DLA For Sunday 021212

Standing up for Freedom and The First Amendment is ALWAYS Logical.

Hey folks,

I have been warning you about this for some time. I told you when it began. I told you that it was continuing. I told you HOW. Now, there is a group that is attempting to stop it.

The Winner of the Display of Logic Award is the person who said this..

“The Department of Homeland Security’s monitoring of political dissent has no legal basis and is contrary to core First Amendment principles. The language in the documents makes it quite clear that they are looking for media reports that are critical of the agency and the U.S. government more broadly. This is entirely outside of the bounds of the agency’s statutory duties.”

She is 100 percent right. It is a Direct Violation of the Constitution. It IS outside the bounds of the Agency's Authority. It is flat out Illegal. Where are all those that were so "outraged" with Bush's Warrantless Wire Taps? This is ten times worse.

According to Infowars.com - Group Forces Congressional Hearing On Big Sis’ Twitter, Drudge Spying By Steve Watson Infowars.com February 9, 2012

A privacy advocacy group has swayed Congress to hold a hearing next week into the Department of Homeland Security’s practice of monitoring social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as media reports and organizations, including The Drudge Report.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) recently obtained close to 300 pages of documents, as a result of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, detailing the federal agency’s “intelligence gathering” practices on the web.

Among the documents were guidelines from DHS instructing outside contractors to monitor the web for media reports and comments that “reflect adversely” on the agency or the federal government.

As Reuters reported last month, in early 2010 contractors were asked to spend 24 hours monitoring news media coverage on popular websites, including Facebook, Twitter, Hulu, WikiLeaks, as well as news sites including the Huffington Post and The Drudge Report.

Yeah, I told you about this also. It was not reported by most in the Mainstream Media. Many on Talk Radio even missed it. But YOU, being a true OPNer, were fully informed.

The contractors were required to provide the DHS with feedback on any potential “threats and hazards”, as well as “any media reports that reflect adversely on the U.S. Government and the Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.) ability to prevent, protect and respond, to recovery efforts or activities related to any crisis or events which impact National Planning Scenarios.”

The documents also state that the program should highlight “both positive and negative reports on FEMA, C.I.A., C.B.P., ICE, etc., as well as organizations outside of D.H.S.”

The documents obtained by EPIC indicate that following the exercise, a procurement official awarded an $11.3 million contract to General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems in order to carry out the monitoring on a “24/7/365 basis”.

EPIC director Ginger McCall notes that monitoring what people are saying about government policies goes too far and has a chilling effect on free speech.

“The Department of Homeland Security’s monitoring of political dissent has no legal basis and is contrary to core First Amendment principles,” she said.

“The language in the documents makes it quite clear that they are looking for media reports that are critical of the agency and the U.S. government more broadly,” said McCall. “This is entirely outside of the bounds of the agency’s statutory duties.”

DHS officials have admitted that monitoring of social networks for negative opinion was undertaken by the agency, but claim that the operation was a one off test and was quickly dropped as it did not meet “operational requirements or privacy standards,” which “expressly prohibit reporting on individuals’ First Amendment activities.”

{Laughing} Translation? "Yeah were were doing it, but, uh, we were caught, so we 'dropped it.' Honest. Trust us."

EPIC argues otherwise and has presented evidence that suggests the practice is being held up by the DHS an an example that should be emulated.

“They are completely out of bounds here,” McCall said. “The idea that the government is constantly peering over your shoulder and listening to what you are saying creates a very chilling effect to legitimate dissent.

Yup. Any Russian friends out there? Remember whispering in the Bathroom? You get the point.

The Congressional hearing, DHS Monitoring of Social Networking and Media: Enhancing Intelligence Gathering and Ensuring Privacy, will be held Thursday February 16th.

However, it is already apparent where the House subcommittee for intelligence and counter-terrorism stands on the matter. As reported by Reuters, the top two members of the subcommittee, Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA) and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), wrote to DHS Intelligence Chief Caryn Wagner last month, pressing her to more carefully monitor users’ posts on sites such as Facebook and Twitter, in order to help detect “current or emerging threats.”

As we have also previously reported, The DHS has openly announced that it is actively monitoring social media for signs of “social unrest”, in a bid to pre-empt any sign of social dislocation within the United States.

Folks, this is what I'm warning you about. We are going down dangerous trails and our very Freedom hangs in the balance. Congratulations Ginger McCall, for recognizing the Threat, the courage to stand for the Truth and Freedom, you ARE the Winner of the Display of Logic Award for Today, Sunday, February 12, 2012. Standing up for Freedom and The First Amendment is ALWAYS Logical. It is always worthy of praise.
Peter

Sources:
Infowars.com - Group Forces Congressional Hearing On Big Sis’ Twitter, Drudge Spying

Should Churches Be Free To Hire Whom They Want?

Preview for Sunday 100211

Hey folks,

That's right. Happy October to ya. It's Sunday October 2nd, 2011 already. How are ya? Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog Big Sunday Edition. Not all that Big today I'm afraid. It is also that time of year. Joshua being back to school, First Grade, brought home a little more than Home Work this week. He also brought home sickness. He was sick, now Eli is, and I am. Once again, Bed, NyQuil, Antibiotics, ETC. So just the basics this Week.

Always remember, if YOU want to be a part of the OPNTalk Blog, or just say Hi, the Email is opntalk@gmail.com. I am of course your Host, Peter Carlock. Coming right up today?

The TRUTH About the AMA
DLA For Sunday 100211
IWA For Sunday 100211

Like I said, it was just a bit of a chore getting the basics today. Going back to bed in a second. But first, why is this so hard to understand. If you own a Business, say you own a Ford Car Company, why would you hire an Encyclopedia Sales Person to work for you? You wouldn't. More importantly, you would not be FORCED to. So then I ask you this, Why would Churches not be free to Hire whomever they want? According to The Christian Post > U.S.Sat, Oct. 01 2011 12:38 PM EDT - Supreme Court to Hear Case on Church Authority, Hiring RightsDoes "ministerial exception" apply to teachers at religious schools?By R. Leigh Coleman Christian Post Reporter

One of the most important religious cases disputed in years, involving the separation of church and state, will soon come before the U.S. Supreme Court. The legal battle could change whether or not the federal government can dictate or interfere with church authority.

Arguments in the case, Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church v. the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, will be heard Oct. 5. The case centers on “ministerial exception,” which is a law that has been on the books for some 40 years.

This “exception” protects churches and other religious groups from discrimination claims against them including issues on hiring and firing employees.

The high profile legal dispute involves Cheryl Perich, a former fourth grade teacher at the Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church School. Perich was fired for insubordination and disruptive conduct in 2005. The church congregation that same year approved her termination.

“Called teachers, like Perich, normally receive tenure and may be dismissed only for cause,” according to court records.

Forcing the church to retain Perich after she was fired would be an unconstitutional restriction on its right to choose its religious leaders, church leaders said in a statement.

One of the most important arguments that will come before the Supreme Court in the case is whether the government should be allowed to decide which duties are “religious,” and which are not.

The First Amendment States:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Read it again with me folks. It's not hard to understand. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" Freedom OF Religion. Not Freedom FROM Religion. The "Wall" if you will, was put in place to Protect those that are Faithful FROM the Federal Government. The Federal Government can NOT, and IS BARRED from "prohibiting the free exercise thereof." There is no Wall Of Separation of Church and State. The whole reason this was put in was the Whole Reason we are even HERE to begin with. It Prohibits the Federal Government from ESTABLISHING, or CREATING a Federal Religion. It says that the Federal Government can NOT limit nor restrict ones Religious Freedom.

Now some may argue, and they do all the time, that this means that you can not Pray or set up Christmas Displays on Government Land, or Pray in Government Funded Schools, ETC. They are wrong, but, one could see where they get the argument from. But to say that the Government has a RIGHT to come INTO a Church and dictate whom they can and can not hire, allow to join, or dictate the curriculum, is COMPLETELY and INSANELY wrong!

Attorneys representing the church say Perich caused a scene at the school after taking several months off to address an illness involving a sleep disorder. She ended up threatening to file a lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act while discussing her job responsibilities with the principal.

The school, citing concerns about her health, had asked Perich to voluntarily resign her call to be a teacher of religion, or minister under the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod laws. She refused and filed a complaint with the EEOC.

The EEOC and Perich then filed suit in federal district court alleging that the church had retaliated against Perich, which was in violation of the ADA.

In 2008, the district court decided against Perich, ruling that since she had been called as a commissioned minister, her firing was subject to the ministerial exception and thus was not within the court’s right to interfere.

Court records show that in 2010, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Perich was not covered by the ministerial exception because most of her duties were secular, and overturned the decision.

Now, a host of organizations are involved in the legalities of the case including the Becket Fund, the ACLU, the NAACP, the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, human rights organizations, bishops and the federal government.

Douglas Laycock, the attorney on record representing the Lutheran Church, told The Christian Post that this legal battle is unprecedented and could impact every church in the nation.

“Lutheran churches put a heavy weight on teachers and religious education by requiring their teachers take theology courses and they also get a ministerial housing allowance,” Laycock told The Christian Post in a phone interview Friday.

He explained that the purpose of the ministerial exception is to protect the right of religious institutions to choose their own religious leaders.

"This case has the potential to change employment relations in virtually every religious institution in the nation."

Which is the whole point. Those involved in this, are completely Godless Organizations. Liberal Godless Organizations that HATE Religion. Especially anything to do with Christianity. How could a LEADER in a Church have mostly "Secular Duties?" They can't. But who is the Government to decide what is Secular and not?

Experts say it is a legal battle that will start massive controversy and widespread social disruptions. Questions about non-clergy qualifications, the protections of equal employment laws even if they work at religious organizations that claim exemptions to those laws and government involvement in the church, are all sensitive discussions up for debate.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life analyzed the case stating the Supreme Court has never ruled on the 40-year-old legal doctrine, but judges in lower federal courts have used it to exempt religious organizations from anti-discrimination laws and other statutes that regulate how employers treat their workers.

"The big question for the Supreme Court is whether the ministerial exception rule applies to a teacher at a religious elementary school who teaches the full secular curriculum, but also teaches daily religion classes, is a commissioned minister, and regularly leads students in prayer and worship," Laycock said.

The Supreme Court, which has three female justices, will have to find a common ground that “involve inherently religious questions,” and “if the matter is a theological dispute and belongs in the court system."

The American Civil Liberties Union, which submitted an opinion on the case, said in a statement they hope "the justices will narrowly interpret the ministerial exception."

Pew researchers said in a statement that "Hosanna-Tabor case offers the justices an opportunity to mold and shape a doctrine that has existed in lower federal courts for 40 years. The lack of even one prior Supreme Court decision on the doctrine makes it difficult to predict how the court ultimately will rule, but the Hosanna-Tabor case has the potential to change the ministerial exception, perhaps quite significantly."

The Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redford, Mich., operated a K-8 school founded on biblical principles. Teachers at the school are required to serve as Christian role models, and they are tasked with duties such as leading students in prayer, worship, and religious study, according to the school’s website.

The congregation eventually closed the church’s school in 2009.

So sorry, but the fact is, the Church, or ANY Religious organization, has the Right to hire or Fire ANYONE they chose to. It always amazed me, and ALWAYS makes me ask the question, if you do not agree with what ANY ORGANIZATION, Religious or otherwise, WHY join them? It is sad to see the shut down the School. If they were taking Federal Money, I can see the Government having a case here, but if they were not? The Government has NOTHING to say.

Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
The Christian Post > U.S.Sat, Oct. 01 2011 12:38 PM EDT - Supreme Court to Hear Case on Church Authority, Hiring Rights

Federal District Judge Lynn Hughes Says Jesus Is OK

Preview for Sunday 052911

Hey folks,

WELCOME to the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog. It's been a while. What is it Three Week? Two. Two weeks? Anyway, seems like it's been forever since I got to sit in The Chair and bring to you the Big Sunday Edition. The good news is that it seems that the folks over at Google and Blogspot.com are working out all the problems they have been having. It gets a little better every day. Lets hope we can make it through the Sunday Edition with everything working the way it should. Or at least close to the way it should.

Glad you could stop by. You can also find me over on Twitter, Facebook, and occasionally on the Tom Sullivan Facebook Page. As Always, if YOU want to be a part of the OPNTalk Blog, the Email is opntalk@gmail.com.

So coming right up today?

Obama Parties, Some Not Happy
Signs Of Alzheimer's
DLA For Sunday 052911
IWA for Sunday 052911

All that as we move along. First up though, did you catch this? Texas Federal District Judge Lynn Hughes says the name Jesus is OK to use in a Memorial Day Prayer. I kid you not. A Federal Judge had to say it's OK. Not that the Government can say it's NOT. According to the Huston Chronicle: VA agrees not to interfere with holiday prayers Agency backs down after losing court fight over pastor's mention of Jesus in Memorial Day invocation at Houston cemetery By TERRI LANGFORD HOUSTON CHRONICLE

The nation's agency for military veterans has agreed to stay out of religious refereeing for now, backing down from its attempt to tell a minister how to craft a prayer for a Memorial Day invocation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Hindrichs told federal District Judge Lynn Hughes that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will not demand that Memorial Day prayers at Houston National Cemetery Monday be as non-denominational as possible.

"(The agency) will let the prayer go on this Monday," Hindrichs told Hughes.

The change of heart came one day after the judge granted the Rev. Scott Rainey a temporary restraining order against the agency after officials told the pastor to edit his prayer to make it as general and non-denominational as possible. Rainey's prayer, submitted for review at the agency's request included the recitation of the Lord's Prayer and thanked Jesus Christ, the Christian savior, in closing.

"The ... prayer/message is specific to one belief," wrote Arleen Ocasio, director of the Houston National Cemetery.

"I've never said a prayer in my life that didn't end with Jesus Christ," Rainey said after Friday's hearing. "It was unrealistic expectation for me not to include the name of Jesus Christ."

Veterans Affairs officials informed Rainey that if he wanted to give the invocation, he would have to keep the language in his prayer "general" and "non-denominational."

Rainey filed a lawsuit against the agency Thursday, claiming the government was censoring his speech and asked the judge to stop the agency from doing so.

Judge warns agency

Hughes granted a temporary restraining order which will stay in place through Monday's Memorial Day. The judge said that while he was not doubting the government's word, he was "an experienced optimist" who didn't want to leave room for the government to change its mind before Monday.

Yesterday, the judge warned the agency it had stepped too far, saying officials were essentially "decreeing how citizens honor their veterans."

"The government cannot gag citizens when it says it is in the interest of national security, and it cannot do it in some bureaucrat's notion of cultural homogeneity," Hughes wrote.

Way to go Judge. Folks, the Constitution says that we can practice our Faith ANYWHERE and ANYWAY we chose and the Federal Government can NOT "prohibit the free exercise" of Religion. Sorry Fred. Sorry Arleen. There is no room for Political Correctness here. The LAW is not on your side. Maybe you should attend. A little Prayer in your life may be good for ya.

Alright folks, going to fill my cup. Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
Huston Chronicle: VA agrees not to interfere with holiday prayers

Pelosi And Other Libs Want to Silence YOUR Voice Re-Post

Originally Posted June 26, 2008

Hey folks,

This is just one of the many things you can expect to see as soon as Obama get's in. This is something that they have been trying to doing for the last 8 plus years. With Obama and The LWL running the House and the Senate, this will be a first priority. Why? One of the first things any Dictatorship, or Socialistic Government does is silence their opposition.

Next Week we will look at How Obama has become the new Poster Boy for the New Liberalism Movement, or the figurehead for the Quest for Tyranny. Then the MONDAY. Yes, MONDAY night before the election, I will tell you how this IS possible. How it IS possible that America could very well become the NEW USSA.

Pelosi And Other Libs Want to Silence YOUR Voice

The LWL HATE the First Amendment

Hey folks,

I have been warning you over and over again that they HATE Talk Radio and the New Media. They REALLY do. I have pointed out why.

Amnesty.

Something like 40 attempts at granting Amnesty in various Bills and hidden agendas. Talk Radio, Blogs, ETC, the NEW Media, told you about it. They failed.

Universal Health Care. It was because of the New Media that you have all the information you have on this. The Utopia of Nationalized Healthcare is not what it seems. They cannot get the votes because YOU will not let them.

FISA, Supporting our Troops, the fact that the War HAS NOT FAILED. In the face of all the FACTS and TRUTH, they, and their friends in the Mainstreme Media, were coming out and telling you DIRECT LIES. It was because of Talk Radio and the New Media that YOU FORCED them to do the right thing.

Global Warming BS. Why do you think they have not hit this full force and attempted to pass some of their idiotic ideas in to law? Because more and more of you are learning the it is GWBS. If it were not for the New Media, they would have flooded the major networks, and New Papers, as they have, with constant BS about GW. But more and more of you are getting your FACTS, and hearing the TRUTH from sources other than them. They cannot even debate it. They have NO real scientific PROOF that it even exists, as a matter of fact, Science and Nature prove them WRONG. You would have never heard that from them. You still haven't.

NOW, 76 percent of you want us to Drill here, Drill NOW, and you KNOW that this would mean you will pay less. They continue to hammer you with the Liberal talking points that are both incorrect, and will NOT add another gallon nor lower the cost a Pennie. As a matter of fact. ALL of their proposals on this will INCREASE the cost at the pump and create MORE hardship on those already suffering. How do you know this? Well, next to commonsense and logic, you have gotten the TRUE facts from the New Media.

I have been telling you that they want to cut this source off. Even some Republicans have said Talk Radio is a problem. These people have power to change your lives forever. They WANT to. But you are not making it easy for them because as a wise man once said. "Knowledge is power." You have the facts and know the truth. Therefore they can not, although they try, come out and fool you or mislead you into buying what they are trying to sell to you.

So instead of doing what normal and intelligent people do, talk about and debate the points on any given subject, they want to SILENCE those that disagree with them. They want to silence YOUR voice, and those that give you the TRUTH. They want the monopoly of the news and information you receive BACK.

See the montage of the Fairness Doctrine HERE.

Yesterday, John Gizzi, Political Editor of Human Events Online posted this. Pelosi Supports 'Fairness Doctrine'

The speaker of the House made it clear to me and more than forty of my colleagues yesterday that a bill by Rep. Mike Pence (R.-Ind.) to outlaw the “Fairness Doctrine” (which a liberal administration could use to silence Rush Limbaugh, other radio talk show hosts and much of the new alternative media) would not see the light of day in Congress during ’08. In ruling out a vote on Pence’s proposed Broadcaster's Freedom Act, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-CA.) also signaled her strong support for revival of the “Fairness Doctrine” -- which would require radio station owners to provide equal time to radio commentary when it is requested.

Experts say that the “Fairness Doctrine,” which was ended under the Reagan Administration, would put a major burden on small radio stations in providing equal time to Rush Limbaugh and other conservative broadcasters, who are a potent political force. Rather than engage in the costly practice of providing that time, the experts conclude, many stations would simply not carry Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and other talk show hosts who are likely to generate demands for equal time.

At a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor yesterday, I asked Pelosi if Pence failed to get the required signatures on a discharge petition to get his anti-Fairness Doctrine bill out of committee, would she permit the Pence measure to get a floor vote this year.

“No,” the Speaker replied, without hesitation. She added that “the interest in my caucus is the reverse” and that New York Democratic Rep. “Louise Slaughter has been active behind this [revival of the Fairness Doctrine] for a while now.”

Pelosi pointed out that, after it returns from its Fourth of July recess, the House will only meet for another three weeks in July and three weeks in the fall. There are a lot of bills it has to deal with before adjournment, she said, such as FISA and an energy bill.

“So I don’t see it [the Pence bill] coming to the floor,” Pelosi said.

“Do you personally support revival of the ‘Fairness Doctrine?’” I asked.

“Yes,” the speaker replied, without hesitation.

Folks, if the House and the Senate, continue to be run by the Left Wing Loonies that are running it now, and someone like Obama get in, possibly even McCain, we could see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. Now it will not force Rush to do anything. It will not effect WABC. However, as Mr. Gizzi points out, it WILL effect smaller radio stations nationwide. So people in the Midwest and smaller areas will lose the ability to hear Rush, Hannity, ETC. Of course, you can always listen to them on line. {Smile} But this is a DIRECT attack on the First Amendment by those running our Government. This is an on going attempt to keep you in the dark about what they are actually doing. This is the INSANITY and arrogance of the LWL. Time to send them a message folks. Plain and simple.

Peter
Sources:
OPNTalk - Fairness Doctrine Montage
Human Events- Pelosi Supports 'Fairness Doctrine'