Thursday, November 19, 2009

Morning Java Article Roundup - Nov 19th

Decaf in hand I peruse the net for an article or two.. or three ... or four.

Is Sarah Pro-Life Enough? - Creative Minority Report

Fr. Barron on the 2012 Movie - CMR

Almost Chosen People - American Catholic

New Blog: Caritas Et Veritas - Canterbury Tales

No Political Purge - American Thinker

HarryCare is a Rotten Deal - American Spectator

CCHD Reacts to Call for Reform

The Bishops from the sub-committee have reacted to the 'call for reform'

Bishop Morin calls claims against CCHD's work 'outrageous'
Members of the U.S. bishops' subcommittee overseeing the Catholic Campaign for Human Development reassured their fellow bishops and donors that "no group that opposes Catholic social or moral teaching is eligible for funding" from their domestic anti-poverty campaign.

Bishop Roger P. Morin of Biloxi, Miss., subcommittee chairman, stressed in a Nov. 17 report to the U.S. bishops at their fall general assembly in Baltimore that accusations CCHD is "providing funds to groups that are pro-abortion or groups that are not in support of the family ... and other untruths" are "outrageous claims."
MORE

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

CCHD - Bellarmine Veritas Report

Here's a report on other ministries that the CCHD has been found to support and send money to.
Not a pretty list by any means and makes one wonder who is leading this organization.

CCHD Funding Debacle Continues
November 17, 2009 - In the 2009 funding year, the Catholic Campaign For Human Development (CCHD)awarded approximately 250 grants totaling almost 8 million dollars. When you open the summary funding document provided on the USCCB website and begin to peruse the grantees it doesn’t take long to arrive at a couple of conclusions. The first is that many of these organizations are involved in community organizing. The second impression is many of these organizations espouse the mission of peace and justice. While it would be a mistake to paint all justice and peace organizations or all community organizing groups as bad or undeserving of funding, the philosophical underpinnings and track record of these types of organizations does not inspire confidence. Quite the opposite, it raises red flags.
more



REFORM CATHOLIC CAMPAINGN FOR HUMAND DEVELOPEMENT

CCHD - What Should You Do?

We have seen that the American people may be finally holding their elected officials accountable for their actions or inaction.

You have the tea party protesters, the fight against the notorious health care bill and hopefully a continued fight against the forces of Abortion, gay marriage, termination of our elderly and the end of pornography.

Well now it's time to be consistant and find out what our own beloved Church, through those that have evil intent, has been steering Jesus' bride.

It's time to shed the light on where the funds are being spent on by the CCHD organizers.

This Sunday we will be asked to contribute to this fund. It's suppose to be spent on the poor, less fortunate. But somehow the moneys have been diverted to causes which go against Catholic teaching as those listed above.

Why? How can this be happening? Should I contribute?

These are questions that I've been praying about. How will it affect those Catholic Charities that are legit?

How can I send a message?

Here are a few video's that need to been seen. Pray about it. But it's time to be consistent and hold those accountable.



Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sir Ian McKleen: Tears out Pages from Bibles

(photo: internet)
This seems rather strange. And he even admits this.


Why you may ask?


Why would Gandalf do such a thing?


Well, because certain pages of the Word don't agree with his life style, specifically Leviticus 18:22.


Hello, Sir Mckleen just because you deface the bible and tear out it's pages, won't delete the word of God.


Evidently it make him feel good to deny others to read the full Work from Hotel bibles.


Do they still supply bibles at hotels?



When openly gay actor Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, among other memorable roles) stays in a hotel with a Bible in the nightstand drawer, he rips out pages that contain a certain passage from Leviticus, according to a new interview with the actor by Details magazine.

Paris, Woman ... Trousers

(Photo: Telegraph)

Go figure.

There is still a law on the books that prohibits Parisian women from wearing trousers.

Interesting but weird.

I betcha we in the States have some weird laws on the books too.



A decree banning women from wearing trousers in Paris is still technically in force, it emerged on Monday, making the laissez-faire French capital theoretically stricter than hardline Sudan in the fashion stakes



President Obama Or Bazooka Joe?

Ever listen to one of Obama's many speeches (they're hard to avoid, he's on TV or radio almost every day).

More than not he says something that sounds good as he's saying it, but when I think about it I get that "Hey wait a minute! What the heck does that mean?" moments.

Only I don't have time to think further about it because another "Hey wait a minute..." moment has just been spoken.

This article from American Thinker addresses a few of those statements or cliches with a little 'Bazooka Joe' analogy.

Debating Obama's Health Care Cliches
When I was a little girl we would often purchase Bazooka® bubblegum. The gum wrapper consisted of a small comic strip (featuring a character called Bazooka Joe) and a fortune. The fortune was usually along the lines of "A great adventure awaits you." Occasionally the fortune would be a cliché, such as "haste makes waste."

As I listened to the Congressional Democrats recite their arguments for the Pelosi health care bill I was reminded of those Bazooka gum wrappers. Their speeches consisted of trite phrases devoid of any depth or intelligence, the words selected only for their emotional impact. Arguments that sound so compelling---as long as no measurable time is spent thinking about it. Here follows three gum wrapper arguments for health care reform made by the Democrats. There are many, many more.
MORE

Religion, Narcissism in Today's Society

Here's an interesting article on the American Catholic blog.

Religion and Narcissism (egoism, self love)
I had an opportunity to read part of a fascinating book recently titled The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement. This book, authored by Dr. Jean Twenge and Dr. Keith Campbell, is not just a book about a psychological disorder, but often a sociological study as well.

What particularly interested me was the chapter in the book on religion and narcissism. In an age in which Hollywood, popular intellectuals and a growing number of average citizens have come to think of religion in general, and Churches especially, as the “root of all evil”, it is refreshing to see an objective approach to social and psychological problems that cite the decline of religion in society as a part of the problem instead of a process to be welcomed by all right-thinking people.
MORE

Politico Shows It's Anti-Catholic Colors

Catholic Bashing by the Politico with allegations of Racism because it voices it's teachings on abortion.

...oh and anti-woman as well.

Creative Minority has a post on the article.

Politico: Church is Racist and Anti-Woman
I present to you as a gift the most ridiculous and just laughably bad attempt to slime the Catholic Church by The Politico in weeks.

But this attack on the Church is just so poorly done that I literally laughed out loud on reading it. You've got to check it out. The whole thing is ludicrous but you at least have to read the first two sentences. Here's the first sentence:

Thirty-three years ago this fall, a bitter, race-tinged fight over abortion matched Roman Catholic bishops and the House against the nation’s first popularly elected black senator, Republican Ed Brooke of Massachusetts. MORE

Monday, November 16, 2009

Chart: Marriage Indicators 1970-2008


These are not surprising indicators in my mind.
Disheartening but not surprising considering how marriage is view today on TV and movies, books and the news media. Not to mention our present administration.
A good reason why religious and lay leaders alike should look at a newly released report, The Marriage Index, co-published by the Institute for American Values and the newly established National Center on African American Marriages and Parenting (NCAAMP). Signed by a bipartisan and racially diverse group of scholars and leaders, the report proposes a tool, the Marriage Index, to assess the health of marriage as a U.S. social institution over time.

Blessed Mother Theresa: Atheist Can't Stand Her

John Bergsma of Sacred Pages reflects on the attacks by atheist on our Blessed Mother Theresa.

"She was only good because she was In-It of something..." goes the argument.

Atheist Heap Abuse on Mother Theresa: Scriptural and Theological Reflections:
Altruism is difficult for atheists to explain within their worldview. This can be seen in their reaction to the modern icon of altruism, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.The famous sociobiologist E. O. Wilson argued that goodness was the result of “lying, pretense, and deceit, including self-deceit, because the actor is most convincing who believes that his performance is real.” He attributed Blessed Teresa’s altruism to self-interest. She was just “in it” just to get to heaven: “Mother Teresa is an extraordinary person but it should not be forgotten that she is secure in the service of Christ and the knowledge of her Church’s immortality.”
MORE

Bashing Mother Theresa

sickening...

Friday, November 13, 2009

The End is Near: 2012 Movie

The trailer looks pretty action packed, but so did the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" or was it Yesterday?

I don't take the story line in either all that serious, but American Papist points out the Catholic perspective.

Trailer included...

Anti-Catholic: New mega-movie "2012" is directed by one

Like Matthew Archbold at Catholic Minority Report, "I'm a movie guy." So yes, I was mildly interested in the new movie coming out this weekend "2012".
Trailer

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fr. Barron Review- Michael Moores "Capitalism"

Carl Olsen at InsideScoop has the video...

Patrick Kennedy - What does it mean to be Catholic?

Patrick Kennedy's remarks publicly attacking the Catholic Church's position on the Health Care Bill, specifically on the Abortion issue within the bill has prompted Bishop Tobin to write a public letter.

Kennedy: "“...the fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.”

Bishop Tobin Asks Kennedy: What Does It Mean to Be Catholic?
Congressman Kennedy voted against the Stupak amendment, which barred the use of federal funding for abortion in the House’s health-care reform bill. Kennedy responded that “the fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.”

In response, Bishop Tobin released a public letter to Kennedy in the Rhode Island Catholic, and Kennedy decided to postpone their meeting indefinitely.

“That sentence … raises an important question: What does it mean to be a Catholic?” asks Bishop Tobin, in the letter.
MORE

For those Space Alien Buffs....

Yes, the Vatican is exploring the thought of Aliens (other non-human life). Why would anyone thing that this would be taboo for the Vatican to discuss?

AmP has the coverage... NANU, NANU (that's 'peace be with you' in Martian)

Offbeat: Vatican sponsors conference on extraterrestrial life - Alien reunification imminent?
A series of study sessions this week on the topic of astrobiology sponsored by the Vatican Observatory and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences is drawing all sorts of silly speculation and headlines in the mainstream press - everything from "Does Jesus save aliens?" to "ET calls the pope?"
MORE

December Job Summit

I don't know about this. Obama says he's going to have a job summit. By this I think he means to meet with top CEO's and small business owners, (the same people he's taxing and cutting their wages) to talk about creating jobs.

Now how is that going to work out? Is he going to sit at the table and strong arm each one to see "okay, how many new jobs can you pony-up. And how about you? How many layoffs can you cancel, forget about profits?"

How about just cutting taxes? You don't need to sit around the table with a few beers to discuss job creation. We know how to do that. I bet you these will be closed door meetings so we won't know what deals are being made.

Companies will hire and fire according to the health of the economy, not some meeting with the President.

Obama's a good talker, but we don't need orators right now, we need jobs. Let the free market work us free of this down turn.

Obama to Hold Jobs Summit in December
In the face of a 10.2 percent unemployment rate -- the highest since 1983 -- President Obama announced Thursday plans for a jobs summit in December.
...
Obama said he will invite CEOs, small business owners, economists, and representatives from labor unions around the country to the White House next month to "work together to create jobs."
MORE

Ex-CNN Lou Dobbs - A New Foxnews Analyist?


This is the first thought that entered my mind. It seemed for a while that his voice over at CNN was like that single wolf howling in the night. In CNN land, they try to ignore it but it just won't go away.


And, so that the journalism of CNN can continue to sleep through the legit news items of the day, they've felt that they must silence the lone wolf. To send him on his way...


In this farewell address he mentions this:




It seems that CNN is doing some house cleaning. Journalistic ethnic cleansing so to speak.


Well, like Glenn Beck (a product of 'jounalistic ethnic cleansing' himself), whose ratings and viewership have sky rocketed since his move from CNN, maybe Lou will find a home at Foxnews?


We shall see...



Has Lou Dobbs been forced out at CNN by the left-wing attack machine and other liberal forces? Quite possibly.

Fort Hood - A Case of Political Correctness

The tragedy at Fort Hood is slowly revealing itself as a case of 'Political Correctness' in confronting a Muslim extremist.

This article from Catholic Exchange sheds the light of truth on the errors of not confronting those that “hate the light lest their deeds should be exposed.” (cf John 3:20).

Fort Hood, Vatican II, and Regensburg

What do Fort Hood, Vatican II and Regensburg have in common? More than you might think.



As details continue to emerge surrounding last week’s massacre at Fort Hood, which wounded nearly three dozen people and left thirteen others dead, the consequences of a hyper-sensitive kid glove approach to Islam is being brought into increasingly sharper focus.


According to coworkers, the accused gunman, U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, had plainly divulged his anti-American, pro-jihadist sentiments over a period of years, but rather than confronting Hasan’s radical Islamic hostility head-on, his military superiors chose to tread lightly.
MORE

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Little History: Hasten the End, The Apocalypse Now!

Very Interesting...

Hasten the End - Apocalypse Now
Whenever I lead a trip to the Holy Land, the question inevitably comes, “Will we visit Armageddon?’ This refers, of course, to the battlefield surrounding the ancient city of Megiddo where some think the final confrontation will take place before the end of the world (Rev 16:16). Catholics and Protestants alike have a fascination with the Scriptural accounts of the cataclysmic events associated with the end.

The church, following the Scriptures, indeed teaches that Jesus will return in glory and this world as we know it will indeed come to a screeching halt, but not before a fierce, cosmic battle in which the Enemy makes his final bid for world domination (CCC 675-677).

But the last battle will not be the only battle.

MORE

Rasmussen Report - Polls

Here's the latest in various Rasmussen daily tracking polls :

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 30% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -10 (see trends). Republicans have opened a six-point lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot.
MORE, MORE, MORE

Execution of a Murderer: John Allen Muhammad

John Allen Muhammad, the mastermind behind the sniper attacks that left 10 dead, was executed as relatives of the victims watched, reliving the killing spree that terrorized the Washington, D.C., area for three weeks in October 2002.

So the headlines read yesterday. I thought to myself, as a Catholic what should I think about this execution? My first thoughts were of the victims and their family. In particular I remember reading about one of the victims sitting on a bench with her husband when she was shot. I thought about the grief of the man to lose his wife so sudden and tragic. Without reason other than she was in the killers sites.

I thought about my pro-life stance. My fight against the killing of the Innocent. But how should I react as a Catholic to the execution yesterday.

I still struggling with that. I know what the Church teaches in the 10 commandments. I know what the Catholic Catechism says (CCC 2267).

Some would say that he deserves to die for what he did and some would even go to the extreme to say "I hope he rots in Hell".

Other's would maybe pray for his soul and leave his eternal judgement to Our Father. Pray for the victims and their families.

Below I've provided a few links to review.

Avoid th "Hang 'Em High" Attitude

Catholic Teaching: A few questions on the death penalty

Patrick Madrid - Death Penalty (Audio)

D.C. Sniper Muhammad Executed in Virginia

Veteran's Day - Thank you


"Thank You" should be the phrase most used today, Veteran's Day.

I remember my wife and I celebrating an anniversary with an Alaskan Cruise. While on the trip we were seated for dinner with a group of travelers, one of which was a veteran of D-Day. This gentleman was in his nineties and didn't say very much. His daughter, I believe gave us his background, letting us know he had survived the Normandy Beach landing.

My wife and I thanked him for his service and we all enjoyed dinner together.

For my wife and I, it was indeed a great honor to share a meal with the great Veteran. And so to all Veteran's from all ages I say thank you for your service.

As an American Catholic say God Bless, my He keep you safe and guide you where ever you go.




Tuesday, November 10, 2009

U.S. Marines: Happy Birthday!




Today the U.S. Marines celebrate their 234th birthday of their founding. (Nov 10, 1775)

We owe so much to this institution. For their sacrifice and commitment to the United States of America, I say thank you, God Bless,


and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Read the Story: U.S. Marines


WCC +<><


Monday, November 09, 2009

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Anglicans Accept the Vatican's Offer

Great news!

Anglican Province Accepts Pope's Offer

The Traditional Anglican Communion’s province in Great Britain has become the first to accept Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Constitution for Anglicans.

All its members voted unanimously to come into communion with Rome under the terms of the new provision, which allows them to retain their Anglican patrimony.

MORE

Health Care Passes

Looks like Pelosi has managed to pass the bill in the House yesterday.

Not much to say except I'm pretty mad right now. A bill which is over 2000 pages long which contain a number of Tax increase, government controls, Medicaid cuts, and a number of nightmare conditions. Most of all this bill contains provisions to fund abortion on demand.

The American people are against it yet...

... and Pelosi and the President are cheering this as a major triumph.

A triumph for whom?

I looked at this video showing the planned parenthood supporter converting to prolife.

There is some hope left. Both in the Senate vote and in the 2010 elections.

Have another look at the video...

(Thanks Paul for the link)


Saturday, November 07, 2009

Cathy Griffin: "Offending as Many As I Can"

Cathy Griffin is at it again, "offending as many people as I can" in her own words. This video clip on the Joy Behar show. Joy doesn't make any defense for the truth which is no surprise.

Terrible, all for money by selling her Christmas DVD.




Friday, November 06, 2009

New Book: Life After Death - Dinish D'Souza


Dinish D'Souza is one of my favorite debaters when it comes to answering the arguments from Atheists.


I've viewed many of his debates which he approaches from using mostly Non-Biblical sources and argumentation. More from a 'proof-by-reason' approach.


He's book 'What's so great about Christianity' does a fine job of explaining Christianity from this Faith/Reason method.


Dinish now has a new book, which I just picked up. It's entitled 'Life After Death'.

Here's what amazon.com summary says:




The forward is by Rick Warren




Greta on Foxnews interviews Dinish. Here's a link with a short video:



Conservative author Dinesh D'Souza recently spoke with Fox's Greta Van Susteren about his new book "Life After Death: The Evidence," in which he purports that documented cases of near death experiences give true, scientific credence to the prospect of an afterlife.
I'm looking forward to reading it.
Book Review:
Author Dinesh D’Souza doesn’t approach the subject of life after death as a man of faith might in his latest book -- even though he is just that.
Instead, he tackles the biggest question facing mankind as any skeptical scholar would in Life After Death: The Evidence. The new book earns him the admiration of none other than avowed atheist Christopher Hitchens, which whom he has famously squabbled with on amicable terms.
Life After Death squares off against the naysayers, scientists and non-believers regarding the afterlife in D’Souza’s gentle, pragmatic style. He sets any direct notions of fire and brimstone aside, aiming not for the true believer but for those open minded enough to consider a rational argument for life after death that doesn’t rely on blind faith or wishful thinking. MORE

Santorum Blast Catholic Politicians and U.S. Bishops

Santorum speaks his mind on those Catholic politicians who put their pro-life view aside when it gets too inconvenient to stand by them.

He also blast U.S. Bishops for excepting these view without say much about them, thus confusing the Catholic flock.

Santorum "Appalled at Catholic Bishops"
In an exclusive interview with Creative Minority Report, former Senator Rick Santorum leveled criticism at both Senator Bob Casey and U.S. Catholic bishops for their stands in the current healthcare debate, even going so far as saying he was “appalled” by the statements of the USCCB.
MORE

Fort Hood - Prayers

For the victims and their family members:

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Act of Contrition

WCC +<><

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Pelosi's Health Care Bill - Abortion Premiums

Yes it's there, buried in the 2000 page monstrosity.

Stop the madness already! Strike down this bill!

Speaker Pelosi’s Government-Run Health Plan Will Require a Monthly Abortion Premium

Health care reform should not be used as an opportunity to use federal funds to pay for elective abortions. Health reform should be an opportunity to protect human life - not end it.
Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi’s 2,032-page
government takeover of health care does just that. On line 17, p. 110, section 222 under “Abortions for which Public Funding is Allowed” the Health and Human Services Secretary is given the authority to determine when abortion is allowed under the government-run plan. The Speaker’s plan also requires that at least one insurance plan offered in the Exchange covers abortions.

What is even more alarming is that a monthly abortion premium will be charged of all enrollees in the government-run plan. It’s right there on line 16, page 96, section 213, under “Insurance Rating Rules.” The premium will be paid into a U.S. Treasury account - and these federal funds will be used to pay for the abortion services.

Section 213 describes the process in which the Health Benefits Commissioner is to assess the monthly premiums that will be used to pay for elective abortions under the government-run plan. The Commissioner must charge at a minimum $1 per enrollee per month.
more

Monday, November 02, 2009

This Vampire Thang...

I don't get it.

What's with this craze about vampires. It seems it's the new 'hip' thing to be or at least watch on TV or read about, as in 'Twilite' or is it 'Twilight'?

I see it at the book store, a full display on it own. Then there's the new cable TV shows with young adults mixing romance with a 'Bite to eat'.... vampire style.

Fr. Barron gives his take on it.

Fr. Barron on the Vampire Caze

U.S. Bishop's Finally Unite with One Voice

This Sunday's bulletin at my parish included an insert for the U.S. Bishops on their stance on the proposed health care bill.

An insert... and that's all the attention it was given. I don't know if the intent of the diocese was to have it read out loud during the homily. This would have been a good idea considering that it's message was a surprising one to say the least.

A unified voice coming from our shepherds, recognizing that the health care bill in empty if it doesn't provide for all peoples, including the UNBORN. Without this provision written in the bill, the bishops say we SHOULDN'T SUPPORT IT'S PASSAGE.

Our good Deacon brought attention to the Bishop's insert at the end of mass, but I don't' think he even read it. He announced it as a bishop's review and support for the health care bill. Completely the opposite message in contains.

Not good....

Another wasted opportunity to teach the congregation on the church's stance on abortion and how the current health care bill is the wrong approach.

Now some will argue that this message from the bishops is too little too late, and that may be so, but we wasted even this tidbit on an important church calendar day, 'All Souls Day'.
Anyway, here's the letter encase you dropped yours on the way out of the church on Sunday.

The Full-Court Press
So what happened in your church this past weekend? Was there an insert in the parish bulletin from the US bishops' conference, urging you to call your Congressman and encourage opposition to abortion funding in the health-care reform bill? Did the priest mention the matter? Was there any literature about it in the vestibule? MORE

BISHOP'S BULLETIN INSERT