Wednesday, August 31, 2005
She Blinded Me With (Junk) Science
Related to an earlier post from yesterday (Most Published Scientific Studies Are Wrong?), here is an amusing but very practical column from ABC's token conservative, John Stossel. Click on the title of this post to read it. You'll enjoy.
Football vs Feminism
Debbie Schlussel's brief take on the "Women Excluded from the BCS Poll" non-story is, like everything else she writes, well worth the read.
Meet Dr. Dalrymple
On a fairly recent post over at The Book Den, I mentioned my desire to read Our Culture, What's Left of It: The Mandarins and the Masses, a new book written by contributing editor to City Journal, Dr. Theodore Dalrymple.
I hadn't got around to it yet, but after reading this interview of Dr. Dalrymple in FrontPage Magazine's online edition, I put in my order.
I hadn't got around to it yet, but after reading this interview of Dr. Dalrymple in FrontPage Magazine's online edition, I put in my order.
Reproductive Freedom Gone Amok
Author and Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution Jennifer Roback Morse has written an important Town Hall column dealing with reproductive freedom. Morse specifically targets in her article the case of Guadalupe Benitez, a lesbian who is suing a California fertility clinic for "sexual orientation discrimination." It seems that because of religious reasons the doctors there were uncomfortable with Benitez' desire to be artificially inseminated (a weird term in itself that becomes even weirder in this instance) and so they directed her to another clinic that didn't have the same moral scruples. This was in 1999 but the lawsuit is just now making its way through the courts.
The absolute demand for having one's own "biological" baby is problematic on several fronts: the creation of "extra embryos" who are subsequently wasted or discarded altogether; a continuing disregard for adoption; the insistence on a perfect kid with all of the subsequent genetic screening designed to eliminate in the womb those who don't make the grade; and so on.
But Morse shows how the Benitez case is pushing the envelope even further.
...Her claim is that a lesbian woman or an unmarried woman, has the same right to be artificially inseminated as a married woman. Excluding an individual on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation is an affront to that person’s dignity. Doctors who decline to provide an elective procedure deserve to be punished. And the strong arm of the law is the proper vehicle for chastising the insensitive.
This case hastens the day when we will have a society in which any woman, married or unmarried, straight or gay, has a right to be artificially inseminated. But if there is a “right to have a child,” it makes no sense to treat it as an individual right. It is a biological fact that every human being has two parents, one male and one female. The state of California already supports the right of unmarried women to be artificially inseminated. I think this is a mistake, because the state is supporting women in making a plan to deprive their children of any relationship with their biological father. The sperm donor is a “legal stranger” to the child, to use the cold language of the law. However much we might sympathize with the plight of any unmarried woman who wants a child, we really ought to ask ourselves the tough question: what public good is served by giving her what she wants, just because she wants it? Our instincitve answer she has a right to a child leads us astray.
There is no right to have a child. The child is not an object to which other people have rights. The parents would be the owners of their children, rather than their stewards or guardians. The well-being of the child could be, and would be, sacrificed to the “rights” of the parents. The woman’s “right” to a child trumps the child’s right to have a father. It is a bad idea to create a legal entitlement to a child. Such an entitlement undermines the very groundwork of freedom...
The whole column is worth reading -- and pondering. So check it out right here.
The absolute demand for having one's own "biological" baby is problematic on several fronts: the creation of "extra embryos" who are subsequently wasted or discarded altogether; a continuing disregard for adoption; the insistence on a perfect kid with all of the subsequent genetic screening designed to eliminate in the womb those who don't make the grade; and so on.
But Morse shows how the Benitez case is pushing the envelope even further.
...Her claim is that a lesbian woman or an unmarried woman, has the same right to be artificially inseminated as a married woman. Excluding an individual on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation is an affront to that person’s dignity. Doctors who decline to provide an elective procedure deserve to be punished. And the strong arm of the law is the proper vehicle for chastising the insensitive.
This case hastens the day when we will have a society in which any woman, married or unmarried, straight or gay, has a right to be artificially inseminated. But if there is a “right to have a child,” it makes no sense to treat it as an individual right. It is a biological fact that every human being has two parents, one male and one female. The state of California already supports the right of unmarried women to be artificially inseminated. I think this is a mistake, because the state is supporting women in making a plan to deprive their children of any relationship with their biological father. The sperm donor is a “legal stranger” to the child, to use the cold language of the law. However much we might sympathize with the plight of any unmarried woman who wants a child, we really ought to ask ourselves the tough question: what public good is served by giving her what she wants, just because she wants it? Our instincitve answer she has a right to a child leads us astray.
There is no right to have a child. The child is not an object to which other people have rights. The parents would be the owners of their children, rather than their stewards or guardians. The well-being of the child could be, and would be, sacrificed to the “rights” of the parents. The woman’s “right” to a child trumps the child’s right to have a father. It is a bad idea to create a legal entitlement to a child. Such an entitlement undermines the very groundwork of freedom...
The whole column is worth reading -- and pondering. So check it out right here.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
More Trouble with Embryonic Stem Cell Use
I've said it before. Let me say it again -- Stem-Cell-Blog is an excellent help for laymen trying to understand and keep up with the latest in the ESCR controversy including the breaking developments in (adult) stem cell research and therapy.
But this post at SCB concerns a new source of problems for those trying to persist in embryonic stem cell use. Check it out and then, as always, pass the word.
But this post at SCB concerns a new source of problems for those trying to persist in embryonic stem cell use. Check it out and then, as always, pass the word.
A Few More for the Road
Here's as sad a tale as you'll find illustrating the modern world's lack of moral standards. Drunk drivers (teenagers) kill themselves and others -- and their friends commemorate the loss by hoisting a few more brews at the scene. God help us.
The Pollution of "Air America"
Air America, of course, was the great liberal hope to de-rail Rush Limbaugh and his conservative talk show colleagues, but the network has all but fallen from the unfriendly skies. Accuracy in Media gives a brief review of the outlandish scandal involving Air America and the huge "loans" it received from a NYC charity.
The article also wonders (though the author, Roger Aronoff knows the answer) why the MSM are so dedicated to look the other way in covering this major news story along with its profound political implications.
The mainstream media certainly went ballyhoo in their coverage of Air America before it was launched. Why not tell the public the rest of the story?
The article also wonders (though the author, Roger Aronoff knows the answer) why the MSM are so dedicated to look the other way in covering this major news story along with its profound political implications.
The mainstream media certainly went ballyhoo in their coverage of Air America before it was launched. Why not tell the public the rest of the story?
Most Published Scientific Studies Are Wrong?
Wow. From NewScientist.com ("The World's No.1 Science and Technology News Service") comes a highly interesting article. Here's the beginning...
Most published scientific research papers are wrong, according to a new analysis. Assuming that the new paper is itself correct, problems with experimental and statistical methods mean that there is less than a 50% chance that the results of any randomly chosen scientific paper are true.
John Ioannidis, an epidemiologist at the University of Ioannina School of Medicine in Greece, says that small sample sizes, poor study design, researcher bias, and selective reporting and other problems combine to make most research findings false. But even large, well-designed studies are not always right, meaning that scientists and the public have to be wary of reported findings.
"We should accept that most research findings will be refuted. Some will be replicated and validated. The replication process is more important than the first discovery," Ioannidis says.
In the paper, Ioannidis does not show that any particular findings are false. Instead, he shows statistically how the many obstacles to getting research findings right combine to make most published research wrong...
Most published scientific research papers are wrong, according to a new analysis. Assuming that the new paper is itself correct, problems with experimental and statistical methods mean that there is less than a 50% chance that the results of any randomly chosen scientific paper are true.
John Ioannidis, an epidemiologist at the University of Ioannina School of Medicine in Greece, says that small sample sizes, poor study design, researcher bias, and selective reporting and other problems combine to make most research findings false. But even large, well-designed studies are not always right, meaning that scientists and the public have to be wary of reported findings.
"We should accept that most research findings will be refuted. Some will be replicated and validated. The replication process is more important than the first discovery," Ioannidis says.
In the paper, Ioannidis does not show that any particular findings are false. Instead, he shows statistically how the many obstacles to getting research findings right combine to make most published research wrong...
Monday, August 29, 2005
The Post Frets Over Anything That Might Encourage Birth Over Abortion
Doing a rather impressive "Chicken Little" impersonation, the Washington Post's Ceci Connolly wrings her hands over the abortion limitations that have been passed by state legislatures in the past year or so.
"Those opposed to abortion are finding new and different ways to increase the roadblocks and the hoops [that] providers and patients have to jump through," Emmert [Steven Emmert, executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers] said...
And, as an example of these awful, choice-binding, roadblocking laws Ms. Connoly then cites in her next sentence of the article:
Missouri, for example, has set aside $1 million to encourage low-income pregnant women to carry a pregnancy to full term and potentially give the infant up for adoption.
Sigh. It's not about "choice" for some liberals. It's not about "informed consent" or "compassion" or "women's rights."
It's about abortion.
"Those opposed to abortion are finding new and different ways to increase the roadblocks and the hoops [that] providers and patients have to jump through," Emmert [Steven Emmert, executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers] said...
And, as an example of these awful, choice-binding, roadblocking laws Ms. Connoly then cites in her next sentence of the article:
Missouri, for example, has set aside $1 million to encourage low-income pregnant women to carry a pregnancy to full term and potentially give the infant up for adoption.
Sigh. It's not about "choice" for some liberals. It's not about "informed consent" or "compassion" or "women's rights."
It's about abortion.
Why Not Just Secede?
There are a lot of wonderful places in the United States to visit. One of them used to be San Francisco with those clanging cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, and more. But now that the City by the Bay has gone on record as being defiantly ashamed of the United States and its' military, I'm hoping tourists will go elsewhere to spend their money.
Check out James Miller's story of San Fran politicians voting against the USS Iowa coming to their city as well as the absurd anti-American comments some of them have since made. It will get your blood boiling.
For more on this matter, also read through Lisa Fabrizio's excellent essay on the American Spectator web page.
Check out James Miller's story of San Fran politicians voting against the USS Iowa coming to their city as well as the absurd anti-American comments some of them have since made. It will get your blood boiling.
For more on this matter, also read through Lisa Fabrizio's excellent essay on the American Spectator web page.
Time for An Intervention: Stopping the GOP's Spendthrift Ways
Here's a thoughtful column from Mark Tapscott focusing on the dire need of conservatives to turn the heat up on the GOP leadership -- leadership which is spending our money almost as recklessly as the Democrats.
Really, guys; we've got to try and get the Republican bigwigs to hear us on this critical matter. America just doesn't have the cash to burn!
Really, guys; we've got to try and get the Republican bigwigs to hear us on this critical matter. America just doesn't have the cash to burn!
Friday, August 26, 2005
Preborn Baby's Head Exploited in Modern Art Exhibit
Critics are upset that an unusual piece of "artwork" (a preborn baby's head attached to the body of a seagull) was temporarily pulled from the Berne (Switzerland) Museum of Fine Arts. A discussion is now underway between "ethics experts, artists and art lovers" to see if and when the piece is returned to the exhibit.
Uh huh; I wonder how the same folks would react to seeing a photo of an aborted baby's head used, let's say, outside of an abortion clinic to inform people of the cruel and grisly realities of that procedure?
Uh huh; I wonder how the same folks would react to seeing a photo of an aborted baby's head used, let's say, outside of an abortion clinic to inform people of the cruel and grisly realities of that procedure?
The Governor's Muddle-Headed ESCR Decision
The Democrat Governor of Illinois is determined to run the state's finances "his way;" that is, without being bothered by such incovenient details as legislators or the public will. So, as posted here a couple of days ago, he has plans on spending buku bucks on embryonic stem cell research despite the complete absence of legitimate authority to do so.
Well, alerted by Jill Stanek's excellent blog, I've just read a new editorial in the Daily Illini which strongly challenged the ESCR expenditures of Governor Blagojevich. I read it with great interest and I think you will too. Thanks, Jill.
Well, alerted by Jill Stanek's excellent blog, I've just read a new editorial in the Daily Illini which strongly challenged the ESCR expenditures of Governor Blagojevich. I read it with great interest and I think you will too. Thanks, Jill.
ESCR Opponents Taking to the Air
An excerpt from an AP story out of Des Moines...
An evangelical group has begun a weeklong advertising campaign in Iowa criticizing Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist for backing expanded embryonic stem cell research.
"We know Iowa is a way to get everybody's attention," said Gary Cass, head of the Florida-based Center for Reclaiming America. "Our hope is Senator Frist will hear from Iowans and they are kind of a bellwether state in the heartland."
Iowa is a critical state in the presidential nominating process and Frist is considered a potential candidate for the Republican nomination in 2008.
In the ad, which shows a photo of a smiling baby, an announcer says: "Senator Frist: we cannot save innocent lives by destroying them. Tell Senator Frist to stand with President Bush and oppose research that destroys human embryos."
Cass said the ads began airing Thursday on television stations in the Des Moines area and local radio stations around the state. The group is spending about $50,000 but could expand the campaign if more money is raised. It also sent e-mails to a national listing of 500,000 social conservatives...
An evangelical group has begun a weeklong advertising campaign in Iowa criticizing Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist for backing expanded embryonic stem cell research.
"We know Iowa is a way to get everybody's attention," said Gary Cass, head of the Florida-based Center for Reclaiming America. "Our hope is Senator Frist will hear from Iowans and they are kind of a bellwether state in the heartland."
Iowa is a critical state in the presidential nominating process and Frist is considered a potential candidate for the Republican nomination in 2008.
In the ad, which shows a photo of a smiling baby, an announcer says: "Senator Frist: we cannot save innocent lives by destroying them. Tell Senator Frist to stand with President Bush and oppose research that destroys human embryos."
Cass said the ads began airing Thursday on television stations in the Des Moines area and local radio stations around the state. The group is spending about $50,000 but could expand the campaign if more money is raised. It also sent e-mails to a national listing of 500,000 social conservatives...
"Some Things Are Not To Be Said Out Loud"
Wes Pruden has a good review of various responses to Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of Hugo Chavez. And he also has a provocative conclusion so read all the way to the end.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Top Ten Lessons from Noah’s Ark
You know, there are an awful lot of important lessons from life to be learned from Noah’s ark. Simple but profoundly important. Here's my list of the “top ten.”
Lesson Number One: Don’t Miss the Boat! See what I mean? A simple yet crucial lesson.
Lesson Number Two: Plan ahead. Remember, it had never rained before but that didn’t stop Noah. He got the design specs from God and acted ahead of the crisis.
Lesson Number Three: Don’t be deterred by criticism or unpopularity. Keep at it.
Lesson Number Four: Appreciate nature in the way God directs. Stewardship is a serious responsibility.
Lesson Number Five: Stay alert for action, whatever your age. Noah was 600 years old when he became a ship maker, even older when he became a sailor.
Lesson Number Six: We’re all in the same boat, baby.
Lesson Number Seven: Avoid loneliness – travel in pairs.
Lesson Number Eight: Learn to be patient and accept God’s will. Sometimes that means you’re a builder; sometimes a zookeeper. Other times, you’ve just gotta’ float awhile.
Lesson Number Nine: As long as you put your trust in the Lord, even the very worst of life's storms can be weathered.
And Lesson Number Ten: Do your duty before God no matter how difficult. And, never ever forget the coming rainbow!
Lesson Number One: Don’t Miss the Boat! See what I mean? A simple yet crucial lesson.
Lesson Number Two: Plan ahead. Remember, it had never rained before but that didn’t stop Noah. He got the design specs from God and acted ahead of the crisis.
Lesson Number Three: Don’t be deterred by criticism or unpopularity. Keep at it.
Lesson Number Four: Appreciate nature in the way God directs. Stewardship is a serious responsibility.
Lesson Number Five: Stay alert for action, whatever your age. Noah was 600 years old when he became a ship maker, even older when he became a sailor.
Lesson Number Six: We’re all in the same boat, baby.
Lesson Number Seven: Avoid loneliness – travel in pairs.
Lesson Number Eight: Learn to be patient and accept God’s will. Sometimes that means you’re a builder; sometimes a zookeeper. Other times, you’ve just gotta’ float awhile.
Lesson Number Nine: As long as you put your trust in the Lord, even the very worst of life's storms can be weathered.
And Lesson Number Ten: Do your duty before God no matter how difficult. And, never ever forget the coming rainbow!
No Fetal Pain in Abortion? Look Again.
Wow -- even a major player in the MSM (USA Today) has now caught on to the extreme bias of the recent report which claimed that unborn kids feel no pain even in late abortions. After all, even though it was the once-prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association which printed the article, the discovery that the originators of the piece include an abortion mill director and other outspoken pro-abortion advocates...well, that kinda' soured the pie.
Of course, the JAMA should have caught on to the scam but being so firmly entrenched in its own bias towards abortion, it didn't bother to be objective. And, yes, the mainstream media should have checked the background of the piece before splashing it everywhere they could. In fact, they could at least have read the thing instead of relying on the article's headlines. They might then have noticed that the "study" was not based on any new scientific data at all but was merely rehashing stuff from old articles. But again, the MSM's enthusiasm for abortion (also strong) naturally clouded their judgment.
So why the semi-apologetic attitude shown by the USA Today article and even JAMA?
Why indeed. It was simply because the faithful "watchmen on the wall" of the alternative media were quick and well prepared to do the job the JAMA and the MSM should have done in the first place; namely, check the facts and report them. And with the numbers of Americans (and others) tuning out the MSM while turning on the conservative "new guard" media, the powers that be are increasingly feeling the pressure to respond.
No doubt about it; without the bloggers, the conservative columnists, the talk radio folks, et al -- the revised story in the USA Today would never have seen the light of day. So be encouraged...and keep telling the truth.
For more details on this story, check out the recent posts of Jill Stanek and ProLifeBlogs.
Of course, the JAMA should have caught on to the scam but being so firmly entrenched in its own bias towards abortion, it didn't bother to be objective. And, yes, the mainstream media should have checked the background of the piece before splashing it everywhere they could. In fact, they could at least have read the thing instead of relying on the article's headlines. They might then have noticed that the "study" was not based on any new scientific data at all but was merely rehashing stuff from old articles. But again, the MSM's enthusiasm for abortion (also strong) naturally clouded their judgment.
So why the semi-apologetic attitude shown by the USA Today article and even JAMA?
Why indeed. It was simply because the faithful "watchmen on the wall" of the alternative media were quick and well prepared to do the job the JAMA and the MSM should have done in the first place; namely, check the facts and report them. And with the numbers of Americans (and others) tuning out the MSM while turning on the conservative "new guard" media, the powers that be are increasingly feeling the pressure to respond.
No doubt about it; without the bloggers, the conservative columnists, the talk radio folks, et al -- the revised story in the USA Today would never have seen the light of day. So be encouraged...and keep telling the truth.
For more details on this story, check out the recent posts of Jill Stanek and ProLifeBlogs.
Federal Judge Rules That Greenpeace et al Can Sue Over Global Warming
There are a lot of wacky people out there; what's new? But when these wacky people team up with wacky judges who can control the lives and fortunes of the rest of us -- there's real mischief afoot.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
When Is an Athlete a Genuine Hero?
Yesterday, 33-year old Hilary Lister took six hours to sail her boat, the Malin, across the English Channel, one of the world's busiest and most dangerous shipping lanes. And oh, by the way, Hilary is a quadriplegic, a woman whose achievement was earned despite her being able to only move her head, eyes and mouth.
"I want to get able-bodied people to rethink their views about the disabled," said Hilary.
Mission accomplished...and then some! Congratulations, Hilary.
"I want to get able-bodied people to rethink their views about the disabled," said Hilary.
Mission accomplished...and then some! Congratulations, Hilary.
Democrat Governor: "We're Forced to Live in a Democracy"
Check out this Michael E. Bates column from canadafreepress.com.
It concerns Illinois Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich and how his new-found passion for funding embryonic stem cell research does a brazen "end run" around the democratic process.
It concerns Illinois Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich and how his new-found passion for funding embryonic stem cell research does a brazen "end run" around the democratic process.
Rx For Trouble: Political Correctness Comes to the Doctor's Office
A New Hampshire doctor tells an obese patient she desperately needs to lose weight.
The patient's feelings get hurt.
The patient seeks (with a whole lot of help) to wreck the doctor's career.
Sigh.
Click the title of this post to read the whole wacky story.
And, oh yes; please note that what doctors may not be able to tell us now; the government can! Check out this piece as a contrast to the one above..
The patient's feelings get hurt.
The patient seeks (with a whole lot of help) to wreck the doctor's career.
Sigh.
Click the title of this post to read the whole wacky story.
And, oh yes; please note that what doctors may not be able to tell us now; the government can! Check out this piece as a contrast to the one above..
Abortion Coverage in the MSM: Still Slanted, Inaccurate and Arbitrary
A new article in National Review's online edition explains how negligent has been the mainstream media's reporting of the decline in America's abortion numbers. Written by Michael J. New, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama, the article also includes an analysis of why the "old guard" trumpeted the wildly inaccurate article written last fall by liberal Protestant social scientist Glen Stassen in which he claimed abortions had increased under President Bush.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
13% of Timken (Ohio) High School Girls Pregnant
Among the notable quotes of the local TV news story?
School officials are not sure what has caused so many pregnancies...
Hmmm. I think I've located the problem, Captain.
In all seriousness, this is an example of a generation truly adrift with no moral anchor, no spiritual purposes and very little guidance from the "responsible" adults who have charge over them. Music, TV and movies, immodest fashions, lack of parental discipline and oversight, counter-productive sex education, and the rapidly diminishing influence of religion all play a role in creating such a sad statistic.
So, will the school district's planned response genuinely seek reform in these areas...or will it be yet another of the non-judgmental "sexual plumbing" courses developed by the likes of Planned Parenthood? If the latter, look for condoms, cucumbers and (yet more) consequences like the one reported in this story.
School officials are not sure what has caused so many pregnancies...
Hmmm. I think I've located the problem, Captain.
In all seriousness, this is an example of a generation truly adrift with no moral anchor, no spiritual purposes and very little guidance from the "responsible" adults who have charge over them. Music, TV and movies, immodest fashions, lack of parental discipline and oversight, counter-productive sex education, and the rapidly diminishing influence of religion all play a role in creating such a sad statistic.
So, will the school district's planned response genuinely seek reform in these areas...or will it be yet another of the non-judgmental "sexual plumbing" courses developed by the likes of Planned Parenthood? If the latter, look for condoms, cucumbers and (yet more) consequences like the one reported in this story.
Policemen "Making a Little on the Side"
I guess even cops are finding it hard to make ends meet nowadays. As examples, here are two items taken from the "Watercooler Stories" section of Insight 's online magazine.
From the U.K. comes this UPI report -- In an attempt to boost revenue, Britain's Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard have trademarked their names and logos for advertising.
The Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard will become officially registered at the U.K. Patent Office, allowing the law enforcement agencies to produce and market their own brands of soap, perfume and aftershave lotions, alcoholic and soft drinks, chocolates, snacks and biscuits, reported the Sunday Telegraph.
"We are aware there may be business opportunities for income generation, hence the trademarking process," said a spokesman for Scotland Yard. "We realize that the Metropolitan Police is a really powerful brand."
Scotland Yard has already begun manufacturing products such as glassware and clocks, which it sells over the Internet and through a discreet shop near its London headquarters. It has also joined with a toy manufacturer to sell models of its police cars.
And another UPI story from Moscow...
A recent poll finds that more Russians think police officers are the country's biggest criminals than gangsters. The Levada Center surveyed 1,200 people. Pollsters found 38 percent named police officers and road inspectors as the worst criminals, followed by 19 percent who said government ministers and other public officials are the worst, Mosnews reported. Only 14 percent said gangsters, hit men and drug traffickers top the list...
From the U.K. comes this UPI report -- In an attempt to boost revenue, Britain's Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard have trademarked their names and logos for advertising.
The Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard will become officially registered at the U.K. Patent Office, allowing the law enforcement agencies to produce and market their own brands of soap, perfume and aftershave lotions, alcoholic and soft drinks, chocolates, snacks and biscuits, reported the Sunday Telegraph.
"We are aware there may be business opportunities for income generation, hence the trademarking process," said a spokesman for Scotland Yard. "We realize that the Metropolitan Police is a really powerful brand."
Scotland Yard has already begun manufacturing products such as glassware and clocks, which it sells over the Internet and through a discreet shop near its London headquarters. It has also joined with a toy manufacturer to sell models of its police cars.
And another UPI story from Moscow...
A recent poll finds that more Russians think police officers are the country's biggest criminals than gangsters. The Levada Center surveyed 1,200 people. Pollsters found 38 percent named police officers and road inspectors as the worst criminals, followed by 19 percent who said government ministers and other public officials are the worst, Mosnews reported. Only 14 percent said gangsters, hit men and drug traffickers top the list...
Sacrificing the Sacred to the Secular in "Faith-Based" Programs
One of the best of the many regular e-mail updates I receive comes from the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society. Scanning the most relevant journals and books for helpful information on family and faith issues, they pass it on (free of charge) to those who have signed up. They have an excellent web site too and it is there that you can sign up for the e-mail updates.
From the latest Howard Center update, I print below their comments about a journal article written by Regent University's Peter W. Wielhouwer. The issue is the ineffeciency of President Bush's somewhat misnamed faith-based initiatives.
Family Research Abstract of the Week: Do Faith-Based Initiatives Nurture Faith?
President Bush's attempt to encourage government partnerships with religious institutions in the delivery of social services has received a warm welcome by both liberals and conservatives, yet some theological precisionists have been less enthusiastic, arguing that the church has a higher calling than propping up the state, especially the welfare state. Although a distinct minority, these "sectarians" find support for their reservations in a study by Peter W. Wielhouwer of Regent University, who discovered that social-service types of church activities are less effective in nurturing the religious commitments of Americans than church activities that focus on spiritual growth.
Wielhouwer examined data from the first wave (1979-80) of the National Survey of Black Americans, which interviewed 2,107 blacks with a "rich series of questions" on their religious attitudes, behaviors, and affiliations. In particular, he explores uncharted territory: the link between individual religiosity (measured by church attendance, private devotional life, and the salience of religion) and the programs of religious institutions, which he separates into two categories: "discipleship" programs that focus on teaching and application of the faith to church members and "ministry" programs that aim to meet physical needs of both members and nonmembers.
All five measures of "discipleship" programs yielded significant positive effects on all three measures of religiosity (p<.01 for all fifteen variables). The nine measures of the effects of "ministry" programs, however, yielded only three significant correlations. Only one type of social service program-providing services to the individual such as helping in the house-increased church attendance, whereas receiving goods or financial help yielded no such effect. In addition, programs that provided services and distributed goods each increased the individual's assessment of the importance of religion. None of the "ministry" variables yielded an independent effect on one's devotional life.
These robust findings lead Wielhouwer to warn of the danger of sacrificing the sacred on the altar of the secular: "Congregations seeking more efficient ways to influence religious behavior and attitudes should focus their energies on emphasizing the nature of a person's relationship to God and developing an atmosphere of meaningful relationships and fellowship."
Although recognizing a supporting role for practical, needs-based ministries, the study suggests, contrary to what the policy community presumes, that a "compassionate" church attends to what no other institution can do: helping American families navigate transcendent, rather than temporal, realities.
(Source: Peter W. Wielhouwer, "The Impact of Church Activities and Socialization on African-American Religious Commitment," Social Science Quarterly 85 [2004]: 767-792.)
From the latest Howard Center update, I print below their comments about a journal article written by Regent University's Peter W. Wielhouwer. The issue is the ineffeciency of President Bush's somewhat misnamed faith-based initiatives.
Family Research Abstract of the Week: Do Faith-Based Initiatives Nurture Faith?
President Bush's attempt to encourage government partnerships with religious institutions in the delivery of social services has received a warm welcome by both liberals and conservatives, yet some theological precisionists have been less enthusiastic, arguing that the church has a higher calling than propping up the state, especially the welfare state. Although a distinct minority, these "sectarians" find support for their reservations in a study by Peter W. Wielhouwer of Regent University, who discovered that social-service types of church activities are less effective in nurturing the religious commitments of Americans than church activities that focus on spiritual growth.
Wielhouwer examined data from the first wave (1979-80) of the National Survey of Black Americans, which interviewed 2,107 blacks with a "rich series of questions" on their religious attitudes, behaviors, and affiliations. In particular, he explores uncharted territory: the link between individual religiosity (measured by church attendance, private devotional life, and the salience of religion) and the programs of religious institutions, which he separates into two categories: "discipleship" programs that focus on teaching and application of the faith to church members and "ministry" programs that aim to meet physical needs of both members and nonmembers.
All five measures of "discipleship" programs yielded significant positive effects on all three measures of religiosity (p<.01 for all fifteen variables). The nine measures of the effects of "ministry" programs, however, yielded only three significant correlations. Only one type of social service program-providing services to the individual such as helping in the house-increased church attendance, whereas receiving goods or financial help yielded no such effect. In addition, programs that provided services and distributed goods each increased the individual's assessment of the importance of religion. None of the "ministry" variables yielded an independent effect on one's devotional life.
These robust findings lead Wielhouwer to warn of the danger of sacrificing the sacred on the altar of the secular: "Congregations seeking more efficient ways to influence religious behavior and attitudes should focus their energies on emphasizing the nature of a person's relationship to God and developing an atmosphere of meaningful relationships and fellowship."
Although recognizing a supporting role for practical, needs-based ministries, the study suggests, contrary to what the policy community presumes, that a "compassionate" church attends to what no other institution can do: helping American families navigate transcendent, rather than temporal, realities.
(Source: Peter W. Wielhouwer, "The Impact of Church Activities and Socialization on African-American Religious Commitment," Social Science Quarterly 85 [2004]: 767-792.)
Monday, August 22, 2005
The Chorus of Life
The Chorus of Life
The reason she went to the clinic that day
Was just as simple as it seems.
She wasn’t prepared for a baby right now.
It was sad but she had other dreams.
Her career, her boyfriend, her trim figure too –
She wanted everything to stay as it was.
So, even if she knew abortion was wrong,
She could excuse it. Everyone does.
But her decision proved not quite so easy
Because more was at stake than her choice.
And though her unborn son remained silent,
God used others to give him a voice.
For instance, a billboard out on the highway
Showed an infant so charming, so dear,
With a caption, “Mom, please don’t hurt me.”
Oh, that message came through loud and clear.
Then on her radio, a woman explained
That abortion broke two hearts, not one.
A pregnancy aid group sponsored that ad
And by so doing, spoke for her son.
And there was a new believer in prison
And an old woman confined to her bed –
Both were praying hard against abortion
“Lord, save a child today” their hearts pled.
And right there at the doors of the clinic
Other appeals were earnestly prayed.
There Christians shared love from the sidewalk
As gentle pro-life banners swayed.
Yes, there were many impassioned voices
Which in various ways were upraised –
Interceding for both parent and child
And through them all, God’s truth brightly blazed.
Thus was her decision complicated
By those saints God’s Spirit had stirred.
And she felt His urgent persuasion
And, at last, her spirit concurred.
So she drove away from that grim clinic
Praising the God she’d finally believed.
And she thanked Him for the pro-lifers present
And the life-saving words she’d received.
That morning saw two futures rescued
But the credit belongs to just who?
Well, it’s for all who defend the defenseless
Who do whatever it is they can do.
For as God looks down from His heaven,
He delights in the faith that we show.
And He multiplies our every effort
Accomplishing more than we’ll ever know.
(Written by Denny Hartford, 2004)
The reason she went to the clinic that day
Was just as simple as it seems.
She wasn’t prepared for a baby right now.
It was sad but she had other dreams.
Her career, her boyfriend, her trim figure too –
She wanted everything to stay as it was.
So, even if she knew abortion was wrong,
She could excuse it. Everyone does.
But her decision proved not quite so easy
Because more was at stake than her choice.
And though her unborn son remained silent,
God used others to give him a voice.
For instance, a billboard out on the highway
Showed an infant so charming, so dear,
With a caption, “Mom, please don’t hurt me.”
Oh, that message came through loud and clear.
Then on her radio, a woman explained
That abortion broke two hearts, not one.
A pregnancy aid group sponsored that ad
And by so doing, spoke for her son.
And there was a new believer in prison
And an old woman confined to her bed –
Both were praying hard against abortion
“Lord, save a child today” their hearts pled.
And right there at the doors of the clinic
Other appeals were earnestly prayed.
There Christians shared love from the sidewalk
As gentle pro-life banners swayed.
Yes, there were many impassioned voices
Which in various ways were upraised –
Interceding for both parent and child
And through them all, God’s truth brightly blazed.
Thus was her decision complicated
By those saints God’s Spirit had stirred.
And she felt His urgent persuasion
And, at last, her spirit concurred.
So she drove away from that grim clinic
Praising the God she’d finally believed.
And she thanked Him for the pro-lifers present
And the life-saving words she’d received.
That morning saw two futures rescued
But the credit belongs to just who?
Well, it’s for all who defend the defenseless
Who do whatever it is they can do.
For as God looks down from His heaven,
He delights in the faith that we show.
And He multiplies our every effort
Accomplishing more than we’ll ever know.
(Written by Denny Hartford, 2004)
Yet Another Promising Development In Adult Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Blog is an excellent pro-life site with exhaustive and up-to-date news on the developments of adult stem cell research (and current medical uses) which I recommend be among your bookmarks. An example of their value is today's story on how two technologies are merging (the use of blood cells from umbilical cords and the advances in microgravity) to yield very promising results in the re-creation of nerve and pancreatic cells.
An excerpt:
...Microgravity technology developed by NASA can multiply stem cells from a newborn's blood in large enough quantities to be used to regenerate human tissue, London scientists have found.
Researchers at U.K.-based Kingston University have discovered primitive stem cells in the umbilical cord blood of infants that are similar to those from human embryos, which can be used to develop into any tissue in the body. The newly discovered human cells, called "cord-blood-derived embryonic-like stem cells" or CBEs, are more versatile than adult stem cells, found in bone marrow, which can mend damaged tissue during life...
Check out the rest of the article here. And then use this link to create a bookmark to Stem Cell Blog.
An excerpt:
...Microgravity technology developed by NASA can multiply stem cells from a newborn's blood in large enough quantities to be used to regenerate human tissue, London scientists have found.
Researchers at U.K.-based Kingston University have discovered primitive stem cells in the umbilical cord blood of infants that are similar to those from human embryos, which can be used to develop into any tissue in the body. The newly discovered human cells, called "cord-blood-derived embryonic-like stem cells" or CBEs, are more versatile than adult stem cells, found in bone marrow, which can mend damaged tissue during life...
Check out the rest of the article here. And then use this link to create a bookmark to Stem Cell Blog.
Getting Real About Terrorism
Diana West has some very good advice for George W. Bush; namely, get back to original purposes in Iraq.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Probe Ministries President Appeals to Bill Frist
Dr. Ray Bohlin, the President of the excellent Christian think-tank and discipleship organization, Probe Ministries, has written a letter to Senator Bill Frist encouraging the Senator to reconsider his immoral decision to back embryonic stem cell research. Ray, an accomplished scientist himself, has made a concise, cogent argument you might want to take a look at.
The Program Committee : A Pro-Life Mini-Play
The August edition of the Vital Signs Ministries' regular communication is out and it contains a brief pro-life drama called "The Program Committee." Take a look.
Evolutionists Can't Stand Opposition
This Washington Post article shows how the group-think staff at the Smithsonian Institution panicked in the face of an Inteligent Design article and hounded a respected scientist out the door.
Credentials vs Competence in Teaching
This is a very thoughtful piece from Paul Jacobs on how government schools recruit and reward their teachers for jumping through the hoops instead of honoring those who possess extensive learning in their subject field, passion, and genuine teaching ability.
Eugenic Abortion: Eliminating the Imperfect Babies
An op-ed piece in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer by George Neumayr presents the gruesome story of how America's doctors are routinely (and increasingly) destroying Downs Syndrome babies and others whose existence is determined too unfit to live.
"...There really isn't any entity that is charged with monitoring what has been happening," says Andrew Imparato, head of the American Association of People with Disabilities. "A lot of people prefer that that data not be collected. But we're seeing just the tip of the iceberg. This is a new eugenics, and I don't know where it is going to end."
"I think of it as a commercial eugenics," says Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the International Center for Technology Assessment. "Whenever anybody thinks of eugenics, they think of Adolf Hitler. This is a commercial eugenics. But the result is the same, an intolerance for those who don't fit the norm. It is less open and more subtle. Try to get any numbers on reproductive issues. Try to get actual numbers on sex-selection abortions. They are always difficult to get..."
"...There really isn't any entity that is charged with monitoring what has been happening," says Andrew Imparato, head of the American Association of People with Disabilities. "A lot of people prefer that that data not be collected. But we're seeing just the tip of the iceberg. This is a new eugenics, and I don't know where it is going to end."
"I think of it as a commercial eugenics," says Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the International Center for Technology Assessment. "Whenever anybody thinks of eugenics, they think of Adolf Hitler. This is a commercial eugenics. But the result is the same, an intolerance for those who don't fit the norm. It is less open and more subtle. Try to get any numbers on reproductive issues. Try to get actual numbers on sex-selection abortions. They are always difficult to get..."
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Cheesecake at Hardee's?
Concerned Women for America reports that the the downward spiral in advertising standards of Hardee and Carl Jr. fast food chains is continuing. The latest example is titillating their customers with SI swimsuit models featured on their soft drink cups.
You might want to zip off an-email or a letter to Hardee's...along, of course, with a reminder to grab your next burger somewhere else.
You might want to zip off an-email or a letter to Hardee's...along, of course, with a reminder to grab your next burger somewhere else.
Birth Control Pills Connected to Osteoporosis
The list of dangerous side effects (short and long term) faced by women who take BCPs just continues to grow.
But then, why expect anything different from a completely non-medical (but extremely powerful) drug whose sole purpose is the distortion of a woman's natural physiology?
But then, why expect anything different from a completely non-medical (but extremely powerful) drug whose sole purpose is the distortion of a woman's natural physiology?
Goodbye to Gaza: Where Will It Lead?
A Disturbing "Heads Up" for Those Who Yet Believe Communism Is Dead
From the veteran friends of liberty over at Radio Free Europe comes this update...
RUSSIA AND CHINA BEGIN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES...
Speaking to reporters in Vladivostok on 18 August, the chief of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, Colonel General Yurii Baluevskii, and his Chinese counterpart Colonel General Liang Guanglie announced the opening of the first-ever joint Chinese-Russian military exercises, RIA-Novosti, ITAR-TASS, and other news agencies reported.
"Peace Mission 2005" will include army, navy, air force, marine, airborne, and logistics units and run until 25 August. The first stage of the exercises will have both general staffs leading training and will be mainly conducted in Russia's Far East Military District. The second phase of the exercises will be carried out from 23 August on the Chinese Shandong Peninsula and Yellow Sea. "Our exercises don't threaten any country," polit.ru and deita.ru quoted Baluevskii as saying in Vladivostok.
...AS MEDIA SPECULATE ON REAL GOAL... Although the official purpose of the exercises is setting up cooperation in "joint counterterrorist and counterextremist operations," some in the Russian media say that the exercises are directed mainly against the United States.
"Russia and China plays on the nerves of the United States," pravda.ru commented on 18 August. The political goal of the exercises for Moscow and Beijing is the "creation of a multipolar world," "Kommersant-Daily" noted on 18 August.
In addition, Moscow has its own goal: to promote and increase the sale of its weapons to China. Rbk.ru suggested that the goal of the operation is to demonstrate to the United States that it should stay out of any future conflict between China and Taiwan.
Another aim of the exercises could be the gradual transformation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (which is comprised of China and Russia as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) into a military alliance, rbk.ru added.
RUSSIA AND CHINA BEGIN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES...
Speaking to reporters in Vladivostok on 18 August, the chief of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, Colonel General Yurii Baluevskii, and his Chinese counterpart Colonel General Liang Guanglie announced the opening of the first-ever joint Chinese-Russian military exercises, RIA-Novosti, ITAR-TASS, and other news agencies reported.
"Peace Mission 2005" will include army, navy, air force, marine, airborne, and logistics units and run until 25 August. The first stage of the exercises will have both general staffs leading training and will be mainly conducted in Russia's Far East Military District. The second phase of the exercises will be carried out from 23 August on the Chinese Shandong Peninsula and Yellow Sea. "Our exercises don't threaten any country," polit.ru and deita.ru quoted Baluevskii as saying in Vladivostok.
...AS MEDIA SPECULATE ON REAL GOAL... Although the official purpose of the exercises is setting up cooperation in "joint counterterrorist and counterextremist operations," some in the Russian media say that the exercises are directed mainly against the United States.
"Russia and China plays on the nerves of the United States," pravda.ru commented on 18 August. The political goal of the exercises for Moscow and Beijing is the "creation of a multipolar world," "Kommersant-Daily" noted on 18 August.
In addition, Moscow has its own goal: to promote and increase the sale of its weapons to China. Rbk.ru suggested that the goal of the operation is to demonstrate to the United States that it should stay out of any future conflict between China and Taiwan.
Another aim of the exercises could be the gradual transformation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (which is comprised of China and Russia as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) into a military alliance, rbk.ru added.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
No More Oreos For Me -- I'm Joining the Boycott of Kraft Products
Despite requests from many pro-family advocates, Kraft Inc. is still a major sponsor of the 2006 "Gay Games" in Chicago. Indeed, Marc Firestone, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Kraft Foods Inc., has stated the company's case.
"Diversity is more than a word many people like to say. At Kraft we truly respect all kinds of differences. And diversity is not a selective concept . By definition, it's nothing if not inclusive. We respect diversity of ethnicity, gender, experience, background, personal style and yes, sexual orientation and gender identity. Recognizing, respecting and valuing these differences helps us be a more successful business and a workplace where all employees can realize their full potential."
Obviously Kraft needs to hear from the public. Below is an example.
Roger Deromedi, CEO
Kraft Foods
3 Lakes Dr.
Northfield, IL 60093
Primary Phone: 847-646-2000
Fax: 847-646-6005
E-Mail: Roger Deromedi, Kraft Foods
Dear Mr. Deromedi,
Please know that my family and many of my friends have joined the boycott of Kraft Foods because of your enthusiastic support of the homosexual promotion misnamed as the Gay Games.
Homosexual behavior is terribly destructive, both in the lives of individuals and in the general culture. Your sponsorship of things that promote such unnatural sexual activity is irresponsible in the greatest degree.
My personal boycott includes, of course, Maxwell House, Post, Oscar Mayer, Jello, Cool Whip, Digorno Pizza, Nabisco and other products made by your company.
I ask you sincerely to reconsider your actions. Please stop your corporation’s endorsement of sexual practices which centuries of civilized cultures have rightly and vigorously condemned.
Sincerely,
Denny Hartford
Director, Vital Signs Ministries
"Diversity is more than a word many people like to say. At Kraft we truly respect all kinds of differences. And diversity is not a selective concept . By definition, it's nothing if not inclusive. We respect diversity of ethnicity, gender, experience, background, personal style and yes, sexual orientation and gender identity. Recognizing, respecting and valuing these differences helps us be a more successful business and a workplace where all employees can realize their full potential."
Obviously Kraft needs to hear from the public. Below is an example.
Roger Deromedi, CEO
Kraft Foods
3 Lakes Dr.
Northfield, IL 60093
Primary Phone: 847-646-2000
Fax: 847-646-6005
E-Mail: Roger Deromedi, Kraft Foods
Dear Mr. Deromedi,
Please know that my family and many of my friends have joined the boycott of Kraft Foods because of your enthusiastic support of the homosexual promotion misnamed as the Gay Games.
Homosexual behavior is terribly destructive, both in the lives of individuals and in the general culture. Your sponsorship of things that promote such unnatural sexual activity is irresponsible in the greatest degree.
My personal boycott includes, of course, Maxwell House, Post, Oscar Mayer, Jello, Cool Whip, Digorno Pizza, Nabisco and other products made by your company.
I ask you sincerely to reconsider your actions. Please stop your corporation’s endorsement of sexual practices which centuries of civilized cultures have rightly and vigorously condemned.
Sincerely,
Denny Hartford
Director, Vital Signs Ministries
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Reading Isn't Always a Good Thing
Intrigued?
Then check out the "live wire" wisdom of Rebecca Hagelin and her warning about what the government schools, the public libraries, and the youth-oriented publishing schemes have in store for America's kids this year.
Then check out the "live wire" wisdom of Rebecca Hagelin and her warning about what the government schools, the public libraries, and the youth-oriented publishing schemes have in store for America's kids this year.
Please Come Home, Dad
From the weekly e-mail update of the World Congress of Families comes the following item. It was written by Bob Herbert in an article entitled "Dad's Empty Chair," published in the New York Times, July 7, 2005.
"Crime has eased in the past several years, but the toll on the young in many black communities is still horrific. And I can't think of this continuing slaughter of black youngsters without also thinking about the mass flight of black men from their family responsibilities, especially the obligation to look after their children.
Most black people are not poor, and most are law-abiding. But the vacuum left by this exodus of black men from the family scene has nevertheless been devastating, and its destructive effects are felt by entire communities.
...Kids who grow up without a father never experience that special sense of security and the enhanced feeling of belonging that come from having a father in the home. So they seek it elsewhere. They don't get that sweet feeling of triumph that comes from a father's approval, or the warmth of the old man's hug, or the wisdom to be drawn from his discipline.
I don't have the statistics to prove it, but black kids would be tremendously better off if the cultural winds changed and more fathers felt the need to come home.
For me, it's an easy call: Moms are crucial. Dads, too."
"Crime has eased in the past several years, but the toll on the young in many black communities is still horrific. And I can't think of this continuing slaughter of black youngsters without also thinking about the mass flight of black men from their family responsibilities, especially the obligation to look after their children.
Most black people are not poor, and most are law-abiding. But the vacuum left by this exodus of black men from the family scene has nevertheless been devastating, and its destructive effects are felt by entire communities.
...Kids who grow up without a father never experience that special sense of security and the enhanced feeling of belonging that come from having a father in the home. So they seek it elsewhere. They don't get that sweet feeling of triumph that comes from a father's approval, or the warmth of the old man's hug, or the wisdom to be drawn from his discipline.
I don't have the statistics to prove it, but black kids would be tremendously better off if the cultural winds changed and more fathers felt the need to come home.
For me, it's an easy call: Moms are crucial. Dads, too."
Monday, August 15, 2005
Trouble in the Darwinian Swamp
I am a fan of William Dembski's excellent Intelligent Design website (www.uncommondescent.com) and, with just a visit or two, I think you will be too. Among the reasons you'll find his site so good are his own arguments, his perceptive comments when linking to other stories, and the valuable material he uncovers that you would otherwise miss.
Clicking on the title of this post will take you to an example of one such piece: David Berlinski's wonderfully written critique of modern Darwinism.
Clicking on the title of this post will take you to an example of one such piece: David Berlinski's wonderfully written critique of modern Darwinism.
Another Example of ESCR Madness: Life Saving Blood Thrown Away
This article explains how umbilical cords are routinely tossed into the trash instead of being utilized as a life-saving source for people suffering from sickle cell anemia, immune defeciencies, etc. It also invites pregnant women to plan on donating their (and their babies') umblical cords to a developing new national blood bank created for this purpose.
Very interesting reading and proof positive once again that it is the "adult" stem cells that are demonstrating wonderful medical results.
Very interesting reading and proof positive once again that it is the "adult" stem cells that are demonstrating wonderful medical results.
Unethical Ethicists, Unscientific Scientists and the Unsenatorial Bill Frist
Bill Frist wants to be President. But Bill Frist hasn't the character, the courage, or even the intelligence for that critical office. Here's just a couple of examples as pointed out by Bob Novak.
Frist's Republican colleagues cannot understand why he surprised them with his new stem cell position at a time when they wanted him to brag of the sudden burst of Senate productivity with passage of the transportation, energy and gun bills. It could not be presidential politics, because advocacy of new embryonic research alienates social conservatives whose support he needs.
"I spent weeks talking with the best scientists and ethicists in the world about this issue," Frist said in a long e-mail to supporters last week explaining his position. In this message, Frist did not address his timing or the political impact, providing further evidence that he thinks like the transplant surgeon he once was rather than the politician he now is.
Umm..what did you say, Senator? If the folks you talked to really encouraged you to break with President Bush on the embryonic stem cell issue, I've got news for you. They're not even close to the scientific facts about ESCR's record of total failure OR the hugely promising results of "adult" stem cells. And ethicists? Brother Bill, if your ethicists do not balk at creating humans simply to exploit and kill them, they are not worth the air they're blathering into.
Pass the word. Any Republican (running for any office) who surrenders to the left on this basic moral issue does not deserve any political support whatsoever...including letting the issue of their cave-in fade away.
Frist's Republican colleagues cannot understand why he surprised them with his new stem cell position at a time when they wanted him to brag of the sudden burst of Senate productivity with passage of the transportation, energy and gun bills. It could not be presidential politics, because advocacy of new embryonic research alienates social conservatives whose support he needs.
"I spent weeks talking with the best scientists and ethicists in the world about this issue," Frist said in a long e-mail to supporters last week explaining his position. In this message, Frist did not address his timing or the political impact, providing further evidence that he thinks like the transplant surgeon he once was rather than the politician he now is.
Umm..what did you say, Senator? If the folks you talked to really encouraged you to break with President Bush on the embryonic stem cell issue, I've got news for you. They're not even close to the scientific facts about ESCR's record of total failure OR the hugely promising results of "adult" stem cells. And ethicists? Brother Bill, if your ethicists do not balk at creating humans simply to exploit and kill them, they are not worth the air they're blathering into.
Pass the word. Any Republican (running for any office) who surrenders to the left on this basic moral issue does not deserve any political support whatsoever...including letting the issue of their cave-in fade away.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Chemical Abortion: Just Give Me the Facts
I print below a nice response to the material we have over on the "official" Vital Signs Ministries web site (http://www.vitalsignsministries.org) that discusses the chemical abortifacient properties of so-called birth control pills. A reader wrote:
Just found your site today. Thanks for being one more voice to unapologetically tell the truth about "The Pill", the IUD, Norplant and other hormonal contraceptives/abortifacients.
Sadly, many Christians remain WILLINGLY ignorant of the facts about these methods. My husband and I have encountered not a little hostility over our decision not to use hormonal methods, and the reasons and ethical concerns we give are quickly dismissed as "extreme".
Your site and others like it are helping to raise the awareness that may eventually highlight the credibility this information already has, deserves, and needs to be taken seriously. We believe this is a stronghold of disobedience (misinformation in the name of "Christian Liberty") within the church that needs to be brought to light and repented of. May God use you (and all of us who know the truth) to be instruments for this cause....
I can't wait to place a link to Vital Signs Ministries on our home page.
The VSM web site has quite a bit of excellent pro-life information on all sorts of topics. But among the articles dealing specifically with chemical abortion is a great discussion featuring pro-life pioneer Dr. Tom Hilgers, then-Pharmacists for Life Vice -President Larry Frieders and Vital Signs' own Denny Hartford. Give it a visit.
Just found your site today. Thanks for being one more voice to unapologetically tell the truth about "The Pill", the IUD, Norplant and other hormonal contraceptives/abortifacients.
Sadly, many Christians remain WILLINGLY ignorant of the facts about these methods. My husband and I have encountered not a little hostility over our decision not to use hormonal methods, and the reasons and ethical concerns we give are quickly dismissed as "extreme".
Your site and others like it are helping to raise the awareness that may eventually highlight the credibility this information already has, deserves, and needs to be taken seriously. We believe this is a stronghold of disobedience (misinformation in the name of "Christian Liberty") within the church that needs to be brought to light and repented of. May God use you (and all of us who know the truth) to be instruments for this cause....
I can't wait to place a link to Vital Signs Ministries on our home page.
The VSM web site has quite a bit of excellent pro-life information on all sorts of topics. But among the articles dealing specifically with chemical abortion is a great discussion featuring pro-life pioneer Dr. Tom Hilgers, then-Pharmacists for Life Vice -President Larry Frieders and Vital Signs' own Denny Hartford. Give it a visit.
What Do You Do With A Drunken Sailor?
Remember when being a Republican meant being at least a fiscal conservative? Well, those days are long gone as Mark Tapscott relates in this Town Hall column.
...Simply put, the GOP majority has been spending federal tax dollars like drunken sailors since 2001, increasing outlays by an average of 7.25 percent annually. Inflation increased by a mere 2.0 percent average in those same years.
For a healthy dose of old time conservatism, read the rest of Mr. Tapscott's right-on remarks.
...Simply put, the GOP majority has been spending federal tax dollars like drunken sailors since 2001, increasing outlays by an average of 7.25 percent annually. Inflation increased by a mere 2.0 percent average in those same years.
For a healthy dose of old time conservatism, read the rest of Mr. Tapscott's right-on remarks.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Human Interaction, R.I.P.
Albert Mohler has a well researched, well argued and really interesting article on the impact of video games on today's culture.
Cheering On the Bad Guys: Hollywood Produces a New Batch of Anti-American Movies
Coming soon to your neighborhood theater, a bunch of new flicks glorifying terrorists, disparaging the U.S. efforts in Iraq, and undermining our nation's military. Sound entertaining?
Jason Apuzzo has the details over at Front Page Magazine.
Jason Apuzzo has the details over at Front Page Magazine.
Pro-Abortion Groups Embarassing Even the Democrats?
That's George Neumayr's take in today's American Spectator...
...Now the cracks are spreading more as the nomination of John Roberts puts additional strain on skittish Democrats whose pollsters are telling them that NARAL and Planned Parenthood make them look like the evil party. NARAL's decision to go for Roberts' jugular in an ad depicting him as a cheerleader for abortion clinic bombings has Democrats who used to pander to the group suddenly willing to criticize it. Almost treating the group like the left-wing equivalent of Operation Rescue, Democrats this week let it be known that NARAL is "intemperate..."
It's a short but excellent piece. Be sure to click over.
...Now the cracks are spreading more as the nomination of John Roberts puts additional strain on skittish Democrats whose pollsters are telling them that NARAL and Planned Parenthood make them look like the evil party. NARAL's decision to go for Roberts' jugular in an ad depicting him as a cheerleader for abortion clinic bombings has Democrats who used to pander to the group suddenly willing to criticize it. Almost treating the group like the left-wing equivalent of Operation Rescue, Democrats this week let it be known that NARAL is "intemperate..."
It's a short but excellent piece. Be sure to click over.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Even in the Culture Wars, Method and Motivation Matter
For the Christian, it is not enough to be "on the Right." The Christian must also be "in the right" when it comes to attitude, perspective, and plan.
Marvin Olasky has a terrific column exploring the difference between the believer's responsibilities (all things coming under the Lordship of Jesus Christ) and the merely temporal concerns of the neo-con, the mere Republican, and the "South Park" conservative. An important read.
Marvin Olasky has a terrific column exploring the difference between the believer's responsibilities (all things coming under the Lordship of Jesus Christ) and the merely temporal concerns of the neo-con, the mere Republican, and the "South Park" conservative. An important read.
Birds of A Feather...And the Sanctity of Life
Jill Stanek gives a insightful review of the movie, "March of the Penguins," with some corollary comments about morality, the tragic blindness of the left, and God's gracious lessons (even from the natural order around us) which emphasize the sanctity of life.
As always, Jill gives her readers wisdom in a very winsome package.
As always, Jill gives her readers wisdom in a very winsome package.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
The Evolution Controversy Among Catholics
Last month an column written by a Roman Catholic theologian appeared in the New York Times which immediately attracted worldwide attention. Cardinal Chistoph Schönborn, the Archbishop of Vienna and the chairman of the editorial committee that produced the Catechism of the Catholic Church, explained in his column that although the Church can accept certain elements of evolutionary theory, the proposition that human life evolved through "an unguided, unplanned process of random variation and natural selection" contradicts Christianity's teaching about God as Creator of human life.
That column didn't set well, of course, with the scientific establishment whose quite un-scientific worship of Evolution is already reeling with new defections, new assaults from true science, and new understanding from the general public of the irresponsible obscurantism the Darwin tribe has been guilty of this last century and a half.
So to try and deliver a counter punch, another Catholic (well, he's an American Jesuit; they're kinda' Catholic anyhow) has written in the British newspaper The Tablet that belief in Darwinian evolution is still okey-dokey.
Father George Coyne, who runs the Vatican Observatory at Castel Gandolfo, Italy, when he's not teaching astronomy at the University of Arizona, argued that Cardinal Schönborn had merely "darkened the waters" with his criticism of Darwinian evolution. Indeed, Coyne openly contradicted the Cardinal by claiming a Catholic can yet value God's providence even if said Catholic believes that life "evolved through a process of random genetic mutations and natural selection."
This, of course, is the Bette Midler sort of religion; namely, that God watches "from a distance." It is a thoroughly unbiblical and, I repeat, unscientific position. That Fr. Coyne is typical of the crowd that cannot face either the facts or their previous failure to embrace those facts instead bowing to popular theories promoted by quite serious enemies of Christianity is very sad.
That column didn't set well, of course, with the scientific establishment whose quite un-scientific worship of Evolution is already reeling with new defections, new assaults from true science, and new understanding from the general public of the irresponsible obscurantism the Darwin tribe has been guilty of this last century and a half.
So to try and deliver a counter punch, another Catholic (well, he's an American Jesuit; they're kinda' Catholic anyhow) has written in the British newspaper The Tablet that belief in Darwinian evolution is still okey-dokey.
Father George Coyne, who runs the Vatican Observatory at Castel Gandolfo, Italy, when he's not teaching astronomy at the University of Arizona, argued that Cardinal Schönborn had merely "darkened the waters" with his criticism of Darwinian evolution. Indeed, Coyne openly contradicted the Cardinal by claiming a Catholic can yet value God's providence even if said Catholic believes that life "evolved through a process of random genetic mutations and natural selection."
This, of course, is the Bette Midler sort of religion; namely, that God watches "from a distance." It is a thoroughly unbiblical and, I repeat, unscientific position. That Fr. Coyne is typical of the crowd that cannot face either the facts or their previous failure to embrace those facts instead bowing to popular theories promoted by quite serious enemies of Christianity is very sad.
Starbucks Promoting Homosexual Agenda
Clicking on the title of this post will take you to a Concerned Women for America page giving you very revealing info about the Starbucks/homosexual activism connection. You'll see there, for instance, a Starbucks coffee cup with a homosexual testimony printed on it as well as a link to a Bob Knight interview about other Starbucks activities relating to the promotion of homosexuality.
Guys, there are a lot of Christians drinking Starbucks coffee. And, in doing so, they're paying outrageous prices which give Starbucks plenty of profits to push their social schemes. So...let's pass the word and do our part to help change America's "brew sipping" habits.
Guys, there are a lot of Christians drinking Starbucks coffee. And, in doing so, they're paying outrageous prices which give Starbucks plenty of profits to push their social schemes. So...let's pass the word and do our part to help change America's "brew sipping" habits.
More Good News On Stem Cell Front
From Daily News Central's Health News...
University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered that one type of cell in the human placenta has characteristics that are strikingly similar to embryonic stem cells in their ability to regenerate a wide variety of tissues.
The cells, called amniotic epithelial cells, potentially could be used to produce new liver cells to treat liver failure, or new pancreatic islet cells to cure diabetes or new neurons to treat Parkinson's disease.
Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are obtained only by destroying human embryos, these cells can be extracted from the same placentas that now are routinely discarded after birth. They thus could be a non-controversial alternative to embryonic stem cells.
"We think it would be easier to get these to the clinic than [embryonic stem] cells," said Stephen Strom, an associate professor of pathology at the Pitt medical school.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered that one type of cell in the human placenta has characteristics that are strikingly similar to embryonic stem cells in their ability to regenerate a wide variety of tissues.
The cells, called amniotic epithelial cells, potentially could be used to produce new liver cells to treat liver failure, or new pancreatic islet cells to cure diabetes or new neurons to treat Parkinson's disease.
Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are obtained only by destroying human embryos, these cells can be extracted from the same placentas that now are routinely discarded after birth. They thus could be a non-controversial alternative to embryonic stem cells.
"We think it would be easier to get these to the clinic than [embryonic stem] cells," said Stephen Strom, an associate professor of pathology at the Pitt medical school.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Even the Supremes Hear the Beat
Want an example of how the alternative media is changing America? And about how it might change it even more in the future?
Then read between the lines of tonight's news story about Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer complaining to the ABA that U.S. courts are becoming vulnerable to "political attacks" (AP's phrase) when issues like abortion, homosexual privileges, capital punishment and euthanasia come their way. Breyer feels the heat is increasing to such a degree that judicial independence is threatened.
Two points need to be made. One is that the Justice Breyer's judiciary has no business fretting about its independence anyway. After all, its Constitutional responsibilities are clear, to the point and quite well protected. The fact that Breyer talks this way is evidence of the nation's courts already being out of bounds. Yes, they are to review Congressional action and insure that the laws that body makes are according to the strict intentions of the Constitution. But the courts are not supposed to be law makers. They are not supposed to be above the law. They are not supposed to be independent.
The second point, of course, is that Justice Breyer would not be losing any sleep over the Court's unchecked power if it weren't for the stir created by Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Fox News, Matt Drudge, Lucianne Goldberg, the wise and witty writers over at Town Hall and NRO, Power Line, Hugh Hewitt, Don Feder, Joseph Farrah, the pro-life activists, the hundreds and hundreds of conservative-oriented blogs, and all the rest of the new forces who are now fighting effectively to destroy the leftist monopoly of the MSM.
This story is an encouraging one. For when a Supreme admits that he's actually hearing the will of the American people (and is worried about its eventual impact), then the times might indeed be a'changing.
Then read between the lines of tonight's news story about Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer complaining to the ABA that U.S. courts are becoming vulnerable to "political attacks" (AP's phrase) when issues like abortion, homosexual privileges, capital punishment and euthanasia come their way. Breyer feels the heat is increasing to such a degree that judicial independence is threatened.
Two points need to be made. One is that the Justice Breyer's judiciary has no business fretting about its independence anyway. After all, its Constitutional responsibilities are clear, to the point and quite well protected. The fact that Breyer talks this way is evidence of the nation's courts already being out of bounds. Yes, they are to review Congressional action and insure that the laws that body makes are according to the strict intentions of the Constitution. But the courts are not supposed to be law makers. They are not supposed to be above the law. They are not supposed to be independent.
The second point, of course, is that Justice Breyer would not be losing any sleep over the Court's unchecked power if it weren't for the stir created by Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Fox News, Matt Drudge, Lucianne Goldberg, the wise and witty writers over at Town Hall and NRO, Power Line, Hugh Hewitt, Don Feder, Joseph Farrah, the pro-life activists, the hundreds and hundreds of conservative-oriented blogs, and all the rest of the new forces who are now fighting effectively to destroy the leftist monopoly of the MSM.
This story is an encouraging one. For when a Supreme admits that he's actually hearing the will of the American people (and is worried about its eventual impact), then the times might indeed be a'changing.
Hitler's Mufti
Here's a very revealing article by Rabbi David Dalin. It not only dares to oppose one of the Left's most cherished myths (Pope Pius XII being sympathetic to the Nazi persecution of Jews), but Rabbi Dalin also criticizes liberals for their failure to denounce the cleric who actually did call for the extermination of the Jews.
That cleric was Hajj Amin al-Husseini, "the viciously anti-Semitic Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who resided in Berlin as a welcome guest and ally of the Nazis throughout the years of the Holocaust" -- a man who is yet held in high regard by Muslims around the world.
This is an important step in setting the record straight.
That cleric was Hajj Amin al-Husseini, "the viciously anti-Semitic Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who resided in Berlin as a welcome guest and ally of the Nazis throughout the years of the Holocaust" -- a man who is yet held in high regard by Muslims around the world.
This is an important step in setting the record straight.
Something Stinks in Roseland
The small town of Roseland, Indiana, was once a pleasant little community. But in recent days, it has become a broiling hotbed of controversy, scandal and political tyranny. WNDU, the NBC affiliate in South Bend, has been covering the stories: lawsuits, protests, a hotel owner ticketed for posting a "Support the Troops" sign and much more.
Click the title of the post to see the developing file of WNDU stories on Roseland. You might want to read through them and then, like me, anxiously await the fate of the Roseland power bosses.
Click the title of the post to see the developing file of WNDU stories on Roseland. You might want to read through them and then, like me, anxiously await the fate of the Roseland power bosses.
Jerusalem's Pool of Siloam Discovered
The Drudge Report has a news flash reporting the uncovering of the freshwater Pool of Siloam.
``Scholars have said that there wasn't a Pool of Siloam and that John was using a religious conceit'' to illustrate a point, said New Testament scholar James H. Charlesworth of the Princeton Theological Seminary. ``Now we have found the Pool of Siloam ... exactly where John said it was.'' A gospel that was thought to be ``pure theology is now shown to be grounded in history,'' he said.
I like Dr. Charlesworth's excitement here but not his rhetoric. After all, "pure theology" is always and forever "grounded in history."
``Scholars have said that there wasn't a Pool of Siloam and that John was using a religious conceit'' to illustrate a point, said New Testament scholar James H. Charlesworth of the Princeton Theological Seminary. ``Now we have found the Pool of Siloam ... exactly where John said it was.'' A gospel that was thought to be ``pure theology is now shown to be grounded in history,'' he said.
I like Dr. Charlesworth's excitement here but not his rhetoric. After all, "pure theology" is always and forever "grounded in history."
Monday, August 08, 2005
Good News from Texas: Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Opened
From the Associated Press...
The state's first public bank for storing umbilical cord blood opened last week as part of a growing movement to increase the nation's supply.
Cord blood, which is removed from the umbilical cord and placenta after a woman delivers a baby, is full of blood-producing stem cells that can be frozen and used for transplants. Cord blood is considered easier to collect than bone marrow.
Such transplants could help the nearly 35,000 people nationwide who suffer each year from life-threatening diseases, according to the National Bone Marrow Program, which maintains a global registry of cord-blood units.
The Texas Cord Blood Bank is run by the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center in San Antonio and is one of at least 20 such public banks nationwide. Bank organizers think its location in a heavily Hispanic region will benefit a population whose cord-blood supply trails other groups.
The state's first public bank for storing umbilical cord blood opened last week as part of a growing movement to increase the nation's supply.
Cord blood, which is removed from the umbilical cord and placenta after a woman delivers a baby, is full of blood-producing stem cells that can be frozen and used for transplants. Cord blood is considered easier to collect than bone marrow.
Such transplants could help the nearly 35,000 people nationwide who suffer each year from life-threatening diseases, according to the National Bone Marrow Program, which maintains a global registry of cord-blood units.
The Texas Cord Blood Bank is run by the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center in San Antonio and is one of at least 20 such public banks nationwide. Bank organizers think its location in a heavily Hispanic region will benefit a population whose cord-blood supply trails other groups.
Sense and Nonsense in the War on Terror
Last Tuesday I posted a link to an excellent column by Washington Times writer Diana West which dealt with the ongoing Islamic jihad and the failure of most Western cultural institutions to face the facts. Well, she's back today with another important piece. Check it out.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Mentors: The Unsung Heroes Among Us
Just what is the value of those unsung heroes whose services to the next generation take place in relative obscurity? Those persons, for instance, who have never written a best seller, never enjoyed success on the stage or screen, never received academic, financial or media recognition – persons who have simply concentrated on the careful, honorable mentor of the youngsters in their sphere of influence?
Certainly, the most crucial of all callings belong to the parents, the adults of extended family, even teachers and coaches who serve the children of our world. Yet our celebrity-crazy culture has moved these real heroes to the back rows while giving prominence to those who merely “make a name for themselves.”
An example -- Al Bergman was a coach who worked for the Illinois Athletic Club on the south side of Chicago in the 1920’s and 30’s. Al Bergman was a remarkable fellow, a genuine hero who was devoted to developing the character and skills of the young men in his circle of influence.
No books have been written about Al Bergman; he was one of those who never granted celebrity status. Few people outside of his small circle of friends and family ever heard his name. But Coach Bergman’s impact traveled far beyond him through the young men whose lives he guided. One of the young men mentored by Al Bergman turned out to be an Olympic swimming champion and star of the famous Tarzan movies, Johnny Weismuller. Another turned to the trapeze before eventually finding fame in Hollywood as well. He was television’s Lone Ranger, Clayton Moore.
So kudos for the hero behind the scenes, Al Bergman, and all others (parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches and mentors of all types) who put principled service to the young before all else.
Certainly, the most crucial of all callings belong to the parents, the adults of extended family, even teachers and coaches who serve the children of our world. Yet our celebrity-crazy culture has moved these real heroes to the back rows while giving prominence to those who merely “make a name for themselves.”
An example -- Al Bergman was a coach who worked for the Illinois Athletic Club on the south side of Chicago in the 1920’s and 30’s. Al Bergman was a remarkable fellow, a genuine hero who was devoted to developing the character and skills of the young men in his circle of influence.
No books have been written about Al Bergman; he was one of those who never granted celebrity status. Few people outside of his small circle of friends and family ever heard his name. But Coach Bergman’s impact traveled far beyond him through the young men whose lives he guided. One of the young men mentored by Al Bergman turned out to be an Olympic swimming champion and star of the famous Tarzan movies, Johnny Weismuller. Another turned to the trapeze before eventually finding fame in Hollywood as well. He was television’s Lone Ranger, Clayton Moore.
So kudos for the hero behind the scenes, Al Bergman, and all others (parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches and mentors of all types) who put principled service to the young before all else.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Homosexual Activism by National Council of Churches Causes Antiochian Orthodox Christians to Leave
From Touchstone --
...The action was not a temporary “suspension” of membership, but a formal withdrawal from the NCC. The clergy unanimously approved the withdrawal, followed by a unanimous vote of the lay delegates supporting the move. An announcement of the final vote was met with thunderous applause by the Convention.
Reasons given for the withdrawal include the general liberalism of the NCC, whose General Secretary, Bob Edgar, withdrew his signature from a statement defining marriage as being between a man and a woman...
...The action was not a temporary “suspension” of membership, but a formal withdrawal from the NCC. The clergy unanimously approved the withdrawal, followed by a unanimous vote of the lay delegates supporting the move. An announcement of the final vote was met with thunderous applause by the Convention.
Reasons given for the withdrawal include the general liberalism of the NCC, whose General Secretary, Bob Edgar, withdrew his signature from a statement defining marriage as being between a man and a woman...
Political Correctness As Usual at the AP
From the WSJ's Best of the Web --
Life Begins at Conception -- if You're a Panda
"A 13-year-old giant panda gave birth to a cub at San Diego Zoo, but a second baby died in the womb, officials said Wednesday."--
Associated Press, Aug. 3
"A cancer-ravaged woman robbed of consciousness by a stroke has given birth after being kept on life support for three months to give her fetus extra time to develop."--
Associated Press, Aug. 3
"A 13-year-old giant panda gave birth to a cub at San Diego Zoo, but a second baby died in the womb, officials said Wednesday."--
Associated Press, Aug. 3
"A cancer-ravaged woman robbed of consciousness by a stroke has given birth after being kept on life support for three months to give her fetus extra time to develop."--
Associated Press, Aug. 3
More on the Frist Fiasco: Tony's Take
One of the most penetrating pieces I've seen about Sen. Bill Frist's switch from being the President's pro-life ally to now playing point man for embryonic stem cell research is this one from Tony Snow. For enlightenment on this very serious moral sellout, this is defintely the article to pass around.
Friday, August 05, 2005
More Bang For Your "Missionary Bucks"
Marvin Olasky has an enlightening, exciting succes story about an eternally-minded church.
The church at that point had a small sanctuary and a growing congregation. It had to divide into two services, and most people didn't like doing that, especially since the sanctuary wasn't even big enough for the second service, which had to meet in a local school. But when church members and associates donated and pledged $287,000 in a special offering one Sunday, it didn't go toward a new building.
Instead, the money went to purchase a 99-year-lease on 10,000 acres here in Senkobo, 15 miles north of Livingstone and the Zimbabwe border. The land came with a beautiful farm house, 2,700 fruit trees, cattle and other animals, four deep wells, three dams, a tobacco-curing barn that could be turned into apartments, and other farm buildings that could become orphanages and classrooms...
The rest of the story? (And it is very neat.) Just click on the title of this post.
The church at that point had a small sanctuary and a growing congregation. It had to divide into two services, and most people didn't like doing that, especially since the sanctuary wasn't even big enough for the second service, which had to meet in a local school. But when church members and associates donated and pledged $287,000 in a special offering one Sunday, it didn't go toward a new building.
Instead, the money went to purchase a 99-year-lease on 10,000 acres here in Senkobo, 15 miles north of Livingstone and the Zimbabwe border. The land came with a beautiful farm house, 2,700 fruit trees, cattle and other animals, four deep wells, three dams, a tobacco-curing barn that could be turned into apartments, and other farm buildings that could become orphanages and classrooms...
The rest of the story? (And it is very neat.) Just click on the title of this post.
Sellout at the Top
Clear thinking and a revealing history lesson from Life Issues' Dianne Irving about the evolving conscience of Senator Bill Frist.
"The Island" Reviewed
A pro-life theme in a major Hollywood movie? I haven't seen it (we rarely watch modern movies) but there is an unusually positive buzz going around about "The Island" and its perspective on cloning. Clicking on the title of this post takes you to the World Magazine review by Gene Edward Veith but you should also take a look at Don Feder's piece from his Cold Steel Caucus Report. Follow this link and then scroll down the left side and you'll find his review.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Uphill Struggle Against Immodesty: A Very Personal Story
Rebecca Hagelin has a powerful piece on the daily, difficult work of raising good kids in a bad culture. Do read the whole thing, but here's the set up...
If you don’t have young girls, then you probably can’t understand the dilemma. It’s quite simple, really. The problem is that there are virtually no swimsuits, tops or shorts designed for tweens and teens that don’t resemble something a streetwalker would wear. As a capitalist, I find it very strange that an entire segment of the American population is so underserved -- very strange indeed. Most of the moms and dads I know are thoroughly frustrated with the poor selection of clothing, but in the end, shrug their shoulders, cast aside their best judgment, and purchase the teeny weenie bikini for their innocent young daughters anyway.
But not me...
Note: Rebecca's musings about a large segment of the public being ill served by clothiers is really interesting. One wonders why Christians (who have proven to be such a powerful economic force in buying books and music and religious trinkets) have so easily thrown in the towel when it comes to appropriate attire.
If you don’t have young girls, then you probably can’t understand the dilemma. It’s quite simple, really. The problem is that there are virtually no swimsuits, tops or shorts designed for tweens and teens that don’t resemble something a streetwalker would wear. As a capitalist, I find it very strange that an entire segment of the American population is so underserved -- very strange indeed. Most of the moms and dads I know are thoroughly frustrated with the poor selection of clothing, but in the end, shrug their shoulders, cast aside their best judgment, and purchase the teeny weenie bikini for their innocent young daughters anyway.
But not me...
Note: Rebecca's musings about a large segment of the public being ill served by clothiers is really interesting. One wonders why Christians (who have proven to be such a powerful economic force in buying books and music and religious trinkets) have so easily thrown in the towel when it comes to appropriate attire.
A Death Oath
Evil is coercive.
An Islamic conversion (make that punishment) campaign that has switched from the scimitar to bombs.
The United Nations pushing abortion through power plays and economic blackmail.
The Supreme Court's insistence on eradicating Judeo/Christian morality.
The list goes on.
And that list now includes politicians and ghoulish medicos forcing the practices of cloning, genetic engineering, and science that creates human kids in order to abuse and destroy them.
Is there no fear of God in modern life?
The story link here is to Jill Stanek's important column about how the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation is lying, manipulating the system and cruely exploiting sick children to get money for embryonic stem cell schemes..
An Islamic conversion (make that punishment) campaign that has switched from the scimitar to bombs.
The United Nations pushing abortion through power plays and economic blackmail.
The Supreme Court's insistence on eradicating Judeo/Christian morality.
The list goes on.
And that list now includes politicians and ghoulish medicos forcing the practices of cloning, genetic engineering, and science that creates human kids in order to abuse and destroy them.
Is there no fear of God in modern life?
The story link here is to Jill Stanek's important column about how the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation is lying, manipulating the system and cruely exploiting sick children to get money for embryonic stem cell schemes..
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
UN Wants Yet More Abortion -- And for 10 Year Olds!
New York, Jul. 22 (C-fam.org/CWNews.com) - Two recent publications circulating at the United Nations demonstrate a growing focus on young people as a way of advancing the abortion agenda. The reports, one by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and another by a radical lobby group, both call for a greater focus on the "sexual and reproductive" rights of youth, a term that UN agencies frequently misinterpret as including abortion. Youth are defined in the UNFPA report as "aged 10 to 24 years."
That's just the start of what is very important reading. Check out the rest of the story by clicking on the title of the post.
That's just the start of what is very important reading. Check out the rest of the story by clicking on the title of the post.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
This Just In...Islam is Dangerous
Diana West cuts through the fog (including the wishful thinking of conservatives like Hugh Hewitt and Charles Krauthammer) to give a realistic picture of the dangers to non-Muslims that Islam has always represented.
And, while I'm at it, let me pass along an e-mail I recently received from a high school classmate:
HISTORY TEST
Please pause a moment, reflect back, and take the following multiple choice test.
1. 1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by
a. Superman
b. Jay Leno
c. Harry Potter
d. a Muslim male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40
2. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by
a. Olga Corbett
b. Sitting Bull
c. Arnold Schwarzenegger
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
3. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by:
a. Lost Norwegians
b. Elvis
c. A tour bus full of 80-year-old women
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
4. During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by:
a. John Dillinger
b. The King of Sweden
c. The Boy Scouts
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
5. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by:
a. A pizza delivery boy
b. Pee Wee Herman
c. Geraldo Rivera
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
6. In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by:
a. The Smurfs
b. Davy Jones
c. The Little Mermaid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
7. In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a US Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by:
a. Captain Kidd
b. Charles Lindberg
c. Mother Teresa
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
8. In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by:
a. Scooby Doo
b. The Tooth Fairy
c. Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
9. In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by:
a. Richard Simmons
b. Grandma Moses
c. Michael Jordan
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
10. In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by:
a. Mr. Rogers
b. Hillary Clinton, to distract attention from Wild Bill's women problems
c. The World Wrestling Federation
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
11. On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take out the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers.
Thousands of people were killed by:
a. Bugs Bunny, Wiley E. Coyote, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd
b. The Supreme Court of Florida
c. Mr. Bean
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
12. In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against:
a. Enron
b. The Lutheran Church
c. The NFL
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
13. In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by:
a. Bonnie and Clyde
b. Captain Kangaroo
c. Billy Graham
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
And, by the way, guess who just bombed London?
Nope, ..I really don't see a pattern here to justify profiling, do you? So, to ensure we Americans never offend anyone, particularly fanatics intent on killing us, airport security screeners will no longer be allowed to profile certain people. They must conduct random searches of 80-year-old women, little kids, airline pilots with proper identification, Secret Service agents who are members of the President's security detail, 85-year old Congressmen with metal hips, and Medal of Honor winners and former Governor Joe Foss, but leave Muslim males between the ages 17 and 40 alone lest they be guilty of profiling.
Let's send this to as many people as we can so that the Gloria Aldreds and other dunder-headed attorneys along with Federal Justices that want to thwart common ense, feel doubly ashamed of themselves -- if they have any such sense. As the writer of the award winning story "Forrest Gump" so aptly put it, "Stupid is as stupid does."
And, while I'm at it, let me pass along an e-mail I recently received from a high school classmate:
HISTORY TEST
Please pause a moment, reflect back, and take the following multiple choice test.
1. 1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by
a. Superman
b. Jay Leno
c. Harry Potter
d. a Muslim male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40
2. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by
a. Olga Corbett
b. Sitting Bull
c. Arnold Schwarzenegger
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
3. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by:
a. Lost Norwegians
b. Elvis
c. A tour bus full of 80-year-old women
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
4. During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by:
a. John Dillinger
b. The King of Sweden
c. The Boy Scouts
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
5. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by:
a. A pizza delivery boy
b. Pee Wee Herman
c. Geraldo Rivera
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
6. In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by:
a. The Smurfs
b. Davy Jones
c. The Little Mermaid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
7. In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a US Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by:
a. Captain Kidd
b. Charles Lindberg
c. Mother Teresa
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
8. In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by:
a. Scooby Doo
b. The Tooth Fairy
c. Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
9. In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by:
a. Richard Simmons
b. Grandma Moses
c. Michael Jordan
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
10. In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by:
a. Mr. Rogers
b. Hillary Clinton, to distract attention from Wild Bill's women problems
c. The World Wrestling Federation
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
11. On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take out the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers.
Thousands of people were killed by:
a. Bugs Bunny, Wiley E. Coyote, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd
b. The Supreme Court of Florida
c. Mr. Bean
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
12. In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against:
a. Enron
b. The Lutheran Church
c. The NFL
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
13. In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by:
a. Bonnie and Clyde
b. Captain Kangaroo
c. Billy Graham
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
And, by the way, guess who just bombed London?
Nope, ..I really don't see a pattern here to justify profiling, do you? So, to ensure we Americans never offend anyone, particularly fanatics intent on killing us, airport security screeners will no longer be allowed to profile certain people. They must conduct random searches of 80-year-old women, little kids, airline pilots with proper identification, Secret Service agents who are members of the President's security detail, 85-year old Congressmen with metal hips, and Medal of Honor winners and former Governor Joe Foss, but leave Muslim males between the ages 17 and 40 alone lest they be guilty of profiling.
Let's send this to as many people as we can so that the Gloria Aldreds and other dunder-headed attorneys along with Federal Justices that want to thwart common ense, feel doubly ashamed of themselves -- if they have any such sense. As the writer of the award winning story "Forrest Gump" so aptly put it, "Stupid is as stupid does."
Steve Mosher: "Confirm Roberts"
The President of the Population Research Institute goes behind the scenes to look at the depth of John Robert's religious convictions. Citing reports of friends, the orthodoxy of his parish, his service as an adoptive parent of two, and his wife's deep involvement with Feminists for Life, Mr. Mosher concludes that Roberts is not your typical political "CINO" -- Catholic In Name Only.
The Ginsburg Standard
Robert Novak presents an important history lesson about nominations to the Supreme Court, including the very recent history of how the Senate treated Ms. Ginsburg with kid gloves. John Roberts should be paying attention -- and so should the rest of us. Indeed, we should demand of the Senate equal standards of treatment.