[envision me doing the Jerry McGuire flip-out office scene as you read this - and for the prior post as well]
This is just utterly ridiculous! [link*] "...so there's not the same need..." - okay...as more and more babies die - and maybe with the swipe of the pen MORE AND MORE BABIES WILL DIE. But hey it's not her life...it's not the bishops' lives. There's just not the same need...
Some are glad the election is over - so as to NOT TALK POLITICS. Man, I think we're just getting started.
* I have to add the word 'link' next to a link for the blogging impaired.
An Update: Btw - they did discuss something at the conference. It was some statement they were going to draw up - maybe mostly for Obama [???]. But I *happened* to turn on the TV yesterday to actually put Little House on - when low and behold, there were the bishops [obviously to my surprise, it had been on EWTN when the TV was turned off] discussing how to word different parts of this letter speaking to life/abortion. Bishop Martino stood up twice [i only saw once] to put in his 2 cents. There was another bishop - gosh I don't rmbr where he was from - who said something to the tune of: I think all of us bishops would die tomorrow if it would end abortion - so if we're willing to die, to give our life for this cause - we need to go back to our dioceses and be willing to suffer by standing up for the unborn. Yes, it'll be difficult, but if we're willing to die....
Now that's not word for word - but it was the gist. Does anyone know who said that?
Another thing - Raymond was/is covering the USCCB - The World Over studio is now in D.C. - he was able to interview Bishop Martino [who also cleared up a misquote from this story] during one of their breaks. I thought that was so awesome to be able bring the bishops' take on things to the world - almost as a play by play. This totally drove home for me how important it is that The World Over is in D.C.
Monday, November 10, 2008
I Need a New Baby!
And it's not that maternal feeling tugging at my heart. Not right now. [usually, but not tonight!]
I need someone I can call innocent! With Charlie on the cusp of The Terrible Twos [although not as terrible as the threes, IMO], and doing things like this:
I need someone I can call innocent! With Charlie on the cusp of The Terrible Twos [although not as terrible as the threes, IMO], and doing things like this:
...it just confirms for me the need for at least one innocent child among the masses!
I opened up my laptop and to my shock I was missing 4 keys - including my enter key! I don't even know where it is! I got the 5 key and the right arrow back in place. You can see in the first picture how my comma key is missing next to the M... that was from last week!
This is nothing new, mind you - it's just gotten worse in the last couple wks. It's not as simple as just clicking them back into place. Sometimes - when I'm lucky - it is a simple snap-repair. But like I said, he's getting more destructive! And, yes, I understand that I need to form the new habit of closing my laptop! ::sigh::
At least I know the missing pieces won't get vacuumed up!
Update - found the 2 missing keys...and they snapped back in... Yay!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Vacuum War
Who out there has a Golden Retriever? Or a dog that sheds like the dickens? Now...can you imagine being without a vacuum? It's not pretty and it's driving me nuts!
We sent in our 12yo Kirby vacuum to be rebuilt about 1.5wks ago. [and I must plead with Paul not to comment on this issue, though I know he will :)] When they rebuild it, they replace pretty much everything! Let me tell you... this is muchly needed!
This vacuum has been quite a point of contention 'round here.
Some of Paul's points: It cost a lot of money [Those of you who may own one, know what I'm talkin' about] - so why should we shell out more cash to have this thing look and act brand spankin' new!? This thing also had a faulty cord, which last year started flaming and almost electrocuted Dani. Paul went 'round and 'round with the company concerning that.
There are also other vacuum issues which Paul will probably expound on.
My point: I really LOVE my Kirby! It really is the best I've ever used. And I can't wait until we get it back! It'll be pretty and shiny!
In the meantime this is one way we've been handling the dog fur among other things:
I can't wait for Paul's input!!
We sent in our 12yo Kirby vacuum to be rebuilt about 1.5wks ago. [and I must plead with Paul not to comment on this issue, though I know he will :)] When they rebuild it, they replace pretty much everything! Let me tell you... this is muchly needed!
This vacuum has been quite a point of contention 'round here.
Some of Paul's points: It cost a lot of money [Those of you who may own one, know what I'm talkin' about] - so why should we shell out more cash to have this thing look and act brand spankin' new!? This thing also had a faulty cord, which last year started flaming and almost electrocuted Dani. Paul went 'round and 'round with the company concerning that.
There are also other vacuum issues which Paul will probably expound on.
My point: I really LOVE my Kirby! It really is the best I've ever used. And I can't wait until we get it back! It'll be pretty and shiny!
In the meantime this is one way we've been handling the dog fur among other things:
I can't find the first video clip I shot, but it was so cute. I did find it and it's the first of the 2 above -- I caught Charlie sitting down with the hand vac picking up pieces of fur off the rug and putting it to the nozzle, but the first video didn't capture that. He is picking some off his jammies though! It was the cutest thing! Of course, when he spotted me with the cam it didn't have the same effect..."do it again...". Oh, well, it's still cute.
I can't wait for Paul's input!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Please Sign...
...this petition concerning the Freedom of Choice Act [FOCA]. The link explains what it is, what it will do if passed, and the petition itself. [for those who need help... ahem...(Paul)...click on the words "this petition" which will link you to the site ;). I help where I can! LOL]
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Pray, Hope and Don't Worry
I received this from someone in our homeschool group this morning:
This is just a little side note for all those who are despairing over this election. I had an opportunity to hear Eduardo Verastegui ( Star in the movie Bella) speak last week. A very neat thing that he shared with us, was that he met McCain and while talking to him, Eduardo handed McCain a miraculous medal to carry. McCain looked at it and was very grateful and then McCain pulled out another medal out of his pocket and he said he would keep it with that one and carry it with him. It was a medal of Mother Theresa.
Let us storm heaven today.
This is just a little side note for all those who are despairing over this election. I had an opportunity to hear Eduardo Verastegui ( Star in the movie Bella) speak last week. A very neat thing that he shared with us, was that he met McCain and while talking to him, Eduardo handed McCain a miraculous medal to carry. McCain looked at it and was very grateful and then McCain pulled out another medal out of his pocket and he said he would keep it with that one and carry it with him. It was a medal of Mother Theresa.
Let us storm heaven today.
Monday, November 3, 2008
EWTN
EWTN will air a special 30-minute “Eleventh Hour Election Alert” with Host Father John Corapi at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, and 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4. In this program, Father reminds Catholics that they must vote in this election with an informed conscience, and he explains what it means to truly form your conscience, particularly in the area of life issues.
In the words of Dani, "Dang it!". I missed it! I had a Post-it note right where I'd rmbr to turn it on.... then I started planning my menu for the rest of the week. Time got away from me and then... bam!... "Oh I forgot about...", I looked at the clock and it was 6:05. Dang it! ["Newman!"] I'm going to record the one which is on tomorrow morning. I am.
In the words of Dani, "Dang it!". I missed it! I had a Post-it note right where I'd rmbr to turn it on.... then I started planning my menu for the rest of the week. Time got away from me and then... bam!... "Oh I forgot about...", I looked at the clock and it was 6:05. Dang it! ["Newman!"] I'm going to record the one which is on tomorrow morning. I am.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Halloween Cast
Paul made the bow over her shoulder and the quiver as well. It's a cardboard tube container which he cut down and wrapped in brown paper. Dani and Therese gathered the sticks and Dani hot-glued the feathers onto the ends. Paul stuck some wadded paper in with the "arrows" so they wouldn't fall out. 
The White Witch
The Cat in the Hat
Spidey
Puppy Dog
I got the hat off Ebay - the shirt and pants at Goodwill - we got white exfoliating gloves at the Dollar Tree, along with the red bow. She used [half] a pair of stockings for the tail. Oh, and she had "A" under her hat which she printed onto card stock and stuck it in her hair-bun.
She really looked terrific!
Peter was purchased at Target. We got the arm protectors and the helmet at the Dollar Tree and the sword we had from Medieval Times.
Sophia saw this dress/costume at Target, and after seeing the "Peter" costume, instantly thought of the White Witch. Her sceptor/wand is a curtain rod, 
Her crown was put together by Dollar Tree items. I bought 2 boxes of plastic icicle ornaments and a snow foam wreath. $3.00, a little hot glue, and voila, ice crown!
For her hair, I braided lots of little braids and added 5-6 shimmery white pipe cleaners. I did it early in the morning - she played outside during the day and it looked messy by the time she was ready to dress up - so it looked fantastic by that time! I was surprised it worked as well as it did. Not bad...
Narnia cast:
[Cinderella is a neighbor ;)]
Friday, October 31, 2008
Message of Boldness
Randall TerryFounder Operation Rescue
THIS RADIO AD -- FROM A CATHOLIC BISHOP --COULD STOP OBAMA IN HIS TRACKS.
THIS RADIO AD -- FROM A CATHOLIC BISHOP --COULD STOP OBAMA IN HIS TRACKS.
Dear Catholic Friend: TIME IS SHORT--SO WE MUST ACT NOW.
We are in the final days of this election -- one that will decide whether millions of innocent children live or die.And just in time, we have been given a tool that could derail Obama's campaign. A radio ad -- by a Catholic Bishop -- that specifically says a Catholic cannot vote for Obama in good conscience!!!Hear the ad at www.randallterry.com. (Just make sure you read this whole letter, because we have more political weapons for you to use!)
Obama is a radical pro-abortionist. In fact, he may be the most strident defender of child-killing to ever run for any federal office.In case you didn't know: Obama voted against the "Born Alive Infant Protection Act," a law that would have stopped the practice of letting babies die in hospital closets if they survive an abortion attempt. He voted against the "Partial-Birth Abortion Act" that ended the horrific practice of brutally killing babies before delivering them completely.And he's vowed that his first act as President would be to sign the "Freedom of Choice Act," which could repeal every single state law against ANY restrictions on abortion-on-demand, throughout all nine months of pregnancy.Such unfettered support of child-killing is truly devilish.
Catholics are Lining Up to vote for ObamaBut in spite of Obama's horrifying support of killing the unborn, much more than half of America's Catholics (and almost as many Evangelicals) are prepared to vote for him. This is madness!But we now have a way to expose him, wake up the consciences of Catholics, and STOP OBAMA!
Bishop Gracida to the Rescue -- of Babies and Catholic MoralityRoman Catholic Bishop, Rene Henry Gracida, has given us 2 great radio spots -- one in English, one in Spanish.The exact words of the radio spot could not be clearer - and they could wake up and shake up Catholics who are planning to vote for Obama.
Bishop Gracida states:
"This is Bishop Rene H. Gracida, reminding all Catholics that they must vote in this election with an informed conscience. A Catholic cannot be said to have voted in this election with a good conscience if they have voted for a pro-abortion candidate. Barack Hussein Obama is a pro-abortion candidate." BOOM! DEAD ON! Could it be any clearer?!
"This is Bishop Rene H. Gracida, reminding all Catholics that they must vote in this election with an informed conscience. A Catholic cannot be said to have voted in this election with a good conscience if they have voted for a pro-abortion candidate. Barack Hussein Obama is a pro-abortion candidate." BOOM! DEAD ON! Could it be any clearer?!
Finally! There is a Bishop with the courage and the integrity to name Obama's name, and to tell the truth without fear. Bishop Gracida to the rescue! God bless him!
I hope you see how critical this ad is. Over half the Catholics in America are ready to vote for Obama -- and they have been deceived into thinking it is OK.Why are they deceived? Because most U.S. Bishops have feared saying the truth. Finally! We have one bishop with the heart of a lion!Now it is now OUR job to get this radio ad out far and wide! Will you help Bishop Gracida be a Prophet to the Church, and a prophet to the nation?You can listen to Bishop Gracida's ad right now. This ad could change hundreds of thousands - even millions of hearts - if it is heard. We MUST get it out.
Click here to listen to the ad:www.randallterry.com.
CLICK HERE TO HELP US GET THIS AD ON THE AIR NATIONWIDE:View Videos: http://www.randallterry.com/Give for ads: https://secure.conservativedonations...hpac/?a=USERID OR YOU CAN PUT THE AD ON YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATION!!!
You can also contact your local radio station(s), buy 10 or 20 radio ads yourself, and they can simply download the audio file to play on their radio station. It is as easy as 1-2-3. You just call your radio station(s), tell them you want to buy an ad, and tell them to download the mp3 file from our web site:www.randallterry.com. (If you have any questions, call us at 904-687-9804.)
NEXT: Help stop Obama from your Computer; Reach out to your PriestYOU can be in this fight, right from your computer!We have created four hard-hitting videos dealing with Barack Obama for you to watch and forward via email to your Priest and your Bishop.
NEXT: Help stop Obama from your Computer; Reach out to your PriestYOU can be in this fight, right from your computer!We have created four hard-hitting videos dealing with Barack Obama for you to watch and forward via email to your Priest and your Bishop.
You can see the videos at www.randallterry.com.
WARNING: These videos are NOT suitable for small children! When you see the videos, you will see why they are so critical. One is for Catholic Bishops, and one for Catholic Priests. I'm asking you to watch them, and then send a personal letter from you, along with the video link to your Priest - BEGGING him to watch it. Then follow up with him, and ask if he watched it. Send him another email, call him, or talk to him in person -- WHATEVER IT TAKES. (By the way, we have one for evangelical ministers as well. If you know any evangelicals, send them the link for their pastor!)In these videos, I speak directly to clergy, urging them to tell their flocks plainly: No Christian can in good conscience vote for Obama. Watch these videos -- they are very short -- and you will see how they could reach your Priest -- no matter how fearful or "apolitical" he has been.
WARNING: These videos are NOT suitable for small children! When you see the videos, you will see why they are so critical. One is for Catholic Bishops, and one for Catholic Priests. I'm asking you to watch them, and then send a personal letter from you, along with the video link to your Priest - BEGGING him to watch it. Then follow up with him, and ask if he watched it. Send him another email, call him, or talk to him in person -- WHATEVER IT TAKES. (By the way, we have one for evangelical ministers as well. If you know any evangelicals, send them the link for their pastor!)In these videos, I speak directly to clergy, urging them to tell their flocks plainly: No Christian can in good conscience vote for Obama. Watch these videos -- they are very short -- and you will see how they could reach your Priest -- no matter how fearful or "apolitical" he has been.
Then send the link to your friends, and beg them to forward it to THEIR Priest and friends. We can create a tidal wave of truth. If the clergy rise up and preach the truth, that alone could cause Obama's defeat!Remember: It is CRITICAL that you try to get a commitment from your priest to actually watch his respective video, and listen to the Gracida ad. If he watches it, and his heart is open to the Lord, it may be just what he needs to embolden him to preach the truth on the last Sunday before the election.This is the last Sunday left before the election - so do it right away!CLICK HERE TO HELP US SPREAD THESE VIDEOS ACROSS THE NATION:View Videos: http://www.randallterry.com/Give for ads: https://secure.conservativedonations...hpac/?a=USERID
FINALLY... We have ONE MORE CHANCE to speak to millions of Americans through the MEDIA... on Monday, November 3!What we're doing is organizing Anti-Obama Demonstrations and Press Conferences.
We're calling it: Main Street -- Defeat Obama! As you may know, Obama keeps talking about "Main Street." But in reality, he does not represent Main Street values (unless we are talking about Main Street Sodom and Gomorrah.) On Monday, November 3, at 12:00 noon, Christians will gather on Main Street (or a main thoroughfare) in their own town, all across the country, holding signs along the road:"Main Street Unite: Defeat Obama!" And..."Main Street Unite: Obama is a dead end!" And..."Main Street Unite: Obama is a dead end for Children!" And..."Main Street: A Vote for Obama is a vote for dead babies!"
The Media are looking for last minute stories!
Let's give them one! You could lead an event like this in your town. We provide the exact details of what to do, as well as the press release for your community, and how to get the media out. Your simple to follow instructions, including a press release template are at:http://www.ahumbleplea.com/
Think of the impact we can have if pro-lifers in 50 or 75 cities are simultaneously standing along our "Main Streets" the day before the election, holding up signs saying, "Main Street Unite: Defeat Obama!"All you need is 5 or 6 people to join you, some posters, and a heart ready to stand strong for the babies, and for the Truth of God's word.If you get even a little media coverage, it will be a powerful way to declare the truth to thousands or millions in your media area.My final request - no - I beg you from the bottom of my heart: Please send a gift to help us right away.CLICK HERE TO HELP US GET THIS RADIO AD SPREAD ACROSS THE NATION:View Videos: http://www.randallterry.com/Give for ads: https://secure.conservativedonations...hpac/?a=USERID
If you have been following our activities, you know we have been fighting with all our might to cause Americans to remember the babies in this life and death election.We are completely out of resources, completely out. And we have bills staring us in the face. In addition to distributing this radio ad, I want to keep sending these videos to clergy across the nation!I beg you - send whatever you can, as soon as you can. We are fighting our hearts out in these final days before the election.Look at these three battle fronts: 1) The radio spots from Bishop Gracida; 2) The videos to clergy; 3) The "Main Street Unite" press conference and demonstrations on Monday, November 3.Any one of these could be decisive in a swing state.If Obama is elected, history will blame the clergyWill you please join me, and do what you can? I hope to hear from you right away.Sincerely,Randall TerryFounder, Operation RescueP.S. On July 2, 1776, in orders sent to his officers explaining the war effort, General George Washington wrote, "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army." The same is true of this present battle. We MUST stop Obama -- and now, we have been given the means to do so.Let us NOT miss this opportunity.I pray you will join us in at least one of these projects. And I beg you tohelp us financially. We have poured out everything for the Lord, and the babies.Please stand with us now. And please -- forward this letter to your friends, and join us in begging Our Lady of Guadalupe for her victorious intervention.
View Videos:http://www.randallterry.com/Give for ads:https://secure.conservativedonations...hpac/?a=USERID As you will see, we have MANY tools for you to use in your home town in the final days.
For example: You could download and print,Faithful Catholic Citizenship: Based on the Gospel of Life from http://www.ahumbleplea.com/, and hand it out at your parish on Sunday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, this is long but if you view the videos it is URGENT! This blog is just one little avenue I have to get the word out - and many of you are "the choir", so to speak. But if you can pass this on as well - to your priests, bishops, and maybe even Evangelical friends.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Reflections on One Life Within
The irony is rather heartbreaking. Something I can't get my mind to wrap around... I'll never be able to understand the dark side. And it is dark. It's evil. We've just been too busy in our big pot of water while it's been getting progressively hotter* - we're boiling here, people. We're boiling... to death.
*Boiling Frog Syndrome: "If you throw a frog into a pot of boiling water, he’ll jump out. But if you place a frog into a pot of lukewarm water and slowly turn up the heat, it will boil to death.
Shepherds?
Will "Faithful Citizenship" Win the Catholic Vote For Obama?
by Deal W. Hudson
10/27/08
If Obama wins on November 4 with the help of Catholic voters, the biggest factor in his favor will be the bishops' own document and Web site, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship."
I never thought it likely that Catholic voters could be persuaded to support a candidate with both the most extreme record on abortion and who favors gay marriage. Yet, barring a miracle, that paradox is only a week away: The New York Times is reporting Obama 22 points ahead among Catholic voters.
As I have watched the campaign unfold, especially Obama's outreach to Catholic voters, the USCCB document has played a decisive role. "Faithful Citizenship" provided Obama's Catholic supporters the escape clauses needed to convince Catholics they could vote for a pro-abortion candidate in "good conscience."
There are two major loopholes in the document. First, it states that Catholics are allowed to vote for a supporter of abortion rights so long as 1) they do not intend to support that position (34) or 2) there are offsetting "morally grave reasons" (35).
Many bishops have spoken out forcefully that the document is being abused. Bishop Robert Vasa, for example, points out that voting for a pro-abortion candidate is never justified when the opponent is pro-life. Similarly, Bishops Kevin Vann and Kevin Farrell insist there are no "'truly grave moral' or 'proportionate' reasons, singularly or combined, that could outweigh the millions of innocent human lives that are directly killed by legal abortion each year."
Obama's Catholic surrogates made little note of the corrections. The cat, as they say, was out of the bag when the bishops approved "Faithful Citizenship" at their meeting in November 2007.
The presentation of "Faithful Citizenship" on the Web site of "Roman Catholics for Obama" is typical:
We hope you'll spend time reviewing all of the material housed or linked from here. But if you read just two documents, please make them the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship -- which explains why "[t]here may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other grave reasons" -- and Barack Obama's Blueprint for Change, which outlines all of Senator Obama's positions and is, we think, reflective of why he is the candidate whose views are most compatible with the Catholic outlook [emphasis added].
Visit any of the pro-Obama Catholic Web sites and you will find this message taken from "Faithful Citizenship": Catholic voters can ignore Obama's pro-abortion record because of mitigating factors.
At least some staff at the USCCB were aware that this was the import of "Faithful Citizenship." At a conference at Creighton University in June, John Carr, executive director of social development and world peace for the USCCB, "stressed that the bishops' document does not shut the door on any candidate, not even one who supports abortion rights."
By June 2008, of course, Obama and McCain were the nominees.
What sentence did Carr then quote from "Faithful Citizenship" to back up his statement?
[Carr] pointed to a caveat in the document: "There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil" [emphasis added].
When the bishops approved this document, did they realize how it could be used politically in upcoming elections? Further, when they approved the language quoted above -- "There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons" -- why didn't they provide more specific guidelines? The document is so abstract that it invites just the kind of abuse it is receiving at the hands of the Obama campaign.
Is this election one of the "times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons"? Many bishops have said "no," but "Faithful Citizenship" has been being taught throughout the nation's dioceses and parishes for many months. Stories abound of parish seminars where the pro-life concern was dismissed as "single-issue" or "divisive" and "partisan." It got so bad in the Diocese of Scranton that Bishop Joseph Martino crashed a panel discussion in a local parish and announced, "The USCCB doesn't speak for me."
The abuse will not end with the election, regardless of the outcome. The Catholic News Service reports that "group discussions, adult education programs, diocesan conferences, DVD presentations and Sunday Mass homilies" will not stop on November 4th.
If this is true, then the bishops need to take another look at "Faithful Citizenship" at next month's meeting. The mere fact that so many bishops have felt the need to correct misinterpretations is proof enough that it needs an overhaul.
by Deal W. Hudson
10/27/08
If Obama wins on November 4 with the help of Catholic voters, the biggest factor in his favor will be the bishops' own document and Web site, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship."
I never thought it likely that Catholic voters could be persuaded to support a candidate with both the most extreme record on abortion and who favors gay marriage. Yet, barring a miracle, that paradox is only a week away: The New York Times is reporting Obama 22 points ahead among Catholic voters.
As I have watched the campaign unfold, especially Obama's outreach to Catholic voters, the USCCB document has played a decisive role. "Faithful Citizenship" provided Obama's Catholic supporters the escape clauses needed to convince Catholics they could vote for a pro-abortion candidate in "good conscience."
There are two major loopholes in the document. First, it states that Catholics are allowed to vote for a supporter of abortion rights so long as 1) they do not intend to support that position (34) or 2) there are offsetting "morally grave reasons" (35).
Many bishops have spoken out forcefully that the document is being abused. Bishop Robert Vasa, for example, points out that voting for a pro-abortion candidate is never justified when the opponent is pro-life. Similarly, Bishops Kevin Vann and Kevin Farrell insist there are no "'truly grave moral' or 'proportionate' reasons, singularly or combined, that could outweigh the millions of innocent human lives that are directly killed by legal abortion each year."
Obama's Catholic surrogates made little note of the corrections. The cat, as they say, was out of the bag when the bishops approved "Faithful Citizenship" at their meeting in November 2007.
The presentation of "Faithful Citizenship" on the Web site of "Roman Catholics for Obama" is typical:
We hope you'll spend time reviewing all of the material housed or linked from here. But if you read just two documents, please make them the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship -- which explains why "[t]here may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other grave reasons" -- and Barack Obama's Blueprint for Change, which outlines all of Senator Obama's positions and is, we think, reflective of why he is the candidate whose views are most compatible with the Catholic outlook [emphasis added].
Visit any of the pro-Obama Catholic Web sites and you will find this message taken from "Faithful Citizenship": Catholic voters can ignore Obama's pro-abortion record because of mitigating factors.
At least some staff at the USCCB were aware that this was the import of "Faithful Citizenship." At a conference at Creighton University in June, John Carr, executive director of social development and world peace for the USCCB, "stressed that the bishops' document does not shut the door on any candidate, not even one who supports abortion rights."
By June 2008, of course, Obama and McCain were the nominees.
What sentence did Carr then quote from "Faithful Citizenship" to back up his statement?
[Carr] pointed to a caveat in the document: "There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil" [emphasis added].
When the bishops approved this document, did they realize how it could be used politically in upcoming elections? Further, when they approved the language quoted above -- "There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons" -- why didn't they provide more specific guidelines? The document is so abstract that it invites just the kind of abuse it is receiving at the hands of the Obama campaign.
Is this election one of the "times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate's unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons"? Many bishops have said "no," but "Faithful Citizenship" has been being taught throughout the nation's dioceses and parishes for many months. Stories abound of parish seminars where the pro-life concern was dismissed as "single-issue" or "divisive" and "partisan." It got so bad in the Diocese of Scranton that Bishop Joseph Martino crashed a panel discussion in a local parish and announced, "The USCCB doesn't speak for me."
The abuse will not end with the election, regardless of the outcome. The Catholic News Service reports that "group discussions, adult education programs, diocesan conferences, DVD presentations and Sunday Mass homilies" will not stop on November 4th.
If this is true, then the bishops need to take another look at "Faithful Citizenship" at next month's meeting. The mere fact that so many bishops have felt the need to correct misinterpretations is proof enough that it needs an overhaul.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
On Fire ~
I saw this over at the Coffee Shop and got suckered in - I ended up watching all the videos! Can we vote this guy in?
Okay, I'm off to pray day 3 of the novena for the election. Good night!
Father Corapi is urging everyone to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victory between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th. It's not too late to join in. Again, I have it posted on my left sidebar.
Okay, I'm off to pray day 3 of the novena for the election. Good night!
Father Corapi is urging everyone to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victory between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th. It's not too late to join in. Again, I have it posted on my left sidebar.
Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!
Come What May
Thank you to Jessica for informing us of this powerful and moving film "Come What May".
If you go here you'll see parts 1 - 5 along the right side of the viewing screen. This is where you can watch the film in its entirety. I stayed up into the wee hours this morning watching it [I had to resume watching after I came home from Adoration!].
Remember: It doesn't matter what the outcome is this election. JUST DO THE RIGHT THING!
If you go here you'll see parts 1 - 5 along the right side of the viewing screen. This is where you can watch the film in its entirety. I stayed up into the wee hours this morning watching it [I had to resume watching after I came home from Adoration!].
Remember: It doesn't matter what the outcome is this election. JUST DO THE RIGHT THING!
Award Time
Therese -"the Awesome Aussie"- has given to me a friendship award. Very sweet of her, don't you think?
So now I must brighten someone's day and say "Hey! You're my friend. And you're a great one at that. I may know you in the real, or maybe only through the blogosphere - but you are one amazing person and here's your award!" - or something like that.
It's been really nice getting to know many of you in this virtual world. You all inspire me so much! God bless you and your families.
Now keep the love a-flowin'...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Catholic Vote
The following is by Fr. Thomas J. Euteneuer,President, Human Life International
I have been asked by many people to help clarify Catholic teaching on exercising one's voting rights, especially with respect to the abortion issue. There are many candidates across the nation running on many issues, and Catholics are trying to sort through them all, so I will state the Church's position as unequivocally as possible for the education of the faithful and not as an endorsement of any particular candidate or candidates: true Catholics are not "single-issue" voters - we are principled voters. That determines which candidates we give our vote to and it determines the state of our souls after we vote.
With respect to the abortion issue, the principle in question is the moral impossibility for a Catholic to cooperate in an act or an institution that is "intrinsically evil." Now, something that is "intrinsically evil" is not just a bad thing - it is a heinous thing, trumping all other moral considerations, and we can never legitimately commit the act ourselves or approve of it in anyone else. Casting a vote for a candidate who forcefully advocates the killing of innocent unborn babies shows approval or unacceptable toleration of that heinous crime against humanity, and Catholics can never do it in good conscience. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls such an attitude and action "formal cooperation" in evil (#2272). This does not mean that I commit the evil myself. It means that I agree with it and have made it possible for a person in public office to continue and/or advance that evil in my society.
Formal cooperation in the evil act of another is a sin, and depending on the gravity of the person's evil act, formal cooperation in it can be a mortal sin. Since procured abortion is an intrinsically evil act, and all promotion of it fits into the same moral category, voting for a person who forcefully advocates it must be a mortal sin. Add to the sin of formal cooperation in evil the sin of disobedience to legitimate Church authority. To date the USCCB and more than a dozen US bishops and state bishops' conferences have clarified these principles for Catholics, and their teachings couldn't be clearer.
Further, add the sin of scandal that a regrettable number of priests and religious are giving by their appalling disingenuousness about Church teachings both in and out of the pulpit. Catholic parents and teachers equally give scandal when they do not teach their children the principles that undergird moral behavior or properly form their consciences according to the Truth that is in Christ.
Some ask if a Catholic may vote for someone whose policies would advance an agenda that is mostly in line with the Catholic Church's teaching? Also, what if the Catholic disagrees with the candidate's position on abortion but still wants to vote for this candidate for other reasons consistent with our values? Here the Church uses the term "proportionate reason" to indicate that there must be some kind of balance in the candidate's position that indicates it is likely that a greater good would be accomplished for society despite the evil he or she advocates. Proportionate reasoning usually has to do with positions that are not intrinsically evil in themselves or that, if they are, would constitute such a minimal part of the platform that they would be "outweighed" somehow in the grand scheme of the candidate's public service. According to the above principle, however, the degree to which the candidate would promote something as heinous as abortion can literally nullify all the other "good" that he or she would do for humanity! When the fundamental right to life is denied in society, all other rights and goods are therefore threatened. The very moral foundation of a people is eroded. So the answer has to be no, it is not legitimate to disagree on abortion and still vote for a radical abortion candidate.
May a Catholic vote for an "imperfect" candidate if the radical abortion candidate is worse? The Church says yes, but only if the vote is not expressed as an agreement with the "imperfect" elements of the candidate's policies and only if the vote is intended to limit the evil that other candidate would inevitably do.
It is truly regretful that we have gotten to the point where we might have to surrender some of our basic values in the voting booth because we have not successfully insisted on the very best candidates for public office to serve the common good. That is a discussion for another day, but I anticipate that if Catholics do not assert Catholic values forcefully in elections and public policy from here on out, we may be faced in future elections with no choice whatsoever that can morally satisfy the Catholic conscience. Heaven help and guide us all on November 4th.
SL Links
About the Author
SL Archives
Donate
Tell Us About Yourself
SL Action Items
Bishop Robert W. Finn: Freedom of Choice Act Would Remove All Limitations on Abortions
Bishop Vasa: Pro-Abortion Candidates are "Disqualified" - Clarifies "Faithful Citizenship"
Bishops' Statement: Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,President, Human Life International
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday I posted the novena to Our Lady of Victory in my sidebar. Today is day 2 of this most important prayer during this most important time. If you'd like, I can email the Word doc. to you so you can print it out. I printed mine out as "landscape" and it fit beautifully.
I have been asked by many people to help clarify Catholic teaching on exercising one's voting rights, especially with respect to the abortion issue. There are many candidates across the nation running on many issues, and Catholics are trying to sort through them all, so I will state the Church's position as unequivocally as possible for the education of the faithful and not as an endorsement of any particular candidate or candidates: true Catholics are not "single-issue" voters - we are principled voters. That determines which candidates we give our vote to and it determines the state of our souls after we vote.
With respect to the abortion issue, the principle in question is the moral impossibility for a Catholic to cooperate in an act or an institution that is "intrinsically evil." Now, something that is "intrinsically evil" is not just a bad thing - it is a heinous thing, trumping all other moral considerations, and we can never legitimately commit the act ourselves or approve of it in anyone else. Casting a vote for a candidate who forcefully advocates the killing of innocent unborn babies shows approval or unacceptable toleration of that heinous crime against humanity, and Catholics can never do it in good conscience. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls such an attitude and action "formal cooperation" in evil (#2272). This does not mean that I commit the evil myself. It means that I agree with it and have made it possible for a person in public office to continue and/or advance that evil in my society.
Formal cooperation in the evil act of another is a sin, and depending on the gravity of the person's evil act, formal cooperation in it can be a mortal sin. Since procured abortion is an intrinsically evil act, and all promotion of it fits into the same moral category, voting for a person who forcefully advocates it must be a mortal sin. Add to the sin of formal cooperation in evil the sin of disobedience to legitimate Church authority. To date the USCCB and more than a dozen US bishops and state bishops' conferences have clarified these principles for Catholics, and their teachings couldn't be clearer.
Further, add the sin of scandal that a regrettable number of priests and religious are giving by their appalling disingenuousness about Church teachings both in and out of the pulpit. Catholic parents and teachers equally give scandal when they do not teach their children the principles that undergird moral behavior or properly form their consciences according to the Truth that is in Christ.
Some ask if a Catholic may vote for someone whose policies would advance an agenda that is mostly in line with the Catholic Church's teaching? Also, what if the Catholic disagrees with the candidate's position on abortion but still wants to vote for this candidate for other reasons consistent with our values? Here the Church uses the term "proportionate reason" to indicate that there must be some kind of balance in the candidate's position that indicates it is likely that a greater good would be accomplished for society despite the evil he or she advocates. Proportionate reasoning usually has to do with positions that are not intrinsically evil in themselves or that, if they are, would constitute such a minimal part of the platform that they would be "outweighed" somehow in the grand scheme of the candidate's public service. According to the above principle, however, the degree to which the candidate would promote something as heinous as abortion can literally nullify all the other "good" that he or she would do for humanity! When the fundamental right to life is denied in society, all other rights and goods are therefore threatened. The very moral foundation of a people is eroded. So the answer has to be no, it is not legitimate to disagree on abortion and still vote for a radical abortion candidate.
May a Catholic vote for an "imperfect" candidate if the radical abortion candidate is worse? The Church says yes, but only if the vote is not expressed as an agreement with the "imperfect" elements of the candidate's policies and only if the vote is intended to limit the evil that other candidate would inevitably do.
It is truly regretful that we have gotten to the point where we might have to surrender some of our basic values in the voting booth because we have not successfully insisted on the very best candidates for public office to serve the common good. That is a discussion for another day, but I anticipate that if Catholics do not assert Catholic values forcefully in elections and public policy from here on out, we may be faced in future elections with no choice whatsoever that can morally satisfy the Catholic conscience. Heaven help and guide us all on November 4th.
SL Links
About the Author
SL Archives
Donate
Tell Us About Yourself
SL Action Items
Bishop Robert W. Finn: Freedom of Choice Act Would Remove All Limitations on Abortions
Bishop Vasa: Pro-Abortion Candidates are "Disqualified" - Clarifies "Faithful Citizenship"
Bishops' Statement: Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,President, Human Life International
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday I posted the novena to Our Lady of Victory in my sidebar. Today is day 2 of this most important prayer during this most important time. If you'd like, I can email the Word doc. to you so you can print it out. I printed mine out as "landscape" and it fit beautifully.
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