by
Nicole Hudgens
May 3, 2013
Pentagon Defends Unconstitutional Policy Against Soldiers Sharing Faith
FRC’s Director of Religious Liberty, Ken Klukowski, wrote an article that was featured in Breitbart News about the recent actions of the Pentagon, specifically taking advice from Mikey Weinstein. Weinstein policies include court-martialing military members for sharing the Gospel. Klukowski also clearly defines the terms are that have been used in these recent developments such as “evangelizing,” “proselytizing,” and “court-martialing.” Klukowski states:
“Military officers take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” There are honorable Christian service members who will not in good conscience be able to abide by this unconstitutional and unconscionable decree.”
Is Patriotism Christian?
Rob Schwarzwalder, FRC’s Senior Vice President, writes about the healthy understanding and actions of how Christians should be patriots. His article in Religion Today shows explains that relationship with God should positively impact our roles as citizens. Schwarzwalder states:
“Patriotism informed by a Christian view of God, life and the world is an honorable thing. It is about love, loyalty, and thankfulness. These are Christian virtues that, held in the context of devotion to Jesus Christ and recognition of the reality of personal and national sin, inspire good citizenship and engagement in public affairs, appreciation of home, community, and nation, and a prayerful (but not uncritical) regard for one’s political leaders.”
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by
Rob Schwarzwalder
May 3, 2013
Freedom of Religion encompasses more than intellectual assent and private, enclosed worship services. It includes the integration of one’s faith into all spheres of life, such that one’s deeply held religious convictions are allowed to animate, unhindered, speech and conduct in the public, professional, and community spheres.
It is for this reason that the Bill of Rights lists freedom of religion as its first enumerated freedom: The Founders recognized that allegiance to God has to precede allegiance to the state, or else the state itself would usurp the role of God. This is directly opposed to the essential principle of America’s very existence, that our rights come from our Creator, not the government.
University of Chicago law professor Bruce Leiter thinks otherwise. In his new book, Why Tolerate Religion, Leiter asserts, “no one has been able to articulate a credible principled argument for tolerating religion qua religion - that is, an argument that would explain why, as a matter of moral principle, we ought to accord special legal and moral to religious practices” (p.7).
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by
Nicole Hudgens
May 2, 2013
The Fight for Religious Freedom in the Military
FRC’s President Tony Perkins, Lt. General Jerry Boykin (Ret.-USA), Executive Vice President, and Ken Klukowski, Director for Religious Liberty, have been quoted and featured in Fox News, The New American, and Town Talk concerning the recent news that the Pentagon will court-martial military personnel for sharing the gospel. FRC has created a petition to tell Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to protect the religious freedom of troops that you can sign here. Concerning the new policy, Perkins stated:
“It threatens to treat service members caught witnessing as enemies of the state…Non-compliance, the Pentagon suggests, even from ordained chaplains could result in court-martialing on a case-by-case basis.”
FDA Approves to Sell Plan B to 15 Year Old Girls
Anna Higgins, FRC’s Director for Human Dignity, has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Catholic News Agency, and ABC-7 (DC affiliate) concerning the recent FDA approval to sell Plan B to 15 year old girls. The Justice Department is now appealing the case where a federal judge ordered to allow birth control, such as Plan B, to be purchased without a prescription and as long as the person is 15 or older. Higgins stated that the decision to sell Plan B to young girls:
“Undermines the right of parents to make important health decisions for their young daughters…teens and women will avoid necessary medical screenings” that could detect serious problems.”
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by
Robert Morrison
May 2, 2013
In a play on one of the Gipper’s greatest lines, the Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin urges us to “Tear Down this Icon.” The highly touted “From the Right” columnist urges conservatives and Republicans to get over the Reagan legacy.
By the recent showings of the party’s presidential nominees, one would think the GOP has certainly gotten over Ronald Reagan. When was the last time the Beltway campaign consultants, those high-priced hirelings, even attempted to win the whole country? Besotted by Red State/Blue State calculations, and armed with their white boards, the big domes never have come close to Reagan’s generous inclusiveness. Reagan thought of all the states as Red, White & Blue. He wanted to win them all, and twice nearly did.
Can anyone seriously claim that Bush, McCain, or Romney ran Reagan-style campaigns? Let’s start with the way the nominees got their gold rings. Ronald Reagan refused to attack his fellow Republicans. He invoked the Eleventh Commandment. What? Yes, he said: “Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican.” No one had ever heard of that before. No one has heard of it since.
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by
Nicole Hudgens
May 1, 2013
Breaking News: Anna Higgins Speaks Out about FDA Approval to Sell Plan B to Minors
Anna Higgins, FRC’s Director of the Center for Human Dignity, was quoted in the New York Times and USA Today about the FDA’s approval to sell Plan B to minors. Higgins stated:
“Allowing this to young teens will be something that we will remain very concerned about” and “Making Plan B available for girls under the age of 17 without a prescription flies in the face of medical information and sound judgment.”
Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist for Religious Tolerance Policy
Ken Klukowski, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at FRC, explains how a new consultant to the Pentagon, Mikey Weinstein, could have a detrimental impact on religious freedom in the military. In his article featured in Charisma News, Klukowski stated:
“Weinstein decries what he calls the “virulent religious oppression” perpetrated by conservative Christians, whom he refers to as “monstrosities” and “pitiable unconstitutional carpetbaggers,” comparing them to “bigots” in the Deep South during the civil rights era. He cites Dr. James Dobson-the famous Christian founder of Focus on the Family-as “illustrating the extremist, militant nature of these virulently homophobic organizations’ rhetorically-charged propaganda.” Regarding those who teach orthodox Christian beliefs from the Bible, Weinstein concludes, ‘Let’s call these ignoble actions what they are: the senseless and cowardly squallings of human monsters.’ Weinstein then endorses the ultra-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), who publishes a list of “hate groups.” Alongside truly deplorable organizations like the KKK, the SPLC’s list includes a host of traditional Christian organizations (for their support of traditional marriage) and Tea Party organizations (for supporting limited government). Weinstein says SPLC correctly labels them all as ‘hate groups.’”
Lincoln, Obama, and Us
Ken Blackwell and Bob Morrison, Senior Fellows at FRC, wrote an article featured in American Thinker that explains the differences between President Lincoln and President Obama. Blackwell and Morrison stated:
“Lincoln faced a crisis greater than Washington’s because millions of Americans then believed that for one man to enslave another was a “sacred right of self-government.” Lincoln’s Democratic opponent, Stephen A. Douglas, described this right to choose whether another human being would be property as the essence of ‘popular sovereignty.’ Barack Obama agrees with Stephen A. Douglas that some humans are the property of others. That’s why he led the successful effort in Springfield to prevent Illinois from protecting infants who survive abortions. He has not stated that he believes the right to choose abortion implies a right to choose an effective abortion, that is, the right to a dead child. But all his actions have proceeded from that unstated premise, all confirm his rigid adherence to that doctrine.”
Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (Ret.-USA) on Fox and Friends
Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (Ret.-USA), FRC’s Executive Vice President, appeared on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” to discuss a new military policy that calls for the court martial of any service member caught “proselytizing” and our petition to Secretary Hagel which has gathered almost 30,000 signatures.
Click here to watch
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by
Nathan Oppman
April 30, 2013
On this day in 1789, George Washington became the first president under the Constitution of the United States of America. A great man in both stature and character, who could have been king but relinquished his command to Congress. He was then elected to the nation’s highest office after the ratification of the Constitution. It reminds me of the Scriptural phrase “he who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is not a coincidence that one of our most revered national heroes gave up a chance at a great power. It is reported that King George III stated when he heard Washington would relinquish his command and return to his farm, “If he does that he will be the greatest man in the world.” High praise from the monarch of one of the world’s leading powers! Not only did Washington achieve great fame and popularity in his own day, he also set a precedent for a peaceful transition of power and for a two term limit on presidential power both of which are followed to this day. Washington’s country has endured longer under one Constitution and form of government than any other today.
Another leader cemented his place in history on this day in 1945, Adolf Hitler. In a bunker in Germany, the man who would have ruled the world and began a thousand-year Reich died in a most ignominious way—suicide. A man who exalted himself and his race above others and brutally murdered all who stood in his way was brought low. The supreme leader of one of the greatest military machines the world has ever seen lost all of his power in just a few years. It sent his country into a time of division and turmoil. The thousand-year Reich became a ruin in a few short years. What a contrast with the great George Washington.
The man who led a raggedy band of colonials against the greatest military in the world and won handed over his authority and rode home. And in that moment became one of the great men of antiquity. A man who led the mightiest military machine in the world and lifted himself up in every way was defeated and consigned the historical trash heap of world despots. The lessons to be learned from these men are many. Our politicians would be wise today to consider what a true leader does. A true leader knows when to stand and fight against all odds, like Washington at Valley Forge, and a true leader does not see himself as great but sees himself as a servant of something greater. An evil leader only sees the present and is fearful of preserving his reputation and power. In his desire to hold on, he soon finds power and fame are fleeting. Washington walked away from everything and became a legend. Hitler grabbed for everything and became a monster.
Another great man once said, “A man is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” In the city that bears our first President’s namesake I hope there are some great men left.
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by
JP Duffy
April 29, 2013
Today, a Washington Examiner editorial called on federal government agencies to stop “bolstering” the Southern Poverty Law Center, an anti-Christian organization that has been linked in federal court to the domestic terrorist shooting at Family Research Council. Instead, the Examiner suggests that the Department of Justice should consider investigating the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for consumer fraud:
“What should be questioned, however, is why federal officials are bolstering this richly endowed group that critics across the political spectrum have long said does little besides enrich Dees and viciously slander groups he dislikes. The Justice Department’s Feb. 6, 2012, Civil Rights Summit, for example, featured SPLC spokesman Mark Potok, and SPLC speakers have been promoted by DOJ at similar events in Kansas and Arkansas. Instead of endorsing the SPLC in this manner, maybe the Justice Department should be investigating it for consumer fraud.”
The credibility of the SPLC has suffered in recent weeks after the revelation that the organization appears to have mislead investigators in the Texas District Attorney murders. The SPLC was also wrong when it attempted to blame “right wing groups” for the Gabby Giffords shooting. The Examiner, and Gov. Mike Huckabee are exactly right. The SPLC is a thoroughly discredited organization that should no longer be promoted in anyway by government agencies.
P.S. The Court announced today that the sentencing of Floyd Corkins has been rescheduled for July 15, 2013.
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by
Robert Morrison
April 29, 2013
Despite the action of the French Senate that redefined marriage last week, the advocates of true marriage remain determined and undeterred. Calling themselves La Manif pour Tous (Demonstration for All), these champions are taking their case to the French people. They have scheduled another mass demonstration for Paris on May 26th. The international media—as always—is on the other side. Last week, they reported scattered clashes with police following the French legislature’s cave-in as a violent reaction.
France has a long history of street protests. And the French are well aware of the agents provocateurs—those who seek to use any scuffle as a pretext to bring violence to the streets. In this case, they could use such claims of violent protests to try to de-legitimize the genuinely popular uprising for marriage.
Part of this new movement is Les Veilleurs. These are French youth who gather nightly to share their love for literature, poetry, and music. These, in turn, have inspired Les Meres Veilleuses. These are mothers holding vigil for children’s rights to a mother and father and they are taking their case to the people. Les Veilleurs are described as a kind of “anti-Mai 68” movement.
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by
Nicole Hudgens
April 29, 2013
Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist For Religious Tolerance Policy
Ken Klukowski, FRC’s Director for Center for Religious Liberty, explains how the Pentagon is being advised on religious “tolerance” in his recent article on Breitbart.com. Klukowski informs readers about Mikey Weinstein’s policies on “religious tolerance.” One of those policies is “court-martialing military chaplains who share the Christian Gospel during spiritual counseling of American troops.” Klukowski states:
“Regarding those who teach orthodox Christian beliefs from the Bible, Weinstein concludes, ‘Let’s call these ignoble actions what they are: the senseless and cowardly squallings of human monsters. ‘Weinstein then endorses the ultra-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), who publishes a list of ‘hate groups.’ Alongside truly deplorable organizations like the KKK, the SPLC’s list includes a host of traditional Christian organizations (for their support of traditional marriage) and Tea Party organizations (for supporting limited government). Weinstein says SPLC correctly labels them all as “hate groups.”’
Anna Higgins Quoted in USA Today
Anna Higgins, FRC’s Director for Center for Human Dignity, was quoted in a recent USA Today article regarding the Gosnell trial and combats those who argue that the Gosnell case is “unusual.” Higgins states:
“How can he be sure? …We don’t have regular inspections in most states.”
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by
Robert Morrison
April 29, 2013
One of the reasons I have confidence in the eventual success of our defense of true marriage is that the left must overreach. They cannot help themselves. In order to end marriage in America, in the world, they have to brand anyone who opposes them a bigot. They have to label and libel. It’s what they do.
This spring, they have been on a roll. Some politicians and some talking heads throw up their hands as they throw in the towel. “It’s inevitable,” they sigh.
Well, I take inspiration from those saints of the past—Peter, Paul, and Mary. Relax, O’Reilly, I’m not thumping my Bible at you. I don’t mean Saints Peter and Paul and the Blessed Virgin Mary, I mean that amazing folk music trio.
Peter, Paul, and Mary got their start in New York’s Greenwich Village and proceeded from there to become a national sensation in the early 1960s. Their greatest moment may have been when they performed their hit song, “If I had a hammer” live at Dr. Martin Luther King’s great Civil Rights March on Washington on August 28, 1963.
That was a great event, to be sure. And it was some years before the American left started singing “if I had a hammer and sickle.” But my favorite Peter, Paul, and Mary song remains “The Wedding Song.”
It’s an amazing song that must have been played at a million weddings since those halcyon days when this folk rock phenomenon hit the pop music scene. It’s wonderful just to consider the lyrics. “What shall be the meaning of becoming man and wife?”
For nearly fifty years, until her untimely death in 2009, Mary Travers teamed up with Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow. They performed at every peace rally, every anti-nuke, pro-McGovern rally. They were an indispensable part of the political and social left.
I’m not unaware of the spectrum colors in this Paul Stookey YouTube recording of the Wedding Song. That adds a note of irony to his performance.
Question for the left: Are Peter, Paul, and Mary bigots, too? Is the mere fact that they knew what marriage was for fifty years enough to brand them as hate-filled?
Didn’t we all know what marriage was before some of us evolved? And here’s another delicious irony: If we had all evolved as President Obama has evolved, there might be no conflict at all. We might not be here.
Of course, even the most enthusiastic backers of punctuated equilibrium would find it hard to imagine an evolution in Nature as rapid as that of Barack Obama. In 2008, he said: “Marriage is between a man and a woman, and God is in the mix.” Who moved?
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