Life of the Party

Planned Parenthood of Spokane Busted for Fraud, Inflating Profits

Jonathan has the story over at AIW.

Just one more reason to sign the petition to End Tax Payer Funding of Abortion and abortion providers in Washington State.

Breaking: Everett Planned Parenthood Closed Early Friday

For Immediate Release: (From 40 Days for Life, Everett)

Everett, WA--40 Days for Life coordinator, Schola Frisinger reported early Friday afternoon, that the Everett Planned Parenthood office closed their doors early today.  Mrs. Frisinger arrived at Noon to cover an hour shift of the ongoing prayer vigil of the 40 Days for Life campaign.  “It appeared to be business as usual as clients were entering and exiting the clinic,” said Frisinger, “with one small exception to the usual: the door was propped open.”  

At 12:15, a staffer closed the front door and then locked it.  The Everett Planned Parenthood's normal business hours on Fridays are 8 A.M.--4:30 P.M., according to the Planned Parenthood website, which is consistent with the observations of 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers.  It has never been observed that the clinic closes for lunch.  One by one, Frisinger noticed staffers were exiting to their cars after the door was locked.  Finally, Frisinger asked one of the staffers about what was happening and if they were closing.  "Yes," the staffer answered, "there's a very ugly smell in there." 

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion in America.  40 Days for Life volunteers pray daily for an end to abortion in America, especially in their own communities, holding peaceful prayer vigils outside of local abortion clinics.  The Everett 40 Days for Life campaign has held its third 40 day peaceful prayer vigil on the public sidewalk, directly in front of Planned Parenthood of Everett (1509 32^nd St.).  Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the world. 

The current campaign in Everett is coordinated nationally, with 130 communities in 42 U.S. States, four Canadian provinces, Australia and Northern Ireland for the largest and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history.  This spring’s 40 day campaign began on Wednesday, March 25 and continues through this Sunday, April 5.  Prayer volunteers in Everett pray daily for the direct intervention of God, to discontinue the direct killing of innocent life that takes place on a daily basis inside of the Everett Planned Parenthood.    

Come What May--DVD Release Today

The pro-life movie, COME WHAT MAY has been mentioned here before.  COME WHAT MAY, made mostly by students from a new Christian film company, Advent Film Group. The movie is about purity, the sanctity of life, and the importance of doing what's right...come what may.

This movie is being released to DVD nationwide on March 17th by Provident Films, the same company that distributed FACING THE GIANTS and FIREPROOF.

This is an exciting opportunity to promote entertainment that matters. Be a part of seeing how the Lord can work through Christian films. Consider buying this film. Blog about the movie. Write comments on Facebook.. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2365528862)

See the links below for more information and a trailer.
http://www.comewhatmaythemovie.com/about_afg.php
http://www.comewhatmaythemovie.com/videos.php

And here's a movie review.
http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/article_info.php?articles_id=6030

Help spread the message about this powerful new film. Thanks!

Life of the Party Endorses Delavar for Congress

Life of the Party is proud to endorse Michael Delavar, candidate for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District. 

Michael is a principled candidate who is committed to upholding the U.S. Constitution and ending legalized abortion through the most sensible means of defining personhood as beginning at conception or "fertilization" in the law.  This simple step would automatically place preborn children under the protection of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which states in part, "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." 

Not only does Michael hold true to the first of our founding principles, the Right to Life, but across the board, he examines every issue with the guiding light of the Constitution.  At times, this puts him at odds with pro-life organizations and with his party.  But it ought not be that way.  His position on Life is solid, not discriminating towards babies conceived through rape or incest, and he only differs with pro-life organizations on some of their pragmatic legislative proposals, because a) they violate a particular constitutional principle or b) they further enshrine Roe vs. Wade into the law.  With his party, he is at odds over the war, but his position is more in line with traditional Republican thought in the model of Robert Taft.  Republicans who fancy themselves Goldwater or Reagan Republicans, would do well to go back and read the book A Choice Not an Echo by Phyllis Schlafly, which helped to propel the candicacy and presidential primary victory of Goldwater, and ultimately paved the way for the Reagan Revolution.  Shlafly's book exposes the backroom manipulation by big government figures in past Republican primaries, to ensure that no conservative got nominated within the party.  The primary issues were opposing big government, including the New Deal domestic policies and foreign interventionism, both of which benefited the fat cat power brokers who were manipulating public opinion through their media and corporate connections.  Robert Taft was considered a model conservative in this landmark book. 

This brings us to Michael's primary challenge, which will be covered here soon.  For now, please visit Michael's website and donate or get involved to help this principled, pro-life, constitutional, freedom loving candidate for Congress!

Exclusive: "Jane Roe" & Ron Paul Press Conference Audio

You can listen to it here.  Provided to you by Mary E., who was on the scene and asked the "What about Huckabee?" question.

Also, here  is Dr. Paul's address to the March for Life.  He was the only candidate in the Presidential race to address the March. 

   

Ron Paul to Hold News Conference with Norma McCorvey (‘Jane Roe’) on Anniversary of Roe v. Wade decision

Pro-life activist ‘Jane Roe’ to make announcement on March for Life day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 

CONTACT: Patrick Semmens
January 21, 2008                                                                                                    703-248-9115

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, January 22 – the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision – Texas Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul will hold a press conference with pro-life activist Norma Leah McCorvey.  McCorvey, who runs Crossing over Ministry, is “Jane Roe” of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.

What/Who: Announcement by Norma McCorvey (“Jane Roe”) and Congressman Ron Paul


When:       10:30 AM ET, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
                  (The 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision)


Where:      Phoenix Park Hotel (Capitol Hill North), Georgian Room (2nd Floor)
520 North Capitol Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
Hotel phone: (202) 638-6900
[Note: The Phoenix Park Hotel is two blocks from Hyatt-Regency Hotel where the March for Life Convention is being held]

Note:         Open to the press.  Light Breakfast will be served.

Life of the Party Endorses Ron Paul: A Man For All Seasons

Update: Clarification has been made on each of the pro-life bills Ron Paul has introduced.

I write this endorsement as a committed Catholic, as a self-identified member of the "personhood wing of the pro-life movement", as a wife and mother, as a homeschooler, and as an across the board, conservative Republican, committed to conserving the founding principles of America, as spelled out in our nation's founding documents: The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

I endorse Ron Paul for President. 

Ron Paul is a tireless and outspoken advocate for the Right to Life.  And who better to make the case for the humanity and the rights of pre-born children to our diverse ideological culture: a preacher? or an OB/GYN?  Here is what the OB/GYN and Texas Congressman says about the issue of abortion at his campaign website, on the page that is entirely devoted to this issue, "Life and Liberty":   

As an OB/GYN doctor, I’ve delivered over 4,000 babies. That experience has made me an unshakable foe of abortion. Many of you may have read my book, Challenge To Liberty, which champions the idea that there cannot be liberty in a society unless the rights of all innocents are protected. Much can be understood about the civility of a society in observing its regard for the dignity of human life.

He also says, "In 40 years of medical practice, I never once considered performing an abortion, nor did I ever find abortion necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman."

While many "pro-life" Republicans placate pro-lifers and lead us to believe that ending legalized abortion hinges on getting enough "pro-life" judges on the Supreme Court, Ron Paul does what is in his power as a Congressman.  He is the prime sponsor of HR 1094 and HR 2597 the "Sanctity of Life Act",  which would require that "human life shall be deemed to exist from conception, without regard to race, sex, age, health, defect, or condition of dependency" and HR 300, the "We the People Act", which (as he says) "...would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life.  This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn." He has also authored HR 1095, the "Taxpayers Freedom of Conscience Act" which prevents federal funds to be used for so-called “population control".  This set of bills is the most thoughtful and pro-active approach by any congressman (or president) to ending legalized abortion.

Some in the pro-life movement have criticized Paul for not supporting a Human Life Amendment.  In fact, it has been the long held belief of this writer to hold that support of a Human Life Amendment is the standard for any pro-life candidate running for office.  I have not broken from this standard.  In fact, Ron Paul was the first to introduce a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, in his very first term in Congress, just a couple of years after Roe vs. Wade was handed down.  He also strongly supports current efforts to pass Human Life Amendments to state constitutions. 

Admittedly, it appears in his current language that he would oppose a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution at the federal level:  "I do not believe this should be a federal matter. All issues of life and violence and crime and murder are dealt with at the local level.”  I'm not sure that this translates into opposing a HLA.  There have been several different versions of a HLA, and each spell out the powers and authority of the federal and state governments differently.  But regardless, Ron Paul is a stalwart defender of the Right to Life, but is just as much, a defender of the rule of law, namely the Constitution.  He opposes, as does the Constitution, giving too much power to the federal government.  I have no doubt, however, that a President Ron Paul would work hard to restore the Right to Life, while also upholding the Constitution.  To get a handle on what all he's had to say on this, I encourage you to read his writings, found linked at his Life and Liberty page.

Ron Paul's defense of the Right to Life combined with his unshakable defense of the Constitution reminds me of St. Thomas More (the patron saint of politicians) as portrayed in a scene from A Man for All Seasons:       

Sir Thomas More is being urged by his son-in-law Roper and by his wife and daughter to arrest a man, a scoundrel, really, named Richard Rich, who would later betray him to King Henry.  And More responds, as follows, to Roper (who is incensed that he is getting away), referring to Rich:

“And go he should if he were the devil himself until he broke the law.”

Roper says, “So now you give the devil the benefit of the law.”

And More replies, “Yes, what would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the devil?”

Roper replies, yes, I’d cut down every law in England to do that.”

More responds, “Oh? And when the last law was down and the devil turned round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, man’s laws, not God’s, and if you cut them down, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I’d give the devil the benefit of the law for my own safety’s sake.”

It was after reading Ron Paul's positions on war and foreign policy, that reminded me of this scene.  As awful of a tyrant Suddam Hussein was, it is not the job of our military to go around fighting the bad guys or to be the police of the world.  And then I realized that on all issues, Ron Paul consistently applies this principle, holding fast to the Constitution.  Further, he subscribes to St. Augustine's just war doctrine, and therefore opposed invading Iraq.  Still, he offered those bent on going to war, a Constitutional way to do it, much like St. Thomas More wanted to find a way to take King Henry's oath without violating his conscience or his Church.

I am relieved to be supporting a pro-life candidate who, though is not Catholic, is not at odds with with Catholic teaching or with the statements of our former Pope, John Paul II and our current Pope, Benedict XVI, and am relieved to no longer be grappling with the Church's just war tradition, even in light of "modern realities".

For those concerned with our national defense and the morale of our troops (as I am too), consider these two facts:

1) Ronald Reagan said, "Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense."

2) Ron Paul has received more financial support from active duty military, than any other candidate.

More facts about Ron Paul:

He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.

He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.

He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.

I hope you will join me in supporting the new "man for all seasons", Ron Paul.  There is a grassroots REVOLUTION going on, and there is "Hope for America".  Be a part of it! 

Ron Paul 2008! 

Portrait of Ron Paul by Leah Tiscione

National Right to Life Endorses Pro-Choice Candidate

Remember that even some "intellectually honest" pro-choicers believe that Roe vs. Wade was wrongly decided?  I guess Fred Thompson is supposed to fit that category, even though he still wants to label himself as "pro-life". 

As reported here, in his Meet the Press interview, Thompson says that although he believes Roe was wrongly decided, and although he supports overturning Roe, he doesn't support a Constitutional Amendment that recognizes preborn children as persons with the unalienable right to life, and he doesn't even support "criminalizing" abortion (read: making it illegal) at any level.

And now it looks as though he'll be picking up the endorsement of National Right to Life, who some in the pro-life movement call "National Right to Lobby".  I can't say that I'm surprised.  National Right to Life has been known to do this kind of thing before, and it fits right in with the continued implosion of pro-life "leadership" and outrageous endorsements that are splitting the pro-life leadership, and will in effect, hand the nomination to Rudy.  That is, if we, the grass roots pro-lifers don't take matters into our own hands, and unite behind one truly pro-life candidate. 

God, have mercy on us!

Update: Michelle Malkin opines, sorta, and is now taking a poll.  Mixed reaction from her readers.   

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. 

Pro-Abortion Republican Endorses Romney

This news is actually a little bit late (from June 26), but thanks to the reminder from Toby Nixon, Life of the Party brings it to the pro-life movement. 

Former Washington State Congresswoman, Jennifer Dunn has endorsed Mitt Romney for President and is helping to organize the "National Women for Mitt" effort.  Ms. Dunn will also serve as Team Romney's State Honorary Finance Chair. 

Governor Romney has certainly picked a "well connected" woman and fierce fundraiser for the job.  Just what are her connections?  She serves on the Honorary Advisory Board of The WISH List, whose mission is "to train and elect pro-choice Republican women at all levels of government----local, state and national."  But they don't leave out the men.  They have a men of merit endorsement list as well. 

During this primary season with all the pandering from the "top tier" candidates, you can hear crickets chirping when you visit most of the pages of any of these pro-abortion Republican websites.  Especially on the "issues" pages and the "candidate endorsement" pages.  Even they know, that their preferred candidate must pander to us.  But this should give pause to any pro-lifers considering Romney's conversion to be genuine.  Even the most sincere pro-life candidates have been lured into compromising their positions and helping the other team when they accept the support of Jennifer Dunn.