by Nathan A. Cherry, 02/22/2012

Martinsburg, WV – Maybe you missed this interview we did with Gov. Tomblin on the critical social issues that concern us as West Virginians. It’s rare for a candidate, much less an acting Governor to speak so candidly on some of the hottest issues in our society; especially in an election year. So when FPCWV president Jeremy Dys had the opportunity to spend some time talking with Gov. Tomblin we were pleasantly surprised and grateful for his honest answers to our questions.

As I listened to this interview I was happy to hear directly from the Governor himself that he believes in life and seeks to be a defender of life politically. That is certainly encouraging for pro-life advocates in West Virginia that want to see strong pro-life lawmakers elected. It also means we should be able to count on Gov. Tomblin for his support in strengthening life laws in West Virginia.

The issue of marriage is center stage in West Virginia right now thanks to the introduction of a bill to the legislature by Del. John Doyle to legalize same-sex unions. Gov. Tomblin talks openly about his views on marriage and answers some tough questions that many lawmakers would seek to avoid.

We thank Gov. Tomblin for his time and honesty in speaking with us about these important issues. We hope you will take a few moments to listen to this interview and then perhaps email the Governor to thank him for speaking candidly on some tough issues.

You can listen to the interview by clicking this link.

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by Kelly Clinger, 02/14/2012

Atlanta, GA – Dear Whitney,

I think we owe you a sincere apology.

When we first bought your cassette tapes so many years ago, we were taken in by your voice. The strength and control of every note and the emotion with which you sang was truly captivating. Your voice was described as “timeless” and “flawless”.  You gave us perfection and in return we demanded it from you.

Time after time, you delivered what we wanted. We will never forget when you so effortlessly sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in 1991. We watched you receive countless awards and cheered for you as we ascended you to a pedestal among other celebrities we esteem.

Then you gave us The Bodyguard, and you stole our hearts with “I Will Always Love You”. No one could hit those notes like you. We, perhaps prematurely, called you a legend. What a voice. What a heavy burden to bear.

What happened next, only those closest to you would be able to explain and understand…or maybe only God knows. The fame and accolades don’t fill the void like we think they will, so we try other things. We make choices with lasting consequences…destructive relationships, drugs, compromise.

Read the rest of this entry »

by Nathan A. Cherry, 02/13/2012

Martinsburg, WV – Have you ever met one of those Apple-only people that believe every electronic device they own must be made by Apple or its junk? So they have an iMac (or two), an iPhone 4S that they bought three hours after it was released after standing in line for 42 hours at Best Buy, an iPod, all newly released version of the iPad; and they’re just waiting for an iCar and iHouse to complete the set. Sure, we all know those people.

I have to confess that I don’t have any of that. Wait, I do have a 5 year old iPod I picked up at a used electronics store. But other than that, I don’t have any of that stuff. My computer is a Toshiba, the other is a HP, I don’t own a tablet, and my phone is a Samsung Galaxy S. This brings me to the point of this post – which I am sure you were really starting to wonder about.

It seems that Android’s version of “Siri” which was released recently – called “Iris” – is making waves for more than simply adding fuel to the Andoird/Apple battle over who rules the tech world. (By the way, did anyone catch the irony in the name “Iris,” it would be hard to miss.)

Iris, the artificially intelligent voice assistant of the Android platform seems to be pro-life, pro-Bible and pro-creation; among other things. We all remember when Siri made waves for refusing to direct someone to the nearest abortion clinic, and now Iris is joining the controversy by quoting the Bible and defending life.

A recent post by The Blaze explains what  happens when you ask Iris about abortion:

“When you ask Iris ‘is abortion wrong?’ the Android app will answer: Yes, abortion is wrong. The Lord has said, ‘You shall not murder,’ (Exodus 20:13). The life that is growing within the mother is a child, a baby. The Bible looks at the life in the womb as a child. Thanks!

You can hear Iris answer this question in the video below, or click here. (If you can’t see the video please refresh your browser.)

by Nathan A. Cherry, 02/09/2012

Martinsburg, WV – I’m not sure where to begin with this video; do I begin with the video portraying abstinence advocates as smarmy little bullies, perhaps portraying pro-lifers as zombies, or simply the idea that “eliminating” anyone that opposes pro-abortion ideology by any means necessary is acceptable. Truly this is both disturbing and outrageous all at the same time.

In this Planned Parenthood video from 2005 we are introduced to a “super-hero” for the pro-abortion movement. Her mission is evidently to remove any and all obstacles to Planned Parenthood’s agenda. So the first thing to go is a strangely dressed abstinence advocate. I guess anyone that believes abstinence is the only safe and sure way to avoid unwanted pregnancy and STD’s is an enemy worthy of, according to the video, being drowned in a garbage can full of water.

The next “obstacle” for our hero is a crowd of peaceful protestors outside an abortion clinic. The hero makes mention that according to the Constitution these people have a right to protest peacefully and voice their opposition. But then she decides they need eliminated as well. So she pulls out a “condom gun,” shoots them all with latex and they promptly explode. And our hero seems quite happy with the result. The lesson is that anyone opposing abortion is worthy of violence and bodily harm, including death!?

If you think this is outrageous just watch the rest of the video, if you can. Though it no longer appears on any Planned Parenthood website, the fact that it was created and did appear for any length of time is the problem. The mentality of a group that would produce such a video and allow it to be seen is scary. Does Planned Parenthood really advocate for violence against anyone that opposes them or abortion? Will Planned Parenthood condone killing protestors? (They advocate for killing innocent children so it’s not really a stretch to think they would.)

Take a look at the video. You just might come to the same conclusion I did long ago about Planned Parenthood; they are first and foremost about money and abortion. And they will do anything to anyone that stands in their way.

If the video doesn’t appear automatically please refresh your browser.

by Tom Stark, 02/08/2012

Parkersburg, WV – In a recent blog by Sarah Kliff for the Washington Post Wonkblog statistics are cited that make 2011 “The year of abortion restrictions!”  But does this necessarily identify an aberration or is the idea of restricting abortions finally beginning – after over 40 years – to take hold in the collective mind of America?  On the surface it may appear unclear.

If we delve into the statistics a bit, we can see that there is at least some correlation between the political party in power nationally, and the number of restrictions on abortions that are enacted.  There are lower numbers when the more liberal powers prevail, and as the pendulum swings to give the conservative view sway in the government, more efforts are made to impose restrictions.

In the chart accompanying the Kliff article one can see that the see-sawing of the legislative enactments, however, remained within a narrow range until 2011 when the increase was several times as high as the prior year.  I believe this is largely due to both a shift in approach as well as a quantum leap in the 2010 legislative elections – both state and federal.  Throughout America, signals that the liberal-progressive pendulum had struck the stop and were bouncing off a resolute constituency that has had enough was clear.

So, could this monumental shift in the trend line be caused by greater awareness?  Are the efforts to convey the anti-abortion message finally getting through?  Or is this a short-term political phenomenon?   Perhaps, none of the above so much as that approach I mentioned.  The approach to restrictive legislation has differed in the past year or so.

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by Nathan A. Cherry, 02/06/2012

Martinsburg, WV – It’s not often I post an open letter for our readers. But this one is both informative and speaks to the issues taking place with Susan G. Komen and their recent decision to defund Planned Parenthood. I have talked with a number of people that are confused or have been misinformed about the decision and are not sure exactly what is taking place. This letter I believe helps to clarify the situation and speak truth to the legitimacy of why it was necessary to defund Planned Parenthood.

Take a few moments to read Dr. Nadal’s letter – especially the last two paragraphs. Dr. Nadal is one of America’s most prolific pro-life writers. His blog is widely respected for integrating science with the pro-life movement to show how life begins at conception and should be defended from that time to natural death. You will no doubt be blessed by this article, encouraged by Komen’s decision, and equipped to discuss intelligently on the topic should it arise in your day.

An Open Letter to Susan G. Komen Founder, Nancy Brinker
by Gerard Nadal, Ph.D.

Dear Ms. Brinker,

As one who has been at odds with SGK over your organization’s funding of Planned Parenthood, I write today to offer you my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for the principled and prudential position that you have taken in defunding Planned Parenthood.

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by Nathan A. Cherry, 02/04/2012

Martinsburg, WV – Maybe you’ve felt a wide range of emotions this week in light of the Susan G. Komen media circus that’s taken place. First we were shocked with happiness at the decision to defund Planned Parenthood and it seemed another giant step in the fight to defend life had been taken. Then the backlash started against Komen for their decision; and it wasn’t pretty – then again abortion isn’t a pretty thing so when pro-abortion advocates are upset it tends to be an ugly sight. Then out of the blue we start seeing headlines that Komen has reversed their decision and will keep funding Planned Parenthood.

Whew…it’s been a wild few days and I am exhausted. But, there is a lot of misinformation out there and it needs to be cleared up before we go any further.

If you missed it, I highly encourage you to read this article by FPCWV president Jeremy Dys. Jeremy does an excellent job of clearing up some of the confusion taking place. After phone calls and inquiries by friends wanting to know what is going on, I want to take a few moments to try and alleviate anger with what I believe is a win for life.

To get a competent grasp on the events of the last few days I would encourage reading several articles. Specifically, this article from The Blaze reprints Komen for the Cure founder and CEO Nancy Brinker’s media statement on the “reversal.” Another article by Newsmax.com is important because it gives the number of “mammogram referrals” Planned Parenthood did over the last five years. This little number has huge implications. This article from Lifenews.com carries comments by a Komen board member in light of these events. Finally, this article from Citizenlink.com has the reactions of a number of pro-life leaders from across the nation to this confusing news.

So now you’ve read a number of articles and have a better handle on what is taking place. Let me see if I can make a little more sense and clarify why I am – as others have noted – “cautiously optimistic” – about what has taken place.

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by Nathan A. Cherry, 01/26/2012

Former Girl Scout volunteer Renise Rodriguez proudly wears her pro-life shirt.

Martinsburg, WV – I’ve been criticized for articles like this one, linking the Girl Scouts and the Planned Parenthood abortion business. Well intentioned people have tried to convince me there is no such link and that I am simply misplacing my disdain for abortion onto a “very well respected organization.”

Whatever.

Trying to deny the concrete relationship between the Girls Scouts and Planned Parenthood is like trying to nail jello to the wall; futile. There is absolutely no doubt that a partnership between the two organizations exists and that the Girl Scouts are now advocating for abortion. Brochures with the Planned Parenthood and Girl Scouts logos are being distributed, their annual convention features pro-abortion speakers, and even the former Planned Parenthood CEO admits that a partnership exists. So denying it just makes someone look naïve or under-informed.

Here’s another example of the Girls Scouts advocating for abortion while suppressing the message of life. Recently a 21 year old pro-life volunteer went to her local Girl Scout office where she regularly serves as a Girl Experience Associate. She was wearing a pro-life t-shirt as she went in to prepare for a meeting. It would be her last day as a volunteer.

Renise Rodriguez never imagined that she would be told by a supervisor that in order to stay in the office or take part in any troop activities she would have to turn her t-shirt inside out. Stunned, she did what many in her situation would do; she complied and compromised her beliefs.

Oh wait, Renise did what many in her situation wish they would have done – she quit in order to stand up for her belief that life is sacred. Renise recounts her experience:

Read the rest of this entry »

by Nathan A. Cherry, 01/24/2012

Martinsburg, WV – The race to be the GOP presidential nominee is heating up. News broke last week that by all appearances Rick Santorum had indeed won the Iowa caucus and was building momentum heading into South Carolina. And while Gingrich gained some steam ahead of the SC debate it seems most the air was let out of his balloon by the “bombshell” interview of his ex-wife. Ron Paul seems to be fading into the background very fast, Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann both wisely bowed out, and Romney is still being hit hard on his abortion flip flop, Romneycare, and his tax returns.

With all that’s taken place in the last month I want to make sure you are caught up on some key endorsements and where the field currently stands.

Just over a week ago I took part in a media conference call as Family Research Council president Tony Perkins shared the results of a meeting of nearly 170 conservative leaders. The purpose of this meeting was to come to an agreement on one candidate for these influential leaders to support. During the call Perkins told us ‘The group believes, after hearing the platforms of each candidate, that Santorum best represents the values and beliefs of the group.”

How did the group arrive at this decision? Each candidate’s representative was given the opportunity to speak after which three key positions were evaluated. Perkins shared the three key issues the group was most heavily concerned with:

1. Repeal of Obamacare
2. Reducing the national debt and reigning in government spending
3. Supporting the pro-life platform

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by Nathan A. Cherry, 01/23/2012

How did you celebrate?

Martinsburg, WV – Yesterday was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. It was a day dedicated to celebrating life and the universal truth that life should be defended from conception to natural death. It was also a day to remember that millions of people were not part of the celebration because their lives were taken from them as a result of abortion.

Since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision approximately 50 million lives have been lost worldwide thanks to abortion. And, as I recently heard Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life America lament, “we don’t know who we’ve lost.” Maybe we’ve lost another Einstein, or Martin Luther King, maybe an Abraham Lincoln or Amelia Earhart. One thing is for sure, we have “legally” murdered far too many people in America.

We hope you took the opportunity to celebrate life in your church, small group, home or family. We hope the resources we provided were a helpful tool that equipped you for the day. Our goal is to be a partner with you and provide excellent tools and resources to you. With that said, will you do something for me?

Will you text, comment, or email us and let us know what you did to celebrate life in your church, small group or otherwise? Please tell us exactly how you remembered life, advocated for life, or celebrated life; including what resources you used and found most helpful.

We do our best to partner with churches and provide tools and resources for churches to use. So we would really like to know what resources provided by the FPCWV your church used. We would also like to know if your church used resources from another organization and what those resources are. We want to provide the best possible tools and resources to our partners and churches and knowing what you most enjoyed will be a great help to us.

On behalf of all of us here at the Family Policy Council of West Virginia I want to say thank-you for taking a few moments to celebrate life and remember those lost to the atrocity of abortion. We are seeing victories every day in the fight for life, and with continued vigilance we will one day see the end of legalized abortion.

We look forward to hearing from you about your Sanctity of Human Life Sunday celebration.

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