I am a member of the Alliance for Separation of School and State. Their main position is that it is bad for our children and the quality of their education for the government to be in control of the educational system. In January ABC aired an episode of 20/20 called "Stupid in America," hosted by John Stossel, which made a very good case for getting government out of the education business. It will air again on Friday night. Here is the letter the Alliance sent me:
You may remember back in January that ABC News aired a special program of 20/20 with John Stossel called “Stupid in America.” It tore back the curtain of public school to graphically reveal a few of it’s disastrous failings.
The network has decided to rebroadcast that show on Friday, September 1 at 10:00 PM Eastern & Pacific. - FOR MOST OF YOU, THAT’S TOMORROW! -
If you missed it before, please tune in. This is one of the truly great critiques of government involvement in school, because it uses the visual media so effectively.
If you saw it, I don’t need to tell you it was effective. I just need to remind you to grab a friend by the arm and get them to see it too. And while their confidence is melting, why don’t you send them right over to our new web site: http://www.schoolandstate.org/
Questions are sure to follow such an exposé. The Alliance’s web site is just the place to look for practical insights and the deep answers that get behind the issues
One important note: While John Stossel does a masterful job exposing the problem, the Alliance does not agree with a solution that leaves the government in charge of the flow of money. Even his carefully selected example of Belgium is buckling to government control over private schools because the government still handles the money.
Sincerely,
Alan Schaeffer President
-----
So tune in, tell your friends, tape it....our educational system needs our help.
---Katie
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
No wonder they despise Bush.
I would too if I believed this crazy stuff.
The Truth Behind 9/11
DID THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION covertly blow-up the World Trade Center, ignite the Pentagon, and shoot down United Flight 93 to pave the way for a new American empire? The answer is "yes," according to a new book printed by the official publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and written by a theologian at a United Methodist seminary.
Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11, published by Westminster John Knox Press, is fairly succinct in its conspiracy theory. In fact, only the first half of the book is devoted to dissecting the conspiracy, the facts being so obvious that elaboration is hardly required. The second half is focused on the theological implications of America as empire, and why Christians should stand against it.
Click on the title to read the entire article.
It really pains me that so many people believe this stuff and teach it. That is true slander and violates the commandment against bearing false witness. How can anyone spread this kind of information with the absolute lack of proof that exists? I am not a huge fan of the Bush administration (not conservative enough about the right things to suit me) but I absolutely do not believe they could be so evil as to do what this supposedly Christian author suggests.
---Katie
The Truth Behind 9/11
DID THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION covertly blow-up the World Trade Center, ignite the Pentagon, and shoot down United Flight 93 to pave the way for a new American empire? The answer is "yes," according to a new book printed by the official publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and written by a theologian at a United Methodist seminary.
Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11, published by Westminster John Knox Press, is fairly succinct in its conspiracy theory. In fact, only the first half of the book is devoted to dissecting the conspiracy, the facts being so obvious that elaboration is hardly required. The second half is focused on the theological implications of America as empire, and why Christians should stand against it.
Click on the title to read the entire article.
It really pains me that so many people believe this stuff and teach it. That is true slander and violates the commandment against bearing false witness. How can anyone spread this kind of information with the absolute lack of proof that exists? I am not a huge fan of the Bush administration (not conservative enough about the right things to suit me) but I absolutely do not believe they could be so evil as to do what this supposedly Christian author suggests.
---Katie
Monday, August 21, 2006
My dirty little secret....
is that I am not a great believer in the so-called war on drugs. I don't think most of us realize how much this infringes on our freedoms. Do you think your property belongs to you? Just try carrying large amounts of cash somewhere. Check out this article:
Court rules 2003 money seizure correct despite no drugs found
CHUCK BROWN
Associated Press
OMAHA, Neb. - Authorities were correct to assume nearly $125,000 they seized from a California man's car during a traffic stop may have been connected to narcotics trafficking, despite finding no drugs in the vehicle, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday.
The ruling from the three-judge panel overturned an earlier decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Thalken in Nebraska in the case of Emiliano Gomez Gonzolez. A state trooper stopped Gonzolez for speeding on Interstate 80 on May 28, 2003.
Gonzolez's lawyer, Donald Yates of San Diego, said they would appeal the ruling. He said the government is treating unfairly people who don't have credit or bank accounts and are forced to do business in cash.
Click on the title to read the entire article.
The gist is that the government cannot prove that the men did anything illegal, but the government gets to keep the money. And, by the way, a lot of our currency has traces of narcotics on it. Do you think the government will try any harder to help you keep your possessions? Did you know you could lose your house if your kids deal drugs out of it, even without your knowledge? What other freedoms do we give up because we want to keep people from getting illegal drugs?
---Katie
Court rules 2003 money seizure correct despite no drugs found
CHUCK BROWN
Associated Press
OMAHA, Neb. - Authorities were correct to assume nearly $125,000 they seized from a California man's car during a traffic stop may have been connected to narcotics trafficking, despite finding no drugs in the vehicle, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday.
The ruling from the three-judge panel overturned an earlier decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Thalken in Nebraska in the case of Emiliano Gomez Gonzolez. A state trooper stopped Gonzolez for speeding on Interstate 80 on May 28, 2003.
Gonzolez's lawyer, Donald Yates of San Diego, said they would appeal the ruling. He said the government is treating unfairly people who don't have credit or bank accounts and are forced to do business in cash.
Click on the title to read the entire article.
The gist is that the government cannot prove that the men did anything illegal, but the government gets to keep the money. And, by the way, a lot of our currency has traces of narcotics on it. Do you think the government will try any harder to help you keep your possessions? Did you know you could lose your house if your kids deal drugs out of it, even without your knowledge? What other freedoms do we give up because we want to keep people from getting illegal drugs?
---Katie
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Let's see if they mean what they say....
A PASTORAL LETTER OF DISCLOSURE
August 8, 2006
Dear Rostered Colleagues of the Southeastern Synod,
After a lengthy process of prayerful discernment, today I filed charges against The Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling, presently serving as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. Pastor Schmeling has admitted to me that he is in violation of ELCA "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline..." for ordained ministers. Specifically, Pastor Schmeling disclosed to me that he is in a sexual relationship with an adult male. He has declined my requests for his resignations from his call to St. John's Lutheran Church and the ELCA clergy roster.
When a synod bishop files charges against a pastor, the action begins the church's formal process which leads to a hearing by a Discipline Hearing Committee (DHC). The DHC receives evidence, listens to witnesses and eventually determines what actions should be taken. For example, if a DHC finds that a pastor is not in compliance with ELCA "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline...," the committee has the authority to remove a pastor from the ELCA roster for ordained ministers.
For more detailed information, see Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitution (http://www.elca.org/secretary/constitutions/index.html).
An ELCA bishop does not have the authority to unilaterally remove any ELCA pastor from the ELCA roster. For this reason, it is necessary to submit this matter to the ELCA disciplinary process. This is an internal church proceeding and does not involve the civil courts.
With the filing of charges, I do not intend to make any further comments about the case until the DHC renders its verdict and course of action. Please remember in intercessory prayer Pastor Bradley Schmeling, his loved ones, St. John's Lutheran Church, and those of us who will be involved in the discipline hearing process.
Sincerely in Christ,
Ronald B. Warren
Bishop
This list administered by ELCA-Southeastern Synod, 100 Edgewood Ave, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30303
-----
From what I understand, Pastor Schmeling made it clear to the bishop when he accepted the call that he did not agree with Visions and Expectations and would not commit to abiding by the rules. It should be no surprise, then, that he has entered into this relationship and expects to remain in his position. Also, from what I understand, he has the full support of his congregation.
I think it will be interesting to see if the synod will enforce what was decided in 2005 at CWA or if they will look the other way.
---Katie
August 8, 2006
Dear Rostered Colleagues of the Southeastern Synod,
After a lengthy process of prayerful discernment, today I filed charges against The Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling, presently serving as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. Pastor Schmeling has admitted to me that he is in violation of ELCA "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline..." for ordained ministers. Specifically, Pastor Schmeling disclosed to me that he is in a sexual relationship with an adult male. He has declined my requests for his resignations from his call to St. John's Lutheran Church and the ELCA clergy roster.
When a synod bishop files charges against a pastor, the action begins the church's formal process which leads to a hearing by a Discipline Hearing Committee (DHC). The DHC receives evidence, listens to witnesses and eventually determines what actions should be taken. For example, if a DHC finds that a pastor is not in compliance with ELCA "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline...," the committee has the authority to remove a pastor from the ELCA roster for ordained ministers.
For more detailed information, see Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitution (http://www.elca.org/secretary/constitutions/index.html).
An ELCA bishop does not have the authority to unilaterally remove any ELCA pastor from the ELCA roster. For this reason, it is necessary to submit this matter to the ELCA disciplinary process. This is an internal church proceeding and does not involve the civil courts.
With the filing of charges, I do not intend to make any further comments about the case until the DHC renders its verdict and course of action. Please remember in intercessory prayer Pastor Bradley Schmeling, his loved ones, St. John's Lutheran Church, and those of us who will be involved in the discipline hearing process.
Sincerely in Christ,
Ronald B. Warren
Bishop
This list administered by ELCA-Southeastern Synod, 100 Edgewood Ave, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30303
-----
From what I understand, Pastor Schmeling made it clear to the bishop when he accepted the call that he did not agree with Visions and Expectations and would not commit to abiding by the rules. It should be no surprise, then, that he has entered into this relationship and expects to remain in his position. Also, from what I understand, he has the full support of his congregation.
I think it will be interesting to see if the synod will enforce what was decided in 2005 at CWA or if they will look the other way.
---Katie
Reagan's tax cuts - 25 year anniversary
From Real Clear Politics:
Reagan's Winds Still at Our Backs
By Thomas Bray
Last weekend was the 25th anniversary of a turning point in Western civilization: the Reagan tax cut of 1981. Aside from an approving editorial in the Wall Street Journal, however, there was hardly a peep in the mainstream media.
That's not surprising: Ronald Reagan and his tax cuts remain highly suspect in the highly statist world of the national press corps. Among the chattering classes, and even among many tax-cutting enthusiasts, there is still little appreciation of the broader significance of the tax-cutting movement that swept Reagan into office in 1981.
It was far more than a revolt of hard-pressed taxpayers, who, acting out of base self-interest, greedily wished to keep more of their paycheck (or in the left's view, the dividend check). It was far more than a matter of making the economy more "efficient." It was an outward manifestation of a sea change in public attitudes about the proper role of government itself.
Click on the title to read more!
---Katie
Reagan's Winds Still at Our Backs
By Thomas Bray
Last weekend was the 25th anniversary of a turning point in Western civilization: the Reagan tax cut of 1981. Aside from an approving editorial in the Wall Street Journal, however, there was hardly a peep in the mainstream media.
That's not surprising: Ronald Reagan and his tax cuts remain highly suspect in the highly statist world of the national press corps. Among the chattering classes, and even among many tax-cutting enthusiasts, there is still little appreciation of the broader significance of the tax-cutting movement that swept Reagan into office in 1981.
It was far more than a revolt of hard-pressed taxpayers, who, acting out of base self-interest, greedily wished to keep more of their paycheck (or in the left's view, the dividend check). It was far more than a matter of making the economy more "efficient." It was an outward manifestation of a sea change in public attitudes about the proper role of government itself.
Click on the title to read more!
---Katie
Are you reading the blogs?
Powerline has a good article about how blogs are keeping the mainstream media honest...well, maybe not keeping them honest, but at least pointing out their bias. Powerline is one of the blogs I check out regularly, as well as Hugh Hewitt and Michelle Malkin. Little Green Footballs has been rather tenacious in pointing out the staged photographs that the media claim represent what is happening in Lebbanon.
Click on the title - it is an interesting article!
---Katie
Click on the title - it is an interesting article!
---Katie
Cynthia McKinney claims voter fraud.....(well, of course)
Cynthia McKinney thinks electronic voting should be banned because it can be used to steal elections. What she is really saying is, of course, that she lost because of fraud, not because:
-She got into a scuffle with the Capitol Hill police because they wanted to see her ID before she entered the capitol (she is so important that they MUST recognize her.)
-She is a moonbat who accuses the Bush administration of having advance knowledge of the 9/11 attacks.
-She travels around with an entourage akin to that of a rap star. (Come on...you are a congresswoman - one of 435!)
-She is a buddy of Cindy Sheehan.
-She gets lots of donations from people with Arab interests who are not in her district.
Get over it Cynthia...people in your district finally woke up and started wondering who you really represent and realized what an embarrassment you are!
Click on the title to read the article!
---Katie
-She got into a scuffle with the Capitol Hill police because they wanted to see her ID before she entered the capitol (she is so important that they MUST recognize her.)
-She is a moonbat who accuses the Bush administration of having advance knowledge of the 9/11 attacks.
-She travels around with an entourage akin to that of a rap star. (Come on...you are a congresswoman - one of 435!)
-She is a buddy of Cindy Sheehan.
-She gets lots of donations from people with Arab interests who are not in her district.
Get over it Cynthia...people in your district finally woke up and started wondering who you really represent and realized what an embarrassment you are!
Click on the title to read the article!
---Katie
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Metro NY rescinds resolution
If you remember, Metro NY Synod of the ELCA called a special assembly last October to address the results of the Churchwide Assembly votes on the issue of homosexuality. They passed a resolution that was ruled in conflict with the decisions of the CWA. At this summer's synodical convention in NY, people expressed anger at the special gathering in October and how people were notified. The end result: they rescinded the resolution. Interesting in light of the fact that many synods this spring and summer have passed (or not passed) resolutions supporting or chastising Metro NY for their slap at CWA...
Anyway, for a summary of the synodical "silly season" and discussion of this topic visit the ALPB forum - click on the title!
---Katie
Anyway, for a summary of the synodical "silly season" and discussion of this topic visit the ALPB forum - click on the title!
---Katie
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Hezbollah condemned those children to die
Remember...the Muslim fanatics know how to play the western media. Things are not always as they seem on tv.
Lebanese report: Hezbollah planted disabled children in basement to die
By Israel Insider staff and partners August 1, 2006
A French language Lebanese publication, citing an unnamed source in Hezbollah, has claimed that the organization placed a rocket launcher on the roof of the notorious building in Qana to provoke an Israeli attack and brought invalid children inside to serve as victims and blacken Israel's name. The Lebanese magazine LIBANOSCOPIE, associated with Christian elements which support the anti-Syrian movement called the "March 14 Forces," report that Hizbullah masterminded a plan that would result in the killing of innocents in Qana, in an attempt to foil Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's "Seven Points Plan" calling for deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon and the disarming of Hizbullah. The magazine reported:
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Red Cross reported on Monday that only 28 bodies, 19 of them children, were removed from the rubble. The count is half that of the 50-60 bodies still being reported by news agencies, quoting Lebanese security officials.
"We have it from a credible source that Hezbollah, alarmed by Siniora's plan, has concocted an incident that would help thwart the negotiations.... Hezbollah gunmen placed a rocket launcher on the roof in Qana and brought disabled children inside, in a bid to provoke a response by the Israeli Air Force. In this way, they were planning to take advantage of the death of innocents and curtail the diplomatic initiative," the site stated.
Click on the title to read the article.
---Katie
Lebanese report: Hezbollah planted disabled children in basement to die
By Israel Insider staff and partners August 1, 2006
A French language Lebanese publication, citing an unnamed source in Hezbollah, has claimed that the organization placed a rocket launcher on the roof of the notorious building in Qana to provoke an Israeli attack and brought invalid children inside to serve as victims and blacken Israel's name. The Lebanese magazine LIBANOSCOPIE, associated with Christian elements which support the anti-Syrian movement called the "March 14 Forces," report that Hizbullah masterminded a plan that would result in the killing of innocents in Qana, in an attempt to foil Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's "Seven Points Plan" calling for deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon and the disarming of Hizbullah. The magazine reported:
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Red Cross reported on Monday that only 28 bodies, 19 of them children, were removed from the rubble. The count is half that of the 50-60 bodies still being reported by news agencies, quoting Lebanese security officials.
"We have it from a credible source that Hezbollah, alarmed by Siniora's plan, has concocted an incident that would help thwart the negotiations.... Hezbollah gunmen placed a rocket launcher on the roof in Qana and brought disabled children inside, in a bid to provoke a response by the Israeli Air Force. In this way, they were planning to take advantage of the death of innocents and curtail the diplomatic initiative," the site stated.
Click on the title to read the article.
---Katie
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Castro has signed over power to his brother...
...while he has surgery for intestinal bleeding. The Castro watch has begun.
---Katie
---Katie
Seek Out the Truth
Because you aren't going to get the whole story from the mainstream media.
Here is an interesting letter I found at Michelle Malkin's blog. To see what else she has on her blog, click on the title.
I just watched you on FOX. My daughter was in Gitmo for a year as a Master-at- Arms, E4. (10/04-10/05) She was injured several times by the inmates assaulting her physically. In addition, she knew that when she was doing her job by enforcing the rules, she was threatened by the prisoners if she had to touch them. They would get her. They mixed a cocktail of urine, feces, and semen, and let it fester for days until the right moment. They warned her that she was a target and then they got her, she was assaulted several times by loads of crap thrown at her.
She had to undergo shots to prevent what diseases that she was exposed to. I don't know why we have women guarding men, especially these animals, but that is the policy. My daughter is a tough cookie and can handle herself. In her year there she did not dishonor herself or our country. When she returned home she had a DVD of Gitmo. They made fresh bread every day!! Part of it showed how the chef's prepared special meals for the prisoners. If a prisoner refused food the guards were happy to sample the Chicken, rice pilaf, yogurt and fresh baked pita bread, while our guys had crap food from the mess or had to buy it from Burger King.
As part of her duties, in the last month she was there, she was assigned to the hospital ward. She had to force feed those a..holes who offed themselves the other day. They were the meanest of the bunch and had to be tied down to get their food. My daughter and other personnel voluntarily submitted themselves to the force feeding procedure also so that they could do it with the least pain for the captives. It was very unpleasant for her but it helped her and others to understand how to participate in it with the least stress for the recipients. The goal was to keep them alive. She feels that the suicides would not have happened on her watch, but it was going to happen eventually. These guys are warriors. By their death they have achieved a military success in the political world. The media marches on.
------
We (and Israel) are fighting a very determined, hardened foe. They will do things we would never do. The Hezbollah fighters imbed themselves in the civilian population so that their enemies will be castigated for killing civilians; we make a point to cause as few civilian deaths as possible. We are at a disadvantage fighting them. They see our desire to protect innocent life as a weakness and they exploit it. We are in a fight against evil and our media wants to keep that truth from us.
----Katie
Here is an interesting letter I found at Michelle Malkin's blog. To see what else she has on her blog, click on the title.
I just watched you on FOX. My daughter was in Gitmo for a year as a Master-at- Arms, E4. (10/04-10/05) She was injured several times by the inmates assaulting her physically. In addition, she knew that when she was doing her job by enforcing the rules, she was threatened by the prisoners if she had to touch them. They would get her. They mixed a cocktail of urine, feces, and semen, and let it fester for days until the right moment. They warned her that she was a target and then they got her, she was assaulted several times by loads of crap thrown at her.
She had to undergo shots to prevent what diseases that she was exposed to. I don't know why we have women guarding men, especially these animals, but that is the policy. My daughter is a tough cookie and can handle herself. In her year there she did not dishonor herself or our country. When she returned home she had a DVD of Gitmo. They made fresh bread every day!! Part of it showed how the chef's prepared special meals for the prisoners. If a prisoner refused food the guards were happy to sample the Chicken, rice pilaf, yogurt and fresh baked pita bread, while our guys had crap food from the mess or had to buy it from Burger King.
As part of her duties, in the last month she was there, she was assigned to the hospital ward. She had to force feed those a..holes who offed themselves the other day. They were the meanest of the bunch and had to be tied down to get their food. My daughter and other personnel voluntarily submitted themselves to the force feeding procedure also so that they could do it with the least pain for the captives. It was very unpleasant for her but it helped her and others to understand how to participate in it with the least stress for the recipients. The goal was to keep them alive. She feels that the suicides would not have happened on her watch, but it was going to happen eventually. These guys are warriors. By their death they have achieved a military success in the political world. The media marches on.
------
We (and Israel) are fighting a very determined, hardened foe. They will do things we would never do. The Hezbollah fighters imbed themselves in the civilian population so that their enemies will be castigated for killing civilians; we make a point to cause as few civilian deaths as possible. We are at a disadvantage fighting them. They see our desire to protect innocent life as a weakness and they exploit it. We are in a fight against evil and our media wants to keep that truth from us.
----Katie
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