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History Repeats Itself!

This is a cartoon that appeared in an issue of the Chicago Tribune in 1934. Can you see any similarities in what is going on today?

Quote of the Day!!!

"Independence forever."

-John Adams-

I Guess the Bailout Didn't Work!

About 1,600 white-collar workers at General Motors Corp. will lose their jobs in the next few days as the troubled automaker accelerates cost cuts in order to qualify for more government aid. Read It Here.

Iran's Number 1 Nut Job!!!

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused Israel of being the "most cruel and racist regime," sparking a walkout Monday by angry Western diplomats at a U.N. racism conference. Read Story Here.

Another Slam on Obama Part II

Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign called President Obama “irresponsible” for the way in which he engaged Venezuela President Hugo Chavez during the Summit of the Americas. Read Story Here.

Another Slam on Obama

A former CIA boss says that president Obama is compromising national security by releasing memos outlining terror interrogation methods. Read Story Here.

Real Love!

We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. (1 John 3:16 ).

If you want to know the depth of people’s love, just look at how much they are willing to sacrifice for you. If you wonder what people think of you, look at what they’re willing to do for you. When people are willing to pay the ultimate price, you no longer have to wonder if their love is genuine.

You and I may never be called on to give up our life for someone we love. But people will know just the same, because how we live says as much about us as how we’re willing to die.

Obama's Newest Pal

The following two quotes are from Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez, it says how he feels about the U.S. “The United States empire is on its way down and it will be finished in the near future, inshallah," Chavez told reporters, ending the statement with the Arabic phrase for "God willing." "The devil came here yesterday."

And that is why it perturbs me to see our current president smooching with him during the Summit of the Americas. Read Story Here.

He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!

The Glory of the Resurrection lives on. The tomb where they laid His body is empty. The stone has been rolled away. The Son of Man has ascended and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. This we know. This we believe. It is to this great truth that we bear witness.

I pray that you and your family will be especially blessed this resurrection Sunday. And I say: He is Risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday. How can the worst day in human history be described as good? This is the day that Our Lord was crucified. It is the day he hung on the cross for all our sins. It is the day of darkness at noon.

The story of the last days of Jesus' ministry should be familiar to all. Knowing he would be killed, our Lord entered Jerusalem on the back of a colt. He was hailed by the multitudes, who lay their cloaks in his path, who spread palm fronds before him. "Hosanna to the Son of David," they cried. How quickly that would all change.

When Jesus was betrayed by a kiss, violent men took hold of him. He would not allow his disciples to respond in kind. Taken before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, Jesus said "I have come to bear witness to the truth."

Pontius Pilate answered: "What is truth?" How many governors to this day, rulers of the earth, ask that same question? They act as if truth is all relative, a matter of perspective, if it exists at all.

Jesus feared not. When Pilate told him he had the authority to put him to death, Jesus answered. "You have no authority except that it is given to you from above."

Surely, this was the greatest political statement in history. All authority exercised by the rulers of this world comes from above. And they are responsible to God in heaven for their exercise of it, whether they know it or not. Nothing that happens on Capitol Hill is as important as what happened two thousand years ago on that hill of Calvary.

We hear much of death with dignity these days. Our Lord's death was anything but dignified. He was beaten, mocked, spat upon. They stuck out their lips as they cursed him. When he cried out in thirst, they gave him only vinegar on a sponge. Roman soldiers cast lots they actually gambled for his garments.

I hear that some people today prefer not to be called Christians. They tell reporters that this word has too much "baggage." Imagine the baggage the weight of all the sins of the world that Jesus carried along with that rugged cross.

We strive, knowing we are unworthy, but we strive nonetheless to be His followers. Being called Christian is our greatest hope. Being despised for His sake is our greatest honor.

Source:FRC

Quote of the Day!!!

"I only wish, while I am a servant of the public, to know the will of my masters, that I may govern myself accordingly."

- George Washington, 1793

Our Defense Secretary is Really Defending Us (Not)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday proposed killing weapons programs that are over budget, behind schedule and out-of-date, urging Congress to rise above parochial interests to support his plan. Read Story Here.

More Pistachios Are Recalled

Setton Pistachio expanded its voluntary recall of pistachios to include all roasted shell pistachios and in-shell pistachios due to possible salmonella contamination, the Terra Bella, California, company said on Monday. Read Story Here.

Illegals Could Be Counted In The Upcoming Census

U.S. Rep. William Clay, D-Mo., who chairs a House oversight subcommittee on the Census, said he plans to ask the Obama administration to suspend immigration raids over the next year. Is this guy for real? Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

- John Adams

New York Governor Being Told to Shape Up

Top New York Democrats have privately set a deadline of early November for Gov. Paterson to turn his poll numbers around or they'll urge him not to run next year.Read story Here.

Earthquake Hits Italy (Updated)

An Italian scientist predicted a major earthquake around L'Aquila weeks before disaster struck the city on Monday, killing dozens of people, but was reported to authorities for spreading panic among the population. Is there a cover up in the making? Read Story Here.

Earthquake Hits Italy

My prayers and thoughts are with the people of Italy as they are dealing with the aftermath of a pretty intense earthquake. The powerful earthquake in mountainous central Italy knocked down whole blocks of buildings early Monday as residents slept, killing more than 92 people and trapping many more. Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

"It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world."

- George Washington, From his Farewell
Address to the People of the
United States

GM=Bankruptcy

Fritz Henderson, GM’s new president and CEO, said for the first time Sunday that the automaker is planning for the possibility of restructuring within bankruptcy, although he said he still hoped to avoid that public-relations nightmare. Story Here.

Geithner to Fire More CEOs

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said he’s prepared to oust the senior management and boards of directors at banks that require “exceptional” assistance (whatever that means, and who defines exceptional) from the U.S. government. Story Here.

More Double Standards!

White House Staffers Make Millions from TARP Firms. Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

"Each generation should be made to bear the burden of its own wars, instead of carrying them on, at the expense of other generations."

-James Madison

Quote of the Day!!!

"The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discrimination."

-George Washington

Is Anyone Outraged About These Bonuses?

In a compensation program that has drawn angry protests from lawmakers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac expect to pay about $210 million in retention bonuses to 7,600 employees over 18 months, according to a letter from the mortgage companies' regulator. I think that's more than the AIG bonuses. I wonder if ACORN will be conducting bus tours of these people's homes???

It's A Tea Party!!!

It seems almost daily that the federal government launches yet another massive spending initiative. While it may be lost upon Washington bureaucrats that money for these projects doesn't just materialize from thin air, we Americans who have families, mortgages, car payments, tuition, and other expenses know differently. The money that Congress and the President seem to wield so nonchalantly comes from our pockets, our dreams, and our families.

The American Family Association, along with other groups, are helping to organize thousands of "TEA" (Taxed Enough Already) Parties across the country. I encourage you to visit the TEAPartyDay.com website and join the rallies happening in your area.

In a country such as ours where government, as described by Abraham Lincoln, is "of the people, by the people, for the people," we the people need to stand together to remind our officials not to use our families' hard-earned dollars so recklessly.

Visit TmeaParty.co and Join Other Families in Your Community to Rally Against Reckless Government Spending.

Source: AFA, TeaParty.com

Another Tax Cheat?

No, it's not an elaborate April Fools' joke. But it seems to be a prerequisite to be in President Obama's cabinet. Unfortunately for taxpayers, the revelation that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius owes back taxes is just another day in the Obama administration. News leaked that Sebelius like her nominated predecessor Tom Daschle is at least the sixth candidate in this administration (and potentially the third member of the President's Cabinet) who didn't pay their taxes.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner ($35,000), Labor Secretary Hilda Solis ($6,400), and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk ($10,100) were all confirmed despite short-changing Uncle Sam. For Sebelius, whose radical policy record is already cause for concern, this news should give the Senate even greater pause when considering her nomination. In a letter to the Senate Finance Committee explaining her predicament, Sebelius says that the $7,000 in back taxes were "unintentional errors." Errors, unfortunately, which are becoming commonplace among this administration's high-ranking officials. It is ironic that while Gov. Sebelius didn't want to pay her taxes, she apparently has no hesitations about forcing taxpayers to fund a radical pro-abortion agenda as head of HHS. Before this week, the Senate had plenty of reasons to oppose Gov. Sebelius for her extreme anti-family views, but failing to pay her taxes while she spends ours to advance her liberal agenda should not be overlooked. The Kansas governor should do the honorable thing and withdraw her name from consideration. If she doesn't, the only April fools will be the senators who vote for her confirmation. I wonder what would happen to us if we didn't pay our taxes???

Source: FRC, Chicago Tribune

Quote of the Day!!!

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Quote of the Day!!!

"Treat your wife always with respect; it will procure respect to you, not from her only, but from all that observe it."

-Benjamin Franklin- 1768

Kudos for Ms. Harmon

Angie Harmon is not afraid to come out and say she doesn’t like how President Obama is handling the job — but she’s sick of having to defend herself from being deemed a racist. Read Story Here.

A Scary Though

Starting today, the United States government will stand behind your warrantee'...Read Story Here.

Here Comes The Fall Guy!

GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner will step down immediately at the request of the White House, administration officials said Sunday. The news comes as President Obama prepares to unveil additional restructuring efforts designed to save the domestic auto industry. Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.

-Thomas Jefferson 1800

What Happened to Bringing Them Home???

Obama is sending additional troops to Afghanistan and there is no timetable for withdrawal, and the White House said it had no estimate yet on how many billions of dollars its plan will cost. Wasn't Bush criticized by Obama for the same thing? Hum smells like hypocrisy to me. Read Story Here.

One World Trade Center

Freedom is so passe at Ground Zero. The New York Port Authority Drops The Name FREEDOM TOWER, instead, the new building will be called “One World Trade Center” Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.

-John Adams

Pelosi is At It Again

SHE IS ABOUT TO INTRODUCE GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTH CARE. Read Story Here.

This Makes My Blood Boil!

Being a retired law enforcement officer myself, this really made me mad. California protest follows the killing police officers. Here’s the sick part of this, the protest was in support of the COP KILLER. Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

It is our duty to make the best of our misfortunes, and not to suffer passion to interfere with our interest and the public good.

-George Washington 1778

Update on North Korea

Navy Warships Have Been Sent To Monitor North Korea’s Missile Launch. The US has deployed two warships with anti-missile capabilities in the waters off Japan as tensions mount over North Korea's plans to test-fire a long-range ballistic missile capable of striking Alaska. Read Story Here.

Are These Guys For Real?

This country is in The Worst Financial Crisis In History and what is the senate doing? Working on College Football and a playoff system, are you kidding me? I mean I'm a college football fan and I hate the system the way it is now, but for the senate to be wasting their time on this is totally ridiculous. Read Story Here.

Catch Them Doing Good

Here are some positive news from the states to help balance the discouraging stories of these past few months:

Montana: The Senate has passed a bill that protects all persons' rights; "person means a human being at all stages of human development of life, including the state of fertilization or conception, regardless of age, health, level of functioning, or condition of dependency."

Oklahoma: The House passed a bill that would make it illegal to conduct research that would harm or kill an unborn child, including embryonic stem-cell research. House legislators also passed a bill granting more than $1 million to adult stem cell research.

Indiana: After ADF filed a suit in court, the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles decided to reverse a ban on religious messages on personalized license plates.

Mississippi: The House passed a bill that prohibits the University of Mississippi from using state money for research that destroys human embryos.

Texas: The legislature is considering a bill that would coordinate and regulate adult stem cell research. It would also seek funding and direct grants to institutions around the state doing adult stem cell research, including the allocation of about $5 million a year to this ethical alternative.

Rumblings from North Korea

North Korea is back in the news. There’s a rocket on the launching pad…two American Journalists still being held captive. Is anyone from the State Department talking to North Korea? Read Story Here.

What's Harry up to Now?

Harry Reid Says He Wants To “Fast Track” President Obama’s Health Care Initiative. In an effort to block a rumored filibuster from the GOP, the Senate Majority Leader is threatening to use a procedural maneuver to avoid any debate or resistance. Read Story Here.

Is a Global Currency Coming?

President Obama rejected it, but his treasury secretary, Tim Geithner is open to what the Chinese Central Bank is proposing. Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government.

-Thomas Jefferson 1789

Quote of the Day!!!

Happiness depends more on the internal frame of a person's mind than on the externals in the world.

-George Washington, 1787

Weird News of the Day

Martial Law Considered In Upstate New York Town. After a number of scandals have sent Schenectady officials scrambling to clean up the police department, there are now a number of options being discussed. They include disbanding the department, restarting with a new county-wide police force, or even bringing in the National Guard. Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every reader; to persue them requires not the aid of many counselors.

- Thomas Jefferson

Can You Say Socialism?

The Obama administration is considering asking Congress to give the Treasury secretary unprecedented powers to initiate the seizure of non-bank financial companies, such as large insurers, investment firms and hedge funds, whose collapse would damage the broader economy, according to an administration document. Read Story Here.

Disposable Car?

Are you ready for a DISPOSABLE car?

The Tata Nano a $2000 car is about to hit the streets in India. If India can make a car that sells for $2000, why can’t Detroit? Read Story Here.

Quote of the Day!!!

Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.

- George Washington

Quote of the Day!!!

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress.

- John Adams

My Way or the Highway!

President Obama may believe in health care for all, but he certainly doesn't support the freedom of all who provide it. Continuing its pattern of selective tolerance, the White House launched its first attack on the conscience protections that President Bush finalized before leaving office. Although the process to rescind the rules has just begun, the President has made no secret of his intent to strong-arm the medical field into a state of blind submission on issues like abortion. Under the rules issued by the Bush administration last year, health care employees have enjoyed stronger protections from these controversial practices that violate their personal or religious beliefs.

On March !0, a coalition of 36 U.S. senators expressed their "grave concern" about the administration's decision to coerce doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to provide "care" against their will. In the letter to President Obama, these senators agreed, "This regulation is not about whether or not abortion should or should not be allowed in America. This regulation is about whether we will respect the deeply held moral convictions of those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the life and health of others... To compromise their right to practice [reduces]... medical professionals to mere vending machines..."

As the senators point out, nothing in these regulations bars a patient from finding a doctor or pharmacist who shares their beliefs. The President, a constitutional law expert, ought to know that the mild inconvenience of finding a new doctor or pharmacist doesn't trump a caregiver's basic freedoms. Infringing on employees' rights may help advance political correctness, but it's certainly not compatible with the President's agenda which, I would remind him, includes a call to end workplace discrimination. These rules are pro-child, pro-woman, and pro-liberty. I applaud these 36 senators for asking President Obama to reinstate them. In the abortion debate, we cannot allow safety and ethics to take a backseat to politics.

Source:Kitchen Table Blog, FRC

Kudos to the OC

In Orange County, California, the only thing local leaders favor aborting is Planned Parenthood's current government contract. On March 11, behind a swell of area support, county supervisors voted unanimously to void the abortion merchant's $292,000 deal. Although the contracts were approved last year as part of a community health initiative, the county board only learned of Planned Parenthood's involvement after members voted in favor of it. According to various reports, none of the clinics receiving taxpayer money was named on the report that supervisors saw before voting.

A handful of concerned citizens, who were inspired by the undercover videos of UCLA student Lila Rose, followed the money trail directly to Planned Parenthood's door. Orange County bureaucrats had apparently buried the contract details in hopes of avoiding the controversy they now find themselves in.

Although the local clinics said the county's money wasn't funding abortion, Supervisor John Moorlach said, "Not to generalize, but when you contract a law firm that specializes in bankruptcies, they most likely will advise you to file for bankruptcy. If you go to Planned Parenthood, they are most likely to recommend their specialized surgical solution, which they provide and are compensated for, which appears to be a conflict of interest."

He called for a rare re-vote on the contracts, and it's encouraging to know that every commissioner in Orange County objected to the funding. Unfortunately, backdoor political deals like the one Orange County just overturned aren't unique to California.

Source: FRC

Buckling Under Pressure?

Five weeks into his tenure as Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman, Michael Steele finds himself in the familiar position of damage control. This time Steele is in hot water over comments he made to GQ magazine about abortion and same-sex "marriage."

Columnist Lisa DePaulo asked if he believed that women have the right to choose abortion. "Yeah. Absolutely," Michael replied. "Are you saying you don't want to overturn Roe v. Wade?" DePaulo pressed. "The states should make that choice," Steele responded. "That's what choice is. The individual choice rests with the states."

His comments were cavalier and flippant particularly as they relate to fundamental policy issues on which Republicans have staked out clear positions in their platform. Steele did release a statement clarifying his comments, but he didn't address his other troubling comments on same-sex "marriage."

Mr. Steele's comments only serve to reinforce the belief by many social conservatives that one major party (Democrats) is unfriendly to their values while the other (Republicans) gives only lip service to core moral issues. If such a visible Republican leader continues in this same vein, I'm sure many more will drop their affiliation with the GOP. The prospects of more social conservatives leaving may excite the "big tenters," but that will only last until they discover the Big Tent is empty.

Source: GQ Magazine, FRC

Economic Meltdown???

Did you know that, just since Barack Obama was elected, Americans have lost some $3 trillion in wealth, reports Investors' Business Daily, as the markets have plummeted some 30%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, for example, has collapsed from 9,625.28 on November 4, 2008 to 6,647.49 on March 4, 2009.

Naming Names!!!

Yesterday, while debating the Omnibus spending bill, the U.S. Senate took up Senator Roger Wicker's (R-Miss.) amendment to preserve what has become fairly commonplace in federal budgeting, the prohibition of U.S. taxpayer money being used through the United Nations to underwrite China's one-child policy in which women are coerced into having abortions and are forcibly sterilized. Unfortunately, the Senate defeated this amendment by a vote of 55-39, with three Democrats, Senators Robert Casey (Penn.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), and Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) supporting the pro-life amendment. The Omnibus is frozen in the Senate right now due to fiscal considerations coming from a surprising corner the Democrats' side.

These are the Democrat Senators who took a stance in supporting American taxpayers: Senators Evan Bayh (Ind.), Russ Feingold (Wis.), Ben Nelson (Neb.), Mary Landrieu (La.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Mark Begich (Alaska), Mark Warner (Va.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Mark Pryor (Ark.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Bob Casey (Penn.), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), and Joe Lieberman (Conn.)

Pro-Life=Terrorist? So Says Chris Matthews

On Tuesday, March 3, MSNBC host Chris Matthews called pro-life groups and individuals "terrorists" because they oppose the Kathleen Sebelius nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Is it Mr. Matthews' opinion that pro-lifers are terrorists because they oppose a nominee with views that are diametrically opposed to most of America? A nominee so radical it is difficult impossible to find an instance when she stood up as an elected official in support of life.

Does Mr. Matthews want pro-life groups to remain silent on a nominee who voted to weaken and eliminate measures like parental notification and waiting periods? A nominee who directed funds away from programs that support women and towards abortionists like Planned Parenthood.

Mr. Matthews should know better.

We have every right as citizens to object to a nominee who as governor hosted a private reception at the governor's mansion for the notorious late term abortionist George Tiller and his staff, and worked hard to block criminal charges against Tiller.

It is our duty to educate our fellow citizens about a nominee for an influential cabinet position whose views on abortion and health care reform are radically outside the mainstream.

Source:FRC

Dissention in the Ranks?

Not everyone in Obama's party is going merrily along with the new President's power surge. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.V.), the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, is openly criticizing Obama's growing circle of policy "czars." Senator Byrd has taken his leader to task for trying to bypass the system and empower a group of unelected and unaccountable advisors. In a letter he wrote to President Obama, excerpts of which were reprinted on Politico.com, he accuses the administration of an executive branch "power grab." This hierarchy "can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances," Byrd wrote.

"At the worst, White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials... As presidential assistants and advisers, these White House staffers are not accountable for their actions to the Congress, to cabinet officials, and to virtually anyone but the president," he argued. "They rarely testify before congressional committees, and often shield the information and decision-making process behind the assertion of executive privilege. In too many instances, White House staff have been allowed to inhibit openness and transparency, and reduce accountability."

Source: FRC

Clueless!!!

Exactly what kind of stimulus did Speaker Nancy Pelosi have in mind? That's a question more Americans are asking now that details are trickling in about the controversial $825 billion "economic recovery" package. As it stands, more than 10 percent of the proposal $87 billion would allow states to expand their "family planning" services through Medicaid. The country's recession is crippling families, and the Democrats' solution is spending billions of dollars on contraception? On yesterday's "This Week" program on ABC, George Stephanopoulos pressed Speaker Pelosi for an explanation.

STEPHANOPOULOS: Hundreds of millions of dollars to expand family planning services. How is that stimulus?
PELOSI: Well, the family planning services reduce cost... The states are in terrible fiscal budget crises now and part of what we do for children's health... [is] to help the states meet their financial needs... [O]ne of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government.
STEPHANOPOULOS: So no apologies for that?
PELOSI: No apologies. No. We have to deal with the consequences of the downturn in our economy.

In other words, children are a burden to the economy, and Pelosi believes it's the government's responsibility to eliminate them. More than anything, her comments underscore the shortsightedness of these liberal policies. All reports indicate that the global family is on the decline. Although America's birth rate isn't plunging like that of European countries, it has slowed. The reason we don't find ourselves in a "demographic winter" is largely because of the fertility rates of our immigrants, many of whom come from cultures that value life. Overall, the U.S. is hovering at its replacement level, which is hardly enough to finance the Baby Boomers' retirement. If Pelosi and her Congress continue to deemphasize the family, America will travel even farther down the deadly path of our European friends.

In the meantime, Congress continues to spend outside of its means, proving that the nation will need more children not less to help pay the bills for Social Security, Medicaid, and other government entitlements that Democrats hope to expand. Obviously, there's a practical danger in suggesting that babies are problems or "punishments" (as President Obama called them) instead of blessings that build bridges to the future.

Source: FRC, ABC

A Man of Faith

I am a sports fan, and a fan of men of character. Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts, has been that for me and for countless Americans who admire him not just for his victories on the field but in life. Living in the public eye isn't always easy, but coach Dungy has inspired millions through his response to personal tragedy and professional success alike. A role model first and coach second, Dungy will have a legacy of service that outlasts any football record or championship. For seven years in Indiana, he used his celebrity platform to promote adoption, prison ministry, family values, outreach to the poor, and simple Christian decency.

As his own pastor said, Dungy came to Indianapolis with the understanding that "faith would come before football" and he managed to exceed expectations in both. In his retirement, coach Dungy said, "I remember... saying that our goal was to win... but that we needed to win the right way, we needed to win with the right kind of players that... our young men and women in this community could look up to and say, 'I want to be like him, or him, or him.'"

As Coach Dungy leaves a league that he made better simply for being in it, I thank him for his impact. May this new chapter for the Dungy family be the start of something even greater for the Kingdom he has so admirably served.

Source: FRC

Ignorance is not an Excuse

"I should have been more careful." In his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, that was how Secretary of Treasure-designate Timothy Geithner explained his failure to pay more than $34,000 in taxes. Geithner, one of the more controversial nominees to Obama's new Cabinet, apologized for the "unintentional" mistakes. Not surprisingly, several Republicans still have serious doubts about Geithner's ability to handle billions of our tax dollars. Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine) was not one of them. She brushed aside Geithner's personal scandal and said it shouldn't "preclude his nomination." I disagree. This isn't Geithner's money he would be mismanaging. It's ours.

Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is also under investigation for tax fraud. If Geithner is successfully confirmed and Rangel refuses to step aside, it would mean the two people most responsible for crafting U.S. tax policy will be suspected tax cheats. Both have cited ignorance about our tax law as an excuse. Surely, it's not asking too much that the leaders in charge of writing and enforcing America's tax policy know what they are doing.

A World of Difference

Americans watched on television as President Bush's jumbo jet soared out of sight Tuesday, and with him, a long record of protecting the unborn. Although the Obama administration is not even a week old, the new President has already set to work undoing years of pro life and pro-family policy.

Minutes after Obama took the oath of office, the transfer of power was made complete on the White House website. The page, once home to a host of family values, now welcomes an extreme collection of anti-life, anti-woman, and anti-family agendas. Under the caption "civil rights," Obama pledges to fight for nationwide civil unions, repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, homosexual adoption, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, expanded "hate crimes," and over 1,100 costly same-sex benefits. He promises to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as well as block a federal amendment to preserve marriage. In exchange for the support of groups like Planned Parenthood, the abortion business is also due for a rich payoff from the 44th president, including his support of abortion-on-demand, more funding for "family planning" programs, embryonic stem cell experiments, and tax-funded abortion.

This city may have changed overnight, but our values are enduring. We will continue to advance faith, family, and freedom in the next four years.

Source: FRC

Keeping Promises

After granting a 24-hour stay on the execution of the unborn, President Obama delivered yesterday on his promise of taxpayer funded promotion of abortion. Yesterday afternoon, the new administration inked the order overturning the "Mexico City policy" and freeing millions of federal dollars to international abortion groups. Of course, it was no accident that the new president postponed the act until the last possible minute on Friday, knowing the repeal would be buried in the weekend headlines. Issuing it now means that even the presidential blackberry will get more media coverage than his international abortion bailout. The end of "Mexico City" is nothing less than a tragedy for the world's poor.

Let The Games Begin

So much for a spirit of bipartisanship. While President-elect Obama pledged to make the government "open" and "transparent," House Democrats are making it virtually impossible for him to keep that promise. Today, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) kicked off the 111th Congress by stripping Republicans of any input in the legislative process. By a vote of 242 to 181, Democrats reversed a set of fairness rules that dated back to Newt Gingrich's Contract with America. As a result of the vote, House Republicans can no longer offer substantive alternatives, propose certain amendments to Democratic bills, or force a free and open debate.

This is a significant development given the big ticket items on Obama's agenda that will cost taxpayer's trillions of dollars and potentially chart a new cultural course for the country. By shutting down the opposition, Democrats will have a blank check to fast-track some of the most controversial policies of our day. Although minority leaders strongly protested the changes, they were powerless to stop them. As the GOP leadership wrote to Pelosi in an open letter yesterday, reverting to "undemocratic one-party rule" is especially dangerous now, as the government is experiencing an "unprecedented expansion of federal power and spending." Liberals may see this as reprisal for their unpleasant stint in the minority, but playing a game of political keep-away affects millions of Americans who deserve a voice in the legislative process.

Publicly, the Democrat's have tried to position themselves as uniters. This latest move by Speaker Pelosi would suggest their spirit of cooperation was nothing more than campaign rhetoric designed to dupe voters into handing over the keys to Congress to a party with no appetite for accountability. Contact Speaker Pelosi at (202) 225-4965 and remind her that Democrats were sent to Washington to represent popular interests not partisan ones.

Ceasar's Decree

We are in transition in Washington these days. The sitting President is preparing to leave and welcome his successor, I wish him well and I thank him and his family for what he has accomplished and what he has been willing to endure to keep our nation safe and free.

These days most people are focused, understandably, on the words and deeds of the incoming President. As the new administration of Barack Obama takes shape, we will certainly have much to say.

Political power has always attracted attention. The people's eyes naturally go to the wielder of the sword and the scepter. It was so in Biblical times. The Gospel of Luke tells us that "a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed." The Roman Empire was vast in those days. It stretched from Britain in the north, to Spain and Portugal in the west, deep into Africa and Egypt in the south, and as far east as modern day Syria. Caesar Augustus ruled all of this territory and the teeming millions who inhabited it.

Rome needed increased revenues, and Caesar knew how to get it. He first ordered that a census be conducted. He wanted a head count in order to apportion the amounts of money each provincial governor like Cyrenius, governor of Syria would be required to raise.

We can envision Caesar's imperial decree being inscribed by hand on vellum, a material made from the scraped clean hide of an unborn calf. From the Emperor's residence in the House of Hortensius on Rome's Palatine Hill, runners would have carried the document to waiting horsemen, the imperial couriers. From Rome, these horsemen would likely have proceeded in relay, changing horse and rider as each messenger reached the border of one of Roman Italy's 11 administrative regions. Passing through Latium and Campania to Samnium, to Apulia along the Appian Way, the riders would make for Brundisium, a port city on the east coast of Italy.

There, Caesar's decree probably would have been received aboard a Roman warship. It might have been a quinquereme, propelled by galley slaves who rowed in banks of five. On board this red cedar built craft, Caesar's order would cross the Mediterranean Sea to the Roman province of Palestine. Palestine was a distant outpost of the Empire, far from the most important of Rome's imperial holdings.

All this ordering and obeying, this saluting and receiving of salutes, this "hail caesaring" was necessary to bring millions of people together in their ancestral villages. And so Joseph, who was of the House and Lineage of David, also complied with Caesar's decree.

Thus were Joseph and Mary brought into Bethlehem. Caesar thought he knew what he was doing. He had never heard of Bethlehem. He had never heard of the Hebrew Prophet Micah. Micah had written: For out of you Bethlehem Ephrata...shall come one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is of old...his greatness shall reach the ends of the earth; he shall be peace. (Micah: 5:2, 3, 5)

God knew what He was doing in Palestine. Today, we know that the birth of Jesus in that little town of Bethlehem was, is, and ever shall be more important than all the Caesars, all the kings, all the presidents who ever ruled. In Bethlehem's dark streets there appeared an everlasting light. It shines for us still.

The Powerful/The Corrupt

It's been two years since Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) pronouncement that Democrats would make this "the most honest, ethical, and open Congress in history." So far, she and her colleagues have yet to make good on that promise, and there is absolutely no indication that liberals will lead a revival of integrity anytime soon.

Corruption has spun its web in America's highest halls of power, entangling both parties and bringing unprecedented disgrace to the nation's elect. The parade of allegations has wound its way through the offices of Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.), Rep. John Murtha (D-Penn.), and, more recently, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who received a $40,000 campaign contribution from Fannie Mae during an alleged relationship with one of its executives. And let's not forget Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) for potentially inventing tax loopholes for wealthy oil companies.

The Democrats' trouble is even trickling down to eye popping state scandals. Following former Gov. Eliot Spitzer (N.Y.) down the path to public humiliation is current Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), the object of outrage after allegations that he tried to "sell" Sen. Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. Although Obama's transition leader John Podesta insisted weeks ago that Obama was launching a new "Transparency Policy" for his administration, we have yet to see evidence of it. While investigators say Obama hasn't been implicated in the criminal probe, the next President has been surprisingly mum on questions about Blagojevich and their relationship. As Americans cast a weary eye toward their leaders, Obama's party owes the American people the candor they promised if, for no other reason, than to make good on his guarantee of "change."

If Democrats seek to expand government, perhaps they should first earn our trust with the authority they have. With more power comes more corruption. Considering the latest public betrayals, the argument for limited government has never been stronger.

Do They Deserve a Raise?

Members of Congress will return to Washington after Christmas with a lavish $4,700 stocking stuffer in their paychecks. It's the automatic salary increase that kicks off at the start of 2009. Surely those of us who are paying for it would agree the raises are hardly performance-based!

When Congress adjourned this month, it did so with a drab 20% approval rating. After helping spend America into a recession that's cost millions of Americans their jobs, Congress wants more compensation for their own! Adding to the pain, Democratic leaders plan to convene in January with a "stimulus" plan that could strip another trillion dollars in debt from already struggling families over the next two years. The proposal is lined with new spending projects for roads, infrastructure, "green" building projects, school beautification, and, potentially, government controlled health care.

For a snapshot of just how "essential" the line items are, the National Taxpayers Union combed through the wish lists and found this gem. In Alexandria, Virginia, the mayor (one of many vying for "emergency funds") requested $2.4 million to make the trolley motors hybrid and replace the contractors who drive them with unionized city employees. Of course, Congress greased the wheels for this sort of waste with its $152 billion package in February and $700 billion bailout seven months later. If this gets you mad like it did me contact your leaders and tell them to stop the spending madness. If Congress doesn't know where to start, I do. Refuse the $2,514,500 in Capitol Hill pay raises.

Source: FRC,National Taxpayers Union.

Obama's Undo List

In politics, some leaders have a to-do list. It appears President Obama has an "undo" list. Wall Street Journal, reporter Laura Meckler highlights some of the pro-life policies that the next White House will move quickly to reverse. Like President Bush, Obama can accomplish a lot through Executive Orders, which do not require Congressional approval to take effect but have the same legal weight as laws passed by the House and Senate. Even if the 44th President puts the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) on the back-burner, as his transition team now insists he will do, Obama could still do plenty of damage to the sanctity of life. The following is a pro-life "hit list" that Obama may target almost immediately. By Executive Order, he could:

Rescind the Mexico City policy, which would direct taxpayer dollars to groups that provide and promote abortion overseas;

Restore funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which condones forced abortion and sterilization policies in countries like China;

Direct the Department of Health and Human Services to change the conscience exemptions for health care workers who morally object to abortion and other practices;

Change the Department of Justice Sexual Assault Protocol, Defense Department pharmaceutical formulary, and USAID's Commodities Program to encourage the use of "Plan B," which can act as an abortifacient;

Create incentives to provide subsidized birth control at college health centers and other providers;

Make "emergency contraception" available over-the-counter for girls of all ages;

Rollback the abstinence-only education requirement for certain federal aid; and,

Permit the use of taxpayer funds for the destruction of human embryos through unethical stem cell research.

Source: FRC

More to the Center

President-elect Obama has asked the Pastor Rick Warren, pastor of California's Saddleback Church and bestselling author of The Purpose-Driven Life, to deliver the invocation at the presidential inauguration next month. I like his choice of one of America's leading evangelical pastors who is pro-life and pro-marriage for this honor.

It was magnanimous of Obama, in light of the fact that his debate with John McCain at Warren's church in August was one of the high points of the campaign for McCain. (This was the event where Warren asked, "When does life begin?" and Obama replied that the question is "above my pay grade.")

Warren has distanced himself from the "religious right" by emphasizing issues more popular with liberals, such as AIDS relief and global warming, I will say here that I do not agree with some of his positions. But he has also been consistent in his support for the unborn and for the natural definition of marriage. This has led left-wing groups like People for the American Way and the Human Rights Campaign to complain about Obama's invitation to Warren.

In a letter to President-elect Obama, Joe Solmonese challenged the selection of Warren saying, "Rick Warren has not sat on the sidelines in the fight for basic equality and fairness. In fact, Rev. Warren spoke out vocally in support of Prop 8 in California saying, 'there is no need to change the universal, historical definition of marriage to appease 2 percent of our population ... This is not a political issue -- it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about.' Furthermore, he continues to misrepresent marriage equality as silencing his religious views. This was a lie during the battle over Proposition 8, and it's a lie today." Solmonese's desire to exclude Pastor Warren from the inaugural, based upon his religious convictions, proves the validity of the concerns over the homosexual desire to silence the Church. Let's hope that Rick Warren will use his channel of communication to the new President to press him for more pro-family policies rather than simply being used by Mr. Obama to make political inroads with evangelicals.

Source: FRC

Unlikely Testimony

Luke 2:8-20 describes the experience of the shepherds when Jesus was born. Think about that for a moment. Out of the whole of Jerusalem society, God picked a band of shepherds to hear the news of Jesus' birth. That's intriguing because shepherds were among the lowest and most despised social groups.

The very nature of shepherds' work kept them from entering into the mainstream of Israel's society. They couldn't maintain the ceremonial washings and observe all the religious festivals and feasts, yet these shepherds, just a few miles from Jerusalem, were undoubtedly caring for sheep that someday would be used as sacrifices in the temple. How fitting it is that they were the first to know of the Lamb of God!

More significant, they came to see Him the night he was born. No one else did. Though the shepherds went back and told everyone what they had seen and heard, and though "all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds" (v. 18), not one other person came to see firsthand.

Scripture doesn't describe how the shepherds' search for the baby Jesus actually unfolded, but it's not unreasonable to assume that they entered Bethlehem and asked questions: "Does anybody know about a baby being born here in town tonight?"

The shepherds might have knocked on several doors and seen other newborn babies before they found the special Child lying in the feeding trough. At that moment, those humble men knew for certain that the angels' announcement was a word from God. After their encounter with Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the shepherds couldn't help but tell others about what the angels had told them. They became, in effect, the first New Testament evangelists.

The shepherd's story is a good illustration of the Christian life. You first hear the revelation of the gospel and believe it (Romans 10:9-10). Then you pursue and embrace Christ. And having become a witness to your glorious conversion, you begin to tell others about it (Luke 2:17).

May God grant you the life-changing spiritual experiences and the ongoing attitude of enthusiasm and responsiveness that causes you to tell others that you, too, have seen Christ the Lord.

Unvarnished Truth

Luke 2:7 sets the scene: "[Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

That verse is explicitly concerned with a lonely birth. There were no midwives, no assistance to Mary at all. The Bible doesn't even mention that Joseph was present. Perhaps he was, but if he was typical of first-time fathers, he would have been of little help to Mary. She was basically on her own.

Mary brought forth the child; she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths; and she laid Him in a manger. Where usually a midwife would clean the baby and wrap Him, there was no one. Mary did it herself. And where usually there would have been a cradle or basket for the baby, there was none. Mary had to put Him in an animal's feeding trough.

When Christ entered the world, He came to a place that had some of the smelliest, filthiest, and most uncomfortable conditions. But that is part of the wonder of divine grace, isn't it? When the Son of God came down from heaven, He came all the way down. He did not hang on to His equality with God; rather, He set it aside for a time and completely humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).

The Truth of the Nativity

by John MacArthur

The story of the first Christmas is so beloved that singers and storytellers across the centuries have embellished and elaborated and mythologized the story in celebration. However, most people now don't know which details are biblical and which are fabricated. People usually imagine the manger scene with snow, singing angels, many worshipers, and a little drummer boy. None of that is found in the biblical account.

Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. Add to that the commercialization of Christmas by marketers and the politicization of Christmas in the culture wars, and you're left with one big mess. Let's try to sort it out. The place to begin is in God's Word, the Bible. Here we find not only the source of the original account of Christmas, but also God's commentary on it.

We can't know Jesus if we don't understand He is real. The story of His birth is no allegory. We dare not romanticize it or settle for a fanciful legend that renders the whole story meaningless. Mary and Joseph were real people. Their dilemma on finding no room at the inn surely was as frightening for them as it would be for you or me. The manger in which Mary laid Jesus must have reeked of animal smells. So did the shepherds, in all probability. That first Christmas was anything but picturesque.

But that makes it all the more wondrous. That baby in the manger is God! Immanuel!

That's the heart and soul of the Christmas message. There weren't many worshipers around the original manger-only a handful of shepherds. But one day every knee will bow before Him, and every tongue will confess He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Those who doubt Him, those who are His enemies, those who merely ignore Him-all will one day bow, too, even if it be in judgment.

How much better to honor Him now with the worship He deserves! That's what Christmas ought to inspire.

Source: John MacArthur

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Tomorrow most if not all of us will get together with family and friends and celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a time of reflection and remembrance, a time when we remember those pilgrims of long ago and their journey in search of a new land, but why did they come? They tell us plainly in the governing document they signed, the Mayflower Compact: "For the Glory of God and the Advancement of the Christian faith, and the honour of our King and Country." They wanted to worship the Lord in the way their consciences and their understanding of Holy Scripture led them, which included building a community in which they could daily live out their faith in Jesus Christ. They called their dangerous effort "an errand into the wilderness." Sadly, many of them died in that first terrible year. Hunger and disease took their toll. But the Pilgrims are honored because they did not give up.

When their little ship, the Mayflower, returned to England, not one of their little band abandoned the call. They called on God to sustain them. And they accepted the timely help of the Wampanoag Indians, especially the English speaking Squanto. Without this help, they might all have died.

The story of Plymouth Rock also reminds us of the Israelites in the Old Testament. They would place standing stones in key places to help them remember how God had led them, how He had watched over them. The Pilgrims identified most strongly with the people of God in the Bible. There may never have been so highly literate a community. All the Pilgrims eagerly learned to read words so that they might read the Word.

This Thanksgiving is a good time to remind our children of the many blessings that Our Lord has showered upon us in the past year. Even in this time of war and of deepening economic hardships, the harvests of our fields are still abundant. Our people have been spared further terrorist attacks, and we passed through a hotly contested election without the violence that too often mars political conflict in less happy lands.

Most of all, we give thanks for the joys of family life. When we gather around a holiday table, the faith, love, and commitment of mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers bind our family circle. Let us also remember to give thanks to God for the brave young men and women who stand guard for us and our blood bought freedoms in distant lands.

And let us resolve in this season to live as "living stones [who] are being built into a spiritual house." (1 Peter 2:4-5).

God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving.

The Alchemist

I got this book from my daughter who read it as required reading for her English class. The Alchemist,written by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, is the story of a Shepard boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Santiago is quite content traveling in the countryside with his sheep, and dreaming of the merchant's daughter in the village where he sells his wool. That is until he has a dream in which a child appears one day and is playing with his sheep. Suddenly the child takes him by the hands and transports him to the Pyramids, telling him "If you come here you will find a hidden treasure." He meets a gypsy woman, a man who calls himself the king of Salem and an alchemist on his journey, all of whom point him in the direction of his quest.

Coelho writes with simplicity and directness. The whole novel is only 167 pages long and reads like a fairy tale. Coelho appears to be a new age proponent who in this novel borrows from various known religions to try an ecumenical approach to our journey on this earth. This is a very shallow tale disguised as a deeply spiritual fable. The Alchemist is a conflicting mixture of Christianity, just enough hints at mysticism to make it attractive to New Agers, the most simplistic of self-help guruism, and a random sampling of anything else leaning vaguely toward shallow spirituality.

I'm surprised and annoyed that this book is required reading at my daughter's school especially since it is a Christian school. If you are thinking about getting this book, please, do yourself a favor and steer clear of this inconsequential book.

What is this World Coming to???

Florida Boy Arrested For Gas Attack, 12-year-old charged after deliberately "breaking wind" in class. Read Story Here.

In a Pit with A Lion on a Snowy Day

A fellow staff member lent me this book. It was written by Mark Batterson who is the lead pastor at National Community Church in Washington D.C. Don't let the funny tittle fool you this is an awesome and inspiring book. The book is based on an obscure passage in the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel (23:29, 30). It centers on the story of an Israelite warrior (Beniah) who encounters a lion in a pit on a snowy day. The plot is that instead of Benaiah running away like most of, if not everyone of us would do, he jumps in to the pit and kills it. Throughout the book Batterson points out that this is the kind of courage that us as Christians must have.

Batterson structures the book on the seven skills he believes will help people chase the biggest lions. The skills according to Batterson are: overcoming adversity, unlearning fears, embracing uncertainty, calculating risks, seizing opportunities, defying odds, and looking foolish.

This book challenged the way I think about faith, and I hope it will find expression in the way I live out my faith. The book is sprinkled with references to pop culture and ancient culture, it digs out Biblical principles and helps us understand their relevance in our everyday live here in the 21st century. But the good thing about this book is that it's not Mark Batterson's story. And it's not Benaiah's story. It is God's story and it is one He wants to write in and through each of our lives.

This book is a fast and funny read, and it will leave you with lots to think about. It made me want to jump out of my chair and start running after God with more intensity and focus than before. It wil make you laugh, it will amaze you, it will inspire you, and it will help you in your walk with God. I give it five stars.

Ken Ham at Calvary Chapel Kendall

This weekend Ken Ham, president and founder of Answers in Genesis - U.S. and the new, highly acclaimed Creation Museum will be at my home church Calvary Chapel Kendall .

Ken’s teachings emphasize the relevance and authority of the book of Genesis, including some of the “hot button” topics of our day. He provides biblical and scientific answers to some of the most difficult questions people ask about the Christian faith, including: Can we really trust the Bible from its very first verse? How do we know there is a God? Are dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible? How can we evangelize more effectively?

Come and join us for our regular weekend services and a special two part series on Sunday evening. This is going to be an amazing weekend you won’t want to miss! Be sure to invite all your friends.

Saturday, Nov. 22 @ 6:00pm
Sunday, Nov. 23 @ 8:45am, 10:30pm, 12:30pm
Special Evening Sessions: Sunday, Nov. 23 session:01@6:30pm & session:02@8:00pm
Childcare will be provided

The Land of the Re-Threads

Breaking news suggests that President-elect Obama is unlikely to govern from the middle. By appointing former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the 44th President provided a frightening glimpse of his new Cabinet. According to Politico, "Daschle was also considered for health care czar in the White House, but the transition team decided he could be more effective with Secretary in front of his name." As Majority Leader, Daschle was a notorious opponent of every pro-life measure. He blocked the partial-birth abortion ban, voted for taxpayer-funded military abortions, and supported a measure that would have forced Americans to pay for the distribution of the morning-after pill to young school girls. Apart from his extreme political ideology, the selection of Daschle is even more troubling because the South Dakotan lacks any experience in the public health arena. To most Americans, who thought this election was about "change," these appointments must seem incredibly ironic. So far, the new Obama administration has only managed to change the titles of the same old liberal leadership.

Source: FRC

Kudos for Congressman Tancredo

Congressmen to Bush: Pardon Imprisoned Border Agents. Republican Rep. Tom Tancredo from Colorado has long led the fight to free agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos, who were both resentenced last week. Read Story Here.

I'm Embarrassed by These Guys

"To listen to some Republicans you would think that traditional conservatives, the defenders of the unborn and the integrity of marriage were responsible for two wars gone sour, over-spending at a level to embarrass Lyndon Johnson, the largest expansion of entitlement spending since the Great Society, numerous cases of GOP corruption, betrayal of the public trust, and the miserable results in the presidential and congressional elections..." Like me, Tracy Mehan of the American Spectator is fed up with the Republicans' post-election finger-pointing. In his op-ed "Social Conservative as Scapegoats," he lashes out at the GOP's centrists for blaming November 4 on "the solid and most loyal" wing of the Reaganite coalition. To those of us in the pro-family movement, the Establishment's diatribe is a familiar one. When the GOP succeeds because of social conservatives, our importance is ignored. When the party fails for overlooking us, values voters are somehow to blame. With the exception of Gov. Sarah Palin and some hollow overtures by the Democratic Party, the 20 percent of voters who cited "moral values" as their first or second priority in this election had no real horse in this race. Maybe that explains why believers were less active in this election cycle. More than four million Americans who go to church more than once a week and voted in 2004 stayed home on November 4. Those voters would have made up half the difference between McCain and Obama. As the members of the Republican party jockey for position in this brave new Congress and sort out their internal leadership, a commitment to life and marriage is non-negotiable. Without it, the prospects of a Republican revival are bleak. As Karl Rove rightly points out, "These values are often more popular than the GOP itself."

Source: FRC, American Spectator

Could History Repeat Itself???

Barack Obama is warned to beware of a ‘huge threat’ from al-Qaeda
Security officials fear a ‘spectacular’ during the transition period. Read Story Here.

So Much for Global Warming!!!

The world has never seen such freezing heat. Read Story Here.

The GOP Lacks Courage, Conviction, and Leadership

Right on schedule, a small group of GOP centrists started wagging their fingers at values voters this week, blaming them for every lost opportunity on November 4. In the post election dust up, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), and Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) say they want to revisit a losing strategy for Republicans moving Left. "The answer," they claim, "is not to become a more conservative, combative party," but to acquiesce on the GOP's core issues in favor of energy and the environment.

Christine Todd Whitman, co-chair of the Republican Leadership Council, joined them in a blistering op ed that blames the pro-family movement for everything from lost congressional seats to John McCain's campaign defeat. She claims Republicans are "hostage to social fundamentalists" and damns the party to a "long time in the political wilderness" unless it rejects values voters. She cites the selection of Sarah Palin, a "sop" to social conservatives, as evidence of the problem.

The unpleasant reality for Whitman is that Palin was the most compelling part of the Republican ticket not in spite of her pro-family beliefs, but because of them. In a Rasmussen poll, more Republicans actually believed that Palin was the "right choice" (71%) for the GOP ticket than John McCain (65%). There is no better rebuttal to these disgruntled partisans than passage of the state marriage amendments. Despite what the centrists claim, it was a social issue not energy or the environment that delivered the most sweeping, bipartisan victory in the entire election.

Republicans are in this wilderness, not because they spent the last six years embracing limited government and moral values, but because the two parties were almost indistinguishable. The future of the GOP depends on strong leaders who will embrace a positive message of faith and family. Only then will the GOP win the respect of voters.

Source: FRC, Rasmussen Corp

Kudos to Sears

These days, it's tough to find companies that share our values. But this holiday season, some retailers are doing good. At Sears, they're giving back to the community by supporting our troops. By law, employers are required to hold jobs open for any military personnel who are called up for duty. Sears is doing our soldiers one better. To protect their workers from taking a pay cut and losing their benefits when they leave for the front lines, Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits-including medical insurance and bonus programs. A Sears Customer Service rep said, "[We] regard service to our country as one of the greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear." I salute Sears and other corporations who make their own sacrifices on behalf of America's bravest.

Source: Sears

Intolerance: May be Coming to Your Church Next

Last year, Barack Obama said, "I am absolutely convinced that culture wars are so nineties; their days are growing dark." One year later, the culture wars are not only here they're raging. In their blind fury over Proposition 8, homosexual activists are doing more to hurt their cause than help. Groups like BashBack are storming churches, stomping on crosses, vandalizing buildings, and assailing Christians. On Sunday, the protests, which are spilling into every corner of America, arrived unexpectedly on the steps of Mount Hope Church in Lansing, Michigan. About two dozen homosexuals set off fire alarms during services, rushed the pulpit, and accosted worshippers. The police didn't make any arrests, but this was far from an isolated incident. Other marches are being planned near churches as we speak.

Make no mistake; this violence is calculated. These extremists are doing everything they can to invite a new "Stonewall," hoping that a response by law enforcement will go too far and create a backlash of sympathy for the gay movement. The slightest provocation by police or Christians would be disastrous. As difficult as it is, refuse to be intimidated. As Matthew 5 reminds us, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...

Source:FRC

A Line In the Sand

Facing the most pro-abortion administration in U.S. history, the Catholic Church is mobilizing to respond. In a meeting yesterday, 220 Catholic bishops drafted an official statement, warning Capitol Hill and President-elect Obama that passing the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would be viewed as a direct attack on religion. Back in July of 2007, Barack Obama announced at a Planned Parenthood banquet that signing FOCA was his first priority: "Well, the first thing I'd do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. ...On this fundamental issue, I will not yield and Planned Parenthood will not yield." With almost full control of Congress, Obama will be expected to live up to his promise as payback for the abortion community's support. If successful, the newly expanded majority would abolish over 300 pro-life laws and restrictions even reinstating partial-birth abortion.

Although the Catholic bishops have offered to work with the administration on a number of issues, the defense of life is non-negotiable. "This is not a matter of political compromise," said Bishop Daniel Conlon of Steubenville, Ohio. "It's a matter of absolutes." For some leaders, the church's forceful opposition to FOCA could be the excuse Catholic Democrats need to vote the legislation down.

If not for their conscience, members should be wary of the Bishops' warning for the mere fact that Catholics are a powerful player in the U.S. health care system. As Ed Morrissey points out, Catholics run more than 550 hospitals and 415 clinics in America, spending billions out of pocket to help the disadvantaged get the care they need. Under FOCA, religious providers would have two options: either comply with the abortion mandate or end their services completely. Is Congress so intent on appeasing Planned Parenthood that it would jeopardize the health care of 90 million Americans? We'll see.

Source:FRC

The More Things Change The More they Stay The Same

Barack Obama's website, once home to the President elect's sweeping plan for America, is surprisingly empty. Blogs are speculating why the massive, 25 point agenda was replaced this week with a brief statement. But in Washington, where people are policy, Americans should focus on Obama's personnel directory not his website to understand where our country is headed.

This week, as reports circulate about who the President elect's appointments will be, the spotlight has briefly rested on Susan Wood, co-chair of Obama's "advisory committee for women's health." Wood, who is vehemently pro-abortion, is rumored to be the next commissioner of the FDA. Three years ago, Wood was at that very agency, heading the Office of Women's Health. When her boss postponed a plan to make "emergency contraception" available to teen girls over the counter, Wood resigned in protest. She was outraged that the FDA wanted to delay sales until they could ensure that children under 16 could not access the drug without medical supervision. Under Wood's authority, the FDA would err as she does on the side of abortion advocacy, not American safety.

Her influence in the Obama administration could also mean the end of pro-life measures in our global AIDS policy. In a speech, Wood claims the U.S. has been "going in the wrong direction" on PEPFAR. While leaders in Africa have universally praised Bush's emphasis on abstinence and monogamy, Wood hints that the new president will implement a condom-based approach "not just this narrow, political ideology." That would be bad news for Africans

Source:FRC

Where is the Tolerance?

Members of the radical "No on 8" campaign in California have quickly turned their disappointment over the homosexual marriage ban into rabid hostility. Protestors have flooded the streets in Los Angeles with their sights set on the Mormon Church, railing against its leaders for their powerful role in protecting marriage. Together with allies in the Catholic and Protestant churches, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) was one of the main ingredients in Proposition 8's success. The Mormon Church's donations, estimated at roughly $22 million, fueled the hundreds of ad placements across the state that ultimately tipped the scales in the amendment's favor. Yesterday, 2,000 homosexual activists vilified the church, huddling outside the gate of an L.A. temple with profane signs and rainbow flags. Today, another march is scheduled for Temple Square in Salt Lake City, but the Church's leadership has no regrets about its involvement. In a statement, Elder Clayton said, "We believe it's a moral issue, and we reserve the right to speak out on moral issues." At LDS headquarters in Utah, leaders called for a ceasefire with gay activists and "goodwill" on both sides. Unfortunately, that message has yet to stick with the "No on 8" crowd, which has lashed out with unprecedented aggression against the faith community. Apart from the attacks on the LDS church (including ugly ads that depict Mormon missionaries invading the home of a lesbian couple and tearing up their marriage certificate), churches like Jack Hibbs' Calvary Chapel at Chino Hills have been spray-painted, cars vandalized, and police have confirmed at least two reports of physical assault. Once again, the Left is proving its unwillingness to practice the very "tolerance" they preach.

Source:FRC

Restructuring has Begun

The GOP has started a much needed restructuring and it started at the top. Republican Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) is stepping down from his leadership position in the House. Congressman Blunt was the main architect of several of the GOP's biggest legislative successes this year, including provisions that protect U.S. taxpayers. It is expected that Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va.) will succeed Blunt as Whip, who would be a good choice. Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) is also stepping aside from the third highest ranking minority position, Republican Conference Chairman, and may well be replaced by the well respected Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.). Finally, there is talk that former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele is in line to take over the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee. Each of these conservatives has shown a commitment to the values that were once the GOP's guiding light. By embracing these leaders, perhaps the Republican Party will rediscover its true voice and return to the fundamental principles that brought it such success.

Source: FRC

The Winds of Change are Blowing

For the first time in several years, record numbers of Americans cast their ballots to steer the world's greatest power in a "new direction," seeing in Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) the change they so desperately sought. While assuming the presidency of the United States will be a relatively small step for Sen. Obama, it is a giant leap forward for America, putting our racially divided past far behind. Breaking down barriers and capturing imaginations, he soared to the White House with support from virtually every corner of our nation.

With Obama confidently in control, his party also made gains in Congress. Although Democrats fell shy of the 60-seat majority needed to make the Senate filibuster-proof, Democrats won 18 races to the Republicans' 13. Four are still undecided. Of the 11 Senate "True Bluers" who voted 100% of the time on family issues, it was a relief to see that only two lost, Sens. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) and John Sununu (R-N.H.). The Democrats also expanded their majority in the House, winning 255 seats, including 20 that were previously Republican. There, the "True Blue" casualties were also costly but not catastrophic. Of the 104 pro-family stalwarts, just seven lost, Reps. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.), Tom Feeney (R-Fla.), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Thelma Drake (R-Va.), Ric Keller (R-Fla.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Bill Sali (R-Idaho).

While conservatives will miss these principled voices, we could have lost more. What I have seen and what the exit polling appears to confirm is that this election was driven by the economy and a loss of confidence in the GOP. Despite what some may claim, the nation is not lurching to the left socially. In exit polling commissioned by FRC, voters were asked where "moral values" ranked in their list of priorities. Back in 2004, 22% of voters rated moral issues as their first priority when voting. Yesterday, in the midst of the greatest economic challenge in over two generations 20% of voters still cited "moral issues" as their first or second priority. Trust me, the issues we care about and those who care about them are not going away.

Source: FRC

The People Have Spoken

Senator Obama is now President-elect Obama. After a decisive victory he will assume office with a mandate. His mandate has meaning, especially on the economy and new efforts at international cooperation. But it is clear from the results of the ballot initiatives that he has no mandate to advance a radical social agenda that would destroy human life and overturn man-woman marriage. His stated positions on life and marriage are not where the American people stand on these issues. We as conservatives congratulate him, but as conservatives we will be reminding him, today and every day, that values aren't just among the issues; they are the core issues. We must also remember that we live in the greatest nation on earth, a nation that sees the transition of power every four or eight years without the shedding of blood. A nation that sees heated and sometimes spiteful debates over issues but in the end we can come together and agree to disagree. I thank God for this nation, and I pray that He will give wisdom and vision to President Obama.

Can We Ever Get A Straight Answer from This Guy???

In a taped appearance on MTV, presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) gave a muddled statement of his position on same-sex "marriage." "I've stated my opposition to [Proposition 8, California's ban on homosexual "marriage"]. I think it's unnecessary," Obama said. "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage. But when you start playing around with constitutions, just to prohibit somebody who cares about another person, it just seems to me that's not what America's about." Twenty-six states have state constitutional amendments that define the institution of marriage as the union of one man and one woman-and another 17 have laws that offer the same protections. Millions of Americans across this nation have spoken on what the the definition of marriage should be. In contrast, 12 activist judges in three states, California, Connecticut and Massachusetts, have abused their power to overturn the historical and biblical definition of marriage. Would Senator Obama say that the actions of these judges are what "America is about"? On this issue, we need leadership from our elected officials. They cannot merely vote "present" and think "absent" when it comes to marriage.

Get Informed, Get Your Guide and Vote...

Using an undercover camera, Students for Life of America (SFLA) has produced new evidence that infanticide "does happen" at Planned Parenthood abortion clinics. When asked by a pregnant mother if her baby could be born alive at a New Jersey clinic, the nurse responded, "It does happen, but it wouldn't be able to survive on its own so eventually the baby does die." The tape, one in a long line of incriminating videos released to the media, was posted on YouTube to show Planned Parenthood's refusal to comply with the federal Born-Alive Infants Protection Act. Just days later, YouTube removed the post, saying it "violated the website's terms of use." YouTube may turn a blind eye to these injustices, but the U.S. Congress should not. Time after time, the leadership on Capitol Hill has refused to investigate Planned Parenthood, one of the biggest beneficiaries of your taxpayer dollars. Instead of freezing its funds, liberals are seeking ways to increase them! Before you vote for the next class of congressmen, make sure you know where your candidates stand on taxpayer funded abortion. Log on to www.frcaction.org for your free copy of a voter guides.

What our Kids Watch Makes a Difference

A new report suggests that television may be playing a starring role in your child's sex education. In a study of 2,003 teens aged 12-17, scientist Anita Chandra of RAND Research found that children who watched programs with "high levels of sexual content" were almost twice as likely to become pregnant as kids with limited exposure to such shows. The study, which was released today in the journal Pediatrics, is said to be the first to establish a real link between teen pregnancy and racy programming. When asked what shows they preferred, kids admitted to watching "Sex and the City," as well as the innuendo-heavy "Friends," "That '70s" Show," and reality fare. "This might surprise people, but sitcoms had the highest sexual content," Chandra said. Yet for all the glamorization of sex, very little attention has been paid to its consequences. "If teens are getting any of their information about sex from TV, they're very rarely going to get a balanced portrayal," Chandra said. "When there is [sexual content], how often is it coupled with a discussion of [the risks]?" Not very often, according to the Kaiser Foundation. A few years ago, it found that only 10 percent of shows with adult content made a passing reference to the dangers of sexual activity. Of course, RAND's research is far from the first blemish on television's record. Scientists have compiled quite a case against TV, which includes everything from early sexual activity and heightened aggression to an increased rate of STDs. Now that teen pregnancy has been added to the list, I can't help but wonder when has television been associated with anything positive? While it's easy to become enraged with Hollywood, the burden of protecting our children falls on us. We cannot be complacent about what our kids are watching and expect them to take our values seriously. Sex education or the lack of it starts in the home. Don't let your television do the talking. Send your kids a clear message on abstinence before their innocence goes right down the tubes.

Source: FRC, Rand Institute