Fake Doctor Kills Preborn Girls in India

Several press outlets in India are reporting a horrendous case involving a fake doctor performing sex-selection abortions and then "burying" the preborn girls in abandoned wells.

Here are the news stories: one from the Hindustan Times; one from the Times of India; and, finally, a report from the International desk at the Kaiser Network.

The Negativity of Chastity?

"To preach a negative and colorless ideal of chastity to young men and women is to neglect the primary duty of awakening their intelligence, their responsibility, their self-reliance and independence.”

Sounds like a very modern attitude, doesn't it?

Sexual experimentation promised as a basic step to maturity?

Indeed, the above quotation suggests that promoting promiscuity is a "primary duty" of the governing powers. And, judging from what modern Americans watch on their televisions, hear on their iPods, see in the Victoria's Secret store windows in the mall, and are taught in public schools, the powers that be are enthusiastically following the course.

But the quotation actually comes a bit earlier than when you might guess. Because it wasn't first stated by Madonna or Cher, not by Hugh Hefner or Alfred Kinsey, not even by Helen Gurley Brown or... Nancy Pelosi.

No, this "seed statement" which has borne so much sour fruit in today's culture was published in a 1922 book entitled, The Pivot of Civilization by...

...the founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger.

Swindling Saints?

Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.

It's an old adage, of course, but its relevance is greater than ever as this article on the dramatic rise in religious fraud sadly shows.

...Billions of dollars has been stolen in religion-related fraud in recent years, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association, a group of state officials who work to protect investors.

Between 1984 and 1989, about $450 million was stolen in religion-related scams, the association says. In its latest count – from 1998 to 2001 – the toll had risen to $2 billion. Rip-offs have only become more common since.

"The size and the scope of the fraud is getting larger," said Patricia Struck, president of the securities association and administrator of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Securities. "The scammers are getting smarter and the investors don't ask enough questions because of the feeling that they can be safe in church..."

Medical Breakthrough: Could Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Make the Embryonic Stem Cell Controversy Obsolete?

A Kyoto University research group reportedly has generated from a mouse skin cell a new pluripotent cell that resembles an embryonic stem cell.

The online issue of the U.S. scientific journal Cell reported Thursday that Shinya Yamanaka and Assistant Kazutoshi Takahashi have succeeded in creating the pluripotent cell, which they named induced pluripotent stem, or iPS, cell. The iPS cell has similar characteristics to ES cells, which can grow into tissues and organs.

Using an embryonic stem cell in medicine is ethically controversial, as it is extracted from an embryo. With iPS cells, there would be no ethical problems as it does not involve an embryo. If human iPS cells can be created, patients undergoing transplants could have new organs with the same genes as their own, clearing the problem of postoperative rejection responses, and without ethical problems.

The group speculated that among the important gene factors in an embryonic stem cell, there should be some that can reprogram somatic cells and induce pluripotency that are characteristic to the factors in an embryonic stem cell in early development...

If you're a scientist and thus conversant with the technical language of the issue, you may want to read the full article from Cell. For the laymen, you will probably prefer reading through this Columbia, Missouri newspaper summary.

The Left's "Disconnect" with Islamofascist Realities

Today's "must read" column from Town Hall comes from Michael Barone who examines the Left's penchant for living in denial; in this case, focusing on their refusal to face the facts about the West's terrorist enemies.

...Thursday's lesson was not one Tuesday's victors wanted to learn. Left-wing bloggers played an important part in Lamont's victory. Here's the reaction of one of them, John Aravosis, to the red alert ordered here in response to the British arrests: "Do I sound as if I don't believe this alert? Why, yes, that would be correct. I just don't believe it. Read the article. They say the plot had an 'Al Qaeda footprint.' Ooh, are you scared yet?"

What we are looking at here is cognitive dissonance. The mindset of the Left blogosphere is that there's no real terrorist threat out there. We wouldn't have any serious problem if we'd just do something different -- raise the minimum wage or reduce the number without health insurance (the first issue Lamont mentioned on election night), withdraw from Iraq or (as some Left bloggers suggest) sell out Israel...

The rest of Barone's commentary can be read by clicking on the title of this post.

An Early Feminist Speaks to Abortion

Novelist and poet, Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (1808 - 1877), was the grandaughter of the famous Irish playwright, Richard Sheridan (The School for Scandal, The Crtic, and others). However, she achieved renown of her own in writing The Sorrows of Rosalie (1829), The Undying One (1830), Stuart of Dunleath (1851), Lost and Saved (1863), and Old Sir Douglas (1867). However, her lasting claims to fame rested on her books of poetry, A Voice from the Factories (1836), and The Child of the Islands (1845), and on her tireless advocacy for women's and childrens' rights.

In writing in the social reform magazine, Woodhull's and Claffin's Weekly, in November 19, 1870, Sarah Norton gave her opinion of abortionists:

"Child murderers practice their profession without let or hindrance, and open infant butcheries unquestioned...Is there no remedy for all this ante-natal child murder?...Perhaps there will come a time when...an unmarried mother will not be despised because of her motherhood...and when the right of the unborn to be born will not be denied or interfered with."

For more about how the genuine championing of women's rights is connected with a principled opposition to abortion, check out the web site of Feminists for the Life of America.

And to read a couple of Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton's most touching poems, go on over to this post at The Book Den.

Sports Heroes Connect with Christ

For most Americans, the weekend means at least some time spent watching some of our favorite athletes do their thing. Whether it involves a 30 yard off-tackle run by a Denver Bronco tailback, a last second 3-pointer by a Boston Celtics power forward, a smashing backhand down a clay court, a paper-thin miss of two NASCAR vehicles coming around the far turn at the Brickyard...or whatever else -- Americans love athletes whose dedication, skill and love of their sport give such thrills and inspiration.

But for some athletes, there is something much more valuable and compelling than even their sports careers. And that something is their faith in Jesus Christ, a faith that not only gives them purpose and spiritual strength but also a "forever home" in heaven.

So, sometime during your sports weekend, why not zip over to the web site, Christian Sports Minute. There you'll find several things of interest for the sports fan including this particular page where you'll find brief testmonies from a whole gang of athletes. Some are written out and
some are audio recordings.

Among the ones I looked up (and really enjoyed) were Mike Singletary, Terrell Buckley, Michael Chang, Orel Hershiser, Danny Wuerffel, Tom Lehman, Jason Elam, Felipe Alou, Cody Custer, Darrell Waltrip, Kurt Warner, John Smoltz, Darrell Green, Orlando Merced, Napoleon Kaufman, Trent Dilfer, Mark Aguirre, Travis Fryman, Bruce Matthews, Jeremiah Trotter, Bobby Bowden, Shaun King, Irving Fryar, Troy Vincent, Anthony Munoz, Rick Lyle, Darren Sharper, and Ashley Ambrose.

Beyond the touchdowns, the buzzer beaters and all the rest, there are the universal questions of life and death, purpose and peace, heaven and hell -- let a few of your favorite sports heroes show you the answers they've found in following Christ.

New Study: Pregnant Teenagers Better Adjusted When They Carry to Term

Nobody is happy about unmarried teenagers having babies. But the constant argument from the left is that pregnant teenagers desperately need abortion to keep them from the many deep traumas that neccesarily come with having a baby.

But that constant argument experienced quite a slap in the face this summer when a new study was published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence. That study revealed that adolescent girls who have their babies aborted are 5 times more likely to go look for psychological and emotional help than those who keep their baby. 5 times!

The study, led by Dr. Priscilla Coleman, a research psychologist from Bowling Green State University, also found that teenagers who have abortions were over 3 times more likely to report subsequent trouble sleeping, and 9 times more likely to report subsequent use of marijuana.

The abstract of the journal article is here but you can read more of this story's details at LifeNews over here.

Ford Boycott (Over Homosexual Advocacy) Having An Effect

The boycott of Ford Motor Company because of Ford's willing complicity in furthering the homosexual agenda is having its effect. For instance, a letter sent by the Greater Texas Ford Dealers Advertising Fund (an association involving 78 Ford dealers in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana) was recently sent to Ford Motor Company CEO, William Clay Ford, urging the company to "cease" advertising in homosexual publications. The letter acknowledged that a pro-family boycott is hurting their business.

"To be clear we strongly urge that Ford not only cease to advertise in homosexual related media and events, but in all politically charged and controversial media and events. We believe that Ford can and should market to all Americans with transportation needs, but that it should do so without tacitly approving a controversial lifestyle or stance."

Way back in February I posted an entry which detailed the reasons behind the boycott and urged consumers to consider joining the boycott as well as writing Ford to let them know how their unwholesome activity is viewed by the public.

I think it's time you join with the Greater Texas Ford Dealers and let Mr. Ford hear from you again.

You can check out various ways to influence Ford by clicking on the appropriate American Family Association page (right here) and/or you could contact Ford directly. You can use this form for e-mail or use the traditional routes:

Phone: 800-392-3673

Mailing Address:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126

The Best Defense is a Good (And Willing) Offense

Let's hope that Saul Singer's simple strategy for fighting World War IV (reprinted here at NRO) is being read and carefully considered in the White House.

"Reutersgate" Is Just the Latest in a Long Line

The highly embarassing Reutersgate incident is just the latest in a long series of examples of how MSM bias is translated into MSM manipulation. Click on the title of this post to go to The Cassandra Page for an informative reminder of just how silly (and sinister) media distortion has become.

And, on the same subject, check out this Jerusalem Post article written by Sheera Claire Frenkel; this very disturbing video footage; and this excellent article from World magazine.

Senator Joe is No Conservative

This notable David Limbaugh Town Hall column emphasizes how Ned Lamont's victory over Joe Lieberman reveals a Democrat Party seriously in danger of marginilazing itself right out of the November elections. However, he has a few choice warnings to Republicans and independents who are too quick to "claim" Senator Joe for their own. I print an excerpt below but Limbaugh's column should be read in full. You'll find it here.

...While Republicans are falling all over themselves praising Lieberman, they, too, should be careful not to turn into single-issue advocates. While Lieberman's support for the war in Iraq against the oppressive Democratic tide has been admirable, let's not forget just how liberal he is on almost all other issues, from taxes and abortion to guns and Kyoto.

Nor should we overlook how Lieberman was virtually forced to behave as the election approached to ensure a respectable showing against his anti-Bush primary rival. He made clear he was no Bush-lover and certainly no conservative.

In a speech at the East Haven Community Center two days before the election, he couched his remarks in terms chosen to clarify -- above all -- that he was no Bush lapdog. He "opposed the Bush ban on stem cell research." He opposed the "Bush constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage." He "opposed the Bush bankruptcy bill" and "the president's efforts to undermine affirmative action." He "stood with my fellow Democrats to oppose George Bush's plan to privatize Social Security."

Let's not lose our heads and pretend Lieberman's a conservative -- such as with the Weekly Standard's toying with the idea of his running as a vice-presidential candidate on the Republican ticket in 2008. There are plenty of national security hawks on the Republican side who are also conservative on economic and social issues...

It Depends On Whose Anti-Semitism We're Talking About

Larry Elder has a great column about the strange selectivity in the Hollywood glitterati's attitudes towards anti-Semitism. Strongly criticize Mel Gibson? Fine; he deserves it. But what about the sober anti-Semitism of Michael Moore, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and others?

CNN Report: Adult Stem Cell Research is a Money Maker

In an interesting (and welcome) development, the last couple of days have seen increased attention from the MSM about the success of research using adult stem cells - a success that is translating into solid investment opportunities. On Tuesday I put this post on the Vital Signs Blog and today I'm suggesting you check out this remarkable CNN story which touts biotech companies like Osiris, Cytori, and Aastrom that are concentrating on adult stem cells.

"From a Wall Street perspective, adult stem cells are a much better investment," said Stephen Dunn of Dawson James Securities. "These are the guys who are going to be in the news in 2007 and 2008."

President Bush recently vetoed a bill that would loosen federal restrictions on funding for embryonic stem cells, and some analysts fear that as a result the best developments in this area will be made overseas.

But work with adult stem cells isn't being held back by funding restraints and political opposition, analysts say.

"Embryonic stem cell research hasn't kept up pace with adult stem cell research," said Dunn. "Adult stem cell research is advancing so far you might not need embryonic stem cells..."

Legal But Still Dirty: Two Abortion Clinics in Trouble

Abortion is a bad business -- just ask Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine whose oath of conduct was taken by generations of physicians, an oath that specifically prohibited any participation in the immorality of abortion.

And, if you had any doubt that abortion remains a bad business, check out these two news stories about the shoddy, dirty and dangerous conditions at these places.

Here is the situation with a Miami abortion mill and here is the case of another in Alabama which has state officials wondering about conditions elsewhere.

Part Three: The Nebraska Humane Care Amendment FAQ

In recent days I have posted here on Vital Signs Blog some of the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Humane Care Amendment that will be on Nebraska's ballot this November. If you've missed Parts One or Two of those posts, follow the links to catch up. Here is the next set...

What if I personally wish to decline food or fluids, especially nourishment by tube or IV, under certain circumstances?

The Nebraska Humane Care Amendment does NOT prevent anyone from declining care. The text expressly provides for “honoring the will of any person who, by means of a valid advance directive record, has fully, expressly, and personally either authorized the withholding of food or water from himself or herself under specific conditions, or delegated that decision, under specific conditions, to one or more relatives or to another person unrelated to the entity with a legal duty of care.” HCA preserves your right of self-determination by barring any unauthorized person from acting to dehydrate/starve you to death.

What about a situation where heirs with conflicting financial interests, perhaps in line for an inheritance, want to withdraw food and water from me while I am institutionalized?

If you authorize them to do so in writing by means of an advance directive (e.g., a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care) the Nebraska Humane Care Amendment would not protect you. If you never so authorize them, or if you ever withdraw such authorization, your right to the humane basics of hydration and nourishment would be constitutionally protected. The Nebraska Humane Care Amendment leaves YOU and your authorized loved ones in control -- not strangers, not greedy corporations, and not people you don’t trust to uphold your best interests.

Someone in the newspaper said Humane Care imposes all sorts of burdens and is inflexible. True?

Not true! Humane Care requires hydration/nutrition ONLY if its absence could reasonably kill or cause grave harm to the person at risk – and ONLY if the person can metabolize, and ONLY if there is no advance directive expressly authorizing otherwise. Conversely, Humane Care does NOT require water/food for a time if failure to hydrate/nourish would NOT reasonably cause death or grave harm. A less “burdensome” and more “flexible” policy would require that Nebraskans allow for involuntary dehydration/starvation to the point of death or grave harm.

But, could hydration and nutrition cause pain for the recipient?

Again, Humane Care allows for absence of water and food for a time if this would NOT reasonably kill or gravely harm the person at risk. On the other hand, because water and nourishment are ALWAYS necessary to sustain human life over an extended period of time, and because an individual may have a condition that causes pain (such as cancer), the caregiving institution should do everything it can to help the individual and loved ones in their desire manage any pain – but without acting unethically; without discriminating based on disability, age, etc.; and without acting against the Hippocratic Oath to expedite death. For an extended discussion of pain management, see for example, Power Over Pain: How to Get the Pain Control You Need (Eric M. Chevlen and Wesley J. Smith, 2002).

I'll post the next installment in a day or two.

South Dakota Update -- The Billion Brothers Split on Abortion Ban

Okay, you're the Democrat running to become South Dakota's next Governor. And, in normal behavior for a Democrat seeking political office, you oppose such sweeping pro-life measures as the abortion ban passed earlier by the state legislature. In fact, you create a special news conference to "clarify" how completely you're opposed to the ban.

You've got everything going for you -- you're speaking to like-minded souls in the media; you're utilizing the old "Of course, I'm pro-life but" rhetoric; and, heck, you're a physician with all the authority that commands.

But, uh oh...you suddenly discover that your own brother (also a physician) has come to the same place with a public statement of his own. And his statement stands squarely, strongly against yours --- "I support this courageous act by our South Dakota Legislature and Governor Rounds, because it recognizes the scientific and moral truth about human life in the womb."

Maybe it's just not your day, after all.

Read MSNBC's account of the Billion brothers' disagreement right here.

What About the Children? The Victims of Andrea Yates' "Insanity" Go Unmourned

The tragedy of Andrea Yates brutally drowning her children -- 7-year old Noah, 5-year old John, 3-year old Luke, 2-year old Paul and 6 months old Mary -- has been mercilessly extended by a Texas jury letting the murderer go free. Indeed, Andrea Yates is being re-fashioned by the MSM and feminist groups into a post-modern heroine, a "super mom" who just happened to catch a bad disease...or who, perhaps, unwittingly fell victim to what a CBS reporter called "the dark side" of home-schooling.

Kathryn Jean Lopez takes a look at this very disturbing situation in this NRO article.

The Wild and Wicked Ways of Communist Belarus

How wild can anti-Christian indictrination in the schools get? Check out how the corrupt and totalitarian Communists of Belarus do it.

Despite protests from religious communities, state textbooks continue to make false allegations such as associating charismatic churches and Hare Krishna devotees with the group behind the fatal gas attack on Tokyo's metro system, claiming that Adventists operate "on the same principle as any fraudster," and depicting the history of Protestantism in Belarus negatively...

In one Minsk school, the headteacher told teachers that 90 per cent of every class must join the Pioneers, a Soviet-style state youth organisation, "but that Baptists and satanists were permitted not to join." In another incident, one teacher told a class that "they shouldn't be friends" with a Protestant pupil.

Read the rest of this article from Forum here.

Criticism of Intellligent Design Articles Unfounded

A recent document published by the Discovery Institute takes on (and effectively knocks down) both the oft-repeated claims that advocates of intelligent design are unable to publish their work in "appropriate" scientific literature and that advocates of intelligent design cannot get their works published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The well-annotated Peer-Reviewed & Peer-Edited Scientific Publications Supporting the Theory of Intelligent Design is right here. Go ahead and print a few copies off to hand around to friends, skeptics and folks who have had nothing by which to judge the issue except the slanted reports of the mainstream media. It is a very persuasive piece.