AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA
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Action Alert Archives 2010
AFA of PA Action Alert
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) XXX Domain Proposed
2.) How Did Your Congressman Vote?
3.) Absentee Ballot Deadline
Details
1.) XXX Domain is being considered by ICANN – The Internet Corporation on Numbers and Names – the governing board that controls the Internet. Such a domain will increase the amount of porn on the Internet and make it more available to children and adults. There are no regulations that would require all porn sites to locate on the XXX domain.
2.) Recently a vote was taken to give the green light to Puerto Rico to become a state. With the upcoming November election and the possibility of two more Democratic US Senators and up to eight more Democratic Congressmen and tens of thousands of new Democratic voters if Puerto Rico becomes a state, one wonders if this move may not be politically motivated!
3.) May 11th is the last day for your County Courthouse to receive applications for absentee ballots.
Action Steps
1.) ICANN is taking public comment concerning the proposed XXX domain through May 10th. Email ICANN at icm-options-report@icann.org and ask them to adopt option 3 in regards to the XXX domain.
2.) Click here to see how your Congressman voted on Puerto Rican statehood.
3.) Click here for more information on voting absentee for the May 18th primary. Remember the deadline for them to receive your Absentee Ballot Application is May 11th and the deadline for them to receive your completed absentee ballot is May 14th.
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Pentagon Withdraws Invitation
2.) Voter Guides for Governor and Lieutenant Governor
3.) Senate Bill 3217 Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010
4.) Thank Congressman Thompson
Details
1.) Today the Pentagon withdrew its invitation to Franklin Graham to participate in the National Day of Prayer event. Click here for the full story.
2.) It is crucial that Pennsylvanians go to the polls on May 18th as educated voters. The AFA of PA has completed voter guides for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor races. The first of next week we will have a US Senate voter guide up on our website. These have been reviewed by legal counsel and approved for use by churches and other 501 (c) (3) organizations.
3.) Senator Chris Dodds bill - SB 3217 - will create even more government bureaucracy including the formation of a Financial Stability Oversight Council and the Office of Financial Research. It also provides for a $50 billion fund, collected in advance from large financial firms, that will be used for the resolution process. i.e. ‘bailouts forever’! Click here for the rest of the article. For a good analysis read this article from the Heritage Foundation.
4.) On April 8th I visited Congressman Glenn Thompson at his Titusville office to talk to him about the need for a Parental Rights Amendment to the US Constitution and to ask him to become a co-sponsor. He agreed and became the 134th co-sponsor of H.J. Res. 42! That means five of PA’s 19 Congressmen have signed on. They are: Congressmen Tim Murphy, Joe Pitts, Todd Russell Platts, Bill Shuster, and Glenn Thompson. Click here to read why we need a Parental Rights Amendment.
Action Steps
1.) Click here to send a note of support to Franklin Graham through his Samaritan’s Purse Ministry. Or call (828) 262-1980.
2.) Click here to go the our voter guides.
3.) A ‘test vote’ on SB 3217 is scheduled for Monday. Contact Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Bob Casey and ask them to vote ‘no’ on SB 3217. Click here for contact info.
4.) Contact Congressman Thompson and thank him for co-sponsoring H.J. Res. 42. Click here for contact information. If your Congressman is not one of the 5 PA co-sponsors, you may consider contacting him or her to become a co-sponsor.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Will Students Be Silent in Your Child’s School?
2.) Gay Prom in Harrisburg
Details
1.) The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) will again act as the primary organizer for the Gay Day of Silence which will be observed in most schools on April 16th. This day is supposedly used to highlight the ‘silence’ and discrimination that students who identify as homosexual, bisexual or transgender must endure during the school day. However, the stories out of schools show that it’s Christian students who are being forced to remain silent or be labeled a homophobe or bigot. The majority of parents/taxpayers have no idea this effort to normalize the homosexual lifestyle is taking place in their local school. GLSEN used to post the participating schools on the Day of Silence website, but in recent years they have kept that information top secret! The AFA of PA helped expose Pennsylvania schools which permitted students to remain silent throughout the school day, perhaps this is one reason they no longer make that list public! Also, remember Kevin Jennings, President Obama’s ‘Safe Schools Czar’ was the founder and executive director of GLSEN until August 2008 when he left the organization to work for candidate Obama’s campaign.
2.) Last month I was contacted by a reporter from the Harrisburg Patriot News about an upcoming ‘gay’ prom that was being sponsored by local homosexual activists groups (that’s my description, not the reporter’s). I told her the groups had every right to have such an event, but I believed they were taking advantage of troubled students, that students should not be encouraged to engage in the homosexual lifestyle and the compassionate response to students who are questioning their sexual identity is to warn them of the dangers of engaging in homosexual activity and encourage them to steer clear. I also told her adults should be protecting students not leading them down the wrong path. Click here to read the online version of the story (which doesn’t mention my comments, but apparently they were in the print edition, see below)
Action Steps
1.) The AFA of PA has joined a national coalition asking parents to be part of the Day of Silence Walkout if their child’s school permits students who are participating in the Day of Silence to remain silent during instructional time. Click here to listen to my interview with Laurie Higgins, Director of the Division of School Advocacy for IFI. Go to the Illinois Family Institute’s (an AFA affiliate) Day of Silence Walkout webpage for a list of additional reasons for the Day of Silence Walkout, instructions for parents, and a sample letter to send your school if you decide to keep your child home that day. What NOT to do: Don’t call your school and ask if they are sponsoring, endorsing or supporting the Day of Silence. Their answer will be ‘No’ because technically it is to be student initiated. Click here for specific ways to approach your school. For an idea of PA schools which have participated in the Day of Silence in the past, check out our website here. But remember GLSEN allowed anyone to register any school, so even if the school is on one of the lists the administrators may not have permitted silence during instructional time. Call your school to find out what their plans are this year..
2.) Note the organizations which sponsored the ‘gay’ prom: Allies at Millersville University (note they have 35 members out of a student body of over 7,300) , Common Roads and TransCentral PA . As mentioned above my comments were included in the print edition of the article and apparently were not appreciated by a Lancaster County homosexual activist, click here to read that letter to the editor. Beware that this issue is no longer simply a ‘big city’ issue, but rural Pennsylvania is also being targeted. The only way to counter this homosexual activism is to be vigilant as to what is taking place in your local schools and community and be a voice for Biblical truth and PRAY.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
As we’ve just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are once again reminded that this battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers and principles of darkness.
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Spiritual Congress
2.) Congressional Break
Details
1.) America is in need of a reawakening – a revival. She has strayed far from the course intended by the Founding Fathers. On April 17th The Spiritual Congress – A Call to Unity will be convened at Christian Life Assembly, 2645 Lisburn Road, Camp Hill, PA. The purpose is for prayer, education and action. Please plan to attend --registration for The Spiritual Congress begins at 11:00 a.m. on April 17th and is a first come first served basis. The event runs from noon until 5:00. There is no cost for the event however a free will offering will be taken to help cover the cost.
2.) Did you know your Congressman is home on break this week? Perhaps he/she needs to hear from you about some of the votes cast over the past few months. Click here to check out how your Congressman has voted on key issues.
Action Steps
1.) Click here to listen to my interview with Darrell and Lorrie Fields of The Seed of a Nation ministry. Darrell is the keynote speaker for the Spiritual Congress. For more information on the event: email SpiritualCongressInfo@gmail.com or call 724-355-4637.
2.) Consider contacting your Congressman to set up an appointment to meet with him/her at his district office this week. Click here for contact information.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Fox Poll on Health Care
2.) It’s done—final health care bill “fix” passes
3.) Four of PA’s “Pro-Life” Democrats Invited
Details
1.) Fox News is running a poll that needs your immediate attention. Those for the health care bill are flooding the poll to sway it their direction
2.) Earlier today the Senate passed the ‘reconciliation bill’ and sent it back to the House for final passage probably later tonight. It is expected on the President’s desk tomorrow. Interesting that the White House, cabinet members and some congressional staffers are exempt from participating in the new health care ‘overhaul.’ This isn’t setting very well with some!
3.) Yesterday four of Pennsylvania’s ‘pro-life’ Democrats were invited to attend the secret signing of the Executive Order that President Obama agreed to issue in exchange for Congressman Bart Stupak’s vote on the health care bill.
Action Steps
1.) Click here to participate in the poll.
2.) It will probably come as no surprise that both PA Senators voted for the bill The actions taken in Washington, DC within the last few weeks to push through a bill that clearly the majority of Americans did not want is all the more reason to become involved! Become educated on the positions of the candidates for the various races and then volunteer for the candidate(s) of your choice. The AFA of PA is currently working on voter guides for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and US Senate. We will probably also create voter guides for select Congressional districts. Pray for the upcoming May 18 primary.
3.) Click here to read our news release issued yesterday.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Freedom of Choice in Healthcare Act
2.) Registered to Vote?
Details
1.) In October Representative Matt Baker (R-Tioga) introduced the Freedom of Choice in Healthcare Act – HB 2053. In December Representative Curt Schroder (R-Chester) introduced HB 2179 , a constitutional amendment allowing the citizens of PA the freedom to make their own health care choices. Both bills continue to sit in the House Insurance Committee. After Sunday night’s vote to pass socialized health care including a mandate that all Americans must purchase health care, it is time to renew our efforts to get these bills passed.
2.) In America’s system of government, the polling place is probably the most powerful component. However, many people remain unregistered and thus cannot weld that powerful tool. The upcoming mid-term election is the first national election since the Presidential election in 2008. Do you or others you know have a message to send Washington, D.C. or Harrisburg?
Action Steps
1.) Contact your State Representative and ask that they support H.B. 2053- the Freedom of Choice in Healthcare Act and HB 2179 – a constitutional amendment to the PA Constitution reiterating Pennsylvanians right to make their own health care decisions. Tell them you want the freedom to make your own health insurance decisions and don’t want the federal government to mandate what you can and cannot have. Additionally, ask them to contact House Insurance Committee Chairman Anthony DeLuca and Committee Minority Chair Nick Micozzie to move these bills forward in Committee. Click here for your State Rep’s contact info. – key in your nine-digit zip code in the upper right hand corner.
2.) You have until April 19th to register or change party affiliation and be able to vote in the May 18th Primary. Remember the primary is closed in Pennsylvania – meaning only Republicans can vote for Republicans and only Democrats can vote for Democrats. Do you have a favorite primary candidate? If so, you have to be a member of the same party he or she is to be able to vote for them on May 18th. Click here to register to vote.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) How’d they vote on health care?
2.) Text of Proposed Executive Order
Details
1.) Click here to see how your Congressman voted on the health care bill last night.
2.) The deal that caused Congressman Bart Stupak, and thus his entire coalition of “pro-life Democrats”, to cave centers around an Executive Order that President Obama will issue. Click here to read its text. Can a President issue an executive order to serve as an ‘amendment’ to a bill? Our Constitution provides for the separation of powers, is this executive order unconstitutional? Will the courts ultimately decide the issue of abortion funding in the health care bill?
Action Steps
1.) After checking the Congressional Scorecards linked above, give your Congressman a phone call and let them know your thoughts on his/her vote last night. Click here for contact info.
2.) Click here to read more information on executive orders.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issue
Health Care Showdown – Vote will probably come on Sunday.
Details
It looks like the showdown will be this weekend. Will the House vote to turn over one-sixth of the economy to the federal government? Will the House vote to federally fund abortions? Will the House vote to mandate that all Americans get health care coverage or pay a fine? Will the House vote to require that all employers provide health care coverage to all employees including part-time employees or pay a $7,000 per full-time employee fine? Click here to see if your Congressman voted to table Eric Cantor’s resolution condemning the “Deem and Pass” Slaughter Solution. Click here for more information on the outrageous way in which the Democrats are trying to force this on America.
Remember that in addition to the federal funding of abortion, the mandate to purchase insurance is still part of this bill. Did you know that if you don’t get insurance, you will have to pay a fine? If you have not paid the fine, the IRS will be given the authority to take it from any tax refund that you may be getting! The bill will require the IRS to grow by 17,000 new workers to be able to make sure all taxpayers are in compliance with the insurance mandate. The way the bill is designed the benefits will be up front and the cost will not kick in for several years – after the 2012 election. For more information on the ‘health care reform’ bill, click here. (Note this bill also eliminates several student loan programs! Check out page 2, Title II.)
Action Step
1.) Even if you’ve called your Congressman about the health care bill, they need to hear from you again! Apparently some of them haven’t heard or understood our concerns. Click here for contact information. It is imperative that you call both their DC office AND the district office nearest you. Their DC offices are scheduled to be open tomorrow. No matter what Congressmen may say, the procedural vote Sunday is actually a vote for the health care ‘reform’ bill. (the President confirmed that in the interview on Fox earlier this week)
AFA of PA Action Alert
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Employment Non-Discrimination Act
2.) Health Care Bill Released
Details
1.) Last June open homosexual Congressman Barney Frank introduced HR 2981 the Employment Non-Discrimination Act which would force businesses to hire homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders. It will not only force these hirings, but it would force business owners to permit male employees who think they are women to use the women’s restroom. It is currently in the Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
2.) Late Sunday night the Democrats made public their new 2309 page reconciliation health care bill. In your spare time, you can read it by clicking here. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is telling the media that this bill will be the law of the land by next Sunday. Will the American people continue speaking up and saying ‘no’ to this bill?
Action Steps
1.) Contact your Congressman and ask him or her to vote ‘no’ on H.R. 2981 – the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Click here for contact info. The National Center for Transgender Equality is sponsoring Lobby Days March 15 and 16. Those who oppose this bill, must be ringing the phones off the hook in voicing that opposition.
2.) Contact your Congressman and ask them to vote ‘No” on this new health care bill. We do not need a government takeover of health care and we oppose tax-payer funded abortions.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Marriage Protection Amendment
2.) Another “Homosexual” Historic Marker!
Details
1.) A vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment in Harrisburg is scheduled for the morning of March 16th in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The language of the bill is not as strong as we would like, but it’s what we have to work with. The vote on Tuesday will be very revealing as several members of the Committee have specifically said they would support a one-sentence amendment.
2.) In January homosexual activists applied for another historic marker for downtown Philadelphia. In 2005 they successfully lobbied for one which is currently located directly across from Independence Hall. Click here to view it. This time they want one for what they claim is the oldest homosexual bookstore in America. Click here to read more. As we said back in 2005, this application does not meet the criteria set forth by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) – especially numbers 2 and 3. Click here for the Guidelines.
Action Steps
1.) Contact your member of the State Senate and ask him or her to vote ‘yes’ on SB 707 . If your State Senator is on the Senate Judiciary Committee ask for a ‘yes’ vote during that meeting on Tuesday morning. If you don’t know who your State Senator is click here and enter your nine-digit zip code in the upper right hand corner.
2.) Nominations were reviewed by a panel of independent “historical experts” in February. The panel will make its recommendation to PHMC based upon a proposal's adherence to the "Guidelines for Approval of Historical Markers,” Normally, commissioners will act upon the panel’s recommendations. PHMC’s next meeting is March 17th in The State Museum Building, 300 North Street, Harrisburg. After reading the Guidelines above, does this request meet the PHMC Guidelines? To express concern about this historic marker ‘celebrating’ the homosexual lifestyle, contact Executive Director Barbara Franco by calling (717) 783-8946 or e-mailing at kgalle@state.pa.us . The AFA of PA encourages you to do both.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issue
1.) Parental Rights Amendment
Details
1.) The AFA of PA has partnered with Parentalrights.org to get a Parental Rights Amendment to the US Constitution passed. Here’s some background: In the mid 90’s President Bill Clinton signed onto the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) . This is an international treaty which removes parental rights and replaces them with “the best interests of the child”.” Children in the US must be raised as the UN dictates or parents’ can be jailed or fined. There was such an uproar from American citizens back in the ‘90’s that the Senate did not ratify the treaty as is mandated by Article II Section 2, “He (the President) shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur.” Currently there is a renewed effort to get the Senate to ratify this treaty – the United States is the only member of the UN which has not ratified it. UNCRC poses a serious threat both to parental rights and to U.S. sovereignty, as the treaty dictates not only that the federal government must intrude into family life to an unprecedented degree, but also how the federal government is to monitor and govern the actions of our families. Parental rights would be replaced by "the best interests of the child" as defined, ultimately, by an international committee of 18 people in Switzerland. A Parental Rights Amendment has been introduced in the US House and Senate. Currently only PA Congressmen Tim Murphy, Joe Pitts, Todd Russell Platts and Bill Shuster are co-sponsors. Neither Senators Arlen Specter or Bob Casey, Jr. are sponsors.
Action Steps
1.) This is a bi-level action step:
a.) Contact your State Representative and State Senator by clicking here. Ask them specifically:
- Do you support fundamental parental rights? If so, would you be willing to sponsor/co-sponsor a resolution supporting a Parental Rights Amendment? Click here for sample language from Virginia.
- Please reply in writing.
- Please include a straight “yes” or “no” answer along with your reasoning.
b.) Contact your U.S. Congressman and Senators Specter and Casey. Ask them specifically:
-
· Do you support fundamental parental rights, and do you support the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution proposed by US Representative Peter Hoekstra ( HJ Resolution 42 ) and US Senator Jim DeMint (S.J. Resolution 16)?
-
Please reply in writing.
-
Please include a straight “yes” or “no” answer along with your reasoning
When you hear back from your elected officials, please send the AFA of PA a copy of the response.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Congressman Patrick Murphy is Doing What?
2.) Senator Robert Casey is Doing What??
3.) Health Care Vote?
Details
1.) On March 13 the Human Rights Campaign, the Washington, D.C.-based homosexual lobby group will hold its Philadelphia Regional Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia, 201 S. Columbus Blvd. Congressman Patrick Murphy is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. Remember Congressman Murphy has become a ‘hero’ to homosexual activists as he is the primary sponsor of HR 1283 which would allow open homosexuals and bisexuals to serve in the military.
2.) And along those lines, our “pro-life’ and “pro-family” Senator Bob Casey will be one of the Honorary Dinner Chairs at Equality Forum’s International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on May 1st. This dinner is part of Equality Forum’s annual event that pushes for the normalization of the homosexual lifestyle in Pennsylvania and beyond.
3.) Monday President Obama was in the Philadelphia area once again making his pitch for “health care reform.” He was met with between 200 and 300 who did not agree with him. There are indications that the House may vote on so-called health care reform by the end of this week. Remember this bill still contains funding for abortion. Congressman Bart Stupak is beginning to say that he has promises that even if the bill passes with abortion funding, a later bill will be introduced to remove it. Can we really trust Nancy Pelosi to bring such a bill forward for a vote after the pro-abortion folks get an expansion of abortion funding passed? I don’t think so!
Action Steps
1.) To express your concern about Congressman Patrick Murphy speaking at the Human Rights Campaign dinner and sponsorship of HR 1283, call his DC office at (202) 225-4276 or his district offices at (215) 348-1194 (Doylestown) or (215) 826-1963 (Bristol). If you live in the 8th Congressional District, you can also e-mail him by clicking here.
2.) Senator Casey’s actions continue to show how anti-life and anti-family he really is. If you are concerned about his participation in Equality Forum’s International Equality Dinner on May 1st, please contact and ask him to reconsider his participation. Click here for contact info.
3.) The language of the health care bill is not complete, but it appears that they will use most of the language in the Senate bill (abortion funding and all) with a few additions. Contact your Congressman and ask him or her to vote ‘no’ on any ‘health care reform bill’ that comes up for a vote. Click here for contact information.
AFA of PA Action Alert
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) H.B. 300
2.) Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
3.) Health Care Bill – Again!
4.) Pornography Harm
5.) February 27 – TEA Party Movement First Anniversary
Details
1.) H.B. 300 remains in the House Appropriations Committee. Remember, if this bill passes it will add the phrase “sexual orientation, gender identity or expression” to the PA Human Relations Act. This will force businesses to hire homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders. There is a very weak religious exemption, but if a church or religious organization receives any government funding for soup kitchens, a day care or school, they must comply with the provisions in the bill. Passage of this bill will also require businesses, city pools and other public accommodations to allow men who think they are women to use the women’s restroom and locker room/shower facilities. Think this can’t happen in Pennsylvania, check out this story.
2.) Tuesday House Committee hearings were held concerning the ban on open homosexuals in the military. The Marine Corps commandant said the ability of U.S. troops to fight and win wars must trump other concerns. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said they had serious concerns about lifting the ban with two wars raging. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead told House lawmakers that he, too, wants the study mandated by Defense Secretary Robert Gates on how to lift the ban without hurting the force to be complete before any changes are made. Are our military and nation’s security going to fall victim to political correctness?
3.) Well, we thought it was dead, but it’s BACK! Today President Obama will hold a “Healthcare Summit.” During this six-hour televised summit, he will attempt to show transparency and bi-partisanship. Health care reform is the president’s primary domestic policy effort. On Monday he posted his desires for our nation’s health care system. Click here for more information. President Obama’s plan follows the Senate plan closely – including the abortion coverage.
4.) Pornography usage has become a scourge and our nation’s families are paying for it. The promoters of pornography claim pornography is a victimless crime. What a falsehood!
5.) On February 27, 2009 it all began . . . a movement that would strike fear into Democrats and Republicans alike. The TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party Movement was born! Happy Birthday TEA Party.
Action Steps
1.) Contact your State Representative and ask him or her to vote ‘no’ on H.B. 300- also tell them that a vote for this bill is a vote to legalize same-sex marriage. How? Judges in New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont referred to the ‘sexual orientation’ language in those states’ anti-discrimination laws when demanding the legislatures redefine marriage. Click here for contact info.
2.) Call your Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Jr. and Congressman (check number 3 below before calling) and ask them not to support any bill that would lift the ban on homosexuals serving in the military. This will harm unit cohesion and military readiness and place every American in this nation in danger. For more information, click here.
3.) Call your Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Jr. and Congressman and ask him or her to reject any proposed health care bill. The majority of American people are satisfied with their coverage and don’t want the government taking over their health care.
4.) Earlier this week a great tool went up online. Check out this new website: Pornography Harms.
5.) Take a few minutes to watch this short video – it’s a letter to President Obama from “We The People.” It also contains inspirational scenes from TEA Parties from around the country.
AFA of PA Action Alert
February 17, 2010
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Mandate to Save America
2.) Stimulus – One Year Later
3.) Pay As You Go – What a Joke!
Details
1.) In 1776 56 leaders gathered together in Philadelphia to pledge their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor as they signed the Declaration of Independence. Can we do any less in our effort to restore America to her godly heritage? Do we have a mandate to step forward?
2.) Today is the one year anniversary of President Obama signing the $787 billion Recovery Act. At the signing he stated, “I expect to be judged by results and ... I’m not going to make any excuses. If stuff hasn’t worked and people don’t feel like I’ve led the country in the right direction, then — you’ll have a new president.” Well, he’s not on the ballot this year, but just how successful has the stimulus been? Even though the President promised the unemployment rate would not exceed 8%, it reached over 10% and now stands at 9.7%. Our nation faces the largest budget deficit in her history -- $12.3 trillion. If anything has been “stimulated” by the Recovery Act, it has been the size of the federal government. According to the President it will grow to 2.15 million federal employees this year, the largest in US history. Last month U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue warned the U.S. faces a double-dip recession because of the taxes and regulations under consideration by the Democratic Congress and President Barack Obama.
3.) Last Friday the President signed a “Pay-as you go” bill, efforts are currently being made to bypass this law! The Democrats want to forego the ‘pay-as-you-go’ regulations to fund a portion of their second stimulus bill – oops ‘jobs bill’! The six-month extensions of the unemployment and COBRA benefits made up roughly a third of the House Democrats’ $154 billion jobs package. They are declaring these extensions an ‘emergency,’ thus they don’t have to figure out how to pay for them before implementing them. What family budget can operate like this?
Action Steps
1.) Sign the Mandate to Save America by clicking here.
2.) On December 16th the House passed its ‘jobs’ bill by a vote of 217 to 212. Actually the "Jobs for Main Street Act, 2010" was added as an amendment to the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science appropriations bill – HR 2847. Click here to see how your Congressman voted on this bill and other important issues. They are being very careful not to label it as a ‘Stimulus II,” but that is what it is. It is now in the Senate. Contact Senators Specter and Casey and let them know how you feel about this second stimulus bill.
3.) So does ‘pay-as-you-go’ really mean more fiscal responsibility on the part of Congress or do the exemptions simply make it another effort to pull the wool over the eyes of Americans? That’s a question that our US Senators and Congressmen need to be asked!
AFA of PA Action Alert
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Mandate to Save America
2.) Stimulus – One Year Later
3.) Pay As You Go – What a Joke!
Details
1.) In 1776 56 leaders gathered together in Philadelphia to pledge their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor as they signed the Declaration of Independence. Can we do any less in our effort to restore America to her godly heritage? Do we have a mandate to step forward?
2.) Today is the one year anniversary of President Obama signing the $787 billion Recovery Act. At the signing he stated, “I expect to be judged by results and ... I’m not going to make any excuses. If stuff hasn’t worked and people don’t feel like I’ve led the country in the right direction, then — you’ll have a new president.” Well, he’s not on the ballot this year, but just how successful has the stimulus been? Even though the President promised the unemployment rate would not exceed 8%, it reached over 10% and now stands at 9.7%. Our nation faces the largest budget deficit in her history -- $12.3 trillion. If anything has been “stimulated” by the Recovery Act, it has been the size of the federal government. According to the President it will grow to 2.15 million federal employees this year, the largest in US history. Last month U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue warned the U.S. faces a double-dip recession because of the taxes and regulations under consideration by the Democratic Congress and President Barack Obama.
3.) Last Friday the President signed a “Pay-as you go” bill, efforts are currently being made to bypass this law! The Democrats want to forego the ‘pay-as-you-go’ regulations to fund a portion of their second stimulus bill – oops ‘jobs bill’! The six-month extensions of the unemployment and COBRA benefits made up roughly a third of the House Democrats’ $154 billion jobs package. They are declaring these extensions an ‘emergency,’ thus they don’t have to figure out how to pay for them before implementing them. What family budget can operate like this?
Action Steps
1.) Sign the Mandate to Save America by clicking here.
2.) On December 16th the House passed its ‘jobs’ bill by a vote of 217 to 212. Actually the "Jobs for Main Street Act, 2010" was added as an amendment to the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science appropriations bill – HR 2847. Click here to see how your Congressman voted on this bill and other important issues. They are being very careful not to label it as a ‘Stimulus II,” but that is what it is. It is now in the Senate. Contact Senators Specter and Casey and let them know how you feel about this second stimulus bill.
3.) So does ‘pay-as-you-go’ really mean more fiscal responsibility on the part of Congress or do the exemptions simply make it another effort to pull the wool over the eyes of Americans? That’s a question that our US Senators and Congressmen need to be asked!
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Student Non-Discrimination Act – HR 4530
2.) Day of Purity
3.) Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
Details
1.) As in too many cases – the name sounds good . . . but. The Student Non-Discrimination Act or SONDA was introduced by Congressman Jared Polis of Colorado on January 27th. As you read through HR 4530, you can see that it is filled with false information: homosexuals students are deprived of equal educational opportunities, bullying and intimidation of homosexual, bisexual and transgender students ‘represent a distinct and especially severe problem’ and numerous social science studies have demonstrated that the discrimination against students who identify as homosexual has resulted in greater absenteeism and drop out rates name just three of the false information. Note the definition of harassment includes “acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression.” Doesn’t this infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students? If this bill passes it will give the federal government the power to withhold funding from schools which do not comply with the ‘gay is okay’ message.
2.) America’s youth are constantly told by the mainstream media and, in some cases, sex-ed classes in school that becoming involved sexually is okay because ‘everybody’s doing it’. But that is not the truth and Liberty Counsel’s Day of Purity gives students the opportunity to stand with others who have pledged to be sexually pure. Click here to listen to Diane Gramley's interview with Amber Haskew of Liberty Counsel.
3.) Last week Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced his support for overturning Don’t Ask Don’t Tell – the ban on permitting open homosexuals from serving in the military. But he does not have the support of other members of the Joint Chiefs. Click here for more information and some examples why allowing open homosexuals to serve would be a dangerous threat to unit cohesion and thus our national security. The Center for Military Readiness has great information that debunks all the reasons given in demanding open homosexuals be permitted to serve in the military. This should be a campaign issue for those running for US House and Senate in the upcoming Primary election!
Action Steps
1.) Ask your Congressman to vote ‘no’ on HR 4530 – the Student Non-Discrimination Act. Click here for contact information. (see number 3 before calling)
2.) Click here for more information and resources for the Day of Purity.
3.) Ask your Congressman and Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Jr. to oppose any effort to overturn Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Click here for contact info.
FA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Progressive Summit This Weekend
2.) Pro-family Senator Casey?
3.) Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
4.) Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment – the Problem
Details
1.) Some people just don’t’ get it. This weekend Pennsylvania’s Progressives are holding their first ever ‘summit.’ Remember ‘progressive’ is the new name for ‘liberal.’ Listen to known liberals like Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid call themselves ‘progressive.’’ Their ideology will not lead the country to greater progress, but regression because of their anti-life, anti-marriage, anti-family and anti-limited government mantra. Click here for more information. Here’s the agenda for the Progressive Summit and the sponsors.
2.) Pro-family Senator Casey is doing what? On February 18th Jesse Salazar, who heads Senator Casey’s statewide LGBT and Latino Affairs, will participate in a legislative advocacy meeting in Erie. He will be meeting with homosexual activists to see how best to pass laws that force businesses to hire homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders, to permit open homosexuals to serve openly in the military and how to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act.
3.) During President Obama’s State of the Union address he stated for all Americans to hear that he wants the Defense of Marriage Act overturned and the ban on open homosexuals serving in the military lifted. He is responding to pressure from the homosexual lobby which claims he has not done enough for them. Polls continually show that Americans do not want same-sex marriage or the admission of open homosexuals in the military legalized. These are yet two more examples of the President not connecting to the real world. The Pentagon will make recommendations to Congress next week. Read here for more info. NOTE: The Human Rights Campaign, the largest homosexual lobby in the nation has pledged $2 million to overturn Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.
4.) On Tuesday Senator John Eichelburger (R-Blair County) introduced SB 707 – Pennsylvania’s Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA). Passage of this bill would be the first step in getting the question before Pennsylvania voters. The AFA of PA has some concerns. Here is the language of the amendment, “"Only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid and recognized as a marriage in this Commonwealth." Okay as far as it goes, but this language will not prevent the legalization of civil unions or domestic partnerships – counterfeit marriage, as they convey all the rights and privileges of marriage. These have been used as stepping stones to same-sex marriage in other states.
Action Steps
1.) Pray for those who participated in the Progressive Summit and for all those in positions of authority. But especially pray for those who are behind this summit and are pushing the ‘progressive’ ideology.
2.) Contact Senator Bob Casey with your concerns about his staff’s participate in a homosexual advocacy meeting, by clicking here.
3.) Contact your US Congressman and Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Bob Casey, Jr. and ask them to oppose HR 1283 – the bill to overturn the law banning open homosexuals serving in the military. For more information, click here. In this politically correct world, it is difficult for current members of the military to express their views on this issue without the danger of being ostracized. However, if you know any veterans who would like to express their concerns about lifting the ban, please ask them to contact their Congressman and Senators too.
4.) Click here to read the views of a lesbian who watched the trial in California attempting to overturn Prop 8 – remember that is the referendum that California voters overwhelmingly passed in 2008 overturning that state’s Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. Basically, she is saying if homosexuality is not viewed as immoral then there are no arguments against ‘gay marriage.’ Are we afraid to talk about the immorality of sinful acts such as engaging in homosexual sex? Should our effort in a Marriage Protection Amendment simply be to preserve the word marriage or should it be to preserve the institution of marriage? The AFA of PA opposes SB 707 now in favor of a stronger amendment.
AFA of PA Action Alert
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Bill to Protect Pennsylvanians from Federal Health Care Mandate
2.) This Man is the Chairman of the PA Human Relations Commission!
3.) US Senate and House Reconvenes – How will Scott Brown’s victory tonight impact the health care debate?
Details
1.) State Representative Matthew Baker (R-68 Tioga) introduced HB 2053, the Freedom of Choice in Healthcare Act, on October 21, 2009. It has been sitting in the House Insurance Committee ever since. This bill was written to counter the health insurance mandate in the federal health care bill.
2.) In November Stephen Glassman, homosexual chairman of the PA Human Relations Commission, took part in an ‘equality rally’ in Lancaster. Click here to watch his comments during that rally. He continually uses his position as a bully pulpit to push for the further acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle.
3.) Today both the US Senate and House reconvened for the ‘next round’. Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts tonight is already beginning to help reset the tone in Washington. But will the arrogance of some in leadership be able to properly interpret tonight’s referendum on Obama’s agenda?
Action Steps
1.) The Chairman of the House Insurance Committee has expressed no interest in moving this bill forward. Please contact Chairman DeLuca and ask him to move H.B. 2053 forward for a vote in Committee. Click here for contact info. Additionally, House Republican Policy Committee's Health Care Task Force will be holding a rally/press conference on Wednesday, January 27th at 10 a.m. in the Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda. All are invited to attend.
2.) Last July Stephen Glassman was reconfirmed by the State Senate for another five year term. Apparently his close connections to the founder of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, Kevin Jennings, was of no concern to members of the Senate. Remember the PA Human Relations Commission is charged with administering and enforcing the PA Fair Educational Opportunities Act and the PA Human Relations Act. Contact your State Senator and ask for an investigation into Stephen Glassman’s use of his post as a bully pulpit to further the normalization of the homosexual lifestyle across Pennsylvania and his ties to radical homosexual activist Kevin Jennings. Check out the sixth paragraph under “Conflicting Messages” on this page. Check out the last sentence in this article. Click here for contact info for your State Senator – key in your zip code in the top right corner, if you don’t know who he or she is.
3.) Remind Senators Casey and Specter and your Congressman that you haven’t forgotten about the health care bill and let them know where you stand and what you expect from them on the health care issue. Click here for my interview with Dr. Robert DeJesus, a Westmoreland County physician who has practiced for over 20 years, and listen to his thoughts on the proposed health care reform.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) A Cause for Praise and a Time for Action
2.) Senator Casey Says Abortion Language Will be In Health Care Bill
3.) Gambling Bill Passes – How Did Your Elected Officials Vote?
4.) Is Your Congressman Joe Pitts?
5.) On the Lighter Side
Details
1.) Today the New Jersey Senate voted “NO” on legalizing same-sex marriage. This is very good news for those who believe marriage is between one man and one woman. Homosexual activists had hoped to get the bill passed in the waning days of Governor Corzine’s term as he had promised to sign the bill while Governor Elect Christie has said he would veto such a bill. This year Maine, New York and now New Jersey have rejected same-sex marriage. In 2008 California voters passed Proposition 8 - a Marriage Protection Amendment - overturning that state’s Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage. The passage of this amendment resulted in angry demonstrations by homosexual activists and their supporters. Churches, pastors and individuals who had publicly supported the bill were threatened and their property vandalized. Click here and here for a couple examples of what took place after traditional marriage was upheld in California. But California wasn’t the only site of protests, click here to watch what took place in Philadelphia a few days later. Within weeks of the passage of Proposition 8 legal challenges were filed. Recently Chief Judge Vaughn Walker of the Northern District of California District Court had ruled that the names of all those who had signed petitions to force the Prop 8 referendum question on the ballot would be made public. His decision was overturned by the Ninth Circuit Court. Now Judge Walker is deciding that next week’s trial to determine if Prop 8 is constitutional will be recorded and put up on YouTube It is highly unusual that a Federal trial is televised. Homosexual activists will turn the entire process into a circus using the opportunity to tell the country why same-sex marriage should be legalized. Additionally, after watching the above videos are there any doubts that those who testify in favor of traditional marriage will face harassment.
2.) According to LifeSiteNews, Senator Bob Casey has said the Nelson Reid Amendment will remain part of the final health care bill. Click here for more details. This amendment does not stop abortion funding, but only allows states to opt-out, while others would force residents to pay for abortions under the bill.
3.) Table games are now legal in Pennsylvania. Late Tuesday the Senate passed gambling expansion by a vote of 28 to 22 and on Wednesday the House passed it by a vote of 103 to 89. The Governor will sign the bill.
4.) Last month by a vote of 11-2 the Washington, DC Council voted to legalized same-sex marriage. Earlier this month 39 Congressional Republicans filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief asking the court to reverse a D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics decision and permit the voters of DC to vote on a referendum concerning the legalization of same-sex marriage. Only ONE Pennsylvanian’s name is on that document! And that is Congressman Joe Pitts. Why is Congress involved? Check out Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution – Congress shall “exercise exclusive legislation in all Cases whatsoever” in Washington, DC.
5.) Recently Ray Stevens released a new song that the TEA Party Movement has rallied around. It’s called “We The People.”
Action Steps
1.) Pray for this country as homosexual activists will continue their efforts to redefine marriage and family. They recently announced a different strategy, but are still admitting their ultimate goal is same-sex marriage throughout the country. Judge Walker is taking public comment about the decision to televise the trial that begins Monday. This is not just a California issue, but a national issue, as the proponents of same-sex marriage are arguing that the Fourteenth Amendment allows for homosexual marriage. If you want to contact Chief Judge Walker, here’s his number 415-522-2000.
2.) Contact Senator Casey’s district office nearest you and tell him a vote for any health care bill without Congressman Stupak’s abortion-prohibiting language is a vote for abortion. Click here for contact info.
3.) Click here to see how your Senator voted on legalizing table games. Click here to see how your State Representative voted. You might want to give your State Senator and State Representative a call and your message will depend upon how they voted! Click here for contact info; key in your zip code in the upper right hand corner.
4.) If your Congressman is not Joe Pitts, you may want to consider contacting him or her and asking why their name was not on this legal brief. Thank Congressman Pitts for his stand for marriage.
5.) Click here to listen to Ray Stevens’ song.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Health Care Bill and “Transparency”
2.) Town Hall Meetings in Your Area?
Details
1.) This morning the Democratic leadership in the US House and US Senate met behind closed doors to iron out issues with the health care bills. Last night the President and Vice President met at the White House with the top two Democrats from the House and Senate. They will be meeting with him again this afternoon. Tuesday night’s meeting resulted in the consensus to use the ping-pong strategy. This means the House will take up the Senate bill and amend it, then send it back to the Senate for final approval. This will bypass a bi-partisan conference committee to work out the differences in the House and Senate versions. This also means pro-life Democrat Congressmen like Bart Stupak (D-MI) and all Republicans will be left out of the process. On December 30 CNN sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking that they and the President keep their promises of transparency in the health care debate. Apparently the nation’s leaders have not read the letter! The Democrats assure us that they are not trying to ram this legislation through, but they are simply tired of the Republican stalling tactics on a bill that they KNOW will pass. Isn’t that part of the debate?
2.) While your Congressman is home for Christmas break check will he or she be holding town hall meetings near you?
Action Steps
1.) Please call your Congressman and Senators Specter and Casey’s district office nearest you and ask them to vote ‘no’ on H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This bill will destroy the best heath care system in the world, ration care, drive hospitals and doctors out of business, fund abortions and raise the taxes of all Americans. If they support this bill, ask them if they will promise to relinquish their Congressional health care coverage and sign onto the system they are forcing the rest of Americans to be part of. Click here for contact info for your Congressman and here for contact info for Senators Specter and Casey.
2.) While you have them on the line about the health care bill, ask them if they will be holding town hall meetings in your district. If so, please plan to attend and be prepared to ask some probing questions. Some examples are here and here.
AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Governor Rendell – Table Games or Else
2.) Obama Nominee for Transportation Security Administration
3.) Tell Brit Hume Thanks!
Details
1.) Governor Rendell has threatened to lay off 1,000 state employees if the bill to legalize table games is not on his desk by Friday. Most of these workers are State Police, prison guards and from the Department of Public Welfare. Click here for a run down at the end of the article. Note that there are 51, 577 state workers! It is being reported that the leadership in both the State House and State Senate have reached an agreement – they just have to convince the members that this is a good idea!
2.) Since stopping the terrorist attack on Christmas morning, there has been much more talk about the need for better air security. However, President Obama has made the wrong choice to head up the Transportation Security Administration. He has nominated Erroll Southers who wants to unionize the nation’s security workers. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano fully supports this move. Union rules will virtually make it impossible to reward good screeners or fire bad ones further compromising airport security. Remember just a few days ago at the Newark Liberty International Airport when a man simply walked through a do-not-enter door and it took an observant passenger to notify security? What happened to the lax security guard? Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) is heading up the charge to oppose Southers nomination.
3.) On Fox News Sunday Brit Hume made some “politically incorrect” remarks. Watch here while he and Bill O’Reilly discuss his remarks on last night’s program.
Action Steps
1.) Contact your State Representative and State Senator and ask them to vote “NO’ on SB 711. Pennsylvania does not need to expand gambling. Click here for contact info for your State Rep and State Senator – key in your zip code in the upper right hand corner.
2.) Contact Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Bob Casey, Jr. and ask them to oppose the nomination of Erroll Southers for the head of the Transportation Security Administration. We don’t need union politics involved in our nation’s airport security system. Click here for contact info.
3.) In this politically correct world, it’s refreshing to hear a newscaster unashamedly proclaim Christ! Brit Hume has been getting negative feedback because of his comments. Why not consider sending him a note of thanks at yourcomments@foxnews.com
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