Vote Kerry . . .

[Good Friday]

Since we're less than a week away from the election, I've decided to use my last post at Phatmass to explain why I believe that Sen. Kerry is the only viable option for Catholics, and why I don't think Catholics should vote for President Bush. I'm aware that this won't be popular -- still, I'm asking dUSt and the moderators to please allow this post to stand, in the interest of fairness.

[b]Abortion[/b]

Sen. Kerry's position on abortion is clear: although he believes that abortion should be rare, he believes in the legality of a woman's right to choose. This leads many Catholics to believe that they should not vote for Sen. Kerry.

But what is President Bush's position on abortion, looking at his record rather than his words? Words are meaningless if they don't have actions to back them up.

1. In the 2002-2003 fiscal year, STOPP (an affiliate of American Life League) reports that Planned Parenthood received 33% or 1/3 of its income from the federal government -- $254.4 million. That's roughly the same amount as under the Clinton Administration, when Planned Parenthood also received approximately 1/3 of its income from the federal government. President Bush said in the second presidential debate that abortion should not be funded by taxpayers' money, but 1/3 of the income of the largest abortion provider in the country is provided by taxpayers' money under the Bush Administration, just as it was under the Clinton Administration.

It is unlikely that Sen. Kerry would provide more funding to Planned Parenthood than the 1/3 of its income provided by the Clinton and Bush Administrations, leaving virtually no difference between President Bush and Sen. Kerry on funding to Planned Parenthood.

2. President Bush is fond of mentioning the partial-birth abortion ban when mentioning his contribution to the pro-life cause, but the truth is that the partial-birth abortion ban will not prevent a single abortion in this country. There are four methods of late term abortion: partial-birth, salt poisoning, prostaglandins and hysterectomy. If partial-birth abortion is banned, late term abortions will still continue, using one of the other three methods. The problem with the other three methods is that they cause more pain to the fetus and pose a greater risk to the life and health of the mother than partial-birth abortion does. Not only will the partial-birth abortion ban not prevent a single abortion, but it will also cause more pain to late term fetuses and pose a greater risk to women who choose late term abortion.

Sen. Kerry opposed the partial-birth abortion ban because it did not include a clause for the life and health of the mother, something that is very important to him and something that the Supreme Court requires in any ban or limitation of late term abortion. Thus, Sen. Kerry opposed a useless bill that would not prevent a single abortion, and that was destined to be overturned because of the refusal of President Bush and Republicans in Congress to work with the judicial branch of our government. President Bush wasted tax dollars to create a wedge issue to divide America; Sen. Kerry did not.

3. In the second presidential debate, President Bush mentioned that he supported parental notification laws. This does seem to be true. As Governor of Texas, he signed into law a parental notification bill. Unfortunately, the Texas Supreme Court, to which President Bush had appointed several justices and supported the appointment of the Chief Justice, overturned the very same parental notification law. Bush's own appointees overturned the law as unconstitutional, including the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. Are we really to trust that he will appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court of the United States? He didn't in Texas.

4. President Bush claims that the Unborn Victims of Violence Act is another piece of pro-life legislation that he supported, but in fact the Unborn Victims of Violence Act will not prevent a single abortion in this country. It has nothing to do with abortion. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act seeks to charge a suspect with two murders in cases in which both a mother and unborn child are murdered, as in the case of Laci Peterson. This would have no effect on abortion in this country, nor would it increase the penalty for criminals in most cases -- criminals are almost always given the maximum penalty for murder, regardless of the number of victims. Another useless piece of legislation, and another useless waste of tax dollars, supported by President Bush.

5. One of the enduring hopes of pro-lifers is that President Bush will appoint pro-life judges to court appointments, and that he will appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court of the United States. Unfortunately, President Bush has stated on numerous occasions that he will not give his appointees a litmus test, and that he will appoint strict constructionists -- not necessarily pro-lifers. We know already that his appointees in Texas were not pro-life, which is why they helped to overturn the parental notification bill that he signed into law. We also know that seven out of nine justices already on the Supreme Court were appointed by Republican Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, but they have not overturned [i]Roe v. Wade[/i] and many of them have voted consistently pro-choice. Can we really trust President Bush to appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court? His Republican predecessors have not, and his own record shows that he may not.

The conclusion one must come to is that President Bush has not done anything meaningful to overturn abortion rights laws in this country, nor has he even effectively limited the number of abortions. In fact, according to an article in the [i]Houston Chronicle[/i], the abortion rate has increased after a 17.4% decrease in the 1990s (read: during the Clinton Administration). Yes, the abortion rate has [b]increased[/b] under this allegedly pro-life Administration, but it [b]decreased[/b] under the previous pro-choice Administration. Why? Because the legislative approach to overcoming abortion has failed consistently for over thirty years, but the socio-economic approach -- eliminating the socio-economic factors that lead women to choose abortion -- has been proven to work, in that abortion decreased even under an Administration that looked on it favorably. It is this same socio-economic approach to limiting abortion, so effective under the Clinton Administration, that Sen. Kerry and Democrats propose. It is the only approach known to have any effect on the number of abortions.

[b]Other "Non-Negotiable" Life Issues[/b]

We all know that Sen. Kerry supports embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. But what is President Bush's position?

Most assume that President Bush is firmly opposed to embryonic stem cell research, but that is not the case. In fact, as he is fond of stating, President Bush was the first President of the United States to provide any federal funding to embryonic stem cell research -- he provided it for stem cell lines that had already been established, in which the embryos had already been destroyed. Prior to that, there was no federal funding to embryonic stem cell research at all. Although this satisfied some pro-life groups, such as the Priests for Life, it did not satisfy others. The American Life League has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Bush policy, stating that President Bush has now involved the American taxpayer in actions that are intrinsically evil, and that it is never acceptable to fund embryonic stem cell research -- even when the embryos have already been destroyed. They use the "slippery slope" argument, and they are concerned that more funding to embryonic stem cell research will be provided, even under the Bush Administration. They're not the only ones; then-president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, was also critical of his policy. The USCCB and American Life League were joined by Human Life International, Operation Save America, the Republican National Coalition for Life, the Family Research Council and several other pro-life and conservative groups in opposing President Bush's policy.

Most assume that President Bush is firmly opposed to human cloning, but again, the American Life League questions that. President Bush has appointed supporters of human cloning to Health Department positions, and he (along with his allies in Congress) were responsible for backdooring a piece of legislation that would have been the strongest legislative limitation of human cloning yet.

President Bush has done nothing to overturn abortion or limit the number of abortions, nor has he been firm in his opposition to embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. Is this the Catholic candidate?

[b]Other Apparently "Negotiable" Life Issues[/b]

Pope John Paul II stated in [i]Evangelium Vitae[/i] that criminals should not be executed unless it is necessary to do so to protect society from said criminals, and that such cases were "very rare, if not practically non-existent" as a result of improvements in the penal system.

How do the candidates measure up on the death penalty?

According to an Amnesty International report, 1/5 (20%) of executions carried out in the United States since 1977 have passed President Bush's desk, both as Governor of Texas and as President of the United States. In fact, 152 executions were carried out in Texas during Bush's five year term as Governor. The first three federal executions since 1963 have been carried out under the Bush Administration. President Bush has continually flouted international law regarding the death penalty as both Governor of Texas and President. Are these the rare, if not non-existent, cases in which the death penalty may be warranted?

Sen. Kerry opposes all use of capital punishment, except in the case of terrorists.

But what about war?

As of September 8, 1,129 coalition casualties had been reported, with 1,002 of them from the United States. As of October 17, civilian casualties in Iraq had reached a minimum of 13,278. And yet this is a war that has been criticized by the Pope and by many at the Vatican, a war which may be unjust. It has most recently been criticized by Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican's foreign minister, at the United Nations General Assembly. If this war is truly unjust, then the blood of all coalition and Iraqi casualties is on the hands of President Bush.

On the other hand, Sen. Kerry voted to authorize the President to use force -- but disagreed with the time and way in which he chose to use it. Sen. Kerry has said that he would not have gone to war with Iraq without allowing the U.N. inspectors to finish the job there, and that he would have exhausted all other methods of deterring Saddam Hussein before opting for war -- a prerequisite for a just war. Sen. Kerry is in compliance with the just war doctrine, but President Bush may not be.

[b]Why Kerry?[/b]

Although it is true that Sen. Kerry supports abortion, embryonic stem cell research and human cloning -- it is also true that President Bush has done nothing to overturn abortion or limit its number, that he has been the first President to give federal funding to embryonic stem cell research, and that he is soft on human cloning. Wouldn't we rather have a President who is honest about his position on these issues, even if we disagree with his position, than a President who misleads us?

It's also true that Sen. Kerry also complies with the church's doctrine on other life issues, like capital punishment and just war. He is also much closer to the church's socio-economic doctrine -- support for labor unions, a living wage, labor rights, etc. Unfortunately, Republicans oppose labor unions, they will not even increase the minimum wage, and they are weak on labor rights. Many Republicans, and especially President Bush, are weak on capital punishment and just war.

It's time for Catholics to wake up and realize that President Bush is not truly the Catholic candidate, and that he has been misleading them about his respect for Catholic doctrine. It's also time for Catholics to realize that President Bush has allies in the church, allies who have been helping him mislead Catholics so that he can win re-election -- because he does need our vote, and he and his allies know it. It's time for Catholics to look at the whole range of issues, realizing that President Bush has only been giving lip service to the pro-life cause, and that he has not truly done anything to limit abortion. He's terrified that Catholics will look at all the issues, because a look at the whole range of issues will reveal that it is Sen. Kerry, and not President Bush, who is more closely aligned to Catholic teaching.

[azaelia]

Here's some reading for you. Enjoy.

[quote]
Below is a list of President Bush's pro-life efforts and accomplishments in regard to protecting children in the womb and promoting the sanctity of life.  I include some accomplishments in other areas but mostly focus on his pro-life record. This list is by no means comprehensive.  When considering other issues much more could be added to the list of positive things that Bush has done since he has been in office.

I started to compile this list shortly after the President was reinaugurated after hearing from many, who consider themselves pro-life, that Bush was not really pro-life. I disagreed and began compiling this list. I had no idea when I started that it would be so long.

Some may ask if  President Bush is so pro-life why hasn't abortion ended. President Bush has not had an opportunity to appoint a Supreme Court Justice. Also, in practically every effort to protect the unborn President Bush has been opposed mostly by pro-abortion Democrats.

Is President Bush perfect? No. Do I agree with him on everything? No. But I look at his overall record and consider the alternative.  Senator Kerry is a pro-abortion extremist.  He has pledged to only appoint pro-abortion judges to the Supreme Court who will uphold Roe vs. Wade.

I plan to vote for President Bush for re-election and I hope you will do the same.

Fr. Peter West

January 22, 2001 President Bush Reinstates Mexico City Policy (bans use of U.S. money for organizations that promote abortion overseas)
[url="http://www.humaneventsonline.com/articles/01-29-01/mexicocity.html"]http://www.humaneventsonline.com/articles/...mexicocity.html[/url]

March 22, 2001 President Bush Helps Dedicate Pope John Paul II Cultural Center  [url="http://www.nrlc.org/news/2001/NRL04/"]http://www.nrlc.org/news/2001/NRL04/[/url]

"The Pope reminds us that while freedom defines our nation, responsibility must define our lives," the President said. "He challenges us to live up to our aspirations, to be a fair and just society where all are welcomed, all
are valued, and all are protected. And he is never more eloquent than when he speaks for a culture of life. The culture of life is a welcoming culture, never excluding, never dividing, never despairing and always affirming the
goodness of life in all its seasons."

March 28, 2001  Reuters reports "Bush issues abortion rule order, outflanks Senate"
[url="http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/bush_abortionrights010122.html"]http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/Da...ghts010122.html[/url]

April 17, 2001 President Bush Restricts RU-86 Funding and Close White House Feminist Office
[url="http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2001/apr/01040303.html"]http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2001/apr/01040303.html[/url]

April 24, 2001 Bush Bans Sex Films from Air Force One
[url="http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_270918.html"]http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_270918.html[/url]

April 25, 2001 President Bush appoints Fatherhood proponent
[url="http://www.familiesnorthwest.org/dynpage.cfm?DPID=65"]http://www.familiesnorthwest.org/dynpage.cfm?DPID=65[/url]

April 30, 2001 Proclamation - National Day of Prayer
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/04/20010430-2.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20010430-2.html[/url]

May 16, 2001 U.S. House Backs President Bush in Denying Funds to Overseas Groups That Promote Abortion Legalization
[url="http://www.consistentlife.org/US%20House%20Upholds%20Pro-life%20Mexico%20City%20Policy.htm"]http://www.consistentlife.org/US%20House%2...ty%20Policy.htm[/url]

May 17, 2001 Bush Administration Begins Effort to Put Pro-Life Advocates on International Panels Source: Washington Post

May 21, 2001  Further Analysis Shows Bush's First Judicial Picks Promising Source: Pro-Life Infonet

May 26 Bush Overrules Powell on Nominee Appoints Pro-lifer to Important State Department Post
[url="http://tennesseerighttolife.org/news_center/archives/05262001-03.htm"]http://tennesseerighttolife.org/news_cente...05262001-03.htm[/url]

June 1, 2001 Bush Won't Issue Gay Proclamation,  Opts Out of Gay Pride Day Source: Associated Press

June 21, 2001 Bush Supports Strongest Pro-Life Ban on Human Cloning Source: Associated Press

July 6, 2001 Bush Administration  Awards Abstinence Grants to CPCs, Pro-Life Groups

August 13, 2001 Bush Would Veto Any Funding of Additional ESCR

August 16, 2001 Attorney General John Ashcroft recently warned that less than 10 % of judges nominated by Bush have even had a hearing before the Democratically led Senate Judiciary Committee

August 28, 2001 Bush Won't Back Down to the United Nations on Abortion Source: Reuters

October 15, 2001 Bush Administration Awards Adoption Awareness Grants- HHS Press Release

November 7, 2001 White House and Lawmakers Fight Pro-Abortion Amendments

November 7, 2001 Democratically Led Senate Attempts to Weaken Pro-Life Policies Are Blocked by Veto Threats and Pro-Life Lawmakers

December 5, 2001 Bush Selects Pro-Life Ex-Gov to Head Republican Party

December 10, 2002  Changes in the White House (from the Patriot's Herald)
[url="http://www.patriotsherald.com/content/changed.php"]http://www.patriotsherald.com/content/changed.php[/url]

January 31, 2002 Bush Administration Proposes Coverage of Unborn Children in Health Insurance [url="http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2002/jan/02013106.html"]http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2002/jan/02013106.html[/url]

February 26, 2002  President Bush's Remarks at St. Luke's Catholic Church
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/02/images/20020226-11.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...0020226-11.html[/url]

September 27, 2002 Bush Administration Finalizes Coverage of Unborn Child in Health Insurance [url="http://www.vshl.org/press/2002/nrlc_20020927.shtml"]http://www.vshl.org/press/2002/nrlc_20020927.shtml[/url]

January 18, 2002 Bush Declares Sanctity of Life Day January 20, 2002
[url="http://www.priestsforlife.org/government/02-01-18bush.htm"]http://www.priestsforlife.org/government/02-01-18bush.htm[/url]

January 22, 2002 Remarks By President Bush in Phone Call to March For Life Participants [url="http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2002/jan/020122a.html"]http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2002/jan/020122a.html[/url]

January 20, 2002 President Bush Seeks Increased Abstinence Funding Source: Associated Press

January 31, 2002 Bush Administration Classifies Developing Fetus as Unborn Child  Source: Associated Press

States may classify a developing fetus as an "unborn child" eligible for government health care, the Bush administration said Thursday, giving low-income women access to prenatal care and bolstering the arguments of
abortion opponents.

February 1, 2002 President Bush has chosen an advocate for the aging who once worked with Mother Teresa to head his revamped effort to provide federal funds to religious charities.  See the interview with Jim Towey in Crisis Magazine [url="http://www.crisismagazine.com/june2002/feature6.htm"]http://www.crisismagazine.com/june2002/feature6.htm[/url]

February 2, 2002 President Bush's Sincere Appreciation For Prayers Said For Him [url="http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/bushprayerreq.htm"]http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/bushprayerreq.htm[/url]
[url="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/624592/posts"]http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/624592/posts[/url]

February 26, 2002  The President's Welfare Reform focuses on families, abstinence and work [url="http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0019805.html"]http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0019805.html[/url]

March 6, 2002  Bush's National Institute of Health Nominee Supports Complete Ban on Human Cloning Source: Washington Post, Baltimore Sun

March 14, 2002 Democratically led Senate quashes Nomination of Pro-Life Judge Charles Pickering
[url="http://www.reclaimamerica.org/PAGES/NEWS/newspage.asp?story=918"]http://www.reclaimamerica.org/PAGES/NEWS/n...e.asp?story=918[/url]

April 8, 2002 President Bush Will Speak to Pro-Life Leaders Wednesday Source: National Right to Life News

April 10, 2002 President Bush's Remarks in Opposition to Human Cloning
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/04/20020410-4.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20020410-4.html[/url]

April 11, 2002 President Bush Calls on Senate to Back Human Cloning Ban [url="http://www.nrlc.org/nv041102.html"]http://www.nrlc.org/nv041102.html[/url]

April 11, 2002 UN Decides Against Cairo+10, Fears Bush Administration Source: Friday Fax

May 2, 2002 Proclamation National Day of Prayer [url="http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/media/president.cfm"]http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/media/president.cfm[/url]

May 2, 2002  Bush Administration Opposing Abortion at UN Child Conference Source: Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute

May 23, 2002 Pro-Life Judge D. Brook Smith confirmed for Third Circuit Court of Appeals  [url="http://www.reclaimamerica.org/PAGES/SHAKE/shakeHome.asp"]http://www.reclaimamerica.org/PAGES/SHAKE/shakeHome.asp[/url]

May 26, 2002  Atheist loses bid to halt Bush's faith references
[url="http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/2882530p-3704157c.html"]http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/sto...p-3704157c.html[/url]

May 31, 2002 Crisis Magazine Editor Evaluates Bush's Relations With U.S.
Catholics  [url="http://www.cin.org/archives/cinjub/200206/0009.html"]http://www.cin.org/archives/cinjub/200206/0009.html[/url]

July 9, 2002 Pro-Abortion Groups Attack Bush Judicial Nominee- Priscilla Owen
Source: Reported by Associated Press

July 22, 2002 Bush Administration Withholds UNFPA Money Source: Associated Press

July 24, 2002 Bush Announces Initiavtive to Encourage Adoptoin of Children in Foster Care [url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/07/20020723.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...7/20020723.html[/url]

July 29, 2002 Bush Inherited a Weak Economy: By January 2001 when Bush took office Nasdaq tumbled 46% off its peak and the GDP had decelerated to 1.9% in the quarter just ended from 5.7% just six months earlier.
Source: Editorial in Investors Business Daily

August 5, 2002 Bush Signs Born-Alive Infants Protection Act Source: National Right to Life Committee
[url="http://www.nrlc.org/Federal/Born_Alive_Infants/"]http://www.nrlc.org/Federal/Born_Alive_Infants/[/url]

September 17, 2002 NARAL Opposes Michael McConnell's Nomination to the Tenth Circuit Court Of Appeals
Statement of NARAL President Kate Michelman
[url="http://www.naral.org/mediaresources/press/2002/pr091702_mcconnell.html"]http://www.naral.org/mediaresources/press/..._mcconnell.html[/url]

October 3, 2002 Democrat-Controlled U.S. Senate Kills Pro-Life Bills Favored by President Bush and Passed by U.S. House
[url="http://www.nrlc.org/Federal/LegUpdates/Congressionalwrapup100302.html"]http://www.nrlc.org/Federal/LegUpdates/Con...apup100302.html[/url]

*  The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (H.R. 4965), passed by the House on July 24, 2002, 274-151.

* The Weldon-Stupak-Brownback legislation to ban all human cloning, including the cloning of human embryos (H.R. 2505, S. 1899), passed by the House on July 31, 2001, 265-162.

*  The Unborn Victims of Violence Act (H.R. 503), a bill to recognize as a legal victim any unborn child who is injured or killed during commission of a federal crime, passed by the House on April 26, 2001, 252-172.

*  The Child Custody Protection Act (H.R. 476), to make it a crime to take a minor across state lines for a secret abortion, if this abridges her parents ' right to be involved under their home-state law, passed by the House on
April 17, 2002,  260-161.

*  The Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 4691), to prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against hospitals and other health care providers for refusing to participate in abortions, passed by the House
on September 25, 2002, 229-189.

October 6, 2002 President Bush Building Strong Pro-Life Record
Source: Boston Globe

October 14, 2002  White House staffers gather for  Voluntary Bible Study Voluntary Meetings
Source: USA Today

October 17, 2002 Germany Attacks Bush Administration Position Against All Human Cloning
Source: Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute

October 29, 2002 Pro-Abortion Group and  Senator Daschle jointly appeal for pro-abortion Senate- Reported by National Right to Life Source: Email Sent From NARAL

October 29, 2002 Pro-Abortion Group opposes nomination of Dr. W. David Hager to chair the Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee.  Hager is a member groups like Christian Medical Association and  Physicians
Resource Council for Focus on the Family  Source: California Abortion Rights Action League  [url="http://www.caral.org/alert_current.html"]http://www.caral.org/alert_current.html[/url]

October 30, 2002 Bush Directs Advisory Committee to Protect Human Embryos
Source: Associated Press,Washington Post

October 31, 2002 Pro-Life Groups Applaud Bush Decision on Human Embryos
Source:Cybercast News Service

November 1, 2002 Bush backs away from reproductive health pact
Source: Knight Ridder Newspapers
[url="http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/4424134.htm"]http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/4424134.htm[/url]

November 8, 2002 Bush Administration Fights for UN to Oppose All Human Cloning
Source: Reuters

November 8, 2002 Bush Right to Oppose Abortion at International Meetings
Source: Population Resource Institute

November 14, 2002 White House Pressures Congress to Keep Military Abortion Ban
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

Novermber 18, 2002  Pro-Abortion Senators May Filibuster Pro-Life Judicial Nominee
Source: NY Times, National Review

November 19, 2002  Senate Approves Pro-Life Judicial Nominee
Source:Associated Press

November 19, 2002  Bush Administration Opposition Continues to Derail Fake UN Cloning Ban
Source: Associated Press

November 21, 2002  Bush Nominee for FDA Panel Says RU 486 Unsafe
Source: Cybercast News Service

November 25, 2002  Abortion Advocates Bash Bush's Pro-Life Foreign Policy
Source: Cybercast News Service

November 26, 2002  Don't Believe the Media Portrayal of Bush as Not Pro-Life
Source: by Paul Weyrich  Cybercast News Service

November 27, 2002  Radicals Attack Bush Because of UN Pro-life Stance
Source:  Austin Ruse of Friday Fax

December 3, 2002  Ralph Neas of the Pro-Abortion Group  People For The American Way President Bush for Nominating Pro-Life Judges
Source:  People For the American Way

December 9, 2002  Bush Administration Cracks Down on Illegally Imported Abortion Drugs
Source: Associated Press

December 10, 2002  Bush May Nominate Pro-Life Supreme Court, Appeals Court Justices
Source: New York Times, U.S. News and World Report

December 12, 2002 Bush Srongly Condemns Racism While Promoting Faith Based Initiatives
See the President's Remarks at
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/12/20021212-3.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20021212-3.html[/url]

December 12, 2002  Congressional Letter Supports Bush Opposition to International Abortion Advocacy
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

December 15, 2002 UN Population Summit Begins, Bush Administration Battles Abortion Advocates
Source: Associated Press, Knight Ridder Newspapers

December 17, 2002  Bush Admin. Called 'Heroic' For Opposing Abortion At Population Summit
Source: Cybercast News Service

December 20, 2002  The chairman of President Bush's bioethics council , Dr.
Leon R. Kass of the University of Chicago,  accused Stanford University
today of trying to conceal the true nature of its  stem cell research plan.
Source: Associated Press:
[url="http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A15872-2002Dec20?language=printer"]http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A...anguage=printer[/url]

December 26, 2002  Bush Admin Appoints Pro-Life Doc to FDA Panel
Source: Associated Press

December 27, 2002 US Attacked for Pro-life Stance at UN Conference  in
Bangkok
Source: Friday Fax

December 31, 2002  Abortion Opponent Is Named to Panel On Women's Health
Source: Associated Press

January 3, 2003  Pro-Abortion Groups Hope Bush Won't Renominate Owens
Source: Associated Press

Lt Col. Rick Jones HQ USAF/ILMY  speaks about meeting Bush at the Pentagon:
[url="http://www.ahherald.com/window_redbank/wrb011101_close.htm"]http://www.ahherald.com/window_redbank/wrb011101_close.htm[/url]

January 7, 2003 Bush Renominates Pro-Life Judicial Candidates
Source: Associated Press

Planned Parenthood Attacks Bush on Pro-Life Record
Source: Planned Parenthodd's Website:
[url="http://www.saveroe.com/wow/chronology/wow_chronology_dec00.asp"]http://www.saveroe.com/wow/chronology/wow_...ology_dec00.asp[/url]

January 14, 2003 President Bush Declares Sanctity of Human Life Day
Source: Associated Press  Also see:
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030114-13.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...0030114-13.html[/url]

January 22, 2003 Bush Addresses Pro-Lifers Assembled For March For Life
[url="http://www.righttoliferoch.org/nmfl2003bush.htm"]http://www.righttoliferoch.org/nmfl2003bush.htm[/url]

January 22, 2003 Bush Admin Diverts UNFPA Funds to Maternal Health Programs
Source: Reuters

January 25, 2003  Abortion Advocates Attack Another Bush Pro-Life Judicial
Nominee
Source: Los Angeles Times

January 27, 2003 Pro-Abortion Feminist Majority Opposes Bush's Latest
Pro-Life Woman Judicial Nominee
Source: Feminist Daily News Wire:
[url="http://www.feminist.org/news/newsbyte/uswirestory.asp?id=7465"]http://www.feminist.org/news/newsbyte/uswi...ory.asp?id=7465[/url]

January 28, 2003 President Bush Calls for Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion and Human Cloning in His State of the Union Address Source: Pro-Life Infonet See also: [url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030128-19.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...0030128-19.html[/url]
"By caring for children who need mentors, and for addicted men and women who need treatment, we are building a more welcoming society - a culture that values every life. And in this work we must not overlook the weakest among us. I ask you to protect infants at the very hour of birth, and end the practice of partial-birth abortion. And because no human life should be started or ended as the object of an experiment, I ask you to set a high standard for humanity and pass a law against all human cloning."

January 28, 2003 NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE APPLAUDS BUSH STATEMENTS ON PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION,  HUMAN CLONING, AND HEALTH CARE RATIONING
Source: Press Release from the National Right to Life Committee

January 30, 2003 Pro-Abortion Democrats Block Aid to Women in Afghanistan
Source: Friday Fax

January 30, 2003  PRESIDENT BUSH ANNOUNCES NEW $300 MILLION MENTORING PROGRAM FOR  DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
Source:  Press release from the U.S. Department of Education
[url="http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/01-2003/01302003a.html"]http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/01-2003/01302003a.html[/url]

February 1, 2003  Pro-Abortion Groups Urge Filibuster of Bush Judicial Nomination
Source: National Right to Life

February 6, 2003  Bush Will Veto Spending Bill That Doesn't Ban Abortion Funding
Source: Washington Times, Washington Post

February 11, 2003  Senate Democrats Say They Can Block Bush Judicial Nominee
Source: Associated Press

February 12, 2003 The new guidelines, part of President Bush's No Child Left
Behind Act of 2001, will affect schools across the country.

The guidelines state:Students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions.
Source: Courier Post Online
[url="http://www.southjerseynews.com/issues/february/m022303d.htm"]http://www.southjerseynews.com/issues/february/m022303d.htm[/url]

Max Lucado with President Bush (Bush says he feels stronger than ever because of all the people praying for him:
[url="http://www.stjohnsmarysville.org/notes-n-news.htm"]http://www.stjohnsmarysville.org/notes-n-news.htm[/url]

February 17, 2003 Bush may tap California Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown, a conservative judge who ruled against affirmative action and abortion rights, if a spot opens on the U.S. Supreme Court
Source: Newsweek

February 17, 2003 President Bush May Deny AIDS Funding to Pro-Abortion Groups
Source: Associated Press

Why and How the Military Salutes President Bush      Source: The Patriot's Herald  [url="http://www.patriotsherald.com/content/salute.php"]http://www.patriotsherald.com/content/salute.php[/url]

February 26, 2003 White House condemns "human embryo farms" amendment
Source: National Right to Life

February 26, 2003 President Bush Urges Congress to Vote for Pro-Life Cloning Ban
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

February 27, 2003 California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Urges Senators to Oppose Bush's Pro-Life Nominees to U.S. Court of appeals:  Miguel Estrada and Jeffrey Sutton Source: email from California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League

March 4, 2003  Paige lauds Stanford school-reform plan

Education Secretary Rod Paige yesterday applauded a report by a Stanford University think thank that calls on federal and state governments to "explore additional forms of school choice, pushing far beyond the boundaries of within-district public school choice."
Source: Washington Times

March 5, 2003  Newsweek Profiles Bush as Most Religious President of Recent Times
Source: Newsweek

March 11, 2003  Bush Administration Issues Statement Supporting Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

March 13, 2003  Senate G.O.P. Holds Firm as Vote on Abortion Nears
Source: New York Times
[url="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30A10FA385A0C708DDDAA0894DB4"]http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html...708DDDAA0894DB4[/url]
04482

March 13, 2003  Senate Passes Partial-Birth Abortion Ban by Wide Margin
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

March 13, 2003 Bush Pro-Life Judicial Nominee Texas Supreme Court Judge
Priscilla Owen May Receive Vote Soon
Source: Associated Press

March 24, 2003 Bush Administration Provides Record Funding for  Abstinence
Education
Source: Washington Times

March 20, 2003 Another Bush Pro-Life Judicial Nominee - Carolyn Will Be
Smeared By Liberals
Source: Traditional Values Coalition
[url="http://traditionalvalues.org/print.php?sid=818"]http://traditionalvalues.org/print.php?sid=818[/url]

March 27, 2003 Senate Judiciary Committee Confirms Bush Pro-Life Judicial
Nomineee - Priscilla Owen
Source: Associated Press

March 31, 2003 California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League
Urges Senator Feinstein to Oppose Bush's Pro-Life Nominee to the Court of
the Appeals - Judge Carolyn Kuhl
Source: email from California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League

April 8, 2003 California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League
Urges Senators to Oppose Bush Pro-Life Judicial Nomineee - Priscilla Owen
Source: email from California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League

April 12, 2003Touching Story About Bush Praying For Wounded Troops on Visit
to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.  Source:
[url="http://www.heinvites.org/fullStory.php3/0615.html"]http://www.heinvites.org/fullStory.php3/0615.html[/url]  and
[url="http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/injured.asp"]http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/injured.asp[/url]

April 10, 2003 Senate Committee Will Vote This Month on Next Bush Pro-Life
Judicial Nominee - Carolyn Kuhl  Source: Pro-Life Infonet

April 10, 2003 President Bush Nominates Another Pro-Lifer for Judicial Spot - Alabama's Pro-Life Attorney General Bill Pryor 
Source: Mobile Register

April 15, 2003 God-Free School Zones U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige is under fire for defending religious freedom  OpinionJournal.Com

April 15, 2003  President Cites the "Power of Prayer" in POW Safety Returning from Camp David on Sunday, President Bush was asked after gettingoff the helicopter what role faith and prayer had in the rescue of the POWs and in comforting their families. He said, "A lot of them told me they had been sustained by prayer, been comforted by the Almighty during what had to have been very difficult times. They told me that they felt their prayers had been answered. Prayer is powerful   
Source: Presidential Prayer Team [PrayerTeam@PresidentialPrayerTeam.org]

April 17, 2003  Schumer: Catholics Need Not Apply: Ken Connor President of Family Research Council Criticizes New York Senator Chuck Schumer for Opposing Bush's Catholic Pro-Life Judicial Nominees

April 17, 2003 President's Easter Message
For Christians, the life and death of Jesus are the ultimate expressions of love, and the supreme demonstrations of God's mercy, faithfulness, and redemption. Since Christ's miraculous Resurrection on Easter, more than 2,000 years ago, Christians have expressed joy and gratitude for this wondrous sacrifice and for God's promise of freedom for the oppressed, healing for the brokenhearted, and salvation. For the full message see:
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/04/20030417-3.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20030417-3.html[/url]

April 18, 2003  Another Judge Comes Under Attack  Summary: Pro-abortion Democrats now have another Bush judicial target to smear: Leon Holmes. Source: A Note From Traditional Value Coalition's Executive Director Andrea Lafferty

April 19, 2003 Bush Admin Allows States to Insure Unborn Children Through CHIP
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

April 22, 2003 The Constitution Be Damned:  Democrats try to impose a religious test on judges.
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

April 24, 2003  Bush's Pro-Life Judicial Appointments Need Your Help
Source: Pro-Life Infonet

Over the last few months, the Pro-Life Infonet has reported on several pro-life nominees President Bush has appointed to various judicial positions.

Some of these nominees have track records of upholding pro-life legislation or publicizing their view that Roe v. Wade is bad law. Others have pledged to uphold the rule of law and not legislatie from the bench -- attributes
that call for respecting the right of state legislatures to pass laws that limit abortion.

Below is an overview of eight judicial nominees that deserve your support and backgrounds on them and their nominations:

Miguel Estrada -- Nominated for the Circuit Court of Appeals for Washington D.C., the second highest court unde the Supreme Court and a stepping stone to a later Supreme Court appointed, Estrada was brought to the Senate floor earlier this year.  He does not believe that the Constitution guarantees a right to abortion.  Some senators are blocking Estrada's confirmation vote by engaging in a filibuster.  Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) failed in four attempts to cut off debate (known as cloture), garnering only 55 of the 60 votes needed.  It is unclear whether he whether he will try again. Tell your Senators to stop the filibuster.

Jeffrey Sutton -- Sutton was nominated for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in February.  The full Senate began consideration of the Sutton nomination before the Easter
recess, but did not vote.  They will resume debate on Tuesday, April 29th and probably vote that same day.  The pro-abortion Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice joined other organizations in a letter which says, in
part, "Jeffrey Sutton's ... confirmation to a lifetime position on the federal bench threatens to dismantle the important gains that have been critical to women's success and we urge you to reject his nomination."

Priscilla Owen -- Nominated for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Owen was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in March in a straight party-line vote.  As a Texas Supreme Court justice, Owen frequently voted to uphold Texas' parental notification statute and refused to allow teen girls to have abortions without their parents' knowledge.  Unable to get opponents to agree not to filibuster Owen, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has been indefinite about when he will seek a confirmation vote, but it may be in early May.

John Roberts -- Roberts was nominated for the Circuit Court of Appeals for Washington D.C., and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in February. As a Justice Department official in the 1990s, he argued that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and actively promoted efforts to get that decision overturned.  In one brief he argued that pro-life protesters outside abortion businesses did not discriminate against women.  He
supported a pro-life measure prohibiting federally-funded family planning facilities from referring for abortions. The Roberts nomination has not yet come to the Senate floor, but could come up in May.

Deborah Cook -- Cook was nominated by President Bush for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in February.  As an elected justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, Cook's candidacy was endorsed by Ohio Right to Life.  Her nomination is expected to come to the Senate floor in May.

Carolyn Kuhl -- Nominated for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The Senate Judiciary Committee has not yet to act on her nomination, but is expected to do so in May.  As a Justice Department official in the 1980s Kuhl aggressively argued for the outright reversal of Roe v. Wade.  As an attorney in private practice in the early 1990s she represented a pro-life physicians group and argued in support of limiting abortion referrals at
federally-funded family planning facilities.

Charles Pickering -- He has been nominated for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The Senate Judiciary Committee has not yet brought him in for a hearing, but is expected to do so in May.  He once chaired a national
Republican initiative that approved a plank for the party platform decrying the Roe v. Wade decision "as an intrusion into the family structure," and calling for a right-to-life amendment to the constitution. His son Chip
Pickering is a pro-life Congressman from Mississippi.

J. Leon Holmes - Holmes has been nominated for the Federal District Court in Arkansas.  The Senate Judiciary Committee has not yet acted on his nomination, but could do so in May.  He is a strong pro-life advocate and
the former president of Arkansas Right to Life.

April 25, 2003  WHITE HOUSE CALLS FOR CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL OF THE UNBORN
VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT "THIS YEAR"-- PRESIDENT BUSH BELIEVES THAT WHEN AN
UNBORN CHILD IS INJURED OR KILLED IN A CRIME OF VIOLENCE, "SUCH A CRIME HAS
TWO VICTIMS"                           
Source: National Right to Life Committee

April 28, 2003  Pro-Abortion Feminists criticize female court picks
Source: Washington Times:
[url="http://www.WashTimes.com/national/20030428-81797318.htm"]http://www.WashTimes.com/national/20030428-81797318.htm[/url]

April 30, 2003 Bush Selects Another Pro-Life Appeals Court Nominee
Extending his streak of picking pro-life advocates, or those willing to uphold pro-life legislation, for important U.S. Appeals Court positions, President Bush on Monday nominated Claude Allen to the Richmond-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.
Source:  Washington Post, Richmond Times Dispatch

(Allen helped draft Virginia's parental notification law and supported a pro-life law requiring abortion facilities to give women information about abortion's risks and alternatives 24 hours prior to performing an abortion.
Similar laws in other states have significantly reduced the number of abortions.)

May 1, 2003 Democrat Senators Block Bush's Pro-Life Judicial Picks  Source:
Associated Press

May 5, 2003 Senate Approves Pro-Life Judicial Nominee, Continues Filibuster

Judicial nominee Deborah Cook, denied even a hearing let alone a vote by the previous Democratic-led Senate, won confirmation on Monday from the Republican-controlled Senate.

Cook was nominated by President Bush for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in February. As an elected justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, Cook's candidacy was
endorsed by Ohio Right to Life, and she cast a pro-life vote in one case that reached the state's top court.

On a largely party-line vote of 66-25, the Senate approved Cook's nearly two-year-old bid to elevate the Ohio Supreme Court justice to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The court would handle appeals of
legislation, including pro-life bills, from Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Michigan.

Also on Monday, Republicans tried and failed for a fifth time to stop a Democratic filibuster of another long-stalled judicial nominee, Miguel Estrada.
Source:  Reuters, CBS News

May 19, 2003 Pro-Abortion National Organization of Women Opposes Pro-Life Bush Judicial Nominee Judge Leon Holmes  Source: NOW's
website [url="http://www.now.org/issues/legislat/nominees/holmes.html"]http://www.now.org/issues/legislat/nominees/holmes.html[/url] 

May 5, 2003 Bush Administration Deserves Credit for Abstinence Victory

The White House got personally involved in last week's passage of  pro-abstinence amendments to a global AIDS bill and the result was good news for pro-life advocates.

Pro-family groups were delighted last week when two abstinence-friendly amendments were attached to an otherwise disappointing Global AIDS bill. Now they're finding out what turned the tide: The White House did some heavy-duty lobbying.
Source:  Focus on the Family

May 16, 2003  Senate Will Reconsider Another Pro-Life Judicial Nominee Soon

Republicans plan in coming weeks to take up the nomination of pro-life U.S. District Court Judge Charles Pickering of Mississippi, who likely faces a filibuster on the Senate floor by Democrats.

Judge Pickering's nomination to the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals was spiked last year on a party-line vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which was controlled by Democrats at the time. President Bush renominated
him in January.

Pickering once chaired a national Republican initiative that approved a plank for the party platform decrying the Roe v. Wade decision "as an intrusion into the family structure," and calling for a right-to-life amendment to the constitution. His son Chip Pickering is a pro-life Congressman from Mississippi.
Source:  Washington Times

June 12, 2003 Bush Judicial Nominee Pryor Condemns Abortion in Senate
Hearing

President Bush's latest Appeals Court nominee Bill Pryor told the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday that abortion is "murder" and that the court case legalizing it is "the worst abomination in the history of constitutional law." 
Source:  Washington Times

June 12, 2003 The Judicial Nominee Who Wouldn't Back Down - Bill Pryor
Source: Byron York columnist for National Review Online

June 12, 2003 Catholic Bishops' Spokesman Testifies at Presidential
Commission
Today the President's Council on Bioethics heard testimony on the values and principles that ought to govern policy on human embryo research. Richard Doerflinger, Deputy Director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, was among the expert witnesses for the meeting.
Source: Pro-life Infonet

June 12, 2003  Pro-Abortion Groups Create Coalition to Oppose Pro-Life Nominees

Nine pro-abortion groups, including NARAL  Pro-Choice America and the Planned Parenthood Federation of  America, have formed a joint not-for-profit organization aimed  specifically at opposing a potential Supreme Court nominee who  does not support abortion.         
Source: Roll Call, Wall St. Journal

July 20, 2003 Foes Halt Vote on School Vouchers; Democrats Reject Senate's
D.C. Bill
Source: Washington Post

July 21, 2003  Pro-Abortion Democrat Senators Stall Partial-Birth Abortion
Ban  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat49.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat49.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

July 22,2003 Bush Administration Renews Support for Zero UNFPA Funding
Source: LifeNews.Com   

July 22, 2003 Bush Administration Signals Zero for UNFPA
Source: Population Research Institute Weekly Briefing

July 23, 2003 Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Pryor Nomination,
Filibuster Likely  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat53.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat53.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

July 27, 2003 Bush Nominates Pro-Life Black Woman to Nation's Second Highest
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat57.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat57.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

July 29, 2003 Senate Rejects Vote on Owen for Third Time
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- For the third time, members of the Senate rejected an attempt to close off debate and take a vote on one of President Bush's pro-life judicial nominees.Pro-abortion Senators were able to deny the 60 votes needed to stop debate on the nomination of Priscilla Owen to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of appeals. The 53-43 vote proved, once again, that a majority would back Owen's confirmation if debate could be stopped. All Republicans were in favor of the vote to end debate and were joined by Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA) and pro-life Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE). Presidential candidates John Edwards (D-NC), Bob Graham (D-FL), John Kerry (D-MA), and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) were not present for the vote. Owen is opposed by abortion advocates because she voted to uphold a Texas parental notification law that prohibited teenage girls from having
abortions without the involvement of their parents.
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat59.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat59.html[/url]


July 30, 2003 Senate Votes Against Cloture on Estrada Nomination
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat61.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat61.html[/url]    Source: LifeNews.Com

July 31, 2003 Bill Pryor Becomes Latest Victim of Senate Filibuster
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat62.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat62.html[/url]    Source: LifeNews.Com

July 31, 2003 ADF Special News Alert: Thank You Mr. President for Supporting
Marriage!
Source: Alliance Defense Fund

August 6, 2003  Knights of Columbus Condemns Treatment of Catholic Judicial Nominees  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat68.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat68.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

August 6, 2003  Minnesota Plan to Cover Unborn Children Receives Bush
Administration Approval [url="http://www.lifenews.com/state75.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/state75.html[/url]  Source:
LifeNews. Com

August 10, 2003  Group Will Spend $75M to Defeat Bush, Elect Pro-Aborts in
2004  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat72.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat72.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A new political group, funded by billionaire George Soros and run by a former employee of a leading pro-abortion organization, plans to spend $75 million in grassroots activism
to target pro-life President George W. Bush  for defeat in 2004.

August 10, 2003  Civil Rights Leader Quits NAACP Over Bush Judicial Nominees
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat73.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat73.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

August 13, 2003 Presidential Commission Discusses Regulation of In Vitro Fertilization  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/oped10.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/oped10.html[/url]  Source: Austin  Ruse, President of the Culture of Life Foundation

August 14, 2003 Catholic Theologian Michael Novak Praises President Bush
[url="http://nationalreview.com/novak/novak081403.asp"]http://nationalreview.com/novak/novak081403.asp[/url]    Source: National Review Online

August 27, 2003 Bush Administration Defunds AIDS Program Over Abortion Group's Participation  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat88.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat88.html[/url]    Source: LifeNews.Com

August 27, 2003 State Department Defunds British Abortion Provider
Source: New York Times

August 29, 2003 State Department Defunds Large Abortion Provider 
Source: Friday Fax

August 29, 2003  Bush Orders United States Agency for International Development to Stop Funding Organizations That Promote Abortion
Source: Copy of Memo From the White House

September 1, 2003 Bush Administration Expands Pro-Life Mexico City Policy
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat93.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat93.html[/url]    Source: LifeNews.Com

September 5, 2003 Bush Orders State Department To Stop Funding Foreign
Abortion Groups
Source: Friday Fax

September 5, 2003 Miguel Estrada Withdraws Name From Consideration [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat99.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat99.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com  (This shows the importance of electing pro-life Senators who will vote to end the Democrats filibuster of President Bush's pro-life judicial nominees.)

September 6, 2003 Pro-Abortion Democratic Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) introduces measure to overturn the Mexico City Policy Reinstituted By President Bush (The Mexico City Policy prevents our federal tax dollars from
being used to promote abortion overseas.) Source: LifeNews.Com

September 18, 2003  Bush Administration Pursues Total Human Cloning Ban at U.N.
Source: LifeNews.Com

September 28, 2003 Department of Health and Housing Services Gives $100 million in Bonuses to States for Reducing Abortions HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson  today announced the award of $100 million
in bonuses to four states (Maryland, Colorado, Wyoming, Texas), the District of  Columbia and the Virgin Islands for achieving the nation's  largest decreases in out-of-wedlock births between 1998 and 2001.  Source:
LifeNews.Com

October 1, 2003  Bush Administration Denies UNFPA Funding Again
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/intl21.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/intl21.html[/url]    Source: LifeNews.Com

October 2, 2003  Pickering Nomination Approved by Committee, Moves to Full
Senate  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat148.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat148.html[/url]    Source: LifeNews.Com

October 3, 2003  Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry  (D-MA)  Says
Bush Judicial Appointments Would Hurt Abortion Rights 
Source: LifeNews.Com

October 3, 2003 President Bush Proclaims Oct. 12-18 Marriage Protection Week
President Bush said:
"Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is essential to the continued strength of our society.Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is working to support the institution of marriage by helping couples build successful marriages and be good parents.Research has shown that, on average, children raised in households headed by married parents fare much better than children who grow up in other family structures.We must support the institution of marriage and help parents build stronger families."
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/10/20031003-12.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...0031003-12.html[/url]
Source: White House


Weapons of Mass Destruction for People with Short Memories!!

"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line?" - President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998
"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." - President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998

"Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face." - Madeline Albright, Feb. 18, 1998 "He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten
times since 1983." - Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb., 18, 1998

"[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weaponsof mass destruction programs." - Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 1998

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process." - Rep. Nancy
Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998

"Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies." - Madeline Albright, Clinton
Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999

"There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has invigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition,Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies." - Letter to President
Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, Dec, 5, 2001

"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them." - Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Sept. 19, 2002

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." - Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002

"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to
build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..." - Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002

"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force-- if necessary-- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a
real and grave threat to our security." - Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002

"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction." - Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Oct. 10, 2002

"He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do" Rep. - Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002

"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members .. It is clear, however, that if
left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." - Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct. 10, 2002

"We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction." -
Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), Dec. 8, 2002

"Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to Miscalculation ... And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real - Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003 SO NOW THE DEMOCRATS SAY PRESIDENT BUSH LIED, THAT THERE NEVER WERE ANY WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AND HE TOOK US TO WAR FOR HIS OIL BUDDIES???

October 6, 2003  FDA Investigating Holly Patterson's RU 486 Abortion Death
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat152.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat152.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

October 26, 2003  President Bush's Bioethics Commission Warns of
Human-Animal  Babies  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/bio112.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/bio112.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 7, 2003 President Bush Proclaims November National Adoption Month
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/11/20031107-12.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...0031107-12.html[/url] Source: White House

July 23, 2002  President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush announced a new initiative to increase public awareness and encourage Americans to consider adoption of children in foster care.

Helping Children and Building Families Through Adoption

President Bush announced a new public service advertising campaign, featuring First Lady Laura Bush and actor Bruce Willis, to encourage Americans to adopt children in foster care. The President also tapped Bruce
Willis to serve as a national spokesperson for children in foster care.

The President also announced the creation of the first federal and only national web site that focuses on waiting children - www.AdoptUSKids.org - that will reduce the geographic barriers and waiting time needed to connect
children from across the country with adoptive families. In its first year, it will feature pictures and profiles of over 6,500 children from 46 states who are available for adoption, as well as a database of approved adoptive
families. Background on Today's Presidential Action

More than 130,000 of the 565,000 American children in foster care, ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers, are waiting to be adopted. On average, these children have been in foster care for almost four years. Most of these children have special needs that limit their ability to be adopted, such as being part of a sibling group that wishes to stay together, belonging to a particular ethnic group, or having physical or emotional challenges. These
children are adoptable; in fact, in 2000, over 50,000 children in foster care were adopted. But recruiting a family that can meet the special needs of a particular child can be challenging, especially when the right family may live in a different state or county.

President Bush believes that every child in America deserves to live in a safe, permanent and loving family. Today, the President announced:

Adoption Public Service Advertisement (PSA): The adoption PSA will feature the First Lady and actor Bruce Willis. It will also highlight a new website and toll-free number for interested families to receive adoption information and be referred to their State adoption specialist. Additionally, President Bush has asked Bruce Willis to serve as a national spokesperson for children
in foster care.

First Federal Adoption Web Site and Internet Photolisting: www.AdoptUSKids.org,  an Internet adoption photolisting service, will help connect waiting children from across the country with loving adoptive families. The site provides prospective adoptive parents with a private, secure place to communicate interactively with other families and adoption experts - especially useful for families living in rural areas. Social workers will be able to follow inquiries from families approved to adopt and respond to them instantly through the site. AdoptUSKids is an initiative of the Children's Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services, and it is currently operated by the National Adoption Center. President Bush's Commitment to Promoting Adoption

Promoting adoption and supporting families who adopt: On January 17, 2002, the President signed the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendment Act to help States provide services to promote adoption for children in foster care and provide post-adoption support to families so that they can stay strong and their children reach their potential. The President's FY 03 budget strongly supports the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program with an increase of more than $130 million over FY 02 levels.

Adoption Tax Credit: The tax relief bill that the President signed last year permanently extends and increases the adoption tax credit from $5,000 per child to $10,000 per child for qualified adoption expenses. For special  needs adoptions, it increases the credit from $6,000, for qualified adoption expenses, to $10,000, regardless of expenses.

October 25, 2003  President Bush Proclaims Protection From Pornography Week
Source: White House

[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/10/20031025-1.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20031025-1.html[/url]

October 28, 2003  President Bush Says Restoring Terri's Feeding Tube Was
Right  Decision  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/bio116.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/bio116.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

October 31, 2003  Pro-Abortion  [Democratic] Lawmakers Filibuster Pickering
Nomination  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat178.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat178.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 3, 2003 Bush Administration Still Pushing for UN Cloning Ban,
VoteThursday  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/intl25.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/intl25.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 5, 2003  President Bush Signs Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of
2003  Source: LifeSite News lsn@lifesite.net    also see
[url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat189.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat189.html[/url]
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/11/20031105-1.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20031105-1.html[/url]

Priests for Life on Partial-birth Abortion: 'We Have Turned A Corner'
[url="http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=108-11052003"]http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease....id=108-11052003[/url]

November 5, 2003  Pro-Abortion Groups Start Ad Campaigns Blasting President Bush  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat188.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat188.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 6, 2003  Democrats Filibuster Pryor Nomination, Judiciary Approves Brown  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat194.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat194.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 7, 2003  President Bush Shows Strong Pro-Life Beliefs in Private Meetings  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat197.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat197.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 7, 2003  Pro-Abortion Democratic Senators Again Filibuster Judicial    Nominees.  Sen. Majority Leader Frist Announces All Night Session Next    Week to Force Pro-Abortion Democratic Senators to defend
their filibuster.    Source: Marie Tasy, Legislative Director of New Jersey Right to Life

November 7, 2003 President Bush targeted for defeat by one of the richest men in world  George Soros Targets President Bush  Source: Marie Tasy, Legislative Director of New Jersey Right to Life

See also: [Pro-Abortion] Billionaire Soros Overthrows Georgian Gov't - Sets Sights on Bush & Croatia  Source: LifeNews.com
See also the Zenit report and the Globe coverage:
[url="http://zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=45785"]http://zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=45785[/url]
[url="http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20031126.wxsoros1126/BNStory/Front/"]http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/.../BNStory/Front/[/url]

Billionaire De-Populationist George Soros Donates $10 Million to Defeat Bush
[url="http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2003/aug/03081109.html"]http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2003/aug/03081109.html[/url]

November 7, 2003 President Bush Proclaims National Adoption Month  Source:
White House
[url="http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/11/20031107-12.html"]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...0031107-12.html[/url]

November 11, 2003 Bush Administration Seeks to Speed Up Partial-Birth
Abortion Lawsuits  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 12, 2003 Senate Will Hold Marathon Debate on Pro-Life Judicial
Nominees  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat205.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat205.html[/url] Source: LifeNews.Com

November 13, 2003  Senate Debates Pro-Life Judicial Nominees, Bush Demands
Vote  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/nat207.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/nat207.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 14, 2003 Millionaire Plans to Spend $12 Million to Defeat Bush in
2004  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 17, 2003 [Colin] Powell reveals he teaches sexual abstinence to
girls  [url="http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=464467"]http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americ...sp?story=464467[/url]

November 18, 2003  Pro-Abortion Groups at UN Criticize Bush Resolution
Promoting  Women  [url="http://www.lifenews.com/intl29.html"]http://www.lifenews.com/intl29.html[/url]  Source: LifeNews.Com

November 19, 2003  First Lady Laura Bush Backs Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Source: LifeNews.com

November 25, 2003  The new Health Savings Accounts (HSA) provision included in the Medicare bill just passed the Senate 54-44 and  soon will be signed by the President. The new law will  go into effect January 1, 2004. All 250 million non-elderly Americans will now have access to a Medical Savings Account, and one that is far more attractive than the  Archer MSAs that were enacted in 1996.  Source:  Mike O'Dea of  CHRISTUS MEDICUS FOUNDATION
[/quote]

Read the rest here: [url="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1140835/posts"]Bush's Pro-Life Record as of May 2004[/url]

God Bless

Edited October 27, 2004 by azaelia

[smeagol]

Belief not tempered by doubt poses a mortal danger.

[The overall abortion rate (calculated as the number of abortions per 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44) was more or less stable during the Reagan years, but during the Clinton presidency it dropped by 11 percent.] Abortions decreased under Clinton!!!

these neocons may talk Christ but they walk corporate.

in every subject, Bush is the champion of rhetoric w/o substance; will you vote for that?

why dont you question why "Christians" stand united with millionaires to vote Bush 04? i guess lining their pockets is the Christian thing to do.

Vote to stop abortion; receive a rollback in capital gains taxes. Vote to make our country strong again; receive deindustrialization. Vote to get government off our backs; receive conglomeration and monopoly everywhere from media to meatpacking. Vote to stand tall against terrorists; receive Social Security privatization. Vote to strike a blow against elitism; recieve a social order in which wealth is more contentrated than ever before in our lifetimes, in which workers have been stripped of power and CEOs are rewarded in a manner beyond imagining.

[url="http://www.antiwar.com/orig/whitehurst.php?articleid=3682"]http://www.antiwar.com/orig/whitehurst.php?articleid=3682[/url] for a smarter, more sensitive, woman's view.

Edited October 27, 2004 by smeagol

[qfnol31]

As a Catholic the death penalty is not a non-negotiable issue. There is no "Catholic" stance on it being intrinsically evil. Just War Theory is the same; you can't say that a war is just or not and say that's the only Catholic way to look at it, at least according to the Pope.

There are two ways we have to look at each candidate. I've already shown how they stack up on the issues. Face it, either way you're participating in evil. You just have to decide how much you wanna participate in it. Your job is for remote participation in a materialially evil act. That is, you know you're participating in evil no matter what, go for the lesser. You have to have proportionate issues for someone who is against the Natural Law, but one defies the Magesterium (the other you cannot say he does because he is not Catholic).

I'm too tired to take this further right now, but give me a single issue and we'll go one at a time.

Dignity of a Human Person Comes First! (Evangelium Vitae, Veritatis Splendor, Vatican II Documents). Who respects the dignity more?

[Snarf]

Will do!

[qfnol31]

[b]Abortion[/b]

[quote]Sen. Kerry's position on abortion is clear: although he believes that abortion should be rare, he believes in the legality of a woman's right to choose. This leads many Catholics to believe that they should not vote for Sen. Kerry.[/quote]

Well, first of all, I want to say it leads more than Catholics to not want to vote against him. If anyone knows anything about the natural law, it is obvious that abortion is against it. The Church has also said so, meaning that we have more of an obligation to follow this. Kerry chooses to go against Natural Law, and supports a law that does as well. According to Thomas Aquinas, all human laws must fall under the Natural Law, otherwise we must either not follow it or contest it or both. Abortion is against Natural Law. Human Law supports it. It is an unjust law, so therefore we must contest it. This is upheld by the Magesterium as true. That's why a woman [b][i]cannot[/i][/b] choose to have an abortion. Why support their choice?

[quote]But what is President Bush's position on abortion, looking at his record rather than his words? Words are meaningless if they don't have actions to back them up.[/quote]

He backs up his words, unlike John Kerry.

[quote]1. In the 2002-2003 fiscal year, STOPP (an affiliate of American Life League) reports that Planned Parenthood received 33% or 1/3 of its income from the federal government -- $254.4 million. That's roughly the same amount as under the Clinton Administration, when Planned Parenthood also received approximately 1/3 of its income from the federal government. President Bush said in the second presidential debate that abortion should not be funded by taxpayers' money, but 1/3 of the income of the largest abortion provider in the country is provided by taxpayers' money under the Bush Administration, just as it was under the Clinton Administration.[/quote]

Do you have a source for this? Look PP's site: [url="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/library/facts/030114_waronwomen.html"]Planned Parenthood[/url] They don't seem to like him much, why's that?

[quote]It is unlikely that Sen. Kerry would provide more funding to Planned Parenthood than the 1/3 of its income provided by the Clinton and Bush Administrations, leaving virtually no difference between President Bush and Sen. Kerry on funding to Planned Parenthood.[/quote]

I'm not so sure, he would help to make it easier for women to procure an abortion.

[quote]2. President Bush is fond of mentioning the partial-birth abortion ban when mentioning his contribution to the pro-life cause, but the truth is that the partial-birth abortion ban will not prevent a single abortion in this country. There are four methods of late term abortion: partial-birth, salt poisoning, prostaglandins and hysterectomy. If partial-birth abortion is banned, late term abortions will still continue, using one of the other three methods. The problem with the other three methods is that they cause more pain to the fetus and pose a greater risk to the life and health of the mother than partial-birth abortion does. Not only will the partial-birth abortion ban not prevent a single abortion, but it will also cause more pain to late term fetuses and pose a greater risk to women who choose late term abortion.[/quote]

I would think that the risk of pain and other issues would help the mother to reconsider. When in the world is it good for the mother to have her baby killed during labor? It will help prevent abortions because it will cause at least some women to rethink what they're doing.

[quote]Sen. Kerry opposed the partial-birth abortion ban because it did not include a clause for the life and health of the mother, something that is very important to him and something that the Supreme Court requires in any ban or limitation of late term abortion. Thus, Sen. Kerry opposed a useless bill that would not prevent a single abortion, and that was destined to be overturned because of the refusal of President Bush and Republicans in Congress to work with the judicial branch of our government. President Bush wasted tax dollars to create a wedge issue to divide America; Sen. Kerry did not.[/quote]

When is it good for a woman to have a partial-birth abortion? It's not. You have the baby come almost all the way out! The head can't be that difficult to take out, trust me. Once you get past the shoulders, it's much easier.

Does Kerry look to the effects caused by an abortion? If he did, he'd probably be a little more sympathetic to them and try to convince them not to have an abortion. Abortions hurt the mother too.

Actually, it's the judicial branches fault. They're the ones causing trouble. They do not get to set the laws, as is common now. It's in the Constitution. Bush didn't create the law did he? He just passed it. Kerry won't give anything a chance is his problem.

[quote]3. In the second presidential debate, President Bush mentioned that he supported parental notification laws. This does seem to be true. As Governor of Texas, he signed into law a parental notification bill. Unfortunately, the Texas Supreme Court, to which President Bush had appointed several justices and supported the appointment of the Chief Justice, overturned the very same parental notification law. Bush's own appointees overturned the law as unconstitutional, including the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. Are we really to trust that he will appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court of the United States? He didn't in Texas.[/quote]

Did he appoint the justices who voted down the law? I think his justices stand a better chance of being pro-life than staunch pro-choice Kerry's justices would. If you can find a source on who "voted" down the law out of the justices, I'd like to know. Were they Bush's nominees?

[quote]4. President Bush claims that the Unborn Victims of Violence Act is another piece of pro-life legislation that he supported, but in fact the Unborn Victims of Violence Act will not prevent a single abortion in this country. It has nothing to do with abortion. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act seeks to charge a suspect with two murders in cases in which both a mother and unborn child are murdered, as in the case of Laci Peterson. This would have no effect on abortion in this country, nor would it increase the penalty for criminals in most cases -- criminals are almost always given the maximum penalty for murder, regardless of the number of victims. Another useless piece of legislation, and another useless waste of tax dollars, supported by President Bush.[/quote]

It did. It created precident, which is allowed in our country for further laws. Now Congress can use this first one that defines a fetus as a living human to help create new laws protecting the fetus. It's something again built into our government.

[quote]5. One of the enduring hopes of pro-lifers is that President Bush will appoint pro-life judges to court appointments, and that he will appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court of the United States. Unfortunately, President Bush has stated on numerous occasions that he will not give his appointees a litmus test, and that he will appoint strict constructionists -- not necessarily pro-lifers. We know already that his appointees in Texas were not pro-life, which is why they helped to overturn the parental notification bill that he signed into law. We also know that seven out of nine justices already on the Supreme Court were appointed by Republican Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, but they have not overturned Roe v. Wade and many of them have voted consistently pro-choice. Can we really trust President Bush to appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court? His Republican predecessors have not, and his own record shows that he may not.[/quote]

If you know anything about the Constitution, abortion is unConstitutional. Our government was founded on Natural Law (read Locke, etc) and that's how it needs to stay. A pro-Constitution nominee would be against abortion.

[quote]The conclusion one must come to is that President Bush has not done anything meaningful to overturn abortion rights laws in this country, nor has he even effectively limited the number of abortions. In fact, according to an article in the Houston Chronicle, the abortion rate has increased after a 17.4% decrease in the 1990s (read: during the Clinton Administration). Yes, the abortion rate has increased under this allegedly pro-life Administration, but it decreased under the previous pro-choice Administration. Why? Because the legislative approach to overcoming abortion has failed consistently for over thirty years, but the socio-economic approach -- eliminating the socio-economic factors that lead women to choose abortion -- has been proven to work, in that abortion decreased even under an Administration that looked on it favorably. It is this same socio-economic approach to limiting abortion, so effective under the Clinton Administration, that Sen. Kerry and Democrats propose. It is the only approach known to have any effect on the number of abortions.[/quote]

The percentages actually started going down during Reagan's years:

[quote]From 1990 (the year in which the number of abortions was highest) to 1995, the annual number of legal induced abortions in the United States declined by 15%. From 1995 to 1996, the number increased slightly and then decreased again in 1997. This change in the number of abortions reported to the Centers for Disease Control may indicate that the number of legal abortions in the United States is leveling off.

Since 1990, factors contributing to the continued decrease in the proportion of pregnancies that ended in abortion might include a decrease in the number of unintended pregnancies, changes in contraceptive practices (including an increased use of condoms among young women), reduced access to abortion services, and possible changes in attitudes concerning abortion.[/quote][url="http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0764203.html"]http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0764203.html[/url]

In fact, they began leveling off in about 2000, the [i]end[/i]of Clinton's term. If they were leveling off versus decreasing faster, how do you hold this argument that Clinton helped them go down faster? Read the chart, they started going down between 1980 and 1985, during Reagan's years.

[b]Other "Non-Negotiable" Life Issues[/b]

[quote]We all know that Sen. Kerry supports embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. But what is President Bush's position?

Most assume that President Bush is firmly opposed to embryonic stem cell research, but that is not the case. In fact, as he is fond of stating, President Bush was the first President of the United States to provide any federal funding to embryonic stem cell research -- he provided it for stem cell lines that had already been established, in which the embryos had already been destroyed. Prior to that, there was no federal funding to embryonic stem cell research at all. Although this satisfied some pro-life groups, such as the Priests for Life, it did not satisfy others. The American Life League has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Bush policy, stating that President Bush has now involved the American taxpayer in actions that are intrinsically evil, and that it is never acceptable to fund embryonic stem cell research -- even when the embryos have already been destroyed. They use the "slippery slope" argument, and they are concerned that more funding to embryonic stem cell research will be provided, even under the Bush Administration. They're not the only ones; then-president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, was also critical of his policy. The USCCB and American Life League were joined by Human Life International, Operation Save America, the Republican National Coalition for Life, the Family Research Council and several other pro-life and conservative groups in opposing President Bush's policy.[/quote]

He only funded those before 2001, which he said should be funded since they're already dead. After that he cut off all funding. I don't personally agree with this, but Kerry's for all-out funding, which is much worse.

By the way, he couldn't be the first to fund it, he cut [i]off[/i] all funding in 2001!

[quote]Kerry - Supports (23)

Embryonic Stem-Cell Research on New Lines
Allows government funding for research on stem-cells from recently destroyed embryos

Bush - Opposes (24)[/quote]
[url="http://www.votinginfo.org/"]http://www.votinginfo.org/[/url]

[quote]Most assume that President Bush is firmly opposed to human cloning, but again, the American Life League questions that. President Bush has appointed supporters of human cloning to Health Department positions, and he (along with his allies in Congress) were responsible for backdooring a piece of legislation that would have been the strongest legislative limitation of human cloning yet.[/quote]

[quote]Kerry - Opposes (14)

Ban on Human Cloning

Bush - Supports
(15, 16, 17)[/quote]
[url="http://www.votinginfo.org/"]http://www.votinginfo.org/[/url]

The numbers are links to government sites where they voted one way or another. I suggest you look at them, they're very interesting.

[quote]President Bush has done nothing to overturn abortion or limit the number of abortions, nor has he been firm in his opposition to embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. Is this the Catholic candidate?[/quote]

I've proven this false above.

[b]Other Apparently "Negotiable" Life Issues[/b]

[quote]Pope John Paul II stated in Evangelium Vitae that criminals should not be executed unless it is necessary to do so to protect society from said criminals, and that such cases were "very rare, if not practically non-existent" as a result of improvements in the penal system.[/quote]

Negotiable by the same document. We can disagree, look at what Ratzinger said:
[url="http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=6041"]http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=6041[/url]
The Death Penalty falls under the Just War Doctrine, and is not intrinsically evil. God told the Israelites to use it.

How do the candidates measure up on the death penalty?

[quote]According to an Amnesty International report, 1/5 (20%) of executions carried out in the United States since 1977 have passed President Bush's desk, both as Governor of Texas and as President of the United States. In fact, 152 executions were carried out in Texas during Bush's five year term as Governor. The first three federal executions since 1963 have been carried out under the Bush Administration. President Bush has continually flouted international law regarding the death penalty as both Governor of Texas and President. Are these the rare, if not non-existent, cases in which the death penalty may be warranted?

Sen. Kerry opposes all use of capital punishment, except in the case of terrorists.[/quote]

Though not quite accurate, Kerry wins this one by a good bit.

[quote]But what about war?[/quote]

There is no Catholic way to say if the war is just or unjust.

[quote]As of September 8, 1,129 coalition casualties had been reported, with 1,002 of them from the United States. As of October 17, civilian casualties in Iraq had reached a minimum of 13,278. And yet this is a war that has been criticized by the Pope and by many at the Vatican, a war which may be unjust. It has most recently been criticized by Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican's foreign minister, at the United Nations General Assembly. If this war is truly unjust, then the blood of all coalition and Iraqi casualties is on the hands of President Bush.

On the other hand, Sen. Kerry voted to authorize the President to use force -- but disagreed with the time and way in which he chose to use it. Sen. Kerry has said that he would not have gone to war with Iraq without allowing the U.N. inspectors to finish the job there, and that he would have exhausted all other methods of deterring Saddam Hussein before opting for war -- a prerequisite for a just war. Sen. Kerry is in compliance with the just war doctrine, but President Bush may not be.[/quote]

Do you give a guy a match if he's going to light your house on fire? Kerry believed in the war (maybe not the same way) just like Bush. Kerry voted for it. He's either a liar or doesn't know what he's talking about. He's just as guilty for going against Just War Doctrine as Bush, if not more so since he's Catholic and bound to the Magesterium, unlike Bush.

Why Kerry?

[quote]Although it is true that Sen. Kerry supports abortion, embryonic stem cell research and human cloning -- it is also true that President Bush has done nothing to overturn abortion or limit its number, that he has been the first President to give federal funding to embryonic stem cell research, and that he is soft on human cloning. Wouldn't we rather have a President who is honest about his position on these issues, even if we disagree with his position, than a President who misleads us?[/quote]

Kerry's pretty misleading. I don't agree with everything Bush does, but he does try to do something unlike Kerry. Read the links above, Bush isn't so soft as it seems here.

[quote]It's also true that Sen. Kerry also complies with the church's doctrine on other life issues, like capital punishment and just war. He is also much closer to the church's socio-economic doctrine -- support for labor unions, a living wage, labor rights, etc. Unfortunately, Republicans oppose labor unions, they will not even increase the minimum wage, and they are weak on labor rights. Many Republicans, and especially President Bush, are weak on capital punishment and just war.[/quote]

You keep saying that a life is a life, no matter what. It's true, but what about dignity? It is not necessarily against human dignity (the Pope's favorite word I might add ) to execute a criminal. It [i]is[/i] automotically against dignity, as well as intrinsically evil, to procure an abortion.

[quote]It's time for Catholics to wake up and realize that President Bush is not truly the Catholic candidate, and that he has been misleading them about his respect for Catholic doctrine. It's also time for Catholics to realize that President Bush has allies in the church, allies who have been helping him mislead Catholics so that he can win re-election -- because he does need our vote, and he and his allies know it. It's time for Catholics to look at the whole range of issues, realizing that President Bush has only been giving lip service to the pro-life cause, and that he has not truly done anything to limit abortion. He's terrified that Catholics will look at all the issues, because a look at the whole range of issues will reveal that it is Sen. Kerry, and not President Bush, who is more closely aligned to Catholic teaching.[/quote]

Kerry can't go to Communion. He denies many things that are against Natural Law and intrinsically evil. We, according to the Magesterium, cannot vote for him without proportionate reasoning. I see very little to no "proportionate reasoning."


Be careful not to put both of them under the spectrum of Divine Lawl. That means don't say that they both have to follow the Magesterium. Both of them do, however, have to follow Natural Law. It is known to them. This next part are the levels of the Natural Law according to Thomas Aquinas and upheld by the Catholic Church today:

1. Do good and avoid evil - both candidates do this I believe (they have to).
2. Treat others with dignity - I believe the President does try to treat people according to dignity, but he sometimes fails this. Kerry doesn't uphold the dignity as well, for he's for abortion, etc.
3. Concrete Moral Norms - Bush starts falling more here, but Kerry falls further.
4. Applying Conscience in Particular Cases - This is where the war falls under as well as the death penalty. This is harder to do for you can't say how good or bad, true or false Bush's conscience is. You can't say it about Kerry either. However, I believe that both probably go with their consciences, they're just poorly formed. Bush, however, succeeds more in the first three levels, which are even more important than here.

I hope this helps some.

[qfnol31]

[url="http://www.catholic.com/library/Just_war_Doctrine_1.asp"]http://www.catholic.com/library/Just_war_Doctrine_1.asp[/url]

[quote]Therefore every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt in the Church's very heart; it cannot but affect her at the core of her faith in the Redemptive Incarnation of the Son of God, and engage her in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel of life in all the world and to every creature (cf. Mk 16:15).[/quote]

[quote] Unfortunately, this disturbing state of affairs, far from decreasing, is expanding: with the new prospects opened up by scientific and technological progress there arise new forms of attacks on the dignity of the human being. At the same time a new cultural climate is developing and taking hold, which gives crimes against life a new and-if possible-even more sinister character, giving rise to further grave concern: broad sectors of public opinion justify certain crimes against life in the name of the rights of individual freedom, and on this basis they claim not only exemption from punishment but even authorization by the State, so that these things can be done with total freedom and indeed with the free assistance of health-care systems.[/quote]

[quote]No circumstance, no purpose, no law whatsoever can ever make licit an act which is intrinsically illicit, since it is contrary to the Law of God which is written in every human heart, knowable by reason itself, and proclaimed by the Church.[/quote]

[quote]In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to "take part in a propaganda campaign in favour of such a law, or vote for it".[/quote]

[quote]To refuse to take part in committing an injustice is not only a moral duty; it is also a basic human right. Were this not so, the human person would be forced to perform an action intrinsically incompatible with human dignity, and in this way human freedom itself, the authentic meaning and purpose of which are found in its orientation to the true and the good, would be radically compromised. What is at stake therefore is an essential right which, precisely as such, should be acknowledged and protected by civil law.[/quote]

Evangelium Vitae on Human Dignity.

[844]

[color=red]Edited by Ice Princess: Personal attack on Prez Bush and those that vote for him. Play nice Mr. 844.[/color]

Edited October 27, 2004 by IcePrincessKRS

[ironmonk]

GF is a non-Catholic and only seeks to cause greater division. His hatred for the Catholic Church has consummed him to spout untruths.

Obviously he cannot comprehend because he rejects Catholicism.

The Pope prefers Bush to Kerry.... so does every orthodox Bishop.

God Bless,
ironmonk

[ironmonk]

[quote name='844' date='Oct 27 2004, 05:23 AM'] Edited by Ice Princess: original post has been edited.[/quote]
Ok... here comes the clue train and the last stop is you....

The babies who are in the mothers womb are alive.

Here is a link for you: [url="http://www.trueintel.com/kerry01.asp"]http://www.trueintel.com/kerry01.asp[/url]

Do you want to rant ignorance or talk morality?

When you can post with intelligence, then you'll find someone to dialog with.

You should really read the bible if you want to know Christ.

God Bless,
ironmonk

Edited October 27, 2004 by IcePrincessKRS

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Good Friday' date='Oct 27 2004, 12:44 AM'] Since we're less than a week away from the election, I've decided to use my last post at Phatmass to explain why I believe that Sen. Kerry is the only viable option for Catholics, and why I don't think Catholics should vote for President Bush. I'm aware that this won't be popular -- still, I'm asking dUSt and the moderators to please allow this post to stand, in the interest of fairness.

[ [/quote]
GF. please cut with the attitude that your posts are edited for what you believe, we both know that is not true. Its always how you say things that get you into trouble.

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='844' date='Oct 27 2004, 05:23 AM'] Edited by Ice Princess: original post has been edited. [/quote]
Since there is no other candidate we can vote for, its a bit hard not to vote for President Bush.

Mr Kerry worships the sacrament of abortion so is therefore not a candidate any faithful catholic can vote for.

President Bush has not killed any of our children. Mr Kerry is complicant in murdering millions. Real Catholics do not slice and dice babies. Faithful Catholics do not promote terrorism in the womb.

Mr Kerry would do well to remember that the president office is two terms, hell has no statute of limitations.

Resorting to the familiar tactic of name-calling does nothing to further your cause, it simply means you have no logical or rational arguments to back up your opinion.
Its a typical liberal tactic that doesn't work on this board

You would do well to read Good Fridays post and learn how to have an intelligent discussion. Name-calling simply gets edited

Edited October 27, 2004 by IcePrincessKRS

[ironmonk]

:rotfl: :thatsfunny:


I just want to point out one more thing... isn't it funny how the left always complains about something then turns around and does it?

Case in point... this very thread. Here is a leftist person that complained about me posting about Bush and why kerry shouldn't be voted for in regards to Christian values.

Not only is he posting about political stuff - oh, it's because it's election time (he says to try to justify doing what he complained about), and a month or two ago had nothing to do with election time... LOL - Not only is he posting about political stuff that he complained vehemently when I did - why? because it was Bush... he is posting untruths. Don't take my word for it, just do a search of news with one of the candidates names and keywords... for example; kerry is not personally apposed to abortion - according to what Kerry told planned parenthood.

The left only believe in freedom of speech when it benefits them... if we disagree, then they want to shut us up. Actions speak louder than words nate, and yours are screaming. Thank you for proving me right, yet again.

[quote]Kerry told him, "I would only appoint judges who … wouldn't reinterpret settled law. Roe is settled law. I don't think overturning Roe is a close kind of case. I'm not willing to go back on it."[/quote]
[url="http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20040924.html"]http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20040924.html[/url]

[url="http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/5/20/165557.shtml"]http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/5/20/165557.shtml[/url]



God Bless,
ironmonk Edited October 27, 2004 by ironmonk

[toledo_jesus]

wow, I may have been closer to the mark than I realized when I guessed 844's age.

[Socrates]

Others have answered this more thoroughly than myself, and time is limited, but here's my short 10 cents worth.

Bush is not perfect, but he has done things to support the por-life cause. He hascut federal funding for oversears abortion, supported the ban on partial-birth abortion, he opposed federal funding on further embryonic stem-cell "research" and it is clear he will sign into law any pro-life legislation passed by Congress.

Yes, Bush could and should do more, but at least he has done something.

Kerry was, is, and promises to continue to be 100% pro-abortion.
He has always voted pro-abortion throughout his carreer, and promises to continue to support abortion if elected president.

Kerry has never did, or even said, anything pro-life (other than the usual weak "personally opposed" line).

If you really consider Bush to not be pro-life, then vote Peroutka, or sit this one out, but do not vote Kerry!!! Supporting Kerry is supporting evil.

The only non-negotiable Catholic issues in the election are abortion and euthanasia, and Kerry (though he may flip-flop elsewhere) has made it quite clear where he stands on these issues - which is against the Catholic Church!

Edited October 27, 2004 by Socrates