7November2008
Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Constitution in Peril; Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack.
I received this from Family Leader this morning:
The LDS Temple in Los Angeles was under siege yesterday by 2,000 protesters angry over the Church’s role in passing Proposition 8, forcing the temporary closure of the temple. According to reports, a gay activist called the temple saying they would be protesting outside the temple permanently until there is gay marriage. Signs were hung from the fence around the temple and protesters screamed in anger, snarled afternoon rush-hour traffic and said, “This isn’t going to stop us…If we do this we have a chance.” “We’re going to fight it until the world changes,” protesters claimed.
“Shame on you,” chanted the protesters. Outside the temple, grafitti was scrawled on the walls and signs hung, “Go back to Utah,” and “Go to hell Mormons.” Their signs said, “No on H8.”
Protesters promised to go after the Church’s tax-exempt status and harass Mormons who had donated to the cause, listed on a website Mormonsfor8.com. The promise was to make the Mormons pay for their role in the passage of Prop 8.
One LDS member in the area said, “I don’t quite understand our police response (even though I’m one of the police). If this was happening at a Jewish synagogue or a Catholic church, we would be arresting people for hate crimes. As it is at the moment, protestors are sitting on the walls of the temple and the police are on the grounds inside. Church members in our area were call ed last night to come down to the stake center and spend the night protecting the building from vandalism — it’s like 150 years ago.”
This was the politics of intimidation and harassment, targeting the LDS church, though many other churches had helped in the effort-and a sample of how the homosexual agenda has spread across the nation. It was like San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsome, said when he illegally started marrying couples in the city before that America was going to have this whether you like it or not.
It will not be about people being able to vote their conscience, or calmly assess the issues and consequences, but about threats and vilification.
Other churches who participated in the effort have not been similarly targeted.
The LDS Church is, of course, in no danger of losing its tax-exempt status. The only donation made to the campaign according to records was $2,078.97, an expense which covered the travel of church leaders who went to California to meet with the coalition. The Church insists that by law it has the right to speak out on moral issues.
6November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack.
Sharon sent this link with the statement from the LDS Church regarding the horrible commercial that was aired on Proposition 8. I thought it was a good idea to mention this again because it is an issue that will not die and if we rest on our laurels then we will lose ground. I am so pleased that so much of the silent majority is silent no longer. If we become silent again, then our opponents will smell blood in the water and become more vicious in their tactics.
I appreciate what the LDS Church said about being respectful to differing opinions even though that sentiment is not often returned. It will become increasingly hard to maintain composure as the culture wars steps into a new phase but this is what we must try to do. The polarization of our nation is, in my opinion, going to grow exponentially in the coming years and to keep the country from shattering, we must hold on to civility no matter what the other side does. If they smite, we cannot turn and smite them because not only does that make the situation far worse, it makes us far worse.
Perhaps the best thing we can do is educate ourselves on the issues, understand the word ‘tolerance’ and how it should be applied to society, and continue to develop the courage to stand strong in face of critical labels.
Below is a report from a few days ago about Proposition 8 and also a statement from the LDS Church:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4697796&autostart=y
includes this statement
Latter-day Saint Church leaders issued this statement today: “The Church has joined a broad-based coalition in defense of traditional marriage. While we feel this is important to all of society, we have always emphasized that respect be given to those who feel differently on this issue. It is unfortunate that some who oppose this proposition have not given the Church this same courtesy.”
6November2008
Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Constitution in Peril; Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has responded to the events and outcome of California’s Proposition 8. I thought this was appropriate to include here after Joy posted the anti-Prop 8 ad below.
Church Responds to Same-Sex Marriage Votes
11/05/2008 12:59 PM MST
SALT LAKE CITY - Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.
Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.
Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.
We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.
It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.
Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.
Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.
Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.
Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.
The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.
5November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack.
The war is far from over concerning gay marriage. I would urge everyone to be braced for a social backlash and an intensifying program from the gay activists. Hopefully, we can gather courage to continue to boldly stand up for what is right in the face of politically correct labels that attempt to shame us into closing our mouths. While we should be tactful and loving in our approach, we should never fear to use our first amendment rights to declare our opinion on this issue.
This commercial that was used in California planted terrible seeds against the LDS Church:
4November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Humor.
4November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Constitution in Peril.
“…just because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can’t constrain the exercise of that right…”
- Sen. Barrack Obama 2008 Philadelphia primary debate
Dear Fellow American:
This quote from Mr. Obama strikes at the heart of every Civil Right for every American and seeks to take away and reinterpret the Bill of Rights. Mr. Obama’s dangerous views make it clear that he wants to destroy the very foundation of American Independance. Mr. Obama seeks to substitute a Socialist view that steals your freedoms. It sounds like the parsing of words by ex-president Clinton and his famous quote “it depends upon what the definition of is, is” when he sought to put himself above the law.
No loss of rights is more distressing than Mr. Obama’s public view of your Second Amendment rights. Mr Obama’s voting record lets you really understand his position on the Second Amendment (take a look for yourselves!) this should scare every American. If Mr. Obama feels this strongly about gun control let’s just call it what it is….no guns at all! What happens to our rights when he opposes another one of our Constitutional Rights? Not only would Mr. Obama be the most anti-gun president in history, he would be the most anti-Bill of Rights president in history.
PLEASE HELP EXPOSE THE REAL OBAMA TODAY! Select HERE
https://secure.conservativedonations.com/RMC_PAC_Donate/?a=1780
Thanks to Peter Anderson for sending this along.
4November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack; Presidential Election 2008.
Pelosi Backs Obama on Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will support him in fulfilling his vow to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which currently protects states from having to recognize same-sex marriages contracted in other states as they ordinarily would be required to do by the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution. “Yes,” Pelosi said Thursday at a press conference, when CNSNews.com asked if she would support Obama’s policy. Hear Audio The DOMA defines marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman for purposes of all federal laws. Signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the DOMA pr …
Read the entire post here.
Thanks to Sharon Anderson for sending this along.
3November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Constitution in Peril.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’ s initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.
-William J. H. Boetcker (1873 – 1962)
(American religious leader and influential public speaker.)
Thanks to Cavetrollhead for sending these powerful thoughts as we prepare to vote tomorrow.
3November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Constitution in Peril; Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack.
It is heartbreaking to see what many people supporting Proposition 8 are going through in California. Sharon Anderson sent me this link and I would recommend watching this sad video.
http://protectmarriage.com/tell
3November2008
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Presidential Election 2008; World Economy.
Thanks to Peter Anderson for the heads up on this important article.
Damn the Economy! Full Taxation Ahead!
By Jon Coupal
These are creepy times for taxpayers — the creepiest in memory.
Between the state and local ballots, there are hundreds of measures
that would increase the burden on taxpayers. If all or most of these
tax increases and bonds pass, it will be Halloween every day as
taxpayers are compelled to dole out big dollar treats to our
political class.
Much of the cause of this tsunami of tax increase proposals is due
to the Obama phenomenon. Political consultants have told their
clients in government that this is an ideal time to put tax measures
on the ballot because the presidential candidate is driving
low-income voters to the polls who will be inclined to support
higher taxes for those they see as more prosperous than themselves.
Cynical politicians have gleefully taken the advice, and are
proceeding with a policy that can best be summed up as — with
apologies to Admiral Farragut — ‘Damn the economy! Full taxation
ahead!’ How else can they ignore the fact that our state is in a
recession and taxpayers are in a vice?
Unemployment is at 7.7 percent, and predictions are that it will go
up from here. The home foreclosure rate is setting records, and we
continue to see an out-migration of citizens according to the State
Department of Finance. And California already rates sixth in the
nation in tax burden.
The Wall Street meltdown is threatening the savings of many and
threatening those already retired. Additionally, CalPERS and other
funds that provide for public employee retirement have lost, in some
cases, as much as 25 percent of their value over the past year.
The chickens are coming home to roost. Bad judgment by elected
officials who agreed to contracts with public employee unions based
on unrealistic projections of economic growth is resulting in
billions of new obligations for already stressed taxpayers who now
must guarantee a secure retirement for government workers as their
own fortunes sink.
Adding to the uncertainty is the possibility that if Barack Obama is
elected president there will be arguments out of Washington that
anyone who is already paying income taxes is ‘rich’ and should be
prepared to contribute to the welfare of those who pay no taxes.
Unfortunately, in spite of our dire circumstances, California’s
airwaves are being saturated with false advertising portraying state
bond measures as benefiting the economy or as having no impact on
taxes. Propositions 1A, 3 and 10 would result in $32 billion in
additional debt, including interest, which must be paid from the
general fund. This means that there will be less for other important
state programs. Powerful interests supporting education,
transportation and law enforcement will not sit idly by while their
budgets are cut to pay off bonded indebtedness, which is so high –
even without this new borrowing — that Wall Street considers
California a poor credit risk. The clamoring for new tax increases
will be deafening.
So, in a way, this election is the opposite of Halloween. Instead of
innocent children wearing spooky costumes, those knocking on
taxpayers’ doors are tax increase monsters trying to look benign by
hiding behind false images of children, a green economy and high
speed transportation for all.
Taxpayers would be wise not to open the door.
Jon Coupal is President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
– California’s largest taxpayer organization — which is dedicated
to the protection of Proposition 13 and promoting taxpayers’ rights.
This column can be found on the HJTA website at
http://www.HJTA.org/commentaryV6-43