What's a Christian police officer to do? One day, an Indiana cop adds a ticketed driver to a prayer list and gets fired for proselytizing the citizenry, and the next day an Idaho cop prays for the passenger in a car stopped for breaking the law, yet he receives unmitigated praise for compassion and ignoring the violation.
For background, read Cop Fired for Praying for Traffic Violator
Also read Mississippi Police Chief Holds City Prayer Meetings to Thank God
And read Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
-- From "Officer offers speeding driver prayer instead of ticket" by Taylor Viydo, KREM-TV2 (Spokane, WA) posted at USA TODAY 4/18/16
[Kootenai County sheriff’s] Deputy Matthew Brakeman said the woman was going about 10 miles over the speed limit.
"I asked where they were headed, and she said to the oncologist," Brakeman said. "She then started to become a little bit emotional."
He learned the driver's mother had been battling cancer. They were making another painful visit to the doctor's office.
"Walked back up to the passenger side and asked her mother if she would accept a prayer," Brakeman said. "And she said, 'Absolutely.' So then we prayed and told them to have a good day and went back to my car."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Student Walk-out vs Gay Agenda: N. Carolina Prayer
Christian students at East Wilkes High School in Ronda, North Carolina walked out to demonstrate God's disapproval of the Gay Agenda "Day of Silence" — when public schools across America indoctrinate students with deviant sexual behavior.
-- From "Prayer vigil held in response to LGBT day of silence outside local school campus" by Michael Hennessey, WGHP-TV8 (Greensboro / Winston-Salem, NC) 4/15/16
About 100 people joined in, on the outskirts of the East Wilkes High School campus in Ronda, including students from the school.
“A gang of youth that walked out of class, walked out of school, to show their support and to show their love of their God,” said Curtis Ponder, pastor of the Maple Springs Baptist Church in Ronda.
The discussion and prayer continued for about 15 minutes, with Ponder saying that was the amount of time allotted to the students by East Wilkes Principal Jodi Weatherman.
“My heart and my intentions of being here today is not controversial, it’s not a show of anything mean, anything lewd,” Ponder said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Parents Threaten 'Walk Out' Over Middle School's LGBT 'Acceptance Week'" by Samuel Smith, Christian Post Reporter 4/4/16
Parents at Windmere Ranch Middle School in San Ramon, California [a suburb of San Francisco], have launched an online petition against the school's LGBT acceptance week, which is scheduled to begin Monday, April 11.
The petition adds that the parents "are not against the LGBTQ" but there are a number of concerns with the acceptance week that have not been addressed.
The petition further explains that the parents want to be assured that the lessons being taught during LGBT acceptance week will not include "condemnation for differing religious values or practices."
The parents fear that the school will use LGBT acceptance week as an outlet to indoctrinate their children.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
To read previous articles, click "Day of Silence" label.
“If they can press up on the young people in our schools to be quiet and be silenced for a whole day of school, surely to God, we as God’s people can lift up our voices to an almighty God.”For background, read about 'Day of Silence' indoctrination.
-- Rev. Curtis Ponder, Maple Springs Baptist Church, Ronda, NC
“We’ve got slammed for hating on homosexuals and that’s not true, God loves everyone. We think homosexuality is wrong, which in our beliefs, it is. But, it’s not the people, it’s the lifestyle.”
-- Ben Calloway, freshman
-- From "Prayer vigil held in response to LGBT day of silence outside local school campus" by Michael Hennessey, WGHP-TV8 (Greensboro / Winston-Salem, NC) 4/15/16
About 100 people joined in, on the outskirts of the East Wilkes High School campus in Ronda, including students from the school.
“A gang of youth that walked out of class, walked out of school, to show their support and to show their love of their God,” said Curtis Ponder, pastor of the Maple Springs Baptist Church in Ronda.
The discussion and prayer continued for about 15 minutes, with Ponder saying that was the amount of time allotted to the students by East Wilkes Principal Jodi Weatherman.
“My heart and my intentions of being here today is not controversial, it’s not a show of anything mean, anything lewd,” Ponder said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Parents Threaten 'Walk Out' Over Middle School's LGBT 'Acceptance Week'" by Samuel Smith, Christian Post Reporter 4/4/16
Parents at Windmere Ranch Middle School in San Ramon, California [a suburb of San Francisco], have launched an online petition against the school's LGBT acceptance week, which is scheduled to begin Monday, April 11.
The petition adds that the parents "are not against the LGBTQ" but there are a number of concerns with the acceptance week that have not been addressed.
The petition further explains that the parents want to be assured that the lessons being taught during LGBT acceptance week will not include "condemnation for differing religious values or practices."
The parents fear that the school will use LGBT acceptance week as an outlet to indoctrinate their children.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
To read previous articles, click "Day of Silence" label.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Oregon Pre-teens' Sex Ed used Porn, Parents Livid
Educators at Hudson Park Elementary School believed "It's Perfectly Normal" to teach fourth graders how to masturbate with picture books of naked kids and adults having sex, but after parents brought the "education" books (given to their children) to the school board, Rainier School District administrators decided to withdraw the books.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Oregon Trains Pre-teens in Masturbation, Anal Sex
Pre-teens' Sex Lives Tracked by Feds via Schools
Teen Students Across America Learn to Produce & Distribute Child Pornography
Students Film Porn - School, Cops Give it a Pass
Also read how Planned Parenthood teams up with schools by providing "kinky sex trainers" for kids.
And read Oregon Parents and parents elsewhere Want Obama-paid Abortionist out of School
-- From "Sex ed books pulled from library shelves at Rainier elementary school" by Kaitlyn Bolduc, Reporter, KPTV-TV12 (Portland, OR) 4/14/16
The book in question, titled “It’s Perfectly Normal,” touts itself as a children’s book for ages 10 and up, that talks all about changing bodies, sex and sexual health.
Inside of the book are illustrations about all of those things, including pages of naked teens and adults, some depicting sex acts and even masturbation.
Officials with the Rainier School District noted the title is on the state approved list of books allowed at the school, but in a letter sent home to parents Thursday, the school’s principal admits they were inappropriately passed out to 4th graders in the library recently.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Parents upset after librarian shows children 'graphic' sex education books" by Sarah Grothjan, Longview Daily News 4/14/16
Darren Vaughn, who has a fifth-grade son at the school, said he learned from his neighbors that librarian Alison Dale-Moore had told several kids to look at the books. Vaughn, 43, of Rainier said his son later told him that the librarian had told several of his friends to take the books.
Vaughn said the books — including “It’s Perfectly Normal” and “It’s Not a Stork” — are “very graphic and explicit” for 10-year-olds. He said the books contain images of masturbation, condom usage, sexual intercourse and self examination.
“For example, “It’s Perfectly Normal” has a young female person bending over with a full view of her backside examining herself with a mirror,” he said. “There’s a young boy on a bed who is masturbating. It gets worse from there.”
[Vaughn] said several board members were in the dark about the books, despite the complaints being reported to Superintendent Michael Carter at the end of March.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Failed Sexual Utopia Plagued by Rampant Disease
“She told the students that they had to check them out and take them, so those books went home, and some other parents that we know got involved because the books came home with their children.”For background, read Pornography Belongs in Classroom, More Experts Say
-- Darren Vaughn, parent
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Oregon Trains Pre-teens in Masturbation, Anal Sex
Pre-teens' Sex Lives Tracked by Feds via Schools
Teen Students Across America Learn to Produce & Distribute Child Pornography
Students Film Porn - School, Cops Give it a Pass
Also read how Planned Parenthood teams up with schools by providing "kinky sex trainers" for kids.
And read Oregon Parents and parents elsewhere Want Obama-paid Abortionist out of School
-- From "Sex ed books pulled from library shelves at Rainier elementary school" by Kaitlyn Bolduc, Reporter, KPTV-TV12 (Portland, OR) 4/14/16
The book in question, titled “It’s Perfectly Normal,” touts itself as a children’s book for ages 10 and up, that talks all about changing bodies, sex and sexual health.
Inside of the book are illustrations about all of those things, including pages of naked teens and adults, some depicting sex acts and even masturbation.
Officials with the Rainier School District noted the title is on the state approved list of books allowed at the school, but in a letter sent home to parents Thursday, the school’s principal admits they were inappropriately passed out to 4th graders in the library recently.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Parents upset after librarian shows children 'graphic' sex education books" by Sarah Grothjan, Longview Daily News 4/14/16
Darren Vaughn, who has a fifth-grade son at the school, said he learned from his neighbors that librarian Alison Dale-Moore had told several kids to look at the books. Vaughn, 43, of Rainier said his son later told him that the librarian had told several of his friends to take the books.
Vaughn said the books — including “It’s Perfectly Normal” and “It’s Not a Stork” — are “very graphic and explicit” for 10-year-olds. He said the books contain images of masturbation, condom usage, sexual intercourse and self examination.
“For example, “It’s Perfectly Normal” has a young female person bending over with a full view of her backside examining herself with a mirror,” he said. “There’s a young boy on a bed who is masturbating. It gets worse from there.”
[Vaughn] said several board members were in the dark about the books, despite the complaints being reported to Superintendent Michael Carter at the end of March.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Failed Sexual Utopia Plagued by Rampant Disease
Friday, April 15, 2016
Tenn. School Defies Gay Agenda Intimidation Tactic
Despite state-wide and national pressure by threatening homosexualists, the Franklin County (Tennessee) School Board stood firm this week and voted just shy of unanimity to require parental approval of any student admittance to extracurricular clubs, which is likely to terminate the newly-created Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Florida School Rejects Gay Agenda ENDA Proposal
New Jersey Parents Reject School's New Transgender Policy
Parents' Lawyer Halts Wisconsin School Transgender Sneak Attack
Missouri Residents Protest Transgender/Gay Boy in Girls Locker Room
-- From "Franklin Co. board requires permission to join GSA, other clubs" by Brian Wilson, The Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro, TN) 4/13/16
Critics have called for clubs with religious or sexual intents to not be allowed at public schools, while supporters have said the club provides a safe place for people to be themselves that can only be provided in an extracurricular setting.
The new opt-in policy would likely require major efforts and paperwork to enforce the policy in the county, said Chris Sanders, the executive director of Tennessee Equality Project, which has been following the debate.
State law allows parents to opt their children out of extracurricular activities. The Franklin County rules would require a signed and dated form from a parent or guardian before the student could become a member of the club or organization.
The school board also approved a policy that would allow a school principal to revoke a club's status if the organization failed to "comply with board policy and administrative standards."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Extra-curricular clubs: School Board affirms parental approval" by Brian Justice, Winchester Herald Chronicle 4/11/16
The controversy over the club has filled the past several School Board meetings.
[Board Member Chris] Guess said Monday the circumstances had become personally threatening toward him through emails he has received about the issue. He said his job status and livelihood were brought into question over his stance about requiring parents to opt their children into extracurricular clubs.
He said the Gay-Straight Alliance Club was founded over a concern about bullying, yet the tactics being used by supporters against those in opposition were, in essence, bullying.
Dr. Amie Lonas, the school system’s director, said working out the details to implement the change could take several months, but the new policy should be fully in place by July 1 when the school system’s new fiscal year begins.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Tenn. parents fight Gay-Straight Alliance in high school" posted at CBS News 2/9/16
At a school board meeting [in February], resident Robert Widelick took to the microphone and said he doubted the [GSA] agenda that he claims they're trying to impose on people who attend their meetings.
"There's really no place for discussion of sexual orientation in a public high school," Widelick said.
Dozens of supporters stood up, cheered and waved towels and signs after Widelick shared his opinion at the meeting.
Franklin County Schools Director Amie Lonas said the [GSA] organization, which was created to promote tolerance and acceptance, followed the proper procedure to establish the club. Students say it was really largely done in response to bullying. The group was granted approval to form by school officials in December.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rural school's Gay-Straight Alliance draws national eye" by Brian Wilson, The Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro, TN) 2/9/16
. . . On social media, a page was created in mid-January to call for members of the Franklin County School Board to move the club off campus because of its controversial nature.
“Schools are for learning the basics we need to get a job after high school or get a secondary education,” said Chris Ball, a parent with children in Franklin County Schools. “We’re here to teach subjects, not to promote certain ways of life.”
Students had been trying to form a [LGBT advocacy] group for weeks, though it wasn’t until [faculty adviser Jennie] Turrell signed onto the group as a sponsor that the organizations finally gained momentum . . . Turrell said she’s received stacks of letters from supporters from states across the country that she’s been able to show students.
The Middle Tennessee chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network [GLSEN] also plans to have 20 people carpool to Winchester to attend the rally and meeting to support students in the club, said Justin Sweatman-Weaver, the Middle Tennessee chapter’s co-chair.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read School Sex Books Mandatory: Virginia Governor Veto
And read Gay Agenda Quiz Guilts Florida Middle Schoolers
"For my children, myself and what I truly believe is the majority of residents in Franklin County, I will not be browbeaten, threatened or bullied into compromising my values or belief system."For background, read Mississippi School Attacked for Countering 'Gay Clubs' and also read Gay Clubs Required in Schools, Says Obama White House
-- Chris Guess, school board member
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Florida School Rejects Gay Agenda ENDA Proposal
New Jersey Parents Reject School's New Transgender Policy
Parents' Lawyer Halts Wisconsin School Transgender Sneak Attack
Missouri Residents Protest Transgender/Gay Boy in Girls Locker Room
-- From "Franklin Co. board requires permission to join GSA, other clubs" by Brian Wilson, The Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro, TN) 4/13/16
Critics have called for clubs with religious or sexual intents to not be allowed at public schools, while supporters have said the club provides a safe place for people to be themselves that can only be provided in an extracurricular setting.
The new opt-in policy would likely require major efforts and paperwork to enforce the policy in the county, said Chris Sanders, the executive director of Tennessee Equality Project, which has been following the debate.
State law allows parents to opt their children out of extracurricular activities. The Franklin County rules would require a signed and dated form from a parent or guardian before the student could become a member of the club or organization.
The school board also approved a policy that would allow a school principal to revoke a club's status if the organization failed to "comply with board policy and administrative standards."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Extra-curricular clubs: School Board affirms parental approval" by Brian Justice, Winchester Herald Chronicle 4/11/16
The controversy over the club has filled the past several School Board meetings.
[Board Member Chris] Guess said Monday the circumstances had become personally threatening toward him through emails he has received about the issue. He said his job status and livelihood were brought into question over his stance about requiring parents to opt their children into extracurricular clubs.
He said the Gay-Straight Alliance Club was founded over a concern about bullying, yet the tactics being used by supporters against those in opposition were, in essence, bullying.
Dr. Amie Lonas, the school system’s director, said working out the details to implement the change could take several months, but the new policy should be fully in place by July 1 when the school system’s new fiscal year begins.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Tenn. parents fight Gay-Straight Alliance in high school" posted at CBS News 2/9/16
At a school board meeting [in February], resident Robert Widelick took to the microphone and said he doubted the [GSA] agenda that he claims they're trying to impose on people who attend their meetings.
"There's really no place for discussion of sexual orientation in a public high school," Widelick said.
Dozens of supporters stood up, cheered and waved towels and signs after Widelick shared his opinion at the meeting.
Franklin County Schools Director Amie Lonas said the [GSA] organization, which was created to promote tolerance and acceptance, followed the proper procedure to establish the club. Students say it was really largely done in response to bullying. The group was granted approval to form by school officials in December.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rural school's Gay-Straight Alliance draws national eye" by Brian Wilson, The Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro, TN) 2/9/16
. . . On social media, a page was created in mid-January to call for members of the Franklin County School Board to move the club off campus because of its controversial nature.
“Schools are for learning the basics we need to get a job after high school or get a secondary education,” said Chris Ball, a parent with children in Franklin County Schools. “We’re here to teach subjects, not to promote certain ways of life.”
Students had been trying to form a [LGBT advocacy] group for weeks, though it wasn’t until [faculty adviser Jennie] Turrell signed onto the group as a sponsor that the organizations finally gained momentum . . . Turrell said she’s received stacks of letters from supporters from states across the country that she’s been able to show students.
The Middle Tennessee chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network [GLSEN] also plans to have 20 people carpool to Winchester to attend the rally and meeting to support students in the club, said Justin Sweatman-Weaver, the Middle Tennessee chapter’s co-chair.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read School Sex Books Mandatory: Virginia Governor Veto
And read Gay Agenda Quiz Guilts Florida Middle Schoolers
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Failed Sexual Utopia Plagued by Rampant Disease
President Obama's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting record high new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), thus demonstrating complete failure of health agencies and government schools for a safe sexual revolution.
For background, read Federal CDC Admits Failure: Carefree 'Safe Sex' is NOT Possible
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Federal Government Blames Homosexual Men for Sex Disease Epidemic
Another Sex Disease Untreatable: 'Super Gonorrhea'
Students' basic math lesson: Millennials' iPhone + Sex Addiction = STD Epidemic
-- From "CDC alarming Sexually Transmitted Diseases are rising" posted at Daily Star Gazette 4/7/16
The CDC’s new report shows STD like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis increased dramatically in 2014 [the latest year tabulated].
In 2014, 1.4 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a 2.8 percent increase since 2013. This is the highest number of cases of any STD ever reported to the CDC, the government researchers said in the annual report.
In 2014, there were just over 350,000 reported cases of gonorrhea — a rate of nearly 111 per 100,000 people. In addition, there were 20,000 reported cases of syphilis — a rate of about 6 per 100,000, the report said.
The most vulnerable populations, particularly young people, women and gay and bisexual men, continue to be hardest hit . . . men who have sex with men accounts for 90 percent of new cases of primary and secondary syphilis.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "See how syphilis rates are spiking across the country" by Natalia Bronshtein and Megan Thielking, STAT News 4/8/16
The number of US cases stayed relatively stable [yet high] from 2010 until 2014, when the figures started to creep up. Health officials say there’s no obvious explanation for why, although rates of other sexually transmitted diseases are increasing, too.
Health officials say they are eyeing a handful of reasons, including increasing PrEP use among men who have sex with men. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill taken daily to prevent HIV infection in people who are at risk of getting the virus. Officials are concerned that people taking PrEP might not realize it doesn’t protect against other STDs, and engage in sexual activity that puts them at greater risk for contracting infections like syphilis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention runs a program to dole out grants to state and local programs to provide their citizens with STD prevention resources. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "STD awareness month, rising chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis risk in the U.S. in 2016" by Bel Marra Health News 4/10/16
In the U.S., April is STD Awareness Month . . .
Prevention is the key when it comes to avoiding an STD. That means, having safe sex (using a condom) and having open discussions with your partner about their sexual history and whether they have had or currently have an STD.
. . . You can lower pelvic inflammatory disease risk factors by being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a person who has been negatively tested for STD, and using latex condoms correctly.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Schools are backward on Proper Sex Education, CDC wants improving" posted at Daily Star Gazette 4/13/16
The findings, released by the CDC, mean that many students are not receiving critical health and safety information on topics like HIV, STDs, and pregnancy prevention. . . .
The report is based on CDC’s 2014 School Health Profiles, which surveys schools across the country on whether or not they teach all 16 recommended sexual health education topics, as well as other major health subjects.
For middle schools, the proportion teaching all 16 recommended topics ranged from 4 percent in Arizona to 46 percent in North Carolina. In no state did more than half of middle schools meet the goal, and in most states less than 20 percent did.
These numbers are cause for concern, experts say, as young people continue to face serious but avoidable sexual health risks.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Government Predicts Black Men Will Get Gay Disease
And read Oral Sex Causes Head & Neck Cancer while the Pill Causes Breast Cancer and Vasectomy Causes Prostate Cancer
“We need to do a better job of giving our young people the skills and knowledge they need to protect their own health. It’s important to teach students about healthy relationships and how to reduce sexual risk before they start to have sex.”One simple fact is being ignored: STDs could be eradicated via simple moral, monogamous marriages.
-- Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention
For background, read Federal CDC Admits Failure: Carefree 'Safe Sex' is NOT Possible
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Federal Government Blames Homosexual Men for Sex Disease Epidemic
Another Sex Disease Untreatable: 'Super Gonorrhea'
Students' basic math lesson: Millennials' iPhone + Sex Addiction = STD Epidemic
-- From "CDC alarming Sexually Transmitted Diseases are rising" posted at Daily Star Gazette 4/7/16
The CDC’s new report shows STD like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis increased dramatically in 2014 [the latest year tabulated].
In 2014, 1.4 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a 2.8 percent increase since 2013. This is the highest number of cases of any STD ever reported to the CDC, the government researchers said in the annual report.
In 2014, there were just over 350,000 reported cases of gonorrhea — a rate of nearly 111 per 100,000 people. In addition, there were 20,000 reported cases of syphilis — a rate of about 6 per 100,000, the report said.
The most vulnerable populations, particularly young people, women and gay and bisexual men, continue to be hardest hit . . . men who have sex with men accounts for 90 percent of new cases of primary and secondary syphilis.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "See how syphilis rates are spiking across the country" by Natalia Bronshtein and Megan Thielking, STAT News 4/8/16
The number of US cases stayed relatively stable [yet high] from 2010 until 2014, when the figures started to creep up. Health officials say there’s no obvious explanation for why, although rates of other sexually transmitted diseases are increasing, too.
Health officials say they are eyeing a handful of reasons, including increasing PrEP use among men who have sex with men. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill taken daily to prevent HIV infection in people who are at risk of getting the virus. Officials are concerned that people taking PrEP might not realize it doesn’t protect against other STDs, and engage in sexual activity that puts them at greater risk for contracting infections like syphilis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention runs a program to dole out grants to state and local programs to provide their citizens with STD prevention resources. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "STD awareness month, rising chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis risk in the U.S. in 2016" by Bel Marra Health News 4/10/16
In the U.S., April is STD Awareness Month . . .
Prevention is the key when it comes to avoiding an STD. That means, having safe sex (using a condom) and having open discussions with your partner about their sexual history and whether they have had or currently have an STD.
. . . You can lower pelvic inflammatory disease risk factors by being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a person who has been negatively tested for STD, and using latex condoms correctly.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Schools are backward on Proper Sex Education, CDC wants improving" posted at Daily Star Gazette 4/13/16
The findings, released by the CDC, mean that many students are not receiving critical health and safety information on topics like HIV, STDs, and pregnancy prevention. . . .
The report is based on CDC’s 2014 School Health Profiles, which surveys schools across the country on whether or not they teach all 16 recommended sexual health education topics, as well as other major health subjects.
For middle schools, the proportion teaching all 16 recommended topics ranged from 4 percent in Arizona to 46 percent in North Carolina. In no state did more than half of middle schools meet the goal, and in most states less than 20 percent did.
These numbers are cause for concern, experts say, as young people continue to face serious but avoidable sexual health risks.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Government Predicts Black Men Will Get Gay Disease
And read Oral Sex Causes Head & Neck Cancer while the Pill Causes Breast Cancer and Vasectomy Causes Prostate Cancer
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Military Strips Bibles From 'Christian Terrorists'
In their continued battle against Christians, atheists of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) forced the removal of Bibles from memorial displays in VA hospitals and other military installations in recent months. However, the MRFF's newest leader ran from the battle as he compared Bible-believing Christians to Muslim terrorists.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
President Obama's VA Strips Jesus & Bible from Chaplains
President Obama's Veterans Hospital Bans Christmas Carols
President Obama's Pentagon Takes Orders from Atheists: Nativity Scenes Removed
President Obama's Pentagon Says Following Jesus' Command is a Court Martial Offense
-- From "Religious freedom group asks Veterans Administration to remove Bible from Youngstown facility after success in Akron" by Amanda Garrett, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer 3/16/16
In February, after a phone call from the MRFF’s leader, volunteers at the VA medical center in Akron agreed to remove a New Testament Bible from a “Missing Man” memorial, a display honoring soldiers taken prisoner of war and those missing in action.
Late Wednesday afternoon, MRFF founder Michael “Mikey” Weinstein fired off a letter to the director of the Youngstown VA about another Bible at a Missing Man memorial there.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Rep Again Blasts Activist Responsible For VA Clinic Bible Removal" by Evan Gahr, Investigative Journalist, Daily Caller 3/17/16
Depending on your perspective the Bible’s presence at the POW/MIA display table at the Akron Multiple Specialty Outpatient Clinic either turned the place into a Taliban military installation or it amounted to nothing but constitutionally protected religious expression.
The Kings James Bible and framed Scriptural quotations were removed in late February the day after Weinstein, acting on behalf of 11 clinic patients, complained to administrator Brian Reinhart. He argued the distinctly Christian place at the table was an unconstitutional establishment of religion and violated VA regulations.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Wright-Patterson AFB removes Bible from POW/MIA display after complaint" by Phillip Swarts, Air Force Times 4/9/16
The book was removed after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, responding to complaints from service members stationed at the Ohio base, argued that the display should be moved to the base chapel or that it should honor POWs and MIAs of all religions and also those who have no religious affiliation.
MRFF demanded the base either move the display to the chapel, display books of multiple faiths and include one on atheist ideology, remove the Bible, or replace it with a “prop book” that would let viewers draw their own conclusions on what it represents.
The base chose to remove the Bible.
“We thoroughly assessed this particular situation and made the determination to remove the Bible,” said Marie Vanover, a spokeswoman for Wright-Patterson. “Mutual respect is an essential part of the Air Force culture and we must ensure we create an environment in which people can realize their highest potential, regardless of one's personal religious or other beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bible removed from POW display at Wright-Patt medical center" by Barrie Barber, Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News 4/11/16
The installation commander at Wright-Patterson [Air Force Base], Col. John M. Devillier, made the decision to remove the Bible from the display at the medical center last week “after thoroughly assessing the situation,” Wright-Patt spokeswoman Marie Vanover said. Devillier was not available for comment Monday.
Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the Ann Arbor, Mich.-headquartered Thomas More Law Center, objected to the removal.
“The courts have said ceremonial displays not meant to proselytize anyone is not considered an establishment of religion,” said Thompson. “It is there for someone to acknowledge or that person does not have to acknowledge it. … They can either accept the Bible being there or, if they are really offended by the Bible, they could turn away. “
Thompson said the base commander “capitulated” to the demand to remove the book.
“We cannot separate God and the Judeo-Christian principles upon which our country is founded from the military who dedicate their lives, who put themselves in harm’s way, when they are performing their duties,” Thompson said. “And certainly had the commanding officer wanted to fight this attempt to intimidate them from removing the Bible, we would have been happy to represent the organization without charge and I think would have won the case.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Group's Veterans Director Resigns amid Threats over Bible Removal" by Bryant Jordan, Military.com 4/6/16
On Monday, Jordan Ray, a retired Army captain who served multiple overseas tours, started his job with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. On Tuesday, following Military.com's report about Bible's removal and Ray's role in it, he and his family were stunned and frightened by the threats made against them in online forums.
Mikey Weinstein, president of the organization, told Military.com he regretted Ray's resignation but understands it.
"My family, as well as MRFF's hundreds of paid and volunteer staff and countless supporters domestically and around the world know well what this kind of hostile reprisal and retribution from fundamentalist evangelical Christian extremists is like," he said.
In his letter of resignation, [Ray] said he continues to support what the foundation does in opposing extremist Christians who push their theology on others.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Most Terrorists are White Christians, Colleges Say
And read Bibles Removed, Deviant Sex Housing Added at Illinois University
"I cannot believe I deployed five times to fight radical Islamists overseas only to come home, voice my opinion, and be attacked by radical Christians."For background, read President Obama Compares Christians to Islamic Terrorists
-- Capt. Jordan Ray, retired Army atheist
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
President Obama's VA Strips Jesus & Bible from Chaplains
President Obama's Veterans Hospital Bans Christmas Carols
President Obama's Pentagon Takes Orders from Atheists: Nativity Scenes Removed
President Obama's Pentagon Says Following Jesus' Command is a Court Martial Offense
-- From "Religious freedom group asks Veterans Administration to remove Bible from Youngstown facility after success in Akron" by Amanda Garrett, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer 3/16/16
In February, after a phone call from the MRFF’s leader, volunteers at the VA medical center in Akron agreed to remove a New Testament Bible from a “Missing Man” memorial, a display honoring soldiers taken prisoner of war and those missing in action.
Late Wednesday afternoon, MRFF founder Michael “Mikey” Weinstein fired off a letter to the director of the Youngstown VA about another Bible at a Missing Man memorial there.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Rep Again Blasts Activist Responsible For VA Clinic Bible Removal" by Evan Gahr, Investigative Journalist, Daily Caller 3/17/16
Depending on your perspective the Bible’s presence at the POW/MIA display table at the Akron Multiple Specialty Outpatient Clinic either turned the place into a Taliban military installation or it amounted to nothing but constitutionally protected religious expression.
The Kings James Bible and framed Scriptural quotations were removed in late February the day after Weinstein, acting on behalf of 11 clinic patients, complained to administrator Brian Reinhart. He argued the distinctly Christian place at the table was an unconstitutional establishment of religion and violated VA regulations.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Wright-Patterson AFB removes Bible from POW/MIA display after complaint" by Phillip Swarts, Air Force Times 4/9/16
The book was removed after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, responding to complaints from service members stationed at the Ohio base, argued that the display should be moved to the base chapel or that it should honor POWs and MIAs of all religions and also those who have no religious affiliation.
MRFF demanded the base either move the display to the chapel, display books of multiple faiths and include one on atheist ideology, remove the Bible, or replace it with a “prop book” that would let viewers draw their own conclusions on what it represents.
The base chose to remove the Bible.
“We thoroughly assessed this particular situation and made the determination to remove the Bible,” said Marie Vanover, a spokeswoman for Wright-Patterson. “Mutual respect is an essential part of the Air Force culture and we must ensure we create an environment in which people can realize their highest potential, regardless of one's personal religious or other beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bible removed from POW display at Wright-Patt medical center" by Barrie Barber, Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News 4/11/16
The installation commander at Wright-Patterson [Air Force Base], Col. John M. Devillier, made the decision to remove the Bible from the display at the medical center last week “after thoroughly assessing the situation,” Wright-Patt spokeswoman Marie Vanover said. Devillier was not available for comment Monday.
Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the Ann Arbor, Mich.-headquartered Thomas More Law Center, objected to the removal.
“The courts have said ceremonial displays not meant to proselytize anyone is not considered an establishment of religion,” said Thompson. “It is there for someone to acknowledge or that person does not have to acknowledge it. … They can either accept the Bible being there or, if they are really offended by the Bible, they could turn away. “
Thompson said the base commander “capitulated” to the demand to remove the book.
“We cannot separate God and the Judeo-Christian principles upon which our country is founded from the military who dedicate their lives, who put themselves in harm’s way, when they are performing their duties,” Thompson said. “And certainly had the commanding officer wanted to fight this attempt to intimidate them from removing the Bible, we would have been happy to represent the organization without charge and I think would have won the case.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Group's Veterans Director Resigns amid Threats over Bible Removal" by Bryant Jordan, Military.com 4/6/16
On Monday, Jordan Ray, a retired Army captain who served multiple overseas tours, started his job with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. On Tuesday, following Military.com's report about Bible's removal and Ray's role in it, he and his family were stunned and frightened by the threats made against them in online forums.
Mikey Weinstein, president of the organization, told Military.com he regretted Ray's resignation but understands it.
"My family, as well as MRFF's hundreds of paid and volunteer staff and countless supporters domestically and around the world know well what this kind of hostile reprisal and retribution from fundamentalist evangelical Christian extremists is like," he said.
In his letter of resignation, [Ray] said he continues to support what the foundation does in opposing extremist Christians who push their theology on others.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Most Terrorists are White Christians, Colleges Say
And read Bibles Removed, Deviant Sex Housing Added at Illinois University
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Pro-abortionists Went 0 for 2 in Court Yesterday
In two unrelated court cases, judges dealt blows yesterday to the abortion industry. A federal judge in Detroit dismissed an attempt by the ACLU to force Catholic hospitals to perform abortions, and a judge in Illinois upheld the First Amendment rights of a pro-life organization to distribute fliers exposing the gruesome business of dumping babies in landfills.
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
ACLU Sues Catholic Hospitals to Force Abortions
Babies Dumped in Landfills: South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio
Aborted Babies Incinerated to Produce Waste Heat
Babies in Dumpsters Closes Michigan Abortion Clinics
South Carolina Abortion Licenses Suspended over Baby Disposal
-- From "Hospital with anti-abortion policy wins decision in lawsuit" by The Associated Press 4/11/16
Detroit federal Judge Gershwin Drain says the American Civil Liberties Union and its members have no standing to sue Trinity Health Corp. In a 13-page decision Monday, he said the ACLU failed to explain what medical conditions would place their members at risk or if they are currently at risk.
The judge says any harm is "speculative."
An attorney for Trinity, Kevin Theriot, says no one should be forced to perform abortions. The ACLU says it's considering its next step.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge throws out abortion lawsuit against Catholic hospital group" by Khalil AlHajal, mlive.com 4/11/16
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of its members last year, calling for an injunction against the anti-abortion policies of Trinity Health Corporation, a Livonia-based health care group with 90 hospitals that adhere to directives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
ACLU lawyers pointed specifically to one member who was denied abortion procedures at a Trinity hospital despite suffering "emergency complications during her pregnancy that required the termination of her pregnancy in order to stabilize her condition."
The lawsuit also argued that other pregnant members were "at risk of suffering similar harm should their pregnancies suffer complications in the future."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Health system wins suit over emergency abortion policy" posted at The Detroit News 4/11/16
In his ruling, [Judge] Drain said the ACLU did not provide enough specific proof of harm to its members to give the organization standing to sue.
“Therefore, even assuming that the complaint contains sufficient factual matter to establish past actual harm — considering the vagueness of the allegation, this is dubious — the allegations of past exposure to defendants’ illegal conduct is not sufficient to create standing,” he wrote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Court Dismisses ACLU Lawsuit Attempting to Force Catholic Hospital to Do Abortions" by Steven Ertelt and Emily Derois, LifeNews 4/11/16
Alliance Defending Freedom [ADF] attorneys represent the Catholic Medical Association, the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, and the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which the court allowed on March 10 to intervene in the case in defense of Trinity Health Corporation. Trinity Health operates 86 facilities in 21 states.
“No American should be forced to commit an abortion—least of all faith-based medical workers who went into the profession to follow their faith and save lives, not take them,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot. “No law requires religious hospitals and medical personnel to commit abortions against their faith and conscience, and, in fact, federal law directly prohibits the government from engaging in any such coercion. As we argued in our brief to the court, the ACLU had no standing to bring this suit and demand this kind of government coercion.”
“Those who doubt that anyone would ever try to force someone to commit an abortion need only look at this case,” explained ADF Senior Counsel Matt Bowman. “This is precisely what the ACLU sought to do. The court came to the right conclusion in putting an end to their quest. The ruling relies on important case law that our pro-life medical group clients cited showing that the ACLU’s case was based on pure speculation.”
“Forcing health care workers to act contrary to the very faith and ethical convictions that led them into the medical profession—to serve, help, and bring healing to people—is counterproductive, unnecessary, and against the law,” Bowman continued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge refuses to stop anti-abortion fliers targeting CEO" by The Associated Press 4/11/16
Lake County [Illinois] Associate Judge Margaret Marcouiller ruled Monday that the Ohio-based group Created Equal can keep distributing fliers that show pictures of an aborted fetus and a Lake Forest [Illinois] resident, and also include the executive's home address.
The fliers have been left with neighbors of Charles Alutto, who heads Stericycle, a medical waste company.
Created Equal says Stericycle "enables baby killing" by transporting medical waste from a Planned Parenthood facility in Ohio
Marcouiller said Monday that "even insulting and outrageous speech must be tolerated."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge refuses to stop anti-abortion fliers targeting Lake Forest CEO" by Susan Berger, Chicago Tribune 4/12/16
Created Equal Executive Director Mark Harrington called the court ruling a victory and said the campaign, which includes fliers, mobile billboards and postcards, will continue.
"If Stericycle wants to stop our awareness campaign, they simply need to cease transporting and disposing of aborted babies for Planned Parenthood," Harrington said.
Despite denying the emergency order, the judge said she will take up the issue again and gave the plaintiffs two weeks to update and resubmit their complaint.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Stericycle loses bid to stop campaign exposing it for transporting aborted babies’ remains" by Ben Johnson, LifeSiteNews 4/11/16
Stericycle's “regulated medical waste acceptance policy” states that the company does not accept “complete human remains (including heads, full torsos, and fetuses).”
Mark Harrington, the national director of Created Equal says the company is playing a game of semantics.
“However, babies are not 'complete' after being dismembered, decapitated, and disemboweled in standard abortion methods,” Harrington said. “Their broken parts and torn tissue are categorized by Stericycle as 'pathological waste,'” which the company willingly transports.
He wrote a letter to Alutto on February 10 with a sample flier that would be handed out in his community to raise awareness of Stericycle's actions. It included Alutto's home address and business phone number. If the company would stop providing services to abortionists, Harrington said, he would not go forward with the campaign.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
ACLU Sues Catholic Hospitals to Force Abortions
Babies Dumped in Landfills: South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio
Aborted Babies Incinerated to Produce Waste Heat
Babies in Dumpsters Closes Michigan Abortion Clinics
South Carolina Abortion Licenses Suspended over Baby Disposal
-- From "Hospital with anti-abortion policy wins decision in lawsuit" by The Associated Press 4/11/16
Detroit federal Judge Gershwin Drain says the American Civil Liberties Union and its members have no standing to sue Trinity Health Corp. In a 13-page decision Monday, he said the ACLU failed to explain what medical conditions would place their members at risk or if they are currently at risk.
The judge says any harm is "speculative."
An attorney for Trinity, Kevin Theriot, says no one should be forced to perform abortions. The ACLU says it's considering its next step.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge throws out abortion lawsuit against Catholic hospital group" by Khalil AlHajal, mlive.com 4/11/16
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of its members last year, calling for an injunction against the anti-abortion policies of Trinity Health Corporation, a Livonia-based health care group with 90 hospitals that adhere to directives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
ACLU lawyers pointed specifically to one member who was denied abortion procedures at a Trinity hospital despite suffering "emergency complications during her pregnancy that required the termination of her pregnancy in order to stabilize her condition."
The lawsuit also argued that other pregnant members were "at risk of suffering similar harm should their pregnancies suffer complications in the future."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Health system wins suit over emergency abortion policy" posted at The Detroit News 4/11/16
In his ruling, [Judge] Drain said the ACLU did not provide enough specific proof of harm to its members to give the organization standing to sue.
“Therefore, even assuming that the complaint contains sufficient factual matter to establish past actual harm — considering the vagueness of the allegation, this is dubious — the allegations of past exposure to defendants’ illegal conduct is not sufficient to create standing,” he wrote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Court Dismisses ACLU Lawsuit Attempting to Force Catholic Hospital to Do Abortions" by Steven Ertelt and Emily Derois, LifeNews 4/11/16
Alliance Defending Freedom [ADF] attorneys represent the Catholic Medical Association, the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, and the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which the court allowed on March 10 to intervene in the case in defense of Trinity Health Corporation. Trinity Health operates 86 facilities in 21 states.
“No American should be forced to commit an abortion—least of all faith-based medical workers who went into the profession to follow their faith and save lives, not take them,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot. “No law requires religious hospitals and medical personnel to commit abortions against their faith and conscience, and, in fact, federal law directly prohibits the government from engaging in any such coercion. As we argued in our brief to the court, the ACLU had no standing to bring this suit and demand this kind of government coercion.”
“Those who doubt that anyone would ever try to force someone to commit an abortion need only look at this case,” explained ADF Senior Counsel Matt Bowman. “This is precisely what the ACLU sought to do. The court came to the right conclusion in putting an end to their quest. The ruling relies on important case law that our pro-life medical group clients cited showing that the ACLU’s case was based on pure speculation.”
“Forcing health care workers to act contrary to the very faith and ethical convictions that led them into the medical profession—to serve, help, and bring healing to people—is counterproductive, unnecessary, and against the law,” Bowman continued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge refuses to stop anti-abortion fliers targeting CEO" by The Associated Press 4/11/16
Lake County [Illinois] Associate Judge Margaret Marcouiller ruled Monday that the Ohio-based group Created Equal can keep distributing fliers that show pictures of an aborted fetus and a Lake Forest [Illinois] resident, and also include the executive's home address.
The fliers have been left with neighbors of Charles Alutto, who heads Stericycle, a medical waste company.
Created Equal says Stericycle "enables baby killing" by transporting medical waste from a Planned Parenthood facility in Ohio
Marcouiller said Monday that "even insulting and outrageous speech must be tolerated."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge refuses to stop anti-abortion fliers targeting Lake Forest CEO" by Susan Berger, Chicago Tribune 4/12/16
Created Equal Executive Director Mark Harrington called the court ruling a victory and said the campaign, which includes fliers, mobile billboards and postcards, will continue.
"If Stericycle wants to stop our awareness campaign, they simply need to cease transporting and disposing of aborted babies for Planned Parenthood," Harrington said.
Despite denying the emergency order, the judge said she will take up the issue again and gave the plaintiffs two weeks to update and resubmit their complaint.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Stericycle loses bid to stop campaign exposing it for transporting aborted babies’ remains" by Ben Johnson, LifeSiteNews 4/11/16
Stericycle's “regulated medical waste acceptance policy” states that the company does not accept “complete human remains (including heads, full torsos, and fetuses).”
Mark Harrington, the national director of Created Equal says the company is playing a game of semantics.
“However, babies are not 'complete' after being dismembered, decapitated, and disemboweled in standard abortion methods,” Harrington said. “Their broken parts and torn tissue are categorized by Stericycle as 'pathological waste,'” which the company willingly transports.
He wrote a letter to Alutto on February 10 with a sample flier that would be handed out in his community to raise awareness of Stericycle's actions. It included Alutto's home address and business phone number. If the company would stop providing services to abortionists, Harrington said, he would not go forward with the campaign.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Atheists Demand to 'Pray' at Tenn. County Meeting
When a local atheist asked to lead prayer at Greene County (Tennessee) Commission monthly proceedings, Greene County Mayor David Crum declined to allow the farce so the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) began writing threatening letters to the county demanding the opening invocation be eliminated entirely from the government meetings.
However, Arizona City Allows Only Christian Prayers
Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government
And read Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina
-- From "County Commission Under Fire For Opening Prayer" by Brad Hicks, Greeneville Sun 3/24/16
Since his tenure as county mayor began in fall 2014, David Crum has asked local pastors from churches located throughout Greene County to provide the opening invocations.
[Greene County Attorney Roger] Woolsey issued a response to the FFRF's complaint. The response, dated Feb. 23, asserts that some of the information in the organization's initial contact is "incorrect." In it, Woolsey wrote that the atheist was "at no point" denied the opportunity to address the county commission, as the panel allots three minutes during the public hearing portion of each meeting for any citizen to "speak, pray or discuss any issue or issues that he/she desires."
"Your assertion 'if Greene County wants to continue hosting prayers it cannot discriminate against any person wishing to give an invocation' is totally incorrect," Woolsey wrote.
The county attorney responded that if one wishes to speak, pray, give an invocation or discuss his or her beliefs on an issue, that person must contact Crum's office 10 days prior to the county commission's meeting to be placed on the agenda.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings
And read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
"The response I got from the commissioners is they seem to be happy with the way we've been doing it during this process, so I don't plan to change. . . . I figure if somebody doesn't want to listen to somebody pray, they can ignore it."For background, read Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Pennsylvania Town
-- Mayor David Crum
However, Arizona City Allows Only Christian Prayers
Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government
And read Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina
-- From "County Commission Under Fire For Opening Prayer" by Brad Hicks, Greeneville Sun 3/24/16
Since his tenure as county mayor began in fall 2014, David Crum has asked local pastors from churches located throughout Greene County to provide the opening invocations.
[Greene County Attorney Roger] Woolsey issued a response to the FFRF's complaint. The response, dated Feb. 23, asserts that some of the information in the organization's initial contact is "incorrect." In it, Woolsey wrote that the atheist was "at no point" denied the opportunity to address the county commission, as the panel allots three minutes during the public hearing portion of each meeting for any citizen to "speak, pray or discuss any issue or issues that he/she desires."
"Your assertion 'if Greene County wants to continue hosting prayers it cannot discriminate against any person wishing to give an invocation' is totally incorrect," Woolsey wrote.
The county attorney responded that if one wishes to speak, pray, give an invocation or discuss his or her beliefs on an issue, that person must contact Crum's office 10 days prior to the county commission's meeting to be placed on the agenda.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings
And read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
Saturday, April 09, 2016
Fed. Judge Strips Cross from LA County Citizens
U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder sided with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California by ruling that the elected supervisors of Los Angeles County violated the U.S. Constitution by authorizing an accurate depiction of the San Gabriel Mission for the county seal — the historic mission has a cross on top.
Also read Atheists Strip Catholic Univ. with Cross from Ohio Town Identity
And read City Denies Cross, Mississippi Law Forbids Church's Plan
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Atheists Strip Memorial Crosses From Arkansas Football
Atheists Defeat Veterans Memorial in North Carolina
Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton
Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island
However, Federal Judge Favors D.C. Cross vs. Atheists, Muslims
-- From "Judge Strikes Down Effort To Restore Cross To LA County Seal" posted at CBS News Los Angeles 4/7/16
The ACLU alleged a Jan. 7, 2014, decision by the Board to restore the cross was unconstitutional because it “favors the Christian religion over all other religions and divides county residents by religion and by adherence or non-adherence to religious beliefs”, according to the complaint.
The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in 2014 in favor of a motion introduced by Supervisors Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe to add a cross to the top of the San Gabriel Mission on the county emblem, which is displayed on buildings, vehicles and official communications.
At the time, Antonovich and Knabe argued that restoring the cross is vital to the historical accuracy of the seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "LA County Must Keep Cross Off County Seal" by Bianca Bruno, Courthouse News Service 4/8/16
In her summary of the history of the case and the seal's controversy over the years, Snyder noted the back-and-forth that took place at several public meetings in 2004 after the ACLU threatened to file suit against the county.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of adopting the revised seal in 2004 [to remove the cross]. Changing the seal cost the county $700,000 to replace the image on county-owned and leased facilities and other property.
Antonovich and Supervisor Don Knabe proposed adding a cross to the 2004 redesign in 2009, when the Roman Catholic Church placed a cross on the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel 11 miles east of downtown LA. The two supervisors introduced a motion to add a cross to the depiction of the mission on the seal in December 2013.
In her order, Snyder found "that an 'informed and reasonable' observer who is 'familiar with the history of the government practice at issue' would perceive the county's addition of the cross to the 2004 seal to constitute approval or endorsement of a particular set of religious beliefs."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian cross has no place on L.A. County seal, judge rules" by Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times 4/7/16
. . . When the seal was redesigned in 2004, there was no cross on top of the mission, as it had gone missing during earthquake retrofitting. The cross was later restored atop the building.
In a 55-page ruling released Thursday, U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder wrote that the addition of the cross ”carries with it an aura of prestige, authority, and approval. By singling out the cross for addition to the seal, the county necessarily lends its prestige and approval to a depiction of one faith’s sectarian imagery.
“The county also provides a platform for broadcasting that imagery on county buildings, vehicles, flags, and stationary.… Permitting such a change and the associated expenditure of public funds places the county’s power, prestige, and purse behind a single religion, Christianity, without making any such benefit available on an equal basis to those with secular objectives or alternative sectarian views."
But the two county supervisors who led the push to reinstate the cross criticized the judge’s decision, pointing out that other California municipalities – including Ventura and San Benito counties and the city of San Luis Obispo -- depict missions with crosses on their seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
"The court failed to see that the board corrected the inaccurate depiction of the San Gabriel Mission on the seal with an architecturally accurate version that featured a small cross - which of course the mission has. As any California fourth-grade student knows, the San Gabriel Mission is an important icon to the region and the birthplace of Los Angeles County."For background, read Cross Restored to LA County Seal Despite Atheists' Threats as well as Atheists Inundated by Jesus' Cross Symbols in California
-- Michael Antonovich, County Supervisor
Also read Atheists Strip Catholic Univ. with Cross from Ohio Town Identity
And read City Denies Cross, Mississippi Law Forbids Church's Plan
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Atheists Strip Memorial Crosses From Arkansas Football
Atheists Defeat Veterans Memorial in North Carolina
Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton
Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island
However, Federal Judge Favors D.C. Cross vs. Atheists, Muslims
-- From "Judge Strikes Down Effort To Restore Cross To LA County Seal" posted at CBS News Los Angeles 4/7/16
The ACLU alleged a Jan. 7, 2014, decision by the Board to restore the cross was unconstitutional because it “favors the Christian religion over all other religions and divides county residents by religion and by adherence or non-adherence to religious beliefs”, according to the complaint.
The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in 2014 in favor of a motion introduced by Supervisors Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe to add a cross to the top of the San Gabriel Mission on the county emblem, which is displayed on buildings, vehicles and official communications.
At the time, Antonovich and Knabe argued that restoring the cross is vital to the historical accuracy of the seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "LA County Must Keep Cross Off County Seal" by Bianca Bruno, Courthouse News Service 4/8/16
In her summary of the history of the case and the seal's controversy over the years, Snyder noted the back-and-forth that took place at several public meetings in 2004 after the ACLU threatened to file suit against the county.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of adopting the revised seal in 2004 [to remove the cross]. Changing the seal cost the county $700,000 to replace the image on county-owned and leased facilities and other property.
Antonovich and Supervisor Don Knabe proposed adding a cross to the 2004 redesign in 2009, when the Roman Catholic Church placed a cross on the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel 11 miles east of downtown LA. The two supervisors introduced a motion to add a cross to the depiction of the mission on the seal in December 2013.
In her order, Snyder found "that an 'informed and reasonable' observer who is 'familiar with the history of the government practice at issue' would perceive the county's addition of the cross to the 2004 seal to constitute approval or endorsement of a particular set of religious beliefs."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian cross has no place on L.A. County seal, judge rules" by Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times 4/7/16
. . . When the seal was redesigned in 2004, there was no cross on top of the mission, as it had gone missing during earthquake retrofitting. The cross was later restored atop the building.
In a 55-page ruling released Thursday, U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder wrote that the addition of the cross ”carries with it an aura of prestige, authority, and approval. By singling out the cross for addition to the seal, the county necessarily lends its prestige and approval to a depiction of one faith’s sectarian imagery.
“The county also provides a platform for broadcasting that imagery on county buildings, vehicles, flags, and stationary.… Permitting such a change and the associated expenditure of public funds places the county’s power, prestige, and purse behind a single religion, Christianity, without making any such benefit available on an equal basis to those with secular objectives or alternative sectarian views."
But the two county supervisors who led the push to reinstate the cross criticized the judge’s decision, pointing out that other California municipalities – including Ventura and San Benito counties and the city of San Luis Obispo -- depict missions with crosses on their seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, April 08, 2016
Cop Fired for Praying for Traffic Violator
14-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, Brian L. Hamilton, 40, of Connersville was fired yesterday for twice asking drivers about their faith during routine stops for traffic violations over the past two years.
National Park Fires Pastor for Public Baptizing in California
Atlanta Fires Fire Chief for 'Anti-gay' Bible Study
NASA Bans Jesus, Threatening Employees' Freedom
California City Official Yanked: Caught Reading Bible
Praying Bus Driver Fired at Rutgers: Safety Issue
Michigan Dentist Sued for Playing Christian Music
Iowa Newspaper Editor, Fired for Being Christian, Sues
Internet CEO Forced to Resign for Being Christian
Oregon Woman Fired for Being Pro-life Leader
Media Help Homosexuals Shut Down Indiana Christian Pizza Restaurant
-- From "Senior State Trooper fired for preaching on duty" by Kayla Crandall, WPTA-TV21 (Fort Wayne, IN) 4/7/16
ISP officials said that Hamilton directly violated an August 2014 counseling statement where he was told in writing: "During the course of his official duties, S/Trp. Hamilton will not question others regarding their religious beliefs nor provide religious pamphlets or similar advertisements.”
This allegation brought a lawsuit against the ISP, and it was brought to a close in April 2015.
The most recent allegation of Hamilton questioning a citizen’s religious affiliation, while engaged in enforcement actions, was reported in a citizen complaint on January 14, 2016.
He allegedly invited her to his church, and gave her the address, and then went on to ask her if she was saved.
The Indiana Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] is preparing to sue Hamilton as an individual.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Jesus-preaching trooper fired after proselytizing — yet again — during a traffic stop" by Sarah Larimer, Washington Post 4/8/16
Indiana State Police trooper Brian Hamilton pulled over Wendy Pyle in January, according to a lawsuit filed this week. He told Pyle that she had been speeding, went back to his patrol car and returned with a warning ticket.
Then, the lawsuit alleges, Hamilton asked Pyle where she attended church — and whether she had been “saved.”
As the state police indicated, this isn’t the first time Hamilton has been sued for on-the-job displays of faith. In 2014, another driver, Ellen Bogan, filed suit after Hamilton gave her a warning ticket during a traffic stop — and a pamphlet for a church.
The material from the First Baptist Church in Cambridge City, Ind., referred to a radio broadcast, called “Policing for Jesus Ministries,” among other items.
“The pamphlet also outlines ‘God’s Plan of Salvation’ that requires the reader to acknowledge that she is a sinner and to realize that ‘Salvation is a gift and is received by faith in Jesus Christ’ and that ‘the Lord Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sins,'” the 2014 complaint stated. “Ms. Bogan said thank you to the Trooper and the Trooper said ‘God Bless You,’ and returned to his car.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Jesus-preaching Indiana State Police trooper fired" by Jill Disis, Indianapolis Star 4/8/16
"While all of us — citizen and police officer — enjoy the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, there are appropriate and proper restrictions placed on agents of the State related to their actions while engaged in their official duties," State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said in a statement. “While I respect Mr. Hamilton’s religious views I am also charged to respect every citizen’s rights, and the best way forward for the citizens of Indiana, and for Mr. Hamilton, was to end his employment as a State Police officer.”
State Police Capt. Dave Bursten said the department's internal investigation was separate from the lawsuit pending against Hamilton, adding that it "would have occurred regardless of any legal action initiated" by the ACLU.
Bogan’s lawsuit was eventually settled. According to court records, Hamilton was counseled not to question others regarding their religious beliefs, nor was he to provide religious pamphlets or similar advertisements to them.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "If Gov. Pence, elected officials can be openly Christian, why not fired trooper?" by Jordan Fischer, WRTV-TV6 (Indianapolis, IN) Scripps Media, Inc. 4/8/16
State police said Hamilton was fired for insubordination and neglect of duty . . . But those same restrictions are not applied to the state's elected officials, many of whom, like Gov. Mike Pence, speak openly and often about their faith.
In January, during his State of the State address, Pence spoke at length about protecting the freedom of religious beliefs and invoked God's blessing on four separate occasions.
But displays of religiosity aren't limited just to the governor's office. Lawmakers in both chambers of the state legislature cited their religious beliefs as reasons for supporting Indiana's controversial new abortion law. And in March, Hoosier evangelist (and former RTV6 employee) Clayton Jennings was invited to deliver a prayer on the floor of the Indiana House of Representatives . . .
While the debate over where to properly draw the line between the separation of church and state isn't limited to Indiana, who else should Hoosiers look to for guidance but their own elected officials?
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Florida Student Failed for Being Christian, Lawyer Says
And read Wisconsin Prof. Threatens Student for her Christianity
“[Later, the ticketed driver] was approached by someone who attended church with Trooper Hamilton who informed her that Trooper Hamilton had placed her on a prayer list.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Lawsuit against ex-Trooper Hamilton
“I was just following what the Lord told me to do and you can’t change what the Lord tells you to do. So if the Lord tells me to speak about Jesus Christ, I do. And that’s why they fired me so that’s where we’re at.”
-- Brian Hamilton
National Park Fires Pastor for Public Baptizing in California
Atlanta Fires Fire Chief for 'Anti-gay' Bible Study
NASA Bans Jesus, Threatening Employees' Freedom
California City Official Yanked: Caught Reading Bible
Praying Bus Driver Fired at Rutgers: Safety Issue
Michigan Dentist Sued for Playing Christian Music
Iowa Newspaper Editor, Fired for Being Christian, Sues
Internet CEO Forced to Resign for Being Christian
Oregon Woman Fired for Being Pro-life Leader
Media Help Homosexuals Shut Down Indiana Christian Pizza Restaurant
-- From "Senior State Trooper fired for preaching on duty" by Kayla Crandall, WPTA-TV21 (Fort Wayne, IN) 4/7/16
ISP officials said that Hamilton directly violated an August 2014 counseling statement where he was told in writing: "During the course of his official duties, S/Trp. Hamilton will not question others regarding their religious beliefs nor provide religious pamphlets or similar advertisements.”
This allegation brought a lawsuit against the ISP, and it was brought to a close in April 2015.
The most recent allegation of Hamilton questioning a citizen’s religious affiliation, while engaged in enforcement actions, was reported in a citizen complaint on January 14, 2016.
He allegedly invited her to his church, and gave her the address, and then went on to ask her if she was saved.
The Indiana Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] is preparing to sue Hamilton as an individual.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Jesus-preaching trooper fired after proselytizing — yet again — during a traffic stop" by Sarah Larimer, Washington Post 4/8/16
Indiana State Police trooper Brian Hamilton pulled over Wendy Pyle in January, according to a lawsuit filed this week. He told Pyle that she had been speeding, went back to his patrol car and returned with a warning ticket.
Then, the lawsuit alleges, Hamilton asked Pyle where she attended church — and whether she had been “saved.”
As the state police indicated, this isn’t the first time Hamilton has been sued for on-the-job displays of faith. In 2014, another driver, Ellen Bogan, filed suit after Hamilton gave her a warning ticket during a traffic stop — and a pamphlet for a church.
The material from the First Baptist Church in Cambridge City, Ind., referred to a radio broadcast, called “Policing for Jesus Ministries,” among other items.
“The pamphlet also outlines ‘God’s Plan of Salvation’ that requires the reader to acknowledge that she is a sinner and to realize that ‘Salvation is a gift and is received by faith in Jesus Christ’ and that ‘the Lord Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sins,'” the 2014 complaint stated. “Ms. Bogan said thank you to the Trooper and the Trooper said ‘God Bless You,’ and returned to his car.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Jesus-preaching Indiana State Police trooper fired" by Jill Disis, Indianapolis Star 4/8/16
"While all of us — citizen and police officer — enjoy the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, there are appropriate and proper restrictions placed on agents of the State related to their actions while engaged in their official duties," State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said in a statement. “While I respect Mr. Hamilton’s religious views I am also charged to respect every citizen’s rights, and the best way forward for the citizens of Indiana, and for Mr. Hamilton, was to end his employment as a State Police officer.”
State Police Capt. Dave Bursten said the department's internal investigation was separate from the lawsuit pending against Hamilton, adding that it "would have occurred regardless of any legal action initiated" by the ACLU.
Bogan’s lawsuit was eventually settled. According to court records, Hamilton was counseled not to question others regarding their religious beliefs, nor was he to provide religious pamphlets or similar advertisements to them.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "If Gov. Pence, elected officials can be openly Christian, why not fired trooper?" by Jordan Fischer, WRTV-TV6 (Indianapolis, IN) Scripps Media, Inc. 4/8/16
State police said Hamilton was fired for insubordination and neglect of duty . . . But those same restrictions are not applied to the state's elected officials, many of whom, like Gov. Mike Pence, speak openly and often about their faith.
In January, during his State of the State address, Pence spoke at length about protecting the freedom of religious beliefs and invoked God's blessing on four separate occasions.
But displays of religiosity aren't limited just to the governor's office. Lawmakers in both chambers of the state legislature cited their religious beliefs as reasons for supporting Indiana's controversial new abortion law. And in March, Hoosier evangelist (and former RTV6 employee) Clayton Jennings was invited to deliver a prayer on the floor of the Indiana House of Representatives . . .
While the debate over where to properly draw the line between the separation of church and state isn't limited to Indiana, who else should Hoosiers look to for guidance but their own elected officials?
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Florida Student Failed for Being Christian, Lawyer Says
And read Wisconsin Prof. Threatens Student for her Christianity
Thursday, April 07, 2016
Gay Agenda Quiz Guilts Florida Middle Schoolers
Yoselis Ramos, a now-suspended, first-year Spanish teacher at Monroe Middle School in Tampa, Florida (Hillsborough County Public Schools) gave a quiz to pre-teens intended to "teach diversity" by forcing students to categorize themselves by "status of privilege." The quiz equated being born male or female, or a particular skin color, with "being" homosexual or transgender — implying that sexually immoral behavior is genetic (which scientifically is NOT factual).
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
Arizona School Sex-laden Quiz Exposed by Students
Pennsylvania School Gives 8th Grade Sadomasochistic Exercise
Pre-teens' Sex Lives Tracked by Feds via Schools
Oral Sex Quiz Given to Pre-teens in Massachusetts
D.C. Middle School 'Sex Test' Riles Parents
Obscene 'Sexual Tension Quiz' in Florida High School
Schools Give Sex Ed Porn to 4 year-olds
-- From "Tampa teacher disciplined over 'privilege' form" by Avery Coffman, WTSP-TV10 (St. Petersburg, FL) 4/7/16
The form was handed out in a Spanish class to seventh- and eighth-graders. At the top, the form asked, "How privileged are you?"
Regina Stiles' daughter is in the class. When her daughter came to the "Disability" column, she had to reveal that she had ADHD.
Other sections included religion and gender where kids were asked to circle "Cisgender," "Transgender" or "GenderQueer."
After Stiles along with several other angry parents questioned the principal, he launched an investigation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Public School Teacher Gives ‘Privilege’ Survey To SEVENTH GRADERS — IN SPANISH CLASS" by Eric Owens, Education Editor, Daily Caller 4/7/16
The three sex-related columns [on the categorization form] — “Sex,” Gender” and “Sexual Orientation” — offer an array of choices for the seventh-grade and eighth-grade students including “Intersex,” “Cisgendered,” “Transgendered,” Genderqueer” and “Pansexual.”
People are “cisgender” if their stated gender matches their physical sex. The word means normal. “Intersex” is the very rare condition of having genitals that aren’t wholly male or female. “Pansexual” means feeling sexual attraction toward all genders and gender identities. (It’s way broader, apparently, than merely bisexual.) “Genderqueer” means subjectively feeling that traditional boy/girl norms don’t apply to you because you are a special snowflake.
School district spokeswoman Tanya Arja assured WTSP [TV-10] that the survey is not part of the official Hillsborough County Public Schools curriculum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read the extent of sexualization in America's public schools: It flows from the top, including President Obama's demand for communal nudity in schools by forcing the Gay Agenda on schools using taxpayer dollars; and it comes from elite educators who teach kids how to be homosexual including teaching kindergartners about sex change as well as homosexual teachers indoctrinating 8-year-olds, and teachers training pre-teens in masturbation; and schools even hire abortionists and sex workers to teach sex education, while judges rule abstinence education illegal, so it's no surprise that this public school sexualization is making criminals of children nationwide.
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
Arizona School Sex-laden Quiz Exposed by Students
Pennsylvania School Gives 8th Grade Sadomasochistic Exercise
Pre-teens' Sex Lives Tracked by Feds via Schools
Oral Sex Quiz Given to Pre-teens in Massachusetts
D.C. Middle School 'Sex Test' Riles Parents
Obscene 'Sexual Tension Quiz' in Florida High School
Schools Give Sex Ed Porn to 4 year-olds
-- From "Tampa teacher disciplined over 'privilege' form" by Avery Coffman, WTSP-TV10 (St. Petersburg, FL) 4/7/16
The form was handed out in a Spanish class to seventh- and eighth-graders. At the top, the form asked, "How privileged are you?"
Regina Stiles' daughter is in the class. When her daughter came to the "Disability" column, she had to reveal that she had ADHD.
Other sections included religion and gender where kids were asked to circle "Cisgender," "Transgender" or "GenderQueer."
After Stiles along with several other angry parents questioned the principal, he launched an investigation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Public School Teacher Gives ‘Privilege’ Survey To SEVENTH GRADERS — IN SPANISH CLASS" by Eric Owens, Education Editor, Daily Caller 4/7/16
The three sex-related columns [on the categorization form] — “Sex,” Gender” and “Sexual Orientation” — offer an array of choices for the seventh-grade and eighth-grade students including “Intersex,” “Cisgendered,” “Transgendered,” Genderqueer” and “Pansexual.”
People are “cisgender” if their stated gender matches their physical sex. The word means normal. “Intersex” is the very rare condition of having genitals that aren’t wholly male or female. “Pansexual” means feeling sexual attraction toward all genders and gender identities. (It’s way broader, apparently, than merely bisexual.) “Genderqueer” means subjectively feeling that traditional boy/girl norms don’t apply to you because you are a special snowflake.
School district spokeswoman Tanya Arja assured WTSP [TV-10] that the survey is not part of the official Hillsborough County Public Schools curriculum.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read the extent of sexualization in America's public schools: It flows from the top, including President Obama's demand for communal nudity in schools by forcing the Gay Agenda on schools using taxpayer dollars; and it comes from elite educators who teach kids how to be homosexual including teaching kindergartners about sex change as well as homosexual teachers indoctrinating 8-year-olds, and teachers training pre-teens in masturbation; and schools even hire abortionists and sex workers to teach sex education, while judges rule abstinence education illegal, so it's no surprise that this public school sexualization is making criminals of children nationwide.
Wednesday, April 06, 2016
School Sex Books Mandatory: Virginia Governor Veto
Representatives of the citizens of Virginia overwhelmingly passed legislation to require schools to inform parents of sexually explicit book assignments in order to allow parents to "opt out" their children, but the governor vetoed the bill this week saying that the state Board of Education, which is eternally controlled by liberals, might someday enact something similar on its own initiative.
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
Illinois School Board OKs Kids' Demands for Dirty Book
California School Pushes Porn Sex Ed, Parents Outraged
Porn Novel for Freshmen Orientation in South Carolina
Children can be protected by citizens' involvement, as shown when parents challenge the schools.
-- From "Virginia Governor Vetoes Sexually Explicit Books Bill" posted at WRC-TV4 NBC News Washington, D.C. 4/4/16
The measure, which is backed by GOP House Speaker William Howell, was brought to the General Assembly by a Fairfax County mother [Laura Murphy] who protested the use of Toni Morrison's 'Beloved' in her son's high school senior class. The 1987 novel set in the post-Civil War era includes scenes depicting sex, rape and bestiality.
The bill initially flew through the GOP-controlled House with unanimous support [including from all of the Democrats]. But outcry from Democrats and free-speech groups grew as the bill received more attention. The 22-17 vote in the Senate means there's likely not enough support to override the governor's veto in that chamber.
The bill would direct the state Board of Education to create a policy on sexually explicit books for elementary and secondary schools. Under the policy, schools would be required to provide an alternative to the sexually explicit book if a parent objects.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "McAuliffe vetoes bill permitting parents to block sexually explicit books in school" by Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post 4/4/16
“School boards are best positioned to ensure that our students are exposed to those appropriate literary and artistic works that will expand students’ horizons and enrich their learning experiences,” [Gov. McAuliffe] said in the veto message.
Del. R. Steven Landes (R- Augusta), chairman of the House Education Committee, sponsored the bill at the request of House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), making it a top priority for the overwhelmingly Republican House.
Landes called the veto “disappointing” and said he would introduce the legislation again next year if the state doesn’t change the regulations.
The National Council of Teachers of English and the National Coalition Against Censorship opposed the bill; the conservative Family Foundation of Virginia favored it.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gov. vetoes bill requiring schools to ID sexually explicit material" by Jim Nolan, Richmond Times-Dispatch 4/4/16
“Parents make decisions every day about what video games kids play, what movies they watch and what material they consume online,” [Del.] Landes said in a statement. “They should have the same opportunity within the classroom.”
Landes said Virginia already has similar policies for sexual education and science curriculum. He said he brought the legislation because the Board of Education has “put this issue off for several years” and said he would reintroduce the bill again next year if regulatory changes are not implemented.
“It is remarkable that the governor has so little respect for parents who simply want to know and be free to make decisions about what their kids are being taught,” said Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia.
“Parents are not the enemy of education, they are the driving force behind their children learning and succeeding,” she added. “If schools and teachers have nothing to hide, there should have been no opposition to this common sense transparency measure.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
[Besides,] "this legislation lacks flexibility and would require the label of 'sexually explicit' to apply to an artistic work based on a single scene, without further context."Informing parents of the curriculum would impede the school's sexual indoctrination programs.
-- Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), Virginia
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
Illinois School Board OKs Kids' Demands for Dirty Book
California School Pushes Porn Sex Ed, Parents Outraged
Porn Novel for Freshmen Orientation in South Carolina
Children can be protected by citizens' involvement, as shown when parents challenge the schools.
-- From "Virginia Governor Vetoes Sexually Explicit Books Bill" posted at WRC-TV4 NBC News Washington, D.C. 4/4/16
The measure, which is backed by GOP House Speaker William Howell, was brought to the General Assembly by a Fairfax County mother [Laura Murphy] who protested the use of Toni Morrison's 'Beloved' in her son's high school senior class. The 1987 novel set in the post-Civil War era includes scenes depicting sex, rape and bestiality.
The bill initially flew through the GOP-controlled House with unanimous support [including from all of the Democrats]. But outcry from Democrats and free-speech groups grew as the bill received more attention. The 22-17 vote in the Senate means there's likely not enough support to override the governor's veto in that chamber.
The bill would direct the state Board of Education to create a policy on sexually explicit books for elementary and secondary schools. Under the policy, schools would be required to provide an alternative to the sexually explicit book if a parent objects.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "McAuliffe vetoes bill permitting parents to block sexually explicit books in school" by Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post 4/4/16
“School boards are best positioned to ensure that our students are exposed to those appropriate literary and artistic works that will expand students’ horizons and enrich their learning experiences,” [Gov. McAuliffe] said in the veto message.
Del. R. Steven Landes (R- Augusta), chairman of the House Education Committee, sponsored the bill at the request of House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), making it a top priority for the overwhelmingly Republican House.
Landes called the veto “disappointing” and said he would introduce the legislation again next year if the state doesn’t change the regulations.
The National Council of Teachers of English and the National Coalition Against Censorship opposed the bill; the conservative Family Foundation of Virginia favored it.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gov. vetoes bill requiring schools to ID sexually explicit material" by Jim Nolan, Richmond Times-Dispatch 4/4/16
“Parents make decisions every day about what video games kids play, what movies they watch and what material they consume online,” [Del.] Landes said in a statement. “They should have the same opportunity within the classroom.”
Landes said Virginia already has similar policies for sexual education and science curriculum. He said he brought the legislation because the Board of Education has “put this issue off for several years” and said he would reintroduce the bill again next year if regulatory changes are not implemented.
“It is remarkable that the governor has so little respect for parents who simply want to know and be free to make decisions about what their kids are being taught,” said Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia.
“Parents are not the enemy of education, they are the driving force behind their children learning and succeeding,” she added. “If schools and teachers have nothing to hide, there should have been no opposition to this common sense transparency measure.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Stem Cell Breakthrough: Embryos Needn't Be Killed
Once again, the purveyors of embryonic death have been dealt a blow by researchers developing multiple, unrelated techniques to use adult bone marrow and fat cells to regenerate and repair a variety of damaged body tissue types.
For background, read Stem Cell Science Advances WithOUT Killing Embryos
-- From "Study Finds Stem Cells Can Help to Heal Damaged Hearts" posted at KMOX-AM1120 (St. Louis, MO) CBS News 4/5/16
The findings of this new study were just presented at a major cardiology conference in Chicago. SLU Care cardiologist Dr. Michael Lim at SSM Health SLU Hospital was there.
Stem cells from a patient’s own bone marrow were harvested, treated and then directly re-injected back into the muscle.
Lim says when they find that less people are dead with one therapy versus those who did not get the therapy, it is strong evidence. He adds that it is really great news.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Stem Cell Therapy Promising Against Heart Failure" by Robert Preidt, HealthDay News Reporter, posted at WebMD News 4/4/16
The clinical trial found that end-stage heart failure patients treated with stem cells harvested from their own bone marrow had 37 percent fewer cardiac events than those who received a "dummy" placebo.
If further studies are successful, stem cell therapy may one day offer an alternative to current treatments for end-stage heart failure, such as heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device therapy, the researchers said.
The study was published online April 4 in The Lancet journal and presented simultaneously at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in Chicago.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cell therapy could help slow decline in heart failure patients, study suggests" by Carina Storrs, Special to CNN 4/4/16
"This would be considered a huge success because this much of a reduction has not been shown with any other (cell) therapy," said Dr. Amit N. Patel, director of the clinical regenerative medicine program in the University of Utah Department of Surgery.
Here's how the therapy, which is called Ixmyelocel-T, is carried out: The researchers remove about three tablespoons of bone marrow from the hip bone while the patient is lightly sedated. The cells in the bone marrow then grow in an instrument called a bioreactor for two weeks, producing a "soup" of cells containing certain types of stem cells and immune cells that can help remodel tissue and reduce inflammation, Patel said. Finally the researchers use special catheters to identify the weakest parts of the heart and inject the soup into these areas.
In the year after the injection, 20.3% of the patients in the cell therapy group experienced an adverse event such as infection or stroke, compared with 41.8% of the placebo group. "It was surprising that the (placebo) patients did significantly worse," Patel said. This could have been because they underwent the same invasive procedures as the treatment group, but did not receive the same potentially beneficial cell therapy, which could have anti-inflammatory effects that decreased adverse events, he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New stem cell therapy which mimics how salamanders grow new limbs raises hopes of new regenerative treatments" by John von Radowitz, UK Independent 4/4/16
Therapies based on "induced multipotent stem" (iMS) cells could be tested in human trials as early as next year, according to Australian researchers.
While ES [embryonic stem] cells are natural, obtained from early-stage embryos, iPS cells are made by reprogramming adult cells. But both run the risk of generating cancerous tumours, and iPS cells are created using genes injected by viruses, which is clinically unacceptable.
The iMS cells which are the focus of the new research reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences have a more limited capacity but claimed to be safer than ES or iPS cells.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Scientists develop 'game changing' stem cell repair system" posted at Phys.org Science X network 4/4/16
Stem cell therapies capable of regenerating any human tissue damaged by injury, disease or ageing could be available within a few years, following landmark research led by UNSW Australia researchers.
The repair system, similar to the method used by salamanders to regenerate limbs, could be used to repair everything from spinal discs to bone fractures, and has the potential to transform current treatment approaches to regenerative medicine.
Study lead author, haematologist and UNSW Associate Professor John Pimanda, said the new technique, which reprograms bone and fat cells into induced multipotent stem cells (iMS), has been successfully demonstrated in mice.
The technique developed by UNSW researchers involves extracting adult human fat cells and treating them with the compound 5-Azacytidine (AZA), along with platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB) for approximately two days. The cells are then treated with the growth factor alone for a further two-three weeks.
AZA is known to induce cell plasticity, which is crucial for reprogramming cells. The AZA compound relaxes the hard-wiring of the cell, which is expanded by the growth factor, transforming the bone and fat cells into iMS cells. When the stem cells are inserted into the damaged tissue site, they multiply, promoting growth and healing.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
"This technique is a significant advance on many of the current unproven stem cell therapies, which have shown little or no objective evidence they contribute directly to new tissue formation."Thus, countering scientists who proclaim: Embryo-killing is Essential for Life
-- John Pimanda, Associate Professor, University of New South Wales (UNSW)
For background, read Stem Cell Science Advances WithOUT Killing Embryos
-- From "Study Finds Stem Cells Can Help to Heal Damaged Hearts" posted at KMOX-AM1120 (St. Louis, MO) CBS News 4/5/16
The findings of this new study were just presented at a major cardiology conference in Chicago. SLU Care cardiologist Dr. Michael Lim at SSM Health SLU Hospital was there.
Stem cells from a patient’s own bone marrow were harvested, treated and then directly re-injected back into the muscle.
Lim says when they find that less people are dead with one therapy versus those who did not get the therapy, it is strong evidence. He adds that it is really great news.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Stem Cell Therapy Promising Against Heart Failure" by Robert Preidt, HealthDay News Reporter, posted at WebMD News 4/4/16
The clinical trial found that end-stage heart failure patients treated with stem cells harvested from their own bone marrow had 37 percent fewer cardiac events than those who received a "dummy" placebo.
If further studies are successful, stem cell therapy may one day offer an alternative to current treatments for end-stage heart failure, such as heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device therapy, the researchers said.
The study was published online April 4 in The Lancet journal and presented simultaneously at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in Chicago.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cell therapy could help slow decline in heart failure patients, study suggests" by Carina Storrs, Special to CNN 4/4/16
"This would be considered a huge success because this much of a reduction has not been shown with any other (cell) therapy," said Dr. Amit N. Patel, director of the clinical regenerative medicine program in the University of Utah Department of Surgery.
Here's how the therapy, which is called Ixmyelocel-T, is carried out: The researchers remove about three tablespoons of bone marrow from the hip bone while the patient is lightly sedated. The cells in the bone marrow then grow in an instrument called a bioreactor for two weeks, producing a "soup" of cells containing certain types of stem cells and immune cells that can help remodel tissue and reduce inflammation, Patel said. Finally the researchers use special catheters to identify the weakest parts of the heart and inject the soup into these areas.
In the year after the injection, 20.3% of the patients in the cell therapy group experienced an adverse event such as infection or stroke, compared with 41.8% of the placebo group. "It was surprising that the (placebo) patients did significantly worse," Patel said. This could have been because they underwent the same invasive procedures as the treatment group, but did not receive the same potentially beneficial cell therapy, which could have anti-inflammatory effects that decreased adverse events, he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New stem cell therapy which mimics how salamanders grow new limbs raises hopes of new regenerative treatments" by John von Radowitz, UK Independent 4/4/16
Therapies based on "induced multipotent stem" (iMS) cells could be tested in human trials as early as next year, according to Australian researchers.
While ES [embryonic stem] cells are natural, obtained from early-stage embryos, iPS cells are made by reprogramming adult cells. But both run the risk of generating cancerous tumours, and iPS cells are created using genes injected by viruses, which is clinically unacceptable.
The iMS cells which are the focus of the new research reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences have a more limited capacity but claimed to be safer than ES or iPS cells.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Scientists develop 'game changing' stem cell repair system" posted at Phys.org Science X network 4/4/16
Stem cell therapies capable of regenerating any human tissue damaged by injury, disease or ageing could be available within a few years, following landmark research led by UNSW Australia researchers.
The repair system, similar to the method used by salamanders to regenerate limbs, could be used to repair everything from spinal discs to bone fractures, and has the potential to transform current treatment approaches to regenerative medicine.
Study lead author, haematologist and UNSW Associate Professor John Pimanda, said the new technique, which reprograms bone and fat cells into induced multipotent stem cells (iMS), has been successfully demonstrated in mice.
The technique developed by UNSW researchers involves extracting adult human fat cells and treating them with the compound 5-Azacytidine (AZA), along with platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB) for approximately two days. The cells are then treated with the growth factor alone for a further two-three weeks.
AZA is known to induce cell plasticity, which is crucial for reprogramming cells. The AZA compound relaxes the hard-wiring of the cell, which is expanded by the growth factor, transforming the bone and fat cells into iMS cells. When the stem cells are inserted into the damaged tissue site, they multiply, promoting growth and healing.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Monday, April 04, 2016
Atheists: Terror-victims Prayer Unconstitutional
Immediately after Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis, a metro Detroit, Michigan politician, posted a prayer for the victims of the Brussels terrorist attack on his personal Facebook page, local atheists wrote that an American citizen who holds a public position has no right to pray in public, including online.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer
Arizona Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
-- From "Politician's prayer for Belgium on Facebook draws fire" by Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press 3/24/16
His critics note that his Facebook page makes clear he is a government official, and they want him to keep God and prayer out of politics. Stathakis, who has stirred controversy in the past by having prayer before public meetings, isn’t budging, arguing there’s nothing unlawful or unethical about praying for terrorism victims.
So far, the post has gotten 148 likes, 12 shares and 30 comments -- the longest ones from a handful of critics who pounced on Stathakis for expressing his religious views.
“As a government official, it is unconstitutional for you to use your official position to promote the establishment of faith. It violates the most basic legal principles of the United States of America. In addition to being unconstitutional, it is highly offensive to your constituents. Please remove all religious references from government materials and keep your faith to yourself,” wrote one Facebook user, Rafael Saakyan.
Stathakis vowed to continue expressing his religious beliefs, and called his critics “misguided.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Township Supervisor Sparks Controversy With Prayer For Belgium Post On Facebook" posted at WWJ-AM950 CBS News Detroit, MI 3/24/16
“It’s my webpage. It’s my personal webpage,” Stathakis told WWJ’s Chrystal Knight. “And what’s really sad is it’s not about me, it’s about the people in Brussels. It was just a simple prayer asking God to be at their side, and all of a sudden now it’s become pointed at me.”
“I really don’t understand the uproar. I mean, it’s not the first prayer that I’ve had on my Facebook, it’s one of many,” he said. “And actually, we’ve been praying here in Shelby Township before all of our board meeting since I’ve been in office, November 2008.”
Despite all the negativity, Stathakis says he’s encouraged by the support he’s received and he feels those who oppose him are in the minority — and he plans to keep on praying.
“The First Amendment makes a very specific point to protect a private citizen’s freedom of speech. I am a private citizen as well,” he said. “My position as Shelby Township supervisor, I believe, does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Shelby Township supervisor’s prayer post draws criticism, support" by Sean Delaney, The Source News (Macomb County, MI) 3/28/16
“As I state on my page, there is no secret in Shelby Township that I am an ardent Christian with a deep love of Christ and prayer,” Stathakis said. “Whether it is our invocation prior to each Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting or our community’s role in founding the North Macomb National Day of Prayer observance, I will not shy away from expressing my Christian values, as they are as much a part of me as my love for the United States of America and Shelby Township.”
The First Amendment prohibits Congress from passing any law “respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Shelby Township Attorney Rob Huth [argues] that the prayer offered by Stathakis on his personal Facebook page “does not violate any provision of the Constitution.”
“(Stathakis) did not give up his right to pray for others just because he earned the title of supervisor,” Huth wrote in an email. “Frankly, as a Shelby Township resident I’ve enjoyed watching him stand up to those that don’t understand the law on this issue.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
"Mighty God, Shine your radiance into every corner of this dark and fallen world. Send your angel armies into Brussels, and heal the land. Hear the prayers of those who call to you, calm them with Your peace, and soothe the souls of those who lost loved ones in this attack. Amen. . . . God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."For background, read South Dakota Atheists Complain of Prayer After Murder-Suicide
-- Rick Stathakis' initial Facebook post
"My position of Township Supervisor does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs just as it would not preclude you from expressing your views if you were elected to office. I am not using my office or standing in the community to make everyone or even anyone Christian. I am simply offering support for the victims. My hope is that this is a conversation between adults, who are presumptively not susceptible to religious indoctrination, who may freely enter and leave the conversation without comment and for any number of reasons. . . . Through two successful campaigns for office I have never made a secret of my Christian faith and my love of prayer. My faith and prayer have helped me through many challenges during public service."
-- Rick Stathakis' Facebook post responding to critics
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer
Arizona Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
-- From "Politician's prayer for Belgium on Facebook draws fire" by Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press 3/24/16
His critics note that his Facebook page makes clear he is a government official, and they want him to keep God and prayer out of politics. Stathakis, who has stirred controversy in the past by having prayer before public meetings, isn’t budging, arguing there’s nothing unlawful or unethical about praying for terrorism victims.
So far, the post has gotten 148 likes, 12 shares and 30 comments -- the longest ones from a handful of critics who pounced on Stathakis for expressing his religious views.
“As a government official, it is unconstitutional for you to use your official position to promote the establishment of faith. It violates the most basic legal principles of the United States of America. In addition to being unconstitutional, it is highly offensive to your constituents. Please remove all religious references from government materials and keep your faith to yourself,” wrote one Facebook user, Rafael Saakyan.
Stathakis vowed to continue expressing his religious beliefs, and called his critics “misguided.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Township Supervisor Sparks Controversy With Prayer For Belgium Post On Facebook" posted at WWJ-AM950 CBS News Detroit, MI 3/24/16
“It’s my webpage. It’s my personal webpage,” Stathakis told WWJ’s Chrystal Knight. “And what’s really sad is it’s not about me, it’s about the people in Brussels. It was just a simple prayer asking God to be at their side, and all of a sudden now it’s become pointed at me.”
“I really don’t understand the uproar. I mean, it’s not the first prayer that I’ve had on my Facebook, it’s one of many,” he said. “And actually, we’ve been praying here in Shelby Township before all of our board meeting since I’ve been in office, November 2008.”
Despite all the negativity, Stathakis says he’s encouraged by the support he’s received and he feels those who oppose him are in the minority — and he plans to keep on praying.
“The First Amendment makes a very specific point to protect a private citizen’s freedom of speech. I am a private citizen as well,” he said. “My position as Shelby Township supervisor, I believe, does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Shelby Township supervisor’s prayer post draws criticism, support" by Sean Delaney, The Source News (Macomb County, MI) 3/28/16
“As I state on my page, there is no secret in Shelby Township that I am an ardent Christian with a deep love of Christ and prayer,” Stathakis said. “Whether it is our invocation prior to each Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting or our community’s role in founding the North Macomb National Day of Prayer observance, I will not shy away from expressing my Christian values, as they are as much a part of me as my love for the United States of America and Shelby Township.”
The First Amendment prohibits Congress from passing any law “respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Shelby Township Attorney Rob Huth [argues] that the prayer offered by Stathakis on his personal Facebook page “does not violate any provision of the Constitution.”
“(Stathakis) did not give up his right to pray for others just because he earned the title of supervisor,” Huth wrote in an email. “Frankly, as a Shelby Township resident I’ve enjoyed watching him stand up to those that don’t understand the law on this issue.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
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