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

Informed Consent Laws and the Abortion-Breast Cancer Link

Some states include the Abortion-Breast Cancer 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 43 million abortions since 1973 were not without effect. Forty-three million people who were supposed to be a part of American society, and would have been between the ages of newborn and 32 by now are no longer alive. So are some of their mothers. A few lost their lives due to immediate complications of their abortions. Some lost their lives to breast cancer years later. Five percent of breast cancers can be attributed to a woman’s abortion. Estimated new breast cancer patients in the U.S. in 2004 is 215,900 for women. This means about 10,795 cases of breast cancer a year could have been avoided. Women deserve to know the truth about the Abortion-Breast Cancer Link. For further information contact www.bcpinstitute.org

For pro-life leaders: Did you know that Public Service Announcements for radio are available on the Abortion-Breast Cancer Link? Contact www.bcpinstitute.org/resources.htm These ads can be run on college radio, Christian radio or your local radio stations.

Umbert Creator Gary Cangemi Addresses Boston Respect Life Walk

Boston, MA
Umbert the Unborn received a warm and enthusiastic response on the Boston Common on Sunday, October 2, when pro-life cartoonist Gary Cangemi addressed the crowd at the Respect Life Walk to Aid Mothers and Children, sponsored by Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Dedicating his talk to the memory of his father, John Cangemi, who was born and raised in South Boston, Gary told participants how he came up with the idea for Umbert. He then read a special "inutero message" from Umbert to the participants who responded with laughter, approval, and applause as Umbert’s popular one-liners were shared with young and old alike. Gary ended his presentation by passing out special signs featuring Umbert’s picture and pro-life slogans to children to carry on the pro-life walk that followed. Cangemi was given the honor of leading the procession through the streets of Boston. Also present at the event were the Boston Archbishop Sean O’Malley and former Mayor Raymond L. Flynn. To see a picture of the Life Walk visit www.rcab.org/Pilot/2005/ps051007/respectlifewalk.html

George Will on Harriet Miers

Washington – Senators being what ought to be a protracted and exacting scrutiny of Harriet Miers should be guided by three rules. First, it is not important that she be confirmed. Second, it might be very important that she not be. Third, the presumption—perhaps rebuttable but certainly in need of rebutting – should be that her nomination is not a defensible exercise of presidential discretion to which senatorial deference is due….. To read George Will’s column visit
www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/georgewill/2005/10/04/159414.html

Abortion-Breast Cancer Link Special on TV in NEPA

If you live in North East PA, you will be able to watch a TV special on the Abortion-Breast Cancer Link on Friday evening October 21 at 1:30 am and Monday afternoon October 24 at 2:30 pm. Britta Stream, Miss Oregon of the 2002 Miss America pageant introduces three young women whose lives were forever changed after they developed breast cancer following their abortions. The ABC Link presents their stories along with convincing scientific evidence presented by two world experts on the Abortion-Breast Cancer Link, Dr. Joel Brind, PhD, Professor of Human Biology and Endocrinology, and Dr. Angela Lanfranchi MD, FACS, Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This special will be shown on WSWB TV 38 and will empower women to make informed choices for themselves and their children. Women who are at increased risk for breast cancer after an abortion will learn about life saving screening mammograms which can increase survival if breast cancer should develop.

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk speaker at Wilkes-Barre Banquet

Don't miss this opportunity!

Respect Life Banquet
Pennsylvanians For Human Life
Genetti’s Best Western and Conference Center
77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Friday, November 11th , 2005 At 6 PM

Guest Speaker Will Be:
Reverend Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D.,
A Priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass.,
Author and Director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, Phila.

Topic: The latest developments in Bioethics, Stem cells and Cloning

Mail Reservations ($18.00) To:
PHL
201 S. Main Street,
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701
(Deadline, November 4th )

How Will Roberts Rule? by Gary Cangemi

The recent Judiciary Committee hearings on the appointment of Judge John Roberts to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court left little doubt how desperate pro-abortion politicians are to hold on to their precious abortion rights. The usual suspects were there, grilling Roberts like a rib-eye steak; Ted Kennedy, Joe Biden, Diane Feinstein, and Chuck Schumer all praising Roberts for his brilliant legal mind, while pistol-whipping him to elicit the slightest betrayal of his position on abortion. With Darrowesque deftness, he rebuffed each attempt, refusing to reveal how he would rule on a case pending before the court. Even Arlen Specter, who just the day before promised he would not ask how Roberts would vote on Roe V. Wade, jumped out of the starting gate with question after question aimed at determining how Roberts would vote on Roe V. Wade.

Reading between the lines of Roberts’ skillful answers, several things were clear. First, Roberts is very conscious about not wanting to appear to be an ideologue. He stated clearly that he would not bring his personal opinions, only his legal opinions to the bench. That, of course, did not satisfy the Bidens and Kennedys, who wanted an ironclad guarantee that he would bring THEIR opinions to the bench.

Second, Roberts indicated that he would respect precedent, but that precedent was a starting point in reviewing cases before the court. His responses made it clear that precedent was no sacred cow and that there were factors which could erode or change the circumstances determining how precedent is applied. Roberts, in essence, was leaving the barn door open for future challenges to Roe V. Wade. But the burden will clearly be on the challengers.

Third, Roberts is a dedicated servant of the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. He has no political agenda. He left no doubt that he would strictly interpret the Constitution and not legislate from the bench. The only question that remains is how he will apply these to any future cases on abortion and other life issues. The answer is, we don’t know. Our opinion is that the right to life is fundamental and foundational to our Constitution. If John Roberts is a true strict constructionist, he will uphold that opinion in his rulings. Time will tell.

from The Pro-Life Reporter, Fall 2005
Visit www.catholic.net and click on the Culture of Life page to see Umbert the Unborn by Gary Cangemi or for more information, visit www.umberttheunborn.com

Does Pro-Abortion Reaction to Roberts Spell Trouble for Future Nominee?

On Thursday, September 29 at 3:00 p.m., John Roberts was sworn in as the 17th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The vote was 77 votes to Confirm with 22 votes opposed.. "No" votes included Sen. Hillary Clinton who, of late has been attepting to portray herself as a "moderate", and a cast of the usual liberal characters: Kennedy, Kerry, Biden, Inouye, Harkin, Feinstein, Mikulski and Obama.

Senate Judiciary hearings opened Sept.12 and concluded Sept.22 when the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13 to 5 to approve John Roberts. Roberts’ testimony made it clear he will strictly interpret the Constitution, but his opinions on abortion were not expressed.
With two abortion cases coming before the Supreme Court this term, predictably both sides in the abortion controversy want a Supreme Court Justice who reflects their views.

Roberts was nominated in July, after Sandra Day O’Connor announced her retirement from the court. Abortion advocates hailed her as a "moderate" suggesting her replacement should share her views. O’Connor voted for abortion. Sen.Arlen Specter suggested O’Connor might remain on the court if she was offered the position of Chief Justice.

The ailing Chief Justice, William Rehnquist, who was one of the two Justices who opposed legalizing abortion in Roe. v. Wade, was determined to remain on the court but on September 3, Rehnquist passed away. Bush then nominated Roberts for Chief Justice.

Pro-Abortion Attack Ads
In the weeks that lead up to the hearings, Roberts had to endure grossly unfair attacks on his character by pro-abortion organizations like The National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL). Roberts once argued a case before the Supreme Court for George H.W. Bush’s administration to support the rights of people to protest at abortion clinics. NARAL responded to the Roberts nomination with a sensationalized ad which attempted to paint Roberts as an extremist who supported abortion clinic bombers. FactCheck.org found otherwise and wrote, "The images used in the ad are especially misleading. The pictures are of a clinic bombing that happened nearly seven years after Roberts signed the legal brief in question." The ad backfired. It was so outrageously unfair that NARAL had to pull it.The director responsible for the ad resigned.

If the pro-abortion crowd has made this much of a stink over a nominee as qualified as Roberts,
(The Senate unanimously confirmed Judge Roberts once before, Roberts received the highest rating from the American Bar Association and graduated at the top of his class from Harvard Law School, etc.) imagine the ruckus they'll raise over the next nominee.

Not What You'd Expect From The Girl Scouts

The 50th annual convention of the Girl Scouts which will be held in Atlanta from October 7-10 features three keynote speakers. One is Ann Curry from NBC’s Today Show, but the choice of the other two are evidence of the National Organization’s plunge into radical feminism. Dr. Johnetta Cole will address the Girl Scout Convention. Cole’s radical views forced the Clinton administration to withdraw her name from consideration for Education Secretary.
The other radical convention speaker is Kavits Ramadas, predsident and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, which promotes abortion and feminism, among other things. Here is a quote from Ramadas from a newsletter published on her group’s Web site in 2003. "As women in the United States celebrate the 30th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, (a landmark case that gave women in the U.S. the right to decide when and if to bear children), we are proud to bring you this issue of Raising Our Voices, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect women’s reproductive health and (abortion) rights.’
On the local level, the Girl Scouts conduct many worthwhile activities and involve many families that hold traditional values. Parents need to know there is a difference in the values reflected on the national & local level. The national organization leadership tends toward radical feminism.

From Concerned Women From America Newsletter

Pregnancy Care Centers Hit by Hurricane Katrina Need Your Help

When hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi, she was no respecter of persons. Whatever was in her path was hit by the same destructive force.This included several pro-life pregnancy help centers which serve pregnant mothers, and their babies. A quick call to OptionLine, the Louisiana umbrella organization for Pregnancy Care centers in the region, led to a conversation with Dorothy Wallis of Caring to Love Ministries. Wallis is leading an effort to rebuild Pregnancy Care Centers in hurricane devastated areas. She said four Pregnancy Care Centers were under five feet of water, one had its roof blown off, and in Covington two trees crashed through the building. I asked what were their needs. Money is needed and also building supply and baby supplies once the centers begin to re-open in late October. (See Baby Shower for ways you can help.)
In Scranton, a "Baby Shower" of sorts is planned to aid the victims of hurricane Katrina. Spearheaded by Linda Cirba, a senior at Bishop Hannan High School, the "Baby Shower" will be held in October to restock the Pregnancy Care Centers damaged or flooded by Hurricane Katrina. Local schools and youth groups especially, are encouraged to participate. Any church or organization who would like to help please call 570-343-5099. Posters will be provided.
We will be collecting baby items, especially formula and diapers, diaper wipes, receiving blankets, baby clothes, as well as maternity clothes. The Pregnancy Care Centers, though damaged themselves are receiving many calls from women who need assistance.
On Saturday, October 22 from noon until 5:00 pm and again on Saturday, October 29 from noon until 5:00 pm baby items will be accepted at our Pro-Life Information Center, 506 Broadway, Scranton, Pa. 18505 Donations to defray the cost of shippinng these items are also welcome.
If your organization would like to participate, please contact the Pro-Life Center 343-5099 leave your name, address and phone number. Those who wish to make a donation via credit card can go directly to Caring to Love Ministries which is on the internet at www.CTLM.org

Abortion-Breast Cancer Link Resources

With the "Race for the Cure" coming up in September, women will again turn their attention to the cure of breast cancer. Everyone has heard the old addage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". While raising money to find a cure for breast cancer is admirable, wouldn't women be better off if they were educated about the causes of breast cancer so as to prevent the disease? Education empowers women to make lifestyle choices to promote better health.

The Breast Cancer Prevention Institute educates women about the factors which increase a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. Hereditary factors are not the only ones that lead to the development of the disease. Many lifestyle choices lead to an increased risk for breast cancer and these can be avoided. The Breast Cancer Prevention Institute has produced a booklet on the subject, "Breast Cancer Risks and Prevention", which has come out in a second, revised edition. It informs women of lifestyle choices that increase breast cancer risk. If you have a daughter, wife, mother, sister, or friend that you care about, buy the booklet. It's only $3.00. Visit www.bcpinstitute.org and click on Resources for ordering information.
The first edition of the booklet can be read online at the same web site by clicking the Online Publications Tab.
What is the single most avoidable risk for breast cancer? You guessed it! It's abortion.

Looney Left Responds to Hurricane Katrina

The devastating hurricane Katrina has left hundreds dead, more than a million homeless, and tens of thousands of people without food water and medicine and how does the looney left respond? Planned Parenthood sends birth control pills and "Emergency Contraception" which is really an abortifacient drug used to kill a newly conceived human child. Planned Parenthood responds to death and destruction with more death and destruction.
Visit http://www.catholicleague.org to read Bill Donohue's Sept. 2, 2005 press release.

Governor's Race 2006: Where Do The Candidates Stand On Abortion?Sue Cirba, The Pro-Life Reporter Spring 2005

We know where Governor Rendell stands on abortion. We knew it before he was elected. On the evening of his primary election victory in 2002, gubernatorial candidate Ed Rendell introduced a small and select group of people he felt obliged to acknowledge. One of those persons was Kate Michelman, President of the National Abortion Rights Action League(NARAL) the fiercest proponent of abortion in the country. "This little lady behind me," stated Rendell, "who Philadelphia may not be too familiar with-but she was a true saint, Kate Michelman of NARAL." Rendell is blatantly pro-abortion, as he openly acknowledged the involvement of pro-abortion leaders in his campaign and has taken campaign contributions from pro-abortion organizations like NARAL.

While the gubernatorial primary election is still a year away, William Scranton and Jeff Piccola, Republican candidates for Governor, addressed a Pennsylvania Leadership Conference breakfast held April 16 in Harrisburg. Scranton made no overtures whatsoever to the pro-life movement. Apparently his stance has not changed since his days as Lt. Governor when The Centre Daily Times of State College printed an interview which revealed the extent of Scranton’s support of abortion. Mr. Scranton stated in the March 3, 1985 piece, "I am not one of those who supports a constitutional amendment to ban abortion. I just don’t think you can or should....My position on this issue is clear and it isn’t going to change or turn around, so that’s part of the baggage that comes with me and if they want to make it an issue, it becomes an issue...but I think there are more pressing problems that are of more legitimate interest in Pennsylvania." Garnett Biviano, President of the Pa. Pro-Life Federation in 1985 commented in an article in Lifelines: "A more pressing issue than life or death of a human being? What is more pressing than that?" It will be interesting to see if Mr. Scranton changes his position when facing two pro-life challengers.

Jeff Piccola expressed interest in conservative and religious issues at the Leadership Conference Breakfast. A January 18, 2005 article on GrassrootsPa.com reported State Senator Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin) had been "on the wrong side of the abortion issue"..."According to High Street Communications’ Dean Quellette, who is currently consulting Piccola’s likely run for the Governor’s mansion, Piccola has had a gradual change of heart on the contentious issue and is now unequivocally pro-life." Piccola’s growing involvement in his church, with issues like stem cell research, as well as a "personal pregnancy-related experience within the family," have influenced his change of heart. Piccola voted pro-life on Pennsylvania’s fetal homicide bill in 1997.

Lynn Swann, former Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Fame receiver came out assertively as pro-life in a recent television interview. When asked about his views on abortion, without hesitation Swann said he was pro-life. Draft Swann for Governor (www.draftswann.com) lists ten reasons to support Lynn Swann. Reason five states he is "A conservative: Pro-Life, Pro-Sportsman, Pro-Family."

The Governor’s race influences pro-life policies throughout the state, and makes a huge difference in the presidential election. Numerous visits to PA by President Bush and John Kerry in 2004 (including visits to downtown Scranton and Lackawanna County stadium) attest to that fact.

Columbia/Montour Pro-Life Group Activities

The Columbia/Montour Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life is collecting books, videos, CD’s and DVD’s for an upcoming media sale to offset the cost of the booth at the Bloomsburg Fair. Anyone from Columbia or Montour county wishing to donate media materials should contact lifeissues@hotmail.com for further information. Also volunteers are needed to man the booth at the Bloomsburg Fair September 24 until October 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Interested persons should send their contact information (e-mail address or phone number) to lifeissues@hotmail.com and it will be forewarded to chapter leaders.

Scranton Times-Tribune "Casey" Ad Controversy Snowballing

On Aug. 8 an article " Why is Bob Casey Smiling?" was posted on this blog. A revised version "PA Politics: Why is Bob Casey Smiling?" was sent to American Chronicle in the Aug. 8 opinion section and grassrootspa.com who posted a link to it.

Since then Carrie Budoff of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote an article on the Scranton Times-Tribune Casey ad controversy. She writes: "The newly merged Scranton Times-Tribune wanted to call attention to itself with advertisements that appear this summer on TV, billboards and buses. The ads featured a mock newspaper with a banner headline 'Casey to run for Senate.' " Budoff continues..."at issue now.....is whether the ads are a harmless promotion for a business or a possible campaign-finance violation." Ms. Budoff discovered that the Lynett family, publishers of the Scranton Times-Tribune have contributed more than $120,000 to the campaigns of Bob Casey Jr. and his brother Pat Casey.

The Scranton Times-Tribune printed a story on the ad controversy on Aug. 17, "Times-Tribune Ad Riles Santorum's Supporters". Lawrence K. Beaupre, the Scranton Times-Tribune's managing editor says he came up with the promotion and the publisher had "nothing to do with the portotype."

George Lynett who publishes the Scranton Times-Tribune along with his brothers, does not deny that he and his family have made substantial contributions to the Casey campaigns, but says he and his brothers William and Edward, do not dictate daily newspaper coverage, but leave that up to Beaupre and other editors.

Republicans believe the ad campaign amounts to in-kind advertising and are attempting to discover the dollar value of the ad campaign which included television spots. Republicans are considering officially asking the Federal Election Commission to investigate whether campaign finance laws have been violated. The controversy was also the subject of conversation on WILK's Sue Henry show on August 18.

Bittersweet Time for Torres Family

Within 24 hours, the Torres family celebrated the birth and baptism of Susan Anne Catherine Torres and mourned the passing of the child's mother, Susan Michelle Rollin Torres...
Read this incredible story of love by Angela E Pometto. Visit www.catholic.org and type in Susan Torres in the site search.
"I am deeply moved by the extraordinary witness to the sacredness of life from its very beginning which the Torres family has given to our society" Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde

Why is Bob Casey Jr. Smiling?

by Susan Cirba

I wonder how much cash is in the Casey for Senate bank account right now. He must have plenty because it looks as though he’s got a whopping bill coming from the Scranton Times.
Oh, you say Bob Casey Jr. did not PAY to have his name appear in dozens of Scranton Times - Scranton Tribune newspaper ads, television ads, billboards and ads plastered on the side of Lackawanna County Colts Buses? Then how did they get there?

The Scranton Times and Scranton Tribune (the evening and morning papers respectively) recently merged into a single paper, the Times-Tribune. The ad graphics include samples of the Health, Classified, Sports, Lifestyles, and Business pages with the front page on top. What a coincidence! The front page just happens to have a headline which reads "Casey to run for Senate", with Bobby Jr.’s smiling face on front. And why shouldn’t he be smiling? Look at all the free advertising he’s gotten from his friends at the Scranton Times! Times advertisers were even nice enough to remind voters of the Terri Schiavo case, an issue Democrats believe will hurt Casey's opponent, Senator Rick Santorum in the upcoming election.

Interesting thing about that front page. It never existed except on the pages of these ads.
Casey announced his candidacy on March 3rd. or 4th . The March 4 Times story featured in the mock-up ad originally had the headline "Casey at Bat". The Saturday paper’s headline read "Casey In, Hafer Out" And the Terri Schiavo article did not appear that same weekend, but after Easter which would have been March 26 or 27.

Times-Tribune "Better Together" ads have been running in the Times and Tribune the entire months of June and July. What the actual value of this Casey promotion amounts to is anybody’s guess, but I’d say easily a million dollars or more. Ads appeared daily in the Times and Tribune before the papers merged and continued with another Casey promo in the "New" paper. Add to this a least five billboards, numerous television spots and bus ads.

The second Times ad focused on food, columnists, cartoons and Surprise! under the "Better Together" ad text is a copy of the mocked-up "Casey to run for Senate" paper.
I don’t know much about campaign finance laws but I understand politicians. If Casey won’t be paying for these ads with cash, I believe he’ll be paying for them with political favors.

Free Samples of Pro-Life Pamphlets

Several pamphlets are available from Pa. for Human Life's Pro-Life Information Center, 506 Broadway, Scranton, Pa. 18505. Leaders of college, community or church pro-life groups may request a sample. Pastors may wish to order them for Bible Study groups or put them on church pamphlet racks.
Titles include:
1. The First Nine Months published by Focus on the Family "The growth patterns described in this brochure is recognized medical information, documented by scientific research. It includes photos of the unborn child taken by Lennart Nilsson reprinted from A Child is Born c. 1977."
2. Adoption: A Loving Choice - Life Cycle Books.
3. Sing a Little Louder - Heritage House - Discusses a Christian's responsibility to end the Abortion Holocaust.
4. You're Considering an Abortion: What can Happen to You? discusses abortion complications for women. Heritage House.
5. Mary's Pregnancy - Quotes from the King James Bible.
6. Mary and the Gospel of Life-(for Roman Catholics).
7. Rachel's Vineyard retreats for healing after abortion.
For a Free Sample of any of the above titles, e-mail lifeissues@hotmail.com.
Please be sure to include your name, mailing address, and zip code.

The Diaper Rebellion

What can young people contribute to a movement? Before you minimize the contributions of young people to the pro-life movement, or any movement,, read this article by Barry Farber. Farber tells of the contributions Serbian third graders made in defeating Adolph Hitler's Nazi war machine. Yes, I said third graders. It is an historical fact about World War II which didn't make it into American history books. It demonstrates the importance of standing for principle - no matter what your age. Visit: www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/4/25/153542.shtml

Perhaps it will make pro-life leaders work harder to involve teens in the pro-life movement. Afterall, they are on the front lines in the fight to save unborn babies from abortion. Equip them with the knowledge they need. Have your pro-life orgenization or your church sponsor a teenager or two or five, and send them to the Pa. Pro-Life State Convention on October 1, 2005 in Valley Forge, Pa. For further information visit www.paprolife.org or call 717-541-0034 to request a brochure.