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Historic Nativity Scene To Be Unveiled In Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield Tuesday, Dec. 2nd

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008, a privately-supported Nativity Scene will go on display in the state Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois.  Solely funded and constructed as a result of donations from private citizens, the display depicting the birth of Jesus Christ will stand in the East Hall of the Capitol Building from December 2nd through the 28th.

The Nativity Scene and events surrounding the exhibit are being organized by the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC).  The scene--designed and constructed by Chicago-based builder Karl Fritz and his son master craftsman Timothy Fritz--will feature the baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary within a manger.

The Nativity Scene can be viewed by the public during normal business hours each day.  Also, choirs will be performing near the display throughout the Christmas season, including a performance by the Joyful Senior Singers & Ringers from the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur on December 9th.

The unveiling ceremony will begin promptly at 12 noon on December 2nd, opening with the singing of Christmas carols by the combined choirs of St. Alexander’s Catholic Church of Villa Park.  At approximately 12:30, a prayer will be offered by Pastor Dustin Fulton from the Jefferson St. Christian Church of Lincoln.  A few short speeches will follow, including words from Tom Brejcha, the president of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society and legal counsel for the SNSC.

“The Nativity Scene is primarily meant to honor the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Dan Zanoza of Lincoln and Chairman of the SNSC.  “We are also hoping to demonstrate that such expressions of religious faith in the public square are legal under both the U.S. and Illinois State Constitutions.  I believe many leaders of towns and municipalities have been intimidated by those who oppose such religious displays in public venues.  I have been asked by many if putting a Nativity Scene in the Illinois state Capitol Building is lawful.  The manger scene will answer that question and change the way the public thinks about the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.”

The SNSC will also offer its assistance and legal counsel to any Illinois citizens who may wish to put up a Nativity Scene in a public forum in their own communities.

“The right of private citizens to proclaim their religious faith and faith-based values in the public square was upheld in 1989 when Chief Judge James B. Parsons of the federal district court in Chicago held there could be no discrimination against religious expression on Daley Plaza in Chicago where, ever since, a Nativity Scene has been displayed annually,” said Brejcha.  “We are honored to provide legal counsel in support of this project which is long overdue.”

The SNSC received permission for the Nativity Scene from the Secretary of State’s office and no records could be found indicating any manger scene appeared in the Capitol in the past.

Tax-deductible donations toward this project should be made payable by check or money order to: THOMAS MORE SOCIETY. Write “Nativity Scene” on the memo line and mail to: Thomas More Society, 29 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 440, Chicago, IL 60603.

Committee members:  Tom Brejcha, Eunice Conn, Karl Fritz, Pastor Dustin Fulton, Dan Gura, state Sen. Chris Lauzen (acting as a private citizen), Arlene Sawicki, Julie Zanoza, Daniel Zanoza (Chairman).

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Part I: Will Obama Bring Roots to Daley Machine and Long Line of Political Corruption to Washington, D.C.?

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

The city of Chicago is one of the few major metropolitan areas which runs away from its past at every opportunity.  Yet, indeed, the very construction of the city led to the term "underworld."  And with rampant corruption controlled by infamous individuals like "Big Jim" Colosimo, Al Capone, Paul "The Waiter" Ricca, Murray "The Camel" Humphrey and Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo, Chicago can hardly bury its past--no pun intended.

 

Since the turn of the 20th century, what Carl Sandburg referred to as the "City of Big Shoulders" was perhaps the center of organized crime in the United States.  Though New York had its Syndicate and Detroit had the Purple Gang, many believe true power in America's underworld was concentrated in something called the Outfit.

 

With the election of Barack Obama will come a great deal of history-laden baggage which will make the movie "The Godfather" seem like a Walt Disney cartoon. 

 

From David Axelrod, who was nurtured on the Daley Machine, to the political organizing which Barack Obama so proudly claims a lineage, Chicago's brand of one Party politics may be a model for the Obama administration in Washington, D.C.

 

It is no mistake the president-elect joined Rev. Jeremiah Wright's southside Chicago church.  Obama wanted to learn the ropes of power politics and how it was played in the Windy City.  There were no better teachers than Mayor Daley and his cadre of obliging Alderman who responded to the cracking of the political whip.  A failure to do so would quickly leave them on the outside looking in--without protection from the media, the law and any other threat which loomed on the horizon.

 

The question is not whether Obama will use the lessons he learned in Chicago as President.  The question is:  How much of that lesson will become the modus operandi for the Obama adminstration?  Some say it might become Chicago on the Potomac, when referring to the political mechanism Obama may surround himself with.  If so, it will be our nation's darkest nightmare come true.  And combined with the Clinton-brand of Arkansas politics, there may truly be a new day in our nation's Capitol.

 

But how did the Daley Machine take root in Chicago?  A book titled, "The Outfit: The Role of Chicago's Underworld in the Shaping of Modern America" written by Gus Russo and published in 2001 gave Americans a frightening glimpse into the Daley Machine and how it got its start.

 

After Capone left power, due to his conviction on tax evasion charges in the early 1930's, it was Ricca, Humphrey and Accardo who truly called the shots in what many refer to as the Mafia.  Even "Lucky" Luciano and Meyer Lansky, originators of organized crime in New York would not make a move without consulting the Chicago Triumvirate whose innovation and power criminologists say was matched by none.

 

Since the hay-days of mob activity in Chicago, the city has done everything possible to shed its dark past.  But its reputation lives on--despite the efforts of the current Mayor, Richard M. Daley.  In the early century, individuals like "Big Jim" Colismo controlled gambling and prostitution in the city.  With the advent of Prohibition, organized crime found its true calling through the sale of bootleg alcohol, combined with the pandering trade.  Added profits were topped off by a very lucrative illegal gambling racket.

 

After Capone's departure, the mob moved into the numbers game--which had made millions for underworld entrepreneurs in the African-American community.  Union corruption--which was master-minded by Murray "The Camel" Humphrey--brought great fortune to the Outfit as well.  Eventually, the mob moved into the illicit drug trade.  Until the early 1960's, the Chicago Outfit was ruled with an iron hand by Ricca, Humphrey and Accardo.  Though in later years, more flamboyant underworld figures, such as Sam "Mooney" Giancano and lesser players, including Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa, and the Spilotro Brothers of the movie "Casino" fame, controlled organized crime in Chicago, the FBI virtually wiped out mob activity in the city--although remnants of the Outfit still exist today.

 

Chop shops and vending machines (poker, cigarettes, etc.) are still reported to be controlled by criminal entities.  But the glory days of the Chicago Outfit are said to be long gone.  Yet the public doesn't have to look far to find reminders of those wild times gone by.

 

Indeed, Chicago's current Mayor Richard M. Daley may not hold that office if not for the influence the Outfit had when it came to the election of his father, Richard J. Daley.  Perhaps the Daley link with organized crime is one of the reasons why the city does all it can to obscure Chicago's dark and corrupt history.  You will not find city-sponsored tours of famous gangland hang-outs.  Even historical landmarks, like the site of the St. Valentine's Day massacre at 2122 North Clark Street, though an empty lot, are nagging reminders of a bygone era which City Fathers would rather forget.

 

The Outfit played a significant role in Richard J. Daley's coming to power.  Hizzoner "The Boss" was the protégé of 11th Ward Committeeman, Hugh "Babe" Connelly whose ties to the mob go way back to the days of the "Moustache Pete's" who included prominent underworld figures like Johnny Torrio who first brought Capone to Chicago.  Daley took over Connelly's 11th Ward seat in 1947.  In league with people like 11th Ward Alderman "Big Joe" McDonough, by 1955 the Mob was grooming Daley to be Mayor and, with the help of the Outfit, his election became a reality.  For example, in the very mobbed-up 1st Ward, Daley won a plurality of votes by a staggering margin of 13,275 to 1,961.  After his election, Daley moved to solidify the Outfit's power in the city.  In 1956, Daley disbanded "Scotland Yard" an intelligence unit which had compiled reams of detailed records about Chicago crime figures.  All this was to the grief of the Chicago Crime Commission who believed Daley's election had set the city back a decade--as far as the prosecution of organized crime.

 

Perhaps Richard M. Daley received much of his education from his Father whose political coffers were stuffed with mob cash, according to the FBI.  And perhaps the free rein given to organized crime by the Father implanted ideas in the mind of the son regarding possible revenue expansion through alternative sources.  It's possible today's Chicago Mayor learned a very important lesson from Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo who secretly financed the Rivera Hotel in Las Vegas in 1955, the same year Richard J. Daley was elected Mayor.  For nearly a quarter of a century afterward, the Chicago mob skimmed literally hundreds of millions of dollars out of Las Vegas casinos--while operating with near impunity in Chicago, their home base.

 

Richie Daley had to see the unlimited amounts of cash that could be directed into city coffers through the expansion of gambling in Chicago.  And though most of what used to be underworld crime has been incorporated into white collar America, gambling becomes even more seductive, no matter what memories of Chicago's past may be dredged up in the process.

 

Read Part II of this series December 4th.

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  [email protected]

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

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

The city of Chicago is one of the few major metropolitan areas which runs away from its past at every opportunity.  Yet, indeed, the very construction of the city led to the term "underworld."  And with rampant corruption controlled by infamous individuals like "Big Jim" Colosimo, Al Capone, Paul "The Waiter" Ricca, Murray "The Camel" Humphrey and Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo, Chicago can hardly bury its past--no pun intended.

 

Since the turn of the 20th century, what Carl Sandburg referred to as the "City of Big Shoulders" was perhaps the center of organized crime in the United States.  Though New York had its Syndicate and Detroit had the Purple Gang, many believe true power in America's underworld was concentrated in something called the Outfit.

 

With the election of Barack Obama will come a great deal of history-laden baggage which will make the movie "The Godfather" seem like a Walt Disney cartoon. 

 

From David Axelrod, who was nurtured on the Daley Machine, to the political organizing which Barack Obama so proudly claims a lineage, Chicago's brand of one Party politics may be a model for the Obama administration in Washington, D.C.

 

It is no mistake the president-elect joined Rev. Jeremiah Wright's southside Chicago church.  Obama wanted to learn the ropes of power politics and how it was played in the Windy City.  There were no better teachers than Mayor Daley and his cadre of obliging Alderman who responded to the cracking of the political whip.  A failure to do so would quickly leave them on the outside looking in--without protection from the media, the law and any other threat which loomed on the horizon.

 

The question is not whether Obama will use the lessons he learned in Chicago as President.  The question is:  How much of that lesson will become the modus operandi for the Obama adminstration?  Some say it might become Chicago on the Potomac, when referring to the political mechanism Obama may surround himself with.  If so, it will be our nation's darkest nightmare come true.  And combined with the Clinton-brand of Arkansas politics, there may truly be a new day in our nation's Capitol.

 

But how did the Daley Machine take root in Chicago?  A book titled, "The Outfit: The Role of Chicago's Underworld in the Shaping of Modern America" written by Gus Russo and published in 2001 gave Americans a frightening glimpse into the Daley Machine and how it got its start.

 

After Capone left power, due to his conviction on tax evasion charges in the early 1930's, it was Ricca, Humphrey and Accardo who truly called the shots in what many refer to as the Mafia.  Even "Lucky" Luciano and Meyer Lansky, originators of organized crime in New York would not make a move without consulting the Chicago Triumvirate whose innovation and power criminologists say was matched by none.

 

Since the hay-days of mob activity in Chicago, the city has done everything possible to shed its dark past.  But its reputation lives on--despite the efforts of the current Mayor, Richard M. Daley.  In the early century, individuals like "Big Jim" Colismo controlled gambling and prostitution in the city.  With the advent of Prohibition, organized crime found its true calling through the sale of bootleg alcohol, combined with the pandering trade.  Added profits were topped off by a very lucrative illegal gambling racket.

 

After Capone's departure, the mob moved into the numbers game--which had made millions for underworld entrepreneurs in the African-American community.  Union corruption--which was master-minded by Murray "The Camel" Humphrey--brought great fortune to the Outfit as well.  Eventually, the mob moved into the illicit drug trade.  Until the early 1960's, the Chicago Outfit was ruled with an iron hand by Ricca, Humphrey and Accardo.  Though in later years, more flamboyant underworld figures, such as Sam "Mooney" Giancano and lesser players, including Joseph "Joey Doves" Aiuppa, and the Spilotro Brothers of the movie "Casino" fame, controlled organized crime in Chicago, the FBI virtually wiped out mob activity in the city--although remnants of the Outfit still exist today.

 

Chop shops and vending machines (poker, cigarettes, etc.) are still reported to be controlled by criminal entities.  But the glory days of the Chicago Outfit are said to be long gone.  Yet the public doesn't have to look far to find reminders of those wild times gone by.

 

Indeed, Chicago's current Mayor Richard M. Daley may not hold that office if not for the influence the Outfit had when it came to the election of his father, Richard J. Daley.  Perhaps the Daley link with organized crime is one of the reasons why the city does all it can to obscure Chicago's dark and corrupt history.  You will not find city-sponsored tours of famous gangland hang-outs.  Even historical landmarks, like the site of the St. Valentine's Day massacre at 2122 North Clark Street, though an empty lot, are nagging reminders of a bygone era which City Fathers would rather forget.

 

The Outfit played a significant role in Richard J. Daley's coming to power.  Hizzoner "The Boss" was the protégé of 11th Ward Committeeman, Hugh "Babe" Connelly whose ties to the mob go way back to the days of the "Moustache Pete's" who included prominent underworld figures like Johnny Torrio who first brought Capone to Chicago.  Daley took over Connelly's 11th Ward seat in 1947.  In league with people like 11th Ward Alderman "Big Joe" McDonough, by 1955 the Mob was grooming Daley to be Mayor and, with the help of the Outfit, his election became a reality.  For example, in the very mobbed-up 1st Ward, Daley won a plurality of votes by a staggering margin of 13,275 to 1,961.  After his election, Daley moved to solidify the Outfit's power in the city.  In 1956, Daley disbanded "Scotland Yard" an intelligence unit which had compiled reams of detailed records about Chicago crime figures.  All this was to the grief of the Chicago Crime Commission who believed Daley's election had set the city back a decade--as far as the prosecution of organized crime.

 

Perhaps Richard M. Daley received much of his education from his Father whose political coffers were stuffed with mob cash, according to the FBI.  And perhaps the free rein given to organized crime by the Father implanted ideas in the mind of the son regarding possible revenue expansion through alternative sources.  It's possible today's Chicago Mayor learned a very important lesson from Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo who secretly financed the Rivera Hotel in Las Vegas in 1955, the same year Richard J. Daley was elected Mayor.  For nearly a quarter of a century afterward, the Chicago mob skimmed literally hundreds of millions of dollars out of Las Vegas casinos--while operating with near impunity in Chicago, their home base.

 

Richie Daley had to see the unlimited amounts of cash that could be directed into city coffers through the expansion of gambling in Chicago.  And though most of what used to be underworld crime has been incorporated into white collar America, gambling becomes even more seductive, no matter what memories of Chicago's past may be dredged up in the process.

 

Read Part II of this series December 4th.

The Mainstream Media and the Cult of Obama: A Threat to American Democracy

An Open Letter to the Washington Post by Daniel T. Zanoza

In her op-ed, "Remedying the Bias Perception" (November 16, 2008), Washington Post ombudsman Deborah Howell admitted the Washington Post's reporters (not to mention most other mainstream journalists) tilted their coverage of the presidential election in favor of Barack Obama.  I am shocked, shocked (!) that the news media effectively disenfranchised American voters.  Do they not call themselves "watchdogs of government"?

The National Review reported not long ago that journalists investigated Joe the Plumber for having the temerity to ask Obama a difficult question about his tax policies.  American voters learned about Joe the Plumber's divorce and a tax lien, but almost nothing about Obama's more radical positions that are at odds with public opinion, i.e., his positions on the Freedom of Choice Act and the Defense of Marriage Act.

Ombudsman Howell assured her readers that the news media can be expected to challenge Obama, now that the election is over, simply because "It happens in every administration."  Considering the rock-star status given to Obama, why is she so optimistic?  Obama and other leaders of the Democratic Party promise to re-enact the misnamed "Fairness Doctrine," which would have the effect of muzzling the only medium - radio talk shows - that discuss conservative and pro-family viewpoints.  Where are the mainstream media's opponents of censorship?  Given their pro-Obama tilt, it's far more reasonable to argue that America's news media will effectively become state-controlled under an Obama administration.

If the Post's journalists are sincere about wanting to correct their overt bias, they might begin by investigating Obama with the same ferocity leveled against non-Democratic Party presidential candidates.  They might honestly investigate whether the president-elect has met fundamental Constitutional requirements for the job.  Where is his original, embossed birth certificate?  Is he a natural born citizen?  If so, did he give up his citizenship when he attended school in Indonesia, a country that does not recognize dual citizenship?  At least eight lawsuits (including one before the U.S. Supreme Court) have been filed to seek answers to these questions.  Why is the national news media disinterested in the question of the president-elect's adherence to the law?  Does Obama get a pass when he flouts the Constitution?

Is it too much to expect mainstream journalists to behave like professionals, instead of far left Democrats?  Americans are hopeful, during an Obama Administration, the national news media will resume their proper role as "watchdogs of government," instead of effectively functioning as state-controlled media. 

 

Indeed, the U.S. Constitution gives special consideration to the press in their role as a check and balance on our government.  Abuse of this privilege can have dire consequences for our nation which is seen as a democratic republic.  Abandoning concepts like fairness in the media can be interpreted as a precursor to tyranny.  It's time the media took its responsibility seriously and put aside political bias for the sake of our country.

 

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ACLU Will Not Challenge Historic Springfield Nativity Scene in Illinois State Capitol Building by Dan Gura

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS -- Recently, the American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement saying the group would not legally challenge the rights of those who intend on displaying a Nativity Scene inside Illinois' state capitol building in Springfield.  In an article by Kurt Erickson of the Bloomington Pantagraph, Erickson wrote: "The American Civil Liberties Union says it won't fight a plan to erect a Christian nativity scene inside the Capitol Rotunda.  After a month-long review, the Illinois chapter of the ACLU said Daniel Zanoza's proposal to erect a display inside the Statehouse depicting the birth of Jesus is a form of free speech in a public forum.  Rather than oppose the Lincoln man's plan because it could violate the constitutional separation of church and state, ACLU spokesman Ed Yohnka noted in an opinion issued Wednesday that other groups could exhibit their own symbolic displays in the same area for the same number of days."  See:  http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/11/12/news/doc491b27550eb8e499667447.txt 

 

The Springfield, Illinois Nativity display can be seen in the state capitol building from December 2nd through December 28th.  A ceremony will be held to commemorate the event at noon on Dec. 2nd.  The combined choirs from St. Alexander's Catholic Church from Villa Park, Illinois will perform before an invocation will be given by Pastor Dustin Fulton of the Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, Illinois.  There will be some short speeches with a press conference scheduled to follow.

 

"As the event approaches, the community and all those involved with this project are growing with excitement," said Daniel Zanoza, Chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC).  "The support from the local community has been outstanding and we simply couldn't have done this without the work put in by Committee members.  It is truly a labor of love meant to honor the birth of Christ.  I feel there is no higher calling."

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee has received a great deal of support from the Chicago-based Thomas More Society.

Founded in 1997, the Thomas More Society, Pro-Life Law Center, is a not-for-profit, public interest law firm based in Chicago and dedicated to fighting for the rights and dignity of all human life.  The Society vigorously defends clients in state and federal courtrooms around the country, addressing vital issues across the pro-life spectrum, including pregnancy discrimination, end-of-life health care, the right of conscientious objection for medical workers, and freedom of speech for peaceable nonviolent protest.

Under the leadership of President and Chief Counsel Tom Brejcha, the Society champions the rights of pro-life activists — including in the United States Supreme Court, where they won two decisive victories in the past three years (2003, 8-1; 2006, 8-0).  http://www.thomasmoresociety.org/about%20thomas_more_society.html 

The Thomas More Society has not only underwritten the Springfield Nativity Scene project, but has also provided legal counsel to the group. 

 

"We simply couldn't have done this without the Thomas More Society and its president Tom Brejcha," said Zanoza.  "I cannot praise the organization enough for its support of this cause and without them, at least for this year, the Springfield Nativity Scene would not have happened."

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee sees the display in the state capitol as a way to honor the birth of Christ.  But the group's organizers also hope the display will accomplish other goals.  In recent years, many believe there has been a systematic attack on the demonstration of faith in the public square.  The group's members hope a nativity scene sitting in the state capitol will encourage citizens across the state and nation for that matter to erect similar displays in their communities.

 

The precedent for the Springfield Nativity Scene was first set in a federal court ruling titled, "Grutzmacher vs. Chicago Public Building Commission" in 1989 which stated such displays were constitutional on government property as long as they are supported by private funds.  Another nativity scene will be on exhibit in the Daley Civic Center Plaza in downtown Chicago shortly after Thanksgiving Day and has been erected every year since the 1989 Grutzmacher case.

 

"We are honored to provide legal counsel in support of this project which is long overdue," said Brejcha.  "The right of private citizens to proclaim their religious faith and faith-based values in the public square was upheld in 1989 when Chief Judge James B. Parsons of the federal district court in Chicago held there could be no discrimination against religious expression on Daley Plaza in Chicago where, ever since, a Nativity Scene has been displayed annually.  As political speeches and rallies are commonplace at our State Capitol, free speech rights encompass religious speech on equal terms."

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene is solely supported by funds contributed from the general public.  Members of the group say, though donations have been coming at a brisk pace, there is still a long way to go before the group reaches the break-even point.  The entire project, including the cost of the statues, materials, etc. are considerable and fundraising will go on through the end of the year.

 

"According to the research done by the Committee, the nativity scene display in the Illinois state capitol is history," said Eunice Conn, a member of the SNSC and a highly influential community activist from Polo, Illinois.  "I don't think we're just talking about the state of Illinois here either.  If there are other nativity scenes in the state capitol buildings of other states, we'd like to hear about it.  But for right now, I believe something very special will take place in Springfield, Illinois on December 2nd."

 

Besides the standing nativity scene, church choirs are encouraged to perform in the state capitol throughout the Christmas season.  Groups interested in doing so can contact Sarah Scheidler at the Thomas More Society at (312) 782-1680.  For those interested in making a contribution to the SNSC, checks or money orders should be made out to the Thomas More Society with the words "Nativity scene" on the memo line and mailed to: the Thomas More Society, 29 South LaSalle Street, Suite 440, Chicago, IL 60603.  Donations can also be made online at http://www.thomasmoresociety.org/ by clicking on the "Donate" button and designate your donation for the nativity scene.  All donations are tax-deductible.

 

For more information on the Springfield Nativity Scene project, e-mail: [email protected]

 

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact: [email protected]   
 
Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS -- Recently, the American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement saying the group would not legally challenge the rights of those who intend on displaying a Nativity Scene inside Illinois' state capitol building in Springfield.  In an article by Kurt Erickson of the Bloomington Pantagraph, Erickson wrote: "The American Civil Liberties Union says it won't fight a plan to erect a Christian nativity scene inside the Capitol Rotunda.  After a month-long review, the Illinois chapter of the ACLU said Daniel Zanoza's proposal to erect a display inside the Statehouse depicting the birth of Jesus is a form of free speech in a public forum.  Rather than oppose the Lincoln man's plan because it could violate the constitutional separation of church and state, ACLU spokesman Ed Yohnka noted in an opinion issued Wednesday that other groups could exhibit their own symbolic displays in the same area for the same number of days."  See:  http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/11/12/news/doc491b27550eb8e499667447.txt 

 

The Springfield, Illinois Nativity display can be seen in the state capitol building from December 2nd through December 28th.  A ceremony will be held to commemorate the event at noon on Dec. 2nd.  The combined choirs from St. Alexander's Catholic Church from Villa Park, Illinois will perform before an invocation will be given by Pastor Dustin Fulton of the Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, Illinois.  There will be some short speeches with a press conference scheduled to follow.

 

"As the event approaches, the community and all those involved with this project are growing with excitement," said Daniel Zanoza, Chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC).  "The support from the local community has been outstanding and we simply couldn't have done this without the work put in by Committee members.  It is truly a labor of love meant to honor the birth of Christ.  I feel there is no higher calling."

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee has received a great deal of support from the Chicago-based Thomas More Society.

Founded in 1997, the Thomas More Society, Pro-Life Law Center, is a not-for-profit, public interest law firm based in Chicago and dedicated to fighting for the rights and dignity of all human life.  The Society vigorously defends clients in state and federal courtrooms around the country, addressing vital issues across the pro-life spectrum, including pregnancy discrimination, end-of-life health care, the right of conscientious objection for medical workers, and freedom of speech for peaceable nonviolent protest.

Under the leadership of President and Chief Counsel Tom Brejcha, the Society champions the rights of pro-life activists — including in the United States Supreme Court, where they won two decisive victories in the past three years (2003, 8-1; 2006, 8-0).  http://www.thomasmoresociety.org/about%20thomas_more_society.html 

The Thomas More Society has not only underwritten the Springfield Nativity Scene project, but has also provided legal counsel to the group. 

 

"We simply couldn't have done this without the Thomas More Society and its president Tom Brejcha," said Zanoza.  "I cannot praise the organization enough for its support of this cause and without them, at least for this year, the Springfield Nativity Scene would not have happened."

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee sees the display in the state capitol as a way to honor the birth of Christ.  But the group's organizers also hope the display will accomplish other goals.  In recent years, many believe there has been a systematic attack on the demonstration of faith in the public square.  The group's members hope a nativity scene sitting in the state capitol will encourage citizens across the state and nation for that matter to erect similar displays in their communities.

 

The precedent for the Springfield Nativity Scene was first set in a federal court ruling titled, "Grutzmacher vs. Chicago Public Building Commission" in 1989 which stated such displays were constitutional on government property as long as they are supported by private funds.  Another nativity scene will be on exhibit in the Daley Civic Center Plaza in downtown Chicago shortly after Thanksgiving Day and has been erected every year since the 1989 Grutzmacher case.

 

"We are honored to provide legal counsel in support of this project which is long overdue," said Brejcha.  "The right of private citizens to proclaim their religious faith and faith-based values in the public square was upheld in 1989 when Chief Judge James B. Parsons of the federal district court in Chicago held there could be no discrimination against religious expression on Daley Plaza in Chicago where, ever since, a Nativity Scene has been displayed annually.  As political speeches and rallies are commonplace at our State Capitol, free speech rights encompass religious speech on equal terms."

 

The Springfield Nativity Scene is solely supported by funds contributed from the general public.  Members of the group say, though donations have been coming at a brisk pace, there is still a long way to go before the group reaches the break-even point.  The entire project, including the cost of the statues, materials, etc. are considerable and fundraising will go on through the end of the year.

 

"According to the research done by the Committee, the nativity scene display in the Illinois state capitol is history," said Eunice Conn, a member of the SNSC and a highly influential community activist from Polo, Illinois.  "I don't think we're just talking about the state of Illinois here either.  If there are other nativity scenes in the state capitol buildings of other states, we'd like to hear about it.  But for right now, I believe something very special will take place in Springfield, Illinois on December 2nd."

 

Besides the standing nativity scene, church choirs are encouraged to perform in the state capitol throughout the Christmas season.  Groups interested in doing so can contact Sarah Scheidler at the Thomas More Society at (312) 782-1680.  For those interested in making a contribution to the SNSC, checks or money orders should be made out to the Thomas More Society with the words "Nativity scene" on the memo line and mailed to: the Thomas More Society, 29 South LaSalle Street, Suite 440, Chicago, IL 60603.  Donations can also be made online at http://www.thomasmoresociety.org/ by clicking on the "Donate" button and designate your donation for the nativity scene.  All donations are tax-deductible.

 

For more information on the Springfield Nativity Scene project, e-mail: [email protected]

 

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RFFM.org's Dan Zanoza To Guest on Nationally Syndicated Radio Show

RFFM.org's Executive Director, Dan Zanoza, will be a guest on the Laurie Roth Show [www.therothshow.com] Wednesday evening, November 12th, from 10 - 11 P.M. Central Time.

Broadcast out of Washington state on the IRN-USA Radio Network, Roth's radio talk show is nationally syndicated and "is on a mission to examine the issues based on right and wrong, not party politics."

Zanoza founded RFFM.org over 15 years ago.  The organization was formed to encourage objectivity in the mainstream media regarding coverage of social and political issues.  RFFM.org's motto is, "In a democratic republic, good government is dependent upon an informed citizenry."  Zanoza attempts to influence the dominant press through the use of non-confrontational means. 

Laurie Roth is a hard-charging conservative radio personality.  Roth has broken many national stories, including being the first to detail the relationship between Barack Obama and convicted terrorist William Ayers.  Roth also writes a column for News With Views [www.newswithviews.com].

Roth and Zanoza will talk about Barack Obama's possible first acts when he assumes office, including a very controversial bill that would greatly expand abortion rights.

The show can be streamed at this link: http://www.usaradio.com/listen_live_usa2.php or go to the web site to see if the program is available in your local area: http://www.therothshow.com/listen07.htm. 

Listeners can call in to the show by dialing 1-877-999-Roth (7684).

The Bail-Out: A Scam of the American People and a Feathery Bed for Politicians

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

 

It's been said a certain percentage of auto racing fans go to these events to see a crash.  The more mayhem, the better.  They don't necessarily want to see people die, but as the old adage of a gaper's block applies, people can't take their eyes away from a good accident.

 

I suppose individuals like myself must fall into the same category.  I just finished watching Treasury Secretary Pat Paulson's press conference where he discussed just who would be entitled to the first installment of over $350 billion targeted for the Wall Street bail-out.  I'm sorry, Pat Paulson was a comedian who frequently appeared on the Smothers Brothers show back in the late '60's, but Henry M. Paulson's act was nearly as comical, except for the fact King Paulson's decisions will affect America for generations to come.  In essence, Secretary Paulson told a multitude of reporters gathered the bail-out money was beginning to flow out of the U.S. Treasury.  He had some bad news, at least temporarily, for the auto industry.  GM, Ford and Chrysler will only be receiving $25 billion in American tax dollars.  But never fear, there is always hope the auto industry, encouraged by the United Auto Workers (UAW) Union, will get the other $50 billion they are seeking in the second half of the bail-out money which has to be approved for release by Congress.  Oh, by the way, for you home owners in danger of going into foreclosure, Paulson said you'll have to bite the bullet like the rest of...oops.  Too bad you didn't need a few billion because then you'd have money to give back to the politicians.  Remember, quid pro quo.

 

I have only one question for the Bush administration and both Democratic and Republican elected officials:  Where will the gravy train stop and, for that matter, where did they receive the mandate from voters to turn America's economy into a bastion of socialism?  We have all learned some interesting things about the bail-out which were conveniently shared with the American people after Congress stamped its approval on this give away of all give aways.  Americans have learned banks and financial institutions who didn't need government assistance will receive a nice stipend any way, permitting such institutions to buy out other banks, share vast increased profits with their CEO's and more.  In addition, it has been revealed corrupt officials who helped lead the United States into this financial crisis may be prosecuted by the federal government.  The only problem is, these same corrupt officials can use the bail-out money to pay for their defense through the hiring of high-priced legal representation.  Only in Washington would this make sense.  But if we look deeply behind the reason for the bail-out in the first place, the pieces of the puzzle all fit together.

 

Before the election, both Senators Barack Obama and John McCain were in favor of the bail-out.  However, for those who follow politics closely, this didn't make sense from the start.  Democrats hate big corporations.  They see such institutions as the root of all social evils.  Yet Obama supported nearly $1 trillion of taxpayers money going to the Darth Vaders of the economic world.  In contrast, McCain and Republicans allegedly hate regulations.  One of the themes of the Reagan era said we needed to get big government out of our lives.  Yet John McCain not only supported the government give away, but suspended his presidential campaign at the most crucial of times and returned to Washington to make sure the legislation was passed.  Later on, McCain tried to claim he was against the bail-out.  But his words fell on deaf ears with the public and well they should.

 

The truth of the matter is all Americans received an unsavory look at how Washington, D.C. and Wall Street have combined forces in the effort to secure the solvency of the good ole boys club.

 

You see, there were financial fat cats who had dipped their grubby hands into the financial till too may times.  They were in trouble.  They were in big trouble and a few millions shifted around here and there would not solve their problem.  At the same time, Washington, D.C. politicians saw the end of their financial gravy train may be at hand.  If New York fat cats didn't have the money, there would be an end to the cushy deals U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives have become accustomed to.  Fat cat lobbying jobs were at stake.  There would be less positions on the boards of financial institutions which guaranteed the future of every elected official and crony that made it to Washington.  It was a crisis.  As it was once said in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles, the chant went up, "Gentlemen, we have to protect our phony baloney jobs" and there was no better way to do so than by propping up corrupt and failing financial institutions and the people who ran them.  For the first time, Americans had a chance to see the classic "I'll scratch your back, if you scratch mine" scenario performed right in front of their eyes.

 

The only problem is, and don't get me wrong, this is a big enough problem now that there are other industries with their hands out, including the auto makers, credit card companies and the list will get larger as time goes on.  The auto makers want relief because they have made deals with the UAW which are preventing them from seeing profits.  In comparison, an average member of the UAW makes $40 an hour with benefit packages that would make members of Congress salivate with envy.  When you buy a car from Toyota, roughly $400 of that price tag goes toward the health plans of auto workers.  When you buy a car from the big three auto makers, $1,500 of that cost is allocated for the health plan of its auto workers.  Is it any wonder why Chrysler, Ford and GM are on the brink of bankruptcy?

 

By no fault of our own, we have all become part-owners of many financial institutions and the auto industry.  But none of us will see the profits from our taxpayer investment.  Oh yes, we are told the American taxpayer will eventually see a financial windfall from the bail-out, but that promise can go along with the assurance that "the check's in the mail."

 

I guess the individuals we are sending to Washington are playing us for fools and, if we keep sending the same people back, I guess we are. 

 

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Zanoza's IFI Media Watch column + IFI upcoming event Marriage Rally + Lobby Day in Springfield

 

Read Dan Zanoza's IFI Media Watch column titled, "Washington Post Writer Admits Liberal Media Bias, But Important Pro-Marriage Ballot Measures Pass In Places Like California. Why?" at:  http://www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=34127 

 

Zanoza writes about media bias in the last election which had little impact on ballot measures affirming the "one man, one woman" institution of marriage.

 

---

 

http://www.illinoisfamily.org/archives/contentview.asp?c=34114 

 

Illinois Family Institute

 

IFI E-Alert: Marriage Rally and Lobby Day -- Nov. 19th

11/7/2008 11:27:00 AM
By David E. Smith, Executive Director -Illinois Family Institute

 

Join IFI and Illinois families from around the state to take a stand for protecting marriage, religious freedom, parental rights and the innocence of our children! Plan to bring your family, friends AND organize your church to support this rally and lobbying day. It is critically important that we have a strong showing because homosexual activists continue to press for counterfiet "marriage" (HB 1826), which will affect our children and our religious freedom.
 

Wednesday, November 19th
at the Lincoln Statute on 2nd Street and Capitol Drive at 1 P.M.

State Representative Gregg Harris (D-Chicago) is on record as saying that he would be calling his counterfeit "marriage" bill for a vote during the fall veto session (November 18-20).

In addition, homosexual activists with Equality Illinois, Stonewall Democrats, Illinois Log Cabin Republicans, and the ACLU of Illinois have been pushing hard for the passage of this anti-marriage bill.

We cannot afford to ignore this situation! Illinois citizens can send a strong message by joining us at the Capitol on November 19th to lobby and rally to protect God-ordained marriage in Illinois.

ACTION: Click HERE to let us know you are coming so we can have some idea of what our attendance will be.

Click HERE for a downloadable flyer for your church.

If you are not able to join us for the marriage rally and lobby day you can still ask your State Representative to vote 'NO' to HB 1826 by >>>clicking HERE<<< to send him/her an email or fax.), which will affect our children and our religious freedom.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Abortion in America: A Voice From The Womb--If Only We Could Hear It

by Dan Gura 

Editor's Note: Dan Gura is a conservative activist, free lance writer and a contributing editor to RFFM.org.  The following column is a touching reminder of the humanity we lose through the act of abortion.  Gura does not indict the mother in his piece.  Gura attempts to approach the issue of abortion from a perspective of a child who will never have the opportunity to speak for him or herself.  The column is thought-provoking and is meant to give a voice to the voiceless.

It is my honor to interview unnamed fetus, male.  Forever 20 weeks old.

Q. Fetus, that's an interesting name.  What does it mean?

A. Fetus is Latin for "Little One."  Every man, woman, and child who lives, or has ever lived, started their life sharing my name.  But make no mistake of it, I am a unique child of God.

Q. You look mighty small?  How old did you say you are?

A. I am a second trimester baby.  I may look small, but I am an individual human being, with DNA unique from both my mother and my father.  God breathed an eternal soul into me at the moment of my conception.

My body is growing rapidly...I weigh 9 1/2 ounces and I'm 6 1/2 inches long.  I've been told that my brain is developing at an amazing rate...something about millions of motor neurons forming which allows me greater control over my muscle movements.  I don't understand what that all means, but I sure do like sucking on my thumb!

And my eyes have been functioning for three weeks now.  There's not a lot to see, but I do turn away from bright lights.  I can also hear and recognize my mother's voice and, much as John lept for joy in Margaret's womb, I too leap for joy when she sings to me.

Oh, and I hiccup, too when my mom eats spicy food and I'm even growing blonde hair just like my mother!

Q. Tell us a little bit about your parents.

A. My mother is a sixteen year old high school junior...my father is a twenty-seven year old married man.  Mom worked at a fast food joint and dad was her boss.  She was rather naive and had a puppy love crush on him.  One night he offered to drive her home, only he didn't take her straight home.  He stopped at a liquor store and got her drunk.  I was conceived in the back seat of his car when the condom broke.  Dad disappeared the moment my grandfather said two words: statutory rape.  Mom cries a lot...I can feel it and it makes me sad.

Q. Wow, for a little guy you sure have been through a lot.  What do you think about while you're waiting to be born?

A. It's a little dark in the womb, so I try to imagine what the explosion of color and light will be like.  I dream about how beautiful my mother's smile will be, how gentle her touch, and how wonderful her breath will feel on my face.  I can't wait to scream as I fill my lungs with my first
breath of air, to smell the wonderful smells of cooking, to feel love, and to know God and serve Him.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?

A. That's easy; Psalm 139:13-16. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Q. You refer to your mother's womb as the secret place.  What's it like in there?

A. It is the most wonderful place imaginable.  It's so soft and warm and comfortable.  I'm half grown right now and I spend a lot of time eating--I've gained two ounces over the last week.  I like it when my mommy walks around and I swish back and forward.  I also like to sleep a lot.

By the way, did you know that babies--that's what they call a fetus after birth--born at twenty weeks have a 50% chance of survival!

Another fact which a lot of people don't know:  I could feel pain since I was 42 days old.

Q. Pain?  What kind of pain could there be in the safety of your mother's womb?

A. Well, the first five months of my life were fantastic.  My mommy provided everything I needed...and I was soothed by the gentle beating of her heart.  I would playfully test my reflexes by kicking and throwing a few punches while I dreamed of the day when I would bring a smile to my parent's faces by squeezing their fingers.  All of that changed one horrible day.

Q. I don't understand.  What do you mean?

A. For a few days, I could hear lots of shouting and screaming.  My mommy cried herself to sleep at night.  I tried to comfort her...little kicks to remind her that I loved her.  But I could sense great sadness in my mother.

The next morning, I woke up and was sore afraid.  I didn't know why because everything was very quiet...the only sound was my mommy crying softly.  I flipped over a couple of times to try and cheer her up, but her crying only grew louder.  "What's wrong, mommy?"  I tried to scream, but my lungs were not yet fully developed and no sound came out.  Mommy cried during the entire car trip.

Q. What happened next?

A. Something which the doctor called a procedure.  I was torn asunder by a searing pain which I thought would never end.  I was terrified and confused as a sharp blade ripped through my soft flesh and bones.  I could not imagine anything could hurt so much.  The pain, the unending pain.  The horrible pain.  The last grasp of life.  I guess procedure is just another word for pain.

My crime was being an inconvenience; the sentence was death.

But don't be sad for me.  I now stand in the presence of God with 42,000,000 murdered innocents.  Our Father cloaks us in His glory and fills our restored bodies with His grace.  We are His children forever.

I ask everyone to pray for my mother and the choice which she made.  For the death of my body is not as bad as the death of her soul.  Mommy, Jesus will forgive you.  Mommy, Jesus forgives and saves.  All you have to do is ask.
 
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McCain's Loss to Obama: He Put Personal Popularity With Press Above Nation's Future

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

There are probably many reasons why John McCain lost his bid for the presidency to Barack Obama.  Some will say the political tide was running against the senior Senator from Arizona and there was little chance a Republican could win our nation's highest office in the year of the Democrat, but I'm not buying that premise.  John McCain became the Republican Party's presidential nominee due to the tampering of both the conservative and liberal media.  Therefore, Republicans were forced to make the best out of a bad situation.

Yet there is no excuse for the pitiful effort made by McCain in what can only be called a lost opportunity.  It is clear John McCain wanted to preserve popularity with the dominant press more than he desired to gain the White House.  Throughout his career, McCain has relished the idea of being called a political maverick.  The dominant media often rewarded McCain with high praise for taking positions against his own Party, even to a fault.  The McCain/Feingold campaign finance legislation is a case in point.  This disastrous campaign finance reform bill has, in reality, made the American political system more susceptible to the influence of big money.  It is truly ironic that McCain/Feingold actually helped Barack Obama in his accumulation of vast amounts of cash for his campaign, while one of the authors of this flawed law was hurt the most by its existence.  But McCain basked in the media's adulation when the bill was passed, while others saw it as a disaster waiting to happen.

There are so many questions McCain should have to answer, due to the lackluster effort he put forth in the 2008 campaign season.  However, he never will he have to respond because he believes and, rightly so, the media was thoroughly satisfied with his lackluster presidential run.

This doesn't stop other Americans from asking "why?" 
*  Why did John McCain make the discussion of Rev. Jeremiah Wright taboo during his campaign?
* Why did John McCain take so long to bring up the subject of Obama's relationship with individuals like William Ayers, Tony Rezko and other subversive characters from his opponent's past?
*  Why didn't John McCain touch on the issue of abortion and homosexual "marriage"?
*  Why didn't John McCain talk about past Obama comments, including those in a San Francisco speech, where his opponent said those from middle America were bitter and turned to religion and guns for solace?
*  Why didn't John McCain talk about Obama's call for a "civilian national security force" and ask him what he meant by this?
*  Why didn't John McCain blast Joe Biden for calling for the partitioning of Iraq--which Biden did a few short years ago--with the result being a blood bath in Iraq, if this policy was enacted?
*  Why didn't John McCain press Obama on issues including gays in the military?
*  Why didn't John McCain talk about Obama's past drug use and press for answers to Obama's feelings about the legalization of narcotics in America?
*  Why didn't John McCain more vigorously defend his vice-presidential running mate, Sarah Palin, when she came under withering attack from Democrats and the dominant media?
*  Why did John McCain's staff keep Sarah Palin away from more friendly media sources, including conservative talk radio, while casting her to the wolves by scheduling interviews with hostile members of the press, including Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric?
*  Why didn't John McCain vociferously criticize Obama for breaking his pledge to only take federal campaign funding--which Obama promised to do, but did not--while McCain was put in a distinct disadvantage by sticking to his pledge?

I could go on and on, but the answers to all these questions are clear.  No matter what the result of the election, McCain wanted to be seen in a positive light by the mainstream media, even at the cost of defeat.  From McCain's support of a corrupt bailout of Wall Street to his constant criticism of his own Party during the campaign, there was method to his madness.  Many times, McCain has been applauded for poking his finger into the eyes of his Republican brethren. 

The Gang of 14, McCain's refusal to support offshore drilling for oil and drilling in ANWR, McCain's criticism of the waterboarding of terrorists who planned to kill Americans by the thousands, McCain's support of comprehensive immigration reform which would have gave citizenship to millions who entered the United States illegally, McCain's support of embryonic stem cell research, etc., etc., these are all instances where McCain bucked his Party, but received adulation from the liberal press.

When John McCain first secured the GOP's presidential nomination, many feared he would run the sort of campaign that he did.  Therefore, it was not a surprise to many of us who follow politics closely when McCain left Obama off the hook on so many pressing issues that will impact the United States for generations to come.  Unfortunately, Republicans had no other choice.  We had to continuously bail water from a ship that was destined to sink.  501(c)(7)'s could not pick up the slack for McCain's ineptitude, or better stated, reluctance to run a campaign which pulled out all the stops.

In the near future, once again, John McCain will become a darling of the liberal media.  He will make appearances on the David Letterman Show and Oprah Winfrey, holding his head up high as a man who ran a positive campaign.  However, a slogan which McCain liked to hear during campaign rallies seems to ring hollow in these days after his defeat.  They said, "America first, country first."  Unfortunately, the man at the head of the Republican ticket put his popularity first and left his country to devices which may soon see our nation's prominence in the world fall to the wayside.

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Obama vs. McCain: Most Important Vote In Our Nation's History

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

In elections past, Americans were given the choice between a more liberal or more conservative candidate when it came to choosing the next President of the United States.  However, on November 4th, there is a distinct possibility the nation will be deciding on something drastically more important.

The future of our country, as we have known it for 232 years, may be in jeopardy.  Barack Obama makes no bones about the fact he wants to change America.  But the devil is in the details which Obama has skillfully eluded since he began his presidential bid two years ago.  From the redistribution of wealth to an Amendment which would seal the fate of the innocent unborn forever, Obama will bring change to this nation, if elected.  If we combine an Obama presidency with the far left leadership of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid, the very fabric of our American government will fall to the wayside.

There are those who will let others do their voting for them.  This is a year when such excuses cannot stand.  With the threat of massive voter fraud already at hand, it is the obligation of every American citizen to vote.  It will not do to say the race is over.  It will not do to say a vote for McCain is a wasted vote or simply the lesser of two evils.  There is much more at stake than political philosophy in this year's presidential race.

With the election of Barack Obama there may soon be a massive attack on free speech and religious liberty and, once liberty is given away, it is almost impossible to reclaim.  Therefore, on Tuesday, it is necessary for citizens to exercise what so many have fought and died for...the right to vote and the freedoms which accompany that right.

As a former resident of Chicago, I have seen that corrupt government at work from which Barack Obama has spawned.  It is not a model of change; it is a portrait of political intimidation, one-party government and all that Americans should fear.  This has nothing to do with color or political party.  This is an election about the survival of the United States as we know it.  From the Fairness Doctrine (which would silence conservative radio) to the impact an Obama presidency would have on labor unions (whose member's votes would be made public), Barack Obama would lead an assault on democracy.

At a time when we are fighting a war against the evils of terrorism, this is no time to wave the white flag of surrender which Obama would do.

Please vote on Tuesday and, if you have trouble getting to your polling place, ask a neighbor for help.  I believe our nation is worth the effort because if we stand silent and do nothing, we will truly get what we deserve.

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