Today's Cultural Warfare Update
Jul. 6th, 2005 11:34 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
solarbirdTennessee opens a new probe of the "ex-gay" camp;
Bush to fundamentalists, hardliners: tone down the language against Gonzales;
United Church of Christ - the same established Protestant church whose inclusiveness ads were refused by a couple of the major networks - decides to sanctify same-gender marriages;
Focus on the Family article: nominate a Thomas/Scalia justice to the Court;
Focus on the Family, Traditional Values Coalition wants video at Lincoln memorial changed to remove video of abortion-rights and GBLT-rights protests at the memorial, and anti-abortion footage put in, to provide "balance" (this has been ongoing for a while; it's apparently back on the radar; the footage had previously been edited to remove protests that took place there and put in socially-conservative protests that took place in other places);
FotF blasts American Academy of Pediatricians for stating that abstinence-only education doesn't work very well;
FotF Special Report: Bush must nominate Thomas/Scalia-type justice;
Today's Family News in Focus;
Supreme Court case upcoming regarding use of RICO and anti-abortion blockade protests;
CWA cranky about gay rights protest historical marker in Pennsylvania;
CWA cranky about Canadian marriage;
New Zealand MP refuses to condemn stoning gay men to death "in certain circumstances" - big question over the conflict between the Koran and lawmaking;
Florida governor Jeb Bush pushes evangelistic Christian programme in schools;
Legal Times article on the "political calculus" of replacing O'Connor on the Supreme Court;
Family Research Council rejects calls for a "consensus candidate" for O'Connor's replacement;
FRC condemns United Church of Christ for recognising same-sex marriages;
FRC action item: demand Thomas/Scalia-like justice to replace O'Connor, condemns her for voting for Lawrence v. Texas as "striking at the heart of our Judeo-Christian heritage."
----- 1 -----
Tenn. opens new probe of ‘ex-gay’ facility
Experts say children should not be forced into counseling
By EARTHA MELZER
The Washington Blade
Jul. 01, 2005
http://www.washblade.com/print.cfm?content_id=5967
The state of Tennessee continues to probe Love in Action, the Memphis facility that has drawn protests since a 16-year-old known as “Zach” blogged that his parents were sending him there for treatment intended to change his sexual orientation.
The Tennessee Department of Health has sent a letter to Love in Action notifying the group that it is suspected of operating illegally, according to Andrea Turner, communications director for the department.
Turner said that if the program is strictly faith-based it would not require licensing by the state, but that according to the group’s Web site, Love in Action has licensed counselors and provides services related to alcohol and drug addiction on site.
“If this is the case, they are required to be licensed as a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Tennessee,” Turner said.
If employees there are providing counseling on homosexuality, it is possible that they are operating outside their area of expertise, Turner added.
Legislation giving the health department the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed alcohol and drug treatment facilities goes into effect July 1. Turner said that the health department is considering whether the Love in Action facility is causing harm.
Rachel Lassiter, of Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen’s communications office, said that the Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities has also begun research on Love in Action and is writing a letter of inquiry to the facility to determine whether an official investigation is warranted.
Lassiter said that only licensed professionals should provide mental health care in Tennessee and that the state has an interest in making sure that whatever services are offered are beneficial.
Last week, the Department of Child Services investigated allegations of child abuse at the facility and determined that the allegations were unfounded.
Dr. Warren Throckmorton, a psychologist at faith-based Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a leading advocate for the view that sexual orientation can be changed, said that he believes that Love in Action is mixing ministry with treatment and that people can be damaged by sexual reorientation therapies offered by unprofessional practitioners.
Throckmorton emphasized that while a parent might compel a teen to attend church, a professional counselor is bound to obtain informed consent from a client and should not treat a minor solely because his parents are upset about his sexual orientation.
Love in Action advertises a therapeutic environment in which professional counselors help people overcome “addictive behaviors including homosexuality.”
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Bush: ‘Tone down’ rhetoric on court choice
President defends Gonzales in interview with USA Today
Associated Press
Updated: 12:49 a.m. ET July 5, 2005
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8466515/
WASHINGTON - President Bush on Monday defended Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who is the target of conservative critics seeking a hard-liner for the Supreme Court, USA Today reported.
The president said he will interview prospects himself after he sorts through candidates over the next few weeks to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the newspaper said in a story posted late Monday on its Web site.
“Al Gonzales is a great friend of mine,” Bush told USA Today. “When a friend gets attacked, I don’t like it.”
The president appealed to special interest groups running ads and mobilizing supporters for the anticipated fight over the Supreme Court nominee to “tone down the heated rhetoric.”
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
United Church of Christ endorses gay marriage
Approves resolution for same-sex unions, opposes gender-specific definition
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8463741/
ATLANTA - The United Church of Christ’s rule-making body voted overwhelmingly Monday to approve a resolution that endorses same-sex marriage, making it the largest Christian denomination to do so.
The vote is not binding on individual churches, but could cause some churches to leave the fold.
Roughly 80 percent of the members of the church’s General Synod voted to approve the resolution. They debated for about an hour before voting.
On Sunday, a committee of about 50 United Church of Christ representatives gave nearly unanimous approval to the resolution, recommending that the General Synod approve it. It was supported by the UCC’s president, John H. Thomas.
Traditionally strong in New England, the liberal denomination of 1.3 million members has long been supportive of gays and lesbians.
----- 4 -----
Bush Defends Gonzales
by Pete Winn, associate editor
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037086.cfm
SUMMARY: President says he doesn't appreciate criticism of
the attorney general, who is rumored to be among the
candidates to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme
Court.
The rhetoric is heating up over the upcoming vacancy on
the U.S. Supreme Court, with President Bush himself
weighing in -- in the direction of critics who don't think
one of the possible candidates is conservative enough.
Bush told USA Today that he didn't appreciate the
criticism Attorney General Alberto Gonzales -- rumored in
the media to be a candidate for the high court -- has been
receiving.
"Al Gonzales is a great friend of mine," Bush said. "When
a friend gets attacked, I don't like it."
Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law
and Justice, is one of the pro-family voices not sold on
Gonzales. He said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation" that
conservatives had concerns about Gonzales serving on the
Court -- and that members of the pro-family community want
to see someone who is a social conservative as well as
economic conservative.
But Bush and Sekulow aren't the only ones sounding off on
the issue of who will take O'Connor's place. Politicians
and pundits on both sides of the political aisle are
making their views known.
For instance, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a former chairman
of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, said today on
ABC's "Good Morning America" that the Senate was in for
bitter -- and partisan -- battle over the nomination,
particularly if the president nominated a "strong
conservative" for the post.
"The president is going to choose a conservative," Hatch
said. "I don't think he's going to choose a right-wing
conservative."
Sean Rushton, executive director of the Committee for
Justice, sees things a little differently. He said his
organization was very close to the White House in the
fight over the Supreme Court; he is expecting a good
nominee when the president makes his selection.
"For that reason, we have made it clear that we will
support the president and whomever he nominates," Rushton
said, "but we've also made them aware and been candid
about the fact that there are many on the right,
especially in the pro-family community, who have expressed
concerns about Attorney General Gonzales, and that that
could cause problems if there were to be a contentious
fight over his nomination."
The problem, he added, is that if the conservative
coalition does turn out to be "less than enthusiastic"
about a nominee, that could mean the difference between
success and failure for that nominee.
"I think the White House knows that," Rushton said, "and
so we're very comfortable with where things are. We
believe at the end of the day it will be a nominee we can
all get behind."
More important, he said presidential adviser Karl Rove
grasps that the courts issue "has been a net positive in
the last two election cycles."
It is one of the issues, Rushton explained, that brought
out voters in large numbers for Republicans for Senate
races, especially, in 2002 and 2004 -- "along with the
interrelated values issues."
Pat Trueman of the Family Research Council said he, too,
has no doubt that the White House has gotten the message:
Please nominate a strict constructionist who will
interpret the Constitution as intended.
"We can trust President Bush to fulfill his campaign
promise to appoint someone that mirrors Justice Antonin
Scalia or Justice Clarence Thomas," Trueman said.
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
LINCOLN VIDEO TO GET OVERHAUL
Park Service will provide balance to Lincoln Memorial presentation.
by Bill Wilson, Washington, D.C., correspondent
Focus on the Family
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0037079.cfm
SUMMARY: Park Service will provide balance to Lincoln
Memorial presentation to soften the implication that the
16th president supported abortion and homosexuality.
The National Park Service is spending $20,000 to revamp a
video shown to visitors to the Lincoln Memorial in
Washington, D.C., a move that comes after conservatives
protested the current video for implying that President
Lincoln supported abortion and homosexuality.
The video depicts some of the public rallies held at the
memorial, and in doing so is "the antithesis of fair and
balanced," according to the Rev. Louis Sheldon, chairman
of the Traditional Values Coalition.
"We are encouraging the Department of Interior to replace
it," Sheldon said, "with one that shows other rallies that
present a fair and balanced picture of the American scene
of social action."
----- 6 -----
Pediatricians Cite Phantom Evidence on Abstinence
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 5, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
The American Academy of Pediatrics' latest teen pregnancy
update does not back abstinence-until-marriage education,
according to The Associated Press.
The academy's recommendation, published Tuesday in the
journal Pediatrics, claims evidence does not support the
teaching of abstinence to adolescents.
"Even though there is great enthusiasm in some circles for
abstinence-only interventions, the evidence does not
support abstinence-only interventions as the best way to
keep young people from unintended pregnancy," said Dr.
Jonathan Klein, chairman of the academy that wrote the
report.
Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the
Family Action, said that statement is typical of the
academy.
"Talk about an absurd statement," she said. "Abstinence is
100 percent effective in preventing teen pregnancy. The
evidence is there in support of abstinence education, but
the academy is such a liberal-leaning organization it
doesn't surprise me they don't see it."
----- 7 -----
** CITIZENLINK SPECIAL REPORT **
July 1, 2005
JUSTICE SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR RESIGNS FROM U.S. SUPREME
COURT
[Received in email; no URL]
Focus on the Family Action Chairman James C. Dobson,
Ph.D., issued the following statement today in response to
the resignation of Sandra Day O'Connor:
"Today marks a watershed moment in American history: the
resignation of a swing-vote justice on the Supreme Court
and the opportunity to change the Court's direction. The
rulings by the Court this June, particularly the
schizophrenic decisions on the 10 Commandments cases, have
once again demonstrated the desperate need for justices
who will interpret the Constitution as it was written, not
as the latest fads of legal theorists dictate.
"President Bush must nominate someone whose judicial
philosophy is crystal clear. And no one has been clearer
about this than the President himself, who said during his
campaign that he would appoint justices in the mold of
Clarence Thomas or Antonin Scalia. We have full confidence
that he will carry out that pledge."
Today's CitizenLink Update will include reaction to the
resignation from other pro-family leaders, analysis of how
the vacancy may impact the balance of the court, and
insight into the judicial philosophy that would return the
court's decisions back to a more constitutional
perspective.
----- 8 -----
Family News in Focus
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Focus on the Family
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Family_News_in_Focus/
* Concern grows in Washington over amount of meth use in America - and its effect on children
1. National Association of Counties - 500 counties in 45 states surveyed, 60% is now number one drug problem in those states. "Methamphetamine use in America has reached crisis proportion." Urban, suburban, and rural areas all affected. White house drug czar says: "The notion of epidemic... is erroneous." But also calls it a "primary thing" to confront. Raises the "but what about the children?!" flag. Calls for "more comprehensive" approach to fighting meth.
* Does your child have a TV in his bedroom? If so, some new research finds that his test scores are probably suffering
3. This article has appeared elsewhere; third graders with TV in their bedrooms score seven points lower in math, reading, and language arts tests. [Also: they watch two more hours of television per week.] [Ed. note: I support removing .] 71% of children have televisions in their bedrooms(!). Morality in Media says to limit TV that parents watch too. More than three hours of television per day (different study) is an indicator of low graduation numbers, as well.
* Radio listeners are political - and conservative - That’s the finding from study out of University of Missouri
4. Praise for Rush Limbaugh, attacks on the "normal, elite media" and what it "isn't telling you." Radio listeners are the "most polarised" of respondents. Same with television. "Although most conservative news outlets can be trusted to give accurate information, a second source never hurts." [Ed. Note: BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA FOTF ACCCURATE INFORMATION BWAH HA HA HA HA!] "If you've got a diversified source of information, then I think any of those places can be perfectly fine places to get alternative viewpoints." "But not necessarily factual." Attacks non-conservative media as inherently untrustworthy.
* Two pro-abortion groups have taken aim at Walmart for failure to stock morning after pill
6. Walgreens and Rite-Aid require their pharmacists to help patients find another pharmacist who will fulfill the prescription; Walmart won't stock it at all. Switches to Indiana pharmacist who is suing Indiana over requirements to fulfill all legal prescriptions.
* US Army may not reach its yearly goal of new recruits for military service, but re-enlistments seem to be filling gap
5. Trying to get 80,000 by Sept; "a little over halfway" to that goal. Goal of 64,000 re-enlistements is closer to on track. "People re-enlist because of good leaders, and we have some fine leaders..."
* Study from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids finds teen smoking is declining and conversations sparked by state sponsored ads is one reason
2. Students who see the ads apparently are less likely to overestimate how many people in their peer groups smoke. 22% of high school students are smokers.
* NOT LISTED IN SUMMARY: UCC TO BEGIN SANCTIFYING SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
United Church of Christ has approved "marriage rights for homosexuals." FotF, Dr. Bill Mayers: The United Church of Christ is cowtowing to a very small minourity within their membership to push this political agenda... I think those within the church who are committeed... to the actual truth of God's word may actually be rethinking their membership in the United Church of Christ. Claims two groups have called for UCC general minister's removal and threatening to leave.
----- 9 -----
When Will N.O.W. Get It?
Concerned Women for America
7/6/2005
By Seana Cranston
Supremes will hear Scheidler v. NOW for third time.
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8483/LEGAL/scourt/index.htm
The National Organization for Women (NOW) and abortion clinics around the country want federal extortion laws applied to pro-life protestors. As a result, a 19-year-old case is at the Supreme Court for a third time.
The Supreme Court granted review on June 28 in Scheidler v. NOW (consolidated with Operation Rescue v. NOW), agreeing to once again decide whether extortion laws can be used as an underlying act under federal racketeering laws in order to cause a nationwide ban against pro-life protestors.
The case arises from a lawsuit filed by NOW and various abortion clinics to shut down pro-life protests outside of abortion facilities. They argue that pro-life protests amount to “organized crime,” and that protestors should be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Back in 2003, in the case’s second appearance at the High Court, Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote the majority opinion in Scheidler v. National Organization for Women. This was a victory for Mr. Scheidler, pro-life protestors, and all supporters of free speech. As Concerned Women for America (CWA) reported, the Court refused, in an 8-1 decision, to expand the definition of extortion under federal law to include pro-life activists’ activities. [To read the amicus brief CWA filed in this case, click here.]
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
Historical Marker in Philadelphia to Mark Homosexual Rights Protest
Concerned Women for America
7/5/2005
The state of Pennsylvania has approved a historical marker to be placed near Independence Hall in Philadelphia marking the state’s first homosexual rights march. The marker was unveiled in a quiet ceremony proceeding the July 4th holiday and has so far been mentioned only in the homosexual press. Bob Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute has more. Click here to listen.
[Robert Knight, CWA: "It's a marker that recognises gay rights demonstrations in 1965 through 1969. According to various homosexual web sites, this is the first time a state historical commission has honoured the gay rights movement with a marker of some kind." Notes that there's already a Federal marker at Stonewall. "It had a lot of drag queens, they began throwing bottles and rocks at police, a riot ensued... the gay rights movement likes to say that's their Boston tea party." Closeness to Independence Hall makes it "so objectionable." "To have it near Independence Hall is very symbolic... the gay activists [are] crowing about it... Mattachine Society [founder] is crowing about it. ... the government should never promote homosexual activity, given that it's so unhealthy, and wrong, and the steps being taken in Philadelphia - where Christians were persecuted just recently for trying to bring the gospel into a homosexual street festival - show that the homosexual movement has gone from asking for tolerance to demanding recognition and even celebration, and seeking to punish those that won't do that."
Asked "Why is it being kept so quiet?" Talks about Christian protesters ("Repent America") arrested "for simply preaching the gospel" at a "homosexual fair." "Repent America... is keeping on top of these things." Founder of RA Michael Markavage(?): "It's deeply disturbing that the Pennsylvania historical and museum commission is unveiling a homosexual marker to honour those who celebrate and engage in sexually deviant behaviour." "We have to agree with Michael. In no way should they be celebrating... something wrong, something you shouldn't do, because it hurts you, your family, and eventually, your community."
Tourists are going to be "shocked" by the marker. "I don't think they're going to be happy." "Traditionally, events have been recognised for their homosexual significance - I'm not sure these gay rights marches qualify for that in Philadelphia... they're getting special recognition... do they have anti-war demonstration markers all over the place? ... All sorts of demonstrations have been held, why are we honouring this homosexual rights movement?"
Calls for Pennsylvania listeners to write historical commission demanding the marker be removed. No address given.
----- 11 -----
Canada’s Parliament Approves Same-Sex ‘Marriage’
Concerned Women for America
7/6/2005
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8488/CWA/family/index.htm
Canada’s liberal Parliament recently approved a measure granting marriage rights to same-sex couples. The vote is a major loss, but not the end of the battle. Bob Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute says that our Christian and conservative friends to the north are planning to fight back at the ballot box. Click here to listen.
"We have to look at it as a temporary setback... Christians in Canada... have to do some very hard work to get our culture back." "This had only been legal in several of the provinces since a court ruling in Ontario, and the provinces were gradually adopting it." "Parliament, which is very liberal... went ahead and passed this." "Conservatives in Canada are predicting that this will cost people a lot of seats..." "They are not going to take this likely."
Talks about the Reform party being founded in western Canada, which "completely replaced the Progresssive Conservatives" - they "really need to get all the opposition parties together against the liberals," apparently not noticing that all the opposition parties except the Conservatives are for it.
McGill University professor Douglas Farrow says "this is an illegal act" and urges people to ignore it." Also claims Massachusetts marriages are "illegal" because "there's nothing in the Constitution that allows it" (?!).
CWA is going to send money and support to Canadian fundamentalists. Talks about UCC supporting marriage. "I hope it's just the United Church of Christ... the UCC is the church of Barry Lynn, the church of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State... Mr. Lynn takes an extremist view of the Constitution..." Claims the ACLU supports child pornography. "The UCC has a long record of promoting homosexuality."
Talks about UCC's ad that some of the major networks rejected - the one with the bouncers. "It was a bigoted attack on churches that are upholding traditional morality."
UCC is "going to be a mouthpiece for the homosexual movement on the issue of marriage." The UCC has "already taken steps in that directions." Notes UCC already has same-sex commitment ceremonies. Calls it an attack on "God's marriage." "I think the UCC is playing with fire, and they will probably lose a lot of members over this... I bet they slip under a million before long."
----- 12 -----
PM to question Choudhary over 'stoning' comments
05 July 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3335735a10,00.html
Prime Minister Helen Clark will seek clarification from Labour Muslim MP Ashraf Choudhary after he refused in a television interview to condemn the stoning to death of homosexuals and people who had extra-marital affairs.
In a 60 Minutes programme on TV3 last night examining Islamic fundamentalism in New Zealand, Dr Choudhary was asked: "Are you saying the Koran is wrong to recommend that gays in certain circumstances be stoned to death?"
He replied: "No, no. Certainly what the Koran says is correct."
He then partially qualified the statement.
"In those societies, not here in New Zealand," he said.
Miss Clark said she would seek clarification of the comments from Dr Choudhary.
"I will try to clarify it. Clearly Ashraf is a devout Muslim and he will have his own views. But for the record let me spell out the Labour Party does not support capital punishment. It does not support flogging. It does not support stoning. We have very strong views about that," she said.
"I don't care whether it's in any religious tract, it's not something that's acceptable to me."
Conservation Minister Chris Carter, also gay, said he had worked very closely with Dr Choudhary for many years.
"He is a person who supported the Civil Union Bill, he is a person who is very supportive of minority's in this country and I think is a very good New Zealander and certainly my engagement with the Muslim community has always been very positive."
He said he would ask about the comments.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
Gov. Bush touts Christian-based program for schools
By Dara Kam
Special to The Palm Beach Post
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/state/epaper/2005/07/06/m1a_fathers_0706.html
TALLAHASSEE — Just before Father's Day, Gov. Jeb Bush announced that he wanted every public school in Florida to host a Christian-based program designed to increase fathers' participation in their children's lives.
The program, All Pro Dad, combines a biblical foundation with the draw of popular professional athletes to promote the belief that "the father is the head of the household" and that men should rely on God to help them be better parents and keep their marriages intact. It also encourages Bible reading.
"This is a really great program," Bush said at a news conference last month, though he did not make any reference to the project's Christian foundation. "The response of this program has been a success, and I hope it expands throughout the entire state to every school in every school district."
But critics say the program, which has a direct link on the Florida Department of Education Web site, clearly has Christian overtones and is part of a national effort by evangelicals who view public schools as recruiting fields.
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Political Calculus of Replacing O'Connor
Because the retiring justice is a woman, some say Bush must consider gender and race, as well as ideology
By T.R. Goldman
Legal Times
July 4, 2005
http://www.law.com/jsp/dc/PubArticleDC.jsp?id=1120208730719
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's surprise retirement leaves President George W. Bush in a bind: Can he possibly replace the first woman on the Supreme Court with a white male?
After all, prior to O'Connor's July 1 announcement, most of the smart money for a potential high court nominee was on middle-aged white judges such as John Roberts of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and J. Michael Luttig of the 4th Circuit. But that was to replace Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who, at least for the moment, is staying.
"Do you replace O'Connor with a woman, or with a Hispanic, so you have a new first?" says American University law professor Stephen Wermiel. "The question is, who are you trying to appease? And are you looking for a fight — or looking to avoid a fight?"
[More at URL]
Competing interest groups lost no time in laying down markers, and rallying their troops. Hispanic activists, for one, and their interest groups say the opportunity is ripe for Bush to name the nation's first Hispanic justice. Nominating a Hispanic would also help the Republican Party woo a key and growing constituency that it has actively courted.
----- 15 -----
To: Friends of Family Research Council
From: Tony Perkins, President
July 5, 2005 - Tuesday
Please forward this to your Friends and Family!
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU05G02&f=PG03I03
October 3, 2005
Opponents of President Bush have said they will use every tool in their arsenal, including the filibuster and other stalling tactics, to block any Supreme Court nominee who does not meet certain litmus tests. Eighty nine days from today, on October 3rd, the Supreme Court is scheduled to start the 2005-2006 term. The three months between now and then is plenty of time for the U.S. Senate to debate and vote on a candidate once the President makes a nomination. If the Senate truly has respect for both the law and for tradition it should work through the summer to guarantee the Supreme Court has a full nine justices, including any new judge.
For the nine current justices the average interval between nomination and confirmation was 68 days. One justice, John Paul Stevens, actually went through the process in a modern day record of 16 days. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) sees no rush and would rather wait until we have a "consensus candidate." Who defines consensus? During the 2004 presidential campaign the president was asked who his models for the Supreme Court are. It was an issue in the campaign. He won the campaign. That's what elections are about. Any stalling by the Democrats will be revealed for the political opportunism it is. October 3, 2005 - remember the date.
----- 16 -----
Mainline Denomination Goes Off the Track on Marriage
Family Research Council
July 5, 2005
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU05G02&f=PG03I03 (scroll down)
The mainline Protestant denominations in the United States continue to demonstrate how far some in their leadership have departed from the true "main line" of orthodox Christian teaching and the views of the people in their own pews. The United Church of Christ (UCC) yesterday declared its independence from biblical morality and natural law by passing a resolution endorsing the redefinition of civil marriage to include homosexual couples.
Ironically, this historic Congregationalist denomination, whose New England churches played a role in the American Revolution, also violated their democratic traditions in the vote of their 884-member General Synod. "If we had put it to a vote of the people in the pews, it would have failed overwhelmingly," declared the Rev. Brett Becker, a spokesman for more conservative churches in the UCC. Although the policy is not binding on the denomination's member congregations, which enjoy autonomy, it nevertheless is likely to contribute even more to the hemorrhaging of members, donations, and local churches that have led the "mainline" churches to become increasingly marginal while conservative churches and denominations are growing.
----- 17 -----
Encourage President Bush to name a CONSERVATIVE Justice
July 5, 2005 - Tuesday
Family Research Council
https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL05G02&v=PRINT
The retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor from the U.S. Supreme Court presents the most important opportunity we may have for decades to stop the nation's courts from stripping away our Judeo-Christian heritage. Justice O'Connor MUST be replaced by a conservative justice who will honor the constitution and not make laws from the bench. President Bush made a campaign promise to name justices to the nation's highest court that mirror the judicial philosophy of Supreme Court conservative Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. That promise, more than perhaps any other, charged me and millions of other values voters across the land to vote for Mr. Bush.
Justice O'Connor was the deciding vote on many 5-4 decisions of the Court that strike at the heart of our Judeo-Christian heritage. You know that just a week ago, Justice O'Conner and four others on the Supreme Court ruled that the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed on public property if there is a religious purpose in doing so. Honoring God in the public square is now banned because of Justice O'Connor's vote. She was part of the 5-4 majority striking down sodomy laws two years ago potentially paving the way for same-sex marriage. And she also sided with the five-member majority striking down the Congressional law prohibiting the gruesome practice of partial-birth-abortion. You can see why Family Research Council is pouring everything into the fight for her replacement -- for someone who is a conservative and a constitutional strict constructionist.
The President needs to know that you will stand with him in what will no doubt be one of the biggest political battles this city has ever seen if he keeps his promise and nominates a candidate like Justice Scalia or Thomas. The President needs to hear from you and your friends and neighbors right now before he makes his decision.
Bush to fundamentalists, hardliners: tone down the language against Gonzales;
United Church of Christ - the same established Protestant church whose inclusiveness ads were refused by a couple of the major networks - decides to sanctify same-gender marriages;
Focus on the Family article: nominate a Thomas/Scalia justice to the Court;
Focus on the Family, Traditional Values Coalition wants video at Lincoln memorial changed to remove video of abortion-rights and GBLT-rights protests at the memorial, and anti-abortion footage put in, to provide "balance" (this has been ongoing for a while; it's apparently back on the radar; the footage had previously been edited to remove protests that took place there and put in socially-conservative protests that took place in other places);
FotF blasts American Academy of Pediatricians for stating that abstinence-only education doesn't work very well;
FotF Special Report: Bush must nominate Thomas/Scalia-type justice;
Today's Family News in Focus;
Supreme Court case upcoming regarding use of RICO and anti-abortion blockade protests;
CWA cranky about gay rights protest historical marker in Pennsylvania;
CWA cranky about Canadian marriage;
New Zealand MP refuses to condemn stoning gay men to death "in certain circumstances" - big question over the conflict between the Koran and lawmaking;
Florida governor Jeb Bush pushes evangelistic Christian programme in schools;
Legal Times article on the "political calculus" of replacing O'Connor on the Supreme Court;
Family Research Council rejects calls for a "consensus candidate" for O'Connor's replacement;
FRC condemns United Church of Christ for recognising same-sex marriages;
FRC action item: demand Thomas/Scalia-like justice to replace O'Connor, condemns her for voting for Lawrence v. Texas as "striking at the heart of our Judeo-Christian heritage."
----- 1 -----
Tenn. opens new probe of ‘ex-gay’ facility
Experts say children should not be forced into counseling
By EARTHA MELZER
The Washington Blade
Jul. 01, 2005
http://www.washblade.com/print.cfm?content_id=5967
The state of Tennessee continues to probe Love in Action, the Memphis facility that has drawn protests since a 16-year-old known as “Zach” blogged that his parents were sending him there for treatment intended to change his sexual orientation.
The Tennessee Department of Health has sent a letter to Love in Action notifying the group that it is suspected of operating illegally, according to Andrea Turner, communications director for the department.
Turner said that if the program is strictly faith-based it would not require licensing by the state, but that according to the group’s Web site, Love in Action has licensed counselors and provides services related to alcohol and drug addiction on site.
“If this is the case, they are required to be licensed as a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Tennessee,” Turner said.
If employees there are providing counseling on homosexuality, it is possible that they are operating outside their area of expertise, Turner added.
Legislation giving the health department the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed alcohol and drug treatment facilities goes into effect July 1. Turner said that the health department is considering whether the Love in Action facility is causing harm.
Rachel Lassiter, of Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen’s communications office, said that the Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities has also begun research on Love in Action and is writing a letter of inquiry to the facility to determine whether an official investigation is warranted.
Lassiter said that only licensed professionals should provide mental health care in Tennessee and that the state has an interest in making sure that whatever services are offered are beneficial.
Last week, the Department of Child Services investigated allegations of child abuse at the facility and determined that the allegations were unfounded.
Dr. Warren Throckmorton, a psychologist at faith-based Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a leading advocate for the view that sexual orientation can be changed, said that he believes that Love in Action is mixing ministry with treatment and that people can be damaged by sexual reorientation therapies offered by unprofessional practitioners.
Throckmorton emphasized that while a parent might compel a teen to attend church, a professional counselor is bound to obtain informed consent from a client and should not treat a minor solely because his parents are upset about his sexual orientation.
Love in Action advertises a therapeutic environment in which professional counselors help people overcome “addictive behaviors including homosexuality.”
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Bush: ‘Tone down’ rhetoric on court choice
President defends Gonzales in interview with USA Today
Associated Press
Updated: 12:49 a.m. ET July 5, 2005
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8466515/
WASHINGTON - President Bush on Monday defended Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who is the target of conservative critics seeking a hard-liner for the Supreme Court, USA Today reported.
The president said he will interview prospects himself after he sorts through candidates over the next few weeks to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the newspaper said in a story posted late Monday on its Web site.
“Al Gonzales is a great friend of mine,” Bush told USA Today. “When a friend gets attacked, I don’t like it.”
The president appealed to special interest groups running ads and mobilizing supporters for the anticipated fight over the Supreme Court nominee to “tone down the heated rhetoric.”
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
United Church of Christ endorses gay marriage
Approves resolution for same-sex unions, opposes gender-specific definition
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8463741/
ATLANTA - The United Church of Christ’s rule-making body voted overwhelmingly Monday to approve a resolution that endorses same-sex marriage, making it the largest Christian denomination to do so.
The vote is not binding on individual churches, but could cause some churches to leave the fold.
Roughly 80 percent of the members of the church’s General Synod voted to approve the resolution. They debated for about an hour before voting.
On Sunday, a committee of about 50 United Church of Christ representatives gave nearly unanimous approval to the resolution, recommending that the General Synod approve it. It was supported by the UCC’s president, John H. Thomas.
Traditionally strong in New England, the liberal denomination of 1.3 million members has long been supportive of gays and lesbians.
----- 4 -----
Bush Defends Gonzales
by Pete Winn, associate editor
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037086.cfm
SUMMARY: President says he doesn't appreciate criticism of
the attorney general, who is rumored to be among the
candidates to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme
Court.
The rhetoric is heating up over the upcoming vacancy on
the U.S. Supreme Court, with President Bush himself
weighing in -- in the direction of critics who don't think
one of the possible candidates is conservative enough.
Bush told USA Today that he didn't appreciate the
criticism Attorney General Alberto Gonzales -- rumored in
the media to be a candidate for the high court -- has been
receiving.
"Al Gonzales is a great friend of mine," Bush said. "When
a friend gets attacked, I don't like it."
Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law
and Justice, is one of the pro-family voices not sold on
Gonzales. He said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation" that
conservatives had concerns about Gonzales serving on the
Court -- and that members of the pro-family community want
to see someone who is a social conservative as well as
economic conservative.
But Bush and Sekulow aren't the only ones sounding off on
the issue of who will take O'Connor's place. Politicians
and pundits on both sides of the political aisle are
making their views known.
For instance, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a former chairman
of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, said today on
ABC's "Good Morning America" that the Senate was in for
bitter -- and partisan -- battle over the nomination,
particularly if the president nominated a "strong
conservative" for the post.
"The president is going to choose a conservative," Hatch
said. "I don't think he's going to choose a right-wing
conservative."
Sean Rushton, executive director of the Committee for
Justice, sees things a little differently. He said his
organization was very close to the White House in the
fight over the Supreme Court; he is expecting a good
nominee when the president makes his selection.
"For that reason, we have made it clear that we will
support the president and whomever he nominates," Rushton
said, "but we've also made them aware and been candid
about the fact that there are many on the right,
especially in the pro-family community, who have expressed
concerns about Attorney General Gonzales, and that that
could cause problems if there were to be a contentious
fight over his nomination."
The problem, he added, is that if the conservative
coalition does turn out to be "less than enthusiastic"
about a nominee, that could mean the difference between
success and failure for that nominee.
"I think the White House knows that," Rushton said, "and
so we're very comfortable with where things are. We
believe at the end of the day it will be a nominee we can
all get behind."
More important, he said presidential adviser Karl Rove
grasps that the courts issue "has been a net positive in
the last two election cycles."
It is one of the issues, Rushton explained, that brought
out voters in large numbers for Republicans for Senate
races, especially, in 2002 and 2004 -- "along with the
interrelated values issues."
Pat Trueman of the Family Research Council said he, too,
has no doubt that the White House has gotten the message:
Please nominate a strict constructionist who will
interpret the Constitution as intended.
"We can trust President Bush to fulfill his campaign
promise to appoint someone that mirrors Justice Antonin
Scalia or Justice Clarence Thomas," Trueman said.
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
LINCOLN VIDEO TO GET OVERHAUL
Park Service will provide balance to Lincoln Memorial presentation.
by Bill Wilson, Washington, D.C., correspondent
Focus on the Family
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0037079.cfm
SUMMARY: Park Service will provide balance to Lincoln
Memorial presentation to soften the implication that the
16th president supported abortion and homosexuality.
The National Park Service is spending $20,000 to revamp a
video shown to visitors to the Lincoln Memorial in
Washington, D.C., a move that comes after conservatives
protested the current video for implying that President
Lincoln supported abortion and homosexuality.
The video depicts some of the public rallies held at the
memorial, and in doing so is "the antithesis of fair and
balanced," according to the Rev. Louis Sheldon, chairman
of the Traditional Values Coalition.
"We are encouraging the Department of Interior to replace
it," Sheldon said, "with one that shows other rallies that
present a fair and balanced picture of the American scene
of social action."
----- 6 -----
Pediatricians Cite Phantom Evidence on Abstinence
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 5, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
The American Academy of Pediatrics' latest teen pregnancy
update does not back abstinence-until-marriage education,
according to The Associated Press.
The academy's recommendation, published Tuesday in the
journal Pediatrics, claims evidence does not support the
teaching of abstinence to adolescents.
"Even though there is great enthusiasm in some circles for
abstinence-only interventions, the evidence does not
support abstinence-only interventions as the best way to
keep young people from unintended pregnancy," said Dr.
Jonathan Klein, chairman of the academy that wrote the
report.
Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the
Family Action, said that statement is typical of the
academy.
"Talk about an absurd statement," she said. "Abstinence is
100 percent effective in preventing teen pregnancy. The
evidence is there in support of abstinence education, but
the academy is such a liberal-leaning organization it
doesn't surprise me they don't see it."
----- 7 -----
** CITIZENLINK SPECIAL REPORT **
July 1, 2005
JUSTICE SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR RESIGNS FROM U.S. SUPREME
COURT
[Received in email; no URL]
Focus on the Family Action Chairman James C. Dobson,
Ph.D., issued the following statement today in response to
the resignation of Sandra Day O'Connor:
"Today marks a watershed moment in American history: the
resignation of a swing-vote justice on the Supreme Court
and the opportunity to change the Court's direction. The
rulings by the Court this June, particularly the
schizophrenic decisions on the 10 Commandments cases, have
once again demonstrated the desperate need for justices
who will interpret the Constitution as it was written, not
as the latest fads of legal theorists dictate.
"President Bush must nominate someone whose judicial
philosophy is crystal clear. And no one has been clearer
about this than the President himself, who said during his
campaign that he would appoint justices in the mold of
Clarence Thomas or Antonin Scalia. We have full confidence
that he will carry out that pledge."
Today's CitizenLink Update will include reaction to the
resignation from other pro-family leaders, analysis of how
the vacancy may impact the balance of the court, and
insight into the judicial philosophy that would return the
court's decisions back to a more constitutional
perspective.
----- 8 -----
Family News in Focus
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Focus on the Family
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Family_News_in_Focus/
* Concern grows in Washington over amount of meth use in America - and its effect on children
1. National Association of Counties - 500 counties in 45 states surveyed, 60% is now number one drug problem in those states. "Methamphetamine use in America has reached crisis proportion." Urban, suburban, and rural areas all affected. White house drug czar says: "The notion of epidemic... is erroneous." But also calls it a "primary thing" to confront. Raises the "but what about the children?!" flag. Calls for "more comprehensive" approach to fighting meth.
* Does your child have a TV in his bedroom? If so, some new research finds that his test scores are probably suffering
3. This article has appeared elsewhere; third graders with TV in their bedrooms score seven points lower in math, reading, and language arts tests. [Also: they watch two more hours of television per week.] [Ed. note: I support removing .] 71% of children have televisions in their bedrooms(!). Morality in Media says to limit TV that parents watch too. More than three hours of television per day (different study) is an indicator of low graduation numbers, as well.
* Radio listeners are political - and conservative - That’s the finding from study out of University of Missouri
4. Praise for Rush Limbaugh, attacks on the "normal, elite media" and what it "isn't telling you." Radio listeners are the "most polarised" of respondents. Same with television. "Although most conservative news outlets can be trusted to give accurate information, a second source never hurts." [Ed. Note: BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA FOTF ACCCURATE INFORMATION BWAH HA HA HA HA!] "If you've got a diversified source of information, then I think any of those places can be perfectly fine places to get alternative viewpoints." "But not necessarily factual." Attacks non-conservative media as inherently untrustworthy.
* Two pro-abortion groups have taken aim at Walmart for failure to stock morning after pill
6. Walgreens and Rite-Aid require their pharmacists to help patients find another pharmacist who will fulfill the prescription; Walmart won't stock it at all. Switches to Indiana pharmacist who is suing Indiana over requirements to fulfill all legal prescriptions.
* US Army may not reach its yearly goal of new recruits for military service, but re-enlistments seem to be filling gap
5. Trying to get 80,000 by Sept; "a little over halfway" to that goal. Goal of 64,000 re-enlistements is closer to on track. "People re-enlist because of good leaders, and we have some fine leaders..."
* Study from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids finds teen smoking is declining and conversations sparked by state sponsored ads is one reason
2. Students who see the ads apparently are less likely to overestimate how many people in their peer groups smoke. 22% of high school students are smokers.
* NOT LISTED IN SUMMARY: UCC TO BEGIN SANCTIFYING SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
United Church of Christ has approved "marriage rights for homosexuals." FotF, Dr. Bill Mayers: The United Church of Christ is cowtowing to a very small minourity within their membership to push this political agenda... I think those within the church who are committeed... to the actual truth of God's word may actually be rethinking their membership in the United Church of Christ. Claims two groups have called for UCC general minister's removal and threatening to leave.
----- 9 -----
When Will N.O.W. Get It?
Concerned Women for America
7/6/2005
By Seana Cranston
Supremes will hear Scheidler v. NOW for third time.
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8483/LEGAL/scourt/index.htm
The National Organization for Women (NOW) and abortion clinics around the country want federal extortion laws applied to pro-life protestors. As a result, a 19-year-old case is at the Supreme Court for a third time.
The Supreme Court granted review on June 28 in Scheidler v. NOW (consolidated with Operation Rescue v. NOW), agreeing to once again decide whether extortion laws can be used as an underlying act under federal racketeering laws in order to cause a nationwide ban against pro-life protestors.
The case arises from a lawsuit filed by NOW and various abortion clinics to shut down pro-life protests outside of abortion facilities. They argue that pro-life protests amount to “organized crime,” and that protestors should be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Back in 2003, in the case’s second appearance at the High Court, Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote the majority opinion in Scheidler v. National Organization for Women. This was a victory for Mr. Scheidler, pro-life protestors, and all supporters of free speech. As Concerned Women for America (CWA) reported, the Court refused, in an 8-1 decision, to expand the definition of extortion under federal law to include pro-life activists’ activities. [To read the amicus brief CWA filed in this case, click here.]
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
Historical Marker in Philadelphia to Mark Homosexual Rights Protest
Concerned Women for America
7/5/2005
The state of Pennsylvania has approved a historical marker to be placed near Independence Hall in Philadelphia marking the state’s first homosexual rights march. The marker was unveiled in a quiet ceremony proceeding the July 4th holiday and has so far been mentioned only in the homosexual press. Bob Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute has more. Click here to listen.
[Robert Knight, CWA: "It's a marker that recognises gay rights demonstrations in 1965 through 1969. According to various homosexual web sites, this is the first time a state historical commission has honoured the gay rights movement with a marker of some kind." Notes that there's already a Federal marker at Stonewall. "It had a lot of drag queens, they began throwing bottles and rocks at police, a riot ensued... the gay rights movement likes to say that's their Boston tea party." Closeness to Independence Hall makes it "so objectionable." "To have it near Independence Hall is very symbolic... the gay activists [are] crowing about it... Mattachine Society [founder] is crowing about it. ... the government should never promote homosexual activity, given that it's so unhealthy, and wrong, and the steps being taken in Philadelphia - where Christians were persecuted just recently for trying to bring the gospel into a homosexual street festival - show that the homosexual movement has gone from asking for tolerance to demanding recognition and even celebration, and seeking to punish those that won't do that."
Asked "Why is it being kept so quiet?" Talks about Christian protesters ("Repent America") arrested "for simply preaching the gospel" at a "homosexual fair." "Repent America... is keeping on top of these things." Founder of RA Michael Markavage(?): "It's deeply disturbing that the Pennsylvania historical and museum commission is unveiling a homosexual marker to honour those who celebrate and engage in sexually deviant behaviour." "We have to agree with Michael. In no way should they be celebrating... something wrong, something you shouldn't do, because it hurts you, your family, and eventually, your community."
Tourists are going to be "shocked" by the marker. "I don't think they're going to be happy." "Traditionally, events have been recognised for their homosexual significance - I'm not sure these gay rights marches qualify for that in Philadelphia... they're getting special recognition... do they have anti-war demonstration markers all over the place? ... All sorts of demonstrations have been held, why are we honouring this homosexual rights movement?"
Calls for Pennsylvania listeners to write historical commission demanding the marker be removed. No address given.
----- 11 -----
Canada’s Parliament Approves Same-Sex ‘Marriage’
Concerned Women for America
7/6/2005
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8488/CWA/family/index.htm
Canada’s liberal Parliament recently approved a measure granting marriage rights to same-sex couples. The vote is a major loss, but not the end of the battle. Bob Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute says that our Christian and conservative friends to the north are planning to fight back at the ballot box. Click here to listen.
"We have to look at it as a temporary setback... Christians in Canada... have to do some very hard work to get our culture back." "This had only been legal in several of the provinces since a court ruling in Ontario, and the provinces were gradually adopting it." "Parliament, which is very liberal... went ahead and passed this." "Conservatives in Canada are predicting that this will cost people a lot of seats..." "They are not going to take this likely."
Talks about the Reform party being founded in western Canada, which "completely replaced the Progresssive Conservatives" - they "really need to get all the opposition parties together against the liberals," apparently not noticing that all the opposition parties except the Conservatives are for it.
McGill University professor Douglas Farrow says "this is an illegal act" and urges people to ignore it." Also claims Massachusetts marriages are "illegal" because "there's nothing in the Constitution that allows it" (?!).
CWA is going to send money and support to Canadian fundamentalists. Talks about UCC supporting marriage. "I hope it's just the United Church of Christ... the UCC is the church of Barry Lynn, the church of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State... Mr. Lynn takes an extremist view of the Constitution..." Claims the ACLU supports child pornography. "The UCC has a long record of promoting homosexuality."
Talks about UCC's ad that some of the major networks rejected - the one with the bouncers. "It was a bigoted attack on churches that are upholding traditional morality."
UCC is "going to be a mouthpiece for the homosexual movement on the issue of marriage." The UCC has "already taken steps in that directions." Notes UCC already has same-sex commitment ceremonies. Calls it an attack on "God's marriage." "I think the UCC is playing with fire, and they will probably lose a lot of members over this... I bet they slip under a million before long."
----- 12 -----
PM to question Choudhary over 'stoning' comments
05 July 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3335735a10,00.html
Prime Minister Helen Clark will seek clarification from Labour Muslim MP Ashraf Choudhary after he refused in a television interview to condemn the stoning to death of homosexuals and people who had extra-marital affairs.
In a 60 Minutes programme on TV3 last night examining Islamic fundamentalism in New Zealand, Dr Choudhary was asked: "Are you saying the Koran is wrong to recommend that gays in certain circumstances be stoned to death?"
He replied: "No, no. Certainly what the Koran says is correct."
He then partially qualified the statement.
"In those societies, not here in New Zealand," he said.
Miss Clark said she would seek clarification of the comments from Dr Choudhary.
"I will try to clarify it. Clearly Ashraf is a devout Muslim and he will have his own views. But for the record let me spell out the Labour Party does not support capital punishment. It does not support flogging. It does not support stoning. We have very strong views about that," she said.
"I don't care whether it's in any religious tract, it's not something that's acceptable to me."
Conservation Minister Chris Carter, also gay, said he had worked very closely with Dr Choudhary for many years.
"He is a person who supported the Civil Union Bill, he is a person who is very supportive of minority's in this country and I think is a very good New Zealander and certainly my engagement with the Muslim community has always been very positive."
He said he would ask about the comments.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
Gov. Bush touts Christian-based program for schools
By Dara Kam
Special to The Palm Beach Post
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/state/epaper/2005/07/06/m1a_fathers_0706.html
TALLAHASSEE — Just before Father's Day, Gov. Jeb Bush announced that he wanted every public school in Florida to host a Christian-based program designed to increase fathers' participation in their children's lives.
The program, All Pro Dad, combines a biblical foundation with the draw of popular professional athletes to promote the belief that "the father is the head of the household" and that men should rely on God to help them be better parents and keep their marriages intact. It also encourages Bible reading.
"This is a really great program," Bush said at a news conference last month, though he did not make any reference to the project's Christian foundation. "The response of this program has been a success, and I hope it expands throughout the entire state to every school in every school district."
But critics say the program, which has a direct link on the Florida Department of Education Web site, clearly has Christian overtones and is part of a national effort by evangelicals who view public schools as recruiting fields.
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Political Calculus of Replacing O'Connor
Because the retiring justice is a woman, some say Bush must consider gender and race, as well as ideology
By T.R. Goldman
Legal Times
July 4, 2005
http://www.law.com/jsp/dc/PubArticleDC.jsp?id=1120208730719
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's surprise retirement leaves President George W. Bush in a bind: Can he possibly replace the first woman on the Supreme Court with a white male?
After all, prior to O'Connor's July 1 announcement, most of the smart money for a potential high court nominee was on middle-aged white judges such as John Roberts of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and J. Michael Luttig of the 4th Circuit. But that was to replace Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who, at least for the moment, is staying.
"Do you replace O'Connor with a woman, or with a Hispanic, so you have a new first?" says American University law professor Stephen Wermiel. "The question is, who are you trying to appease? And are you looking for a fight — or looking to avoid a fight?"
[More at URL]
Competing interest groups lost no time in laying down markers, and rallying their troops. Hispanic activists, for one, and their interest groups say the opportunity is ripe for Bush to name the nation's first Hispanic justice. Nominating a Hispanic would also help the Republican Party woo a key and growing constituency that it has actively courted.
----- 15 -----
To: Friends of Family Research Council
From: Tony Perkins, President
July 5, 2005 - Tuesday
Please forward this to your Friends and Family!
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU05G02&f=PG03I03
October 3, 2005
Opponents of President Bush have said they will use every tool in their arsenal, including the filibuster and other stalling tactics, to block any Supreme Court nominee who does not meet certain litmus tests. Eighty nine days from today, on October 3rd, the Supreme Court is scheduled to start the 2005-2006 term. The three months between now and then is plenty of time for the U.S. Senate to debate and vote on a candidate once the President makes a nomination. If the Senate truly has respect for both the law and for tradition it should work through the summer to guarantee the Supreme Court has a full nine justices, including any new judge.
For the nine current justices the average interval between nomination and confirmation was 68 days. One justice, John Paul Stevens, actually went through the process in a modern day record of 16 days. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) sees no rush and would rather wait until we have a "consensus candidate." Who defines consensus? During the 2004 presidential campaign the president was asked who his models for the Supreme Court are. It was an issue in the campaign. He won the campaign. That's what elections are about. Any stalling by the Democrats will be revealed for the political opportunism it is. October 3, 2005 - remember the date.
----- 16 -----
Mainline Denomination Goes Off the Track on Marriage
Family Research Council
July 5, 2005
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU05G02&f=PG03I03 (scroll down)
The mainline Protestant denominations in the United States continue to demonstrate how far some in their leadership have departed from the true "main line" of orthodox Christian teaching and the views of the people in their own pews. The United Church of Christ (UCC) yesterday declared its independence from biblical morality and natural law by passing a resolution endorsing the redefinition of civil marriage to include homosexual couples.
Ironically, this historic Congregationalist denomination, whose New England churches played a role in the American Revolution, also violated their democratic traditions in the vote of their 884-member General Synod. "If we had put it to a vote of the people in the pews, it would have failed overwhelmingly," declared the Rev. Brett Becker, a spokesman for more conservative churches in the UCC. Although the policy is not binding on the denomination's member congregations, which enjoy autonomy, it nevertheless is likely to contribute even more to the hemorrhaging of members, donations, and local churches that have led the "mainline" churches to become increasingly marginal while conservative churches and denominations are growing.
----- 17 -----
Encourage President Bush to name a CONSERVATIVE Justice
July 5, 2005 - Tuesday
Family Research Council
https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL05G02&v=PRINT
The retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor from the U.S. Supreme Court presents the most important opportunity we may have for decades to stop the nation's courts from stripping away our Judeo-Christian heritage. Justice O'Connor MUST be replaced by a conservative justice who will honor the constitution and not make laws from the bench. President Bush made a campaign promise to name justices to the nation's highest court that mirror the judicial philosophy of Supreme Court conservative Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. That promise, more than perhaps any other, charged me and millions of other values voters across the land to vote for Mr. Bush.
Justice O'Connor was the deciding vote on many 5-4 decisions of the Court that strike at the heart of our Judeo-Christian heritage. You know that just a week ago, Justice O'Conner and four others on the Supreme Court ruled that the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed on public property if there is a religious purpose in doing so. Honoring God in the public square is now banned because of Justice O'Connor's vote. She was part of the 5-4 majority striking down sodomy laws two years ago potentially paving the way for same-sex marriage. And she also sided with the five-member majority striking down the Congressional law prohibiting the gruesome practice of partial-birth-abortion. You can see why Family Research Council is pouring everything into the fight for her replacement -- for someone who is a conservative and a constitutional strict constructionist.
The President needs to know that you will stand with him in what will no doubt be one of the biggest political battles this city has ever seen if he keeps his promise and nominates a candidate like Justice Scalia or Thomas. The President needs to hear from you and your friends and neighbors right now before he makes his decision.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 07:34 pm (UTC)My father is a gay man with a MSW who works in addiction research.
...People need to wise-up that sexual orientation is not an addiction. As a gay man who did the reparative “therapy” route (obviously it didn’t take) and as an addiction professional I know the arguments. They are made by religious people who understand neither addiction nor sexuality. They are ignorant and can do great harm.
Likewise, psychologists who think homosexual orientation can be changed are usually coming from a religious-ideology perspective and even when they are not are still stuck in an outdated 20th Century paradigm of thinking. They believe that everyone is born a blank slate and that psychosocial forces “write” our identity. Research in the late 20th and early 21st centuries suggest that we are born “hard-wired” in various ways and that anything psychosocial that happens is happening in an interaction with our preformed wiring. Some things cannot and should not be changed. Sexuality and gender identity seem impervious to psychosocial forces, although behaviors related to one’s sexuality and gender identity can be suppressed or altered. This suppression is often done at immense cost to the individual’s mental and emotional well-being.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 07:39 pm (UTC)Prime Minister Helen Clark will seek clarification from Labour Muslim MP Ashraf Choudhary after he refused in a television interview to condemn the stoning to death of homosexuals and people who had extra-marital affairs.
What nonsense. This is an Islamophobic beatup by the press who have no problem with the Christian MPs whose holy book says exactly the same thing (or worse) about gayfolk and adulterers. Aziz Choudhury is one of the more liberal (by American standards) MPs.
Oh really?
Date: 2005-07-06 07:54 pm (UTC)For that manner, how many Christian communities Do it?
How about just Christian's in General? (Please don't put any any wacko's who got arrested and sent to jail for it, we're not talking criminal acts here.
Now lets look at MUSLIM countries that do this! Eypgy, Saudi Arabia, Afganistan (until we liberted it), Sudan, Syria, Iran, and I'm sure I missed at least a half dozen more.
IT ISN'T A BEATUP WHEN THEY ARE REPORTING THE TRUTH!
YOU really need to catch a clue. Any Christian would condemn a stoning. No matter where, regardless of what the bible says, just like they condemn Slavery. But damn few muslims do, because they still practice it when ever they get the chance!
no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 07:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 08:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 08:26 pm (UTC)I'm with
They're also one of the only denominations that has been openly defying the Christian far-right politicos for years. They've had consistently progressive stances since at least the 1970s, when my father started attending.
There are plenty of "Church of Christ" sects that are abusive or greedy to varying degrees, but the United Church of Christ isn't one of them.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 08:47 pm (UTC)5. Trying to get 80,000 by Sept; "a little over halfway" to that goal. Goal of 64,000 re-enlistements is closer to on track. "People re-enlist because of good leaders, and we have some fine leaders..."
Hmmm....yanno...the Navy's been dangling Selective Re-enlistment bonuses of up to $70K to re-enlist for 6 years for some jobs...I wonder if the Army is doing the same...?
no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 09:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-06 10:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-07 11:27 am (UTC)Cathy