LifeNet

NY Archdiocese Director of Public Policy: "My Catholic Voting Decision"

Very clear column by Ed Mechmann.

So for me, the choice is easy — I will vote only for candidates who understand that God's will is for every human life to be protected and welcomed. I invite other Catholics to do the same.

• October 28, 2018

  by Ed Mechmann

  [For the past several years, in anticipation of Election Day, I have posted some thoughts on how to vote as a Catholic. I’ve revised and updated one of those earlier posts, because the stakes in the current election are so high — it is vital that we maintain a pro-life majority in our state Senate. An important point: the opinions I express here are mine, and do not in any way reflect an official position of the Archdiocese, nor should they be considered an endorsement of any candidate by the Archdiocese.]
  
  Once again, Election Day approaches.  At times like these, I am frequently asked how people can do the right thing as voters, as citizens, and as Catholics.  As I understand the teachings of our Church, there are several critical questions involved here. The first is the formation of my conscience.  Our bishops have said quite clearly that

  Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere ‘feeling’ about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil. Conscience always requires serious attempts to make sound moral judgments based on the truths of our faith. (Faithful Citizenship 17)

  A good, Catholic conscience is obedient to the teachings of the Church, and open to hearing the voice of God.  It considers God’s will more important than any partisan interest that I may have.  It always directs me to do good and avoid evil, and in the case of voting,

  A well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals. (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, The Participation of Catholics in Political Life 4)

  Building on the proper formation of conscience, we can then turn to the issues and the candidates.  One thing is crystal clear at this point:  all the issues are not the same, and the defense of human life is the paramount issue for Catholics to consider. The teaching of our Church is clear:  we must vote pro-life.  As the United States Bishops have said,

  The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed... This exercise of conscience begins with outright opposition to laws and other policies that violate human life or weaken its protection. (Faithful Citizenship 28, 31).

  This means that in evaluating a candidate, we must consider, first and foremost, their position on the defense of human life.  As the U.S. Bishops have said:

  As Catholics we are not single-issue voters. A candidate’s position on a single issue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support. Yet candidate’s position on a single issue that involves an intrinsic evil, such as support for legal abortion or the promotion of racism, may legitimately lead a voter to disqualify a candidate from receiving support. (Faithful Citizenship 42)

  Our New York Bishops have said the same:

  The inalienable right to right of every innocent human person outweighs other concerns where Catholics may use prudential judgment, such as how best to meet the needs of the poor or to increase access to health care for all. (New York State Bishops, Our Cherished Right, Our Solemn Duty)

  Cardinal Egan once framed the issue of who should hold public office in language as plain as possible:

  Anyone who dares to defend that [an unborn child] may be legitimately killed because another human being ‘chooses’ to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.

  This also means, of course, that we have to inform ourselves about where candidates stand on the issues.  We can’t just blunder around the voting booth with no information.  And given the abundance of data available on the internet, it really doesn’t take much effort to find out about the position of candidates.  Just visit their websites, and see where they stand on abortion, “reproductive rights”, “choice”, and, in the case of New York State candidates, the “Reproductive Health Act” (which would greatly expand abortion in our state).
  
  This is not to say that other issues are unimportant, or that they have no relevance to the defense of human life and dignity. As Cardinal Dolan put it in a recent blog, "drugs, war, unjust economic systems, crime, violence, oppression of people, family dysfunction, sexual harassment and abuse... all start from a degradation of the innate value of the divine gift of human life." But the Cardinal went on to say:

  I make no apologies for prioritizing solicitude for the unborn. If we get that wrong, we’re hardly credible on the other burning issues. If we allow the helpless life of the baby in the sanctuary of the mother’s womb to be thrown away, it’s tough to defend the lives of others who might be considered inconvenient or expendable.

  Exactly right. So, from my perspective, this boils down to a very simple test that I try to adhere to, as best I can: If you think that killing unborn children should be legal, then I won’t vote for you. You haven’t earned my vote.  In my opinion, you’re not qualified to hold public office.  I just won’t vote for someone who will promote or permit grave evil.  I don’t subscribe to the principle of the “lesser of two evils”.  All that means is I’m voting for evil, and it still produces evil in the end.  If there’s nobody in a race that fits my standards, I’ll leave the line blank or write in a name or vote for a minor party candidate.
  
  Now that doesn't mean that all you have to do to earn my vote is say you're pro-life. Being pro-life is necessary, but not sufficient. Being against abortion isn't enough for me to vote for a candidate who is morally unfit to hold office, or who is in favor of other policies that violate human dignity, like illegal warfare, the redefinition of marriage, destruction of families, racism, etc.
  
  When I pick up my ballot next Tuesday, I will see a stark choice between candidates who are pro-abortion, and others who are pro-life. In fact, the pro-abortion candidates are not just mouthing the old “personally opposed but…” sham, but are instead ardent promoters and defenders of the legalized killing of unborn children, and they have strongly campaigned on the issue.  If they are elected, there is a grave danger that the evil abortion expansion plan in the “Reproductive Health Act” will be pushed forward. I cannot see how I as a Catholic could vote for such persons. In my view, such persons should be stopped from holding any position of public trust or authority.
  
  So for me, the choice is easy — I will vote only for candidates who understand that God's will is for every human life to be protected and welcomed. I invite other Catholics to do the same.
   

Voter Guide from Westchester/Putnam Right To Life PAC

Vote Pro-life!

 UPDATE: Joseph F. Castellano of District 7 in Putnam County is endorsed as pro-life, no exceptions.

 

Red Rose Rescuers in DC have charges dismissed! Plus Montclair RR rescue information

Thanks to Richard for sending us this information. Amazing. And see the note at the end about interactions in Montclair!

Red Rose Rescue Charges Dismissed Within Minutes of Trial Start

VICTORY IN COURT TODAY -  CHARGES DISMISSED AGAINST THE 4 RED ROSE RESCUERS - EXCEPT FOR DIVINE INTERVENTION - IT REALLY IS INEXPLICABLE.

 

ALSO SEE MEMO BELOW ON INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS AT THE MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY EXTERMINATION CAMP AFTER THE SEPT. 29TH RRR.

 

Subject: Red Rose Rescue Charges Dismissed Within Minutes of Trial Start
 

http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/3516381777.html 

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Life Legal attorney John Garza was in court this morning on behalf of four "Red Rose Rescue" defendants who were charged with criminal trespass after they entered Capital Women's Services in Washington, DC in July. The rescuers went to the abortion facility to give the women information about abortion and alternatives, along with a red rose.

 

The Red Rose Rescue case was the first case called by the judge, which is unusual since typically courts elect to dispense with procedural and other less time-consuming matters before calling up trials such as this one. The judge asked the parties whether they were ready for trial and U.S. Attorney Jana Maser, prosecuting the case for the government, replied that she was not ready, as she could not produce any witnesses.

 

The judge then asked Garza how he would like to proceed. Garza requested a dismissal of all charges, which was immediately granted. According to Red Rose Rescuer Fr. David Nix, "This all took place in less than thirty seconds."

 

Life Legal was prepared to put on a necessity defense, citing the dangers to babies as well as women posed by the abortion facility. Capital Women's Services is affiliated with Steven Brigham, a notorious late-term abortion doctor. Brigham has been charged with neglect and fraud in several states for gravely injuring women and was charged with the murder of ten second and third-trimester babies in Maryland.

 

The necessity defense can be employed when a defendant's conduct is necessary to prevent a greater harm. In this case, we know that Brigham's facilities have a long record of egregious violations against women, including the death of at least one patient.

 

Fr. Nix and the other rescuers had informed Mr. Garza that "because we were there to save lives, we would not accept any plea-bargain or community service."

 

"We are pleased with the outcome of today's trial," said Life Legal Defense Foundation Executive Director Alexandra Snyder. "The Red Rose Rescuers are heroes in the pro-life movement, willing to sacrifice their freedom to prevent women and babies from becoming victims of the abortion holocaust. We are honored to stand in their defense and in the defense of the dignity of human life."

 

About Life Legal Defense Foundation

Life Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org.

re Montclair, NJ Killing Center developments

... as usual I was at the Montclair abortion mill (Pilgrim Medical Center) doing sidewalk counseling this Saturday.  Normally the abortionist – Dr. Jenkins – will take a minute or two to come down to the front door and size up “the situation” – how many people are there, what kinds of signs we’re holding up, if any of us are blocking the doorway, etc.  But, this Saturday (the week following the Red Rose Rescue) his disposition was different.

When he came down to check up on us he seemed calmer and more friendly than other times.  He talked with us for about 12-15 minutes (usually no more than 1-2 minutes).  He listened to what each of us had to say, and his responses were not caustic or angry.  In the past, even though he ‘acted’ friendly, you could easily see a frustrating anger boiling up under his friendly persona.  But, this time there did not appear to be any anger.

Alaine Reed talked to him about the possibility that he could suddenly die – as his co-abortionist did a couple of months ago – and that it’s not too late for him to reform his ways and stop killing.

Marilyn asked him “How can you do this terrible thing, year after year, and it not bother you?”

I told him about how there was such a great demand for good OB/GYNs because of the high malpractice insurance rates and very few were still doing this specialty. Then I explained that – being in demand as you are in your field – you could be making much more money simply by delivering babies and helping women with health care issues.  He he didn’t get defensive or angry.

Finally, we all assured him that we were praying for him, and his staff and hoped one day to see him go to Heaven.  He thanked us and asked us to keep up the prayers.

Then, a few minutes after he went back upstairs, one of his long time employees (a young nurse, maybe about 30-35ish) came down and pleaded with Alaine to purchase a bottle of Holy Water from the church for her (she tried to give Alaine some money for the purchase).  Alaine explained to her that there was no charge for Holy Water, that it was free.  When she went back to her car to retrieve a bottle for the nurse, I explained why Holy Water is free.  She seemed desperate.  I explained to her about the organization called “And Then There Were None,” which helps abortion employees, such as her, to quit working for an abortionist and find legitimate work elsewhere.

When Aliane gave her the bottle of Holy Water she was somewhat relieved, and asked us to pray for her.  We assured her that we always do, and would continue to do so.  She returned upstairs to the mill office.

There seems to be a “change” in the attitude of the abortionist and his nurse since last week when the rescue was done.  Maybe all the prayers are starting to take effect?  Maybe the rescue hit their consciences in a special way?  Time will tell.

 

From rescuer Will Goodman prior to hearing:

 

We place this and all court proceedings in the Lord's Hands. May everything proceed for His greatest glory, the salvation of souls, and the defense of innocent human lives in danger.

Your prayers are most welcome. Thank you God Bless+

  

Reminder: Life Chains this Sunday!

Below are the Westchester locations and contacts.

 

 

Westchester

WHITE PLAINS - 175 Tarrytown Rd, 2:00 to 3:00 pm; Gerald Yeung  914-837-7008

 

TUCKAHOE - 53 Winterhill Rd along Rt 22 at Immaculate Conception Church, 2:00 to 3:00 pm; Fran Zucetto  914-779-4604

 

PORT CHESTER - Boston Post Rd in front of Kohl’s, Oct 7 and third Sun each month, 2:00 to 3:30 pm; Rosemary Tirone  914-937-3273

 

HAWTHORNE - 170 Bradhurst Ave at Joyce Pl at Holy Rosary Church, 2:30 pm to 4 pm.; Mary Ann Priore  914-747-0082

 

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON - Broadway at 616 Warburton Ave at St Matthew's Church, 1 pm to 3 pm; Maureen Ribeiro  914-478-2062

 

EASTCHESTER / SCARSDALE - Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Grand Blvd at White Plains Rd (Rt 22), 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm; Jeanne Scarcella  914-772-3036

 

MT. KISCO - Main Street, 2 pm to 3:30 pm;  Joe Giardina 914-689-5849

 

YONKERS - 141 Ashburton Ave at St Joseph's Ave, 2:30 to 3:30 pm;  Jesusita Rivera 914-562-4195

 

 

 

Red Rose Rescue was this past Saturday in Montclair, NJ

 

This abortion mill had several rescues in the 90's, before the FACE legislation (making it a political crime to rescue) was enacted. They do perform abortions through 24 weeks.Because they did not blockade they should not be tried under FACE. The link below has the story with a short excerpt below the link. The picture above shows the arrest of Fr. Fidelis.

Five Pro-lifers Arrested When They Refused to Leave the Pilgrim Women’s Center in Defense of the Babies Scheduled for Abortion

Fr. Fidelis Moscinski, Adlele Gilhooly, Patrice Woodworth, Matthew Connolly, William Goodman, and pro-lifer who wishes to be known only as Baby Jane Doe in solidarity with the nameless aborted unborn.

All except Adele Gilhooly were arrested. Adele was simply escorted out of the abortion center by the police and they oddly did not place her under arrest. Here is a short summary of what happened.

The rescuers entered the abortion center at about 8:30 am. This is a very high-volume abortion facility. It is common for up to 20 women to be scheduled for abortions there on any given Saturday. Once inside, the rescuers did have an opportunity to talk to a number of women—and a few women were actually receptive, one even started to weep while in conversation with one of the rescuers who was trying to convince her to leave the clinic. This is a good sign of a soft and sensitive conscience.

****************

The goal of a Red Rose Rescue is that the pro-lifers will remain in the abortion center as long as possible, reaching out to the mothers sitting in the waiting room, offering them help and encouragement, giving them educational literature about abortion and the facts of the fetal development and letting them know that help is available.

Despite the quick response of the police, the rescuers were still able to have significant interaction with the women in the waiting room. Roses were offered and some women did take them.

No matter what—the babies were defended. They were given a defense to which they are entitled, no matter how brief! As Will Goodman said after he was released from the local police station: "It is always a success when the babies are defended, and a witness given to the sanctity of life."