Urgent Call Needed NOW

ACTION ALERT! Call Your Illinois Senator! Immediately! Tell Them "Vote NO!" on Equality in Marriage Bill! Same-Sex Marriage Bill Being Voted on in Illinois Senate on Valentine's Day! Effects of Same-Sex Marriage on Children Here is some information on the effects of same-sex marriage on children: Last June, the American scientific magazine, "Social Science Research",a most prestigious peer reviewed publication of its' kind, published two new studies on the issue of children being raised by same-sex couples, as opposed to heterosexual couples. The studies greatly reversed previous perceptions on the subject, which previously purported that there was no difference in the development or emotional and psychological state of children raised by either heterosexual or homosexual parents. One of the two studies, in particular, was carried out by Marc Regnerus,an associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. Marc compared the life outcomes of people between the ages of 18 and 39, raised in a variety of household arrangements. The findings revealed - among other things - that people whose parents had same-sex relationships suffered poorer life outcomes than those from intact biological families. Marc's data revealed that there was a higher percentage of suicide, infidelity and unemployment, among children raised by same-sex couples. Children raised in same-sex households were also more likely to seek psychotherapy, as well as being under greater social service surveillance compared to peers raised by heterosexual couples. His study further showed that 40% of same-sex parented children will catch a sexually transmitted disease at some point, compared to only 8% of heterosexually parented peers - and that same-sex parented children were simply less healthy in general, and more likely to smoke and commit criminal offenses. The LGBT community in the U.S.,not unsurprisingly, launched a powerful campaign to de-legitimize Regnerus' theory, with their usual vitriolic tactics. However, after conducting their own internal inquiry, on August 29, 2012, The University of Texas posted the following on their website:"The University of Texas at Austin has determined that no formal investigation is warranted in the allegations of scientific misconduct lodged against associate professor Mark Regnerus regarding his July article in the journal Social Science Research. There is insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation."Thus the university deemed the matter closed.

Great Letter on Marriage

NFL's Matt Birk: Let's protect marriage -- and speech It should come as no surprise that the National Football League supports the right of its players to share their opinions on important public matters, nor should it come as a surprise that I personally support my colleagues' rights to voice their opinions. But the conversation during the last few weeks on the subject of same-sex marriage has told a different story -- one that appears to be drawing a false connection between supporting true American values like free speech and the institution of marriage, our most fundamental and important social institution. I think it is important to set the record straight about what the marriage debate is and is not about, and to clarify that not all NFL players think redefining marriage is a good thing. The union of a man and a woman is privileged and recognized by society as "marriage" for a reason, and it's not because the government has a vested interest in celebrating the love between two people. With good reason, government recognizes marriages and gives them certain legal benefits so they can provide a stable, nurturing environment for the next generation of citizens: our kids. Children have a right to a mom and a dad, and I realize that this doesn't always happen. Through the work my wife and I do at pregnancy resource centers and underprivileged schools, we have witnessed firsthand the many heroic efforts of single mothers and fathers -- many of whom work very hard to provide what's best for their kids. But recognizing the efforts of these parents and the resiliency of some (not all, unfortunately) of these kids, does not then give society the right to dismiss the potential long-term effects on a child of not knowing or being loved by his or her mother or father. Each plays a vital role in the raising of a child. Marriage is in trouble right now -- admittedly, for many reasons that have little to do with same-sex unions. In the last few years, political forces and a culture of relativism have replaced "I am my brother's keeper" and "love your neighbor as yourself" with "live and let live" and "if it feels good, go ahead and do it." The effects of no-fault divorce, adultery, and the nonchalant attitude toward marriage by some have done great harm to this sacred institution. How much longer do we put the desires of adults before the needs of kids? Why are we not doing more to lift up and strengthen the institution of marriage? Same-sex unions may not affect my marriage specifically, but it will affect my children -- the next generation. Ideas have consequences, and laws shape culture. Marriage redefinition will affect the broader well-being of children and the welfare of society. As a Christian and a citizen, I am compelled to care about both. I am speaking out on this issue because it is far too important to remain silent. People who are simply acknowledging the basic reality of marriage between one man and one woman are being labeled as "bigots" and "homophobic." Aren't we past that as a society? Don't we all have family members and friends whom we love who have same-sex attraction? Attempting to silence those who may disagree with you is always un-American, but especially when it is through name-calling, it has no place in respectful conversation. A defense of marriage is not meant as an offense to any person or group. All people should be afforded their inalienable American freedoms. There is no opposition between providing basic human rights to everyone and preserving marriage as the sacred union of one man and one woman. I hope that in voicing my beliefs I encourage people on both sides to use reason and charity as they enter this debate. I encourage all Americans to stand up to preserve and promote a healthy, authentic pro-marriage culture in this upcoming election. ----------------------- Matt Birk, a native Minnesotan, is a former center for the Minnesota Vikings and current center for the Baltimore Ravens. To read more marriage amendment commentaries, go here.

Children are the Loosers Again

Effects of Same-Sex Marriage on Children Here is some information on the effects of same-sex marriage on children: Last June, the American scientific magazine, "Social Science Research",a most prestigious peer reviewed publication of its' kind, published two new studies on the issue of children being raised by same-sex couples, as opposed to heterosexual couples. The studies greatly reversed previous perceptions on the subject, which previously purported that there was no difference in the development or emotional and psychological state of children raised by either heterosexual or homosexual parents. One of the two studies, in particular, was carried out by Marc Regnerus,an associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. Marc compared the life outcomes of people between the ages of 18 and 39, raised in a variety of household arrangements. The findings revealed - among other things - that people whose parents had same-sex relationships suffered poorer life outcomes than those from intact biological families. Marc's data revealed that there was a higher percentage of suicide, infidelity and unemployment, among children raised by same-sex couples. Children raised in same-sex households were also more likely to seek psychotherapy, as well as being under greater social service surveillance compared to peers raised by heterosexual couples. His study further showed that 40% of same-sex parented children will catch a sexually transmitted disease at some point, compared to only 8% of heterosexually parented peers - and that same-sex parented children were simply less healthy in general, and more likely to smoke and commit criminal offenses. The LGBT community in the U.S.,not unsurprisingly, launched a powerful campaign to de-legitimize Regnerus' theory, with their usual vitriolic tactics. However, after conducting their own internal inquiry, on August 29, 2012, The University of Texas posted the following on their website:"The University of Texas at Austin has determined that no formal investigation is warranted in the allegations of scientific misconduct lodged against associate professor Mark Regnerus regarding his July article in the journal Social Science Research. There is insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation." Thusday the university deemed the matter closed.

No More Women Should Die

STATEN ISLAND, NY – Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement today regarding the death of a young woman during a late-term abortion at the Germantown, Md., clinic of LeRoy Carhart. "It has happened again. Another mother has been killed by so-called 'safe and legal' abortion. It happens constantly, in fact, but the abortion industry usually succeeds in covering it up. And even when they don't, the rest of us succeed in keeping it relatively quiet. That has to change today." "Late-term abortionist LeRoy Carhart began an abortion procedure a few days ago on a woman who was about 33 weeks pregnant. These abortions are legal, and he performs them at his killing center in Germantown, MD. Yesterday, she developed complications. The abortionist could not be reached. She was taken to the emergency room by private vehicle, and she died. "Three things need to happen here. First, the state of Maryland has to shut down Carhart's killing business. Second, every person who cares about this needs to spread the word immediately about this tragedy, to awaken the consciences of our neighbors. This includes pastors speaking out about the harm abortion does, and it includes all of us telling the stories of those harmed and killed by abortion. "Third, we need to redouble our efforts to mobilize people in the pro-life cause. If this latest tragedy isn't enough evidence that the time to end abortion is now, then what is?" "No longer will we allow these women to remain unknown to the American public," Father Pavone said. "The silence ends today."

Do Not Let Illinois Lawmakers Redefine Marriage

Key Points to Discuss With Friends/Legislators Here are some key points for you to use use make when calling your legislator and or discussing the subject with friends and family: 1.) Redefining marriage is un-needed because all the "rights" they say they need, they already have under the Civil Unions Bill (passed last year). 2.) Faith-based ministries, for adoption and foster-care, were adversely affected despite promises made by the sponsor of the civil union bill. 3.) Passage of a same-sex marriage bill will result in more and more non-biological children. a.) Anything the state legalizes, we have more of .. ie.. divorce, abortion, marijuana use etc. 4.) A good public policy is as much as possible, to encourage that children are raised in a two parent, mother/father home. Statistics prove children do better regarding the following, when brought up in such an environment. a.) Lower addiction rate. b.) Lower suicide rate. c.) Better academic achievement. d.) Better career opportunity. e.) Lower crime rate. 5.) The redefinition of both marriage bills in the House and in the Senate, DO NOT have adequate religious freedom protections. 6.) Contrary to major media statements, the majority of Illinois voters do not favor same-sex marriage. The Thomas More Society has prepared a draft that proves there is no need for same-sex marriage legislation. We will share a couple of points, and have the draft copy on file if you need to refer to it. The large majority of states do not recognize same-sex unions at all; whether those unions are called civil unions or marriages. The General Assembly cannot change this. Even in Illinois, if same-sex partners are not the parents or legal guardians of a child, they have little or no rights over that child, nor should they, any more than a step-parent would. Although the proponents of The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act say that, the amendment to the Illinois House Bill 110 protects religious freedom, it does not. 1.) The amendment to HB110 provides no protection of religious freedom not already available in existing law, or in the Free Exercise Clause of The First Amendment. 2.) The amendment to HB110 and The Illinois Human Rights Act could be interpreted to require some religious organizations to provide their facilities for solemnization or celebration of same-sex marriage. 3.) The amendment to HB110 and The Illinois Human Rights Act could be interpreted to require a religious organization to hire a homosexual person, which is against the belief of that organization. Please note: That in addition to religious freedom, the adoption of same-sex marriage would have negative consequences for children and society in general. Please see our previous Constant Contact for further details. Source Lake County Right to Life

Danger Danger Young Girls and Hormonal Drugs

Plan B Use Skyrocketing in New York Schools A senior fellow for policy studies says the program allowing thousands of girls as young as 14 to receive emergency contraception and other forms of birth control from the New York public schools without parental consent is an infringement on parental rights. The New York Post has uncovered the fact that this Plan B giveaway program, part of the Reproductive Health Project, is far more extensive than originally thought. Forty separate "school-based health centers" distributed nearly 13,000 doses of the "morning-after pill" during the 2011-2012 school year -- up from 10,720 in 2010-11 and 5,039 in 2009-10. "Handouts … to sexually active students have skyrocketed under an unpublicized project," the exclusive article asserts. Sprigg, Peter (FRC)Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council (FRC) sees an obvious need in those numbers. "This suggests that there is a desperate need for abstinence education in the New York City public schools to explain to young people the dangers of early sexual activity or of sexual activity outside of the context of marriage," he asserts. And the FRC senior fellow contends that this low-profile program is a flagrant infringement upon parental rights, as minors do not need parental approval to get contraceptives, while "there are laws in some states that won't allow a young person to get their ears pierced or get a tattoo, or maybe even visit a tanning salon without permission from their parents." According to city officials, more than 6,000 New York girls got pregnant by age 17 last year, and more than half chose to have abortions. Mona Davids, whose 14-year-old attends a Manhattan high school, tells the Post that she is "in shock." She wonders, "What gives the mayor the right to decide, without adequate notice, to give our children drugs that will impact their bodies and their psyches? He has purposely kept the public and parents in the dark with his agenda." The school-based health centers run under contract with local hospitals. Davids, who is black, says most of those facilities are located in poor neighborhoods. Source onesitenews.com

St Valentine's Day Massacre With a New Twist - It's All About Me

                       

On February 14, 1929, Al Capone arranged for Chicago mobster and rival bootlegger, George "Bugs" Moran, along with most of his North Side Gang to be eliminated.  The total narcissism of thugs such as Capone, rendered other human beings as expendable, in order to satisfy their own needs and dominance.    

On this upcoming Valentine’s Day, the Illinois Senate will be voting on redefining marriage to include same-sex partners. The old St. Valentine’s Day Massacre will take on a new meaning, as the traditional meaning of marriage and family will be massacred - only this time the victims are children.

I used to hear my parent’s generation say, “You have to learn to play your hand with the cards life deals you.”  This used to help me face many of life’s difficulties and disappointments which came my way.  We Christians follow Jesus’s words “pick up your cross and follow me” - another blueprint for life’s trials.  Naturally, within human limits we seek answers to suffering which are ethical and moral. 

But - today, instead of playing one’s hand with the cards life deals them, they are reshuffling the deck – and in a ‘feel good’ generation, no one wants to carry a cross – and so there is a complete redrafting of the Creator’s blueprint.   

Today, people’s interpretation of “equality” has gone to such an extreme as to supplant common sense altogether.   Fervor over equality in everything from monetary matters, education to marital equality and the equal ability to have a child – it seems the Creator is being ordered to make a ‘do over’.  Instead of man being made in God’s image – man now creates God in his own image – and demands God’s subservience to his every desire.

Fertility tourism is now a booming global trade, with the largest sperm bank in the world, ‘Cryos,’ in Denmark, shipping three-quarters of its sperm overseas. Wow! What a cargo! The United States alone has a fertility industry that brings in $3.3 billion annually; with estimated 30,000 - 60,000 children born each year through sperm donation!  And I thought we were worried about population explosion.

In the quest to satisfy the urges of same-sex attracted persons, marriage and family are now being redefined, with the needs of adults superseding the needs of the child.

From a new study, “My Daddy’s Name is Donor”, the kinship, well-being and social justice experiences of sperm donor children revealed that, young adults who had been conceived through sperm donation are hurting more, are more confused, and feel more isolated from their families. The study further showed that they experience higher rates of depression, delinquency and substance abuse, than their peers who were raised by biological parents.  Nearly two-thirds of them agreed, “My sperm donor is half of who I am.”

For those children raised by same-sex partners, studies revealed – they too suffered poorer life outcomes than those from intact biological families.  It was discovered there was a higher percentage of suicide, infidelity and unemployment, among those people who had been raised by same-sex couples. Those raised in same-sex households were also more likely to seek psychotherapy, as well as being under greater social service surveillance compared to peers raised by heterosexual couples.

Jean-Dominique Bunel, who specializes in humanitarian law, and has done relief work in war-torn areas, relates his own personal experience of being raised by two women, explaining how: “He suffered from the lack of a father, a daily presence, a character and a properly masculine example, some counterweight to the relationship of my mother to her lover. I was aware of it at a very early age. I lived that absence of a father - experienced it - as an amputation.

Some further concerns of sperm donor children were - nearly half of those conceived thru sperm donation were disturbed that money was involved in their conception. More than half said, that when they see someone who resembles them, they worry that they might be related. This concern was further complicated by the worry of becoming attracted to and or having sexual relations with someone whom they are unknowingly related.  

All of this begs the question, in whose interest is all this reshuffling of the deck? Because one person or persons, does not want to accept the cards life has dealt them, they have simply decided to reshuffle the deck and or dump their cross onto the back of another – namely the children who are involved in all these new blueprints.

Most of us know someone who is struggling with the heartache of infertility or same-sex attraction – and we hurt right along with them – and certainly want to see a resolve to their problem. But, to try and relieve one person’s disappointment by burdening another – especially an innocent who never had a voice in the matter is quite another thing.

But of course, in a society where 55 million unborn voices were silenced through abortion, it seems a logical progression to continue solving one’s problem by either eliminating another – as good ol Al did – and Roe v Wade accomplished – or passing one’s problem along to the next guy.      

It’s All About Me. Happy Valentine’s Day to Me.

Is Life Conceived by Rape Intended by God?

Pro-life Senate candidate Richard Mourdock, has become the latest target for pro-abortion activists, due to his recent statement that life is a gift from God, even if it results from rape - and that such life was "intended by God". Pro-abortion activists along with the major media, have pounced on candidate Mourdock's remarks, painting him as an extremist. Candidate Richard Mourdock is not the first and he won't be the last pro-life candidate to have their comments totally distorted. So let's look at some real facts here.

To begin with - here is candidate Mourdock's full statement: "The only exception I have to having an abortion is in the case of the life of the mother. I struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen."

Pro-abortion activists immediately went on the attack, demonizing Mourdock's statement and his pro-life position, as they have done with other pro-life candidates, such as Missouri Senate candidate, Rep Todd Akins' and his remarks on rape. It is for sure, that they have honed in on this issue of "rape" as a tool to confuse voters on the issue of abortion.

Of course, what is at the heart of the issue here is the difference between a spiritual perspective and a non-spiritual perspective.

Our reproductive faculties - along with our free will - are two of the most mysterious of God's gifts with which we have been endowed. Add to this, God's other gift to mankind, which is our capacity to think and reason - which mere brute beasts are not endowed - and we get to the very heart of the matter - that being, the age old struggle to understand and make sense out of suffering, violence, life and death.

So for anyone to say that a child conceived in rape was "intended by God" seems to be saying that God is being complicit in violence and wrong-doing - and that He actually condones such behavior, which even we human beings do not condone. And of course pro-abortion activists are running with this.

So what was pro-life candidate Richard Mourdock really trying to say? Was he saying God intends or condones the act of rape, as pro-abortion activists are accusing?

What did God intend with the mysteries of our reproductive faculties and our free will? God's original design and intent, was for life to come about through the action of a sperm and egg connecting as the result of the sexual expression of love between a man and a woman. This was God's original "intent".

Now whether or not we humans use proper or improper means to cause the meeting of said sperm and egg - God does not change the rules of nature which He set in motion; nor does He interfere with man's free will - even if it means preventing a tragedy. This is for sure a deep mystery to wrap our reasoning minds around, and we will often hear people say, "Why does God permit all the evil in the world?"  

The mystery of our free will results many times, in some people using their free will to overcome and take away the free will of others.  Even still - God does not interfere. This is at the heart of Mourdock's remarks. God never "intended" violence - but merely that we have the capacity to create life with our sexual faculties; and He does not take away those faculties, even if we use them inappropriately - or even brutally.

There is no denying the fact, that a woman who is raped, has had her free will negated by the free will of the rapist. This is totally reprehensible; and neither Mourdock or God intend or condone such behavior as a vehicle to engender new life.  

Nevertheless - life comes about through the natural processes which God set in motion from the very beginning of time.   As the rapist has imposed his free will over the will of the woman - so also is abortion an imposition over the free will of the pre-born child, who now has absolutely no choice in the matter - even though he/she is not responsible for the crime against his/her mother. 

So - is life which comes about as the result of nature's natural response to natural forces - even though those forces may be set in motion by an act of violence, of less value? And is it still not ultimately created (intended) by the Creator Himself?

Children are conceived many times, by means which can be unwise, improper or even brutal. Many a mature married couple may struggle to conceive, while two teenagers engaging in pre-marital sex can easily and thoughtlessly create a new life. Other times new life will even result from an act of violence, such as rape. This certainly highlights the seeming unfairness and senselessness of life, with which our reasoning faculties grapple.  

But, if a flower is lovingly planted and cultivated by a gardener - while another flower results from a violent storm blowing one of the gardener's seeds over the fence - do not each of the flowers possess the same beauty and qualities - and are not those same forces of life imbued in each bud, granted (intended) by the same loving God?

This is what Candidate Mourdock was trying to express - the simple fact that - one way or the other - life itself is a wondrous and miraculous gift from God - whose original "intent" was that we humans should share with Him this sacred privilege - a privilege He did not share with the angels.

The simple fact remains - even though we participate in the life-giving process - either rightly or wrongly - we are NOT the AUTHORS OF LIFE! . This is what Richard Mourdock was simply trying to get across.  We are in God's laboratory.

Gardasil - Deadly Prophylaxis For Behavior Not Even Being Engaged In!

A recent article in a local Daily Herald, reported that a new study on the Gardasil vaccine, given to women and young girls to protect against cervical cancer, does not cause young girls to become promiscuous.  Hmmmm.

The article went on to explain, "Researchers examined up to three years of records on whether girls had sought birth control advice; tests for sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy; or had become pregnant.  The results showed that, few of the girls who got the shots at age 11 or 12 had done any of those things over the next three years, or even by the time they were 14." The study is using these results to counter parental concerns that, the shots "are a license to  have sex."  Dr. Alderman, an adolescent medicine specialist at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City, stated: "The study bolsters evidence against that concern."

OK  - While this may be good news that giving Gardasil to young girls does not promote promiscuity - at the same time - it begs the question - why then are we administering a very dangerous prophylaxis to young girls, for behavior, which is now proven they are not even engaging in?  

To date, Gardasil, which was developed to protect against the sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, (which can lead to cervical cancer)  and which has already been given to millions of women and young girls around the world, has had a total of 9,749 'reported' adverse reactions and 21 'reported' deaths from the controversial vaccine.  How many others have not been reported - since most people don't even know where to go to report Adverse Vaccination Reactions.  You're doctor doesn't do the reporting.

The unknown dangers of a life-threatening adverse reaction to the Gardasil vaccine, far outweigh the known risks of contracting HPV itself.  In fact, a medical study conducted by the University of British Columbia's Neural Dynamics Research Group, confirms the alarming side-effects of the vaccine that was fast-tracked (meaning it was not tested before it was released to the public) and then pushed by government at every level.

That study listed the following side effects of Gardasil: "Death, convulsions, paraesthesia, paralysis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, transverse myelitis, facial palsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, anaphylaxis, autoimmune disorders, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms and cervical cancers."

The same study also pointed out, "In the Western World, cervical cancer is a rare disease with mortality rates several times lower than the rate of reported serious adverse reactions (including deaths) from the HPV vaccine. In fact, the overwhelming majority (88%) of cervical cancer deaths occur in Third World countries."

Now comes another report from the British Medical Journal, that Gardasil has the possibility of causing "ovarian failure" in some cases. Their report came on the heels of a specific case from Australia, where a 16 yr. old girl suffered "premature ovarian failure" after receiving the vaccine.

Australian physician Dr. Deirdre Little, who treated the girl, has published a complete account in the British Medical Journal. Dr. Little's report explains, the girl's menstrual cycle, which had been regular up until receiving the Gardasil vaccination in the Fall of 2008, suddenly became irregular by January 2009. Over the next two years, the girl's menses continued to become more and more scant and irregular, until by 2011, she had ceased menstruating altogether. 

Early menopause is highly unusual, and particularly in the case of this 16 yr. old girl - who had been in excellent health with no prior personal or family medical history that could explain the premature menopause.

In my humble opinion, regarding the local Daily Herald article on the study proving HPV shots don't make young girl's promiscuous - this only lends further credence to the arguments against administering an extremely dangerous prophylaxis to adolescent girls for behavior they are not even engaging in! If a study proves adolescent girl's are not sexually active - why are we risking their health and lives, with an untested, virulent vaccine?

Be further advised - the threat looms that this dangerous vaccine will soon be government mandated - especially if ObamaCare is implemented. Among states that have already enacted Gardasil-related measures are:  California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Virginia, Main and Utah. In all 50 states, tax dollars already help pay for the costly shots ($360) because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) makes them available through the federal Vaccines for Children program.  

Gardasil is an insidiously virulent vaccine, that has been untested and government pushed - soon to be government mandated - which endangers the lives and health of young girls and women.  Now, this same toxic prophylaxis is being pushed for adolescent boys as well.  Why?   Why use any kind of prophylaxis (much less an insidiously dangerous one) for behavior that is not even being engaged in?  This makes no sense.  What is the agenda here?   

Life At Risk--ObamaCare

Center for Medical Ethics at the Louisiana Right to Life Federation has produced a 60-second video entitled “Life at Risk” that very effectively highlights the denial of medical treatment authorized by ObamaCare. http://youtu.be/rCTN_QqYPU4