Today's Cultural Warfare Update
Dec. 12th, 2005 10:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
solarbirdKrispy Kreme gives out free doughnuts to children getting As in state-required school courses; Focus on the Family sends out an ACTION ITEM because they don't do it for Bible study (unless that's the only A, in which case they do so the kid gets a doughnut) - note this story was collected in response to their membership requests for "war against Christmas" stories;
Focus on the Family takes Mitt Romney to task for reversing his position on emergency contraception - new law be damned;
Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM to thank U.S. Sen. George Allen (R-Virginia) for reversing his opinion on including anti-GBLT violence in hate crimes laws; he's now opposed on the grounds that it might lead to civil rights protections;
Concerned Women for America: Industry self-regulation is not enough, "Family-Friendly" programming tiers are not enough: the government must mandate cable al la carte programming;
CWA starts spinning up their troops to support Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court;
US News and World Report quotes GOP insiders as warning Alito opponents not to raise ethics issues or they'll go after you personally - apparently the failure-to-recuse-in-personal-interest-cases issue is starting to gain some traction and people want some questions answered; see earlier reports for notes about his breaking of pledges to recuse himself from specific cases;
Wireless Companies Pledge Content Controls;
CWA's item: "Ford Motor Company Backs Off Homosexual Advertising";
Family Research Council asks its membership for "War on Christmas" stories;
December issue of Focus on the Family's Citizen magazine features attempts to get "Intelligent Design" into classrooms, discusses the "socialist trajectory" of public school education;
Citizen magazine also talks up the Narnia movie as a victory for evangelicals;
Citizen final word: expect for many more political battles next year;
Zenit (and reprinted by Christian Underground) report on the "psychology behind homosexual tendencies" - it's a two-part interview, this is part one, and it's all about not being manly enough and being attracted to people who are manly men as a result, yes really, it makes that little fucking sense;
Part two of the above interview;
Conservative candidate Harper distances himself from US conservatives, particularly on social issues, tho' he reiterates his pledge to re-vote on C-38 if PM;
Liberal leader Paul Martin goes on the offensive on marriage rights, demanding Harper state whether he'll use the Notwithstanding clause to exempt marriage rights from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; says that would be required in order for Harper to ban new marriages between people of the same gender;
GOP USA attacks Senator McCain as "pro-terrorist" for opposing US torture, includes link to pro-torture article and blastfax page at "Center for Individual Freedom" website.
----- 1 -----
Chain Won't Give a Doughnut for an 'A' in Bible
SUMMARY: Good grades for other classes qualify.
Focus on the Family
Family News in Focus
December 12, 2005
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0038900.cfm
An Indiana family drove some of their students to a local
Krispy Kreme last month to collect a free doughnut for
each "A" on their report cards -- as promised by the
company -- but were surprised to learn an "A" in Bible
doesn't qualify.
Considering Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. produces 7.5
million doughnuts each day and promises students who excel
up to six free ones, the Kamp family from Saint John,
Ind., thought the company might be able to spare a few.
June Kamp took five of her seven children to the Krispy
Kreme in Schererville. It was the first time her
youngest, a kindergartner at Lansing Christian School, was
able to participate along with the rest of his siblings,
and he was excited.
The subject matter of the classes had not seemed to be an
issue in the past.
"We always go in and they just go through the report
cards," Kamp said.
[...]
"Instead of the three doughnuts, he got two. He was in
tears because this was his very first time to get free
doughnuts on a report card," Kamp said.
Her third grader also had scored an "A" in Bible.
"My daughter went up and got the same thing," she said.
"Instead of six doughnuts, she got one less."
[...]
It wasn't until CitizenLink asked readers to relate
personal stories of how they'd seen Christianity
challenged in the public square that she thought to share
what her family had encountered. Since then, she's learned
her family is not alone.
[...]
Schererville Krispy Kreme store manager Samatha Doughty
told CitizenLink that Bible class is not the only one
singled out.
[...]
TAKE ACTION: If you’d like to encourage Krispy Kreme to
recognize study of the Bible on the same par with other
classes, you may send e-mail through the CitizenLink
Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/issues/alert/?alertid=8311401&type=CU
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Romney Reverses Position on Emergency Contraception
SUMMARY: He no longer supports exempting hospitals that object.
Focus on the Family
Family News in Focus
December 12, 2005
from staff reports
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0038897.cfm
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has reversed his position
on a state law requiring Catholic and private hospitals to
dispense emergency contraception to rape victims. He
originally offered an exemption to such institutions, but
after talking to his lawyers, he back-tracked.
The law is slated to go into effect Dec. 14.
So-called emergency contraception can sometimes cause an
early abortion.
The governor's decision is not groundbreaking in itself.
Seven other states already have similar laws. But Romney
said he changed his mind on the advice of lawyers who told
him the new law superseded one that offered protections
for faith-based groups.
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
Senator Drops Hate-Crimes Support
Focus on the Family
Newsbrief
December 12, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
In a significant turnaround, U.S. Sen. George Allen,
R-Va., will no longer support federal hate-crimes
legislation that is backed by gay activists.
Allen voted in favor of such legislation in 2004, which
would have designated sexual orientation as a protected
status entitled to enhanced penalties for crimes motivated
by hate.
According to CNSNews.com, he acknowledged Friday such
legislation could be used by federal courts to establish
homosexuality as a civil right and to squelch free speech.
Mike Thomas, Allen's state director, said the senator has
two serious concerns.
"The first is, he feels that those changes to hate-crimes
laws could have a chilling effect on First Amendment
rights," Thomas said. "Secondly, even though he doesn't
feel that the legislation that was voted on in 2004, in
and of itself, would elevate 'sexual orientation' to
civil-rights status, it's becoming clear that there are
some courts that would use that as a building block toward
civil-rights status, which he is opposed to."
TAKE ACTION: Thank Sen. George Allen for dropping his
support of adding sexual orientation to hate-crimes laws.
You may e-mail him through the CitizenLink Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/bio/?id=10919
----- 4 -----
CWA: Family-Friendly Tiers are Not the Answer
Concerned Women for America
12/12/2005
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/9673/MEDIA/family/index.htm
Washington, D.C.—Concerned Women for America (CWA) says that cable companies should not be trusted to create family-friendly tiers, or groupings of shows deemed “family-friendly,” because parents—not the cable industry¯should be the ones to decide what is appropriate for their children to watch on television.
“Cable companies that air some of the most graphically immoral material in television history cannot be trusted to turn around and successfully create a family-friendly tier,” said Lanier Swann, Director of Government Relations at CWA. “Parents must ask themselves if they really want the same cable millionaires who produced trash like ‘Nip/Tuck,’ ‘Party at the Palms’ and ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ to define ‘family-friendly.’
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
CWA Mobilizes Support for Alito
Amelia Wigton
Concerned Women for America
December 9, 2005
http://www.cwalac.org/article_289.shtml
Mark your calendars! Concerned Women for America (CWA) is planning a remarkable effort during the official Senate Confirmation Hearing scheduled for Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito on January 9-13, 2006, in Washington, D.C.
The most crucial day is Wednesday, January 11, when CWA will head all the pro-family activities including a lobbying day for Judge Alito with Project 535, our volunteer lobbyists.
The campaign against this highly qualified, intelligent and experienced judge has already begun.
[More at URL]
----- 6 -----
Alito Backlash in the Works
US News and World Report
December 19, 2005
Long URL elided
The GOP team working with the White House to win confirmation of conservative Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito is putting out a warning to Alito's Democratic critics: Question his ethics and character at your own peril. In their sights: Sens. Edward Kennedy and Joe Biden. "We're absolutely prepared to have an ethics debate with Teddy Kennedy," says one insider who mentioned the "C" word: Chappaquiddick. "Questioning Alito's credibility and character will be hit back hard," said one of the Alito supporters.
[More at URL]
----- 7 -----
Wireless Companies Pledge Content Controls
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/8/2005 5:06:00 PM
Long URL elided
Wireless companies have agreed to adopt a form of program ratings and content control mechanisms that align with other providers of multimedia content.
The Wireless Association (CTIA) Tuesday adopted voluntary rules that will restrict access to adult content on cell phones and other wireless devices.
Citing the increased delivery of video clips of TV shows and movies, various Internet access content, ring tones and more, CTIA President/CEO Steve Largent said the nation's top wireless carriers had agreed to put their content in categories that mirror the various ratings systems for TV, movies, and games.
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
Ford Motor Company Backs Off Homosexual Advertising
Concerned Women for America
12/12/2005
Ford Motor Company recently announced that it would no longer be advertising its luxury Jaguar and Land Rover models in homosexual magazines. Those ads included a $500 to $1000 donation to homosexual lobby groups for each vehicle purchased. That promotion prompted the American Family Association to launch into action, meeting with independent Ford dealers and Ford executives to discuss the issue. Bob Knight, Director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute, says that now as many as 19 homosexual activist groups are retaliating against Ford for listening to the concerns of Christian families. Click here to listen.
[Robert Knight: "American Family Association, our friends in Tupelo, Mississippi, met with Ford executives and warned them that their open promotion of the homosexual agenda was going to lead to a boycott of Ford Motor Company. And in fact they announced a boycott, and Ford responded so quickly, and a number of Ford dealers, who are independent businessmen, also responded, and said, 'we'll handle this' ... they got so much progress made, that the American Family Association announced that the boycott was suspended after only a week, and just this past week, they announced, it's not only suspended, it's over; they're calling the boycott off, because Ford has agreed to pull out its ads in homosexual magazines, and perhaps made some other changes that haven't been announced yet."
"They were giving $1000 bonuses for the sale of any Jaguar to a gay activist group, I believe it was GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and I think Land Rover was giving $500 to another homosexual activist group. Unfortunately, Ford's Volvo division is still advertising in homosexual magazines, and they shouldn't be doing that because they're supporting an agenda that is trying to undermine what a lot of Ford families believe in."
"Ford also was awarded a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign's corporate equity index, meaning they promote everything possible from domestic partnerships to even the transgender agenda. So Ford's got a way to go, but they are going in the right direction now, and that's a good thing."
[Call to thank Ford]
"People should call their local Ford dealer, too, and say look, I haven't been visiting you lately, because I've heard you're on the other side of this powerful issue, but we understand you're under fire, why don't you stand by your stance, and know that you're going to gain the support of many Americans if you hold firm and don't cave in. Nineteen lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender quote civil rights groups unquote have come out with a statement saying they're dismayed by the reports of Ford backing off the advertising, and they said, quote, "If there is an agreement with AFA, we expect Ford to disavow it. We expect Ford to publicly reaffirm its historic support for our community. And we expect Ford to meet with LBGT representatives this week to resolve these concerns." I mean, they're cracking a whip here, and saying, you will do what we tell you. Don Wildman doesn't crack a whip like that, he says look, these are our concerns, and we're gonna tell people what you're up to, and they can choose to buy or not, we're going to advise them not to. But Don is a very soft-spoken guy. He'll deal with people first, he'll try to win them over - these gay groups, from what I've seen, just immediately threaten, immediately scream at the top of their lungs they minute they don't get something they want. It's a difference in styles, and I hope it'll be a difference in results as well, where Don's quieter, firm approach will prevail."
"What you need to do is go in and tell the dealer why you may not be considering a Ford product, or why you may now be reconsidering a Ford product, in light of their movement."
----- 9 -----
Anti-Christmas Experiences? Share Your Story!
Family Research Council
December 12, 2005
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=LH05L01
Have you experienced anti-Christmas sentiments in your town? Has your child in school been told it is not politically correct to wish his or her classmates "Merry Christmas?" Has your town's Christmas tree been renamed a "holiday" or "friendship" tree? Has your community's Christmas parade become a "holiday" parade?
On the flipside, have leaders in your community stood up to attempts to blot out "Christ" from Christmas? Has your town courageously fought to keep the original name of your town's traditional Christmas parade in spite of political correctness? If so, Family Research Council wants to hear from you!
We are collecting stories via our website and will feature snippets of your experiences.
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
The Scopes Trial, Round Two
The American public wants competing theories taught alongside evolution. So why is it so hard to get public schools to go along?
Citizen Magazine
Focus on the Family
December 2005
by Karla Dial
http://www.family.org/cforum/citizenmag/features/a0038708.cfm
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tenn., famous for its showdown between two titans of the era—Williams Jennings Bryan, the Christian apologist and perennial Democratic candidate for president, and Clarence Darrow, the bitterly agnostic defense lawyer and friend of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Media ridicule of Bryan’s belief in the Bible’s account of creation, and a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court ban on teaching creationism in public classrooms, ensured that several generations of scientists would discount the Bible as a source of all truth, including scientific truth.
But over the last eight decades, a sea change has occurred. Though the struggle over science teachings is still going on, it is now evolution that is taught almost exclusively in public school classrooms.
That might soon change, however. Sometime in the next few months, a federal judge will issue a decision that could rival Scopes in its importance, because it could determine whether the theory of evolution will continue to be taught in U.S. schools as unchallenged fact.
The court case involves the Dover, Pa., school district, which requires ninth-grade biology teachers to include in their lessons on evolution a one-minute statement explicitly mentioning the theory of intelligent design, or ID.
[More at URL]
----- 11 -----
Hitting the Mark
When you paid to see The Passion of The Christ, you sent a signal that even Disney could hear. That's just one reason why The Chronicles of Narnia will open big on Dec. 9.
Citizen Magazine
Focus on the Famly
by Candi Cushman
http://www.family.org/cforum/citizenmag/coverstory/a0038712.cfm
It's not often that conservative churchgoers and Hollywood movie producers share a common interest. But they will on Dec. 9—when The Walt Disney Co. debuts its movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in theaters nationwide.
Based on the beloved children's classic written more than 50 years ago by the celebrated Christian apologist C.S. Lewis, the movie is a much-anticipated event—not only in religious circles, but also among Hollywood's top brass.
The Chronicles, a series of seven books, has sold more than 85 million copies. The first book in the series, upon which the Disney movie is based, features a Christlike character—Aslan the lion king—who sacrifices his own life to save another. Aslan is resurrected, freeing his kingdom from a witch-induced winter and prompting a spring thaw.
While the movie is made to appeal to all audiences, the "Gospel message" still "rings loud and clear in our film," Rick Dempsey, one of Disney's senior vice presidents and also a member of Biola University's Studio Task Force, assured Citizen.
[More at URL]
----- 12 -----
Rough Waters Ahead
by Tom Minnery
Citizen Magazine
Focus on the Family
December, 2005
http://www.family.org/cforum/citizenmag/departments/a0038724.cfm
[...]
As I write, storm clouds are building on the horizon, and a difficult challenge lies ahead in a righteous cause, and it is why I have been thinking about all of this. The U.S. Supreme Court is in the hands of a new chief justice, and at least one new associate justice will hear cases involving parental notification for abortion and other issues that weigh heavy on the hearts of many believers.
What is at stake in this and any future Supreme Court sessions is nothing less than the founders’ worldview, a set of beliefs that put the name of God in our country’s founding documents and our public monuments, and His principles—ordered freedom, compassion, personal sacrifice and responsibility, in our national DNA. If the years bear out that forecast, we’ll be pleased.
I believe victory for the cause of righteousness is possible over the long haul if enough Christian people let their senators know time and again how closely their votes will be watched—and remembered on Election Day. Many Democrats are still haunted by the specter of former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, who lost his seat last year for blocking conservative judges. The people in his home state of South Dakota didn’t forget. And neither should anyone else.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
The Psychology Behind Homosexual Tendencies (Part 1)
ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome
Date: 2005-12-05
Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons Makes Distinctions of Same-Sex Attractions
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=81164
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, DEC. 5, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The new Vatican document on the priesthood and homosexual tendencies mentions a range of conditions, from deep-seated homosexual tendencies to transitory same-sex attractions.
To learn more about the nuances of the range of homosexual tendencies and their treatment, ZENIT turned to Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, a psychiatrist, author and contributor to the Catholic Medical Association's document "Homosexuality and Hope."
Part 2 of this interview will appear Tuesday.
Q: How would you distinguish between someone with same-sex attractions and someone with deep-seated homosexual tendencies?
Fitzgibbons: Those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies identify themselves as
homosexual persons and are usually unwilling to examine their emotional conflicts that caused this tendency. Strong physical attraction is present to other men's bodies and to the masculinity of others due to profound weakness in male confidence.
These individuals in the priesthood have a significant affective immaturity with excessive anger and jealousy toward males who are not homosexual, insecurity that leads them to avoid close friendships with such males and an inordinate need for attention.
Most of these men had painful adolescent experiences of significant loneliness and sadness, felt insecure in their masculinity, and had a poor body image. Well-designed research studies have demonstrated a much higher prevalence of psychiatric illness in those who identify themselves as homosexual.
Under severe stress they may even experience strong physical and sexual attraction to adolescent males, as has occurred in the crisis in the Church. Frequently, they may have difficulty working in a collegial and comfortable way with heterosexual males.
Unresolved paternal anger is regularly misdirected as rebellion against the magisterium and the Church's teaching on sexual morality. Unfortunately, their denial, defensiveness and anger block their openness to seek the Lord's help with their emotional and behavioral weaknesses.
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
The Psychology Behind Homosexual Tendencies (Part 2)
ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome
Date: 2005-12-06
Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons on Help for Those With Same-Sex Attractions
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=81225
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, DEC. 6, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Many priests grow in holiness and happiness in their ministry as a result of the healing of their childhood and adolescent male insecurity, loneliness and anger and, subsequently, their same-sex attractions.
So says Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, a psychiatrist, author and contributor to the Catholic Medical Association's document "Homosexuality and Hope."
Fitzgibbons shared with ZENIT how some seminarians, candidates for the seminary, and priests can make strides in resolving their homosexual tendencies, and what bishops and religious superiors can do to help them.
Part 1 of this interview appeared Monday.
Q: How can spiritual directors help seminarians or priests who have same-sex attractions?
Fitzgibbons: Spiritual directors can help seminarians and priests by understanding that same-sex attractions are treatable and are not genetically determined. They can encourage seminarians and priests to face their emotional pain with the Lord's help, particularly their loneliness.
Spiritual directors who actively and honestly engage in inner healing prayer and who can help apply the healing graces of St. Ignatius of Loyola's rules for the discernment of spirits can facilitate the healing process.
[More at URL]
----- 15 -----
Harper says he has 'many differences' with U.S. conservatives
Last Updated Mon, 12 Dec 2005 21:18:37 EST
CBC News
Long URL elided
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper appeared to distance himself from the U.S. administration Monday, pointing out that his positions on many issues differ from those of American conservatives.
Harper sent a letter to the editor of the Washington Times in response to a Dec. 2 column by Patrick Basham of the Cato Institute titled "Gift from Canada?"
Basham wrote: "Free-market economist Stephen Harper, leader of the opposition Conservative party, is pro-free trade, pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto and socially conservative."
"Move over Tony Blair," he continued. "If elected, Mr. Harper will quickly become Mr. Bush's new best friend internationally and the poster boy for his ideal foreign leader."
But Harper's letter said the "pro-free trade, pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto and socially conservative" characterization of his policy was an oversimplification of his positions.
[...]
Regarding same-sex unions, he reiterated his position that he would vote to bring back the traditional definition of marriage. But he said those who already are married would continue to be recognized as legally wed.
Harper also pledged he would not initiate or support any effort to pass legislation restricting abortion in Canada.
[More at URL]
----- 16 -----
Clarify gay rights policy, Martin tells Harper
Last Updated Mon, 12 Dec 2005 12:11:10 EST
CBC News
Long URL elided
Liberal Leader Paul Martin called on Conservative Leader Stephen Harper on Monday to say whether he plans to use the notwithstanding clause to revoke the legislation legalizing gay marriage.
Speaking in Hamilton, Martin said the issue of same-sex marriage was a rights issue as set out by the courts.
Harper said earlier in the campaign for the Jan. 23 election that he would put the issue to a free vote in the House of Commons and introduce legislation returning the definition of marriage to a bond between one man and one woman.
"Mr. Harper needs to say whether he will use the notwithstanding clause or not," Martin said on Monday.
Martin maintains the federal government would need to invoke the clause if it were to override the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and take away the right to marry from gays and lesbians.
"I don't believe the prime minister of Canada can cherry-pick charter rights. I believe a right is a right, and that it having been established, it is the responsibility of the prime minister of Canada to support the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
[More at URL]
----- 17 -----
Anti-Torture=Pro-Terrorist
GOP Attacks McCain on the One Good Thing He's About
December 12, 2005
http://www.reason.com/hitandrun/2005/12/antitortureprot.shtml#011960
Let me paraphrase the narrator Marlow at the end of Conrad's Heart of Darkness:
You know I hate, detest, and can't bear /a/ /l/i/e/ Sen. John McCain, not because I am straighter than the rest of us, but simply because /i/t/ he appalls me. There is a taint of death, a flavour of mortality in /l/i/e/s/ McCain -- which is exactly what I hate and detest in the world -- what I want to forget. /I/t/ McCain makes me miserable and sick, like biting something rotten would do.
And yet even I was appalled by this recent e-mail blast from GOPUSA, a whore-mongering site for the Republicans filled with what Conrad would call papier-mache Mephistopheleses, whose subject line carried this message: "McCain Refuses To Yield On Pro-Terrorist Amendment." The email directs you to this piece from (irony alert!) the Center for Individual Freedom in favor of torturing anyone the government deems a terrorist.
[More at URL]
Focus on the Family takes Mitt Romney to task for reversing his position on emergency contraception - new law be damned;
Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM to thank U.S. Sen. George Allen (R-Virginia) for reversing his opinion on including anti-GBLT violence in hate crimes laws; he's now opposed on the grounds that it might lead to civil rights protections;
Concerned Women for America: Industry self-regulation is not enough, "Family-Friendly" programming tiers are not enough: the government must mandate cable al la carte programming;
CWA starts spinning up their troops to support Alito's confirmation to the Supreme Court;
US News and World Report quotes GOP insiders as warning Alito opponents not to raise ethics issues or they'll go after you personally - apparently the failure-to-recuse-in-personal-interest-cases issue is starting to gain some traction and people want some questions answered; see earlier reports for notes about his breaking of pledges to recuse himself from specific cases;
Wireless Companies Pledge Content Controls;
CWA's item: "Ford Motor Company Backs Off Homosexual Advertising";
Family Research Council asks its membership for "War on Christmas" stories;
December issue of Focus on the Family's Citizen magazine features attempts to get "Intelligent Design" into classrooms, discusses the "socialist trajectory" of public school education;
Citizen magazine also talks up the Narnia movie as a victory for evangelicals;
Citizen final word: expect for many more political battles next year;
Zenit (and reprinted by Christian Underground) report on the "psychology behind homosexual tendencies" - it's a two-part interview, this is part one, and it's all about not being manly enough and being attracted to people who are manly men as a result, yes really, it makes that little fucking sense;
Part two of the above interview;
Conservative candidate Harper distances himself from US conservatives, particularly on social issues, tho' he reiterates his pledge to re-vote on C-38 if PM;
Liberal leader Paul Martin goes on the offensive on marriage rights, demanding Harper state whether he'll use the Notwithstanding clause to exempt marriage rights from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; says that would be required in order for Harper to ban new marriages between people of the same gender;
GOP USA attacks Senator McCain as "pro-terrorist" for opposing US torture, includes link to pro-torture article and blastfax page at "Center for Individual Freedom" website.
----- 1 -----
Chain Won't Give a Doughnut for an 'A' in Bible
SUMMARY: Good grades for other classes qualify.
Focus on the Family
Family News in Focus
December 12, 2005
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0038900.cfm
An Indiana family drove some of their students to a local
Krispy Kreme last month to collect a free doughnut for
each "A" on their report cards -- as promised by the
company -- but were surprised to learn an "A" in Bible
doesn't qualify.
Considering Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. produces 7.5
million doughnuts each day and promises students who excel
up to six free ones, the Kamp family from Saint John,
Ind., thought the company might be able to spare a few.
June Kamp took five of her seven children to the Krispy
Kreme in Schererville. It was the first time her
youngest, a kindergartner at Lansing Christian School, was
able to participate along with the rest of his siblings,
and he was excited.
The subject matter of the classes had not seemed to be an
issue in the past.
"We always go in and they just go through the report
cards," Kamp said.
[...]
"Instead of the three doughnuts, he got two. He was in
tears because this was his very first time to get free
doughnuts on a report card," Kamp said.
Her third grader also had scored an "A" in Bible.
"My daughter went up and got the same thing," she said.
"Instead of six doughnuts, she got one less."
[...]
It wasn't until CitizenLink asked readers to relate
personal stories of how they'd seen Christianity
challenged in the public square that she thought to share
what her family had encountered. Since then, she's learned
her family is not alone.
[...]
Schererville Krispy Kreme store manager Samatha Doughty
told CitizenLink that Bible class is not the only one
singled out.
[...]
TAKE ACTION: If you’d like to encourage Krispy Kreme to
recognize study of the Bible on the same par with other
classes, you may send e-mail through the CitizenLink
Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/issues/alert/?alertid=8311401&type=CU
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Romney Reverses Position on Emergency Contraception
SUMMARY: He no longer supports exempting hospitals that object.
Focus on the Family
Family News in Focus
December 12, 2005
from staff reports
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0038897.cfm
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has reversed his position
on a state law requiring Catholic and private hospitals to
dispense emergency contraception to rape victims. He
originally offered an exemption to such institutions, but
after talking to his lawyers, he back-tracked.
The law is slated to go into effect Dec. 14.
So-called emergency contraception can sometimes cause an
early abortion.
The governor's decision is not groundbreaking in itself.
Seven other states already have similar laws. But Romney
said he changed his mind on the advice of lawyers who told
him the new law superseded one that offered protections
for faith-based groups.
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
Senator Drops Hate-Crimes Support
Focus on the Family
Newsbrief
December 12, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
In a significant turnaround, U.S. Sen. George Allen,
R-Va., will no longer support federal hate-crimes
legislation that is backed by gay activists.
Allen voted in favor of such legislation in 2004, which
would have designated sexual orientation as a protected
status entitled to enhanced penalties for crimes motivated
by hate.
According to CNSNews.com, he acknowledged Friday such
legislation could be used by federal courts to establish
homosexuality as a civil right and to squelch free speech.
Mike Thomas, Allen's state director, said the senator has
two serious concerns.
"The first is, he feels that those changes to hate-crimes
laws could have a chilling effect on First Amendment
rights," Thomas said. "Secondly, even though he doesn't
feel that the legislation that was voted on in 2004, in
and of itself, would elevate 'sexual orientation' to
civil-rights status, it's becoming clear that there are
some courts that would use that as a building block toward
civil-rights status, which he is opposed to."
TAKE ACTION: Thank Sen. George Allen for dropping his
support of adding sexual orientation to hate-crimes laws.
You may e-mail him through the CitizenLink Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/bio/?id=10919
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CWA: Family-Friendly Tiers are Not the Answer
Concerned Women for America
12/12/2005
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/9673/MEDIA/family/index.htm
Washington, D.C.—Concerned Women for America (CWA) says that cable companies should not be trusted to create family-friendly tiers, or groupings of shows deemed “family-friendly,” because parents—not the cable industry¯should be the ones to decide what is appropriate for their children to watch on television.
“Cable companies that air some of the most graphically immoral material in television history cannot be trusted to turn around and successfully create a family-friendly tier,” said Lanier Swann, Director of Government Relations at CWA. “Parents must ask themselves if they really want the same cable millionaires who produced trash like ‘Nip/Tuck,’ ‘Party at the Palms’ and ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ to define ‘family-friendly.’
[More at URL]
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CWA Mobilizes Support for Alito
Amelia Wigton
Concerned Women for America
December 9, 2005
http://www.cwalac.org/article_289.shtml
Mark your calendars! Concerned Women for America (CWA) is planning a remarkable effort during the official Senate Confirmation Hearing scheduled for Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito on January 9-13, 2006, in Washington, D.C.
The most crucial day is Wednesday, January 11, when CWA will head all the pro-family activities including a lobbying day for Judge Alito with Project 535, our volunteer lobbyists.
The campaign against this highly qualified, intelligent and experienced judge has already begun.
[More at URL]
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Alito Backlash in the Works
US News and World Report
December 19, 2005
Long URL elided
The GOP team working with the White House to win confirmation of conservative Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito is putting out a warning to Alito's Democratic critics: Question his ethics and character at your own peril. In their sights: Sens. Edward Kennedy and Joe Biden. "We're absolutely prepared to have an ethics debate with Teddy Kennedy," says one insider who mentioned the "C" word: Chappaquiddick. "Questioning Alito's credibility and character will be hit back hard," said one of the Alito supporters.
[More at URL]
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Wireless Companies Pledge Content Controls
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/8/2005 5:06:00 PM
Long URL elided
Wireless companies have agreed to adopt a form of program ratings and content control mechanisms that align with other providers of multimedia content.
The Wireless Association (CTIA) Tuesday adopted voluntary rules that will restrict access to adult content on cell phones and other wireless devices.
Citing the increased delivery of video clips of TV shows and movies, various Internet access content, ring tones and more, CTIA President/CEO Steve Largent said the nation's top wireless carriers had agreed to put their content in categories that mirror the various ratings systems for TV, movies, and games.
[More at URL]
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Ford Motor Company Backs Off Homosexual Advertising
Concerned Women for America
12/12/2005
Ford Motor Company recently announced that it would no longer be advertising its luxury Jaguar and Land Rover models in homosexual magazines. Those ads included a $500 to $1000 donation to homosexual lobby groups for each vehicle purchased. That promotion prompted the American Family Association to launch into action, meeting with independent Ford dealers and Ford executives to discuss the issue. Bob Knight, Director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute, says that now as many as 19 homosexual activist groups are retaliating against Ford for listening to the concerns of Christian families. Click here to listen.
[Robert Knight: "American Family Association, our friends in Tupelo, Mississippi, met with Ford executives and warned them that their open promotion of the homosexual agenda was going to lead to a boycott of Ford Motor Company. And in fact they announced a boycott, and Ford responded so quickly, and a number of Ford dealers, who are independent businessmen, also responded, and said, 'we'll handle this' ... they got so much progress made, that the American Family Association announced that the boycott was suspended after only a week, and just this past week, they announced, it's not only suspended, it's over; they're calling the boycott off, because Ford has agreed to pull out its ads in homosexual magazines, and perhaps made some other changes that haven't been announced yet."
"They were giving $1000 bonuses for the sale of any Jaguar to a gay activist group, I believe it was GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and I think Land Rover was giving $500 to another homosexual activist group. Unfortunately, Ford's Volvo division is still advertising in homosexual magazines, and they shouldn't be doing that because they're supporting an agenda that is trying to undermine what a lot of Ford families believe in."
"Ford also was awarded a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign's corporate equity index, meaning they promote everything possible from domestic partnerships to even the transgender agenda. So Ford's got a way to go, but they are going in the right direction now, and that's a good thing."
[Call to thank Ford]
"People should call their local Ford dealer, too, and say look, I haven't been visiting you lately, because I've heard you're on the other side of this powerful issue, but we understand you're under fire, why don't you stand by your stance, and know that you're going to gain the support of many Americans if you hold firm and don't cave in. Nineteen lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender quote civil rights groups unquote have come out with a statement saying they're dismayed by the reports of Ford backing off the advertising, and they said, quote, "If there is an agreement with AFA, we expect Ford to disavow it. We expect Ford to publicly reaffirm its historic support for our community. And we expect Ford to meet with LBGT representatives this week to resolve these concerns." I mean, they're cracking a whip here, and saying, you will do what we tell you. Don Wildman doesn't crack a whip like that, he says look, these are our concerns, and we're gonna tell people what you're up to, and they can choose to buy or not, we're going to advise them not to. But Don is a very soft-spoken guy. He'll deal with people first, he'll try to win them over - these gay groups, from what I've seen, just immediately threaten, immediately scream at the top of their lungs they minute they don't get something they want. It's a difference in styles, and I hope it'll be a difference in results as well, where Don's quieter, firm approach will prevail."
"What you need to do is go in and tell the dealer why you may not be considering a Ford product, or why you may now be reconsidering a Ford product, in light of their movement."
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Anti-Christmas Experiences? Share Your Story!
Family Research Council
December 12, 2005
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=LH05L01
Have you experienced anti-Christmas sentiments in your town? Has your child in school been told it is not politically correct to wish his or her classmates "Merry Christmas?" Has your town's Christmas tree been renamed a "holiday" or "friendship" tree? Has your community's Christmas parade become a "holiday" parade?
On the flipside, have leaders in your community stood up to attempts to blot out "Christ" from Christmas? Has your town courageously fought to keep the original name of your town's traditional Christmas parade in spite of political correctness? If so, Family Research Council wants to hear from you!
We are collecting stories via our website and will feature snippets of your experiences.
[More at URL]
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The Scopes Trial, Round Two
The American public wants competing theories taught alongside evolution. So why is it so hard to get public schools to go along?
Citizen Magazine
Focus on the Family
December 2005
by Karla Dial
http://www.family.org/cforum/citizenmag/features/a0038708.cfm
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tenn., famous for its showdown between two titans of the era—Williams Jennings Bryan, the Christian apologist and perennial Democratic candidate for president, and Clarence Darrow, the bitterly agnostic defense lawyer and friend of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Media ridicule of Bryan’s belief in the Bible’s account of creation, and a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court ban on teaching creationism in public classrooms, ensured that several generations of scientists would discount the Bible as a source of all truth, including scientific truth.
But over the last eight decades, a sea change has occurred. Though the struggle over science teachings is still going on, it is now evolution that is taught almost exclusively in public school classrooms.
That might soon change, however. Sometime in the next few months, a federal judge will issue a decision that could rival Scopes in its importance, because it could determine whether the theory of evolution will continue to be taught in U.S. schools as unchallenged fact.
The court case involves the Dover, Pa., school district, which requires ninth-grade biology teachers to include in their lessons on evolution a one-minute statement explicitly mentioning the theory of intelligent design, or ID.
[More at URL]
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Hitting the Mark
When you paid to see The Passion of The Christ, you sent a signal that even Disney could hear. That's just one reason why The Chronicles of Narnia will open big on Dec. 9.
Citizen Magazine
Focus on the Famly
by Candi Cushman
http://www.family.org/cforum/citizenmag/coverstory/a0038712.cfm
It's not often that conservative churchgoers and Hollywood movie producers share a common interest. But they will on Dec. 9—when The Walt Disney Co. debuts its movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in theaters nationwide.
Based on the beloved children's classic written more than 50 years ago by the celebrated Christian apologist C.S. Lewis, the movie is a much-anticipated event—not only in religious circles, but also among Hollywood's top brass.
The Chronicles, a series of seven books, has sold more than 85 million copies. The first book in the series, upon which the Disney movie is based, features a Christlike character—Aslan the lion king—who sacrifices his own life to save another. Aslan is resurrected, freeing his kingdom from a witch-induced winter and prompting a spring thaw.
While the movie is made to appeal to all audiences, the "Gospel message" still "rings loud and clear in our film," Rick Dempsey, one of Disney's senior vice presidents and also a member of Biola University's Studio Task Force, assured Citizen.
[More at URL]
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Rough Waters Ahead
by Tom Minnery
Citizen Magazine
Focus on the Family
December, 2005
http://www.family.org/cforum/citizenmag/departments/a0038724.cfm
[...]
As I write, storm clouds are building on the horizon, and a difficult challenge lies ahead in a righteous cause, and it is why I have been thinking about all of this. The U.S. Supreme Court is in the hands of a new chief justice, and at least one new associate justice will hear cases involving parental notification for abortion and other issues that weigh heavy on the hearts of many believers.
What is at stake in this and any future Supreme Court sessions is nothing less than the founders’ worldview, a set of beliefs that put the name of God in our country’s founding documents and our public monuments, and His principles—ordered freedom, compassion, personal sacrifice and responsibility, in our national DNA. If the years bear out that forecast, we’ll be pleased.
I believe victory for the cause of righteousness is possible over the long haul if enough Christian people let their senators know time and again how closely their votes will be watched—and remembered on Election Day. Many Democrats are still haunted by the specter of former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, who lost his seat last year for blocking conservative judges. The people in his home state of South Dakota didn’t forget. And neither should anyone else.
[More at URL]
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The Psychology Behind Homosexual Tendencies (Part 1)
ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome
Date: 2005-12-05
Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons Makes Distinctions of Same-Sex Attractions
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=81164
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, DEC. 5, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The new Vatican document on the priesthood and homosexual tendencies mentions a range of conditions, from deep-seated homosexual tendencies to transitory same-sex attractions.
To learn more about the nuances of the range of homosexual tendencies and their treatment, ZENIT turned to Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, a psychiatrist, author and contributor to the Catholic Medical Association's document "Homosexuality and Hope."
Part 2 of this interview will appear Tuesday.
Q: How would you distinguish between someone with same-sex attractions and someone with deep-seated homosexual tendencies?
Fitzgibbons: Those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies identify themselves as
homosexual persons and are usually unwilling to examine their emotional conflicts that caused this tendency. Strong physical attraction is present to other men's bodies and to the masculinity of others due to profound weakness in male confidence.
These individuals in the priesthood have a significant affective immaturity with excessive anger and jealousy toward males who are not homosexual, insecurity that leads them to avoid close friendships with such males and an inordinate need for attention.
Most of these men had painful adolescent experiences of significant loneliness and sadness, felt insecure in their masculinity, and had a poor body image. Well-designed research studies have demonstrated a much higher prevalence of psychiatric illness in those who identify themselves as homosexual.
Under severe stress they may even experience strong physical and sexual attraction to adolescent males, as has occurred in the crisis in the Church. Frequently, they may have difficulty working in a collegial and comfortable way with heterosexual males.
Unresolved paternal anger is regularly misdirected as rebellion against the magisterium and the Church's teaching on sexual morality. Unfortunately, their denial, defensiveness and anger block their openness to seek the Lord's help with their emotional and behavioral weaknesses.
[More at URL]
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The Psychology Behind Homosexual Tendencies (Part 2)
ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome
Date: 2005-12-06
Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons on Help for Those With Same-Sex Attractions
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=81225
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, DEC. 6, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Many priests grow in holiness and happiness in their ministry as a result of the healing of their childhood and adolescent male insecurity, loneliness and anger and, subsequently, their same-sex attractions.
So says Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons, a psychiatrist, author and contributor to the Catholic Medical Association's document "Homosexuality and Hope."
Fitzgibbons shared with ZENIT how some seminarians, candidates for the seminary, and priests can make strides in resolving their homosexual tendencies, and what bishops and religious superiors can do to help them.
Part 1 of this interview appeared Monday.
Q: How can spiritual directors help seminarians or priests who have same-sex attractions?
Fitzgibbons: Spiritual directors can help seminarians and priests by understanding that same-sex attractions are treatable and are not genetically determined. They can encourage seminarians and priests to face their emotional pain with the Lord's help, particularly their loneliness.
Spiritual directors who actively and honestly engage in inner healing prayer and who can help apply the healing graces of St. Ignatius of Loyola's rules for the discernment of spirits can facilitate the healing process.
[More at URL]
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Harper says he has 'many differences' with U.S. conservatives
Last Updated Mon, 12 Dec 2005 21:18:37 EST
CBC News
Long URL elided
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper appeared to distance himself from the U.S. administration Monday, pointing out that his positions on many issues differ from those of American conservatives.
Harper sent a letter to the editor of the Washington Times in response to a Dec. 2 column by Patrick Basham of the Cato Institute titled "Gift from Canada?"
Basham wrote: "Free-market economist Stephen Harper, leader of the opposition Conservative party, is pro-free trade, pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto and socially conservative."
"Move over Tony Blair," he continued. "If elected, Mr. Harper will quickly become Mr. Bush's new best friend internationally and the poster boy for his ideal foreign leader."
But Harper's letter said the "pro-free trade, pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto and socially conservative" characterization of his policy was an oversimplification of his positions.
[...]
Regarding same-sex unions, he reiterated his position that he would vote to bring back the traditional definition of marriage. But he said those who already are married would continue to be recognized as legally wed.
Harper also pledged he would not initiate or support any effort to pass legislation restricting abortion in Canada.
[More at URL]
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Clarify gay rights policy, Martin tells Harper
Last Updated Mon, 12 Dec 2005 12:11:10 EST
CBC News
Long URL elided
Liberal Leader Paul Martin called on Conservative Leader Stephen Harper on Monday to say whether he plans to use the notwithstanding clause to revoke the legislation legalizing gay marriage.
Speaking in Hamilton, Martin said the issue of same-sex marriage was a rights issue as set out by the courts.
Harper said earlier in the campaign for the Jan. 23 election that he would put the issue to a free vote in the House of Commons and introduce legislation returning the definition of marriage to a bond between one man and one woman.
"Mr. Harper needs to say whether he will use the notwithstanding clause or not," Martin said on Monday.
Martin maintains the federal government would need to invoke the clause if it were to override the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and take away the right to marry from gays and lesbians.
"I don't believe the prime minister of Canada can cherry-pick charter rights. I believe a right is a right, and that it having been established, it is the responsibility of the prime minister of Canada to support the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
[More at URL]
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Anti-Torture=Pro-Terrorist
GOP Attacks McCain on the One Good Thing He's About
December 12, 2005
http://www.reason.com/hitandrun/2005/12/antitortureprot.shtml#011960
Let me paraphrase the narrator Marlow at the end of Conrad's Heart of Darkness:
You know I hate, detest, and can't bear /a/ /l/i/e/ Sen. John McCain, not because I am straighter than the rest of us, but simply because /i/t/ he appalls me. There is a taint of death, a flavour of mortality in /l/i/e/s/ McCain -- which is exactly what I hate and detest in the world -- what I want to forget. /I/t/ McCain makes me miserable and sick, like biting something rotten would do.
And yet even I was appalled by this recent e-mail blast from GOPUSA, a whore-mongering site for the Republicans filled with what Conrad would call papier-mache Mephistopheleses, whose subject line carried this message: "McCain Refuses To Yield On Pro-Terrorist Amendment." The email directs you to this piece from (irony alert!) the Center for Individual Freedom in favor of torturing anyone the government deems a terrorist.
[More at URL]
