John Paul II clone Bishop Braxton cover-up JP Pedophile Priests

SNAP Press Release
Giving Voice to Victims

For immediate release:
Thursday, November 27, 2008

Sex abuse victims blast Belleville bishop



He appeals recent $5 million jury verdict



Group calls him “perhaps America’s most litigious”



“He fights every case he can & appeals every case he loses,” SNAP says



Two more victims of his come forward of notorious serial predator priest



Two organizations urge Braxton: “Put pedophiles in treatment centers so kids will be safer”



A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is blasting Belleville’s Catholic bishop for appealing a $5 million jury verdict against a pedophile priest. In August, a St. Clair County jury awarded the sum to Jim Wisniewski of Champaign who was also repeatedly abused in childhood by Fr. Raymond Kownacki.



Yesterday lawyers for Bishop Edward Braxton announced he will appeal the case to the Fifth Appellate Court in Mt. Vernon.



Leaders of a self-help group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org) call the move “selfish, short sighted and ultimately more expensive for the diocese, in both dollars and public support.”



Yesterday, SNAP announced yesterday that two more victims of a notorious serial predator priest have come forward. For the first time ever, the group is urging Braxton to put accused child molesting clergy like Kownacki in secure treatment facilities, “so kids will be safe.” Only a few dioceses do this. SNAP hand delivered a letter to this effect to the bishop’s office yesterday.



Weeks ago, in a letter to Catholics across southern Illinois , Braxton referred to Wisniewski as an ‘alleged’ victim. SNAP considers his “pathetic, hurtful and mean-spirited” given that a jury found the abuse happened and church officials have never even claimed it didn’t. They want Braxton to publicly apologize to Wisniewski and his family.



The victims’ attorneys are Mike Weilmuenster and Steve Wigginton of Belleville (618 257 2222). It’s not clear whether either or both of the new victims plan to file lawsuits.

A copy of SNAP’s letter to Braxton, is below.



CONTACT
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director (314) 566 9790 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Coordinator (314) 862 7688

Ann Harter of Belleville , FOSIL Fellowship of Southern Illinois Laity (618) 593 7891, (618) 277 7594



Dear Bishop Braxton:



We are writing for four reasons.



First, we repeat our earlier plea: don’t appeal the Kownacki verdict. The truth has been exposed. The victim and his family have suffered enough. The wounds are deep and gaping and painful. You can either rub salt into them. Or you can help heal them. Please take the pastoral path, not the legalistic one. Please chart a new course, not follow a failed one. Please help those who feel betrayed – by you, by your predecessors, by your colleagues and by predator priests – begin to recover. Please resist the temptation to spend more money and cause more delays. Please do not appeal this verdict.



Second, we ask that you put Kownacki and other proven, admitted, and credibly accused Belleville clerics in a treatment center right away. Short of jailing them, this is the best way to prevent future devastating child sex crimes. You can’t change archaic, predator-friendly state laws that make prosecution difficult. You can, however, insist that predators on your payroll live in a remote, controlled setting where they get therapy and supervision and where neighbors are warned of their presence.



We know that housing and caring for pedophile priests isn’t cheap. But we also know that it’s estimated that you will pay at least $1 million in interest alone over the next few years because you will likely appeal the jury verdict in the recent Kownacki trial. If you are willing to spend that much on protecting yourself, your colleagues, and your secrets, surely you will want to spend as much or more on protecting kids from known predators.



Third, we again ask that you apologize for calling one of Kownacki’s victims an “alleged” victim in writing to the entire diocese. To you, the distinction may be insignificant. To us, and more important, to him, this is one more hurtful comment heaped on a string of hurtful comments and actions. It enhances us, not diminishes us, when we apologize for wrong doing, whether intentional or not. We urge you to do the right thing and apologize to Jim and his family.



Finally, we again ask that you post on your diocesan website the names and whereabouts of every proven, admitted, and credibly accused predator priest in and from your diocese. You know the reasons: because it helps protects kids, because it helps heal victims, and because Catholics and citizens deserve to know the truth. You also know that roughly 15 of your colleagues have taken this inexpensive but effective step to safeguard the vulnerable and heal the wounded. You know those bishops have experienced little, if any, negative effects from this action. You may not know, however, that Baltimore archdiocese admitted in 2002 that they heard from dozens.



So we know this approach works. Please take responsibility for the dangerous and potentially dangerous men your diocese recruited, educated, ordained, hired, trained, transferred, and shielded from public exposure, criminal prosecution, and civil litigation.



If the Kownacki trial proved anything, it proved that time and time again, your colleagues and predecessors were given a choice: to do little or nothing, and hope (naively) that Kownacki would not abuse again, or to do the right thing, and warn and safeguard others from Kownacki. Your colleagues and predecessors consistently opted for the path of least resistance, and kids were deeply, repeatedly hurt. Please don’t make the same poor, selfish, short-term choice now.



You can keep ignoring our letters and appeals, Bishop Braxton. (It’s hard, of course, to see how this honors Jesus’ words and deeds, or the Pope’s admonition this spring to “do everything possible” to heal the wounds caused by the clergy sex abuse crisis). Our organizations have been around 20 years. We aren’t going away. We’ll continue to expose wrongdoing. We’ll continue to beg victims to come forward. We’ll continue to help them when they do.



It might hurt your pride to acknowledge our existence or address our concerns. It might be especially awkward for you to sit down with us and hear our pain face-to-face (instead of hiding behind your title, desk, defense lawyers, and public relations staff). But Jesus never called any of us to a life of comfort.



We believe such a meeting will happen someday. And we believe southern Illinois parishioners and pubic will benefit. We hope it will be soon.



David Clohessy

National Director, SNAP

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

7234 Arsenal Street

St. Louis MO 63143

314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915



Barbara Dorris

Outreach Coordinator, SNAP

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

6245 Westminster

St. Louis MO 63130

314 862 7688

John Paul II clone Archbishop Burke of St. Louis wins court dismiss Clergy Abuse Lawsuit

The Opus Dei has many judges and lawyers members throughout the USA and the world and this is one of their major goal - to dismiss clergy abuse lawsuits -- so that they can (try) erase the memory of the John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army scandal. There are many secret Opus Dei members in St. Louis and this is one of their major victory. But God is not stupid and as John Paul II looked so disgusting in his last years, the Opus Dei run Vatican's days are numbered like the Temple of Solomon wherein no pillar will be left standing -- as was predicted by the Third Secret of Fatima.

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“The archdiocese spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on high-priced defense lawyers seeking to escape accountability for horrific crimes and cover ups,” said Clohessy. “It’s an unChristian misuse of parishioners’ donations.”

SNAP Press Release
Giving Voice to Victims

“A kid can fall off of defective playground equipment and know he was bloodied and in pain. But it may take doctors years to determine that he suffers permanent brain damage.”

For immediate release:
Friday, November 28, 2008

Church Wins Effort to Dismiss Clergy Sex Lawsuit

For more information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director (314) 566-9790 cell, (314) 645-5915
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Director (314) 862-7688

Church Wins Effort to Dismiss Clergy Sex Lawsuit

Victim May Appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court

State Law Is Still Unclear on When Those Molested May Sue

In a victory for the St. Louis archdiocese, a three-judge appeals panel has tossed out a civil child sex abuse lawsuit against a now deceased priest. The decision may be appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Church attorneys do not contest that the former altar boy, suing as “Matt Doe,” was actually molested. But they claim he allegedly came forward too late.

Earlier this week, the Eastern District Appeals Court in St. Louis, by a 3-0 margin, agreed with Catholic officials.

Leaders of SNAP blasted both the decision and the archdiocese itself for “exploiting legal technicalities to keep the truth hidden and keep victims silent.”

The case, filed in August 2006, is against Fr. Louis F. Kertz and the archdiocese. It charges that church officials knew he was a predator but warned no one and transferred him repeatedly. The victim reports that Kertz molested him at a movie theatre in 1981 when he was a student at All Saints School in St. Peters.

SNAP’s David Clohessy says that this “out-of-touch ruling” may hurt other civil cases pending against several other alleged abusive clergy.
SNAP has repeatedly asked former Archbishop Raymond Burke and other church officials to not use technicalities to “dodge their legal and moral responsibility in helping those who have been raped or sodomized by clerics and ignored or rebuffed by church authorities.”

“The archdiocese spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on high-priced defense lawyers seeking to escape accountability for horrific crimes and cover ups,” said Clohessy. “It’s an unChristian misuse of parishioners’ donations.” [emphasis added; FJD]


In May 2006, in a separate legal action, a Florida inmate named Michael K. Orf also sued Kertz. That lawsuit was filed in St. Charles County. Orf reports suffering abuse by Kertz at the same Catholic school in St. Peters.

Kertz was ordained in 1948 and was an Air Force chaplain in 1957. Locally, he worked at the following parishes: St. Liborius–1949, Our Lady of Sorrows–1954, St. Aloysius Gonzaga–1960-62, St. Ferdinand in Florissant–1964, Holy Guardian Angels–1965-66, Cure of Ars in Shrewsbury–1974-75, All Saints in St. Peters–1977-81, Immaculate Conception in Flat River–1982-85. He died in 1985.

The victim whose suit was just tossed is in his 30s, lives in Missouri, works in education, and is single. He is represented by Clayton attorneys Ken Chackes (369-3902 cell) and Susan Carlson (872-8420).

The archdiocese is represented by Ed Goldenhersch (516 2667), Bernie Huger (516 2659) and Lucie Huger 345 4725.

John Paul II's clone Cardinal Egan Helped President-Elect Obama Win

John paul II's clone Cardinal Egan promotes Opus Dei WORLD DOMINATION Agenda

How Cardinal Egan Helped President-Elect Obama Win

By Michael J. Gaynor
MichNews.com
Nov 11, 2008
http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_21849.shtml

Cardinal Egan helped the President-Elect pass the acceptability test and the result was that the President-Elect did what the baptized Catholic 2004 Democrat presidential candidate (Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts) did not do: win the Catholic vote.

Tragically, Edward Michael Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, had much to do with the election of President-Elect Obama.

Cardinal Egan did not formally endorse the President-Elect, but he treated him as acceptable by inviting him to the Alfred E. Smith Dinner and being photographed with him in a jovial manner.

This year, if the President-Elect passed the fitness or acceptability test, he was destined to win.

As a result of his position on life issues alone, he was NOT fit to win.

Yet Cardinal Egan helped the President-Elect pass the acceptability test and the result was that the President-Elect did what the baptized Catholic 2004 Democrat presidential candidate (Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts) did not do: win the Catholic vote.

And the President-Elect is even more extreme on life than Senator Kerry!

Karna Swanson, "What Happened to the Catholic Vote?":

"More than half of U.S. Catholics voted Tuesday for a presidential candidate at odds with the Church's stance on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage, despite the urging of more than 50 heads of dioceses to support pro-life candidates.

"Brian Burch, co-founder and president of the Catholic-based think-tank Fidelis, spoke with ZENIT about the results of the election, and why he thinks a majority of Catholics voted for Democratic candidate Barack Obama, an admitted supporter of abortion rights....

"Q: An estimated 54% of Catholics voted for Barack Obama, despite the strong stand of over 50 heads of dioceses against candidates who support abortion. How did Obama successfully win the majority of the Catholic vote?

"Burch: The notion of what constitutes the 'Catholic vote' is widely debated. While Obama won the Catholic vote overall 54% - 45%, among Catholics who attend mass every week, McCain won 55% - 43%. Clearly the main reason Obama succeeded overall was the fact that Catholic voters echoed the concerns of the rest of the electorate in citing the economy as their top issue.

"They concluded that Obama’s economic policies would benefit them more, and ignored the teaching authority of many bishops who explained that concerns about the economy do not justify a vote for a pro-abortion candidate.

"Q: Did the strong stance of the episcopate have any noticeable affect on the election? What could the Church have done more of?

"Burch: The results of the election seem to indicate that, for the most part, Catholic voters ignored the guidance of their bishops. The results simply do not show any dramatic shift away from the larger trends seen during the past several election cycles.

"One area of concern was the document 'Faithful Citizenship,' which was used by many organizations to improperly justify support for pro-abortion candidates. The shortcomings of the document forced many bishops to issue their own pastoral letters, leaving many voters confused. Regrettably, I believe the net effect of 'Faithful Citizenship' was more confusion than clarity."

The sending of mixed signals sowed great confusion. When pro-abortion "Catholics" like Vice President-Elect Joseph Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi are permitted to receive Holy Communion even though they publicly flout Church teaching on life, the idea of a Catholic voting for President-Elect Obama is perceived by many as acceptable instead of sinful.

Cardinal Egan rightly protested Fordham University honoring pro-abortion United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who wrote the majority opinion in the 2000 case striking down state laws banning partial-birth abortions and dissented in the 2007 case that reversed the 2000 decision and upheld the national ban on partial-birth abortions.

But Cardinal Egan invited the President-Elect to the Alfred E. Smith Dinner this year!

Steven Erhelt, "Cardinal Egan Complains to Fordham University for Awarding Pro-Abortion Judge" (www.lifenews.com/state3586.html):

"The leading Catholic official in New York is coming down hard on Fordham University officials for bestowing an award on pro-abortion Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. A protest against the Catholic college began earlier this month and saw more than 1,100 Fordham University alumni and students upset.

"Fordham is scheduled to present its Fordham-Stein Ethics Prize to Justice Breyer at a dinner in New York City on Wednesday.

"In addition to the thousands from the Fordham community who have complained, a spokesman for the New York Archdiocese says Cardinal Edward Egan was upset to learn Breyer would get an award.

"Joseph Zwilling told the Associated Press on Monday that Cardinal Egan has spoken to Fordham officials to ensure 'that a mistake of this sort will not happen again.'"

Such a mistake should not happen again, to be sure.

But Cardinal Egan himself made the President-Elect an honored guest at the Alfred E. Smith Dinner!

Unfortunately, Cardinal Egan had plenty of help helping the President-Elect.

Steven Erhelt, "Watchdog Group Says Catholic Colleges, Faculty Aided Pro-Abortion Obama" (www.lifenews.com/nat4560.html):

"A watchdog group that monitors Catholic colleges and universities says several professors and political activities on Catholic campuses helped deliver pro-abortion Barack Obama the Catholic vote. The Cardinal Newman Society tells LifeNews.com that the report shows more monitoring is needed.

"The Catholic pro-Obama activities directly aided the abortion advocate as borne out in exit polling data.

"Exit polls show Obama won over self-described Catholics 54 to 45 percent -- better than the 52-46 split among all Americans -- and even made inroads with Mass-attending and white, non-Hispanic Catholics.

"'Despite the U.S. bishops' concerns about political candidates who support legalized abortion and embryonic stem cell research, several outspoken professors and political events at Catholic colleges and universities helped convince Catholics that they could vote for such candidates in good conscience,' Reilly says.

"The Cardinal Newman Society report documents campus politics in 2008 that helped Obama.

"CNS notes outspoken professors including Boston College theology professor Lisa Sowle Cahill, Duquesne law professor Nicholas Cafardi (former dean of Duquesne's law school) and Notre Dame theology professor Cathleen Kaveny publicly challenged bishops' statements encouraging Catholics to oppose pro-abortion candidates.

"Another nine professors at Catholic colleges and universities served on Obama's Catholic National Advisory Committee.

"Pamela Trotman Reid, president of St. Joseph College in Hartford, Connecticut, expressed excitement about Obama's candidacy and concern about future Supreme Court decisions affecting 'the right of women to make choices about their own health.' Xavier University in Cincinnati hosted an Obama 'Campaign for Change' rally on the eve of the election, and St. Peter's College in New Jersey hosted an Obama rally featuring a choir of Catholic schoolchildren.

"Meanwhile, Judy Feder, public policy professor and former public policy dean at Georgetown University, ran as a pro-abortion congressional candidate in Virginia's 10th District.

"And several Catholic colleges and universities selected pro-abortion politicians as commencement speakers and honorees.

"The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops meets this week and Reilly notes that, in 2004, they overwhelmingly approved a document outlining instructions for Catholic colleges.

"'The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions,' it said.

"Last month, The Cardinal Newman Society's Center for the Study of Catholic Higher Education published a national survey finding that the behaviors and beliefs of Catholic college students often conflict with Catholic teachings."

That's because people such as Cardinal Egan sent mixed signals when complete clarity was necessary.

Copyright© MichNews.com. All Rights Reserved


ARCHBISHOP WILTON GREGORY'S DISAPPOINTING STATEMENT
By Newswires
MichNews.com
Nov 11, 2008

Washington, D.C. – As the U.S. bishops begin their annual Fall Assembly in Baltimore, Judie Brown made the following statement regarding Archbishop Wilton Gregory's recent comments on the election of Sen. Barack Obama.

American Life League plans to hold a vigil and press conference outside the Assembly on Nov. 11. For more information, please see below.

"It is heartbreaking to read the recent comments of Archbishop Wilton Gregory, of the Atlanta archdiocese. According to a widely circulated news report, the archbishop described Barack Obama's election as president of the United States as "a great step forward for humanity …"

Although the archbishop was undoubtedly thinking in terms of racial discrimination in the United States, the election of Obama cannot be simply reduced to that of race. The horrifying fact is that in electing Obama, the American people have elected the cultural leader of the pro-abortion political machine. Obama is so dedicated to abortion that he is eager to sign the dreadful Freedom of Choice Act.

As was demonstrated many times across the nation by African-American clergy of all faiths, it is a sad fact that although less than 14 percent of Americans are black, more than 33 percent of African-American preborn children are murdered by abortion. Thus, when the Obama victory is taken in its entirety, many in the African-American community are devastated by the results of this election.

It matters not what color Obama's skin is; it does matter that he detests preborn children to the extreme degree that he does. We ask for prayers for all our bishops that they will have the wisdom, courage and fortitude to speak out against the tragedy of abortion that is likely to become the horrible legacy of President-elect Obama, and to protect the Eucharist from all pro-abortion politicians."

Copyright© MichNews.com. All Rights Reserved

>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OBAMA WATCH CENTRAL
Petition to see the birth certificate
Online effort launched to answer presidential eligibility question

Posted: November 21, 2008
1:00 am Eastern

© 2008 WorldNetDaily

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81585

WASHINGTON – WND today announces the launching of an online petition designed to enlist the public's help in demanding evidence of Barack Obama's constitutional eligibility for the office of the presidency.

The electronic petition calls on all controlling legal authorities to take seriously the matter of where and when and to whom Obama was born and whether he qualifies as a "natural-born American citizen," according to Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution.

To participate, sign the petition here. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81550

"This is a very unusual step for us to take," said Joseph Farah, founder, editor and chief executive officer of the leading independent online news source. "I have long resisted the temptation toward corporate activism – even avoiding the tradition of corporate editorial positions and political endorsements. We do those things individually as columnists and pundits, but WND has rarely engaged in taking editorial stands as most newspapers do."

Get the book that started it all – Jerome Corsi's "The Obama Nation," only $4.95, a $23 discount – personally autographed

But Farah says he was inspired to cross the divide on this issue because the clear and simple meaning of the Constitution is at stake. He writes more about this in his daily column today.

To participate, sign the petition here.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81550

"No news organization or anyone else has investigated this matter more thoroughly, devoted more manpower to it, committed the financial resources to it or taken it more seriously," Farah said. "Yet, despite the obvious lingering questions out there haunting the American conscience, Barack Obama appears ready to waltz to the inauguration and swearing-in ceremonies without so much as proving he was born in America as he claims. That is simply unacceptable. I decided that if no one else was going to take this matter seriously, we would."

In addition, WND also launches a new reader forum devoted to this topic.

"The American people are responding to our work on the eligibility question," said Farah. "Other news organizations might take note of that. Our stories and columns on this subject are getting huge readership, yet are being ignored by most other media."

To participate, sign the petition here. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81550


=====

PETITION FOR PUBLIC RELEASE OF
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE

To: Electoral College, Congress of the United States, Federal Elections Commission, U.S. Supreme Court, President of the United States, other controlling legal authorities
Whereas, by requirement of the United States Constitution, Article 2, Section 1, no one can be sworn into office as president of the United States without being a natural born citizen;

Whereas, there is sufficient controversy within the citizenry of the United States as to whether presidential election winner Barack Obama was actually born in Hawaii as he claims;

Whereas, Barack Obama has refused repeated calls to release publicly his entire Hawaiian birth certificate, which would include the actual hospital that performed the delivery;

Whereas, lawsuits filed in several states seeking only proof of the basic minimal standard of eligibility have been rebuffed;

Whereas, Hawaii at the time of Obama's birth allowed births that took place in foreign countries to be registered in Hawaii;

Whereas, concerns that our government is not taking this constitutional question seriously will result in diminished confidence in our system of free and fair elections;

John Paul II's clone Cardinal Bernard Law dodge the bullet in Boston - again!

Only the most powerful institution, the Catholic Church can get away with pedophilia and all kinds of crimes and criminals -- like Cardinal Bernard Law!

Cardinal Law is now the High Priest at St. Mary Maggiore in Rome after fleeing Boston of his crimes in the John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army!

The Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Confession are the greatest LIES of SATAN and the main beneficiary are the Opus Dei and Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II who now burns in the fires of Hell!


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Victim’s Voice
Vol. 1, No. 1

Nov. 2, 2008

Feds End Church Sex Case
Boston Archdiocese Inquiry Completed without Charges against Murphy and Then-Cardinal Law
By Carol Eisenberg
Newsday [Boston MA]
November 22, 2005

A federal prosecutor has ended a probe of the protection of sexually abusive priests by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston without seeking indictments of former top officials, including William Murphy, now bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and Cardinal Bernard Law, who resigned as Boston archbishop almost three years ago.

In lieu of criminal prosecutions, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said he has reached an unprecedented agreement with the archdiocese, imposing intensive training and public disclosure requirements.

“In many ways I share the frustration that many have expressed about the conduct of decisionmakers of the Archdiocese of Boston,” Sullivan said in an interview yesterday.

“But the bottom line is I think this settlement will have a much greater benefit going forward than a successful prosecution, with the consequences of maybe a fine for the organization, if we were successful.”

The settlement ends a nearly two-year federal investigation that targeted Murphy’s role on May 12, 1999, in certifying that a now-retired Boston priest had nothing in his background to disqualify him from a job as a federal military chaplain. At the time Murphy signed the document, the church had several memos warning about the Rev. William J. Scanlan’s infatuation with boys, as well as other signs of instability.

One warning cited by the settlement quoted an unnamed priest that Scanlan had “fooled around with kids” while working at a home for adolescent boys. Another cited a psychiatric evaluation saying that Scanlan had a crush on a boy at the home. Both memos were kept in a locked cabinet separate from general personnel files, according to the settlement.

The settlement describes the case in detail without naming the bishop or the priest. However, documents identifying both men have been made public and are posted online at BishopAccountability.org, a Boston-based group dedicated to gathering and disclosing documents related to priest sex abuse of children.

As Cardinal Bernard Law’s top aide in Boston, Murphy signed the federal background check forms about Scanlan’s fitness. He also told the Veterans Administration that Scanlan was never accused of sexual misconduct and “manifested no behavioral problems … “

A spokesman for Murphy released a brief written statement yesterday, saying that it was “inappropriate for the bishop to comment on this agreement because it was an agreement between the U.S. attorney and the Archdiocese of Boston, and the bishop was not a party to the discussions or to the agreement.”

The Boston archdiocese said that it has “consistently maintained that there was no basis for a criminal prosecution.”

But several advocates of church reform reacted with disappointment to the settlement.

“At the very least, you would think that someone who falsifies information in a federal document to allow a credibly accused priest to get a government job should be moved from a position of authority,” said Anne Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability.org.

Dan Bartley, co-director of Long Island Voice of the Faithful, a group that advocates greater lay involvement, wondered “At what point does Rome become responsible for allowing someone with Bishop Murphy’s background to remain in office?”

Sullivan said he understood the anger, but prosecuting a bishop would have been challenging, requiring evidence of intent to commit a crime - with a likely sentence of probation for a first-time offender.
---

2 Responses to “Victim’s Voice, Vol. 1, No.1”
Bud Says:

October 29, 2008 at 8:41 pm
No balls!

Michael Skiendzielewski Says:

October 30, 2008 at 2:47 pm
“In lieu of criminal prosecutions, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said he has reached an unprecedented agreement with the archdiocese, imposing intensive training and public disclosure requirements.”

Oh wonderful. Another “agreement” that looks awful good on paper but, in fact, is not worth the paper it is written on. Here we go again……how will this be monitored, enforced, and, yes you probably may find this hard to believe, what if the Church fails to abide by the conditions agreed upon several years later? Mr. Sullivan, you’re living in a “dream world”. But for those victims of clergy abuse and their families and friends, this is another chapter of the “nightmare.”

John Paul II's clone Bishop Braxton of Chicago protect-in-court Pedophile Priest

Bishop Edward Kenneth Braxton was made a bishop by Pope John Paul II since 1995 and of Chicago in March 2005, among the last ones he appointed before he died. And now Bishop Braxton is appealing the courts to drop charges against a pedophile priests.

The fruit does not fall far from the tree. Bishop Braxton is covering-up pedophile priests -- in action -- in the court. Inspite of the $ 2 Billion dollars paid settlements and 12,000 American victims, this Bishop clone of John Paul II still does not get it and will always cast out victims of the John Paul II Pedophile Priests who have no room in the Catholic church.

Opus Dei selected all Bishops and Cardinals during John Paul II’s term and now for Benedict XVI and until the imminent demise of the Vatican. The ``holiness`` of Opus Dei means nothing and does nothing for victims of the John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army. The Opus Dei is there to guard the wealth of the Vatican and its own members. All other Catholics are useless and disposable members. The thousands of little altar boys only served the homosexual pedophiliac lusts of priests and now Benedict XVI and the Opus Dei do not want to hear of them.

The keys to the Kingdom of Heaven no longer exist under the Pope Benedict XVI who is simply presiding the Vatican Bank and its daily deposit of 5 BILLION Euros annually from diplomats who have diplomatic immunity. The Opus Dei are lawyers, bankers and politicians guarding the trillions of the Vatican like pythons guarding the treasures of Satan on earth!

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http://www.bnd.com/news/local/story/519879.html

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008

SNAP urges Bishop Braxton to drop appeal of sex abuse case
Appellate court ruled against diocese

BY SCOTT WUERZ - News-Democrat

Members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests on Monday delivered a letter to Belleville Bishop Edward Braxton asking him to drop an appeal aimed at throwing out a 1984 abuse case brought by an O’Fallon man’s case.

“Just six months ago, during his U.S. visit, the pope told bishops and Catholics to ‘do everything possible’ to help victims of pedophile priests heal,” David Clohessy, national director of SNAP wrote to Braxton. “Do you think he meant forcing victims like Chris Amenn to wait years and years for healing, justice and closure?”

A reporter who visited Braxton’s office Monday seeking a response was told by a secretary that he was not available.

Amenn, who handed the letter to a Braxton staff member, filed a lawsuit against the Belleville Diocese in 2003 stating he was molested as a youth by a priest, the Rev. Kenneth Roberts. The diocese countered that the case should be thrown out because the abuse is alleged to have happened in 1984, when Amenn was 14 years old, and the statute of limitations has run out. In March, the 5th District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon ruled in a 2-1 decision that the case could go forward.

Braxton appealed the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court, which has not yet announced whether it will hear the case.

“If he thinks Roberts is innocent, why would the bishop appeal the ruling?” Clohessy asked of the appellate court decision. “Argue the merit of the case, not technicalities.”

Amenn, who is now a St. Louis firefighter, said it is important to him to fight on to make sure the case is eventually heard, no matter how long it takes.

“This is bigger than me now,” Amenn said. “This is about protecting innocent people who can’t speak for themselves. I hope the Supreme Court hears this case and upholds the appellate court’s decision.”

Braxton told members of the Belleville Diocese in a letter earlier this year that the decision was made to fight cases like Amenn’s because the church could not afford to pay the multimillion judgments that have been awarded in similar cases across the country.

Anne Harter, of the Fellowship of Southern Illinois Laity, said that argument isn’t logical because the church is spending tens of thousands of dollars meant for programs to help the sick and the poor on legal fees to defend itself.

“What nerve they have to whine about the ministries not having enough funds,” Harter said.

Contact reporter Scott Wuerz at swuerz@bnd.com or 239-2626.

* * *

Here is SNAP’s letter to Bishop Braxton:

Dear Bishop Braxton:


You of course have a legal right to appeal last week’s decision against your diocese and Fr. Kenneth J. Roberts, a notorious serial predator priest who’s been suspended, faces several accusations, yet walks free because of archaic state laws and self-serving secrecy by church officials. We firmly believe, however, that not every legal maneuver is moral, however, especially when they are exploited by powerful church officials for their own benefit and to let a child molesting clergyman escape responsibility for his devastating crimes.

Roberts is so irresponsible that he has been found guilty of violating his own suspension. By all accounts, he is a charming, charismatic, well-educated man, which of course makes him all the more dangerous. To take advantage of your vast resources and high-priced lawyers and shrewd legal moves to protect yourself is shameful. To do so while simultaneously rubbing salt into already deep and still fresh wounds of Roberts’ victims is worse. And worst of all is to take such expensive steps using the donations of generous Catholics to benefit a known child predator and keep vulnerable kids are risk.

So we implore you: please let just this one victim, who suffered a horrific crime as a child from this cunning predator, have his day in court. Please allow Chris Amenn his chance to warn parents and educate the public about Roberts, and thereby protect innocent kids from him and hold him accountable for just one of his many criminal actions.

You may say you’re concerned about diocesan assets, and even claim that it’s your job to be a good “steward” of church finances. There’s obviously a shred of truth in that. However, such narrow, short-sighted attitudes are in large part the cause of the church’s widespread, devastating and on-going child molestation and cover up scandal. Hundreds of your colleagues have voiced similar sentiments, putting short term monetary considerations over the long-term health of the church, not to mention the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of thousands of children).

We beg you to make a wiser, more courageous and morally sound choice. We ask that you put the safety of children, the healing of victims and the overall benefit of the church itself (particularly the trusting, generous parishioners) above the short term fear of your predecessor or your top staff, of having to face tough questions in open court about how much they knew and how little they did about Roberts’ crimes.

Please consider, too, the morale and faith of your flock. How reassuring and inspiring it would be to them to see you act in a truly pastoral way. How comforting it would be to them to witness their bishop breaking with the tired, hurtful and self-destructive and legalistic patterns of the church hierarchy. How refreshing it would be to them to be able to tell their friends and families and neighbors “Our bishop is different. He’s not spending thousands in court fighting child sex abuse victims and preserving secrecy and evading responsibility.” We believe that Catholics across the country, not just in your diocese, would heartily applaud such courage and compassion.


So please give serious consideration to our simple request. Please give Chris his day in court. Please let him bring public attention to this dangerous predator. Please shun the predictable, narrow-minded advice of your defense lawyers and PR advisors. Please act as Jesus would. Please do what’s right.


Jeff Mueller

Southern Illinois SNAP Leader


David Clohessy

National Director


Barbara Dorris

Outreach Director


6245 Westminster Place

Saint Louis, MO 63130

-----

2 Responses to “Must Read: SNAP urges Belleville (IL) Bishop Braxton to drop appeal of sex abuse case”
SISTER MAUREEN PAUL TURLISH Says:

October 28, 2008 at 4:29 pm
“Braxton told members of the Belleville Diocese in a letter earlier this year that the decision was made to fight cases like Amenn’s because the church could not afford to pay the multimillion judgments that have been awarded in similar cases across the country.”

SHAME ON YOU BISHOP BRAXTON!

Bishops like Braxton are an embarrassment to all the PEOPLE OF GOD.

Braxton together with his fellows, the most notorious being Cardinal Mahony of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, have been spending millions upon million of dollars opposing victims’ lawsuits for years. Add to more millions for PR people, lobbyists, more lawyers, etc., etc., and he dares to say that?

HUBRIS AND CHUTZPAH BIG TIME! Since when did Jesus say to do right by “these least of my little ones,” except if it has a high price tag?

We all have suffered for the conspiracy, collusion and cover-ups by our bishops of rogue pedophile priests these past fifty years.

ENOUGH!

Thomas Says:

October 28, 2008 at 6:08 pm
This man who is nolonger an abused child will not be abused again by persons representing the Church of Rome. It doesn’t matter if Belleville and Bishop Braxton believe that they have funds for settlement or not…child abuse is now and was then against the law and when persons are harmed by criminals, there should be restitution. Jesus spoke highly of children and it shames us all to know that those who have represented what we believed in for all of these years have let us down. Send the trial to Chicago….or any other county of choice…the voice of the people will not be ignored—what is wrong in one dioceses is wrong in another, what is wrong in one court is wrong in another, what is wrong for one representative of God is wrong for another…and, the American people will protect their children regardless of who the perpertrator is. Of course Bishop Braxton inherited this issue by default but one cannot accept responsibility and liability for it and hope that it goes away. Healing cannot come through ignorance…we all have to defend what is right!

John Paul II clone Cardinal George must resign as President of Catholic Bishops Conference of the USA

John Paul II elevated Cardinal Bernard Law as Archpriest of St. Mary Maggiore in Rome. Now Benedict XVI elevated Cardinal Francis George of Chicago as President of the Bishops Conference of the United States. When were criminals ever promoted and not jailed - this can only happen in the Catholic Church the most corrupt organization on the Planet Earth!

=====

SNAP takes on Conference of Catholic Bishops

http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/SNAP_takes_on_Conference_of_Catholic_Bishops.html

By Andrew Cannarsa
Examiner Staff Writer 11/10/08



Surrounded by fellow clergy abuse survivors Francis Bacon, 74, far left, of Baltimore, Becky Ianni, 51, of Burke, Va., and Barbara Blaine, 52, of Chicago, speak to the media outside the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel on Monday where the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Conference will hold its annual gathering. Blaine, holding a photo of herself at age 12 when her abuse started, says "We believe predator bishops pose just as much risk to children as predator priests. They are unmonitored." — Kristine Buls/Examiner A group of clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters gathered in Baltimore Monday to call for the resignation of the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, criticizing the conference’s investigations of child sex abuses charges.

“We’re concerned for the safety of children and vulnerable adults,” said Barbara Blaine, president and founder of Chicago-based support group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

Blaine, who said she was 12 when she was abused by clergy member in Chicago, and supporters called for Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George to resign his leadership post with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Blaine spoke outside the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, where more than 200 bishops in the conference are holding their annual Fall General Assembly this week.

SNAP sent a letter to George on Sunday, saying it is “irresponsible and reckless” to allow accused pedophile priests and bishops to walk free with without supervision and/or treatment. There are at least 10 bishops across the country who have been accused of molesting children, but their whereabouts are unknown and there is little monitoring of their situation, according to SNAP.

Blaine said SNAP has not yet received a response from George.

“Cardinal George is clearly reckless in how he deals with these cases,” Blaine said. “They make lofty statements and have policies that look good on paper, but considering they don’t follow them, they’re meaningless. It shows a lack of commitment on their part.”

SNAP also called for a new national review board to be created to objectively look into child sex allegations against a bishop.

Currently, a local diocesan review board, appointed by a bishop, looks into the allegations.

“I just don’t believe that review boards, appointed by a bishop, are going to be that objective,” Blaine said.

Francis Bacon, 74, of Baltimore County, was 13 when he said he was abused by a clergy member in Baltimore. Bacon attended the rally and said he didn’t reveal his incident to his wife until they were married for 28 years.

“The sad part about it is we have this leadership that’s not doing anything about these problems, and they know it’s there,” Bacon said. “They’re not being accountable for their actions.”

acannarsa@baltimoreexaminer.com


========
SNAP Group calls for Cardinal George to resign

November 9, 2008 at 5:17 PM

On the eve of the annual meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) today called for Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George to resign as the organization’s president.


“You continue to put your own reputation and comfort above the safety and well-being of your flock,” SNAP told George in a letter that the group said it faxed and e-mailed to the archdiocese of Chicago today.

A spokesman for George said the archdiocese had not received the letter and so could not comment.

George is scheduled to address the conference during meetings that begin on Monday in Baltimore.

SNAP was scheduled to hold a candlelight vigil this evening outside the hotel where the bishops are gathering, drawing attention to several abuse cases. The vigil was scheduled to begin about 8:15 p.m. Chicago time.


“The top Catholic official in America continues to set a reckless and deceitful example for his brother bishops,” said David Clohessy, SNAP’s national director.


The conference plans to elect a secretary and chairs of the committees on national collections, cultural diversity, doctrine, pro-life activities and communications.

Other action items include votes on the revised Grail Psalter, an English translation of the psalms, for use in the United States; the translation of the Proper of the Seasons; and the Order for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb.


In its letter, SNAP outlined several cases of abuse that the group alleges George either ignored or minimized.


– Jeff Long, Chicago Breaking News Center


4 Responses to “SNAP calls for Cardinal George to resign”
SISTER MAUREEN PAUL TURLISH Says:

November 10, 2008 at 11:17 am
GEORGE JUST ANOTHER ENABLER

Letter to the Editor
Chicago Sun-Times
Published August 15, 2008

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/letters/1108970,CST-EDT-vox15.article

From Boston to Los Angeles, billions of dollars have been spent in attempts to avoid public revelation of files and records of known sexual predators and depositions of the some of the highest U.S. Catholic Church leaders.

Now we are able to read the deposition of Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George, who remains the archbishop of Chicago as well as the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and it is damning beyond belief.

Our church leaders protected and enabled known rapists and child molesters for much of their clerical careers while giving no thought to the trail of broken bodies and souls these sociopaths left in their wake.

Can one believe the excuses and rationalizations that would indicate an incompetence beyond belief or is George yet another archetypal figure representing a clerical system corrupted beyond imagination?

Should anyone accept George’s words when he says, “I apologize again today to the survivors and their families and to the whole Catholic community?”

No, not until he submits his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI. Until then those words remain hollow.

He is just another enabler.

Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
Victims’ advocate
New Castle, Delaware
maureenpaulturlish@yahoo.com

Michael Skiendzielewski Says:

November 10, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Do you mean to tell all American Catholics that the first-class, one-way ticket to Vatican City hasn’t been purchased as yet? Tell the good Cardinal to check the Human Resources section on the Vatican website to see what is available (given his unique background, experience, and management style).

If not, Cardinal (By)George should reach out to Cardinal Law(less) and ask him to keep an eye on any Vatican position that would appropriate for him as he begins his retirement years. He can roll over his the US dollars in any IRA(s) into Italian lira (or euros) when he gets there.

Thomas Says:

November 10, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Put all trust in God. There appears to be no one in this septic pool know as hierarchy who is worthy of trust. They have all had identical grooming and have followed the same practices of corruption. Over the weekend I did view the video Vows of Silence and it does jerk at the fabric of faith. We need an authentic Christian hero to bring us through these times and we need the abuse and corruption to stop…we can clearly see that these men are not of God! Their God became money and now they are Godless!

Augusta Wynn Says:

November 11, 2008 at 1:08 am
Does anyone know which bishop wrote the Order for the Blessing of the Child in the womb? I wonder if they’ll be sprinkling some of Pope Pius IX”s cologne around while they’re busy with the blessing.

Are there actually any women anywhere who would let these men near their unborn or already born children?

AW

==============


John Paul II became pope in 1978 and this priest was a member of his John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army

Parents say clergy sex abuse drove son to suicide

1150Am WDEL News

By Peter Mac Arthur

The latest lawsuit facing the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington comes from parents who say a priest sexually abused their son, prompting him to commit suicide.

William and Othell Heaney claim Reverand Edward Dudzinski began abusing 10 year old Kevin Heaney in 1978 when the victim was in Dudzinski's religion class at St Mary Magdalen elementary. They say the abuse lasted for three years and changed his personality. The Heaney's say their son got into drugs and tried to commit suicide numerous times before finally shooting himself in 1987 and dying two days later.

Dudzinski moved to Virginia in 1985. He became a counselor until his license was suspended in 2003 following reports he was sleeping in the same bed with kids he was counselling.

This article was found at:

http://www.wdel.com/story.php?id=379596975926

======

John Paul II squandered his moral authority by covering-up his John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army whose victims are by the tens of thousands in many countries, 12,000 in America alone and still counting, in Latin America it is a PLAGUE.

* * *

From the Baltimore Examiner, 11.11.2008.

Catholic Church still squandering its moral authority

By Maureen Paul Turlish
Examiner Columnist 11/11/08

Can the Vatican’s latest order for seminaries to do a more thorough job preventing homosexuals from entering the priesthood be seen as anything other than more smoke and mirrors? Again the Holy See appears intent on a search and destroy mission to weed out candidates for the priesthood when what it should be doing is weeding out the sexually abusive and perverted clergymen who violate the innocence of thousands of children, not to mention young women, men and vulnerable adults.

Skim some of the pages of the few grand jury reports and the other investigations made public on these horrific crimes.

If the Holy See wanted to prevent many of these incidents it could have done so simply by following its own canon law and the criminal and civil laws of most countries. It could have prevented such tragedies by following the mandates of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child to which it has not submitted even one of the periodic compliance reports as required since becoming a signatory to that declaration.

What the Vatican needs to do is stop kicking members of the hierarchy who aided and abetted predator priests upstairs as was the case with Boston’s Bernard Law, who now holds a plum position as the archpriest of the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. What the Vatican needs to do is to defrock, laicize or excommunicate some of the living and credibly accused sexual predators among the 19 of their fellow bishops in the United States alone.

This would give some substance to Pope Benedict XVI’s words, “to do everything possible so that this does not happen again.”

Yes, the institutional Roman Catholic Church has made mistakes in accepting deviant and sexually maladjusted individuals, no matter their orientation. But to scapegoat homosexuals is blatantly homophobic and unconscionable and only serves to further undermine the institutional church’s credibility.

Read some of the current stories from newspapers across the country and around the world, including the most recent one close to home.

The Rev. Fernando Cristancho, who formerly served in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, is being tried in Maryland for abusing two of his triplets. He had been removed from ministry, but not according to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, for having a woman bear his children through in vitro fertilization in his native Colombia. Even earlier, Cristancho was credibly accused of the sexual abuse of another woman leading to his initial removal from ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

But for the current lawsuit and news stories on Cristancho, all this would probably have been written off as totally bizarre and highly improbable. The continuing sexual abuse problems plaguing the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, however, made that impossible.

This is not a chapter gleaned from some 21st century edition of the TV miniseries, “The Thorn Birds,” or even episodes from Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.”

Quite to the contrary, cases like Cristancho’s are tragic and outrageous examples of maladjusted individuals who believed their positions as spiritual leaders somehow gave them license to indulge their perversions.

They are examples of a church hierarchy’s failure to adequately screen potential seminarians, both heterosexual and homosexual, using thorough psychological and spiritual evaluative criteria in seminaries around the world.

One wonders if the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has any processes in place to vet priests coming to the United States to serve.

Since the bishops have announced that their discussion on abortion has been removed from their November meetings’ agenda, perhaps it would it be possible to discuss vetting guidelines for such priests instead?

One could also say that such examples are telling of women’s place in the patriarchal scheme of things, not to mention the revelatory reports on the sexual abuse of nuns by clergy around the world made public in the 1990s.

Lay experts contradict what church spokesmen Monsignor Jean-Louis Brugues said publicly about sexual offenders. With the data to support their conclusions, experts like Richard Sipe, himself a former Benedictine monk, conclude that while homosexuals are no more likely than heterosexuals to molest children, the molestation and rape of post-pubescent girls and vulnerable adult women is not committed by homosexual men.

To once again attempt to scapegoat those with a homosexual orientation when the abuse, molestation, rape or sodomy of a child, young girl or boy, vulnerable woman or man is a crime of power, position and control, is unworthy of any religious institution or denomination.

As Daniel Maguire, professor of theology at Marquette University said in a 1994 Cairo speech, “I believe that the Vatican has squandered its moral authority on issues about which it has no privileged expertise.”

Sister Turlish is a victims’ advocate, an educator and a member of the Delaware nonsectarian coalition Child Victims Voice. She is a member of the National Representative Council of Voice of the Faithful and on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Association of Children of Alcoholics.


3 Responses to “Catholic Church still squandering its moral authority”
Michael McManus Says:

November 14, 2008 at 5:04 am
No world leader hsa wanted to rock the boat were the church is concerned, And no leader slamed the Pope for his dishonest sorry to victims in the USA and Australia, All world leaders are moral cowards towords victims, Same as the laity who refuse to attack the hierarchy, and make it accountable

Thomas Says:

November 14, 2008 at 3:27 pm
A house divided will not stand long. Greed and arrogance should never be the cause to orphan a Church and this is what is happening. When hierarchy is not greedy for dollars, they are greedy for control and they slam whatever and whomever has contrary opinions. God has no need for money or power. He has no need for a Church that enslaves when He Himself created all to be to be free. God has no need for protection from anything or anyone. He is capable of more than we give Him credit for.

The Christian Church knows His request and requirements…and they were given freely and as gifts, not as conditional barbs. How silly, the Church is persecuting itself and when its operations are secretive and malicious, the laity sees this as undesirable. To use the sacraments as a tool of terror and control breeches everything good and holy about the Catholic Church. They become tools of ridicule and genocide to faith. When the laity loses it’s faith in the institutional church, does one really believe that there will be need for hierarchy or even Rome? Amoral authority is not the authority that Roman Catholics wish to be guiding them. No wonder the desert fathers and the monastics fled from the world,
they wanted escape and peacefulness in order to love God in the relationship that they chose, and not the church!


Michael Skiendzielewski Says:

November 14, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Sister:

I believe there was a misprint in your original essay/article:

Your heading most certainly should have read: “AMORAL AUTHORITY”.

And, if this is what you meant, our US Catholic Church leaders are sure not “squandering it.” They are using their amoral authority for all it is worth.

========
Chuck Norris: Obama, now that you work for me ...

http://palin-vp.blogspot.com/2008/11/chuck-norris-obama-now-that-you-work.html

By Chuck Norris

Posted: November 10, 2008
1:00 am Eastern

© 2008

Dear President-elect Obama:

First, congratulations on your victory. The historical magnitude of your presidential win is nothing short of stupendous and a colossal fulfillment of the American dream (an achievement embedded long ago in the equality clauses of the Declaration of Independence). Your life has served and will serve as an example to countless millions, and I pray that you will live up to that honorable position and responsibility.

Now that Democrats have a virtual monopoly over our land, with control of the White House, both houses of Congress, a majority of gubernatorial positions, state legislatures, the courts, the news media, the unions and the entertainment and educational fields, it would be relatively easy for you to rule as king, casting liberal edicts in any direction. But now will come your biggest test: Will you be able to lead the other half of the country that doesn't agree with your vision, views and policies?

It's no big surprise that I don't see politically eye-to-eye with you. Actually, I stand in stark opposition to most of your politics. Still, even in our differences, I realize that we must learn to work together if we are to see our country get back on track. After Election Day, I asked myself, despite the outcome, how can I work for our new president to help better America? Then the thought occurred to me, the first question that should be answered is: How will you work for me? After all, it is "We, the People" of the Constitution for whom you are employed, correct?

So I outlined a few ways you might begin to gain the respect of those who oppose you and show that your campaign pledges to bridge the divides were not empty promises to get you into office. And these requests I make are based upon the inaugural oath you will make on Jan. 20, "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." No doubt these won't be my only suggestions through the years, but they serve as a good beginning:

1. Use and cite the Constitution. If that constitutional oath ("preserve, protect and defend") is the central duty of your job description, then I would assume we will be hearing often from you about exactly how you are doing just that. There is no replacement for strict adherence, application and defense of the Constitution. And it's high time that presidents quit tritely reciting the presidential oath only to abandon its tenets when they enter the Oval Office. You should be publicly quoting from the Constitution as often as a preacher quotes the Bible to his congregation – at least weekly. If you take this oath and challenge seriously, you will limit the powers of federal government, reduce taxes (for everyone), encourage the freedom of religion and expression (even in the public square) and stand up for such things as our right to bear arms. The American public and the government have lost their grip on the content and role of the Constitution, and, if you choose, you can help to re-educate and model its usage for them.


2. Protect American life. Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1809, "The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government." Those are powerful and enlightening words – "first and only legitimate object of good government." Of course, such a role was created and secured in the very fabric of our nation – in the Declaration of Independence. The commitment to protect life should serve as a basis to all you do, even as a foundation for your national defense strategy or to protect human life from the womb to the grave. I'm sure the first of your secret briefings this last week on our global security threats have opened your eyes some to the extensive onslaught of our enemies. Don't allow your pride, partisanship, personal bias or political abilities to ever jeopardize the safety of Americans lives. As commander in chief, you are called to preserve American life. Quite frankly, that is why I'm surprised that a man like you, who professes to fight for minorities, would not recognize the clear value of a human life in the womb. Federal law should not decree the sacrifice of one human life for the preference of another. Both lives should be protected. Otherwise what do Jefferson's 1809 words mean? As president, you are called to protect (not destroy) human life – it is the "first and only legitimate object of good government.

3. Learn from the mistakes of your Democratic predecessors. I'm referring specifically to presidents Carter and Clinton. Despite how many trumpet their accomplishments today, they learned big lessons at our expense about international diplomacy and economic recovery. Carter's diplomatic naïveté, combined with his overly altruistic belief that America's enemies can be won by a smile and handshake, ultimately gave rise to Ahmadinejad's Iranian regime. Furthermore, Carter's handling of our economic affairs also led to the highest interest, inflation and unemployment rates in history. You were only a young man, I realize, but I respectfully wonder if you know of those lessons, or might be doomed to repeat them? You can increase the taxes of individuals who make more than $200,000. You can impose the same on companies and corporations. But don't believe for a minute that they aren't even now making plans and moving their monies into overseas accounts. Any businessman knows that such tax increases will trickle down to employees, shareholders, consumers or further tempt them to take their productivity abroad where costs are lower. And what will be the effect on our economy? Isn't it obvious? And don't forget this: Bush is only partially to blame for our economic woes. Remember, it was the Clinton administration in 1999 that was the primary contributor to our Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae subprime fiasco (and subsequent Wall Street bailout need), by extending billions of mortgage loans to those who wouldn't or couldn't ever pay them back. Though gloating over his end-term budget surplus, Clinton paved the path through his government backing of millions of toxic mortgages to low income households – all of which would turn into gargantuan balloon payments years down the road that would bankrupt corporations and lead to our economic recession.

4. Lead more from the center. It's been pointed out by countless pundits. Your track record is clear. You have one of the most liberal records in the Senate. You've had the liberty of voting and fighting for an agenda "from the left," as you've tried to persuade state and congressional constituents to do the same. But if you continue to lead our country down a more liberal road, you will follow the peril of Clinton as well. He stepped into office and initially tried to lift the ban on gays in the military and extend abortion rights, only to prompt the creation of a more-balanced and strong Republican Congress in the 1990s. Don't underestimate the resurrecting power of the conservative voice. You observed in Tuesday's election how three states across this union voted to protect marriage in their constitutions (the 28th, 29th and 30th states to do so – California, Arizona and Florida). We will be watching how you lead Pelosi and Reid. We will be observing those you select as candidates for Supreme Court justices. The election is over. No more promises. No more words. You might work well in a team, but this time you don't have congressional members to hide behind. You're on your own – leading the pack – and the whole country is watching. Especially me. So make sure you lead more from the center.

There is one thing I will be specifically doing for you, as you carry the weight to lead our nation. I will be praying for you. As the scripture says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." You have my word – I'll be praying.

One of your 300 million bosses,

Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris is the star of more than 20 films and the long-running TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger." His brand new book is entitled "Black Belt Patriotism." Learn more about his life and ministry at his official website, ChuckNorris.com.


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John Paul II's clones - America's worst 5 Catholic Cardinals on child sex abuse & cover-ups

Here are the 5 worst John Paul II clones who covered-up his John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army. John Paul II must not be called a "saint" in American soil and by American lips!

America's worst 5 Catholic Cardinals on child sex abuse & cover-ups

www.snapnetwork.org

NOTE: This list focuses largely on the Cardinals' admitted, proven, and alleged misdeeds within the past six years, AFTER the US bishops pledged to respond more quickly, openly and compassionately to clergy child molestation.

(For decades, however, these highly-educated men knew that child sex crimes were illegal, wrong and hurtful.)

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago

· In August 2005, Fr. Daniel McCormack was questioned by the police because of abuse allegations. Two months later, the Chicago lay review board recommended that George suspend McCormack. George refused, kept silent and let his chancellor promote McCormack. Three months later, police arrested McCormack again. During those last few months of his active parish ministry in Chicago 's inner city, McCormack molested at least three boys, the district attorney said. (One of the children, prosecutors say, had been assaulted "on an almost daily" basis.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/09/national/09priest.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

McCormack has pled guilty to child molestation.

Later, records obtained by victims' attorneys showed that in 1999, a school principal reported accusations against McCormack to archdiocesan officials. Nothing was done.

Adding insult to injury, five high ranking church officials closely involved in this fiasco have since been promoted.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/01_02/2008_01_24_Hogan_TheCardinal.htm

The female veteran school principal (who was the only archdiocesan staffer to call the police) has, however, been fired. Church authorities refuse to say why.

http://reform-network.net/?p=606

· While the McCormack case has received some attention, George has displayed shocking callousness, recklessness and secrecy in other, post-2002 cases. Perhaps most notably, within months of the adoption of the so-called 'reforms' in Dallas, George knowingly and secretly let a convicted predator priest (Fr. Kenneth Martin) work in the archdiocese and live, part-time, with George in George's mansion.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news5/2003_03_02_Falsani_PriestsCase.htm

Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles

· In 2005 or 2006, LA church and school officials were questioned by police about current child sex abuse allegations against John Malburg. Malburg was a Catholic high school principal from a politically prominent family. The archdiocese didn't suspend him. They told no one about the investigation. Six months later, Malburg was arrested and criminally charged. Parents asked church officials "Why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you suspend him?" Cardinal Mahony's PR man told the LA Times "Law enforcement told us to keep quiet." The next day, in the LA Times, prosecutors said they never made any such request.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2006/11_12/2006_11_19_NBC4_ArchdioceseChurch.htm

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news5/2006_11_17_Hong_CorruptionTarget.htm

· In just nine months, police say, Fr. Nicholas Aguilar Rivera, sexually assaulted at least 26 boys in Los Angeles .

In August 2007, long-secret church records about Aguilar were publicly disclosed. According to the New York Times, the documents showed that then-Msgr. Thomas Curry "tipped off" the accused pedophile priest who then fled to Mexico to avoid criminal prosecution.(An LA district attorney said Curry "facilitated" Aguilar's flight.) Aguilar went on to molest kids in Mexico later.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2006/09_10/2006_10_21_McKinley_AccusedPriests.htm

Curry is now one of Mahony's auxiliary bishops. Despite public pleas to discipline Curry, or at least speak out about Curry's irresponsible secrecy, Mahony said and did nothing.

· For years, Mahony stayed secretly let an admitted child molesting cleric live in his archdiocese (in a picturesque religious complex overlooking the ocean), despite the cleric's being wanted on criminal charges in Canada . In 2005, when SNAP and others demanded that Mahony and his colleagues turn over Franciscan friar Gerald Chumik to law enforcement, he let Chumik move from Santa Barbara Mission Church in Santa Barbara to Missouri .

For 14 years, Chumik has been a fugitive from his native Canada .

SNAP leaders believe this needlessly put children at risk and is a clear violation of the much-touted Dallas Charter which all American bishops adopted in June of 2002.

· Elected district attorneys rarely feud in public with powerful religious figures. But in October 2005, (more than three years after Mahony pledged "openness" about child sex abuse and cover ups), Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley said "Three years ago, I urged Cardinal Mahony to provide the fullest possible disclosure of evidence of sexual abuse by clergy. Despite two court rulings ordering full disclosure, Cardinal Mahony continues to claim 'confidentiality privileges' that no court has recognized."

http://da.co.la.ca.us/mr/archive/2005/101205a.htm?zoom_highlight=clergy


Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston

· In November 2007, a victim reported having been sexually abused by Fr. Stephen Horn between 1989 and 1993. DiNardo found him credible and suspended Horn. The Cardinal, however, kept the allegation and his determination secret from parishioners, police and the public for two months, despite US bishops' repeated pledges to act quickly and openly with credibly sex abuse allegations. Finally, in mid-January, DiNardo disclosed his action. (The delay gave Horn, a credibly accused molester, ample opportunity to fabricate alibis, destroy evidence, intimidate victims, threaten witnesses, or even flee the country, as some pedophile priests have done.)

Part of DiNardo's secrecy and delay occurred in the weeks between when the Pope announced that DiNardo would be named a Cardinal (October 2007) and when DiNardo was promoted amid much pageantry (November 24). Some Houston Catholics have speculated that DiNardo didn't want the news of Horn's crimes to 'rain on (DiNardo's) parade'

Weeks ago, SNAP wrote DiNardo, urging him to explain and apologize for his secrecy. SNAP has urged the cardinal to visit parishes where Horn worked and emphatically beg victims and witnesses to come forward, get help and call the police. He has not responded to either the letter or the request.

· When he was a bishop in Sioux City, Iowa, DiNardo similarly mishandled the Fr. George McFadden case in Iowa, only disclosing the allegations against this predator priest long afterwards.

Beginning in the 1990s (and likely longer), Sioux City church officials knew of repeated charges of child molestation against McFadden, an admitted abuser, dating back into the 1960s. (DiNardo was Sioux City bishop starting in 1997.) For at least five years (and even later), DiNardo had the chance to disclose McFadden's hurtful actions to police, prosecutors, parishioners, and the public, and to keep McFadden from other vulnerable children. He stayed silent.

According to the Des Moines Register, "The confessed child molester continued to hear confession and say Mass daily over the past decade at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, Sioux City's largest Catholic church.)

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2002_06_23_Rood_ChurchSecrecy.htm

McFadden is accused of abusing more than 25 girls and boys in dozens of civil lawsuits. Despite his alleged 'treatment' and 'retirement' in the 1990s, he continued to function as priest until 2002.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news5/2008_01_14_Kever_PriestRemoved.htm

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/01_02/2008_01_14_Quinn_ChurchOfficials.htm

Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston

· Last month church officials disclosed that, for the second year in a row, O'Malley is in violation of the US bishops' child sex abuse prevention policy.

Much in the policy is meaningless public relations, SNAP is convinced. But O'Malley's breaking one of the proven, practical requirements that help prevent abuse: training kids how to avoid or stop being victimized.

Roughly one in five Boston Catholic children is not receiving this training. Every child is supposed to receive it.

Worse, O'Malley tries to dodge responsibility for this clear, egregious refusal by blaming pastors and parishioners.

But O'Malley's had six years to persuade colleagues to weaken the national abuse policy, devise alternative programs, or get on board (and get his employees on board). He's done none of these three steps.

Nor has he disciplined a single individual for flaunting this national requirement.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/03_04/2008_04_11_Hamm_AbuseVictims.htm

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2006/03_04/2006_03_10_Levenson_88Victims.htm

· In a 2006 case with disturbing parallels to many of the hundreds of Boston pedophile priest cases, O'Malley moved very slowly and gingerly against a prominent Catholic hospital official who faces multiple allegations of sexually harassing employees.

A high-ranking human resources official at the hospital "accused O'Malley of improperly interceding in the investigation to help (the accused), giving him advance notice of the probe, providing him with an adviser, and telling of the reprimand before consulting with the board," according to the Boston Globe.

The cardinal's actions "have made a mockery of the investigation. It is nothing short of shameful," she wrote.

"Perhaps most troubling" was what she called the "near absence" of concern for the women complainants that she said was shown by the church hierarchy

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/05/21/omalley_reprimands_caritas_chief/

Cardinal Edward Egan of New York

· Less than two months ago, the New York Post reported "The former principal of a prestigious Catholic high school who resigned amid allegations of inappropriate images on his work computer was allowed to stay on the job for nearly five months after a priest wrote the New York Archdiocese accusing him of serious misconduct."

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02282008/news/regionalnews/diocese_let_school_big_slide_99632.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/nyregion/28hayes.html

In 2003, Egan became the first US prelate to refuse to say mass for the devoutly Catholic, hand-picked, distinguished lay panel chosen by bishops to look at the church's child sex abuse crisis. According to the New York Times, Egan also "interfered with" and prevented the US bishops' 'watchdog' on clergy sex cases from speaking in his archdiocese.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)

CONTACT

David Clohessy of St. Louis , SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell
Peter Isely of Milwaukee , SNAP board chair emeritus 414 429 7259 cell
Barbara Blaine of Chicago , SNAP president 312 399 4747 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis , SNAP 314 503 0003 cell

John Paul II Pedophiliac 26 Years Papacy in Art

Someday our vision at the last WYD World Youth Day 2002 of John Paul II being dragged by St. Michael the Archangel will also be in art.

John Paul II was too busy adoring himself and publishing books written for him by Opus Dei that he totally refused to face the problem of his John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army. There is no excuse, the fact is he had no writings to address this most heinous sin of the Catholic church in modern days. The fact is Opus Dei is only for the elite and has no time and attention to the poor like the Jesuits do.

The John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army is the legacy of the Opus Dei who controlled the Vatican, still does control, and will control until the Vatican's imminenet demise as predicted by Our Lady of Fatima. The Third Secret of Fatima is not being revealed because it points to the Vatican as a black hole in the depths of the earth. Leo X saw this in a vision and John XXIII was sick after reading the Third Secret of Fatima.

How long can Benedict XVI and the Opus Dei think they can fool the 1.2 Billion Catholics. The priesthood and the Eucharist is the greatest lie of Satan and as St. Josemaria Escriva's body is at the altar of Our Lady of Peace church of the Opus Dei in Rome, the Eucharist is a mockery of Our Lady and an insult to her 9-months pregnancy.

There is only ONE Jesus Christ. John Paul II was not Jesus. Benedict XVI is not Jesus Christ, not even an iota close to Christ. Benedict XVI cannot walk on water. Benedict XVI cannot change water into wine…therefore ALL popes and ALL priests cannot change flour-into-flesh-of-Christ. The demise of Vatican and ALL its wealth is imminent as Our Lady predicted in the Third Secret of Fatima

________

http://reform-network.net/?p=2175#comment-7697



Cardinal Sins
2005
91 x 61
This painting captures the essence of the Clergy Abuse Scandal. The three cardinals represent hear, see and speak no evil. You will notice that each head is missing the related part. The heads are grey to reflect the cardinals being dead from the neck up regarding sexual abuse. The garments are purple representing the aristocratic behavior of the hierarchy and the pain of the passion. The garments are held up by the doves symbolizing the Holy Spirit cleansing his church and the two children are symbolic of the horrors that boys and girls have been put through and the shame that they had to live with.



The Ledge
2004
91 x 61

The painting depicts the addictions used by those who are trying to get away from the pain caused by the center piece, a crooked church. The last escape is being contemplated by the person on the ledge as he looks at his reflection while the world around him is cracking. The pool seems serene and the volcanoes are a reminder that those that take their own lives are supposed to burn in hell. The inspiration for this was a survivor who was contemplating his end.



Silent Screams
2002
46 x 61


Silent Screams was inspired by a poem of the same name. It shows the dichotomy of the life an abused person leads. One side is normal, outward appearances, and the other side is tormented. The eyes are a reflection of the soul. The left eye shows the torment this person lives in while the right eye shows the unnamed perpetrator.




Sin Weighs In
2002
91 x 61


Shows a scale with the bishop as the fulcrum. He is nailed to a cross and weighed down by the pedophile priest who has a child representing both male and female in his arms. The fires of hell and the hands of the damned are reaching up for the priest and the child whose life has become hell because of the abuse. The Eucharist on the left side represents God as being above all this with the problem being the hierarchy of the church and not God.



Living Without Trust
2006
28 x 36


Based on a poem by the same name. The drawing is divided using the grave marked “Trust” as the dividing line between a normal childhood and the abuse. After that time, nothing is normal without the ability to trust. The adults reach out to their inner children in an effort to recapture the trust that was destroyed. They are haunted by the ever present priest perpetrator who hovers over their dead trust,



Unravelling
2005
46 x 61


This painting can be read left to right or right to left, but it is about being torn apart and changing through healing. If you go right to left, you see the tightly wound person unraveling and then taking off as a butterfly. If you go left to right, you see the person coming together into a cocoon and then becoming a butterfly.




Righteous Soles
2007
28 x 36


The crepe soled shoes represent the working people in the pews. It was inspired by a conversation I overheard in a cafeteria. The two middle-aged women in creped soled shoes were discussing the Clergy Abuse Scandal and spelling out the reasons they woud not go back to church. This is the outcome, the people in the pews stepping on the priests and bishops who have violated their trust and left their churches in shambles

From the Saatchi Online Gallery, London.

Not only is Vinnie Nauheimer a wonderful writer, take a look at his talent at painting.

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Vinnie Nauheimer

Born in 1949 in the Bronx, NY. Stayed there until I served in the Navy during the Vietnam Nam era. Went to college after the service and spent the next thirty years in sales and marketing.



About the Artist
I started painting in my mid twenties and then stopped by thirty. I started painting again to express my feelings of outrage and anger over the clergy abuse scandal. The collection shown here was my outlet. The inspiration came from personal experiences and those of the many wonderful survivors of clergy abuse that I met in online chat groups and in person. Each of these painting has a poem that goes with it. Some were inspired by the poem and some paintings inspired the poem.