Saturday, December 01, 2007

No reason for Embryonic Stem Cell Research (as I have said many times)

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ZENIT, The world seen from Rome
News Agency
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Stem Cell Breakthrough Seen as Providential

Church Only Opposes Anti-Human Research, Says Official


ROME, NOV. 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The president of a group of Catholic medical associations welcomed the news of a stem cell research method that doesn't destroy human embryos, saying divine providence is indicating a path to researches and doctors.

Doctor Josep Simón, president of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, told ZENIT that the breakthrough published Nov. 20 is particularly appealing to Western results-based societies. Two reports published last week showed how scientists generated pluripotent stem cells from human skin cells. The method avoids the ethical concerns raised by embryo-destructive research.

FULL STORY HERE:
http://www.zenit.org/article-21151?l=english



Fathers and Abortion


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ZENIT, The world seen from Rome
News Agency
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Abortion's 3rd Victim: Dad

U.S. Conference Focuses on Reclaiming Fatherhood
By Carrie Gress

SAN FRANCISCO, California, NOV. 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Men also suffer from abortions because they grieve the loss of their fatherhood, said the founder of Project Rachel.

Project Rachel, along with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing (NOPARH), sponsored the first U.S. conference to focus on the effects of abortion on men. The event concluded today at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco.

Vickie Thorn, the executive director of NOPARH and founder of Project Rachel for post-abortive women, told ZENIT on a trip to Rome that grieving men can't be forgotten, "After all, it takes two parents."

FULL STORY HERE:
http://www.zenit.org/article-21145?l=english


Another Padre Pio Miracle!

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ZENIT, The world seen from Rome
News Agency
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Padre Pio Credited With Parish's Conversion

Former Orthodox Woman Says Saint Obtained Cure for Her



PESCEANA, Romania, NOV. 28, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The 71-year-old mother of a former Orthodox priest says she was cured of lung cancer through the intercession of Padre Pio. After the apparent miracle, the priest explained, he and his mother, and members of his parish, have become Catholics.

FULL STORY HERE:
http://www.zenit.org/article-21136?l=english



The Vote That Resurrected Israel



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <Thoenebooks.com>
Date: Nov 30, 2007 11:13 PM
Log on to www.CBN.com and click on the news page to find the powerful video about Israel's rebirth as a nation.
 Written and produced by CBN news staff, John Waage, Chris Mitchell and Deborah Bunting,
The Vote That Resurrected Israel",  features Brock and Bodie Thoene among noted historians and gives
a historically accurate picture of the opposition to the nation of Israel in 1947 and now. 
For those of you who read Gates of Zion,  you will remember the historic struggle for Israel's survival!
Hear Brock and Bodie as they share the truth about Israel's miraculous and prophetic rebirth!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Bless Israel and God's beloved people each day as you pray!
The Voted That Resurrected Israel!
See it now!

log on now www.CBN.com

To purchase autographed Thoene books like
 Gates of Zion
and Thoene audiobooks for Christmas, log on to
www.FamilyAudioLibrary.com

One More on The Golden Compass

Got an email last night with another link. Interesting that the Catholic has such a different perspective from so many others!

From the article:

Boston University Professor Donna Freitus is a Catholic and claims the book is completely opposite of what most think.

"It's this story of salvation and awakening to God not the death of God. It's not God at all who's dying. It's the first angel. A corrupt angel who has ruled with an iron fist," Freitus says.

She goes on to say "When children read these books, they are reading them like a child. I read the lion, witch, and wardrobe as a child. I had no idea Aslan was Jesus," says Freitus.

I don't know how she could not know who Aslan was, but then I am not sure how old she was when she read it, either. BUT, she is a 'devoted fan' of Pullman according to the Boston University's bio of her. I find it interesting to see how HER opinion of his work can be so very different from what so many others say.... So again, if you choose to see the movie, buy the books, at least be aware of the potential problems, especially if you are getting them for children.


The email from a friend:
The "Catholic" is Boston University professor Donna Freitus, who claims it is about "awakening to God, not the death of God"  Yeah, right.  One reason I won't give a plugged nickel for my kids to attend most "Catholic" colleges or universities (IF I had the money).  I'd prefer a secular one or a TRUE Catholic college/university......
 



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Friday, November 30, 2007

More on the Golden Compass...

I wrote this a day ago for one of my yahoo groups.

God bless!

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Date: Nov 29, 2007 6:13 PM
"It can be used to teach Truth".

That is technically the argument used last night on Fox News.... The first video below has a woman who says she goes to Mass six days a week, and this IS her argument...The other two are just others that have been on Fox about the movie.... The link MAY just take you to the search page, but the click on the Critics say movie is anti-religious and it will come up. I do not know why this one is NOT posted on the main video page. The others are older. This first one was on Hannity and Colmes last night.

Her name is Flavia Colgan and Ralph Reed is the male guest. Alan Colmes doesn't seem to realize that this film has NOT yet come out. I searched at the Fox News site for The Golden Compass and then clicked on video at the top of the search in order to finally find this interview. Please listen to it for the 'read it/see it/it is good for dialogue argument. HOWEVER, it seems to me that the interview was longer than this, but I may be wrong there. I was VERY anxious to listen to this a second time, and rewound it on the cable thingy a few times. I then started looking for it on the videos last night, but it didn't show up. Today, it is there only if you search for it. It MAY show up later.

[VIDEO] Critics say movie is anti-religious

"The Golden Compass" Controversy - Critics say movie is anti-religious

www.foxnews.com/video2/launchPage.h... - 1k - 2007-11-29

[VIDEO] 'The Golden Compass' sparks controversy among parents

Dark Tales? - 'The Golden Compass' sparks controversy among parents

www.foxnews.com/video2/launchPage.h... - 1k - 2007-11-15

[VIDEO] Some Catholic leaders upset over new Nicole Kidman movie

'Golden Compass' Controversy - Some Catholic leaders upset over new Nicole Kidman movie

www.foxnews.com/video2/launchPage.h... - 1k - 2007-10-09


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Long Warning on The Golden Compass

Pete Vere  and Sandra Meisel (a well known Catholic literary critic and author) have just completed a short book about the the serious problems with "The Golden Compass". It's titled Pied Piper of Atheism: Philip Pullman and Children's Fantasy . It is not yet published, but will be soon, apparently.

There has been a lot of discussion about this movie and the trilogy it is based on. Here, though this is long, I am going to give you much of the information that I have found online in ONE entry on my blog. I will put a second one on with videos on the topic. Once you are informed, if you choose to see the movie or purchase the books, it is with eye's wide open.

Please note the final section here, with a mother's reaction to the book. HER concern is the oversexualisation of an eleven year old.

First, because of some concerns, I found these:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
http://catholicleague.org/catalyst.php?year=2007&month=October&read=2322
Watch the video that is hyper-linked there.

It is written by an atheist who is very blatant and outspoken about his intent. The movie is dumbed down, but will be a vehicle to introduce children to the trilogy. Each gets worse. Scholastic is helping to promote both the movie and the books in schools, including a study or 'discussion' guide for teachers, prizes offered (books and tickets). So it isn't just in the libraries for the kids to take out.

They also have on their website defense of Pullman and his work, video of him on Today Show, etc.

The 'discussion book' is found here:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375823459.pdf

They even bring in JPII's name in the piece about the book on this page:
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3747818

If you scroll down, you can see other articles, one of which is

Enter the Golden Compass Movie Student Sweepstakes for a chance to win a hometown movie screening for 200 of your closest friends

And related resources:
The Golden Compass: Language Arts Lessons & Activities
Featuring The Golden Compass, these turnkey language arts lessons and activities on symbolism and characterization help students understand the... 

This is Scholastic Magazine, which YEARLY goes into schools and has book sales, prizes, etc!!

A friend has told me SHE is reading it, and said that this is also, in addition to anti-Christian  another of the theme of smart kid/stupid adult. In Narnia, the Professor was wise, and the children learned as they got older. She is an English Major now Editor of a Christian online 'magazine' ( crosswalk.com).

She also said..... "evil Magisterium" and Consecration during Mass! If they say they're not purposefully referencing "In this movie that supposedly doesn't reference "the church" one of the villains is named "Fra Pavol" - he works for thethe photo of him is essentially a snapshot of a Catholic priest saying Mass!!! He doesn't have the exact Catholic vestments, but seriously, if you see the photo, any practicing Catholic would instantly recognize the image as being a reenactment of thethe Church, they're lying."

I found the character on the ifficial movie website, under Lyra's World, in the center section, which you can move to see the main characters. He is holding something that could pass for a Host, with a wine decanter in front of him.

My sister, a home-schooler got the series to read to see if it was worth allowing her two oldest to read and compare to Narnia. Her response to my concerns about it being blatantly anti-Catholic/Christian and a way of teaching children that there IS no God? She is a college graduate, not that that makes any difference, except that she has had a lot of experience reading a lot of literature over the years. She is also a very strong Catholic with seven kids. A and J are 15 and 13. Note the way she ends her email.

Here are HER words...


I am currently reading the books and an on the second one.  The anti-Catholicism is bad, but the oversexualizing of an 11 year old girl is to me FAR more troubling.  Philip Pullman is totally hung up on describing death and mayhem very graphically and his casual disregard for purity is disgusting.  I started reading the books to see if A and J could do sort of a comparison contrast between them and Narnia under my supervision.  NOOOO WAYYYYY!

Hope you are well.

S


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PRAYER FOR THE RELEASE OF A LOVED ONE FROM ALCOHOL OR DRUG ADDICITON

PRAYER FOR THE RELEASE OF A LOVED ONE FROM ALCOHOL OR DRUG ADDICITON
THROUGH THE DIVINE MERCY AND BLOOD OF JESUS.


LORD JESUS, I PUT MYSELF INTO YOUR HANDS THIS DAY.
I ASK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART, TO CURE THE TERRIBLE ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL (DRUGS)
IN (NAME THE PERSON). CREATE IN THEM AN INTOLERANCE FOR ALCOHOL (DRUGS)
THAT WILL PREVENT THEM FROM EVER OFFENDING THOSE WHO LOVE THEM AGAIN.
AND GRANT THEIR LOVED ONES THE GRACE TO FORGIVE THEM FOR ALL THE HURT
THEY HAVE CAUSED.
THROUGH THE DIVINE MERCY AND BLOOD OF JESUS, I ALSO PRAY THAT THEY WILL BE HEALED OF ALL WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS OF THIS TERRIBLE AFFLICTION.
I SINCERELY ASK THIS, IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN.

Venerable Matt Talbot, pray for us!



 MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU HIS PEACE.



Prayer found at Franciscan Rosary House 





Eduardo is on Neil Cavuto tonight at 6pm & BELLA is in 117 New Theaters!!!

Rather than put the entire, very long email on my blog, I have choses to forward just the first part, and point you to the first sentence, which is a link to a webpage to see the email in its entirety. I saw BELLA, and left speechless and thinking of all the subtle messages (like the Rosary held by Jose in one very significant scene) and remembering when my oldest met her own birth mother (though much older when it happened.

It is well worth seeing. I want to someday get the DVD for my own 'library'.

God bless!


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Bella The Movie
Date: Nov 30, 2007 4:43 PM

To view this email as a web page, go here.
 

Thank you for helping Bella grow - we need your help to keep going so please tell everyone you know about Bella so we can touch and transform more lives through this life changing film!

 
Here is an update on Bella …


*Bella is in 117 additional theatres this weekend. Visit  www.BellaTheatres.com to find one near you
 
* Bella is in more theaters for it's 6th week because Bella generated over $1 million in box office for the 5th week in a row!  

*Bella was top 20 for the last 5 weeks in box office, competing with largest films released this year.  

*Bella still #1 Top Rated Movie in the US

-#1 on Yahoo.com

- #1 on New York Times readers poll

 

*Eduardo had appearances on the TODAY SHOW , O'Reilly Factor, Neil Cavuto Fox News, Hannity and Colmes, Ryan Seacrest and was a celebrity host at the Latin Grammy's

 

*Eduardo was also the key note speaker at the White House for National Adoption Day with President Bush where he received a standing ovation. Watch this video and others at www.BellaNews.com  

 

Now that Bella did well on Thanksgiving week we need your help to stay through out the holiday season!


If you are interested in helping Bella here is what you can do:

  • Send this email to your entire data base and ask others to do the same
  • Promote Bella through every means possible, online and offline. To do this read below and get all the tools you need at BellaFaith.com
  • Volunteer to promote Bella in your market. Contact Amanda@MetanoiaFilms.com
  • Buy tickets and give them to friends and family. Invite everyone you know to the movies – it is a film you can invite everyone to see
  • Adopt a theater by buying all the tickets for a particular Showtime (cost of $1500-$3000) or Adopt a market by buying 5k-10k tickets. To do this visit: HelpBella.com

Click here for the details about how you can help: http://www.massmediamail.com/sendtofriend/?Page=BellaEmail

 
If you only have a little time go to http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809423607/info and give Bella an A+ if you love Bella and forward this email to others. (Please do not do this if you do not believe Bella deserves it.)
 

Please send this email to your entire data base so we can get the word out and send a message to Hollywood that films like Bella have an audience.  
 

Thank you for your unbelievable support of "Bella" – because of your efforts countless people's lives have been transformed forever.


The Bella Family


Henry Hyde May He Rest in Peace

I had fully intended to pay respects to Henry Hyde yesterday, but neglected to do so.

I think, and hope, that as he approached the Gates of Heaven, many souls were able to meet him to welcome him for all the work he did trying to save pre-born infants from abortion.  I respected him immensely.

May he rest in peace.

God bless!

Staunch pro-lifer Henry Hyde dies

Chicago, November 30 (CNA).-Former Representative Henry Hyde died early Thursday at the age of 83. The Illinois Republican served the 6th District of Illinois from 1975 through 2006.  He retired at the end of the last term.

During Hyde's second year in Congress, he sponsored a proposal prohibiting federal funding for abortions.  The so-called "Hyde Amendment" faced legal challenges all the way to the Supreme Court, where it was declared constitutional in 1980.

Rep. Hyde was also instrumental in developing the Mexico City Policy, which restricts U.S. funds only to non-governmental organizations that agree not to perform or promote abortions in foreign countries.
Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Council of the Thomas More society, called Rep. Hyde "a giant in the pro-life community." 
"Henry Hyde stood for life both "in" and "out" of season, conducting himself with fairness, equanimity, civility and good cheer--but also with unwavering dedication," he said.

Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America, eulogized the lawmaker.  "Henry Hyde was the quintessential gentleman and statesman. His profound compassion for the unborn will be remembered throughout history by the legislative protections that bear his name and from his eloquent, persuasive speeches."

President Bush recently awarded Hyde the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a president can grant an American citizen.  On Thursday Bush said of Hyde: "This fine man believed in the power of freedom, and he was a tireless champion of the weak and forgotten.  He used his talents to build a more hopeful America and promote a culture of life.  Earlier this month, in recognition of his good and purposeful life, I was proud to award Henry Hyde the Medal of Freedom."

The cause of his death was not made known.




New book by Fulton Sheen: St. Thérèse: A Treasured Love Story

We listened to him as children when my parents turned the TV on for his shows. I later learned to love more than just his 'Angel', as I began to read and listen to some of his tapes/videos.

In my Associate Degree Speech class, we had to choose a speaker, and demonstrate what techniques he used of those that were being taught. I found a video (the first that I had) and showed parts of it to illustrate those points. In the end, one of the 'young' people said... and why would you bring a religious speech to class?  I smiled and said that this man was one of the world's BEST speakers, with nearly every single aspect of a good speech that we had been taught. (I did NOT tell her that the parts I showed WERE supposed to make her uncomfortable and begin to THINK... I admit it, I had ulterior motives... )

The class instructor told all of us that this WAS a near perfect example of everything she had taught, and that she had always admired him, and really had enjoyed not only what I had pointed out about his talk, but also just seeing him in action again.

His talks are still timely, though a few references are out-dated. But the more I hear and read of his works, the more I admire him.

Now, a new book.... talks that I do not remember having ever heard of before. St Theresa, my Confirmation patron Saint... I think I will have to get this one for certain.

God bless!

New book by Fulton Sheen "at his best" published

Dallas, November 29 (CNA).-Basilica Press has announced the first new book by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in over 25 years.

The book, Archbishop Fulton Sheen's St. Thérèse: A Treasured Love Story, is a 187-page hardcover, gold-embossed commemorative edition including Archbishop Sheen's talks on St. Therese, 11 pages of biographical photos, and possibly the last letter the famous archbishop ever wrote.

Archbishop Sheen is considered by many to have been the twentieth century's greatest communicator.  His radio and television broadcasts were heard or viewed by millions each week, and his many books were usually bestsellers. 

The historic retreat on St. Therese was delivered in 1973 in Dublin, Ireland on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of her birth.  His talks examining the spirituality of the saint called the "Little Flower" became instantly popular.

Author and EWTN host Raymond Arroyo said of the new book: "There is only one Fulton Sheen, and here he is at his best: teeming with spiritual insight, filled with drama, and oh, so practical. It's like going on a retreat with the master himself—--a retreat I heartily recommend."


Milwaukee-based Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation -- Reclaiming Fatherhood Conference examines abortion's effects on fathers

Conference examines abortion's effects on fathers

San Francisco, November 29 (CNA).-The first national conference focusing on the effects of abortion on men opened in San Francisco yesterday.

The Reclaiming Fatherhood Conference, co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese of San Francisco, features experts from a variety of backgrounds and countries.  They will cover topics including the healing process for men after an abortion; abortion's effects on men's spirituality; fatherhood and abortion; and why men who have been involved in abortion come for help.

The Milwaukee-based Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation, headed by Vicki Thorn, organized the conference.  It seeks to bring to light the profound effect that abortion has on the fathers whose children are aborted.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, The head of the Knights of Columbus explained their support:

"As an organization of lay men that has a strong history and commitment to life, we think it is very important to highlight the issues faced by those fathers whose children are aborted."

"There are three victims of every abortion, the child and both of his or her parents, and it is our hope that this conference will be the beginning of a ministry within the Church to these fathers, who grieve the death of their unborn child in isolation and silence."

Anderson and Thorn believe the "Reclaiming Fatherhood" conference could help men deal with the psychological trauma of post-abortion reality in a way comparable to Project Rachel, a Catholic post-abortion ministry that helps women who have undergone abortions deal with their emotional and spiritual scars.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Victory! KS Supreme Court Orders Abortion Grand Jury To Proceed

Victory! KS Supreme Court Orders Abortion Grand Jury To Proceed

November 29th, 2007

Topeka, KS - Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Kay McFarland ruled today that the citizen-called grand jury set to investigate late-term abortionist George R. Tiller can move forward.

The grand jury had originally been scheduled to convene on October 30, 2007, but was delayed while the Court considered a Writ of Mandamus filed by Tiller asking for a special exemption from the laws governing the convening of citizen-called grand jury investigations and demanding that the grand jury not be seated.

Justice McFarland stated in her order, "The Court determines that petitioner has not established entitlement to the relief sought and that, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 9.01(e), the petition should be and is hereby denied, and the case is dismissed."

The ruling comes one day after Operation Rescue filed its second motion in the case. The group had sought to intervene to insure that the Court based its decision on accurate information. That motion has now been dismissed as moot.

"We are very happy that the Kansas Supreme Court has ruled to follow the law and allow the grand jury to move forward,' said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "This is a victory for the rule of law, for the people of Kansas, and for the late-term pre-born babies that laws have been enacted to protect. As the grand jury investigation of Tiller moves forward, we pray for justice to be done."

A date for the seating of the grand jury has yet been set.

The grand jury is being asked to investigate Tiller for conducting illegal late-term abortions over the past 4 years. He already faces 19 criminal charges filed by Attorney General Paul Morrison for violating the Kansas statue that bans abortions on viable babies after 22 weeks gestation.

Read the Kansas Supreme Court Order

Matt Talbot

Today, I have been reminded of one of my favorite Irishmen, a recovered alcoholic who long ago was asked to take another favorite Irishman of mine under his wing and intercession. Since then, I have added many others (Irish and non-Irish, bless their hearts) to his intercession.

This man began drinking at AGE 12!!

His life had become so unmanageable by the time he was 28 that he "took the pledge" to not take a drink for three months. Even his mother doubted his ability to stop, telling him not to do it if he did not mean it.

He did.

He found that there was only ONE who could help him succeed, and often begged the One not to let him slip back into where he HAD been. That One is the "Higher Power" of AA/Alanon, the "God as we understand Him" of the Old Timers in AA/Alanon, the God of the Old and New Testament. He is the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Matt Talbot spent the rest of his life serving His Lord, in prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, 'working the fifth' by examining his conscience and frequent Confession, daily attendance at Mass, and giving most of his earnings away. This, years before the start of AA.

He read books (with LITTLE education) that I have not begun to desire to read by great men/women of the Church (like St John of the Cross). Few people outside his own little corner of Ireland knew of him. Until his death, that is .

When he died on the street of a heart problem, they were not even sure of who he was, but when he was identified, and his belongings taken from his room, they were amazed to learn of his devotion, his piety, his life. Within a short time, word spread, including to Rome.

Alcoholics the world over have gained strength to recover from his example. A recovering friend of mine said that there may NEVER be a physical miracle for his Beatification or Canonization, but there are MANY spiritual miracles as a result of his life, his recovery, and his intercession from Heaven. I pray that God allows two physical miracles in order for him to be called
ST MATTHEW TALBOT.

Alcoholism is a physical affliction as well as spiritual. Body, mind and soul are all affected, as are every family member and friend of the person who has 'crossed the line' into dependency on the drug of alcohol (whether wine, beer or liquor). So in MY humble opinion, each and every person who has been aided by devotion to him IS already not only a spiritual miracle, but also an emotional and a physical miracle. Every family member and friend is also blessed and benefited by that miracle of sobriety. Lives are changed and restored.

But my opinions do not matter.

Venerable Matt Talbot, I once again ask you to aid my loved one, my family members, my friends, and all those that I have placed in your care over the last 20-25 yrs since I first heard of you. Bring them to the grace, presence, and the blessings of God. Bring them to recovery. Bring them to Him, the Author and Giver of Life so that they may also merit Eternal Life.

John, thank you for bringing the new blog to my attention, and I am honored to be able to put it on my blogroll, and to refer others to it. I hope you can find many who can aid in keeping it going, and that many find their way to sobriety as a result of reading the words contained there.

God bless!
"O Virgin, I ask only three things:

  • the grace of God,
  • the presence of God,
  • and the benediction of God."
~Prayer of the Venerable Matt Talbot

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John
Date: Nov 29, 2007 1:49 PM


Just wanted to alert you to a new site devoted to Matt Talbot.
PS I enjoy your site.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Walid to be interviewed tonight by CBS 58

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Shoebat.com
Date: Nov 28, 2007 7:00 PM

Friends

The Story concerning the UWM event has mushroomed into a major local media event. The Journal Sentinel was a Front Page story today http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=690732,

CBS 58 will interview Walid on the 10 pm CST bulletin this evening Nov 28.

We have 4 major radio shows booked: Nov 29, Charles Sykes WTMJ at 8.30 am central, Crosstalk at 2 pm central, Nov 30, Vickie Mckenna WISN at 10 am central and Eric Von on Friday at 3 pm WMCS

We expect local affiliate TV will be covering the event on Tuesday along with live interviews with Walid.

If you want the truth to be heard loud, clear with no political correctness, just hire our people to speak at your local university.

If you wish to attend the UWM event please email us at walid@shoebat.com, give the names of all attendees and a working tel number.

On February 25th 2008 we will have a 3 ex terrorist public event to be held in Melbourne, Florida. Ticket reservations for our Florida followers can be requested at the same email address. There are only about 2000 tickets available for this venue.  Tickets will be $16.00 each or $100 for VIP sponsor tickets which include a desert reception to meet personally the participants of the event. We expect this event to be sold out within a few weeks of the tickets being available.

Thanks for your support

Keith Davies
Director

Videos Regarding Gillian Gibbons (including Tammy Bruce on NOW)

I have mentioned Gillian Gibbons' situation in the Sudan twice, and in the second one I said that I had heard Tammy Bruce SLAM NOW and other feminist organizations for not supporting other women in the world when faced with this kind of danger.

I also wanted to make sure that the VIDEO from Fox News of the interview I heard this morning would be available for follow-up.

There are two videos, in fact. The first draws attention to what led to her being charged, and the second one is the interview with Tammy Bruce this morning.

I have LONG held that NOW and other 'women's rights' organizations are very selfishly involved only when it is 'my' right to 'my body', to 'my equal pay for equal rights', to 'my right to self-fulfilment' (ie including divorce for similar reasons), but seldom support the rights of FEMALE babies in utero, or those in danger of losing their lives in cases like this and others.

Forty lashes at any age is dangerous. Seems like that was considered to be a Maximum sentence in Biblical and Roman times, so they stopped short of it by giving 39. But I could be wrong in that memory, though St Paul does mention  "Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes," in   2Cor 11:24

Where ARE the feminist organizations, and why WON'T they take a stand against it?

God bless!

Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School to open in VA Fall 2008

I watched this interview this morning, and could not help but smile. I was waiting until tonight to write about it, and wanted to make sure that the url to the Fox News video was available. Sister Mary Jordan Hoover is the Principal of the new Catholic High School in the Dumfries, Virginia area (set to open in Fall, 2008).

Part of the Curriculum will be on Bioethics, according to Sr Mary Jordan. Bioethics? YES! And it is MUCH needed across the nation in ALL Catholic schools!

From the School's FAQ:

What is Bioethics?
Bioethics is the field of study concerned with the ethical implications of certain biological and medical procedures, technologies, and treatments.  The bioethics curriculum at New Catholic High School is required for students in each of the four years of study.  The bioethics curriculum is designed to provide an ethical perspective based on the dignity of the human person
In the past ten years, science and medical technology have made many changes. As science advances, we need to provide students with a foundation to think clearly on issues that impact the human person. Our curriculum will address current challenges and opportunities, preparing students for the future.

For more information about Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School, you can find it on the school's website , and other articles online here (as well as reasons for considering the name, though I am uncertain as to why it would be introduced at a PWC GOP convention), and here .

Then I got CNA News links, and this story is one of today's.

Nashville Dominicans to lead new high school, create new bioethics curriculum

Arlington, Va., November 27 (CNA).-A Dominican order of traditional religious sisters is thriving in Nashville, Tennessee and expanding into other cities across the nation.

The Washington Post recently highlighted the order's work on a new Catholic high school opening in Dumfries, a city in northern Virginia.  The $60 million Pope John Paul the Great High School will be one of only four new Catholic secondary schools opened last year in the U.S. 

The new school will require an extensive bioethics curriculum for all four years, the first Catholic high school to do so.  The Dominican sisters themselves are writing the curriculum and will run the school.

At a time when many religious communities are aging due to a lack of new vocations, the Nashville Dominicans are growing.

Though the average age for a religious sister in the United States is about 70, the Nashville Dominicans' median age is 35.  The Nashville-based Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia number 226 members, and receive about ten to fifteen new vocations each year.

The sisters maintain a traditional dress, wearing floor-length white habits with a black veil and a rosary.

"They are icons of Catholicity in a diocese that wants Catholicity," said Sister Patricia Wittberg, a sociologist at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Their traditionalism may be part of their appeal. 

"This generation is more conventional in their outlook and more traditional in values," said Brother Paul Bednarczyk, executive director of the National Religious Vocations Conference. "Given the relativity of our culture, they really want to know what it means to be Catholic, and symbols -- like habits -- speak to them deeply. They want people to know they have made this radical choice."

Some experts say traditional groups like the Nashville Dominicans have grown because they have maintained a clear mission, like teaching or nursing.  Progressive orders have let members pursue a variety of different careers, where they often live and work alone apart from their fellow sisters.  The orthodoxy and charisma of Pope John Paul II is also credited for attracting interest in the religious life, while some think the meditative lifestyle of a vowed religious is a more attractive to the frenzy of modern life.

The Nashville Dominicans have maintained their educational mission.  They move to new cities in groups so they can follow the same schedule: waking together, praying and chanting three times a day together, meditating together and eating together in silence.  Their reputation for being young and upbeat is reflected in their promotional material, which shows them playing soccer and walking on the beach.

"They have always been clear as to what their identity is as a community and how it's expressed. If you diversify your ministry so much, it's hard to say what your community does," said Michael Wick, executive director of the Institute on Religious Life. "And young attracts young. I think other [traditional orders] are learning from them."

The Nashville Dominicans' web site is at http://www.nashvilledominican.org/


Tammy Bruce SLAMS NOW about their lack of support for Gillian Gibbons!!

WOW, you should have heard Tammy Bruce slam NOW and other women's organization about Gillian Gibbons!

Last Minute: On Fox by Phone at 9am PT

That's in 4 minutes folks. They just called me about NOW's just released 'statement' about the British teacher in Sudan facing lashes and prison over her students naming a Teddy Bear "Muhammad." NOW's position? They're not taking one. That's right, they're not taking a stand. As you can imagine, I have plenty to say. It will be on the phone, and then I immediately start Tammy Radio.

Posted by Tammy · November 28, 2007 08:56 AM · Permalink

Update 12:31PM 11/28/07

I missed the beginning of her radio show when she may have spoken again about this.

However, this now is also on the blog since I was there this AM (emphasis is mine) :

Sudan Charges British Teacher With Insulting Religion

KHARTOUM, Sudan — Sudan on Wednesday charged a British teacher with insulting religion and inciting hatred, a crime punishable by up to 40 lashes, six months in prison or a fine, after she named a class teddy bear "Muhammad."

The charges come a day after a 7-year-old Sudanese boy said Gilliam Gibbons, 54, asked him as part of a school assignment what he wanted to call the stuffed animal and he said, 'Muhammad,' after his name.

A spokeswoman for the National Organization for Women said the situation "is definintely on the radar, and N.O.W. is not ignoring it.

But she added that the U.S.-based organization is "not putting out a statement or taking a position."

Radio personality Tammy Bruce, former president of the Los Angles chapter of the National Organization for Women and past member of their board of directors, criticized the organization for not taking a stand.

“We have a duty to make a difference for women around the world,” Bruce told FOX News. “The supposed feminist establishment is refusing to take a position in this regard because they have no sensibility of what is right anymore. They're afraid of offending people. They are bound by political correctness.”

“The American feminist movement has not taken one stand to support the women of Iraq, the women of Afghanistan, the women of Iran,” she said. “It is the United States Marines who have been doing the feminist work by liberating women and children around the world.”

I am looking for the video from Fox of her interview, but so far, have not found it.

Ahmedinejad Says Annapolis Summit Was 'Failure,' Israel is Doomed'

And hasn't the Annapolis Peace Summit JUST STARTED?

Someone needs to tell Iran's President that... He has already labeled it as a failure.

Ahmadinejad Says Annapolis Summit Was 'Failure,' Israel is Doomed'

Wednesday, November 28, 2007
TEHRAN, Iran —  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that the U.S.-brokered Mideast peace conference was a "failure" and that Israel is doomed to "collapse," lashing out at the Annapolis gathering that many saw as aimed at isolating Iran.

The rest of this story can be found here.....

Gillian Gibbons, 54, CHARGED with 'insulting religion, inciting hatred.

Sharia Law. Introduced into Sudan in 1991. And how much trouble has Sudan had in the years since then (yes, also before then, but not under Sharia Law. Allegations of Genocide, denied by Sudanese gov't. )

Well, Breaking News from Sudan. A 54 yr old woman has now BEEN charged and could receive 40 (Yes, FORTY) lashes for insulting Muhammad!!

KHARTOUM, Sudan —  Sudan charged a British teacher on Wednesday with insulting religion, inciting hatred, - a crime punishable by up to 40 lashes, six months in prison or a fine, Reuters reported.

Sharia Law. Yup, it is a peaceful religion. It sure is. (You think if I repeat this often enough, I will begin to believe it?? I highly doubt it...)

God bless!!



British teacher faces blasphemy charges over "Muhammed" teddy bear  

Khartoum, November 27 (CNA).-A teacher from England was thrown into a Sudanese jail on Monday after being arrested for insulting the Prophet Muhammed when she named a classroom teddy bear after a student named Muhammed, CNN/Time reports.

Gillian Gibbons, 54, had only recently arrived in the Sudanese capital Khartoum to teach at Unity High School, an exclusive British-run school organized on Christian principles.  Assigned to teach six and seven-year-olds, she asked them as a classroom project to dress up and name a teddy bear and keep a diary of his outings. 

Debating what to name the bear, the children considered the names Hassan and Abdullah but overwhelmingly voted for Muhammed, the first name of the most popular boy in the class.

The naming of the bear didn't raise much concern at first, but last week, parents from another class raised concerns with the school.  On Sunday Sudanese police came to the school, where Miss Gibbons lives, and jailed her on blasphemy charges.  The Sharia law was introduced to Sudan in 1991.

Robert Boulos, the school's director, said the incident had been blown out of all proportion but added the school would remain closed until January when the controversy will have hopefully subsided.

"This was a completely innocent mistake," he said. "Miss Gibbons would have never wanted to insult Islam."

He described the school staff's reaction to the police raid:  "We tried to reason with them but we felt they were coming under strong pressure from Islamic courts," said Boulos. "There were men with big beards asking where she was and saying they wanted to kill her."

An angry crowd also had gathered at the Khartoum police station when she arrived there.  Miss Gibbons remains in police custody.

Boulos said no parents or teachers initially complained.  Miss Gibbons' colleagues feared a disgruntled staff member may have used the issue to cause trouble.

Most parents arriving at the school gates were supportive of the British teacher. One mother, whose seven-year-old son was in Gibbons' class, said her family had not been offended by the name. "Our Prophet Muhammad tells us to be forgiving," she said. "So she should be released. She didn't mean any of this at all."

If found guilty of blasphemy, Miss Gibbons faces either a public lashing or six months in jail.

Delegation from the Vatican sent to Annapolis Peace Summit

Two stories from CNA News today about the Annapolis Summit. This is something to really keep in prayer.
The headlines below are hyperlinks to the CNANews website.

God bless!!


Delegation from Holy See sent to Annapolis, hope expressed by leaders

Annapolis, November 27 (CNA) .- The path to peace in the Middle East could take a fortuitous turn today as leaders from 40 different organizations and nations meet in Annapolis, Maryland to forge a way forward. Pope Benedict XVI has added his support to bring "a just and definitive solution" to the conflict and is sending a delegation to the summit.

Holy See Press Office director, Fr. Federico Lombardi announced today that the delegation from the Holy See is made up of Msgr. Pietro Parolin, under-secretary for Relations with States, and Msgr. Francesco Coppola, nunciature counselor.
FULL STORY


Annapolis summit, an opportunity that can't be missed, Cardinal DiNardo says  

ROME, November 26 (CNA).-The recently created Cardinal Daniel N.DiNardo has said in an interview that both the Israelis and the Palestinians need to treat tomorrow's Annapolis peace summit as an "opportunity that cannot be missed".

In an interview to be published in tomorrow's daily edition of L'Osservatore Romano, the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, who was made a cardinal this past Saturday, said that the Church in the US is responding to the Pope's call to pray for the fruits of the Annapolis summit. The conference will bring together Jews, Palestinians and Syrians for peace talks.

DiNardo related that, "parish communities as well as individual Catholics are praying, at the request of the bishops, so that the summit will become a concrete opportunity for peace between the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples."

Cardinal DiNardo said that prayer "has a great value, especially for the future. We have been called to persevere in prayer, trusting in God our hope for peace to come in the next weeks and months.  We hope that the conference of Annapolis may promote further fruitful dialogues for peace in the region."

During the interview, Cardinal DiNardo also said that his appointment as cardinal was received "with gratitude, stun and surprise. For Texas it has been a great joy, which crowns the explosive growth of the local Church in the last 20 years."



Cardinal DiNardo


U.S. Archbishop Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, left,
and Archbishop John Foley (were) elevated to cardinal Nov. 24.
Pope Benedict XVI named 23 cardinals, including one from Baghdad.

Left image by Getty Images; right by AP

Cardinal DiNardo. And Galveston-Houston is proud of him!

ROME, November 26 (CNA).-The Archbishop of Galveston-Houston Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo was officially raised to the cardinalate at a Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica Saturday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

He discussed the honor at a news conference after the Mass.

"It is a distinctive honor, not just for Texas, but the whole South of the United States, and certainly for Houston," the new cardinal said. "We are proud of it, that the first cardinal ever in the South has been named. It is [an] honor, [a] responsibility and pretty humbling for this kid from Pittsburgh."

For the rest of this story, go here...

When the announcement came, USA Today carried a story about him and Archbishop Foley being named as Cardinals. One comment made by Cathy Lynn Grossman was:

Unlike the first batch of cardinals named by Benedict in 2006,
"the pope is now selecting from people he appointed himself. …
They will more closely represent the kinds of cardinals he wants,"
Bunson says. "They have long-standing connections
to Catholic education, to promotion of vocations.
They're strong pastoral leaders and good theologians —
back-to-basics Catholics like himself."

It's also a sign of shifting strength inside the Vatican:
DiNardo was well known in Rome for his service in the Congregation for Bishops,
says longtime Vatican watcher and National Catholic Reporter columnist John Allen.

We can hope that they are good and faithful Cardinals, not afraid to speak Truth.

God bless them!

And God bless you!




Tony Blair talks about his "hugely important" faith

Rumors abound about Tony Blair becoming Catholic, and many are upset about this because of his voting history in the past. Others, like me, think that he would be a work in progress, just like I am. Confession wipes out Sin. Some say that since his voting was public, he also needs to recant his stand on issues that are not in line with the Church publicly before he can come into the Church. I think that is up to the priest that would be working with him to tell him what he needs to do.

I am happy when ANYONE comes into the Fullness of the Faith and enters the Catholic Church. God takes care of the rest.

And so, we pray for Tony Blair!

God bless!


Tony Blair talks about his "hugely important" faith 

London, November 26 (CNA).-Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently spoke of his religious beliefs on a BBC television program that surveyed his years in office.

Mr. Blair said he didn't talk about his faith while in office because he didn't want people to think of him as "a nutter."  However, he said his religion was "hugely important" to him in office.  He said his faith helped him cope with the pressures of tough decisions, including sending British troops into Iraq. 

Without the strength of faith, he said "it's difficult to do the job" of prime minister. 

The former prime minister said he avoided discussing his religious beliefs because open discussion of religious conviction is not as common in Britain as it is in other countries.

Mr. Blair is a member of the Church of England, but also frequently attends Catholic services with his Catholic wife, Cherie.  Many rumors and reports have claimed Mr. Blair is considering converting to Catholicism, especially now that he does not face the legal restrictions a Catholic prime minister could face.


Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Walid Shoebat Belfast Ireland

Ex-PLO bomber visits Belfast to explain how he turned to peace

[Published: Tuesday 27, November 2007 - 08:08]

An ex-PLO terrorist turned peacemaker last night travelled to Belfast to reveal how he transformed his life of violence.

Walid Shoebat (47), who was brought up in Bethlehem as a Muslim, became a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) as a teenager and was involved acts of terror and violence against Israel.

Walid, who yesterday visited a synagogue in north Belfast, said he was raised to hate Jews - but now is the founder of an organisation that seeks to combat anti-semitism and promote peace in the Middle East.

Following this change in ideology he has received death threats from his own family.

"I was very much anti-Israel growing up," he said.

"I never understood the plight of the Jewish people, never understood the Holocaust.

"When I grew up, every aspect of my life, the social, the religious, education, music and arts was very anti-semitic.

"So that in itself produces a terrorist."

During his youth he was involved in the attempted lynching of an Israeli soldier and was later imprisoned in the Russian Compound, Jerusalem's central prison after he was caught during a botched bombing attempt.

After his release, he continued his life of violence and rioting.

However the course of Walid's life changed when his parents sent him to the United States to get a better education.

"I've seen members of my family killed and I've seen blood on both sides.

"I decided in 1993 to put an end to it.

"My wife was a great influence as she sparked the things that I needed to think about when I tried to convert her to Islam - she was a Mexican American.

"She asked me to show her what the problems are in the Bible, because she asked me why should she leave her basic Christian heritage.

"I said I don't know what the problems are, I've never read the Bible.

"She asked me, 'Do you always criticise things before reading it?'"

"That sentence sparked the idea of me reading it and finding the problem.

"But by the time I finished reading it I found my problem.

" That was a revelation for myself."

However his decision to convert to Christianity led to Walid being disowned by his family.

" I got threats from my family," he said.

"My brother called my wife he told her, 'Tell your husband we know what you are doing against Islam and we know where you live'."

Despite the threats and loss of family Walid says he has not changed his beliefs.

" You'll never wash away the struggle that you go through, you can't put a closure to it, because my family are still living and I love them," he said.

"And I love the Palestinian people.

"A lot of people would think that if somebody changes the way they think they hate their own past. That's not true."

Walid added that he believes in order for peace to be achieved speaking the truth is vital.

"But I believe in the truth, and everything that I've said since '93."


http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article3199023.ece
© Belfast Telegraph

Walid Shoebat in Milwaukee

This came in about an hour ago. For those who can make it, if you read this, let me know how it goes, ok? I cannot be there due to prior commitments, but wish that I could!

God bless!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Shoebat.com
Date: Nov 27, 2007 7:40 PM

Friends
Below is a copy of Press Release concerning Next Tuesday's appearance by Walid at UWM.

We have already lined up three radio interviews as a result of the current publicity. It is being covered by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the largest newspaper locally, we expect a story tomorrow or at least some time this week.

We continue our efforts to educate the American people.  We thank our hard working sponsors in Milwaukee who are courageous to organize this event. We need volunteers who will sponsor and help students put on these events so we can win back our Universities. We can all complain about liberal bias but let us do something about it instead of complaining.

Walid has just returned from Northern Ireland where he address the Jewish community. This event was sponsored and organised by the local Christian community. Now that is what we call real interfaith dialogue. There was a good article written in the Belfast Telegraph, the largest and most prestigious paper  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article3199023.ece in Northern Ireland. Click link for article

THIS MORNINGS PRESS RELEASE



Muslim students fear for their safety at University of Wisconsin/ Milwaukee
November 27, 2007


Former PLO Terrorist to Speak at University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee

Muslim students protest, fearing event will incite hatred


The Muslim Student Association at University of Wisconsin is protesting the appearance of Walid Shoebat who is a former PLO terrorist. Mr. Shoebat has spoken all over the world and is well known on College campuses from coast to coast, including; Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, University of Michigan, UCLA and dozens of other campuses.

The Muslim Students Association claim that Muslims will be intimated by other Americans as a result of Mr. Shoebat's speech and presence.  In not one instance, after speaking at dozens of Universities across the country,  has there been an incident of intimidation or violence against any Muslims.

The sponsors of the event on the contrary have received unwarranted comments about the speaker. "A member of the college administration accused Mr. Shoebat of being a "Rabble Rouser"   It is ironic that Martin Luther King Jr. was also regarded as a "Rabble Rouser" by the racists of the 1960s," says AJ Piwarun,  the event organizer.

Piwarun went on to say; "Mr Shoebat is protected by the 1st amendment and we agree that his speech is "Hate speech" but it is exposing the "hatred of his youth in his society". Being a former Islamic terrorist Mr. Shoebat has a unique insight to the issues America faces in its war on Islamic fundamentalist inspired terror.

It is a sad fact that the Muslim Students Association wishes to drown out a person who speaks against the scourge of terrorism by trying to scare the college administration with misinformation.

The event is scheduled at UWM for Tuesday Dec 4th 2007 in the Wisconsin room at 7.30 pm

Mr. Shoebat is regularly called upon as a news contributor on terrorism, and has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, ITN, BBC radio.  He is also the author of two best-selling books "Why I Left Jihad" and "Why We Want To Kill You."

For more information on Walid Shoebat, please go to: www.shoebat.com

Media wishing to interview Walid Shoebat ahead of this event, please contact Rod Mitchell at: 281.350.5506.