Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Principal apologizes for reading 'School Prayer' poem | ajc.com

"The principal of Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, Ga., apologized Monday for reading a poem called 'The New School Prayer' over the school's intercom, which brought complaints from some parents who said it violated the principle of separation of church and state.

Tommy Craft said he wanted not to promote religion but to provoke thought and discussion among students about the changing political climate in school when he read the poem the Tuesday before the Thanksgiving break."

Poem read by Cedar Shoals principal

Associated Press
Published on: 11/30/04


Here is a version of "The New School Prayer," which was read over the Cedar Shoals High School intercom last week by principal Tommy Craft, who apologized Monday:

The Poem

Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,

It violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,

That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.

The law is specific, the law is precise.

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall

Might offend someone with no faith at all.

In silence alone we must meditate,

God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,

And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.

They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,

And the "unwed daddy," our Senior King.

It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,

We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,

Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,

No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,

When chaos reigns the school's a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot, my soul please take!

The AJC polled it's readers as to the appropriateness of reading this poem to students.
830 (68.65%) felt this was appropriate
379 (31.35%) felthis was inappropriate and crossed the line between church and state

Needless to say, I am in the 68.65% who feel this is a valid subject for discussion among the persons (students) who are effected by keeping all mention of God out of our school. This poem certainly is not teaching a religion. What say you?



Pull plug on ACLU

"But the dirty little secret the ACLU doesn't want you to know is that it, too, received significant funding of its jihad against Judaism, Christianity and the monotheistic roots of Western Civilization from the federal, state and local governments. "

CourtZero.org, a website dedicated to stemming judicial activism, is petitioning Congress to change 42 U.S.C., Section 1988, of the United States Code that permits judges to award attorney fees to plaintiffs in civil-rights cases brought against local governments, thereby putting the taxpayers on the hook and oftentimes funneling public money to the ACLU. Simply changing the law so the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment would not apply could deprive the ACLU of millions of taxpayer dollars.

There is a petititon to sign if you visit CourtZero.org

Click on title to read article

Recount Effort Is Expanded To New Mexico and Nevada

"Recount Effort Is Expanded To New Mexico and Nevada
Tuesday, November 30, 2004; Page A02
Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb and Libertarian candidate Michael Badnarik announced that they are seeking recounts in two more battleground states: New Mexico and Nevada. "

I can understand that Jesse Jackson wants an Ohio recount as a partisan move, but what motivates these two?Are they trying to point out true irregularities in hope that they will be corrected in the future? Do these two men, who obviously lost the election, merely want to again place President Bush's election in question?

It is my hope that some election process reforms such as voter registration cards will be implemented by each state. Same day registration, having someone vouch for knowing you at the polls just leaves too much wiggle room for those who want to practice fraud.

Some Canadians Still Like Us

Canadian Pro-Bush Rally to Counter Anti-Bush Demonstrators'OTTAWA, November 29, 2004

(LifeSiteNews.com) - Free Dominion,
"The Voice of Principled Conservatism," is one group planning a counter-demonstration in support of US President George W. Bush's visit to Ottawa Tuesday. Co-founder Connie Wilkins is hoping the police will be firm with any anti-Bush factions who get out of hand.Wilkins told the Canadian Press that she is confused by the amount of anti-American sentiment among Canadians and politicians. Free Dominion, which she co-founded, is a Canadian conservative political news forum with no particular political affiliation. It allows about 5,000 members a forum for discussion of their views.

"We stand behind the United States and we stand behind their president," Wilkins told the CP. "We consider them as our allies and their country as our friend.""If it had been the CN Tower that had been bombed instead of the World Trade Center, the U.S. would have been right there."

Monday, November 29, 2004

1m Christians sign EU religion plea

"An EU official said: 'These Christians could at least have the good grace to accept that they lost the argument."

1 million Christians sign EU religion plea.

Refusing to accept a secular "fait accompli" from Brussels, a Christian coalition is demanding that each EU state publish its version of the constitution's preamble, with references to God if desired.

Already armed with 1,149,000 signatures and with thousands more pouring in from Holland since the murder of the film-maker Theo van Gogh, the group claims that most states want some reference to Christianity but were blocked by France."

It seems that France's favorite activity is to veto the wishes of any group or nation who has the temerity to suggest anything
that France did not propose.


An Ethical Alternative To Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood have emerged as an ethical and safe alternative to embryonic stem cells.
In today's Yahoo New, an article about a South Korean woman with spinal cord injury has been able to walk after 20 years. She still required a support device, but was able to get out of her wheelchair and take a few steps. This is truly an important milestone in stem cell research since it was cord blood from which the stem cells used in her therapy were obtained.
"Technical difficulties exist in isolating stem cells from frozen umbilical cord blood, finding cells with genes matching those of the recipient and selecting the right place of the body to deliver the cells," said Han Hoon, president of Histostem, a government-backed umbilical cord blood bank in Seoul.

Ethical considerations have kept me from unequivocally endorsing embryonic stem cell research. Although the field offers some promise of mitigating many human ills, the destruction of an embryo troubles me. In addition, everything I have read on the subject reports embryonic stem cells have a tendency to form tumors when injected into animals or human beings.

Rumsfeld supports Scouts meeting on military bases / The Washington Times INSIDER

Rumsfeld supports Scouts meeting on military bases / The Washington Times INSIDER
"Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld has entered the fray over the Defense Department's relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, endorsing in a letter to the House speaker continued support of Scout troops who meet on military bases.

At least three conservative Republican lawmakers have sent letters to Mr. Rumsfeld protesting a Bush administration partial legal settlement of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union's Illinois chapter. The Justice Department, representing the Pentagon, agreed to warn military commanders not to officially sponsor Scout units.


The ACLU contends the government sponsorship violates religious freedoms since the Boy Scouts require members to pledge allegiance to God. "

Sunday, November 28, 2004

Urgent Prayer Request

My neice's husband Danny has advanced heart disease and requires a transplant. My niece L (my sister-in-law's daughter) has been married to Danny for a couple of years. L has suffered so much for a young woman. Her second son died of SIDS, her marriage then fell apart and her ex husband fell into a wild life style. Their oldest son worked and partied with his father. The oldest son died of a drug overdose. L fought and overcame ovarian cancer. She finally found happiness with Danny and now he is facing possible death. Please remember Danny and L in your prayers.


November 28, 2004

Dear Pat,
Danny went to his doctor Friday for his heart. He was told by the doctor that his heart is now “hanging in by a thread” and his liver and kidneys are now being affected due to the grossly-enlarged and damaged heart absorbing all the oxygen. The doctor said they will now actively begin a search for a matching heart donor, as by “calculated statistics” Danny has just three months to live.

I would so much appreciate it if you would please add Danny to your prayer list. Danny is the kindest, most loving and giving person to everyone. That is just the type of person he’s always been and everyone just loves him. He has always taken care of his body and has such a strong will to live. What a gift from someone who is dying, and without hope of being saved, would be giving to Danny if they bequeathed their heart to him. What a Christmas gift that would be – and a New Year and a new life!

Only God decides if Danny will get a transplant and survive. I’ve no doubt though, that our heart-felt prayers on Danny’s behalf will be heard and, hopefully, granted.

Love,

L

Maureen Dowd's Brother Reacts To The Bush Win

Michelle Malkin has an interesting colimn today featuring Kevin Dowd's (Maureen's brother) email to his sister regarding the election.

"'Ladies and Gentlemen,
Now, just as four years ago, I breathe a huge sigh of relief and rejoice in the common sense of the American voting public. Congratulations to President Bush for winning re-election in a poker game played with a stacked deck. No candidate, including Richard Nixon, ever had to endure the biased and unfair tactics of our major media in their attempt to influence the outcome of an election. ... He never complained, just systematically set about delivering the same consistent message. You may remember that four years ago, I felt physically ill watching the Democrats try to legislate their way to the presidency. ..."

click on title to read the whole thing

The Politics Resource Center: The ACLU's Assault on Religion and Morality

The Politics Resource Center: The ACLU's Assault on Religion and Morality

"For example, the first Congress (which adopted the First Amendment) passed the Northwest Ordinance, which stated, 'Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.' While prohibiting an 'establishment of religion,' the First Amendment also protects the 'free exercise thereof.' Clearly, the first Congress saw no conflict between the First Amendment and schools teaching religion and morality."

This article supports my view that while our government is not to establish a national religion, it must support our rights to worship and in fact encourage the moral precepts found in religions.

Saturday, November 27, 2004

"Placental Cord Blood Shown to Save Adult Leukemia Victims


NEW YORK, November 25, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A new study published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine, in which scientists from the National Cord Blood Program of the New York Blood Center (NYBC) participated, showed that stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood (normally discarded with the afterbirth when a baby is born) provide an effective transplant treatment for adult patients with leukemia or myelodysplasia.

Patients who received a cord blood unit with a one or two HLA antigen mismatch did as well as those who were given a bone marrow transplant with one antigen mismatch from an unrelated donor. Patients transplanted with bone marrow that was fully matched did better than the other patients, but there were no fully matched cord blood recipients for comparison. Cord blood is already well accepted as a source of hematopoietic (blood forming) stem cell transplants for children.

New York Blood Center's National Cord Blood Program scientists, Pablo Rubinstein, M.D., and Cladd E. Stevens, M.D., were part of a team led by Mary J. Laughlin, M.D., lead author on the study and hematologist/oncologist at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and University Hospitals of Cleveland Ireland Cancer Center, and in collaboration with Mary Horowitz, M.D., Scientific Director of the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry."

Friday, November 26, 2004

Starbucks, Could this Be True?

An email I received this am.

Please pass this along to anyone you know, this needs to get out in the open.
Recently Marines over in Iraq supporting this country in OIF wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffee and try to score some free coffeegrounds.

Starbucks wrote back telling the Marines thanks for their supporting their business, but that they don't support the War and anyone in it and that they won't send them the Coffee.

So as not to offend them we should not support in buying any Starbucks products. As a War vet and writing to you patriots,I feel we should get this out in the open. I knowthis War might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we don't support the boys on the ground fighting street to street and house to house for what they and I believe is right. If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard it and I'll never know. Thanks very much for your support to me, and I know you'll all be there again here soon when I deploy once more.

UPDATE

Thanks to Ogre, I tracked down Starbucks response to this story. I should learn to check first and post second!


I would like to take this opportunity to clarify Starbucks policy regarding charitable contributions. We are able to donate to nonprofit organizations that are designated as public charities under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code, including public libraries and schools. The U.S. military or individual military personnel do not qualify as a public charity.

However, on an individual level, many Starbucks partners have collected and shipped numerous pounds of Starbucks coffee overseas. Starbucks partners receive one pound of free coffee each week as an employee benefit (known as "partner mark-out"). Many of our partners have elected to send their weekly mark-out of coffee to members of the military or military families, and related organizations.

THE HEALTH OF SOCIETY

Gerard Baker wrote in The Weekly Standard about rising anti-semitism, the Van Gogh murder and the removal of Rocco Buttiglione's name as the proposed justice commissioner by the European parliament. Buttiglione, a highly regarded conservative, who also happens to be a devout, churchgoing Catholic, caused an outrage when he told reporters that he agreed with his church's basic teachings on homosexuality, the sanctity of marriage, and abortion. Buttiglione had made it clear his own religious views could not and would not affect his capacity to enforce European law. That was not enough for the politically correct majority. Baker further states that Europeans should " look a bit harder at the decay in their own societies. Even as the authorities go to absurd lengths to justify politically correct tolerance of those intent on destroying the very foundations of free societies; even as they seek, by contrast, to eliminate traditional Christian values and principles from European public discourse; even as they try to block American attempts to bring about a better, more enlightened, world for the people of Iraq and the broader Middle East, their own society is sliding steadily into an ugly maelstrom of intolerance, fear, and hatred."

In my lifetime I have seen our own nation slipping further into this same ugly maelstrom. It is my fervent hope that our citizens are waking up to this and for this very reason reelected President Bush. Unless we as a nation safeguard our ideals, faith and heritage, we will end up with as sick a society as we see in Europe. We can tolerate differing views and lifestyles so long as we do not let the minority of extreme liberals to obliterate our rights as a majority to hold to what is important to us. We do not have a state sponsored religion, but freedom to practice our faith is being eroded by those who believe political correctness must make us hide any evidence of the underlying principles on which this country was founded.

Thursday, November 25, 2004

THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY

THE PATRIOT PERSPECTIVE

Which is the quintessential American holiday? The Fourth of July, our nation's recognized birthday? No, a typical Independence Day celebration now turns more toward recreation than to original customs of patriotic reflection on the debt we owe both to our Founding Fathers and our Heavenly Father. But Thanksgiving...this holiday, more than any other commemorated in our country, has retained -- even if in attenuated form -- the sentiments present from its first celebration on our shores. On Thanksgiving, we still stop to give thanks for our blessings; we still take pause to hold our family and friends dearest in our hearts; and we still acknowledge, expressly or implicitly, the Author of life and liberty who has heaped bounties on us beyond our deserving.
In peril, privation and war, or in plenty -- during commemorations that often mingled acknowledgment of both -- we have from the beginning freely gathered together to send up thanks and praise to God for past blessings, and to implore His continued favor. Other countries may have limited observances of thankfulness, but ours is unique among the world's nations in weaving thanksgiving to God, observed officially at critical junctures, as a joining thread in our country's life.
Is this a revelation today? Certainly, the elections earlier this month demonstrated that we Americans are split rather than joined over this issue -- between those who agree with our Founders that we in the United States are a free nation under God, and those imbued in a relentlessly materialistic worldview that appeals mainly to government edicts as solutions. Post-election vitriol has descended into anti-Christian bigotry -- masquerading as enlightenment -- which assuredly yields far less tolerance and freedom than systems rooted in Christian principles. Indeed, we contend that the spirit of true gratefulness stands directly opposed to the mentality of aggrieved entitlement, accounting for much of the dissension in politics these days. In this respect, "I deserve it!" cannot possibly be any further from "Thank you, Lord." Moreover, we contend that thanksgiving is essential to continuing liberty in our blessed land.
Our nation's success in the world is not haphazard, not happenstance, and not merely the result of our own efforts. No, God has shepherded us from the first days colonists walked this new land -- and we put our country at risk whenever we forget this truth -- that we owe our Lord thanks and obedience. Our forebears knew that God judges nations and communities as well as individuals. They knew, too, that we are responsible for our own attitudes of thanksgiving and also for gathering together to offer prayers of gratitude.
The celebration we hark back to as the "First Thanksgiving" was the Pilgrims' three-day feast in early November of 1621. The Pilgrims were Puritans, Calvinist Protestants who rejected the institutional Church of England, embarking from Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620, sailing for a new world that offered the promise of both civil and religious liberty. For almost three months, 102 seafarers braved harsh elements to arrive off the coast of what is now Massachusetts, in late November of 1620. On December 11, before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, the voyagers signed the "Mayflower Compact," often cited as America's original document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government. While still anchored at Provincetown harbor, their pastor, John Robinson, counseled, "You are become a body politic...and are to have only them for your...governors which yourselves shall make choice of." Governor William Bradford described the Mayflower Compact as "a combination made by them before they came ashore...occasioned partly by the discontented and mutinous speeches that some of the strangers amongst them had let fall.... That when they came a shore they would use their owne libertie; for none had power to command them...."
Upon landing in America, the Pilgrims conducted a prayer service, then quickly turned to building shelters. Starvation and sickness during the ensuing New England winter killed almost half their population, but through prayer and hard work, with the assistance of their Indian friends, the Pilgrims reaped a rich harvest in the summer of 1621. The settlers knew clearly that their new-world enterprise sought civil and religious liberties, but, disastrously, under pressure from investors funding their colony, they reluctantly organized their efforts communally, holding all fruit of their labors in common. Predictably, their work yielded little success, and Plymouth Colony was in danger of foundering after two years. Bradford recorded in his history of the colony, when Plymouth's leaders regained their right senses: "At length, after much debate of things, the Governor (with the advice of the chiefest amongst them) gave way that they should set corn every man for his own particular, and in that regard trust to themselves; in all other things to go in the general way as before. And so assigned to every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number."
Thus, the first Thanksgiving to God in the Calvinist tradition in Plymouth Colony was celebrated during the summer of 1623, when the colonists declared a Thanksgiving holiday after their crops were saved by much-needed rainfall. And the reorganization of their labors toward ownership and property rights set them on the proper path to reaping continual rewards. Families working together primarily for their own betterment were freer -- and were better able to pay off the investors. (Conventional commentary fractures property rights from civil and religious liberty; the canard is to thoughtlessly murmur of a political position termed "fiscally conservative" but "socially liberal" -- a distinction our forebears would find strange, indeed. As the Plymouth Pilgrims' experience demonstrated, liberty and virtue infusing governing arrangements are the sole sure guarantors of private property.)
By the mid-17th century, the custom of autumnal Thanksgivings was established throughout New England. Observance of Thanksgiving Festivals spread to other colonies during the American Revolution, and the Continental Congresses, cognizant of the need for a warring country's continuing grateful entreaties to God, proclaimed yearly Thanksgiving days during the Revolutionary War, from 1777 to 1783.
To those who insist nowadays that religious observances are improper in government acts, despite their centrality during Revolutionary days, in one of the first acts of the new constitutional government, our Founding Fathers officially recognized the importance (and rectitude) of a day for citizens to come together giving God thanks for our nation's blessings. After adopting the Constitution's Bill of Rights, Congress approved a motion for proclamation of a national day of thanksgiving. Both chambers of Congress asked President George Washington "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Washington set his signature to the first day of thanks for the liberties enshrined in our new Constitution, writing:
"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor....
"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
"And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplication to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
"Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, AD 1789."
As president, John Adams followed the custom of declaring national days of thanks, and James Madison called for three national observances of fasting and grateful prayer for deliverance during the War of 1812. Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams refused to continue the practice of proclaiming a day of national thanksgiving, in a foretaste of the taint of impermissibility current-day "progressives" attach to acknowledgment of God as Provider of our country's blessings.
After 1815, there were no more annual Thanksgiving proclamations until our citizens were imperiled by the War Between the States, when Abraham Lincoln declared November 26, 1863, a Day of Thanksgiving, calling for prayer and thanksgiving for the nation, saying in part, "...[It is] announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.... It has seemed to me fit and proper that...[God's blessings] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people."
For the following 75 years, every subsequent president repeated that proclamation until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving Day to a week earlier than had been tradition, to lengthen the growing pre-Christmas consumer frenzy. Two years later, Congress returned the celebration to its traditional date, in 1941 permanently setting the fourth Thursday of each November as our official national Thanksgiving.
So stand our nation's Thanksgiving Day observances -- honored annually, almost perfunctorily, and not directly responding to particular events endangering our country. We have much to be thankful for as a nation this Thanksgiving, 2004. Unlike the Puritan colonists of Plymouth and the Revolutionary colonials, we are rarely poised on the perilous edge of hunger and death. Marking more than three years since the 9/11 attacks, we have experienced minimal follow-on assaults from the Jihadi enemies bent on our destruction. And our fellow countrymen, U.S. troops, remaining in harm's way abroad the better to protect us, are atop the list for our heartfelt gratitude.
Nonetheless, these times are treacherous. Such too were the times in which we initiated our common thanksgiving commemorations. However, our ancestors appreciated that liberty and thanksgiving are of a piece. Ironically, on the south bank of Washington's Tidal Basin, etched in the marble of the Jefferson Memorial, is Jefferson the religious resister's immutable admonition about the origin of liberty -- "God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?" We must offer God thanks for our liberties, which are the chiefest of our blessings. But we must also be free to be fully thankful, as a nation.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Regarding our Thanksgiving edition (as with our Easter and Christmas editions), we take leave from the rigors of research and analysis of contemporaneous news, policy and opinion in order to focus on an eternal message, indeed a Christian message. To our Patriot readers of faiths other than Christianity, we hope that this edition serves to deepen your understanding of our faith -- the faith of our Founders. Permission granted to reprint or forward this edition of The Federalist Patriot.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Thanksgiving History Revisited

That all the People may with united Hearts on that Day express a just Sense of His unmerited Favors -- Particularly in that it hath pleased Him, by His over ruling Providence to support us in a just and necessary War for the Defence of our Rights and Liberties; ...by defeating the Councils and evil Designs of our Enemies, and giving us Victory over their Troops -- and by the Continuance of that Union among these States, which by his Blessing, will be their future Strength & Glory." --Samuel Adams on behalf of the Continental Congress, November 3, 1778
"We have come to this Rock, to record here our homage for our Pilgrim Fathers; our sympathy in their sufferings; our gratitude for their labors; our admiration of their virtues; our veneration for their piety; and our attachment to those principles of civil and religious liberty, which they encountered the dangers of the ocean, the storms of heaven, the violence of savages, disease, exile, and famine, to enjoy and establish. And we would leave here, also, for the generations which are rising up rapidly to fill our places, some proof, that we have endeavored to transmit the great inheritance unimpaired; that in our estimate of public principles, and private virtue; in our veneration of religion and piety; in our devotion to civil and religious liberty; in our regard to whatever advances human knowledge, or improves human happiness, we are not altogether unworthy of our origin." --Daniel Webster
"Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence." --Justice Joseph Story

Imagine that, "our admiration of their virtues; our veneration of their piety; and our attachment to those principles of civil and religious liberty." Let us hope that the pendulum that has swung so far from that time will swing back to that period when people of faith were admired instead of today's ridicule of those with a moral center.

WorldNetDaily: What is Thanksgiving?

"Here's what George Washington proclaimed Oct. 3, 1789:
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the twenty-six of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that Great and Glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country, previous to their becoming a nation; for the single manifold mercies, and the favorable interposition's of His providence, in the courage and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions of Government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private institutions, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discretely and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us) and to bless them with good governments, peace and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science, among them and us; and generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."


This makes me question why the educational leaders of Maryland think we may celebrate Thanksgiving without God. Have they not learned of the history of our nation and the faith upon which our founding fathers based our laws and traditions?

Intelligent Intelligence Reform

Listening to interviews on the media with Rep. Hunter, I am concerned that our military may lose control of what has been an important and effective tool. It is important that the "chain of command" of these tools in no way lessen there availability and use by our military. If a NID is needed in order for the various intelligence services to work together with accountability for the cooperation and sharing of intelligence, surely the Congress can find some way of insuring that our military have full access and control of the needed tools during any military action.

The 9/11 Commission made recommendations, many of which have been instituted. I appreciate the need for a final bill to be written and passed, but let us not rush to institute legislation which in any way could hamper our military. Further discussion with written rules
protecting military use of intelligence tools is not asking too much of our national leadership.
If those congressional members such as Rep. Hunter have concerns, these should be addressed and satisfied before any final bill is passed.


"Indeed, much of the purpose of military 'transformation' has been to destroy the
hierarchical structure of intelligence, to make the most sophisticated imagery, intercepts, and other intelligence 'products' as readily available to the lowest level of military organization. This is ever more essential in the kind of wars now being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan; with good reason, the Marine Corps speaks of the 'strategic corporal'--the decisions made by infantrymen and their squad leaders in the heat of battle can have huge consequences."

Click title to read complete article.

Washington Angel

"Lynne Cheney Tops National Christmas Tree"--headline, Associated Press, Nov. 23

This headline tickled my funnybone. I really like the lady, but did not realize she would replace an angel or a star on the national Christmas tree. I did see a video of her in the cherry picker while placing an ornament.

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

ACLU and holiday spirit

Burt Prelutsky writes in The Washington Times INSIDER

"I wish to announce that I despise the ACLU for its relentless attacks on Christianity and Judaism. It's bad enough that they will wage battle on behalf of anybusybody looking to banish Christmasand Hanukkah symbols from public places, including one's own front yard. However, these very same lawyers will eagerly go to the mat to safeguard a Muslim's right to wear a disguise on her driver's license, a Navajo's right to smoke peyote, and a cultist's right to ritualistically slaughter small animals.
The ACLU proclaims that it is merely abiding by the Constitution's insistence on the separation of church and state. The only problem with such a position is that the Constitution says no such thing. Although the secular left has glommed on to that catch phrase like a pitbull gnawing on a shinbone, the First Amendment simply states: 'Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.' That is a far cry from forcing apartment dwellers to remove holiday wreaths from their door, or insisting that communities remove Nativity scenes from parks, or compelling small towns to change 'Christmas Holiday' in their high school calendars to 'Winter Break.' The problem with the ACLU is that it is composed in equal measure of self-righteous fools and fascistic bullies. "

I appreciate the author, who while claiming no religious faith, stands up for those of us who do.
The ACLU appears to be attacking any symbol of Judeo-Christian heritage and faith while
denigrating any moral value based on faith. This group attacks the Boy Scouts because they acknowledge God or Higher Being while supporting the rights of NAMBLA who advocate
"consensual" pedophilia by gays. It is time for the Supreme Court to enforce the second phrase
"or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Monday, November 22, 2004

Spirit of America

The Spirit of America "Friends of Democracy - the Iraq Democracy Project
Contribute to the success of free elections and democracy in Iraq.
In many ways, the war on terror - the struggle for freedom, progress and peace - boils down to success in Iraq. The stakes are enormous. The national elections in January can be the most visible symbol of success in Iraq. As the free elections in Afghanistan were a major blow to the Taliban, the elections in Iraq can be a crucial step in defeating the terrorists and stabilizing the country. This is an historic moment and there won't be a second chance. "

Click on title to go to Spirit of America site. You may donate in your favorite blog's name. Iraqthemodel, Winds of Change, LGF, and last but not least is Homespun Bloggers own Chrenkoff. This effort, the Spirit of America was started by our military so it is a great way to support our troops efforts as well.

Sunday, November 21, 2004

Iraq

Just in case you might think of Iraq as "only" an oil rich nation, ruled by an evil dictator for 30 years, whether it has been supporting terrorists or may not be very important, here are a few important facts regarding the important history and roles that this nation has played down through history* IRAQ -- VERY INTERESTING -- DID YOU KNOW?????? 1. The Garden of Eden was in Iraq. (it sure doesn't look much like Paradise on earth today thanks to Saddam)
2. Mesopotamia which is now Iraq was the cradle of civilization!
3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.
4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq
5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!
6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor which is in Iraq.
7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq. 8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.
9. Assyria which is in Iraq conquered the ten tribes of Israel.
10. Amos cried out in Iraq!
11. Babylon which is in Iraq destroyed Jerusalem.
12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!
13. The 3 Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (that's good news to know that JESUS has been in Iraq too as the 4th person in the fiery furnace!)
14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq. (which hopefully Saddam will too!)
15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.
16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.
17. The wise men were from Iraq. (where are the wisemen today?)
18. Peter preached in Iraq. 19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon which was a city in Iraq! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. Here's why. * Eden was in Iraq--Genesis 2:10-14 * Adam & Eve were created in Iraq--Genesis 2:7-8 * Satan made his first recorded appearance in Iraq--Genesis 3:1-6 * Nimrod established Babylon & Tower of Babel was built in Iraq-- Genesis 10:8-97 & 11:1-4 * The confusion of the languages took place in Iraq--Genesis11:511 * Abraham came from a city in Iraq--Genesis 11:31 & Acts 7:2-4 * Isaac's bride came from Iraq--Genesis 24:3-4 & 10 * Jacob spent 20 years in Iraq--Genesis 27:42-45 & 31:38 * The first world Empire was in Iraq--Daniel 1:1-2 &2:36-38 * The greatest revival in history was in a city in Iraq--Jonah 3 * The events of the book of Esther took place in Iraq--Esther * The book of Nahum was a prophecy against a city in Iraq--Nahum * The book or Revelation has prophecies against Babylon, which was the old name for the nation of Iraq--Revelation 17 & 18 No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated it than Iraq

Friday, November 19, 2004

IRAQ THE MODEL

Ali takes on the French for criticizing the British and Americans. This is a must read post.

"Stupid British!Haven't they learned from WW2 when you got your country back and even decided the fate of other nations on victory even though half of you made peace with the Nazis!? You certainly don't owe the British and the Americans anything for that, as it was just their own stupidity not to do the math and see how much would they gain. Their lands weren't invaded and the Nazis were trying to make a peace with them, yet they refused and fought as hard as men and women can fight to free your country for you, so that your troops could march victoriously in Paris! And you dare say that the US doesn't repay favors!??"

Click on title or link at right.

FRENCH WHINE and ONLY IN AMERICA

From what I have read about Jacque Chirac and his negative comments about President Bush and America,
I am even prouder to be an American nobody rather than a "cultured" snob. European papers questioned how
Americans could be so stupid to reelect our president. I would like to ask the French the same. How do you
keep such a man in office?

Much ado about Target boycotting the red kettles and bell ringers and a few slaps at Walmart. I do not have a Target within 65 miles, so I do not need to make a judgement. For everyday shopping, I have my choice of KMart or Walmart. Perhaps KMart will improve now that it has purchased Sears, but for now WallyWorld is my choice. I find greater selection and quality while prices between the two stores even out. Since I live in a small town in a rural area amid the Smokey mountains, my clothing needs are definitely not high fashion. Sweatsuits, slacks and blouses are the mainstays of my wardrobe. My comfortable Birkenstocks keep this old woman comfortable and I can buy my favorites online. Being retired is lovely in that I do not need much that Walmart does not offer.

As an American, I am proud that despite the highly divisive election we can come together to celebrate the opening of the Clinton Presidential Library. To see the former presidents, George H. W. Bush and Jimmy Carter along with our current President Bush attend this celevration for former President Bill Clinton is one of the marvels of a Democracy. I would hope that the worldwide media pay some attention to how the change in leadership occurs without coups and that previous and current leaders are able to remain on friendly terms, make positive comments to each other despite the differences in policies they adhere to. John Kerry attended as well which again shows that a heated campaign may strain the fabric of our society, it does not tear it apart. I did not support Kerry because I do not feel he is decisive enough to lead our nation. I must give Kerry credit for his decision to concede the election without dragging us through a court battle. This shows that he realized how damaging that would be to our nation.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover/ Title

From an Email from Dr. James Dobson

Two particular books, Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, written by Neil D. Walsh, sound harmless enough by their titles alone. These books have been on the New York Times best sellers list for a number of weeks, and these publications make truth of the statement, don't judge a book by it's cover/title.

A girl poses the question "I am living with my boyfriend. My parents say that I should marry him because I am living in sin. Should I marry him?" His reply is, "Who are you sinning against? Not me, because you have done nothing wrong."

Another question asks about God's forgiveness of sin. His reply - I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is "judge not lest ye be judged".
And the list goes on. Not only are these books the false doctrine of devils, but in some instances even quote (in error) the Word of God. These books (and others like it) are being sold to school children (The Scholastic Book Club), and we need to be aware of what is being fed to our children.
Our children are under attack, so I pray that you be sober and vigilant about teaching your kids the Word of God, and guarding their exposure to worldly mediums, because our adversary, the devil, roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). And how many of us know that lions usually hunt for the slowest, and weakest and YOUNGEST of its prey

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

American Soldier

Click on title to read this soldier's blog and his response to the media feeding frenzy over the shooting of an injured terrorist in a Mosque in Falluja. Given the tricks of wounded pulling pins on grenades, using white flags to lure our troops into shooting range,
booby trapping bodies, etc. I think the majority of people would not wait to see if some trick was about to be played. Since the media in it's paternal wisdom chooses to omit parts of it, I cannot really judge. IMHO the marine is innocent, pending the military investigation to determine what was happening at the time of the shooting.

Opinions

JAMES TARANTO in Best of the Web Today wrote on the 15th about the complaints about the soldier photographed taking a break from battle with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. People were writing in complaining that this photo will encourage young people to smoke etc. He then showed a picture of a marine with a small rosary hanging from his rifle and joked that next thing, people would complain about the violation of church and state. Todays Best of the Web from WSJ reported the following.


"Crossways
Yesterday we noted a photo of a U.S. serviceman with a rosary hanging from the gun on his tank, and we jokingly suggested that some would complain that it violates the separation of church and state. We should know better than to joke. Here's an actual letter to the editor of the (Madison) Wisconsin State Journal from one Patty Sommer (third letter):
Your front-page photo of the soldier with the rosary hanging off his or her gun shocked and appalled me. I have been against the war in Iraq from the get-go, but I don't think anyone in this country has ever tried to justify it on religious grounds. The image just gives fodder to those who would characterize this war as another Christian crusade against Muslims.
While I hesitate to criticize our troops, that soldier should not have displayed a religious symbol on his or her weapon. Certainly his or her commanding officer should not have allowed it. Absolutely, the Wisconsin State Journal should not have published it. As an American, I am disgusted. As a Catholic, I am outraged and offended. My religion has nothing to do with President Bush's war.
The repetition of 'his or her' makes this self-parody even funnier. "

An Email Invitation

I received the following invitation in an Email

"You are Invited!!!!!Due to the cancellation of the Inaugural Ball for Senator Kerry...There will be a small Suare' (pity party) for those who have already bought their attire. The nights entertainment will be provided by the DIXIE CHICKS & Bruce Springsteen Tissues for excessive self pity will be furnished by Susan Sarrandon and Tim Robbins We are pleased to announce DAN RATHER will be our Master of ceremonies!!!Yeah!!!! Cameron Diaz has pledged CUPCAKES!! Whats this?....a Free Screening of Fahrenheit 911! Thank you Michael Moore. Ashton Kutcher will sign his latest book..."I open my mouth...and stupid falls out" P Diddy will not be in attendance, he is still trying to get the vote out. If you see him tell him that he was not "disenfranchised" from this event. He can come home now. Barbara Streisand is preparing for her next role and will not be here, (boo hoo), she will be staring as Teresa Heinz Kerry in the sad story of " Shove it" Just in.....Grapes will be provided by the Heinz Corporation....Sorry, only SOUR available. The Reverend Jesse Jackson will be cooking on the BBQ and John Kerry will be flippin the burgers...something he has proven to be very good at. Lots of Ketchup folks, the white house has donated thousands of bottles, relish, mustard, and all the pickles too. when asked why the generosity? The spokesman for the Bush Household told us.....We have switched to DelMonte thank you very much. Attention all actors: Norman Lear is casting for his new television show "Fahrenheit 11-2-04 how'd the GOP do that?" Hope to see you all there...not much else going on. HILLARY"

I do not plan to attend.

Monday, November 15, 2004

Rantburg Article

"Gbagbo 'insulted' by Chirac's fascism remark
Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo has dismissed as 'an insult' comments by French President Jacques Chirac that France will continue its UN-mandated action in the troubled west African nation and will not stand by while a situation of anarchy or fascism develops. 'President Chirac supported the only party in Ivory Coast for 40 years. What is closer to fascism than a one-party system? We were in prison under the regime of the sole party supported by France. It's an insult,' Gbagbo said in an interview published Monday in the Liberation daily here. Referring to the recent incident in the central Ivory Coast town of Bouake when Ivorian air force planes killed nine French soldiers, Gbagbo said that 'objectively France has taken the side of the rebels'.

The attack on the French troops was followed by a French air assault which destroyed Ivory Coast's small air force. The French retaliation 'left me speechless,' the Ivory Coast President said, adding that he found himself wondering 'what had pushed Chirac to such swift and brutal action'. Gbagbo also accused colonial power France of 'navel-gazing' and 'forever bringing the Ivory Coast story back to themselves' while 'my country is on the road to a transition towards democracy'. 'France is still very involved in our internal political life, notably with the presence of its army,' he added. Gbagbo compared the presence of French troops in Ivory Coast to the Soviet invasion of Prague. 'The French soldiers are already less present in the streets. Their massive deployment was intolerable; it resembled the invasion of Prague in 1968'. Finally the Ivorian leader bemoaned his own treatment in the crisis. 'I have developed democracy and I never harmed any French economic interest,' he declared."
FIFTEEN THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN by Dave Barry.
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be " meetings."
3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5. You should not confuse your career with your life.
6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
7. Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
14. Your friends love you anyway.
15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
FINAL Thought for the day: Men are like a fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it's up to women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

IRAQ THE MODEL

Iraq The Model, one year old!

"Today we celebrate the 1st anniversary of this blog. We sat together recalling the early moments in the life of Iraq the model, reliving the moments of happiness and grief and the huge magnitude of events we've been through in the past twelve months where tears mixed with smiles, anger and dreams....it's been a long year."

Ali, Omar and Mohammed eack write a segment of their own to this the anniversary post.

Mosul

"Comparisons made between Fallujah and Mosul are inaccurate. Iraqi Security forces and Multi-National Forces move in and out of every neighborhood in Mosul. Only a small number of terrorists are operating in the city of over 2 million and resistance is sporadic. Joint operations between the ISF and MNF will continue as necessary to maintain law and order."
This the most encouraging thing I have read regarding Mosul. I have been especially concerned because of a 16 year old girl, AKA Najma,
whose blog I have been reading for months. She is part of a stable, loving family unit. Her openess and eagerness to learn has been a large influence on my thoughts that the Iraqi people are not so different from Americans. Her joy at becoming an Aunt, her concerns about school and clothes make her a typical teen. I have been worried about this family along with the many other good and decent people who are caught up in the insurgent/terrorist attempts to deny free elections and the establishment of government by the people. My prayers remain with out troops and the innocent Iraqi citizens.

Friday, November 12, 2004

A Question Worth Thinking About

"Cardinal George Pell, the Archbishop of Sydney asks a question which is neither completely secular nor religious, one which Thomas Jefferson might have revolved in his mind but which no modern politician would dare discuss."

Wretchard discusses this question. Click on title to read this most interesting post.

American Society Is Generally Fair and Decent

According to Rasmussens weekly update report,
USA Fair and Decent: One values related issue that has not received much attention is perceptions of the United States as a nation. Sixty-two percent (62%) of voters say that American society is generally fair and decent. Republicans and unaffiliated voters share this view, but Democrats are divided and 41% of John Kerry's party say that American society is generally unfair and discriminatory.

I could comment on the many negative comments made against those who voted to reelect President Bush, but I would rather encourage both Republicans and Democrats to remember that we are all Americans. At this time in our history, after experienceing an attack on our soil perpetrated by non American terrorists, we cannot allow ourselves to sink in the morass of political partisanship. It is disappointing when one's candidate does not win an election. Nearly half of our population experience this every four years in the presidential election. I personally have experienced this numerous times
when I voted for the Democrat and the Republican won and when I voted for a Republican and a Democrat won. However, when a new president was inaugurated, he became my president. I may have disagreed with policy decisions and I have disagreed with personal actions, but he remained my president. I honor the office and will support the man who is leading our nation. This is what I learned both at home and in school, because above all, I am a Christian and an American citizen.

We have citizens who are not always fair and frankly some who are often indecent in the manner in which they choose to treat others and in how they choose to live their lives. While they may personally offend my values, I cannot hate them
and I would hope they would not hate me because my lifestyle is, in terminology from days past, square. We all have
the right to live and worship, to speak our views, and to vote as we choose. What we, as Americans, should not do is to divide our nation and fail to support our elected leaders. We can continue to communicate with our representatives in government and share our views in a civil manner that neither debases the representative or ourselves.

Thursday, November 11, 2004

FOR SALE BY OWNER

FOR SALE BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000 or best offer. No longer needed. Got married last month. Wife knows everything.

Love those email jokes

Veterans' Day

I honor our veterans and those currently serving in the military. Without those who have served and those who today serve our nation, we surely would no longer enjoy our freedom. It is with pride that I remember the service of my family members in war and in peacetime. May God bless each of you along with your families who have borne the burden of keeping our nation free.

Iraqi News

A new blog has been formed to collect varying viewpoints from Iraqis, coalition military and news outlets. You can find it at http://www.wordsfromiraq.com/

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Omar Shares Letter on Iraqthemodel

I found this letter (link in Arabic) of congratulations from Iraqis to president Bush and the American people on an Iraqi website and I wanted to share it with you.It’s open for any Iraqi to sign it. The letter was posted online yesterday and till now, more than 1060 Iraqis have signed it.Here it goes:In the name of God,Sir, President George W Bush, President of the United States of America.On behalf of the families of the victims of the mass graves, on behalf of the martyrs of “Halabja” and “Anfal” and on behalf of all the Iraqis that you liberated from dictatorship and oppression; we have prayed for you and now we want to send you our congratulations on being reelected as a president of the United States.Mr. President, we’d love to congratulate you and the people of the United States on the beginning of a new phase of democracy, freedom and prosperity and we wish you and the American people the best, as they have led the liberation of Iraq and sacrificed their sons and daughters for the freedom of the Iraqis; the historical achievement that the United States has accomplished together with the other liberating countries.The united States and the coalition, among all other nations were the ones who recognized the suffering of the Iraqi people and saved them from a regime that was more lethal and more destructive than any weapons of mass destruction. A regime that murdered, slaughtered and enslaved Iraqis for long, dark decades, denied them their freedom and their right to live a decent life until God inspired you and helped you to rescue us, liberate our country and put us on the road of freedom and democracy.Mr. President, we-the Iraqis-are on your side and we’ll keep supporting and blessing your efforts in eradicating terrorism inside and outside Iraq and all those who carried weapons against the liberating coalition forces and the new Iraqi police, hunting down the criminals who murder innocent civilians, whether Iraqi or American civilians.We-the Iraqis- are determined to establish democracy and freedom in our country starting with general elections that exclude no one whether inside or outside Iraq. These elections would lead us to a democratic Iraq and we wish that you could help focusing on the role of the Iraqis outside Iraq and make use of their qualifications in the reconstruction process.We also want to emphasize the necessity of establishing an international legislation that incriminates the Ba’athists, terrorists, fanatic salafis and all the parties, and governments that support them, not forgetting the media that promote the ideology of killing and terrorism.These parties ought to be confronted and fought to achieve peace and stability in Iraq, America and the rest of the world.We’re also determined to establish a strategic, permanent relationship with our friends; the government and people of the United States to whom we hold the utmost feelings of gratitude, love and friendship for what they have given us and what they’re still offering.We will be united on the road of freedom and peace and we will always be supportive to all the efforts of America in bringing peace to the region.In the end, we ask God to guide you and bless all your efforts to do the best for humanity as a whole.All the glory to the American and Iraqi martyrslong live America. Long live Iraq, free and allied nations.Your brothers in the “Iraqi Parliament” voice chat room and in “Sawt Al Iraq” website.

Arizona initiative inspires others / The Washington Times INSIDER

By Jerry Seper

The passage of an Arizona immigration initiative requiring verifiable identification to vote or receive public benefits has spurred similar efforts in other states and created panic among some Hispanics, who are questioning whether it is safe to go to work, shop or send their children to school.
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) -- which successfully derailed Proposition 187 in California in 1994, a measure that also would have blocked illegal aliens from receiving public services -- has vowed to fight the new initiative, known as the Arizona Taxpayer and Citizens Protection Act. "

" Initiative proponents, arguing that illegal immigration in Arizona is out of control, said Proposition 200's passage on Nov. 2 was a crucial first step in reducing a glut of illegal immigration and sends messages to government officials in both Washington and Mexico that illegal immigration will not be condoned."

"Georgia, where a group known as Georgians for Immigration Reduction said it was "very energized" by the Arizona vote and, says spokesman Jimmy Herchek, is watching "closely" what happens in that state's court challenges. Mr. Herchek said draft legislation will be presented to legislators in the near future.
• Colorado, where Defend Colorado Now is drafting a constitutional amendment to prevent illegal aliens from receiving "public services" other than those involving public safety or life-threatening emergencies. A petition drive is to begin in January 2006, with 70,000 signatures needed to put it before voters.
• Texas, where Texans for Fair Immigration hope to draft legislation similar to the Arizona initiative and lobby state officials to pass it. State laws bars the placement of initiatives on the ballot."

This is one of the major problems facing our President and our nation. The first step I would like to see is effective sealing of our borders to stop the constant flow of illegals entering our country. I need to read more on the President's plan.
I see the dilemma to be between rewarding illegal behavior and allowing those who have lived here for years as productive assets to our communities to remain and begin steps to become naturalized citizens. I will be interested in reading others thoughts on this topic.

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

WHAT HAPPENED TO TOLERANCE?

The United States was founded by people from Europe fleeing religious persecution. They were wise in the decisions to
prevent any one religion being the only one which could be freely practiced. People of all faiths were to be included in this land and guaranteed that their right to practice their personal faith was protected. Citizens were not forced to have any faith if that was their choice. This is the United States in which I have spent my life. I am accustomed to tolerance of these varying views. It now seems that secular humanism is being dictated by a minority to be the rule of the land. Freedom of religion is being changed to be freedom from religion. Those of faith are called all manner of unflattering terms from stupid to Neanderthals. What has happened to tolerance? When did the Democratic leaders decide that intelligent people could not have deeply held religious beliefs that have an impact on how they live their lives and make decisions?

The unbearable truth for Democrats is that President Bush won reelection, with support from people of faith. Their response is to vilify people of faith--any faith. They are frightened that judges may be elevated to the Supreme Court who actually adhere to the principles set forth by the founders of our nation. I appreciate separation of church and state in that no official state church may be declared. Jews, Christians, Hindus. Muslims can not declare their faith is the only one which may be practiced. What the more liberal among the Democrats do not seem to understand is that the so called Evangelicals are not trying to take over the nation, we are merely trying to defend our right to be as guaranteed in the Constitution. The success over the years to eliminate any Christian reference in public schools. to prevent any purely Christian display on public lands, to remove the Ten Commandments from public view have made many of us realize that our faith is being systematically stripped from our land. Recent battles to remove the phrase under God. from our pledge of allegiance, to remove a small cross from a county seal makes me feel that the intolerant left wants to remove Christianity from our nation. This is not true of all Democrats since many of the more traditional Democrats are in fact people of faith.

I am able to accept that many do not subscribe to my personal beliefs. I am not out to overturn Roe vs. Wade although I personally am pro-life. I am not homophobic since I have known many I hold in high regard. I would support civil unions
which would give them the legal rights held by married heterosexual couples. I object to them trying to highjack the term marriage which has identified the joining of man and woman since the formation of this nation. I am not advocating forcing Christianity on anyone although, if we are going to teach any explanation of religions of the world, Christianity is most certainly one of the major ones that should be included. If secular clubs are allowed to utilize public properties, then those with a religious foundation should be allowed as well. If religious groups are providing services to the public and not trying to indoctrinate people into a particular religious view, then they can receive support from public funds, Drug programs, food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters are performing service to the public despite religious affiliation of those served. I support the need to help the poor and the sick and feel we have government programs that do this. I do not want to see more entitlement programs that will take from the rich to spread the wealth to those who do not strive to meet their own needs. I am not wealthy but I take pride in the fact that I have worked for what I have. I can accept the fact that some persons are anti-war. I do not like war, but when our nation is threatened I totally support our right to defend ourselves. I hold our military in high regard because of their willingness to face dangers in order to protect us.

As a very young woman, I listened to a speaker who stated that even if he found out his beliefs were untrue, he would be glad he had lived his life as a Christian. His reasoning being that Christians are taught the Ten Commandments and to love one another as Christ loved us. As a group we do not always live as we ought and falter in faith, but we strive to treat others in love and adhere to guiding principles that help us live a better life.

My question to those who are so bitter is, where is the tolerance of views which differ from yours?

Monday, November 08, 2004

After abortion

"If anyone believes Arlen Specter's transparent and desperate 'covering-his-pro-abortion-tracks' last week in the press, trying to save his expected Judiciary Chair nomination, check these recent events out:

Specter recently attended a million dollar fundraiser for the Republican ProChoice Coalition, and this past spring was supported by another pro-choice Republican activist group: ��Women for Arlen� deployed a phone bank and mailings to enlist moderates to turn out for the primary contest of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.�"

CONTRASTS IN IRAQ

The news from Iraq continues to highlight the conflict in Fallujah and other Iraqi cities. A good many of us in America as well as Iraqis have been waiting for the very patient political process to be successful or for the go ahead from P. M. Allawi to allow the Iraqi and multinational forces to begin eliminating the terrorist elements. This will be a difficult task and many of the terrorists are found outside of Fallujah and continue their mayhem against the Iraqi people.
Contrast the ongoing battles with thugs who love death and destruction to the good news that may be found in Iraq. Arthur Chrenkoff has again posted a lengthy article on the many positive developments from children being given filled bookbags to bankers and medical professionals learning from experts from other countries. The problems with sewage are being dealt with by firms hiring Iraqis to build sewage drainage systems. Iraqis are also helping with street and highway cleanup by removing trash and notifying appropriate troops of the presence of IEDs.
Daily newspapers and various groups are writing and posting information about how Democracy
works. Al Sistani has issued statements encouraging the Shiite population to be involved in
developing policical parties and the Iraqis duty to vote. Voter registration will occur at the sites Iraqis receive their vouchers for food rations.
Read Chrenkoff today for many more details. I am hopeful that Iraq will soon be secure and that the elections will be held as scheduled.

Sunday, November 07, 2004

Spelling

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thuohgt spleling was ipmorantt !

Another interesting Email!

Fallujah Battle Nears

As the battle in Fallujah nears, it would be wise for those who perpetrate terror upon any nation to consider the words of John F. Kennedy. "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
I pray for a rapid and successful battle to wipe out this viper's nest. May God bless and protect our troops as they strive to rid the Iraqi nation of terrorists.

Saturday, November 06, 2004

IGNORANCE IN THE CITIZENRY???

The author, Jane Smiley, wrote in Slate this week that "the election results reflect the decision of the right wing to cultivate and exploit ignorance in the citizenry." following in the steps of Michael Moore she goes on to say, "the error that progressives have consistently committed over the years is to underestimate the vitality of ignorance in America.
She continues explaining that those who have faith in God and belief in the literal word of the Bible "must abdicate all
critical thinking" and"that red state types, above all do not want to be told what to do--they prefer to be ignorant. As a result, they are virtually unteachable."

I have no knowledge of what educational background Smiley has but she is obviously ignorant of what makes people in red states tick. Yes, I am a Christian but defy her to equate my personal beliefs with ignorance. My education, including my post graduate degree was completed in blue states. I did not park my brain when I moved into a red state. I am able to think critically and based my political decision on who represented my views on the current issues. Smiley was correct in that those of us in red states "do not want to be told what to do" by those who assume they are intellectually superior. We in the red states are not inferior, as her intolerance of different viewpoints suggests.

Security was a major issue. Terrorism is real. Kerry repeatedly told us he had a plan but expected us to believe he would wage a better war on terror without ever bothering to articulate the plan. Bush has explained what he was going to do, how he would continue and we had his past performance to judge. Kerry's past position revealed that even when the "global test" was passed in the war freeing Kuwait, he was not onboard. Kerry's inattention to the national intelligence following the first world trade center bombing, as revealed by his lack of attendance at the Senate meetings, did not inspire my confidence in his vision of protecting America.

Freedom is an important issue and President Bush realizes that people long to be free. This is one of the major factors which entices people to come to America to pursue their dreams. The people of Afghanistan and Iraq have demonstrated this in their eagerness to build their countries into self government by the people. Yes, it will continue to be a long term struggle, but consider the history of the United States. Our country also had a long term struggle to get to the point these new governments are aiming at. I constantly wonder at the lack of compassion shown for the people of other countries who have been oppressed and tortured for so many years. Where is the joy by those on the left who are so concerned about women's rights when these nations finally are allowing women to vote and girls to pursue an education? Are we so selfish that these rights are only to be enjoyed by women in America?

The economy and the creation of jobs is another issue that is of vital importance to our nation. Increasing the burden of taxes on the people is a certain way to stall the progress that has been made. I do not know how many times the people advocating higher taxation need to see this demonstrated in our economy before they learn this lesson. The answer to poverty that lies within our nation, is not to take from the rich and redistribute it to the poor. These socialist notions are
in practice in many European countries. These countries now have high unemployment, diminished gross national product, and high levels of welfare dependent citizens. Is this truly what the blue states want to emulate? Kerry surely gave that impression throughout his campaign.

I believe in the traditional values of the United States as demonstrated in our Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution. I believe in the separation of powers and resent the activist judges who believe their interpretation of the law supercedes the will of the people. I deplore the lack of tolerance of the so called progressives who feel they alone have the right to determine the path this great country will follow. I am concerned that whomever may be appointed to the Supreme Court remains true to the Constitution rather than injecting their personal agenda into the selection process. I do not accept a "litmus test" in this process as Kerry vowed he would have.

I am tired of the litigiousness of our society where costs of ridiculous damage awards increases my costs for products.
Damages resulting from stupidity or misuse of products has filled the lawyers pockets while emptying mine. We need tort reform to overcome this tendency to sue for damages whenever anything goes wrong in our lives. When a person is truly harmed due to proven negligence, we should retain the right to sue for reasonable compensation but there needs to be some guideline for this compensation. Medical malpractice cases, the basis of Edwards becoming a multimillionaire, have driven up everyone's costs for medical treatment. I sympathize with persons who are truly harmed by medical incompetence, but I have years of experience in the medical field and know that true negligence is relatively rare. I have witnessed that as costs for malpractice insurance have gone up, patients are subjected to multiple diagnostic testing, based not on the patients' needs, but as protection for the physicians defense if sued. I have seen the cuts in number of staff and employee benefits as the costs of malpractice insurance to hospitals and health insurance continued their upward spiral. These cuts have severely affected the quantity and quality of care available to patients.

Friday, November 05, 2004

Blogs For Bush/GOPBloggers.org

"On Inauguration Day 2005, Blogs For Bush will be re-launched as GOPBloggers.org. We're going to take everything we've learned the past year and take it to the next level. The power of blogs has yet to be fully realized, and we're going to write the book on it."

THE MESOPOTAMIAN SPEAKS about PRESIDENT BUSH

"All those who have been following my blog from the start should know how I feel towards El Bush, the Avenger, the Lion-Heart and I cannot hide my happiness for this outcome, purely from a personal feeling of gratitude for what he has done for us, despite all the pain and hardships that we suffered and still do. But the objective is so great and so important that all sacrifices and difficulties pale when contemplating the benefits and goals that are hoped for."

Click on title to read more

Thursday, November 04, 2004

GOOD-BYE JOHN EDWARDS

Good-bye John Edwards. I voted to put you into office and I voted to prevent you from attaining another national office. If you do not understand why, then you are not as bright as you purport yourself to be. You asked for the votes of North Carolinians based on the promise that you would serve the interests of our state and of our nation. I can understand that as a newly elected member of the senate that you were not in a position of much influence. You elected not to continue to work to fulfill your promises but rather to further your own career at the expense of the representation of those who elected you. You did not pay attention to your constituents concerns or right to representation of your office. You were derelict in the duties you were elected to perform.

Perhaps your desire to protract the fight, fight, fight of your campaign is why you were unable to be gracious in defeat. Your obvious preference for a scorched earth campaign in which you would entangle the election results in a myriad of court challenges again demonstrates that your personal goals far outweigh you desire for a united America. You will never again gain my confidence or my vote

VALUES TRIUMPH

Imagine, the surprise of those who have been so certain that denigrating President Bush was the way to win an election.

A campaign to divide America during a time of war was not effective. The majority of the popular vote did not support their views. Moral issues played a big role. Family, decency, love of country all played a role. This is not only a Christian value despite the sneers of some that it was the Evangelicals who came out to vote that are responsible. These values, forgotten by some are valued by people of most religions. I read the blogs of many Iraqis. One young girl at 16 shares her life through her blog and tales of family life. I find the values expressed by her to be so similar to those of the families in Minnesota where I grew up as well as in NC where I now live. I have lived and worked in NY for a number of years and still found the same values in many. The values of honor, integrity and love of family were more obvious in President Bush and in the Republican campaign. There also are many adhering to these values who voted for Kerry and worked with for him in his campaign.

Republicans do not hold an exclusive on values. Democrats include many who demonstrate these values. Unfortunately, those Democrats were not the ones making the news. It is sad that the Democratic party in it's honorable desire to be a party of inclusiveness has included so many who seem to feel they alone have the basic right to free speech and became vile and vicious in actions and words. I include many of the Democratic leaders in this group including Al Gore and Ted Kennedy as well as those of low character who did such things as damage cars with Bush stickers, destroy campaign offices and slit tires.

It is shameful that journalists have by and large lost the ability to report the news, good and bad, without skewing it to fit their personal bias. The MSM did not serve this nation well in the past four years. The media was at it's best on 9/11 when raw footage of the nation's tragedy unfolded. Soon, they became patronizing in their views of what news Americans were capable of viewing. As the war on terror progressed, they looked for the most horrific to report on unceasingly. They seem to be determined to portray all American actions in the most negative view.

This election surprised the foreign leaders who assumed that since the large newspapers, the visual media, union leadership and the so called elite would not vote for Bush, the people would act rationally and elect the candidate of this bias. Those with money, advanced formal education view themselves as the socially superior part of society and often act as if the common man is totally lacking in the ability to think and make correct choices without their guidance. It is the comman man who does the real work and lives the real lessons of life who actually knows more than those whose life experience occurs within the bubble of wealth, academia or celebrity.

The United States was formed by our founders with high moral standards. Some of these stemmed from firm religious beliefs and some from the simple standards of decency and the Golden Rule. These are the guiding principles of our Declaration of Independence and in our Constitution. This is the bedrock of our nation and with God's help, these values will remain in the fabric of our people.


Wednesday, November 03, 2004

The People Have Spoken

"And it's particularly nice for it to be clear that GWB owes his victory to the people, who voted for him despite huge opposition from the pundits and would-be manipulators in the media who think that they know it all. Reality has overcome theory, spin and lies."
I have to agree with Mike's sentiments.

A Prayer of Thanks

Heavenly Father,
I come to you this morning tired but thankful that again you have blessed the United States. We live in freedom, we have had the opportunity to vote, we have come to you with our petitions that your will be done. I am thankful we will have President Bush continuing to lead our nation and our military. I pray now for healing of the disappointwent of those who are not happy with the election. I pray that bitterness will not divide our nation. I pray that all who have been elected to positions of leadership will strive to do those things that will help heal our nation and that we will truly be united as we continue to struggle against those who would deprive us our freedom. May this nation return to what we were and how we acted prior to the Vietnam war. May we unite behind our leaders and be willing to sacrifice at home as needed so that our nation will remain safe and abound with good
rlationships between people with opposing views.
Be with our troops who are in harms way. Let them know that America is proud of her sons and daughters who willingly serve to protect us here at home. I pray for the countries and their troops who have stood with us through the recent struggles. I am thankful that the Afghani and Iraqi people have the opportunity to experience self
governmaent and begin to live with the blessings of liberty that Americans have so long enjoyed. Be with the innocents in those lands that they may experience less
violence and death. May the children grow up with the knowledge of the struggles and
oppression that their elders have lived through.
For all of the blessings you have bestowed on our nation, I give thanks. I pray for your continued guidance of our leaders and people. In Jesus name, hear my prayer.
Amen.

Monday, November 01, 2004

road of a nation Iraqi Thoughts on US Election

road of a nation: "Monday, November 01, 2004
From new free Iraqis to the Whitehouse
Hi every one �
Exciting monuments you are living now ,one day on the presidential elections ,I am not go to talk about your times ,because you are the ones ,who are living these great time ,and you deserve it .
I am go to talk about how we are seeing these elections ? and how we are feeling about it ?and is it important for us as it is for you ? and who the Iraqis support to be elected? And is these elections go to effect on Iraq future ?
Many questions I tried to find some answers for people around here .
I asked almost the closes friends and some people which I trust them ,and they under stand why I do that ,and they now that the only reason I do that because I love my country and I want the best and only the best for him .
I start with my friend Zaid ,asking him what do you thing about the American elections ,are you know any thing about it ?
Zaid : these are very important events and almost all the people are taking this elections very seriously ,maybe its very important for the Americans ,but its as much as important for us ,I am watching the news all the time to see the latest poll,and see who is leading ,for me I prefer GWB to be reelected ,simply because what he done for me ,and let my voice be heard ."
Luma : this is indeed important for me ,not only for me but I thing for all Iraqis and free people in the world ,I strongly support GWB ,this man I very admirer ,is a very brave man ,and he is always keeping his promises and words ,and fight evil every where ,and what he did for me and my family ,is something we will never forget ,he free us from the evil and torch of the murder ,that roles us with fire and kill .
These where simples from some of the people I talk there opinion ,and there are a lot and more there are millions like these people here ,I wished that you can came here and hear them by your on ear ,not through the media that want to show you what they want you to see .

IRAQ THE MODEL What Iraqis think of the French government

IRAQ THE MODEL
"France is the biggest enemy for Iraq.
Hamza Al Jawahiri.

I know the huge amount of oil France had stolen from Iraq.
Mohammed Jawad Asher.

France role is known through the modern history as supporter of dictatorships. France blocked the democratic path in Algeria and now Iraq.
Al Kenany

No, To New Barbaric Murders Supported by France, Yes, For Free Democratic IRAQ.
Radhi Al-Hashimy

These are some of the comments made by Iraqis who signed an appeal to the UN to stop France�s attempts to hinder the democratic process in Iraq.
The petition was organized by a group of Iraqi civil society organization and was directed to the UN and addressed �To any person support democracy in Iraq�. The petition was put on line few days ago and till this date they have gathered around 380 signatures from Iraqis inside and outside Iraq but the number is increasing by dozens everyday. The majority were Iraqis living abroad and I guess this is because of the Internet access is more available outside Iraq."

Merry Christmas To All

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Merry Christmas To all

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This comes to your via Quizilla.com

An Open Letter To Our Military

Dear Troops, One and All,

Greetings to you from a Christian senior citizen in North Carolina. I am hoping that you will have some sense of the amount of my appreciation for all you and your loved ones go through in order to serve our nation. I know it is not easy to be in Iraq at this time of year when those at home celebrate the holidays in whatever is a meaningful way for you.

Each and every one of you is a precious gift to us who you are safeguarding. Your willingness to give your time, effort and skills is in the greatest tradition of the American Military that has maintained our freedoms over the years. Having had family members serve in both the Army and the Navy, some in war and others in peace makes me aware of just how valuable you are to friends and family and indeed to all of us.

I write to a couple of soldiers I adopted through Soldiers Angels and read and comment on as many Milblogs as I can. I repeatedly try to let all know how thankful I am for their service and yet somehow the words always seem so inadeqate to truly convey my feeelings of gratitude to all of you.

I pray for our military in all of the theatres but mostly for those in Iraq and Afghanistan. May you find some joy and peace of spirit while you are in Iraq, May God bless each of you, keep you safe and bring you back to those you love.

Merry Christmas.

Pat in NC

This Tickled My Funny Bone

Last night, at Wednesday evening service, our minister waxed eloquent during the offertory prayer. "Dear Lord," he began with arms extended and a rapturous look on his upturned face, "without you,we are but dust..."

He would have continued but at that moment my perfect little granddaughter Grace leaned overto me and whispered quite audibly in her first grader, little girl voice,"Pawpaw, what is butt dust?"

A interesting morning

Trial

GOOD-BYE JOHN EDWARDS

Good-bye John Edwards. I voted to put you into office and I voted to prevent you from attaining another national office. If you do not understand why, then you are not as bright as you purport yourself to be. You asked for the votes of North Carolinians based on the promise that you would serve the interests of our state and of our nation. I can understand that as a newly elected member of the senate that you were not in a position of much influence. You elected not to continue to work to fulfill your promises but rather to further your own career at the expense of the representation of those who elected you. You did not pay attention to your constituents concerns or right to representation of your office. You were derelict in the duties you were elected to perform.
Perhaps your desire to protract the fight, fight, fight of your campaign is why you were unable to be gracious in defeat. Your obvious preference for a scorched earth campaign in which you would entangle the election results in a myriad of court challenges again demonstrates that your personal goals far outweigh you desire for a united America. You will never again gain my confidence or my vote

Kerry delivers 'closing argument' / The Washington Times INSIDER

Kerry delivers 'closing argument' / The Washington Times INSIDER: " Mr. Kerry began the day by attending a service at Shiloh Baptist Church in Dayton, his fifth visit to a black Ohio congregation in as many weeks. He addressed the congregants with a veiled jab at Mr. Bush and the sincerity of his faith.
'There is a standard by which we have to live,' he said. 'Coming to church on Sundays and talking about faith and professing faith isn't the whole deal.'
Mr. Kerry cited the New Testament, saying 'faith without works is dead,' and said it frustrated him to hear 'politicians talk about values ... without actually valuing families the way we ought to.' "
I agree that coming to church on Sundays and talking about faith and professing faith isn't the whole deal. Do you listen to what you say? You have been pandering for a lote of votes in churchs lately. You spin scripture to suit your campaign. I have not seen evidence of works or application of the faith you profess. Voting against legislation which prohibits murder of babies during the birth process is inhumane and certainly not what Christ taught. I am a sinner and fall short of the glory of God, but I will not vote for a candidate that thinks murdering babies is
justified in order to pander for the votes of those who either have no moral core.