The Decline of the Democratic Ticket in the 2024 Election: An Analysis

The Decline of the Democratic Ticket in the 2024 Election: An Analysis

On November 5, 2024, the United States witnessed an electoral outcome that left many Democrats in shock: Kamala Harris, the incumbent Vice President, and her running mate, Tim Walz, were defeated by Donald Trump and JD Vance. This election outcome can be dissected through various lenses, but several key issues stand out as pivotal in swaying the voter base away from the Democratic candidates. Here, we explore why Kamala Harris and the Democrats might have lost, focusing on policies surrounding abortion, economic concerns like inflation, neglect of the working class, and immigration policies, while also touching on the narrative of demographic shifts and blame attribution. Abortion Rights: A Double-Edged Sword - Policy Stance: The Democrats, with Kamala Harris at the forefront, made abortion rights a central theme of their campaign. Harris's commitment to protecting abortion access nationally was clear. However, this focus might have alienated a segment of voters who prioritize other issues over abortion. - Voter Reaction: While abortion rights were significant for many voters, particularly women, the intensity of focus on this issue possibly led to a disconnect with those for whom economic stability, crime, or other social issues held greater importance. The perception was that the Democrats were more focused on cultural issues than on immediate economic or social challenges facing the average American. The Working Class Disconnect - Economic Policies: The Democratic campaign was criticized for not addressing the bread-and-butter issues of the working class effectively. Policies perceived as elitist or not directly benefiting the middle and lower-income brackets might have contributed to voter dissatisfaction. - Inflation: With inflation rates having risen significantly under the Biden-Harris administration, many voters felt the pinch in their daily lives. Harris's campaign was seen by some as out of touch with these economic realities, focusing instead on progressive ideals that didn't resonate with those struggling with cost-of-living increases. Inflation and Economic Mismanagement - Public Sentiment: Economic instability and high inflation were among the top concerns for voters. The administration's handling of these issues was perceived as inadequate, leading to a decline in support, especially among voters who felt that their financial well-being was deteriorating. - Campaign Focus: Critics argue that Harris's campaign did not pivot strongly enough to address these economic grievances head-on. Instead, the narrative often circled back to social policies, which, while important, did not alleviate the economic pressures felt by many. Immigration Policy: A Political Quagmire - Border Issues: Despite efforts to manage border policies, the administration faced backlash over what was perceived as a lack of control over illegal immigration. This issue was capitalized on by Trump, who used it to mobilize his base by promising stricter immigration controls. - Perceived Neglect: The Democratic approach, while aiming for humane immigration reforms, was seen by some as lax, contributing to voter frustration, especially in border states and among those concerned about economic impacts of immigration. Blaming Demographics: Men and Latinos - Gender and Racial Dynamics: Post-election analyses have included discussions on whether inherent biases like misogyny contributed to Harris's loss. However, such narratives risk oversimplifying complex voter motivations. - Latino Voter Shift: There's been a noted shift among Latino voters, with some moving toward Trump. This wasn't just about immigration or abortion but also about economic promises and a perception of being heard and represented by Trump's campaign in ways they hadn't felt from the Democrats. Conclusion: The Need for Introspection The Democratic Party's loss in 2024 can be attributed to a multifaceted blend of policy focus, economic concerns, and shifts in voter demographics: - Policy Misalignment: The heavy emphasis on progressive social issues like abortion might have overshadowed the economic and working-class priorities that resonate deeply with the electorate. - Economic Focus: There was a clear demand for policies directly tackling inflation and supporting the working class, which wasn't perceived as being adequately addressed. - Immigration: The handling of immigration was a significant point of contention, perceived by some as a failure to secure the borders while also not providing clear pathways for reform. - Demographic Blame: Blaming specific demographics like men or Latinos for the loss might be reductive. These groups have diverse reasons for their political choices, often rooted in economic and personal security rather than identity politics alone. Moving Forward: The Democratic Party needs to engage in soul-searching, reevaluating its messaging, policy priorities, and how it connects with the electorate on issues of immediate economic concern. Understanding that voters want not just progressive ideals but also practical solutions to daily struggles is crucial for future campaigns. The path to recovery involves not just critiquing external forces or demographics but reflecting on internal strategies and adapting to the evolving political landscape of America.

Disgraced Adjunct Professor Shellyne Rodriguez Fired & Assaults NY Post Reporter With Machete

Disgraced art adjunct professor at Hunter College Shellyne Rodriguez has been fired. school spokesman Vince Dimiceli told The Post "Hunter College strongly condemns the unacceptable actions of Shellyne Rodriguez and has taken immediate action. Rodriguez has been relieved of her duties at Hunter College effective immediately, and will not be returning to teach at the school." 

 However, she is in the news for another incident involving a reporter. Veteran NY Post reporter Reuven Fenton and his staff went to the apartment of Rodriguez in the Castlehill section of the Bronx which shares the lot with the Choculita La Bella deli to interview her. However, she came out belligerent and aggressive wielding a machete in hand. At one point she placed it on Fenton's neck threatening to chop off his head. After spewing several f-bombs demanding that they leave, she went back inside as the reporters left calmly. However, while outside, Rodriguez came down wielding the machete in hand. She began to chase the reporters around cars, on the street and sidewalk in a scene that looked like a Charlie Chaplin or Three Stooges "fast-running" scene. Here are videos and photos:

 

The Hunter College liberal professor (Shellyne Rodriguez) who destroyed some pro-lifer’s display, continued her rampage by putting a machete to the throat of the New York Post reporter who showed up at her door. She was later terminated but was supported by her teachers union.… pic.twitter.com/WQVhxdaLoO

— • ᗰISᑕᕼIᗴᖴ ™ • (@4Mischief) May 23, 2023

 

https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/find/person/px4u04n0800n9ru26lur

It is not known whether or not Shellyne Rodriguez was fired after the reporter incident or whether Hunter College's president made the decision beforehand. Some on social media are describing the firing as taking place after the machete incident with the reporter from the NY Post. We have not been able to confirm either. 

 Nevertheless, we do know that the provost of Hunter College began an investigation and the video from Students For Life was truly incriminating. The young man in the original video which got Shellyne Rodriguez on the path to being canceled was on Fox News. His name is Patrick Rubi and was a student at Cathedral Prep high school which is a high school for boys considering the priesthood. Here is the interview:

   

It is safe to say that Shellyne Rodriguez needs help. She is unfit to be a professor or in any position of leadership. Rodriguez is too volatile and unhinged.  If the presence of a mere table with pro-life material or reporters gets her to the point of becoming physically violent, then she needs anger management or needs a psychiatric evaluation. She may be bipolar or suffer from adjustment reaction disorder. 

In any event, she is a danger to others and herself. The NYPD is currently investigating the machete incident. It will not be a surprise if she is arrested for this incident. There is a lawsuit on her behalf against the NYPD. Rodriguez claims that while protesting the incident of George Flloyd, she was arrested, had her face bashed into a gate, her hair pulled, and was punched several times in the abdomen. She claims the plastic cuffs placed on her were too tight and when she asked for them to be loosened, the officer allegedly tightened them more causing her to scream in pain.  Rodriguez claims that this caused nerve damage along with the movement of the paddy wagon.  She is scheduled to go to court in July. 

Most likely, these events will hurt her case. The defense can show that she is an unstable and violent person. Ironically, she called the display of the young pro-lifers from Students For Life "violent," yet she was the one who has been violent in both of these incidents.  

Hunter College made the right decision to fire her. She needs to learn how to be professional and control her temper if she wants to function in a civilized society. We just cannot have people behaving like this, especially in positions of authority with young people.  She is "woke" and many of these people tend to behave in this manner. This is why no one takes their rhetoric seriously. 

Art by Shellyne Rodriguez depicting what looks like the story of her apartment 4A

She has a sister named Sunshine Jenkins who owns and runs Sunshine's Little Achievers in the Bronx on Clinton Avenue. There is word online that she may be next to be canceled. As the saying goes, "birds of a feather flock together," we must be concerned about what she is teaching pre-k children in this daycare. Clearly, something is bothering Rodriguez. She has inner demons that need to be worked out in a psychological and spiritual setting.  This goes to show how being too much to the left or right can have extremely harmful psychological consequences.  She needs to be arrested for menacing. You just cannot put machetes on people's necks or chase them around in the street with them.  This is not America. It is not liberty. It is not civilizations.  This is savagery.  

UPDATE May 24, 2023:

Shellyne Rodriguez finally provided a statement to ArtNews claiming she is the victim. She claims she apologized for the May 2nd incident with the pro-life students and was awaiting for the investigation process to finish until the video became viral on May 19th. She was then fired.  Rodriguez is now accusing Hunter College of supporting and catering to white supremacy. She said this whole ordeal has affected her mental health and that she fears for her life. She believes it to be a conservative right-wing campaign against her because of her antifa anarchist views.  It is interesting to note that she made no mention of the NY post machete incident.  

What do you think? Post on Disqus below. Remember to follow the requirements so your comment can go through.  

Source: 

https://nypost.com/2023/05/23/nyc-college-professor-shellyne-rodriguez-who-threatened-post-reporter-with-machete-is-fired/ 

https://nypost.com/2023/05/23/disturbing-video-shows-machete-wielding-nyc-professor-chase-post-reporter-photographer/ 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12117103/Woke-NYC-college-professor-FIRED-hurling-foul-mouthed-abuse-students-pro-life-stand.html 

https://notthebee.com/article/pro-abort-professor-holds-machete-to-ny-post-reporters-jugular-after-going-postal-on-pro-life-students-

https://www.thedailybeast.com/professor-shellyne-rodriguez-threatens-new-york-post-reporter-with-machete

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12117103/Woke-NYC-college-professor-FIRED-hurling-foul-mouthed-abuse-students-pro-life-stand.html

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254399/nyc-professor-vandalizes-student-pro-life-display-chases-journalist-with-machete

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/fing-propoganda-cuny-college-professor-destroys-pro-life-table-at-hunter-college/

https://news.yahoo.com/nyc-college-professor-fired-confrontation-012740776.html

https://nypost.com/2023/05/23/escalating-madness-of-woke-dogma-on-campus/

https://www.foxnews.com/us/professor-hurls-students-pro-life-display-after-profanity-laced-tirade-triggering-my-students

https://www.ncregister.com/cna/new-york-professor-vandalizes-student-pro-life-display-and-chases-journalist-with-machete

https://www.mediaite.com/news/professor-caught-on-camera-holding-machete-to-ny-post-reporters-neck-threatens-to-chop-him-up/

https://tyt.com/watch/the-young-turks/bb4cba98f1a6def89/clips/bb3f2496b53a1000

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/nyc-college-professor-fired-after-confrontation-abortion-opponents-99555950

https://www.foxnews.com/us/professor-holds-machete-reporters-neck-after-destroying-students-pro-life-display

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/hunter-college-professor-fired-after-vandalizing-pro-life-display-threatening-reporter-with-machete/

https://nypost.com/2023/05/23/nyc-professor-shellyne-rodriguez-under-investigation-after-chasing-post-staffers-with-machete/

https://www.foxnews.com/media/college-student-details-professors-tirade-against-anti-abortion-display-started-berate-us

https://nypost.com/2023/05/23/hunter-college-freakout-proves-left-loves-violence-and-hates-speech/

https://nypost.com/2023/05/22/nyc-hunter-college-professor-cursed-out-anti-abortion-students-tabling-at-school/

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/new-york-city-machete-post-reporter

https://geneseesun.com/statement-on-machete-wielding-hunter-college-professor-by-conservative-party-chairman-gerard-kassar/

https://www.mediaite.com/crime/new-york-college-fires-professor-who-threatened-reporter-with-machete/

Updated Source May 24, 2023:

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/shellyne-rodriguez-hunter-college-firing-response-1234669479/

https://hyperallergic.com/823995/arts-professor-shellyne-rodriguez-fired-after-confrontation-with-anti-abortion-group/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/shellyne-rodriguez-hunter-college-fired-b2344970.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65692232

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/shellyne-rodriguez-machete-new-york-post_n_646e05f3e4b03557393a3788

https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/news-who-shellyne-rodriguez-video-former-hunter-college-teacher-wielding-machete-reporter-leaves-netizens-stunned

https://nypost.com/2023/05/24/fired-nyc-professor-shellyne-rodriguez-says-shes-the-victim-after-machete-threat/

https://nypost.com/2023/05/24/only-thing-shocking-about-shellyne-rodriguez-machete-attack-was-a-college-actually-firing-a-woke-professor/

Roe vs Wade Overturned by Supreme Court!

Finally the day we pro-lifers have been waiting for and knew would come. They mocked us, told us we were on the "wrong side of history" or that we were against women, were they wrong. We won!  The Supreme Court just aborted the horrendous decision of Roe vs Wade. 

You can read the decision here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf. I will update this post as I learn more details  

# Analysis of SCOTUS decision on Roe vs Wade

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a historic ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that established a constitutional right to abortion in the United States. The decision, written by Justice Samuel Alito and joined by four other conservative justices, upheld a Mississippi law that banned abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape, incest or fetal anomalies. The ruling effectively ended federal protection for abortion rights and left the issue to the states, many of which have already enacted or are poised to enact laws that would severely restrict or ban abortion altogether.

In this blog post, I will analyze the main arguments and implications of the SCOTUS decision, as well as the reactions and responses from various stakeholders and groups.

## The main arguments of the SCOTUS decision

The majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the case that challenged the Mississippi law, relied on two main arguments to justify overturning Roe v. Wade and its subsequent reaffirmation in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992).

The first argument was that Roe and Casey were **"egregiously wrong"** in recognizing a constitutional right to abortion based on the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, which protects the liberty of persons from state interference. The majority claimed that this right was **"not rooted in the nation's history and tradition"** and that it had **"no basis in the Constitution's text or structure"**. The majority also criticized Roe and Casey for creating a **"balancing test"** that weighed the state's interest in protecting fetal life against the woman's interest in terminating her pregnancy at different stages of gestation. The majority argued that this test was **"unworkable"** and **"arbitrary"** and that it had led to **"confusion and uncertainty"** in lower courts and among legislators, doctors and women.

The second argument was that Roe and Casey had **"failed to produce any stable national consensus"** on abortion and that they had instead **"provoked a strong and enduring backlash"** from those who opposed abortion on moral, religious or political grounds. The majority contended that Roe and Casey had **"imposed a significant burden on society"** by generating **"relentless litigation"**, **"divisive moral debates"** and **"polarized politics"**. The majority also asserted that Roe and Casey had **"undermined democratic self-governance"** by taking away the power of the people and their elected representatives to regulate abortion according to their own values and preferences.

The majority concluded that Roe and Casey should be overruled because they were **"wrongly decided and should be discarded"** and because they had **"caused significant damage to our constitutional system"**. The majority declared that there was no constitutional right to abortion and that states were free to enact laws that protect unborn life from conception onward.

## The main implications of the SCOTUS decision

The SCOTUS decision has profound implications for the legal status of abortion, the health and rights of women, and the political landscape of the country.

The most immediate implication is that the Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy is now in effect, making it one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represented the sole abortion clinic in Mississippi that challenged the law, this means that **"nearly all abortions are now illegal in Mississippi, forcing women to travel out of state — if they can afford to do so — or carry an unwanted pregnancy to term against their will."**

The broader implication is that many other states will follow suit and enact laws that ban or limit abortion access even further. According to the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks abortion laws and policies across the country, there are currently **24 states** that are considered **"hostile or very hostile to abortion rights"**, meaning that they have enacted multiple laws that restrict abortion access or have expressed an intention to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade were overturned. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia

Source:

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-supreme-court-justice-thomas-says-gay-rights-rulings-open-to-be-tossed.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/24/abortion-state-laws-criminalization-roe/

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2022/06/24/scotus-overturn-roe-vs-wade-decision-biskupic-newsroom-vpx.cnn

https://ndncollective.org/ndn-collective-responds-to-supreme-court-overturning-roe-v-wade/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-06-14/if-roe-v-wade-is-overturned-texas-abortion-ban-is-new-reality-for-us

https://www.npr.org/2022/06/24/1102305878/supreme-court-abortion-roe-v-wade-decision-overturn

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-overturned-by-supreme-court-ending-federal-abortion-rights.html

https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/politics/dobbs-mississippi-supreme-court-abortion-roe-wade/index.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-overturns-abortion-rights-landmark-2022-06-24/

https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0

Norma McCorvey 'Jane Roe' Dead at 69

The "Jane Roe" of the infamous case, Roe vs Wade has passed away at the age of 69. "Roe" later on after the case revealed her real name, Norma McCorvey. McCorvey was born on September 22, 1947 in Louisiana.

At the age of 13, her father left home which eventually led to divorce. Norma and her brother were left with their mother Mildred who suffered from alcoholism. She had a troublesome childhood. However, she would become famous when she took the state of Texas to court demanding the right to privacy and abortion. The case went to the Supreme Court and would forever be known as "Roe Vs Wade." The court decided in favor of "Roe" making abortion legal in the United States of America. The decision is held in high regard among radical feminists and those who call themselves pro-choice. Ironically, McCorvey never had an abortion.  She fought hard to get her name far away from the evil legacy of abortion.

Norma McCorvey, the "roe" in roe v wade dead at 69. She had converted to the #Catholic faith and became #prolife. #RestInPeace

— ☧Sacerdotنs☧ (@Sacerdotus) February 18, 2017

Norma McCorvey was at one time, a lesbian who lived with long-time partner, Connie Gonzales. In 1994, she became a Born-Again Christian, but later on, entered the Catholic Church after working with Father Frank Pavone of Priests For Life. Father Pavone received her into the Church on August 17, 1998. Consequently, she renounced her lesbianism and worked hard to overturn the court case she was a part of. She regretted the decision and wanted it overturned. You can read more of her conversion here: www.priestsforlife.org/columns/conversionofnorma.html. Father Pavone tweeted this today:

Norma McCorvey has passed away; I just prayed with the family and they all appreciate your prayers.

— Fr. Frank Pavone (@frfrankpavone) February 18, 2017

Norma McCorvey made a big mistake in 1973 with "Roe vs Wade." However, she repented and followed the Lord as a Catholic. She is testament that even the hardest of hearts can convert. If the lady who brought about the legalization of abortion can convert, so can stubborn pro-abortion advocates. God works wonders and is merciful. Now Norma can pray to the Lord and ask for an end to abortion now that she has gone to meet Him.

BREAKING: Norma McCorvey aka Jane Roe has died at 69. Her case was used to legalize abortion in the US, then she became a #prolife activist.

— LifeSiteNews.com (@LifeSite) February 18, 2017

Norma McCorvey was called home to the Lord today succumbing to heart failure after battling pneumonia. Eternal rest grant to her Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Norma McCorvey rest in peace.





Source: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/norma-mccorvey-jane-roe-of-roe-v-wade-decision-legalizing-abortion-dies-at-69/2017/02/18/24b83108-396e-11e6-8f7c-d4c723a2becb_story.html?utm_term=.8676b88c6ee4 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/18/obituaries/norma-mccorvey-dead-roe-v-wade.html 

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/02/18/515972447/norma-mccorvey-roe-of-landmark-roe-v-wade-ruling-on-abortion-dies-at-69 

http://www.wnd.com/2017/02/norma-mccorvey-jane-roe-of-roe-v-wade-passes-away/

Pro-Abortion NARAL Attacks 'Doritos' Over Fetus

Those of you who identify as 'pro-life' may have experience this just as I have. Whether online or offline, you get bombarded by radical feminists or others who call themselves 'pro choice.'  They use all kinds of crazy and irrational arguments in order to defend abortion.  One such argument is the claim that fetuses, embryos, zygotes are not human.  It is a strange argument just for the mere fact that human females gestate human offspring.  A human does not become a 'human' at birth.  He/she is human from conception with his/her own DNA, gender and blood type.  Perhaps they should read my post: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2011/10/prochoice-debunked.html.

Well, during the Superbowl the abortion group NARAL tweeted this tweet attacking the cheesy snack maker 'Doritos' over a commercial which aired showing a pregnant woman with and over active unborn child in the womb.

#NotBuyingIt - that @Doritos ad using #antichoice tactic of humanizing fetuses & sexist tropes of dads as clueless & moms as uptight. #SB50

— NARAL (@NARAL) February 8, 2016

The tweet is just unbelievable and hopefully exposes to the world the extremist and ignorant views of the pro-choice/pro-abortion movement which denies scientific facts in favor of sophism which they create in order to push the narrative of abortion.

A #zygote, #embryo or #fetus is not a potential #human. It is a human in a particular stage of development. #catholic #prolife #prochoice

— Sacerdotنs (@Sacerdotus) August 7, 2015

See the commercial:






They had no problem with humanizing dogs...

#MediaWeLike - the @subaru_usa commercial with dog parents driving their puppies around! 😍🐶 #SB50

— NARAL (@NARAL) February 8, 2016

Twitter users gave them a piece of their minds:

Humanize? What gestates in human females? Apples? Your science illiteracy is showing. Get educated: https://t.co/nLhZannD3e @NARAL @Doritos

— Sacerdotنs (@Sacerdotus) February 9, 2016

NARAL is the Westboro Baptist Church of abortion activism. Next stop: protesting their neighbors' baby showers and picketing Buy Buy Baby.

— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) February 8, 2016

@NARAL @Doritos acknowledges the humanity of an unborn life in an ad and anti-life/pro-abortion radicals come unhinged. #SB50

— Taylor Gage (@gagetaylor) February 8, 2016

@NARAL @Doritos "Humanizing"? Is it a lobster?

— Paul Drake (@PaulWDrake) February 8, 2016

@NARAL @Doritos Humanizing fetuses? Did you all flunk biology? #SB50 #itsababy

— Leslie PalmaSimoncek (@leslieps918) February 8, 2016

@NARAL Truth is that a fetus is indeed a human baby! Thank you @Doritos for showing the truth! #SB50

— Bridgit Boeve Smith (@BridgitSmith) February 8, 2016

.@NARAL @Doritos pic.twitter.com/uCBB1MQEeJ

— Griffin Gulledge ن (@griffingulledge) February 8, 2016

@NARAL Uh, it is a human. You do know that, right?

— Chris A. Guzman (@christopherguz) February 8, 2016

.@NARAL So the "fetus" isn't human yet you call the man and woman dad and mom? Try again. And kudos to @Doritos!

— Aubrey Blankenship (@aubreynb) February 8, 2016

@NARAL @Doritos I wonder if humanizing fetuses has anything to do with the fact that human fetuses are, you know, human.

— TheValuesVoter (@TheValuesVoter) February 8, 2016

Source:

http://www.lifenews.com/2016/01/18/funny-doritos-commercial-shows-unborn-baby-bonding-with-dad-on-ultrasound/

http://adflegal.org/detailspages/blog-details/allianceedge/2016/02/08/chips-babies-and-dogs-why-abortion-advocates-didn-t-like-superbowl50-commercials

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/02/08/pro-choice-group-cries-foul-over-doritos-commercial-ultrasound.html?intcmp=hppop 

Reporters Who Exposed Planned Parenthood's Fetal Parts Business Indicted

I am sure you have heard the saying, "payback is a b....."  Well, this seems to be the case now with David Daleiden and his fellow reporter who were both indicted on felony charges and are facing up to 20 years in prison. Their crime?  Secretly recording Planned Parenthood employees speaking about selling fetal tissue, creating false ID, fake company and buying fetal tissue.  The Pro-Life community is up at arms over this.  Moreover, the prosecutor involved is on the board of Planned Parenthood. Requests for her and her office to recuse themselves from the case went on deaf ears.  It seems clear that the charges are in retaliation to the attention given to Planned Parenthood over the videos and the Congressional hearings that followed.

Lawyer for Daleiden describes the charges without substance.  They are most likely an attempt to intimidate David and the Pro-Life movement.  It is scary to think that investigative reporting may become illegal if these charges go through. The charges are an attack against journalism.  In many instances, this sort of investigative journalism was used to discover scams and other problems in government and private companies.  Moreover, what is troubling is that Planned Parenthood got scott free from their illegal sale of fetal tissue. Their supporters claim that the organization did nothing wrong, but this prosecutor claims David bought fetal tissue, which is illegal.  The question is: If Planned Parenthood sold no tissue, then how did David buy it from them?

We need to pay close attention to this case as it affects us in many ways, not just in the pro-life movement.  Throughout the nation, minorities have complained that prosecutors have let cops free after hard evidence has been presented that they did not follow proper procedure and a life was taken. If prosecutors can easily set up a case in favor of their bias, then justice cannot exist.

Here are some tweets on the issue:

My op-ed about @PPact @StemExpress #PPSellsBabyParts revelations published today in @USATODAY https://t.co/T4YIeLd1xu

— David Daleiden (@daviddaleiden) January 25, 2016

Planned Parenthood statement after grand jury charged videographers who shot secret videos https://t.co/svxvbQYaBV pic.twitter.com/tTEptbWD0c

— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) January 26, 2016

Also https://t.co/TJyifkboGU @Sacerdotus @fr_gonzales

— CatholicForLife (@CatholicForLife) January 26, 2016

https://t.co/0AGs1esudN @Sacerdotus @fr_gonzales

— CatholicForLife (@CatholicForLife) January 26, 2016

Source:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/26/texas-prosecutor-planned-parenthood-link-fuels-bia/

https://t.co/qQUMTrWKB0

http://citizengo.org/en/lf/32614-support-david-daleiden-and-sandra-merritt-demand-harris-county-grand-jury-drop-their

http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/matthew-balan/2016/01/26/networks-continue-spotlighting-indictment-pro-life-video-producers?platform=hootsuite

http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/01/filmmakers-indicted-for-planned-parenthood-video.html?mid=twitter_nymag

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-leaders-behind-undercover-planned-parenthood-videos-86203/?platform=hootsuite

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/planned-parenthood-abortion-indictment-218202

https://www.lifesitenews.com/petitions/i-stand-with-david-daleiden

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/undercover-video-producers-say-planned-parenthood-is-guilty-they-are-innoce

http://www.lifenews.com/2016/01/25/grand-jury-ignores-planned-parenthood-selling-aborted-babies-indicts-man-behind-videos-instead/#.VqbMqoBz4fg.twitter

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/01/26/activists-behind-planned-parenthood-videos-accused-using-fake-licenses.html

http://www.lifenews.com/2016/01/28/d-a-who-indicted-david-daleiden-received-over-25000-from-attorney-for-late-term-abortionist/

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/undercover-methods-ensnared-planned-parenthood-investigators-with-criminal/

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/exclusive-david-daleidens-lawyer-tells-lifesitenews-the-charges-are-baseles

Rain, Sun or Blizzard: March For Life 2016 Unstoppable

Under the brutal cold and onset of possibly the biggest blizzard on record, Pro-Life marchers gathered at the nation's capital to protest the evil called abortion. Despite the cold and snow, there was a considerable mass of people present, though smaller than last year.  Nevertheless, the majority of those present were young people from all walks of life.  There were people present from every religion, even atheists and feminists. They all united under the cause to protect human life in all its stages of development.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend due to my scheduling and obligations. However, I was with my brothers and sisters in spirit and prayer; supporting them on social media.  Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina was present and spoke to the marchers.  Fr. Frank Pavone, Cardinal Sean o' Malley and many others were present as well.  As usual, a few hateful pro abortion protesters stood on the sidelines trolling the participants. They were drowned out by the cheerful prayers, songs and chants from the pro-life marchers.

Kudos to those brave soldiers for life!  God will reward you for bearing the weather to call for the protection of all human life in all its stages of development!

Here are some photos and tweets of the event which was a success once again despite the inclement weather.



Source:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/01/22/the-march-for-life-the-nations-largest-annual-anti-abortion-rally-draws-a-smaller-crowd-as-blizzard-approaches/

http://www.wnd.com/2016/01/photos-hollywood-superstar-joins-thousands-at-march-for-life/

http://www.lifenews.com/2016/01/22/tens-of-thousands-of-pro-lifers-march-for-life-and-mourn-58-million-abortions/

http://dailycaller.com/2016/01/22/snowpocalypse-doesnt-stop-march-for-life-protesters/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/evangelicals-are-joining-the-catholic-march-for-life-this-year/2016/01/21/255bfc20-c060-11e5-bcda-62a36b394160_story.html

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/01/21/activist-theres-nothing-more-beautiful-than-the-march-for-life-even-in-the-snow/

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2016/January/March-for-Life-Protesters-Brave-Blizzard-to-Speak-for-the-Unborn/

http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/evangelicals-gather-march-life-plan-less-angry-less-white-anti-abortion-movement

Sisters of Life from #NYC ! #MarchForLife pic.twitter.com/XMwzqD0xyN

— Kathryn Jean Lopez (@kathrynlopez) January 22, 2016

#MarchForLife: March for the most vulnerable amongst us. #prolifegen pic.twitter.com/CzCqCyAGO9

— March for Life (@March_for_Life) January 22, 2016

Lotsa kids from Green Bay #MarchForLife #prolifegeneration pic.twitter.com/REqggo6TVf

— Kathryn Jean Lopez (@kathrynlopez) January 22, 2016

So these people are peacefully praying to the background music of angry screaming counterprotesters #MarchForLife pic.twitter.com/B8ia3StPJq

— Kathryn Jean Lopez (@kathrynlopez) January 22, 2016

The rally for the #MarchForLife has begun. pic.twitter.com/EFhLiY8jc5

— Fr Matthew Schneider (@FrMatthewLC) January 22, 2016

The media doesn't cover the massive crowds at the #MarchForLife. Incredible turnout even with a blizzard on the way. pic.twitter.com/iQ17so1a6k

— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) January 22, 2016

The #MarchForLife is still happening. We still have our permit and first amendment rights. @NatlParkService is w/ us pic.twitter.com/WTA165x8Is

— March for Life (@March_for_Life) January 22, 2016

If your group canceled your trip to #MarchForLife, call this number so your pre-paid space can help the homeless. https://t.co/kx0jJHlkNY

— Fr Matthew Schneider (@FrMatthewLC) January 21, 2016

Every child deserves to be born. Every child deserves to have a voice. #whywemarch. #marchforlife https://t.co/xYhv7yGirs

— March for Life (@March_for_Life) January 19, 2016

#marchforlife not all #femenist are evil, some do have a brain. pic.twitter.com/vUhpf9V1tt

— LOUIE (@UEWLOUIE) January 23, 2016

Wish I could be in DC this year with Becky #MarchForLife pic.twitter.com/3lrSz2QgTy

— Olivia Mitchell (@oliviamarie016) January 23, 2016

7th Planned Parenthood Video - Baby Brain Harvesting

A 7th Planned Parenthood was released showing another evil from this organization.  In the video, Planned Parenthood is caught harvesting the brain of an aborted baby who is still alive. This is reminiscent of Gosnell,t he abortinist who ran a horror show clinic. The video shows Holly O' Donnell, a phlebotomist at StemExpress.












Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzMAycMMXp8

http://www.lifenews.com/2015/08/19/7th-shocking-video-catches-planned-parenthood-harvesting-brain-of-aborted-baby-who-was-still-alive/

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/08/19/planned-parenthood-cut-through-babys-face-to-get-his-intact-brain/

http://faithofthefathers.blogspot.com/2015/08/7th-shocking-video-catches-planned.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Archbishop Blase Cupich, Abortion & Social Justice

New Archbishop of Chicago, Blase Cupich has upset some Catholics with an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune.  In the article, the archbishop attacks Planned Parenthood and the idea of crushing a child's skull in order to sell them as valuable parts as he should.

However, this is not what is causing an uproar on social media, especially among Catholics who identify as "conservative" and are known for passing judgments against clergy who emphasize social justice. This is what the archbishop wrote that is stirring reactionists:

"We should be no less appalled by the indifference toward the thousands of people who die daily for lack of decent medical care; who are denied rights by a broken immigration system and by racism; who suffer in hunger, joblessness and want; who pay the price of violence in gun-saturated neighborhoods; or who are executed by the state in the name of justice."  - http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-blase-cupich-abortion-planned-parenthood-perspec-0804-20150803-story.html

As you have read, the archbishop links the atrocities of fetal trafficking with other social injustices, ie: unemployment, lack of medical care, a broken immigration system, racism etc.  The moral equivalency is present.  There is no doubt about this. However, what is he really trying to express?  Is he downplaying the atrocities mentioned in the leaked Planned Parenthood videos as some Catholic reactionaries allude to?  I think not.

"Explaining deeply troubling aspects of Archbishop Blase's compassion-by-checklist talking points." http://t.co/B6536ba229 #PPSellsBabyParts

— Rorate Caeli (@RorateCaeli) August 9, 2015

Abp. Cupich: The seamless garment theor lives on ... http://t.co/26c0Cmd9Bp

— Michael Voris (@Michael_Voris) August 8, 2015

What I see here is the archbishop calling our attention to other social ills that also attack human life in different ways. Pro-life advocates are often mocked by those who support abortion who identify under the moniker "Pro-choice."  The latter criticize the hypocrisy of fighting for "pro-life" values while at the same time supporting the death penalty, guns, anti-immigration policies and not speaking out against other abuses related to human life such as poverty, lack of education and so on. Name calling generally comes into play with terms applied to pro-life advocates describing them as having a "Fetus Fetish."

See some Tweets here highlighting this name calling and the alleged discrepancies of those who are "pro-life:"

Of course, antis don't actually want to solve any real problems. They just want to keep on with their gross fetus fetish.

— Feminist Lady (@feministlady) August 3, 2015

Why do so many ProLife peeps have this bizarre fascination with medical fetus fetish porn? It's like catnip to them https://t.co/mnuUJwKBNz

— Jonatha A Swift (@JonathaASwift) July 15, 2015

@GUSMAR80 @brady2edelman Supports Gun Violence,Death Penalty,and eliminating all safety nets for poor but says PRO life..

— IDAHOCHOWD (@Chowd13) August 10, 2015

Why oh why can't people see the absurdity of being both "pro-life" and pro death penalty? Or, religious but against helping the poor?

— Marcos Balter (@MarcosBalter) August 7, 2015

You're not pro-life is you're also pro war, pro death penalty, and against helping the poor. http://t.co/bo8eAj0sGr

— OutragedFeminists (@OutragedFem) August 7, 2015

In light of these tweets, one can see why we in the pro-life movement must focus on all things related to human life and not solely abortion.  By doing this, we lend credibility to the main motive behind the movement: the dignity of all human life.  Granted, nothing can compare to the crushing of unborn children's skulls in regards to other social issues; however, the latter are not less important and must be focused upon as well as they too attack human life in a variety of ways. I believe this is what archbishop Cupich was trying to convey in his op-ed.

Moreover, as Church, we must not focus too much on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and so forth as if the Church exists solely to address social issues.  Our Church exists to preach the Gospel of Christ.  We are not called to be activists or protestors like Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson who only appear when it suits their interests. These gentlemen claim to support civil rights and show up whenever an African American is shot by a police officer but are a no-show in areas where black on black violence is rampant.  We must not be like them.  Rather, we are called to spread the love of Christ to all, in every place and in every time; to remind all of God's mercy and what He wills for each one of us.

Pope Francis had this to say in an interview he gave:

"We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. The teaching of the church is clear, and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time."
- http://www.americamagazine.org/pope-interview

Some Catholic reactionaries were quick to criticize the Pope for those words; however, had they done their homework, they would have known that his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who was viewed as the "staunch conservative" Cardinal Ratzinger, aka "God's rottweiler" also said something similar.  Pope Francis simply echoed his works by reaffirming the Church's priority.

https://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2006/november/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20061109_concl-swiss-bishops.html

In closing, we must not be quick to attack our bishops and should first try to understand their intentions.  No true Catholic bishop would promote the idea that abortion is less evil than unemployment, racism and so forth. No true Catholic bishop would have his flock downplay the selling of fetal parts.  This would be absurd. A true Catholic bishop would call us to respect and aid all human life: born and unborn; in every state of being and circumstance.

The moniker "pro-life" does not make sense if it only applies to issues related to abortion. If we are "pro-life" then we must fight for the rights of all human beings, born and unborn.  We must secure a world where everyone has fair access to the world's wealth and goods so there is no need for contraception; a secure world that has access to education, equal treatment regardless of race, gender, ability, disability, or sexual preference, legal immigration status, dignified work, crime-free neighborhoods, and health care. This is what it means to be "Pro-life."






Source:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-blase-cupich-abortion-planned-parenthood-perspec-0804-20150803-story.html

http://www.americamagazine.org/pope-interview

https://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2006/november/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20061109_concl-swiss-bishops.html

Coma Awareness

The brain is still an organ with many mysteries yet to be solved.  It controls our very lives and allows us to have consciousness. However, what happens when it is injured, forcing the person with the injury to become comatose or in a vegetative state? Are they clinically "dead?"  Are they aware of anything in that state?  Well the events surrounding Godfrey Catanus who was a youth pastor in Southern California may shed some light.

Catanus was in a very bad accident.  Doctors had to remove over 3 feet of his intenstine.  However, that was not his only issue.  His brain was hemorrhaging forcing him to endure nine hours of surgery.  He was medically-induced into a coma in order to keep him stable; however, doctors did not guarantee if he would every wake out of it. Unfortunately this was the case.  Catanus did not come out of his medically-induced coma.

He would then be part of a study by the Northwestern Medicine and Hine VA Hospital which tested to see if patients in a comatose state are indeed aware.  He along with 15 other coma patients had their brains scanned after being separated into two groups.  The first group heard only silence or unfamiliar voices.  These showed little or no brain activity.  The second group with eight patients heard via headphones pre-recorded stories or messages from relatives or loved ones.  Brain scans for the latter showed a lot of brain activity.  Moreover, these patients showed a significant increase in recovery.  The study showed that those in comatose states are aware and do hear.  When they are visited and addressed by relatives via speech, they recovery faster according to the study.

This study is interesting indeed and shows that people are still persons even in a comatose state. Ten
years ago, Terri Schiavo was starved to death after her husband -who claimed she wanted to die- was granted an order from Circuit Court Judge, George W. Greer of the Pinellas-Pasco's Sixth Judicial Court.  She was left for 13 days without any food and died due to complications of starvation and dehydration. Father Frank Pavone and others tried hard to prevent her death, but the Judge saw it differently and did not value the life of Terri.  This case brought about a big debate especially in philosophical circles.

• What is a person?  
• Does a person cease to be when in a coma or when "brain dead?"  

Years later another interesting case occurred which got little media attention. Scott Routley was in a serious car accident that left him in a vegetative state.

For all intent and purpose, he was "dead." However, neuroscientist Adrian Owen was able to determine via MRI scans that Routley was communicating with him via the MRI.  Owen stated:

"Scott has been able to show he has a conscious, thinking mind. We have scanned him several times and his pattern of brain activity shows he is clearly choosing to answer our questions. We believe he knows who and where he is."

The discovery was so astounding that Owen remarked that medical textbooks would have to be rewritten in regards to patients in vegetative states.  Routley's own doctor, Prof Bryan Young from University Hospital in London stated that the results from the scan has "overturned all the behavioral assessments that had been made over the years."

In one of the episodes of AMC's "The Walking Dead," a character, "Milton Mamet" who was a
scientist, studied an elderly patient who was dying of cancer.  He used Pavlov's Classical Conditioning format by having the elderly patient associate an old record with music from his era along with a sound he made by banging a metallic cup that made a soft bell sound along with a humming vibration.  As he did this, he showed the elderly man photos of his wife and other loved ones.  "Milton" was testing to see if the consciousness remains even after a patient dies and turns into a "walker/biter" or zombie.  His experiment showed otherwise as the elderly patient tried to bite him and showed no sign of consciousness of memory.

Consciousness is a concept that is often debated in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience and even theology.  No one really understands fully what it is or how it works.  It is believed to be the work of biochemistry via neurons firing synapses in the frontal lobe.  Some philosophers and theologians believe the biochemistry is just part of it and that in reality an ethereal immaterial metaphysical soul ("mind stuff" colloquial term for Descartes' theory) is what drives the biochemistry.  This new study along with previous ones may one day give us a complete scientific answer as to what consciousness is since so far, these studies have shown that consciousness can survive even if the brain - which houses it - is damaged.

Hopefully Catanus' and Routley's stories will help prevent any future Schiavo scenarios where the appearance of a vegetative state is equated to the person being dead or having ceased to be a person.  The Catholic Church teaches that in these cases, those who are deemed not able to make a full recovery during a comatose or vegetative state can be deprive of extraordinary means of life support (medication, treatment, therapies).  However, he or she may not be deprived or ordinary means of life support (food, water, bathes, being placed in comfortable physical position).   Saint John Paul II as Pope stated this during a speech to physicians:

"I should like particularly to underline how the administration of water and food, even when provided by artificial means, always represents a natural means of preserving life, not a medical act. Its use, furthermore, should be considered, in principle, ordinary and proportionate, and as such morally obligatory, insofar as and until it is seen to have attained its proper finality, which in the present case consists in providing nourishment to the patient and alleviation of his suffering. 

The obligation to provide the "normal care due to the sick in such cases" (1) includes, in fact, the use of nutrition and hydration (2). The evaluation of probabilities, founded on waning hopes for recovery when the vegetative state is prolonged beyond a year, cannot ethically justify the cessation or interruption of minimal care for the patient, including nutrition and hydration. Death by starvation or dehydration is, in fact, the only possible outcome as a result of their withdrawal. In this sense it ends up becoming, if done knowingly and willingly, true and proper euthanasia by omission. 

In this regard, I recall what I wrote in the Encyclical Evangelium Vitae making it clear that "by euthanasia in the true and proper sense must be understood an action or omission which by its very nature and intention brings about death, with the purpose of eliminating all pain"; such an act is always "a serious violation of the law of God, since it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person" (n. 65).  [Pope John Paul II, To the Congress on Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State, 20 March 2004)

(1) Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Iura et Bona, p. IV
(2) cf. Pontifical Council "Cor Unum", Dans le Cadre, 2, 4, 4; Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers,Charter of Health Care Workers, n. 120."       

Source:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/northwestern-medicine-hines-va-hospital-study-reveals-if-coma-patients-can-hear/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20268044

http://io9.com/5960071/man-in-coma-uses-his-thoughts-to-tell-doctors-im-not-in-pain

http://www.terrisfight.org/terri-s-story/

http://www.bioethicsinternational.org/blog/2010/02/10/bishops-change-feeding-tube-guidelines/

http://www.godfreyjamescatanus.com/3/miscellaneous4.htm

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/health-care/upload/Ethical-Religious-Directives-Catholic-Health-Care-Services-fifth-edition-2009.pdf

http://nnr.sagepub.com/content/early/recent

http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2015/01/family-voices-and-stories-speed-coma-recovery.html

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/vegetative-man-tells-doctors-m-not-pain-via-020801923.html