Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Sotomayor Decision Against Whites Reversed by Supreme Court

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R-71 UPDATE: We are continuing to get encouraging reports from those gathering signatures for R-71. I received this message yesterday:

"We had an excellent day Saturday collecting signatures at the Olympia Tea Party Picnic. Despite the fact that there were several tables with R-71s (also with plenty of signatures), we went through the crowds and still managed to get 6 pages full of signatures!"

I know there is a concerted effort by many to have petitions at the Tea Party events scheduled this next week. If you are going, please plan to take several petitions with you to the event. I have linked a site that has listed most all of the Tea Party events in Washington State.
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Decision Against Whites Reversed by Supreme Court
Many were not surprised when we learned how Sonia Sotomayor had ruled in the matter of the New Haven firefighters, given the fact that she has been telling people for quite some time how she rules. Sotomayor had ruled against 20 firefighters, 19 white and 1 Hispanic, causing them to not be promoted, even though they had scored high on their test, because the city had thrown out the result of the tests, saying too few minority firefighters had scored high.

Judge Sotomayor agreed with the city.

The Supreme Court, to which she has been nominated, disagreed with Sotomayor -- and the city overturning her ruling yesterday.

President Obama says it should not affect her being confirmed, however, Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., told Fox News, "It was quite a rebuke actually to her and the opinion that was rendered."

He also said, "I think it raises questions in the minds of the American people as to whether some of Judge Sotomayor's speeches are being reflected in her opinions in terms of the favoritism for one group or another that might occur."

Judicial Activism.

Columnist George Will wrote, "Although New Haven's fire fighters deservedly won in the Supreme Court, it is deeply depressing that they won so narrowly---5-4."

Justice Scalia said yesterday's Supreme Court ruling, "Merely postpones the evil day," on which the Court must decide "whether or to what extent" existing disparate law conflicts with the 14th Amendment guarantee of equal protection under the law.

I agree with George Will. It is deeply depressing that this case was won so narrowly, with the most liberal judges ruling in favor of what was obviously racist.

It is also deeply disappointing and concerning that President Obama would nominate someone with such a propensity toward this kind of racist ruling and judicial activism.

With several presently serving on the Supreme Court due for retirement and the most far left liberal President in the history of our country, I suspect this is a glimpse of what is to come over the next three and a half years as Obama continues to "remake" America.

God help us.

Monday, June 29, 2009

People Pushing Back on Homosexual Marriage

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R-71 UPDATE: We are receiving some very good reports from people who are gathering signatures. If you have had a good experience, please share it with us so we can pass it on to others who are in the trenches.

We received the following message:

"From Whidbey Island...The first three pastors I approached...said, "yes, we will stand on the Truth" (E.V.Free3, Coupeville Community Bible, and Living Hope,Foursquare) I actually attended Living Hope last week and you had to stand in line to get out of the church because the sign up table was at the door.As to the first comment above,,,anyone wanting to sign a petition...find a Godly church!"

To share your story, click here and add a comment!

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People Pushing Back on Homosexual Marriage

A recent CBS/New York Times poll shows that support for same-sex marriage has declined by 9 percentage points within the past 60 days.

CBS is, of course, trying to minimize the decline in support by saying, "Support for same-sex marriage has declined slightly from two months ago."

Is 9 percentage points a slight decline? In 60 days? I think that is more than "slight".

We have been saying that the more people get to know the nature and tone of the homosexual marriage agenda and it's effect on the culture, the more they will begin to push back and reevaluate what they really believe about natural marriage. I believe that is reflected in these numbers.

The poll found only 33% favor homosexual marriage, down from 42% in April.

Jenny Tyree from Focus on the Family, told ONENEWSNOW she thinks these numbers reflect a bit of a backlash against the 5 states whose legislative bodies have redefined marriage recently.

She also said she thinks, "Americans really saw the intolerance that occurred after the Proposition 8 vote back in November."

I agree. The intolerance continues. You should see the content of some of the messages sent to myself and others leading Referendum 71. It's so vile, it's stunning.

Faith and Freedom hired Elway polls to take a survey of Washington voters regarding homosexual marriage at the beginning of this year. While Washington State does not reflect the national polls, Elway still found that Washington rejects homosexual marriage.

The State Legislature has given homosexual marriage to the state by passing SB 5688, refusing both Senator Swecker's appeal to refer the matter to the voters and the same appeal from Representative Matt Shea.

Referendum 71 will allow the people of the state to express their will regarding marriage. The fight to keep it from a vote of the people is fierce, however there is an army of people circulating petitions in churches and communities across the state.

If you have not yet signed a petition, please contact us. We will send you one. If you can circulate one or more in your church and community, please do so.

Thank you and God bless you. Thank you for your financial support.

_________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Friday, June 26, 2009

Obama "Remaking" American Culture

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On his 100th day in office, President Obama said the, "Work of remaking America is well underway."

Indeed it is. Incrementally, he is moving the gay agenda forward while telling America he supports marriage as between a man and a women.

He publicly proclaims to be a Christian, but ignores the National Day of Prayer. Yet has a homosexual celebration scheduled for the East Wing of the White House this coming Monday.

And when will we know the homosexual community has "equality"? The answer may be different than you think. It all depends on what equality is.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that, "Lawyers for President Obama are quietly drafting first-of-their kind guidelines barring workplace discrimination against transgender federal employees..."

The Times said the White House has not done much to advertise the provisions of the policy and Mr. Obama did not mention it in last week's announcement of gay benefits expansion, even though work on this new executive order is well under way.

John Berry, openly gay director of the Office of Personnel, said this was one of his goals when he accepted the job, and that no, the administration was not trying to hide it's work on this matter.

These guidelines, created by executive order of the President likely announced soon, will then be integrated into the guidelines of the federal handbook for managers. Who knows what the social implications on this action will be?

Will federal employees now have non-gender restrooms?

Transgenderism is the height of confusion.

Recently, Library of Congress lost a discrimination case after rescinding it's hiring of a former Army Special Forces commander, David Schreor, as a terrorist analyst, after learning he was undergoing a sex change. The Library felt it would be difficult for he/she to qualify for vital security clearances in a timely fashion.

The Library lost. In April, a federal judge awarded Ms. Schreor, formerly know as David, $500,000 in lost pay and damages.

The mantra from the gay activists is, "Transgenders deserve to be treated with respect and dignity."

Everyone deserves respect and dignity. Even Christians.

But why is there such a need to elevate these kinds of behavior by a small fraction of society in ways that reorder and reengineer the culture?

You will recall that President Obama failed to recognize the annual National Day of Prayer, yet has invited homosexual leaders to the East Wing of the White House for a celebration on Monday. They will be celebrating what most homosexual activists regard as the birth of their movement---the Stonewall Riots of June 28, 1969.

Incrementally, piece by piece, the President moves the gay agenda forward. They have been very upset recently that the President has not been moving fast enough on their agenda. And they have not been suffering silently. These moves should get him through another week--6 or 7 more news cycles with his friends in the homosexual community.

But where does it end? "Full Equality," they say. But what is full equality? How will we know when we get there?

Full equality may be something very different than what you think.

In a statement and declaration titled, "Beyond Marriage," first published July 26, 2006, and still being actively circulated, the authors say they wish to offer friends and colleagues within the gay community, "A new vision for securing government and private institutional recognition of diverse kinds of partnerships, households, kinship relationships and families. In doing so, we hope to move beyond the narrow confines of marriage politics as they exist in the United States today."

So, they don't just want gay marriage, they want government and private recognition. They want the government and the citizens to embrace their lifestyle---which defines them.

This was communicated in President Obama's declaration that the entire month of June would be Gay Pride Month. We would not just accept it, but would celebrate it.

Some activists attempt to down play the importance of this document, however I believe it represents the core agenda of the homosexual activist movement.

They want to abolish marriage as we know it.

The statement says they want the government to define as "legitimate families" :

* Committed, loving households in which there is more than one conjugal partner. (Group Marriage).

*Queer couples who decide to jointly create and raise a child with another queer person or couple, in two households.

Think about that for a moment.

"Marriage," they say, "is not the only worthy form of family relationship, and should not be legally and economically privileged above all others."

Clearly "equality" means something other than "equal to."

These are defining days in our American culture. There are those who are overtly pushing the culture toward a place that deconstructs marriage and the family. There are those who say they support natural marriage and family values, but act in ways that undermine those institutions. There are those who in fact believe in the institutions of natural marriage and family, but feel they should not become involved in the politics of it all.

And there are those who believe in natural marriage, traditional family and Judeo-Christian values and principles and believe they are responsible to occupy and take action until He returns.

To you, I say thank you and God bless you.

________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

City Employee Philip Irvin On Trial Today

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R-71 UPDATE: Click here.
______________

What is beginning to take on the feel of a trial, is scheduled today for City of Seattle employee, Philip Irvin.

We first reported this matter, then other Seattle media organizations began reporting it, crediting the Faith and Freedom website.

The City of Seattle may well be putting itself in a compromised position. While their motives cannot be fully known, their actions are beginning to speak ever so loudly. It appears they are reacting toward an employee who does not share the company position on actively promoting the homosexual agenda.

If you are not familiar with this developing situation, you may read a couple of our previous blogs.

Irvin, after formally requesting the names of those involved in a City of Seattle employee pro-gay organization---who are using city resources and time, be released to the public, was not only denied, but now is being investigated by the city. That begins today.

Here is the potential problem the city may face.

The Mayor regularly and formally invites employees to homosexual events like the Gay Pride Parade and others, and the city provides training credit for employees to attend a gay propaganda event such as, "Mom's Apple Pie," which was nothing more than a city sponsored advancement of the gay agenda and values, using city resources to do so---while refusing to identify who is involved. Employee Irvin holds an opposing view. Following his formal request for names to be identified, he is forcefully denied, homosexual advocates get a restraining order against his request, then he receives a memorandum that he will be investigated.

The city seems to be using intimidation against those who hold opposing views. It appears they are also creating a hostile work environment, which is illegal, for anyone who does not share their pro-gay positions and values.

This trial today is actually laying the groundwork for such action and may open the door for others who also oppose their positions but have been hesitant to come forward for fear of retribution.

If this were to happen, it would have a catastrophic impact on a city that already can't pay it's bills.

We will keep you posted as this continues to develop.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Teacher Fired and Students React to the Hypocrisy

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Tim Latham has been teaching history and US Government for 19 years.

After one year in the Lawrence, Kansas School District, the district refused to renew his contract. A number of accusations were made against the teacher, including the administration telling him he was too conservative, referring to his personal website, which he pays for.

He was also told, "You refuse to conform," and, "you don't fit in."

The driving issue, however, was an accusation by a student who said he compared Obama to Hitler in one of his class discussions.

Then something unique happened. Truth arose. Students in the class room knew that was not true.

Students and parents started a movement on Facebook explaining that Mr. Latham had not compared Obama to Hitler in class, was not "too" conservative and began to expose the hypocrisy of the school administration.

Clearly Latham does not stand with the general left to far left position of that in most public education. However, does he no longer have a right to believe something different than the so-called progressive left?

Students like Melissa Ward and others believe that ordinary people can still make a difference in our country and in our communities.

Last Thursday, the school district changed their mind, said it had nothing to do with the Obama-Hitler controversy, but because they had not adequately monitored his teaching, could not deny him a contract--or something like that, and offered him a contract for next year.

After the student-led campaign and the decision to renew his contract, the Kansas City Star, which had been silent on the highly-publicized issue, finally weighed in. Once again affirming why more and more people are not looking to what we use to call, mainstream media, for their news.

This incident underscores a couple of things. If people stand firmly for what is truth and what is right, and speak out, they can still prevail in our country and in our communities.

Secondly, public education is often the fountain head of anti-Christian, anti-American, pro-socialist, values neutral, progressive philosophy, yet many of the very kids who are baptized in these beliefs daily, still have a sense of what is right and what is wrong. And are willing to stand and speak on those virtues, even in the hostile environment of public education.

God bless the kids. I'm encouraged.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Charles Colson Makes Strong Prediction

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Prison Fellowship founder, Charles Colson, was direct in his comments to Southern Baptist pastors gathered in Louisville, KY for their annual meeting.

He predicted that pastors will soon face prosecution under hate crimes laws if they preach that same-sex relationships are sinful.

He told the pastors that the sponsors of congressional hate crimes legislation insist that it won't restrict speech.

Colson doesn't believe that and told the pastors that he believes they will face the threat of prosecution within the next two years.

He also told the pastors that medical professionals are losing their conscience right to refuse to perform abortions and faith-based ministries could soon have to hire non-believers.

Colson expressed deep concern over the continuing threat from Islamic terrorists and dismissed the Quran as an "irrational" invention of Muhammad, rather than divinely inspired scripture.

Chuck Colson is a proven Christian leader and thinker. I take his insights very seriously.

____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Monday, June 22, 2009

The Great Obama Sugar High

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BLOG UPDATE: Latest in the Philip Irvin vs. City of Seattle story. As you will recall, Philip Irvin, a City of Seattle employee, requested the names of those participating in a gay, lesbian, bi-sexual transgender organization within the employee structure of the City of Seattle. He said they were likely using city funds and resources and their names should be made public. The homosexuals got a restraining order against Irvin's request. Last week Irvin was told that he will now be investigated by the City. That is in process and Irvin has prepared his brief and declaration. I have linked both.
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The Great Obama Sugar High

Robert Zoellick, World Bank President, has called the Obama stimulus or "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" a spending spree that amounts to a "sugar high".

Vice-President Joe Biden, the man charged to head up the implementation of the spending has said, "Six months from now, if the verdict on the effort is that we've wasted the money...built things that are legal but made no sense, then folks, don't look for any help from the federal government for a long while."

All around the country there is a pattern developing.

Andrew Garber wrote an article in The Seattle Times yesterday describing a mild form of dilemma resulting in misplaced stimulus money in the Lake Washington school district.

However, it is US Senator Tom Coburn M.D. that is identifying and diagnosing the symptoms of the great Obama sugar high.

He released a report over the weekend that could not be ignored by the media and should not go unread by anyone who cares about the future of this country.

Vice-President Biden's words, "wasted money" and "no common sense" are taking on new meaning.

The report details actual spending or planned spending that indeed reminds one of a kid who has had too much red dye candy.

His report, titled "A Second Opinion," is extensive, yet concise. It is well-documented and would be entertaining, if it were not fact. I strongly recommend you take a little time and read it.

His "Top Ten Projects" personify "wasted money" and "no common sense."

While the Northwest is not in his top ten list, both Washington and Oregon have their hand in the candy jar.

On page 35, Dr. Coburn points out that Washington State University (Vancouver) is receiving $148,438 to "analyze the use of marijuana in conjunction with medications like morphine." In their request WSU says the project will stimulate the economy. Sure it will. Who needs red dye candy.

Microsoft has $20 billion in cash reserves, but will be the recipient of an $11 million stimulus bridge across the road between their two campuses in Redmond. The bridge will be an "unusual diagonally shaped bridge." That too will be stimulating.

Portland will spend $1 million stimulus dollars to upgrade 100 bike lockers and build a parking garage for 250 bicycles. Oregon has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country. This should really get things moving.

Tualatin, Oregon, is spending $2.5 million on a "train-horn-free"-zone. $939,000 of that is stimulus money.

Eugene, Oregon is spending $2.25 million stimulus dollars to construct a 1000 foot long bike path.

A border crossing between Canada and Montana that sees an average of less than 2 passenger cars per day and only 2 to 3 trucks a month is receiving $15 million stimulus dollars for upgrades. Five tiny border crossings in Montana are receiving $77 million stimulus dollars.

"Wasted money." "No common sense."

While the Obama administration continues to blame Bush for every ill our country is facing, this case of financial influenza is quickly becoming his own.

Tracking polls released today are showing the lowest approval rating for the President since he took office. He and his far left supporters are finding that the blame-Bush-era is quickly ending and the economy is becoming the Obama economy.

Many highly qualified people have predicted negative results from the great Obama spending spree. Dr. Coburn has correctly identified and diagnosed the condition. There is definitely a developing pattern.

The great question before us then, would be, what is the cure?

Is there a conservative leader who can rise to leadership, who will not forsake his or her conservative and traditional values once elected?

Is there a leader who will lead in "restoring" rather than "remaking" America?

I believe there is. And I believe we can find that person.

________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Friday, June 19, 2009

City of Seattle to "Investigate" Philip Irvin

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R-71 UPDATE: Thank you for the encouraging reports we are receiving from so many of you who are circulating petitions. From your reports, it appears that things are going very well, in spite of some opposition.

A 3 to 4 minute DVD will be available next week with a message from Representative Matt Shea and Senator Val Stevens regarding the importance of signing Referendum 71. It can be shown in a church service or to small group meetings. We will also post it on this web site.

Thank you for your support of this effort.
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City of Seattle to "Investigate" Philip Irvin

The hypocrisy continues at the City of Seattle.

On June 3, we reported that Philip Irvin, a City of Seattle employee, had filed a formal public disclosure request for the names of those participating in a Seattle Public Utilities sponsored employees group called, "Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender Questioning and Friends." Irvin said they were using city resources for their activities and their names should be known.

The homosexual group immediately filed an injunction to block the release of their names. That hearing is in process.

Seattle media picked up the story, with KOMO radio news crediting Faith and Freedom as their source. The Seattle Times and others also reported on the matter.

Now, Irvin was notified yesterday, that he will be investigated by the City of Seattle.

He received a memo, notifying him of a meeting scheduled this coming Monday, the 22nd, for the purpose of investigating him.

The top line of the memo simply says: "PHILIP IRVIN---INVESTIGATION" The message is also rather simple and to the point: "Phil---this is an investigatory meeting. As a union member, it is your right to arrange to have a shop steward present during the meeting. Thank you, Sandi Fukumoto, Strategic Advisor II."

Should an employee be subjected to this kind of action because his beliefs are in conflict with the homosexual agenda? Or even because he has taken certain actions, through proper channels, because of those beliefs? Should an employee be targeted because he stands against or questions organized homosexual activities within the City of Seattle employee structure---at City expense?

We are often assured by those sponsoring anti-discrimination laws that the laws will never affect the hiring practices of churches and other faith-based organizations.

We are told that so-called "hate-crimes" legislation will have no affect on what a pastor teaches from the pulpit of his church or teachers teach in faith-based institutions regarding homosexuality.

The force of this action against an employee should give those who doubt the resolve of those who are normalizing homosexuality and re-engineering our culture, a reason to pause or re-think the matter.

These days are not business-as-usual days. These are unprecedented days which should call all people of faith to new levels of commitment to stand for traditional, biblical values.

Judge Robert Bork wrote a number of years ago in his book, "Slouching Toward Gomorrah," that he felt the culture may be lost. He concluded that if it is to be saved, people must be informed and inspired to have the will to resist.

For the sake of our children and our grand children and the freedom to express our religious beliefs, I sincerely hope people will be educated to what is happening in our culture and have the will and the courage to resist. And I pray pastors will lead.

___________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Founder of GLSEN Joins Obama Team

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Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the new assistant education secretary for "Safe and Drug-Free Schools".

His organization, at it's core, is designed to promote the idea that some children are born homosexual, normalize homosexual behavior and teach students that opposition to homosexuality or transgerderism is a form of oppression.

GLSEN's manual, "The Jump Start Guide," specifically instructs students in the tactics of homosexual activism, such as, requesting that school boards revise their anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and to help teachers create lesson plans for teaching lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender history, etc.

However, GLSEN recommendations go way beyond mere activism and advocacy.

In the story I have linked above, CNS News has done an in depth look at Jennings' organization and what it is really promoting in our schools.

I strongly recommend you read it.

As is often the case, homosexual activism appears as one thing on the surface, but something very different when you take a closer look. GLSEN is a profound example. CNS takes a closer look.

They identify how Jennings' organization is indoctrinating kids in the public school on subjects such as, transgenderism and prejudice and how to define it. They are also heavy into what they call, "adultism," which is characterized by "disrespect towards the intelligence, judgment, emotional life and leadership or physical being of young people."

The manual instructs the kids on how to conduct workshops on adultism for adult groups with which they wish to partner.

Absorb that for a moment.

Dr. Jill Biden, Vice-President Joe Biden's wife, told GLSEN at their annual "Respect Awards" event on June 1, "Starting next month (Education) Secretary Duncan will have an excellent partner in his work."

She said the appointment of Jennings was "great news."

She told the activists that, "The task ahead is not simple, but you will prevail because you are determined, and---quite simply---you are right."

And there is the philosophy of the Obama Administration. This is beyond the "fox guarding the henhouse." It is tragic. And it should cause every parent to re-think how and where their child will be educated. There are more than 4000 such clubs in public schools across the country.

God help us and God help our children.
_________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Referendum on Same-Sex Marriage Blocked in D.C.

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R-71 UPDATE: Efforts are continuing with the distribution of petitions for Referendum 71. There is a continuing demand. We are mailing and hand delivering them as we hear from you. We are also beginning to receive reports from many that their signature gathering is going quite well. There is some resistance in certain public places and some pastors are hesitant to publicly endorse the referendum. However, other pastors are publicly encouraging people to sign the referendum.

Thank you for your efforts and your financial support.

OTHER NEWS: President Obama beginning to cave to growing criticism from homosexual activists. He is expected to act today.
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Referendum on Same-Sex Marriage Blocked in D.C.

Associated Press reported yesterday that the DC Board of Elections and Ethics has rejected a clergy-led effort to hold a referendum on whether Washington should recognize same-sex "marriages" performed elsewhere.

AP says a coalition of black ministers led by Bishop Harry Jackson sought the referendum opposing recognition of same-sex marriages.

They quote Bishop Jackson: "We feel that there is a moral imperative for us to stand against the effects that this particular same-sex marriage direction for the District would have on the next generation."

God bless you, Bishop Jackson and colleagues.

Bishop Jackson told the press that he knows working to ban same-sex marriage can make Christians unpopular but says, "We have a responsibility to be salt and light and if we take that seriously, then it means at times you're going to have both persecution and intense conflict."

Well said. And very true.

Some of us are finding that our support of Referendum 71 is characterized as "hate" and "bigotry". And it has indeed created intense conflict.

I find it interesting that on the one hand we are often told that we who support natural marriage are "out of step with society" or trying to hold on to the past, while everyone else has moved on, yet those who accuse us will do anything to avoid allowing the people---the general public, to vote on homosexual marriage.

The battle to defend natural marriage is not an easy one, but it is a worthy one.

God bless you for standing and acting on what is right.

_________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Planned Parenthood Joins Homosexual Activists to Defeat R-71

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Planned Parenthood published an email message on Saturday, the 13th, announcing they were joining homosexual activists to defeat Referendum 71.

They extolled SB 5688 as a civil rights victory, then said, "Unfortunately, a small, but vocal group of opponents are seeking to place a referendum---Referendum 71---on the ballot to repeal this law."

I would not characterize those who support Referendum 71 as small or necessarily vocal. I would describe them as significant in number and resolute in their convictions and beliefs concerning marriage and family.

I was personally out Saturday helping deliver petitions. The picture is representative as to what is happening all across the state. People meeting in parking lots, homes, offices and churches---distributing petitions. Pictured is Rick with Faith and Freedom delivering petitions to Joe in the Sumner-Puyallup area on Saturday.

There have been some instances where petition gatherers have been confronted, however there seems to be a growing fear among the SB 5688 supporters.

Two women gathering signatures on Saturday in front of the West Side Olympia Top---with permission---were confronted by a lesbian couple who created a scene, then complained to the store, which resulted in the women being asked to leave.

However, it is a story out of Spokane that is most telling. KXLY did a fairly extensive story on Friday of a small group---I'm told there were less than 12 people---who were asking people to decline to sign Referendum 71. (Article).

The event was organized by high school student Jack Sorensen. He told KXLY they were trying to,"Reach voters before R-71 supporters do."

He explained, "Many organizations in Washington fear gay rights legislation won't stand up against Washington voters and we're trying to keep it off the ballot."

I believe he is right. Those who are trying to advance the homosexual agenda, have used every political strategy to undermine our efforts to even get to where we could begin gathering signatures.

Senator Ed Murray told the Seattle press that getting to SB 5688 was part of a long term strategy of incrementalism, with the final and next step being homosexual marriage.

They do not want homosexual marriage before the people for a vote.

Their greatest fear, as revealed by a high school student, is that the people will have a voice in legislation that will, for generations, impact the state fiscally and culturally.

The Elway Poll survey taken for Faith and Freedom in January indicate voters will reject this legislation. (Elway Poll)

Thank you for all your hard work. Do not grow weary in well doing. Thank you for your financial support.

______________

Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom


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Friday, June 12, 2009

Seattle Businessman Tours State for R-71

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I realize that you will rarely find comments from someone other than Gary Randall on this blog. I am grateful for the chance to share my recent experiences with all those who read the Faith and Freedom blog.

I am a business man in the Seattle area and I can tell you that times have been tough in business recently. However, there is tremendous reason for hope in the state of Washington. Why? Let me tell you.

During the past week I have traveled the state distributing petitions to those who wish to support Referendum 71. The requests have come in like a flood, some asking for several hundred petitions at a time, enthusiastic to get them to friends, family, and their community.

Why do I have hope? My hope stems from what I have seen in these people.

Who are they? They are from all walks of life in our state, from voting age to well over age 80, all economic levels, various ethnic and racial backgrounds, from small communities on the Peninsula to Walla Walla to the biggest cities in the Puget Sound area, they are asking for copies of the petition.

Some voices in our state and the media have characterized these people as hateful, bigoted, bitter people who enjoy taking rights from others. Some would call them "right wing extremists." Those are not the people I have seen this past week. I have met respectful, hard working, courteous, dedicated - in some cases driving hours to get a petition - clear eyed, "salt of the earth" people who believe marriage is truly only between one man and one woman. No one has been bitter, none have been anxious to deny anyone's freedom to life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness.

They are concerned, however. They are concerned that our State legislature could quickly and forcefully pass a law that will affect all families, all children, all employees and employers, without a vote of the people. The people I have met this past week are also firm in their belief, taking action, and strong in their will. So, they are following the democratic process we follow in our state and supporting this referendum.

This is why I have great hope for our state. If we in Washington continue to respectfully, resolutely take action, and don't sit on the sidelines, then our Faith and our Freedom will remain strong. If we sit on the sidelines and assume we cannot win, or believe it is not our place to act, then they are in peril.

After this week, I believe most will chose to have a voice, and choose to let the state legislature know that we deserve a chance to vote on such an important issue.

Many, many people are working hard on this petition drive. My thanks to everyone. The momentum is growing quickly. My thanks also to Gary for this time, and his leadership, and for reminding us of what is truly important in our culture.

________________
Rick Wilson
Secretary, Treasurer
Faith & Freedom

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Kool Aid For Sale

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As summer approaches, we will begin to see kids setting up their Kool Aid stands in the neighborhood. You can buy a cool drink for 5 cents to 50 cents and support the kids in their enterprise.

However there is another younger man who has already set his Kool Aid stand at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and his drinks are beginning to create some nausea.

His emerging low view of Christianity and scandalous use of the people's money is causing some a great deal of concern, while others seem content to continue to drink deeply from his cup.

Robert Knight, a senior writer for Coral Ridge Ministries and a Senior Fellow with the American Civil Rights Union, has written a penetrating column titled, "Obama Nation's Low View of Christianity". He isn't buying the Kool Aid.

He carefully notes Obama's comments about Christianity beginning back in a speech he gave in Washington DC in 2006, through his comments in Turkey, France and Cairo. He points out that Obama distorted Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, mocked the Bible's relevance for politics, accused the Christian Right of exploiting what divides us and has said that Scripture is still being "edited". He points to Obama's appointees and nominees as a snapshot of what he really believes and where he really stands on Christianity.

Knight concludes, "More odd things have been happening since Obama's election that should give pause to even the most cynical observers."

Knight says, "If diversity in and of itself is god, where does that leave Jesus Christ...?"

I strongly recommend you read his column.

Newt Gingrich is not drinking it either. He is concerned and thinks others should be as well. In his article, "Once, We Would Have Called It A Scandal," he says, "In 1921, oil tycoon Harry Sinclair gave several prize cattle and around $269,000 to President Harding's Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall."

"In return," Newt recalls, "Sinclair got the exclusive rights to drill in an oil field in Wyoming. Sinclair's no-bid contract became the Teapot Dome scandal, the most notorious example of political corruption in America until Watergate."

Newt says, the United Auto Workers (UAW) gave $23,675,562 to the Democratic Party between 2000-2008 and $4,161,567 to the Democrats and Obama in 2008 alone.

Now, Gingrich points out the UAW received 55% of Chrysler and 17.5% of GM, plus billions of dollars in bailouts. And nobody's calling it a scandal...until now.

He says it's scandalous beyond belief and he makes such a strong case, anyone who cares about our country should read it. I know you care and again I strongly recommend his article.

More than a few are beginning to push back on Obama's full throttle run toward the hard left.

He is truly trying to "remake America." This is a time for people of faith to pray that God will "restore" America.

________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Public School Forces Homosexual Friendly Curriculum

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Parents will not be allowed to opt out their first and second grade children from a class that uses curriculum that equates same-sex unions with a family made up of a mother, father and child.

CNS NEWS is reporting that the Alameda, Calif. public school system has adopted curriculum for second graders that will use books such as "Tango Makes Three"---a story book about two male penguins who hatch an egg and raise a child together in New York's Central Park Zoo. First graders will see, "Who's In A Family?", which exposes students to a variety of "different" family structures.

Teachers are instructed that, “If a student responds that one family in the book is made up of a mother, a father, and two children and a cat, you may acknowledge that some families look like this, but ask students for other examples of what a family can look like.”

This is an assault on parental rights and family values.

According to the school board, this is an attempt to reduce bullying.

But board member Trish Spencer, who voted against the curriculum said,"If there were students that answered that they did not think that (two male penguins) were a couple or that they did not think that they were good parents based on religious beliefs, that could in fact increase bullying against those students by a protected class."

She also cited the 2001-2002 California Healthy Kids Survey as evidence that bullying due to religion is a bigger problem for the district than bullying based on homosexuality.

The survey showed that 14.3% of students reported bullying due to race or ethnicity and 9.1% were bullied because of religion. Bullying due to actual or perceived sexual orientation was third at 7.5%.

However, the school board is intent on elevating homosexual indoctrination above the actual greater needs.

School board president Mike McMahon told CNS NEWS that it was his understanding that the young children could express disagreement with the homosexual curriculum based on religion. And if they do he said, "They would be directed to talk to family." This is outrageous.

This is an example of how far public education has fallen and become nothing more, in many cases, then a social experimental laboratory. Students are being socially engineered to accept norms that are not normal.

Six and seven year old children are being called upon to either be indoctrinated or make moral decisions that they are not prepared to make---in an environment of peer pressure often created by activist teachers.

This is child abuse.

God help us.

_____________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, June 09, 2009

ACLU Threatens Students Over Religious Expression

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R-71 UPDATE: We are continuing to distribute petitions for Referendum 71. Smaller numbers, 20 or less are being mailed, larger numbers are being hand delivered. If you have questions feel free to contact us at info@faithandfreedom.us

Be sure to read instructions on proper signature gathering. Remember this includes your signature on the back of the petition.

Thank you for your financial support.
______________

ACLU Threatens Students Over Religious Expression

During the graduation ceremony at Pace High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida, nearly 400 graduating seniors stood and recited the Lord's Prayer. Many of them also painted a cross on their graduation cap as a statement of faith.

The ACLU had previously filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging that the principle had asked the athletic director to bless a meal at an awards ceremony.

The ACLU had threatened the school that they would take legal action if any kind of religious message was given at this particular graduation.

Matt Staver, of Liberty Council, is representing the principle, Frank Lay and teacher Michelle Winkler.

He says he will also represent the students if necessary.

Lord, bless the children.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

Follow up point of interest to yesterday's blog: After President Obama's all out endorsement of the homosexual lifestyle, declaring the entire month of June "Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Pride Month," the homosexual activists are now expressing frustration with him for not moving fast enough and omitting repeal of DOMA and the military, "Don't ask don't tell" policy in his proclamation. I have linked a story from POLITICO that is very informative. Note the pictures of activists with signs calling Obama "Fraud" and "Fail".

Monday, June 08, 2009

Dr. Mohler: "Obama More Than Tolerant Toward Homosexuality"

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Update on R-71:
30,000 petitions were distributed this weekend all across the state by Larry Stickney, myself, Faith and Freedom board members and an army of volunteers who share the urgency of this issue.

30,000 more petitions are being printed today. Each petition form has 20 signature lines.

We will continue personally delivering the larger quantities while requests of 20 or less are being mailed out this week.

We are regularly posting updated material on our PAC page. There are a number of questions people are asking. Please go to this link and read FAQ. Also notice the real time clock indicating how much time we have to gather signatures.

There are specific state regulations for gathering signatures. Please read instructions very carefully.

One question that is asked often, "Why can't you post a pdf file of the petition so we can download, copy and distribute?" I know this is often done with petitions, and it would be great, however due to the size and layout of this particular petition, we have been strongly advised not to do that. When you see a petition, you will understand. If signatures are presented on a petition form that does not completely comply with the state regs, it will be thrown out and may cause other signatures to be compromised or thrown out.

This process, as you can imagine, is labor intensive and costs money. Faith and Freedom PAC is spending the entire amount of every donation we receive on two things: printing, mailing, distributing and gathering petitions for Referendum 71 and promoting R-71 petitions on the Internet.

Your donations are urgently needed for these purposes. Thank you.
________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Mohler: "Obama More Than Tolerant Toward Homosexuality"

President Obama has, by executive order, declared the entire month of June to be, "Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Pride Month."

You will note that the proclamation underscores the high number of homosexuals he has appointed and chosen for positions in his administration.

Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., told ONENEWSNOW the proclamation advocates, "more than tolerance."

He said, "The United States federal government, now by executive order, signed by the President of the United States, is declaring national pride in these lifestyles. This is not mere toleration; it's not calling for legalization, an end to criminal sanctions. It's not even calling for something like civil unions...it's calling for Pride."

"Scripture," Dr. Mohler says, "does not allow Christians to be proud of sin."

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Thursday, June 04, 2009

ABC: "Emergence Of President Obama's Muslim Roots."

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It is more than a little troubling to a growing number of people that the President and his administration is recasting his relationship with Islam.

ABC is reporting that Obama security advisor Denis McDonough said recently, "The President himself experienced Islam on three continents before he is able---or before he's been able to visit, really, the heart of the Islamic world---you know, growing up in Indonesia, having a Muslim father---obviously Muslim Americans are a key part of Illinois and Chicago."

ABC remembers that candidate Obama told them back on May 22, 2008 in Boca Raton Fl., "My father was basically agnostic, as far as I can tell, and I didn't know him."

They say, "The White House has been increasingly forthcoming about the President's Muslim roots."

Now Toby Harnden at the UK Telegraph is reporting that our President said in an interview on France's Canal Plus, "If you actually took the number of Muslim Americans, we'd be one of the largest Muslim countries in the world."

Really?

Harnden did actually look into the numbers and found that America has, at most, 3 to 8 million Muslims, less than 1% of the world's total. That doesn't even put us in the top 20 Muslim countries.

It is troubling that our President so easily overlooks or ignores the exceptionalism of our great country so quickly and often apologizes for our imperfections, declares in Turkey that we are not a Christian nation, and now identifies us as one of the largest Muslim countries in the world.

Thank you to ABC, the Telegraph, and other news organizations who are beginning to worry out loud.

One wonders what our President will tell the Muslim world as he speaks to them today, in what he has called his "major address to the Muslim world."

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Homosexual Hypocrisy at City of Seattle

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UPDATE FROM PHILIP IRVIN: Response from City, Filing Report

News sources have been reporting, and are continuing to report, that a couple of homosexual activist groups are planning to post online the names of all who sign the Referendum 71 petitions.
KING 5 said if you sign the referendum, "You can expect to have your name posted online so you can be contacted by gay rights activists."

The Seattle Times made it very clear that people who sign the referendum petition may be targeted for a "conversation" with homosexual activists or "neighbors".

While wearing their "unbiased" mask, the press is diligently getting out the message---which is intimidation in its cruelest form. However the press is dutifully explaining that these folks just want to get better acquainted .

But will the press cover this story of hypocrisy at the City of Seattle?

Philip Irvin is an employee of the City of Seattle. He took the following action for the reasons he describes in his memo to me.

In his own words:

Seattle Public Utilities sponsored a "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and friends" employees group which has free use of City e-mail and meeting rooms and most likely even has a city job number to charge their organizational time to. They have even got an all-employees e-mail invitation persuading employees to attend a one-sided forum on lesbian mothers child custody issues. Curious to find out who was using City resources, I, a City Light employee, filed a public disclosure request seeking the names and attendees of their meeting. I was stunned when told that the gay group would be filing an injunction to block release of this information. There seems to be rank hypocrisy among the gay community. Publishing names and addresses on a website of those who oppose them by signing a petition is fair game but releasing the names of those who use city resources to promote their agenda causes them to howl. Call me a homophobe if you want to but I don't think the City should fund a secret gay employees group.
Philip Irvin

Click here to read the response from the Mayor's office.

_________________

Do the homosexuals have one rule for themselves and another one for everyone else? It seems they do.

Will the press be as interested in their unwillingness to share their names as they are to post yours online?

Should City of Seattle employees be using City resources for these kinds of events?

Will the press care how City money and resources are used?

Hypocrisy.

__________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Tuesday, June 02, 2009

PRAVDA: "America's Decent into Marxism is Happening with..."

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REFERENDUM UPDATE: The final edits are completed---at last-- on the Referendum 71 petitions. I am told they are to be printed today. Details tomorrow.
__________________


Most of us who 40 or older remember PRAVDA, the old Soviet Union news service.

A few days ago PRAVDA published an article that begins, "It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American descent into Marxism is happening with breathtaking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people."

You may recall that last Saturday night President Obama, speaking to a group of donors in Hollywood, gave an overview of the changes he has already made and said, "You ain't seen nothing yet."

Stanislav Mishin, the writer of the article, "American Capitalism Gone With A Whimper," says "True, the situation has been well prepared on and off for the past century, especially the past twenty years. The initial testing grounds was conducted upon our Holy Russia and a bloody test it was. But we Russians would not just roll over and give up our freedoms and our souls, no matter how much money Wall Street poured into the fists of the Marxists."

"Those lessons," he says, "were taken and used to properly prepare the American populace for the surrender of their freedoms and souls, to the whims of their elites and betters."

Mishin observes that Americans have been dumbed down through substandard education, our faith in God has been compromised by pseudo Marxist politicians who have garnered the support of churches and clergy willing to compromise, with the final collapse coming with the election of Barack Obama.

He says the past few weeks in America has made his Russian oligarchs look like little more than ordinary street thugs, in comparison.

He addresses the American government takeover of business with significant insight based on his own experiences and says even Putin is telling Europe not to embrace Marxism---as America rushes toward it. He is also calling for Russian owners of American businesses to get out---"Divest while there is still value left."

His final word may be profoundly prophetic: "The proud America will go down into slavery without a fight, beating his chest and proclaiming to the world, how free he really is. The world will only snicker."

Sunday, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was in China, our biggest buyer of America T bills, reassuring the Chinese that the Obama policies were sound, our currency under his Presidency would be strong and telling them to have faith in us.

He told his audience, "Chinese assets are very safe."

Reuters News service reported yesterday that his comments, "Drew loud laughter from his student audience."

More than a snicker.

President Obama is indeed "Remaking America" and it seems to be going well for him.

I strongly urge you to click the links to these stories, read them and ask yourself what you can do for your country. I would suggest any action begin with prayer.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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Monday, June 01, 2009

Late-Term Abortionist George Tiller Shot at Church Yesterday

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Late-Term abortionist George Tiller was shot and killed in church yesterday morning. Tiller was one of a very few in the country who performed late-term abortions. He ran one of three clinics in the nation that aborted babies after the 22nd week.

A suspect is in custody and I'm sure we will learn more about him and his possible motives throughout the day today.

I and Faith and Freedom denounce this kind of murderous action. While our country is deeply divided on several social issues, abortion being one of them, violence is not acceptable under any circumstances.

We stand firmly against all abortion and work through proper, legal and peaceful means to reverse laws and practices that advance abortions, however, any violent act against another, regardless of their belief is unacceptable.

We pray for his family that they will find comfort and peace from Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and Son of God.

I would also pray that abortionist activists do not try to capitalize on this tragedy and silence anti-abortion views, particularly during the hearings on Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court.

Reverend Patrick Mahony, a strong pro-life advocate said, "I'd hope they wouldn't try to broad-brush the entire pro-life movement as some sort of extremist movement because of what happened in Wichita. That's really important---don't use this personal loss for political gain."

May God help us.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom

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