Friday, November 13, 2009

U.S. invites Hamas to relocate on American Soil... for free!

Heads up people This is an OUTRAGE!

This is in direct reference to members of Hamas. A Terrorist organization. Let's just give the whole country to them. What are they thinking on Capitol Hill??? oh wait ... they don't think.

Tell every one you know about this as soon as possible and cry foul! to the idiots on the Hill.
Presidential Documents
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
NOTICE: Part II
DOCID: fr04fe09-106
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
[[Page 6115]]
Presidential Determination No. 2009-15 of January 27, 2009

Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs Related To Gaza
Memorandum for the Secretary of State
By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 2(c)(1) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (the ``Act''), as amended (22 U.S.C. 2601), I hereby determine, pursuant to section 2(c)(1) of the Act, that it is important to the national interest to furnish assistance under the Act in an amount not to exceed $20.3 million from the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for the purpose of meeting unexpected and urgent refugee and migration needs, including by contributions to international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations and payment of administrative expenses of Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the Department of State, related to humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in Gaza.
You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.


(Presidential Sig.)
THE WHITE HOUSE,
Washington, January 27, 2009
[FR Doc. E9-2488
Filed 2-3-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 4710-10-P

Friday, September 11, 2009

My Daughter


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Originally uploaded by melodrama maniac
Friday Photo

Round Barn in Oklahoma


DSC04972_2456
Originally uploaded by melodrama maniac
Friday Photo

ALWAYS REMEMBER!

This did happen. We were attacked. We need to make sure our children know what happened on that day. The lives that were lost. The reason we fight, keeping the war from our home soil. Always Remember!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I Hope My Daughter Hears the President’s Speech :: Desiring God

I Hope My Daughter Hears the President’s Speech :: Desiring God:

The following comment is in response to John Piper's post.
"IT all comes down to one basic thing. Obama overstepped his authority by speaking to school children and having lessons to go along witht the speech. The guidelines set by the constitution prohibits the Federal Government to step into the educational system that is run by each state. Obama was not the first president to speak to America's Children but he is the first to have structured lesson plans for the teachers to use. The origional lesson plans before the outcry of foul were stepping into a field of socialism. Asking children what they can do to help the president achieve his goals. and how they (students) should be accountable to Mayor's Govenors and the President as well as other elected officials. Read your constitution and you will understand I hope that it is the elected officials who are accountable to the people not the other way around.

Please think of this... God has graced us as US citizens to have a voice in our government. We are able to speak out against atrocities and bad government behavior. When we stand before Christ on judgement day and he asks... 'what did you do with the freedoms I gave you as a US citizen?' did you stand up for what is right or quietly cruise along trying not to cause any conflict in your life. How have you cast your vote?

Think about it."

ValueNews.com - Story

Disabled Workers Have What It Takes
Given the chance, would you hire Albert Einstein for your company?

Paul Anderson, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services case worker, and Julie Dermody, job developer and soon-to-be graduate, explain how disabled workers offer many benefits to employers.

September 2009
By Julie Dermody

Given the chance, would you hire Albert Einstein for your company? Would you consider signing on FDR, Beethoven or Thomas Edison? Would you hire me? Along with some 354,000 work-aged Oklahomans, I have something in common with these men: I have a disability.

I often joke that I am blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other. Truth be told, there are very few things that my vision keeps me from doing. I am no Einstein, but in just a few months I will be graduating from Rogers State University with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications – all because of the training and educational funding assistance I received from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. My dream is becoming a reality.

Hiring people with disabilities is not charity. According to statistics, not only are disabled workers capable employees, they have unusually strong work ethics and exhibit high levels of loyalty. Employers who hire people with disabilities create a positive corporate image, and in doing so qualify their business for additional tax benefits, such as deduction for costs of removing barriers to the disabled and elderly, disabled access credit, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit programs.

For those willing to hire certain classes of workers, financial incentives called Work Opportunity Tax Credits are available. This program is intended to increase employment opportunities for individuals in specific target groups.

"Employers have difficulty understanding how disabled people get to work everyday, let alone what is required to get them hired," said Jody Harlan, public information administrator for Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. “For example, many employers think that hiring a disabled worker will be expensive. People are really surprised; accommodations are usually less than $500. It could be just making a larger cubicle for someone in a wheelchair."

Another myth many employers believe is that disabled workers are sick more often. "People think that disabled workers won't be there, and that's just not true," said Harlan.

Disabled workers offer many benefits to employers. One of the biggest advantages is that disabled workers are flexible. "They're able to overcome adversity and solve problems. They have trained themselves to adapt to their environment," Harlan explained.

An employer’s decision to hire from target groups does more than just improve the bottom line; it can help change lives, strengthen families, and transform communities. Workers get the chance they need to increase their income, become more independent, and decrease dependence on social service systems. Work Opportunity Tax Credits allow small businesses to grow their staff and decrease the negative impact of unemployment in their community.

Under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program, the federal government pays up to 25 percent of a disabled employee's first-year wages, with a $6,000 cap (i.e. up to a $2,400 credit), for wages paid during the first 12 months. There is no limit on the number of new qualifying hires per business, or on the total amount of tax credits distributed per year.

A recent report from Cornell University suggests that businesses are overlooking what some researchers consider to be the largest untapped labor pool – disabled adults. The Cornell study notes that there are some 43 million working-age Americans with disabilities. However, this pool of workers is vastly underemployed, largely because of workplace attitudes, lack of corporate leadership, and insufficient training.

If you have a disability and would like more information on how this program can help you, or if you are an employer who wants more information on the advantages in hiring the disabled, please call (800) 845-8476 or visit www.okdrs.gov.

For more information, contact
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

(800) 845-8476
www.okdrs.gov

Monday, August 24, 2009

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Racine WI


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Originally uploaded by melodrama maniac
What a beautiful country we have. Racine sits along side of Lake Michigan. This light house is just outside the city proper. Beautiful setting.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Where are we going as a nation?

I keep up with things that are going on around me and generally know the who's what's when's and where's on the latest happenings. I admit that for the last couple of months I have been rather laxydaisy in keeping up with the latest happenings of our esteemed President.
Today I listened to the local talk radio jockey Pat Campbell and then to Glenn Beck. Oh my. I take a break from the political talk shows and I find out that the US is headed to Hell in a hand basket, faster than I and many others anticipated, and our Attorney General of Oklahoma along with our esteemed Govnor Brad Henry are taking Oklahoma along for the ride. Uck!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
By Bill O'Reilly

As we have been reporting, a 5-year-old girl was raped and a 6-year-old boy, her brother, allegedly sexually abused by a convicted felon. The children are poor. They have no one looking out for them. And the Oklahoma governor, attorney general, presiding judge and the DA all threw these kids away.

for full story: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,526889,00.html


Then I hear that Obama will take over television programing for ABC... hello? that sounds like communist China.


ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE
Tue Jun 16 2009 08:45:10 ET

On the night of June 24, the media and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm!

Highlights on the agenda:

ABCNEWS anchor Charlie Gibson will deliver WORLD NEWS from the Blue Room of the White House.

The network plans a primetime special -- 'Prescription for America' -- originating from the East Room, exclude opposing voices on the debate.

To read more go here: http://drudgereport.com/flashaot.htm

Then today we need more government control and now Obama established a new office...
Obama Unveils Financial Regulation Overhaul, Calls for New 'Rules of the Road'
The plan would give new powers to the Federal Reserve to oversee the entire financial system and would also create a new consumer protection agency to guard against the types of abuses that played a big role in the current crisis.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/17/obama-administration-unveils-financial-regulation-overhaul/

Man... it makes you want to go back and hide under a rock. Things don't look good. In fact I believe he has only begun. To all of you who voted for the man... thanks alot... (scarsism)

Friday, April 17, 2009

Bulgaria Day 6

Yesterday I found out about the two earthquakes the area experienced last week. I heard the news was reporting seismologists are predicting another tremor … but on a much larger scale. So while in conversation with my new friend who is a teacher …we talked about disaster preparedness …the subject came up that Bulgaria has no preparation in place to train the local children on how to prepare or survive a major quake. Being an ex-American Red Cross worker I was totally appalled and offered to give the her kids a lesson on how to prepare for disaster. She was very enthusiastic and we had the subject that I could wow them with while just speaking English for them.

Today has been busy. I started my morning by attending the 8th grade English class at one of the public schools. I was the guest teacher. The class went fabulously I had a group made up of 18 boys and 3 girls. The boys all wore uniforms, they were quite handsome. The girls were beautiful and might be future supermodels they were so pretty.

We started by my telling them about living in Oklahoma and explaining a little about my culture and how the culture in Bulgaria was very similar in its make up of citizens. Oklahoma’s heritage of Indian culture compared to the history of Bulgaria opening boarders to immigrants from other nations where persecution was taking effect.

We then went on to discuss the natural disasters that Oklahoman’s face: Tornados and floods to Bulgaria’s Earthquakes and Floods. I explained how we teach our children how to prepare. They were interested, I asked if any of them had a disaster plan and they all shook their heads in astonishment. I asked if they knew what to do in an event of an earthquake and again I got some answers but they were not good ones.

So I then pulled out a backpack that was filled with the items everyone should have who lives in an earthquake prone area. They were totally paying attention and nodded in agreement when I would explain the next item. I then told them what they needed to do to stay safe inside a building. Where to go and what to do, should they feel the floor start rocking under their feet.

Because they were such a good class I pulled out my bag of American Candy and gave each one of them two pieces. At the same time I showed them pictures of my kids and of my nieces and nephews. The boys seemed very interested in my daughter and my niece wondering if they might be coming for a visit anytime soon. I laughed.

We still had a little bit of time left before their next class and I asked if they had any questions… none forthcoming I grabbed my camera and said… “then I’ll ask the questions”… I went around and asked each one what they wanted to be when they grew up. They found it very interesting that someone would be interested in their goals and desires. I took each one’s picture and would comment on their choice.

I was very impressed with the group and found out that there were several in the class who were on the soccer team. I asked if they were going to have a game this week in hopes that I could go and watch. They were surprised I would be willing to come. Their tournament does not start until Monday so I can’t go.
After the class was dismissed one of the young ladies asked for my autograph … I said.. ”Sure but how about I give you my e-mail and you send me a letter” she gave me a big smile and said YES. My friend was wide eyed when she helped me pick up my stuff and told me that she was impressed that I held their attention for so long. It was fun.

My host who was also my taxi for the day met me in front of the school with a Turkish sandwich (GYRO) and hauled me to the next destination… an elementary school where I was asked to take pictures of the children who were going to be viewing the Jesus film. I started out helping move desks and chairs to get the room set up. Then suddenly I was wearing a Media hat and had to trouble shoot the sound system set up. I prayed constantly that I would be successful… I don’t read Turkish or Bulgarian and I don’t know what language the computer was showing me. I got it fixed and sat through two showings and shot a few pictures and about 30 minutes of video. It was a great experience.

The funny thing that happened was that one of the young boys that was in the village where I am staying just happened to be at this school. He and a few of his friends snuck into the second show because he wanted to show everyone that we were already friends. I had taken several pictures of him while on my walk on Sunday.

After a full day of educational establishments, my hostess picked me up and we headed back to the village for an item of importance. On our way we came upon a Muslim funeral. Ever the photographer I rolled down my window in the rain and began shooting. I got several shots of the men carrying the body, on what looked like a wooden bed, up the hill. I got the video out and captured several minutes of their procession. It was quite interesting.. no women were allowed.

Then it was a fly by drive by shooting as we videoed the track from the village into the city. The ride was rough but I think it will be good for what we are looking for when I begin to put the promotional video together. We spend about half and hour cruising around town and visited an Orthodox Church took some pictures then it was time to head to the office and meet up with the rest of my hosts.

We were invited to dinner at my new Korean friend’s home. They served an authentic Korean dinner along with chop sticks. I love using chopsticks. WE had a great time of fellowship and sharing time. The jr. hosts and their friends played and played having a great time as well. I took the family pictures as well as their “nanny” tutor who is teaching the children Korean. Their kids were extremely smart. The 4 year old speaks 5 languages. Amazing.

That was my day it was full! And my host just told me that my teacher friend wants me to come back to school this week and teach another class about earthquake safety. Hey I’m game. It was fun and if it keeps these kids safe during the next earthquake then well that will just make my day.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Bulgaria Days 3 & 4

Ok so sleep is a commodity one that I have not had much of for several days. I am amazed on how God is keeping me from having any migraines. Generally when I am running on less sleep than 5 or 6 hours a night I get a horrible one. At this point I haven’t even gotten close to one. Thank God.

Yesterday was filled with meeting new people. I met a couple who recently married. He is 50+ and she is in her 30’s, neither one had ever been married before which in this cultural is unusual. He served in a high position with the communist regime and with the communist fall serves as the manager and caretaker of a local Zoo and Park. She has an amazing story of God’s healing power. She was involved in a car accident several years before and had her leg severed. The doctors sewed it back on and never thought she would walk again… I videoed her story it is truly amazing.

They took us around their city and I got to see the world’s largest statue of Mary, the oldest Mosque in the Balkans and of course the zoo to see the newest addition. It’s really nice when you know the head honcho because then you get first class treatment. It was fun.

We went back towards their home and stopped in the town center. She hustled me out of the car and took me around to several key photopp locations. She speaks no English and me no Bulgarian or Turkish yet she was able to communicate with me what she wanted me to do. We arrived back at the car and went to their home and proceeded to have the largest pizza I have ever seen. It was an enjoyable evening and like the other nights got back to home well after 11pm and did not hit the sack until after 3am.

Easter Sunday! HE IS RISEN! What a wonderful day God provided today. The air was perfect, only a slight breeze and warm enough not to need a jacket. My hosts asked several others to join us for the celebration. I took the morning and walked up the dirt road and met a family that grows tobacco. They allowed me to take their picture. Very friendly I felt bad that I could not speak to them in their own language but they didn’t care. I showed them the pictures I took and shook their hands saying thank you. The grandmother of the group hugged me and kissed each side of my cheek.

The neighbor lady also took me on an excursion. She speaks no English either. We walked up the paths and visited one of the many fountains scattered around the nation. We met up with a shepherd he was quite the character. He had me take his picture and posed for several shots. I liked his face it spoke volumes,

The rest of the visitors came soon after I returned to the house. I felt like I was doing international studies class. I think there were 5 countries represented. It was amazing. The entire day has been great. Thanks everyone for your prayers. Keep them coming. I speak to an 8th grade class on Tuesday. It should be exciting. Can’t wait to take more pictures.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Bulgaria Update

Good morning from beautiful sunny Bulgaria. I am in a small village three and ½ hours from Sophia. I arrived Thursday afternoon and was met with an exuberant welcome from my hosts. Their two little girls gave me huge hugs with squeals of delight. It was very exciting to know that they remembered me. I was very thankful that even though I was delayed because of filing a lost bag report…came to find out that they were delayed as well… They appeared at the same time I exited from Customs. God is very good to me, because I was thinking… ok Lord what do I do if they returned to the Hotel… I can’t remember where we are staying. I am so glad that God is in total control.

After we went to the hotel Jasmine and refreshed, it was on to dinner. Trout, Shopska salad, and some sort of chicken. The service was superb and the food was scrumptious. After dinner we went to visit an American couple who have lived in Sophia for over 12 years, He is a pastor with the American Baptist Church. They were very welcoming. We stayed for a couple hours then I began to have trouble keeping my eyes open. The flight over the big pond did not provide much rest. My total sleep time was less than four hours for a 36 hour space. We arrived back to the hotel, I hit the sack … it was 11p.m. I slept until 7a.m. no movement. Breakfast is included in the price of the hotel. At the Hotel Jasmine there is a wait staff to cater to your every need… wow. The omelet they made to my request was amazing. Can I say wow again?

We toured some of the cathedrals in Sophia, and strolled through the open air market where I purchased a couple of treasures for family at home. I took advantage of the photographic moments and captured several really good shots. The language barrier is not so bad. Do I understand what is being said? No … but it seems that they know I am “English” and many can rapidly spit out a few words in English. I have also found that just a few words in French/Italian that I know are very helpful. My junior hosts speak the language very well and are determined to teach me a few words like: thank-you, your welcome, where’s the bathroom, and how much is this? I keep being told… “Very good Miss Julie” so I guess I will pass the language exam by the end of my stay.

On our way out of Sophia we stopped at the airport and just as we arrived my bag did as well. Isn’t God good? Squeals of delight from the junior hosts as they knew my bag was filled with goodies they would get to share. The roads fro the most part are similar to those we have in the US rural communities… however the bumps in the roads are much worse.

We have a full agenda today. I don’t know where all we are planning to go. I told my hosts: “you all know where the best places are to capture photos…. Take me where you want.” So who knows what the day will hold.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Packing for Adventure in Bulgaria

Greetings and salutations....
I love Charlotte's Web...

This is my first post about my Trip to Bulgaria.

WOW... Still can't fathom the realization on how fast this entire trip has come about. Yet Wednesday afternoon I will board a plane and begin the first leg of my journey to this country that is nestled between Turkey, The Black Sea, Greece and Romania.

God has provided the opportunity , the ways and means to allow me to go and a gracious host family that is willing to board me. Bulgaria is not the normal tourist destination. I guess it's a good thing I am not going as a "tourist".

I have had school all week with several major projects due. It has been really tough to complete everything... in fact I hate to say it but I am not quite finished yet. I have two more papers to write and I am unsure that I will get to them before it is time to leave the house.

To think that someone would actually have a need for my talents and for us to connect... Can we say "it's a God thing?" I think so.

Let me explain... It started by my commenting on a picture. I loved the setting and said I wish I was there. Before the day was out I was asked to think about coming that my talent for taking pictures and shooting video could be used.

Now please understand I am a Senior at RSU and I am taking 5 classes this semester. Three at RSU and 2 at TCC. (ask me to explain later... it is a long story) I would have to miss 3 possibly 4 classes and I like to consider myself a good student and I don't like getting dinged on my grades.

So I said...
If and only if I can get all five of my professors to give me a green light and not have consequences on my grades would be the first hurdle. That was completed within 36 hours.

See someone's hand at work here?

Then I had to have my kids be ok with me going. Mainly Josh. Josh and I have never been away from each other for more than 4 days. Josh after thinking about it for a few days was actually excited about me going. ????

who changed his heart?

There has been so much to accomplish yet at every turn everything has been done swiftly.

Absolutely amazing.

I will be doing my level best to get posts out every other day. I hope you find it interesting. I will post pictures of the area as I get time.

Pray for me that I will be successful in my assignment.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Hear the Cries for Survival of the Unborn

I have been on the brink of tears every time I think about where our country is headed. I stay up on what’s happening in the political world; and when I witnessed Christians supporting Obama it grieved me and really made me angry that they could not see beyond their pocket books and would vote for someone like him.

I have to keep praying that God will help me. I do not want to be so angry because right now I want nothing more than for those people (who voted for Obama) to wake up screaming at night from nightmares of hearing babies screaming for their lives; as doctors proceed to murder one baby after another before they get a chance to see the light of day.

Those people, the ones who murdered the babies, and the ones who knowingly, and willingly voted for a man known for his radical support of abortion, will soon enough be judged for their actions and we should pray for God to have mercy on them.

The future if we (the United States) continue to head down this path~ the path looks bleak... I hate to think about God turning his favor away from the US. But I fear that may happen.

I have talked with several people and I don't think they understand the real issue. My heart feels heavy with grief. The one think in our favor here is when we as a people join in prayer God can do great things. Just keep praying that God would change Obama's heart.

I am a sovereign grace believer. I know with all my heart that God is in control. He gives us scripture to know where his heart in this issue lays... To kill a child while still in the protections of its mother's womb is a crime punishable by death. Those involved even with out causing the death with their own hand are held responsible. I'll take it one step further in my understanding ~ if we as Christians sit back and do nothing we are as guilty as those who hold the knife.

As sovereign grace believers, we should rely on our faith keeping in mind that God is in control. At the same time, we need to remember He does not expect us to sit back quietly while the slaughter of the unborn happens. History shows that when God’s people come together in a common cause it is like a fire that spreads igniting action. Let’s hope that the cry is heard and we can come together to help keep these little ones alive.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Understanding FOCA and OBAMA

I am sending this to you all because I think it is vitally important that you understand what is getting ready to happen in just a couple of days. I hope you will read everything and try to understand why I am so passionate about what our next President is going to do right after he takes the oath of office.

For this reason alone if for no other we as Christians should be on our faces crying out to God asking that he calls Obama and changes his heart so that America does not suffer God's wrath for killing so many unborn.

Speak up America and let your voices be heard for these little ones who will never see the light of day. The death they endure is horrible ~ Their silent screams should be heard ~ Are you listening? Can you be a voice that will loudly sound an alarm and proclaim that the killing fields of America should cease!

Freedom Of Choice Act (FOCA)
Following the Supreme Court’s closely divided decision to uphold the first‐ever federal ban on abortion, it is clear that the stakes have changed and the right to choose is facing a new level of assault. That’s why the pro‐choice community is working to guarantee the right to choose through the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) – a measure that will codify Roe v. Wade’s protections and guarantee the right to choose for future generations of women.
• Recognizing that a woman’s right to choose is being chipped away both by the courts and state lawmakers, the pro‐choice community – with the help of pro‐choice leaders in Congress like Sen. Barbara Boxer (D‐CA) and Rep. Jerry Nadler (D‐NY) – is working to enact a federal law that would restore the right to choose as expressed in 1973 in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton.

• Since Roe v. Wade was decided, a woman’s right to choose has been systematically eroded by anti‐choice legislators in states around the country. In fact, more than 500 anti‐choice measures have been enacted in the states since 1995, essentially rolling back this fundamental right for many women.

• With a woman’s right to choose already in a precarious state, President Bush’s appointment of John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court further threatens the constitutional protection for reproductive rights – a threat immediately made evident in the Court’s ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart and Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

• In the Carhart decision, the newly reconfigured Court – with Bush’s appointees Roberts and Alito casting decisive votes – upheld the first‐ever federal ban on a safe abortion method – with criminal penalties for doctors. More troubling, the decision effectively reversed Supreme Court precedent and rolled back key protections that were guaranteed by Roe v. Wade, including the long‐standing exception safeguarding women’s health.

• Dissenting in Carhart, Justice Ginsburg called the majorityʹs opinion "alarming," and stated that "[f]or the first time since Roe, the Court blesses a prohibition with no exception safeguarding a womanʹs health." Further, she said, the federal ban "and the Courtʹs defense of it cannot be understood as anything other than an effort to chip away at a right declared again and again by this Court."

• By enacting FOCA, we will establish a federal law guaranteeing reproductive freedom for future generations of American women. This guarantee will protect women’s rights even if President Bush and an anti‐choice Congress are successful in reversing Roe v. Wade or enacting even more restrictions on our right to choose.
January 1, 2008

The Plan for Obama
Unrestricted Abortion Is Top Priority For ‘President’ ObamaJune 18, 2008 – Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) has promised that if elected President of the United States, his top legislative priority will be signing the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which will wipe out every law in the 50 states that limit or regulate abortions.FOCA is co-sponsored by Obama, along with 18 other senators. FOCA says: “It is the policy of the United States that every women has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child, to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability, or to terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect the life or health of the woman.” The use of term “health of the mother” is a loophole big enough to drive a Mac Truck through. “Health of the mother” can be anything from a hang-nail to a headache. FOCA would nullify informed consent laws, waiting periods, and health safety regulations for abortion clinics. Medical professionals and institutions refusing to do abortions would lose legal protection under FOCA. Sen. Obama’s promise to sign FOCA was one of the topics of his July 17, 2007 speech to a Planned Parenthood gathering.While serving as an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama voted four times against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, an Illinois bill to protect babies who survive abortions. The Democratic Party platform (under his leadership) dropped the words meant to show moderation on abortion — “safe, legal and rare” — and added “unequivocally” to its support of abortion. Mr. Obama criticized the Supreme Court for upholding the ban on partial-birth abortion.
As a U.S. senator, Mr. Obama co-sponsored the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and told Planned Parenthood in 2007 that his first act as president would be to sign it.
The Freedom of Choice Act would wipe out every pro-life protection passed in the last 36 years, state and federal — and any that would be passed in the future. While advocates claim it would simply codify Roe v. Wade, Sen. Barbara Boxer admitted, “FOCA [will] supersede all other laws,” including laws that the Supreme Court has upheld as constitutional.FOCA would outlaw any “interference” with providing abortion, elevating abortion to a “fundamental right” on par with the right to free speech (which, unlike abortion, is actually in the Constitution). It would strip away the right of women to receive truthful information on the damage abortion causes, the right of parents to protect their minor daughters, the right of taxpayers not to be forced to subsidize abortions, the right of states to pass modest regulations such as health and safety codes on abortion clinics. And that’s just the beginning.According to Americans United for Life, FOCA would nullify over 550 laws including:• Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003• Hyde Amendment and other limits on forcing taxpayer funding of elective abortions• Restrictions on abortions in military hospitals• Informed consent laws• Waiting periods• Parental consent and notification laws• Health and safety regulations on abortion clinics• Requirements that licensed doctors perform abortions• Bans on abortion after the baby is viable. (Under FOCA, post-viability abortions are permitted for the woman’s “health,” which has been defined to mean almost anything.)• Legal protections for health-care providers and hospitals that decline to commit abortions Will It Reduce Abortions?Douglas Kmiec, law professor and former Reagan/Bush appointee, shocked the pro-life community by endorsing Mr. Obama. But his reasoning was terribly flawed.He claimed we have only two choices: pass limits on abortion and appoint judges who will overturn Roe, or provide help to pregnant women. As he wrote, “good, evenhanded information and genuine empathy and love save more children than hypothetical legal limits — which, as best as I can tell, have saved: well, zero.”1We can do both. And, despite Mr. Kmiec’s allegation, legal limits do save lives.Pro-life pregnancy centers provide free material, emotional and spiritual help to women with unexpected pregnancies. Women no longer need to feel alone and with only one choice — abortion — with the thousands of gracious volunteers dedicated to helping during and after (through parenting classes and other services) their time of need.On the legal side, studies show that states which pass regulations on abortion, such as informed consent laws (requiring that a patient receive information on the development of her unborn baby and possible consequences of abortion) and bans on spending tax dollars on abortions, have fewer abortions.Conversely, states that enact FOCA-type laws experience an increase in abortions.Mr. Obama’s FOCA would eliminate legal provisions that have proven to reduce the number of abortions. FOCA By StealthMr. Obama has peppered his administration with high-level, hard-core abortion advocates. Since FOCA is garnering negative attention, Mr. Obama and his allies in Congress may instead implement it piece by piece.Their first actions will likely be funding international abortion groups (through an executive order) and subsidizing domestic abortions (through government funded health care programs).