Community Impact – CINews

www.traditionalvaluesnm.org

 

April 2009

 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Gen 1:1

He’s got the whole world in His hands …

 

Earth Day – it’s not about GW

 

It's hard to talk about climate change on the big screen without first alluding to the changing climate of Hollywood filmmaking. From Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth to the politically charged disaster flick The Day After Tomorrow, film has become a tool (occasionally a blunt, heavy one) for communicating urgent environmental warnings. Consequently, audiences tempted to drop 10 bucks on cute animals and majestic scenery are asking, "Will I be entertained or chastised?" …

 

In an era when just about any realistic image can be generated in a computer, it takes this sort of natural beauty and majesty to truly impress us. Which is why it's a shame that Earth doesn't give credit where credit is due. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Yet the Creator of the universe gets no recognition for His handiwork. I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm still disappointed. So it's up to us to build that bridge. With our kids. With our friends and neighbors. Because while there's no mention of any supernatural involvement in nature's form and function, Earth's breathtaking photography remains a vibrant testimony to God's power and creativity.

 

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004603.cfm

 

“The idea that human beings have changed and are changing the basic climate system of the Earth through their industrial activities and burning of fossil fuels - the essence of the Greens’ theory of global warming - has about as much basis in science as Marxism and Freudianism. Global warming, like Marxism, is a political theory of actions, demanding compliance with its rules.  Marxism, Freudianism, global warming. These are proof - of which history offers so many examples - that people can be suckers on a grand scale. To their fanatical followers they are a substitute for religion. Global warming, in particular, is a creed, a faith, a dogma that has little to do with science. If people are in need of religion, why don’t they just turn to the genuine article?” - Paul Johnson

 

http://www.smartgreenusa.com/news/global-warming-facts-news/the-futile-quest-for-climate-control/

 

Bjorn Lomborg busted--and that is the only word for it--onto the world scene in 2001 with the publication of his book "The Skeptical Environmentalist." A one-time Greenpeace enthusiast, he'd originally planned to disprove those who said the environment was getting better. He failed. And to his credit, his book said so, supplying a damning critique of today's environmental pessimism. Carefully researched, it offered endless statistics--from official sources such as the U.N.--showing that from biodiversity to global warming, there simply were no apocalypses in the offing. "Our history shows that we solve more problems than we create," he tells me. For his efforts, Mr. Lomborg was labeled a heretic by environmental groups--whose fundraising depends on scaring the jeepers out of the public.

 

Yet the experience left Mr. Lomborg with a taste for challenging conventional wisdom. In 2004, he invited eight of the world's top economists--including four Nobel Laureates--to Copenhagen, where they were asked to evaluate the world's problems, think of the costs and efficiencies attached to solving each, and then produce a prioritized list of those most deserving of money. The well-publicized results (and let it be said here that Mr. Lomborg is no slouch when it comes to promoting himself and his work) were stunning. While the economists were from varying political stripes, they largely agreed. The numbers were just so compelling: $1 spent preventing HIV/AIDS would result in about $40 of social benefits, so the economists put it at the top of the list (followed by malnutrition, free trade and malaria). In contrast, $1 spent to abate global warming would result in only about two cents to 25 cents worth of good; so that project dropped to the bottom.

 

www.opinionjournal.com

 

On Saturday at the Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden, learn about rainwater harvesting, sheep shearing, edible gardens, and more. The Open Space Visitor Center is hosting events on Saturday and Sunday (see the schedule of events). Community gardening is a long term effort to encourage local food sources – reducing transportation costs and a valuable resource in case of emergency (disaster or terrorist actions).

 

God delegated responsible stewardship in Gen 1:28 “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (KJV)” 

 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (Ja 1:27)

 

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (Ja 2:15-16)

 

 

Legislative Summary

 

Legislation not acted upon by governor was pocket vetoed on Apr 10.  Vetoes are just as significant as bills signed into law since the Executive Branch is the last “check and balance.”  The Governor vetoed 35 bills.  http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legRpt/legactgov.aspx?year=09 

 

A special session is rumored for sometime in Sep or Oct to readdress homosexual marriage so please sign up for alerts at www.tvacnm.com if you haven’t already.  Alerts also include Congressional issues.

 

·         Priorities

         HB 265  NO GAS CHAMBER FOR ANIMAL EUTHANASIA W. Ken Martinez
Animal protection while millions of unborn babies are slaughtered each year.

         HB 285, abolish death penalty – Governor signed (Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.  Gen 9:6).  Why does preserving the lives of convicted criminals warrant worldwide attention, while millions of unborn babies are slaughtered each year? 

         Apr 13, 2009
Governor Bill Richardson and Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe, are part of a New Mexico delegation travel to Rome for a special ceremony at the Roman Coliseum in Rome, Italy. The ceremony honors New Mexico for replacing the death penalty with life in prison. http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=1163

 

 

Albuquerque Seminar on Cyber Stalking – Part I of II

 

“Cyber Stalkers Lurking?” by Mark Ortega

 

With the advent of internet technology the world is rapidly changing. Whenever a new technology comes out so does an even newer one rapidly succeeding it. Computers are one such advent. Computers have opened a vast new world.. You can do many things with it. You can do a resume, research, search for information, find news, and any number of things. From Hotmail to Gmail to Yahoo to Google we are flooded with providers. There are endless things you can do and find on the net. But with all the things that the internet does that is good, there is also danger. Dangers for society that most people are not aware of. We hear about fraud being caused online. We also hear about cyber stalkers. But the real shock is that many people are not even aware of the whole world that is online. It’s like an endless city or planet.

 

On Wednesday March 11th at the UNM Continuing Education building, the city of Albuquerque sponsored a seminar on cyber stalking. The Albuquerque Police Department, local and national offices of the FBI, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department cosponsored the conference with the city. Mayor Martin Chavez was the main speaker. In New Mexico, law enforcement is trying to catch up with cyber crimes. Sandia Labs are helping local law enforcement fight cyber crimes too. New Mexico lawmakers are presently trying to implement laws to combat cyber crimes. Yet our kids are vulnerable because of our ignorance. 

 

Ignorance and watching over our kids plays a big role in fighting cyber stalking. Too many parents are not aware of dangers on the internet. We hear on the news of crimes committed against children by people they have met online. But too many times, parents think “these crimes happen to other people’s kids.” When kids go online it’s like being in a huge city. One of the speakers commented that most parents would not just leave their children alone in a big city. The cyber world is a big city. You can meet all kinds of people online of all ages, sizes, and shapes. Unfortunately, you also can meet criminal elements online too. Cyber space is littered with child predators. The Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday night was an enlightening experience.

 

A video was shown that talked about victims of cyber stalking. They were three teenage girls. One of them talked about an online “alternative lifestyle.” She spoke of how she could change her identity online. Things you wouldn’t do in real life, you can do online. It becomes an addiction.  One tearful mother told her daughter’s story. Her daughter fell victim to the lure of the cyber world. The daughter became so distraught she became depressed and anti-social. Eventually she became so despondent she committed suicide. The mother warned parents to be aware of the dangers online.

 

During the meeting one Albuquerque Public School teacher decried APS apathy. He claimed he has been trying for years to have Internet Safety taught in schools.. One courageous mother spoke of her own child. She says she is very outspoken and watches her son with diligence. The mother said she watches her son’s internet use all the time. Some might think that’s intrusive, but when it comes to protecting kids , especially yours, what is the price of letting them do whatever they want? Recent stats indicate 35% of kids go to online chat rooms. 36% use internet messages. 40% of all youth internet users report online solicitors have asked them for nude or sexually explicit photos of them. An estimated 50,000 child predators use the internet to ingratiate themselves with children every year.  Many kids use text messages. Victimization of kids online is exploding and most likely will get worse. It is estimated that only 20% of parents are actually involved on their children’s internet use.

 

Part II in May issue of CINews

 

 

Dialog with an Atheist – Part II of V

 

Conflict always provides an opportunity for dialog – if the opposing parties are willing.  This legislative session was no exception, though most of the negative responses sent to CINews were just requests to unsubscribe.  Thanks to those who sent positive responses of encouragement.  There was a particularly fascinating dialog that developed with a willing opponent.  It started with questions and ended with a verdict on religion in general – “religion is based on myth.”

 

“Jesus said to love your brother.  PERIOD.  Show me one word that Jesus spoke about this.  His first command was for LOVE.

Gay people were created perfect in God's eyes.  If we incorporate God's laws into our civil laws then we are no better than the Taliban and in effect, you are imposing your views on a free people.  Pull the splinter out of your own eye first.” - John

 

John,

 

Excellent!  This is the debate that needs to occur between the factions.

 

We heard some of it on the floor of the NM Senate last Wed.  The last time I heard of the Bible used on both sides like that

was in 1860 on the floor of Congress.  The South argued from the Bible that slavery was ordained by God.  The North argued from the Bible that slavery was an injustice. (Slavery, Sabbath, War, and Women by Swartley, 1983)

 

You are correct.  Jesus himself never addressed the issue of homosexuality.  The underlying assumption is that if Jesus did not speak to a certain behavior directly, it must not have been important.  Jesus did not directly condemn incest or bestiality either.  Can such practices be considered acceptable because Jesus was silent?  The totality of evidence from the Hebrew Bible and the

New Testament - as well as from Jewish history and religion - demonstrates that the Scriptures unambiguously condemn homosexual acts.  This divinely revealed understanding of human sexuality was deeply imbedded in the cultural and religious heritage of Jesus' day; any divergent teaching regarding marriage, family, and sexuality would have been regarded as scandalous and abhorrent.  Had Jesus sanctioned homosexual behavior, one would have expected him to have explicitly stated so.

 

That He did not explicitly endorse homosexual behavior leads to no other conclusion than that He was fully in agreement with the Hebrew Scriptures and His Jewish heritage.  Jesus, in fact, repeatedly affirmed the continuing relevance and authority of the moral law (Matt 5:17-18).  The burden of proof falls on those who desire to show otherwise.  Arguments from silence are groundless.

Even as Jesus did not directly talk about homosexuality, He clearly affirmed the Genesis teaching on the nature of human sexuality.  When asked about divorce, Jesus declared the marriage covenant between man and woman as an unalterable and sacred union (Matt 19:4-6).

 

Jesus addressed the sin of adultery with compassion.  He saved the woman but said "go and sin no more." (John 8:11)  Love is not ignoring sin, but dealing with it.  If love is based on feelings alone, then men who love to have sex with children, animals, dead people, close relatives, or many partners cannot be wrong or sinful.

 

I don't remember anything about homosexual behavior in the Garden of Eden (perfect creation) before the fall.  Please refresh my memory on Genesis or is it silent?  Perhaps we could assume that as soon as Adam and Eve had some children that they had sexual relations with them so they could fulfill their perfect homosexual desires that God had created within them [sarcasm].  Are you

suggesting there were children in the Garden of Eden?  Again, the Bible is silent.

 

What is the basis for civil law?  Is it majority?  Then let the majority decide if homosexual marriage is right.  Based on recent polls, a majority of people still support traditional marriage.  California Votes Yes on Prop 8  http://www.protectmarriage.com/

 

Is it Biblical morality?  We must carefully consider why we are changing our laws if we deviate from Biblical moral standards.  Homosexuals are demanding the repeal of the First Amendment.  They are demanding that conservatives set aside their religious convictions and endorse behavior that is an abomination unto God.  They want to impose their views on a free people (to use your

words).  They want to force photographers to photograph homosexual unions.  They want to force taxpayers to pay for homosexual partner benefits.  They want to force churches to stop preaching "hate speech" against homosexuality.  They want to force taxpayers to fund research for a disease predominantly contracted by homosexuals and drug users.

 

The Taliban?  Sodomy was decriminalized over a decade ago in every state.  The Taliban kills homosexuals.  Homosexuals are free to behave however they wish in the privacy of their own homes.  Homosexuals are free to visit churches, experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and repent of their sinful behavior.  They are free to engage counseling ministries to help them stop homosexual behavior (www.exodus-international.org).  Does one "love" an alcoholic by encouraging his behavior?  They should not be free to recruit children, adopt children, or be afforded the religious, social status of "marriage."  That, my friend, is LOVE. 

 

Jesus loved the woman who committed adultery enough to tell her not to do it any more.

 

Mat 18:6 - But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

 

www.lovewonout.com   

 

 

Quick News

 

Origins Education – The NM Legislature is warming up to the idea of more than one “scientific” theory of origins since none of them can be proven with the scientific method.  An updated copy of the NM Controversial Science Topics Education Bill has been posted on the website below.  We have also added a page on science information that presently consists of four videos.  They come from the Exploring Evolution and Icons of Evolution videos.  More information will be added as we get permission to use it.  Please check it out and tell your friends.  Mike Edenburn  www.originseducation.org

 

Life Envelope Project Update (formerly “Red Envelope Project”) - The original e-mail letter turned into a couple different websites supporting the project with hundreds of thousands of visitors. There was a day setup for Red Envelopes to be sent and we have received word from the White House mailroom that over 2 million envelopes were delivered after the March 31st Red Envelope Day! In an effort to keep the movement alive and going we have transferred the website into the LIFE Envelope Project to avoid a potential trademark problem. We are also looking to expand the project to send not just red envelopes but also baby blue (to represent an aborted baby boy), pink (to represent an aborted baby girl), and traditional white with red, pink, or blue writing (for ease of getting an envelope). It's now easier than ever to send the message on to our president, senators, representatives, and judges!  www.redenvelopeproject.org

 

Ends Justifies the Means? – President Barack Obama’s Department of Education sat on a report chronicling the success of a school vouchers program until after Congress had voted not to continue the program. That’s the report from Deroy Murdock, a media fellow with the Hoover Institution, who exposes the subterfuge in an article published by National Review Online. The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program allows 1,714 children — 90 percent of them black and 9 percent Hispanic — to receive up to $7,500 to attend a private or parochial school instead of a public school in the District of Columbia, which is widely believed to have one of the nation’s most troubled school districts. Since the program’s launch in 2004, 7,852 students have applied for these grants, and participants have been chosen by lottery. Obama — who said last year that “you do what works for the kids” — did not intervene as Congress scheduled the program’s end after the 2009-2010 academic year. “Now it emerges that Obama’s Department of Education  possessed peer-reviewed, congressionally mandated, federally financed research proving this program’s success,” Murdock writes. “Though it demonstrates ‘what works for the kids,’ DOE hid this study until Congress squelched these children’s dreams.” An amendment in the Senate to rescue the vouchers program failed on March 10 by a vote of 39 to 58. The DOE finally released the report on April 3. Even then, DOE researchers were reportedly barred from discussing their findings. “You’d think we were talking about nuclear secrets, not about a taxpayer-funded pilot program,” An April 5 editorial in The Wall Street Journal reported. During the March 10 vote, 57 Democrats voted and 54 of them opposed the vouchers program. Why? Murdock suggested, “Follow the money,” and he pointed out that teachers’ unions shelled out $55,794,000 in political donations between 1999 and 2008, with 96 percent of the funds going to Democrats. The “winners” in the Senate vote, he added, are “the teachers’ unions, who hate school choice, hate vouchers, and don’t give a … about school kids when they threaten union pay, benefits, and control of classrooms.”

 

National Day of Prayer – May 7 – http://www.ndptf.org/home/index.cfm

-          prayer guide download – http://www.ndptf.org/catalog/detail.cfm?Prod_ID=421&series=2&brand=27

-          all NDP downloads - http://www.ndptf.org/catalog/index.cfm?brand=27

 

Albuquerque Mayor and City Council Election – Oct 6

-          voter guides in work

-          voter registration ends Sep 6

-          absentee and early voting throughout Sep

 

www.cabq.gov/clerk

 

 

Center for Traditional Family Values NM - http://www.traditionalvaluesnm.org

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