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Friday January 27, 2006
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Print- Support For Alito Grows: Senate Will Block Filibuster
- Target Pharmacist Fired for Refusing to Dispense Abortifacient Morning-After Pill
- UN Catholic Lobby Hoping for Less Hostile Canadian Representatives
- Harper Stays Firm on Commitment to Marriage Vote and Choice in Child Care
- Pro-Life HLI Leader, Priest, also an Exorcist
- Louisiana Bishop Quotes the Wrong Catechism on Homosexuality
- NDP, Conservative Candidate Accuse Liberal MP of Tampering With Election
- Chief Campaign Supporter, Not Candidate, Made Muslim Power Statements
Support For Alito Grows: Senate Will Block Filibuster
TODAY'S HEADLINES
By Gudrun Schultz
WASHINGTON, United States, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Republicans appear to have gathered enough support to defeat a final attempt by the Democrats to block Justice Samuel Alito’s Supreme Court confirmation.
Republican Senate Majority leader Bill Frist called for a motion on Thursday to cut off debate on the nomination, a motion that requires only 60 votes in the Senate. If that motion should pass, the Senate would then vote on Alito’s nomination on Tuesday. The nomination would pass with a majority of 51 votes.
With 53 Republican votes supporting the move, and a growing number of Democrats indicating they would participate, the 60 votes needed to close the floor to further nomination debates are already accounted for.
The move by Republicans to end debate on the nomination was triggered by Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, who announced Wednesday he would support a filibuster of the Alito nomination, saying as many as five Democrats had agreed to participate. On Thursday Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy said he would join in with Mr. Kerry
(A filibuster is a legal means of blocking a measure indefinitely by introducing motions or amendments and engaging in debate. A vote generally cannot take place until all such obstacles have been cleared, under Senate rules.)
Kerry’s move was not met with much enthusiasm even among Democrats.
Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin played down the possibility of a filibuster in an interview with CNN Thursday.
"One of the first responsibilities of someone in Congress is to learn how to count," Mr. Durbin said. "Having made a count, I have come to the conclusion it is highly unlikely that a filibuster would succeed."
Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the longest-serving Democrat in the Senate, said Thursday he would vote for Alito.
"My considered judgment ... leads me to believe [Alito] to be an honorable man, a man who loves his country, loves his Constitution and a man who will give of his best," said Byrd, in a speech on the Senate floor. "Can we really ask for more?"
Back to TopTarget Pharmacist Fired for Refusing to Dispense Abortifacient Morning-After Pill
By Terry Vanderheyden
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Target pharmacist has lost her job for refusing to dispense or refer for the abortifacient morning-after pill.
“For me, life begins with two cells,” said Heather Williams, explaining that the so-called emergency contraception pill, Plan B by Barr Pharmaceuticals, often prevents implantation of a newly formed human embryo within the uterine wall – which, of course, constitutes abortion. The same mechanism is responsible for the sometimes abortifacient effect of the regular birth-control-pill.
According to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch report, Williams has refused to dispense or refer for the abortifacient for the past five years while working as a part-time Target pharmacy employee. She argues that to refer patients to a dispensary where they can find them is equally immoral. “I just can’t be a link in the chain at all,” Williams said.
Williams, who is a mother of three, lost her job over the issue as of January 1. She filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of Missouri. She says, however, that the blame for her dismissal belongs to Planned Parenthood, not the Target store. Planned Parenthood has spearheaded efforts across the US to mandate that pharmacists co-operate in chemical abortion.
Williams and attorney Ed Martin have appeared on television to argue that pharmacists are the scapegoats in the battle over Plan B. Martin is also the attorney for four Walgreens pharmacists from across the river in St. Louis, Illinois, who lost their jobs for the same reason. The four refused to abide by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s decree mandating that pharmacists dispense the abortifacient.
Blagojevich warned Illinois pharmacists in April to dispense the abortifacient morning-after pill or face legal backlash – despite a state statute that exempts pharmacists from participating in practices contrary to their religious views.
Williams said that Target forced pharmacists state-wide to sign a “conscience clause” last fall agreeing to dispense the abortifacient or refer to another pharmacy that does. She wrote the chain a letter December 1 telling them she could not sign the clause. “We had to make sure it was in stock, and even give directions to the store,” she said. “I would be a participant.”
Williams is losing her job even though the Target store where she worked has never stocked Plan B.
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Walgreens Disciplines Four Pharmacists for Refusing Abortifacient Morning-After Pill Prescriptions
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/dec/05120102.html
UN Catholic Lobby Hoping for Less Hostile Canadian Representatives
By Hilary White
NEW YORK, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (CFAM), has congratulated Canadians on the Conservative victory in Monday’s federal election and says it looks forward to a less hostile set of UN appointees from Canada.
Calling the Liberal-appointed Canadian representatives to the UN, “notoriously hostile” to UN supporters of life and family, Austin Ruse said, “Over the past 12 years, the Liberal Party's choices for Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and for membership in delegations to U.N. conferences have advanced the pro-abortion, pro-homosexual marriage and pro-prostitution agenda.”
Wendy Wright, Executive Vice President of Concerned Women for America, told the Friday Fax that under a Liberal Government the foreign social policy of Canada "has been in the forefront" in supporting the "most radical policies" that are considered at the UN.
These policies include the Canadian delegation's recent opposition to anti-prostitution language being put into drafts of proposed UN treaties. Canada has a poor international reputation in human sex-trafficking and under the Liberal government included immigration provisions to improve what it saw as a shortage of “exotic dancers.”
In March, 2005, The Irish Anti-Trafficking Coalition (IATC) warned Monday that legalizing prostitution in Canada would make the country a “magnet for human trafficking.” Gregory Carlin, IATC Director said, “Canada is one of those countries with legalized child sex tourism and remains a popular ‘holiday’ destination for sex predators from the US,”
Although Prime Minister elect Harper did not recall him, Canada’s ambassador to the US, Frank McKenna, resigned earlier this week. C-Fam’s Friday Fax speculates that the radically pro-abortion “Catholic” ambassador to the UN, Allan Rock, will also be recalled.
Read related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Even Stripper Industry Insiders Charging Canadian Government With Trafficking in Women
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/may/05053107.html
Harper Stays Firm on Commitment to Marriage Vote and Choice in Child Care
By John-Henry Westen
OTTAWA, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Stephen Harper will be sworn in as Prime Minister on February 6, but that didn't stop him from having his first press conference in Prime Ministerial fashion Thursday. Responding to questions from reporters, Harper revealed that he will be dealing promptly, but not immediately with the issue of marriage and remain firm in his plans to provide parents choice in child care.
On bringing forward a motion on returning to the traditional definition of marriage Harper said, "I've simply said that we'll be doing it in the life of the parliament. I would prefer to do it sooner rather than later but not immediately."
Harper was asked if he'd back down with opposition pressure on the promised choice in child care plan which was a main plank in his election platform. Harper responded, "Well, I think that the child-care program we laid out in particular, direct assistance to all Canadian parents. I think this is something that is very popular. I'm always willing to have discussions but I do believe that Canadian parents and families expect us to deliver on this and frankly expect the parliament as a whole to deliver them that benefit."
See the full transcript of the press conference:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060126/harper_transcript_0...
Pro-Life HLI Leader, Priest, also an Exorcist
By Terry Vanderheyden
FRONT ROYAL, VA, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, the President of Human Life International, is also an exorcist, as revealed by Spiritdaily.com.
In a story appearing on the web site today, When the Demons Strike Back: Experience of an Exorcist after an Exorcism, Fr. Euteneuer describes an occasion of spiritual warfare he experienced that he believed resulted from an exorcism he had performed.
“I have been an exorcist for three years, and I know all too well that it always costs something to enter onto the devil’s territory and wrench a soul out of his grip, but I have never experienced a demonic retaliation like the one I am about to recount,” he began.
“The only reason I write this true story is to encourage those who read this to remain vigilant, faithful and confident that Christ and His angels have all-surpassing power over demons,” Fr. Euteneuer continued. “The demons may make us suffer temporarily, but they are no match for the power of Christ’s Love and the vigilance of these holy spirits who never cease to come to our aid in time of need.”
Human Life International is the world’s largest pro-life organization with affiliate offices and associates in seventy-five countries around the world. In five years of service to this unique mission Fr. Euteneuer has traveled more than 500,000 miles as a pro-life missionary and visited more than forty countries.
The recently released movie, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, which is based on true events, has highlighted the reality of demonic possession and spiritual warfare.
Continue reading Fr. Euteneuer’s gripping story at:
http://spiritdaily.com/priestexorcismeffect.htm
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Movie Commentary – The Exorcism of Emily Rose
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/sep/050927a.html
More on Emily Rose Movie
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/sep/05092708.html
Movie Review – The Exorcism of Emily Rose – Proof that Truth makes the Best Drama
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/sep/05090809.html
Louisiana Bishop Quotes the Wrong Catechism on Homosexuality
by Hilary White
THIBODAUX, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Bishop of a Louisiana diocese has misrepresented the Catholic teaching on homosexuality in a statement about one of his priests appearing in a local newspaper report.
In early January, Rev. Jim Morrison, announced in a letter to his parishioners that he was a celibate homosexual, saying that he no longer felt comfortable keeping his secret while advising others to be open. Morrison is a long-serving priest and is currently pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux.
Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux in a statement said that Fr. Morrison is a “compassionate and energetic priest who has provided good pastoral ministry to the people he has served”. Jacobs wrote, “A person should be judged not by his/her tendencies or orientation but by his/her actions.”
The bishop then quoted the wrong catechism in stating that homosexuals have no control over their “orientation.” Giving the citation from the 1992 edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that was rejected and later corrected by the Vatican, Jacobs says: “Those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies do not choose their orientation.”
The Catholic Church, however, acknowledges that it cannot rule on medical issues that are seriously disputed by experts and in fact, makes no judgement about whether homosexuals choose their state. The edition cited by Jacobs was later corrected and reissued by the Vatican. The corrected section reads, “This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial.”
Louis Aguirre, spokesman for the Diocese, said Morrison is not being asked to resign.
The bishop’s error is already causing confusion among his flock. An editorial by a self-proclaimed Catholic appearing in Houma Today’s January 15 online edition, called the Catholic teaching “contradictory.” “Morrison’s adherence to his celibacy vows also makes his homosexuality, in a way, moot,” wrote Keith Magill.
The Church, however does not consider it moot. The Vatican’s recently released document on the ordination of men with homosexual tendencies said that while persons suffering from deep-seated homosexual tendencies are called to lives of Christian perfection, their affliction makes them unsuitable candidates for the priesthood. “Such persons, in fact, find themselves in a situation that gravely hinders them from relating correctly to men and women.”
Calls to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux were not returned by presstime.
Read editorial in Houma Courier:
http://www.houmatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060115/OPINION/601150310&...
NDP, Conservative Candidate Accuse Liberal MP of Tampering With Election
By Gudrun Schultz
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Conservative incumbent Jeremy Harrison and NDP Candidate Anita Jackson have accused the Liberals of misconduct in the election for the northern riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchhill River. Liberal Gary Merasty won the contested riding in one of the closest results of the election.
Mr. Harrison told CanWest reporters the election was “stolen,” alleging the Liberals bullied constituents into voting Liberal.
"We got reports of things like the Liberals driving around and threatening Natives that they wouldn't get their cheque if they didn't vote Liberal, reports we had from individuals of plans to stuff ballot boxes,“ Harrison said.
Mr. Merasty has denied the allegations. He said he hoped people would not dwell on Harrison’s accusations, in a press release Thursday.
There were also suggestions of illegal delays in release of the voting lists, and misdirection of voters who ended up at the wrong polls. There have been further allegations today of a TV-for-votes raffle held on the reserve to entice voters out, although reserve leaders say the raffle was not limited to Liberal voters.
On election night Mr. Harrison was leading until the end of the evening, when the results of a poll delayed more than three and a half hours finally came in. That poll indicated a 100 percent voter turnout, and gave the Liberals victory.
A recount yesterday confirmed the Liberal win in the riding based on votes cast.
The original count gave the Liberals the riding by a tiny margin of 106 votes. After the recount, that margin narrowed even more, to just point four percent.
Mr. Harrison said his lawyers were mounting a challenge to the result. He suggested earlier he would pursue an official investigation if the recount did not resolve the dispute.
NDP Anita Jackson said she supported a recount and investigation.
"These are things we need to check on. With so much at stake, people may engage in conduct that's not above board," Jackson said.
A high percentage of voters in the riding are aboriginal. Gary Merasty is a well-know local chief.
The Conservative’s are not strongly supportive of the Kelowna accords from last year, which pledged $5-billion to the reserves for social structures such as housing and healthcare.
Chief Campaign Supporter, Not Candidate, Made Muslim Power Statements
However, victorious candidate, now MP, did not correct or disavow statements
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, January 27, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Based on information in the Western Standard and other articles, LifeSiteNews.com reported Jan. 24 an alleged Muslim power statement made by Liberal candidate Omar Alghabra after winning the nomination for the riding of Mississauga-Erindale. Alghabra went on to win the election and is now the Member of Parliament for the riding.
LifeSiteNews.com also reported that although witnesses stated Alghabra made the statement, other witnesses stated that it was his main advisor who was responsible for the outburst.
The organization that originally publicized Alghabra’s alleged indiscretion contacted LifeSiteNews to advise that it had erred in its original report and subsequently learned that the outburst on the stage beside Alghabra and other dignitaries was actually made by his main supporter.
In a Dec. 22 press release the Canadian Coalition for Democracies (CCD) stated,
“…witnesses reported that the statements attributed to Omar Alghabra were actually spoken by Khalid Usman, the individual introduced by Mr. Alghabra as his major supporter following Mr. Alghabra's nomination victory. Witnesses reported that Mr. Alghabra's celebratory actions on the podium appeared supportive of Mr. Usman's declarations, and that Mr. Alghabra did not distance himself from the comments nor offer any correction.”
It added, “On December 22, Carolyn Parrish, the former MP for Mississauga-Erindale, was quoted in the Mississauga News as saying that ‘He [Khalid Usman] made comments about Muslims eventually being [represented] in every riding in Mississauga ... He made it sound like [Muslims] were taking over. It was extremely inappropriate.’ Elias Hazineh, president of the Mississauga-Erindale Federal Liberal Riding Association, was also quoted as hearing the Markham councillor say, ‘this is a victory for Muslims.’”
CCD apologized for its initial error stating “Failing to distance oneself from inappropriate statements from a supporter that mix religion and politics is not the same as uttering those statements, and CCD regrets the mistake it made.”
See the entire CCD release at
http://canadiancoalition.com/forum/messages/12276.shtml
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