From the Desk of Pastor Rick Scarborough
The Spin continues on the SpongeBob Story
Dr. James
Dobson of Focus on the Family sent out a letter to his
constituents yesterday in his continuing fight against media
distortion of the truth. This latest volley was fired by Fox
News Channel talk-show host Bill O'Reilly when he used his
"talking points" feature on Monday night (Feb. 28) to
once again misreport the SpongeBob SquarePants issue,
criticizing conservative "culture warriors" for allegedly saying
that the popular children's cartoon character is gay.
"SpongeBob is
a sponge. He's not cruising the bars in West Hollywood,"
O'Reilly said. "Culture warriors on both sides have got to get a
grip. There's danger in fanatical policy. But paranoia makes a
danger harder to illuminate. You won't be taken seriously if you
cry wolf too often."
Dr. Dobson
stated in his letter that O’Reilly’s “comments are a
thinly veiled swipe at Focus on the Family based upon
comments that have been widely misquoted in the media
questioning the use of SpongeBob and other beloved children's
characters in a "tolerance" video produced by a group with a
history of advocating for pro-gay causes. Although O'Reilly's
staff has been informed in writing that the "SpongeBob"
controversy is based solely on media spin, the "No Spin
Zone" can't seem to get its facts straight.”
In his
letter, Dr. Dobson encourages us all to join
in letting Mr. O’Reilly know you object to this kind of media
distortion of the truth. You can find
contact information here.
But remember, express your opinions as you think appropriate but
please be respectful.
Death Sentence Issued by Judge
for Terri Schiavo
This past Tuesday, the parents of Terri Schiavo,
the Schindlers, were informed, through their Attorney David
Gibbs, III that Judge George Greer of Pinellas-Pasco’s Sixth
Judicial Circuit has denied, without access to hearing, motions
filed by Terri Schiavo’s immediate family.
Judge Greer has stated that he will only consider
motions from the Schindlers as they relate to the death process,
which include but are not limited to a motion to allow Terri
Schiavo to die at home instead of a Hospice facility, a motion
for a Florida burial, and a motion allowing her immediate family
uninterrupted access to her throughout the death process.
Once again, we find the actions of Judge Greer
reprehensible and a clear denial of the due process rights
afforded to Terri Schiavo under the law.
With new medical diagnosis protocols and new
levels of rehabilitation protocols, Terri Schiavo’s adjudicated
condition of ‘persistent vegetative state’ is no longer
equitable and any responsible jurist would eagerly recognize and
accommodate more thorough means of determining the disabled
woman’s true condition – a condition that remains in great
dispute.
Once again we see the behavior of another rogue
judge with his refusal to hold the guardian accountable for
violation of Florida’s guardian laws. The guardian has spent
Terri Schiavo’s medical fund on representing his own legal
interests, has denied her necessary medical services, and lives
in open adultery with his girlfriend and their two.
This is another egregious example of justice
denied. March 18 is the date that the Florida court has assigned
to begin Terri’s death sentence through the slow and painful
process of starvation. It is now time to petition Florida
Governor Jeb Bush and the state legislature to take action to
save Terri's life. We must pray and to protect Terri from this
death sentence.
Ten Commandments Sandblasted?
After reading some of yesterday’s Supreme Court
arguments in regards to the Ten Commandment displays in public,
I’m encouraged that the Court will probably not issue a decree
that would cause the sandblasting of the marble frieze in their
own courtroom. Don’t expect an immediate decision though. It is
expected that the court will spend some time deciding where to
draw the line when it comes to Biblical text in public places.
I’m sure the debate will continue in the news media for
sometime.
A recent Associated Press poll indicated that
three fourths of Americans surveyed believe that displays of the
commandments should be allowed on government property. It would
seem that the court of public opinion should factor greatly in
the decision. Keep praying for this one, and remember. . .the
First Amendment to the Constitution states: "Congress shall make
no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof . . .If Congress shall make no laws
regarding religion, then why is the Federal Court even
considering this case?
COMING SOON – CONFRONTING THE JUDICIAL
WAR ON FAITH
Here is your opportunity to get involved!
On April 7-8, a very special conference will take place at the
Washington Marriott in Washington, D.C. – Confronting the
Judicial War on Faith. The event is being sponsored by The
Judeo-Christian Coalition for Constitutional Restoration. I am
honored to be chairman of the Coalition's Executive Committee.
The registration fee is $149. To register on-line, or for more
details, go to
http://www.stopactivistjudges.org