Moral Side

Topics for "The Moral Side of the News" - April 15, 2012

TOPIC 1:  George Zimmerman to Be Charged in Trayvon Martin's Death

A Florida special prosecutor has decided to charge neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman in the shooting death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin, sources told ABC News. The decision by Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey is expected to be announced at a 6 p.m. news conference in Jacksonville, Fla. The prosecutor's ruling is certain to provoke controversy in Sanford, Fla., where shooting took place and across the country.

Zimmerman, 28, an Hispanic neighborhood watch captain, shot and killed Martin, who was 17 and black, on Feb. 26 after following the teenager for several minutes.

The special prosecutor's ruling came one day after Zimmerman's legal team quit because they had lost contact with him, and suggested that the pressure of the case had "pushed him over the edge." His lawyers said that Zimmerman was no longer in Florida and ABC News has learned that prosecutors do not know his exact location.

Earlier this week, Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett said his city has become a "kindling box" due to the high emotions surrounding the case, and that he would "plan for the worst and hope for the best."

The case gained national prominence with rallies across the country demanding that Zimmerman be arrested and charged with murder. Zimmerman and his supporters say that the shooting had nothing to do with race and that he shot Martin in self-defense. The city of Sanford has been getting increasingly tense as the decision neared. Six shots were fired into an empty police cruiser earlier this week in the neighborhood where Martin was killed.

The New Black Panther Party offered a $10,000 bounty for Zimmerman and his lawyers said Zimmerman had received death threats. The New Socialist Movement, a white supremacy group, said they were patrol Sanford to protect whites and racists comments about the shooting have sprung up on social media sites. Debate over the shooting became so widespread that even President Obama commented, saying if he had a son he would have looked like Trayvon Martin.

On his website, Zimmerman released a statement about the shooting this week, calling the incident a "life-altering event." "As a result of the incident and subsequent media coverage, I have been forced to leave my home, my school, my employer, my family and ultimately my entire life," he wrote.

CONTINUE READING: http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-charged-trayvon-martin-killing/story?id=16115469

Law enforcement source: Zimmerman will be charged 

(CNN) -- George Zimmerman, the Florida neighborhood watch volunteer who says he shot Trayvon Martin in self-defense, "will be (criminally) charged, if he hasn't been charged already," a senior law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN Wednesday. State Attorney Angela Corey said she will present new information about the case at 6 p.m. in Jacksonville. Martin, 17, was killed February 26 as he returned to his father's fiancee's house in Sanford after picking up candy and an iced tea at a nearby convenience store.

The news that Zimmerman will be charged came shortly after the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Martin family attorney called Wednesday for the public to remain peaceful, whatever the decision of the special prosecutor turns out to be. "We do not condone or support in any way acts or language of violence," Sharpton told his National Action Network's 14th annual convention in Washington. "Trayvon Martin's name must not be tarnished by those who are either for or against us with any reckless behavior, even verbally." He and Martin family attorney Benjamin Crump said Martin's parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, have conducted themselves with dignity and set an example for others. "Nobody can be hurting more than them," Crump said. "Nobody can be more outraged than them."

Corey said Tuesday she planned to release new information about the case within three days. The special prosecutor's announcement came the day that two lawyers who had been giving legal advice to Zimmerman, Craig Sonner and Hal Uhrig, told reporters that they had lost contact with their client and no longer represent him.

Phyllis Kotey, a former prosecutor in Florida, told CNN's Brooke Baldwin that Corey may be considering a second-degree murder or manslaughter charge. "You really just want to weigh the evidence even though you all have all these very public things going on," Kotey said. "It really shouldn't be a political decision." A second-degree murder charge would look at whether the shooting was done with any kind of provocation and with possible reckless disregard for the safety of another human being. "When you look at manslaughter ... you are talking about an issue of culpable negligence," Kotey said. "One of the things you would look at would be the issue of how Zimmerman acted," she said, "whether there was anything unlawful about his actions, in terms of continuing to pursue, continuing to go after an individual in a lawful place... perhaps whether a gun was pulled on an individual in a lawful place."

Brad Conway, a defense attorney in Florida, told CNN that Zimmerman needs to hire a new attorney -- quickly. "One thing is of key concern to everybody is Mr. Zimmerman's safety," said Conway.

The case has sparked a nationwide debate about race in America and Florida's "stand your ground" law, which allows the use of deadly force by anyone who feels a reasonable threat of death or serious injury. Readings of the law are crucial to a prosecution, Conway said. Thousands of protesters have descended on Sanford to demand Zimmerman's arrest. But, Sharpton said Wednesday, "this is not anti-anybody," noting that white people, African-Americans, Latinos and Asian-Americans have joined what Martin supporters have described as a call for justice. "We're not talking about a conviction," Crump said. "He'll have his day in court. ... All we're asking for is an arrest."

CONTINUE READING: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/11/justice/florida-teen-shooting/index.html

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the Florida Prosecutor’s decision in the George Zimmerman case?

 

TOPIC 2: Board recommends dismissal of anti-Obama Marine

(CNN) -- A Marine Corps board has recommended that a politically active Marine sergeant who questioned President Barack Obama's authority be dismissed from service with an "other than honorable" discharge. Sgt. Gary Stein, 26, who posted anti-Obama comments on his Facebook page, stands accused of violating a catch-all military justice provision against conduct endangering "good order and discipline." He is also accused of violating a Department of Defense policy limiting the political activities of service members. The case has raised First Amendment issues.

The recommendation for dismissal, made late Thursday after a 13-hour hearing, will now go to a separation authority headed by Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo, commander of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, said Maj. Michael Armistead, the public affairs director for the installation. It could take two to three weeks for the authority to hand down a decision, Armistead said.

If he leaves the Marines with an other than honorable discharge, Stein will be demoted a rank to lance corporal. One of Stein's lawyers, Capt. James Baehr, said Stein would also lose benefits and his uniform. Baehr said his client was extremely disappointed. "I don't think any law was violated by Gary Stein," he said. "The reason we have this reticence in the military to get engaged in politics is that we were afraid a long time ago of military dictatorship," Baehr said. "We are so far from that in suggesting that on a private Facebook page, you can't say something about politics." Stein came under scrutiny from Marine officials after saying he would not obey Obama's orders.

In a January 26 post to the Armed Forces Tea Party Facebook page, Stein called Obama a liar. Two days later, he said the president is "the 'Domestic Enemy' our oath speaks about." In a March 4 posting, he questioned Obama's birth certificate. Another discussion on the site in March said he would refuse to obey orders given by Obama. He later clarified to say he meant illegal orders, which he has explained as orders such as sending the military to Syria without congressional approval. "The allegations drummed up against me are no more than an agenda by the Marine Corps to use me as an example," Stein said in a statement posted to his page. "If I am guilty of anything it would be that I am American, a freedom loving Conservative, hell bent on defending the constitution and preserving Americas greatness." He noted that the opinions he expressed were his own, saying, "I have never spoken on behalf of the Marine Corps or in uniform."

CONTINUE READING: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/06/justice/marine-obama/index.html?iref=allsearch

Military Board Says Marine Should Be Dismissed

A Marine who criticized President Barack Obama on his Facebook page has committed misconduct and should be dismissed, a military board recommended late Thursday. The Marine Corps administrative board made the decision after a daylong hearing at Camp Pendleton for Sgt. Gary Stein. The board also recommended that Stein be given an other-than-honorable discharge. That would mean Stein would lose his benefits and would not be allowed on any military base. The board's recommendations go to a general who will either accept or deny them. If the general disagrees with the board, the case could go to the secretary of the Navy.

Stein's lawyers argued that the Marine, whose nine-year service was to end in four months, was expressing his personal views and exercising his First Amendment rights. "We're truly surprised and disappointed but it was an honor to fight for a hero like Sgt. Stein and every other Marine's right to speak freely," Stein's defense attorney Marine Capt. James Baehr said. Stein addressed board members during Thursday's hearing, tell them he loved the Marine Corps and wanted to re-enlist, Baehr said. During the hearing, the prosecutor, Capt. John Torresala, said Stein went as far as superimposing images of Obama's face on a poster for the movie "Jackass."

Torresala argued that Stein's behavior repeatedly violated Pentagon policy that limits the free speech rights of service members, and said he should be dismissed after ignoring warnings from his superiors about his postings. The government submitted screen grabs of Stein's postings on one Facebook page he created called Armed Forces Tea Party, which the prosecutor said included the image of Obama on the "Jackass" movie poster. Stein also superimposed Obama's image on a poster for "The Incredibles" movie that he changed to "The Horribles," the prosecutor said. Torresala also said anti-Obama comments by Stein that were posted on a Facebook page used by Marine meteorologists were prejudicial to good order and discipline, and could have influenced junior Marines.

Stein's security clearance was taken away and he has no future in the Marine Corps because he can't do his job without that clearance, Torresala said. "The Marine Corps community views the command's lack of action as some kind of knock on good order and discipline," Torresala said. "Our own people are questioning why this Marine is not being held accountable."

Baehr said during the hearing that prosecutors were trying to dredge up any damaging information they could against Stein. "There is no basis in this case," Baehr said. "Sgt. Stein has broken no law." Baehr expressed after the hearing that he hoped that the recommendation would be rejected by the general, saying the case will go forward. "The issues are too important for this to end today," he said.

The military has had a policy since the Civil War limiting the free speech of service members, including criticism of the commander-in-chief. Pentagon directives say military personnel in uniform cannot sponsor a political club; participate in any TV or radio program or group discussion that advocates for or against a political party, candidate or cause; or speak at any event promoting a political movement. Commissioned officers also may not use contemptuous words against senior officials.

CONTINUE READING: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/06/justice/marine-obama/index.html?iref=allsearch

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the Marine Corps administrative board’s decision to dismiss Sgt. Gary Stein for information posted on a Facebook page?

What Al Sharpton and Other Race Profiteers Fail to Tell Us

I was struck by the presence of Al Sharpton standing behind the family of Trayvon Martin as they listened to the special prosecutor make her announcement about the charges against George Zimmerman in the murder of their loved one.  I was struck; but not surprised.

Sharpton has made a lucrative career out of chasing tragedies, twisting them into his own vision of racial conflict, and profiting from it.  Fact and reality rarely get in the way.

The death of Trayvon Martin is a personal tragedy for his family and for the Zimmerman family.  I am pleased that the justice system will continue to work for the victim's family...and for Mr. Zimmerman.  I am pleased that Mr. Zimmerman is apparently cooperating with authorities.

I am not pleased at the bounty that the Black Panther Party put on Mr. Zimmerman.  I am not pleased that President Obama and other politicians are using this tragedy to increase their "compassion factor" and make false statements.  I am not pleased that race profiteers are using this sad event for their personal gain.  I am sad that the mainstream media is complicit in promoting false conclusions and is active in re-interpreting the evidence.

I am sad over the death of Aliyah Shell on March 17, 2012, in Chicago.  This six year old girl was killed by a stray bullet from the crossfire of a battle between gangs.  Nothing was sad in the media or by politicians or by Al Sharpton.  She was white.

We are being poorly served by the mainstream media when they argue that the death of Trayvon Martin is indicative of white racism and the epidemic of blacks being killed by whites in America.  Neither are true.

As to the white racism or lack thereof on the part of George Zimmerman I cannot speak because I do not know.  I cannot read his heart from this distance.  I do know that Mr. Zimmerman is as white as President Obama is (half, to be exact).  I do not know with what race or ethnicity Mr. Zimmerman self-identifies.

I can speak to the alleged epidemic of blacks being killed by whites in America.  I can because I can read statistics, and while each death is in itself a tragic event, we must look at these collected events to see if there is indeed a trend.

I turned to the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division ((home page) for information.  The most recent information that I could find was for 2009.  I have reproduced portions of the  charts with reference links on the attachment that you may download here (Download Homicides).

Allow me to repeat two important findings for 2009.  I use the term murder to include manslaughter:

• There are more than twice the number of whites (454) murdered by blacks than blacks (209) murdered by whites. (click here)
• A black person is 12 times more likely to be murdered by a black person (2,604) than by a white person (209). (click here)

Where is the racism?  I do not see it.

There is an epidemic.  The epidemic is "black-on-black" violence.

What is the cause of this violence?  In my opinion it is the despair, hopelessness, and fatigue that is caused the welfare policies of the Left that have entrapped individuals, fractured families, marginalized faith communities, and created a new slavery for blacks...and poor whites...whom the Left promises to provide everything in exchange for their votes.

You may protest that white racism can be found in the imbalance of blacks that are victimized by and convicted of murder in relation to whites.  Well then look at these statistics:

• More than 8 times as many men are murderers than women. (click here)
• More than 3 times as many men are victims of murder than women. (click here)

Is this evidence of sexism?  I have yet to hear that argument made.

Al Sharpton and the race profiteers are smart; but they are incorrect as to the facts and wrong as to the morality of their argument.

Topics for "The Moral Side of the News" for Sunday, April 1, 2012

"The Moral Side of the News" airs on WHAS-TV at 5:30am on Sunday morning, various Louisville radio stations at 7:00am and 7:30am on Sunday, the FAITH channel on Insight Cable at 12:00nn, and WHAS radio (streaming available) at 9:30pm on Sunday.

JetBlue Pilot Had a Panic Attack, Sources Say

(ABC News) The JetBlue pilot who was restrained Tuesday aboard a Las Vegas-bound flight had a panic attack, according to law enforcement sources, while the FAA called the incident a medical emergency.

Unruly captain Clayton Osbon, with 131 passengers and six crew members aboard flight 191, was subdued by at least five passengers after his co-pilot reportedly locked him out of the cockpit when he displayed potentially dangerous behavior. The flight from Kennedy Airport in New York was diverted to Amarillo, Texas. A similar incident occurred on Tuesday during a flight from North Carolina to Florida when Peggy Albedhady-Sanchez, 50, allegedly kicked and spit on a U.S. Airways flight attendant who refused to serve her alcohol. Today, Albedhady-Sanchez was charged with three counts of battery and one count of interfering with an aircraft.

Osbon, a commercial pilot since 1989, was not at the controls but "began acting erratically, flipping switches in the cockpit and appearing confused," according to the sources. They said his co-pilot tricked him into going to the passenger compartment to check something out, then locked the door and changed the security code behind him. "The captain of the plane just went berserk," passenger Wayne Honlnes said. "He came out of the other end of the plane … came running back to the cockpit and he was shouting out these numbers … 500 something. He started banging on the cockpit door."

While Osbon was in the cabin, an off-duty JetBlue pilot who was traveling on the flight managed to enter the cockpit and help land the plane.

"Another captain, traveling off duty, entered the flight deck prior to landing at Amarillo, and took over the duties of the ill crewmember once on the ground," JetBlue said in a statement. "The aircraft arrived Amarillo at 10:11 am CT, and the crewmember was removed from the aircraft and taken to a local medical facility."

Passenger David Gonzalez, a former corrections officer from New York City, said he was sitting in the second row of flight 191 when he saw the captain storm out of the cockpit and rush toward an occupied bathroom. Flight attendants struggled to control him and Gonzalez, 50, said the captain began moving in the direction of the plane's emergency exit. Gonzalez said he had gone to help the flight attendant and asked the captain what his problem was. Gonzalez said the unruly pilot replied, "You'd better start praying right now," and was shouting about Al Qaeda, a bomb, and threatening that the plane is going down.

"I was actually the one that took him down. I noticed he was very erratic," Gonzalez said. "He was pinned against the door. I was afraid he was going to knock down the door. I was able to put a choke hold on him. I was able to get him weak from cutting his wind pipe. "When he buckled, I realized I had him where I need him. So I put a little more pressure, and that's when he almost passed out. So I threw him to the floor. That's when the team came in and started helping me … I just didn't want him opening up that door. I knew if he got in there, we wouldn't be sitting here now."

Gonzalez felt the man get weak and he passed out about three minutes later. The men, who took off their belts to tie his legs, as Osbon was reportedly able to break through plastic handcuffs, sat on the pilot until landing.

"If he got a second wind, I'd have to apply more pressure and I didn't want to hurt him," Gonzalez said. "I just wanted to get him calm, get the plane down and get him some medical assistance."

Gonzalez, who lives in the Poconos area of Pennsylvania and is a married father of five children, said he used to work for the New York City Department of Correction and now works for a security and surveillance company. He was on his way to Las Vegas for an annual security show. Gonzalez remained on top of the captain until the plane landed, afraid of what might happen if he got free.

He said it "looked like a TV SWAT show" when the plane landed, with police swarming the plane.

On the ground, Osbon was taken off the plane in handcuffs and a wheelchair by Amarillo police. He is now in FBI custody. Once safe on the ground, passengers thanked Gonzalez and asked to take photos with him, hailing him a hero.

CONTINUE READING: http://abcnews.go.com/US/jetblue-pilot-panic-attack-sources/story?id=16017810#.T3MH_WEgfSg

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on how the co-pilot and passengers reacted to the pilot’s outburst?

Locals March in Support of Justice for Florida Boy Shot and Killed by Neighborhood Watch Officer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Close to 100 people took to the streets of Downtown Louisville on Tuesday asking for justice in the case of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Nearly a month ago, Martin was shot and killed in Florida by a neighborhood watch captain. Supporters at the front of Tuesday’s march carried a sign with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that read, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Though Trayvon was killed hundreds of miles away from Kentuckiana, those gathered downtown came with a simple goal; to seek justice for him. Wearing hoodies and carrying Skittles candy, just like Trayvon was the night he was killed, they took a stand hoping they will never know the violence that took his life.

"I have a 17-year-old, an 18-year-old, and I also have a 14-year-old son. That could've been my child," said mother Portia Shoulders.

"I think people just realize this could be anybody. People wear hoodies, people walk around, and people go to the gas station. It could have been anyone of us that could've been killed," said Sarah McCoy, the event’s organizer. This gathering is just one of many nationwide fueled by allegations of racism and questions about how Florida Police investigated George Zimmerman, the man accused of shooting Trayvon. Zimmerman has yet to be charged in the case.

Until that happens, these supporters gave their word to seek justice for Trayvon.

The local movement to get justice for Trayvon continues Saturday at 3 p.m. at the intersection of Brook and Witherspoon near Waterfront Park in Louisville. Those who wish to attend are asked to wear a hooded sweatshirt and bring Skittles candy to help construct a memorial.

CONTINUE READING and WATCH VIDEO: http://www.whas11.com/community/Locals-march-in-support-of-justice-for-Florida-boy-shot-and-killed-by-neighborhood-watch-officer-144507315.html

More background videos: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/neighborhood-watch-shooter-george-zimmerman-charged-trayvon-martins-16018444

QUESTION: Are you surprised by the nationwide response to Trayvon Martin’s death? And how this story continues to be in the headlines?

Moral Side Topics for Sunday, January 8, 2012 - Kentucky Felons Released, Gatewood Galbraith, and Presidential Politics

"The Moral Side of the News" is streamed live on Sunday evenings at 9:30pm EST at WHAS Radio. Here are the topics for the upcoming broadcast:

TOPIC 1: Kentucky prisons free nearly 1,000 inmates early

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) - Kentucky prisons are a little less crowded tonight, after almost 1,000 inmates were released statewide Tuesday. It is all in an effort to save money.

Kentucky House Bill 463 mandated the prisoners’ release in an effort to save the Commonwealth $400 million over the next ten years.

But some people think that freeing so many prisoners will not come without serious costs to society.

Dozens of buses left prisons statewide this morning, headed for the Louisville Greyhound Bus Terminal. Each was loaded with prisoners who were released in mass at least six months early.
Decarlo Robeson was one of more than 150 prisoners originally convicted in Jefferson county who returned to the bus station today.

“I think it's just a blessing. I get to see my family,” Robeson said. “I didn't get to make New Years or Christmas, but I'm happy. I’m blessed to be free.”

The release of 939 state prisoners six months early will save Kentucky at least $10 million dollars since each inmate costs the state more than $60 a day to incarcerate.

Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney David Stengel says spending money on prisons is the best investment Kentucky can make.

“Incarceration, oddly enough, does work, but we just apparently can't afford it,” Stengel said.

Stengel says that there are already alternative sentencing programs and other options aimed at keeping all but the worst criminals out of prison.

“By the time they end up inside a hard cell, they've earned it. Now to see them coming out even six months early bothers me. It bothers all the prosecutors. It bothers the public, I'm sure,” Stengel said.

“I'm a repeat offender because every time I get out, I ain't got nothing to go to except my family, who's got burdens of their own, you know. They ain't got nothing for you once you get out,” said an inmate who did not want to be named.

The inmates released Tuesday, some who have been behind bars a decade or more, enter a job market already with few openings.

They also all have felony records, making it even more difficult to find employment. That is why agencies like the Healing Place and Goodwill Industries are stepping in to help out.

“We can't do nothing about them being released. They've already been released. So we need to assist them finding work,” Kim Colbert of Goodwill Industries.

The inmates released who were convicted in Jefferson County included robbers, kidnappers and sex offenders.

Officials say many of those convicted of lesser crimes and are eligible for release have already been paroled in an effort to ease overcrowding.

WATCH STORY: http://www.whas11.com/home/1000-inmates-to-be-released-early-136575878.html

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the state releasing inmates to save money?

WE WILL ALSO MENTION THE FOLLOWING STORY:  Gatewood Galbraith dead at 64

(WHAS11) -- Gatewood Galbraith, a "perennial candidate because Kentucky has perennial problems" has died, his 2011 running mate disclosed on Wednesday.

"Dear Friends I have just been notified that Gatewood passed away last night," Dea Riley posted on her Facebook page, "I am heading to Lexington to be with his family. Please say a prayer for his family and friends and all those who loved him."

Friends of Galbraith also confirmed his death.

A Lexington trial attorney, Galbraith's nine unsuccessful attempts at statewide office from 1983 to 2011 garnered much attention for his bold statements and views, particularly on the legalization of marijuana.

Galbraith also sought more investment in Kentucky education, responsible mining policies and an end to a "good old boy" system in Frankfort.

He complained that Kentucky’s systems were dysfunctional.

As a Reform Party candidate, Galbraith received 15.9 % of the vote in the 1999 gubernatorial election. He also ran for agriculture commissioner, attorney general and for Congress. Galbraith received 8.9 percent of the vote in the 2011 gubernatorial election.

Galbraith was 64-years-old. He was divorced and is survived by three grown daughters.

http://www.whas11.com/community/blogs/political-blog/Gatewood-Galbraith-dead-136659733.html

TOPIC 2:  Iowa Caucus Results: Romney Edges Santorum by 8 Votes

Mitt Romney won the first presidential preference contest of 2012 by a mere eight votes Tuesday, narrowly edging out a surging Rick Santorum in the Iowa Caucuses.

The two men -- neither of whom was expected as recently as a month ago to win -- ran neck and neck and finished in a virtual tie. The second place finish capped a remarkable rise in popularity for Santorum, who had focused his entire campaign and shoestring budget on Iowa.

Romney finished second in Iowa in 2008, but had focused his 2012 campaign on other early primary and caucus states. In this cycle he received exactly six votes less than he did in 2008.

In third place was Rep. Ron Paul, the Libertarian leaning Texan on his third and most inspired run for the presidency.

Read analysis of the Iowa results and whether Santorum can carry his momentum to other states.

There were some reporting irregularities from local party committees that dragged the election outcome into the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

Both candidates gave speeches earlier in the night that sounded victorious. ABC News projected that 123,000 people voted in the Iowa contest, the largest turnout for a Republican caucus. Romney got 30,015 votes and Santorum received 30,007.

Santorum was boosted by evangelical Christians, an influential group in the state, and voters who made their decision in just the last few days. A Des Moines Register poll Saturday found that as many as four in 10 Republican voters in Iowa were still undecided.

CONTINUE READING: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/iowa-caucus-results-mitt-romney-defeats-rick-santorum-8-votes/story?id=15283406

RELATED STORIES…

Romney, Santorum on top as GOP race shifts to New Hampshire

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/04/politics/gop-presidential-race/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Michele Bachmann Drops Out of Presidential Race

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/bachmann-drops-out-of-presidential-race/

Rick Perry Moves Forward, ‘Here We Come South Carolina’

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/rick-perry-moves-forward-here-we-come-south-carolina/

Santorum Surge Brings Ethics Questions

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/santorum-surge-brings-ethics-questions/story?id=15287424

QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the Iowa Caucus results and the latest developments in the GOP race?

Moral Side of the News for November 27, 2011 - Stealing $1M for Gambling and the Penn State Football Scandal

Illinois Excludes Roman Catholic Agency from Providing Adoption Services and Foster Care over Same-Sex Unions

Illinois ended its contracts with Catholic Charities this summer after passing a law recognizing same-sex civil unions. The state had informed the organization, an arm of the Roman Catholic Church, that its policy of limiting foster and adoptive parents to heterosexual married couples violates the new civil unions law. Three major Illinois dioceses sued the state, arguing that religious adoption agencies have specific protection under the civil unions law, which is titled "The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act." On August 18, a county judge in Illinois rejected the lawsuit of Catholic Charities.

In recent years Catholic Charities has handled twenty percent of the state's foster care and adoption caseload. Now Catholic Charities will need to find other organizations to provide for the 2,000 foster children in its care.

Canadian Anglican Congregations Have Facilities Confescated for Opposition to Same-Sex Unions

Four Anglican churches in Vancouver lost their buildings when the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear their appeal. Back in November, 2010, a lower court had ruled that their properties - worth $20 million-belong to the Anglican Church of Canada, not to the local congregations. The four churches, one of which is the largest Anglican church in Canada, left the denomination in 2008 over the blessing of same-sex unions. A spokesperson for the four congregations said, "We've always said from the [beginning] that we might have to choose between our faith and our buildings, and we choose our faith."

The Top Ten Events of 2010

What is your list of the top ten events of 2010.  Here is my top ten list.  Many "events" in my list are multiple events - but events that are related.

This is not a list of the top ten most covered news stories of 2010.  I invite your comments.

1. The Earthquakes in Haiti (January), Chile (February), and Indonesia (October) -  The destructive power of nature was shown in these massive earthquakes and the aftermath of these disasters.  The earthquake in Haiti caused the greatest suffering.  Once again Americans responded with concern and generosity.  The funds raised by celebrities, however, have often times not reached those in need.  These tragedies have faded from the mainstream view.  Christians were there before, during, and after the quake in Haiti.  How true we find the words of Paul in Romans 8.20-23 to be:  "For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to son-ship, the redemption of our bodies."
2. The Collapsing Western European Socialist Economy as exemplified most drastically in the bailout of Greece (April) and Ireland (November) - Margaret Thatcher was correct:  "Eventually you run out of other people's money."  The economic collapse will have far-reaching effects in all of Europe and the different countries attempt to prop up each other and save themselves.  No longer can the governments provide everything to their citizens.
3. The Local, State, and National Elections in the United States (November) - This mid-term correction at the national level provides hope for a return to fiscal responsibility and reaches far down into state legislatures and governorships, as well as local governing bodies.  Fueled by the "Taxed Enough Already" people and groups, this historic change is a reaction to the economic and political trends.  It gives energy to the attempt to repeal the national health care legislation and has already had an impact on federal income taxes.
4. The Arizona Immigration Law(SB 1070 signed into law in April) - This law focused the frustration of the American people on illegal immigration and the apathy of the federal government.  The Arizona Law and the challenge to it by the federal government sets up a constitutional conflict that will be resolved in 2011.
5. The Enactment of Health Care Legislation(March) - This new legislation will have far reaching consequences -intended and unintended, foreseen and unforeseen.  The legislation does nothing to improve medical care, but it will have serious impacts on the economy, the medical profession, and the health of individuals.  Challenges to the legislation will continue into 2011 in the judicial and political areas.
6. The Wiki-Leaks Information Dump (July and November) - The leaks and the lethargic response of the US government are alarming.  Publicly the US government has not been damaged, but embarrassed.  The leaks make diplomacy and the war more difficult.
7. The Aggression of North Korea as exemplified in the attack of the South Korean Navy ship (March) and the artillery shelling of the South Korean island (November) - North Korea has always been an unstable rogue nation.  The upcoming change in leadership and North Korea's development of a deliverable nuclear weapon will cause greater instability in Asia.
8. The British Petroleum Oil Spill (April) - This spill certainly had immediate economic and natural consequences.  The negative results of the spill were exacerbated by the slow immediate response of the Obama Administration and the long term response of the administration that has blocked much of the oil production in the Gulf of Mexico.
9. The Floods from the Monsoon in Pakistan (July) - This devastating natural disaster caused great suffering to that struggling nation.  The devastation reminds one of the Haitian earthquake.  Again I am reminded of Romans 8.20-23.
10. The Eruption of the Volcano in Iceland (Aptil) - Though this event had no great loss of life, the eruption and the spread of volcanic ash through the atmosphere brought air travel in Europe to a standstill for about two weeks.  Once again saw the power of Creation over human endeavors, and once again I was reminded of Romans 8.20-23.

The "Feel Good" story of 2010 was the rescue of the mine workers in Chile.  This event was over-covered by the news media.  It's lasting effect will be the high number of sermon illustrations that grew from it.

Moral Side of the News (October 17, 2010) - Cecil New and Ivan Cano, Officer Christopher Dixon, and the Chilean Mine Rescue

The Moral Side of the News - September 26, 2010 - The Castle Law and Yoga