Saturday, April 14, 2012
'Homophobic' Christians Likely to be Closeted Gays
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
Pregnant Teacher Sues Christian School for Firing
Cathy Samford was fired from the (Baptist) Heritage Christian Academy of Rockwall, Texas for being very pregnant and not married because, as a religious minister of the school, her employment contract required moral behavior as a "Christian role model."
For background, CLICK HERE to read of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that religious organizations are NOT bound by certain federal employment regulations regarding ministers, and also CLICK HERE to read of another unmarried pregnant Christian teacher who lost a similar lawsuit.
-- From "School says teacher broke 'morals' clause in her contract" posted at ABC-TV2 (Baltimore, MD) 4/11/12
Cathy Samford is 39-weeks pregnant and teaches at Heritage Christian Academy outside of Dallas. She had been coaching at volleyball at the private Baptist school and had even been named "Coach of the Year."
But the school let her go because of the it is written in her contract that she can not violate what is called a "morals" clause. School leaders told ABC affiliate, WFAA-TV, that she was not leading an example as a "Christian role model".
Samford has hired a lawyer and is considering legal action.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cathy Samford, Texas Teacher, Fired For Out-Of-Wedlock Pregnancy" by Laura Hibbard, The Huffington Post 4/12/12
In a recent interview with ABC News, Samford said she and her fiance had been planning to get married, though complications forced the wedding to be delayed.
After becoming aware of her pregnancy, Samford approached school officials about missing part of the upcoming volleyball season. It was then that, according to Samford, the school responded by telling her she would be terminated.
"I was in shock and devastated and that's when I said, 'If this is the problem, I'm willing, and so is my fiancé, to go ahead and get married,'" Samford told ABC News. "That wasn't the issue. We were going to get married regardless."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pregnant Texas Teacher Fired From Christian School for Being Unmarried" by Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post Reporter 4/12/12
Samford has also said she will file a lawsuit against the school, citing gender and pregnancy discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her lawyer, Colin Walsh, said it was against both state and federal law to fire someone preventatively for taking a pregnancy leave.
Dr. Ron Taylor, the school's headmaster, admitted that the decision to fire the pregnant teacher was not an easy one, but had to be done to preserve the morals that the Christian institution upholds.
"Everything that we stand for says that we want our teachers, who we consider to be in the ministry, to model what a Christian man or woman should be," he added. "How's it going to look to a little fourth grade girl that sees she's pregnant and she's not married?"
The teacher hopes to be reinstated or at least receive some kind of compensation for her termination
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, CLICK HERE to read of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that religious organizations are NOT bound by certain federal employment regulations regarding ministers, and also CLICK HERE to read of another unmarried pregnant Christian teacher who lost a similar lawsuit.
-- From "School says teacher broke 'morals' clause in her contract" posted at ABC-TV2 (Baltimore, MD) 4/11/12
Cathy Samford is 39-weeks pregnant and teaches at Heritage Christian Academy outside of Dallas. She had been coaching at volleyball at the private Baptist school and had even been named "Coach of the Year."
But the school let her go because of the it is written in her contract that she can not violate what is called a "morals" clause. School leaders told ABC affiliate, WFAA-TV, that she was not leading an example as a "Christian role model".
Samford has hired a lawyer and is considering legal action.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cathy Samford, Texas Teacher, Fired For Out-Of-Wedlock Pregnancy" by Laura Hibbard, The Huffington Post 4/12/12
In a recent interview with ABC News, Samford said she and her fiance had been planning to get married, though complications forced the wedding to be delayed.
After becoming aware of her pregnancy, Samford approached school officials about missing part of the upcoming volleyball season. It was then that, according to Samford, the school responded by telling her she would be terminated.
"I was in shock and devastated and that's when I said, 'If this is the problem, I'm willing, and so is my fiancé, to go ahead and get married,'" Samford told ABC News. "That wasn't the issue. We were going to get married regardless."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pregnant Texas Teacher Fired From Christian School for Being Unmarried" by Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post Reporter 4/12/12
Samford has also said she will file a lawsuit against the school, citing gender and pregnancy discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her lawyer, Colin Walsh, said it was against both state and federal law to fire someone preventatively for taking a pregnancy leave.
Dr. Ron Taylor, the school's headmaster, admitted that the decision to fire the pregnant teacher was not an easy one, but had to be done to preserve the morals that the Christian institution upholds.
"Everything that we stand for says that we want our teachers, who we consider to be in the ministry, to model what a Christian man or woman should be," he added. "How's it going to look to a little fourth grade girl that sees she's pregnant and she's not married?"
The teacher hopes to be reinstated or at least receive some kind of compensation for her termination
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Media Scoff at Christians Advancing Science in Tennessee
A new law in Tennessee protects the right of public school teachers and students to explore weather science and "the origins of life" beyond the narrow scope of liberal academia.
The mainstream media demonstrate their ignorance in their criticism of the law, as they seem not to understand that science is always advanced through critical analysis of theories, not by stagnant group-think attitudes.
Scientific Teaching vs. Darwinism: States' Legislation
Ohio Admits Wrong in Firing Christian Teacher
Scientists: Outlaw Non-evolution Theories & Beliefs
Texas Evolution Textbook Debate Continues
Few Believe Evolution Enough to Teach It
UPDATE 5/27/13: Atheists Want Indiana Christian to Stop Teaching Science
-- From "Tenn. bill on evolution and teaching to become law" by Lucas L. Johnson II, Associated Press 4/10/12
Critics derided the legislation as the "monkey bill" for attacking evolution. The state held the famous Scopes "monkey trial" in 1925 in Dayton, Tenn., and opponents of the legislation say evolution is still under attack in 2012.
Meanwhile, backers said it would encourage critical thinking by protecting teachers from discipline if they help students critique "scientific weaknesses."
Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, said there's no question the incoming law "undermines science education in Tennessee public schools."
She said terms such as "strengths and weaknesses," and even "critical thinking," are used by those seeking to introduce non-scientific ideas — such as creationism and intelligent design — into the science curriculum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Debate over evolution now allowed in Tenn. schools" by Chas Sisk, The (Nashville) Tennessean 4/11/12
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said that he will allow House Bill 368/Senate Bill 893 to become law without his signature, a symbolic move that signals his opposition but allows the measure to be added to the state code.
"The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing the House and Senate by a 3-to-1 margin," he said Tuesday. "But good legislation should bring clarity and not confusion. My concern is that this bill has not met this objective."
The decision followed criticism of the bill from national organizations and local scientists, who said it is a cover for reintroducing creationism to schools statewide.
[The law] encourages students to question accepted scientific theories -- listing as examples evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming and cloning -- and it protects teachers from punishment if they teach creationism. Proponents say it will encourage critical thinking and give teachers license to discuss holes in scientific theories if they choose to do so.
Eight Tennessee members of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences signed a letter urging lawmakers to vote it down, saying it would hurt students, the state's reputation and its efforts to recruit science companies. The National Center for Science Education said it would allow teachers to introduce any idea they want into the science curriculum, religious or not.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Tennessee enacts evolution, climate change law" by Neela Banerjee, Los Angeles Times Washington Bureau 4/11/12
The measure's primary sponsor, Republican state Sen. Bo Watson, said it was meant to give teachers the clarity and security to discuss alternative ideas to evolution and climate change that students may have picked up at home and want to explore in class.
The law is likely to stoke growing concerns among teachers around the country that teaching climate science is becoming the same kind of classroom and community flash point as evolution. Tennessee is now the second state, after Louisiana, to allow the teaching of alternatives to accepted science on climate change.
"We respect Gov. Haslam for showing leadership in not signing this legislation," said Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee. "But that doesn't change the fact that Tennessee now has a law on the books essentially granting permission for teachers to violate the 1st Amendment by introducing their own personal religious beliefs on the origin of life into the classroom."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Creationism bill becomes Tenn. law" by Mackenzie Weinger, Politico 4/11/12
Tennessee will now allow the discussion of creationism theory in its classrooms.
The controversial legislation — known as the “Monkey Bill” by those who said it attacked teaching evolution — became law on Tuesday without Gov. Bill Haslam’s signature, Reuters reported.
Critics likened the bill to the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 in Dayton, Tenn., in which teacher John Scopes was found guilty of teaching evolution and violating state law. The state Supreme Court later overturned the verdict, and in 1967 the state’s anti-evolution law was repealed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Governor of Tennessee Duped by Darwin Lobby Rhetoric about the Need to Protect Academic Freedom" by Casey Luskin, Discovery Institute 4/11/12
Tennessee teachers and students won a huge victory yesterday with the passage of an academic freedom bill which permits teachers to help "students understand, analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories covered in the course being taught."
. . . Working with teachers nationwide, we have long observed a pattern where teachers commonly feel intimidated into silence when covering controversial scientific topics.
. . . just because state science standards officially encourage critical thinking, that doesn't mean a climate of academic freedom exists where teachers feel free to teach about different scientific views on topics like evolution. Tennessee's academic freedom bill will give teachers the confidence that they can teach topics like evolution objectively without having to worry about losing their jobs.
Ironically, the talking points of critics show exactly why the law is needed. By constantly telling people that teaching the scientific evidence for and against major evolutionary claims is tantamount to teaching "creationism," teachers are being intimidated into silence.
To read the entire analysis above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Americans Believe in Prayer, NOT Darwin
The mainstream media demonstrate their ignorance in their criticism of the law, as they seem not to understand that science is always advanced through critical analysis of theories, not by stagnant group-think attitudes.
The law states that it "only protects the teaching of scientific information" and "shall not be construed to promote any religious or non-religious doctrine."For background, click headlines below:
Scientific Teaching vs. Darwinism: States' Legislation
Ohio Admits Wrong in Firing Christian Teacher
Scientists: Outlaw Non-evolution Theories & Beliefs
Texas Evolution Textbook Debate Continues
Few Believe Evolution Enough to Teach It
UPDATE 5/27/13: Atheists Want Indiana Christian to Stop Teaching Science
-- From "Tenn. bill on evolution and teaching to become law" by Lucas L. Johnson II, Associated Press 4/10/12
Critics derided the legislation as the "monkey bill" for attacking evolution. The state held the famous Scopes "monkey trial" in 1925 in Dayton, Tenn., and opponents of the legislation say evolution is still under attack in 2012.
Meanwhile, backers said it would encourage critical thinking by protecting teachers from discipline if they help students critique "scientific weaknesses."
Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, said there's no question the incoming law "undermines science education in Tennessee public schools."
She said terms such as "strengths and weaknesses," and even "critical thinking," are used by those seeking to introduce non-scientific ideas — such as creationism and intelligent design — into the science curriculum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Debate over evolution now allowed in Tenn. schools" by Chas Sisk, The (Nashville) Tennessean 4/11/12
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said that he will allow House Bill 368/Senate Bill 893 to become law without his signature, a symbolic move that signals his opposition but allows the measure to be added to the state code.
"The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing the House and Senate by a 3-to-1 margin," he said Tuesday. "But good legislation should bring clarity and not confusion. My concern is that this bill has not met this objective."
The decision followed criticism of the bill from national organizations and local scientists, who said it is a cover for reintroducing creationism to schools statewide.
[The law] encourages students to question accepted scientific theories -- listing as examples evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming and cloning -- and it protects teachers from punishment if they teach creationism. Proponents say it will encourage critical thinking and give teachers license to discuss holes in scientific theories if they choose to do so.
Eight Tennessee members of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences signed a letter urging lawmakers to vote it down, saying it would hurt students, the state's reputation and its efforts to recruit science companies. The National Center for Science Education said it would allow teachers to introduce any idea they want into the science curriculum, religious or not.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Tennessee enacts evolution, climate change law" by Neela Banerjee, Los Angeles Times Washington Bureau 4/11/12
The measure's primary sponsor, Republican state Sen. Bo Watson, said it was meant to give teachers the clarity and security to discuss alternative ideas to evolution and climate change that students may have picked up at home and want to explore in class.
The law is likely to stoke growing concerns among teachers around the country that teaching climate science is becoming the same kind of classroom and community flash point as evolution. Tennessee is now the second state, after Louisiana, to allow the teaching of alternatives to accepted science on climate change.
"We respect Gov. Haslam for showing leadership in not signing this legislation," said Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee. "But that doesn't change the fact that Tennessee now has a law on the books essentially granting permission for teachers to violate the 1st Amendment by introducing their own personal religious beliefs on the origin of life into the classroom."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Creationism bill becomes Tenn. law" by Mackenzie Weinger, Politico 4/11/12
Tennessee will now allow the discussion of creationism theory in its classrooms.
The controversial legislation — known as the “Monkey Bill” by those who said it attacked teaching evolution — became law on Tuesday without Gov. Bill Haslam’s signature, Reuters reported.
Critics likened the bill to the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 in Dayton, Tenn., in which teacher John Scopes was found guilty of teaching evolution and violating state law. The state Supreme Court later overturned the verdict, and in 1967 the state’s anti-evolution law was repealed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Governor of Tennessee Duped by Darwin Lobby Rhetoric about the Need to Protect Academic Freedom" by Casey Luskin, Discovery Institute 4/11/12
Tennessee teachers and students won a huge victory yesterday with the passage of an academic freedom bill which permits teachers to help "students understand, analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories covered in the course being taught."
. . . Working with teachers nationwide, we have long observed a pattern where teachers commonly feel intimidated into silence when covering controversial scientific topics.
. . . just because state science standards officially encourage critical thinking, that doesn't mean a climate of academic freedom exists where teachers feel free to teach about different scientific views on topics like evolution. Tennessee's academic freedom bill will give teachers the confidence that they can teach topics like evolution objectively without having to worry about losing their jobs.
Ironically, the talking points of critics show exactly why the law is needed. By constantly telling people that teaching the scientific evidence for and against major evolutionary claims is tantamount to teaching "creationism," teachers are being intimidated into silence.
To read the entire analysis above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Americans Believe in Prayer, NOT Darwin
Watson, Masters Golf Winner Glorifies Christ on Easter
The secular media finds itself having to deal with yet another outspoken Christian superstar athlete as Bubba Watson praises Jesus Christ after winning PGA golf's most coveted Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia (at the club where they don't accept women members).
-- From "Bubba Watson Shares His Christian Faith After Masters Win" reported by Huffington Post 4/10/12
Bubba Watson has joined Jeremy Lin and Tim Tebow in a trinity of outstanding Christian athletes.
Bubba Watson won the Masters Golf Tournament on Easter Sunday in Augusta, Georgia and lost no time in showing his gratitude.
"I'd like to first thank Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior," Watson said after putting on the famed green jacket (you can watch it at 00:50 in the above video).
Bubba's faith was very strong after winning the Masters when he sent out this celebratory tweets telling the world who he believes is his true master
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bubba Watson tweets his faith, 'showing the Light'" by Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY 4/10/12
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association . . . story talks about Watson's evolution as a believer, from finding church in high school to a more serious commitment to Christ in college. The 33-year-old said, "For me, it's just showing the Light. There's people who want to put down Christians. I try to tell them Jesus loves you. It's just a way to be strong in my faith."
Watson is a regular in the PGA Tour's weekly Bible study, along with Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson, Jonathan Byrd and Webb Simpson and 16 to 50 others on a given week when the group meets during a tournament, the BGEA story says.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Out of the Rough: Bubba, the cult hero" by Jim Brighters, Sports Network 4/9/12
He's a devout Christian, who frankly, wasn't always the nicest man in the history of the sport. Watson was guarded with the media, annoyed fellow playing partners with a combination of slow play and disrespect.
"I was going the wrong way," said Watson. "I was so wrapped up in what everybody else was doing; why is he beating me; why is this; why is that; why can't I make putts; why can't I make the cut; why can't I do this."
He changed, in part due to his faith, and the results have been noticeable. Watson now has four wins, all coming in the last three years, and is a major champion.
If overt religious-ness is not your thing, there's also the uplifting personal odyssey of Watson and his wife, Angie, adopting a baby boy named Caleb last month.
"The first date me and Angie ever had, she told me she was going to have to adopt, she couldn't have kids and I said, 'That's fine. I said if God tells us he wants us to adopt, we'll adopt,'" Watson said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bubba golf has no bounds" by Garry Smits, Morris News Service 4/9/12
Watson said adopting his son has been one more piece of a family puzzle in which he’s tried to tone down his live-wire personality. Watson said golf was getting to him in all the wrong ways, to the point where his wife, his caddie, Ted Scott and close friends had a series of sit-downs with him about his attitude.
Scott threatening to quit shook Watson to his core, because they already were close friends. Becoming a Christian in 2004 helped the most.
“It hit home,” Watson said. “It’s a slow process. This year, it’s gotten better. Last year was a little better and hopefully the years to come it gets better and better.”
He’ll never apologize for his emotions. With his wife home attending to their child, Watson broke down sobbing in his mother Molly’s arms after winning the Masters. When asked about his son in post-tournament interviews, and his deceased father, Watson found it difficult to speak.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bubba Watson Glorifies Jesus Christ After First Masters Win on Easter" by Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter 4/9/12
"I never got this far in my dreams, so it's not a dream come true," he said. "It's a blessing. To go home to my new son will be a lot of fun."
"Golf isn't everything for me. If I would have lost today, it wouldn't have been the end of the world. To win is awesome, but I'll go back to real life next week," Watson said. "I still haven't changed a diaper."
While the golfer has taken to his Twitter to thank fans who have supported him during and after his big win, Watson made sure to continue glorifying God on his social media account.
"1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," Watson tweeted. "To God be the Glory! #Masters."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
"Getting more in the Word and realizing that golf is just an avenue for Jesus to use me to reach as many people as I can."For background, read Tebow Media Craze: Christian Quarterback Brings NFL to its Knees and also read Basketball Star Jeremy Lin Thanks Jesus, without Tebow-like Scorn
-- From "Bubba Watson Shares His Christian Faith After Masters Win" reported by Huffington Post 4/10/12
Bubba Watson has joined Jeremy Lin and Tim Tebow in a trinity of outstanding Christian athletes.
Bubba Watson won the Masters Golf Tournament on Easter Sunday in Augusta, Georgia and lost no time in showing his gratitude.
"I'd like to first thank Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior," Watson said after putting on the famed green jacket (you can watch it at 00:50 in the above video).
Bubba's faith was very strong after winning the Masters when he sent out this celebratory tweets telling the world who he believes is his true master
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bubba Watson tweets his faith, 'showing the Light'" by Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY 4/10/12
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association . . . story talks about Watson's evolution as a believer, from finding church in high school to a more serious commitment to Christ in college. The 33-year-old said, "For me, it's just showing the Light. There's people who want to put down Christians. I try to tell them Jesus loves you. It's just a way to be strong in my faith."
Watson is a regular in the PGA Tour's weekly Bible study, along with Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson, Jonathan Byrd and Webb Simpson and 16 to 50 others on a given week when the group meets during a tournament, the BGEA story says.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Out of the Rough: Bubba, the cult hero" by Jim Brighters, Sports Network 4/9/12
He's a devout Christian, who frankly, wasn't always the nicest man in the history of the sport. Watson was guarded with the media, annoyed fellow playing partners with a combination of slow play and disrespect.
"I was going the wrong way," said Watson. "I was so wrapped up in what everybody else was doing; why is he beating me; why is this; why is that; why can't I make putts; why can't I make the cut; why can't I do this."
He changed, in part due to his faith, and the results have been noticeable. Watson now has four wins, all coming in the last three years, and is a major champion.
If overt religious-ness is not your thing, there's also the uplifting personal odyssey of Watson and his wife, Angie, adopting a baby boy named Caleb last month.
"The first date me and Angie ever had, she told me she was going to have to adopt, she couldn't have kids and I said, 'That's fine. I said if God tells us he wants us to adopt, we'll adopt,'" Watson said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bubba golf has no bounds" by Garry Smits, Morris News Service 4/9/12
Watson said adopting his son has been one more piece of a family puzzle in which he’s tried to tone down his live-wire personality. Watson said golf was getting to him in all the wrong ways, to the point where his wife, his caddie, Ted Scott and close friends had a series of sit-downs with him about his attitude.
Scott threatening to quit shook Watson to his core, because they already were close friends. Becoming a Christian in 2004 helped the most.
“It hit home,” Watson said. “It’s a slow process. This year, it’s gotten better. Last year was a little better and hopefully the years to come it gets better and better.”
He’ll never apologize for his emotions. With his wife home attending to their child, Watson broke down sobbing in his mother Molly’s arms after winning the Masters. When asked about his son in post-tournament interviews, and his deceased father, Watson found it difficult to speak.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bubba Watson Glorifies Jesus Christ After First Masters Win on Easter" by Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter 4/9/12
"I never got this far in my dreams, so it's not a dream come true," he said. "It's a blessing. To go home to my new son will be a lot of fun."
"Golf isn't everything for me. If I would have lost today, it wouldn't have been the end of the world. To win is awesome, but I'll go back to real life next week," Watson said. "I still haven't changed a diaper."
While the golfer has taken to his Twitter to thank fans who have supported him during and after his big win, Watson made sure to continue glorifying God on his social media account.
"1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," Watson tweeted. "To God be the Glory! #Masters."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
U.S. Teenage Birth Rate Lowest on Record
The federal government says that births to U.S. girls aged 15 to 19 continued to decline from the peak in 1991. Although some of the decrease is attributable to a documented increase in abortions, and perhaps to effective use of contraceptives (which cannot be documented), numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of abstinence education during this decades-long period."According to the CDC, fewer teens are having sexual intercourse."For background, read Abstinence Education Yields Lowest Teen Birth Rate Ever and also read Teen Birth Rate Record Low for U.S. as well as Out-of-Wedlock Births: Majority for Moms Under 30
-- Dr. Lawrence Friedman, Director of Adolescent Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
UPDATE 4/29/16: Feds Report Fewer Teen Births, but Still Too Many Minority Babies
UPDATE 1/20/12: Fed study shows contraceptives ineffective in lowering teen pregnancy
-- From "Birthrate for U.S. teens is lowest in history" by Sharon Jayson, USA TODAY 4/10/12
"Young people are being more careful," says Sarah Brown, CEO of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. She attributes the declines to less sex and increased use of contraception.
The report by the National Center for Health Statistics says the actual number of teen births in 2010 was the lowest since 1946. It credits "strong pregnancy prevention messages" and says contraceptive use "may have contributed."
The new numbers elaborate on federal data released in November that found the teen birthrate dropped 9% from 2009 to 2010, to a historic low of 34.3 births per 1,000 teens. That's down 44% from 61.8 in 1991. The all-time high was 96.3 during the Baby Boom year of 1957.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "US teen births: Mississippi has highest rate, New Hampshire lowest" by The Associated Press 4/10/12
Nearly every state saw a decline in teen births from 2007 to 2010, with the biggest drop in Arizona at 29 percent. Rates stayed about the same in three states: Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia.
The rate for teenage moms reached its lowest point since record-keeping began in 1940. The rate fell 9 percent to about 34 per 1,000 girls ages 15 through 19. The decline was seen among all racial and ethnic groups.
Since 1991, the overall teen rate has dropped by 44 percent.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Plunging birthrate of U.S. teens ‘amazing’" by Cheryl Wetzstein, Washington Times 4/10/12
It’s a “pretty amazing” set of trends, said Brady E. Hamilton, senior researcher and co-author of the Tuesday report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which provided state data and other details about the 2010 teen birthrates.
[Bill Albert, chief program officer for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, said] “More teens are delaying sexual activity, which is a good and responsible thing to do. And those teenagers who are having sex are using contraception better.”
Birthrates also fell for each race and ethnic group. In three groups of teens - blacks, American Indians, and Alaska Natives and Asian and Pacific Islanders - the 2010 rates were more than 50 percent lower than the 1991 peak.
Teen birthrates also have fallen in every age group. The 2010 rate for the vulnerable 10-to-14 age group reached a record low of 0.4 births per 1,000.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teen Births Hit All-Time Low" by Jennifer Warner, WebMD Health News 4/10/12
The drop in the teen birth rate from 2009-2010 included teens from all ages and ethnic groups. But there are still some gaps.
Researchers say some of the variation in teen birth rates between states may reflect racial and ethnic differences.
For example, 2010 teen birth rates ranged from:
Asian or Pacific Islanders: 10.9 births per 1,000 teensTo read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Whites: 23.5 per 1,000 teens
American Indian or Alaska native: 38.7 per 1,000 teens
African-Americans: 51.5 per 1,000 teens
Hispanic: 55.7 per 1,000 teens
Also read To Cut Costs, Lower Birth Rate, Says White House
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Wyoming Pays $30,000 for Censoring Pro-life Posters
The Wyoming State Building Commission has admitted that their action of removing pro-life signs at the state capital was a first amendment violation, yet in order to silence pro-lifers in the future, the state has eliminated the right of any and all outside groups to exercise free speech activities in Herschler Gallery.
-- From "Wyoming agrees to settle abortion protest lawsuit" by The Associated Press 4/5/12
Under a settlement approved Thursday by U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal, the state agreed to pay WyWatch Family Action $1 in nominal damages and $30,000 in attorney fees.
Rich Cathcart, head of the Wyoming State Building Commission, has said he ordered two WyWatch poster boards in the tunnel removed last year after receiving complaints. One poster featured a picture of an unborn fetus and the other a group of women saying that they regretted getting abortions.
After WyWatch filed its lawsuit early this year, the State Building Commission, which includes Gov. Matt Mead and the other four statewide elected officials, enacted a new policy banning all public displays of materials in the tunnel area.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Wyoming Officials Admit They Violated Pro-Life Group’s Rights" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 4/6/12
“Although the commissioners have done the right thing by recognizing that they violated the First Amendment rights of WyWatch members who simply wanted to display signs as others had been allowed to do, we disagree that the solution is to then shut everyone up so that you don’t have to allow pro-life speech anymore,” [Alliance Defense Fund Litigation Staff Counsel Jonathan] Scruggs explained.
Rich Cathcart, executive secretary of the State Building Commission, approved WyWatch’s request for “walk by” space in Herschler Gallery, a long and wide enclosed tunnel situated between the State Capitol Building and the Herschler State Office Building. On Feb. 3, 2011, WyWatch Family Action Chairman Becky Vandeberghe erected two signs, one depicting a living preborn baby in the womb with a Bible verse. The other sign showed a picture of a group of individuals with the caption “We Regret Our Abortions.” WyWatch placed the signs as part of its advocacy for two pro-life bills before the legislature.
By the next morning, Cathcart, after receiving a number of “inflamed calls,” had deemed the signs unacceptable and removed them because the pro-life content fell outside of the “generic stuff” that he claimed was allowed, even though the application process never specified any such limitation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State shuts down everyone to stop Christian message" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 4/6/12
The court consent order specifies that “the parties agree, and the court accepts, that the … defendants unconstitutionally prevented plaintiff from engaging in protected expression in the Herschler Gallery in February 2011 by enforcing an unconstitutionally vague policy against the plaintiff and by enforcing that policy in such a way to discriminate against the viewpoint of plaintiff’s expression.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Wyoming agrees to settle abortion protest lawsuit" by The Associated Press 4/5/12
Under a settlement approved Thursday by U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal, the state agreed to pay WyWatch Family Action $1 in nominal damages and $30,000 in attorney fees.
Rich Cathcart, head of the Wyoming State Building Commission, has said he ordered two WyWatch poster boards in the tunnel removed last year after receiving complaints. One poster featured a picture of an unborn fetus and the other a group of women saying that they regretted getting abortions.
After WyWatch filed its lawsuit early this year, the State Building Commission, which includes Gov. Matt Mead and the other four statewide elected officials, enacted a new policy banning all public displays of materials in the tunnel area.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Wyoming Officials Admit They Violated Pro-Life Group’s Rights" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 4/6/12
“Although the commissioners have done the right thing by recognizing that they violated the First Amendment rights of WyWatch members who simply wanted to display signs as others had been allowed to do, we disagree that the solution is to then shut everyone up so that you don’t have to allow pro-life speech anymore,” [Alliance Defense Fund Litigation Staff Counsel Jonathan] Scruggs explained.
Rich Cathcart, executive secretary of the State Building Commission, approved WyWatch’s request for “walk by” space in Herschler Gallery, a long and wide enclosed tunnel situated between the State Capitol Building and the Herschler State Office Building. On Feb. 3, 2011, WyWatch Family Action Chairman Becky Vandeberghe erected two signs, one depicting a living preborn baby in the womb with a Bible verse. The other sign showed a picture of a group of individuals with the caption “We Regret Our Abortions.” WyWatch placed the signs as part of its advocacy for two pro-life bills before the legislature.
By the next morning, Cathcart, after receiving a number of “inflamed calls,” had deemed the signs unacceptable and removed them because the pro-life content fell outside of the “generic stuff” that he claimed was allowed, even though the application process never specified any such limitation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State shuts down everyone to stop Christian message" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 4/6/12
The court consent order specifies that “the parties agree, and the court accepts, that the … defendants unconstitutionally prevented plaintiff from engaging in protected expression in the Herschler Gallery in February 2011 by enforcing an unconstitutionally vague policy against the plaintiff and by enforcing that policy in such a way to discriminate against the viewpoint of plaintiff’s expression.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Pope Says Public Opinion Won't Liberalize Church
While the American mainstream media report that at least 60% of Catholics think priests should marry, women should be priests, and that the Church is out of touch, the Pope holds firm to Catholic tradition.
For background, read The Pope, and Obama's War on Christianity and also read Pope: Gay Agenda & Abortion Dooms Society
-- From "Pope criticizes priests who question celibacy rule, says priest shortage no reason to disobey teachings" by Nicole Winfield, Associated Press 4/6/12
In 2006, a group of Austrian priests launched the Pfarrer Initiative, or pastor initiative, a call to disobedience aimed at abolishing priestly celibacy and opening the clergy to women to relieve the shortages of priests.
Last June, the group's members essentially threatened a schism, saying the Vatican's refusal to hear their complaints left them no choice but to "follow our conscience and act independently."
In his homily, Benedict, who turns 85 this month, said the dissidents claim to be motivated by concern for the church. But he suggested that in reality they were just making "a desperate push to do something to change the church in accordance with (their) own preferences."
He said Jesus always followed true obedience to God's will, not "human caprice."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pope assails 'disobedience' among priests" by Rachel Donadio, New York Times 4/5/12
Striking the tone that once earned him the nickname "God's Rottweiler," Pope Benedict XVI in a stern Holy Thursday homily denounced "disobedience" in the Roman Catholic Church, chastising priests who sought the ordination of women and the abolition of priestly celibacy.
In his homily, Benedict made clear that reforms could go against church doctrine. He singled out "a group of priests from a European country" who had recently "issued a summons to disobedience."
[The Austrian priests] did this to the point of disregarding church teaching and encouraging "women's ordination, for which Blessed Pope John Paul II stated irrevocably that the church has received no authority from the Lord," Benedict said
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Vatican letter demands action on Austrian dissident priests’ group the day after Papal blast" by Hilary White, Rome Correspondent, LifeSiteNews.com 4/7/12
According to inside sources, the head of the Austrian Catholic Church and cardinal archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schönborn, was not informed ahead of time of Pope Benedict XVI’s intention to criticise a group of dissident priests in his sermon at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday night. Today it was revealed that Schönborn received a letter from the Vatican demanding action, after ten months of “discussion” between the cardinal and the group calling itself the “Austrian Priests’ Initiative.”
In 2010, Cardinal Schönborn criticised the Church for what he characterised as its refusal to accept homosexual relations. Schönborn told the far-left UK Tablet magazine that the Church should also consider allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion since “many people don’t even marry at all any longer.”
“We should give more consideration to the quality of homosexual relationships. A stable relationship is certainly better than if someone chooses to be promiscuous,” Schönborn said.
Pope Benedict devoted the bulk of his sermon on Thursday night to the situation, saying, “Do we sense here anything of that configuration to Christ which is the precondition for true renewal, or do we merely sense a desperate push to do something to change the Church in accordance with one’s own preferences and ideas?”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pope Welcomes Christians Leaving Anglicanism over Liberalism
For background, read The Pope, and Obama's War on Christianity and also read Pope: Gay Agenda & Abortion Dooms Society
-- From "Pope criticizes priests who question celibacy rule, says priest shortage no reason to disobey teachings" by Nicole Winfield, Associated Press 4/6/12
In 2006, a group of Austrian priests launched the Pfarrer Initiative, or pastor initiative, a call to disobedience aimed at abolishing priestly celibacy and opening the clergy to women to relieve the shortages of priests.
Last June, the group's members essentially threatened a schism, saying the Vatican's refusal to hear their complaints left them no choice but to "follow our conscience and act independently."
In his homily, Benedict, who turns 85 this month, said the dissidents claim to be motivated by concern for the church. But he suggested that in reality they were just making "a desperate push to do something to change the church in accordance with (their) own preferences."
He said Jesus always followed true obedience to God's will, not "human caprice."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pope assails 'disobedience' among priests" by Rachel Donadio, New York Times 4/5/12
Striking the tone that once earned him the nickname "God's Rottweiler," Pope Benedict XVI in a stern Holy Thursday homily denounced "disobedience" in the Roman Catholic Church, chastising priests who sought the ordination of women and the abolition of priestly celibacy.
In his homily, Benedict made clear that reforms could go against church doctrine. He singled out "a group of priests from a European country" who had recently "issued a summons to disobedience."
[The Austrian priests] did this to the point of disregarding church teaching and encouraging "women's ordination, for which Blessed Pope John Paul II stated irrevocably that the church has received no authority from the Lord," Benedict said
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Vatican letter demands action on Austrian dissident priests’ group the day after Papal blast" by Hilary White, Rome Correspondent, LifeSiteNews.com 4/7/12
According to inside sources, the head of the Austrian Catholic Church and cardinal archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schönborn, was not informed ahead of time of Pope Benedict XVI’s intention to criticise a group of dissident priests in his sermon at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday night. Today it was revealed that Schönborn received a letter from the Vatican demanding action, after ten months of “discussion” between the cardinal and the group calling itself the “Austrian Priests’ Initiative.”
In 2010, Cardinal Schönborn criticised the Church for what he characterised as its refusal to accept homosexual relations. Schönborn told the far-left UK Tablet magazine that the Church should also consider allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion since “many people don’t even marry at all any longer.”
“We should give more consideration to the quality of homosexual relationships. A stable relationship is certainly better than if someone chooses to be promiscuous,” Schönborn said.
Pope Benedict devoted the bulk of his sermon on Thursday night to the situation, saying, “Do we sense here anything of that configuration to Christ which is the precondition for true renewal, or do we merely sense a desperate push to do something to change the Church in accordance with one’s own preferences and ideas?”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pope Welcomes Christians Leaving Anglicanism over Liberalism
Student Censored for Traditional Marriage Artwork
When a student at Pilgrim High School in Warwick Rhode Island created a mural that depicted a married man and woman with a child, the school painted over the image in reaction to someone complaining that the artwork violated the so-called "separation of church and state." The school superintendent says he disagrees and says the student's artwork should be completed as intended.
-- From "Warwick superintendent says student artist should finish her vision" by Barbara Polichetti, Providence Journal 4/5/12
There had been some talk at the school that the unfinished mural -- which was to show a boy growing to manhood and eventually becoming a husband and father -- should consider other life choices.
The mural is still in draft form as pencil sketches, [Superintendent Peter Horoschak] said. A portion was painted over by a custodian this week when the artist was talking to administrators about alternative endings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School covers mural for depicting a man, woman & child" by Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News 4/5/12
The mural was meant to depict the life of a man and it ended with the scene with the man, woman and a child. The student artist, 17-year-old Liz Bierendy, said that she depicted the man and woman has married with wedding rings. According to Horoshack’s press release the scene was painted over because “some of the members of the Pilgrim High School community suggested that the depiction of a young man’s development from boyhood through adulthood as displayed may not represent the life experiences of many of the students at Pilgrim High School.”
According to the release, the assistant principal approached Bierendy after the concern was raised from the school and “asked her to look at other ways to show the outcome of the subject’s progression to adulthood.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read about another Rhode Island school mural removed by court order.
-- From "Warwick superintendent says student artist should finish her vision" by Barbara Polichetti, Providence Journal 4/5/12
There had been some talk at the school that the unfinished mural -- which was to show a boy growing to manhood and eventually becoming a husband and father -- should consider other life choices.
The mural is still in draft form as pencil sketches, [Superintendent Peter Horoschak] said. A portion was painted over by a custodian this week when the artist was talking to administrators about alternative endings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School covers mural for depicting a man, woman & child" by Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News 4/5/12
The mural was meant to depict the life of a man and it ended with the scene with the man, woman and a child. The student artist, 17-year-old Liz Bierendy, said that she depicted the man and woman has married with wedding rings. According to Horoshack’s press release the scene was painted over because “some of the members of the Pilgrim High School community suggested that the depiction of a young man’s development from boyhood through adulthood as displayed may not represent the life experiences of many of the students at Pilgrim High School.”
According to the release, the assistant principal approached Bierendy after the concern was raised from the school and “asked her to look at other ways to show the outcome of the subject’s progression to adulthood.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read about another Rhode Island school mural removed by court order.
Friday, April 06, 2012
President Obama Reads Easter Message Speech
At the annual Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House, President Obama awkwardly read a prepared text with scripture passages. The speech referred to Jesus Christ as "A Son of God."
The adoring crowd cheered the president when he read “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
For background, read Obama's Easter Re-election Campaign and also read Obamas' Rare Church Attendance is Easter as well as Obama Declares He's Christian, Again
-- From "Obama says Jesus inspires hope, courage" by UPI 4/4/12
Speaking to a gathering of Christian leaders in the White House's East Room, Obama said Easter is "an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace."
"And for me, and I'm sure for some of you, it's also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured -- not just as a son of God, but as a human being," Obama said.
The Democratic president also expressed appreciation for those who pray for him.
"It especially means a lot to us when we hear from folks who we know probably didn't vote for me and yet, expressing extraordinary sincerity about their prayers," Obama said. "And it's a reminder not only of what binds us together as a nation, but also what binds us together as children of God."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama: Jesus Is ‘A Son of God’" by Fred Lucas, CNSNews.com 4/4/12
The Christian faith teaches that Jesus is the only Son of God. John 3:16-18: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama finally talks about Jesus" by Joe Kovacs, World Net Daily 4/4/12
“This man who claims to be a leader knows nothing of our Jesus,” said Jim Biven. “He wasn’t a wimp and he was not ‘afraid’ of the cross or death. He knew who he was. THAT’s why he was troubled. How would you feel if you HAD TO submit to execution by a bunch of ungrateful wicked people? How would you feel if you HAD TO submit to torture for people who did not care or understand what you were doing?”
Jeff Schueller writes: “This man says the same thing about the Muslim faith when he’s in front of Muslims. He’s a SNAKE, a fake and a fraud!”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
The adoring crowd cheered the president when he read “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
For background, read Obama's Easter Re-election Campaign and also read Obamas' Rare Church Attendance is Easter as well as Obama Declares He's Christian, Again
-- From "Obama says Jesus inspires hope, courage" by UPI 4/4/12
Speaking to a gathering of Christian leaders in the White House's East Room, Obama said Easter is "an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace."
"And for me, and I'm sure for some of you, it's also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured -- not just as a son of God, but as a human being," Obama said.
The Democratic president also expressed appreciation for those who pray for him.
"It especially means a lot to us when we hear from folks who we know probably didn't vote for me and yet, expressing extraordinary sincerity about their prayers," Obama said. "And it's a reminder not only of what binds us together as a nation, but also what binds us together as children of God."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama: Jesus Is ‘A Son of God’" by Fred Lucas, CNSNews.com 4/4/12
The Christian faith teaches that Jesus is the only Son of God. John 3:16-18: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama finally talks about Jesus" by Joe Kovacs, World Net Daily 4/4/12
“This man who claims to be a leader knows nothing of our Jesus,” said Jim Biven. “He wasn’t a wimp and he was not ‘afraid’ of the cross or death. He knew who he was. THAT’s why he was troubled. How would you feel if you HAD TO submit to execution by a bunch of ungrateful wicked people? How would you feel if you HAD TO submit to torture for people who did not care or understand what you were doing?”
Jeff Schueller writes: “This man says the same thing about the Muslim faith when he’s in front of Muslims. He’s a SNAKE, a fake and a fraud!”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Mass. School Edits God from 'God Bless the USA'
A student presentation at Stall Brook Elementary in Bellingham was to include the kids singing the popular song "God Bless the USA" but with both the title and the lyrics changed to "We Love the USA." When parents complained of the re-write, the school simply eliminated all singing from the program.
Apparently, the last thing school leaders wanted to hear in the building was the name of God Almighty.
UPDATE 4/5/12: School Supt. backtracks, says kids can sing "God" if they want to
-- From "Mass. school drops patriotic song from assembly after parents object to removal of word 'God'" by The Associated Press 4/5/12
The song was scheduled to be performed at an April 12 assembly where students will show off their knowledge of the states.
School officials issued a statement Wednesday saying that because of "logistics," no songs would be performed.
[Songwriter Lee] Greenwood issued a statement saying he objected to the changing of the lyrics because God "is the most important word in the whole piece of music."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School Removes 'God' From Lee Greenwood Song" by Todd Starnes, FOX News 4/5/12
The school’s principal released a statement to Fox [TV] 25 stating they hope to ”maintain the focus on the original objective of sharing students’ knowledge of the U.S. States, and because of logistics, will not include any songs.”
An online poll taken by the television station indicated more than 80 percent of viewers were outraged by removing God from the song.
LEE GREENWOOD’S STATEMENT TO TODD STARNES
Apparently, the last thing school leaders wanted to hear in the building was the name of God Almighty.
UPDATE 4/5/12: School Supt. backtracks, says kids can sing "God" if they want to
-- From "Mass. school drops patriotic song from assembly after parents object to removal of word 'God'" by The Associated Press 4/5/12
The song was scheduled to be performed at an April 12 assembly where students will show off their knowledge of the states.
School officials issued a statement Wednesday saying that because of "logistics," no songs would be performed.
[Songwriter Lee] Greenwood issued a statement saying he objected to the changing of the lyrics because God "is the most important word in the whole piece of music."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School Removes 'God' From Lee Greenwood Song" by Todd Starnes, FOX News 4/5/12
The school’s principal released a statement to Fox [TV] 25 stating they hope to ”maintain the focus on the original objective of sharing students’ knowledge of the U.S. States, and because of logistics, will not include any songs.”
An online poll taken by the television station indicated more than 80 percent of viewers were outraged by removing God from the song.
LEE GREENWOOD’S STATEMENT TO TODD STARNES
“Maybe the school should have asked the parents their thoughts before changing the lyrics to the song. They could have even asked the writer of the song, which I of course would have said you can’t change the lyrics at all or any part of the song. The most important word in the whole piece of music is the word God, which is also in the title God Bless The USA. We can’t take God out of the song, we can’t take God out of The Pledge of Allegiance, we can’t take God off of the American currency. Let us also remember, the phrase God Bless the USA has a very important meaning for those in the military and their families, as well as new citizens coming to our Country. The song is played at every naturalization ceremony behind The National Anthem. If the song is good enough to played and performed in its original setting under those circumstances, it surely should be good enough for our children.”To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
– Lee Greenwood
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Ohio School Bans 'Jesus Homophobe' T-shirt, Gays Sue
Maverick Couch, a 16-year-old "gay student" at Waynesville High School, wanted to wear a T-shirt promoting homosexual behavior on the Day of Silence (a nationwide celebration of deviant sexuality), but after seeing it, the school administration deemed the T-shirt to be sexually inappropriate, so homosexual activists have sued the school.
UPDATE 5/22/12: Federal judge rules gay student can wear T-shirt; School must pay $20,000
-- From "Gay student sues Ohio school over right to wear T-shirt" by Lisa Cornwell, Associated Press 4/4/12
Couch, a junior at the southwestern Ohio high school, has been threatened by school officials with suspension if he wears the shirt, which bears the message “Jesus is not a homophobe,” the lawsuit says. Officials at the public school told him the shirt is “sexual in nature” and is inappropriate there, it says.
Couch said yesterday that he wants to wear the shirt at school on April 20 to show support for the Day of Silence, an annual event held nationally for students to draw attention to the silencing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students through bullying and harassment.
Couch said yesterday that he wore the shirt, which also bears the image of a rainbow-colored fish similar to a religious symbol used by Christians, last April and was told by the principal to turn it inside out. He said he complied but was told when he tried to wear it again that he would be suspended.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Maverick Couch, Gay High School Student, Sues School Over Ban Of His 'Jesus Is Not A Homophobe' T-Shirt" by Lila Shapiro, Huffington Post 4/4/12
Couch has been arguing with Waynesville High School since last April, when principal Randy Gebhardt first told Couch to turn his shirt inside out. Couch was observing Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network's National Day of Silence . . .
Lambda Legal, a national organization advocating for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people, filed suit on Tuesday against Gebhardt and Waynesville school district on Couch's behalf. Lambda also filed a motion asking for temporary restraining order so that Couch could wear the shirt on an upcoming National Day of Silence.
On April 20, 2011, Couch was first summoned to Gebhardt's office in the middle of fifth period. At his school, which lacks any organization devoted to the gay community, he is one of few openly gay students. So, he alone was marking the day, wearing the T-shirt and a "No Hate" message written on his cheek in marker. He carried a white board so he could write messages (in lieu of talking) to communicate with teachers and classmates.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 5/22/12: Federal judge rules gay student can wear T-shirt; School must pay $20,000
-- From "Gay student sues Ohio school over right to wear T-shirt" by Lisa Cornwell, Associated Press 4/4/12
Couch, a junior at the southwestern Ohio high school, has been threatened by school officials with suspension if he wears the shirt, which bears the message “Jesus is not a homophobe,” the lawsuit says. Officials at the public school told him the shirt is “sexual in nature” and is inappropriate there, it says.
Couch said yesterday that he wants to wear the shirt at school on April 20 to show support for the Day of Silence, an annual event held nationally for students to draw attention to the silencing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students through bullying and harassment.
Couch said yesterday that he wore the shirt, which also bears the image of a rainbow-colored fish similar to a religious symbol used by Christians, last April and was told by the principal to turn it inside out. He said he complied but was told when he tried to wear it again that he would be suspended.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Maverick Couch, Gay High School Student, Sues School Over Ban Of His 'Jesus Is Not A Homophobe' T-Shirt" by Lila Shapiro, Huffington Post 4/4/12
Couch has been arguing with Waynesville High School since last April, when principal Randy Gebhardt first told Couch to turn his shirt inside out. Couch was observing Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network's National Day of Silence . . .
Lambda Legal, a national organization advocating for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people, filed suit on Tuesday against Gebhardt and Waynesville school district on Couch's behalf. Lambda also filed a motion asking for temporary restraining order so that Couch could wear the shirt on an upcoming National Day of Silence.
On April 20, 2011, Couch was first summoned to Gebhardt's office in the middle of fifth period. At his school, which lacks any organization devoted to the gay community, he is one of few openly gay students. So, he alone was marking the day, wearing the T-shirt and a "No Hate" message written on his cheek in marker. He carried a white board so he could write messages (in lieu of talking) to communicate with teachers and classmates.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Kentucky: Gays Protected Class, Christians Aren't
When a Christian business declined to fill a print order for T-shirts with a pro-homosexual message, and the customer complained, the government official agreed that the printer violated an anti-discrimination law, but when asked, the official said that a printer CAN lawfully decline to print messages that homosexual behavior is sinful.
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray suggested the Christians should get over it. “People don’t have patience for this sort of attitude today.”
For background, read Homosexuals Sue Illinois Christians over Their Faith and also read Christian Won't Bake Cake for Lesbian 'Wedding' as well as Christian Photographer Sued by Lesbians
UPDATE 11/27/12: Kentucky Human Rights Commission rules Christian business to pay damages
UPDATE 4/28/15: Court Ruling Favors Christians, Overturns Human Rights Commission
-- From "Gay and lesbian group files complaint over T-shirt order" by The Associated Press 3/28/12
A gay and lesbian group in Lexington, Ky., has filed a discrimination complaint against [Hands On Originals] a T-shirt printer after the company refused to honor a bid to produce apparel for an event.
The Gay and Lesbian Services Organization [GLSO] filed the complaint Monday with the city's Human Rights Commission.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission says it will investigate the complaint. Executive Director Raymond Sexton said Hands On Originals is subject to the city's human rights ordinance because it deals in goods and services to the public.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Hands On Originals T-shirt company accused of discrimination" by Scott Sloan, Lexington Herald-Leader 3/26/12
[Aaron Baker, president of homosexual organization GLSO,] said Hands On Originals co-owner Blaine Adamson told the GLSO in a follow-up call that the company was declining the order "because we're a Christian organization" but had found another company that would honor its price [but GLSO declined to place the order].
Hands On Originals declined to discuss its decision and instead issued the following statement to the Herald-Leader:
"Hands On Originals both employs and conducts business with people of all genders, races, religions, sexual preferences and national origins," said an owner of the company, Blaine Adamson. "However, due to the promotional nature of our products, it is the prerogative of the company to refuse any order that would endorse positions that conflict with the convictions of the ownership."
"Religious exemption is a valid defense under the local ordinance, but it's typically reserved for churches," Sexton said. "If you're Hands On Originals, you're a business, not a religious organization. You're into T-shirts."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay Rights Group Files Human Rights Complaint Against T-Shirt Company" by Todd Starnes, FOX News 4/2/12
The privately owned company is now accused of violating Lexington’s Fairness Act – which protects people and organizations from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The attacks are out of line, said Jim Campbell, an attorney with Alliance Defense Fund, the organization representing “Hands On Originals.”
“No business owner should be forced to violate his conscience simply because someone demands it,” he said. “The Constitution absolutely supports the rights of business owners to decline a request to support a message that conflicts with their deeply held convictions.”
Raymond Sexton, the executive director of the Human Rights Commission told Fox News that “Hands On Originals” will be “required by law to participate in the investigation.”
“We have subpoena power and have the backing of the law,” he said. “We are a law enforcement agency and people have to comply.”
“Over the past 20 years, we have declined to produce several other products with different messages than the one at issue here because we disapproved of whatever message it was, and it never had anything to do with discrimination,” [Adamson] wrote. “People reading this may disagree with my view on the current issue, but I hope they will join us in supporting our right to decline an order that promotes a view so contrary to our personal beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protest of Hands On Originals draws about 60" by Scott Sloan, Lexington Herald-Leader 4/1/12
The controversy led to stern comments from Lexington Mayor Jim Gray on Wednesday against the company's refusal, as well as a decision by the Fayette County Public Schools to hold off on new orders from Hands On Originals until the complaint is resolved. The school system has no pending orders with Hands On Originals.
The issue has created raucous public debate on talk radio stations and also led to Facebook groups both supporting Hands On Originals' actions and another urging a boycott. Both groups had more than 2,000 members each by Friday afternoon.
As of early afternoon, Friday's demonstration had not yet had any visits from people with opposing views.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "T-shirt company in crosshairs for saying no to homofest" by Jack Minor, World Net Daily 3/31/12
[Hands On Originals], which prominently says on its home page it is “Christian Outfitters,” and states a “right of refusal,” sells and produces a variety of custom products including clothing, coffee mugs, memory sticks and other items.
Sexton told WND that the investigation was still ongoing, however if the company based its decision on sexual orientation it would be violating the law.
He went on to say that if a “gay” printing company was asked to print T-shirts from the Westboro Baptist Church, which is a militant anti-”gay” organization, saying “Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God,” the “gay” group would have the right to refuse to print the order.
“If the company does not approve of the message that is a valid non-discriminatory reason to refuse the work,” he said.
He also said a black business owner would have the right to refuse to print a flyer for a Klan rally.
However, when asked if the same would apply to Hands On Online if officials said “we don’t support ‘gay’ pride festivals, but we won’t discriminate against a person because they are ‘gay,’” Sexton was not as committed, simply saying “possibly.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray suggested the Christians should get over it. “People don’t have patience for this sort of attitude today.”
For background, read Homosexuals Sue Illinois Christians over Their Faith and also read Christian Won't Bake Cake for Lesbian 'Wedding' as well as Christian Photographer Sued by Lesbians
UPDATE 11/27/12: Kentucky Human Rights Commission rules Christian business to pay damages
UPDATE 4/28/15: Court Ruling Favors Christians, Overturns Human Rights Commission
-- From "Gay and lesbian group files complaint over T-shirt order" by The Associated Press 3/28/12
A gay and lesbian group in Lexington, Ky., has filed a discrimination complaint against [Hands On Originals] a T-shirt printer after the company refused to honor a bid to produce apparel for an event.
The Gay and Lesbian Services Organization [GLSO] filed the complaint Monday with the city's Human Rights Commission.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission says it will investigate the complaint. Executive Director Raymond Sexton said Hands On Originals is subject to the city's human rights ordinance because it deals in goods and services to the public.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Hands On Originals T-shirt company accused of discrimination" by Scott Sloan, Lexington Herald-Leader 3/26/12
[Aaron Baker, president of homosexual organization GLSO,] said Hands On Originals co-owner Blaine Adamson told the GLSO in a follow-up call that the company was declining the order "because we're a Christian organization" but had found another company that would honor its price [but GLSO declined to place the order].
Hands On Originals declined to discuss its decision and instead issued the following statement to the Herald-Leader:
"Hands On Originals both employs and conducts business with people of all genders, races, religions, sexual preferences and national origins," said an owner of the company, Blaine Adamson. "However, due to the promotional nature of our products, it is the prerogative of the company to refuse any order that would endorse positions that conflict with the convictions of the ownership."
"Religious exemption is a valid defense under the local ordinance, but it's typically reserved for churches," Sexton said. "If you're Hands On Originals, you're a business, not a religious organization. You're into T-shirts."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay Rights Group Files Human Rights Complaint Against T-Shirt Company" by Todd Starnes, FOX News 4/2/12
The privately owned company is now accused of violating Lexington’s Fairness Act – which protects people and organizations from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The attacks are out of line, said Jim Campbell, an attorney with Alliance Defense Fund, the organization representing “Hands On Originals.”
“No business owner should be forced to violate his conscience simply because someone demands it,” he said. “The Constitution absolutely supports the rights of business owners to decline a request to support a message that conflicts with their deeply held convictions.”
Raymond Sexton, the executive director of the Human Rights Commission told Fox News that “Hands On Originals” will be “required by law to participate in the investigation.”
“We have subpoena power and have the backing of the law,” he said. “We are a law enforcement agency and people have to comply.”
“Over the past 20 years, we have declined to produce several other products with different messages than the one at issue here because we disapproved of whatever message it was, and it never had anything to do with discrimination,” [Adamson] wrote. “People reading this may disagree with my view on the current issue, but I hope they will join us in supporting our right to decline an order that promotes a view so contrary to our personal beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protest of Hands On Originals draws about 60" by Scott Sloan, Lexington Herald-Leader 4/1/12
The controversy led to stern comments from Lexington Mayor Jim Gray on Wednesday against the company's refusal, as well as a decision by the Fayette County Public Schools to hold off on new orders from Hands On Originals until the complaint is resolved. The school system has no pending orders with Hands On Originals.
The issue has created raucous public debate on talk radio stations and also led to Facebook groups both supporting Hands On Originals' actions and another urging a boycott. Both groups had more than 2,000 members each by Friday afternoon.
As of early afternoon, Friday's demonstration had not yet had any visits from people with opposing views.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "T-shirt company in crosshairs for saying no to homofest" by Jack Minor, World Net Daily 3/31/12
[Hands On Originals], which prominently says on its home page it is “Christian Outfitters,” and states a “right of refusal,” sells and produces a variety of custom products including clothing, coffee mugs, memory sticks and other items.
Sexton told WND that the investigation was still ongoing, however if the company based its decision on sexual orientation it would be violating the law.
He went on to say that if a “gay” printing company was asked to print T-shirts from the Westboro Baptist Church, which is a militant anti-”gay” organization, saying “Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God,” the “gay” group would have the right to refuse to print the order.
“If the company does not approve of the message that is a valid non-discriminatory reason to refuse the work,” he said.
He also said a black business owner would have the right to refuse to print a flyer for a Klan rally.
However, when asked if the same would apply to Hands On Online if officials said “we don’t support ‘gay’ pride festivals, but we won’t discriminate against a person because they are ‘gay,’” Sexton was not as committed, simply saying “possibly.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Obama Makes New Promise to Fund Killing Babies
President Obama has released a promotional video for the nation's largest abortion mill promising that as long as he's president, Planned Parenthood will be funded by the taxpayers as it murders over 300,000 babies annually.
In the video (below), the president furthers the lie that Planned Parenthood does mammograms -- it doesn't!
UPDATE 6/10/13: Florida Law Protects Infants that Obama Would NOT
UPDATE 10/20/12: Lead Abortionist Joins Obama Campaign Full-time
UPDATE 7/30/12: Planned Parenthood Faces $5.5 Billion Fine for Fraud
For background, click headlines below:
Planned Parenthood Accused of $6M Medicaid Fraud
Obama Celebrates Roe v. Wade Anniversary
Obama Administration OKs Aborted Baby Brain Experiments
Abortionists Anticipate Pay-back from Obama
Taxpayers Provide 46% of Abortionists' $Billion$
Obama Stiffs Texas for Defunding Planned Parenthood
Obama Re-funds Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire
Report: Not Enough Abortions - ObamaCare the Answer
Planned Parenthood Lures Teen clients via Texting
-- From "Obama praises Planned Parenthood in video" by David Jackson, USA TODAY 4/1/12
President Obama taped a video message praising Planned Parenthood and telling members he will continue fighting Republican efforts to cut their federal funding.
"For you, and for most Americans, protecting women's health is a mission that stands above politics," Obama said in the video titled "A Message to Planned Parenthood Supporters."
Congressional Republicans say they want to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood because of its support for its abortion rights and for Democratic political candidates.
Obama and congressional Democrats beat back an effort to cut funds for Planned Parenthood during the budget battles of last summer.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "President Obama Pledges to Never Stop Fighting for Planned Parenthood, Which Did 329,445 Abortions in 2010" by Thomas Cloud, CNSNews.com 3/30/12
In a video message to Planned Parenthood Action Fund supporters, released this week, Obama praised Planned Parenthood and said he was “grateful” because, “through it all, you never forgot who you’re fighting for: the women with a new lease on life because a mammogram caught her cancer in time” and “the woman who’s able to choose when to start a family because she can afford contraception.”
“I know you’ll never stop fighting to protect the health care and the choices that America’s women deserve,” says Obama. “As long as I have the privilege of being your president, neither will I. Thanks.”
When compared with previous annual reports, the latest one shows an almost steady increase in the number of abortions performed at its clinics: In 2006, Planned Parenthood did 289,750 abortions; in 2007, it did 305,310; in 2009, it did 331,796; and, in 2010, it did 329,445--a small decrease from the previous year.
In its several Continuing Resolutions to keep the federal government operating, the Republican-controlled House leadership has kept funding for Planned Parenthood untouched, as well as funding for various Obamacare programs.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Praises Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz in New Video" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 3/29/12
Planned Parenthood released the video in an email to supporters of the abortion business.
“I am proud to have President Obama on our side,” Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards said, saying she is “sending the president a message of support today.”
“President Obama gets it, and he hasn’t stopped fighting since his first day in office. He knows how important women’s health is, and he respects the right of every woman to make her own medical decisions,” Richards adds about Obama and abortion. “That’s why I hope you’ll join me in sending a message of support to President Obama today. And because the president is such a strong ally for women’s health and Planned Parenthood, he has a message for you, too.”
“I’m proud of President Obama’s determined efforts to advance the cause,” she concludes.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "President Obama Makes Video Vowing to Protect Planned Parenthood" by Jennifer Hartline, Catholic Online 4/2/12
Our current President has made his position crystal clear and has demonstrated time and time again that he will always defend Planned Parenthood; he will always defend abortion-on-demand, without restriction; he will always promote the culture of death. He will even shred the constitutional rights of the Catholic Church and all people of faith.
Let's clear up the euphemisms first: Abortion is not health care. It is the intentional killing of a helpless preborn child. That is really what we're talking about here. We're not talking about "decisions" regarding breast cancer or cervical or ovarian cancer, etc. We're talking about abortion. The President is talking about abortion.
Again, let's be clear. The "choice" he's talking about is abortion. Not whether to get a Pap smear or a breast exam or a blood test. The "choice" is whether or not to kill the child in the womb. I wonder why Obama's so reluctant to be clear in his language?
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Obama Feeds Catholics 'A Bunch of Bull,' Says Santorum
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (full movie on YouTube):
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Full Movie) FREE to watch for a limited time (click here)! from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.
In the video (below), the president furthers the lie that Planned Parenthood does mammograms -- it doesn't!
UPDATE 6/10/13: Florida Law Protects Infants that Obama Would NOT
UPDATE 10/20/12: Lead Abortionist Joins Obama Campaign Full-time
UPDATE 7/30/12: Planned Parenthood Faces $5.5 Billion Fine for Fraud
For background, click headlines below:
Planned Parenthood Accused of $6M Medicaid Fraud
Obama Celebrates Roe v. Wade Anniversary
Obama Administration OKs Aborted Baby Brain Experiments
Abortionists Anticipate Pay-back from Obama
Taxpayers Provide 46% of Abortionists' $Billion$
Obama Stiffs Texas for Defunding Planned Parenthood
Obama Re-funds Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire
Report: Not Enough Abortions - ObamaCare the Answer
Planned Parenthood Lures Teen clients via Texting
-- From "Obama praises Planned Parenthood in video" by David Jackson, USA TODAY 4/1/12
President Obama taped a video message praising Planned Parenthood and telling members he will continue fighting Republican efforts to cut their federal funding.
"For you, and for most Americans, protecting women's health is a mission that stands above politics," Obama said in the video titled "A Message to Planned Parenthood Supporters."
Congressional Republicans say they want to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood because of its support for its abortion rights and for Democratic political candidates.
Obama and congressional Democrats beat back an effort to cut funds for Planned Parenthood during the budget battles of last summer.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "President Obama Pledges to Never Stop Fighting for Planned Parenthood, Which Did 329,445 Abortions in 2010" by Thomas Cloud, CNSNews.com 3/30/12
In a video message to Planned Parenthood Action Fund supporters, released this week, Obama praised Planned Parenthood and said he was “grateful” because, “through it all, you never forgot who you’re fighting for: the women with a new lease on life because a mammogram caught her cancer in time” and “the woman who’s able to choose when to start a family because she can afford contraception.”
“I know you’ll never stop fighting to protect the health care and the choices that America’s women deserve,” says Obama. “As long as I have the privilege of being your president, neither will I. Thanks.”
When compared with previous annual reports, the latest one shows an almost steady increase in the number of abortions performed at its clinics: In 2006, Planned Parenthood did 289,750 abortions; in 2007, it did 305,310; in 2009, it did 331,796; and, in 2010, it did 329,445--a small decrease from the previous year.
In its several Continuing Resolutions to keep the federal government operating, the Republican-controlled House leadership has kept funding for Planned Parenthood untouched, as well as funding for various Obamacare programs.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Praises Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz in New Video" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 3/29/12
Planned Parenthood released the video in an email to supporters of the abortion business.
“I am proud to have President Obama on our side,” Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards said, saying she is “sending the president a message of support today.”
“President Obama gets it, and he hasn’t stopped fighting since his first day in office. He knows how important women’s health is, and he respects the right of every woman to make her own medical decisions,” Richards adds about Obama and abortion. “That’s why I hope you’ll join me in sending a message of support to President Obama today. And because the president is such a strong ally for women’s health and Planned Parenthood, he has a message for you, too.”
“I’m proud of President Obama’s determined efforts to advance the cause,” she concludes.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "President Obama Makes Video Vowing to Protect Planned Parenthood" by Jennifer Hartline, Catholic Online 4/2/12
Our current President has made his position crystal clear and has demonstrated time and time again that he will always defend Planned Parenthood; he will always defend abortion-on-demand, without restriction; he will always promote the culture of death. He will even shred the constitutional rights of the Catholic Church and all people of faith.
Let's clear up the euphemisms first: Abortion is not health care. It is the intentional killing of a helpless preborn child. That is really what we're talking about here. We're not talking about "decisions" regarding breast cancer or cervical or ovarian cancer, etc. We're talking about abortion. The President is talking about abortion.
Again, let's be clear. The "choice" he's talking about is abortion. Not whether to get a Pap smear or a breast exam or a blood test. The "choice" is whether or not to kill the child in the womb. I wonder why Obama's so reluctant to be clear in his language?
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Obama Feeds Catholics 'A Bunch of Bull,' Says Santorum
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (full movie on YouTube):
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Full Movie) FREE to watch for a limited time (click here)! from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Wisconsin Tea Party Fights: GOP War on Christianity
Since the inception of the Tea Party movement, while emphasizing government fiscal responsibility, these Christians have agreed that faith IS the moral basis of America, yet the Republican establishment and the elite media insist that the electorate simply stop talking about religion with politics.
-- From "Republicans rally against 'war on religious freedom'" by Mira Oberman (AFP) posted at Google News 4/1/12
The nation's simmering culture wars have been re-ignited by the Republican nomination battle to take on President Barack Obama in the November 6 election as the White House hopefuls vye to win over the party's conservative base.
Rick Santorum -- a devout Catholic who stridently opposes abortion and gay marriage -- has mobilized the conservative base with his fiery rhetoric, winning 11 out of the past 34 nominating contests.
"The lights of freedom may well go out if we don't win this election," the former Pennsylvania senator said, urging [Wisconsin] supporters to pick a true conservative over frontrunner Mitt Romney.
The first amendment -- which prohibits the "establishment of religion" -- was written because the founders were concerned that government would interfere with religious practices, [a Wisconsin voter] insisted.
[However, a] focus on divisive social issues also threatens to undermine Republican chances in November by alienating moderates and independents key to winning the elections.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "In Wisconsin, Santorum Tells Conservatives Not to Give In" by Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times 3/31/12
“People will say, ‘How can you go on?’” Mr. Santorum said, dismissing his skeptics. “One of the campaigns for president a week or so ago suggested that it would take an act of God for Rick Santorum to win the Republican nomination,” he said. “I don’t know about you, but I believe in acts of God.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Candidates' Religious Appeals May be Losing Sway with Voters" by Dave Nyczepir, Capital News Service 3/31/12
Approximately 38 percent of Americans feel there has been too much expression of religious faith and prayer from political leaders this election, according to a Pew Research Center study released earlier this month.
Thirty percent said there has been too little and 25 percent the right amount, but the percentage of those saying there has been too much has increased to an all-time high across party lines, says the report.
[Liberal pundits are] particularly concerned with Newt Gingrich's insinuation that there is a war on religion, and Rick Santorum's assurances [as liberals say, that] he'll translate his beliefs into public policy, as well as the fear of Muslims [the pundits say] the two candidates have perpetuated throughout the GOP presidential race.
"One of the reasons I'm running, is there has been an increasingly aggressive war against religion, and in particular Christianity, in this country -- largely by a secular elite and the academic news media and judicial areas," Gingrich said. "And I frankly believe it's important to have some leadership that stands up and says, 'Enough, we are truly guaranteed the right of religious freedom, not religious suppression from the state.'"
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP should heed God-talk backlash" by William McKenzie, an editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News 3/31/12
Churches, as well as synagogues, fueled the civil rights movement with the defining idea that all of humanity has dignity in the eyes of God.
But there is a backlash to the mixing of religion and politics that those of us who believe they are inevitably linked should take seriously. Republican leaders and their reliable core of white evangelical voters particularly should examine the negative response.
New polling data from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life shows voters are wearying of religion being so prominent in American politics. That view is true first among Democrats, second among independents and third among Republicans. But, among all three groups, the percentage that says they are tired of all the talk about religion is increasing.
Republicans are most associated with matters of faith, according to the survey. Fifty-four percent of respondents saw Republicans as friendly toward religion while 35 percent viewed Democrats that way.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
From "Religion to launch theses?" by Michael Gerson, Republican Columnist of the Washington Post 3/30/12
By every measure, the quality of evangelical social engagement has been in recent decline.
Candidates such as Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry have practiced a kind of identity politics, urging evangelicals to support one of their own. Then they reduced the evangelical tradition to a pathetic caricature, defined by support for school prayer or (in Bachmann’s case) conspiratorial opposition to vaccines. Their view of Christian social ethics is strangely identical to the most uncompromising anti-government ideology — involving the systematic subordination of a rich tradition of social justice to a narrow and predictable political agenda. It is difficult to imagine Bachmann or Perry in the same political universe as evangelical abolitionists and social reformers William Wilberforce and Lord Shaftesbury.
The problem is not, as some have alleged, a secret theocratic plot. It is the regression of evangelical politicians — and politicians appealing to evangelicals — to the worst habits of the religious right circa 1980. They jostle to claim a divine calling. They appear in the pulpit with pastors who talk ignorantly of America as a “Christian nation.” Some, when they lose, hint darkly of anti-religious persecution. This is the behavior of Jerry Falwell on a bad day. Americans are right to find it discrediting.
The [Pew] poll found GOP voters who believe there is too much religion in politics are far more likely to support Romney.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "More See 'Too Much' Religious Talk by Politicians - Santorum Voters Disagree" by Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life 3/21/12
Slightly more than half of the public (54%) says that churches should keep out of politics, compared with 40% who say religious institutions should express their views on social and political matters. This is the third consecutive poll conducted over the past four years in which more people have said churches and other houses of worship should keep out of politics than said they should express their views on social and political topics. By contrast, between 1996 and 2006 the balance of opinion on this question consistently tilted in the opposite direction.
[This year,] 60% of GOP voters who support Rick Santorum say that churches and other houses of worship should express their views on social and political questions.
And while 55% of Santorum’s supporters say there is too little expression of religious faith and prayer by political leaders, just 24% of Romney’s backers agree, while 33% say there is too much expression of faith and prayer by politicians.
The number of Republicans expressing unease with the amount of politicians’ religious talk also has increased (from 8% in 2001 to 24% currently). But Republicans have consistently been less inclined than either Democrats or independents to say there has been too much religious talk from political leaders.
However, there has been no change in opinions among white evangelical Protestants, who remain far less likely than those in other religious groups to say that politicians express religious faith too much.
The percentage of white Catholics who say the [Obama] administration is unfriendly to religion has nearly doubled – from 17% to 31% – since 2009. Three years ago, far more white Catholics said the administration was friendly (35%) than unfriendly to religion (17%); today, nearly as many say the administration is unfriendly (31%) as friendly (38%).
To read the entire Pew study above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Illinois Christian Tea Party Counters Establishment GOP
". . . in politics, what matters is perceptions. And many [Christian] people really do perceive they're under assault."For background, read Republicans Accepting Gay Agenda More and More and also read Proved: Tea Party Movement is Christian as well as Obama Feeds Catholics 'A Bunch of Bull,' Says Santorum
-- From "Republicans rally against 'war on religious freedom'" by Mira Oberman (AFP) posted at Google News 4/1/12
The nation's simmering culture wars have been re-ignited by the Republican nomination battle to take on President Barack Obama in the November 6 election as the White House hopefuls vye to win over the party's conservative base.
Rick Santorum -- a devout Catholic who stridently opposes abortion and gay marriage -- has mobilized the conservative base with his fiery rhetoric, winning 11 out of the past 34 nominating contests.
"The lights of freedom may well go out if we don't win this election," the former Pennsylvania senator said, urging [Wisconsin] supporters to pick a true conservative over frontrunner Mitt Romney.
The first amendment -- which prohibits the "establishment of religion" -- was written because the founders were concerned that government would interfere with religious practices, [a Wisconsin voter] insisted.
[However, a] focus on divisive social issues also threatens to undermine Republican chances in November by alienating moderates and independents key to winning the elections.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "In Wisconsin, Santorum Tells Conservatives Not to Give In" by Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times 3/31/12
“People will say, ‘How can you go on?’” Mr. Santorum said, dismissing his skeptics. “One of the campaigns for president a week or so ago suggested that it would take an act of God for Rick Santorum to win the Republican nomination,” he said. “I don’t know about you, but I believe in acts of God.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Candidates' Religious Appeals May be Losing Sway with Voters" by Dave Nyczepir, Capital News Service 3/31/12
Approximately 38 percent of Americans feel there has been too much expression of religious faith and prayer from political leaders this election, according to a Pew Research Center study released earlier this month.
Thirty percent said there has been too little and 25 percent the right amount, but the percentage of those saying there has been too much has increased to an all-time high across party lines, says the report.
[Liberal pundits are] particularly concerned with Newt Gingrich's insinuation that there is a war on religion, and Rick Santorum's assurances [as liberals say, that] he'll translate his beliefs into public policy, as well as the fear of Muslims [the pundits say] the two candidates have perpetuated throughout the GOP presidential race.
"One of the reasons I'm running, is there has been an increasingly aggressive war against religion, and in particular Christianity, in this country -- largely by a secular elite and the academic news media and judicial areas," Gingrich said. "And I frankly believe it's important to have some leadership that stands up and says, 'Enough, we are truly guaranteed the right of religious freedom, not religious suppression from the state.'"
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP should heed God-talk backlash" by William McKenzie, an editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News 3/31/12
Churches, as well as synagogues, fueled the civil rights movement with the defining idea that all of humanity has dignity in the eyes of God.
But there is a backlash to the mixing of religion and politics that those of us who believe they are inevitably linked should take seriously. Republican leaders and their reliable core of white evangelical voters particularly should examine the negative response.
New polling data from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life shows voters are wearying of religion being so prominent in American politics. That view is true first among Democrats, second among independents and third among Republicans. But, among all three groups, the percentage that says they are tired of all the talk about religion is increasing.
Republicans are most associated with matters of faith, according to the survey. Fifty-four percent of respondents saw Republicans as friendly toward religion while 35 percent viewed Democrats that way.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
From "Religion to launch theses?" by Michael Gerson, Republican Columnist of the Washington Post 3/30/12
By every measure, the quality of evangelical social engagement has been in recent decline.
Candidates such as Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry have practiced a kind of identity politics, urging evangelicals to support one of their own. Then they reduced the evangelical tradition to a pathetic caricature, defined by support for school prayer or (in Bachmann’s case) conspiratorial opposition to vaccines. Their view of Christian social ethics is strangely identical to the most uncompromising anti-government ideology — involving the systematic subordination of a rich tradition of social justice to a narrow and predictable political agenda. It is difficult to imagine Bachmann or Perry in the same political universe as evangelical abolitionists and social reformers William Wilberforce and Lord Shaftesbury.
The problem is not, as some have alleged, a secret theocratic plot. It is the regression of evangelical politicians — and politicians appealing to evangelicals — to the worst habits of the religious right circa 1980. They jostle to claim a divine calling. They appear in the pulpit with pastors who talk ignorantly of America as a “Christian nation.” Some, when they lose, hint darkly of anti-religious persecution. This is the behavior of Jerry Falwell on a bad day. Americans are right to find it discrediting.
The [Pew] poll found GOP voters who believe there is too much religion in politics are far more likely to support Romney.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "More See 'Too Much' Religious Talk by Politicians - Santorum Voters Disagree" by Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life 3/21/12
Slightly more than half of the public (54%) says that churches should keep out of politics, compared with 40% who say religious institutions should express their views on social and political matters. This is the third consecutive poll conducted over the past four years in which more people have said churches and other houses of worship should keep out of politics than said they should express their views on social and political topics. By contrast, between 1996 and 2006 the balance of opinion on this question consistently tilted in the opposite direction.
[This year,] 60% of GOP voters who support Rick Santorum say that churches and other houses of worship should express their views on social and political questions.
And while 55% of Santorum’s supporters say there is too little expression of religious faith and prayer by political leaders, just 24% of Romney’s backers agree, while 33% say there is too much expression of faith and prayer by politicians.
The number of Republicans expressing unease with the amount of politicians’ religious talk also has increased (from 8% in 2001 to 24% currently). But Republicans have consistently been less inclined than either Democrats or independents to say there has been too much religious talk from political leaders.
However, there has been no change in opinions among white evangelical Protestants, who remain far less likely than those in other religious groups to say that politicians express religious faith too much.
The percentage of white Catholics who say the [Obama] administration is unfriendly to religion has nearly doubled – from 17% to 31% – since 2009. Three years ago, far more white Catholics said the administration was friendly (35%) than unfriendly to religion (17%); today, nearly as many say the administration is unfriendly (31%) as friendly (38%).
To read the entire Pew study above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Illinois Christian Tea Party Counters Establishment GOP
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