2008 Presidential Election

Yesterday I received an email with a "grassroots video" from the Associate Director of Parish Outreach & Training for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the Archdiocese of Newark. I watched the video which focused solely on abortion and gay marriage. It also glorified war and America's "economic power". (more after the jump)

I just came across this article describing how Michigan Republican party officials are planning to challenge the votes of individuals on whose houses have been foreclosed. It's obvious that this tactic is designed to suppress the votes of people who are facing economic challenges and it also appears that they are disproportionately African American in the districts in question. Since I’m not an expert in US/Michigan law regarding voter eligibility, I can’t comment on the legality of the matter. But, even if this sort of challenge is technically within the bounds of the law, I’m sure many of you agree with me that this is an immoral attempt to suppress the voting rights of some of the more vulnerable members of our society. I wanted to bring this to everyone’s attention so that people can be made aware that this may happen and be prepared for such challenges in swing states and districts. If anyone is involved in voter registration efforts in Michigan (and probably other critical states), it might be worthwhile preparing those you register for this sort of thing, so that even if challenged they will be able to vote.

I just sent this email to the Newark Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office. I may submit it as a letter to the editor in some of the NJ papers.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the subject.

The bishops are responding to Biden on abortion but they say something very interesting about all life issues. I hope this statement is not overlooked by those who received this email:

“Which living members of the human species should be seen as having fundamental human rights, such as a right not to be killed? The Catholic Church’s answer is: Everybody. No human being should be treated as lacking human rights, and we have no business dividing humanity into those who are valuable enough to warrant protection and those who are not.”

I have signed on to the Platform for the Common Good and would like to ask you to join the movement by also signing on. This document represents the work of 2,500 Catholics nationwide. It is essential that we build as much support as possible so that we can pass on our platform to both political parties prior to their conventions in August and September. Please visit http://www.votethecommongood.com to sign, and pass the word on to others.

The goal is 10,000 signatures by August 15th. The platform and the petition will be sent to both campaigns prior to their conventions.

Summary of the platform is below the fold

Over the next ten days or so I shall be posting a multi-part series on why Hillary Clinton is my choice for President.

I know that many of you will greet these postings with responses that range from doubt to open hostility. As unwarranted as I believe such reactions to be, that is your right. I too have my doubts about some of her past positions, not many, but some (the flag burning legislation for example). But overall, I will outline the case for her nomination and election. And while Senator Obama and former Senator Edwards talk about change, Hillary has been actively engaged in making it happen—often in the face of fierce Right-wing hostility. All I ask is that you give me the courtesy of stating my peace and then for you to reflect upon what I offer as proof.