I normally try not to read The National Catholic Reporter. Part of it is due to the fact that it has such stalwart defenders of the faith as Sr. Joan Chittister and Bishop Gumbleton and Joe Feuerherd (just kidding), and part of it because I like to keep my blood pressure normal.
I stumbled across a series of articles called Young Voices. This week's article, by Kate Childs Graham, discusses the current visit of Mother Mary Clare Millea, ASCJ. As you would expect, Miss (or is it Ms. or Mrs.) welcomes this visit and explains that she too wanted to be a nun. But lo and behold, she is not a nun. Why? As she says:
You see, my discernment to religious life was inextricably linked with my guilt and self-reproach in discovering my identity as a lesbian woman.
However, it was not only coming to terms with my sexual orientation that steered me away from becoming a woman religious, it was also the inherent sexism I saw in our church.
In the spirit of full disclosure, you will be glad to know that while I still try to heed my call to lead a religious life, God has guided me toward my call to married life. My partner, Ariana, and I have now been married just shy of six months. I do wish that one day both women and men religious who feel a call to religious life but not to celibate life will be able to fully heed their call. (Now you know why I offered three different prefixes for her.)
Nope. It isn't because of New Age practices entering into our religious orders. It isn't because of changes in sexual mores in the US. It isn't because of poor religious instruction in Catholic schools or even the failure of us to pray like we should for religious vocations. It isn't because many of our religious feel that it is "all about me" and not "all about God."
Nope. It is because of the inherent sexism in the Church.
So you see Mother Mary Clare Millea, ASCJ, there is no need for you to travel around the US asking questions. (Sister what's her name will not need to worry about even inviting you into the parlor.) No need for you to attempt to determine why orders that are faithful to the Magisterium have an increase in vocations, while those who are not, are seeing their numbers slowly shrink.
You got your answer from Kate Childs Graham. She knows. She knows first hand.
Yeah, right.
As my mother would say: God give us strength.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
God Even Uses Hillary to reveal many things...
One of the thing the supporters of the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama do not tell you is the full story about Sec. of State Hillary Clinton's visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They all seem to latch on to the fact that she received a "blessing" from the rector -- although the stories that I have seen do not indicate it.
Of more importance, is her gaffe. From CNA:
Msgr. Monroy took Mrs. Clinton to the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been previously lowered from its usual altar for the occasion.
After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked “who painted it?” to which Msgr. Monroy responded “God!”
Further...
Leaving the basilica half an hour later, Mrs. Clinton told some of the Mexicans gathered outside to greet her, “you have a marvelous virgin!”
Later that evening, she received the highest award given by Planned Parenthood Federation of America -- the Margaret Sanger Award, named for the organization's founder, a noted eugenicist.
Now, this says many things about Hillary and the administration of the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama. God reminds her about the Mother of God and about Himself, yet she remains clueless and even adds insult to injury by receiving an award from the most radical, pro-abortion group in the country. But not only do the supporters of the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama ignore this ignorance, they further look the other way when she receives an award named after a noted eugenicist.
It reveals many things about Obama, Hillary and their supporters.
Of more importance, is her gaffe. From CNA:
Msgr. Monroy took Mrs. Clinton to the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been previously lowered from its usual altar for the occasion.
After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked “who painted it?” to which Msgr. Monroy responded “God!”
Further...
Leaving the basilica half an hour later, Mrs. Clinton told some of the Mexicans gathered outside to greet her, “you have a marvelous virgin!”
Later that evening, she received the highest award given by Planned Parenthood Federation of America -- the Margaret Sanger Award, named for the organization's founder, a noted eugenicist.
Now, this says many things about Hillary and the administration of the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama. God reminds her about the Mother of God and about Himself, yet she remains clueless and even adds insult to injury by receiving an award from the most radical, pro-abortion group in the country. But not only do the supporters of the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama ignore this ignorance, they further look the other way when she receives an award named after a noted eugenicist.
It reveals many things about Obama, Hillary and their supporters.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Well, which is it?
According to the Wed., March 25th on-line edition of the Washington Times:
Archbishop Naumann, meanwhile, has been in contact with Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of the Washington Diocese to inform him of the Kansas City prelate's discussions with Mrs. Sebelius.
A spokesman for Archbishop Wuerl said church officials in Washington would act in accordance with the admonition from Kansas City. A church official in Washington said the admonition does not prohibit priests from serving Mrs. Sebelius if she does present herself, but declined to speculate on what would happen in that event.
So which is it? Are we leaving this up to the individual priest? Please don't put the regular parish priest in that situation. Give him some guidance. Either he can or cannot.
The article further states:
The Rev. Lawrence DiNardo, who served as Archbishop Wuerl's chief canon attorney during the archbishop's 18-year tenure in Pittsburgh before being transferred to Washington in 2006, said he expects his former boss to wait until Mrs. Sebelius is confirmed as HHS secretary before doing anything.
"I am sure this crossed his mind, but the issue has not yet arisen, so anything said is speculative," he said.
Archbishop Wuerl "is a very loyal person to the church, very thoughtful, very pastoral," he added. "He'll take all different issues into consideration as he makes a judgment. He always tries to make everything a teachable moment."
Hopefully, we will have one voice speak, speak clearly and and soon.
Archbishop Naumann, meanwhile, has been in contact with Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of the Washington Diocese to inform him of the Kansas City prelate's discussions with Mrs. Sebelius.
A spokesman for Archbishop Wuerl said church officials in Washington would act in accordance with the admonition from Kansas City. A church official in Washington said the admonition does not prohibit priests from serving Mrs. Sebelius if she does present herself, but declined to speculate on what would happen in that event.
So which is it? Are we leaving this up to the individual priest? Please don't put the regular parish priest in that situation. Give him some guidance. Either he can or cannot.
The article further states:
The Rev. Lawrence DiNardo, who served as Archbishop Wuerl's chief canon attorney during the archbishop's 18-year tenure in Pittsburgh before being transferred to Washington in 2006, said he expects his former boss to wait until Mrs. Sebelius is confirmed as HHS secretary before doing anything.
"I am sure this crossed his mind, but the issue has not yet arisen, so anything said is speculative," he said.
Archbishop Wuerl "is a very loyal person to the church, very thoughtful, very pastoral," he added. "He'll take all different issues into consideration as he makes a judgment. He always tries to make everything a teachable moment."
Hopefully, we will have one voice speak, speak clearly and and soon.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
One of the Postings that Started it All...
One of the first responses to the invitation of the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama, was an open letter to Fr. Jenkins written by a lawyer and graduate of ND.
He also has a follow-up to it.
If you have not done so, I encourage you to sign the petition adding your name to the over 100,000 others like myself who are disgusted.
Now, that His Excellency John M. D’Arcy, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend has declined the invitation to attend the commencement, now it is time for all members of the Catholic clergy to call upon Fr. Jenkins do what is right and ask the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama not to come.
He also has a follow-up to it.
If you have not done so, I encourage you to sign the petition adding your name to the over 100,000 others like myself who are disgusted.
Now, that His Excellency John M. D’Arcy, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend has declined the invitation to attend the commencement, now it is time for all members of the Catholic clergy to call upon Fr. Jenkins do what is right and ask the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama not to come.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Silencing the Opposition
Archbishop Wuerl's column in this week's in the Catholic Standard states:
As the editorial in this week's paper points out, "hardly a day goes by that there are not magazine articles, newspaper ads, letters to the editor, blogs or other public declarations in which some people are denounced for being less Catholic, less orthodox, less open, less progressive, less faithful, less whatever, than the person pointing the finger." Incrimination of others has become a hallmark among some groups and individuals in the Catholic Church in our country today.
He continues:
The more I reflect on our current level of Christian discourse, particularly in some of the highly opinionated publications, I sense the wisdom in the homily by my brother bishop when he reminded all of us that the division of the house into sheep and goats is really the task of the Lord in his role as Judge. In the meantime, unless we can truly say we are without sin, we should not cast the first or any stone.
But I wonder if his column and the Catholic Standards's editorial are due to the fact that there is much criticism of him and his stewardship of this Archdiocese. In particular, last week, it was reported widely in the Catholic press, that a group of Catholics have requested that His Holiness, Pope Benedict, remove Archbishop Wuerl for his lack of leadership on key issues.
As the bishop in capital of the United States, the Archbishop has a unique position and can use it to strongly advocate for life, to remind those Catholic politicians when they fall short and to ensure that various Catholic institutions remain faithful to the Church. Yet time and time again, there has either been silence or a watered down response.
At my job, when I do not measure up to standards, then my supervisor will take me to task. My trusted co-workers will come to me and ask my why I am not doing what I should be doing.
I do not say to them "When you reply to your emails on time, then come and speak with me." or "Learn how to better estimate what a job really costs, so that we are not working overtime w/o pay." No, I say, "You are correct on this and I will make certain to do a better job."
The Archbishop has a responsibility to his flock and to the Church as a whole. His column and editorial shows that maybe, just maybe, he has finally gotten the message that many of us have little confidence in his leadership.
Instead of stepping up to the plate and saying that he will do better, he has decided attempt to silence those who criticize him.
As the editorial in this week's paper points out, "hardly a day goes by that there are not magazine articles, newspaper ads, letters to the editor, blogs or other public declarations in which some people are denounced for being less Catholic, less orthodox, less open, less progressive, less faithful, less whatever, than the person pointing the finger." Incrimination of others has become a hallmark among some groups and individuals in the Catholic Church in our country today.
He continues:
The more I reflect on our current level of Christian discourse, particularly in some of the highly opinionated publications, I sense the wisdom in the homily by my brother bishop when he reminded all of us that the division of the house into sheep and goats is really the task of the Lord in his role as Judge. In the meantime, unless we can truly say we are without sin, we should not cast the first or any stone.
But I wonder if his column and the Catholic Standards's editorial are due to the fact that there is much criticism of him and his stewardship of this Archdiocese. In particular, last week, it was reported widely in the Catholic press, that a group of Catholics have requested that His Holiness, Pope Benedict, remove Archbishop Wuerl for his lack of leadership on key issues.
As the bishop in capital of the United States, the Archbishop has a unique position and can use it to strongly advocate for life, to remind those Catholic politicians when they fall short and to ensure that various Catholic institutions remain faithful to the Church. Yet time and time again, there has either been silence or a watered down response.
At my job, when I do not measure up to standards, then my supervisor will take me to task. My trusted co-workers will come to me and ask my why I am not doing what I should be doing.
I do not say to them "When you reply to your emails on time, then come and speak with me." or "Learn how to better estimate what a job really costs, so that we are not working overtime w/o pay." No, I say, "You are correct on this and I will make certain to do a better job."
The Archbishop has a responsibility to his flock and to the Church as a whole. His column and editorial shows that maybe, just maybe, he has finally gotten the message that many of us have little confidence in his leadership.
Instead of stepping up to the plate and saying that he will do better, he has decided attempt to silence those who criticize him.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Notre Dame Scandal -- Help Prevent It!
Sign the Petition to help stop the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama from receiving an honorary doctor of laws degree at the University of Notre Dame’s 164th University commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. May 17.
In less than 48 hours, over 10,000 signatures were received.
Will you not join?
Click here to sign the petition: http://www.notredamescandal.com/
In less than 48 hours, over 10,000 signatures were received.
Will you not join?
Click here to sign the petition: http://www.notredamescandal.com/
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Need to find Catholic Church, Confession or Mass Schedule...
When the Archdiocese of Washington DC does something right, it is important to acknowledge it.
They have created a Catholic Church, Mass/Confession locator. Enter your zip code, the language you speak, etc. to find a Catholic Church near you. (Unfortunately, Holy Trinity is listed.)
http://directory.adw.org/directory
+++++++++++++++++++
Help Stop Obama at Notre Dame, sign the petition.
They have created a Catholic Church, Mass/Confession locator. Enter your zip code, the language you speak, etc. to find a Catholic Church near you. (Unfortunately, Holy Trinity is listed.)
http://directory.adw.org/directory
+++++++++++++++++++
Help Stop Obama at Notre Dame, sign the petition.
Pro-Life in Action: Saving the Life of the Frail Unborn
What happens when a pregnant woman is told her unborn child has some ghastly defect?
A small army of doctors and genetics counselors arrive on the scene with one message: End the pregnancy and get one of those horrendous second or third-trimester abortions, where the child perches on the edge of viability.
Recently, I've become aware of a network of Catholics who are fighting such dire diagnoses with Web sites and support groups. Anna Lise "Cubby" LaHood was 13 weeks pregnant in the spring of 1988 when she was informed that her unborn son, Francis, had polycystic kidney disease. He would only live briefly outside the womb.
To read more about Cubby and Dan LaHood and their work, go to The Washington Times.
A small army of doctors and genetics counselors arrive on the scene with one message: End the pregnancy and get one of those horrendous second or third-trimester abortions, where the child perches on the edge of viability.
Recently, I've become aware of a network of Catholics who are fighting such dire diagnoses with Web sites and support groups. Anna Lise "Cubby" LaHood was 13 weeks pregnant in the spring of 1988 when she was informed that her unborn son, Francis, had polycystic kidney disease. He would only live briefly outside the womb.
To read more about Cubby and Dan LaHood and their work, go to The Washington Times.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Dissenters and Now Porn at Georgetown University
Catholic Online had the following story:
Jesuit-run Georgetown University promoted "Sex Positivity" week on campus from February 24-February 28, 2009. Condoning sexual misconduct and deviance places undergraduate students, many of whom are still legally considered to be minors, in a potentially predatory and psychologically abusive environment.
On February 24, a session featured a speaker from a pro-fetishism, pro-bondage, and pro-cross-dressing organization. On February 25, Ash Wednesday, the session on "Torn about Porn?" discussed alternative forms of pornography that are allegedly not exploitative. On February 28, pornographic film maker/director Tristan Taormino and open marriage promoter Jenny Block addressed "Relationships Beyond Monogamy." The Guerilla Theatre advertised a public square event with people on soapboxes arguing about pornography, and with soapbox readings of 'sex-positive' poetry during class breaks.
Where was the Rev. Thomas Reese, S.J., senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center of Georgetown University on this matter? I guess he was to busy working on his defense of okaying the destruction of human embryos to notice.
For the complete story, click here.
Jesuit-run Georgetown University promoted "Sex Positivity" week on campus from February 24-February 28, 2009. Condoning sexual misconduct and deviance places undergraduate students, many of whom are still legally considered to be minors, in a potentially predatory and psychologically abusive environment.
On February 24, a session featured a speaker from a pro-fetishism, pro-bondage, and pro-cross-dressing organization. On February 25, Ash Wednesday, the session on "Torn about Porn?" discussed alternative forms of pornography that are allegedly not exploitative. On February 28, pornographic film maker/director Tristan Taormino and open marriage promoter Jenny Block addressed "Relationships Beyond Monogamy." The Guerilla Theatre advertised a public square event with people on soapboxes arguing about pornography, and with soapbox readings of 'sex-positive' poetry during class breaks.
Where was the Rev. Thomas Reese, S.J., senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center of Georgetown University on this matter? I guess he was to busy working on his defense of okaying the destruction of human embryos to notice.
For the complete story, click here.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
It's good to see...
The March 12th print edition of the Catholic Standard has done something that I have been advocating for over a year now.
On their cover story on BOAST, they had a photo of Del. James E. Proctor, Jr. with a group of school children. He is one of the primary sponisors of BOAST. What a great way to recognize those who support us. As opposed to putting someone on the cover with the hope that they will support you in the future.
In addition, they also list all of those who are not on board with it from Mont. County: Del. K. Barve, Del. Frick, Del. Gilchrist, Del. Hixson, Del. Kaiser, Del. Rice, Del. King, Del. Kramer and Sen. Madaleno, Jr.
Take a moment to write to thank those who support BOAST and to urge those who do not support BOAST.
This is a good sign. Catholics will now learn a bit more who is on their side.
For the on-line version, click here.
On their cover story on BOAST, they had a photo of Del. James E. Proctor, Jr. with a group of school children. He is one of the primary sponisors of BOAST. What a great way to recognize those who support us. As opposed to putting someone on the cover with the hope that they will support you in the future.
In addition, they also list all of those who are not on board with it from Mont. County: Del. K. Barve, Del. Frick, Del. Gilchrist, Del. Hixson, Del. Kaiser, Del. Rice, Del. King, Del. Kramer and Sen. Madaleno, Jr.
Take a moment to write to thank those who support BOAST and to urge those who do not support BOAST.
This is a good sign. Catholics will now learn a bit more who is on their side.
For the on-line version, click here.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Archbishop Wuerl and HHS Secretary Sebelius
The Archbishop of Kansas City has publicly asked former KS Gov. Sebelius not to receive communion. This will present a bit of a bind for Archbishop Wuerl of Washington DC.
Since Sebelius will probably reside in DC or Maryland (there is the possibility she may live in VA), will Archbishop Wuerl also ask HHS Secretary Sebelius not to receive Holy Communion, and join in support of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann?
Personally, I do not believe that Archbishop Wuerl will do anything. But what do you think? Take the poll on the right.
+++++++++++++++++
Correction!
On Feb. 23rd, I posted an article and incorrectly referred to Project Gabriel instead of Project Rachael. I have corrected it but also left a note updating the posting and indicating my error. Apologies to all and thank you to the reader for correcting my error.
Since Sebelius will probably reside in DC or Maryland (there is the possibility she may live in VA), will Archbishop Wuerl also ask HHS Secretary Sebelius not to receive Holy Communion, and join in support of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann?
Personally, I do not believe that Archbishop Wuerl will do anything. But what do you think? Take the poll on the right.
+++++++++++++++++
Correction!
On Feb. 23rd, I posted an article and incorrectly referred to Project Gabriel instead of Project Rachael. I have corrected it but also left a note updating the posting and indicating my error. Apologies to all and thank you to the reader for correcting my error.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Four Million Dollars for Education
Based on the results of the Tuition Assistance Opportunity Fund, the Archdiocese has determined that it will increase this amount for the 2009-2010 school year.
This is a great thing. It will help keep some children from leaving and may attract others.
Unfortunately, it may be too little too late. We know that two schools will close by June 2009. Next year, the target is Montgomery County.
This is a great thing. It will help keep some children from leaving and may attract others.
Unfortunately, it may be too little too late. We know that two schools will close by June 2009. Next year, the target is Montgomery County.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Archbishop Wuerl - Ban VOTF Now!
The recent attempt by two homosexual legislators and VOTF member Tom Gallagher to violate the First Amendment in their attempt to change how the Catholic Church is run in Connecticut, have (for now) given up. If they had been successful, you know that it would have been the start of many such lawsuits.
I am urging Archbishop Wuerl to ban VOTF permanently from every Roman Catholic facility in the Archdiocese of Washington DC.
We know that VOTF met at St. Rose of Lima in Gaithersburg (don't know if they still meet there, since not all meetings appear on the weekly calendar).
They still meet at Holy Trinity in Georgetown and have a page on their website, advertising their monthly meetings. (What else do you expect from them.)
Archbishop Wuerl, it is time to take a stand. Ban VOTF now. You have the authority to do so.
If the pastors and priests of those parishes and facilities do not abide by your decision, then ask them to leave the Archdiocese immediately. You have the authority to do so.
It is time to take a stand.
I am urging Archbishop Wuerl to ban VOTF permanently from every Roman Catholic facility in the Archdiocese of Washington DC.
We know that VOTF met at St. Rose of Lima in Gaithersburg (don't know if they still meet there, since not all meetings appear on the weekly calendar).
They still meet at Holy Trinity in Georgetown and have a page on their website, advertising their monthly meetings. (What else do you expect from them.)
Archbishop Wuerl, it is time to take a stand. Ban VOTF now. You have the authority to do so.
If the pastors and priests of those parishes and facilities do not abide by your decision, then ask them to leave the Archdiocese immediately. You have the authority to do so.
It is time to take a stand.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Catholic Standard - Some Good News
This weekend, I was reading my copy of the Catholic Standard, the newspaper of the Archidiocese of Washington DC. While reading it, I noticed a bit of change in the stories.
Over the last year, I was suprised over and over by stories that praised pro-abortion and pro-gay politicians. Then, the stories became very bland, not much to it, and probably should be shut down. This week, I started to see some "harder" hitting stories such as on the the HHS regulations and the nominated Secretary.
I was also pleasantly suprised to see their mission statement:
Carroll Publishing Company is a Catholic media organization that communicates the teachings of Jesus Christ, as proclaimed by the Church's teaching office and lived by the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Washington and beyond. With its two newspapers, and through other media, it exists to bring readers accurate news and information about the church and its role in the local and larger community, and on a national and international level. As an instrument of education and evangelization, it builds up the faith and unity of the local church, and provides a forum for the expression of respectful views consistent with church teaching. Its work defends the God-given dignity of all humanity, serves a Catholic community rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, and inspires people to lead holy and faith-filled lives.
In addition, there was a note from Mr. Thomas H. Schmidt, the General Manager, on letters to the editor. Although I would worry that those of us who strongly oppose illegal immigration and support the death penalty will not be shut out of having our letters published, we will wait and see.
As I said, I was pleasantly suprised and hope to see an improvement in the stories over the longer term.
Over the last year, I was suprised over and over by stories that praised pro-abortion and pro-gay politicians. Then, the stories became very bland, not much to it, and probably should be shut down. This week, I started to see some "harder" hitting stories such as on the the HHS regulations and the nominated Secretary.
I was also pleasantly suprised to see their mission statement:
Carroll Publishing Company is a Catholic media organization that communicates the teachings of Jesus Christ, as proclaimed by the Church's teaching office and lived by the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Washington and beyond. With its two newspapers, and through other media, it exists to bring readers accurate news and information about the church and its role in the local and larger community, and on a national and international level. As an instrument of education and evangelization, it builds up the faith and unity of the local church, and provides a forum for the expression of respectful views consistent with church teaching. Its work defends the God-given dignity of all humanity, serves a Catholic community rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, and inspires people to lead holy and faith-filled lives.
In addition, there was a note from Mr. Thomas H. Schmidt, the General Manager, on letters to the editor. Although I would worry that those of us who strongly oppose illegal immigration and support the death penalty will not be shut out of having our letters published, we will wait and see.
As I said, I was pleasantly suprised and hope to see an improvement in the stories over the longer term.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
DC Opportunity Scholarships - A Death Sentence for Children and DC Catholic Schools?
This week, the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) sent out an email alert asking all members of the Archdiocese of Washington to help save the DC Opportunity Scholarships.
The Wall St. Journal profiles two of the recipients:
Dick Durbin has a nasty surprise for two of Sasha and Malia Obama's new schoolmates. And it puts the president in an awkward position. (He couldn't give a dead rat's butt about this to be honest. IMHO.)
The children are Sarah and James Parker. Like the Obama girls, Sarah and James attend the Sidwell Friends School in our nation's capital. Unlike the Obama girls, they could not afford the school without the $7,500 voucher they receive from the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program. Unfortunately, a spending bill the Senate takes up this week includes a poison pill that would kill this program -- and with it perhaps the Parker children's hopes for a Sidwell diploma.
Known as the "Durbin language" after the Illinois Democrat who came up with it last year, the provision mandates that the scholarship program ends after the next school year unless Congress reauthorizes it and the District of Columbia approves. The beauty of this language is that it allows opponents to kill the program simply by doing nothing. Just the sort of sneaky maneuver that's so handy when you don't want inner-city moms and dads to catch on that you are cutting one of their lifelines.
That's the reality that the Parkers and 1,700 other low-income students face if Sen. Durbin and his allies get their way. And it points to perhaps the most odious of double standards in American life today: the way some of our loudest champions of public education vote to keep other people's children -- mostly inner-city blacks and Latinos -- trapped in schools where they'd never let their own kids set foot.
The MCC tells us that of the 1,700 students helped, almost 900 of them attend Catholic schools! Wow. Can you imagine that not only will these students will be given almost a education death sentence (and we all know how the MCC is against the death penalty) but will be the death knell for how many more Catholic schools?
To many of us, this may seem outrageous. How can Dick Durbin (Dem - IL and Senate Majority Whip), Eleanor Holmes Norton (Dem - DC) and the others allow are children to suffer in this manner?
It is easy and something that I have been saying for a couple of years: they know you will vote over and over again for them, no matter how they make your children suffer, no matter how many children are aborted, etc.
So, I have a couple of questions:
If you are an employee of the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) do you regularly vote Democrat? Did you vote to keep the Democratic Party the majority party?
If you are an employee of the Archdiocese of Washington (or just stationed here), did you vote for the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama and to keep the Democratic Party the majority in the Congress?
Are you Catholic and does your child (children) participate in this program? Did you vote for the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama and to keep a Democratic majority in the Congress?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, they you have gotten what you voted for. You have a choice when it comes to abortion, but no choice when it come to education.
The Wall St. Journal profiles two of the recipients:
Dick Durbin has a nasty surprise for two of Sasha and Malia Obama's new schoolmates. And it puts the president in an awkward position. (He couldn't give a dead rat's butt about this to be honest. IMHO.)
The children are Sarah and James Parker. Like the Obama girls, Sarah and James attend the Sidwell Friends School in our nation's capital. Unlike the Obama girls, they could not afford the school without the $7,500 voucher they receive from the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program. Unfortunately, a spending bill the Senate takes up this week includes a poison pill that would kill this program -- and with it perhaps the Parker children's hopes for a Sidwell diploma.
Known as the "Durbin language" after the Illinois Democrat who came up with it last year, the provision mandates that the scholarship program ends after the next school year unless Congress reauthorizes it and the District of Columbia approves. The beauty of this language is that it allows opponents to kill the program simply by doing nothing. Just the sort of sneaky maneuver that's so handy when you don't want inner-city moms and dads to catch on that you are cutting one of their lifelines.
That's the reality that the Parkers and 1,700 other low-income students face if Sen. Durbin and his allies get their way. And it points to perhaps the most odious of double standards in American life today: the way some of our loudest champions of public education vote to keep other people's children -- mostly inner-city blacks and Latinos -- trapped in schools where they'd never let their own kids set foot.
The MCC tells us that of the 1,700 students helped, almost 900 of them attend Catholic schools! Wow. Can you imagine that not only will these students will be given almost a education death sentence (and we all know how the MCC is against the death penalty) but will be the death knell for how many more Catholic schools?
To many of us, this may seem outrageous. How can Dick Durbin (Dem - IL and Senate Majority Whip), Eleanor Holmes Norton (Dem - DC) and the others allow are children to suffer in this manner?
It is easy and something that I have been saying for a couple of years: they know you will vote over and over again for them, no matter how they make your children suffer, no matter how many children are aborted, etc.
So, I have a couple of questions:
If you are an employee of the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) do you regularly vote Democrat? Did you vote to keep the Democratic Party the majority party?
If you are an employee of the Archdiocese of Washington (or just stationed here), did you vote for the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama and to keep the Democratic Party the majority in the Congress?
Are you Catholic and does your child (children) participate in this program? Did you vote for the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama and to keep a Democratic majority in the Congress?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, they you have gotten what you voted for. You have a choice when it comes to abortion, but no choice when it come to education.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
New Addition to the Blog
Over the course of the last few months, I have been reading a couple of other blogs. One that I enjoy is Fr. Joe's Blog.
Fr. Joe is Father Joseph Jenkins and the pastor of Holy Family Church, Mitchellville, MD in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC.
Go over and take a look whenever you are in the mood.
Fr. Joe is Father Joseph Jenkins and the pastor of Holy Family Church, Mitchellville, MD in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC.
Go over and take a look whenever you are in the mood.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Maryland Catholic Conference - A Shrunken Agenda
Have you noticed that the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) does not seem to be taking on as many issues as they have in the past. I don't know if that is a realization (1) that they attempted to take on too much (2) they got involved in too many controversial issues, such as reduced tuition for illegal aliens and it backfired on them or (3) they are just simply failing.
For example, the MCC only seems to be attempting to support/tackle two issues in the area of education: BOAST and the Textbook Funding program. There is no mention of vouchers for the parents in Maryland.
In addition, they still seem to be hung up on the Hate Crimes Against the Homeless. Why should crimes against the homeless be a hate crime and those against members of my family are just regular run of the mill crimes? Talk about your political correctness!
As I have said before, maybe it is time to scrap the MCC as it currently is organized and start all over again.
For example, the MCC only seems to be attempting to support/tackle two issues in the area of education: BOAST and the Textbook Funding program. There is no mention of vouchers for the parents in Maryland.
In addition, they still seem to be hung up on the Hate Crimes Against the Homeless. Why should crimes against the homeless be a hate crime and those against members of my family are just regular run of the mill crimes? Talk about your political correctness!
As I have said before, maybe it is time to scrap the MCC as it currently is organized and start all over again.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Stop Maryand Senate Bill 279
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) has invested a huge amount of time and money into passing Senate Bill 279, which would repeal the death penalty.
I for one support the death penalty and oppose their support of it.
I support if for those who rape women.
I support it for those who would kill members of law enforcement.
I support it for those who kill innocent children.
Therefore, I urge all of you to contact your Maryland State Senate and urge them to stop Senate Bill 279. I did.
If the death penalty is not a deterrent, then why do they fight to abolish it. They should just ignore it.
I for one support the death penalty and oppose their support of it.
I support if for those who rape women.
I support it for those who would kill members of law enforcement.
I support it for those who kill innocent children.
Therefore, I urge all of you to contact your Maryland State Senate and urge them to stop Senate Bill 279. I did.
If the death penalty is not a deterrent, then why do they fight to abolish it. They should just ignore it.
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