Interests:winning people to Christ and maturing them, politics, cultural movements, chocolate connoisseuring Expertise:pastoring, political action, leading, computer/telecom skills Occupation:Staff Pastor, Political influe Industry:Non-profit
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My dear Xanga friends,
It has been so long since I have posted something here, but Ohio is at a critical junction. For years, we have fought efforts to legalize gambling. It appears as if today we may finally fail.Governor Strickland, who has previously held a position against gambling, has now bent to the gambling interests. In fact, the governor has been working on a state budgetary crisis and has been working with the legislature to balance the budget. Well known fact: governor wants to be re-elected in 2010 and does not want to tax citizens. Therefore, this is his only answer for state revenue to increase, allow slot machines in for the very first time!
My friends, if you are an Ohioan, please call him or her today and tell them to vote NO on the state budget, since it allows a provision for the governor to write an Executive Order to allow slots into Ohio.
I already spoke with my state senator's office and the response was that the senator felt like he had no choice other than to let the governor have his way. I told him that was balogna and the senator absolutely has a choice to go against the governor. I don't care what agencies cease to get funding! Stand for principle, or be a big coward and incur the wrath of the conservatives in Ohio. Have some guts and stand like a man, for crying out loud! Pulezzze!!!!
Below is an alert that was sent out on Sunday.
Pastor Mark Life Comes At You Fast!!!
Legislative Alert - Vote Expected Monday
To all:
Governor Strickland is expected to sign an executive order on Monday (today) to authorize the state lottery to use casino style slot machines (VLT's) at Ohio's racetrack locations - a casino scheme previously rejected by Ohio voters. He has convinced the Democratic leadership in the House and the Republican leadership in the Senate to cooperate by changing state laws on gambling in the budget bill.
Elected legislators in BOTH the Ohio House and Ohio Senate need to hear from their constituents by this morning.
Background:
The Ohio Constitution was am ended on May 8, 1973 to permissively grant the Ohio General Assembly the authority to authorize a state agency to conduct lotteries and award lottery prizes based on a common understanding of the lottery game as one which utilizes the sale of tickets as the means of play.
Ohio citizens in 1973 did not amend the Ohio Constitution to give a state agency OR any governor the power to authorize casinos.
Facts:
* Casino games have been rejected by Ohio voters four times since the Lottery’s inception, including twice in the past three years.
* Putting VLT’s at Ohio’s existing racetracks was rejected by voters in 82 out of 88 counties.
* Less that one year ago almost 3.4 million Ohioans refused to accept an expansion of gambling.
* In the counties which host 5 of the 7 racetracks, voters flatly rejected the placement of video lottery terminals at these facilities near their homes and neighborhoods.
* Governor Strickland ESTIMATES that VLT revenues will generate $933 million, but Ohioans would have to LOSE more than twice that amount for the state to get its share. This means an estimated $2 BILLION would be sucked out of the consumer economy. (Once the money is lost in a slot machine, you can’t get it back to spend it on clothing, food, appliances, cars, or other consumer products. Ohio’s economy cannot afford it in the middle of this recession!)
Other points to consider:
* To override the vote of the people shows a significant disrespect for the “consent of the governed” which is foundational to our system of government.
* To balance a multibillion dollar budget on what Ohioans would choose to lose at a slot machine is extremely irresponsible.
Action:
Please contact your state senator and state representative IMMEDIATELY (today). Ask him/her to vote NO on the budget. Any support of this budget will be considered a support for bringing in casinos which have specifically been rejected by the majority of Ohio voters.
The final vote on the budget could take place by Monday afternoon.
We are getting attacked in Ohio. Our moral underpinnings are being sacrificed. If it's not enough for Ohio Republicans to call for a constitutional convention, Clevelanders have to fight the homosexual agenda. Consider the story from the Plain Dealer this morning. I heard a local pastor from Cleveland's east side relate last night's city council meeting, where over 2/3's was for the domestic partner (homosexual) registry and 1/3 was against (presumably Christians). Because Christians did not overwhelmingly respond, now Cleveland may have it's first homosexual legislation, enacted on an "emergency" status. However, there is still a way to stop this. Everyone must call, fax or e-mail the Mayor's office.
Mark
Cleveland council votes to enact domestic partner registry
Cleveland City Council voted Monday to create a domestic partner registry for same- and opposite-sex couples, ending weeks of emotional, behind-the-scenes lobbying on both sides of the controversial issue.
The registry, though nonbinding, could prompt employers, hospitals and other organizations to grant privileges typically reserved for married couples, advocates say. The registry also is a revenue booster and a symbolic gesture that Cleveland is gay-friendly.
But several council members reported intense pressure from local pastors, who oppose domestic partner benefits on religious grounds. At one point Monday afternoon, a rattled Kevin Conwell, a co-sponsor of the legislation, seemed ready to change his position.
"I had more than 70 calls over the weekend," Conwell said. Conwell ultimately voted with the majority. The final vote was 13-7.
The legislation next heads to Mayor Frank Jackson, who plans to sign the registry into law, a spokeswoman said late Monday. The registry will take effect 120 days after the mayor signs.
Voting against the legislation were Phyllis Cleveland, Roosevelt Coats, Kenneth Johnson, Sabra Pierce Scott, Terrell Pruitt, Zack Reed and TJ Dow.
Over the next four months, Cleveland officials will work out details for their registry.
Councilman Joe Cimperman, who sponsored the legislation, said couples likely will have to pay $55 to register and declare that they are in a committed relationship and "share responsibility for each other's common welfare."
The couples would not have to live in Cleveland.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Democrat of Cleveland, spoke in support of the registry Monday as members of council's Finance Committee debated it at a public hearing. "There are a lot of talented people who want to know that this is a welcoming city," said Kucinich, a former mayor and councilman. "I think this legislation does that."
Lobbying on the other side was Yuri Ammari, pastor from Metro Alliance Church. Ammari cited biblical verses in calling on council to vote against the legislation.
"I would beg the council to delay a 'yes' vote until there is more dialogue," he said.
Councilman Zack Reed, who voted against the registry, said he was lobbied by his pastor, the Rev. Marvin McMickle.
Also voting against the registry were Councilwoman Sabra Pierce Scott, Councilman Roosevelt Coats.
Pierce Scott said prior to the vote that she had concerns about how the legislation was worded.
At a committee hearing, Coats cited biblical passages that he said denounce homosexuality. "Many of you may disagree," he said.
"That's fine. These aren't my words. These words are in the Bible."
Registry proponent Sue Doerfer, executive director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland, said she is used to such comments.
"This is not new opposition," she said. "I expected it, although it's never easy."
Plain Dealer reporter Gabriel Baird contributed to this story.
This e-mail was sent to pro-lifers in Ohio. Please consider this a political action alert as I am trying to condense my time and efforts.
Mark Stevenson, CHESCA PAC
-----Forwarded Message-----
Fellow Ohio Right to Lifers,
Right to Life of Stark County has learned that the Ohio Republican Caucus has proposed to initiate a joint resolution petitioning the US Congress for a federal constitutional convention, which would be disaterous to our constitutional republic in this point in history. This cannot be allowed to happen. Please view our site and verify the facts as this is a quick-moving legislation. Hearing on Wednesdaywith a possible floor vote on the same day.
This is a call to immediate action. When you stop reading this, please stop what you are doing and take action immediately. Here is what is at stake: The U.S. Constitution. Forces are at work to get an article 5 Constitutional Convention. HJR 8 was introduced in the Ohio House on Dec.3. It is up for a vote on Wednesday Dec 10. If passed, Ohio could be considered the 33rd state to call for a Convention. Only 34 States are needed. It was learned recently that Illinois asked voters through referendum if they wanted a constitutional convention but 67% rejected the request, even though it seemed to be illegal to even take a referenda approach. Immediate action is needed.
NOTE: The Second Amendment could be completely gutted or removed in this process. If a Con Con was held while a liberal Congress and a new President was in power who openly disregards the rights of the unborn, we can expect more pro-death proliferation!
Here are the steps you need to take: (3 simple steps)
1. Get educated on the issue. There is a good 30 minute presentation from 2 states legislators that gives you a good primer. It is here:
2. Take action. E-Mail AND call your State Rep and EACH AND EVERY Co-sponsor and member of the Judiciary subcommittee.
Sample E-mail:
Please vote NO on HJR 8. While most Americans support having a balanced budget, we should firmly oppose a Constitutional Convention. Once an Article V convention is called, Congress, not the states will determine how delegates to the convention are chosen and the Convention itself will have no legal limitations on its scope or outcome no matter what the initial intention.
With our current political climate, I'm afraid any such convention would result in the Constitution and Bill of Rights our Founding Fathers gave us being disregarded.
Matt Huffman ( R ) - Main Sponsor District 4 Representative 77 S. High St 11th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 466-9624 Fax: (614) 719-0004 Email: district04@ohr.state.oh.us
Colleen Grady ( R ) District 18 Representative 77 S. High St 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 466-4895 Fax: (614) 719-6957 Email: district18@ohr.state.oh.us
Tom Brinkman, Jr. ( R ) District 34 Representative 77 S. High St 11th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 644-6886 Fax: (614) 719-3588 Email: district34@ohr.state.oh.us
Arlene Setzer ( R ) District 36 Representative 77 S. High St 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 644-8051 Fax: (614) 719-3590 Email: district36@ohr.state.oh.us
Clyde Evans ( R ) District 87 Representative 77 S. High St 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 466-1366 Fax: (614) 719-6987 Email: district87@ohr.state.oh.us
Gerald L. Stebelton ( R ) District 5 Representative 77 S. High St 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 466-8100 Fax: (614) 719-0005 Email: district05@ohr.state.oh.us
William G. Batchelder ( R ) District 69 Representative 77 S. High St 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 466-8140 Fax: (614) 719-3969 Email: district69@ohr.state.oh.us
Louis W. Blessing, Jr. ( R ) District 29 Representative 77 S. High St 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 Tel: (614) 466-9091 Fax: (614) 719-3583 Email: district29@ohr.state.oh.us
It's been some time since I blogged here. Really, not much to talk about since the elections. But here my Republican friends seem to screw up something, and this is big. Please read below and forward to your friends! We don't want this.
Life Comes At You Fast!
Mark
CHESCA Members,
I am sorry to have to send a political action e-mail close to the Christmas holiday. However, Gregg Harris once said it well when he said, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are in danger as long as the legislature is in session." Well, here is a shining example.
If you go to the CHESCA PAC site, you will find that politicians are stirring unnecessary trouble, right now. Some of Ohio's most conservative House Members are cosponsors to a proposed joint resolution, calling on the U. S. Congress to gather a constitutional convention for the purpose of amending the Constitution to obligate a balanced budget. On first glance, the reason may be admirable. However, it is a widely accepted belief that if the US Congress were to open a constitutional convention, there would be no stopping any potential effort to reorganize our historic constitutional republic with anything that seems like the "better idea." Once a constitutional convention convenes, anything could happen to weaken the sovereignty of the United States, as well as eliminate any of the Articles or amendments that have no cultural relevance.
According to one source on the Internet, you will find the proposed Joint Resolution here. It is HJR 8 in the Ohio House of Representatives. We are checking with other state legislatures to see if there is a coordinated attack, nationally.
I will be sending out another e-mail on Monday on who to call in the Ohio House of Representatives, since there is a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. When I ask you to call these legislators, please take time out of your holiday to let these people know that we do not need a constitutional convention. This is one of the most serious acts to happen in Ohio concerning our US Constitution.
Ok, so do you know what you're getting if Obama should become president? Let me preface this right now in saying, neither candidate, Republican nor Democrat, will be able to fiscally create good times out of thin air. In fact, the economy is going to tank, no matter which one gets elected. Neither candidate can pay for what they're proposing. Some of my good friends are predicting to throw their vote to a third party candidate, which in this case, I don't like that prospect, and I'll explain why.
There is not a lot of difference between Obama or McCain, EXCEPT the pro-life issue. My conservative friends will say that both parties have promised all kinds of things and got nothing out of it, in return. That is not completely true. In George W.'s presidency, we got two Supreme Court Justices, both seemingly conservative and willing to dump Roe V Wade. So, if the only thing that MAY come out of this is that the next president will be able to nominate two more, well, there's the election.
I just spent the evening at a meeting where a financial advisor took both Obama's and McCain's plans and there aint a whole lot of difference folks, for all the rhetoric. So, the way I see it, this is becoming, rather late in the game I might add, a referendum on pro-life or pro-abort. Here's why I say this:
My son Jonathan has been working and challenging our local newspaper, the Canton Repository's editorial staff over the last several years. He has challenged their policies concerning their Letters to the Editor, as well as their online commenting area. The main challenges have been what criteria the editorial board uses for denying letter writers that the newspaper seems to be biased against, such as pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage, points of view, etc. Jonathan has tirelessly and relentlessly challenged Gayle Beck senior editorial staff member, along with additional staff, that they have come to understand that he will take them to task if his letter seems to not stand a chance.
Today, Jonathan has a letter printed called "Don't Support 'Obamanation' of Abortion", to which the editorial staff affixes a title to all the letters. The letter is a thumbnail sketch of Se. Obama's intentions and history to the pro-abort agenda. It can be found on our RTL homepage at http://www.starkrtl.com or at the Repository web site at:
Jonathan has taken Sen. Obama's positions and given them, one by one. The very first thing Obama will do is enact the Freedom of Choice Act, which will, by one stroke of the pen, wipe out all the pro-life legislation in all states. Did you just read what I said? ALL OF THEM! Ok, now who do you think you should vote for? This is quickly becoming THE referendum on
The Rep web site has an online comment area for most every article or letter they print. Either way, I would like you to go to the Repository site and register a comment to the paper about Jonathan's letter (you will have to register on the site, I believe). If this campaign can be successful, we can show the Repository that they made a mistake in endorsing Obama. Currently, Jonathan is getting crucified by pro-abort supporters in the comment area.
This is an easy way of trying to mold local public opinion. Please consider taking time out of your day to do this simple thing.
Thanks. Life comes at you fast!
Mark Stevenson, Executive Director, RTL of Stark County
