Pro-LIFE News

LifeNews.com Pro-Life News Report Monday, December 30, 2013 For pro-life news updated throughout the day, visit LifeNews.com. Current Headlines  Top Stories • Judge Grants Request From Jahi McMath’s Family to Extend Life Support • Mother of “Brain Dead” Teen Jahi McMath: My Daughter is Alive • Pro-Abortion MSNBC Host Mocks Mitt Romney’s Family for Adopting Black Baby• Why is a Children’s Hospital So Bent on Cutting Off Jahi McMath’s Life Support? More Pro-Life News• Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger: I Regret My Abortion, Not Having Kids • My Mom Paid a Doctor to Abort Me, My Fiance’ Thanks God She Changed Her Mind • Three-Year-Old Collects 900 Teddy Bears for Fellow Hospitalized Children • If Belgium Legalizes Euthanasia for Children, Will Parents Talk It Up to Their Kids? • China Forces Woman Nine Months Pregnant to Have an Abortion • Activist Upset Women Under 40 are Pro-Life, Not Open to Supporting Abortion • The Jahi McMath Battle: Miracles Do Happen With PVS Patients • Texas Law Closing Abortion Clinics That Wendy Davis Opposed Heads to Appeals Court • The Problem With the Term “Pro-Choice” and Why I Use “Pro-Abortion” • Teenager Dies After Attempting to Abort a Non-Existent Pregnancy • Hugging a Hobby Lobby Employee: Thanking Them for Battling the HHS Mandate • Pro-Life License Plates Outsell Pro-Abortion Plates 3-1 in Virginia • Tens of Thousands Rally in Spain for Pro-Life Law Stopping Abortions • Why Do Women Really Want Abortions? It’s Important to Know

2014 Amnesty push

Only You Can Stop Amnesty in 2014 Two-for-One Matching Program Thru Dec 31 If you give us $25, we'll receive your $25, plus $50 more in matching funds. And if you give us $100, we'll receive your $100, plus $200 more! or click https://www.numbersusa.com/donate Dear Larry Killion, Together, we scored an incredible victory in 2013, stopping Amnesty.We proved nearly everyone in Washington wrong by preventing the House from passing the Senate's amnesty plan. We won a battle, but not a war. We need YOUR help to win the war. What's happening in the amnesty war right now reminds me of the Christmas truce that happened during the first year of World War I, in 1914. English and German soldiers put aside fighting a single day to sing carols and exchange gifts between the lines. Unfortunately, the fighting resumed the next day. During the last few weeks since Congress left town for break, things have seemed pretty peaceful. But next week, Congress returns and the amnesty war resumes as well. What will happen in the amnesty battle of 2014? This depends on you. If you are determined to stop amnesty going through in 2014, please donate today. There are signs of big trouble just around the bend: 1) Earlier this month, President Obama repeated that passing an amnesty is his number-one priority. Though Obama's not politically popular these days, the White House still has plenty of ways to pressure Congress. 2) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid already pushed his immigration-amnesty bill through the Senate last June. That bill stays alive until 2015 rolls around. That's another year of threat, just awaiting action from an unpredictable House of Representatives. Reid recently claimed that House Speaker John Boehnerwould "cave in" and pass his bill in 2014. 3) Speaker Boehner says he won't pass the Senate's bill. But what if he decides to ram through his own version of amnesty? Any chance of that happening? Yes, we are in some danger there. Earlier this month, Boehner hired Becky Tallent, the former John McCain immigration staffer who helped write the failed amnesty on 2007. Tallent has always worked on some amnesty or another. Wonder what's she doing right this minute? Celebrating her own Christmas truce, or outlining a new immigration bill? On November 21, Speaker Boehner was emphatic: "Is immigration reform dead? Absolutely not." He said he expects the House to act. In fact, if Boehner chooses, he could wave the "Hastert Rule," allowing House Democrats to help him push an amnesty through in a matter of a few days. This is all bad, but it's not our most daunting problem. 4) Our opponents have ALREADY SPENT $ BILLIONS to get their amnesty passed. Amazingly enough, our massive army of activist members, and a lot of sacrificing donors enabled us to hold the line in the House this year. The bad news is that the open borders coalition STILL has $ Billions. We will NOT be able to hold them off in 2014 without more funding from our members. What do we use the money for? You've probably read the litany several times by now: we sent two hundred million e-mails, delivered 6 million faxes, placed over360,000 operator-assisted phone calls, while recruiting or reactivating millions of activists. Even though our spending was modest compared to our opposition, for us those activities were devastatingly expensive. The billionaires can keep spending their billions, but we have limited resources. We're looking at having to accomplish just as much again in 2014, and we'll need our members to pull out all the stops to find the money to do it. Please give today. What happens in 2014 depends on you. or click https://www.numbersusa.com/donate Fortunately, some very generous donors have agreed to do what they can to help us out. But their giving is limited by tax laws, foundation charters, and other such matters. The good news is that this means that for every dollar you give means they can give ustwo more dollars. No wonder the Better Business Bureau featured us in their full-page, USA Today ad highlighting the most effective charities. You Can Donate 4 Ways 1) On-line credit card. We take all major cards. 2) Give by PayPal. 3) Check -- see the instructions and a form to print out and send with your check.(ALL CHECKS WRITTEN BY DEC. 31 WILL BE COUNTED AS 2013 GIFTS.) 4) Call (877) 885-7733 to arrange a wire transfer, stock donation, or to make a credit card donation over the phone. If our office is closed, please leave the time and your phone number and we will call back. Keep the faith, and don't ever give up!  Jim Robb

What's a good name for the media?

‘I Read This Report & I Was Really Incredulous’: Ex-CIA Analyst Rips NYT Benghazi Report

Shared by Dean Meek

www­.theblaze.com - A former analyst for the CIA skewered the New York Times’ bombshell report on Benghazi Saturday, contending that it was a “politicized article” aimed at harming the GOP. “I thought it was a politic...

Top 3 Shocking Claims in NY Times Benghazi Report

Shared by Dean Meek

www­.theblaze.com - Editor’s note: This is a developing story — check back for the latest & click here to read what an ex-CIA analyst said about the bombshell report. A voluminous investigative piece published Saturda...

People on Ground in Benghazi: Times' Report 'Completely False'

Shared by Dean Meek

www­.newsmax.com - People on the ground the night of the Benghazi attack have joined Republican lawmakers to condemn The New York Times' report that al-Qaida had nothing to do with the actions that left four American...

Ex-CIA analyst: NYT Benghazi article 'an effort to revive discredited theory' of anti-Islam video

Shared by Dean Meek

dailycaller­.com - A former CIA analyst poured cold water over the New York Times’ new report suggesting al-Qaida was not involved in the September 11, 2012 attack against American targets in Benghazi, Libya — callin...

NY Times Tries to Rescue Obama with Benghazi Story - Deneen Borelli

Shared by Dean Meek

deneenborelli­.com - The New York Times is ringing in the New Year trying to rescue President Obama with its story claiming the Benghazi attack was not connected to Al Qaeda and to resurrect the idea that the attack wa...

Min Wage

City Enacts Highest-In-Nation $15 Minimum Wage

Monday, December 30, 2013

WOW! This town will not have any businesses in it by the end of next year.

Check it out:

As talk builds on Capitol Hill over hiking the federal minimum wage, one city in Washington state is poised to set the highest rate in the nation.

On Jan. 1, an estimated 1,600 hotel and transportation workers in SeaTac, Wash., will see their pay jump to $15 an hour, a 60 percent increase from the state’s $9.32 minimum wage.

While many workers look forward to the higher pay, employers are looking for ways to absorb the big increase in labor costs. Some plan on eliminating jobs.

“We’re going to be looking at making some serious cuts,” said Cedarbrook Lodge General Manager Scott Ostrander. “We’re going to be looking at reducing employee hours, reducing benefits and eliminating some positions.”

That’s in the short term. Eventually, those jobs and more are expected to return as the Cedarbrook Lodge looks to build an addition to the hotel. The plan is to increase revenue to offset the higher labor costs.

WA 6th Cong. Dist.

News from Representative Derek Kilmer

Website     Biography     Services     Media Center     Issues     Contact December 30, 2013 Friend, Over the past year I’ve sent you 23 updates about what I’ve been up to as your Representative. Since this e-newsletter will be the last of 2013, it’s going to be a little different. I think one of the biggest problems in Washington, DC today is that some legislators aren't listening enough to their constituents, so  I’ve held 10 public town halls, four telephone town halls, and I’ve met folks from our neck of the woods at over 60 festivals, county fairs, and annual community events.  For those who haven’t had a chance to be a part of that give-and-take, let me do a rundown of the answers to some of the most common questions I received during this first year in Congress.  So, with apologies to David Letterman, I give you...    THE TOP TEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS I GOT THIS YEAR 10.) “Is it as bad as it looks?” This is the question I get asked more than any other. I will tell you that it’s strange to join an organization that – according to recent polls – is held in lower regard than head lice and colonoscopies.  After nearly a year on the job, I can affirm that Congress continues to be a “fixer-upper.” But I’m here because I hope to make it better.   While much of the past year has been focused on partisan games, I’m hopeful that the recent budget deal is a sign that 2014 may bring more folks from both sides of the aisle together to find solutions to our nation’s problems.  If we’re going to get our economy – and this Congress – back on track, we’ve got to stop seeing folks define success as making the other political party look stupid. 9) “Yikes! That sounds frustrating. Is there any hope?” Despite the dysfunction, there’s cause for hope. Here’s why: there’s a growing group of folks from both parties that are committed to righting the ship.  Twice a month I participate in a meeting of the Bipartisan Working Group. It’s a group of Democrats and Republicans who are committed to working to get past the toxicity in our dialogue and find ways to work together. While the challenges facing our nation are too big to be fixed overnight, every time I walk out of those Wednesday morning meetings (and the meetings of the Problem Solvers Caucus that I’ve also become a part of), I feel confident and hopeful that we can get things back on track. 8) Speaking of working together.  Does the Washington delegation work together much? I’ve learned to watch my step around some members of the Washington delegation. Literally. Early on here, I accidently stepped on Representative Rick Larsen’s shoe and I broke it. As he hobbled around on a broken shoe for the rest of the day, I lived with the shame of having “flat-tired” one of my colleagues.  Seriously, though, we actually do interact quite frequently and quite positively. For example, Rep. Larsen and Rep. Adam Smith and I are all on the House Armed Services Committee together. Having three representatives from Washington on the committee is helpful as we work together to support our service members and ensure Washington State’s interests are protected. What’s more, the House members from our state – Democrats and Republicans – get together for a periodic breakfast to catch up, to discuss issues facing our state, and to figure out how we can work together on some shared priorities. For instance, we’ve now had a majority of the state’s representatives become a part of the new Puget Sound Recovery Caucus I am co-chairing. We’re working together to ensure that the sales tax deduction that benefits Washington State citizens becomes a part of any tax reform proposal. And if that’s not enough, for the nights when I’m in D.C., I actually share an apartment with our neighboring congressman (and my co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus), Rep. Denny Heck. People are convinced that we should write a sitcom. For the record, I’m the “neat one.” 7) How’s the travel? Not bad. Having met my wife Jennifer on an airplane back in 1996, I built up more positive airline karma than I ever deserved. Listen, I knew when I signed up for this job that I was also signing up for a 3,000 mile commute to work. And, admittedly, I’ve learned the exact number of pretzels to expect in an Alaska Airlines pretzel package. That said, I’m psyched to make it home nearly every weekend because it’s important I see and interact with my constituents as much as possible (not to mention my own family). Sure, that means a lot of time on a plane. But, on the bright side, I get 11 hours a week of mostly-uninterrupted work time. I get a lot of time to read policy briefings and to respond to letters from constituents. So if there’s something you think I should take a look at, email me! 6) So, did you get Norm Dicks’ office and committee assignments? In short, no.  As you can imagine, I was somewhat bummed to find out that I wasn’t going to be the Ranking Member on the Appropriations Committee like my predecessor. (I did, however, get two great committees: Armed Services and Science, Space, and Technology). Office designations, too, are based on seniority and then on a random drawing. Let’s just say that I had about as much success in the office lottery as I had in the recent Mega Millions drawing. Of the 435 members of Congress, I drew the 429thoffice choice.  That said, I have no complaints about my office. Not only did it come with a few tiny, furry “friends” (which has made the book House Mouse, Senate Mouse even more entertaining for my kids), we found out from the Library of Congress that it was the freshman office of Washington State legend Henry M. Jackson when he served in the House. Come visit us! 5) Any big surprises? A few. Prior to my tenure, Congress passed the Budget Control Act which included sequestration as a poison pill. It was meant to be so stupid that it would force Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate to work together to deal with our nation’s long-term fiscal health. Unfortunately, to my surprise, for most of the last year, Congress chose to swallow the poison pill.   Thankfully, the end of 2013 saw the passage of a budget that, while not perfect, will set aside the bulk of sequestration for the next two years and ensure we won’t have another devastating shutdown. Not only is that good news, it was a welcome surprise after a year of partisanship to see our parties work together to make some progress on the budget. I was also surprised by the scrum for seats at the State of the Union. Some of my colleagues REALLY wanted to have a seat on the aisle so they could be on TV shaking the president’s hand. I haven’t seen that much demand for seats since the last time Taylor Swift visited the Tacoma Dome. I had a feeling it was trouble when I walked in. 4) So, what’s on Congress’s list of New Year’s Resolutions? For me, that’s simple: I need to eat healthier, exercise more, and teach my dog Truman not to eat the furniture. For Congress, the top of the list is fighting to extend unemployment benefits early in the New Year. A recent report by Washington State’s Employment Security Department found that 24,400 residents of our state lost their benefits on December 28 due to the failure of Congress to act. Another 37,600 Washingtonians stand to lose coverage over the course of the next six months. The impact of letting unemployment insurance benefits lapse will also prove to be yet another headwind to our economic recovery. In fact, the White House Council on Economic Advisers estimates that the failure to extend unemployment insurance benefits will cost the state of Washington 6,183 jobs. In addition, there are some big challenges that deserve attention: a comprehensive immigration reform bill, improvements to the Affordable Care Act, comprehensive tax reform to help Main Street businesses and middle class families, actions to address climate change, and campaign finance reform. And most importantly, Congress should resolve in 2014 to get focused on the economy. Not a single JOBS bill passed this year. I hope that changes in 2014. In fact, I’m working with a group of colleagues on the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act. Stay tuned for details as we work to get it passed. 3) What do I do if I’m not getting the help I need from a federal agency? On my district team, we’ve got some wonderfully talented caseworkers who work every day to solve problems for the people we represent and make sure government works for you. This year alone, we’ve helped over 500 people resolve issues with government agencies and we’ve helped return over $600,000 in savings for constituents from agencies like Medicare, the VA, or the IRS. If you have an issue or know someone who does, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 2) So, are we making progress? Despite the dysfunction in our nation’s capital, there were some policy successes. We saw the bipartisan passage of the Violence Against Women Act. Just prior to the holidays, we saw Congress pass a budget for the first time since 2009. My focus - on the policy front and in the district - is on economic development. I spent the past decade working in economic development, and I feel strongly that a lot of the challenges facing our nation will get a lot better when people get back to work. That’s why I’ve proposed or cosponsored bills to help small businesses, to improve workforce development, and to improve our business climate. It’s why we fought (successfully!) to protect the Small Business Development Centers in our region and are actively working to responsibly increase harvest levels in the federal forests, to protect jobs at our military installations, and to give downtown revitalization a shot in the arm. I’m very hopeful that 2014 will see a greater focus by the Congress on helping our small businesses. That’s also why I do “Kilmer at Your Company” events.  As we end the year, I’ve visited with nearly five dozen companies in our district. I’ve had the opportunity to help construct a door at the Simpson facility in McCleary. I’ve visited hospitals, toured emergency rooms, or stopped by dialysis centers in every county in the district (and used a lot of hand sanitizer). I’ve slipped on some hip-waders and gotten into a cranberry bog. I’ve visited IT companies, manufacturers, and local small businesses. In each meeting, I try to get a sense of the good, the bad, and the ugly of how our employers are interacting with the federal government. I want to make sure that we’re doing all we can to see employers grow, succeed, and stay here in our region. While there’s obviously much more to do, I’m proud that my team has accomplished a lot for folks in our region for the past year. Take a look at this “Year End Report” we put out that shows some of our efforts and accomplishments. 1.) So, overall, how’s it been? When I first decided to run for federal office, the most common question I received was: “Why on earth would you want to serve in Congress when it’s such a mess and you have two little kids?” My answer remains the same now as it was then. “It’s because it’s a mess and I have two little kids.” Their ability to grow up in an America where there is growing educational and economic opportunity, where our nation is secure, and where there is clean air and water is important to me. But getting there requires Congress to get to work. Being your Representative is an honor and a privilege and not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for the opportunity. I’m heading into 2014 highly motivated to get things back on track. Let me just end by saying I’m grateful to each of you for continuing to read these updates, and for continuing to provide me with your thoughts and advice. I wish you a happy new year, and I look forward to hearing from you in the coming year. Sincerely, Derek Stay Connected! Washington, D.C. Office 1429 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-5916 Tacoma District Office 950 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1230 Tacoma, WA 98402 Bremerton District Office 345 6th Street, Suite 500 Bremerton, WA 98337 Phone: 360-373-9725

the duck flap

by Joseph Backholm

Last week, A&E suddenly reversed course and has said they will continue filming with Phil Robertson despite his statements that he believes homosexuality (like a lot of other things) is sin.

Before we close the books on this little chapter of our cultural debate over sexuality, marriage, and religious freedom, there are two things I think we should try to remember.

The first is that freedom won this time because the public demanded it.

I would like to think A&E's reinstatement of Phil Robertson will represent a sea change of sorts.

Perhaps they are finally confronting the fact that their view of "tolerance" is irrationally inconsistent.

Perhaps the left will now begin celebrating actual diversity, not just the kind in which everyone thinks and acts the same as they do.

But I doubt it.

It is more likely that this little episode simply proves that the bully can be defeated when enough people stand up and say "ENOUGH!"

 

A&E changed their position because they saw viewers, sponsors, and ultimately dollar signs standing up and preparing to walk out the door. A&E wasn't persuaded by an argument, someone touched their hot button.

Politicians behave in much the same way. If you want to see public policy created that respects conscience rights and religious liberty, don't try to make great arguments to elected officials, convince them that their next election depends on it.  

If enough people insist on change, change will come.

Change came for Phil Robertson.

But that leads to the second point to remember about this entire episode.

There are Phil Robertson's everywhere.

The Duck Dynasty situation got national attention because he was part of a television show that is watched and loved by millions.

But there are bakers, sportscasters, innkeepers, doctors, photographers, and many more all over the nation who are seeing their livelihood threatened because of their beliefs. Sadly, the public is not coming to their defense in the same way.

Right here in Washington State, a florist is being sued because she did not feel comfortable being part of a same-sex wedding and pharmacists have to go to court to defend their right not to sell a drug that causes abortion.

The only difference between the situation involving Phil Robertson and the situation involving the florist and the pharmacist in Washington State is that the public has not demonstrated the same degree of outrage they expressed on behalf of Phil Robertson.

Politicians have the same pressure points that A&E has, but so far we haven't had enough people stand up and say "ENOUGH!"

Politicians get lots of money for doing what the gay lobby asks them to do, and that money translates into votes.

Those who support freedom need to be a sufficient counterbalance so that defending individual rights is politically more viable than taking them away.

The Duck Dynasty scenario simply proved that there are enough people on our side of the issue to do this...if we simply decide to do something.  

If you want to help protect the interest of the Phil Robertson's in your neighborhood, call Attorney General Bob Ferguson and ask him to stop suing small businesses because of their beliefs about marriage.

Then contact your local elected officials and demand that they protect the conscience rights of people to run their businesses in a way that is consistent with their conscience.

Even better, go visit them in person, explain your concern over the growing assault on religious freedom and conscience rights and get your friends and neighbors to do the same.

This story had a good ending, but let's hope it is not the end.

We proved that success is possible.

Hopefully, when history records this episode, it will be said that Phil Robertson's situation caused supports of religious freedom to draw a line in the sand and say, "no more."

Otherwise, the history books may simply record that the only people whose freedoms we will fight for are those whose TV shows we enjoyed. 

 

Your donation of $5 or more will help us protect religious freedom here in Washington.