Euthanasia -Archdiocese of Boston - 02/17/2006 - Ripple effect -Mistreating the people at the bottom

Recently, an eleven-year-old handicapped girl, Haleigh Poutre, was beaten by her adoptive parents. The doctor who was supposed to be caring for Haleigh ordered her feeding tube removed. The Catholic newspaper for the Archdiocese of Boston had a good editorial on the subject. Read "Ripple Effect" Below.
Archdiocese of Boston - 02/17/2006 - Ripple effect -Mistreating the people at the bottom

Life begins at the time of conception - In South Dakota HB 1215 establish certain legislative findings, to...

Life begins at the time of conception.... to read the text of the South Dakota bill banning most abortions click here:
HB 1215 establish certain legislative findings, to...

South Dakota Abortion Bill -The Rapid City Journal

To read about the status of the proposed South Dakota bill banning abortion without all the New York Times pro-abortion propaganda click here:
The Rapid City Journal

Vote Due on South Dakota Bill Banning Nearly All Abortions - New York Times

Please pray for lawmakers in South Dakota who are preparing to vote on a bill that would outlaw nearly all abortions in S. Dakota. Read the New york Times Article:
Vote Due on South Dakota Bill Banning Nearly All Abortions - New York Times

Like Terri Schiavo, Haleigh Poutre Not Safe When Others Decide Her Fate

The lives of disabled individuals are threatened by a growing attitude among physicians that some lives are not worth living. This article from Lifenews.com is shocking to say the least. Pass it on.
Like Terri Schiavo, Haleigh Poutre Not Safe When Others Decide Her Fate

Informed Consent Legislation

The evidence for a link between abortion and breast cancer is so compelling that some states have begun to include the ABC Link in Informed Consent Laws:

In 1995, Louisiana enacted a law protecting a woman’s right to know about abortion and fetal development. It became the FIRST STATE IN THE NATION to include information on the abortion-breast cancer connection in its information booklet given to pregnant mothers considering abortion.

Montana enacted a law in 1995 to expressly require that abortionists inform women of the relationship between abortion and breast cancer.

In 2003, Texas enacted legislation to require abortion providers to provide informed consent to women seeking abortion. The law went into effect Jan.1 2004.The information booklet, "A Woman’s Right to Know", published by the Texas Department of Health states: "Your chances of getting breast cancer are affected by your pregnancy history. If you have carried a pregnancy to term as a young woman, you may be less likely to get breast cancer in the future. However you do not get the same protective effect if your pregnancy is ended by an abortion. The risk may be higher if your first pregnancy is aborted."

Why not Pennsylvania?

Hillary Clinton Donates $$$$ to Bob Casey Campaign

According to Lifenews.com Hillary Clinton has donated $10,000 to the Senate campaign of Bob Casey Jr. The donation was made from her political action committeeHillPAC and is the largest donation Clinton gave to any candidate in 2005.

Hillary Clinton has a solid pro-abortion voting record. In 2003 for instance when the Senate voted on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, 64 Senators voted "Yes" but Hillary voted "No". Hillary also voted for the Harkin amendment which said Roe. v. Wade should NOT be overturned. She voted for S. 1050, the National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2004 which would have allowed Department of Defense Facilities to be used for privately funded abortions. Fortuantely the bill was rejected.

Perhaps Hillary Clinton made her contribution to the Casey campaign in an effort to "soften" her stance on abortion. Keep in mind that Clinton voted against President Bush's Supreme Court Nominees John Roberts and Samuel Alito so she is still casting pro-abortion votes.

Perhaps Hillary is contributing to the Casey campaign to let her pro-abortion friends know Casey is "OK" with her. A little advice for Bob Casey: If I were running for dog catcher and Hillary Clinton gave me a nickel, I'd return it.

For those interested in the LIfeNEws Article: Hillary Clinton Donates Campaign Cash to Pro-Life Democrat Candidate

President Bush's Remarks to the March for Llife

January 23, 2006

THE PRESIDENT:

"The strong have a duty to protect the weak."

"I appreciate so very much your work toward building a culture of life -a culture that will protect the most innocent among us and the voiceless. We are working to promote a culture of life, to promote compassion for women and their unborn babies. We know -- we know that in a culture that does not protect the most dependent, the handicapped, the elderly, the unloved, or simply inconvenient become increasingly vulnerable."

"The America of our dreams, where every child is welcomed in law -- in life, and protected in law may still be some ways away.... We're making progress in Washington. I've been working with members of the Congress to pass good, solid legislation that protects the vulnerable and promotes the culture of life. I signed into law a ban on partial birth abortion. (Applause.) Infants who are born despite an attempted abortion are now protected by law. (Applause.) So are nurses and doctors who refused to be any part of an abortion. (Applause.) And prosecutors can now charge those who harm or kill a pregnant woman with harming or killing her unborn child." (Applause.)

"We're also moving ahead in terms of medicine and research to make sure that the gifts of science are consistent with our highest values of freedom, equality, family, and human dignity. We will not sanction the creation of life only to destroy it." (Applause.)

" ..... this progress is a tribute to your perseverance and to the prayers of the people. I want to thank you, especially, for the civil way that you have engaged one of America's most contentious issues. I encourage you to take heart from our achievements, because a true culture of life cannot be sustained solely by changing laws. We need, most of all, to change hearts.... persuading increasing numbers of our fellow citizens of the rightness of our cause. "

" ..... a movement that appeals to the noblest and most generous instincts of our fellow Americans -- and that is based on a sacred promise enshrined in our founding document that this movement will not fail."(Applause.)

The previous remarks are excerpts fromPresident Bush's remarks to the March for Life demonstration on Jan. 23, 2006.

March for Life on EWTN - Abortion Hurts Women

Watch or listen to live coverage of the March for Life on EWTN radio or television or on the Internet at http://www.ewtn.com Tens of thousands of pro-life people including women carrying signs saying "I regret my abortion" are marching in protest of Roe vs. Wade. These women want to make others aware that abortion hurts women. One woman named Maria from Operation Outcry said "I had three abortions and I am no longer able to bear children". Georgette Forney said "Abortion has hurt us and we are here to tell our story."
She recommends women contact Priests for Life http://www.priestsforlife.org for more information.

Kate Adamson, Stroke Victim, Advocate for the Right to Live, Author, to Speak in Scranton Jan. 28

Kate Adamson lives in Los Angeles, California with her family. She is an outspoken advocate for the right to live and be recognized as a viable contributing human being despite disabilities and testified before Congress following the death of Terri Schiavo. Kate Adamson will speak at the Respect Life Prayer Breakfast on January 28 at 9:00 a.m. in Scranton. The victim of a double brain stem stroke, Kate wrote about her experience in her book Kate's Journey.

Quotes from her book, Kate’s Journey:
"I lay there looking at the doctor and my husband. "It’s hard to tell if she can understand. I think she can hear us." the doctor said. Yes! I can hear you. I can’t move or speak, but I hear you. Kate thought. My husband refused to believe I was dying but the doctor offered little hope."
"Fate placed Steven (Kate’s husband) in the elevator with my doctor who was telling the nurse, I was the worst thing he had seen in a very long time. He said I was a tragic case and could look forward to death if I were lucky and life if I were unlucky."

Kate was being fed through a feeding tube but for an eight-day period, did not receive food. During that time she thought:
"I was starving. I thought I was going insane. I was screaming out in my mind, Don’t you know I need to eat? The hunger pangs were unbearable. This continued for another five days. I could think of nothing but eating…."

"I never had time to pray much, but now I had all the time in the world. Praying is the only thing I can do. I can think but I can’t talk – except to God. Ok God here’s the deal. Let me live. I may never by the same…but I may be someone."

I highly recomment the book which can be purchased from Kate's web site http://www.kate Those wishing to hear Kate in Scranton on the 28th need to make a reservation by January 23 by calling pa. for Huaman Life at 570-343-5099.

Ad war at full blast as Alito hearings begin | csmonitor.com

The opposition to Judge Alito is cranking up the heat according to a Christian Science Monitor article: Ad war at full blast as Alito hearings begin | csmonitor.com: "Last Thursday, anti-Alito activists delivered petitions with 1.1 million signatures to senators on the Judiciary Committee and launched a $600,000 TV and radio ad buy."

Kate Adamson Principal Speaker of Respect Life Prayer Breakfast in Scranton

The Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life will commemorate the January 22, 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion-on-demand with a Respect Life Prayer Breakfast to be held on Saturday, January 28, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Center, downtown Scranton. Kate Adamson will be the principal speaker. Mrs. Adamson was the victim of a double brainstem stroke who survived an eight-day removal of her feeding tube. On April 19, 2005, following the starvation-death of Terri Schiavo, she testified before Congress on the subject of persons with disabilities.

The Prayer Breakfast cost is $13.50 for adults, $6.75 for children ages 6 to 12 and no charge for children 5 and under. Reservations may be mailed to Pennsylvanians for Human Life, 506 Broadway, Scranton, Pa. 18505. Tables may be reserved for groups of 6 or more. Further information may be obtained by contacting Pennsylvanians for Human Life at 347-8299.

Senator Santorum to Speak at Pro-Life Breakfast in Hermitage

U.S. Senator Rick Santorum will be the featured speaker at the Mercer County Pro-Life breakfast Jan. 21 at 9 a.m. at the Hickory VFW in Hermitage. For more information, call Brian Beal at 724-813-3298.

March for Life Reservations Taken by Scranton PHL

The Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life is accepting reservations now for bus transportation to the 33rd annual MARCH FOR LIFE on Monday, January 23rd We will be leaving for Washington D.C. at 6:30 a.m. and returning at approximately 11 p.m. The cost is $30 for adults and $15 for students. For further information, contact Pennsylvanians for Human Life at 347-8299 or 343-5099.

Life, Death and Christmas

This Christmas will be a somber one for our family and has led me to reflect on the purpose of my life. In August we were blessed with our first grandchild, Julia who was Baptized on Dec. 11, 2005. In September my 94-year-old grandmother,who had resided in a nursing home since she broke her hip three years ago, began to fail.

By the time of Julia's Baptism, it was apparent that my grandmother did not have long to live after a bout with pneumonia. During the last weeks of her life it was difficult for her to eat and drink. I knew the nurses and aids have many patients care for so I spent some time with my grandmother each day to get the little things she needed. It was a joy to be there, especially the day before she died. I was there by myself for an hour in the afternoon and sang Christmas Carols to her. Although she could barely talk, my grandmother made an effort to let me know that she enjoyed the singing. I don't think I will ever be able to sing Silent Night again without tears welling in my eyes.

All the trappings of Christmas, the shopping, the presents, the decorating... mean nothing to me this year. Spending time with the people we love is the only thing that matters. My grandmother was a big part of my life for forty-nine years and those years have gone so quickly. But God is so good that he sent us Julia so that our sorrow would be mixed with great joy. We were even fortunate enough to get a five-generations family photo taken with both my grandmother and my granddaughter in it.

But the most comforting thought is the way that God takes care of those who love Him. On the feast of the Immaculate Conception I was at Mass crying. Afterward, the cantor came over with words of comfort saying this year my grandmother would experience the most beautiful Christmas of her life ...in Heaven. A Blessed Christmas to all.

Umbert and the Politically Correct Christmas Police

Umbert the Unborn tackles the issue of a politically correct Christmas in today's and upcoming comic strips. Visit www.catholic.net and click on the Culture of Life page.

The Soldier

I received this on the bottom of an e-mail I received from a soldier who foiught in Iraq:
"ONE FORCE, ONE FIGHT, WE ARE READY!"
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." ~ Father Dennis Edward.

Senator Santorum on Sue Henry Show

U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum came to Scranton this past Tuesday to deliver a $200,000 check to help complete a revitalization project in North Scranton. He also took the time to be a guest on WILK’s Sue Henry Show. One topic of discussion was "Why was Senator Santorum not present at President Bush’s speech on the war in Iraq at Tobyhanna Pa."

Even before the event, philly.com tried to make something of Santorum’s absence:
"When President Bush touches down in Wilkes-Barre to talk about the war on terrorism Friday, the Senate's No. 3 Republican - the vulnerable Rick Santorum - will be 116 miles away in Philadelphia addressing the American Legion. Unavoidable scheduling conflict, Santorum's office says. As the GOP loss in the Virginia governor's race Tuesday showed, however, it might also be a blessing to be in a different media market when Bush and his rock-bottom approval ratings come to your state." Their insinuation was Santorum planned to be absent.

The liberal media pack mentality being what it is, other liberal reporters tried to make something of the scheduling conflict as well. Senator Santorum told his audience on the Sue Henry Show it truly was a scheduling conflict. Not only did Senator Santorum suggest Tobyhanna as the site of the President Bush’sVeteran’s Day Speech, his office helped plan the event! Only a liberal media type can turn that into "distancing oneself" from the President. Liberals in the media never let the truth get in the way of their agenda.

U. S. Congresswoman Melissa Hart to speak Nov. 30 at Grove City College

U.S. Congresswoman Melissa Hart will be speaking this Wednesday, November 30 at 7 PM in the Rare Book Room at Grove City College. The GCC Republicans are proud to host one of the U.S. House of Representatives leading pro-life advocates, Congresswoman Melissa Hart. Congresswoman Hart has advocated for conservative causes and good government policies in Washington since 2001 after a successful ten year stint in the Pennsylvania State Senate. This should be a great event. Feel free to extend the invitation to your friends.

Baby Shower Collection Update- Scranton Chapter of Pa. for Human Life 11/21/2005

Thank you to all who helped promote our Baby Shower for Hurricane Katrina Flood Victims and to all the individuals who have contributed baby items. We are in the process of packing the boxes. Each box is prepared for a girl or boy from newborn to 2 years and includes diapers, diaper wipes, bottles, sip cups, baby lotion, baby oil, baby powder, formula, and baby shirts, outfits and other items of clothing.

I would like to especially thank my daughter Linda Cirba who is doing the bulk of the work as her senior service hours project. I also want to thank the mothers club of St. Mary's Byzantine Church in Scranton and the pastors and school principals who promoted our Baby Shower Collection.

National Right to Life has a similar project called Operation Baby Box. Individuals who would like to participate may visit www.nrlc.org/CPCHelp/OperationBabyBox.html for details.

Dr. James Watson to Speak at University of Scranton?????

A lecutre is being held this Thursday, November 17 at the University of Scranton by Dr. James Watson on "Living with DNA" at 8:00 in Houlihan-McLean Center on Jefferson Ave and Mulberry, Scranton.
I recently found a speech given by Dr. James Watson at the Commonwealth Club in March of 2003. Here is the text from Watson’s speech that promotes abortion:

Watson: "Common sense tells me that humans should prevent as much genetic disease as science lets us. The rare mistakes in the copying of DNA information that make evolution possible of necessity lead to much individual genetic injustice. Random throws of the genetic dice during the formation of sperm and egg take away from too many infants the opportunity to participate in a meaningful life."
Watson: "Common sense tells me that no one is seriously harmed by steps taken to prevent the birth of such children. Once born their existence will by necessity generate too many moments of anxiety, pain and despair. Common sense also dictates that prospective mothers should make the decisions as to what lives are worth their bringing into the world."
Watson: "All such decisions, like, Do I want to find out whether my future child will be badly handicapped? should be the choice of a woman. No one should force her either to be tested or not tested. But she should know what genetic tests exist and how respective genetic disease, say, Downs syndrome, or fragile X, will impact the future of those women that bear these children. How women will make these decisions will naturally depend on their own senses of right and wrong and from what culture and religions they come out of."

Is there any doubt that Watson would advise abortion of a handicapped child? He speaks as though the child has no right to exist independent of his mother's whim.

Come on now, you can't expect me to believe that no one at the University of Scranton has access to the Internet? I found Watson's speech in one Google search. In a Catholic University, why are speakers brought in (probably at considerable cost) when they hold views contrary to Catholic teaching?

I have no way of knowing whether Watson will inject his pro-abortion and pro-infanticide views into the discussion, but if he does the pro-life community should be there to confront these anti-life views.

Muslims Burn Christian Churches, Schools, Homes in India

Nov. 13, 2005
WorldNetDaily.com reports that an organized group of 2000 Muslims vandalized three Christian churches, a convent, two Catholic schools and the homes of Christians including a Protestant Pastor's home and a Catholic priest's home in the village of Sangla Hill. Don't expect ABC, NBC or CBS news to tell you about it, go to www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47380 for the story.

You know what the top story of the Nov. 13 - 6:00 p.m. ABC radio news was? ANSWER: A story about George Bush's poll numbers slipping. It must be wonderful being a liberal member of the media. You can stick your head in the sand and ignore the killing of 46 million unborn babies, and ignore the persecution of Christians around the world and still keep your job. Amazing!

President Bush's Veteran's Day Speech 2005 at Tobyhanna Army Depot and a Word of Encouragement for the Pro-Life Movement

This weekI received a message...call back it's important. Returning the call, I found that I received an invitation to attend President Bush's Veteran's Day Speech at Tobyhanna Army Depot. I was honored. While asking for the morning off work, I discovered that Helen Gohsler, the Pa. for Human Life Scranton Chapter President, received an invitation to greet the President at the airport. This speaks volumes about the President's commitment to the pro-life movement. The issue and the movement is important to him.
This morning at the airport Helen shook the President's hand. She told him she was there to represent the pro-life movement in northeast Pennsylvania. The President shook her hand and moved on to greet the next person, then turned back and said to Helen, "Stay strong". I believe this is a message for all of us in the movement from the President.

More on the Veteran's day speech will be posted over the weekend.

PBS Frontline The Last Abortion Clinic - Just Another Propagandsa Piece

PBS Frontline produced a program called The Last Abortion Clinic. It focused on the efforts of a group called Pro-Life Mississippi which has closed several abortion clinics in Mississippi through fasting and daily prayer in front of the abortion clinics. However, it was a biased piece. For example, it did not focus on the efforts of groups which provide women with real alternatives to abortion. It can be seen on the Internet at www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/ There is a discussion section where you may wish to post your comments.

Make Prayer a Priority by Susan Cirba

"Everything begins with prayer...spending a little time on our knees. If all the world's rulers and leaders would spend a little time on their knees before God, I believe we would have a better world." Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Christians are the world's spiritual leaders. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world" Matt. 5:14 and "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven." Matt. 5:16. We must lead by example. If you are a member or leader of your parish pro-life committee, make prayer a priority.

Concerning prayer, Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you: seek, and you will find: Knock and it will be opened to you." Matt. 7:7. Pope John Paul II wrote a beautiful pro-life prayer in Evangelium Vitae which is distributed by the Knights of Columbus or by e-mailing lifeissues@hotmail.com Perhaps your pro-life committee can meet together for a holy hour or to pray the rosary. One's first reaction to making a new commitment is usually, "Where will I find the time?" If we are honest with ourselves, if we have an hour for Oprah, American Idol or any other television program, we have time for prayer. It's just a matter of setting priorities.

If your parish currently has no active pro-life committee and you would like to start one, pray about it first. Ask your spouse, another parishioner or a friend to pray with you. Next, go to your parish priest and tell him of your willingness to volunteer.

To begin or sustain any effort without prayer is like trying to fly a kite without wind. It won't work. Make a commitment to prayer; then listen to God by paying attention to the people and opportunities he sets before us each day. You will soon find the statement, "Prayer changes people and people change things." to be fact.
Susan Cirba - Life Issues