Al Franken is now a Senator from Minnesota. I hope those who voted for him quickly realize that they will bear the brunt of this joke too.

Back From Orlando

We are back from visiting the happiest place on earth. Granted, my husband and I had to apologize to each other at least once a day for getting snarky. But, hey, family vacations are more stressful than we think, aren't they? Especially in the Disney World where you pay a fortune to relax in 100 degree heat and eat food that could be better-- if you want to pay $15.99 an entree for the kids and $39.99 an entree for the adults. And you want to get every last bit out of it and that means being tired, hungry and grumpy for part of the time. Also, we had two special needs children in tow so worrying about getting separated from them or whether they were disturbing others (we have one that doesn't recognize personal space) was a concern.

Of course, while we were in the happiest place on earth, several things happened, including a number of celebrity deaths that were startling to say the least. In addition, it seems that ObamaCare is heating up.

There are a number of problems with ObamaCare and yet health care reform is being rammed down our throats anyway. For some reason people think dealing with a federal health care system will be easier than dealing with their current insurance company. Let me ask, when was the last time you had to wait in line at the DMV to get sorted so you could stand in another line to get what you need?

Folks, there has to be some kind of mathmatical formula for the ratio between wait time and the number of federal bureacrats involved. If anyone knows that is, let me know.

Not surprising that ABC endorsed ObamaCare

On Vacation

We are on a family vacation in Orlando but I will try posting something later this evening.

NRLC '09

The National Right to Life Convention is underway and if you want to see photos and comments about what is happening don't miss the NRLC Communications Blog.

Catholic Votes' New Ad

Many thanks to Ryan Bilodeau for posting this on his Facebook page. This is the new ad by Catholic Vote. They brought us the ad with the video of a baby in utero and the phrase "Life: Imagine the Possibilities" captioned next to a picture of Barack Obama.

I love this campaign--it's a top notch production and the ads are relevant without being over the top.



h/t Ryan Bilodeau

ABC Again

Here's the deal. ABC is apparently not accepting any paid advertising during the ObamaCare show so that means opposing viewpoints can't buy any airtime. Conservatives for Patients' Rights tried to buy airtime and couldn't. They released the following statement:

Rick Scott Statement On ABC News's Decision To Reject Paid Ads For White House Health Care Program
By CPR Staff on June 17, 2009 3:28 PM
ABC News is refusing paid ads for its health care program at the White House. Conservatives for Patients Rights (CPR) inquired about purchasing ad time and was willing to do so. As of now, ABC is not accepting paid advertising, thus they're refusing even a paid-for alternative viewpoint. Here is statement from Rick Scott, chairman of Conservatives for Patients Rights. We remain hopeful ABC News will reconsider.

"It is unfortunate - and unusual - that ABC is refusing to accept paid advertising that would present an alternative viewpoint for the White House health care program. Health care is an issue that touches every American and all potential pieces of legislation have carried a price tag in excess of $1 trillion of taxpayers' money. The American people deserve a healthy, robust debate on this issue and ABC's decision - as of now - to exclude even paid advertisements that present an alternative view does a disservice to the public. Our organization is more than willing to purchase ad time on ABC to present an alternative viewpoint and our hope is that ABC will reconsider having such viewpoints be part of this crucial debate for the American people. We were surprised to hear that paid advertisements would not be accepted when we inquired and we would certainly be open to purchasing time if ABC would reconsider."

ABC Refuses to Run Opposition Ads During "ObamaCare" Infomercial *cough* Report

RedState reports that ABC is doing an infomercial, um, report on ObamaCare and opposition ads cannot be purchased. Well, I'm not surprised.

Radio Program to Air on July 4th

Somehow it seems appropriate that the first airing of my online radio program should begin on July 4th. This first show will only run 15 minutes at 7:30 a.m. EST. And since it's not all that interesting to hear myself talk, I'm keeping it short for that first episode. I hope the show picks up speed and ends up with listeners who call in. Please tune in to Blog Talk Radio for my show.

Thanks!

NRLC '09

National Right to Life's annual convention begins tomorrow in Charlotte, North Carolina and I am sorry I can't be there. It becomes more difficult to do things that involve travel because of our sons' autism. Even though there is daycare, it's difficult to ask someone to watch two children who need more specialized care.

I will be there in spirit and looking forward to hearing about the great time everyone had!

Blog Talk Radio

I have set up a radio program through Blog Talk Radio and for those of you unfamiliar with the format, it runs just like a regular talk show except that you listen to it on the internet. You can join live and call-in as you would a radio talk show or you can listen to it later by pulling a program from the archives.

I haven't taped any programs yet. While I have been a member of Blog Talk Radio for a while, I signed up to host my own program only yesterday so I'm still getting my feet wet--so to speak.

Keep an eye out for updates--I'll be posting more soon.

Dr. J.R. Faulkner, 1914-2009

I had the privilege of working for Dr. Faulkner while I was a student at Tennessee Temple University. He was the president emeritus of the university and former pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was Dr. Lee Roberson's right-hand man for many, many years. Dr. Faulkner was a great artist, teacher and leader and I was honored to work for him and his secretary, Mildred Eifert, while at TTU as a student. It is with great sadness that I report his passing last night at the age of 95.

However, there is also joy. Dr. Faulkner was a frail 95 and from what I understand, legally blind. But he was truly a man of God-- gentle, kind and with a smile that could light up a room.

I found this video of Dr. Faulkner on You Tube. Many thanks to the family who made it. It shows Dr. Faulkner at age 93-- nearly bald, without his trademark glasses and bent from age but his mind still bright and alert. He was known for having the ability to recite poems he had memorized many years before and he does so here as a tribute to his wife (seated next to him) who passed away last year.

Jaime Thietten-- And Amazing Voice and Message

This video and song are moving. Also, see The Story Behind the Song for more about Jamie.

George Tiller

I apologize for not posting in the last few weeks. We've been busy with exams and now cleaning up our classrooms, posting grades, etc.

I did want to comment on George Tiller's death. I had hoped that it wouldn't be someone claiming to be "pro-life" but that is not the case.

George Tiller's murder was wrong. Period. And my condolences go to his family. You cannot claim to be pro-life and then accept that because of who someone is or what he or she does means that they are the "exception" to the rule.

"The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life. The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal."

Amen.