Hallelujah! He is Born!

Too all our family, friends and all who read this, Merry Christmas! Our Christmas season does not end today, it only BEGINS! From my family to you and yours, here's wishing you the most joyous Christmas season as we continue to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

May Jesus' humble birth remind us of own humanity and humility.
As the innkeeper, may you welcome Him into the simple manger of your heart every day.
As the angels, may you continue to announce His presence to all.
As the magi, may you never cease to seek Him.
As Joseph, may you Love and protect that which God has given.
As the Blessed Virgin, may you see the face of God in every child, especially the unborn.
As His people, May you graciously accept and use the gift He has given us;
His only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Who lives and reigns with God the Father,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
Forever and ever. Amen.

Meditation on Christmas Eve

Night has fallen; the clear, bright stars are sparkling in the cold air; noisy, strident voices rise to my ear from the city, voices of the revellers of this world who celebrate with merrymaking the poverty of their Saviour. Around me in their rooms my companions are asleep, and I am still wakeful, thinking of the mystery of Bethlehem.

Come, come, Jesus, I await you.

Mary and Joseph, knowing the hour is near, are turned away by the townsfolk and go out into the fields to look for a shelter. I am a poor shepherd; I have only a wretched stable, a small manger, some wisps of straw. I offer all these to you, be pleased to come into my poor hovel. I offer you my heart; my soul is poor and bare of virtues, the straws of so many imperfections will prick you and make you weep -- but oh, my Lord, what can you expect? This little is all I have. I am touched by your poverty. I am moved to tears, but I have nothing better to offer you. Jesus, honour my soul with your presence, adorn it with your graces. Burn this straw and change it into a soft couch for your most holy body.

Jesus, I am here waiting for your coming. Wicked men have driven you out, and the wind is like ice. I am a poor man, but I will warm you as well as I can. At least be pleased that I wish to welcome you warmly, to love you and sacrifice myself for you.

This was written on Christmas Eve, 1902 by a young Italian named Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli who was studying for the priesthood in Rome. Two years later he graduated as a doctor in theology and was ordained. The world now remembers him as Pope John XXIII.

Humilitas Caritas Est

Amidst the cacophony of this season, please take just a moment sit quietly and contemplate these few humble words.

First imagine the power and glory of God who created the universe, the stars, the planets and the Earth with all it's wonders and beauty and every living thing in it, but also created each of us, His children created in His image!

Can you now try to imagine how much Love God our Father still has for us after all our disobedience, to then humble himself to be born as one of us, as His only begotten Son Jesus Christ! Born not as a king, not as a rich man but as a poor child born in a stable amongst the animals and then laid in a manger. Born to suffer and die for our sins. His herald was not to the kings and rulers, but to the poorest and lowest class of people at the time, the shepherds in the fields. God came to us as a poor child born in a manger so that we may forever be reconciled to Him and have eternal life.

May the abundant blessings, glory, wonder, peace and Love of God and the infant Jesus Christ our Savior be born anew in you this Christmas and every day!

Bob & Rosana Cavalcante

Remember to keep the "Mass" in Christmas also!

Freedom from Religious Persecution

A soul is worth far more than someone's "perceived" right to health care or their perceived "choice" of facility or provider and it would seem that the Bush Administration has acknowledged just that. Thursday, December 18th the Bush Administration signed Federal Rule 45 CFR Part 88 protecting doctors and health care workers that refuse to participate in abortions or other procedures for which they have moral or religious objections to.

HHS News Release Here
USCCB Press Release Here
National Catholic Register Article Here

I've been to enough doctors and hospitals in my life to know the difference between a worker that is just doing their job and making a paycheck, and one that believes in the sanctity of life and has dedicated themselves to helping others out of a true Love of life. The difference is astounding and this is a perfect and beautiful Christmas gift in the face of all the posturing of the incoming administration claiming they will make it illegal for any federally funded health care provider to refuse to participate for moral or religious reasons.

Let's think this through. Even if the incoming administration overturned it somehow and then made it illegal for any federally funded health care provider to refuse to provide those services for which they have strong moral or religious objections, what then? Fire every pro-life person? Fire every Catholic? Fired for refusing to perform an abortion or hand out birth control? Can you say religious persecution?

THIS is precisely what Jefferson's concept of separation of church and state is all about and designed to prevent; it most certainly has nothing to do with equal time posting ridiculously pathetic signs next to the nativity scene in the Capitol as discussed here in "Freedom From Athiests".

Part of being a Catholic means being against abortions and all forms of birth control. Non-negotiable, period, end of subject. You cannot be Catholic and be pro-choice and you cannot be forced to perform procedures that violate your faith and are an affront to God. Some fifteen years ago I told my daughters that the next civil was in America will be fought over abortion and I still stand by that prediction.

Me? I've said it before and I'll say it again; I'll follow the teachings of God, our Savior Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church over any law of man and that, my friends is also non-negotiable, period, end of subject.

"Christmas Reflection" by Pope Benedict XVI

Dear brothers and sisters:

Precisely today, we begin the days of Advent that immediately prepare us for the nativity of the Lord: We are in the Christmas novena, which in many Christian communities is celebrated with liturgies rich in biblical texts, all oriented toward nourishing hope for the birth of the Savior. The entire Church, in effect, turns its gaze of faith toward this approaching feast, readying itself, like each year, to unite to the joyful song of the angels, who in the heart of the night will announce to the shepherds the extraordinary event of the birth of the Redeemer, inviting them to draw close to the cave of Bethlehem. There lies Emanuel, the Creator made creature, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a poor manger (cf. Luke 2:13-14).

Because of the environment that characterizes it, Christmas is a universal feast. Even those who do not profess to be believers, in fact, can perceive in this annual Christian celebration something extraordinary and transcendent, something intimate that speaks to the heart. It is the feast that sings of the gift of life. The birth of a child moves us and causes tenderness. Christmas is the encounter with a newborn who cries in a miserable cave. Contemplating him in the manger, how can we not think of so many children who even today see the light from within a great poverty in many regions of the world? How can we not think of the newborns who are not welcomed and are rejected, of those who do not survive because of a lack of care and attention? How can we not think, too, of the families who desire the joy of a child and do not see this hope fulfilled?

Under the influence of a hedonistic consumerism, unfortunately, Christmas runs the risk of losing its spiritual significance to be reduced to a mere commercial occasion to buy and exchange gifts. In truth, nevertheless, the difficulties and the uncertainties and the very economic crisis that in these months so many families are living, and which affects all of humanity, can be a stimulus to discover the warmth of simplicity, friendship and solidarity – characteristic values of Christmas. Stripped of consumerist and materialist incrustations, Christmas can thus become an occasion to welcome, as a personal gift, the message of hope that emanates from the mystery of the birth of Christ.

All of this, nevertheless, is not enough to assimilate fully the value of the feast for which we are preparing. We know that it celebrates the central event of history: the incarnation of the divine Word for the redemption of humanity. St. Leo the Great, in one of his numerous Christmas homilies, thus exclaimed: "Let us exult in the Lord, my dear ones, and open our hearts to the most pure joy. Because the day has dawned that for us means the new redemption, the ancient preparation, eternal bliss. Thus in the yearly cycle, the elevated mystery of our salvation is renewed for us, which, promised at the beginning and fulfilled at the end of times, is destined to endure without end (Homily XXII).

St. Paul returns to this fundamental truth many times in his letters. To the Galatians, for example, he writes: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law … so that we might receive adoption" (4:4). In the Letter to the Romans he sets forth the logic and consequent demands of this saving event: "And if [we are] children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him" (8:17).

But it is above all St. John, in the prologue to the fourth Gospel, who meditates profoundly on the mystery of the Incarnation. And it is because of this that the prologue has been part of the Christmas liturgy since ancient times: There is found, in fact, the most authentic expression and the deepest synthesis of this feast, and of the base of his joy. St. John writes: "Et Verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis" – And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

At Christmas, then, we are not limited to commemorating the birth of a great personality; we do not celebrate simply and in the abstract the mystery of the birth of man or in general, the birth of life; neither do we celebrate only the beginning of a great season. At Christmas, we remember something very concrete and important for man, something essential for Christian faith, a truth that St. John summarized in these few words: "The Word was made flesh."

It is a historical event that the Evangelist Luke concerns himself with situating in a very determined context: in the days in which the decree of the first census of Caesar Augustus was issued, when Quirinius was already governor of Syria (cf. Luke 2:1-7). It is therefore a night dated historically, in which was verified the salvation event that Israel had been awaiting for centuries. In the darkness of the night of Bethlehem, a great light was truly lit: The Creator of the universe incarnated himself, uniting himself indissolubly with human nature, to the point of really being "God from God, light from light" and at the same time, man, true man.

That which John calls in Greek "ho logos," translated in Latin "Verbum" and in Italian, "il Verbo" (the Word), also means "the Meaning." Therefore, we can understand John's expression in this way: the "eternal Meaning" of the world has made himself tangible to our senses and our intelligence. Now we can touch him and contemplate him (cf. 1 John 1:1). The "Meaning" that has become flesh is not simply a general idea inscribed in the world; it is a "word" directed to us. The Logos knows us, calls us, guides us. It is not a universal law, in which we fulfill some role, but rather it is a Person who is interested in each individual person: It is the living Son of God, who has become man in Bethlehem.

To many people, and in some way to all of us, this seems too beautiful to be true. In effect, here it is reaffirmed for us: Yes, there is meaning, and this meaning is not an impotent protest against the absurd. The Meaning is powerful: It is God. A good God, who is not to be confused with some lofty and distant power, to which it is impossible to ever arrive, but rather a God who has made himself close to us and to our neighbor, who has time for each one of us and who has come to stay with us.

Thus the question spontaneously arises: How is such a thing possible? Is it worthy of God to become a child? To try to open one's heart to this truth that enlightens all of human existence, it is necessary to yield the mind and recognize the limits of our intelligence. In the cave at Bethlehem, God shows himself to us as a humble "infant" to overcome our pride. Perhaps we would have submitted more easily before power, before pride; but he does not want our submission. He appeals, rather, to our heart and to our free decision to accept his love. He has made himself little to free us from this human pretension of greatness that arises from pride; he has incarnated himself freely to make us truly free, free to love him.

Dear brothers and sisters, Christmas is a privileged opportunity to meditate on the meaning and value of our existence. Approaching this solemnity helps us to reflect, on one hand, about the drama of history in which men, wounded by sin, are permanently seeking happiness and a satisfactory meaning to life and death; on the other hand, it exhorts us to meditate on the merciful goodness of God, who has gone out to meet man to communicate to him directly the Truth that saves, and make him participate in his friendship and his life.

Let us prepare for Christmas, therefore, with humility and simplicity, readying ourselves to receive the gift of light, joy and peace that irradiates from this mystery. Let us welcome the nativity of Christ as an event capable of today renewing our existence. May the encounter with the Child Jesus make us people who do not think only of ourselves, but rather open to the expectations and necessities of our brothers. In this way we too become testimonies of the light that Christmas radiates over the humanity of the third millennium. Let us ask most holy Mary, the tabernacle of the incarnate Word, and St. Joseph, silent witness of the events of salvation, to communicate to us the sentiments they had while they awaited the birth of Jesus, so that we can prepare ourselves to celebrate in a holy way the coming Christmas, in the joy of faith and enlivened by the determination of a sincere conversion.

Merry Christmas!

Pontiff Calls for "Ecology of Man"

God Bless Pope Benedict for saying what needs to be said!

"Given that faith in the Creator is an essential element of the Christian creed, the Church can not and should not limit itself to transmitting to the faithful only the message of salvation," he affirmed. "It also has a responsibility with creation, and it has to fulfill this responsibility in public."

Complete article here:
http://www.zenit.org/article-24652?l=english

All of the People Some of the Time...

Kenyan government imposes gag order on Obama family
From World Net Daily (www.wnd.com)

As I read this I could only ask myself one question - Why? I learned a long time ago that if you ask the question "Why?" just 5 times, you will inevitably find the answer.

If he was not born there, there is nothing to cover up and nothing to hide.

If he was born there they must cover up this, the greatest deception in American History!

The other option is that it is an intentional distraction to discredit others, but then again...why if there's nothing to hide? Why all the games and why aren't more people asking why? Why are so many Americans willing to take whatever scraps the government gives them?

I'll tell you what I believe it is. Fear. Fear is all about control and it's also the biggest money maker in the world. The fear mongers; liberal government, MSM, United Nations, financial banking institutions, even law enforcement agencies by design, all rely on your fear of something and want you to stay afraid so you'll come running to them for protection of one sort or another. THAT is where they make their money and THAT is the true control they desire over you.

Now I'll throw this thought in here. Believing in God and knowing that my kingdom is not of this earth, I fear nothing as should all true Christians. No threat or actual violence against me or even against my family will ever shake that from me. No matter how much suffering I or the would be forced to endure, it can never be greater that Jesus' suffering for us on the cross. My only failure would be to give in, thus denying Christ and His suffering.

Bot lo and behold we've become a secular nation that either doesn't believe in God or has twisted Christianity into something other that what Christ designed out of human selfishness and greed and how convenient is that for those corrupt earthly powers that would take advantage of you!

God and Jesus Christ have been replaced in America by liberal government and liberal religions - all seeking to control you through fear. And THAT, my friends is the greatest threat to American freedom liberty and individualism. Fear = dependency but Love = freedom.

It seems top me that slavery is most certainly alive and well in America today. Speaking of slavery and in light of the recent mess in Illinois, I'll leave you with this from a great Illinois leader:

"You can't fool all the people all the time."


We're watching.


And Waiting.


God Bless you all!
Bob

Light a Single Candle...

Caylee Marie Anthony
Rest in Peace
2005 - 2008

May God have mercy on Caylee Marie's little soul and share with her the glory of heaven that is now hers. May she rest in the arms of our Blessed Mother as we celebrate the birth of the one who was born to save us from sin, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To say you don't understand how this could happen is to deny that a very real and true evil exists in the world and is constantly fighting to destroy our souls and take us from God.

As certain as this evil exists, so does God and His goodness, mercy and justice that He provides according to His will. Far too many will shout and scream for justice and vengeance against her murderous mother Casey. Even more will cry and weep for a short while and will then slowly forget. Ignoring evil and the eventual apathy of time allows evil to continue and often to flourish.

Make no mistake, there is a war of good and evil right now, in each of us and you must choose a side. Native Americans had a simple way of understanding this war. The story goes that an old warrior was telling his grandson that inside each of us are two wolves that are always fighting, one god and the other evil. When the little boy asked "Grandfather, which one will win the fight?" the elder replied "The one you feed." There is no "neutral" when it comes to true good and true evil, life is not a D&D game. You are either on God's side or the side of evil. Ignoring God (and therefore embracing evil) only leads to more of this.

Please do not focus on the evil of this act, there will always be evil in the world and you cannot overcome it by becoming a part of it. You cannot defeat evil with more evil. Pray for Caylee's soul to be with Jesus this Christmas, pray to God for his swift and just judgment against the wicked and indeed pray for God's swift judgment and mercy against Casey. Focus on God's Love that created such a beautiful child whose story has touched our lives and how through her short life and tragic death we may come to not only recognize and combat the evils that certainly exist, but and how we can bring ourselves back home to God where we belong and how we can call upon Him for his justice and mercy.

It has been said that the greatest trick the devil played was tricking the world into believing that he didn't exist. I disagree. I think the greatest trick the devil is still playing is tricking the world into believing that God doesn't exist. And this is what we get - a world with more and more of this.

It is better to light a single candle that curse the darkness.

May God Bless Caylee Marie Anthony.

(Please visit www.CatholicsComeHome.org)

Live Action Films Stings Planned Parenthood Twice (so far!)

Well, our friend Lila Rose and Live Action Films has released their second undercover video once again exposing Indiana Planned Parenthood counselors that claim to know the law and continuing to send minors out of state to get non-consentual abortions!

A note of interest: both this and the first video were shot back in June 08. Who knows how many more of these undercover videos have yet to be revealed? I'll bet that not only are there many more, but it's a nationwide systemic problem.

Here's the second undercover video:


Folks, although Lila isn't really a minor and she wasn't really raped or pregnant, that is not the point. In the mind of the counselor she was and that is all that matters. If you broke into an empty bank vault and there was no money you've STILL COMMITTED A CRIME! These counselors are not only supporting IMMORAL behavior by allowing crimes such as rape and child sexual abuse to go unreported, they are ENCOURAGING AND ADVISING a minor to break the law!

When will this madness end? These people have got to be shut down and shut down immediately!

Have YOU written your Senator and Representatives yet?
Click Here to Write Your Senators and Representatives

EWTN Christmas Programming

I am very proud to announce that we've recently been asked by the world's largest religious media network EWTN to bring you News Releases and I am proud to do just that!

So without further delay, here's the latest with the complete EWTN Christmas Programming Schedule in the full article:

EWTN's Christmas Specials To Include
"The Star of Bethlehem" Documentary from "The Passion of the Christ" Producer

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Christmas specials on EWTN Global Catholic Network this year include a new documentary proving the existence of the Star of Bethlehem from the producer of "The Passion of the Christ") as well as classics with stars such as Loretta Young, Christopher Plummer, Frankie Avalon, Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, and Rosalind Russell. There is literally something for everyone. Highlights include: (All times below are U.S. Eastern Time.)


The Star of Bethlehem
From "The Passion of the Christ" Producer Stephen McEveety comes a documentary that proves the existence of the Star of Bethlehem, whose existence has been debated for centuries by historians, scientists and scholars. "Either they believe the Star is true or they think it was made up by the early Church," says Texas A&"M Professor Rick Larson. "I took a different approach in my research and treated the Star as a mystery or puzzle, looking at the Bible and comparing the facts of Scripture with facts from science and history." (10 a.m. Dec. 21, 11 p.m. Dec. 25, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 31)


The San Juan Children's Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad (Always Christmas)
This festive concert, with music from around the world, displays the joyful spirit of Christmas in Puerto Rico. (30-minute version: 9 a.m. Dec. 20. 60-minute version: 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 4 p.m. Dec. 27)


The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. This is a charming story with a strong Christian message about the meaning of love and sacrifice. It is bound to become one of your Christmas favorites.
(10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 and 4 p.m. Dec. 26).


The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (4 p.m. Dec. 23 and 6 a.m. Dec. 27)


Loretta Young: 3 & 2 Please
Academy Awarding Winning Actress Loretta Young starts as "Sister Ann," a nun who brightens the lives of patients in a Catholic hospital at Christmas. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2:30 a.m. Dec. 26, and 2:30 a.m. Dec. 27)


The First Christmas
Narrated by Christopher Plummer, this colorful animated production tells the traditional story of the birth of Jesus. (4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 11 a.m. Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27)


The Promise
A 1967 dramatization of the Annunciation and Nativity, followed by a brief discussion of the film by Father Patrick Peyton and Frankie Avalon. (2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 3:30 a.m. Dec. 24, 5:30 a.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29)


Christopher Close-Up: Christopher Classic Christmas
Christopher Founder Father James Keller, M.M. celebrates Christmas with stars of yesteryear, including Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell and more. (6:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Dec. 22, and 3 a.m. Dec. 24)


Catholic University of America Christmas Concert
This annual concert presents a brilliant blend of angelic voices and the wonderful sounds of the Christmas season. (11 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 25)


The World is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites. The choir performs in the historic St. Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Kentucky. (10 p.m. Dec. 23, 2 p.m. Dec. 27, and 11 a.m. Jan. 1)


Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (9 a.m. Dec. 24 and 4:30 a.m. Dec. 27)


Solemn Mass at Midnight with Pope Benedict XVI (Live from Rome)
Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord: Midnight Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. (6 p.m. Dec. 24 (live), 8 a.m. Dec. 25, and 4 p.m. Dec. 25)


Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Live from Washington, D.C.)
From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, USA. (10 p.m. Dec. 24 (live))


Urbi et Orbi from Rome: Pope Benedict's Christmas Message to the World (Live)
From St. Peter's Square. Join the Holy Father for his inspiring Christmas Day message to the world on the celebration of Christ's birth. (6 a.m. (live) Dec. 25, 10 p.m. Dec. 25, 3 a.m. Dec. 26, and 5 p.m. Dec. 26)


EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 27th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world

Conversion Diary: What I loved about Christmas was Christ - The diary of a former atheist

I just came across this piece on Conversion Diary and wanted to share it with you so here's the cross-post:

Conversion Diary: What I loved about Christmas was Christ - The diary of a former atheist
"What we didn't understand, however, is that we weren't as different from the Christians as we thought we were. We atheists celebrated peace, love and goodness; our Christian neighbors celebrated the One who is Peace, Love and Goodness itself.

Imagine that... ;) God Bless!

The Porpoise Driven Life

This was too funny to NOT post! I'd rather read this that Warren's drivel.



Not long before I returned to the Catholic Church I tried to read Rick Warren's heretical book "The Purpose Driven Life" and didn't like it one bit. In fact, I couldn't even finish it I was so disgusted with it and I threw it away rather than allow it to infect others. Even back before I rediscovered my Catholic faith I was disgusted at how he twisted scripture to put words in God's mouth and how the tone seemed to me to be condescending "preachy". Making money off of people's lack of faith and then steering them in the wrong direction is just plain wrong (and sinful). If you give me some time, I can write a book on how your coffee cup brings you closer to God.

FOCA Still a Credible Threat

The Catholic News Agency is reporting that the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is still a credible threat. We know that the Usurper-Elect has sworn to make signing the FOCA his first priority as president. Reporters have been recently playing down the issue, a common tactic to get the opposition to ease up. Actually that's a good sign that we're doing some damage folks!

But now is NOT the time to give up! Now is the time to PRESS EVEN HARDER!



The FOCA is still a credible threat - a "clear and present danger" to life itself.

Please sign the petition NOW and pass it along to everyone you know! SIGN HERE

Some helpful sites:
http://www.fightfoca.com/
http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/FOCA/index.shtml
http://www.aul.org/foca
http://www.frc.org/papers/focus-on-foca
Google Search for FOCA

May God Bless you and what's left of America.
Bob

Wall Street Wally

Hi everybody. This morning I received my first comment on the November 10th post: Democrats Targeting Private Retirement Accounts! Rather than post a lengthy reply there, I thought it deserved its own post.

Here's the comment:

"Before you attack someone's plan I suggest you read it in entirety. In point of fact, Ghilarducci's plan does NOT do away with 401Ks. Anyone who chooses a 401K can still have one. Her plan would be a supplement. I suggest you read her book. You do everyone a disservice by posting misinformation on your blog" - "WallStreetWally"

With about 2 minutes of research, I realized I had been visited by none other than the subject of that post - Teresa Ghilarducci herself!



Do I know without a doubt it was her? Nope. But here's my reasoning, take a peek inside my mind and follow along with the links. FEEDJIT showed a site visit from someone at Notre Dame that was doing a Google blog search for "Teresa Ghilarducci" just one minute before the comment was made. Interesting, no? Guess whose blog comes up in the number 3 spot on that search?

A Google search for Teresa shows her at Notre Dame, (http://teresaghilarducci.org/contact), her political contributions (http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/teresa-ghilarducci.asp?cycle=08) show her at South Bend, Indiana. Anyone wanna guess where Notre Dame is?

Folks, people by and large just don't create accounts to make one comment to a month old post in an obscure new blog unless they felt so passionate about the subject or a sincere need to defend a certain position. Now you tell me who WallStreetWally is?

So that said, Hi Teresa! Um, I mean "WallStreetWally" (wink-wink). Sorry, but I'm not interested in buying your book and making you richer (that was a dead give-away too). You may be great with numbers, but I'm great with human behavior, people and motives (OK and with the Internet - I love being a geek!)

Well "Wally" (lol)... first off, I didn't "attack" as your plan say so you can stop playing the victim against the big bad Catholic Conservative. I merely offered my uneducated opinion on my meager, readerless blog.

Me? I'm a nobody. Just a schmo that spent 20 years in the Navy defending what I though was America and a devout Catholic. I'm no economist, no mathematician, no Professor and no politician but I do know that if it smells bad, I'm not buying it. Anyone that has taken a basic investment class or done over 2 hours of simple research knows that it is uneducated investors that do NOT manage their own money that lose it and create huge windfalls for the Wall Street Profiteers and fund managers. In all actuality, 401K's are a horrible investment, but the financial industry wants you to think otherwise.

Fact: Nearly all corporate 401K's match funds are tied to MONEY MARKETS.

Fact: according to John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard (http://tinyurl.com/njc2y) $1000 invested over 65 years at 8% will yield approx $140,000. But in a Money Market or a corporate retirement 401K tied to a money market, that same $1000 invested for 65 years will yield you just $30K!!

What? How can that be? Simple. Fund managers take a seemingly modest 2.5% (approx) for their mismanagement OUT OF YOUR RETURN leaving you just 5.5%. (Check your statements)

Not that much you say? 2.5% seems reasonable for "all the work they do" (that's a joke, folks). Fact is that they don't do ANYTHING and only move that money market when they absolutely have to to make it look as though their actually earning their fees.

So the financial industry puts up ZERO capital, takes ZERO risk and with the absolute minimum effort earns 4.3 times more money that YOU with YOUR OWN MONEY! WTH?

All that profiteering looks like a fantastic source of money that the government can now get their fingers into and THAT seems to be what this plan is all about. That and eliminating the tax breaks for individual investors.

I do not trust the government with my money. Never have and never will and my answer to this is quite simple..you'll never get my money as I will not invest in 401K's or IRA's. There are many other ways to securely invest and protect assets that I will not get into.

Regarding your last sentence "You do everyone a disservice by posting misinformation on your blog". I didn't post any disinformation, I merely expressed an opinion on a news article as is my right as an American. You know, that whole "unpopular speech" thingy.

Are you now assuming to speak for "everyone"?

Everyone but me.

Thanks for stopping by Teresa and may God Bless you and give you everything you deserve according to His will.

Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

As the Ark of the Covenant that would carry His law and Covenant to the people of Israel was designed by God Himself to be perfect and flawless, so too was the "Ark of the New Covenant", our Blessed Virgin Mary! As ordained from the beginning of time, how perfect and pure by God's design must then be the vessel that would carry His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus!

On 8 December, 1854 in his Constitution Ineffabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX pronounced that the Blessed Virgin Mary "in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin."

Adam and Eve were created by God and were not born so our Blessed Mother Mary would then be the first person ever born without original sin; Jesus would be the second and last. Our new "Adam and Eve" in the New Covenant!

How much more then should we as Catholics strive to be less like Eve whose disobedience brought sin and death into our lives, and more like our Blessed Mother who with humility and grace submitted to the will of God! We should daily strive to remain as sinless and as full of grace as possible before we too receive the Body and Blood of Christ at mass!

Take a moment today to pray the Angelus:

THE ANGELUS

V- The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R- And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.

V- Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R- Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.

V- And the Word was made Flesh.
R- And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.

V- Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

More detailed information regarding questions of the Immaculate Conception and the Blessed Virgin can be found here:

http://phatcatholic.blogspot.com/2008/12/for-solemnity-of-immaculate-conception.html

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/Mary.asp

The Blessed Virgin Mary

Immaculate Conception

May God Bless You All and May You All Bless God,

Bob

Remember Pearl Harbor

Today, I felt it appropriate to re-post this base newspaper article I wrote in 2002 while stationed in the Washington Navy Yard in Washington D.C. (ORIGINAL ARTICLE). Having my own nephew Zachary Faist deployed with the N.J. Army National Guard in Baghdad, Iraq this year and through the holidays, this has even more meaning than ever. Our prayers are with them all.

May God Bless You All and May God Bless All Who Serve...


This December 7th, as you should well know, is Pearl Harbor Day.

It marks the 67st anniversary of the most devastating sneak attack against the United States Navy and also marks the official entrance of the United States into World War II.

I won't begin to quote facts or figures about the Japanese sneak attack or turn this into a dry history lesson, but what I do want to show you is that though we took heavy losses, and the task of rebuilding seemed insurmountable, we survived.

Thankfully, their attack wasn't perfect.

The Japanese missed our fuel depot, our repair facilities and our carriers, ultimately leading to their defeat the following year at the Battle of Midway.

Admiral Yamamoto, who was educated in America and masterminded the plan, was heard to say after the attack "I fear that we have awakened a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve."

Yamamoto knew firsthand of American ingenuity and witnessed her industrial might. What he didn't count on was the strength of the American heart.

That heart that beat with pride every fourth of July was the same heart that held fear as parents sent their children to war. That heart that left their girlfriends and mothers behind was the same heart that died to save its buddies. That heart that broke when it lost a son to Japanese tyranny, was the same heart that was building the weapons of war.

It is only proper that we pay respect each year to their sacrifice and remember those 2,403 Americans who died that day.

But Pearl Harbor Day is not just about our losses, but also about the survivors. It's about how that day, the torch of freedom was thrust upon a new generation destined to save the world from tyranny and become the greatest generation our nation has ever known.

Today, and each day, over 1000 World War II veterans, and even some Pearl Harbor survivors will die. Their stories will not be told, except to a few close family and friends.

All too many stories will die with them.

Today, as a nation once again at war, the best way we can honor those that survived is to listen to their stories, to learn from their lessons while we still can, and to find that same heart within each of us.

That same heart dug out from beneath the rubble of the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. That same heart that sits on watch in a ship in the Persian Gulf during this holiday season, and the same heart that breaks while their loved one is deployed.

That strong and brave American heart that will fight, win and return to one day pass the torch of freedom to a new generation.

A Sailor's Gone To Sea

A Sailor's Gone To Sea
by GSCS(SW) Robert Cavalcante Jr., USN (Ret.)

The time had come to say goodbye
As sadness filled the air.
They couldn't hold their tears inside,
So husbands, wives and children cried,
And each one said a prayer.

The brow was raised, the lines heaved in,
The tugs would pull her free.
The whistle blew for all to hear,
But not one person there would cheer,
For their Sailor's gone to sea.

The engines screamed their tortured songs,
As watches checked the skies.
No harm would come to her tonight,
For this is sure, the ship could fight,
And those who sailed her wise.

As days passed on the crew grew strong,
Their confidence was high.
No enemy could touch her now,
None would think to cross her bow,
And not one dare to try.

Their days grew long and wearisome,
The skipper knew the cure.
There's just one thing to ease the stress,
He knew his crew could use the rest,
There'd be liberty for sure!

The port was in a foreign land,
That some had seen before.
They'd show the young ones all the sights,
And try to keep them out of fights,
Then bring them back aboard.

The crew refreshed, the time had come,
To sail the ship once more.
The lines were heaved and stowed away,
In record time was underway,
And sailed again from shore.

The sea had all her lady's charms,
That caused a man to roam.
Far from his home to foreign lands,
Far from his lovely lady's hands,
Into the mists and foam.

The ship would make her presence known,
All nations now would see.
That she was strong and made for war,
Our enemies would know for sure,
They'd simply leave her be.

The time drew near to end the cruise,
No longer would they roam.
The ship had turned, the crew rejoiced,
And cheered as though a single voice...
The ship was going home!

The day had come, the rails were manned
As each man's heart had yearned.
To see their loved ones on the pier,
And hear them cry and shout and cheer,
"Their Sailors had returned!"

But sadness fills another's heart
For their Sailor's gone to sea.
To take the watch from those now home,
And sail upon the mists and foam,
To keep our country free.

(c) Bob Cavalcante Jr.

Now if I may, I'd like to share with you a little bit about that poem. It was the very first poem I had ever written and I was on my ship the USS Yellowstone, AD-41, a Destroyer Tender headed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the old REFTRA (Refresher Training).

I had climbed in my top rack in the CPO berthing and was naturally thinking of home while writing a letter before going to sleep, when quite literally the words just flowed out of my pen and onto the paper! The whole poem took about 15 minutes to complete and I was amazed at what I had just written. Truly, it was inspired and the words were a gift from God and I was just His instrument.

The poem stayed private a while longer and was first published in the newsletter of my next ship, the destroyer USS Arleigh Burke, DDG-51.

May God bless and protect all Sailors, all our military and all those who wait at home.

Freedom From Atheists

Anti-religion Sign Joins Nativity Scene, 'Holiday Tree' in Washington State Capitol
(from Fox News/AP)

OK, now this is a bit ridiculous. Day by day, America finds another way to throw herself quite violently, further and further from God.

Atheists from the Freedom From Religion Foundation have placed a sign with their opposing viewpoints next to the creche in the US Capitol. Sorry, folks, but that is just plain disrespectful and an insult!

Then to top it all off, the foundations co-president Dan Barker said "Our members want equal time," Barker said. "Not to muscle, not to coerce, but just to have a place at the table."


BUZZZZZ! Wrong answer Dan! You see, not only do you NOT get to sit at the Master's table, but you're not even fit to eat the scraps that fall from it. Not because I said so, Danny boy, but because you don't even believe in the Master, so you can't even believe in the table, let alone the scraps! You could if you believe. You already have the power and you've had it all the time, just click your Doc Martins together and repeat after me: "There's no place like Rome.....there's no place like Rome..."

The sign that's currently posted is a stand-in for the actual sign that was "delayed in shipping" (YAY GOD!) and the back of the sign is said to read "Keep State/Church Separate".

BUZZZZZ! Wrong answer again Danny! You see, there is NO mention of the separation of Church and State ANYWHERE in the Declaration of Independence or in the Constitution! (Fell asleep that day in history class, didja? No problem, stick with me and we'll get you all caught up!)

Separation of Church and State, while a good thing, only means that there can be no "State Religion" and no laws telling you what religion you can or cannot believe in and cannot prohibit you from worshiping as you wish, EVEN PUBLICLY. In fact, the First Amendment expressly PROHIBITS the United States Congress from making laws "respecting an establishment of religion" or that prohibit the free exercise of religion.

Nowhere in the Constitution or Declaration of Independence is there any mention of "separation of church and state". In fact the first mention of the CONCEPT of separation of church and state was in a letter written in 1802 by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists and nothing more. Just a noble CONCEPT that has been twisted and wrecked by the Atheists/Socialists/Liberals. (ASOL's???)

Sorry, but modern legal interpretation is completely false; atheism is NOT a religion; it is the ABSENCE of religion. That's as ridiculous as saying there is such a thing as "dark". There is no such thing as "dark", there is only the ABSENCE of light! (Bonus, you get science class too!)

Since you believe in NOTHING, then that is exactly what you get to display beside all our Nativity scenes - NOTHING! Equal time and you didn't even know it. Problem solved! (Man, I am so good!)

Hey Dan, Have a beautiful and blessed Merry Christmas! I'll be attacking you with prayer and there's nothing you can do to stop me! Muahahaha.....

What do you all think of a Freedom From Atheists Foundation?

Do You Like Apples?

Do you like apples?

What would you do if I told you about an organized group of very brave and very intelligent citizens including many lawyers, seasoned veterans, farmers, scholars, diplomats, business owners and even representatives whom after many private and secret meetings were plotting against the government; even against popular opinion they were in the minority as most people were lethargic, apathetic and ignorant concerning current events!!

Would you join them?


What if I told you they were so tired of their representatives being completely disconnected with the will and even the most basic needs of the people and felt as if all their pleadings were falling on deaf ears.

Now would you join them?


What if the government tried to taxed everything in an effort to not only fill its own coffers and pay its war debt, but would ensure the people would have so little they would "need" the government's help - that would never arrive.

Thinking about joining yet?


What if the government began outlawing private ownership of firearms and began collecting them against the will of the people.

Are you ready to sign up?


What if that same organized group of people got together to publicly say they were fed up with the government and all it's broken promises, were tired of being abused and overtaxed by the government, felt that they had no say and were merely slaves to the government.

Would you still join?


What if the government made lists of those who join the cause, targeting them because they're considered "traitors" who would be captured and imprisoned or killed for treason.

Getting a little warm in here?


If you said YES all the way to the end - Congratulations, you are an American Patriot! If you didn't, you remain a TORY loyal to the King of England and an enemy of freedom and justice.

How do you like THEM apples?


Today on December 4, 1775, a momentous day in American history, the most noble Mr. John Hancock as President of the Continental Congress ordered northern troops from Pennsylvania to march south to the aid of Virginia. Governor Lord Dunsmore had recently declared martial law, offered freedom to slaves, and was rallying Tories to aid the King in his cause to put down the rebellion. With southern troops sent north to General Washington around Boston and now northern troops sent south to help Virginia, the states were now fully committed to one another in this most noble cause.

Thank God they did. We should study carefully the lessons of history.

1775 John Hancock Letter

God Bless You All and God Bless what's left of America.
Bob

Indiana Planned Parenthood Covers Up Rape of 13 year old!

Live Action Films is "a youth led human rights movement dedicated to the respect and protection of all human life including the unborn" and has been recently presenting a series of undercover investigations exposing Planned Parenthood for what they are - CRIMINALS! Our Satanic Stocking Stuffing friends at Planned Parenthood of Indiana are at it again. They've recently been exposed accepting racist donations to abort only black babies (so white babies will have a better chance in college), and now they've been allegedly caught allegedly covering up an alleged rape of an alleged 13 year old by an alleged 31 year old alleged man in this alleged video:


Indiana Planned Parenthood Covers Up Sexual Abuse of 13-year Old - The most amazing home videos are here

From Live Action Films President Lila Rose;
"Our student investigative team at Live Action Films finds Planned Parenthood of Bloomington, Indiana covering up the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

This video is first in a series of hidden camera footage, collected over the summer, documenting the sexual abuse cover-up of the abortion industry across the nation.

Despite a consistent pattern of lawlessness and abuse, Planned Parenthood, a tax-exempt "nonprofit", made over $100 million in profits last year and has a billion-dollar budget. Planned Parenthood receives over $300 million from taxpayers.

Planned Parenthood, a tax-exempt nonprofit, made over $100 million in profits last year and has a billion-dollar budget, nearly a third of which comes from taxpayers through government funding.

For more information on The Mona Lisa Project at LiveActionFilms.org. For interview or special requests for copies of footage and documentation, please contact Lila Rose, President of Live Action, lilarose@liveactionfilms.org."

Live Action Films Websites:
http://www.liveactionfilms.org/
http://www.myspace.com/liveaction
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19499808086
http://www.youtube.com/liveactionfilms
http://www.metacafe.com/channels/liveactionfilms/

This is disgusting, outrageous and scandalous! As a Catholic and a Christian, abortion is against my religious beliefs and I cannot and will not fund abortions either directly or indirectly. I will be petitioning the government to defund Planned Parenthood so they lose both their "tax exempt status" and also lose all public funding of any kind for any reason. As a Catholic, I cannot and will not pay taxes that are being used for abortions. That is as non-negotiable as my faith. Period.

Wouldn't it be great if all Catholics and all other Christians did as we're SUPPOSED to do and stopped all materially aid in this intrinsic evil? How you ask? STOP PAYING TAXES UNTIL PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS DEFUNDED! Paying taxes to a government that you know will use a portion to fund abortions is material aid to intrinsic evil and a sin. I know, give unto Caesar...however, is it moral to give unto Caesar when you know the taxes will be used to commit the worst sin of all? (Monsignior! I have another question...)

Spread the word, spread the video, Support Live Action Films and and let's defund Planned Parenthood!

May God Bless the work of Live Action Films, May God Bless You All and May God Bless what's left of America.

Bob

A House of Cards Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand

Conservatives Upset With Episcopal Church Break Off, Form Rival Religion

What....ANOTHER one? Sheesh, you'd think that after 500 years they would get it right. Then again, maybe they're not supposed to! ;)

Fox News Story here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,461204,00.html

Has anybody documented how many times the Protesters have split since their original rebellion with the Catholic Church?

Come Home to Rome...www.CatholicsComeHome.org

Everyone gets it but them...

From Zenit:

Liberalism Needs to Rediscover God, Says Pope

Writes Forward to Marcello Pera's Latest Book
By Jesús Colina

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 2, 2008 (Zenit.org).- At the heart of liberalism is the Christian image of God, and rediscovering that is the key to overcoming the current crisis of ethics in Europe and the world, says Benedict XVI...

...In his letter, Benedict XVI acknowledged the text to be "a fascinating read," and he applauded Pera's analysis of liberalism. "With an exceptional knowledge of the foundations, and with convincing logic, you analyze the essence of liberalism from its principles, showing that rooted in the heart of liberalism is the Christian image of God."

"With irreproachable logic, you show how liberalism loses its base and destroys itself if it abandons this foundation," he added.

And indeed they have abandoned the foundation that is God.

Click Here for the Original Article on ZENIT

SIGN THIS PETITION - Write the Supremes!

THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE

I hate liars. Though I'm not supposed to hate anyone, I really and truly hate liars. They are the self adopted children of the Father of Lies. I used to tell my children "When you turn on the light and it shows your dirty room, you don't blame the light."

Folks, this is the last chance to sign the WorldNetDaily Petition to demand absolute confirmation of the eligibility of all presidential candidates and to demand full and complete disclosure of Obama's birth certificate, actual place of birth, answer the allegations to his citizenship and determine ultimate eligibility to serve as President of the United States. On December 5th, the Supreme Court will be holding a "Conference" to discuss that eligibility and the eligibility of all future Presidential candidates.

Click here to SIGN THE PETITION TODAY.

Click here to SEND LETTERS OF COMPLAINT TO THE SUPREME COURT.

Former Deputy Attorney General and Democrat Philip Berg originally brought suit against Obama challenging his status as a natural-born American and his eligibility to serve as President of the United States. But the accused never actually answered the claims, only filed for dismissal. Why not just quickly and easily answer the allegations? Isn't is a lot easier to answer the claims rather than spend MILLIONS OF DOLLARS finding ways to NOT answer them? If you have nothing to hide, why all the noise and confusion?

Make no mistake, the failure to provide the simplest of documents proving eligibility can and will at the very least lead to a Constitutional Crisis in America the likes of which we have never known. We don't want to even think about the worst case scenario.

Click here to SIGN THE PETITION TODAY.

Click here to SEND LETTERS OF COMPLAINT TO THE SUPREME COURT.


Interestingly enough, under Rule 36 of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, even failure of the accused to provide a written answer or objection to the claims in 30 days IS AN ADMISSION OF THE CLAIM. Surely a Constitutional lawyer with a team of lawyers would know that, right?

Well, here comes the now famous Hawaii birth certificate, but I'm not impressed and neither are a lot of people. If this is and was a legitimate birth certificate, why not simply produce it at the first mention of any claim, as Sen. John McCain did? Why all the posturing? First of all, it's a computer generated "short form" and not legally admissible. Only a copy of the original "vault copy" with complete information and attending physician's signature can be used. But now, some imaging experts are claiming that the computer generated short copy Obama submitted is even a forgery!

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=82503

http://f2a.org/coast2coast/obamacitizenship.htm


And why is it that so many different people are asking the same thing? Here's a webpage from the We The People Foundation on the very same topic:
http://www.wethepeoplefoundation.org/obama/

Here's an update on their efforts to run a full page ad in the Chicago Tribune on December 1st and December 3rd: http://www.wethepeoplefoundation.org/UPDATE/Update2008-11-28.htm

You can read the complete ad HERE.

As Abraham Lincoln stated so very well: "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."

Click here to SIGN THE PETITION TODAY.

Click here to SEND LETTERS OF COMPLAINT TO THE SUPREME COURT.


Asking for the truth is never wrong. Never was, is not now and never will be. As I also used to tell my children; "you must always tell the truth at all times." They would ask me "But what if the truth hurts someone?" I explained that it may sometimes be necessary to tell the truth in a way to lessen the hurt (Speak the Truth With Love), but in the end, "The truth only hurts those who fail to believe it."

If you value the truth above all, and that is all we're asking for, please sign the petition and write to the Supreme Court and let your voices be heard!

Click here to SIGN THE PETITION TODAY.

Click here to SEND LETTERS OF COMPLAINT TO THE SUPREME COURT.


May the light of the Truth fill our lives with hope and my God bless you all!
Bob

Satanic Stocking Stuffers

(sarcasm mode on)
Well the Christmas shopping season is officially in full swing and every one of us has that one person that is so hard to buy for. If that person on your list this year just happens to be pregnant and not wanting the baby, Planned Parenthood of Indiana has just the thing for you - a gift certificate for an ABORTION!

This Christmas, instead of celebrating the birth of Christ the Messiah and His bringing of light into the world, give a gift that hearkens back to the very first Christmas! In the spirit of King Herod the Great when he ordered the Massacre of the Innocents, the First Martyrs, to prevent the coming of the Messiah, now you too can order the vicious and selfish murder of innocent unborn babies right from the comfort of your own home! Maybe even in your own WOMB!

That's right...today, thanks to technology and the extreme liberal and selfish legislation and lifestyles of modern America and even the world, unlike Herod the Great who had to deal with the political ramifications and social outcry (and the mess), now you can experience the same murderous evil and there's no need to wait until after they're born!!
(/sarcasm)

I wish that was just me being a typical smart-ass, but it's actually not. This disgusts me on so many levels. Reporter Leslie Olsen from WISH TV8 has this story: (CLICK HERE)

Video:

That's right. Under the guise of being used for "other things", Planned Parenthood of Indiana is offering Gift Certificates that can be used for all the services the offer. (Oh yeah, well abortions too...shhhh!).

Just like that "Inflate-A-Mate" blow up doll can be used for a lot of other things too, right? In the words of Bill Cosby...RIIIIIIIGGGHHHHT.

I pray that each of you will immediately contact Planned Parenthood (Contact Page Here) and let them know how despicable this is. Please remember that material aid of intrinsic evil is a sin!

Planned Parenthood of Indiana
Administrative offices
(317) 637-4343
Fax (317) 637-4344
200 South Meridian Street
Post Office Box 397
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

Planned Parenthood of Indiana
Education and Training
(317) 637-4340
Fax (317) 637-4337
200 South Meridian Street
Post Office Box 397
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
askme@ppin.org

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana
Planned Parenthood Advocates PAC
(317) 637-4362
Fax (317) 637-4363
200 South Meridian Street
Post Office Box 397
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
advocates@ppin.org

May God Bless Each of You
Bob

Happy Thanksgiving!

May God bless each of you with abundance, peace, health and happiness and may we all remember that the Lord God is the source of all good things.

Conservative vs Liberal Beliefs

I just came across this side-by-side comparison of Conservative vs Liberal beliefs from Student News Daily:

http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/other/conservative-vs-liberal-beliefs

I agree with all but one, the current Death Penalty. I think as conservatives, we should really reexamine our position on this issue and that is not in any way to give in to the liberals, but for a much greater and higher purpose that actually better exemplifies the conservative values we hold dear. Read on before you judge too fast.

As a Catholic and a conservative I believe that life is sacred from "womb to tomb" and I do not believe in delegating execution through the state. That is not in any way to say that we should lie defenseless like lambs to the slaughter. In our own defense, we have both a legal right to defend ourselves under the laws of man, and a moral responsibility under the laws of the Catholic Church (canons 2263-65) to defend innocent life and if necessary not to hesitate to deal a lethal blow to the evil that would threaten to take innocent God given life.

Put simply, learn the laws and train properly in the proper and safe handling of a firearm and carry one for defense. Why? Because the criminals do! If a criminal threatens your life with deadly force of any kind, knife or gun, it is YOUR decision to either give in to their demands dealing with the consequences; or to defend yourself against the evil that would threaten to take away the life that God has given you and using your firearm in your defense to stop the crime, lethally only if necessary. Understand that even if they hold a gun to your head and only want the $20 that is in your wallet, it's not about the $20, it's about a very real threat to your God given life and nobody has the right to do that. Not for $20, not for $20 million. Not ever.

In the same way that we cannot delegate our responsibility to be charitable by lazily giving more taxes to the government for "welfare", or to agencies that are charitable on our behalf , we also cannot delegate the responsibility to the state for our safety or to execute in our name. You want to be charitable? It must come from one human heart to another human heart, period. You want a criminal that threatens lives with deadly force to pay with their life? Carry a gun and be prepared for the consequences in every way; legally, socially, morally, emotionally and psychologically.

What's the difference between a beggar and a burglar? A burglar doesn't ask, they demand and they take, threatening you with grievous bodily harm or with the taking of your life if you don't comply. In the burglar's threat and actions lie true evil, greed and malice. If they walk away, it is with what was once yours and with a boldness that they can do as they please to whom they want and when they want. People exist as mere "targets of opportunity" to them. Giving in to evil when you have the means to resist is supporting that evil. Evil is in the face of the burglar, and fear is in the face of the victim, both faces of the devil.

A beggar is humble and through his humility he merely asks so that he may receive. Knocking, he hopes the door to charity may be opened. In the beggars asking, he also gives you the opportunity to be charitable, to be giving and to share the fruits of your life in some way with one less fortunate. This "least of our brothers" gives you the opportunity to see the face of Christ in him and in doing so, hopes to find the face of Christ in you.

Personally when I go out, I carry both cash for the beggar, praying I get to use it; and a gun for the burglar, praying that I don't. Kinda just makes sense.

May you never see the face of the devil and only find the face of Christ in others.

God Bless You All,
Bob

Anyone Remember Dial-A-Prayer?

PRAYER: A personal and private act of focusing and raising our hearts and minds to God to acknowledge Him, for blessings and adoration, petitions, intercession, thanksgiving and in praise. Blessings and adoration are both out outward and inward expressions of Love for all that God was, is and shall be forever. In petitioning we do not instruct or direct God, as He needs no direction from us. But our petitions appeal to God's goodness and mercy and help us further form our consciences through careful examination before God of what we truly desire and what is truly in our hearts. In giving Him thanks and praise we acknowledge God's goodness and we also acknowledge our neediness and dependence upon Him. To receive what He has already prepared for us according to our merits, but we must first ask through prayer. Knock and the door shall be opened.

But wait! Now along comes the PUBLIC PRAYER BOOTH! (Does it take quarters?)

This article and the booth in question are so completely wrong on so many levels, it's hard to decide where to begin.

First, this "Prayer Booth" was intended as a form of art to get people talking about prayer, not to actually get people praying. Considering the state of the world today, I think we need to be doing more actual praying and less talking about prayer.

Second, I think the booth itself is an insult not only to prayer, but to the faithful who do not take prayer lightly. It mocks the sincere and humble act of prayer and all those things that prayer is intended for as mentioned above.

Third, atheists are now screaming that tax dollars have gone into not only this "public display of religion", but into the publicly funded NPR that reported on it....by a Wiccan no less!

Lastly and most important of all, personal prayer should be in private. If you do something in public to be seen by men, then you shall have your reward here on earth, not in heaven. What part of Matthew 6:5 do you not understand? "And when ye pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men: Amen I say to you, they have received their reward."

The designer Dylan Mortimer hoped to get people talking because religion is "just one of those topics you don't bring up at the dinner table". Perhaps that's the problem. Just as rich people do talk about money at the dinner table, the faithful do talk about God and their faith at the dinner table. The table is the place for all to come together as a family, if but just once a day. What better time to discuss the Lord!

Does it get us talking? Yes, about things we should already be talking about around the dinner table instead of articles and blogs. But in a very real sense it makes a mockery of prayer. And as for Ken Bronstein, the president of the New York City Athiests who is an opponent of public religions displays? Well, if I ever meet him on the street, I'll be sure to not only make the sign of the cross blessing myself in his presence, but to bless him as well! Howdja like THAT public display of religion?

This is not public prayer as we all proclaim during mass or as when His Holiness prays the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, this is a mockery of personal and private prayerbetween and individual and God. My opinion is that this should be seen by the Catholic Church as scandalous and certainly NOT supported by Father Morriss a Catholic Priest and a FOX news commentator. The public comments on a google search for "Public Prayer Booth" are horrible with many profaning the Catholic Church and her Priests.

Those wishing to express their concerns to the Archdiocese of New York please write to;

His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan
1011 First Ave
New York, 10022

What do YOU think?

Hated By The World

Many years ago while in the US Navy and during the period when I wasn't a practicing Catholic and not in communion with the Holy See, I was blessed to have the opportunity to visit the cities of Nazareth and Jerusalem. I will struggle the rest of my life to find the words to describe the feelings I had while there, but suffice it to say that while visiting many holy shrines and sacred sites, my soul was so very deeply moved that I often found myself trembling and in tears. My heart and soul were touched by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Some years ago after my divorce, I found myself in a "self-destructive phase" and was dating a woman who was an Evangelical Christian. During our thankfully short lived destructive relationship, she told me that her uncle was a pastor of an Evangelical church and her family would have had a huge problem with me because I wasn't a Christian and had not accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. Huh? Not a Christian? I was shocked that she had no idea that Catholics were not only Christians but the first Christians and tried to explain it to her. At the time, I had not yet encountered anyone else with those beliefs and I had not yet reverted back to my faith and I would have had an easier time explaining it to my car.

I agreed on two separate occasions to go to her church with her. The first was huge, I dare say a mega-church on a sprawling campus complete with parking attendants, a small army of greeters, a day-care/children's ministry and so much more. I wouldn't be surprised to find a Starbucks and a Ben & Jerry's there today. It was a huge well choreographed presentation during which there was video presentations, web casting, passages from Sacred Scripture were tossed around and twisted into the message du jour and two or three bands played probably 45 minutes total while the congregation sang Praise songs and Worship songs and who knows what else. There could have been Praiseful Worship songs or Worshipful Praise songs and I wouldn't have known the difference. And if you didn't know the words, no problem, they were displayed on a huge screen for all to see. I was half expecting to see the bouncing ball make it's way across the words like the old "Sing Along with Mitch Miller" TV shows. I was not impressed or moved at all and was very uncomfortable throughout, but remained respectful. In fact I thought it was extremely disrespectful and irreverent and I felt insulted by it all.

Have you ever gone to a bar and remained sober? Not as a designated driver there with friends, I mean by yourself just to watch, sort of a social experiment. It's a lot different than when you're drinking or there in a social setting. You'll see things you never noticed before and things that will make you think twice about drinking THAT much in a bar ever again! But it's amazing how opened your eyes become to the reality of a bar when you're not drinking, just watching. I guess you could say I had that same kind of feeling in these "churches" because I think I was the only one there not drinking the kool-aid.

During a later visit with her to a different church, I actually had to leave because I became physically uncomfortable. Something deep inside my soul told me it was wrong and I could not just ignore that feeling. It was as intense as the feelings I had in Israel, only on the opposite end of the spectrum and that really scared me. When she asked later what was wrong, I told her that the whole thing felt "dark" to me. She was very upset with me and tried to explain that it was just me and that I was the one who was dark and it was the "light" of that place that bothered me. What I didn't tell her was that I actually sensed evil there. I couldn't have disagreed with her more.

Now this is not said to bash other Christians in any way, that is not my intent. My intent is, however to help the reader come to understand what I went through that helped me realize that my true Catholic faith and our church is what is right for me and why. If perhaps a reader recognizes themselves in these words then perhaps a deep and meaningful examination of conscience and faith is in order.

Jesus taught us that wherever two or more are gathered in His name, He is there, of that there is no doubt. But what I have come to understand, based on what I felt in my heart and soul in Israel in those "churches" and in the Catholic Church since, was that just calling it a Christian Church does not make it one. And even more importantly, calling ones self a Christian does not make one so. To quote Abraham (Lincoln that is): How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? FOUR. Calling the tail a leg does not make it so.

As Jesus told us in John 14:24 "He that loveth me not, keepeth not my words. And the word which you have heard, is not mine; but the Father's who sent me." If a soldier comes in the name of the King, he is recognized by his obedience to the King. So it is with Christ the King. His followers shall be known by our deeds, our words and our obedience to Him. So to be gathered in His name should therefore mean by those who keep His commands. God's commands. He didn't say pick and choose some of the more convenient ones or twist them into what suits you for your own ends, but ALL of them, recalling that we exist by God's design not the other way around. If then people who do not keep ALL the commands of Jesus come together in one place and do NOT worship him or respect him in HIS fashion (or at least recognize all His commands and make an effort), can it rightfully be called "church"? Perhaps by a convoluted modern definition, but by Jesus' definition, I dare say not. Wouldn't that be a bit like calling a tail a leg?

So here we have so many denominations basing their doctrines not on the whole of the truth as revealed by our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, but by their own need to survive, increasing their numbers and increasing their coffers by becoming more "acceptable" to society, more "politically correct" and becoming more "liberal", welcoming in everyone. Not all are fit to sit at the table, some will only receive the scraps that fall and so not all are fit to follow.While we are all God's children, he most certainly will separate the goats from the sheep and judge one sheep from the other.

It is interesting that Jesus did NOT let just anyone follow Him. He set simple yet strict rules and those that could not abide were not fit to follow as disciples as seen in Mark 10:21-22 "And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."

From that scripture one can conclude that the rich man that did not sell everything to follow Jesus did not have treasure in Heaven and also unfit to be a disciple. While we would all HOPE that we are actually being worthy disciples of Christ, that is not for us to say, but Him. As Catholics in keeping the WHOLE word of God and not just the parts we like or agree with as HE commanded us, or at least making the most noble effort to, we have put ourselves on the path to the Lord that HE has set before us. It will not be easy and it's not meant to be. In taking the easy path now, we will cause much suffering for ourselves later while taking the painful path now will cause much joy later in Heaven!

It also means that as Catholics and as the Catholic Church we will be unpopular, looked down upon, ridiculed, persecuted and even hated by everyone that doesn't agree with us. Even by some who call themselves Christians. Take heart and fortify your faith in the knowledge that if someone hates you today because you are a Catholic, know that if even the whole world hates you, it hated Jesus long before it hated you.

As for that woman I dated? Well the relationship ended horribly but I really owe her a debt of gratitude. It was little while after the breakup when I had a huge re-examination of conscience and what I call a spiritual breakdown or what a Priest friend of mine calls a spiritual "breakthrough". The following week I returned to the Catholic Church with a fire and passion in my soul like I have never known and just one week later I met the most beautiful and faithful woman that I would eventually call my wife. On our first date she asked me what was perhaps the most important question I've ever had to answer in my life.

She asked "Are you Catholic?"

I looked her straight in the eye and with a big smile on my face and a burst of joy in my heart I was proud to say that "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am!"

May God Bless Each of You and in closing I leave you with these beautiful words by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen:

"If I were not a Catholic and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hates. My reason for doing this would be that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, he must still be hated as he was when he was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world.

"Look for the Church that is hated by the world as Christ was hated by the world. Look for the Church which is accused of being behind the times as our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned. Look for the Church which men sneer at as socially inferior as they sneered at our Lord because he came from Nazareth. Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil as our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. Look for the Church which, in seasons of bigotry, men say must be destroyed in the name of God as men crucified Christ and thought they had done a service to God. Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible as Pilate rejected Christ because he called himself the Truth. Look for the Church which is rejected by the world as our Lord was rejected by men.

"Look for the Church which amid the confusion of conflicting opinions its members love as they love Christ and respect its voice as the very voice of its founder, and the suspicion will grow that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly it is other-worldly. Since it is other-worldly it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ himself. But only that which is divine can be infinitely hated and infinitely loved. Therefore the Church is divine."