Season Two, ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

As a lifelong Jerseyan, I hate when people hate on my home state. From late night talk shows, to a common joke on the street, to celebrities from New Jersey (go figure, most of them are from North Jersey, I'd hate NJ too if I came from Devils country), I think that Jersey gets a bad name, not because of the people in New Jersey, but because of those bum Yankees-loving, Giants-cheering, pizza-eating, over-botoxed New York socialites (yes they're stereotypes-but so are what those Norkers have been calling us Jerseyans for years).

That's why it ticks me off that MTV (which is pretty much garbage when it all boils down) decided to renew Jersey Shore for another season. I wouldn't mind it if the show were about regular Jersey kids working down at the shore for the summer (which is common for a lot of Jersey people, especially those coming home from college for the summer). But these people are (wait for it) New York guidos and guidettes who have invaded our state to increase the stereotype that people from New Jersey say "Joizee" and whose lives revolve around casual sex, getting into fights, and using so much hair gel that you can take a pan and fry breakfast on your head on a really hot day. THEY'RE NOT JERSEYANS! Tell them to stay in New York and do a show from there, Coney Island Boardwalk or something. Not only that, I find it very insulting to my cuparis who are not like these lowlifes who give a bad name to the Italian community in ways that make Al Capone and Joey Merlino wish they were Irish.

Brace up New Jersey, the onslaught continues.

Justice Alito: Saying what we would've said

That settles it: JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO FOR OFFICAL OBAMA-TRUTH METER!

A Tale of Two Cases

One can remember vividly the case of Terri Schiavo, the handicapped woman who was murdered by her husband, his lawyer, and the judicial system, and the questions it raised on whether or not one can take away the life of another human being because the person is not capable of making that decision themselves and had no living will to determine what the case may be. There is no question in my mind that Terri's case was that of euthanasia because she certainly was alert and was feeling pain as a result of the starvation and dehydration that was imposed on her by an unloving husband and a cruel legal system that permits the killing of 3,000 children everyday in the United States. But the reason I'm bringing euthanasia up is because of not one, but two new cases that are different, and yet similar.

I read on FoxNews.com two cases, one in England and the other in its dominion, Canada, in which "playing God" is involved:

-CASE ONE - Frances Inglis, 57, of West London was found guilty of murder for administering a leathal dose of heroin (her second attempt, she was out on bail when she successfully ODd him) to her 22-year old son Thomas. Thomas suffered serious brain injury after he jumped out of a moving ambulance in 2007. Doctors determined that Thomas was in a persistent vegitative state, but not terminally ill.

-CASE TWO - 3-month old Isaiah May was born in Edmonton with the umbilical cord tied around his neck. Being deprived of oxygen, Isaiah was inhaling amniotic fluid and fecal matter. Isaiah is still alive, being given oxygen through a ventilator and being fed by a feeding tube, but under Canadian law, the doctors can remove the means of life support at any time they deem appropriate. Isaiah's parents Isaac and Rebecca May are fighting the hospital to keep baby Isaiah alive. Recently, the Canadian courts gave them a stay, and they are now getting Isaiah assessed by an independent doctor.

Debate it any way you want, the two cases are euthanasia cases. One medical, the not by medical means. One life ended, the other life hanging on the balance of medical ethics and the judicial system of Canada. Both a litmus test on where morality in this troubled world has gone.

Let me just lay out the Catholic Church's position on the sensitive issue, which is also my position. Ven. John Paul II, a little over a year before he went to his eternal reward, said in regards to those in a persistent vegitative state "The sick person in a 'vegetative state', awaiting recovery or a natural end, still has the right to basic health care (nutrition, hydration, cleanliness, warmth, etc.), and to the prevention of complications related to his confinement to bed. He also has the right to appropriate rehabilitative care and to be monitored for clinical signs of eventual recovery". In the Inglis case, it is already wrong because it is illegal to give heroin to someone it has not been perscribed to in the United Kingdom. To try and kill her son not once, but twice, is certainly heart wrenching and flat out cold.

Then there is the case of baby Isaiah May. Dr. Rosamond Rhodes, professor of medical education and director of bioethics at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told Fox News "For the parents, they’re saying, ‘for my baby to continue life,’ is a benefit to them and they don’t want to end it. While the hospital is saying he will never recover, and it’s clearly a medical fact that they have established". It amazes me how these doctors who promise to fight for their patients can so easily give up on such a young life that has great potential. Then again, these are the same doctors that believe if a child in the womb has down syndrome, it's OK to kill it. Not only that, they refuse to let the parents, the primary care givers of that child, who will shower the child with love and affection, not take care of the child and give it that love, respect, and happiness he or she deserves, not only as next of kin, but as co-creators with God.

Appalling.

I pray that people will rise up and help to rebuild the Culture of Life, a civilization of love, that will conquer the powers of death, and submit to the authority of Him Who alone possesses the right to give life and take life. May Christ reign!

Please pray for persecuted Catholics in India

According to Vatican Radio, Archbishop Bernard Moras has says that a new wave of anti-Catholic persecutions in India by fundamentalist Hindus have broken out in his archdiocese of Bangalore.

Compline at Mater Ecclesiae

Mater Ecclesiae Roman Catholic Church in Berlin, NJ will be begin weekly sung Compline starting on Tuesday, February 9 at 8:05pm in the Chapel. There will be an orientation after the 11:00am Mass this Sunday, January 31, in Bishop DiMarzio Hall.

You gotta be kidding me

It's been a few hours since President Barack Obama finished his State of Union Address. It was more of a kiss-up fest with Vice President Joe Biden nodding his head in the affirmative after every other sentence and botox-ridden Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) standing up every 3 seconds for a bravo to the great master of us all.

I, on the other hand, was far from impressed.

Here are just a few things that either have me ticked off or have me asking more questions:

-If you want to create jobs, then why would you tax the banks that provide the loans to the small businesses that create the jobs?

-How can you call yourself a leader of peace when you deploy 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan?

-Do really want me to believe that you want us to move on and forget the past when in the same speech you played the blame game on President Bush for the problems that you helped to create, and now made worse as the President of the United States.

-Do we really need reform if we want to stop rewarding failure, or should we just get rid of affirmative action (and the Department of Education all together)?

-Why should we encourage members of Congress to post their earmarks on their websites when we can encourage to cut earmarks?

-Sure you might post the laws your going to sign on the White House website, but if Congress doesn't have enough time to read it, what makes you think we will?

Some questions, we'll never know the answer to, and some, I suppose, we're better off not knowing (though that doesn't mean you shouldn't give us one anyway).

Hayek vs. Keynes: IT'S ON!

Kenesian economics or Austrian economics? You decide...

On the Eve of the March

Tommorow, the pro-lifers across the United States will converge on Washington, DC to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. I know for many, it won't be possible to join us whether it be for business, personal, financial reasons, distance. But whatever the reason, be with us spiritually. Also, be sure to go on the Virtual March for Life website. PRAY FOR THE END OF ABORTION!

NJ Student Missing in Haiti. Where are Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez?

I got this story from Matt Rooney of the Save Jersey Blog:

"Christine Gianacaci a Lynn University student from Hopewell New Jersey was part of a mission to feed the poor in Haiti when the earthquake hit. She is trapped in the rubble of the Montana Hotel and her family are seeking help from the US Government to send more equipment and manpower.

Christine's father John Gianacaci just called and asked that we continue to put pressure on Senators Lautenberg and Menendez office to send more help for search and rescue at Hotel Montana in Haiti.

John and Christine's mother Jean appreciate all the emails and phone calls that everyone is making on their behalf, but they asked if we could continue to put pressure on out two Senators who have been unresponsive. Neither Senator has reached out to them, whereas Rep. Chris Smith and Rush Holt have. The Senators have the clout to get the US Government moving.

I told John we would send out another email blast to everyone we can to ask everyone to continue to call and email the Senators right away.

They still have hope their daughter is alive. There are pockets in the rubble where they can survive, but they need additional help from our government by sending in the necessary equipment and manpower for search and rescue. It is now eight days that Christine and several other American citizens have been trapped. Time is running out. Please call and email the senators right away."

This story is really apalling when you see the lack of response from Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez in reagrds to the life of one of their constituents and especially the plea of desperate parents. DO NOT STAND LET YOUR U.S. SENATORS OFF THE HOOK! HELP ONE OF YOUR FELLOW NEW JERSEYANS AND AMERICANS IN HER HOUR OF NEED!

CONTACT SENS. FRANK LAUTENBERG AND BOB MENENDEZ AND DEMAND THAT THEY SEND THE PROPER EQUIPTMENT AND MANPOWER TO HELP CHRISTINE GIANACACI AND COUNTLESS OTHERS WHO ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES:

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey)
(202) 224-3224 (Washington Office)
(856) 338-8922 (Camden Office)
(973) 639-8700 (Newark Office)
http://lautenberg.senate.gov/

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey)
(202) 224-4744 (Washington Office)
(856) 757-5353 (Barrington Office)
(973) 645-3030 (Newark Office)
http://menendez.senate.gov/

Pontifical High Mass in DC

On Saturday, April 24, 2010, the feast of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, His Eminence, Dario Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos, the former President emeritus of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, will be celebrating a Solemn Pontifical High Mass according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in the Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC at 1:00pm. For official information from the National Shrine, click here.

Pontifical High Mass at the Throne

On Thursday, March 25, 2010, the Feast of the Annunciation, His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, retired Archbishop of New York, will be celebrating a Solemn Pontifical High Mass for Life at the throne according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The Mass is being sponsored by the Agnus Dei Council #12361, a traditional Catholic council of the Knights of Columbus based at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in the Bronx.


Agnus Dei Council's Mass for Life is meant to emphasize the Incarnation of Christ, which is commemorated in the Feast of the Annunciation, and the beginning of human life at the moment of conception. I am elated that Cardinal Egan has agreed to celebrate this Mass according to the Extraordinary Form. It is testimony that the traditions of our Faith are alive and are being made available to a new generation of Catholics who will play a great role in the pro-life and liturgical aspects of the Catholic Church. More information to follow.

Keep praying for Haiti

As I'm sure you know by now, earthquake-devastated Haiti was hit this morning with a 6.1 aftershock. Please continue praying for the people of Haiti and those are helping in the relief efforts.

One year later, "hope" and "change" are more like "nope" and "derange"

It has been exactly one year since President Barack H. Obama took the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States of America. The man who has promised hope and change to America finally got to where those who trusted him wanted him to be. Finally, change has come.

Unfortunately, the only change we got was back to the Carter Administration.

12 months into the presidency of Barack Obama, and we are even worse off than when George W. Bush headed back to Texas. Whether it be through health care or economic crises, we have seen that President Obama is as incompetent, if not more incompetent, as I feared he would be if he got a hold of the Oval Office.

Let's look back at some of the highlights of the first year of the Obama administration:

-Right of the bat, a number of nominees for cabinet positions like former Senator Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer have to withdraw and now-Treasury secretary Tim Geithner comes under fire over back taxes that they each failed to pay, all owing at least $30,000.

-The stimulus bill that put many workers out of work, but gave a number of "czars" government jobs that the taxpayer has to pay for.

-His radical health care plan is angering a number of Americans for its unconstitutional demand that the citizens of the United States buy government-run health insurance or else pay a fine.

-After promising to bring our troops home, American troops are still in Iraq and he just deployed 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. In other words, troops are still fighting 2 unconstitutional wars after one year of the administration.

There are a few good things that have come from Barack Obama's policy. Namely, Gov. Chris Christie (R-New Jersey), Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-Virginia), and of course, last night, Sen.-elect Scott Brown (R-Massachusetts) who took the seat occupied by the late senator who Obama has hailed as the one who's legacy is the driving force behind Obamacare (apparently, the President has the car in reverse instead of drive).

It is apparent that this administration, which everyone thought would bring promise to America, is turning out to be a disaster and America is not having it. The American people are ready to take back their government, let's see if President Obama gets the message before my 2011 report.

Can you hear the people sing, singing the songs of angry men?

Well, the people of Massachusetts have spoken. And the election of Sen.-elect Scott Brown (R) has sparked the fuse that will spark the second American Revolution. The fact that the people have taken the seat, occupied by both John and Ted Kennedy for over half a century, and entrusted it to Republican hands is proof that the people are fed up with this deceptive, irresponsible, over spending government and want a revolution. This revolution will not necessarily be fought with arms, but with the rights that our Founding Fathers, the original revolutionaries of our beloved Nation, and with those rights, we will fight the tyranny of big government and give it back to the people. The voices of the state where the first revolution was born has been hear loud and clear. Let's join them in their angry song! JOIN OR DIE!

Governor Christopher J. Christie

"States should be labortatories for democracy, not ginuea pigs for federal experiments." - Gov. Chris Christie

"Santo Subito" even more!!

Perhaps one of the most underrated popes (thanks to all the false negative publicity he has received) is Venerable Pius XII, our beloved Holy Father of happy memory. The accusations that he was a Nazi sympathizer who stood by idly while Jews were being slaughtered can be easily refuted by the fact that he has saved more Jews than Oskar Schindler and Irena Sendler, both of whom should be commended for their heroic and saintly work (especially Sendler who lost the Nobel Peace Prize to Al Gore), by hiding up to 1,000 Jews at Castel Gandolfo and countless others in monasteries and convents.

Well, it looks like Pope Pius XII will finally be on the road to beatification if the Congregation for the Causes of Saints approves a miracle which is attributed to the wartime pontiff. Accoriding to CNA, the case under investigation is in the town of Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples, where someonewas apparently completely healed of an incurable form of cancer after asking for Pius XII's intercession.

Pope Pius XII is truly a saintly man, and a humble servant of God. It will be a glorious day for the Church the day he is elevated to the altars as a saint. Please continue to pray for his canonization.

V-L Day?

Less than five hours from now, the polls in Massachusetts will open and the voters of the Bay State will get to choose if Republican Scott Brown or Democrat Martha Coakley, or maybe Chris Daggett...I mean, um, Joe Kennedy will get the chance to succeed both the late Ted Kennedy and Paul Kirk in the United States Senate.

The fact that President Obama had to come up to campaign for Coakley (two words: "JON" and "CORZINE") because he knows that his beloved health scare is in danger if Scott Brown gets elected to the Senate. But I have a feeling that Obamacare will be to Coakley as the stimulus was to Corzine. Let's hope that Massachusetts will follow the same path that New Jersey did and prove that just because a state's icy blue, that doesn't mean that it can't be RED HOT!

SCOTT BROWN FOR U.S. SENATE!

Hypocrisy won't keep Dr. King's dream alive

Today, the United States observes the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since then, the African American community has made many strides despite difficulties such as making strides in education, entertainment, medicine, religion, and government. Some men who were on the frontlines of the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 60s are now members of Congress and hold other political positions such as Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia). Of course, the biggest accomplishment to the black community, as many people will say for years to come, is the election of President Barack H. Obama, the first African-American President of the United States of America.

Yes, thanks to Dr. King, many in the black community have been inspired to strive and give Dr. King credit for that. Unfortunately, there are also some people who claim to be followers of Martin Luther King, Jr., but whose views and actions are closer to those of Bobby Seale, Willie Newton, and Jeremiah Wright.

On of the things that boggles my mind is the attitude of "the black power movement". This movement has claimed bring about black awareness and respect to African traditions, but in my observation, has brought more of the desire for black supremacy and resentment towards whites. It is that attitude of of black entitlement that is an insult to Dr. King's legacy which was equality for all men.

Another thing that is an insult to Dr. King's dream is something that happened almost instantly after his assassination and has remained a stereotype amonst blacks since then: violence. Whether it be an act of retaliation such as Dr. King's assassination and the Rodney King incident, or just senseless violence brought on communities by by rival gangs such as the Bloods and Crips which take away many promising lives at an early age and terrorizes the immediate community.


The most trivial problem, I believe in regards to MLK's legacy, is the loud and boistrous pro-abortion lobby in the African American community. Though it is true that the majority of African Americans are pro-life, there is a vocal minority who happens to get their people elected into political office, and that includes President Obama, and thus become the models to a new generation of black leaders. The black pro-abortion lobby, unfortunately, have been decieved by such organizations such as Planned Parenthood who plan to exterminate African Americans from inside. The civil rights that Martin Luther King fought for were for those who had no voice and were oppressed. Today, that group is the unborn, and we are happy to have Dr. King's niece, Dr. Alveda King, fighting on the side of life and the equal rights of the most vulnerable group of black, white, hispanic, and Asian children.

For us to the keep the dream alive, we must look deep into who we really are and hope that we are different from what we have become. America is the land where all of us enjoy given our God-given rights (no man-made priviliges). Dr. King understood that, and now it's time for us to take on Dr. King's challenge and promote his dream in its true form.

Jon Corzine's last hurrah

As a New Jerseyan, I'm glad to say that after eight years of Democrat rule and 16 years of being ruled by liberals, New Jersey will have a conservative Republican governor who has already proven through his appointments, especially school choice champion Bret Schundler as education commissioner, that he will champion the key social issues that are dear to me.

Until Tuesday, however, we remain under Democrat control.

And how appropriate that the irresponsible spending administration of Gov. Jon Corzine, whose precious gay marriage bill was dead upon arrival on the Senate floor, should end with irresponsible pork spending (though one wonders if it's really pork spending if there's no bill to attach the lard to). In one final stand, Gov. Corzine has awarded $121 million to five cities that are Democrat strongholds (one of which is nearby Camden, go figure).

From the Associated Press via Asbury Park Press:

5 NJ cities awarded $121M in aid; Christie objects
ASSOCIATED PRESS
January 13, 2010

TRENTON — Five of New Jersey's distressed cities were awarded $121 million in special aid on Wednesday, despite loud objections from Republicans, some of whom characterized the distribution as a parting gift to Democratic strongholds by the outgoing administration.

Appropriations to Camden, Paterson, Jersey City, Union City and Bridgeton were approved by the Local Finance Board, a body within the Department of Community Affairs that advises on the financial condition of municipalities.

The allocations were made possible by legislative action Monday that transferred $44 million into the Special Municipal Aid account.

The board approved $67 million for Camden, $27 million for Paterson, $14 million for Jersey City, $11.3 million for Union City, and $2.25 million for Bridgeton.

Republican Gov.-elect Chris Christie, who has been calling out the administration of Gov. Jon Corzine, a Democrat, about the aid packages all week, said he has not ruled out trying to rescind some of the grants after he's sworn into office Jan. 19.

"I'm not going to foreclose any options of what I may do with the distribution of that aid come the 19th of January," Christie said Wednesday. "We're going to look at each particular city's circumstance and see whether or not certain adjustments can or should be made."

Earlier, Republican Sen. Steve Oroho, who sits on the Senate's budget committee, asked the Local Finance Board to put off voting on the grants until Christie's staff could review the applications.

"What's the rush to spend money we don't have," asked Oroho, of Sparta. "Clearly, the Corzine administration is afraid that this process would not survive the scrutiny of a new governor, who demands people play by the rules when handing out taxpayer money."

Corzine is vacationing out of the country. The Department of Community Affairs said in a statement that the state funding allows the municipalities to continue to provide essential services to residents without significantly hiking property taxes or cutting services. The department said the state aid is accompanied by strict oversight, particularly regarding new hires and spending practices.

Sen. Brian Stack, who is also the mayor of Union City, told the board that his hard-pressed municipality of about 85,000 mostly poor immigrants was "doing everything we possibly can" to save money, including using volunteers to shovel show and leaving police positions vacant.

He said the loss of the special state aid would be "a catastrophe."

"I couldn't lay off enough employees to make this up," said Stack. "There would be a shut down of services in Union City. There would be a state of emergency."

The Republicans also noted that Jersey City ended the past two years with budget surpluses of $11 million to $13 million, according to the paperwork that accompanied their application, raising questions as to why the aid was needed.

Jersey City officials said any end-of-year surpluses were figured into the next year's budget. They said without the help from the state, residents would face drastic tax increases.

The aid application also requires cities to disclose their 2010 budgets, but three of the cities that got grants … Camden, Union and Jersey City … listed their expenditures only as "pending." The Republicans claim the applications fell outside the rules.

Jon Corzine has proven time and time again that he is nothing more than just another liberal New Jersey hack who sought only the better good of himself and his cronies than the quality of life of the people. Unlike the other clowns like Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez, however, the people saw that enough was enough and booted out Jon Corzine faster than Shane Victorino can run to second base.

New Jersey is in the red, and it took the people to turn the state red in hopes of getting it back to the green. Let's hope and pray that Governor-elect Chris Christie is the guy that will get New Jersey back on track.

Losing Red Sox Nation

So one of the things that makes a New England politician successful, more than that "D" at the end of their name and a liberal track record, is a love of the Boston Red Sox. That is a very unique trait of politicians from the late-Sen. Ted Kennedy and Sen. John Kerry to Boston Mayor Tom Menino, all Ds and all die-hard Red Sox fans. Needless to say that the voters that hail from Red Sox Nation want their representatives on the federal, state, and local level to represent them from their views, their needs, and yes, their baseball.

So I'm sure that Red Sox fans across the United States loved hearing vaporizing Democrat candidate Martha Coakley call Phillies and Red Sox pitching great Curt Schilling (note the stronger emphasis on Phillies) "another YANKEES fan" (and Red Sox Nation shreaks in terror). Yes, you read that right, Bosox fans, the person that wants to represent you in the U.S. Senate, who wants the seat of one of the biggest Red Sox fans to set foot in Congress, called the bloody sock pitcher on "Nightside with Dan Rea" a "YANKEES fan"!

This is absolute heresy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and it will be interesting to see, as a conservative Yankee hater, how this statement will work on behalf of Red Sox fan Scott Brown on Tuesday.

Note the change of tone in Dan Rea's voice after the infamous claim:

From the motherland

As one who has been to Philippine Islands, the land of my fathers (and pretty much the rest of my family as a first generation American), I can relate to the following case. But first let me tell you a true story. Back in July of 2004, I went to the Philippines to commemorate first anniversary of my grandmother's death. My family and I went to the earliest Sunday Mass which was celebrated at 6:00am (and you complain about getting into the pews at 10:00, ha!) and which was being offered for my grandmother. Well Mass was Mass and after the final blessing came the recessional hymn. However, this hymn sounded familiar...WAIT A SECOND, the SONG (not hymn) was "More" from the 1962 Italian documentary Mondo Cane whose English translation has been covered by such voices as Andy Williams, Jerry Vale, and Johnny Mathis just to name a few.

That's why I was thrilled to hear that Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Archiocese of Ligayen-Dagupan on the island of Luzon told his priests to stop having pop songs used at Mass saying "Secular love songs, even if they have religious themes, do not have any place in the divine liturgy.", stressing obedience to directives given from the Holy See in regards to the issue. He also touched on other issues such as care for sacred vessels and linens as well as modesty in Church. You can read the full letter by clicking here.

A true defender of the Faith if you ask me. Perhaps some of that courage will rub off on some of the bishops here in the United States (with all to due respect them, of course).

Kissing the sacred ring...

Emphasizing Christ in the Liturgy

Earlier this week, Papal Master of Ceremonies Msgr. Guido Marini emphasized the Holy Father's desire for a crucifix to be placed in the middle of the altar to focus the celebrant on Christ. He also emphasized the true meaning of active participation as a means of internal spiritual enrichment as opposed to external physical entertainment.

This is timely as we see in many parishes the increasing emphasis on the people in the congregation while Christ is literally pushed off to side. Fortunately, we've seen that over the past years the feel-good-warm-all-over-mmm-mmm-good-there's no such thing as sin-kumbaya crap is starting to wear off. One might be inclined to blame the popes from Bl. John XXIII to Ven. John Paul II. But they are not to blame. Rather, it is those who refused to teach the fundamental magisterium of the Holy Catholic Church that is the reason for empty seminaries, convents, and pews. It is moral relativism that keeps the confessional open for 15 minutes. But now, things are changing. Christ is finding a way back into the heart of the Catholic Faith and He is doing it through good, holy, and young Catholic priests who have taken the treasures that were left for disposal by their predecessors and refurbishing them for the good of a new generation of Catholics to hold dear.

Needless to say, Pope Benedict XVI is certainly a Godsend. You know that Holy Spirit was certainly working in the Sistine Chapel those two days in April, 2005 because there's no way that some of those cardinals would have selected such a solid man of convictions. But the things that we have seen this Pontiff do in just a little over four years now is amazing and reviving a Church that was down, but far from being out. From Summorum Pontificum to Anglicanorum Coetibus to calling out relativism and sin by their filthy titles to emphasizing the refirm of the reform, Benedict XVI has embodied counter-culture that all Catholics must embrace.

Catholicism is more than just a title, it is a way of life centered on Christ and His teachings. If Catholicism was simply conforming to society, we may as well just become secularists. But guided by the Holy Spirit and ever loyal to the Pope, the Catholic Church will prevail in this troubled world, and do so by conquering it. Pray for this Pope, I want him to be around for a long time and I'm sure you do too. LONG LIVE THE POPE!

A Call to Revolution

New MA poll, Coakley shows her true colors

In the newest Massachusetts Senate poll to come from Suffolk University, we find that Republican State Senator Scott Brown has a 4-point lead over his Democrat challenger, MA Attorney General Martha Coakley in the race for the late-Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat. The poll sits at 50% for Brown and 46% for Coakley with 3% for independent Joseph Kennedy (no relation to Ted) and 1% undecided.

Why does it look like with less than a week a Republican might take the seat of the liberal lion of the Senate? Because even the bluest of blue states, the people are fed up with the same garbage that they've had to endure for years from the lying liberals on things like Ted Kennedy's beloved health care plan. And the people are fed up with such things as Catholic bashing that the liberal nuts have been doing for a long time. Hence, this interview with Martha Coakley on Catholic hospital workers:



The people deserve better and they know it. I plead with you again, if you know anyone living and voting in Massachusetts, please tell them to vote SCOTT BROWN FOR U.S. SENATE.

Developments in Haiti

Thousands are either dead or injured after Tuesday's devasting earthquake in Haiti. Among those who lost their lives was Archbishop Joseph Miot of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince who was a priest for 34 years and a bishop for 12 (archbishop for less than one year). According to the Papal Nuncio to Haiti, Bishop Bernardito Auza, hundreds of priests and seminarians were trapped in the rubble when churches (including the Cathedral) were destroyed. Please continue to pray for those affected by the earthquake and the emergency workers continue the rescue effort.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Click here to donate to Catholic Relief Services or the Knights of Columbus' "United in Charity" campaign by clicking here in their emergency efforts.

2. This Sunday, the Catholic Bishops have announced that an emergency collection will be taken up this Sunday for CRS's services. Please be generous and donate even a small amount. Remember, God is never outdone in generosity.

Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010)

The man who defined the Sound of Philadelphia died last night at the age of 59 at Bryn Mawr Hospital of colon cancer.

Assemblyman Domenick DiCicco

Congratulations to Assemblyman Domenick DiCicco (R-4) on his inauguration yesterday as the newest member of the New Jersey State Assembly. Assemblyman DiCicco, a brother Knight of Columbus, was the only person running for the state legislature to pick up a seat from the other party. Domenick will be a strong pro-life conservative voice in the Assembly and I pray that he will have a very successful term (and many more).

Disaster in Haiti

A powerful earthquake hit Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Tuesday leaving thousands dead and countless other injured in the most powerful earthquake in Haiti in 200 years.

Please keep the people in Haiti, especially those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and those who were injured or affected in other ways, in your prayers.

Scott Brown for U.S. Senate

He was supposed to be Martha Coakley's sacrificial lamb, the one who the Massachusetts Republican Party would send to the lion's den to get devoured so they can move on. But Scott Brown is not giving up a fight, which is why I hope Brown, a 50-year old Massachusetts state senator, is only down by a mere TWO points according to the latest Rasmussen poll in the special election for the late Ted Kennedy's seat.

It makes you wonder how could the liberal Bay State's electorate could possibly be this close to electing a moderate-conservative Republican to represent them in the U.S. Senate? If elected, Brown would be the first Republican to represent Massachusetts since liberal Edward Brooke. But why? How can a Republican be this close to pick up, not just any seat, but Ted Kennedy's seat? Surprisingly enough, it's the health care debate. Apparently, even the libs in Massachusetts know when enough is enough and that this bill is more of a farce on Ted Kennedy.


The best thing about the whole thing is the way the Democrat Coakley campaign is reacting. Amidst the panic, the Coakley campaign hired the DNC's rapid response team's Hari Sevugan to try to manipulate voter responses towards the MA Attorney General. Instead, it has led to the revelation of the brilliancy of the Democrat Party. As Sevugan, a media insider, was harassing the Brown campaign to see if they would seek Sarah Palin's endorsement as a way to prove his theory that Brown was taking money from "the most radical elements of the national Republican Party".

Unfortunately for Sevugan, he was so busy bullying the Brown campaign that he didn't get the memo that Palin just got hired by Fox News to be an analyst. (Aren't you just wild about Hari?)

We are one week away from the special Massachusetts and nothing would shake up the world of American politics and the Obama administration than the election of a Republican to the U.S. Senate from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Voter turnout is expected to be low and Republicans are energized while Democrats are complacent. If you or someone you know lives in Massachusetts please get out the vote for Scott Brown for U.S. Senate!

"To Save a Life"

For anyone not going to the March for Life on January 22, or who is going and needs to find something to do afterwards, maybe going to see To Save a Life which is premiering that day might be a good idea. It stars a few low-profile actors, though people who follow conservative culture should recognize funnyman Steven Crowder who does a lot of undercover work exposing things like universal health care in his native Canada and (he also played the voice of "The Brain" on Arthur). Looks good and hopefully you'll get a chance to see it:

When lame duck is used properly

With only a few days left before Gov.-elect Chris Christie takes office, the NJ State legislature passed a bill legalizing medical marijuana, which is now waiting for Gov. Corzine's signature. Christie said he was not opposed to the bill, though he says it should be tweaked a little bit to be a little more restrictive.

I am very pleased with the result for a number of reasons such as the almost unheard of notion of states' rights and the often misinterpreted notion known as patients' rights. Though restrictive, the bill does allow those who are terminally ill to at least get relief from their pain and those who can't eat can build up an appetite using the plant (that's right people, it's a plant. It belongs to a plant kingdom, so it is a plant).

The problem, of course, lies with the Federal Government, whose restrictions on the plant contributes to the black market. As we can learn from history, prohibition (which was COMPLETELY unconstitutional)caused people to run to speakeasies and spend their money on alcohol from bootleggers who then gave that money to organized crime. So today, money from black market drugs are being used to fund such things as terrorism.

Kudos to the State of New Jersey, now to the Fed to mind their own business. LEGALIZE POT, EMPTY THE PRISONS, END THE POLICE STATE!

Packers 45 - CARDINALS 51 (OT)

I pretty much gave up on football for the season after the Eagles' three-peat disaster to the Cowboys Saturday night, but one cannot ignore Sunday's record setting matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals (despite the fact I didn't watch it). In a high scoring game (a record high), with the Packers scoring 21 points in the 4th quarter, the Cardinals came away with the victory after Karlos Dansby's 17 yard interception return after Aaron Rodgers' fumble.

Two words: KURT WARNER. Nuff said

The Devil's British dilema

Over the past two months since Pope Benedict XVI released the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, we have seen a number of Anglicans petition for full communion with Rome, contrary to the dilusional denial of many ritualists in the Anglican Communion that want to continue to be in communion with Canterbury, but want to work independently from them.

In a growing secular and Islamic society that has infiltrated Britain, perhaps the devil has finally met his match in the man once known as Ratzinger. Though he is not giving up without a fight. Hence this story which I first read on Fr. Z's blog of a bill before the British House of Lords.

From the Telegraph:

Catholic ban on women priests 'illegal under Harriet Harman equality bill'
By Patrick Hennessy
Telegraph Political Editor
10 January 2010


The Roman Catholic ban on women entering the priesthood will become illegal under Harriet Harman's controversial Equality Bill, according to Christian charity, CARE.

A new report by the leading charity – backed by a legal opinion from a leading QC – says the Bill will make it impossible for all churches and faith-based charities to insist that their senior staff lead private lives in accordance with their religious beliefs.

CARE said that, under the Bill, which will be considered by the House of Lords on Monday, it would be illegal for a Christian charity to sack a senior manager for adultery or living an openly gay lifestyle.

The same rules would, it added, apply to Muslim and Jewish churches and charities.

However, the biggest potential showdown is likely to be between the government and Britain's 4.3 million Catholics over the church's tradition of an all-male, celibate priesthood.

Previous legislation in 2007, also backed by Ms Harman, the Commons Leader and equality minister, forced the closure of two Catholic adoption agencies for refusing to comply with new laws requiring them to place children with gay couples.

CARE's report – A Little Bit Against Discrimination? – warns that the proposals contained in the Bill are a serious threat to religious liberty in Britain.

John Bowers QC said in a legal opinion for CARE that the Bill could make it unlawful for a church to require a priest or minister to be male, celibate and unmarried, or not in a civil partnership.

When the Bill, which aims to wrap up all existing equality legislation in one piece of law, was debated in the Commons, ministers MPs tabled more than 100 amendments to it – but ministers imposed a "guillotine" on the Bill and prevented most of them being discussed.

The report's author, Dr Daniel Boucher, said: ''The Equality Bill is a direct assault on the freedom of all faith-based organisations, from churches to charities. This Bill will make it unlawful for those organisations to employ people who are committed to a particular set of religious beliefs.

"This Bill in its current form is a further blow to the faith-based voluntary sector and will leave many people unable to access services they always have.

"This legislation must be revised to recognise our plural society. It must recognise that there are many people in our country who have deeply held religious views and convictions, rather than trying to impose some modern day Stalinistic version of society where there is only ever one view that is right, the Government's."

Overall, the Bill is designed to deliver greater equality between people of different gender, race, religion and class.

However, it has attracted criticism, particularly from businesses. It paves the way for 'gender pay audits' in large companies, obliging employers to disclose the average hourly pay they award male and female workers.

The planned legislation would also allow employers to give preference to female or non-white job applicants over equally qualified white men.

Public bodies would have a legal duty to narrow the gap between the rich and poor in the provision of services. For example, local authorities would be expected to do more to help children from poorer backgrounds.

If passed, the Bill could also oblige public sector bodies to consider the "gender balance" among employees of companies bidding for all government contracts.

Time and time again, the devil has gone after the Catholic priesthood because he knowns that the priest is the only means by which Christ can make Himself truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. No priest, no Mass. No Mass, no Christ. No Christ, no salvation. The devil thought he could wipe the priesthood by the vicious Tudor persecutions in which bishops, priests, and laity alike were martyred for the Holy Catholic Church. But it still survived thorough the strength given to them by Christ. Now that it appears that he may very likely lose the United Kingdom, he is doubling up his efforts by trying once again to make the priesthood illegal. We know he won't win, but prayers are still needed.

The devil knows it's a lost cause, but he's still going to try to steal souls from God through this piece of legislation and through the heresy of liberalism. Let us pray that the torch that Bl. Pius IX was carrying for England in the vision of St. Dominic Savio will shine even brighter as Satan prepares to attack in desperation.

You just got punk'd

Remember when President Obama promised transparency in government when he becomes president? Well, here's what Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pennsylvania), who also happens to be running for the Democrat nomination for the U.S. Senate, had to say about transparency:

The vote that was Jon Corzine

S-1967 The Freedom of Religion in Civil Marriage bill was Governor Jon Corzine's last chance at leaving his indelible mark in the history of the State of New Jersey. With less than one week left, he just wanted to sign a bill that he wanted so badly to sign for the past four years. Surely the Democrat-led Congress would give him one last hoorah before he left. So did the bill pass?

NO

The final tally of the Gay Marriage bill, that sparked enough fight on both sides it could have been Yankees-Red Sox game, sums up the governorship of Jon S. Corzine in one word: FAILURE. Time and time again, Corzine's policies and decisions have proved to be disastrous. A few things come to mind when I think back on Jon Corzine's governorship: high taxes, COAH, and state shutdown. But the failure of the gay marriage bill, which should have been decided by the people, will stick out as the defining moment of the Corzine administration and how the people, who gave him the pink slip in favor of Chris Christie, scared the legislators in Trenton finally showing them who's really the boss.

The Freedom of Religion Bill in Civil Marriage and Governor Jon Corzine: two failures defeated by the people.

The Doctor Is In!

It's been fun watching the Republican primary down in Kentucky to see who gets the chance at a shot at retiring Senator Jim Bunning's (R) seat. On one corner, you have Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, the favored one of the Republican establishment, and most notably, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R). On the other corner, you have an opthamologist from Bowling Green who is running for public office for the first time. He might be new to the political game, but his family sure isn't!

I'm speaking of course of Dr. Rand Paul. Dr. Paul is the son of Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) and the founder of the Kentucky Taxpayers Union. Since he filed to run for U.S. Senate on December 30, 2009, Paul has caught the attention of many in across the country in what appears to be a key battle in a year where Republicans are expected make strides and possibly take one house of Congress.

To date, Paul has raised over $1.7 million in campaign funds, which I'm sure must shock the National Republican Senatorial Committee who has their funds invested on Grayson. Dr. Paul has also received the endorsements of pro-life group Concerned Women for America, the Gun Owners of America and former Republican presidential candidate and financial expert Steve Forbes.

Why the hype about Rand Paul? Because the American people are getting fed up with the same old politics in Washington, whether it be Democrat or Republican. People are fed up with overspending, higher taxes, and unemployement. They are sick of us policing the world and fighting unconstitutional wars. Furthermore, they feel, no, THEY KNOW that their personal liberties are being violated.

Kentucky is no exception.

That is why Rand is up by 19 points over Trey Grayson. Rand, like his father, is staunchly pro-life, pro-gun, anti-war, opposes the bailouts, the USA PATRIOT Act, Obamacare, and our faulty foreign policy. Furthermore, Rand Paul is a champion of bringing about a demise to the Federal Reserve and reforming our tax code. Like father, like son I suppose)

Keep an eye on Kentucky, it's going to be a fun ride!

Former President George W. Bush to receive pro-life award

Granted, former President George W. Bush wasn't exactly Ronald Reagan, especially in his second term. He spent like a liberal, had a less than reputable foreign policy, and wasn't exactly a great communicator. However, if the I had to pick between George W. Bush for a thrid term or President Barack Obama, there wouldn't be any doubt in my mind: I'd pick Bush any day! Why? One simple answer: he's pro-life. And I'd take a babbling pro-lifer over an eloquent pro-abort anyday!

According to LifeNews, Bush will receive the 2009 Cardinal John J. O'Connor Pro-Life award from Legatus, an organization of Catholic business leaders, next month.

President George W. Bush to Get Cardinal O'Connor Pro-Life Award From Legatus
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
January 8, 2010

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Former President George W. Bush will receive the prestigious Cardinal John J. O’Connor Pro-Life Award from the Catholic business group Legatus at a February gala event. The organization says Bush was consistent in his promotion of the pro-life ethic as president.

The group noted that, in one of his last acts as president, before pro-abortion Barack Obama took over the White House, Bush declared Jan. 18, 2009, as “National Sanctity of Human Life Day."

In that proclamation, Bush said “the most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent.”

Kathleen Eaton, the chair of the Legatus summit, where Bush will receive the award, said the proclamation "was the culmination of eight years of pro-life policies."

She hailed Bush for "opposition to embryonic stem-cell research, the appointment of two pro-life Supreme Court Justices, an executive order barring federal funds to be used for abortion-related projects abroad, and a rule protecting federally funded health employees from taking part in abortion or practices that conflict with their faith."

Bush will accept the award and address Legatus members for the first time since leaving office one year ago, Eaton noted on the group's web site.

The former president previously spoke at Legatus’ first annual pro-life conference in Washington, D.C, in early 2001 shortly after taking office as the nation’s 43rd president.

The Summit’s theme, Challenging the Culture, and having Bush as its award recipient is exciting Legatus members, Eaton said.

“I've been speaking to a number of Legatus chapters about the Summit, and people are really excited,” she said. “It’s been a rough year on a number of fronts, and they really need this shot in the arm. They want to come together to pray and learn more about what the Church is saying on different issues.”

Last October, a Canadian pro-life group gave Bush the first pro-life award he has received since leaving office. The Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association presented the president with the award while he was in town to give an address

The group said in a statement that it "had the distinct privilege to present a humble word of thanks to President George W. Bush for his very public determination to protect the unborn while he served two terms as President of the United States."

Bush received the Humanity of the Unborn Child Pro-Life Award and a plaque that states it is "presented with sincere gratitude to President George W. Bush on the occasion of your visit to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on October 21, 2009."

The award is presented "in recognition of your resolve and initiatives in the protection of human life" and features a quote from Pope Benedict XVI saying, “Openness to life is at the center of true development."

During his presidency, Bush is credited with signing the Mexico City Policy to stop the use of taxpayer dollars in foreign nations from promoting and performing abortions.

He also promoted adoption and parental notification laws, encouraged teen abstinence, signed into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, and signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial birth abortion.

Bush also signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004 to protect pregnant women and their unborn children.

Previous recipients of the award include Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, Fr. Thomas Euteneuer of Human Life International, Judie Brown of American Life League, Sen. Rick Santorum, Sen. Sam Brownback, and Rep. Henry Hyde.

Sure President Bush wasn't exactly the greatest president has ever seen. Then again, much of it he brought on himself. He left office very unpopular, though I think in time history will treat him kinder (maybe not too far into the distant future the way things are going). But George W. Bush understood that the basis of morality is the God-given gift of human life and that all other rights flow from that basic rule. At a time when the issue of the Right to Life is at its peek, President Bush stood firm in his conviction that the preborn child must be protected.

Congratulations President Bush!

Internal or External, what will you give to God this year?

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany externally. Traditionally celebrated on January 6, the Church now permits it in some areas to be celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and 8.

Now we can argue on what the Church did or why this or that or whatever, but that's not the point of me writing. I just want to give you something to think about today as we recall the arrival of the magi before the Christ Child. If these three men, wealthy, intelligent, traveled miles to give homage to a Child who appeared to be no richer than an ordinary child, why can we we not give up one hour on a Sunday to the same King who suffered and died with the weight of OUR sins on His shoulder, though He appear as nothing more than an ordinary piece of bread?

Brothers and sisters, what appears to be more than bread is the greatest Gift that God can give us which is Himself in the appearance of bread and wine. And in the same way the magi presented their treasures to the Christ Child, so should we give of ourseleves to Him in our particular state in life. Give Him the time of day, say a prayer, talk to Him, go to Eucharistic Adoration, try to attend Mass more often, even daily if possible. Sanctify 2010 by striving to be closer to Him who by His Grace has brought us to this new year. In doing so, may you become that star shining brightly to lead those who seek Him this year.

Happy New Year! Hope you have a blast, um, WELL...

To be quite honest, I'm so glad that 2009 is over, and I'm going to start blogging again. Yes, we did get some victories (thank you Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell), but that doesn't clear up the fact that almost one year ago, the man who promised to change America "fundamentally" took hold of the post he currently holds today.

But 2010 should be a year of big expectations, namely changing Trenton by demoting Madame Pelosi, getting rid of Dingy Harry and Dodo Dodd, and bringing about real change to the culture of Washington.

But first things first.

After the failed Christmas bombing by the underwear bomber, I think it's time for Paul Giamatti to go back to making movies and stick to playing John Adams if you so choose to stay in politics. For those who don't get that reference, let me clarify my musing in laymen's terms: Janet Napolitano has to resign. It is clear that Napolitano, who heads the Department of Homeland Security, has no idea what she's doing, and one can make the argument that, to be quite frank, she doesn't care. How do we know? Shortly after the falied attack, Napolitano asserted that the system "worked" (a statement later contradicted by her own boss, President Obama).

So obviously, Republicans are calling for Napolitano's resignation. But as of late, some key Democrats have called to Napolitano to quit as well, such as New Jersey State Senate president Richard Codey and former advisor to Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) Dan Gerstein.

But I want to take that one step further. I believe that the Department of Homeland Security should be abolished. Hear me out, we are in economic straights right now, and another bureaucracy is not going to help solve that problem. Granted, perhaps created in a moment of panic by President Bush shortly after 9/11. But as we have seen, it is no more effective than if we just left it in the hands of the Department of Justice (which has too much power as well, but that's a different discussion). The experiment is costing the American taxpayer X-amount of dollars that we already don't have.

Get rid of Janet Napolitano, get rid of unnecessary bureaucracies, and bring real change in November!