Community
Impact – CINews
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. 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 –
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 |
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. |
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 |
Center for Traditional Family Values NM - http://www.traditionalvaluesnm.org
This email was sent from principles@integrity.com. If you would
like to stop receiving these emails please press here, email principles@integrity.com, or call
505 971-2053. Please send info on
your community events and articles for publication. Many of the links in CINews are only available in electronic
form so if you’re looking at a paper copy and would like to receive CINews
directly, please send your email address to mark@traditionalvaluesnm.org. |