Lifeblog

Doyle: 'abstinence doesn't work'. Really?

2010-02-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

"Study after study has shown that abstinence-only education does not work." --Governor Doyle

..Except, of course ones like this one published this month in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

Paul Ryan, MVP of Healthcare Summit: 'Government doesn't have all the answers'

2010-02-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

His star just keeps getting brighter.

Too many black babies aborted: CNN debate

2010-02-25T16:10:00.000-08:00

This was an incredible exchange. The representative from Georgia Right to Life was so articulate and focused, such a contrast to her counterpart during the debate. Excellent. And the last point driven home was so powerful. While he reverted to discussing matters of social justice, she made the insightful and logical point: "dead babies don't need education". True, contemporary notions of "social justice" require the right to life.

Wisconsin diocese withholding 2010 funds from CCHD

2010-02-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

A few hundred years ago, 'The Prince' was put on the banned books list for a reason, because the ends don't justify the means. Alinsky, the grandfather of all of these community organization admitted his 'Rules for Radicals' was simply a modern day version of the 'Prince', which trumpeted the ends justify the means philosophy. Today, we receive some good news regarding the examination of CCHD funds in the Green Bay Diocese.

From the Catholic News Agency:

Green Bay, Wis., Feb 25, 2010 / 06:15 pm (CNA).- The Diocese of Green Bay in Wisconsin has chosen to withhold its annual funding of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) until further information has been gathered on allegations that recently surfaced.

The CCHD, which is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. bishops, has recently come under fire for alleged connections with a network of community organizations that have promoted homosexual causes and abortion advocacy. In response to recent allegations the CCHD subcommittee has been investigating claims.

The Diocese of Green Bay's newspaper The Compass reported on Wednesday that Bishop David Ricken has decided to send his diocese's donations only to CRS and Peter's Pence, citing his need for more time to assess CCHD's situation locally and nationally.

Every year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, parishes in the Diocese of Green Bay have traditionally taken up a collection with a portion of it going to the CCHD.

“There have been some questions about programs that have received funding from CCHD,” said Fr. John Doerfler, vicar general and chancellor for the Diocese of Green Bay to The Compass. “That, along with the enormous post-earthquake needs in Haiti, we decided this is an appropriate time to give additional support to Catholic Relief Services while we analyze the situation with CCHD.”

The Green Bay Compass clarified that there have been no apparent problems in the local diocese regarding CCHD grants and church teachings. CCHD grants in the area so far have been allotted to Spanish-speaking immigrants, homeless and formerly homeless individuals and home health care aids, the paper reported.

BREAKING: Nancy says she has the votes!?!?

2010-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

This is not good:

Palin to Obama: Try listening

2010-01-26T18:34:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Fresh from Mrs. Palin's facebook, words that give life to our exasperation, fomented by being dismissed and ridiculed instead of heard:

We’ve now seen three landslide Republican victories in three states that President Obama carried in 2008. From the tea parties to the town halls to the Massachusetts Miracle, Americans have tried to make their opposition to Washington’s big government agenda loud and clear. But the President has decided that this current discontent isn’t his fault, it’s ours. He seems to think we just don’t understand what’s going on because he hasn’t had the chance – in his 411 speeches and 158 interviews last year – to adequately explain his policies to us. Instead of sensibly telling the American people, “I’m listening,” the president is saying, “Listen up, people!” (More)

Entire student body attends march for life

2010-01-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Ok, I already was a big fan of Christendom College First off, Warren Carroll, its founder is an amazing Christian historian. His books read like novels but are first rate histories. For anyone who might be interested, i suggest starting with the guillotine and the cross which describes the French Revolution in terms of a cosmic struggle between good and evil: a truly captivating account.
But then i read the following about Christendom:

Front Royal, VA (January 26, 2010) - On January 22, Christendom College transported over 400 students, faculty, and staff to the 37th March for Life in Washington D.C. Braving the cold weather, the college community rallied on the Mall facing Capitol Hill with an estimated 300,000 fellow pro-lifers.

"The March was extremely hopeful and joyful despite the hard times we are facing," Junior Ania Zganiacz of Connecticut said. "It's wonderful how Christendom supports the March by making it so easy for students to attend—it really is an essential way for the Christendom community to stand up for the culture of life."

Great stuff. Now, if i can persuade my children to apply there in a few years :)

Michael Savage shocked by pro-life march while eating chowder

2010-01-26T18:06:00.000-08:00

Famed and controversial radio host Michael Savage describes going for lunch and being pleasantly shocked by the 2 mile long "Walk forLife West Coast" that stretched the streets of San Fransisco--and which was buried by the local media.

"It just doesn't seem to be a very hip issue."

2010-01-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I thought the closing quote from the excerpt below was of special interest. It regards the pro-life youth of today and the growing awareness of life in the womb at an earlier age. And on the other side, you don't see the same inculcation and can't, because what would you say? What can you say that isn't contradicted by the science children learn in the most basic life science class. Life begins at conception.

Activists who support abortion rights conceded that there's less energy among young people on their side of the debate.

"Unfortunately, I feel my generation is a little complacent," said Amanda Pelletier, 20, co-director of the abortion rights group at American University. "It just doesn't seem to be a very hip issue."

Erin Matson, action vice president for the National Organization for Women, said that the current political climate is "terrifically hostile" to abortion rights and that her group hopes to organize a national march similar to a huge rally for NOW's side of the issue in 2004.

Matson criticized President Obama and Democrats in Congress for having "put forth the most punitive proposed restrictions on abortion in my lifetime." She referred to the provision in the House bill sponsored by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), which would prevent women who receive federal insurance subsidies from buying insurance that pays for abortions.

Matson and Pelletier were among fewer than 100 abortion-rights supporters who demonstrated in front of the Supreme Court on the anniversary of Roe.

Young people in the March for Life said they thought they were more opposed to abortion than people in their parents' generation because they had more information about the issue, in part because of their education.

"We start learning early on why it's wrong. I don't think they got the chance to do that," said Kelly Brennan, 17, who came here with a group from Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia. (Full article)

Largest Pro-life March Ever in San Fransisco

2010-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

"The 6th Annual Walk for Life was a huge success! Despite rain, tens of thousands of pro-lifers filled the streets of San Francisco on Saturday January 23rd, 2010." Read more

The above imagine is jarring and inspiring for a number of reasons:

The location--my kneejerk reaction is to assume there is little hope in city that was named after the greatest mendicant of the middle ages.
The crowd is so large, it's not a trickle it's a flood.
This is the 6th annual walk for life in San Fransisco, and it has gotten progressively bigger each year. The simple witness that there are other defenders will attract more and more individuals tapping into previously unknown reservoirs of courage.
The crowd is so youthful, brimming with joy in what many would consider the belly of the beast.

H/T Thomas Peters

Where Sin Abounds, Grace Abounds Even More (Romans 5:20)

Thompson V. Feingold: potential "marquee match-up"

2010-01-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Ed Morrisseyover at Hot Air has a good little blurb about the potential match-up, recalling some of the tense townhalls Feingold has had this past year. Here's a bit:

Until this year, Russ Feingold appeared to have a secure hold on his Senate seat from Wisconsin, despite being significantly more liberal than his state’s voters. Feingold had earned their support for his plain spoken style and his occasional bipartisan forays — one of which bit the dust today as blatantly unconstitutional. However, given the hostile reception Feingold has received at town-hall meetings, Wisconsin voters may be ready for a change — and Tommy Thompson could end the tenure of the Senate’s most liberal member:

In a brief interview Wednesday about the possibility of a Senate run this year, Thompson, a Republican, would only say: “I’m not saying no.”

The former governor mused last fall about a potential gubernatorial or Senate run, but if he does mount a campaign this year, it’s now almost certain to be a run against Feingold.

A Thompson-Feingold contest could become one of the country’s marquee matchups. Republicans have so far been unable to recruit a top-tier challenger to take on Feingold, who is one of the body’s most liberal senators.

That Thompson is seriously weighing a bid against Feingold illustrates how promising Republicans believe this November could be for the party. Following Scott Brown’s shocking win Tuesday in the Massachusetts special Senate election and victories in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial contests last November, GOP officials believe it will become easier to woo potential candidates. (Full article)

NYT: Tommy Thompson considering a run against Feingold for Senate

2010-01-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

The New York Times had a column today regarding the fallout from the Brown win in Massachusetts, namely, the G.O.P is seeking to get candidates into the ring for next November:

"Republicans are luring new candidates into House and Senate races, and the number of seats up for grabs in November appears to be growing, setting up a midterm election likely to be harder fought than anyone anticipated before the party’s big victory in Massachusetts last week.

Republicans still face many obstacles, not least a number of potentially divisive primaries in coming months that will highlight the deep ideological rifts within the party. But in the days since Republicans claimed the Senate seat that Edward M. Kennedy had held for decades, upending assumptions in both parties about the political landscape for 2010, they have seen not just a jolt of energy and optimism but also more concrete opportunities to take on Democrats.

Just since Tuesday, half a dozen Republicans have expressed interest in challenging Democrats in House races in New York, Pennsylvania and potentially Massachusetts, party officials said.

“I think it was inspiring and gave voice to a lot of people,” said Mike Fitzpatrick, a former one-term Republican congressman from the Philadelphia suburbs who announced on Saturday that he would try to reclaim his old seat from Representative Patrick J. Murphy, a Democrat.

Representative John Boozman, Republican of Arkansas, said the results in Massachusetts had pushed him toward challenging Senator Blanche Lincoln, a vulnerable Democrat. “If the people of Massachusetts are upset, you can imagine how the people of Arkansas feel,” Mr. Boozman said in a telephone interview Sunday night.

Republicans said they were soliciting high-profile candidates for Senate races in Indiana and Wisconsin, states they had been prepared to write off just weeks ago. Tommy G. Thompson, the former Wisconsin governor, is considering challenging Senator Russ Feingold, a Democrat, aides said. Even in longer-shot states like New York, Republicans said they think the political climate gives them a chance to find a strong Senate candidate."(Full article)

Sensenbrenner to Pro-lifers: "Stay awake and don't fall asleep."

2010-01-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

200,000 at the Washington Mall rallied for life celebrating the demise of the health care bill and the abortion mandate. But the exhortation to remain vigilant was loud and clear--from the Washington Times:

At the rally, Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., Wisconsin Republican, also warned the crowd there will be a reaction.
"We've won a battle by defeating Obamacare with the help of voters from Massachusetts last Tuesday," he said, "but they'll come back with something else just as bad. Stay awake and don't fall asleep."
Rep. Steve King, Iowa Republican, who missed his son's Nov. 7 wedding because of a key vote on the House version of the health care bill, said he traveled to Massachusetts a week ago to work for Mr. Brown's victory.
"I despise socialized medicine that compels taxpayers to pay for abortion," he said. "I believe Providence intervened in Massachusetts." Gesturing toward the Mall, "I believe we are going to come back here and celebrate."
The Rev. Lawrence Swink, pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Bowie, Md., said as much during a morning sermon to 17,345 young Catholics at a Friday morning Mass at the Verizon Center.
"We are going to win the war against the culture of death, and it is ending," he said. "We're going to pray, we're going to march and we're going to win."
Karen Cross, the NRTLC's political director, said the public wants to end the "3,300 people a day losing their lives to abortion" — an annual total of 1.2 million abortions.
As for election in Massachusetts and what that means in terms of defeating the health care bill and chipping away at abortion, "I'm excited," she said. "It's like Christmas every day."

Full article

Huckabee over Obama in theoretical Faceoff

2010-01-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

From the Hill:

A survey released Friday by a liberal pollster showed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) in a dead heat with President Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential race.

It's the first time Obama has not held a lead in Public Policy Polling's (PPP) monthly presidential tracking poll.

Huckabee led Obama by a slim, one percent margin 45-44. The poll has a margin of error of 2.8 percent. (full article)

While Huckabee may not be the upcoming main contender in 2012 for the conservatives, it is promising news for many. And Huckabee is a very articulate pro-lifer, going on such mainstream venues as John Stewart and engaging in discussions on the evil of abortion. One key point that he makes in many discussions is the similarity between abortion on the slavery: the parallel being that one person has assumed the right to rule another. This is a great way to articulate the issue and I haven't heard to many others make it.

Test your Roe IQ!

2010-01-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

This is a great little quiz on Roe V. Wade. Although, some questions are pretty specific, like, which justice said such and such, etc. But on the whole very good. I scored 10 out of 13, respectabel I guess--i've got more studying to do. Give it a try!

If Scott Brown Supports Roe V. Wade why are pro-lifers so excited?

2010-01-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Good question. Brian Burch from Catholic Vote Action has a good explanation.

"Scott Brown is certainly not an ideal candidate. After all, he supports Roe v. Wade," Burch says.
But killing the pro-abortion health care bill may be a good enough reason to be glad Brown won anyway, Burch explains.

And further...Matt Barber, the director of cultural affairs development for Liberty Counsel, a pro-life legal group:

"Still, to my pro-life, pro-family compatriots, I offer this: While bleeding to death, one may be left no choice but to apply a tourniquet. A tourniquet is less than ideal. It may even cost a limb; however, it’s also likely to save one’s life," he told LifeNews.com. "By providing Senate Republicans the crucial 41st vote needed to filibuster, Scott Brown supplies the tourniquet.

Reminds me also of a chapter from Dinesh D'Souza's book, 'Letters to a young conservative" where he describes that incremental advances are superior to waiting forever for the magic ticket.

Pro-Choice Tom Barrett and the New Archbishop

2010-01-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I didn't know Tom Barrett was Catholic in the mold of Pelosi.

From Dad29:

Tommy Barrett is a member of St. Sebastian's Parish over by the Highlands, there, ain'a.

Tommy Barrett may have a problem. Oh--not with the former pastor of that church, whose total disrespect for liturgical law is well-known (and despised).

Nope. Tommy's problem is with the Archbishop of Milwaukee.

As a congressman, Barrett:

Voted against the Child Custody Protection Act which would have made it a federal crime to take a minor across state lines to have an abortion to keep the abortion secret from her parents.
Voted against a ban on performing abortions at military hospitals.
Voted against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, a federal law which allows prosecutors to charge a third party for death or injury to an unborn child.
Voted against a ban on human cloning.
Voted against the Mexico City Policy which prohibits the use of federal funds to promote or perform abortions overseas.
Voted for taxpayer funding of abortions for federal employees.
Voted against banning partial-birth abortions (2002 bill).
Oh, that's not all. As a Wisconsin leggie, Barrett:

Voted in favor of taxpayer funding of abortion referrals.
Voted against protecting the unborn child of a pregnant woman on life supports.
Voted against the right-to-life position on 53 out of 55 votes
It's pretty well-known that Abp. Listecki does not suffer pro-abortion "Catholics" well at all. Let's hope that the Abp's past is prologue.

"Sarah Palin: "The pro-life movement is pro-women"

2010-01-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

Although she won't be at the March for Life Tomorrow Ms. Palin had some powerful words. Great message, the pro-life movement is authentically pro-women:

The pro-life movement is pro-women, and it empowers women with the message that we are strong enough and smart enough to be able to pursue education, vocations and avocations while giving life to a child. This movement is largely run by women. In fact, many of the earliest leaders of the women’s rights movement were pro-life – women like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul, the author of the original Equal Rights Amendment in 1923, who said, “Abortion is the ultimate exploitation of women.” Today, more and more young women agree with these feminist foremothers, for they know in their hearts that the culture of life empowers women by offering them real choices. Unfortunately, rather than portray this positive message, the media often focuses on divisions among Americans on this issue. But this annual rally is not about anger and controversy; it’s about a huge grassroots effort to make our voices heard in support of women and their children.

More here.

Gov. Palin in WI: Don

2009-11-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Gov. Palin in WI: Don

New York Times Does the Unthinkable

2009-10-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

Image via CrunchBase

It publishes photos of abortion victims. This could very well be another indicator of the changing times. Images of these children will change hearts. And dabbling with exposing this in mainstream news is certain to bring about further change, good change.

From Thomas Peters:

An important event happened over the weekend in the pro-life movement:

On Saturday, the New York Times included a front-page, above-the-fold news story that presents a strangely fair portrayal of pro-life advocates who engage in street activism.
Meanwhile, the Times' Photography, Video, and Visual Journalism online section features a photo montage showing the pictures of babies who died in abortions {warning, leads to graphic material}. {Accompanying video report here - also includes graphic images.}
Monica Migliorino Miller, a Michigan pro-life advocate and professor at Madonna University, has taken so many pictures of babies killed in abortions she is regarded as an expert of sorts.
She told LifeNews.com over the weekend that the Times show and online pictorial is "nearly unprecedented in 37 years of legalized abortion."
"Perhaps for the first time in the history of the pro-life movement a nationally recognized paper -- or any newspaper for that matter -- has deliberately printed photos of actual abortion victims," Miller said.
Miller talked about the genesis of the news report and online photo spread [here].
Miller encourages pro-life advocates to comment on the Times story and to thank the newspaper for running the photos online. (full post)

16th Annual Right to life Bowl-A-Thon (November 20th)

2009-10-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

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Last weekend many joined in prayer at the crossroads of Erie and 14th in Sheboygan. A cross of prayerful demonstrators was formed that embraced the intersection. It was 54 degrees and mostly overcast, but many prayers were said and many hearts were hopefully turned that day. Another event is only a few weeks away. Let's spread the word far and wide about the upcoming Right to Life Bowl-A-Thon (organizer and contact person is Russ Otten):

16th Annual Right to life Bowl-A-thon (November 20th)

When: Friday, November 20 from 7-10 pm
Where: Odyssey Lanes in Sheboygan Falls
Ways to get Involved: Bowl or Sponsor

100% of donations go to Right to Life!

Prizes: FREE PIZZA PARTY for individuals who raise over $50

PLUS the Cup of Life will be awarded to the school
that raises the most money!

Contact Russ Otten for more information
phone: 207-8977
email: ottenruss@gmail.com

DOWNLOAD SPONSOR SHEET HERE

Dirty diaper posters to reduce pregnancy?

2009-09-27T17:40:00.001-07:00

I would be curious to see how affective this campaign is, which is being promoted throughout Milwaukee. Unintended consequences can be quite surprising. I can't imagine a diaper poster doing much to dissuade teenagers from making a bad choice. On the other hand, it would seem to help cultivate an atmosphere where an infant is somewhat dehumanized.

From WISN:

MILWAUKEE -- Posters of dirty diapers have been put up at several bus shelters in Milwaukee.

It's part of an ongoing ad campaign by the United Way and Serve Marketing to combat teen pregnancy.The United Way said the city has one of the top 10 highest teen pregnancy rates in the country.The posters show a dirty diaper with the words "scratch and sniff" on them.In the middle is a message that says, "This doesn't really stink, but the consequences of teen pregnancy sure do.""It's supposed to make you not feel good. It's gross on purpose because we want teens to realize the real consequences of teen pregnancy are really hard and by putting up a dirty diaper, we're catching teens by surprise," said Gary Mueller of Serve MarketingThe posters went up at four bus shelters with the highest concentrations of students.

ANti-abortion demonstrations continue in Madison

2009-09-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

From the Badger Herald:

Anti-abortion protestors lined the sidewalks at the Madison Surgery Center Tuesday, demonstrating their discontent over the center’s plans to begin performing late-term abortions.

More than 80 protestors gathered around the surgery center, brandishing signs with anti-abortion messages and eliciting honks from passing motorists.

The rally was a joint effort by various anti-abortion groups and other advocacy groups, including Pro-Life Wisconsin, Vigil for Life and Wisconsin Family Council to oppose the surgery center’s intent to begin performing second-term abortions.

The abortions were approved by the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics’ Authority Board, Meriter Hospital, UW Hospital’s doctor groups and the Madison Surgery Center early this spring after the retirement of Planned Parenthood physician Dennis Christensen — previously the only person to offer the procedure in the Madison area.

University of Wisconsin alumna and Pro-Life Wisconsin spokesperson Virginia Zignego was impressed with the turnout, saying it was higher than she expected. (more)

Milwaukee Tea Party

2009-09-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

The organizers of the Tea Party did a great job about incorporating a number of key messages, including a pro-life one . Pastor David King, founder of the Milwaukee God Squad, touched on the issue of abortion and gave a strong witness. In the crowd there were a number of people standing up for life. Here are some pictures of the rally.

'Seniors No Need Apply'

2009-09-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

This video by the population research video is quite clever. The section on the end of life counseling alluded to in the video was found out to be written by the pro assisted suicide organization Compassion and Choices, itself an "offshoot" of the Hemlock Society, and hence, dropped; yeah, one small victory. The culture of death is slowly creeping into all parts of society. It remains vigorously peddled as the answer from climate change to population control.