Saturday, January 3, 2009

CA Catholic School Kids Working to Come to DC for Obama Inauguration


Eighth-graders at Mission Parish Catholic School to Celebrate Inaugural

On President-elect Obama's inauguration day, it's "D.C. or Bust" for 30 eighth-graders at Mission Parish School.

According to the Orange County Register, the San Juan Capistrano teens are determined to be standing on the National Mall when the 44th president takes the oath of office Jan. 20, even though they've been told they must fundraise all of the money themselves –$51,240 by the end of the school year.

"At first, we didn't know if we were going to be able to go, but we started raising money, and it looked more promising," said eighth-grader Julia Kenefick, 13, student council president. "Our whole school is pitching in, and everyone is just coming together. Our slogan is 'D.C. or Bust.'"

"It's really awesome, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said eighth-grader Dominic Salazar, 14, who made six batches of Rice Krispies treats for the bake sales. "A little while ago, people (of different races) couldn't be in the same part of the bus. Now we have our first African-American president, and we're going to be there."

39 comments:

Rose said...

This must be some kind of joke. How can you support a man who voted to have babies that were born alive after an abortion, to be left to die?

Anonymous said...

It amazes me that the same tired old accusations against Obama that led to the worst Republican electoral disaster in 44 years are still dragged up. What part of the word FAILURE don't you understand?

The Catholic majority stood with Barack Obama. The Rovian tactics utterly failed. "He is a Muslim...he is a babykiller...he is a friend of terrorism...he is a marxist."

The American people spoke loud and clear what they think of these accusations and the people who make them.

But let me be clear, if you and the Republicans want to keep using the tactics and accuations that gave you absolute defeat, go ahead.

Anonymous said...

Here you go again, Kurt. Can you not come up with a new line......."same tired old accusations"......keeps popping up on all your posts. And to repeat myself, winning isn't everything and it certainly does not mean it was the best outcome. Pro-life people need to repeat it over and over and over again. Obama is an abortion supporter. If you don't like to hear that it is too bad.

Brian said...

Kurt, some Republicans did make outrageous statements against Obama that are untrue as you pointed out.

But he is still, based on his voting record, the most pro abortion candidate ever elected as President.

What is baffling to me is not that some Republicans might still be behind a losing strategy but how you as a practicing Christian and Catholic can reconcile your support of Obama with your faith.

Anonymous said...

"But let me be clear, if you and the Republicans want to keep using the tactics and accuations that gave you absolute defeat, go ahead."

It goes to prove what Fr. Hardon had to say about how so many Catholics are really brainwashed Marxists.

I suppose Kurt is going to tell us that Obama is now pro-life.

BTW it wasn't a Catholic majority. Anybody can be a Catholic. Only the ones going to Church count. 54% of church going Catholics voted for McCain so don't be raving about a Catholic majority and even with the useless nonchurch goes it was evenly divided.

Anonymous said...

"He is a Muslim...he is a babykiller...he is a friend of terrorism...he is a marxist." You are correct Kurt.

Kurt said...

winning isn't everything
[Republicans]need to repeat [their ineffective claims] over and over and over again

Susan, I would be the last person to stand in your way if you want to continue a failed strategy without regard to your effectiveness. You go girl!

Kurt said...

BTW it wasn't a Catholic majority.

Yes it was. 54%.

Anybody can be a Catholic.

No debate there. Christ calls all to the Catholic faith.

Only the ones going to Church count.

With Christ, everyone COUNTS. Christ is the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep for the one lost sheep.

54% of church going Catholics voted for McCain so don't be raving about a Catholic majority

You can slice it different ways. Most Catholics who belong to all white parishes voted for McCain while most of those who go to parishes that are not all white voted for Obama.

Anonymous said...

Here is some great news Kurt not only is he everything else but he's a catholic hating devil worshipping Freemason....he will have the first Freemason inaugural ball......thats pretty cozy..we need to all pray to Ba'al that night, thats who masons worship.
http://aftermathnews.wordpress.com/2009/01/03/first-ever-masonic-inaugural-ball-to-be-held-for-obama/

Katherine said...

some Republicans did make outrageous statements against Obama that are untrue as you pointed out.

Brian,

I appreciate your temperate comments. But I think the problem was that these outrageous statements dominated the public discussion on the election.

The pro-life movement has a very real problem. Until it can divorce itself in the public mind from these extremist elements, it is consigned to the backwaters of policy development.

For people like myself, I disagree with Obama regarding the legal status of abortion. The fact that I agree with him on many other issues is not enough to seal the deal but does cause me to give him a second look. In that second look I found the leadership of the pro-life movement linking itself to strategies and alliances that were destructive of the pro-life cause while Obama had an open mind to find common ground.

For me, that tipped the balance.

For you, who voted for McCain on the life issue, I respect your discernment. But I think if you are hoping for future electoral success, your first job should be to divorce yourself from some of the unsavory characters in alliance with you.

Kurt said...

he's a catholic hating devil worshipping Freemason

A little off the mark, Margaret. Obama is not holding a Masonic ball. The Masons, on their own unilaterial initiative, are holding a ball. (If the Masons held a Christmas Party, does that mean Christ is a Mason?).

President Obama will not be there. Also, unlike President George Washington, Obama is not a member of the Masons.

Anonymous said...

I think Kurt has it right. Muslim, Mason, babykiller, terrorist. No Christian could support Obama.

If this is the opposition to Obama, God save me from them.

Anonymous said...

Kurt,
I am not talking strategy. This is the truth. Obama is the biggest supporter of abortion we have ever had as president. If that makes you happy, you go, boy.

Anonymous said...

Susan,

It sure is the truth that you don't have a strategy.

You have a legitimate emotion against abortion. You clearly don't have a clue as to translate that emotion into winning hearts and minds to change public policy.

Brian said...

Katherine,

I believe you are correct that the pro life movement has a public image problem which I blame somewhat on the mainstream media. You are also correct that we need to divorce ourselves from certain extremist elements if we are to ever be taken seriously by the general public.

However, we are 100% correct on the moral aspects of abortion and should continue to fight and stand up for what is right.

How can you honestly say Obama has "an open mind to find common ground." There is absolutely nothing in his voting record to indicate that he is anything other than a radical pro choice Democrat.

He has a 100% approval record from NARL and a 0% rating from the National Right To Life. How does that indicate someone looking for "common ground."

I'm not saying I could never vote for a pro choice candidate, but I could not support one who is so pro choice they can't even vote against partial birth abortion.

I'm not a one issue voter and I understand that in the real world those of us who believe that Republican principles are best for the country must reach out to those who are more moderate and also must speak out more against fringe elements of the party.

At the same time, I will never understand how a pro life Christian could not only vote for Obama but encourage others to do so as well. I'm trying to understand, but it just doesn't make sense from my perspective.

Anonymous said...

I believe you are correct that the pro life movement has a public image problem which I blame somewhat on the mainstream media.

Thank you. And I believe you are correct that the mainstream media is somewhat to blame. Bu tthis problem has been around for decades and the pro-life movement should take affirmative action not to fall into this image problem.

You are also correct that we need to divorce ourselves from certain extremist elements if we are to ever be taken seriously by the general public.

Thank you. This really needs attention and the rhetoric in the recent presidential election was a setback for this.

However, we are 100% correct on the moral aspects of abortion and should continue to fight and stand up for what is right.

Absolutely.

How can you honestly say Obama has "an open mind to find common ground."

Because I believe it to be true.

There is absolutely nothing in his voting record to indicate that he is anything other than a radical pro choice Democrat.

And the only matters brought up for votes have been polarizing measures. We have not purued common ground initiatives to a point where they have been brought up for votes.

He has a 100% approval record from NARL and a 0% rating from the National Right To Life. How does that indicate someone looking for "common ground."

See my comment above. You mention the NARAL Voting Record. I am opposed to NARAL. However, I think it is an achievement of Pro-life Democrats and moderates that we kept any direct pro-abortion vote from coming to the Senate floor. Therefore none of the five votes in the NARAL voting record are directly in favor of abortion. I'm not supporting the NARAL position on any of these five votes, but it is great the issues that come up for a vote are limited to indirect matters.

NRTL Voting Record is not infallible either. They have opposed the Catholic Church on health care for poor children, included opposition to campaign finance reform legislation in their voting record but not supported pro-life social assistance programs.

I'm not saying I could never vote for a pro choice candidate, but I could not support one who is so pro choice they can't even vote against partial birth abortion.

I understand. We won that issue and it has no chance of being repealed. So I am looking to the future.

I'm not a one issue voter and I understand that in the real world those of us who believe that Republican principles are best for the country must reach out to those who are more moderate and also must speak out more against fringe elements of the party.

I encourage you in that task.

At the same time, I will never understand how a pro life Christian could not only vote for Obama but encourage others to do so as well. I'm trying to understand, but it just doesn't make sense from my perspective.

Well, we should continue our dialogue.

Anonymous said...

"I think Kurt has it right. Muslim, Mason, babykiller, terrorist. No Christian could support Obama."

Kurt said, "If this is the opposition to Obama, God save me from them."

Sooo, you do approve of Muslims, Mason, babykillers, and terrorists. God won't save you from them. God will help them.

Anonymous said...

"Susan, I would be the last person to stand in your way if you want to continue a failed strategy without regard to your effectiveness. You go girl!"

The failed strategy was that the Republicans didn't put a real conservative forward as a candidate.

McCain is useless.

But that doesn't mean Obama isn't a terrorist.

Anonymous said...

"With Christ, everyone COUNTS. Christ is the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep for the one lost sheep."

Kurt, we're not talking about going to heaven. We're talking about who voted for Obama.

But now that you mention it. Non church going Catholics can't expect to go to Heaven. So, they don't count there either.

Anonymous said...

"You are also correct that we need to divorce ourselves from certain extremist elements if we are to ever be taken seriously by the general public."

Oh really? Does the Bible say that we are to be sure that we appear respectable?

Eve was respectable with the serpent. See what that got us?

She should have been extreme and ranted and raved and stomped his head!

Anonymous said...

Michael is right. The TRUTH is not bound by elections, ballots or democracy. The Democrats better watch out. Real Christians will deal with them by any means possible.

Brian said...

Michael, the Bible actually says in James 4:4 that whosoever is a friend of the world is the enemy of God. But Matthew 5:13 and 14 says Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

We should also remember that as Christians this world is not our home. So perhaps we should be more interested in spiritual things than who is head of an earthly government.

That being said, while I'm here in this life I do want to see the country I live in be God fearing and I will do my part to elect a government that will follow the teachings of God.

Despite the many failings of George Bush, he did give us two pro life supreme court nominees. I shake in fear of what type of radical leftists Obama will appoint to the court. That point alone should have caused any Christian to reject Obama as a candidate.

I also understand that in order to advance what I see is the right agenda for the United States, I must work with those who might not be in 100% agreement with my beliefs.

As Katherine said, we need to dialogue with those who disagree with us and I look forward to this discussion on how we can seek common ground.

Anonymous said...

Brian said, "As Katherine said, we need to dialogue with those who disagree with us and I look forward to this discussion on how we can seek common ground."

Well Brian, I don't know how much experience you have working with liberals, but I have found that they are not honest people. You cannot expect to accomplish anything by reasoning with them. There IS NO common ground with them. Because they are dishonest they always have a leg up on us. The only thing that works is the "power play." You have to rant and rave and kick their asses.

They hate those tactics. Have you noticed the whining? They tell us we have a losing strategy, but the reason it didn't work is because we didn't do enough of it. They want us to act like nice Christians. They tell us that acting like nice Christians will win more people over. Now just why would a liberal want us to win more people over? They don't. They want us to act nice so they can kick our asses.

Here's what Kurt said, "You clearly don't have a clue as to translate that emotion into winning hearts and minds to change public policy."

That's a good example of how they want us to act when we should be ranting and raving and raising hell just like they do. Notice: The homos for example, get their way by acting like idiots. But if we act that way that's not going to make them happy and they say things such as, "The Rovian tactics utterly failed." Nope, not at all. We didn't use enough "Rovian" tactics.

Brian, you don't reason with a snake. You kill it.

Anonymous said...

Brian said, "Kurt, some Republicans did make outrageous statements against Obama that are untrue as you pointed out."

I am sorry but I haven't heard a single outrageous statement that was untrue.

Kurt said...

Brian,

Given some of the other posts here, are you starting to understand where we are coming from? :)

Anonymous said...

"Susan, I would be the last person to stand in your way if you want to continue a failed strategy without regard to your effectiveness. You go girl!"

And what strategy do you recommend Kurt?

Anonymous said...

"Given some of the other posts here, are you starting to understand where we are coming from?"

Kurt, I understand exactly where you are coming from. It isn't going to work on me.

I'm not going down without a fight.

Kurt said...

Fight or no fight, you have already gone down!!!

Obama - Biden 1.20.09 !!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian said...

There have been many accusations made against Obama that are vicious lies.

I could never convince the older couple that own a business down the street from my work that Obama was not a Muslim. The guy who I rent a storage unit from raves about Obama being born in either Kenya or Indonesia. Another friend of mine says Obama is a communist and he has seen the proof. Some guy wrote a book that was full of things about Obama that were simply not true.

So yes, certain elements of the right were clearly guilty of spreading lies about Obama.

While I don't understand how anyone who claims to be a Christian or conservative could support Obama based on what we know about his past record and associates, we have to realize that we Republicans suffered a huge loss in November.

I agree 100% with Michael that you can't reason with liberals. I wouldn't even try.

But we need to try and reason with anyone who says they are a conservative or a moderate or a Republican yet still felt they should vote for Obama.

Those are the people who I wish to dialogue with and to find a way to get them back in the Republican Party so they don't feel the need to be fooled in to voting for leftists like Obama and Biden.

Kurt said...

Brian,

Regarding dialogue with conservatives and Christians who voted for Obama, wouldn't you agree that such a dialogue would have to take different forms depending on if your dialogue partner was a conservative for Obama (who may have voted based on issues of tone and competency) or if he or she was a Catholic who, along with the Catholic bishops is in alliance with the liberals on issues such as Iraq, national health care, the right to join a union, etc. and in alliance with conservatives on issues such as abortion and school vouchers?

Brian said...

You are right Kurt, it will have to take different forms.

I think the greatest effort needs to be made toward those who are conservative on social issues but are more liberal on economic issues.

This is especially true in regards to outreach toward African and Hispanic Americans. Surveys show they are very conservative on social issues like abortion or gay marriage, yet those demographics tend to vote for liberal Democrats in large numbers. Blacks at the 90% rate.

We also need to do a better job at reaching out toward younger voters who are incresaingly becoming Democrats as we could be in danger of losing a whole generation.

Katherine said...

Brian,

But would you not agree that reaching Blacks, Hispanics, young people and social conservatives/economic liberals is almost impossible if the pro-life movement is monogamously wedded to the GOP and conservativism?

When the mainstream GOP leadership keep quiet about abortion but sends out videos of "Barack the Magic Negro" it is a surprise that many people who are pro-life are alienated from the Republicans and from the Pro-Life movement that is joined at the hip to it?

Brian said...

Katherine,

I personally am conservative on pretty much all issues and think that right now a stronger, more conservative Republican Party is the best chance to advance those principles.

But as far as just the pro life issue is concerned, we can't be wedded to just the GOP. We must seek support from Democrats as well. I think Tim Kaine as DNC Chair is a major step. Just think, it was just in 1992 that Bob Casey wasn't even allowed to speak at the Democratic Convention because he was pro life.

Perception is reality and right now conservatism and the GOP are perceived is being hostile to most blacks and hispanics. Again, I blame the mainstream media for some of this.

But as you point out, things like "Barack The Magic Negro" and much of the rhetoric that comes from places like conservative talk radio does not help.

We need to try a new direction in this area, because what we have been doing is not working.

Anonymous said...

Brian said, "I could never convince the older couple that own a business down the street from my work that Obama was not a Muslim. The guy who I rent a storage unit from raves about Obama being born in either Kenya or Indonesia. Another friend of mine says Obama is a communist and he has seen the proof. Some guy wrote a book that was full of things about Obama that were simply not true."

Well Brian, you're not going to convince me those things aren't true either.

I'd explain, but the censorship is so tight in this blog that it would just be deleted.

Anonymous said...

Kurt said, "Fight or no fight, you have already gone down!!!

Obama - Biden 1.20.09 !!!!!!!!!!!!"

No, we haven't yet begun to fight!

I'll tell you who has gone down though. It's the babies who will be murdered because of this election and because of the Catholics who betrayed their faith by voting for Obama.

Anonymous said...

"But would you not agree that reaching Blacks, Hispanics, young people and social conservatives/economic liberals is almost impossible if the pro-life movement is monogamously wedded to the GOP and conservativism?"

That's just outrageous! Guess who did that? The Democrat Party did. They are so extreme that all the pro-life Democrats went to the Republican Party.

And will you please explain to me what part of pro-life could EVER be wedded to liberalism?

Katherine said...

Brian,

Good post. I think the upcoming election for chairman of the RNC will be telling.

Anonymous said...

SEAN: "I think Kurt has it right. Muslim, Mason, babykiller, terrorist. No Christian could support Obama."

"If this is the opposition to Obama, God save me from them."

I hope not. You deserve whatever they do to you.

Anonymous said...

Interesting that this article doesn't tell you that the kids of this school, 6th-8th graders held a mock election on November 4th. Since the school is in Orange County - a well known republican area in Southern California, the kids overwhelmingly supported McCain. However, they planned this trip prior to the election knowing that either way, it was a historic election. Either a woman as VP or an African American as President. Historical either way you look it. Now they know they are going to Obama's inauguration and are SO excited to witness this historical event. It gives me hope that these children can see the BIGGER picture here rather than some short sighted, misinformed, sour grape eating adults. Unfortunately the squeeky wheel does get all the attention as I have read, heard, and seen way too much hatemongering from the "right" using deception to continue spreading their impetus. ENOUGH ALREADY! It seems to me that the blessing of free will given by God Himself is not good enough for those wishing to pass judgement based on Christian doctrine. What WOULD Jesus do? I suggest LOVE and spread PEACE.