Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Breakdown of Society
Friday 4/3/09: Today was a very tragic day. As I am sure you are aware, a gunman killed 13 and himself in Binghamton, NY. This hit close to home for me. I have been in Binghamton numerous times since it is only about a 40 minute drive from my home. I have numerous friends living in and going to school in Binghamton. When I found out about the shooting, I was waiting to talk to my professor about my resume...for an internship in Binghamton. So yes...it has been a tragedy that has struck a chord within me.
This afternoon, I was listening to the radio so I could hear the initial press conference. Its start was delayed over 30 minutes. While we all waited, the radio station took calls from people around the area. There were many speculations on how such a horror could happen and what to do to prevent future events. One caller, and the comments of the host that followed, really hit the nail on the head though.
Look at our society. This, according to a news source, is the FIFTH mass-murder in a MONTH. I admittedly was only aware of two others (the nursing home murders in North Carolina and the police killings in Oakland(?)) since I have scaled back the amount I read the news. But, regardless, this is becoming way too common of an event.
My peers and I have grown up in a different time...we are the product of the Columbine Era. I was in 4th grade when that atrocity occurred, and it has never left my mind. It, along with other school shootings since, affects me even still, dictating where I like to sit in a class room and making me nervous of lecture halls.
Why are these things happening? What is the cause? It is as if American society itself is breaking down. Well, perhaps it is. And, as I heard on the radio earlier, our attitude towards human life may very well be at the center of that. As a society, the only human life we care about is our own.
As I watched the news early in the afternoon, the analysts and talking heads could predict the situation with frightening accuracy. They suspected the killer had probably lost his job, or was upset with something to do with a person at the Civil Center or the Civil Center itself. Though not confirmed to my knowledge as I write this (again..this was Friday...), it is reported that the killer had worked for IBM and recently lost his job. The thing with these mass-murders is that the killers jump right to the extreme and start shooting. If there is no respect for human life, why not?
When a society loses respect for life, these are the kind of things that happen...what else should we expect? Life is the most precious gift a person has. I mean...come on...with out it, nothing else material matters! So if society doesn't respect that most basic of building blocks, what will they respect? Nothing, not even themselves. It is, in the truest senses, a break down of society.
Could I be going too far in saying our culture does not respect life? I don't think so!! Abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research, cloning, human-animal hybrids, contraception...all of these things that are becoming or already have been embraced by western culture. This is especially true of the Obama administration, which has nominated one radically pro-abortion candidate for his Cabinet after another. Not even three months in, and Obama has certainly lived up to his feared reputation as a strong support of the culture of death. And I really fear that unless something changes, things will only get worse.
What can we do? Before anything, we need to help those already hurt by the horrors. Pray fo the victims...pray for their families...and the killer's family and friends, a group that I think often gets overlooked, but likely needs the most prayers. Can you imagine being in their shoes? Pray pray pray for them, and I pray you never have to go through something that horrid. After that though, we as a society need to rethink our values and what is REALLY important. We need to stand up for Life! For some of us, that simply means leading by example. For others though, we are called to battle, especially on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves: the unborn and comatose that are murdered for whatever reason, be it money, convenience, or simply being a burden.
Especially of Obama keeps up with his first months in office, this is a war that MUST be fought. Get on an action alert email list,which notifies you of petitions to sign and makes sending your representatives your thoughts as easy as a couple of clicks. Find a pro-life group and get involved. If you can't find one, start one. I am doing that here at college, and it really is not that hard. There are websites available to help with that. Be a witness to others. Speak up to those who are unsure of their position on these topics...educate them! It is amazing how a few small words can impact someone. And if you don't think you can, remember Mark 13:11 ("...do not worry beforehand about what you are to say. But say whatever will be given to you at that hour. For it will not be you who are speaking but the holy Spirit.") and take courage. And most of all, pray!
Additions made Sunday 4/5/09: At Mass this morning, our priest started his homily by telling us that he was in Binghamton Friday. When he heard of the shootings just a few blocks from where he was, he went to one of the hospitals, where he spent many years as a chaplain. He told us there was a victim there who had been shot in the leg, and who had no religion (coming from a communist country, that is no surprise.) However, when they told him that they were praying to Jesus for him, he cried. Later, he was sent to the place where the families and friends of the possible victims were gathered. He had a Buddhist woman come up to him and ask him to pray "the Mother of God" prayer...better known as the Hail Mary. He basically said that, even though he had never been in such a place with such shock and grief...that he could feel grace at work there. He then went onto say that, even though this is a tragedy and a manifestation of evil, it is not cause to despair. Next week, we celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of Christ...the triumph over sin and death!
Yes....we have a battle to fight...and it very badly needs to be fought, that is clear. And it will be a tough battle, but we can not give up and can not despair. Remember, this battle has already been won for us, when Jesus died on the cross and rose triumphantly three days later. And as we enter into Holy Week, what better of a thing to keep in mind than that!
Links of Interest:
Students for Life: creating a group: http://www.studentsforlife.org/index.php/resources/start-a-group/
National Right to Life: http://www.nrlc.org/
CatholicVote.com: http://www.catholicvote.com/
Susan B. Anthony List: http://www.sba-list.org/
National Committee for a Human Life Amendment: http://www.nchla.org/index.asp
Abort73: http://abort73.com/
Please let me know of other links I should add here by posting a comment! Please forward this along to your friends and family...it is a great first step is getting involved.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Time is short...
First off, we start in California. Proposition 8, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman, was passed in last week's vote. Gay rights activists have been in an uproar since. Over the weekend, an elderly lady went to one of the protests to show her support of Proposition 8. She carried a cross with her. When a local TV station tried to interview her, this is what happened. The end of the video in particular is disturbing.
One last comment on this story. The news anchor at the end says there was 'a lot of hate on both sides.' What is he talking about?? A little old lady carrying a cross is hate?? If that her actions are on the same level as the actions of her attackers, then America is perhaps in an even darker state that even I realized.
Next, we go to Michigan. Again, the 'tolerant, equality driven' gay agenda lashes out. Instead of me trying to describe the chaos that was created at a Church in Michigan, I will just let you read:
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2008/11/10/13335/904
This is not an isolated event either. Churches nationwide have been vandalized for opposing gay marriage.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=315392
http://spiritdaily.com/whipsawtimes.htm (third paragraph)
No, of course it is not every protester and gay rights activist that is doing this. Of course they are not all full of hate. But, the fact of the matter is, these news stories aren't making headlines in the liberal media. That is just part of how this culture is primed for this kind of persecution. The extreme liberalism that was voted into office and into law last week has only empowered the extreme left and embolden them to act in such ways....and this is just one short week later.
This isn't limited to the gay marriage debate either. High profile Pro-life leaders and priests have begun to receive death threats for their stand against things such as the Freedom of Choice Act, which the US Conference of Catholic Bishops just yesterday said would "deprive the American people in all 50 states of the freedom they now have to enact modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry.", and "would coerce all Americans into subsidizing and promoting abortion with their tax dollars." Furthermore, they say the FOCA may have a "destructive effect on the freedom of conscience of doctors, nurses and health care workers whose personal convictions do not permit them to cooperate in the private killing of unborn children." They call the Freedom of Choice Act 'evil' and rightly so. Pray hard about this, as well as embryonic stem cell research, an area that is too often overlooked. Obama has indicated that he will overturn restrictions on embryonic stem cell research right away. The Vatican has called ESCR 'worthless' and the simple fact of the matter is a human life is destroyed in the process. Why do we need to have this when there are other stem cells that, unlike embryonic stem cells, actually have yielded results, but do not kill a human in the process? It is an evil practice that should be outlawed...yet our president elect is about to forge full steam ahead with it.
A couple days ago, the phrase 'time is short' jumped out at me and has kinda stuck with me since. The escalation of violence, intolerance and hatred against Christians and the most innocent forms of human life is disturbing and just goes to prove what I was saying last week. War is upon us. Only God knows what the future, both short term, and long term, may hold. But, time may in fact be short before these types of events become much more widespread and dangerous. So prepare yourself for the fight now. Prayer is our best weapon. Pray for this country. Pray for those who are persecuting the Church. Pray for Obama! That is immensely important! And pray that you will have the strength to do God's will. Take a moment and ask yourself, 'What will I give and sacrifice for God'? Will you risk being persecuted as our brothers and sisters already have been? Will you make a stand and fight for the unborn....for the preservation of the family and the sanctity of marriage, knowing full well that it may very well put you at risk as well? How far will you go for your God? We have death threats being made against priests...would you die for your God? After all...He did die for us.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Dark Night
Over the past 24 hours or so, our country has set its course for the coming years. As I am sure you are well aware, the results of Election Day 2008 scarcely could be considered anything short of a near-worst case scenario. Our fellow citizens, and perhaps you, who are reading this now, have helped elect a candidate who threatens the very way of Christian life through his ultra-liberal policies to the highest position in the country, if not the world. Congress and the House of Representatives, the law makers of this country, have become even more liberal with the liberals picking up even more seats. I do not like the term 'Democrats', because today's Democratic leaders are a disgrace to what the Democratic Party once was. Furthermore, the fight for the Right to Life was hampered by failed legislation in South Dakota and Colorado that would have protected thousands of innocent lives. Never before has our country turned its back on God so brashly.
My brothers and sisters, I am writing this evening because of the difficulties of the times to come, but more so because of the hardships many of you are already feeling. Last night was a very stressful, pivotal night, and things did not go well...and I dare say America will pay the consequences of her choices. This has caused a great deal of anxiety, hopelessness, and discouragement among us. We face a great uphill battle now, not only for the unborn and Christian values, but, possibly for our freedoms as well. The coming years will not be easy, and now, more than ever, it is important we heed the words of Ephesians 6:10-20:
My brothers and sisters, it is without doubt that we face a time where we will be tested. Verse 12 above in particular stands out. Our battle is not against Obama, the Senate, Congress or any person. Instead, we are faced with a spiritual war. In fact, we have already been attacked.
- 10
- 1 Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.
- 11
- Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.
- 12
- For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.
- 13
- Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.
- 14
- So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate,
- 15
- and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.
- 16
- In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one.
- 17
- And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- 18
- With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones
- 19
- and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel
- 20
- for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.
The feelings I described many of us having above...hopelessness, despair, even depression, are the beginning of the attack. Satan is using these initial attacks to trick us into surrendering before we even realize we are at war. It is important, therefore, that we first focus on fortifying and strengthening ourselves so that we can face, and survive, this time. How can we do that? First, we must remember two important themes found in Scripture and passed on from age to age: First: be not afraid. We have a God who loves us so much, that He gave us His Son to die for us so that evil will never triumph. In essence, our battle has already been won, and victory is guaranteed. There is nothing that can be done by the enemy to change that if we truly accept this. Secondly, have hope. Again, the victory is ours through the cross and through our God, we can do all things...for "nothing is impossible for God" (Luke 1:37). By holding onto that hope and not being afraid, we can and will see these times pass. Even with all that was evil last night, the sanctity of marriage and the family was upheld in California, Florida and Arizona.
The first step in all of this must occur right now. Not in a couple of days, not in a few hours. This very moment. We have all been tempted by the feelings of despair and distress, myself included. We must let Christ lift us up right now and go about life as if nothing has changed. We must continue to find joy in our Savior and the many blessings He has poured out on us. We must continue to reject feelings of depression and continue our fighting. We must continue to build each other up, strengthening our brothers and sisters where they are weak, and allowing them to do the same for us. We must continue to allow God to do miraculous things for us, because He has blessed us in so many more ways than we can even comprehend. We must, absolutley must, NOT succumb to this. It is tempting to say 'yes...that is all great and right...but not now." But, as much as I tempted by that even as I write this, we can not give into this temptation.
In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, we have a God who loves us more than we can being to imagine. He has not abandoned us, and no matter what happens here on Earth, He never will. We must now humble ourselves and allow Him to lift us up and search for His will in our lives. Time may or may not be very short until great trials like we, young and old alike, have not witnessed before. It is important, then, that you prepare yourself now. Read the Bible. Pray as often as you can. Attend your Church services. Repent for your sins, and resolve to actively strengthen those areas where you are weak. For my Catholic brothers and sisters, this means going to Confession frequently. It can be a daunting thing, yes...but the more you go, the more you find it peaceful and the joy after receiving the Eucharist at Mass right after going to Confession...its simply wonderful...but you must open yourself to God and let Him in.
If you think you do not have time for these things, you do and can make the time. That is something I have been learning this semester, which has been extremely busy for me. It is so amazing what 15 minutes or prayer can do....what reading a couple sections of the Bible can do (there are many reading plans that are very easy to follow)...saying a prayer on the way to class or while driving to work....all of these things can help in ways that may be unforeseen at the moment.
So, my brothers...my sisters...the time is now. Arm yourself and prepare, because like it or not, war is already upon us. Thankfully for us, we have an all powerful Savior fighting with us. The darkest hour is always that right before the dawn.
Be strong. Have hope. And may God bless you always.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Follow the Election Here!
My Election Prediction
Monday, November 3, 2008
Simply a Quote...nothing more
~ Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde who passed away in November 2007
Day of Prater and Fasting
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=79281
Friday, October 31, 2008
Obama's True Colors
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/31/obama-lays-plans-kill-expectations-election-victory/
This story really, in all honesty, doesn't surprise me too much. Obama has spent months and months on the campaign trail, first for the primaries, and then the presidential election. All that time, he has used his excellent rhetoric to hype up his plans of 'Change We Can Believe In'. People have gone so far as to compare him to a political savior, all on empty rhetoric. Well, now that we are almost to the election, Obama is beginning to admit that his hyped promises are empty. A typical politician to say the least...no change there. After all his hype, he is now trying to temper people's expectations. So....which of Obama's promises are we to trust in? Any of them? So, for all you obsessive Obama supporters....here it comes....your dreams of an American Mecca are beginning to deflate. If your candidate doesn't even believe in his change, why should you? THINK PEOPLE.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/31/obama-plane-pitches-reporters-mccain-endorsing-papers/
This one was an interesting and still developing story. Was it coincidence that, to clear space on his campaign plane, Obama kicked off reporters from three McCain supporting newspapers? Let's, once again, think a little, shall we. I am sure both presidential candidates have way more reporters requesting to ride along than there are seats. McCain has had to make some adjustments as well, as the article indicated. However, some of these reporters have been with Obama since the very start...and now, in the last week, they get the boot? I can not claim to know Obama's mind, but he knew very well that the reporters he kicked off were from papers supporting McCain. It could not have not factored in the decision. The question, which is up to you to decide on, is how much of a factor did that play in the choice?
And now, four commercials that may or may not be on TV (depending on if this organization gets enough donations by 8PM EDT TONIGHT).
This one is more of a satire, but it brings up a big concern on Obama's lack of experience in foreign policy. If you and your friends are threatened by a bully, do you go to the bully and say "lets talk, on your terms, when you want, where you want, no strings attached." What will the bully do? Probably laugh and punch you in the face (or whatever that particular bully does.) It isn't practicle, reasonable, or realisitc. Yet...that is what Obama wants to do with the likes of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, Kim Jong Ill of North Korea, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. No, they and others like them do not sit around a table and plot. No, they will not all burst out laughing at Obama's offer to 'talk'...but the commercial gets the point across. Obama's 'policy' for foriegn relations is so pathetic and lacking of any experience and knowledge that, if it didn't put billions of people and the stability of the WORLD at risk, it would be a laughing matter.
Next up comes some clips from Hillary Clinton during the battle for the Democratic nomination. The clips focus on Obama's empty campaign (see story 1, above), his connections with people such as an inner-city Chicago slum lord (not to mention William Ayers, an unrepentative terrorist and others). Directly following that are two more attacking Obama's chracter and morals, or lack there of, along with some more ties to anti-America, anti-democracy groups and people.
Really people...why would you vote for this guy? It is becoming increasingly evident that he doesn't care about America, or me, or you, or anyone one else. Certainly not the unborn, who are the most vulnerable human beings in our society today. All he cares about is power and making history. Fame...glory...publicity.
So...really...are we going to just give this guy what he wants while we are blinded by his lies? I guess we will find out Tuesday. Keep checking my blog...I am sure I will have more to say before Election Day comes.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Guest Blogger: Election Thoughts
Tonight I bring you a blog that one of my friends here at school wrote. I thought it was very good and hit a lot of the points I would hit if I were to type up a full fledged attack on Obama. Take a look...his post is in red. I add a couple things at the end.
"I am a recently-turned staunch Republican who feels there are a few things you need to know about who some of you may be voting for, and how news about him has been skewed.
With each passing day, I am more shocked and flabbergasted at the wild-eyed liberal far LEFT leanings of the media in this country. I don't know about you, but I am far more taken aback by Obama's planned $2,000,000+ victory party in Chicago than the $150,000 that the REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE, not even McCain's campaign bought Palin! So, $150,000 of RNC money spent on Palin's clothes is extravagance, but a $2 MILLION victory party in Chicago paid for by Obama's campaign, which still hasn't and hopefully won't happen, isn't? GIVE ME A BREAK! Obama certainly is trying to buy the presidency, spending $600,000,000 dollars on his campaign, more than SIX TIMES that of McCain. What happens if he God forbid, gets into the White House? Well, he's already proven he is VERY good at spending money, but instead of that money being donations, voluntarily given to him from both public and private sources, it will be YOUR tax dollars. The PRESIDENCY is NOT something that should be bought! Vote based on the issues, not on how much money has been spent! Speaking of issues, here are a few important ones, given to you from the other side.
1. Staying with the economy, Obama talks a lot of rhetoric about not taxing or offering tax cuts to those making less than $250,000 per year. Well, hold on! Obama's ad just tonight (10/29/08) changed that to $200,000. Biden in a recent interview lowered it to $150,000 per year, showing not only that they cannot make up their minds, but that they probably aren't going to lower taxes for anybody. That's bold. Why do I say that? Obama's voting record in Congress! How many times has Obama voted to lower taxes? NONE. How many times has Obama voted against lowering taxes or raising them? NINETY-FOUR TIMES. Don't believe me? LOOK IT UP! Actions speak louder than words Obama, and while your words, admittedly, sound really good, your actions spell out a COMPLETELY different story. You aren't fooling this voter. So, what has Obama done in Congress? One of the 94 times he has voted to raise taxes was to RAISE taxes on those making as little as $42,000 per year. Obama is claiming he will lower taxes on those making somewhere between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, but in the past he has voted to raise taxes on those making $42,000. Hmmm...
Obama is a Socialist, by it's dictionary definition. That is " Socialism refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating state or collective ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and the creation of an egalitarian society. Socialists mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital and creates an unequal society." We all heard what Obama said to Joe the Plumber. He wants to redistribute the wealth. Well, there you go! Last time I checked, the above defnition is redistribution of wealth. What did they say in defense? Biden claimed the redistribution of wealth was lowering taxes on the middle class. Hate to break it to you Biden but if you are lowering taxes, you are keeping hard-earned money in the people's pockets, which is quite a concept! That is not redistribution of wealth, that is allowing people to keep their wealth. Redistribution of wealth by definition is TAKING the wealth of those who EARNED it, and DISTRIBUTING it AGAIN to those who DID NOT earn it! <--- = SOCIALISM.
What about something as simple as human life? Surely Obama supports life! WRONG!!!! Obama is the worst pro-choice person I have seen in a very long time. He has voted time and time again to retain abortion rights. Sorry. ABORTION is NOT a right! You are KILLING off AMERICA'S YOUTH! It does NOT get any LESS American than that. Ok, sure maybe I am an extremist pro-lifer, well, when it comes to basic human rights, I'm fine with that. One of the first official documents of the United States was the Declaration of Independence, which states. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS." The first RIGHT of all Americans is the RIGHT TO LIFE! Killing off the unborn is denying an American the right to life! Ok. I'll play devil's advocate. I personally could NEVER believe this, but what if I believed that the unborn are not people, and therefore not Americans. GUESS WHAT? OBAMA STILL wants to kill you if you unfortunate enough to be a baby born from a failed abortion. Obama surprised even the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) by voting AGAINST helping care for those babies BORN ALIVE as a result of a failed abortion. Sorry, I definitely COULD NOT make this stuff up.
In this case, National Security follows very closely to the argument for life, loosely. Obama plans on cutting defense spending by at least 25%. In these dangerous times, that is suicide. If there is one thing I know about the international community, it's that there is NO shortage of people who HATE America. Al Qaeda, led by Osama Bin Laden, ATTACKED us in New York City and Washington D.C. just a little over seven years ago, and with insane people like that on the loose and with potential connections to nuclear weapons, he wants to DECREASE defense spending? Is he insane? Don't answer that. Speaking in all seriousness, I will not feel safe living in the Washington D.C. area if Barack Obama is less than 25 miles away in the Oval Office, knowing he wants to decrease defense spending and give insane international leaders such as Amadinijad, leader of Iran, the chance to convince him that they are looking our for our best interests. Iran is a tiny threat? Most certainly not.
What happened when Russia invaded Georgia? Many innocent Georgian lives were lost in that blatent display of military aggression. What did Barack Obama suggest Georgia do? He encouraged them to be reasonable! To take it without fighting back! So what's to say he wont suggest that we Americans also just take it if we are attacked again! DON'T GIVE OBAMA THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THAT MISTAKE THAT COULD COST THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN LIVES!
Now, I've already blogged a couple of times on abortion...so I won't beat that horse again...let me say something on Obama's redistribution of wealth. Obama and many democrats are under the belief that those on the top of the economic ladder should be brought down by taking their moeny and giving it to those on the bottom of the economic ladder. Perhaps in theory this sounds like a 'nice' thing to do, but lets take a look at just what that is. It sounds very much like a form of communism to me. Guess what....communism doesn't work. Period the end. Furthermore, it really bugs me is when teachers and professors toot their horn about this communism in disguise. If these educators are so gung ho about taking from those at the top and giving to those at the bottom, then why are their classrooms not run like that? Lets say in a class room of 20 students, 5 get and F, 5 get and A, and 10 get a C+. By the theory of redistribution of wealth, those who got A's, whether by hard work, supurior intellect or a better situation, should get a C+. Those extra points that they earned should then be given to those who either tried and struggled, gave up, or simply didn't show up so that they can be given a C+ as well. That is outrageous. Why is the economy any different? I know of people who, for whatever reason, just don't seem to care. They spend money on video game systems and televisions....money they don't have, while they don't even try to go get a job to support their family or get out of debt. Should they be given money that was taken from someone who worked their tail off and rose through a coorporation and worked to get a good salary? No. That is not helping anyone. If that is the case, where is the incentive for anyone to actually work hard? There won't be any incentive! If you think things are bad now with the economy and having nearly everything made in foreign, cheap labor countires....this will only make things so much worse.
Another thing that really upsets me is how Obama can get away being buddy-buddy with racists and terrorists....and no one seems to care. But, this post is already pretty long, so I will leave that for another post tomorrow or this weekend. God bless.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Election Novena
However, with what we face in just over a week, time needs to be made to post at least something. And so, for my fellow Catholic brothers and sisters, I bring you this, which was passed along to me by a friend.
This is a novena for the election. The link is just one page of text, explaining why this is vital. The priest who initiated this movement does not sugar coat this, and nor should he. Things that have been going on, such as the economy, are NOT coincidence.
Read this...and act how the Holy Spirit directs you.
http://www.fathercorapi.com/PDF/ElectionNovena.pdf
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The question of Palin's Experience
A couple days ago, John McCain picked his running mate, Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska. Now, she is pretty unknown to most people, since she is in Alasaka! In a nut shell, she is the perfect VP pick for McCain to get those conservatives who were rather 'iffy' about McCain to support him strongly. She is fiscally conservative, strongly anti-abortion (she recently gave birth to a son with Downs Syndrome, even though many told her to murder this child...yes abortion is murder.), pro-Second Amendment, and a very strong individual who tells things like it is.
With such a solid running mate, what are the Democrats and liberals to do??? Palin has but one area they have decided to attack: her experience. Just today, in the Dining Hall, I heard a lady exploding about she has no experience. Here is a run down of her political career:
- City Council Member, Wasilla, Alaska: 1992-1996
- Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska: 1996-2002
- Chairperson of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission: 2003-2004
- Governor of Alaska: 2006-Present
"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency," ~Adrianne Marsh, a spokeswoman for Democrat Barack Obama.A very interesting quote. It is certainly true, that she was a mayor and had little foreign policy experience. However, it seems a bit....hypocritical, not to mention downright, well...stupid. Shall we take a look at Adrianne Marsh and the Dining Hall lady's candidate's political career?
- Member of the Illinois Senate, 13th District: 1997-2004
- Illinois Junior Senator: 2005-present
Now, if you are a democrat, I already can guess as to your response. "Obama has been in the Federal government, in Washington! Palin hasn't!" Again, Obama has been a junior senator, where as Palin has run an entire state. Tell me, 12 months ago did you know who Obama was? Was he in the news for his work in the Senate? I tend to think I follow politics closely, and I hadn't ever heard of him until the Primaries occured. Fact of the matter is, Obama has no experience at much of anything! And the Democrats want that for President?
I am really curious, and so I ask any Obama-Bidden supports who read this. Leave me a comment and tell my why you support them. What is it that he is saying he will do that you like so much? I printed out his 60+page 'Plan for Change' and looked at some of it...I just don't see what he is running on. He says 'Oh, I will change this, and I will change that. We need to get away from the same-old same old." But I ask, where does he say how he will change thigns? I don't see it anywhere. So....I want to see your comments. Why Obama?????
Monday, May 12, 2008
"Catholic" Democrats?
How can these "Catholic" democrats vote for and support candidates who have such a blatant disregard for human life and basic Christian morals? One of the Democratic Parties staunchest platforms is to allow abortions and stem-cell research. The Catholic Church teaches these as intrinsically evil! Would someone please explain to me then how someone can call themselves Catholic, yet support the Democrats?
I think a lot of it has to do with long standing voting traditions. Back in the day, it was the Democrats who were more closely aligned to Catholic teaching....so many people today just vote Democrat because that is what their parents and grandparents did. If that is the case, these people need to wake up and actually look at the issues. And this isn't just for Catholics either...I don't see how any Christian can support this party.
A vote for the Democrats is a vote for the Culture of Death. Which are you going to support come November?
Bill Donahue Article: http://www.lifenews.com/nat3921.html
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Barack Obama, Iraq, and the United States in the late 1700's
Obama said, and since it was a live stream and I couldn't go back and get his exact words, this isn't a quote, he basically said that trying to help the Iraqi people get a government up is a waste of our time! He said that if the Iraqi government hadn't gotten things squared away in 7 years, (the 7 years coming from 2003-2010, when the last of our troops would withdraw on his plan) that the Iraqi government wouldn't get it together in 14 years, or 21 years, or 28 years.
Obama later stated that we need a president who knows our Constitution and was raised on the Constitution. Well...that is not Obama! Here is the thing: The United States of America declared independence from England on July 4, 1776. The leaders of the newly formed nation now had the task of "getting together" a government. The Articles of Confederation were adopted on November 15, 1777.
Here is the thing though...the Articles of Confederation failed and the founding fathers had not yet gotten a workable central government "together." But they eventually did and the American Constitution went into effect on September 17, 1787. Eleven years after our Declaration of Independence. Our own nation took more time to "get it together" than Obama is willing to give the Iraqi government. And we didn't even have half of the problems Iraq has! We didn't have terrorists blowing up our buildings and killing our leaders like what is happening in Iraq. Of course it isn't going to happen over night Obama! Look at your own country's history a little bit!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Barack Obama's Pastor
Now, when you stick with a church for 20 years, get married in that church, have your children baptized in that church, when you are very close to your pastor...chances are pretty high you are satisfied and supportive of this church. From my own personal experience, my family just left one Catholic parish for another because we became very dissatisfied and uncomfortable (to say the least) with the direction of that parish. Likewise, here at my college, it is becoming clear to me that the Catholic chapel on campus is very liberal and does what they want...which I do not support and makes me uncomfortable. So, this semester, I have been to Mass there once and doubt I will be going there often if ever again, favoring the more traditional churches in town.
Now my whole point here is this. You pick your church and you pick your pastor based on what you like and what you are comfortable with. If you don't like it, you find another one. When you stay with the church for 20 years, you must like it.
Now...I have embedded video from Fox News that analyzes some of the sermons given by the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr that are downright HATEFUL of America! Wait a second...Obama is buddy-buddy with a person who hates America...sits in the pews and listens to this guy spew anti-American lies...and he is running for PRESIDENT? Maybe its just me...but something doesn't seem right.
Take a look for yourself:
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS OFFENSIVE MATERIAL AND LANGUAGE!!!
For further reading: http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/14/obamas-spiritual-adviser....
Another video: http://www.foxnews.com/video2/launchPage.html?031308/....
Obama's Church Website: http://www.tucc.org/home.htm
UPDATE: Apparently Obama has just released a statement regarding this very issue. That can be found by clicking here. You be the judge...I personally find it hard to believe that Obama never heard these sermons or didn't even know about them until the start of his campaign.