Yesterday, I did not want to read the Opinion piece in the Washington Post* by Michael Sean Winters. But like the person who is drawn to the scene of an accident, I was too. And realized that I shouldn't have.
I read it a couple of times and spent about 45 minutes writing some comments about it. But then again, I just decided that I had wasted enough time and effort attempting to comment upon someone who makes a living criticizing the Church's stand on homosexual priests, etc. The piece was really just a chance for him to help get some publicity on his upcoming book.
*I did not include the link on purpose. It was bad enough I had to waste time on it, why should you.
Update:
I was surfing the web (thanks to The Cafeteria is Closed) and found this quote, which I think really blows Michael Sean Winters whole premise out of the water:
“I cannot fail to note with gratitude the importance which the United States has attributed to interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a positive force for peacemaking. The Holy See is convinced of the great spiritual potential represented by such dialogue, particularly with regard to the promotion of nonviolence and the rejection of ideologies which manipulate and disfigure religion for political purposes, and justify violence in the name of God. The American people’s historic appreciation of the role of religion in shaping public discourse and in shedding light on the inherent moral dimension of social issues…” [Benedict XVI, February 29, 2008]
(The quote was seen on http://benedictinamerica.blogspot.com/)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
PCism Runs Amok at the MCC
Recently, I received the following email Action by the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC):
Please urge your delegate, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, to support SB 111/HB 528.
SB 111/HB 528 would expand the definition of hate crimes to include hate-related attacks committed against homeless individuals. The House Judiciary Committee will likely take a vote on the legislation in the next week. SB 111 already passed the Senate, with a vote of 40 to 4.
In 2007, homeless individuals were victims of 160 documented acts of violence across the United States. 31 of these individuals were killed. From 1999 to 2006, at least 187 such deaths were reported - more than twice the number of hate crimes reported against currently-protected groups.
Some of these murders have taken place in Maryland. When one of the Maryland attackers - who had bludgeoned several homeless men, killing two - was asked why he had done such a thing, he answered, "I consider them trash." Another homeless individual was beaten to death in Frederick just weeks ago. His alleged attacker commented to police, "Oh him, he's just a beggar, a vagrant."
First, let me say that killing a homeless man, because he has some money or is homeless is wrong, wrong, wrong and the attacker should be punished to he full extent of the law.
But do we need to make it a “special protected category/group”?
What about combat veterans? What about plumbers? What about one legged, red-heads who are left handed and have a history of flirting with police officers?
Shouldn't the MCC push to have these people a "protected class"?
Why should some killings be considered more heinous than others?
Is their life more important than that of my spouse or children? I don’t think so.
Is this what the MCC is spending its limited time and money on?
I have a better solution: Fire Richard Dowling, the MCC Executive Director. We can save a hell of a lot of money that way.
Please urge your delegate, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, to support SB 111/HB 528.
SB 111/HB 528 would expand the definition of hate crimes to include hate-related attacks committed against homeless individuals. The House Judiciary Committee will likely take a vote on the legislation in the next week. SB 111 already passed the Senate, with a vote of 40 to 4.
In 2007, homeless individuals were victims of 160 documented acts of violence across the United States. 31 of these individuals were killed. From 1999 to 2006, at least 187 such deaths were reported - more than twice the number of hate crimes reported against currently-protected groups.
Some of these murders have taken place in Maryland. When one of the Maryland attackers - who had bludgeoned several homeless men, killing two - was asked why he had done such a thing, he answered, "I consider them trash." Another homeless individual was beaten to death in Frederick just weeks ago. His alleged attacker commented to police, "Oh him, he's just a beggar, a vagrant."
First, let me say that killing a homeless man, because he has some money or is homeless is wrong, wrong, wrong and the attacker should be punished to he full extent of the law.
But do we need to make it a “special protected category/group”?
What about combat veterans? What about plumbers? What about one legged, red-heads who are left handed and have a history of flirting with police officers?
Shouldn't the MCC push to have these people a "protected class"?
Why should some killings be considered more heinous than others?
Is their life more important than that of my spouse or children? I don’t think so.
Is this what the MCC is spending its limited time and money on?
I have a better solution: Fire Richard Dowling, the MCC Executive Director. We can save a hell of a lot of money that way.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This is the type of person the USCCB, MCC and Archdiocese of Washington are protecting.
The USCCB, the Archdiocese of Washington DC and the Maryland Catholic Conference continue to push for no enforcement of Federal laws when persons are arrested for a crime.
Here is a result of their misguided policies. This is from WTOP News:
A Montgomery County-based MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant who allegedly stabbed a man almost to death after being released on bond following an earlier attack is now in custody in Prince William County.
Milton Calderon-Melendez, 25, of El Salvador, is awaiting extradition from Prince William to Montgomery to face charges of assault and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder.
Meanwhile, as Prince William’s policy dictates, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have already been informed of his illegal presence in the U.S.
On the night of July 18, two Montgomery County police on surveillance duty near the intersection of Lost Knife Road and Odenthall Avenue in Gaithersburg said they observed Calderon-Melendez punch Kiana Snowden, 15, in the face. He was promptly arrested and later admitted to being a member of the violent MS-13 street gang. Calderon-Melendez was then released on $2,500 bail until his trial on Aug. 17, which he never appeared for.
On Aug. 20, he and Jose Gagoberto Flores Cardova allegedly assaulted Cardova’s roommate, known only as Salguero in court documents, in their 8200 Iron Clad Court apartment in Gaithersburg.
According to police, Cardova beat Salguero in the head with a baseball bat and Calderon-Melendez stabbed him in the sternum with a knife. Police found the bloody bat and a broken knife in the house after the two had already fled.
Had Calderon-Melendez originally been arrested in Prince William, his immigration status would have been checked and he would’ve stayed in jail, Prince William County police said. But it’s not Montgomery County policy to check the immigration status of those arrested...
Here is a result of their misguided policies. This is from WTOP News:
A Montgomery County-based MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant who allegedly stabbed a man almost to death after being released on bond following an earlier attack is now in custody in Prince William County.
Milton Calderon-Melendez, 25, of El Salvador, is awaiting extradition from Prince William to Montgomery to face charges of assault and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder.
Meanwhile, as Prince William’s policy dictates, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have already been informed of his illegal presence in the U.S.
On the night of July 18, two Montgomery County police on surveillance duty near the intersection of Lost Knife Road and Odenthall Avenue in Gaithersburg said they observed Calderon-Melendez punch Kiana Snowden, 15, in the face. He was promptly arrested and later admitted to being a member of the violent MS-13 street gang. Calderon-Melendez was then released on $2,500 bail until his trial on Aug. 17, which he never appeared for.
On Aug. 20, he and Jose Gagoberto Flores Cardova allegedly assaulted Cardova’s roommate, known only as Salguero in court documents, in their 8200 Iron Clad Court apartment in Gaithersburg.
According to police, Cardova beat Salguero in the head with a baseball bat and Calderon-Melendez stabbed him in the sternum with a knife. Police found the bloody bat and a broken knife in the house after the two had already fled.
Had Calderon-Melendez originally been arrested in Prince William, his immigration status would have been checked and he would’ve stayed in jail, Prince William County police said. But it’s not Montgomery County policy to check the immigration status of those arrested...
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Open Letter to the Local DC Media
Open Letter to ABC, CBS, NBC, WaPo, WTOP, WMAL, et al.
I have a question for all of you: Why wasn't the story listed below one of your lead stories yesterday?
When Dan Stallings (a Catholic Deacon) was arrested, this made all of the major media outlets in the DC area. In fact, television crews were sent to his parish and harrassed parents and students as they were getting out of the local elementary school.
So, why is this not one of your top stories?
We all know the reason: anti-Catholic bias. Anything to bring down an organization that stands for faith and morals and does not rely on polling to dictate how it should think and act.
++++
From AP:
Montgomery County police have charged a former minister at a Gaithersburg church with sexually abusing a female youth choir member.
Police say 47-year-old Timothy Chun-Chock Mann worked at the First Baptist Church on West Diamond Avenue when the alleged abuse began in 1992 and continued until 1996.
Police have accused Mann of abusing the youth choir member mostly in his church office. The choir member was 14 when the alleged abuse began.
Mann now lives in Hoover, Alabama, and works as a choir director in Birmingham. He has been charged with third-degree sex offense and child abuse.
Mann turned himself in to Montgomery County police March 20 and was released on $100,000 bail.
I have a question for all of you: Why wasn't the story listed below one of your lead stories yesterday?
When Dan Stallings (a Catholic Deacon) was arrested, this made all of the major media outlets in the DC area. In fact, television crews were sent to his parish and harrassed parents and students as they were getting out of the local elementary school.
So, why is this not one of your top stories?
We all know the reason: anti-Catholic bias. Anything to bring down an organization that stands for faith and morals and does not rely on polling to dictate how it should think and act.
++++
From AP:
Montgomery County police have charged a former minister at a Gaithersburg church with sexually abusing a female youth choir member.
Police say 47-year-old Timothy Chun-Chock Mann worked at the First Baptist Church on West Diamond Avenue when the alleged abuse began in 1992 and continued until 1996.
Police have accused Mann of abusing the youth choir member mostly in his church office. The choir member was 14 when the alleged abuse began.
Mann now lives in Hoover, Alabama, and works as a choir director in Birmingham. He has been charged with third-degree sex offense and child abuse.
Mann turned himself in to Montgomery County police March 20 and was released on $100,000 bail.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
CHS pushes for Socialized Medicine
In a story posted on March 20, 2008 by the Catholic News Service (CNS), the Catholic Health Service (CHS) announced their “Covering a Nation Initiative.”
If you go to the website, they articulate the need that:
- “Health Care in the US should be available and accessible to everyone”; (it's a right you know)
- “Sufficiently and fairly financed” and that we must “collectively assume responsibility”; and,
- “transparent and consensus driven” among other things.
Now, this is all well and good sounding but in reality it is socialized medicine.
We do not need or want socialized medicine. There are too many horror stories about Canada and the UK to have it here.
You may say there are too many horror stories here, yep, you are right but we don’t need to replace one problem in which most get good health care for a system in which everyone gets pretty bad health care. Besides, I haven't heard anyone of running to Canada or the UK for health care, have you?
However, there is a more fundamental problem. How are you going to pay for it? Well, we can cut the military. Fine, and that leave us defenseless.
But even more basic – there is no Social Security “lock box” (as ALGORE liked to say). In other words, there is no money for Social Security. It was raided in the late 1960’s and is filled with IOUs.
In fact, if you know anything about the history of Social Security is was in the red when the first check was given out. The first check was given in the amount of apx. $22. Do you know how much was in the account? Apx. $20.
Medicare is pretty much bankrupt. There is no money and some of the financial rating houses may downgrade the ratings of US investment instruments if nothing is done about this situation soon.
So, instead of calling for socialized medicine, maybe you should be calling on a restriction on medical malpractice suits and reform of that system, instead of calling for more money out of the pocket of hard working taxpayers.
Maybe CHS should be calling for a fixing of Social Security and Medicare, instead of calling for an increase in government spending.
Remember, the more $$ you take out of a hard working person’s paycheck for this sort of stuff, the less you have in the collection plate.
I really wish these guys would think twice instead of touting Marxist philosophy.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Senate SB566 now heads to the House of Delegares.
Well, on March 19th (St. Joseph's Day), the Maryland Senate passed SB566.
The vote was 30-17. Unlike other states DP laws, Maryland’s law extends to cohabitating couples over the age of 18. While the bill was entitled Health Care Facility Visitation and Medical Decisions, many of the Senators voted for it because it would provide benefits (tax dollars) to cohabitating opposite sex couples.
The bill now goes to the House of Delegates where the bill could still be rejected. That will not happen unless they hear from you.
To contact your Delegates go to www.mdelect.net click on Find your Federal and State Elected Officials, enter your address and your Legislators contact information will be available.
The vote was 30-17. Unlike other states DP laws, Maryland’s law extends to cohabitating couples over the age of 18. While the bill was entitled Health Care Facility Visitation and Medical Decisions, many of the Senators voted for it because it would provide benefits (tax dollars) to cohabitating opposite sex couples.
The bill now goes to the House of Delegates where the bill could still be rejected. That will not happen unless they hear from you.
To contact your Delegates go to www.mdelect.net click on Find your Federal and State Elected Officials, enter your address and your Legislators contact information will be available.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Christ has Risen!
Yes, when some of your read this, it will be before Easter. However, I will be away for a few days spending time in Church and with the family.
So, I thought it would be good to wish you and your families a Happy Easter.
I will see you next week.
So, I thought it would be good to wish you and your families a Happy Easter.
I will see you next week.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Support MD State Senate Bill HB288
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) is in opposition to this bill because of it would deny a legal document to someone who has broken the law -- an illegal alien. However, upon further evidence, the facts speak for themselves:
As drafted, the HB 288 prohibits the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) from issuing an identification card, driver’s license, etc. to an individual born on or after December 1, 1964 who cannot provide acceptable documentation certifying citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. Starting December 1, 2017, the prohibition applies to anyone, regardless of age. The bill also allows the MVA to issue such a license or permit to an individual who is lawfully present but who is not a citizen provided that the license, identification card, or permit is effective only for as long as the individual is authorized to remain in the United States under federal law.
Contact your State Senator to voice your opposition to the bill.
And let the MCC know that you have sided against them on this public safety and national security issue.
- Maryland is the only state that does not require proof of legal presence before issuing a driver's license -- a very dangerous practice, esp. given that many places accept drivers licenses as proof of residency.
- Because of this, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Association (MVA) processes apx. 2,000 out-of country applications each week. Last year, the MVA processed apx. 250 per week.
- The Maryland MVA also has special hours for those who are not here legally to to apply for drivers licenses. (Ever see the line before 8am on a weekday? I have.)
As drafted, the HB 288 prohibits the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) from issuing an identification card, driver’s license, etc. to an individual born on or after December 1, 1964 who cannot provide acceptable documentation certifying citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. Starting December 1, 2017, the prohibition applies to anyone, regardless of age. The bill also allows the MVA to issue such a license or permit to an individual who is lawfully present but who is not a citizen provided that the license, identification card, or permit is effective only for as long as the individual is authorized to remain in the United States under federal law.
Contact your State Senator to voice your opposition to the bill.
And let the MCC know that you have sided against them on this public safety and national security issue.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
(Deacon) Dan Stallings - An Update
As you many of you know, Dan Stallings was removed as a Deacon at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Silver Spring, MD), when it was learned that he had been arrested for incest in December of 2007. These acts (over 60 times) occurred in the late 1960's and early 1970's with his step-daughter. Although these acts occurred before he became a Deacon, it does not negate the disgusting crime committed.
On January 16, 2008, a note was distributed to the parishioners of that parish that he was accused of sexual misconduct with one of the participants in the parish youth group in the late 1990's.
On Tuesday (March 18, 2008), he pleaded guilty to five counts of incest and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault in the Montgomery County Circuit Court (Maryland).
He will be sentenced on May 15th.
For the report by WTOP, please click here.
On January 16, 2008, a note was distributed to the parishioners of that parish that he was accused of sexual misconduct with one of the participants in the parish youth group in the late 1990's.
On Tuesday (March 18, 2008), he pleaded guilty to five counts of incest and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault in the Montgomery County Circuit Court (Maryland).
He will be sentenced on May 15th.
For the report by WTOP, please click here.
+++++++++++
Please keep those who were abused by Dan Stallings in your prayers.
Please keep the parishoners of St. John the Evangelist in your prayers too.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Abortion and Mental Health
Normally, I try to limit myself to very specific postings about things that will affect the average Archdiocese of Washington DC Catholic. However, this article over the weekend caught my eye and then quickly disappeared. I thought some of you might find it interesting.
From the TIMESONLINE (March 16, 2008):
Women may be at risk of mental health breakdowns if they have abortions, a medical royal college has warned. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says women should not be allowed to have an abortion until they are counselled on the possible risk to their mental health.
This overturns the consensus that has stood for decades that the risk to mental health of continuing with an unwanted pregnancy outweighs the risks of living with the possible regrets of having an abortion.
For more, click here.
From the TIMESONLINE (March 16, 2008):
Women may be at risk of mental health breakdowns if they have abortions, a medical royal college has warned. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says women should not be allowed to have an abortion until they are counselled on the possible risk to their mental health.
This overturns the consensus that has stood for decades that the risk to mental health of continuing with an unwanted pregnancy outweighs the risks of living with the possible regrets of having an abortion.
For more, click here.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a pet dog for company.
One day the dog died, and Muldoon went to the parish priest and asked, "Father, my dog is dead. Couldya' be saying' a Mass for the poor creature?"
Father Patrick replied, "I'm afraid not; we cannot have services for an animal in the church. But there are some Baptists down the lane, and there's no tellin' what they believe. Maybe they'll do something for the creature."
Muldoon said, "I'll go right away Father. Do ya think $5,000 is enough to donate to them for the service?"
Father Patrick exclaimed, "Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why didn't ya tell me the dog was Catholic?"
+++++
Author's Note: Special thanks for this to my good friend who sent me this a while back. You know who you are.
One day the dog died, and Muldoon went to the parish priest and asked, "Father, my dog is dead. Couldya' be saying' a Mass for the poor creature?"
Father Patrick replied, "I'm afraid not; we cannot have services for an animal in the church. But there are some Baptists down the lane, and there's no tellin' what they believe. Maybe they'll do something for the creature."
Muldoon said, "I'll go right away Father. Do ya think $5,000 is enough to donate to them for the service?"
Father Patrick exclaimed, "Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why didn't ya tell me the dog was Catholic?"
+++++
Author's Note: Special thanks for this to my good friend who sent me this a while back. You know who you are.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Help Stop Maryland Senate SB 566
SB 566 equates unmarried couples with married couples
The full Senate is expected to vote no later than Monday, on on a bill that would equate unmarried couples, both same-sex and heterosexual, with married couples and undermine the current legal status of marriage.
Contact your State Senator and ask him/her to oppose SB 566.
Unfortunately, this is what Catholics get when they vote for pro-homosexual senators such as Sen. Richard Madaleno.
This is what the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) gets when they cozy up to a senator like him.
You get a slow erosion of basic moral values.
The full Senate is expected to vote no later than Monday, on on a bill that would equate unmarried couples, both same-sex and heterosexual, with married couples and undermine the current legal status of marriage.
Contact your State Senator and ask him/her to oppose SB 566.
Unfortunately, this is what Catholics get when they vote for pro-homosexual senators such as Sen. Richard Madaleno.
This is what the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) gets when they cozy up to a senator like him.
You get a slow erosion of basic moral values.
Friday, March 14, 2008
2008 Archbishop's Appeal - Still Waiting
In late January, I wrote that my buddy had requested a statement on where the money raised from the Archbishops Appeal went. A reply was promised.
To date he has still not received a reply. I don't think one will be forthcoming.
To date he has still not received a reply. I don't think one will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Pro-Abortion MD State Senators attempt to muzzle Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers
An article in My Catholic Standard (Archdiocese of Washington DC) reports on the attempts by State Sen. Rickard Madaleno, Forehand and Raskin to force pro-life pregnancy centers to state that they are not required to provide medically accurate information. This is Senate Bill 690.
(Note: I congratulate the editor of My Catholic Standard for finally identifying those who support these pieces of legislation. It is something that I have taken him to task for on previous occasions.)
This is based on a report from NARAL which “investigated” eleven clinics. Now, I did not read the report but remembering NARAL’s previous handiwork, I am always dubious of their reports.
For example, Bernard Nathanson, co-founder of NARAL, always said that the numbers of illegal abortions that were put out were false.
About 15 years ago, one of their top people decided to let the cat out of the bag on violence against clinics? He stated that the numbers were made up. (I use to have an article on him at home but cannot find it. In it, he stated that each year they increased it a little bit just to show that it increased. So, if anyone remembers his name, please let me know. Oh, and this does not mean that there are not acts of violence – and praying in front of a clinic is not an act of violence.)
Finally, remember, pro-life clinics are in direct competition to NARAL and Planned Parenthood. If you can put some doubt in the minds of those who may use the competition, then you can cause the competition a slow death.
State Sen. Madeleno is not only open about his homosexual lifestyle but is also the one pushing to redefine the definition of marriage in the State of Maryland.
Sen. Forehand (also representing Mont. County) is the recipient of the Betty Tyler Public Affairs Award, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, 1992. Although she is not for same sex marriages (although I am not certain of her stance on other options), she is 100% pro-abortion.
Sen. Jamie Raskin has a rating NARAL rating of 100%, and is supported by NOW Maryland. He is proud of the fact that he supports abortion and makes no bones about it.
So, my fellow Catholics, the next time you go to the polls and these politicians are up for re-election, remember to ask yourself: Do they support my Catholic beliefs or do they not? The answer is very clear: they do not and should not be re-elected.
(Note: I congratulate the editor of My Catholic Standard for finally identifying those who support these pieces of legislation. It is something that I have taken him to task for on previous occasions.)
This is based on a report from NARAL which “investigated” eleven clinics. Now, I did not read the report but remembering NARAL’s previous handiwork, I am always dubious of their reports.
For example, Bernard Nathanson, co-founder of NARAL, always said that the numbers of illegal abortions that were put out were false.
About 15 years ago, one of their top people decided to let the cat out of the bag on violence against clinics? He stated that the numbers were made up. (I use to have an article on him at home but cannot find it. In it, he stated that each year they increased it a little bit just to show that it increased. So, if anyone remembers his name, please let me know. Oh, and this does not mean that there are not acts of violence – and praying in front of a clinic is not an act of violence.)
Finally, remember, pro-life clinics are in direct competition to NARAL and Planned Parenthood. If you can put some doubt in the minds of those who may use the competition, then you can cause the competition a slow death.
State Sen. Madeleno is not only open about his homosexual lifestyle but is also the one pushing to redefine the definition of marriage in the State of Maryland.
Sen. Forehand (also representing Mont. County) is the recipient of the Betty Tyler Public Affairs Award, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, 1992. Although she is not for same sex marriages (although I am not certain of her stance on other options), she is 100% pro-abortion.
Sen. Jamie Raskin has a rating NARAL rating of 100%, and is supported by NOW Maryland. He is proud of the fact that he supports abortion and makes no bones about it.
So, my fellow Catholics, the next time you go to the polls and these politicians are up for re-election, remember to ask yourself: Do they support my Catholic beliefs or do they not? The answer is very clear: they do not and should not be re-elected.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Papal Blog
Well, even the Pope's visit has to have a blog.
Created by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), it is only a few days old.
Go and take a look.
Let's come back to this in two weeks to see how it is going.
Created by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), it is only a few days old.
Go and take a look.
Let's come back to this in two weeks to see how it is going.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Gays to Protest the Pope's Visit to DC
According to the Washinton Blade (the paper which caters to gays in DC), it seems that there will be "respectful but forceful" protests against the Pope. For more, you can read it here.
I did find an interesting fact that Heather Mizeur, the openly gay member of the Maryland House of Delegates, is a "practicing Catholic." But she cannot be because she is in a lesbian relationship. This is not a relationship that the Church condones.
According to her election website, she is a member of St. Aloysius Church, (19 Eye Street,N.W.Washington, D.C.).
I wonder if she is taking part in the sacraments and if the pastor and parish staff look the other way. I also wonder if they support that particular lifestyle. My gut feeling is that they are.
I did find an interesting fact that Heather Mizeur, the openly gay member of the Maryland House of Delegates, is a "practicing Catholic." But she cannot be because she is in a lesbian relationship. This is not a relationship that the Church condones.
According to her election website, she is a member of St. Aloysius Church, (19 Eye Street,N.W.Washington, D.C.).
I wonder if she is taking part in the sacraments and if the pastor and parish staff look the other way. I also wonder if they support that particular lifestyle. My gut feeling is that they are.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
An Open Letter to the Editor of My Catholic Standard (Pt. 3)
Note: This is a Part 3 (the last) of An Open Letter to the Editor of My Catholic Standard on an article appearing in the March 6, 2008 edition of the paper. The article dealt with a senior's view of the immigration issue.)
War. Any good liberal will somehow throw Iraq into it. And sure enough, the problem of illegal immigration in our country is due to the Iraq War. I don’t seem to remember a flood of illegal Iraqis at our shores. Do you? I guess it does not matter, because we all know, that Mr. Stewart does not deal in rhetoric, accusations, fears and myths.
Climate Change (formerly Global Warming – it sounds better, esp. when you have colder winters instead of warmer ones) is of course the fault of the US. Yes folks, it is our lifestyle that causes illegal immigration. I guess Mr. Stewart does not drive a car, go on vacation, use air conditioning, a computer, eat meat, etc. All of those cause “climate change” and we know, that those who are the most concerned do whatever they can to decrease their “carbon footprint.”
Once we have been given the very cursory reasons for illegal immigration in this country and the debate that goes on, Mr. Steward illustrates the great materials found on the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) website. Yes, even though it has been shown that they promote half-truths and one sided facts, that did not stop the author from stating that they provide “critical reference materials for promoting serious discussion regarding the issue.”
If Mr. Stewart really wants to make a difference in the lives of those who come here illegally, he should put his time and efforts in those communities and attempt to work with their governments to change how they treat their citizens. To make the change at the end of the cycle, does not solve the root of the problem, only makes it worse.
Once again, it is good to see that My Catholic Standard continues to maintain a high standard of quality articles.
War. Any good liberal will somehow throw Iraq into it. And sure enough, the problem of illegal immigration in our country is due to the Iraq War. I don’t seem to remember a flood of illegal Iraqis at our shores. Do you? I guess it does not matter, because we all know, that Mr. Stewart does not deal in rhetoric, accusations, fears and myths.
Climate Change (formerly Global Warming – it sounds better, esp. when you have colder winters instead of warmer ones) is of course the fault of the US. Yes folks, it is our lifestyle that causes illegal immigration. I guess Mr. Stewart does not drive a car, go on vacation, use air conditioning, a computer, eat meat, etc. All of those cause “climate change” and we know, that those who are the most concerned do whatever they can to decrease their “carbon footprint.”
Once we have been given the very cursory reasons for illegal immigration in this country and the debate that goes on, Mr. Steward illustrates the great materials found on the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) website. Yes, even though it has been shown that they promote half-truths and one sided facts, that did not stop the author from stating that they provide “critical reference materials for promoting serious discussion regarding the issue.”
If Mr. Stewart really wants to make a difference in the lives of those who come here illegally, he should put his time and efforts in those communities and attempt to work with their governments to change how they treat their citizens. To make the change at the end of the cycle, does not solve the root of the problem, only makes it worse.
Once again, it is good to see that My Catholic Standard continues to maintain a high standard of quality articles.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Open Letter to the Editor of My Catholic Standard (Pt. 2)
(Note: This is a Part 2 of An Open Letter to the Editor of My Catholic Standard on an article appearing in the March 6, 2008 edition of the paper. The article dealt with a senior's view of the immigration issue.)
And yes, let us not forget the throwing in of the Civil Rights movement into the argument. No article is complete without it being mentioned. Please note that I did search for the Nazi comparison, and did not find it. I guess the author will probably be taken to the woodshed for that.
Now, we come to the heart of the matter: Why does illegal immigration occur? According to the author it is because of “globalization, war and climate change increase…” (Al Gore would be proud.)
Yes folks, it is globalization that drive these people from their homes to the US.
Who is at fault for this?
Why of course, it is the trade agreements advocated by the US and not the foreign governments who sign them.
Not the governments who allow sub-standard working conditions to take place in factories. Not the government officials who need to be bribed to look the other way. Not the governments who do not look to take care of their citizens.
Nope, it is the US.
Of course, it was these same people 30 years ago who were hollering and screaming about how we should open up the US marketplace to these countries, so that they can sell their goods here.
to be continued...
And yes, let us not forget the throwing in of the Civil Rights movement into the argument. No article is complete without it being mentioned. Please note that I did search for the Nazi comparison, and did not find it. I guess the author will probably be taken to the woodshed for that.
Now, we come to the heart of the matter: Why does illegal immigration occur? According to the author it is because of “globalization, war and climate change increase…” (Al Gore would be proud.)
Yes folks, it is globalization that drive these people from their homes to the US.
Who is at fault for this?
Why of course, it is the trade agreements advocated by the US and not the foreign governments who sign them.
Not the governments who allow sub-standard working conditions to take place in factories. Not the government officials who need to be bribed to look the other way. Not the governments who do not look to take care of their citizens.
Nope, it is the US.
Of course, it was these same people 30 years ago who were hollering and screaming about how we should open up the US marketplace to these countries, so that they can sell their goods here.
to be continued...
Friday, March 7, 2008
Open Letter to the Editor of My Catholic Standard (Pt. 1)
Dear Mr. Zimmerman:
I continue to follow with great interest the continuing pro-illegal immigration articles in My Catholic Standard. Of course, these articles are not chosen simply because they are “newsworthy” but because you are helping to promote the pro-illegal immigration stance of the Archdiocese of Washington DC and the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC). Your latest effort “A senior looks at the immigration controversy” (March 6, 2008 -- page 36) once again shows that there is almost no angle you will take in promoting this topic.
First, the statement by the Center of Concerns is false. Many of us do not deal with the rhetoric, myths, etc. The ones who seem to not deal in the facts are those who are pro-illegal immigration who attempt to tug at the emotional strings of our hearts and minds. They are the ones, who are the first to call those of us who take a harder line on illegal immigration, racists and bigots. Don’t believe me, then look at the statement of Sr. Mary Ann Walsh of the USCCB.
Second, Mr. Stewart uses the rhetoric of the left when talking about those who support your position on illegal immigration as “thoughtful citizens.” I guess those who believe that those breaking the law should be punished are either ignorant or not very thoughtful. I wonder if he would say the same about those of us who support the prosecution of pedophile priests?
To be continued...
I continue to follow with great interest the continuing pro-illegal immigration articles in My Catholic Standard. Of course, these articles are not chosen simply because they are “newsworthy” but because you are helping to promote the pro-illegal immigration stance of the Archdiocese of Washington DC and the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC). Your latest effort “A senior looks at the immigration controversy” (March 6, 2008 -- page 36) once again shows that there is almost no angle you will take in promoting this topic.
First, the statement by the Center of Concerns is false. Many of us do not deal with the rhetoric, myths, etc. The ones who seem to not deal in the facts are those who are pro-illegal immigration who attempt to tug at the emotional strings of our hearts and minds. They are the ones, who are the first to call those of us who take a harder line on illegal immigration, racists and bigots. Don’t believe me, then look at the statement of Sr. Mary Ann Walsh of the USCCB.
Second, Mr. Stewart uses the rhetoric of the left when talking about those who support your position on illegal immigration as “thoughtful citizens.” I guess those who believe that those breaking the law should be punished are either ignorant or not very thoughtful. I wonder if he would say the same about those of us who support the prosecution of pedophile priests?
To be continued...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Catholic Charities, Racism and Hurricane Katrina
Did you know that the problems in assisting the people in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina was due to racism?
Catholic Charities USA issued a document entitled: Poverty and Racism: Overlapping Threats to the Common Good. According to the CNS report:
The document cites various historical examples of how the U.S. government and even the Catholic Church have contributed to racism and racially biased economic inequality. It gives a snapshot of the current reality of racism -- decrying wealth disparity and reflecting on current public debates such as those over immigration reform and Hurricane Katrina.
Wow! I thought that the problem with relief was due to:
(1) the corruption and ineptness of the New Orleans local government to handle this disaster (remember the video of the police officers helping themselves to shoes at the local department store – we call that looting where I come from);
(2) the corruption and ineptness of the state government;
(3) the large number of people who refused to leave the city; and,
(4) the poorly made levees.
Leave it to Catholic Charities to inject racism when all right minded people realize that the cause of the failure with Katrina is due to the failure of local governments.
I am taking them off my giving list.
Catholic Charities USA issued a document entitled: Poverty and Racism: Overlapping Threats to the Common Good. According to the CNS report:
The document cites various historical examples of how the U.S. government and even the Catholic Church have contributed to racism and racially biased economic inequality. It gives a snapshot of the current reality of racism -- decrying wealth disparity and reflecting on current public debates such as those over immigration reform and Hurricane Katrina.
Wow! I thought that the problem with relief was due to:
(1) the corruption and ineptness of the New Orleans local government to handle this disaster (remember the video of the police officers helping themselves to shoes at the local department store – we call that looting where I come from);
(2) the corruption and ineptness of the state government;
(3) the large number of people who refused to leave the city; and,
(4) the poorly made levees.
Leave it to Catholic Charities to inject racism when all right minded people realize that the cause of the failure with Katrina is due to the failure of local governments.
I am taking them off my giving list.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Two Responses to Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House Nany Pelosi (D-CA) was invited to attend Mass at Trinity College in Washington DC in Janary 2008. There was very little coverage of it (if I remember correctly) in The Catholic Standard and little to be heard from by Archibishop Wuerl.
Shortly after the event, Archbishop Wuerl was intereviewed by a reporter from the California Catholic Daily, while attending a Community and Liberation conference. When asked about this, he repeated his statement that this was a matter for the university, he would not make any statement nor ask priests or deacons to refuse her communition. You can read it here for yourself.
Now, I direct you to one Fr. John Malloy, former pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul in San Francisco and his "Open Letter to Nancy Pelosi." (Since I do not have permission to publish it, I can only direct you to it.)
I don't think I need to say more other than: Thank God for Fr. Malloy, SDB.
Shortly after the event, Archbishop Wuerl was intereviewed by a reporter from the California Catholic Daily, while attending a Community and Liberation conference. When asked about this, he repeated his statement that this was a matter for the university, he would not make any statement nor ask priests or deacons to refuse her communition. You can read it here for yourself.
Now, I direct you to one Fr. John Malloy, former pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul in San Francisco and his "Open Letter to Nancy Pelosi." (Since I do not have permission to publish it, I can only direct you to it.)
I don't think I need to say more other than: Thank God for Fr. Malloy, SDB.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Chris Core of WMAL (630AM) Gone
Although I could not always listen to Chris Core (9am - 12noon, M-F) because of work, I tried to do so when I could. In fact, I was even able to call in once in a while.
The best was that I got him to call Nancy Pelosi's office (and urge his listeners to do so too) and ask her to resign after something stupid she (or someone else did).
Mr. Core is a Catholic and made mention of it periodically during his shows.
He was a gentleman on the air and will be missed.
Thank you.
The best was that I got him to call Nancy Pelosi's office (and urge his listeners to do so too) and ask her to resign after something stupid she (or someone else did).
Mr. Core is a Catholic and made mention of it periodically during his shows.
He was a gentleman on the air and will be missed.
Thank you.
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