Vortex On The ND88 Agreement - Notre Shame Slobbers On

Many of you know that the charges against the pro-life activists (the ND88) who were arrested while protesting the boot-licking of Obama during Notre Dame's 2009 commencement were dropped.  The attorneys for the ND88 and the university ratified this agreement to that effect.

Here is Michael Voris' take on the matter; he raises some key points and questions.  Click here if you cannot see embedded video.

Obama Chewing Gum During Memorial Service

This was during a memorial service for the victims of the Joplin tornado disaster.  Put the clip into full-screen mode and watch towards the end.

Truth be told, his lack of class and respect is shared by many - including Catholics.  Last year I was waiting for Mass to begin and a full-grown, adult woman sits across the aisle to me.  Her jaw was going a mile a minute and kept right on going throughout the Mass.  She did stop when it was time for Holy Communion, but resumed when she returned.  It was some small consolation to realize that she didn't just stick it under the seat, but I had to wonder if that thing was in her mouth when she received Our Lord.

It's a long way of saying that while Obama showed no class, his fault is shared by many Catholics who really should know better than that.

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

American Life League Urges Investigation Catholic "Social Justice" Organizations

Jeffrey Sachs, a Columbia Universtiy professor, is a population control advocate.  He has often said that one of the best ways to fight poverty is to reduce human population vis-a-vis sterilization, contraception and abortion.  This blog, and others, have pointed out over the years that many anti-poverty and population-control types have espoused identical anti-human views.  Similarly, many "environmental" and "climate change" proponents have advocated the reduction of the human population.

So who is lauding and celebrating Sachs?  The USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities and Catholic Campaign for Human Development.  All but the Catholic Relief Services have come under this blog's scrutiny; perhaps that is an oversight that I need to correct.  Read more details at this Lifesite News post.  Note that a 100-page report is promised presently.  I'll link to that as soon as I learn of it.  Note as of 7/14/13; the Lifesite news post was taken down, but archived here.

Here are some of my past posts on these matters.  Because I do link to excellent outside sources, I urge their study.  Here are some posts on "climate change"; note especially the Aug 6 2010 post.  Here are some post related to "poverty".  There are definitely some common themes here!

Michael Hichborn of the American Life League released a video today exposing some of the relevant points of Sach's chequered career.  I post that below.  NOTE: the link has been updated as of 7/14/13.

See the post dated 7/14/13 for more detail on why the two links are updates.

Thomas F. Roeser - Requiescat In Pace

Thomas Roeser of Chicago passed away yesterday at the age of 82.  He was a contributer to the Chicago Sun-Times and founded the online Chicago Daily Observer.  He served as a vice president of Quaker Oats Company.  All agreed that he wasn't afraid to voice his conservative convictions.

He was also a devoted family man and devout Catholic.  As such, he was a co-founder of Catholic Citizens of Illinois, a member of the Catholic Media Coalition, to which this blog also belongs.

Until a few weeks ago, he was writing regularly on his own blog in defense of the Faith.  He also contributed regularly to the Wanderer, a Catholic weekly.

I never had opportunity to meet him in person, although we chatted online once or twice.  May God grant him eternal repose and consolation for his family.

Porn Publisher Snarls Against Baby Trig Palin

From Jill Stanek's blog, we read how Hustler publisher Larry Flynt calls Trig Palin "it" because the little guy has Down Syndrome.  Let's face it; anyone who makes his fortune from objectifying women (portraying them as things to satisfy unruly drives) has a warped idea of personhood anyway.  So when he claims that Sarah Palin "did a disservice to every woman in America", one could wonder from what planet he hails, as the trash he calls his magazine reduces women to the status of meat in the eyes of much of this culture of death.

At least he's honest about his disdain for human life, if he is totally lacking in class and decency.  The so-called "progressives" amongst us (most notably the "pro-choice" crowd) are just as misogynistic and hateful of disabled people as is Flynt; they're just a bit more artful in disguising their murderous disdain.

Clinic Escorts And Their Not-So-Adorable Antics

Every Saturday morning I, along with several other pro-life activists, offer prayer and real help to women as they go into an abortion center to have their babies killed.  This particular place of death is a branch office of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan DC.  It is located in Suite 450 of 1400 Spring Street in Silver Spring MD.  We understand that this property is for sale.  Unfortunately, as long as Planned Parenthood befouls the building, we believe the intelligent investor will be wary of that building's prospects.

Planned Parenthood, although it is just one tenant out of several in the building, utilizes the "services" of "pro-choice clinic escorts".  They are recognizable in their signature orange vests that have the words "Pro-choice clinic escort" emblazened upon them.  These escorts, peppered at various abortion mills throughout the Washington DC area, are organized under the umbrella of the Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force.  On their own web page, they state that "We escort at the invitation of clinic owners and in cooperation with local law enforcement." Thus, Planned Parenthood is ascribed responsibility for any malfeasance of the escorts, since the escorts are there at the invitation of Planned Parenthood.  The current building management is certainly aware of their presence; to our knowledge they have not requested that Planned Parenthood dismiss the escorts (although they have ordered Planned Parenthood to dismiss a security service that had been stationed at the doors).  It seems reasonable to believe that they too would bear some legal culpability for the misdeeds of the escorts, such as you'll see in these clips (after the jump break).

National Catholic Reporter's Editor Dies

Joseph Feuerherd, head of the National Catholic Reporter, passed away from cancer this past week at the age of 48 years.  Other blogs wrote about his passing; I highlight two of them and invite all to do their own comparisons.

The first is from the American Papist blog, and is actually quite a glowy write-up - perhaps overly so.  In it, Mark Stricherz refers to him as a gregarious individual, and commented on the deceased's "commitment to the poor".

To answer the question why I put his "commitment to the poor" in quotes, it's worth taking a look at the second of the two blogs - that of my CMC colleague, Les Femmes.  She points out that Feuerherd placed his erroneous concept of concern for the poor above (or at least on a par with) concern for the thousands of unborn children murdered each day - so much so that he announced his support for Obama during the 2008 campaign.  Need I remind anyone of the immense menace that Obama continues to pose for these truly defenseless amongst us?

It may well be that Feuerherd was a gregarious individual.  So what?  Ted Kennedy was reputed to have an outgoing, afiable personality - and no one disputes how he played in integral role in ensconsing the Culture of Death in the fabric of modern society.  Feuerherd caused similar damage via the dissent and pro-abortion propaganda promulgated through the National Catholic Reporter while he was at its helm.

Stricherz concludes his piece by saying, "Whenever you feel like criticizing someone, just stop to think if you would reach the same conclusion if you met and talked with the person. Charity goes a long way."  Criticizing the person is not the issue; his deeds (and misdeeds) are.  We can, and must, look at and speak honestly of the ways in which Feuerherd et al helped to foster a dangerous culture that wars against its unborn.  It is the complete antithesis of true charity to gloss over the truth, for then we may not be so urgent to pray to God that he have mercy on the soul of Joseph Feuerherd - as well we should.

From The "Your Tax Dollars - Hard(ly) At Work" Department

From Breitbart, we read that the United States Department of Agriculture has (drum roll, please)

RABBIT POLICE!

Apparently if you are a freelance magician and use live rabbits in your act, you have all sorts of rules and regulations that these governmental lemmings see fit to lay upon your back.  Of course you need a permit to have the little fuzzball in your act.  And for this we're paying taxes?

If Boehner had actually used his spine during the budget debate, this mess might have been defunded.  What a squandered opportunity.

Five Categories Of Evils Within The Church

Michael Voris of Vortex proposes a categorization of ills that have plagued the Church during this century.  There are five main categories:

1. False liturgical reform
2. False ecumenism
3. False social justice
4. False inclusivity
5. False earth stewardship

This blog has touched quite a bit on 3 and 5, some on 1.  This Vortex clip gives an overview of how all these have taken our focus off Jesus Christ and misdirected that focus to humanity.

Please note that Voris rightly excoriates the Catholic media that won't bring up these anomalies as they exist within the Church hierarchy and bureaucracy.  By their silence and thier sole  focus on fluffy-puffy happy-pap crap, they are complicit in the festering of these evils within the Church.

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Mainstream Media In The Back Pocket Of George Soros

Two weeks ago, I brought to your attention a Fox News report on the tenacles of George Soros in the mainstream-lamebrain media.  CNS News gives us more information on the millions that Soros has poured into mainstream-lamebrain media.  That link goes to the third part of a four-part series.  A link to the author will in turn link to the others (at this writing, the fourth part is not yet released).

Many people still do not question the media, although more and more of them are waking up.  Read these reports to get an idea of the brains and motivation behind what is being spoon-fed to so many people today.

The Truth Will Divide. Grow A Spine And Get Used To It.

I'm beginning to think that when misguided individuals in the pro-life camp want to "seek unity" of those of different opinion, what they really want is to be liked by them - and that's it!  I don't know who said this, but he's right: "It's better to be divided over the truth than to be united in a lie".  That's because real, authentic unity must be founded on pure, objective truth; else, that pseudo-unity will collapse as the lie collapses.

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Another Ominous Aspect Of The Dream Act

Until I saw the clip below, I didn't realize this danger that will come with passage of the DREAM Act.  It promises to illegal aliens in-state tuition rates, but these still remain tuitions that must be paid.  The question is, how will they be paid by people who most likely are of limited financial means?  I didn't recall until I saw this that the feds have nationalized student loans.  That's right!  Private institutions cannot make these loans.  These loans will be back by - guess who?  Hint!  Go look in the mirror.  Yep!  They will be backed by us, the taxpayer.  Couple that with the skyrocketing tuition costs (which unlike other commodoties in these economic conditions have not declined), and we'll see the potential for much default on these loans.  We're already seeing it now.  Boys and girls, can we say "education version of housing marketing crisis"? 
This renders more indefensible the mindless promotion of the DREAM Act by the Maryland Catholic Conference.  They are simply enticing these illegals to take on loans for which they are unqualified - in other words to put themselves into a financial booby trap.

I don't agree with everything this film says.  For instance, I don't buy into the notion that all college education is useless.  However, I don't see college education as being necessarily indispensible.  Many of you are reading this on a Windows-based platform.  Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, was a college dropout.  I saw the clip on my Facebook page.  The founder of Facebook dropped out of college.  I'd say that both these individuals are prospering, if only on the financial level.

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

High School Graduates Stand Up To ACLU

At Bastrop High School in Louisiana, on May 20th, the graduating class, led by Laci Rae Mattice, went ahead with their traditional prayer despite ACLU's saber-rattling on behalf of one atheist student.  You can read the account here,  I hope this young lady considers a career in politics; Lord knows we need representatives with Christian conviction and courage.

As for the young atheist, I hope he learned a valuable lesson: that he cannot force upon his fellows his atheism.  If it took until his graduation day to learn it, so be it.  Let us pray that he comes to repentance and conversion.

A video of the prayer is embedded in that article.  If you can't see embedded video, go here.

Dereliction Of Duty By Bishops Harms Priests

In this Vortex episode, you'll hear from a priest who is pained by the sloppiness of his bishop.  While he suffers, he is not suffering the greatest brunt of episcopal dereliction.  Who might be?  Probably priests such as Father Pfleger.  Thanks to Cardinal George's utter lack of backbone, Father Pfleger (and his congregation) are encouraged in their sinful rebellion against Holy Mother Church.  They may suffer eternally due to lack of guidance.

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

MCC Hammer At Another Baltimore Church

As mentioned yesterday, I'm reporting on an occurrence of the MCC screed in another Baltimore church.  A full-page insert of the MCC statement appeared in the bulletin of St Stephen Church in Kingsville, which I understand is in northern Baltimore County.  The man who relayed it is the son of a friend of mine.  He owns his own small business and is struggling to put his own children through college.  His youngest son finally was accepted into UMBC, after being on a waiting list.

The MCC claims that illegals would not displace citizens from seats at the community college level.  Be that as it may, can the same be said at the 4-year colleges?  Common sense would indicate in the negative.  Moreover, would the illegals have to register for Selective Service, as did this young man?

Can anyone blame this poor father for being indignant at the thought of his tax dollars being used to possibly block his own son from attending the school he wished to attend?  Such are the honest concerns of decent Catholics - concerns that deserve validation, not the ridicule that was heaped upon them in the MCC statement.

The Maryland Catholic Conference, in its widely-publicized statement, is making clear its expectation that good Catholics such as this father should behave like silent, submissive little cash cows by paying up and shutting up.  Moreover, the MCC states that any attempt to make their voices heard through legitimate political processes should be derided as "harsh".  In so doing, might the MCC itself be engaging in "harsh" behavior?

To the MCC - With all due respect, respect is due to those who don't hold to the opinion that Church social teaching is akin to socialism.  We see through this, and we won't be cowed.  The statement that you released this weekend is only one reason why many Catholics simply don't take you seriously - or more to the point, see such actvities as giving cover to socialistic elements in our society.

Sacred Heart Of Mary And The MCC Statement

On my post this Thursday about the MCC screed, I received two comments.  Pursuant to the second one, I decided to visit Sacred Heart this morning and let at least some of the parishioners know that differences of opinion on these matters are permitted by Holy Mother Church.  I'll post the text of my opinion after the jump break.  Comments are welcome.

I received word of another Baltimore parish receiving a similar thought-squelcher.  I will post on that tomorrow.  If anyone else has seen similar stuff in their parishes, please feel free to drop a comment.  I do advise that anything posted may be subject matter for a blog post.  We need to expose this sort of nonsense.

Now here's my message to the attendees of the 10AM Mass today.

Dressing For Mass

This morning one of the home-schooled children made his First Holy Communion today.  He occupied the front pew and some of his relatives were present.  I sat about half-way back.  I could hear a man behind me commenting and expressing amazement at "all the coats and ties" he saw.  Of course, he had on one of those polo shirts with button undone.  I was struck with the irony of it all.  45 years ago, "all the coats and ties" would have been the norm and that man's manner of dress would have been the anomaly.

How far have we been dumbed down?  Quite a bit.  Let me preempt some "dont' judge by appearances" objections by pointing out this little factoid.  Dress is not appearance.  Dress is behavior.  One chooses their wardrobe based upon their beliefs, attitudes, and core character.  As such, it is fair game for comment and even criticism.  If one truly believes that they are attending Holy Mass, the Unbloody Sacrifice of Our Lord and that they will receive Him in the Eucharist, why does their dress belie their beliefs (apart from poor catechesis received)?  May I suggest some improvements?

1. For both men and women  No jeans (including denim dresses), shorts, sneakers, sandals, bare shoulders, bare midriffs, tee shirts.  Clothing in good repair, nothing torn.  Nothing too tight or baggy.
2. Gentlemen (of all ages)  Jacket and tie at all times - and keep them on.  That presupposes, of course, dress shirts, dress slacks and dress shoes.
3. Ladies  No slacks.  Skirt and dress hems no higher than the knee.  Nothing sleeveless.  Nothing "see-thru" (unless there is at least one more layer).  No bare legs in summer; wear hose (NOT fishnets).  Close-toed shoes.

Again, 45 years ago, in a more civilized age, this would have been considered the norm.  Why not now?  There are times when "casual" is simply inappropriate; the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is one such time.  Of course there will be exceptions for illness, injury, inclement weather or other extenuating circumstance, but these will be precisely that - exceptions, not the norm.

Parents, that means that you should not allow your daughters to go to Mass dressed like hookers - nor should you allow your sons to go dressed like they just broke out of jail.  You might find that if you insist on proper dress, that their attitudes will change - provided, of course that you yourselves follow suit.

Announcing... "Lavender Commencements"!!!

You can guess what they are.  The Cardinal Newman Society has the latest on these and the usual bevvy of pro-aborts that disgrace the commencements at supposedly Catholic institutions of higher learning.  As you read the report, notice how frequently you see mention of Georgetown University.  These days, that's only to be expected.

Cardinal George Caves, Reinstates Pfleger

This latest example of spineless capitulation is as disgusting as was the capitulation of John Boehner during the budget situation last month.  They both will have inflicted long-term damage upon our cultural landscape.  Having dealt with the Boehner debacle as it occurred, I'll focus on this.

I saw the news on my Facebook wall, as a friend had posted this Chicago Tribune link to it.  Cardinal George, former president of the USCCB, has given cheer to all dissidents today - or at least those within the Chicago archdiocese.  Of course he has also given terrible example to some of his fellow bishops who also suffer from SDS (spinal deficiency syndrome).  Mind you, despite all that nicey-nice talk attributed to both men, anyone with two brain cells firing in syncopation knows that George blinked big-time.  In doing so, Cardinal George failed all the Catholics within his archdiocese - including Father Pfleger, who stands in dire need of repentance, not vindication.  This little poem comes to mind when I think of this:
   Disobey!
   Have your way!
   Then one day
   They'll say ok!

Innovative New Energy Supply!

Thanks to the Messiah Most Miserable himself!  Click here if you can't see embedded video.



HT to Jill Stanek.

Maryland Catholic Conference Rants Against DREAM Act Opponents

As many Marylanders know, Governor O'Malley signed into law SB167, dubbed the "DREAM Act", which allows immigrants of any status to apply to Maryland colleges and pay "in-state" tuition rates.  When a resident of any state applies to a public college in which he/she resides, he/she pays lower rates predicated on the assumptions that 1) their tax dollars help subsidize the college and 2) that they are law-abiding citizens or properly-recognzied aliens.

In today's issue of the Catholic Standard, the Maryland Catholic Conference issued this statement congratulating O'Malley for signing the bill into law.  While the issue of tuition assistance may be a matter on which good people can disagree, I find much fault with the MCC's statement.  It doesn't state forthrightly the case that the DREAM act's opponents put forth.  Indeed, the MCC glosses over the distinction between immigrants who are here legally, and those who are here illegally. 

Here is one such problematic sentence: "We do not condone breaking the law, and fully recognize the legitimate concerns our state and country faces regarding illegal immigration. These problems cannot be solved, however, by harshly denying the needs of those who live and work among us here and now, especially the young. The in-state tuition bill is a balanced measure that benefits immigrant children mostly brought here through no fault of their own, and who are making the right choices in order to lead productive lives."  Let's unpack this mess, piece by piece. 

First, notice that word "harshly".  MCC, that's called "demonizing your opposition", and I'm calling you on it!  Good people, with valid reasons, oppose this bill, and you call that "harsh"?  Who do you think you are??  Second, while you claim that you don't condone breaking the law, your act of rewarding the illegal behavior does precisely that.  Third, about this "balanced measure" claim.  It will cost the Maryland taxpayers about $3-4 million by the year 2016.  Quite a few of these taxpayers are having trouble affording tuition for themselves or their children - and this is a "balanced measure"?  Fourth, as far as "making the right choice", no they aren't, when it comes to essentially unseating other eligible young people.  Moreover, when the MCC calls such actions "making the right choices", what does that teach these young people about rule of law, of pulling your own weight, not depending on handouts, etc.

Next set of fallacies from the MCC!  "We are therefore strongly opposed to efforts to close the door on this opportunity by petitioning the bill to a statewide referendum. A statewide referendum on the issue of immigration will have a needlessly divisive impact on our state, and we urge Catholics and all Marylanders to refrain from signing on to this petition effort."   Notice how the MCC is afraid of a vote.  Dear MCC!  Remember what I said about this being an issue on which good people can disagree?  This is it.  I've got more shocking news for you.  We live in a consitutional republic, and that constitution provides for redress for the people.  You are in effect asking people to swallow more taxes in silence - but that ain't happenin'!!  As far as the "needlessly divisvie impact", do you really mean "opposition to your opinion"?  That's all it can mean.  I have more news for you; this division already exists - and that's not a bad thing (see the post on "division" from Tuesday).  Whether you like it or not, the citizens of the state of Maryland deserve the chance to vote on this measure - even Catholics! 

This Catholic is signing the petition and I'm urging my fellow Catholics to sign it, too - the politically-correct, progressive proclivities of the Maryland Catholic Conference notwithstanding!

Obama's Judicial Nominee Liu Is Sacked By Senate

Today the Senate voted against cloture on the filibuster against Godwin Liu, an Obama-nominated candidate for a federal judical seat.  The vote occurred mainly on party lines, with Lisa Murkowski being the lone Republican to vote for cloture.

The Lifenews article details the progressive and pro-abortion proclivities of Liu.  Apparently he believes the US Constitution is a "living document" but the unborn child is not a "living person".

I rejoice that the Senate Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, found their spines and stared down Dingy Harry.

Girl Scouts - Corrupted

I've known for some time now that the Girl Scouts were espousing feminism and abortion rights.  I just learned of a website called Speak Now Girl Scouts, started by two sisters who were Scouts, that deplores the Girl Scout's wanderings from Judeo-Christian morality.  Please read it.  More information is here.

As one who took the Girl Scout oath many years ago (way back when the Girl Scouts still acknowledged the One True God), I truly am disappointed with them.  Explore the American Heritage Girls as an alternative.

While I'm at it, I truly applaud the Boy Scouts.  They have managed to stay true to their roots, despite incredible opposition from some of the "politically-correct elite".

The Reality Of Hell

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

More "Inconvenient Truth" For Climate-Change Diehards

As mentioned before on this blog, many Catholics of the progressive "social justice" cabal have glommed onto the "global warming / climate change" hoax.  Either they're unsuspecting dupes or they are using it to advance their own agendas.  Read these posts, and the material to which they link.

Last month the Financial Post published another rebuttal of the hoax, detailing how the data was deliberately skewed to present the viewpoint deemed politically correct.  And for this the USCCB and some whacky nuns wanted us to unscrew our lightbulbs and eschew plastic bags?  Will they finally wake up and admit their error?  Don't bet on it.  Too many of their buddies at the Catholic Climate Covenant would then be out of jobs!

The Necessity Of Tension And Division

Within the past month, a Vatican office hosted a conference for "Catholic bloggers" from all over the world.  A number of American bloggers attended.  When I first heard about this, I was just a bit wary and skeptical of this.  I asked myself, "Why now, after ignoring us for so long?  Are they going to try to rein us in, to stifle us a bit?"  Sounds paranoid?  Well, maybe not.

In today's Vortex, Voris makes mention of some exhortations at that conference to avoid an "us versus them" mentality.  In other words, we bloggers should be "nice and sweet - charitable (buzz word)".  Clearly that's an attempt to get us to stifle ourselves and more to the point, not to make the bureaucrats and "professional catholycs" squirm too much when we call out their malfeasances.

Voris points out that there is nothing inherently wrong with divisions, stating that such is necessary as long as there is evil in the world.  We cannot be afraid of division, for such makes clear that there is distinction between good and evil, between God and Satan. 

I've dealt with this lamentable squeemishness against tension, division and conflict in front of the abortion mills.  Of all places where we might expect to see such division, and indeed hope for that divsion, I am appalled at the timidity that so many display.  I've heard too much talk on trying "too mitigate tension, to have peace on the sidewalk".  Ladies and gentlemen, particularly those on the sidewalk, consider that the tension, etc is merely a symptom of the greater evil of child-murder that is happening a few feet from you.  We should not concern ourselves with the symptom, but rather the cause.  The "division and conflict" will end only when abortion ends, and not one split-second before then!  Got that?

While we don't aim for conflict as a goal, we don't run from it, either.  Watch and see how the presense of conflct might signal health instead of stagnation.  Click here if you cannot see embedded video.

"Pro-Choice" Really Means Pro-DEATH

Enough of that silly "pro-choice" euphamism!  Why else would these deathscorts cheer as a baby is being driven into the mill (in Rockford IL) for slaughter?  Watch for yourselves.  After you watch, you make a commitment to go to your local abortion mill and offer prayers and support to the distraught and confused young mothers.  Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Who Is Getting Obamacare Waivers?

According to this expose, approximately 20% of them have been granted to entities within this Special Person's Congressional District.  And who might be this Oh-So-Special Person?

Nancy Pelosi!

Are you surprised?  Remember when she told us all that the bill would have to be passed in order for us to learn what's in it?  Well, she must have let her constituents in on the secret and made arrangements so that they wouldn't be bitten by the Hell Bill - or at least not as badly as the rest of us poor slobs.  Had that not been the case, perhaps she might have gotten her Pink Slip last November.

Click here to see embedded video.

Universae Ecclesiae

The above-named document was released by the Vatican last Friday.  Father Z's blog has an excellent analysis and links to the original document (in both Latin and English), so I needn't rehash too much.  I link also to Catholic Culture's take on this long-awaited document.

Please read these, and give thanks to God and ask continued blessing for Pope Benedict XVI.

Sweeney Gets Dressed Down At CUA Symposium

In late April, I advised you of a "symposium" on Rerum Novarum to be held at Catholic University of America on May 2-3.  I opined that it would be nothing more than a progressive brain-washing session.  It turns out that is precisely what it was, and the speakers didn't bother to conceal their agendas.

Accuracy in Media has a report on what transpired.  (By the way - I forgot to mention in that April post that prior to his taking over the AFL-CIO, Sweeney was CEO of the SEIU).  Sweeney went into a tirade about the governor of Wisconsin reining in the runaway unions there, going so far as to insinuate (incorrectly) that Scott Walker was out of step with Jesus Christ Himself (Of course the "separation of church and state" crowd has uttered not a peep - surprised?  But I digress).  Behaving like the typical arrogant progressive wonk, he then proceeded to badmouth the Catholic University itself, calling them "union-busters".  Watch that video on the AIM site, as well as the others.  For those who can't see embedded video, click here for the Sweeney clip.

But apparently Sweeney got his comeuppance right then and there.  CUA officials read a statement that accused Sweeney of lying, leaving Sweeney stunned into silence.  Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at that meeting!   Now here's some more delicious irony.  That statement was read by Stephen Schenk, chair of the department that sponsored the symposium.  He apparently was ordered to read that, and he must have done so reluctantly.  Bear in mind that Schenk sits on the board of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good - a group that draws significant funding from George Soros.  Moreover, he was one of the lead writers in the letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner that accused him of being out of step with Church teaching. 

I'm sensing a common theme here.  Various progressive wonks with ties to progressive atheist billionare George Soros accuse conservative officials of "not following Catholic teaching" because they don't throw money at unions and governmental bureaucracies.  Georgy-boy seems to have lots of fingers in lots of pies, doesn't he?

Getting back to the rebuke that Sweeney received, I haven't learned yet of where a full text of that can be reviewed.  I'd love to see it.  My hat's off to the CUA officials who caused that to be read to Sweeney's face.  I only hope that Cardinal Emeritus McCarrick doesn't see fit to assuage Sweeney's ego with some "honor", as he did when twice we picketed Sweeney in past years.

If that doesn't happen, there's hope!  Perhaps Sweeney can pop over to the "church of earthaluia" and do some duets with Bertha Lewis (see preceding post).  That might be a nice career move for him!

Former ACORN CEO Sings!!! Well, Uhhh, Kinda!

Apparently Bertha Lewis is into "gospel music".  Of course, that depends on one's definition of "gospel".  Whatever else her performance is, it is clear evidence that the nefarious mischief of ACORN festers on.  On the other hand, it also provides a little levity.  Truth be told, when I first listened to it, I laughed so hard I was in tears!  Really!  I couldn't dream up that crap to save my life!  Here's some more write-up on this performance - and ht to Pewsitter.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, here's Bertha Lewis, in her, uh, unique redition of that age-old gospel classic, (drum roll, please!)

WAL-MART SUCKS!

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

"Stop Thinking Of Her As A Person"

Thus wrote one Andrew Limbong in a New York Times Op-Ed piece as he documented his "struggle to overcome his Christian upbringing" and commit the mortal sin of fornication with his girl friend.  Lifesite News has more insight here; they reveal that Planned Parenthood posted it to their Facebook page, and called Andrew's moral degradation "staying true to one's self and moving forward when you're ready."

Well, not really, PP!  Andrew was doing the exact opposite of staying true to one's self - and he struggled mightily at it, which is some testament to the decent job his parents must have attempted..  And about "moving forward".. to where?  Hell is a terrible reality and Andrew is veering quite close to it.  But let's look at another peculiar aspect of this.

I'm old enough to remember the feminist movement in its nacient days in the 1960s.  Back then, the feminists were up in arms about overgrown oafs using them as "sex objects".  Well, what is Andrew saying when he said "stop thinking of her as a person... people are animals".  If that is not a deliberate objectification of his girl friend, what is?  And this is what Planned Parenthood calls "staying true to one's self"?   Again, going back to that era, do you remember the Virginia Slims cigarette commercial that capitalized on the feminist movement with its slogan, "you've come a long way baby"?  Well, Planned Parenthood and the feminist movement have done precisely that -brought women a long way towards being treated as objects.  Turn them into little toys to be used for pleasure, and when the natural effects of such exploitation make themselves apparent, bring the little toys into Planned Parenthood and other mills, and for a few hundred bucks, the baby is murdered, the woman scarred, but ready for "use"!  Nice going, feminist movement!  Nice going, Planned Parenthood!

Insensitive! And Loving It!!

God bless His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI!

Click here if you can't see embedded video.

Another Jesuit Tries To Justify Disobedience To God's Immutable Laws

Somethimes half-truths are worse than complete falsehoods.  With the latter, there is no mistaking its nature for there is no disguise.  With the former, there is the use of things truthful in and of themselves to lend credibility to the falsehood contained therein.

Father James Martin engages in half-truth double-speak.  While it's completely true that Jesus reached out to the marginalized and met them where they were, He never permitted them to remain in sinful states.  He always made clear the need for repentance.  Father Martin makes no mention of the need of gays to repent of their dangerous and sinful lifestyles.  In so doing, he seduces them to remain in their squalor, whether or not that is his intention. 

The first video (after the jump break) is Father Martin's nonsense.  The second is a Stoplight episode featuring Stuart Shephard.  In it, he uses a humorous analogy to explain why the gay lifestyle (among other things) will never be normative, no matter how some (such as Father Martin?) may pretend it to be.

Catholic League Comes To Boehner’s Defense

On May 11, I wrote of the drivel put out by Commonweal regarding John Boehner and the complaining that some at CUA put forth regarding Boehner’s views on the budget. Yes, yes, I know it was signed by a bunch of self-styled big-shots with lots and lots of college degrees. The possession of a college degree or two is no guarantee of any real knowledge or wisdom. Case in point – some physicians are so clueless that they pretend that the babies they’ve been murdering aren’t really babies. But I digress!

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights has weighed in. Its president, Bill Donohue, shed some interesting light on Stephen Schenk of CUA who played a major role in crafting the letter. Schenk, in 2009, signed a letter praising the nomination of abortophile Kathleen Sebelius to the HHS. We remind one and all that while governor of Kansas, she gave aid and comfort to (the now late) George Tiller, aka “Tiller the Killer”, the first notorious late-term abortionist (The second late-term abortionist murders babies less than 20 miles from me, but again I digress). So much for Schenk’s supposed concern for “the vulnerable”, for who is more vulnerable than a tiny baby slated for murder?

Let them continue to show their true stripes

Mainstream Media Linked To George Soros

This Fox News report from May 11th reveals some facts that in retrospect are none too surprising.  It seems that George Soros has ties to many major news outlets – and perhaps has funneled money into them. Among the left-wing media outlets are: New York Times, Washington Post, Associated Press , ABC CBS and NBC. Soros seems to have his fingers in the pie of anything progressive, doesn’t he?

Technological Difficulties With Blogger

This blog operates on the Blogger platform.  Sometime Wednesday, Blogger developed serious difficulties.  In order to address the problems, the Blogger team put all of the blogs (including this one) in "read-only" mode.  None of us could create new posts, nor could we attend to pending comments.  Moreover, they temporarily took down some of the posts from May 11th - including the three on this blog.

I regret any inconvenience or confusion - particularly if you were looking for those Wednesday posts that were there, then weren't.  As you can see, the posts have been restored.

HOWEVER, you might have noticed that the American Life League video from the article on investigating the social justice groups is "not available".  If you click on the hyperlink, the youtube page says "it's been removed by the user".  Not true!  I have that on good evidence.  So who had it pulled?  I don't  think that was Google's initative!

Pfleger Throws A Tantrum

Remember Father Michael Pfleger, "Obama's other pastor"?  You'll recall that several weeks ago, Cardinal George (finally!) suspended his priestly faculties.  Well, now Pfleger's having a hissy-snit-fit.  He has threatend to preach at other churches if the suspension isn't lifted by this weekend.

Yawn!  Big deal!  Fr. Pfleger, try not to let the door hit you on your way out.  Meanwhile, we'll pray that you'll come to your senses and repent before it's too late.

Commonweal Whines About CUA Choice Of Commencement Speaker

An ostensibly "Catholic" publication is voicing displeasure about the commencement speaker for Catholic Univeristy of America.  And who might be this unsavory choice of speaker?  John Boeher.

This blog is so imbued with progressive brain-rot that it compares this situation with the Notre Dame commencement of two years ago, when Obama desecrated a formerly Catholic institution.  The blog's author, David Gibson, displays the same mental stagation that often plagues those still stuck in the "seamless garment" rut.  He states that "Boehner's budget proposals have been anything but pro-life."  Oh, really?  How have Boehner's proposals fostered the baby-murder known as abortion?  I understand that there are, in that proposal, provisions to cut abortion funding.  That can only alleviate "unnecessary suffering by the most vulnerable."

Gibson makes reference to an open letter to Boeher, signed by some academics, chiding him for what they opine as deviance from Catholic social teaching.  Here is one main paragraph, and I urge you to read the thing for yourselves.

"Mr. Speaker, your voting record is at variance from one of the Church’s most ancient moral teachings. From the apostles to the present, the Magisterium of the Church has insisted that those in power are morally obliged to preference the needs of the poor. Your record in support of legislation to address the desperate needs of the poor is among the worst in Congress. This fundamental concern should have great urgency for Catholic policy makers. Yet, even now, you work in opposition to it."


To you supposed academics, there are matters on which good Catholics can disagree.  These are matters of prudential judgment.  I share Boehner's concern that the needs of the poor cannot be met by governmental intervention.  To insist that your opinion of what is in the realm of prudential judgment constitutes conformity with the Magisterium is patently dishonest and arrogant.  I don't care how many academic big-wigs you get to sign this tripe, or how many letters they have behind their names.  Your quasi-socialism has been shown to be the snake-oil that it is.  Get over it!

Mr. Speaker, may God guide your words to the graduates this weekend.

How Carhart Spent Mothers' Day

He was most likely killing a baby in Germantown last Sunday evening.  In (dis)honor of this newest slap in the face of motherhood, I'm bestowing a new nickname upon him - "Hard-heart Carhart".  Pray, though, that his heart would soften. 

Click here if you cannot see embedded video.  Those of you clicking on the embedded video, I'd suggest you click the "youtube" icon on the lower right of the screen so that you can watch the entire video series on the "pray4carhart" channel.

Summer Of Mercy Coming To Germantown Abortuary

From July 31 through August 6, local pro-life activists, with the help of Operation Rescue, will conduct a week-long effort of Christan witness at the site of Germantown Reproductive Health Services, the abortion mill where LeRoy Carhart is murdering pre-born babies of all stages of gestation.

At this time, details are not yet known.  But please plan to be there for as much as you can.  Visit http://summerofmercy.com/ for further details.

Cardinal Burke At Houston Planned Parenthood

To all Catholic clergy, from Cardinal to Deacon  Your presense, especially in your cassocks and other clerical garb, is crucial at the abortuaries.  By virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, you are an alter Christi at  the mills.  Please come!  If His Eminence Cardinal Burke can come all the way from the Vatican to pray at the largest Planned Parenthood abortuary in Houston Texas, surely you can go to the abortuary within your own diocese and lead a prayer/counseling effort there!

Click here if you cannot see embedded video.



By the way, Cardinal Burke gave some explicit instruction on the obligation of clergy to obey Canon 915.

Bin Laden's Death - The Appropriate Response

Anyone who is reading this knows that there have been a plethora of reactions to the shooting of Osama Bin Laden - even amongst Catholics.  In fact, a question was posed asking if a faithful Catholic could rejoice in the death of Bin Laden, since he was inarguably responsible for so much death and mayhem 10 years ago.

Let's look at Ezekiel 33:11, that says, "as surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn from their ways and live".  That settles the matter now, doesn't it?

While I rejoice that he can cause no more harm and that Al Qaeda has been stymied a bit, I do not rejoice at his death.

How Many "Genders" Are There Today? Bet You Can't Guess!!

If you're like most sane people with a modicum of common sense, you'll immediately think of Genesis 1:27, "Male and female He created them."  It seems that common sense isn't all that common anymore.  Some quarters of the culture of death hold the notion of "male and female" as being the only two genders to be rather quaint and hopelessly outdated.  You probably do realize that these so-called "intellectuals" have concocted some additional "genders".  But - how many?

Sit down, now.  Don't be eating as you read this, lest you spit all over your monitor as you read the latest tally of "genders".

According to the Austrilian Human Rights Commission, there are twenty-three (23!) different "genders"!  Not only that, this commission has "protected" them (whatever that means).  Read the article here to get the latest tally.  I haven't heard of most of these, and I sure don't know their definitions.  I don't want to know their definitions; they'll probably change with the wind anyway.

Notice that I said "latest tally".  Some other doofus organization will probably concoct some more groups that "need protection".  In fact, as I read the list, I can think of one "gender" that they may have forgotten - "none of the above"!  Why not!

Of Lying For A Medical License

Two weeks ago, it was announced that LeRoy Carhart, late-term baby killer in Germantown, is being investigated by the Maryland Board of Physicians for lying on his license application.

Yesterday brought news that abortionist Nicola Riley surrendered her Wyoming license after coming under investigation there for - lying on her license application.  Read details here.

You might ask "what does one have to do with the other"?  Fair question, and one easily answered.  Riley was associated with Stephen Brigham, who was caught flouting licensing stipulations.  Riley's license was suspended in Maryland.  Read these articles to learn of Riley's chequered baby-killing career in Maryland.

The precedent set by the various state boards in Riley's case bodes well for the suspension and even revokation of Carhart's Maryland license.  Let us pray!

To "Billyo" In Regards To The Survivors' Triumph

To my other readers, to follow this, please read the post preceding this and please read the linked Lifesite News article.  That is where "Billyo" has posted.  I'm responding here to avoid space limitations in the Lifesite News comment boxes.  Now I will begin my reply to his post as of May 5.

Billyo, this will be a long read since there are several things that should be clarified.  I'll take them in the order in which you have presented them.

Pro-Life Youth Win $225k Settlement Against Rogue Campus Police

From Lifesite News, we read of three members of Survivors who were protesting at Chaffey College in November 2007.  They were roughed up by campus police, as video on the Lifesite page will make plain.  

The Life Legal Defense Foundation came to their aid and filed charges in October 2009.  At long last, justice has been served and it has been demonstrated that "Christian" is NOT synonomous with "doormat" - especially when it comes to utilizing First Amendment rights to speak out on behalf of the tiny babies.

This also demonstrates the abolute necessity of having camcorders at all public events and outreaches.

DC Councilmember Arrested For Protesting Abortion Funding Ban

Mary Cheh was arrested yesterday after she and others protested HR 3, that bans abortion funding in DC.  A few weeks ago, Vincent Gray was arrested for doing the same thing.  If they keep this up, they'll soon be running the DC government from jail.  Perhaps Marion Barry could give them some how-to tips for doing that.

By the way - Vincent Gray is ostensibly Catholic.  Yet he is willing to be jailed for the "right" to murder babies?  He attends St Mary's, just east of Chinatown, and that pastors have been instructed by Cardinal Wuerl to give Holy Communion to pro-abortion politicians "because they do not know the state of the soul" of these pro-aborts. 

Yoo  hoo!  Your Eminence and all interested parties!  Here's Canon 915 in its entirety.  Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

As I read this, I see no mention at all about "knowing the state of someone's soul".  What I do see is language about those who persist in manifest grave sin.  I would say that promotion of the legalized murder of children to the point of getting arrested is "persisting in manifest grave sin".  Per Canon 915, the denial of Holy Communion to someone exhibiting that behavior is an obligation enjoined upon the minister of Holy Communion.  It is NOT open to "pastoral interpretation" or whatever the cop-out mumbo-jumbo-du-jour might happen to be.  This is not complicated; you're only pretending it to be so in order to dodge culpability for disobedience to this straightforward Canon.  All you clergy who try this flim-flam deceive no one but yourselves - even at that, I don't think you entrely succeed.

BREAKING - Charges DROPPED Against Notre Dame 88

The pro-life activists whose protests of Obama's commencement address at Notre Dame in May 2009 finally are releaved of trespass charges.  These individuals had taken their protests onto campus grounds and were arrested and charged with trespass.  Several of these individuals are friends of this blogger.

The Thomas More Society represented the pro-life activists, who eached faced up to a year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine.  Many investigations and discoveries were conducted.  One of these revealed that campus protesters of various left-wing pursuasions were given much more lenient treatment than the pro-lifers, indicating viewpoint discrimination.

Today, Indiana's prosecuter for St Joseph County, Michael Dvorak, dismissed the trespass charges.  Details can be found at Lifesite News.  What took them so long??

House Votes To Ban All Federal Funding For Abortion

This Lifenews article gives further detail and links to today's roll call.

As the article says, there is doubt as to whether or not it will get by the Senate.  Even in the unlikely event that "Dingy Harry" would let it come to the Senate floor and it pass, Obama said he'd veto it, and there would never be the 2/3 vote in the Senate to override the veto.

I still think the House blew it last month during the budget debate.  They (Boehner particularly) blinked when "Dingy" threatened to let the government shut down.  They should have grown a backbone right then and there.

Eeekk!! Insensitivity Alert!!!

In this Vortex episode we are reminded that many priests get their start by being altar boys.  He also explains why altar girls have an inhibiting effect on future vocations.  At the risk of putting a damper on recent events in Rome, this is one area where the newly-beatified John Paul II dropped the ball - by not putting the kibosh on altar girls.  However, to his immense credit, the late Holy Father penned Mulieris Dignitatem (on the Dignity and Vocation of Women).  Please read it.

Lest some of you judge me as being misogynistic, know that I happen to be a woman.  Also know that you will never see me as lector nor extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, as I do not believe these functions appropriate to a woman (stop that hyperventilating right now!).  I'd also like to remind one and all that the holiest human person was Our Blessed Lady - one who would never think to arrogate the priesthood to herself.

Click here if you cannot see embedded video.

Pax Christi At Burtonsville Catholic Church - Community Organizing

Here's the announcement from a newsletter that I receive:

Fund our Communities.  Presentation and discussion on ways the U.S. military budget can be cut to free up money for community needs.  Tuesday, May 17.  7:30 p.m.  Parish Life Center Room 210, Church of the Resurrection, 3315 Greencastle Rd, Burtonsville, MD 20866. Sponsored by Pax Christi Burtonsville.

Here's a little background information on Pax Christi.  Its founding president is Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, formerly the Auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Detroit.  Yes, he's that one!  He's the gay-activist bishop that Rome had to force to resign.  He certainly is idolized by the left.

Its current president is Bishop Gambino Zavala, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  I noted almost a year ago that he doesn't like blogs such as this.  Read why.  I suggest you read the entire post, and watch the clips of Bishop Zavala turning a Mass into an abysmal circus.

Bishop Zavala is also co-president of the board of Interfaith Worker Justice, an organization founding on Alinskyan principles.  Another director of that group is Tom Chabolla.  Where have we heard that name before?  Well, plenty on this blog.  He is a special assistant to the president of the SEIU - you know, the thugs that sent 500 people to stampede all over a bank official's front porch last summer?

So now that we have an idea of the dissidents who've been shaping Pax Christi's goals throughout the years, the above announcement comes as no surprise.  Read their website and see that they are big on dismantling national defense.  Ladies and gentlemen, the pacifism they promote is not in conformity with Catholic social teaching - the teaching that does recognize that a state has an obligation to defend its citzens against unjust aggression.  Whatever one might think of current military engagements, there is no justification for the gutting of the military. 

Now as far as "funding the communities" goes, upon whon does that onus lay?  Hint!  Remember the principle of subsidiarity?  If you don't, that's no surprise, as the progressive, big-government lovers don't want you to consider this basic tenet of Catholic social teaching.  As we saw Friday, even the USCCB would like to sweep that under the rug.  Answer to the question?  It's not with the Federal government, as is implied in the announcement; it's with us Catholics in the pews.

To those of you at the Church of the Resurrection, please ask your pastor why this is being allowed on Church property.  By the way - I looked on your parish website.  Under "social justice" I see Pax Christi, Just Faith - but I see no pro-life committee!  Why is that???

Bishop Paprocki Brings Back Prayer To St Michael

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield IL has authorized public recitation of the Prayer to St Michael at all Masses after the dismissal and before the recessional.  Read more from the Catholic Citizens of Illinois.  The text to that prayer follows:

St. Michael The Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protector against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him we humbly pray. And dost thou, o prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan & all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

This prayer is part of a larger collection of prayers after Mass that Pope Leo XIII had directed to be said after all Low Masses.  Most of us recall these as the Leonine Prayers.  I've been praying these privately after Mass now for several years.  Here they are.

PRAYERS OF POPE LEO XIII AFTER MASS

1. Hail Mary (3x)
2. Hail Holy Queen
3. Let us pray. O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with favor upon Thy people who cry out to Thee; and through the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of Thy Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, do Thou mercifully and graciously hear the prayers which we pour forth to Thee, for the conversion of sinners and for the freedom and exaltation of Holy Mother Church. Through the same Christ our Lord, Amen.
4. Prayer to St. Michael
5. Invocation to the Sacred Heart (3x)

 I join the Vortex in thanking Bishop Paprocki for recognition of our need for angelic help in our spiritual warfare.  Click here if you can't see embedded video.