The Paradox of "Racial Diversity"
Alleged bigotry toward white caucasions by "multicultural" student club at allegedly Catholic Santa Clara University.
In their quest to get more space to accommodate an expanding number of cultural clubs, students of the campus's Multicultural Center (MCC) sought support from the student body last month when they felt their efforts with the administration had stalled.
But what they got instead was a barrage of anonymous chat-room postings criticizing the center for being exclusionary and for producing center T-shirts with a collage of smiley faces some thought are racist against whites.
"Personally, as a white student, I don't feel welcome in the MCC,'' one student wrote in response to the chat-room question, Should SCU make more space for the MCC? "Those 'See Me' shirts were so racist, with the white faces singled out and made to look expressionless next to the smiling faces of color. Any center that promotes that sort of bigotry should not be a part of this campus.''
I often wonder if any of these lefty multicuturalists have ever stopped to think for a moment that they are engaging in the very type of racial stereotyping they say they abhor when they presume that race and/or ethnicity dictates the manner by which a person acts or thinks. If you don't believe they do this, ask them their opinion of people like Condeleeza Rice and Justice Clarence Thomas. I guarantee you that they will toss around the words "Uncle Tom" at least once.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Step 1 to Reconsidering Roe v. Wade Accomplished
The South Dakota House passes a bill outlawing abortion, and making its practice a felony.
In the preamble to HB 1191, the legislature determined that based on the best scientific and medical evidence, life begins at fertilization and that South Dakota’s Bill of Rights applies equally to born and unborn human beings. The Bill also finds that abortions impose significant risks to the health and life of the pregnant mother, including significant risk of suicide, depression and other post traumatic disorders.
Approval by the House now sends the bill to the Senate where support continues to be strong. Should South Dakota’s pro-life governor sign the bill, the new law would directly confront Roe v. Wade.
The South Dakota House passes a bill outlawing abortion, and making its practice a felony.
In the preamble to HB 1191, the legislature determined that based on the best scientific and medical evidence, life begins at fertilization and that South Dakota’s Bill of Rights applies equally to born and unborn human beings. The Bill also finds that abortions impose significant risks to the health and life of the pregnant mother, including significant risk of suicide, depression and other post traumatic disorders.
Approval by the House now sends the bill to the Senate where support continues to be strong. Should South Dakota’s pro-life governor sign the bill, the new law would directly confront Roe v. Wade.
Proof That Harvard Accepts and is Largely Run by Stupid People
A university committee at the Ivy League school officially approves a porn magazine featuring nude pictures of undergraduates.
Hrdy said that “initially there was some concern about the nudity aspect,” but that CCL members eventually “got past the fear of porn.”
Baldegg added that she does not object to H Bomb being called porn.
“It’s a sex magazine that will hopefully be run by students of all sexual orientations and backgrounds,” Baldegg said. Baldegg said she expected the magazine, which will also include art and fiction articles, to garner a lot of attention.
“I guess student porn is sort of an underground thing,” she said.
No, it's more like a liberal moral relativist thing.
A university committee at the Ivy League school officially approves a porn magazine featuring nude pictures of undergraduates.
Hrdy said that “initially there was some concern about the nudity aspect,” but that CCL members eventually “got past the fear of porn.”
Baldegg added that she does not object to H Bomb being called porn.
“It’s a sex magazine that will hopefully be run by students of all sexual orientations and backgrounds,” Baldegg said. Baldegg said she expected the magazine, which will also include art and fiction articles, to garner a lot of attention.
“I guess student porn is sort of an underground thing,” she said.
No, it's more like a liberal moral relativist thing.
I'm Only Surprised it Took Him This Long to Do It
New San Francisco Mayor asks the city clerk to find a way to give marriage licenses to people who practice, and define their being on the basis of, objectively disordered sexual intercourse.
New San Francisco Mayor asks the city clerk to find a way to give marriage licenses to people who practice, and define their being on the basis of, objectively disordered sexual intercourse.
Placing the Welfare of Soil Above Humans
More wacko environmentalist folly.
Environmental groups asked a federal judge Tuesday to halt construction of a new border fence on the U.S.-Mexican border south of San Diego.
The Sierra Club, San Diego Audubon Society, San Diego Baykeeper and other groups allege the Department of Homeland Security violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to fully consider potential harm to the environment.
The Bush administration contends the fence and a patrol road are needed to improve security on the westernmost 3.5-mile leg of the U.S.-Mexico border. Environmentalists say the project would erode soil just south of a 2,531-acre federally protected estuary that is a refuge for threatened and endangered birds, plants and fish.
More wacko environmentalist folly.
Environmental groups asked a federal judge Tuesday to halt construction of a new border fence on the U.S.-Mexican border south of San Diego.
The Sierra Club, San Diego Audubon Society, San Diego Baykeeper and other groups allege the Department of Homeland Security violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to fully consider potential harm to the environment.
The Bush administration contends the fence and a patrol road are needed to improve security on the westernmost 3.5-mile leg of the U.S.-Mexico border. Environmentalists say the project would erode soil just south of a 2,531-acre federally protected estuary that is a refuge for threatened and endangered birds, plants and fish.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Letter to the Archdiocese Newspaper Editor
In regard to this, I wrote the following:
As it would seem that any institution that identifies itself as being Catholic would be loath to sponsor the speech of any individual who enables social conduct that is at odds with Church teachings, I was greatly disappointed to have learned that the University of San Francisco invited Justice Anthony Kennedy to be the keynote speaker at the opening of the Koret Law Center. In case nobody at the university was aware, Justice Kennedy has not only upheld the nonexistent right to abortion (Planned Parenthood v. Casey), he recently penned the incredibly tortured decision whereby consensual sodomy was deemed to be a constitutionally protected activity (Lawrence v. Texas). Defenders of USF will of course try to rationalize the school’s conduct away by arguing that, as an academic institution, USF must be open to differing points of view. Such an argument, however, is disingenuous because it tries to portray an otherwise nonessential public relations gathering into a formal and fairly represented classroom discussion on public policy.
Far from being isolated, the inviting of Justice Kennedy is simply the latest of a number of things that calls into question USF’s commitment to being a Catholic institution of higher learning. If the school is unwilling to recommit itself to this purpose, perhaps USF should just do us all a favor and drop its affiliation with the Church rather than causing confusion over its Catholic identity. In the meantime, I personally will be encouraging parents seeking a faithful Catholic education for their college-aged children to look across the street.
In regard to this, I wrote the following:
As it would seem that any institution that identifies itself as being Catholic would be loath to sponsor the speech of any individual who enables social conduct that is at odds with Church teachings, I was greatly disappointed to have learned that the University of San Francisco invited Justice Anthony Kennedy to be the keynote speaker at the opening of the Koret Law Center. In case nobody at the university was aware, Justice Kennedy has not only upheld the nonexistent right to abortion (Planned Parenthood v. Casey), he recently penned the incredibly tortured decision whereby consensual sodomy was deemed to be a constitutionally protected activity (Lawrence v. Texas). Defenders of USF will of course try to rationalize the school’s conduct away by arguing that, as an academic institution, USF must be open to differing points of view. Such an argument, however, is disingenuous because it tries to portray an otherwise nonessential public relations gathering into a formal and fairly represented classroom discussion on public policy.
Far from being isolated, the inviting of Justice Kennedy is simply the latest of a number of things that calls into question USF’s commitment to being a Catholic institution of higher learning. If the school is unwilling to recommit itself to this purpose, perhaps USF should just do us all a favor and drop its affiliation with the Church rather than causing confusion over its Catholic identity. In the meantime, I personally will be encouraging parents seeking a faithful Catholic education for their college-aged children to look across the street.
Legitimate Enough to Try and Refute
Intelligent Design Theory (not your daddy's creationism) makes its way into the Harvard Law Review. Critics dismiss, in sweeping weak generalizations, its scientific value and the legality of teaching it in the classroom.
Intelligent Design Theory (not your daddy's creationism) makes its way into the Harvard Law Review. Critics dismiss, in sweeping weak generalizations, its scientific value and the legality of teaching it in the classroom.
I'm There
If there's a Q&A session, dollars to donuts someone is going to ask about the "rights" of gays in the Church and gay "marriage."
Title: The Theology of the Body of Pope John Paul II
Description: The Campion College Forum: Fr. Brian Mullady, OP presents The Theology of the Body of Pope John Paul II. Fr. Mullady will unpack the Pope's profound insights on men, women and the meaning of sexuality in terms accessible to the "ordinary" Catholic. Thursday, February 12th at 7:30 p.m at St. Monica's Parish Hall (Geary and 23rd Avenue) Parking available.Free will offerings graciously accepted. Light refreshments served.
Location: St. Monica's Parish Hall 23rd & Geary (San Francisco)
Date: Thursday, 12 Feb 2004
Time: 7:30:00 PM - 9:00:00 PM
If there's a Q&A session, dollars to donuts someone is going to ask about the "rights" of gays in the Church and gay "marriage."
Title: The Theology of the Body of Pope John Paul II
Description: The Campion College Forum: Fr. Brian Mullady, OP presents The Theology of the Body of Pope John Paul II. Fr. Mullady will unpack the Pope's profound insights on men, women and the meaning of sexuality in terms accessible to the "ordinary" Catholic. Thursday, February 12th at 7:30 p.m at St. Monica's Parish Hall (Geary and 23rd Avenue) Parking available.Free will offerings graciously accepted. Light refreshments served.
Location: St. Monica's Parish Hall 23rd & Geary (San Francisco)
Date: Thursday, 12 Feb 2004
Time: 7:30:00 PM - 9:00:00 PM
Traitor John?
It is entirely possible that John F'n Kerry could be more of a gift to the Bush administration than Howard Dean.
It is entirely possible that John F'n Kerry could be more of a gift to the Bush administration than Howard Dean.
Sunday, February 08, 2004
And They Say People in California Are Nuts
At least none of our elected crazies have hinted at government imposed childbirth limits...yet.
At least none of our elected crazies have hinted at government imposed childbirth limits...yet.
Friday, February 06, 2004
Further Blurring the Line Between Law and Politics
Conservative groups blast GOP for forcing resignation of top judicial nominations strategist.
"If you had told me this is how this would all end, I would not have believed you," said Kay Daly, president of Coalition for a Fair Judiciary. "This is upside-down, backwards Alice in Wonderland."
Conservatives accused Mr. Frist and Mr. Hatch of abandoning their most effective tactician in the continuing struggle over President Bush's judicial nominations.
"It's disgusting," said Jeff Mazzella, with the Center for Individual Freedom. "Senator Frist and Senator Hatch bowed to the Democrats."
"This is like ringing the dinner bell and throwing chum in the water," said Mrs. Daly. "We've just thrown one of our most valuable people overboard, and Orrin Hatch couldn't have done it fast enough."
Conservative groups blast GOP for forcing resignation of top judicial nominations strategist.
"If you had told me this is how this would all end, I would not have believed you," said Kay Daly, president of Coalition for a Fair Judiciary. "This is upside-down, backwards Alice in Wonderland."
Conservatives accused Mr. Frist and Mr. Hatch of abandoning their most effective tactician in the continuing struggle over President Bush's judicial nominations.
"It's disgusting," said Jeff Mazzella, with the Center for Individual Freedom. "Senator Frist and Senator Hatch bowed to the Democrats."
"This is like ringing the dinner bell and throwing chum in the water," said Mrs. Daly. "We've just thrown one of our most valuable people overboard, and Orrin Hatch couldn't have done it fast enough."
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Preparing for Passion Mania
From the New York Times:
The movie opens on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, and Christian groups are already distributing merchandise to capitalize on the moment. There are lapel pins in Aramaic, the language of much of the film, and "witnessing cards" to give those who ask about the pin; door hangers for the neighbors; one million tracts asking moviegoers to "Take a moment right now and say a prayer like this," and a CD-ROM for teenagers that features a downloadable picture of a nine-inch nail like those that pinned Jesus to the cross.
Although Mr. Gibson is Roman Catholic and the movie is replete with Catholic touches, like the Stations of the Cross and the centrality of Mary, influential Pentecostal and evangelical leaders have embraced it anyway, seeing its value as a tool in evangelism. Evangelical Christians account for 30 percent to 40 percent of the American population, and many of them have recently been hearing their leaders declare that the nation is primed for a return of the ecstatic Great Awakenings that moved Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries to convert to Christianity in droves.
(...)
Although the film has been praised by some Roman Catholics and promoted on some Catholic Web sites, Catholic clergy members and bishops have not latched onto it as a tool for church-building as the evangelicals have.
Comment: While the Church can certainly learn a couple of things from our separated brethren on evangelistic enthusiasm, I can just as easily see how what Evangelicals are doing with this movie could result in a kind of mass trivialization of Christ's passion. For most folks, "WWJD" is just an annoying little Christian catch-phrase.
From the New York Times:
The movie opens on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, and Christian groups are already distributing merchandise to capitalize on the moment. There are lapel pins in Aramaic, the language of much of the film, and "witnessing cards" to give those who ask about the pin; door hangers for the neighbors; one million tracts asking moviegoers to "Take a moment right now and say a prayer like this," and a CD-ROM for teenagers that features a downloadable picture of a nine-inch nail like those that pinned Jesus to the cross.
Although Mr. Gibson is Roman Catholic and the movie is replete with Catholic touches, like the Stations of the Cross and the centrality of Mary, influential Pentecostal and evangelical leaders have embraced it anyway, seeing its value as a tool in evangelism. Evangelical Christians account for 30 percent to 40 percent of the American population, and many of them have recently been hearing their leaders declare that the nation is primed for a return of the ecstatic Great Awakenings that moved Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries to convert to Christianity in droves.
(...)
Although the film has been praised by some Roman Catholics and promoted on some Catholic Web sites, Catholic clergy members and bishops have not latched onto it as a tool for church-building as the evangelicals have.
Comment: While the Church can certainly learn a couple of things from our separated brethren on evangelistic enthusiasm, I can just as easily see how what Evangelicals are doing with this movie could result in a kind of mass trivialization of Christ's passion. For most folks, "WWJD" is just an annoying little Christian catch-phrase.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Signs of Desperation
For some reason, Democrats are making a big deal about Dubya's service in the National Guard some thirty-plus years ago.
Uber-pundit Hugh Hewitt responds:
To every question on this issue, Republicans ought to respond: President Bush was honorably discharged. Did the question of honorable military service ever cause you pause when you were supporting Bill Clinton? And do you agree with John Kerry that the men who fought in Vietnam routinely committed war crimes?
For some reason, Democrats are making a big deal about Dubya's service in the National Guard some thirty-plus years ago.
Uber-pundit Hugh Hewitt responds:
To every question on this issue, Republicans ought to respond: President Bush was honorably discharged. Did the question of honorable military service ever cause you pause when you were supporting Bill Clinton? And do you agree with John Kerry that the men who fought in Vietnam routinely committed war crimes?
Line in the Sand
Special News Alert
FROM: Alan Sears, Alliance Defense Fund President
Another Twist in the Battle For Marriage…
“[You need] to fight for same-sex marriage and its benefits, and then, once granted, redefine the institution of marriage completely…to debunk a myth and radically alter an archaic institution…The most subversive action lesbians and gay men can undertake…is to transform the notion of ‘family’ entirely.” – Homosexual activist Michelangelo Signorile.
This morning, the Massachusetts State Supreme Judicial Court issued another decision in the continued battle for the institution of marriage. As you may recall, the court ruled last November, that there was no “rational basis” to deny homosexual couples the “right” to “marry.” The court stayed the order for 180 days to allow the Massachusetts legislature to take up the matter before same-sex “marriage” licenses would be issued. The court had looked to foreign law (in Ontario, Canada) – rather than any express language in its own Constitution – to base their decision.
One of the alternatives that the state legislature has proposed is so-called “civil unions,” that grant all of the legal benefits of marriage without calling it marriage. The legislature asked the court for an advisory opinion on whether or not they could implement civil unions instead of same-sex “marriage.” Today, the court said “no,” that the legislature has no choice but to grant full-fledged same-sex “marriage.”
Today’s ruling will be heralded by the secular press as another step towards the inevitability of same-sex “marriage.” However, there is another side to the story. ADF funded lawyers asked the court not to replace marriage with civil unions either. Why? Because the court has now made the battle lines even clearer: it is either full-blown marriage or no marriage substitute for radical homosexual activists. While some may bemoan this ruling, we see this now as an opportunity to protect marriage from the clutches of the radical homosexual activists, since no redefined replacement, such as civil unions, is acceptable.
The quote above from Michelangelo Signorile tells us what is at stake. The most radical of the homosexual activists have made their motives clear. They do not want marriage in order to set up monogamous stable relationships – they want the term “marriage” so they can bring about the wholesale destruction of the institution. That is why they will not relent until they receive this title for their “relationships.” What is happening in Massachusetts is just another “peeling of the onion” of the radical homosexual agenda to re-order society on their terms.
But in the words of Yogi Berra, “it ain’t over ‘till its over.” ADF funded lawyers continue to work overtime in the highly complex legal battle to preserve traditional marriage and overturn this decision. This next Wednesday, the state legislature will convene a constitutional convention to determine whether or not the people of Massachusetts will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that will define marriage as being between “one man and one woman.” In addition, ADF, the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, and many other allied groups will be working together to press for the passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would protect traditional marriage nationwide. ADF will continue its major support of legal efforts in this area. This morning, President Bush agreed to join the effort to push for the passage of this amendment.
This is not a time to despair, but it is a time for us to get on our knees in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), roll up our sleeves, and work even harder. Working together, we can preserve traditional marriage, not only for this generation, but for generations to come.
Special News Alert
FROM: Alan Sears, Alliance Defense Fund President
Another Twist in the Battle For Marriage…
“[You need] to fight for same-sex marriage and its benefits, and then, once granted, redefine the institution of marriage completely…to debunk a myth and radically alter an archaic institution…The most subversive action lesbians and gay men can undertake…is to transform the notion of ‘family’ entirely.” – Homosexual activist Michelangelo Signorile.
This morning, the Massachusetts State Supreme Judicial Court issued another decision in the continued battle for the institution of marriage. As you may recall, the court ruled last November, that there was no “rational basis” to deny homosexual couples the “right” to “marry.” The court stayed the order for 180 days to allow the Massachusetts legislature to take up the matter before same-sex “marriage” licenses would be issued. The court had looked to foreign law (in Ontario, Canada) – rather than any express language in its own Constitution – to base their decision.
One of the alternatives that the state legislature has proposed is so-called “civil unions,” that grant all of the legal benefits of marriage without calling it marriage. The legislature asked the court for an advisory opinion on whether or not they could implement civil unions instead of same-sex “marriage.” Today, the court said “no,” that the legislature has no choice but to grant full-fledged same-sex “marriage.”
Today’s ruling will be heralded by the secular press as another step towards the inevitability of same-sex “marriage.” However, there is another side to the story. ADF funded lawyers asked the court not to replace marriage with civil unions either. Why? Because the court has now made the battle lines even clearer: it is either full-blown marriage or no marriage substitute for radical homosexual activists. While some may bemoan this ruling, we see this now as an opportunity to protect marriage from the clutches of the radical homosexual activists, since no redefined replacement, such as civil unions, is acceptable.
The quote above from Michelangelo Signorile tells us what is at stake. The most radical of the homosexual activists have made their motives clear. They do not want marriage in order to set up monogamous stable relationships – they want the term “marriage” so they can bring about the wholesale destruction of the institution. That is why they will not relent until they receive this title for their “relationships.” What is happening in Massachusetts is just another “peeling of the onion” of the radical homosexual agenda to re-order society on their terms.
But in the words of Yogi Berra, “it ain’t over ‘till its over.” ADF funded lawyers continue to work overtime in the highly complex legal battle to preserve traditional marriage and overturn this decision. This next Wednesday, the state legislature will convene a constitutional convention to determine whether or not the people of Massachusetts will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that will define marriage as being between “one man and one woman.” In addition, ADF, the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, and many other allied groups will be working together to press for the passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would protect traditional marriage nationwide. ADF will continue its major support of legal efforts in this area. This morning, President Bush agreed to join the effort to push for the passage of this amendment.
This is not a time to despair, but it is a time for us to get on our knees in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), roll up our sleeves, and work even harder. Working together, we can preserve traditional marriage, not only for this generation, but for generations to come.
Exposing Absurdity Through Absurdity
Happy Conservative Coming Out Day! Ah, to be young and in college.
"I started having certain thoughts," said Mr. O'Holleran, 19, a student at the University of Colorado (CU). "I would go out into my mom's car, turn it on auxiliary and listen to Rush Limbaugh."
Yesterday, he said, it was time to come out of the closet. In the middle of a crowded university dining area, he took to the podium and announced, "I'm Jeff, and I'm a conservative."
Happy Conservative Coming Out Day! Ah, to be young and in college.
"I started having certain thoughts," said Mr. O'Holleran, 19, a student at the University of Colorado (CU). "I would go out into my mom's car, turn it on auxiliary and listen to Rush Limbaugh."
Yesterday, he said, it was time to come out of the closet. In the middle of a crowded university dining area, he took to the podium and announced, "I'm Jeff, and I'm a conservative."
Monday, February 02, 2004
Was it Unjust?
The revelations of weapons inspector David Kay that Iraq didn't have large stockpiles of WMD is troublesome at best. At worst, it is a grand indictment on the competency of U.S. intelligence gathering. While President Bush himself cannot skirt all responsibility for this information blunder, I don't believe it can be used as a charge that he committed the U.S. to an unjust war. Consider, for instance, that it is an indisputable fact that everyone, including the U.N., France, Germany and Russia, believed that Iraq was in material noncompliance with its obligation to reveal and hand over all of its WMD. In light of this, it is not beyond the pale of reason to have believed that Iraq's breach indicated that it was harboring large stockpiles of WMD. Indeed, none of the countries that refused to miltarily engage in Iraq with us has ever disputed this. Along with this reasonable inference, as well as the verified connections that Saddam had with terrorist groups, the decision to ultimately go to war was partly clinched by the WMD intelligence information that has since been shown to be erroneous. (But even then, note that Bush was still hesitant to go to war as evidenced by his promise not to attack Iraq if Saddam and his sons immediately exiled themselves. Hardly proof, as some Bush-haters have alleged, that Bush is a war-monger).
Wrong intelligence information or not, all indications strongly suggest that the Bush administration made a good faith and reasonable decision to wage a just preemptive war. And although in hindsight our credibility in the international community might be a little shot by executing this decision, there is no getting around the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of Iraqi citizens who probably wouldn't be alive today if we hadn't done what we did. This may be of little consolation to those who feign concern for the lives of our military in their opposition to the war (the very same people who tend to have no regard for the lives of the unborn and disingenuously equate Bush with Hitler) but I think it's something that all Americans can be proud of and claim that, in the end, was a war that was well worth fighting.
The revelations of weapons inspector David Kay that Iraq didn't have large stockpiles of WMD is troublesome at best. At worst, it is a grand indictment on the competency of U.S. intelligence gathering. While President Bush himself cannot skirt all responsibility for this information blunder, I don't believe it can be used as a charge that he committed the U.S. to an unjust war. Consider, for instance, that it is an indisputable fact that everyone, including the U.N., France, Germany and Russia, believed that Iraq was in material noncompliance with its obligation to reveal and hand over all of its WMD. In light of this, it is not beyond the pale of reason to have believed that Iraq's breach indicated that it was harboring large stockpiles of WMD. Indeed, none of the countries that refused to miltarily engage in Iraq with us has ever disputed this. Along with this reasonable inference, as well as the verified connections that Saddam had with terrorist groups, the decision to ultimately go to war was partly clinched by the WMD intelligence information that has since been shown to be erroneous. (But even then, note that Bush was still hesitant to go to war as evidenced by his promise not to attack Iraq if Saddam and his sons immediately exiled themselves. Hardly proof, as some Bush-haters have alleged, that Bush is a war-monger).
Wrong intelligence information or not, all indications strongly suggest that the Bush administration made a good faith and reasonable decision to wage a just preemptive war. And although in hindsight our credibility in the international community might be a little shot by executing this decision, there is no getting around the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of Iraqi citizens who probably wouldn't be alive today if we hadn't done what we did. This may be of little consolation to those who feign concern for the lives of our military in their opposition to the war (the very same people who tend to have no regard for the lives of the unborn and disingenuously equate Bush with Hitler) but I think it's something that all Americans can be proud of and claim that, in the end, was a war that was well worth fighting.
It's the Courts Stupid
Among other things, I've been getting into a cyclical debate with other Catholics on a discussion forum over whether President Bush can rightly be regarded as an opponent to abortion. Some people seem to think he isn't because despite Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, Bush hasn't even attempted to introduce one piece of legislation that would make abortion illegal. (The ban on partial birth abortion was a nice gesture, but it doesn't go far enough).
I can only sigh over the uninformed charges that have been made against Dubya by what appear to be sincerely pro-life Catholics. What some of these folks fail to understand is that by effectively declaring abortion to be a fundamental right, the Supreme Court in 1973 took the abortion issue out of the democratic process. Thus, for any legislator to ban abortion now would be the legal equivalent of legislatively banning Catholics from going to Mass or receiving Communion.
As I've argued in the aforementioned forums, the current composition of the federal judiciary must first be changed if abortion is ever to be abolished. Accordingly, if you want to know how committed President Bush is to overturning Roe v. Wade, look at who he has nominated to serve on the various federal courts. The fact that several pro-abortion groups and Democrat Senators have vigorously opposed these nominations should tell you something.
Among other things, I've been getting into a cyclical debate with other Catholics on a discussion forum over whether President Bush can rightly be regarded as an opponent to abortion. Some people seem to think he isn't because despite Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, Bush hasn't even attempted to introduce one piece of legislation that would make abortion illegal. (The ban on partial birth abortion was a nice gesture, but it doesn't go far enough).
I can only sigh over the uninformed charges that have been made against Dubya by what appear to be sincerely pro-life Catholics. What some of these folks fail to understand is that by effectively declaring abortion to be a fundamental right, the Supreme Court in 1973 took the abortion issue out of the democratic process. Thus, for any legislator to ban abortion now would be the legal equivalent of legislatively banning Catholics from going to Mass or receiving Communion.
As I've argued in the aforementioned forums, the current composition of the federal judiciary must first be changed if abortion is ever to be abolished. Accordingly, if you want to know how committed President Bush is to overturning Roe v. Wade, look at who he has nominated to serve on the various federal courts. The fact that several pro-abortion groups and Democrat Senators have vigorously opposed these nominations should tell you something.
Saturday, January 31, 2004
America's First Excommunicated President
What do you think the odds of this happening would be if John F'n Kerry wins the Party of Death's nomination and beats Dubya in November? If Kerry faces Bush in November, expect the election to be closer than previously thought, even if conservatives decide not to stay home in protest over the President's questionable moves over illegal immigration and government spending.
What do you think the odds of this happening would be if John F'n Kerry wins the Party of Death's nomination and beats Dubya in November? If Kerry faces Bush in November, expect the election to be closer than previously thought, even if conservatives decide not to stay home in protest over the President's questionable moves over illegal immigration and government spending.
At Least They Aren't Selling Official T-shirts...Yet
San Mateo County charges media $51K for spots near the courthouse where the Scott Peterson trial is being held.
The 16 spaces, which are approximately 13 feet by 17 feet, will be used for television reporters to store equipment, work and conduct interviews. Each station must provide its own tent.
In addition, television stations must pay $7,500 for space to park their satellite trucks. Twenty spaces set aside for journalists in a nearby lot cost $200 a month each. Reporters are not being charged for space in a media center about a block away.
Altogether, the fees would raise $816,000 for the county, about a third of which has already been spent on preparations for the trial, Alms said.
San Mateo County charges media $51K for spots near the courthouse where the Scott Peterson trial is being held.
The 16 spaces, which are approximately 13 feet by 17 feet, will be used for television reporters to store equipment, work and conduct interviews. Each station must provide its own tent.
In addition, television stations must pay $7,500 for space to park their satellite trucks. Twenty spaces set aside for journalists in a nearby lot cost $200 a month each. Reporters are not being charged for space in a media center about a block away.
Altogether, the fees would raise $816,000 for the county, about a third of which has already been spent on preparations for the trial, Alms said.
Friday, January 30, 2004
9th Circuit: Publicly Exposed Self-Intimacy is a Free Speech Right
If for nothing else, reelect Geroge W. because he nominates sensible people to the federal Courts of Appeal.
If for nothing else, reelect Geroge W. because he nominates sensible people to the federal Courts of Appeal.
Thursday, January 29, 2004
St. Blog's Loves Patricia Heaton
As evidenced by HugeTim Terminator Kathy Shaidle and Holy Roman Emperor wannabe Mark Shea. And rightly so to the extent that Patricia Heaton is a publicly avowed anti-abortion Christian in an environment that is extremely hostile to such perspectives and people. Notice, however, that I've used the term "anti-abortion" to describe Ms. Heaton. For me, in order to be considered "pro-life," you not only have to be against the killing of unborn children, you should also be against any artificial and unnatural acts that prevent the conception of children (i.e., artificial contraception).
In all truthfulness, I have no idea whether Patricia Heaton is for or against the use of contraceptive devices like condoms and IUDs. However, I have seen several episodes of "Everybody Loves Raymond" where the married characters that Ms. Heaton and Ray Romano play, Deborah and Ray Barone, affirmatively consider their use without even a cursory discussion of the Catholic Church's moral opposition to artificial contraception (the fictional Barone family is Catholic). Presuming that she would never agree to play a sympathetic character who condones abortion, an inference can probably be made that Ms. Heaton's personal belief toward artificial contraception is reflected by her willingness to play someone who doesn't think they are that big of a deal. Although it may seem a little picky or semantic, it is on this basis that I am hesitant to call Patricia Heaton, or any other similarly situated anti-abortion advocate, "pro-life."
As evidenced by HugeTim Terminator Kathy Shaidle and Holy Roman Emperor wannabe Mark Shea. And rightly so to the extent that Patricia Heaton is a publicly avowed anti-abortion Christian in an environment that is extremely hostile to such perspectives and people. Notice, however, that I've used the term "anti-abortion" to describe Ms. Heaton. For me, in order to be considered "pro-life," you not only have to be against the killing of unborn children, you should also be against any artificial and unnatural acts that prevent the conception of children (i.e., artificial contraception).
In all truthfulness, I have no idea whether Patricia Heaton is for or against the use of contraceptive devices like condoms and IUDs. However, I have seen several episodes of "Everybody Loves Raymond" where the married characters that Ms. Heaton and Ray Romano play, Deborah and Ray Barone, affirmatively consider their use without even a cursory discussion of the Catholic Church's moral opposition to artificial contraception (the fictional Barone family is Catholic). Presuming that she would never agree to play a sympathetic character who condones abortion, an inference can probably be made that Ms. Heaton's personal belief toward artificial contraception is reflected by her willingness to play someone who doesn't think they are that big of a deal. Although it may seem a little picky or semantic, it is on this basis that I am hesitant to call Patricia Heaton, or any other similarly situated anti-abortion advocate, "pro-life."
World's First "Happy" Farm
If all the world were like this place, either eventually nobody would be left or it would be controlled by a select group of people makers.
If all the world were like this place, either eventually nobody would be left or it would be controlled by a select group of people makers.
You Might Be Catholic in Name Only if...
...you try to dismiss these clear statements from the Catholic hierarchy as a means to support Howard Dean, or any pro-abortion candidate, for President.
...you try to dismiss these clear statements from the Catholic hierarchy as a means to support Howard Dean, or any pro-abortion candidate, for President.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
A Man For All Seasons?
This editorial on Bill Pryor and his role in the Judge Moore/Ten Commandments monument controversy in Alabama harkens to mind the following quote from St. Thomas More in the play/movie "A Man for All Seasons":
"This country is planted thick with laws from coast to coast. Man's laws, not God's. And if you cut them down--and you're just the man to do it--do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then?"
This editorial on Bill Pryor and his role in the Judge Moore/Ten Commandments monument controversy in Alabama harkens to mind the following quote from St. Thomas More in the play/movie "A Man for All Seasons":
"This country is planted thick with laws from coast to coast. Man's laws, not God's. And if you cut them down--and you're just the man to do it--do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then?"
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Holy Bologne!
Dean welches on hefty lunch bill. No response yet from Catholics for Dean on whether this is consistent with Church teaching.
Dean welches on hefty lunch bill. No response yet from Catholics for Dean on whether this is consistent with Church teaching.
Would He Have Body Slammed the Guy if it Was Saddam?
Al Franken loves free speech so much that he's willing to physically assault a guy who is exercising said right. What a hypocritical moron.
Al Franken loves free speech so much that he's willing to physically assault a guy who is exercising said right. What a hypocritical moron.
Monday, January 26, 2004
Catholic Deaniac
Some yayhoo who seems to regard himself as a pro-life Catholic has constructed a website called Catholics for Dean. While a number of right thinking Catholic bloggers have already commented on its senselessness in regard to the issue of abortion, I would also add that there is no way that any serious Christian can legitimately support a man for President who thinks homosexual conduct is ok because he believes God made homosexuals. By that astounding logic, since God "made" heterosexuals, fornication, adultery, and polygamy must be ok.
Some yayhoo who seems to regard himself as a pro-life Catholic has constructed a website called Catholics for Dean. While a number of right thinking Catholic bloggers have already commented on its senselessness in regard to the issue of abortion, I would also add that there is no way that any serious Christian can legitimately support a man for President who thinks homosexual conduct is ok because he believes God made homosexuals. By that astounding logic, since God "made" heterosexuals, fornication, adultery, and polygamy must be ok.
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Credibility Problem
Would you trust someone's evaluation of Mel Gibson's movie if you knew that person had an agenda to be critical of it, and had to lie to people to get in and see it? Neither would I.
Would you trust someone's evaluation of Mel Gibson's movie if you knew that person had an agenda to be critical of it, and had to lie to people to get in and see it? Neither would I.
Friday, January 23, 2004
Bush is Not Pro-Life Enough
So complains influential and respected Catholic bloggers Amy Welborn and Mark Shea because 1) the Prez didn't mention abortion in his recent State of the Union Address and 2) he didn't personally appear at the March for Life protest yesterday.
From a substantive standpoint, I myself don't think President Bush is "perfect" on the general issue of life, as exemplefied by his limited allowance of embryonic stem cell research and his seemingly uncritical support of the death penalty. However, insofar as abortion is concerned, Bush has publicly done more to support and uphold the rights of the unborn than any other U.S. President in recent history. See, e.g., the signing of the partial-birth abortion ban, proclamation of the National Sanctity of Human Life Day, and the nomination of several pro-life and pro-life leaning individuals to the judiciary. In light of these acts, for folks like Welborn and Shea to lambast Bush simply because he didn't mention abortion in a speech or personally show up at a rally down the street from the White House is downright silly. Indeed, one wonders what Welborn and Shea must think of the Pope, since I don't believe he has mentioned abortion in any of his Wednesday General Audience talks for quite some time.
So complains influential and respected Catholic bloggers Amy Welborn and Mark Shea because 1) the Prez didn't mention abortion in his recent State of the Union Address and 2) he didn't personally appear at the March for Life protest yesterday.
From a substantive standpoint, I myself don't think President Bush is "perfect" on the general issue of life, as exemplefied by his limited allowance of embryonic stem cell research and his seemingly uncritical support of the death penalty. However, insofar as abortion is concerned, Bush has publicly done more to support and uphold the rights of the unborn than any other U.S. President in recent history. See, e.g., the signing of the partial-birth abortion ban, proclamation of the National Sanctity of Human Life Day, and the nomination of several pro-life and pro-life leaning individuals to the judiciary. In light of these acts, for folks like Welborn and Shea to lambast Bush simply because he didn't mention abortion in a speech or personally show up at a rally down the street from the White House is downright silly. Indeed, one wonders what Welborn and Shea must think of the Pope, since I don't believe he has mentioned abortion in any of his Wednesday General Audience talks for quite some time.
Sin Boldly
I was reading this article by Ralph McInerny about the pseudoscience that purports to prove that human behavior is controlled by genetics, and all the while I kept thinking about Protestantism and its historic theological doctrine of "Once Saved, Always Saved." Under this doctrine, of course, man is generally presumed to be a hopeless reprobate (i.e., man is immutably bad). However, as long as a person has faith in God and accepts Jesus Christ as the Messiah, then it doesn't matter how many "involuntary" sinful acts he commits as his reprobate soul is externally covered by God's infinite grace.
By their inherent denial of the existence of free will, as well as the internal efficaciousness of God's grace through the Sacraments, Protestants, especially those of the Fundamentalist stripe, better hope that science never one day universally determines that there is a "gay" gene. Such a determination, from the general Protestant perspective, would effectively render biblical condemnations of homosexual conduct as nothing more than a legalistic and social/cultural hangup that has no importance or relevance to salvation. Sure, two men having sexual intercourse with each other is objectively disgusting and sinful, but if it is genetically in their nature to engage in such conduct, and they profess to be Christians, who are many Protestants to say these men shouldn't be doing what they're doing, or more importantly, that they aren't "saved?"
I was reading this article by Ralph McInerny about the pseudoscience that purports to prove that human behavior is controlled by genetics, and all the while I kept thinking about Protestantism and its historic theological doctrine of "Once Saved, Always Saved." Under this doctrine, of course, man is generally presumed to be a hopeless reprobate (i.e., man is immutably bad). However, as long as a person has faith in God and accepts Jesus Christ as the Messiah, then it doesn't matter how many "involuntary" sinful acts he commits as his reprobate soul is externally covered by God's infinite grace.
By their inherent denial of the existence of free will, as well as the internal efficaciousness of God's grace through the Sacraments, Protestants, especially those of the Fundamentalist stripe, better hope that science never one day universally determines that there is a "gay" gene. Such a determination, from the general Protestant perspective, would effectively render biblical condemnations of homosexual conduct as nothing more than a legalistic and social/cultural hangup that has no importance or relevance to salvation. Sure, two men having sexual intercourse with each other is objectively disgusting and sinful, but if it is genetically in their nature to engage in such conduct, and they profess to be Christians, who are many Protestants to say these men shouldn't be doing what they're doing, or more importantly, that they aren't "saved?"
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Intriguing
In an effort to overturn Roe v. Wade, South Dakota may pass a bill that would outlaw most abortions.
"This is a decision that should be made by the people in each of the states through their elected representatives, not by nine un-elected judges in a courtroom 1,500 miles from the capitol of South Dakota. This bill puts South Dakota in the forefront of the nation and says we will lead the fight to protect unborn children," said McCaulley, a Republican who was 4 months old when the high-court decision came down.
"Medical and scientific discoveries over the last 30 years have confirmed that life begins at conception, a question the Roe Court said they could not answer."
A most noble and admirable endeavor. However, unless the composition of the current U.S. Supreme Court radically changes, it simply won't survive judicial review.
In an effort to overturn Roe v. Wade, South Dakota may pass a bill that would outlaw most abortions.
"This is a decision that should be made by the people in each of the states through their elected representatives, not by nine un-elected judges in a courtroom 1,500 miles from the capitol of South Dakota. This bill puts South Dakota in the forefront of the nation and says we will lead the fight to protect unborn children," said McCaulley, a Republican who was 4 months old when the high-court decision came down.
"Medical and scientific discoveries over the last 30 years have confirmed that life begins at conception, a question the Roe Court said they could not answer."
A most noble and admirable endeavor. However, unless the composition of the current U.S. Supreme Court radically changes, it simply won't survive judicial review.
Year 31
Another reminder that intelligence is not a primary qualification for being a Justice on the United States Supreme Court.
Another reminder that intelligence is not a primary qualification for being a Justice on the United States Supreme Court.
What the...?!
Chinese New Year dragon dances during Mass. Give me a break Cardinal Hollywood. (link via Amy Welborn)
Chinese New Year dragon dances during Mass. Give me a break Cardinal Hollywood. (link via Amy Welborn)
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Visions of Michael Moore's Inane "We're Living in Fictional Times" Remark
Drudge reports asinine Wesley Clark quote of "marriage" being a term of art. No word on what other social conspiracies that Clark believes every living culture and religion in the world has created out of whole cloth.
Drudge reports asinine Wesley Clark quote of "marriage" being a term of art. No word on what other social conspiracies that Clark believes every living culture and religion in the world has created out of whole cloth.
Missing
Lack of posting from two of my favorites, the Mighty Barrister and the Conservative San Diego Chica. Not sure why, but maybe the MB is being consumed by a big case and Molly is in the throes of trying to delude herself into believing that Marty Schottenheimer can bring the Chargers back to the Super Bowl. Hope you guys come back soon and often.
Lack of posting from two of my favorites, the Mighty Barrister and the Conservative San Diego Chica. Not sure why, but maybe the MB is being consumed by a big case and Molly is in the throes of trying to delude herself into believing that Marty Schottenheimer can bring the Chargers back to the Super Bowl. Hope you guys come back soon and often.
Judge Pickering and the Pathological Dems
Reacting to the recess appointment of Charles Pickering to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sen. John Edwards transforms himself into a living caricature of the American lawyer.
On his Web site, Mr. Edwards repeats a most egregious smear against Judge Pickering: that he "took extraordinary steps to reduce the sentence required by law for a man convicted of cross burning." But the facts of the case are as follows. In January 1994, three hoodlums burned a cross on the lawn of a house. Two of the three — including the apparent ringleader and chief organizer of the cross-burning attack — received a sentence of six months of home detention and one year of probation. Judge Pickering urged prosecutors to reduce the sentence of the third, less culpable defendant, who had been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Reacting to the recess appointment of Charles Pickering to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sen. John Edwards transforms himself into a living caricature of the American lawyer.
On his Web site, Mr. Edwards repeats a most egregious smear against Judge Pickering: that he "took extraordinary steps to reduce the sentence required by law for a man convicted of cross burning." But the facts of the case are as follows. In January 1994, three hoodlums burned a cross on the lawn of a house. Two of the three — including the apparent ringleader and chief organizer of the cross-burning attack — received a sentence of six months of home detention and one year of probation. Judge Pickering urged prosecutors to reduce the sentence of the third, less culpable defendant, who had been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Choosing a Flavor of Ice Cream, Playing God With Humanity...It's Really All the Same
This fairly disturbing story in Newsweek reminds me of the futuristic world portrayed in the movie Gattaca. If you've never seen it, do so. It may end up not being as fictional as it was intended.
The brave new world is definitely here. After 25 years of staggering advances in reproductive medicine—first test-tube babies, then donor eggs and surrogate mothers—technology is changing baby-making in a whole new way. No longer can science simply help couples have babies, it can help them have the kind of babies they want.
This fairly disturbing story in Newsweek reminds me of the futuristic world portrayed in the movie Gattaca. If you've never seen it, do so. It may end up not being as fictional as it was intended.
The brave new world is definitely here. After 25 years of staggering advances in reproductive medicine—first test-tube babies, then donor eggs and surrogate mothers—technology is changing baby-making in a whole new way. No longer can science simply help couples have babies, it can help them have the kind of babies they want.
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Pray for Unity, But Uphold the Truth
Today marks the begininng of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity; or, as my Tridentine Latin-English Missal more bluntly phrases it, an International Week of Prayers for the removal of schism. For more background on this week, visitLane Core's blog.
Today marks the begininng of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity; or, as my Tridentine Latin-English Missal more bluntly phrases it, an International Week of Prayers for the removal of schism. For more background on this week, visitLane Core's blog.
Friday, January 16, 2004
More Proof That Liberals Only Apply the Establishment Clause to Christianity
A loopy Assemblyman from San Francisco (natch) proposes including the principles of Feng Shui into the California State Building Code. No condemnatory press releases from the ACLU spotted.
A loopy Assemblyman from San Francisco (natch) proposes including the principles of Feng Shui into the California State Building Code. No condemnatory press releases from the ACLU spotted.
The State of American Evangelicalism
Chuck Colson ruminates on the observation that Protestant Evangelical faith communities have effectively succombed to mainstream American Culture.
God forbid that we should ever become part of the mainstream. By our very character, living in a sinful world, we’re called to be countercultural, a force for moral change.
Now, in one way, of course, we always have to be part of mainstream society in the sense that God has put us in this country. We’re called to be good citizens and good neighbors. We are not somewhere out on the fringes. Jesus made it clear that we are to be “in the world.” What He told us not to do is be “of the world.”
God Bless Chuck C. It's just a shame his admonitions will never come to full fruition for Protestantism so long as there is an overriding refusal among its adherents to recognize and submit to a visible and universal teaching authority.
Chuck Colson ruminates on the observation that Protestant Evangelical faith communities have effectively succombed to mainstream American Culture.
God forbid that we should ever become part of the mainstream. By our very character, living in a sinful world, we’re called to be countercultural, a force for moral change.
Now, in one way, of course, we always have to be part of mainstream society in the sense that God has put us in this country. We’re called to be good citizens and good neighbors. We are not somewhere out on the fringes. Jesus made it clear that we are to be “in the world.” What He told us not to do is be “of the world.”
God Bless Chuck C. It's just a shame his admonitions will never come to full fruition for Protestantism so long as there is an overriding refusal among its adherents to recognize and submit to a visible and universal teaching authority.
Why Inbreeding Must Remain Illegal
If you ever had any doubt about the rabid hostility and unintelligible bigotry that San Francisco liberals have toward people of traditional Christian (not Islamic, Jewish, or Buddhist) faith, follow this link.
If you ever had any doubt about the rabid hostility and unintelligible bigotry that San Francisco liberals have toward people of traditional Christian (not Islamic, Jewish, or Buddhist) faith, follow this link.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
If Bush is Dumb...
...then Al Gore is downright retarded.
Dennis Kucinich, though, still takes the "Dumbo Award" for trying to use a pie chart during a radio debate.
...then Al Gore is downright retarded.
Dennis Kucinich, though, still takes the "Dumbo Award" for trying to use a pie chart during a radio debate.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Mothers Can Kill Their Children Anytime They Damn Well Feel Like It
That at least seems to be the most logical conclusion of the following inanity from presidential hopeful, Wesley Clark:
"Life," Mr. Clark said in an interview with the Manchester Union Leader in New Hampshire last week "begins with the mother's decision."
That at least seems to be the most logical conclusion of the following inanity from presidential hopeful, Wesley Clark:
"Life," Mr. Clark said in an interview with the Manchester Union Leader in New Hampshire last week "begins with the mother's decision."
Bible as Literature Initiative in California
Not just any Bible translation, of course, but the KJV Bible. I think I would be more enthusiastic about this if there was a guarantee that the "textbooks" included the Deuterocanonicals.
Not just any Bible translation, of course, but the KJV Bible. I think I would be more enthusiastic about this if there was a guarantee that the "textbooks" included the Deuterocanonicals.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Calling on the Church Militant in Mass.
Catholic lawyers and judges in Boston are urged by Archbishop O'Malley to fight against "gay marriages."
"We cannot afford to be asleep at the switch. We cannot afford to run for cover. Today, at this Red Mass, I call on you, our Catholic lawyers and jurists, to live your baptismal commitment," O'Malley said. "Your baptism and your profession invest you with a great responsibility. Use your wisdom to defend the truth, to defend marriage. Do it with a passion and do what is right."
Catholic lawyers and judges in Boston are urged by Archbishop O'Malley to fight against "gay marriages."
"We cannot afford to be asleep at the switch. We cannot afford to run for cover. Today, at this Red Mass, I call on you, our Catholic lawyers and jurists, to live your baptismal commitment," O'Malley said. "Your baptism and your profession invest you with a great responsibility. Use your wisdom to defend the truth, to defend marriage. Do it with a passion and do what is right."
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Pantywaists
San Diego decides not to appeal an unfavorable court decision over the Boy Scouts' leasing of Balboa Park.
The ACLU sued the city three years ago to terminate the $1-a-year lease because of the Scouts' national policy of not hiring homosexuals and requiring members to state their belief in God by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
"San Diego has finally taken itself out of the business of endorsing the exclusion of many of its residents from their own parks," ACLU legal director Jordan Budd said. "The end result is a victory for every San Diegan who cares about tolerance and equality."
You know, it makes me ill every time I see these leftist yahoos presumptively equating sexual proclivities to race, ethnicity or national origin. Even though they shouldn't have to, sooner or later the courts are probably going to have to definitively decide the issue.
San Diego decides not to appeal an unfavorable court decision over the Boy Scouts' leasing of Balboa Park.
The ACLU sued the city three years ago to terminate the $1-a-year lease because of the Scouts' national policy of not hiring homosexuals and requiring members to state their belief in God by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
"San Diego has finally taken itself out of the business of endorsing the exclusion of many of its residents from their own parks," ACLU legal director Jordan Budd said. "The end result is a victory for every San Diegan who cares about tolerance and equality."
You know, it makes me ill every time I see these leftist yahoos presumptively equating sexual proclivities to race, ethnicity or national origin. Even though they shouldn't have to, sooner or later the courts are probably going to have to definitively decide the issue.
Thursday, January 08, 2004
God is Responsible for Homosexuallity
So says Dem frontrunner Howard Dean.
"The overwhelming evidence is that there is very significant, substantial genetic component to it," Dean said in an interview Wednesday. "From a religious point of view, if God had thought homosexuality is a sin, he would not have created gay people."
Yeah, right Howie, and Bush had foreknowledge of the 9/11 attacks. Oh, wait, you believe that as well, don't you? Nut.
So says Dem frontrunner Howard Dean.
"The overwhelming evidence is that there is very significant, substantial genetic component to it," Dean said in an interview Wednesday. "From a religious point of view, if God had thought homosexuality is a sin, he would not have created gay people."
Yeah, right Howie, and Bush had foreknowledge of the 9/11 attacks. Oh, wait, you believe that as well, don't you? Nut.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Light Blogging
Due to my transition from a worker bee to a solo practitioner, I won't be blogging too much for the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, ruminate on the greatness of the Catholic Church, and how USC would be the consensus national champion in college football if the BCS didn't exist.
Due to my transition from a worker bee to a solo practitioner, I won't be blogging too much for the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, ruminate on the greatness of the Catholic Church, and how USC would be the consensus national champion in college football if the BCS didn't exist.
Thursday, January 01, 2004
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Adios Sacto
Today marked my final day as a resident of the northern portion of the central valley of California. After 2 1/2 years of enduring some of the most extreme hot and cold weather in my life, I'm off to the Bay Area to open up my own law practice. The idea is to focus on employment law, but the need to generate some revenue may force me to do some "slip and fall" cases.
One thing I will miss about Sacto, however, is St. Stephen's parish, which is run by the Fraternal Society of St. Peter and exclusively celebrates the Tridentine Latin Mass. Thanks, though, to the power of the Internet, I was able to find St. Margaret Mary in Oakland which offers the Tridentine Mass once every Sunday.
Today marked my final day as a resident of the northern portion of the central valley of California. After 2 1/2 years of enduring some of the most extreme hot and cold weather in my life, I'm off to the Bay Area to open up my own law practice. The idea is to focus on employment law, but the need to generate some revenue may force me to do some "slip and fall" cases.
One thing I will miss about Sacto, however, is St. Stephen's parish, which is run by the Fraternal Society of St. Peter and exclusively celebrates the Tridentine Latin Mass. Thanks, though, to the power of the Internet, I was able to find St. Margaret Mary in Oakland which offers the Tridentine Mass once every Sunday.
The "We Hate Christianity Judicial Tour" Rolls On
The Muslim version of Michael Newdow may get his day in front of the SCOTUS, which in case you already didn't know, begins its sessions with the proclamation of "God save the United States and this honorable Court.
Since 1894, Mississippi's flag has contained the Confederate battle emblem, a blue X with 13 whites stars over a field of red. Experts differ on whether the X in the Confederate battle emblem is the St. Andrew's Cross.
David Sansing, professor emeritus of history at the University of Mississippi, said Monday that people have claimed erroneously for years that the cross is the St. Andrew's Cross.
"What is in the Confederate battle flag is a blue saltier. The St. Andrew's Cross is a white diagonal cross on a blue field," Sansing said. "The man who designed the (Confederate battle) flag makes no reference to the St. Andrew's Cross."
The Muslim version of Michael Newdow may get his day in front of the SCOTUS, which in case you already didn't know, begins its sessions with the proclamation of "God save the United States and this honorable Court.
Since 1894, Mississippi's flag has contained the Confederate battle emblem, a blue X with 13 whites stars over a field of red. Experts differ on whether the X in the Confederate battle emblem is the St. Andrew's Cross.
David Sansing, professor emeritus of history at the University of Mississippi, said Monday that people have claimed erroneously for years that the cross is the St. Andrew's Cross.
"What is in the Confederate battle flag is a blue saltier. The St. Andrew's Cross is a white diagonal cross on a blue field," Sansing said. "The man who designed the (Confederate battle) flag makes no reference to the St. Andrew's Cross."
Monday, December 29, 2003
Religious Liberty Year in Review
The article here provides a pretty decent summary. Although there's been some victories, I'd say that in the near future, things are going to get worse for First Amendment jurisprudence before they get better. This will especially be the case if Bush doesn't win reelection and get all of his appellate court nominations approved.
The article here provides a pretty decent summary. Although there's been some victories, I'd say that in the near future, things are going to get worse for First Amendment jurisprudence before they get better. This will especially be the case if Bush doesn't win reelection and get all of his appellate court nominations approved.
A Day After the Feast of the Holy Innocents
Moloch is alive and well for 2004, as a federal District Court judge in New Hampshire declares that requiring parents to be notified of their daughter's intent to obtain an abortion is unconstitutional.
Moloch is alive and well for 2004, as a federal District Court judge in New Hampshire declares that requiring parents to be notified of their daughter's intent to obtain an abortion is unconstitutional.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Matter Matters
Some nice sentiments and reflection by P.S. Bradley on the significance of the Feast of the Incarnation (or is it the Feast of the Nativity?).
Mele Kalikimaka!
Some nice sentiments and reflection by P.S. Bradley on the significance of the Feast of the Incarnation (or is it the Feast of the Nativity?).
Mele Kalikimaka!
Now, Back to Christmas
For all you baseball enthusiasts out there (like me) the highly publicized A-Rod for Manny Ramirez trade is now officially dead. In related news, the Red Sox are still cursed and the Dodgers, who were in line to possibly acquire Nomar Garciaparra if the A-Rod deal went through, still don't have a lineup that can hit the baseball. Harumph.
For all you baseball enthusiasts out there (like me) the highly publicized A-Rod for Manny Ramirez trade is now officially dead. In related news, the Red Sox are still cursed and the Dodgers, who were in line to possibly acquire Nomar Garciaparra if the A-Rod deal went through, still don't have a lineup that can hit the baseball. Harumph.
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
A Word on the State of Faith
Courtesy of Michael Novak.
Recently, British scientist Richard Dawkins was described as "an atheist, and a strenuous and militant and proud one." (One does not hear often of humble atheists, but they do appear.) "He thinks religious belief is a dangerous virus, and that it is a crime to infect the mind of a child with it." He calls religions "dangerous collective delusions" and "sinks of falsehood." He especially regrets the public influence of religion: "He is made apoplectic by the pontifications of religious 'leaders' on such questions as whether human clones would be fully human." For Dawkins, in short, "Religion is superstition, like astrology, alternative medicine, and the rest."
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, about ten percent (or a little less) of the world population is atheist or agnostic. So however upscale the views of Professor Dawkins, he has his propagating work cut out for him. Most nonreligious, secularist people, it appears, actually believe in God; they just don't like organized religions.
Courtesy of Michael Novak.
Recently, British scientist Richard Dawkins was described as "an atheist, and a strenuous and militant and proud one." (One does not hear often of humble atheists, but they do appear.) "He thinks religious belief is a dangerous virus, and that it is a crime to infect the mind of a child with it." He calls religions "dangerous collective delusions" and "sinks of falsehood." He especially regrets the public influence of religion: "He is made apoplectic by the pontifications of religious 'leaders' on such questions as whether human clones would be fully human." For Dawkins, in short, "Religion is superstition, like astrology, alternative medicine, and the rest."
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, about ten percent (or a little less) of the world population is atheist or agnostic. So however upscale the views of Professor Dawkins, he has his propagating work cut out for him. Most nonreligious, secularist people, it appears, actually believe in God; they just don't like organized religions.
Monday, December 22, 2003
A Little Message From You Know Who, Perhaps?
One-third of San Francisco experiences a power outage; cause is still a mystery. Metaphorically, of course, San Francisco has been "dark" for decades.
One-third of San Francisco experiences a power outage; cause is still a mystery. Metaphorically, of course, San Francisco has been "dark" for decades.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Looks Like the NFL Hasn't Heard of Title VII
Jon Kitna of the Cincinnati Bengals is fined by the NFL for wearing a hat with a cross on it during a post-game press conference. (link via Mark Shea)
Jon Kitna of the Cincinnati Bengals is fined by the NFL for wearing a hat with a cross on it during a post-game press conference. (link via Mark Shea)
Friday, December 19, 2003
Ann Coulter's Man O' the Year
And it is former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore.
The ACLU began its onslaught against then-Etowah County Circuit Court Judge Moore in 1995, when an ACLU lawyer, apparently depressed that he was not chosen to play Mrs. Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade that year, wrote a letter to all the state judges in Alabama protesting their practice of having a prayer in the courtroom every few weeks. (Obviously you can't have prayer in court: It might distract all the people holding their hand over a Bible and swearing before God Almighty to tell the truth.)
Everything had been going just fine in Alabama -- no defendant had ever complained about the practice -- but upon receiving a testy letter from the ACLU, all the other Alabama judges immediately ceased and desisted from the foul practice of allowing prayer in court. Judge Moore did not.
And it is former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore.
The ACLU began its onslaught against then-Etowah County Circuit Court Judge Moore in 1995, when an ACLU lawyer, apparently depressed that he was not chosen to play Mrs. Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade that year, wrote a letter to all the state judges in Alabama protesting their practice of having a prayer in the courtroom every few weeks. (Obviously you can't have prayer in court: It might distract all the people holding their hand over a Bible and swearing before God Almighty to tell the truth.)
Everything had been going just fine in Alabama -- no defendant had ever complained about the practice -- but upon receiving a testy letter from the ACLU, all the other Alabama judges immediately ceased and desisted from the foul practice of allowing prayer in court. Judge Moore did not.
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Chutzpah
The city of Palm Beach is ordered to submit a formal argument in defense of its position that a Jewish menorah ceases to have any religious significance when it is placed next to a Christmas tree. I expect Palm Beach will engage in an extensive distortion of the Supreme Court's ruling in Lynch v. Donnelly.
The city of Palm Beach is ordered to submit a formal argument in defense of its position that a Jewish menorah ceases to have any religious significance when it is placed next to a Christmas tree. I expect Palm Beach will engage in an extensive distortion of the Supreme Court's ruling in Lynch v. Donnelly.
Bias Against People With Religious Beliefs
Trial lawyers recommend against selecting as jurors in personal injury cases, individuals with "personal responsibility biases." People with such biases are apparently not compassionate enough.
"It is helpful to divide the jurors into two groups: the personal responsibility group and compassion-altruistic group," Wenner wrote. "Jurors who are extreme on the personal responsibility bias, or who have a high need for personal responsibility, will strongly favor the defendant. In contrast, jurors who are extreme on the compassionate-altruistic bias, or who have a high need for compassion, will strongly favor the plaintiff." (...)
"The personal responsibility jurors tend to espouse traditional family values," Wenner continued. "Personal responsibility jurors often believe that when someone harms you,
the best response is to turn the other cheek. A lawsuit is viewed as revenge and unproductive ... often, these jurors have strong religious beliefs."
Trial lawyers recommend against selecting as jurors in personal injury cases, individuals with "personal responsibility biases." People with such biases are apparently not compassionate enough.
"It is helpful to divide the jurors into two groups: the personal responsibility group and compassion-altruistic group," Wenner wrote. "Jurors who are extreme on the personal responsibility bias, or who have a high need for personal responsibility, will strongly favor the defendant. In contrast, jurors who are extreme on the compassionate-altruistic bias, or who have a high need for compassion, will strongly favor the plaintiff." (...)
"The personal responsibility jurors tend to espouse traditional family values," Wenner continued. "Personal responsibility jurors often believe that when someone harms you,
the best response is to turn the other cheek. A lawsuit is viewed as revenge and unproductive ... often, these jurors have strong religious beliefs."
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
WWJD
A lot of Catholic anti-war types have been posting inane comments in the blogosphere about the alleged moral inconsistency and hypocrisy of United States policy toward Iraq and Saddam Hussein. More specifically, some people are implicity suggesting that since the U.S. at one point in time actually provided military support to Saddam (how much and why, they never say) we ought not to be claiming any kind of moral victory in his toppling and capture.
In response to comments like this, I'll usually say that it's a good thing that geopolitics isn't religion, and rhetorically ask if we should just go ahead and put Saddam back in power with a written apology. However, since the remarks are coming from Christians, Catholics in particular, I think a more apropos and effective response would be to rhetorically ask if Jesus should also be condemned for moral hypocrisy since He effectively enabled someone whom He knew was going to act in an evil manner (Judas).
A lot of Catholic anti-war types have been posting inane comments in the blogosphere about the alleged moral inconsistency and hypocrisy of United States policy toward Iraq and Saddam Hussein. More specifically, some people are implicity suggesting that since the U.S. at one point in time actually provided military support to Saddam (how much and why, they never say) we ought not to be claiming any kind of moral victory in his toppling and capture.
In response to comments like this, I'll usually say that it's a good thing that geopolitics isn't religion, and rhetorically ask if we should just go ahead and put Saddam back in power with a written apology. However, since the remarks are coming from Christians, Catholics in particular, I think a more apropos and effective response would be to rhetorically ask if Jesus should also be condemned for moral hypocrisy since He effectively enabled someone whom He knew was going to act in an evil manner (Judas).
Pope Sees "Passion" Film
And he approves of it. (Link via Drudge) I wonder if the ADF will now dare to call JPII an anti-Semite. Stay tuned.
And he approves of it. (Link via Drudge) I wonder if the ADF will now dare to call JPII an anti-Semite. Stay tuned.
First Time for Everything
Because of concerns about spreading the flu, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has instructed all of its parishes to temporarily restrain from offering the Communion chalice and asking parishoners to only receive the Eucharist in the hand. I happened to be attending a Novus Ordo Mass in San Francisco when this announcement was made, and as such, it was the first time in my five years as a Catholic to receive Communion in the hand. The experience was a little unsettling for me, if only because I was incredibly self consciece about leaving any particles of the Eucharist in my hand. I was at least comforted by the fact that the priest who read the Archbishop's letter took the time to mention that not receiving Communion on the tongue would be a sacrifice for many of us.
BTW, note that the article I linked to states in the first paragraph that the Communion wine symbolizes Christ's blood. Just one more example of mainstream journalistic inaccuracy and sloppiness.
Because of concerns about spreading the flu, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has instructed all of its parishes to temporarily restrain from offering the Communion chalice and asking parishoners to only receive the Eucharist in the hand. I happened to be attending a Novus Ordo Mass in San Francisco when this announcement was made, and as such, it was the first time in my five years as a Catholic to receive Communion in the hand. The experience was a little unsettling for me, if only because I was incredibly self consciece about leaving any particles of the Eucharist in my hand. I was at least comforted by the fact that the priest who read the Archbishop's letter took the time to mention that not receiving Communion on the tongue would be a sacrifice for many of us.
BTW, note that the article I linked to states in the first paragraph that the Communion wine symbolizes Christ's blood. Just one more example of mainstream journalistic inaccuracy and sloppiness.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
From Our Bulging "I Sure Am Glad I Believe in an Authoritative Magisterium" File
Clergy in New Joisy argue that the Bible supports "gay marriages."
While opponents of domestic partnership quote the Bible to denounce the legitimacy of gay relationships, Holzbaur argues the message delivered by Jesus Christ is "radical inclusively" of all people and to "love your neighbor as yourself."
"It definitely is all on how one interprets Jesus' message," Holzbaur said. "The biblical scholarship I follow looks at not only the written word but the time the scriptures were written.
"The Bible at one time was used to promote and approve of slavery, and we no longer believe that is true," Holzbaur continued. "It's been used to keep women in a place of submission, and that is no longer true. We believe that God is still speaking."
Clergy in New Joisy argue that the Bible supports "gay marriages."
While opponents of domestic partnership quote the Bible to denounce the legitimacy of gay relationships, Holzbaur argues the message delivered by Jesus Christ is "radical inclusively" of all people and to "love your neighbor as yourself."
"It definitely is all on how one interprets Jesus' message," Holzbaur said. "The biblical scholarship I follow looks at not only the written word but the time the scriptures were written.
"The Bible at one time was used to promote and approve of slavery, and we no longer believe that is true," Holzbaur continued. "It's been used to keep women in a place of submission, and that is no longer true. We believe that God is still speaking."
California Prisons Go Kosher
Bring on the gefilte fish!
Nolan said that in California, the response until now had been for prisons "to offer another helping of mashed potatoes" instead of a balanced diet to an inmate whose religion does not permit eating pork.
Bring on the gefilte fish!
Nolan said that in California, the response until now had been for prisons "to offer another helping of mashed potatoes" instead of a balanced diet to an inmate whose religion does not permit eating pork.
Capitalisms Roots in Catholicism
A most intriguing article by uber-theologian Michael Novak.
It was the church more than any other agency, writes historian Randall Collins, that put in place what Weber called the preconditions of capitalism: the rule of law and a bureaucracy for resolving disputes rationally; a specialized and mobile labor force; the institutional permanence that allows for transgenerational investment and sustained intellectual and physical efforts, together with the accumulation of long-term capital; and a zest for discovery, enterprise, wealth creation, and new undertakings.
A most intriguing article by uber-theologian Michael Novak.
It was the church more than any other agency, writes historian Randall Collins, that put in place what Weber called the preconditions of capitalism: the rule of law and a bureaucracy for resolving disputes rationally; a specialized and mobile labor force; the institutional permanence that allows for transgenerational investment and sustained intellectual and physical efforts, together with the accumulation of long-term capital; and a zest for discovery, enterprise, wealth creation, and new undertakings.
Monday, December 15, 2003
False and Stupid Syllogisms
While sitting on the bus yesterday, I overheard the following syllogistic conversation a young lady sitting next to me was having with someone on her cell phone: "Halliburton has big time contracts with the U.S. military in Iraq. Vice President Dick Cheney used to own (?!) Halliburton, so that's why we bombed Iraq."
In order to illustrate how stupid I thought this mindless lib was, I was real close to sarcastically asking her if she thought all Germans were Nazis because the Nazi Party came out of Germany, or if all blacks lack buoyancy because you never see any black Olympic swimmers. Fortunately, the impulse in me to be obnoxious subsided; plus, she got off the bus soon after I sat down next to her.
While sitting on the bus yesterday, I overheard the following syllogistic conversation a young lady sitting next to me was having with someone on her cell phone: "Halliburton has big time contracts with the U.S. military in Iraq. Vice President Dick Cheney used to own (?!) Halliburton, so that's why we bombed Iraq."
In order to illustrate how stupid I thought this mindless lib was, I was real close to sarcastically asking her if she thought all Germans were Nazis because the Nazi Party came out of Germany, or if all blacks lack buoyancy because you never see any black Olympic swimmers. Fortunately, the impulse in me to be obnoxious subsided; plus, she got off the bus soon after I sat down next to her.
Friday, December 12, 2003
This Doesn't Seem Very Smart
Illegal immigrants protest the repeal of a California law that would have allowed them to have driver's licenses.
Pablo Lopez, 44, of Santa Ana, marched with about 70 others from an Orange County landscaping company that had released its employees for the boycott. Lopez said he was an undocumented immigrant for 12 years and drove without a license, but was always afraid of getting stopped by police and deported.
"People come to this country for opportunity. That's what we're fighting for," said Lopez. "We come here to work hard and we have family that we have to protect. If we don't have a license, we won't be able to do that."
Any chance that INS was around to pick these people up?
Illegal immigrants protest the repeal of a California law that would have allowed them to have driver's licenses.
Pablo Lopez, 44, of Santa Ana, marched with about 70 others from an Orange County landscaping company that had released its employees for the boycott. Lopez said he was an undocumented immigrant for 12 years and drove without a license, but was always afraid of getting stopped by police and deported.
"People come to this country for opportunity. That's what we're fighting for," said Lopez. "We come here to work hard and we have family that we have to protect. If we don't have a license, we won't be able to do that."
Any chance that INS was around to pick these people up?
Many First Christians Were Jews, So Why Aren't You's?
Jews for Jesus are sued over an alleged false conversion story.
I once had an informal debate with a member of Jews for Jesus over the general Protestant belief of sola scriptura (JFJ's tend to subscribe to it). Needless to say, the debate ended with the JFJ member accusing me of having some deep seeded darkness in my heart for challenging the notion that the Bible is the sole authority and deposit of the Christian faith.
Jews for Jesus are sued over an alleged false conversion story.
I once had an informal debate with a member of Jews for Jesus over the general Protestant belief of sola scriptura (JFJ's tend to subscribe to it). Needless to say, the debate ended with the JFJ member accusing me of having some deep seeded darkness in my heart for challenging the notion that the Bible is the sole authority and deposit of the Christian faith.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Jesus is the Reason
The GrinchList.com is a response to the growing censorship and revisionist policies and practices concerning Christmas that is evident in retail stores, public schools, government offices, businesses, and the media. Our mission is to compile an ongoing list of businesses and organizations that engage in egregious cultural revisionism and expose them to the millions of consumers whose heritage is being expunged from the public cultural arena.
Update: The editors of Grinchlist annoyingly and needlessly make the following religious distinction: Public schools celebrate “Hispanic Heritage Month” embracing the emergence of the largest pool of new Immigrants, yet fail to mention that this same group has contributed equally to the growth of the Christian and Catholic ranks.
The GrinchList.com is a response to the growing censorship and revisionist policies and practices concerning Christmas that is evident in retail stores, public schools, government offices, businesses, and the media. Our mission is to compile an ongoing list of businesses and organizations that engage in egregious cultural revisionism and expose them to the millions of consumers whose heritage is being expunged from the public cultural arena.
Update: The editors of Grinchlist annoyingly and needlessly make the following religious distinction: Public schools celebrate “Hispanic Heritage Month” embracing the emergence of the largest pool of new Immigrants, yet fail to mention that this same group has contributed equally to the growth of the Christian and Catholic ranks.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
If You Aren't Liberal, You Aren't "Diverse" and "Tolerant"
After publishing a study which showed that Wells College professors are profoundly to the Left of Center, a College Republican Club gets shot down in its application for official school recognition.
After publishing a study which showed that Wells College professors are profoundly to the Left of Center, a College Republican Club gets shot down in its application for official school recognition.
The Always Quotable Justice Scalia
Re: the SCOTUS' upholding of a largely unconstitutional campign finance reform bill.
This is a sad day for the freedom of speech. Who could have imagined that the same Court which, within the past four years, has sternly disapproved of restrictions upon such inconsequential forms of _expression as virtual child pornography, . . . tobacco advertising, . . . dissemination of illegally intercepted communications, . . . and sexually explicit cable programming, . . . would smile with favor upon a law that cuts to the heart of what the First Amendment is meant to protect: the right to criticize the government. For that is what the most offensive provisions of this legislation are all about . . .
The first instinct of power is the retention of power, and, under a Constitution that requires periodic elections, that is best achieved by the suppression of election-time speech. We have witnessed merely the second scene of Act I of what promises to be a lengthy tragedy. In scene 3 the Court, having abandoned most of the First Amendment weaponry that Buckley left intact, will be even less equipped to resist the incumbents writing of the rules of political debate. The federal election campaign laws, which are already (as today's opinions show) so voluminous, so detailed, so complex, that no ordinary citizen dare run for office, or even contribute a significant sum, without hiring an expert advisor in the field, can be expected to grow more voluminous, more detailed, and more complex in the years to come.and always, always, with the objective of reducing the excessive amount of speech. Justice Scalia dissenting and concurring at 3, 19 (citations omitted).
Re: the SCOTUS' upholding of a largely unconstitutional campign finance reform bill.
This is a sad day for the freedom of speech. Who could have imagined that the same Court which, within the past four years, has sternly disapproved of restrictions upon such inconsequential forms of _expression as virtual child pornography, . . . tobacco advertising, . . . dissemination of illegally intercepted communications, . . . and sexually explicit cable programming, . . . would smile with favor upon a law that cuts to the heart of what the First Amendment is meant to protect: the right to criticize the government. For that is what the most offensive provisions of this legislation are all about . . .
The first instinct of power is the retention of power, and, under a Constitution that requires periodic elections, that is best achieved by the suppression of election-time speech. We have witnessed merely the second scene of Act I of what promises to be a lengthy tragedy. In scene 3 the Court, having abandoned most of the First Amendment weaponry that Buckley left intact, will be even less equipped to resist the incumbents writing of the rules of political debate. The federal election campaign laws, which are already (as today's opinions show) so voluminous, so detailed, so complex, that no ordinary citizen dare run for office, or even contribute a significant sum, without hiring an expert advisor in the field, can be expected to grow more voluminous, more detailed, and more complex in the years to come.and always, always, with the objective of reducing the excessive amount of speech. Justice Scalia dissenting and concurring at 3, 19 (citations omitted).
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Friday, December 05, 2003
CT Article on the Blessed Mother
CT finally put the cover story I blogged about here on their website.
CT finally put the cover story I blogged about here on their website.
The Morally and Intellectually Impoverished Media
Matt Lauer of the Today show effectively blames Ronald Reagan and Jerry Falwell for the stroke that Hugh Hefner, poster boy for abortion, teenage pregnancies, venereal diseases and every other negative consequence of sexual impurity and immodesty, suffered in the '80's. What a punk.
Matt Lauer of the Today show effectively blames Ronald Reagan and Jerry Falwell for the stroke that Hugh Hefner, poster boy for abortion, teenage pregnancies, venereal diseases and every other negative consequence of sexual impurity and immodesty, suffered in the '80's. What a punk.
When Islam and Judaism Aren't Religions
A Catholic mom sues a school district for not allowing her kids' nativity scene to be part of a Christmas display that included a menorah and an Islamic star and crescent.
While school officials wouldn't discuss the lawsuit, legal briefs filed said it has "drawn an appropriate line between secular holiday decorations and those that are purely religious."
The New York Civil Liberties Union agreed: "The Constitution prohibits government from promoting religion, any religion, and that means that public schools can be in the business of promoting religion," Donna Lieberman of the NYCLU said.
More proof of ACLU stupidity and bigotry.
BTW, I think the writer of the article meant to write "can't" in the last sentence quoted above.
A Catholic mom sues a school district for not allowing her kids' nativity scene to be part of a Christmas display that included a menorah and an Islamic star and crescent.
While school officials wouldn't discuss the lawsuit, legal briefs filed said it has "drawn an appropriate line between secular holiday decorations and those that are purely religious."
The New York Civil Liberties Union agreed: "The Constitution prohibits government from promoting religion, any religion, and that means that public schools can be in the business of promoting religion," Donna Lieberman of the NYCLU said.
More proof of ACLU stupidity and bigotry.
BTW, I think the writer of the article meant to write "can't" in the last sentence quoted above.
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Brownshirt Lawyers
The ACLU demands a school district superintendent be investigated for allowing a local minister to dress up like Santa Clause and discuss the meaning of Christmas with students.
"I think this superintendent doesn't understand the separation of church and state," said Mary Davidson, president of the Douglas County chapter of ACLU. "He should see the error of his ways and repent."
[Uncharitable Alert] What an idiotic and condescending bee-och! First of all, I challenge anyone to point out to me where in the Constitution it says "separation of church and state." Try in the same place where it says "right to privacy" -- nowhere. Secondly, what exactly in the following statements from the Supreme Court doesn't Ms. Davidson understand:
"Our prior holdings do not call for total separation between church and state; total separation is not possible in an absolute sense." Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602, 614 (1971)
"[the wall of separation] metaphor…is not a wholly accurate description of the practical aspects of the relationship that in fact exists between church and state." Lynch v. Donnelly, 465 U.S. 668, 673 (1984)
Lastly, Ms. Davidson's insipid remark about the school district superintendent repenting just reflects how much of a fundamentalist zealot she is in her hostility to Christians and Christianity. God have mercy on her and the Molochian organization she serves.
The ACLU demands a school district superintendent be investigated for allowing a local minister to dress up like Santa Clause and discuss the meaning of Christmas with students.
"I think this superintendent doesn't understand the separation of church and state," said Mary Davidson, president of the Douglas County chapter of ACLU. "He should see the error of his ways and repent."
[Uncharitable Alert] What an idiotic and condescending bee-och! First of all, I challenge anyone to point out to me where in the Constitution it says "separation of church and state." Try in the same place where it says "right to privacy" -- nowhere. Secondly, what exactly in the following statements from the Supreme Court doesn't Ms. Davidson understand:
"Our prior holdings do not call for total separation between church and state; total separation is not possible in an absolute sense." Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602, 614 (1971)
"[the wall of separation] metaphor…is not a wholly accurate description of the practical aspects of the relationship that in fact exists between church and state." Lynch v. Donnelly, 465 U.S. 668, 673 (1984)
Lastly, Ms. Davidson's insipid remark about the school district superintendent repenting just reflects how much of a fundamentalist zealot she is in her hostility to Christians and Christianity. God have mercy on her and the Molochian organization she serves.
It's not Hateful to use the Word "Hate"
At the direction of Father Robert Spitzer, Gonzaga University revokes the ridiculous hate speech code violations made against the College Republican club.
At the direction of Father Robert Spitzer, Gonzaga University revokes the ridiculous hate speech code violations made against the College Republican club.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Monday, December 01, 2003
Lingering Remnants of Anti-Catholic Gray Davis
Oral arguments are set for tomorrow in Catholic Charities' challenge to a state law which requires them and like agencies to include contraception in employee health benefits.
The arguments by the state that Catholic Charities is a secular institution because it serves non-Catholics is stupid. On the other hand, since I understand a lot of Catholic Charities publicly distribute things like condoms, I think it's a little disingenuous for them to say that because they have the word "Catholic" in their name, they are a religious institution that should be exempt from a clearly anti-Catholic law.
Oral arguments are set for tomorrow in Catholic Charities' challenge to a state law which requires them and like agencies to include contraception in employee health benefits.
The arguments by the state that Catholic Charities is a secular institution because it serves non-Catholics is stupid. On the other hand, since I understand a lot of Catholic Charities publicly distribute things like condoms, I think it's a little disingenuous for them to say that because they have the word "Catholic" in their name, they are a religious institution that should be exempt from a clearly anti-Catholic law.
Separated at Birth?
The guy on the left, of course, is country singer Glen Campbell after his recent arrest for assault and driving under the influence, while the guy on the right is convicted rapist and murderer Warren Summerlin, whose death sentence case was just accepted for review by the SCOTUS.
The guy on the left, of course, is country singer Glen Campbell after his recent arrest for assault and driving under the influence, while the guy on the right is convicted rapist and murderer Warren Summerlin, whose death sentence case was just accepted for review by the SCOTUS.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Of Course it Has
Not content to be the top dog in everything that is gay, San Francisco makes an appeal to become America's number one death camp.
Not content to be the top dog in everything that is gay, San Francisco makes an appeal to become America's number one death camp.
Federal Judge Questions School's Brownshirt Tactics
In a lawsuit filed by a Catholic student whose views were affirmativelyexcluded from a public school program on homosexuality and religion, the judge in the case rhetorically likened the school's actions to book burning in Nazi Germany.
Only religious leaders who endorsed the school’s pro-homosexual “religious” belief were allowed to sit on the panel. School officials denied Hansen’s request to have a panel member who would express the Roman Catholic belief on homosexual activity. School officials hand-picked the pro-homosexual panel members, selected the Gay Straight Alliance faculty advisor to act as “moderator,” prohibited “open” questions to panel members, and expressly prohibited the students from personally interacting with any panel member before, during, or after the panel discussion.
Oh pleeeeze let the defenders of the school in this case come out and shoot themselves in the foot by saying that the Catholic Church's position on homosexual conduct amounts to illegal "hate speech." Please, please, please...
In a lawsuit filed by a Catholic student whose views were affirmativelyexcluded from a public school program on homosexuality and religion, the judge in the case rhetorically likened the school's actions to book burning in Nazi Germany.
Only religious leaders who endorsed the school’s pro-homosexual “religious” belief were allowed to sit on the panel. School officials denied Hansen’s request to have a panel member who would express the Roman Catholic belief on homosexual activity. School officials hand-picked the pro-homosexual panel members, selected the Gay Straight Alliance faculty advisor to act as “moderator,” prohibited “open” questions to panel members, and expressly prohibited the students from personally interacting with any panel member before, during, or after the panel discussion.
Oh pleeeeze let the defenders of the school in this case come out and shoot themselves in the foot by saying that the Catholic Church's position on homosexual conduct amounts to illegal "hate speech." Please, please, please...
Jeopardy and the Catholic Church
Methinks there is at least one writer on the popular game show who might be Catholic (or at least Orthodox), since there's been quite a few questions of late related to the Church. I noted one of these questions here. Other questions, which by the way almost everyone on the show answered incorrectly, include the mother of the "City of God" Saint who herself is a Saint and was a Berber (St. Monica) and the names of the two men that a European city established in 1703 has used, even though these men were born 1800 years apart (St. Peter and Lenin). On the latter question, which was a Final Jeopardy question, one of the contestants had written "Lenin and Peter," but got it wrong. In order to be credited with the right answer, "St." or "Saint" had to be included with Peter.
Methinks there is at least one writer on the popular game show who might be Catholic (or at least Orthodox), since there's been quite a few questions of late related to the Church. I noted one of these questions here. Other questions, which by the way almost everyone on the show answered incorrectly, include the mother of the "City of God" Saint who herself is a Saint and was a Berber (St. Monica) and the names of the two men that a European city established in 1703 has used, even though these men were born 1800 years apart (St. Peter and Lenin). On the latter question, which was a Final Jeopardy question, one of the contestants had written "Lenin and Peter," but got it wrong. In order to be credited with the right answer, "St." or "Saint" had to be included with Peter.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Was the Blessed Mother Protestant?
I was reading this editorial (via Relapsed Catholic) warning Evangelicals of the dangers of incorporating cultural trends in their ministries when I noticed this cover picture from next month's Christianity Today Magazine:
There wasn't an accompanying article linked to the picture, but I'm genuinely curious about the types of claims that are made with respect to the cover title. Maybe CT, which in case you aren't aware is Protestant, will have it on their website later next month.
I was reading this editorial (via Relapsed Catholic) warning Evangelicals of the dangers of incorporating cultural trends in their ministries when I noticed this cover picture from next month's Christianity Today Magazine:
There wasn't an accompanying article linked to the picture, but I'm genuinely curious about the types of claims that are made with respect to the cover title. Maybe CT, which in case you aren't aware is Protestant, will have it on their website later next month.
Monday, November 24, 2003
From Our Bulging "Our Culture is in the Sewer" Files
The culturally and morally impoverished cheer as L.A. repeals its ban on lap dancing.
At Crazy Girls, a gaudy Hollywood establishment on La Brea Avenue replete with Venetian statues on its roof, men and women crowded the darkened interior to watch girls twirl around a metal pole in skimpy underwear to the sound of blaring hip-hop and rock music.
When asked what drew them to strip clubs, some joked it wasn't for love of modern dance.
The culturally and morally impoverished cheer as L.A. repeals its ban on lap dancing.
At Crazy Girls, a gaudy Hollywood establishment on La Brea Avenue replete with Venetian statues on its roof, men and women crowded the darkened interior to watch girls twirl around a metal pole in skimpy underwear to the sound of blaring hip-hop and rock music.
When asked what drew them to strip clubs, some joked it wasn't for love of modern dance.
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