This was the title of a July 2nd article in TIME magazine (which I normally do not read).
This is an interesting article particularly from a reliably liberal news magazine like TIME. My parents used to get the old TIME magazine while I was growing up before it morphed into what it is today.
Here is the link to this article.
Here are a couple of thoughts.
First, I find it a bit humorous that the TIME staff would even be interested in such a topic. Afterall, TIME has been at the forefront championing homosexual marriage. They have led the party that is celebrating the advent of open homosexuality and its practices in our country.
Second, my skeptisicm is rooted in my piqued interest as to the true intent of this article. Its either a celebratory "I told you so" postmortem on traditional marriage or its a mea culpa that they have taken a bridge too far.
Third, Caitlin Flangan's premises (the authoress)are surprisingly accurate and conservative in tone. "There is no other single force causing as much measureable harship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage. It hurts children, it reduces mother's financial security, and it has landed with particular devastation on those who can bear it least: the nation's underclass." Wow. Right on...
Fourth, the marriage gap. Flanagan hits the nail on the head here. There is a growing marriage gap threatening our nation today. She is right on when she chronicles the plight of the underclass, who are uncoupling parenthood with marriage. One of the greatest predictors of poverty are under-educated single women having children. These fragile families are destined for the ash hill of public substinence. For the "priviledged" the marriage trend today is to battle middle-age boredom with realtional trysts which bring the wrecking ball to their families and children---see Governor Mark Sanford et al.
Fifthly, and this is the a-ha moment of the article. Quoting noted feminist researcher and author Sara McLanahan, she states that "Growing up without a father has a deep psychological effect on a child. The mom may not need that man, but her children do." Wow.
Perhaps there is a third reason for this article. Could it be that the folks who have tried to demolish marriage for decades are seeing the light?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Obama and Homosxuals-Update # 2
Several months ago when we did our first "Obama and Homosexuals" update, we told you that we would continue this frequently and as new information came out.
Homosexuals are a major constituent group of the Democratic party. In recent weeks, homosexual activist groups have been clamoring to Obama for support payback. Frankly, it has gotten nasty.
Here is the latest since June 1st.
-The Obama White House has proposed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. If passed, this bill would add gender and sexual orientation to hate crime laws.
-Urging Congress to repeal the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
-Ensure national adoption rights for homosexual couples.
-Passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This bill would expand it protections to cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
-Repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy towards homosexuals. This is controversial and will take time. Homosexuals would then be allowed to serve openly.
Homosexuals are a major constituent group of the Democratic party. In recent weeks, homosexual activist groups have been clamoring to Obama for support payback. Frankly, it has gotten nasty.
Here is the latest since June 1st.
-The Obama White House has proposed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. If passed, this bill would add gender and sexual orientation to hate crime laws.
-Urging Congress to repeal the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
-Ensure national adoption rights for homosexual couples.
-Passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This bill would expand it protections to cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
-Repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy towards homosexuals. This is controversial and will take time. Homosexuals would then be allowed to serve openly.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Ritter's Car Tax HIts Home
It's here. If you have not seen it yet, you will. Just wait until your annual car renewal license bill comes and it will be huge.
All of this courtesy of Guv Ritter and his Democratic allies in the state legislature.
Below is an excellent op-ed piece from our good friend and State Senator Kevin Lundberg on this issue. Read it and weep.
Senate bill 108 is a quarter of a billion dollar (per year) car tax. Some are calling it Bill Ritter's Car Tax.
Never in my legislative experience have I seen such a reaction from the people of Colorado after a law has taken effect. For the last several weeks hardly day goes by without at least one constituent calling me at home to complain about SB-108.
Not only do they resent the more than doubling of the cost of registering an older car, but the penalties for late registration are an incredible shock. It is a mandatory, one size fits all formula of $25/ month, up to four months ($100) for any late registration. This applies to even the little trailer you may have around that you rarely use.
How would you react if you expected a nominal ($10-30) registration cost and are handed a bill for well over $100? This late fee even applies for the months before the bill became law! Many people with multiple older vehicles or motorbikes have told me they may never register them. Others have threatened to go to another state.
But wait... there's more. SB-108 also set up a system for tolling existing roads and several new bureaucracies for administering these taxes, fines, and tolls. For all of these reasons not one Republican, in either house, voted for SB-108. We spent long hours in the Senate and the House arguing against this new car tax, but in the end the governor had the votes from his own party to pass both houses and then he signed it with great fanfare.
In the next session I will be introducing a bill to repeal parts of SB-108. I trust that the people will have, by that time, convinced enough legislators in the governor's party to agree to get rid of at least the worst parts of the Bill Ritter's Car Tax.
For more information about SB-108 go to: http://www.rscc.us/ActionAlerts/Index.html.
Elections have expensive consequences.
All of this courtesy of Guv Ritter and his Democratic allies in the state legislature.
Below is an excellent op-ed piece from our good friend and State Senator Kevin Lundberg on this issue. Read it and weep.
Senate bill 108 is a quarter of a billion dollar (per year) car tax. Some are calling it Bill Ritter's Car Tax.
Never in my legislative experience have I seen such a reaction from the people of Colorado after a law has taken effect. For the last several weeks hardly day goes by without at least one constituent calling me at home to complain about SB-108.
Not only do they resent the more than doubling of the cost of registering an older car, but the penalties for late registration are an incredible shock. It is a mandatory, one size fits all formula of $25/ month, up to four months ($100) for any late registration. This applies to even the little trailer you may have around that you rarely use.
How would you react if you expected a nominal ($10-30) registration cost and are handed a bill for well over $100? This late fee even applies for the months before the bill became law! Many people with multiple older vehicles or motorbikes have told me they may never register them. Others have threatened to go to another state.
But wait... there's more. SB-108 also set up a system for tolling existing roads and several new bureaucracies for administering these taxes, fines, and tolls. For all of these reasons not one Republican, in either house, voted for SB-108. We spent long hours in the Senate and the House arguing against this new car tax, but in the end the governor had the votes from his own party to pass both houses and then he signed it with great fanfare.
In the next session I will be introducing a bill to repeal parts of SB-108. I trust that the people will have, by that time, convinced enough legislators in the governor's party to agree to get rid of at least the worst parts of the Bill Ritter's Car Tax.
For more information about SB-108 go to: http://www.rscc.us/ActionAlerts/Index.html.
Elections have expensive consequences.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Colorado "Stimulus" Czar Makes $146,034
I have no beef with Don Elliman but I do have a big one with whoever hired him as Colorado's "stimulus" czar.
Here's the story.
In a time of budget deficits and less expenditures, Colorado now has a "stimulus" czar. I am sure that Mr. Elliman has busy days. After all, he oversees all budgets of state agencies and monitors how Colorado uses federal stimulus funds.
You can't tell me that there is someone already in the system who could do this?
This story seems to be exhibit A on wasteful government spending. Or, perhaps its one of those "shovel-ready" jobs Obama promised.
Sign me up!
Here's the story.
In a time of budget deficits and less expenditures, Colorado now has a "stimulus" czar. I am sure that Mr. Elliman has busy days. After all, he oversees all budgets of state agencies and monitors how Colorado uses federal stimulus funds.
You can't tell me that there is someone already in the system who could do this?
This story seems to be exhibit A on wasteful government spending. Or, perhaps its one of those "shovel-ready" jobs Obama promised.
Sign me up!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Obama Giving Benefits to Federal Homosexual Employees Partners
Today, President Obama will put pen to paper and extend federal health care benefits to the partners of homosexual government employees. In doing so, he hopes to appease homosexual groups which supported his election.
This move comes in reaction to high pressure from homosexual groups who form a loud and financially lucrative group in the Democratic coalition. In recent weeks, homosexual activists have grown increasingly frustrated with what they perceive is a lack of action by the Obama administration on their issues. When Obama failed to lift the current military ban on openly homosexuals serving in the military, the tipping point had come.
The target point here is the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program. Via executive order, Obama will order that these benefits be made available to homosexual partners of federal employees.
Again, the tidal wave of homosexual activism continues forward in America. Here in Colorado, Governor Bill Ritter signed a similar measure. Homosexuals and their political allies argue that these are rights they should have-that true equality cannot be achieved unless our society gives them equal rights and recognition previously enjoyed by heterosexual married couples.
It's important to remember these arguments in the face of this tidal wave:
-Marriage has always been seen as the socially acceptable relationship between a man and a woman.
-Society and the state have a vested interest in promoting and maintaining high numbers of successful marriages. Marriages provide the procreation of future generations; reduce unmarried infidelity and paternity; promote the creation and distribution of wealth; reduce sexually transmitted diseases et al.
-Thus, the distribution of "benefits" is so important. Because of society's and the state's vested interest in marriage, family benefits were distributed to encourage marital and familial stability.-Homosexual marriage provides none of these benefits other than the fulfillment of adult needs.
Here is the story.
Obama's act is in essence a de facto recognition of homosexual unions as marriage. This downward slide will continue and the fight is not over.
Elections have consequences.
.
This move comes in reaction to high pressure from homosexual groups who form a loud and financially lucrative group in the Democratic coalition. In recent weeks, homosexual activists have grown increasingly frustrated with what they perceive is a lack of action by the Obama administration on their issues. When Obama failed to lift the current military ban on openly homosexuals serving in the military, the tipping point had come.
The target point here is the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program. Via executive order, Obama will order that these benefits be made available to homosexual partners of federal employees.
Again, the tidal wave of homosexual activism continues forward in America. Here in Colorado, Governor Bill Ritter signed a similar measure. Homosexuals and their political allies argue that these are rights they should have-that true equality cannot be achieved unless our society gives them equal rights and recognition previously enjoyed by heterosexual married couples.
It's important to remember these arguments in the face of this tidal wave:
-Marriage has always been seen as the socially acceptable relationship between a man and a woman.
-Society and the state have a vested interest in promoting and maintaining high numbers of successful marriages. Marriages provide the procreation of future generations; reduce unmarried infidelity and paternity; promote the creation and distribution of wealth; reduce sexually transmitted diseases et al.
-Thus, the distribution of "benefits" is so important. Because of society's and the state's vested interest in marriage, family benefits were distributed to encourage marital and familial stability.-Homosexual marriage provides none of these benefits other than the fulfillment of adult needs.
Here is the story.
Obama's act is in essence a de facto recognition of homosexual unions as marriage. This downward slide will continue and the fight is not over.
Elections have consequences.
.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
David Letterman Offers Mea Culpa
Earlier today, Daivd Letterman offered his mea culpa issuing an apology to Governor Sarah Palin and her daughters about his offensive joke last week.
The point here is that this joke broke new ground in television decency.
Whether you are Democrat or a Republican, liberal or conservative,we must agree that any joke about a woman being raped is beyond the pale. There is no room for this type of comment in ou culture.
As a father of two teenage daughters, I was deeply offended. My wife and I work hard to teach our children well about sexuality and the appropriate place for it in their lives. Granted, my daughters never saw the show, but many young women did.
Our nation is awash in a sea of nastiness and crudeness. The toxicity level of our discourse is appalling.
If my grandmother was still alive she would have driven to New York and washed Letterman's mouth out with soap.
The point here is that this joke broke new ground in television decency.
Whether you are Democrat or a Republican, liberal or conservative,we must agree that any joke about a woman being raped is beyond the pale. There is no room for this type of comment in ou culture.
As a father of two teenage daughters, I was deeply offended. My wife and I work hard to teach our children well about sexuality and the appropriate place for it in their lives. Granted, my daughters never saw the show, but many young women did.
Our nation is awash in a sea of nastiness and crudeness. The toxicity level of our discourse is appalling.
If my grandmother was still alive she would have driven to New York and washed Letterman's mouth out with soap.
Obama Health Care for Your Family
President Obama's announced number one domestic priority is to require healthcare of all Americans. His main vehicle to accomplish this goal: a government run health care program ala Canada and socialist Europe. Yikes...There is a reason why Canadians now come south of the border for their healthcare needs...
I did some digging and here's what it may look like if it passes Congress:
-Cost. The Obama campaign estimates his health care reform plan will cost between $50 and $65 billion a year when fully phased in. He assumes that it will be paid from savings in the system and from discontinuing the Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 per year.I doubt the cost- it will be higher.
-Its broken into three parts: 1. Quality, Affordable & Portable Health Coverage For All 2. Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System To Lower Costs & Improve Quality, and 3. Promoting Prevention & Strengthening Public Health.
-Savings. Obama claims that his health care reform plan will save the typical family up to $2,500 every year. Yet, specifics are hard to find.
-Obama’s key components here include:
•Establishing a new public program that would look a lot like Medicare for those under age-65 that would be available to those who do not have access to an employer plan or qualify for existing government programs like Medicaid or SCHIP. This would also be open to small employers who do not offer a private plan.
•Creating a “National Health Insurance Exchange.” This would be a government-run marketing organization that would sell insurance plans directly to those who did not have an employer plan or public coverage.
•An employer “pay or play” provision that would require an employer to either provide health insurance or contribute toward the cost of a public plan.
•Mandating that families cover all children through either a private or public health insurance plan.
•Expanding eligibility for government programs, like Medicaid and SCHIP.
•Allow flexibility in embracing state health reform initiatives.
This Democratic proposal is all about access—getting just about everyone covered. Getting everyone into this unsustainable system will then make things even more unsustainable creating an imperative for a second wave of real cost containment when the feel good list of cost containment proposals now in their plans falls short. My sense is that most Democratic health policy experts already know this but see no other political alternative.
If this thing passes, get ready for some new terms: Cost containment (limiting medical practices; required medical coverage for your kids;
I did some digging and here's what it may look like if it passes Congress:
-Cost. The Obama campaign estimates his health care reform plan will cost between $50 and $65 billion a year when fully phased in. He assumes that it will be paid from savings in the system and from discontinuing the Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 per year.I doubt the cost- it will be higher.
-Its broken into three parts: 1. Quality, Affordable & Portable Health Coverage For All 2. Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System To Lower Costs & Improve Quality, and 3. Promoting Prevention & Strengthening Public Health.
-Savings. Obama claims that his health care reform plan will save the typical family up to $2,500 every year. Yet, specifics are hard to find.
-Obama’s key components here include:
•Establishing a new public program that would look a lot like Medicare for those under age-65 that would be available to those who do not have access to an employer plan or qualify for existing government programs like Medicaid or SCHIP. This would also be open to small employers who do not offer a private plan.
•Creating a “National Health Insurance Exchange.” This would be a government-run marketing organization that would sell insurance plans directly to those who did not have an employer plan or public coverage.
•An employer “pay or play” provision that would require an employer to either provide health insurance or contribute toward the cost of a public plan.
•Mandating that families cover all children through either a private or public health insurance plan.
•Expanding eligibility for government programs, like Medicaid and SCHIP.
•Allow flexibility in embracing state health reform initiatives.
This Democratic proposal is all about access—getting just about everyone covered. Getting everyone into this unsustainable system will then make things even more unsustainable creating an imperative for a second wave of real cost containment when the feel good list of cost containment proposals now in their plans falls short. My sense is that most Democratic health policy experts already know this but see no other political alternative.
If this thing passes, get ready for some new terms: Cost containment (limiting medical practices; required medical coverage for your kids;
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Tiller's Abortion Clinic Closes
I can't say that we will miss George Tiller.
Earlier today, the family of slain abortion doctor George Tiller announced that his infamous clinic would close. See the whole story here.
Apparently, no one else was willing to pick up Tiller's scalpel. That alone should tell us all we need to know about the practices of George Tiller. While the liberal media has made Tiller out to be an iconic hero, my take is different.
George Tiller intentionally killed viable babies in later term abortions. His practice was gruesome by best accounts. While some may think his action are heroic, thousands of unborn Americans died at his hands. His death practice ushered darkness into his clinic and community. When one engages in practices that contradict the law's of nature's God, chaos ensues.
George Tiller is no hero. George Tiller has had to explain his actions to the ultimate Judge of life and death.
Earlier today, the family of slain abortion doctor George Tiller announced that his infamous clinic would close. See the whole story here.
Apparently, no one else was willing to pick up Tiller's scalpel. That alone should tell us all we need to know about the practices of George Tiller. While the liberal media has made Tiller out to be an iconic hero, my take is different.
George Tiller intentionally killed viable babies in later term abortions. His practice was gruesome by best accounts. While some may think his action are heroic, thousands of unborn Americans died at his hands. His death practice ushered darkness into his clinic and community. When one engages in practices that contradict the law's of nature's God, chaos ensues.
George Tiller is no hero. George Tiller has had to explain his actions to the ultimate Judge of life and death.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
The Battle Continues for Life-The Tiller Legacy
Today's Denver Post op-ed (Wednesday, June 3rd) suggests that the abortion battle needs to tone down in the wake of the murder of the infamous Kansas abortion doctor George Tiller.
I would agree with the Post that this scorching debate need not become a shooting war, but the issue cannot be buried either. What the Post is subtly suggesting is that pro-lifers go away and accept the status quo. I say no.
Right now, abortionists hold the upper hand. Abortion is the law and legal in all 50 states. Our current Colorado state legislature is led by an pro-abortion majority. However, that does not make it right. In 1857, the United States Supreme Court concluded that Dred Scott, a black freeman, did not have the same constitutional rights as any of his white equals. Eventually, this law was rescinded and deemed by history as misguided. Similarly in 1973, our nation's highest court was wrong again, extracting the constitutional right to an abortion. This too in time will be overturned.
Pro-lifers, despite the liberal media barrage, need to be encouraged. National polling shows that most Americans lean towards life, seeing abortion as the last option. While the media wants to spin the story about the alleged damage done to the pro-life movement, I would take a different position. The kind of heinous abortion services that Dr. George Tiller was offering is evaporating. Most Americans remain offended that viable, unborn children are being killed.
More than ever now, the practice of late-term abortions needs to be outlawed. Let's start here in Colorado. That action will be the legacy of George Tiller.
.
I would agree with the Post that this scorching debate need not become a shooting war, but the issue cannot be buried either. What the Post is subtly suggesting is that pro-lifers go away and accept the status quo. I say no.
Right now, abortionists hold the upper hand. Abortion is the law and legal in all 50 states. Our current Colorado state legislature is led by an pro-abortion majority. However, that does not make it right. In 1857, the United States Supreme Court concluded that Dred Scott, a black freeman, did not have the same constitutional rights as any of his white equals. Eventually, this law was rescinded and deemed by history as misguided. Similarly in 1973, our nation's highest court was wrong again, extracting the constitutional right to an abortion. This too in time will be overturned.
Pro-lifers, despite the liberal media barrage, need to be encouraged. National polling shows that most Americans lean towards life, seeing abortion as the last option. While the media wants to spin the story about the alleged damage done to the pro-life movement, I would take a different position. The kind of heinous abortion services that Dr. George Tiller was offering is evaporating. Most Americans remain offended that viable, unborn children are being killed.
More than ever now, the practice of late-term abortions needs to be outlawed. Let's start here in Colorado. That action will be the legacy of George Tiller.
.
Monday, June 01, 2009
More on Tiller
A good friend sent me this note. I think it hits the nail on the head...
I wonder how this issue will be spun by the media and politicians. I don’t condone vigilante justice, but these things just seem to work themselves out. Even God-hating unbelievers understand the ‘live by the sword, die by the sword’ credo. Throughout Scripture and in the world today, evil unbalanced people are often killed by other evil unbalanced people. I will not miss Dr. Tiller, and I hope his clinic closes. The unfortunate fact is that abortion is legal. And, it is not right to murder someone for doing something legal, no matter how abhorrent it may be to you. We must find a peaceful way to end this horrible practice in our nation.
Am I the only person who sees the irony in the fact that a man who killed innocent viable unborn babies in a horrific way for a living was serving as an usher in a church!?! I’ve been praying that God will wake His Church up. Dr. Tiller was a man who needed to be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Had that occurred, he would have stopped killing innocent children, and cared for them and their mothers instead, similar to Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe). Repentance, love and acts of contrition are marks of true belief. When the church begins to love justice, and to care for the innocent and those in the margins, our culture will change – one person at a time. We need to stop going to church – and start being the church. We can’t reach guys like George Tiller or Warren Hern by yelling at them, hating them, condemning them or threatening them. We need to show them compassion, to engage them in a dialogue, and to be welcoming positive examples of Jesus for them. I’m not sure how to do it, but when we figure out how to do that, something will change in this situation.
I think that some day, legal abortion will be viewed in the same way as whaling or Nazi concentration camps. Both of them were legal, and served a purpose that an entire culture and and nation thought was important. History has proven them both to be wrong, abhorrent and needless. Likewise, the objects of their slaughter are necessary, beautiful and important parts of God’s creation. Through abortion, we have slaughtered many wonderful world-changing people before they ever lived out their purpose. God weeps at this sin, and at our nation’s tolerance and promotion of it.
Perhaps one child who Dr. Tiller would have aborted today will be born instead, to live out a wonderful life, fulfilling their purpose in changing the world as God intended. And perhaps George Tiller decided on Sunday morning that he would follow Jesus and close his abortion clinic first thing Monday morning, and that God will have mercy on his soul. That is my prayer.
I wonder how this issue will be spun by the media and politicians. I don’t condone vigilante justice, but these things just seem to work themselves out. Even God-hating unbelievers understand the ‘live by the sword, die by the sword’ credo. Throughout Scripture and in the world today, evil unbalanced people are often killed by other evil unbalanced people. I will not miss Dr. Tiller, and I hope his clinic closes. The unfortunate fact is that abortion is legal. And, it is not right to murder someone for doing something legal, no matter how abhorrent it may be to you. We must find a peaceful way to end this horrible practice in our nation.
Am I the only person who sees the irony in the fact that a man who killed innocent viable unborn babies in a horrific way for a living was serving as an usher in a church!?! I’ve been praying that God will wake His Church up. Dr. Tiller was a man who needed to be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Had that occurred, he would have stopped killing innocent children, and cared for them and their mothers instead, similar to Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe). Repentance, love and acts of contrition are marks of true belief. When the church begins to love justice, and to care for the innocent and those in the margins, our culture will change – one person at a time. We need to stop going to church – and start being the church. We can’t reach guys like George Tiller or Warren Hern by yelling at them, hating them, condemning them or threatening them. We need to show them compassion, to engage them in a dialogue, and to be welcoming positive examples of Jesus for them. I’m not sure how to do it, but when we figure out how to do that, something will change in this situation.
I think that some day, legal abortion will be viewed in the same way as whaling or Nazi concentration camps. Both of them were legal, and served a purpose that an entire culture and and nation thought was important. History has proven them both to be wrong, abhorrent and needless. Likewise, the objects of their slaughter are necessary, beautiful and important parts of God’s creation. Through abortion, we have slaughtered many wonderful world-changing people before they ever lived out their purpose. God weeps at this sin, and at our nation’s tolerance and promotion of it.
Perhaps one child who Dr. Tiller would have aborted today will be born instead, to live out a wonderful life, fulfilling their purpose in changing the world as God intended. And perhaps George Tiller decided on Sunday morning that he would follow Jesus and close his abortion clinic first thing Monday morning, and that God will have mercy on his soul. That is my prayer.
Tiller Murder Escalates Abortion Crisis
I guess ignorance is bliss.
I spent this weekend with about 250 Cub Scouts and their parents miles away from reality and the news.
I am sure by now that you have heard the news on the murder of abortion doctor George Tiller. Read the story here.
Obviously, we deplore this act of violence. You cannot be pro-life and engage in murderous acts. Violence only begets more violence. This act makes a key point: when mankind violates God's ordained statutes of life chaos ensues. Death births more death. While "justice" may have been served in the minds of some, what really happened is simply an evil human act. Pray for our pro-life friends and agencies. I believe that they will be targeted now by the pro-abortion forces in our nation.
Here's a sample of what some abortionists are already clamoring for: "Already organizations such as the National Organization for Women are blaming the tragedy on the pro-life movement. NOW has labeled the murder as an act of "politically-motivated domestic terrorism" and has called on the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to put their full resources behind the effort to "root out and prosecute...the criminal enterprise that has organized and funded criminal acts for decades."
Pray that the "abortion war" does not become a shooting war....
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27
I spent this weekend with about 250 Cub Scouts and their parents miles away from reality and the news.
I am sure by now that you have heard the news on the murder of abortion doctor George Tiller. Read the story here.
Obviously, we deplore this act of violence. You cannot be pro-life and engage in murderous acts. Violence only begets more violence. This act makes a key point: when mankind violates God's ordained statutes of life chaos ensues. Death births more death. While "justice" may have been served in the minds of some, what really happened is simply an evil human act. Pray for our pro-life friends and agencies. I believe that they will be targeted now by the pro-abortion forces in our nation.
Here's a sample of what some abortionists are already clamoring for: "Already organizations such as the National Organization for Women are blaming the tragedy on the pro-life movement. NOW has labeled the murder as an act of "politically-motivated domestic terrorism" and has called on the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to put their full resources behind the effort to "root out and prosecute...the criminal enterprise that has organized and funded criminal acts for decades."
Pray that the "abortion war" does not become a shooting war....
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day: More than B-B-Q's, Parades and Ball Games
"We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here."
Those are words from Lincoln's Gettysburg address in 1863 on the heels of that bloodly Civil War battle.
Unfortunately, most Americans are at best hazy about the meaning of Memorial Day. For most, its a day off from work to enjoy around the b-b-q or at a ballpark. But there's a higher purpose which is memorialized: devoted, simple, sacrificial service by millions of Americans for their nation.
Some of these servants bled on battle fields will others came home and died in their beds. Yet they all share a common fibre, a thread of connectivity. They wore the cloth of their nation.
This weekend, pause a moment and consider the work of our heroes and the values many died for. Let your children know about this rich heritage of service and sacrifice.
For without it, our nation would not exist.
Those are words from Lincoln's Gettysburg address in 1863 on the heels of that bloodly Civil War battle.
Unfortunately, most Americans are at best hazy about the meaning of Memorial Day. For most, its a day off from work to enjoy around the b-b-q or at a ballpark. But there's a higher purpose which is memorialized: devoted, simple, sacrificial service by millions of Americans for their nation.
Some of these servants bled on battle fields will others came home and died in their beds. Yet they all share a common fibre, a thread of connectivity. They wore the cloth of their nation.
This weekend, pause a moment and consider the work of our heroes and the values many died for. Let your children know about this rich heritage of service and sacrifice.
For without it, our nation would not exist.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Governor Ritter Approves Special Rights for Homosexuals
In what's becoming an annual event, Colorado's Demnocrat-controlled legislature approved more special rights for homosexuals.
This year's addition was Senate bill 88, which will provide health and employment benefits to state employees with homosexual partners.
This week, Ritter went along with it and signed it under the darkness of night.
The tragedy about this whole episode is that in 2006, Colorado voters resoundingly defeated these benefits when they rejected Referendum I.
In the subsequent years, Democrats have attempted to quietly end-run the will of the voters and legislative these benefits.
Here's the latest episode.
This year's addition was Senate bill 88, which will provide health and employment benefits to state employees with homosexual partners.
This week, Ritter went along with it and signed it under the darkness of night.
The tragedy about this whole episode is that in 2006, Colorado voters resoundingly defeated these benefits when they rejected Referendum I.
In the subsequent years, Democrats have attempted to quietly end-run the will of the voters and legislative these benefits.
Here's the latest episode.
Pastors, Are You Paying Attention?
Recent lawmaking in New Hampshire should send a chill down your spine if you are a pastor.
As you probably know, gay marriage is sweeping the Northeast states of our nation. However, this misguided process took a dark turn earlier this week in New Hampshire. The state legislature okayed a bill legalizing homosexual marriage and sent it to Governor John Lynch for approval. Surprisingly, Lynch sent it back instructing the legislature to include a provision for clergy who did not want to marry homosexual couples.
Guess what happened? State legislators voted against the Governor's recommendation for clergy protections.
If you are a pastor, I hope you understand the toxic winds of our culture. In Canada, if you use your pulpit to declare that homosexuality is a sin, you could be prosecuted for a hate crime. This same concept is just around the corner in America.
Homosexual activists will not be content to just get "married." They want to force you to perform the ceremony.
Click here for the story.
As you probably know, gay marriage is sweeping the Northeast states of our nation. However, this misguided process took a dark turn earlier this week in New Hampshire. The state legislature okayed a bill legalizing homosexual marriage and sent it to Governor John Lynch for approval. Surprisingly, Lynch sent it back instructing the legislature to include a provision for clergy who did not want to marry homosexual couples.
Guess what happened? State legislators voted against the Governor's recommendation for clergy protections.
If you are a pastor, I hope you understand the toxic winds of our culture. In Canada, if you use your pulpit to declare that homosexuality is a sin, you could be prosecuted for a hate crime. This same concept is just around the corner in America.
Homosexual activists will not be content to just get "married." They want to force you to perform the ceremony.
Click here for the story.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
The Value of Prayer-Its More than Just One Day in May
Each year on May 7th, the National Day of Prayer is celebrated by millions of Americans.
This event gathered annual steam thanks in part to the support of President George W. Bush, who held a formal White House event each year during his presidency. This year, President Barack Obama will not continue this tradition. I think that this is an unfortunate decision by Obama. Millions of Americans pray and believe in its power to change and transform lives. And, many would like to see the President of the United States take the lead.
But prayer is more than just an annual event. Prayer strikes close to home for many Americans. Its always been that way.
On April 30, 1863, at the apex of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln established a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. See his proclamation here
On March 3, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson penned this prayer .
These American presidents had a deep value of prayer. They saw its value to their countrymen and their nation. Apparently, Obama does not share this view. Neither did Bill Clinton. Obama and Clinton would do well taking a page from our founders who valued the importance of prayer and value of publicly leading the nation in this endeavor.
This event gathered annual steam thanks in part to the support of President George W. Bush, who held a formal White House event each year during his presidency. This year, President Barack Obama will not continue this tradition. I think that this is an unfortunate decision by Obama. Millions of Americans pray and believe in its power to change and transform lives. And, many would like to see the President of the United States take the lead.
But prayer is more than just an annual event. Prayer strikes close to home for many Americans. Its always been that way.
On April 30, 1863, at the apex of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln established a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. See his proclamation here
On March 3, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson penned this prayer .
These American presidents had a deep value of prayer. They saw its value to their countrymen and their nation. Apparently, Obama does not share this view. Neither did Bill Clinton. Obama and Clinton would do well taking a page from our founders who valued the importance of prayer and value of publicly leading the nation in this endeavor.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Measuring the King-Obama's 100 Days
Much was made the media last week about President Obama's first 100 days in office. While its often seen as a measurement of a President's style and substance, let's not forget that Obama still has approximately 1,360 days left in this term.
I thought it might be helpful to measure Obama's first 100 days from a pro-family point of view. I understand that often a President's policies cannot be segmented out specifically because they affect many aspects of our nation. However, marriage and family values are vital to the collective health of our nation. Here is a list of the marriage and family values President Obama has put forth so far. See if you agree with them:
-Increased funding for Planned Parenthood under the guise of promoting "health services." This is akin to inviting the fox to the hen house.
-Advocating the repeal of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. You can't have it both ways. Either marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman or its defined to the whims of populist ideas.
-Broadening the definition of hate crimes to include anti-homosexual advocates like clergy. We are quickly heading down the flawed Canadian path where dissent is punished by jail terms for those who morally disagree.
-Attempting to implement new rules to gut conscience clause protections for pro-life medical providers who morally disagree with abortion. So much for freedom of expression particularly if your speech runs afoul of powerful government sanctioned groups.
-Repealing limitations on tax-payer funded embryonic stem cell research and abortions overseas. The best option right now for medical cures are adult stem cells. Embryonic cells have been very resistant to research.
The list goes on. To see more, go to this link.
These are not the values that the Rocky Mountain Family Council believes in nor do we believe that the majority of Americans hold to. The Obama presidency, despite its style and sizzle, could prove to be very damaging to the concept of and the definitions of marriage and family.
I thought it might be helpful to measure Obama's first 100 days from a pro-family point of view. I understand that often a President's policies cannot be segmented out specifically because they affect many aspects of our nation. However, marriage and family values are vital to the collective health of our nation. Here is a list of the marriage and family values President Obama has put forth so far. See if you agree with them:
-Increased funding for Planned Parenthood under the guise of promoting "health services." This is akin to inviting the fox to the hen house.
-Advocating the repeal of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. You can't have it both ways. Either marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman or its defined to the whims of populist ideas.
-Broadening the definition of hate crimes to include anti-homosexual advocates like clergy. We are quickly heading down the flawed Canadian path where dissent is punished by jail terms for those who morally disagree.
-Attempting to implement new rules to gut conscience clause protections for pro-life medical providers who morally disagree with abortion. So much for freedom of expression particularly if your speech runs afoul of powerful government sanctioned groups.
-Repealing limitations on tax-payer funded embryonic stem cell research and abortions overseas. The best option right now for medical cures are adult stem cells. Embryonic cells have been very resistant to research.
The list goes on. To see more, go to this link.
These are not the values that the Rocky Mountain Family Council believes in nor do we believe that the majority of Americans hold to. The Obama presidency, despite its style and sizzle, could prove to be very damaging to the concept of and the definitions of marriage and family.
Giving Away Colorado's Election Influence
Colorado is not a large state and our ability to sway national public policy is limited.
Unfortunately, state Democrats want to give more of it away when it comes to national elections.
If House Bill 1299 becomes law, Colorado will join a pool of five other states who will award our electoral college votes (9 current votes/7 US House Reps and 2 US Senators)to the popular vote winner of a presidential election.
Our good friend, State Senator Ted Harvey wrote the following regarding this issue:
The Senate will soon debate HB 1299, a proposal to replace the Electoral College with a popular vote system for Presidential elections. This violates the spirit and the letter of the U.S. Constitution, as the founders designed our electoral system as a republic, not a pure democracy.
This bill will shift Presidential campaigns and policy towards the leftist population centers on the coasts: New York, Florida, California, and possibly Michigan. Presidential candidates will no longer have any reason to campaign in Colorado, let alone listen to the concerns particular to our state.
If House Bill 1299 passes, Colorado will become a fly-over state in Presidential elections. Our Western principles of individual liberty and responsibility will be ignored in favor of the socialist ideas popular in the liberal coastal enclaves: high taxes, unchecked government intervention, and a complete re-write of our country's basic moral values and constitutional principles.
The Democrats argue that a popular vote system will prevent another "stolen" election such as the 2000 Presidential election. What they mean is that a popular vote will give them a distinct partisan advantage in campaign season.
They ignore the fact that a popular vote will indeed repeat the 2000 election, but not in the way they imply: Americans will suffer through recounts not just in Florida, but in hundreds of counties across the nation. The results of the Presidential election will hinge not on the will of the people, but on the skill of attorneys and the partisan leanings of "nonpartisan" election judges.
If you want your Presidential vote to count, write the Senate and urge them to vote "no" on House Bill 1299, the Popular Vote bill.
Unfortunately, state Democrats want to give more of it away when it comes to national elections.
If House Bill 1299 becomes law, Colorado will join a pool of five other states who will award our electoral college votes (9 current votes/7 US House Reps and 2 US Senators)to the popular vote winner of a presidential election.
Our good friend, State Senator Ted Harvey wrote the following regarding this issue:
The Senate will soon debate HB 1299, a proposal to replace the Electoral College with a popular vote system for Presidential elections. This violates the spirit and the letter of the U.S. Constitution, as the founders designed our electoral system as a republic, not a pure democracy.
This bill will shift Presidential campaigns and policy towards the leftist population centers on the coasts: New York, Florida, California, and possibly Michigan. Presidential candidates will no longer have any reason to campaign in Colorado, let alone listen to the concerns particular to our state.
If House Bill 1299 passes, Colorado will become a fly-over state in Presidential elections. Our Western principles of individual liberty and responsibility will be ignored in favor of the socialist ideas popular in the liberal coastal enclaves: high taxes, unchecked government intervention, and a complete re-write of our country's basic moral values and constitutional principles.
The Democrats argue that a popular vote system will prevent another "stolen" election such as the 2000 Presidential election. What they mean is that a popular vote will give them a distinct partisan advantage in campaign season.
They ignore the fact that a popular vote will indeed repeat the 2000 election, but not in the way they imply: Americans will suffer through recounts not just in Florida, but in hundreds of counties across the nation. The results of the Presidential election will hinge not on the will of the people, but on the skill of attorneys and the partisan leanings of "nonpartisan" election judges.
If you want your Presidential vote to count, write the Senate and urge them to vote "no" on House Bill 1299, the Popular Vote bill.
Monday, April 27, 2009
An American Hero
Here's a great story about a 19 year old American hero. Read the story here.
While some young Americans may be confused about their country and the values we cherish, many are not. And, many are willing to give their lives for something bigger than themselves.
This young man is such a hero.
While some young Americans may be confused about their country and the values we cherish, many are not. And, many are willing to give their lives for something bigger than themselves.
This young man is such a hero.
Its All About Character
By now, you have likely heard about the buzzing controversy regarding Miss California, Carrie Prejean and her comments regarding homosexual marriage.
This story is not about her comments per say nor the reactions of a misguided homosexual zealot. Instead its about the moral character of a young woman who stood fast in her belief.
While certain parts of today's toxic popular culture will try to crucify her and label her a bigot, Jesus exhorts us to rise above it. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus taught his disciples to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness."
Standing fast for godly beliefs, particularly the definition of marriage, will always be costly. But we need to keep in mind that we serve an eternal kingdom. We serve a God who will measure and test our faith and beliefs.
Carrie Prejean passed this test with flying colors. Here's the story.
This story is not about her comments per say nor the reactions of a misguided homosexual zealot. Instead its about the moral character of a young woman who stood fast in her belief.
While certain parts of today's toxic popular culture will try to crucify her and label her a bigot, Jesus exhorts us to rise above it. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus taught his disciples to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness."
Standing fast for godly beliefs, particularly the definition of marriage, will always be costly. But we need to keep in mind that we serve an eternal kingdom. We serve a God who will measure and test our faith and beliefs.
Carrie Prejean passed this test with flying colors. Here's the story.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The End of Christian America?
If you haven't seen it, find Newsweek's Jon Meacham's article, The End of Christian America, here.
Before you erupt, read the whole article. This article is based on the recently released survey, the American Religious Identification Study. Its nexus conclusion: that self-identified Christians had fallen 10 percentage points since 1990 from 86 percent of all Americans to 76 percent.
Troubling, yes. Catastrophic for American Christianity, no. In the first century of the Church, Christians were very much in the minority. Persecuted, discriminated and even murdered by the state, today's culture would appear to them as a garden of eden.
Here are three conclusions to ponder:
-Our nation is shedding much of its institutional Judeo-Christian heritage for what I fear will be the worse. This trek into a social wilderness, guided by post-modern thoughts and beliefs, may lead our nation into a cultural and social train wreck. The very liberties we enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of or from religion all stem from the Judeo-Christian worldview that our culture seems so eager to ditch.
-More than ever, America is a cornucopia of religious faiths and beliefs. Every world religion has found our shores and is flourishing-and that is good news. Cultures with strong religious values tend to flourish. America's resiliency against the trends of post-Christian socialist Europe is due to our religious bulwark. Nonetheless, America is at a low point in terms of Christian influence in the public square and the societal sense that Christianity offers the best solutions to the problems of life. My concern though is not so much with the political sphere or cultural influence but with the role of evangelism for the hearts and souls of men and women who are now more than ever distant from the Gospel.
-Finally, let's not lose hope. In his article, Mr. Meacham also suggests that this new situation is perhaps healthy for the church. To this extent I agree – the church's mission clarifies any time the distinction between the church and the world is made more evident. Our witness is to lovingly show non-Christians that they are not Christians and that believers need to be reminded that what sinners need is the Gospel of Christ, not merely the lingering morality of the Christian memory.
The great news for the Church is that God is responsible for fruit of our labors. Our role is to till the fields and sow the seed.
Before you erupt, read the whole article. This article is based on the recently released survey, the American Religious Identification Study. Its nexus conclusion: that self-identified Christians had fallen 10 percentage points since 1990 from 86 percent of all Americans to 76 percent.
Troubling, yes. Catastrophic for American Christianity, no. In the first century of the Church, Christians were very much in the minority. Persecuted, discriminated and even murdered by the state, today's culture would appear to them as a garden of eden.
Here are three conclusions to ponder:
-Our nation is shedding much of its institutional Judeo-Christian heritage for what I fear will be the worse. This trek into a social wilderness, guided by post-modern thoughts and beliefs, may lead our nation into a cultural and social train wreck. The very liberties we enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of or from religion all stem from the Judeo-Christian worldview that our culture seems so eager to ditch.
-More than ever, America is a cornucopia of religious faiths and beliefs. Every world religion has found our shores and is flourishing-and that is good news. Cultures with strong religious values tend to flourish. America's resiliency against the trends of post-Christian socialist Europe is due to our religious bulwark. Nonetheless, America is at a low point in terms of Christian influence in the public square and the societal sense that Christianity offers the best solutions to the problems of life. My concern though is not so much with the political sphere or cultural influence but with the role of evangelism for the hearts and souls of men and women who are now more than ever distant from the Gospel.
-Finally, let's not lose hope. In his article, Mr. Meacham also suggests that this new situation is perhaps healthy for the church. To this extent I agree – the church's mission clarifies any time the distinction between the church and the world is made more evident. Our witness is to lovingly show non-Christians that they are not Christians and that believers need to be reminded that what sinners need is the Gospel of Christ, not merely the lingering morality of the Christian memory.
The great news for the Church is that God is responsible for fruit of our labors. Our role is to till the fields and sow the seed.
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