Tuesday, February 20, 2007

A Look Back at the Three-Day Weekend

According to The New Yorker, there is a big discrepancy concerning the name of yesterday's federal holiday. Is it President's Day, Presidents' Day, or Presidents Day??

A true quandary.

The real name for yesterday's federal holiday is WASHINGTON'S Birthday. Now, the 3rd Monday in February will never fall on the date of George Washington's true birthday, but American students, federal employees, bankers, and other celebrants can enjoy a three day winter weekend - not such a bad deal.

Why is the holiday technically known as Washington's Birthday now referred to as President's/s'/s Day? Once again, the greed and materialism of American culture rears its splashy sales signs and tempts us to use our credit cards. So if Valentine's Day is a card-company holiday, President's/s'/s Day has been claimed by the department stores. Bye bye, February holidays!

I hope you enjoyed your three-day weekend. This post may be a day late and a dollar short, but hey, power shopping comes first on a three day weekend!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

William Donohue - "Actions generate death threats"

William Donohue must issue statement of apology and reconciliation - and then resign.

According to an op ed on Yahoo news death threats have been issued against Edwards bloggers Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan. We can not confirm or deny these threats, but we are not surprised. We all should be concerned for their safety. We may disagree with them, but certainly wish them no harm.

William Donohue by his actions has created an atmosphere of hate and division. Speaking out against these two and their posts is his right. However it should not be his right to relentlessly persecute them and demand the Edwards campaign do this or that. Who does William Donohue think he is? William Donohue acts like a child when he does not get his way. His reckless actions bring harm to people. He should be held accountable for his actions. We sincerely hope that there is an investigation by the IRS into the activities of the Catholic League and its 501c3 status.

No mainstream Catholic organizations or official offices of the Catholic Church have joined William Donohue in his quest to ruin the lives of the two young ladies. We do not expect that any will join him.

William Donohue does not speak for Catholics or the Catholic Church. He does not officially represent Catholics or the Catholic Church. And he certainly does not represent Catholic Teaching or traditions. We must begin to urge the media community to realize this. While they they book him for entertainment purposes, they must be informed as to the damage he inflicts on the reputation of the Catholic Church.

If the stories of the death threats are true - William Donohue must put out a release today apologizing to Amanda and Melissa. He must call for an end to the cloud of hate and division he has created. He must point out that non violence is the Catholic way. He must call for those issuing death threats to come forward and identify themselves. Then he should resign his position. If William Donohue is one tenth of the Catholic he says he is - he will issue such a release. We suspect he will not.

We strongly suggest that William Donohue seek the counsel of his Parish Priest ASAP.

Update - 2/15/07 More Potential Catholic League IRS Problems
Dirty Deal Hudson has his cry towel out for Uncle Bill - read more......
Uncle Bills "Gook Joke"

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Bless me Father for I have sinned - my last confession was...

Remember? Those of you old enough to remember confession remember that opening line and the confessional booth. I remember going with my parents to stand in line on a Saturday night or before holy days to confess to the Priest all the sinning I had done as a 10 yr old. One would enter the confessional booth - a two sided box with a kneeler for the sinner on one side and the Priest hidden on the other. There was a widow with a screen in it and curtain so you could not see him or he you. I know he always peeked to see who was walking in - but it still had the feel of anonymity .

10 yr old Eamon: umm Hi Father - I told a lie, ummm I cursed, umm I looked at the National Geographic and had impure thoughts....ummm. - Father: "For your sins Eamon - you will say 3 Hail Marys - now run along." 10 yr old Eamon: Gee - thanks Father! Golly I feel pure now!

Then came the Confessional Reformation. Down came the booths and in walked Dr. Phil. Now they wanted us to sit eye to eye and tell the Priest our deepest darkest secrets. Right! - so the lines for Confession became smaller and many of us Catholics went less and less and now they call it the "Sacrament of Reconciliation".

I miss the grand ole days of the confessional where I could cleanse my soul of my sinning. Now because of the Dr. Phil experience I feel dirty and my soul is full of sin. Can I get a booth and curtain call?

National Catholic Reporter has a great story on the state of confession today...

Monday, February 12, 2007

Amanda Marcotte Resigns

Who is Amanda Marcotte you say? Oh yeah - she is one of the evil bloggers that was keeping William Donohue up late at night. Seems Uncle Bill had his panties in a bunch for the past week over Amanda and another blogger John Edwards refused to fire. Well today she gave it up.

My thinking on this has progressed over the last week. My initial reaction was to fire them both and move on. I was offended by their remarks. But then I remembered that document that extremists like Donohue dismiss as multiple choice - that pesky US Constitution. You know - gives us free speech, freedom of religion - freedom from tyrants and wannabe tyrants like Uncle Bill. I may disagree with the Ku Klux Klan, but they have their rights. I disagree with William Donhue who is in many ways like the Ku Klux Klan, and he has his rights to blather on. And I disagree with Amanda Marcotte regarding her dim views on Catholicism and Christianity, but she has her rights.

William Donohue has violated Amanda's rights and should be held accountable - that is why we will work with along with other bloggers to do. Read more...

I love being Catholic -but sometimes it is just down right embarrassing to see some of the loony tunes characters that attempt to represent us in the American Media. Amanda points out Francis Kissling in her blog, but what she fails to realize is that Kissling of Catholics for a Free Choice is just as bad as William Donohue and the Catholic League. Both are divisive and both have very little that is Catholic to offer. And just like the term "William Donohue is Sane" is a contradiction in terms - so is "Catholics for a Free Choice".

For awhile - let us reflect what is Catholic and what is not - and put to rest the division of William Donohue, Francis Kissling and Deal Hudson.

In the Land of Lincoln - the Audacity of Hope

In case you missed - Barack Obama's Presidential launch - speech to over 15,000 people in Springfield Illinois -- yes - I said "15,000". This speech is worth a listen.

I must say - one of the better speeches I have heard in a long time.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

This weeks Catholic Politician Profile - Ted Kennedy

Ted Kennedy - U.S. Senate - Massachusetts (D)

Based on Catholic Teaching
+ Plus indicates Good Catholic
- Minus indicates not so Good Catholic

The Dignity of the Human Person
Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005) -
Voted NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004) -
Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003) -
Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999) -
Voted NO on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)-
Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003) -
Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004) -
Voted NO on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)+
Moratorium on death penalty; more DNA testing. (Mar 2001)+
Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001) +
Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004) +
Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006) +
Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005) +
Collect data on birth defects and present to the public. (Apr 1998) +

The Dignity of Work
Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005) +
Voted NO on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001) +
Voted NO on killing an increase in the minimum wage. (Nov 1999) +
Voted NO on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997) +
Voted NO on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996) +
Protect overtime pay protections. (Jun 2003) +
Rated 100% by the AFL-CIO, indicating a pro-union voting record. (Dec 2003) +

The Person in the Community
Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002) +
Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998) +
Steadfast opponent of vouchers. (Jan 2001) -
Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999) -
Small Business loans for child care businesses. (Apr 2003) +

Rights and Responsibilities
Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)+
Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000) +
Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006) +
Voted YES on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)+
Voted NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)+
Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)+
Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 2003)+

Option for Those in Poverty
Voted NO on welfare block grants. (Aug 1996) +
Voted YES on eliminating block grants for food stamps. (Jul 1996) +
Voted NO on allowing state welfare waivers. (Jul 1996) +
Voted NO on welfare overhaul. (Sep 1995) +
Establish a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. (Jul 2003) +
Tax credits to promite home ownership in distressed areas. (Apr 2003) +
Fully fund AmeriCorps. (Jun 2003) +

Solidarity
Voted NO on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)+
Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)+
Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)+
Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)+
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)+
Rated 25% by CATO, indicating a pro-fair trade voting record. (Dec 2002) +
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)+
Voted YES on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)+
Voted NO on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)+
Voted NO on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)+

Care for Creation
Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's AMWR. (Nov 2005) +
Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005) +
Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005) +
Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003) +
Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003) +
Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003) +
Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002) +
Rated 89% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes. (Dec 2003) +
EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004) +

100% Rating by NETWORK on issues related to Catholic Social Teaching.

Respect for the dignity of each individual person: No
The common good: Yes
Health and future of the planet: Yes
The dignity of work: Yes
Care for those who are poor and vulnerable: Yes
The dignity of all creation: No
Human rights: Yes

This is a tough decision based on Senator Kennedy's long and vocal support of abortion rights. However nobody champions the least of these in this world in the Senate more than Ted Kennedy. He also has been against the war in Iraq from the beginning. It is our hope that he will take a close and hard look at some of the abortion reduction acts currently in Congress and will sponsor them in the Senate. We could elevate him to good status if he does sponsor one of these bills.

Recomendations - Read Evangelium Vitae, schedule visit with USCCB Pro Life Office

Final Rating: Needs Improvement Catholic Politician

B16 - Incurable, terminally ill have right to care, human dignity

The pope called for the implementation of “just social policies” to help in the elimination of “the causes of many diseases” and the improvement of care for the dying and the terminally ill.

“There is a need to promote policies which create conditions where human beings can bear even incurable illnesses and death in a dignified manner,” he said, pointing to the need for more palliative care centers.

“This is a right belonging to every human being, one which we must all be committed to defend,” the pontiff said.
Read More....

Healthcare should be a basic human right afforded to all humanity. We must work to insure this for the Common Good of all.

Who speaks for Catholics?

UPDATE:

Maybe we have judged Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan a bit to harshly. Who are we to judge anyway. That is not our place. We do not really care for their blog style and we are offended by their remarks about Catholics, the Virgin Mary and people of Faith. We are sure however we could find common ground with them though. Should the staff who brought these two aboard at the Edwards Campaign have googled these two a bit more - yes.

Is John Edwards an anti Catholic? No - no candidate out there is speaking to some of the issues central to Catholic Teaching like Edwards is. Sure we have some candidates pushing the usual wedge issues. Edwards however is talking about the least of these and promoting an agenda that address's the ills of poverty and equality.

Who speaks for Catholics? We do not. Amanda and Melissa do not. John Edwards does not. Nor do Pharasees like William Donohue, Deal Hudson, Mark Shea, Amy Wellborn, Michelle Malkin, Craig Richardson and Dave Hartline. However the Vatican does. The USCCB does. Your Diocesan Bishop does. And you local Parish Priest does. We await the statement of the official Church on this matter - if it even matters to them. We suspect organizations like the "Catholic" League that put such trivial matters on the front page in the name of the Church are more of an embarrassment to the Church than a help.

The "Catholic" League - What is interesting here is the use of "Catholic". It gives one the impression that this organization is legitimate. It is a 501c3 and employees people who are Catholic. However it is not an official organization within the Catholic Church. It has been suggested that its use of the term "Catholic" is a violation of Canon Law - however we discovered that the organization got its 501c3 under the USCCB sponsorship years ago before that loophole was closed. Interesting since Uncle Bill and his cronies often disparage the USCCB. The term "Catholic" according to Canon law should be reserved for official organizations of the Church. The "Catholic League" is not an official organization of the Catholic Church, nor do they speak as an official voice of the church.

So why does William Donohue get so much attention? He makes himself available to the lazy media. We have discussed this with several producers and booker's. Uncle Bill does a great job of getting his press release out and making himself available to the media. Often they (the media) are not presented with an alternative voice. Because of today's fast pace - the media often does not seek out an alternative voice. Uncle Bill also brings entertainment and controversy. This is at times is more important that presenting the facts in today's media.

So while Uncle Bill does not bring an authentic Catholic voice to the media - he does bring controversy and entertainment. He is not much different than Hulk Hogan.

Prior to William Donohue, the Catholic League provided a useful service to Catholics. Now it has become the vehicle for William Donohues off color bigoted remarks and a way to promote his neo conservative political agenda. A review of his archive of press releases will provide little that is truly Catholic. One will find much division and hatred though.

William Donohue is a great fan of the Mel Gibson movie the "Passion" . We remind Uncle Bill of the scene in the garden where Peter raises his sword against the Roman soldiers. Jesus said "Peter, put up thy sword". Instead of hate and division, we remind Uncle Bill that what is central to the Catholic faith is the good news of the gospel, love, non violence and "forgiveness".

Can you imagine the uproar if Sam Brownback has some anti Gays on his payroll?

Are we not a diverse nation? A tolerant nation?

What is a Catholic to do?

Saturday, February 10, 2007

John Edwards - Apologize to Catholics - And Move On!

In my opinion, John Edwards should have dismissed those two bloggers when he found out their past. Yes the Catholic smears and the general overall lack of respect for people of faith is sad. However beyond that, these two simply are just down right unprofessional. They are hacks. With the type of blogging they have produced in the past, they have no place on the staff of a Presidential campaign.

While I understand that Mr. Edwards does not want give into the demands of a cave man like William Donohue, he should take a closer look at what his staff has hung around his neck.

John Edwards is not an anti Catholic. Let's get that straight. However these two potty mouths have made it crystal clear their discomfort with the Catholic faith - and it is offensive.

John Edwards must separate himself from them and directly address this issue with Catholics and take responsibility for who he has working for him.

By prolonging this, John Edwards is giving stage to bigots like William Donohue, Mark Shea, Dave Hartline, Craig Richardson, Deal Hudson and other pseudo Catholic political hacks that simply want to co - opt the Catholic vote for political gain.

The real Catholic headlines deal with much different subjects such as the the recent report "Decent, justly paid, dignified labor key to development, Vatican tells U.N. council"
The Vatican spokesman saying the initiative is a catalyst to promote “human dignity and the achievement of social development.”

These types of issue should be at the center of the debate - not two juvenile bloggers and a handful of bigoted commentators that do not represent mainstream Catholics.

The bigots will continue to sling their mud and we will present the facts - but why give them more attention than they deserve?

Friday, February 9, 2007

William Donohue - Hypocrisy at Large.

The hypocrisy of William Donohue over at the Catholic League never ceases to amaze us. Based on his latest commentary on what is "anti Catholic" and what is not, Uncle Bill reveals his partisan agenda. Clearly the Catholic League is a front for the Republican party. A look through his vast archive of angry press releases will reveal a very inappropriate slant towards the Republican party - more so than any 501c3 should be allowed.

In response to John Edwards Statement on his questionable bloggers - Donohue had this angry statement to provide. Are you going war Uncle Bill?

“We will launch a nationwide public relations blitz that will be conducted on the pages of the New York Times, as well as in Catholic newspapers and periodicals. It will be on-going, breaking like a wave, starting next week and continuing through 2007. It will be an education campaign, informing the public of what he did today. We will also reach out to our allies in the Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist communities. They worked with us before on many issues, and are sure to do so again. What Edwards did today will not be forgotten.”
Actual release...

Yet in 2000 when GWB apologized for his anti Catholic actions - Uncle Bill had this to say:

"This settles the issue. Bush has now moved beyond perfunctory comments criticizing anti-Catholicism and is addressing this issue squarely, without reservation.

"A touchstone of Catholicism is f
orgiveness, the recognition that wrongdoers who are sorry for their offense should be forgiven. It would be inconsistent with our faith, therefore, if we as Catholics did not forgive Gov. Bush for this incident.

"Those who cannot let up and want more from Bush have now become the issue. We need to know what they want and whether they will hold all other candidates to the same standard. To needlessly politicize this issue any longer is a mistake and certainly does not have the support of the Catholic League."
Actual release...

It is hard to take William Donohue seriously when he has such an obvious double standard. While we do not support Edward's decision to keep his unsavory bloggers, we do respect the fact that Mr. Edwards acknowledged the issue and responded in an appropriate way, much like GWB did in 2000. Where is the forgiveness Uncle Bill - does the touchstone of your Catholicism only apply to Republicans? How is your angry attack consistent with your hand holding of GWB?

A good objective post about and the response of lack of from the religious was posted by Mollie over at Get Religion - indeed - what does the Edwards decision say to the religious left? We hope their reaction is not the same hypocrisy as Donohue only with a lefty slant.

What about the Religious Left?


Uncle Bill fired? huh?



Uncle Bill on the touchstone Catholic Value of "Anal Sex".


Meanwhile John Edwards is was getting pretty.

"Advance the common good"


Resist special interest group, partisan and ideological appeals global warming and instead focus on “common ground for common action to advance the common good,” the American bishops told U.S. congressional leaders.

We are very encouraged that our Catholic Leadership is taking up the cause of what is the greatest moral issue of our time - "Global Warming". Without a planet we can inhabit - how moral would this generation be if we left a disaster for our children?

In a Feb. 7 letter, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Policy, urged legislators to address the moral and environmental dimensions of global climate change, stressing the urgency of immediate action rather “than wait until the problem gets worse and the remedies more costly.”
We have the ability to reverse much of the damage. We owe our children. How dare we leave this with them to deal with! We need strong leadership on this issue now, and it is heartening to see the Catholic Bishops leading the way.

The bishops called on Congress to resist demands not to act until there is “absolute certainty” about the sources of global warming. ”It is better to act now than wait until the problem gets worse and the remedies more costly,” Bishop Wenski said in the letter.

“The traditional virtue of prudence,” he added, “leads us to act now to avoid the worst consequences of waiting.”

“We seek your help in lifting up and focusing on how climate change will affect the ‘least among us’ – the poor, the vulnerable and the voiceless in our country and around the world. We particularly seek your leadership in shaping responses that respect and protect the lives and the dignity of poor families and children,” Bishop Wenski said.

”We believe the moral measure of debate and decisions on climate change will be how we act with prudence to protect God’s creation, advance the ‘common good,’ and mitigate the ways that climate change and its remedies burden the poor and the vulnerable,” he concluded.
Read more....

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Crystal Ball Says...


Just recieved the latest installment of Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball .

For what we think is the best political analysis in the country - and totally un-biased subscribe to the Cyrstal Ball.

From the latest edition....

Scheduling Insanity
Why we are courting disaster in next year's presidential primaries

In 1968 the country had 14 state presidential primaries, scheduled rather sensibly and intermittently between March and June. In 2008 a minimum of 42 primaries will be held, possibly as many as 47, beginning in January, or even earlier, and stretching out for six long months.

Even worse, the '08 schedule will be the most "front-loaded" ever, with so many contests moved into January and early February that the party nominees might be determined in the blink of an eye, with no chance for "buyer's remorse." In 1980 only one state had a primary or caucus by the end of February. By 2000 nine states did so, and in 2004, nineteen. Next year, an incredible thirty states are on track to push into January or February.

If the job of scheduling the presidential nominating contests were assigned to an insane asylum, this is pretty much what the patients would come up with.

Reform is much needed, but it isn't going to happen for 2008. The system is out of control, and no entity with a national perspective is in charge--not the Congress, not the political parties. Individual states are ruling the roost, doing what they think is in their interests. The national interest is barely an afterthought.

Here is the current tentative schedule for 2008, with emphasis on the word tentative:

Date States with Primaries/Caucuses
January 14th Iowa caucuses
January 19th Nevada Democratic caucuses
January 22nd New Hampshire primary, Wyoming Republican county conventions (POSSIBLY)
January 29th South Carolina Democratic primary, South Dakota primary (POSSIBLY), Florida primary (POSSIBLY)
February 2nd South Carolina Republican primary, Oklahoma primary (POSSIBLY)
February 5th Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California (POSSIBLY), Delaware, Florida (POSSIBLY), Idaho (POSSIBLY), Illinois (POSSIBLY), Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey (POSSIBLY), New Mexico, North Carolina, Utah primaries; Nevada Republican primary; North Dakota caucuses
February 9th Louisiana Republican primary (POSSIBLY)
February 10th Maine Democratic caucuses
February 12th Tennessee, Virginia primaries
February 19th Wisconsin primary
February 26th Hawaii Democratic caucuses
March 2nd Hawaii Republican caucuses
March 4th Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont primaries; Minnesota caucuses
March 7th Colorado Democratic primary
March 11th Mississippi, Pennsylvania primaries
March 8th Wyoming Democratic caucuses (POSSIBLY)
March 11th Washington Republican primary
March 15th Alaska Democratic caucuses
March 21st Maine Republican caucuses
April 1st Kansas primary
April 15th Colorado Republican primary
May 6th Indiana primary
May 13th Nebraska, West Virginia primaries
May 20th Kentucky, Oregon primaries
May 27th Washington Democratic primary

Read more..........

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

John Edwards hates Catholics

Well no - John Edwards is fine man with a strong social justice message. Apparently though he has entrusted not so cautious people with hiring decisions for his Presidential campaign. Uncle Bill ( William Donohue ) at the Catholic League is reporting "John Edwards hires two anti - Catholics"

So ok - this is not good - but we imagine that some secular clueless dolt made the decision to hire these two potty mouths. Aside from the comments made in bad taste regarding the Pope and the Catholic Faith - these two young ladies simply have no class when it comes to blogging. We would hope that on the Edwards blog they would chose to use adjectives that do not begin with F and end K.

See the now infamous blog here. "Pandagon"

The question remains though: When are the Democrats going to get it pounded in their heads that people of faith do vote? These are lessons that Al Gore and John Kerry had to learn the hard way.

This is just another example of why the Ann Coulters of the world have free reign on beating up progressives on the faith issue.

It is our hope that John Edwards personally handles this mess and responds to it. These two have no place in any political campaign. If he does not - then we know how John Edwards truly feels about people of faith. Liberal and Conservative.

John Edwards should not abandon these two simply because Uncle Bill demands it. He should do it because he is running for President. An office that represents all Americans. We are a diverse land, and the kind of spew and divisions coming from Pandagon has no more place in it than Uncle Bill or Ann Coulter do with their vile spew.

As for the Democratic Party - Howard Dean should send a memo to all campaigns ASAP to get their heads our of the sand regarding faith voters.

Did we say something about "Dolts" - DOH!

Oh? Are you an Atheist?

According to the folks over at First Things it is not Terrorists, Gays or Liberals who are the enemies of the state - it is "Atheists", and their children. Apparently their are 3 million atheists in the United States. Ryan Anderson - a "fellow" at First Things - apparently thinks that atheists are militant and are organizing to change our money.

Here is the report:


Didn't Jesus say something about forgiveness? Loving thy neighbor? Can some one point out to me where hate is a value discussed in the Gospels? I certainly do not agree with Atheists - but who am I to judge? Especially their children.

This type of hate scares me. When I hear about it - I think back to a time in the 1930's in a place called Germany. We can do better in America and we should demand just that.

Never let injustice and hate go by without comment or calling attention to it.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

How Catholic are you?

Ok - I need to study up a bit - but hey - at least I did not cheat!!

You are a 78% traditional Catholic!
 

Fantastic! You have achieved mastery over most of the important doctrines of the Catholic faith! How did you managage to educate yourself so well?

Do You Know Your Baltimore Catechism?
Make Your Own Quiz

HPV Vaccination? A Good Move By Gov. Perry

Yesterday, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed an executive order that would mandate the HPV vaccination to all girls entering the sixth grade. Also, this order would allow eligible women from the ages of 9 to 21 to receive the vaccine at no cost. Look at that, our government at work, doing something to protect its citizens against a serious threat of cervical cancer. Good job, Governor Perry!

Well, as expected, the right-wingers are in an uproar over a good government action, and a group of lawmakers subsequently have asked Governor Perry to rescind this executive order. How dare Governor Perry subject their children to a vaccination that would protect their girls against cancer?

Well, God forbid, their children won't be getting cancer because they are nothing short of saints - no clandestine rolls in the hay for them in the next 20+ years! After all, good Christians don't put themselves at risk by abusing the sanctity of marriage like that.

To all you who are opposed to this, it's time to pull your heads out of the Bible and realize that in the real world, there are not a whole lot of Marys and Jesus running around. Sure, we wish there were and many people strive to follow the example of the Jesus and the saints, but people are people - not perfect. Does it not make sense to vaccination girls in the event that they slip up on Perfection Road here or there?

Also, ALL women are at risk for HPV. Over 50% of sexually active people have the virus (men do not have symptoms, but they can pass it on to their partners). That means a women has a decent chance for getting HPV (and very possibly cervical cancer) if she marries a man who has contracted HPV. Did that woman fall into the downward spiral of sin? Not so much. Let's let Governor Perry do his job and be a realist to protect his very real constituency.

War on St. Valentine's Day

We are calling on all Catholic organizations, to call upon the people of the United States to push aside the constant temptation to show love and care for one another through material products. This Valentine’s Day, we ask all of you to show that you care for your loved ones not through Hallmark cards and cheap chocolate, but instead by offering a listening ear and a hand to hold. Remember, Catholics, every kiss does not begin with Kay. And don’t forget to check your catechism to make sure those kisses are by the book.

At last! A cure for Gay

Apparently disgraced minister Ted Haggard has been cured of his homosexuality according to the AP. It is reported that Haggard was only a part time Gay man, only having relations with a Gay male prostitute. According to sources - "he was just acting out". yeah - so were the actors in Broke Back mountain.

Apparently after 90 days worth of monitoring his Gayness, fellow pastors found that Haggard is now completely heterosexual. Haggard and his wife plan to go back to school and move to either Iowa or Missouri. Maybe starting a commune for cured gays.

We wish him all the best.

Read more .....

Greatest Moral Issue of our time....

Time to sound the alarm!
Urgent: Climate Wake Up Call!

Thanks to AVAAZ for this great video link.


Catholic Teaching says:

467. Responsibility for the environment , the common heritage of mankind, extends not only to present needs but also to those of the future. "We have inherited from past generations, and we have benefited from the work of our contemporaries: for this reason we have obligations towards all, and we cannot refuse to interest ourselves in those who will come after us. to enlarge the human family. This is a responsibility that present generations have towards those of the future, a responsibility that also concerns individual States and the international community.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Poverty is Not a Disgrace

The Church teaches that poverty is a not a disgrace and no one should be ashamed because of the labor performed. True dignity is established not by wealth accumulated, but rather by virtue obtained, equitably available to all classes of people., whether poor or rich. God seems to incline more toward the unfortunate since Jesus called the poor to be blessed, embracing with special love the lowly and those harassed by injustice. We should reflect on those things which unite us. All people share in commonality, since all people have equally redeemed the blood of Christ. (RN 37, 38)

Current Catholic views on War diverse.

Catholic commentators join debate over U.S. continued Iraq presence

Freshman Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.- “We need a new direction,” Webb said, calling for “an immediate shift toward strong regionally based diplomacy, a policy that takes our soldiers off the streets of Iraq’s cities, and a formula that will in short order allow our combat forces to leave Iraq.” “I do not believe that sending more troops to Iraq is the answer,”

Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., a pro-life Catholic who until recently was a strong supporter of Bush’s military vision, said Jan. 10 during a visit to the war zone. “Iraq requires a political rather than a military solution.”


George Weigel “I believe that removing the totalitarian Saddam Hussein regime by the use of proportionate and discriminate armed force, and trying to create an independent, free Iraq as a model of a new way of politics in the Arab Islamic world, were morally justifiable, indeed morally noble, goals,” he said. “The cause was, and remains, a noble one,” Weigel said, although he acknowledged that U.S. policymakers have made “a lot of mistakes” in conducting the war.

We would remind Weigal - Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2265 - A war of aggression is intrinsically immoral. In the tragic case where such a war breaks out, leaders of the state attached have the right and the duty to organize a defence even using the force of arms. Who attacked who over in Iraq? Apparently Weigal supports an intrinsic evil and should be denied communion. Let's start a petition.

"It is important to remember that "it is one thing to wage a war of self-defence; it is quite another to seek to impose domination (as Weigel suggests) on another nation. The possession of war potential does not justify the use of force for political or military objectives. Nor does the mere fact that war has unfortunately broken out mean that all is fair between the warring parties." - Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 79: AAS 58(1966), 1103

Mark Shea Shea said that initially he believed the warnings that “there was an imminent threat of nuclear attack on the United States – the famous ‘mushroom cloud’ imagery that Bush and Condi Rice were pushing.” But when it later became clear that Saddam Hussein’s regime did not possess weapons of mass destruction that could have posed a threat to the United States, Shea re-examined his conclusion that the U.S. invasion was morally just.

Robert Royal Faith and Reason Institute President Robert Royal said that the United States has a moral responsibility to maintain its military presence in Iraq in order to curb sectarian violence.

Coming from NCR the article has a obvious slant to the Neo Cons. However while not noted in the article - it is crystal clear from Catholic Teaching that the war in Iraq never met the criteria for a "Just War", if there is such a thing. What is clear is that a humane solution must be found for the sake of the Iraqi people. This will take great strength from our leaders to make the right decisions.

We must oppose the proposed escalation of U.S. troops in Iraq noting that prior escalations have not resulted in increased peace and stability. Troop escalations in Baghdad in the late summer and early fall of 2006 resulted in increased violence and death for both U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians.

We must support the call for economic development in Iraq, noting that the current unemployment rate is running at 40 to 50%. Additionally, 60% of the population is under the age of 25 and is in dire need of alternatives to imagine a better future. Any economic development should directly benefit the Iraqi people and their communities, not contractors from other corners of the world.


The President must engage in diplomatic and political negotiations seeking a comprehensive cease fire by all factions in Iraq and the region. The rejection of a comprehensive diplomatic effort is a short-sighted view of American interests. A surge of diplomacy, not an escalation of troops is what is required.


In a Jan. 12 statement made from Jerusalem and released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on the same day here, Bishop William S. Skylstad noted the pre-invasion criticism by the Holy See and American hierarchy to the U.S. government decision to go to war and called for the end of its troop deployment “at the earliest opportunity.” “Our nation’s military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as their presence actually contributes to a responsible transition,” he said, adding “our nation should seek effective ways to end their deployment at the earliest opportunity consistent with this goal.”

He laid out “benchmarks for progress” by which current and future policies should be judged in order to meet “our nation’s moral responsibility to help Iraqis to live with security and dignity in the aftermath of military action.”
Among those includes providing for “minimally acceptable levels of security; economic reconstruction to create employment for Iraqis; and political structures and agreements that help overcome divisions, reduce violence, broaden participation, and increase respect for religious freedom and basic human rights.”

Hillary's Religious Roots

Nice article on the former First Ladies faith roots from Newsweek with some hints of a strong social justice formation. We will watch the story unfold with great interest.

At 13, she met a Methodist minister who became a lifelong friend.

Feb. 12, 2007 issue - If Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush have anything in common, it is a deeply rooted wariness of outsiders. Both the president and the woman who hopes to succeed him have always relied on a small, closed circle of friends and advisers who have been with them for years. So it's not surprising that there are so many familiar faces on Clinton's new campaign team. Ad maker Mandy Grunwald, pollster Mark Penn, strategist Ann Lewis and others are loyalists from Bill Clinton's White House.

There is another person on Hillary's shortlist of confidants who goes back farther than any of them, but whom you've probably never heard of. The Rev. Don Jones, a Methodist minister who is now 75, was perhaps Hillary's earliest spiritual and political mentor. She has written of her "lifelong friendship" with him. It was Jones who first awakened young Hillary to the civil-rights movement and counseled her on questions of faith. They continued to be in touch as Hillary became a national figure. Years later, he helped her through the darkest period in her life, the aftermath of her husband's affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Precocious and confident, 13-year-old Hillary was an active member of her Methodist church in Park Ridge, Ill., when Jones arrived in 1961 to lead the youth group. Fresh from the seminary, he was anything but stuffy in his red Chevy Impala convertible. He carried the Bible, but also the collected poems of E. E. Cummings. Hillary, politically aware even then, was a budding Republican who took after her staunchly conservative father. In long discussions at the church, Jones introduced Hillary to the left. The young minister was determined to show his white, privileged parishioners the world beyond their suburban town. He took them to the South Side of Chicago to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak. Jones introduced each of them to the civil-rights leader.

But the conversation wasn't all politics. "Hillary would come up to talk to me after I preached and make comments about the sermon, how the hymns, prayers and Biblical passages were coordinated with the message," Jones tells NEWSWEEK. Jones hewed closely to the social-justice tradition of the Methodist Church, preaching that helping those in need was a means of practicing their faith. "I think she responded to my ministry in part for its intellectual content," Jones says. "Her heart responded to the social-responsibility aspects."

Not everyone appreciated the minister's lessons. Within two years, the conservative members of the congregation asked him to leave. Jones landed at Drew University in Madison, N.J., where he spent his career teaching theology. They were in communication while Hillary was in high school and later at Wellesley. During her time as First Lady, he visited the White House nine times. After Bill Clinton admitted his affair with Lewinsky, Jones gave Hillary a Paul Tillich sermon about grace, and how it comes to you when you feel great pain. Jones says he hoped Hillary would pass the words on to her husband. "It was my secret agenda," he says. Sure enough, five days later, Jones received a thank-you note from the president. Last year he saw the Clintons at their home in Chappaqua, N.Y. The senator had called him to invite her old friend to her mother's birthday party.

Though she's been accused of adopting a religious patina for political gain, her relationship with Jones shows that from the time she was young, Hillary was thinking seriously about her faith. She clearly talks more about religion these days, as many politicians do—but her connection to Jones reveals that her Christianity has always been at the center of her identity. "She's not using the language of prayer and God for the first time," says Jones. "While there may be a political dimension, it's authentic."

Jones describes Hillary's beliefs as falling, like her politics, somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Unlike the extreme left, she understands the limitations of human beings, he says. And unlike the extreme right, he argues, she believes in humanity's potential. She does take seriously the doctrine of original sin. And after a lifetime in politics, she's seen plenty of it.

Saturday, February 3, 2007

This weeks Catholic Politician Profile - John Boehner

John Boehner (R) House of Representatives - Ohio

Based on Catholic Teaching
+ Plus indicates Good Catholic
- Minus indicates not so Good Catholic

The Dignity of the Human Person
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003) +
Voted YES on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995) -
Voted NO on replacing death penalty with life imprisonment. (Apr 1994) -
More prisons, more enforcement, effective death penalty. (Sep 1994) -
Voted YES on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999) +
Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000) +

The Dignity of Work
Rated 100% by the US COC, indicating a pro-business voting record. (Dec 2003) -
Rated 7% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003) -

The Person in the Community

Voted YES on restricting bankruptcy rules. (Jan 2004) -
Rated 7% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002) -
Rated 17% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. (Dec 2003) -
Rated 0% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003) -

Rights and Responsibilities
Voted YES on making the PATRIOT Act permanent. (Dec 2005) -
Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record. (Dec 2003) -

Option for Those in Poverty
Rated 0% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003) -
Voted NO on providing $70 million for Section 8 Housing vouchers. (Jun 2006) -
Limit welfare to 2 years & cut welfare spending. (Sep 1994) -

Solidarity
Voted NO on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005) -
Voted NO on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000) -
Voted YES on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005) -
Rated 0% by FAIR, indicating a voting record loosening immigration. (Dec 2003) +
Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002) -

Care for Creation
Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001) -
Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001) -
Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000) -
Voted NO on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006) -
Voted NO on barring website promoting Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump. (May 2006) -
Voted YES on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species. (Sep 2005) -
Voted YES on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003) -
Rated 5% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003) -

0% Rating by NETWORK on issues related to Catholic Social Teaching.

Respect for the dignity of each individual person: No
The common good: No
Health and future of the planet: No
The dignity of work: No
Care for those who are poor and vulnerable: No
The dignity of all creation: Mixed
Human rights: No

Rep. Boehner has a distinguished record regarding the rights of the unborn. Clearly though Rep. Boehner could use a refresher course in Catholic Teaching. With a pro war and pro death penalty voting record, Rep. Boehner clearly struggles with issues of life. A pro big business record and anti worker record does not help his cause either. Clearly he is not a good steward of the environment either.

Recomendations - Attend next available RCIA class and order copy of the "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.

Final Rating: Not so good Catholic Politician