Resurrection of the Lord Church
Director
Mrs.
Mary Bretschneider
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March
7, 2010
Linguist Alfred Korzybski was quoted in the San Diego Union-Tribune as saying, "There are two ways to slide easily through life; to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways save us from thinking. " There are people who tell me that they vote Republican or Democrat "because that's the way my family has always voted," or because their union or neighbor tells them who to vote for. There's no stress during election year for them. Take the list to the ballot box and cast your vote. Easy. Unfortunately, that's what's given us the political direction we have today. We need to take the time to learn what our representatives' positions are on different issues. There have been surveys that show that most people like and trust the legislator from their district, but mistrust politicians in general. Honestly, there are probably very few politicians that you wouldn't like if you had them at a party. But we need to know more than their favorite food or drink or how many kids they have or what their hobbies are. We need to be able to trust them to vote our interests. Each election year, the Hawaii Family Forum/Hawaii Catholic Conference sends out a survey to ascertain candidates' positions on various issues. Watch for it this year. It is just as telling when a candidate fails to respond or avoids certain issues as it is for those who clearly state their position. When we let them get away with not stating their positions yet vote for them anyway, we let them believe they are above accountability. It happens on the small, local level like was evidenced this week at the City Council, and I shudder to think of it at the national level. Let's do our best to learn what we can about those we put in office. I will do what I can to help you. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! |
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Feb.
28, 2010
As I watch what goes on in government, it reminds me of the used table that my husband and I bought when we first moved to Hawaii. We didn't have much money, and the floor of our first apartment was concrete with no carpeting. We brought the table home in our yellow VW van and settled it in our living room/dining room/family room/kitchen. It wasn't long before we noticed that when you rested your arms on the table, it tilted in your direction. So, without any real tools, my husband took a small pull saw and cut just a little off of one leg. That fixed the rocking…..oh wait, just a little more off of this one, and we'll be good. Well, you know where that story goes. It wasn't long before we had a good-sized coffee table on our hands (that still rocked, by the way!) This story came to mind again this week as I watched congress grill the CEO of Toyota. What on earth do they hope to gain from bringing him to Washington from Japan? He's got plenty to do to try to save his company. If the cars aren't safe, they'll pay in damages and/or lost sales. Does anyone in congress really feel as though Toyota doesn't want to solve this? I know there are lawyers, doctors and accountants; but I've never heard of a congressman being a former mechanic. They wasted our taxpayer money several years ago with the investigation into steroid use in major league baseball. What business is it of theirs? You'd think they would have learned from the lessons in the mortgage industry. By forcing lenders to provide mortgages to people who ultimately couldn't keep up with the payments under the guise of making home ownership affordable and attainable, they interfered with the intricacies of the free market. Look what happened. As we look forward to this election year, we need to stop and think about just what it is that we want from government. It can't be everything to all people. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! |
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February
21, 2010
There are always two sides to every story. You just have to watch one episode of Judge Judy to confirm that! This week in the Ewa Gentry subdivisions, there was a disagreement over the right to fly the American flag. To hear the story of the U.S. serviceman who served and lost several friends in the Iraq war, you would be aghast to think that his own community wouldn't let him fly the colors of our country. He had what looked like approx. a 3' X 4' new flag on a new pole mounted on a new bracket on an upright beam of his nicely painted home. I'd say, let him fly the flag. But what will his neighbor choose to fly? When does the flag become too tattered to be flown? Will you promise to light the flag if it will be up after dark? Can he fly it from the rooftop? Can he fly more than one flag on his property? When you buy into a planned community, you buy into the "plan." What that "plan" offers you is the security that your neighborhood will be maintained to a certain standard. That means that your neighbor cannot come up with some hare-brained idea that will bring down property values. But it also means that you can't do just anything you want either. If you think that flying the American flag could not get out of hand, just look what they've done to the flag already….it's been made into shirts, beach chairs, tablecloths, etc. That pattern is supposed to be a FLAG! There is a process in place to make changes to almost any rule we have in this country. An association in a planned community is no different. Our legislature is in session now, and we are afforded the opportunity to make our voices heard and to change (or keep) what we feel strongly about. Let's be vigilant. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! Aloha-Mary B |
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February
14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day! As the legislature struggles with finding money to pay salaries and other government expenses, I'm still fuming over their own personal 30% pay increase. It's pretty bold to vote yourself a raise on your 90-day-a-year job when others are losing basic sustenance aid and our kids are staying home from school every other Friday for two years. And, while I'm ranting, let's consider a few other things when we vote this year: Several candidates who have already announced their intentions to run for either governor or congress will be resigning from their currently held offices to do so. What this means is that they: 1) Won't be honoring their commitment to us to serve the full term for which we voted them into office; 2) We, the taxpaying public, will be asked for fork out the money necessary for a special election at a time when we are already stretched tight. In the case of our congressional representative, his leaving could signal the end of President Obama's effort at health reform. You have to wonder if they are really "public servants" or are they only thinking of their next step up. Finally, let's really resolve to vote as Catholic Christians. We have a president who is charismatic and charming and favors aborting babies if they don't fit into a woman's lifestyle. We can't be silent any longer. Support those candidates who have the courage to speak on behalf of those who cannot yet speak. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! |
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February 7, 2010 American financier Bernard Baruch said, "Vote for the man who promises least. He'll be the least disappointing." After the House of Representative vote/non-vote on civil unions last Friday, those on both sides of the issue were left wondering. According to some legislative observers, this ends the issue for the session; according to others, it will surface again near the end. We must continue to let our elected officials know that as Catholic Christians we insist that marriage be defined as a union between a man and a woman. It is the relationship necessary to create life and is the foundation that best provides the nurturing environment to raise those children. I am hearing from more and more of you that you have either written to, called or e-mailed your representative. Please continue to do so. I know they hear us, but I'm not always sure that they understand us. I had a long e-mail response from the Mililani senator who said that the Star Bulletin and KHON2 surveys showed approx. 70% of respondents supported civil unions. She said her views on this were made clear when she was running for office. I asked her to send me a copy of any campaign literature that would support that. She has not done so. In fact, Project Vote Smart has indicated that she failed to respond to the "Political Courage" survey they sent to all politicians. Please insist that your politician put his or her position on each issue into words. Then you can decide what your priorities for voting will be. Please do not allow them to do the Politician's Polka: One step forward, two steps back and sidestep the issue. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! |
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January
31, 2010
Again this weekend I am writing this message before the House vote on civil unions. I have made my calls to our representatives and have encouraged you to do the same. That's all we can do for now. What I can do for the future, though, is point out a few things that you may want to consider as we head into this new election year. First of all, what is the most important issue that you will be using to determine your vote? Is it the very breath we take? If so, then abortion and other life issues should carry a lot of weight. Is it our societal fiber? Then consider your stand on civil unions/same sex marriage. Unless you make your position known either through an e-mail, a phone call or a letter to your representative, you don't have the right to shake your head about "what are we coming to?" We are getting exactly what we're voting for. Last week, I sent an e-mail to our Waipahu senator's office. I asked him to respond to my comments concerning civil unions. Nothing. Nada. Friday's Honolulu Star Bulletin, however, had an article explaining why he was too busy to respond to my concerns. He is proposing a fee that can be paid by people heading to, and hoping to win in, Las Vegas that would allow them to not pay state taxes on any winnings. How could I think for a moment that a former school teacher would think the basic fabric of society (traditional marriage) would be more important than an opportunity to avoid paying state taxes. Remember, we are getting exactly what we're voting for. Catholics are a huge voting bloc in our state. Let's make our voices known this time. We can make a big difference. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! |
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January
24 , 2010
This article must be written before the expected Senate vote on Friday on HB 444, so I don't know how that turns out. But I do know that as Catholic Christians we must continue to let our representatives know how we feel. There is nothing wrong with supporting traditional marriage. Not only is that relationship physically responsible for the continuation of our society, but it is the best environment in which to raise children. Women nurture; men hunt. Both boys and girls benefit from the difference. Thank you to all who were able to attend the rally last Sunday at the Capitol. Another concern that we must continue to address is the value of human life from conception to natural death. As Ronald Reagan said, "Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born." Seems simple enough, but to some a woman's right to continue her lifestyle without the baby she has conceived overrides the baby's right to life itself. In Genesis we read where God will demand an accounting from man in regard to his fellow man. We must be the voice for the voiceless child. Although it seems like an eternity sometimes, our state legislature is only in session for 60 working days. They will have lots to do this year with our economy in the dumps. Please consider making a grouping of at least our local senators so contacting them is easy. When you have a concern, day or night, drop them a line to let them know how you feel. It's painless and very effective. I found this quote this week (Hamilton Mabie): "Don't be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with, the wind." Gotta go boot up my hard drive! |
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January 20, 2010 A rally will be held today, January 20, at the State Capitol beginning at 2:00 PM. The purpose is to convince our legislators that traditional marriage must be upheld. Our House has already passed a civil union bill (aka same-sex marriage) and word is that the Senate is prepared to pass such a bill in the first few days of this year's session. Please contact your Senator and let him/her know that you support traditional marriage: Sen. Clarence Nishihara: 586-6970; sennishihara@Capitol.hawaii.gov Sen. Michelle Kidani: 586-6740; senkidani@Capitol.hawaii.gov Sen. Willie Espero: 586-6360; senespero@Capitol.hawaii.gov Sen. Mike Gabbard: 586-6830; sengabbard@Capitol.hawaii.gov Parking
will (hopefully) be a little bit of a problem. I say "hopefully"
because I'm hoping that lots of people show up to voice their opinion.
Bishop Silva said this week that as Catholics we are to love all people,
but we do not have to support the breakdown of the traditional family.
Let's support our faith and our Bishop by either showing up this afternoon or calling or e-mailing our legislators. It is not only our right as citizens to voice our opinion, it is our responsibility as Catholics to protect the very basis of our society, the traditional family. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! |
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January 10, 2010 Happy
New Year to all! We don't have the luxury of slowly moving into the new year, as the legislature opens on January 20 with rumors that one of the first issues will be to pass a civil union bill. There will be a Rally for Righteousness next Sunday, January 17, 2:00-3:30 PM at the State Capitol. This is an opportunity to show our legislators that we support traditional marriage and family values. WEAR WHITE TO SYMBOLIZE RIGHTEOUSNESS! We will have another opportunity to speak to our legislators on Friday, January 22, from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at the State Capitol. A Respect Life Rally and Annual March for Life will be held to call on our legislators to respect and protect our unborn brothers and sisters. Some argue that a woman has the right to do want she wants with her body. But this provides the unborn with no rights. What woman are really trying to protect is their lifestyle or plans for the future. We need to protect the baby's right to a future, too. Please mark your calendars for one or both of these functions. The time has come for us to get out of our comfort zones and make things happen. We can't rely on our vote only to guide society in the direction we desire. Remember the saying, "The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing." Legislators will listen if we speak. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! Aloha---- |
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December
20, 2009
The proposed health care reform bill is being pushed heavily, but yet no one has read it. Senator Harry Reid has kept it underwraps. He wants it approved and then modified later….his version of the Old West, "Shoot now, sort 'em out later." But your phone calls and letters are working, because they are coming under huge pressure to remove any coverage of funding for abortion. Keep it up. There will be a Respect Life rally on January 22 at the Capitol. Mark your calendar…more later. Our state workers are living under the pressure of furloughs, yet our legislators kept all but a small percentage of their pay raises. They say it's only a small part of the total budget, but the credibility they would have earned by holding off another year would have worked wonders for improving the public's view of government. Most of them have other jobs during the time the legislature is not is session anyway. Calvin Say earns $1,000/mo from a small business that he says does not create a conflict of interest for him because he really doesn't have any influence on the company's business. Huh? In these times, what business would keep someone on the payroll if he's not doing something worthwhile for them. Rep. Abercrombie is resigning from the House in order to run for governor of Hawaii. He wants to come back to provide leadership that he says is sadly lacking. By doing so, he will either leave us with only one Representative in Washington or force us, in very difficult financial times already, to spend what is estimated at $2 million for a special election. He's been in Washington for a long time where they just increase the deficit and continue spending. Here in the State, we need to balance our budget each year. That could be a big adjustment to make. Gotta go boot up my hard drive. |
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December 13, 2009
I also promised you a way to contact our senators and representatives: U.S.
House: Honorable Neil Abercrombie
Honorable Mazie Hirono U.S.
Senate: Honorable Daniel Inouye
Honorable Daniel Akaka Hawaii
State Senate: Dist. 19 Mike Gabbard; 586-6830; sengabbard@Capitol.hawaii.gov Hawaii
State Rep.: Dist. 35 Henry Aquino; 586-6520; repaquino@Capitol.hawaii.gov Please
keep this list handy in order to contact your senator or representative
this session. Marriage and family as we know them are under attack.
The Senate is prepared to vote in the first few days of the session
on the civil union bill. They are counting on us not being organized
by then. Please contact your senator NOW. Goota go boot up my hard drive!
Aloha--- Do's & Don'ts The Hawaii State Legislature wants to hear from the people of Hawaii. Hearing the concerns of those in the community helps legislators to establish useful resources on particular issues affecting their constituents, and enables them to more effectively represent their districts. Here are some guidelines for you to follow in contacting your legislators in person, by phone, or by letter:
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December
6, 2009
The 2010 legislative session will be opening before we realize it. Although we should rejoice in this beautiful Christmas Season, we must be ready to defend our religious beliefs, and yes, our religious rights, in the public forum. We already know that the phrase "separation of church and state" is NOT included in the Constitution and has only been used to intimidate Christians from speaking up. It is time now for us to learn how to take our society back from those who would destroy the standards and virtues that have built this great nation. In an article published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, it states: "…responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group." Do we all need to run for office? No, but politicians are always looking ahead to the next election. We need to identify ourselves to them as constituents from their district WHO VOTE. They will hear us. On November 20, 2009, a group of Christian leaders met to create what has now been called the "Manhattan Declaration." It is a document outlining the "fundamental truths about justice and the common good" that the authors feel are under assault in today's society. Specifically, they are: 1) the importance of protecting human life; 2) the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman; 3) the importance of freedom of religion and the right to exercise conscience in business or medical practice. Please "google" the Manhattan Declaration. Read what you find there and sign the petition if you are in agreement. It is one way to let our leaders know what you value. Next week, I will make available a list of our senators and representatives. I will also provide you with a list of do's and don'ts that will help you to make the most effective contact with them. Along with exercising more and giving up smoking, please add getting more politically involved to your list of New Year's resolutions. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! Aloha---- |
