The Prophet Rossanne Barr

Another Celebrity Anti-Catholic wacko...
Roseanne Barr went on an anti-Catholic rant on Twitter,

On Friday, far-left actress Roseanne Barr went on an anti-Catholic rant on Twitter,  as she seemingly gave her take on the controversy over ObamaCare's abortifacient/contraception mandate. Barr reused some of her previous bigoted attacks: painting Catholic priests as child molesters, and calling for the registration of the Church as a PAC. She even called for the taxation of the Catholic Church.

Read more: http://newsbusters.org/#ixzz1w75vyKwC

Media Ignores Catholic Outrage

The outrage of the Catholic Church is no doubt being ignored by the media ... obviously to shield the president and his campaign attempts to hide from the Mandate issue.

These attempts to mask the issue in "Women's Health" is not working os the only strategy is to ignore, with the help of the media

Catholics, SHOULDN'T IGNORE IT EITHER!
If we ignore it, this attempt to tell us what to do or what to believe in...well it won't stop there.

Another Disasterous/Deadly Season on Mt. Everest

Four dead last week because of a traffic jam on the mighty mountain. I don't know, I think this could have been avoided. There must be someone controlling the amount of people going up at one time.

Don't know all the details so I don't know all the facts. The article just highlights the deadly week.

Prayers for the families involved.

Days after deaths, another crowd attempts Everest  

Last weekend, four climbers died on their way down from the summit amid a traffic jam of more than 200 people scrambling to conquer the world's highest peak as the weather worsened. A similar crowd is expected this weekend, but there have been no reports of climbers in trouble and the weather is good.

"Ring of Fire" ...Path

 A rare occurrence and one you don't want to miss.
Here's some information if you plan to see it.

France Elects Socalist As Presidents

Well it looks like the voters in France have sealed their fate. They have chosen  socialist  Francois Hollande as their next President.

I think the ramifications of this for the European Union will be catastrophic. Already the Euro is down. It's like one of the stakes holding up the EU tent has just been up rooted. 

The people have spoken. The 'I WANT IT NOW' majority has dealt a devastating blow to their well being and a Greek like demise maybe in the future.

Whats really scary is the choice of the voters here in the US in November. Will we chose a similar path?

Will Hollande be a friend or a foe to the U.S.?

Time will tell.

Socialist Francois Hollande wins French presidency  

Did Muhammad Really Exist?

What a great question!
We often hear questions doubting the existence of Jesus as a really person but we never hear such questions about the prophet Muhammad.

Author Robert Spencer has now written a new book offering up this question. Now I have read (actually listen to the book on tape) Spencer's previous 2006 Bibliography The Truth About Muhammad.

His new book is entitled: Did Muhammad Exist?  

I've got to get a copy.

Here's a short interview with the Author Robert Spencer:

The Crusades ...The Same Old Erroneous Objections

The American Catholic Blog, has a cool piece on the tall tales and erroneous objections to the Crusades, even though the facts are explained to the them over and over again

Rick Santorum attempts again to bring to point that the crusades are not an unprovoked aggressive act of Christians against the Muslims, but apparently the Young Turks group isn't history literate and has their own agenda, facts be damned. And of course they end their arguments with a character attack. Typical for this group.

Wow...maybe this guy should follow his own advise and "READ HISTORY"

The Crusades and Historical Ignorance 

If You Became Catholic...

Taylor Marshall, the new Dean of College at St Thomas More has a three part series on the topic,

What Would Your Family Say…If You Became Catholic? (Part 3 on Becoming Catholic

Check it out!

New Domain: westcoastcatholic.com

Whoo Hooo!

I now have my own Domain, www.westcoastcatholic.com

I can be reach at either the Blogger name: www.westcoastcatholic.blogspot.com

OR

The new domain: www.westcoastcatholic.com

Catholic Social Justice...Bring it on!

One of the best books I've read on the subject of Catholic Social Doctrine is one by J. Brian Benestad, his book 'Church State and Society - An Introduction to Catholic Social Doctrine'.

Of course the Compendium of Catholic Social Doctrine is the official Church source along with various Encyclical and teaching of the Church Father (particularly Aquinas) but Benestad does a great job of breaking it down and explaining it in understandable morsels.

Our parish Men's Fellowship is undertaking a study on the subject and we are using the book Indivisable By James Robison and Jay W. Richards along with a DVD series by Msgr. Stuart Swetland entitled Catholic Social Teaching   

Carl Olsen of Insight Scoop has a fine article on the subject, 'It is time to get serious about Catholic social doctrine' that is a must read.

He talks in part about the intentional strategy of the present Administration to 'divide and conquer' all opponents including and especially Catholics all for the goal of re-election.

Obama, though not part of the Church Hierarchy (Pope, Cardinal, Bishop, Priest) gets to define what Catholic Social Doctrine and it's terminology and call upon those he prefers within the Church, usually someone who is will to lend their Catholic identity to confuse fellow Catholics.

We need to educate ourselves brothers and sisters of the faith. We need to learn what true Catholic Social Doctrine really means as defined by the Church. The resources that I mention above are a place to start. Most likely you won't hear it from the pulpit. You will hear it from self proclaimed experts in the news like Pelosi, Dowd, Biden, and numerous other politicians and celebrities as well as misinformed leaders of the Church.

We spend so much time on our iPads, iPhone, TV, and everything else. We need to divert some of those distractions (all good in themselves) to learn the tenets of our faith.

Chen Guangcheng...I'm So Saddened

Ya know this really breaks my heart. You listen to so much complaining here in the Good'Ol  U.S.A. I have done so myself at times.

To hear Chen Guangcheng's story just makes me feel not only embarrassed by my own complaining but I really feel for this guy and his family. I can't believe there isn't anything we can do. And while we as US citizens may not know the whole behind the scenes workings it sure appears that our administration is playing the 'head in the sand' game.

There must be something we can do. I will offer up my daily rosaries until resolution of this matter.

Please keep Chen and his family in your prayers.

Activist Chen Guangcheng: Let Me Leave China on Hillary Clinton’s Plane    

Commander and Chief or Opportunist?

As Commander and Chief, the President is called upon to make the hard decisions especially in times of war, however a commander in chief is not one who claims credit for the actual actions that others put their own lives on the line for.

Yet that's what President Obama has done with his latest campaign ad. A totally thought out orchestrated attempt to take credit for the the killing of Bin Laden, backed by former President Clinton. 

And now actual members of the Seal organization have had enough and see the situation for what it is. Using them and the dangers they put themselves under to further his own interest.

That's just disgraceful.
  
SEALs slam Obama for using them as 'ammunition' in bid to take credit for bin Laden killing during election campaign    

Cool is .....Better?

So is your life better with the Cool Incumbent?
Be honest now?

Cool doesn't feed the kids or pay the bills
Cool doesn't get you employed after graduation or pay the school loan.
Cool doesn't make retirement feasible or doable
Cool doesn't get you the prescription you need or the timely doctor appointment
Cool doesn't let you practice your faith without limitations.
Cool is not leadership
 



Thanks Pundit & Pundette (one of my favorite blogs)

The Pledge of Allegiance - A Look Back

Sometimes you have to stop... and look back to see your progress in life. To see if you've left the path and wandered onto the side of the road or worse off the beaten path away from your true destiny.

Many of the young may not remember Red Skelton or his show on TV. It was a comedy hour with many skits and a lot of good clean fun. While I remember seeing many of the recorded shows, I will always remember how Red use to end his show with a "....God Bless". Unheard of today.

Here he is explaining the Pledge of Allegiance, which I'm not sure if it's recited in schools anymore.
What a shame...maybe we've wandered off the beaten path a little too far.

Romney the Nominee...Ho Hum

So, since the exit of Santorum I've been shying away from any extensive viewing or listening of the election coverage. (pray for Bella)

I know what I have to do. I don't want another four years of Obama...definitely not. So I will hold my nose and pull the lever for Mr.Candidate Romney.

If Rubio is the VP ...the same. I read how he tongue lashed the Holy Father for his trip to Cuba.
Hello, there are fellow Catholics there, why wouldn't the Pope make a visit?

I'll continue to pray for strength and guidance. I pray daily for the elections.

Anyway here/s a good article on the subject.

Not Excited About Romney?   

This year’s GOP primary has been an odyssey filled with sound and fury. But, like elephants who never forget, millions of Republicans are muttering “haven’t we seen this movie before?” Conservatives who were looking for a solid alternative to Democrat Barack Obama are angry and disappointed. The party rank and file was opposed to the nomination of Mitt Romney, seeing him as a weathervane – willing to adopt any position or cause to suit his ambitions.

Does Science Refute Religion?

I fully intended to attend this recent event in Pasadena California at the famous campus of Caltech on March 27th, a few weeks ago. A Bastion of intellect and home to many world renown and leading

It was raining hard here and I wasn't feeling very well so I couldn't make it. But I was excited to find it online so I thought I'd share it.

What better place to explore the argument for and against Religion than Caltech. And who better to lead the arguments for religion than Christian Apologist and president of Kings College in New York, Dinesh D'Souza.

I've watched Dinesh through many online debates and attending a lecture over at Azusa Pacific University, not far from where I live. Dinesh has a unique style of debate tactics suited well for this type of debate. He doesn't argue solely using a biblical, Bible scripture based basis. He uses the arguments used from his opponents, using not only faith but reason, which is the best way to explain the Christian faith....faith and reason.

Truly in the den of lions, Dinesh teams up with MIT physicist Ian Hutchinson against CALTECH COSMOLOGIST AND PHYSICIST Sean Carroll and Skeptic magazine publisher and science historian Michael Shermer (and Atheist) to debate the merits of science claim to have disproved religion.

A wonderful debate to share with as many friends, church groups, anyone that has lost a little hope that the world is turning away from God and how our leaders are promoting this. Dinesh and Ian in my opinion shake the foundation of this Institution  and hopefully planted a few seeds of truth in the minds of these students in attendence. Not to sway them from exploring science but to open their minds to seek the truth in all they discover. It will surely lead them to God.

I'm still a Santorum Supporter

Well Romney did win as was projected. That doesn't mean I'm going to turn my vote for him. Living here on the West Coast, my vote won't come until June and I will be a guaranteed vote for Santorum.

I still don't trust Romney and I believe he is going to make a dash to the center if he gets the nomination. And what's more I believe he will even lean a little to the left of center if he makes it to the White House.

Anyway, I still praying that Santorum will make it to the convention where he can make his delegate bid.

American Catholic has the post primary blog on the details:

The Weathervane’s Chief Strength as a Candidate?

An American Hero...and Father

I'm posting this because this story has got to be told as Easter approaches. With the Easter sacrifice nearing, this story of sacrifice is heartbreaking and yet an example to al.
Sgt Dennis Weichel, thank you for your sacrifice....RIP
Please pass it on...

Candid Interview With Cardinal Dolan

Cardinal Dolan has a great interview and talks about the HHS issue. He is not fooled by the aggressive actions of the present Obama Administration. He offered some trust in President Obama's words to"work things out".

Some say he was mislead by the President, he says this himself. He's very candid about this. I don't think he will be fooled again. He realizes this is a battle that must be fought by all Catholics.

He emphasizes the fact that this is not an issue of contraception but of RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. So if you're confronted on this subject, don't let the conversation straw man it's way into that trap.

If someone wants to talk about contraception and the Churches teachings on it, hey any day, any time.
But if the argument is the HHS issue is specifically about this, no it's not.

I don't care how many Catholics are not following the Churches teaching on this subject. Majority does not rule, if indeed it is a majority. The Churches teaching are correct and the Truth no matter what percentage agree with it or not.

BATMAN!

I thought this was very cool.
An individual who without seeking publicity, using his own money, visits children in hospital and hands out Batman toys and trinkets, spending time with them. ....Just because he wants to make the children happy.

Now that's a lesson in Love (Charity) we can all learn from.

What a great story.

Oh, and thank you to the police officers who recognized this Love (Charity) for what it was and let him go after they pulled him over.

Romney and the Catholic Vote

It's not that I haven't thought about how to reconcile my disapproval of Romney and move beyond my primary choice of Santorum.. I just can't seem to get over that feeling of major compromise. I hate to admit it but I've even thought about the "what would it matter if I didn't vote this election" if Romney was the candidate.

Now I don't think I could real get myself to NOT vote, but just the fact that I've contemplated this has me a bit baffled. Is Romney really all that bad of a person. No not at all, I'm sure he is a fine person and he seems to have a wonderful family.

Maybe its the sense of his 'call me mister inevitable'. Maybe it's the amount of money he is spending to drown out his opponents. Is it his fault that he has so munch campaign money. No not really, its just his, I don't know for lack of a better word, phoniness and inconsistencies.    
I can't seem to get over what he did to the Catholic institutions in Massachusetts, his support of Global warming, his flip-flops on abortion.

I honestly think the Left is going to have a field day with him as the Candidate.

So am I alone in my own thought. Well according to the ongoing primaries it appears so. The Catholic vote for Santorum, a solid Catholic. One who is not afraid to talk about and standup for the Churches teaching beyond that one hour on Sunday, doesn't seem to be solidifying.

Mitt Romney seems the candidate of choice for Catholics

...and I can't figure out why?

Crisis online Magazine  has a good article that tries to shed some light on the matter.

Have a read...sad as it is.

Why Catholics Love Mitt Romney  

I read this and I'm still confused....

 ...and I'm still a Santorum supporter.

Santorum Takes Louisiana in a Big Way

Santorum continues to show that he is still in it for the long hall. I continue to support Santorum as my Republican Nominee of choice.

A Louisiana win of about 49% is in the books. Santorum is the Contrast we need to distinguish against Obama.

I read somewhere a pretty good analogy. "If the walls in your room are beige and you re-paint them. Why would you want to paint them a different shade of beige?"

I think that about summarizes my take on Romney. Would I vote for Obama instead of Romney...of course not. Bottom line I don't thing Romney is not that strong against Obama, not with RomneyCare or his support of Global Warming or his flip-flops on abortion.

Santorum has the values and policies that I support, economic, foreign policy wise, family value wise.  So far I haven't been convinced otherwise. Romney is too moderate.Sorry DRUDGE

Romney has the delegate count but I'll continue to support Santorum until the convention.

Anyway congratulations to Ricky.
Santorum wins Louisiana, next matchup Wisconsin   

Obama Administration Targeting Vatican Bank

I read a news post a couple of days ago that mentioned the U.S. State Department had decided to include the Vatican on its “financial crimes” list. This essentially saying that the Vatican is not transparent enough in their banking transactions.

The Vatican regularly transfers large sums of money from it's bank accounts as is normal of any banking institutions or large business. The Vatican is in the business of 'charity' and so it moves moneys to those that it supports, tsunami victims, African relief funds, you name it in terms of supporting the poor and needy through out the world.

The the US State Department has found it needs to take a closer look at 'the books' of the Vatican to see, well what it can see.

Then there's this new story of JP Morgan closing their Vatican accounts because they suspect...wait for it...fraud!

This all smells rather fishy to me.

I'm not a conspiracy kind of person but it all seems piculiar to me why this is happening at this time.
First the battle of the Health Care Mandate dictated to the Catholic Church and it's institutions (Hospitals, Universities) the need to pay for birth control. And now the Vatican banks.

I'm starting to be very uneasy about some of these circumstances. Why the Vatican financial institutions and say not Russian banks or China's Banks, why pick on the Vatican with all it's charity works.

I'm starting to believe this US Administration is playing 'intimidation' tactics, Chicago style.

I think we need to start paying more attention to these actions by the US Government (aka, Obama administration). I wonder if the next step would be a US Government saying "Hey Vatican, we need to start looking at your financial book maybe starting at the Diocese levels here in the States unless you start seeing things our way ...Mandate wise."

Fellow Catholics, we need to join together in pushing back on the intrusion of our Church teachings. Especially this election period. Don't just sit back and watch, study the teachings of the Church, hold true to them in your everyday lives, not just for an hour on Sunday.

Be prepared to engage in the conversations that we know go against what we believe in the public arena. This is going to be an ugly battle.

Pray, Pray, Pray

Read the story, Oh and I'm not a big Glenn Beck fan but he does make a few good points in his video.

JPMorgan Chase Closes Vatican Bank Account    

 

The Gingrich - Santorum Teaming

So, I'm listening to FoxNews team of pundits harping on a conspiracy of Gingrich not in the race to win, but only to spoil a Romney win.

Just a week ago everyone was a-ok with a Ron Paul - Romney tag  team because it helped Romney (Mr. inevitable) toward his goal of the WH.

I tell you this battle isn't over by a long shot. People are just not ready to hand over the reigns to a moderate like Romney.

My pet peeve against my vote for Romney is his devastating  policies in Massachusetts (his mandate) that put pressure on Catholic Hospitals and Adoption agencies.

He is also stuck on the Global Warming hoax

And more important his inconsistent stance on Abortion.

Right now Brett Baier is interviewing Gingrich, questioning his stand to stay in the race.


I'm beginning to think that the Left doesn't have a corner on the market of Media Manipulation.

Brett has an unusually line of questioning trying to get Gingrich to say something derogation against Romney.

So far the only reporting is not on Rick Santorum's win but on why doesn't Gingrich go away. and still pushing the Mitt (Mr. Inevitable) Romney delegate count.

What happened to we report and you decide? I realize this is analysis hour, but there doesn't seem to be a balance of thought on tonight's results.

....and so far no sign of Mitt Romney anywhere on Cable or the Local Channels.


Very disappointing FoxNews, and I'm a frequent viewer.

(AL) SANTORUM ! (MS) SANTORUM !

Yeah!
Santorum wins and wins big. I don't care what the Media is going to say about Math or their claim of women's rights or labels of religious right or whatever, this is a big night for Rich Santorum.

Just this afternoon Drudge had claims of Romney 'On the verge of Big win in Mississippi'.

Perception is a mighty persuasive element. It means that more people who were once resigned to a Romney inevitability are going to have to come to terms with many giving Rick Santorum another very good look. Especially those who have weak hearts who want to support Rick but go along with all the pundits pointing to Romney already picking out wall paper for the master bedroom in the White House.

I say Santorum is the right person ...the David to go against Barack Obama aka Goliath.

The women's vote is not going the way the MS Media wants it to. They are outraged.

MSNBC Political Analyst: Alabama Women Voting for Santorum 'Really Hurts Me'   

But still a long way to go...

So get those check books out and help support Rick Santorum and prayers, prayers, prayers.

GO SANTORUM !

Santorum wins Mississippi, Alabama Republican primaries, Fox News projects  

The Battle for Dixie: Santorum wins Alabama, Mississippi

Southern Man 

Anti-Catholicism In The Obama Administration

I believe that Obama's HHS stance is a clear sign of his disregard for what the Catholic Church stands for and it's legitimacy to be in a voice and influence in the public forum.

His persistent support of this mandate is met to force Catholics to go against their faith.

Fr. Barron does a fine job of articulating this point.

Fr. Portiflex - Bring Your Message

A Catholic theologian with a knack for Hip-Hop. I posted on him earlier as he countered the message of a HIP-HOP artist who had a Non-Religion misconception.

Here's Father's story
A Catholic Priest Who Doubles as a Successful Hip-Hop Artist? That’s This Guy 

When one thinks of the common characteristics associated with Catholic priests, the ability to rap and produce hip-hop music is not likely to come to mind. After all, many of the themes that modern-day rap artists embrace are, shall I say, less than Christian.

But such a seemingly impossible amalgamate hasn’t prevented Father Claude Burns from doubling as a Catholic leader and a successful hip-hop artist. The Indiana-based faith leader, whose stage name is Fr. Pontifex, is defying stereotypes and making catchy music along the way.

White House HHS Compromise: U.S. Bishops "Unacceptable!...Must Recind Mandate""

I didn't figure the Bishops to respond so quickly, however I'm pleased they're not being shy on this matter.
Sometimes it takes them awhile to come out with any type of response especially as one voice. Cardinal Doyle's response is much welcomed.

Reading their official response, one statement by the Bishops popped out at me.

"We just received information about this proposal for the first time this morning; we were not consulted in advance. Some information we have is in writing and some is oral" 
Catholic Bishops: Obama's Solution 'Is Unacceptable' 

Here's another article on this.

Catholic Bishops Oppose Compromise on Birth-Control Insurance   

After just hearing a re-cap of the announcement by president Obama on cable, it sounded like all were at the negotiating table working together. One would think that with the first meeting with Cardinal Doyle that he would be there or at least other high ranking church officials would be apart of the talks. 

It doesn't appear so. It more appears that the White House was not approaching this from a good faith standpoint. They were not serious about working with the faithful in resolving this at all. They were looking to having their cake (Mandate) and eating it too...and still making the faithful pay for the cake.

With this quick response from the bishiop's I'm hoping that the WH is realizing that we are not going to go away and we refuse to be mislead.

This Mandate is not just about Catholic institutions paying for contraception, abortifacients, but it's also faithful individual Catholics footing the bill to pay for this through our personal health insurance premiums. 

All faithful Catholics need to be worried about this and should react appropriately against this in the strongest terms. 

I know at our parish for the next three weekends we plan a petition drive related to the objection to this HHS Mandate

I'm still hoping that we will hear about this at our pupit for Sunday mass. We still need the Bishops voice in the form of a letter (or video) expressing the Churches stand AGAINST this HHS mandate and contraception.

Catholcs to arms!
Helmet - Charity
Breastplate and Sword - Faith and Hope 
(Theological Virtues)

 Weekend reading for all Catholics: 
1) Matrimony- Contraception: CCC 2370 
2) Virtues: CCC 1800-1826 (Part III, Article 7 - The Virtues)

RIP Whitney

Rest In Peace Whitney

Maine: Race of the Non-Conservatives

Mitt Romney	2,190	39.2%
Ron Paul	1,996	35.7%
Rick Santorum	989	17.7%
Newt Gingrich	349	6.2%
Other	61	1.1%

Many of the Sunday talk shows today are touting "Rick momentum Stopped Cold in Maine".

I say, what do you expect?
This is Maine for goodness sake!
Home of Rep Olympia Snowe!

I think the result show the real story. The winners are one and the same thread....Non-Conservatives.
Romney 39%, Paul 35%. That says a lot.

Santorum with just 18% is just fine for me.That just confirms for me that Santorum is still the right choice for me.

Sorry Coulter, I'm not hoping my candidate is conservative.  

Romney edges out Paul in Maine caucus contest  

Mitt Romney captured two prizes in the Republican presidential race Saturday, edging out Ron Paul in the Maine caucuses while beating Rick Santorum in a key straw poll.

White House HHS Compromise: U.S. Bishops "Unacceptable!...Must Recind Mandate""

I didn't figure the Bishops to respond so quickly, however I'm pleased they're not being shy on this matter.
Sometimes it takes them awhile to come out with any type of response especially as one voice. Cardinal Dolan's response is much welcomed.

Reading their official response, one statement by the Bishops popped out at me.

"We just received information about this proposal for the first time this morning; we were not consulted in advance. Some information we have is in writing and some is oral" 
Catholic Bishops: Obama's Solution 'Is Unacceptable' 

Here's another article on this.

Catholic Bishops Oppose Compromise on Birth-Control Insurance   

 
After just hearing a re-cap of the announcement by president Obama on cable, it sounded like all were at the negotiating table working together. One would think that with the first meeting with Cardinal Dolan that he would be there or at least other high ranking church officials would be apart of the talks. 

It doesn't appear so. It more appears that the White House was not approaching this from a good faith standpoint. They were not serious about working with the faithful in resolving this at all. They were looking to having their cake (Mandate) and eating it too...and still making the faithful pay for the cake.

With this quick response from the bishiop's I'm hoping that the WH is realizing that we are not going to go away and we refuse to be mislead.

This Mandate is not just about Catholic institutions paying for contraception, abortifacients, but it's also faithful individual Catholics footing the bill to pay for this through our personal health insurance premiums. 

All faithful Catholics need to be worried about this and should react appropriately against this in the strongest terms. 

I know at our parish for the next three weekends we plan a petition drive related to the objection to this HHS Mandate

I'm still hoping that we will hear about this at our pupit for Sunday mass. We still need the Bishops voice in the form of a letter (or video) expressing the Churches stand AGAINST this HHS mandate and contraception.

Catholcs to arms!
Helmet - Charity
Breastplate and Sword - Faith and Hope 
(Theological Virtues)

 Weekend reading for all Catholics: 
1) Matrimony- Contraception: CCC 2370 
2) Virtues: CCC 1800-1826 (Part III, Article 7 - The Virtues)

EWTN Sues Over Obama's HHS Stance

Wow, didn't see this coming but I'm glad the Catholic voice is being heard!

Thank you EWTN
  
It's about time we take a stand. Wish more Catholics would take live up to their faith and turn the Catholic vote into something positive.

Over 50% of Catholics voted for Obama last time. There is not excuse for repeating this election.

Biden says contraceptives fight can be worked out  

The EWTN Global Catholic Network said it filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Birmingham, Alabama, seeking to block government agencies from implementing the rule. The case asks the court to find the rule unconstitutional, it said.

HHS Contraception Mandate - Fr. Barron

Thank God for Fr. Barron, he has that level headed response but comes right to the point.

Here's my not so level headed response, Mr. Obama....HELL NO!

Sometimes Evil Seems To Prevail....

Can't tell you how disappointed I am about Komen's decision to give money to Planned Parenthood. Many people are. I even heard that a number of Congressmen signed a letter addressed to Komen's to pressure them to return funds that they, Komen voluntarily gave but took away from PP.

Shameful. PP's primary efforts are for abortions.not women's health care.

While it's Komen's money, that money is gathered through donations for Breast Cancer research not to give for Planned Parenthood's abortion agenda.

We can't give up the fight even if decisions like this one let us down.

Here's the sad decision.

Susan G. Komen Foundation Reverses Stance on Cutting Funding for Planned Parenthood 

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer charity has reversed its decision to halt funding of breast-screening grants to Planned Parenthood, the organization announced Friday.

In a statement, Komen for the Cure Founder and CEO Nancy Brinker apologized for “recent decisions” and said the organization would continue to fund Planned Parenthood.


But wait...UPDATE
Maybe Komen didn't change their minds

Tito has the story:

Susan G. Komen Foundation Did Not Reverse Course, But It’s an Epic P.R. Disaster on Their Part 

The American Papist and Steven D. Greydanus agree with me on this one.
Look at it from Komen’s perspective, they’re taking a public relations hit by the punks and thugs from Planned Parenthood and their allies.  It’s a war, a Culture War out there!

Romney Not Right for This Catholic

I keep hearing that Romney is the best candidate because he can beat Obama...the polls says so.

But for me the President not only has to beat Obama but must also hold my values on Life issues as well. I know that it's been told to us again and again that "It's the economy stupid!"

Yes its the economy, I know, but I look at it from a deeper view. The economy yes, but in terms from a national view down to the core of the nation, namely the family and down further to the nucleus of the family the life of a child.

If you can't get it right at the nucleus, from the basic life of a child, from conception to birth, then you can't expect to fix anything beyond that. If we're going to fix the nation we have to start at it's foundation, the family and the life of a child. Abortion will have to be abolished.

That issue of how you view Life will determine what kind of society you have.

Marco Rubio bravely said words similar to this today.
  
Rubio: ‘America cannot truly fulfill its destiny unless’ it ends abortion   
“The issue of life is not a political issue, nor is it a policy issue, it is a definitional issue. It is a basic core issue that every society needs to answer,” he said. “The answer that you give to that issue ends up defining which kind of society you have.” 

It's what Santorum has said the same thing.

Romney too says he's pro-life, but his actions say something entirely different.

Romney Told Catholic Hospitals to Administer Abortion Pills  

The same day the Globe ran its editorial, Romney held a press conference. Now he said his legal counsel had advised him the new emergency contraception law did trump the 1975 conscience law.

“On that basis, I have instructed the Department of Public Health to follow the conclusion of my own legal counsel and to adopt that sounder view,” Romney said. “In my personal view, it’s the right thing for hospitals to provide information and access to emergency contraception to anyone who is a victim of rape.”

A true leader would have said: I will defend the First Amendment right of Catholics to freely exercise their religion — against those who would force them to participate in abortions — all the way to the Supreme Court.

For me Santorum is still the stronger Candidate as far as values in a President that I want elected. The GOP establishment says they want a win at all cost.

Honestly, I'll vote for Mitt if he ends up the nominee but as I said before, only while holding my nose.

I'm a Santorum supporter because he's the right candidate. I just don't trust Mitt with what he did in Massachusetts.

Florida Debate - Santorum Alive!

I'm watching a second showing of the debate, came home late.

Question on 'What role will Religion play in your administration?'

Newt had a great answer "...not just for an hour on Sunday..."

But Santorum hit it out of the park "...faith has everything to do with it....faith and reason"

GO SANTORUM!

State of the Union, Re-Union

The third State of the Union speech in the administration of President Obama is now past us.

My first impressions, well the third sounded a lot like the second. More promises of more this and that, more protection from the making the wrong choices with the guidance of the government.

Bigger bureaucracy with two or three more committees and gov organizations.

All this equals MORE SPENDING more debit.

Mitch McDanials was gracious in his opening remarks of his rebuttal pointing out the words of praise the president rightfully gave our men and women in the armed forces. Obama welcoming them home from the war. He missed only one point there. Our honored veterans will be coming home to no jobs. There military units will be dissolved to pay for all the promises he would lay out in the reminder of his speech.

The president spoke of those of us struggling because of lost wages, foreclosed homes, debit and the like.

I remembered reading at lunch time today a chapter in  a book by Brian Benestad, Church, State, And Society - An introduction to Catholic Social Doctrine.

He was quoting JPII who said Catholic Social Doctrine is crystal -clear about the obligation toward the poor. Christians are obligated to have  "a love of preference for the poor" or a preferential option for the poor, which JPII defined as a "special form of primacy in the exercise of Christian charity." 

Benestad adds, This means much more than having the right opinion on welfare. A genuine love of the poor must include efforts to help people to get out and or stay out of poverty. Welfare is important as temporary measure for those on the road to self-support and as a permanent subsidy for people who cannot, for various legitimate reasons, obtain or hold a job. (pg336)

It just seemed to me that the presidents speech didn't bring me to believe that that would take place; help the poor get out and or stay out of poverty.

Here's Mitch McDaniels rebuttal.

Jesus vs. Religion

There is a youtube video circulating.

The jest of the video is a young man 'rapping' his thoughts on who he thinks Jesus is compared to what he thinks Religion is.

All in all it's very well done, in step with today's culture. He expounds on why he thinks Religion, according to his definition, is bad and one can only follow Jesus without it. Including some political swipes, think I've protrayed that fairly.

Anyway I found a counter to that video that I believes addresses come of the claims of the first video and corrects some of the errors.

I do like both video's the attempt to give his thoughts in such an artistic way, even though I have my disagreement with the message of the first video. I love the way the two video's complement each other. They try to communicate their ideas in a common way.

The Father doesn't quite hit that cultural note like the first video, but I love the attempt to find common ground and still not back away from debating the message

Take a look at both videos and let me know what you think.

Video No. 1


Video No. 2

The 54 Chino Hills Babies

This morning I spent time at a special mass to  remember the 54 aborted babies  found in an empty field in Chino Hills back in 1997. Every year we in Chino Hills and the surrounding churches both Catholic and Protestant come together to celebrate life through the tragic deaths of these innocent lives.

There were multiple church services in the communities. The Catholic service I attended at St Paul the Catholic Church had a beautiful service. I was honored to represent one of the 54 children who were each given a name. The name given to the baby I represented is 'Joshua Promise'.

I remember the day that the babies were found. A call went out to the church community and the community as a whole, that a group a young boys were playing in a field in Chino Hills when they came across scattered boxes. Being curious children they opened one of the boxes only to find what they didn't expect .... the bodies of aborted babies. They ran home to tell their parents what they found. The parents alerted the authorities and the word spread.

I remember arriving to the site of the find. The babies themselves were already in the possession of the authorities. As the community gathered for prayer, the local media began to show up. I remember standing right next to a couple of the media. A young man and a young woman. I don't recall what part of the media they represented but I do recall what they conversed about.

The young gentleman reporter was heralding to the young attractive woman reporter how "he too was Catholic...just not that Catholic". They both laughed together.

He obviously didn't want to be associated with us wackos who came together in prayer for the aborted babies.

That phrase hit a nerve with me then and it does now. "I'm Catholic too...just not that Catholic"

Either you are Catholic or your not. That's why as true Catholics we have to live our values everyday not just on Sunday, but everyday in every way of life, no matter where we are or what we're doing.

And especially in these elections. We need a president in office that governs with those values.

Creative Minority Report has a post on a poll take to see how Catholic view president Obama and if they would vote him back into office. The results are not pretty.

51% of Catholics say they will vote Obama back into office.

THAT'S REALLY IS DISGRACEFUL !

Please, please, please remember before you you're Republican, Democratic, Independent, Green Party or Librarian that you are Catholic.

Vote that way.

Etta James Tribute

Thank you Etta for a unforgettable song.

A Catholic's Thoughts At This Moment in the Elections...Pre - SC Primary

Okay, here we are a day before the SC Primary. The last debate, number 8 I think, was last night. I haven't watched it yet except for a few of the news clips that have been airing on the news channels.

The first question pertaining to Newt’s sec

ond wife and the response to it from ‘Ging’ have been circulating.

Well, this West Coast Catholic has been nursing a very bad upper respiratory infection all week and still going to work. I feel lucky to have work so I’m trying to push myself a little. Today’s a day off for me and so I’m sitting here thinking on the elections.

You know, questions that you yourselves, fellow Catholics and non-Catholics alike have probably been stirring in your own minds.

In my case, “What’s a Catholic to do with this field of Republican Candidates?” I say Republicans only because, right up front and its obvious in my posts, that I’m not an Obama second term guy.

So the first questions I asked myself are “from the field how do I vote, right now? Who am I for and against?”

Well, maybe a better question is “who am I for the most and least, knowing I’m not voting for the incumbent”.

This is where I stand and a few reasons why, right or wrong and they all can be debated. I reserve the right to even change my mind. This is just how I see thing right now, today, the Friday before the NC primary.
I welcome your thought…

Okay, so who do we have left in the field? Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.

Ron Paul, let’s start here:

Over the past few weeks It’s been quite a shocker for me to see how much support Ron actually has. In my mind I can be supportive of Ron on his pro-life issue but then I try to understand his stance on foreign policy and frankly that just makes me cringe. Too much of an isolationist for me.

Look, this world is a wonderful gift from God, but let’s face it, it’s a very dangerous place with lots of not so good events happening. Poverty, war, crime. One can approach it from a stand point of, “well lets just take care of our own, leave everyone else to themselves and we’ll all be happy”.

This is not how it works and it’s definitely not a part of Catholic teaching. If that were the case Catholicism wouldn’t have spread. Civilization wouldn’t have spread. Closed societies have been tried before. China comes to mind, the old Soviet Union remember and the ’Iron Curtain’.

So we’re a Super-Power and with that, whether one likes it or not, we have certain responsibilities. Now this is where it gets sticky. How much responsibility and when do we draw the line and just bud out of foreign affairs? We can debate this endlessly but for now my point is I figure Ron Paul as out of the mainstream and at one end of the spectrum. He wants to ‘bud out’ too much.

I understand he has the College vote and I can understand that. The youth are our future and thats for sure, but the mentality of ‘hey you do your thing and I’ll do mine, it’s all good’ is a bit naïve. Not all youth have this mentality but I know how Ron’s non confrontational message can be attractive to the youth. Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way in life.

For me Ron Paul will not be chosen to represent the Republican Party. I believe his votes are drawing away from supporting other candidates in the running who I believe have a legitimate chance at winning and a complete set of values that I want our next president to have. Still it’s an individual’s right to put an X by the person they support.

Mitt Romney:

Mitt ‘inevitable me’ Romney. It’s not that I don’t think Mitt is a bad guy, cause he isn’t. It’s true that I just don’t seem to identify with his wealth but he’s earned it. Again we can debate on how he earned it, however I believe the Obama campaign will go down that path the minute he would become the winning Repub in the race.

I’m more concerned with his record while in Massachusetts, and specifically his role in the demise of the Catholic adoption agency there as well as the Catholic Hospitals because of polices he supported. While I do think I would support him if he was chosen the primary winner he is not my first choice.

Newt:

Newt Gingrich, what can I say. He has so much baggage…as the news outlet pundits say, that collected they’d fill the warehouse seen in one of Indiana Jones movies. Yes, he has baggage, he’s been in the DC business quite a long time so he has a lot to put under the microscope, which is the exact opposite of the White House occupant of today had when he took office…..NO EXPERIENCE.

But I do put him above Romney. If I believe in repentance, I can’t take Newts conversion lightly. I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I do appreciate his communication skills and I believe he is more conservative in his views than Romney. I do believe there has to be a bigger contrast between the incumbent and the challenger.

I’ve said this before, but people keep telling me that the ‘Independents’ will decide the next president and to tell you the truth, that scares the beegeebees out of me. For one thing this same kind of thinking gave us McCain as the Challenger and put Obama into office. And now its Romney AND Paul that the Independents are placing high on the primary winning list. Not sure what that’s about.

I’m tired of the past married stories. Yes, Marianne has a right to be bitter. Divorce in our society, what 70% of all new marriages end up this way I’ve read somewhere, is not leading our nation to a better future. I did a quick Google search on Marianne Gingrich and the first three pages of hits all referenced the claim of ‘Open Marriage’. Now this was Newts second marriage so what happened to the first marriage. Marianne was the other woman in that instance, so for me her creditability isn’t all that great. Absolutely Newt’s creditability also is in the dirt. But again the ‘repentance’ word comes to mind. If he says he is a changed person and the church acknowledges this than I too acknowledge it.

I believe Newt can bring it to Obama, I do believe he would lead the nation well with his experience.

Rick Santorum last but not least:

Santorum is my first pick. He has all the values of my faith that I want to see in a president. He has the DC experience needed to fill the executive office. He may not be as flamboyant as Newt or as rich as Romney.

There are plenty of articles out there to support my thoughts. This post is just me thinking out loud or through my fingers on the keyboard.
So this is how they stack up, at least for me.

1) Rick Santorum
2) Newt Gingrich
3) Mitt Romney
Nope not Ron Paul….

Let’s continue to pray about this election and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
WWC

Catholic Celebrity Wahlberg - A Breath a Fresh Air

Now here's a pleasant surprise from a movie celebrity of all people. Not very often do you come across someone who is not afraid to proclaim his faith, on TV for that matter and really mean it.

Mark Wahlberg of the recent movie 'The Fighter' during an interview was asked about his faith helping him out of the streets and jail.

A breath of fresh air if you ask me. So many times you hear the claim of Catholicism followed by some outrageous support for Planned Parenthood, gay married or married priest.

Mr. Wahlberg when asked if he attended mass everyday, could have said yes or just allowed the television audience to believe he did, but instead corrected the statement with "...if not mass at least a daily visit, 10 or 15 minutes to pray.". A bit of honesty. No claims of visions or dreams of enlightenment, just a determination to pull himself out of a mislead life of selfishness and time in jail.

Very cool. Wish there was more celeb's like Mark.

Catholics Beware: Is Romney Really Pro-Life?

Today the mantra for all the Conservative news pundits is "Defeat Obama at all Cost!".
Unfortunately that includes throwing out little issues like Abortion, pro-life.

Yes, I agree the national debt is killing the nation but so is Abortion.

Don't worry, the front runner, Romney is pro-life.

That's what Mitt has said himself, and so why would anyone ever question that? How do we know what's really in his heart?

Okay, how about judging his actions... is that okay?

Read on: Mitt Romney Didn't Just Give Planned Parenthood Money, He gave them extra Power, in Massacuttets.

Ya know, this is what happened with Obama, the claim being "He's pro-life". "He'll reduce abortion". Come on fellow Catholics, let not go down that road again.

All Romney New Hampshire - "I'm Mad As Hell And I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore!"

Well I wasn't too surprised with the results after all New Hampshire is home for Romney, or at least his " Summer Home".

Now my Summer home is the same as my Winter home which is the same as my Spring and Fall home.This is the same for most of us who are managing to keep our homes. So much for feeling like Romney is in touch with me.

Liberal State you say? How so?
Well, look at tonights results:

1. Romney
2. Ron Paul
3 Huntsman

Does this reflect the nation? I think not.


So I'm sitting here, gathering my thoughts and sort of watching the movie 'Network' on TV, of all movies to watch on this election night.

I'm purposely staying away from the high paid analysis tonight... I'm not in the mood of hearing the various spinning going on, whether on the local networks, CBS, ABC, NBC or Cable, CNN, MSNBC, or Foxnews for that matter. Oh wait that's also what's happening in the movie I'm watching, network manipulation.

I tell you I'm MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!


I love that seen when everyone is screaming this out of their windows.
Sometimez you just want news that's just 100% news not 95% opinion and maybe 5% news.
Well..... you know what I mean.

I'll come right out and say that West Coast Catholic is endorsing Santorum all the way. I'm not worried about the results tonight because New Hampshire is a Liberal State, its an Obama State, so is Iowa for that manner.
It's how they voted in 2008 and I don't think it will change.

So now we know who the Independents are rooting for. It's been claimed that the Independents will select the winner of this presidential election and I believe it. After all they voted Obama into office the last go around. I'm not picking on the Independents, Catholics also put their 'X' by "Hope and Change". The best that the Republican establishment could do in opposition was John McCain. Now I like McCain and I'm grateful for his service for this great country.

But McCain is a Moderate and so is Romney.. Not a big contrast between President Obama. Now a Republican Moderate in my book is not going to defeat Obama, not much of a contrast and that's what it's going to take to remove Obama out of office, someone who is a complete opposite. Not someone who is, well moderate.

What do you do when salt looses it's taste? You throw it out and trample it under foot.

What do you do with luke warm water in your mouth? You spit it out.

What do you do with a Moderate Candidate? You re-vote in what you already have.

That's what will happen if we don't get a clear cut different candidate than the present White House occupant.

That's why I'm for Santorum. Not a perfect individual but one that's not afraid to live his faith even in front of the camera, not just on Sunday. for an hour. I believe in his policies  strong Foreign Affairs, on economics and his stance of Catholic Social teachings in his entitlement reform and his staunch pro-life record. Again not perfect but trustworthy which is not what I see in the other candidates. Especially not Romney

I feel that Romney is going to be a pinata against Obama. Here's an article that will be on TV that will be the face of Romney's "Bain Capital" experience.

The Fired Bain Factory Employee  

There's going to be more of them...

Right now though the news pundants are ready to declare a National Republican  primary winner, I say it's far from over.
It's Santorum for my vote. Here's a couple more articles on Romney you might want to read before you align yourself with his camp.

Romney's baloney, pious and otherwise  

Beware the Myth of Inevitability   

The O'Reilly, No Spin Zone - No CCD Zone

Bill O'Reilly has mentioned his Catholicity on more than one occasion, often claiming Sister So-in-So use to keep him in line with her ruler.

Unfortunately Bill's knowledge of his faith and the Catholic truths he opines about leave me with a Simpson "Doh!" on my lips. I can't believe he says some of the things he says about the faith.

Just the other night while finally inviting Santorum onto his show he made some blatant errors on the topic of contraception and Catholic teaching.

• 98% of Catholics don’t follow the teaching:
• It’s like eating meat on Friday:
• It’s a man-made doctrine; Jesus didn’t say it:
 
I didn't get a chance to post on it however I did read a post that had the same thoughts on the interview, so I rather give the recognition to the "  Two Catholic Men and a Blog  " who did a good job with the analysis.

Bill O’Reilly, Rick Santorum & Artificial Contraception  

 Here's the interview:

Iowa - Romney Wins

Romney by 14, wins Iowa

...in my book Santorum wins the evening.
WCC

New Translation - Fr. Richard McBrien take on it

For the most part our parish is moving to make the new translation a smooth change. We are still catching ourselves, myself included still responding with the older translations. Almost immediately recognizing the error as the incorrect response leaves my lips.

Fr. Z has an interesting post on a  response by the infamous Fr. Richard McBrien of Notre Dame. As can be expected he isn't actually doing cart wheels of joy.

Fr. Z does a good analysis.

Dealing with McBrien on the new, corrected translation   

Happy New Year - 2012

It's about 5:00pm here in Southern California, new years eve, day.

Thought I'd wish everyone a Happy New Year 2012 a little early. Many blessings for the new year to all your families.

God Bless

West Coast Catholic

Tribute to Ben Breedlove: "Do You Believe in Angels or God?....I Do !"

I saw this video this evening. I gave me a chance to be thankful for all that I have.

A precious family and home, everything that I have which God has given me.

Ben Breedlove's message is a touching one. He put together this two part video to describe his life with a heart condition he lived with until his death on Sunday, Christmas day.

It's a story that I can identify with. Ben describes a heart pacemaker operation in 2009 to assist with his condition.

I too underwent heart surgery that same year, just days before my birthday. I spent my birthday in the hospital as well as Thanksgiving day. This year my birthday landed on Thanksgiving day. It was the first time I ever had a stay in the hospital...it was all very unexpected, very stressful, and I consider it a blessing.

Ben, thank you for your story, I know another saint has entered heaven. My prayers are for your family who will miss you

Here's the post on Ben's passing away on Christmas Day

Texas Teen Ben Breedlove Posted Powerful Videos Before Christmas Death  

These days before the New Year, lets all take a moment to remember our blessings. Take a look at this video, I'm sure it will inspire you.

What? Voris Not Catholic???

With all the dissenting 'so called catholic groups and organizations', including Universities, Hospitals church groups (Catholics for Choice example), its kind of perplexing that the Archdiocese would focus on Voris.

Don't understand it. One of the comments to the Fr Z post suggest that Micheal call their bluff and file for the use of the term Catholic to force the Diocese to offer an explanation. Sound reasonable.

While this is not a so much a question of Voris' Catholicism but rather the use of Catholic in the his organization, this is still perplexing. Make no doubt though I fully believe it was directed at what Voris' views are and how he proclaims them.

...so in a sense I do believe that this proclamation is directed indirectly at Voris.

The first thing that I thought of was, is anyone allowed to use the title Catholic without permission? I know I've failed many times and in many ways to live up to claim the title Catholic.

I haven't read all the canon law paragraphs pertaining to this but I plan to as well as search the net for some expert analysis.

Haven't seen Voris' response yet but I'm sure it's coming.

I'll post...stay tuned.

1)Archdiocese of Detroit says Michael Voris and RealCatholicTV.com are not “authorized” to use “Catholic”  

 2) Michael Voris not Catholic?! What's Wrong with this Picture?