Hand in the Cookie Jar

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) leaves Senator Mikulski (D-MD) speechless as she tries to tap dance around the simple question "Does this use taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion?"

Sign the petition. http://frc.org

Oceanfront Property in Arizona

OK, I'm not Catholic. But I am pro-life, and all I gotta say today is "Go Pope!" That being said though I must admit an uncomfortable laugh slipped past my lips today, and it was no laughing matter.

President Barack Obama promised Pope Benedict on Friday that he would do everything possible to reduce the number of abortions in the United States, the Vatican said.

What? Are you kidding me? I mean, really?

President Obama (1) rescinded the Mexico City Policy on his third day in office opening it up for American taxpayer-dollars to fund abortion internationally. (2) He's lifted the ban on governmental funding of embryonic stem cell research. (3) His new budget calls for the removal of the Dornan amendment which prevents taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions in the District of Columbia. (4) He believes in the removal of the Hyde Amendment which prevents taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions nationally. (5) He and his Democrat colleagues believe taxpayer funded abortion should be part of any new Health Care Reform. (6) On the campaign trail he aligned himself squarely with the likes of Planned Parenthood and other Pro-Abortion ideologues promising that his first order of business in office would be to enact the Freedom of Choice Act. (7) He also promised to never nominate a Supreme Court judge that would not support Roe v. Wade–something that should be coming to mind with current nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

Now let me take a breath and continue...

On May 22 in a meeting to discuss "common ground" on abortion objectives, Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America was abruptly shut down when she tried to suggest methods of "reducing the number of abortions." Melody Barnes, Domestic Policy Council Director, cut her off to make it clear, "It is not our goal to reduce the number of abortions." Well, it doesn't get any more blunt than that. Believe it or not, no one outside the 26-year-old director of the faith-based office, Josh DuBois, has ever said that the administration wants to reduce the number of abortions. Apparently, the media started propagating that language, and people believed it.

So what must have been running through the President's mind as he sat before Pope Benedict? I can only imagine him squirming in his seat, and hastily making his remarks just to get through the 40-minute private meeting. Apparently the Pope not only grilled him on the Catholic Church's position on defending and promoting LIFE, but he also got nailed on Embryonic Stem Cell research and physicians right to abide by their conscience.

Again I say, "Go Pope!"

Grieved and Concerned About George Tiller

I'm processing my thoughts and concerns regarding the murder of abortionist George Tiller this morning in Wichita, KS. My heart is so grieved for the Tiller family. As a pro-life leader I believe emphatically that all human life is sacred, unique and precious to God. My prayers go out to the Tiller family during this tragedy.

I'm thankful that when God called me into the pro-life movement that He first established that my posture would be rooted in the prayer movement. Nobody knows the story yet about who this shooter is or what his motivation was. My guess though is that what happened this morning to Mr. Tiller will demonstrate what can happen when the struggle against injustice lashes out unprotected by prayer.

We are not easily reduced to prayer. We who grope toward praying today are like a city gutted by fire. The stuggle against injustice has exacted from us an aweful cost. In a similar period with similar struggles, Camus wrote, "There is merely bad luck in not being loved; there is tragedy in not loving. All of us, today, are dying of this tragedy. For violence and hatred dry up the heart itself; the long fight for justice exhausts the love that nevertheless gave birth to it..."

Unprotected by prayer, our social activism runs the danger of becoming self-justifying good works, as our inner resources atrophy, the wells of love run dry, and we are slowly changed into the likeness of the Beast.

-Walter Wink, Engaging the Powers, p. 297-298

By "changed into the likeness of the Beast" he means to be transformed into the very thing that you set out to overthrow or counteract. In the case of the pro-life movement, it is imperative that we maintain an approach that comes from prayer, love and compassion. The act of abortion is so completely and unredeemably violent that it can only be opposed in the "opposite spirit".

Pro-life leaders have been quick to respond publicly today by denouncing this violent act. I'm only slightly consoled that the media is reporting the fact that this doesn't reflect the vast majority of people in the pro-life movement. I have a great concern that this will be used by the pro-abortion agenda and related political leaders to stifle pro-life voices even as we begin debates over the next Supreme Court Justice and health care reform.

No one should profit politically from this great tragedy.

The Wedge Issue

Last night’s debate was definitely better than the other two. I enjoyed seeing a little banter between them. Both are crushing with their negative attack ads. The amount of media dollars being spent right now is staggering.

Concerning the short section concerning Roe v. Wade:

McCain: “I thought it was a bad decision.”

Obama: “I am somebody who believes that Roe versus Wade was rightly decided.”

All the sweet subtleties and eloquent sentences don’t sway me while the dreams of God are being snuffed out in wholesale numbers. I believe the Church will be held accountable for where she stands on November 4th.

It’s not like I really needed it, but Obama’s words last night encouraged me beyond measure that my solemn stand in prayer in front of the Supreme Court is desperately needed now more than ever.

Obama: (concerning the appointment of Supreme Court Justices) “And it is true that this is going to be, I think, one of the most consequential decisions of the next president. It is very likely that one of us will be making at least one and probably more than one appointments and Roe versus Wade probably hangs in the balance.”

Never Find Out

'Nuff Said?

A few days ago former NYC mayor Ed Koch made this statement:

“I predict that the outcome of the presidential election will depend not on the economy, not on the Iraq war, not on the price of gasoline or the issue of national health insurance, but on the issue of the right to abortion.”

For two years I have prayed intently (along with many others), “God drive abortion like a wedge into the 2008 Elections.” I believe TheCall in DC coinciding with the Saddleback Civil Forum was the turning point. The “issue” of abortion that so many have tried to push down in priority and dismiss as an old topic suddenly rose through the murky waters and became visible again. August 16 marked the day that the current of the campaign waters shifted quite unexpectedly. McCain’s selection of Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate seems to have sealed the deal that abortion, LIFE and the sanctity of human life will be at the forefront.

I can’t think of a more clear direct answer to prayer.

Don’t get me wrong; this is not some run-of-the-mill party politics. If it’s easy for you to discount any discussion on the topic, then you’ve grossly misunderstood the motivations that are driving this movement. I am for whomever will stand on the side of the pre-born. I will support the one who stands on the side of the innocent. If that’s a Democrat, then so be it. If that’s a Republican, then so be it. It happens to be the case this time around that Barack Obama has voted multiple times to block the protection of babies born alive as a result of abortion. Get out all your lipstick for this one, but it’s still INFANTICIDE. Regardless of all other policies, ideas and smooth speeches, I cannot stand with this man. The man that devalues human life and the innocent to this extent cannot be trusted. Moreover, the door of the White House cannot be opened to that kind of spiritual leadership.

That’s right, I said “spiritual leadership.” In our blessed democracy, the office of President is so much more than just a civil position.

The race gets really ugly from here on out. Obama’s so-called higher ground tactics are about to take a stroll through the mud and slop. It’s already well underway. All hell is raging against Palin. Everyone underestimated the galvanizing effect she would have on the social conservatives. Obama seriously miscalculated how the race would change. And he’s really kicking himself for picking Biden the anchorweight.

I will not be courted by a polite and puny plank in your platform. Don’t insult me with your feeble attempt to make me feel “comfortable.” I don't want to feel comfortable. There’s too much at stake. I don’t care what the Republicans, Democrats, pundits, commentators or Matt Damon are saying right now. I only care about what God is saying right now.

This isn’t about imposing my religious beliefs on someone else–arguing “If you don’t like abortion, then don’t have one.” No, this is a justice issue. It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing. It’s never the wrong time to demand justice.

#siege

Burn Baby Burn

Who says the Burning Bush is done? Today the Bush Administration released the draft of a regulation that would define pregnancy and when pregnancy begins. Specifically it would define the most widely-used forms of birth control as ABORTION. This ignites a blazing fury of debate because of it’s implications for those seeking to establish “personhood” as beginning at conception.

I’m not sure of it, but it sounds like this was possibly influenced by the ruling of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that recognized the SCIENCE defining a fertilized egg as a “human being.” The new regulation would define abortion as

“any of the various procedures - including the prescription, dispensing and administration of any drug or the performance of any procedure or any other action - that results in the termination of the life of a human being in utero between conception and natural birth, whether before or after implantation.”

Critics are quick to attack this calling it Bush’s final effort to block women’s right to choose. Already Pelosi and Feinstein are calling for the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary to reject the draft. What’s profound is that the President doesn’t need approval to enact the regulation. It could be revised, rejected or the President could just put it into effect by his own prerogative.

The regulation also exposes the problem of forcing health care workers to cross personal moral barriers. It would increase the rights of conscientious objection. The White House said the administration “has an obligation to enforce” that right and is “exploring a number of options.”

The Wall Street Journal Article

No doubt the debate will heat up even more. My prayer continues to be that God would drive abortion like a wedge into the 2008 elections. I believe the soul of the nation is at stake. When it comes to the candidates, I say “I don’t need a savior. I already have one.”

Please pray for Michael Leavitt the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

These Doors Will Stay...(to be continued)

Yesterday marked the first official day that Planned Parenthood of South Dakota was required by law to inform a woman seeking an abortion that it ended the life of a separate unique living human being. PP had challenged the law on the basis that it infringed on the doctors freedom of speech, but the 8th Circuit Court determined and ruled overwhelmingly that it was not unlawful to require them to tell the truth. Truth? Yes, truth. The court found the genetic research presented was profoundly convincing evidence, and also stated that Planned Parenthood presented no evidence to the contrary.

So what does this mean for Planned Parenthood of South Dakota? Yesterday their defiant doors were supposed to be open for business ready to honor the law. The photo of the banner is from 2006 when they challenged an abortion ban passed by the state legislature. The Bound4LIFE South Dakota team was there early to pray yesterday. They watched as the morning appointments began to show up, but the doors never opened even though there was a sign on the door stating they planned to close early at 3 PM. Apparently they also refused media access that wanted to report on their compliance to the law.

Monday’s are typically busy days even though there are no doctors in SD that will perform abortions–the abortion doctor flies in from Minneapolis. MN has been exporting death to SD for years. The first young woman that showed up for her abortion yesterday morning was left in the parking lot confused even though there were two staff cars parked in the lot. Surprisingly she came out to the sidewalk to talk with our Bound4LIFE chapter leader to see what was going on. It was an emotional conversation as our leader pleaded with her not to take the life of her baby and make a decision she would regret. The young woman sat in her car with her boyfriend for a while crying and eventually left. Four more appointments showed up and were forced to leave as well. Clearly Planned Parenthood is demonstrating here that their utmost concern is for the well-being of the women, right? WRONG!

Of course the parking lot is the safest place to be when Planned Parenthood is concerned.

So it’s anybody’s guess what was going on yesterday. Perhaps the doctor is protesting the law by refusing to come. Maybe the lawyers are the ones holding up the doctors. Not sure, but one thing is for certain–Planned Parenthood is desperate and scrambling to hold together what shredded pieces of their facade are left. That thin veneer of prettiness is starting to look a bit tattered.

Truth will prevail. From our beginning it has been declared that we are created in the image of God. Abortion strikes at the very image of God. Why does Planned Parenthood want to suppress the truth that is being revealed through genetic science? Why do they say that women should have the ability to make their own choice but then not give them all the information to make an informed decision?

“Finally, this biological information about the fetus is at least as relevant to the patient’s decision to have an abortion as the gestational age of the fetus, which was deemed to be relevant in Casey. See 505 U.S. at 882. As a result, Planned Parenthood cannot meet even the less rigorous requirement to show a fair chance of prevailing, much less the more rigorous requirement applicable here to show that it is likely to prevail, on the merits of its claim that the disclosure required by § 7(1)(b) is untruthful, misleading or not relevant to the decision to have an abortion.” (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, No. 05-3093, pg.19)

Listen folks, it’s because Planned Parenthood is a business and makes a ton of money from selling death. This 501(c)(3) non-profit makes hundreds of millions of dollars each year from the killing of innocent babies. The bloodshed must end. It’s unjust gain.

Either we will cooperate with the Lord in ending it, or He will do it for us. Make no mistake.

Thank God for the Bound4LIFE South Dakota team that has maintained an ongoing prayer siege at this clinic for two years. I believe they are in the early stages of reaping what they have sown in sacrifice.

When Is a Person a Person?

This is pulled directly from the ruling of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, No. 05-3093.

In its opposition to the motion for preliminary injunction, the State introduced portions of the Act’s legislative history1 and several affidavits. The legislative history includes testimony from several women who had obtained abortions in South Dakota and felt their decisions would have been better informed if they had received from their abortion providers the information required by § 7. In addition, the legislative history includes testimony from experts such as Marie Peeters-Ney, M.D., a physician and geneticist, explaining the scientific basis for the disclosure required by § 7(1)(b) that “the abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being.” Dr. Peeters-Ney testified that use of the term “human being” was accurate because:

Becoming a member of our species is conferred immediately upon conception. At the moment of conception a human being with 46 chromosomes comes into existence. These chromosomes, the organization, the chromosomal pattern is specifically human. The RNA, the messenger protein, the proteins are distinctly human proteins. So this new human being is a member of our species, and humanity is not acquired sometime along the path, it occurs right at conception.

Senate State Affairs Comm. Hearing at 25. Dr. Peeters-Ney also stated that an embryo or fetus is whole in the sense that “[a]ll the genetic information sufficient and necessary to mature, and the information that is needed for this human being’s entire life is present at the time of conception”; that it is “separate from the mother” because “[t]he genetic program is totally complete and this human being will mature according to his or her own program”; and that it is unique because it has “a totally unique genetic code.” (pg. 6)

Also

The State’s evidence suggests that the biological sense in which the embryo or fetus is whole, separate, unique and living should be clear in context to a physician, cf. Gonzales, 127 S. Ct. at 1627 (“[B]y common understanding and scientific terminology, a fetus is a living organism while within the womb, whether or not it is viable outside the womb.”), and Planned Parenthood submitted no evidence to oppose that conclusion. (pg. 19)

And

Finally, this biological information about the fetus is at least as relevant to the patient’s decision to have an abortion as the gestational age of the fetus, which was deemed to be relevant in Casey. See 505 U.S. at 882. As a result, Planned Parenthood cannot meet even the less rigorous requirement to show a fair chance of prevailing, much less the more rigorous requirement applicable here to show that it is likely to prevail, on the merits of its claim that the disclosure required by § 7(1)(b) is untruthful, misleading or not relevant to the decision to have an abortion. (pg.19)

Who’s who in Colorado

Yesterday was the deadline for the signature campaign in Colorado. Many of you know that this has been near and dear to my heart because of what the Lord spoke to me in March. To be very honest this last week had been somewhat discouraging due to the fact that participation seemed to be low.

The incredible news is that in the final hours of the campaign a flood of signatures unexpectedly came in. The required amount set for the population of the state is 76,047 signatures to bring an initiative to vote. Yesterday the Personhood 08 campaign turned in 131,243 signatures. I've had the privilege to meet with and get to know the founder Kristi Burton, her family, and Keith Mason the grass roots director. Please continue to cover these individuals in prayer. I believe God is raising up deliverers right now and we must recognize them.

Pending the approval of Colorado's Secretary of State, two states are now moving forward with radically different strategies aimed at protecting the preborn. South Dakota's signature campaign was recently approved and, if passed, will restrict abortion from being used as birth control with exceptions for rape, incest and the life-threatening health of the mother. Colorado's initiative is a single sentence amendment to the state's constitution defining the term "person" as beginning at fertilization.

Why did the film Amazing Grace come out when it did chronicling William Wilberforce's long struggle to end the slave trade? Why did Horton Hears A Who get released in March asking us the question, “When is a person a person?” I believe God is trumpeting the message of life loud and clear. There is great momentum right now and cause for great hope.

Now what? Both of these campaigns need financial support to effectively create the marketing needed to communicate these initiatives to the public. Please help support these critical measures.

South Dakota Vote Yes for Life – DONATE

Colorado Personhood 08 – DONATE

The Middle of Nowhere

Murdo, SD

At the last minute (Thursday of last week) my friend Steve Hickey in Sioux Falls, SD called with an off-the-wall offer. Pastor Steve is the leading voice to the Church of South Dakota concerning the issue of abortion. He and his entire church have devoted themselves to seeing the decree of death overturned in their state and the nation.

A little history. In 2006, South Dakota legislature passed an all-out ban on abortion. Now don't jump to conclusions. Reject any impulse to dismiss what I just said as the actions of poorly-informed, deeply religious, simple folk. The South Dakota elected officials created a task force that studied the issue of abortion for two years evaluating evidence from every conceivable angle. An impactful piece of information that emerged and found profound relevance in the debate is the fact that Abortion Hurts Women. What was that? Yes, contrary to what you've been told, abortion hurts women. I will try to expound on that statement at a later date.

The ultimate result was the the state legislature found conclusive evidence that was contrary to the six presuppositions on which Roe v. Wade was established. Governor Mike Rounds signed the abortion ban legislation into law which directly challenged the federal guarantee of abortion access. This created a fire storm. Pro-Abortion advocates quickly mobilized to gather signatures to force the law to popular vote, which was then struck down in November of 2006. However, 44% of the state of South Dakota was willing to cast their vote to ban abortion in every instance. The message is clear here in the heartland–Life is Sacred.

Fast forward to today. Once again the courageous people of SD are mobilizing in defense of the defenseless. Right now a signature campaign is well under way to bring a new ballot initiative to voter in November of this year. What's different? This new initiative "listens" to what the voters of 2006 said. Built into this measure are exceptions for rape, incest and the health of the mother. It's not a perfect piece of legislation, but it will effectively abolish abortion as a means of birth control. This is exactly what the people of South Dakota asked for. It is exactly what the voters want.

So here I am in Murdo, SD. Not much here. It's a overnight stop on a whirlwind 12-city tour across the state to mobilize pro-life pastors to collect signatures. Time is short for this leg of the campaign, but we're excited and filled with hope. There has been an overwhelming positive response. We're speaking directly with the men and women that have access to entire buildings full of people that know right from wrong. Steve fights my battles; I fight his.

Please pray for the Church of South Dakota. There's a manipulative effort that's being waged to lull the people to sleep on this issue. Steve calls it "Planned Parenthood's Propaganda Ploy" (nice alliteration). I think its nothing less than spiritual propaganda. They're telling everyone, "The people of South Dakota are tired." It's not true. That's not what we're seeing out here on the wind-swept plains. People are pretty fired up contrary to popular belief. But you know how it goes. If someone comes up to you and says, "Hey, you look tired." Suddenly you start thinking, "Yeah, I am kinda tired." Next thing you know a tiny yawn slips out. It's propaganda! And the salt-of-the-earth people we're meeting are buying it.

In DC for Two Days and a Surprise

I just got home this morning after driving all night. I was in DC since Monday with my team. Yesterday was the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. It was a solemn day; certainly not a day for celebration. But it was energizing and exciting to be in the middle of tens of thousands gathering there to make a public declaration to protect the unborn. It’s exciting to me to see the many facets of the pro-life movement. I believe the abortion stronghold in the nation is being assaulted on every side. This is encouraging.

Bound4LIFE was there doin’ what we do. With 50 intercessors on “the wall” in front of the Court Lou filmed a one-hour program with GOD TV there speaking on the shedding of innocent blood and the Bound4LIFE prayer movement. This aired all over the world. “Thank you GOD TV!”

Now on to the Surprise. My trip to L.A. to meet with Eduardo has been cancelled. The great news is that the Bella guys were in DC, so we met last night from 11 PM to 2 AM. We all felt really connected. Thank you to everyone out there that prayed for this meeting. It could not have gone better, and we all felt like there was a supernatural connection that we can’t ignore. We’re praying for each other and for direction on what to do.

So get this. We were discussing what had brought each of us there, and I told them my dream (see previous post). I watched as their chins dropped, and Leo the producer interupted me.
Leo: “Do you know the name of our company?”
Me: “Yes, ‘Metanoia.’”
Leo: “Do you know what the word means?”
Me: “‘Repentance,’ right?”
Leo: “Yes. But it also has a scientific definition. It literally means ‘out of darkness and into light.’ That's the reason we chose it.”
Me/Lou: *Whump* – the sound of us falling out of our chairs.

Did you catch that? It’s the dream. So much for late pizza theory.

My sense was that this meeting was one of the most profound and divine connections in my life. It just kinda had that feeling while I was sitting there with these gentlemen. I’ve had a handful of those kinds of meetings before, and I know what they smell like.

We discussed prayer, Bella, saving babies and adoption. But more importantly we talked about changing culture and society. What if California became a pro-life state?

From the lips of... Sean Hannity?

Hannity interviewed James Dobson Monday night and discussed the recent stand to create a potential third minority candidate. Sounds ubsurd given the probable outcome, but I was especially blessed to hear Dobson simply declare that he was a man of principle. (video)

Where does that leave us? In a precarious position at the very least. Concluding the segment was the following dialogue:

DOBSON: Sean, this is a matter for prayer. I'm sure you agree with that.
HANNITY: I pray every day, and I absolutely agree. Prayer and fasting, that's all the help I need.

What did he just say? Did he just say "prayer and fasting?" Truer words were never spoken.