founder of the American Heritage Girls, a non-denominational female scout program notes that countless American Heritage Girls were once Girl Scouts who left the organization due to conflicts with their faith and beliefs.
Another budding girls group is the Little Flowers Girls' Club. Geared toward home-schooled Catholic girls, the club has been growing by 2,000 members a year.
Pioneer Girls and GEMS Girls' Clubs, are also both organizations that focus on Christ-centered and faith-based life skills and character building.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The cookie crumbles: American girls abandoning Girl Scouts" by Taylor Hudson, World Net Daily 8/14/11
Proof of the strong links [to Planned Parenthood] can be found by looking no further than the statements of Girl Scout CEO Kathy Cloninger, who told NBC's "Today" show in an interview in 2004: "We partner with many organizations. We have relationships with our church communities, with YWCAs, and with Planned Parenthood organizations across the country, to bring information-based sex education programs to girls."
There's additional documentation in printed materials provided by the Girl Scouts, although the statement from Cloninger remains sufficient for many parents. It comes on the heels of WND's exposure of Girl Scouts' promotion of lesbian causes.
Concerned Women for America . . . President Wendy Wright has documented the relationship between Girls Scouts and Planned Parenthood.
"These groups work together to steal children's innocence and make them vulnerable to the negative consequences of promiscuity thereby creating clients for their abortion and STD services," said Wright.
One link between Girl Scouts USA and pro-abortion causes that can be easily verified is the connection to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, or WAGGGS. Each Girl Scout is automatically a member of WAGGGS due to shared funding and activities. The WAGGGS website shows support for a campaign involving "sexual and reproductive health services" such as "emergency contraception in order to avoid unintended pregnancies and accessible, affordable and safe abortions."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Girl Scouts Advocate Guide Teaching Sex Acts? and also read Planned Parenthood Urges HIV-infected Teens to Freely Have Sex
UPDATE 1/12/12: "Boycott Girl Scout Cookies" says Girl Scout (video)
UPDATE 10/28/11: Girl Scouts Convention Features Pro-Abortion Speakers
-- From "Children Leaving Girl Scouts Due to 'Planned Parenthood' Affiliations" by Fionna Agomuoh, Christian Post Contributor 8/18/11
In recent years, it has become more apparent to many Girl Scouts and their parents that the wholesome values that the organization claims to stand behind may not be as wholesome as expected. In response, they are favoring several faith-based girl empowerment organizations that have been founded as alternatives to the Girl Scouts.
Patti Garibay, founder of the American Heritage Girls, a non-denominational female scout program notes that countless American Heritage Girls were once Girl Scouts who left the organization due to conflicts with their faith and beliefs.
Another budding girls group is the Little Flowers Girls' Club. Geared toward home-schooled Catholic girls, the club has been growing by 2,000 members a year.
Pioneer Girls and GEMS Girls' Clubs, are also both organizations that focus on Christ-centered and faith-based life skills and character building.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The cookie crumbles: American girls abandoning Girl Scouts" by Taylor Hudson, World Net Daily 8/14/11
Proof of the strong links [to Planned Parenthood] can be found by looking no further than the statements of Girl Scout CEO Kathy Cloninger, who told NBC's "Today" show in an interview in 2004: "We partner with many organizations. We have relationships with our church communities, with YWCAs, and with Planned Parenthood organizations across the country, to bring information-based sex education programs to girls."
There's additional documentation in printed materials provided by the Girl Scouts, although the statement from Cloninger remains sufficient for many parents. It comes on the heels of WND's exposure of Girl Scouts' promotion of lesbian causes.
Concerned Women for America . . . President Wendy Wright has documented the relationship between Girls Scouts and Planned Parenthood.
"These groups work together to steal children's innocence and make them vulnerable to the negative consequences of promiscuity thereby creating clients for their abortion and STD services," said Wright.
One link between Girl Scouts USA and pro-abortion causes that can be easily verified is the connection to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, or WAGGGS. Each Girl Scout is automatically a member of WAGGGS due to shared funding and activities. The WAGGGS website shows support for a campaign involving "sexual and reproductive health services" such as "emergency contraception in order to avoid unintended pregnancies and accessible, affordable and safe abortions."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Church Mission: Save the Planet, Go Green
"Brother, are you saved?" asked the traditional Christian evangelist, but today . . .
In churches — and synagogues and mosques — across the country, saving the planet is becoming as important as saving souls. Nearly every religion, and almost every denomination, has added protecting the environment as a religious tenet.
For background, read Evangelicals Warn of Cult of Environmentalism
-- From "Saving the Earth is new mission at more churches" by Jeff Kunerth, Orlando Sentinel 8/14/11
The greening of the church comes at the same time that concern for the environment is becoming a part of the cultural mainstream. Driving hybrid cars, unplugging household appliances, replacing disposable plastic water bottles with reusable metal ones, and separating household trash into recyclables and garbage are no longer the intellectual property of hippies, tree huggers and communes.
"The surprising thing for me is there seems to be some consensus. We are seeing very conservative Protestant denominations embracing Earth care, and you are seeing some mainline, more-liberal denominations," said Darby Ray, associate professor of religious studies at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss.
In many ways, the change in the culture has produced a change in theology — a rethinking and reinterpretation of Scripture from a belief that God intended mankind to exploit the Earth for its own benefit to mankind's obligation to protect and preserve the Earth that God created. Much of the push for going green has come from the people in the pews rather than the people behind the pulpit, said Gerald Smith, religion professor at Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Green Fever at U.S. Churches" by Amanda Winkler, Christian Post Reporter 8/17/11
From a religious perspective, some congregations believe that global climate change is a moral crisis.
Members say if churches reduce their environmental impact and save money, it is an effective way to minister to the world. It also allows good stewards to live a happier, healthier life – without the guilt of excess. This, in turn, is what God wants us for us, that through Him is a life we can live more abundantly.
Organizations are getting involved in the "green church" movement including the Eco-Justice Program (EJP) at the National Council of Churches of Christ, which is an organization that urges Protestant and Orthodox communities to place a higher value on God’s call to protect His creation.
. . . most churches have incorporated “going green” into their spiritual teachings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pagans, Liberal 'christians' Celebrate Earth on Good Friday
In churches — and synagogues and mosques — across the country, saving the planet is becoming as important as saving souls. Nearly every religion, and almost every denomination, has added protecting the environment as a religious tenet.
For background, read Evangelicals Warn of Cult of Environmentalism
-- From "Saving the Earth is new mission at more churches" by Jeff Kunerth, Orlando Sentinel 8/14/11
The greening of the church comes at the same time that concern for the environment is becoming a part of the cultural mainstream. Driving hybrid cars, unplugging household appliances, replacing disposable plastic water bottles with reusable metal ones, and separating household trash into recyclables and garbage are no longer the intellectual property of hippies, tree huggers and communes.
"The surprising thing for me is there seems to be some consensus. We are seeing very conservative Protestant denominations embracing Earth care, and you are seeing some mainline, more-liberal denominations," said Darby Ray, associate professor of religious studies at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss.
In many ways, the change in the culture has produced a change in theology — a rethinking and reinterpretation of Scripture from a belief that God intended mankind to exploit the Earth for its own benefit to mankind's obligation to protect and preserve the Earth that God created. Much of the push for going green has come from the people in the pews rather than the people behind the pulpit, said Gerald Smith, religion professor at Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Green Fever at U.S. Churches" by Amanda Winkler, Christian Post Reporter 8/17/11
From a religious perspective, some congregations believe that global climate change is a moral crisis.
Members say if churches reduce their environmental impact and save money, it is an effective way to minister to the world. It also allows good stewards to live a happier, healthier life – without the guilt of excess. This, in turn, is what God wants us for us, that through Him is a life we can live more abundantly.
Organizations are getting involved in the "green church" movement including the Eco-Justice Program (EJP) at the National Council of Churches of Christ, which is an organization that urges Protestant and Orthodox communities to place a higher value on God’s call to protect His creation.
. . . most churches have incorporated “going green” into their spiritual teachings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pagans, Liberal 'christians' Celebrate Earth on Good Friday
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Idaho School Takes Bible to Supreme Court
A now-defunct Idaho charter that sued the state because it wanted to use the Bible and other religious texts in the classroom has lost an appeal to the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
For background, read Bible Ban by Idaho State Agency Challenged
UPDATE 9/15/11 - Fox News report:
-- From "Idaho charter school loses federal appeal over Bible teaching" by Betsy, The Spokesman Review 8/18/11
The Idaho Constitution out-and-out bans state funding for religious instruction in Article 9, Section 5, and in Article 9, Section 6, states, “No sectarian or religious tenets or doctrines shall ever be taught in the public schools,” and adds, “No books, papers, tracts or documents of a political, sectarian or denominational character shall be used or introduced in any schools established under the provisions of this article.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Idaho charter school loses 9th circuit appeal" by Jessie L. Bonner, Associated Press 8/18/11
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the previous ruling against the now-defunct Nampa Classical Academy, in a decision earlier this week. The Idaho Public Charter School Commission closed the academy last year citing troubled finances.
The speech clause in the First Amendment does not "give Idaho charter school teachers, Idaho charter school students, or the parents of Idaho charter school students a right to have primary religious texts included as part of the school curriculum," the appeals court said.
The U.S. Supreme Court banned ceremonial school Bible readings in a 1963 ruling but said "the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities" so long as material is "presented objectively as part of a secular program of education." Public schools across the country have traditionally avoided Bible courses — and the potential controversy that surrounds them — but hundreds do offer voluntary classes to students.
The academy argued that the practice goes unchecked elsewhere in Idaho.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "ADF prepared to take Nampa Classical case to Supreme Court" by Idaho Press-Tribune Staff
David Cortman, senior legal counsel with ADF [The Alliance Defense Fund, the organization suing the state of Idaho on behalf of the Academy], said in an email to the Idaho Press-Tribune they are prepared to take the case to the Supreme Court.
“In our opinion, the court failed to perform any meaningful analysis of any issue in the case, including the seminal one: whether there is any educational purpose to ban all religious documents from objective teaching …” Cortman said.
He said the court also ignored the right of local school districts to choose their own texts and curriculum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Bible Ban by Idaho State Agency Challenged
UPDATE 9/15/11 - Fox News report:
-- From "Idaho charter school loses federal appeal over Bible teaching" by Betsy, The Spokesman Review 8/18/11
The Idaho Constitution out-and-out bans state funding for religious instruction in Article 9, Section 5, and in Article 9, Section 6, states, “No sectarian or religious tenets or doctrines shall ever be taught in the public schools,” and adds, “No books, papers, tracts or documents of a political, sectarian or denominational character shall be used or introduced in any schools established under the provisions of this article.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Idaho charter school loses 9th circuit appeal" by Jessie L. Bonner, Associated Press 8/18/11
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the previous ruling against the now-defunct Nampa Classical Academy, in a decision earlier this week. The Idaho Public Charter School Commission closed the academy last year citing troubled finances.
The speech clause in the First Amendment does not "give Idaho charter school teachers, Idaho charter school students, or the parents of Idaho charter school students a right to have primary religious texts included as part of the school curriculum," the appeals court said.
The U.S. Supreme Court banned ceremonial school Bible readings in a 1963 ruling but said "the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities" so long as material is "presented objectively as part of a secular program of education." Public schools across the country have traditionally avoided Bible courses — and the potential controversy that surrounds them — but hundreds do offer voluntary classes to students.
The academy argued that the practice goes unchecked elsewhere in Idaho.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "ADF prepared to take Nampa Classical case to Supreme Court" by Idaho Press-Tribune Staff
David Cortman, senior legal counsel with ADF [The Alliance Defense Fund, the organization suing the state of Idaho on behalf of the Academy], said in an email to the Idaho Press-Tribune they are prepared to take the case to the Supreme Court.
“In our opinion, the court failed to perform any meaningful analysis of any issue in the case, including the seminal one: whether there is any educational purpose to ban all religious documents from objective teaching …” Cortman said.
He said the court also ignored the right of local school districts to choose their own texts and curriculum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Abortion Ends at 70% of P.P. Arizona Clinics
After losing in court, Planned Parenthood has announced that it will no longer provide abortion services at seven of its ten clinics in the state.
For background, read Arizona Abortion Restrictions OK'd by Court
UPDATE 12/16/11: Planned Parenthood resumes abortion services at two recently-closed clinics
-- From "Planned Parenthood to end abortions in three Arizona cities" by The Associated Press 8/19/11
Starting Friday, women will no longer be able to terminate pregnancies at the Planned Parenthood clinics in Prescott Valley, Flagstaff and Yuma that offered abortions through medication. Women can still receive surgical and medication abortions in the Tucson and Phoenix areas, but those services will cease at some suburban locations.
The move comes a week after an Arizona appeals court allowed key parts of a 2009 state law restricting abortions to take effect. The law includes a requirement that women see a doctor in person the day before getting an abortion to hear about risks and alternatives, and allows healthcare workers to refuse to participate in abortions for moral or religious reasons.
[Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood in Arizona] said the group probably would appeal the ruling to the Arizona Supreme Court and feared the decision could doom a separate challenge over 2011 laws regarding abortion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortions discontinued at 7 locations in Arizona" by Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services, Arizona Daily Star 8/19/11
. . . Cathi Herrod, president of the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy, said Planned Parenthood was simply making "a business decision" in ending abortions at the seven sites.
"They will end their services rather than raising the standard of care to meet the law's requirement," she said. "All Planned Parenthood had to do was to find doctors to work at their clinics to continue providing the abortion services."
Complicating matters from Planned Parenthood's perspective is the fact that state law bans the teaching of abortion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Howard said that limits the number of new doctors who can be hired.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Arizona Abortion Restrictions OK'd by Court
UPDATE 12/16/11: Planned Parenthood resumes abortion services at two recently-closed clinics
-- From "Planned Parenthood to end abortions in three Arizona cities" by The Associated Press 8/19/11
Starting Friday, women will no longer be able to terminate pregnancies at the Planned Parenthood clinics in Prescott Valley, Flagstaff and Yuma that offered abortions through medication. Women can still receive surgical and medication abortions in the Tucson and Phoenix areas, but those services will cease at some suburban locations.
The move comes a week after an Arizona appeals court allowed key parts of a 2009 state law restricting abortions to take effect. The law includes a requirement that women see a doctor in person the day before getting an abortion to hear about risks and alternatives, and allows healthcare workers to refuse to participate in abortions for moral or religious reasons.
[Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood in Arizona] said the group probably would appeal the ruling to the Arizona Supreme Court and feared the decision could doom a separate challenge over 2011 laws regarding abortion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortions discontinued at 7 locations in Arizona" by Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services, Arizona Daily Star 8/19/11
. . . Cathi Herrod, president of the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy, said Planned Parenthood was simply making "a business decision" in ending abortions at the seven sites.
"They will end their services rather than raising the standard of care to meet the law's requirement," she said. "All Planned Parenthood had to do was to find doctors to work at their clinics to continue providing the abortion services."
Complicating matters from Planned Parenthood's perspective is the fact that state law bans the teaching of abortion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Howard said that limits the number of new doctors who can be hired.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Rick Perry: Teach Creationism & Evolution
"In Texas, we teach both creationism and evolution in our public schools. Because I figure you’re smart enough to figure out which one is right.”
-- Gov. Rick Perry
For background, read Texas Evolution Textbook Debate Continues and also read Question Evolution, Says Pres. Candidate Bachmann
-- From "Perry Claims Texas Teaches Creationism in Public Schools" by Becca Aaronson, Texas Tribune 8/18/11
Rick Perry told a child questioner in New Hampshire today that Texas public schools teach creationism alongside evolution — a statement that state education experts are refuting in varying degrees.
David Bradley, a social conservative member of the State Board of Education, said . . . that in Texas nothing prevents a teacher from discussing creationism, or a student from bringing it up in the classroom. "It is not specifically in the Texas curriculum," Bradley said. But "in Texas, the students are directed to investigate and evaluate all theories."
Catherine Frazier, a spokeswoman for the governor's office, also said creationism could be discussed in the classroom as students are taught about evolution.
"It is required that students evaluate and analyze the theory of evolution, and creationism very likely comes up in that process," she said. "Teachers are also permitted to discuss it with students in that context. Schools are also allowed to teach biblical history as an elective and creationism is part of that teaching, too."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "NH Mother Uses Child as a Prop to Question Rick Perry on Evolution" by Michael Falcone and Arlette Saenz, ABC News 8/18/11
Among the protestors at Thursday morning's meet and greet here, a mother used her child as a prop to confront Rick Perry about his beliefs on evolution and science.
The mother pushed her son towards Perry and insisted he ask the governor about the age of the earth.
"How old do I think the earth is? You know what, I don't have any idea," Perry said. "I know it's pretty old so it goes back a long long way. I'm not sure anybody actually knows completely and absolutely how long, how old the earth is."
While Perry was answering the child's question, the mother continued to loudly whisper in the child's ear to ask him about evolution and why he doesn't believe in science.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rick Perry, evangelicals and evolution as ‘a theory’s that’s out there’" by Elizabeth Tenety, Washington Post 8/18/11
Perry has his roots in the Methodist Church but, according to reports, more frequently attends Austin’s Lake Hills Church, an evangelical church in Texas with Baptist ties.
And what does Lake Hills Church teach about evolution? In the sermon below, the church’s pastor, Mac Richard, calls those Christians who unquestioningly believe in Scripture’s literal version of creation “an absolute intellectual cop-out.” But Richard also called Darwinists like Richard Dawkins “arrogant” and called for “strict Darwinists” to instead approach the subject with “humility.”
“Could God have done creation in 24 hour periods?,” Richard asked in the sermon. “He’s God! He could have blinked universes into existence and make it look like they’ve been here for billions and billions of years. Or God could have initiated creation and used an evolutionary process that defies ever fully grasping what happened. Again, he is God. And to be able to step back and worship him as God, to be able to humble ourselves to say that we are not God is the ultimate message of biblical creationism.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- Gov. Rick Perry
For background, read Texas Evolution Textbook Debate Continues and also read Question Evolution, Says Pres. Candidate Bachmann
-- From "Perry Claims Texas Teaches Creationism in Public Schools" by Becca Aaronson, Texas Tribune 8/18/11
Rick Perry told a child questioner in New Hampshire today that Texas public schools teach creationism alongside evolution — a statement that state education experts are refuting in varying degrees.
David Bradley, a social conservative member of the State Board of Education, said . . . that in Texas nothing prevents a teacher from discussing creationism, or a student from bringing it up in the classroom. "It is not specifically in the Texas curriculum," Bradley said. But "in Texas, the students are directed to investigate and evaluate all theories."
Catherine Frazier, a spokeswoman for the governor's office, also said creationism could be discussed in the classroom as students are taught about evolution.
"It is required that students evaluate and analyze the theory of evolution, and creationism very likely comes up in that process," she said. "Teachers are also permitted to discuss it with students in that context. Schools are also allowed to teach biblical history as an elective and creationism is part of that teaching, too."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "NH Mother Uses Child as a Prop to Question Rick Perry on Evolution" by Michael Falcone and Arlette Saenz, ABC News 8/18/11
Among the protestors at Thursday morning's meet and greet here, a mother used her child as a prop to confront Rick Perry about his beliefs on evolution and science.
The mother pushed her son towards Perry and insisted he ask the governor about the age of the earth.
"How old do I think the earth is? You know what, I don't have any idea," Perry said. "I know it's pretty old so it goes back a long long way. I'm not sure anybody actually knows completely and absolutely how long, how old the earth is."
While Perry was answering the child's question, the mother continued to loudly whisper in the child's ear to ask him about evolution and why he doesn't believe in science.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rick Perry, evangelicals and evolution as ‘a theory’s that’s out there’" by Elizabeth Tenety, Washington Post 8/18/11
Perry has his roots in the Methodist Church but, according to reports, more frequently attends Austin’s Lake Hills Church, an evangelical church in Texas with Baptist ties.
And what does Lake Hills Church teach about evolution? In the sermon below, the church’s pastor, Mac Richard, calls those Christians who unquestioningly believe in Scripture’s literal version of creation “an absolute intellectual cop-out.” But Richard also called Darwinists like Richard Dawkins “arrogant” and called for “strict Darwinists” to instead approach the subject with “humility.”
“Could God have done creation in 24 hour periods?,” Richard asked in the sermon. “He’s God! He could have blinked universes into existence and make it look like they’ve been here for billions and billions of years. Or God could have initiated creation and used an evolutionary process that defies ever fully grasping what happened. Again, he is God. And to be able to step back and worship him as God, to be able to humble ourselves to say that we are not God is the ultimate message of biblical creationism.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Teacher Suspended for Christian Beliefs at Home
Comments made by a Florida "Teacher of the Year" on his personal Facebook page, during his own time, on his own computer, concerning his belief that homosexual behavior is sinful have been equated to racism or unacceptable beliefs.
UPDATE 8/24/11: FREEDOM WINS, Gay Agenda loses - School reinstates teacher
UPDATE 8/23/11: School's discriminatory action becomes grassroots battle cry
UPDATE 8/22/11: It's proof that the Gay Agenda must end religious liberty (opinion)
-- From "Teacher Reassigned After Facebook Post On Gay Marriage" By Melanie Whitley, CNN 8/18/11
Lake County Schools Communications Officer Chris Patton said school officials received a complaint Tuesday about the content on Mount Dora High School teacher Jerry Buell's personal Facebook page, as well as copies of the posts.
Patton would not confirm the content of the post, but he said Lake County officials are taking the matter very seriously.
"We began to review the code of ethics violations immediately and yesterday afternoon temporarily reassigned the teacher pending the outcome of the investigation," Patton told CNN Thursday.
Buell, a teacher for more than 26 years, served as the Social Studies Department chair at Mount Dora and taught American history and government, according to the high school's website.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teacher suspended, reassigned for anti-gay Facebook comments" by Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel 8/17/11
School districts across Florida have recently adopted policies on how teachers should use social media. In Orange County Schools, teachers are reminded their "private use of internet and social networking is not private" and employees should remain professional in using the communication at all times.
Buell said all his students have equal value in his eyes.
"I've had kids that I've known that have been homosexuals," he said. "They know that I don't hate them. I love them."
The school district said Buell will be reassigned to an administrative position pending an investigation into whether he violated the district's code of conduct for educators.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Facebook groups back suspended Lake teacher" by Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel 8/18/11
Those who support a Lake County teacher suspended for anti-gay Facebook comments have taken to Facebook themselves.
Supporters formed two groups to ask that Mount Dora High School Teacher of the Year Jerry Buell be reinstated.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 8/19/11: From "Florida Teacher Suspended for Anti-Gay Marriage Posts on Personal Facebook Page" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com
“The school district is being anti-straight, anti-First Amendment and anti-personal liberty,” said Horatio Mihet, an attorney with the Liberty Counsel. “The idea that public servants have to whole-heartedly endorse homosexual marriage is repugnant to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” Mihet told Fox News Radio.
“These are not fringe ideas that Mr. Buell espoused on his personal Facebook page,” he told Fox News Radio. “They are mainstream textbook opposition to homosexual unions – and now he’s been deemed unfit to teach children because he opposes gay marriage? My goodness.” Buell believes the school system is trying to send a message to Christian teachers.
“There is an intimidation factor if you are a Christian or if you make a statement against it (gay marriage) you are a bigot, a homophobe, you’re a creep, you’re intolerant,” he said. “We should have the right to express our opinions and talk about things.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Ohio Admits Wrong Against Christian Teacher
Christian Teacher Sues Brooklyn School
Christians Sue School over Collusion with ACLU
Christian Principal Disciplined for Non-School Prayer
Principal Clamps Down on Christian Teachers
University Won't Hire Christians as Scientists
"It wasn't out of hatred. It was about the way I interpret things."For background, read Christian Fired for 'Hate Speech' by Univ. of IL (see list of articles at bottom)
UPDATE 8/24/11: FREEDOM WINS, Gay Agenda loses - School reinstates teacher
UPDATE 8/23/11: School's discriminatory action becomes grassroots battle cry
UPDATE 8/22/11: It's proof that the Gay Agenda must end religious liberty (opinion)
-- From "Teacher Reassigned After Facebook Post On Gay Marriage" By Melanie Whitley, CNN 8/18/11
Lake County Schools Communications Officer Chris Patton said school officials received a complaint Tuesday about the content on Mount Dora High School teacher Jerry Buell's personal Facebook page, as well as copies of the posts.
Patton would not confirm the content of the post, but he said Lake County officials are taking the matter very seriously.
"We began to review the code of ethics violations immediately and yesterday afternoon temporarily reassigned the teacher pending the outcome of the investigation," Patton told CNN Thursday.
Buell, a teacher for more than 26 years, served as the Social Studies Department chair at Mount Dora and taught American history and government, according to the high school's website.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teacher suspended, reassigned for anti-gay Facebook comments" by Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel 8/17/11
School districts across Florida have recently adopted policies on how teachers should use social media. In Orange County Schools, teachers are reminded their "private use of internet and social networking is not private" and employees should remain professional in using the communication at all times.
Buell said all his students have equal value in his eyes.
"I've had kids that I've known that have been homosexuals," he said. "They know that I don't hate them. I love them."
The school district said Buell will be reassigned to an administrative position pending an investigation into whether he violated the district's code of conduct for educators.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Facebook groups back suspended Lake teacher" by Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel 8/18/11
Those who support a Lake County teacher suspended for anti-gay Facebook comments have taken to Facebook themselves.
Supporters formed two groups to ask that Mount Dora High School Teacher of the Year Jerry Buell be reinstated.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 8/19/11: From "Florida Teacher Suspended for Anti-Gay Marriage Posts on Personal Facebook Page" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com
“The school district is being anti-straight, anti-First Amendment and anti-personal liberty,” said Horatio Mihet, an attorney with the Liberty Counsel. “The idea that public servants have to whole-heartedly endorse homosexual marriage is repugnant to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” Mihet told Fox News Radio.
“These are not fringe ideas that Mr. Buell espoused on his personal Facebook page,” he told Fox News Radio. “They are mainstream textbook opposition to homosexual unions – and now he’s been deemed unfit to teach children because he opposes gay marriage? My goodness.” Buell believes the school system is trying to send a message to Christian teachers.
“There is an intimidation factor if you are a Christian or if you make a statement against it (gay marriage) you are a bigot, a homophobe, you’re a creep, you’re intolerant,” he said. “We should have the right to express our opinions and talk about things.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Ohio Admits Wrong Against Christian Teacher
Christian Teacher Sues Brooklyn School
Christians Sue School over Collusion with ACLU
Christian Principal Disciplined for Non-School Prayer
Principal Clamps Down on Christian Teachers
University Won't Hire Christians as Scientists
Virginia County Ignores ACLU Threat over Prayer
The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors said it will continue to open meetings with prayer despite a warning from the American Civil Liberties Union that Christian prayer violates the First Amendment. To demonstrate their defiance, supervisors opened Tuesday night's board meeting in Chatham with not one but seven prayers.
UPDATE 10/21/11: County board asks judge to dismiss ACLU lawsuit
UPDATE 9/26/11: ACLU files lawsuit demanding injunction to cease prayers immediately
UPDATE 9/12/11 news report video (Board meeting):
UPDATE 9/7/11: ACLU lawsuit likely
UPDATE 8/31/11: Thousands expected at next Board meeting to support public prayer
UPDATE 8/26/11: Tunstall Supervisor and Board Chairman Tim Barber interviewed on “Fox & Friends:”
UPDATE 8/19/11: Support increases for Pittsylvania prayer
UPDATE 8/19/11: Conservative Rutherford Institute says board doesn't have a prayer in court
-- From "Pittsylvania Co. Officials: No More Invocation" by James Gherardi, WSET-TV13 8/17/11
For more than 200 years, the Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors has used Jesus Christ in their invocations at the beginning of their meetings. But Monday, they got a letter from the Virginia ACLU asking them to say it no more.
The Chairman of the Board, Tim Barber, says their government has used Christianity in meetings for years and a letter from a group in Richmond isn't going to stop that.
Board members aren't worried about a lawsuit. They say they decided unanimously at Monday night's meeting to ignore the letter and move forward with business as usual.
The board is comprised of Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The Chairman said their members even represent a wide variety of Christian Denominations.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pittsylvania County defies ACLU request to stop prayer" by Tim Davis, Chatham Star Tribune 8/17/11
After the customary invocation by Banister District Supervisor William Pritchett, the other six board members took turns praying - an outright challenge to an ACLU letter mailed to supervisors on Tuesday.
"The ACLU of Virginia has learned that opening invocations at the Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors meetings are consistently Christian in nature; that is, they explicitly refer to Jesus Christ," said ACLU legal director Rebecca Glenberg.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Meeting prayer support grows in Pittsylvania County" by John Crane, Lynchburg News and Advance 8/18/11
The host of a long-time local religious radio show will hold a rally supporting the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors in its spat with the American Civil Liberties Union over sectarian prayer during board meetings.
The Rev. R.J. “Brother Bob” Barber, host of “Tabernacle Time,” which airs on WAKG, will lead the event to be held at the board’s next meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 in the General District Courtroom in Chatham. Everyone is invited to attend, Barber said.
In another gesture of solidarity with supervisors, prominent Danville attorney Ronald W. Williams has written a letter to the board’s chairman offering to represent the board if it were to go to court against the ACLU of Virginia.
If the issue goes to court, the county will choose a firm offering free services to avoid costing taxpayers money, Barber said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 10/21/11: County board asks judge to dismiss ACLU lawsuit
UPDATE 9/26/11: ACLU files lawsuit demanding injunction to cease prayers immediately
UPDATE 9/12/11 news report video (Board meeting):
UPDATE 9/7/11: ACLU lawsuit likely
UPDATE 8/31/11: Thousands expected at next Board meeting to support public prayer
UPDATE 8/26/11: Tunstall Supervisor and Board Chairman Tim Barber interviewed on “Fox & Friends:”
UPDATE 8/19/11: Support increases for Pittsylvania prayer
UPDATE 8/19/11: Conservative Rutherford Institute says board doesn't have a prayer in court
-- From "Pittsylvania Co. Officials: No More Invocation" by James Gherardi, WSET-TV13 8/17/11
For more than 200 years, the Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors has used Jesus Christ in their invocations at the beginning of their meetings. But Monday, they got a letter from the Virginia ACLU asking them to say it no more.
The Chairman of the Board, Tim Barber, says their government has used Christianity in meetings for years and a letter from a group in Richmond isn't going to stop that.
Board members aren't worried about a lawsuit. They say they decided unanimously at Monday night's meeting to ignore the letter and move forward with business as usual.
The board is comprised of Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The Chairman said their members even represent a wide variety of Christian Denominations.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pittsylvania County defies ACLU request to stop prayer" by Tim Davis, Chatham Star Tribune 8/17/11
After the customary invocation by Banister District Supervisor William Pritchett, the other six board members took turns praying - an outright challenge to an ACLU letter mailed to supervisors on Tuesday.
"The ACLU of Virginia has learned that opening invocations at the Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors meetings are consistently Christian in nature; that is, they explicitly refer to Jesus Christ," said ACLU legal director Rebecca Glenberg.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Meeting prayer support grows in Pittsylvania County" by John Crane, Lynchburg News and Advance 8/18/11
The host of a long-time local religious radio show will hold a rally supporting the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors in its spat with the American Civil Liberties Union over sectarian prayer during board meetings.
The Rev. R.J. “Brother Bob” Barber, host of “Tabernacle Time,” which airs on WAKG, will lead the event to be held at the board’s next meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 in the General District Courtroom in Chatham. Everyone is invited to attend, Barber said.
In another gesture of solidarity with supervisors, prominent Danville attorney Ronald W. Williams has written a letter to the board’s chairman offering to represent the board if it were to go to court against the ACLU of Virginia.
If the issue goes to court, the county will choose a firm offering free services to avoid costing taxpayers money, Barber said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
IVF: 'Creating' Life & Aborting Life
A recent New York Times article presents the case for why it's justified to perform "selective reduction" when In-Vitro Fertilization results in "multiple success" or even with natural multiples -- that is, killing one or more babies in the womb to make life easier for the living.
For background, read Twins Reduced to Singleton by 'Choice'
UPDATE 8/22/11: "This isn’t meddling — it’s murder," opinion by Albert Mohler
-- From "The Two-Minus-One Pregnancy" by Ruth Padawer, New York Times 8/10/11
For all its successes, reproductive medicine has produced a paradox: in creating life where none seemed possible, doctors often generate more fetuses than they intend. In the mid-1980s, they devised an escape hatch to deal with these megapregnancies, terminating all but two or three fetuses to lower the risks to women and the babies they took home. But what began as an intervention for extreme medical circumstances has quietly become an option for women carrying twins. With that, pregnancy reduction shifted from a medical decision to an ethical dilemma. As science allows us to intervene more than ever at the beginning and the end of life, it outruns our ability to reach a new moral equilibrium. We still have to work out just how far we’re willing to go to construct the lives we want.
. . . secrecy is common among women undergoing reduction to a singleton. Doctors who perform the procedure, aware of the stigma, tell patients to be cautious about revealing their decision.
What is it about terminating half a twin pregnancy that seems more controversial than reducing triplets to twins or aborting a single fetus? After all, the math’s the same either way: one fewer fetus. . . .
Even some people who support abortion rights admit to feeling queasy about reduction to a singleton. . . .
It’s not only the parents who may feel guilty. Even if parents work hard to conceal it, the child may discover the full story of his or her origins, and we don’t know what feelings of guilt or vulnerability or loss this discovery might summon.
To read all of this very extensive article above, CLICK HERE.
From "When Two (or More) Become One: Selective Reduction for Multiple Births" by Courtney Hutchison, ABC News Medical Unit 8/15/11
Increased use of in vitro fertilization techniques has made [multiples] increasingly common. Given the high cost and failure rate of fertility treatments, some couples try to increase their chances of getting pregnant by using multiple embryos and end up facing an unexpected challenge of twins, triplets, or higher multiples -- a challenge some feel they cannot handle, emotionally or financially.
In cases of high multiple pregnancies, doctors will often recommend selective reduction for purely medical reasons. Early in the pregnancy, one or more of the fetuses are aborted from within the womb to increase the likelihood that the remaining babies (and the mother) will survive and thrive. There are numerous health concerns to both mother and infants associated with carrying multiples. Thus for decades obstetricians have offered the option of reducing down to twins, which tend to have safer outcomes. This procedure can only be done with fraternal twins, as identical twins share a placenta and cannot easily be separated.
In the past years, however, some obstetricians and their patients have turned to selective reductions even in the case of twins -- not necessarily for medical reasons, but because the couple does not feel emotionally and/or financially prepared to have two babies when they had planned to have just one.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New York Times Touts 'Selective Reduction' as a 'Half Abortion'" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/10/11
“This tragic outcome would have been foreseeable when ‘choice’ became the ultimate god,” [Wendy Wright, the former president of Concerned Women for America] told LifeNews in response. “Yet I doubt that anyone conceived of something so horrible, that people would deliberately conceive children then deliberately abort them simply because they are children. Morality does not change with technology; the intensity of one’s moral decisions increase when beginning with the belief that ‘you can be like God.’”
Wright says the Times article “pulls back the curtain to reveal that women and doctors are choosing who to kill like a sniper decides who to shoot, based on short-term thinking, personal benefits and which victim is accessible. It begs us to question: when will hurting someone’s feelings by saying this is wrong become less important than valuing human life? Perhaps not until it is our own life at stake.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read IVF Babies Aborted: 'Oops, Changed My Mind'
For background, read Twins Reduced to Singleton by 'Choice'
UPDATE 8/22/11: "This isn’t meddling — it’s murder," opinion by Albert Mohler
-- From "The Two-Minus-One Pregnancy" by Ruth Padawer, New York Times 8/10/11
For all its successes, reproductive medicine has produced a paradox: in creating life where none seemed possible, doctors often generate more fetuses than they intend. In the mid-1980s, they devised an escape hatch to deal with these megapregnancies, terminating all but two or three fetuses to lower the risks to women and the babies they took home. But what began as an intervention for extreme medical circumstances has quietly become an option for women carrying twins. With that, pregnancy reduction shifted from a medical decision to an ethical dilemma. As science allows us to intervene more than ever at the beginning and the end of life, it outruns our ability to reach a new moral equilibrium. We still have to work out just how far we’re willing to go to construct the lives we want.
. . . secrecy is common among women undergoing reduction to a singleton. Doctors who perform the procedure, aware of the stigma, tell patients to be cautious about revealing their decision.
What is it about terminating half a twin pregnancy that seems more controversial than reducing triplets to twins or aborting a single fetus? After all, the math’s the same either way: one fewer fetus. . . .
Even some people who support abortion rights admit to feeling queasy about reduction to a singleton. . . .
It’s not only the parents who may feel guilty. Even if parents work hard to conceal it, the child may discover the full story of his or her origins, and we don’t know what feelings of guilt or vulnerability or loss this discovery might summon.
To read all of this very extensive article above, CLICK HERE.
From "When Two (or More) Become One: Selective Reduction for Multiple Births" by Courtney Hutchison, ABC News Medical Unit 8/15/11
Increased use of in vitro fertilization techniques has made [multiples] increasingly common. Given the high cost and failure rate of fertility treatments, some couples try to increase their chances of getting pregnant by using multiple embryos and end up facing an unexpected challenge of twins, triplets, or higher multiples -- a challenge some feel they cannot handle, emotionally or financially.
In cases of high multiple pregnancies, doctors will often recommend selective reduction for purely medical reasons. Early in the pregnancy, one or more of the fetuses are aborted from within the womb to increase the likelihood that the remaining babies (and the mother) will survive and thrive. There are numerous health concerns to both mother and infants associated with carrying multiples. Thus for decades obstetricians have offered the option of reducing down to twins, which tend to have safer outcomes. This procedure can only be done with fraternal twins, as identical twins share a placenta and cannot easily be separated.
In the past years, however, some obstetricians and their patients have turned to selective reductions even in the case of twins -- not necessarily for medical reasons, but because the couple does not feel emotionally and/or financially prepared to have two babies when they had planned to have just one.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New York Times Touts 'Selective Reduction' as a 'Half Abortion'" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/10/11
“This tragic outcome would have been foreseeable when ‘choice’ became the ultimate god,” [Wendy Wright, the former president of Concerned Women for America] told LifeNews in response. “Yet I doubt that anyone conceived of something so horrible, that people would deliberately conceive children then deliberately abort them simply because they are children. Morality does not change with technology; the intensity of one’s moral decisions increase when beginning with the belief that ‘you can be like God.’”
Wright says the Times article “pulls back the curtain to reveal that women and doctors are choosing who to kill like a sniper decides who to shoot, based on short-term thinking, personal benefits and which victim is accessible. It begs us to question: when will hurting someone’s feelings by saying this is wrong become less important than valuing human life? Perhaps not until it is our own life at stake.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read IVF Babies Aborted: 'Oops, Changed My Mind'
Arizona Abortion Restrictions OK'd by Court
The Arizona Court of Appeals has upheld a 2009 pro-life state law that, in part, requires the mother to be informed of abortion risks and alternatives at an in-person doctor visit the day before getting an abortion, requires notarized parental consent for abortion on a minor child, and includes right of conscience religious provisions.
For background, read Pro-life Legislation Floods America
UPDATE 11/15/11: Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Mark Brain officially ended the legal attack on the Abortion Consent Act by Planned Parenthood.
UPDATE 8/19/11: Abortion Ends at 70% of Planned Parenthood Arizona Clinics
-- From "Ariz. court OK’s abortion restrictions" by The Associated Press 8/12/11
The provisions have been on hold for two years after a state judge blocked them from taking effect in 2009.
The appellate court’s ruling also covers provisions banning nurses from performing surgical abortions and requiring parental consent forms to be notarized for minors getting abortions. Another provision expands an existing law that allows health care workers to refuse to participate in abortions for moral or religious reasons.
The new provisions could take effect as soon as a month from now but could be held up for more than a year if Planned Parenthood of Arizona files an appeal in the Arizona Supreme Court.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Appeals Court tosses injunction vs. Arizona abortion law" by Ginger Rough, The Arizona Republic 8/12/11
The appellate court's unanimous decision overturns an injunction issued two years ago by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Donald Daughton. That injunction blocked key provisions of 2009 legislation from taking effect.
[Planned Parenthood] asked for a preliminary injunction based on the argument that the regulations unfairly added restrictions to abortion that no other medical procedure must follow.
In its ruling, the court stated that the new regulations were both constitutionally sound and did not violate the equal protection or right to privacy clauses in the Arizona Constitution.
. . . Deborah Sheasby, legal counsel for the Center for Arizona Policy, which helped draft the 2009 legislation . . . [said that] such an opinion could suggest that the state's courts also will allow additional abortion restrictions passed by lawmakers earlier this year to take effect.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Arizona Court Upholds Pro-Life Law With Abortion Limits" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/11/11
The Arizona Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in June in Planned Parenthood Arizona v. Horne, a case the abortion business filed which challenges key aspects of the 2009 Abortion Consent Act. The law is a pro-life measure Governor Jan Brewer signed which tells women of the risks associated with and alternatives to abortion. Planned Parenthood sued the state soon after its signing and a Superior Court judge blocked the law from taking effect while the case moves forward.
The Center for Arizona Policy, a statewide pro-life group, drafted the Abortion Consent Act and is a part of the legal team – which includes Alliance Defense Fund, Bioethics Defense Fund, the Bioethics Defense Fund, and Life Legal Defense Fund – defending the constitutionality of the law. The law has several other pro-life provisions the pro-life organizations support.
The Arizona Court of Appeals today upheld the Abortion Consent Act on appeal after it was enjoined by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daughton following a Planned Parenthood lawsuit. Today’s 3-0 opinion vacates the injunction in its entirety.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Pro-life Legislation Floods America
UPDATE 11/15/11: Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Mark Brain officially ended the legal attack on the Abortion Consent Act by Planned Parenthood.
UPDATE 8/19/11: Abortion Ends at 70% of Planned Parenthood Arizona Clinics
-- From "Ariz. court OK’s abortion restrictions" by The Associated Press 8/12/11
The provisions have been on hold for two years after a state judge blocked them from taking effect in 2009.
The appellate court’s ruling also covers provisions banning nurses from performing surgical abortions and requiring parental consent forms to be notarized for minors getting abortions. Another provision expands an existing law that allows health care workers to refuse to participate in abortions for moral or religious reasons.
The new provisions could take effect as soon as a month from now but could be held up for more than a year if Planned Parenthood of Arizona files an appeal in the Arizona Supreme Court.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Appeals Court tosses injunction vs. Arizona abortion law" by Ginger Rough, The Arizona Republic 8/12/11
The appellate court's unanimous decision overturns an injunction issued two years ago by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Donald Daughton. That injunction blocked key provisions of 2009 legislation from taking effect.
[Planned Parenthood] asked for a preliminary injunction based on the argument that the regulations unfairly added restrictions to abortion that no other medical procedure must follow.
In its ruling, the court stated that the new regulations were both constitutionally sound and did not violate the equal protection or right to privacy clauses in the Arizona Constitution.
. . . Deborah Sheasby, legal counsel for the Center for Arizona Policy, which helped draft the 2009 legislation . . . [said that] such an opinion could suggest that the state's courts also will allow additional abortion restrictions passed by lawmakers earlier this year to take effect.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Arizona Court Upholds Pro-Life Law With Abortion Limits" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/11/11
The Arizona Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in June in Planned Parenthood Arizona v. Horne, a case the abortion business filed which challenges key aspects of the 2009 Abortion Consent Act. The law is a pro-life measure Governor Jan Brewer signed which tells women of the risks associated with and alternatives to abortion. Planned Parenthood sued the state soon after its signing and a Superior Court judge blocked the law from taking effect while the case moves forward.
The Center for Arizona Policy, a statewide pro-life group, drafted the Abortion Consent Act and is a part of the legal team – which includes Alliance Defense Fund, Bioethics Defense Fund, the Bioethics Defense Fund, and Life Legal Defense Fund – defending the constitutionality of the law. The law has several other pro-life provisions the pro-life organizations support.
The Arizona Court of Appeals today upheld the Abortion Consent Act on appeal after it was enjoined by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daughton following a Planned Parenthood lawsuit. Today’s 3-0 opinion vacates the injunction in its entirety.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Cohabitation Soars, Children Suffer: Study
Family instability continues to grow in the U.S. despite falling divorce rates for families with children. Researchers say an increase in cohabitation is part of the problem, adding that society’s “retreat from marriage” harms children and has particularly hurt poor and working-class communities.
For background, read No Marriage in Most U.S. Households: Census and also read Defeating Marriage & Destroying Family: Survey as well as Cohabitation is Too Much of a Commitment plus also read Marriage Essential for Children: Studies
UPDATE 8/20/11: Married couples four times more likely to be faithful to one another than cohabiting couples
-- From "More Unwed Parents Live Together, Report Finds" by Sabrina Tavernise, New York Times 8/16/11
The number of Americans who have children and live together without marrying has increased twelvefold since 1970, according to a report released Tuesday. The report states that children now are more likely to have unmarried parents than divorced ones.
The report cites data from the Census Bureau as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and includes work from 18 researchers who study family issues.
According to the National Survey of Family Growth, part of the Centers for Disease Control, 42 percent of children have lived with cohabiting parents by age 12, far more than the 24 percent whose parents have divorced.
Cohabiting parents . . . are more than twice as likely to break up as parents who are married.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Study: Are Cohabiting Parents Bad For Kids?" by Jennifer Ludden, NPR 8/16/11
The study is put out by the National Marriage Project and the Institute for American Values, groups whose missions include strengthening marriage and family life. . . .
Brad Wilcox, a report co-author and head of the National Marriage Project . . . says the children of the divorce revolution grew up to be understandably gun-shy about marriage. Many are putting it off, even after they have kids. But research shows such couples are twice as likely to split.
Forty-one percent of all births are now to unwed mothers, many of them living with — but not married to — the child's father.
In fact, another recent study finds that a quarter of American women with multiple children conceived them with more than one man. Psychologist John Gottman, a co-author of Tuesday's report, says that kind of instability can have a negative impact on kids in all kinds of ways.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Increased cohabitation rates mean more instability for children" by Kevin J. Jones, Catholic News Agency 8/17/11
More than 40 percent of U.S. children now spend time in a cohabiting household. They are much more likely to experience a parental breakup than children of married couples.
In the U.S., the breakup rate is 170 percent higher for children born to cohabiting couples up until age 12.
The report found that children in cohabiting households are at least three times more likely to be physically, sexually or emotionally abused, compared to children from intact marriages between their biological parents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Liberalism Causes Poverty in America: Study
For background, read No Marriage in Most U.S. Households: Census and also read Defeating Marriage & Destroying Family: Survey as well as Cohabitation is Too Much of a Commitment plus also read Marriage Essential for Children: Studies
UPDATE 8/20/11: Married couples four times more likely to be faithful to one another than cohabiting couples
-- From "More Unwed Parents Live Together, Report Finds" by Sabrina Tavernise, New York Times 8/16/11
The number of Americans who have children and live together without marrying has increased twelvefold since 1970, according to a report released Tuesday. The report states that children now are more likely to have unmarried parents than divorced ones.
The report cites data from the Census Bureau as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and includes work from 18 researchers who study family issues.
According to the National Survey of Family Growth, part of the Centers for Disease Control, 42 percent of children have lived with cohabiting parents by age 12, far more than the 24 percent whose parents have divorced.
Cohabiting parents . . . are more than twice as likely to break up as parents who are married.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Study: Are Cohabiting Parents Bad For Kids?" by Jennifer Ludden, NPR 8/16/11
The study is put out by the National Marriage Project and the Institute for American Values, groups whose missions include strengthening marriage and family life. . . .
Brad Wilcox, a report co-author and head of the National Marriage Project . . . says the children of the divorce revolution grew up to be understandably gun-shy about marriage. Many are putting it off, even after they have kids. But research shows such couples are twice as likely to split.
Forty-one percent of all births are now to unwed mothers, many of them living with — but not married to — the child's father.
In fact, another recent study finds that a quarter of American women with multiple children conceived them with more than one man. Psychologist John Gottman, a co-author of Tuesday's report, says that kind of instability can have a negative impact on kids in all kinds of ways.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Increased cohabitation rates mean more instability for children" by Kevin J. Jones, Catholic News Agency 8/17/11
More than 40 percent of U.S. children now spend time in a cohabiting household. They are much more likely to experience a parental breakup than children of married couples.
In the U.S., the breakup rate is 170 percent higher for children born to cohabiting couples up until age 12.
The report found that children in cohabiting households are at least three times more likely to be physically, sexually or emotionally abused, compared to children from intact marriages between their biological parents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Liberalism Causes Poverty in America: Study
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Kansas Promotes Marriage to Reduce Poverty
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is requesting a $6.6 million 3-year federal grant to encourage marriage through counseling of unwed parents, in an effort to reduce childhood poverty by increasing the number of stable families.
For background, read Marriage Essential for Children: Studies and also read Liberalism Causes Poverty in America: Study as well as Unwed Mothers in Poorer Health: Study
UPDATE 8/17/11: Cohabitation Soars, Children Suffer: Study
UPDATE 3/11/15: Liberal Study Says Abortion Access Would Reduce Poverty Rate
-- From "Kansas seeks federal grant to promote marriage" by The Associated Press 8/16/11
Brownback has long been an advocate of promoting healthy marriages, contending that children raised by married couples are more likely to succeed in school, less likely to have behavior problems or live in poverty.
He promised a focus on family life when he appointed Rob Siedlecki, a former board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, to lead the social services agency.
If the state receives the grant, the federal government would pay to send unwed parents to six counseling sessions offered by either secular or faith-based counseling services chosen by the state. The parents would volunteer for the program and could choose the kind of counseling service they wanted.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Kansas seeks federal grant for program to promote marriage" by Brad Cooper, The Kansas City Star 8/15/11
If the parents completed the program and decided to marry, the federal grant would pay for their state marriage license, which now costs $85.50.
About 19,000 unwed couples a year give birth in Kansas. The state estimates that more than 7,600 mothers or couples — or 40 percent — would begin counseling at $25 to $50 per session. Sixty percent of those are expected to finish the program and qualify for a free license.
Even if marriage does not result, the grant application said, the parents will have learned how to maintain relationships and work together for the good of their child.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Marriage Essential for Children: Studies and also read Liberalism Causes Poverty in America: Study as well as Unwed Mothers in Poorer Health: Study
UPDATE 8/17/11: Cohabitation Soars, Children Suffer: Study
UPDATE 3/11/15: Liberal Study Says Abortion Access Would Reduce Poverty Rate
-- From "Kansas seeks federal grant to promote marriage" by The Associated Press 8/16/11
Brownback has long been an advocate of promoting healthy marriages, contending that children raised by married couples are more likely to succeed in school, less likely to have behavior problems or live in poverty.
He promised a focus on family life when he appointed Rob Siedlecki, a former board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, to lead the social services agency.
If the state receives the grant, the federal government would pay to send unwed parents to six counseling sessions offered by either secular or faith-based counseling services chosen by the state. The parents would volunteer for the program and could choose the kind of counseling service they wanted.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Kansas seeks federal grant for program to promote marriage" by Brad Cooper, The Kansas City Star 8/15/11
If the parents completed the program and decided to marry, the federal grant would pay for their state marriage license, which now costs $85.50.
About 19,000 unwed couples a year give birth in Kansas. The state estimates that more than 7,600 mothers or couples — or 40 percent — would begin counseling at $25 to $50 per session. Sixty percent of those are expected to finish the program and qualify for a free license.
Even if marriage does not result, the grant application said, the parents will have learned how to maintain relationships and work together for the good of their child.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Normalization of Pedophilia Urged by Psychiatrists
A conference of mental health professionals is presenting a process whereby pedophiles will contribute to an effort to remove pedophilia from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in its 2013 revision -- the similar strategy employed several decades ago to normalize homosexual behavior.
UPDATE 8/22/11: Report following pro-pedophilia conference
UPDATE 9/11/12: Pedophilia is Sexual Orientation, Like 'Being Gay'
-- From "Conference aims to normalize pedophilia" by John Rossomando, The Daily Caller 8/15/11
The August 17 Baltimore conference is sponsored by B4U-ACT, a group of pro-pedophile mental health professionals and sympathetic activists. According to the conference brochure, the event will examine “ways in which minor-attracted persons [pedophiles] can be involved in the DSM 5 revision process” and how the popular perceptions of pedophiles can be reframed to encourage tolerance.
Researchers from Harvard University, the Johns Hopkins University, the University of Louisville, and the University of Illinois will be among the panelists at the conference.
Child advocate Dr. Judith Reisman, a visiting professor at Liberty University’s School of Law, said the conference is part of a strategy to condition people into accepting pedophiles.
“The first thing they do is to get the public to divest from thinking of what the offender does criminally, to thinking of the offender’s emotional state, to think of him as thinking of his emotional state, [and] to empathize and sympathize,” Reisman said. “You don’t change the nation in one fell swoop; you have to change it by conditioning. The aim is to get them [pedophiles] out of prison.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Academic conference seeks to normalize pedophilia" by Jeremy Kryn, LifeSiteNews.com 8/16/11
B4U-ACT science director Howard Kline has criticized the definition of pedophilia by the American Psychological Association, describing its treatment of “minor-attracted persons” as “inaccurate” and “misleading.”
On their website B4U-ACT classifies pedophilia as simply another sexual orientation and decries the “stigma” attached to pedophilia, observing: “No one chooses to be emotionally and sexually attracted to children or adolescents. The cause is unknown; in fact, the development of attraction to adults is not understood.” The group says that it does not advocate treatment to change feelings of attraction to children or adolescents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Facts About Homosexuality and Mental Health" by (pro-homosexual) Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D. posted at the Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
In 1973, the weight of empirical data, coupled with changing social norms and the development of a politically active gay community in the United States, led the Board of Directors of the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
. . . The American Psychological Association (APA) . . . has since worked intensively to eradicate the stigma historically associated with a homosexual orientation (APA, 1975; 1987).
Some psychologists and psychiatrists still hold negative personal attitudes toward homosexuality. However, empirical evidence and professional norms do not support the idea that homosexuality is a form of mental illness or is inherently linked to psychopathology.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read, 'Gay Marriage' Heralded by Psychological Assoc. APA
UPDATE 8/22/11: Report following pro-pedophilia conference
UPDATE 9/11/12: Pedophilia is Sexual Orientation, Like 'Being Gay'
-- From "Conference aims to normalize pedophilia" by John Rossomando, The Daily Caller 8/15/11
The August 17 Baltimore conference is sponsored by B4U-ACT, a group of pro-pedophile mental health professionals and sympathetic activists. According to the conference brochure, the event will examine “ways in which minor-attracted persons [pedophiles] can be involved in the DSM 5 revision process” and how the popular perceptions of pedophiles can be reframed to encourage tolerance.
Researchers from Harvard University, the Johns Hopkins University, the University of Louisville, and the University of Illinois will be among the panelists at the conference.
Child advocate Dr. Judith Reisman, a visiting professor at Liberty University’s School of Law, said the conference is part of a strategy to condition people into accepting pedophiles.
“The first thing they do is to get the public to divest from thinking of what the offender does criminally, to thinking of the offender’s emotional state, to think of him as thinking of his emotional state, [and] to empathize and sympathize,” Reisman said. “You don’t change the nation in one fell swoop; you have to change it by conditioning. The aim is to get them [pedophiles] out of prison.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Academic conference seeks to normalize pedophilia" by Jeremy Kryn, LifeSiteNews.com 8/16/11
B4U-ACT science director Howard Kline has criticized the definition of pedophilia by the American Psychological Association, describing its treatment of “minor-attracted persons” as “inaccurate” and “misleading.”
On their website B4U-ACT classifies pedophilia as simply another sexual orientation and decries the “stigma” attached to pedophilia, observing: “No one chooses to be emotionally and sexually attracted to children or adolescents. The cause is unknown; in fact, the development of attraction to adults is not understood.” The group says that it does not advocate treatment to change feelings of attraction to children or adolescents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Facts About Homosexuality and Mental Health" by (pro-homosexual) Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D. posted at the Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
In 1973, the weight of empirical data, coupled with changing social norms and the development of a politically active gay community in the United States, led the Board of Directors of the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
. . . The American Psychological Association (APA) . . . has since worked intensively to eradicate the stigma historically associated with a homosexual orientation (APA, 1975; 1987).
Some psychologists and psychiatrists still hold negative personal attitudes toward homosexuality. However, empirical evidence and professional norms do not support the idea that homosexuality is a form of mental illness or is inherently linked to psychopathology.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read, 'Gay Marriage' Heralded by Psychological Assoc. APA
Monday, August 15, 2011
Pro-choice Americans Disagree with Abortionists: Poll
A new Gallup poll shows that a strong majority of Americans who consider themselves pro-choice align themselves with pro-lifers on many restrictions on abortion, while leading pro-abortion advocacy organizations and abortionists claim that pro-choice Americans oppose all such restrictions.
For background, read Poll: Pro-life America Becomes More So and also read Pro-life Trends Continue in American Opinion as well as Pro-life Legislation Floods America
-- From "Plenty of Common Ground Found in Abortion Debate" by Lydia Saad, Gallup, Inc. 8/8/11
Self-described "pro-choice" and "pro-life" Americans agree about nine major areas of abortion policy, while disagreeing on eight others. Among the areas of consensus, in which a majority of both groups hold the same opinion, especially large percentages are in favor of requiring informed consent for women (86% of pro-choice adults and 87% who are pro-life) and making abortion illegal in the third trimester (79% and 94%).
. . . Both groups favor banning "partial-birth abortions," and requiring parental consent for minors. Additionally, a slim majority of pro-choice Americans (52%) agree with 90% of pro-life Americans that abortion should be illegal in the second trimester.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Poll: Pro-choicers oppose late-term abortion" by Michael Foust, Associate Editor, Baptist Press 8/11/11
[According to the Gallup poll,] pro-choicers and pro-lifers favor laws:
-- requiring a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion (60 percent of pro-choicers and 79 percent of pro-lifers favor it).
-- requiring parental consent for minors (60 percent pro-choicers; 79 percent pro-lifers).
-- banning partial-birth abortions (63 percent pro-choicers, 68 percent pro-lifers).
Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America and all the major abortion groups oppose each of those restrictions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gallup Finds 'Pro-Choice' Americans Back Most Abortion Limits" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/8/11
When abortion backers say most Americans are “pro-choice” on abortion, new polling data from Gallup finds that no only is that incorrect but even a strong majority of “pro-choice” Americans support most abortion limits.
The only abortion limits where those who describe themselves as favoring legalized abortion differ with pro-life advocates are allowing women a chance to see ultrasound before an abortion (where 28 percent of “pro-choice” people agree with such a law), banning federal funding for abortion businesses (23 percent agree), and allowing pharmacists and medical workers to opt out of participating in or referring for abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Poll: Pro-life America Becomes More So and also read Pro-life Trends Continue in American Opinion as well as Pro-life Legislation Floods America
-- From "Plenty of Common Ground Found in Abortion Debate" by Lydia Saad, Gallup, Inc. 8/8/11
Self-described "pro-choice" and "pro-life" Americans agree about nine major areas of abortion policy, while disagreeing on eight others. Among the areas of consensus, in which a majority of both groups hold the same opinion, especially large percentages are in favor of requiring informed consent for women (86% of pro-choice adults and 87% who are pro-life) and making abortion illegal in the third trimester (79% and 94%).
. . . Both groups favor banning "partial-birth abortions," and requiring parental consent for minors. Additionally, a slim majority of pro-choice Americans (52%) agree with 90% of pro-life Americans that abortion should be illegal in the second trimester.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Poll: Pro-choicers oppose late-term abortion" by Michael Foust, Associate Editor, Baptist Press 8/11/11
[According to the Gallup poll,] pro-choicers and pro-lifers favor laws:
-- requiring a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion (60 percent of pro-choicers and 79 percent of pro-lifers favor it).
-- requiring parental consent for minors (60 percent pro-choicers; 79 percent pro-lifers).
-- banning partial-birth abortions (63 percent pro-choicers, 68 percent pro-lifers).
Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America and all the major abortion groups oppose each of those restrictions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gallup Finds 'Pro-Choice' Americans Back Most Abortion Limits" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/8/11
When abortion backers say most Americans are “pro-choice” on abortion, new polling data from Gallup finds that no only is that incorrect but even a strong majority of “pro-choice” Americans support most abortion limits.
The only abortion limits where those who describe themselves as favoring legalized abortion differ with pro-life advocates are allowing women a chance to see ultrasound before an abortion (where 28 percent of “pro-choice” people agree with such a law), banning federal funding for abortion businesses (23 percent agree), and allowing pharmacists and medical workers to opt out of participating in or referring for abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
HPV Vaccine for Pre-teens Without Parental Consent
The California legislature is now pushing through a bill to remove parental notification for children as young as 12 to receive the dangerous STD vaccine Gardasil.
UPDATE 9/23/11: Bill passes, awaits governor signature
-- From "Bill bypasses parents, puts youth at risk" by Becky Yeh, OneNewsNow California correspondent 7/19/11
Assembly Bill 499 -- authored by Democratic Assemblywoman Toni Atkins -- would give the government permission to administer sexual health treatments and to vaccinate children 12 years of age and up without parental consent. Current law permits minors to consent to some types of medical or dental treatment. The bill would allow the child to specifically consent to "medical care related to the prevention of a sexually transmitted disease."
The bill is supported by groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "California mulls giving 12-year-olds STD vaccine Gardasil without parental consent" by Kathleen Gilbert, LifeSiteNews.com 8/12/11
The American Life League reports that each treatment of the HPV vaccine Gardasil, has an average cost of over $360, a sum that would be footed by taxpayers.
Gardasil, the most popular HPV vaccine, has been found to cause dangerous side effects and as many as twelve deaths in the United States alone.
The state had attempted but failed in 2007 to mandate HPV vaccinations for all girls entering junior high.
Hearings on AB499 are expected starting on August 15. If passed, California governor Jerry Brown is widely expected to sign the measure.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Vaccines Save Lives. Period." by Rod Moser, PA, PhD (primary care physician assistant) posted at WebMD 8/8/11
The HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine is one of our new vaccines designed to prevent cervical cancer in women. Preteen and teen girls who will eventually become sexually involved at some point in their lives are getting it. This virus does not jump up the vagina like a misdirected flea. The virus is transmitted from innocent-looking penises. Since the males of our species are the trustees of these problematic penises, they need to be vaccinated, too. Sure, condoms would stop this virus in its tracks, but condoms are not always used. HPV does not limit its cancer-causing potential just to the cervix. Oral and anal sex have grown in popularity among all sexually-active adults, straight and gay, so ENTs are seeing an increasing number of HPV-caused cancers in throats, tonsils, and anuses. Knowing this, some insurance companies are still refusing to pay for the HPV vaccine in boys. Of course, these insurance companies will pay for the cancer treatment.
I am always respectful of parental concerns. I listen to their side of the argument, read their strange articles they find on the Internet, but then they have to listen to me. Personally, I feel that a parent probably has the right to decide which disease they would like their unvaccinated child to get, but as humans, sharing this small planet, we need to think of others.
To read the entire opinion above, CLICK HERE.
“Sexual zealots in Californian politics believe that 12-year-old boys and girls are sexual animals that have no need or ability to control their own behavior.”For background, read Thousands Fall Ill from HPV Vaccine and also read Researchers Question Efficacy of HPV Vaccine as well as Prepubescent Gay Boys' HPV Vaccination: FDA Consideration
-- Paul E. Rondeau, director of communications for American Life League.
UPDATE 9/23/11: Bill passes, awaits governor signature
-- From "Bill bypasses parents, puts youth at risk" by Becky Yeh, OneNewsNow California correspondent 7/19/11
Assembly Bill 499 -- authored by Democratic Assemblywoman Toni Atkins -- would give the government permission to administer sexual health treatments and to vaccinate children 12 years of age and up without parental consent. Current law permits minors to consent to some types of medical or dental treatment. The bill would allow the child to specifically consent to "medical care related to the prevention of a sexually transmitted disease."
The bill is supported by groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "California mulls giving 12-year-olds STD vaccine Gardasil without parental consent" by Kathleen Gilbert, LifeSiteNews.com 8/12/11
The American Life League reports that each treatment of the HPV vaccine Gardasil, has an average cost of over $360, a sum that would be footed by taxpayers.
Gardasil, the most popular HPV vaccine, has been found to cause dangerous side effects and as many as twelve deaths in the United States alone.
The state had attempted but failed in 2007 to mandate HPV vaccinations for all girls entering junior high.
Hearings on AB499 are expected starting on August 15. If passed, California governor Jerry Brown is widely expected to sign the measure.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Vaccines Save Lives. Period." by Rod Moser, PA, PhD (primary care physician assistant) posted at WebMD 8/8/11
The HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine is one of our new vaccines designed to prevent cervical cancer in women. Preteen and teen girls who will eventually become sexually involved at some point in their lives are getting it. This virus does not jump up the vagina like a misdirected flea. The virus is transmitted from innocent-looking penises. Since the males of our species are the trustees of these problematic penises, they need to be vaccinated, too. Sure, condoms would stop this virus in its tracks, but condoms are not always used. HPV does not limit its cancer-causing potential just to the cervix. Oral and anal sex have grown in popularity among all sexually-active adults, straight and gay, so ENTs are seeing an increasing number of HPV-caused cancers in throats, tonsils, and anuses. Knowing this, some insurance companies are still refusing to pay for the HPV vaccine in boys. Of course, these insurance companies will pay for the cancer treatment.
I am always respectful of parental concerns. I listen to their side of the argument, read their strange articles they find on the Internet, but then they have to listen to me. Personally, I feel that a parent probably has the right to decide which disease they would like their unvaccinated child to get, but as humans, sharing this small planet, we need to think of others.
To read the entire opinion above, CLICK HERE.
San Fran. to Censor Pro-life Counseling Centers
Abortion advocate NARAL has been enlisted by San Francisco officials in drafting an ordinance against "misleading advertising" by pregnancy crisis centers. This harassment emanated from a realization by abortionists that Google searches on the word "abortion" yields pro-life centers.
UPDATE 11/21/11: After the ordinance passed 10 to 1, First Resort filed suit in U.S. District Court challenging its constitutionality.
-- From "Pols Pressure Pregnancy Clinic over 'Anti-Abortion' Tactics" by RJ Middleton, NBC Bay Area TV 8/8/11
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera claims that the First Resort Clinic -- with offices in San Francisco, Oakland and Redwood City -- uses tactics like forced ultrasounds, tales of botched abortions and other methods to dissuade women from considering abortions, according to a release from the attorney's office.
The pols want First Resort [a pro-life counseling service] to change the language on its website about exactly what services it provides by the end of August.
First Resort, according to Patch, sent a response: "(We) reject in the strongest possible terms any representation that our advertising misleads women. We treat women with dignity and respect their right to choose."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'Right-wing, politically motivated centers' [says San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera]" posted at California Catholic Daily 8/8/11
An ordinance cheered on by the radical pro-abortion group NARAL Pro-Choice California has been introduced in San Francisco that would restrict the operations of pregnancy-counseling centers. It represents the latest in a series of such attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers across the country.
"Crisis pregnancy centers are a serious threat to women's health," Amy Everitt, state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California, said in a prepared statement. “By posing as legitimate medical clinics that offer a full range of reproductive-health services, these fake clinics often lie and manipulate women who are facing unplanned pregnancies. I applaud Supervisor Cohen for her work on this important issue, and urge the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to support Cohen's ordinance."
When news broke of Cohen’s plans in June, pro-life legal groups like the Alliance Defense Fund and the Life Legal Defense Foundation vowed to challenge the law in court. Life Legal Defense Foundation called claims that pregnancy resource centers mislead women “patently false.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "City launches attack on centers that advise against abortion" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 8/5/11
City attorney Dennis Herrera said at a news conference that when women were searching for terms "abortion" and "San Francisco," a Google listing for "First Resort," a counseling organization, appears, according to a report in the BayCitizen.
Herrera said he sent a letter to First Resort, the report said. It asks First Resort to change its advertising.
A related attempt by pro-abortion factions in New York City to control the speech of pregnancy centers that counsel mothers-to-be also recently hit a judicial speed bump.
The setback was a preliminary injunction from a federal judge that prevents a new city requirement from being enforced while it is argued in court.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Maryland Law Slams Door on Pro-life Speech and also read Baltimore Targets Catholic Pro-life Centers - Archdiocese Sues
UPDATE 11/21/11: After the ordinance passed 10 to 1, First Resort filed suit in U.S. District Court challenging its constitutionality.
-- From "Pols Pressure Pregnancy Clinic over 'Anti-Abortion' Tactics" by RJ Middleton, NBC Bay Area TV 8/8/11
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera claims that the First Resort Clinic -- with offices in San Francisco, Oakland and Redwood City -- uses tactics like forced ultrasounds, tales of botched abortions and other methods to dissuade women from considering abortions, according to a release from the attorney's office.
The pols want First Resort [a pro-life counseling service] to change the language on its website about exactly what services it provides by the end of August.
First Resort, according to Patch, sent a response: "(We) reject in the strongest possible terms any representation that our advertising misleads women. We treat women with dignity and respect their right to choose."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'Right-wing, politically motivated centers' [says San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera]" posted at California Catholic Daily 8/8/11
An ordinance cheered on by the radical pro-abortion group NARAL Pro-Choice California has been introduced in San Francisco that would restrict the operations of pregnancy-counseling centers. It represents the latest in a series of such attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers across the country.
"Crisis pregnancy centers are a serious threat to women's health," Amy Everitt, state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California, said in a prepared statement. “By posing as legitimate medical clinics that offer a full range of reproductive-health services, these fake clinics often lie and manipulate women who are facing unplanned pregnancies. I applaud Supervisor Cohen for her work on this important issue, and urge the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to support Cohen's ordinance."
When news broke of Cohen’s plans in June, pro-life legal groups like the Alliance Defense Fund and the Life Legal Defense Foundation vowed to challenge the law in court. Life Legal Defense Foundation called claims that pregnancy resource centers mislead women “patently false.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "City launches attack on centers that advise against abortion" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 8/5/11
City attorney Dennis Herrera said at a news conference that when women were searching for terms "abortion" and "San Francisco," a Google listing for "First Resort," a counseling organization, appears, according to a report in the BayCitizen.
Herrera said he sent a letter to First Resort, the report said. It asks First Resort to change its advertising.
A related attempt by pro-abortion factions in New York City to control the speech of pregnancy centers that counsel mothers-to-be also recently hit a judicial speed bump.
The setback was a preliminary injunction from a federal judge that prevents a new city requirement from being enforced while it is argued in court.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Maryland Law Slams Door on Pro-life Speech and also read Baltimore Targets Catholic Pro-life Centers - Archdiocese Sues
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