Day of Silence Walkout Called for by Pro-Family Coalition

WASHINGTON, April 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- This Friday, April 25, 2008, the pro-homosexual indoctrination of children in our public schools comes to a boil. Homosexual activists and like-minded liberal educators will be pushing the so-called "Day of Silence" on kids in thousands of schools across the country.

The "Day of Silence" (DOS) is organized by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), one of the most militant and well-funded of the powerful homosexual pressure groups. DOS purports to confront the alleged systematic harassment and bullying of children who self-identify as homosexual, bisexual or "transgender." (For a sampling of the kinds of things GLSEN teaches children, click here.)

To be sure, bullying and harassment should not be tolerated against anyone, anywhere, for any reason, and those who engage in such activities should be firmly disciplined. However, DOS has very little to do with "bullying" and has everything to do with propaganda.

Matt Barber, Policy Director for Cultural Issues with Concerned Women for America (CWA), said, "During DOS, children and teachers are encouraged to disrupt the school day by refusing to speak, in a show of support to self-described 'gay,' 'lesbian,' 'bisexual' and 'transgender' students. Kids are additionally taught that Biblical truth, which holds that human sexuality is a gift from God shared between husband and wife within the bonds of marriage, is 'homophobic,' 'hateful' and 'discriminatory.'

"Our schools are supposed to be places of learning, not places of political indoctrination," continued Barber. "It's the height of impropriety and cynicism for 'gay' activists and school officials to use good-hearted but misguided children as pawns in their attempt to further a deceptive, highly controversial and polarizing political agenda.

"DOS is pure propaganda, and based on the medical science establishing that the homosexual lifestyle is extremely high-risk, it amounts to nothing short of educational malpractice. With liberal school officials in tow, these militant adult activists are brazenly circumventing and abusing parental authority to further this dangerous political agenda," concluded Barber.

Therefore, at DOS-participating schools all over the country, parents are joining with dozens of pro-family organizations, such as CWA, in a "Day of Silence Walkout." They're keeping their kids home from school on DOS as a show of protest. (For more information visit www.missionamerica.com).

CWA additionally urges parents and children to participate in the Alliance Defense Fund's non-disruptive "Day of Truth," which will follow DOS on Monday, April 28, 2008. (For more information visit www.dayoftruth.org).


Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

National Day of Prayer 2008 Proclamation by President Bush

WASHINGTON, April 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- America trusts in the abiding power of prayer and asks for the wisdom to discern God's will in times of joy and of trial. As we observe this National Day of Prayer, we recognize our dependence on the Almighty, we thank Him for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us, and we put our country's future in His hands.

From our Nation's humble beginnings, prayer has guided our leaders and played a vital role in the life and history of the United States. Americans of many different faiths share the profound conviction that God listens to the voice of His children and pours His grace upon those who seek Him in prayer. By surrendering our lives to our loving Father, we learn to serve His eternal purposes, and we are strengthened, refreshed, and ready for all that may come.

On this National Day of Prayer, we ask God's continued blessings on our country. This year's theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield," is taken from Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." On this day, we pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform, for their families, and for the comfort and recovery of those who have been wounded.

The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our Nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society by recognizing each year a "National Day of Prayer."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2008, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God's continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

2,000 Gather to Support Rep. Sally Kern

WASHINGTON, April 2/ -- Upwards of 2,000 people gathered today for the rally at the Oklahoma State Capitol in support of Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), reportedly spilling over onto all levels of the Rotunda. Rep. Kern has stood firm in the face of harassment and threats over statements she made regarding the homosexual agenda.

The Baptist Press has photos from the gathering today, and the BP article quotes a recent statement by Kern on the "Messenger Radio" show hosted by Ray E. Sanders and Bob Nigh:

"I compared homosexuality to terrorism because [homosexual activists] want to destroy the traditional family and traditional marriage," Kern said. "That was the analogy that I was making. I was not in any way advocating that we need to go after these people [physically]. I was giving an example. I was making a point, using a metaphor if you will that ... this lifestyle, not the people, but the lifestyle is dangerous to this nation."

"I was just trying to make a point that the radical homosexual agenda is seeking to destroy the very foundation upon which this country has been built, and we need to wake up and stand up for our conservative values, yea our biblical values as Christians, or we will lose not only the freedom to express our own opinions, but we will lose the freedom to influence our children with our biblical lifestyles to pass on our values to them."

Concerned Women for America (CWA) joined with over 50 pastors who sponsored the event in support of Rep. Kern's Biblical stand.

Matt Barber, CWA's Policy Director for Cultural Issues, said, "This astronomical show of support for Rep. Sally Kern today sends a strong message. People with traditional values who value God's design for human sexuality will not be intimidated and bullied into silence. Political correctness can never trump truth. Sally Kern stood for truth, and she was hated for it. She was persecuted for Christ, but the Body of Christ was there to lift her up. Sally was faithful to God, and He was faithful to her in return. This is a great day for all who love righteousness."

CWA of Oklahoma State Director Linda Caswell said, "This is an awesome experience. We had a fantastic turnout and a fantastic message. Rep. Kern and her husband spoke a message of forgiveness, redemption and hope through Jesus Christ. This is a historic moment for Oklahoma."

Click here to listen to an interview with CWA of Oklahoma State Director Linda Caswell at the rally.

Report compiled from Christian Newswire release and Baptist Press.

Prominent Black Minister Refutes Racist Statements of Rev. Jeremiah Wright

CHESAPEAKE, Virg., March 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- Black minister and graduate of Harvard Law School, Bishop E.W. Jackson Sr., has begun a campaign to make clear that Jeremiah Wright does not represent black preachers or what is being taught in black churches across America.

Says Bishop Jackson, "This kind of virulent Anti-American bigotry is anathema to the black church experience where we focus on love, forgiveness, personal responsibility and a healthy dose of patriotism and prayer for our country."

Bishop Jackson also objects to the Anti-Israel bias which Jeremiah Wright expresses. "We include prayer and support for the nation of Israel in our mission statement," says Bishop Jackson. "It is a Biblical mandate for any Bible believing Christian." Jackson spoke to his congregation and indicated that Obama cannot credibly claim that he did not know or agree with Wright's remarks or separate himself from a mentor or spiritual guide who admires and honors Louis Farrakhan. "I believe we are finally learning about the real Barak Obama, and it is sad. We cannot help but wonder if this is the influence which caused Obama to decline to wear the American flag on his lapel," said the Bishop.

According to Bishop Jackson, a pastor and spiritual leader of several congregations for the last 25 years who also studied at Harvard Divinity School, Rev. Wright represents a radical liberation theology which in many ways is heretical. "That is not classic, Biblical Christianity", says Bishop Jackson. "It is quite something else, and easier to understand when seen as an aberration from Christian teaching. I am speaking everywhere I can to get that message out."

Bishop Jackson was formerly a high level official in the Christian Coalition and was instrumental in raising funds for churches victimized by arson in the late 1990's. He left the Coalition to start a church in Chesapeake, Virginia and continue his work independently. His Church does not endorse candidates or parties. "My job", says Bishop Jackson, "is to help Christians view life - which includes politics and public policy - from a Biblical worldview and to discern the truth. They can draw their own conclusions about how to vote."

Homosexuals Jam Messages They Don't Like

MEDIA ADVISORY, March 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- An Oklahoma State Representative is being "jammed" by homosexual activists and a sympathetic media for taking a stand on homosexuality, and she is not backing down. The term "jamming" refers to the public smearing of Christians, traditionalists or anyone else who opposes the "gay" agenda.

Two Harvard-educated marketing experts, Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen, authored a book called After the Ball; How America Will Conquer Its Fear and Hatred of Gays in the 90's (1989, Doubleday/Bantam). In their manuscript, they laid out the homosexual lobby's blueprint for success in what is regarded as the handbook for the "gay" agenda. This is their summarized agenda:

1. Portray "gays" as victims.

2. Give protectors a just cause.

3. Make "gays" look good.

4. Make victimizers look bad.

Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) has taken a Biblical stand against homosexuality, and she is being maliciously attacked by militant homosexual activist groups. Representative Kern has exercised her right to free speech, and the "jamming" has begun.

The Bible is very clear regarding the subject of homosexuality and marriage. Matthew 19:4-5 says, "And He answered and said to them, 'Have you not heard that He who made them at the beginning, made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother to be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'"

Linda Caswell, Director of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Oklahoma, said, "We know that Rep. Kern represents the vast majority of Oklahomans. The Marriage Protection Amendment passed by over 70 percent, and we believe that God ordained the traditional one man-one woman family as the bedrock of our society. Any deviation from this standard weakens the family. CWA is proud to stand alongside Rep. Kern and thanks her for the bold stand that she has taken for our state and for our nation."

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

Janet Folger Keynotes Pro-Life Rally in Rapid City

By Bob Ellis
Dakota Voice

RAPID CITY--Citizens concerned about life came out from across the state of South Dakota tonight for a pro-life rally at the Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota. The evening featured keynote speaker Janet Folger, who is an author, radio host and national pro-life leader.

The event was emceed by South Dakota Dist. 30 Representative Gordon Howie.

The event was opened with a prayer from Pastor Wes Labrier of the Union Center Community Baptist Church.

A video was shown which told attendees about the abortion ban petition for which signatures are currently being taken. The state of South Dakota requires 16,776 signatures, but the video said 18,000 are being sought. Volunteers were out in several cities across South Dakota today going door-to-door getting signatures.

It pointed out that this is not the same law brought before the voters in 2006, stating this one is “what you, the people of South Dakota demanded.” This referenced polls taken in 2006 which showed that 70 percent of South Dakotans supported an abortion ban that had exceptions for the life of the mother, the health of the mother, and for cases of rape and incest. This petition contains all those exceptions.

The video encouraged all who are concerned about life to contact VoteYesForLife.com for a petition package, seek to obtain at least 15 signatures, and to be a leader in their churches. The presentation also mentioned that VoteYesForLife.com is headquartered in Sioux Falls in a former abortion facility where 36,000 babies died.

Several state pro-life leaders were present and recognized by Howie: South Dakota House Majority Leader Rep. Larry Rhoden (Union Center), Assistant House Majority Leader Rep. Joel Dykstra (who is also a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate this year), Dale Bartscher of the South Dakota Family Policy Council, and for the leadership of the Catholic Diocese in South Dakota.

VoteYesForLife.com Treasurer Patti Giebink then spoke briefly. Giebink was once an abortion doctor with Planned Parenthood before experiencing a change of heart and mind, and joining the pro-life community.

Giebink said she wanted to address some comments she had heard in the past week on television about rape. Giebink said rape is a horrible experience that is physically and emotionally brutal. She said the contention of some that the woman who is a victim of rape should not receive a medical examination after being raped “borders on the absurd.”

A trained OB/GYN doctor, Giebink said she has been involved in helping women after a rape, and that it is important that doctors examine the woman for injuries and test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). She said that doctors always collect evidence after a rape as a matter of procedure, so the allegations by some that the abortion petition’s requirement that DNA evidence be collected when a woman says she’s been raped is nothing improper or exceptional.

Giebink said that she had participated as a doctor in several rape cases and had never heard a woman complain about the medical exam. On the contrary, the exam is necessary to gather evidence to capture and convict the rapist and bring him to justice for his crime.

Giebink closed her comments on a personal note, stating that, since she used to perform abortions, she can’t bring back the lives she’s ended, but she can work tirelessly to prevent any more lives from being lost.

Leslee Unruh, head of the Alpha Center in Sioux Falls and a board member of VoteYesForLife.com, introduced Janet Folger. Folger is founder and president of Faith2Action, which features a daily radio program heard across South Dakota and across the nation. She has appeared on national news shows many times, and has authored several books including True to Life, The Criminalization of Christianity and her latest: Truth to Go in 30 Seconds Flat.

Folger stated that what happened in 1973 was that “seven men in the Supreme Court decided to impose their morality on the nation,” stripping protections from the unborn that were already in place in most states.

To those who believe restricting abortions involves unwarranted government intervention, she quotes Thomas Jefferson who said, “The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of good government."

Folger said that in criticizing the rape exception reporting requirements of the proposed law, abortion proponents are protecting rapists and putting young girls back into incest situations.

Concerning objections made by abortion proponents about the primacy of the doctor-patient relationship, Folger said, “The doctor-patient relationship argument is a sham.” She said that the woman seeking an abortion usually doesn’t see the doctor until she’s on the table for the abortion, and in some cases, may already be under anesthesia before the doctor enters the room.

“What a sham,” she said.

Folger pointed out that the pregnancy centers, not abortion centers, are the ones that really care about women.

“Look in the yellow pages and use this rule of thumb: If you see references to Visa and MasterCard, or money changes hands, you don’t have one that truly cares about women.” She said that pregnancy centers are the ones that help pregnant women with testing, baby bottles, diapers, baby sitting and many other goods and services—all free.

Referring to recent reports that Planned Parenthood will gladly take money earmarked to kill unborn minority children, Folger called the organization, “Klanned Parenthood.” She repeated the statement made by one Planned Parenthood office employee who, when the caller said we need fewer black babies in the world, said, “Understandable.”

“The rest of the world is watching,” she told those gathered tonight. “They expected you to give up. Yet they don’t realize we are not going away until children are protected again. Perseverance wins.”

She continued, “If you work in the abortion business, if you make a living killing children, you are now on notice that you will soon be looking for another job.”

Folger said that someday we would not only experience the Supreme Court decisions and political adulation, “Someday we will meet the children” that otherwise would have been killed in the womb.

“The tipping point is close,” Folger said. “Your purpose and destiny is before you.

“Someday our children and grandchildren will learn about what happened in 2008. They will have a question for us: ‘Where were you when they were killing babies?’”

Referring to the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, Folger concluded: “They picked this fight, but we are here to finish it.”

According to signs in the conference hall at the Ramkota, the theme of VoteYesForLife.com is “Making Things Right Again.”

McCain Statement Supporting Earmark Reform

ARLINGTON, Va., March 13 /Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement calling for a stop to earmarks:

"I am proud to have fought against the practice of earmarking and wasteful pork-barrel spending. It has often been a lonely fight, but one I know is worth winning. I am encouraged by some of my Democratic colleagues' new-found enthusiasm for suspending this practice for a year. I hope their recent commitments do not wane once they step off the campaign trail. I believe we must end this process, which has diverted billions in taxpayer dollars to needless projects, once and for all. If voters give me the pen, I will veto every single pork-barrel bill Congress sends me.

"The American people demand that we introduce transparency and good judgment in how we spend their tax dollars. If projects like the proposed taxpayer-funded Woodstock concert museum were worthy national priorities, their funding would not be sought through appropriations earmarks, rather, they could withstand the public scrutiny of the regular legislative authorization process.

"I am encouraged that Senators Clinton and Obama have joined me in supporting the DeMint amendment banning earmarks for one year. I renew my call for them to fully disclose all of their earmark requests while serving in the Senate and join me in increasing needed transparency and accountability in Washington."

'Window to the Womb' Creator Puts 4D Ultrasound, Pro-Life Videos on YouTube

MEDIA ADVISORY, March 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- In 1990, Shari Richard pioneered the use of ultrasound technology in pregnancy centers, and created the video Window to the Womb to make that footage available to the largest possible audience. That same goal has now prompted her to post footage from her many productions on the video sharing website, YouTube.

In addition to footage from Shari's first two videos, Windows to the Womb and Eyewitness to the Earliest Days of Life of which over 500,000 copies were distributed and translated worldwide, footage from her new 4D ultrasound DVD Eyewitness 2: The Next Generation and The Heart of the Mission training program for pregnancy centers is also available for watching on YouTube.

The videos can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/ragemedia. Viewers are encouraged to take an active role by sharing and embedding the videos on their web sites, MySpace and FaceBook pages.

Previous videos and footage produced by Richard has educated millions on fetal development and child birth issues, as over 500,000 copies of her videos have been distributed and translated worldwide. Over the past 18 years, Richard's footage has been viewed on commercial ads and numerous local and national television documentaries. Her videos have been translated into several languages including Korean, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Romanian, Portuguese, Italian, and Hebrew.

In October 2007, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) used ultrasound footage from Richard's videos during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on the Mexico City Policy. Among the footage used was that of a baby named George, whose acrobatics are also available on YouTube.

"You are to be highly commended generally for using your professional skills and knowledge to raise public awareness about the beautiful, early stages of human life," said Rep. Smith.

Richard, who has appeared on national radio and television programs, has also lectured in schools and conducted workshops for pregnancy centers, and given presentations for other organizations. She is available for speaking engagements and media interviews.

Shari Richard is an Obstetrical Ultrasound Expert and Educator whose medical experience spans 32 years. She is the founder of Sound Wave Images through which she produced the videos, Window to the Womb, Eyewitness To The Earliest Days Of Life, Eyewitness 2 -The Next Generation and the CD 9 Months... from Conception to Birth and Beyond.

CDC Study: One in Four Teens Has an STD

Pushing kids to be sexually active, prejudice against parents, and FDA decision that discourages medical screening add to problem

WASHINGTON, March 11 /Standard Newswire/ -- A study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that at least one in four teens in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted disease (STD). "Current public health policies are clearly failing to reduce the spread of STDs among young women," stated Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America. "Pushing kids to be sexually active, withholding medical screenings to deny parents information about their teens, and encouraging young women to skip screenings for STDs are irresponsible policies that have put teens' health at risk."

"Public health officials need to admit their failures that have led to kids paying the price. Funding irresponsible sex-ed programs, ones that encourage kids to be sexually active, twelve times higher than funding abstinence programs unsurprisingly results in more kids being sexually active. Experts note that a key prevention strategy is screening for STDs. Yet by making the morning-after pill available without a prescription, officials are discouraging young women from seeing a doctor when they are at risk of an STD."

The Associated Press reports that Dr. John Douglas, director of the CDC's division of STD prevention, said screening tests are underused, in part, because many teens don't think they're at risk. Dr. Margaret Blythe, an adolescent medicine specialist at Indiana University School of Medicine and head of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Adolescence, said some doctors are also reluctant to discuss STDs with teen patients or offer screenings because of confidentiality concerns, knowing parents will have to be told the results.

"Parents are the best advocates for their kids, yet some doctors choose to put adolescents' health at risk in order to keep medical information from their parents," said Wendy Wright. "This negligence by doctors, driven by prejudice against parents, pretends to protect kids. However, it does worse than drive a wedge between parents and their children — it puts the teens' lives and health at risk."

The study examined the national prevalence of four common STDs among adolescent girls: human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer; chlamydia; trichomoniasis; and herpes simplex virus.

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

Racist Homosexual Porn on School Reading List

WASHINGTON, March 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Deerfield High School in Deerfield, Illinois, had assigned the pornographic book "Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes" to students as required reading. When a group of outraged parents found out, they filed a formal complaint. Now the book has been changed to an "optional title," meaning kids may still select the book for peer study under the direction of a teacher.

The book is replete with profanity, overt racism through multiple uses of the N-word, an explicit description of a sex act involving Mother Theresa and some of the most graphic, vile and vivid depictions of homosexual anal sodomy every put in print. (Link to Excerpts – Warning: Extremely Graphic Sexual Content).

"After almost 15 years of school advocacy and reviewing many objectionable books and curricula, I have never seen anything this vulgar and harmful to students," Lora Sue Hauser, Executive Director of North Shore Student Advocacy (NSSA), told Concerned Women for America (CWA).

NSSA complained to the State Attorney's office of Lake County, Illinois, and they agreed that the book violated Illinois' obscenity statute prohibiting adults from "distributing harmful materials to minors." But, amazingly, Hauser was told by the State's Attorney's office that state and federal obscenity laws exempt school officials from prosecution.

"It takes a lot to shock me," said Matt Barber, CWA's Policy Director for Cultural Issues. "My jaw hit the ground when I read what's in this book. This isn't a First Amendment issue; this is about school officials betraying the community trust. Heads need to roll here. Assigning this racist, pornographic smut to high school kids is nothing short of child abuse. Don't forget, this was required reading until parents complained.

"If Deerfield High School Principal Sue Hebson, Superintendent George Fornero or any of the teachers responsible for this outrage had any sense of responsibility, they would now resign on their own rather than making parents and taxpayers force them from their positions. Shame on them, and shame on Illinois School District 113.

"It's disgraceful for these people, who have been entrusted to help mold the minds of Deerfield's impressionable youth, to have abused those youth by ostensibly violating the very laws intended to protect them. To hide behind some inexplicable exemption is just plain cowardly. Deerfield parents should seriously consider every possible legal option to ensure that these people are held accountable," concluded Barber.

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women’s organization.

Statement by President Bush on John McCain

WASHINGTON, March 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following text is of remarks by President Bush with Senator John McCain:

Rose Garden

1:10 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: It's been my honor to welcome my friend, John McCain, as the nominee of the Republican Party. A while back I don't think many people would have thought that John McCain would be here as the nominee of the Republican Party -- except he knew he would be here, and so did his wife, Cindy.

John showed incredible courage and strength of character and perseverance in order to get to this moment. And that's exactly what we need in a President: somebody that can handle the tough decisions; somebody who won't flinch in the face of danger.

We also need somebody with a big heart. I have got to know John well in the last eight years. I've campaigned against him, and I've campaigned with him. Laura and I have spent time in their house. This is a man who deeply loves his family. It's a man who cares a lot about the less fortunate among us. He's a President, and he's going to be the President who will bring determination to defeat an enemy, and a heart big enough to love those who hurt.

And so I welcome you here. I wish you all the best, and I'm proud to be your friend.

SENATOR McCAIN: Thank you, sir. Well, I'm very honored and humbled to have the opportunity to receive the endorsement of the President of the United States, a man who I have great admiration, respect and affection [for]. We -- he and I, as is well known, had a very good competition in the year 2000, and I was privileged and proud to have the opportunity to campaign for his election and reelection to the Presidency of the United States.

I appreciate his endorsement. I appreciate his service to our country. I intend to have as much possible campaigning events together, as it is in keeping with the President's heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity. I look forward to the chance to bring our message to America.

Last night, as you know, both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton called to congratulate me. I pledged at that time, and I pledge again, a respectful campaign -- a respectful campaign based on the issues and based on the stark differences in vision that we have for the future of America.

I hope that the President will find time from his busy schedule to be out on the campaign trail with me, and I will be very privileged to have the opportunity of being again on the campaign trail with him -- only slightly different roles this time. (Laughter.)

I thank you, Mr. President, and it's a pleasure.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, we'll answer a couple of questions.

Abramowitz. Sorry you got such a lousy seat back there. (Laughter.)

Q I wanted to ask about the -- the voters, according to a lot of the exit polls, seem to be searching for change this year. And I'd like to ask both of you -- excuse me -- I'd like to ask both of you how the Republican Party, which has been here for eight years, is going to make the case that you're going to provide the change that the voters seem to want, both on Iraq and the economy?

THE PRESIDENT: Let me start off by saying that in 2000 I said, vote for me, I'm an agent of change. In 2004, I said, I'm not interested in change -- I want to continue as President. Every candidate has got to say "change." That's what the American people expect.

And the good news about our candidate is, there will be a new President, a man of character and courage -- but he's not going to change when it comes to taking on the enemy. He understands this is a dangerous world, and I understand we better have steadfast leadership who has got the courage and determination to pursue this enemy, so as to protect America.

John McCain will find out, when he takes the oath of office, his most important responsibility is to protect the American people from harm. And there's still an enemy that lurks, an enemy that wants to strike us. And this country better have somebody in that Oval Office who understands the stakes, and John McCain understands those stakes.

SENATOR McCAIN: Thank you, sir. I don't have anything to add. (Laughter.)

Q Can I follow-up, sir? How would you --

THE PRESIDENT: No, you can't follow up. Thank you. (Laughter.)

Q Yes, on --

THE PRESIDENT: No, no, not you. Kelly.

Q Senator McCain, given President Bush's low approval ratings, will this be a negative or a positive for you? And how much do you hope he'll campaign for you on the trail?

SENATOR McCAIN: I hope that he will campaign for me as much as is keeping with his busy schedule. I'll be pleased to have him with me both from raising money and the much needed finances for the campaign, and addressing the challenging issues that face this country. I'm pleased to have him as is -- as it fits into his busy schedule.

Kelly.

Q Mr. President, Senator McCain, sir, how would you counsel Senator McCain to choose a running mate, how quickly? And given the fact that Democrats will field a nominee who will make some kind of history -- a woman, an African America -- should Republicans consider that in selecting a Vice Presidential nominee?

THE PRESIDENT: I'd tell him to be careful about who he names to be the head of the selection committee. (Laughter.) Look, he's got plenty of experience. He knows what he needs to do, which is to have a process that vets candidates, and the person -- somebody he's going to be comfortable with and somebody whose advice he relies upon. And he can answer his own question on that, but --

SENATE McCAIN: Could I just say, Kelly, I didn't think it was appropriate to contemplate this process, as I've discussed before, until after we had secured the nomination of the party. Now we'll begin that process.

Q Should history make a difference with a woman or an African American on the Democratic side?

THE PRESIDENT: People don't vote for Vice Presidents -- as much as I hate to say that for those who have been candidates for Vice President -- they're going to vote for who gets to sit inside that Oval Office and make decisions on how to protect the country and keep taxes low and how to have a culture that respects the dignity of every human being. That's what the race is all about. I know there's going to be a lot of speculation on who the Vice President, this and that, but the speculation is over about who our party is going to nominate.

Liz.

Q Mr. President, do you -- how much do you intend to do for Senator McCain? And do you think, in some cases, that your help could actually hurt him more than help him?

THE PRESIDENT: Look, if it -- if my showing up and endorsing him helps him, or if I'm against him and it helps him -- either way, I want him to win. (Laughter.) You know, look, this is an age-old question that you -- every President has had to answer, and there's an appropriate amount of campaigning for me to do.

But they're not going to be voting for me. I've had my time in the Oval Office. It's been a fabulous experience, by the way. And they're going to be voting for the next person to come in here and make the tough decisions about America -- America's security, America's prosperity, and, you know, America's hopefulness. That's what this race is about, and it's not about me. You know, I've done my bit.

And, by the way, I'm not through, and I'm going to do a lot. And John is right -- I do have a day job to keep, and I plan on keeping it. I've told the people that follow me in this press corps that I'm going to sprint to the finish, and I mean what I say. I've got a lot to do. But I'm going to find ample time to help, and I can help raising money, and if he wants my pretty face standing by his side at one of these rallies, I'll be glad to show up.

But they're going to be looking at him, you know. I'm going to be in Crawford -- (laughter) -- with my feet up. He's going to be sitting in there behind that desk, making the decisions on war and peace, and I'm thankful our party has nominated somebody plenty capable of making those decisions. And when the American people take a hard look, they're going to feel comfortable, like I feel comfortable, in recommending him to take my place.

Listen, we thank you.

Wolf, where's Wolf? No, I'm not calling you. Wolf. No, not you, either. Where's Wolf?

Q Right here.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, ask something, will you? (Laughter.)

Q Where do you think you can be most helpful campaigning for him around the country?

THE PRESIDENT: You know, look -- I mean, if --

Q And Senator McCain, where would you like the President to campaign with you?

THE PRESIDENT: As I told you, you know, if he wants me to show up, I will. If he wants me to say, "You know, I'm not for him," I will. Whatever he wants me to do, I want him to win. And, you know, Wolf, I don't know where. I mean, look --

SENATOR McCAIN: Could I start out with --

THE PRESIDENT: I'm focusing on, you know, protecting America, and succeeding in Iraq, and dealing with the North Korea, and dealing with the Iranian, and dealing with the issues around the world where we're making a difference in terms of keeping peace. I want to get this in as good as a position as possible so that when John McCain is the President -- and he will be -- he can deal with these issues in a way that yields peace.

SENATOR McCAIN: Wolf, could I say -- one state springs to mind: Texas. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: He's not going to need me in Texas. He's going to be a landslide in Texas.

SENATOR McCAIN: Could I just say that I do intend to campaign all across the country. I think that literally every section in this country is at -- in play. And I will be glad to have the President with me, in keeping with his schedule, in any part of America. And we're going to go everywhere in America with this campaign.

THE PRESIDENT: Listen, thank you all very much for coming.

Q Did you talk names for Vice President? (Laughter.)

Q One press conference every week if you're elected, Senator?

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. It's been a pleasure to see you. Obviously we've invited some unruly members of the fourth estate here. I'm disappointed in the conduct of some of the people that have come. I told John it would be a nice and polite crowd. Thank you all very much.

END 1:20 P.M. EST

Pharmacist Right of Conscience Under Attack in Wisconsin

MEDIA ADVISORY, March 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Wisconsin state Senate health committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday, March 5, on Senate Bill (SB) 232, the so-called "Birth Control Protection Act." The legislation would force all licensed Wisconsin pharmacists, regardless of their medical and moral judgment, to dispense the morning-after pill and other FDA-approved abortifacient contraceptive drugs.

The legislation also redefines the statutory definition of abortion to exclude all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs and devices. Violators would be subject to current law standard of practice penalties ranging from forfeitures to license revocation. Pro-Life Wisconsin strongly opposes SB 232 and will publicly testify against the bill.

"This bill is not about access to birth control at all," said Peggy Hamill, state director of Pro-Life Wisconsin. "Birth control is everywhere – even the morning-after pill is now accessible over the counter for those aged 18 and over. What this bill is really about is forcing pro-life pharmacists to cast aside any moral or medical qualms about birth control and do the bidding of the birth control industry."

It is a medical fact that the morning-after pill (a high dosage of the birth control pill) and most, if not all, birth control drugs and devices including the intrauterine device (IUD), Depo Provera, Norplant, the Patch, and the Pill can act to terminate a pregnancy by chemically altering the lining of the uterus (endometrium) so that a newly conceived child is unable to implant in the womb, thus starving and dying. This mechanism of action is termed a pre-implantation chemical abortion. One need only explore the websites of individual abortifacient brand-name drugs to verify their abortion causing effect.

"Excluding the morning-after pill and other abortion-causing birth control drugs from the legal definition of abortion does not change the fact that they can and do cause early chemical abortions," said Hamill. "Simply wishing something to be true does not make it so."

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to freely exercise one's religious convictions. The Wisconsin Constitution expressly protects the rights of conscience. Under Article 1, Section 18, of our state constitution, "any control of, or interference with, the rights of conscience" shall not be permitted.

"Respect for individual conscience rights is a bedrock American principle," said Matt Sande, Pro-Life Wisconsin's legislative director. "We don't force people to take up arms who conscientiously oppose war. Why then would we force pharmacists to participate in the killing of preborn children? Whether or not legislators agree or disagree with specific moral objections, their sworn oaths to the state and federal constitutions command them to respect and protect them. They can't pick and choose which conscience rights to protect or reject."

Conscientious pharmacists exercise their refusal to dispense birth control in a peaceful, non-judgmental and professional manner. They often have accommodations in place with their employers so that customers can access contraceptives from other pharmacists on staff or, if no other pharmacist is available, from other nearby pharmacies.

"Senate Bill 232 would completely abrogate any and all good-faith accommodations between pharmacists of conscience and their employers," said Sande. "Pharmacists, like doctors and nurses, are valued members of the professional health care team who should not be forced to choose between their consciences and their livelihoods. No pharmacist should have to daily check his or her conscience at the door. Just as a woman's legal right to a surgical abortion does not compel a hospital to provide one, a woman's legal right to abortifacient drugs and devices should not compel a pharmacist to dispense them," said Sande.

According to Karen Brauer, president of Pharmacists for Life International (PFLI), pharmacists who refuse to dispense birth control to their female customers do so out of concern for the health of their female patients. "There are countless deaths of women from the birth control pill because it causes blood clots," said Brauer, explaining that many pharmacists' opposition to the pill and morning-after pill is based on both professional and moral concerns.

Warning that pharmacists would exit the profession if similar federal legislation were to be enacted, Brauer said, "There will be no more pharmacists. We are smart and we can get other jobs. The biggest victims are the patients who will be losing pharmacy services."

The public hearing will take place in Room 411 South of the Wisconsin state capitol building at 10:00 a.m.

OBGYN 'Ethics' Committee Tries to Force Abortion on Doctors

MEDIA ADVISORY, Feb. 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- In Nov 07, the (ACOG) American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's Ethics Committee issued a formal Opinion titled "The Limits of Conscientious Refusal In Reproductive Medicine." This Opinion warns Ob/Gyn doctors that their practice pattern can be considered "unethical" by ACOG standards if they do not either do abortions, or refer patients desiring an abortion to an abortion provider.

The Opinion goes so far as to suggest that pro-life doctors should locate their office in proximity to an abortion provider, for the convenience of such patients.

The American Board of Ob/Gyn in January 08, published revised standards for doctors seeking recertification (which maintains their professional reputation in good standing). The revised standards are tied to ACOG Ethics compliance. This is a raw power play to cripple, and ultimately eliminate from practice, those doctors who hold a conscience conviction on the sanctity of human life, and refuse to have a part in doing, or referring for, the elective, deliberate taking of an unborn human life.

The American Association of ProLife Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) objects strenuously to this attempt, by a professional medical organization (ACOG), using "ethics violations" and "denial of recertification" as a battering ram, to force pro-life doctors into pro-choice compliance. This country has, since its beginnings, honored the legitimate conscience convictions of its citizens. Pro-life doctors refuse either to electively kill the unborn, or to become an accomplice to such killing by referral to an abortionist. This is a legitimate conscience conviction held by AAPLOG members, and by many other physicians in various specialties.

The Position Statement issued by AAPLOG on Feb 6. 2008, concludes, "... it seems that the (ACOG) Ethics Committee does not understand the strength and depth of a conscience conviction against the elective, deliberate taking of an unborn human life.

This is not a negotiable issue for those who hold this conviction.

The United States Supreme Court allowed elective abortion to be a legal right. The U.S. Supreme Court is not an infallible moral guide for a person's conscience, as evidenced by a previous similar egregious ruling. (This references the infamous 1857 Dred Scott decision, in which the US Supreme court, by a 7-2 majority, concluded that Africans are "beings of an inferior order" than the white race, and slaves are property devoid of all rights of legal redress for grievances.

The US Supreme court got it wrong in 1857, and they made the same mistake in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade: Unborn children are fully human, and are entitled to the same right to life as the rest of society.)

The complete AAPLOG Statement may be accessed here.

Charles Barkley Confused on Theology

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Charles Barkley revealed an unfortunate lack of understanding of the Bible and Christian morality by attacking pro-life and pro-family conservatives as 'fake Christians,'" said Dr. Gary Cass, Chairman and CEO of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission. "Barkley rips one phrase of the Bible from its context, and then asserts that anyone who is opposed to abortion or gay marriage is a 'fake Christian.'"

Dr. Cass continues, "We respect Barkley as an expert on basketball, but he is obviously not an expert on Christian moral theology. The Christian Anti-Defamation Commission calls on Barkley to apologize for his hateful remarks. We are hopeful that he will do the right thing."

Former NBA great Charles Barkley made his remarks in an interview on CNN with Wolf Blitzer. The remarks have been posted on the Drudge Report. When Blitzer asked Barkley to clarify his remarks, Barkley made it clear that he did not misspeak. According to Barkley anyone who judges another person's actions is wrong.

"For Barkley to think that Christians cannot have an opinion about matters of public policy and personal morality is astonishing," said Cass. "Jesus forbids judging by hypocritical double standards, but he requires Christians to make just and sound judgments everyday according to biblical precepts."

"Ironically, Barkley engaged in the very activity of judging others that he condemned in conservatives. Barkley's words reveal an unfortunate, irrational anti-Christian bigotry."

The Christian Anti-Defamation Commission is a non-profit organization devoted to protecting the rights of Christians to confidently live their faith. Dr. Gary Cass has degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as Executive Director of the Center for Reclaiming America for Christ, an outreach of Coral Ridge Ministries founded by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy.

The Illinois Mystery of Murder & Suicide

By Carrie K. Hutchens

Thursday, February 14th, forever changed many lives as a lone gunman, Steven Kazmierczak, stepped onto the stage in that lecture hall on Northern Illinois University campus and opened fire, snuffing out six young lives and injuring many more, before taking his own life. What was behind the mass murder and suicide? It is the question repeatedly asked throughout the media, law enforcement and public. The answer is silence.

No one knows what Steven Kazmierczak was thinking, but that hasn't prevented speculation that he may have been planning the attack for some time. The reasoning? He began buying weapons sometime ago. Perhaps he began buying them to be prepared for the massacre? If that is the case, why didn't he simply carry out the plan several weapons ago? Just as fair a speculation -- perhaps there was no intent of harming anyone when the young man made the purchases.

Anti-gun fanatics are prone to seize these horrendous situations as support for their cause. If we removed guns from the hands of people, then this situation would never have happened. Do they really believe that? Can they say that and keep a straight face?

People who are bent on killing others will find a way. And finding a gun isn't difficult at all, if one isn't particular about whether the purchase is legal or not. Nor is it difficult to find other methods, if the intent is there. So are we going to restrict, or withhold, anything and everything that might possibly be utilized to take the lives of others? That would be an enormous list. Obviously, it would be impossible to strip the world of all the potential dangers, even if one was possessed with the determination to do so.

The weapon of choice is, more often than not, secondary in the scheme of things. It is only a dangerous weapon when in the hands of the wrong person(s) at the wrong time. Wouldn't this then suggest that focusing so intensely on the weapon issues is actually taking away from where true focus should be? What happened to the Steven Kazmierczak everyone knew? What was behind his decision to kill others and himself? Were there any signs? Should someone have known? Is there something we are failing to see? Is there something we are failing to do? Why are so many of our young pursuing such a violent path of destruction that destroys so many lives? Why? What has gone wrong? Can we stop it?

There was a time that young people were frequently seen with weapons. A time when teens (and even pre-teens) would hunt on a regular basis and keep their weapons close. A time when, in some areas, it was the norm to see a truck being driven by a teen with a shotgun or rifle or both resting in the gun rack in the back window. A time when wearing a hunting knife wasn't given a second thought. A time when the violent crimes were far less than now. How is that possible?

Teens had weapons readily available, but incidents of them using them were, to modern ways of thinking, incongruently rare. Now, with considerably more restrictions in place, teens are by far more involved in violent crimes. Rather than an old fashion fist fight to settle a disagreement, today's disagreements (real or imagined) often involve weapons being pulled and the participants playing for keeps. The value of life has been on the fast track to meaningless for some time. Now it is becoming too obvious to ignore or play off. It is everywhere we turn. There is no place safe from the explosions waiting to happen; not until we identify and deal with the actual problems that are setting our young people off into uncontrollable and deadly behavior.

The Illinois mystery of murder and suicide may not be solved for a very long time to come, if ever. Wherever the major clues to the truth rest, I'm betting they are not necessarily in the purchase of weapons, whether the weapons were bought legally, whether the laws should be changed and things such as that. I'm betting that the answers to why there are six people from Northern Illinois University campus dead, rests in another direction. A direction that many do not want to look in.

As the parents began to lose the right to raise their children as they saw fit, and children were given more and more freedom to do whatever felt good to them, while being held to little or no accountability for inappropriate behavior, so have many of the children lost their sense of direction and self-value. And as seems to be the norm--as the outside forces gained more and more control--self-control became optional, and some have wandered aimlessly into a world of destruction they had no ability to avoid.


Carrie Hutchens is a former law enforcement officer and a freelance writer who is active in fighting against the death culture movement and the injustices within the judicial and law enforcement systems.

Homosexual Org Admits: AIDS is a 'Gay Disease'

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a public statement last Friday, Matt Foreman, outgoing Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, rattled the homosexual activist community by joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pro-family organizations and a growing number of homosexual activists willing to admit that homosexual behavior is both extremely high-risk and primarily responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS in the U.S.

Addressing the topic of AIDS, Foreman drastically deviated from the "gay" lobby's party line by admitting, "Internally, when these numbers come out, the 'established' gay community seems to have a collective shrug as if this isn't our problem. Folks, with 70 percent of the people in this country living with HIV being gay or bi, we cannot deny that HIV is a gay disease. We have to own that and face up to that."

A little over a year ago, Lorri Jean, CEO of the Los Angeles-based Gay and Lesbian Center, similarly shocked the "gay" community by stating that, "HIV is a Gay Disease. Own it. End it."

Foreman's admission comes on the heels of a letter from Matt Barber, Concerned Women for America's (CWA) Policy Director for Cultural Issues, inviting Foreman and other homosexual activists to work together in discouraging homosexuals from engaging in the high-risk behaviors researchers recently determined are responsible for the epidemic spread of a potentially deadly strain of staph infection among certain segments of the "gay" community. The CDC has acknowledged that many of those same high-risk behaviors, such as male-male anal sex, are chiefly responsible for spreading HIV/AIDS.

Matt Barber addressed Foreman's admission: "It's extremely encouraging to see Matt Foreman, a homosexual activist who has for so long been in denial about the dangers of the lifestyle he has promoted, publicly coming to terms with the undeniable perils of that lifestyle.

"I only hope he will now stop promoting homosexual conduct and push for other liberal elites, especially those running our public schools, to do the same. Educators must truthfully address the 'gay' lifestyle's potentially deadly consequences.

"It's criminally reckless for the National Education Association and liberal educators to put political correctness and a deceptive political agenda above the lives, health and well-being of America's children. The evidence is there for all to see. 'Gayness' is not about 'who you are,' it's about 'what you do.' The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has now, in effect, acknowledged that reality. Their honesty is refreshing and unexpected," concluded Barber.

Jane Fonda Uses Extremely Foul Language on Today Show

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /Standard Newswire/ -- This morning, on NBC's Today Show, Jane Fonda and Eve Ensler spoke about the 10-year anniversary of the Vagina Monologues. During the interview, on live television, Jane Fonda blurted the foul and offensive four letter "c"-word, referring to female anatomy.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) needs to take swift action to ensure broadcasters are held accountable. In a letter written to the FCC, Dr. Janice Crouse, Director and Senior Fellow of CWA's Beverly LaHaye Institute said "This incident follows a similar instance on CBS' Good Morning America show when Diane Keaton used the vulgar word 'f--k.' Both of these instances occurred on morning programs when families are typically watching television with children around. But whether children or adults, we should not have crude and vulgar language broadcast over media to corrupt the culture and all of society."

Wendy Wright, President said "The topic was the Vagina Monologues, and the guest was Jane Fonda. What more did NBC need to be forewarned that something offensive would occur? A simple seven-second delay would have spared families throughout the country from Fonda's profanity. NBC deserves a big fat FCC fine."

Concerned Women for America (CWA) is urging the FCC to enforce decency standards and keep the airwaves clean.

GodTube.com Poll Finds Many Christian Conservatives Support Obama or Clinton Over McCain

DALLAS, Feb. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- GodTube.com has announced that despite the recent sweeping victory for John McCain, a stunning new GodTube.com poll reveals that if McCain wins his party's nomination, Christian Conservative participants would rather vote for one of the two Democratic candidates.

With a slim 9.1% support for McCain, Obama has become a viable choice for many Christian Conservatives with 26.3% of the Christian vote, up 8% from last week.

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton showed no increase in the GodTube.com poll this week maintaining her 19.6% of the Christian vote while Republican candidate Mike Huckabee increased his lead 30% last week, leading the GodTube.com poll by 45% of the overall Christian vote.

With religion taking center stage in this year's Presidential election, the Godtube.com poll is voted upon by registered Godtube.com users and received more than 40,000 votes within the first week. The number of participants continues to grow with an astounding 11,075 new voters registered this week. GodTube.com is utilizing internet survey techniques to ensure fairness and only includes the leading primary candidates.

"Our poll clearly indicates a dramatic change in the pulse of the Christian voter this election," said Chris Wyatt, GodTube.com founder and CEO. "There are a great deal of undecided Christian voters and we're in discussions with the candidates to address the Christian community directly through GodTube.com's ongoing election coverage."

In addition to the presidential polling, 69.5% of Christian voters expressed that they believe the U.S. is likely to be struck by another "9/11" in the next five years. 60 % of Christian voters agree that US passenger planes should be equipped with anti-missile devices, showing that Terror is still in the minds of America and remains a major issue.

There is no single source of ongoing nationwide Christian polling, and GodTube.com is uniquely positioned to reach the Christian community. With more than 2.5 million monthly visitors and over 280,000 registered Christian users, including 25,000 churches, GodTube.com connects with tens of thousands of Protestant and Catholic Americans each day seeking faith online.

GodTube.com has become an instant success, experiencing explosive growth drawing nearly 3 million unique visitors each month. GodTube.com broadcasts more Christian videos in a single day than all of the Christian television networks do in an entire year. With more than 50,000 videos offering a diverse array of video content, ranging from powerful personal testimonials to humorous youth-oriented videos to well-known pastor messages, GodTube.com provides thought-provoking and welcoming ways for people to explore their faith online.

Study Finds Obvious Link Between Abortion and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

STATEN ISLAND, Feb. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- Leaders of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, the nation's largest network of individuals harmed by abortion, say a new study linking post-traumatic stress disorder with abortion only reinforces what its members have been saying for years.

"It's always good when a peer reviewed psychiatric study validates what you already know in your heart to be true," said Georgette Forney, co-founder of the SNMAC. "It's really only common sense, though, that a mother who undergoes the trauma of losing her child, whether voluntarily or under coercion from a boyfriend or parent, would suffer consequences from that trauma."

The study, published in the journal BMC Psychiatry, evaluated women one month and then three months after their abortions. It found that 20 percent experienced post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after one month; 61 percent did after three months.

"This is more evidence that abortion hurts women," added Janet Morana, another co-founder of SNMAC. "The cause and effect link between abortion and mental health problems is obvious, painfully obvious. It's far beyond time for the abortion industry to stop disrespecting women and tell them the truth about what abortion will do to them."

Since the launching of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign in 2003, 2,326 women and men have shared their testimonies publicly at over 200 gatherings in 44 states and six countries where more than 15,000 spectators have heard the truth about abortion's negative aftereffects. More than 4,100 people are registered to be Silent No More. Raising awareness about the hurtful aftermath of abortion and the help that is available to cope with the pain are two of the Campaign's goals.

The Silent No More Awareness Campaign is a joint project of Anglicans for Life and Priests for Life.

President Bush Remarks to the Conservative Political Action Conference

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /Standard Newswire/ -- The following text is of remarks by President Bush to the Conservative Political Action Conference:

Omni Shoreham Hotel
7:21 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, all. Good morning. I thank you for coming. I apologize to my friend -- he likes to sleep in. (Laughter.)

I really do want to thank you all for adjusting the schedule. Right after the speech I'm going to get on an airplane and fly to Tennessee. I'll be taking the prayers of the American people to those who suffered from the devastating tornados. (Applause.)

Mr. Leader, thank you for that introduction -- and I appreciate your outstanding leadership in the United States Senate. (Applause.) You know, Mr. Leader, I used to think that leading a group of strong-willed senators was one of the toughest jobs in the country. I may have found one even tougher one: father of the bride. (Laughter and applause.) You know, I told Laura I was going to say that and she said, well, you might add another one: son-in-law to the President. (Laughter.)

I thank you for the invitation. I appreciate the fact that you've invited our candidates to your forum; and thank you for the hearing you gave them. (Applause.) These are good, honorable people. And I appreciate the fact you invited Vice President Cheney here. (Applause.) He is the best Vice President in history. (Applause.) Mother may have a different opinion. (Laughter.) But don't tell her I said this, but my opinion is the one that counts. (Laughter and applause.)

Since I spoke with you last, some things have changed. It seems like my hair is little grayer. (Laughter.) And my jokes are a little older. And some say my speeches are a little windier. Some things haven’t changed: the principles I believe in and my deep, abiding faith in the American people. (Applause.)

It just doesn't seem all that long ago that David invited me here, but it's been about seven years, and during that time we have stood together and we have advanced a philosophy of freedom and responsibility that's made our nation a better place and a stronger place. And today I want to talk to you about what you and I have achieved together, what it tells us about the stakes in the year ahead, and why it is so important that we keep the White House in 2008. (Applause.)

I thank the leader, David Keene. He's a good guy. You know, this is the 35th -- yes -- anniversary, which means he started the deal when he was 15. (Laughter.) At least that's what he claims. (Laughter.) But thank you for your leadership. I thank you for your board. I've got a lot of friends up here at the head table and a lot of friends in the audience, and I really do appreciate what you've done.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, George.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you. (Applause.)

A lot has happened over eight years -- that was the last time I spoke to you, was eight years ago. And we've seen vigorous debates -- a lot of debates -- on nearly every conceivable issue: matters that affected the prosperity and peace.

Our views are grounded in timeless truths. During these debates we stuck to timeless truths. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. (Applause.) We believe our culture benefits from a diversity of faith, a respect for values, and the guidance of a higher power. (Applause.) We believe in personal responsibility. (Applause.) We believe in the universality of freedom. We believe our nation has the right to defend itself -- even if sometimes others disagree. (Applause.) And we believe America remains a force of good in our world. (Applause.)

There's another philosophy, and it's advanced by decent people who see the world differently. They tend to think Washington has the answers to our problems. They tend to believe our country only succeeds under the expansive federal government. They tend to be suspicious of America's exercise of global leadership -- unless, of course, we get a permission slip from international organizations. (Laughter.)

Over the past seven years, we have engaged this opposition with a clear and consistent philosophy. We didn't take polls to decide what to say. We didn't seek the advice of editorial pages to decide what to think. And we darn sure didn't seek the approval of groups like Code Pink and MoveOn.org before deciding what to do. (Applause.)

We applied our philosophy on issues relating to economic prosperity. When I took office, we inherited a recession -- and then we acted. We were guided by this principle: the best way to help our economy grow is to leave money in the hands of those responsible for our prosperity. (Applause.) That, of course, would be the American people. And so with your support, we passed one of the largest tax cuts in American history -- and then we cut taxes again. (Applause.) In all, we delivered nearly $2 trillion in tax relief over the past seven years.

Our critics wanted a different approach. They believed that the best way to keep the economy -- to help the economy was to keep taxes in Washington and expand the size and scope of the federal government. One columnist wrote this -- one columnist said this, "Tax cuts -- any tax cuts -- are the wrong way to go." A prominent newspaper said my administration was on a tax cut rampage and called our tax relief unfair and unaffordable. A think tank expert called our tax relief a reckless gamble.

Despite these dire predictions, the tax cuts we passed contributed to a record 52 months of job creation. (Applause.) They helped produce strong economic growth -- and the increased revenues from that growth have put us on track to a balance our budget by 2012. (Applause.) Here is the bottom line: tax relief works. (Applause.)

We're in a period of economic uncertainty, and we've acted again. I want to thank the members for passing a good piece of legislation which I will sign into law next week. I want you all to understand that this bill reflects our principles. It is robust. It is pro-growth. It stimulates business investment. And it puts money into the hands of American consumers. (Applause.)

In the longer run, the best way to make sure that our economy continues to grow is to make the tax relief we passed permanent. (Applause.) Unfortunately -- unfortunately, the other side still hasn't learned the lessons. They want to let the tax cuts expire -- and some are claiming, of course, this isn't a tax increase. Yet if they have their way, 116 million American taxpayers would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Listen, I'm not known for my English -- (laughter) -- but in my way of speaking it sure sounds like a tax increase to me. (Laughter and applause.)

You and I know the American people are not under-taxed. The problem is Washington spends too much of your money. (Applause.) One of the things I have done is I have set priorities. And you must understand my passion about protecting America. My number one priority is to protect you. And after 9/11, we have substantially increased spending on defense, intelligence, and homeland security. And we will continue to provide for our troops; we will make sure the men and women who wear the uniform have the best and strongest support they need to do their job. (Applause.)

And so we've worked hard to make sure we hold the line on spending in other areas. For five years in a row, my budget requests have kept the growth of non-security discretionary spending below the rate of inflation. I set clear spending limits, told the Congress I was going to veto them if they -- veto bills if they exceeded those spending limits. The Democratically-controlled Congress, at the end of last year, cut spending plans by billions of dollars. Last week, I proposed a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs. Those programs total more than $18 billion. And if Congress sends me appropriations bills that exceed the reasonable limits I have set, I will veto the bills. (Applause.)

Last month I issued an executive order that directs federal agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not actually voted on by the United States Congress. (Applause.) This executive order will extend beyond my presidency -- (applause) -- it will stay in effect unless revoked by a future President. What that means is any President who wants to return to the old ways of unaccountable and wasteful spending will get to do so publicly. (Applause.) And if that happens, that President will have some explaining to do. (Applause.)

In the long run, you and I know the greatest threat to our fiscal health is the unsustainable growth of entitlement spending. We all know the painful choices ahead if America stays on this path: massive tax increases, sudden and drastic cuts in benefits, or crippling deficits. I have laid out specific proposals to reform and strengthen these programs. On Social Security, I took the issue head on -- that's what you expect a President to do. I proposed a way to make this program solvent without raising taxes and with personal saving accounts that will give individuals more control over their retirement savings. (Applause.)

On Medicare and Medicaid, I sent Congress a budget this week that saves nearly $200 billion over the next five years. (Applause.) I hear all the talk from the other side on Capitol Hill about fiscal responsibility -- but they haven't put any of their ideas on the table for programs. It is time to stop talking, it is time for them to stop acting and not pass these problems on to future Congresses and future generations. (Applause.)

On matters relating to our economy, our record is clear. You and I succeeded in cutting taxes. We're reducing wasteful spending. On these issues, both sides have made their case. The results are in. And they are proving us right. (Applause.)

We applied our philosophy to questions affecting the moral fabric of our nation. We believe that all human life is precious and deserves to be protected. (Applause.) In 2001, I had a grave decision to make on the question of embryonic stem cell research. I believed we could empower scientists and researchers to discover cures for terrible diseases -- without crossing a moral line. (Applause.) So I authorized research on existing stem cell lines, and stood against any effort to use federal tax dollars to support the destruction of human life. (Applause.)

Our critics had a different view. They thought my defense of life was short-sighted and harmful. When I vetoed two bills that sought to use tax dollars to destroy human embryos, some academics described my position as ridiculous and scientifically naïve. One publication predicted our plan would not hold up over the long haul.

Then last November, scientists announced a landmark achievement. They found a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. (Applause.) This discovery has the potential to end the divisive debate over stem cell research. It will allow us to expand the frontiers of medicine, while maintaining a culture of life. (Applause.) In the coming year, we will increase funds for this type of ethical research. And I will continue to push for a ban on the buying, selling, patenting or cloning of human life. (Applause.)

When I took office, our society was grappling with a troubling rate of drug use among our children. A new generation of young people was in danger of being swept up in a cycle of addiction, and crime, and hopelessness. We believe people should be held responsible for their actions and we know that people can change their behavior. Sometimes all it takes is the help of a loving soul -- somebody who puts their arm around a troubled person and says, I love you, can I help you. We also know that --

AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.) (Laughter and applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: My soul is not that troubled, but thank you. (Laughter and applause.)

We also know -- we also know that the drug crisis requires us to reduce both supply and demand. And so in 2002, I set our country on an ambitious goal: to cut drug use among young people by 25 percent over five years. Critics didn't think that was possible. Some thought the drug war had already failed. Some said we focused too much on interdiction and not enough on treatment. An influential magazine and assorted commentators wanted to declare defeat and legalize the drug trade. A left-leaning drug prevention group said that our aggressive strategy was very unlikely ... to produce any different result than we have seen so far.

We stood our ground. We worked with international partners to interdict drugs into our country. We increased funds for drug treatment programs. We helped move drug addicts from a culture of victimization to a culture of responsibility. And we have gotten results. Since I took office, the overall use of illicit drugs by young people has dropped 24 percent. (Applause.) Marijuana use fell by 25 percent, steroid by a third, the use of ecstasy by 54 percent. Methamphetamine abuse has plummeted by 64 percent since 2001. (Applause.)

On matters relating to America's moral compass, we have defended human life. We promoted strong families. We confronted the crippling cycle of drug dependency. We challenged the critics, the self-proclaimed experts, and the status quo. Both sides made their case. The results are in. And they're proving us right. (Applause.)

We've also applied our philosophy to issues of national security. Six-and-a-half years ago, our country faced the worst attack in our history. I understood immediately that we would have to act boldly to protect the American people. So we've gone on the offense against these extremists; we're staying on the offense -- and we will not relent until we bring them to justice. (Applause.) We recognized that this is a war, not just a matter of law-enforcement. We recognize that we're engaged in the decisive ideological struggle of our time.

The first battle in this war against the extremists centered on Afghanistan -- the 9/11 attackers had trained and planned in Afghanistan. We believed our military could remove the Taliban from power and that we could help aid the rise of a stable and democratic government.

Critics had a different view. One commentator said most Afghans would oppose an American invasion and fight the foreign occupiers. Another declared: "We're not headed toward a quagmire, we are already in one." Another commentator scoffed: "Afghanistan as a democracy? Forget it."

Well, we stood our ground -- and we have seen the results. Al Qaeda lost its terrorist camps in Afghanistan, and the Taliban was driven from power. The Afghan people braved threats of violence to elect a new President and a new parliament. Roads and hospitals are being built. Girls who were once forbidden from going to school are now going to school. (Applause.) America, 25 NATO allies and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people secure their country. The Taliban, al Qaeda, and their allies are on the run. Afghanistan has a long road ahead, but they have a future that offers promise and hope. We're going to stand with the Afghan people, we're going to help millions claim their liberty -- and we will always work to make sure Afghanistan will never again be a safe haven for terrorists and extremists who want to do us harm. (Applause.)

The war against our enemies also brought us to Iraq. Our coalition confronted a regime that defied United Nations Security Council resolutions, violated a ceasefire agreement, attacked its neighbors, sponsored terrorism, and had a history of using and pursuing weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein was a threat to the United States and a threat to the world. My decision to remove Saddam was the right decision at the time -- and it is the right decision today. (Applause.)

Because we acted, 25 million Iraqis are free. We've seen them go to the polls. We've seen them elect a representative government. We've also seen an enemy determined to roll back this progress through horrific acts of violence designed to pit Iraqis one against another.

One year ago, things were not going well in that country. Terrorists and extremists were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Iraq into chaos. You see, they wanted to deny Iraqis their liberty -- they can't stand freedom; they wanted to establish safe havens in Iraq from which to launch attacks against America and its allies. I strongly believe that America's security and peace in the world depend upon defeating this enemy. (Applause.) So we reviewed our strategy. Things weren't working, I need to know why and what it would take to make things better. And that's why you review a strategy.

I made up my mind. I listened carefully to a lot of folks. And I decided to send more troops into Iraq -- (applause) -- in a dramatic policy shift -- (applause) -- and the policy shift has become known as "the surge."

Our critics had a different view. They looked at rising violence in Iraq and declared the war was lost.

AUDIENCE: Boo!

THE PRESIDENT: Some concluded the surge had failed EVEN before it had fully begun. Two foreign affairs experts proposed, "a well-managed defeat ... to boost U.S. credibility."

We stood our ground -- and we're seeing Results. (Applause.) A year after I ordered the surge of forces, high profile terrorist attacks in Iraq are down, civilian deaths are down, sectarian killings are down. U.S. and Iraqi forces have captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al Qaeda leaders and operatives. (Applause.) There is more work to be done. It takes a while for young democracies to take root -- but reconciliation is taking place. I recognize the progress in Iraq is fragile and there's going to be tough days ahead. Yet even the enemy recognizes the progress we're being [sic] making. They recognize they're on the wrong side of events. They are disheartened. They are demoralized. And they will be defeated. (Applause.)

We can have confidence in Iraq's ultimate success because we believe in the transformative power of freedom. We believe there is an Almighty God. (Applause.) And a gift of that Almighty to every man, woman and child on the face of this Earth is freedom. (Applause.) We have seen that free societies become peaceful societies. We know that a free Iraq will be a friend of America, an ally in this war against these extremists, and a source of hope and stability in a dangerous part of the world. (Applause.)

We'll fight the enemy overseas, so we do not have to face them here at home. (Applause.) And as we do so, we must take measures to protect America, the homeland. We must give our intelligence officials the tools they need to uncover terrorist plots and prevent new attacks. (Applause.) And one of the most important tools is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. (Applause.) My most important job is to protect the American people. In order to do that job, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to; we need to know what they're saying; we need to know what they're planning. So Congress passed the Protect America Act. This law modernized an outdated surveillance law and closed dangerous gaps in our intelligence.

Now, critics had a different view. One liberal interest group called the law an end run around the Constitution. Others falsely claimed law-enforcement officials wanted to spy on Americans. Still another summed up the initiative as, "a groupthink travesty."

We countered these critics -- and we stood our ground. Our ability to monitor the communications of terrorists overseas has helped us gain crucial elements on terrorist cells, and helped keep our country safe. (Applause.) The Protect America Act is working. The problem is that Congress set the law to expire one week from tomorrow. I don't think the al Qaeda threat is going to expire one week from tomorrow. (Laughter.) Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in the efforts to defend America. (Applause.) The time -- the time for temporary fixes has ended. Congress must pass this law -- and they must pass it now. (Applause.)

On matters of war and peace, we have taken the fight to our enemies abroad and we are defending our people here at home. We're standing with new partners in Afghanistan and Iraq to help them build free nations. We refused to yield when the going got tough. And when the history of our actions is written, it will show that we were right. (Applause.)

We will face other challenges ahead that will require new energy and before long, new leadership. I'm absolutely confident, with your help we will elect a President who shares our principles. (Applause.) As we take on the challenges, we must be guided by the philosophy that has brought us success. Our policies are working. The American people support our points of view. They share our philosophy.

And consider our advantage on other great questions before us. On health care, one side says we should expand the federal government's control over your private medicine. You and I say we should expand access to health care, empower consumers to make choices, and ensure that medical decisions are left in the hands of patients and their doctors. (Applause.)

On education, one side says -- one side says we should spend your tax dollars without measuring whether or not our children are actually learning to read and write and add and subtract. You and I believe in accountability. We believe parents should have more options. And we believe in liberating children from failing public schools. (Applause.)

On the rights of the unborn -- the most vulnerable among us -- one side supports abortion on demand. You and I believe in the worth of every human being, the matchless joy of adoption, and the right to life. (Applause.)

On the federal judiciary, one side says we should confirm judges who believe in the "living Constitution" -- which basically means they can make up laws as they go along. I say we need judges who respect our values, do not follow the political winds and revere the plain meaning of our Constitution. (Applause.) We need more judges like John Roberts and Sam Alito. (Applause.)

On America's role in the world, some believe that our nation is often the cause of global turmoil -- a mentality once called "Blame America First." You and I believe that America is a leading light, a guiding star, and the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. (Applause.)

You see, I know of America's greatness because I get to see it up close, and it is a privilege to see it up close. I see it in the foot soldiers in the armies of compassion, who perform acts of kindness and hope every single day. I see it in the courage of ordinary citizens, like those who rushed toward danger when the Twin Towers fell and our Pentagon burned. I see it with military families who've lost loved ones -- and every time I come away moved and inspired by their valor, their grit, their pride, and their love of country. (Applause.) I see it when I exchange salutes with the finest young men and women our country has ever known. (Applause.) These Americans give me endless optimism about our future. And they have made my presidency a joyous experience. (Applause.)

You know, since I've come to Washington, I've been reading a lot of history. Laura notes it's probably because I'm making up for lost time. (Laughter.) Over the past few years I've read three books on George Washington -- or as I call him, the "original George W." (Laughter and applause.)

It is interesting to me that they are still analyzing the record of our first President. My attitude is if they're still analyzing Number 1, 43 doesn't need to worry about it. (Laughter and applause.) I'm not going to be around to see the final history written on my administration. The truth is that history's verdict takes time to reveal itself.

But we don't have to wait on history for one thing: in the year ahead, the pundits, the so-called experts, commentator, analysts will offer more gloomy predictions and more big government solutions. And when they do, let us remember their record: this is a group that is seldom correct -- (laughter) -- but never in doubt. (Applause.)

You and I have seen that in our own time. Ronald Reagan was called a "warmonger," "an amiable dunce," a movie actor detached from reality. Yet within a few years after President Reagan left office, the Berlin Wall came down, the Evil Empire collapsed, the Cold War was won. And over the years a strange thing has happened. A lot of people who spent the 1980's criticizing President Reagan now tell us they were with him all along. (Laughter.)

You were with him all along. (Applause.) And over the past seven years, you've been with me. I appreciate your support. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, all. I appreciate the chance that you've given me, help me get this opportunity to serve our country. It's been a fantastic experience. (Applause.) I appreciate the countless phone calls you've made. I appreciate the volunteer work you did in two tough campaigns. I'll always -- always -- be grateful [to each of you] for supporting our cause, for giving me a chance, and for loving our country. I thank you for that. (Applause.)

I look forward to working with you this year. My energy is up, my spirit is high, and I will finish strong. (Applause.) And in the meantime, we will elect a new President. We've had good debates and soon we'll have a nominee who will carry a conservative banner into this election and beyond. Listen, the stakes in November are high. This is an important election. Prosperity and peace are in the balance. So with confidence in our vision and faith in our values, let us go forward, fight for victory, and keep the White House in 2008. God bless you, and God bless America. (Applause.)

END 8:06 A.M. EST