Book Review: We Chose Life: Why You Should Too

We Chose Life: Why You Should Too by Anthony Horvath, 84 pages, Athanatos Publishing Group.

When I received a copy of noted Christian writer Anthony Horvath’s new book, We Chose Life: Why You Should Too, I expected a well-written discussion of his pro-life views, but had no idea that he had such a gripping, powerful personal story to tell.

In this small, but power-packed book, Anthony Horvath shares one of the most heart-rending stories a parent can tell – the discovery that their child has a serious medical problem. At the 20 week ultrasound, he and his wife are overjoyed to learn that they are to have a daughter, but are thrust into a state of shock and, later, grief, when they discover that their daughter has a severe birth defect known as Spina Bifida. In the course of discovering his daughter’s condition, he and his wife are asked the question most doctors seem to automatically ask parents of an exceptional child today: “Do you want to terminate?” Their response was an emphatic, “No!” Anthony describes the many challenges that he and his wife face, as well as the unexpected graces they are given, as they courageously move forward, trusting in God to care for them and for the beautiful child that He has gifted their family with, rising above the uncertainties that this new life brings.

In the second part of the book, Horvath explains in clear, concise terms the reasons why they chose life and why it makes sense for others to do so. His arguments are easy to understand and indisputable. These logical arguments are not written for the theologian, but are easily understood by the layman – for example - the unmarried teenage mother who needs to make a decision about giving birth to her child and the married couple who are confronted with the birth of an exceptional child for the first time in their lives.

“We Chose Life: Why You Should, Too” would be an excellent asset to: pregnancy resource centers, pro-life libraries, and natural family planning group libraries. Pastors and counselors would benefit from reading this book and using it as a resource. I highly recommend it for all parents who are told that their child has a birth defect and asked, “Do you want to terminate?” It will encourage and inspire you and give you the strength to make the right decision.

~ copyright January 31, 2009, Jean M. Heimann, retired educator, psychologist, former crisis pregnancy counselor, pro-life activist

EWTN Picks Up the Ball NBC Dropped

EWTN Picks-up Ball NBC Dropped in Refusing To Air Pro-life Commercial during Super Bowl

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – See the pro-life commercial NBC refused to air during the Super Bowl on EWTN Global Catholic Network this Sunday Feb. 1, beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET and continuing through midnight ET.

The commercial, sponsored by Fidelis and catholicvote.com, centers around the theme: “Life: Imagine the Potential.” It will begin airing during “Faith Bowl II,” an annual Family Theatre made-for-television special, which analyzes the role that the Catholic/Christian Faith plays in professional and collegiate sports. This year, Major League Baseball’s Mark Loretta of the Los Angeles Dodgers will guest along with former professional soccer player Antonio Soave.
The commercials will continue throughout EWTN’s Sunday evening lineup, including the shows with popular series Hosts Father Benedict Groeschel and Father John Corapi, and will conclude at midnight ET.

EWTN also aired this powerful commercial several times during its extensive coverage of the March for Life; an event which has been boycotted by virtually every mainstream media outlet in the country, despite the fact that every year it is Washington, D.C.’s largest march.

What follows are the words that flash across the screen over a picture of an ultrasound during the must-see pro-life commercial: “This child’s future is a broken home, he will be abandoned by his father, his single mother will struggle to raise him, despite the hardships he will endure, this child will become the 1st African-American president. Life, imagine the potential.”

The commercial can also be viewed on EWTN’s pro-life webpage starting Friday evening.

Previous Posts:

Take Action: Pro-life Super Bowl Ad Sacked

Life: Imagine the Potential - View the Video here.

GO, ZO! A NEW ONE

You gotta love this guy!

St. John Bosco, Priest and Patron of Youth

St. John Bosco was born in Piedmont of a peasant family, and was brought up by his widowed mother. He became a priest, and his particular concern was for the young. He settled in Turin, where, as in so many cities in the 19th century, the industrial revolution was bringing enormous movements of population and consequent social problems, especially for the young men who came there to work. John Bosco devoted himself to the care of the young, first of all by means of evening classes, to which hundreds came, and then by setting up a boarding-house for apprentices, and then workshops for their training and education. Despite many difficulties, caused both by the anti-clerical civil authorities and by the opposition of some senior people within the Church, his enterprise grew, and by 1868 over 800 boys and young men were under his care. To ensure the continuation of his work, he founded a congregation, which he named after St Francis de Sales (a saint for whom he had great admiration), and today the Salesians continue his work all over the world. (Source: Universalis)

For a more detailed biography, go here.

Catholic Culture's library has a good article: Don Bosco, Seeker of Souls.

Patron: Apprentices; boys; editors; Mexican young people; laborers; schoolchildren; students; young people.

Collect: Lord, you called John Bosco to be a teacher and father to the young. Fill us with love like his: may we give ourselves completely to your service and to the salvation of mankind. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from St. John Bosco:

"Do you want Our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to give you few graces? Visit him seldom. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you.”

“This was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized and still others to hope for God’s mercy. And so He bade us to be gentle and humble of heart.”

“Your reward in heaven will make up completely for all your pain and suffering.”

"All for God and for His Glory. In whatever you do, think of the Glory of God as your main goal."

"Everything and everyone is is won by the sweetness of our words and works."

"Every virtue in your soul is a precious ornament which makes you dear to God and to man. But holy purity, the queen of virtues, the angelic virtue, is a jewel so precious that those who possess it become like the angels of God in Heaven, even though clothed in mortal flesh."

Discerning a vocation to the Salesians? Go here.

Digest of Posts for January 29 - 30

Miracle at Tiller's Late-Term Abortion Mill

Unanimous Vote: Blago Thrown Out of Office

Pro-life, devout Catholic named as new RNC chair!

Inspiring Videos

Stimulus Package still funds anti-family programs

Take Action: Pro-life Super Bowl Ad Sacked

Servant of God Brother Juniper

Miracle at Tiller's Late-Term Abortion Mill

On Thursday, January 29, a grey 4-door Sedan carrying a young black couple (both in their early or mid 20's), drove up to Tiller's gate and stopped on the driveway to accept literature from the volunteers.

In the back seat of the car was their beautiful eight-month old daughter in a child-car-seat. They had an appointment for an early-term abortion. Their only reason for considering an abortion was financial concerns.

After several minutes of intense conversation, Isaac and Betty were able to convince them to go to the proLife Choices Medical Clinic, which is located next door to Tiller's abortion facility. Read the rest of the story here.

Thanks be to God for those sidewalk counselors and for those who are praying for them! Thank God for those at the crisis pregnancy center! I recently learned that 75% of mothers who see their baby's ultrasound decide to keep their child. Let's continue to support our crisis pregnancy centers!

Unanimous Vote: Blago Thrown Out of Office

Gov. Rod Blagojevich was thrown out of office Thursday without a single lawmaker coming to his defense, brought down by a government-for-sale scandal that stretched from Chicago to Capitol Hill and turned the foul-mouthed politician into a national punchline.

Blagojevich, accused of trying to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, becomes the first U.S. governor in more than 20 years to be removed by impeachment.

After a four-day trial, the Illinois Senate voted 59-0 to convict him of abuse of power, automatically ousting the second-term Democrat. In a second, identical vote, lawmakers further barred Blagojevich from ever holding public office in the state again. Article

Thanks be to God! Now, if he would just take his (former) best friend Barack Hussein Obama with him... then I think even Heaven would be ready to party.

Pro-life, devout Catholic named as new RNC chair!

Now, this is good news! Former Maryland Lt. Gov. (and former state party chairman) Michael Steele has been elected as the new chair of the Republican National Committee.

Who is he?

CollegeNews tells us:

"Steele is a staunch social conservative: devoutly Catholic, pro-life, anti-embryonic stem cell research, etc."

Fox News reveals:

Born in 1958 at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince Georges County, Maryland, Steele was raised in Washington, D.C.

He spent three years as a seminarian in the Order of St. Augustine in preparation for the priesthood, but ultimately chose a career in law instead.

He earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1991.

Steele serves on the Administrative Board of the Maryland Catholic Conference and is a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Landover Hills, MD, where he attends mass regularly with his wife Andrea and their two sons.

From Christianity Today:

Steele, a pro-life Catholic, fought against a moderate image, but advocated for electing moderates to be elected in the party.

“There are a lot of people who would join us and be a party of our efforts who are pro-choice but they love our message on money; they love our value system on family values, broadly speaking, so then how do we cross-appeal,” Steele said in a December interview with David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network. “How do we make ourselves relevant to the 21st century electorate which is clearly of a different mindset on a host of issues?”

I think I'm going to like this guy.

H/T: American Papist

Inspiring Videos

Check out this beautiful video entitled Radical Love...

Here's a great one which displays the Holy Father's love for cats and his bravery when he meets a lion cub.



H/T: American Papist

Stimulus Package still funds anti-family programs

A multi-million dollar proposal for contraception and abortion has been removed from the huge economic stimulus bill. But the bill still contains funding for controversial projects.

Earlier this week Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-California) vehemently defended the idea of spending millions of dollars on birth control and abortion as part of the economic stimulus package. "Contraception will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government," she stated on ABC. But after pro-life advocates -- including several in Congress -- cast a spotlight on that portion of the package, it was removed. The U.S. House passed the stimulus package on Wednesday and has now passed it on to the Senate. Article

Related Post:

Act Now: Stimulus Stupidity Bill Must Die

Take Action: Pro-life Super Bowl Ad Sacked

From the NCR Daily Register:

NBC has refused to air CatholicVote.org’s new pro-life ad during its broadcast of this Sunday’s Super Bowl game.

According to a Jan. 29 press release from CatholicVote.org, “After several days of negotiations, an NBC representative in Chicago told CatholicVote.org late yesterday that NBC and the NFL are not interested in advertisements involving ‘political candidates or issues.’”

Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote.org, said in the press release, “There is nothing objectionable in this positive, life-affirming advertisement. We show a beautiful ultrasound, something NBC’s parent company GE has done for years. We congratulate Barack Obama on becoming the first African-American President. And we simply ask people to imagine the potential of each human life.”

The 30-second ad has no graphic content nor even any direct references to abortion.

It features an ultrasound image of a baby in the womb and images of Barack Obama, along with a narration describing how the president’s mother chose to give birth to him and nurtured him as a single mother after his Kenyan-born father left the family, allowing Obama to grow up to become the nation’s first African-American president.

The pro-life ad can be viewed here at CatholicVote.org’s website, as well as here and here at the Daily Blog’s earlier posts regarding the ad. Article

Take Action:

Let's contact NBC and express our dissatisfaction with their decision. Go here to contact them or contact:

Mr. Jeff Zucker, President
NBC Entertainment
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
(818) 840-4444

E-Mail NBC Website


H/T: Esther

Servant of God Brother Juniper

Servant of God Brother Juniper biography

Digest of Posts for January 27 - January 28

Senate Defeats Pro-Life Amendment to Restore Mexico City Policy

The Prevention First Act

FOCA Activism Day

Act Now: Stimulus Stupidity Bill Must Die

Mother of 12 shares photo journal from National March for Life

Husband's Kiss Revives Comatose Woman

St. Thomas Aquinas

Catholic Carnival 209: The Sound in the Hills

Ask Obama to Stop Using Tax Dollars to Support Abortion Industry

‘Life Prizes’ award winner urges pro-lifers not be discouraged

Congress Drops $200M in Contraceptive Funding From Stimulus Bill

Obama Promises to Fund Coercive China One-Child Policy Collaborator UNFPA

St. Angela Merici, Patron of the Physically Challenged

Senate Defeats Pro-Life Amendment to Restore Mexico City Policy

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- On Wednesday, members of the U.S. Senate defeated an amendment sponsored by pro-life members to restore the Mexico City Policy that President Barack Obama rescinded last week. The policy prevents taxpayers from funding groups like Planned Parenthood that promote or perform abortions overseas.

Sen. Mel Martinez, a Republican from Florida, drafted an amendment offered to the SCHIP bill to ask members of the Senate to override Obama's executive order.

The Senate defeated the Martinez amendment on a 60-37 vote with only one Democrat, Sen Bill Nelson of Nebraska, joining most of the chamber's Republicans to support it. Article

This isn't surprising, but I am happy that they brought it up for a vote. As expected, both Kansas congressmen voted "Yea." Check out the list in the article to see how your congressmen voted.

Then take ACTION: 1) Contact your members of the Senate by going to http://www.Senate.gov and responding to how they voted on using your money to fund pro-abortion groups promoting and performing abortions overseas. See below for the Senate roll call. 2) Contact members of the House by going to http://www.House.gov and urging strong support for HR 708 to restore the Mexico City Policy.

The Prevention First Act

Thomas Peters at American Papist has the scoop on this. He describes it as being worse than FOCA.

Select things the Prevention First Act (PFA) will do:

Make Title X (family planning) a permanent program and fund it at $700 million or more.
Mandate that health insurance programs that cover prescriptions must cover abortifacient contraceptives.
Create a government program to push abortifacient "Emergency Contraception."
Take all federal money away from any hospital that refuses to administer the abortifacient Emergency Contraception to victims of rape.
Create additional massive government funding for Planned Parenthood style sex education programs (abstinence-only programs are specifically excluded from funding). Permanently include family planning services as part of the Medicaid program.

Read the rest at American Papist.

FOCA Activism Day

The ‘Freedom of Choice’ Act will…

• Nullify requirements that abortionists be licensed physicians...WTF?!

• Eliminate health and safety regulations for abortion clinics...WTF?!

• Nullify parental consent and notification laws...WTF?!

• Invalidate laws to inform patients...WTF?!

• Repeal the Hyde Amendment: Taxpayers will pay for abortions...WTF?!

• Remove waiting periods...WTF?!

• Prohibit bans on abortion after viability...WTF?!

• Remove protections for physicians and hospitals that refuse to participate in abortions...WTF?!

• Repeal the Partial Birth Abortion Ban...WTF?!

A recent Harris poll shows that 82% of Americans want abortion to be either illegal under all circumstances or limited in its legality. -- FOCA would effectively remove all limitations on abortion

Learn more at What The FOCA?

Share the truth about FOCA with everyone today.

Act Now: Stimulus Stupidity Bill Must Die

Michelle Malkin shares the sordid details, and encourages us to melt the phones, calling our representatives, to let them know that we're not buying the propoganda. I agree with The Anchoress, who believes that "the package does not seem to create many jobs at all - but it does keep shoveling money at the people who waste it while producing nothing and creating few jobs."

The stimulus bill is now approaching 900 billion dollars and the money is being wasted. More than 70,000 layoffs were announced this week and fresh data showed unemployment last month rose in all states. Why isn't this money being spent to help those of us who are suffering as a result of the bail-out? We need a stimulus program that will actually stimulate and encourage economic growth rather than support Obama's favorite social programs.

Find your representative in this list (at the bottom of the page) and make a call today to let them know your feelings on this.

Mother of 12 shares photo journal from National March for Life

Barbara Curtis at Mommy Life shares 477 photos from The March for Life. Read the CNA article here.

Husband's Kiss Revives Comatose Woman

A woman who doctors believed could remain comatose indefinitely recently revived after her husband asked her for a kiss.

Just ten days after giving birth to her son, Telford, Shropshire resident Emma Ray suffered a heart attack and collapsed while shopping with her husband, Andrew.

Andrew performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on her, after which she was taken to a hospital where doctors were able to restart her heart.

“She could wake up the following day, she could wake up in a month, or you may be left with a sleeping beauty,” Andrew Ray said a doctor told him, according to the Daily Mail.

Andrew went to great lengths to try and rouse his 34 year-old wife from her comatose state, playing recordings of their baby son Alexander and of their daughter Ella and songs from their wedding reception.

“I would speak softly to her, clasp her hand, pinch her fingers, all the time telling her I loved her or begging her to wake up. By the time I asked her to kiss me I was approaching my wits' end,” he told the Daily Mail.

He bent over his wife’s hospital bed and said “Emma, if you can hear me, please just give me a kiss.”

“'What happened next was beyond my wildest dreams,” he told the Daily Mail.

“She turned her head towards mine, puckered up her lips and gave me a little kiss.” Article

St. Thomas Aquinas

As an Oblate with the Community of St. John, which was founded by Father Marie Dominique Philippe, OP (1912 - 2006), I feel an affinity with St. Thomas Aquinas. He has always had a special place in my heart and I am delighted to share this feast day with you.

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a 13th century Dominican priest, philosopher, and theologian. As a Doctor of the Church, he has been given the title "Angelic Doctor" and is the patron of Catholic universities and schools. St. Thomas reflected the Dominican ideal. He was a true contemplative who shared the fruits of contemplation with others.

Here are some of my favorite St. Thomas of Aquinas quotes:

"The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love; It signifies Love, It produces love. The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life."

"Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious. "

"A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational."

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

"To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them."

"Peace is the work of justice indirectly, in so far as justice removes the obstacles to peace; but it is the work of charity (love) directly, since charity, according to its very notion, causes peace."

"In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention."

"Beware the man of one book."

"The things that we love tell us what we are."

"Good can exist without evil, whereas evil cannot exist without good."

"Human salvation demands the divine disclosure of truths surpassing reason."

"The end of all my labors has come. All that I have written appears to me as much straw after the things that have been revealed to me."

"A person is disposed to an act of choice by an angel ... in two ways: Sometimes, a man's understanding is enlightened by an angel to know what is good, but it is not instructed as to the reason why ... But sometimes he is instructed by angelic illumination, both that this act is good and as to the reason why it is good."

"Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will."

"Most men seem to live according to sense rather than reason."

"Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables."

"Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder."

"Well-ordered self-love is right and natural."

"It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes."

"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship."

"Almighty and Eternal God, behold I come to the Sacrament of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As one sick, I come to the Physician of life; unclean, to the Fountain of mercy; blind, to the Light of eternal splendor; poor and needy, to the Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore, I beg of You, through Your infinite mercy and generosity, heal my weakness, wash my uncleanness, give light to my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I thus receive the Bread of Angels, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, with such reverence and humility, contrition and devotion, purity and faith, purpose and intention, as shall aid my soul's salvation ..."

"To love God is something greater than to know Him.""Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you."

Spiritual Meditation: St. Thomas Aquinas

Prayers to and By St. Thomas Aquinas

Prayer for Purity

Read G.K. Chesterton's biography - St. Thomas Aquinas, The Dumb Ox.

Read St. Thomas' "Summa Theologica," an explanation and summary of the entire body of Catholic teaching.

Catholic Carnival 209: The Sound in the Hills

Sarah has done a wonderful job on this week's Catholic Carnival, organizing the posts around the theme of The Sound of Music, which happens to be one of my favorite classic movies. I saw it in the theatre, as a child, when it first came out, and have loved it ever since.

My submission for this week's Carnival is: Nancy Pelosi's Latest Lie.

Here is a sampling of some of the fabulous posts there:

The Beautiful Hands of a Priest is a touching story that reminds us that these men, so often forgotten in the rush and bustle of our everyday lives are so very dear and cherished.

The Sin of the Century examines our culture in light of our faith and Church teachings.

What Can We Expect reminds us all to pray for President Obama and to stand up for life.

Out of the Blue considers the Hand of God at work in the unexpected normalcy of life.

But, don't stop here. go over to Sarah's and read all the great posts in this week's Catholic Carnival.

Ask Obama to Stop Using Tax Dollars to Support Abortion Industry

President Barack Obama on Friday reversed the Mexico City Policy, which means U.S. tax dollars now will fund international groups that perform or promote abortions.

On Wednesday, "President Obama issued executive orders banning the torture of terrorists but today signed an order that exports the torture of unborn children around the world," said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.

The Mexico City Policy was put in place by President Ronald Reagan, reversed by President Bill Clinton and reinstated by President George W. Bush.

In an accompanying statement, Obama said he would also work with Congress to restore U.S. funding support for the United Nations Population Fund — which lost its funding under Bush because of its participation in China's forced abortion and sterilization policy.

TAKE ACTION

Ask President Barack Obama to stop using your tax dollars to support abortion overseas.

E-mail the President directly online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

The White house address is:

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500

Call the President at: 202-456-1111

~ Via citizenlink.com

Related Post: Obama Promises to Fund Coercive China One-Child Policy Collaborator UNFPA

‘Life Prizes’ award winner urges pro-lifers not be discouraged

Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, on Friday was awarded one of six Life Prizes at a gala at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. Speaking about the pro-life movement, he encouraged pro-lifers to persevere and insisted that Catholic predictions about societal decline had proven correct.

Doerflinger spoke in an interview with Kathryn Jean-Lopez for National Review On-Line. In the interview, he encouraged pro-life Americans not to “despair and give up.”

“Our situation is similar to what it was in 1993: the White House and both chambers of Congress basically against us on the abortion issue. Our opponents thought they would soon reverse the Hyde amendment against federal abortion funding, begin funding destructive human embryo research, and pass the Freedom of Choice Act,” he told National Review Online.

“None of these things happened, and President Clinton’s repeated vetoes of a ban on partial-birth abortion only kept the horrors of abortion before the public’s eyes and increased pro-life sentiment. If we persevere, we will again show that the pro-life message is here to stay.” Article.

Congress Drops $200M in Contraceptive Funding From Stimulus Bill

Washington DC, Jan 27, 2009 (CNA).- A $200 million provision for contraception programs is being dropped from the $825 billion stimulus package following criticism from pro-lifers and Republican congressmen.

President Barack Obama personally called House Democratic leaders to ask them to remove the provision, an Obama aide told CNN. One of his calls reportedly went to Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and one of the most influential liberal members of Congress.

The president reportedly urged the provision’s removal because it was a hot button issue among Republicans and did not focus on creating jobs as quickly as possible. Article.

Praise the Lord! Thank you, congressmen, and fellow pro-lifers who have spoken out and contacted your congressmen.

Obama Promises to Fund Coercive China One-Child Policy Collaborator UNFPA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following on the heels of the elimination of the Mexico City Policy, President Obama has confirmed that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which helped instigate, perpetuate and enforce China's coercive one-child policy, will again receive taxpayer dollars.Appended to the statement announcing the end of the Mexico City Policy, Obama said: "In addition, I look forward to working with Congress to restore U.S. financial support for the U.N. Population Fund. Article

This is what we're supporting through our taxes:



Obama is on a pro-death funding spree -- he's gone wild, pouring huge amounts of money into these life-destroying programs -- using our taxes -- to pay for forced contraception and forced abortion in countries throughout the world, forcing us to be collaborators in this process.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in this country is rising and many families are struggling to survive. Why isn't he using this money to help create jobs and to assist families in this country? The amount that I have seem reported is $65 million for the UNFPA, an international aid organization connected to coercive abortion as part of China’s coercive one-child policy.

Related Posts on Catholic Fire:

Obama Lied about reducing Abortions

Obama Expected to Overturn Mexico City Policy, Fund Abortions, Thursday

Obama's website: The Pro-abortion Wish List

President Obama Wastes No Time in Promoting Abortion

Barack Obama’s “Jihad” Against the Unborn

2009: A Big Year for Abortion Legislation

Related Information on other sites:

LifeNews.Com: Obama Pledges to Fund Pro-Abortion UNFPA After Killing Mexico City Policy

St. Angela Merici, Patron of the Physically Challenged

Today is the optional memorial of St. Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursulines. Angela was born on March 21, 1474 at Desenzano, Lake Garda, Italy and died on January 27, 1540 in Brescia.

Angela’s parents died when she was only ten years old. Together, with her older sister, she moved to the nearby town of Salo, to live with her uncle. When her sister died quite suddenly without receiving the last sacraments, Angela was deeply upset. At the age of 15, she became a Franciscan tertiary and greatly increased her prayers and sacrifices for the repose of her sister's soul. She asked God to reveal to her the condition of her deceased sister and He answered her prayer by showing her through a vision that her sister was in Heaven.

When her uncle died, she returned to live at Desenzano to make a life for herself. She was convinced of the need for women to be educated in their faith and converted her home into a school where she daily gathered all the girls of Desenzano and taught them the basics of Christianity. It was at this time that she received a vision, which led her to found a religious order who were to devote their lives to the spiritual education of young women. The school she established at Desenzano was so successful that she was invited to the nearby city of Brescia, to establish a school there, which she accepted.

During a pilgrimage to Holy Land, while visiting Crete, Angela was struck blind. This did not interrupt her trip, however, but she continued on the journey, visiting the shrines with as much devotion and enthusiasm as if she still had her sight. On the way home, while praying before a crucifix, her sight was miraculously restored at the same place where it had been lost.

In 1525, Pope Clement VII, who had heard of her great holiness and her success as a religious teacher of young girls, invited her to remain in Rome; however, Angela returned to Brescia to live a quiet life, away from the limelight.

In 1535, Angela selected twelve women and laid the foundation of the order of the Ursulines in a small house near the Church of St. Afra in Brescia. She died only five years later. St. Angela's body is incorrupt. She was beatified in 1768 by Pope Clement XIII and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.

Patronage: She is the patron saint of physically challenged people, sick people, and of those who have lost their parents.

Quotes From St. Angela Merci:

"Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family."

"We must give alms. Charity wins souls and draws them to virtue."

"Mothers of children, even if they have a thousand, carry each and every one fixed in their hearts, and because of the strength of their love they do not forget any of them. In fact, it seems that the more children they have the more their love and care for each one is increased."

Digest of Today's Posts

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ January 26th Edition

KS House Members Unveil New Bill

Democrats Move to Expand Medicaid (Planned Parenthood family planning services)

Mother Fights to Save Her Unborn Baby's Life

Nancy Pelosi's Latest Lie: Updated

Nothing is Impossible for God

Saints Timothy and Titus

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ January 26th Edition

For Today, January 26, 2009.

Outside my window...It is dark and cold. It snowed a little and the temperatures were in the teens today.

I am thinking...that I need to get more organized this week and tie up some loose ends on various projects.

I am thankful for...the Lord providing for our needs at this difficult time. Two months without work is a long time.

From the kitchen...it still smells like beef, as I made hamburgers for supper tonight.

I am wearing...a teal turtleneck sweater and soft, navy blue pants.

I am creating...this post.

I am going...to attend the Catholic Writers Guild conference next week.

I am reading...We Choose Life by Anthony Horvath.

I am hoping...that the meeting we have Wednesday night goes well.

I am hearing...the small electric heater run.

Around the house...everyone is taking naps.

One of my favorite things...having time to myself.

A few plans for the rest of the week: ... finish writing projects, attend meetings this week, and get caught up on housework.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Looking forward to spring

This is a photo I took of my hyacinths last spring.

Visit Peggy to see what the other women are thinking and doing today.

KS House Members Unveil New Bill

“Woman’s Right to Know & See”

Topeka - A press briefing was held at the Statehouse this morning to unveil the “Woman’s Right to Know & See” proposal, drafted by Rep. Lance Kinzer, and co-sponsored by 37 GOP and Democrat members of the Kansas House.

Kansas would be the 17th state to enact such legislation if passed. Kathy Ostrowski. KFL legislative Director, commented ”this bill will insure that women in abortion clinics are not denied the modern medical information other women receive in ordinary obstetric settings. ”

This proposed legislation for abortion clinics would require:

1. Abortion clinics that utilize ultrasounds (all current KS clinics do) must offer women the opportunity to see their unborn child’s ultrasound live, and receive a copy at no extra charge.

2. That if fetal heart monitoring is done, the woman has the right to listen to the unborn child’s heart beating.

3. Abortion clinics to provide more information to women, including a list of free ultrasound locations & contacts for free counseling, aid & hospice services for medically challenging pregnancies.

Studies report over 60% of abortion decisions are coerced and made without sufficient information. Thus, this bill would:

1. Require an anti-coercion warning sign posted inside the abortion clinic.

2. Order the state to create a standard informational video and online website using modern ultrasound imaging to show fetal development in 2 week increments.

~ Via Kansans for Life.

Related Information:

Topeka Capital Journal: Abortion disclosure bill surfaces in House

Democrats Move to Expand Medicaid (Planned Parenthood family planning services)

Democrats and President Obama are moving on so many fronts to change policies of the Bush administration that Republicans might not even notice them all right away, let alone be able to stop them. Last week, while social conservatives focused on Democratic legislation to expand health insurance for poor children — and on Obama’s repeal of a rule that kept some international family planning groups from even discussing abortion — House Democrats included language in their economic stimulus bill that would expand the Medicaid program and allow its use for family planning services. Article.

Here we go again -- pouring more money into Planned Parenthood's pockets.

H/T: Covenant News

Mother Fights to Save Her Unborn Baby's Life

DELANO, CA -- A Delano mother wrote a letter to 17 News when she discovered her unborn child suffers from a rare disorder. The woman says she became desperate for help after her insurance provider denied her baby a procedure it needs to survive. “I've put it in God's hands because that's all I can do at this point. I feel like I did all I could do,” Kema Welton said. Article

Does it seem just a little odd to you that health insurance companies will pay to abort children, but won't assist in saving a child's life?

Nancy Pelosi's Latest Lie: Updated

PELOSI SAYS BIRTH CONTROL WILL HELP ECONOMY

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi boldly defended a move to add birth control funding to the new economic "stimulus" package, claiming "contraception will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government." Pelosi, the mother of 5 children and 6 grandchildren, who once said, "Nothing in my life will ever, ever compare to being a mom," seemed to imply babies are somehow a burden on the treasury.

The revelation came during an exchange Sunday morning on ABC's THIS WEEK.

STEPHANOPOULOS: Hundreds of millions of dollars to expand family planning services. How is that stimulus?

PELOSI: Well, the family planning services reduce cost. They reduce cost. The states are in terrible fiscal budget crises now and part of what we do for children's health, education and some of those elements are to help the states meet their financial needs. One of those - one of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government.

STEPHANOPOULOS: So no apologies for that?

PELOSI: No apologies. No. we have to deal with the consequences of the downturn in our economy. Article

Why is it that every time this administration does something they scream out to us: CHILDREN ARE A BURDEN! THEY MUST BE DESTROYED!

What a tired refrain.

And what a lie!

It's all about putting more money in the pockets of "Planned Barrenhood".

Update - Here's the video:


Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented as follows:

"Looks like the Democrats have abortion and contraception on the brain. Last week, President Barack Obama lifted restrictions on federal funds being used to promote and perform abortions overseas. Now we have Pelosi arguing that the way to balance the budget is not by cutting expenditures, but by cutting kids. Her comment matches up well with what Obama said during the presidential campaign about comprehensive sex education: speaking of his own daughters, he said that 'if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby.' (My emphasis.)

"We have reached a new low when high-ranking public office holders in the federal government cast children as the enemy. But at least it explains their enthusiasm for abortion-on-demand."

Nancy is definitely long overdue for that talk with her Bishop.

Related Information:

WND Pelosi: Birth control will boost economy

Operation Rescue: Operation Rescue Blasts Pelosi’s Plan For Pill Profiteering

What Does the Prayer Really Say? More anti-baby talk from Speaker Pelosi (D-CA)

Some Have Hats: Forget Global Warming, Babies Are the Problem!

A Catholic View: PELOSI SAYS BIRTH CONTROL WILL HELP ECONOMY

Nothing is Impossible for God

The story of Samuel Mann, who was given no chance to live before he was born.



~ Via Catholic News Agency.

Saints Timothy and Titus

Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus

St. Paul was so influential and attractive a personality that he was able to draw such different types of men as Timothy and Titus and to make them his collaborators. Timothy and Titus were converted to Christianity by St Paul, and became his companions and helpers. They were were two of the most beloved and trusted disciples of St. Paul, whom they accompanied in many of his journeys.

Paul made both men bishops and entrusted Timothy with the care of the Christians in Ephesus, and sent Titus to Crete to look after the Christians there. He wrote them “pastoral” epistles, giving advice for pastors and people alike.

Timothy was St. Paul's confidant. St. Timothy has been regarded by some as the "angel of the church of Ephesus", Rev 2:1-17.

Titus was the negotiator, the one St. Paul sent to clear up misunderstandings, reconcile differences, and the one who would organize a new Church. He received a letter from St. Paul which encouraged Christians to live temperate, just, and devout lives, while awaiting the coming of Christ.

St. Timothy was stoned to death thirty years after St. Paul's martyrdom for having denounced the worship of the goddess Diana. Tradition tells us that St. Titus died a natural death at the age of 94, having lived in the state of virginity during his whole life.

Patronage: St. Timothy is the patron saint of intestinal disorders and stomach diseases. St. Titus is the patron of Crete.

Collect: God our Father, you gave your saints Timothy and Titus the courage and wisdom of the apostles: may their prayers help us to live holy lives and lead us to heaven, our true home. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Happy Feast day of the Conversion of St. Paul! The conversion of Saul, persecutor of the early church, was of pivotal importance for the worldwide development of Christianity. Paul means much for our faith and for the New Testament. Today we commemorate that significant event on the road to Damascus when Saul, fallen to amazement at a great light from heaven, spoke with the risen Savior and arose as Paul, to become the Apostle to the Gentiles.

This is such a touching miracle and each time I think of Paul, who had previously persecuted the Christians I think of those today who persecute Christians for their beliefs. I think of all the Christian pro-lifers out there and the sufferings and trials they are going through for the conversion of the abortionists and those who are trapped in the culture of death.

Mysteriously, God often opens their hearts and through his life-giving graces transforms their hearts, drawing them to Him. He never gives up on them, but waits patiently for them to come to Him and accept His love. Then there are others whom he knocks right off their horse, humbles them, shows Him the amazing power of His love that their hearts are transformed almost overnight. What an awesome God we have!

"Go out into the world and tell the good news."~ Mark 16:15

Today, I'm also thinking and praying for someone else who desperately needs our prayers -- Barack Obama.

I know what you're thinking... Is it possible that someone who seems so far from God could actually be converted?

"All things are possible with God."

~ Matthew 19: 26

Obama Lied about reducing Abortions

This isn't a bit surprising based on Obama's pro-abortion policies and his record, but, yes, it is disappointing. It's outrageous that he expects us to pay for abortions all over the world.

Obama overturns Mexico City Policy, pro-lifers react

President Obama's Reversal of Mexico City Policy 'Very Disappointing,'Says Pro-Life Committee Chair

Vatican officials express "disappointment" in Pres. Obama's...

~ Via Rosary Films.

Related Post: Obama Expected to Overturn Mexico City Policy, Fund Abortions, Thursday

Now that Obama's in, stem cell trials begin

In a move the Food and Drug Administration denies has anything to do with the new presidency, the federal agency granted permission this week to begin the country's first embryonic stem cell treatments on human subjects.

The FDA approved an application from Geron Corporation, based in Menlo Park, Calif., to inject stem cells derived from human embryos into 10 people paralyzed from the chest down by spinal cord injuries.

Read the article on WND.com.

St. Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of Writers

Francis was born on August 21, 1567, at the Chateau de Sales in Geneva, Switzerland to a noble family. He was a frail and delicate child, but very intelligent, humble, kind, loving, patient and gentle. He was educated in some of the best schools of that time period. At the age of thirteen, he attended the University of Paris where he studied theology. He then attended the University of Padua, where he earned his doctorate in law. His father desired that he become a lawyer and politician, but Francis desired to become a priest. In 1593, he was ordained.

The Catholic Church at this time was losing many of its parishioners to the new churches of the Protestant Reformation. Francis set out to restore Catholicism to the area around Lake Geneva known as Chablais. For three years, he trudged through the countryside, his feet frozen and bleeding, as he trampled through the snow. No one would listen to him, so he wrote out his sermons, copying them by hand in the form of leaflets, and placed them under doors. It is said that he converted 40,000 people by the time he left to return home.

In 1602, he was made Bishop of Geneva. He led and organized his diocese from his new residence at Annecy. His words of inspiration and wise counsel led many people to live out the gospel message in their lives. In 1610, he founded the Order of the Visitation with St. Jane Francis de Chantal, a good friend, with whom he shared his spiritual beliefs. Francis was overworked and often ill due to his heavy workload. However, he remained active, particularly using his talent for writing to assist him in ministering to others.

Francis died at Lyons on December 28, 1622 and was buried at Annecy on January 24. He was canonized in 1665 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877 and Patron of the Catholic Press in 1923.

Quotes From St. Francis de Sales

"Keep your heart very wide to receive in it all sorts of crosses and resignations or abnegations, for the love of Him who has received so many of them for us."

"Faithfully attend to your obligations, but know that you have no greater obligation than that of your salvation and of the saving progress of your soul on the way to true devotion."

" When you are sick, offer to Christ our Lord all your pains suffering, and your languor, and beseech Him to unite them to those He bore for you."

~ Taken from Gold in the Furnace, copyright 2004, Jean M. Heimann

Prayer for Writers (taken from Saintly Support: A Prayer for Every Problem)

May the Lord guide me and all those who write for a living. Through your prayers, St. Frances de Sales, I ask for your intercession as I attempt to bring the written word to the world. Let us pray that God takes me in the palm of His hand and inspires my creativity and inspires my success. St. Francis de Sales, you understand the dedication required in this profession. Pray for God to inspire and allow ideas to flow. In His name, let my words reflect my faith for others to read. Amen.

Photos of Roe v. Wade Events in Nation’s Abortion Capital, Wichita, KS

Wichita, KS — Operation Rescue led a candlelight prayer vigil outside the nations’s largest late-term abortion mill, Women’s Health Care Services, on the 36th memorial of Roe v. Wade.

As about 150 pro-lifers gathered for prayer, double the number from the previous year, troubled abortionist George Tiller slipped out the gate and headed off for home.

“In previous years, Tiller has posted defiant banners, held rallies, even offered free abortions. There was none of that this year,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “He tried to simply sneak out of his abortion mill without anyone noticing.” Article -- More Photos here.

After the Vigil, we met at Operation Rescue National Headquarters to View the film "22 Weeks."

Here I am (on a bad hair day) pictured with Troy Newman at Operation Rescue.

The Vatican goes You Tube

At Roman Noon today, the Vatican's YouTube channel formally launched.

House Republicans ask Obama to disavow ‘FOCA agenda’

Washington DC, Jan 23, 2009 / 05:48 am (CNA).- More than 100 Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed a letter to President Barack Obama asking that he withdraw his campaign pledge to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and other pro-abortion rights laws.

FOCA is legislation designed to protect abortion rights even if the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade is overturned. It threatens to abolish existing minimal state and federal restrictions on abortion and could even threaten the rights of Catholic hospitals to refuse to perform abortions. Article

I find this encouraging and I believe that this is the result of our postcards, emails, and phone calls to our congressmen. It's important that we continue to let them know how we feel about FOCA and Obama's pro-death agenda.

2009 March for Life

Tens of thousands of abortion opponents rallied in Washington DC today to mark the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

I watched the March for Life on EWTN today and it seemed larger than last year's March. People were there from all over the world. Some of the many countries represented were: Malta, Italy, France, Ireland, and Spain.

Roe V. Wade: 36 Years of Death and Destruction

WASHINGTON – From coast to coast, pro-lifers are marking the 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions, which legalized abortion for any reason, even as a method of birth control. Since 1973, these decisions have resulted in the death of more than 50 million unborn children.

"We mourn the deaths of 50 million unborn babies that were the tragic consequence of these decisions," said Wanda Franz, Ph.D., president of National Right to Life. "Sadly, under the Obama Administration, we can expect a radical agenda which would cause this number to increase dramatically."

In consultation with a coalition of pro-abortion groups, which submitted a 55-page outline of pro-abortion policies to the Obama transition team, the Obama Administration has an agenda designed to repeal many, if not all, of the pro-life policies in place at the state and federal level.

Through their extreme agenda, the Administration wants to fund organizations that perform and promote abortion; force employer health insurance plans to cover abortion; force hospitals and health care professionals to provide abortions; and enact the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" – a bill that would invalidate virtually all state and federal laws restricting abortion, including parental notification laws, and which would make partial-birth abortion legal again.

Also among their primary targets is the Hyde Amendment, named for the late Congressman Henry J. Hyde (R-IL). The Hyde Amendment prevents tax dollars from being used to pay for abortion except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger. It has been estimated that the Hyde Amendment has saved at least one million lives, and quite possibly two million or more.

"It is absolutely vital that pro-lifers across the country come together to defeat President Obama's abortion agenda. The stakes have never been higher, but our resolve and determination to protect unborn children and help their mothers has never been stronger," Franz said.

~ Via National Right to Life.

A Message from Archbishop Burke on the Anniversary of Roe V. Wade

Dear Members of the Marian Catechist Apostolate,

Today is the 36th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s infamous decision in the cases Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, by which the highest court of our nation took away the safeguard of the most fundamental of all rights, the right to life, from the most vulnerable members of the human family, the unborn. Rightly, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has, for some time, designated this day as a Day of Penance for Violations to the Dignity of the Human Person, and of Prayer for the Full Restoration of the Legal Guarantee of the Right to Life. January 22nd is to be observed “as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373).

The legacy of the just-mentioned decisions has been an unconscionable decline in the respect for all human life. By now, you are familiar with the latest and most heinous anti-life legislation the people of the United States of America are facing: the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). The passage of FOCA would lift all restrictions on procured abortion, force taxpayers to participate in the funding of procured abortions; revoke all informed consent, parental notification and conscience protection laws; and force even Catholic hospitals to perform abortions, which clearly would necessitate the closing of Catholic hospitals. I ask you to pray for the defeat of FOCA and to do all you can to work against its passage, while also working to protect existing pro-life legislation. For more information on how to become involved, please visit the USCCB website at www.usccb.org.prolife. Read the entire message at Fr. Z's.

March for Life 2009

On this 36th anniversary of Roe V. Wade, let's pray with Fr. Kovicki to end abortion:



Today I am uniting my prayers with those at the March for Life in Washington D.C. for an end to abortion. Unfortunately, I am unable to be there in person, but am with you all in spirit. God bless you!

Digest of Posts for January 20 - 21

Catholic Carnival 208: Prayers

Obama Expected to Overturn Mexico City Policy, Fund Abortions, Thursday

Prayer for the Unborn

EWTN To Air 2009’s Historic “March for Life/Walk for Life”

Sen. Brownback Seeks Study On Detainee Transfer

Barack Obama's Invitation to The March for Life

Bork Predicts ‘terrible conflict’ will endanger U.S. Catholics’ religious freedom

Papal Quote of the Day: Christian Unity

Thousands of Catholic College Students to Participate in March for Life

St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

President Obama Wastes No Time in Promoting Abortion

The Holy Father's Telegram to Obama

Walk for Life West Coast

Cardinal George's Letter to Barack Obama

Name that Baby

Norma McCorvey Testimony

Barack Obama’s “Jihad” Against the Unborn!

America's New Messiah Promises Bloodshed Aplenty

Catholic Carnival 208: Prayers

This week's Catholic Carnival is up at Living Catholicism and is being hosted by Jay, who has requested our prayers. Please remember to keep him and his family in your prayers at this time.

My entry this week is What is God Calling Me to Do on this Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade? . If you can't go to the March, what can you do? This post is full of practical examples.

Here is a sampling of some of the posts you'll find at this week's Carnival:

The Pill and Women's Health at Aggie Catholics asks why doctors prescribe the birth control pill for so many women's health issues. What can women do about it? Read this for advice.

Kate Wicker shares a thoughtful post on Comparing Our Crosses from Momopoly. The temptation to "compare crosses" is always there, but why is it wrong? Great advice from her mom, who seems very wise.

In Real People as Saints at Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering, Sarah shares a review of the book Real Women, Real Saints. She enjoyed it and made a few new Heavenly friends.

But don't stop here, dash on over to this week's Catholic Carnival to check out all of the great posts!

Obama Expected to Overturn Mexico City Policy, Fund Abortions, Thursday

President Barack Obama appeared to give the Mexico City Policy a one-day reprieve on Wednesday, even though he was expected to ditch the pro-life measure on his first day in office. Obama is expected to scrap the limit on funding groups that promote or perform abortions overseas later this week.

Obama gathered with reporters and top staffers Wednesday afternoon at the White House and was expected to announce a slate of executive orders reversing policy President Bush implemented.

Although he froze staff pay and issued an order related to Guantanamo Bay and temporarily halting prosecutions of the September 11 terrorists, the abortion order was not delivered. New White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, indicated the orders may come in more of a piecemeal process and that more controversial orders are expected on Thursday or later. That means the Mexico City Policy, which requires the more than 600 groups that receive State Department taxpayer funding to pledge not to promote or perform abortions with it, will stay in place for another day. Full story at LifeNews.com

Prayer for the Unborn

Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil, those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life.

Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who are not thinking of motherhood.

Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image - as well as theirs - made for eternal life.

Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a mother can give.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

~Via EWTN.

EWTN To Air 2009’s Historic “March for Life/Walk for Life”

Via EWTN: With President-elect Obama promising his first act in office will be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops vowing to aggressively oppose this, the 2009 March for Life could be one of the biggest and most important in history.

EWTN will offer viewers the most complete coverage available on any platform of both Washington, D.C.’s March for Life and San Francisco’s Walk for Life. Coverage of the Jan. 22 events will include live Masses, walking processions, rallies, interviews, panel discussions, and speeches from pro-lifers around the country.

You can also watch or listen to these historic events live on our website at www.ewtn.com/audiovideo). Further resources can be found at www.ewtn.com/prolife. But that’s not all. Pro-life people won’t want to miss any of EWTN’s pro-life shows in January. Read More

Sen. Brownback Seeks Study On Detainee Transfer

A Kansas senator wants to require President Barack Obama to give Congress a 90-day notice before moving to close the detainee prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Republican Sen. Sam Brownback introduced a bill Wednesday. It also would require the president to provide a study regarding the feasibility of closing Guantanamo or transferring the detainees to any other location.

One site often mentioned is the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, along with Camp Pendleton, Calif., and a Navy brig in South Carolina.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of a draft executive order being prepared by the Obama administration. It orders the Pentagon to close Guantanamo within a year, but doesn't specify where the detainees would be transferred.

~ Via KAKE News.

Barack Obama's Invitation to The March for Life

President-Elect Barack Obama

The White House
Washington, DC January 15, 2009

Dear Mr. President-Elect,

I am pleased to extend this invitation from the March for Life Fund Board of Directors and from thousands of prolife Americans as we look forward to the memorable occasion of your inauguration. We request that you come to speak to us at the 36th annual March for Life Rally on Thursday, Noon, January 22, 2009 at the Mall and 4th Street NW. Why? Because America needs your strong leadership as President of all of the people to stop the intentional killing of an estimated 3,000 preborn boys and girls each day and the brutalizing of mind, heart and body of pregnant mothers. This evil continues because some public officials and other citizens are indifferent to the fatal errors of Roe v. Wade and the critical need to overturn the illicit Roe v. Wade. So, on January 22, 2009, we prolifers will again peacefully March for Life in our Nation’s capital with the theme: "REMEMBER — The Life Principles mean ‘Equal Care’ with No Exception!"

Read the entire letter here.


H/T: Pro-life Blogs.