According to One News, a group of nearly 5,000 American physicians, The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), is also suing to overturn the newly enacted healthcare bill.
Dr. Jane Orient, executive director of AAPS, says several issues are of concern.
"It's an issue of freedom, it's an issue of saving the country from bankruptcy, it's an issue of access to medical care -- all of these things," she says. "This bill is a monstrous threat to Americans; and the more they find out about it, the more they dislike it [and] the more they fear it." (more)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Watch 'Em Spin
I still have the book that was required reading in my journalism class so long ago, "How To Lie With Statistics", still it is interesting to note a couple of surveys out today:
Tea Party 48% Obama 44%
On major issues, 48% of voters say that the average Tea Party member is closer to their views than President Barack Obama. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 44% hold the opposite view and believe the president’s views are closer to their own. (Rasmussen)
Almost half the members of the group reported getting their news about national issues from Fox News, 10 percent of respondents said that talk radio is one of their top two sources, which is seven-points higher than average voter.
And then asks: How will the press report it?
NOT EXACTLY A 'MAINSTREAM' FORCE.. at the Washington Monthly for an example of things to come.
Tea Party 48% Obama 44%
On major issues, 48% of voters say that the average Tea Party member is closer to their views than President Barack Obama. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 44% hold the opposite view and believe the president’s views are closer to their own. (Rasmussen)
Tea Partiers Are Fairly Mainstream in Their Demographics
Tea Party supporters skew right politically; but demographically, they are generally representative of the public at large. That's the finding of a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted March 26-28, in which 28% of U.S. adults call themselves supporters of the Tea Party movement. (Gallup)
According to Moderate Voice:
A new poll suggest what I have thought was true about the Maryland’s brew of tea party activists – a good segment of them are Democratic voters who are blue collar people that tend to lean conservative in the way they want government to work. Some of these Democratic voters voted for Ronald Reagan, Bush in 2000, and Ehrlich in 2002. However, the political landscape has changed and Ehrlich has got be careful how he aligns himself with this brand of Maryland Tea.(more)
Taken together I think it points to what many have been predicting for some time i.e. a dark November for members of Congress, especially but not exclusively, democrats
Newsbusters points to the some other salient points from the poll:
The group also vehemently dislikes President Barack Obama – even more so than those who called themselves Republicans in the survey. Over 80 percent of Tea Party members disapprove of the job he’s doing as president, whereas 77 percent of Republican respondents said they disapprove of Obama. The Tea Party members are also strongly opposed to the Democrats’ healthcare plan, with 82 percent saying they oppose it -- only 48 percent of respondents overall were opposed. [...]
And then asks: How will the press report it?
Usually, the press is willing to take things at face value without an intelligent question to spare (e.g. the "gay" gene, global warming, etc.) but I bet this will be different...
see....
Sunday, April 4, 2010
MereComments has this to say on this Holy Day:
...The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know. It does not want to understand the Cross, and Jesus who suffered upon it, because it is afraid of the new life that springs from Him; because that new life can take you where you do not know you want to go. But Jesus, who died for us, conquers by dying, conquers by giving of himself utterly. If we would be conquerors, if we would be as God himself, we must make ourselves one with Jesus, and give utterly. That cross, we feel, is too heavy for us to bear. It is too heavy; we cannot carry it. Then we must confess our nothingness, our weakness, and, as Therese of Lisieux says, let the cross carry us. We would be soldiers alongside our captain; first let us be as nothing, acknowledging that without Him who emptied Himself for us, we too are empty, like wooden idols, or like the waste and void before God said, "Let there be light."... (more)
There is more and you really should read it but the quote:
"The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know..."
made me think of another posting and for evidence of the line above you need look no further than the WaPo and its anti-Catholic vitriole published TODAY no less, and courtesy of everyone's favorite (especially his own) atheist, Richard Dawkins.
Pundit and Pundette, who wrote about it, rightfully asks, Did anyone at the Post think twice before they published this attack? Imagine them printing something like that about any other religion....(more)
H/T CMR
Sigh.
...The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know. It does not want to understand the Cross, and Jesus who suffered upon it, because it is afraid of the new life that springs from Him; because that new life can take you where you do not know you want to go. But Jesus, who died for us, conquers by dying, conquers by giving of himself utterly. If we would be conquerors, if we would be as God himself, we must make ourselves one with Jesus, and give utterly. That cross, we feel, is too heavy for us to bear. It is too heavy; we cannot carry it. Then we must confess our nothingness, our weakness, and, as Therese of Lisieux says, let the cross carry us. We would be soldiers alongside our captain; first let us be as nothing, acknowledging that without Him who emptied Himself for us, we too are empty, like wooden idols, or like the waste and void before God said, "Let there be light."... (more)
There is more and you really should read it but the quote:
"The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know..."
made me think of another posting and for evidence of the line above you need look no further than the WaPo and its anti-Catholic vitriole published TODAY no less, and courtesy of everyone's favorite (especially his own) atheist, Richard Dawkins.
Pundit and Pundette, who wrote about it, rightfully asks, Did anyone at the Post think twice before they published this attack? Imagine them printing something like that about any other religion....(more)
H/T CMR
Sigh.
He Is Risen!
H/T STR blog:
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.
For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive....
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.
For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive....
Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written,
"DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
"DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15
additional readings and commentary from Insight Scoop:
additional readings and commentary from Insight Scoop:
Readings for Sunday, March 21, 2010:It is known by many names: Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection, Resurrection Day, Pascha (from the Greek for “Passover”), the Great Feast, and the Feast of Feasts. Fr. James Schall, S.J., has described it as “the defiant feast,” for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead defies human logic and understanding. It also defies and defeats death, as the great Byzantine hymn proclaims: “By death He conquered death, and to those in the graves, He granted life!” (more)
• Acts 10:34a, 37-43
• Psa. 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
• Col. 3:1-4 or I Cor 5:6b-8
• Jn. 20:1-9
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Today hell groans and cries aloud
From Merecomments:
...On Holy Saturday morning, hell is again a subject in the hymnography, and this time is personified and speaks.
Today hell groans and cries aloud: "It had been better for me, had I not accepted Mary's Son, for He has come to me and destroyed my power; He has shattered the gates of brass, and as God He has raised up the souls that once I held."Today hell groans and cries aloud: "My dominion has been swallowed up; the Shepherd has been crucified and he has raised Adam. I am deprived of those whom once I ruled; in my strength I devoured them, but now I have cast them forth. He who was crucified has emptied the tombs; the power of death has no more strength." Glory to Thy Cross, O Lord, and to the Resurrection.
This "hell" is the "sheol" in the Old Testament, or "hades," the place of the dead, not the final hell of the last judgement.
Glory is given, in the last line, to both Cross and Resurrection, and one might add the smashing of the gates of death. There is a Gospel reference, also to the phrase above "emptied the tombs"--Matthew 27:52--"the tombs were opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised."
Sermons that simply assert vague notions about life after death, how the soul lives on in some fashion, and do not preach what the Scriptures teach, are not delivering to their hearers much more than beliefs in immortality you might find in various cultures at various times. The Gospel is earthshaking news, not philosophy about eternal values and hope and springtime. The Resurrection is the ending of a cosmic battle. Or just the beginning. Accept nothing less than that Good News. (read the whole thing here)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Truth About the Health Care Bill- From the Left's View
Some myth busting from the Left, courtesy of FDL:
More
| The bill will make health care affordable for middle class Americans. | The bill will impose a financial hardship on middle class Americans who will be forced to buy a product that they can’t afford to use. A family of four making $66,370 will be forced to pay $5,243 per year for insurance. After basic necessities, this leaves them with $8,307 in discretionary income — out of which they would have to cover clothing, credit card and other debt, child care and education costs, in addition to $5,882 in annual out-of-pocket medical expenses for which families will be responsible. |
| 5. This plan is similar to the Massachusetts plan, which makes health care affordable. | Many Massachusetts residents forgo health care because they can’t afford it. A 2009 study by the state of Massachusetts found that:
|
| 6. This bill provide health care to 31 million people who are currently uninsured. | This bill will mandate that millions of people who are currently uninsured must purchase insurance from private companies, or the IRS will collect up to 2% of their annual income in penalties. Some will be assisted with government subsidies. |
| 7. You can keep the insurance you have if you like it. | The excise tax will result in employers switching to plans with higher co-pays and fewer covered services. Older, less healthy employees with employer-based health care will be forced to pay much more in out-of-pocket expenses than they do now. |
More
The Fear of Honest Accounting
Washington Examiner: ... Democratic leaders in Congress have used every government accounting and budget gimmick at their disposal to deceive Americans for the last year about the true costs of Obamacare. These Washington politicians have no business lecturing CEOs on honesty in accounting. ...On Capitol Hill and in the White House on Monday, Democrats were fuming over a series of announcements that started Friday from Fortune 500 firms saying their bottom lines will take huge negative hits because of changes in tax law mandated by Obamacare. That hit in turn means lower profit projections. Caterpillar estimates, for example, that Obamacare will cost it $100 million; John Deere faces expenses of $150 million; 3M, $90 million; AK Steel, $31 million; Valero, $20 million. And then there's AT&T, which is marking its balance sheet down by a whopping $1 billion. All in all, the Wall Street Journal estimated a $14 billion haircut for these corporations.
Under post-Enron accounting rules, the corporations were required to revise their projections to account for the effect of Obamacare on their bottom lines. The effect is negative because Democrats, in their zeal to raise revenues and improve Obamacare's claimed effect on the federal deficit outlook, took away a tax break these companies needed in order to supply prescription drugs to their retirees.
Read more at the Washington Examiner:
Under post-Enron accounting rules, the corporations were required to revise their projections to account for the effect of Obamacare on their bottom lines. The effect is negative because Democrats, in their zeal to raise revenues and improve Obamacare's claimed effect on the federal deficit outlook, took away a tax break these companies needed in order to supply prescription drugs to their retirees.
Read more at the Washington Examiner:
Political Folly
From the Newsweek Blog no less...
...In Gallup's new poll, Americans by narrow margins agree that the new health-care law will improve coverage (44–40 percent) and the "overall health of Americans" (40–35 percent). In a way, it's astonishing that sizable minorities could disagree with those two statements, since everyone agrees the law will provide medical coverage to 32 million more Americans.
But that's where support, however ambivalent, ends. Americans think the law will harm the U.S. economy (44–34 percent), the overall quality of health care in the U.S. (55–29 percent), and the federal balance sheet (61–23 percent).
It's almost as bad when you ask voters how the law will affect them personally. There is lots of doubt and some considerable belief (or hope) that the new law won't affect them at all. But respondents who said the measure would affect them generally fear what that change would be. They think the measure would adversely affect "the health-care coverage you and your family receive" (34–24 percent); "the quality of health care you and your family receive" (35–21 percent); and the "costs you and your family pay for health care: (50–21 percent).... (more)
...In Gallup's new poll, Americans by narrow margins agree that the new health-care law will improve coverage (44–40 percent) and the "overall health of Americans" (40–35 percent). In a way, it's astonishing that sizable minorities could disagree with those two statements, since everyone agrees the law will provide medical coverage to 32 million more Americans.
But that's where support, however ambivalent, ends. Americans think the law will harm the U.S. economy (44–34 percent), the overall quality of health care in the U.S. (55–29 percent), and the federal balance sheet (61–23 percent).
It's almost as bad when you ask voters how the law will affect them personally. There is lots of doubt and some considerable belief (or hope) that the new law won't affect them at all. But respondents who said the measure would affect them generally fear what that change would be. They think the measure would adversely affect "the health-care coverage you and your family receive" (34–24 percent); "the quality of health care you and your family receive" (35–21 percent); and the "costs you and your family pay for health care: (50–21 percent).... (more)
Iran Nuclear Scientist Defects to U.S. In CIA 'Intelligence Coup'
From ABC Blotter
"The significance of the coup will depend on how much the scientist knew in the compartmentalized Iranian nuclear program," said former White House counter-terrorism official Richard Clarke, an ABC News consultant. "Just taking one scientist out of the program will not really disrupt it." (more)
Still, its a start and a definite plus.
"The significance of the coup will depend on how much the scientist knew in the compartmentalized Iranian nuclear program," said former White House counter-terrorism official Richard Clarke, an ABC News consultant. "Just taking one scientist out of the program will not really disrupt it." (more)
Still, its a start and a definite plus.
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Black Trailer
Boomer's time is drawing to a close. Tomorrow is his last show and place or not, he will move one step closer to meeting his destiny, which, in starkest terms, is someone's Easter lamb.
My son has tried everything to save his lamb but has come to the realization, however bitter, that a market lamb was purchased, rather than an animal rescue project.
He has worked hard, my son, giving up many camp-outs and other activities to take care of his lamb. He has spent many hours at the barn, cleaning (and re-cleaning) the pen, putting wood chips down (and down again) to give his lamb a warm bed. He has fed him twice a day (four around show time) and walked and run him many hours. He knows his lambs voice from all the others in the barn. The lamb, unlike other kid's animals, will follow him and when he runs, his lamb will run after him.
Boomer (because of his voice and the fact that he came from OK- heaven forgive me) will be leaving soon and my son is wrestling with the eventuality. It already hurts and it will only hurt more. He is being brave and he is learning life's lessons: of agriculture, and markets; of love, of commitment, loss and sacrifice. And he is learning, already, to start again, for in June, there will be another lamb (and possibly a goat) and he has already picked out their names: Calvin and Hobbes.
Some say that because of the love of some pet owners for their pets and vice versa, there may be cats and dogs in heaven, that a certain type of "ensoulment" occurs because of the symbiotic relationship between pet and owner here on earth. I know I've probably misspoke about the details of the theory but I do know that if there is anything to the idea at all, there will be at least one lamb to greet my son when that day comes.
My son has tried everything to save his lamb but has come to the realization, however bitter, that a market lamb was purchased, rather than an animal rescue project.
He has worked hard, my son, giving up many camp-outs and other activities to take care of his lamb. He has spent many hours at the barn, cleaning (and re-cleaning) the pen, putting wood chips down (and down again) to give his lamb a warm bed. He has fed him twice a day (four around show time) and walked and run him many hours. He knows his lambs voice from all the others in the barn. The lamb, unlike other kid's animals, will follow him and when he runs, his lamb will run after him.
Boomer (because of his voice and the fact that he came from OK- heaven forgive me) will be leaving soon and my son is wrestling with the eventuality. It already hurts and it will only hurt more. He is being brave and he is learning life's lessons: of agriculture, and markets; of love, of commitment, loss and sacrifice. And he is learning, already, to start again, for in June, there will be another lamb (and possibly a goat) and he has already picked out their names: Calvin and Hobbes.
Some say that because of the love of some pet owners for their pets and vice versa, there may be cats and dogs in heaven, that a certain type of "ensoulment" occurs because of the symbiotic relationship between pet and owner here on earth. I know I've probably misspoke about the details of the theory but I do know that if there is anything to the idea at all, there will be at least one lamb to greet my son when that day comes.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Catching Up
I've just spent the last week and a half in Sheffield, Tx. Actually, I stayed in Ozona, Tx since there are no hotels, or much of anything else, in Sheffield, Tx. I spent that time with at risk teenagers. It was a long week.
I am reading "The Lost City of Z" and Poetry Journal.
My son is furious that a new chapter of the Gay-Straight Alliance has started up at his school. Furious because though he has friends who describe themselves as "Gay" or "Bi" he rightfully recognizes that having such a group in school is wrong and out of place but also that the premise for the formation of such a group i.e. "safety" is a sham. He is having conversations with both students and faculty and he is learning the limits of tolerance (of his conservative views.)
I received my C-PAP machine today, one of many tools I now have to help me sleep at night. The medicine prescribed by my doctor to help me stay awake during the day (I've heard rumors that some people don't take naps) has been denied by my insurance- Tricare. This is the second time in my life (with this medicine) that my government run healthcare has decided that my doctor doesn't know what he's talking about.
My son is preparing his lamb for his last big hurrah. He will be showing his lamb at the Star of Texas Livestock Show. Regardless of how he does, his lamb will be leaving in the "black trailer." Meanwhile, four times a day feeding has begun.
I'll be speaking to some of these more in detail in the coming days. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this poem by Yeats, courtesy of the "Poetry Friday" feature at Karen Edmisten's blog:
I am reading "The Lost City of Z" and Poetry Journal.
My son is furious that a new chapter of the Gay-Straight Alliance has started up at his school. Furious because though he has friends who describe themselves as "Gay" or "Bi" he rightfully recognizes that having such a group in school is wrong and out of place but also that the premise for the formation of such a group i.e. "safety" is a sham. He is having conversations with both students and faculty and he is learning the limits of tolerance (of his conservative views.)
I received my C-PAP machine today, one of many tools I now have to help me sleep at night. The medicine prescribed by my doctor to help me stay awake during the day (I've heard rumors that some people don't take naps) has been denied by my insurance- Tricare. This is the second time in my life (with this medicine) that my government run healthcare has decided that my doctor doesn't know what he's talking about.
My son is preparing his lamb for his last big hurrah. He will be showing his lamb at the Star of Texas Livestock Show. Regardless of how he does, his lamb will be leaving in the "black trailer." Meanwhile, four times a day feeding has begun.
I'll be speaking to some of these more in detail in the coming days. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this poem by Yeats, courtesy of the "Poetry Friday" feature at Karen Edmisten's blog:
WHEN YOU ARE OLD
BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sleep
I have just returned from an all night and most of the day sleep study. Would that the world worked like that. A 15 minute nap every two hrs in a light insulated, mostly sound insulated, temperature controlled room.
Napping with no guilt. That's a taste of heaven.
Napping with no guilt. That's a taste of heaven.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Lent
A blessed Lenten season to you all.
I would commend to you a couple of special posts.
The first is from MereComments,excerpts from the Canon of St. Andrew, prayed this last Tuesday evening during Orthodox Compline:
Sin has stripped me of the robe that God once wove for me, and it has sewed for me garments of skin.
I am clothed with a raiment of shame as with fig leaves, in condemnation of my self-willed passions.
I have fallen beneath the painful burden of the passions and the corruption of material things; and I am hard pressed by the enemy.
Instead of freedom from possessions, O Savior, I have pursued a life in love with material things and now I wear a heavy yoke.
I have adorned the idol of my flesh with a many-colored coat of shameful thought, and I am condemned.
I have care only for the outward adornment, and neglected that which is within—the tabernacle fashioned by God.
I have discolored with the passions the first beauty of the image, O Savior. But seek me, as once Thou hast sought the lost coin, and find me.
Though I have sinned, O Savior, yet I know that Thou art full of loving-kindness. Thou dost chastise with mercy and art fervent in compassion. Thou dost see me weeping and dost run to meet me, like the Father calling back the Prodigal Son.
The second is a quote from A Trail of Flowers. A Lenten meditation to take you through Easter if you so desire:
"...before setting to work for God and to fight against the devil, first calculate your forces; and if you consider yourself well enough equipped to begin, you are a fool, because the tower to be built costs an outrageous price, and the enemy coming out to meet you is an angel, before whom you are of no account. Get to know yourself so well that you cannot contemplate yourself without flinching. Then there will be room for hope. In the sure knowledge that you are obliged to do the impossible in Him who strengthens you, then you are ready for a task which can be performed only through the Cross."
--Jacques Maritain, as quoted by Father Gerald Vann, O.P. in The Seven Swords
I would commend to you a couple of special posts.
The first is from MereComments,excerpts from the Canon of St. Andrew, prayed this last Tuesday evening during Orthodox Compline:
Sin has stripped me of the robe that God once wove for me, and it has sewed for me garments of skin.
I am clothed with a raiment of shame as with fig leaves, in condemnation of my self-willed passions.
I have fallen beneath the painful burden of the passions and the corruption of material things; and I am hard pressed by the enemy.
Instead of freedom from possessions, O Savior, I have pursued a life in love with material things and now I wear a heavy yoke.
I have adorned the idol of my flesh with a many-colored coat of shameful thought, and I am condemned.
I have care only for the outward adornment, and neglected that which is within—the tabernacle fashioned by God.
I have discolored with the passions the first beauty of the image, O Savior. But seek me, as once Thou hast sought the lost coin, and find me.
Though I have sinned, O Savior, yet I know that Thou art full of loving-kindness. Thou dost chastise with mercy and art fervent in compassion. Thou dost see me weeping and dost run to meet me, like the Father calling back the Prodigal Son.
The second is a quote from A Trail of Flowers. A Lenten meditation to take you through Easter if you so desire:
"...before setting to work for God and to fight against the devil, first calculate your forces; and if you consider yourself well enough equipped to begin, you are a fool, because the tower to be built costs an outrageous price, and the enemy coming out to meet you is an angel, before whom you are of no account. Get to know yourself so well that you cannot contemplate yourself without flinching. Then there will be room for hope. In the sure knowledge that you are obliged to do the impossible in Him who strengthens you, then you are ready for a task which can be performed only through the Cross."
--Jacques Maritain, as quoted by Father Gerald Vann, O.P. in The Seven Swords
God Things
I had a doctor appointment yesterday. I was running behind since I was enjoying some super tacos at my favorite taco joint that was just down the street. My appointment was for 12:00 and I made it with 5 minutes to spare. Unfortunately I had to visit the sand box upon arrival so in order to let the doctor know that I was there I put my cap (I was in uniform as usual) on the couch in a prominent spot and went down the hall. This doctors office is rather small and the receptionist is only part time so there was no one to tell that I had arrived except the doctor and the one other patient in the waiting room.
When I returned, the other patient had disappeared, presumably into one of the other doctors offices. The door to my doctor's office was closed, so I settled down to a browse the stack of magazines, content that I had made it on time or at least had caused no problem in the schedule.
Time ticked by. It was now 20 minutes past my appointment time. I began to doubt that I was there on the right day and/or the right time. I called my wife, keeper of the schedule of schedules, and asked her to check the e-mail to confirm the day and time. Yes, she informed me, the reminder was for February 18th at 12:00.
So far so good.
More time passed.
I took a nap. Which is standard operating procedure anytime I stay still for more than a few minutes. 10 minutes later I looked at the clock. 12:45.
I suppose I could have gotten upset but I did not. I was in no hurry to return to work and my full of tacos tummy was sending out signals of contentment and patience that Job would have been proud of.
At 2:00 the door opened and out came my doctor with a patient leading the way. The doctor greeted me pleasantly and I returned the greeting. My doubts and confusion at the situation continued.
My appointment was today, right? I asked.
Yes, she replied.
At noon, right, I queried.
No, I don't think so, she said. Let me check. She looked at her desk calendar and began to apologize. My appointment was indeed for 12:00. She had thought it was 1:00. The patient before me had come in a state of crisis and the doctor "gave up her lunch," to assist thinking my appointment was an hour later.
And I marveled at God's timing. The extra time spent at lunch in good company and good food. The last minute arrival for the appointment the dash to the facilities. If not for these, the doctor would have been reminded that my appointment was at noon and even if I had encouraged her to switch appointments, would never have been able to give her full attention knowing I was outside waiting.
I had no crisis. This was the last appointment in a series of follow ups. A mere formality.
I was in no rush. It was God's perfect timing. A God thing.
In this time of Lenten sacrifice, may we all have the patience to let God use us for his purposes and occasionally glimpse the results
When I returned, the other patient had disappeared, presumably into one of the other doctors offices. The door to my doctor's office was closed, so I settled down to a browse the stack of magazines, content that I had made it on time or at least had caused no problem in the schedule.
Time ticked by. It was now 20 minutes past my appointment time. I began to doubt that I was there on the right day and/or the right time. I called my wife, keeper of the schedule of schedules, and asked her to check the e-mail to confirm the day and time. Yes, she informed me, the reminder was for February 18th at 12:00.
So far so good.
More time passed.
I took a nap. Which is standard operating procedure anytime I stay still for more than a few minutes. 10 minutes later I looked at the clock. 12:45.
I suppose I could have gotten upset but I did not. I was in no hurry to return to work and my full of tacos tummy was sending out signals of contentment and patience that Job would have been proud of.
At 2:00 the door opened and out came my doctor with a patient leading the way. The doctor greeted me pleasantly and I returned the greeting. My doubts and confusion at the situation continued.
My appointment was today, right? I asked.
Yes, she replied.
At noon, right, I queried.
No, I don't think so, she said. Let me check. She looked at her desk calendar and began to apologize. My appointment was indeed for 12:00. She had thought it was 1:00. The patient before me had come in a state of crisis and the doctor "gave up her lunch," to assist thinking my appointment was an hour later.
And I marveled at God's timing. The extra time spent at lunch in good company and good food. The last minute arrival for the appointment the dash to the facilities. If not for these, the doctor would have been reminded that my appointment was at noon and even if I had encouraged her to switch appointments, would never have been able to give her full attention knowing I was outside waiting.
I had no crisis. This was the last appointment in a series of follow ups. A mere formality.
I was in no rush. It was God's perfect timing. A God thing.
In this time of Lenten sacrifice, may we all have the patience to let God use us for his purposes and occasionally glimpse the results
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Paperback Writer
"Paperback Writer" is a song written by the Beatles back in 1966. I was, um, younger then, and I remember listening to it and other Beatles songs throughout my life. But I never made the big jump to CDs. I always wanted to replace all my cassettes with CD but it was expensive and music became less of a focus for me. In the back of my mind, I have always wanted to start my collection, especially the classics, like the Beatles.
Well, over the week-end while shopping at Target, I remembered my goal and started looking for Beatles music, which have been rather scarce the last few years. And there it was. A CD composed of various singles that made it to number 1 and "Paperback Writer" was among them.
Today, for the first time ever, I figured out the first four words of "Paperback Writer." I've known for some time that the back vocals in the second verse were from the French children's song "Frère Jacques", but it wasn't till today, that I figured out the first four words.
I'm not sure rather that's funny or sad or some combination of the two and then some. But what a dork.
Well, over the week-end while shopping at Target, I remembered my goal and started looking for Beatles music, which have been rather scarce the last few years. And there it was. A CD composed of various singles that made it to number 1 and "Paperback Writer" was among them.
Today, for the first time ever, I figured out the first four words of "Paperback Writer." I've known for some time that the back vocals in the second verse were from the French children's song "Frère Jacques", but it wasn't till today, that I figured out the first four words.
I'm not sure rather that's funny or sad or some combination of the two and then some. But what a dork.
Freedom of Speech threatened in Europe
The Death Knell of Freedom of Expression in Austria
H/T Europe News
The International Civil Liberties Alliance 3 February 2010
This measure will consolidate the already unpopular doctrine of political correctness and at the same time it will undermine traditional Western freedoms. Inevitably this kind of law will spread like a pathogen to the rest of the EU. The powers that be are in the process of creating a political environment where it will be illegal to question or criticize the policies and beliefs of the rulers.
Gates of Vienna has published an article entitled ‘Constricting the Nucleus of Freedom’ which provides more information on this development in Austria.
The following essay by AMT also shows how Austria is sinking into the tyrannical abyss:
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” — Voltaire
As many of us are aware — some more than others — freedom of speech has been changing. Those of us who believe in and fight to protect the concept of democracy can clearly recognize the gradual erosion of this noble and important freedom. There is growing concern that freedom of speech and its provisions in the law are being used more and more to do stifle opinions, and — even more worrying — truth. (More)
Kulturkampf- Quebec government declares "war" against homophobia
I'm sure its just a matter of time before such wrong headed thought crosses our border. already the agenda is taught in the schools and preached on TV and other media outlets. Outlawing "homophobia"( i.e those who disagree with the LGBT agenda ) and "heterosexism".
...The document focuses on combating “homophobia,” but Farrow says that “we cannot get the measure of this document” without a grasp of what he says the government sees as homophobia's 'twin evil': “heterosexism.” “Heterosexism,” according to the policy, is “affirmation of heterosexuality as a social norm or the highest form of sexual orientation.”
...Farrow concludes by urging his fellow citizens to stand up against the government's attack. “War has been declared, and war there will be,” he states. “Let those who intend to fight, fight now. Let them fight with the weapons of St Benedict, yes, but with the weapons of Martin Luther King, Jr, too. Let them meet and consult, and determine to act publicly and in concert, laying aside their customary deference, which has no place in a time of war.” (more from Lifesite)
In the preface to his statement, with notes, Professor Farrow states:
Before I begin, let it be noted that nothing I have to say here is directed at or against people of homosexual inclination, among whom I too have friends and colleagues, some of whom would agree with the main thrust of my argument even while disagreeing strenuously on points of substance or of detail, whether in morals or politics or in social phenomena....
.....they do not wish to find themselves in a society where it is not possible to enquire openly about the causes and consequences of sexual behaviour, or to make moral claims about sexual behaviour that do not suit the people in power. And they can see that this is where we are headed; that the new moralists (as I have elsewhere referred to them) are in some ways much more rigid and prone to persecute than the old. They may not like it, for example, if an institution or an individual refers to their condition as “disordered” or their behaviour as immoral, but they would defend the right to hold such a view, to live by it, and even to argue for a polity that takes it into account.
That right is just what is threatened by the Québec policy against homophobia.
Download complete article, including notes.
- Douglas Farrow is Professor of Christian Thought at McGill University.
...The document focuses on combating “homophobia,” but Farrow says that “we cannot get the measure of this document” without a grasp of what he says the government sees as homophobia's 'twin evil': “heterosexism.” “Heterosexism,” according to the policy, is “affirmation of heterosexuality as a social norm or the highest form of sexual orientation.”
Farrow points out the fact that, in rejecting “heterosexism,” “the Government of Quebec has rejected heterosexuality as a social norm!” and he says that it is there where “the full scope of this absurd war begin[s] to appear.” He relates the obvious fact that Quebec society, as all others, was built on ancestors “who all took heterosexuality as the social norm.”...
...Farrow concludes by urging his fellow citizens to stand up against the government's attack. “War has been declared, and war there will be,” he states. “Let those who intend to fight, fight now. Let them fight with the weapons of St Benedict, yes, but with the weapons of Martin Luther King, Jr, too. Let them meet and consult, and determine to act publicly and in concert, laying aside their customary deference, which has no place in a time of war.” (more from Lifesite)
In the preface to his statement, with notes, Professor Farrow states:
Before I begin, let it be noted that nothing I have to say here is directed at or against people of homosexual inclination, among whom I too have friends and colleagues, some of whom would agree with the main thrust of my argument even while disagreeing strenuously on points of substance or of detail, whether in morals or politics or in social phenomena....
.....they do not wish to find themselves in a society where it is not possible to enquire openly about the causes and consequences of sexual behaviour, or to make moral claims about sexual behaviour that do not suit the people in power. And they can see that this is where we are headed; that the new moralists (as I have elsewhere referred to them) are in some ways much more rigid and prone to persecute than the old. They may not like it, for example, if an institution or an individual refers to their condition as “disordered” or their behaviour as immoral, but they would defend the right to hold such a view, to live by it, and even to argue for a polity that takes it into account.
That right is just what is threatened by the Québec policy against homophobia.
Download complete article, including notes.
- Douglas Farrow is Professor of Christian Thought at McGill University.
White House Bullies Reuters Into Pulling Story
The Gates of Vienna has done an admirable job of piecing together the tangled web of what appears to me, to be strong arm Administration tactics at silencing an unflattering story. Well worth the read. I'd encourage to take the time to visit.
As stories go, this one is not all that important. The only reason I’m telling you is because it seems to be emblematic of much larger issues with this President and his administration. So, yes, it’s a venal little tale, but this has become a venal little presidency and that in itself is disturbing:
When you go here, you get this [I have bolded the time because what you see quoted here is appearing four hours after the original, which is further down the page]:
Advisory: Backdoor taxes to hit middle class (more)
As stories go, this one is not all that important. The only reason I’m telling you is because it seems to be emblematic of much larger issues with this President and his administration. So, yes, it’s a venal little tale, but this has become a venal little presidency and that in itself is disturbing:
When you go here, you get this [I have bolded the time because what you see quoted here is appearing four hours after the original, which is further down the page]:
Advisory: Backdoor taxes to hit middle class (more)
The Next Attack
No doubt you have seen this but just in case…
NY Times
...he emphasized the considerable progress in the campaign to debilitate Al Qaeda and said that the global economic meltdown, rather than the prospect of a major terrorist attack, was the “primary near-term security concern of the United States.”...
...But Mr. Blair began his annual threat testimony before Congress by saying that the threat of a crippling attack on telecommunications and other computer networks was growing, as an increasingly sophisticated group of enemies had “severely threatened” the sometimes fragile systems undergirding the country’s information infrastructure.
“Malicious cyberactivity is occurring on an unprecedented scale with extraordinary sophistication,” he told the committee.
His emphasis on the threat points up the growing concerns among American intelligence officials about the potentially devastating results of a coordinated attack on the nation’s technology apparatus, sometimes called a “cyber-Pearl Harbor.”
He said that the surge in cyberattacks, including the penetration of Google’s servers from inside China, was a “wake-up call” for those who dismissed the threat of computer warfare. “Sensitive information is stolen daily from both government and private-sector networks, undermining confidence in our information systems, and in the very information these systems were intended to convey,” Mr. Blair said. (more)
NY Times
...he emphasized the considerable progress in the campaign to debilitate Al Qaeda and said that the global economic meltdown, rather than the prospect of a major terrorist attack, was the “primary near-term security concern of the United States.”...
...But Mr. Blair began his annual threat testimony before Congress by saying that the threat of a crippling attack on telecommunications and other computer networks was growing, as an increasingly sophisticated group of enemies had “severely threatened” the sometimes fragile systems undergirding the country’s information infrastructure.
“Malicious cyberactivity is occurring on an unprecedented scale with extraordinary sophistication,” he told the committee.
His emphasis on the threat points up the growing concerns among American intelligence officials about the potentially devastating results of a coordinated attack on the nation’s technology apparatus, sometimes called a “cyber-Pearl Harbor.”
He said that the surge in cyberattacks, including the penetration of Google’s servers from inside China, was a “wake-up call” for those who dismissed the threat of computer warfare. “Sensitive information is stolen daily from both government and private-sector networks, undermining confidence in our information systems, and in the very information these systems were intended to convey,” Mr. Blair said. (more)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Here's A Story You Won't See On This Side of the Pond
Global warming science implodes overseas: American media silent
Remember when our press was the best in the world? Vanguards of the truth? If there was any lingering doubt in your mind about how far journalism has fallen in this country then this matter should finally put it to rest:( From American Thinker)
The revelations have been nothing short of jaw dropping. Dozens - yes dozens - of claims made in the IPCC 2007 report on climate change that was supposed to represent the "consensus" of 2500 of the world's climate scientists have been shown to be bogus, or faulty, or not properly vetted, or simply pulled out of thin air.
We know this because newspapers in Great Britain are doing their job; vetting the 2007 report item by item, coming up with shocking news about global warming claims that formed the basis of argument by climate change advocates who were pressuring the US and western industrialized democracies to transfer trillions of dollars in wealth to the third world and cede sovereignty to the UN.
Glaciergate, tempgate, icegate, and now, disappearing Amazon forests not the result of warming, but of logging. And the report the IPCC based their bogus "science" on was written by a food safety advocate according to this Christopher Booker piece in the Telegraph :
We know this because newspapers in Great Britain are doing their job; vetting the 2007 report item by item, coming up with shocking news about global warming claims that formed the basis of argument by climate change advocates who were pressuring the US and western industrialized democracies to transfer trillions of dollars in wealth to the third world and cede sovereignty to the UN.
Glaciergate, tempgate, icegate, and now, disappearing Amazon forests not the result of warming, but of logging. And the report the IPCC based their bogus "science" on was written by a food safety advocate according to this Christopher Booker piece in the Telegraph :
Dr North next uncovered "Amazongate". The IPCC made a prominent claim in its 2007 report, again citing the WWF as its authority, that climate change could endanger "up to 40 per cent" of the Amazon rainforest - as iconic to warmists as those Himalayan glaciers and polar bears. This WWF report, it turned out, was co-authored by Andy Rowell, an anti-smoking and food safety campaigner who has worked for WWF and Greenpeace, and contributed pieces to Britain's two most committed environmentalist newspapers. Rowell and his co-author claimed their findings were based on an article in Nature. But the focus of that piece, it emerges, was not global warming at all but the effects of logging.A Canadian analyst has identified more than 20 passages in the IPCC's report which cite similarly non-peer-reviewed WWF or Greenpeace reports as their authority, and other researchers have been uncovering a host of similarly dubious claims and attributions all through the report. These range from groundless allegations about the increased frequency of "extreme weather events" such as hurricanes, droughts and heatwaves, to a headline claim that global warming would put billions of people at the mercy of water shortages - when the study cited as its authority indicated exactly the opposite, that rising temperatures could increase the supply of water. (more)
The Most Important Story You Didn't See Last Week (and Probably Won't Ever See)
A Senate hearing last week confirmed the public's worst concern about Barack Obama: that when it comes to national security, Obama hasn't just been asleep at the switch -- he hasn't even bothered to find the switch.
"I do not think he [Obama] has a firm grasp yet on the intelligence community," 9/11 Commission Vice-Chairman and former Democrat congressman Lee Hamilton told the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
This, even though Obama has been in office for over a year now.
"We were not paying close attention in this area," commission Chairman Thomas Kean testified at the hearing into intelligence lapses prior to the Christmas Day attempted airliner bombing. Kean noted that Obama has instead been focused on such issues as health care and cap-and-trade.
The two men have historically been circumspect about making politically charged statements, but they painted a portrait of an intelligence community, America's first line of defense against its jihadi enemies, that is devolving into disarray under Obama's leadership -- or lack thereof. (more)
Gathering Storm Clouds?
There are some interesting things going on today. See if you can connect the dots:
Tension between the US and Iran heightened dramatically today with the disclosure that Barack Obama is deploying a missile shield to protect American allies in the Gulf from attack by Tehran.
'Iran will deliver telling blow to global powers on Feb. 11'
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the nation will deliver a harsh blow to the "global arrogance" on this year's anniversary of the Islamic Revolution
Fears that US missiles move may be exploited by Iran's hardlinersDeployment may strengthen repressive regime in
Secret CIA-Mossad meeting, preparation for new war?
A secret meeting between the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Leon Panetta and Israeli officials has reportedly centered on Iran's nuclear program.
Tension between the US and Iran heightened dramatically today with the disclosure that Barack Obama is deploying a missile shield to protect American allies in the Gulf from attack by Tehran.
'Iran will deliver telling blow to global powers on Feb. 11'
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the nation will deliver a harsh blow to the "global arrogance" on this year's anniversary of the Islamic Revolution
Fears that US missiles move may be exploited by Iran's hardlinersDeployment may strengthen repressive regime in
Secret CIA-Mossad meeting, preparation for new war?
A secret meeting between the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Leon Panetta and Israeli officials has reportedly centered on Iran's nuclear program.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Soft On Terror
Did I also mention that the lawyer for OBL's bodyguard and driver are over at the Justice Department?
Hmmm...
Charles Krauthammer at Human Events
The real scandal surrounding the failed Christmas Day airline bombing was not the fact that a terrorist got on a plane -- that can happen to any administration, as it surely did to the Bush administration -- but what happened afterward when Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was captured and came under the full control of the U.S. government.
After 50 minutes of questioning him, the Obama administration chose, reflexively and mindlessly, to give the chatty terrorist the right to remain silent. Which he immediately did, undoubtedly denying us crucial information about al-Qaeda in Yemen, which had trained, armed and dispatched him.
We have since learned that the decision to Mirandize Abdulmutallab had been made without the knowledge of or consultation with (1) the secretary of defense, (2) the secretary of homeland security, (3) the director of the FBI, (4) the director of the National Counterterrorism Center or (5) the director of national intelligence (DNI). (more)
Hmmm...
Charles Krauthammer at Human Events
The real scandal surrounding the failed Christmas Day airline bombing was not the fact that a terrorist got on a plane -- that can happen to any administration, as it surely did to the Bush administration -- but what happened afterward when Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was captured and came under the full control of the U.S. government.
After 50 minutes of questioning him, the Obama administration chose, reflexively and mindlessly, to give the chatty terrorist the right to remain silent. Which he immediately did, undoubtedly denying us crucial information about al-Qaeda in Yemen, which had trained, armed and dispatched him.
We have since learned that the decision to Mirandize Abdulmutallab had been made without the knowledge of or consultation with (1) the secretary of defense, (2) the secretary of homeland security, (3) the director of the FBI, (4) the director of the National Counterterrorism Center or (5) the director of national intelligence (DNI). (more)
Following Jesus and the Law of Non-Contradiction
Good stuff as usual over at Bedlam and Parnassus and a link to the explanation of non-contradiction. I need a beer.:-)
Jesus said in John 14:6, NIV, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If a person claims to believe what Jesus said and to follow Him, that person cannot rationally hold the belief that there are other paths to God. Either such a person does not fully understand the terms of what it is he claims to believe, or else is being willfully perverse in maintaining what he knows he cannot logically maintain. Such a person may be perfectly nice and delightful, but such a person is wrong, at least insofar as this contradictory belief. (more)
Jesus said in John 14:6, NIV, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If a person claims to believe what Jesus said and to follow Him, that person cannot rationally hold the belief that there are other paths to God. Either such a person does not fully understand the terms of what it is he claims to believe, or else is being willfully perverse in maintaining what he knows he cannot logically maintain. Such a person may be perfectly nice and delightful, but such a person is wrong, at least insofar as this contradictory belief. (more)
The day I decided to stop being gay
An interesting article from a gay man deciding to go straight. Denying the common sterotypes promulgated by the Homosexual lobbyists-from the Times Online:
...I once attended the nuptials of a gay male friend to a girl with whom he had unexpectedly fallen head over heels in love. It was a curious affair: the wedding party was peopled with his ex-lovers — including me, the best man and even the vicar....
.
..My sexuality was formed behind bike sheds and in school dormitories, a most unimaginatively clichéd pattern of pubescent fumbling. This propelled me into a lifestyle, reinforced by a social milieu of flamboyant media gays. At the BBC, where I worked for seven years, homosexuality was very nearly compulsory.
At these tidings, my sceptical buddies will splutter, ...They have seen little evidence of an interest in the opposite sex during my adult life, nor asked why. ....If there had been an interest, it became eclipsed by other more instant, carnal and deliciously taboo temptations, so it never gained light to grow. For 20 years, my life took a track that stifled the fragile stems of a family man that wanted to emerge....
...Some will dismiss it as heresy. I have long argued that homosexuality is natural but abnormal, to a torrent of hostility from gay friends who refuse to acknowledge that what you are and what stake you hold in society are not the same.
Loving your own sex occurs in nature, without artificial triggers. But it is still not average behaviour. Homosexuality is an aberration; a natural aberration. Gays are a minority and minorities, though sometimes vocal, do not hold sway....
...In novels such as E. M. Forster’s Maurice, a seminal work of gay literature, the message was tolerance. It was never a charter for parity. Civil partnerships really are little more than theatrical shams involving men making a point in matching wedding cravats, of embarrassed grandparents and monstrously camp multi-tier cakes.
I wince when gays describe boyfriends as “husbands”, subverting a solemn institution created to provide stability for child-rearing. Besides, it seems highly perverse that gays should fight for freedom from the bonds of heterosexual morality and then set to copying their oppressors by creating similar contracts of their own....
...Does this mean that I no longer like men? No, of course not, and I won’t pretend. But in the streets and avenues of this country there must be many husbands whose interests are divided but whose choices are determined not by sexuality but emotionality.
Would I be a good husband? I hope so. Would I keep faith? Well, I would try. The same siren voices to stray call to all men, all the time. I would be no different..... More
...I once attended the nuptials of a gay male friend to a girl with whom he had unexpectedly fallen head over heels in love. It was a curious affair: the wedding party was peopled with his ex-lovers — including me, the best man and even the vicar....
.
..My sexuality was formed behind bike sheds and in school dormitories, a most unimaginatively clichéd pattern of pubescent fumbling. This propelled me into a lifestyle, reinforced by a social milieu of flamboyant media gays. At the BBC, where I worked for seven years, homosexuality was very nearly compulsory.
At these tidings, my sceptical buddies will splutter, ...They have seen little evidence of an interest in the opposite sex during my adult life, nor asked why. ....If there had been an interest, it became eclipsed by other more instant, carnal and deliciously taboo temptations, so it never gained light to grow. For 20 years, my life took a track that stifled the fragile stems of a family man that wanted to emerge....
...Some will dismiss it as heresy. I have long argued that homosexuality is natural but abnormal, to a torrent of hostility from gay friends who refuse to acknowledge that what you are and what stake you hold in society are not the same.
Loving your own sex occurs in nature, without artificial triggers. But it is still not average behaviour. Homosexuality is an aberration; a natural aberration. Gays are a minority and minorities, though sometimes vocal, do not hold sway....
...In novels such as E. M. Forster’s Maurice, a seminal work of gay literature, the message was tolerance. It was never a charter for parity. Civil partnerships really are little more than theatrical shams involving men making a point in matching wedding cravats, of embarrassed grandparents and monstrously camp multi-tier cakes.
I wince when gays describe boyfriends as “husbands”, subverting a solemn institution created to provide stability for child-rearing. Besides, it seems highly perverse that gays should fight for freedom from the bonds of heterosexual morality and then set to copying their oppressors by creating similar contracts of their own....
...Does this mean that I no longer like men? No, of course not, and I won’t pretend. But in the streets and avenues of this country there must be many husbands whose interests are divided but whose choices are determined not by sexuality but emotionality.
Would I be a good husband? I hope so. Would I keep faith? Well, I would try. The same siren voices to stray call to all men, all the time. I would be no different..... More
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Christian Filipino migrants forced to convert to Islam
A Filipino nurse with ten years in Saudi Arabia talks about the dramatic situation of Christian workers, forced to embrace Islam just to keep their job. Despite abuses and violence, migrants still choose the Middle East because of the availability of work.
Manila (AsiaNews) – “In my tens in Saudi Arabia, I have witnessed several Catholic or Christian Filipino migrants accept Islam under duress,” said Joselyn Cabrera, a Filipino Catholic nurse working at Riyadh hospital. Because of high unemployment levels in the Philippines, more than ten million Filipinos have left to seek jobs abroad. Every day, about 3,000 leave the country. Recently, a majority has gone to Arab countries—some 600,000 in all, 200,000 in Saudi Arabia alone.
“After some months, employers give you an ultimatum, telling you to become Muslim to keep your job,” she said. “For us, it is hard to make such a choice, but if we don’t, we become the victims of abuse.” (more)
Manila (AsiaNews) – “In my tens in Saudi Arabia, I have witnessed several Catholic or Christian Filipino migrants accept Islam under duress,” said Joselyn Cabrera, a Filipino Catholic nurse working at Riyadh hospital. Because of high unemployment levels in the Philippines, more than ten million Filipinos have left to seek jobs abroad. Every day, about 3,000 leave the country. Recently, a majority has gone to Arab countries—some 600,000 in all, 200,000 in Saudi Arabia alone.“After some months, employers give you an ultimatum, telling you to become Muslim to keep your job,” she said. “For us, it is hard to make such a choice, but if we don’t, we become the victims of abuse.” (more)
Jihadis in Somalia murder Christian leader because he converted from Islam
H/T Jihad Watch
NAIROBI, Kenya, January 26 (CDN) -- Islamic extremists shot the leader of an underground church to death outside the capital city of Somalia this month and have threatened to kill his wife, his tearful widow told Compass.
Having learned that he had left Islam to become a Christian, Somali militants from the Islamic extremist al Shabaab murdered 41-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Ali at about noon on Jan. 1, Amina Ibrahim Hassan said....
..Ali led an underground church. Christian sources said members of al Shabaab, said to have links with al Qaeda terrorists, had been monitoring Ali and his wife for indications that they had left Islam.... More
NAIROBI, Kenya, January 26 (CDN) -- Islamic extremists shot the leader of an underground church to death outside the capital city of Somalia this month and have threatened to kill his wife, his tearful widow told Compass.
Having learned that he had left Islam to become a Christian, Somali militants from the Islamic extremist al Shabaab murdered 41-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Ali at about noon on Jan. 1, Amina Ibrahim Hassan said....
..Ali led an underground church. Christian sources said members of al Shabaab, said to have links with al Qaeda terrorists, had been monitoring Ali and his wife for indications that they had left Islam.... More
Petition Launched: Support CBS's Decision to Air Tim Tebow Super Bowl Ad
From LifeSiteNews
In the past few days, pro-abortion groups have generated over 120,000 letters to CBS, NFL, and Super Bowl advertising executives, asking that they scrap the ad, which has yet to be unveiled. Other pro-abortion organizations have generated thousands more.
In response, a petition was launched today by LSN, whereby pro-lifers can express support to CBS for its decision to air the ad, and exhort the network not to cave to pressure to drop the ad. The names of those who sign the petition will be forwarded on to CBS executives. (To sign the petition, click here)
At the same time, another pro-life group, the Susan B. Anthony List, has launched an effort aimed at supporting the Tebow family during the controversy. Via the 'Block Hard for Tim Tebow'website, pro-lifers can send messages of encouragement to Tim and his family to let them know that the pro-life movement is standing behind them.
The Focus on the Family ad is expected to feature the story of how Tebow’s mother refused to abort him despite being advised to do so by physicians for health reasons. Pam Tebow eventually gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby, who has gone on to become one of the most-recognized sports stars in America.
Despite its hopeful message, the ad has infuriated pro-abortion forces, who argue that it is tantamount to revoking women’s “right to choose.” On Wednesday, a number of pro-abortion groups launched an all-out campaign to pressure CBS into cancelling the ad. (more)
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