Monday, January 31, 2011

Pres. Obama Now Modeling Pres. Reagan

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The Senate bill SB 5274, designed to shut down the pro-life Pregnancy Centers, will hold a public hearing this Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 8 AM in the Cherberg Building. We had reported there were in excess of 500 who showed for the House hearing last week, some have reported an estimated 1000. Whatever the number, the Legislature is moving ahead---business as usual, to shut down the viable, community supported, pro-life Pregnancy Centers. Eight AM is tough, but if you can attend, please do. Also please contact your State Senator and tell them you strongly oppose SB 5274.
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One of the least creditable and perhaps most unbelievable, since his "shellacking," is the President's latest ideological make over. It could be called an extreme makeover.

With a straight face, TIME Magazine attempts to give credibility to the idea that President Obama is now modeling his presidency on Ronald Reagan.

TIME is featuring this preposterous public relations attempt as though it was substantive and authentic, saying, "There is no mistaking Obama's increasing reliance on [Mr. Reagan's] career as a helpful template for his own."

Style is not substance. Reagan had both.

Interestingly, this extreme makeover in the image of Reagan, surfaces as we enter February, a month in which the real President Reagan will be celebrated---the 100th year of his birth, a Super Bowl ad, a stamp in his honor and a number of other events commemorating his life and presidency. And his enduring influence.

He was once like Abraham Lincoln, JFK and FDR, but now he wants to be like Ronald Reagan.

Does he know we will also be celebrating Washington's birth this month?

Jimmy Carter comes to mind.

Malaise.

The Washington Times was as surprised as many others were at this newest incantation.

Their editorial on Friday was titled, "Obama Channeling Reagan? Hardly"

They compiled a list of differences, none of which you probably have not already noticed, but will hopefully bring a smile on this Monday morning.

The article and the list is linked above. Here is a sample:

Reagan: Fostered national pride in the military.
Obama: Fostered gay pride in the military.

Reagan: Abortion is murder.
Obama: Abortion is paid for.

Reagan: The nine most terrifying words in the English language are.
Obama: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

Reagan: Stood up to the Soviets.
Obama: Bowed to the Saudis.

Reagan: Tear down this wall.
Obama: Tear down this country.

Reagan: We are never more than one generation away from extinction.
Obama: We are that generation.

Reagan: Morning in America.
Obama: Mourning in America.

There's more on their list. I hope you have a minute to read it.

No, he is no Ronald Reagan.

Sadly, as he and others posture for the 2012 elections, there will be some running as a Republican, who will be much closer to him, than to Reagan.

Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

As The Nation Mourned, President Obama Celebrated

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Earlier this week, many pro-life citizens marked the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade by participating in marches, forums and vigils for those who have lost their lives to abortion.

To celebrate the occasion, President Obama released the following statement, asking Americans to recommit themselves to the practice of abortion:

“Today marks the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, and affirms a fundamental principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I am committed to protecting this constitutional right. I also remain committed to policies, initiatives, and programs that help prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant women and mothers, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And on this anniversary, I hope that we will recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights, the same freedoms, and the same opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams."

Matt Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, made some interesting and informative observations about this matter in a press release:

"In all the wars in American history combined, from the Revolution to Afghanistan, we have lost approximately 910,000 people. However, in 38 years we have lost about 53 million children to abortion. We lose more children to abortion each day than we lost in all the tragedies on September 11, 2001. About 98 percent of abortions are done for convenience unrelated to health. Less than 2 percent of abortions are done for serious health reasons, rape or incest. Minorities have also been hit hard by abortion. African-Americans account for about 12 percent of the population, but 37 percent of the 1.3 million abortions each year. Latinos make up about 15 percent of the population, yet account for about 22 percent of the annual number of abortions."


He said, "Many of the individuals protesting abortion are college students and part of the generations who understand first-hand that about one in four of Americans their age, younger than 38, were killed by abortion. It will never be known how many of them would have been business owners or inventors, whose creativity would help our nation’s current problem."

While the nation mourned, President Obama celebrated the so-called "right" to kill.

God help us.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

President Obama; Last Night Was No Sputnik Moment

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Before we go into space with the President's State of the Union Speech last night, a couple of comments about the Monday hearing in Olympia:

Thank you for the incredible number of personal email I am receiving from both those who attended the hearing and those who were unable to attend.

I have been unable to personally respond to all comments, as we generally try to do.

This is a sampling of your comments:

"Subject: Re: Yesterday In Olympia
We eventually were told that we could watch the hearing on TVW in the Rotunda. Another hearing was being shown on one small TV, while another was blank. Finally, they told us it would be shown in the Senate Chamber and we could watch from the gallery. Both sides were filled, and we were, as you, tremendously blessed by those who spoke against this bill. Thank you for putting the word out. In spite of the hours of standing in the halls, it was worth it to show our legislators and the pregnancy resource centers how important this issue is to many of us. Lord-willing, I'll be there again on Feb 2nd for the SB hearing.

It was good to see you there. God bless you.

~C____"

2 Things.

Please plan to attend the hearing on the Senate companion bill scheduled for Feb. 2. We will post details.

Second, call Representatives from your district, and tell them you strongly oppose the bill. You may access them through our
website.

_______

Last night was, in my opinion, no "Sputnik Moment" as the President had hoped.

I remember the real Sputnik moment. We were surprised and truly caught off guard by the sudden, unannounced space launch by the Soviets. America's response was genuine, sincere and not contrived.

It is impossible to re-create such a moment.

It is curious that a man who speaks often of moving on, looking ahead, forgetting the past, etc. would even attempt to re-capture and re-create an honest moment from the past. One that actually was a national surprise, experienced in relative innocence.

His attempt at a "Sputnik Moment" appeared to many to be a political ploy to further a political career.

The President seemed to be flat, lacking passion, while delivering some of the right words---and some that could have been left on his desk.

Mocking the TSA, and promising more government spending, while lecturing us on the national debt, left many pushing back a bit. Nancy and Harry, however, spoke of the great impact of the "moment".

His "The Future Is Ours to Win" idea left a good number of people believing he wants to win, (re-election) but may not be up to leading the country in the strong recovery we desperately need.

He said, "Thanks to the tax cuts we passed, Americans' paychecks are a little bigger today."

You will recall, the President and his allies tried to eliminate those "President Bush" tax cuts right up to the end of the year.

Hypocrisy.

And, "This is our generation's Sputnik moment" ?

Ridiculous.

There is no surprise, after watching government grow and overreach, that the country is reaching the tipping point.

More spending on one hand. A spending freeze on the other hand. I heard a small businessman interviewed after the speech who simply said, "Are we eating crazy pills?" It was a total disconnect with real people, who do real things in a real world.

However, Representative Paul Ryan gave a reasoned, articulate response to the flat flow of carefully crafted words.

I have
linked the full text of his 10-minute speech, which you may not have seen on television.

You tell me. Did I miss something?

____________

Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Yesterday In Olympia

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By 11:30 AM, yesterday morning, we counted over 330 people lining the halls outside the House Hearing Room on the Capitol campus. J.R. McGee, a real estate broker from Centralia, sent this picture to me last night. It is one hallway, looking only one way from about the middle, but gives you an idea of the crowd of people who value life and took time to attend the hearing on HB 1366. A bill that will essentially shut down the pro-life Pregnancy Centers.

As we took the head count, I counted 7 people who were wearing Planned Parenthood identification, the rest were wearing the "I Love Pregnancy Resource Centers" buttons.

I also had the opportunity to speak to so many of you who support us in our ministry and read our blogs.

I want to personally thank all of you who made the effort and stood in line---some for 2 hours, to attend the hearing in support of the Centers and of life.

It was unbelievable what would happen at around 12:45.

Small groups of Planned Parenthood/NARAL folks began showing up, meeting in the hallway, then moved collectively (about 70 or so) to the door of the hearing room, ahead of those standing in line---some for a couple of hours. A spokesperson for the House of Representatives, I presume, came out and announced that they wanted to be "fair" so they would be allowing 60 people from each side to enter the 120-seat hearing room. Ten or so Planned Parenthood supporters went to an off site room to watch the hearing, while perhaps as many as 350 to 400 pro-life people were left standing, welcome, I suppose, to also watch a screen somewhere.

That was the worst example of "fair" I have seen in a very long time.

Inside the hearing room, I heard a reasoned, calm, professional, classy and sincere testimony of why the Legislature must not pass this bill. I was incredibly proud of Representatives Brad Klippert and Kevin Parker who spoke against the bill. There were doctors, nurses, volunteers, a lawyer and former clients who spoke honestly and sincerely about the value of Pregnancy Centers. And how this bill, if passed, will essentially shut them down.

If the House passes this bill, it will be in spite of the obvious benefit and value to the communities where these centers serve. In spite of the more than 60,000 people they help each year and the $18,000,000 they save the State budget each year. It will be solely because of blind ideology or some debt owed to Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry.

Oh, yes.

I was reminded of the importance of electing people to public office who believe in the sanctity of life. The value of family. And natural marriage.

God bless you.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, January 24, 2011

Hippocratic Oath vs the Abortion Industry----Life vs Death

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As you likely know, an important hearing is scheduled for today in Olympia at 1:30 PM in House Hearing Room B.

Lawmakers will soon decide whether to pass
HB 1366 and its companion SB 5274, both driven by the abortion industry, and both designed to essentially shut down the pro-life Pregnancy Centers in the state.

This is a classic battle of values. In this case, the value of life.

It is a clash of two very different worldviews.

This battle in Olympia reflects a larger, grander battle which is nowhere more apparent than in the Classic Hippocratic Oath that defined the medical doctor for thousands of years versus the updated, revised Oath, birthed during the sexual revolution of the 60s.

The Órko tou Ippokráti is one of the most widely known Greek medical texts. The Órko tou Ippokrátior commonly known as the Hippocratic Oath, believed to be written by Hippocrates who is often referred to as the father of Western Medicine, in its original form is clearly in favor of doing "no harm" and clearly opposes abortion.

Click here to read the
Classic Hippocratic Oath.

You will note that it is specific about doing no harm, which is often referenced as the "No Harm Clause".

"I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan."

And yes, it addresses abortion.

Although many historians believe that abortion had been legalized in Greece, the Classic Hippocratic Oath stood against popular culture and the notion that death by abortion was a "choice"---the choice of someone other than the human being killed.

The Classic version of the Oath said in the Greek, "I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion."

The English translation generally says, "an abortive remedy." A "pessary" was a tool used to cause an abortion.

In either case, the Classic Hippocratic Oath valued life and did not permit doctors to take the lives of the unborn.

Now, fast forward. During the sexual revolution and all it brought to our culture, Louise Lasagna, Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University, wrote a revised Oath, in an attempt to replace the Classic Hippocratic Oath.

I have linked the
new Oath here. You will note the effect of moral relativism and the rush toward what Jeffery T. Kuhner called in his column this past Thursday, "America's death camps."

Kuhner wrote, "America has death camps. This is the heinous reality liberal elites have been trying to conceal."

He points to the massacre of 7 babies and a patient in the abortion clinic of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, as we also pointed out last week, that, thankfully, is now going to trial.

He also notes, as we did, that the media has purposely played down the charges against Gosnell.

He says the pro-abortion people have reduced the art of murder to a mere "medical procedure," done largely away from public view.

Kuhner says, "Abortion is the deliberate, systematic slaughter of babies in the womb. It is state sanctioned infanticide. It encodes in law the pernicious principle that there is an entire category of people---the unborn---who are less than fully human."

"Their lives," Kuhner writes, "are subject to the whims of their masters. Most societies in history have been based the oppression of an entire class; the strong dominates the weak. The law of the jungle trumps moral decency."

African Americans, the Jews, the mentally and physically handicapped come to mind.

Abortion, not sexual preference, ought to be viewed as the slavery of our time --- the urgent civil rights issue --- the great cause on behalf of an oppressed and brutalized minority.

But today, we will attempt to defend a few pro-life Pregnancy Centers across the state that advocate life---not death, against the behemoth of federally and state funded Planned Parenthood, their best friend NARAL, and their allies and representatives in the Legislature.

And those who have been misled regarding the true value of life.

God help us.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Olympia Action Items

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Assault On Pregnancy Centers

If at all possible, please consider attending the hearing on
HB 1366 / SB 5274 on Monday, January 24 in the House Hearing Room B. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:30, however to be seated in the room, or speak, we encourage you to arrive at least 2 hours early. The pro-abortion people are going all out to get a crowd and show strong support for the effort to essentially shut down the pro-life Pregnancy Centers.

This passion is not driven by citizens or the medical community, it is driven by leaders in the abortion business---Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and others like them, including their allies in the Legislature. The abortion business is big business and these folks would like nothing better than to silence and close the pro-life Pregnancy Centers.

I have included some thoughts prepared by Dan Kennedy, CEO of Human Life of Washington.

"The rights of women to have choices regarding access to a variety of professional pregnancy help services in Washington State are under attack."

"Women are smart, resourceful and capable of making their own decisions about what agencies they want to go to for help with their unplanned pregnancies. However, if HB1366 / SB 5274 passes, there may be only one place in Washington State where women and teenage girls facing unintended pregnancies can turn to - the abortion provider."

"The goal of HB 1366 / SB 5274 is to eliminate the abortion providers competitors by putting the popular Pregnancy Resource Centers and Medical Clinics out of business. Again, if this bill passes women facing unintended pregnancies will have only one choice to turn to for help in Washington State -- abortion providers."

"This bill is not brought to legislators by pregnant women, physician groups or by the general public. Rather, it is sponsored by desperate abortion providers and agencies
that are losing their state funding resources."

"Pregnancy Resource Centers and Medical Clinics are non-profit, faith-based organizations that take NO federal or state tax-payer money. In fact, they are so well liked in their communities that they are completely supported by individuals, churches, private foundations and local businesses. In comparison, Planned Parenthood (the number one provider of abortion in our country) cannot exist without extensive government funding."

"AGAIN, if Pregnancy Resource Centers and Medical Clinics go out of service, women facing unintended pregnancies in Washington State may have no other choice but to go to an abortion provider who makes money from the choices they make."

Parental Notification Bill Introduced

Representative Matt Shea has introduced
HB 1442---a parental notification bill.

The bill is straight forward and simply says parents have a right to know when their under age daughter wants to get an abortion. The bill makes the proper considerations for unusual circumstances, such as incest, etc.

Their is no reason why any adult should oppose this bill-----but believe me, they will. It will be the same people who are driving the assault on Pregnancy Centers.

Parental rights and authority has been systematically eroded in recent years, undermining the proper role of both the parents and the family.

This was underscored last school year when an under age student was released from Ballard High School in Seattle, sent to an abortion clinic, received an abortion, was returned to school before the end of the school day, all without her parents knowledge. And it was apparently legal under present law.

Sponsors of the bill, along with Representative Shea, are Reps. Hinkle, McCune, Ahearn, Klippert, Overstreet, Warnick, Kristiansen, Buys, Miloscia, Dammeier and Parker.

Please contact each of these elected officials and thank them for their strong support of parents and the family. You may contact them through our website by
clicking here.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Informed. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Full Attack on WA Pregnancy Centers

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If an enemy attacked from outside, killing Americans, I'm quite sure the press would report extensively, with TV reporters standing in locations that visually enhanced their message.

There is an attack on the life of Americans that happens daily, yet is largely unnoticed and the press is silent.

It is an attack from within---not from without. They call it "choice." Many call it murder. We all call it abortion.

The Washington State Legislature is taking time from budgetary matters to, once again, mount an attack on pro-life Pregnancy Centers. The attack is in the form of
HB 1366 and SB 5274---both aimed at essentially shutting down the pregnancy centers simply because they represent a different view of life.

In these companion bills, the centers are described as "Limited Service Pregnancy Centers, that provide pregnancy tests or ultra sounds and information about adoption" but do not provide "comprehensive birth control services...and abortion or referrals for abortion." They are also accused of lying.

Because they will not perform an abortion or refer to someone who will perform an abortion, a number of your elected officials want to shut them down.

And speaking of performing abortions. The press has had to sort-of cover this case that is presently in progress.

Dr. Kermit Gosnell has made millions of dollars over the past 30 years
performing abortions---many of them "late" term---very "late" term, catering to minorities, immigrants and poor women.

He has now, finally, been charged with eight counts of murder in the deaths of a patient and 7 babies who were born alive and then killed with scissors.

Please contact your elected state representatives and senator and tell them you strongly oppose
HB 1366 and SB 5274.

You may
contact them through this link from our website.

There is also a hearing scheduled for next Monday, January 24 at 1:30 PM in House Hearing Room B. Please be early to be seated or to speak. Perhaps two hours early.

A student at University of Washington contacted me last week and said she had attended a pro-abortion meeting in which this hearing was discussed and they are committed to outnumbering the pro-life people this time. Last year, in a hearing on this same issue, pro-life people outnumber them about 10-to-1.

Do not be silent.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Breaking Story: Deception Among WA State Homosexual Activists

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While homosexual activists maliciously and relentlessly attacked those who stood for natural marriage during the R-71 campaign and beyond, calling them bigoted, hateful and dishonest and launching every kind of personal attack, calling for the signers of the R-71 petition names to be made public so they could be "contacted," some among them have been carrying out their anti-marriage activism in the shadows of deception, hiding behind assumed names.

While demanding that Sec. Reed and A/G McKenna "release those names," some are doing so under the disguise of assumed identities.

Demanding "open government" on the one hand, some are leading fictitious lives.

Deception. Double Standard.

And sadly, Sec. Reed and A/G McKenna, I fear, have, or at least their staff, been spoon-fed information from these very people. I will say more about this in an upcoming blog.

Here's the deal. Even some homosexual activists are calling it psychotic.

Laurel Ramseyer was the leading voice---communications director for Josh Friedes and Equal Rights Washington in their opposition to R-71 and the defense of natural marriage. And their attacks on pro-marriage citizens.

But wait. She was also Lurleen Blogovitch. "Lurlreen," is a leading front page blogger for Pam's House Blend, a popular, national homosexual rights website, Wash blog, a columnist in Seattle's PubiCola, and other information sources.

It's a pathetic mess---a deception. Now it's all coming "out," as they say.

The following is an overview, with bullet points and links, regarding the deception, the reactions and "Lurleen's" take on Rob McKenna.

There is a good deal of information in the links. If you can take the time to read the links, please do. Marriage is the most important issue facing this state and our country. You cannot fix and economically sustain a culture when the very foundation of any culture---marriage and the family, are being re-engineered and destroyed.

Five thousand years of cultural experience has proven this true.

Here's the deal:

*"Lurleen" is Laurel Ramseyer.

*Pam Spaulding, of the national homosexual rights website Pam's House Blend, is complicit with Lurleen's deception.

*Josh Friedes, director of Equal Rights Washington, the leading homosexual rights organization in the state, is also complicit with the deception and knew of it during the R-71 campaign and beyond.

*The following is an
important segment from a national gay news website. This same link verifies the items above.

"The Maine Marriage fight and the Washington State Ref 71 were set up to give the illusion of the lgbt response being 'homegrown.' It was the furthest from homegrown imaginable--it was a union of Gay Inc with the Netroots Bloggers like Spaulding calling the shots on strategy and online media response. KnowThyNeighbor.org was told to "stay out" of WA and ME because I was from Massachusetts. Yet in WA State alone Josh Friedes was from the Massachusetts FTM and part of the MassEquality Coalition, Josh Cohen, ERW/WAFST tech lead/communications heralded from New Jersey, Monies were sent from EQCA by Marc Solomon (though Maine received a substantial amount more), bloggers from around the nation controlled messaging via list serves, and Lurleen made attempts at discrediting KnowthyNeighbor's importance, the least of which was in sending an email calling us "carpetbaggers" while she herself was a MassEquality export and maintained a presence under the pseudonym, Laurel, in the largest liberal Massachusetts blog, BlueMassGroup.com throughout the Ref 71 Campaign. To this day 'Laurel' at BMG tries to influence MA politics."

*Clearly there is infighting among the homosexual activists.

*Lurleen became so confused about her own identity that she made herself liable by publicly accusing Larry Stickney and myself of violating state PDC laws. Realizing her vulnerability, she made a quick and urgent apology. I have
linked it, exactly as we received it.

* People are questioning the creditability of Pam's House Blend and Lurleen/Laurel/etc. I have
linked a radio interview between Autumn Sandeen, a homosexual activist and recent participant in advocacy to the White House to repeal "Don't ask-Don't tell". It is the Rebecca Juro Show (pro-gay agenda) in which Autumn attempts to defend "Lurleen" and Pam. Particularly listen in at 3:45 seconds.

You will note there are a number of interesting points covered in the interview, from money, to hopefully keeping this "outing" off the front page. You will hear that "Lurleen" has also infiltrated religious organizations to gain advantage against them and their biblical beliefs.

There is more to the story, but I'm sure this will help to inform you.

Ironically, the reporters who interviewed me during R-71 from The Seattle Times and other news sources, often referred to quotes from Pam and Lurleen and the Stranger. When you pick up your paper, know it's all based on great and credible sources. Other newspapers around the state followed the Times' story lines, as smaller papers tend to do.

I know I am further making myself vulnerable by writing this. I am not doing so in anger or a vindictive spirit, but in an attempt to inform those of us on the wrong side of most mainstream news articles and editorial boards. Most of whom will defend or simply not care about the deception in all this anyway. However, even some in the homosexual activist community get it.

Here is the sad part, personally.

The influence from some of these deceptive individuals was felt even in the Secretary's office and that of the A/G.

How much spoon feeding from "Lurleen" and the likes have taken place with staff in these important offices?

As Attorney General McKenna gears up for his run for the Governor's Office, he is taking on the role of the so-called "moderate." A role that Secretary Reed strongly and publicly advocates as the only way a Republican can win a statewide race in Washington State.

Perhaps that is true. But is winning an election more important than holding core beliefs? Sadly, I believe it is for some.

But what does "moderate" mean? That you sort of believe in everything and are convinced of nothing? That you believe in the sanctity of life, sometimes? And it depends on whose life?

I feel McKenna may be making a mistake in his outreach to the homosexual voting block.

While values conservatives are pushing back, the homosexual activists are mocking him.

McKenna told the
PubiCola just before Christmas, "I'll continue to work across party lines to..."

Lurleen, yes, that Lurleen, responded just before New Years Day in the
same venue, "McKenna likes to portray himself as a moderate and let people presume that he's pro-gay or at least not ant-gay. I'm guessing..."

Wouldn't it be great if people could be who they actually are? You know--- Real name. Real beliefs.

Is someone calling the name of Ronald Reagan? Perhaps not.

I don't want to say this but I'm hearing a line from one of Thomas Jefferson's letters. To Tench Coxe, (1799) he wrote, "Whenever a man casts a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct."

John Adams, in a letter to Horatio Gates (March 23, 1776) wrote, "I agree with you that in politics the middle way is no way."

Is it too much to hope and pray that leaders will rise up among us who actually hold core conservative, biblical values and are willing to stand by those beliefs?

I hope not.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Informed. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

WA State and Gov Gregoire Get A+---In Abortion

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Washington State has been given an A+ and is ranked #2 best state in the country for abortion services---2nd only to California, which is ranked #1.

According to NARAL's new
report card, the West seems to lead the nation, with California ranked #1, Washington #2, Oregon #6 and Hawaii #4.

One of the lowest rated, least abortion friendly, states is Idaho. It's ranked 39 and got an F.

Even far right Massachusetts only got a B- and is ranked #18.

One of the key players in Washington State being an abortion leader is our own Governor Gregoire.

I have linked NARAL's
new report card. Be sure to take a look at it.

NARAL's new 106-page annual report is dedicated to former Arizona Governor, now Homeland Security Secretary for President Obama, Janet Napolitano, because of her undying support of abortion and the businesses that advance it.

NARAL says of the former Arizona Governor, "She stood almost alone between Arizona's women's reproductive freedom and hostile, unrelenting legislators."

The "hostile unrelenting" legislators would be called such simply because they believe in the sanctity of life and are willing to vote their pro-life convictions.

Pro-life = "hostile." Pro-Abortion ="reproductive freedom."

NARAL and their double cousin, Planned Parenthood, have found a poster Governor replacement for Ms. Napolitano.

Governor Gregoire is standing in the gap. And getting an A+.

Steven Ertelt at
LIFENEWS and others have reported that Washington State tax dollars are flowing to Planned Parenthood, through fraudulent billing practices on the part of Planned Parenthood as they overcharge the state.

An audit was called for.

According to the audit, state health officials found Planned Parenthood of Spokane, for example, was "unbundling" abortion claims and then billing for doctor visits when customers were just picking up prescriptions.

No big deal? Look again.

During the period audited, Planned Parenthood wrongly over-billed the State of Washington $629,143.

Planned Parenthood appealed the case against them and then announced a settlement where by they would not admit any incorrect billing practices and would only repay $345,000 of the $629,143 fraudulently billed.

Keep in mind this horse trading is being done with taxpayer's money.

It may also be happening with "help" from the mansion behind the Capitol, according to
David Schmidt of Life Action, a pro-life organization that monitors Planned Parenthood.

Schmidt says since the audit, Cecile Richards, president of the national Planned Parenthood organization, has met with her friend Governor Gregoire.

Schmidt raises the question to Ertelt, "Did Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, hash out a deal where Planned Parenthood paid back some of their over-billing while not admitting to any wrong-doing and escaping fraud charges?"

Following her meeting with Gov. Gregoire, Richards posted a comment on Gregoire's Facebook page saying it was "great" to spend time with her.

"We may never know for sure," Schmidt says, "but we do know that Planned Parenthood's operation is routinely protected by political allies."

Although the state is sinking in a multi-billion dollar budget short fall, Governor Gregoire has decided to re-affirm taxpayer funding for "Take Charge," a free birth control program that sends taxpayer dollars to---you guessed it.

Planned Parenthood.

Everyone should have such a friend.

Please contact Governor Gregoire and respectfully tell her you strongly oppose her funding of "Take Charge" and all other Planned Parenthood programs.

You may send her an email message using this link.
http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp

I personally feel this is a time to rise. To be heard. I know we have had some setbacks---not getting R-71 passed and not seeing as many Christian conservatives elected to the WA State Legislature as we had all hoped for, but regardless of circumstances, I feel there should be some urgency to our "values and principles" voice being heard at this time. I know many of our readers will understand what I am saying.

Be respectful, but be on task in being heard.

ALSO. Over the next several days I will be writing on some issues that may be explosive. Please read the blogs, pass them on to your lists, and stand with us in prayer.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

Thank you for
standing with us financially.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Thursday, January 13, 2011

"Our Hearts Are Broken"

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It seems that Jared Lounghner is neither on the "left" or the "right".

After the media has exhausted itself blaming, or at least implicating; Sarah Palin, Rush, Glenn Beck, FOX News and a list of others who disagree with their political positions for the shooting in Tucson, friend of Lounghner, Zach Osler, sets the record straight.

Zach says his friend Jared wasn't even shooting at people, "He was shooting at the world."

And about his friend being driven or influenced by conservatives on radio or television, Zach says, no, Jared didn't even watch the news. He didn't like it. He said, "He wasn't on the left. He wasn't on the right."

So now what? Who can be blamed? Will they find something on Zach in order to diminish his words?

Osler referenced an online documentary series called, "Zeitgeist," as the most likely influence on his friend Jared.

This, of course, put the press on high alert. Could this be something that is politically on the right?

I don't know a lot about it except that it seems to rail on the concept of currency-based economics.

I also know that Joey Toribo, who created the docu-drama series and claims to be the founder of the Zeitgeist movement, says the fact that the media is now associating the tragedy with his work is "disingenuous".

He said, "Frankly, I find the isolating, growing association tremendously irresponsible on the part of ABC, NBC and their affiliates---further reflecting the disingenuous nature of the American Media Establishment today."

So as the elite heads of the media gather in Tucson to broadcast live, who can they blame?

Will they report that Rep. Giffords was apparently a
subscriber to Lounghner's website and what that could possibly mean? If anything?

ABC is still
going with Palin. Yesterday they were reporting that Palin has "once again become part of the story."

NBC says Palin is "ignorant" in her response to the media.

CBS says Sarah is playing the "victim card " in her response.

Good grief. What did she say in response?

Here's the part they dislike most:
"If you don't like a person's vision for the country, you're free to debate that vision. If you don't like their ideas, you're free to propose better ideas. But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible." Sarah Palin.

The term "Blood Libel" is their problem.

The term is one used against the ancient Jews who were said to have murdered their children in order to use their blood for religious rituals and holidays.

Where now can the press turn? The boy's father who has been said to have been angry the day of the shooting? The loss of a job? The rejection of a woman? All have been mentioned as possibilities.

Most likely it will be the gun shop. You will see news stories or segments originating at the gun shop. Or maybe they will go for the bigger prize---the Constitutional right of Americans to own guns. If only, they will say, we had stricter gun laws, these things would never happen.

The Speaker of the House gave a moving and
appropriate speech from the floor of the House yesterday, saying among other things, "Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not."

The Speaker asked that God would bless America.

I would humbly add a prayer that America would bless God, as well--- by acknowledging Him, and by publicly invoking His eternal principles and values back into our culture and our collective experience, as our Founders wisely did.

May God help us in this, our time of need. And while our hearts are broken, may our spirit be strong.

____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Poisonous Politics

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After suggesting that our country had a moral problem due to the abandonment of Judeo-Christian principles in our culture and that the tragedy in Tucson was possibly related to moral failure, not politics, I have experienced the full force of expressed hatred from those who do not agree, much of which cannot be published.

Patrick Buchanan has written a column that I believe cuts to the heart of the matter:


Pat Buchanan: Poisonous Politics
By Patrick J. Buchanan

On Feb. 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara, delusional and a loner, fired his .32-caliber pistol at FDR in the Bayfront Park area of Miami.

Five feet tall, Zangara could not aim over the crowd. So, he stood on a folding chair and was piled on after the first of five shots. He wounded four people, including Mayor Anton Cermak of Chicago.

In two weeks, Zangara, who pled guilty, had been sentenced to 80 years. When Cermak died on March 6, Zangara was retried for murder and sentenced to the electric chair, where he died on March 20, 1933.

In that time, if you knew what you were doing, knew the penalty for it and then committed the crime, you paid the price -- and swiftly. There was no wailing that Zangara, a misfit suffering from a stomach ailment, was not fully responsible.

There was no campaign to accuse Republicans, after a rough election, of creating an atmosphere in which a deranged mind may have been driven to try to kill FDR. That came three decades later, when conservatives were charged with having "created the atmosphere" in which JFK was assassinated.

Lee Harvey Oswald was a communist who had defected to Russia and a member of the pro-Castro Fair Play for Cuba Committee, who had only recently arrived in Texas. Yet moral culpability for what he did was laid at the door of the city of Dallas and the rising American Right.
Had not, the press asked, Adlai Stevenson been lately jostled by a crowd in Dallas? Had not LBJ and Lady Bird been verbally abused in the lobby of a Dallas hotel in 1960? Was Dallas not a hothouse of the right?

The same smear tactic was employed when Timothy McVeigh blew up the Murrah building in Oklahoma City, killing 168, among them 19 children. Right-wing radio and its anti-government rhetoric, it was said, created the atmosphere that made it easier for McVeigh to feel justified in blowing up a federal building.

Saturday, even before Jared Loughner had been charged with murdering six people in Tucson, including a 9-year-old girl and a U.S. judge, and wounding 13 in an assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the old smear machine had been wheeled out.

Giffords, it was said, had been "targeted" by Sarah Palin for defeat in ads depicting her district in cross hairs. And had not Palin used the expression, "Don't retreat, reload!"? Had not Sharron Angle in Nevada talked of "Second Amendment remedies"? Had not talk-show hosts on Fox News used incendiary language that can drive weak and deranged minds over the line?

Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, a Democrat and friend of Giffords, kicked off the campaign Saturday with this excoriation.

"I'd just like to say that when you look at unbalanced people, how they are -- how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths, about tearing down the government, the anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous."

Dupnik later narrowed it to some "people in the radio business and some people in the TV business." Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell narrowed it further to Fox News, the home of Glenn Beck.

Elements on the left are now connecting the dots -- the words of Palin and Fox News -- to the deeds of accused mass murderer Jared Loughner.

This is not political hardball. This is political dirt ball.

Do any such dots exist in reality? Or only in the embittered minds and malevolent motives of those unreconciled to the defeat they suffered on Nov. 2?

Undeniably, political rhetoric is hotter than it has been since the 1960s and ought to be dialed down. But Barack Obama, talking tough in 2008 about how he would deal with Republican attacks, himself said, "If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun. ... Folks in Philly like a good brawl."

In 2010, Obama called on Hispanics to join him and "punish our enemies." Harry Reid in 2009 called Tea Party critics "evil-mongers" who disrupt town-hall meetings with "lies, innuendo and rumors."

It is easy for journalists to imply or impute a causal connection between hot words and horrible acts. Simply twin the two in a story, or ask an interviewee if he thinks these words and those deeds are not connected. And then let the public imagination do the rest.

As of today, there is not a shred of evidence of any connection between what Sarah Palin or Fox News said and what Jared Loughner did. From the evidence, Loughner had his first and perhaps his only encounter with Giffords in 2007, a year before Palin ever came to national attention as the running mate of John McCain.

The man charged with this awful atrocity is Jared Loughner.

Our country would be better served if, instead of accusing each other of moral culpability for these crimes, politicians and media joined to demand that Loughner be denied the fame (or infamy) he sought, and that he receive the same swift justice as Giuseppe Zangara.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Tucson--A Sign Of Our Times

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People across the nation took time yesterday to pray for the victims and families of the shooting in Tucson.

While people grieved and prayed, the press and some politicians were hard at work, not missing the opportunity of the crises, as President Obama's former Chief of Staff defined such things.

The New York Times editorialized, "It is legitimate to hold Republicans and particularly their most virulent supporters in the media responsible for the gale of anger that has produced the vast majority" of violent threats against politicians.

"Arizona," the Times says, "should now lead the nation in quieting the voices of intolerance, demanding an end to the temptation of bloodshed and imposing sensible controls on it's instruments."

Translated, that means silence those who disagree with the far left and seize this terrible lose of life to advance gun control.

Shame.

Not to be outdone,
Joel Connelly, columnist for our own on-line newspaper, the Seattle PI reached back to create a rather long list of violent crimes against liberal politicians and activists going back to the horrific murder of Seattle attorney Chuck Goldmark and his family on Christmas Eve, 24 years ago, saying, "The killer was a deranged guy, emboldened by far-right hate literature."

Connelly proceeds to cast blame for this present darkness in society toward Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, the Tea Party, especially the group over in Asotin, and even "I'm not sure what I believe" Michael Steele, the GOP Chairman.

These kinds of folks, Connelly says, should not have a public voice and should be "ostracized from American public life."

Connelly concludes, "A bit of soul searching is in order---if these people have souls."

Ostracized? If these people have souls?

"Words have consequences," he says.

He says he is quoting Winston Churchill: "Those who sow the wind reap the whirlwind."

Actually he is quoting the biblical prophet Hosea (8:7). Hosea's teaching means every action has consequences. My point exactly.

The moral decline in America did not happen overnight. It has happened slowly.

As life has been devalued, freedoms eroded and core Judeo-Christian values deleted from our culture, we have created a new unstable relativistic cultural environment. One where every man is a law unto himself and his personal opinion can be valued more than another's life.

Indeed, Mr. Connelly, we have sown to the wind and we are reaping a whirlwind.

As the far left press opines and discusses what should be done with those who dissent or disagree with the secular left agenda,
Rep. Robert Brady, D- Pa., is now planning to introduce legislation that will make it a federal crime to use "language or symbols that could be perceived as threatening or inciting violence against a federal official or member of Congress."

I must ask. Whose perception will be used to enforce this new law?

There is a better way. The media blaming those who disagree with their personal liberal views will never solve the problems of life in 2011, nor will the opportunistic legislation of Representative Brady.

It is a moral problem. From the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the Congress' that followed, this country has come safely through many toils and snares because of our Christian consensus.

George Washington said it well, "Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that the national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious people."

A culture built on biblical values is far better than a culture built on moral relativism.

May God help us.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, January 10, 2011

The Consequences Of Choice

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"The Safeway Massacre," as some have called it, has reminded us in the most alarming way that there are those among us who place the value of life below their personal preferences.

The Drudge Report referred to the suspect in the Saturday morning Tucson shooting spree, Jared Loughner, as a "scary freak."

CNN is already raising the issue of insanity and certainly the defense will explore that as this case comes to trial. CNN has posted a video showing that Loughner had "planned ahead".

His classmates have described him as a "left wing pot head."

And the blame has already begun. Whose fault is it? What caused this man to commit this heartless act?

Our prayers are with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as she fights for her life this morning. And for all those who were victims of this terrible act.

Only two days before Giffords was shot,
a diary writer for the far-left Daily KOS website posted a blog titled, "My Congress Woman voted against Nancy Pelosi! And is now dead to me." Following the shooting in Tucson Saturday morning, the blog entry was scrubbed from the KOS site.

Back in 2008, Kos founder Markos Moulitsas had listed then state representative Giffords as one of dozens of representatives with a bulls eye on their district for being a "bad apple" Democrat.

Now the Daily KOS is blaming Sarah Palin and her political rhetoric.

Why this happened will play out in the media, news and op-ed columns for weeks, if not months, and finally in the courts, but there is one glaring issue that will likely never be publicly considered.

Life has been devalued by legalized abortion on demand. And the rejection of the Creator of life.

Mother Teresa, recognized it and wrote about it.
She said, "Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation." Indeed it has.

The erosion of the sanctity of life has had an equally erosive effect on our culture. And it will continue until restoration of the sanctity of life.

Under the guise of "choice," life has become a mere decision, made under the circumstances of any given moment.

How far life has been de-valued was never more evident than in an
October interview with British columnist, journalist and author Virginia Ironsides on BBC.

Ms. Ironsides said if she had a suffering child she would put a pillow over its face.

She said, "And I think the difference is that my feeling of horror, suffering is much greater than my feeling of getting rid of a couple of cells, because suffering can go on for years." I have linked the video.

A couple of cells? Is that the definition of a child? Is a human life not more than that?

If that reflects the current value of life, it is not a huge step to "death panels" or "end of life discussions" for the elderly, as President Obama has taken to calling them lately.

Is it problematic to consistently teach our kids that life is merely a choice made under various sets of circumstances---or worse, that life is a "few cells"?

President Obama has said "America is no longer just a Christian nation."

Scripture teaches "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

The Greek word translated "mocked" means to "turn up the nose in scorn"---to insult, to deride.
Our Founding Fathers embraced Judeo-Christian principles and built a great nation. Too many current leaders run from them, mocking them as irrelevant. And mocking those who embrace them.

Remember the "clinging to their guns and Bibles" comment?

Civilization stands at the proverbial fork in the road.

Unless Christians effectively reassert the value of human life in our culture, we will tumble into barbarism.

C.S. Lewis said in, "The Abolition of Man," that human essence would be destroyed by "men without chests"---a scientific and technological elite that would posses mind and instinct but no heart or moral compass to govern their thoughts or actions.

People without a heart. "A deformed nation."

God help us.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Friday, January 07, 2011

A Journal of Faith and Freedom

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From time to time during this year we will be incorporating thoughts and inspirations from other writers. I have invited several elected officials, several pastors, a few Christian novelists and writers, Christian activists and a couple of famous people whom we all know, to contribute under the banner of our JOURNAL of Faith and Freedom-Guest Series.
______________________________

Stephanie Wilson has produced nationally syndicated television programs for CBS and an award winning series on teenage suicide.

She has also written news stories for television and print and authored a novel, "Whispers of the Heart," available at Amazon and Barnes and Nobel. She is currently writing a prequel, "Treasures of the Heart."

She also writes a regular blog.

She lives in Washington State with her husband and their son. She is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with degrees in history and journalism.
______________________________

Moments

A man not my husband touched my heart today. A devout Presbyterian and prosperous Chicago attorney. A compelling man with many political and social connections, yet a man with moving creative talents not many knew.

This man, confident of his abilities, took on the challenge of life and succeeded spectacularly, at least it seemed. Not only a sought after attorney, but a real estate developer as well. A man finely tuned to seizing opportunities others failed to recognize.

But ... that was before. This family man dearly desired a son to carry on his enterprise. After four daughters, the heir was born. And then tragically, at four years old, the son died.

And this was only the beginning.

You see, this man touched my heart 150 years after he experienced a series of events that most of us could not bear singularly, let alone collectively. This series of tragedies forged a man who would give the world a spectacular gift.

In 1861, heavily invested in real estate, this man once again faced loss as almost everything he owned went up in flames in one of the great fires America has ever known. The Great Chicago Fire.

Two years later, burdened by loss and hardship, this man knew his family needed some time away, a time to begin the healing process. His friend, the great Dwight L. Moody, was holding meetings in England and it was there he decided his family needed to be. His wife's health had begun to fail in the wake of their losses.

Delayed by business and unwilling to yet again disappoint his family, he boarded his wife and four daughters on the French steamship Ville du Havre.

The Ville du Havre was struck by a British vessel and sunk within twelve minutes. All four daughters lost their lives.

Only 81 of the 307 passengers and crew survived. His wife, alone, survived. Nine days later, she was able to send a simple telegraph that read, "Saved alone. What shall I do ..."

Horatio Spafford immediately left Chicago upon this word. Standing at the railing, the ship captain joined Spafford shortly after leaving port. "A careful reckoning has been made," he said, "and I believe we are now passing the place where the du Havre was wrecked. The water is three miles deep."

To be truly moved by this story, you must know something of gospel music. For when Horatio Spafford left the railing that day, he closed himself into his cabin and penned, in my opinion, one of the greatest most moving lyrics ever set to music.

He wrote:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

You may be very aware of this man and his story. I was not. Alone I had to contemplate the many times I'd lamented seeming hardship, inconvenience, superficial loss. And I was ashamed.

I suppose January is a month of reflection. In that, I'm grateful. I hope to be reminded when I take life's many blessings for granted. And never, ever will I hear that dear sweet hymn and not shed a tear for a very courageous man who decided against bitterness and anger and instead gave a gift to the world that will last for eternity.

For the full lyrics to this hymn, click here.
For images and more information on the life of Horatio Spafford, click here.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Now That Congress Is In Session...

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The 112th US Congress was seated yesterday, John Boehner was elected Speaker of the House by the Republican majority in the House, and the promise to repeal President Obama's health care bill was re-affirmed by many.

It's very important that the House vote to repeal the health care bill because they have promised to do so, however, the Senate won't vote to repeal it and President Obama will veto a bill to repeal.

Perhaps more important will be the level of creativity and resolve that is expressed by this new Congress. Particularly those who ran and were elected on a strong conservative position. As this new Congress moves beyond what is seen as a mostly symbolic vote to repeal Obama's health care bill and deal with real solutions, we will be watching.

There are at least two things I think we should watch very closely:

First, there is a new "measure of effectiveness" that has evolved since the election.

Prior to the election, the President and his far-left colleagues pushed through bills and policies with little to no discussion, often unread by members of Congress---and even more often in closed door meetings; all the while declaring themselves the party of transparency.

Now these same elites are defining the November election as a message from the people to "work together" in Congress---be bi-partisan---compromise.

Once these new public servants have settled into their offices, it will be incumbent upon all conservative citizens of faith to be vigilant and watchful.

Should they become intoxicated with the power of the place, get comfortable with DC, be "moderate," compromise and begin making friends on the other side to advance a new found career, citizens will need to speak again---more loudly.

In a letter to Horatio Gates on March 23, 1776, John Adams wrote, "I agree with you, that in politics, the middle way is none at all."

Secondly, we should all be aware that there is a fairly vigorous move within the Republican Party to place so-called social issues on hold---the back burner.

Last September,
Haley Barbour, Governor of Mississippi and former head of the RNC; pro-life, pro-marriage, I think, generally supports our values and may run for president in 2012, said the "social issues"---sanctity of life, marriage, family, etc., "aren't what is going to win elections this fall."

He said taking a stand for those issues is a waste of time and money "that can be used to talk to people about what they care about."

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels( R), considering a run for president next year, said last summer that the next president of the United States "would have to call a truce on so-called social issues."

As lately as last month, he
re-affirmed his position saying he had no regrets in his statements.

This year, for the first time, the Conservative Political Action Conference--CPAC has included GOProud, a Republican homosexual advocacy group, resulting in a number of "values" organizations withdrawing from the conference.

GOProud is calling on the Republican Party to focus only on fiscal issues and leave the social issues for "another time."

The argument essentially goes something like this:

* "If the country goes upside down the social issues won't matter anyway."

* "Social issues serve to divide us at a time when Americans need to be united against an out of control and over-reaching government."

* Limiting the government will reduce or cancel funding to unacceptable social issues."

Keep in mind these are "conservatives" making this argument.

Thomas Paine was never known to be a practicing Christian much less an evangelical one, however, he got this right: In his "The Rights of Man" (1791) he wrote, "A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice."

Those calling for moderation or abandonment of the principles of life, family, natural marriage, etc., according to Paine, are advancing vice---not virtue.

And please help me with this.

If we put social issues on hold, when will we get back to them?

Who decides when the economy is strong enough to become concerned about moral issues?

Who will say, "It's okay now to discuss and debate the issues of abortion, homosexual marriage, euthanasia, family values...? Barack Obama? Joe Biden?

The "How" of government is the fiscal issues.

The "Why" of government is the social or moral issues.

You can't put social issues on hold any more than you can put fiscal issues on hold. Are we not capable of addressing two challenges at one time?

Could it be that the moral decline and neglect of the "social" issues is the cause of our fiscal fiasco?

I believe it is. I also believe that conservative people of faith have the depth of commitment to stand in the gap for righteousness, but it will take a conscious effort on all our part.

Thank you for standing for what is right. And thank you for
standing with us in this epic battle for the soul of our country and of the next generation.

Be Vigilant. Be Strong. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, January 05, 2011

George Washington and Barack Obama

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President Obama is fond of comparing himself to other US presidents, such as F.D.R. or Abraham Lincoln. The press, of course, supports such ideas.

Frankly, some of us see more of Jimmy Carter than other previous occupants of the oval office.

A recent article I read was a strong reminder that President Obama and his VP Biden, for that matter, have little to nothing in common with President George Washington---particularly on social or moral issues.

President Obama recently signed the repeal of federal law 10 USC 654, the law behind the "Don't ask-Don't tell" policy.

In introducing the President on the grand occasion VP Biden said, "It's a good day. It's a very good day---Mr. President, by signing this bill, you will be linking military with an abiding sense of justice. You'll be projecting power by promoting fairness and making the United States military as strong as they can be at a time when we need it to be the strongest."

President Obama's response: "You know, I am just overwhelmed. This is a very good day. I couldn't be prouder."

George Washington, if he were present, would also be overwhelmed.

On March 10, 1778, at Valley Forge, General George Washington approved the dismissal from service of Lt. Frederick Goahold Enslin.

The reason?

Lt. Enslin was dismissed for "attempting to have sodomy" with John Monhort, another soldier.

The record shows, "His Excellency the Commander in Chief [George Washington] approves the sentence and with Abhorrence and Detestation of such infamous crimes, orders Lt. Enslin to be drummed out of camp tomorrow morning."

Two very different views of right and wrong. Of biblical morality.

Whatever Barack Obama may or may not be---he is no George Washington.

God help us.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, January 04, 2011

"A Society Stripped From Its Christian Moorings"

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Will the 2000s be remembered as the decade of American decline?

Does changing the date of an NFL football game because of weather indicate just how weak we Americans have become?

Have we lost our rugged individualism that has been the heart of the American character?

Have Americans, like many Europeans, become addicted to la dolce vita---the good life, at the expense of our vitality and greatness?

Some feel generous social programs combined with increasing consumerism and sexual hedonism characterizes the modern---or post modern West.

Jeffery T. Kuhner, president of the Edmund Burke Institute, wrote in the Washington Times last week, "With 2010 drawing to a close, the American moment is ending not with a bang, but with a whimper."

Is it?

If America is in serious decline, is it reversible?

Kuhner says, "Instead of trying to reverse this, Washington is hastening it," citing mass fiscal mis-management and social experimentation such as the recent repeal of "Don't Ask-Don't Tell".
He says Obamacare is the final nail in the American coffin. And that, "Washington is continuing to party like its 1965."

What caught my attention in Kuhner's column was his insistence that America's social and economic decline is directly linked to our spiritual decline---the "Passing of the Christian West," he calls it.

He believes the "Passing" signifies "the end not only of a world-view, but a character-type---one based on honor, family, self-help, blood and soil patriotism, personal responsibility and a God centered moral order."

"Self indulgence and self expression," he says, have filled the vacuum and, "life is no longer about sacrifice and duty, it's about maximizing pleasure and self fulfillment."

He believes we have fallen victim to statism, "The transformation of freeborn and productive citizens into de facto serfs who look to Uncle Sam for handouts---Decades of liberalism have led to servile state."

"Well," some will say, "those Edmund Burke people are a little too far right for me.---too conservative."

I have
linked his column. Read it and note with what part you disagree.

I disagree only with his conclusion:

"All civilizations rise and fall. Ancient Greece, Persia, Rome, Medieval Europe, the great Italian city-states, the Ottoman Empire, the vast European empires---the past is littered with the corpses of once unparalleled and dominant powers that are now a distant memory."

This is true.

His final comment is reflected by many on both the right, including some evangelicals, and the left to far left:

"So too has America passed it's zenith."

Has it?

Unlike the massive and powerful civilizations that were forged along ancient boundaries, bloodlines and conquest, America was founded on an ideal---the principle of freedom. Freedom given to mankind, not by government, but by the God of the Bible---the Creator.

America has only passed her zenith if American citizens allow the country to be "remade" or "transformed" rather than "restored".

All things ultimately lie in the hands of God, but the God who gave us liberty and freedom, has also given us choice.

It's time to sound the alarm.

George Washington wrote a letter to Joseph Reed on January 14, 1776. In it he wrote, "The reflection upon my situation and that of this army produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep. Few people know the predicament we are in."

America and all it stands for hangs in the balance. Too many do not understand the predicament we are in, nor do they agree with the only solution. As they become aware, they may conclude the sun is setting, not rising on America.

If those of us who believe in Him will become humble and prayerful, He will heal, or restore, the land.

We stand on the grand threshold of history, but I do not believe the final chapter of this great country has been written. I believe in restoration.

Do you? I believe you do.

Thank you for
standing with us in advocating for renewal.

Be Vigilant. Be Prayerful. Be Discerning. Be Active. Be Blessed.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, January 03, 2011

Epiphany-- and a Bloodbath in Bethlehem

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"Epiphany" was celebrated in many churches yesterday while pastors referenced the story of the Magi and told how they came to recognize and worship the King---Jesus.

The Magi were seekers of truth among other things, most likely coming from what we know as Iraq and Iran. Because the Jewish people had been dispersed throughout the Middle East, first by the Assyrians and later by the Babylonians, they had created enclaves throughout the area, resulting in many becoming familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures and the promise of a coming Messiah.

The Magi referenced Micah 5:2 when they began asking about, "He who has been born King of the Jews" recorded in Matthew 2:1 thru 12.

It was the title "King" that bothered Herod the king and caused him to contact the Magi, soliciting their help in finding this newborn "King," explaining that he, too, wanted to worship Him.

This, of course, was coming from a man who was known to be a serial killer, having murdered Antipater, his oldest son and heir to the throne, his wife Mariam, two other sons, then hunting down and killing relatives of the previous royal family---the Hasmoneans, descendants of the Maccabees.

As you know, the wise men did not report back to Herod after their encounter with the" King".

Herod, having been shunned by the Magi, became enraged with anger and ordered all male children in Bethlehem, 2 years and younger, to be killed.

A massacre of the innocents. A bloodbath in Bethlehem. An attempt to kill the Truth.

Two very different responses. The king wanted to kill Him. The Magi worshipped Him.

From His conception to His birth, to His death and His resurrection, Jesus and His teachings have polarized people.

He is not a moderate.

His birth struck fear in the hearts of the shepherds.

His birth ignited anger in Herod.

He experienced acceptance and worship from the Magi---the truth seekers.

Throughout His life and ministry, He divided people. In fact we read in John 7:43, "So there was division among the people because of Him."

Jesus Himself said He would create division, even within families (Luke 12:49-53 and Matthew 16).

"Do you think," He said, "I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division" (v.51).

Fear. Anger. Reaction. Misunderstanding. Attacks. Attempts to kill and silence Him.

Or, acceptance and worship. Obedience to His teaching.

He is Truth. The Scriptures are inspired truth, without error. The Truth can divide us or unite us, but will always set us free when accepted.

I believe this divisiveness is critical in our times, both in our culture and even in the Christian church.

A couple of examples:

A. "Inclusiveness"


A keyword in today's society is "inclusiveness". We are told that we should accept "alternative lifestyles," accept behavior that has been previously deemed unacceptable by Scripture. Those who are considered unwilling to do so may be required to receive "sensitivity training." The watchword is "tolerance.".Some Christian churches have made a god of tolerance and so-called diversity in their attempt to be seeker friendly, contextual and "emerging." Yet we find these same people can be quite intolerant of any viewpoint that does not tolerate every kind of behavior. Any deviation from this standard of tolerance is considered intolerable, and there are efforts in our country to make it illegal to dissent on these issues. We are on the threshold of certain biblical teachings (i.e., Romans chapter 1, etc.) becoming considered hate speech.

A social and cultural bloodbath of sorts for those who do not conform.

Jesus was never tolerant of evil. He defined evil and sin. He reached out to the sinner in love, but he hated sin. When a woman was found in adultery, Jesus did not say, "Your lifestyle is fine." He said, "Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:11).

Scripture teaches that those who practice certain lifestyles and behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God and will incur God's wrath (Ephesians 5:5-7; Colossians 3:5-6; Galatians 5:19; see Romans 1:18-32; Revelation 21:8).

Tolerance and acceptance of every conceivable kind of behavior is not only taught but demanded in today's culture. However, Jesus drew a sharp line of division. He said that some behavior is sinful and should not be tolerated. He said that some things are good and some things are evil, and the evil cannot be tolerated or accepted.

B. Moral Relativity

Closely related to this teaching of tolerance is the concept of moral relativity. We are told there are no moral absolutes.

The Bible is very clear. There is good and there is evil, and the two must never be confused. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20) Jesus drew very sharp lines between what was good and what was evil, what was moral and what was immoral. He spoke of those who, "loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19)

C. Universal Religion

There are those, today, who advocate for a universal religion that all can accept. They assert that "all religions are essentially the same" and that ending religious disagreements will promote world peace.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is a strong advocate for this so-called dialog.

Oprah, President Obama, and others have said publicly they are Christians but do not believe Jesus is the "only" way to God, yet Jesus Himself says He is. (John 14:6)

They try to combine features of Eastern religions (such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism), of New Age thinking, and much else, with some of Jesus' ethical teachings, into an amalgam that they hope will be acceptable to all. Seeker friendly.

Scripture does not support this effort.

Jesus declared that the one whom he called Father is "the only true God," (John 17:3) and that no man comes to God except through Jesus (John 14:6; see also Acts 4:12). God repeatedly told his people that he is the only true God. "I am the first and I am the last. Apart from me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6) "I am God and there is no other." (Isaiah 46:9; see also Isaiah 45:18, 21) Paul wrote, "There is only one God." (Romans 3:30) "There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live, and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live." (1 Corinthians 8:6; see also James 4:12)

New Age teaching asserts that all paths lead, ultimately, to the same mountaintop. Jesus said that there are two paths, or roads. One is broad and leads to eternal destruction. Many travel by it. The other is narrow and leads to eternal life. Few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). We need to choose which road we will follow. We need to "make every effort" to follow the narrow road (Luke 13:24).

The one true God is not Allah, or Buddha, or any of the Hindu gods, or the "gods" of the New Age movement, or "the goddess" of the feminist movement, or some impersonal force or consciousness. It is the God of Scripture whom we must acknowledge, worship and serve if we are to claim the promises of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He requires our exclusive worship.

The Magi knew it. So must we.

Paul expressed the same concern. Speaking of the whole range of "gods" whom the non-Christians worshiped in his day - Greek and Roman gods, Egyptian and Persian gods, and the gods of various "mystery" religions - he wrote, "The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons." (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)

God's position on the matter is clearly articulated by the prophet Jeremiah:

"'Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,' declares the Lord. 'My people have committed two sins. They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.'" (Jeremiah 2:11-13).

Our nation was founded on biblical principles. Our Founders believed that, without personal morality based on a strong Christian religion and an embrace of biblical teachings, democracy could not survive.

America is attempting to "change her gods."

This new year of 2011 must be a year of Vigilance and Discernment and Prayer for those who have "found Him." A year of "epiphany" for those who have not.

And a year of action for all who believe in eternal Judeo-Christian principles and values and the One who gave them--- who believe America is a nation of God ordained destiny---an exceptional nation, a city on a hill.

Thank you for supporting us in this advocacy and action.

___________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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