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Cap and Trade Passes U.S. House: Kirk, 7 other Republicans, Vote for Greatest Tax Increase in U.S. History

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

"Cap and Trade".  The official name for the bill is the "American Clean Energy and Security Act".  HR2454 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives late Friday evening, June 26th.  The bill--which will be the greatest tax increase in American history--received 219 "aye" votes and 212 "nay" votes.  211 Democrats and eight Republicans voted "yes", 44 Democrats and 168 Republicans voted "no".  Therefore, it can safely be said, the votes of eight Republicans may lead to a legislative disaster of the greatest proportions.

 

The title of the bill is misleading.  In reality, the legislation will not benefit the environment.  HR2454 is solely designed to further redistribute American wealth, give more control to big government and put the U.S. economy on a path towards total destruction. 

 

The vote was very close because--under close inspection--the so-called "Clean Energy and Security Act" will drastically change the way Americans live into the foreseeable future. 

 

One of those who voted for "Cap and Trade" was Congessman Mark Kirk (Republican--Illinois--10th District).  Kirk, whose legislative voting record more closely reflects that of a Democrat, continued his pattern of support for big spending and government irresponsibility.

 

In essence, HR2454 will require all Americans to pay for a commodity (units of CO2 emissions) which was dreamt up by radical environmentalists.  In reality, the beneficiaries of "Cap and Trade" will be well-connected companies and politicians, like Kirk, who have made (and will be sure to make) investments in companies which are advancing misleading promises regarding alternative energy sources.  The promise of alternative energy is a reasonable goal.  Yet the implementation of such technology is far down the road and individuals, like former Vice-president Al Gore, have already made millions of dollars in what is essentially inside trading by those politically-connected.  

 

In a way, this may sound like a noble cause--from afar.  All of us want "clean air", all of us want our nation to be less dependent on foreign sources for our country's energy needs and all of us believe American know-how can help reach these goals. 

 

However, what those who support "Cap and Trade" legislation do not tell us are the facts regarding how the United States and the American public itself will be impacted by a strategy which has been rejected by much of the industrialized world. 

 

The vote leading to the House passage of HR2454 has more to do with putting the United States in an economic straight jacket.  The legislation--which, if passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Barack Obama--will lead to the loss of jobs totaling in the millions and result in draconian increases in costs that will drastically effect every U.S. business and citizen.  An untold number of businesses will leave the United States in the process, leading to higher unemployment in the short term and this will possibly drive our country far beyond economic recession.

 

But why would Mark Kirk, a so-called social moderate and fiscal conservative, support such a bill?  Perhaps Kirk believes some of the more progressive-leaning members of his district will see him as a visionary.  Obviously, Kirk thinks jumping on the (for now--popular) Obama bandwagon will help him politically in an affluent district. 

 

Kirk's "yes" vote regarding "Cap and Trade" should make one thing crystal clear to both Democrats and Republicans who truly care about their country.  Kirk's allegiance to political expedience should be a wake-up call to reasonable members of both political parties and the public in general.  Kirk must be defeated whether he decides to run as a Republican in the 2010 primary or whether he decides to switch political parties and run as a very liberal Democrat--which his past voting record certainly reflects. 

 

There is a reason the "Cap and Trade" bill was brought to a vote by Democratic Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, just before the weekend.  Its supporters wanted the bill to fly under the radar of the American public.  The less attention paid to what "Cap and Trade" would really mean for our country, the better.  This was a bill which needed vigorous debate and transparency.  Instead, HR2454 was rushed through the legislative process...like a thief in the night, rifling through the things which make America a great nation.  It is a type of thievery which will put more power in the hands of politicians and damage the well-to-do, middle-class and poor.

 

There have been hundreds of columns reporting on just what "Cap and Trade" will mean to us all.  But, for the most part, the left-leaning mainstream media has failed in its charge to accurately report on one of the most important bills in American history. 

 

Most certainly, individuals like Mark Kirk, are aware of the bill's ramifications.  Kirk cannot claim he was unaware of what HR2454 stood for.  Kirk cannot claim HR2454 adheres to Republican principles of smaller government and less taxation.  Therefore, the question must be asked:  Why is Mark Kirk in the Republican Party?  Better yet, it can be queried:  How fast can Illinois Republicans get him out of the GOP?

 

To see how all members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted on "Cap and Trade", go to:

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll477.xml#Y 

 

To read related article, titled "Cap & Trade: Political Alchemy, Economy Buster & Disaster for Poor", go to:  http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/06/-cap-trade-political-alchemy-economy-buster-disaster-for-poor.html

 

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org 

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

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SB600: CHAMPION NEWS: Legislation For The People Has Potential To Change GOP

CHAMPION NEWS Urges Illinois Republican Representatives To Support Bill

EDITOR'S NOTE:  The following info and legislative alert is from Champion News (CN) and was issued June 18th.  Champion News calls on Republican voters to contact state Representatives regarding SB600.  CN says legislation has huge potential to change Illinois GOP for the good. -- DTZ -- RFFM.org

Urge GOP State Representatives to Co-Sponsor SB600 Lawmakers returned to Springfield on Tuesday, June 23rd for a special session. The budget mess may be the driving force but it’s also the perfect time to close the loop on SB600. Please take a minute and e-mail all of the Republican State Representatives. Urge them to not only support SB600 – but also to sign-on as Co-Sponsors. GOP Representatives Mike Fortner and Ed Sullivan, Jr. stepped-up and are now officially Co-Sponsors of the bill. More of their fellow members now need to do the same. Let them hear from you. Here are the e-mail addresses for the other 46 Republican House members. repbassi@aol.com; strepmbeaubien@sbcglobal.net; rep@pbellock.com; bobbiggins@comcast.net; wbblack@sbcglobal.net; rep.bost@hotmail.com; dan@rep-danbrady.com; brauerr@housegopmail.state.il.us; john@johncavaletto.com; franco@il45.com; representativesandycole@comcast.net; repconnelly48@gmail.com; coulson@earthlink.net; tom@tomcross.com; cultrash@ilga.gov; repdurkin@hotmail.com; reddyunit1@aol.com; info@kayhatcher.us; rkosel@ilga.gov; davidleitch@ameritech.net; repmathias@hotmail.com; mmcauliffe20@yahoo.com; repmitchell@earthlink.net; repjmitchell@comcast.net; moffitt@grics.net; repmulligan@usa.net; repmyers@macomb.com; reposmond@aol.com; community@sandrapihos.com; poer@housegopmail.state.il.us; bob@pritchardstaterep.com; staterepramey55@aol.com; info@reboletti.com; david@davidreis.org; cr@chapinrose.net; jimsacia@aeroinc.net; skip@skipsaviano.com; info@timschmitz.org; sengerstaterep@gmail.com; sommer@mtco.com; ron@repstephens.com; jiltracy@jiltracy.com; mike@miketryon.com; repwait@aol.com; jimwatson@localnetco.com; repwinters@aol.com A detailed directory of the House Republicans can be found here. And if you want to send a separate message to Fortner and Sullivan thanking them for standing-up, here are their addresses: mike.fortner@sbcglobal.net; ilhouse51@sbcglobal.net. Let’s keep up the pressure. With any luck we can persuade House Minority Leader Tom Cross to take time away from expanding gambling and raising taxes to do something positive for a change. It’s time for Cross to stop playing games and instead do the right thing. One phone call from Cross to Democratic Speaker of the House, Mike Madigan and SB600 gets the floor vote it deserves. But by Cross’ own admission he has thus far refused to make that phone call. That’s unacceptable. If any House member truly believes Republican voters deserve less respect and less of a voice than Democrats enjoy in their party – so be it. That’s good to know. But those House members should at least be man or woman enough to go on record. SB600 deserves a simple up-or-down vote on the floor. And whatever you do, don’t fall for the old Tom Cross. Cross’ strategy is to keep SB600 off the floor and then blame Mike Madigan for not allowing a vote. It’s a big lie of course – and it’s one Cross has told many times before. I’ve heard reports that he’s been doing it again since the close of the regular session on May 31st. Cross did the same thing after he smothered an earlier version of SB600 in the House back in 2005. Here’s the simple truth. SB600 only impacts the Republican Party. The Democrats already have direct elections so they aren’t going to stand in the way. But at the same time - since it is a Republican bill - Madigan’s not going to put it on the floor unless the House Republicans give him the green light. That’s why putting pressure on all of the GOP House members is crucial right now. Republicans all know by now that Cross can’t be trusted – but some honest leaders need to emerge. It’s worth saying again: All Republican eyes are on State Representatives Fortner and Sullivan. Every Representative should be held accountable on SB600 – but Fortner and Sullivan clearly have the best opportunity now to demonstrate some leadership. It’s all about the follow-through. Champion News Network LLC 8 East Main Street Carpentersville, IL 60110 Phone: (847) 428-9138 Fax: (847) 428-9206 info@championnews.net www.championnews.net Questions or comments? E-mail us at info@championnews.com or call 847-428-9138. Copyright  2008 CHAMPION NEWS NETWORK LLC **********   Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org  NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

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Cap & Trade: Political Alchemy, Economy Buster & Disaster for Poor

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

 

According to Webster's Dictionary, one of the definitions assigned to the word alchemy reads, "a method or power of transmutation: esp., the seemingly miraculous change of a thing into something better."

 

Indeed, for thousands of years, some of the greatest minds in world history dabbled in the pseudo-science of alchemy.  Such great thinkers as Leonardo DaVinci held to the misguided belief that substances of little value could be changed into precious metals, like gold and silver.  In fact, this was the life work of many.  And why not?  If a near worthless substance like lead could be transformed into a precious metal, untold wealth would come to the individual who invented a formula that would change the world.  Of course, not much thought was given to the concept because if lead could be altered into a precious substance like gold, gold would lose its value.

 

ASSUAGING LIBERAL GUILT

 

During recent years, with the support of radical environmentalists, a form of political alchemy is being foisted upon the public.  Some might say it is the result of liberal guilt by the affluent left or a diabolical plot to radically change the way we all live.  The left has successfully manipulated their collective angst and it will have a disastrous impact on the world around us in many ways.

 

During the last two decades, liberals have developed a way to demonize fossil-burning fuels.  This strategy included the turning of carbon emissions into a commodity which can be assigned monetary value.  Former Democratic Vice-president Al Gore--who has become extremely wealthy in the process--has helped promote the idea of carbon offsets from which revenue, supposedly, can be used to help "save" the environment.  Just one of Gore's palatial estates in Tennessee sucks up a great deal of energy for one family.  Indeed, the environmental impact of just one of Gore's homes on the CO2 levels in the atmosphere far exceed those of dozens of average American families combined.  But liberals, like Gore, had to develop ways to assuage their guilt.  Therefore, supposedly, Gore and his liberal brethren, feel they can make everything okay by paying for their extravagant lifestyle by simply offering up cash for each "evil" unit of carbon they use.  It can be called a type of secular indulgence whereby the progressive sinner finds relief.  That is, if that liberal environmental sinner can afford it.

 

Now this would be all well and good, if those who were tormented by such guilt voluntarily sent a check in to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or any other governmental body which would be more than happy to take their money.  However, an upcoming vote on Friday, June 26th, in the U.S. House of Representatives may force a struggling American economy into further recession.

 

WHAT IS CAP & TRADE?

 

Cap & Trade, one of President Barack Obama's primary political initiatives, will be considered by Congress.  Cap & Trade would impact all U.S. power plants which supply the nation's homes and businesses with energy through the use of fossil fuels.  In laymen's terms, a utility company which operates a coal-fired facility would be required to pay the government for each unit of CO2 emissions which result from the burning of coal, natural gas, fuel oil, etc.  The more carbon units utility companies use, the more they will be charged.  The more they are charged, the more these costs will be passed along to the public.

 

Though Obama refuses to call Cap & Trade a "tax", he admits the cost regarding the energy needs of an average household will increase from $1,500 to $3,000 per year.  But this would only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  Every business in America would also see a drastic rise in operating costs which will be passed along to the consumer.  Billions of dollars in American wealth will change hands as a result of a "tax" which literally will come out of thin air.

 

THE AGENDA

 

Liberals claim Cap & Trade is designed to benefit the world.  The thinking being, due to higher costs related to Cap & Trade, America will be forced to wean itself off of fossil fuels.  But, if passed into law, Cap & Trade will result in the largest tax increase ever imposed on the American people.  The huge hole in Obama's Cap & Trade policy is obvious to all who have a rudimentary understanding of how America generates electricity and other forms of power--which will not change for decades to come.  For example, one of America's most abundant energy resources is coal.  But, at the same time, coal-burning power plants, including those which currently burn clean bituminous coal, will feel the greatest financial impact from Cap & Trade and those costs will be directly passed on to the consumer.  These increased costs will include the heating and cooling of individual American households and an even greater expense will be incurred by businesses.  Again, those who will suffer most from Cap & Trade legislation will be the American public.  There will be higher expenses at the grocery store, at appliance dealers, hair salons, auto repair shops...it goes on and on.  Every business in the United States will see its costs go up significantly, resulting in grossly accelerated inflation, a loss of thousands of jobs in the energy industry alone and other untold millions of Americans will suffer a direct financial impact because of Obama's misguided Cap & Trade legislation.

 

THE REALITIES OF CAP & TRADE UNTESTED

 

Perhaps the greatest misnomer regarding Cap & Trade is the idea America will quickly shift from the use of fossil fuels--like coal, natural gas and fuel oil--to alternative energy sources, including wind, thermal and solar power.  Here again this is either wishful thinking on the part of radicals who are trying to take control of future government policies regarding energy or, as many believe, a diabolical plot to help redistribute America wealth--which is totally consistent with Obama's admitted political agenda which he alluded to prior to his election.  However, many Democrats themselves are also having questions about such radical political agendas, including Obama's plan to nationalize health care.

 

IMPACT ON MIDDLE-CLASS AMERICANS & THE POOR

 

Obviously, a yearly increase of $1,500 to $3,000 per household, will have the greatest impact on those who can least afford it, including middle-class Americans, the elderly and handicapped.  In a time when many are struggling to make ends meet, for the sake of a flawed policy not yet backed by the means to provide alternative energy, it is widely predicted Cap & Trade will send the American economy into a further tailspin.  Most affected will be a vast number of the population residing in states that depend on power plants which use fossil fuels, including a large swath of the country from Virginia to Pennsylvania and many Midwestern states.  But Obama claims there will be relief offered for those most hard-pressed by the draconian increase in energy costs.  His resolution?  An increase in funding of programs which offer assistance to low-income Americans.  The result?  A greater dependence on the government by the American people which will lead to even higher taxation and more government bureaucracy.

 

AGENDA, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY and THE ENVIRONMENT

 

Many believe there is a more sinister aspect behind Obama's Cap & Trade legislation.  Faltering companies, like General Electric, have been awarded or promised huge government contracts regarding the research and development of alternative energy sources.  NOTE:  General Electric is expected to receive billions of dollars in government contracts.  General Electric owns NBC and MSNBC and they have been some of Obama's biggest supporters in the mainstream media, both prior to and after his election.  But even the most ardent environmentalists admit the predictions of an easy and early shift in the way America derives its energy is Pollyannaish.  Indeed, there are serious problems concerning the environmental impact of facilities which are developing possible alternative energy sources.  The construction of sites in the West--which would be targeted for the development of solar and wind power--would have a tremendous environmental impact on millions of acres of now pristine desert--which would turn into vast forests of windmills and never-ending arrays of solar panels.

 

The proposed technology to transform the way energy is supplied in the United States may not be feasible for decades.  At the same time, the use of vast reserves of natural gas, oil shale and America's most abundant resource (coal) will be discouraged and penalized.  Therefore, while many on the left discourage drilling for oil offshore and in places like ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) in Alaska because of concerns for the environment, it is clear there will be a battle looming in the not too distant future regarding the environmental viability of solar and wind power.  It must be remembered, much of Obama's policies are being advanced in order to wean the U.S. off its dependency on energy from foreign nations.  However, if destroying parts of the American desert--rather than drilling for oil in other parts of the nation--sounds counter-intuitive, counter-productive and short-sighted, this would be a reasonable assessment of an energy policy without foresight.

 

Cap & Trade must be defeated.  Yet there is a reason why this legislation is on the fast track.  Obama's hope is to advance this bill into law before the American people come up to speed on its dire ramifications for the country.  Cap & Trade is perhaps one of the most important pieces of legislation to be considered by Congress in a generation.  The onus now falls on the American people to contact their legislators in the attempt to head off a radical policy which will change the American way of life in many ways.

 

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org 

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

 

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

Obama on Tiller Murder: Not Presidential, Inappropriate and Politically Motivated

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

Just hours after the murder of late-term abortion doctor George Tiller, Barack Obama, the President of the United States, felt it necessary to issue a statement.  At the time, there was a media frenzy concerning Tiller’s death.  The killing of Tiller was a national story which prompted saturation coverage by the mainstream media.  In fact, an act of terrorism--which led to the assassination of an American soldier--was virtually ignored by the dominant press.

The same day Tiller was killed, Obama issued a press release stating, “I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.”

While Obama was “shocked and outraged” regarding the Tiller incident, when the President finally got around to addressing the killing of Pvt. William A. Long--at the hands of an enemy of our country--Obama told the nation he was “sad” over the death of the 24 year old soldier.

But besides Long’s tragic death and the wounding of another, 18 year old Pvt. Quinton I. Ezeagwula, outside a recruiting office in Little Rock, Arkansas, it was clear Obama’s true concerns centered around the Tiller case.

Perhaps I am mistaken.  However, I cannot remember when a President of the United States took time to acknowledge the unfortunate demise of any American citizen.  Tiller was not a prominent statesman.  Tiller was not a champion of civil rights or a leader for the advancement of the human condition.  Tiller was a “doctor” who presided over the deaths of as many as 60,000 innocent unborn children during his so-called career as a physician, along the way, making millions of dollars while doing so.

There were other tragedies which seemed to escape the attention of Mr. Obama on May 31st.  The same morning of May 31st, while eating breakfast with his family in Chicago, a 15 year old honors student was struck by a stray bullet.  The shot--which was fired by a gang member and intended for a rival--ended the life of this young man and shattered the dreams and hopes of an entire family.

Just about the time Obama was crafting his response to the Tiller murder, the lifeless body of a 24 year old woman was found in rural Pennsylvania.  The victim had been raped and apparently brutally tortured.

At the moment Obama was ending his remarks on Tiller, a search was under way for a three year old who was kidnapped from her home near Detroit.  Sadly, the toddler was eventually found in a shallow grave covered over with cement, disposed of like a piece of trash, leaving a whole community to grieve.

Unfortunately, President Obama did not feel it necessary to address the aforementioned tragedies with the vigor he did over the death of Tiller.  But why?

Obviously, the President’s unprecedented comments regarding the murder of Tiller was politically motivated.  Obama--who has proven his support for abortion rights since the first day of his administration--felt it was necessary to appease some of his most steadfast political allies.  Those who promote and support the killing of the innocent unborn clearly took precedent over a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, a 15 year old honors student, a 24 year old woman and a three year old who never had a chance to experience a full life.

Was Dr. Tiller more important than Pvt. Long and these other victims of senseless crime?  Or, dare I say, the unprecedented mention of Tiller’s murder served Obama’s political agenda.

Most certainly an American president cannot speak to the families of every murder victim in a country of over 300 million.  In the same breath, the life of Tiller did not have greater value than any other individual who met the same fate on that day.  Yet Obama and his mention of the late-term abortionist gave the impression Tiller’s life and death were of more significance than the aforementioned others--and hundreds of those like them--whose lives were cut short.

But Obama was not alone in his hero worship of Tiller.  The mainstream liberal media could not devote enough time to Tiller’s life and life’s work depicting him as a hero.  However, to many of us, Pvt. Long was the real hero and the 15 year old Chicago honors student was truly someone American youth should emulate.

The coverage and reaction to the Tiller story should give us all pause.  Clearly, the values which have made our nation great in the past have been lost to those who control the images which help define our society.  No, Tiller was far from a hero.  Of course, his murder was not justified.  Yet, at the same time, the media’s ignoring of Pvt. Long’s death comes as no surprise.  It is a demonstration of how our priorities have been set eschew by those whose job it is to report on matters, without political motivations.

Related article: Tiller Murder Wrong:  But He Still Was A Baby Killer--Not A Hero http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/06/tiller-murder-wrong-but-he-still-was-a-baby-killernot-a-hero-.html

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"Angels and Demons: More Demonic than Angelic" Catholic Leader Critical of DaVinci Code Myth

Editor's Note:  The movie "Angels and Demons" is considered a financial flop in the United States.  It must be noted 70% of revenue generated by Hollywood films derives from foreign viewership.  See: http://www.imdb.com/boxoffice/  --  JMZ

Commentary by Arlene Sawicki *

Disparaging the Catholic Church is the real purpose of the latest Dan Brown/Ron "Opie" Howard movie “Angels and Demons.” Bill Donohue, President of the anti-defamation Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights www.catholicleague.org is demanding a disclaimer as the team who produced "The DaVinci Code" uses the same confusing mix of "fact and fiction" to spin a suspenseful conspiracy tale revolving around a secret [long thought moribund society], the Illuminati.

 

The League has published a booklet, "Angels and Demons: More Demonic Than Angelic" to debunk the mythology, lies and smears of Dan Brown's book made into a movie which was released on May 15th in U.S. theaters.  Donohue states, "As with "The DaVinci Code," the real problem lay in Brown's deceit.  He takes real life characters, like Copernicus and Galileo; and real life organizations, like the Illuminati; and real life issues, like science and religion, and blows them to smithereens."

 

Author, Dan Brown, a master of disinformation, deliberately misrepresents CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research http://cern.ch) and its use of antimatter as a destructive energy source, which representatives from CERN say “would take billions of years to create."

 

Brown’s myth that the secret brotherhood of the Illuminati were ruthlessly hunted and brutally massacred by the Catholic Church because of its “anti-science” bent, is libel and easy to disprove.  In truth, the Illuminati was founded by a German law professor Adam Weishaupt in 1776 and collapsed on its own in 1787.  It was populated by men of the Enlightenment, cut off from their family and friends to build a cult-like, revolutionary society, who believed they possessed some special knowledge that would enable them to reform Germany.  Galileo died in 1642, so to associate him with this secret society is downright dishonest and suspect.  Myths about Galileo are so imbedded that Brown never bothers to check out the historical record, he would rather condemn the Church as intellectually wretched and detestable and advance every negative stereotype proposed by its detractors.

 

Following is a list of events that the Illuminati are still credited by some conspiracy theorists with doing:  The assassination of Presidents Lincoln, Harrison, Taylor, Garfield and McKinley.  Princess Diane's death was also their doing.  The French and Russian Revolutions, the writing of the Communist Manifesto.  The founding of the Federal Reserve, Workman's Compensation, adoption of the Federation Income Tax, the League of Nations, the Communist Party, the Marshall Plan, the United Nations, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, and the World Bank.  It played a role in WW I and WW II, the Cold War, 9/11, AIDS, Ebola and the Gulf War Syndrome and was even responsible for Hurricane Katrina.

 

Brown's book is filled with historical distortions aimed at Christianity, including the fact that most of its doctrines and symbols have ancient pagan origins, predating the Church by thousands of years; including, the crucifixion as a divine means for salvation.

 

If the Catholic Church was so “anti-science” why did Pope Benedict XIV grant an imprimatur to the first edition of the complete works of Galileo?  Pope  Urban VII was a friend and patron of Italian artist Bernini, not an adversary, as the movie depicts.

 

“For the last fifty years,” says professor Thomas E. Woods, Jr., “virtually all historians of science…have concluded that the Scientific Revolution was indebted to the Catholic Church."  Sociologist Rodney Stark argues that the reason why science arose in Europe, and nowhere else, is because of Catholicism.

 

If ignorance is bliss, it must be comforting to Dan Brown and his anti-religion fans to believe that “Science is God.”  You will have to pour that snake-oil over your popcorn to really enjoy “Angels and Demons.”

 

 *   Arlene Sawicki is a veteran Catholic pro-life/pro-family activist who resides in South Barrington, Illinois.  

 

For the following report:  Angels and Demons: A New Cinematic Assault on the Catholic Church

go to:  http://www.mindszenty.org/report/2009/MAY09.pdf

 

Still another anti-Catholic film presented by the "tag team of distortion", producer Ron Howard and author Dan Brown, is dissected. The film's melding of fact and fiction, the historical and scientific inaccuracies, the curious warnings about the Church's involvement in conspiracies and secret societies, all suggest "Stay away from this movie!"

 

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Pro-Life Leadership Training in Washington DC, June 12 - 14 with Randall Terry, Dr. Alan Keyes, Norma McCorvey and others

EDITOR'S NOTE:  With recent polling indicating a majority of Americans now consider themselves pro-life, it is time for those who endeavor to protect lives of the innocent unborn to come together.  A seminar organized by Randall Terry, a long time pro-life advocate, will be sure to provide enlightenment for individuals and groups who see this issue as one of the most important crusades of our times.  Below is a message from Mr. Terry detailing how you can learn more about this timely event. -- Daniel Zanoza, Executive Director, RFFM.org

From Randall Terry

You are invited!

I have been in this battle for 25 years; I can promise you that you will learn more about strategy, tactics, how to deal with the press, etc., than any leadership training you have ever attended.

Schedule: Friday night, 7- 9 P.M., Saturday, 10 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., and 7 P.M - 9:00 P.M.

The evening rallies at 7 P.M. are free, and open to the public. An offering will be taken.

The seminar - Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (lunch included) has a cost structure. (See below.)

On Sunday morning, we will take a tour of some inspirational D.C. monuments (Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and more.)

We will introduce a four pronged battle plan on how to derail the U.S. Supreme Court nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Whether we prevail or not, it is a fight from which we must not shrink; and if we fight as we should, we can set the wheels in motion for future victories.

Moreover, the tools we give you for this battle can be used in ANY fight you encounter in your area.

If you were impressed with what happened at Notre Dame; if you would like to create and lead a community of pro-life warriors in your town; if you would like to learn from seasoned leaders, then please come.

Details 

If you are interested in coming to this training, contact us right away at: training@overturnroe.com

Cost: The rooms are $99 per night, plus tax. (see below)

Cost for seminar: One adult: $125; Spouse; $50; Child, $25 each.

Every $125 attendee will receive all four of Mr. Terry's books that are in print, as well as the brand new fourteen part training TV series, "Insurrecta Nex," which deals with the history, philosophy and theology of social revolution in America's past, and how those lessons must be applied to the fight to end child-killing. In addition, you will receive a complete set of facilitator notes to hold training in your area.

Hotel arrangements: Doubletree Hotel at Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA, 22202. $99 per night. Phone: 1-800-222-8733; When you call, use the group name, Overturn Roe. Group Code: "OTR"

For more information involving Randall Terry and associated organizations go to:  http://www.overturnroe.com/  or  http://www.stopobamanotredame.com/ 

Tiller Murder Wrong: But He Still Was A Baby Killer--Not A Hero

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

"Thou Shalt Not Kill."  This law was given to Moses by God as part of the Ten Commandments.  Jesus Christ Himself said everyone should follow this law, Jew and Gentile alike.  Indeed, one of Christ's most important messages was to love our neighbor, especially our enemies, and He told us to pray for those who do evil.  Therefore, any Christian who tries to live a Christlike life, is obliged to adhere to these teachings.

However, in all honesty, when I first heard about the murder of Dr. George Tiller, at best, my reaction was ambivalence.  What came to my mind was Tiller's murderer had damaged gains made by those who fight for the lives and rights of the innocent unborn.  I thought about how pro-abortionists would paint the pro-life community with a broad brush of condemnation, essentially saying we are all right-wing fanatics and terrorists.

But the second thought which entered my mind concerned Tiller's thirty-five year career, while he performed over 60,000 late-term abortions.  Before the death of Tiller, there were only three so-called physicians, including Tiller, who were willing to partake in this evil practice and that number  has now been reduced by one.  I won't apologize for thinking about the innocent tens of thousands of babies who faced death just before experiencing life.

Here is a description of how Tiller did his "work".  A woman, according to Kansas law, could claim she needed an abortion because of "mental distress".  Tiller, in order to perform one of these procedures would inject a saline solution into the mother's womb.  This chemical cocktail would literally burn the child within--before the baby succumbed to suffocation.  Then the woman was induced into labor and instructed to sit on something most of us would describe as a toilet.  The abortion was completed when the baby was delivered by the mother, who was quickly ushered out of the area, so she wouldn't see the results of Dr. Tiller's labor and what should have been her own.

If anyone is offended by my description of what Tiller did, while making millions of dollars in the process, you should be!  Of course, there are other horrific methods, used by so-called doctors like Tiller, including partial-birth abortion which are even more horrific--if that's possible.  Though not connected with Tiller, former nurse Jill Stanek, who worked at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois told America about what became known as live-birth abortion.  This bit of horror included the occasional birth of live babies who survived botched abortions.  These children were left to die, while medical staffers stood by watching these children of God gasp for their last breath.  In fact, thanks to Stanek, something that we only could envision in a nightmare was exposed.  The hospital then instituted something they called "comfort care" which allowed hospital staff to at least hold and "comfort" these unwanted babies until they died.  Before this so-called expression of humane treatment, Stanek told of babies left alone to die in dirty linen closets, a fate which even mass murderers would not face at their time when justice was administered.  NOTE:  Then Illinois state Senator Barack Obama voted against legislation (Born Alive Infants Protection Act) which would have protected these children from a terrible death.

At the same time, my thoughts and prayers were centered on the family of Tiller.  Like the babies he killed, these were innocent victims of the killer's actions.  Of course, the latter should have been my lone Christian response.  Although I hoped and prayed that before Tiller met his fate, he had asked for forgiveness from the Lord regarding the lifetime of carnage which he wrought on thousands of babies.

I cannot stand in judgment of Tiller as a Christian because Christ said, "Judge not, lest ye be judged."  And, most certainly, I am a sinful human being, only deserving of salvation because of the blood shed by Christ on the cross.

Yet my reaction to the killing of Tiller was human.  The fact Tiller was murdered in a church is ironic to the utmost degree.  A man performed a great act of evil in a place of worship.  We don't know what was in the mind of the murderer.  Was he driven by passion?  Whatever the case or excuse, contrary to the thinking of those who support abortion, the ends never justify the means.

But, for a moment, and just for a moment, what would have been our reaction if we were God-fearing Germans, alive and aware of the "Final Solution" Hitler planned for the Jews during World War II?  As Christians, what should have been our reaction if we learned of the murders by Nazis--which eventually totaled six million Jews and four million other human beings?  At the time, the persecution of innocent human beings--in a nation gone mad--was totally within the law.  What if Joseph Goebbels, SS Chief Heinrich Himmler, Adolph Eichmann, Hermann Goering or Adolph Hitler himself were murdered during their reign of terror between 1933 and 1945?  Now before you respond, remember the persecution of Jews and other human beings defined as "undesirables" by the German state was legal, completely within the law.  It was the same situation which Christians faced during their persecution under Nero, Caligula and other Roman Emperors.  In the early years of America, blacks were not considered human beings, they were considered property.  Indeed, a U.S. Supreme Court decision titled "Dred Scott" upheld this abhorrent notion--until a civil war was fought, resulting in the deaths of over 600,000 people.  Again, in the South, slavery was legal and anyone who disregarded the law was subject to the harshest of penalties, including blacks themselves--who sought their freedom.

Now, there are those who believe unborn babies are human beings, deserving of rights accorded to everyone.  However, due to a Dred Scott type decision, handed down by our nation's highest court, titled Roe v. Wade, unborn babies have less rights than the slaves had--before their emancipation.

These facts do not justify the murder of George Tiller.  However, these facts should present a moral dilemma within us all.  To some, John Brown, the radical abolitionist was a hero to millions, before he was hung.  There is still a debate over whether Brown was a visionary or a murdering madman who  operated outside the law.  Brown's actions were outside the law, but the morality of his crusade is still debated by historians today. 

Once again, so I am not misunderstood, according to my faith and the law, I cannot condone or justify murder under any circumstance and all reasonable pro-lifers, like myself, will agree.

However, contrary to the mainstream media, Tiller is not and should not be considered a hero or a defender of women's rights.  In an interview, one of Tiller's neighbors said, "I admired his work.  He was a true advocate for all women."  If this individual would have seen the results of Tiller's work, she would have thrown up on the spot.  But political correctness has sanitized the practice of abortion.  In fact, political correctness leads our society to refer to the deadly procedure as a "choice" and not what it really is--the taking of innocent human life. 

Just 36 years ago, abortion was illegal in America.  During America's entire existence, until a questionable Supreme Court ruling relegated the innocent unborn to mere property, the practice was considered as abhorrent as the misguided and sinful murder of an abortion doctor in Kansas.

Hopefully, Tiller's murderer will receive the justice he deserves.  In the same breath, we can all pray one day the innocent unborn will receive the justice and life they deserve as well.

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org 

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

When Is Operation Rescue Not Operation Rescue? Randall Terry No Longer Linked To Group: Trademark Battle Ahead

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director 
 
The other day I sent an e-mail to Randall Terry through his organization, Operation Rescue.  Well, at least I thought Operation Rescue was Mr. Terry's group and he is arguing it still is.  However, my attempt to contact Terry lead to a response from one of Terry's former associates who now controls the trademark and domain name for the organization.
 
There are times when an individual is inexorably linked to an organization.  When one thinks of Operation Rescue, the name Randall Terry automatically comes to mind.  I called Terry about this issue and he told me soon there would be a battle over just who owns the trademark for Operation Rescue.  "We're not looking for money," said Terry.  "I just want my name back."
 
Terry also said he believes the loss of the Operation Rescue trademark is identity theft.  "I've attended events where people have asked me if I received their recent donation," added Terry.  "I told them 'if you sent a contribution to Wichita, I didn't get it.'"
 
I also received a response from Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor, who was responding on behalf of Troy Newman, who--for now--is president of the organization and holds the Operation Rescue trademark.  Sullenger wrote, "You should be aware that Randall Terry is not associated in any way with Operation Rescue or www.operationrescue.org.  It is a violation of our trademark to say that he is..."  

But, in any case, I think it is important to know, for the moment, Randall Terry's official website is  www.StopObamaNotreDame.com. 

Terry also has a website where he goes into great detail concerning the specifics on the fight over the Operation Rescue trademark http://www.operationrescuetheft.com/.
 
The minutiae involving Terry's efforts to regain control of the Operation Rescue trademark are complicated. 
 
I am not an expert on commercial law.  Any attempt on my part to predict the outcome of this trademark battle would be foolish.  Yet whether one agrees with Randall Terry or not, as far as the pro-life issue is concerned, many will agree Operation Rescue and Randall Terry are one and the same. 
 
For now, the public needs to be aware that Randall Terry cannot be reached at Operation Rescue.  Donations to Randall Terry's efforts will not reach him through Operation Rescue either.
 
Hopefully, this issue will be resolved amicably and soon.

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org 

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.