Today's Cultural Warfare Update
Aug. 26th, 2005 11:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
solarbirdFotF lovefest over an "expose'" of the APA's "political bias" - they've been railing for years about how homosexuality is no longer considered a mental illness;
Congressman John Hostettler (R-Indiana) declares divorce "must be fought in public policy";
FotF claims a California man was demoted for an anti-marriage-rights bumper-sticker in the workplace;
Coral Ridge Ministries/Centre for Reclaiming America spinoff runs attack adds against Bill Frist's decision to support stem cell research;
Measure to hike up "indecency" fines held up for the moment in the Senate - fundamentalists demand action;
FotF: Support John Roberts (ACTION ITEM);
FotF: Poll showing support for public schools is just a "tool" of the NEA, alleges fraud;
FotF action against Starbucks for being GBLT-supportive (ACTION ITEM);
Texas to vote on marriage rights and civil unions ban - both will be prohibited under Proposition 2;
FotF action item to demand more indecency FCC actions (ACTION ITEM);
Bill Frist also endorses teaching "Intelligent Design";
Concerned Women for America endorses, demands action on "cloning" bill - previous versions I've seen would also ban embryonic stem-cell research entirely, not sure about this latest version but I presume it does;
Fox News's "Hannity and Combs" show hosts author of "The Marketing of Evil," a book talking about advances in GBLT acceptance over the last 15 years, support for abortion rights, and other fundamentalist hot-button issues being part of a marketing plan designed to market, well, _evil_; the fundamentalist groups have been pushing this book for the last several weeks, but not in news articles;
Concerned Women for America warns people to watch out for Wicca.
----- 1 -----
Liberals Reveal 'Destructive Trends' in Mental Health Profession
by Aaron Atwood, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037683.cfm
SUMMARY: The hidden politics of mental health associations
are brought to light in what some call "the most important
book of the decade."
Psychologists Rogers H. Wright and Nicholas A. Cummings,
in the book they edited entitled, "Destructive Trends in
Mental Health: The well-intentioned path to harm,"
included an expose' on the American Psychological
Association's (APA) political -- rather than clinical --
bias. They don't hesitate to confront taboo subjects often
left without representation within the organization.
A. Dean Byrd, clinical professor at Brigham Young
University and the University of Utah, called it "The most
important book of the decade, perhaps of the last several
decades, in mental health."
It's important to note that Wright and Cummings are not
writing from years of conservative platform building. Both
have been highly visible in the leadership of the APA and
are self-proclaimed progressives. That has not tempered
their message.
"(P)sychology and mental health have veered away from
scientific integrity and open inquiry, as well as from
compassionate practice in which the welfare of the patient
is paramount," Cummings writes. "Psychology, psychiatry,
and social work have been captured by the ultraliberal
agenda, much of which we agree with as citizens. However,
we are alarmed with the damaging effect it is having on
our science, our practice and our credibility."
The book uses top-notch mental-health professionals to lay
the groundwork for change within the industry.
"Psychology needs a makeover," Wright explains. "Success
in the psychotherapy realm does not necessarily qualify us
as experts in the broad arena of human affairs. Many of
our colleagues have the propensity to extrapolate
nonjudgmental therapeutic techniques into a philosophy of
human behavior, concluding with the ideal of a valueless,
relativistic, nonjudgmental society."
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Is Federal Divorce Amendment Next?
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: August 25, 2005 9:00 pm ET
(Evansville, Indiana) An Indiana Congressman says that divorce is as dangerous to society as same-sex marriage.
Without specifically calling for an amendment to ban divorce or for federal legislation to restrict divorce John Hostettler (R-Indiana) suggested that the Christian right is looking at divorce as its next big issue.
Hostettler is one of the sponsors of the Federal Marriage Amendment to ban same-sex weddings.
S. Rep. told a gathering of clergy that divorce is as dangerous to society as gay marriage and that churches are essential to strengthening families.
“The picture of marriage is the picture of Christian salvation,” Hostettler said in a speech to the Indiana Family Institute at a Christian Church in Evansville.
“Any diminishing of that notion – whether homosexual marriage or any other degradation of marriage – is something we must fight in public policy.”
Hostettler said religious faith needs to have a greater presence in public policy decisions.
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
Worker Demoted for Supporting Traditional Marriage
by Wendy Cloyd, senior editorial coordinator
Focus on the Family
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0037682.cfm
SUMMARY: A man punished for his belief that marriage is
between one man and one woman is taking it to court.
An Orange County, Calif., computer technician demoted by
his supervisor after expressing his personal belief in
traditional marriage has filed a lawsuit in federal court.
The Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) agreed to represent
the man, whose name has not been disclosed, based on what
it says is the basic issue of whether people in the
workplace can be demoted for being in support of defining
marriage as between one man and one woman.
His offense? According to Brad Dacus, president of PJI,
the employee had posted a bumper sticker in his cubicle
that said, "Marriage = man + woman." When his supervisor
demanded that he take it down, he did so without incident.
[More at URL]
----- 4 -----
TV Spot Criticizes Frist for Supporting Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
August 26, 2005
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
The Center for Reclaiming America (CRA), an outreach of
Coral Ridge Ministries, is waging an advertising campaign
in politically pivotal Iowa. The ad criticizes Sen. Bill
Frist, R-Tenn., for his support of federally funded
embryonic stem-cell research.
The television ad shows a baby barely walking and asks,
"When does a mother first love her child? When does a man
first feel like a father? When does a baby first need our
compassion?"
The narrator then says, "Senator Frist supports public
funding for research that actually destroys human lives.
Senator Frist, we can not save innocent lives by
destroying them."
As the senator's office number appears on the screen, the
narrator urges viewers to "tell Senator Frist to stand
with President Bush and oppose research that destroys
human embryos."
Dr. Gary Cass, executive director of CRA called Frist's
stand in support embryonic stem-cell research "a tragic
medical, political and moral error."
----- 5 -----
Still Waiting on Action from Congress on FCC Fines
August 26, 2005
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
It's been a year-and-a-half since singer Janet Jackson
bared her breast at the Super Bowl halftime show -- and
ignited a firestorm of protest.
Indeed, thousands of you were outraged. Thousands of you
contacted the FCC and Congress through the CitizenLink
Action Center -- and otherwise.
Did anything of substance happen as a result? We're still
waiting, is the response.
In that time, members of Congress have introduced -- and
passed -- legislation that subsequently was killed in the
Senate.
New bills were introduced as a result. But this latest
legislation has become stymied on Capitol Hill, the
Associated Press reports.
According to pro-family lobbyists, even though the U.S.
House of Representatives overwhelming passed legislation
in February to raise the maximum penalty for indecency
from $32,500 to $500,000, the legislation is once again
stalled -- guess where? -- in the Senate.
The chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Sen. Ted
Stevens, R-Alaska, has yet to set a hearing for either of
two indecency bills pending in his committee -- though he
reportedly is drawing up his own bill.
----- 6 ------
Powerhouse Washington Women Endorse Roberts
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0037675.cfm
SUMMARY: Leading women say he will interpret the law, not
create it.
A group of women with extraordinary clout in the nation's
capital have joined together to endorse President Bush's
Supreme Court nominee.
Family News in Focus reported that the gathering looked
like a "who's who" of influential Washington women. While
their positions on the political spectrum vary, Mary Ellen
Bork, author, lecturer, and wife of Judge Robert Bork,
said they agree on their support for Judge John Roberts.
[...]
Karen Kerrigan, founder of the Small Business and
Entrepreneurship Council, said justices such as Roberts
are needed for fiscal sanity.
"Judicial activism, legislating from the bench, clearly
has led to legal uncertainty which has contributed to the
explosive costs in our legal system, topping more than
246-billion dollars annually," she said, "which obviously
puts all U.S. firms in our country at a competitive
disadvantage in the global marketplace."
[...]
They urged all American women to contact their Senators in
support of the nominee.
TAKE ACTION: You can reach your senators through the
CitizenLink Action Center. Let them know you want Judge
Roberts to receive a fair hearing and an up-or-down vote
by the full Senate.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7855151
----- 7 -----
Controversial Poll Says Most People are Happy with Public Schools
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0037674.cfm
SUMMARY: Critics call the poll a political tool.
The annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll of attitudes toward
public schools indicates that Americans believe their
local schools are functioning fairly well, could use more
money and according to Lowell Rose, the poll's director,
do not like the No Child Left Behind Act.
[...]
The poll surveyed 1,000 adults in June. Curiously, nearly
three-fourths of the respondents did not have children in
public schools.
Critics said the poll is little more than a tool for those
who support the political agenda of the National Education
Association.
Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education
Reform, said the annual survey is designed to make
Americans think what that most people are OK with the
existing public school system.
[...]
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Would you give hundreds of dollars
to an organization that supports abortion, promotes
homosexuality and attacks Christian groups? The National
Education Association does all these things. But no
teacher has to support the agenda of the NEA. "Grading the
NEA" exposes the political agenda and financial records of
the nation's largest teachers union.
http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=1399&refcd=CE05HCZL&tvar=no
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
Starbucks' 'The Way I See It' Promotion Eye Opening
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/statenews/a0037672.cfm
The nation's most popular coffee merchant supports
homosexuality -- and conservative groups are sounding the
alarm, Baptist Press reported.
Purchase a Starbucks beverage in a classic white paper cup
and you'll see a promotion that includes the thoughts and
opinions of notable people right on the cup. If yours
reads "The Way I See It #43," you'll read the words of
author Armistead Maupin.
"My only regret about being gay is that I repressed it for
so long. I surrendered my youth to the people I feared
when I could have been out there loving someone. Don't
make that mistake yourself. Life's too d--- short."
A letter to the customer relations department opposing the
message resulted in the following response:
"As a company, we are deeply committed to our Mission
Statement and Guiding Principles. One of our six
principles is 'embracing diversity as an essential
component to the way we do business.' This includes the
gay and lesbian community."
Robert Knight, director of Culture and Family Institute at
Concerned Women for America (CWA), said pressure from
conservatives influenced the coffee giant to shy away from
sponsorship of homosexual organizations in the past, but
promotions like "The Way I See It" show that is changing.
[...]
"You really need to visit your neighborhood Starbucks,"
Knight said, "and ask to see the manager and just say,
'You know, I've gone here a lot and I would love to go
here but I have to tell you your company's promotion of
something that is against my values prevents me from
having coffee here anymore, and I've found alternatives.
You make a great product, but you deserve to know why
people aren't buying your product anymore.' "
TAKE ACTION: Tell Starbucks you are disappointed in its
support of homosexual activism by visiting the "The Way I
See It" comment form.
http://www.starbucks.com/retail/thewayiseeit_comments.asp
(NOTE: Referral to Web sites not produced by Focus on the
Family is for informational purposes only and does not
necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites'
content.)
[More at URL]
----- 9 -----
Texas Voters Will Decide on a Gay Marriage Ban
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
Texans will go to the polls Nov. 8 to decide what the
definition of marriage is to be in their state.
Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams announced Monday
the results of a ballot drawing in the Lone Star State
that will give residents a chance to vote on a
constitutional amendment that would preserve the
traditional definition of marriage, Zwire.com reported.
Proposition 2 reads: "The constitutional amendment
providing that marriage in this state consists only of the
union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state
or a political subdivision of this state from creating or
recognizing any legal status identical or similar to
marriage."
----- 10 -----
FCC Getting Fewer Complaints
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
The number of complaints to the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) about indecency on the airwaves has
dramatically decreased from the last quarter of 2004 to
the beginning of 2005, The Washington Times reported.
While the FCC received 317,833 complaints in the final
three months of 2004, it only logged 157,650 in start of
2005.
Melissa Caldwell, director of research and publications
for the Parents Television Council, said the data suggest
broadcasters are being more cautious in what they air.
"Broadcasters are being a lot more careful these days,"
she said, "particularly with their live programming."
Jim Dyke, executive director of TV Watch, said FCC
officials are more willing to listen to advocacy groups,
so, in addition to being more cautious, the commission is
paying attention to what America wants.
"The groups that have been pushing this issue have more
control over the FCC than they used to," he said. "They
don't need to generate as many complaints."
TAKE ACTION: Encourage the FCC's commissioners to continue
enforcing laws against broadcast indecency. For contact
information, including easy-to-use e-mail forms for each
commissioner, visit the CitizenLink Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/dbq/officials/agencies/?id=4889&dir=fof&command=depresult2&submit.x=15&submit.y=10
----- 11 -----
Frist Encourages Teaching Intelligent Design
Focus on the Family
August 22, 2005
Newsbriefs
[Received in email; no URL]
Sen. Majority Leader Bill Frist told members of a
Tennessee Rotary Club Friday he supports teaching
intelligent design alongside evolution in public schools,
MSNBC reported.
"I think today a pluralistic society should have access to
a broad range of fact, of science, including faith," the
Tennessee Republican said. He added to teach both
"doesn't force any particular theory on anyone."
Frist, a doctor and Harvard Medical School graduate,
announced last month his support for expanded stem-cell
research -- something conservatives, including President
Bush, strongly oppose.
"To me, I see no disconnect between that and stem-cell
research," Frist said. "I base my beliefs on stem-cell
research both on science and my faith."
----- 12 -----
Embryonic Stem-Cell Research Opens the Door to Human Cloning
Elaine McGinnis
August 26, 2005
Concerned Women for America
http://www.cwalac.org/article_259.shtml
Concerned Women for America applauds Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) for introducing legislation that would ban human cloning: the Human Cloning Prohibition Act, S. 658. This legislation is vital, as embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR) is clearing the path to human cloning.
As the debate continues to rage over ESCR, an integral argument is often overlooked: the forward march in the scientific community toward human cloning.
For ESCR to advance, a couple of hurdles, which only human cloning can clear, must be jumped. One significant factor is the high probability of a patient’s immune system rejecting stem cells from IVF embryos.
[...]
Take Action
Call your senators today and encourage them to stand against human cloning and support Sen. Brownback’s bill, S. 685. Capitol Switchboard: 202-225-3121.
To learn more on cloning, read CWA’s resources:
Cloning: Medical Miracle or Human Hubris?
The Cloning Subterfuge
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
Hannity & Colmes take on 'Marketing of Evil'
Sizzling, fast-paced debate launches Kupelian's 'must-read' book
Posted: August 26, 2005
8:00 p.m. Eastern
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45998
David Kupelian's blockbuster "The Marketing of Evil," which was featured on Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes" and "The Sean Hannity Radio Show" this week, evidently touched a national nerve, judging by the way it has skyrocketed up the book charts.
Before making its national television debut on the political debate program, "The Marketing of Evil" was ranked on Amazon.com's list at No. 1,834. But after two airings of "Hannity & Colmes"– the live version followed by a later rebroadcast – and the afternoon radio program, the publication skyrocketed, reaching No. 67. And on the non-fiction best-sellers list, "Marketing of Evil" surged to No. 15.
According to "The Marketing of Evil," Americans have come to tolerate, embrace and even champion many things that would have horrified their parents' generation – from easy divorce and unrestricted abortion-on-demand to extreme body piercing and teaching homosexuality to grade-schoolers. Does that mean today's Americans are inherently more morally confused and depraved than previous generations? Of course not, says Kupelian. But they have fallen victim to some of the most stunningly brilliant and compelling marketing campaigns in modern history.
[...]
'Laser-like insight'
Even though "The Marketing of Evil" has just been officially launched, it is already being singled out as a "must-read" by traditional-values leaders:
Rabbi Daniel Lapin, founder of Toward Tradition, says: "Over just a few years, life in America has become indescribably more squalid, expensive, and dangerous. Like the dazzling disclosures in the final page of a gripping whodunit or the fascinating revelation of a magician's secrets, 'The Marketing of Evil' irresistibly exposes how it was done. It will elicit an involuntary 'Aha!' from you as you discover who did it and your soul will soar with optimism as you discover the only way we can undo it. In years to come Americans will acknowledge a debt of gratitude to David Kupelian for his honesty, courage, and laser-like insight in this must-read book."
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, internationally acclaimed talk host and author, says: "David Kupelian dares to tell the truth about the overwhelming forces in our society which take us far away from our original American concept of freedom with responsibility, happiness with commitments, and traditional values. 'The Marketing of Evil' is a serious wake-up call for all who cherish traditional values, the innocence of children, and the very existence of our great country."
The nation's most well-known Presbyterian minister, Coral Ridge Ministries' founder Dr. D. James Kennedy, said: "David Kupelian's research brings into sharp focus what many have sensed and suspected for a long time: The effort to change America's mind on issues like abortion, homosexuality, church-state separation, and more, is a well-thought-out strategic campaign that uses the methods of Madison Avenue to market rank lies. But the good news is that the truth will eventually win out, and Kupelian's important and groundbreaking book makes enormous progress toward that end."
And Fox News Channel personality, author and syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin described the book this way: "Every parent in America needs to read this book. David Kupelian skillfully exposes the secular left's rotten apple peddlers in devastating detail. From pitching promiscuity as 'freedom' to promoting abortion as 'choice,' the marketers of evil are always selling you something destructive – with catastrophic results. Kupelian shines a light on them all. Now watch the cockroaches run for cover."
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Evangelical Wiccans?
Concerned Women for America
8/24/2005
By Janice Shaw Crouse
The enchantment with pagan goddesses is moving more mainstream.
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8777/BLI/misc/index.htm
According to the Religion Journal, youth ministers in the Southern Baptist Church are concerned about the increasing number of evangelicals who are dabbling in Wicca. This influence echoes the growing popularity of Wicca among feminists (some even call themselves witches). Over the past decade, as religious feminists have become enchanted with the pagan goddesses, Wicca has moved more mainstream.
Here’s information you need to know on Wicca.
Background:
* Wicca is based in the revival of ancient pagan beliefs.
* It is sometimes organized by secret covens of witches.
* It is pantheistic and involves nature worship.
* The goddess of Wicca supposedly favors freedom for women.
[More at URL]
Congressman John Hostettler (R-Indiana) declares divorce "must be fought in public policy";
FotF claims a California man was demoted for an anti-marriage-rights bumper-sticker in the workplace;
Coral Ridge Ministries/Centre for Reclaiming America spinoff runs attack adds against Bill Frist's decision to support stem cell research;
Measure to hike up "indecency" fines held up for the moment in the Senate - fundamentalists demand action;
FotF: Support John Roberts (ACTION ITEM);
FotF: Poll showing support for public schools is just a "tool" of the NEA, alleges fraud;
FotF action against Starbucks for being GBLT-supportive (ACTION ITEM);
Texas to vote on marriage rights and civil unions ban - both will be prohibited under Proposition 2;
FotF action item to demand more indecency FCC actions (ACTION ITEM);
Bill Frist also endorses teaching "Intelligent Design";
Concerned Women for America endorses, demands action on "cloning" bill - previous versions I've seen would also ban embryonic stem-cell research entirely, not sure about this latest version but I presume it does;
Fox News's "Hannity and Combs" show hosts author of "The Marketing of Evil," a book talking about advances in GBLT acceptance over the last 15 years, support for abortion rights, and other fundamentalist hot-button issues being part of a marketing plan designed to market, well, _evil_; the fundamentalist groups have been pushing this book for the last several weeks, but not in news articles;
Concerned Women for America warns people to watch out for Wicca.
----- 1 -----
Liberals Reveal 'Destructive Trends' in Mental Health Profession
by Aaron Atwood, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037683.cfm
SUMMARY: The hidden politics of mental health associations
are brought to light in what some call "the most important
book of the decade."
Psychologists Rogers H. Wright and Nicholas A. Cummings,
in the book they edited entitled, "Destructive Trends in
Mental Health: The well-intentioned path to harm,"
included an expose' on the American Psychological
Association's (APA) political -- rather than clinical --
bias. They don't hesitate to confront taboo subjects often
left without representation within the organization.
A. Dean Byrd, clinical professor at Brigham Young
University and the University of Utah, called it "The most
important book of the decade, perhaps of the last several
decades, in mental health."
It's important to note that Wright and Cummings are not
writing from years of conservative platform building. Both
have been highly visible in the leadership of the APA and
are self-proclaimed progressives. That has not tempered
their message.
"(P)sychology and mental health have veered away from
scientific integrity and open inquiry, as well as from
compassionate practice in which the welfare of the patient
is paramount," Cummings writes. "Psychology, psychiatry,
and social work have been captured by the ultraliberal
agenda, much of which we agree with as citizens. However,
we are alarmed with the damaging effect it is having on
our science, our practice and our credibility."
The book uses top-notch mental-health professionals to lay
the groundwork for change within the industry.
"Psychology needs a makeover," Wright explains. "Success
in the psychotherapy realm does not necessarily qualify us
as experts in the broad arena of human affairs. Many of
our colleagues have the propensity to extrapolate
nonjudgmental therapeutic techniques into a philosophy of
human behavior, concluding with the ideal of a valueless,
relativistic, nonjudgmental society."
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Is Federal Divorce Amendment Next?
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: August 25, 2005 9:00 pm ET
(Evansville, Indiana) An Indiana Congressman says that divorce is as dangerous to society as same-sex marriage.
Without specifically calling for an amendment to ban divorce or for federal legislation to restrict divorce John Hostettler (R-Indiana) suggested that the Christian right is looking at divorce as its next big issue.
Hostettler is one of the sponsors of the Federal Marriage Amendment to ban same-sex weddings.
S. Rep. told a gathering of clergy that divorce is as dangerous to society as gay marriage and that churches are essential to strengthening families.
“The picture of marriage is the picture of Christian salvation,” Hostettler said in a speech to the Indiana Family Institute at a Christian Church in Evansville.
“Any diminishing of that notion – whether homosexual marriage or any other degradation of marriage – is something we must fight in public policy.”
Hostettler said religious faith needs to have a greater presence in public policy decisions.
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
Worker Demoted for Supporting Traditional Marriage
by Wendy Cloyd, senior editorial coordinator
Focus on the Family
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0037682.cfm
SUMMARY: A man punished for his belief that marriage is
between one man and one woman is taking it to court.
An Orange County, Calif., computer technician demoted by
his supervisor after expressing his personal belief in
traditional marriage has filed a lawsuit in federal court.
The Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) agreed to represent
the man, whose name has not been disclosed, based on what
it says is the basic issue of whether people in the
workplace can be demoted for being in support of defining
marriage as between one man and one woman.
His offense? According to Brad Dacus, president of PJI,
the employee had posted a bumper sticker in his cubicle
that said, "Marriage = man + woman." When his supervisor
demanded that he take it down, he did so without incident.
[More at URL]
----- 4 -----
TV Spot Criticizes Frist for Supporting Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
August 26, 2005
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
The Center for Reclaiming America (CRA), an outreach of
Coral Ridge Ministries, is waging an advertising campaign
in politically pivotal Iowa. The ad criticizes Sen. Bill
Frist, R-Tenn., for his support of federally funded
embryonic stem-cell research.
The television ad shows a baby barely walking and asks,
"When does a mother first love her child? When does a man
first feel like a father? When does a baby first need our
compassion?"
The narrator then says, "Senator Frist supports public
funding for research that actually destroys human lives.
Senator Frist, we can not save innocent lives by
destroying them."
As the senator's office number appears on the screen, the
narrator urges viewers to "tell Senator Frist to stand
with President Bush and oppose research that destroys
human embryos."
Dr. Gary Cass, executive director of CRA called Frist's
stand in support embryonic stem-cell research "a tragic
medical, political and moral error."
----- 5 -----
Still Waiting on Action from Congress on FCC Fines
August 26, 2005
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
It's been a year-and-a-half since singer Janet Jackson
bared her breast at the Super Bowl halftime show -- and
ignited a firestorm of protest.
Indeed, thousands of you were outraged. Thousands of you
contacted the FCC and Congress through the CitizenLink
Action Center -- and otherwise.
Did anything of substance happen as a result? We're still
waiting, is the response.
In that time, members of Congress have introduced -- and
passed -- legislation that subsequently was killed in the
Senate.
New bills were introduced as a result. But this latest
legislation has become stymied on Capitol Hill, the
Associated Press reports.
According to pro-family lobbyists, even though the U.S.
House of Representatives overwhelming passed legislation
in February to raise the maximum penalty for indecency
from $32,500 to $500,000, the legislation is once again
stalled -- guess where? -- in the Senate.
The chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Sen. Ted
Stevens, R-Alaska, has yet to set a hearing for either of
two indecency bills pending in his committee -- though he
reportedly is drawing up his own bill.
----- 6 ------
Powerhouse Washington Women Endorse Roberts
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0037675.cfm
SUMMARY: Leading women say he will interpret the law, not
create it.
A group of women with extraordinary clout in the nation's
capital have joined together to endorse President Bush's
Supreme Court nominee.
Family News in Focus reported that the gathering looked
like a "who's who" of influential Washington women. While
their positions on the political spectrum vary, Mary Ellen
Bork, author, lecturer, and wife of Judge Robert Bork,
said they agree on their support for Judge John Roberts.
[...]
Karen Kerrigan, founder of the Small Business and
Entrepreneurship Council, said justices such as Roberts
are needed for fiscal sanity.
"Judicial activism, legislating from the bench, clearly
has led to legal uncertainty which has contributed to the
explosive costs in our legal system, topping more than
246-billion dollars annually," she said, "which obviously
puts all U.S. firms in our country at a competitive
disadvantage in the global marketplace."
[...]
They urged all American women to contact their Senators in
support of the nominee.
TAKE ACTION: You can reach your senators through the
CitizenLink Action Center. Let them know you want Judge
Roberts to receive a fair hearing and an up-or-down vote
by the full Senate.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7855151
----- 7 -----
Controversial Poll Says Most People are Happy with Public Schools
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0037674.cfm
SUMMARY: Critics call the poll a political tool.
The annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll of attitudes toward
public schools indicates that Americans believe their
local schools are functioning fairly well, could use more
money and according to Lowell Rose, the poll's director,
do not like the No Child Left Behind Act.
[...]
The poll surveyed 1,000 adults in June. Curiously, nearly
three-fourths of the respondents did not have children in
public schools.
Critics said the poll is little more than a tool for those
who support the political agenda of the National Education
Association.
Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education
Reform, said the annual survey is designed to make
Americans think what that most people are OK with the
existing public school system.
[...]
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Would you give hundreds of dollars
to an organization that supports abortion, promotes
homosexuality and attacks Christian groups? The National
Education Association does all these things. But no
teacher has to support the agenda of the NEA. "Grading the
NEA" exposes the political agenda and financial records of
the nation's largest teachers union.
http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=1399&refcd=CE05HCZL&tvar=no
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
Starbucks' 'The Way I See It' Promotion Eye Opening
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/statenews/a0037672.cfm
The nation's most popular coffee merchant supports
homosexuality -- and conservative groups are sounding the
alarm, Baptist Press reported.
Purchase a Starbucks beverage in a classic white paper cup
and you'll see a promotion that includes the thoughts and
opinions of notable people right on the cup. If yours
reads "The Way I See It #43," you'll read the words of
author Armistead Maupin.
"My only regret about being gay is that I repressed it for
so long. I surrendered my youth to the people I feared
when I could have been out there loving someone. Don't
make that mistake yourself. Life's too d--- short."
A letter to the customer relations department opposing the
message resulted in the following response:
"As a company, we are deeply committed to our Mission
Statement and Guiding Principles. One of our six
principles is 'embracing diversity as an essential
component to the way we do business.' This includes the
gay and lesbian community."
Robert Knight, director of Culture and Family Institute at
Concerned Women for America (CWA), said pressure from
conservatives influenced the coffee giant to shy away from
sponsorship of homosexual organizations in the past, but
promotions like "The Way I See It" show that is changing.
[...]
"You really need to visit your neighborhood Starbucks,"
Knight said, "and ask to see the manager and just say,
'You know, I've gone here a lot and I would love to go
here but I have to tell you your company's promotion of
something that is against my values prevents me from
having coffee here anymore, and I've found alternatives.
You make a great product, but you deserve to know why
people aren't buying your product anymore.' "
TAKE ACTION: Tell Starbucks you are disappointed in its
support of homosexual activism by visiting the "The Way I
See It" comment form.
http://www.starbucks.com/retail/thewayiseeit_comments.asp
(NOTE: Referral to Web sites not produced by Focus on the
Family is for informational purposes only and does not
necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites'
content.)
[More at URL]
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Texas Voters Will Decide on a Gay Marriage Ban
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
Texans will go to the polls Nov. 8 to decide what the
definition of marriage is to be in their state.
Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams announced Monday
the results of a ballot drawing in the Lone Star State
that will give residents a chance to vote on a
constitutional amendment that would preserve the
traditional definition of marriage, Zwire.com reported.
Proposition 2 reads: "The constitutional amendment
providing that marriage in this state consists only of the
union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state
or a political subdivision of this state from creating or
recognizing any legal status identical or similar to
marriage."
----- 10 -----
FCC Getting Fewer Complaints
Focus on the Family
August 25, 2005
Newsbriefs
[No URL; received in email]
The number of complaints to the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) about indecency on the airwaves has
dramatically decreased from the last quarter of 2004 to
the beginning of 2005, The Washington Times reported.
While the FCC received 317,833 complaints in the final
three months of 2004, it only logged 157,650 in start of
2005.
Melissa Caldwell, director of research and publications
for the Parents Television Council, said the data suggest
broadcasters are being more cautious in what they air.
"Broadcasters are being a lot more careful these days,"
she said, "particularly with their live programming."
Jim Dyke, executive director of TV Watch, said FCC
officials are more willing to listen to advocacy groups,
so, in addition to being more cautious, the commission is
paying attention to what America wants.
"The groups that have been pushing this issue have more
control over the FCC than they used to," he said. "They
don't need to generate as many complaints."
TAKE ACTION: Encourage the FCC's commissioners to continue
enforcing laws against broadcast indecency. For contact
information, including easy-to-use e-mail forms for each
commissioner, visit the CitizenLink Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/dbq/officials/agencies/?id=4889&dir=fof&command=depresult2&submit.x=15&submit.y=10
----- 11 -----
Frist Encourages Teaching Intelligent Design
Focus on the Family
August 22, 2005
Newsbriefs
[Received in email; no URL]
Sen. Majority Leader Bill Frist told members of a
Tennessee Rotary Club Friday he supports teaching
intelligent design alongside evolution in public schools,
MSNBC reported.
"I think today a pluralistic society should have access to
a broad range of fact, of science, including faith," the
Tennessee Republican said. He added to teach both
"doesn't force any particular theory on anyone."
Frist, a doctor and Harvard Medical School graduate,
announced last month his support for expanded stem-cell
research -- something conservatives, including President
Bush, strongly oppose.
"To me, I see no disconnect between that and stem-cell
research," Frist said. "I base my beliefs on stem-cell
research both on science and my faith."
----- 12 -----
Embryonic Stem-Cell Research Opens the Door to Human Cloning
Elaine McGinnis
August 26, 2005
Concerned Women for America
http://www.cwalac.org/article_259.shtml
Concerned Women for America applauds Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) for introducing legislation that would ban human cloning: the Human Cloning Prohibition Act, S. 658. This legislation is vital, as embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR) is clearing the path to human cloning.
As the debate continues to rage over ESCR, an integral argument is often overlooked: the forward march in the scientific community toward human cloning.
For ESCR to advance, a couple of hurdles, which only human cloning can clear, must be jumped. One significant factor is the high probability of a patient’s immune system rejecting stem cells from IVF embryos.
[...]
Take Action
Call your senators today and encourage them to stand against human cloning and support Sen. Brownback’s bill, S. 685. Capitol Switchboard: 202-225-3121.
To learn more on cloning, read CWA’s resources:
Cloning: Medical Miracle or Human Hubris?
The Cloning Subterfuge
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
Hannity & Colmes take on 'Marketing of Evil'
Sizzling, fast-paced debate launches Kupelian's 'must-read' book
Posted: August 26, 2005
8:00 p.m. Eastern
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45998
David Kupelian's blockbuster "The Marketing of Evil," which was featured on Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes" and "The Sean Hannity Radio Show" this week, evidently touched a national nerve, judging by the way it has skyrocketed up the book charts.
Before making its national television debut on the political debate program, "The Marketing of Evil" was ranked on Amazon.com's list at No. 1,834. But after two airings of "Hannity & Colmes"– the live version followed by a later rebroadcast – and the afternoon radio program, the publication skyrocketed, reaching No. 67. And on the non-fiction best-sellers list, "Marketing of Evil" surged to No. 15.
According to "The Marketing of Evil," Americans have come to tolerate, embrace and even champion many things that would have horrified their parents' generation – from easy divorce and unrestricted abortion-on-demand to extreme body piercing and teaching homosexuality to grade-schoolers. Does that mean today's Americans are inherently more morally confused and depraved than previous generations? Of course not, says Kupelian. But they have fallen victim to some of the most stunningly brilliant and compelling marketing campaigns in modern history.
[...]
'Laser-like insight'
Even though "The Marketing of Evil" has just been officially launched, it is already being singled out as a "must-read" by traditional-values leaders:
Rabbi Daniel Lapin, founder of Toward Tradition, says: "Over just a few years, life in America has become indescribably more squalid, expensive, and dangerous. Like the dazzling disclosures in the final page of a gripping whodunit or the fascinating revelation of a magician's secrets, 'The Marketing of Evil' irresistibly exposes how it was done. It will elicit an involuntary 'Aha!' from you as you discover who did it and your soul will soar with optimism as you discover the only way we can undo it. In years to come Americans will acknowledge a debt of gratitude to David Kupelian for his honesty, courage, and laser-like insight in this must-read book."
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, internationally acclaimed talk host and author, says: "David Kupelian dares to tell the truth about the overwhelming forces in our society which take us far away from our original American concept of freedom with responsibility, happiness with commitments, and traditional values. 'The Marketing of Evil' is a serious wake-up call for all who cherish traditional values, the innocence of children, and the very existence of our great country."
The nation's most well-known Presbyterian minister, Coral Ridge Ministries' founder Dr. D. James Kennedy, said: "David Kupelian's research brings into sharp focus what many have sensed and suspected for a long time: The effort to change America's mind on issues like abortion, homosexuality, church-state separation, and more, is a well-thought-out strategic campaign that uses the methods of Madison Avenue to market rank lies. But the good news is that the truth will eventually win out, and Kupelian's important and groundbreaking book makes enormous progress toward that end."
And Fox News Channel personality, author and syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin described the book this way: "Every parent in America needs to read this book. David Kupelian skillfully exposes the secular left's rotten apple peddlers in devastating detail. From pitching promiscuity as 'freedom' to promoting abortion as 'choice,' the marketers of evil are always selling you something destructive – with catastrophic results. Kupelian shines a light on them all. Now watch the cockroaches run for cover."
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Evangelical Wiccans?
Concerned Women for America
8/24/2005
By Janice Shaw Crouse
The enchantment with pagan goddesses is moving more mainstream.
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8777/BLI/misc/index.htm
According to the Religion Journal, youth ministers in the Southern Baptist Church are concerned about the increasing number of evangelicals who are dabbling in Wicca. This influence echoes the growing popularity of Wicca among feminists (some even call themselves witches). Over the past decade, as religious feminists have become enchanted with the pagan goddesses, Wicca has moved more mainstream.
Here’s information you need to know on Wicca.
Background:
* Wicca is based in the revival of ancient pagan beliefs.
* It is sometimes organized by secret covens of witches.
* It is pantheistic and involves nature worship.
* The goddess of Wicca supposedly favors freedom for women.
[More at URL]
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-08-27 06:29 pm (UTC)And heaven knows that freedom for women is evil, bad, wrong, and totally morally bankrupt. Christianity is far superior because it involves women submitting themselves onto their husbands, which is the natural order of things.
/sarcasm
no subject
Date: 2005-08-27 08:14 pm (UTC)Re: item 2... at least that position (attacking divorce as well as gay marriage) shows some consistency in attempting to protect some ideal of what "marriage" is supposed to be. The ones who are against marriage rights for queers in the name of protecting marriage but don't seem to give a flip about non-queers disrespecting the institution are obvious hypocrites. This guy at least seems sincere (note, I still think he's flat out wrong).