LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!! Geoff and I just returned from the local theater in Macedonia, Ohio and I firmly encourage those of you who like/love action flicks to see this one. I loved the Terminator movies (well, the first two, anyway- the third was just passe), and I love the TV show, so when I learned of this upcoming potential trilogy, I was intrigued to say the least. I think Christian Bale was awesome, but Sam Worthington stole the show. I have another favorite actor (Sean Bean, Timothy Dalton, Clive Owen, Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale and now Sam- anyone see a pattern here?)!!!!!
The commercials seen on TV are misleading, in that Mr. Bale is NOT the prime mover in the story line, Mr. Worthington is. Both men are well cast in this movie, and both have the screen magic that is not camouflaged by reliance on special effects, as tends to be the case with action movies.
Mr. Bale is John Connor, the nemesis of Skynet and its machine minions. He is as one would expect him to be- tough and resilient, having been introduced to him first, in utero in T1, then as a bratty teenager in T2, and a far mellower and girlie man figure in T3 (The least of the movies in the original franchise, one that probably should not have been made) The Fox tv show, which has probably been cancelled, gives us a believable teenage John Connor facing his fears for his future, and his ability to live up to what his life will be, while trying to outrun the machines in modern day America, while in high school. I found the series to be well done and a good use of the original storyline for a tv show. The actor is certainly an improvement on the one who played him in the seond movie.
In this current outing, in the first of a new Terminator franchise, Mr. Bale does credit to what has preceded this particluar story, and if what he has done in reviving the Batman franchise is any indication, then this new Terminator is in very good hands indeed.
Mr. Worthington's character is a man, once on death row, who finds himself 15 years in the future, after his execution, which precipitated his donating his body to science (Cyberdine, a partner of Skynet) While on death row, he shows remorse for what he has done, and accepts his execution as the appropriate penalty for the deaths of his brother and two police officers. He does not play the victim. When he reappears, he has no idea what has trnaspired, and is unaware that he is now a cybernetic organism, half human and half machine. When his new "reality" is made known to him. he does not accept the "dark/machine side of his new self, and never rejects the sanctity of human life. He chooses, freely, human over machine, good over evil, and is key to the destruction of Skynet's labs in SF, and the saving of John Connor's life.
Good vs evil, man vs machine are the key elements in this movie, and everyone recognizes that the machines must be destroyed so that mankind may live. NO half measures are proposed or considered. It is a true depiction of good vs evil, amd the sacrifices that are made to ensure that evil does not triumph.
What a great movie for Memorial Day!!!!
Geoff's take is pretty much the same. The normally elegant Helena Bonham Carter gives a very different performance, as a character that simply personifies evil. Her American accent was well done, but probaly not needed, as it adds very little to the character.
24 May 2009
14 May 2009
The Cleveland Clinic
Best cardiac care in the US!!!!
Tomorrow I have the first of three epidural shots for extensive lower back pain. Twelve years ago I was assaulted, with my right arm being hyperextended and the nerves in my lower right back being permanently damaged. Love living with permanent nerve damage on the right side of my body- makes being a righty even more fun than usual!!! Three weeks ago, while getting out of bed (for me a 10 to 20 minute task on a good day)I threw out my lower spine!!!! Geoff took me to Twinsburg, to the Urgent Care facility which is affiliated with the Cleveland Clininc, and I had my follow up Tuesday with Dr. Allen, whom I absolutely adore. (While we were in NJ, I went to Dr. Samuel Schenker in Toms River when my right shoulder decided that my lower back pain, for which I am on disability, had been getting too much attention. I underwent a series of shots and an epidural, in my neck, but it only worked for a short while, as I had been fully advised would most probably be the best result with the nerve damage that I have. I would have taken him with me to NY and then Ohio, he is that good a neuroligist and pain management specialist. Dr. Allen is just like him!!!) Can hardly wait to FINALLY move here. Best healthcare system in the state, according to Pater.
Nows, to keep TOTUS from screwing up our healthcare system..........
Tomorrow I have the first of three epidural shots for extensive lower back pain. Twelve years ago I was assaulted, with my right arm being hyperextended and the nerves in my lower right back being permanently damaged. Love living with permanent nerve damage on the right side of my body- makes being a righty even more fun than usual!!! Three weeks ago, while getting out of bed (for me a 10 to 20 minute task on a good day)I threw out my lower spine!!!! Geoff took me to Twinsburg, to the Urgent Care facility which is affiliated with the Cleveland Clininc, and I had my follow up Tuesday with Dr. Allen, whom I absolutely adore. (While we were in NJ, I went to Dr. Samuel Schenker in Toms River when my right shoulder decided that my lower back pain, for which I am on disability, had been getting too much attention. I underwent a series of shots and an epidural, in my neck, but it only worked for a short while, as I had been fully advised would most probably be the best result with the nerve damage that I have. I would have taken him with me to NY and then Ohio, he is that good a neuroligist and pain management specialist. Dr. Allen is just like him!!!) Can hardly wait to FINALLY move here. Best healthcare system in the state, according to Pater.
Nows, to keep TOTUS from screwing up our healthcare system..........
13 May 2009
03 May 2009
Crises
Ever since the Notre Shame scandal first broke, I have been of the opinion that we as Catholics, have been there before, and today, while in the hotel's indoor pool, trying to exorcise the spasms in my back (still there, by the way), it hit me. The Land o Lake charter, so proudly promulgated and shamelessly promoted by Notre Shame and other like minded fellow travellers in the hierarchy of Catholic higher education- These so called Catholic clerics and academicians were so proud of themselves for their open defiance of the Holy Father and the teachings of Holy Mother Church- their exploits and the subsequent disasters facing the Church in America for the last forty years, so easily fit the crisis template being exploited by the current administration today- "Let no crisis be wasted" is their battle cry in 2009, as they attempt to finish off the remnants of Western Civilization that the so called "Enlightenment" did not, and replace it with a totally unwanted and secular financial system and society. Both used the press- did you hear how the administration is threatening to unleash its lapdog media onto the Chrysler bond and share holders for having the audacity to stand up for their rights under the rule of law? Both are applauded by the press as saviors of "the people". Holy Mother Chruch survived the onslaught and is slowly but surely growing again, man made scandals aside. But will America survive? Where are her Cardinal O'Connor's? Where are her battle weary regiments of citizens? The tea parties are a great start, so there is still time to stop the madness. But do we, as individuals and as a society as a whole, have the moral certitude with which to do so? France has never recovered from the Enlightenment.
Sunday reflections
Ever since we have been in Ohio, Sundays are the one day when everything goes wrong when we are getting ready for Mass. We don't know why but it the "events" keep us from arriving at church in time for Confession- Geoff is convinced that something satanic is atr work.
01 May 2009
This week of TOTUS
Apparently, TOTUS simply cannot catch a break- His press conference wednesday was cringingly self delusional- when is the vaunted Washington press corps going to do its job? How about that awful touch feely question posed by the NYT journalist poseur? (enchanted?) Then his VIP with hoof and mouth disease scares the bejesus out of Americans with his comments on the current flu pandemic- Remember the hysteria in the press about how ready Sarah Palin would be to step up as a VP? Now TOTUS wants to take back our "tax break" of 7.50 a week. And the piece de resistance- the nationalization of Chrysler through the US Bankruptcy Courts!!! Can anyone now saw soialism?
28 April 2009
Notre Dame and abortion
Since we are back in Ohio, and I am dependent on using my husband's laptop after a long day of running a railroad, my bloggin has been very sporadic. Here then, are my comments on the fiasco of Notre Shame-
Ever since the late 1960s and the Land O Lakes charter nonsense, ND has undermined the Catholic identity in the public square in pursuit of secular glory. The beswt example is the continued presence of Father O'Brien as head of the Theology department. This year's commencment fiasco should be seen as the culmination of the efforts of those who openly seek to undermine Catholic identity in the UNited States. That being said, what a refreshing image we now have before us, of a formner US Ambassador to the Holy See declining to be awarded for her truly heroic efforts in the prolife arena, for recognizing how her award would truly look in the eyes of the non-Catholic public, and for standing up to be counted, and for failing to cause an even greater public scandal than the one already. God Bless Mary Ann Glendon!!!! Her letter, seen at First Things, is a wonder to behold, and a shining example of how to live your public life as a Catholic. BRAVO!!!!!
Ever since the late 1960s and the Land O Lakes charter nonsense, ND has undermined the Catholic identity in the public square in pursuit of secular glory. The beswt example is the continued presence of Father O'Brien as head of the Theology department. This year's commencment fiasco should be seen as the culmination of the efforts of those who openly seek to undermine Catholic identity in the UNited States. That being said, what a refreshing image we now have before us, of a formner US Ambassador to the Holy See declining to be awarded for her truly heroic efforts in the prolife arena, for recognizing how her award would truly look in the eyes of the non-Catholic public, and for standing up to be counted, and for failing to cause an even greater public scandal than the one already. God Bless Mary Ann Glendon!!!! Her letter, seen at First Things, is a wonder to behold, and a shining example of how to live your public life as a Catholic. BRAVO!!!!!
Musings on our overly secularized world
Like many of my fellow bloggers, I was amazed at Susn Boyle, that lovely SCottish woman of great talent adn, even more importantly, great moral character. While most publications and media have focused on the earthly riches that must surely come to her, I have only seen one article that discussed her actual humility and the strength of her character in its fullest light- Since I still have not figured out how to link (Yes a major blonde moment), here is the url which you can cut and paste inot your browser- the article first appeard on 14 April 209:
www.theherald.co.uk/features/featuresopinion/display.var.2501746.0.The_beauty_that_matters_is_always_on_the_inside.php
The writer hits a home run
www.theherald.co.uk/features/featuresopinion/display.var.2501746.0.The_beauty_that_matters_is_always_on_the_inside.php
The writer hits a home run
Reflections on familial and human frailty
Our niece, Jennifer Amber Black, was buried yesterday. The grief is still tearing at her family, especially her parents as well as her paternal grandparents (who are my parents, for full disclosure) My mother, my Aunt Regina and I break down every time we speak to one another. Geoff is shell shocked at her death. My dad, whom I have never seen cry, also breaks down in his pain and grief over a loved grandchild, one whom he will never meet on earth. I wish that John and Jackie, her parents, had been spared this loss- I wish that there had been something that we could have done. We tend to forget that modern medicine cannot fix everything, and in this case could not. Our consolation is that she was baptised and is now in heaven with God and all his angels and saints.
23 April 2009
Reflections on my family
Jennifer's death on 21 April 2009, after an hour of life, has shattered not only her parents, but the rest of her family. Her father John is the second of my three brothers, all of whom are younger than I am. I also have four sisters, all of whom are, again, younger than I am. (John is the fifth child in birth order, and is a fraternal twin.) Of these women, my four sisters and I, two are married, and three are divorced. (I fall into both categories, as I am currently married to my beloved Geoffrey, but have been previously married and divorced twice, both times before my thirtieth birthday) We have over twenty first cousins on our maternal side, and second and third cousins on our paternal. Of our immediate family, I am the only one who is barren. Fertility issues abound amongst the women in our family. One first cousin underwent a hysterectomy at the age of 28, several years after giving birth to her only child out of wedlock. She is now a grandmother. Another endured either the stillbirth or miscarriage of twins, and she now is the mother of two. The two eldest of my younger sisters each miscarried their second child. The two younger sisters endured endometriosis, one even after having her only child. In 2008, two of my sisters in law, including Jennifer's mother, miscarried. Each of these women again conceived, with one live birth in November, and Jennifer's brief life on the 21st.
I am permanently estranged from all of my siblings, gong back to childhood, for reasons known and which I choose not to disclose, and for even more that are unknown to me. I have an irascible, unlikeable temperament, and have always known this to be the case. It is one of the bigger crosses with which God blessed me. I have always been on the outside looking in with my siblings, and it continues to this day. I suffer from severe PTSD for traumas going back over thirty years, yet when I seek the appropriate help, it is embarrassing to my family and I am told to suck it up. Another family trait is to hold onto perceived and real sins of others, hoarding them like acorns, and never forgiving. I refused to continue this "tradition" when only ten or so, and I pay for it to this very day, as does Geoffrey by extension.
When he and I became engaged in September 2001, right before the attacks on this country, the shock in my family was palpable. Even more so that I attended Jackie's bridal shower on 9 September 2001. (Jackie is John's beloved wife) I was ignored as if I had the plague, after a few well chosen snide remarks by one of my younger sisters, who was acting as the surrogate for the sibling sho has hated me for existing since we were children. She calls the shots in the family, and all willingly follow her lead. I was too stupid to acknowledge this until 1997, when a nightmare began for me that ended up costing me my career and financial security. The shock of it has never receeded either. But, I digress. Geoffrey and I attended John and Jackie's rehearsal dinner, which was the first time that Geoffrey would be meeting my parents and would be introduced to my siblings. For me, it was even worse than expected; Geoffrey wasn't even phased by it, but later said that my siblings acted as he had expected, poorly. While introducing him to my parents, my youngest brother and his wife refused to even acknowldege our presence, and the sister who rules the roost swept down in order to protect them from my presence. The wedding was even worse for me- I refused to sit with my family because of how Geoff was treated at the rehearsal (I expected to be maligned and was, even worse than I had forseen) Only John and Jackie were gracious to us and acknowledged us. This did not last long either, suffice it to say, I was again banished from sight and sound.
Turning the other cheek is a willful act, one at which I do not excel, but I worked at it for Geoffrey's sake. I would endure whatever the siblings would dish out, in an attempt to remain part of this family. Gifts were sent to the children born into the family after 2001, for both birthdays and Christmas. Cards were sent to all families at Christmas. Few if any cards were sent to me. No sibling attended our wedding, none of my sisters attended my shower. We were never invited to any family function- First Communion, Confirmation, high school graduation- nada.
Fast forward to 2008- the first miscarraige knocked me on my heels and our grief was unbearable. Messages were left, none were returned. My brother and his wife were shocked that we would feel grief for their loss, since they never met Geoff (this was the couple that walked away at the rehearsal dinner) and had never met their first child, nor been invited into their home. Gifts were sent to the elder child- no acknowlegment. When the second baby arrived, same thing. When we learned that Geoff would be working in Ohio, near where this particular branch of the family lived, I excitedly wrote, informing them of his schedule, and received no response. I had had enough. After receiving a snotty email about a Christmas gift from another sibling for her child, I was furious. Geoff and I weren't good enough to be part of this "family" but we were good enough to spend time and money on gifts. I was so furious that I wrote a letter to my brother in Ohio, who is the baby of the family, calling him on his behaviour. I even sent a copy to my parents, because our family always brings them into the tempests in teacups that we inflict upon each other. I even gave a copy to my psychiatrist, who Geoff found for me at CatholicTherapists.com. I had intended to mail it in March, after we returned from Ohio (we were due to be there for the months of January and February of 2009). At his behest, I mailed it before we left. I did finally receive a call on my cell from James, who told me that he never wanted anything to do with either Geoff or myself while we were in Ohio or after. I even told my mother to never mention anyone of my siblings to me again- If not for her, we would never have known of Jennifer's death.
Anyway, this is not intended to belittle Jennifer's death. We feel her loss as if it she were our own, and because of these circumstances must grieve alone. We know that we would never have met her, or had anything to do with her, as we don't with her elder sister.
I am permanently estranged from all of my siblings, gong back to childhood, for reasons known and which I choose not to disclose, and for even more that are unknown to me. I have an irascible, unlikeable temperament, and have always known this to be the case. It is one of the bigger crosses with which God blessed me. I have always been on the outside looking in with my siblings, and it continues to this day. I suffer from severe PTSD for traumas going back over thirty years, yet when I seek the appropriate help, it is embarrassing to my family and I am told to suck it up. Another family trait is to hold onto perceived and real sins of others, hoarding them like acorns, and never forgiving. I refused to continue this "tradition" when only ten or so, and I pay for it to this very day, as does Geoffrey by extension.
When he and I became engaged in September 2001, right before the attacks on this country, the shock in my family was palpable. Even more so that I attended Jackie's bridal shower on 9 September 2001. (Jackie is John's beloved wife) I was ignored as if I had the plague, after a few well chosen snide remarks by one of my younger sisters, who was acting as the surrogate for the sibling sho has hated me for existing since we were children. She calls the shots in the family, and all willingly follow her lead. I was too stupid to acknowledge this until 1997, when a nightmare began for me that ended up costing me my career and financial security. The shock of it has never receeded either. But, I digress. Geoffrey and I attended John and Jackie's rehearsal dinner, which was the first time that Geoffrey would be meeting my parents and would be introduced to my siblings. For me, it was even worse than expected; Geoffrey wasn't even phased by it, but later said that my siblings acted as he had expected, poorly. While introducing him to my parents, my youngest brother and his wife refused to even acknowldege our presence, and the sister who rules the roost swept down in order to protect them from my presence. The wedding was even worse for me- I refused to sit with my family because of how Geoff was treated at the rehearsal (I expected to be maligned and was, even worse than I had forseen) Only John and Jackie were gracious to us and acknowledged us. This did not last long either, suffice it to say, I was again banished from sight and sound.
Turning the other cheek is a willful act, one at which I do not excel, but I worked at it for Geoffrey's sake. I would endure whatever the siblings would dish out, in an attempt to remain part of this family. Gifts were sent to the children born into the family after 2001, for both birthdays and Christmas. Cards were sent to all families at Christmas. Few if any cards were sent to me. No sibling attended our wedding, none of my sisters attended my shower. We were never invited to any family function- First Communion, Confirmation, high school graduation- nada.
Fast forward to 2008- the first miscarraige knocked me on my heels and our grief was unbearable. Messages were left, none were returned. My brother and his wife were shocked that we would feel grief for their loss, since they never met Geoff (this was the couple that walked away at the rehearsal dinner) and had never met their first child, nor been invited into their home. Gifts were sent to the elder child- no acknowlegment. When the second baby arrived, same thing. When we learned that Geoff would be working in Ohio, near where this particular branch of the family lived, I excitedly wrote, informing them of his schedule, and received no response. I had had enough. After receiving a snotty email about a Christmas gift from another sibling for her child, I was furious. Geoff and I weren't good enough to be part of this "family" but we were good enough to spend time and money on gifts. I was so furious that I wrote a letter to my brother in Ohio, who is the baby of the family, calling him on his behaviour. I even sent a copy to my parents, because our family always brings them into the tempests in teacups that we inflict upon each other. I even gave a copy to my psychiatrist, who Geoff found for me at CatholicTherapists.com. I had intended to mail it in March, after we returned from Ohio (we were due to be there for the months of January and February of 2009). At his behest, I mailed it before we left. I did finally receive a call on my cell from James, who told me that he never wanted anything to do with either Geoff or myself while we were in Ohio or after. I even told my mother to never mention anyone of my siblings to me again- If not for her, we would never have known of Jennifer's death.
Anyway, this is not intended to belittle Jennifer's death. We feel her loss as if it she were our own, and because of these circumstances must grieve alone. We know that we would never have met her, or had anything to do with her, as we don't with her elder sister.
22 April 2009
Jennifer Amber Black, RIP
On 21 April 2009, my niece Jennifer Amber Black, was born prematurely at 24 weeks, naturally. Her mother, Jackie, beloved wife of my middle brother John, had been brought to the hospital due to contractions. This beautiful child, younger sister of Jessica Rose Black, died an hour after birth, having been first held and bathed by her adoring father, who also baptised her. She moved and made noises/sounds, which I believe in my heart were her way of telling her Dad that she knew him and loved him. The pain that Geoff and I have is excruciating, and I cannot even fathom that of Jennifer's parents. Our entire family has been devastated by this blow. John, Jackie and Jessica had been visitng my parents in SC only two weeks ago, immediately before Easter, and there were no problems- both Jackie and baby were in perfect health and Jennifer was due in early August. (Until her birth, her sex was unknown). Please pray for this beautiful child, taken from us way too soon. I simply cannot stop crying and grieving, the shock still too raw to process. I know that this is God's will, but to lose a loved and wanted child is simply unspeakable.
14 April 2009
10 April 2009
09 April 2009
07 April 2009
06 April 2009
05 April 2009
04 April 2009
03 April 2009
"ABORTION IS A BLESSING"
Geoff and I are back in Ohio, awaiting his company move package, which should appear in May. While using his laptop in our hotel room, as he sleeps, I read the below on The Anchoress' blog- www.theanchoressonline.com. I am speechless with shock and anger that anyone whould consider abortion a blessing, but this monstrous woman, a minister no less, does just that. The Anchoress has brilliantly dissected the abomination which was delivered in Birmingham, Alabama, at a conference, in 2007. May God have mercy on this person's soul. May the Anchoress forgive me for copying her post in its entirety:
"April 2, 2009
“Abortion is a blessing!”
You know, it’s so sick, I really didn’t want to write about it. I linked to Amy Welborn and figured I’d let you folks find this monstrosity on your own, but I want to make sure you read it.
These remarks were made before a NARAL audience, in 2007, but are only just getting some reaction, perhaps because of the current movement to suppress the conscience clause that protects doctors, nurses and pharmacists from losing their jobs, and Catholic hospitals from closing their doors.
Or, perhaps her words are becoming more widely distributed because The Rev Katherine Hancock Ragsdale has just been named Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massacusetts.
If you do not mind, in the interests of space, I am going to put Ragsdale’s sermon in bold, and I’ll respond here and there, in italics
Too often even those who support us can be heard talking about abortion as a tragedy. Let’s be very clear about this: When a woman finds herself pregnant due to violence and chooses an abortion, it is the violence that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing.
If you actually talk to women who have kept the babies conceived ‘due to violence,’ as I have in my life, you would more likely find that their allowing their child to live has delivered them from their trauma, and brought love, healing and light into a very dark reality. When “violence” has been done to someone, it seems counter-intuitive to suggest that further violence - via both penetration and a ripping, violent murder done deeply WITHIN her body - can be a blessing…unless you subscribe to the odd two-wrongs-make-right equation.
When a woman finds that the fetus she is carrying has anomalies incompatible with life, that it will not live and that she requires an abortion – often a late-term abortion – to protect her life, her health, or her fertility, it is the shattering of her hopes and dreams for that pregnancy that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing.
These two young mothers and their babies belie the idea that doctors are always correct in their predictions about sustainable life. With extremely rare medical exception, a woman never “requires” an abortion, and even the AMA has testified that late-term abortions are unnecessary, given the availability of safe Cesarean sections, to protect “life” or “health” or “fertility.” It is certainly a crushing and painful thing for any pregnant woman to learn that child she is carrying and nurturing in her womb has a problem and may not live, or may live “differently” than most of us. But healing is a funny thing. It only comes when you walk through the fire rather than by attempting a detour around it. I wonder if Rev. Ragsdale has ever talked to women who have delivered children destined to die, who have managed only to swaddle them, name them and kiss them before burying them. She might learn something about what a powerful, and unending - Eternal - love comes with those experiences. It is the difference between being able to say “I know you and you know me”, and not knowing, at all. Blessings, indeed.
When a woman wants a child but can’t afford one because she hasn’t the education necessary for a sustainable job, or access to health care, or day care, or adequate food, it is the abysmal priorities of our nation, the lack of social supports, the absence of justice that are the tragedies; the abortion is a blessing.
Certainly there are women who struggle with these issues, but there are pretty extensive government programs in place to assist them, and I have never heard of a church that has refused help when a need has been made known. And I reject out of hand the notion that if someone is poor, they should simply kill their children. Barack Obama’s mother surely had few social “justice” mechanisms in place when she chose to give birth to him!
But if Ragsdale is really worried about women being forced to abort because of insufficient government or community help, and if she is sincere about the notion of “informed choice” - including the “choice” not to abort, then perhaps she will head into the monied enclaves of the pro-choice, on the Upper West Side, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Hollywood and elsewhere to urge the establishment of a “Pro-Choice Mother’s Help Foundation,” so that more women have even more resources to help them. It seems to me the pro-abortion side raises enormous amounts of money to support their facilities and their lobbying efforts. Why not spend some of it putting some money on the “life” side of the “choice” they’re so very, very “pro” about? I’d donate to it - a show of good faith.
And when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion – there is not a tragedy in sight — only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing.
Actually, in this scenario, there are several tragedies “in sight.” There is - lest we forget - the ripping and shredding up of a human life (come on, Rev. Ragsdale - it’s a baby - a living being, species human, not vegetable, not wolvine), and more tragically a weird societal validation of the supremacy (and stagnation) of the beloved self, which compromises for no one and nothing, and puts nothing else before it. This is the ultimate, intimate idolatry, whereby one has made oneself a godling, a facsimile I AM. It is very tragic, indeed. It is also a lie and an illusion.
These are the two things I want you, please, to remember – abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done.
Oh…boomers….they do love their group chants.
I want to thank all of you who protect this blessing – who do this work every day: the health care providers, doctors, nurses, technicians, receptionists, who put your lives on the line to care for others (you are heroes — in my eyes, you are saints); the escorts and the activists; the lobbyists and the clinic defenders; all of you. You’re engaged in holy work.
As you see, Rev. Ragsdale and I have very different ideas as to what constitutes a saint, and holy work.
Anyway, that was Ragsdale’s big finale. Earlier in the piece, she had another message to deliver, and you need to read that, too, is because we’re going to see doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others being told to go against their consciences or lose their livelihoods. Indeed, talk in that direction has already begun, and Ragsdale delivers the moralistic (and quite specious, condescending and adolescent) “talking points” for her crew:
Let me say a bit more about that, because the religious community has long been an advocate of taking principled stands of conscience – even when such stands require civil disobedience. We’ve supported conscientious objectors, the Underground Railroad, freedom riders, sanctuary seekers, and anti-apartheid protestors. We support people who put their freedom and safety at risk for principles they believe in.
But let’s be clear, there’s a world of difference between those who engage in such civil disobedience, and pay the price, and doctors and pharmacists who insist that the rest of the world reorder itself to protect their consciences – that others pay the price for their principles.
This isn’t particularly complicated. If your conscience forbids you to carry arms, don’t join the military or become a police officer. If you have qualms about animal experimentation, think hard before choosing to go into medical research. And, if you’re not prepared to provide the full range of reproductive health care (or prescriptions) to any woman who needs it then don’t go into obstetrics and gynecology, or internal or emergency medicine, or pharmacology. Choose another field! We’ll respect your consciences when you begin to take responsibility for them.”
As Rev. Ragsdale likes to say: Let’s be clear: this is genuine disorientation, species diabolical. The only consciences that will be respected are the ones that are aligned with the agenda. This is what “tolerance” has devolved to. “Tolerate me; but I need not tolerate thee.”
Or, to put it another way: Obey;your conscience means nothing to me.
And now, good people, if you would - I have received an email from a young woman who is 7 months pregnant with her first child and who also has been told by doctors that her daughter will not live past her birth. This mother and her husband are prepared to hold and love and kiss this child, and then let her go. But they also believe that - as the angel told Mary - with God nothing is impossible. I have written back to ask her if I may give you more details but in the meantime, please pray for them. As she wrote in her email, “I believe God uses others to keep His children going…”
How funny…in ten words, she articulates the whole mystery of life and love, better than Rev. Ragsdale or I ever could.
Women are screwed up if they think they do not have power:
By the world’s measure, the power of a woman lies in what she “does.” By Christ’s measure - by God’s - woman is intrinsically powerful, simply in her being. She is afforded the power, freedom and respect to “make” or “break” mankind’s connection to the Creator"
"April 2, 2009
“Abortion is a blessing!”
You know, it’s so sick, I really didn’t want to write about it. I linked to Amy Welborn and figured I’d let you folks find this monstrosity on your own, but I want to make sure you read it.
These remarks were made before a NARAL audience, in 2007, but are only just getting some reaction, perhaps because of the current movement to suppress the conscience clause that protects doctors, nurses and pharmacists from losing their jobs, and Catholic hospitals from closing their doors.
Or, perhaps her words are becoming more widely distributed because The Rev Katherine Hancock Ragsdale has just been named Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massacusetts.
If you do not mind, in the interests of space, I am going to put Ragsdale’s sermon in bold, and I’ll respond here and there, in italics
Too often even those who support us can be heard talking about abortion as a tragedy. Let’s be very clear about this: When a woman finds herself pregnant due to violence and chooses an abortion, it is the violence that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing.
If you actually talk to women who have kept the babies conceived ‘due to violence,’ as I have in my life, you would more likely find that their allowing their child to live has delivered them from their trauma, and brought love, healing and light into a very dark reality. When “violence” has been done to someone, it seems counter-intuitive to suggest that further violence - via both penetration and a ripping, violent murder done deeply WITHIN her body - can be a blessing…unless you subscribe to the odd two-wrongs-make-right equation.
When a woman finds that the fetus she is carrying has anomalies incompatible with life, that it will not live and that she requires an abortion – often a late-term abortion – to protect her life, her health, or her fertility, it is the shattering of her hopes and dreams for that pregnancy that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing.
These two young mothers and their babies belie the idea that doctors are always correct in their predictions about sustainable life. With extremely rare medical exception, a woman never “requires” an abortion, and even the AMA has testified that late-term abortions are unnecessary, given the availability of safe Cesarean sections, to protect “life” or “health” or “fertility.” It is certainly a crushing and painful thing for any pregnant woman to learn that child she is carrying and nurturing in her womb has a problem and may not live, or may live “differently” than most of us. But healing is a funny thing. It only comes when you walk through the fire rather than by attempting a detour around it. I wonder if Rev. Ragsdale has ever talked to women who have delivered children destined to die, who have managed only to swaddle them, name them and kiss them before burying them. She might learn something about what a powerful, and unending - Eternal - love comes with those experiences. It is the difference between being able to say “I know you and you know me”, and not knowing, at all. Blessings, indeed.
When a woman wants a child but can’t afford one because she hasn’t the education necessary for a sustainable job, or access to health care, or day care, or adequate food, it is the abysmal priorities of our nation, the lack of social supports, the absence of justice that are the tragedies; the abortion is a blessing.
Certainly there are women who struggle with these issues, but there are pretty extensive government programs in place to assist them, and I have never heard of a church that has refused help when a need has been made known. And I reject out of hand the notion that if someone is poor, they should simply kill their children. Barack Obama’s mother surely had few social “justice” mechanisms in place when she chose to give birth to him!
But if Ragsdale is really worried about women being forced to abort because of insufficient government or community help, and if she is sincere about the notion of “informed choice” - including the “choice” not to abort, then perhaps she will head into the monied enclaves of the pro-choice, on the Upper West Side, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Hollywood and elsewhere to urge the establishment of a “Pro-Choice Mother’s Help Foundation,” so that more women have even more resources to help them. It seems to me the pro-abortion side raises enormous amounts of money to support their facilities and their lobbying efforts. Why not spend some of it putting some money on the “life” side of the “choice” they’re so very, very “pro” about? I’d donate to it - a show of good faith.
And when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion – there is not a tragedy in sight — only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing.
Actually, in this scenario, there are several tragedies “in sight.” There is - lest we forget - the ripping and shredding up of a human life (come on, Rev. Ragsdale - it’s a baby - a living being, species human, not vegetable, not wolvine), and more tragically a weird societal validation of the supremacy (and stagnation) of the beloved self, which compromises for no one and nothing, and puts nothing else before it. This is the ultimate, intimate idolatry, whereby one has made oneself a godling, a facsimile I AM. It is very tragic, indeed. It is also a lie and an illusion.
These are the two things I want you, please, to remember – abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done.
Oh…boomers….they do love their group chants.
I want to thank all of you who protect this blessing – who do this work every day: the health care providers, doctors, nurses, technicians, receptionists, who put your lives on the line to care for others (you are heroes — in my eyes, you are saints); the escorts and the activists; the lobbyists and the clinic defenders; all of you. You’re engaged in holy work.
As you see, Rev. Ragsdale and I have very different ideas as to what constitutes a saint, and holy work.
Anyway, that was Ragsdale’s big finale. Earlier in the piece, she had another message to deliver, and you need to read that, too, is because we’re going to see doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others being told to go against their consciences or lose their livelihoods. Indeed, talk in that direction has already begun, and Ragsdale delivers the moralistic (and quite specious, condescending and adolescent) “talking points” for her crew:
Let me say a bit more about that, because the religious community has long been an advocate of taking principled stands of conscience – even when such stands require civil disobedience. We’ve supported conscientious objectors, the Underground Railroad, freedom riders, sanctuary seekers, and anti-apartheid protestors. We support people who put their freedom and safety at risk for principles they believe in.
But let’s be clear, there’s a world of difference between those who engage in such civil disobedience, and pay the price, and doctors and pharmacists who insist that the rest of the world reorder itself to protect their consciences – that others pay the price for their principles.
This isn’t particularly complicated. If your conscience forbids you to carry arms, don’t join the military or become a police officer. If you have qualms about animal experimentation, think hard before choosing to go into medical research. And, if you’re not prepared to provide the full range of reproductive health care (or prescriptions) to any woman who needs it then don’t go into obstetrics and gynecology, or internal or emergency medicine, or pharmacology. Choose another field! We’ll respect your consciences when you begin to take responsibility for them.”
As Rev. Ragsdale likes to say: Let’s be clear: this is genuine disorientation, species diabolical. The only consciences that will be respected are the ones that are aligned with the agenda. This is what “tolerance” has devolved to. “Tolerate me; but I need not tolerate thee.”
Or, to put it another way: Obey;your conscience means nothing to me.
And now, good people, if you would - I have received an email from a young woman who is 7 months pregnant with her first child and who also has been told by doctors that her daughter will not live past her birth. This mother and her husband are prepared to hold and love and kiss this child, and then let her go. But they also believe that - as the angel told Mary - with God nothing is impossible. I have written back to ask her if I may give you more details but in the meantime, please pray for them. As she wrote in her email, “I believe God uses others to keep His children going…”
How funny…in ten words, she articulates the whole mystery of life and love, better than Rev. Ragsdale or I ever could.
Women are screwed up if they think they do not have power:
By the world’s measure, the power of a woman lies in what she “does.” By Christ’s measure - by God’s - woman is intrinsically powerful, simply in her being. She is afforded the power, freedom and respect to “make” or “break” mankind’s connection to the Creator"
01 April 2009
31 March 2009
30 March 2009
29 March 2009
Copy and Paste job from "The Curt Jester"
On Thursday Hillary Clinton visited the Virgin of Guadeloupe's Basilica in Mexico City Mexican and is seen here with Monsignor Diego Monroy.
On Friday she is given an award by Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards for her work with women's health issues protecting abortion. The award is called the Maggie named after racist-eugenicist Margaret Sanger.
Quite a transition from visiting the miraculous painting that has become so iconic for the pro-life movement where so often a painting bearing this image is carried during pro-life marches and then to receive an award that is the total antithesis of the pro-life movement.
It also looks like she was not given any information about Our lady of Guadeloupe before visiting the Basilica.
After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked "who painted it?" to which Msgr. Monroy responded "God!" Reference
Our lady of Guadeloupe pray for us.
27 March 2009
An Anti-Catholic Administration????
The Great One, the Maha Rushie today was discussing the Notre Dame fiasco. As usual, his points were well made and accurate. He also discussed what is transpiring with our favorite heterophobe, Barney Frank, specifically his comments about Supreme Court Justice Scalia being a "homophobe" The theory being proposed made me think that anti-Catholicicism is alive and well with the Deceiver in Chief. Rush proposed that these comments are designed to intimidate the conservative members of the Supreme Court, but especially Chief Justice Roberts, who was specifically attcked by Senateor Harry Reid, to start rethinking on which side they should be on the issues presented to the Court. This is nothing short of intimidation of the Justices, of whom five are Catholic, and of these five, four are conservative. (The anti-Catholic tenor of this argument was not proposed by Rush, but comes from my fertile brain working overtime- )
To support my anti-Catholic corollary of Rush's masterfull thesis, I have provided a link to an article found a The Catholic Thing. This article is compelling for if true, and I do not doubt that it is, the Deceiver in Chief is trying to silence all Catholic opposition to his plans. This article outlines an attempt, by an unknown and misguided Republican doing the bidding of the Commie in Chief, to force the Holy See into silencing His Excellency Archbishop Raymond Burke. This coupled with the intimidation tactics of Frank and Reid are definitely part of the same game plan.
Here is the address for you to cut and paste into your server- still working out how to link properly in cases like this!!!
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1368&Itemid=2
To support my anti-Catholic corollary of Rush's masterfull thesis, I have provided a link to an article found a The Catholic Thing. This article is compelling for if true, and I do not doubt that it is, the Deceiver in Chief is trying to silence all Catholic opposition to his plans. This article outlines an attempt, by an unknown and misguided Republican doing the bidding of the Commie in Chief, to force the Holy See into silencing His Excellency Archbishop Raymond Burke. This coupled with the intimidation tactics of Frank and Reid are definitely part of the same game plan.
Here is the address for you to cut and paste into your server- still working out how to link properly in cases like this!!!
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1368&Itemid=2
Friday, 27 March 2008
So much has been happening this week, it is overhwelming. (Not in a good way, either) One gets the feeling that we are teetering at the brink of an abyss, morally, and the next bit of bad news will just push us over. First the Notre Dame fiasco, brought about by the open defiance and collusion of the president of that school- what was he thinking? This is not the Land of Lakes era of 1967-1968, in which that same school played a leading role in undermining the Faith in this country. Seriously, that school should no longer be allowed to call itself Catholic, all of its priests should be sent to monasteries under a perpetual vow of silence, and the Jesuit order suspended indefinitely, with their priests undergoing an adjustment under the same vow of silence!!! I don't recall what the 1983 Canon Law states (my copy is in storage along with everything else) so my intemperate tantrum may be off the mark, but boy if that punishment doesn't meet this crime!!!!
Then, on the secular front, we have the latest power grab by the tax cheat frontman for the Communist in Chief. Remeber the howls of outrage with the bailout/TARP bill giving then Treasury Secreatary Paulson unprecedented powers? Why isn't the press howling in otrage over this? (Sorry- I forgot myself there- they are in the stands cheering this on, since they helped give us this mess in the first place) How about that Hitler Youth bill? It passed the Senate, with only 19 dissenting votes (Yes, I know the offending passage was removed by the House, but it can magically reappear at the conference to reconcile the House and Senate versions- if not then, it will reappear in other legislation before the year is out)
The one bright spot was the MEP Daniel Hannan. What a courageous, principled man. He is very much in shock at the interest his statements have made. Why can't our politicians represent us in this manner? Where is our "Daniel Hannan"?
On the family front, Geoff is back in Ohio, same hotel and the same room!!! We expect to rejoin him next week, and then back to NY for Easter. We apparently will NOT be moving before May, so it looks like two more months of hotel living for us. Thank heavens for the pool, and our dvd player.
Then, on the secular front, we have the latest power grab by the tax cheat frontman for the Communist in Chief. Remeber the howls of outrage with the bailout/TARP bill giving then Treasury Secreatary Paulson unprecedented powers? Why isn't the press howling in otrage over this? (Sorry- I forgot myself there- they are in the stands cheering this on, since they helped give us this mess in the first place) How about that Hitler Youth bill? It passed the Senate, with only 19 dissenting votes (Yes, I know the offending passage was removed by the House, but it can magically reappear at the conference to reconcile the House and Senate versions- if not then, it will reappear in other legislation before the year is out)
The one bright spot was the MEP Daniel Hannan. What a courageous, principled man. He is very much in shock at the interest his statements have made. Why can't our politicians represent us in this manner? Where is our "Daniel Hannan"?
On the family front, Geoff is back in Ohio, same hotel and the same room!!! We expect to rejoin him next week, and then back to NY for Easter. We apparently will NOT be moving before May, so it looks like two more months of hotel living for us. Thank heavens for the pool, and our dvd player.
26 March 2009
25 March 2009
Feast of the Annunciation
Today is the Feast of the Annunciation!!!! Let us reflect upon the great gift Mary gave us when she said "Yes".
Bad, Bad Blogger!!!!!
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa!!!!!
I have posted several links to Gateway Pundit below, in accordance with my being a charter member of the loyal opposition to the destruction of America by the Communist in Chief. My excuses are secular- am busy getting Geoff ready to return to Ohio tomorrow, recovering from a bout of bronchitis, and my books from Amazon have arrived (Madame Royale and Trianon!!!!) I pray that Gateway Pundit and my readers absolve me of the sin of sloth.
I have posted several links to Gateway Pundit below, in accordance with my being a charter member of the loyal opposition to the destruction of America by the Communist in Chief. My excuses are secular- am busy getting Geoff ready to return to Ohio tomorrow, recovering from a bout of bronchitis, and my books from Amazon have arrived (Madame Royale and Trianon!!!!) I pray that Gateway Pundit and my readers absolve me of the sin of sloth.
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