Bueller?

Ben Stein's documentary on scientists being ostracized for their belief in Intelligent Design looks like it might be pretty good.

Thanks to RM for the heads up.

Check out the TRAILER.

one Naton under God

Many people - including myself - didn't know the true reasons our country began celebrating Thanksgiving. I found out today (thanks Fr. James!) and am still astounded:


Following the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation on October 11, 1782:

By the United States in Congress assembled.

PROCLAMATION.

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.

JOHN HANSON, President.

Charles Thomson, Secretary.

Thanks be to God

I want to wish all of you a most blessed Thanksgiving. With our first child due only 9 days from today, this will be a very special Thanksgiving for us.

In the spirit of the holiday, may you all first give thanks to God for his many blessings upon you and your family; and especially for your life.

Don't forget your special intentions before digging into that sacrificial bird tomorrow! Maybe "saying grace" can become commonplace in your families before all meals. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden!

Pax et Bonum!

Election Day 2007

The Pro Life Union of Southeastern PA now has their voter's guide up on their site. Make sure you take it with you to the polls!

It shows the following:

Judges on the Pa. Supreme Court & the Pa. Superior Court make decisions that have significant impact on the sanctity of human life & marriage. Two of the seven seats on the Pa. Supreme Court and three of the 15 seats on the Pa. Superior Court judges face a yes or no vote on retention for another ten year term.

PA Supreme Court (vote for two)

Maureen Lally-Green -prolife

Mike Krancer -prolife

Debra Todd- pro-abortion

Seamus McCaffrey - pro-abortion

PA. Superior Court (vote for three)

Cheryl Lynn Allen -prolife

Bruce Bratton-prolife

Jacqueline Shogun-prolife

Christine Donnohue-pro-abortion

Ron Foling -pro-abortion

John Younge-pro-abortion

Retention Votes(vote yes or no)

Pa. Supreme Court ~ Thomas G. Saylor voted to overturn existing state law & created a 'legal right' for homosexual couples to adopt children

Pa. Superior Court

Joan Orie Melvin -pro-life

John L. Musmanno -prolife

Correale Stevens -prolife

Commonwealth Court

Bernard L. McGinley -prolife

Bonnie L. Leadbetter/proabortion Doris Smith-Ribner/proabortion

Philadelphia

Al Taubenberger-prolife

Michael Nutter - pro-abortion

Delaware County - The following candidates have pro-life positions

City Council: Tom McGarrigle, Christine Fizzano Cannon

District Attorney: Michael Green

Common Pleas Court: Mary Alice Brenan, Greg Mallon

Common Pleas Court Retention: Ann Osborne, George Pagano, James Proud

Haverford Township Commissioner

Jim McGarrity, Jeff Heilmann, Cathy Kovach, Bill Wechsler

Bucks County

County Commissioner (vote for two)

Jim Cawley -prolife, Jay Russell - prolife, Charles Martin -unknown

Daine Marseglia: pro-abortion, Steve Santarsiero: pro-abortion

Common Pleas Court: Diane Gibbons - prolife

Common Pleas Court Retention (vote yes or no)

David Heckler: pro-abortion

Warminster Township Supervisor: Donna Marie Davis: pro-life

Montgomery County

County Commissioner (vote for two)

Bruce Castor -prolife, Jim Matthews -prolife

Ruth Damsker: pro-abortion, Joseph Hoeffel: pro-abortion

The following other countywide candidates have a pro-life position or record.

District Attorney - Risa Vetri Ferman

Clerk of Courts - Marcy Toepel

Recorder of Deeds - Nancy Becker

Sheriff - John Durante

Treasurer - Garrett Page

Retention Votes for Montgomery County Common Pleas Court

Thomas M. Del Ricci: prolife, Stanley R. Ott: prolife

Calvin S. Drayer - In July 2002, he issued a decision that allowed Steven Brighams abortion chamber to continue to commit abortions even though the Upper Merion Township Zoning Board had operated in violation of existing law. This chamber later closed.