I have posted a copy of a letter that went out today to those who have contributed to Faith & Freedom this past year.
It is definitive and straight-forward. It addresses some of the reasons why Governor Gregoire and her so-called "secular progressive" allies in the state legislature are having the success they have enjoyed this past year as they have begun to re-engineer marriage, the family, and our societal norms that have served our communities so well for so long.
I have also addressed the failure in the conservative, faith community to make any substantial difference and what Faith & Freedom is doing about it as we go into the watershed year of 2008.
I have also posted a sample letter that will be sent out to tens of thousands around the state of Washington asking them to join us. The letter will be mailed as funds are available.
We honestly believe that with our plan and your support, we can, "Change the State in '08."
Tomorrow, Faith & Freedom will announcing a plan to "Change the State in '08." It will be in the form of a letter to our contributors and a sample letter to people who "may" be interested in joining us. Both will be posted on the website tomorrow.
We are addressing why Washington State's Governor and her secularist allies have been successful in at least beginning to re-engineer societal norms in regard to marriage and the family and what we plan to do about it.
Please check it out and join us.
__________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
ABC is reporting that high-end, trendy hotels have been racing to boost their amenities, offering flat panel TVs, wireless Internet, expanded room service menus and even "intimacy kits" that include condoms.
Mike De Frino, senior vice president of hotel operations at Kimpton Hotels, told ABC that removing the Bibles was part of a, "larger push to become more environmentally friendly."
Enviromentally friendly?
If he strips the Bible from his rooms, will they produce fewer Bibles, therefore requiring the cutting of fewer trees? And what about the latex in the intimacy kit?
He said they now offer the New Testament, The Old Testament, Book of Mormon, the Quran and some Buddist and Hindu texts at the front desk.
He told ABC they rarely get requests for such books, "It's not something they're interested in," he said.
Fortunately, all hotels are not following the lead of Kimpton Hotels. Although the number of luxury hotels that offer in-room Bibles has dropped 18% since 2001, hotels, motels and inns that provide in-room Bibles has increased from 79% in 1988 to 95% today.
God bless the Gideons.
Personally, I think the guests would be better served if they put the Bible by the bed side and required the guests to go down to the front desk to check out a condom.
_________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
Minutes ago the Cherokee Indian Nation Choir was featured in The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Choir sang a traditional Christmas song in their native language. None appeared to be in mourning.
Happy Thanksgiving.
_______________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
Rossi Gives Good Advice To Youth Leadership Participants
Faith and Freedom conducted our first in a series of Change Your Culture Youth Leadership Retreats this past weekend. The high school students from around the Northwest were involved in sessions dealing with career choices that can make a difference in our world to an in-depth look at defining a personal, biblical worldview philosophy.
The kids heard a powerful presentation from Discovery Institute on intelligent design, were involved in producing a television program that will air on television, given specific information on the music industry by a music industry executive, including collaborating in writing a song and were taught critical thinking skills in relation to the secular relativism that is pervasive in public school textbooks and lesson plans.
Parents who were involved as counselors, kids who participated, and some who drove out to the Conference Center on Saturday to stand in the back and watch, all said it was overwhelming to see what was happening. A lady and her husband, who drove out from Olympia, told me they had never seen anything like this and asked to help as we plan more of these events around the state. Obviously her offer was accepted. We hope for many more who will step up and stand with us in support of this effort as we move forward.
It was Dino Rossi, however, who moved some to tears with the story of how he overcame the "nay-sayers" in moving beyond the circumstances of his childhood and succeeding in his chosen fields. He then shared an incident of several years ago where people, who he thought were supportive, turned on him in slanderous and malicious ways, defeating his bid for Washington State Legislature.
He gave a moving account of how he dealt with that duplicity. He shared with those present that he didn't focus on the lies that were spread around the state about him, but rather on his personal response to the incident. He told the kids that after he had withdrawn to his home for a few days, feeling sorry for himself and hurt, if not bitter, toward those who had attacked him, his wife announced to him that it was time to move on. She gave him several suggestions. One, it seemed, would be nearly impossible. She told him the Bible teaches us to pray for our enemies and that she wanted him to begin to pray for those folks.
Dino told her he didn't know if he could, but would try. He told the kids that as he practiced that principle, he was able to release the incident and those who were involved and through praying for his enemies he himself was released and was able to move forward.
His point was lost to no one in the room, including me.
Ironically, with more than eleven months remaining before the general election, there are those who are gearing up to "get Rossi." Today's Seattle P.I. carries a great example of "unbiased" reporting and the media's unwavering commitment to "expose" the truth. (Read article.)
No one knows how far some will go to defeat this man, but I think we have a pretty good idea of how Rossi will respond.
Rossi's response will probably go something like this; "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven... forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us..."
With in the next few days we will be sharing a detailed plan for the efforts of Faith and Freedom Network, Foundation and PAC.
Each of these three organizations serve a little different purpose and come under different regulations, however, all is committed to Changing The State In '08.
Please be watching for this and be prepared to respond as you feel you should. Also be thinking of who you could encourage to join with us in this effort.
I personally believe that if we put forth our best effort, God will bless it. I know it will take a miracle to change the rush toward a more and more secular and liberal state. I believe in miracles. And I believe in the people of Washington State. Together we will make a difference.
_________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
The Seattle School District is suggesting, in a recent memo, that Thanksgiving may not be a time of gratitude and giving thanks, but rather a time of mourning and that teachers should be prepared to discuss this with their students.
The memo refers teachers to a website that offers suggestions on ways to be sensitive of diverse experiences and perspectives. The referenced site identifies eleven myths about Thanksgiving.
The myths are from the Native American's perspective and encourages teachers to particularly see Myth #11: THANKSGIVING IS A HAPPY TIME. "No," the teachers are told, "for many Indian people, 'Thanksgiving' is a time of mourning, of remembering how a gift of generosity was rewarded by theft of land and seed corn, extermination of many from disease and gun and near total destruction of many more from forced assimilation."
As many of you who read this column know, I grew up among them in the Yakima Valley. I went to school with and was friends to many of that heritage. I have both understanding and empathy for their challenges and plight.
I personally think there is something bigger at play here. This position may well be "fostering " barriers between students rather than removing them. However to do otherwise, the Seattle Schools would be in the position of supporting something with religious connotations and something that is traditional. To the secularist, this may be equal to or worse than the level of betrayal that is propagated through our public education system under the guise of being sensitive, tolerant, diverse and well informed.
Lars Larson, well known talk show host on KXL 750 in Portland and heard daily on nearly 30 stations in Oregon and Southwest Washington from 11A.M. to 4 P.M. and also nationwide every week day evening, posted the actual memo on his web site. We have attached it to this column. (Read Memo.)
Sensitivities and tolerance are among the virtues taught by biblical Christianity, however, when they are stood on their head, they can easily be used for most any agenda. In this case, given their record, one wonders if the Seattle schools really care about the Native Americans or simply see yet another opportunity to diminish one of traditional America's meaningful holidays.
________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
Thousands gathered to honor our military veterans in Auburn, Washington on Saturday. Organizers say it is the biggest Veterans Day event west of the Mississippi River. And it may well be. It's big.
Bands played and parents propped their kids up to see the parade of veterans and bands playing patriotic songs including, "God Bless America." (Read article. )
Then, yesterday, just a short distance away in Olympia, Washington, protesters claimed they would do anything to support the troops as they clashed with the police trying to stop a convoy of military-cargo shipments at the Olympia port. A small group of protesters also marched to city hall last night protesting the war while still attempting to stop the shipments.
Only in America is such freedom of public dissent both allowed and protected by law.
In reading the coverage of the events in the Seattle P.I. and KOMO news, I found the comments of those protesting and honoring both striking and very telling.
I'm sure much was said during the course of both events, but looking at what the news organizations choose to quote, I found a very interesting snapshot of reality.
At the event in Auburn, Mike Cochrane, an Air Force veteran who fought in Vietnam, said of his injuries and subsequent Purple Heart, "I zigged when I should have zagged," then quickly pointed to the other veterans and said, "They've earned the respect." Then added, "Everything we have today, our freedoms, is because of veterans."
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Richard Sidlowski, an Auburn resident, said he didn't agree with the war in Iraq but that we should, "Just make sure to respect your country a little more."
Meanwhile, a few miles south on I-5 in Olympia, Joshua Simpson, one of the protesters, said "I'm the only one here who's been in Iraq, I'm the only war veteran in the vicinity, and I'm still here because I don't want my community to be involved in the militarization of Olympia."
While we respect his right to dissent and express his opinion, it does strike a remarkable difference in how people view a day set aside to honor those who have and are defending those freedoms.
The folks in Auburn, even those who disagree with the war in Iraq, honored America and all those who have given so much.
The folks in Olympia seem to have a preoccupation with themselves, what they want and when they want it.
In the line from Simpson that the press is quoting, he refers to himself four times in a single sentence.
Very telling.
You tell me. Is America great because of the people gathered in Auburn on Saturday who have fought to preserve our freedoms or the people running around the streets of Olympia yesterday and last night choosing Veterans Day weekend to talk about themselves while trying to stop needed provisions from going to our troops?
________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
Veteran's Day originated as "Armistice Day" on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. I have given you a link to some important and interesting facts regarding this important holiday. (Follow link).
In the first part of 1928, a mother received a note and poem from her son who was serving America as a soldier in Europe. The mother read the note and responded with her own note and poem.
The Mother was my Grandmother who passed away some years ago at age 99. The son is my Uncle who lives in Yakima and celebrated his 101st birthday three weeks ago.
As we know, mothers respond differently to the idea of their children serving in the U.S. military. Some demonstrate -- some have a vision.
In honor of all who serve and have served in our military and those parents who love them, I have included my Grandmother's response to the service of her son.
_____________________________
A Mother's Vision "Dedicated to My Son and our Boys across the sea"
Dear Son, With pride your poem I read, And I sensed plain truth in the words that you said. Tho' the bullets that are flying are far away, Some mother's boy will have to pay with his life-blood for freedom that we might live The supreme sacrifice he will give.
And somehow I -- as I read those lines so true, I'm wondering if we are doing all we can do For these dear boys who face the "call" Leaving families and sweethearts, giving their all.
And I pondered that question within my heart, and I said -- "Dear God, help me to do my part -- On that battlefield so far away. Help me O' God to always pray for the laddies out there who mean to stand 'Till freedom reigns on Sea and Land."
Then a Voice I heard, so soft and low -- "Mothers," it said, "you too can go To that battlefield beyond the seas -- But remember your place will be on your knees. It's not by power, it's not by might, it's the spirit of prayer That will win this fight!"
A Purple Heart you may never wear, but hearts of gold are fighting there Who needs your prayers and courage too That they might win and come back to you.
I bowed my heart, I vowed anew, Whatever the cost, I will be true. To God the Father, God the Son, and the millions of fighting boys as One, And send a prayer as a shaft of light to those boys -- Through the long dark night-- And make it so real that every boy can feel A nail-scarred hand placed in his own A presence that is leading and guiding them home.
Mother
_____________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
With Veterans Day observances over the next few days and several movies in theaters or releasing this coming week end that deal with the war in Iraq, we felt it would be appropriate to hear from someone who actually knows what is going on. I'm not suggesting, of course, that Robert Redford, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep, among others are not experts on both public policy and the military, but felt that an actual marine might be equally qualified.
I received the following from a reader of this web site. I found it both enlightening and encouraging. I'm sure you will as well.
Gary,
I had to write you and tell you about my encounter with a Marine Staff Sergent today.I met him at a local store in Tacoma, Washington, and during a wait for his order learned from him that he is in charge of recruiting for the Marines in the area. I asked him how recruiting was going, and if all the "doom and gloom" reports of no interest in the Marines was true. He energetically told me that not only was it untrue, they have not missed a recruiting goal since long before the Iraq war. In fact interest is very high, yet not everyone can qualify, as the requirements are high both physically and mentally. As we talked, he shared with me some other facts that we will not see on ABC, NBC, CNN, or CBS tonight. I will summarize below:
1. As of our talk today there has not been a single Marine death in Iraq or Afghanistan since 10/8/07. The longest period since the war began. Any celebration of the good news?
2. The year prior to the Iraq war, there were more injuries to Marines via auto accidents, sickness, recreational vehicle accidents, and other factors, than all the years of the Iraq war combined. Yes, combined. I asked him to repeat this just to make sure I understood him correctly. He attributed this to the focus, discipline and teamwork that is part of the Marine unit once deployed on a mission.
3. He and his battalion are not only proud to be Marines, proud to serve in this mission, but thoughtfully and willingly serve our country and believe in protecting our interests and our freedoms. He assured me the Marines are neither helpless victims who have been duped into serving, or brainless fighters who have no other options in life.
I was inspired by the clarity of his look, his thoughtful, poised responses, and his passion for our country.I thanked him for his service.What we all hope for in our Veterans, I experienced today. God bless America and all who serve their country in the military.
___________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
Associated Press is quoted on MSNBC as reporting that more than half of white evangelical Republicans would consider voting for a third party candidate should the 2008 presidential race have Hillary Clinton against Rudy Giuliani.
The poll, released a little over a week ago by PEW Research Center, is the latest evidence of discontent among Republican voters.
The poll shows that 55% of white evangelical Republicans said that they would consider a third party conservative if it is a Clinton-Giuliani ticket. Forty-two percent said they would not.
Our own unofficial Faith and Freedom poll is tracking about 80% who would not vote for a presidential candidate who was does not hold a pro-life position.
Here is the problem that faith or "values" voters face.
There is a vigorous argument made by some in the faith community that a third party effort would produce a candidate that is unelectable. The thought, of course, is that Rudy could beat Hillary. And even if he does not hold the values of the faith community regarding abortion and gay-rights, he will appoint conservative, constructionist judges.
There are at least two problems with this thinking.
First, will he actually appoint conservative, constructionist, judges? Maybe he will, but who knows?
Secondly, current polls are showing that Hillary will beat Rudy based on current trends. In fact, the Pew Poll taken just a few days ago shows that at current trends, she beats him by 8 points.
Also, according to Pew, evangelicals comprise about 34% of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters. There are also Democrats who vote traditional, biblical values. My father was one of them until he was introduced to Ronald Reagan.
I am not trying to make a case for or against Rudy Giuliani, a third party, or for that matter, any political case.
My concern is one of principle -- traditional, biblical values. Those principles upon which America was built and has prospered.
The secularists, when given power, move quickly and decisively to enact laws that are unacceptable to people of faith. Nowhere is that more evident than right here in the Northwest. Washington and Oregon are beacons of the secular agenda.
While politics is the vehicle, principle is purpose for our deep concern.
Ancient Scripture says that unless God builds the house they that build, do so in vain. This country was built on strong biblical principles. There are those among us who would strip every vestige of our Christian heritage from our public experience.
The 2008 elections may be the most important in our lifetime--and that of our children and grandchildren as well.
Please be prayerful.
______________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
I have received this picture from many, many of our readers asking me to please post it. Normally we don't do that, however, this is unique. And telling.
Secondly, what is he thinking? Even if he doesn't share that kind of patriotism, wouldn't you think he would at least follow protocol? Even Bill Clinton saluted military personnel, while expressing disdain for the military.
And isn't it interesting to identify his strongest supporters? It appears that Barak Hussein Obama is bravely expressing his freedom.
God bless America
________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
A couple of weeks ago a CBS news survey showed over half the public opposes most or all abortions. Now a Bloomberg News -- Los Angeles Times poll has found essentially the same thing.
The CBS poll asked Americans to tell them their "personal feelings" on abortion. If you study the results, as many have and have reported in the past few days, Americans are not nearly as pro-abortion as we would be led to believe. In fact, according to the CBS news poll, 54% of Americans oppose 98% of all abortions if you analyze the data.
I have included a link to not only this poll but a number of others. If you have time you might want to look at them. (Read polls).
_________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
Mainstream Media Covers Planned Parenthood Abortion Abuses
We have pointed out several irregularities with Planned Parenthood, including the botched abortion in Cape Cod, Mass. that resulted in the death of the mother. This again pointed out the reluctance of the media to even cover the story. Not only are these situations unacceptable but there is an element of hypocrisy about this whole matter that is equally unacceptable.
People are on to the fact that Planned Parenthood, America's foremost abortion company, is undergoing an extreme image make over, thanks to the care and nurture of the press.
No one covers these kinds of things better and more accurately than the people at Media Research Center. Brent Bozell is the founder and president of the organization.
In a recent article Bozell said, "This is one corporation the media holds in the highest regard." He points out that according to the press they are not "merchants of death;" that would be the tobacco companies, gun manufacturers and hamburger joints. Rather, Planned Parenthood is the heroic provider of a woman's right to choose. He also says they are sleazy in their business practices.
The remainder of this column is his article. I strongly encourage you to take a moment and read it.
________________________ Poor Planned Parenthood? by L. Brent Bozell IIIOctober 24, 2007 As much as liberals decry major corporations that act as if they’re above the law, there’s always quiet when the subject is Planned Parenthood, America’s number one corporate provider of abortions. During its 2005-2006 fiscal year, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America performed a record 264,943 abortions, reported a tidy profit of $55.8 million – and received a record high in taxpayer funding of $305.3 million.
This is one corporation the media hold in the highest regard. They’re not “merchants of death.” That would be the tobacco companies, or gun manufacturers, or hamburger joints. These are the heroic “providers” of “a woman’s right to choose.”
They’re also sleazy in their business practices. In Aurora, Illinois, Planned Parenthood planned to build the biggest abortion clinic in the country, but they lied by omission to the city. Throughout the construction process, the McDonald’s of the abortion industry applied for permits by listing the owner as “Gemini Office Development,” not as Planned Parenthood.
ABC News to the rescue! Barbara Pinto filed a report on the September 19 “World News,” suggesting black was white. “Planned Parenthood denies they've deceived anyone,” she stated, adding that their spokesman in Chicago said they were “entirely truthful.” Pinto proceeded to blame Aurora’s officials for being dimwitted: “None of the city officials or elected officials were aware that Planned Parenthood would be the tenant in this building. That, despite the fact plans they approved included a surgical center, bulletproof glass and numerous security cameras.” ABC ended by quoting the clinic’s neighbors wishing the pro-lifers would stop protesting: “I just wish that they'd go home. I'm tired of seeing their signs.”
Down the highway in Kansas, Johnson County District Attorney Phil Kline just filed 107 charges against Planned Parenthood, charging that its clinic in Overland Park, Kansas performed unlawful late-term abortions. Kansas state law holds that abortion is legal only when a doctor affirms that the baby is not viable to live outside the mother’s womb. If the baby can live, then two doctors must attest the abortion is necessary for the woman’s physical or mental health. That’s why clinic records are an issue.
The 23 felony counts allege that Planned Parenthood submitted false “pregnancy termination reports” to a court on August 21 in response to a subpoena. District Court Judge James S. Vano agreed there was probable cause to think crimes had been committed and set a November 16 court date. Planned Parenthood faces more than $2.5 million in potential fines.
But you’ll not see a story virtually anywhere on this budding scandal because the press studiously avoids scrutiny of its liberal sacred cows – or focuses its guns on that person who would dare to get in their way. They’d lionize a state official attacking crisis-pregnancy centers that try to talk women out of abortions. But investigate the abortion industry, and you’re a national disgrace.
In 2005 Kline was demonized by glossy national magazines like GQ as the man “who will do anything to stop abortion.” In that GQ article, his local Planned Parenthood adversary, Peter Brownlie, was allowed to make the ridiculous claim that, “Planned Parenthood, by its efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies, has prevented more abortions than any anti-abortion group that has ever existed. They talk. We do.”
So pro-lifers should applaud Planned Parenthood – for not killing every baby it encounters. Now comes another ABC News story on its website, with a fresh liberal tilt. ABC’s Emily Friedman began by suggesting Kline was “either an agenda-driven prosecutor operating outside the law or one of the best friends the anti-abortion rights movement has ever had.”
Not only are pro-lifers not “pro-life,” they’re not even “abortion foes.” They’re now – in a news report, remember -- “anti-rights.” Friedman unloaded the critical comments of liberals: not just Planned Parenthood’s Brownlie, but Kansas professor Burdett Loomis (whom even she noted was a strategist for the Democratic governor of Kansas in 2004), and Kim Gandy, the boss of the National Organization for Women, who lionized Dr. George Tiller, the champion of hideous third-trimester abortions, as “one of the very few who has the courage to do this kind of work.”
A Kline spokesman tried to rebut the claims of “critics,” but it was hopeless. The overall tone of the piece was how Kline is not only ruining the “choice” of third-trimester abortions for desperate women, his pro-life agenda is ruining the Republican Party on the plains. ABC’s expert analyst? Professor Loomis the Democrat, who concluded the article: "I think even within the Republican Party, this is a guy who has probably outlived his welcome."
Planned Parenthood is a formidable force in national (and state) politics. One major reason is networks like ABC, news outlets that don’t really care whether this corporation plays by the rules, as long as the abortion assembly line keeps running.
____________________ Gary Randall President Faith & Freedom
NARAL: "Guliani would help the pro-choice movement"
Much is being said about the presidential candidates from both parties. I, as you, watch and read the comments nearly everyday. We have not spoken a lot about individual candidates so far, but comments by Elizabeth Shipp, political director of NARAL to the Huffington Post a couple of weeks ago, deserve to be considered -- not just politically, but spiritually.
As you know, James Dobson and other national leaders in the faith community have made some very strong statements regarding their unwillingness to support a candidate that is not pro-life.
There is an article in the Huffington Post that quotes Elizabeth Shipp of NARAL saying it "would help" their cause if Giuliani was elected President. She makes much of her argument from the political point of view. I don't want to summarize the entire article, but if you care, you should read it. (Read article).
The article is looking at Giuliani, the Republican front-runner at this time, in purely political terms. In purely political terms, I personally don't see why they would not endorse Hillary. She's one of them. I seriously doubt they would endorse Giuliani and don't really care who they endorse.
It is the spiritual aspect of this that is of both interest and concern to me.
I am sometimes accused of being too "political." Personally, I don't care nearly as much about the politics of it all as I care about the "principles" of it -- the Judeo-Christian principles. If I wanted to be "in" politics, I would run for office. I simply feel compelled to try, to the best of my ability, to influence our culture toward the Judeo-Christian principle and values upon which this country was founded.
The bigger question, and it is spiritual, is should people of faith support someone who does not hold their core values? Specifically the issue of the sanctity of life.
The arguments made in favor of doing so are, "Do you want Hillary as the President?" or "No one will ever represent your view one hundred percent," or the "half loaf is better than no loaf" argument or the importance of judicial appointees.
While the Presidential election is now just one year away and much will be decided in early primaries soon after the first of the year, I feel people of faith should begin to prepare to act -- not just politically but spiritually.
The question, simply stated, is this: Should people of faith vote for a presidential candidate who does not support the sanctity of life? The sanctity of life is the core value.
This question could likely further divide the already divided nation. If Giuliani and Hillary should be the candidates, it could also bring considerable division to the conservative, Christian community. That also, "would be helpful" to NARAL and their host of first cousins who share a very different vision for America.
I am asking you to do three things.
One: Pray that God will direct this nation in the upcoming election.
Two: Post your sincere thoughts on the subject for the consideration of others on this blog. Remember, you are free to express your true feelings regardless of what they may be. However, we are not looking for personal attacks or soapbox exhortations.
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