Catholics Against Rudy Petition

There is a new Catholics Against Rudy electronic petition. Click here and sign it.

Faith in Rudy? No!

Some pro-life voters are talking about how Rudy Giuliani is an acceptable candidate for which to vote. These are people who are pro-life and pro-family. Giuliani is neither. These are people for whom faith and faithfulness are paramount. For Giuliani they are not. So how could these faith filled people consider voting for him? Because they are seeking an alliance against what some believe is an even worse choice - Hillary Clinton. Myself, I am befuddled by the logic of selling out one's values. It reminds me of Judah at the time when Assyria was threatening, and people wanted to join the alliance with the northern kingdom and Syria. Isaiah spoke out against such an unholy alliance and bade the people have trust in God rather than ally with their old enemies. The faithful here are willing to have an alliance with one evil to try and prevent what is believed to be a larger evil. What they don't realize is that allying with Giuliani is worse than losing an election - at a moral level it betrays our core values while at a practical level it destroys our political voice. The argument for Giuliani rests on an interpretation of something he said about the kind of supreme court justice he would appoint. We typically cannot trust what a politician says. Remember "read my lips"? So how can we trust what they are not even willing to say? How can we put faith in an innuendo? How can we make such a weak alliance? What we need to do is take a page from the Clinton book. The Clintons are masters of compromise on a variety of issues WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ABORTION. They will harbor no compromise on this and related culture of death issues. This should be the position of pro-lifers. Never compromise on sanctity of life issue. What does compromise buy us? Less than nothing. We get, not a promise, but an innuendo. On top of that, we teach the Republicans that they can ignore our concerns (a lesson we taught the Democrats in the 1976 election). What does being faithful buy us? It allows us to maintain our integrity for one. It also teaches the Republican party that they cannot ignore us with impunity. Remember, we are people of faith. Put your trust in God; not Rudy, not any political party, in God. Remember the words of Psalm 146: Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help. When his breath departs he returns to his earth on that very day his plans perish. Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.

Peacful demonstrators attacked by Brussels police

This is shameful. Why are the powers suppressing speech on the issue of the islamization of Europe. Even a member of the European parliament was arrested. We think what happened in LA about immigration was bad? Take a look at what the do in "enlightened" Europe if you want to take a stand. There is a battle going on between the forces of light and the forces of darkness. It is only going to grow. The battle is for the soul of Western civilizaton. What side will you be on? Pray.

Giuliani Separation of Faith and Actions

Check out the parody of Giuliani on the role of his faith at The Curt Jester. I'm not sure parody is correct, as I think it is a more coherent statement of Rudy's position than he could make. Funny ... and sad. The Curt Jester: Separation of Faith and Actions: "I have built a wall of separation between my actions and my faith. As a mayor and a presidential nominee I know that you are part of the state 24/7 and so all of my actions must be separated from my faith."

Irresponsible Obama

Obama: Don't stay in Iraq over genocide: "Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday the United States cannot use its military to solve humanitarian problems and that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq isn't a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there." Obama states that if we use the logic of responsibility, then we should be in the Congo and the Sudan to prevent and stop genocide. But there is a fundamental flaw in his reasoning. Right now, we are not causing the problem in Sudan or the Congo. I can see an argument that we need to be doing more to help the situation - whether that is unilateral military, military as part of a larger organization, greater support for International African troops, or stronger diplomacy. But the point is that we are not causing the problem. If we pull out of Iraq prematurely we will be causing the problem. See the difference? We would share culpability for what follows. Because we have acted, justly or unjustly, by entering Iraq, we are responsible for much more than if we were merely observers. It can be hard for people who preach the politics of irresponsibility to understand duty.

Democratic Party Has Its Own Muslim Extremist?

Bush like Hitler, says first Muslim in Congress | International News | News | Telegraph: "Addressing a gathering of atheists in his home state of Minnesota, Keith Ellison, a Democrat, compared the 9/11 atrocities to the destruction of the Reichstag, the German parliament, in 1933. This was probably burned down by the Nazis in order to justify Hitler's later seizure of emergency powers. 'It's almost like the Reichstag fire, kind of reminds me of that,' Mr Ellison said. 'After the Reichstag was burned, they blamed the Communists for it, and it put the leader [Hitler] of that country in a position where he could basically have authority to do whatever he wanted.'" Let me paint the scene. The only Muslim member of Congress compares the president to Hitler in a hall of hundreds of Athiest who applaud the comparison. So why don't we hear this in the US? Why do I have to go to the UK for this news? LA Times? NY Times? AP? Hellooooo. Anybody home?????? Just how liberal are you media guys?!? But this does give us some information on the Democratic strategy. They said they would be reaching out to people who sympathize with the other party. Funny, I thought they were talking about Republicans. I guess they meant Hezbollah. (h/t to Creative Minority Report)

Giuliani Advisory Warning

Pro Ecclesia * Pro Familia * Pro Civitate: Giuliani to Reveal Five-Star Conservative Judicial Advisory Panel: "Conservatives who are pro-life and/or care about the future of the federal judiciary aren't going to buy this latest dog and pony show from Rudy." As always, read Jay at Pro Ecclesia * Pro Familia * Pro Civitate. He brings more slippery slime dog activities from the candidate from New York (the label applies to both New York candidates, but I mean the former mayor) to our attention. Rudy is at it again. Trying to say one thing and be another. He hates abortion, but gives money to Planned Parenthood and acts to further the abortion agenda. He is trying to have it both ways. He wants to be a culture of death Democrat, but under the Republican banner. Don't be fooled! He is telling us who will be on his Judiciary Advisory Panel. The hidden message is that they will be conservative and more likely to be Pro-Life. Balogna! Sorry Rudy, you will do the nominating. It is YOUR values that we have to evaluate, not your committees (that don't exist). If you want a true pro-life candidate, support Brownback! And if we don't get a candidate that is clearly Pro-Life, vote third party.

Giuliani Side Steps Reporting Laws?

Salt Lake Tribune - First Romney, now Giuliani's security detail zeal draws questions: "For most of this year, Giuliani's consulting firm, Giuliani Partners, has paid the cost of the security detail, an arrangement that has existed since Giuliani stepped down as mayor, campaign spokeswoman Maria Comella said. His campaign travels eventually became so extensive that the campaign began picking up the costs on June 18, she said. Campaign finance experts say the campaign may have run afoul of federal campaign laws that prohibit candidates from accepting money or in-kind contributions from corporations." It seems to me that it is not a good idea to ignore the law as a presidential candidate, especially if you are touting your credentials for cleaning up crime. Sure, he's tough on the homeless, but what's a little illegal money shuffling among friends? I mean, if your rich and powerful you don't have to obey ALL of the laws, right? Don't these people know who he is? He was MAYOR during 9/11! Doesn't that mean he can break a rule here or there?

North Korean Christian To Be Executed - Brownback Speaks Up

EWTN.com - North Korean Christian Evangelist To Be Executed as Example: "In his letters to Rice and Ban, Brownback wrote: 'Future cooperation and engagement with North Korea will be far more challenging if its leaders continue to persecute their own people for religious views. The United States has made political and religious freedoms important elements in its diplomatic relations, and we are gravely concerned about abuses of such basic rights in North Korea.'" This is a kind of foreign policy we need in this country. We need this kind of straight up talk to the Chinese as well. If you want a truly just perspective in the White House - support Brownback!

Congressional Hypocrisy

Members of Congress urge US bishops to intervene in Iraq War: "Washington DC, Jul 5, 2007 / 11:30 am (CNA).- Fourteen Catholic members of Congress released a letter on Tuesday, calling on the country's Catholic bishops to help end the war in Iraq. The letter urges the bishops to 'mobilize Catholic opinion on this, one of the most critical issues of our time.'" How is that for a joke? Catholic members of Congress don't want the Church to speak when it reminds them that abortion is wrong, but wants the Church to speak when it benefits there particular position. As to the specific issue of Iraq.... When the country first decided to go to war, I strongly believed it a wrong and unjust decision - I still think so. I also believed then, and I believe now, that once we made the decision for war, we had to commit to finishing the job - no cowardly withdrawals. Going into Iraq was a mistake, simply pulling out without creating the real opportunity for stability would be an even bigger mistake. I wish these Catholic members of Congress would start attending to how one lives with responsibility for making mistakes, not just the freedom to commit them. Pulling out of Iraq, like having an abortion would be seeking to avoid responsibility. Our nation must stop avoiding the consequences of our actions and do what it takes to set things right. Shame on you "members of Congress" - stop the politics and do what is right.

Rudy's lies

village voice > news > Giuliani Campaigns as a Catholic, But He's on the Outs With God by Wayne Barrett: "The question, however, is not whether this church teaching is fair, or whether it's compatible with American social standards. The question is: Can Giuliani run for president as a Catholic—identifying with the swing vote that has picked the winner in virtually every modern presidential race—when he is so out of step with the church's code of personal conduct? We're all familiar with Catholic politicians who defy the church with their positions on issues like abortion or contraception. But Giuliani is the first major national figure to run for high office as a Catholic even though he has defied church law in his personal life." Outstanding article. This provides a picture of how Rudy is a manipulator and disingenuous. He is out of step with the Catholic Church in his public positions AND his personal life. Faithful Catholics must stand together and point out that Rudy does NOT represent the views of Catholics. Just like Kerry doesn't. Just like Pelosi and her ilk in Congress don't. Rudy, if you want to be a pro-death politician as a plain American, be my guest. If you want to live a secular life without the pesky teachings of the Church, that is completely legal in the US (and encouraged in most places). But stop representing that you are Catholic. Devout Catholics follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. If you don't follow (or even believe) the teachings, then you should stop representing yourself as a devout Catholic. Or, to be honest, call yourself a "dissident Catholic" or a "heretic Catholic." Then, at least, you would be honest.

Will pro-lifers sell out to the slick salesman from NY?

Giuliani woos conservatives wary of abortion view - washingtonpost.com: "The former New York mayor, the leading Republican in most national polls, never mentioned abortion in his 30-minute speech at evangelist Pat Robertson's Regent University, nor was he asked about it in a brief question period."' How does Giuliani even get a chance to speak at a place like this? I guess it is kind of like how Nancy Pelosi gets to speak at a Catholic University. If you claim to be Republican, you get to speak where conservatives are, even if you miss the boat on the most important issue. Nancy claims to be Catholic even though she misses the boat on that one. It seems people are gullible. All someone needs to do is say they are members of a group, and they get a free pass. Will the religious right give a free pass to Guiliani? I hope not. Imo, we need to have a nation worth defending - not just a good defense. Guiliani wants a good defense - but of what? A nation that kills its children? A nation that does not value marriage? A nation that doesn't care for the poor and needy? Guiliani is the WORST from both parties. Culture of Death married to a lack of compassion. His nomination would be a defeat in the cause of life. His election would be a blow to the moral fabric of our country for years to come.

Liberalism => Persecution

Paul, just this guy, you know? always has a worthwhile blog. He puts it out there like he sees it. He has a series on how liberal ideas are causing persecution in different countries. I link to these after reading this comment by Obama (you know that liberal senator who keeps pretending he thinks faith is a good thing). Here is a quote to a United Church of Christ group(emphasis mine): " Doing the Lord's work is a thread that's run through our politics since the very beginning," Obama told church members. "And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America -- a principle we all must uphold and that I have embraced as a constitutional lawyer and most importantly as a Christian -- means faith should have no role in public life." From the Chicago Tribune. With thinking like that on the left (and remember, Obama is the guy who "likes" religion), take a look at what more we can look forward to beyond the mess we all ready have. Check out: Liberalism Leads to Persecution, Liberalism Leads to Persecution, Two, and Liberalism Leads to Persecution, Three.

Do Politicians Have Religious Freedom

From Amy Wellborn's open book: Just about had it: Yeah, some in either party are tortured souls, but most live their political lives in the midst of a simple calculus, 'If I endorse X, Group Y won't give me money, I will be presented by the media as Z, and my chances of support from the national party for my future political life will be less than zero.' Reminds me of a bible quote: "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." (Mt 4:9) I like visiting Amy's site for her even handed (and faithful) take on issues. The quote above is from an article she published about politicians and the Eucharist. It got me wondering about a tangent - whether there is a fatal flaw in our two party political system. I think that there are no faithful Catholics who would say that either party reflects how a state should be justly run. Fair? But we have Catholic politicians on both sides who adopt positions that are not in line with what they actually believe in order to make it in their respective party. Can you imagine a pro-life Democratic presidential candidate? How about someone willing to back the sanctity of marriage? Or stand against Euthanasia? Or birth control? Or allow prayer in school? On the other side, can you imagine a Republican presidential candidate who is against the death penalty? How about one who thinks we should moderate the undesirable effects of capitalism or argues for preferential treatment for the poor? Does this mean that to be a politician one must make a deal with the devil? John Kennedy's compromise was wrong - you cannot be a private Catholic and public agnostic. Remember, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other." (Mt 6:24) It seems that giving up and going home is not the answer. Tilting at windmills without hope of victory is not ideal either. But perhaps this is the only way to go. Perhaps a clear, consistent and uncompromising Catholic voice would make a change in one of the parties in the long run (my bet would be Republican). I guess, America is still not ready for its first faithful Catholic president - maybe it never will be.

Democrats Develop Anti-Baby Track Record

House wants to prevent births in foreign countries Democrats want to prevent "unwanted pregnancies." I think that they are the ones who don't want pregnancies. Whatever the reason, they are building up a strong anti-baby track record. I wish their was a contraceptive for their ideas. At least this legislation can be aborted, thanks to the veto and a president willing to use it.

Leftist Mexico City - A place to send American leftists?

Leftist politicians push bill to legalize euthanasia in Mexico OK, I have an idea. Mexico City has legalized abortion, is in the process of legalizing prostitution, is in the process of legalizing euthanasia. I would not be surprised if gay marriage wasn't too far behind. Now I find this extremely regrettable and ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to intercede for all of our nations in the struggle for life. BUT, I also have another idea. We have an illegal immigration problem. I tend to be more on the "let them stay" side of that argument, but I have a new solution. We can make a trade. The US can get hard working, industrious people willing to risk all for a better life. Mexico can have our liberal politicians - Hillary, Obama, Rudy, Nancy - the whole lot of them. The nice thing is that this is win-win-win. Those who are looking for a better life could make one here, we get rid of a liberal plague, the liberals get to live their noxious fantasies. Of course Mexico ends up the loser in this one. Well, it was a thought.

Yeah Bush!!!!

Bush vetoes stem cell bill: "'Our innovative spirit is making possible incredible advances in medicine that can save lives and cure diseases,' the president told an invited audience in the East Room. 'America is also a nation founded on the principle that all human life is sacred. And our conscience calls us to pursue the possibilities of science in a manner that respects human dignity and upholds our moral values.'" Bush has made some awful mistakes as president, but his stand on life issues is exactly where it should be. I am not sure what Rudy or Hillary or Obama stand for. They would have passed this. They would also give money for abortions in foreign countries. They would also push the gay agenda. Yeah, he has made some blunders, and I have disagreed with more than one decision. But on the most important culture of life issues he stands for what is right. But I'd rather have him than Rudy or Hillary or Obama or Nancy Pelosi.

Clinton Drops Mother Theresa

Clinton Campaign Removes Mother Teresa From Video Ad. Excerpts: "Clinton spokesman Phil Singer confirmed that Mother Teresa's order had asked the campaign to remove the image, "So we did." ... In the original version of a five-minute advertisement, Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, said, "Hillary in effect, was the face of America - in Africa, in India" over a picture of Sen. Clinton waving alongside Mother Teresa. ... During the Clinton presidency, Mother Teresa addressed the 1994 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where she called abortion 'the greatest destroyer of peace today.' 'It is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself. And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?' she asked the gathering, which was attended by the Clintons and also addressed by the then president." While Clinton clearly doesn't get Mother Theresa (though she would like to use her memory), apparently she does get the idea that she does not want to get sued for the use of her image. I am glad it is off her ads, but I would rather Clinton listen to Mother Theresa's words. We should all say a prayer to Blessed Mother Theresa for the conversion of all our hearts, but especially those politicians who would defend and extend the murderous reign of abortion in the United States and beyond.

Where is the tolerance

Catholic World News (CWN): "The Archbishop of Genoa has received several serious threats since he became the leading spokesman for the Catholic opponents of a bill that would allow for legal recognition of same-sex unions in Italy." Apparently "tolerance" isn't the goal after all, is it. And that whole "freedom of religion" thing, well the far left never really liked that anyways.

Brownback stands firm against abortion

Brownback stands firm against abortion - Yahoo! News Not sure about you, but this is whom I will be voting for in the primary. Giuliani combines the worst of both parties together, and just because you were mayor of New York during 9/11 doesn't qualify you for president. If I have a choice between Giuliani and any of the current list of Dems, I vote third party. Check out Brownback - he is an authentic alternative. This is real compassion - not left wing pandering or right wing smoke screens. His site is at: www.brownback.com

End Planned Parenthood Welfare!

Catholic World News : Planned Parenthood budget rising; US taxpayers pay greater share: "Planned Parenthood's budget for 2005-2006 was $902.8 mllion, an increase of 2.4% over the previous year's figure. More than one-third of that figure, $305.3 million, came from public funding." Yes sir, ladies and gents. That is about one billion (with a b) spent in this leading murder factory (PP accounts for 20% of abortions in the US), and those of us who pay our taxes are forced to pay for a third of it. It is time for the government to stop forcing the American people to pay for the evil deeds and false propaganda put out by this nefarious group.

MPs who back abortion should be banned from Communion, says Catholic leader-News-UK-TimesOnline

MPs who back abortion should be banned from Communion, says Catholic leader-News-UK-TimesOnline: "“The Catholic Church doesn’t bend or sway to meet the position of individual politicians, doctors, or anyone, when it comes to life issues. Why would anyone consider it unusual for the Catholic Church to reiterate its 2,000-year-old position?“" Looks like Scotland has a stand up Cardinal. Kind of interesting that here in California I can hear this, but only a whisper about the USCCB response to the wayward Catholic politicians was covered by Catholic World News, and that's about it (of course, they didn't make much hay about it themselves). Perhaps Cardinals in the US should take Cardinal O'Brein's lead.

Amnesty International Joins Culture of Death

Looks like Amnesty International has decided to side with the culture of death. Rather than fight against abortion, or at the least remain silent, the board has (incorrectly) decided that abortion is a human right (I guess they mean it is the "right to die" if you are a baby). If you support Amnesty International - it is time to send your support elsewhere - to an organization that values the fundamental right to life. If you support Amnesty International, it is time to step up, show you support life and sever your links to that organization. Alternative organizations that respect life are listed below. Here is the contents of an email I just received from Consistent Life on this issue. Check out the article in First Things mentioned below as well. To: All those who signed the petition asking Amnesty International not to take a stand on decriminalizing abortion and pushing governments to allow access in certain circumstances. From: Rachel MacNair, Vice-President, Consistent Life The petition was hand-delivered to the hands of each member of the Board of Directors of the U. S. chapter of Amnesty International on March 23, 2007. I am sorry to report that AI has indeed decided to take this step. You can get more information at http://www.consistent-life.org/ai.html and a good editorial on this at http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=719. The decision was made despite polling of members in the UK that went against it, despite a vote of US members the results of which were never reported, and included explicit censorship of someone wishing to leaflet at the U.S. national conference. Those of us AI supporters who are heartsick about this no longer have a voice, inasmuch as it can be said we ever did. We encourage all US members of AI to telephone them at (212) 807-8400 and ask for the membership department. We have been told that they are keeping track of what this abortion policy decision does to their membership; they anticipate that losses may be offset by gains, so knowing of losses is important. We also suggest the following organizations for those who wish to re-direct their human-rights donation budget: Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC) 4121 Harewood Road NE ~ Suite B Washington, DC 20017 Phone: (202) 529-2991 www.tassc.org info@tassc.org National Religious Campaign Against Torture c/o CCTPP 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 Phone: (202) 885-8648 www.nrcat.org campaign@nrcat.org Human Rights First 333 Seventh Avenue, 13th Floor New York, NY 10001-5108 Phone: (212) 845 5200 www.humanrightsfirst.org/ feedback@humanrightsfirst.org Friends Committee on National Legislation (Issues of Torture and Civil Liberties) 245 Second St., NE Washington DC 20002-5795 It would be good to include a note to let these groups know that they are getting funds re-directed from AI and why, to make it less likely that they will move in a pro-abortion direction in the future. Student groups who no longer wish to affiliate with AI but would like to continue their good work might consider setting themselves up as independent organizations, and using informational research from AI along with other human rights groups in order to continue acting and educating on these important issues.

ACLU & Religion Cartoon

I found this at Faithmouse.

More on the decisions

Pro Ecclesia * Pro Familia * Pro Civitate is a great site to visit nearly every day, but he is compiling some commentaries about the recent Supreme Court decision that are definitely worth looking at today. Click here to read more. One of the pieces he has is part of an article by George Neumayr at Human Events about the Ginsburg dissent: Cut through all the pretentious padding and legal mumbo-jumbo and Ginsburg's dissent amounts to this: abortion is the sacred foundation of feminism, and Americans must never touch it; if this means permitting the skulls of unborn children to be crushed, oh well.

"Stay off the grass and Don't Feed The Homeless"

Arrest is first under homeless-feeding law - Orlando Sentinel :: "Undercover officers filmed the food line, meticulously counting Montanez serving '30 unidentified persons food from a large pot utilizing a ladle,' according to an arrest affidavit." While I am not a supporter of the groups that got arrested, I think laws against feeding the homeless are pretty much on the wrong side of right/wrong. I don't know about you, but I think money speaks louder than anything. Isn't there a couple big businesses in Orlando that depend on tourism? Not sure they are doing enough to foster the correct atmosphere. Perhaps money would best be spent elsewhere. H/T to Dale at Dyspeptic Mutterings.

Vatican paper decries abuses at gay-rights rally

Apparently, "tolerance" is a one way street. Oh yeah, the "tolerance" proponents hate Catholicism and that whole pesky right and wrong thing. Ahhh, relativism... I got this article from here at Catholic World News Rome, Mar. 13, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano has denounced the March 10 rally staged in downtown Rome in support of same-sex unions, saying that the demonstration was staged “by those who demand recognition from others, but do not demonstrate respect for others themselves.” L’Osservatore Romano called attention to the many demonstrators who insulted Catholics and mocked Church teaching during the rally. The paper went on to observe that many demonstrators brought young children, “the fruit of previous relations or of in-vitro fertilization.” These little children, L’Osservatore charged, were “abused in order to create the image of a family.” Despite the strident rhetoric of many participants in the rally, the leading parliamentary supporter of homosexual rights, Franco Grillini, insisted that the rally had been “an example of sobriety, composure, enthusiasm, and political action.”

More sacred than human life...

In Idle speculations: Hybrid embryos: fait accompli?, Terry discusses a rather depressing article: Scientists triumph in battle over ban on hybrid embryos. Here they discuss creating clones by injecting human DNA into animal eggs (so they can get fetal stem cells). It looks to me like the remote possibility of curing Alzheimer's is more sacred in our society than human life itself. What does that say about Western culture? We will sacrifice our young in the attempt to cure the old (and Michael J. Fox).

California Appelate Court Rules: State Can Sponsor Murder

Court upholds Calif. stem cell agency: "The 1st District Court of Appeal upheld a decision by a lower court judge who last year ruled in favor of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which was created when Proposition 71 was passed by 59 percent of the electorate in 2004." So, my tax dollars have pay immoral scientists to experiment on fetal stem cells (i.e., destroyed human beings). This whole issue continues to show the moral bankruptcy of science. Life begins at conception. At that point there is a new entity with its own genetic make-up (NOT the mothers). This is an different life. Destroying it is WRONG. It is MURDER. To experiment on the remains (or before they are remains) is a very Nazi-esque approach to science. Why must my government force me to pay for such evil? Why does my government allow such evil to exist? I pray that the CA Supreme Court will rule against this lower court.

John Edwards - How wishy washy can you get?

Edwards apologizes for 2002 war vote - Yahoo! News So Edwards wants to do a mea culpa on the war vote. How wishy washy is this man? Why did he support it in the first place? There was no evidence at the time that justified it, remember - it was part of that wrong-headed preemptive war strategy. But it was popular then, so I guess it was OK. Now the war is not popular, so he is against it. Clearly a man of conviction. I have a different position. Going into this war was wrong. I have always thought this. However, once we entered we committed ourselves. We must follow through on our commitments. We must do what is right by the people whose society we have destabilized. We must do what is right, not what is popular, or less costly, or safe, or politically expeditious - what is right. As for Edwards, he has already shown he doesn't understand doing what is right versus popular (heck, look at how he handled the anti-Catholic pro-death bloggers he refused to fire).

When do we get to see the REAL candidates?

The upcoming presidential race is already looking unfortunate. The leading candidates on the Democratic side are woefully inadequate when it comes to pro-life and gay agenda issues - no surprise there. In fact, Edwards hired anti-Catholics and refuses to fire them. Obama is dangerous because he wants to talk like he has values, but wants to sell us a left wing agenda. Kind of like Bush's compassionate conservatism where there really wasn't any compassion - same thing, but from a liberal side. And Hillary is just Hillary - she is so pro-abortion it isn't funny. But be careful, she learned to dance around the truth from an absolute expert. I have no idea what I am going to do for the primary - write myself in I guess. On the Republican side, Giuliani is basically a Democrat on life and gay agenda issues. Voting for him would be about as bad as voting for Hillary. Here is a something I got from ontheissues.org: “I’m pro-choice. I’m pro-gay rights,” Giuliani said. He was then asked whether he supports a ban on what critics call partial-birth abortions. “No, I have not supported that, and I don’t see my position on that changing,” he responded. Why would any pro-lifer vote for this joker. You get the worst of both parties - a culture of death social policy, with Republican disdain for the downtrodden. Sorry, this is the WORST of both worlds. With McCain and Romney, at least they are saying the right things, but both are flip-floppers. We may end up with one of these as the Republican candidate. Brownback? He is right on all the life and gay agenda issues! For everything else, he is terrible: environment, helping the downtrodden, etc. Unless you are a big corporation, Sam won't be there for your. Sorry, my pro-life agenda doesn't end at birth. Basically, before it even starts I know there is no candidate that represents me. Gee, another election among people that I don't want. Great.

Second Edwards Campaigner resigns over anti-Catholic statements

Second Edwards Campaigner resigns over anti-Catholic statements: "Donohue says the public relations campaign is now over. 'It's too bad that Edwards didn't make the decision himself to get rid of them,' Donohue said Tuesday night. 'Why he had to wait for these women to bail on their own doesn't speak well for him. But I'm delighted, and as far as I'm concerned, this closes the issue. I have " Some of the stuff the wrote was extremely vulgar and hateful. Well, at least these two are gone. The whole situation tells us a bit about Edwards. 1 - either he does no background checks or he tolerates ant-Catholic bigotry. 2 - he has a wishy-washy leadership style. He found them offensive, but wouldn't take action.

Nancy and Me: A Lament

Nancy and Me: A Lament - George Weigel I like how Goeorge Weigel refers to the fight for the unborn as the greatest civil rights issue. Nancy Pelosi, though she claims to be Catholic, is on the wrong side. Let's pray for her. She has the right background, she has just gotten lost on the way.

UN presses Colombia on abortion access

Catholic World News : UN presses Colombia on abortion access: "While commending Colombia for the recent court decision that decriminalized abortion in cases of rape, fetal malformation, or the endangerment of the health of the mother, CEDAW committee members were quick to ask the delegation what the Colombian government’s plans were to ensure compliance with the new constitutional decision; they asked about further loosening of abortion restrictions. " My perspective: The UN needs to focus on solving real issues - not spreading the concept of murder. They can't seem to be relevant anywhere else, so they'll just aim at propogating evil. Hmmm.

Eliminating Christ

The effort to eliminate Christ from the public square is not just a U.S. thing. Because we live in a free country, it is our right to stand up and shout out that this is wrong. Because we are Christian, it is our duty and our privelege to shout our belief from the mountain tops for all to hear. Tags: Christianity, Politics

Bible Or Koran For Swearing-In

Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress, has announced that he will not take his oath of office on the Bible, but on the bible of Islam, the Koran. He should not be allowed to do so -- not because of any American hostility to the Koran, but because the act undermines American civilization. Yet another attempt to undermine Christianity in Western Civilization. Tags: Christianity

C. S. Lewis Quotes and Election Perspective

Perhaps I am an optimist. Perhaps I am just delusional. While I am disappointed in some of the election results, I am not as upset as others I have read online. Maybe it is because I am not enamored with either party, and would be disappointed no matter what the result in one way or another. Regardless, it is what it is. Life goes on. I have been reading C. S. Lewis lately, and a couple of quotes in Mere Christianity may be worth thinking about regarding society and the recent elections. "You cannot make men good by law: and without good men you cannot have a good society." "If individuals live only 70 years, then a state, or a nation, or a civilisation, which may last for a thousand years is more important than an individual. But if Christianity is true, then the individual is not only more important but incomparably more important, for he is everlasting and the life of a state or a civilisation, compared with his, is only a moment." I take two points here. One, let's stop worrying about the state quite as much as we do - it is far less important than individuals. The state is important only to the degree that it can help or hurt individuals on their eternal journey. We need to do what we can here, and move on to the more important focus. Second, we should focus more on developing the kind of person that can create a good society. Elections are good, politics are fine, but the values we care about should be important every day. We have to live them, convince others that these values are true, and help others to live them - not through law or coersion, but by convincing them of their veracity. Making laws is not the best way to change hearts. But changing hearts is a good way to change laws. Maybe we need to do more to change hearts. Tags: Politics, Catholic, Christian, Quotes

Back Online & Thoughts About Elections

I have been without internet connection since mid-day Monday. It is tough being disconnected, especially when you rely on the Internet so heavily. Working at home, being without it makes doing business that much harder. We also do not have any news on the arrival of the baby. We are waiting for her to decide to come - it is any day now. I'll keep all posted when she finally arrives. It looks like we all had a bit of bad news yesterday with the elections. I was disappointed that the three pro-life measures lost. The one in CA got 47% of the vote, and while that is a loss - it is not as bad as one might expect for liberal leaning California. It is also no surprise given how much money spent by Planned Parenthood trying to scare voters. I wish that the pro-life side was more sophisticated in marketing and convincing people. Grass roots is good, but a professional marketing can make a huge difference. As for the elections, I don't know what to think. I am a voter without a party. I am a registered Democrat, but I am pro-Life. That means, I can actually vote for very few Democrats. But it is hard to vote for Republicans. They get the pre-birth life issues and gay marriage correct, but are wrong on most of the rest of their platform. Aside from these issues, the Republican party is the party of big business and the rich. And the values of these two groups do not align with my values. But the ultra-left values of San Franciscan Nancy Pelosi don't align with my values either. In terms of why people voted the way they did, I am confused. I get the corruption issue, but I think most Americans are wrong about the war. People supported the war at the start, and now they don't. I am the opposite. I thought it was wrong to get into the war, but I also think that we have to clean up the mess we made - no matter how difficult. We may all agree that the current strategy is wrong, but a cut and run strategy would be rather irresponsible and (IMO) cowardly. It was wrong to start the war in Iraq, but it also would be wrong to leave the mess we created without a solution. Just my thoughts.