I guess that everything is bigger here in Texas. This giant sinkhole is in Deisetta. Let's keep them in our prayers.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Go, Brazil!
Here is an inspiring article from LifeSiteNews.com. Since it is short I am including the whole thing.
Smashing Defeat for Pro-Abortion Forces in Brazil
Legislative committee defeats abortion decriminalization in unanimous vote
By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman
BRASILIA, May 8, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a stunning victory for the pro-life movement in Latin America, the Social Security and Family Committee of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies (the lower legislative house) unanimously rejected an abortion decriminalization law that pro-abortion forces have fought for since 1991.
The two pro-abortion deputies on the committee left in protest without voting, leaving the remaining deputies to reject the legislation 33-0.
The committee members embraced each other in tears while pro-abortion forces in the audience yelled epithets at them and against the Catholic Church, which this year initiated an intense campaign to protect the right to life.
The campaign, along with major efforts by Evangelical Protestants, has resulted in a dramatic increase in pro-life sentiment in Brazil. A recent poll found that 68% of Brazilians now oppose further decriminalization of abortion, up from 63% last year.
The legislation, which is known as Bill 1135/91, will next be considered by the Chamber of Deputies' Constitution and Justice Committee, which is also expected to reject it. The text eliminates criminal penalties for abortion. Other bills to decriminalize abortion are also making their way through the National Congress.
The vote represented a smashing defeat for pro-abortion forces in Brazil, and in particular for President Luiz Lula's Minister of Health, José Gomes Temporão. Temporão has sought to divert attention from the issue of the human rights of the fetus by recasting the debate as an issue of "public health" due to the dangers he alleges are associated with illegal abortions.
Apparently sensing his inevitable defeat, Temporão did not testify before the committee and instead sent representatives. He used diplomatic language to denounce the ruling, claiming that the current legal approach to abortion was unrealistic and would result in "failure".
Smashing Defeat for Pro-Abortion Forces in Brazil
Legislative committee defeats abortion decriminalization in unanimous vote
By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman
BRASILIA, May 8, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a stunning victory for the pro-life movement in Latin America, the Social Security and Family Committee of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies (the lower legislative house) unanimously rejected an abortion decriminalization law that pro-abortion forces have fought for since 1991.
The two pro-abortion deputies on the committee left in protest without voting, leaving the remaining deputies to reject the legislation 33-0.
The committee members embraced each other in tears while pro-abortion forces in the audience yelled epithets at them and against the Catholic Church, which this year initiated an intense campaign to protect the right to life.
The campaign, along with major efforts by Evangelical Protestants, has resulted in a dramatic increase in pro-life sentiment in Brazil. A recent poll found that 68% of Brazilians now oppose further decriminalization of abortion, up from 63% last year.
The legislation, which is known as Bill 1135/91, will next be considered by the Chamber of Deputies' Constitution and Justice Committee, which is also expected to reject it. The text eliminates criminal penalties for abortion. Other bills to decriminalize abortion are also making their way through the National Congress.
The vote represented a smashing defeat for pro-abortion forces in Brazil, and in particular for President Luiz Lula's Minister of Health, José Gomes Temporão. Temporão has sought to divert attention from the issue of the human rights of the fetus by recasting the debate as an issue of "public health" due to the dangers he alleges are associated with illegal abortions.
Apparently sensing his inevitable defeat, Temporão did not testify before the committee and instead sent representatives. He used diplomatic language to denounce the ruling, claiming that the current legal approach to abortion was unrealistic and would result in "failure".
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Are We Being Noisy Enough?
This came in my FRC Action e-mail. I thought it had a very good point.
Although lesbian, gay, and bisexual activists are among the most vocal of any special interest group, they are also one of the smallest. Far from the 8-10 percent figures that some cite, the number of homosexuals in America is only 2.9 percent of the 18 and older population, according to researchers from Hunter College. One author of the study, Professor Patrick Egan, says that the media typically cite the number of homosexuals based on voter exit polls. That's a mistake, Egan insists. "Exit polls are based on the people... who show up at the polls. Gays and lesbians vote much more consistently than the general population," Egan concludes. Although homosexuals may be in the minority, they have a "disproportionate impact on the political process." In almost every political category, they outwork the average citizen. They volunteer, write letters to the editor, contact government officials, and protest more than most Americans. That feat is even more impressive when you consider that not everyone in that 2.9 percent is an activist for homosexuality, meaning that an even smaller fraction of homosexuals is forcing its agenda on the nation. Just last week, this tiny contingent was successful in bullying the American Psychiatric Association (APA) into cancelling a symposium on homosexuality and faith. The event would have featured a variety of viewpoints--including those of conservatives--on "reparative therapy." Fearing that conservatives would take the stage and legitimize the ex-gay movement, the homosexual crowd pushed the APA to cancel, despite the fact that it was organized by one of its own. David Scasta, a former APA president, said that his goal was to have a "balanced discussion about religion's role in therapy." "We wanted to talk rationally... but the external forces made it into a divisive debate it never intended to be." Those "external forces" also made an appearance at Smith College last week, forcing their way onto the stage to disrupt a presentation on the "Born-Gay Hoax." According to one account, "protestors flooded the podium and began noisily dancing and clapping in front of the speaker." Both police and campus security were present but did nothing to restrain the riotors. Both incidents reveal a lot about the duplicity of the homosexual movement. While its members demand "equal treatment" in the political process, the only views they tolerate are their own. In my opinion, values voters could stand to learn a few things from the peaceable side of these activists as we try to transform the culture. Imagine the influence Christians could have if we all resolved to engage the public square and speak the truth!
Although lesbian, gay, and bisexual activists are among the most vocal of any special interest group, they are also one of the smallest. Far from the 8-10 percent figures that some cite, the number of homosexuals in America is only 2.9 percent of the 18 and older population, according to researchers from Hunter College. One author of the study, Professor Patrick Egan, says that the media typically cite the number of homosexuals based on voter exit polls. That's a mistake, Egan insists. "Exit polls are based on the people... who show up at the polls. Gays and lesbians vote much more consistently than the general population," Egan concludes. Although homosexuals may be in the minority, they have a "disproportionate impact on the political process." In almost every political category, they outwork the average citizen. They volunteer, write letters to the editor, contact government officials, and protest more than most Americans. That feat is even more impressive when you consider that not everyone in that 2.9 percent is an activist for homosexuality, meaning that an even smaller fraction of homosexuals is forcing its agenda on the nation. Just last week, this tiny contingent was successful in bullying the American Psychiatric Association (APA) into cancelling a symposium on homosexuality and faith. The event would have featured a variety of viewpoints--including those of conservatives--on "reparative therapy." Fearing that conservatives would take the stage and legitimize the ex-gay movement, the homosexual crowd pushed the APA to cancel, despite the fact that it was organized by one of its own. David Scasta, a former APA president, said that his goal was to have a "balanced discussion about religion's role in therapy." "We wanted to talk rationally... but the external forces made it into a divisive debate it never intended to be." Those "external forces" also made an appearance at Smith College last week, forcing their way onto the stage to disrupt a presentation on the "Born-Gay Hoax." According to one account, "protestors flooded the podium and began noisily dancing and clapping in front of the speaker." Both police and campus security were present but did nothing to restrain the riotors. Both incidents reveal a lot about the duplicity of the homosexual movement. While its members demand "equal treatment" in the political process, the only views they tolerate are their own. In my opinion, values voters could stand to learn a few things from the peaceable side of these activists as we try to transform the culture. Imagine the influence Christians could have if we all resolved to engage the public square and speak the truth!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Academic Freedom Laws
LifeSiteNews.com has an article today about the demise of the Florida academic freedom law, and the four additional states that have introduced similar legislation. Here is a section about the four new states. Let's keep them in our prayers.
On Wednesday, a Missouri House committee pass HB 2554, protecting the freedom of state elementary and secondary teachers to "review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of theories of biological and chemical evolution" with their students.
On Tuesday, Rep. John Moolenar introduced the "Evolution Academic Freedom Bill" (HB 6027) into the Michigan House with the intention of "helping prepare the best scientists of the future for our state and for our country" by giving them "the academic freedom to explore and critically examine scientific theories."
Last Monday, the Louisiana "Science Education Act" (SB 733) passed the Senate. The bill would require elementary and secondary school boards to support teachers helping students to develop "critical thinking skills, logical analysis, and open and objective discussion of scientific theories."
The Alabama "Academic Freedom Act" (HB 923), introduced in the House on April 24, protects the right of all teachers in the state "to present scientific information pertaining to the full range of scientific views" without punishment or discrimination.
On Wednesday, a Missouri House committee pass HB 2554, protecting the freedom of state elementary and secondary teachers to "review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of theories of biological and chemical evolution" with their students.
On Tuesday, Rep. John Moolenar introduced the "Evolution Academic Freedom Bill" (HB 6027) into the Michigan House with the intention of "helping prepare the best scientists of the future for our state and for our country" by giving them "the academic freedom to explore and critically examine scientific theories."
Last Monday, the Louisiana "Science Education Act" (SB 733) passed the Senate. The bill would require elementary and secondary school boards to support teachers helping students to develop "critical thinking skills, logical analysis, and open and objective discussion of scientific theories."
The Alabama "Academic Freedom Act" (HB 923), introduced in the House on April 24, protects the right of all teachers in the state "to present scientific information pertaining to the full range of scientific views" without punishment or discrimination.
Christian Renaissance?
I read an interesting article by Michael Craven today about a possible Christian Renaissance. I encourage everyone to read it. Here is the last paragraph.
In conclusion, Christians, competent in their faith and possessing a comprehensive biblical view of life and reality, must rise to challenge the cultural trends toward secularism, moral ambiguity, and the stupefaction of culture. We, once again, must become cultural leaders capable of exercising the tools of reason and persuasion, not political coercion, if there be any hope of reversing the deleterious effects currently unfolding in American culture.
In conclusion, Christians, competent in their faith and possessing a comprehensive biblical view of life and reality, must rise to challenge the cultural trends toward secularism, moral ambiguity, and the stupefaction of culture. We, once again, must become cultural leaders capable of exercising the tools of reason and persuasion, not political coercion, if there be any hope of reversing the deleterious effects currently unfolding in American culture.
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