Law Suits from both sides on California Marriage Amendment-On same day as earthquake in California ADF files lawsuit against changed wording of California Marriage Amendment summary by Democrat Attorney General Jerry Brown:

"Original state wording: Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would have no fiscal effect on state or local governments. This is because there would be no change to the manner in which marriages are currently recognized by the state. (Initiative 07-0068.) (Full Text)

Jerry Brown revision: Changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Fiscal Impact: Over the next few years, potential revenue loss, mainly sales taxes, totaling in the several tens of millions of dollars, to state and local governments. In the long run, likely little fiscal impact to state and local governments."

It's not about sex!! The Great Worldwide Divide and Again it's not about sex but rather who is teaching for doctrines the commandments of men?. A lawsuit for 70 million dollars against bible publishing company...links to audio and video footage of great importance and issues concerning religious freedom and protests of gay bishop and a must see interview for those concerned about what one of the leaders of the gay movement thinks of those who believe the scriptures teach homosexuality is a sin (quite a revealing interview with this bishop). We need to pray for him. UK officer was fined 1200 pounds over his views of homosexuality and San Jose college professor fired for explaining what is in the college text book namely that homosexuality being hereditary is in debate and even the EEOC issues new guidelines on Religious Discrimination because of all the cases going to court recently. Good news also, "divisions have been widening as strictly Bible-interpreting Anglican churches in the developing world have become the largest and fastest-growing churches in the communion."!!! And concerning the gay bishop above: "The top Anglican bishop in Sudan is calling for V. Gene Robinson, the openly homosexual bishop in New Hampshire, to "resign for the sake of the church," according to an Anglican expert. Homosexual ordination "is not what is found in the Bible" and is "not the norm of the Anglican world." and in Jerusalem: "The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) -- representing more than half of the world's practicing Anglicans -- wrapped up a weeklong meeting in Jerusalem, where more than 1,100 lay and clergy, including nearly 300 bishops, declared their allegiance to traditional biblical and church teachings and vowed to combat liberal trends, including the acceptance of homosexual leadership....Pledging to work against forces of "militant secularism and pluralism" within their Christian denomination, conservative Anglican leaders formed a new umbrella organization here at the weekend." bearing in mind that the Anglican church "is the second-largest group of churches in the world, behind Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians." and this meeting above consisted of "traditionalists from Africa, where the majority of the world's Anglicans (Episcopalians) live, they are being joined by some high-profile colleagues based in the West. They include the outspoken Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, who is to date the most senior clergyman in the Church of England -- the "mother church" of the worldwide Anglican Communion"-There is more to tell. Just check out the links....

If you have a chance to watch the 8 minute video interview of the gay bishop and his reasoning for gay marriages then "review what Christ said in Mark 7:7-9: "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.""and then "read thru the scriptures and see which of the two has violated the teachings of Jesus above. Who is laying aside the commandment of God and in its place teaching for doctrine the commandments of men? Again notice this is not about sex but whether or not one party or the other is properly representing what the scriptures teach on this subject." Is it the conservative Anglican community or those on the side of the gay bishop???? Notice again it's not about sex but about Christ and what the scriptures that testify of Him say about Christ and who's teaching on the subject of sex is consistent with the scriptures and thus with Christ.

Media's no emphasis of abortion as an issue hurting McCain and helping Obama/Obama on Fatherhood/The Physiology of Motherhood/Bush vs Clinton-"A new poll finds half of voters don't know that presidential candidate John McCain is pro-life on abortion or that Barack Obama is pro-abortion. The survey shows that, when pro-life voters know that information, they support McCain by a three-to-one margin....This information gap is important and a subsequent question shows whichever side of the abortion debate can frame the candidates first will likely help one of them win the election. Among pro-life voters who know where the two candidates stand, McCain trounces Obama by a whopping 70-24 percentage point margin. Surprisingly, Obama has a one percent lead (43-42 percent) among pro-life voters who are uninformed about their abortion positions." Check out the The Physiology of Motherhood, Obama and Fatherhood and if Fatherhood starts at conception when does Grandfatherhood start. Excellent video critizicing past comments by Obama on father's day concerning abortion. Also, Bush rocks congress over health professional rights to not have to be involved with abortion in anyway and more...

Take care all....

Marcia Walden

Christian Counselor Fired for Denying Advice-"The battle for gay rights may have cost one Christian counselor her job. Marcia Walden used to work as a workplace counselor for the Centers for Disease Control. She says she was fired after referring a lesbian worker at the CDC to another counselor. The woman wanted relationship advice."

Lillian Ladele

Also, see Religious rights trump gay rights vs Gay rights should not be used to harass people of Religious beliefs? which has links and video to a similar situation in the UK where a Christian Registrar won a unanimously decided case against Islington Counsel because of something similar to above. It is interesting to note that in the UK it appears that this made alot of news even on their BBC public TV whereas our PBS, NBC, CBS and ABC public TV never pick up stories at all like this with happenings in America. It is greatly dissappointing that in a more liberal England that these stories get more air time then in our more conservative America. Just goes to show that maybe in some areas like partial birth abortion and public TV we are more liberal then Europe.

Also, in that blog there is a must read article of a lawsuite pending right now against the city of San Francisco's resolution condemning the catholic church over similar issue and an update on McDonalds boycott where McDonalds spokesperson accuses those boycotting McDonalds as haters when the boycott has made it clear that it has nothing to do with hiring homosexuals in the workplace or anything like it but rather McDonald's support of an organization that is political active and one sided toward this issue in political matters. If McD's wants to be inclusive of all members of their society they need to not call some members of their society haters just because they disagree on a lifestyle choice on religious grounds. What about those being fired in the work place because of their religious beliefs??? What about ex homosexuals and their stories???!!! What about religious rights and discrimination???!!! I do hope that one day McD's will give a certain amount of money and support toward those who are on the religious side of this issue. That would indeed be being inclusive of all members of society!!!! Until then all that McD's will be getting from my pocket book is a Big Mac Supersized email/blogs of hypocrisy!!!

Crystal Dixon (Update to previous emails I sent out to you all on Crystal on 05/13/2008)

http://www.crystaldixon.com/-"I am also a Black woman and a devout Christian...For more than 25 years, I have been a Human Resources professional and leader, providing excellent service to all people regardless of their sexual orientation. I have hired and recommended the hiring of both homosexuals and heterosexuals based upon their qualifications, skills and abilities. My performance evaluations with the University of Toledo are excellent...In my opinion, based upon Scripture, homosexuality is a practice of choice and cannot be equated to the color of one’s skin with which one is born....Let me be clear. I did not gay-bash nor do I hate homosexuals...It is ironic that at least two other colleagues at the University have publicly written articles in newspapers, in their official University capacities, in which they opposed or harshly (and unprofessionally) criticized the University's administration and/or Toledo citizens on other issues and no discipline or termination has occurred for them...My case may become a landmark case on multiple fronts."

Obama

"the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution"-Obama's comments concerning the amendment to define marriage between a man and a women that will be on the ballot this Novemeber in California. If this is how Obama views those who view marriage as Crystal, Lillian and Marcia do then will Obama help end religious discrimination or continue to promote? I believe there may be a healthier balance/compromise for both religious individuals like the above and the gay activist in an email I sent to you all at What can our presidential/senate candidates and voters learn from NPR, The Christian Institute, BBC and the UK when it comes to "Hate Crimes"?. I have argued this position on discussion forums and have yet to get really any decent discussion over it but rather just heated passion about how necessary hate crimes laws are. That is find and dandy and to some degree I am willing to explore that possibility, however, they seem to completely bypass the concerns of the religious so far as if we hate them or something. I believe that many in the gay community have characterized the religious so falsely that they are lead to believe we are indeed haters of them. This is really sad. It seems no compromise can be made until this false notion is handled and companies like McD's stop encouraging the hate painting at a SuperSized level. Why not real discussion??? I am so looking forward to discussing these issues with a homosexual that can agree that disagreement does not equal hate nor discrimination and that maybe protection could be provided for homosexuals even by those who disagree with them if only we can do what has been done in the UK (UK: House of Lords recognizes dangers of hate laws to free speech and religious liberty) as the UK has been dealing with this for sometime and is continually dealing with it.

Conservative Christians Debate Same-Sex Marriage Ruling-But also includes a panel of differing views. This is a quick news report of of this about hour and a half panel discussion. If you would like to listen to the whole panel discussion go here. I have yet to hear it.

I have also been very impressed with the balance of coverage from this conservative news medium at http://www.cnsnews.com/. I have found they do alot of stories and usually have both sides presented in the stories and yet cover issues like McD's accused of calling some members of our society as haters. Here is an example of just one of many balanced story on this issue with McD's at McDonald’s Accused of Equating Defense of Marriage with ‘Hatred’. They do not just do stories on moral issues either but you will see they are quite diverse in subject like most news mediums. You can sign up for E-mail daily News Briefs also, somewhere on that site and they just did a overhaul of their web site.

Other News of Possible Interest

Media is not giving you the whole Mortgage Crisis story: Fannie and Freddie is Enron x 19/Microsoft Sized Monopoly/Leading Compaign Giver and Lobbyist-"The Federal Reserve (another government factor)"..."Three weeks ago when a Newsweek poll put Democrat Barack Obama 15 points ahead of Republican John McCain...Newsweek survey released Friday placed Obama a mere three points in front of McCain"

Obama vs McCain on changes on Obam's web site concerning Iraq -How many days a year are we working to pay for the cost of Government earmarks and all? And check out the highest tax increase in American History around the corner in 2010.

Yanking Back the Balance/Filling in the Gaps/Emphasizing the Missing Headlines

- http://www.valuesvoternews.com/

McDonalds's Boycott

http://www.boycottmcdonalds.com/

"This boycott is not about hiring homosexuals, or homosexuals eating at McDonald's, or how homosexual employees are treated. It is about McDonald's, as a corporation, choosing to put the full weight of their corporation behind promoting the homosexual agenda, including homosexual marriage."

Many of you probabily already know about this but just in case. I have already stopped eating there since I heard of this in the first place. I think if these companies are going to be active in supporting whatever they choose to support in the name of diversity then they need to be equally diverse in including the religious, also. Hey it's their business and they can do what they want with it but if it's hypocritical then it is.

Update on the NM photography case:

ADF files suit disputing N.M. commission's ruling against Christian photographer -A copy of the appeal filed with the 2nd Judicial District Court, County of Bernalillo, in Elane Photography v. Willock is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/ElanePhotoAppeal.pdf.

McCain vs Obama on Bushs' Faith Based Initiative

Obamas' Divisive Faith Based Initiative? Click on African Wisdom vs NEA and UN/Obama supports a divisive faith based initiative. Scroll down to bottom video for a criticism.

Now you may have heard about whether or not Obama is for tax funded religious organizations religious liberties and conscious' or not. It may be confusing due to a recent AP article. Hopefully this may clear it up.

I will be emailing you 2 email updates I get everyday if you wish to read them in there entirety. I couldn't find a way to put them into this email so I will email the first one label One and the Second one labeled Two.

The first one says, "It's an axiom in politics that what a politician says in public is meant to please, but what he says in private is meant to pledge. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is rhapsodizing in public on the nation's hunger for a leader who shares their homegrown priorities--a love of country, faith in God, and loyalty to family. To prove his sincerity on the issues, Obama says that if elected he'll overhaul President Bush's faith-based initiative and expand it. In a speech today in Zanesville, Ohio, he said that church and religious organizations should play a bigger role in meeting our country's social needs. He would even support the right of federally-funded programs "to hire and fire based on faith." Notice assumed skepticism from this source as you read further. Apparently the skepticism turned out to be a ligitimate skepticism for the AP made a bad report on what Obama actually said.

The Second email labeled Two says, "It appears that in yesterday's Update we gave Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) faith-based policy too much credit. Working from an Associated Press story released before the candidate made his Zanesville speech, FRC included the quote that Obama intended to "support the ability [of religious groups] to hire and fire based on faith." We regret the error. But we also regret what Sen. Obama actually said, which is that his administration would not protect the religious rights of faith-based groups to make employment decisions based on their moral convictions when they are using tax dollars. In his talk, Obama put his "Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships" in stark contrast to President Bush's current program. "First, if you get a federal grant, you can't use that grant money to proselytize to the people you help and you can't discriminate against them--or against the people you hire--based on your religion," he said. Despite the clear and present danger this would pose to church-based outreach programs, Rev. Jim Wallis, President of the liberal Sojourners, wasted no time announcing his support for the plan, even implying that "Obama's proposals also contain necessary protections for religious liberty..." The reality is that Obama's interpretation would be a body blow to religious groups that apply for federal funds. In contrast, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) released a statement today supporting the rights of religious organizations that apply for government funding to "hire people who share their faith."

Arizona Marriage Amendment

Arizonans to vote on the Marriage Amendment in November-"The long-anticipated vote came just before adjournment and followed hours of angry, raucous debate in which the legislative rule book was used as a weapon to both stall the vote (Democrats) and cut short debate (Republicans). Senators on both sides of the aisle and of the issue lamented a meltdown in the higher chamber, as most of the day's work was scrapped so that the marriage amendment could be voted upon while key senators were present."

McCain vs Obama on state Marriage Amendments

In the first email labeled One that I am sending to you Obama is reported of saying at "the LGBT Democratic Club in San Francisco, he scorned man-woman marriage, saying , "...I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution [to protect marriage], and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of any other states." While telling the world he will up hold the faith-based initiative as the cornerstone of his administration, Obama says that a cornerstone of society - heterosexual marriage -- is "divisive and discriminatory." Doesn't this mean that faith-based organizations that support marriage will be disqualified from federal funding under an Obama presidency? It would be next to impossible for ministries that promote traditional marriage to participate in a Healthy Marriage project funded through an Obama faith-based initiative."

For McCain see, McCain vs Obama on Marriage Amendment in California which I posted in the last email.

Good News on McCain

McCain seems to be meeting with evangelical conservatives to make a point with us. I find it interesting that there are ample reports in the news on Obamas' reaching out to the religious whereas McCains' reach has very little air. So, just in case you didn't know. McCain has made supporting statements on California Marriage Act which was in your last email. He has supported Bushs' Faith Based Initiatives to ALL Faiths not just to compromising faiths. He has met privately with Billy and Franklin Graham and with Frank Pavone a strong Catholic Pro-Life conservative scroll down to the second article under the subheading of Pro-Life. And recently he appeared before 90 conservatives in Denver evangelical leaders which include Matthew Staver who formely supported Huckabee of the Liberty Counsel (which offensively sues and defensively protects pro-life cases and religious liberty cases like this recent one against Hallmark)..."According to Staver, those in attendance included Phyllis Schlafly, head of the Eagle Forum; pastor and "Left Behind" co-author Tim LaHaye and his wife, Beverly, founder of Concerned Women for America; David Barton, founder of WallBuilders; Rick Scarborough of Vision America; and Don Hodel, a former interior secretary and former president of Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family. "Our shared core values compel us to unite and choose the presidential candidate that best advances those values," said Staver...."That obvious choice is Sen. John McCain. I think people left the meeting in unity the likes of which have not been evident through the primaries."...Staver said enthusiasm is building for McCain, in part because of the Republican senator's recent meetings with movement leaders like Phil Burress, who also attended the Denver summit. Burress helped pass an anti-gay marriage measure in Ohio that was credited with helping President Bush win the state in 2004. Asked whether it was opposition to Obama or enthusiasm for McCain that motivated the group, Staver said: "Obama is a considerable threat to our values. At the same time, Sen. McCain recently has been reaching out to evangelicals and conservative voters that we represent."

I am waiting to see who he chooses as VP before I am persuaded. But he is doing a good job reaching out at this moment for my values vote without contradictions.

Obama vs Dobson

Commentary: In Defense of Dr. Dobson-by Patrick Buchanan. A must read article for those interested. "Folks haven't been reading their Bibles....whose Christianity would we teach in the schools? Would we go with James Dobson's or with Al Sharpton's?...translate some of our concerns in a universal language so that we can have an open and vigorous debate rather than have religion divide us."-Thus saith Obama. But when confronted with skepticism from Dobson namely that Obama "is dragging biblical understanding through the gutter.." and "Am I required in a democracy to conform my efforts in the political arena to his bloody notion of what is right with regard to the life of tiny babies?". Obamas' "open" and "vigorous debate" is that Dobson is "making stuff up". Well maybe he is and maybe he isn't but when it comes to what matters at the end of the day on biblical issues like the lives of the unborn, marriage and religous liberties Dobson understanding of the Bible wins hands down!!!! Obama should practice his claimed truth and have an "open and vigorous debate". I think we need an "open and vigorous debate rather than having" Obamas view of the Bible "divide" up the truth of the scriptures into whatever he wants it to say all in the name of non divisiveness. How undivisive is that???!!!! Talk about an unbiblical point of view of what a christian is see: Obama Reaches Out to Young Evangelicals?. Don't forget about his pastor for 20 years!!! I mean if Obama wants to reach out to evangelicals he must expect criticism from evangelicals!!!! For more evidence of Obamas' reach out to evangelicals check out: How valuable is your Values Vote? Obamas' first ad: To Values Voters?.

"Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth?"-John Quincy Adams July 4th 1937

http://www.valuesvoternews.com/

National Public Radio

NPR and Homosexual hit the spot that most secular news mediums miss: Religious Discrimination in the name of Gay Rights.-Finally a non conservative news source (NPR, National Public Radio) has an article that reports on the clash between Gay Rights and Religious Rights. Which is oddly missed elsewhere or deemphasized.

Let us assume that homosexuals are treated so badly in a country that "hate crimes" are necessary for that country in addition to all the other laws that already exist to protect the innocent. Let us assume that these "hate crimes" have the potential of being used to silence and punish those who disagree with homosexuality like many ex-homosexuals and religious folk. And let us assume that we are to uphold the rights of both equally.

The Christian Institute (UK based religious freedom organization)

This clash can easily be settled by what the UK has done in the House of Lords on a "homophobia hatred" law: Free speech victory over 'homosexual hatred' law. (The wording sounds like free speech beat out gay rights but this "victory over 'homosexual hatred' law" is just to equalize the imbalance that are inherent in these "hate crimes" laws assuming the above assumptions). Now, of course, "hate crimes" may be completely unnecessary. And it may be that religious folk and those who disagree with homosexuality may never be punished for their views. Or it may be that we need to favour one over the other. Those points could be argued. From my perspective I just am not aware of all the hate that is out there against homosexuals. Feel free to email me to inform me of the ample number of cases that need this attention. I see many hollywood shows that portray homosexuality in a pro-homosexual light and many TV shows. I hardly ever see any shows with a different perspective on homosexuality then the pro-homosexual view point except in the religious community. I have yet to know of one christian that I am aware of that hates homosexuals just because the scriptures teach that homosexualty is a sin. After all, Christ died for all kinds of sin not just homosexuality. However, I am aware of many that are not exactly happy about what is happening to their freedoms in the name of homosexual rights. But even these abuses of laws against people of faith have yet to make any christian I am aware of hate a homosexual. If we are going to have "hate crimes" we must follow the lead of the UK!!!

Ten arguments against a 'homophobic hatred' law-"This law will restrict free speech., This law confuses disagreement with hatred., This law will be used against Christians., This law is unnecessary., This law would not have stopped the Dobrowski attack., This law wrongly assumes homosexual practice is like race., This law contains no protections for religious liberties., This law could lead to Christians facing prison sentences for what they believe., This law will have a 'chilling' effect on open debate., and This law will be used to attack political freedoms."

This law wrongly assumes homosexual practice is like race.-This is an excellent argument why race and homosexuality are unrelated. An argument discribing the difference between homosexual practice and race and why laws should not be inacted to confuse the two. The main distinction is that homosexuality as religion and political persuasion is a choice whereas race is not. The implications of this disctinction and the catastrophe of not distinguishing between the two is important to investigate before one attempts to make homosexuality a civil rights issue on par as race.

Roberts case video-"A Christian couple at the centre of a free speech row are suing their local council and police for breaching their human rights...The Christian Institute is supporting the legal action. Director, Colin Hart, said today: "It is outrageous that the police should tell an elderly Christian couple that they cannot express their moral views to their local council. It is astonishing that the council reported the matter to the police in the first place. I regret that neither the police nor the council have admitted they were wrong. They have refused to say sorry for what they did. We are supporting the Roberts case. It is an important case for freedom of speech and freedom of religion." Note: Any damages awarded to the Roberts will be donated to charity." And guess what. They won!!!! Check out this 9 minute video report!!!

The BBC reports

Government defeated over religious hatred plans-"The Government has been dramatically defeated in the House of Commons over the Religious Hatred Bill. In two separate votes, MPs voted by 288 to 278 votes and by 283 to 282 votes to accept Lords amendments which introduced protections for free speech and evangelism. The Religious Hatred Bill will become law, but with the excellent Lords safeguards included. This is a fantastic result. A wide range of Christian organisations, as well as other groups, have worked very hard to protect religious liberty. This victory shows the value of speaking out and never giving up. Even MPs determined to support the Government changed their minds because of the repeated arguments of their constituents. Many Christians met their MP face-to-face, or wrote letters, or telephoned. This clearly had an effect."-February 2006. Check out BBC report here on the victory. Note: christians are not only against "hate laws" for homosexuals but are against "hate laws" for the religious which include christians which in turn proves a point!!!!!!!!!!

Most of this information came from The Christian Institute which is an excellent web site and source of happenings concerning religious liberty issues in the UK that we in America can learn from.

Related News:

Calif. homosexuals launch effort to stop marriage referendum-"Homosexual activists asked California's highest court Friday to keep off the November ballot a citizens' initiative that would again ban same-sex "marriage."-Click California Courts Redefine Marriage by a 4-3 decision at the expense of 4.6 million voters! (an email I sent out to you all earlier but in case you missed it) to see why this would be monumental and possibly politically costly to the left. See more on what it cost Kerry in 2004 against Bush at Marriage Amendment/African-Americans were determining factor for Bush in 2004? Is this why liberal media silent about this issue? and also I just found another commentary that noted it cost the Republicans the majority in the US Senate in 2004 see story in Colorado by scrolling down to Commentary on race from a Values Voter perspective and reviewing the second story: "The marriage amendment won by 328,000 votes, and Allen lost by a mere 9,000, squandering countless values votes because Wadhams restrained Allen from giving the amendment more than lip service..."

Other News that came in today

Obamas' flip flop on Campaign Financing-"The Democratic organizations, through the 15-month point, have raised more than three times as much as the Republican groups -- $87 million to $24 million...According to the Federal Election Commission, Obama has already raised $265 million dollars from individuals, dwarfing McCain's $88 million...Obama set up a deal with the [Federal Election Commission] to take public financing, then publicly pledged to take it if his opponent did as well," McCain spokesman Brian Rodgers told Cybercast News Service. "And now, he's broken his word to the American people."...it was ironic that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) last week blamed his decision not to take public financing, in part, on the supposed need to stockpile money to counter independent "527" committees. Last Thursday, Obama said he was foregoing the $85 million in public funding he could have received because it tied his hands -- and because the campaign finance system was allegedly slanted toward his expected Republican challenger, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)...."A lot of people are portraying this as the death of campaign finance reform," Malbin said. "I don't see it that way. Sen. Obama made a calculation that it would hurt him more than it would help him." Malbin added: "I think the real problem he has is not that he made a calculation, but that in February 2007, instead of saying, 'I will take funding if my opponent does,' he should have said, 'I will take it if it is convenient for me.'"

Islamic Bloc Passes Up Criticism of Sudan, Again

“Homeschoolers are only good for cleaning toilets”-"Here’s what I want homeschoolers to do: First, reply to this article and leave a comment describing what kind of work you are doing since you completed homeschooling. Second, send this article and its link to every homeschooler and homeschool organization you know and encourage them to leave a comment at the end of this article describing what they are doing since being homeschooled....The public school graduation rate is around 65 percent, and in large cities it’s lower as this April 1, 2008 report demonstrates. “New York City has one of the nation’s sorriest graduation rates, with less than half of city high-schoolers earning a diploma on time. . . . Even using the most optimistic calculation of the city’s graduation rate—including kids who earn GEDs and excluding special education students from the formula—only 60% of students graduated in 2006” Test scores continue to fall even though education budgets keep growing. It seems that all we hear from government educators is the need for more money. John Stossel’s 2006 “20/20” report (also see here and here) “Stupid In America: How We Are Cheating Our Kids” is a real eye-opener, especially when he asks South Carolina school official Dolores Wright, “How much money would be right?” Wright answers, “Oooh. Millions. And it would really make it right. . . . The more, the better.” Is it any wonder that the judicial numbskulls in California and the new fascists in Germany are trying to wipe out homeschooling? They fear its superior product and how it makes public (government) education look so bad, especially when the cost of educating a student is factored in. While homeschooling has a great academic track record (also see here and here), enough so that some of the best colleges in the nation recruit homeschoolers, one of its greatest social benefits is its demonstration of true liberty. Liberals love to talk about freedom of choice as long as that freedom does not include the freedom to educate their own children...."

Yanking Back the Balance/Filling in the Gaps/Emphasizing the Missing Headlines

I have one great political idea. . . . That idea is an old one. It is widely and generally assented to; nevertheless, it is very generally trampled upon and disregarded. The best expression of it, I have found in the Bible. It is in substance, "Righteousness exalteth a nation; sin is a reproach to any people" [Proverbs 14:34]. This constitutes my politics - the negative and positive of my politics, and the whole of my politics. . . . I feel it my duty to do all in my power to infuse this idea into the public mind, that it may speedily be recognized and practiced upon by our people.-[Frederick Douglass, The Frederick Douglass Papers, John Blassingame, editor (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1982), Vol. 2, p. 397, from a speech delivered at Ithaca, New York, October 14th, 1852.]

ValuesVoterNews.com-Check out what's new.

Same Sex Marriage first time in California today

Biblical marriage vs. CA courts: Ruling today-"The California Supreme Court has rejected appeals of its ruling that the state must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning at 5:01 p.m. (local time) today. But the Supreme Court's decision merely hands the case back down to the California Court of Appeal, which is charged with deciding how and when to implement the high court's ruling. It is that power that Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, is appealing to now...."The California Supreme Court only addressed two of the many statutes regarding marriage. You can't simply address two statutes when there's [sic] literally hundreds of others, all of which reference 'men' and 'women,' 'male' and 'female,' 'husband' and 'wife,' all of which have to be addressed," Staver explains. The Liberty Counsel chairman says failure to take matters such as that under consideration is one of the primary reasons the U.S. and state constitutions do not let judges write laws. "All of the confusion illustrates one point: judges should not be in the business of being politically active lawmakers," Staver points out. The appeals court, according to the attorney, should stay the decision to give the legislature time to examine the hundreds of other state statutes that could come into conflict with the Supreme Court's ruling. "It's that court which is tasked with implementing the particular ruling. It's at that level we're asking, now, this court to do its job, to follow the rule of law and to stay this decision," Staver says. Liberty Counsel's press release says this case "is far from over. We will not give up. The people will have the final say on marriage."

Marriage Amendment/African-Americans were determining factor for Bush in 2004? Is this why liberal media silent about this issue?: For how ABC, NBC and CBS has treated this story:A good hour long discussion concerning Same Sex Marriage issues in California from a conservative perspective.-You'll get a perspective that ABC, NBC and CBS are not willing to report on.

What do 52 members of US Congress and Brazilian President Luiz Lula have in common?-"Norway has become the sixth country in the world to give homosexuals the legal right to "marry,""

Ireland High Court Rules Against Gay 'Marriage' Citing Harm to Children Refuses Recognition of Lesbian "Marriage" Staged in Canada-"The United States-based Institute for Marriage and Public Policy commented on the Irish court decision, saying: 'Of particular interest may be the court's discussion about the evidence purporting to show no difference between children raised by same-sex couples and those raised by married couples. The judge accepted testimony about the methodological shortcomings of available evidence and said: "It also seems to me having regard to the criticism of the methodology used in the majority of the studies conducted to date that until such time as there are more longitudinal studies involving much larger samples that it will be difficult to reach firm conclusions on this topic."' 'The court concluded that the Irish Constitution's explicit reference to a constitutional right of opposite-sex couples to marry justified the legal distinction between same- and opposite-sex couples in the marriage law. The court further noted, however, that the marriage law was further justified by concerns with the 'welfare of children' since in the absence of good research, 'the State is entitled to adopt a cautious approach to changing the capacity to marry.'"-138 page ruling here.

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Obama using smear tactics?

Is Obama using smear tactics on "the most listened to radio talk show in America"? -Obama has a new web site to fight emails that have been sent out to many that are falsely accusing him of certain things. You can click on above site to find this web site. And on many issues I can certainly see why he has dedicated a web site for such purpose. And I think it is a good site overall to quiet some false rumors. What I take issue with is in the way Obama is doing this he is, himself smearing conservatives and Republicans for obvious political advantages? Check it out for yourself!!

War time encouragement

Letters Show Strength of Soldiers' Faith-"Does war tend to strengthen or weaken the faith of those fighting? A man who has collected more than 80,000 soldier letters has an answer.For Arthur Craig, a letter from his son, 27-year-old Staff Sergeant Brian Craig, is precious beyond words."

Christianity under political attack in the UK and Internationally

Gov't Needs Christians to Help Counter Extremism, Bishop Says-"The Bishop of Rochester has attacked the “mess” of multiculturalism and urged the government to utilize the United Kingdom’s millions of Christians in building community cohesion. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali said that the “policies of successive governments and local authorities” and the promotion of multiculturalism “at the expense of national and community integrity” had led to social segregation, “parallel lives”....At a time when many Christians are concerned that the Government favors Muslims, the report similarly concluded that the Government was focusing on the “minority religions.”...Nazir-Ali said that such a policy would fail to address the problem of extremism. “Is that policy sensible or even realistic?” he wrote in the newspaper....“Such a challenge cannot be met by turning our backs on the very resources, spiritual, moral and intellectual, that both make it possible to fight extremism and are the reason for our determination to maintain all that is valuable in British polity, culture and public life,” he said. He urged the government to counter extremism by supporting faith groups in their civic work. “The Government should be putting its resources wherever civil society is being strengthened, where people are working for social inclusion, where the needs of the most vulnerable are being met,” he said....The bishop pointed to the thousands of believers who want to serve their communities because of their Christian faith. “Christian convictions are central to any explanation of why thousands of people volunteer for tasks, with no reward, knowing that they are doing the right thing,” he stated."

UK: House of Lords recognizes dangers of hate laws to free speech and religious liberty -"The Government backed down last night and allowed a free speech protection to be written into its proposed 'homophobic hatred' law. The decision came after the Government was defeated for a second time in the House of Lords. Peers voted 178 to 164 in favour of the protection yesterday evening.... This marks the end of a lengthy battle to make clear that the new criminal offence should not interfere with free speech or religious liberty."

First Amendment Victories

First Amendment Victory: Mass. School Agrees to Settle Free Speech Lawsuit and Amend Policies to Protect Conservative Student Expression-"School officials at a Massachusetts high school have agreed to settle a lawsuit over the school's alleged censorship of conservative political posters. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court by attorneys for The Rutherford Institute, charged that officials at Hudson High School violated the First Amendment rights of students Christopher Bowler and James Milello when they censored their Conservative Club posters and discriminated against them on the basis of the club's conservative political viewpoint."

California Marriage Amendment Qualifies for November Ballot-Scroll down to Religious Freedom and see how the ACLU fails to silence religious expression in Wilson County.

Documentaries

Bloodline: Another Unholy Hollywood Hoax? Don't be fooled by all these documentaries on PBS, ABC, NBC and CBS about Mary Magdalene and the discrediting of the gospels without first getting the otherside of the story. Another documentary has just come out. Check out this rebuttal to the documentary: BLOODLINE: Serious Documentary or Hollywood Hoax? and a in depth rebuttal to previous shows: The So-Called Jesus Family Tomb 'Rediscovered' in Jerusalem: "Monday morning, February 26, 2007, I heard this opening statement by Matt Lauer on the NBC Today show: "Is this the tomb of Jesus? A shocking new claim that an ancient burial place may have housed the bones of Christ and a son. This morning a Today exclusive that could rock Christianity to its core." When I saw the interview with James Cameron and Simcha Jacobovici I said to myself, "This isn’t new. It is a rehashing of the 1996 'Easter special' by the BBC!"

I believe that if both sides of the stories were given it would be clear that there would be no reason why one would reject the gospels in the New Testament over these other gospels that these documentaries seem to be hyping so much about.

First point and most important that I would like to make concerning these documentaries is that the question of "why were these gospels not included in the New Testament?" and the assumed response from these documentaries is because of something to do with the church fathers being against Mary Magdalene and the authority of women. This to me is just plain bias. Here's why. 1. The gospels themselves give great honour to women and more so to Mary Magdalene then probabily any other woman besides the other Mary (mother of Jesus)!!! Read the gospels with a view to see how Mary Magdalene herself is viewed and you will see this is not the case (remember that Mary Magdalene was first to believe in Jesus rose from the dead and Jesus rebuked the disciples for not believing when she reported it to them). But the most devastating in my mind critique of this bias is: 2. If you watch/listen to the documentaries themselves and their unscriptural conclusions then you will find the real answer as to why these other gospels were rejected!!!! It is obvious for they conclude conclusion that flat out reject the conclusions of the gospels given in the scriptures. Why would a church father include a gospel that leads to conclusions that these documentaries lead to that; Christ did not die on the cross for our sins nor raise from the dead and ascend into heaven but rather is in some tomb some where next to Mary Magdalene?????? The obvious reason as to why they were not included in the gospels is because they contradict the gospels. I mean you are talking about having huge contradictions if they were to be accepted. Not little arguable ones but theological salvation issue contradictions. I can't believe these documentaries miss this glaring obvious answer as to why they are not included in the New Testament. The only way I can understand it is that whatever school they got there education from must have been very biasedor they are themselves. This is theological absurdity to its highest degreee!!!! And these are "theologians" and people who I know are smart with PH D's that they are quoting on these documentaries. Give me a break!!! They have the PH D they should know better!!! This to me is one of the most devastating criticisms of these documentaries besides having no other side to balance out this nonsense with. They can only fool the ignorant and I suppose that is what they are banking on with their PH D's and the authority of Prime Time TV. And then to top it off they come out with this stuff during christian holidays. Puke!!!

I hope by God's grace that they see the light but until then may the one sided darkness of these documentaries lay exposed by the otherside and if Christ did die on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead and is ascended into heaven, which I believe He is, then what a darkness they indeed are in spreading the lie of all lies...."he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son."-1 John 5:10 and not only are they spreading one sided lies about God Himself and His only begotten Son but they do with such appearance of "journalistic, PH D, documentary filmed objectivity"!!!

May God save them as He saved me by the very Son they undermine and I have in the past remembering that just as much as we understand that we are to love our neighbour as ourselves (which is the 2nd of the 2 great commands of God to men according to Jesus) how much more are we to love God the giver of all our lives and heaven and earth with all our heart soul and mind honouring the first and great commandment according to Jesus. We all fall miserably short and need the blood of Jesus to enter into His place of rest and may we be found in Him on that day. The greater the command the greater the sin but in Christ the greater the GRACE and the more precious HIS BLOOD and the more powerful HIS RESURRECTION and ASCENSION and WORK in our lives today.

Take care all

--Valuesvoternews.com

Rev. Stephen Boissoin

Alberta Pastor Fined $7000 and Ordered to Publicly Apologize and Remain Silent on Homosexuality-"On Friday, the Alberta Human Rights Commission ordered Alberta pastor Stephen Boissoin to desist from expressing his views on homosexuality in any sort of public forum. He was also commanded to pay damages equivalent to $7,000 as a result of the tribunal's November decision to side with complainant and homosexual activist Dr. Darren Lund. The tribunal has also called for Boissoin to personally apologize to Lund via a public statement in the local newspaper."

http://www.stephenboissoin.com-/web site of Mr Boissoin giving his side of the story. "June 8, 2008 I will never apologize regardless of the consequences and I will not pay fines unless failing to do so prevents my ability to appeal.......I stand by what I said and how I said it. I stand by MY context and interpretation of it. I publicly declare that I do not hate homosexuals and further declare that I love God and regardless how I too stumble through this life, I believe that His teachings are true, relevant and worthy of proclamation, again, regardless of the consequences. As hard as this last week has been "I publicly praise God for giving me the convictions that put me in this troubling position." I would rather be here and suffering tenfold worse than to be one that does not know or trust in HIM!!! To all who pray for me, for us and support our freedom, thank-you and blessings to you all. Stephen Boissoin"

How it all began-Links to story that he wrote that got him in trouble.

Actual order of Human Rights Panel-Check pg 5 and 6 under 14. a and c. Unbelievable!!! Only in Canada?

What could Mark Steyn's punishment look like? Look at Alberta-"It could look like this order, issued just last week by Alberta's human rights commission, against a Christian pastor named Rev. Stephen Boission. (The substantive ruling against Rev. Boissoin can be found here. See paragraph 357 where the right not to be offended "trumps the freedom of speech afforded in the Charter." And see a thoughtful response by the former executive director of the gay rights lobby, EGALE, here.)"

Good News: check out what is happening in the UK

UK: House of Lords recognizes dangers of hate laws to free speech and religious liberty-"BBC London news report on conscience exemption","evangelical Christians have become "the most vigorously persecuted and least protected" group in the country (The report, which has been endorsed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York)","this law confuses disagreement with hatred"

Obama

Obama would use 'bully pulpit' to advance homosexual agenda-"In Illinois, I co-sponsored a fully inclusive bill that prohibited discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity, extending protection to the workplace, housing, and places of public accommodation.....And as president, I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes and a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act to outlaw workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity...."-Take note: no concern in the letter for the abused use of such laws, as seen in Mr Boissoin, silencing the pro-family religious conservative right and think also how convenient these laws are for the political left!!!

Obama vs McCain video report on values issues contrast from Focus on the Family.

See more on Obama here

Yanking Back the Balance/Filling in the Gaps/Emphasizing the Missing Headlines

"While just government protects all in their religious rights, true religion affords to government its surest support."-George Washington

On 04/15/2008, I did a report on a Wisconsin High School student who made artwork in a High School class with John 3:16 in it and the cross and got a "0" grade for it. Below is a copy of what I reported on in April and then last on this email page is the successful victory for the student in the courts...:

From email on 04/15/2008:

".....ADF attorneys defend Wis. high school student facing religious discrimination-You all may have heard of this one. It made FoxNews and the Sean Hannity show on CNN and MSNBC. "The teacher cited a document that the student and all other students in the class had been required to sign at the beginning of the semester which prevented them from creating artwork with the prohibited depictions. After the teacher said that the student had "signed away his First Amendment rights," the student respectfully protested by tearing the signed document in half...Citing a policy prohibiting depictions of "blood, violence, sexual connotations, [or] religious beliefs," officials penalized a Christian student for his artwork depicting a Bible verse and a cross but did not penalize students who included demonic illustrations in their artwork."

Complaint filed with District Court-On 03/28/2008.

Picture of artwork that got a zero

Copies of artwork depicting demonic images created by other students in the class. Picture 1 and Picture 2.

Watch video of the attorneys Cable TV appearances here.- On FoxNews, CNN Sean Hannity show, and some MSNBC show. Now the links took a while to pull up. But this video didn't take as long as the others on google streaming. Click here for the CNN Sean Hannity show coverage of the story as the 2 lawyers on either sides discuss this.

For alternative to video here is a 10 minute discussion on Jerry Johnson Live available here."

Quick Update:

Wisconsin student wins settlement in "JOHN 3:16" drawing case-"the district will respect students' constitutional right to religious expression in their artwork."

A copy of the stipulated dismissal filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin: "Defendants have graded Plaintiff's landscape drawing assignment containing the cross and John 3:16...which was previously assigned a "zero" grade....Defendants agree to pay Plaintiff's attorneys' fees"-05/20/2008

Dear President,

Enclosed is an email I sent out to my family and friends as a commentary sort of speak on the recent happenings with Crystal Dixon.

With all due respect. I hope you do reconsider your schools position in the future. Please do give an ear to my point of view and hopefully you will in the future think of being more inclusive then you think you are.

Thank you for your patients and time,

A concerned citizen

P.S.-Feel free to respond if you like though I don't expect it and I am only emailing this with concern for real diversity/inclusivity at your university.

Update on Crystal Dixon:

Here is how it all began:

Gay rights and wrongs: another perspective- The actual article that got Crystal Dixon fired!!!! Check it out for yourself as she opens..."I read with great interest Michael Miller's April 6 column, "Gay Rights and Wrongs." .... I respectfully submit a different perspective for Miller and Toledo Free Press readers to consider."

UT protects gay rights- President of UT's response..."The University of Toledo welcomes, supports and places value upon persons of every variety." Sure you do!!! "We will be taking certain internal actions in this instance to more fully align our utterances and actions with this value system." Is not Crystal Dixon a valuable person to and thus her religiously conservative opinion that she has "respectfully" and "unhatefully" submitted? Let alone this is not just her own this is the opinion of many of UT's religiously conservative students. What about their value? So how does he consistently apply these values without redefining his values as "The University of Toledo welcomes, supports and places value upon persons of liberal variety at the expense of the religiously conservative variety." This is a bad model of tolerance/diversity/value of persons of every variety/inclusivity/human rights being modeled to UT students in my opinion. What you do to model tolerance to your students is to allow for both opinions and go home loving each other period. That's tolerance!!! And that "places value upon persons of every variety." consistently and non hypocritically!

And here is how it ends:

UT offered Dixon alternate position prior to termination-"A former UT administrator who was fired for opinions she expressed on Toledo Free Press' Web site said the university offered her a demotion and pay cut prior to terminating her employment....After declining the offer, Dixon was notified of her termination May 9 through her attorney, Tom Sobecki, she said, noting UT's offer was "unacceptable because I didn't do anything wrong.""

Unbelievable!!!!

If you don't believe Hate Crimes Legislation will be used to silence religiously conservative speech think again and again. In this university you don't even need a Hate Crime bill to punish those of the religiously conservative perspective. All you need is an intolerant President.

Check out these comments given to the Toledo Free Press from many of their readers.

Reaction letters to Crystal Dixon's article both good and bad but check out the bad. Notice how they deem such speech!!!

Crystal, but not clear-President and Publisher comments on situation. "Not since the Marines controversy have so many hundreds of readers sent letters and left phone messages on a topic. The hot button has been pushed. Here's hoping Dixon and UT find a graceful exit strategy that allows her to move on amiably and protects UT's mission of diversity and inclusion." However, if UT's mission is truely diversity and inclusivity then they are clearly violating there own mission.

Please feel free to review an email I sent to the President of the UT here on an email I sent out 05/08/2008.

"Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."-Romans 2:1 in principle.

Update on Crystal Dixon:

Here is how it all began:

Gay rights and wrongs: another perspective- The actual article that got Crystal Dixon fired!!!! Check it out for yourself as she opens..."I read with great interest Michael Miller's April 6 column, "Gay Rights and Wrongs." .... I respectfully submit a different perspective for Miller and Toledo Free Press readers to consider."

UT protects gay rights- President of UT's response..."The University of Toledo welcomes, supports and places value upon persons of every variety." Sure you do!!! "We will be taking certain internal actions in this instance to more fully align our utterances and actions with this value system." Is not Crystal Dixon a valuable person to and thus her religiously conservative opinion that she has "respectfully" and "unhatefully" submitted? Let alone this is not just her own this is the opinion of many of UT's religiously conservative students. What about their value? So how does he consistently apply these values without redefining his values as "The University of Toledo welcomes, supports and places value upon persons of liberal variety at the expense of the religiously conservative variety." This is a bad model of tolerance/diversity/value of persons of every variety/inclusivity/human rights being modeled to UT students in my opinion. What you do to model tolerance to your students is to allow for both opinions and go home loving each other period. That's tolerance!!! And that "places value upon persons of every variety." consistently and non hypocritically!

And here is how it ends:

UT offered Dixon alternate position prior to termination-"A former UT administrator who was fired for opinions she expressed on Toledo Free Press' Web site said the university offered her a demotion and pay cut prior to terminating her employment....After declining the offer, Dixon was notified of her termination May 9 through her attorney, Tom Sobecki, she said, noting UT's offer was "unacceptable because I didn't do anything wrong.""

Unbelievable!!!!

If you don't believe Hate Crimes Legislation will be used to silence religiously conservative speech think again and again. In this university you don't even need a Hate Crime bill to punish those of the religiously conservative perspective. All you need is an intolerant President.

Check out these comments given to the Toledo Free Press from many of their readers.

Reaction letters to Crystal Dixon's article both good and bad but check out the bad. Notice how they deem such speech!!!

Crystal, but not clear-President and Publisher comments on situation. "Not since the Marines controversy have so many hundreds of readers sent letters and left phone messages on a topic. The hot button has been pushed. Here's hoping Dixon and UT find a graceful exit strategy that allows her to move on amiably and protects UT's mission of diversity and inclusion." However, if UT's mission is truely diversity and inclusivity then they are clearly violating there own mission.

Please feel free to review an email I sent to the President of the UT here on an email I sent out 05/08/2008.

"Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."-Romans 2:1 in principle.

Entertainment:

http://www.belladvds.com/- "Bella is the #1 rated film of 2007 by the users of the biggest film review website in the world, Rotten Tomatoes.com with a 96.5 rating. Bella was also #1 while in theaters by users of Yahoo!, Fandango and NY Times Readers Poll."-wow!!! Grassroots baby!!! Who needs Hollywood or a Hollywood advertising/production budget or the media when you've got "we the people"!!!

Bella is the No. 1 pre-sale romantic movie on Amazon.com-"Producer Leo Severino told LifeSiteNews.com that the movie has been instrumental in saving at least 15 preborn babies from abortion."-I'm excited to find out what becomes of these 15!!!

Rebelution:

Rebelution- Web site of brothers of Joshua Harris who wrote "I kissed dating GoodBye" and "Sex Is Not The Problem (Lust Is)" dedicated to teens rebelling against low expectations of teens. Listen to an interview of them here and scroll down to 05/08/5008. It takes a while to download but thats normal. I just start doing something else while I am waiting. Makes the wait go by fast. "Instead of serving as the launching pad of life, the teen years are seen as a vacation from responsibility. We call it the "myth of adolescence." And the Rebelution is all about busting that myth."

Iraq:

US Military deaths down over 26 year average-"In 2005, a total of 1,942 U.S. military personnel were killed in all causes, including accidents, hostile action, homicides, illnesses, suicides, etc...That compares to 2,392 in 1980, the last year of President Jimmy Carter's administration....the first year of the peacetime Clinton administration, 1,293 U.S. servicemen lost their lives -- just 649 fewer than in 2005, the hottest year of the Iraq war."-04/25/2008.

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles have sharply reduced the lethality of insurgent roadside bomb attacks in Iraq.

Fall in violence lures Iraqis home-"According to the latest figures available from the Iraqi government, about 30,000 Iraqis had returned home through March."-05/04/2008 USA Today.

Seven weeks into its own surge, the city of Basra has been largely quited "to the initial surprise and growing delight of many inhabitants."

For a great conservative think tank and the largest think tank in the world period then check out The Heritage Foundation and you can sign up for their daily emails just for a differing point of view sake then the popular media and balance sake in ones own political understanding though they are not themselves at all balanced nor claim to be. Here is the web site of The Heritage Foundations' counterpart from the left wing web site http://www.americanprogress.org/. You will probabily note that most of their views are promoted in the media anyways so it may be nothing new but none the less feel free to compare and check out and then see if whether or not you agree that the popular media seems to highly favor one side over the other.

Online Dating Sevice:

EHarmony Sued for Gay Discrimination-"Linda Carlson says she tried to use the eHarmony site to meet another woman, but could not, based on her sexual orientation...Originally a Christian website, the company has sought out more secular audiences in recent years."-06/2007. Not only is EHarmonys' services not available for the promotion of homosexual couples but neither are their services available for the promotion of heterosexual "one-night stands"...

eHarmony and 'one-night stands' incompatible-"eHarmony has retracted a column advocating "one-night stands" after a newlywed Christian couple who met on the popular website accused the online dating service of departing from its "Christian, pro-marriage beginnings" and embracing the "hook-up" culture"-04/2008.

Update on Academic Freedom Legislation:

Four States Consider Permitting Academic Freedom on Evolution-"The effort to protect the academic freedom of the nation's educators received a blow, as a Florida bill protecting the right of teachers to examine the strengths and weaknesses of Darwin's theory of evolution died on Friday with the end of the state legislative session. However, Michigan, Louisiana, Alabama, and Missouri currently have similar legislation under consideration."-So now there are 5 states working on this type of legislation. I reported on Florida, Lousiana and Missouri and for actual wording of bills and success in Florida click on 04/28/2008 and scroll down Recent legislation inacted to support Academic Freedom:. Keep in mind this email is an update to Florida that even though the bills past both House and Senate that the bills were still being worked on but the legislative session ended so it stopped. I don't know what happens from there.

Burma: What lies in Darkness?:

Praying for Morning to Break in Burma-"March 11th is the Global Day of Prayer for Burma.....Last month, a young Chin woman named Cheery Zahau presented the United Nations with fresh evidence of atrocities conducted by the Burmese Army. She told of gang rapes and the raping of victims as young as 12 years old in Burma's Chin State. Zahau reportedly testified, "Often the rapes have been carried out with extreme brutality and in some cases they resulted in the death of the victim. In one case, a woman was stripped naked and hung on a cross, in a deliberate act of mockery against her Christian religion."-03/09/2007

Bush Urges U.N. to Spread Freedom-"Taking center stage in front the world, Bush announced that the United States would impose new sanctions against the military dictatorship in Myanmar..."Americans are outraged by the situation in Burma," President Bush said. The Asian country was renamed Myanmar from Burma by its military junta. However, the United States does not recognize that name change..."-09/25/2007

Text President Bush's Speech to the U.N.-"This morning, I'm announcing a series of steps to help bring peaceful change to Burma. The United States will tighten economic sanctions on the leaders of the regime and their financial backers. We will impose an expanded visa ban on those responsible for the most egregious violations of human rights, as well as their family members. We'll continue to support the efforts of humanitarian groups working to alleviate suffering in Burma. And I urge the United Nations and all nations to use their diplomatic and economic leverage to help the Burmese people reclaim their freedom."-09/27/2007.

Nine Dead as Burma Military Fires on Crowds-"Witnesses have reported that soldiers smashed windows and doors, and beat the sleeping monks. While some monks managed to get away, hundreds of others were taken away in military trucks...Bono said everyone should offer their support to the Burmese people. "In Britain, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has shown some leadership as has President George Bush. Everyone should keep their fingers crossed and say your prayers for them," the rock star said."-09/27/2007.

Tribal Christians Find New Life in U.S.-"The Htoo family is part of a tribe called the Karen, which lives in the mountains of northern Burma. The tribe is primarily Christian, thanks to the efforts of American missionaries in the 1850's. Just after World War II, the country of Burma was taken over by a Buddhist military dictatorship. Since then, the government has engaged in genocidal persecution of the Christian ethnic minorities within their borders....a country that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has recently called on the U.N. Security Council to consider action against its government....After years of lobbying, the U.S. government agreed to allow up to 10,000 refugees from Burma to resettle in the U.S."-09/28/2007.

Burmese Christians Pray for Hope-"In the midst of the seemingly hopeless situation, Burmese Christians are interceding for their country. Christians inside the country, and even those who fled to the jungles of neighboring countries are praying. They believe that no amount of protests can topple the iron rule in Burma. Only prayer, they say, can change their nation."-03/07/2008

Global Day of Prayer 2008 Brochure. "We believe that: 1. God loves the people of Burma and we should be strong in the mighty power of God. 2. The rider on the white horse (Rev 19:11-14) will fight for the oppressed. 3. We should go deep and go ahead, not broad or shallow or sideways. 4. God reveals what lies in darkness."-03/09/2008

Enters Cyclone: 05/03/2008

First Lady Laura Bush on Myanmar-Notice she didn't once recognize Myanmar as neither did her Husband in his speech to the UN back in 09/2007 (see above Bush Urges U.N. to spread freedom for further detail as to maybe why). "On Saturday, Cyclone Nargis swept through Burma. The storm affected more than 2 million people, and according to the Burmese media, killed thousands. The aftermath has left cities paralyzed, families separated and houses and businesses destroyed. It's troubling that many of the Burmese people learned of this impending disaster only when foreign outlets -- such as Radio Free Asia and Voice of America -- sounded the alarm. Although they were aware of the threat, Burma's state-run media failed to issue a timely warning to citizens in the storm's path...he United States stands prepared to provide an assistance team and much needed supplies to Burma as soon as the Burmese government accepts our offer. The government of Burma should accept this team quickly, as well as other offers of international assistance...In response to the regime's continued repression, President Bush has instructed the U.S. Treasury Department to freeze assets of Burmese state-owned companies that are held in U.S. banks. This adds to actions last year to expand U.S. sanctions against Burma's regime, and to tighten sanctions against its top leaders. We thank the European Union, Canada and Australia for joining the United States in imposing similar restrictions. And we appeal to China, India, and Burma's fellow ASEAN members to use their influence to encourage a democratic transition...Watch more of her press conference"-05/07/2008.

Myanmar Slow to Accept International Aid-"Despite the cyclone, the government indicated that a referendum on the country's draft constitution would proceed as planned on May 10. "It's only a few days left before the coming referendum and people are eager to cast their vote," the state-owned newspaper Myanma Ahlin said Monday. Should the junta be perceived as failing disaster victims, voters who already hold the regime liable for ruining the economy and squashing democracy could take out their frustrations at the ballot box."-05/07/2008

First Round of Int'l Aid Reaches Myanmar-"The first round of International aid began with 800 tons of food for Myanmar's homeless, the U.N.'s World Food Program.." And check this out as was mentioned in Laura Bushs' speech above..."The cyclone came only a week ahead of a key referendum on a constitution that Myanmar's military leaders hoped would go smoothly in its favor. But the disaster could stir the already tense political situation."-05/07/2008

Myanmar Junta Hands Out Aid Boxes-Check this out in light of last 2 reports above!!! "Myanmar's military regime distributed international aid Saturday but plastered the boxes with the names of top generals in an apparent effort to turn the relief effort for last week's devastating cyclone into a propaganda exercise...Despite international appeals to postpone a referendum on a controversial proposed constitution, voting began Saturday in all but the hardest hit parts of the country. With voters going to the polls, state-run television continuously ran images of top generals including junta leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, handing out boxes of aid at elaborate ceremonies."-05/10/2008. Wow!!!

First U.S. Relief Airlift Heads to Myanmar-"Still, the reclusive junta insists it will handle the aid distribution itself, through its feared military, which has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1962. Many people have complained that they are getting rotting rice and that soldiers are keeping the best food for themselves. "The government is very controlling," said U Patanyale, the abbot of a monastery in Kyi Bui Khaw village. "Those who want to give directly to the victims get into trouble. They have to give to the government or do it secretly. They follow international aid trucks everywhere. They don't want others to take credit. That's the Myanmar government," he said."-05/12/2008

Maybe this email can be used in what little way it can in answer to the prayer of those in Burma of "...what Lies in Darkness..." and who knows but maybe in some tragic way larger scale attention will be continually brought to this area because of this tragedy...

Faith Based Christian NGO's also helping out:

Mission agency among first responders in Burma-"Thousands of Burmese cyclone victims are finding relief through a well-known mission agency. While international aid teams were trying to get permission to enter Burma, more than 500 Gospel For Asia (GFA) missionaries were already on the ground, providing relief to those who lost family members, friends, and all their possessions. And one GFA Bible College in Rangoon now serves as a makeshift shelter for those left homeless by the deadly cyclone."-05/08/2008

GFA Missionaries Seeking Cyclone Survivors
"The teams included students from GFA's Bible college in Yangon, which has become a center of ministry to survivors in Myanmar's largest city....The GFA country leader is directing the relief efforts at the college, which includes providing desperately needed food and water to survivors staying on and near the campus..."The number of dead will probably be over 100,000," K.P. reported...A few U.N. aid flights have been allowed to land in Rangoon, but only a handful of outside aid workers have been granted visas. "For us, the issue is not as much visas as it is getting supplies into the affected areas," K.P. explained. "Our people are already on the ground. Our national leader is organizing the relief efforts. And he is trying to arrange for our materials to get in. But they need much more—and they need much prayer. "We are working to get some of our workers into Burma from India," he noted, "but right now we are relying on our Burmese workers and church members who are helping every way they can to alleviate the suffering...Most importantly, they are bringing the hope of Jesus Christ into the situation...One of the things we learned in the wake of the Asian tsunami was that even when we bring physical aid, the emotional and spiritual needs are even greater. "I still remember when one of our missionaries read Scripture to a woman who was about to walk into the ocean and drown herself because she had lost everything in the tsunami," he recounted. "She had received food and clothing and shelter—but she had lost her entire family and didn't want to live anymore. It was only the Good News of the Gospel that saved her...Even as we minister in the wake of this cyclone, we must never forget what man's deepest needs are."-05/08/2008

OBI Brings Food to Myanmar Orphans-"Watch the full report on the player. It includes video from inside Myanmar and a phone interview with an Operation Blessing International aid worker."

http://www.myowneyes.org/-"With My Own Eyes is a firsthand, eyewitness account offering users the opportunity to see some of the most devastated, disaster-ravaged and previously inaccessible places in the world, as well as a look at Operation Blessing's efforts to help people that live there.This multimedia site features video footage, photos and the personal diary entries of team leaders from Operation Blessing International"

A can't miss footage of food getting to people via Operation Blessing (a christian relief organization) without government labels on the food!!!!!-See real faces and damage caused by cyclone.

Christians Concerned for Burma-"Map of Burma showing the state regions belonging to Burma's different ethnic nationalities." And many more resources. And just added is a link to photos of the human devastation you can get to here labeled Please be advised that photos are graphic.

Lastly:

A God of suffering?-Video of a christian response to the problem of suffering in the world. This video was made during Hurricane Katrina by a pastor who himself had underwent suffering in his own life and remember the only God in the history of humanity to partake in sufferings Himself is Jesus Christ and thus the only God that has a right to relationally speak on the subject for He has decided to personally relate on this issue with humanity.

Get Answers: Death and Suffering-For those without video and for further information and in more detail this issue is dealt with here.

I just want to add that since God is also, all just (not only all powerful and all loving) that all evils committed in the world will one day be as though they never even were "they shall be as though they had not been."-Obadiah 1:16 speaking of men who commit evil. If we trust to God's power of justice (or ability to make all wrongs right) then all evil will be reversed. But if we trust not to God what is our option??? Feel free to fill in the blanks. It seems that if we really want wrongs to be made right we are forced to believe that God is 1. all powerful 2. all loving and 3. all just??? Its almost as if the desire to right all the wrongs committed from beginning to end in our world presupposes a faith in such a God!!! Or rather it is the only position that will satisfy that thirst. So if we see evil in the world and we really truely desire for the wrongs to be righted then we must believe in God. And lastly since God is not bound to time like we are in one sense HE HAS ALREADY RIGHTED THE WRONGS!!!! So if you add to point 1., 2. and 3. above that God is 4. the creator of time and not subject to its laws sort of speak being outside and above His creation then by the eyes of faith we can know that they have been dealt with already in His mind if this is the God that does exist and we being subject to time and space must wait and see this glorious good desire of ours (that of justice) fulfilled. It seems as though it is an impossibility humanly speaking but as that which is with men impossible, with God is quite another thing and maybe this is one of those glorious acts that is already in His mind fulfilled but by believing maybe one day we will see the fulfillment of in some obviously unhuman way "as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."-I Corinthians 2:9. So when we are tempted to play the part of doubting Thomas "he (Thomas)..Except I shall see....I will not believe" may we take the counsel of Christ to bear in heart and mind, "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." And so the message of the cross is the most hopefilled relational/rational message from God to man for those in great suffering and pain desiring to see the righting of all these wrongs as opposed to their greatest enemy as many atheist would have us believe. What do the atheist provide but just that this is the way it is so releive as much pain and suffering as you can and so learn to live with it(no hell below us, above us only sky...and no religion too...and may I add it ain't pretty as it is and no justice too)!!! After all its been the way of the universe for billions of years who are we to complain and have any sense or need of justice if all we are is a result of chance over the chance of time!!!??? I suppose there are only so many things to have faith in!!! But God brings a proposition that satisfies our sense of justice and hope for such dire situations as Burma if we have any hope left after our many years of training in the schools of organized religious atheism!!! Good thing we don't act like all has its roots in naturalistic chancism!!!! I suppose if we did we really would have no justified logical reason to be concerned at all with what is happening tragically anywhere let alone our own back yard. Thank God that atheists act contrary to their beliefs!!!! And God save us if they ever do!!!! I say this with a little humour and not seriously though making a serious philosophical point of a flaw in atheism and not to be viewed as attacking any atheist personally or that all atheist are bad or anything like that. But just responding with the dangers of atheism if atheism weeded out all hypocrisy, after all atheists are always proclaiming the dangers of religion and such so just reasoning in a similar fashion relatable to atheistics own thinking to point out flaws in atheism is all I am attempting to do no matter how successful or unsuccessful. Take care all.

I understand that this is a more rational response to death and suffering as opposed to an emotionally supportive one. But just knowing that the Creator of the Universe chose to relate with us in our sufferings by suffering Himself on a cross for our sins especially when He didn't have to thus willingly/lovingly can bring great healing and help to us and those in tragedies like this. And that He can and does help us thru difficult times if we ask Him and sometimes even before we ask Him and then again at certain times appointed and planned He decides to take us and our loved ones home....Take care all....

Yanking Back the Balance/Filling in the Gaps/Emphasizing the Missing Headlines

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?...I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people....They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture...Ye that fear the LORD, praise him....For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard."-Selected verses from Psalm 22 fulfilled in Christ on the cross for our sins!!! See Matthew 27:32-55