In the Realm of Reality and Existence, Jesus Christ Wasn't
That's essentially one of the claims being made by New York Schools as a justification for their policy of banning Christmas nativity displays. Of course, I'm sure New York is consistent and also prohibits schools from having equally egregious and unhistorical Christmas displays of Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Statement Against Same-Sex Unions Proposed
Could U.S. Bishops actually be "stepping up" and showing some cojones? If they do, expect Andrew Sullivan to go into total meltdown mode.
Could U.S. Bishops actually be "stepping up" and showing some cojones? If they do, expect Andrew Sullivan to go into total meltdown mode.
Considering Whether to Recommend
That's what the U.S. Bishops apparently expressed yesterday in regard to the imposition of sanctions on politicians who support abortion rights and the death penalty. In the meantime, they've got more important things to tend to like making sure they have accurate statistics on farm job injuries and a clear position on the humane slaughtering of farm animals.
That's what the U.S. Bishops apparently expressed yesterday in regard to the imposition of sanctions on politicians who support abortion rights and the death penalty. In the meantime, they've got more important things to tend to like making sure they have accurate statistics on farm job injuries and a clear position on the humane slaughtering of farm animals.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Judge Draws Heat for Black Man Halloween Costume
Strange how the NAACP gets mad over this, but remains silent whenever Eddie Murphy dresses up and caricatures caucasions, and more specifically, Jews (see old eps of Saturday Night Live and the movie "Coming to America").
Judge Timothy C. Ellender, a state district judge in Terrebonne Parish, has acknowledged that he wore the costume, including an "afro" wig, but said it was a harmless joke. "It's a tempest in a teapot," he told The Courier of Houma.
Ellender did not immediately return a call for comment on Monday.
Jerome Boykin, president of the NAACP's Terrebonne Parish branch, said Monday that Ellender's costume stereotyped blacks as criminals and convicts.
"For a judge to take the time to paint his face black with shoe polish, put on an afro wig, a prison jumpsuit and shackles ... and walk around in public, I feel he ain't fit to be a judge," Boykin said.
BTW, I was watched something called "Hollywood Uncensored" on the E! Channel over the weekend, and it seems that actor Kelsey Grammer thought it would be neat to dress up like a priest at a Holloween party held at the Playboy mansion. It's a good thing I already avoid watching the show "Frasier," otherwise I'd boycott it.
Strange how the NAACP gets mad over this, but remains silent whenever Eddie Murphy dresses up and caricatures caucasions, and more specifically, Jews (see old eps of Saturday Night Live and the movie "Coming to America").
Judge Timothy C. Ellender, a state district judge in Terrebonne Parish, has acknowledged that he wore the costume, including an "afro" wig, but said it was a harmless joke. "It's a tempest in a teapot," he told The Courier of Houma.
Ellender did not immediately return a call for comment on Monday.
Jerome Boykin, president of the NAACP's Terrebonne Parish branch, said Monday that Ellender's costume stereotyped blacks as criminals and convicts.
"For a judge to take the time to paint his face black with shoe polish, put on an afro wig, a prison jumpsuit and shackles ... and walk around in public, I feel he ain't fit to be a judge," Boykin said.
BTW, I was watched something called "Hollywood Uncensored" on the E! Channel over the weekend, and it seems that actor Kelsey Grammer thought it would be neat to dress up like a priest at a Holloween party held at the Playboy mansion. It's a good thing I already avoid watching the show "Frasier," otherwise I'd boycott it.
Best Law School in Michigan
The relatively new, and very Catholic, Ave Maria School of Law outdoes all Michigan law schools on the Michigan bar exam.
Twenty-six of the 28 Ave Maria graduates -- 93 percent -- passed. Among first-time test takers, the University of Michigan Law School was second at 90 percent.
The passing rate for all first-timers on the Michigan Bar exam was 75 percent. Among all test takers, the statewide average for passing was 68 percent.
And lest you think that Ave Maria can't really be compared to U of M because the latter has more students, bear in mind that U of M only had 12 more people than Ave Maria taking the exam for the first time.
The relatively new, and very Catholic, Ave Maria School of Law outdoes all Michigan law schools on the Michigan bar exam.
Twenty-six of the 28 Ave Maria graduates -- 93 percent -- passed. Among first-time test takers, the University of Michigan Law School was second at 90 percent.
The passing rate for all first-timers on the Michigan Bar exam was 75 percent. Among all test takers, the statewide average for passing was 68 percent.
And lest you think that Ave Maria can't really be compared to U of M because the latter has more students, bear in mind that U of M only had 12 more people than Ave Maria taking the exam for the first time.
So Much for Sola Scriptura
In a paradoxical (or hypocritical?) exercise of papal-like authority, noted Evangelical Protestant minister John MacArthur "excommunicates" the Episcopalian Church over its decisions to consecrate an openly homosexual bishop and allow same sex unions to be blessed. (link via Envoy Encore)
"This is not the true Church. Their theology is aberrant, their conduct is aberrant, and they engage themselves in things that are utterly ungodly and unbiblical," MacArthur says. "I think you have to see it as the church of Anti-Christ -- and why would a believer want to be a part of the church of Anti-Christ?"
In a paradoxical (or hypocritical?) exercise of papal-like authority, noted Evangelical Protestant minister John MacArthur "excommunicates" the Episcopalian Church over its decisions to consecrate an openly homosexual bishop and allow same sex unions to be blessed. (link via Envoy Encore)
"This is not the true Church. Their theology is aberrant, their conduct is aberrant, and they engage themselves in things that are utterly ungodly and unbiblical," MacArthur says. "I think you have to see it as the church of Anti-Christ -- and why would a believer want to be a part of the church of Anti-Christ?"
Friday, October 31, 2003
Light to No Blogging Next Week
I'll be down in So. Cal. all of next week on vacation and for a couple of job interviews. If things work out with the latter, it looks as though I might be moving out of Cowtown (people in Sacramento are actually proud of their city being called this) and back down to Tinseltown.
I'll be down in So. Cal. all of next week on vacation and for a couple of job interviews. If things work out with the latter, it looks as though I might be moving out of Cowtown (people in Sacramento are actually proud of their city being called this) and back down to Tinseltown.
Passing Observation
Although most of them are pretty secularized and liberal, the Bay Area is a virtual Mecca of Catholic colleges and universities. Within San Francisco itself, there's the University of San Francisco and Campion College (aka the "Anti-USF"). Just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, there's Dominican University. Over on the East Bay, there's Holy Names College and St. Mary's College. Down in the Peninsula and South Bay, there's the College of Notre Dame and Santa Clara University.
None of the above seven schools is probably more than fifty miles from each other (Campion is right across the street from USF). This is a pretty stark contrast to the number of Catholic colleges in all of Southern California, which probably has twice as many members of the Church than the Bay Area. Going north to south, there's Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, which is about 75 miles from Loyola Marymount University in Westchester (i.e., West Los Angeles). After LMU, you won't hit another Catholic college for about another 120 miles -- the University of San Diego.
Oh yeah, there are no Catholic colleges in all of Central California, although two are supposed to be in the works for the Sacramento region: the University of Sacramento and De La Salle University. How Catholic they will be is anyone's guess.
Although most of them are pretty secularized and liberal, the Bay Area is a virtual Mecca of Catholic colleges and universities. Within San Francisco itself, there's the University of San Francisco and Campion College (aka the "Anti-USF"). Just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, there's Dominican University. Over on the East Bay, there's Holy Names College and St. Mary's College. Down in the Peninsula and South Bay, there's the College of Notre Dame and Santa Clara University.
None of the above seven schools is probably more than fifty miles from each other (Campion is right across the street from USF). This is a pretty stark contrast to the number of Catholic colleges in all of Southern California, which probably has twice as many members of the Church than the Bay Area. Going north to south, there's Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, which is about 75 miles from Loyola Marymount University in Westchester (i.e., West Los Angeles). After LMU, you won't hit another Catholic college for about another 120 miles -- the University of San Diego.
Oh yeah, there are no Catholic colleges in all of Central California, although two are supposed to be in the works for the Sacramento region: the University of Sacramento and De La Salle University. How Catholic they will be is anyone's guess.
Can't Believe Nobody Got it Right
I'm watching the game show Jeopardy last night, and the final "question" was the word that describes 1.1 billion people in the world today, and was basically first applied by St. Ignatius of Antioch around the year 100 A.D. Given the fact that this word describes 1.1 billion people, you'd think at least one of the fairly bright contestants on the show last night would have known the correct answer (which must be given in the form of a question). Heck, even I, not the sharpest tool in the shed, knew the answer right off the bat. Well, two of the contestants (one an attorney and the other a college professor) wrongly answered "What is Christian?" and the third contestant answered "What is Chinese?" Needless to say, I suppose it would be fairly safe to presume that none of last night's contestants are the word that describes 1.1 billion people today.
I'm watching the game show Jeopardy last night, and the final "question" was the word that describes 1.1 billion people in the world today, and was basically first applied by St. Ignatius of Antioch around the year 100 A.D. Given the fact that this word describes 1.1 billion people, you'd think at least one of the fairly bright contestants on the show last night would have known the correct answer (which must be given in the form of a question). Heck, even I, not the sharpest tool in the shed, knew the answer right off the bat. Well, two of the contestants (one an attorney and the other a college professor) wrongly answered "What is Christian?" and the third contestant answered "What is Chinese?" Needless to say, I suppose it would be fairly safe to presume that none of last night's contestants are the word that describes 1.1 billion people today.
Thursday, October 30, 2003
You Knew There Had to be One Out There
Catholic priest and university professor, Father Kevin O'Rourke, thinks Gov. Bush did a bad thing for Terri.
O'Rourke, the author of four books on medical ethics, finds it sad that the governor has tried to justify his actions on religious grounds and that Bush has used Schiavo's plight to curry favor with the religious conservatives.
''For Christians, it is a blasphemy to keep people alive as if you were doing them a favor, to keep people alive in that condition as if it benefits them. It doesn't benefit them,'' O'Rourke argues. "I know it is wrapped up in the pro-life, antiabortion activity, and while I am antiabortion, I also know there is eternal life and that we should not confuse or equate the antiabortion effort with the notion of withdrawing life support from dying people.
"They act as though the most important thing is to lead a long life and Christians who read the Gospel seriously believe that it is a good life you are pursuing, not a long life. But this notion of having a long life has become the watchword for these groups. Life is terminal. Life by definition is going to have an end.''
Also note this crazy comment by Sandol Stoddard, one of the founders of the hospice movement in the United States: "We are in the most death denying society that I have ever heard about or read about. We just don't want to accept the idea that we are going to die.'' You think Stoddard might be pro-abortion?
Catholic priest and university professor, Father Kevin O'Rourke, thinks Gov. Bush did a bad thing for Terri.
O'Rourke, the author of four books on medical ethics, finds it sad that the governor has tried to justify his actions on religious grounds and that Bush has used Schiavo's plight to curry favor with the religious conservatives.
''For Christians, it is a blasphemy to keep people alive as if you were doing them a favor, to keep people alive in that condition as if it benefits them. It doesn't benefit them,'' O'Rourke argues. "I know it is wrapped up in the pro-life, antiabortion activity, and while I am antiabortion, I also know there is eternal life and that we should not confuse or equate the antiabortion effort with the notion of withdrawing life support from dying people.
"They act as though the most important thing is to lead a long life and Christians who read the Gospel seriously believe that it is a good life you are pursuing, not a long life. But this notion of having a long life has become the watchword for these groups. Life is terminal. Life by definition is going to have an end.''
Also note this crazy comment by Sandol Stoddard, one of the founders of the hospice movement in the United States: "We are in the most death denying society that I have ever heard about or read about. We just don't want to accept the idea that we are going to die.'' You think Stoddard might be pro-abortion?
Terri's Schiavo's Right to "Privacy" Violated
So argues the vultures representing Michael Schiavo who have filed briefs challenging the legality of the emergency statute that allowed Gov. Bush to reinsert Terri's feeding tubes.
It argues that her constitutional right to refuse medical treatment was, in essence, cast aside by a statute that allows the governor to do that under any whim and without any standards and without any review," said George Felos, who represents Michael Schiavo, after filing the document.
Frigtening how Felos equates what is at best an alleged request to commit suicide through starvation as a mere refusal of medical treatment. I wonder if he thinks food is something that ought to be classified as a controlled substance.
So argues the vultures representing Michael Schiavo who have filed briefs challenging the legality of the emergency statute that allowed Gov. Bush to reinsert Terri's feeding tubes.
It argues that her constitutional right to refuse medical treatment was, in essence, cast aside by a statute that allows the governor to do that under any whim and without any standards and without any review," said George Felos, who represents Michael Schiavo, after filing the document.
Frigtening how Felos equates what is at best an alleged request to commit suicide through starvation as a mere refusal of medical treatment. I wonder if he thinks food is something that ought to be classified as a controlled substance.
Big Chink in the "Born Gay" Myth
The man who led the charge in the '70s to remove homosexuality off of the APA recognized list of mental disorders will be publishing a study that shows "ex-gay" therapy works.
If taken seriously, the study's findings have a far-reaching impact, [Robert]Spitzer said.
"First, it questions the current conventional view that desire for therapy to change sexual orientation is always succumbing to societal pressure and irrational internalized homophobia," he wrote. "For some individuals, changing sexual orientation can be a rational, self-directed goal. Second, it suggests that the mental health professionals should stop moving in the direction of banning therapy that has as a goal a change in sexual orientation."
The man who led the charge in the '70s to remove homosexuality off of the APA recognized list of mental disorders will be publishing a study that shows "ex-gay" therapy works.
If taken seriously, the study's findings have a far-reaching impact, [Robert]Spitzer said.
"First, it questions the current conventional view that desire for therapy to change sexual orientation is always succumbing to societal pressure and irrational internalized homophobia," he wrote. "For some individuals, changing sexual orientation can be a rational, self-directed goal. Second, it suggests that the mental health professionals should stop moving in the direction of banning therapy that has as a goal a change in sexual orientation."
The Operative Word in File Sharing is "Sharing"
Father Kowalski on the morality -- as distinguished from legality -- of downloading MP3's. (link via Relapsed Catholic)
New technologies often make existing products obsolete. Who buys buggy whips anymore? These new media technologies do not nullify the property rights of artists and publishers, but they do decrease the financial value of those rights! This is a crucial point that the media conglomerates don't want you to realize. All those shiny plastic disks sitting in stores and warehouses are less valuable today than ten years ago, because their content is more easily distributed. This is why I personally believe that swapping MP3's online falls under acceptable private use (morally - not necessarily legally). There may be a moral problem here, but it is the vendors' problem to solve, not the consumers. Ancient Chinese proverb: He who owns the cattle builds the fence. Just because Sony could sell CD's at a big profit for 15 years, it does not follow that they have a moral right to continue doing so. The market changed. They have the duty to change their product or accept that it is of less value now.
Father Kowalski on the morality -- as distinguished from legality -- of downloading MP3's. (link via Relapsed Catholic)
New technologies often make existing products obsolete. Who buys buggy whips anymore? These new media technologies do not nullify the property rights of artists and publishers, but they do decrease the financial value of those rights! This is a crucial point that the media conglomerates don't want you to realize. All those shiny plastic disks sitting in stores and warehouses are less valuable today than ten years ago, because their content is more easily distributed. This is why I personally believe that swapping MP3's online falls under acceptable private use (morally - not necessarily legally). There may be a moral problem here, but it is the vendors' problem to solve, not the consumers. Ancient Chinese proverb: He who owns the cattle builds the fence. Just because Sony could sell CD's at a big profit for 15 years, it does not follow that they have a moral right to continue doing so. The market changed. They have the duty to change their product or accept that it is of less value now.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
No Shortage of Fundie TV
I usually pass right on by them, but I've recently been catching a few novel and uintentionally amusing Protestant tv shows that are broadcast here in the Sacramento region. One is a cooking and health show produced by 3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network). What I found kind of interesting about this show is the consistent emphasis it places on having vegetarian dishes and diets. Even the bacon bits that are used in certain recipes aren't made from real pork. Lo and behold, I've since discovered that although it doesn't claim to be owned or affiliated with any Christian denomination, 3ABN has pretty close ties to the Seventh Day Adventist church. In case you aren't aware, Seventh Day Adventists adhere to traditional Jewish dietary laws and generally tend, for claimed health reasons, to be vegetarians. They also don't believe people have immortal souls or in the existence of Hell. What barely keeps Seventh Day Adventists within the scope of Christianity is their acceptance of the Trinity and Jesus' divinity.
An even more goofy show that I've recently seen is a call-in Bible discussion show featuring a guy named Harold Camping. This guy not only preaches that the era of the "church" is over and we are currently in the process of the Great Tribulation, he also seems to believe that watching any movies about Jesus, or owning any artistic depictions of Him, is a violation of the Commandment against worshipping graven images. Yeah, wierd.
I usually pass right on by them, but I've recently been catching a few novel and uintentionally amusing Protestant tv shows that are broadcast here in the Sacramento region. One is a cooking and health show produced by 3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network). What I found kind of interesting about this show is the consistent emphasis it places on having vegetarian dishes and diets. Even the bacon bits that are used in certain recipes aren't made from real pork. Lo and behold, I've since discovered that although it doesn't claim to be owned or affiliated with any Christian denomination, 3ABN has pretty close ties to the Seventh Day Adventist church. In case you aren't aware, Seventh Day Adventists adhere to traditional Jewish dietary laws and generally tend, for claimed health reasons, to be vegetarians. They also don't believe people have immortal souls or in the existence of Hell. What barely keeps Seventh Day Adventists within the scope of Christianity is their acceptance of the Trinity and Jesus' divinity.
An even more goofy show that I've recently seen is a call-in Bible discussion show featuring a guy named Harold Camping. This guy not only preaches that the era of the "church" is over and we are currently in the process of the Great Tribulation, he also seems to believe that watching any movies about Jesus, or owning any artistic depictions of Him, is a violation of the Commandment against worshipping graven images. Yeah, wierd.
Another Reason to Stay Out of Public Schools
The California Teachers' Association endorse Howard Dean for President. Hacks.
The California Teachers' Association endorse Howard Dean for President. Hacks.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Saint "Pepto Bismol"
Please especially pray for me today. (I've gotta lay off those frozen burritos).
Please especially pray for me today. (I've gotta lay off those frozen burritos).
Pray for the Persecuted
Twelve "underground" Catholic clerics in China are arrested.
Religious gatherings are banned in China unless held under the auspices of state-approved religious groups. China broke links with the Vatican in the 1950s and has its own Catholic Church, which pledges loyalty to Beijing instead of the pope.
In the pope's most recent list of new cardinals, it was widely assumed that one appointed "in pectore" — without his name being given, for his own protection — was Chinese.
Twelve "underground" Catholic clerics in China are arrested.
Religious gatherings are banned in China unless held under the auspices of state-approved religious groups. China broke links with the Vatican in the 1950s and has its own Catholic Church, which pledges loyalty to Beijing instead of the pope.
In the pope's most recent list of new cardinals, it was widely assumed that one appointed "in pectore" — without his name being given, for his own protection — was Chinese.
Monday, October 27, 2003
Gotta be East Coast Bias
Keeping up the sports theme today, it confounds me to end how USC can be ranked no. 3 in the writers' and coaches' polls, but be ranked no. 4 behind Florida State (ranked no. 5 in the aforementioned polls) in the BCS poll.
Update: In case anyone is wondering, the BCS poll is the only ranking system that really matters, since it determines who plays for the national championship.
Keeping up the sports theme today, it confounds me to end how USC can be ranked no. 3 in the writers' and coaches' polls, but be ranked no. 4 behind Florida State (ranked no. 5 in the aforementioned polls) in the BCS poll.
Update: In case anyone is wondering, the BCS poll is the only ranking system that really matters, since it determines who plays for the national championship.
It's the Curse, Stupid!
The Boston Red Sox fire their manager, even though he brought them to the brink of winning the AL Penant.
If it were me, I would have left Pedro in the game too.
The Boston Red Sox fire their manager, even though he brought them to the brink of winning the AL Penant.
If it were me, I would have left Pedro in the game too.
You Mean This Just Doesn't Happen in California the United States?
An Italian court orders a Crucifix in a public school classroom be removed. The interesting twist to this story is that display of the Crucifix is actually required by law.
An Italian court orders a Crucifix in a public school classroom be removed. The interesting twist to this story is that display of the Crucifix is actually required by law.
Evil Empire Defeated
I'm a little late in commenting on this, but I was sure glad to see the Marlins win the World Series, if only because as both a Dodgers and Red Sox fan, I truly despise the Yankees. I'm a little confused, though, on which saint Marlin Manager Jack McKeon thanked for looking out for him at the post game press conference. Was it St. Theresa (of Avila) or St. Therese (of Lisieux)?
I'm a little late in commenting on this, but I was sure glad to see the Marlins win the World Series, if only because as both a Dodgers and Red Sox fan, I truly despise the Yankees. I'm a little confused, though, on which saint Marlin Manager Jack McKeon thanked for looking out for him at the post game press conference. Was it St. Theresa (of Avila) or St. Therese (of Lisieux)?
Intriguing
Is it just a coincidence that there are massive brush fires going on at the same time to the immediate north, east and south of Los Angeles? Joseph Farah at WorldnetDaily.com wonders.
In August, Australian authorities launched an investigation into reports al-Qaida planned to spark bushfires in a new wave of devastating terror attacks.
A June 25 FBI memo to United States law enforcement agencies revealed a senior al-Qaida detainee claimed to have developed a plan to start midsummer forest fires in the U.S.
The terrorist hoped to mimic the destruction that devastated Canberra last summer, killing four people and destroying more than 500 homes, as well as in other parts of Australia.
The memo, obtained by the Arizona Republic newspaper, said an unidentified detainee revealed he hoped to create several large, catastrophic wildfires at once.
Is it just a coincidence that there are massive brush fires going on at the same time to the immediate north, east and south of Los Angeles? Joseph Farah at WorldnetDaily.com wonders.
In August, Australian authorities launched an investigation into reports al-Qaida planned to spark bushfires in a new wave of devastating terror attacks.
A June 25 FBI memo to United States law enforcement agencies revealed a senior al-Qaida detainee claimed to have developed a plan to start midsummer forest fires in the U.S.
The terrorist hoped to mimic the destruction that devastated Canberra last summer, killing four people and destroying more than 500 homes, as well as in other parts of Australia.
The memo, obtained by the Arizona Republic newspaper, said an unidentified detainee revealed he hoped to create several large, catastrophic wildfires at once.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Anti-Catholic Twit
This guy's bigoted screed against the Church and JP II is as idiotic as the lawsuit filed against worldwide Jews whose ancestors allegedly stole from Egypt 3300 years ago.
This guy's bigoted screed against the Church and JP II is as idiotic as the lawsuit filed against worldwide Jews whose ancestors allegedly stole from Egypt 3300 years ago.
Blessed Mother Teresa Film Premiere
Wish I was in So. Cal. to see it tonight.
The video homage was designed to allow Mother Teresa, in effect, to narrate her state funeral. It provides a final stage from which to address faith.
"She discusses the nature of evil or sin as loss of the presence of God," Ann Petrie said. "She said as you have love in action, you have hatred in action and that is a great spiritual poverty."
Wish I was in So. Cal. to see it tonight.
The video homage was designed to allow Mother Teresa, in effect, to narrate her state funeral. It provides a final stage from which to address faith.
"She discusses the nature of evil or sin as loss of the presence of God," Ann Petrie said. "She said as you have love in action, you have hatred in action and that is a great spiritual poverty."
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Holy Crap!
I did a Google web search for "catholic celebrities" and among the first results that pop up are links to sites that say "Catholic Celebrities Britney Spears Nude Daytona Beach Shots" and "Free Britney Spears Hot Mpegs Catholic Celebrities".
There are some seriously warped people out there.
I did a Google web search for "catholic celebrities" and among the first results that pop up are links to sites that say "Catholic Celebrities Britney Spears Nude Daytona Beach Shots" and "Free Britney Spears Hot Mpegs Catholic Celebrities".
There are some seriously warped people out there.
Expect This Confused Teen to be a Poster Boy for the Gay Brownshirt Brigade
Teen sues Christian school for expelling him after he admits to being gay and refuses to seek counseling.
Karen Doering, an attorney with the National Center for Lesbian Rights in Tampa, agrees that the school did nothing illegal.
"Unfortunately, in the state of Florida, discrimination based on sexual orientation is not specifically prohibited by any law," Doering told the paper. "When it comes to public schools, it is clear the Constitution protects youth based on sexual orientation; however, that does not apply to private schools."
She must be referring to the Florida State Constitution (of which I know nothing about) because there is no specific protection afforded to individuals on the basis of sexual orientation in the U.S. Constitution. And no, Lawrence v. Texas did not just make practicing homosexuals into a protected class of persons.
Teen sues Christian school for expelling him after he admits to being gay and refuses to seek counseling.
Karen Doering, an attorney with the National Center for Lesbian Rights in Tampa, agrees that the school did nothing illegal.
"Unfortunately, in the state of Florida, discrimination based on sexual orientation is not specifically prohibited by any law," Doering told the paper. "When it comes to public schools, it is clear the Constitution protects youth based on sexual orientation; however, that does not apply to private schools."
She must be referring to the Florida State Constitution (of which I know nothing about) because there is no specific protection afforded to individuals on the basis of sexual orientation in the U.S. Constitution. And no, Lawrence v. Texas did not just make practicing homosexuals into a protected class of persons.
Same Democrat Sh%#, Different Day
California Supreme Court Justice, and D.C. Court of Appeals Nominee, Janice Rogers Brown is conservative, pro-life, and Black. If you think Senate DemocRATS aren't going to resort to jingoistic lies and propaganda to derail her nomination, I've got some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you.
California Supreme Court Justice, and D.C. Court of Appeals Nominee, Janice Rogers Brown is conservative, pro-life, and Black. If you think Senate DemocRATS aren't going to resort to jingoistic lies and propaganda to derail her nomination, I've got some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you.
Typical Union Thuggery
In case you haven't heard or read, several supermarket unions throughout Southern California have gone on strike (technically, they've been "locked out"). As is pretty typical of unions when they picket, two members have been arrested for allegedly beating a replacement worker with basball bat.
What is it with these thugs, and why is it that unions are even necessary anymore with all the legal protections that employees have against "exploitation"? I'm telling you, the only people who benefit from unions these days are the elitest/communistic mafiosos who run them, and not the common rank and file members or those employees who are forced to pay non-member "fair-share" fees.
In case you haven't heard or read, several supermarket unions throughout Southern California have gone on strike (technically, they've been "locked out"). As is pretty typical of unions when they picket, two members have been arrested for allegedly beating a replacement worker with basball bat.
What is it with these thugs, and why is it that unions are even necessary anymore with all the legal protections that employees have against "exploitation"? I'm telling you, the only people who benefit from unions these days are the elitest/communistic mafiosos who run them, and not the common rank and file members or those employees who are forced to pay non-member "fair-share" fees.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
The Job Has Its Funny Moments
As an attorney who, for the remaining 2 1/2 months at least, primarily focuses on defending religious liberties, I get contacted by a good number conspiracy kooks. The most recent contact was from some guy who claims that the Dalai Lama and practioners of Buddhism were responsible for 9/11, and not the Islamic terrorists who were apparently under their insidious control. I'm not making this up. The guy's explanation for how the DL and Buddhists manipulated the terrorists is a bit unclear, but it has something to do with a mixture of sand and urine and them throwing it into the Potomac River. Anyway, whenever I get these kind of calls or e-mails, I'm reminded of how thankful to God I should be on the vocation that He has inspired me to pursue. Really.
As an attorney who, for the remaining 2 1/2 months at least, primarily focuses on defending religious liberties, I get contacted by a good number conspiracy kooks. The most recent contact was from some guy who claims that the Dalai Lama and practioners of Buddhism were responsible for 9/11, and not the Islamic terrorists who were apparently under their insidious control. I'm not making this up. The guy's explanation for how the DL and Buddhists manipulated the terrorists is a bit unclear, but it has something to do with a mixture of sand and urine and them throwing it into the Potomac River. Anyway, whenever I get these kind of calls or e-mails, I'm reminded of how thankful to God I should be on the vocation that He has inspired me to pursue. Really.
If it Doesn't Have a Kung-Fu Grip, it's a Doll
Just in time for Christmas, the Ann Coulter Talking "Action Figure" is now available for purchase!
Just in time for Christmas, the Ann Coulter Talking "Action Figure" is now available for purchase!
NOW Goes Apoplectic Over Federal PBA Ban
Looks like someone has been taking courses in propaganda from our old friend Baghdad Bob.
"Try as you might, you won't find the term 'partial birth abortion' in any medical dictionary. That's because it doesn't exist in the medical world—-it's a fabrication of the anti-choice machine," [NOW President Kim] Gandy said.
Looks like someone has been taking courses in propaganda from our old friend Baghdad Bob.
"Try as you might, you won't find the term 'partial birth abortion' in any medical dictionary. That's because it doesn't exist in the medical world—-it's a fabrication of the anti-choice machine," [NOW President Kim] Gandy said.
TV Movie About Ronald Reagan to Air on CBS
And starring as the former President is...Mr. Barbara Streisand (James Brolin). With that in mind, it would seem the odds of pigs gaining the ability to fly are better than this movie being accurate, or even objective.
And starring as the former President is...Mr. Barbara Streisand (James Brolin). With that in mind, it would seem the odds of pigs gaining the ability to fly are better than this movie being accurate, or even objective.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Why is This News?
Maybe the "objective" media is just happy that Moloch is ready and willing to fight the impending ban on one type of baby butchery.
Passage of the legislation will end a long congressional battle that began in 1995 when Republicans gained control of both the House and Senate and used the debate as a way to place Democratic abortion rights lawmakers on the defensive. Former President Clinton vetoed two measures, arguing they were unconstitutional, and a third attempt to enact legislation was thwarted when Democrats gained control of the Senate midway through 2001.
Yet the triumph of abortion foes in Congress will also trigger a new phase in the larger war.
The Center for Reproductive Rights, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood are all poised to file suits challenging the ban in scattered locations, possibly even before the president has time to sign the legislation.
A fourth group, NARAL Pro-Choice America, intends to go after the president politically with television commercials in Iowa and New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation caucus and primary states of the 2004 presidential campaign.
Maybe the "objective" media is just happy that Moloch is ready and willing to fight the impending ban on one type of baby butchery.
Passage of the legislation will end a long congressional battle that began in 1995 when Republicans gained control of both the House and Senate and used the debate as a way to place Democratic abortion rights lawmakers on the defensive. Former President Clinton vetoed two measures, arguing they were unconstitutional, and a third attempt to enact legislation was thwarted when Democrats gained control of the Senate midway through 2001.
Yet the triumph of abortion foes in Congress will also trigger a new phase in the larger war.
The Center for Reproductive Rights, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood are all poised to file suits challenging the ban in scattered locations, possibly even before the president has time to sign the legislation.
A fourth group, NARAL Pro-Choice America, intends to go after the president politically with television commercials in Iowa and New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation caucus and primary states of the 2004 presidential campaign.
Witchhunt at RWU
A university named after the effective founder of the Baptist Church in the United States shuts down a conservative student-run newspaper that dared to accuse the school of supporting anti-religious policies.
The story begins in August, when the university sponsored two speakers under the ostensible banner of diversity. As things turned out, the speakers, Judy Shepard, mother of slain homosexual Mathew Shepard, and James Dale, a gay man kicked out of the Boy Scouts, were interested in anything but diversity. Instead, the speakers took the occasion to denounce organized religion and cast aspersion upon President Bush’s demonstrable commitment to civil rights.
“Churches are damaging us as a society,” Shepard explained in a mandatory speech to freshmen during Welcome Week. “They don’t allow us to grow,” she continued. Students expecting a talk focusing exclusively on the evils of homophobia—what we would expect from Shepard—were unpleasantly surprised by Shepard’s tirade against churches.
A university named after the effective founder of the Baptist Church in the United States shuts down a conservative student-run newspaper that dared to accuse the school of supporting anti-religious policies.
The story begins in August, when the university sponsored two speakers under the ostensible banner of diversity. As things turned out, the speakers, Judy Shepard, mother of slain homosexual Mathew Shepard, and James Dale, a gay man kicked out of the Boy Scouts, were interested in anything but diversity. Instead, the speakers took the occasion to denounce organized religion and cast aspersion upon President Bush’s demonstrable commitment to civil rights.
“Churches are damaging us as a society,” Shepard explained in a mandatory speech to freshmen during Welcome Week. “They don’t allow us to grow,” she continued. Students expecting a talk focusing exclusively on the evils of homophobia—what we would expect from Shepard—were unpleasantly surprised by Shepard’s tirade against churches.
Ninth Circuit Reversed Yet Again
SCOTUS vindicates a lawyer who had characterized his own client as a "stinking thief jailbird" during trial.
The high court reinstated a conviction in the case of Lionel Gentry, a California man convicted of stabbing his pregnant, drug-addicted girlfriend during an argument.
"To be sure, Gentry's lawyer was no Aristotle, or even Clarence Darrow," the court wrote in a short, unsigned opinion.
Still, the lawyer's choice of words or strategy did not rise to the level of harming his client, the court said. The lawyer may have had good tactical reasons for presenting the case the way he did, the high court added.
"By candidly acknowledging his client's shortcomings, counsel might have built credibility with the jury and persuaded it to focus on the relevant issue in the case," the court said.
A bit of an overrationalization by the Court if you ask me, but the decision does seem to be correct.
SCOTUS vindicates a lawyer who had characterized his own client as a "stinking thief jailbird" during trial.
The high court reinstated a conviction in the case of Lionel Gentry, a California man convicted of stabbing his pregnant, drug-addicted girlfriend during an argument.
"To be sure, Gentry's lawyer was no Aristotle, or even Clarence Darrow," the court wrote in a short, unsigned opinion.
Still, the lawyer's choice of words or strategy did not rise to the level of harming his client, the court said. The lawyer may have had good tactical reasons for presenting the case the way he did, the high court added.
"By candidly acknowledging his client's shortcomings, counsel might have built credibility with the jury and persuaded it to focus on the relevant issue in the case," the court said.
A bit of an overrationalization by the Court if you ask me, but the decision does seem to be correct.
Monday, October 20, 2003
Render Unto Caesar
Bill Pryor responds to criticisms of his role in the removal of the Ten Commandments monument in Alabama.
Now that the monument has been removed, the media and demonstrators have returned home, and the shouting has subsided, I want to state a respectful and complete response to these arguments. I believe I had a moral duty, as a Christian, to obey the federal injunction. There was no moral justification for civil disobedience.
My oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, sworn to God with my hand on the Bible, required me, as attorney general of Alabama, to obey the injunction without regard to whether I agreed with the basis for that injunction. My moral duty was not in conflict nor even in tension with my legal duty. My Christian duty instead provided the foundation for my public duty.
Bill Pryor responds to criticisms of his role in the removal of the Ten Commandments monument in Alabama.
Now that the monument has been removed, the media and demonstrators have returned home, and the shouting has subsided, I want to state a respectful and complete response to these arguments. I believe I had a moral duty, as a Christian, to obey the federal injunction. There was no moral justification for civil disobedience.
My oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, sworn to God with my hand on the Bible, required me, as attorney general of Alabama, to obey the injunction without regard to whether I agreed with the basis for that injunction. My moral duty was not in conflict nor even in tension with my legal duty. My Christian duty instead provided the foundation for my public duty.
Friday, October 17, 2003
The Party of Non-Belief
Daniel Henninger of the Wall Street Journal notes that electoral contests between Democrats and Republicans have effectively become battles between secular liberals and God-believing conservatives.
According to the national convention delegate surveys, write Messrs. Bolce and De Maio, "60% of first-time white delegates at the [1992] Democratic convention in New York City either claimed no attachment to religion or displayed the minimal attachment by attending worship services 'a few times a year' or less. About 5% of first-time delegates at the Republican convention in Houston identified themselves as secularists."
In the 1992 election, Bill Clinton got 75% of the secularist vote, while the current President's father received support from traditionalists (churchgoers) by 2 to 1. That pattern held in the 2000 election. "In terms of their size and party loyalty," Messrs. Bolce and De Maio argue, "secularists today are as important to the Democratic party as another key constituency, organized labor."
Daniel Henninger of the Wall Street Journal notes that electoral contests between Democrats and Republicans have effectively become battles between secular liberals and God-believing conservatives.
According to the national convention delegate surveys, write Messrs. Bolce and De Maio, "60% of first-time white delegates at the [1992] Democratic convention in New York City either claimed no attachment to religion or displayed the minimal attachment by attending worship services 'a few times a year' or less. About 5% of first-time delegates at the Republican convention in Houston identified themselves as secularists."
In the 1992 election, Bill Clinton got 75% of the secularist vote, while the current President's father received support from traditionalists (churchgoers) by 2 to 1. That pattern held in the 2000 election. "In terms of their size and party loyalty," Messrs. Bolce and De Maio argue, "secularists today are as important to the Democratic party as another key constituency, organized labor."
Un-freakin'-believable
Moral theologian who dumped his first wife for a younger woman slams JP II for unfulfilled promises. (article via Mark Shea).
The Vatican has also forced its opposition to condom use — even to prevent the spread of AIDS — onto the U.N. stage and elsewhere. This kind of ignorance is not just unfortunate; it is murderous. And this energetic pope has personally taken this message around the world.
So what Mr. Maguire is telling us here is that the pope has been going around the world and telling people who have AIDS to engage in sexual intercourse. Mr. Maguire presumably also has a bridge in Brooklyn that he would like to sell.
Moral theologian who dumped his first wife for a younger woman slams JP II for unfulfilled promises. (article via Mark Shea).
The Vatican has also forced its opposition to condom use — even to prevent the spread of AIDS — onto the U.N. stage and elsewhere. This kind of ignorance is not just unfortunate; it is murderous. And this energetic pope has personally taken this message around the world.
So what Mr. Maguire is telling us here is that the pope has been going around the world and telling people who have AIDS to engage in sexual intercourse. Mr. Maguire presumably also has a bridge in Brooklyn that he would like to sell.
Yes, Farm Animals Have More Protection to Life Than Terri Schiavo
Under Title 9 Section 2.131(a)(2)(ii) of the Code of Federal Regulations:
Deprivation of food or water shall not be used to train, work, or otherwise handle animals; Provided, however, That the short-term withholding of food or water from animals by exhibitors is allowed by these regulations as long as each of the animals affected receives its full dietary and nutrition requirements each day.
Under Title 9 Section 2.131(a)(2)(ii) of the Code of Federal Regulations:
Deprivation of food or water shall not be used to train, work, or otherwise handle animals; Provided, however, That the short-term withholding of food or water from animals by exhibitors is allowed by these regulations as long as each of the animals affected receives its full dietary and nutrition requirements each day.
Judicial Brownshirt?
The Florida judge who sentenced Terri Schiavo to death gets innundated with angry e-mails; says he was just doing his job.
Gee, where have I heard that before? Oh yeah, the Nuremberg Trials!
The Florida judge who sentenced Terri Schiavo to death gets innundated with angry e-mails; says he was just doing his job.
Gee, where have I heard that before? Oh yeah, the Nuremberg Trials!
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Suicide by Court Order
The Barrister has posted an interesting 'blog on the legal ironies surrounding Terri Schiavo, and how under certain circumstances, Governor Bush could actually commute Terri's efective death sentence.
For the sake argument, however, let's say Terri's dirtbag of a husband is to be believed, and that she actually did express a clear desire not to be kept alive should she ever be in a permanent vegetative state (which, btw, I don't believe she is in). Would this make the decision by the Florida courts to have her feeding tubes removed so she can slowly die credible, or even correct? Absolutely not. People in a permanent vegetative state are not, per se, suffering from a terminal illness that would normally kill them without the aid of artificial life support. As such, what Terri has allegedly requested to do here is commit suicide on the subjective premise that being in a permanent vegetative state is undignified and less than human. From a rational and moral standpoint, this is not something the state of Florida should be condoning, much less assisting. But it is, and as long as it does so, one should not be surprised to learn one day that licenses will be available for anyone who is interested in running a business specializing in assisted suicide. Jack Kervorkian isn't a deranged criminal. He was just ahead of his time.
The Barrister has posted an interesting 'blog on the legal ironies surrounding Terri Schiavo, and how under certain circumstances, Governor Bush could actually commute Terri's efective death sentence.
For the sake argument, however, let's say Terri's dirtbag of a husband is to be believed, and that she actually did express a clear desire not to be kept alive should she ever be in a permanent vegetative state (which, btw, I don't believe she is in). Would this make the decision by the Florida courts to have her feeding tubes removed so she can slowly die credible, or even correct? Absolutely not. People in a permanent vegetative state are not, per se, suffering from a terminal illness that would normally kill them without the aid of artificial life support. As such, what Terri has allegedly requested to do here is commit suicide on the subjective premise that being in a permanent vegetative state is undignified and less than human. From a rational and moral standpoint, this is not something the state of Florida should be condoning, much less assisting. But it is, and as long as it does so, one should not be surprised to learn one day that licenses will be available for anyone who is interested in running a business specializing in assisted suicide. Jack Kervorkian isn't a deranged criminal. He was just ahead of his time.
Half of U.S. Catholics (and the Media) Don't Know What the Hell They are Talking About
That's the only way to describe this idiotic poll by USA Today regarding JP II's "declining approval numbers." People, even though it entails having to perform some political duties, the papacy is no more of a political office than Judas' betrayal of Jesus was a recall.
That's the only way to describe this idiotic poll by USA Today regarding JP II's "declining approval numbers." People, even though it entails having to perform some political duties, the papacy is no more of a political office than Judas' betrayal of Jesus was a recall.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
No Great Evangelical Blogs
According to conservative political radio show host Hugh Hewitt (who, btw, used to be Catholic). Gee, I don't know. Although I have some typical Roman Catholic based issues with it, the Evangelical 'blog at Christianity Today isn't half bad.
According to conservative political radio show host Hugh Hewitt (who, btw, used to be Catholic). Gee, I don't know. Although I have some typical Roman Catholic based issues with it, the Evangelical 'blog at Christianity Today isn't half bad.
More Bombshells in Kobe Bryant Case
The lead investigator testifies that the alleged victim not only admitted to twice having sexual intercourse with other men just before her encounter with Kobe, the underpants she wore to the hospital the day after she was allegedly raped by the Lakers superstar contained someone else's semen. Quoting Drudge, "Developing..."
The lead investigator testifies that the alleged victim not only admitted to twice having sexual intercourse with other men just before her encounter with Kobe, the underpants she wore to the hospital the day after she was allegedly raped by the Lakers superstar contained someone else's semen. Quoting Drudge, "Developing..."
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Barbara Boxer=Death
There's little question that she perpetuates this culture with her rabid support of unfettered abortion rights. Taking the charge one step further, however, Concerned Women for America, a conservative political activist group founded by the wife of fundamentalist End Times guru Tim LaHaye, has ascribed a link between Boxer and the recent tragic death of a pregnant teen who had taken the abortion pill RU-486.
There's little question that she perpetuates this culture with her rabid support of unfettered abortion rights. Taking the charge one step further, however, Concerned Women for America, a conservative political activist group founded by the wife of fundamentalist End Times guru Tim LaHaye, has ascribed a link between Boxer and the recent tragic death of a pregnant teen who had taken the abortion pill RU-486.
Seems Pontius Pilot-esque
Gov. Bush "washes his hands" with Terri Schiavo; claims separation of powers doctrine prevents his office from doing anything more.
"This is in the court's hands," Bush's press secretary Alia Faraj told WorldNetDaily. "Our government has committed these decisions to the judicial branch, and we must respect that process." (...)
Vowing to fight to the end, Robert Schindler has urged Gov. Bush to intervene by ordering Florida's Department of Children and Families to investigate whether Michael Schiavo mistreated and withheld therapy from Terri. Schiavo denies those charges. (...)
Bush's spokeswoman, Faraj, maintained, however, the governor does not have the authority to order such an intervention, restating that the courts have made their decision.
Bill Spann, a spokesman for the Department of Children and Families, would not answer directly whether the agency has the statutory power to intervene at this point in the process, stating only "the issue has already been decided by the courts of the state of Florida."
Gov. Bush "washes his hands" with Terri Schiavo; claims separation of powers doctrine prevents his office from doing anything more.
"This is in the court's hands," Bush's press secretary Alia Faraj told WorldNetDaily. "Our government has committed these decisions to the judicial branch, and we must respect that process." (...)
Vowing to fight to the end, Robert Schindler has urged Gov. Bush to intervene by ordering Florida's Department of Children and Families to investigate whether Michael Schiavo mistreated and withheld therapy from Terri. Schiavo denies those charges. (...)
Bush's spokeswoman, Faraj, maintained, however, the governor does not have the authority to order such an intervention, restating that the courts have made their decision.
Bill Spann, a spokesman for the Department of Children and Families, would not answer directly whether the agency has the statutory power to intervene at this point in the process, stating only "the issue has already been decided by the courts of the state of Florida."
SCOTUS Will Review Pledge Case
Although, there is a slight chance the Court won't even make a ruling on whether the words "under God" is constitutional, since also under examination will be the legal standing of Michael Newdow to sue.
Although, there is a slight chance the Court won't even make a ruling on whether the words "under God" is constitutional, since also under examination will be the legal standing of Michael Newdow to sue.
Monday, October 13, 2003
Scorched Earth
Not content to just fade away quietly, "Gay" Davis signs another gay-friendly bill that requires businesses with "large" state contracts to extend benefits enjoyed by spouses to "domestic partners."
Not content to just fade away quietly, "Gay" Davis signs another gay-friendly bill that requires businesses with "large" state contracts to extend benefits enjoyed by spouses to "domestic partners."
Beat the Irish!
After pounding Stanford (a.k.a. the trees) this past Saturday, #5 USC (who is ranked fourth in the USA Today/ESPN poll) will be playing unranked arch-rival Notre Dame for the 75th time next Saturday. Since the game is at South Bend, don't expect the Trojans to thrash the Irish as bad as they did last year (44-13). Fight On!
Update: The week after USC, Notre Dame will be playing Boston College, the only other Catholic university with a Division 1-A football team. I'll be rootin' for the Eagles.
After pounding Stanford (a.k.a. the trees) this past Saturday, #5 USC (who is ranked fourth in the USA Today/ESPN poll) will be playing unranked arch-rival Notre Dame for the 75th time next Saturday. Since the game is at South Bend, don't expect the Trojans to thrash the Irish as bad as they did last year (44-13). Fight On!
Update: The week after USC, Notre Dame will be playing Boston College, the only other Catholic university with a Division 1-A football team. I'll be rootin' for the Eagles.
Maybe They Can Call It "Cuba West"
After Arnold's win, California Lefties offhandedly suggest that the state's coastal region should secede.
Oscar Grande is still "in shock" over the results of Tuesday's recall election, but the environmental activist takes comfort knowing his friends and neighbors feel equally disturbed by the Republican actor's lopsided victory.
"This is still San Francisco, and we're like our own little island from the rest of California," said the 30-year-old organizer in the city's Mission district. "The folks in the suburbs and the Central Valley were so pumped about him -- it really blew me away."
Arrogance personified, no? By the way, in case you haven't been there in a while, San Francisco has become quite the haven for the homeless panhandlers. People in this city are absolutely clueless when it comes to government.
After Arnold's win, California Lefties offhandedly suggest that the state's coastal region should secede.
Oscar Grande is still "in shock" over the results of Tuesday's recall election, but the environmental activist takes comfort knowing his friends and neighbors feel equally disturbed by the Republican actor's lopsided victory.
"This is still San Francisco, and we're like our own little island from the rest of California," said the 30-year-old organizer in the city's Mission district. "The folks in the suburbs and the Central Valley were so pumped about him -- it really blew me away."
Arrogance personified, no? By the way, in case you haven't been there in a while, San Francisco has become quite the haven for the homeless panhandlers. People in this city are absolutely clueless when it comes to government.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
JP II's 25th
A more or less nice summary of the Holy Father's papacy. However, like most of the secular media, the writer of this column can't resist displaying his utter ignorance of Catholicism.
[Fisk mode on]
Under John Paul II, Rome has been unyielding in its opposition to birth control, the ordination of women and all forms of abortion. Changing attitudes in the West toward homosexuality, divorce and sex outside the bounds of marriage have done little to convince the pope to reconsider church teachings in those areas.
This paragraph appears to do two things. First, it takes a backhanded swipe at the pope for not "rolling with the times," and then it presumes that the pope can change Church doctrine whenever he well feels like it. The sad part of this, of course, is that a lot of American Catholics actually believe this.
In recent years, a widening scandal over sexual abuse and criminal sexual conduct by American priests finally got the pope's attention.
Finally got his attention? I guess for media folk, you're ignoring a problem until you say something to them about it. What arrogance.
Countless public opinion polls on the pontiff and his policies have come to the same conclusion: People love the pope, while disagreeing with much of his doctrine.
Policies?! His doctrine?! This sentence pretty much confirms how ignorant this writer is about the Catholic faith. More importantly, though, it provides a great example of how Americans have a great tendency to impose worldly standards to things that are not of this world.
[Fisk mode off]
A more or less nice summary of the Holy Father's papacy. However, like most of the secular media, the writer of this column can't resist displaying his utter ignorance of Catholicism.
[Fisk mode on]
Under John Paul II, Rome has been unyielding in its opposition to birth control, the ordination of women and all forms of abortion. Changing attitudes in the West toward homosexuality, divorce and sex outside the bounds of marriage have done little to convince the pope to reconsider church teachings in those areas.
This paragraph appears to do two things. First, it takes a backhanded swipe at the pope for not "rolling with the times," and then it presumes that the pope can change Church doctrine whenever he well feels like it. The sad part of this, of course, is that a lot of American Catholics actually believe this.
In recent years, a widening scandal over sexual abuse and criminal sexual conduct by American priests finally got the pope's attention.
Finally got his attention? I guess for media folk, you're ignoring a problem until you say something to them about it. What arrogance.
Countless public opinion polls on the pontiff and his policies have come to the same conclusion: People love the pope, while disagreeing with much of his doctrine.
Policies?! His doctrine?! This sentence pretty much confirms how ignorant this writer is about the Catholic faith. More importantly, though, it provides a great example of how Americans have a great tendency to impose worldly standards to things that are not of this world.
[Fisk mode off]
Friday, October 10, 2003
Rush's Addiction
Liberals are anything by unpredictable. Consider, for example, the following feeble attempt at "gotcha logic" in this article I found via Lex Communis (link on the right side of this page). As you'll see, the focus of the article/commentary is on Rush Limbaugh's admitted addiction to prescription pain killers, and the fact that he might have obtained some of it through unlawful means. The commentator, whose name is unimportant, provides several past quotes from Rush regarding users of illegal drugs, and how he believes such persons should be prosecuted and jailed. In a rhetorically whimsical manner, the commentator wonders if Rush would apply the same standard to himself. Obviously, like so many other knee-jerk Liberals, this typical political hack has taken the tone of trying to paint Rush as some sort of moral hypocrite who ought never to be taken seriously again by anyone. Nevermind the fact that the drugs Rush became addicted to and might have obtained illegally are in and of themselves not illegal, or that he has never said that he should be exempt from any illegal act he might have committed. This hack has also conveniently overlooked the fact that Rush has never once encouraged anyone to view him as some kind of role model (he affirmed that today). At most, Rush has merely used himself as a living example that even after multiple failures (which he has always owned up to and taken responsibility for) a person can still succeed through sheer perseverence and a commitment to hard work. Rush has not deviated from this message in his latest life challenge, and it is a shame that people who disagree with him are frothing at the mouth and using this occasion to try and discredit him. Liberals just don't seem to understand that you aren't claiming to be a perfect person by consistently standing up for what is right or moral.
Liberals are anything by unpredictable. Consider, for example, the following feeble attempt at "gotcha logic" in this article I found via Lex Communis (link on the right side of this page). As you'll see, the focus of the article/commentary is on Rush Limbaugh's admitted addiction to prescription pain killers, and the fact that he might have obtained some of it through unlawful means. The commentator, whose name is unimportant, provides several past quotes from Rush regarding users of illegal drugs, and how he believes such persons should be prosecuted and jailed. In a rhetorically whimsical manner, the commentator wonders if Rush would apply the same standard to himself. Obviously, like so many other knee-jerk Liberals, this typical political hack has taken the tone of trying to paint Rush as some sort of moral hypocrite who ought never to be taken seriously again by anyone. Nevermind the fact that the drugs Rush became addicted to and might have obtained illegally are in and of themselves not illegal, or that he has never said that he should be exempt from any illegal act he might have committed. This hack has also conveniently overlooked the fact that Rush has never once encouraged anyone to view him as some kind of role model (he affirmed that today). At most, Rush has merely used himself as a living example that even after multiple failures (which he has always owned up to and taken responsibility for) a person can still succeed through sheer perseverence and a commitment to hard work. Rush has not deviated from this message in his latest life challenge, and it is a shame that people who disagree with him are frothing at the mouth and using this occasion to try and discredit him. Liberals just don't seem to understand that you aren't claiming to be a perfect person by consistently standing up for what is right or moral.
Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act
Nice piece on why it should be enacted and signed into law, even though it annoyingly uses the words "the church" in an obvious and decidedly Protestant manner (i.e., the church is not visible and it bascially includes anyone who is "born again" and accepts Christ as their personal blah, blah, blah...).
Nice piece on why it should be enacted and signed into law, even though it annoyingly uses the words "the church" in an obvious and decidedly Protestant manner (i.e., the church is not visible and it bascially includes anyone who is "born again" and accepts Christ as their personal blah, blah, blah...).
Straight Outta Left Field
As an attorney and Lakers fan, I gotta report this shocker. Defense attorneys in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case suggest that the alleged victim's injuries might have resulted from having sex with three different men in three days. Man, I don't think even the best public defender would have ever thought of asking that question. It'll be real interesting to see how this plays out.
As an attorney and Lakers fan, I gotta report this shocker. Defense attorneys in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case suggest that the alleged victim's injuries might have resulted from having sex with three different men in three days. Man, I don't think even the best public defender would have ever thought of asking that question. It'll be real interesting to see how this plays out.
They're Gonna Do It Anyway
That's the mantra one usually hears whenever an opposing argument is raised about the prudence of teaching minors about "safe sex" and condoms (which, as recently confirmed by the Vatican, is an oxymoron). Of course, if there was any merit to the "they're gonna do it anyway" rationale, one has to wonder why in the world states like California continue to spend millions of dollars on making and showing teen-based anti-tobacco/cigarette ads. Just this week alone, I've seen two kids in their early teens, one of whom actually looked like he was 11 or 12, walking along the street and openly puffing away on their death sticks.
That's the mantra one usually hears whenever an opposing argument is raised about the prudence of teaching minors about "safe sex" and condoms (which, as recently confirmed by the Vatican, is an oxymoron). Of course, if there was any merit to the "they're gonna do it anyway" rationale, one has to wonder why in the world states like California continue to spend millions of dollars on making and showing teen-based anti-tobacco/cigarette ads. Just this week alone, I've seen two kids in their early teens, one of whom actually looked like he was 11 or 12, walking along the street and openly puffing away on their death sticks.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
It's Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve
An Arizona appeals court upholds the state's "ban" on same-sex marriages.
"This is a huge victory because it repudiates the first homosexual assault after the Lawrence v. Texas decision," said Benjamin W. Bull, chief counsel with the Phoenix-based Alliance Defense Fund. "The Arizona Court of Appeals rejected any notion that Lawrence v. Texas legitimized same-sex marriage."
"That notion has now gone into the dumpster of history with all other hare-brained notions," he added.
An Arizona appeals court upholds the state's "ban" on same-sex marriages.
"This is a huge victory because it repudiates the first homosexual assault after the Lawrence v. Texas decision," said Benjamin W. Bull, chief counsel with the Phoenix-based Alliance Defense Fund. "The Arizona Court of Appeals rejected any notion that Lawrence v. Texas legitimized same-sex marriage."
"That notion has now gone into the dumpster of history with all other hare-brained notions," he added.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
The Name You Know
That was the campaign slogan of an Eddie Murphy movie character who cons people into thinking he was somebody that they had once before elected to office. Although he probably didn't intend to do the same thing, I'm sure a lot of people voted for George Schwartzman (he received over 10,000 votes) on the mistaken belief that they were voting for Ahnuld.
That was the campaign slogan of an Eddie Murphy movie character who cons people into thinking he was somebody that they had once before elected to office. Although he probably didn't intend to do the same thing, I'm sure a lot of people voted for George Schwartzman (he received over 10,000 votes) on the mistaken belief that they were voting for Ahnuld.
Flashback to 2000
Remember how in the last presidential election, most of the states that went for Gore were located on the two coasts (the blue states) while everyone in the middle pretty much went for Bush (the red states)? As a reflection of that phenomena, the results of this past recall election confirms that there is a definite political devide between California's coastal region and her own version of America's "flyover country."
Remember how in the last presidential election, most of the states that went for Gore were located on the two coasts (the blue states) while everyone in the middle pretty much went for Bush (the red states)? As a reflection of that phenomena, the results of this past recall election confirms that there is a definite political devide between California's coastal region and her own version of America's "flyover country."
The Muslim Barbie Doll
Razanne has the body of a preteen. The doll comes in three types: fair-skinned blonde, olive-skinned with black hair, or black skin and black hair.
Her aspirations are those of a modern Muslim woman. On the drawing board for future dolls are Dr. Razanne and possibly even Astronaut Razanne. There's also Muslim Girl Scout Razanne, complete with a cassette recording of the Muslim Scout's oath.
The idea light bulbs are furiously flashing in my head. I need investors to help me start a line of Buddha Barbies, Catholic Catherines, Fundamentalist Francines or Evangelical Emmas, Mormon Melissas...
Razanne has the body of a preteen. The doll comes in three types: fair-skinned blonde, olive-skinned with black hair, or black skin and black hair.
Her aspirations are those of a modern Muslim woman. On the drawing board for future dolls are Dr. Razanne and possibly even Astronaut Razanne. There's also Muslim Girl Scout Razanne, complete with a cassette recording of the Muslim Scout's oath.
The idea light bulbs are furiously flashing in my head. I need investors to help me start a line of Buddha Barbies, Catholic Catherines, Fundamentalist Francines or Evangelical Emmas, Mormon Melissas...
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Andrew Sullivan Must be Seething Over This
Dubya proclaims Oct. 12 through Oct. 18 as Marriage Protection Week.
Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is working to support the institution of marriage by helping couples build successful marriages and be good parents.
Dubya proclaims Oct. 12 through Oct. 18 as Marriage Protection Week.
Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is working to support the institution of marriage by helping couples build successful marriages and be good parents.
Not Sexy, but Significant
SCOTUS will hear an 11th Amendment case (which deals with sovereign immunity) that could potentially affect the enforceability of civil rights laws against government officials.
Texas Solicitor General Rafael E. Cruz argues to the high court that federal courts cannot enforce provisions of a state-signed consent decree that go beyond the requirements of the federal law involved.
Federalism and separation of powers, he said, "ensure that federal courts cannot do what the district court has attempted, to use a consent decree to take over a state program and dictate its daily operation, freed in equity from the constraints of federal law."
It's a little confusing, but it basically seems what Texas is trying to argue is that the 11th Amendment prevents the courts from enforcing an agreement that the state has freely entered into.
SCOTUS will hear an 11th Amendment case (which deals with sovereign immunity) that could potentially affect the enforceability of civil rights laws against government officials.
Texas Solicitor General Rafael E. Cruz argues to the high court that federal courts cannot enforce provisions of a state-signed consent decree that go beyond the requirements of the federal law involved.
Federalism and separation of powers, he said, "ensure that federal courts cannot do what the district court has attempted, to use a consent decree to take over a state program and dictate its daily operation, freed in equity from the constraints of federal law."
It's a little confusing, but it basically seems what Texas is trying to argue is that the 11th Amendment prevents the courts from enforcing an agreement that the state has freely entered into.
In the End...
I voted yes on the recall and effectively wasted my vote on a pro-life and family candidate who absolutely had no chance to win -- and it wasn't Tom "I've been letting the Dems play me like a drumb" McClintock.
On a related note, Sacramento County has got to get rid of its current use of numbers only punch-card ballots (you have to match the numbers to the candidates and questions that appear in a pamphlet that the county provides). Although I tried to be careful, it's driving me crazy that I can't remember if I punched the right numbers on the ballot initiatives that were presented.
I voted yes on the recall and effectively wasted my vote on a pro-life and family candidate who absolutely had no chance to win -- and it wasn't Tom "I've been letting the Dems play me like a drumb" McClintock.
On a related note, Sacramento County has got to get rid of its current use of numbers only punch-card ballots (you have to match the numbers to the candidates and questions that appear in a pamphlet that the county provides). Although I tried to be careful, it's driving me crazy that I can't remember if I punched the right numbers on the ballot initiatives that were presented.
Monday, October 06, 2003
What the Hell?!
Various dioceses, including Boston, adopt a sex ed program designed by a prostitution advocate group that lists employment opportunities in homosexual publications.
The "Talking About Touching" program is taught in over 5,000 public schools nationwide, and over 20,000 schools globally, according to Joan Duffell, director of community education for Seattle-based Committee for Children which produces the program. Average cost to a diocese for the program is $20,000 to $50,000 for the initial year.
The problem, complain some Catholic parents in the Archdiocese of Boston and elsewhere, is that the Committee for Children is actually the cleaned-up name of COYOTE – "Call Off Your Tired Old Ethics" – an advocacy organization for prostitution. (...)
"The forerunner of COYOTE was WHO, "Whores, Housewives and Others," said St. James. "Others meant lesbian, but it wasn’t being said out loud yet." (...)
The Seattle branch of COYOTE is affiliated with COYOTE chapters in the U.S., as well as the National Task Force on Prostitution in New York. Additional liaisons that help defend "sex workers rights" are: International Committee for Prostitutes Rights in the Netherlands, Hooking Is Real Employment, or HIRE, in Atlanta, and Prostitutes of New York, or PONY.
Various dioceses, including Boston, adopt a sex ed program designed by a prostitution advocate group that lists employment opportunities in homosexual publications.
The "Talking About Touching" program is taught in over 5,000 public schools nationwide, and over 20,000 schools globally, according to Joan Duffell, director of community education for Seattle-based Committee for Children which produces the program. Average cost to a diocese for the program is $20,000 to $50,000 for the initial year.
The problem, complain some Catholic parents in the Archdiocese of Boston and elsewhere, is that the Committee for Children is actually the cleaned-up name of COYOTE – "Call Off Your Tired Old Ethics" – an advocacy organization for prostitution. (...)
"The forerunner of COYOTE was WHO, "Whores, Housewives and Others," said St. James. "Others meant lesbian, but it wasn’t being said out loud yet." (...)
The Seattle branch of COYOTE is affiliated with COYOTE chapters in the U.S., as well as the National Task Force on Prostitution in New York. Additional liaisons that help defend "sex workers rights" are: International Committee for Prostitutes Rights in the Netherlands, Hooking Is Real Employment, or HIRE, in Atlanta, and Prostitutes of New York, or PONY.
Proposition 54
Because of the recall, this important ballot initiative, which would prohibit all government agencies in the state from collecting information on peoples' ethnicity or race, has kind of been lost in the shuffle. ("MEChA"mante has run a couple of thinly veiled opposition ads that are really commercials for his gubanatorial election campaign). I'm supporting Prop. 54, and so should every Californian, especially those of Chinese descent in San Francisco who are familiar with all the controversies that have occurred at Lowell High School.
Update: In case anyone is curious, here's a 1999 article by Michelle Malkin that provides a brief summary of what happened at Lowell.
Because of the recall, this important ballot initiative, which would prohibit all government agencies in the state from collecting information on peoples' ethnicity or race, has kind of been lost in the shuffle. ("MEChA"mante has run a couple of thinly veiled opposition ads that are really commercials for his gubanatorial election campaign). I'm supporting Prop. 54, and so should every Californian, especially those of Chinese descent in San Francisco who are familiar with all the controversies that have occurred at Lowell High School.
Update: In case anyone is curious, here's a 1999 article by Michelle Malkin that provides a brief summary of what happened at Lowell.
Brokaw Sucks
But if you're like me, you already knew that. Anyway, here's a nice example of how biased Tom B. is against just about anyone with an (R) by their name.
But if you're like me, you already knew that. Anyway, here's a nice example of how biased Tom B. is against just about anyone with an (R) by their name.
Their Actions Betray Their Words
I was listening to a replay of last Friday's Catholic Answers, and a real interesting observation was made regarding the common Protestant (i.e., Evangelical/Fundamentalist) belief that the Bible is the sole and final authority of the Christian faith: If Protestants really believed this, then there wouldn't be 30,000+ non-Catholic Christian denominations. (Yes, a "non-denominational church" is a denomination).
I was listening to a replay of last Friday's Catholic Answers, and a real interesting observation was made regarding the common Protestant (i.e., Evangelical/Fundamentalist) belief that the Bible is the sole and final authority of the Christian faith: If Protestants really believed this, then there wouldn't be 30,000+ non-Catholic Christian denominations. (Yes, a "non-denominational church" is a denomination).
Sunday, October 05, 2003
Typical PC Blather
Before going to Mass this morning, I caught the pre-game show on Fox, and as expected, everyone was slamming Rush Limbaugh for his assertions about Donovan McNabb and the media's general coddling of black NFL quarterbacks. Former Los Angeles Raider, current Radio Shack ad-man, and part-time B-movie thespian Howie Long called Rush's remarks "at best ignorant, and at worst racist." He didn't bother to elaborate on either point.
Even more perplexing and nonsensical statements were made by Ha-vahd grad James "JB" Brown, who said that given the one time dearth of black QBs in the NFL because of preconceived and unfounded notions about their intelligence, something which Brown concedes the sports media used to focus a lot on and question, maybe a little media coddling is a good thing. At the same time, Brown expressed rhetorical confusion as to why Limbaugh would want to aggrevate "old wounds" that have seemingly been healed. Talk about wanting to have it both ways.
As to Rush's assertion that Donovan McNabb is overrated, consider McNabb's career pass completion percentage and quarterback rating to that of Seattle backup QB Trent Dilfer, who as I previously noted, is white, has actually won a Super Bowl ring, but is nowhere near as famous as McNabb.
Career Pass Completion %
McNabb: 56.4
Dilfer: 55.6
Career Quarterback Rating
McNabb: 77.5
Dilfer: 71.3
Source: CNN/SI
Before going to Mass this morning, I caught the pre-game show on Fox, and as expected, everyone was slamming Rush Limbaugh for his assertions about Donovan McNabb and the media's general coddling of black NFL quarterbacks. Former Los Angeles Raider, current Radio Shack ad-man, and part-time B-movie thespian Howie Long called Rush's remarks "at best ignorant, and at worst racist." He didn't bother to elaborate on either point.
Even more perplexing and nonsensical statements were made by Ha-vahd grad James "JB" Brown, who said that given the one time dearth of black QBs in the NFL because of preconceived and unfounded notions about their intelligence, something which Brown concedes the sports media used to focus a lot on and question, maybe a little media coddling is a good thing. At the same time, Brown expressed rhetorical confusion as to why Limbaugh would want to aggrevate "old wounds" that have seemingly been healed. Talk about wanting to have it both ways.
As to Rush's assertion that Donovan McNabb is overrated, consider McNabb's career pass completion percentage and quarterback rating to that of Seattle backup QB Trent Dilfer, who as I previously noted, is white, has actually won a Super Bowl ring, but is nowhere near as famous as McNabb.
Career Pass Completion %
McNabb: 56.4
Dilfer: 55.6
Career Quarterback Rating
McNabb: 77.5
Dilfer: 71.3
Source: CNN/SI
Evangelical Megachurchism
Entertain them and they will come. Although in some fairness to the megachurch discussed in this article, it does engage in a lot of charity work for the poor.
At worship services today, [Adventure Christian Church Pastor Rick] Stedman and other church leaders will officially open their $12.3 million state-of-the-art sanctuary that holds more people than the Sacramento Community Center Theater. Churchgoers will be able to watch services from theater-style chairs in the main auditorium or on flat-screen plasma TVs in the coffee shop or bookstore.
The church -- or campus as members call it -- has a library, a prayer room, a K-3 school and an area that will be turned into a maternity boutique where low-income women can shop for free once a month.
"It will be as nice as a Nordstrom and will have everything from free day care to personal shoppers," said Executive Pastor Don Brewster.
A baseball diamond and a soccer field are in the works.
Nearly 6,000 people are expected to attend one of the three services in the new facility every week.
Entertain them and they will come. Although in some fairness to the megachurch discussed in this article, it does engage in a lot of charity work for the poor.
At worship services today, [Adventure Christian Church Pastor Rick] Stedman and other church leaders will officially open their $12.3 million state-of-the-art sanctuary that holds more people than the Sacramento Community Center Theater. Churchgoers will be able to watch services from theater-style chairs in the main auditorium or on flat-screen plasma TVs in the coffee shop or bookstore.
The church -- or campus as members call it -- has a library, a prayer room, a K-3 school and an area that will be turned into a maternity boutique where low-income women can shop for free once a month.
"It will be as nice as a Nordstrom and will have everything from free day care to personal shoppers," said Executive Pastor Don Brewster.
A baseball diamond and a soccer field are in the works.
Nearly 6,000 people are expected to attend one of the three services in the new facility every week.
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Marlins 7 Giants 6; Giants Eliminated from Playoffs
As a long suffering Dodgers fan, thank you Florida!
As a long suffering Dodgers fan, thank you Florida!
Abortion is Not a Central Issue for McClintock
Yes, he is pro-life, although I've never seen or heard whether he would allow the "choice" for an abortion under certain circumstances (e.g., victim of rape, incest, etc.) Perhaps the lack of information on this is indicative of the fact that abortion, as a political issue, has never been a big thing for McClintock. Indeed, as anyone who is familiar with his political career will tell you, McClintock has built up a reputation of being a "money man," i.e., someone who focuses on and has an intimate knowledge of the intricacies of the state's budget and economy.
As far as the recall election is concerned, McClintock has all but conceded that should he win (which he won't), social issues like abortion will be taking a back seat to righting California's fiscal crisis. Thus, although McClintock's pro-life stance is much appreciated, it is mostly lip service. Given this, and the fact that Schwartzenegger's economic policies aren't that much different that McClintock's, it would seem logical for Republicans to collectively unite behind the one candidate in this recall election who can and will win. Wait until the next gubanatorial primary to support a true pro-life conservative.
Yes, he is pro-life, although I've never seen or heard whether he would allow the "choice" for an abortion under certain circumstances (e.g., victim of rape, incest, etc.) Perhaps the lack of information on this is indicative of the fact that abortion, as a political issue, has never been a big thing for McClintock. Indeed, as anyone who is familiar with his political career will tell you, McClintock has built up a reputation of being a "money man," i.e., someone who focuses on and has an intimate knowledge of the intricacies of the state's budget and economy.
As far as the recall election is concerned, McClintock has all but conceded that should he win (which he won't), social issues like abortion will be taking a back seat to righting California's fiscal crisis. Thus, although McClintock's pro-life stance is much appreciated, it is mostly lip service. Given this, and the fact that Schwartzenegger's economic policies aren't that much different that McClintock's, it would seem logical for Republicans to collectively unite behind the one candidate in this recall election who can and will win. Wait until the next gubanatorial primary to support a true pro-life conservative.
Friday, October 03, 2003
McClintock Isn't Going to Win
Reality stinks sometimes, but it's the truth die-hard Tom supporters. Face it. So rather than throwing your vote away on him, why not direct it to one of two candidates who are not only pro-life, but apparenly devout Catholics. The first is Alex-St. James, a Republican political consultant who at one point aspired to be a priest. Hopefully, Alex is still a member of the Church, and his decision not to become a priest wasn't triggered by some lingering uninformed doubt over the truth of Catholicism.
The second candidate worth considering over McClintock is Democrat Danny Ramirez. I've mentioned Ramirez in a previous blog, and as I wrote then, I can't for the life of me figure out why this guy is in the party of all that is bad and wrong in the world. Maybe he thinks he can affect change, for which I say "God speed."
Update: The above applies only to those Catholic conservative voters who intransigently see this recall election as a primary or anything but a referendum on the fiscal mismanagement of "Gay" Davis. Yes, I will be throwing my vote away as well if I see Arnold with a big enough lead in the polls to win. Of course, we'll all be throwing our votes away if the recall fails or "MEChA"mante wins.
Reality stinks sometimes, but it's the truth die-hard Tom supporters. Face it. So rather than throwing your vote away on him, why not direct it to one of two candidates who are not only pro-life, but apparenly devout Catholics. The first is Alex-St. James, a Republican political consultant who at one point aspired to be a priest. Hopefully, Alex is still a member of the Church, and his decision not to become a priest wasn't triggered by some lingering uninformed doubt over the truth of Catholicism.
The second candidate worth considering over McClintock is Democrat Danny Ramirez. I've mentioned Ramirez in a previous blog, and as I wrote then, I can't for the life of me figure out why this guy is in the party of all that is bad and wrong in the world. Maybe he thinks he can affect change, for which I say "God speed."
Update: The above applies only to those Catholic conservative voters who intransigently see this recall election as a primary or anything but a referendum on the fiscal mismanagement of "Gay" Davis. Yes, I will be throwing my vote away as well if I see Arnold with a big enough lead in the polls to win. Of course, we'll all be throwing our votes away if the recall fails or "MEChA"mante wins.
Would Arnold be Like Jesse?
I've written in my own blog, and suggested in other blog comment boxes, that there appears to be every indication that should Arnold win the recall election, he'll only serve one term like his buddy and former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura. However, I'm not sure where I read or heard this, and would genuinely be interested to know if this observation has any merit to it. I personally hope it does, since I have no intention of voting for Arnold in the next state gubanatorial primary or general election. (Heck, I may end up not voting for him in the recall election if polls continue to show him with a fairly comfortable lead).
I've written in my own blog, and suggested in other blog comment boxes, that there appears to be every indication that should Arnold win the recall election, he'll only serve one term like his buddy and former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura. However, I'm not sure where I read or heard this, and would genuinely be interested to know if this observation has any merit to it. I personally hope it does, since I have no intention of voting for Arnold in the next state gubanatorial primary or general election. (Heck, I may end up not voting for him in the recall election if polls continue to show him with a fairly comfortable lead).
Thursday, October 02, 2003
SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Arizona "Voucher" Case
The issue is whether a law that allows people to take a state tax credit for donations to private school scholarship funds is constitutional.
The issue is whether a law that allows people to take a state tax credit for donations to private school scholarship funds is constitutional.
More Anti-Catholic Charges in Judicial Confirmations
This time against "moderate" Republicans.
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) is angry with members of his own caucus who object to writings by [J. Leon] Holmes, a devout Catholic, about women and marriage.
One of those with doubts is Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). “I have concerns about his writings and some of the statements attributed to him. They raise questions in my mind about whether he has the proper temperament to be a judge,” she said.
This time against "moderate" Republicans.
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) is angry with members of his own caucus who object to writings by [J. Leon] Holmes, a devout Catholic, about women and marriage.
One of those with doubts is Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). “I have concerns about his writings and some of the statements attributed to him. They raise questions in my mind about whether he has the proper temperament to be a judge,” she said.
Those That Want to be Prez
Ann Coulter rocks.
Before Clark becomes the answer to a Trivial Pursuit question, consider that Clark's main claim to fame is that he played a pivotal role in what most of his supporters passionately believe was an illegal, immoral war of American imperialism in Vietnam. How does that earn you points with Democrats?
Clark's other credential to lead the free world was that he supervised the "liberation" of Kosovo by ordering our pilots to drop bombs from 15,000 feet at a tremendous cost in innocent civilian life in a 100% humanitarian war against a country that posed absolutely no threat to the United States —imminent or otherwise—and without the approval of the almighty United Nations.
So you can see why Clark supported, then opposed, then supported, then opposed the current war in Iraq. Say, is there a Web site where I can get up-to-the-minute updates on Wesley Clark's current position on the war in Iraq, kind of like a NASDAQ ticker? (...)
Howard Dean is not a general, but he is a doctor. Democrats are enthusiastic about Dean since they figure that if this Democrat were ever caught with a naked intern, he could just say it was her annual physical.
Ann Coulter rocks.
Before Clark becomes the answer to a Trivial Pursuit question, consider that Clark's main claim to fame is that he played a pivotal role in what most of his supporters passionately believe was an illegal, immoral war of American imperialism in Vietnam. How does that earn you points with Democrats?
Clark's other credential to lead the free world was that he supervised the "liberation" of Kosovo by ordering our pilots to drop bombs from 15,000 feet at a tremendous cost in innocent civilian life in a 100% humanitarian war against a country that posed absolutely no threat to the United States —imminent or otherwise—and without the approval of the almighty United Nations.
So you can see why Clark supported, then opposed, then supported, then opposed the current war in Iraq. Say, is there a Web site where I can get up-to-the-minute updates on Wesley Clark's current position on the war in Iraq, kind of like a NASDAQ ticker? (...)
Howard Dean is not a general, but he is a doctor. Democrats are enthusiastic about Dean since they figure that if this Democrat were ever caught with a naked intern, he could just say it was her annual physical.
Rush Re: McNabb
Many of you have undoubtedly read or heard all the furor regarding Rush Limbaugh's comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Why there is a furor is obvious: the media is beholden to left-wing political correctness. Look, Rush didn't say McNabb was a mediocre quarterback -- which he statistically is -- because he is black. All he said is that McNabb was being hyped up by the media as a better player than he really is because the media wants to see black quarterbacks do well, and is willing to overlook any flaws that actually exist. I think this is an empiracally provable charge. Donovan McNabb has won no championships, his team won several games last year with two backup quarterbacks, and he has one of the lowest quarterback ratings in the NFL this season. Despite these things, Donovan McNabb is often the subject of special puff pieces done by NFL pre-game shows, and can regularly be seen in national television commercials for Chunky Soup and Lincoln Financial. Former Baltimore Ravens QB Trent Dilfer, who actually won a Super Bowl and whose statistical numbers might be comparable to McNabb, was never close to getting this much media focus. Could have been because he is white? Something to ponder.
Many of you have undoubtedly read or heard all the furor regarding Rush Limbaugh's comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Why there is a furor is obvious: the media is beholden to left-wing political correctness. Look, Rush didn't say McNabb was a mediocre quarterback -- which he statistically is -- because he is black. All he said is that McNabb was being hyped up by the media as a better player than he really is because the media wants to see black quarterbacks do well, and is willing to overlook any flaws that actually exist. I think this is an empiracally provable charge. Donovan McNabb has won no championships, his team won several games last year with two backup quarterbacks, and he has one of the lowest quarterback ratings in the NFL this season. Despite these things, Donovan McNabb is often the subject of special puff pieces done by NFL pre-game shows, and can regularly be seen in national television commercials for Chunky Soup and Lincoln Financial. Former Baltimore Ravens QB Trent Dilfer, who actually won a Super Bowl and whose statistical numbers might be comparable to McNabb, was never close to getting this much media focus. Could have been because he is white? Something to ponder.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
The Fighting Irish Can Relax for Now
A US District Court judge determines that the Washington Redskins did not violate a federal trademark law that prohibits the registration of "disparaging" names.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued the ruling in connection with a 1999 decision by a panel of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. But she also made clear that her ruling does not address the issue of whether the name "Redskins" actually is offensive to Indians.
Without having read it, this ruling seems to make a reasonable distinction between that which is disparaging and that which is offensive. It seems fairly obvious that teams like the Redskins didn't choose their names in order to denigrate Native Americans. I mean, why would anyone want to give themself a nickname with a negative connotation? It would be like someone asking people to call him or her "idiot" or "moron."
A US District Court judge determines that the Washington Redskins did not violate a federal trademark law that prohibits the registration of "disparaging" names.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued the ruling in connection with a 1999 decision by a panel of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. But she also made clear that her ruling does not address the issue of whether the name "Redskins" actually is offensive to Indians.
Without having read it, this ruling seems to make a reasonable distinction between that which is disparaging and that which is offensive. It seems fairly obvious that teams like the Redskins didn't choose their names in order to denigrate Native Americans. I mean, why would anyone want to give themself a nickname with a negative connotation? It would be like someone asking people to call him or her "idiot" or "moron."
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Monday, September 29, 2003
Is Abortion Even an Issue in the Recall?
Morally, of course it is. From a practical standpoint, however, Section 123462 of the Health and Safety Code and Roe v. Wade pretty much makes the issue irrelevant.
Look, all indications seem to suggest that if Ahnuld wins, he won't run for a second term. Maybe what we pro-life conservatives in this state can do then is condition our support for him on a promise that he won't do anything in the next three years to promote abortion on demand, and that he will do what he can to enact a state parental notification law and help get a partial-birth abortion ban passed in Congress. From a big picture standpoint, having someone like Ahnuld in the Governor's office could go a long way to getting GW reelected President, which I'm sure all pro-lifers want.
Morally, of course it is. From a practical standpoint, however, Section 123462 of the Health and Safety Code and Roe v. Wade pretty much makes the issue irrelevant.
Look, all indications seem to suggest that if Ahnuld wins, he won't run for a second term. Maybe what we pro-life conservatives in this state can do then is condition our support for him on a promise that he won't do anything in the next three years to promote abortion on demand, and that he will do what he can to enact a state parental notification law and help get a partial-birth abortion ban passed in Congress. From a big picture standpoint, having someone like Ahnuld in the Governor's office could go a long way to getting GW reelected President, which I'm sure all pro-lifers want.
Drugs and Pre-born Children
The SCOTUS is scheduled to decide today whether it will review the case of a woman who was convicted of murder after it was discovered that her stillborn baby tested positive for cocaine.
The case, McKnight v. South Carolina, No. 02-1741, could bring the Supreme Court into the national debate over fetal rights.
McKnight, a 26-year-old native of Horry County, S.C., lived with her mother until her mother was killed in an auto accident in 1998. McKnight then became homeless and developed a cocaine addiction. She got pregnant. After delivering a stillborn baby girl in 1999, an autopsy revealed the presence of cocaine in the child's blood. McKnight was arrested, charged with homicide by child abuse, and sentenced to 12 years in prison in May 2001.
The SCOTUS is scheduled to decide today whether it will review the case of a woman who was convicted of murder after it was discovered that her stillborn baby tested positive for cocaine.
The case, McKnight v. South Carolina, No. 02-1741, could bring the Supreme Court into the national debate over fetal rights.
McKnight, a 26-year-old native of Horry County, S.C., lived with her mother until her mother was killed in an auto accident in 1998. McKnight then became homeless and developed a cocaine addiction. She got pregnant. After delivering a stillborn baby girl in 1999, an autopsy revealed the presence of cocaine in the child's blood. McKnight was arrested, charged with homicide by child abuse, and sentenced to 12 years in prison in May 2001.
Luther the Movie
According to the USCCB: While bringing the period and its key personalities vividly to life, director Eric Till's well-crafted biopic veers steadily from balanced historical accuracy toward hagiography. Throughout the narrative Till deflects blame away from Luther, glossing over his shortcomings with a gilded revisionist glaze.
According to Chuck Colson, quoting Andrew Coffin of the Evangelical based World Magazine: the film “hits most of its historical marks,” especially when you consider the constraints imposed by telling such a story in two hours.
Think I'll go with the USCCB on this one. Any word from the ADL on whether this film foments anti-Catholicism?
According to the USCCB: While bringing the period and its key personalities vividly to life, director Eric Till's well-crafted biopic veers steadily from balanced historical accuracy toward hagiography. Throughout the narrative Till deflects blame away from Luther, glossing over his shortcomings with a gilded revisionist glaze.
According to Chuck Colson, quoting Andrew Coffin of the Evangelical based World Magazine: the film “hits most of its historical marks,” especially when you consider the constraints imposed by telling such a story in two hours.
Think I'll go with the USCCB on this one. Any word from the ADL on whether this film foments anti-Catholicism?
Catholic Legal Studies at Villanova
Job announcement for Catholic lawyers/academics: The Villanova University School of Law is looking for someone to fill its new John F. Scarpa Chair in Catholic Legal Studies. Go for it if you think you qualify.
While the Chair may specialize in any area of the law, and candidates from all specialities definitely will be considered, we are particularly interested in candidates working at the critical intersections of Catholicism and the law, such as law and bioethics, health care law, poverty law, canon law, professional ethics, immigration law, legal philosophy or constitutional law.
Job announcement for Catholic lawyers/academics: The Villanova University School of Law is looking for someone to fill its new John F. Scarpa Chair in Catholic Legal Studies. Go for it if you think you qualify.
While the Chair may specialize in any area of the law, and candidates from all specialities definitely will be considered, we are particularly interested in candidates working at the critical intersections of Catholicism and the law, such as law and bioethics, health care law, poverty law, canon law, professional ethics, immigration law, legal philosophy or constitutional law.
Info You'll Probably Never Need
I forget what I was searching for on Google, but I accidentally discovered that there is a place in Arkansas called Catholic Point. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find any information on why it was named this and whether the ACLU has ever tried to sue for its removal.
I forget what I was searching for on Google, but I accidentally discovered that there is a place in Arkansas called Catholic Point. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find any information on why it was named this and whether the ACLU has ever tried to sue for its removal.
More Reasons to Hate the Sacto "Queens" and Recall Davis
Owners of the Kings, the Big Goof brothers, contribute $100k to the anti-recall campaign as a bill to fund a downtown Sacramento arena coincidentally lands on Davis' desk.
Owners of the Kings, the Big Goof brothers, contribute $100k to the anti-recall campaign as a bill to fund a downtown Sacramento arena coincidentally lands on Davis' desk.
Friday, September 26, 2003
California Politics is a Different Game
Mark Shea has got it right on a lot of things when it comes to religion and the Church, but when it comes to the California recall election, he suffers from the same misunderstanding that a lot of well-meaning pro-life conservatives who support Tom McClintock have been effectively presuming: that the Oct. 7 election is a primary leading to a general election. It's not. As such, given the various poll numbers which consistently show that Tom McClintock will, at best, finish in a distant third, I think Shea is way off base to chastise the California GOP as the Stupid Party for its de facto endorsement of Ahnuld. At this stage of the game, and given everything that is stake, the powers that be in the state GOP would be stupid if they didn't unite behind muscle head.
Mark Shea has got it right on a lot of things when it comes to religion and the Church, but when it comes to the California recall election, he suffers from the same misunderstanding that a lot of well-meaning pro-life conservatives who support Tom McClintock have been effectively presuming: that the Oct. 7 election is a primary leading to a general election. It's not. As such, given the various poll numbers which consistently show that Tom McClintock will, at best, finish in a distant third, I think Shea is way off base to chastise the California GOP as the Stupid Party for its de facto endorsement of Ahnuld. At this stage of the game, and given everything that is stake, the powers that be in the state GOP would be stupid if they didn't unite behind muscle head.
The Death Pill
Stuff you'll never see in the promotional materials for RU-486.
...when taken alone, RU-486 causes a complete abortion only about 60 percent of the time, leaving a patient vulnerable to serious infection and hemorrhaging. For this reason, a second drug (Cytotec in the U.S.) must be taken about 48 hours after RU-486 to cause uterine contractions, which help expel the embryo. (...)
Under the protocol approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Cytotec is supposed to be given orally and under medical supervision. But some Planned Parenthood clinics and abortionists, who apparently can't be bothered with multiple visits and monitoring women onsite, tell patients like Holly to administer the drug vaginally, at home, with no medical supervision. (...)
A major World Health Organization (WHO) study documented the infection risk associated with RU-486 abortions: 30 percent of women who had incomplete RU-486 abortions developed pelvic/genital-tract infections. The reason for this high infection rate: One side effect of the RU-486 drug combination is immune-system suppression. For this reason, the WHO study calls for women to receive antibiotics for six weeks following an RU-486 abortion.
In April 2002, Danco sent an FDA-approved "dear doctor" letter warning of safety issues associated with prescribing RU-486, i.e., undetected ectopic pregnancies and bacterial infections which had resulted in patient deaths, and informing them of a 21-year-old woman who died of a heart attack three days after taking RU-486.
Stuff you'll never see in the promotional materials for RU-486.
...when taken alone, RU-486 causes a complete abortion only about 60 percent of the time, leaving a patient vulnerable to serious infection and hemorrhaging. For this reason, a second drug (Cytotec in the U.S.) must be taken about 48 hours after RU-486 to cause uterine contractions, which help expel the embryo. (...)
Under the protocol approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Cytotec is supposed to be given orally and under medical supervision. But some Planned Parenthood clinics and abortionists, who apparently can't be bothered with multiple visits and monitoring women onsite, tell patients like Holly to administer the drug vaginally, at home, with no medical supervision. (...)
A major World Health Organization (WHO) study documented the infection risk associated with RU-486 abortions: 30 percent of women who had incomplete RU-486 abortions developed pelvic/genital-tract infections. The reason for this high infection rate: One side effect of the RU-486 drug combination is immune-system suppression. For this reason, the WHO study calls for women to receive antibiotics for six weeks following an RU-486 abortion.
In April 2002, Danco sent an FDA-approved "dear doctor" letter warning of safety issues associated with prescribing RU-486, i.e., undetected ectopic pregnancies and bacterial infections which had resulted in patient deaths, and informing them of a 21-year-old woman who died of a heart attack three days after taking RU-486.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Paging Richard Gere
A Taiwan professor is sued and faces possible criminal charges for including a link on her university department's website to a site that promotes bestiality.
"The link to the `Beast Love' Web site was merely an issue of academic research. In the West, people began to study the intercourse relationship between humans and animals in the 19th century. However, in Taiwan, it is still considered pornography even today."
Note: This incredibly deluded professor is not related to yours truly.
A Taiwan professor is sued and faces possible criminal charges for including a link on her university department's website to a site that promotes bestiality.
"The link to the `Beast Love' Web site was merely an issue of academic research. In the West, people began to study the intercourse relationship between humans and animals in the 19th century. However, in Taiwan, it is still considered pornography even today."
Note: This incredibly deluded professor is not related to yours truly.
Alan Keyes: Lesser of Two Evils is Still Evil
And this is why he endorses Tom McClintock in the California governor recall election . Based on what I read here, however, it appears as though Keyes is overlooking the fact that a vote for McClintock strengthens any vote that is cast for Cruz "MEChA"mante, who is leading in several polls and is even more egregiously pro-abortion than Ahnuld.
As much as I hate to admit it, it does seem that as long as McClintock stays in the race, the only thing he will succeed in doing is preventing Ahnuld from becoming governor.
And this is why he endorses Tom McClintock in the California governor recall election . Based on what I read here, however, it appears as though Keyes is overlooking the fact that a vote for McClintock strengthens any vote that is cast for Cruz "MEChA"mante, who is leading in several polls and is even more egregiously pro-abortion than Ahnuld.
As much as I hate to admit it, it does seem that as long as McClintock stays in the race, the only thing he will succeed in doing is preventing Ahnuld from becoming governor.
Sad and Old Actor Rants
Not only does he talk to his six year old daughter about death all the time, 83 year old Tony Randall has fantasies about relatives turning President Bush and Vice-President Cheney away from his funeral. What a wierd, self-absorbed old fart.
Not only does he talk to his six year old daughter about death all the time, 83 year old Tony Randall has fantasies about relatives turning President Bush and Vice-President Cheney away from his funeral. What a wierd, self-absorbed old fart.
Another 10 Commandments Monument Removed
This time in Montana.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles donated the stone to Custer County in 1968. In 1997, several people complained about the monument and a nearby Nativity scene.
Two years later, the ACLU sued. In 2000, a consent decree was signed that offered the county the options of removing the monument, or making it part of a display at the courthouse on the evolution of law. However, commissioners decided such a display would be too expensive.
This time in Montana.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles donated the stone to Custer County in 1968. In 1997, several people complained about the monument and a nearby Nativity scene.
Two years later, the ACLU sued. In 2000, a consent decree was signed that offered the county the options of removing the monument, or making it part of a display at the courthouse on the evolution of law. However, commissioners decided such a display would be too expensive.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Fat Boy Disses Bush and Texas
Sen. Ted ("anyone seen my drink!") Kennedy makes charges that the war in Iraq is a fraud made up in Texas and that Bush is breaking all kinds of laws.
Three words in response Blimpo: Mary Jo Kopechne
Sen. Ted ("anyone seen my drink!") Kennedy makes charges that the war in Iraq is a fraud made up in Texas and that Bush is breaking all kinds of laws.
Three words in response Blimpo: Mary Jo Kopechne
Abortion Pimps
Doing what they can to save face, medical "experts" for Planned Parenthood are unsurprisingly reluctant to say that a pregnant teenage girl's death resulted from her using the abortion pill RU-486.
"It's really safer than carrying a pregnancy to term," [Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America national headquarters in New York] said. "I hope that the media attention around this tragic situation does not scare other women from opting to have a termination procedure through mifepristone medical abortion if that's something the woman wants to do."
This woman must really hate children.
Doing what they can to save face, medical "experts" for Planned Parenthood are unsurprisingly reluctant to say that a pregnant teenage girl's death resulted from her using the abortion pill RU-486.
"It's really safer than carrying a pregnancy to term," [Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America national headquarters in New York] said. "I hope that the media attention around this tragic situation does not scare other women from opting to have a termination procedure through mifepristone medical abortion if that's something the woman wants to do."
This woman must really hate children.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Dana Carvey's "Church Lady" Would be Sued Today
The Iowa Supreme Court rules that a woman who was apparently called the "spirit of Satan" by a church minister may sue for defamation. The case has been appealed to the SCOTUS.
The controversy began in March 1999 at the United Methodist Church of Shell Rock. In an attempt to resolve problems within the church, the Rev. Jerrold Swinton, a former district superintendent of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church, visited Shell Rock.
After Swinton's visit, a letter from him was circulated to both members and non-members of the church. Swinton said in the letter he was in despair when Jane Kliebenstein told him the current pastor must leave the community.
In the letter, Swinton said a church conference should be called to "propose that Jane Kliebenstein be stripped of church offices. It is understood that if she continues to cause dissension, she will next be asked to leave the Shell Rock UMC."
The letter also said the congregation had "allowed the spirit of Satan to work in their midst."
Update: Here's the full decision if you're interested in reading it. Although it was handed down in June, it was only recently appealed to the SCOTUS (as mentioned in the linked article above).
The Iowa Supreme Court rules that a woman who was apparently called the "spirit of Satan" by a church minister may sue for defamation. The case has been appealed to the SCOTUS.
The controversy began in March 1999 at the United Methodist Church of Shell Rock. In an attempt to resolve problems within the church, the Rev. Jerrold Swinton, a former district superintendent of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church, visited Shell Rock.
After Swinton's visit, a letter from him was circulated to both members and non-members of the church. Swinton said in the letter he was in despair when Jane Kliebenstein told him the current pastor must leave the community.
In the letter, Swinton said a church conference should be called to "propose that Jane Kliebenstein be stripped of church offices. It is understood that if she continues to cause dissension, she will next be asked to leave the Shell Rock UMC."
The letter also said the congregation had "allowed the spirit of Satan to work in their midst."
Update: Here's the full decision if you're interested in reading it. Although it was handed down in June, it was only recently appealed to the SCOTUS (as mentioned in the linked article above).
Monday, September 22, 2003
Our Quirky Protestant Friends
I picked up the revised edition of Separated Brethren over the weekend, and I've already run across several interesting things about our Protestant friends. For instance, the American Episcopal Church, aside from their recent and well-publicized harangues over homosexual marriages and the ordaining of homosexual bishops, believe in the existence of a Church Expectant, which we Catholics generally understand to be Purgatory (or the Church Suffering). Even more fascinating, and somewhat bizarre, is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's opposition to any church member being associated with the Boy Scouts of America. Apparently, the WELS believe that the Boy Scouts, at best, adhere to a watered-down Christian value system, and have an equivalence to secret societies like the Freemasons (which, of course, the Catholic Church prohibits its members from joining).
I picked up the revised edition of Separated Brethren over the weekend, and I've already run across several interesting things about our Protestant friends. For instance, the American Episcopal Church, aside from their recent and well-publicized harangues over homosexual marriages and the ordaining of homosexual bishops, believe in the existence of a Church Expectant, which we Catholics generally understand to be Purgatory (or the Church Suffering). Even more fascinating, and somewhat bizarre, is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's opposition to any church member being associated with the Boy Scouts of America. Apparently, the WELS believe that the Boy Scouts, at best, adhere to a watered-down Christian value system, and have an equivalence to secret societies like the Freemasons (which, of course, the Catholic Church prohibits its members from joining).
Exposing Absurdity with Absurdity
Triggered by the class action lawsuit filed against McDonald's for allegedly making people fat, a restaurant in Seattle decides to require its patrons to sign a waiver before it will serve them dessert.
After a diner signs it, a waiter hauls out a sugarcoated, deep-fried, ice cream-swaddled, caramel-drizzled, whipped-cream- anointed banana.
"We thought, what can we do to illustrate how stupid it is to make restaurants responsible for monitoring the eating habits of Americans?" 5 Spot co-owner Peter Levy said. "We came up with the most fattening and delicious dessert we could think of."
Triggered by the class action lawsuit filed against McDonald's for allegedly making people fat, a restaurant in Seattle decides to require its patrons to sign a waiver before it will serve them dessert.
After a diner signs it, a waiter hauls out a sugarcoated, deep-fried, ice cream-swaddled, caramel-drizzled, whipped-cream- anointed banana.
"We thought, what can we do to illustrate how stupid it is to make restaurants responsible for monitoring the eating habits of Americans?" 5 Spot co-owner Peter Levy said. "We came up with the most fattening and delicious dessert we could think of."
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