NYTimes: Gets it wrong again

The New York Times gets it wrong….again.  In an editorial entitled, rather caustically, “The Right to Smear,”  the Times has this to say about the “lies” in a proposed ad speaking about Barack Obama’s position:

“It [the proposed ad] even employs an Obama-like voice pledging to make taxpayers pay for abortions, help minors conceal abortions from their parents, and legalize late-term abortions.  To spread these lies, the group wants an injunction against the election commission’s disclosure and spending rules . . .”

In reality, there’s not an untruth among those positions attributed to Obama that the Times singles out.  The ad in question is referring to pro-abortion policies which would be implemented under the so-called “Freedom of Choice Act,” which is co-sponsored by Illinois Senator Barack Obama.  Below is a letter to the Times editor, in response to the editorial, from our very own Douglas Johnson:

Dear Editor:

In “The Right to Smear” (Sept. 21), the Times hopes the federal courts
will block an ad that “even employs an Obama-like voice pledging to make
taxpayers pay for abortions, help minors conceal abortions from their
parents, and legalize late-term abortions.  To spread these lies, the
group wants an injunction . . .”

Obama is a cosponsor of the “Freedom of Choice Act” (S. 1173).  The
plain language of this bill invalidates restrictions on public funding
of abortions and laws requiring parental notification before an abortion
– points touted by the bill’s chief sponsors and supporting groups.  The
bill’s chief sponsors also proclaim that it would nullify the federal
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the law actually referred to in the ad
script.  On July 17, 2007, Obama told the Planned Parenthood Action
Fund, “The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice
Act.”  Obama has also voted consistently against restrictions on public
funding of abortion, and against requiring parental notification for
abortion.

Sincerely,
Douglas Johnson
Legislative Director
National Right to Life Committee

The Obama Faith Tour?

The Obama campaign has announced that, beginning the week of September 22, a team of Obama surrogates (including Pepperdine University law school Prof. Douglas Kmiec, evangelical author Donald Miller, and former Congressman Tim Roemer of Indiana) will travel from state to state on a “Faith, Family and Values Tour,” seeking the votes of religiously committed Americans for the Obama-Biden ticket. 

 

    According to one report on BeliefNet, the surrogates will be “doing grass-roots organizing for Obama in community centers (neutral sites –no houses of worship) and homes. The Tour will continue for weeks in most of the key battleground states.”  Another article, on ChristianityToday.com, said that the states to be visited by the tour during the next month include Colorado, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Florida, New Mexico, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

 

    The Obama surrogates assigned to this tour no doubt will try to persuade people of faith that Obama would “reduce abortions.” It is important to understand that Obama’s recently adopted ”abortion reduction” spiel is just a public relations product cooked up at liberal think tanks like Third Way, where veteran pro-abortion activists specialize in developing strategies to help hard-core pro-abortion politicians camouflage their positions.

 

    The real Obama is firmly committed to an agenda of hard-line pro-abortion policies that, if implemented, would greatly increase the numbers of abortions performed.

 

    For example, by conservative estimate, there are more than one million Americans alive today because of the Hyde Amendment, which cut off federal funding for abortion starting in 1976.  Even the Alan Guttmacher Institute (linked to Planned Parenthood) and NARAL admit that the Hyde Amendment (and the similar policies adopted by many states) have resulted in many babies being born who otherwise would have been aborted (the pro-abortion groups have put out papers complaining about this).  So, the Hyde Amendment is a proven “abortion reduction” policy, big time.  Obama, of course, advocates repeal of the Hyde Amendment — and he also wants to enact a mandatory national health insurance program that would also mandate coverage of abortion on demand.

 

    Moreover, pro-life state laws — for example, women’s right to know laws, waiting periods, and parental notification laws — are saving countless lives, but Obama is a cosponsor of the so-called “Freedom of Choice Act,” which would invalidate every one of these laws.   On July 17, 2007, Obama told the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, “The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act.  That’s the first thing that I’d do.”

 

    Obama even advocates repeal of the national ban on partial-birth abortions (which the FOCA would also accomplish).  And, as documented thoroughly by NRLC, while a member of the Illinois state Senate, Obama led the opposition to legislation to provide protection and care for babies who are born alive during abortions.

 

    I have faith that most “people of faith” are not so easily snookered.

 

Douglas Johnson
NRLC Legislative Director
Legfederal@aol.com

Faith Based Obama Merchandise Suggestions

According to press reports, a few days ago a man named Paul Monteiro, who has the title “Deputy Director of Religious Affairs” for the Obama campaign, sent out an e-mail to various lists that began, “Dear friends — Great news! We now have faith merchandise available for you to show your support for Barack Obama as a person of faith.  Check out the Believers for Barack, Pro-Family Pro-Obama, and Catholics for Obama buttons, bumper stickers and signs. . . . We’ll soon be rolling out merchandise for other religious groups and denominations . . .”

 

NRLC’s Legislative Director Douglas Johnson says he thinks that the Obama campaign is on to something there.  Johnson wrote, “To really get the word out regarding the Obama record and agenda to the faith communities, they really need a broader range of bumper stickers.  Here are my suggestions:

 

Another Believer for Barack
and Partial-Birth Abortion

 

Catholics Who Want Barack
and the Freedom of Choice Act

 

Tax-Funded Abortion
We Can Believe In:
Obama 2008

 

Re-legalize Partial-Birth Abortion –
Obama-Biden in 2008

 

Another Born-Again Believer
Against Born-Alive Infants Protection

 

Faith. Hope. Change.
Partial-birth abortion.
Obama 2008

Where Do the Candidates Stand on Abortion?

National Right to Life has just published a new piece which provides an objective side-by-side comparison of the candidates for President and Vice President.

Download the PDF here: http://www.nrlc.org/Election2008/comparision0909084c.pdf

From the Convention – Day 4

Here’s the last update from Karen and Darla who were on site all week for the GOP Convention in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

We were honored to attend the last night of this historic occasion: John McCain accepted the presidential nomination “with gratitude, humility and confidence,” during the Republican National Convention.

Following initial business on the agenda, the evening began with a number of speakers including Senator Sam Brownback from Kansas, Senator Mel Martinez from Florida, Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, Oklahoma Congresswoman Mary Fallen, and Minnesota Governor Tom Pawlenty.

Cindy McCain introduced her husband, Senator John McCain.

During his acceptance speech, Senator John McCain told us, “We believe in … a culture of life – personal responsibility, the rule of law and judges who dispense justice impartially and don’t legislate from the bench.  We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods, and communities.”  His was an inspiring, confident speech as he accepted the nomination.

Governor Sarah Palin joined Senator McCain on the stage at the conclusion of his remarks.  Balloons and confetti fell as the crowd roared their approval of their new nominees.

The 2008 Republican National Convention has now adjourned. The delegates have voted, the candidates have accepted, and the Republican ticket for president and vice president is decided. Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin are the Republican nominees.

As they waved to the cheering crowd, we thought to ourselves – what a great pro-life team!

From the Convention – Day 3

Here’s the latest from Darla & Karen, still keeping up with the RNC Convention in St. Paul:

What an amazing night! We had the privilege of watching as Sarah Palin accepted the Republican National Committee’s vice presidential nomination. The arena (the Minnesotans affectionately refer to it as “The House That Norm Built”) was packed tonight. Everyone was filled with excitement as we anticipated Sarah Palin’s speech. 

We heard from a number of speakers including Michael Steele, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Former Governor Mike Huckabee spoke on behalf of John McCain and pointed out that John McCain understands the importance of protecting human life from conception until natural death.

At long last, pro-life Governor Sarah Palin made her entrance. She was poised and confident as she took the stage. 

Sarah Palin introduced her family to us: her children, her husband Todd, and her parents. She talked about her youngest son, Trig, who was born with Down Syndrome in April.

She shared,

“…in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.

“That’s how it is with us.We were moved, some of us to tears, as she shared this message.  Some research journals and magazines report that approximately 90 percent of babies diagnosed in the womb with Down Syndrome are aborted.

“Our family has the same ups and downs as any other … the same challenges and the same joys.

“Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.

“And children with special needs inspire a special love.

“To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.

“I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.”

 Did we mention the place was packed and the only open seats were in the media section? The media sat stone-faced throughout her speech, especially when she pointed directly at them and said, “…here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion – I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country.” She was bold and to the point and confronted them head on.  Those of us sitting in the media section who supported her stood out as we had a difficult time containing our laughter at this point.

At times we laughed and other times we cried as she shared her message. It is evident to those who were there that Governor Sarah Palin will bring much energy to the campain over the next nine weeks.

At the end of the evening to the delight of the crowd, Senator John McCain joined Sarah Palin on stage.

Following the speeches and entertainment, the delegates officially unanimously nominated John McCain as the Republican nominee for U.S. President.

More tomorrow as Senator John McCain accepts his party’s nomination.

From the Convention – Day 2

Darla St. Martin and Karen Cross were again on the convention floor for Day 2 of the Republican National Convention.  Here’s their latest report:

Even Gustav didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending the Republican National Convention tonight. Fortunately, the hurricane wrecked far less havoc than anticipated, with the residents of the Gulf Coast still on everyone’s minds, the Convention resumed its normal schedule and is on track to complete the business of nominating pro-life candidates Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for US president and vice president.

Pro-life Senator Norm Coleman (U.S. Senator from Minnesota) welcomed everyone to Minnesota. He was followed by pro-life Congresswoman Michele Bachmann from Minnesota’s sixth Congressional district. Congresswoman Bachmann emphasized the importance of everyone coming together and encouraged all Minnesotans to carry on the tradition of “Minnesota Nice”.

Wes Gullet introduced his daughter, Nicky, who was one of two babies Cindy McCain brought back after Mother Teresa told her about two babies who would die if she didn’t take them. One had a severe cleft palate and the other was suffering from severe malnutrition. The McCains adopted one of the babies and the Guttners adopted the other, Nicky. Nicky wrote an essay describing how proud she is to be an American. She is now a U.S. citizen.

First Lady Laura Bush introduced President George W. Bush, a great friend of life, who spoke by satellite.

During former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson’s rousing speech, he brought down the house when he pointed out that “we need a President who doesn’t think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade.” The crowd erupted. It was great! 

More tomorrow…

Appalling… yet expected

It’s as appalling as it is expected.

**Warning: Soap Box moment ahead that might fall slightly off-topic**

I’ve got MSNBC on in background in the office.  I’ve spent most of the weekend reading the Drudge Report, the Washington Post, Time Magazine, Newsweek, the New York Times, the New York Sun, the Chicago Tribune, the Anchorage Daily News, the DailyKos, Townhall.com, Redstate.com (well, you get the picture).  Without a leg to stand on or a straw to grasp, the liberal intelligentsia has done everything they can to undermine Sarah Palin’s candidacy as Senator McCain’s vice presidential running mate simply because they’re scared (and they should be).

The first attack volley came from a blogger at the ever-venomous, uber-liberal DailyKos with the unsubstantiated (and false!) rumor that Gov. Palin’s son, Trig (who was born about 5 months ago) was really her eldest daughter’s son and that the Palins covered up Bristol’s pregnancy.   Eager to discount McCain’s choice, the mainstream media started to report on the blog post.  It should be noted that they played it close to the line: they didn’t question or investigate the veracity of the blogger’s claims, they merely reported that this claim it was out there (because that’s news…maybe they’ll report that our NRLC blog is out there too). 

Next, they went after Gov. Palin’s ability as a working mother claiming that it’s virtually impossible for her to both be a mother to her children and hold the second highest office in the land.  Where are the women who have spent their lives arguing that women are fully capable of handling demanding jobs and raising a family?   Shouldn’t they be embracing Palin’s candidacy, rather than joining in to degrade her abilities?

After flailing around all weekend, they’ve finally settled into a two-prong attack: the first is what we call a “process story.”  With the “revelations” on Monday that Todd Palin (dubbed Alaska’s “First Dude” by the Anchorage Daily News) was charged with a DUI two decades ago and the announcement that Bristol Palin is five months pregnant, is keeping her child and marrying the father, the media are questioning McCain’s vetting process.  They’re peppering the Senator with questions at public events convinced that McCain only chose Palin at the last minute and, as a result, the campaign did not complete a thorough investigation of Palin’s background (when it appears the opposite is actually true: Palin was vetted completely and McCain was aware of all of the news media’s “revelations”).

The second prong is designed to rope in discussions of Palin’s working mother ability and the vetting process in one swing: Bristol Palin’s pregnancy.  It’s been more than forty years since young children were involved in a political campaign (Caroline and John-John Kennedy) and, quite frankly, the media don’t know what to do.  Bottom line: Bristol Palin is choosing life and providing a public witness for her pro-life views and that of the entire family.  The Palins obviously accept that children are a blessing.  Beyond that, it should be off the table for discussion (as both campaigns have noted, candidates’ children are off-limits) 

Watching the coverage of the DNC Convention last week, the announcement of Palin for VP, and the coverage of the RNC Convention speaks volumes to the skewed nature of the mainstream media in this election.

-Derrick

From the Convention – Day 1

Here’s the latest from Darla St. Martin, our co-executive director and Karen Cross, our political director, who are in Minneapolis for the GOP convention:

Greetings from Minneapolis and Day 1 of the RNC Convention. 

Today, obviously, all of our prayers are going out to the residents of the Gulf Coast coping with Hurricane Gustav.   Because of the storm, the convention schedule today has been shortened.  Most of the country will only see the prefunctory issues (credentials committee, rules committee, platform committee, etc) regarding the governance of the convention and the part on C-SPAN.  First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain each gave brief remarks before the convention gaveled to recess for the evening.

One special note: the platform committee report was adopted by the entire convention making the GOP’s platform — containing the strongest-ever language on life — official.

Of course, the entire convention and, indeed, the entire country are abuzz with the selection of Governor Palin as Senator McCain’s running mate.  As our press release noted last week, Governor Palin is a strong pro-lifer and has served as a positive witness for life. 

We look forward to the days ahead and we’ll keep you posted.

Darla & Karen

Look for more updates from Minneapolis!  Thanks Darla & Karen!