http://standupandspeakoutblog.com Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:02:39 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In the much awaited vice-presidential debate, Sarah Palin started out the evening in a manner that seemed to be heavily scripted, and not always relevant to the question. Understandably so. I’d stick to what I had memorized if the eyes of the nation were upon me, waiting for ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2008/10/03/98/ I'd like to begin with some words from our President: "The Government of Iraq crossed a new threshold of noncompliance… when it repeatedly blocked attempts by U.N. weapons inspectors to enter certain Iraqi government facilities. The investigators from the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM)… believe Iraq may be hiding ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2007/11/24/the-war-in-iraq/ In my history class this new school year, we’ve just discussed the theories of Machiavelli. During the Renaissance, he wrote a book of advice about public policy, entitled The Prince. In The Prince, Machiavelli states, “one can say this in general of men: they are ungrateful, disloyal, insincere ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2007/09/09/machiavelli-love-and-democracy/ Most scholars in the fields of biblical studies and history agree that Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee who was regarded as a healer, was baptized by John the Baptist, was accused of sedition against the Roman Empire, and on the orders of Roman Governor Pontius Pilate was sentenced ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2007/04/04/jesus-good-teacher-or-messiah/ I managed to come across the news that the Sacramento City Council is hosting a screening of “An Inconvenient Truth”. Here’s the flyer that they are passing out: As can be seen, not only are they hosting this screening, but it is during their evening session. Of course, “an ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2007/03/04/sac-city-council-hosts-an-inconvenient-truth/ One argument that I hear time and time again against pro-lifers is “Why don’t they quit this and actually do something to help women? Hypocrites.” These people seem to think that they are making an original, thoughtful point. However, their suggestions have already been in action for ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2007/02/18/time-magazine-covers-crisis-pregnancy-centers/ Earlier this evening, President Bush gave an excellent speech outlining his plan for Iraq and basically dispelling the frail Democratic arguments. Here is the text of the speech. Please read it all, especially if you disagree with President Bush. President's Address to the Nation The Library ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2007/01/10/president-bush-outlines-plan-for-iraq/ “Our President has lied to us.” “He has falsely led us into this war.” “He has abused our civil rights.” “He has exceeded his Presidential powers.” “Americans are dying because of this war that should have never been fought.” You might have thought that I was talking ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2007/01/03/criticism-of-our-presidents/ Please read the following letter, written by a local woman, and then take a look at my comments on Proposition 85, the Parental Notification Initiative here in California. Hello, I am a Sacramento area parishioner, both myself and my children attended local Catholic schools. I would like to share my story ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2006/10/29/proposition-85/ One week ago, the Pope came under scrutiny for a speech about God and reason (the full text can be found here). He begins the body of the speech by describing a dialogue during the late 14th century between “Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an educated Persian on the ... http://standupandspeakoutblog.com/2006/09/19/popes-words-proven/