This edition of "The 3" involves a protest that took place regarding a proposed mosque near Ground Zero in New York City, a rejection of pro-life legislation by the governor of Florida, and pro-life victories for women across the country on Tuesday.
3 - Thousands protest "Ground Zero" mosque
It's a possibility that is touching emotions across America, including the Christian community...the plan to build a mosque near the site of the World Trade Center tragedy on September 11, and to open it on the 10th Anniversary of the events. The Christian Post had this coverage of a protest last Sunday.
I believe that due to the fact that the 9-11 terrorists were motivated by Islamic fundamentalism, there is a sensitivity toward erecting anything associated with Islam in such close proximity to the site. Combine that with what is known about the head of the organization slated to build the mosque, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who has come under some criticism for his views of Christians and the West. In fact, in inviting people to the protest in New York on June 6, Jihad Watch's Robert Spencer gave some insight into the philosophy of the Imam.
2 - Crist vetoes strong pro-life ultrasound bill in Florida
There were some hopeful signs emerging out of the Florida Legislature recently, as lawmakers took steps to not only allow the state to opt out of taxpayer funding of abortion related to the recent health care law, but also to allow women to see ultrasound pictures of their unborn children. I believe that recent declines in the number of abortions, as well as the number of people who declare themselves to be pro-life according to surveys, are attributable to information about unborn children. The child inside the womb is more than a blob of tissue - it is actually a pre-born human being. Ultrasound technology is a contributing factor in these declines, as well as information shared during waiting periods for abortion that are provided in a number of states.
So, it's not surprising that Florida lawmakers seized the opportunity to pass solid pro-life legislation. And, perhaps, we shouldn't be surprised that Governor Charlie Crist vetoed the bill this past Friday - the Legislature is no longer in session, so it can't be overridden. Even though Crist has said he is pro-life, in the case of Terri Schiavo, he came under fire for his refusal, while attorney general, to take steps to preserve Terri's life. And, just this week, word has come that he has removed a pro-life section from his campaign website. His campaign for Senate, that is - yes, Crist is running for the U.S. Senate as an independent, rather than as a Republican, where he faced a stiff challenge by former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio. Now that Crist is running as an independent, perhaps he thinks he can attract independent voters by taking a more "choice"-oriented position. Never mind the recent surveys that show the majority of Americans describing themselves as pro-life.
LifeNews.com had this recap of the situation surrounding the veto.
1 - Election yields victories for pro-life women
An pro-family e-mail blast declared it as "ladies' night", a pro-life women's organization hailed a "resurgence of authentic, pro-life feminism". The elections on Tuesday indicated some significant victories for women who are also pro-life.
Perhaps the most notable is the contest in California, where former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina defeated several challengers in the Republican primary to earn the right to face longtime Senator and noted abortion supporter Barbara Boxer. Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman is not regarded in some circles as pro-life, but certainly her views on the abortion issue would be considered more moderate than those of her Democratic opponent, former California governor Jerry Brown, who, after a stint as Attorney General (where he has been engaged in fighting against Proposition 8 and the one-man, one-woman definition of marriage), is seeking the state's highest office yet again.
Other states where pro-life women enjoyed victories include Nevada, where Sharron Angle, who was touted as a Tea Party, even an extreme candidate, easily defeated her two closest challengers. Angle, a pro-life Southern Baptist who is a former homeschool mom, won the Republican nomination and goes on now to face Harry Reid - yes, that Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader who has been slipping for months in the eyes of Nevadans, and will likely face a stiff challenge from Angle, even though the press nationwide has attempted to paint Angle as out-of-the-mainstream.
Apparently, pro-life women made a strong impact in races in New Jersey and South Dakota, as well. Plus, South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley came close to winning the Republican nomination without a runoff.
The Susan B. Anthony list had some analysis the day following the runoff.
So, the election results, I think, do demonstrate some conservative energy, and even validate the strength of candidates affiliated with the Tea Party movement (such as Angle and Haley). There is a significant segment of the population that is dissatisfied with the status quo and the inability of both parties nationally to govern effectively and cut Federal spending, and candidates who embrace fiscal (and in many case, social) conservatism are finding themselves doing quite well, in quite a few cases so far.
Honorable Mention:
Christian groups mobilize to do ministry at World Cup
Human trafficking likely to increase around World Cup
Christian family, the Sunderlands, asking for prayer for 16-year-old daughter sailing around the world
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