The Confirmation Process: What America Learned

The confirmation process of Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh was not only educational, but also a frightening view into the hearts and minds of people …  people who are supposed to be leaders, people who claim to be tolerant, people who claim to want equality. 

 THIS IS WHAT AMERICA LEARNED

·        All women who come forward with allegations of sexual abuse are to be believed, no matter what. 

·        All men are potential targets for allegations.  They are guilty, no matter what.

·        Anyone questioning motives or credibility of an abuse victim is heartless and misogynistic, even when there is no evidence or corroboration.  

·        The presumption of innocence no longer exists.

·        Character assassination is totally acceptable as a means to an end.

·        It’s acceptable to devastate a family and publicly celebrate it.

·        The press no longer needs to use “alleged” or “accused”.  They are the judge and jury and are to be believed, no questions asked.

·        It is acceptable for political leaders to promote violence against opposing parties.

·        Free speech only applies if it follows a particular ideology.

·        It’s acceptable to harass, intimidate and threaten violence towards those with opposing views.  

·        People can use any means necessary for the right to kill the unborn.

·        The Constitution is just a piece of paper that should be gutted and rewritten to assuage a specific ideology.

·        The Constitution no longer applies to WE THE PEOPLE.

Think about it….is this the America you want?  

An Open Letter to Dianne Feinstein

Dear Senator Feinstein,

I want to address your recent actions affecting the confirmation process of Judge Kavanaugh.

Dr. Ford said she could not recall the specifics of her attack, which should have caused alarm.  I am a real victim of sexual abuse, having experienced a gang rape in the summer of 1975.  Something that traumatic stays with you for the rest of your life and you remember details.  You don’t just remember the names… you remember the place,  the circumstances as well as the surroundings.  Nothing is fuzzy.   Even though I was under the influence of alcohol at the time, I can still see the faces of my attackers, I remember the house, the street it was on, the color of carpet in the house and the feeling of the coldness of the red formica dining room table where I was held down and violated.  

Yes, it is important to take sexual misconduct seriously, but it is your responsibility to use common sense and check the story for validity before destroying someone’s reputation.  Your “last ditch effort” to derail Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation proves you have no desire to search for the truth as long as it meets with your political goal of obstructing the current administration no matter who it hurts.

You are a disgrace to California, the Senate and the country.  I pray that sometime you will look into that dark soul of yours and find the last part of light that exposes the damage you have caused.  I pray you accept responsibility for your reprehensible actions and ask for forgiveness….from real victims, your constituents, the country, Judge Kavanaugh and most importantly God. 

I will continue to pray you see the light.

To NFL Players Taking a Knee: What's Worse - Oppression or Genocide?

Most people know I am (or used to be) a football fanatic and fantasy football addict.  While living in Seattle,  I attended many Seahawks games in the Kingdome thanks to my parents owning season tickets.  Even after moving to Southern California I flew up there for a few games.  Thursday nights, Sundays and Monday nights I was glued in front of the television …  fantasy sheets spread in front of me and pizza ordered – but thanks to grandstanding and ungrateful players, those days are gone, and my Seahawks jersey hangs in the closet, gathering dust (and I am seriously considering burning it). 

Now, don’t get in a huff.  I am a strong proponent of free speech and have done my fair share of demonstrations … however, during the National Anthem on the field is not the time or place.  Fans turn on the television or enter the stadium gates to watch FOOTBALL.  Those in the stadium could care less about politics during the course of the game…it’s a time to escape the craziness of this politically fueled world.   None of us should have to bear witness to players kneeling or raising their clenched fists during the National Anthem .. disrespecting our country and those who serve. 

I find it interesting players are demonstrating against oppression as they collect million dollar paychecks and live in mansions.  I find it interesting the only time they speak out is during football season.  Where are they off the field?  Yes, there are some that walk the walk.  Players like Ben Watson and Philip Rivers are out there calling attention to the impoverished or marginalized not only off-season but also during the season as well and guess what?  They STAND for the National Anthem.

Taking a knee during a football game does nothing but create division.  It demonstrates nothing but ingratitude towards the country that didn’t oppress them but gave them the opportunity to rake in millions.  Taking a knee on the field doesn’t stop oppression, feed the poor or clean up the inner cities …  standing up and DOING something does.    

For those players taking a knee or raising a clench fist as a statement against racial oppression....you are are missing the mark.   If you were out there in the oppressed areas, you would notice abortion clinics are strategically located there.  If you were cognizant of what is happening in the “real world” you would know black children are aborted at more than three times the rate of white children.   This is worse than oppression, fellas … it’s GENOCIDE and taking a knee won’t help that either … but standing up and speaking out in front of abortion clinics will.

Think about it. 

ENOUGH ALREADY!

Before I begin my rant,please know I am not in politics.  I am a former bra-burning - prochoice feminist and Democrat but through age and maturity, faced the truth and saw what was happening to our country. I am a (gasp!) God-fearing, Catholic, Conservative Republican.... and contrary to what the left thinks ... NOT a bigot, homophobe, xenophobe or any other "phobe," (except for heights and small spaces).  My circle of friends include all races, faiths, nationalities and sexual preference.  In fact my family is a melting pot all of its own. I am just me ...  a down-to-earth citizen of the United States who is saying," I have had about enough",  and today while fighting a migraine was not the time to get me started.

No President has been more maligned and disrespected, and it has to stop. Never in history have so many so-called adults acted so heinously after an election. Never in history have we seen people in positions of power call for disruption within communities and personal public attacks on those in the current administration (and not been held accountable). President Trump is not perfect, no one is, but at least he’s doing his job (or trying to) and the evidence is out there for all to see …but then the blinders have to be removed first. He has done more for this country in his short time in office than Obama even thought of doing in his eight years. Our economy is growing, jobs have been created, and more minorities are employed now than in decades. The threat in North Korea has lessened, and he is trying to develop a workable relationship with Russia to stave off any issues there. He tried to come up with some solutions on Dreamers, but no one wanted to act. Democrats don’t care about the illegal immigrants but use them as pawns for votes. Not only that … he is following the law of the land just like Obama, Bush and Clinton did as it pertained to illegal immigration, yet he is being maligned for it. He is trying to select a Supreme Court justice that would do what they are supposed to do……uphold and interpret the law, not make it – contrary to what the left wants a Justice to do. He wants to protect the rights of citizens (most importantly LIFE, religious freedom and bearing arms). He takes pride in our country and would NEVER apologize for the United States (like Obama did). He stands equal to all other leaders in the world and does not show weakness. He would never consider providing financial support to groups with ties to terrorism. He is trying to get a healthcare plan that benefits ALL, without the lies. What happened to choose your own doctor, lower premiums, etc., that Obama promised? Our President supports law enforcement and ICE as they are the ones protecting the citizens of the United States. He has strengthened the military and has taken steps to improve the benefits and services provided to our veterans.

I sometimes cringe at some of his tweets and believe it or not, there are some things he says I don’t agree with … but I would rather have that than have someone telling him what to say and when to say it. Yes, he speaks his mind and sometimes it’s brash, but snowflake language didn’t work for eight or more years. Yes, he had affairs (probably not as many as accused) and made some vile comments, but that was before he was in office and some well before he even considered running… unlike others…(ahem).  Back then they said Clinton's actions had nothing to do with how he ran the country...so why is today any different?  I didn't condone it then and I don't now...but has it affected the economy?  National Security?  Not then and not now.  Folks, let's remember...those who live in glass houses …..And let’s not forget Hillary’s actions while Secretary of State (her contacts with Russia, the Benghazi tragedy) or when she was running ( deleting evidence - e-mails, cell phones, erasing her illegal server). If anyone needs to be scrutinized, it should be her. Even if she’s not in office (thank God), she should be held accountable, just like Comey and the rest who lied to investigators. And if there were any instances of Russian collusion by President Trump, with all the leaks in the government, it would suffice to say it would have been out by now.

What would happen if for one day everyone, including media, pointed out the positives in this administration without any “buts”? What would happen if for one day media would only print or broadcast news that was verified through actual reliable sources? In fact, what would happen if for one day all media would be objective rather than biased? Would the world come to an end? Maybe it would give those so obsessed with the destruction of this administration food for thought.

TNT Show Lampoons Abortion

TNT Lampoons Abortion in CLAWS

I never thought I would repeat a statement from a liberal Hollyweird actress but here goes.  Ashley Judd stood on stage at the ridiculous Woman’s March and screamed, “I’m an aaaaaangry woman!”  Well, that’s me today.  I’m not just an angry woman; I’m an angry woman who has experienced abortion and one who ministers to those who still struggle from the spiritual and emotional side effects.

  

I received a message from a woman I minister to through Rachel’s Hope Healing Ministry.  She wanted me to check out an episode in the so-called comedy “Claws” (TNT – Season 2, Episode 2, titled Cracker Casserole) that lampooned abortion.  After finding the episode on TNT’s OnDemand, I prepared myself mentally by saying a calming prayer and physically by putting in my mouth guard to avoid teeth damage due to stress grinding, and thank God I did….

The main character’s brother (Dean) and his girlfriend (Virginia) announced she was pregnant.  Here is how “Claws” disgracefully and reprehensibly treated the topic of abortion: 

•    Virginia was nonchalant about being pregnant and said there was a really nice abortion clinic down the road – a mischaracterization of someone having an unplanned pregnancy.  How many young women have we seen in a crisis pregnancy shrug it off?  We see them confused, anxious and frightened.  

•    As she, Dean and another friend arrived at the clinic, pro-lifers were portrayed as a raucous mob … yelling and pushing at her as she got out of the car.  Total hogwash.  

•    The procedure room was nicely decorated, and her friend was allowed to be in there with her.  What?  For one thing, unless things have changed, I don't believe anyone is allowed in the room except the doctor and nurses.  And as far as the room goes ... based on testimonies by thousands of women, and through my own experience, the rooms are cold, sterile and void of any comforting accouterments.

•    She started having doubts and wondered if she was carrying another Obama or Martin Luther King.  Women don’t think about those things while waiting for the abortionist to come in, they aren’t given time to think.  They are rushed through before they can change their mind.   

•    While wondering what friends and family members were thinking about her situation, a montage came on screen with them spouting out pro-choice rhetoric.  The most disturbing was a woman remembering that years ago abortions were illegal in Texas and her friend had to go to a deli to get hers.  (They consider that comedy?)

•    After the procedure, Dean came back into the room with a candy pacifier to give Virginia and proposed.  No reaction to the pacifier except, “I love these.” (Again, that’s comedy?)  Moreover, what about his proposal … he’ll marry her now that he’s no longer burdened by fatherhood?  What message is that giving young men? 

•    As they leave the clinic, Dean announces to the pro-life crowd he and Virginia were getting married.  The crowd cheers, thinking Virginia changed her mind.  A woman said, “Our prayers were answered,” and in response, Virginia sneered and said, “ we still D&C’d that shit, bitch.” (Sorry for the language)

Now, I don’t know how many young people watch this show, hopefully not too many.  Networks and sponsors that allow this type of programming should be ashamed of themselves.  Not only do they mock morals, but they also mock those who stand up for life and desensitize the killing of innocent children. 

Sadly, this so-called comedy series is the tip of the iceberg.  Liberal ideology has steamrolled the television industry as well as other media.  Some call this progress, but in all actuality, it’s regression to the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, and we all know how that ended up.

Remember, the  NFL changed its position on kneeling during the National Anthem because we got tired of having our country disrespected and did something about it. Even though they recently backtracked, their bottom line will suffer again this season. 

It’s time to do the same to networks that disrespect life and morality.  

Who is Protecting the Flock?

On April 6, 2018, an e-mail was sent out from the San Diego Diocese attaching a statement from the U.S. Catholic Bishops of U.S./Mexico Border in response to the U.S. National Guard deployment at the border. They appear to be concerned the National Guard will be disruptive to communities and dehumanize immigrants, “as if they all were threats and criminals.”

First off, the people who the Bishops are referring to are not immigrants. Immigrants are those who go through the immigration process. Secondly, those sneaking across the border are criminals, they are breaking the law. Many are disruptive to communities by causing a financial burden to taxpayers by fraudulently receiving welfare and food stamps plus free medical care which drives up the cost of healthcare for hardworking citizens. And let us not forget the disruption caused by the drugs and guns being smuggled in, or the crimes committed by gang members and others – theft, rape, murder, etc.

The National Guard is being deployed because our borders are not secure.  It’s not a matter of being insensitive to the needs of those less fortunate, everyone deserves the right to a better life; however, it’s a matter of security and economics.  How many of them are threats … drug smugglers, terrorists, gang members?  How many of them just want a free ride at the expense of taxpayers?  We don’t know. 

Anyone wanting to live in the United States need to be fully vetted to assure they are not a threat to national security and are willing to go through the legal immigration process like millions have done before; willing to learn our language, assimilate and be productive members of society, not entering with the intention of taking advantage of our overwhelmed social programs.   

With all due respect, the Bishops should be focusing their energy on the citizens in their flock who need help, and not be encouraging law-abiding Catholics to harbor illegal immigrants, as Bishop McElroy has done or labeling faithful Catholics who are concerned for their safety as not acting in a Christian manner. We lock our doors at night, do background checks on babysitters and monitor our children’s activities and friends … all in the interest of keeping our family safe…so why is securing our borders any different?  And if we didn’t care about the less fortunate, we would not be donating to the several charities that assist those in other countries.

They should recall the words of St. Thomas Aquinas: 

“It is essential to human virtue that the movements of the soul should be regulated by reason."  (Summa Theologica, II-II, q. 30, c.3)

"Without such regulation, compassion is merely a passion. A false compassion is a compassion not regulated and tempered by reason and is, therefore, a potentially dangerous inclination. This because it is subject to favoring not only that which is good but also that which is evil.” (Summa Theologica, II-II, q. 30, a.1, ad 3)

They also need to refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 

2239 It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one's country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.

2240 Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country:

2245 The Church, because of her commission and competence, is not to be confused in any way with the political community. She is both the sign and the safeguard of the transcendent character of the human person. "The Church respects and encourages the political freedom and responsibility of the citizen."

2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.  Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.

CATHOLIC LEADER DILUTES PRO-LIFE MESSAGE TO PROMOTE OTHER AGENDA

Auxiliary Bishop
John Dolan

The month of January is abuzz with hundreds of pro-life events to honor the 60,000,000 babies killed by abortion in the U.S. since the passage of Roe v Wade. The purpose of these events is to bring an end to the holocaust and expose the truth of what abortion does, provide alternative resources for those facing unplanned pregnancies and offer healing to those who have had and/or encouraged abortion.   

One of the speakers at a recent San Diego Walk for Life was Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the San Diego Diocese.  We are sure the event planners were anticipating an exhilarating and inspiring presentation on the value of life in the womb that would resonate with the thousands in attendance, those reading about it and hopefully reach the hearts of many who have been misled by pro-choice rhetoric.

Instead, Bishop Dolan decided to minimize the pro-life message by telling a local news reporter for the Times of San Diego “In many ways, that’s why I’m here ... This whole March for Life encompasses everything, not just … the unborn, but also DACA."  According to The California Catholic Daily, the Bishop "ended his stage appearance with his typical humor:  Go in pieces.”  

With all due respect to Bishop Dolan, he is way off base.  The walks and marches do NOT encompass everything and should NOT be used for pontificating the pros and cons of DACA.   DACA recipients are not facing death.  They are not going to be ripped from their mother’s womb piece by piece and parted out to the highest bidder.  And, what would motivate him to end his speech with “go in pieces.”  One can only hope he was misquoted (although no one has issued a denial to date) ... as how could anyone consider a comment like that humorous at a pro-life event.  

Because of church leaders like Auxilliary Bishop Dolan and his boss, Bishop McElroy, they are losing respect from faithful followers by misinterpreting the Cathechism of the Catholic church to support a liberal agenda … alienating citizens and legal immigrants.  Now with this little political stunt…..they will be losing even more.