"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

Abortion: The Unspeakable Tragedy That Must Be Spoken Against

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13 ESV)

Every January, our Nation remembers the anniversary of a Supreme Court decision for which we should be ashamed.  In 1973 Roe vs. Wade determined that one human being has the right to legally murder another human being living inside them.  That year alone over 700,000 babies were slaughtered.  Since then the numbers have reached into the multi-millions.  This barbaric practice is a stain on our nation’s soul.  It is evil and demonic in nature.  And it should be stopped.

            Christians disagree on many issues.  Abortion should not be one of them.  There must be a united spirit of opposition to the murder of any and all innocent people, including (and especially) those too young to defend themselves. 

            We know that unwanted pregnancies often occur.  And sometimes the mother’s who find themselves in this situation have difficult decisions to make.  The church should stand ready to help them.  We should lovingly embrace these women and prayerfully guide them in what is right.  But under no circumstances should we suggest that the solution to the “problem” is to murder the child that never asked to be conceived in the first place.  Mothers have rights.  So do babies.  And the baby’s right to breathe trumps the mother’s right to snuff out that breath for the sake of convenience.

            Regardless of your political affiliation, I encourage you to oppose abortion and refuse to support anyone who would defend such a practice.  If a politician can’t be trusted with a baby’s life, they certainly can’t be trusted with lesser matters regarding taxes, the economy, or world peace.  Don’t allow them to dupe you into thinking they’re concerned with “a women’s right to choose.”  They are concerned with getting elected, and they’re indifferent about what they must support to do so.

            Pray to end abortion.  Though evil exists in abundance, God reigns over it and can end it if he chooses to.  Our nation deserves the judgment God has poured out upon us.  Yet we can and should pray for his grace and mercy, though we don’t deserve it. 

Our country needs to repent, and that repentance starts with you.  If you’ve been lukewarm on abortion, repent and speak up.  If you’re more concerned with your taxes than with the life of children, repent and speak up.  And if you’re following the ways of this world rather than submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord, repent and speak up.  Cry out to the Savior for his mercy and forgiveness.  Ask him to help you.  Ask him to help your family.  And ask him to help your country that has spent the last 37 years endorsing a practice that is to heinous to speak of, yet must be spoken against.

George Tiller's Life Was The Greater Tragedy

Today, I can’t help but think about the George Tiller tragedy.  But the tragedy I’m thinking of is not the same one many in the world are thinking of.  I don’t condone the killing of another person, in the way that Tiller was killed.  Anytime a man is shot in the face at church, it is a tragedy.  Even if the man is evil, and the church is a church in name only with no gospel being preached.  I feel bad for those who witnessed the scene.  I feel bad for Tiller’s family and friends.  And I feel bad for the thousands of good, God-fearing, law abiding pro-lifers who will be caricatured by the media and the political left because of this tragedy.  But George Tiller’s life involved a much greater tragedy than his ignominious death.  George Tiller’s entire life was a tragedy of Biblical proportion.

            Like Herod of old, Tiller was famous for killing babies.  I know that many will sweep that “elephant in the room” under the rug now that the killer has been killed.  I know that many will hold vigils and sing the praises of Tiller the humanitarian….but Tiller the Killer, must not be forgotten.  Nor the thousands of babies over the years who were murdered, mutilated, and incinerated in Tiller’s modern day death camp.

            Abortion is one of the greatest moral evils of our day.  In a physical sense, Tiller’s death bore an eerily similar resemblance to the numerous murders he himself committed over the years.  As most know, the abortion of a baby typically involves the removing of the brains by a suction device.  In other words the baby’s brains get sucked out, instead of blown out, but the result is the same.  Tiller performed this heinous act thousands of times over the years.  In fact, he was one of the few abortionists who would even do it on late term babies.  Fully grown, fully developed human beings – who had done nothing to deserve their slaughter.  Yet Tiller slaughtered him.

            Today the political left will sing Tiller’s praises and they’ll gush about how he helped “underprivileged women.”  They’ll ramble on about his bravery, and they’ll gloat about what a humanitarian he was.  This is nothing more than the clear and obvious evidence of how wickedly, twisted and depraved our society has become.  I know that most people don’t want to hear the truth about a man who was just killed…but George Tiller was a slime-ball of the lowest order.  He made his living by murdering innocent children for money.  Liberals can live in their warped dream world from now until doomsday, but the facts remain the same.  Tiller was evil.

            But Tiller shouldn’t have been killed.  Instead, Tiller’s butchery should have been outlawed years ago.  In fact, such savagery should have never been legalized in the first place.  Other options are available for women.  Other options besides killing their young.  Maybe some day the bleeding hearts of the left will stop talking about “standing up for the little guy” and actually have the nerve to do it with the littlest guys and girls our society produces.  The children in the womb, who can’t speak for themselves.

            I also have no doubt that the man who killed Tiller is a nutcase supreme.  He’s an isolated wacko, who will suddenly become the poster child for all who defend the life of the unborn.  I remember very well when Timothy McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma City building, and immediately every right wing gun owner in America was lambasted as a “Timothy McVeigh type”  as if all politically conservative gun owners just set around and dream of Federal buildings to blow up.  In truth the Tiller death seems like a perfect scenario for the Barack Obama administration which has already proven itself to be the greatest foes conservative Americans have ever had. 

            Homeland Defense Secretary Janet Napolitano recently released her “watch list” of potential terrorists that included “right wing pro-lifers” and “military veterans” – strangely absent from her list were left wing radical groups that have proven truly violent in pursing their agenda.  Obama is also no friend to gun owners, threatening to pursue action to severely limit our right to keep and bear arms.  The Tiller death seems to give Obama the perfect chance to move against both pro lifers and gun owners…and I suspect he will.  In fact I might even suggest that Obama set the whole thing up….kind of like Nero setting fire to Rome, then blaming the Christians…..of course if I suggest such a thing, Obama will promptly add my name to his watch list. So I digress.

            I’ll simply close by saying that Tiller’s death isn’t as big of a tragedy as Tiller’s deaths (plural).  The man was a butcher who got butchered.  I don’t condone Tiller’s murders…nor his own murder.  But thousands of innocent babies are a greater tragedy than one guilty and evil man.  It wasn’t the killer’s place to end Tiller’s life…just as it wasn’t Tiller’s place to end the babies’ lives.  But the surest way to assure that our citizens respect the life of adults…is to START RESPECTING THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN…..THE BABIES….THE UNBORN!

            So maybe this death will move us one step closer to valuing all life, and abolishing the barbaric practice of abortion.  I seriously doubt that will happen, but I hope and pray that it will.

Letter to the Editor on Abortion

Below is a Letter to the Editor I wrote regarding some of the abortion positions held by our U.S Congressional candidates.  It appeared in Wednesday's edition of the Linn County News. I know some of you don't live in the area, so you don't take our local paper. But you can get it delivered to your mailbox every week and keep up on the excitment of Linn County politics, which usually makes National politics seem mild and boring by comparison. I also write a weekly religion column for the newspaper called "Seeking Higher Ground"--which would be another good reason to subscribe.  (Click here for details) Now on to the letter...

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Dear Editor,

I was intrigued by some of the answers I read in last week’s primary election supplement on the issue of abortion. Current U.S. Representative Nancy Boyda said, “Abortion is a complex and difficult issue that does not lend itself well to labels.” With all due respect to Rep. Boyda, plunging a needle into a baby’s skull is not really that “complex” of an issue to figure out. If she needs help “labeling” this action, I’ll be glad to oblige her. The words: “barbaric”, “inhumane”, “vile”, and “evil” all come to mind. Boyda went on to say, “I consider every abortion a tragedy.” And yet it’s a “tragedy” that she repeatedly supports with her congressional vote, given her 100% approval rating from the Pro-Choice America Foundation (www.prochoiceamerica.org). Why would she vote to support “tragedies?” It’s an embarrassment for such hypocrisy to represent honest Kansans in Washington. Lynn Jenkins claims to be pro-life, “with exceptions.” Does our society make “exceptions” as to when it’s allowable to murder innocent adults? Then why should we have “exceptions” for murdering innocent children?

The truly sad part is that women should be leading the fight to ban this vicious practice, rather than defending it. Any mother who knows the feeling of an unborn baby’s flutter, or has heard a precious fetal heartbeat, or who has seen the ultrasound images of fingers, toes, eyes, arms, legs, heart, and brain; should succumb to their God-given conscience that cries out to them that abortion is wrong. Sadly, too many women in our society have bought into the radical feminist lie that the “right” to kill your own young should be protected. Instead of protecting the “right” of the young to live, breathe, and grow without threat of a doctor’s needle, or a confused mother’s “choice.”

It’s deeply disturbing that our nation has morally plummeted to the level of actually debating whether it’s alright to kill our children. To varying degrees, the two ladies running for the 2^nd district House seat have both said that it is alright, at least in some cases; and in so doing they have placed political ambition ahead of the innocent, feint throb of the unborn baby’s heart. Both ladies have bought into the lie that a woman’s “right” is more valuable than a child’s life. Shame on them for parroting the rhetoric of “choice” rather than defending the rights of a helpless child.

I’m not a Democrat, nor am I a Republican so I have no political axe to grind. I simply want to see common sense and decency win the day where innocent children are concerned. Quite simply, when I go to the ballot box, I will vote pro-life – without hesitation, regret, or “exception.” My hope is that others across our land will do the same and perhaps we can begin the process of ending the national nightmare of “choosing” to destroy our young.

Shane Kastler

Pleasanton, KS

Jesse Jackson Wants Obama Castrated?...Watch Out For The Hot Microphone

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:1-3 NASB)

Jesse Jackson has been caught, YET AGAIN, in a moment of public hypocrisy and been forced to downplay “off the record” statements he made about Barack Obama.

This week Jackson was caught on tape ripping Obama his “candidate” for President because Obama “talks down to black people.” Jackson went on to mumble to the man sitting next to him that he would like to “cut Barack’s nuts off.” That was a sweet thing to say, wasn’t it? I hope Obama gets soundly defeated at the polls in November, but even I don’t want to see him castrated. The incident took place on Sunday’s Fox News show “Fox & Friends” when Jackson and another panelist were talking (with hot microphones) during a break. Once Jackson found out that Bill O’Reilly was planning to air the tape, Jackson held a press conference to issue the typical “non-apology, apology.” Jackson regretted the whole incident (or more likely regretted getting caught), and gave at least partial blame to that pesky “hot microphone” that picked up his “private conversation.”

Of course Jackson is ALWAYS looking for someone else to blame for problems. In fact his beef with Obama’s “talking down to blacks” comes from some of Obama’s comments that black men need to take more responsibility for their families. Why would Jackson have a problem with that? Because Jackson claims all problems in the black community are to be blamed on other people, or other extenuating circumstances. Jackson claims that black men are in prison because police pick on them. And that black men commit crimes because there aren’t enough jobs in America, or because they don’t have enough money, or because they live in poverty, etc. etc. etc. In Jackson’s mind it’s always someone else’s fault. That way no one has to take responsibility for their own actions.

This isn’t the first time Jackson has maligned someone “privately” only to have it backfire on him. In 1984, while running for President, Jackson publicly courted New York City voters, while privately referring to the city as “Hymietown” because of its large Jewish population. Again, Jackson offered a “non-apology, apology” citing that his comments shouldn’t have been scrutinized because he said them in a “private conversation.” So I guess if someone called Jackson the “n” word, it would be OK, as long as it was in a private conversation? This seems to be Jackson’s opinion if HE is the one getting caught. Yet his vitriol comes out in mass when it’s someone else making a racially charged statement.

Jesse Jackson is a man who is notorious for flocking to the scene once he hears a TV camera click on. He craves publicity and invents problems that don’t exist so he can make a name for himself and further his career. This time it backfired on him. This time the camera was rolling, when he thought it was not. Though he publicly claims to support Obama, he privately wants him castrated.

Like many public political figures, Jesse Jackson is a two faced liar and always has been. In 1998, Jackson fathered a child with Karin Stafford, the head of his Rainbow Coalition’s Chicago office. The married Jackson, had been carrying on a longtime affair with Stafford, who gave birth to the baby girl that Jackson subsequently supported financially…AFTER... DNA tests proved he was the father. In a subsequent interview, Stafford was asked why they didn’t just get an abortion when she got pregnant. Her answer was very telling about the hypocrisy that Jackson personifies. She said that “publically” Jackson is very pro-choice….but privately, he would never condone abortion. In other words, he’s willing to throw thousands of other people’s babies under the bus to further his career…..but he would never do it to his own.

The sooner Jesse Jackson and his divisive, two faced ilk ride off into our Nation’s sunset, the better off America will be. We live in a technological age in which there is a hidden camera, and a “hot mic” around every corner. It makes life difficult for charlatans like Jesse Jackson. He has many media outlets who would have protected him. I would guess that if he had said these things on ABC, CBS, or NBC we would have never heard a word about it. But FOX nailed him. Jackson has been exposed….yet again. Maybe its time we stopped pointing cameras in his direction, and let him live in the obscurity that his lack of character deserves.

“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11 NASB)

Children Are A Blessing (Times 4) From The Lord

Here’s what God’s Word says regarding children:

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”  Psalms 127:3-5

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“God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (NASB)

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“And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them.  But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’  And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.”  Mark 10:13-16 (NASB)

As I’ve studied the Bible, I’ve found that you will search the Scriptures in vain to find a verse that discourages married couples from having children.  God doesn't consider children a burden....He considers them a blessing.  While it’s true that children are a lot of work.  And it’s true that they have a depraved and sinful nature (which they inherited from their depraved and sinful parents.)  Children are still a blessing, that we are called to embrace and raise up in the “fear and admonition” of the Lord.  Unfortunately, much of our modern society has forgotten this truth.

            Today, children are usually seen as a curse and a burden rather than a blessing.    Children will cost you money.  They will cost you freedom.  They will cost you sleep.  They will cause you worry.  They will cause you anger.  They will remind you of how young the sin nature begins to show itself.  And in their sin, children will all too frequently, remind you of yourself.  Children cause an overwhelming amount of work, anguish, and toil in your life.  But they can also bring blessings that no amount of money could ever buy.  God has said, and I will always believe…. “Children are a blessing from the Lord.”  Though sometimes I have to say it through gritted teeth when I’m ready to string up a kid or two….I’ll say it nonetheless.

            WITH ALL OF THAT SAID…..At this time, I’ll simply confirm the rumor:  My wife is pregnant and we are due to have our 4^th on October 20.  Yesterday, when Erin was at her doctor’s appointment she was asked if we “had room” for another baby.  It’s probably a good thing I wasn’t in the room because I might have responded:  “No actually we don’t and we were thinking of butchering this one….could you set that up for us?”  I remember when I was in college, on of my professors told our class about he and his wife’s decision to have an abortion with their 3^rd pregnancy because they didn’t feel like they could adequately “love and support” another child.  He said this as he lectured us on being “responsible” ironically holding himself up as a model for us to emulate.  It was actually a pretty brash justification of why it was right and “good” for them to murder their offspring.  What they did was pure evil.  His mindset was the same as the world’s…and the opposite of God’s.  The world says to think of your own comfort first…and destroy anything that might hinder it.  God says to “deny yourself” (Luke 9:23) and to “consider others as more important than yourself.” (Philippians 2:3)

            In a world that no longer cherishes children; I gladly say we’re expecting another one.  My initial reaction was surprise.  Perhaps a tinge of dread.  Maybe a quick 10 second panic over the family budget.  And then I remembered what God has said:  “Children are a blessing from the Lord….blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

            Of all of the scandals I could potentially be involved in today….I’m glad that my biggest “scandal” is that I can say for the 5^th time in 7 years my wife and I are expecting a baby.  We’ve got 3 at home.  One in heaven awaiting us.  And one more in the oven.  Thanks be to God, for yet ANOTHER blessing.

I Began a New Day (Anonymous Abortion Poem)

Below is a poem about abortion that I recently came across on the internet.  I printed it out and included it in Sunday's church bulletin as an insert.  Its author is "anonymous" but it is written from the perspective of a woman who struggled mightily with guilit after having an abortion...and then finding forgiveness in Jesus Christ. 

          Today is the 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court decsion that effectively legalized abortion.  And as we remember and continue the fight to save future unborn lives, let us not forget to minister to the women who have been savagely duped by the "Planned Parenthoods" the "Hillary Clintons" or the "Barack Obamas" of the world that have told them they have the Constitutional right to kill their unborn kids.  The Liberals speak the Devil's lie on abortion.  Let's commit to lovingly, yet boldly speaking the truth to these women and the world at large.  Abortion is heinous beyond words....But the grace of God is greater than any sin, for those who will turn in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ as Lord of their life.  Even those who have had abortions...can "Begin a new day" with Jesus Christ.

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I Began a New Day (A Post-Abortion Poem)

By an Anonymous Author

                  

In a far away place and a different time,
I killed my first child, a most heinous crime.

The state didn't come, and I didn't stand trial.
Judge Blackmun was calm when he said with a smile,

"Killing is legal," say we the High Court
"But don't call it murder, Just call it 'abort.'"

The judge in my heart would not let the case rest.
I had no defense when once put to the test.

Found guilty I was by my heart's "supreme court."
"You murdered your baby!" it screamed in retort.

With tears on my cheeks it was too late, I knew
to bring back the life of the child I once slew.

The gavel slammed down, and it rang in my head,
"You are guilty as charged, and deserve to be dead.

We now give you torment to pay for your sin," was the
sentence passed down from my own court within.

"You will never escape. You're branded. Don't hide.
Your just due is death. You should try suicide."

I was beaten in prison by daily attack.
I was paying a debt, so I never fought back,

No hope of escaping, and this I knew well.
I cried out to God from my own self-made hell.

That day I met Jesus. He smiled in my face.
He said, "I forgive you. Come walk in my grace."

"Lord, I believe you forgive me, and yet,
Blameless you are. Can you pay for my debt?

"And Lord, please don't touch me, for I am unclean.
I'm filthy with murder, a most wretched being."

I poured out my story. He showed no surprise.
I gazed up with awe at the love in His eyes.

"I paid for your crime, yes, was nailed to a tree.
There's no condemnation, if you'll trust in Me.

"I took on your blame and your curse on My soul
So you may be free without judgment and whole."

I sputtered, "Dear Lord, where's the justice in this?
I killed my first son, and you offer me bliss?"

Tears blurred my vision, yet there on His face
Were eyes of compassion, blue oceans of grace.

I thought to myself, "Now the past has been buried?
I'm free of the guilt that for years I have carried?"

He said to accept. It's a gift that is free.
This is atonement, not justice for me!

My judge was dismissed, my accusers, and jury.
The truth of His love made them leave in a fury.

He smiled,"Walk with Me and come learn My way”
And grasping His hand, I began a new day.

( If you are hurting from an abortion, please call "Project Rachel" toll-free at 1-888-456-HOPE.People are waiting to help you .)

Presidential Candidates Discuss Faith & Rudy Giuliani Gets A ‘Sign From God’

An interesting thing happened during the Republican presidential debate last night. Front runner, Rudy Giuliani was asked a question about his pro-choice abortion views. While answering the question, lightening struck the building and caused Giuliani’s microphone to fizzle out. Of course, the debate was taking place during a thunderstorm, and lightening strikes are common during such storms. But still, the irony of the moment was not lost on anyone, including Rudy, who commented that given the fact he grew up in parochial schools, what just happened was “frightening.”

It would be easy to overreact to this interesting moment. Last month a bird pooped on President Bush while he was having a press conference in the White House Rose Garden, and some saw that as a sign of disfavor from God towards Bush. In actuality, it was just a bird being a bird. And last night’s lightening strike was just one of a thousand strikes that hit the earth everyday. BUT……even skeptics would have to admit…the circumstances were extremely eerie to say the least.

With that said, I think we should have no doubt about God’s view of abortion. (see Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 1:5; or Matthew 19:14) You would think even the most ardent supporters of infanticide would concede that killing a child within the mother’s womb is wrong. It’s wrong in God’s eyes, and it should be wrong in America’s eyes. But sadly, common sense and morality take a back seat to political ambition and power in 21^st century America.

A few nights ago, the 3 leading Democratic candidates spoke about “Faith issues” in an “interview debate” forum. It appeared to be a clear attempt to siphon votes from religious conservatives. And, as expected, the answers were very vague. You didn’t hear much “God” or “Jesus” talk. Just the ambiguous “faith” that they claimed was so important to them. Hillary Clinton claims to pray everyday, and that her “faith” got her through the Monica Lewinsky scandal. John Edwards talked about the “faith” that got him and his wife through the tragic loss of their son and the ongoing battle with his wife’s cancer. Barrack Obama, who is the most comfortable addressing faith issues, used “faith” as a platform to go on rabbit trails attacking everything else (Iraq, poverty, corporate scandal, etc.)

My point is this…..political candidates can talk all they want about how important their “faith” is to them, but unless that “faith” motivates them to stand for Biblical truth, their “faith” is nothing more than political jargon. Any “faith” that defends partial birth abortion (as all 3 of these Democratic candidates support) would seem to be a “faith” influenced more by Demons than the Divine. Likewise on the whole gay marriage issue.

There is no doubt that some of these candidates have suffered great trials, and deserve our sympathy. Edwards loss of his son in a car accident at the age of 16 would be tragic beyond belief. Hillary’s adulterous husband also garners her some sympathy (Just as being married to Hillary garners Bill some sympathy). But just because you’ve experienced some hard times, doesn’t mean you should be President. And just because you use the word “faith” doesn’t really mean you really have it. At least not in the “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved” way. (see Romans 10:9-13)

Political commentator Hugh Hewitt has repeatedly predicted a Clinton-Obama ticket in November 2008, and this seems to be a strong possibility. Try to imagine what America might look life after 8 more years of a Clinton presidency, followed by another 8 years of Barrack Obama. Armageddon, here we come!

Seriously, the thought of 16 years of such left-wing lunacy occupying the White House, might invoke memories of Old Testament Babylonian captivity for the people of God (see Daniel 1; plus several others). Thousands of babies stand to be slaughtered. Rampant perversion stands to be accepted. And religious liberty will go down the tubes. Take a glimpse at the radical secularism that has turned Europe into such a pompous mass of atheistic intellectualism, and you may see where America is heading.

But, our hope doesn’t rest in any politician. Our hope rests in the Lord, who will one day right all wrongs, and bring justice to the Earth.(see Matthew 25:32) Yet, given the fact that God has blessed us with a free country and a democratic means of electing officials; it becomes our privilege, and indeed our duty, to vote for those who will come closest to upholding and defending morality. A morality as defined by God in His Word….NOT defined by Barrack Obama and his ambition. May God save America. He’s the only ONE who can.

Shocking Language Used By Supreme Court In Abortion Ban

Though often times legal documents make for very labored reading, one exception might be the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Partial Birth Abortion Ban. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is widely considered a “moderate”, voted with the majority (5-4) in upholding the ban. Kennedy also wrote the Court’s majority opinion, explaining why they ruled the way they did. The language Kennedy uses is very graphic and descriptive (as it should be) in describing what Partial Birth Abortion really is, and does. I have read most of Kennedy’s opinion, as well as liberal Justice Ruth Ginsburg’s dissenting opinion, and have included some excerpts below. (To read the entire Supreme Court document, click here.)

As you read Kennedy’s comments, keep in mind, this is not taken from a right-wing, anti-abortion political action group. These are direct quotes from the Supreme Court’s majority opinion, written by a moderate Justice. Kudos to Kennedy for getting this one right, and explaining the heinous procedure so honestly. AND AS YOU READ, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT HILLARY CLINTON, BARRACK OBAMA, JOHN EDWARDS, AND MOST NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC LEADERS SUPPORT PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION.  They typically use language about "supporting women" but they're clearly defending the vile, slaughter of innocent children.  Keep that in mind as you think about who you'll support in 2008.

Incidentally, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a very short consenting opinion, that Justice Antonin Scalia affirmed stating not only their agreement with the Court’s decision, but adding this little tidbit: “I write separately to reiterate my view that the Court‘s abortion jurisprudence, including "Casey" and "Roe v. Wade", has no basis in the Constitution.” In other words, Thomas and Scalia both state their view that Roe vs. Wade is unconstitutional. By God’s Grace, the Supreme Court is showing some moral decency and logic in its recent decision….and we hope, in future decisions.

Here are some of the highlights from Kennedy’s majority opinion, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart---some of the descriptions are graphic and disturbing (as all abortions are):

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“The Act proscribes a particular manner of ending fetal life, so it is necessary here…to discuss abortion procedures in some detail.” (pg. 3)

“The doctor grips a fetal part with the forceps and pulls it back through the cervix and vagina, continuing to pull even after meeting resistance from the cervix. The friction causes the fetus to tear apart. For example, a leg might be ripped off the fetus as it is pulled through the cervix and out of the woman. The process of evacuating the fetus piece by piece continues until it has been completely removed. A doctor may make 10 to 15 passes with the forceps to evacuate the fetus in its entirety.” (pg. 4-5)

“Some doctors, especially later in the second trimester, may kill the fetus a day or two before performing the surgical evacuation. They inject digoxin or potassium chloride into the fetus, the umbilical cord, or the amniotic fluid. Fetal demise may cause contractions and make greater dilation possible. Once dead, moreover, the fetus. body will soften, and its removal will be easier.” (pg. 5)

This is a quote Kennedy included from Dr. Martin Haskell, who gave a 1992 medical seminar on the best way to perform a Partial Birth Abortion:

“The surgeon takes a pair of blunt curved Metzenbaum scissors in the right hand. He carefully advances the tip, curved down, along the spine and under his middle finger until he feels it contact the base of the skull under the tip of his middle finger. The surgeon then forces the scissors into the base of the skull or into the foramen magnum. Having safely entered the skull, he spreads the scissors to enlarge the opening. . .The surgeon removes the scissors and introduces a suction catheter into this hole and evacuates the skull Contents.” (pg. 7)

This is the testimony Kennedy included from one of Haskell’s nurses who assisted in an abortion:

“Dr. Haskell went in with forceps and grabbed the baby’s legs and pulled them down into the birth canal. Then he delivered the baby’s body and the arms. everything but the head. The doctor kept the head right inside the uterus. . . .The baby’s little fingers were clasping and unclasping, and his little feet were kicking. Then the doctor stuck the scissors in the back of his head, and the baby’s arms jerked out, like a startle reaction, like a flinch, like a baby does when he thinks he is going to fall. . .The doctor opened up the scissors, stuck a high powered suction tube into the opening, and sucked the baby’s brains out. Now the baby went completely limp. . . .He cut the umbilical cord and delivered the placenta. He threw the baby in a pan, along with the placenta and the instruments he had just used.”

“It is self-evident that a mother who comes to regret her choice to abort must struggle with grief more anguished and sorrow more profound when she learns, only after the event, what she once did not know: that she allowed a doctor to pierce the skull and vacuum the fast developing brain of her unborn child, a child assuming the human form.” (Pg. 29)

Some excerpts from Ruth Ginsburg’s Dissenting Opinion:

This decision should “center on a woman’s autonomy to determine her life’s course” (pg. 4)

Ginsburg bristles because:

“A fetus is described as an ‘unborn child’ and as a ‘baby.’” (pg. 19)

This decision “cannot be understood as anything other than an effort to chip away at a right declared again and again by this Court.” (pg. 24)

Let's hope that all future abortion decisions will come down opposite of Ginsburg as well.

Abortion Ban Upheld & Hillary Clinton Fumes Over Losing “Constitutional Right” To Kill Children

Never underestimate the power of your vote. In 2000, George W. Bush was elected President by the slimmest of margins. In fact, he lost the Nationwide popular vote, but won the Electoral College. In 2004, Bush again, ever so narrowly, was re-elected President of the United States. Bush is a very polarizing figure. He’s shown himself willing to stand firm on issues that the majority of people oppose. His legacy is frequently debated, with most people now saying he will be most remembered for the controversial war in Iraq. As far as I’m concerned, Bush’s greatest legacy was celebrated this week as the United States Supreme Court upheld the ban on partial-birth abortion, by a vote of 5-4. Bush appointed two Justices to the high court. John Roberts replaced the late William Rehnquist as Chief Justice, and Samuel Alito replaced the “fence-straddling” Sandra Day O’Connor. Make no mistake, the Alito for O’Connor replacement has saved the lives of thousands of future children in our Country. Regardless of what George W. Bush, does wrong, he should always be remembered for this one thing he did right. He restored a sliver of sanity to the United States Supreme Court.

I’ve always contended that the Abortion debate is an embarrassment to our country. Why do we even debate something so heinous? The procedure known as Partial birth abortion takes barbarism to whole new level. It involves taking a partially delivered child, inserting a needle into the base of his (or HER) head…..and sucking his (or HER) brains out. Then dismembering and disposing of the body. Legally…until this week. The procedure in fact is SO VILE, that the majority of Americans, both Republican and Democrat, oppose it. Only the far left, extreme, “lunatic fringe” of the Democratic party would dare support it. By the way, that "lunatic fringe" includes both front runners for the Democratic ticket, Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama.

Clinton bemoaned this court decision as an “erosion of our Constitutional rights” to kill our children. I’m not sure what Constitution Hillary is reading, but the one that governs America says NOTHING about abortion. In fact, were it not for a rogue, left-wing Supreme Court in 1973, abortion would have never been legalized to begin with. Obama’s reaction was that he was “extremely concerned" that it will prompt further restrictions on abortion in the future. Soft hearted guy that he is, he’s worried that more babies won’t be allowed to be slaughtered and dismembered in the future. Would anyone really vote for someone like this for President? Sadly yes.

Clinton and Obama are the runaway leaders in most Democratic polls today. They also frequently fare well when polled against any of the Republicans. I can’t imagine voting for either one to be the City Dog Catcher, much less President of the United States, but our Nation is blindly sliding further and further away from moral decency. Clinton and Obama’s disgusting reactions to this common sense ruling by the Court is only the latest example of this decline.

On the flip side, Conservatives are hailing this decision as a critical first step in the fight to save young lives. Republican John McCain called the decision, “a victory for those who cherish the sanctity of life and integrity of the judiciary.” Sam Brownback and Mitt Romney both praised the decision. Even liberal Republican Rudy Guiliani said the court came to “the correct conclusion.”

This decision and the politicians response to it, show yet again how divided our country is. The solution is not to find some peaceful “middle ground” that pleases moderates Nationwide. The solution is to continue to stand for what is Right, regardless of what it might cost us. I’m convinced that none of the Democratic candidates are willing to do that. What we have is far greater than just a disagreement on issues. We have an embracing support for genocide……and a tragic reality that one of these radical, “pro-death” liberals will soon hold the highest office in the land. It’s a sad testament of our country’s condition.

The Apostle Paul wrote of the sinners of his day: “Just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32 (NASB)

As painful as it may be to admit, we have to concede that Paul’s litany of sins sounds very much like the platform for the Democratic Party in America. They won’t “acknowledge God” they’re given to greed, envy, murder, and slander. They’re inventors of evil, and hearty approvers of evil doers. Paul’s proclamation of God’s judgment on these 1^st century sinners could have been a political commentary in the 21^st century. That’s not to say every Democrat believes those things….but it IS to say their Presidential candidates do. And any support of them would brand us guilty by association.

This week’s court decision is very encouraging. We should thank God for this victory for children. But it could be short-lived. Future Presidents will appoint future Supreme Court Justices. And future Congresses will pass future laws. All of these future people and laws could be Godless in their worldviews. I rejoice, at the end of the day, that GOD is ultimately in control of all things. But I cringe, when I see the direction America is turning. God has blessed us with a free country in which we have the right to elect our leaders. Let’s use that right to support people who honor God and respect human life. And remember the famous line by Edmund Burke: “The quickest way for evil to flourish, is for good people to do nothing.” May that not be said of us.

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For more on this issue, click here to read Washington Times article.

Abortion & The Bogus “Mental Health” Clause

Currently in Kansas we have a fight brewing over abortion and the “mental health” clause. In Kansas, abortions are illegal after the 22^nd week, UNLESS the mother’s health is at stake. More specifically, you can kill the baby IF “continuing the pregnancy could kill the mother or create a ‘substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.’” (taken from The Kansas City Star website, accessed 1/28/07) The Supreme Court has ruled in the past that any health exception MUST include “mental health.” Consequently, in Kansas, famed abortionist George Tiller of Wichita has performed numerous LATE TERM abortions on women who were “depressed” over being pregnant. For all practical purposes, a “clause” in the law like one for mental health eliminates the law altogether. If you can kill the baby because you’ve got the "blues," then all you need is a doctor to diagnose you with the “blues” and you’ve got legal permission to kill your baby. Convenient isn’t it?

Do you want to know a fact about abortion that the “pro-death” camp doesn’t want you to know? Here it is……women who have abortions suffer FAR GREATER, DEEPER, AND MORE DAMAGING mental health BECAUSE OF having an abortion than they would have if they had just had the baby. Whether you like it or not…..mothers are designed to care for their young….not butcher them. When a mother, who is designed to love her baby, decides for whatever reason to abort……something deep within her screams, “THIS IS WRONG!” Scores of women have ended up mentally scarred and in therapy because of abortion. Abortion is NOT in the best interest of women or babies. It messes up your body, and it messes up your mind. Of course you’ll never hear this from the radical, militant, feminist movement that fights so hard for the woman’s right to kill.

In the abortion debate, the first item that needs to be determined is this: Is the pregnant women carrying a human or not? If it's just a a mass of tissue, then by all means, remove it. But if it’s a human, then it has rights under the law and he/she should be protected. In all honesty, ultrasound technology ENDED this debate years ago. Even the rankest liberal has to concede that the “thing” growing in the pregnant woman’s uterus is a PERSON. Typically the fact that this mass of tissue has fingers and toes, and hands and feet, and a brain, and a beating heart, etc., etc. give this away. Tissue or Person?

Once personhood is established (and clearly it is), then we must determine if there are ANY CIRCUMSTANCES by which that person can legally be killed. Some argue for a “life of the mother clause” by which an abortion can be performed if the mother is dying and the only way to save her is by an abortion. Incidentally this situation almost NEVER happens. But if it does….how do you decide which life to save? Do you decide based on age? Gender? Answer: You DON’T decide. You CAN’T decide. You try to save them both….and then leave it in God’s Hands.

Just think of trying to use this argument to justify the murder of a 2-year old. Now THEY will really test a mother’s mental health. What if a stressed out Mother blows away her two-year old child? Is that OK? Of course not. But what if her “health” was at stake? Then it’s OK to kill the kid, right? Or course not. What would we suggest she do? Maybe give the kid to a relative or up for adoption….anything but murder. Now subtract 25 months from the kids life…….he’s NOW free game. Momma can LEGALLY kill this human for the sake of her health, as long as he’s young enough to be “womb bound.” That’s kind of sick, isn’t it?

Some folks want to push a little farther than a “life of the mother” clause and make it a “health of the mother” clause. Obviously this is dangerous for the reasons already cited. No matter what ailment Mommy has, she could blame it on the baby and easily find a doctor to back her up….and legally exterminate the child. Incidentally a true “health of the mother” situation seldom happens. Of the 47 million abortion performed since 1973, 93% were simply abortion on demand. They didn’t involve the mother’s life or health, NOR did they involve rape or incest. They were just cold-blooded murders….of the legal variety.

In Kansas, Attorney General Phill Kline had investigated George Tiller, and was planning to file charges. In fact Kline DID file charges only to have a Judge dismiss them the next day. Not only has Tiller performed late term abortions, he has also performed abortions on girls as young as 13….without turning any information over to the authorities. Of course if a 13 year old gets pregnant, then a crime has been committed….at the very least its statutory rape…..and most likely its child abuse of some sort. Does Tiller care? It appears not. Does the Wichita judge care? It appears not. But Phill Kline did. Unfortunately, 60% of the people of Kansas DID NOT. In November they elected Democrat Paul Morrison with approximately 60% of the vote. Morrsion quickly announced that he would not be investigating Tiller any further….and now we can all kick back and relax knowing our state is in the secure hands of a legal professional that doesn’t care one iota about babies being killed….legally or illegally.

Am I being too harsh? I don’t think so. I think this is an important enough issue that Christians need to stand up and speak out. Ridiculous clauses to the abortion laws make a mockery of justice. Babies deserve a right to life, regardless of the circumstances by which they are conceived. Regardless of the mental state of the birth mother. Regardless of how bad feminists want them dead. But who will defend the babies that CANNOT defend themselves? Not Paul Morrison. Not Hillary Clinton or Barrack Obama? Very few within the Democratic Party are willing to go against the party’s platform of infanticide, though there are a few that CLAIM to be pro-life. Time (and their voting record) will tell. Even several Republicans favor abortion rights. So WHO will defend the defenseless? God will. God’s people should. I will…..and I hope YOU will too.