Media Malpractice

This year's March for Life was bigger than ever. And, once again, the secular news media all but ignored it. Last night I heard a priest comment, "You want to know how to make 250,000 people disappear? Send them to Washington and hand them pro-life signs."

What's even more frustrating is that not only does the media belittle the huge, peaceful pro-life presence, but if they do mention us, they try to say that there are just as many pro-abortion individuals there, too. They like to label us "anti-abortion activists" and say things like, "most protestors are in their 60's or older", and "there are no young women around". Sorry, but anyone in D.C. on January 22 can tell you that YOUTH are the ones who fill the place. And young women? I was there, people. If anything, we are the majority!

Righteous indignation is needed here, folks. And plenty of our own self-publishing of the real, staggering facts, while expressing our vocal dissatisfaction with the seriously deficient average news media. Write your paper, TV station, whatever. Point out their obvious lack of skill and respectfully demand fair and balanced reporting in 2011.

From Catholic Fire: At the 2010 March for Life the media set new standards for journalistic fraud. In its lead photo, CNN showed five pro-abortion picketers, all that could be found, and ignored the 300,000 pro-life marchers. CNN's Rick Sanchez wondered out loud which group dominated. Newsweek claimed that most participants were in their 60's when, in fact, most were under 25. This video sets the record straight.

Weekend Recap...

Thursday: Lively bus ride to D.C. with prayers, songs, hair braiding...all the usual Claire stuff. :)

Friday: Went up 13 floors at the Old Post Office Building in D.C., Marched for Life with 200,000+, interviewed live by EWTN along with my sister, prayed and sang at the Supreme Court steps, enjoyed time with my sister Sarah and my dear friend Malori!

Saturday: Attended Students for Life Conference and had wonderful surprise reunions with friends, went to a packed-full Mass at the crypt church of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, rode the Metro train (first time!) and spread smiles to whomever I could, visited the Servants of the Lord Convent, had precious time with my sister back at Christendom College, and then went to the black-and-white "Oreo" Dance

Sunday: Awesome Christendom Liturgy, afternoon socializing/open house, evening debate society gathering, swing dance practice!

Monday: Sat in on Theology, Astronomy, and Philosophy (where discussion included differing natures of men and woman AND the four temperaments...totally my element), said goodbye to Sarah (love you, sis!), flew to Atlanta for my connecting flight to Chicago, then find out the lovely lady sitting next to me lives a few blocks away (Erika, thanks so much for the ride!)

...just a slightly full and blessed few days. My heart is overflowingly grateful.

Planned Parenthood Exposed

Wow. Lila Rose continues her amazing pro-life work! I am very impressed by the tone of the reporter in this news clip. She actually calls us "pro-lifers" (instead of "anti-abortion activists"), and does not sugar-coat the case. In fact, she sounds like she may be pro-life herself! And how encouraging that the attorney general of the state is cued in and working for justice. Let us be ever vigilant!

Update: A commenter kindly notified me that the reporter is Laura Ingraham, which explains her authentic indignation at this story! It's been awhile since I watched an interview of hers; no wonder she looked familiar but I couldn't quite place her. :)

Forces United

Wow, there is nothing like a big injustice to mobilize the faithful! The huge recent scandal of Obama being invited to speak at and receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame has elicted an impressively emphatic and immediate response. In the span of just a few days, a number of websites have been created to voice opposition, including www.ndresponse.com. There is more than one online petition, most notably www.notredamescandal.com, whose petition has gathered more that 177,00 signatures in less than a week!

I very much agree that this invitation from a prestigious Catholic University is saddening, but I am also heartened by the unification and action we have seen as a result. Let's hope those 177,000 are on their knees petitioning heaven, too.

If you're not part of the throng yet, don't waste any time!

Of Movies, Actors, and Real Men

So, my family watched The Ten Commandments for the first time this Lent (I know, we've had so many people say they can't believe we hadn't seen it yet!). Both Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner were simply incredible. I've enjoyed Heston immensely when seeing him before, and it struck me how thoroughly he takes the individual character of each role. The Heston Moses never came across as a Moses/Ben Hur mix! He was entirely the character in all its uniqueness. In my mind, this is a mark of a truly excellent actor.

Those of you who've read my blog for a while probably know that I'm all about who actors and celebrities really are...not just who they are on screen. And the more I've learned about the real Heston, the more impressed I am. Not only does he portray many upright characters; he was one! He served in the air force, championed the civil rights movement, was a friend of Martin Luther King Jr., and spoke out against abortion. Most significantly, he was faithfully married for 64 years to his bride, Lydia, whom he wed at age 20! Amidst the countless Hollywood scandals and divorces, this speaks volumes. He stands alone amidst celebs married two, four, five, and seven times...

In fact, I learned that my oft-repeated quote "Political correctness is simply tyranny with manners," — which and for some reason I thought was from Chesterton — was actually from Charlton Heston! (By the way, his actual name was John Charles Carter).

Check out this wonderful LifeSiteNews article from his passing almost a year ago (and check out the links at the bottom of the story!):

Larger than Life Hollywood Icon and Pro-life Advocate Charlton Heston Dies at 84

And check out this wonderful video clip of Heston on abortion. Powerful! (Don't forget to pause the music at the right). This is the introduction he gave to a video made in 1987 to raise awareness of late-term abortions.

The Voice of My Pro-Life Generation

Articulate, poised, researched, expressive...this 12-year-old speaker is simply compelling! Watch the video below, then be sure to visit this site to follow the amazing saga of her speech competition.

Actually, I don't want to sound boastful, but she reminds me a lot of me at that age. I started public speaking at eight, and had many similar mannerisms and expressions. I presented many pro-life speeches, too (though none that direct...she's got the bull by the horns!). Too bad YouTube wasn't around then so I could go back and watch myself. :)

Election Eve

The final hours are here. My family and I just returned from a holy hour of adoration (I confess that some of us drifted off at prayer; we're a bit exhausted from a massive pro-life voter guide distribution effort over the weekend). The mass media is trying their utmost to have us believe it's practically over already...have you noticed the headlines? They're already trying to crown Obama. But as Fr. Pavone so simply and eloquently reminded us: the only thing counted on election day is votes. Not one of the liberal media's polls determine our next president. Actual, real votes do.

And, of course, so does the prayer of a humbled people pleading earnestly to their God. Folks, if there was ever a time to pray, this is it. If you can fast, do so. If you can keep an all (or part) night vigil tonight, do it. If you can take off of work tomorrow to help get out the pro-life vote, do it.

A few election eve articles to help us keep things in perspective:

"I'll Say It Again, This Election Will Be Closer Than They Think"
by Father Jonathan Morris on the Fox Forum

Fr. Frank's perspective on polls, state initiatives and last minute duties
by Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life

What To Do Between Now and Election Night
from PoliticalResponsibility.org

Election Day Traps
from PoliticalResponsibility.org

Our Lady of Guadalupe,

Mother of America,

Patroness of the Unborn,

Queen of Justice,

pray for us!

Photo at left: Senator McCain during his July 2008 visit to the Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Mexico (which I was privileged to visit 9 years ago).

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 39 (Sat)

Today's Life Devotional intention is "that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!"

It's likely that by now we've all experience some moments of discouragement and exhaustion. I found this final advice from Fr. Pavone just the boost to push us through the remaining days of this battle. By the way: did you know that the 2000 Presidential race was decided by 537 people in one single state? Take a watch!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 18

I was saddened to read the following news article today:

Young Catholics not turning to sanctity of life and marriage as voting issues, poll finds

Catholic News Agency — A new poll of Americans ages 18-34 has surveyed the faith, politics, and issue positions of young adults before the 2008 election. The poll claims about 60 percent of younger self-identified Catholics say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 44 percent reportedly support same-sex marriage, a number which rises to 64 percent when religious liberty protections are emphasized.

The claims come from the Faith in Public Life’s “The Faith and American Politics Survey,” which was conducted by Public Religion Research between August 28 and September 19. Polling 2,000 American adults and an over sample of 1,250 younger adults, its methods included both land line and cell phone interviews.

I found it interesting — but not entirely surprising — that "the poll shows overall voters who attend religious services once or twice a month support Obama at a rate of 60 percent". It would have been more balanced of them to include candidate support for young Catholics who abide by the Church's precepts and attend Mass weekly, even though this group made up only 28 percent of those polled:

Of Catholics ages 18-34, 28 percent reported attending church once a week,
while 22 percent said they attend once or twice a month. Another 27 percent
reported attending a few times a year, while 17 percent said they seldom or
never attend church. Six percent reported attending church more than once a
week.

I fall into that last category...and no, I didn't get polled. The most troubling part of this article is that only 28 percent of "self-professed" Catholic young adults actually comply with their most fundamental obligation of weekly Mass. I would venture to say that if we could bring that number up, the emphasis given by these youth to sanctity of life and marriage issues would likewise increase.

In other words, those of us intent on evangelizing our generation have our work cut out for us. Are you a young Catholic reading my blog? If so, I challenge you to do something today to evangelize one of your peers. We may be the "minority", but we are by no means silent. Post a comment with your "answers" to this poll, and let us know what action you will take to make us the majority!

And don't forget today's Life Devotional, in which we pray for "a flowering of the joy of parenthood". Do something today to help a struggling parent find joy in their vocation!

Fireproof rocks the box office!

Pro-Marriage Film Fireproof Wins at the BoxOffice with Highest per Screen Opening Weekend of 2008

'Fireproof' succeeds in theaters and print

'Fireproof' surprise hit of the fall (currently the lead story on the CNN Entertainment page!)

And even more wonderful are some of the incredible testimonies from couples and individuals whose marriages and lives have been powerfully changed. These testimonies, along with other encouraging news and exciting updates (including new additional theater listings!) can be found at the Official Fireproof Blog.

If you haven't seen it yourself yet, don't wait! Last weekend my sisters and I, along with a few girlfriends, were thoroughly delighted and inspired by this quality film. Let's make sure it continues to run strong so that many, many more may be inspired!

www.fireproofthemovie.com

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 17

Today's video is one of encouragement. Father Frank Pavone's exhortation to pro-life members of the U.S. Senate is one that we all should hear.

"Risk it!"

Fr. Pavone also wrote today's Day 17 Devotional with another significant reminder— that the pro-life message is rooted in the two basic truths of life:

There is a God;
He isn't me.

In reality, all the ongoing complexities are rooted in this, aren't they? When human beings think we are big enough, strong enough, advanced enough to try and take on the role of God. It's been happening since Eden with devastating results. The million-dollar question is: how long will it take us to get the message?

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 16

I was perusing the issues section of McCain's website today and was heartened to read the substantial explanation on "Sanctity of Life", particularly this section...

"Overturning Roe v. Wade"

John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench.

Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat.

However, the reversal of Roe v. Wade represents only one step in the long path toward ending abortion. Once the question is returned to the states, the fight for life will be one of courage and compassion — the courage of a pregnant mother to bring her child into the world and the compassion of civil society to meet her needs and those of her newborn baby. The pro-life movement has done tremendous work in building and reinforcing the infrastructure of civil society by strengthening faith-based, community, and neighborhood organizations that provide critical services to pregnant mothers in need. This work must continue and government must find new ways to empower and strengthen these armies of compassion. These important groups can help build the consensus necessary to end abortion at the state level. As John McCain has publicly noted, "At its core, abortion is a human tragedy. To effect meaningful change, we must engage the debate at a human level."

Visit the complete Sanctity of Life page here.

Today's Life Devotional prayer intention goes fittingly with the points of the last paragraph above...

Pray that as young couples or single moms choose life for their child, the
church will come alongside them physically, emotionally, and spiritually to help
bear their burdens.

Let us each reach out today — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — to help another bear their burdens, and by so doing add our effort to the cause of life.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 13

I don't exactly consider myself a Sean Hannity fan, but this piece is worth the watch:

"Obama and Planned Parenthood"

The intention of today's Life Devotional is a beautiful one: for fathers who are terrified of being fathers. I couldn't help but shudder at the closing statements made by Obama in the above video clip, in which he thanked Planned Parenthood "for all the work that you are doing for women all across the country, for families all across the country, and for men who have enough sense to realize you are helping them."

How anyone can make such a statement is truly frightful. As the biggest member of the abortion industry, Planned Parenthood is one of the greatest causes of the dehumanizing of women, the destruction of families, and the cowardizing of men... all across the country.

And today, October 6, across this same country, people of goodwill mourn and remember our murdered, innocent brothers and sisters — all 49 million of them.

Kyrie eleison.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 9

October 6: National Pro-Life Memorial Day

From ProLifeMemorialDay.com: Since the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton in 1973, 49,640,776 babies have been surgically and medically aborted – millions more have been killed chemically. This staggering death toll is the direct result of these two decisions.
On the first Monday in October, the U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term. This is a day on which pro-lifers across the nation will mourn the victims of America's hidden holocaust: abortion.
Who will hear the cries of these preborn children? Who will be their voice? Who will mourn their deaths? On October 6, thousands of Americans nationwide will be mourning the victims of abortion by wearing black armbands, gathering for prayer and candlelight vigils at the U.S. Supreme Court and abortion facilities nationwide, wearing the official Pro-Life Memorial Day 2008 T-shirt and engaging in many other activities.

Visit ProLifeMemorialDay.com for all the details.

Visit this page for today's Life Devotional.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 8

"Why Participate in Politics?"

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “it is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (nos. 1913-1915).

—United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,

Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship

Today's Election resource:

www.faithfulcitizenship.org

This terrific website is provided by the USCCB and is solely dedicated to exhorting, educating, and equipping the faithful to fulfill our obligation as Catholic citizens. Visit it today, and tell a friend about it!

Access today's Life Devotional here.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 5

This video has been making its rounds via internet and email — and with good cause. I think it's the single most moving and effective resource I've seen... truly "summing it all up". And it's not relevant only for Catholics: any truth-loving citizen needs and deserves the reminder.

Be sure to visit www.catholicvote.com (this film's host) for numerous outstanding resources.

And you can read today's Life devotional here.

Blessed Sunday!

Election Countdown: Day 40

Every American pro-lifer agrees that this year's election is monumental. Live never before, we are obligated — yes, obligated — to fight for the sake of justice, the triumph of truth, and a day when light will perminantly dispell the darkness. Those with a voice cannot remain silent. Each day from today until November 4 (40 days), I will share a thought, video, action item, or news article relating to these historic elections. Through the widespread outlet of the internet, we have the chance to impact this election more powerfully than any ever before.

"The Church... must encourage the use of Internet for the common good, the development of peace and justice, in respect of personal dignity and with a spirit of solidarity."

(Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications)

Let the voice of Truth be heard, through us. Rise and fight!

A Real Man. A Real Star.

From LifeSiteNews.com:

Actor Eduardo Verastegui Makes Pro-Life Plea to Hispanic Voters

September 25, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Mexican heartthrob actor Eduardo Verastegui has issued a pro-life plea to Hispanic voters in the United States in his introduction to the video "Dura Realidad" (Hard Reality), which shows healthy, developing fetuses juxtaposed with footage of abortions and the bodies of those who have died by the procedure...

Verastegui, star of the recent hit film "Bella", sits and speaks to the viewer about the horrifying nature of abortion and its impact on Hispanics, who seem to be disproportionately targeted by the abortion industry, before beginning the Hard Reality video."Abortion is an act of violence that kills babies," says Verastegui. "If you think this is an exaggeration, the next minutes are going to change your opinion."

Read the whole aricle here.

View Eduardo's video with English subtitles (the graphic footage has also been removed from this version):



Praise the Lord for real role models!

Book Bomb Praise Report!

Well, Spring is here (I think), and so am I! I've so many post ideas swirling around in my head that I need to make time to write!

First of all, I neglected to follow-up after my Do Hard Things Amazon.com Book Bomb plug. Thanks to our Lord's goodness prompting thousands of passionate youth and adults who have faith in our generation, on March 25th we took Do Hard Things from #625 to #5 of Amazon.com's bestsellers and #1 in the Christianity section! I hope and pray this is indicative of a transformation happening in my generation. Glory be to God for the great things He has done!

If you haven't heard of this book yet or you're wondering what on earth a "book bomb" is, visit here.

My generation needs to prove the world WRONG

...and tomorrow we have an opportunity to help do just that.

The Rebelution's "Do Hard Things" Book Bomb

A message from Alex and Brett Harris...
We've written a book called Do Hard Things. It's a hardcover, non-fiction book for teens -- a genre that is about as popular with young people as foreign language math textbooks. Conventional wisdom says we'd be lucky if more than a few dozen teens bought it -- let alone read it.

But Do Hard Things is our hearts' cry. It's our humble attempt to put into words the message of a powerful work God is already doing in the hearts of young people around the world. Our prayer is that God would use it as a tool to remind a generation of timeless truth about the teen years -- and life.

From the official book description...
The next generation stands on the brink of a "rebelution."

With over 14 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

What's the "Book Bomb"?
Tomorrow, March 25, we are trying to push "Do Hard Things" to the top of Amazon.com! What a powerful way to show that our generation is ready to rise above the low expectations of our culture! All you have to do to join the effort is purchase the book tomorrow. Here's a quick link for you: Do Hard Things on Amazon.com. Even better: purchase an extra copy! And tell a friend (or two, or ten) about it, too!

To learn all about the effort and the book, click here!