Articulating Hope

Category: Social Issues

  • Earthquakes and Riots Each Result In Suffering

    Have we simply grown numb in regard to being impacted by massive amounts of suffering?  Whether it is a natural disaster such as an earthquake in Nepal or a man-made fiasco such as the rioting in Baltimore, do we even give it a second thought if it isn’t directly impacting us at the moment?  Modern technology enables us to know all about these events as they unfold before our eyes, but how has the availability of an abundance of information affected our processing of these events?

    I will keep it short and sweet today asking a few basic questions for your reflection.

    1.      Have you prayed for the earthquake victims, the survivors, and all the family members impacted by this devastating event?

    2.      Did you contribute any financial assistance to a reputable Christian organization to assist in the relief efforts?

    3.      Have you prayed for the people of Baltimore? 

    4.      Have you volunteered lately at any local community organization or charity which strives to improve the community?

    My dear readers, if we aren’t part of the solution, we are part of the problem.  We may not be able to give thousands of dollars to charities each year; we may not be able to volunteer hundreds of hours with local organizations and churches needing our help.  However, we are all able to do something.  Building up the Kingdom of God is a responsibility in which we all share through our baptismal calling.  What will you do TODAY?

  • 16 Years Ago Today–Columbine

    The grief that a parent feels when burying a child is beyond my comprehension.  The heartache must be overwhelming, especially if a child was abruptly taken from this world through an act of violence.  

    The massacre at Columbine has been thoroughly covered by reporters, analysts, police personnel, psychologists, and probably by a multitude of other professions of which I am unaware.  I don’t have a lot to offer beyond everything that has been said for the last sixteen years.  I simply ask you to continue to pray.  Although the passing of years may dull the pain, I am sure there are a lot of scars remaining to be healed.  Pray for the deceased and their families; pray for the injured; pray for the families of the perpetrators of these horrific actions.  

       Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us!

  • 20 Years Since Oklahoma City–22 Years Since Waco

    My mind struggles to grasp and comprehend the level of violence we see in our world today.  The news reports don’t seem to even make us flinch in most cases as we watch the details unfold.  We have grown accustomed to hearing about barbaric events on such a repeated basis that a desensitization process has occurred.  Is it simply a coping mechanism to not be overwhelmed with grief, or have we reached a point that we just don’t care as long as it isn’t directly impacting us? 

    It was twenty-two years ago today that the fire in Elk, Texas (nine miles northeast of Waco) at the Branch Davidian Compound took the lives of 76 people after a 51-day stand-off with federal authorities.  Two years later in 1995, the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City occurred.  Today marks the 20th anniversary of that event.

    Those of us who are old to remember these events, as well as all of the other violent acts that have taken place since then, could easily grow weary and disillusioned from the many social ills attacking our society.  There are times when we may be tempted to throw our hands up in despair and ask, “What is the point of even trying?”  The children from the daycare center in the federal building in Oklahoma City who survived the attack have demonstrated the courage and resilience from which we can all take a lesson.  All of the survivors were under five years of age at the time of the attack.  They have some serious health issues remaining due to the injuries sustained at the time, but their outlook on life and the future is truly uplifting.

    It is important for each of us to cultivate love and respect for one another in our little corner of the world.  As individuals, we may not be able to control events in the Middle East and stop  the slaughter of Christians.  However, have we let the leadership of our government know our concerns?  Have we pushed those in authority to do something?  What have we done to free the girls taken hostage in Nigeria over a year ago?  Has anything beyond creating a hashtag been done to free these girls?

    Violence is nothing new.  It has been with us a long time.  Even in Sacred Scripture we see the presence of violence between Cain and Abel from the earliest days.  Our modern world has simply accelerated the level of violence with more sophisticated ways of accomplishing it.  Flying an airplane into a skyscraper was not an option throughout most of history.  Building a bomb with a mixture of ingredients and utilizing a truck to blow up a federal building is a relatively recent concoction as well.

    What do we take away from these days when we mark milestone anniversaries of horrendous events?  It will probably be different for each of us depending upon our own life experiences, religious upbringing, and political leanings.  It is my hope and prayer that we would each take away a desire to build up our culture in a way that preserves and promotes the sanctity of each human life.  Bombings, school shootings, a theater shooting, a military base attack, the killing of Christians by ISIS, the kidnapping of Nigerian girls, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and millions of abortions all demonstrate a complete disregard for the sacred dignity and value of each human life.

    What do we need to do?  I believe the Sacred Scriptures provide the guidance. A good place to begin is with prayer and fasting.  Our lives must be rooted in prayer.  Furthermore, in reparation for our sins, we need to embark upon the 
    practice of fasting and seek the forgiveness and mercy of God.  We have become lax in our awareness of sin.  If we don’t recognize sin in our lives we then become lax in seeking the forgiveness and mercy of God.  It is time for serious repentance.

    Finally, are we willing to put our faith into action?  Do we get involved in matters that impact the preservation of life?  The U.S. Supreme Court sent us down a slippery slope in 1973 when the Roe versus Wade decision was handed down.  If we as a society are unwilling to protect the most vulnerable among us, why do we act surprised when multiple shootings happen nightly all across our nation in the major metropolitan cities?  Life is cheap.  Killing 56 million babies for a profit demonstrates that life is cheap while killing is apparently expensive.  Many people refuse to see a connection between abortion and the rest of the violence in our society.  In my mind it is one of the key factors contributing to a culture of violence.  

    It is my hope that we will never see a repeat of Oklahoma City, Waco, the Twin Towers, or any of the other horrendous shootings and attacks.  I realize that my hope will likely be shattered in the not too distant future.  We are living in a violent world.  Where is the hope?  It lies within each of us.  Together we can make a difference.  We can build a culture of life!

  • Ferguson, Missouri

    What the heck is happening to our country?  That is the toned-down version of a question I heard this morning.  Events in Ferguson, Missouri have put a spotlight on the social problems that continue to exist in our communities.  Unfortunately, the answers to these problems will not likely be forthcoming.  Symptoms may be addressed in a few areas but the root causes will probably remain firmly entrenched.  Continued moral decline is what is happening to our country.

    The vandalism, looting, and burning of property that took place last night was simply a crime of opportunity.  A “mob mentality” is easily created in this type of environment and the results are quite predictable.  The destruction of businesses in a community that is already struggling will only exacerbate the existing challenges of poverty, unemployment, and criminal activity.  A thinking person realizes that these actions don’t accomplish anything in regard to promoting justice or honoring the memory of the deceased.  However, thinking seems to be a commodity in short supply in a scenario such as this.

    Rush Limbaugh mentioned in his opening monologue today that thinking has been replaced with feelings.  He cited sports examples in which interviewers asked athletes, “How do you feel?”  As I watched interviews last night with numerous people in the Ferguson area this sentiment was played out over and over.  “I feel” was the predominant theme.  This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to reason with people regarding the facts.  After all, some people don’t want the facts messing up the narrative they have playing in their mind.

    In fair disclosure, I want to mention a couple of things.  Thirty years ago I was a police officer with the St. Louis County Police Department serving in the North County precinct not far from Ferguson.  Secondly,  I am an ISTJ on the Myers-Briggs personality type assessment.  (For those of you unfamiliar with this tool, the “T” stands for “thinking” as opposed to an “F” which stands for “Feeling.”)  My personality type is to evaluate and analyze information based upon the facts and circumstances as they are presented.  Although I tend to trust my gut instinct in certain circumstances, my preferred mode of operation is to think through a situation and arrive at the best decision based upon the available data. 

    In the rule of law, I hope we will always utilize facts as the basis of decisions rather than feelings.  Even if a personality type is an “F” rather than a “T” it would still seem logical (in my “T” world) to utilize evidence as the basis of the Grand Jury decision rather than feelings.  If feelings are going to dominate the criminal justice system rather than a process of judicial review, we have simply moved into a state of anarchy and we can all kiss our sense of security of good-bye.  Ferguson gave us a glimpse into that style of living last night.

    This side-trip leads me back to the “root” causes of the social problems in communities like Ferguson.  The current symptom appears to be racial tensions between white cops and black citizens.  (A poll today showed that 98% of blacks think the decision by the Grand Jury was wrong and 96% of whites think it was right.)  The historical context of slavery and oppression play into these perceptions, but what are the modern day factors contributing to the upheaval and chaos being experienced today?  Delving into the sociological and psychological research would require an exhaustive amount of time—far beyond the scope of this article.  Thus, I will lay out my opinions without the sources of research to back up what I consider some of the root causes.

    I think (and feel) that the breakdown of the family unit is a huge contributing factor to the undermining of positive values being handed down from one generation to the next—especially in minority neighborhoods.  Virtuous male role models are absent in the lives of many young black men growing up.  How will they effectively learn right from wrong?  What are their attitudes toward authority figures and how did they develop them?  Who models appropriate behavior for them?  Looking at these types of factors will get us closer to the root causes of the behaviors we witnessed last night.

    Secondly, I think (and feel) that the failed educational system is not providing the tools to “think” effectively and logically.  How can wise choices be made if one lacks the basic understanding of assessing and processing information?  Has the current educational system simply indoctrinated young minds in minority neighborhoods to see themselves as victims and entitled to certain things?  If our schools are telling students what to “feel” rather than teaching them how to “think,” we are justly reaping the chaos that has been sown.

    Finally, the Church no longer serves as a dominant influence in the moral training of our young people.  If good and upright values are not received from the family or from the Church, from whence shall they come?  The disturbing images on TV last night were made more horrendous when folks like Rev. Al Sharpton use the Church to incite more violence rather than to promote calm and common sense.

    Families are falling apart.  Educational systems are sometimes producing an inferior product.  Church attendance is in steep decline.  These foundations of society are crumbling and we are beginning to experience the repercussions.  Prominent institutions which once served as agents of solidarity and cohesiveness have disintegrated before our eyes.  Technological connections have replaced family.  Indoctrination and politics have replaced education.  Media and entertainment have replaced spiritual and religious practice.   

    What the heck has happened to our country?  The answer is plain and simple.  We have turned away from God.  Even though we are preparing to enter the Advent season, it may be a good time to be reminded of what we hear at the beginning of Lent.  
    “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”    

  • Failed Leadership Hurts People

    John Maxwell frequently states that everything rises and falls based upon leadership.  An institution will flourish under good leadership and it will struggle under poor leadership.  We see this lived out on a regular basis in business settings, non-profits, churches, and in all levels of government bureaucracy.  Effective leaders ensure that individuals and organizations thrive.  Incompetent leaders reap chaos, discontent, and suffering.

    Effective leadership is anticipatory rather than reactive.  Great leaders have the ability to observe and assess situations and plan accordingly.  They have proficient skills at training and mentoring others in the organization to also be proactive leaders.  Finally, effective leaders encourage healthy conflict among team members to ensure that ideas and issues are discussed thoroughly and honestly.  This typically leads to good decision making.

    Reactionary leadership in Ferguson, Missouri by local, state, and federal officials—all the way up to the U.S. Attorney General and the U.S President—has primed the pump for a worst case scenario to take place.  The racial tensions in the St. Louis area have always been quite high, and this latest conflict between Ferguson police and the black community simply exposes the fragile nature of race relations.  Unfortunately, government leaders have frequently been viewed as part of the problem rather than part of the solution through this prolonged episode of real-life drama.  The question that sticks in my mind is a simple one.  How will things change in the future?  Once the verdict is announced from the Grand Jury and the dust settles, what will ultimately change? How will leadership at the local level, as well as state and federal agencies, move forward following these months of tension and violence?  What will have been learned?

    As I attempt to put the chaos of Ferguson, Missouri into context, I can’t help but think of the chaos on a wider scale created by failed leadership in regard to the immigration issue.  The political aspect of the immigration issue is huge, and one’s political leanings will greatly impact what a person thinks about the president’s speech on Thursday, November 20, 2014.  I don’t want to dwell on the pros and cons of immigration.  That is a debate for another time.  However, I want to look at the processes and methodologies being utilized by the president.  Is it good leadership to unilaterally make this move?

    Our Founding Fathers were quite wise in developing a system which had such a distinct separation of powers.  They understood the potential for a misuse of power.  Even if the actions to be taken by the president in regard to immigration are within constitutional standards, does anyone view this as good leadership?  Who is responsible for gridlock?  What is the role of a leader in government?  The inability to work with people who have opposing views is detrimental to the well-being of any organization, business, or country.  Republicans can blame Democrats; Democrats can blame Republicans.  In the end, if John Maxwell is accurate in regard to everything rising and falling in regard to leadership, the leader of the country may need to look in the mirror for clarity about the failed attempts to get things done.

    It is no doubt that the issues are complex.  In no way am I minimizing the difficult task of a leader, especially the leader of a country such as the U.S.A.  However, the glaring inconsistencies of this administration between the words spoken and the actions taken are alarming under any circumstances.  I will be honest.  I cringed numerous times during the brief speech of the president. Commentators affirmed many of my ill feelings after the speech was over.  In particular, it was interesting to see what the president said a few years ago on numerous occasions about not having the constitutional authority to act on his own, and now he was doing just that.  It’s amazing what a difference a few years can make.

    As he referred to “ripping” families apart by deportation, the image of an unborn baby being “ripped” from the womb immediately entered my mind.  In his mind that kind of ripping is apparently okay.  Remember his words, “God bless Planned Parenthood.”  Although the president quoted Scripture during his speech to win me over, I was not impressed.  Anyone can quote Scripture.  Living by the principles contained therein is another matter indeed.

    Speculation about the long-term consequences of the president’s actions is in full swing.

    Is it constitutional?

    Will it encourage more illegals to enter the country?

    Does it create easier opportunities for terrorists to enter our country?

    What does it mean for individuals and families trying to enter the country legally?

    What will this do to our job market?

    What impact will it have on our over-all economy?

    According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website, “Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, M.Sp.S., auxiliary bishop of Seattle and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration, welcomed the news today that the Obama administration will defer deportations for many undocumented immigrants and their families.”  I understand the desire to be compassionate, and I realize that failed leadership for years has in many ways created the chaos we currently have in place.  However, I would encourage serious reflection before celebrating too boisterously.  What are the long-term ramifications of unilateral action by a president?

    Why do I raise this question?  Look at the HHS Mandate of the Affordable Care Act.  Many dioceses and Catholic organizations have filed lawsuits against the government.  The president has repeatedly, on his own, changed rules without congressional approval.  How has that worked out for religious freedom?  Do we want unilateral action by the president when it seems to fit in our personal agenda but resist it when it does not?  We can’t have it both ways.  

    Bishop Elizondo may welcome this current news about immigration, but I would urge a restrained exuberance.  The consequences of these actions go far beyond the issue of immigration.  It has the potential to obliterate the republic form of government that we have enjoyed for over 200 years.  Is that an exaggeration?  We shall see.  Failed leadership can result in some devastating consequences for the rest of us.

  • “Very Few Are Guilty Of That”

    “The city of Houston has issued subpoenas demanding a group of pastors turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, gender identity or Annise Parker, the city’s first openly lesbian mayor. And those ministers who fail to comply could be held in contempt of court.”  That is the opening paragraph from an article written by Todd Starnes on October 14, 2014 and published on Fox News.

     I have been discussing this article with a few folks today and the responses have been interesting.  However, one response made me stop in my tracks.  The individual with whom I was corresponding said it fairly succinctly. “On the other hand, even at my age and having gone to Mass my whole life, I cannot remember when I heard a homily in a Catholic Church telling people that the ‘sexual’ sins were sinful.  I guess it is usually taken for granted that having sex outside of marriage and certainly homosexual sex was serious sin.  But it is also much less awkward for the priest and the congregation.  Once in a while the abortion word is mentioned but not often, only when those hateful anniversaries roll around.  So, sadly, I don’t think there is much chance that any Catholic priest will be found ‘guilty’ of this hate-speech crime.  It would mean that they actually were fulfilling their vocation as shepherds of their flock.  Very few are guilty of that.”

     Although I am a deacon and not a priest, this comment made me reflect upon my own role in teaching and preaching the faith in its fullness.  Have the “culture wars” scared me off from being faithful?  Do I have the ability to address the difficult and sensitive issues in a way that does not water down the truth but also extends the grace and mercy of our God?  I will admit that this is getting to be a difficult balance to achieve as society continues to grow in its acceptance of aberrant behaviors. 

     Those in Church leadership have moral obligations and responsibilities to teach the faith in its fullness.  Yes, this means talking about sin and even the consequences of sin.  Dare we mention the word “hell” in our homily?  Explaining these realities will not win an individual pastor or clergy person any popularity contest in today’s society, but I think each one of us would benefit from truly asking ourselves a simple question.  Do I seek popularity or do I seek holiness for myself and my parishioners?    

  • Elections, An Indictment, Riots, and Murder

    There is a Japanese proverb which states, “Vision without action is a daydream.  Action without vision is a nightmare.”  Watching local, state, national, and even world events unfold in recent days shows how true this statement really is.  It even makes me wonder how frequently we have neither vision nor action.  Worse yet, what happens when there is a vision and accompanying action, but the vision is seriously flawed (or evil) in its intentions?

    Primary elections were held yesterday in Wyoming, and I believe that a number of observations can be made in regard to the results.  First and foremost, it is evident that money is very important for the candidate and the success of his/her campaign.  Second, many voters are disengaged and ill-informed about the issues and the candidates.  Third, the Christian principles and values which served as the foundation upon which this republic was founded are seemingly irrelevant in modern politics.  It hurts to acknowledge the reality of where we are in the current age.

    Put the cards on the table.  Progressives are more successful at articulating their message.  Furthermore, the conservative message does not resonate with modern voters even when there is an attempt to articulate it.  The destruction of traditional values once held by a majority of Christian believers has created a new mindset among the general populace.  When the President of the United States makes a statement during the State of the Union speech that he will circumvent the chambers of congress to pursue his agenda, and members of the circumvented group stand and applaud, you know we have a problem.  In Wyoming, the governor ignored the will of the people by stripping the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction of her duties and responsibilities.  Then he replaced her with his own appointee and spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars investigating the one removed.  Eventually, the Supreme Court reversed this action.  However, this overreach of power did not affect the voters.  The incumbent governor received more votes in the primary than both of his challengers combined.  Regardless of the political party involved, are people really okay with that kind of power being exerted and their vote being nullified?

    Branch out a little further.  The indictment of Texas Governor Rick Perry shows what can happen when there is vision and action backed by the money of someone like George Soros.  The mainstream media outlets won’t cover this component, but other outlets are starting to connect the dots between the indictment of the governor and a half million dollars contributed by Soros to an organization behind the indictment.  A vision coupled with action toward a sitting governor backed by a lot of dollars creates an interesting political climate.  We’ll see how this one plays out eventually. 

    Let’s reflect on Ferguson, Missouri and observe what happens when action without vision unfolds.  Protesters in Missouri say they want justice.  If they seriously wanted justice there would have been a vision beyond Al Sharpton inciting violence.  Thus, we have had the ensuing nightmare.  Obviously, some will disagree with that assessment.  However, a true vision would not have resulted in a major portion of the city being violated in one fashion or another.  It would have pursued meaningful change based upon facts instead of emotions.

    Finally, the beheading of an American journalist by ISIS should remind all of us about the fragile nature of life in our world today.  ISIS has a vision and they are certainly following it up with action.  Will their flag someday fly at the White House as was stated in their video?

    The long term consequences of our decisions and actions (or inactions) can be immense.  I am gravely concerned that apathy on the part of Christians is having dire results.  Keeping our faith trapped in the walls of our churches and in our homes is leading our nation on a path straight to hell.  Being content with freedom of worship rather than the freedom of religion to which we have an unalienable right is devastating the moral fabric of our society.   If the Church does not influence the moral values of society we are certain to continue our downward spiral in moral decadence and decay.

    John Maxwell has a profound statement.  “If you think you are a leader and no one is following you, you are just going for a walk.”  It is time for faith-filled and Spirit-led leaders to lead.  This isn’t just for the ordained.  It is for all Christians who share in the life and mission of Jesus Christ.  Be a person of prayer, study, and action.  Be a Christian leader!

    “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
    ~Hosea 4:6

    “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…”
    Proverbs 29:2

    “When a land has been given into the hands of the wicked, God blindfolds its judges.”
    Job 9:24

  • Ferguson–Fragmentation and Frustration

    Ferguson–Fragmentation and Frustration

    “Freedom without truth leads to disorder, injustice, and social fragmentation.”  This line from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace document entitled, Vocation of the Business Leader sums up fairly well the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri.  The level of social fragmentation has been highlighted by the unrest and violence happening night after night in this community.  There has been a complex interplay between good and evil, as well as truth and falsehood.

    Social problems are nothing new in our society.  Urban neighborhoods are known for things such as crime and poverty.  Black on black crime has been prevalent for years.  Unemployment, the breakdown of family structures, addictions, and a multitude of other issues can lead to despair and hopelessness.  The resulting frustration can bubble just below the surface for years.  Then, an “opportunity” presents itself to release the frustration and anger in some dramatic ways.  The result is chaos and further fragmentation.

    The facts of the original incident in Ferguson are still coming to light and we would do well to be informed before passing judgment in either direction.  However, I think these last ten days have given Christians something to think about.  Are we isolating ourselves from the problems of the world?  Do we look at the issues of Iraq, Israel, and the Ukraine as something “over there” and there is little I can do?  Do we look at the issues a little closer to home in Ferguson, Missouri and breathe a sigh of relief that it isn’t in my neighborhood?

    Quite simply, how are we bringing the love of Christ to our own communities?  How do we respond to the needs of the poor and those who are hurting—regardless of their race or religion?  Is there consistency between the faith we profess and the way we live our daily lives?  Each one of us is either going to be part of the solution or part of the problem.  Developing attitudes of apathy and complacency will not serve us well in the long run.  Being content with the status quo can result in devastating consequences. 

    Bottom line for today–Are we building up the Kingdom of God through our “witness of faith, the confidence of hope, and the practice of love?” 

  • The Award Goes To…..Nancy Pelosi

    What is an award?  According to the dictionary, when the word award is used as a verb it means, “To give as due or merited; assign or bestow.” 

    This made me start thinking about my school years when awards seemed to be a bit easier to achieve than what they are as an adult.  In elementary school I could get an award for just showing up.  It was called “perfect attendance.”  In high school I could play sports and sit on the bench much of the time and still get a “letter” for my efforts.  There were academic opportunities for awards as well.  Getting an award for “most improved” seemed like a positive thing until I realized it could simply mean that I was really awful at this endeavor in the beginning and I am probably still not too good at it now.

    As a teacher, I didn’t give many awards to my students.  If you received an award from me it was something you earned.  However, the reality of frivolous awards hit home with me when I became the principal of an elementary school.  The awards assembly was long and tedious and I cringed at the notion that every student was going home with numerous awards.  It seemed to be an exercise in futility.  What real value did these awards have if the discipline and hard work to achieve them was minimal at best?     

    Did you have awards in high school for graduating seniors beyond valedictorian, salutatorian, and National Honor Society?  Were there categories such as “most likely to succeed” or “most athletic” or any other such type of depiction?  Were there unofficial categories created by the students outside the mainstream such as “teacher’s pet” or even a little more brash such as “most likely to end up in jail”?  I vividly remember that there were certain awards a person just didn’t want to win, officially or unofficially.

    In our adult lives awards sometimes come in pay raises or job promotions.  Other times we actually receive specific awards for our achievements.  There may not be too many of us that receive a Nobel Prize, but there are other distinguishing awards in our careers that may attract our attention.  As I was reading an article today it struck me that politicians seem to have a plethora of awards given to them from a variety of organizations.  Do they earn them or is this just another means of individuals scratching each other’s back in a mutual admiration society?

    Unfortunately, the article that caught my attention today referred to an award which I simply cannot comprehend.  It is the Margaret Sanger Award.  Why would an award be presented to someone for actively trying to eliminate a segment of our population?  Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America said, “On behalf of Planned Parenthood and the millions of patients we serve each year, it gives me great pleasure to announce that House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will receive the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Margaret Sanger Award, our highest recognition of leadership, excellence, and outstanding contributions to the reproductive health and rights movement.”

    It is no surprise that Nancy Pelosi would be given such an award because her commitment to the pro-abortion movement is thoroughly documented.  Remember, she referred to the availability of late-term abortions to be “sacred ground” for her.  Subsequently, this will be an award Nancy Pelosi will likely cherish with deep devotion.  It would be my hope that she would distance herself from receiving such an award, but her track record reveals that this is probably an unrealistic wish rather than a true hope. Planned Parenthood’s “Annual Gala” will take place on March 27, in Washington, D.C. at which time Nancy Pelosi will deliver her remarks and accept the award.

    The words “leadership, excellence, and outstanding contributions” apparently have different meanings for different folks.  It saddens my heart to see these words used to describe the pro-abortion actions of Nancy Pelosi.  Knowing that this atrocity (award presentation) is taking place during the holy season of Lent, it presents an opportunity for a renewed vigor among pro-life individuals to engage in serious “prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.”  Let us demonstrate our “leadership, excellence, and outstanding contributions” in creating a culture of life!