Regarding the Recent Elections...

I made a note during the recent presidential debates and noted the questions from the women and young males were; what will you do for me? Not what will you do for the nation. Candy Crowley was totally biased.

Received this in today’s email and thought I would share it. Read, obviously, to the rhythm of T‘was the night before Christmas.

GREETINGS

T ‘was the night before elections

And all through the town,

Tempers were flaring

Emotions all up and down

I, in my bathrobe,

With a cat in my lap,

Had cut off the TV,

Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden,

There arose such a noise,

I peered out my window,

Saw Obama and his boys.

They had come for my wallet,

They wanted my pay,

To give to others,

Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money,

And quick as a wink,

Jumped back on his bandwagon,

As I gagged in the stink.

He then rallied his henchmen,

Who were pulling his cart,

I could tell they were out

To tear my country apart!

'On Fannie, on Freddie,

On Biden and Ayers!

On Reid, On Pelosi',

He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause,

And as they flew out of sight,

I heard him laugh at the nation,

Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think,

On this one final note,

IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM,

GET OUT AND VOTE!

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR ONLY HOPE!

The Geezer Manifesto?

Received this in my email today. You should get a kick out of it regardless of your political party, well maybe not.

Some of us are Older than the "Baby Boomers” getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were.

We have worked hard, raised our children, worshiped our God, and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.

In school we studied English, history, math, and science, which enabled us to lead America into the technological age.

Most of us remember what outhouses were, and many of us with first-hand experience. We remember the days of telephone party lines, 25-cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes.

For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators.

A few even remember when cars were started with a crank.
Yes, we lived those days.

We are probably considered old fashioned and outdated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off.

We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam. We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so.

We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn’t fight for the Socialist States of America we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave."

We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America, and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing.

We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America.

Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us.

That is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.

It was the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress. You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don’t like it after all.

You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting.

Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer’s remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Cool-Aid.' Now you’re paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.

Well, don’t worry youngsters, the Gray Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation.

We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House or to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom.

We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Gray-Haired Brigade."


Come on guys. Let’s get this circulating.
Gray-Haired Brigade Member
I am another Gray Haired Geezer signing on.

Life is too short for drama or petty things, so laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly.
Live While You Are Alive.
Forgive now those who made you cry.
You might not get a second time. 

The Nurse, The Extremist, The Survivor

Perhaps one of the best pro-life ads ever.



H/T The American Spectator

Obama's "Catholic Plan"

This video goes back to 2009, but it is most relevant today especially in light of the upcoming elections.

YouTube has had 3.4 million hits for this video.

Elections 2012 – Catholic Conference of Illinois

Elections 2012 – Catholic Conference of Illinois

This is the third of four bulletin inserts to offer guidance and reflection points from Illinois’ Catholic Bishops in preparation for the elections of November 6, 2012. The first insert was an introduction to this effort. The second insert discussed the expectations of a well-formed conscience. (Go to www.ilcatholic.org for a copy of the first and second insert.)

“Christ…fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear.”

–Gaudium et Spes, 22

As followers of Jesus Christ, we understand the human person in light of the mystery of the Incarnation. HUMAN DIGNITY flows both from our origin (being created in the image and likeness of God) and from our ultimate destiny, which is communion with God. Legitimate concern for the material well-being of all must never eclipse our concern for their spiritual and moral well-being. [Matthew 10:28]

The preciousness of every human being demands our concern for well-being of all, beginning with those closest to us for whom we bear the greatest responsibility, and with a special concern for the weakest and most vulnerable among us and for future generations.

The moral imperative to respond to the fundamental needs of our neighbors—needs such as food, shelter, basic health care, education, and meaningful work—is universally binding on our conscience, but may be legitimately fulfilled by a variety of means. These responsibilities cannot be simply delegated to the State.1

As the Catechism reminds us, “It is not the role of the Pastors of the Church to intervene directly in the political structuring and organization of social life. This task is part of the vocation of the lay faithful, acting on their own initiative with their fellow citizens.”2 Relying on well-formed consciences, Catholics citizens must use prudence in responding to these needs and serving the COMMON GOOD.

While there may be many legitimate ways to address the needs of our neighbors, there are some actions which are always and everywhere immoral. As Catholics, we must recognize that not all issues carry the same moral weight. The continuing slaughter of innocent children through legal abortion—to take the most appalling example of such “intrinsic evil”—is a grave offense against God and our own human dignity, and cries out for justice. Accordingly, “the moral obligation to oppose intrinsically evil acts has a special claim on our consciences and our actions.”3

Those who knowingly, willingly and directly support public policies or legislation that protect and perpetuate such injustice cooperate with that grave evil. Candidates who promise to support the common good, while at the same time glossing over their support for intrinsic evils such as abortion, perpetrate a lie. Catholic candidates who do so are also a cause of scandal among the faithful.

Finally, two other issues of particular importance in this election year demand our attention. The first is marriage: the permanent, faithful relationship of a man and a woman as husband and wife is the root of a family and the foundation for all of society. The decline of marriage in our culture has already inflicted untold spiritual and material costs upon society and individuals alike. Attempts to redefine marriage are contrary to the natural and moral law and only serve to further erode this fundamental institution. The defense of marriage is a matter of social justice. The second issue—which is of such pressing importance that the final insert, beginning on October 28th, will address it specifically—is religious freedom. Additional information can be found on the Catholic Conference of Illinois website, www.ilcatholic.org or at www.faithfulcitizenship.org.

1 Caritas in Veritate, 38

2 CCC, 2442

3 Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, 37

The President's $8 Billion Coincidence

Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics

This is the definitive guide for any Catholic who wants to cast a vote consistent with Catholic moral teaching. This voter’s guide identifies five issues involving non-negotiable moral values in current politics and helps you narrow down the list of acceptable candidates, whether they are running for national, state or local offices.

The Five Non-Negotiables are:

Abortion

Euthanasia

Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Human Cloning

Homosexual "Marriage"

You should avoid to the greatest extent possible voting for candidates who endorse or promote intrinsically evil policies. These five issues concern actions that are intrinsically evil and must never be promoted by the law.

Intrinsic evil refers to actions that are morally evil in such a way that is essentially opposed to the will of God or proper human fulfillment. The key consideration here is that intrinsically evil actions are judged to be so solely by their object, independently of the intention that inspires them or the circumstances that surround them (See the Catechism, Part Three, Section One, Chapter One, Article 4, n. 1756). In this sense, "intrinsic" does not convey the notion of a particularly heinous act (although all heinous acts are intrinsically evil), but that the act is wrong no matter what its circumstances.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan at the DNC

"wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove"

Many of us were disappointed, even scandalized, that Cardinal Dolan accepted the invitation to give the closing Benediction at the Democratic National Convention. I felt disappointment as well. But having listened to the Benediction I have changed my mind. Cardinal Dolan, to me, is a hero, and a good apostle, as he brought the truth to the party that revels in its anti-Catholic positions and strives to make this a godless country.

As blogger Russ Rentler put it so well:

For those who condemn the good Cardinal for being wishy-washy for agreeing to pray the benediction at the DNC, it would be wise to hear what he prayed. Yes, we should pray as if only our Lord is hearing our prayers, but I think the Cardinal was being "wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove" last night. He basically prayed against the two most important planks of the platform of the Democrats- abortion and same-sex marriage and let those who were listening know, once more, where the Catholic Church stands on these crucial issues of life.

Free Stuff

I received this email today and thought I would pass it on. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for lending a hand when a hand is really needed. But you know the truth about the waste, fraud and corruption – the extent is unbelievable. All the while the truly needy are not being helped as they should be. I know this from an old friend’s personal experience.

We all have personal experiences we can relate. The first that comes to mind is I’m standing in front of a building waiting for a friend. Up the driveway comes a PACE van – those vans for the disabled to help them visit doctors etc. – a free ride door to door. Out of the building comes a woman, I would say in her early forties dressed in a full length leather coat. Her gait is quick; she walks better than I do no signs of any disability. She gets in the van and they drive off. I called PACE to complain. First comes the phone menu system to wade through and then the switching from one department to another, passing the buck. I stayed with it. Finally got to someone and they were totally disinterested. You know my complaint would go nowhere.

Then the time I was going to offer to help at a food pantry, but didn’t as many of those people getting free food drove up in cars newer and more expensive than mine.

There was the day I was with the same friend mentioned above waiting in a government assistance office. Waiting and waiting for her turn. I couldn’t help but listen to the conversations around me. Most of the topics were how to ‘beat’ the system and how to get this or that – free of course.

I could go on and on. The point is, is that the email has so much truth in it. There are two types of people: the producers and the takers. The number of producers is dwindling while the numbers of takers are exponentially increasing. There is no more money – I can’t pay any more taxes. I’m already drastically limiting my entertainment and eating out budget. Our nation debt is so great our grandchildren and their children will be paying for the dollars we spend today.

It was just two generations ago that people had to rely on themselves, relatives, or charities. There was no government assistance. At the same time the government is doing all it can to stifle Catholic outreach efforts with the HHS Mandate – now law, and other efforts to cripple our church. You will recall in a number of states, including Illinois, the Catholic church has had to back away from adoption services.

As the takers now outnumber the producers it is going to be very hard to turn this around. Our only hope is in the upcoming elections. If the current administration is reelected you cannot imagine how bad it will get when re-election will not be a concern. If you think the last four years were bad, wait for the next four.

Here is the email – you can smile, but not for long – as this reflects reality:

I am forwarding this email that I received today to a few of the "thinkers" in my address book.   It reflects the feelings of a lot of people.

I have never heard this said as simply or as well.  

Article: Bishop of Madison, Bishop Robert C. Morlino

From the Diocese of Madison’s Catholic Herald

Subsidiarity, solidarity, and the lay mission

Bishop's Column

Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 -- 12:00 AM

Dear friends,

It was no shock at all for me to learn that our diocesan native son, Paul Ryan, had been chosen to be a candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United States. I am proud of his accomplishments as a native son, and a brother in the faith, and my prayers go with him and especially with his family as they endure the unbelievable demands of a presidential campaign here in the United States. It is not for the bishop or priests to endorse particular candidates or political parties. Any efforts on the part of any bishop or priest to do so should be set aside. And you can be assured that no priest who promotes a partisan agenda is acting in union with me or with the Universal Church.

It is the role of bishops and priests to teach principles of our faith, such that those who seek elected offices, if they are Catholics, are to form their consciences according to these principles about particular policy issues.

However, the formation of conscience regarding particular policy issues is different depending on how fundamental to the ecology of human nature or the Catholic faith a particular issue is. Some of the most fundamental issues for the formation of a Catholic conscience are as follows: sacredness of human life from conception to natural death, marriage, religious freedom and freedom of conscience, and a right to private property.

Violations of the above involve intrinsic evil — that is, an evil which cannot be justified by any circumstances whatsoever. These evils are examples of direct pollution of the ecology of human nature and can be discerned as such by human reason alone. Thus, all people of good will who wish to follow human reason should deplore any and all violations in the above areas, without exception. The violations would be: abortion, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, same-sex marriage, government-coerced secularism, and socialism.

Where intrinsic evil is not involved

In these most fundamental matters, a well-formed Catholic conscience, or the well-formed conscience of a person of good will, simply follows the conclusions demanded by the ecology of human nature and the reasoning process. A Catholic conscience can never take exception to the prohibition of actions which are intrinsically evil. Nor may a conscience well-formed by reason or the Catholic faith ever choose to vote for someone who clearly, consistently, persistently promotes that which is intrinsically evil.

However, a conscience well-formed according to reason or the Catholic faith, must also make choices where intrinsic evil is not involved. How best to care for the poor is probably the finest current example of this, though another would be how best to create jobs at a time when so many are suffering from the ravages of unemployment. In matters such as these, where intrinsic evil is not involved, the rational principles of solidarity and subsidiarity come into play. The principle of solidarity, simply stated, means that every human being on the face of the earth is my brother and my sister, my “neighbor” in the biblical sense. At the same time, the time-tested best way for assisting our neighbors throughout the world should follow the principle of subsidiarity. That means the problem at hand should be addressed at the lowest level possible — that is, the level closest to the people in need. That again, is simply the law of human reason.

We can disagree on application

As one looks at issues such as the two mentioned above and seeks to apply the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, Catholics and others of good will can arrive at different conclusions. These are conclusions about the best means to promote the preferential option for the poor, or the best means to reach a lower percentage of unemployment throughout our country. No one is contesting here anyone’s right to the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, etc. Nor is anyone contesting someone’s right to work and so provide for self and family. However there can be difference according to how best to follow the principles which the Church offers.

Making decisions as to the best political strategies, the best policy means, to achieve a goal, is the mission of lay people, not bishops or priests. As Pope Benedict himself has said, a just society and a just state is the achievement of politics, not the Church. And therefore Catholic laymen and women who are familiar with the principles dictated by human reason and the ecology of human nature, or non-Catholics who are also bound by these same principles, are in a position to arrive at differing conclusions as to what the best means are for the implementation of these principles — that is, “lay mission” for Catholics.

Thus, it is not up to me or any bishop or priest to approve of Congressman Ryan’s specific budget prescription to address the best means we spoke of. Where intrinsic evils are not involved, specific policy choices and political strategies are the province of Catholic lay mission. But, as I’ve said, Vice Presidential Candidate Ryan is aware of Catholic Social Teaching and is very careful to fashion and form his conclusions in accord with the principles mentioned above. Of that I have no doubt. (I mention this matter in obedience to Church Law regarding one’s right to a good reputation.)

Peace and reconciliation in coming months

I obviously didn’t choose the date for the announcement of Paul Ryan’s Vice Presidential Candidacy and as I express my pride in him and in what he has accomplished, I thought it best to move to discussion of the above matters sooner rather than later. No doubt it will be necessary to comment again on these principles in the days ahead for the sake of further clarification, and be assured that I will be eager to do so.

Above all, let us beg the Lord that divisions in our electorate will not be deepened so as to have a negative impact on pre-existing divisions within the Church during this electoral season. Let there be the peace and reconciliation that flow from charity on the part of all. Thank you for reading this. God Bless each one of you! Praised be Jesus Christ!

Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Papal Letter to the Knights of Columbus "Plugs" Religions Freedom Efforts of U.S. Catholics

Pope Benedict encouraged the Knights of Columbus and indirectly all of us to continue our efforts for religious freedom. This is the responsibility of all of us. This is our time. Each generation has it challenges – religious freedom is now ours. Will you step up to the plate or let it pass with indifference? Following is the text of the message the Vatican sent to the Knights. The elections are just around the corner. Will you vote to defend the church, to stop this harassment of Catholics, to stop the trampling on and removal of our religious rights?

PAPAL LETTER TO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Via Zenit

[Emphasis added by me]

"concerted efforts are being made to redefine and restrict the exercise of the right to religious freedom"

VATICAN CITY, AUG. 3, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Here is the July 19 letter sent by Benedict XVI's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, to Carl Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus. The letter is on the occasion of the Knights' 130th Supreme Convention, which will be held next week, and deals with the matter of religious freedom.

* * *

Dear Mr. Anderson,

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was pleased to learn that from 7 to 9 August 2012 the 130th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus will be held in Anaheim, California. He has asked me to convey his warm greetings to all in attendance, together with the assurance of his closeness in prayer.

The theme of this year's Supreme Convention - Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land - evokes not only the great biblical ideals of freedom and justice which shaped the founding of the United States of America, but also the responsibility of each new generation to preserve, defend and advance those great ideals in its own day. At a time when concerted efforts are being made to redefine and restrict the exercise of the right to religious freedom, the Knights of Columbus have worked tirelessly to help the Catholic community recognize and respond to the unprecedented gravity of these new threats to the Church's liberty and public moral witness. By defending the right of all religious believers, as individual citizens and in their institutions, to work responsibly in shaping a democratic society inspired by their deepest beliefs, values and aspirations, your Order has proudly lived up to the high religious and patriotic principles which inspired its founding.

The challenges of the present moment are in fact yet another reminder of the decisive importance of the Catholic laity for the advancement of the Church's mission in today's rapidly changing social context. The Knights of Columbus, founded as a fraternal society committed to mutual assistance and fidelity to the Church, was a pioneer in the development of the modern lay apostolate. His Holiness is confident that the Supreme Convention will carry on this distinguished legacy by providing sound inspiration, guidance and direction to a new generation of faithful and dedicated Catholic laymen. As he stated to the Bishops of the United States earlier this year, the demands of the new evangelization and the defense of the Church's freedom in our day call for "an engaged, articulate and well-formed Catholic laity endowed with a strong critical sense vis-a-vis the dominant culture and with the courage to counter a reductive secularism which would delegitimize the Church's participation in public debate about the issues which are determining the future of American society" (Ad Limina Address, 19 January 2012).

Given this urgent need, the Holy Father encourages the Supreme Council, together with each of the local Councils, to reinforce the praiseworthy programs of continuing catechetical and spiritual formation which have long been a hallmark of your Order. Each Knight, in fidelity to his baptismal promises, is pledged to bear daily witness, however quiet and unassuming, to his faith in Christ, his love of the Church and his commitment to the spread of God's Kingdom in this world. The forthcoming inauguration of the Year of Faith, which commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, is meant to deepen this sense of ecclesial responsibility and mission in the entire People of God. His Holiness prays that the celebration of this Year of spiritual and apostolic renewal will inspire in the Knights an ever firmer resolve to profess their baptismal faith in its fullness, celebrate it more intensely in the liturgy, and make it manifest through the witness of their lives (cf. Porta Fidei, 9).

In a particular way, His Holiness wishes me to convey his profound personal gratitude for the spiritual bouquet of prayers and sacrifices which the Knights and their families have offered for his intentions throughout this year which marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of his episcopal ordination. He is pleased to see in this act of spiritual solidarity not only an outstanding testimony of love for the Successor of Saint Peter, who is "the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of the Church's unity in faith and her communion" (cf. Lumen Gentium, 18), but also a sign of especial fidelity, loyalty and support during these difficult times.

With these sentiments, the Holy Father commends the deliberations of the Supreme Convention to the loving intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. To all the Knights and their families he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the Lord.

Adding my own prayerful good wishes for the work of the Supreme Convention, I remain

Yours sincerely,

[Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone]

Video: We the People

Already 10.3 million views on YouTube. Great. You must share it.

The Future is Looking Good

Las Vegas "odds maker" opines on why Obama will get "killed" by Romney in November.

Wayne Allyn Root

May 30, 2012

Most political predictions are made by biased pollsters, pundits, or prognosticators who are either rooting for Republicans or Democrats. I am neither. I am a former Libertarian Vice Presidential nominee, and a well-known Vegas odds maker with one of the most accurate records of predicting political races.

But as an odds maker with a pretty remarkable track record of picking political races, I play no favorites. I simply use common sense to call them as I see them. Back in late December I released my New Year’s Predictions. I predicted back then-- before a single GOP primary had been held, with Romney trailing for months to almost every GOP competitor from Rick Perry to Herman Cain to Newt -- that Romney would easily rout his competition to win the GOP nomination by a landslide. I also predicted that the Presidential race between Obama and Romney would be very close until Election Day. But that on Election Day Romney would win by a landslide similar to Reagan-Carter in 1980.

Understanding history, today I am even more convinced of a resounding Romney victory. Thirty two years ago at this moment in time, Reagan was losing by 9 points to Carter. Romney is right now running even in polls. So why do most pollsters give Obama the edge?

First, most pollsters are missing one ingredient -- common sense. Here is my gut instinct. Not one American who voted for McCain 4 years ago will switch to Obama. Not one in all the land. But many millions of people who voted for an unknown Obama 4 years ago are angry, disillusioned, turned off, or scared about the future. Voters know Obama now-- and that is a bad harbinger.

Now to an analysis of the voting blocks that matter in U.S. politics:

Black voters.  Obama has nowhere to go but down among this group.  His endorsement of gay marriage has alienated many black church-going Christians.  He may get 88% of their vote instead of the 96% he got in 2008.  This is not good news for Obama.

Hispanic voters. Obama has nowhere to go but down among this group.  If Romney picks Rubio as his VP running-mate the GOP may pick up an extra 10% to 15% of Hispanic voters (plus lock down Florida).  This is not good news for Obama.

Jewish voters.  Obama has been weak in his support of Israel.  Many Jewish voters and big donors are angry and disappointed.  I predict Obama's Jewish support drops from 78% in 2008 to the low 60%s. This is not good news for Obama.

Youth voters.  Obama’s biggest and most enthusiastic believers from 4 years ago have graduated into a job market from hell.  Young people are disillusioned, frightened, and broke -- a bad combination.  The enthusiasm is long gone. Turnout will be much lower among young voters, as will actual voting percentages.  This is not good news for Obama.

Catholic voters.  Obama won a majority of Catholics in 2008.  That won’t happen again. Out of desperation to please women, Obama went to war with the Catholic Church over contraception. Now he is being sued by the Catholic Church. Majority lost.  This is not good news for Obama.

Small Business owners.  Because I ran for Vice President last time around, and I'm a small businessman myself, I know literally thousands of small business owners.  At least 40% of them in my circle of friends, fans and supporters voted for Obama 4 years ago to “give someone different a chance.” I warned them that he would pursue a war on capitalism and demonize anyone who owned a business...that he'd support unions over the private sector in a big way...that he'd overwhelm the economy with spending and debt. My friends didn’t listen.  Four years later, I can't find one person in my circle of small business owner friends voting for Obama.  Not one.  This is not good news for Obama.

Blue collar working class whites.  Do I need to say a thing?  White working class voters are about as happy with Obama as Boston Red Sox fans feel about the New York Yankees.  This is not good news for Obama.

Suburban moms.  The issue isn't contraception…it's having a job to pay for contraception.  Obama's economy frightens these moms.  They are worried about putting food on the table.  They fear for their children’s future.  This is not good news for Obama.

Military Veterans.  McCain won this group by 10 points.  Romney is winning by 24 points.  The more our military vets got to see of Obama, the more they disliked him.  This is not good news for Obama.

Add it up.  Is there one major group where Obama has gained since 2008?  Will anyone in America wake up on election day saying, "I didn't vote for Obama 4 years ago, but he's done such a fantastic job, I can't wait to vote for him today." Does anyone feel that a vote for Obama makes their job more secure?

Forget the polls.  My gut instincts as a Vegas odds maker and common sense small businessman tell me this will be a historic landslide and a world-class repudiation of Obama’s radical and risky socialist agenda.  It's Reagan-Carter all over again.

But I'll give Obama credit for one thing -- he is living proof that familiarity breeds contempt.

An Election Prayer to Mary

O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care.

Most Holy Mother, We beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection.

Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.

Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God's law is the foundation on which this nation was founded, and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

O Merciful Mother, give us the courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life.

Dr. Thomas Sowell Article & Tom's Observation

A friend sent me this article by Dr. Sowell. I have a great deal of respect for him, partially because of his great mind – surely, a blessing from God – and his fearlessness to speak the truth. Perhaps you know that any black man or woman who does not tow the line is ostracized, receives threats, and generally is given a very difficult time for others of their race.

Before the article, which is found below, I would like to add an observation/comment of my own, which I never got a chance to articulate before.

As a youth, my parents were Democrats. It was a time that most people in my neighborhood shared the same values. We were Catholic/Christian, predominantly Polish, Italian, Irish and German. Our precinct captain, ward committeeman, and mayor also reflected these values, and ethics.

As I grew into a young adult, I learned that this was no longer the case, neighborhoods became more mixed, we became a more mobile society, and relatives no longer lived near us but may have taken a job across the country. Now it is not a rarity that an atheist or Muslim might live next to me. This in itself is not bad, as I have found that diversity may make us stronger in many ways. But what happens is couples now meet mates of different faiths. To keep the relationship cohesive faith/religion is put aside and not even spoken of. Children grow up without a faith background. And they enter society without something to hold on to.

They are influenced more by our secular society than by their parents. As indicated in “Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly – which I strongly recommend – we are influenced by this culture’s materialism, individualism, minimalism, and hedonism. How long have we heard “If it feels good, do it?” The propaganda is intensive and it is blatant, as is the social engineering. You cannot watch a television program without a homosexual character, or couple. I gave up on sit-coms long ago as there is no more family programming. It is all sexual innuendo, and now not even innuendos, but blatant, at times disgusting acts or statements. There are no longer comedians who can tell great jokes; they all resort to four letter words and bodily functions. Then we have the media’s agenda. News? Forget it. It is all one sided, and simply radically liberal. Truth? Look elsewhere. I have now given up on all broadcast TV.

Liberals have taken over our schools. You have seen the recent recording of a teacher – an authority – who dismisses the freedom of speech and says you cannot say anything against the President. And this is not isolated, but pervasive. The indoctrination is overwhelming; all through the grades and through college, which are no longer for education, but for party time. Abstinence is not taught, but condoms are handed out freely. Sex is encouraged. There is no discipline. God has been kicked out of our schools. Parents are afraid. As I personally witnessed, through a friend, many children know they can complain about their parent’s discipline efforts to the school, and the parents – especially single parents – are afraid the children will be taken away from them.

Let me turn back to the Democratic Party. These good people discarded their values and ethics for money. Somewhere along the line the Democrats embraced abortion, homosexuality, and a host of other anti-Christian issues. There is no way I can be part of the party of my parents. Teachers used to be respected, now we know, most of them – I won’t cubby-hole all of them – are there for the buck, the pension and the perks. There was a time for unions. There still is in some ways. But they too gave up their values for the power of the dollar. Politicians learned the more government jobs they gave out, the more votes they would get. So we have so much redundancy, make-work, corruption, and useless entities that we can no longer afford them. And the cycle continues. The more pay, the more pension, the more perks, the more votes. And the government does not produce anything, yet, they are in every aspect of our lives; from toilet bowls to light bulbs. To support the teachers, unions, and government employees, taxes continually rise.

We have little hope; especially in Illinois where I live. There are more takers than there are producers. What if all the private enterprise left Illinois and left the takers to fend for themselves? Who is John Galt? (From “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand, if you are not familiar with the line. I don’t agree with her philosophy, but a very good book). I am at a point where I cannot afford to live in Illinois.

All these Democrats have thrown out their values and ethics. When was the last time you heard of a Democrat who is pro-life?

People of faith are now faced with the forces of evil infringing on our freedom of religion and freedom of conscience. It is now law that religious institutions must pay for contraception and abortifacients in their insurance plans, although it is morally reprehensive to them. The Catholic Archbishop for Military Services was censored in his letter to Catholic Chaplains concerning the HHS mandate. In Illinois the Catholic Church had to step away from adoptions, as the state mandated they would have to provide adoptions to homosexual couples. I believe the administration’s agenda is to silence and cripple the Catholic Church.

Let me leave with one more note on indoctrination. Because of the propaganda, acceptance of homosexuality has been increasing by one percent a year. Under the Obama administration is has been five percent a year, each year, in the last three years. Now, with Obama coming out of the closet, acceptance has jumped to 53% - you can see where the Democrats are towing the line. Now I am not a homophobe. A phobia is an unnatural fear of something, but homosexuality is by its nature unnatural. I love the sinner, but hate the sin, and we should not accept it, as we should not accept any sin; murder, abortion, pedophilia, to mention a few.

Now here is Dr. Sowell:

Occupy Wall Street - Essay--Excellent...

Tue, 22 May 2012

A great article! One of the most intellectual black human beings in this country hits it right on the head.

Occupy Wall Street

By Dr. Thomas Sowell

The current Occupy Wall Street movement is the best illustration to date of what President Barack Obama's America looks like. It is an America where the lawless, unaccomplished, ignorant and incompetent rule. It is an America where those who have sacrificed nothing pillage and destroy the lives of those who have sacrificed greatly.

It is an America where history is rewritten to honor dictators, murderers and thieves. It is an America where violence, racism, hatred, class warfare and of murder are all promoted as acceptable means of overturning the American civil society.

It is an America where humans have been degraded to the level of animals: of defecating in public, having sex in public, devoid of basic hygiene. It is an America where the basic tenets of a civil society, including faith, family, a free press and individual rights, have been always rejected. It is an America where our founding documents have been now shredded and, with them, every person's guaranteed liberties.

It is an America where, ultimately, great suffering will come to the American people, but the rulers like Obama, Michelle Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, liberal college professors, union bosses and all other loyal liberal/Communist Party members will live in opulent splendor.

It is the America that Obama and the Democrat Party have now created with all the willing assistance of the Liberal media, Hollywood, unions, universities, the Communist Party of America, the Black Panthers and numerous anti-American foreign entities.

Barack Obama has brought more destruction upon this country in 3 years than any other event in the history of our nation, but it is just the beginning of what he and his comrades are capable of.

The Occupy Wall Street movement is just another step in their plan for the annihilation of America.

"Socialism, in general, has a record of failure that's so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it."

Dr. Thomas Sowell (A National Humanities Medal Winner)

The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by the people that vote. - AMERICANS BETTER WAKE UP BECAUSE IF OBAMA HAS A 2ND TERM, IT WILL BE ALL OVER FOR AMERICA. 

The Truths We Hold...

Richard Neuhaus has an interesting article in First Things. It begins:

"At least since Ronald Reagan vs. Jimmy Carter in 1980, the question of religion in public life and, more specifically, the meaning of “the separation of church and state,” has surfaced in presidential elections. Sen. Obama has been working hard to overcome the perception that his party is not only secular but anti-religious. At the same time, Sen. Obama’s supporters have been raising alarms[sic] about the unabashed religious commitment of Gov. Palin."

Find the rest here.