Politics
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Wednesday February 2, 2005
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Print- MTV Watched by Majority of Young Teens Exposes Children to 9 Sexual Scenes Per Hour
- Prominent Republican Fears Bill Clinton to Lead United Nations
- Day of Purity Planned as Study Finds Nearly 30% of 13 to 16 Year Olds are Sexually Active
- Globe and Mail Poll Shows 139 MPs in Favor, 118 Opposed, 49 Undecided on Same Sex ‘Marriage’
- New Bone Marrow Stem Cell has all the Flexibility of Embryonic Cells
- Abortion Bill Introduced in South Dakota Legislature
- Liberal Government Lying to the Public on Same-Sex 'Marriage' Bill Says Women's Group
- Evangelical Fellowship Calls Liberals’ Bluff on Religious Freedom
- National Post Survey Reveals 2/3 of Canadians Oppose Same-Sex “Marriage”
- Canadian Marriage Redefinition News Briefs
- LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes
MTV Watched by Majority of Young Teens Exposes Children to 9 Sexual Scenes Per Hour
Parents Television Council Study Finds MTV Blatantly Selling Smut to Children
TODAY'S HEADLINES
LOS ANGELES, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Parents Television Council (PTC), the nation’s most influential advocacy organization protecting children against sex, violence and profanity in entertainment, released a new study, “MTV Smut Peddlers: Targeting Kids with Sex, Drugs and Alcohol,” which found that MTV programming contains staggering levels of sex and foul language – far higher than anything found on adult-targeted television.
“MTV is blatantly selling raunchy sex to kids. Compared to broadcast television programs aimed at adults, MTV’s programming contains substantially more sex, foul language and violence – and MTV’s shows are aimed at children as young as 12. There’s no question that TV influences the attitudes and perceptions of young viewers, and MTV is deliberately marketing its raunch to millions of innocent children,” said L. Brent Bozell, president of the PTC.
MTV is watched by 73% of boys and 78% of girls ages 12 to 19, and it is profoundly influential in the lives of its young fans by glamorizing drug and alcohol use, sexual promiscuity and violent behavior. MTV is owned by Viacom, the same corporate giant that owns CBS (the network that aired the 2004 Super Bowl at which Janet Jackson deliberately exposed her breast to a world-wide audience that included millions of unsuspecting children) and Nickelodeon. That corporate synergy ensures that even the youngest TV viewers are getting acclimated to the MTV brand.
The PTC recorded and analyzed 171 hours of programming around the clock during the week of March 20, 2004, to March 27, 2004, during MTV’s “Spring Break” coverage. MTV’s reality programs averaged 13 sexual scenes per hour, while music videos on MTV averaged 32 instances of foul language per hour.
“The incessant sleaze on MTV presents the most compelling case yet for consumer cable choice. MTV is a subsidized network. As it now stands, parents have no choice but to take – and pay for – MTV if they want basic cable in their homes. Given a choice, how many parents now being forced to take and pay for MTV as part of a basic cable package, would continue to do so?” asked Bozell.
Major Findings:
- In 171 hours of MTV programming, PTC analysts found a staggering 1,548 sexual scenes containing 3,056 depictions of sex or various forms of nudity and 2,881 verbal sexual references. Children watching MTV are viewing an average of 9 sexual scenes per hour with approximately 18 sexual depictions and 17 instances of sexual dialogue or innuendo. To put this in perspective, consider that in its last study of sex on primetime network television, the PTC found an average of only 5.8 instances of sexual content during the 10 o’clock hour – when mostly adults are watching.
- Analysts recorded 1,518 uses of unedited foul language and an additional 3,127 bleeped profanities on MTV programming. Young children watching MTV are subjected to roughly 8.9 un-bleeped profanities per hour, and an additional 18.3 bleeped profanities per hour. By contrast, the 10 o’clock hour on the broadcast networks averaged only 6.5 uses of foul language per hour, according to the PTC’s latest research.
Read the Full Report:
http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/reports/mtv2005/main.asp
Back to TopProminent Republican Fears Bill Clinton to Lead United Nations
Clinton Receives UN Appointment
CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – There is growing fear by many, including former US Senator Jesse Helms, that former US President Bill Clinton will be the top pick to replace Kofi Annan as head of the United Nations when Annan retires in 2006.
In a fundraising letter for the Helms senatorial library, Helms warns his benefactors of the impending possibility of a Clinton-lead UN: “I'm sure you might agree that putting a left-wing, undisciplined and ethically challenged former President of the United States into a position of such power would be a tragic mistake,” as reported by the AP, who obtained a copy of Helms’ letter Tuesday.
Helms, who left office in 2003 after five terms, included a petition with his letter, calling on President Bush to “rebuke all efforts by Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and every other liberal in Congress to push for Bill Clinton to become Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
Clinton, meanwhile, accepted today Annan’s appointment as UN envoy to tsunami-stricken south Asia.
Read related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Clinton using Kerry to Promote Himself for Top Post at U.N.?
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/oct/04102504.html
Read J. Grant Swank, Jr.’s op-ed NOT! TO CLINTON AS UN CHIEF: http://www.theconservativevoice.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2499
Why Bill Clinton Must Not Be Invited To Dinner
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2001/feb/010215a.html
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Day of Purity Planned as Study Finds Nearly 30% of 13 to 16 Year Olds are Sexually Active
ORLANDO, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The good news from a recent NBC News and People Magazine poll is that 42% of teens who are not sexually active attribute that choice to religious or moral beliefs. The poll, however, reveals that nearly 30% of young teens reported being sexually active, with half of them engaging in oral sex. In fact, 43% of teens don’t consider oral sex as sexual intercourse, even though there are significant risks associated with oral sex.
On February 14, 2005, millions of youth around the world will make a public statement for sexual purity as they participate in the second annual Day of Purity. The Day of Purity, a project of Liberty Counsel, is designed for youth of all ages, including those at the elementary and college levels as well as young adults, who commit to delay sexual activity until marriage.
Within a few weeks after announcing the first Day of Purity in 2004, youth leaders from several thousand schools joined with several hundred organizations across America in celebrating sexual purity. The Day of Purity quickly spread to seven foreign countries. A list of some of the supporting organizations is posted at http://www.DayOfPurity.org
The Day of Purity is designed to encourage youth to remain sexually pure and counter the message that early sexual activity is healthy and normal. One freshman health textbook tells students that “testing your ability to function sexually and give pleasure to another person may be less threatening in your early teens with people of your own sex….You may come to the conclusion that growing up means rejecting the values of your parents.” Other organizations readily admit to trying to steer our youth away from traditional values.
The Day of Purity offers youth the opportunity to counter that message. The Day of Purity web site, DayOfPurity.org, allows anyone to download a planning manual and informative flyers on a variety of topics for distribution, order a Day of Purity T-shirt, and review startling statistics concerning the effect of early sexual activity. On the Day of Purity, youth are encouraged to wear a Day of Purity T-Shirt or white clothing to symbolize sexual purity. Call 1-800-671-1776 for more information.
jhw
Globe and Mail Poll Shows 139 MPs in Favor, 118 Opposed, 49 Undecided on Same Sex ‘Marriage’
Passage of bill far from assured
TORONTO, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Globe and Mail published a lengthy report yesterday on the same-sex marriage bill and responses of Members of Parliament to its poll on the issue. The results indicate passage of the bill is far from assured and reveals that lobbying of individual MPs by pro-marriage Canadians is starting to have significant political effect.
The Globe states it contacted all MPs by email twice and then followed up with telephone calls. The question asked was "How do you intend to vote on same-sex marriage?"
"Just 139 members of Parliament" told the Globe that they would vote in favour of the government bill to redefine marriage. 118 MPs indicated they would vote against the bill and most significantly, 49 were undecided or would not state their position.
The Globe survey found that the Liberals were the most split on the issue with 25 members of their caucus opposed to the bill and 30 undecided or reluctant to reveal how they will vote.
Even the Bloc Quebecois revealed some division with so far 2 Bloc MPs telling the Globe that they will oppose the Martin government's bill.
If all members are in the House when the vote takes place, 154 votes would be required to defeat the legislation.
See the complete Globe story at
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050201/SAMESEXP...
jhw
New Bone Marrow Stem Cell has all the Flexibility of Embryonic Cells
BOSTON, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A type of adult stem cell has been isolated from bone marrow that shows all the characteristics of human embryonic stem cells. A team of researchers at Boston’s Tufts University have found cells that come from adult donors that can change into many, if not all of the different types of tissue in the human body. It was previously thought that only embryonic cells could produce this.
The cells were tested on rats with heart damage and some changed into heart muscle tissue to directly repair damage, and others went to form new blood vessels. Treated rats had more than twice the number of blood vessels and less scar tissue than those of the control group.
Tufts cardiologist Dr. Douglas W. Losordo said, “I think embryonic stem cells are going to fade in the rearview mirror of adult stem cells.” He said that bone marrow “is like a repair kit. Nature provided us with these tools to repair organ damage.”
Scientists have long sought approval for using embryo-derived stem cells since, they say, such cells have the potential to be used for an almost limitless number of applications. Some researchers, however, have admitted that embryo stem cells, while theoretically able to change into almost any kind of tissue, are extremely hard to control and are unlikely ever to have any practical therapeutic application because of the medical dangers they pose to patients. However, embryonic stem cell research is seen to be a potentially far more lucrative source of financial profit for researchers and drug companies.
Many reports have come out recently showing the nearly universal flexibility of certain types of adult stem cells. These also avoid any ethical problems and do not pose medical dangers from immune system rejection. Stem cells derived from bone marrow are showing more and more promise and do not have the tendency, as do embryo stem cells, of developing into tumors.
Dr. Losordo added that the newly discovered bone marrow cells are easy to grow and maintain in the lab. “We've got freezers full of these things now,” he said.
hw
Abortion Bill Introduced in South Dakota Legislature
PIERRE, South Dakota, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A bill proposing to make abortions illegal, with the exception of serious health risks to the mother, was put forward Monday in the South Dakota legislature.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Frank Kloucek, is meant to correct the deficiencies seen in a similar bill introduced last year which was vetoed by Governor Mike Rounds on technical grounds. Rounds said the former bill would open the doors to unrestricted abortion access in the event of a court challenge.
“It should be in the proper form that he and every pro-life family legislator can both support and sign,” said Kloucek of the new bill, SB198, as reported by the AP.
Several other related bills were also introduced Monday. Rep. Roger Hunt sponsored a bill that would set up a task force to study the effects of abortion.
“In the 32 years since Roe v. Wade was decided, there's been a whole body of scientific knowledge developed,” Hunt said. “It would be profitable and very worthwhile to learn and study that, so as the issue of abortion comes before the Legislature in the future, we'll have good information upon which to make decisions.”
In addition, Hunt also sponsored a bill mandating that doctors fully disclose to women all the negative repercussions abortion may have, including that abortion kills their child.
Sen. Brock Greenfield introduced a bill requiring notification of parents in the event that abortions were to be committed on their children.
“This seeks to clear up a loophole,” Greenfield said.
If the US Supreme Court declares abortions illegal, a final bill sponsored by National Right to Life Committee member Sen. Jay Duenwald, would ban all abortions in the state, mandating a maximum penalty of life in prison for anyone committing abortions.
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
South Dakota Abortion Ban Dead: Technical Veto Rejected by Senate
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/mar/04031604.html
Law Center Issues Report Exposing Disturbing Details of National Right to Life's Efforts to Kill South Dakota's Abortion Ban
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/apr/04040106.html
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Liberal Government Lying to the Public on Same-Sex 'Marriage' Bill Says Women's Group
OTTAWA, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Liberal government is lying to Canadians in regard to its same-sex marriage Bill C-38, says REAL Women Canada. The women’s group points out that the preamble and also section 3 of the Bill claim that officials of religious groups are protected from performing same-sex marriages, if it is contrary to their beliefs.
“These are absolutely meaningless provisions,” says REAL Women. “The federal government knows that the Supreme Court of Canada in the same-sex marriage reference case specifically stated that religious rights are matters of provincial jurisdiction only and that the federal government has no authority over them,” the group explained.
Marriage commissioners in several Canadian provinces have been ordered to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex partners, despite their religious beliefs. “The federal government can do nothing to halt this trampling on the religious beliefs of these commissioners, despite its statement in the preamble that ‘everyone’ has freedom of conscience and religion which will not be affected by this same-sex legislation.”
The group warns that “in every case where religious rights have competed with homosexual rights, the Supreme Court of Canada has ordered the trumping of homosexual rights over religious rights.” REAL Women added, “The parade of cases to diminish religious rights on same-sex marriage issues has already commenced with a BC lesbian couple claiming discrimination because a Catholic men’s organization, the Knight’s of Columbus, has refused to rent their hall for their marriage celebration.”
See yesterday's LifeSiteNews.com reports on the same-sex marriage bill:
Deception, Propaganda and Puzzling Opposition Mark Day One of Canadian Same-Sex Marriage Bill
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05020114.html
Cotler Revealingly Praises “Constitutional Revolution” Caused by the Canadian Charter of Rights
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05020113.html
The Conservative Party Position – Pro-Marriage or Not?
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05020112.html
jhw
Evangelical Fellowship Calls Liberals’ Bluff on Religious Freedom
OTTAWA, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Liberal government, in its presentation of the same sex ‘marriage’ legislation, has made repeated assertions that religious ministers who object to homosexuality will not be forced to perform the ceremonies. Paul Martin told reporters, “This legislation makes it very clear, as does the Charter, that no church, no temple, no synagogue, no mosque, no religious official will be asked or forced to perform a marriage that is contrary to their beliefs.”
This safeguard, which was surprisingly accepted at face value and with expressions of gratitude by the Canadian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, is being treated with skepticism by other Christian groups. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has issued a press release asking for concrete assurances from the Prime Minister.
EFC spokesman Janet Epp Buckingham warns that the federal government’s promises of protection are empty ones since marriage is a provincial jurisdiction. She said, “Religious freedom for religious and civil officials in relation to the solemnization of marriage can only be protected by provincial governments.”
Epp Buckingham writes that Martin's assurance that he will invoke the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to protect religious freedom is an empty promise. “The notwithstanding clause cannot be used to give the federal government authority to legislate (over Provincial jurisdiction) where it has none.”
For years now, the provinces have not moved to stop the use of the courts or extra judicial Human Rights Tribunals (HRT) by homosexual activists against Christians. In nearly every case, the courts and HRT’s have upheld the primacy of homosexual ‘rights’ over the right of religious freedom specified in the Charter. At the time of writing, a lay Catholic organization is awaiting a decision from the British Columbia HRT where they are being sued for refusing to rent a hall to two lesbians for a ‘wedding’ reception.
Epp Buckingham concludes, “We are therefore writing to ask you how you intend to ensure that religious freedom is protected? If you are making assurances to the Canadian public, you owe it to us to tell us how you will fulfill this promise.”
hw
See yesterday's LifeSiteNews.com reports on the same-sex marriage bill:
Deception, Propaganda and Puzzling Opposition Mark Day One of Canadian Same-Sex Marriage Bill
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05020114.html
Cotler Revealingly Praises “Constitutional Revolution” Caused by the Canadian Charter of Rights
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05020113.html
The Conservative Party Position – Pro-Marriage or Not?
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05020112.html
National Post Survey Reveals 2/3 of Canadians Oppose Same-Sex “Marriage”
TORONTO, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The results of a National Post/Global National poll revealed today that fully 66 percent of Canadians are opposed to the legalization of same-sex “marriage,” while 68 percent responded favourably to the suggestion of a national plebiscite on the issue.
The findings, reported today on the front page of the National Post, reveal an overwhelming majority of Canadians would oppose marriage redefinition, if the decision were left to them.
In addition, a clear majority of Canadians perceive the comments of politicians, such as those of Hon. Pierre Pettigrew criticizing the Catholic Church for wanting to have a say in the same-sex “marriage” debate, as a threat to free speech.
“By a very strong majority, Canadians perceive as a threat to free speech when public figures call upon religious organizations to remain silent on moral issues such as same-sex marriage,” according to the Compas report, the company that conducted the poll.
“Only one anti-gay marriage argument resonated with the public, albeit barely—the idea that gay marriage is an insult to religion,” the Compas report continued.
“On the main issues, Canadians have remained virtually unchanged in their views since late 2003. Most still do not embrace gay marriage.”
The National Post also reported that federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler does not perceive a need to hold a national referendum on the issue.
See the Compas website and link to a full PDF version of the poll results at:
http://www.compas.ca/pages/FrameMain.html
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Canadian Marriage Redefinition News Briefs
7 Nfld. marriage commissioners quit over same-sex issue
One in every 10 marriage commissioners in Newfoundland and Labrador has resigned, saying they won't perform ceremonies for same-sex couples.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/02/02/nfld-marriage050202.html
Adoption change to follow gay marriage?
Adoption rights for homosexuals could become Canada's next equality battle. In Alberta, gays and lesbians are only permitted to adopt their partner's child -- not the child of a third party. Yukon's adoption laws are ambiguous, while homosexual couples are denied adoption rights in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut. NDP MP Libby Davies said if same-sex marriage rights are extended across Canada, uniform adoption rights must follow.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/News/2005/02/01/916775-sun.html
Justice Minister Says No Referendum On Same-Sex
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler says there will be no national referendum on same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, three more Conservative MPs say they will vote for the same-sex legislation. Gerald Keddy, Jim Prentice and James Moore will join Belinda Stronach.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/02/02/same-sex050202.html
The Knights And The Lesbians
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has just finished hearing Ms. Chymyshyn and Ms. Smith's complaint that the Knights, a Roman Catholic men's fraternal and philanthropic society, discriminated against them by refusing to rent the hall to them after learning it was for a same-sex wedding reception. The Knights, faithful to church teaching against homosexual marriage, cancelled a rental contract that had been signed, returned the couple's deposit and paid for the rental of a new hall and the reprinting of wedding invitations. That still didn’t satisfy the two lesbians who went to the Human Rights Commission.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050202/COLUMBUS...
LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes
Americans less tolerant of political compromises on moral issues than four years ago: backlash against moral compromise has grown
http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/campbell200502020745.asp
Abortion debate divides Australian government
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SYD211482.htm
900 Denver teens explore tolerance
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~2681850,00.html
A new breed of rock star: quietly Christian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/news/story/0,11711,1401315,00.html
U.S. students say press freedoms go too far
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=676&u=/usatoday/20050131/ts_usatoday/u...
Birth rate linked to fear of losing job
http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=national&categor...
Italy to air pogoing Pope cartoon shelved by BBC
http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/story.jsp?story=605997
Connecticut Lawmakers Want Same-Sex 'Marriage' Legalized
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/afa/22005e.asp
New Studies Say Teens May Be Hardwired for Religion
http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?vm_id=43&art_id=27256
New Study Calls Clergy Sexual Abuse An Epidemic
http://www.ncregister.com/current/0130lead3.htm
Finally, Fla. College OKs 'Passion of Christ'
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/2/2/170959.shtml
Once-Conservative Adelphia Goes Porn
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/2/2/140711.shtml
Democrats Talk Pro-life While Whitman Promotes Abortion
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/2/2/71136.shtml
Planned Parenthood Boss Slams Kerry
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/2/1/165233.shtml
Pope Tells Church to Improve Priest Vetting
http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2005/02/01/pope_tells_church_to...
Kofi and Clinton: A Marriage of Convenience
http://freedomalliance.org/view_article.php?a_id=500
Euthanasia: Who Needs It?
http://www.cbhd.org/resources/endoflife/falkenheimer_2005-01-31.htm
Pro-life women of the 109th Congress
http://www.sba-list.org/index.cfm/section/ProLifeWomen.html
Flawed AIDS Drug Study Exposes NIH Misconduct
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,146199,00.html
Animal-Human Hybrids: Is there a limit to how far bioscientists are willing to go?
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/204bqkvl.asp
Kenya Could Lose Billions for Aids War
http://allafrica.com/stories/200502010938.html
Defend unborn's rights, Pope tells Australia Catholic lawyers
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Defend-unborns-rights-Pope-tells-Catholic-la...
Paramedics under attack for trying to Resuscitate Euthanasia Advocate
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/News/2005/01/31/915279-sun.html
More Media Manipulation -- The BBC apologizes for lying about Iraq
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newswatch/ifs/hi/newsid_4220000/newsid_4222300/4222353.stm
Levant: When is crying "Nazi!" is too much?
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Calgary/Ezra_Levant/2005/01/31/915382.h...
Detroit archdiocese bans reception for nun with gay outreach
http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw110919_20050131.htm
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