Location: Vine Creek Road, 1 mile west of Dogwood Acres Road, east of Dagsboro, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Sunday April 4, 2010 at approximately 2:40 a.m.
Operator and Vehicle Information:
Vehicle 1 – 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT
Operator 1 – Jessica A. Forbes, 23, Frankford, DE
Front Passenger/ Victim - Kortney Lynn Rose, 20, Dagsboro, DE
Resume:
Delaware State Police is investigating a single car crash that killed a 20 year-old Dagsboro woman.
The crash happened on Vine Creek Road when the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT, operated Forbes, was Eastbound on Vine Creek Road approaching the intersection of Dogwoods Acres Road. It appears that Forbes and her front seat passenger, Rose, were involved in a dispute at which time Rose opened the right side passenger door and attempted to leap from the moving vehicle. Forbes then pulled Rose back into the vehicle, at which time according to Forbes, Rose grabbed the steering wheel and pulled it to the right causing Forbes to lose control of the car. The vehicle exited the south edge of roadway striking a utility pole with the right side of car.
Evidence at the scene of the crash was indicative of the passenger side door being open at the time of collision. Rose, who was not wearing her seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The involvement of alcohol and or drugs is unknown at this time concerning the operator.
The roadway was closed for 3 hours until the wreckage could be cleared.
No charges have been filed at this time and the investigation is still on going.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Troopers Release Identity Of Victims Of Yesterday’s Fatal Plane Crash
Location: Lore Wood Grove Road east of RT 896 north of Middletown, DE
Date of Crash: Friday April 2, 2010
Resume:
State troopers have released the names of the victims in yesterday’s plane crash that claimed the life of one person and left another in critical condition.
Phillip Lopez, 69, of North Wilmington has been identified as the pilot who was killed and Patricia Lopez his wife who is listed in critical condition at Christiana Hospital. She is also 69 years.
Investigators have returned to the scene this morning and the investigation is continuing.
Date of Crash: Friday April 2, 2010
Resume:
State troopers have released the names of the victims in yesterday’s plane crash that claimed the life of one person and left another in critical condition.
Phillip Lopez, 69, of North Wilmington has been identified as the pilot who was killed and Patricia Lopez his wife who is listed in critical condition at Christiana Hospital. She is also 69 years.
Investigators have returned to the scene this morning and the investigation is continuing.
MD COP Telephone Donations
Joe,
Lately my household has been getting calls from some organization identifying themselves as MD Chiefs Of Police - it even shows up as Md COP on my caller ID.
They try to get you to donate for some crime prevention cause that somehow aids law enforcement in child abduction cases. During the caller's sales pitch I wondered why the Md State Police needed my money in fighting crime as the government funded their work.
I did some online research and found it wasn't necessarily illegal, just a colossol waste - it's not even nonprofit.
One comment said this:
" I am a Maryland State Police officer operating out of the Frederick barracks and I wanted to add that these people collecting money are a FOR PROFIT company. Meaning they are in the business of making money. We police officers DO NOT see the money. The way they get around looking like they sponsor OUR organization (FOP) is by making a small donation themselves to the FOP once a year (usually 1-6% of the proceeds they collect from YOU, the Maryland citizens). "
Just a heads up as they've been pestering me lately.
Bob Pinto
Lately my household has been getting calls from some organization identifying themselves as MD Chiefs Of Police - it even shows up as Md COP on my caller ID.
They try to get you to donate for some crime prevention cause that somehow aids law enforcement in child abduction cases. During the caller's sales pitch I wondered why the Md State Police needed my money in fighting crime as the government funded their work.
I did some online research and found it wasn't necessarily illegal, just a colossol waste - it's not even nonprofit.
One comment said this:
" I am a Maryland State Police officer operating out of the Frederick barracks and I wanted to add that these people collecting money are a FOR PROFIT company. Meaning they are in the business of making money. We police officers DO NOT see the money. The way they get around looking like they sponsor OUR organization (FOP) is by making a small donation themselves to the FOP once a year (usually 1-6% of the proceeds they collect from YOU, the Maryland citizens). "
Just a heads up as they've been pestering me lately.
Bob Pinto
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
Counting Once, Counting Twice: U.S. Census Sending MillionsOof Americans A Second Form
About 40 million “replacement” Census questionnaires are being sent nationwide to households in areas with low mail return rates, even if those households already have returned the first form they received, Census officials announced on Thursday.
And just days after completing their paid training, hundreds of Census enumerators in Northern Virginia were abruptly laid off without explanation on Thursday.
Census officials said mailing out a second form is designed to increase census mail participation, get a better headcount for the states, and save taxpayers the cost of sending out census takers to collect information.
The Census Bureau estimates that mailing a second questionnaire “in targeted areas” could save more than $500 million and raise the participation rate by 7 to 10 percentage points.
But what about double counting?
“[P]eople who have completed and returned their questionnaires need not fill out the replacement Census form,” said a news release issued Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau's Charlotte region. "You should only complete and return one census form," the release said. “Extra census forms should be discarded.”
William W. Hatcher, a regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, said both the original forms and the replacement forms are bar-coded “to ensure that people are counted only once and in the right place.”
Census workers laid off on ‘Census Day’
April 1 was Census Day – a day marked by events to remind people to return their census questionnaires. But some Census workers were abruptly dismissed from their part-time jobs on Census Day with no explanation.
In Northern Virginia, hundreds of Census workers were told on Thursday to turn in all materials, including partially completed enumeration assignments, because the Group Quarters Enumeration project was being canceled.
“What about enumerating the dorms, jails, nursing homes, etc., that we were supposed to do?” asked one frustrated Census enumerator who was among those laid off Thursday.
The enumerator, who asked that her name not be used, noted that the government invested time and money in hiring hundreds of enumerators, fingerprinting them, and paying them $20 an hour and 50 cents a mile to attend three days of training last week.
More
And just days after completing their paid training, hundreds of Census enumerators in Northern Virginia were abruptly laid off without explanation on Thursday.
Census officials said mailing out a second form is designed to increase census mail participation, get a better headcount for the states, and save taxpayers the cost of sending out census takers to collect information.
The Census Bureau estimates that mailing a second questionnaire “in targeted areas” could save more than $500 million and raise the participation rate by 7 to 10 percentage points.
But what about double counting?
“[P]eople who have completed and returned their questionnaires need not fill out the replacement Census form,” said a news release issued Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau's Charlotte region. "You should only complete and return one census form," the release said. “Extra census forms should be discarded.”
William W. Hatcher, a regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, said both the original forms and the replacement forms are bar-coded “to ensure that people are counted only once and in the right place.”
Census workers laid off on ‘Census Day’
April 1 was Census Day – a day marked by events to remind people to return their census questionnaires. But some Census workers were abruptly dismissed from their part-time jobs on Census Day with no explanation.
In Northern Virginia, hundreds of Census workers were told on Thursday to turn in all materials, including partially completed enumeration assignments, because the Group Quarters Enumeration project was being canceled.
“What about enumerating the dorms, jails, nursing homes, etc., that we were supposed to do?” asked one frustrated Census enumerator who was among those laid off Thursday.
The enumerator, who asked that her name not be used, noted that the government invested time and money in hiring hundreds of enumerators, fingerprinting them, and paying them $20 an hour and 50 cents a mile to attend three days of training last week.
More
Lawmakers Ripped Over 9/11 Mosque Fundraiser
An anti-jihad watchdog group has slammed two U.S. lawmakers for breaking their oath to protect the country by agreeing to appear as special guests at a fundraising dinner Saturday night for a radical Saudi-funded mosque tied to the 9/11 hijackers and the Fort Hood shooter, among other Islamic terrorists.
Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and Jim Moran, D-Va., have "trashed their oath to protect and defend the U.S." by agreeing to attend the annual banquet for Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center, a large mosque in Falls Church, Va., a suburb of Washington, according to the Virginia Anti-Shariah Task Force, or VAST.
The group also criticized Virginia Democrat Gov. Tim Kaine for agreeing to attend the event, while praising Democrat Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia for withdrawing from the event following complaints from concerned constituents.
"While brave young Virginia men and women are risking their lives to fight terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan, Connolly, Moran and Kaine are yucking it up with them and slapping each other on the back over at the Marriott," charged VAST Chairman James Lafferty.
He noted that the three politicians' campaign war chests are heavily funded by radical Islamists who support the mosque.
"Look at their Federal Election Commission reports," Lafferty said. "These spineless politicians are owned and operated by the radical Islamists and their sinister front groups."
Indeed, according to the book, "Muslim Mafia," Connolly and Moran have received thousands of dollars in donations from several Virginia Islamists under federal investigation for financing terrorism. In addition, the book reveals, Connolly received an $18,758 windfall from the Saudi government's U.S. public relations firm while fighting to keep open a Saudi-owned madrassa in Northern Virginia also tied to terrorism.
Dar Al-Hijrah hosted at least two of the 9/11 terrorists who attacked the Pentagon, as well as the Fort Hood terrorist and an al-Qaida sleeper agent convicted of plotting to assassinate President Bush. Ahmed Omar Abu Ali graduated valedictorian from the Saudi madrassa – Islamic Saudi Academy – in Alexandria, Va.
Lafferty says the mosque "has been directed by a string of radical imams, including former imam Anwar al-Awlaki, who has since been identified as a commander in al-Qaida" and is wanted in connection with the Christmas Day airliner attack.
More from WND
Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., and Jim Moran, D-Va., have "trashed their oath to protect and defend the U.S." by agreeing to attend the annual banquet for Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center, a large mosque in Falls Church, Va., a suburb of Washington, according to the Virginia Anti-Shariah Task Force, or VAST.
The group also criticized Virginia Democrat Gov. Tim Kaine for agreeing to attend the event, while praising Democrat Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia for withdrawing from the event following complaints from concerned constituents.
"While brave young Virginia men and women are risking their lives to fight terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan, Connolly, Moran and Kaine are yucking it up with them and slapping each other on the back over at the Marriott," charged VAST Chairman James Lafferty.
He noted that the three politicians' campaign war chests are heavily funded by radical Islamists who support the mosque.
"Look at their Federal Election Commission reports," Lafferty said. "These spineless politicians are owned and operated by the radical Islamists and their sinister front groups."
Indeed, according to the book, "Muslim Mafia," Connolly and Moran have received thousands of dollars in donations from several Virginia Islamists under federal investigation for financing terrorism. In addition, the book reveals, Connolly received an $18,758 windfall from the Saudi government's U.S. public relations firm while fighting to keep open a Saudi-owned madrassa in Northern Virginia also tied to terrorism.
Dar Al-Hijrah hosted at least two of the 9/11 terrorists who attacked the Pentagon, as well as the Fort Hood terrorist and an al-Qaida sleeper agent convicted of plotting to assassinate President Bush. Ahmed Omar Abu Ali graduated valedictorian from the Saudi madrassa – Islamic Saudi Academy – in Alexandria, Va.
Lafferty says the mosque "has been directed by a string of radical imams, including former imam Anwar al-Awlaki, who has since been identified as a commander in al-Qaida" and is wanted in connection with the Christmas Day airliner attack.
More from WND
SU MEN'S LACROSSE WINS ANOTHER HUGE GAME!
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The No. 2-ranked Salisbury University men's lacrosse team defeated No. 1 Stevenson University 16-10 in a Capital Athletic Conference contest in front of 1,534 in attendance at the Caves Athletic Complex. The win today marks the second straight week the Sea Gulls have hit the road and defeated the No. 1 team in the country, after defeating then-No. 1 Gettysburg College last Saturday, 11-10, in overtime.
With the victory the Sea Gulls (12-0, 3-0 CAC) improve to 5-2 all-time against the Mustangs. The victory today at the Caves Athletic Complex marks the second straight season the Sea Gulls have knocked off Stevenson as the No. 1 team in the nation at the complex, as last year the Gulls won in the CAC championship 13-5.
The first quarter was played at a frantic pace as each team took turns marching the ball up and down the field at full speed. The Mustangs (10-1, 2-1 CAC) opened up the contest with a pair of goals, before the Sea Gulls struck with a Mike Von Kamecke (Winter Park, Fla.) tally off an assist from sophomore midfielder Sam Bradman (Canton, N.Y.) to get on the board.
Senior attackman Mike Winter (Port Washington, N.Y.) evened things up in the eighth minute off an assist from sophomore midfielder Tim Lum (Long Valley, N.J.). Play would be halted for a 20-minute delay, as each team had a player suffer an injury that required medical attention on the field.
Salisbury took its first lead of the contest following the delay, as sophomore attackman Matt Cannone (Bayport, N.Y.) buried home an unassisted goal with less than four minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Mustangs closed out the quarter with a pair of unassisted goals of their own to take a 4-3 lead into the second quarter.
The second quarter was played at a much more controlled tempo, as each team began to run their set offenses. Salisbury opened the quarter with a brilliant goal in transition following a Johnny Rodriguez (Gambrills, Md.) save. Rodriguez collected the ball and sent a long pass up the field to senior long-stick midfielder Connor Burgasser (Mendon, N.Y.), who successfully cleared the ball and sent it to Winter who rocketed home the shot.
Stevenson jumped out to a 6-4 lead following a pair of goals, before senior attackman Jake DeLillo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) tallied his first goal of the day off an assist from Winter with eight minutes remaining in the quarter. Over the final eight minutes the Sea Gulls outscored the Mustangs 3-2, including a man-up goal by Winter from Cannone that sent the teams even at 8 goals apiece into the locker rooms.
The third quarter was all Salisbury, as the maroon and gold opened up the frame with another tally by Winter just nine seconds in off an assist from DeLillo. The Sea Gulls continued to possess the ball throughout the first ten minutes and found goals from Cannone and junior midfielder Shawn Zordani (Littleton, Colo.) to increase the lead to 11-8. The two teams finished the quarter with each side notching a goal. Rodriguez made several key saves in the quarter to fluster the Stevenson offense.
The fourth quarter was much of the same as the same as the Sea Gulls outscored the Mustangs 4-1, including senior defensive-midfielder Will Poletis (Baltimore, Md.) tallying his second goal of the year.
Salisbury was led by Winter who finished with four goals and one assist. Cannone and Von Kamecke were close behind as they each finished with three goals and one assist. DeLillo racked up three points with two goals and one assist.
Rodriguez and the members of the Salisbury defense played brilliantly today, as they held the nation's fourth best scoring offense to a season-low 10 goals and just two goals in the second half. Rodriguez notched his 27th career victory as he posted 15 saves.
The Sea Gulls will return to the friendly confines of Sea Gull Stadium this week, with a mid-week CAC contest against St. Mary's (Md.) College this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Source: http://www.laxpower.com/laxnews/news.php?story=18741
With the victory the Sea Gulls (12-0, 3-0 CAC) improve to 5-2 all-time against the Mustangs. The victory today at the Caves Athletic Complex marks the second straight season the Sea Gulls have knocked off Stevenson as the No. 1 team in the nation at the complex, as last year the Gulls won in the CAC championship 13-5.
The first quarter was played at a frantic pace as each team took turns marching the ball up and down the field at full speed. The Mustangs (10-1, 2-1 CAC) opened up the contest with a pair of goals, before the Sea Gulls struck with a Mike Von Kamecke (Winter Park, Fla.) tally off an assist from sophomore midfielder Sam Bradman (Canton, N.Y.) to get on the board.
Senior attackman Mike Winter (Port Washington, N.Y.) evened things up in the eighth minute off an assist from sophomore midfielder Tim Lum (Long Valley, N.J.). Play would be halted for a 20-minute delay, as each team had a player suffer an injury that required medical attention on the field.
Salisbury took its first lead of the contest following the delay, as sophomore attackman Matt Cannone (Bayport, N.Y.) buried home an unassisted goal with less than four minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Mustangs closed out the quarter with a pair of unassisted goals of their own to take a 4-3 lead into the second quarter.
The second quarter was played at a much more controlled tempo, as each team began to run their set offenses. Salisbury opened the quarter with a brilliant goal in transition following a Johnny Rodriguez (Gambrills, Md.) save. Rodriguez collected the ball and sent a long pass up the field to senior long-stick midfielder Connor Burgasser (Mendon, N.Y.), who successfully cleared the ball and sent it to Winter who rocketed home the shot.
Stevenson jumped out to a 6-4 lead following a pair of goals, before senior attackman Jake DeLillo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) tallied his first goal of the day off an assist from Winter with eight minutes remaining in the quarter. Over the final eight minutes the Sea Gulls outscored the Mustangs 3-2, including a man-up goal by Winter from Cannone that sent the teams even at 8 goals apiece into the locker rooms.
The third quarter was all Salisbury, as the maroon and gold opened up the frame with another tally by Winter just nine seconds in off an assist from DeLillo. The Sea Gulls continued to possess the ball throughout the first ten minutes and found goals from Cannone and junior midfielder Shawn Zordani (Littleton, Colo.) to increase the lead to 11-8. The two teams finished the quarter with each side notching a goal. Rodriguez made several key saves in the quarter to fluster the Stevenson offense.
The fourth quarter was much of the same as the same as the Sea Gulls outscored the Mustangs 4-1, including senior defensive-midfielder Will Poletis (Baltimore, Md.) tallying his second goal of the year.
Salisbury was led by Winter who finished with four goals and one assist. Cannone and Von Kamecke were close behind as they each finished with three goals and one assist. DeLillo racked up three points with two goals and one assist.
Rodriguez and the members of the Salisbury defense played brilliantly today, as they held the nation's fourth best scoring offense to a season-low 10 goals and just two goals in the second half. Rodriguez notched his 27th career victory as he posted 15 saves.
The Sea Gulls will return to the friendly confines of Sea Gull Stadium this week, with a mid-week CAC contest against St. Mary's (Md.) College this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Source: http://www.laxpower.com/laxnews/news.php?story=18741
Christophobia: Anti-Christian Bigotry Is The Last Fashionable Hatred
Christophobia: Anti-Christian bigotry is the last fashionable hatred
By Jeffrey T. Kuhner
The Washington Times
Christianity is dying. It was once the bastion of Western civilization. Now,
Christianity is a pitiful remnant of its former greatness. Across the West, it
is in full retreat.
The sex-abuse scandal is ravaging the Catholic Church - tarring Pope Benedict
XVI himself. The Anglican Church has been eviscerated, losing members as it
succumbs to the liberal winds of female ordination and gay rights. Many
Protestant denominations are abandoning their beliefs and fervent missionary
zeal, embracing chic environmentalism and watered-down socialism as a cheap
substitute for the traditional Gospel. Europe, the ancient stronghold of
Christendom, has been transformed into a secular neo-pagan culture. For
Europeans, God is dead; He has been replaced by materialist man.
The secular tidal wave has also hit and overwhelmed America. Since the 1960s,
the United States has been the victim of the sexual revolution that glorifies
hedonism and personal liberation. Pornography, abortion, homosexuality,
promiscuity, the AIDS epidemic, soaring out-of-wedlock births, sky-rocketing
divorce rates and the breakdown of the family - these are the poisoned fruits of
the Playboy philosophy. MTV morality is in; Jesus is out.
The war waged by liberals on Christianity, however, has gone to a new, more
dangerous level - one bordering on soft totalitarianism. Recently, the city of
Davenport, Iowa, removed Good Friday from its municipal calendar. The Davenport
Civil Rights Commission sought to change the name of the holiday to one that is
less "divisive" and more ecumenical. Hence, a memo was sent to municipal
employees stating Good Friday would be officially known as "Spring Holiday."
City administrators stressed that celebrating Good Friday violates the
separation of church and state.
"We merely made a recommendation that the name be changed to something other
than Good Friday," said Tim Hart, the commission's chairman. "Our Constitution
calls for separation of church and state. Davenport touts itself as a diverse
city and given all the different types of religious and ethnic backgrounds we
represent, we suggested the change."
After an uproar by outraged Christians, the city council decided to resurrect
the name Good Friday. The multicultural secularists in Davenport have been
defeated - for now.
Yet, the controversy is an ominous sign: The left is determined to extirpate
Christian holidays and symbols from our society. Liberals are determined to
smash traditional values and drive Christians underground. The American left is
following in the shameful - and much more bloody - footsteps of Marxist regimes.
Instead of eradicating religious faith through the barrel of a gun, leftists use
bureaucratic dictates and mass propaganda.
The result is the same. Christianity is gradually being purged from the public
square. Christmas celebrations have become offensive. "Merry Christmas" is now
considered to be politically incorrect; the proper greeting is "happy holidays."
The Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in courtrooms or classes. Prayer has
been banished from public schools. Christians are regularly mocked in movies and
TV. Taxpayer dollars are used to subsidize "art" that depicts Christ in
unflattering ways. Hollywood makes films - such as "Angels and Demons" -
portraying the Catholic Church as a repressive, sinister and primitive
institution.
Anti-Christian bigotry is the last fashionable hatred. It is easy for
Davenport's Christophobes to pick on Good Friday. What's the worst that could
happen? Angry phone calls and e-mails? Town-hall meetings? Maybe public
protests? But, in the end, progressive commissars realize they will not pay much
of a price - in fact, they will be celebrated by liberal elites for their
"enlightened ideals."
The same standards do not apply to Islam. Davenport's multiculturalists would
never dare to remove say, Ramadan, from the calendar and rename it "Fasting
Month" for fear of offending Muslims - and possibly triggering a fatwa.
Self-preservation - and cowardice - dissuades them from attacking certain
religions.
Christians, however, are an easy target. They do not believe in jihad or suicide
bombing. Unlike radical Islamists, they espouse the rule of law and human
rights. They accept persecution - even state-sanctioned persecution - as part of
their religious burden. Liberals realize that Christianity is a genuine
"religion of peace." This is why they do not fear systematically smearing it.
The Founding Fathers emphasized that the constitutional republic depended upon a
vigorous religious society.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people," said John
Adams. "It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
The Founding Fathers were not secularists. On the contrary, they were devout
Christians (with the exception of some Enlightenment deists like Thomas
Jefferson), who feared an established church - especially, the Church of England
- which persecuted dissenters. They would regard it as bizarre and repulsive
were they to witness how the concept of the separation of church and state would
be twisted in our time into a form of radical secularism and anti-Christian
bias.
Our Judeo-Christian heritage provides the underpinnings to our constitutional
government for one simple reason: It acknowledges the transcendental nature of
man. Our fundamental liberties flow from God almighty - not the state. This is
why individual rights - to life, liberty and property - are the essential
bulwarks against government power: What God has given, no man - or regime - can
take away. Once America loses its Christian identity, it will inevitably lose
its freedoms.
Christophobia forms the basis of modern liberalism. Leftist progressives are
determined to destroy traditional America and its seminal institutions - the
Constitution, capitalism, national sovereignty and the family. This is why they
have declared war on Christianity. If Christians do not rise from their apathy
and man the ideological barricades, they will be driven into the catacombs once
again. And with their defeat comes the end of our great republic.
We must boldly stand against any who attempt to degrade our Christian heritage.
We must identify them as practicing one of the last acceptable forms of bigotry
and hatred: Christophobia. Our right to embrace Christ is no less than their
right to embrace a perverse lifestyle.
Jeffrey T. Kuhner is a columnist at The Washington Times and president of the
Edmund Burke Institute, a Washington think tank. He is the daily host of the
"Kuhner Show" on WTNT 570-AM (www.talk570.com) from noon until 3 p.m.
By Jeffrey T. Kuhner
The Washington Times
Christianity is dying. It was once the bastion of Western civilization. Now,
Christianity is a pitiful remnant of its former greatness. Across the West, it
is in full retreat.
The sex-abuse scandal is ravaging the Catholic Church - tarring Pope Benedict
XVI himself. The Anglican Church has been eviscerated, losing members as it
succumbs to the liberal winds of female ordination and gay rights. Many
Protestant denominations are abandoning their beliefs and fervent missionary
zeal, embracing chic environmentalism and watered-down socialism as a cheap
substitute for the traditional Gospel. Europe, the ancient stronghold of
Christendom, has been transformed into a secular neo-pagan culture. For
Europeans, God is dead; He has been replaced by materialist man.
The secular tidal wave has also hit and overwhelmed America. Since the 1960s,
the United States has been the victim of the sexual revolution that glorifies
hedonism and personal liberation. Pornography, abortion, homosexuality,
promiscuity, the AIDS epidemic, soaring out-of-wedlock births, sky-rocketing
divorce rates and the breakdown of the family - these are the poisoned fruits of
the Playboy philosophy. MTV morality is in; Jesus is out.
The war waged by liberals on Christianity, however, has gone to a new, more
dangerous level - one bordering on soft totalitarianism. Recently, the city of
Davenport, Iowa, removed Good Friday from its municipal calendar. The Davenport
Civil Rights Commission sought to change the name of the holiday to one that is
less "divisive" and more ecumenical. Hence, a memo was sent to municipal
employees stating Good Friday would be officially known as "Spring Holiday."
City administrators stressed that celebrating Good Friday violates the
separation of church and state.
"We merely made a recommendation that the name be changed to something other
than Good Friday," said Tim Hart, the commission's chairman. "Our Constitution
calls for separation of church and state. Davenport touts itself as a diverse
city and given all the different types of religious and ethnic backgrounds we
represent, we suggested the change."
After an uproar by outraged Christians, the city council decided to resurrect
the name Good Friday. The multicultural secularists in Davenport have been
defeated - for now.
Yet, the controversy is an ominous sign: The left is determined to extirpate
Christian holidays and symbols from our society. Liberals are determined to
smash traditional values and drive Christians underground. The American left is
following in the shameful - and much more bloody - footsteps of Marxist regimes.
Instead of eradicating religious faith through the barrel of a gun, leftists use
bureaucratic dictates and mass propaganda.
The result is the same. Christianity is gradually being purged from the public
square. Christmas celebrations have become offensive. "Merry Christmas" is now
considered to be politically incorrect; the proper greeting is "happy holidays."
The Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in courtrooms or classes. Prayer has
been banished from public schools. Christians are regularly mocked in movies and
TV. Taxpayer dollars are used to subsidize "art" that depicts Christ in
unflattering ways. Hollywood makes films - such as "Angels and Demons" -
portraying the Catholic Church as a repressive, sinister and primitive
institution.
Anti-Christian bigotry is the last fashionable hatred. It is easy for
Davenport's Christophobes to pick on Good Friday. What's the worst that could
happen? Angry phone calls and e-mails? Town-hall meetings? Maybe public
protests? But, in the end, progressive commissars realize they will not pay much
of a price - in fact, they will be celebrated by liberal elites for their
"enlightened ideals."
The same standards do not apply to Islam. Davenport's multiculturalists would
never dare to remove say, Ramadan, from the calendar and rename it "Fasting
Month" for fear of offending Muslims - and possibly triggering a fatwa.
Self-preservation - and cowardice - dissuades them from attacking certain
religions.
Christians, however, are an easy target. They do not believe in jihad or suicide
bombing. Unlike radical Islamists, they espouse the rule of law and human
rights. They accept persecution - even state-sanctioned persecution - as part of
their religious burden. Liberals realize that Christianity is a genuine
"religion of peace." This is why they do not fear systematically smearing it.
The Founding Fathers emphasized that the constitutional republic depended upon a
vigorous religious society.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people," said John
Adams. "It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
The Founding Fathers were not secularists. On the contrary, they were devout
Christians (with the exception of some Enlightenment deists like Thomas
Jefferson), who feared an established church - especially, the Church of England
- which persecuted dissenters. They would regard it as bizarre and repulsive
were they to witness how the concept of the separation of church and state would
be twisted in our time into a form of radical secularism and anti-Christian
bias.
Our Judeo-Christian heritage provides the underpinnings to our constitutional
government for one simple reason: It acknowledges the transcendental nature of
man. Our fundamental liberties flow from God almighty - not the state. This is
why individual rights - to life, liberty and property - are the essential
bulwarks against government power: What God has given, no man - or regime - can
take away. Once America loses its Christian identity, it will inevitably lose
its freedoms.
Christophobia forms the basis of modern liberalism. Leftist progressives are
determined to destroy traditional America and its seminal institutions - the
Constitution, capitalism, national sovereignty and the family. This is why they
have declared war on Christianity. If Christians do not rise from their apathy
and man the ideological barricades, they will be driven into the catacombs once
again. And with their defeat comes the end of our great republic.
We must boldly stand against any who attempt to degrade our Christian heritage.
We must identify them as practicing one of the last acceptable forms of bigotry
and hatred: Christophobia. Our right to embrace Christ is no less than their
right to embrace a perverse lifestyle.
Jeffrey T. Kuhner is a columnist at The Washington Times and president of the
Edmund Burke Institute, a Washington think tank. He is the daily host of the
"Kuhner Show" on WTNT 570-AM (www.talk570.com) from noon until 3 p.m.
HE IS RISEN!
Happy Easter! Today is the day we celebrate the resurection of Jesus. Be happy and enjoy this beautiful day that God has given us and rejoice for the one who died for our sins.
The Unethical Attorney General – Eric Holder
I was never a big fan of Bush era AG Alberto Gonzales, but I’ve go to say that he doesn’t even hold a candle to the man who currently holds the job. Right out the box, Holder forces career DOJ attorneys to drop the case against the New Black Panther Party; a case they had ALREADY WON! Then Holder transferred those same attorneys so that they would be out of reach of subpoenas issued by the US Civil Rights Commission.
Now we find out that Holder deliberately withheld key documents from the Senate during his own confirmation:
We must leave al-Qaeda terrorists at liberty unless there is enough admissible evidence to convict in civilian court: That was Eric Holder’s argument in two briefs submitted as a private lawyer in the case of “dirty bomber” (and, now, convicted terrorist) Jose Padilla. We must accept the risk of catastrophic attack, Holder told the Supreme Court, in order to avoid the true evil, an overly powerful president (translation: George W. Bush). These views should have sparked aggressive questioning when Holder was nominated to be attorney general, but they were not asked, because Holder did not disclose the relevant briefs, and others, to the Senate. As Sen. Jon Kyl (R., Ariz.) observed, Holder’s claim of an accidental oversight “strains credulity.” Holder submitted only a handful of Supreme Court briefs as a private lawyer. Moreover, in February he defended his handling of the “Christmas bomber” case in a letter that tracked the argument in his briefs. Perhaps DOJ can offer Holder a refresher course in legal ethics.
What happened to all of that transparency and honesty the CANDIDATE Obama promised?
from Delmarva Dealings
How Big A Sham is Obama’s “Race to the Top”?
We all know that the federal government really has no business meddling in education. Yet, when we listen to President Obama’s rhetoric regarding his “Race to the Top” program, it all sounds so wonderful:
- More charter schools.
- More accountability for TEACHERS and schools.
Yet, here is what is actually happening:
It’s not the federal government’s job to set state and local education policy, but if it’s going to do so, it should at least put its muscle to good use. Initially, it appeared that this was what the Obama administration was doing with Race to the Top: In the scramble for federal funds, education secretary Arne Duncan promised, states that capped the number of charter schools would be at a disadvantage, and states that banned the use of student test-score progress in teacher evaluations wouldn’t even be eligible. But the finalists for the first round of funding have been announced, and results aren’t promising: New York, which both caps charter schools and bans the use of student test-score data in tenure decisions, is on the list; so is Kentucky, which doesn’t allow charter schools at all. Meanwhile, the process has been shrouded in secrecy: Neither the judges’ names nor the states’ actual scores on the 500-point scale will be released for another month. We’re awaiting announcement of the winners, but so far, Race to the Top is stumbling out of the gates.
How big a sham is “Race to the Top”?
from Delmarva Dealings
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