The seminary is committed to offering the Catholic community - the laity, religious and clergy alike - the same academically solid and theologically orthodox education utilized by St. Charles Borromeo while training young Catholic men for the priesthood.
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While the foot soldiers of Western thought laid the groundwork for advancement in native lands, many of those once conquered peoples still carry a deep seeded resentment towards those who colonized them and harbor a belief that their land was stolen at a time when their ancestors were weak and ill-prepared. |
For the most part, Johnson's 30-year career as an educator has lacked elements of controversy or commotion, a major accomplishment in today's educational arena. This lucky streak, however, ended this past January when administrators at PUSD instructed Johnson that two educational banners, which had been prominently displayed in his classroom for a quarter of a century, were too "Judeo-Christian" and had to be removed |
For the most part, Johnson's 30-year career as an educator has lacked elements of controversy or commotion, a major accomplishment in today's educational arena. This lucky streak, however, ended this past January when administrators at PUSD instructed Johnson that two educational banners, which had been prominently displayed in his classroom for a quarter of a century, were too "Judeo-Christian" and had to be removed |
| | | | | | | Photo by Paul Sakuma / Associated Press
Santos Perez, left, wears an American flag at a rally and march in San Jose, Calif., yesterday during an immigration demonstration. | |
And as Hispanics were marching in the city streets of Los Angeles, Chicago, Jersey City and Miami, just to name a few, the White House was, and is, putting pressure on the Congress to push through a guest worker immigration reform package that many immigration reformers argue in a de facto amnesty proposal. |
Rather than raise their hands in defeat though, children, and now residents, of North Philadelphia, an area that has seen violent crime skyrocket in recent months, have decided to take action and send a direct message to the community - violent crime is no longer welcomed in the City of Brotherly Love. |
| | | | | | | Photo by Jared Gruenwald / The Bulletin
A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen outside of St. Paul Parish in the heart of the Italian Market in South Philadlephia. Local churches around the area are paying homage to Mary this month. | |
Why, then, do Catholics ask for Mary's intercession? Fr. Wackerman uses the first miracle performed by Jesus, the miracle of turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana, to answer that question. |
In the aftermath of Carhart v. Gonzales, the split Supreme Court decision upholding the federal ban on partial birth abortion, many pro-choice activists have begun to report that the sky is falling. |
Scores of people from all over the Philadelphia region filled the country club's Grand Ballroom to participate in the "Simply the Best Art Show and Sale" to benefit the Regina Coeli Academy, a Wyndmoor pre-K thru 8th grade school offering a classical education through a Catholic worldview. For pictures, please visit the Society Page. |
As any Beltway bandit will tell you, victory is not achieved by tackling the issue, it is obtained by framing the debate. And in this instance, those claiming the mantle of Christianity sought to frame the debate in a manner that politically distorts, rather than debunks, their opponents. |
As a number of college students prepare to sit down and take a written examination on the history and meaning of the First Amendment, students at the University of Rhode Island (URI) are learning firsthand about censorship and government disregard for civil liberties. |
When Cardinal Rigali finished reading the book, he made sure to take questions from the little ones. And while these youngsters may not yet rival the Washington Press Corps, Cardinal Rigali made them feel just as important, if not more important. |
The headmaster also stressed that a computer is not necessarily a skill, but a tool to be utilized after a skill is mastered. Thus, if one becomes dependent on a computer prior to mastering a skill, such a dependency lowers self-confidence when such a tool, i.e. the computer, is not available. |
In launching the Campaign for Qualified Judges, the PBA seeks to increase voter awareness, place a microscope over the career of the declared candidate and provide voters with an effective voter guide when they go to the polls on May 15. |
From stem cell research to partial-birth abortion to euthanasia, Dr. Haas, through his roles as The Center President and Catholic activst, is unapologetically Catholic; he is a fearless cultural warrior who uses a traditional Catholic worldview to formulate answers to some of society's toughest questions. |
| | | | | | | Photo by Lauren Victoria Burke / Associated Press National Clergy Council President Rev. Rob Schenck holds a copy of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the ban on partial-birth abortion. | |
Liberty stated, "First, states can pass laws requiring abortion doctors to give explicit information to potential clients about how the abortion is performed. Second, health and safety regulations that apply to other doctors need not exempt abortion doctors. Third, this case gives a shot of adrenaline to the pro-life movement which will impact the presidential election." |
Growing up as a boy in South Jersey, there was an old Italian proverb that was told to me by a neighbor of mine, Carmela, a testimony to the wisdom and values of old Italy. Whenever I told Carmela of my endeavors or tasks, she would pull me aside and say, "Whatever you do Giuseppe, just remember it is not enough to aim; you must hit." |
Crossing the borderline: America cannot survive if her house is divided by two different cultures, with two different ideals. America has her own unique identity that is separate from Mexico City, and it takes more than a free market to keep that identity strong. Just ask Santa Anna. |
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Breakfast at epiphany: "Jesus never said it was going to be easy," stated Reverend Thomas G. Bohlin, Vicar, Prelature of Opus Dei in the United States, "but he did say that I will be with you always until the end of the ages." And for many Catholics at the prayer breakfast, Fr. Bohlin's invocation was welcomed reassurance. |
The burning Bush: While it is true that Ford ended up losing his election to Carter, Ford demonstrated that an unpopular predecessor does not necessarily mean a pink slip. Thus, what is a Republican to do in 2008 to overcome history and win the White House? |
Measuring tape: Washington, D.C. is, by far, a city built on bureaucracy. It is a town known for its abundance of red tape and its ability to take a simple measure and transform it into a complicated 1,000-page manual that makes the instruction booklets that come with electronic equipment seem understandable. |
| | | | | | | Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press | |
A natural progression: The Senate picked up yesterday where the House left off, opening debate and ensuring advancement of a bill on the volatile issue of stem cell research. The bill, reflecting the one passed in the House, was introduced by Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and promises to be vetoed once again by President Bush and the White House.
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Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), joined by Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), converged on the National Constitution Center yesterday in order to listen to testimony concerning the joining of Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and Highmark - a health insurance mega merger between the state's two largest insurers that has many crying foul. |
The sooner we engage Damascus, the sooner our boys can be removed from the mess in Mesopotamia. Pelosi knows this, the 9/11 Commission knows this, some Republicans and most Democrats know this, and Americans know this.
The question is will the president, along with his band of neo-conservatives, come to understand this? |
The weight of the world: "At times we would like to say to Jesus: Lord, your burden is not at all light. On the contrary, it is tremendously heavy in this world," proclaimed the soon to be 80-year-old pontiff. |
Run for the border: Tom Tancredo could be a darkhorse presidential candidate, and the steed he rides is known to all: immigration. |
| | | | | | | Photo by Sarah Webb / The Bulletin | |
The human spectrum: The two feast days that conclude Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter, present Christians with a wide range of spiritual emotions. |
Try to fold up this map: Today, America is in crisis; she is positioned at a fork in the road in which two clear paths lay before her. To one side lies a path of guilt, extremes, reparations, self-loathing and despair. On the other side America sees the promise of hope, the solidarity of her people, the preservation of her culture, the recognition of her superiority.... Her decision on which road to traverse will determine her fate.
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A spy in the house of freedom: It is a story that centers on First Amendment freedoms on the campuses of public universities. It is, hence, the story of a conservative organization under siege by a liberal student body. |
Cardinal Rigali told a collection of reporters and archdiocesan personnel that the bicentennial celebration would consist of numerous activities, ranging from a pilgrimage to the National Shrine in the nation's capital to a Bicentennial Concert, that seek to fuse the faith of our fathers with the advancements of the archdiocese.
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As word was released two years ago that the ailing pontiff had been called home to his Heavenly Father, scores of Philadelphia Catholics filled the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to pay their respects and honor a man who not only preached Christ's gospel, but also lived it. Yesterday, the faithful once again showed their appreciation for John Paul. |
How is the murder of a black man by a white man any different than the murder of a gay man by a straight man? Do not both victims die and both criminals commit the same crime? Are not all murders equal?
To some folks on Capital Hill, the answer is no. |
FIRE also warned UCLA that the university was traveling down a troubling path, for its decision was effectively giving students a heckler's veto that could be used to silence constitutionally-protected speech. |
On Thursday night, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) hosted its annual fundraising gala for the benefit of those students enrolled in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Catholic schools. |
Palm reading: It is a time for Christians to reflect on the saving power of Christ, to grasp the splendor of Christ's sacrifice, and reflect on the joys of the Heaven. It is a Sunday of the highest rank in the church. |
Just getting it off his community chest: Make no mistake, this writer holds no ill will towards Israel or her people. But should the fact that Israel has to fight for its survival give Tel Aviv a perpetual "get out of jail free" card? |
You Don't Speak for Me (YDSM), a national grassroots coalition of Hispanics, has decided to shatter the media stereotype that there is only one voice in the immigration debate. |
"It is encouraging to see so many young adults involved in this debate; it shows that education can make the difference," stated Short. |
Hold the phone: The standard amount ranges from $30 to $60 depending on the number of exemptions claimed. |
Patience is a virtue, but it is also a mild form of despair. With both parties delivering their closing arguments, the fate of a Hazleton illegal immigration ordinance now rests in the hands of U.S. Federal District Judge James Munley. Gentlemen, start your precedents. |
The four Pennsylvania lawmakers are attempting to address complaints that America is neglecting its southern border with Mexico. The controversy, however, has recently hit much closer to home. |
Over the past few decades, Ziv has been a pioneer in the field of medical simulation. Ziv, who is presently the founder and director of the Israel Center for Medical Simulation (MSR) and the Deputy Director of Sheba Medical Center, has been an essential player in developing a medical training system that permits young doctors to practice their profession on life-like simulators, rather than real life patients. |
"Sometimes, the person who has everything he could desire is still not happy; meanwhile someone deprived of everything, even freedom of health, can be joyful and peaceful," Pope Benedict said. "Herein lies the the secret...." |
Taking care of business: Having found a new home, the recently defeated Congressman will man the post for the business strategy firm's Washington office. |
Which states are the worst? Unfortunately the audit measures only one aspect of anti-Semitic offenses. The sum total, including hateful blogs, e-mails and web-sites and other trasnsitory discussions can not possibly be estimated. |
Today, In the Trenches takes a look at skyrocketing mortgage delinquency rates, a county's decision to subsidize Planned Parenthood, a New Jersey village's decision to deny a Christian festival, and the Islamic roots of Barack Obama.
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A sixth sense of humor: "Thank God I am not a free trader," wrote the Rough Rider himself, Teddy Roosevelt. Was he wise before his years or did he just possess common sense?
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Conservative groups had an opportunity to bring a sense of Christian compassion to this debate, but opted instead to scare supporters into believing homosexuals were trying to raise the rainbow flag over the Pentagon. This is not political activism based upon Christian principle; it is fear mongering based on the politics of man. |
Thompson claims that by placing "In God We Trust" on the edge of the dollar coin, the Mint is reflecting how God has "been moved to the back of the bus" in modern day culture. |
"The ACLU's claim that they are merely attempting to stop Christian indoctrination of students is nonsense," stated Richard Thompson, President of The Thomas More Law Center, in a press release. "What they are attempting to do is promote their own brand of religion - atheism or secular humanism."
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And while it would appear religious expression is important to Americans, sometimes public perception and religious reality fail to meet eye to eye. |
"This is certainly one of the more extreme cases," Harris said. The civil rights advocate expressed her amazement in regards to seeing "a public university acting in blatant violation of clear Supreme Court precedent." |
If the university is to regain its respected place in society, it must tackle these issues openly and publicly, rather than relegate them to a world of relativism |
The first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in 1771 and for 237 years those descendants of Ireland have used the parade as a method of raising appreciation of Irish culture, faith and family. |
In a few sentences Bush was telling Beijing, Tokyo, London, Moscow, and all other nations of the world that U.S. dominance on the global stage was here to stay even though the Cold War that born such a massive presence had gone on to greener pastures. |
But before one is able to fully grasp the concept of Operation Rice Bowl, it is important to understand how the program impacts the lives of its beneficiaries. Enter Thomas Awiapo. |
The archbishop's concern over the legitimization of objectifying women sexually is supported by the latest statistical evidence documenting the realities of human trafficking. Each year, it is estimated that between 700,000 and 2,000,000 people are sold into human trafficking rings, and those who are most vulnerable are women and children. |
A very special part of yesterday's program occurred when students were separated into small groups to engage in continued Holocaust discussions. Once in smaller pairs, students exchanged a dialogue with individuals who were fortunate to survive the Nazi camps. |
Over the course of two years, Procter & Gamble has worked with 76 properties and has collected over 22,000 linens in 23 cities. And now the fruits of Procter & Gamble's civic efforts and Mission S.O.F.T's linens have come to the City of Brotherly Love. The Brotherhood Mission, to be exact. |
The latest attempt to raise the wall of separation can be found in America's 50th state, as Alaska has gotten itself into some hot water with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) with the passing of an otherwise mundane tax bill that, among other things, exempts from taxes real property owned by religious organizations if the property is used to house religious educators employed by the religious organization. |
If we are to succeed in this culture war, and reclaim our institutions, we have to be willing to sacrifice and face the lions for at least a generation or two. If we fail to demonstrate the resolve for such a task, we will have lost not just the battle, but the culture war itself. |
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How can it be that a man who apprehended a convicted rapist is forced to stand trial for the apprehension? How can the U.S. government just sit on its hands and watch Chapman be sent to the gallows when it reaped the benefit of his actions? And is America ready to have the blood of this hero on her hands? |
According to Anita Nardone, president of PHL's Board of Directors, the award, which was named after her late mother, "is a way PHL acknowledges those individuals who are committed to the cause of life."
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--Big Brother Meets No Child Left Behind
--Three's A Crowd For The Supremes
--Pro-Choice Advocates Wonder What If
--The Buck Stops At Beijing |
Fast track authority, also also known as trade promotion authority, expires on June 30 and gives the president the ability to negotiate trade deals and then submit the finished product to Congress for an up or down vote. Under fast track, Congress surrenders its authority to amend or filibuster any of the president's proposed trade deals.
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| | | | | | | Photo By Carol Rosegg/All Shook Up
Joe Mandragona (center)?stars as Chad, a guitar-playin’ roustabout modeled after Elvis Presley, in Christopher Ashley’s “All Shook Up”?at the Merriam Theater. | |
Broadway Musical follows 24 hour period in a midwestern town turned upside down by the scandalous gyrations of a guitar-playing roustabout in skin-tight jeans. Hearts are broken, laws are passed, racial lines are danced across and nothing stays the same in the wake of this rocker. |
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of time in the Liturgical calendar in which Catholics are called to repentance. Traditionally, Catholics attending an Ash Wednesday Mass will have ashes placed atop their forehead in the form of a cross. |
While Americans go through their daily motions and work to earn their paychecks, there grows an undetected cancer that is spreading not just in this country, but across the global landscape: human trafficking. |
What was the result of Britain's flirtation with free trade? A decline in her manufacturing base, which, in turn, caused a decline in Britain's presence on the global stage. That decline is directly linked to the sun setting on the British Empire.
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And while sports fans may be agonizing or celebrating such decisions, students at the Illinois campus are still knee deep in a controversy loaded with passion and politics. |
The Seminary, which was founded by Bishop Francis Patrick Kenrick, had humble beginnings and its initial location was in the Bishop's Fifth Street residence in Philadelphia. A lot, however, changes in 175 years.
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Preventing gang activity: The deputies, who responded to a dispatch call that read "anti-abortion vehicle driving with offensive pictures," arrived at the school and were at a loss as to what charges could be used to eradicate the pro-life problem.
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| | | | | | | Liza Dagan, right, and Phil Devito prepare floral arrangements at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM yesterday in preparation for Valentine’s Day in Bethpage, N.Y. There isn’t just one St. Valentine, but three martyrs all mentioned on the popular Feb. 14 date. Photo by Frank Franklin II/Associated Press. | |
"At least three different St. Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under date of 14 February," states the Catholic Encyclopedia. One of the Valentines was a priest in Rome, a second was a bishop of Interamna (modern Terni, near Rome) and the third suffered in Africa. |
Most legal scholars have understood what Sir William Blackstone wrote centuries ago, "No enactment of man can be considered law unless it conforms to the law of God." Thus, it would seem logical to conclude that one cannot understand the law of man without first grasping the law of God. To try and do so would be the equivalent of building a house minus the support beams. |
| | | | | | | Abraham?Lincoln’s legacy is as large and grandiose as his memorial in Washington, D.C. The famous president’s birthday is today. | |
Lincoln was not your typical church going Christian. Lincoln was cut from the cloth that recognized the inherent truth of the Christian Church, but did not support any particular one of its denominations. "That I am not a member of any Christian Church, is true; but I have never denied the truth of the Scriptures; and I have never spoken with intentional disrespect of religion in general, or of any denomination of Christians in particular," stated Lincoln in a handbill published in the Illinois Gazette. |
The GOP's conservative base, however, is only the beginning of Rudy's nomination problems. The Mayor's other rivals fighting for the conservative base will do there best to dredge up the Mayor's less than lily white past.
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When asked what he thought about Obama, Biden responded, "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." Organizations like Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the National Action Network need to have an America divided by race if their organizations are going to see a steady cash flow. If race relations are deemed stable, then why do we need a Sharpton, Jackson or any other righter of civil wrongs? We don't.
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The Day of Purity is celebrated by students wearing T-shirts and wristbands highlighting their purity pledge, and is also accompanied by the distribution of flyers to fellow classmates. The goal of the project is to raise awareness of the harmful effects of pre-martial sex and to remind students they can make a choice to abstain from sexual relations.
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"We have always had such a positive image of the Girl Scouts." stated Kathy Coll, president of Pro-Life Coalition. "It has always been such a good thing, but it is not your grandmother's Girl Scouts anymore."
Coll, like many pro-life leaders, has become increasingly concerned by the fact that "Planned Parenthood has infiltrated Girl Scout troops" and has recently sent an e-mail reminding fellow pro-lifers to take into account the Girls Scouts relationship with Planned Parenthood before buying the cookies.
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| | | | | | | Robin Wright Penn (left) and Dakota Fanning star in the upcoming film “Hounddog.”?The film, which premiered last month at the Sundance Film Festival, has attracted a considerable amount of controversy due to a scene depicting the rape of Fanning’s character. Photo Courtesy of Deerjen Films. | |
The Tupelo, Mississippi based American Family Association (AFA) is upset because taxpayer dollars were used to support a festival that glorified two very controversial, and morally questionable, films last month. The two films in question, "Hounddog," which stars Dakota Fanning, and "Zoo," have raised many eyebrows with their explicit content. In "Hounddog," there is a scene that features the rape of the 12-year-old character played by Fanning. The second film, "Zoo," features the love affair between and man and a horse. |
--NFL Throws The Flag At?Indianapolis Church
--ACLU?Places Foster Children In Its Crosshairs
--Arizona Lawmaker Draws Line In The Sand
--Mother Earth, Public Schools &?Jesus Don't Mix |
| | | | | | | The design of the Pennsylvania Choose Life license plate, shown here, is now available for state drivers. Courtesy Of Choose Life, Inc. | |
"To purchase a Choose Life plate," states Mary Wurtz, administrator for Pennsylvania Choose Life (PACL), a Pennsylvania resident "must first visit our Web site and download an application form or contact us by phone so we can mail a form out to them." Under the current system in Pennsylvania, motorists seeking this specialty plate must submit their completed forms through the PACL.
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When one pours over the pro-life track record of the GOP, they are left with the age old question - where's the beef? When pressed on their lack of serious effort, many GOP leaders proclaim their hands are tied because the gods of Mount Olympus, the justices of the Supreme Court, have made their pronouncement. Pushing aside the edicts of the Supreme Court, we, as a people, must decide the answers to these questions, and it all begins by answering this question - when does life begin?
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Garrett Reid, 24, was involved in a motor vehicle collision in Plymouth Township Tuesday that left a woman trapped in her car until police arrived on the scene, according to police. Charges have not been filed against Reid. Police report the investigation is ongoing. In a non-related incident, numerous media outlets are reporting that another one of coach Reid's sons, Britt, 21, was allegedly involved in an altercation with another driver on Matson Ford Road in West Conshohocken. He allegedly pointed the gun at the other car's driver before pulling away. |
| | | | | | | Krista Paolella (left) and Anthony Connell (right) cantered the Mass at The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul held to honor the merit of student-athletes. The 1,500 high school athletes were honored as part of Catholic Schools Week. Photo by Jared Gruenwald of The Bulletin. | |
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph P. McFadden presided over the Mass. "Jesus Christ gathers us this morning and gives us the gift of our faith... and the gift to forge friendships through sports," stated Auxiliary Bishop Joseph P. McFadden. The Mass, which highlighted the beauty of the traditions contained in the liturgy, opened with a procession of students who walked down the center aisle carrying flags that represented their school. |
| | | | | | | St. Matthew’s Parish students unveil the new ads yesterday that will appear on public buses promoting Catholic schools. The event was part of Catholic Schools Week. Photo by Joe Murray/The Bulletin. | |
The Archdiocese hopes, "I am worth a Catholic education," will increase awareness. McCarron explained that this campaign is the Archdiocese's way of "challenging this decline [in Catholic school enrollment] head-on." McCarron is convinced that the Archdiocese can turn the tide of decline, for the 2006 study showed that "one in five parents with children not in Catholic school would consider investing in a Catholic education for their child." |
The decline of the West is undeniably connected to the decision of its people to forego reproduction for a weekend in the Riviera. Families now use contraception to prevent conception and women can legally terminate their child for any "health" reason, physical or emotional, up until, and including, the ninth month of pregnancy. All of this is done in the name of personal freedom.
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James Webb, the junior senator from Virginia, stroked the traditionalist's love of history by way of Andrew Jackson, he reinforced the notion that our nation was a republic and then, in the final blow, he told America that their savings accounts, not Goldman Sachs bonus checks, is what makes America great. Webb's message was directed to the heart of America - those blue collar, and now white collar, Americans that see the wallets on Wall Street expanding while their job is traded to Mexico in the name of free trade. |
--Make sure to read Michael P. Tremoglie's interview with Congressman Hunter in tomorrow's edition of The Bulletin--
Duncan Hunter, Congressman for California's 52nd District and possible Republican presidential candidate, re-introduced his "Right to Life Act" on Monday, the 34th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. In essence, the Right to Life Act, which had 101 co-sponsors (the largest ever) in the 109th Congress, serves as a Congressional declaration that life begins at the moment of conception and, therefore, the unborn are entitled to the constitutional protections entitled to all individuals.
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"Those who believe border fencing is ineffective are obviously ignoring the success of the San Diego border fence," responed Joe Kasper, Director of Communications for Rep. Hunter. "We know from experience that border fencing works and remains capable of providing the enforcement element that is desperately needed on our Southern border." |
| | | | | | | Krystle Marcellus/The Bulletin
Thousands of Pro-Lifers crowded Washington D.C.’s streets yesterday for the annual March For Life rally, held on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. President Bush addressed the attendees by phone from?Camp David during the day. Photo by Krystle Marcellus/The Bulletin. | |
Yesterday marked the 34th anniversary of the infamous abortion case Roe v. Wade, and with that anniversary came the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
The March for Life is a national rally that has occurred every year since 1974 and attracts activists from all over the nation - from Idaho to Iowa, California to Connecticut.
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| | | | | | | Craig Oglesby of Arlington, Texas holds a sign outside the Capitol during the March for Life yesterday in Washington, D.C. Photo by Krystle Marcellus/The Bulletin. | |
Yesterday, over 100 activists from the Philadelphia area converged on City Hall to participate in the Stand Up For Life rally and demonstrate their support and solidarity for the unborn, as well as show their compassion for the scores of women that chose to abort their unborn each year.
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George W. Bush is a man in crisis. His party was marked return to sender this November, his poll numbers resemble Paris Hilton on the morning after, the nation he governs is separated by a rift that makes the San Andreas Fault look like a crack, and America, as a direct result of his foreign policy, has become the Rosie O'Donnell of the global community.
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| | | | | | | Former Massachusetts Gov., Mitt Romney, R-Mass., hangs up after asking his sister, Lynn Romney, for a donation — the first call set up to begin fundraising for a possible presidential campaign. Short on broad appeal, Romney is lining himself up as the conservative choice of the growing ranks of Republicans running for the White House. Photo by Josh Reynolds/Associated Press. | |
Among one of the biggest concerns among conservative voters was Romney's anything but conservative positions that he espoused during his 1994 senate race against Kennedy. It did not take long for the footage of Romney's debate with Kennedy, in which Romney expressed private condemnation, but public support, for Roe v. Wade to hit the popular Web site YouTube.
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Because Justin Rigali is chairman of the Pro-Life Committee, he will be celebrating Mass this Monday in Washington, D.C. Rigali will be in the nation's capital in order to participate in the March for Life rally that seeks to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion. |
The event, which has been held for the past 34 years, "is not an anti-abortion march," states Martha Short, Executive Director of Pennsylvanians for Human Life. "It is a pro-life march - a celebration of human life." According to Short, the march is much more than people taking to the streets; it is a time when activists from across the country put their words into action.
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America has become a nation divided - blue states against red and pro-life against pro-choice. If the federal government is unwilling to stop the massacre, then it must be left up to the states themselves. |
WHO IS THE GOD OF AMERICA?
"When we answer that question," asserts Stephen Crampton, chief counsel for the American Family Center for Law & Policy (AFACLP), a pro-family public interest law firm, "we will have answered the abortion question."
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A little over two weeks into the New Year and the culture war raging across America has never been hotter. With Democrats now at the helm of Congress and many pro-life and pro-choice activists preparing for the 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade - the landmark case that established abortion as a fundamental right - the battlefields are lined with cultural foot soldiers.
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To the new American imperialist, democracy is much more than a system of government; it is a source of global salvation. These folks believe that democracy has the power to end war, feed the hungry and stamp out the evils of the day. Put another way, the democratic way of life provides the utopian opium necessary to create a heaven on earth. Hence, democracy becomes a golden calf to which all the peoples of the world must bow down.
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Dr. King would have seen blacks and whites, Christians and Jews, and the young and old converging on the synagogue for one specific reason - to lend a hand to the less fortunate.
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Nowhere has mankind's barbarity been more evident than in the case of Baby Alexis. Baby Alexis was born Dec. 12, 2006, at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. From the moment of his birth, Baby Alexis' health was not strong, and the duration of his life seemed to be in question.
Despite this grim outlook, Baby Alexis' parents loved him and thanked God for the blessing of his birth. The doctors entrusted to care for Baby Alexis, though, had other thoughts in mind. |
Those selected by the Holy Father to ascend to sainthood were Szymon of Lipnica (Poland), Antonio de Santa Ana (Brazil), Charles of Saint Andrew (Holland) and Marie Eugenie Milleret (France). And it is the canonization of Milleret that has Catholics in the Philadelphia area celebrating.
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"I am proud to be at the forefront of this issue," stated Democrat Mike Castle (D-DE). "This effort has never been solely about my bill; it has been on behalf of the research and the work for a cure for the tens of millions of patients suffering worldwide from diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's Alzheimer's, cancer and AIDs."
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Dominic Lettieri thought he was going crazy hearing this voice, but it just kept getting stronger. "My mom, Patricia, told my Dad to go to a prayer meeting to sort things out." Lettieri did go to the prayer meeting, and, soon thereafter, in his basement in July of 1975, Lettieri's Catholic radio station, initially named Acts 29, was on the air. |
Pelosi, who publicly identifies herself as a Catholic, added two events to her celebration tour that caused a great deal of concern for Judy Brown, President of American Life League (also known as ALL). Pelosi scheduled two stops at Catholic churches, one in Baltimore, Maryland and the other at the chapel of her old Alma motter, Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. |
Catholic scholars have recently voiced concern, and even opposition, to a movement in the church to transform the pro-life position of Pope John Paul II into a strict abolitionist position. Catholics in favor of capital punishment argue that the teachings of the church fathers and Scripture embrace the death penalty. |
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This image released by the United States Postal Service, shows the Elvis postage stamp, a stamp first issued in 1993. Elvis is still the most popular collected postage stamp according to the Postal Service. He would have turned 72 today. Photo courtesy of United States Postal Service/Associated Press. | |
Elvis Presley was Elvis Presley. He represented that strain of American individualism that served as the foundation of all great American events - from our declaration of independence to manifest destiny to America's continual fight for freedom. Elvis is America and America is Elvis.
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So, does this mean the GOP is a lost cause? Absolutely not. It just means that the GOP needs to open its eyes and re-embrace the strategy that gave rise to Nixon and Reagan - it needs to rediscover the Southern Strategy. ... The GOP [in the past] was able to wrestle the Southern white voter from the Democrats and become the dominant party in presidential elections. |
After receiving complaints from the director of All Women's Health Center, the police threatened the pro-life activists with arrest if they did not keep the noise down. Corry explained that the activists were told by police officers that they would be arrested if noise "would be audible in the clinic area." Such a subjective standard would give the police wide latitude in determining what noise is permissible and what noise is not. |
Judie Brown, President of American Life League argues that Pelosi should be remembering the 50,000,000 unborn children that have perished because of America's legalization of abortion. "Rep. Pelosi has been unwavering in her support for abortion and is downright defiant toward the Church's teaching on the sanctity of human life," Brown said.
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The Mass, which was celebrated by about 100 people at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City, attempted to celebrate the life of a great American and to bring unity to a nation that is witnessing national divisions similar to those faced by Ford a little over 30 years ago. "This is a time to put aside our personal beliefs," said Bishop Cistone, "so we can find peace, justice and a respect for life."
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Churches are splitting, and people are condemning; all the while, the Bride of Christ weeps while her children bicker on the small facets of Christianity and forget the love promised by Christ. The reason that the Christian community is in a state of emergency? Because it has permitted the legalism of man to complicate the simple grace of God's love. |
Fumo's package seeks to open the legislative process to a greater degree of public scrutiny and hold legislators to a higher standard. Fumo had introduced the package in 2006, but the package failed to make it out of the Senate Rules and Judiciary Committee. |
| | | | | | | “I had seen some ‘God speaks’ billboards, and thought that would be a great way to get the my message out. So I decided to have incorporate Who Is Your Creator and we began to have board meetings in order to plan a strategy.”
Julie Haberle
Who Is Your Creator President | |
"I had seen some 'God speaks' billboards, and thought that would be a great way to get the my message out. So I decided to have incorporate Who Is Your Creator and we began to have board meetings in order to plan a strategy."
Julie Haberle
Who Is Your Creator President |
"High energy costs have caused a tremendous hardship for many low-income families. By helping customers in arrears to take steps to restore their utility service, we can help ensure that no family is placed at risk of harm by using a supplemental heating source, or is simply left to struggle and shiver in the cold."
Governor Ed Rendell On Heating Grant |
"Despite humanity's many advances," opined the Pontiff, "man has always been the same: a freedom poised between good and evil, between life and death." And it is in this eternal struggle, so says Benedict, where the relevance of a Savior is displayed. |
| | | | | | | Books written in the early 1900s about Bishop Phillips Brooks and the carol he penned, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” stand in a display in the Holy Trinity Church in Rittenhouse. Photos by Joe Murray of The Bulletin. | |
It was on that Christmas Eve in 1865 that Brooks found himself on the hills of Bethlehem and thus the inspiration behind the song was born. Three years later, Brooks was preparing for the Christmas Eve service and asked Philadelphia's Church of the Holy Trinity organist, Lewis Redner, to put music to his poem. Brooks wanted the song to be debuted at Holy Trinity's Christmas Eve service. |
Make no mistake; the peoples of the West are dying. Nations that served as the pillars of Western thought and culture are becoming brittle and frail. Those who went to the Lion's den rather than deny their faith are relics of the past, for a vast majority of the Western peoples have become mules to lazy to swat the gnat of Christianity that, despite their effort to be rid of it, swirls around their head.
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News is occurring that is shaping the culture in which we live.
This news, often found in the trenches of the culture war, will be highlighted in this occasional feature. News ranging from social issues to economic issues to international issues will be touched on with a perspective founded in a traditional worldview. The idea is to isolate these overlooked stories and see how they impact you, the reader. If you have any suggestions as to news that ought to be included in this feature, please e-mail to jmurray@thebulletin.us.
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| | | | | | | William Devlin, founder of the Philadelphia-based Urban Family, poses with nine Sudanese children during his recent trip to the African country. Photo courtesy of William Devlin. | |
Recently, The Bulletin had the opportunity to interview William Devlin, founder of the Philadelphia-based Urban Family. Truly an energetic and fast-paced individual. Devlin is no stranger to activism and one can tell by the activity on his cell phone that he is constantly on the go. Take one look at Devlin and you will see he is passionate about the causes he adopts and he will not rest until he is able to affect some degree of change. |
| | | | | | | Congressman Jim Gerlach of the 6th District (podium) speaks at yesterday’s Center City press conference to denounce Iran’s government-sponsored Holocaust conference as well as the need for a permanent spot for the Holocaust memorial in the city. Gerlach was accompanied by Rabbi David Gutterman, the executive director of VAAD: Board of Rabbis (left), and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, 13th District. Photo by Jared Gruenwald/The Bulletin. | |
"Our Philadelphia community is one committed to upholding the values of truth," stated Beryl D. Simonson, board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the organization hosting yesterday's press conference. "We must never forget the horror of the Holocaust." But despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the horrors of the Holocaust, there is a radical minority sect within the Jewish community that was in Iran for the conference. Largely, it was a small number of anti-Zionist rabbis from America and Australia. |
According to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, the raids were meant to be a first step in combating what he called a "disturbing front" in illegal immigration - illegals stealing the identities of Americans.
"Violations of our immigration laws and privacy rights often go hand in hand," explained Chertoff. Chertoff, though, recognized that while identity theft was the primary motivation of the government, it was not its sole motivation. |
Why, in nation where over 80 percent of the people profess some form of Christianity as their faith, have Christians assumed the role of a battered spouse? Why have mayors, governors, congressman, townspeople and clergyman allowed an unelected branch of government, with zero enforcement power, to unleash a Jacobean campaign of the minority?
The answer - cultural cowardice. |
| | | | | | | Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, speaks to the participants who attended his 51st Annual Cardinal’s Christmas Party yesterday at the Center City Sheraton Hotel for children who have been assisted by the Catholic Social Services. His brethren this weekend will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent by lighting the rose candle. Photo by Krystle Marcellus/The Bulletin. | |
This Sunday as Catholics prepare to celebrate the Mass, they will be greeted by readings geared towards focusing their attention towards Christ. As a rule of thumb, if a participant of the Mass wishes to understand the message being conveyed, they can find that message in the responsorial psalm-the psalm sung (or spoken) between the first and second readings. |
| | | | | | | A large menorah stands on the Independence Visitors?Center lawn. Friday night, two candles will shine against the night sky as Hanukkah commences at sundown. Photo by Jared Gruenwald/The Bulletin. | |
Chanukah represents three things: "a victory of religious freedom, a victory of the few over the many, and a miracle bestowed by God to the Jewish people." |
With Iraq being the issue of the day, Sestak informed The Bulletin that his position on the mêlée in Mesopotamia has not changed now that the campaign trail is a thing of the past. "The best strategy," said a confident Sestak, "is a date certain." Sestak was referring to a definite date that mark the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Sestak believes that a fixed date is necessary to serve as a catalyst for action in the U.S. government.
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Should it come as a major surprise that a nation that was built on a Judeo-Christian foundation would produce a large number of people who profess a belief in God? |
A bloodless coup does not necessarily mean a lawyerless coup. In a press release, Gilchrist explained, "Even if the seven-person board they claim to have been a part of existed, how could three people, who couldn't even constitute a quorum, meet secretly without notifying the others, and take any sort of legal action?" |
There is no denying that Americans are fascinated by such decisions and usually spend a great deal of time talking about high-dollar verdicts around the watercooler. For the most part, such stories intrigue Americans because they, too, could one day hit the litigation lottery. |
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