RFFM.ORG

RFFM.org Offers Forum To All Illinois Pro-Family Statewide Candidates

From RFFM.org's Executive Director, Dan Zanoza:  RFFM.org will post an op-ed submission from all Illinois pro-family statewide candidates.  An op-ed posted on RFFM.org from a particular candidate is not an indication of an RFFM.org endorsement. 

 

Op-ed submissions from candidates must meet the following criteria. 

 

Those seeking elected office in Illinois must support pro-family issues, including support for the rights of the innocent unborn, support of Second Amendment rights and support of traditional marriage.  

 

Of course, there are other pro-family issues which I did not specifically address here.  For example, the intrusion into our lives by big government and high taxation are not pro-family issues, per se.  However, high taxation has negatively impacted families.  In the past, one wage earner per household was sufficient to support a family.  Ever-expanding government and higher state and federal taxes have often forced both parents to seek employment.  This has led, in many ways, to the cultural devolution of our society.  In the past, when children came home from school, a parent was present.  Today young people are often left to their own devices, including finding entertainment on the Internet, or by watching television or by playing computer games.  FBI statistics indicate most crimes committed by children take place between the end of school hours and when parents return home from work.  But being a fiscal conservative and a social liberal will disqualify any individuals seeking elected office from having their op-ed submission considered for posting on RFFM.org.

 

RFFM.org's primary mission is to share information regarding pro-family issues.  Indeed, RFFM.org's motto is:  "In a democratic republic, good government is dependent upon an informed citizenry."

 

Some have misinterpreted op-ed postings on RFFM.org--from those seeking elected office--as an endorsement from RFFM.org of that individual.  This is an inaccurate assumption. 

 

Pro-family political candidates are encouraged to submit op-eds regarding their candidacies with emphasis on issues related to that individual's stand on the subjects which I mentioned above.

 

Those who support abortion, homosexual "marriage" or gambling need not apply. 

 

NOTE:  Before the Republican primary, RFFM.org will list candidates who submitted an op-ed posting and those who did not.  RFFM.org will also provide information regarding those seeking elected office who submitted an op-ed which was rejected or disqualified. 

 

All op-ed submissions from those seeking elected office should be written in the first person and sent to [email protected] for consideration.

 

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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.

Canadian Researcher: Prof. Levitt's New Book, Superfreakenomics, Ignores Abortion Risks

Brent Rooney:  Superfreakenomics Co-Author Should Leave Medical Matters Alone

Steven D. Levitt's LAUGH-IN  /  Freakonomics Fried

by Brent Rooney (MSc) *

 

On Oct. 2009, Univ. of Chicago Prof. Steven D. Levitt debuted

Superfreakonomics as a sequel to his best-selling book Freakonomics

(2005).  Perhaps Levitt is correct about Global Cooling, in his 2009

book, but nothing Levitt writes about medical matters can be believed.

 

If a young Milton Friedman (PhD, Nobel Prize winner) had opined

that “strong increased consumer demand for IPODs or Ivory Soap leads

to DECREASED prices”, the loud guffaws would have shattered ears

and the business press would have lectured the good professor from the

same university as economics professor Steven D. Levitt (Univ. of Chicago). 

In 2001 Steven D. Levitt & co-author John Donohue were not pulling an

April fool's joke when the pair declared:

   abortion “improves infant outcomes by reducing the number of low

   birthweight babies and neonatal mortality”  (Quarterly Journal of

   Economics)

Most LBW (Low Birth Weight) newborns are 'preemies' (born under

37 weeks' gestation).  Instead of prior induced abortions cutting future

premature birth risk, the best and overwhelming evidence is that prior

induced abortions (IAs) RAISE future preterm birth risk.  In October

2009 Dr. Prakesh Shah (Univ. of Toronto), using data from 37 prior abortion-

preemie studies, reported the following in the very prestigious BJOG

(British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology) [1]:

  1. Women with one (1) prior IA raised their relative odds of a

   preterm delivery by 36% [1]

  2. Women with two (2) or more previous IAs nearly doubled

   their odds of a premature birth (+93%) [1]

Steven Levitt was not finished with medical-economic follies, for

in 2005 the Univ. of Chicago professor had his Freakonomics book become

a huge best-seller.  One of Levitt's theories therein was that legalization

of abortion led to a cut in the U.S. crime rate in the 1970s and 1980s.

Levitt did NOT explicitly claim that “Black Americans had a much

elevated crime rate and thus, the very high Black American abortion

rate led to a cut in the U.S. crime rate.” Instead, Levitt emphasized that

it was low socio-economic (i.e. poor) people with the high crime rate &

their high abortion rate led to a crime rate decline. But with an abortion

rate 4.3 times that of Caucasians, poor Black Americans have a higher

rate of abortion rate than do poor Caucasian Americans. Prof. Levitt did

escape the charge of racism by not including the term 'Black American'

or 'African-American' in his argument.

Was Levitt correct about U.S.  legalized abortion reducing the crime  

rate?  The three (3) biggest killers of young Americans (ages 18 through

35 are accidents [mostly car & truck]), homicides, and suicides.  Prof.

Levitt will find zero support for his pet theory of abortion lowering the

crime rate in Finland. Finland has a national abortion registry, so, unlike

the U.S., Finnish medical researchers can reliably identify women with 

prior abortions.  In 1997 the top Scandinavian journal for reproductive

health journal reported that for women with an abortion that in the 12

months ‘after’ had 3 1/2 times the total death risk (from every possible

cause) compared to women who gave birth. [2] For the 3 leading causes

of death for young people the following results were published:

Deaths For Finnish Women

with Prior Abortions

in the 12 months 'after'

________________________________________________

Accidents    4.24 times the rate of women who gave birth

     Suicide     6.46 times the rate of women who gave birth

Homicide   14 times the rate of women who gave birth

_____________________________________________________

Perhaps Univ. of Chicago professor [LOL] Levitt excludes homicides from

his crime analysis.  Prof.  Levitt never listed this 1997 study of Finnish

women. [2] To do so would have revealed Steven D. Levitt to be a clown 

(the kindest word for this dunce 'scholar').  Certainly, other economics

professors must learn the 'Levitt lesson':

  Before an economist makes any pronouncements about medical-

  economics, he must research that 'foreign field' (medicine) VERY

  carefully, or he/she will sink into a quick sand of ignorance.

References

 1  Shah P. et al.  Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and

preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis BJOG 2009; 116(11):

1425-1442

    URL: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122591273/abstract

2  Dr. Mika Gissler et al. Acta Obstetrica et Gyncelogica Scandinavica

    1997, volume 73, pp. 651-657

 

* Brent Rooney is a Canadian researcher and can be reached via e-mail at:  [email protected]

Web site:  http://www.justiceforkids.webs.com/

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

Marriage Rally & Lobby Day in Springfield, IL this Thursday: Stand up for Pro-Family Values

UPCOMING EVENT

IFI Reminder:  Marriage Rally and Lobby Day -- Oct. 29th
by David E. Smith, Executive Director - Illinois Family Institute (IFI)

**An IFI sponsored bus will leave Transfiguration Catholic Church (348 Mill St., Wauconda, IL 60084) at 7:30 AM -- RSVP a spot today!  Call IFI for more information:  708-781-9328.

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 liberal activists continue to press for counterfiet "marriage" (SB 1716), which will affect our children and our religious freedom.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Thursday, October 29th at the Lincoln Statute on 2nd Street and Capitol Drive at Noon

To download a flyer to distribute at church and in your community go to:  http://www.illinoisfamily.org/content/img/f34557/marriage-rallytransfiguration.pdf 

Background

In May, the homosexual lobby, Equality Illinois, and its allies had fourteen lobbyists working overtime in an attempt to secure support of 60 state representatives for their "civil unions" bill. Other groups assisting in passing the measure include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Stonewall Democrats, and Illinois Log Cabin Republicans. They may again attempt a vote during the fall veto session (October 14-16 and 28-30).

Moreover, for the past three General Assembly sessions (6 years), a constitutional amendment to define marriage as one man and one woman has been introduced. And each year, Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has refused to move it to a committee to be debated and voted on. If this amendment were to come before the entire General Assembly, we are confident that it would receive the two-thirds vote needed to pass. And once passed by the General Assembly, it would be placed on a ballot referendum in the next statewide election for Illinois voters to decide.

We cannot afford to ignore this situation! Illinois citizens can send a strong message by joining us at the Capitol on October 29th to lobby and rally to protect God-ordained marriage in Illinois.

Action:  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 SB 1716.  You can look up your elected officials at this link:  http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=728&APP=GAC&screen=Address&   

To make a donation to the Illinois Family Institute, go to http://www.illinoisfamily.org/ and click on the "Make A Donation" link. 

UPCOMING EVENT

IFI Reminder:  Marriage Rally and Lobby Day -- Oct. 29th
by David E. Smith, Executive Director - Illinois Family Institute (IFI)

**An IFI sponsored bus will leave Transfiguration Catholic Church (348 Mill St., Wauconda, IL 60084) at 7:30 AM -- RSVP a spot today!  Call IFI for more information:  708-781-9328.

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 liberal activists continue to press for counterfiet "marriage" (SB 1716), which will affect our children and our religious freedom.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Thursday, October 29th at the Lincoln Statute on 2nd Street and Capitol Drive at Noon

To download a flyer to distribute at church and in your community go to:  http://www.illinoisfamily.org/content/img/f34557/marriage-rallytransfiguration.pdf 

Background

In May, the homosexual lobby, Equality Illinois, and its allies had fourteen lobbyists working overtime in an attempt to secure support of 60 state representatives for their "civil unions" bill. Other groups assisting in passing the measure include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Stonewall Democrats, and Illinois Log Cabin Republicans. They may again attempt a vote during the fall veto session (October 14-16 and 28-30).

Moreover, for the past three General Assembly sessions (6 years), a constitutional amendment to define marriage as one man and one woman has been introduced. And each year, Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has refused to move it to a committee to be debated and voted on. If this amendment were to come before the entire General Assembly, we are confident that it would receive the two-thirds vote needed to pass. And once passed by the General Assembly, it would be placed on a ballot referendum in the next statewide election for Illinois voters to decide.

We cannot afford to ignore this situation! Illinois citizens can send a strong message by joining us at the Capitol on October 29th to lobby and rally to protect God-ordained marriage in Illinois.

Action:  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 SB 1716.  You can look up your elected officials at this link:  http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=728&APP=GAC&screen=Address&   

To make a donation to the Illinois Family Institute, go to http://www.illinoisfamily.org/ and click on the "Make A Donation" link. 

Americans For Truth About Homosexuality Fundraiser Huge Success: Gay Protest Fizzles

RFFM.org Staff Writer

An estimated audience of over 100 pro-family leaders gathered in Arlington Heights on Saturday night, October 24th, in support of Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) www.aftah.org.  The evening featured a speech by Peter LaBarbera, Founder and President of AFTAH, and a nationally recognized activist who has toiled on behalf of pro-family issues for more than two decades.

The keynote speaker was J. Matt Barber, AFTAH Board Member: Director of Cultural Affairs, Liberty Counsel; Associate Dean, Liberty University School of Law; and author of "The Right Hook: From the Ring to the Culture War."

Paul B. Madore, Founder and Director, Maine Grassroots Coalition; Jim Finnegan, President, Choose Life Illinois; and Pete Lines who overcame the homosexual lifestyle also addressed those gathered at the Christian Liberty Academy.

LaBarbera told RFFM.org the night was a huge success and he expressed his appreciation to those gathered and to Pastor Calvin Lindstrom, Church of Christian Liberty and Christian Liberty Academy who delivered the invocation.

Jack Roeser, a well-known pro-family philanthropist who attended the banquet, wowed those in attendance when he offered a $10,000 matching grant for AFTAH.

An expected protest by radical homosexual activists took place outside Christian Liberty Academy which included approximately fifteen demonstrators.  The protest was in response to a national call to action from homosexual leaders. 

"I expected to be meet by a huge phalanx of pro-homosexual demonstrators," said Dan Zanoza, RFFM.org's Executive Director and an attendee of the AFTAH fundraiser.  "The pro-homosexual group blocked our access to the crosswalk leading to the banquet hall.  As a blind individual, I was struck by the insensitivity of a group which calls for tolerance and recognition of what they claim are special rights homosexuals should receive under the U.S. Constitution."

"Thankfully, two members of the Arlington Heights Police Department cleared a path for me and those I came with and that was deeply appreciated on my part," continued Zanoza.  "As I attempted to enter the crosswalk leading to the Academy itself, the pro-homosexual group proceeded to loudly chant their message which greatly increased the danger for myself and others, including the elderly, who depend not only on sight and sound to cross a street.  The insensitivity demonstrated by the group was ironic."

David Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute accepted an award on behalf of Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman of the American Family Association (AFA).   

Though the AFTAH banquet was not a political event, two candidates seeking statewide office were present.  Dan Proft, who is running for Governor in the GOP primary and Andy Martin, who is seeking the Republican Party nomination in the U.S. Senate race, joined pro-family supporters at the AFTAH fundraiser.

"I was very impressed with the gathering of people who are concerned about this issue, especially with the words of Mr. Lines, an individual who found his way out of the homosexual lifestyle with God's help," said Arlene Sawicki of South Barrington, a longtime pro-life/pro-family activist.  "Contrary to the sentiments of radical homosexual activists, the entire evening approached the issue of homosexuality and its impact on our culture in a loving, Christlike manner."

A Question and Answer session with Matt Barber and Pete Lines topped off the proceedings.

"I learned a great deal about the negative impact the homosexual lifestyle has upon our culture and individuals who find themselves trapped in this lifestyle," said one of those gathered.  "It is a sad story, but Mr. Lines is proof that there is hope for all who are living their lives contrary to Biblical teachings.  However, it is also a message of hope for those with other addictions because I believe, as one of the speakers noted tonight, homosexuality is a form of sexual addiction that one can overcome."

For information regarding contributions to AFTAH go to:  www.americansfortruth.com/donate/.

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

Illinois Forum Meeting in Rantoul on Nov. 8th: Great Opportunity To Have Impact On Issues Facing Illinois Voters

Note from Daniel Zanoza, RFFM.org's Executive Director and a member of the Illinois Forum's Board of Governors:  

 

I strongly urge Illinois citizens who care about good government to attend the Illinois Forum's next meeting.  The Illinois Forum is a public policy group and is highly respected for its support of conservative principles regarding local and state government.  Americans must become both informed and involved in the fight against big government, higher taxation and the assault on pro-family values.  Attending the meeting and/or joining the Illinois Forum as an official member will provide you access to information about how you can help make our state a better place to live.

 

ILLINOIS FORUM

 

Hon. Robert S. Redfern

Chairman

Rural Route 5

Fairfield, IL 62837

Call:  (618) 842-7246

 

Hon. Daniel B. Crane

Board Chairman

3570 N. Vermillion

Danville, IL 61832

 

The Illinois Forum's regular business meeting will be Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. in the meeting room at the Red Wheel Restaurant in Rantoul, Illinois.  Take Exit 250 off of Interstate 57 to the Red Wheel Restaurant on Illinois 136.  The restaurant's phone number is (217) 893-0471.

 

Dutch Treat Lunch at 12 Noon.  The prices are very reasonable and the food is great.  Please plan to have lunch.  Or you can simply attend the meeting for which there is no charge.  The meeting will begin sharply at 1:30.

 

Meeting Agenda:

 

1.  Report on the Jan. 10, 2010 Illinois Forum debate for candidates seeking their party's nomination for the November 2010 general election.

 

2.  Report on the U.S. Senate race in Illinois.

 

3.  Report on the Illinois constitutional races.

 

4.  New business.

 

5.  Introduction of candidates that are present.

 

"Politics is not something to avoid.  It is something to live with and to influence if you can."  --  Robert S. Redfern

 

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND

 

 

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

Americans For Truth About Homosexuality Banquet: A Must Attend Event

UPCOMING EVENT

Note from Daniel Zanoza, RFFM.org's Executive Director:  Below you will find information about an Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) banquet to be held Saturday, October 24th.  The event is a fundraiser for AFTAH and I can think of no better way to spend a Saturday night. 

All God-fearing Americans are aware of the assault on our culture which emanates from a small, but powerful group of homosexual radical activists.

With the assistance of the liberal mainstream media, this movement has led to a well-coordinated attack on pro-family values.  Parents instill in their children a set of values regarding issues of faith and true tolerance for others.  Yet no matter how hard we try, America's public schools, in some cases, have made it their mission to undermine these values.  Since children spend more time at school than they do with their families, the radical left has been highly successful in its mission to "normalize" what only a few years ago was considered abhorrent behavior.

Now some will disagree with me regarding what I am about to write.  I believe what goes on between consenting adults in the privacy of their own home is between them and God.  But Scripture is clear regarding the issue of homosexuality.  Some might find this a cliché, however, I truly believe, as Christians, we are charged to hate the sin, but love the sinner.

If you believe marriage should be solely defined as a union between one man and one woman; please attend the AFTAH banquet.  If you believe homosexuality is a behavior not entitled to special rights, you should attend the AFTAH banquet.  If you believe there is an assault on the Judeo-Christian principles on which our nation's foundation was laid from radical homosexual groups, you should attend the AFTAH banquet.

The AFTAH is one of the few organizations which is helping to support the pro-family values many of us care about deeply.  In my opinion, it is a "must attend" event.  Please help support Peter LaBarbera and AFTAH by purchasing as many tickets as possible to an event and an organization which is on the front lines in the fight for pro-family values.

Daniel Zanoza, Executive Director, RFFM.org

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Information from the AFTAH web site on how to purchase tickets to the banquet: http://americansfortruth.com/ 

ANSWER LIBERAL SCHOOL BIAS:   Please take a few minutes from your day to invite your pastor and/or some teenagers at your church or school to hear Matt Barber at the Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) banquet, which is coming very soon: Saturday, Oct. 24th at 6:30 P.M. at Christian Liberty Academy located at 502 Euclid, Arlington Heights, Illinois.  ( http://www.christianlibertyacademy.com/ ).  The doors open at 5:30, dinner begins at 6:30.

God has done amazing things with Matt Barber since he was fired by Allstate after expressing his opinion online about homosexuality [ http://americansfortruth.com/news/the-article-that-got-matt-barber-fired-by-allstate.html ].  Mr. Barber is a highly effective counter to the cultural brainwashing we all get on the “gay” issue!  For more info, call Donna at 910-308-7619 or go to the following link: http://americansfortruth.com/news/join-matt-barber-a-champion-in-the-culture-war-ring-at-aftah-banquet-oct-24.html. 

To sign yourself up at the regular donation of $50 per person — or a pastor or student at the half-off rate of $25 — just go online and use the “Online Banquet Sign-up” link at www.americansfortruth.com/donate/.  Call 910-308-7619 to RSVP.  You can also RSVP at [email protected]  Tickets can be purchased at the door. 

If you can't attend the banquet and would like to support AFTAH, donations can be made payable to “Americans For Truth” and mailed to: Americans For Truth, P.O. Box 5522, Naperville, IL 60567-5522. Thank you and God bless you. — Peter LaBarbera, President, AFTAH 

US Senate Candidate Eric Wallace Comes Under Personal Attack From Political Operative At TAPROOT Meeting

Commentary by Daniel. T. Zanoza, Executive Director  

I first became a social activist nearly 20 years ago.  At that time, I did not realize that activism and politics are inexorably linked.  Perhaps I was naive to believe this was not the case.

 

I had hoped with all my heart that pro-family conservatives held to a higher standard than those on the left which practice the dark arts of innuendo, ad hominen and character assassination as a means to gain political power.  Again, I was naive.  I am learning battles between factions of the Republican Party can be just as ruthless as our Democratic opponents.

 

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Wallace addressed a TAPROOT (Traditions And Principles Republicans Often Overlook Today) meeting on Saturday, October 17th.  During that function, political operative Rich Johns questioned whether the fact Wallace is on his third marriage should cause him to step aside as a candidate in the GOP Senatorial primary.  "Johns, who is on the Board of Directors of TAPROOT, was not speaking for the organization," said TAPROOT Chairman Dave Diersen in a telephone interview. 

 

Wallace is an ordained minister, entrepreneur and author.  But the important question regarding Johns' comments is whether those seeking office as pro-family conservatives have to pass some type of moral test.  If this is the case, many of us, myself included, would be disqualified from running for any political office.  The only individual I know who lived a perfect life was Jesus Christ.  However, Johns, apparently has passed judgment on Wallace.  But turn about is fair play.  Wallace has written a book where he addresses his personal life.  Yet what do we know about Johns?  What gives him the moral authority to ask Wallace or anyone else to step aside as a candidate for any office? 

 

In fact, Johns is a bit of a mystery.  He tells some he is from Ohio, he tells others he hails from Iowa.  He popped up on the political scene in the midst of the Illinois conservative movement, to my knowledge in 2003 or thereabouts.  Johns currently is associated with groups called Chicago Townhall Meeting and Illinois Fair Tax (Tax Nation). 

 

The one thing certain about Johns is he's a rabid collector of information, but he shares little about himself.  Perhaps Johns needs to reveal his qualifications as a moral arbiter.  My point is I feel Johns' questioning of Wallace's personal history is morally repugnant.  Of course, we have the right and duty to question candidates.  However, what does Johns know, if anything, about what led to Wallace's previous divorces? 

 

A better question yet is who does Johns work for?  Is he connected with a political candidate who is challenging Wallace for the U.S. Senate?  These are reasonable queries which Johns needs to answer because his own questions of Wallace lead us there. 

 

There is one thing I am certain of.  Although I do not know all the details about Eric Wallace's personal life, pro-family conservatives should hold ourselves to a higher standard of conduct and I'm not talking about Wallace here, I'm speaking of Johns.  Scripture tells us "Judge not, lest ye be judged."  

 

What kind of house do you live in, Mr. Johns?  Is it made of glass?  But I won't go there because I do believe pro-family social conservatives should represent something better. 

 

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

Adam Andrzejewski for Governor: Why I Am Pro-Life: In His Own Words

RFFM.ORG EXCLUSIVE

 

OP-ED by ADAM ANDRZEJEWSKI

When I started to think about running for governor, and began the process of asking those closest to me about the race, one of the first questions I was always asked (by those who didn’t already know) was, “What is your position on abortion?”.

“I’m pro-life” was always my immediate response.  This often led to the next obvious question, “Why are you pro-life?” -- that is the purpose of this essay.  You see, I’ve always been pro-life, and now, running for office, I owe the people of Illinois an answer to this very important question.

First of all, as the oldest of seven children, I saw first-hand the value of human life.  And, I was raised to support pro-life views by my very loving and involved Catholic parents.  That might be enough for many people to understand the source of my beliefs.  But I think the citizens of Illinois deserve a better explanation.  After all, if we are to persuade good citizens who were raised in homes that support abortion rights that they should adopt pro-life views, then “I was raised that way” might not be the most effective argument. 

If you think about it, the abortion issue pits two powerful American ideologies against each other -– the ideology that all life is sacred versus the ideology that we should be free to live our lives according to our own choices. 

I made the conscious decision that on such an issue as human life, imperfect as I may be, and not knowing every answer to every question, that I would rather err on the side of life than on the side of choice.  Why should an innocent life fall victim to the poor choice of their parent(s)? 

I don’t need to debate all the divisive questions that arise from the position that I’ve chosen, though I am capable of holding up my end of those arguments.  I know that there are many good people who disagree. 

I simply take the position that every life is sacred, and that once conceived, should have the opportunity to be brought into this world and bestow their blessings upon mankind. It is, after all, a good and improving world that they are entering.  I see every human life as the opportunity to make this good world that much better.  It certainly had that impact on me. 

My wife Kerry and I tried for four years to bear a child.  When my first child, Ellie, was born, her eyes were closed for the first ten minutes.  I was holding her closely -- face-to-face.  When Ellie’s eyes finally flickered open,  her first view of the world was looking up directly into my eyes.  That moment changed my life forever…and solidified my pro-life view:  that each life is unique, precious and has a God-given purpose.

I don’t know that this provides a perfect answer to such a divisive issue.  I simply know that this is where my heart and my mind leads me.  That is why I am proudly pro-life. 

Adam Andrzejewski

Adam for Illinois

630-899-9199

[email protected]
http://www.adamforillinois.com/

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Social Security COLA Freeze: Obama To The Rescue? I Told You So!

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

 

On August 24, 2009 I wrote a commentary titled, "COLA Freeze for Social Security Recipients: Part of an Obama Ruse to Keep Senior Voting Bloc?"  http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/08/cola-freeze-for-social-security-recipients-part-of-an-obama-ruse-to-keep-senior-voting-bloc-.html.  

 

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so.  Barack Obama has proposed Congress approve a one-time $250 payment to seniors and handicapped meant to offset a freeze in the Social Security Cost Of Living Adjustment for the next two years. 

 

Fuel prices are predicted to go up.  The cost of food has skyrocketed in recent weeks.  And if Congress passes health care reform and Cap and Trade legislation, the cost of living index will go through the roof.  But a one-time $250 payment should cover it, right?  Political bribery anyone?

 

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

Don Tracy for Lt. Governor: Why I Am Pro-Life: In His Own Words

 

RFFM.org EXCLUSIVE

 

OP-ED by DON TRACY

 

My name is Don Tracy.  I am running for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.  I am pro-life for several reasons.  Let me explain.

 

I am the eldest of 12 children.  Yes, we are Catholic.

 

I grew up in western Illinois in the City of Mt. Sterling, where I attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy Grade School.  I was an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

 

After graduating from Brown County High School in 1968, I attended Western Illinois University and graduated from Arizona State University in 1972.  Since graduating from the University of Memphis Law School in 1976, I have been representing family businesses and other clients in crisis situations in courtrooms and board rooms throughout the country.  I worked my way through college and law school as a warehouse worker, truck driver, resident assistant, store clerk, bellman, and salesman for three different companies (consumer lights, industrial products, and food products).

 

I am 59 years old and have been married to my wife, Wanda, for 27 years. We have been members of Blessed Sacrament Parish Church in Springfield since 1980.  I am a lector, counter and fund-raiser for my church.

 

Wanda and I have 4 children who are among the 47 grandchildren of my mother, Dorothy Tracy, and my deceased father, Robert Tracy.  All 11 of my brothers and sisters are married.  Their names are:  Pat, Tom, Anne, Jim, Jean, John, Mary, Susan, Jane, Joe & Dick.  They are married to:  Jane, Catherine, Ray, Jil, Mike, Linda, Jay, Scott, Fred, Jill and Adina. 

 

At this point, I am tempted to give you the names of all 47 of my Mom’s grandchildren. However, by now I am sure you get the point.  Depending on how you count, I have either 2, 12, 24, 47 or 85 reasons to be pro-life.

 

Growing up with so much life around me has made me appreciate the power each one holds.  I am thankful for my large family.  My life and probably my values would be significantly different if even one of my 12 siblings had not made it out alive.

 

A lot of people in this election think that life is not an issue.  They say, ‘How can we make time for social issues when the state and its people are mired in a severe financial crisis?’  With terrorism, gangs, war and the swine flu, life issues may seem trivial to some.  But, the financial and personal security issues we work for so hard on will never matter to the thousands who are not allowed to live it.  Furthermore, in the long run, moral bankruptcy can be as much a threat to survival of the state as financial bankruptcy.

 

I am running to make this a better state for new jobs and new families.  I am proud to live in a country where this election is possible. 

 

I’m Don Tracy, and I fully support the right to life.

 

Don Tracy

Tracy for Illinois
PO Box 256
Springfield, IL 62705-0256
217-741-8612
[email protected]
http://www.tracyforillinois.com/

 

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