Steve Jobs- A Life That Might Not Have Been

In 1954, [Joanne Schiebel] was a young unmarried college student who discovered that she was pregnant. In the 1950s, her options were limited. She could have had an abortion – but the procedure was both dangerous and illegal. She could have gotten married, but she wasn’t ready and didn’t want to interrupt her education. Joanne opted, instead, to give birth to the baby and put it up for adoption.

And so it was that in 1955, a California couple named Paul and Clara Jobs adopted a baby boy, born out of wedlock, that they named Steven.
We know him today…as Steve Jobs.

It would not be overstating things to say that Steve Jobs is my generation’s Thomas Edison. As one observer put it, he knew what the world wanted before the world knew that it wanted it.

If you have an iPhone or an iPad or an iPod, or anything remotely resembling them, you can thank Steve Jobs.

If your world has been transformed by the ability to hear a symphony, send a letter, pay a bill, deposit a check, read a book and then buy theater tickets on something roughly the size of a credit card…you can thank Steve Jobs.

And: you can thank Joanne Schiebel.

If you want to know how much one life can matter, there is just one example.

But: imagine if that life had never happened.

Steve Jobs- A Life That Might Not Have Been

In 1954, [Joanne Schiebel] was a young unmarried college student who discovered that she was pregnant. In the 1950s, her options were limited. She could have had an abortion – but the procedure was both dangerous and illegal. She could have gotten married, but she wasn’t ready and didn’t want to interrupt her education. Joanne opted, instead, to give birth to the baby and put it up for adoption.

And so it was that in 1955, a California couple named Paul and Clara Jobs adopted a baby boy, born out of wedlock, that they named Steven.
We know him today…as Steve Jobs.

It would not be overstating things to say that Steve Jobs is my generation’s Thomas Edison. As one observer put it, he knew what the world wanted before the world knew that it wanted it.

If you have an iPhone or an iPad or an iPod, or anything remotely resembling them, you can thank Steve Jobs.

If your world has been transformed by the ability to hear a symphony, send a letter, pay a bill, deposit a check, read a book and then buy theater tickets on something roughly the size of a credit card…you can thank Steve Jobs.

And: you can thank Joanne Schiebel.

If you want to know how much one life can matter, there is just one example.

But: imagine if that life had never happened.

NCBC Commentary on HHS Birth Control Requirements

Pro-lifers of both political parties criticized the Bush Administration for failing to be "truly pro-life". For many it was an excuse to vote for Barack Obama. Whatever the legitimate complaints of Pres. Bush not advancing the pro-life cause there can no longer be any denying that we are so much worse off with President Obama. The latest act being that of the "catholic" Kathleen Sibelius and the Dept. of Health and Human Services requiring free birth control. Don't expect any outrage over this from the National Catholic Distorter crowd who are always criticizing the Vatican or our Bishops for "violating their freedom of conscience." In the world of the Left buzzwords like freedom of conscience, dialogue, openess, only apply to their rights and not anyone elses.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center has a new commentary over the HHS disregard of freedom of conscience.

Pregnancy is not a disease to be prevented, nor is the embryo an enemy who once conceived has no right of access to the nurturing womb of his or her mother. Not only do these mandates apply to all group health plans and health insurance issuers in the group and individual markets; they also apply to self-insured group health plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). There are few exemptions, and those pertain to group health plans which were in effect before the Health Care Reform was enacted, and those offered by employers who are deemed by HHS to qualify as a “religious employer.” The definition of a “religious employer,” however, is so narrow that its applicability negates most of the religious employers in this country. To be exempt from these new mandates an employer would have to hire and serve primarily those of one’s own faith and have the inculcation of religious values as its purpose. (Although, it does appear that, after the fact, HHS is willing to accept comment on this definition). The regulations state that this definition is consistent with most state laws in which exemptions for contraceptive coverage are allowed. The actual fact, however, is that there are only seven states with such provisions while a number of states have far more robust conscience protections. It should be noted that the Catholic Church is the largest provider of non-governmental health, education, and social services in this country. Not only are individual employers who have a moral, ethical or conscience objection to paying for contraceptives for college students—a group specially referenced as needing these “preventive health services” before going back to college—not exempt, but also the majority of faith-based ministries in the United States who are committed to serving all persons and not just those of their own faith.

These regulations reflect an utter disregard for the foundational principles of the government promulgating them, i.e., that conscience is sacrosanct. We are left to ask, “What has happened to this great country?” “When did we lose the respect for conscience which inspired the very founding of our country?” As Thomas Jefferson stated: “[O]ur rules can have authority over such natural rights only as we have submitted to them. The rights of conscience we never submitted, we could not submit. We are answerable for them to our God.” [Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. President. Notes on the State of Virginia (1787), Query 17, p. 159, ed. William Peden (1954).]

Respectful comments over this policy can be sent before September 30, 2011 to:
E-HOPSCA2713.EBSA@dol.gov

It is critical that the voices of all persons of conscience be heard, noting in particular that pregnancy is not a disease to be prevented and that contraception should not be a mandated “preventive health service.” Respect for conscience is foundational to a just society. At a minimum a robust conscience protection should be granted, not only for all religious employers, but also for all employers, insurers, and policy issuers with moral, ethical, or religious objections. As it is, the limitations contained in the regulations for religious employers make the exemption virtually meaningless.

NCBC Commentary on HHS Birth Control Requirements

Pro-lifers of both political parties criticized the Bush Administration for failing to be "truly pro-life". For many it was an excuse to vote for Barack Obama. Whatever the legitimate complaints of Pres. Bush not advancing the pro-life cause there can no longer be any denying that we are so much worse off with President Obama. The latest act being that of the "catholic" Kathleen Sibelius and the Dept. of Health and Human Services requiring free birth control. Don't expect any outrage over this from the National Catholic Distorter crowd who are always criticizing the Vatican or our Bishops for "violating their freedom of conscience." In the world of the Left buzzwords like freedom of conscience, dialogue, openess, only apply to their rights and not anyone elses.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center has a new commentary over the HHS disregard of freedom of conscience.

Pregnancy is not a disease to be prevented, nor is the embryo an enemy who once conceived has no right of access to the nurturing womb of his or her mother. Not only do these mandates apply to all group health plans and health insurance issuers in the group and individual markets; they also apply to self-insured group health plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). There are few exemptions, and those pertain to group health plans which were in effect before the Health Care Reform was enacted, and those offered by employers who are deemed by HHS to qualify as a “religious employer.” The definition of a “religious employer,” however, is so narrow that its applicability negates most of the religious employers in this country. To be exempt from these new mandates an employer would have to hire and serve primarily those of one’s own faith and have the inculcation of religious values as its purpose. (Although, it does appear that, after the fact, HHS is willing to accept comment on this definition). The regulations state that this definition is consistent with most state laws in which exemptions for contraceptive coverage are allowed. The actual fact, however, is that there are only seven states with such provisions while a number of states have far more robust conscience protections. It should be noted that the Catholic Church is the largest provider of non-governmental health, education, and social services in this country. Not only are individual employers who have a moral, ethical or conscience objection to paying for contraceptives for college students—a group specially referenced as needing these “preventive health services” before going back to college—not exempt, but also the majority of faith-based ministries in the United States who are committed to serving all persons and not just those of their own faith.

These regulations reflect an utter disregard for the foundational principles of the government promulgating them, i.e., that conscience is sacrosanct. We are left to ask, “What has happened to this great country?” “When did we lose the respect for conscience which inspired the very founding of our country?” As Thomas Jefferson stated: “[O]ur rules can have authority over such natural rights only as we have submitted to them. The rights of conscience we never submitted, we could not submit. We are answerable for them to our God.” [Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. President. Notes on the State of Virginia (1787), Query 17, p. 159, ed. William Peden (1954).]

Respectful comments over this policy can be sent before September 30, 2011 to:
E-HOPSCA2713.EBSA@dol.gov

It is critical that the voices of all persons of conscience be heard, noting in particular that pregnancy is not a disease to be prevented and that contraception should not be a mandated “preventive health service.” Respect for conscience is foundational to a just society. At a minimum a robust conscience protection should be granted, not only for all religious employers, but also for all employers, insurers, and policy issuers with moral, ethical, or religious objections. As it is, the limitations contained in the regulations for religious employers make the exemption virtually meaningless.

Will Obama Applaud Pro-Life Effort During 40 Days for Life?

President Obama says he wants to keep abortion safe, legal and rare. Since personally he really doesn't want to see babies aborted (although he nevertheless approves a women's right to murder her unborn child) do you think that at the end of 40 Days for Life he will make a public statement applauding the efforts of those involved in saving what could amount to 500 babies?  Just asking.

40 Days for Life Mid-Point Prayer Vigil at Region's Hospital

Today outside Regions Hospital in St. Paul about 300 people, including a couple members of the Order of Malta, gathered at a prayer vigil for the almost midway point of 40 Days for Life.  In the foreground offering a beautiful reflection is Aux. Bishop Lee Piche of St. Paul and Minneapolis and in the back is Brian Gibson, the director of Pro-Life Action Ministries which is organizing the event locally.

40 Days for Life Mid-Point Prayer Vigil at Region's Hospital

Today outside Regions Hospital in St. Paul about 300 people, including a couple members of the Order of Malta, gathered at a prayer vigil for the almost midway point of 40 Days for Life.  In the foreground offering a beautiful reflection is Aux. Bishop Lee Piche of St. Paul and Minneapolis and in the back is Brian Gibson, the director of Pro-Life Action Ministries which is organizing the event locally.

40 Days for Life Twin Cities coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries - Saint Paul/ Minneapolis, Minnesota

Wednesday September 22 - Sunday, October 31,


Coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries
at:
HealthPartners' Regions Hospital, 640 Jackson Street, Saint Paul MN 55101

HealthPartners' Regions Hospital comitted almost 700 abortions last year in its' "GYN Special Services" unit. Regions is unusual because it has a self contained abortion unit within the hospital.

That's why many individuals, churches and community organizations have comitted to pray, fast at the hospital in peaceful vigil for the end of abortion at Regions and the Twin Cities region.

Join Pro-Life Action Ministries and be a part of the world wide 40 Days for Life movement along with over 307 cities, in all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark for the world's largest coordinated movement to pray for the end of abortion.

•Prayer and fasting

•Peaceful vigil

•Community outreach

40 Days for Life Twin Cities coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries - Saint Paul/ Minneapolis, Minnesota

40 Days for Life Twin Cities coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries - Saint Paul/ Minneapolis, Minnesota

Wednesday September 22 - Sunday, October 31,


Coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries
at:
HealthPartners' Regions Hospital, 640 Jackson Street, Saint Paul MN 55101

HealthPartners' Regions Hospital comitted almost 700 abortions last year in its' "GYN Special Services" unit. Regions is unusual because it has a self contained abortion unit within the hospital.

That's why many individuals, churches and community organizations have comitted to pray, fast at the hospital in peaceful vigil for the end of abortion at Regions and the Twin Cities region.

Join Pro-Life Action Ministries and be a part of the world wide 40 Days for Life movement along with over 307 cities, in all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark for the world's largest coordinated movement to pray for the end of abortion.

•Prayer and fasting

•Peaceful vigil

•Community outreach

40 Days for Life Twin Cities coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries - Saint Paul/ Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Deception of "Working Together"

By now Pres. Obama's speech at Notre Dame has been thoroughly analyzed with many Catholics being duped by his rhetoric that we should find ways to work together. Now there is nothing wrong in principle in this idea so long as you agree on the major premises of your efforts. In his recent article for The Catholic Thing, Hadley Arkes demonstrates the fundamental incapatability between the two positions such that they are like oil and water. No matter how you try they cannot be mixed.

"In the case of Obama, as with Clinton and Gore before him, the unspoken premises are again the most astounding – and even more astounding yet in being unnoticed. The techniques of contraception may work well or badly, as people seek, artfully or clumsily, to avoid “unintended pregnancies.” But it is simply taken for granted, as a point well beyond questioning now, that there is a “right,” even a “constitutional right” to destroy an innocent human life for reasons wholly of self-interest, indeed for reasons that need not rise above convenience.

The remedy for an “unintended pregnancy” used to be regarded as an adoption, not a lethal surgery. Adoption is offered by Obama, as though offered in generosity, for those people who do not care to invoke their constitutional right to destroy an innocent life in the womb. It is a gesture that leaves that essential “right” quite intact, without the slightest concession to the notion that the nascent life has even a shadow of a claim to our concern or respect. This is what Obama and the “Obama Catholics” apparently regard as an earnest mode of “work[ing] together”: concede their major premises, unqualified, unmodified, and give them credit for a largeness of spirit.

Of course, it is worth noting also that an “unintended pregnancy” becomes far more portentous when young people are unmarried, with no serious intention of committing themselves to a life together. Obama’s premises conveniently leave in place the assumption that there are no moral inhibitions worth taking seriously any longer on that notion of sex as virtually free, detached from commitments or requirements, taken even as a freewheeling pastime for young people in college, learning a little about everything.

The Deception of "Working Together"

By now Pres. Obama's speech at Notre Dame has been thoroughly analyzed with many Catholics being duped by his rhetoric that we should find ways to work together. Now there is nothing wrong in principle in this idea so long as you agree on the major premises of your efforts. In his recent article for The Catholic Thing, Hadley Arkes demonstrates the fundamental incapatability between the two positions such that they are like oil and water. No matter how you try they cannot be mixed.

"In the case of Obama, as with Clinton and Gore before him, the unspoken premises are again the most astounding – and even more astounding yet in being unnoticed. The techniques of contraception may work well or badly, as people seek, artfully or clumsily, to avoid “unintended pregnancies.” But it is simply taken for granted, as a point well beyond questioning now, that there is a “right,” even a “constitutional right” to destroy an innocent human life for reasons wholly of self-interest, indeed for reasons that need not rise above convenience.

The remedy for an “unintended pregnancy” used to be regarded as an adoption, not a lethal surgery. Adoption is offered by Obama, as though offered in generosity, for those people who do not care to invoke their constitutional right to destroy an innocent life in the womb. It is a gesture that leaves that essential “right” quite intact, without the slightest concession to the notion that the nascent life has even a shadow of a claim to our concern or respect. This is what Obama and the “Obama Catholics” apparently regard as an earnest mode of “work[ing] together”: concede their major premises, unqualified, unmodified, and give them credit for a largeness of spirit.

Of course, it is worth noting also that an “unintended pregnancy” becomes far more portentous when young people are unmarried, with no serious intention of committing themselves to a life together. Obama’s premises conveniently leave in place the assumption that there are no moral inhibitions worth taking seriously any longer on that notion of sex as virtually free, detached from commitments or requirements, taken even as a freewheeling pastime for young people in college, learning a little about everything.

Cardinal Bernardin on the (Mis)Use of His Consistent Ethic

There is a tendency by certain groups to quote Cardinal Bernardin and refer to his "Consistent Ethic of Life" philosophy. This is done to minimize or excuse the murder of the unborn by attempting to focus attention on "other social issues." President Obama did just this at his acceptance speech at Notre Dame on Sunday. But what did Cardinal Bernardin have to say about this corruption of his philosophy? H/T to Richard Garnett in his response to an article at Commonweal.

With respect to the President’s invocation of Cardinal Bernadin, it strikes me as important to remember that, for the latter, the “consistent ethic” idea was never intended to minimize the importance of the abortion question or to excuse opposition to legal protections for unborn children. He said, for example, in 1988, “I don’t see how you can subscribe to the consistent ethic and then vote for someone who feels that abortion is a ‘basic right’ of the individual.”

And, in the same interview, he noted that “some people on the left, if I may use that label, have used the consistent ethic to give the impression that the abortion issue is not all that important anymore, that you should be against abortion in a general way but that there are more important issues, so don’t hold anybody’s feet to the fire just on abortion. That’s a misuse of the consistent ethic, and I deplore it.”

Cardinal Bernardin on the (Mis)Use of His Consistent Ethic

There is a tendency by certain groups to quote Cardinal Bernardin and refer to his "Consistent Ethic of Life" philosophy. This is done to minimize or excuse the murder of the unborn by attempting to focus attention on "other social issues." President Obama did just this at his acceptance speech at Notre Dame on Sunday. But what did Cardinal Bernardin have to say about this corruption of his philosophy? H/T to Richard Garnett in his response to an article at Commonweal.

With respect to the President’s invocation of Cardinal Bernadin, it strikes me as important to remember that, for the latter, the “consistent ethic” idea was never intended to minimize the importance of the abortion question or to excuse opposition to legal protections for unborn children. He said, for example, in 1988, “I don’t see how you can subscribe to the consistent ethic and then vote for someone who feels that abortion is a ‘basic right’ of the individual.”

And, in the same interview, he noted that “some people on the left, if I may use that label, have used the consistent ethic to give the impression that the abortion issue is not all that important anymore, that you should be against abortion in a general way but that there are more important issues, so don’t hold anybody’s feet to the fire just on abortion. That’s a misuse of the consistent ethic, and I deplore it.”

Spanish Pro-Life Poster

And Me?

Protect My Life

Raise Your Hand

For more information on this video please visit Priests for Life.

Abortion- Whose Future Has It Destroyed?

The following video was produced by CatholicVote.com. Here is a a little about them from their website. The video will be aired tomorrow on BET throughout the day. Here is proof that the characterization of the Pro-Life movement as simply interested in overturning Roe v. Wade is false.

CatholicVote.org is a faith based educational program dedicated to informing all Americans about the critical issues in the public policy arena.

A project of the Fidelis Center for Law and Policy, CatholicVote.org is committed to producing powerful programs designed to help a new generation visualize and therefore create a Culture of Life.

The late Pope John Paul wrote that our times require such bold action. "This vital field of action for the Church requires a radical change of mentality, an authentic new awakening of conscience in everyone. New methods are needed, as are new expressions and new courage."

Life: Imagine the Potential™ is our newest campaign designed for sharing on the Internet, and for use on broadcast TV. The campaign is focused on reaching more than people who are already pro-life. Instead, we hope to reach Americans who are either indifferent, or who have not yet thought about the great potential of every human life.

In the weeks and months ahead, we will debut more commercials in our Life: Imagine the Potential™ campaign. We will be launching a larger and more interactive website for our subscribers and visitors in the next month. Stay tuned for more great features.

CatholicVote.org supports Pope Benedict XVI and the full teachings of the Catholic Church. We are a lay association of the faithful with over 100,000 members.