So-Called "Vegetative" Patient Communicates With Doctors | LifeNews.com

So-Called "Vegetative" Patient Communicates With Doctors | LifeNews.com

The War on Jesus Christ

kURT kONDRICH has an excellent column about Jesus and the meaning of Christmas.  He writes:  "As a professional in the disabilities field I work with the most vulnerable members of our community, and I am often very confused at what bothers and annoys so many people about Jesus and the historical and factual account of his shortened life on this earth. I am a devout Christian and believe Jesus Christ is God incarnate and my Lord and Savior. When I speak to individuals who are offended by Jesus I first ask if they know anything about his life and works on this earth, and these are some of the realities I relay to them:"  Visit;  The War on Jesus Christ:

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)!

From Rick Santorum:

Thank you for all you are doing to rally against the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)!  Your commitment to fight this treaty is now more critical than ever.

Yesterday, Karen and I -- along with our daughter Bella -- joined with U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah and Michael Farris of the Home School Legal Defense Association for a news conference calling on the Senate to NOT bring up this flawed treaty.

And just like that, Senator Harry Reid announced that he will bring this treaty up for a vote this week.   

CRPD, if ratified, threatens U.S. sovereignty and parental rights, and would effectively put the U.S. under international law when it comes to parenting special needs children. One provision in the treaty would give the government, acting under U.N. instructions, the ability to determine for all children with disabilities what is best for them. 

I don't know about you, but I believe that in America, that is the parents' job, certainly not the government's. 

Furthermore, the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities does nothing to improve the rights of the disabled in this country. Our country already meets or exceeds the U.N. standards, and contrary to reports, passage of this treaty will do NOTHING to give disabled Americans or any disabled person traveling in a foreign country greater protections or rights. 

What this treaty does do is make American laws subservient to the United Nations.  It is flawed, it is wrong and we should not see this in the United States of America.

In light of Senator Reid's decision to bring this treaty up this week, we need you tocall the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with your senators.  Tell them you are strongly opposed to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and if it comes up for a vote, please vote NO!   To find a list of all senators, please click here.

And if you haven't already done so, please visit our CRPD page and sign our petition to take a stand against this flawed treaty. 

Thank you for all you doing!  We will fight this until it is defeated.

Game on,

Rick Santorum

Noelle the ‘Miracle Baby’ faces a new battle | MyFOX8.com – Greensboro, High-Point, Winston-Salem News & weather from WGHP Television FOX8

Noelle the ‘Miracle Baby’ faces a new battle | MyFOX8.com – Greensboro, High-Point, Winston-Salem News & weather from WGHP Television FOX8:

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Miracle Baby Born Weighing Less Than a Pound | LifeNews.com

This story is probably one of the best of the year in terms of its ability to prove the humanity of life in the womb.
This little girl born at only one pound should give mothers contemplating late term abortion something to think about:
Miracle Baby Born Weighing Less Than a Pound | LifeNews.com: "Seven-month-old Noelle Christine Aguiar already is melting hearts.

This beautiful little girl was born weighing less than a pound. Doctors predicted that she would not survive – first in the womb and then in her earliest stages of life.

But today Noelle is a smiling, thriving miracle of life. Now weighing six pounds, seven ounces, Noelle is finally out of the hospital and home with her parents."

Pro-Abortion Court Staffer Suspended After Attacking Phill Kline | LifeNews.com

Pro-Abortion Court Staffer Suspended After Attacking Phill Kline | LifeNews.com: "The shocking “tweets” of a Kansas appellate court clerk during last week’s Supreme Court review of ethics charges against former Kansas AG Phill Kline have earned her a suspension, pending review, according to the Associated Press.

The Kline-denigrating tweets of Sarah Peterson Kerr (outed last night by Operation Rescue) reflect the culture of abortion corruption that has long plagued Kansas as well as a deep, dangerous and pervasive animus towards Kline among the legal authorities in this state."

Supreme Court Staffer Biases Phill Kline Ethics Hearing | LifeNews.com

Supreme Court Staffer Biases Phill Kline Ethics Hearing | LifeNews.com: "As the Kansas Supreme Court met this morning to hear oral arguments in the ethics case against former State Attorney general Phill Kline, an appellate court clerk was tweeting disparaging messages about Kline from the Court that indicated she may have inside information on how the seven-member panel would rule.

"

Cardinal Dolan: Catholic Church will ‘not obey’ immoral HHS mandate | LifeSiteNews.com

Cardinal Dolan: Catholic Church will ‘not obey’ immoral HHS mandate | LifeSiteNews.com: "BALTIMORE, November 16, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The head of America’s Catholic bishops’ conference declared Tuesday that the Catholic Church will “not obey” the Obama administration’s HHS mandate, a policy he classified as “immoral.”

The mandate, which takes effect in eight months, forces employers to cover sterilizations, contraception, and abortifacient medications. Although churches themselves are exempt the mandate applies to religiously affiliated institutions such as hospitals, colleges, charities, and social service agencies."

Here’s how touchscreens killed Romney votes

Here’s how touchscreens killed Romney votes: "ROB THE VOTE
HERE'S HOW TOUCHSCREENS KILLED ROMNEY VOTES"

Pro-Life Congresswoman Wins Key House GOP Leadership Spot | LifeNews.com

Pro-Life Congresswoman Wins Key House GOP Leadership Spot | LifeNews.com: "Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers a pro-life congresswoman from Washington state, was elected House Republican Conference chair, making her the highest-ranked Republican woman in the House of Representatives."

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Our Disenfranchised Troops Deserve Better - Michelle Malkin - National Review Online

Our Disenfranchised Troops Deserve Better - Michelle Malkin - National Review Online: "Veterans’ groups and soldiers’ advocates have warned about military disenfranchisement for years. M. Eric Eversole, director of the Military Voter Protection (MVP) Project and a former litigation attorney in the Voting Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, reported that “more than 17,000 military and overseas voters were disenfranchised in 2008 because their ballots arrived after the deadline and had to be rejected.”

That doesn’t include the thousands more whose ballots never arrived or arrived at their bases too close to the election to be returned. The total number of troops affected this year could be more than double or triple that because of the relocation of nearly 70,000 military personnel out of Iraq and Afghanistan over the past year."

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Silver Lining: Pro-Life Candidates for Governor Win Victories | LifeNews.com

Silver Lining: Pro-Life Candidates for Governor Win Victories | LifeNews.com: "Silver Lining: Pro-Life Candidates for Governor Win Victories"

It's Time for Republicans to Embrace Conservative Candidates Read The Circle Game by Lowman S. Henry

The Circle Game  By Lowman S. Henry

           After the longest and most expensive election cycle in American history we are

. . . right back where we started. President Barack Obama has been re-elected by a narrow margin - even more narrow than his 2008 victory over John McCain, Democrats will continue to control the U.S. Senate - although holding less than the magic 60 votes needed to move legislation; and the GOP has maintained, even increased its hold on the House of Representatives.

           Voters have opted to gridlock the federal government. Given President Obama's razor thin 2.5 million vote win in the popular count, and the GOP's failure to capture control of the Senate, Congress will continue to be polarized and paralyzed. Thus in the coming weeks as the nation faces a series of critical fiscal tests including raising the debt ceiling, dealing with the expiration of Bush era tax rates and the need to enact a 2012-2013 budget, the national government will be deeply divided.

           In the wake of Mitt Romney's defeat, pressure will be on Republicans to cave and compromise. They should not. This election was not a repudiation of conservative economics. If anything it was a continuation of the deep, even division among the American electorate that was ushered in at the beginning of this century when the 2000 Presidential race ended up essentially tied.   The re-election of President George W. Bush hinged on a few thousand votes in Ohio; the movement of less than a half million votes in a few key states powered Barack Obama's victory in 2008; and, less than 100,000 votes in three or four key states decided Tuesday's election.

          Thus voters have been remarkably consistent over the past four presidential elections. The big swings have come in the composition of Congress, with Democrats affecting wave elections in 2006 and 2008, and the GOP staging a historic resurgence in 2010. This year, voters appeared to have sated their appetite for legislative change and embraced the status quo.

          The 2012 election was not an electoral repudiation of either party, rather it served as validation of each.   In short, there is no consensus among the electorate on a way forward. Under those circumstances we should not expect our elected officials in Washington to arrive at one. Republicans were put in office by their voters to rein in government spending and reduce the federal deficit. Democrats embraced a tax and spend approach and have been rewarded by their constituents. It is unlikely either side is going to back down because to do so would be to alienate the very voters who sent them to Washington in the first place.

          In the days and weeks ahead the failure of the GOP to capture the White House amidst dire and deteriorating economic circumstances will be the subject of much discussion, debate and finger pointing. But, Republicans should resist the urge to be swayed by denizens of the Left who will claim the party's historic conservative economic principles caused that failure. It did not. Mitt Romney was never a disciple of the Right and his rejection at the polls was not a rejection of conservative principles.

          In fact, perhaps the time has finally come for the national GOP to realize that nominating moderates for President simply does not work. Despite the fact he performed admirably throughout the campaign, Mitt Romney was never an effective spokesman for the conservative wing of the party. Aside from a pivot to the Right in the early primaries he did not try to be. He was nominated in an effort to appeal to independents and to moderate voters. In the process, the GOP did not develop the bold sharp contrast needed to convince the broad electorate to fire a failed president.

          This is the fourth time in recent decades this strategy has failed. George H.W. Bush in 1992, Bob Dole in 1996, John McCain in 2008, and now Mitt Romney in 2012 all fit the moderate mold. All lost. Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush flew the conservative flag, and won. With Barack Obama the Democrats were not afraid to embrace their party's left-wing ideology. They won because they stood for something, just like Reagan and George W. Bush did in achieving their victories. The GOP sacrificed its core message and lost.

          And so, here we are back where we began. Hopefully - finally - some lessons will be learned. As we move forward, Republicans in Congress must embrace the GOP's core ideology, start drawing those bright lines of distinction and put together a strategy for effectively communicating it to the American people.

 (Lowman S. Henry is Chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His e-mail address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org.)   Permission to reprint is granted provided author and affiliation are cited.

ELDERLY PRO-LIFE SPEAKER TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ELCTION AND THEN HAS HEART ATTACK AT BANQUET. HUNDREDS PRAY AND HE LIVES. THE TIME IS LATE VOTE NOW.. - YouTube

Watch this video as a pro-life speaker talks about the election and then disturbingly has a heart attack but is saved at pro-life dinner.  Listen to his words about the election and then GET OUT AND VOTE.  IN PENNSYLVANIA YOU HAVE ONE MORE HOUR.  IN OHIO YOU MUST STAY IN LINE AS LONG AS YOU GET THEIR BEFORE THE POLLS ARE SET TO CLOSE YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE.
Pro-Life Miracle - YouTube:

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RNC alleges voting machine troubles in Nevada, other swing states… | Tea Party – Americans Protecting Americas Foundations – Tea Party

RNC alleges voting machine troubles in Nevada, other swing states… | Tea Party – Americans Protecting Americas Foundations – Tea Party: "(RGJ) – The Republican National Committee sent letters to election officials in Nevada and three other swing states on Thursday alleging “a significant number of cases” where voting machines cast ballots for President Barack Obama when the vote was intended for his Republican challenger, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney."

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Romney: ‘I Ask the American People to Vote for Love of Country’ | Tea Party – Americans Protecting Americas Foundations – Tea Party

Romney: ‘I Ask the American People to Vote for Love of Country’ | Tea Party – Americans Protecting Americas Foundations – Tea Party:

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Pennsylvania bishops discuss religious liberty in election statement : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Pennsylvania bishops discuss religious liberty in election statement : News Headlines - Catholic Culture: "“Americans would do well to realize that many of our country’s leading thinkers in law, higher education, and the social sciences simply no longer believe in the idea of inalienable natural rights guaranteed by a Creator higher than the State – one of the cornerstone principles of the American experiment,” the bishops said in their November 1 statement."

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Five Things About Obama's Pro-Abortion Record Before You Vote | LifeNews.com

Five Things About Obama's Pro-Abortion Record Before You Vote | LifeNews.com: "On his third day in office, President Obama repealed the pro-life “Mexico City Policy.” By doing this, President Obama made groups that perform and promote abortion eligible for U.S. foreign aid funds. [Source]"

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Pro-Life Groups Expect Massive Turnout of Evangelical Voters | LifeNews.com

Pro-Life Groups Expect Massive Turnout of Evangelical Voters | LifeNews.com: "Family Research Council Action says evidence suggests considerable Election Day turnout among values voters. In the last 14 months FRC Action’s Values Bus has crisscrossed the country campaigning for values in 28 state and officials tell LifeNews it was greeted by enthusiastic crowds as it spent the final weekend of this election cycle in Ohio."

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It's All about the Supreme Court

Will the day ever come when human life is respected and
protected by law from the moment of conception?  That depends
on who gets to name the new members of the Supreme Court
in the next four years.  Most Americans pay little attention to
politics and many are still unaware that abortion is legal through
all nine months of pregnancy.  ABORTION is the absolute
right to kill a child in the womb up to the moment of birth, for
any or no reason at all!!!  Most Americans are also unaware of the
fact that unborn children feel pain Operation Rescue’s President

Troy Neumann recently wrote about the Supreme Court:  “The
appointment of one or more new Supreme Court Justices…. is
almost certain to happen in the next four years because of the
age and/or health of several of the Justices.”   Neumann wrote.
“Here are the facts, once again, about the current Supreme
Court line-up...Ruth Bader Ginsburg (proabortion) is 79 and has cancer.
Anthony Kennedy (pro-life to ‘moderate’) is 76.  Antonin Scalia
(pro-life) is 76.  Stephen Breyer (pro-abortion) is 74.Clarence
Thomas (pro-life) is 64.  Samuel Alito (pro-life) is 62.  John Roberts
(pro-life) is 58.  Sonia Sotomayor (very pro-abortion) is 58 and Elena
Kagan (radically pro-abortion) is 52.” Neumann said.  “As you
can see, there are at least four members of the Court that could
(or should) be retiring in the next 4 years. So if even one of them
retires in the next 4 years, whoever is President will be able to forge
the destiny of the United States regarding abortion. Since the
recent Supreme Court cases that  have challenged Roe have come in
consistently at 5-4, just one of the pro-abortion Justices needs to be
replaced with a pro-life Justice... and it’s all over for Roe v. Wade.”
Neumann believes.   Neumann points to the fact that former
Justice Thurgood Marshall in his published memoirs, explained that
on quite a few occasions, Roe v. Wade was very close to being
overturned by the current Court, to bolster his position.  The two
Supreme Court Justices named by Barack Obama are Sonia
Sotomayor who is very pro-abortion and Elena Kagan who is
radically pro-abortion Should Obama be re elected, many more
millions of unborn children will be killed by abortion   for many
years to come as Obama will inevitably name justices who share
his pro-abortion views.

Romney campaign internal polling puts Republican nominee one point ahead in Ohio | Mail Online

Romney campaign internal polling puts Republican nominee one point ahead in Ohio | Mail Online: "Exclusive: Romney campaign internal polling puts Republican nominee up ONE POINT in Ohio and TIED in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin"

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Congressmen Lou Barletta and Tom Marino Represent Conservative Values

From the Daily Item regarding Congressmen Lou Barletta and Tom Marino:
Marino and Barletta campaigned as outsiders who pledged to represent conservative voices inside the Beltway. They have appeared as blocking linemen in the goal line stance against runaway spending. Message received.

To that I also want to add, they continue to strongly support pro-life issues.

2012 Voter's Guide

2012 Voter's Guide: "PA Pro-Life Federation PAC Releases List of Pro-Life Candidates"

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The EWTN Interview with Mitt Romney

Watch this excellent interview by Raymond Aroyo with Mitt Romney.
The EWTN Interview with Mitt Romney:

PA Attorney General's Race: David Freed vs. Kathleen Kane Debate Tonight.

From Capitolwire.com: 
"HARRISBURG (Oct. 22) – Sometime this week you will be able to turn on your TV and see both candidates for attorney general, in TV ads. Tonight you can tune in to see the Democrat, Kathleen Kane, and the Republican, David Freed, debate with a third-party candidate on the Pennsylvania Cable Network."(See secondt post about PCN and the debate)
The article continues:
"Because while Freed has kept up a public schedule of campaigning events, and welcomed media coverage and answered questions at length, Kane has ducked scrutiny more than any other Pennsylvania statewide candidate in my tenure covering statewide politics."

"On one recent day as her staff told my staff she was making no public appearances and maybe she would be in the Harrisburg area the following week, I walked down to Second Street for a slice of pizza. When I picked up my order, my luncheon companion told me Kane had just walked by, as had U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Montgomery, in town to raise funds for Kane."  

Cirba:  Allyson Schwartz is a Pennsylvania congresswoman who is so radically pro-abortion that her voting record on life issues from 2005 to the present according to National Right to Life Committee is thirty-three votes against pro-life.  If Schwartz is holding fundraisers for  \ 
Kathleen Kane, you can bet she will vote pro-abortion.  Perhaps the reason she is making herself scarce to the public and reporters is that she does not want to answer questions about her stance on abortion.  

Obamacare: The Road to Repeal Starts in the States | Michael F. Cannon | Cato Institute: Commentary

Obamacare: The Road to Repeal Starts in the States | Michael F. Cannon | Cato Institute: Commentary: "States that have refused to implement the Obama health law have already blocked $80 billion of its new deficit spending. If more states follow suit, they can block the other $1.6 trillion and force Congress to repeal the law."

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Tonight LIVE at 8pm: Open Phones on PA Attorney General Candidate Debate : PCN: Pennsylvania's Neighborhood.

Tonight LIVE at 8pm: Open Phones on PA Attorney General Candidate Debate : PCN: Pennsylvania's Neighborhood.: "Live at 7PM, PCN and the PA Legislative Correspondents’ Association will jointly sponsor a debate featuring the candidates for PA Attorney General at the Widener University School of Law. Both Republican David Freed and Democrat Kathleen Kane are scheduled to participate.  Immediately following the event, at 8PM, PCN will open the phones to take your comments on the debate, and more broadly, on the upcoming Election.  Guests will include Ray Zaborney, of Red Maverick Media, and Don Cunningham, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp."

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States Should Not Set Up Exchanges for Obama Care

Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally in Scranton, PA Oct. 20th at noon

On October 20th,  at noon... tens of thousands of faithful citizens will gather in prayer and public witness in cities and towns all across the United States to oppose the HHS Mandate and stand up in defense of our RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!  This mandate from Obama's Department of Health and Human Services forces employers to provide free contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs through their health plans.
 Catholic, and other Christian hospitals, Businesses, Universities and charities are being ordered to obey the HHS Mandate, in direct opposition to Christian moral teaching.  This is
an  UNPRECEDENTED ASSAULT ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY!

In March and June, over 120,000 faithful Americans rallied against the HHS Mandate at over 300 rally sites coast to coast.  Unaddressed  the loss other freedoms may not be far behind! The Supreme Court's Obamacare ruling has left it up to "We the People" to stop the HHS Mandate -- and the general election is only weeks away!! LET'S STAND TOGETHER AS ONE AT THIS CRITICAL TIME IN HISTORY!  

 for  More Info: 
  Contact Mary Ann Haas Haas_1@msn.com  570 346-5094    http://StandUpRally.com/ 
 

GREAT LINEUP OF SPEAKERS.. and  YOU!!!  LET'S STAND TOGETHER AS ONE AT THIS CRITICAL TIME IN HISTORY!  IF NOT NOW.. WHEN?   IF NOT US?? WHO??  FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH IN THE WORLD IT IS ONLY FOR GOOD PEOPLE TO DO NOTHING!

Patients starve and die of thirst on hospital wards - Telegraph

Obama always talks about how much cheaper medical care is in the UK.  This article in the Telegraph proves YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!  It reports patients dying of thirst, starvation and many who were malnourished when they died.  If Obama is reelected, this is where Obamacare will take us.  From the Telegraph:
"The Office for National Statistics figures also showed that:
* as well as 43 people who starved to death, 287 people were recorded by doctors as being malnourished when they died in hospitals;"  Visit:

Patients starve and die of thirst on hospital wards - Telegraph:

Biden accused of being disrespectful in vice presidential debate with grins, laughs | Fox News

Read any mainstream media article on the vice-presidential debate last night and you will see Biden described as 'feisty' or 'passionate'.  The man was just plain rude, and having no substance to his arguments and a dismal record to avoid, Biden's strategy seemed to be 'do everything to keep Ryan from making his points.' Fox has a balanced article I've linked to..

As someone who was born in Scranton, raised in two Scranton suburbs, and moved back to Scranton as an adult, I wish the Democrats and the press would stop referring to Biden as coming from Scranton.   Biden left Scranton when he was eight years old.  Biden is an embarrassment as his condescending debate performance proved.  Scrantonians had nothing to do with launching Biden's political career or electing him to the Senate.  So please, blame Delaware!  

From FOX News:  "Vice President Biden was aggressive in taking on Paul Ryan in their debate Thursday in a way President Obama wasn't last week against Mitt Romney, but Biden's smile may have stolen some of his thunder.

The vice president, especially toward the beginning of the debate in Kentucky, could be seen grinning and laughing -- some have said smirking -- during Ryan's answers, as he prepared to dismiss Ryan's points as "impossible" and "malarkey."" Visit:

Biden accused of being disrespectful in vice presidential debate with grins, laughs | Fox News:

National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition Endorses Lou Barletta for Second Term

National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition

Endorses Lou Barletta for Second Term

Hazleton, PA – The National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, which consists of 70 veterans’ organizations representing more than 250,000 war veterans, awarded its coveted endorsement to incumbent U.S. Representative Lou Barletta.   In announcing its endorsement, the Coalition noted Rep. Barletta’s leadership on veterans’ issues and his unwavering sense of patriotism.

“Lou Barletta is an American patriot, through and through,” stated John J. Molloy, Chairman of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition.  “We greatly appreciate his willingness to continue to serve our nation and to support those who answered America’s call to duty.  We are grateful to Congressman Barletta for his support of legislation related to the proper care, treatment and recognition of members of our armed forces and our veterans.  He has our enthusiastic endorsement and unconditional support for his re-election in November.”

Added Congressman Barletta, “I’m honored to accept the endorsement of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition. The continued support of the brave men and women who fought for our country and for the freedoms we enjoy is special to me.  I remain a strong advocate for the issues that are important to veterans, including the proper care of those who served and still serve. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and I promise I will never let them down.”

###

Lance Stange Jr.

Campaign Manager

Lou Barletta for Congress

Wynn On Obama: "I'll Be Damned If I Want To Have Him Lecture Me"

Steve Wynn CEO of Wynn Resorts talks about the destructive influence Obama's policies have on business in this article and video.  Visit:
Wynn On Obama: "I'll Be Damned If I Want To Have Him Lecture Me"

Transcript of first presidential debate | Fox News

If you didn't see it, at least read Romney -especially on health care.  I thoughhht he did very well.
Transcript of first presidential debate | Fox News: "Transcript of first presidential debate
Published October 03, 2012FoxNews.com"

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School: Sorry About Hammer & Sickle | FOX News & Commentary: Todd Starnes

This is hard to believe!  No one in the School thought this was a bad idea?
School: Sorry About Hammer & Sickle | FOX News & Commentary: Todd Starnes: "A Pennsylvania school district has apologized and made significant changes to a high school marching band’s halftime show that commemorated the Russian Revolution with red flags, military-style outfits and giant hammers and sickles."

RealClearMarkets - The Emerging Obamacare Truth Is Disarray

According to an article in Real Clear Markets features of Obamacare are way over budget  From the article: "The temporary "high risk" pools that Obamacare created, to provide a way for those with pre-existing health conditions to get insurance immediately, are undersubscribed yet way over budget. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the $5 billion allocated to these pools could enroll 200,000 consumers. They envisioned enrollment growing to more than 400,000. But only 77,877 have signed up as of July, yet the program is way over its budget. More than a quarter of these state-based risk pools are short on cash."  Visit:  RealClearMarkets - The Emerging Obamacare Truth Is Disarray:

Obama's Catholic Army - YouTube

Obama's Catholic Army - YouTube:

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Rally for Religious Freedom to be Held in Scranton, PA on October 20th

BY MARY ANN HAAS

The time to rally for Religious Freedom is now!

The time has come to double down in the fight for religious freedom. And the November election is our defining moment to reversing this dangerous threat to our Liberty. That’s why the Stand Up for Religious Freedom Coalition is calling for a third nationwide Stand Up Rally to take place on Saturday, October 20 at Noon, just 17 days before the general election. In Scranton, the location is 235 N. Washington Avenue, (Courthouse Square)Scranton, Pa. More than 125,000 people attended the March 23 and June 8 Rallies, and the number of cities already on board for October 20 indicates that the Stand Up for Religious Freedom campaign shows no signs of weakening. On the contrary, opposition among the American people to the HHS Mandate’s assault on religious freedom is intense—and getting stronger! Speakers from various faith communities and others passionate about the cause will be participating. From Miami, Florida to Seattle, Washington and all the way out to Honolulu, Hawaii the American people are sending a message that we will not stand idly by while the federal government forces all employer health plans to provide free contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortion-inducing drugs, regardless of any moral or religious objections. Join Americans all across the country in this fight to restore respect for the right to religious freedom in the United States!
Info for Scranton rally, visit http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/

“The Importance of ‘Living Dyingly’”

Wesley Smith discusses the experience of his father when ding and voices his opposition to assisted suicide. Visit: “The Importance of ‘Living Dyingly’”

2016: Obama's America vs. RNC

On Tuesday of the Republican convention I went to see the Dinesh D'Souza movie 2016: Obama's America and learned more about Obama in that documentary that I did listening to Governor Christie's speech that night. When do the Republicans intend to tell us what Obama has done to destroy this nation? D'Souza's reports Obama's decision to disarm America taking us from 5000 nuclear warheads to 1,500 with a video showing Obama whispering to a Russian official that he will be able to further reduce warheads in Obama's next term.

I am a Reaganite and I believe in peace through strength. There are some 300,000,000 people in this nation and I don't want Iran, the Chinese or Vladimir Putin to use the USA for target practice. If concern for the lives of 300,000,000 Americans isn't pro-life, what is?

Nellie Gray, March for Life,

"From SFLA’s President, Kristan Hawkins: “Today marks a bittersweet moment for the pro-life movement, a great warrior for the preborn, Nellie Gray, has left this earth and entered her eternal reward. Pro-life students from across the nation will be forever grateful for the leadership that Nellie Gray has provided to our movement, for founding the March for Life, and setting an example of passion and perseverance that inspires us all to dedicate our lives to finishing what she started, abolishing abortion in our lifetime.”"
Nellie Gray, March for Life,:

Debt Up $6.35T Since Ryan Predicted--in 2008-U.S. Was Headed Toward Bankruptcy | CNSNews.com

(CNSNews.com) - Rep. Paul Ryan, whom Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has picked as his running mate, told CNSNews.com four years ago, in August 2008, that the U.S. was heading toward bankruptcy on the fiscal path it was then following and that it would be “mindboggling” to make the problem worse by adding the sort of health-care plan that then-Sen. Barack Obama was advocating in his presidential campaign."  Visit:

Debt Up $6.35T Since Ryan Predicted--in 2008-U.S. Was Headed Toward Bankruptcy | CNSNews.com: "

Former Susan G. Komen exec has book deal | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com

"The former Susan G. Komen executive at the heart of the organization's clash with Planned Parenthood has a book deal.

Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, announced Monday that Karen Handel's "Planned Bullyhood" will come out Sept. 11."  Visit:

Former Susan G. Komen exec has book deal | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com:"

Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan appear together as running mates

Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan appear together as running mates

Abortion Doc Who Kills "Ugly Black Babies," a Democrat Donor | LifeNews.com

"The abortion practitioner who is getting national attention for telling pro-life advocates that his abortions help rid the world of “ugly, black babies” turns out to be a prominent Democratic Party donor.

“The doctor in the video, apparently, is an active political donor, giving almost all his money to Democrats,” notes Tim Carney, of the Washington Examiner.

Ashutosh Virmani is a frequent Democratic Party contribute, according to a web site that tracks federal political donations."  Visit:

Abortion Doc Who Kills "Ugly Black Babies," a Democrat Donor | LifeNews.com:

Timeline in the Abortion Death of Tonya Reaves - YouTube

Timeline in the Abortion Death of Tonya Reaves - YouTube: ""

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Planned Parenthood Waited Five Hours Before Sending Abortion Victim to ER | LifeNews.com

"New documents a local CBS television station obtained in the case of a young African-American woman killed in a fatal botched legal abortion show Planned Parenthood waited over five hours before sending the woman to a local hospital for emergency care.

Steve Miller of the CBS news affiliate WBBM has released a new report showing documents released in the botched abortion death of Tonya Reaves that alarmingly shows Planned Parenthood delayed summoning emergency care for the dying woman for five and a half hours after the abortion failed.

At 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Reaves received a second-trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion at Planned Parenthood, located at 18 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Following the abortion, Reaves began bleeding heavily and it continued at Planned Parenthood for five and a half hours before a Fire Department ambulance finally took her to Northwestern Memorial Hospital at 4:30 p.m., according to Miller."  Visit:

Planned Parenthood Waited Five Hours Before Sending Abortion Victim to ER | LifeNews.com:

This is not merely a botched abortion, this is a reckless disregard for human life!  The abortion clinic waited five hours to call an ambulance.  It is about time abortionists went to jail for this sort of thing.

Woman Dies After Second-Trimester Abortion at Planned Parenthood | LifeNews.com

"A young woman has died after having a second-trimester abortion at a Chicago-area Planned Parenthood clinic. Tonya Reaves, 24, died late Friday night, according to a local CBS television station, of hemorrhage, with a cervical dilation and evacuation, according to the medical examiner’s office following an autopsy after the abortion that claimed her life.

CBS Chicago said Reaves died after the abortion she had at 18 S. Michigan Avenue Planned Parenthood facility. The woman was transported from the Loop Health Center Planned Parenthood abortion clinic to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 11:20 P.M."
Visit:  Woman Dies After Second-Trimester Abortion at Planned Parenthood | LifeNews.com:

Federal court victories for Maryland crisis pregnancy centers : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

"A federal appeals court has ruled that Baltimore’s mayor and city council infringed upon constitutional free speech rights in compelling crisis pregnancy centers to post signs stating that they “do not provide or make referral for abortion or birth control services.”

The 2-1 appellate court ruling affirmed a lower court’s decision that the ordinance constituted “a form of compelled speech that alters the course of a [pregnancy] center’s communication with a client or prospective client"  Visit:

Federal court victories for Maryland crisis pregnancy centers : News Headlines - Catholic Culture:

Angelina Jolie's Dad Backs Brad Pitt's Mom After Abortion-Death Threats | LifeNews.com

"Jane Pitt faced death threats from liberal activists following her letter to the editor to a newspaper in which she blasts President Barack Obama for his lengthy pro-abortion record. In the letter published by the Springfield News-Leader, Pitt calls President Obama, “a liberal who supports the killing of unborn babies.” She adds, “Any Christian who does not vote or writes in a name is casting a vote for Romney’s opponent, Barack Hussein Obama.”   Visit:
Angelina Jolie's Dad Backs Brad Pitt's Mom After Abortion-Death Threats | LifeNews.com:

2012 05-17 Dr. Anthony Levatino Statement - YouTube

2012 05-17 Dr. Anthony Levatino Statement - YouTube: ""

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Abortion Opponents Find Success In Statehouses - Kaiser Health News

By the end of this week, Mississippi may be the only state in the nation to have no abortion clinic within its borders.

A federal judge will decide on Wednesday whether or not to continue blocking a new law that would effectively shut down the one such clinic remaining. The law, signed by Governor Phil Bryant in April, requires doctors performing abortions to be board-certified OB-GYNs and to have admitting privileges at local hospitals. That is a condition that the Jackson Women’s Health Organization says it cannot meet. Visit: Abortion Opponents Find Success In Statehouses - Kaiser Health News:

"An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, the power to destroy,"

"Nearly two centuries ago Daniel Webster stood before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of James McCulloch, head of the Baltimore branch of the Second Bank of the United States. At issue were two basic questions: Did the federal government have the authority to establish a bank? And did states have the authority to tax that bank (and by extension the federal government)?

"An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, the power to destroy," Webster famously argued in opposition to the latter question." Visit: Pro-Life Blogs:

U.S. House Judiciary Committee schedules vote TOMORROW on bill to curb D.C.'s no restrictions abortion policy

U.S. House Judiciary Committee schedules vote TOMORROW on bill to curb D.C.'s no restrictions abortion policy  Call your Representatives.

Thomas Sowell on the Constitution

"The Fourth of July may be just a holiday for fireworks to some people. But it was a momentous day for the history of this country and the history of the world.
Not only did July 4, 1776 mark American independence from England, it marked a radically different kind of government from the governments that prevailed around the world at the time -- and the kinds of governments that had prevailed for thousands of years. " Visit: Thomas Sowell:

Patriot Voices - Rick Santorum's commentary on the Supreme Court's Health Care Ruling

From Rick Santorum:  ""I believe so strongly that if we do not defeat President Obama this November and elect more conservatives in the House and Senate, our country's future prosperity is at risk. We saw the absolute disregard President Obama showed for the Supreme Court's ruling on the Arizona immigration law, that I have no doubt that he sees today's ruling in his favor as a mandate that he can now do whatever he chooses by any means possible.""  Santorum is raising money to elect conservatives to Congress.  Visit:  Patriot Voices:

For Greater Glory will be in the Dietrich Theater the week of July 6th.

For Greater Glory:

Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog

From Wesley Smith:  "I wrote a quick piece for the Daily Caller about the Obamacare ruling that gets to the nub of what happened today. From “Obamacare Ruling Reflects Technocratic Imperative:”

Why is anyone surprised? Obamacare was never going to be overturned. Not that it is constitutional, as the Constitution was originally conceived. It surely isn’t. But that Constitution has been terminally ill for a long time. Now it is dead."  Visit:  Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog:

Pitts on Supreme Court Health Decision | Congressman Joe Pitts

Jun 28, 2012 Issues: Health Care
This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued their decision in NFIB vs. Sebelius, ruling that the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate is constitutional. Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) is currently reviewing the decision and will issue a more detailed opinion later in the day.

Rep. Pitts’ statement follows:
“While I am deeply disappointed that the law was upheld, I continue to believe that it is bad policy. Just because the Supreme Court declares something Constitutional does not mean that it is a good idea. The health care law is not the reform Americans need or deserve.”"  Visit:  Pitts on Supreme Court Health Decision | Congressman Joe Pitts:

Marino Statement on Supreme Court's Obamacare Decision | Congressman Thomas Marino

June 28, 2012

U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (PA-10) issued the following statement today upon the announcement of the Supreme Court’s decision on the challenge to Obamacare:

“Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Congress must continue to chip away at the most egregious and unpopular provisions of Obamacare in hopes of achieving a full repeal.  The House has already voted 30 times to fully repeal, defund or dismantle parts of Obamacare.

“The simple truth is that President Obama, his liberal allies in Congress, and the special interest groups who wrote Obamacare brought us to this point by ignoring the will of the American people and the principles on which our nation was founded.

“Obamacare puts our nation on exactly the wrong path.  Instead of making health care more affordable, it increases health care costs for families and small businesses.  Instead of making quality health care more accessible, it threatens an individual’s ability to keep employer-sponsored insurance coverage.  Instead of making sure health decisions can be made by doctors and patients, it gives government bureaucrats control over our entire health care system.  And, instead of controlling out-of-control federal spending, it will add up to $530 billion to the federal debt over 10 years. 

“Constitutional or not, there is no doubt this misguided law and the time wasted will be a stain on Barack Obama’s presidency.    

“Once Obamacare is repealed fully, we can initiate a fact-based national conversation about finding a better approach that will lower health care costs, increase access to quality care, and empower patients and doctors to make decisions about care; not insurance companies or bureaucrats.”  Visit:  Marino Statement on Supreme Court's Obamacare Decision | Congressman Thomas Marino: 

Supreme Court upholds Obama health care law

"The Supreme Court upheld President Obama's health care law today in a splintered, complex opinion that gives Obama a major election-year victory.

Basically, the justices said that the individual mandate -- the requirement that most Americans buy health insurance or pay a fine -- is constitutional as a tax.

Chief Justice John Roberts -- a conservative appointed by President George W. Bush -- provided a key vote to preserve the landmark health care law, which figures to be a major issue in Obama's re-election bid against Republican opponent Mitt Romney."  Visit:  Supreme Court upholds Obama health care law:

Shock: British NHS Euthanizes 130,000 Elderly Patients Annually | LifeNews.com

Professor Pullicino reports that doctors in the United Kingdom's government run health care often put elderly patients on the "Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP)" which amounts to active euthanasia.  From Lifenews.com:

"It (LCP)can include withdrawal of treatment – including the provision of water and nourishment by tube – and on average brings a patient to death in 33 hours. There are around 450,000 deaths in Britain each year of people who are in hospital or under NHS care. Around 29 per cent – 130,000 – are of patients who were on the LCP.

Professor Pullicino claimed that far too often elderly patients who could live longer are placed on the LCP and it had now become an ‘assisted death pathway rather than a care pathway’. He cited ‘pressure on beds and difficulty with nursing confused or difficult-to-manage elderly patients’ as factors.

Pullicino admitted patients are too quickly put on the pathway who need basic medical treatment and have long lifespans ahead of them. He said he personally intervened to take a patient off the LCP who went on to be successfully treated and told the paper it is “palpably false” that all patients subjected to euthanasia have a grim medical prognosis."  Visit:

Shock: British NHS Euthanizes 130,000 Elderly Patients Annually | LifeNews.com:

Rick Santorum Launches Patriot Voices

 "Chicago, IL - Former Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum announced today the launch of a new organization, Patriot Voices, which will mobilize one million conservatives around this country who are committed to promoting faith, family, freedom and opportunity.

As a candidate for President, Rick Santorum earned the support of millions of conservatives and energized countless Americans who felt no one was representing their views. Senator Santorum's 11-state victory reminded voters that conservative values are alive and well all across America."
Visit:  Patriot Voices:

Pennsylvania abortion clinics get reprieve from law - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Abortion clinics across the state have asked for and received a six-month reprieve from the Department of Health from complying with a tough new law that goes into effect today that they meet the same standards as free-standing ambulatory centers.

The state's 22 abortion providers -- some nonprofit, some for-profit centers and others based in hospitals -- were told Friday by department officials that they would receive provisional licenses, allowing them to remain open "   -  (Yeah, open and killing babies.  The Governor needs to clean house at the Department of Health and hire pro-life people. Sue Cirba)  For newspaper article visit:   Pennsylvania abortion clinics get reprieve from law - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

First Amendment, not about Pill, but Bill of Rights

"t’s not about the Pill. It’s about the Bill (of Rights).

That’s the view of two legal scholars on religious liberty issues as they observe what they see as an orchestrated campaign against the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion.

Helen Alvare, associate professor of law at George Mason University in Virginia, says that one of the most prominent religious liberty issues today revolves around the Obama Administration’s regulation that would force many religious organizations to pay, through their health insurance premiums, for sterilization and contraceptives, including abortion-inducing drugs, for their employees. This mandate would force the Catholic Church to violate its own teaching.

“The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion, which includes religious institutions being allowed to operate with complete integrity,” says Alvare. " Visit:

First Amendment, not about Pill, but Bill of Rights:

Pain of the Unborn MP3 by nationalrighttolife

Pain of the Unborn MP3 by nationalrighttolife

Here is one of the workshops from the 2011 National Right to Life Convention on the ability of the Unborn child to feel pain. It is a bit technical but listen to it a second time if you must. The general public and especially our legislators need to be aware of this information. Five states thus far have enacted laws outlawing late term abortion because the unborn child is able to feel pain.

Perfecting Prenatal Eugenics | First Things

 "But prenatal genetic testing leads to shockingly high rates of abortion. Some estimates put the abortion rate for babies diagnosed in utero with Down syndrome at over 90 percent. While these are just estimates—and disputed ones at that—I can personally attest to what might be called the medical community’s orientation toward abortion. After receiving Magdalena’s diagnosis, and after making clear that we wouldn’t abort our daughter, a doctor/administrator at a prestigious, big-city hospital offered without prompting to help us cross state lines for an abortion after the legal window in our state closed at 24 weeks of pregnancy."
Perfecting Prenatal Eugenics | First Things:

Planned Parenthood Sets Up Shop At Roosevelt High To Reduce Teen Pregnancies « CBS Los Angeles

"Planned Parenthood and the Los Angeles Unified School District have teamed up in an unusual collaboration to reduce the number of unplanned teen pregnancies at Roosevelt High School."  Why this school in particular?
Although teen birth rates are generally down in California, the article states, "the heavily Latino and low-income neighborhood around Roosevelt High School,  buck that trend."  
Students can visit the on-campus health clinic to get free birth control, pregnancy tests, counseling and screening for sexually transmitted diseases "– Visit: Planned Parenthood Sets Up Shop At Roosevelt High To Reduce Teen Pregnancies « CBS Los Angeles:

Looks like yet another example of Planned Parenthood's bias against the poor and minorities.  I wonder what the abortion rate is at this school.

New Development in Adult Stem Cell Research - Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog

"Which brings us to the latest adult stem cell breakthrough. Scientists have turned human fat stem cells into bone. From the Telegraph story:

Scientists have grown human bone from stem cells in a laboratory. The development opens the way for patients to have broken bones repaired or   even replaced with entire new ones grown outside the body from a patient’s own cells. The researchers started with stem cells taken from fat tissue. It took around   a month to grow them into sections of fully-formed living human bone up to a couple of inches long. The first trial in patients is on course to be conducted later this year, by an Israeli biotechnology company that has been working with academics on the technology." Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog:

Obama’s Third-Party History - Stanley Kurtz - National Review Online

Obama’s Third-Party History - Stanley Kurtz - National Review Online: "On the evening of January 11, 1996, while Mitt Romney was in the final years of his run as the head of Bain Capital, Barack Obama formally joined the New Party, which was deeply hostile to the mainstream of the Democratic party and even to American capitalism. In 2008, candidate Obama deceived the American public about his potentially damaging tie to this third party. The issue remains as fresh as today’s headlines, as Romney argues that Obama is trying to move the United States toward European-style social democracy, which was precisely the New Party’s goal."

Stand Up for Religious Freedom - OFFICIAL VIDEO - YouTube

Stand Up for Religious Freedom - OFFICIAL VIDEO - YouTube: ""

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150 Cities Will See Protests Against Obama HHS Mandate | LifeNews.com

"More than 150 cities will see pro-life advocates and others opposed to the new Obama HHS mandate take to the streets to make it known they don’t appreciate the violation of religious liberty the mandate makes by requiring religious groups to pay for birth control and abortion-causing drugs for their employees.

The Stand Up Rally will be held at federal buildings this Friday, June 8 at noon local time across the country, at federal buildings, Congressional offices and historic sites in such cities as Chicago, New York, Detroit, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Philadelphia."  Visit:

150 Cities Will See Protests Against Obama HHS Mandate | LifeNews.com:

Wisconsin Governor Walker survives recall, giving Obama plenty to worry about - NY Daily News

 "If you slipped into a coma a year and a half ago, you’d wake up today and see that very little’s changed in Wisconsin since you were gone. Winters still require thermals and a sense of adventure. Brats, beer and squeaky cheese curds are still the Badger State’s three main food groups. And in the fall, 73,000 cheeseheads will flock to Green Bay and hover over a hallowed swath of frozen tundra named for a guy who went by “Curly.”
 And yes, Scott Walker is still the state’s governor."  Visit:

Wisconsin Governor Walker survives recall, giving Obama plenty to worry about - NY Daily News:

‘Death with Dignity’ in Massachusetts - Greg Pfundstein - National Review Online

‘Death with Dignity’ in Massachusetts - Greg Pfundstein - National Review Online: "Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the Libyan convicted of the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, died of prostate cancer on May 20. Nearly three years earlier, on August 20, 2009, Scottish authorities had released him on compassionate grounds so that he could return home to die. At the time, he was thought to have three months to live. Some think that al-Megrahi’s survival of his prognosis undermined whatever grounds there were for his early release. But if we set aside his crimes and consider him as a patient with medical needs, his case sheds light on the current proposal for doctor-prescribed suicide in Massachusetts."

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Test of Fire: Election 2012 (Official HD Version - Catholic) - YouTube

Ad calling Catholics to vote in November on non-negotiable issues of Life, Marriage and Religious Freedom:


Visit:
Test of Fire: Election 2012 (Official HD Version - Catholic) - YouTube:

Our Constitution Began 225 Years Ago Today - Read Constitutional Countdown

"The remarkable four months that gave us the Constitution began 225 years ago, today, on May 25, 1787. State delegates gathered to discuss ways to replace the failing Articles of Confederation. The process proceeded in several stages. One scholar on the Constitution Convention Gordon Lloyd divides the summer into a four-act drama.
Act I (May 1787) centers around the Virginia Plan, which was a proposal for a bicameral legislature, with representation based on state populations.  The New Jersey Plan, by contrast, proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states. " Visit the Heritage Foundation at:
Constitutional Countdown:

Our Constitution Began 225 Years Ago Today - Read Constitutional Countdown

"The remarkable four months that gave us the Constitution began 225 years ago, today, on May 25, 1787. State delegates gathered to discuss ways to replace the failing Articles of Confederation. The process proceeded in several stages. One scholar on the Constitution Convention Gordon Lloyd divides the summer into a four-act drama.
Act I (May 1787) centers around the Virginia Plan, which was a proposal for a bicameral legislature, with representation based on state populations.  The New Jersey Plan, by contrast, proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states. " Visit the Heritage Foundation at:
Constitutional Countdown:

Top 10 Outrageous Quotes From Nancy Pelosi | NewsReal Blog

Nancy Pelosi is coming to Scranton  to do a fund raiser for Matt Cartwright.  I just wanted to share the following article about Outrageous quotes by Ms. Pelosi.  Enjoy.

"The following are ten outrageous statements made by Pelosi in just the few years. She should avoid making statements like these in the future:

1.“The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, ‘To minister to the needs of God’s creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.’ On this Earth Day, and every day, let us pledge to our children, and our children’s children, that they will have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature.”

Nice. The only problem is the Old Testament contains no such quote."
For quotes 2   through 10 visit:
Top 10 Outrageous Quotes From Nancy Pelosi | NewsReal Blog:

Welcome to Freedom, a press release by Rep.Chris Smith regading Chen Guancheng

Welcome to Freedom by Rep. Chris Smith:

U.S. Representative Christopher H. Smith of New Jersey, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the arrival of Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng at Newark Liberty Airport in the United States:     "After years of enduring physical and psychological torture, imprisonment, and hate, the man, Chen Guangcheng, who defended Chinese women from the crime of forced abortion is finally free," said Smith, who met with Chen after his arrival in the U.S. “America welcomes this extraordinary family with open arms. (click here to watch a May 21 CNN report on the arrival)     "Joined by his equally heroic wife, Yuan Weijing, and their children, the Chens will finally get to rest, recuperate, and recover.  His children can now begin the process of healing from emotional trauma no child should ever endure."  (Note:  Chen has two children only because some disabled persons -- Chen is blind -- are permitted to have a second child.)     "Great human rights leaders are never separated from the noble causes they espoused.  Think of Lech Walesa and Solidarity, Nelson Mandela and opposition to apartheid, Aung San Suu Chi and democracy in Burma.  Chen's cause is ending China's One Child Policy and forced abortion."     "Not all the Chens are free and safe, however.  The Chinese government must immediately end its deplorable retaliation against Chen's family and friends who remain in China."     At two congressional hearings chaired by Smith on May 3 and May 15, (Click here to view video of the May 15 hearing.  Click here to watch CSPAN video of Smith's May 3 hearing.) Chen testified by telephone and pleaded for the protection of his extended family -- especially his mother, brother, and nephew -- and friends.  Smith chaired an emergency hearing on Chen on October 31, 2011. The congressman nominated Chen for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, along with two other persecuted Chinese human rights advocates—Gao Zhisheng and Liu Xiaobo. Liu won ultimately won the 2010 prize. Since November 2011, Smith has been repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to get a visa to travel to visit Chen by the Chinese government. Smith held an emergency hearing on Chen in Nov. 2011 of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which Smith chairs.     "Over the last several days, several of Chen's relatives and supporters have been arrested and brutally beaten as part of the Chinese government's refocused retaliation.  They can't beat him anymore, but they are beating his relatives and friends," Smith said today.     Smith, Chairman of the House panel on human rights, said, "Chen Guangcheng is among the bravest defenders of women’s rights in the world. He defended thousands of women from the ongoing, most egregious and systematic state-sponsored exploitation and abuse of women in human history -- pervasive forced abortion and involuntary sterilization as part of China’s one child per couple policy.  He suffered torture, cruel and degrading treatment, unjust incarceration, and multiple beatings as a result."     "The sheer magnitude of this exploitation of women has been largely overlooked and trivialized -- and even enabled -- by many. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has for over thirty years supported, defended, and whitewashed the crimes against women and children Chen struggled to expose. That’s why President Reagan and more recently President Bush defunded the UNFPA.  In an indefensible reversal, the Obama Administration has provided approximately $165 million to the UNFPA," Smith said.     Several individuals from Chen’s family who remain in China are vulnerable to retaliation by the Chinese government.  A list follows, with the most recent reports of their status: Wang Jinxiang, Chen Guangcheng’s 78-year-old mother—Chen reported to Voice of America on May 15 that she remained in their village in Shandong province, but is now permitted to leave their home without guard escort. (VOA Chinese, 15 May 12) Chen Guangfu, Chen Guangcheng's older brother. In a videotaped interview with Hong Kong magazine iSun Affairs inside his home, Chen Guangfu detailed the abuse he suffered at the hands of officials after they discovered Chen Guangcheng had escaped. “Chen Guangfu said the men cuffed his hands behind his back and shackled his feet with a chain, then slapped him several times, struck him in the ribs and stomped on his feet...’At the beginning they asked me, 'Do you know what's happened?' and I said, 'I don't know,' and each time I said that, they slapped me,’ ... Chen Guangfu said the interrogation lasted three days.”http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/activist-in-diplomatic-tussle-says-china-plans-to-have-familys-passports-ready-within-2-weeks/2012/05/17/gIQAweFBVU_story.html http://www.isunaffairs.com/?p=5071 A CNN journalist reportedly made contact with Chen Guangfu May 16th. He confirmed previous reports that Chen Kegui had acted out of self-defense in a confrontation with officials who had invaded his home following his uncle’s escape. According to CNN, Chen Guangfu said that “two to three dozen men scaled the wall and broke into his house after midnight, took him away and went back to beat his family, including his son Chen Kegui, who was forced to defend himself. ’If he didn't act in self-defense, he would've been dead himself,’ he said.” Chen Guangfu also reported, “[w]e’re not allowed to leave the village...[i]t’s not convenient for us to call Guangcheng or others.” http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/us/china-us-chen/index.html  CHRD reported learning new information about the confrontation that happened in Chen Guangfu’s home on April 27. Officials reportedly had entered his home twice on the morning of April 27. First to take away (and later torture) Chen Guangfu, and a second time in which they beat his wife Ren Zongju and son Chen Kegui. It was during the second time that Chen Kegui brandished a knife to attack or defend against the officials.  http://www.chrdnet.com/2012/05/16/china-human-rights-briefing-special-edition-shandong-police-torture-chen-guangfu-brother-of-chen-guangcheng-as-relatives-live-in-fear/  Authorities detained Chen Guangfu on April 26 following a clash with police in his home (CHRD, 1 May 12). Authorities released him on May 7 (VOA, translated by China Aid Association, 7 May 12)http://www.chinaaid.org/2012/05/voa-chen-kegui-already-criminally.html  Chen Guangfu reportedly remains under close police surveillance and is forbidden to leave his village or make any phone calls (RFA, 8 May 12). http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/fears-05082012153029.html  Chen Kegui, Chen Guangcheng's nephew, Chen Guangfu's son.  Chen Guangcheng expressed concerns about Chen Kegui in an AFP interview, indicating that authorities may not be permitting lawyers to see Chen Kegui because he has been beaten.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9271430/Chen-Guangcheng-to-get-passport-within-15-days.html  Chen Kegui was criminally detained on April 30 and formally arrested on May 9, on charges of “intentional homicide” (Criminal Procedure Law, Art. 61) for attacking/defending against officials who invaded his home after discovering that Chen Guangcheng had escaped. Chen Guangcheng reported to the Wall Street Journal on May 15 that local officials have still not permitted Chen Kegui to see his lawyers. Chen Kegui is being held at the Yinan County Detention Center in Shandong province. (WSJ, 15 May 12)http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303505504577405741772464640.html  Ren Zongju, Chen Guangcheng's sister-in-law, Chen Guangfu's wife, and Chen Kegui's mother. Ren was reportedly detained and then released pending trial on charges of "harboring a criminal," Chen Kegui. (RFA, 8 May 12). http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/fears-05082012153029.html Liu Fang, Chen Guangcheng's niece-in-law, Chen Kegui’s wife—Liu Fang’s lawyer, Si Weijiang, reported to the Wall Street Journal that Liu is in a safe location, but that local officials from her county are demanding to see her. Si plans to bring another lawyer to meet with the officials, but says, “I refuse to bring Chen [Kegui]’s wife over to see them.” (WSJ, 15 May 12)http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303505504577405741772464640.html  Chen Guangcun, Chen Guangcheng's cousin. Officials reportedly took Chen Guangcun and his son into custody on April 28, 2012. Information on his current whereabouts appears to be unavailable (Chinese Human Rights Defenders, 1 May 12). Chen Hua, Chen Guangcheng's cousin. Chen Guangcun's son. Officials reportedly took Chen Hua and his father into custody on April 28, 2012. Information on his current whereabouts appears to be unavailable (CHRD, 1 May 12). Status of Chen Guangcheng's Supporters: He Peirong—Nanjing-based human rights advocate. Played a key role in transporting Chen Guangcheng from Shandong province to Beijing following his escape. State security personnel reportedly took He from her home in Nanjing "to assist with investigations" (Reuters, 7 May 12).http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/us-china-chen-activist-idUSBRE8460E220120507  She was interrogated in a hotel for seven days and has now returned home, where she is "allowed to move about freely" (NYT, 8 May 12). http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/world/asia/chen-guangcheng-assisted-by-chinese-authorities-for-us-travel-plans.html?_r=3 On May 10, He posted on her Twitter account that she is not accepting interviews with the media (Twitter, 10 May 12). http://twitter.com/#!/pearlher/status/200506672173682688  Guo Yushan — Beijing-based scholar and human rights advocate. Authorities initially detained him for 50 hours following Chen's escape and released him on April 30 (LA Times, 1 May 12).http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/china-chen-guangcheng-dissident-nephew-held.html. A French journalist posted on Twitter on May 1 that he had spoken with Guo, who stated he was not allowed to grant interviews to foreign journalists (Twitter, 1 May 12).https://twitter.com/#!/jordanpouille/status/197507708105138177  Guo reportedly has remained in contact with Chen following his release (WP, 3 May 12).http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/post/chen-guangchengs-face-saving-deal/2012/05/03/gIQAXBllzT_blog.html  Jiang Tianyong— Beijing-based lawyer, human rights advocate, and supporter of Chen Guangcheng. Authorities reportedly ordered Jiang to leave Beijing on May 8 and instructed him to notify the police prior to his return. Jiang had previously reported that security personnel beat him after he attempted to visit Chen at the hospital, damaging his hearing. Authorities permitted him to seek medical treatment on May 7 for the injuries he sustained during the beating. The doctor that examined Jiang, however, reportedly refused to record the injury. Chinese Human Rights Defenders reported in their May 13 update that officials had warned Jiang not to return to Beijing until after the leadership transition occurs, expected late this year. (NYT, 8 May 12http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/world/asia/chen-guangcheng-assisted-by-chinese-authorities-for-us-travel-plans.html?_r= ; CHRD, 13 May 12) Hu Jia — Beijing-based human rights advocate. Authorities detained Hu Jia on April 27 and held him for 24 hours for questioning regarding Chen Guangcheng's escape (LA Times, 1 May 12).http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/china-chen-guangcheng-dissident-nephew-held.html  Hu Jia has not posted on his Twitter account https://twitter.com/#!/hu_jia  since April 30. Hu Jia stated that he would be cutting himself off from all technology from May 2-22. (Twitter, 30 April 12). https://twitter.com/#!/zengjinyan/status/199836379436433410 Zeng Jinyan — Beijing-based human rights advocate, wife of Hu Jia. Zeng stated in a May 2 post on her Twitter account that state security guards were following her when taking her daughter to school and that she was being placed under house arrest (Twitter, 2 May 12).https://twitter.com/#!/zengjinyan/status/197870793647071232  Zeng has subsequently posted that security personnel continue to prevent her from leaving her home, and that authorities continue to deny her requests to pursue a master's degree at a Hong Kong university (Twitter, 4 May 12https://twitter.com/#!/zengjinyan/status/198609245325885441, 5 May 12https://twitter.com/#!/zengjinyan/status/198951204078895104, 8 May 12 https://twitter.com/#!/zengjinyan/status/199834064159649793; Daily Beast 8 May 12)http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/08/chen-guangcheng-fears-authorities-will-persecute-relatives-he-leaves-behind.html. Zeng Jinyan's most recent Twitter post indicated that she would be cutting herself off from all technology for ten days (Twitter, 8 May 12).https://twitter.com/#!/zengjinyan/status/199836379436433410  Liu Yanping -- Associate of Beijing-based artist and human rights advocate Ai Weiwei. Authorities reportedly detained Liu when she attempted to bring a birthday cake to Chen Guangcheng's son at Chaoyang hospital on May 4. Liu reported on her Twitter account that authorities released her after 9 hours (Twitter, 4 May 12). https://twitter.com/#!/duyanpili/status/198483221674078209  Teng Biao —Beijing-based lawyer, human rights advocate, and supporter of Chen Guangcheng. Teng reported to Voice of America that he was expelled from Beijing on May 13, that he is temporarily staying in northeast China, and that state security officials warned him not to get involved in Chen Guangcheng’s case and not to accept media interviews. Zhao Wei —Shandong-based human rights advocate, supporter of Chen Guangcheng— Local officials in Liaocheng city, Shandong province recently declared Zhao’s passport invalid, apparently in connection with Chen’s case. http://www.chrdnet.com/2012/05/01/chen-guangcheng-a-special-bulletin-updates-on-situation-of-chen-guangcheng-his-family-members-relatives-supporters-since-chens-flight-for-freedom/    Liu Guohui—Shandong-based human rights advocate, supporter of Chen Guangcheng—officials reportedly have declared Liu’s passport invalid, apparently in connection with his previous attempts to visit Chen. http://www.chrdnet.com/2012/05/01/chen-guangcheng-a-special-bulletin-updates-on-situation-of-chen-guangcheng-his-family-members-relatives-supporters-since-chens-flight-for-freedom/

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