Life of the Party

Help Me Help Dino

Yesterday, I posted a link to the recent interview that Dino did with King 5's Allen Schauffler and Seattle Times chief political reporter David Postman.  In that interview, Postman cornered Dino on the abortion issue and the "Plan B" issue (the right of pharmacists to object to dispensing drugs that violate their conscience).  Postman framed his question by pointing out that these are issues Dino doesn't like to talk about and asked, "aren't the voters...entitled to ask...these questions...and entitled to know where you stand?"  Unfortunately, Dino continued to dodge, and would only give his personal moral conviction as a devout Roman Catholic, but insisted that his job as Governor wouldn't have much to do with this issue.  It would be "out of his control," he said.

Dino is obviously

Message to Dino: Voters Want to Know Where You Stand

Update: If you wish he would answer the questions, tell him so.

________________________________________________________________

Not just on the issues you want to talk about.  We really do want to know where you stand on abortion and on the right of conscience for pharmacists, and what you'll do about it as Governor.  We're entitled to answers.  This is an election afterall. 

Pro-lifers: check out the King 5 Up Front Extra: Candidate Rossi on Tough Issues video.  Starting at about 3:56, David Postman to Dino, "Let's talk about the issues you don't want to talk about...like abortion...the pharmacy board."     

Local Pro-Life Powerhouse Celebrates Third Year of Publishing

Congratulations to Mary and Jonathan at Abortion in Washington!  They have some amazing accomplishments in their three short years as highlighted in their celebration post, including some incredible admissions by Planned Parenthood and NARAL officials, as well as a look at their shady finances.  Aside from their groundbreaking investigative reporting on the abortion industry, the profound commentary offered by Mary E., is worth reading, even a second time around.  Two of my favorite posts are: Liberty Line and Death and Taxes.  Both are refllections on her visits to Planned Parenthood, where we spent many hours together in last year's local 40 Days for Life Campaign (of which, by the way, will be launching its third nationally coordinated campaign within a 12 month period).   

If you don't already have Abortion in Washington blog bookmarked, you should.  There's sure to be more astounding news as they uncover the truth about the abortion industry in Washington, and provide profound insights into the dignity of life and of women, the privelaged bearers of life.  It's a pleasure to have such an ally working in the trenches to restore the Right to Life in Washington State and across America! 

Full Report of Washington GOP Convention

Coming Soon!

Highlights include:

Allocated National Delegate Ballots with only one candidate (pre-screened by John McCain staffer), and no option for write-ins or nomiations from the floor.

Ron Paul takes 4 unallocated national delegates from the state of Washington. 

McCain & Party Leadership led a March Out in Exodus, in order to pull quorum, to avoid debate on the issues. 

When the March Out backfired due to the hefty quorum remaining, the McCain & Party Leadership Marched back in to fillibuster and obstruct the body from completing any other business.

Still, the body managed to pass three pro-life resolutions including: support for a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, opposition to the WA state Assisted Suicide Initiative I-1000, and support for the freedom of conscience for pharmacists to not despense abortion drugs.  In addition, the body passed a resolution opposing any military action on a nation without the U.S. Congress declaring war, which is in keeping with our Constitution.

The spontaneous Ron Paul March and Rally immediately following the convention, signalling this movement has just begun. 

Please stay tuned for the full report.  I need to get reacquainted with my family and then find an opportunity to write a blow by blow.  Meanwhile, TVW has full coverage of the convention business.  Note: there are three segments and they are long.  Most interesting are segments B and C.  More details can be found here, here and here. 

My apologies to Geri Modrell (Snohomish Co. Republican Chair), who appears to have stayed during the "march out".  It was reported to me otherwise, and I am sorry for repeating that misinformation.

The Battle for Conscience Rights Rages on in Washington State

Passing this on from Family Policy Institute of Washington.  Life of the Party was on the scene when the public hearings were held before the Pharmacy Board of Washington chose to limit the right of conscience for pharmacists.  Here is another opportunity for pro-lifers and supporters of Rights of Conscience, Commerce, and Religious Freedom:

The Stormans family has received national attention for their heroic moral stand in the face of huge public pressure generated by the abortion lobby, Governor Gregoire and others that would force their family business (Ralph's Thriftway Pharmacy in Olympia) to stock the controversial "Plan B" abortion pill.  Here is some background, an update, and a call to action in the ongoing efforts to defend rights of conscience, commerce, and religious freedom:

In July, 2007, the Washington Board of Pharmacy adopted regulations that require pharmacies and some pharmacists to sell Plan B, an early abortifacient drug.  The Human Rights Commission of Washington also told health-care providers that they would be engaging in illegal sex discrimination if they declined to sell Plan B to patients.   

As a part of their effort to require providers to sell Plan B, pro-abortion activists and State officials began to picket and boycott Stormans, Incorporated, a fourth-generation family owned business which operates two independent supermarkets and a pharmacy in Olympia.  The Stormans family believes life begins at conception.  Plan B can destroy human life by preventing a fertilized egg from implantation. 

Faced with the threat of an enforcement action by the State, the Stormans and two pharmacists filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court.  On November 8, 2008, the Honorable United States District Court Judge Ronald B Leighton courageously entered a preliminary injunction against the State officials.  The injunction prohibits the State from requiring pharmacists and pharmacies to dispense Plan B if the health-care providers refer patients to nearby sources to obtain the drug. 

In issuing the injunction, the Court found that the Stormans and pharmacists will likely prevail at trial on their free exercise of religion claim.  The State, Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Northwest Women's Law Center have appealed the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The State has also filed motions with Judge Leighton to essentially request that he reverse his initial ruling.  Judge Leighton has scheduled oral argument for February 15, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. 

It is our hope that Judge Leighton will have the wisdom and courage to uphold his ruling and allow the lawsuit to proceed even though the appeal is pending and that supporters of conscience rights attend the Feb. 15 hearing in Judge Leighton's courtroom at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma.  Additionally, pray that that the Stormans and pharmacists find favor when the appeal is heard before the Ninth Circuit.

Please note: The Plan B hearing before Judge Leighton is scheduled for this Friday, February 15 at 9:30 a.m.  There are currently three motions pending before the judge. There will be a lot of information presented at the hearing and no public input will be taken as this is a court hearing, not a legislative hearing. However, it is imperative that our side be well represented at this hearing as there is strength in numbers.

The Family Policy Institute of Washington is urging those who are able to please attend the February 15 hearing if at all possible. Attendees should plan on a 1 - 2 hour commitment for the hearing. Please note that you will not be allowed in the hearing room if you are late as the doors will be shut when the hearing gets underway at 9:30 a.m. sharp.
Time: 9:30 a.m. Courtroom B with Judge Leighton

Date: February 15, 2008

Place: United States District Court in Tacoma                     

U.S. District Court
Union Station Courthouse (in B Courtroom)
1717 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
(Click here for map & directions.)
253-882-3800
DIRECTIONS FROM SOUTH OF TACOMA
I-5 North toward SEATTLE.
Take the I-705 N / WA-7 S exit- EXIT 133- toward CITY CENTER.
Take the exit on the LEFT toward CITY CENTER / TACOMA DOME.
Merge onto I-705 N via the exit on the LEFT toward CITY CENTER.
Take the S 21ST STREET / WA-509 N exit toward PORT OF TACOMA.
Turn LEFT onto S 21ST ST / WA-509.
Turn RIGHT onto PACIFIC AVE.
End at 1717 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402-3234

DIRECTIONS FROM NORTH OF TACOMA
I-5 South toward TACOMA.
Merge onto I-705 N via EXIT 133 toward CITY CENTER.
Take the S 21ST STREET / WA-509 N exit toward PORT OF TACOMA.
Turn LEFT onto S 21ST ST / WA-509.
Turn RIGHT onto PACIFIC AVE.
End at 1717 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402-3234, US

Huckabee's Contributors

Human embryonic stem-cell research groups and "emergency contraception" drug pushers. 

Dino! Dino! Dino!

Dino Rossi takes a stand in the debate over pharmacists' freedom of conscience. 

From David Postman:

Rossi spokeswoman Jill Strait told me by e-mail:

Rossi supports the decision by Judge Leighton and believes that pharmacists should not be forced to do something that is against their conscience or religious beliefs.

In 2006, the state Pharmacy Board was prepared to adopt regulations, supported by the Washington State Pharmacy Association, that protected the right of conscience. Unfortunately, Gregoire refused to let the board do its job and interfered. She threatened the board to see things her way and they ultimately complied with her heavy-handed tactics.

The federal judge put the brakes on Gregoire's strong-armed approach and protected the constitutional rights of pharmacy professionals following their consciences.

This is a very positive development in the campaign to re-elect Dino Rossi!  Let's give Dino all the encouragement we can for speaking out!  Whether he campaigns on the issue is beside the point.  Just give us straight talk like this!

Update: Mary E. has some encouragement and good counsel for Dino.

Pro-Life Leaders Implode While Pro-Life Rank and File Soar

Politics Jaded. Prayer Works. Who Knew?

The Trigger

It started Sunday, November 4th. Fred Thompson, the man whom many conservatives hoped would be "the next Ronald Reagan", committed the un-Reaganesque thumbing of nose at the pro-life plank of the Republican Party platform. It happened on "Meet the Press".  Tim Russert, his persistent interviewer, read the entire plank aloud, and asked for Thompson's position on it.  He opposed it.  It was a serious blow to many of his pro-life supporters.

Committed pro-lifers who are fairly new to the 30 year debate over how best to strategically end legalized abortion, might consider his mere opposition to supporting a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution acceptable, especially in light of his support for overturning Roe vs. Wade.  If one considered it long enough, one would realize that his position, supporting the overturning of Roe, and then leaving it to the states, would have allowed slavery to continue in some states. 

But it gets worse.  When pressed, Thompson said, that although he believes that life begins at conception, and that abortion is the taking of a human life, he doesn't believe it ought to be "criminalized" (read: made illegal).

The blow set off....   

The Implosion

All in the same week:

Evangelical leader, Pat Robertson, would endorse pro-abortion, pro-gay, cross dressing, adulterer, Rudy Giuliani, the man who has inspired a sizeable opposition among serious Catholics, a key constituency for Republicans. 

After flirting with the idea of doing the same, and then receiving outrage from his former supporters, Senator Sam Brownback, former candidate for president, instead chose to gamble away his pro-life Catholic political capital on "Gang of 14" leader, embryonic stem-cell research supporter, illegal immigrant slave trader, John McCain.   

Paul Weyrich, Founding President of the preeminent conservative think tank, Heritage Foundation, and considered by many to be the "father of the modern religious conservative movement", would endorse "Multiple Choice Mitt" Romney. 

David Osteen, Director of The National Right to Life Committee, would defend Thompson's "pro-life" voting record on nominally pro-life legislation as proof enough of his pro-life position, in spite of his aforementioned opposition to making abortion illegal.  (UPDATE: A week later, the National Right to Life would endorse Thompson!)

What disappointment and disarray! What confusion and utter chaos! 

From the Ashes

For the last several months, the diverse array of pro-life bloggers have been cheering on their guy (any one of the nine eight, well...nine if you include Alan Keyes) and yet anticipating the whole of our movement to pick one of the Republican candidates to get behind before the primaries and caucuses, so we'll be united and ready to defeat the pro-death wing of the Republican party and their covert plans, so we can move on to defeat Hillary.  And then these "leaders" divide themselves up between our worse possible choices. 

It would be depressing if it wasn't so comical.  Or so biblical. (Psalm 2:2-4)

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord,  and against his anointed, saying,

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.

Amazingly, this implosion was triggered on day 40 of the 40 Days for Life campaign, the largest simultaneous, pro-life mobilization in history that promises to be "the beginning of the end of abortion in America." 

The campaign was not political, though of course, we hoped it would have political impact.  It was a mobilization of thousands of Christians across 90 cities, to pray and fast, and hold peaceful vigil in front of their local abortion clinic.  Some cities also did community outreach to educate the public about abortion, but the main components were prayer, fasting and vigil outside the abortion clinic.  Prayer to end abortion, in our laws and in our hearts, for the mothers, the fathers, the clinic workers and all involved, including politicians. 

Those of us participating had little to no time for politics during the 40 days.  We were on the front lines.  We saw amazing things that only come about through the power of God.  Answers to prayers for the individuals we saw there.  I really could write a book about our campaign in Everett, Washington alone, and if I can stop for long enough, I just might.  (Check out the blog) 

I wondered many times aloud, what would transpire on day 40.  Would the Jericho Walls of Planned Parenthood come crumbling down?  Would the liberal U.S. Congress suddenly have an "aha" moment and pass laws outlawing abortion?  Would married women of childbearing age and their husbands suddenly be converted to embrace the gift of their fertility and of life, and single men and women commit to saving themselves for marriage?  I hoped.

No.  Instead of the Culture of Death imploding, pro-life leadership did.  This is consistent with what I felt that God was saying through the 40 Days for Life campaign.

Though I knew that it was not beyond the power of God to crush the Culture of Death, with only a word, as I told the crowd at our midway rally, I was convinced that He wouldn't.  That instead, He was calling all of us to take part in ending abortion.  More than putting a bumper sticker on our car, or voting for the right candidate, or even campaigning for the right candidate.  More than giving a few dollars to a pro-life organization.  What He wants from us is not political, but will have impact on politics.   

He wants total commitment from us.  He wants repentance and sacrifice.  Our own sins have had a part in getting us where we are too, and He is calling us to repentance for ourselves and for our nation.  Repentance for our immorality as well as for our apathy and for our lack of courage.  Our actions, as Fr. Pavone says, "have not reflected the magnitude" of the blood that spills out daily on our land from abortion, and cries out to God...that is, until 40 Days for Life, according to Fr. Pavone.  I agree.

Participants here in Everett, showed the magnitude by giving of their time, standing out in the cold, sometimes rainy, sometimes stormy, windy weather, often enduring insults from Planned Parenthood supporters, to show their love and commitment to the mothers and babies and most of all, to God. 

Soaring to Heaven

Everyone who took part in the 40 days across the nation has sacrificed in some way, and each is a touching story.  I encourage you to learn about Regis Burlas (pictured left), the man in his 80's, who was killed in a car accident on his way to a 40 Days for Life vigil in Jacksonville, FL on the final Saturday (listen to the audio version of the story here).  You will be moved when you hear about the deep commitment to life that Regis and his wife shared.            

Though the exhausting 40 Days has concluded, pro-lifers have a renewed commitment and energy to work like we've never worked before and pray like we've never prayed before, with firm resolve to end abortion.  After rejuvenating for a little bit, here in Everett, we will continue to hold vigils on targeted days in front of the local Planned Parenthood.  New people are entering pro-life work for the first time, and veterans are encouraged by their presence to persevere.  Whether it be weekly prayer vigils, sidewalk counseling, pregnancy aid or post-abortion counseling, running for public office or teaming up to flood the caucuses, pro-lifers are committed.  We will not quit until we see the end or until our Lord calls us home. 

If the latter comes first, I suppose we'll still be at it there. 

Victory and Peace

I think it's no coincidence that the aforementioned implosion was triggered on day 40.  I see the hand of God in it.  The Human Life Amendment hasn't had this much public discussion for a long time.  Now it does.  On day 41, a Washington State potential candidate for Congress, from Seattle, no less, wrote in favor of it, and 2 presidential candidates responded to Thompson's opposition of it.   

Putting it charitably, I think the imploding pro-life leaders are tired and weary.  Their endorsements aren't likely to change the opinion of very many voters.  If they were combined, it would be another story.  Thank God they're not. 

As I write this, my feed reader has a new headline from the Sound Politics public blog, "Big News for Pro-Life Washington Tonite" [SIC].  The news is that "A federal judge has suspended Washington state's requirement that pharmacists sell "morning-after" birth control pills [which works as a chemical abortion if the woman is pregnant], a victory for druggists who claim their moral objections to the drug are being bulldozed by the government. "

And last night, I saw something else that was inspiring, and what I believe to be part of God's plan in all of this.  A new film maker has a trailer out for their first film, due out in Spring of '08.  It's called "Come What May" and it's about Roe vs. Wade, and the trailer indicates a theme of "no compromises".  "Do the Right Thing, Come What May," it's graphic says.  What a fitting name.  That should be our new theme. 

I don't know what will happen when Republican primary and caucus voters make their choice.  Politics is jaded.  Though it shouldn't be.  My hope is that they will pick one of the few candidates who consistently stand for Life and for our nation's founding principles.  I hope these candidates have a heart to heart before that, and decide which one of them should go forward, so that we don't split the pro-life vote or split the coalition, and as a result, hand the nomination to Rudy.  I'm hoping some of the other campaigns implode before then. 

Our nation is at a turning point in the coming months.  But whatever happens on a political scale, I know that it's all in God's hands.  His Truth is Marching On!

Our job is to "do the right thing, come what may."  Don't compromise.  Pray.  Trust in God's mercy and perfect justice. 

Pharmacists Fight For Their Rights

Earlier this year, the Pharmacy Board of Washington State ruled that pharmacists must dispense all legal drugs upon receipt of the patient's prescription or if dispensing the particular drug violated their conscience, have a co-worker do so.  This did not accommodate pharmacy owners who choose to exercises their right of conscience and run their business accordingly, without drugs that violate it.  This decision came after hearing strong opposition from concerned grassroots citizens. 

So now, pharmacists are suing the State of Washington.  This puts our State Attorney General, Rob McKenna (R) in a very interesting position.  Will he defend the state's draconian policy?  We'll keep you posted...

What You Do in the Bedroom Has Impact on the Enviroment...

...and the fish, and the frogs, and the rest of us.  Check out this story from World Net Daily.

While environmentalists are usually vocal about perceived threats ranging from pesticides to global warming, there is a silence when it comes to one threat already harming the water supply: hormones from birth-control pills.

According to the National Catholic Register, EPA-funded scientists at the University of Colorado studied fish in a mountain stream near Boulder, Colo., two years ago.

When they netted 123 trout and other fish downstream from the city's sewer plant, they found 101 were female, 12 were male, and 10 were strange "intersex" fish with male and female features.

It's "the first thing that I've seen as a scientist that really scared me," university biologist John Woodling told the Denver Post.

The main culprits were found to be estrogens and other steroid hormones from birth-control pills and patches that ultimately (read the rest of the story)