Today's Cultural Warfare Update
Oct. 21st, 2006 11:45 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
solarbirdBloomberg's politics section reports on the massive theocon effort to turn out the GOP vote, and highlights several races where they've really been taking sides; what's fun about this is all the 501(c)(3) involvement;
Speaking of which, James Dobson using his national radio show for Thursday and Friday as a full-time GOP vote rally;
Focus on the Family condemns Rice comments recognising the deputy global AIDS coordinator's partner; according to FotF Focus on the Family staffer Tom Minnery, Rice's chief of staff called to say it was a "mix-up"; Family Research Council says that appointing a gay man to head an AIDS agency is a "conflict of interest" and that gay people having sex is one of "the root causes of the AIDS problem";
Focus on the Family pushes opposition to the state initiative that would repeal South Dakota's blanket (no exceptions for the health of the woman) abortion ban;
FotF outrage over a group of students visiting a woman's health clinic that provides abortion services as part of a class on political activism;
Faith and Freedom Network likes Joe Lieberman, and also says the fundamentalist right must keep the secularists and Democrats out of power as they'll "lead this nation to impotence, stagnation and slavery";
FFN actually uses the word husband to refer to the legally-married-to-him husband of the late Garry Studds, even if they surround the word with scare-quotes; meanwhile, they condemn the late Mr. Studds and the Democratic party, and oh yes, the press;
WorldNetDaily's Joseph Farah rips into Condi Rice and the current administration over the "mother in law" reference and for appointing a gay man to... well... any position at all, actually, as it's a crime against God; found via Andrew Sullivan;
This is just freakish: Rumsfeld "leads in a way that the good Lord tells him is best for our country"; I'm sure the theocons love it, but, um, what;
Violating the 11th Commandment, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is criticizing former House Majority Leader Dick Armey for his recent attack on Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson;
Pope Benedict urges Roman Catholic leadership to fight marriage rights for GBLT people and any kind of civil unions arrangements as well;
Fundamentalist-organised protests prompt NBC to drop part of Madonna video;
Focus on the Family says Canada's marriage law "could be on shaky ground," saying marriage rights will "define an election";
Here's a neat one; many on the theoconservative side of things have been very upset about muslim taxi drivers refusing to carry people carrying alcohol; now here you've got a bus driver refusing to drive a bus with a GBLT-themed ad, and they're all happy about it - hmmmmmmmmm;
***** Thomas More Law Centre sues Los Angeles County for not keeping a Christian cross on the county seal, claiming that not having a cross on the seal shows "a disapproval of religion, including Christianity" and an unconstitutional hostility towards religion;
FotF condemns GBLT groups pointing out that the late Rep. Gerry Studd's husband won't receive Federal survivor's benefits because of the federal DOMA act; Concerned Women for America's Robert Knight (tho' they keep burying the CWA part deeper and deeper behind layers of front organisations) says that allowing survivor benefits would be "dangerous to society";
***** FotF pushes anti-judicial state initiatives, including a South Dakota initiative that would allow individuals to sue judges personally if they don't like the ruling; the clusterfuck this would create in the judicial system cannot be overstated;
FotF calls Viacom comments about how viewers who don't like a programme's content simply shouldn't watch it "absurd," calls for more government intervention against broadcasters;
Focus on the Family condemns GBLT business groups (chambers of commerce and the like), friendly-quotes other fundamentalists as saying they're a "drive for special status under the law"; they also drag in Mission America, a particularly virulent anti-gay group, saying that gay people are too unstable to have any purchasing power. Note the alternating reporting of "super wealthy perverts who make more money than us straights" and "have no economic value and aren't worth advertising to because they're too unstable to have money," as we see yet again how the theocon movement says whatever makes the people they hate seem worse;
Focus on the Family Canada reports on Quebec evangelical schools operating without provisional permits, says they are a response to "anti-biblical lessons, such as evolution and sex education";
Traditional Values Coalition demands explanation over Condi Rice recognising the marriage of the new (male) AIDS co-ordinator - since he's gay and all and they're both male; it's been covered before. They also protest having a gay person being AIDS co-ordinator because, "Why put a person in charge of fighting AIDS who is engaging in the very behavior that transmits this deadly disease?";
TVC uses the Foley scandal to promote their gays-are-all-pedophiles propaganda "report";
TVC condemns effort of the late Rep. Gerry Studd's husband to receive survivor's benefits, claims it's part of a greater effort to "have public sex in restrooms and parks decriminalized so homosexuals can freely engage in sodomy in restroom stalls and in bushes";
TVC simultaneously condemns Oslo natural history museum's exhibit on homosexuality in the animal kingdom as saying humans shouldn't do things animals do and claims that there is no such thing as a homosexual animal;
AFA condemns company firing of an HR manager who is active in the Virginia anti-gay initiative up for a vote this fall; the company says he was insubordinate, he says it's because of his politics;
Focus on the Family has more "get out the vote" efforts - I'm not including most of these, but here's a token;
Family Research Council announces rebroadcast of theocon "Liberty Sunday" confab;
FRC promotes its Texas endorsement sheet;
FRC promotes its Pennsylvania endorsement sheet.
----- 1 -----
Republicans Falter in Bid to Mobilize Christian Conservatives
By William Roberts
Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aYrOX2bgWUOY&refer=home
Oct. 19 (Bloomberg) -- If Republicans lose control of the U.S. Congress, the Supreme Court will be packed with abortion- backing liberals, tax dollars will pay for research on cloning to create ``little human beings'' for organ farming, and elementary- school teachers will be forced to promote homosexuality to their students.
That's the view and vision of James Dobson, chairman of Focus on the Family, a nationwide, politically active evangelical group allied with the Republican Party. The moral future of America is at stake and ``staying home'' isn't an option, Dobson told 2,400 followers at an Oct. 16 get-out-the-vote rally at the Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville. ``Folks, we cannot afford to do that.''
[...]
``Rove certainly sees Dobson as the most important and politically influential evangelical leader,'' said Ryan Sager, author of ``The Elephant in the Room: Evangelicals and the Battle to Control the Republican Party.'' ``Dobson is someone who the White House works with extremely closely and constantly.''
[...]
His group is also putting its weight behind Republican candidates, such as Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, who support its positions on social issues. Dobson is supporting a statewide ballot initiative to ban gay marriage in Tennessee, where Republican Mayor Bob Corker of Chattanooga is locked in a tight race with Democratic Representative Harold Ford Jr. for an open Senate seat.
[...]
In Minnesota, Dobson is trying to engineer a win for Michele Bachmann, a candidate for the House seat being vacated by Republican Mark Kennedy, who is running for the Senate. Bachmann, a Republican who opposes abortion and supported a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriages while in the Minnesota Senate, said the scandals in Washington and Bush's low approval rating mean she faces a tight race in the socially conservative northern suburbs of Minneapolis.
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Dr. Dobson to Values Voters: 'Make Sure You Vote'
Focus on the Family chairman says liberals are doing their best to keep social conservatives away from the polls — and if we let them dissuade us, the consequences for the country could be grave.
by Gary Schneeberger, editor
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042372.cfm
Focus on the Family Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., saying he is "concerned about my country," is devoting the next two days of his nationally syndicated radio show to urge fellow Christians to vote on Election Day.
"If people of faith — the so-called values voters — don't come out and let their voices be heard, there are going to be some major implications for this country," he says in the two-part broadcast that began today, much of it recorded at a rally earlier this week in Nashville, Tenn. "There are these statements from the media that values voters don't care this year and that they're going to stay home."
[...]
"Liberals are constantly telling us what they want to happen, and I pray that they aren't right," he said. "If one of those states is lost — or two or three — it has serious implications for the future of the family. It means adoption laws will change. It means textbooks will all have to be rewritten to include man and man and woman and woman marriage."
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
Rice Affirms Appointee's Gay Partner
Secretary of state refers to mother of new ambassador's same-sex partner as his "mother in law."
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0042374.cfm
America 's new deputy global AIDS coordinator was sworn in this week by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice — while his same-sex partner held the Bible used in the ceremony.
Not only that, but Rice referred to the mother of Ambassador Mark Dybul's gay partner as his "mother in law."
Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy for Focus on Family, called Rice's comments "astonishing."
"This is very provocative," he said, "and very disappointing."
In response to inquiries from Focus, Minnery heard from the State Department on Wednesday.
"Secretary Rice's chief of staff called to say it was a mix-up," he said. "That somebody should have checked this mother-in-law business, didn't do it, and it got out."
[...]
Peter Sprigg, vice president for policy at the Family Research Council, shared Minnery's disappointment.
"It's not that it shows they're pushing an agenda in favor of same-sex marriage," he told Family News in Focus, "but it shows they're really rather apathetic about the efforts to defend traditional marriage."
Not to mention the conflict of interest inherent in appointing a gay man to head the nation's AIDS-prevention efforts.
"If we are not willing to say that men should not engage in sex with other men," Sprigg noted, "then we are really not willing to tackle the root causes of the AIDS problem."
[More at URL]
----- 4 -----
Physicians Support South Dakota Abortion Ban
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042380.cfm
One hundred thirty doctors — members of South Dakota Physicians for Life — have endorsed Referred Law 6, the Women's Health and Human Life Protection Act.
South Dakota lawmakers passed legislation outlawing most abortions in the state last spring, and Gov. Mike Rounds signed it in March. The law was immediately challenged by abortion activists who gathered enough signatures to place a measure on November's ballot to overturn the ban.
Yvonne Seger, a Sioux Falls physician, said the ballot measure provides full protection for the health of women.
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
Field Trip to Abortion Clinic Sparks Outrage
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042379.cfm
Family advocates are upset that a group of Pennsylvania high school students visited an abortion clinic on a field trip, but that the teacher would not allow them to listen to pro-life speakers, too, LifeNews reported.
More than a dozen kids from the Solebury School in New Hope, Pa., visited the clinic with social science teacher Jason Gordon as part of a class on activism.
[More at URL]
----- 6 -----
Change Your Ways -- Joe Lieberman to Democrats
Faith and Freedom Network
Thursday, October 19, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/10/change-your-ways-joe-lieberman-to.html
Joe Lieberman, the Democratic Party’s Vice-Presidential nominee for 2000, says he hopes Democrats win, but they must change their ways. “Otherwise,” he said in a speech in New Haven, Connecticut, a few days ago, “it won’t represent real progress. It’s not going to be much of a step forward if there’s a new Democratic leadership that doesn’t change the tone in Washington.”
[...]
The future of America and our communities is up for grabs and will be determined in this generation. It could go either way – to the secular progressive left and let an elitist minority of secularists lead this nation to impotence, stagnation and slavery – or to the right and place control with those who will continue to lead in the true spirit of the Founding Fathers, who led this nation to respect for God and man, moral sanity, true religious freedom, national strength, prosperity and opportunity.
[More at URL]
----- 7 -----
Extraordinary Double Standard
Faith and Freedom Network
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/10/extraordinary-double-standard.html
To be sure both major political parties are flawed and imperfect. That’s why we encourage people to vote their values. But the not-so-subtle double-standard that we have seen recently displayed by our friends in the Democratic Party and their brethren in the press has been – well, extraordinary.
With the passing of Gerry Studds, much has been said about him, his life and his accomplishments.
The Associated Press, among others, spoke in glowingly reverent tones last Saturday, as they defined him as the “first openly gay person elected to Congress.”
The story actually suggested that this was an important moment in history for gay-rights as they quoted Gerry Studds’ “husband,” Dean T. Hara. “Gerry often said it was the fight for gay and lesbian equality that was the last great civil rights chapter in modern American history. He did not live to see its final sentences written, but all of us will forever be indebted to him for leading the way with compassion and wisdom.”
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
What do they really believe?
Joseph Farah
WorldNetDaily
October 20, 2006
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52522
What does the Republican Party really believe?
What does the Bush administration really want?
What does the congressional leadership really think?
These are questions on the minds of Americans this week as we draw near to a mid-term congressional election that threatens to change the balance of power in Washington.
If the Republicans do lose one or both houses of Congress, it will be because Americans have lost trust in them, because Republican constituents feel like it doesn't make that much difference who is in power, because the people feel betrayed.
[...]
But the more astonishing phenomenon is how current high-level officials of the Bush administration daily go out of their way to insult this critical constituency just weeks before the vote.
Here's an example: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, someone who claims to be a Christian herself, which, by definition, means you submit to the authority of Jesus and the Bible, last week swore in to the position of AIDS coordinator an open homosexual. The position carries the rank of ambassador. The photo accompanying this column shows the smiling first lady, Laura Bush, and Mark Dybul's partner, Jason Claire, leering at him.
During her comments, Rice referred to the presence of Claire's mother and – sit yourself down for this one – called her Dybul's "mother-in-law."
Do you get the picture?
[...]
Or do they really believe that homosexuality is "just another alternative lifestyle," as Rice suggested with her mother-in-law remark?
I also want you to notice what the two homosexual lovers are holding in that picture. It's a Bible. The new ambassador is taking an oath on it. Why? Isn't it a homophobic text? Doesn't it strongly condemn homosexual activity? Doesn't it even warn of harsh physical judgments for those who practice it?
The Bible is not ambiguous at all about homosexuality. It is condemned as an abomination in both the Old Testament and New. So what kind of hypocrisy – what kind of sacrilege – is being demonstrated here?
[...]
Do you believe God will honor an administration that behaves this way?
Do you believe God will continue to protect a country that flagrantly disregards His laws?
Do you believe God will be mocked like this without consequences?
[More at URL]
----- 9 -----
Top US general says Rumsfeld is inspired by God
Associated Press
Thu Oct 19, 3:35 PM ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061019/pl_afp/usmilitarypolitics_061019193550
MIAMI (AFP) - The top US general defended the leadership of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, saying it is inspired by God.
"He leads in a way that the good Lord tells him is best for our country," said Marine General Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
Congressman Comes to Dr. Dobson's Defense
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042405.cfm
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is criticizing former House Majority Leader Dick Armey for his recent attack on Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson.
[...]
"But negative personal attacks have no place in public debate and no place in the conservative movement. It is simply wrong for the former Majority Leader to question the motives of a leader of Dr. Dobson's character and integrity. It is simply wrong to refer to millions who cherish Dr. Dobson's voice of moral clarity as a 'gang of thugs' and 'bullies.'
[More at URL]
----- 11 -----
Pontiff Says Traditional Marriage Protects Families
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042399.cfm
Pope Benedict XVI urged leaders of the Roman Catholic Church gathered for a convention in Italy to defend traditional marriage and oppose moves to legalize same-sex unions, The Daily Mail reported.
[...]
"(Defend) the family based on matrimony," he said, "opposing the introduction of laws on other forms of unions which would only destabilize it and obscure its special character and its social role -- which has no substitute."
He urged leaders to say " 'No' to weak and deviant forms of love and 'Yes' to authentic love -- to the reality of man as he was created by God."
[More at URL]
----- 12 -----
Protests Prompt NBC to Drop Madonna Crucifixion Scene
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042404.cfm
NBC announced Thursday that a concert special starring Madonna, slated to air Nov. 22, will not include a segment featuring the singer in a mock crucifixion.
Controversy erupted when NBC announced its intention to air a scene featuring the singer wearing a crown of glittering thorns as she perched on a mirrored cross during one song.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
Canada's Gay-Marriage Law Could be on Shaky Ground
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042357.cfm
Conservatives in the Canadian government are vowing to keep fighting for traditional marriage — even though same-sex marriage was legalized last year, The Toronto Star reported.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said there is still much concern among religious groups that view the issue as a key theological concern, adding that Parliament may hold another vote on the issue.
Archbishop James Weisgerber, vice president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Canada's Catholic Church is positioning itself to take an active role in protecting marriage.
"We are a big part of this society," he said. "We will be a vigorous part of the debate."
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
City Driver Doesn't Have to Pilot Bus with Gay Ads
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042358.cfm
A Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Transit employee who did not want to drive a bus displaying ads featuring homosexuals will be assigned vehicles with a different display, 365Gay.com reported.
The transit authority, working with the gay magazine Lavender, agreed to place ads on 50 buses with the slogan, "Unleash Your Inner Gay."
Bob Gibbons, a Metro Transit spokesman, said a female driver who was not comfortable with the ads was told by company officials she would not be assigned to any bus carrying them.
"The decision has nothing to do with the content of the advertisement," he said. "It has everything to do with the employee's religious beliefs."
[More at URL]
----- 15 -----
Lawsuit Filed Over Removal of Cross from L.A. County Seal
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042359.cfm
The Thomas More Law Center filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Los Angeles County officials for ordering the removal of a cross on the county's 50-year-old seal, CNS News reported.
Officials decided to remove the cross in 2004 after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) threatened to sue the county for using a Christian symbol.
Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for the law center, said the seal contains a lot of different symbols, all of which have historical significance to the county of Los Angeles.
[...]
"Our position is that, by removing the cross, they showed a disapproval of religion, including Christianity," Thompson said. "That disapproval, that hostility toward Christianity, violates the Establishment Clause — which has been interpreted that not only must government not promote religion, but it must also not be hostile toward religion."
Targeting the tiny cross on the L.A. County Seal, he said, is hostility toward religion.
[More at URL]
----- 16 -----
Studds' Death Leveraged by Gay Activists
At least one group is arguing the deceased former congressman's same-sex partner should receive his federal pension.
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042366.cfm
Homosexual activists are looking to capitalize on the recent death of the first openly gay congressman, Rep. Gerry Studds, by claiming his same-sex partner is being discriminated against by the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
That law prohibits Studds' gay partner from inheriting his federal pension, worth an estimated $114, 000 annually, according to Gary Buseck of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. So, the group plans to use the incident to "educate" Congress about the need to legalize same-sex marriage — and then work to get lawmakers to strike down the law.
[...]
Studds and his partner, Dean Hara, were married in Massachusetts — the only state that allows same-sex couples to unite in matrimony.
Still, Knight is not surprised gay activists are trying to leverage Studds' death to push for gay marriage, since one of their tactics is to portray same-sex relationships as being equal to real marriages.
"They are comparing unequal things, however, and it really isn't about equality," Knight said. "It's about seizing the moral capital of marriage and applying it to a relationship that's totally different, one which is not essential for society's survival."
Knight said lawmakers should not be in the business of placing incentives into law for relationships that "can be dangerous to society."
[More at URL]
----- 17 -----
Judicial Activism Prompts Citizen Efforts to Restrain Judges
Voters in several states will get a chance three weeks from now to vote on initiatives aimed at reining in out-of-control courts.by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042338.cfm
Outrage over judicial activism has been so high in the last few years that voters in several states will face something new this fall: ballot initiatives designed to restrict the role of judges.
"You have ballot questions this year in South Dakota, Montana and Colorado proposing different ways to try to rein in out-of-control judges," said Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "But the larger picture, the details of the efforts aside, is that people all over the country are attempting to take back the courts from judicial tyrants."
South Dakota 's Amendment E is the most ambitious measure — it would allow residents to sue judges over their decisions. Grand juries would be convened, and judges would face removal from the bench if they were found guilty of an infraction.
[More at URL]
----- 18 -----
Viacom Chief Says FCC Stifling Networks' Free Speech
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042335.cfm
Top Viacom and CBS executive Sumner Redstone is criticizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its crackdown on broadcast indecency, going so far as to accuse the agency of interfering with constitutionally protected free speech.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Redstone told a gathering of the Media Institute on Monday that the FCC is placating a small minority at the expense of creative expression.
[...]
"If the public is not happy with a particular program, then they won't watch it and it will go off air," he said. "Give the government the tools to punish those it doesn't like or silence what is doesn't want to hear and you undermine democracy. Give people the tools to choose what they see and hear and you enhance democracy."
Daniel Weiss, senior analyst for media and sexuality at Focus on the Family Action, called Redstone's comments "absurd."
[More at URL]
----- 19 -----
Gay Chambers of Commerce Growing
Family advocates say groups are just another attempt to mainstream homosexuality.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0042330.cfm
Chambers of commerce made up of businesses owned by gays or designed to cater to the gay community are growing in number nationwide, with 45 of them currently in operation.
Gay chambers of commerce exist in at least a half-dozen states, and in cities as large as Chicago. One, called Plexus, is forming in Cleveland — and organizers say Chase and KeyBank are already on board, with additional partnerships being eyed with other trade groups like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Council of Smaller Enterprises.
Cleveland resident Charles Giunta said such gay chambers are part of homosexual activists' drive for special status under the law.
[...]
Linda Harvey, president of Mission America, said even though the gay community brags about its buying power, the bravado is often more myth than muscle.
"The vast majority of people involved in homosexuality are projected by many studies to be people that are employed sporadically, because of their lifestyle," she said. "They are more unstable."
[More at URL]
----- 20 -----
Quebec tolerates evangelical schools
Focus on the Family Canada
October 18, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/education/stories/101806.html
Quebec’s Ministry of Education appears to be turning a blind eye to 20 or so evangelical schools that are operating in the province without a provincial permit, CBC News reported.
Claude Grant, a lawyer who represents l’Association des églises évangéliques du Québec, said possibly as many as 4,000 elementary and high school students attend these schools because they offer a Bible-based curriculum.
[...]
Grant thinks he knows why the government has so far left them alone. “It’s because they are aware that we want to preserve a cultural heritage in a way,” he said, “and there is a void left by the secularization of the education system.”
Charles Boucher, a Pentecostal pastor in Gatineau, said the faith-based school that is affiliated with his church exists in response to certain “anti-biblical” lessons, such as evolution and sex education, being taught by the public system.
[More at URL]
----- 21 -----
First Lady And Condoleezza Rice Swear In Homosexual Global Aids Coordinator
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2897
October 19, 2006 – Traditional Values Coalition Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon is deeply troubled by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, First Lady Laura Bush and their apparent endorsement of a homosexual couple.
The ceremony involved the swearing in of Mark Dybul to become the new global AIDS coordinator. Dybul was present with his homosexual partner, Jason Claire.
(To see the photograph and article discussed in this statement go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-10-11-gop-gay-identity-crisis_x.htm?POE=click-refer.)
Rev. Sheldon noted: “Secretary Rice’s endorsement of their homosexual relationship is deeply troubling. She singled out Dybul’s partner, Jason Claire, and Claire’s mother-- referring to her as Dybul’s ‘mother-in-law.’ In addition, it was shocking to see the First Lady of the United States taking part in the ceremony.
“This is so out of character with the public statements and positions of President Bush and his administration.
“The White House should issue an immediate clarification, explaining to the many Americans who have accepted the President's words in defense of traditional marriage how this could have possibly occurred.
[More at URL]
----- 22 -----
Attorney Names Priest Who Molested Mark Foley As A Child
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2896
October 19, 2006 – At a press conference on Oct. 17, Gerald Richman, attorney for Mark Foley said he was releasing the name of the Catholic priest who molested Foley when he was a child—but not until he had spoken with the Archdiocese of Miami and West Palm Beach.
After being exposed as a homosexual child predator who was targeting congressional pages, Foley went public with the claim that he’d been molested as a child—which accounted for his sexual attraction to teenage boys.
[...]
Read and distribute TVC’s special reports on the close connection between homosexual pederasty and pedophilia: Homosexuality And Pedophilia.
Access these resources that provide help for individuals suffering from unwanted homosexual desires: Ministry and Counseling Resources.
[More at URL]
----- 23 -----
Former Rep. Gerry Studds’ ‘Husband’ Wants His Death Benefits
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2895
October 19, 2006 – Gerry Studds, the first openly homosexual U.S. Representative died last week and his homosexual “husband” has lobbied for his pension and death benefits. His appeal for benefits has been denied.
Studds and Dean Hara ‘married’ in Massachusetts, but the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents the federal government from recognizing their “marriage.”
The radical lobbyists with the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) are trying to exploit the death of Studds to lobby Congress to give Hara the death benefits and Studds’ pension. GLAD is the group that filed the lawsuit in Massachusetts that resulted in the legalization of homosexual marriage in that state. GLAD has also lobbied to have public sex in restrooms and parks decriminalized so homosexuals can freely engage in sodomy in restroom stalls and in bushes.
[More at URL]
----- 24 -----
Oslo Natural History Museum Opens ‘Homosexual’ Animal Exhibit
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2893
October 19, 2006 – The Natural History Museum in Oslo, Norway, has just opened up an exhibit supposedly showing various examples of homosexual animals. The leader of this exhibit, “Against Nature” is Geir Soeli who told reporters, “Homosexuality has been observed for more than 1500 animal species, and is well documented for 500 of them.”
Soeli claims: “The sexual urge is strong in all animals … It’s a part of life, it’s fun to have sex.” A statement at the exhibit says: “We may have opinions on a lot of things, but one thing is clear – homosexuality is found throughout the animal kingdom, it is not against nature.”
One commenter on the conservative Free Republic web site scoffed at the idea that homosexuality should be considered normal if animals engage in sodomy. He noted how unwise it is to justify homosexuality for humans simply because such activities may be practiced by animals.
[...]
“The Animal Homosexuality Myth,” published by the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) debunks the claim that “homosexual” animals truly exist.
[More at URL]
----- 25 -----
White House says Condi 'showing due deference'
She recognized as 'mother-in-law' the mom of appointee's 'gay' partner
October 21, 2006
WorldNetDaily
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52553
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice was "showing due deference" when she recognized as "mother-in-law" the mother of one of two "gay" partners at a recent Washington ceremony.
It happened recently when Rice and first lady Laura Bush spoke for the administration at an Oct. 10 swearing-in at the State Department for Mark Dybul. He was accompanied by his male partner, Jason Claire. [Ed. Note: They are legally married under Massachusetts law.]
[...]
"The Secretary said what she said, and she was showing due deference to the people involved," was the response from Tony Snow, Bush's spokesman.
While the party wants the support of "values voters," it also is courting homosexuals and seems willing to appease the movement's radical agenda, USA Today said.
[...]
The use of the "mother-in-law" term normally reserved for legally married heterosexual families rankled Peter Sprigg, vice president for policy at the Family Research Council, who called Rice's comments "profoundly offensive," according to Agape Press.
The secretary's remarks, he said, fly in the face of the Bush administration's endorsement of a federal marriage protection amendment.
"We have to face the fact that putting a homosexual in charge of AIDS policy is a bit like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse," said Sprigg. "But even beyond that, the deferential treatment that was given not only to him but his partner and his partner's family by the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is very distressing."
[More at URL]
----- 26 -----
Pro-Marriage Message at Root of Employee's Dismissal
By Jim Brown and Jody Brown
American Family Association/Agape Press
October 20, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/10/afa/202006a.asp
(AgapePress) - A Virginia man has allegedly been fired from his job for supporting a state ballot initiative defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Luis Padilla was reportedly terminated from his employment at a Cargill Foods plant in Harrisonburg because of a written message on the rear window of his pickup truck that read: "Please, vote for marriage on Nov. 7." That is the day when voters in Virginia will be considering a proposed amendment to the state constitution protecting traditional marriage.
According to the Daily-News Record in Harrisonburg, Padilla -- who worked in Cargill's human resources office -- was dismissed for insubordination when he refused to remove the message, which company officials could be considered harassment. He apparently had removed the sign when first requested, then later posted it again and parked his truck outside the company parking lot. The newspaper report indicates the former Cargill employee was trying to reach an accommodation with the company about the message when he was fired.
The Family Foundation of Virginia sent a letter to Cargill, calling for Padilla's reinstatement. However, the large private company has denied the request, saying "Cargill is not required to allow Mr. Padilla to impose his beliefs on his co-workers." Victoria Cobb, executive director of the Family Foundation, says Cargill is engaging in viewpoint discrimination.
[More at URL]
----- 27 -----
African American Pastors Equip their Flocks to Vote Values
With the continual growth of black churches, African American pastors want their congregations to make informed decisions at the ballot box next month.
by Josh Montez
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0042381.cfm
Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Washington D.C. says the typical African American values voter is concerned about issues like the War on Terror, but there are a few other things on their minds as well.
“He is very much concerned that the person he votes for is a person of integrity and will also deal with the economy, and then come back to family values and protecting marriage, and limiting abortion.”
[More at URL]
----- 28 -----
Liberty Sunday Rebroadcast Schedule
Family Research Council
October 19, 2006 - Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2006 CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Bethanie Swendsen, (866) FRC-NEWS
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=PR06J08&f=PG03I03
Washington, D.C. - Liberty Sunday: Defending Our First Freedom, the nationwide Family Research Council simulcast that aired from Tremont Temple Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday, October 15, will rebroadcast on the networks listed below. This nationwide event featured Governor Mitt Romney, Tony Perkins, Dr. James Dobson, William Donohue, Chuck Colson, Dr. Ray Pendleton, Dr. Roberto Miranda, Bishop Gilbert Thompson, Bishop Wellington Boone, Alan Chambers and many others. The event responded to the legal battles over marriage taking place in Massachusetts and explained how these battles are destined to have an impact not only on marriage, but also on free speech, parental rights and religious freedoms for all citizens.
[More at URL]
----- 29 -----
Texas Voters' Guide Now Available
Family Research Council
October 18, 2006 - Wednesday
Forward to a Friend!
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL06J06&f=PG03I03
The 2006 General Election is approaching and we want to provide you with a valuable resource to help you navigate through all the candidates running for public office in Texas. The Texas Voters' Guide produced by the Free Market Foundation is available now in hard copy and will soon be available online. This educational guide will give you access to the viewpoints of candidates from the Governor to State Supreme Court Justices to the U.S. House. You will be able to see if they support or oppose specific issues like the abortion ban, divorce reform, a waiting period on firearms and the marriage amendment. The Free Market Foundation expects to reach more than 6 million Texans with the guides. These guides are also non-partisan so that they can be distributed in churches and non-profits and will not jeopardize the tax-exempt status of those organizations.
If you would like to request hard copies of this guide, you can contact the Free Market Foundation at (972) 423-8889 ext. 104 or e-mail them at: programs@freemarket.org. Be sure to request additional copies for your friends and family. Many people find it helpful to review the voters' guide ahead of time and bring it with them to their polling place. This will help you save time at the ballot box and is perfectly legal. For more information go to: www.freemarket.org. The guides will eventually be available online.
Please forward this email to your friends and family and encourage them to vote in November. Thank you for your help in getting out the vote.
----- 30 -----
Pennsylvania Voter Guides now available
Family Research Council
October 18, 2006 - Wednesday
Forward to a Friend!
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL06J07&f=PG03I03
Election Day is fast approaching and all across Pennsylvania citizens will be voting for Governor, U.S. Senator and their U.S. Representative in Congress. To help you find out where each candidate stands on issues like abortion, the definition of marriage, gambling, educational choice, religious liberty, taxes and more, the Pennsylvania Family Institute has developed an in-depth, full-color Voter Guide that is nonpartisan and legal for distribution at your church, civic club, etc. The Voter Guides are bundled in packages of 100, so that they are ready for mass distribution.
To order your Voter Guide, simply go to the Pennsylvania Family Institute home page at: www.pafamily.org, click on the Voter Guide graphic, then complete the secure Order Form online or call us at 717-545-0600. Please indicate how many Voter Guides you need for distribution at your church (in multiples of 100). Please help spread the word about this new resource for responsible citizenship.
Go to: www.PAvoter.info for the comprehensive, online, interactive Voter Guide covering the statewide races plus your State House and State Senate offices. It will be up and running in the coming weeks so please bookmark this page for future reference before Election Day.
Speaking of which, James Dobson using his national radio show for Thursday and Friday as a full-time GOP vote rally;
Focus on the Family condemns Rice comments recognising the deputy global AIDS coordinator's partner; according to FotF Focus on the Family staffer Tom Minnery, Rice's chief of staff called to say it was a "mix-up"; Family Research Council says that appointing a gay man to head an AIDS agency is a "conflict of interest" and that gay people having sex is one of "the root causes of the AIDS problem";
Focus on the Family pushes opposition to the state initiative that would repeal South Dakota's blanket (no exceptions for the health of the woman) abortion ban;
FotF outrage over a group of students visiting a woman's health clinic that provides abortion services as part of a class on political activism;
Faith and Freedom Network likes Joe Lieberman, and also says the fundamentalist right must keep the secularists and Democrats out of power as they'll "lead this nation to impotence, stagnation and slavery";
FFN actually uses the word husband to refer to the legally-married-to-him husband of the late Garry Studds, even if they surround the word with scare-quotes; meanwhile, they condemn the late Mr. Studds and the Democratic party, and oh yes, the press;
WorldNetDaily's Joseph Farah rips into Condi Rice and the current administration over the "mother in law" reference and for appointing a gay man to... well... any position at all, actually, as it's a crime against God; found via Andrew Sullivan;
This is just freakish: Rumsfeld "leads in a way that the good Lord tells him is best for our country"; I'm sure the theocons love it, but, um, what;
Violating the 11th Commandment, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is criticizing former House Majority Leader Dick Armey for his recent attack on Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson;
Pope Benedict urges Roman Catholic leadership to fight marriage rights for GBLT people and any kind of civil unions arrangements as well;
Fundamentalist-organised protests prompt NBC to drop part of Madonna video;
Focus on the Family says Canada's marriage law "could be on shaky ground," saying marriage rights will "define an election";
Here's a neat one; many on the theoconservative side of things have been very upset about muslim taxi drivers refusing to carry people carrying alcohol; now here you've got a bus driver refusing to drive a bus with a GBLT-themed ad, and they're all happy about it - hmmmmmmmmm;
***** Thomas More Law Centre sues Los Angeles County for not keeping a Christian cross on the county seal, claiming that not having a cross on the seal shows "a disapproval of religion, including Christianity" and an unconstitutional hostility towards religion;
FotF condemns GBLT groups pointing out that the late Rep. Gerry Studd's husband won't receive Federal survivor's benefits because of the federal DOMA act; Concerned Women for America's Robert Knight (tho' they keep burying the CWA part deeper and deeper behind layers of front organisations) says that allowing survivor benefits would be "dangerous to society";
***** FotF pushes anti-judicial state initiatives, including a South Dakota initiative that would allow individuals to sue judges personally if they don't like the ruling; the clusterfuck this would create in the judicial system cannot be overstated;
FotF calls Viacom comments about how viewers who don't like a programme's content simply shouldn't watch it "absurd," calls for more government intervention against broadcasters;
Focus on the Family condemns GBLT business groups (chambers of commerce and the like), friendly-quotes other fundamentalists as saying they're a "drive for special status under the law"; they also drag in Mission America, a particularly virulent anti-gay group, saying that gay people are too unstable to have any purchasing power. Note the alternating reporting of "super wealthy perverts who make more money than us straights" and "have no economic value and aren't worth advertising to because they're too unstable to have money," as we see yet again how the theocon movement says whatever makes the people they hate seem worse;
Focus on the Family Canada reports on Quebec evangelical schools operating without provisional permits, says they are a response to "anti-biblical lessons, such as evolution and sex education";
Traditional Values Coalition demands explanation over Condi Rice recognising the marriage of the new (male) AIDS co-ordinator - since he's gay and all and they're both male; it's been covered before. They also protest having a gay person being AIDS co-ordinator because, "Why put a person in charge of fighting AIDS who is engaging in the very behavior that transmits this deadly disease?";
TVC uses the Foley scandal to promote their gays-are-all-pedophiles propaganda "report";
TVC condemns effort of the late Rep. Gerry Studd's husband to receive survivor's benefits, claims it's part of a greater effort to "have public sex in restrooms and parks decriminalized so homosexuals can freely engage in sodomy in restroom stalls and in bushes";
TVC simultaneously condemns Oslo natural history museum's exhibit on homosexuality in the animal kingdom as saying humans shouldn't do things animals do and claims that there is no such thing as a homosexual animal;
AFA condemns company firing of an HR manager who is active in the Virginia anti-gay initiative up for a vote this fall; the company says he was insubordinate, he says it's because of his politics;
Focus on the Family has more "get out the vote" efforts - I'm not including most of these, but here's a token;
Family Research Council announces rebroadcast of theocon "Liberty Sunday" confab;
FRC promotes its Texas endorsement sheet;
FRC promotes its Pennsylvania endorsement sheet.
----- 1 -----
Republicans Falter in Bid to Mobilize Christian Conservatives
By William Roberts
Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aYrOX2bgWUOY&refer=home
Oct. 19 (Bloomberg) -- If Republicans lose control of the U.S. Congress, the Supreme Court will be packed with abortion- backing liberals, tax dollars will pay for research on cloning to create ``little human beings'' for organ farming, and elementary- school teachers will be forced to promote homosexuality to their students.
That's the view and vision of James Dobson, chairman of Focus on the Family, a nationwide, politically active evangelical group allied with the Republican Party. The moral future of America is at stake and ``staying home'' isn't an option, Dobson told 2,400 followers at an Oct. 16 get-out-the-vote rally at the Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville. ``Folks, we cannot afford to do that.''
[...]
``Rove certainly sees Dobson as the most important and politically influential evangelical leader,'' said Ryan Sager, author of ``The Elephant in the Room: Evangelicals and the Battle to Control the Republican Party.'' ``Dobson is someone who the White House works with extremely closely and constantly.''
[...]
His group is also putting its weight behind Republican candidates, such as Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, who support its positions on social issues. Dobson is supporting a statewide ballot initiative to ban gay marriage in Tennessee, where Republican Mayor Bob Corker of Chattanooga is locked in a tight race with Democratic Representative Harold Ford Jr. for an open Senate seat.
[...]
In Minnesota, Dobson is trying to engineer a win for Michele Bachmann, a candidate for the House seat being vacated by Republican Mark Kennedy, who is running for the Senate. Bachmann, a Republican who opposes abortion and supported a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriages while in the Minnesota Senate, said the scandals in Washington and Bush's low approval rating mean she faces a tight race in the socially conservative northern suburbs of Minneapolis.
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Dr. Dobson to Values Voters: 'Make Sure You Vote'
Focus on the Family chairman says liberals are doing their best to keep social conservatives away from the polls — and if we let them dissuade us, the consequences for the country could be grave.
by Gary Schneeberger, editor
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042372.cfm
Focus on the Family Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., saying he is "concerned about my country," is devoting the next two days of his nationally syndicated radio show to urge fellow Christians to vote on Election Day.
"If people of faith — the so-called values voters — don't come out and let their voices be heard, there are going to be some major implications for this country," he says in the two-part broadcast that began today, much of it recorded at a rally earlier this week in Nashville, Tenn. "There are these statements from the media that values voters don't care this year and that they're going to stay home."
[...]
"Liberals are constantly telling us what they want to happen, and I pray that they aren't right," he said. "If one of those states is lost — or two or three — it has serious implications for the future of the family. It means adoption laws will change. It means textbooks will all have to be rewritten to include man and man and woman and woman marriage."
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
Rice Affirms Appointee's Gay Partner
Secretary of state refers to mother of new ambassador's same-sex partner as his "mother in law."
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0042374.cfm
America 's new deputy global AIDS coordinator was sworn in this week by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice — while his same-sex partner held the Bible used in the ceremony.
Not only that, but Rice referred to the mother of Ambassador Mark Dybul's gay partner as his "mother in law."
Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy for Focus on Family, called Rice's comments "astonishing."
"This is very provocative," he said, "and very disappointing."
In response to inquiries from Focus, Minnery heard from the State Department on Wednesday.
"Secretary Rice's chief of staff called to say it was a mix-up," he said. "That somebody should have checked this mother-in-law business, didn't do it, and it got out."
[...]
Peter Sprigg, vice president for policy at the Family Research Council, shared Minnery's disappointment.
"It's not that it shows they're pushing an agenda in favor of same-sex marriage," he told Family News in Focus, "but it shows they're really rather apathetic about the efforts to defend traditional marriage."
Not to mention the conflict of interest inherent in appointing a gay man to head the nation's AIDS-prevention efforts.
"If we are not willing to say that men should not engage in sex with other men," Sprigg noted, "then we are really not willing to tackle the root causes of the AIDS problem."
[More at URL]
----- 4 -----
Physicians Support South Dakota Abortion Ban
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042380.cfm
One hundred thirty doctors — members of South Dakota Physicians for Life — have endorsed Referred Law 6, the Women's Health and Human Life Protection Act.
South Dakota lawmakers passed legislation outlawing most abortions in the state last spring, and Gov. Mike Rounds signed it in March. The law was immediately challenged by abortion activists who gathered enough signatures to place a measure on November's ballot to overturn the ban.
Yvonne Seger, a Sioux Falls physician, said the ballot measure provides full protection for the health of women.
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
Field Trip to Abortion Clinic Sparks Outrage
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042379.cfm
Family advocates are upset that a group of Pennsylvania high school students visited an abortion clinic on a field trip, but that the teacher would not allow them to listen to pro-life speakers, too, LifeNews reported.
More than a dozen kids from the Solebury School in New Hope, Pa., visited the clinic with social science teacher Jason Gordon as part of a class on activism.
[More at URL]
----- 6 -----
Change Your Ways -- Joe Lieberman to Democrats
Faith and Freedom Network
Thursday, October 19, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/10/change-your-ways-joe-lieberman-to.html
Joe Lieberman, the Democratic Party’s Vice-Presidential nominee for 2000, says he hopes Democrats win, but they must change their ways. “Otherwise,” he said in a speech in New Haven, Connecticut, a few days ago, “it won’t represent real progress. It’s not going to be much of a step forward if there’s a new Democratic leadership that doesn’t change the tone in Washington.”
[...]
The future of America and our communities is up for grabs and will be determined in this generation. It could go either way – to the secular progressive left and let an elitist minority of secularists lead this nation to impotence, stagnation and slavery – or to the right and place control with those who will continue to lead in the true spirit of the Founding Fathers, who led this nation to respect for God and man, moral sanity, true religious freedom, national strength, prosperity and opportunity.
[More at URL]
----- 7 -----
Extraordinary Double Standard
Faith and Freedom Network
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/10/extraordinary-double-standard.html
To be sure both major political parties are flawed and imperfect. That’s why we encourage people to vote their values. But the not-so-subtle double-standard that we have seen recently displayed by our friends in the Democratic Party and their brethren in the press has been – well, extraordinary.
With the passing of Gerry Studds, much has been said about him, his life and his accomplishments.
The Associated Press, among others, spoke in glowingly reverent tones last Saturday, as they defined him as the “first openly gay person elected to Congress.”
The story actually suggested that this was an important moment in history for gay-rights as they quoted Gerry Studds’ “husband,” Dean T. Hara. “Gerry often said it was the fight for gay and lesbian equality that was the last great civil rights chapter in modern American history. He did not live to see its final sentences written, but all of us will forever be indebted to him for leading the way with compassion and wisdom.”
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
What do they really believe?
Joseph Farah
WorldNetDaily
October 20, 2006
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52522
What does the Republican Party really believe?
What does the Bush administration really want?
What does the congressional leadership really think?
These are questions on the minds of Americans this week as we draw near to a mid-term congressional election that threatens to change the balance of power in Washington.
If the Republicans do lose one or both houses of Congress, it will be because Americans have lost trust in them, because Republican constituents feel like it doesn't make that much difference who is in power, because the people feel betrayed.
[...]
But the more astonishing phenomenon is how current high-level officials of the Bush administration daily go out of their way to insult this critical constituency just weeks before the vote.
Here's an example: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, someone who claims to be a Christian herself, which, by definition, means you submit to the authority of Jesus and the Bible, last week swore in to the position of AIDS coordinator an open homosexual. The position carries the rank of ambassador. The photo accompanying this column shows the smiling first lady, Laura Bush, and Mark Dybul's partner, Jason Claire, leering at him.
During her comments, Rice referred to the presence of Claire's mother and – sit yourself down for this one – called her Dybul's "mother-in-law."
Do you get the picture?
[...]
Or do they really believe that homosexuality is "just another alternative lifestyle," as Rice suggested with her mother-in-law remark?
I also want you to notice what the two homosexual lovers are holding in that picture. It's a Bible. The new ambassador is taking an oath on it. Why? Isn't it a homophobic text? Doesn't it strongly condemn homosexual activity? Doesn't it even warn of harsh physical judgments for those who practice it?
The Bible is not ambiguous at all about homosexuality. It is condemned as an abomination in both the Old Testament and New. So what kind of hypocrisy – what kind of sacrilege – is being demonstrated here?
[...]
Do you believe God will honor an administration that behaves this way?
Do you believe God will continue to protect a country that flagrantly disregards His laws?
Do you believe God will be mocked like this without consequences?
[More at URL]
----- 9 -----
Top US general says Rumsfeld is inspired by God
Associated Press
Thu Oct 19, 3:35 PM ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061019/pl_afp/usmilitarypolitics_061019193550
MIAMI (AFP) - The top US general defended the leadership of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, saying it is inspired by God.
"He leads in a way that the good Lord tells him is best for our country," said Marine General Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
Congressman Comes to Dr. Dobson's Defense
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042405.cfm
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is criticizing former House Majority Leader Dick Armey for his recent attack on Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson.
[...]
"But negative personal attacks have no place in public debate and no place in the conservative movement. It is simply wrong for the former Majority Leader to question the motives of a leader of Dr. Dobson's character and integrity. It is simply wrong to refer to millions who cherish Dr. Dobson's voice of moral clarity as a 'gang of thugs' and 'bullies.'
[More at URL]
----- 11 -----
Pontiff Says Traditional Marriage Protects Families
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042399.cfm
Pope Benedict XVI urged leaders of the Roman Catholic Church gathered for a convention in Italy to defend traditional marriage and oppose moves to legalize same-sex unions, The Daily Mail reported.
[...]
"(Defend) the family based on matrimony," he said, "opposing the introduction of laws on other forms of unions which would only destabilize it and obscure its special character and its social role -- which has no substitute."
He urged leaders to say " 'No' to weak and deviant forms of love and 'Yes' to authentic love -- to the reality of man as he was created by God."
[More at URL]
----- 12 -----
Protests Prompt NBC to Drop Madonna Crucifixion Scene
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042404.cfm
NBC announced Thursday that a concert special starring Madonna, slated to air Nov. 22, will not include a segment featuring the singer in a mock crucifixion.
Controversy erupted when NBC announced its intention to air a scene featuring the singer wearing a crown of glittering thorns as she perched on a mirrored cross during one song.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
Canada's Gay-Marriage Law Could be on Shaky Ground
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042357.cfm
Conservatives in the Canadian government are vowing to keep fighting for traditional marriage — even though same-sex marriage was legalized last year, The Toronto Star reported.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said there is still much concern among religious groups that view the issue as a key theological concern, adding that Parliament may hold another vote on the issue.
Archbishop James Weisgerber, vice president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Canada's Catholic Church is positioning itself to take an active role in protecting marriage.
"We are a big part of this society," he said. "We will be a vigorous part of the debate."
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
City Driver Doesn't Have to Pilot Bus with Gay Ads
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042358.cfm
A Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Transit employee who did not want to drive a bus displaying ads featuring homosexuals will be assigned vehicles with a different display, 365Gay.com reported.
The transit authority, working with the gay magazine Lavender, agreed to place ads on 50 buses with the slogan, "Unleash Your Inner Gay."
Bob Gibbons, a Metro Transit spokesman, said a female driver who was not comfortable with the ads was told by company officials she would not be assigned to any bus carrying them.
"The decision has nothing to do with the content of the advertisement," he said. "It has everything to do with the employee's religious beliefs."
[More at URL]
----- 15 -----
Lawsuit Filed Over Removal of Cross from L.A. County Seal
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042359.cfm
The Thomas More Law Center filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Los Angeles County officials for ordering the removal of a cross on the county's 50-year-old seal, CNS News reported.
Officials decided to remove the cross in 2004 after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) threatened to sue the county for using a Christian symbol.
Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for the law center, said the seal contains a lot of different symbols, all of which have historical significance to the county of Los Angeles.
[...]
"Our position is that, by removing the cross, they showed a disapproval of religion, including Christianity," Thompson said. "That disapproval, that hostility toward Christianity, violates the Establishment Clause — which has been interpreted that not only must government not promote religion, but it must also not be hostile toward religion."
Targeting the tiny cross on the L.A. County Seal, he said, is hostility toward religion.
[More at URL]
----- 16 -----
Studds' Death Leveraged by Gay Activists
At least one group is arguing the deceased former congressman's same-sex partner should receive his federal pension.
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042366.cfm
Homosexual activists are looking to capitalize on the recent death of the first openly gay congressman, Rep. Gerry Studds, by claiming his same-sex partner is being discriminated against by the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
That law prohibits Studds' gay partner from inheriting his federal pension, worth an estimated $114, 000 annually, according to Gary Buseck of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. So, the group plans to use the incident to "educate" Congress about the need to legalize same-sex marriage — and then work to get lawmakers to strike down the law.
[...]
Studds and his partner, Dean Hara, were married in Massachusetts — the only state that allows same-sex couples to unite in matrimony.
Still, Knight is not surprised gay activists are trying to leverage Studds' death to push for gay marriage, since one of their tactics is to portray same-sex relationships as being equal to real marriages.
"They are comparing unequal things, however, and it really isn't about equality," Knight said. "It's about seizing the moral capital of marriage and applying it to a relationship that's totally different, one which is not essential for society's survival."
Knight said lawmakers should not be in the business of placing incentives into law for relationships that "can be dangerous to society."
[More at URL]
----- 17 -----
Judicial Activism Prompts Citizen Efforts to Restrain Judges
Voters in several states will get a chance three weeks from now to vote on initiatives aimed at reining in out-of-control courts.by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042338.cfm
Outrage over judicial activism has been so high in the last few years that voters in several states will face something new this fall: ballot initiatives designed to restrict the role of judges.
"You have ballot questions this year in South Dakota, Montana and Colorado proposing different ways to try to rein in out-of-control judges," said Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "But the larger picture, the details of the efforts aside, is that people all over the country are attempting to take back the courts from judicial tyrants."
South Dakota 's Amendment E is the most ambitious measure — it would allow residents to sue judges over their decisions. Grand juries would be convened, and judges would face removal from the bench if they were found guilty of an infraction.
[More at URL]
----- 18 -----
Viacom Chief Says FCC Stifling Networks' Free Speech
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042335.cfm
Top Viacom and CBS executive Sumner Redstone is criticizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its crackdown on broadcast indecency, going so far as to accuse the agency of interfering with constitutionally protected free speech.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Redstone told a gathering of the Media Institute on Monday that the FCC is placating a small minority at the expense of creative expression.
[...]
"If the public is not happy with a particular program, then they won't watch it and it will go off air," he said. "Give the government the tools to punish those it doesn't like or silence what is doesn't want to hear and you undermine democracy. Give people the tools to choose what they see and hear and you enhance democracy."
Daniel Weiss, senior analyst for media and sexuality at Focus on the Family Action, called Redstone's comments "absurd."
[More at URL]
----- 19 -----
Gay Chambers of Commerce Growing
Family advocates say groups are just another attempt to mainstream homosexuality.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0042330.cfm
Chambers of commerce made up of businesses owned by gays or designed to cater to the gay community are growing in number nationwide, with 45 of them currently in operation.
Gay chambers of commerce exist in at least a half-dozen states, and in cities as large as Chicago. One, called Plexus, is forming in Cleveland — and organizers say Chase and KeyBank are already on board, with additional partnerships being eyed with other trade groups like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Council of Smaller Enterprises.
Cleveland resident Charles Giunta said such gay chambers are part of homosexual activists' drive for special status under the law.
[...]
Linda Harvey, president of Mission America, said even though the gay community brags about its buying power, the bravado is often more myth than muscle.
"The vast majority of people involved in homosexuality are projected by many studies to be people that are employed sporadically, because of their lifestyle," she said. "They are more unstable."
[More at URL]
----- 20 -----
Quebec tolerates evangelical schools
Focus on the Family Canada
October 18, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/education/stories/101806.html
Quebec’s Ministry of Education appears to be turning a blind eye to 20 or so evangelical schools that are operating in the province without a provincial permit, CBC News reported.
Claude Grant, a lawyer who represents l’Association des églises évangéliques du Québec, said possibly as many as 4,000 elementary and high school students attend these schools because they offer a Bible-based curriculum.
[...]
Grant thinks he knows why the government has so far left them alone. “It’s because they are aware that we want to preserve a cultural heritage in a way,” he said, “and there is a void left by the secularization of the education system.”
Charles Boucher, a Pentecostal pastor in Gatineau, said the faith-based school that is affiliated with his church exists in response to certain “anti-biblical” lessons, such as evolution and sex education, being taught by the public system.
[More at URL]
----- 21 -----
First Lady And Condoleezza Rice Swear In Homosexual Global Aids Coordinator
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2897
October 19, 2006 – Traditional Values Coalition Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon is deeply troubled by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, First Lady Laura Bush and their apparent endorsement of a homosexual couple.
The ceremony involved the swearing in of Mark Dybul to become the new global AIDS coordinator. Dybul was present with his homosexual partner, Jason Claire.
(To see the photograph and article discussed in this statement go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-10-11-gop-gay-identity-crisis_x.htm?POE=click-refer.)
Rev. Sheldon noted: “Secretary Rice’s endorsement of their homosexual relationship is deeply troubling. She singled out Dybul’s partner, Jason Claire, and Claire’s mother-- referring to her as Dybul’s ‘mother-in-law.’ In addition, it was shocking to see the First Lady of the United States taking part in the ceremony.
“This is so out of character with the public statements and positions of President Bush and his administration.
“The White House should issue an immediate clarification, explaining to the many Americans who have accepted the President's words in defense of traditional marriage how this could have possibly occurred.
[More at URL]
----- 22 -----
Attorney Names Priest Who Molested Mark Foley As A Child
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2896
October 19, 2006 – At a press conference on Oct. 17, Gerald Richman, attorney for Mark Foley said he was releasing the name of the Catholic priest who molested Foley when he was a child—but not until he had spoken with the Archdiocese of Miami and West Palm Beach.
After being exposed as a homosexual child predator who was targeting congressional pages, Foley went public with the claim that he’d been molested as a child—which accounted for his sexual attraction to teenage boys.
[...]
Read and distribute TVC’s special reports on the close connection between homosexual pederasty and pedophilia: Homosexuality And Pedophilia.
Access these resources that provide help for individuals suffering from unwanted homosexual desires: Ministry and Counseling Resources.
[More at URL]
----- 23 -----
Former Rep. Gerry Studds’ ‘Husband’ Wants His Death Benefits
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2895
October 19, 2006 – Gerry Studds, the first openly homosexual U.S. Representative died last week and his homosexual “husband” has lobbied for his pension and death benefits. His appeal for benefits has been denied.
Studds and Dean Hara ‘married’ in Massachusetts, but the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents the federal government from recognizing their “marriage.”
The radical lobbyists with the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) are trying to exploit the death of Studds to lobby Congress to give Hara the death benefits and Studds’ pension. GLAD is the group that filed the lawsuit in Massachusetts that resulted in the legalization of homosexual marriage in that state. GLAD has also lobbied to have public sex in restrooms and parks decriminalized so homosexuals can freely engage in sodomy in restroom stalls and in bushes.
[More at URL]
----- 24 -----
Oslo Natural History Museum Opens ‘Homosexual’ Animal Exhibit
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2893
October 19, 2006 – The Natural History Museum in Oslo, Norway, has just opened up an exhibit supposedly showing various examples of homosexual animals. The leader of this exhibit, “Against Nature” is Geir Soeli who told reporters, “Homosexuality has been observed for more than 1500 animal species, and is well documented for 500 of them.”
Soeli claims: “The sexual urge is strong in all animals … It’s a part of life, it’s fun to have sex.” A statement at the exhibit says: “We may have opinions on a lot of things, but one thing is clear – homosexuality is found throughout the animal kingdom, it is not against nature.”
One commenter on the conservative Free Republic web site scoffed at the idea that homosexuality should be considered normal if animals engage in sodomy. He noted how unwise it is to justify homosexuality for humans simply because such activities may be practiced by animals.
[...]
“The Animal Homosexuality Myth,” published by the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) debunks the claim that “homosexual” animals truly exist.
[More at URL]
----- 25 -----
White House says Condi 'showing due deference'
She recognized as 'mother-in-law' the mom of appointee's 'gay' partner
October 21, 2006
WorldNetDaily
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52553
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice was "showing due deference" when she recognized as "mother-in-law" the mother of one of two "gay" partners at a recent Washington ceremony.
It happened recently when Rice and first lady Laura Bush spoke for the administration at an Oct. 10 swearing-in at the State Department for Mark Dybul. He was accompanied by his male partner, Jason Claire. [Ed. Note: They are legally married under Massachusetts law.]
[...]
"The Secretary said what she said, and she was showing due deference to the people involved," was the response from Tony Snow, Bush's spokesman.
While the party wants the support of "values voters," it also is courting homosexuals and seems willing to appease the movement's radical agenda, USA Today said.
[...]
The use of the "mother-in-law" term normally reserved for legally married heterosexual families rankled Peter Sprigg, vice president for policy at the Family Research Council, who called Rice's comments "profoundly offensive," according to Agape Press.
The secretary's remarks, he said, fly in the face of the Bush administration's endorsement of a federal marriage protection amendment.
"We have to face the fact that putting a homosexual in charge of AIDS policy is a bit like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse," said Sprigg. "But even beyond that, the deferential treatment that was given not only to him but his partner and his partner's family by the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is very distressing."
[More at URL]
----- 26 -----
Pro-Marriage Message at Root of Employee's Dismissal
By Jim Brown and Jody Brown
American Family Association/Agape Press
October 20, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/10/afa/202006a.asp
(AgapePress) - A Virginia man has allegedly been fired from his job for supporting a state ballot initiative defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Luis Padilla was reportedly terminated from his employment at a Cargill Foods plant in Harrisonburg because of a written message on the rear window of his pickup truck that read: "Please, vote for marriage on Nov. 7." That is the day when voters in Virginia will be considering a proposed amendment to the state constitution protecting traditional marriage.
According to the Daily-News Record in Harrisonburg, Padilla -- who worked in Cargill's human resources office -- was dismissed for insubordination when he refused to remove the message, which company officials could be considered harassment. He apparently had removed the sign when first requested, then later posted it again and parked his truck outside the company parking lot. The newspaper report indicates the former Cargill employee was trying to reach an accommodation with the company about the message when he was fired.
The Family Foundation of Virginia sent a letter to Cargill, calling for Padilla's reinstatement. However, the large private company has denied the request, saying "Cargill is not required to allow Mr. Padilla to impose his beliefs on his co-workers." Victoria Cobb, executive director of the Family Foundation, says Cargill is engaging in viewpoint discrimination.
[More at URL]
----- 27 -----
African American Pastors Equip their Flocks to Vote Values
With the continual growth of black churches, African American pastors want their congregations to make informed decisions at the ballot box next month.
by Josh Montez
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0042381.cfm
Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Washington D.C. says the typical African American values voter is concerned about issues like the War on Terror, but there are a few other things on their minds as well.
“He is very much concerned that the person he votes for is a person of integrity and will also deal with the economy, and then come back to family values and protecting marriage, and limiting abortion.”
[More at URL]
----- 28 -----
Liberty Sunday Rebroadcast Schedule
Family Research Council
October 19, 2006 - Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2006 CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Bethanie Swendsen, (866) FRC-NEWS
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=PR06J08&f=PG03I03
Washington, D.C. - Liberty Sunday: Defending Our First Freedom, the nationwide Family Research Council simulcast that aired from Tremont Temple Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday, October 15, will rebroadcast on the networks listed below. This nationwide event featured Governor Mitt Romney, Tony Perkins, Dr. James Dobson, William Donohue, Chuck Colson, Dr. Ray Pendleton, Dr. Roberto Miranda, Bishop Gilbert Thompson, Bishop Wellington Boone, Alan Chambers and many others. The event responded to the legal battles over marriage taking place in Massachusetts and explained how these battles are destined to have an impact not only on marriage, but also on free speech, parental rights and religious freedoms for all citizens.
[More at URL]
----- 29 -----
Texas Voters' Guide Now Available
Family Research Council
October 18, 2006 - Wednesday
Forward to a Friend!
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL06J06&f=PG03I03
The 2006 General Election is approaching and we want to provide you with a valuable resource to help you navigate through all the candidates running for public office in Texas. The Texas Voters' Guide produced by the Free Market Foundation is available now in hard copy and will soon be available online. This educational guide will give you access to the viewpoints of candidates from the Governor to State Supreme Court Justices to the U.S. House. You will be able to see if they support or oppose specific issues like the abortion ban, divorce reform, a waiting period on firearms and the marriage amendment. The Free Market Foundation expects to reach more than 6 million Texans with the guides. These guides are also non-partisan so that they can be distributed in churches and non-profits and will not jeopardize the tax-exempt status of those organizations.
If you would like to request hard copies of this guide, you can contact the Free Market Foundation at (972) 423-8889 ext. 104 or e-mail them at: programs@freemarket.org. Be sure to request additional copies for your friends and family. Many people find it helpful to review the voters' guide ahead of time and bring it with them to their polling place. This will help you save time at the ballot box and is perfectly legal. For more information go to: www.freemarket.org. The guides will eventually be available online.
Please forward this email to your friends and family and encourage them to vote in November. Thank you for your help in getting out the vote.
----- 30 -----
Pennsylvania Voter Guides now available
Family Research Council
October 18, 2006 - Wednesday
Forward to a Friend!
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL06J07&f=PG03I03
Election Day is fast approaching and all across Pennsylvania citizens will be voting for Governor, U.S. Senator and their U.S. Representative in Congress. To help you find out where each candidate stands on issues like abortion, the definition of marriage, gambling, educational choice, religious liberty, taxes and more, the Pennsylvania Family Institute has developed an in-depth, full-color Voter Guide that is nonpartisan and legal for distribution at your church, civic club, etc. The Voter Guides are bundled in packages of 100, so that they are ready for mass distribution.
To order your Voter Guide, simply go to the Pennsylvania Family Institute home page at: www.pafamily.org, click on the Voter Guide graphic, then complete the secure Order Form online or call us at 717-545-0600. Please indicate how many Voter Guides you need for distribution at your church (in multiples of 100). Please help spread the word about this new resource for responsible citizenship.
Go to: www.PAvoter.info for the comprehensive, online, interactive Voter Guide covering the statewide races plus your State House and State Senate offices. It will be up and running in the coming weeks so please bookmark this page for future reference before Election Day.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-10-22 12:32 pm (UTC)That was just so random and illogical that I had to laugh.
no subject
Date: 2006-10-22 06:57 pm (UTC)