Category Archives: prolife

Choose Life

If you have the opportunity to attend daily Mass on this second day of Lent, you will hear a familiar phrase that has become a rallying cry for the pro-life movement.  So much so, that it has even become a popular bumper sticker and has made its way onto official state license plates.
From the book of Deuteronomy we are told to “Choose life.”  But what is most striking about this passage from which we pro-lifers draw inspiration is that it is much more than a plea for human rights.  The context of the reading is more of a political message from God warning that a nation that does not choose life, will not only be guilty of destroying life, but will also destroy its identity as a nation and will lose favor and protection from God.
 
In fact, the reading doesn’t even really focus on the victims of evil much at all, but takes it as a given that killing kills.  (Something that astonishingly we need to remind people of today)  Rather, the passage explains that nations that turn their backs on the natural law as outlined in the commandments of God, and therefore turn their backs on life itself, will cause its own destruction.  No nation can stand if it does not ‘choose life’.
 
As we begin this season of Lent, with all of its focus on sacrifice and penance to prepare ourselves for the memorial of Christ’s victory over death, let us remember to pray for and encourage those who serve in government and represent our nation before God, that they will present to Him a nation that does indeed listen to the natural law – one that always chooses life.
 
“Moses said to the people:
“Today I have set before you
life and prosperity, death and doom.
If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God,
which I enjoin on you today,
loving him, and walking in his ways,
and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees,
you will live and grow numerous,
and the LORD, your God,
will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy.
If, however, you turn away your hearts and will not listen,
but are led astray and adore and serve other gods,
I tell you now that you will certainly perish;
you will not have a long life
on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and occupy.
I call heaven and earth today to witness against you:
I have set before you life and death,
the blessing and the curse.
Choose life, then,
that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God,
heeding his voice, and holding fast to him.
For that will mean life for you,
a long life for you to live on the land that the LORD swore
he would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.””
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Obama Nominee Tried to Take Away Catholic Church Tax Exemption

Dawn Johnson, Nominated to head Justice Dept. Office of Legal Counsel

As the St. Michael Society continues with our petition drive urging the resignation of Obama’s faith based initiatives advisor Harry Knox for his attacks on Pope  Benedict XVI, there is yet another Obama friend and nominee that has a record of hostility against Catholics. Dawn Johnson, nominated by the President to head the Office of Legal Counsel in the Justice Department, in the 1980s tried to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Catholic Church over the church’s position in defense of the unborn. 

Bill Donahue, President of The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, fired back at a recent New York Times editorial encouraging her nomination.

“BASELESS CONCERNS” OVER DAWN JOHNSEN?
February 4, 2010
 
 

 

Catholic League president Bill Donohue directs his comments at an editorial in today’s New York Times:

If someone were nominated to serve in a major legal position in a Republican administration who previously tried to take away the tax exempt status of Islamic mosques and institutions—for purely political reasons—everyone knows that he or she would never be given a hearing. 

So why is Dawn Johnsen’s nomination to head the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel still being considered? She tried in the late 1980s to take away the tax exempt status of the Roman Catholic Church, all because she wanted to silence the Church’s voice on abortion. Yet the New York Times audaciously asserts today that the “baseless objections” and “baseless concerns” of her critics should be ignored.

Since when are objections to proven instances of bigotry considered “baseless”? Would it be “baseless” to object to someone who wants to deny Muslims the same tax exempt status afforded Catholics, Protestants, Jews and others? Would not such a person be branded a bigot who is unfit to serve in any administration, especially in a high post in the Justice Department? If the answer is obvious, then why is her nomination even alive?

Between the appointment of Harry Knox, and the nomination of Ms. Johnson, Catholics are growing increasingly concerned about a trending disdain for Catholics by the President and his Administration.  This is why it is so important for Catholics to speak out and take action in every way we can to defend our faith.  Please remember to sign our petition urging the resignation of Harry Knox.

 
 

 

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Bella’s Eduardo Versteragui Endorses Catholic Candidate for Illinois Governor

If you know anything about Catholic rock stars, chances are you have heard of Eduardo Versteragui. He’s the Mexican actor whose compassion, love and generosity for a mother and her unborn child stole our hearts in the award-winning 2006 film “Bella.”

 

Versteragui has an inspiring personal history, having transformed his life and mission as an actor after coming to Hollywood and converting to the faith.  Since his conversion, he has been extremely proactive in helping spread the pro-life message in entertainment media and the political arena.

His latest endorsement is to campaign on behalf of Adam Andrzejewski, a pro-life Roman Catholic running for Illinois state Governor.

Versteragui has issued a short video explaining why he is supporting Andrzejewski and the importance of electing a Governor who adheres to our Catholic values. As a politician who is “proudly pro-life,” Veesteragui enthusiastically shares that ”his position on the pro-life issue is as powerful as it is refreshing.” The video concludes in text, reminding viewers that Illinois is where President Obama began his political career and where he voted against the “Infant’s Born Alive Act.”

Well worth the two minute watch on YouTube:

Andrzejewski’s primary race is this Tuesday, February 2st and he is gaining momentum among five candidates, all of whom are separated by just eight points in the polls. His wife Kerry and their three daughters are parishioners of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Hinsdale, IL.

Support his campaign and visit http://www.adamforillinois.com/

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Tebow Responds to Critics, Please Send Tim a Message of Support

God bless Tim Tebow and God Bless Mrs. Tebow for choosing life.  Just watching this video (at bottom) we can see God’s hand at work in this fine young man, who has courageously stepped out to share his Celebrate Life story.  He so deserves our support. 

Given Tim’s strong and unwavering support for life, SMS is asking our friends to leave comments on our blog that we will pass on to our friends at Focus on the Family, the pro-life, pro-family organization which made this ad possible.

Thank you for supporting Tim and for helping our country Celebrate Life.  Leave comments in section below.

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Stop The Attempt To Use the “Nuclear” Option

From the Susan B. Anthony List

Nancy Pelosi is plotting to salvage Pro-Abortion Bill

Nancy Pelosi has revealed her intention to use the “nuclear” option to pass an amendment to the Senate Health Care Reform Bill through the Senate.  She intends to use this procedural trick to convince Representatives to pass the unpopular pro-abortion Senate Health Care Reform Bill.  Tell your Representative to oppose using procedural tricks to shove unpopular pro-abortion health care legislation through Congress.  Demand that they stand firm against any attempt to pass the pro-abortion Senate Health Care Reform Bill into law.

http://capwiz.com/sbalist/issues/alert/?alertid=14605861

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CBS Challenged to Hold Ground on Pro-Life Super Bowl Ad

Will CBS cave to pro-abortion activist pressures?

According to Brent Bozell, President of the Media Research Center, their credibility is toast if they do.

Bozell has called on CBS  to stay the course in planning to air the life-affirming Super Bowl commercial featuring  Tim Tebow and his mother, despite the opposition  from left-wing activist groups.

He makes some excellent points:

“Radical leftist groups like the National Organization for Women have the gall to claim that this life-affirming ad is ‘extraordinarily offensive and demeaning.’  I wonder, what is so offensive about celebrating the decision of a mother to have her baby? Apparently this is too much for these radicals to handle, so they are unabashedly pressuring CBS to censor the message. They are disgraceful.

Brent Bozell

Brent Bozell

“CBS has the opportunity to make this a game-changer for network television. It has been documented time and again that the broadcast networks are left-wing in their news, editorial and entertainment decisions.  Here is an opportunity for CBS to show balance and fairness – and simple decency. It also presents an opportunity to stand against liberal political censorship.  They should take it and run this positive, uplifting ad.

“If CBS caves to the leftist pressure, it’s over for this network’s credibility. On the other hand, CBS can make a very positive statement to all of America by holding its ground.”

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CBS Under Pressure to Scrap Pro-Life Ad Featuring Football Star

Update II: Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America, finds it absurd that NOW is even talking about the Tebow ad since they never cared about preview ads that demeaned women:

In the 3½ years that I advised FCC Chairman Kevin Martin on indecency issues I can’t recall one time that NOW ever spoke out about the sexually graphic or misogynistic content on CBS.I find it laughable that NOW has a problem with Tim Tebow sharing his own story.

If NOW really cared about women they would stop flacking for the abortion industry and start working on behalf of women and their concerns regarding sexually graphic and violent content on TV.

Update: Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, hits back at NOW’s (National Organization of Women) protests over the Tebow ad with a few zingers of her own as the pro-choice women’s group searches for a way to make itself relevant in an increasingly pro-life America:

NOW and company are losing their grip as their pro-abortion position sinks in public opinion. I had no idea NOW leaders were such experts on sports. Missed that part of their mission.   

 What is real here is their desperation to keep full information from women. Shouldn’t the “pro-choice” position respect Pam Tebow’s decision to choose Life?  What is the worst case scenario in allowing the ad to air?  Women are exposed to an example of sacrifice for the sake of an unborn child. NOW needs to explain where the harm and threat to women and children is here

 

University of Florida Gators Heisman Trophy winning, All-Star Quarterback, Tim Tebow, is an outspoken advocate for the unborn. Maybe that is because his mother was told to abort him and chose life instead. 

Feeling the need to share his story in celebration of life, Tebow has teamed up with the well-known, pro-life, pro-family organization Focus on the Family to air a 30 second commercial during this year’s Super Bowl.

If you have not heard about the ad, it is a very simple celebration of life on the part of a family.  As the AP describes it: 

We hope you will take time to either call or e-mail CBS and encourage them not to cave into pressure from the abortion industry and its advocates.  

Contact CBS:

Sean J. McManus

President CBS News and Sports

sjmcmanus@cbs.com

Phone: 212-975-4321

In the 3½ years that I advised FCC Chairman Kevin Martin on indecency issues I can’t recall one time that NOW ever spoke out about the sexually graphic or misogynistic content on CBS. I find it laughable that NOW has a problem with Tim Tebow sharing his own story. 

If NOW really cared about women they would stop flacking for the abortion industry and start working on behalf of women and their concerns regarding sexually graphic and violent content on TV.

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Catholics Need Not Apply In Massachusetts Hospitals; Coakley Says Catholics Should Not Work In ER Rooms

Students of American history remember that in the beginning, this country did not have a very tolerant approach to different religious beliefs.  Things got so bad that for many years it was illegal in many colonies to practice Catholicism and it was pretty commonplace to see signs such as the one above on many businesses.  In fact, Massachusetts was probably the least tolerant of all the colonies, even making the death penalty available for priests who dared to say Mass.

Though the country has obviously come a long way in this regard, it is also obvious that we have not shed such anti-Catholic sentiment completely.  This became clear a couple of days ago when Martha Coakley – Democrat candidate in next week’s senatorial election in Massachusetts – gave this response to a question about Catholic hospitals and doctors that would want conscience protections in any health care initiatives so that they can practice medicine without having to participate in things like abortion.

 

Transcript:

Ken Pittman: Right, if you are a Catholic, and believe what the Pope teaches that any form of birth control is a sin. ah you don’t want to do that.

Martha Coakley: No we have a separation of church and state Ken, lets be clear.

Ken Pittman: In the emergency room you still have your religious freedom.

Martha Coakley: (…stammering) The law says that people are allowed to have that. You can have religious freedom but you probably shouldn’t work in the emergency room.

There is so much wrong with this exchange – including a misunderstanding of the Church’s position on what is available to rape victims and what Catholic hospitals can do for them.  But, I’ll save that for another time.  Right now, with Tuesday’s election in MA rapidly approaching, it is important to just focus on the Democrat’s  ridiculous idea that doctors who have reasonable objections to participating in things like abortion should find other work – that there is simply no room in American hospitals for Catholic doctors.  And I assume that this also means that Catholic hospitals in general should close if they can’t provide abortions. 

Bill Donahue of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights says that Ms. Coakley is not only attacking Catholics, she is trampling on religious freedom.  Statement here. 

Please make sure your Catholic family and friends living in Massachusetts know where Ms. Coakley stands on Catholicism and religious freedom. 

Full radio interview with Ms. Coakley can  be heard here.

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NCI Scientist Finally Admits to Abortion-Breast Cancer

You won’t find it reported on ABC, NBC, and CBS. You won’t read it on the front pages of any major national newspaper. Nor will we see any congressional investigation to learn more about the threat. For many years, the pro-life movement, as well as many scientists, doctors and medical professionals have warned about the risk associated between abortion and breast cancer.

Revelations from a well-known doctor at the National Cancer Institute confirm what many scientists, doctors and researchers have been saying for years.  Yes, there is a link between abortion and breast cancer. 

Earlier this year, Dr. Louise Brinton, chief of the National Cancer Institute’s Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, revised her comments and beliefs from a 2003 NCI study that suggested there was no link between abortion and breast cancer.

But now, six years later, after more thought and research, Dr. Brinton is now convinced of the link between abortion and breast cancer. Praise goes out to Dr. Brinton for studying the matter further and doing, well, what researchers, scientists, and medical professionals should be doing — finding the truth.

SMS congratulates our friend, and fellow blogger, Jill Stanek for a terrific story about Dr. Brinton’s concession.  Also, major congrats to pro-life Dr. Joel Brind, a biology and endocrinology professor who had co-authored a meta-analysis demonstrating an abortion/breast cancer link.  Dr. Brind is a true hero in this story as he has continuously pushed the connection between abortion and breast cancer and exposed the hypocrisy of the NCI on the issue.

Read it all here.

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Prayers Successful for Young Lady Considering Abortion — Having Baby!

Last week, we were informed by our friends at the Paul Stefan Homes for Expectant Mothers that they and Project Rachel were working around the clock to persuade a 19 year old young lady seriously considering abortion to choose life.  After hearing this news, we appealed to our growing list of friends and fans involved in defending and promoting the faith through the St. Michael Society. 

The response was moving and heartwarming.  Many of you emailed back or told us on Facebook and Twitter that you were praying the rosary, attending Mass or Holy Hour, etc.  Well…..as expected when we appeal to God for good things, it worked!

We are so blessed and pleased to inform all of our SMS friends that we just learned that these prayers have been answered and the young lady has chosen life.  She has decided to have the baby and give it up for adoption!  God is so good and not only will this baby live, this mother’s decision will now bring joy to a future adoptive family. 

On behalf of Paul Stefan Homes CEO, Randy James, SMS was asked to thank, from the deepest depths of his heart, the prayers from each of you that made this possible.  Another life is saved!

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