Bruno Schillinger: Ein Leben ohne soziale Sicherheit und ärztliche Versorgung

Bruno Schillinger: Ein Leben ohne soziale Sicherheit und ärztliche Versorgung

Von Andreas Klamm

Freiburg / March. 19. Juli 2009. Der chronisch erkrankte IT-Technolgie-Fachmann und sozial-politische Aktivist Bruno Schillinger (wir berichteten) muss offenbar immer noch, inzwischen seit bereits drei Monaten, ohne finanzielle Sozial-Hilfeleistungen und ohne eine ärztliche Versorgung in Deutschland um das Überleben kämpfen. Diese Situation trifft den an Diabetes mellitus erkankten Mann hart, der seit drei Monaten nicht mehr krankenversichert ist. Das teilten Bruno Schillinger und der Helferkreis Bruno Schillinger (HKBS) in einer Pressemitteilung vom 16. Juli 2009 mit.


Bruno Schillinger: „Sozial-Mobbing und Krisen können jeden Menschen treffen.“. Photo: HKBS

Die für den Arbeitsplatz-suchenden IT-Techniker Bruno Schillinger zuständige Arbeitsgemeinschaft (ARGE,) habe seit drei Monaten alle Leistungen der Sozialhilfe eingestellt und bewillige keine Zahlungen nach dem Arbeitslosengeld II / Hartz 4.

Im April 2007 verhungerte der lernbehinderte und an Depressionen erkrankte, damals 20jährige André Kirsch, in Speyer am Rhein, nach dem ihm und seiner Mutter zuvor alle Sozial-Hilfeleistungen auf 0,00 Euro gekürzt, vielmehr keine finanzielle Sozial-Hilfeleistungen bewilligt wurden.

Die ARGE habe den Hilfe-suchenden Bruno Schillinger dazu aufgefordert, sich privat bei einer privaten Krankenkasse zu versichern, was diesem jedoch nicht möglich ist ohne jede Form finanzieller Einkünfte oder finanzieller Sozial-Hilfeleistungen.

Der Helferkreis und Bruno Schillinger erklärten: „Eine solche Aufforderung klingt angesichts der nicht gewährten finanziellen Sozialhilfe-Leistungen wie ein blanker Hohn. Jede Hilfe wird unterlassen. Am 2. Juli 2009 war Bruno persönlich bei der ARGE -Geschäftsführerin und bei der Direktion der Agentur für Arbeit in Freiburg und bettelte um Unterstützung, weil am nächsten Tag seine Medikamente zur Behandlung des Diabetes mellitus zu Ende gingen. Eine unbürokratische Sofort-Hilfe wurde gnadenlos verweigert. Ohne Geld ist es nicht möglich eine private Krankenversicherung zu bezahlen.“

Man fühle sich von der behördlichen „Führungs-Elite“ alleine gelassen. Die Vorgesetzen hätten, Angaben des Helferkreises zufolge nichts unternommen, um eine angemessene Hilfe zu gewähren.

„Weder die Landrätin, noch der Direktor der Bundesagentur, der Landtag von Baden-Württemberg, der Bundestag, der Ministerpräsident des Landes Baden-Württemberg, drei weitere Minister des Landes, Arbeitsminister und Bundeskanzlerin halfen. „ klagten Bruno Schillinger und der Helferkreis Bruno Schillinger (HKBS).

Alle Vorgesetzten und übergeordneten Dienststellen seien seit Monaten über Nahrungs-Mangel und die Vorgänge in der zuständigen ARGE informiert. Man schweige nur und für den Helferkreis stellt sich die Situation dar als „…warte man auf das Ende von Bruno…“.

Bruno Schillinger und der Helferkreis teilten weiter mit: „Als eine einsame Kreisrätin, hat die SPD-Politikerin Ellen Brinkmann versucht ihm bei der ARGE zu helfen. Die Hilfe-Versuche der engagierten SPD-Politikerin blieben leider erfolglos.“

Dem Mann werde seit drei Monaten die lebensnotwendige und medizinische Versorgung verweigert.

Im Kampf um das nackte Überleben kochen bei Bruno Schillinger und dem Helferkreis die Emotionen hoch und so stellen beide auch provokative Fragen wie „Handelt es sich bei der Verweigerung ärztlicher Hilfe und finanzieller Sozial-Hilfe-Leistungen noch um vorsätzliche Körper-Verletzung oder bereits um versuchten Mord? Gelten Grundgesetz und Menschenrechte nicht mehr für Menschen ohne Erwerbseinkommen, so genannte Arbeitslose? Oder gelten die Grundrechte und Menschenrechte nur für Bruno nicht mehr?“

Seit vier Jahren habe die ARGE die Bemühungen von Bruno sabotiert einen Arbeitsplatz zu finden. Urteile des Bundes-Sozialgerichtes seien ignoriert worden. Man habe sogar den Bundestag belogen.

Der Helferkreis spekuliert und und stellte weitere provokative Fragen: „Soll Bruno um die Ecke gebracht werden, weil er das Versagen und die Verschwendung von Steuern und Arbeitslosenbeiträgen nicht auf sich beruhen lassen möchte? Kommt nach einer manipulierten Entmündigung nun etwa die Körperverletzung oder ein Mord? Oder ist dies die Fortführung einer Methode aus sehr dunklen, deutschen Zeiten? Ist es die Wiedereinführung der Euthanasie?“

Gegenüber Bruno Schillinger und dem Helferkreis Buno Schillinger (HKBS) bestätigte ein Sprecher eines Bundestags-Abgeordneten: „Vielen Menschen in Deutschland geht es so wie Bruno Schillinger.“

Bei Bruno haben sich nach Informationen des Helferkreises Bruno Schillinger (HKBS) weitere Opfer von Sozial-Mobbing gemeldet.

Offenbar mussten in Deutschland viele weitere Menschen ähnliche Erfahrungen machen: „Monate-lang keine Hartz IV-Zahlungen trotz schwerster Erkrankungen, keine medizinische Behandlung, weil Geld für Fahrten zur ambulanten Behandlung in einer Spezial-Klinik fehlt, Miet-Kürzungen und im Winter müssen Menschen frieren, weil das Heizöl fehlt.“

Jeder Mensch könne Opfer von Sozial-Mobbing oder einer Krise werden, warnten erneut Bruno Schillinger und der Helfer-Kreis Buno Schillinger. Wer Kontakt mit Buno Schillinger und dem Helfer-Kreis aufnehmen will: Helfer-Kreis Bruno Schillinger (HKBS), Internet: www.kassensturz-jetzt.de .

Nach der Allgemeinen Erklärung der Menschenrechte der Vereinten Nationen (www.un.org) haben in Deutschland auch chronisch kranke Menschen und behinderte Menschen Anspruch auf die soziale Sicherheit und die ärztliche Versorgung:

Artikel 25

1.Jeder hat das Recht auf einen Lebensstandard, der seine und seiner Familie Gesundheit und Wohl gewährleistet, einschließlich Nahrung, Kleidung, Wohnung, ärztliche Versorgung und notwendige soziale Leistungen gewährleistet sowie das Recht auf Sicherheit im Falle von Arbeitslosigkeit, Krankheit, Invalidität oder Verwitwung, im Alter sowie bei anderweitigem Verlust seiner Unterhaltsmittel durch unverschuldete Umstände.

2.Mütter und Kinder haben Anspruch auf besondere Fürsorge und Unterstützung. Alle Kinder, eheliche wie außereheliche, genießen den gleichen sozialen Schutz.

Artikel 1

Alle Menschen sind frei und gleich an Würde und Rechten geboren. Sie sind mit Vernunft und Gewissen begabt und sollen einander im Geist der Brüderlichkeit begegnen.

Artikel 2

Jeder hat Anspruch auf die in dieser Erklärung verkündeten Rechte und Freiheiten ohne irgendeinen Unterschied, etwa nach Rasse, Hautfarbe, Geschlecht, Sprache, Religion, politischer oder sonstiger Überzeugung, nationaler oder sozialer Herkunft, Vermögen, Geburt oder sonstigem Stand.
Des weiteren darf kein Unterschied gemacht werden auf Grund der politischen, rechtlichen oder internationalen Stellung des Landes oder Gebiets, dem eine Person angehört, gleichgültig ob dieses unabhängig ist, unter Treuhandschaft steht, keine Selbstregierung besitzt oder sonst in seiner Souveränität eingeschränkt ist.

Artikel 3

Jeder hat das Recht auf Leben, Freiheit und Sicherheit der Person.

Vergleiche hierzu: Allgmeine Erklärung der Menschenrechte, Vereinte Nationen (United Nations), www.un.org

American Child Sex Slaves are Being Arrested, not Rescued

American Child Sex Slaves are Being Arrested, not Rescued

WASHINGTON, July 16 /Christian Newswire/ — Shared Hope International will release a groundbreaking report on child sex trafficking in the United States at the Congressional Human Trafficking Briefing on Capitol Hill hosted by the Human Trafficking Caucus and Victims‘ Rights Caucus led by Congressman Poe (TX) and Congressman Smith (NJ), long-time advocates for victims protections.

Former Congresswoman Linda Smith (1994-98), Founder of Shared Hope International, will open a panel discussion on the findings of more than four years of research in America. Shared Hope International’s National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, America’s Prostituted Children highlights the harsh reality that hundreds of thousands of American children are victimized through sex trafficking in the United States driven by the demand for the commercial sex acts they perform. A child sex trafficking victim who is purchased for sex by 5 different men per night, 5 nights per week for an average of 5 years would have been raped by 6,000 buyers during her victimization through prostitution. Many of these child rapists are never charged or prosecuted while the young victims‘ lives are destroyed.

„The horror is that our children are victimized twice — first by the prostitution and then by the broken system that treats them like criminals while the buyers are given a slap on the wrist, if anything at all. What kind of message is this sending?“ asked Founder and President of Shared Hope International, Linda Smith.

Ambassador Louis C. de Baca of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of State will present findings from the 2009 TIP Report and panelists from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Criminal Division will discuss domestic child sex trafficking, followed by an NGO panel led by Congresswoman Linda Smith and highlighting Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

„From our investigative research gathered from 11 cities across the nation, we’ve found so many victims of domestic minor sex trafficking that are misidentified, and labeled as prostitutes. They are sold every day, every night in every city in America,“ said Smith. Watch human rights surveillance video instantly here: www.sharedhope.org/what/dmst.asp.

What: Congressional Human Trafficking Briefing

Where: Capitol Hill, Rayburn Room 2226 Washington, D.C.

When: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:00 a.m. – Noon

About Shared Hope International
For more than a decade, Shared Hope International (SHI) has worked around the world partnering with local groups to prevent trafficking and to rescue and restore the victims of sexual slavery. Shared Hope International’s DEMAND. project was a 12-month investigation which focused on commercial sexual exploitation in four countries, including the United States. With funding from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), SHI conducted field assessments on child sex trafficking in 10 U.S. locations. Visit www.sharedhope.org.

Rock House Way Releases Be Transformed Workbook

Rock House Way Releases Be Transformed Workbook

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 16 /Christian Newswire/ — Rock House Way Press has released a workbook companion to John Robin Murphy’s book Be Transformed-New Life Awaits, which shares the important truth that access to the blessings of the Christian faith begin with the decision to live in cooperation with God’s plan to have His people progressively reflect the heart of His Son inwardly.

„The response to Be Transformed has been very positive, with many testifying that the book has changed their lives in a significant way,“ said Murphy, who had just completed two workshops at the United Methodists biennial gathering in Nashville, Tenn.

„Many who have had a taste of transformation and want more were asking me, ‚When will there be a workbook?‘ I created the workbook in response to this demand and to show Christians, in a deeper way, the path of personal transformation that God has laid out for us all.“

Murphy’s personal transformation has been dramatic. At age 26, he went from being a self-described „table- pounding atheist“ to a follower of Jesus Christ. While his conversion immediately improved the quality of his life, there was still „lots of baggage to work on,“ as he put it. For instance, increasing depression, over- eating and other self- defeating behaviors continued to be a struggle.

After much frustration in trying to make the promises of scripture real in his life, he discovered that without addressing his resentment and anger, there would be no breakthrough. When he prayed for God to forgive, heal and bless the abusers of his past, a „dark cloud“ lifted and a desire grew to share the freedom and peace he received from that act of obedience.

As he matured in his faith, Murphy discovered that forgiveness is just one part of God’s plan to transform people to reflect the image of Christ, and that being transformed really means submitting to God’s will in every aspect of life.

„The focus is on how to live one’s life in regard to God’s will, which can be relied on to improve any situation,“ he said.

Murphy left a successful career developing and launching revenue-growth strategies for corporations to start a full-time ministry called Rock House Way. Today, He presents his transformation message to CEOs, men’s ministries, churches, prisoners in maximum security, men and women in recovery, and others.

He also does one-on-one transformation mentoring with business owners and ministry leaders, and hopes to soon launch a student mentoring program for young adults.

His work has been endorsed, featured, adopted and/or recommended by a wide variety of churches and faith-based ministries.

Be Transformed: Workbook Edition costs $18.99 and may be purchased online through Rock House Way Press at www.rockhouseway.com. The book Be Transformed-New Life Awaits may also be purchased online as well as in bookstores.

American Family Launches New Programs from Southern Evangelical Seminary Dr. Alex McFarland, President of Southern Evangelical Seminary, Launches New

American Family Launches New Programs from Southern Evangelical Seminary

Dr. Alex McFarland, President of Southern Evangelical Seminary, Launches New Radio and TV Programs on American Family Radio Network

CHARLOTTE, NC, July 16 /Christian Newswire/ — Dr. Alex McFarland, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary and world- renowned author and speaker, is launching his live, daily radio and television program, Sound Rēzn with the American Family Radio Network. The daily radio program will debut on July 20 and the television program debuts on August 17 on the Sky Angel Network, in partnership with American Family Radio. Sound Rēzn will air from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday on nearly 200 radio stations nationwide which are owned and operated by the American Family Radio Network.

Sound Rēzn will reach listeners every day with in- depth discussion, cutting edge topics, and listener interaction. Dr. Alex McFarland integrates current events with sound reasoning of the truth of Christianity. The program provides relevant information that is both credible and comprehensible.

Dr. McFarland states, „We are honored to launch Sound Rēzn on the American Family Radio Network. My passion is to bring timeless truth to a sound bite culture and AFR has provided the perfect venue in which to accomplish the Lord’s work.“

Alex McFarland has been in full-time ministry since 1989 and is currently the president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in North Carolina. As a Christian apologist (one who explains and rationally defends faith), he has spent over two decades training teens and adults in biblical worldview reasoning. A good portion of that time was spent working with Focus on the Family ministering to teens. Through his Stand Weekends, Dr. McFarland has assembled the world’s premiere Christian apologists with a goal of introducing new audiences to the truths of Christianity. He is also the author of Stand: Core Truths for an Unshakable Faith in addition to many other books and publications. The annual National Conference on Apologetics, which is sponsored by the Southern Evangelical Seminary, brings many of the world’s most famous and sought-after Christian leaders together to address over 5,000 attendees. Speakers this year will include Kay Arthur, Chuck Colson, Hank Hanegraaff, Dr. David Noebel, Dinesh D’Souza, Os Guinness and many others.

To book Dr. Alex McFarland for an interview or speaking engagement, contact Dyan Cross, Hamilton Strategies, 610 584-1096 or email DCross@HamiltonStrategies.com.

Glamouröser Edel-Wodka in der Luxus-Kristall-Schmuckflasche

WERBUNG, Advertisement

Foto: Iordanov Vodka

Glamouröser Edel-Wodka in der Luxus-Kristall-Schmuckflasche

Von Markus Schmidt

Frankfurt / Main. 17. Juli 2009 Eine neue Luxus-Edel-Schmuck-Sammler Edition bietet Iordanov Vodka.

In einer Luxus-Kristall-Schmuckflasche wird der neue glamouröse Edel-Wodka in extravaganten Flaschen abgefüllt, die mit facettenreichen Swarovski-Kristallen trendy besetzt sind, jetzt für Genießer und Schmuck-Flaschen-Sammler auf dem internationalen Markt angeboten.

Die Herstellung erfolgt aus feinstem Weizen und reinem, weichen, kristallklaren Wasser von nordeuropäischen Inseln, das demineralisiert wurde.

Dadurch wird sein sanfter und aromatischer Geschmack erreicht. Geboten wird ein köstlicher Wodka der Premiumklasse von höchster Qualität, teilte das Unternehmen mit.

Im Innern der Flasche befindet sich ein Schutzmantel, welcher den Kontakt von Flasche und Wodka verhindert.

Iordanov Vodka ist nicht nur edel, er schmeckt auch so, verspricht Iordanov Vodka, – „unvergleichlich mild“.

Die Herstellung erfolgt in einer der ältesten Destillen, die auf ganze 150 Jahre Erfahrung zurückblickt.

Die veredelte Flasche hat einen weiteren Vorteil, denn sie ist unzerbrechlich, so dass sie noch lange nach dem Genuss ein luxuriöses Schmuckstück bleibt. Insgesamt 43030 Arbeitsschschritte sind für die Dekadenz-Version notwendig, da jedes Kristall einzeln aufgeklebt wird.

Die Swarovski-Steinchen werden in mühsamer Handarbeit kunstvoll verarbeitet. Der schillernde Glanz der Kristalle soll an den kristallklaren Wodka erinnern und somit den Inhalt der handgefertigten Designerflasche kunstvoll darstellen. Für Kunstsammler ist Iordanov Vodka ein interessantes Designobjekt.

Die 43030 P-Arbeitsschritte sind für die Dekadenz-Version notwendig, da jedes Kristall einzeln aufgeklebt wird.

Weitere und ausführliche Informationen sind im Internet bei www.iordanov.de zu finden.

Angela Merkel: Deutschlands beliebteste Politikerin feiert Geburtstag

Angela Merkel: Deutschlands beliebteste Politikerin feiert Geburtstag

Von Andreas Klamm


Berlin. Heute vor 55 Jahren erblickte Angela Merkel am 17. Juli 1954 in Hamburg das Licht der Welt. Der Vater der Berufspolitikerin hatte die Hoffnung auf eine neues und anderes Deutschland und wechselte den Wohnort von West-Deutschland nach Ost-Deutschland im Land Brandenburg.



Menschen aus aller Welt gratulieren der beliebten Kanzlerin Angela Merkel zum 55jährigen Geburtstag. Foto: Andreas Klamm

Die Tochter eines Pfarrers erlebte eine Bilder-Buch-Karriere, wie kaum eine andere Frau in Deutschland. Nach erfolgreicher Absolvierung der Oberschule und einem Studium als Physikerin wurde die junge Frau mit politischen Ambitionen von Bundeskanzler a. D. Dr. Helmut Kohl zu Beginn der 90er Jahre nach der Fusion der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (DDR) und Bundesrepublik Deutschland entdeckt und gefördert.

Angela Merkel wurde Ministerin für Frauen und Jugend und wenig später Bundesministerin für Umwelt.

Nur wenige Jahre im Anschluss an die Entdeckung von Dr. Helmut Kohl wurde im Jahr 2005 Dr. Angela Merkel als erste Bundeskanzlerin und als Frau in eines der höchsten politischen Ämter in Deutschland gewählt.

Bereits im Verlauf dieser Woche gratulierten Staats- und Regierungs-Chefs aus aller Welt der Kanzlerin zum Geburtstag.

Vom amerikanischen Nachrichten-Magazine „Newsweek“ wurde Angela Merkel erst vor wenigen Wochen erneut zur mächtigsten Frau der Welt gewählt.

Die Lebens-Geschichte von Angela Merkel wird von vielen Menschen als persönliche und deutsche Erfolgs-Geschichte bezeichnet.

In Deutschland und in vielen Teilen Europas wird Angela Merkel als die beliebteste Politikerin in Deutschland bezeichnet.

Menschen aus aller Welt gratulieren bei Deutschland´s größter Tageszeit „Bild“ der Kanzlerin.

Wer der Kanzlerin direkt Geburtsgrüße mittels email schicken möchte kann an email:
InternetPost@bundesregierung.de oder mittels der Internet-Präsentation von Angela Merkel bei http://www.angela-merkel.de/page/46.htm Geburtstags- und Segens-Wünsche an die Regierungschefin schreiben.

Former Christian Coalition Leader Launches Grassroots Organization to Activate Christian Conservatives

Former Christian Coalition Leader Launches Grassroots Organization to Activate Christian Conservatives to Oppose Pres. Obama and the Anti-Christian Anti-American Director of His Leadership

MEDIA ADVISORY, July 14 /Standard Newswire/ — Bishop E.W. Jackson Sr., former spokesperson and a top leader for the Christian Coalition, has launched a new organization – – S.T.A.N.D. [Staying True to America’s National Destiny] — to unify Christians and other conservatives around social and economic issues. However, Bishop Jackson is taking a different approach. „We are mainly interested in impacting the culture,“ says the Bishop. „Political victories can be reversed, but cultural change is lasting.“

Their first major initiative is to make January „AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH“. Says Bishop Jackson, „One of the reasons we lack unity in America is that the Judeo-Christian heritage and values which our Founding Fathers bequeathed us are under attack. Our heritage is lied about, suppressed and ignored in the push toward secularism and relativism. It is being done in Universities, public schools and even by President Obama.“

STAND’s American History Month will celebrate the nobility of American history and our Founders and rebut the lie that America is born of racism, exploitation and capitalistic greed. American History Month will highlight the heroic sacrifice, bold initiative, pioneering spirit, selfless cooperation and faith in God that made America possible. STAND believes that this President is denigrating America’s contribution to the world, denying the role of Christianity in our country, and falsely claiming that Islam is a major contributor to America’s success. „What history books is the President reading?“ asks Jackson.

STAND considers Obama to be symptomatic of the ideological and anti-Christian bias in the teaching of American history. Bishop Jackson asks, „How many people know that one of our war cries during the Revolutionary War was ‚No King but Jesus‘? Precious few, and apparently not the President.“

STAND is also opposing Obama’s healthcare reform, which it calls „a veiled government takeover of healthcare.“ Bishop Jackson argues, „If the government takes over healthcare, everything will be rationed except abortion. The conscience objection will be eliminated, and abortion will increase like a plague upon the land.“ STAND wants to end abortion in America. It is also against Cap & Trade as „an insane burden“ on an already crippled economy. Its members are contacting their Senators to make their sentiments known on these issues.

Judicial Watch Raises Ethics Concerns about Judge Sotomayor

Judicial Watch Raises Ethics Concerns about Judge Sotomayor

Prejudicial Statements, Discriminatory Affiliation and Improper Political Activities In Violation of Judicial Code of Conduct

WASHINGTON, July 8 /Standard Newswire/ — Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it sent a letter of complaint on July 7 to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions (R-AL) expressing concern that Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor has repeatedly violated the Judicial Code of Conduct through her statements and behavior and is therefore unfit to serve on the High Court.

According to the letter signed by Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton:

„I write to you out of concern that out-of-court statements and activity by Judge Sonia Sotomayor violate various provisions of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges („Code of Conduct“). In fact, Judge Sotomayor may be in violation of the Code of Conduct as a result of the following:

· Repeated prejudicial and racist comments.

· Recent membership in an organization that practices „invidious discrimination“ based on sex.

· Improper political activity.

The Judicial Code of Conduct notes that the duty to „act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary applies to all the judge’s activities, including the discharge of the judge’s adjudicative and administrative responsibilities. The duty to be respectful includes the responsibility to avoid comment or behavior that could reasonably be interpreted as harassment, prejudice or bias.“

Judge Sotomayor’s statements and activities, Judicial Watch contends, have repeatedly violated this and other canons of the Code of Conduct. Among the evidence presented by Judicial Watch to support its contention:

Sotomayor’s Prejudiced and Racist Comments: During an October 2001 speech at the University of California Berkeley, Sotomayor said the following: „I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.“ Judge Sotomayor has also promoted the idea that „gender and national origins“ of judges „may and will make a difference in our judging.“

Sotomayor’s Membership in an Organization That Practices „Invidious Discrimination“ Based on Sex: According to Canon 2 (c) of the Judicial Code of Conduct: „A judge should not hold membership in any organization that practices invidious discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, or national origin.“ Judge Sotomayor recently resigned her membership from the Belizean Grove, a private organization consisting entirely of professional women that claims to represent the counterweight to the „elite old boys‘ network.“ In her recent Senate questionnaire Judge Sotomayor wrote the following with respect to her organizational affiliations: „None of the above organizations, other than the Belizean Grove, discriminates on the basis of race, sex, religion, or national origin.“ Judge Sotomayor stated that the group does not „invidiously“ discriminate but the evidence seems otherwise.

Sotomayor’s Improper Political Activity: On April 17, 2009, Judge Sotomayor made a political speech to the Black, Latino, Asian Pacific American Law Alumni Association. Among the statements made by Judge Sotomayor during that speech: „The wide coalition of groups that joined forces to elect America’s first Afro- American President was awe inspiring in both the passion the members of the coalition exhibited in their efforts and the discipline they showed in the execution of their goals… Our challenge as lawyers and court related professionals and staff, as citizens of the world is to keep the spirit of the common joy we shared on November 4 alive in our everyday existence.“

Canon 5 of the Code of Conduct plainly states that „A judge should refrain from political activity,“ and that a judge should not „publicly endorse or oppose a candidate for public office.“

„Judge Sotomayor seems to be in violation of the ethical guidelines that governs the conduct of judges. Frankly, this apparent misconduct ought to give the Judiciary Committee and the full Senate further reason to reject her nomination for the High Court,“ stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

Visit www.JudicialWatch.org to read Judicial Watch’s letter to Senators Leahy and Sessions in its entirety.

Christian Author Shares How Getting a Husband Starts with Thinking Like a Wife

Christian Author Shares How Getting a Husband Starts with Thinking Like a Wife

PHILADELPHIA, July 15 /Christian Newswire/ — Ironically, the very thing keeping most single women from getting a man to pop the question is the fact that they’re „single“ women.

That is to say, the fact that they’re thinking like single women, as opposed to their married counterparts, according to Christine Pembleton in her debut book Lord, I’m Ready to be a Wife (Josephine Communications, June 2009).

„The ’single woman‘ is someone who has her own purpose–like a career or ministry–and it’s something that she can do by herself,“ said Pembleton, who took her wedding vows nearly four years ago. „She doesn’t really have time for a relationship and, if she does, it’s not her priority because she’s so wrapped up in doing her own thing.“

Pembleton said she’s not knocking women for pursuing their professional and personal goals. In fact, Pembleton–who is a minister, Internet radio talk show host, and an IT industry professional– encourages it. However, she is convinced that inflexibility and overly unilateral thinking has prevented many potentially fabulous wives and mothers from catching the eye of Mr. Right.

„The problem with the ’single woman‘ is that she is not willing to let go of her thing to focus on our thing,“ she said. „Working on ‚our‘ thing is precisely what marriage is all about. So single women sometimes make it hard for men to see them as wife material.“

Lord, I’m Ready to be a Wife challenges unmarried women to examine the reasons why they want to be married, the attributes of a wife, what they should be looking for in a potential mate, and even a few long-held traditions and rules about dating, such as the ever-popular „list.“

„This book will help the single woman get out of her own way, so that the right man–a good, godly man– will recognize her as his wife when he sees her,“ said Pembleton. „It will definitely equip and empower every woman to be the very best that God has created her to be, while she waits for the man who will make her his queen.“

For media interviews, book signings, or engagements, contact Genikwa R. Williams at 888- 390-0226, Ext. 3 or media@readytobeawife.com.

Grand Canyon University Adds Masters Program Christian Studies Added to Growing Liberal Arts Curriculum

Grand Canyon University Adds Masters Program Christian Studies Added to Growing Liberal Arts Curriculum

PHOENIX, July 15 /Christian Newswire/ — To help professionals who are pursuing a higher calling, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is introducing a master of arts degree in Christian studies to enhance communications, leadership and organizational skills that are essential building blocks for a strong ministry.

„With our Christian foundation and advanced online curricula, we’re the ideal institution for those who are in Christian outreach to take their ministry to the next level,“ said GCU Dean of College of Liberal Arts Lisa St. Louis. „A masters program enables us to offer our students – many whom are working professionals located throughout the country – a way to do this through strong online curricula.“

GCU has a well-established undergraduate program in Christian studies, and incorporates Christian principles into many of its other degree programs. The University’s course offerings in youth, urban and intercultural ministry are relevant to the real-world challenges faced by pastors and other Christian community leaders today.

„Many of our students have been asking for a master’s level program in Christian studies, and with our rich history the advanced program is a natural progression for us,“ St. Louis said.

GCU’s Master of Arts in Christian Studies will utilize biblical studies as the foundation, and an understanding of theology, philosophy and Christian history as the framework for communicating Christ to various audiences. Students will build their communications, leadership and organizational skills in order to enhance their ministry. The degree will be offered as an online program beginning with the fall 2009 semester.

About Grand Canyon University
Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a traditional regionally accredited, private, Christian university offering campus-based and online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. As an NCAA-competitive university, GCU offers more sports programs than any other higher education institution in Arizona. The Phoenix-based school is ranked as having one of the top online education programs by OEDb (Online Education Database). GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional. For more information visit www.gcu.edu.

Straight Talk on Life: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s Manipulative Mendacity

Straight Talk on Life: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s Manipulative Mendacity

OPINION, July 15 /Christian Newswire/ — The following is submitted by Judie Brown, president of American Life League:

When I was growing up, one of the things my parents taught me, by example and instruction, was never to move off the goal, regardless of how many distractions might come in the course of a given day. I really paid attention to that, so I used to practice music four hours daily and get my homework completed before I ever thought about going out to play or eating a snack. Those are lessons I carry with me today, and when I read something like the commentary Kathleen Kennedy Townsend just wrote, I wish that she had been taught the same lesson on focus. She clearly lacks it!

In her Newsweek „web exclusive“ titled „Without a doubt: Why Barack Obama represents American Catholics better than the pope does,“ www.newsweek.com/id/205961 she propounds a theory that should put every practicing American Catholic at odds with her impudent thinking. She is not only misguided, but intentionally deceptive.

She tells the reader that while it is clear that Obama and the pope disagree on „reproductive freedoms and homosexuality,“ the „Catholics back home won’t care because they know Obama’s on their side. In fact, Obama’s agenda is closer to their views than even the pope’s.“

„Reproductive freedoms,“ for those unfamiliar with the culture of death’s propaganda, is a code phrase for abortion on demand, sex instruction in schools, birth control for kids, and all manner of bizarre propositions that help the purveyors of smut to define the human person as an animal incapable of self-control. One need only read a single comment from Planned Parenthood’s founder, Margaret Sanger, to get a whiff of where Kennedy Townsend is headed: www.catholiceducation.org/articles/sexuality/ se0057.html

„Through sex, mankind may attain the great spiritual illumination which will transform the world, which will light up the only path to an earthly paradise. So must we necessarily and inevitably conceive of sex- expression.“

The proponents of this warped thinking, which places the human being on the same plane as your pet dog or cat, have several goals that Kennedy Townsend does not mention. She is dedicated to discrediting the pope, so she does not address the full-fledged Obama agenda.

One can easily tell that her thought process has little to do with Catholic identity and, in fact, is contrary to all that is Catholic. There is no other explanation for her inane claim that President Obama is somehow more in tune with American Catholics than the pope who is, after all, the Vicar of Christ on earth.

In her attempt to discredit the papacy, Kennedy Townsend gives us her interpretation of the Holy Father’s magnificent new encyclical letter, Caritas in Veritate. www.zenit.org/article-26386?l=english. Of course, she wants her readers to believe that the encyclical is all about giving „moral credence“ to Obama’s „progressive politics“ when, in fact, the encyclical’s message is something else entirely. As the Holy Father states repeatedly, the proper understanding and appreciation of the human person’s dignity and extraordinary value are foundational to the proper approach to economic and social life.

Without respect for the human person, it is impossible to bring about a just society, and in a just society, there is no room for heinous crimes such as abortion. This is the underlying theme of the entire encyclical, which Kennedy Townsend apparently overlooked entirely.

From there, it doesn’t take long for Kennedy Townsend to throw down the gauntlet and verbally crucify the Holy Father, as she extols the Kennedy family’s hierarchy of values: the radical feminist version of women’s equality, militant homosexual activists‘ „cry for justice,“ contraception for one and all, and, of course, abortion.

In this diatribe, Kennedy Townsend’s distortion of the truth inherent in Catholic teaching on these matters clearly reflects her personal malice. She misrepresents the intentions that have been foundational to the teaching of Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and demeans and sullies the reputations of all three.

Her comments on these popes are nothing short of scurrilous. I am positive that she writes in this manner to justify her personal lack of faith in the one true Church and do all she can to lead others astray. She also aims to garner support from other „Obama-ites“ who agree with her discombobulated view of what it means to be a Catholic.

Kennedy Townsend is obviously a Catholic dissenter, and this is perhaps why she claims that Pope Benedict XVI, like his predecessors, is „part of this culture that silences dissent.“ She is wrong on this point as well. If she were correct, Father John Jenkins, the University of Notre Dame’s president who proudly hosted President Obama as a commencement speaker, http://president.nd.edu/about-the-office/presidents- biography would have been silenced; Father John Paris, SJ, http://catholicexchange.com/2007/12/17/91865/ who approves of euthanizing people, would have been silenced; and I could go on and on with similar examples. But rather than doing so, just read my book Saving Those Damned Catholics: A Defense of Catholic Teaching. http://americanlifeleague.stores.yahoo.net/ sathdacasbo.html I have already sent an autographed copy of it to Kennedy Townsend.

I have to tell you that Judie Brown is not the only one disgusted with the Kennedy Townsend’s impudence. Deal Hudson, no stranger to controversy himself, has aired his disdain as well. In his commentary on her tirade, he wrote, http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=6438&Itemid=80

Townsend’s argument is this: Obama promotes contraception, therefore his „agenda is closer to their views than even the pope’s.“ OK, fair enough, but the answer to Townsend is „so what?“

Does this mean that the Church and its Holy Father should henceforth change its teaching on contraception and embrace Obama as an agent of „change“ within the Church? No, it means the opposite: The Church should do a better job of teaching and evangelization so that the pervasive dissent on issues like contraception and gay marriage is effectively addressed.

Church leadership needs to wake up and realize the impact of the Obama presidency on the parish, the chancery, and even the Vatican. This game of footsy Catholic leaders are playing with Obama is empowering Catholic dissenters like Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.

Hudson is correct. Either the opinions of deluded „Catholic“ public figures such as Kennedy Townsend will become commonplace, or fundamental Catholic moral teaching will be forcefully placed in the forefront of the political landscape by the very men called to that vocation: the U.S. bishops.

And that brings me to my final comment on Kennedy Townsend’s manipulative mendacity: Where are the bishops? Where are the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops bureaucrats in charge of giving Catholic bishops the daily news and writing statements for them to issue when someone attacks the pope as Kennedy Townsend has? Where is the bishops‘ collegiality when the very truth upon which the Catholic Church stands is being verbally assaulted by a renegade rabble-rouser?

Maybe nobody’s there at the USCCB office anymore. If not, call me! I will be happy to come and volunteer!

Sonia Sotomayor and Abortion: Pro-life Protests at Supreme Court and Elsewhere

Sonia Sotomayor and Abortion: Pro-life Protests at Supreme Court and Elsewhere against Sotomayor July 11-14. Catholics Beg D.C. Archbishop Wuerl to Withhold Communion from Catholic Senators who Vote for Sotomayor

Protests will include „Sotomayor lookalike,“ with a grim reaper sickle; child coffins with „dead children“ inside, and more.

(Full schedule below.)

WASHINGTON, July 11 /Christian Newswire/ — The following is submitted by Randal Terry:

Schedule of events:

1) Saturday, July 11, 5:00 P.M., St. Matthews Cathedral

Vigil outside of St. Matthew’s Cathedral, (1725 Rhode Island Ave NW Washington, DC 20036 Washington D.C.) pleading with Archbishop Wuerl to withhold communion from Catholic Senators who vote to confirm Sotomayor.

We will be joined by Norma McCorvey, the former „Jane Roe“ of Roe vs. Wade.

2) Sunday, July 12 Vigils, St. Matthew’s Cathedral.

Mass Times: 8:30, 10:00, 11:30, 1:00.

3) Supreme Court Protest. Sunday, July 12, 2:30 P.M.

Rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, calling on pro- life Senators to filibuster Sotomayor.

4) July 13-15, daily protests in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Each day will have a different theme.

On Monday, a Sotomayor look alike will parade around with a „Sickle of Death,“ showing Sotomayor’s support of the slaughter of unborn children. There will also be child coffins holding „dead babies.“

Randall Terry States:

„We are tired of Senators using unborn babies to seduce pro-lifers before elections – taking pro-lifers‘ volunteer labor, money, and votes – only to cast us and the babies aside like an embarrassing mistress after an election. It is disgusting.

„Any pro-life Senator who votes for Sotomayor is turning their back on unborn children and continuing this holocaust. They can’t say, ‚I want to overturn Roe,‘ and then confirm a Supreme Court Judge who will uphold Roe. To do so is hypocrisy, cowardice, and treachery of the first order.

„But it is not enough to vote against Sotomayor; pro- life Senators from both parties must filibuster her. Whether they win or lose, it is a battle worth fighting for the sake of innocent children.“

ALSO: More protests will occur next week against Sotomayor in various cities across the nation.

See www.OverturnRoe.com for more details.

Prayer Vigil at Supreme Court on Eve of Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings — Vigil on Sunday, July 12, at 6:30 PM

Prayer Vigil at Supreme Court on Eve of Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings — Vigil on Sunday, July 12, at 6:30 PM

WASHINGTON, July 12 /Christian Newswire/ — The Christian Defense Coalition will hold a prayer vigil at the Supreme Court on the eve of the Judge Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings.

The vigil will be on Sunday, July 12, at 6:30 P.M. in front of the steps of the United States Supreme Court.

The Sotomayor confirmation hearings begin on Monday, July 13.

Participants will leave roses at the court to remember and draw attention to the over 50,000,000 innocent children that have died from abortions and to pray that Judge Sotomayor embraces justice and human rights.

They will also be praying from Proverbs 21:1 which says, „The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water, he turns it wherever he will.“

If confirmed, Judge Sonia Sotomayor will have impact on legal decisions for a generation to come.

On Thursday, July 9, the Christian Defense Coalition and Faith and Action held a prayer and anointing service outside of Hart 216 where the Sotomayor confirmation hearings will take place. You may view this prayer and anointing service online at http://qik.com/video/2134568

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, „On July 13, the confirmation hearings begin for Judge Sonia Sotomayor who is being considered for the next Supreme Court Justice. If confirmed, her decisions will impact generations to come.

„In response to this, we are gathering at the Supreme Court to pray that God will direct the hearings and guide the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We will be praying that the truth will be brought out about the record of Judge Sotomayor.

„We will also be praying that if she is confirmed, God will direct her heart to embrace justice and our founding principles. These founding principles support a culture of life, family and freedom of religion.

„We are asking Christians across the nation pray Proverbs 21:1, which proclaims that God can direct and guide those in power. The faith community is not powerless in this process and we believe that God can change and lead the heart of Sonia Sotomayor to make decisions that affirm justice and equality.

„Through prayer, Judge Sotomayor could be the vote that brings down Roe v. Wade.

„We will also be leaving roses to remember the over 50,000,000 children that have died through abortion and call upon the Supreme Court to live up to the words etched on the outside of their building; ‚Equal Justice Under Law.'“

For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741 202.547.1735

African American Pro-Life Group Holds Protest at NAACP

African American Pro-Life Group Holds Protest at NAACP

NEW YORK, July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — LEARN Northeast the Life Education and Resource Network will be holding demonstrations at this year’s Centennial NAACP National Convention, July 13 through the 16, in New York City. This year’s convention marks 100 years of this prestigious civil rights organization.

„The NAACP continues to ignore the severe health ramifications for women who have abortions,“ said Rev. Clenard H. Childress Jr, the director of LEARN Northeast and founder of the infamous pro-life website Blackgenocide.org. „A disproportionate number are African American. African American women now lead the nation in miscarriages and the rise in breast cancer among African American women is epidemic. Multiple studies find this is due directly to abortions, especially among women who abort in their first pregnancy.“

„With the present administration’s aggressive abortion agenda it is ever more imperative that the NAACP inform its body of the decimating effects of abortion on the Afro-American community,“ stated Rev. Childress.

Alan Guttmaucher reports that for every two African- American women that get pregnant, one will choose to abort. Each day 1,786 African American children are aborted. According to the US Census of 2006 African Americans are at 1.96 birth rate which is beneath the replacement level of 2.1.

„The organization founded for the national advancement of colored people is working in conjunction with the ideology of racist population control groups which advocates the national depletion of colored people, such as Planned Parenthood,“ stated Rev. Childress. „How else can you explain the continual censoring and disregard for their own chapters resolutions and by-laws by the national board? America should not at all be surprised at the retired Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg comments. Roe vs. Wade was about reducing the numbers of African Americans specifically.“

This Sunday the New York Times published an interview with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Quoting from Justice Ginsburg in the article, „Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.“

Since 2004 the NAACP has repeatedly censored resolutions submitted by the Macon and Dayton Chapters of the NAACP. LEARN again will be partnering with the Center for Bioethical Reform who will provide 12X4 foot signs to be displayed outside the convention along with a truck that will circle the area. The new documentary film by Life Dynamics MAAFA will be distributed to delegates and pastors.

„There is nothing on earth that exposes the racism of Planned Parenthood and the true intent of abortion providers, like this movie stated,“ Damon Owens of Joy filled Marriage NJ. „This is going to have an impact!“

The Most Pro-Life State Gains Momentum for Personhood Initiative as Lt Governor Signs On

The Most Pro-Life State Gains Momentum for Personhood Initiative as Lt Governor Signs On

JACKSON, Miss., July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — The Personhood Initiative in Mississippi has recently gain significant momentum because of national personhood efforts emerging around the country. Mississippi has long been known as the most „pro-life“ state in America and could be the first state to affirm the personhood rights of all humans.

Lt Governor Phil Bryant also gave this effort a boost by endorsing the effort and signing the petition. He joined a growing and diverse group of political, church, and community leaders from across the state who are getting behind this effort.

The Personhood Initiative is sponsored by the coalition named Personhood Mississippi, and has the legal backing of the Liberty Council and the Thomas Moore Law Center.

The grassroots volunteers have until January 2010 to gather roughly 90,000 signatures equally distributed among the congressional districts. But their goal is to have the signatures by Oct. 1, 2009 to place Personhood Initiative #26 on the November 2010 ballot.

Personhood Mississippi is mainly focusing on gathering the required signatures in churches all across the State.

„If this amendment becomes law, the rights that we as Mississippians enjoy, to not have our lives, liberty, or property taken without due process of law would be extended to the smallest and most helpless human beings in our state. This is not only an anti-abortion, anti-cloning measure, but ultimately an equal rights law as well.“ said Les Riley Personhood Initiative sponsor.

When asked about Roe v Wade, Riley continued that „Roe v Wade is not only an affront to God, but it is also one of the worst judicial overreaches in the history of the Republic. Illegitimate, illegal, and unconstitutional Court decisions should be challenged. If passed, the Mississippi Personhood Amendment would set up just such a challenge.“

Revolutionary New Christian Online Social Media & Web 2.0 Network Announces Major Release

Revolutionary New Christian Online Social Media & Web 2.0 Network Announces Major Release

Multi-faceted global I-Church Network (www.ichurchnetwork.com) platform is designed to reach millions while offering exciting features powered by affordable cutting edge technologies.

FORT MYERS, Fla., July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — A new and exciting social networking system – complete with the most advanced online media features – has just announced a major release and upgrade. The new and improved I-ChurchNetwork promises to redefine, reconnect, and revitalize the global Christian community by bringing individuals and churches closer together with futuristic technology that is exceptionally sophisticated – but entirely user-friendly.

The I-ChurchNetwork is the first of its kind faith-based social movement designed to reach millions of people worldwide through an interactive online network. Now Christians everywhere – and their families, friends, and congregations – can enjoy online videos, blogs, MP3 music and message downloads, and even their own dedicated and customized email service.

„I-Church is run by a team of Christians,“ explains spokesperson John Allen. „We are passionate about bringing a social and academic movement to individuals, churches, ministries, schools, vendors, performing artists, and various organizations.“

Users can, for example, post their event announcements and calendars. They can participate in local or international discussion groups and forums, meet new people, or upload and download sermons. Church leaders can maintain a private network to facilitate fellowship and ministry management. Young people can use I-Church as their social gathering site, exchanging messages and posting profiles with the confidence that the environment is not just fun but also safe, secure, and uplifting. There is even an online store for users to sell products, and all members can join the network for free.

Sotomayor is Unfit to Serve

Sotomayor is Unfit to Serve

WASHINGTON, July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — As Senate hearings are underway this morning to consider the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, Operation Rescue releases the following statement, attributable to Troy Newman:

„We are blessed to live in a nation that is founded on the rule of law with protection for certain inalienable rights, including the precious right to life. Without this right, the rest of our laws are meaningless.

„Unfortunately, in our country today, that right is routinely ignored while vulnerable human beings in the earliest stages of their existence are deprived daily of their right to life through abortion with the consent of a 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, that many now agree was wrongly decided.

„Judge Sotomayor has shown disregard for the lives of these individuals with her personal support for abortion. She has also shown a disturbing propensity for allowing her personal beliefs to impact her legal decisions. It is clear that she would further the injustice of abortion by upholding the errant Roe decision and would continue to deprive the most vulnerable among us of their right to life.

„This makes her unfit to serve on our nation’s highest court.

„The latest polls show that the majority of Americans now identify themselves as „pro-life“ and especially oppose abortions done after the first trimester of pregnancy. Judge Sotomayor’s views on abortion and rule of law are out of step with the American people and out of step with common decency and compassion that would abhor the violence of abortion and work instead to build a society where killing babies for convenience is considered the unthinkable evil that it truly is.

„For this reason, Operation Rescue opposes the confirmation of Judge Sotomayor, and will encourage the new pro-life majority of the American people to immediately contact their Senators to voice their opposition to this nominee as well.“

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.

Richard Viguerie: All Issues at Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings Boil Down to One

Richard Viguerie: All Issues at Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings Boil Down to One

MANASSAS, Va., July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, concerning the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor:

„Some Republican senators are finally hinting at the one issue that could dominate and make uniquely historic the Sotomayor hearings. As longtime Chicago- way Obama advisor David Axelrod said in a May 26, 2009 interview, the President nominated Sotomayor because ‚he wanted someone whose philosophy of judging was his,‘ which was to ‚adapt‘ – meaning change – ‚constitutional principles and law.‘

„That is a shocking admission of Obama’s views, which go beyond judicial activism and undermine our constitutional structure based in separation of limited, enumerated powers.

„Judge Sotomayor’s rulings, whether dealing with the 1st Amendment, 2nd Amendment, private property rights, criminal law, use of foreign law, race, equal protection, and other areas of law, demonstrate that she is consistently ‚empathetic‘ in favor of government power.

„In her speeches, Sotomayor has said policy is made by the courts, which affirms her view shared with Obama that judges may and should make law. That, however, usurps the powers of the people’s elected representatives.

„All senators have a serious, constitutional obligation to the American people to explore in great detail such a dangerous and radical view of judicial power, especially for Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee.

„President Obama is a statist. The real debate is no longer whether he is a socialist, but whether his ideology is authoritarian. The views of judicial power shared by Obama and Sotomayor are inconsistent with the Constitution itself, and that should disqualify this nominee for the highest and in some cases last forum to protect individual rights and prevent authoritarian government, which America’s founders feared.

„These hearings are an opportunity for Republicans to define Obama, which they and John McCain’s campaign failed to do in the 2008 election.“

NOTE TO EDITORS: Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called „one of the creators of the modern conservative movement“ (The Nation magazine) and one of the „conservatives of the century“ (The Washington Times).

11 Christians Murdered in Weekend Attacks — Seven Believers Beheaded in Somalia; Four Killed in Violence in Iraq

11 Christians Murdered in Weekend Attacks — Seven Believers Beheaded in Somalia; Four Killed in Violence in Iraq

SANTA ANA, Calif., July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — At least 11 Christians were killed in attacks in Somalia and Iraq over the weekend.

Al-Shabaab, Somalia’s hard-line insurgents, reportedly beheaded seven Somalis for being „Christians“ and „spies.“ This news was announced by Reuters News Agency on Friday. The report stated that the incident took place in the south- central town of Baidoa.

In Iraq, the Associated Press reported a car bomb exploded near a church in Baghdad, killing three Christians and a Muslim. Another Christian was killed in the northern city of Kirkuk. Several more churches were also bombed in Baghdad over the weekend.

The Reuters report from Somalia pointed out that although al-Shabaab has carried out similar severe punishments in regions under its control, these executions allegedly are the largest number done at the same time.

Somalia is believed to have a 99.95% Islamic following. There are only a handful Somali Christians inside the country and they have been forced underground. Some Christians have taken refuge in neighboring countries.

These decapitations follow an incident in Mogadishu on June 25 in which al-Shabaab amputated a hand and a leg each of four teenagers accused of stealing mobile phones and other possessions. With these actions al-Shabaab is extending its reign of terror across Somalia.

Somalia is ranked No. 5 on this year’s Open Doors World Watch List which ranks the top persecutors of Christians. The previous year Somalia was ranked No. 12.

„Those who come to Christ in Somalia do so at a huge risk. Most of them are Muslim Background Believers who face unbelievable pressure and persecution, even death as reported this weekend,“ says Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller.

„Somalia desperately needs our prayers as conditions deteriorate. This country needs both physical and spiritual nourishment. Please join me in praying for the tremendous needs of Somalia and for the few brave believers inside the country.“

Iraq Christians Living In Fear

The car bomb detonated outside the Virgin Mary Church in east Baghdad. In addition to the four deaths, at least 16 others were wounded in the attack, according to the Los Angeles Times. The paper also reported five other bombs were exploded outside churches around Baghdad on Saturday night and Sunday.

CNN reported a gunman shot and killed Rizko Aziz Nissan on Sunday morning outside his home in central Kirkuk. Nissan was an Iraqi Christian, but the motives behind his killing were not immediately clear since he was also a government official.

One survivor of one of the bombings in Iraq told CNN that „if this (violence) continues, there will be no Christians left in Iraq.“

Although it is difficult to state how many Iraqi Christians are in the country, the number in 2003, prior to the fall of Saddam Hussein, was around 550,000. Church leaders in Iraq conservatively estimate that almost 165,000 Christians live outside Iraq – in Syria, Jordan or the West – and that another 70,000 have fled to northern Iraq. That means less than 400,000 Christians remain in mainland Iraq. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that at least 2 million Iraqis have fled the country since 2003 and another 2 million are displaced inside the country.

„With U.S. troops pulling back from cities on July 1 and these weekend bombings, Iraqi Christians fear that this could mark a resurgence of anti-Christian violence,“ says Moeller. „Christians have always been caught in the crossfire in Iraq. Many have fled the country. We need to lift up in prayer those who remain. They are scared and living in daily fear. Please pray that these bombings will end and believers can worship in peace.“
An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world’s most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.

(For more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org).

Scarborough Calls for Overthrow of Obama’s Czars

Scarborough Calls for Overthrow of Obama’s Czars

WASHINGTON, July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — Originally, the word „czar“ referred to an autocratic ruler with despotic powers – the very antithesis of democracy.

„That’s the way Obama’s czars operate,“ said Vision America President Rick Scarborough. „His czars are unelected and unaccountable. They have too much money and power, and are remaking America in ways none of us could have imagined.“

Scarborough noted that whereas most of his predecessors had one or two „czars,“ President Obama has 34 and counting. Each is paid over $172,000 annually plus benefits and has a staff of 10 or more.

„Pay Czar“ Kenneth Feinberg (who’s 31-years-old, drives a foreign car and has no executive experience) can set the pay of executives at any company that receives bailout money.

„Science Czar“ John Holdren once supported compulsory population-control, including forced- abortion, to fight what’s termed over-population.

„Obama is afflicted by Czar-mania, „Scarborough said. „By appointing these czars, often with powers exceeding those of cabinet-level officials, the president has avoided the Senate confirmation process, as set forth in Article II, Section 2.“

In this regard, Scarborough shares the concerns of ranking Senate Democrat Robert Byrd, who also questions the constitutionality of whole the czar-ist system.

Scarborough noted that Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA) has filed a bill requiring confirmation of Obama’s czars and withholding funding from their bureaucratic empires until that happens.

Vision America President Rick Scarborough is also the moderator of a growing STOP Obama Coalition, dedicated to maintaining Constitutional government.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Scarborough, contact Catherine Rouse at 936-560-3900 or catherine@visionamerica.us

Abortion and Sotomayor Hearings Arrests: Former ‚Jane Roe‘ of Roe vs. Wade Arrested with 3; Next: Desecrate Roe

Abortion and Sotomayor Hearings Arrests: Former ‚Jane Roe‘ of Roe vs. Wade Arrested with 3; Next: Desecrate Roe

WASHINGTON, July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — Today Norma McCorvey, the former „Roe“ in Roe vs. Wade, was arrested with three other pro-life advocates at Sotomayor hearings as they decried abortion.

Norma McCorvey, formally the „Jane Roe“ of the Roe vs. Wade decision – that led to the death of over 50 million children by abortion – was arrested at the Sotomayor hearings for speaking out against child- killing by abortion.

Miss McCorvey has become a strident pro-life advocate, calling on government officials to overturn the landmark case that „legalized“ child-killing. She was arrested with: Francis Mahoney, Andrew Beacham, and Robert James.

All of those arrested „preached“ or „prophesied“ to the Senators and the crowd that child-killing by abortion must be made illegal again.

Next on the agenda:

„Desecrate Roe“ Event Details—

Where: Corner of 1st and C St., near Dirksen Senate Building entrance, Washington D.C.

When: 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 14

Who: Norma McCorvey, Randall Terry and other DC area leaders and pro-lifers

Pro-life advocates will gather at the Dirksen building at the corner of 1st and C St., to publicly desecrate the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision. Joining her will be Randall Terry, Missy Smith, and other local pro- life leaders.

Randall Terry states, „Victory over child-killing requires courage and leadership from ‚pro-life‘ Senators from both parties. It is long overdue for so called ‚pro-life‘ Senators to fulfill their campaign promises. They claim they want to overturn Roe; well, now is the time to see if they will defend the babies, or submit like cowards to Obama.

„Republican ‚Pro-life‘ Senators bear special responsibility in this; they shamelessly prostitute Roe vs. Wade and babies lives. Does ‚GOP‘ stand for ‚Good Ol‘ Pimps‘? Or will GOP Senators actually fight in this life and death struggle? They need to filibuster Sotomayor.“

Will there be more arrests? To be seen…

Contact Kathy Veritas at 406-570-1802 to schedule an interview with Norma McCorvey.

Gospel Dream: TV Talent Search Series–Idol®-Style Trio of Judges Bring Reality of ‚Hard Knocks‘ to Hopefuls

Gospel Dream: TV Talent Search Series–Idol®-Style Trio of Judges Bring Reality of ‚Hard Knocks‘ to Hopefuls

New Episodes of „Gospel Dream“ Premiere Weds. Nights at 10 pm ET/9pm CT on Gospel Music Channel

ATLANTA, July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — Viewers of the Gospel Music Channel television network (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) American Idol®- style summer series, Gospel Dream, will have immediately spotted the reminiscent touch of Simon Cowell style ‚career advice‘ coming from behind the judge’s table. Like Cowell, Mitchell Solarek, who sits among the trio of judges, is not one for pulling punches on his delivery.

„I don’t intentionally approach my judging to bring ‚hard knocks‘ into anyone’s life but this is a reality series– and the reality is that the music industry is full of hard knocks,“ noted Solarek in a recent interview. „We are looking for the one ultimate Gospel Dream winner who we feel is worth the risk of having significant money invested in their music career and who is ready to step up to the plate and deliver on that investment.“

Gospel Dream hopefuls are this season getting advice from a panel of judges who definitely have the streets creds to identity the ultimate „winner“ amid the talented field of contestants. One of the music industry’s most respected personal managers, Solarek is founder of Maximum Artist Management. The Nashville-based agency represents a diverse roster of major label artists, among them current top female artist in contemporary Christian music, Natalie Grant. He shares the judges‘ platform with two additional heavyweights in the arena of qualifications. Michelle Williams, GRAMMY© Award winning artist who launched her career as a part of mainstream group sensation, Destiny’s Child, and J. Moss, a gifted songwriter, singer, record producer and arranger whose career has had a major impact in the gospel, soul, hip-hop and R&B genres.

Solarek feels that in this fourth season of „Gospel Dream“ the talent is hitting new levels.

„Gospel Dream has gained respect over the first three seasons as a real forum to launch major careers in music and I think that affected raising the bar on the talent we saw this spring in auditions,“ commented Solarek.

What are viewers tuning into Gospel Dream this summer seeing? „A much broader and more diverse side of gospel music than in any other season,“ notes Solarek. „Gospel reaches across many genres, and in auditions over nine major cities this spring, we saw music presented in everything from pop to soul to Latin and country formats. Viewers are seeing the best that we saw–right down to ten finalists that all have tremendous potential to have full-fledged careers in music. It makes it a little more challenging for the judges to decide a winner this season–but it’s a process that will definitely engage viewers.“

New episodes of Gospel Dream are seen on GMC Wednesday nights at 10:00 P.M. ET/9:00 CT. The series was created by Executive Producer, Elvin Ross, who is also the series‘ executive producer and musical director. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest growing network in television and can be seen in 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV Channel 338, and on Verizon FiOS Channel 224.

Multi-Platinum Selling Group ‚Diamond Rio‘ Mark Christian Music Debut with ‚The Reason‘ Streeting Sept. 22

Multi-Platinum Selling Group ‚Diamond Rio‘ Mark Christian Music Debut with ‚The Reason‘ Streeting Sept. 22

NASHVILLE, July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — After two decades of making music, acclaimed six time vocal group of the year and GRAMMY® nominated Diamond Rio are unveiling their 11th album and first full length Christian record The Reason on Word Records on Sept. 22.

Over the years, each member of Diamond Rio has heard God’s calling through a myriad of experiences and it’s those joys and challenges that are reflected in the songs on this new album. For example, member Dana Williams in the wake of his pastor’s death wrote the poignant „What Are We Going to Do Now“ where as the track „Moments of Heaven“ was penned with the idea of family, friendships and more granting us moments of „Heaven on earth.“

Making this transition from mainstream county music to a Christian deal with Word Records was an organic progression for the band that has been known for such positive hits as „I Believe,“ „Mama Don’t Forget to Pray for Me“ and „One More Day.“

„We’re revealing who we are. We’re not preaching. We’re not preachers, but we’re saying, ‚This is who I am and I’m proud of it,'“ says member Jimmy Olander. „God is working and we’re here for a reason.“

Diamond Rio teamed up to write with some of the Christian industry’s most recognizable songwriters for their newest recording including Matthew West (Rascal Flatts, Point of Grace), Bernie Herms (Casting Crowns) and Chris Eaton (Vince Gill, Margaret Becker).

„We’ve gone to great efforts to try to make sure we’ve written a record that’s from the heart,“ adds Olander. „These songs share what we believe in. This is who we are.“

The Reason’s first single „God Is There,“ an anthem of hope and a powerful reminder in troubled times, will impact radio on Jul. 31.

The autobiography Beautiful Mess from Thomas Nelson will coincide with the album release of The Reason. The band’s first book chronicles both their personal and professional legacy.

Formed in 1984, Diamond Rio features lead singer Marty Roe, guitarist Jimmy Olander, drummer Brian Prout, keyboardist Dan Truman, bassist/harmony Dana Williams and Gene Johnson on mandolin/harmony. The band has sold over 10 million albums earning three platinum and five gold records. Their last recording, A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines, marked their debut with Word Records.

Richard Viguerie: Sotomayor Already on Defensive About Views Shared with Obama

Richard Viguerie: Sotomayor Already on Defensive About Views Shared with Obama

MANASSAS, Va., July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, concerning President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings:

„Judge Sotomayor’s opening statement reflects she is already being defensive about the judicial philosophy she shares with President Obama, as expressed in my earlier news release („All Issues at Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings Boil Down To One‘).

„She said, ‚Senators have asked me about my judicial philosophy. It is simple: fidelity to the law.‘

„Was anyone expecting her to tell senators that her judicial philosophy was ‚infidelity‘ to the law?

„Fidelity to the law is not a judicial philosophy, of course, since some of the great atrocities known to man have been done based on someone’s interpretation of ‚fidelity to the law.‘ On the other hand, we expect at a minimum that someone nominated to the Supreme Court would express fidelity to the Constitution. That, Judge Sotomayor did not do.“

NOTE TO EDITORS: Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called „one of the creators of the modern conservative movement“ (The Nation magazine) and one of the „conservatives of the century“ (The Washington Times).

Sen. Graham, Does GOP Stand for ‚Good Ol‘ Pimps‘? RE: GOP, Sotomayor, and Abortion

Sen. Graham, Does GOP Stand for ‚Good Ol‘ Pimps‘? RE: GOP, Sotomayor, and Abortion
Pro-life advocates demand Republican Senators honor their platform and their campaign promises. Fax campaign“ launched at www.OverturnRoe.com

WASHINGTON, July 13 /Christian Newswire/ — South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham, said to Sonia Sotomayor in her confirmation hearings: „Now, unless you have a complete meltdown, you’re going to get confirmed.“

The orthodox Republican world is reeling after the apparent surrender to Sotomayor and the Obama agenda by one of the GOPs most stalwart conservatives.

In that light, pro-life advocates are encouraged to contact Senator Graham, and every so called „pro-life“ Senator in the nation by FAX, demanding that they filibuster Sotomayor. The fax program is launched from www.OverturnRoe.com.

Protests and rallies are being scheduled around the country to hold Republican Senators accountable to their campaign promises.

Randall Terry, founder and leader of Operation Rescue Insurrecta Nex, states:

„Does the ‚GOP‘ stand for ‚Good Ol‘ Pimps‘? Republican Senators like Graham, Brownback, McCain, etc., have seduced the pro-life movement, made her their mistress, and then a prostitute. She gives them her ‚favors‘ in exchange for empty promises.

„They pimp the pro-life cause, raising millions of dollars with promises to ‚overturn Roe‘ and protect the unborn. The party platform – their false vows – calls for the overturn of Roe, and legal protection of unborn babies.

„But alas, we again see that these are seductive lies; and like any good pimp, they tell us that they love us, while they sell us out; they feign pain as we are abused and babies are murdered, while they prepare to get in bed with those who despise us, and slay the innocent.

„Our protests and rallies over the coming weeks will focus on GOP Senators who claim to be pro-life. We will call on them to stop pimping the babies, but rather to fight for them by filibustering Sotomayor.“

ChinaAid President Bob Fu to Speak to CECC Today

ChinaAid President Bob Fu to Speak to CECC Today

WASHINGTON, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — Today, ChinaAid president Bob Fu will speak during a roundtable hosted by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) regarding the recent crackdown on human rights attorneys in China.

Some lawyers have lost their licenses or have been refused renewal of their licenses. Others have been arrested, beaten and tortured for practicing normal legal defense work. In his speech, Bob Fu will present the personal statements of seven lawyers and also an open letter to the Ministry of Justice written by 31 Chinese intellectuals.

Bob Fu will also present a petition with 100,000 signatures representing concerned citizens in the U.S. and around the world who are asking for the immediate release of Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights attorney, who was kidnapped February 4, 2009 by Chinese security agents. Gao, along with many of the other attorneys targeted by the government, have been working with ChinaAid’s legal defense efforts for religious freedom cases.

The roundtable, entitled „China’s Human Rights Lawyers: Current Challenges and Prospects“ will be held on Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 628.

Find out more information and about the CECC roundtable.

Read Bob Fu’s speech to the CECC.

Read the seven lawyer’s statements submitted to the CECC:

Li Fangping

Zhang Kai and Li Fuchun

Jiang Tianyong

Tang Jitian

Li Xiongbing

Wen Haibo

Read an „Open Letter to the Ministry of Justice in Protest Against the Illegal Persecution of Human Rights Attorneys by Beijing Lawyers Association“ written by 31 Chinese intellectuals.

Sign the online petition for Gao Zhisheng’s immediate release at www.FreeGao.com.

ChinaAid grants permission to reproduce photos and/or information for non-fundraising purposes, with the provision that www.ChinaAid.org is credited. Please contact: Katherine@ChinaAid.org with questions or requests for further information.

Beautiful Mess: New Book Details Diamond Rio’s Personal and Professional Legacy


Beautiful Mess. Photo: Christian Newswire

Beautiful Mess: New Book Details Diamond Rio’s Personal and Professional Legacy

NASHVILLE, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — For the first time, the real story of one of country music’s most successful bands is told. Diamond Rio’s climb to the musical mountaintop may best be described as the ultimate thrill ride–an adrenaline-rushed ascension, a series of twists and turns, ups and downs, and ultimately the overwhelming feeling that they’d do it all again.

In Beautiful Mess (Thomas Nelson September 22, 2009), Diamond Rio pulls the curtain back, allowing fans unlimited access into their personal lives, revealing details of health scares, freak accidents, and other obstacles that had to be overcome. The book tells the story of how six contrasting personalities formed a partnership that has evolved for more than two decades, establishing an inspiring musical legacy.

„A lot of people are struggling out there,“ said lead singer Marty Roe. „We hope in some way that our story will help encourage them. Our prayer is that readers will see that their mess can become beautiful.“

The book’s release coincides with Diamond Rio’s eleventh album The Reason, on Word Records. The new project that continues their tradition of positively-charged songs fans have come to love.

DIAMOND RIO
For more than two decades, the members of Diamond Rio have been making music together, becoming one of country music’s most successful groups. In a competitive industry where band members come and go, there have been no personnel changes. The original six includes: Marty Roe, Dan Truman, Gene Johnson, Jimmy Olander, Brian Prout, and Dana Williams.

More than 10 million albums sold
Nine #1 hits
Six-time Vocal Group of the Year (CMA, ACM)
Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1998
13 Grammy Nominations

MEMBERS OF DIAMOND RIO ARE AVAILBLE FOR INTERVIEW

Contact: Curt Harding at 615.902.2246 email charding@thomasnelson.com
Or Velvet Rousseau Kelm 615.591.7879 email velvet@theMcollective.com

INO Records and Derek Webb Silent no More with Release of Stockholm Syndrome on Sept. 1

INO Records and Derek Webb Silent no More with Release of Stockholm Syndrome on Sept. 1

NASHVILLE, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — After nearly two months of silence, and several months of delay Derek Webb and INO Records are announcing the release of his newest album Stockholm Syndrome set to street Sept. 1, 2009. Over two years in the making, Webb co- produced Stockholm Syndrome with former Caedmon’s Call bandmate Josh Moore (Watermark, Bethany Dillon, Bun-B, Slim Thug).

Stockholm Syndrome delivers everything listeners have come to expect from Derek Webb: killer pop hooks and lyrics as thought provoking as they are emotionally revealing. Sonically, however, this record is a radical departure for Webb, who has left his acoustic, folk/rock roots behind for a sound he describes as „intentionally inorganic.“ Together, Webb and Moore have succeeded in creating a dense, richly absorbing sonic vernacular that pays homage to an entire century of music. From 1920’s jazz to 1950’s doo-wop, from disco and dance music to old-school R&B, Webb uses this album as a means of exploring deep issues through the central metaphor of Stockholm Syndrome, illuminating the ways in which a society can fall in love with an oppressive culture and become enslaved by it. That sound is palpable in every track from the strut of „Black Eye“ and „Cobra Con“ to the electropop of „Jena & Jimmy“ and Webb’s ironic Fred Phelps-inspired love song, „Freddie, Please.“

„Instead of writing a dozen songs and then trying to figure out the best way to record them, Josh and I spent a year collecting sounds we loved — beats, loops, odd bits of programming — then weaving those elements into tracks that moved us and made us feel something,“ comments Webb. „Only then did we even begin to think about song structures and melodies and lyrics. It was the total reverse of my usual process and by far the most fun I’ve ever had making a record.“

Due to what some are calling the provocative content and nature of the record, Webb has the most pre- release awareness of his career. Nearly 5,000 people regularly followed details of Webb’s release of Stockholm Syndrome daily as he leaked information via websites, twitter feeds, independent blogs, google searches and more. In that time Google recorded over 7,100 google searches and 1,200 independent blogs reporting on all or some aspect of Webb and Stockholm Syndrome. Webb was also among the top 70 google searches (internet wide) the first day information was released through his website.

As part of the campaign, Webb also engaged 20 cities in the U.S. such as Orlando, Nashville, Dallas, Los Angeles and more on a scavenger hunt for „artifacts,“ USB drives that contained new music. 1,500 people participated per day in finding the pieces of music in these U.S. cities. Webb also plans to tour this fall in all 20 markets where the scavenger hunt took place on the ‚Black Eye‘ release tour.

The search drew to a climactic close on Fri. Jul. 3 as Webb hosted a „secret“ event for over 300 fans at The Rutledge in Nashville, Tenn. to watch a sneak peek of a documentary about Stockholm Syndrome and to participate in a Q&A with Webb and Moore. Supporters came from as far as Seattle, WA, Lincoln, NE and Austin, TX. 18 lucky fans who solved the final puzzle, which actually continued into the venue that night, found themselves whisked away to Webb’s home studio after the Rutledge show for an intimate listening party with Webb and Moore and exclusive, pre-release copies of Stockholm Syndrome.

Webb and his free distribution tactics will be among the topics that author and editor Chris Anderson discuss in his upcoming book Free: The Future of a Radical Price, releasing on Jul. 7 from Hyperion.

A former member of the Houston, Texas-based Caedmon’s Call, singer/songwriter Derek Webb has seen career sales approaching one million records, 10 Dove Award nominations, a Billboard Music Video Award nod and six No.1 radio hits. Webb’s innovative music marketing and distribution strategies have received national news coverage in USA Today and the LA Times.

www.derekwebb.com

New York Times Best Selling Author Ted Dekker Ends Popular Circle Series with the Beginning: New Novel GREEN Releasing September 1

New York Times Best Selling Author Ted Dekker Ends Popular Circle Series with the Beginning: New Novel GREEN Releasing September 1

NASHVILLE, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — The beginning is the end in New York Times Best-Selling Author Ted Dekker’s highly-anticipated new novel, GREEN, otherwise known as „book zero,“ in the multi-layered CIRCLE series. The tale will be available in bookstores across the country on September 1.

The CIRCLE series–BLACK, RED, and WHITE–has sold more than 700,000 units. Dekker says GREEN is the preferred starting point for new readers and the perfect climax for the countless fans who have experienced BLACK, RED, and WHITE.

„Christian youth are discovering their roots, often for the first time. The tale of redemptive history is full of twists and fantastic romance.“ says Dekker.

The novels have created a phenomenon that reaches beyond the confined pages. The series challenges the readers‘ in their faith as shown in the quotes below given by fans of the series:

„I had given up on God and His people and doubted everything I had believed. Re-reading the entire series helped with my healing from the event and helped me see the true God who is personal and aches for us when we are hurt.“ — Fan of Circle Series

„I picked up the 1st book of the ‚Trilogy‘ several years ago when ending a bad chapter of life. Through these novels, Jesus was able to get me to see that this life here on earth is not all there is and it’s not about me.“ – – Fan of Circle Series

„Not only did the Trilogy help me see my faith more clearly, but it gave my Dad and I some common ground and helped in keeping him away from the ‚dark side.'“ — Fan of Circle Series

Also starting on September 1, Thomas Nelson will release a limited edition 5th Anniversary box set containing the hardcover publications of BLACK, RED, WHITE (which have not been available from retailers for some time) and GREEN. Also, Thomas Nelson will release repackaged editions of the tradepaper editions of BLACK, RED, and WHITE, which will include each respective title’s graphic novel in black and white.

Earlier this summer, 500 fans came together in Franklin, TN for Dekker’s 3rd Annual event „The Gathering.“ This one- day event drew fiction fanatics into the worlds of Dekker’s tales giving them a taste of his life as a writer.

For more information on the popular fiction writer and to view the details and photos from The Gathering, log on to www.teddekker.com.

New Study Confirms that Pres. Obama’s DC Policy Will Increase Abortions Says Dr. Alveda King

New Study Confirms that Pres. Obama’s DC Policy Will Increase Abortions Says Dr. Alveda King

ATLANTA, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commented today on a new Guttmacher Institute study that shows that in states where Medicaid pays for abortions, more poor women have abortions.

„The Guttmacher report is really just another study that confirms the obvious — subsidized abortion means more abortions,“ said Dr. King. „My medical insurance paid for my ‚legal abortion‘ in 1973. My ‚free‘ abortion, in turn, made it all too easy for me to be an unsuspecting victim of population control.“

„The President says that he wants fewer abortions yet he’s now trying to compel the public to pay for abortions in the District of Columbia,“ added Dr. King. „Killing babies and hurting women will not strengthen our communities. I explain this situation in the new film available at MAAFA21.com.“

„If President Obama and Congress want to help women, please let them hear from women like myself who have suffered pain and grief from ‚free‘ abortions,“ said Dr. King. „Congress needs to reverse the President’s proposal for DC abortion funding and do it now. Babies‘ lives and women’s health are at stake.“

Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.

Deutschland – FREI – EINIG und SOZIAL! oder Bin ich stolz ein deutscher Arbeitsloser zu sein?

Diesen Artikel habe ich bereits 2007 veröffentlicht. Er wurde auch Teil meines Buches „Abstellgleis Hartz IV -Die Unberührbaren der Nation“. Da ich ihn heute fast aktueller empfinde, gerade im Vorfeld der Bundestagswahl, als damals, möchte ich ihn nochmals veröffentlichen.

Hans-Jürgen Graf, 2007

(neoliberale und kapitalistisch denkende Politiker, Wirtschaftsfunktionäre und Kirchenmänner und –
frauen bitte ich Abstand vom Lesen des Textes zu nehmen! Dieser hat ganz bestimmt Nebenwirkungen,
wie Übelkeit, Erbrechen und möglicherweise unkontrollierte Wutausbrüche. Da kann Ihnen dann auch
kein Arzt oder Apotheker helfen! Sollten Sie trotzdem darin lesen, übernehme ich keinerlei Haftung für die
Folgen!)

Heute ist wieder so ein Tag. So einer von den Tagen, an denen ich mich an gar nichts freuen kann. Morgens aufgewacht mit Schmerzen in den Gliedern, dass einem gleich wieder die Lust am Aufstehen vergeht. Aufgewacht mit dem Wissen, dass dies wieder ein Tag ist an dem ich nicht hinaus gehen werde, wieder in der Wohnung
bleibe. Vielleicht Musik höre, am Computer etwas schreibe oder Fernsehen gucke. Warum sollte ich auch hinausgehen? Warum? Die Welt dort draußen braucht mich nicht mehr. Nein, dort wartet keiner auf einen, der nicht mehr richtig laufen kann, dem nach kurzen Anstrengungen schon die Luft ausgeht und der mittlerweile kaum mehr aus seiner dunklen Welt der Depression herauskommt. Nein, den braucht dort draußen niemand mehr. Warum auch, es werden Menschen gebraucht mit Zuversicht, Elan und Durchsetzungsvermögen, strotzend vor Kraft und Jugendlichkeit. Denn sie werden verheizt in ihren Jobs. Solange verheizt bis keine Kraft mehr da ist und dann finden wir uns auf gleicher Ebene wieder. Dann sitzen auch die, die jetzt noch Arbeit haben zuhause, gefangen in einem Tal der Depression, Kraftlosigkeit und Perspektivlosigkeit und finden wie auch ich den
Ausgang nicht. Kein Schild, das darauf hinweist, keiner der einem den Weg weist.

Nein, eher noch solche die einen weiter hineindrücken. Denn, ein großer Politschwätzer unserer Zeit hat seiner Weltanschauung mit einem einzigen Satz massiv Ausdruck verliehen. Er sagte: „Wer nicht arbeitet, soll auch nicht essen!“ Nun sitz’ ich hier an meinem PC und schweife gedanklich in die „besseren Zeiten“. Die Zeiten als ich noch arbeiten konnte und durfte, als man noch für seine Arbeit ein Gehalt, einen Lohn erhielt, mit dem man sein Leben bestreiten konnte und sogar noch was sparen konnte. Wie widerwärtig ich es finde, dass mittlerweile eine Zeit in Deutschland angebrochen ist, in der ich meine Erzählungen aus diesen Zeiten die ich selbst noch erlebte, beginnen kann mit „Es war einmal …“. In diesen Zeiten waren Arbeitslose noch Arbeitslose, heute sind sie Verbrecher. Sie müssen unter staatliche Kontrolle gestellt werden, ihr Verhalten über Leistungssanktionierung geführt werden.
Damals durfte man als Arbeitsloser noch ein freier Mensch sein, heute ist man als Arbeitsloser einem politisch-wirtschaftlichem Führungs- und Leistungsappparat ausgesetzt. Arbeitslosigkeit wird mit der Einschränkung der Grundrechte bestraft, wie z. B. der Freizügigkeit im Bundesgebiet, der Unverletzlichkeit der Wohnung, dem
Selbstbestimmungsrecht usw. Arbeitslosigkeit ist in einer Zeit in der kaum mehr geeignete Arbeitsplätze zur
Verfügung stehen, zu einem Verbrechen geworden, so erscheint es doch jedem klar denkenden Menschen wenn er die „neu“ gestalteten Gesetze und Verordnungen zur Langzeitarbeitslosigkeit sieht. Welch ein Widersinn die Langzeitarbeitslosigkeit, die Erwerbslosigkeit, zu stigmatisieren in der Zeit in der keine Arbeitsplätze mehr zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Vorhanden sind sie meiner Ansicht nach schon, denn nach einer neuen Untersuchung des Instituts für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung in Nürnberg haben die Arbeitnehmer in Deutschland im Jahr 2006 insgesamt 1.450.000.000 Überstunden geleistet. Das entspricht nach Aussage der Forscher des Instituts für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB) einer Zahl von einer Million neuen Arbeitsplätzen. Diese würden zwar auch lange nicht reichen, aber so hättenwenigstens eine Million Betroffener Arbeit!!

Menschliche Arbeitskraft kostet zuviel, sie ist der unbeliebteste Produktionsfaktor in der Betriebswirtschaft. Nur, warum dann die Stigmatisierung Langzeitarbeitsloser zu Quasi-Verbrechern? Ihre fehlenden Bemühungen um einen Arbeitsplatz können es nicht sein, denn per Eingliederungsvereinbarung werden diesen Menschen zwischen 5 und 10 Bewerbungen pro Woche auferlegt, die sie erfüllen müssen. Sonst gibt es eine Leistungskürzung. Sind es vielleicht die Bestrebungen einer neuen politischen und wirtschaftlichen Ordnung, in der diese Menschen keinen Platz mehr haben? Fast möchte man meinen, dass die nachfolgenden Äußerungen Prominenter und sonstiger öffentlicher Persönlichkeiten, dies bestätigen:

„Bei einer Wette, bei der es um das Stapeln von Bierdosen ging, hatte Gottschalk wörtlich gesagt: „Bierdosen sind doch Hartz-IV-Stelzen“ (aus: http://www.tagesspiegel.de/weltspiegel/Welt-Gottschalk-Hartz-IV;art118,1879659)

„Wohlfahrtsverbände fordern Kürzung bei Hartz IV“ (aus: http://www.flegelg.de/sozialverbaende.html)

„Parasiten-Vergleich in Hartz-IV-Flyer: Clement wegen Volksverhetzung angezeigt“ (aus: http://www.shortnews.de/start.cfm?id=593222)

„Als “extremistische Position” bezeichnen Gewerkschaften die Äußerungen des Chefs der Hamburger Arbeitsagentur (ARGE Hamburg). Herr Steil hatte sich für eine Reduzierung der Regelsätze für Hartz IV um die Hälfe ausgesprochen.“ (aus: http://hartz-iv-blog.de/2007/01/05/extremistische-position-von-herrn-steil-zu-hartz-iv/)

„SPD-Chef Kurt Beck fordert einen Mentalitätswechsel bei Hartz-IVEmfpängern hin zu mehr Anstand. Man müsse nicht “alles rausholen, was geht” (aus: http://www.jurablogs.com/de/mehr-anstand-bei-hartz-iv)

„In seiner letzten öffentlichen Äusserung sagte Herr Merz (CDU im Sonntagsgespräch bei Christiansen). „Endlich haben wir die Empfänger von Arbeitslosenhilfe, die als Frührentner das Leben genießen, abgeschafft“ (aus: http://extern.mz-web.de/forum/read.php?f=52&i=9&t=9)

„Was für ein grandioses Missverständnis: „Der scheinbar brutalste Abbau staatlicher Stütze in der deutschen Sozialgeschichte entpuppte sich als ihr komfortabelster Ausbau.“ Weil nicht nur das „täuschend schäbig anmutende Arbeitslosengeld II von monatlich 345 Euro“ geboten wird, sondern auch „ein ausgewuchertes System der Zusatzleistungen“, kann es eine Familie mit zwei Kindern „auf monatlich fast 2.000 Euro bringen.“ Längst gebrochen sind die „Dämme der Scham.“ Millionen erkunden, „wie ein Platz an den Fleischtöpfen des Sozialstaats erobert werden kann.“ Und so „überspülen“ die Zahlungen „den Bundesetat wie eine Tsunami-Welle.“

All das schrieb im Mai Hans-Ulrich Jörges, stellvertretender Chefredakteur und Kolumnist des stern, in einer beispiellosen Polemik unter dem Titel Der Kommunismus siegt.

Ja, diese und andere Äußerungen bringen einem tatsächlich eine solche Sicht nahe, dass es sich wohl um ein Ausleseverfahren handeln soll. Eine Auslese, die die aus dem Boot fallen lässt, die als sogenannte Verlierer sowieso nicht „überlebensfähig“ sind. Tja, so scheinen wir als Langzeitarbeitslose nun Verbrecher zu sein. Solche Verbrecher, die sich an den „Fleischtöpfen des Sozialstaats“ überreichlich bedienen wollen. Es ist nur wiederum so lächerlich und schwachsinnig mit solchen Argumenten aufzufahren, wie in dem Stern-Artikel, weil ja die Regierung unter Schröder diese Hartz – Reformen, im besonderen die Vierte, einführte weil doch die „Fleischtöpfe
des Sozialstaats“ angeblich leer waren. Was sind sie denn nun? VOLL oder LEER?

An leeren Töpfen kann ich mich tatsächlich kaum überreichlich bedienen, oder? Nun, Verbrecher sind wir laut diesen Aussagen. Parasiten sind wir laut Herrn Clement und für Herrn Merz wurden die „Empfänger von Arbeitslosenhilfe, die als Frührentner das Leben genießen wollen“, abgeschafft. Hier beschleicht einen doch die Vermutung, dass diese Politiker und Personen öffentlichen Lebens, je länger das Mandat dauert, umso mehr an Intelligenzleistung einbüßen. Realisieren diese wirklich nicht, dass sie mit ihren Aussagen eine Argumentationstechnik aufgreifen, die vor über 60 Jahren bereits reichlich bedient wurde. Oder ist das, und ich wehre mich mit allen Kräften dies zu glauben, tatsächlich so gewollt? Ein Wunder wäre es
nicht, wenn man bedenkt, dass sich diese negativen, menschenverachtenden Gedanken und Meinungen zu Rassenunterschieden, dem Ober- und Untermenschen, ja seit Jahrtausenden nicht aus den Gehirnen der Menschen verbannen lassen. Ich will hier nicht orakeln, wer jetzt letztendlich dieses Gedankengut in die Gehirne der Menschen gebracht hat. Jedenfalls waren nicht nur die Nazis daran beteiligt, sondern meiner Ansicht nach ebenso die mittelalterliche Kirche bis in die Neuzeit hinein, als auch immer wieder Philosophen und Theologen, die wie z. B. ein Peter Singer in der heutigen Zeit, wiederum am Wert des menschlichen Lebens herumphilosophieren und letztlich dann Thesen gebären, wie „ein Wachkomapatient ist nicht mehr aktiv am Erwerbsleben der übrigen Gesellschaft beteiligt, trägt also nichts zu seinem Unterhalt bei, somit wäre es möglich dieses Leben aus wirtschaftlichen Erwägungen zu töten“.

Hier ein paar Auszüge aus dessen Schriften aus den 90er Jahren, zu finden unter:

http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/institute/fak5/igm/g47/bauersin.htm

„Zitat 5: Unsere heutige Haltung geht auf das Christentum zurück. Es gab eine spezifisch theologische Motivation für die Christen, die Wichtigkeit der Zugehörigkeit zur Spezies zu propagieren; es war der Glaube, alle von menschlichen Eltern Geborenen seien unsterblich und zu ewiger Seligkeit oder immerwährender Qual vorherbestimmt. Mit diesem Glauben bekam das Töten eines Homo sapiens eine schreckliche Tragweite, weil dadurch ein Wesen seinem ewigen Schicksal überliefert wurde. …

… Tötet man eine Schnecke oder einen 24 Stunden alten Säugling, so vereitelt man keine Wünsche …, weil Schnecken und Neugeborene unfähig sind, solche Wünsche zu haben.“

„Zitat 6:
Weit davon entfernt, sich für jedes Leben einzusetzen, … zeigen diejenigen, die gegen Abtreibung protestieren, jedoch regelmäßig das Fleisch von Hühnern, Schweinen und Kälbern verspeisen, nur ein vordergründiges Interesse am Leben von Wesen, die zu unserer Spezies gehören. Denn bei jedem fairen Vergleich moralisch relevanter Eigenschaften wie Rationalität, Selbstbewußtsein, Bewußtsein, Autonomie, Lust und Schmerzempfindung und so weiter haben das Kalb, das Schwein und das viel verspottete Huhn einen guten Vorsprung vor dem Fötus in jedem Stadium der Schwangerschaft und wenn wir einen weniger als drei Monate alten Fötus nehmen, so würde sogar ein Fisch, ja eine Garnele mehr Anzeichen von Bewußtsein zeigen. Ich schlage daher vor, dem Leben eines Fötus keinen größeren Wert zuzubilligen als dem Leben eines nichtmenschlichen Lebewesens auf einer ähnlichen Stufe der Rationalität, des Selbstbewußtseins, der Wahrnehmungsfähigkeit, der Sensibilität etc. Da kein Fötus eine Person ist, hat kein Fötus denselben Anspruch auf Leben wie eine Person. Ferner ist es sehr unwahrscheinlich, daß Föten von weniger als achtzehn Wochen überhaupt fähig sind, etwas zu empfinden, weil ihr Nervensystem allem Anschein nach noch nicht genug entwickelt ist. Wenn das so ist, dann beendet eine Abtreibung bis zu diesem Datum eine Existenz, die überhaupt keinen Wert an sich hat. (Peter Singer: Schwangerschaftsabbruch und ethische Güterabwägung, in: Hans-Martin Sass (Hrsg.), Medizin und
Ethik. Stuttgart 1989/1994. S.139-159. Zitat S.154-155) „

„Zitat 8:
Würden behinderte Neugeborene bis etwa einen Woche oder einen Monat nach der Geburt nicht als Wesen betrachtet, die ein Recht auf Leben haben, dann wären die Eltern in der Lage, in gemeinsamer Beratung mit dem Arzt und auf viel breiterer Wissensgrundlage in bezug auf den Gesundheitszustand des Kindes, als dies vor der Geburt möglich ist, ihre Entscheidung zu treffen.“

Diese Beispiele sollen nur dazu dienen, zu erkennen, dass diese Relativierung menschlichen Lebens in bestimmten Situationen bis heute kein Ende gefunden hat. Immer und immer wieder gibt es jemanden, der diesen Gedanken, diesem Feuer, Nahrung gibt. Nun jedenfalls scheint es doch etliche Freunde dieser „Auslesegedanken“ zu geben? In den Glanzzeiten der Naziideologie wurden ebenfalls „parasitäre Vergleiche“ genutzt um der Bevölkerung eine Minderwertigkeit bestimmter Menschen zu suggerieren. Es gab Berufsverbote, Bücherverbrennungen,
entartete Kunst, Sippenhaft, völkische Blutschande, ein Mensch anderen Aussehens, anderen Glaubens oder anderer Ideologie zu sein wurde kriminalisiert. An den Gerichtshöfen des Reiches urteilten nur noch systemkonforme Richter. Es begann die Ghettoisierung und dann die Transporte zu den Vernichtungslagern. Begründet wurde die Minderwertigkeit z. b. behinderter Menschen mit eben den Thesen in älterer Ausdrucksweise, die ich in den Ausführungen des Philosophen Peter Singer wieder finde. Nach dem Krieg fand eine sog. Entnazifizierung statt. Nur frage ich mich dann, warum arbeiteten Ärzte weiterhin als Ärzte die aktiv an der
Tötung „lebensunwerten“ Lebens beteiligt waren? Warum blieben Juristen im Amt, die Todesurteile auf der Basis der Nürnberger Rassengesetze fällten? Warum kamen sie sogar in leitende Positionen? Ein Grundpfeiler der nationalsozialistischen Ideologie – die Rassenhygiene – wurde von deutschen Ärzten aus den Ideen des Sozialdarwinismus (survival of the fittest) und der Eugenik mit- und weiterentwickelt. Das Ziel der Rassenhygiene war die „Erhaltung und Fortpflanzung der biologischen Rasse unter den günstigsten Bedingungen“, die „Verbesserung“ des Volksbestands durch die Mittel der „Auslese“ und „Ausmerze“. Rassenhygiene wurde Pflichtfach an den Universitäten, Fächer wie Eugenik und Wehrmedizin ersetzten traditionelle Gebiete wie Infektionslehre und Physiologie. Dazu wurde das in der Nazi-Zeit äußerst beliebte Medizinstudium – Medizinstudenten mussten nicht als Soldaten an der Front kämpfen – wegen des hohen Ärztebedarfs in den Kriegsgebieten immer stärker auf schließlich vier Jahre verkürzt.

„Vor 50 Jahren entließ der DDR-Ministerrat unter hoher Geheimhaltung Naziverbrecher vorzeitig aus dem Knast. Einige machten später in Westdeutschland Karriere – zum Beispiel Robert Herzer, ein besonders fleißiger Euthanasie-Arzt. Es war eine denkwürdige Sitzung, zu der sich der Ministerrat der DDR – heute vor 50 Jahren – am 22. Dezember 1955 traf. „Beschluss über die vorzeitige Entlassung von Kriegsverurteilten“, stand als erster und wichtigster Punkt auf der Tagesordnung. „2.616 Kriegsverurteilte sind vorzeitig aus der Haft zu entlassen“, verfügten die Minister zwei Tage vor Heiligabend. Die Aktion mit dem klangvollen Namen „Schmetterling“ unterlag „erhöhten Sicherungsbestimmungen“. Der Klassenfeind im Westen sollte offenbar nicht mitbekommen, dass die DDR, die sich der konsequenten Verfolgung von NS-Verbrechern rühmte, per Gnadenerlass entnazifizierte. „Eine Unterrichtung westdeutscher oder westberliner Polizeibehörden entfällt“, hieß es in der „Arbeitsrichtlinie“ der Schmetterlings-Aktion. Die Geheimhaltung war auch im Sinn der NS-Verbrecher. Sie konnten, wie das Beispiel
des Euthanasie-Arztes Robert Herzer aus Großschweidnitz zeigt, im Westen unbehelligt Karriere machen. Herzer, der als Häftling im Gefängniskrankenhaus Klein-Meusdorf bei Leipzig seit 1954 wieder als Arzt eingesetzt wird, geht in nach seiner Freilassung in den Westen. Beim Technischen Überwachungsverein Baden e.V. findet er einen neuen Job. Der Arzt hilft als freier Mitarbeiter beim Aufbau des des medizinisch-psychologischen Institutes in Mannheim. Das Institut beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, ob jemand, der beim dritten Mal durch die Führerscheinprüfung gefallen ist, überhaupt geeignet ist, Auto zu fahren. Dem TÜV verschweigt der Arzt seine NS-Vergangenheit. „Gerichtliche Strafen: keine“, steht unter § VII in Herzers Personalbogen, den der Arzt unterschrieben hat. „Die Personalakte weist ausschließlich Zeugnisse auf, die die Leistungen von R. Herzer würdigen“, schreibt die Presseabteilung in einer Stellungnahme an stern.de. „Insofern muss die TÜV SÜD AG heute davon ausgehen, dass dem TÜV Baden e.V. seinerzeit von Vorstrafen des R. Herzer nichts bekannt war“.“ (aus: http://www.stern.de/politik/historie/:Aktion-Schmetterling-Der-Nazi-Arzt-T%DCV/551904.html) Sie sind für die kaltblütige Ermordung von hunderttausenden Menschen verantwortlich: Doch statt gerecht bestraft zu werden, wurden viele «Rassenhygieniker» nach dem Krieg mit verantwortungsvollen Posten «belohnt». Prof. Dr. Otmar von Verschuer half als «Rassenhygieniker» die NS-Rassenpolitik wissenschaftlich zu legitimieren – nach dem Krieg wird er Leiter des grössten humangenetischen Instituts in Deutschland.

Prof. Dr. Werner Heyde organisierte die Ermordung von fast 100’000 Kranken im Rahmen der so genannten «Euthanasie-Aktion» – nach dem Krieg arbeitet er als psychiatrischer Gutachter für die Justiz in Schleswig-Holstein. Dr. Klaus Endruweit war an der Ermordung von fast 2’000 Behinderten in der Tötungsanstalt Sonnenstein bei Pirna beteiligt – nach dem Krieg behandelt er in seiner Praxis Patienten, die nicht ahnen können, dass ihr Arzt Menschenleben auf dem Gewissen hat. Drei «Fälle», die exemplarisch zeigen, wie Ärzte durch Verschweigen, Verdrängen, Tricks, die Unterstützung der Gesellschaft und eine geschickte Standespolitik wieder Karriere machen konnten (Infos aus: http://www.20min.ch/week/tv/story/28960874#wichtig) Wenn ich nun so in meinen Gedanken versunken drüber philosophiere, warum wir Langzeitarbeitslose, Behinderte und chronisch Kranke in die Ecke der Verbrecher geschoben werden, bildet sich in mir immer klarer die Meinung heraus, dass wir „kriminalisiert“ werden sollen. Und die Kampagne, egal von wem sie jetzt ursprünglich stammt, zeigt ihre Wirkung. Viele Menschen, die noch Arbeit haben, die nicht mehr arbeiten müssen und die, die einen Batzen Geld auf der Seite haben, sehen uns als Kriminelle, als arbeitsfaules Pack. Heute immer noch, obwohl jedem mittlerweile klar sein müsste, dass es niemals mehr ausreichend Arbeitsplätze geben wird, werden einem Parolen ins Gesicht geschrien, wie „wer wirklich arbeiten will, findet auch eine Arbeit!“, oder „achwas von wegen Depression, Du bist doch nur zu faul zum Arbeiten!“.

Die Macher dieser Kriminalisierungkampagne von Langzeitarbeitslosen, behinderten und kranken Menschen, können sich freuen. Ihre Methode hat Erfolg. Sogar unter den Betroffenen wird Neid und Missgunst gesät und trägt Früchte. Was ist aus diesem Land geworden? Eine Brutstätte für neue sozialdarwinistische Bestrebungen? Ein Hort menschenverachtender und entwürdigender Gedanken? Fast schon will man es glauben, denn nicht nur die Politik verhält sich offen so, nein, auch die Kirchen erheben nicht das Wort dagegen. Gewerkschaften brummeln nur vor sich hin oder begeben sich auf die Seite der „Schlächter“. Die wenigen Intellektuellen aus Kultur, Justiz und den Medien, die dagegen Stellung beziehen, werden unter Regression genommen oder ihnen wird das berufliche Leben sehr schwer gemacht. Wer sind sie eigentlich, die „Schlächter“? Eine gute Frage! So klar sind sie nicht auszumachen, meiner Meinung nach, sie verstecken sich hinter den verschiedensten Fassaden der Bürgerlichkeit. Vielleicht sollte man sie nach einer kleinen Beschreibung versuchen zu entlarven? Schlachter kommt ja eigentlich vom Beruf des Metzgers her. Verwendet wird der Begriff aber eher in den großen Schlachthöfen, dort spricht man von „Kopfschlächtern“. Wohl daher, da sie nach Kopfzahl bezahlt werden oder wurden, also wie viel Viehköpfe sie am Schluss ihrer Tätigkeit vorweisen konnten. Wer je einmal in den Betrieb eines Schlachthofes hineinschauen konnte, durch die „Hintertür“, dem dürfte für einige Zeit der Appetit am Fleisch vergangen sein. Der Vorgang des Schlachtens ist in unserem Raum weitgehend gleich. Das betreffende Wesen wird „geschossen“, mit einem Bolzenschussapparat ins Gehirn, es wird ihm die Halsschlagader aufgeschnitten und es blutet aus. Manche dieser „Kopfschlächter“ (weil möglicherweise angelernt), beherrschen dieses „Schießen“ nicht richtig. So wird dann bei vollem Bewusstsein geschlachtet (ähnlich dem Schächten). Sicher wird der Eine oder Andere schon erkannt haben, worauf ich hinaus will. Es geht mir um die Methodik des Schlachtens, punktuell dem Ausbluten lassen. In der Politik, die ihre Blütezeit unter Schröder hatte, der Hartz – Reformen wird es immer stärker spürbar, dass auch für die Basis der Nation ein Ausblutungsprozess begonnen hat. Den einfachen Bürgern wird die Lebensgrundlage immer weiter verschmälert, den Wirtschaftskonzernen werden die damit erbeuteten Milliarden zugeschoben. Ich erwähne hier nur Einkommenssteuerreform – der in abhängiger Stellung arbeitende Steuerzahler hat weitaus weniger Möglichkeiten, seine Aufwendungen steuerlich geltend zu machen. Unternehmen sind durch die Reformen ihres Bereiches mittlerweile dort angelangt, dass sie kaum mehr oder manchmal überhaupt keine Steuern mehr zahlen müssen.

Medikamentenzuzahlungen, Krankenhauszuzahlung, Verkürzung der Rehabilitationszeiten (Kuren), Herausnahme von Medikamenten aus dem Leistungskatalog der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung. Beschneidung des
Hilfsmittelkatalogs für orthopädische Hilfsmittel, Eigenbeteiligungen bei Medikamenten- oder Hilfsmittelpreisen, die die Preisvorgaben der GKV übersteigen, usw. Jedoch in der Folge KEINE Beitragsentlastungen, NEIN, Beitragserhöhungen oder Stagnation bei der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV). Seit Jahren andauernde Nullrunden bei den Renten, 2007 lediglich eine schmale Erhöhung für die Rentner, was sich bei den rentenentwicklungsabhängigen Regelleistungen aus ALG II und Sozialhilfe lediglich mit 2 Euro auswirkte. Jedoch
Entlastung der Unternehmen bei den Sozialabgaben zu Lasten der Arbeitnehmer. Nun, auch bei der Umstellung von DM auf Euro haben, so meiner Meinung nach, der Einzelhandel und seine angeschlossenen Unternehmen sehr deutlich die Verbraucher zur Kasse gebeten. Die Preisentwicklungen der letzten Jahre seit 2000 haben bisher keinerlei Berücksichtigung gefunden, weder in der Lohnpolitik, noch in der Rentenpolitik und im sozialpolitischen Bereich schon gar nicht. Die Schlagader der Nation wurde eröffnet. Verfolgt den Fluss des Blutes und Ihr
findet die „Schlächter“. All diese Methoden erscheinen geeignet, eine tatsächliche Auslese herbeizuführen. Die neu vorgenommene Kapitalverteilung im Lande führt zur Polarisierung. Die Kluft zwischen Arm und Reich wird erheblich erweitert. Wenige reiche Menschen haben bis zu 80 % des Kapitals auf ihrer Seite. Der Rest schlage
sich gefälligst durch wie er kann. Schafft er’s, gut. Schafft er’s nicht, Pech gehabt. Betrachte ich nun aber noch die Entwicklung in der Handhabungspraxis der neuen Sozialpolitik und – gesetzgebung, dann scheint sich ein neues Schlachtfeld aufzutun. Mit der Einführung der Zusammenschlüsse von Bundesagentur für Arbeit und den
kommunalen Behörden (ARGE, Job-Center usw.) kristallisiert sich eine neu geschaffene, rechtlich scheinbar autonome Szene heraus. Eine Vielzahl von Beispielen aus den Foren der Erwerbslosen im Internet, von Betroffenen, beweist dass sich diese neu geschaffenen Institutionen wohl als rechtlich autonom betrachten müssen. Trotz teilweise sehr klarer gesetzlicher Vorgaben, wie z. B. beiden Kosten der Unterkunft, handhaben diese ihre Anerkennungspraxis der Kosten nach eigenem Gusto. Es werden die Nebenkosten für die Wohnung gedeckelt, pauschaliert und das anhaltend und immer wieder, obwohl bereits Sozialgerichts- und
Landessozialgerichtsurteile vorliegen, die dies verbieten. Einige Verfassungsrechtler und auch Bundesrichter haben ihre Zweifel an der Verfassungsmäßigkeit von Sanktionen, dem Regelsatz und auch der Eingliederungsvereinbarung, laut gemacht. Doch anstatt zumindest über so etwas
nachzudenken, wird die Praxis beibehalten und der Gesetzgeber sieht keinerlei Veranlassung zu reagieren.
Irgendwie beschleicht mich hier ein Verdacht. Der Verdacht, dass diese Handhabungspraxis so gewollt ist. Man will wohl ganz bewusst einen bestimmten Personenkreis der Gesellschaft ausgrenzen, aushungern. Und dies zum Wohle eines viel kleineren Kreises der „ehrenwerten“ Gesellschaft, der Wirtschaftskonzerne. Warum eigentlich? Warum wird nicht versucht eine jährliche Steuerverschwendung von knapp 30 Milliarden Euro (Bund der Steuerzahler) einzudämmen?

Warum wird nicht konkret gegen die Korruption, die meiner Ansicht nach auch in den Kreisen des Bundestages angesiedelt ist, vorzugehen? Warum wird eine Parteinahme der Abgeordneten, Minister und anderen Parlamentarier erlaubt durch Nebenbeschäftigungen der jeweiligen Politiker in Vorstandsetagen, Aufsichtsräten und Beraterstäben von führenden Wirtschaftsunternehmen? Eine Gewissensfreiheit des jeweiligen Volksvertreter stelle ich da zumindest in aller schärfster Form in Frage. Wie wird sich wohl ein Parlamentarier entscheiden, der der Duz-Freund ist von einem Aufsichtsrats- oder Vorstandsmitglied von Siemens, als Beispiel? Der mit demjenigen zum Jagen, Fischen, in den Urlaub fährt? Arbeitslosigkeit als Verbrechen; so stellt es sich zumindest in der Öffentlichkeit dar. Die Gründe habe ich vorher ja schon dargelegt. Nun frage ich mich, wo finden die tatsächlichen Verbrechen, Vergehen statt? Wer ist derjenige, der dem Staat mehr Schaden zufügt? Derjenige, der Leistungen beantragt, die ihm laut Gesetz zustehen, oder derjenige der seine Gewissensentscheidungen abhängig macht vom Zuwendungswillen der Lobbyisten? Der sich entscheidet, nach Höhe der Zuwendung und nicht nach dem Ergebnis der Folgenabwägung einer Entscheidung und seinem Gewissen? „Freies Mandat In der Bundesrepublik Deutschland gilt wie in allen anderen repräsentativen Demokratien der Grundsatz des freien Mandats. Die Abgeordneten gelten als Vertreter des ganzen Volkes. Sie sind daher nicht an Aufträge und Weisungen ihrer
Wähler und ihrer Partei gebunden und nur ihrem Gewissen unterworfen.“ (aus: http://www.bund.de/nn_2840/Microsites/Deutsche-Demokratie/Parlament/Bundestag/Abgeordnete/Abgeordneteknoten.html__nnn=true)

Ganz sicher will ich hier nicht alle über einen Kamm scheren, ich bin überzeugt davon, dass es durchaus Abgeordnete gibt, die diesen Grundsatz beherzigen und noch danach handeln. Meiner Ansicht nach findet jedoch in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland eine langsame, aber nachhaltige Werteumkehr statt. Hehre Ziele, wie z. B. ein soziales und gleichberechtigtes Deutschland zu schaffen, in dem Menschen jeglicher Couleur, jeglichen Glaubens, jeglicher Weltanschauung, jeglicher körperlicher Konstitution, ein gleichberechtigtes Leben führen können, wirklich ausgestattet mit gleichen Rechten, verlieren ihre Gültigkeit. Es wird nicht mehr nach menschlichen Grundzügen entschieden, dem Diktat des Kapitals wird gefolgt. Vor über 40, 50, 60 Jahren war es wenigstens noch verbreitet so, dass sich die Menschen in nachbarschaftlicher Zusammenarbeit geholfen haben. Ich erinnere mich an meine Kindheit. Hier war es für die Familien in unserem Dorf selbstverständlich, wenn eine Mutter ins Krankenhaus musste oder ein älterer Mitbürger Hilfe brauchte, ihm diese zu geben. Nachbarn kümmerten sich um die Familie, die Kinder, versorgten sie mit Essen oder wuschen die Kleidung. Sie gingen einkaufen für die Alten, brachten denen notwendige Lebensmittel mit. Diese freiwillige soziale Verantwortung, die die Menschen auf sich nahmen wurde durch kostenpflichtige Angebote von entsprechenden Hilfsdiensten übernommen. Was zuerst einmal nicht schlecht ist wenn man es auch bezahlen kann oder diese Leistungen von sozialen Trägern übernommen werden.

Durch die zunehmende Zahl von solchen kostenpflichtigen Angeboten wurde jedoch das soziale Gewissen der Bürger geschwächt. Jetzt brauchte sich niemand mehr um seinen Nachbarn kümmern, denn jetzt gab es ja die Hilfsdienste. Auch bis hierher noch keine große Negativität zu erkennen. Diese kommt erst dann, wenn eben Sozialleistungen gekürzt werden, den Menschen die Hilfe brauchen, die Möglichkeit zur Hilfe genommen wird durch fehlende Übernahme bei sozialen Trägern, wie Sozialamt, ARGE, Krankenversicherung und Pflegeversicherung. Diese Leistungen werden nur noch begrenzt gewährt und dann auch noch zu Sätzen von denen die Anbieter dieser Leistungen keinesfalls leben können. Mittlerweile ist es in diesem Dienstleistungsbereich auch so, dass Sozialkonzerne in Deutschland, wie z. B. die AWO, die CARITAS, die DIAKONIE diese Dienstleistungen an sich gezogen haben und sie von ehemals Zivildienstleistenden, und mit deren abnehmender Zahl, zunehmend von 1-Euro-Jobbern erledigen lassen. Wobei die Qualität der Leistung stark nachgelassen hat, die Preise dafür jedoch stark angezogen haben. Die Abschaffung, Streichung von sozialen Leistungen ohne einen entsprechenden Ausgleich zu schaffen kommt, meiner Ansicht nach, einer gefährlichen Körperverletzung gleich. Im Besonderen bei Menschen, die selbst keinerlei Augleich schaffen können, wie z. B. Behinderte, chronisch kranke Menschen, die im Bezug von Sozialhilfe oder ALG II stehen. Doch interessiert sich kein Verantwortlicher, der für die Einführung dieser Leistungsstreichungen gestimmt hat, für solche Ausgleiche noch für die Problematiken die diesen Menschen daraus entstehen.

Und da wundern sich die Politiker über Politikverdrossenheit im Lande? Politikverdrossenheit ist das nur noch in den allerwenigsten Fällen. Mittlerweile ist es bereits Hass, Zorn auf diejenigen die uns alles nehmen wollen und nichts mehr zurückgeben. Ausgrenzung, Benachteiligung bis hin zu den schlimmsten Folgen; ist das die heutige Sozialpolitik? Ich möchte hier einmal einen kleinen Rückblick in die jüngste Vergangenheit Deutschlands machen. In Zeiten kurz vor und nach der Gründung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Dies mache ich anhand von Slogans der jeweiligen Jahrzehnte, die vielleicht noch einige so in den Ohren haben und die ein wenig in die Mentalität, Denkweise der jeweiligen Zeit blicken lassen:

„Wir sind noch einmal davongekommen“, „Nie wieder Faschismus, nie wieder Krieg!“ tönte es in den Straßen der Nachkriegsjahre 1945-49. Solche und ähnliche Slogans sollten damals die wirkliche Überzeugung vieler Menschen ausdrücken. Kommend aus einer Zeit der Barberei und des Massenmords wollten sie keine derartigen Geschehnisse mehr, nein! Es musste endlich ein Ende haben, ein Ende der Gewalt, der Benachteiligung, der Erniedrigung, des Meuchelns, des Tötens. Eine neue Freiheit des geschundenen Geistes sollte den Weg frei machen für Gemeinsamkeit, Verantwortung miteinander und für eine gewaltfreie Welt. Viele dachten, dass die vergangenen Schrecken so fürchterlich waren, dass sie das Kommen neuer Schrecken verhindern könnten. Doch keiner glaubte, sich zu irren. „Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit“, „Auferstanden aus Ruinen“, „Tor Tor Tor – Das Spiel ist aus, Deutschland ist Weltmeister!“ und „Wohlstand für alle!“ (Ludwig Erhard) drückten diesen Freiheits- und Wohlstandsgedanken, diese Hoffnung auf ein neues, unbelastetes Leben, in den 50ern, aus. Ja, Deutschland ging es wieder gut. Das Wirtschaftswunder entfaltete seine Wundertätigkeit und die schwäbische Mentalität „Schaffe, schaffe Häusle baue und nit nach de Mädle schaue!“ griff bundesweit um sich. Nun gut, „nach de Mädle hebbe mer scho gschaud, gell!“

Aber wichtig war es für viele Bundesdeutsche, sich ein eigenes Heim zu schaffen. Dafür wurde gearbeitet, geschuftet und das Volk brachte Deutschland wieder auf einen Kurs, der von der Weltgemeinschaft nicht unbeachtet bleiben durfte. „Made in Germany“ war das anglistische Zauberwort! Was in Deutschland produziert wurde, hatte Hand und Fuss. Das gab den Deutschen wieder Hoffnung, Zuversicht, Mut und Durchhaltevermögen. Man war wieder wer, man durfte wieder jemand sein. Von der Generation der Trümmerfrauen, der wir sehr viel verdanken bis hin zum „neu“ geschaffenen deutschen Beamtentum durfte sich der Deutsche wieder Deutsch nennen, wenn auch immer mit der kleinen Entschuldigung gepaart, einer zu sein. Der 17. Juni 1953 darf hier nicht unerwähnt bleiben. Der grosse Volksaufstand vom 17. Juni 1953 wurde am selben Tage noch weitgehend niedergeschlagen; dies wohl aufgrund der schnell einmarschierten sowjetischen Truppen, ohne die die SED die Kontrolle über die Geschehnisse mit Sicherheit verloren hätte. Die letzten kleinen Unruhen, die im direkten Zusammenhang mit den Ereignissen vom 17. Juni 1953 standen, gab es am 15. Juli in einem Kupferbergbau in Helbra. Die Forderungen des 17. Juni 1953 sollten aber erst 37 Jahre später in Kraft treten.

„Brüder und Schwestern in der Zone“, „Politik der menschlichen Erleichterungen“, „Die Partei, die Partei, die hat immer recht“ und „Ish bin ein Bearleener. (Originalschreibweise der Redevorlage von J.F.Kennedy)“, Bildung ist Bürgerrecht“. hallten durch die 60er. Die Goldenen Zeiten nahten ihrem Ende so könnte man meinen, mit der 68er Bewegung und Woodstock? „Freies Denken“, „Freie Drogen“ und die „sexuelle Revolution“ erschütterten die Grundfesten der jungen Republik. Ein Aufbruch in eine neue Zeit, frei von gedanklichen Zwängen, frei von Konventionalität und biederer Lebensart, sollte der Segen für die Zukunft sein. Die kollektive Trotzreaktion der Jungen hieß „Flower Power“ und „Kommunismus“. Ein wahrhaft „rotes Tuch“ für die Politiker der westlich-liberalen Hemisphäre. In den U.S.A. wurde Liebäugeln mit dem Kommunismus gleichgesetzt mit Hochverrat. In dieser Ära fanden Bestrebungen und ein Gedankengut wieder einen Höhepunkt, welches bei uns allen die Alarmglocken hätte läuten lassen müssen. Die Bürgerrechtsbewegung der Afro-Amerikaner unter Dr. Martin Luther King jr. krönte ihren Siegeszug mit dem Marsch auf Washington, bei dem Hunderttausende sich vor dem Lincoln-Memorial versammelten. Begleitet wurden diese Veranstaltungen immer wieder von Gewaltverbrechen an den afro-amerikanischen Mitbürgern, die ihren Gipfel im tödlichen Attentat auf Dr. Martin Luther King jr. fanden. Bis heute sticht hier eine Vereinigung ins Auge und ist sicher ein großer Wegbereiter rassistischen Gedankenguts, der Ku-Klux-Klan in den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika. Bereits hier hätte man merken können, dass das Gedankengut der Nazi-Vergangenheit niemals selbst Vergangenheit wurde. Doch, wollte man es eigentlich merken?

„Mehr Demokratie wagen“, „Zwei Staaten, zwei Nationen (Honecker 1972)“, „Freiheit statt Sozialismus“, „Friede den Hütten, Kampf den Palästen“, „Wenn Unrecht zu Recht wird, wird Widerstand zur Pflicht“, „Angst essen Seele auf“, „Stoppt Strauß“, „Wir haben die Erde von unseren Kindern nur geborgt.“, „Bums mal wieder!“ Die 70er Jahre, ein Jahrzehnt der pubertären Republik. Man merkte so richtig, wie eine Nation durch ihre Jugend lernte, was Widerstand wirklich bedeutet. Den „Mächtigen“ zeigen, dass man nicht mit allem einverstanden ist, was getan wird. Aber auch ein Jahrzehnt mit bittersten Erinnerungen. Deutschland machte Bekanntschaft mit dem Terrorismus. In dieser Zeit geschahen viele Dinge so kurz aufeinander, dass man eigentlich nicht mehr erkennen konnte, was gut, was böse ist. Von der „neuen Ostpolitik“ über die Olympiade in München, Franz Beckenbauer, die RAF, den Linksterrorismus bis hin zur „Auschwitzlüge“, der „Gefahr von Rechts“ und den „Müslis“ waren alle Schattierungen gesellschaftlichen „Expressionismus“ vorhanden. Von politischer Seite wurden, meiner Meinung nach, spätestens hier entscheidend die Weichen in den Neoliberalismus gestellt. Es ist die Zeit der Koalitionen zwischen SPD und FDP, als auch CDU und FDP. Nun, warum sollten Liberale nicht auch Neoliberale werden?

„Oggersheimer Demokratie“, „Krieg der Sterne“, „Man spricht deutsh“, „Gib Aids keine Chance!“, „Ich gebe Ihnen mein Ehrenwort!“, „Das Boot ist voll.“ „Auch drüben ist Deutschland“, „real existierender Sozialismus“, „Nazis verpißt euch, keiner vermißt euch (Bullen, Linke)“. So hallte es durch die 80er Jahre. Ja, die 80er, eine Zeit von Parteispendenaffären, universeller Kriegsführung und einer Konfrontation mit dem Sozialismus auch im eigenen Land. Und immer wieder klingt die Auseinandersetzung mit einer Vergangenheit durch, die wir alle so gerne einfach vergessen würden. Aber diese Vertreter einer menschenverachtenden und widerwärtigen Ideologie sind immer noch da. Sie kommen immer wieder aus ihren Löchern und gröhlen ihre Parolen durchs Land. Doch, warum eigentlich? Warum sind sie nicht längst verschwunden? Das Verbot der Vorreiterpartei in dieser ideologischen Volksvergewaltigung, der NPD, will einfach nicht gelingen. Die „Wehrsportgruppen“ scheinen so organisiert zu sein, dass auch gegen sie kaum eine rechtliche Handhabe möglich ist. Ist der neue, repräsentativ demokratische Staat die B. R. D. nicht in der Lage dieser Volksverhetzung ein Ende zu machen? So scheint es jedenfalls. Hier muss aber auch die Frage erlaubt sein, ob denn wirklich auch immer der richtige Wille hinter dem Vorhaben stand? Gab es vielleicht Fehler im Vorgehen, durch Unterschätzung, durch Phlegmatismus dem Thema gegenüber? Oder vielleicht sogar eine gewisse Sympathie von einzelnen Volksvertretern? Unser damaliger großer Bundeskanzler, Dr. Kohl, glänzte in seiner Paraderolle als eingebildeter Kranker mit einer sogenannten kurzzeitig auftretenden partiellen Amnesie. Sie trat gerade dann auf, wenn es um die Namen derjenigen ging, die seiner Partei und ihm reichlich monetäre Zuwendung schenkten und wird landläufig als „Black-Out“ bezeichnet. Nun, ich hoffe er ist mittlerweile davon genesen. 1989 der Fall der Mauer. Ein Aufblühen an Hoffnungen, guten Gedanken und ein Gefühl wie Weihnachten, Ostern, Geburtstag zusammen.

„Das geht alles seinen sozialistischen Gang“, „Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben“, „Jetzt wächst zusammen, was zusammengehört. (Brandt)“, „Wir sind das Volk!“, „Wir sind ein Volk!“, „Demokratie, jetzt oder nie!“, „Wir sollten nett zu den Deutschen sein. (Margreth Thatcher 1990)“, „Kein Anschluß unter dieser Nummer! (gegen den Zusammenschluß nach Art. 23 GG)“, „blühende Landschaften“, „ Deutschland den Deutschen, Ausländer raus!“, „Ich bin stolz, Deutscher zu sein“, „fun generation“. Nun das Jahrzehnt, in dem sich doch sehr deutlich zeigte, was von den Worten unserer Politiker zu halten ist. Aus den „blühenden Landschaften“ wurden trostlose Steppen. Nicht so richtig begriffen wir, dass wir zusammen gehören. Wer will es uns aber auch verübeln, die Politiker trugen jedenfalls dazu kaum bei, dass ein wirkliches Zusammengehörigkeitsgefühl zwischen den alten und neuen Bundesländern entstand. Nun, Demokratie, wo ist der große Rest? Auch hier finden sich wieder die Gröhllaute der Rechten und sie werden immer lauter. Nein, in den 90er Jahren flauen sie nicht mehr so ab, wie in den Jahren vorher. Sie bleiben auf einem Grundton und werden nach der „Jahrtausendwende“ noch lauter. Die rechtsradikale Bewegung sieht scheinbar aufkommende Möglichkeiten? Die Zahlen der letzten Wahlen geben ihnen zumindest teilweise Recht, wenn auch Protestwähler sie wählen. Allerdings wage ich an der Intelligenz des Menschen zu zweifeln, der aus Protest rechts wählt. Unsere ehemaligen „West“politiker haben ein neues Feindbild ausgemacht, die PDS, die Linke. Hierüber vernachlässigen sie, wie allzu oft in der Vergangenheit, die Aufmerksamkeit gegenüber rechts. Nun, allzu viel brauche ich jetzt über die 90er nicht mehr zu schreiben. Die meisten Leser haben sie ja selbst noch erlebt. Vielleicht kommen bei einigen von uns Älteren, bei der Erinnerung an die jeweiligen Jahrzehnte, doch einige Gedanken auf. Ich möchte meine nochmals in Form von Fragen aufgreifen.

· Warum ist es in einem Staat, wie der B.R.D., nicht möglich rechtsradikale Organisationen ein für allemal zu verbieten?

· Warum wird einer Werteumkehr, wie wir sie momentan erleben, nicht Einhalt geboten?
– Gerade angesichts der Tatsache, dass die B.R.D. die
Menschenrechtserklärung unterschrieben und ratifiziert hat (in einer älteren Form als der aktuellen).
– Gerade auch angesichts der weiteren Tatsache, dass die
Regierenden der B.R.D. die EU-Sozialcharta unterzeichnet haben.

· Warum wird wiederum eine der schwächsten Bevölkerungsgruppen in diesem Land (keine Lobby!) kriminalisiert?

· Warum dürfen Politiker, die sich als Demokraten bezeichnen uns gleichsetzen mit Ungeziefer, Parasiten?

· Warum werden solche Vorfälle, trotz mehrfach eingegangener Strafanzeige gegen die betreffende öffentliche Person, nicht verfolgt?

· Warum dürfen Institutionen wie die ARGEn, Job-Center usw. Grund- und Menschenrechte verletzen, ohne dafür zur Rechenschaft gezogen zu werden?

· Warum werden fast alle Beschwerden, die darüber bei den
Kontrollinstanzen (Bezirksregierungen) eingehen, mit dem Satz abgehandelt: „Das Vorgehen der/des ………………….. ist gesetzeskonform“?

· Warum werden Behinderte, chronisch kranke Menschen in Deutschland behandelt, als hätten sie kein Recht mehr auf ausreichende medizinische Versorgung (Heil- und Hilfsmittel werden von ARGEn nicht gewährt)?

· WARUM WIRD ÜBER TODESOPFER, DIE DIE HARTZ IV REFORM BEREITS MEHRFACH GEFORDERT HAT, EINFACH WORTLOS HINWEG GEGANGEN?

· Warum sind wir Euch Politikern und Konzernchefs so ein Dorn im Auge?

Nun, mit Antworten auf meine Fragen rechne ich nicht. Unser einziges Vergehen liegt darin, keine Arbeit mehr zu haben oder nicht mehr arbeiten zu können. Doch dies scheint den Gewaltigen der Republik schon Grund genug, uns zu schikanieren wo es geht. Nicht umsonst drückte es uns der Oberindianer aus Berlin so treffend in einem
einzigen Satz aus. In einem einzigen Satz brachte er die Sozialpolitik der Vorregierung und die seiner Legislaturperiode auf einen Nenner: „Wer nicht arbeitet, soll auch nicht essen!“. Spätestens hier hätte uns klar sein müssen, dass diese Mentalität keinen Platz in einem demokratischen Gemeinwesen hat. In einer Demokratie, die besonderen Wert darauf legte eine soziale Marktwirtschaft zu haben. Eine Marktwirtschaft, in der Menschlichkeit noch einen kleinen Platz hatte, Behinderung noch als Handicap mit notwendigen Nachteilsausgleichen gesehen wurde, Krankheit noch Krankheit war. Aber die Zeiten scheinen längst vorbei zu sein. Die Politik der letzten knapp 20 Jahre hat, meiner Meinung nach, besonders im sozialen Bereich und der Arbeitsmarktpolitik, viele Hoffnungen zerstört, viele Existenzen ruiniert. Die Verantwortlichen jedoch glauben, sie können so weitermachen. Nun, wenn das Volk das weiter so mit sich machen lässt, dann ja. Und genau das scheint wohl deren Hoffnung dort oben zu sein? Ein Volk, unschuldig in politischen Themen, begrenzt in seinem Intellekt (P.I.S.A.) und hoffend auf den sozialen Erlöser der den Kampf alleine führt und uns alle siegreich aus Fron und Bitterkeit erlösen wird. Nun, selbst bei den Musketieren lautete das Motto „Einer für alle, alle für einen!“ und nicht „Einer für alle und der Rest wartet dann mal ab“! Es ist sehr schwer, sich aus der Lethargie langer Arbeitslosigkeit und vielleicht schon einige Zeit andauernder Unterdrückung, dem erlebten Mobbing und allen anderen erlebten Benachteiligungen zu lösen. Das ist klar, dagegen muss ich selbst auch sehr ankämpfen und an manchen Tagen gelingt es mir absolut nicht. Aber wenn wir uns nicht wehren, dann wird es weiter bergab gehen für die Armen und Benachteiligten in diesem Land.
Dann wird die Kluft zwischen Arm und Reich so groß werden, dass es keine weitere Spanne mehr geben wird. Es scheint, von den Wirtschaftskonzernen und den neoliberalen Politikern so gewollt zu schein, dass eine Auslese stattfindet. Die Schwachen bleiben auf der Strecke. Aber gerade für die Schwachen, die oft genug nicht selbst an ihrer Schwachheit Schuld tragen, sollen wir einstehen. Gerade für diese sollen wir unsere Stimmen erheben, gerade für diesen müssen wir schreien:

STOP! So geht’s nicht weiter, nicht mit uns!

Denn wer sind denn die Schwachen in unserer Gesellschaft? Die Kinder zuallererst, für sie tragen wir alle die Verantwortung. Die Verantwortung für ihre Leben, Ihr Fortbestehen und ihre Zukunftschancen. Ein jeder von uns. Dann kommen die Behinderten, chronisch Kranken und Alten. Viele der Behinderten und chronisch Kranken tragen immer noch ihren Teil zur Leistungsfähigkeit unserer Gesellschaft, den Teil den sie beitragen können und mehr müssen sie nicht. Die Alten haben ihren Teil bereits beigetragen. Sie müssen einen Lebensabend in Ruhe, Frieden und sozialer Sicherheit erleben können, das sind wir ihnen schuldig. Was ist eigentlich losmit uns? Sind wir so sehr mit uns selbst beschäftigt, dass wir nicht mehr erkennen können, dass auch andere leiden, benachteiligt werden und um ihre Existenz kämpfen? Fühlen wir uns selbst so allein gelassen, dass wir es als legitim empfinden, die anderen alleine zu lassen? Was ist los mit dieser Nation? Sehen wir doch mal in die Fernsehapparate, die ja angeblich ihr Programm nach den Zuschauerquoten ausrichten. Also nach den Programme, die von den meisten Zuschauern gesehen werden. Wenn ich dann sehe, was so gesendet wird, dann frage ich mich:

Treibt uns der Hunger dazu, dass wir auf jedem Sender mittlerweile mindestens eine Kochsendung brauchen?
Sind wir bereits soweit in die Isolation abgeglitten, dass wir uns Talk-Shows mit gekauften Schauspielern ansehen müssen, die irgendwelche Themen diskutieren die die Welt beschäftigen, wie z. B. „Mein Kater furzt mindestens
dreimal am Tag, trägt er zur Klimaerwärmung bei und soll ich ihn deswegen einschläfern lassen“? Brauchen wir gestellte Justizfälle, die im Fernsehen verhandelt werden, weil wir vielleicht nicht selbst genug Kacke am Dampfen haben? Sind wir so sensationsgeil und lüstern nach Skandalen, dass sogar Sendungen eingerichtet werden, in denen wohl auch Schauspieler vor der Kamera die wüstesten Geständnisse ablassen? Nun, ich kann keine Antwort darauf geben, die kann sich jeder nur selbst geben. Mir macht so was Angst. Angst davor, dass der Bürger der sich dieses Medienangebot reinzieht, nicht mehr offen sein kann für wirkliche Themen, die uns alle betreffen. Lieber Leser, ziehe selbst Deine Schlüsse aus meinen Gedanken und Schilderungen. Beziehe Position wo Du stehst. Die Entwicklungen der letzten Zeit zeigen, meiner Ansicht nach, sehr offen wohin die zukünftige Politik- und Wirtschaftsordnung gehen soll. Ich möchte hier gar nicht auf die Situation mit unserem Innenminister Herrn Schäuble eingehen. Darüber kann man ein eigenes Buch schreiben. Wir haben in diesem Land und auf diesem Kontinent eine Grundordnung vor langer Zeit installiert, die wir, ohne jetzt religiös oder einseitig weltanschauend werden zu wollen, als menschlich, humanitär bezeichnen können. Diese wurde immer wieder umgangen und außer Kraft gesetzt von Rosstäuschern und Wahnsinnigen. Diese Werteordnung darf nicht fallen. Nun, ich denke es ist Zeit dass das Volk zeigt dass es Souverän ist. Souverän des Staates. Dazu dienen die nächsten Wahlen, dazu können Petitionen dienen, Eingaben jeglicher Art an jegliche staatlichen Institutionen. Friedliche Protestaktionen, Trauermärsche für die Verstorbenen, ziviler Ungehorsam usw. Rafft Euch dazu auf, die freiheitlich demokratische Grundordnung zu verteidigen.

Wir haben nur dieses eine Deutschland, es liegt an uns es zu restaurieren und dann zu erhalten.

New Poll Shows Americans Moving Toward Consensus on Abortion

New Poll Shows Americans Moving Toward Consensus on Abortion

86% favor significant restrictions; Majority believes abortion hurts a woman long-term

NEW HAVEN, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — The American people continue to move to the pro-life perspective on abortion according to the latest Moral Compass polling by the Knights of Columbus and Marist Institute.

The poll mirrored findings of other recent surveys, showing that more Americans identify as pro-life than as pro-choice (an 11% shift from October), and that the vast majority of Americans favor restricting abortion.

Among the key findings:

· 86% of Americans would significantly restrict abortion.

· 60% of Americans would limit abortion to cases of rape, incest or the life of a mother — or not allow it at all.

· 53% of Americans believe abortion does more harm than good to a woman in the long term.

· 79% of Americans support conscience exemptions on abortion for health care workers. This includes 64% of those who identify as strongly pro-choice.

· 69% of Americans think that it is appropriate for religious leaders to speak out on abortion.

· 59% say religious leaders have a key role to play in the abortion debate.

Additionally, the data showed that nearly every demographic sub-group had moved toward the pro- life position except for non-practicing Catholics and men under 45 years of age.

Independents and liberals showed the greatest shift to the pro-life position since October, while Democrats were slightly less likely to be pro-life now than they were in October.

„The data shows that the American people are placing an ever increasing value on human life,“ said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. „Far from the great divide that most people think exists when it comes to the abortion debate, there is actually a great deal of common ground. Most Americans are unhappy with the unrestricted access to abortion that is the legacy of Roe vs. Wade, and pundits and elected leaders should take note of the fact that agreement on abortion need not be limited to the fringes of the debate and issues like adoption or pre-natal care. The American people have reached a basic consensus, and that consensus is at odds with the legacy of Roe.“

The survey of 1,223 Americans was conducted May 28 – 31 and has a margin of error of +/-3%.

Contact:
Andrew T. Walther
Director of Media Relations
(203) 752-4253 (office)
(203) 824-5412 (cellular)

World Congress of Families Founder Addresses Global Economic Crisis at Oxford University Conference

World Congress of Families Founder Addresses Global Economic Crisis at Oxford University Conference

MEDIA ADVISORY, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — World Congress of Families International Secretary and Founder, Dr. Allan C. Carlson, addresses a Conference on „A Distributist View of the Global Economic Crisis“ at Oxford University, England on Saturday, July 11.

Carlson will be presenting his speech titled, „Servile World: How ‚The Business Government.‘ ‚The Loathsome Thing Called Social Service‘ and other Distributist Nightmares all Came True.“

The conference is being sponsored by the G.K. Chesterton Institute For Faith and Culture from Seton Hall University ( www.shu.edu/catholic-mission/chesterton- index.cfm) and will be held in St. Benet’s Hall, Oxford University from 1pm to 6pm on July 11.

Other speakers include: Phillip Blond, U.K. — Director of the Progressive Conservatism Project for DEMOS, on: „A Distributist View of the Financial Crisis,“ Philippe Maxence, France — President of the l’Association des Amis de Chesterton, journalist and writer, on the: „The Paradox of a Crisis: the Distributist response — France reconnects with the best of its social traditions,“ and Salvador Antuñano, Spain — Professor, Universidad dad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, on the: „Concept of Distributism in relation with the anthropological roots of today’s socio- economic crisis in Spain.“

Responses will be given by: Fr Ian Boyd CSB, Stratford Caldecott, Edward Hadas, and Russell Sparkes. For a complete schedule and reservation information go to: www.shu.edu/catholic- mission/upload/07112009ConferenceSchedule.pdf or email, chestertoninstitute@shu.edu.

Next month, Dr. Carlson will also be a featured speaker and serve as International Secretary of the World Congress of Families V at the Amsterdam RAI, The Netherlands, August 10-12. His speech will be on „How We Got Here: A History of the Natural Family.“

Click here to register for World Congress of Families V and to hear Dr. Carlson’s speech ( www.worldcongress.org/WCF5/wcf5.reg.mem.htm )

For more information on World Congress of Families – – including World Congress of Families V (Amsterdam, August 10-12, 2009) go to www.worldcongress.org or www.worldcongress.nl. To schedule an interview with Dr. Carlson, or request a copy of his speech contact Larry Jacobs at (815) 222-2490 or media@worldcongress.org.

The World Congress of Families (WCF) is an international network of pro-family organizations, scholars, leaders and people of goodwill from more than 60 countries that seek to restore the natural family as the fundamental social unit and the ’seedbed‘ of civil society (as found in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948). The WCF was founded in 1997 by Allan Carlson and is a project of The Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society in Rockford, Illinois (www.profam.org). To date, there have been four World Congresses of Families — Prague (1997), Geneva (1999), Mexico City (2004) and Warsaw, Poland (2007). A fifth World Congress of Families will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, August 10-12, 2009 ( www.worldcongress.nl and www.worldcongress.org).

Abstinence Advocates Get Slapped in the Face by House Sub Committee

Abstinence Advocates Get Slapped in the Face by House Sub Committee

MEDIA ADVISORY, July 10 /Christian Newswire/ — Federal funding for abstinence until marriage education was stripped from the budget today in the House subcommittee, led by Rep. David Obey (D-WI). The budget now goes to the full committee and to the full House of Representatives.

Proponents of contraceptive-only sex education have long awaited the day when they are given free reign over the sexualization of our children. There is a small minority of very well federally funded groups who try to give the perception that contraceptive-only sex education programs are effective at protecting teens from the problems related to sexual activity.

Studies of contraceptive-only sex education reveal that there is no evidence that condom programs are effective at decreasing teen pregnancy or STDs.

It was also found that abstinence programs have produced broad-based and sustained increases in the percentage of youth who remain sexually abstinent.

There is evidence that abstinence education is an effective primary prevention strategy. The research does not support abandoning abstinence education in favor of a contraceptive-only sex education strategy that has not been proven to be successful.

Abstinence advocates are calling on President Obama for bipartisan support and to stop politicizing the health of our children.

„We’ve got news for the condom worshipers,“ says Leslee Unruh, President of the National Abstinence Clearinghouse, „abstinence education is not going away any time soon. Taxpayers will not tolerate their money being used for ideological latex-only programs and the molestation of their children’s minds and future.“

The Abstinence Clearinghouse continues to work on the front lines to protect abstinence until marriage, without compromise.

Abstinence Clearinghouse
801 E. 41st St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
www.abstinence.net

A Match Made in Heaven — PLACE Ministries Helps to Build More Effective Church Ministries, Happier Staff and Volunteers

A Match Made in Heaven — PLACE Ministries Helps to Build More Effective Church Ministries, Happier Staff and Volunteers

PLACE Ministries Celebrates 12-Year Anniversary, Introduces Blog and Social Media Outreach

ALPHARETTA, GA, July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — PLACE Ministries is celebrating its 12-year anniversary in helping churches build effective church ministries that resulted in fulfilled staff and volunteers. In an effort to provide more helpful advice and resources to individuals and ministries alike, PLACE Ministries is introducing a blog and social media outreach program.

PLACE Ministries offers personal online student and adult assessments and holds Bible-based workshop trainings. These workshops are designed to teach ministry leaders how best to match opportunities within the church with each person’s personality, skills, passions and life experiences. The result of these specialized trainings is a more empowered and focused staff, which helps to draw more fulfilled volunteers.

By incorporating social media elements, PLACE Ministries will be able to offer guidance and resources to church ministries and Christians through many different channels. The new blog will feature industry experts who will share their knowledge of building and maintaining a harmonious community in the church and in life.

Later on this month, PLACE Ministries will enter the Twittersphere with five designated Twitterers. It will expand its role to support and share its expertise with their followers on Twitter.

„PLACE Ministries is excited to provide new resources and fresh options to help people and ministries alike on their journey. The team we have put together for the blog is eager to share best practices from church ministries across the country. While the team and topics discussed will be diverse, each individual is passionate about helping God’s people connect to meaningful ministry. Each individual also uses and understands the difference PLACE tools and resources make in church ministries across the country,“ said Jay McSwain, president of PLACE Ministries.

About PLACE Ministries
PLACE Ministries focuses on assisting church ministries in helping its members understand who they are in Christ and how they can use their spiritual gifts to benefit others. As a Bible-based, self-discovery process PLACE helps pastors, church members, lay leaders and others realize their ideal PLACE of ministry in life and in the local church. PLACE was created 12 years ago out of a desire to help pastors design and maximize church ministries and to help Christians discover their purpose-driven ministry through PLACE’s assessment tools, spiritual gifts inventory, DISC assessment, leadership training workshops and more.

To learn more about PLACE Ministries, visit www.PLACEMinistries.org.

National Economic Survey Explores Economy’s Impact on Christian Nonprofits

National Economic Survey Explores Economy’s Impact on Christian Nonprofits

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) ( ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org) today released the insightful results of a national „Economic Outlook Survey“ of Christian nonprofit organizations. The survey was conducted in April 2009 by J. David Schmidt and Associates, Wheaton, IL (wiseplanning.net) in partnership with CLA.

„The national survey that CLA released today provides insight into the impact that the current economy is having on nonprofit organizations, particularly faith- based nonprofits,“ said Frank Lofaro, CLA president and CEO. „For many Christian nonprofit organizations the economy has had a major impact. In fact, compared to one year ago, some 73 percent of nonprofits with investments said their portfolios and endowments are down, and some 51 percent said that reserves have diminished.“

When given a list of 21 ways their organization had responded to the economic downturn, 52 percent had reduced travel, 44 percent had frozen raises and 43 percent had cut their overall budgets for the 2009 fiscal year. Some 48 percent of respondents said first quarter income was below plan for this year. „Building cash reserves“ was noted as the best past decision made by most organizations.

The findings represent 250 responding organizations, out of the nearly 1,000 surveyed. The size of responding organizations, budgets and employees, varied significantly. Respondents represent a broad spectrum of Christian nonprofit organizations including camps and conference centers, denominational offices, mission and outreach agencies, publishers, professional service firms, social service organizations, associations, colleges/universities, Christian schools, broadcast ministries, and churches.

To read a free executive summary of this „Economic Outlook Survey“ click here.

Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) is a national association representing more than 8,000 individuals, from 4,500 Christian nonprofit organizations nationwide. For more news and information, visit CLA’s website, www.ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org.

Pope Releases New Encyclical on Justice and the Common Good

Pope Releases New Encyclical on Justice and the Common Good

The Maximus Group Offers Commentators and Speakers on Caritas in Veritate

ATLANTA, July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — Pope Benedict XVI’s first social encyclical, and third in total, Caritas in veritate or Love in Truth was made public Tuesday, July 7, 2009 by the Vatican. In the letter, the pope explains that „charity in truth… is the driving force behind the authentic development of every person and all humanity.“

„Through this close link with truth,“ said the pope, „charity can be recognized as an authentic expression of humanity and as an element of fundamental importance in human relations, including those of a public nature.“ The pope warned that without truth, charity (or love) becomes meaningless, mistreated and vague. However, charity filled with truth „can be shared and communicated.“

„In the present social and cultural context, where there is a widespread tendency to relativize truth, practicing charity in truth helps people to understand that adhering to the values of Christianity is not merely useful but essential for building a good society and for true integral human development,“ wrote Benedict.

The pope emphasizes that „charity is at the heart of the Church’s social doctrine,“ and said that this principle takes on „practical forms in the criteria that govern[s] moral action.“ The pope reflected on two moral measures that contribute to an increasingly global society: justice and the common good.

„Justice is inseparable from charity,“ said the pope. Not only does charity insist on justice–the respect for the rights of all peoples–charity also „transcends justice and completes it in the logic of giving and forgiving,“

The pope also commented on the common good for the individual as well as all of society. „To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity. To take a stand for the common good is on the one hand to be solicitous for, and on the other hand to avail oneself of, that complex of institutions that give structure to the life of society, juridically, civilly, politically and culturally.“

One of the challenges Benedict addressed in Caritas in veritate is the „de facto interdependence of people and nations is not matched by ethical interaction of consciences and minds that would give rise to truly human development.“ While the pope did not offer procedural solutions to the world’s social problems, he said the Church has „a mission of truth to accomplish, in every time and circumstance, for a society that is attuned to man, to his dignity and to his vocations.“

The Maximus Group offers a variety of spokespersons who can comment on Caritas in veritate:

· Fr. Robert Barron — founder of Word on Fire Ministries and the Francis Cardinal George Chair of Faith and Culture at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary;

· Dr. Pia de Solenni — moral theologian and an expert on life issues;

· Dr. Matthew Bunson — Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, is one of the United States‘ leading authorities on the papacy and the Church;

· Dr. James Keating — Director of Theological Formation at the Institute of Priestly Formation; and

· Fr. John Bartunek, LC — author and cultural commentator.

Please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871 to schedule an interview. To schedule any of these commentators for speaking engagements, please contact Tina Remmert of The Maximus Group at 678-990-9032.

‚Three Strands‘ Church Security Conference

‚Three Strands‘ Church Security Conference

The National Organization of Church Security & Safety Management (NOCSSM) launches the National Church Security Tour

FRISCO, Texas, July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — The National Organization of Church Security & Safety Management (NOCSSM) will begin its new Church Security Tour by presenting a two day „Three Strands“ Church Security Conference to be hosted at various Mega-Churches across the nation.

„We have confirmed dates and locations including some of the largest Mega-Churches in American“ Says Chuck Chadwick, the President of NOCSSM. „So far we have conferences scheduled in North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Missouri; with Texas, Alabama, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and others close behind.

Armed Guards, Crisis Management, Terrorism, Emergency Evacuation, Childcare liability, Safety Plans, Video Surveillance – these are all buzzwords that every church has to address. Church leaders are asking, „Where do we start?“

With every police department struggling to advise their local churches; there is a lot more to church security than just keeping their doors locked and how to dial „911“.

As the former Director of Security of one of the largest churches in the nation, Charles „Chuck“ Chadwick has had to address all of these issues. With weekly attendance approaching twenty thousand there isn’t much he hasn’t seen. Currently, Chadwick’s companies provide consultation and security services to some of the largest churches in America. „We work exclusively with churches.“ says Chadwick

While not all churches have the degree of concern as a mega-church, every church wants to meet the unthinkable with a degree of preparedness.

Chadwick says – „I don’t see why every church has to struggle with these issues, when we have already had to deal with and address these issues.“

The two day conference will weave the „Three Stands of Church Security“ into a cohesive plan for the attendee churches. Based on a foundation of Policy & Procedure and held together with the Team Players and Tools & Technology.

For further details go to www.churchsecurityconference.com.

About NOCSSM:
The National Organization of Church Security & Safety Management (NOCSSM) is dedicated to the education and training of all churches in security and safety issues.

Boston Hosts Grand Celebration of John Calvin’s 500th Birthday

Boston Hosts Grand Celebration of John Calvin’s 500th Birthday

BOSTON, July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — More than a thousand gathered in downtown Boston this last week to honor the 500th birthday of John Calvin (July 10, 1509) as part of the Reformation 500 Celebration hosted by Vision Forum Ministries. The event, held July 1-4 at the Park Plaza Hotel, featured more than 40 live reenactors, 30 formal history lectures, and 20 walking tour of historic landmarks in Boston, a Children’s Parade in Boston’s Public Gardens, and more. The conference emphasized both the theological an practical implications of the Reformation and John Calvin’s influence on the institutions of family, church, and state, as well as the broader culture.

The Reformation 500 Celebration culminated on July 4 with the tolling of an exact replica of America’s Liberty Bell, which was rung thirteen times in honor of the principles of liberty that leaders of America’s original thirteen colonies drew from Calvin and other Protestant Reformers from the past.

„The torch of liberty that burned so bright in 1776 was kindled in the 16th century by the groundbreaking efforts of the Protestant Reformers — of whom John Calvin was chief,“ noted Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum Ministries. „John Adams, an ardent patriot and our nation’s second president, himself referred to Calvin as ‚a vast genius‘ of ’singular eloquence‘, adding this admonition to his hearers: ‚Let not Geneva be forgotten or despised. Religious liberty owes it much respect.‘

„In hosting the Reformation 500, it was our goal to heed President Adams‘ charge by celebrating the great legacy of liberty that Calvin forged in Geneva, as well as the broader heritage of freedom that the Reformation bequeathed to the West. With Calvin’s birthday on July 10, 1509, and the subsequent reforms that he and such men as Martin Luther and John Knox effected in the pivotal 16th century, tyranny was quashed, liberty was championed, and the West was radically transformed. The religious and civil liberties we enjoy today in America flow directly from their efforts.“

Although the event included important presentations by church historians and Calvin scholars such as Dr. Joseph Morecraft, one mission was to make the great doctrines of the Reformation and the very lives of the Reformers themselves accessible to the man in the pew and to children. The week’s activities were designed for whole families to enjoy. More than 40 reenactors — representing such Reformation characters as John and Idelette Calvin, John and Margaret Knox, Martin and Katherina Luther, and Pierre Viret, as well as American colonial figures such as Sam Adams, Priscilla Mullins, and Anne Bradstreet — engaged with guests over the course of the four-day celebration. Children who obtained 30 or more reenactor signatures were awarded a $10 coupon good toward the purchase of a 1-ounce troy silver commemorative coin of John Calvin that was minted specially for the event.

„It was our desire to make Reformation history come alive for families,“ Phillips commented. „And we are pleased with the enthusiastic response that young and old showed in participating in our Children’s Parade led by Gen. George Washington and our Fife and Drum Corps. Christians from dozens of states, including hundreds of homeschooling families, participated. The children came in costume and had a splendid time. And their active conversations with the formal reenactors were a thrill to behold.“

One of the other features of the Reformation 500 was „Calvin vs. Darwin: The Boxing Match of the Millennium“, a vigorous head-to-head debate between two re-enactors representing John Calvin and Charles Darwin’s diametrically-opposing worldviews. Both Calvin and Darwin advanced their ideological positions using the most compelling arguments in their worldview arsenals.

Millions around the world are celebrating their distinct birthdays: the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth on the one hand, and the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth on the other (as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s „Origin of Species“).

Acknowledging both Calvin and Darwin’s world- shaping influence, Phillips noted: „No two men of the millennium have done more to shape the thoughts of mankind or to effect the political and social destiny of nations than Calvin and Darwin — the former for great good and the glory of God, and the later for unimaginable evil. The children of Calvin and the Reformers gave us the rise of nation states that embraced republican representative government. The children of Darwin gave us Marxism and totalitarianism.“

Concluded Phillips: „The reforms of Calvin resulted in the blossoming of Christendom. Darwin foreshadowed the darkness of modernity.“

John Calvin, a convert to Reformation Christianity born in Noyon, France, on July 10, 1509, is best known for his influence on the city of Geneva. It was there that he modeled many of the principles of liberty later embraced by America’s Founders, including anti- statism, the belief in transcendent principles of law as the foundation of an ethical legal system, free market economics, decentralized authority, an educated citizenry as a safeguard against tyranny, and republican representative government which was accountable to the people and a higher law.

To read a Washington Post editorial on Calvin written by Doug Phillips, click here. To interview Doug Phillips regarding Calvin’s world-shaping influence, contact Wesley Strackbein by e-mail at press@visionforum.org or by phone at (210) 340- 5250, ext. 222.

Calvin500 Bestows Lifetime Achievement Awards in Geneva

Calvin500 Bestows Lifetime Achievement Awards in Geneva

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — Calvin 500, the international Quincentenary celebration of the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth (July 10, 1509), is bestowing three Lifetime Achievement Awards this week in Geneva to honor exceptional scholarship and achievement.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Reformation Scholarship was awarded on July 6th to Robert Kingdon, „Scholar par Excellence in the history of the Reformation, who led the way to a greater appreciation of Calvin’s work by his own study of Calvin’s life and times,“ said Dr. David W. Hall, Executive Director of Calvin500.

The Calvin500 Executive Committee bestowed this award with its deepest thanks and in honor of Dr. Kingdon’s Lifetime Contribution to Reformation Scholarship. John Witte, Jr., of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Kingdon on July 6, who is recovering from an illness in Wisconsin.

On July 8, the Calvin Quincentenary in Geneva will award its Lifetime Achievement Award for Liturgics to Hughes Oliphant Old, „Dean of Reformed liturgical scholars in our day, for calling the Church back to the sources for worship according to Scripture, affirmed by the Fathers and the Reformers: Chrysostom, Augustine, and Calvin.“ Dr. David W. Hall, Executive Director will present the award „with our deepest thanks and in honor of his Lifetime Contribution to the Recovery of Reformed Liturgy,“ which will be accepted by Dr. Terry L. Johnson of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia.

In addition, at its closing banquet on July 9 in Geneva, the Calvin Quincentenary will award its Lifetime Achievement Award for Pastoral Ministry to Rev. Geoffrey Thomas, „Reformed pastor in the tradition of Calvin, Baxter, Spurgeon, and Lloyd-Jones, for exemplifying the life of a godly pastor and mentoring many others, and for your years of pastoral ministry that adorns the profession.“ At the closing banquet, Rev. Geoffrey Thomas will address the gathering on „What I learned from John Calvin and Martin Lloyd- Jones,“ and the award will be presented by Drs. Derek Thomas and David Hall.

Throughout the week, scholars and ministers are presenting lectures and sermons in these historic environs to celebrate the contributions of the Genevan reformer.

For more information and updates, visit www.Calvin500blog.org. Live blogging information will also be available from that page.

Calvin500 Recognizes Young Scholars in Geneva

Calvin500 Recognizes Young Scholars in Geneva

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — Calvin 500, the international Quincentenary celebration of the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth (July 10, 1509), recognized several promising prize-winning Young Scholars as part of its commemoration of John Calvin.

As its own symposium within the Quincentenary of John Calvin’s birth, Calvin500 is pleased to announce that the following will be recognized at the Young Calvin Scholars Symposium at the Auditoire in Geneva on July 8 at 15h00. The public is cordially invited to hear synopses of these award-winning papers below.

The Calvin Prize will be awarded to Michael Habets of New Zealand for his essay, „Calvin’s Reformed Doctrine of Theosis,“ at 15h10.

The Beza Prize will be awarded to Sebastian Heck of Heidelberg, Germany for his essay, „Elements of Innatism in the Thought of John Calvin,“ at 15h30

The Viret Prize will be awarded to Matthew Burton of Atlanta, Georgia for his essay, „The Spirit of Calvinism in Business,“ at 15h50.

The Zwingli Prize will be awarded to Michael Dewalt of Grand Rapids, Michigan for his essay, „Calvin’s Practical View of Adoption,“ at 16h10.

The Bucer Prize will be awarded to Timothy Gwin of Atlanta, Georgia for his essay, „Piety in Calvin and Erasmus,“ at 16h30.

The Farel Prize will be awarded to Joseph Fleener of New Zealand for his essay, „Exploring, with John Calvin, Our Adoption as Sons,“ at 16h50.

Moderators for the Symposium will be Drs. David Hall, Darryl Hart, and Jon Payne.
Throughout the week, scholars and ministers are presenting lectures and sermons in these historic environs to celebrate the contributions of the Genevan reformer. 


For more information and updates, visit www.Calvin500blog.org. Live blogging information will also be available from that page.

Australian Missionary to Cycle Across America

Australian Missionary to Cycle Across America

MEDIA ADVISORY, July 8 /Christian Newswire/ — Bernie Scanlon – an Australian missionary has chosen an unusual way to do something about poverty. He is cycling across America!

Bernie’s Bike Ride as it has become known will be raising funds for Home of the Open Heart, a Christian ministry to HIV children in Thailand.

I just really want to help those less fortunate than myself said Bernie shortly before leaving New Your on June 27th. I believe this is a challenge that God has given me to do.

Bernie is cycling all the way to San Francisco a journey that is expected to take 4 months.

Bernie is hoping to raise sponsors as he goes and would love to hear from you – you can phone him on +1 6316720123 (Please keep in mind that calla to this number cost Bernie $3 per minute)

You can track Bernie’s progress through his blog site http://bikingbernie.blogspot.com/ and donations to Bernie’s Bike ride can be made via the ARMS website www.arms.org.au.

More information about Bernie’s Bike Ride can be obtained from David Skeat davids@arms.org.au.

Michael Jackson: Heaven, Hell, or Elsewhere?

Michael Jackson: Heaven, Hell, or Elsewhere?

Best-selling author discusses popular notions of death amidst global mourning over King of Pop

NEWPORT, Washington, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ — Nearly 20,000 gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California to pay final tribute to music legend Michael Jackson (1958-2009). Joining grief-stricken family, friends and fans, actress Brooke Shields moaned, „Although our hearts are aching, we need to look up, where he is undoubtedly perched in a crescent moon, and we need to smile.“

It’s hard to smile when loved ones die. It’s also hard to avoid — especially during emotionally charged memorial services like Jackson’s — that age-old question we mortals are often confronted with throughout our brief earthly sojourn,

„After death, then what?“

Is Jackson truly „perched in a crescent moon“? In other words, is he in heaven? Has he entered the spirit world as NBC’s Medium and CBS’s Ghost Whisperer portray? Can he return as a ghost to speak, sing, or dance for the living? How about purgatory, as Catholics teach? Or even hell, as many Christians proclaim?

TV producer, radio host, and Bible expert Steve Wohlberg knows the answer, yet that answer is NOT what the average person believes. His eye-opening book, Solving the Mystery of Death, counteracts current misconceptions and comforts the living.

„Believe it or not,“ Wohlberg adamantly argues, „when a person dies — whether good or bad — they don’t immediately go to heaven, or hell, or purgatory, or into the spirit world. Instead, they’re dead, that is, they ’sleep‘ silently and unconsciously in their graves, awaiting a resurrection.‘ As proof, Wohlberg quotes Bible verses like these:

„The dead know not anything“ (Ecclesiastes 9:5) „…there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going“ (Ecclesiastes 9:10) „The dead… go down into silence“ (Psalm 115:17) The dead „sleep in the dust of the earth“ (Daniel 12:2) „…the dead shall be raised“ (1 Thess. 4:16)

„The idea that man’s soul is inherently ‚immortal‘ and soars somewhere at death is based in Greek philosophy, not Scripture,“ argues Wohlberg. The author of 22 books, Wohlberg has been a guest on over 500 radio and TV shows discussing biblical topics that relate to everyday living.

To schedule an interview, contact Steve Wohlberg. (Mobile) 559-977-9744

For more information about Steve Wohlberg, visit www.avoidthedead.com.

World Renown Church Leader has a Controversial New Book About Ministers Who Cheat and the Women Who Love Them

World Renown Church Leader has a Controversial New Book About Ministers Who Cheat and the Women Who Love Them

Unveiling the truth about sex, lies and religion

LOS ANGELES, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ — On the heels of Governor Mark Sanford’s shocking confession and Elizabeth Edward’s tell-all memoir titled „Resilience“ about her husband’s affair and love child with Rielle Hunter comes a book that pulls back the veil on the sexual misconduct of some of our nation’s other influential leaders — Pastors.

Fifty years in the making, Dr. Betty Price of the esteemed television ministry „Ever Increasing Faith“ and bicoastal mega-church Crenshaw Christian Center has written a provocative new book about ministers who cheat and the women who love them called, „Warning To Ministers, Their Wives and Mistresses.“ She wrote „Warning“ as a cautionary tale to discourage pastoral sexual infidelity. But the warning should be heeded by all — be they pastors, celebrities, athletes or politicians like Sen. Edwards and Gov. Sanford.

„Christians are just copying politicians and entertainers,“ said Dr. Betty, the wife of Apostle Frederick K.C. Price. „I believe that ‚Warning‘ will bring attention to the fact that adultery is wrong and there are severe consequences.

„All of the ministers I know who’ve cheated on their wives, their lives were cut short. And I’ve seen it happen to ministers of all ethnicities. When you live an immoral life, you’re doing what Galatians 6:7 says. God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. You are sowing seeds of death and destruction when you commit adultery because you’re betraying something very sacred. Your oath to God and your spouse.“

Dr. Betty’s tell-all book reveals some personal trials with seductresses who have tried to tempt her high- profile charismatic husband. Although the women were cunning, none have succeeded in subverting his commitment to his wife or to God. Since Dr. Betty is a highly respected First Lady, she has been in communication with thousands of women. Consequently, Dr. Betty felt compelled to share in her book some of the tear-stained letters, shocking emails and gut-wrenching intimate confessions by wives and mistresses snared in a dangerous liaison.

Ask just about any churchgoer and most of them would have either attended a church or know of a church where the pastor was caught in an illicit affair. How prevalent is adultery? The Internet is full of statistics. One report estimates that 50% to 70% of Americans are victims of infidelity.

Unfortunately, that includes church leaders. The seventh commandment says „Thou shalt not commit adultery.“ Nevertheless, from King David’s affair with Bathsheba to Ted Haggard and others, our spiritual leaders are failing to uphold this sacred oath. Although this is a scandalous issue, Dr. Betty has received tremendous support by parishioners who feel that it’s time to pull back the veil of sex, lust, and lies and call for change in the church.

For more information on „Warning To Ministers, Their Wives and Mistresses“ go to www.faithdome.org or call (800) 943-4388. „Warning“ is also available on Amazon.com.

Make Your Everyday Relationships Intentional

Make Your Everyday Relationships Intentional

MEDIA ADVISORY, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ — The overwhelming percentage of adults who come to Christ do so during a time of crisis. One study estimates that 15% of adults will face some crisis during any twelve-month period. We encounter these hurting people every day through our routine tasks and errands. Many won’t go to a church, but they still need someone with whom to talk. What if we could transform these everyday encounters into intentional, eternal opportunities?

With the help of a dynamic new program, you can claim your own community as your mission field. Community Chaplains of America training equips laypeople with the skills to minister to others during a time of crisis. Ordinary Christians with a heart for the lost and hurting can train to become a chaplain who will be present with people during times of crisis and gain permission to share the hope found in Christ. This „ministry of presence“ is particularly crucial in reaching people who are not connected to a church or a member of the clergy.

Community Chaplains of America was developed by Mark Cress, founder of Corporate Chaplains of America, a company that has provided chaplains in the workplace since 1996. The training course is based on the ministry model developed by Corporate Chaplains of America and was written by their veteran Chaplains. The curriculum will equip volunteers to reach people in their own areas of interest: on the little league field, in the neighborhood, at a child’s school, at work, etc.

In the short time since its inception, Community Chaplains of America has trained several hundred people in 35 different states. Commissioned chaplains receive credentials and ongoing support which includes access to a web portal that tracks their ministries and facilitates interaction with other chaplains.

In addition, Community Chaplains of America offers a Group Study Kit with enough materials to facilitate a 10 member small group. The Group Study Kit familiarizes participants with the principles of care giving and relationship building, along with the necessary tools to minister during times of crisis.

„The start of a new school year will introduce new relationships and opportunities for ministry for many of us,“ says Community Chaplains General Manager Vicki Frye. „Why not complete the Community Chaplains of America training over the summer and be prepared to start caring for people this fall. This is the perfect way to find the ministry you’ve always wanted.“

www.commchap.com

Women’s Coalition for Justice: Conservative Women Leaders Speak Out on Sotomayor

Women’s Coalition for Justice: Conservative Women Leaders Speak Out on Sotomayor

WASHINGTON, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ — Members of the Women’s Coalition for Justice released the following statements in advance of the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor beginning next Monday.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, stated, „Women are best protected by the rule of law — and blind justice. Their rights are most endangered when personal preference, ideology or painful personal history inform judgment. Susan B. Anthony and her early feminist compatriots fought for a human rights standard sustained only through blind justice. When evidence of personal preference appears in any Supreme Court nominee’s judgment, it should give all women pause. Sonia Sotomayor’s record of support for judicial activism and her work for the pro-abortion Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund offer little comfort that she will be a friend to the unborn on the Supreme Court. Given what we know about Sonia Sotomayor’s own judicial philosophy, including her support of policymaking from the bench, senators have just cause to reject her appointment to the United States Supreme Court.“

Genevieve Wood, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, The Heritage Foundation, stated, „I am troubled by Judge Sotomayor’s rejection of Justice O’Connor’s favored adage that a wise old man would reach the same conclusion as a wise old woman. It is deeply offensive that she has suggested that the sexes and ethnicities ‚have basic differences in logic and reasoning,‘ and even more offensive that she believes it is somehow patriotic to indulge in gender or ethnic biases. Her statements raise grave concerns about whether she can truly be impartial and the current defense that she simply endorses including different perspectives doesn’t hold water. The Senators must ask challenging questions to determine whether she believes that a wise woman can reach the same conclusion as a wise man, or whether she intends to bring bias, as she has suggested, even to most cases.“

Connie Mackey, Senior Vice President for FRCAction remarked, „I reject the admonition of Senator Chuck Schumer that opposing the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor will cause the Republican Party to lose women’s vote permanently. I believe his crystal ball is cloudy when it comes to women in America. Women think independently and most women will see that Sonia Sotomayor is a judicial activist who will use the courts to make policy reflective of her own personal judgments as opposed to ruling based upon the tenets put forth by the Constitution. Her career as an activist is well-documented and disqualifies her from taking the 9th seat on the United States Supreme Court.“

Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life remarked, „It’s important for the American people to understand that the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court will dramatically shift the dynamics of the Court. Her record of activism in support of a radical pro-abortion agenda is clear and documented. This is a judge with a record significantly worse than Judge Souter’s. We are asking the Senate Judiciary Committee to seriously consider the consequences of confirming a Supreme Court justice whose radical record shows she would rule against all common-sense legal protections for the unborn, including parental notification, informed consent and bans on partial- birth abortion. The American people will not tolerate a nominee who is outside the mainstream of American public opinion.“

Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee stated, „Sonia Sotomayor’s record reveals she lacks the primary characteristic required of a judge — impartiality. She has used her position as a judge to deny equal justice to people based on their ethnicity. She worked with organizations that aggressively fought against common-sense regulations on abortion. Her flippant dismissal of cases and unwillingness to provide Constitutional reasoning for her decisions exposes her arrogance, disrespect for our judicial system and the people whose lives are dramatically impacted by her decisions. Through her work as a judge and in organizations, she has denied people equal opportunity to make a living because of the color of their skin, preborn babies their right to live, and women the right not to be exploited by abortionists. After giving her the benefit of the doubt, her record of giving preferences to certain classes of people and denying equal justice to others obliges Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee to oppose her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Sonia Sotomayor has disqualified herself from the U.S. Supreme Court. Senators need to set aside their party loyalty and do their Constitutional duty to uphold equal justice for all by opposing Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination.“

To arrange interviews with coalition members, please contact: Joy Yearout, jyearout@sba-list.org or (703) 380-6674

Natalie Grant Surprises Contestants, Three Singers Voted Out, but One is Saved on ‚Gospel Dream‘

Natalie Grant Surprises Contestants, Three Singers Voted Out, but One is Saved on ‚Gospel Dream‘

Encores July 11 (8 P.M./1 A.M.) & July 12 (8 P.M./11 P.M.) ET

ATLANTA, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ — Natalie Grant surprised contestants, then helped coach their performances, while three singers were sent packing, but in a surprise twist, one was voted back in by remaining contestants last night on the popular Gospel Music Channel ( www.gospelmusicchannel.com) television network series Gospel Dream. (Viewers can catch special encores of the episode Saturday, July 11 (8:00 P.M., 1:00 A.M.) and Sunday, July 12 (8:00 P.M., 11:00 P.M.) on GMC. All times eastern.

It was ladies night and the surprise visit by the reigning and four-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year Grant shocked the five remaining females: Amber Davies, Brownsville, TN (Age 18); Ashli Marie Pritchett, Thomaston, GA (16); Erin Lyder, Boston, MA (24); Jasmine Jackson, Murfreesboro, TN (21) and Rashelle Garrett, Ceres, CA (32). Grant then helped guide their performances as the ladies performed in front of a studio audience for the first time. Songs performed included: „Get Up“ (Erin), „Can’t Live a Day“ (Rashelle), „I Will Not Be Moved“ (Ashli), „I Can See Clearly Now“ (Jasmine) and „When You Believe“ (Amber). The judges voted out Erin, Rashelle and Ashli — but then allowed the five remaining male contestants, whose night is next week — to save one of the outcasts. The men elected to bring back Erin Lyder, who lives to sing another day along with Amber Davies and Jasmine Jackson.

Next week, it’s guys night as NeVar Massey, Hampton, GA (34); Robert Mauti, Nashville, TN (26); Tim Stylez, Atlanta, GA (27); Tony LeBron, Boca Raton, FL (32); and Travis Lindseth, Kirkland, WA (21) hit the stage. Three are scheduled to be voted out, but they may get a few surprises of their own. The new episode premieres on GMC Weds. July 15 at 10:00 P.M. ET/9:00 P.M. CT.

The judges deciding the fate of the contestants are: Michelle Williams from the GRAMMY- winning group „Destiny’s Child“; one of Gospel music’s most prolific talents, J. Moss; and one of the music industry’s most respected executives, Mitchell Solarek. Kimberley Locke, the first American Idol® alumnae to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts with a non-Idol single, serves as co-host along with Mike Kasem („MTV’s Top 20 Video Countdown“ „American Top 10“). In addition, two major musical artists will serve as surprise coaches during the season. The theme for the Gospel Dream’s fourth season: The Greatest Inspirational Songs of All Time.

GMC now gives viewers a chance to catch the previous week’s Gospel Dream episode immediately before the new episode premiere:

GMC’s New Weds. Night Line-Up
8:00 P.M. Clash of the Choirs
9:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (Encore of Previous Week)
10:00 P.M. Gospel Dream (New Episode Premiere)
All Times Eastern

Gospel Dream talent auditions invited solo artists between the ages of 16-40, from all genres of Gospel/Christian music styles, including traditional, rock, pop, country and soul to compete for the final competition in Nashville from which ten finalists– and ultimately one winner–will be chosen by a celebrity panel of industry professionals. The winning artist will receive record and music video exposure, among other prizes.

The Gospel Dream series was created by Executive Producer Elvin Ross, who is also the series‘ executive producer and musical director. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

Sky Angel and SGM Radio – Uplifting Christians Together

Sky Angel and SGM Radio – Uplifting Christians Together

MEDIA ADVISORY, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ — In order to connect with the large audience of Southern Gospel music lovers, Sky Angel recently teamed up with SGM Radio (www.sgmradio.com) to promote their television service to SGM Radio’s online audience.

SGM Radio is a network of Southern Gospel stations that broadcasts exclusively via the internet. Their website draws hundreds of thousands of new visitors each month, and includes monthly articles from a range of Southern Gospel artists, album and DVD reviews, Artist Features and much more.

„Sky Angel and SGM Radio share the same mission: to spread the Gospel worldwide. We are pleased to have the opportunity to be featured prominently on SGM Radio’s website and encourage people to learn about our uplifting faith-based and family-oriented television service,“ said Tom Scott, Sky Angel’s President & COO.

„I’m really excited to be able to partner with a great company like Sky Angel. It isn’t often that you have a business relationship and a friendship like I do with Bill Dykes and the Sky Angel team. I believe wholeheartedly in the service Sky Angel provides for wholesome entertainment for our families,“ said Rob Patz, President/CEO of Coastal Media, the parent company of SGM Radio.

Sky Angel offers subscribers over 80 television and radio channels of faith-based and family-friendly channels, with entertainment, educational, sports and news programming. Sky Angel requires no dish or antenna, is completely compatible with current TV service, is easily installed, and includes value-added features like 48-hour playback on all Faith-based television channels plus an ever-growing Video-On- Demand library with thousands of free and fee-based selections.

For more information about Sky Angel, visit www.sgmradio.com and click on the link.

About Sky Angel:
Sky Angel® U.S. LLC is a Christian-owned multi- channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming. Founded by Robert Johnson Sr. more than 27 years ago, Sky Angel was created to provide a Christ-centered and family- friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Since then, his vision has grown into a service providing quality television and radio programming to all corners of the United States. Sky Angel carries the Parents Television Council’s® prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval(tm), which recognizes excellence and social responsibility in programming.

About SGM Radio:
SGM Radio strives to be a positive voice on the internet and a powerful tool in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, playing the best in today’s Southern Gospel music.

NIH Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ignore Public Opinion and the Human Cost

NIH Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ignore Public Opinion and the Human Cost

PHILADELPHIA, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ — July 7, 2009, marked a major ethical shift in United States government-funded research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) implemented President Obama’s executive order, „Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells“ (March 9, 2009). The new NIH „Guidelines“ authorize taxpayer funding of research on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) harvested from human embryos as of July 7, 2009, or from earlier sources, both domestic and foreign, with the approval of the Working Group of the Advisory Committee to the Director.

Historically, federal funding of research on humans from which they derived no benefit has been prohibited. Now the destruction of human beings in their earliest and most vulnerable stages is promoted and funded by federal taxpayer dollars. Lengthy explanations exist as to how informed consent from the embryo donors will be obtained, and about how conflicts of interest will be handled, but no mention is made about the rights of the embryos themselves. In fact, the guiding principles are listed as follows:

1. Responsible research with hESCs has the potential to improve our understanding of human health and illness and discover new ways to prevent and/or treat illness.

2. Individuals donating embryos for research purposes should do so freely, with voluntary and informed consent. (p. 15).

No mention is made of the destruction of human life that these Guidelines support. Such a lacuna fails to represent the breadth of reasoned public opinion on this issue.

This egregious violation of human life is exacerbated by the fact that there are ethical alternatives (namely induced pluripotent stem cells) that share the same plastic-like properties as embryonic stem cells. Second, there exists wide consensus that stem cell research using adult stem cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells, or stem cells from cord blood should be used and funded. There is not wide consensus on the use of embryonic stem cells. To say that there is, is to ignore a sector of the population and more importantly, the arguments they have against such research. Third, the Guidelines open up funding for research that has yet to show any distinctive therapeutic benefit in humans. Such use of funds is irresponsible.

The NCBC is grateful that the NIH responded to its call for more explicit prohibitions against inducements of parents to donate embryos, and to NCBC’s support of prohibitions against expanding the sources of embryos to be destroyed by this research. However, these Guidelines represent a break in a tradition of respecting human subjects, especially the most vulnerable of human beings, who have no voice. Human embryos are human beings in their earliest stage of development. Their value is not dependent upon age, genetic makeup, development or maturity. Discrimination against these human beings is no less reprehensible and arbitrary than any other form.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center was founded in 1972 to apply the Roman Catholic moral tradition to developments in health care and the life sciences. www.ncbcenter.org.

The Institute for Priestly Formation Celebrates ‚Year for Priests‘ with New Resources

The Institute for Priestly Formation Celebrates ‚Year for Priests‘ with New Resources

IPF Publications Assists Priests and Seminarians in Spiritual Growth

OMAHA, Neb., July 7 /Christian Newswire/ — The „Year for Priests,“ announced by Pope Benedict XVI, began on June 19, 2009. The pope said this special year is intended to „encourage priests in striving for spiritual perfection“ and he encouraged priests to be „men of intense prayer who cultivate a communion of love and life with the Lord.“ Benedict also talked about the importance of proper formation of candidates to the priesthood, saying „the work of forming priests is a delicate mission.“ The Holy Father explained that formation must promote „human maturity, spiritual qualities, apostolic zeal and intellectual rigor.“

The Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF), located at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, is answering the Pope’s plea to teach these virtues and strengthen the spiritual life of priests and seminarians. IPF has dutifully prepared for the celebration of the Year for Priests and IPF Publications, the publishing arm of the Institute, is providing a variety of resources and programs to assist in this formation process.

Father David Toups, the Interim Director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations for the USCCB, wrote the first in a series of books published by IPF Publications. „Reclaiming Our Priestly Character serves as a source of renewal for the priesthood,“ says Toups. „By renewing our understanding of the priestly character, we are not saying we are better than the lay faithful, but we are different by virtue of ordination.“

Fr. Michael Najim, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, offers a resource for seminarians called Radical Surrender: Letters to Seminarians. „While writing this book, I had one simple goal: to inspire seminarians to enter deeply into a personal bond with Jesus Christ so that Christ can interiorly transform them,“ reflected Najim. „Young men preparing for the priesthood can prayerfully read the letters and then reflect on how the Lord is speaking to their hearts.“

Deacon James Keating, Director of Theological Formation at IPF, provides a resource for theologians who teach at seminaries. „Resting on the Heart of Christ offers a vision of theological formation that takes seriously the goal of holiness,“ said Dr. William Mattison of Catholic University of America. Having taught in seminaries himself, Keating knows the importance of spiritual growth through prayer. Resting on the Heart of Christ integrates the best of theological research with the rich intellectual tradition of the Church and the wisdom of the saints, ensuring conversion of both mind and heart.

An additional resource, Be Thou My Vision: Mediations on the Priesthood, by Bishop David Ricken, Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, is scheduled for publication later this year.

IFP was founded to assist bishops in the spiritual formation of diocesan seminarians and priests as well as those who are responsible for diocesan priestly formation.

For more information about The Institute for Priestly Formation or to schedule an interview, please contact Christine Schicker with the Maximus Group at 404- 610-8871.