Obama Honors Mass Murderer Chairman Mao with Ornament on the White House Christmas Tree

Photo: Mao Zedong ornament from the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room.

The Christian Defense Coalition and Generation Life are outraged that an ornament of a man who crushed human and religious rights, trampled on freedom and oversaw the deaths of 50,000,000 of his own people would be honored by a display on the White House Christmas tree during this holy season.

If these reports are true, President Obama has shown a profound disrespect for Christianity and the message of the Christ-child which was heard so loudly on Christmas morning; "Peace on earth, goodwill toward man."

Both organizations are calling for the ornament to be removed and an apology to be issued by the White House to all people of faith, Christians and the Chinese people, many of whom are still in prison because of Mao's policies.

The attorney for Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, contacted the White House and was told that they could neither confirm if the ornament was ever on the tree or if had been removed.

This episode is especially troubling in light of the fact that President Obama covered up a white cross at Georgetown University and a symbol for the name of Jesus. It now appears the President is continuing his disrespect and lack of sensitivity toward symbols and traditions of the Christian faith by insulting the birth of Christ with an image of brutal dictator on the White House Christmas tree.

The faith organizations wonder what next years' ornaments might look like? Perhaps a tribute to Joseph Stalin or Bull Conner.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was arrested twice and forcefully dragged out of Tiananmen Square at 2008 Summer Olympics in front Mao's tomb. He was there to speak out against the human rights abuses of the Chinese government against their own people and to speak out for free speech and religious liberties.

All these abuses started under Mao.

Rev. Mahoney states;

"I am stunned and profoundly disappointed by reports of an ornament with the image of Mao Zedong hanging on the White House Christmas tree. It is hard to understand during this most holy season that President Obama would display an ornament of a man who brutalized and murdered his own people and his legacy still haunts the Chinese and the world.

"It is a direct slap in the face to Christians who honor the birth of Christ and the Savior of the world during this special time of year. The message of Christ on that Christmas morning was 'peace on earth, goodwill toward man.' Yet the White House tramples that glorious message, with the image of a dictator who only brought tyranny and oppression to millions.

"By displaying this ornament, the White House has shown a profound disrespect and lack of sensitivity to Christianity and all faith traditions. Quite frankly, it is an insult to the Christmas holiday and all those who cherish the timeless and powerful message of Christ.

"Mr. President, please remove this offensive ornament and apologize to the American people. Sir, you are free to hang dictators and tyrants on the Christmas tree in your house. But this is not your house. It belongs to the American people and should symbolize freedom, hope, tolerance and respect. Especially during the Christmas season."

Brandi Swindell, Director of Generation Life, was also part of the group of Christian and human rights leaders that were arrested at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Ms. Swindell adds;

"I went to China last year to speak out against the human rights abuses against the Chinese people that began under the regime of Mao Zedong. Chairman Mao oversaw the deaths of 50,000,000 of his own countrymen under one of the most brutal governments in history. The policies and government he put in place still continue to crush, trample and terrorize the wonderful people of China.

"In light of this fact, it is an outrage that President Obama would put an ornament on the White House Christmas tree with an image of this brutal leader. To display an image of Mao at the White House would be an outrage at any time of the year, but to have it on display during the celebration of Christmas is an absolute disgrace.

"Sadly, these are the actions of a White House that has no respect or regard for the message of Christmas or the feelings of millions of Christians. Our message is clear; Mr. Obama remove the ornament, apologize to the American people and embrace the powerful message of Christmas. That message is one of hope not hate."

Pacific Justice Institute Announces 2009 'Hall of Shame'

The Pacific Justice Institute has published its 2009 Hall of Shame, the ten worst attacks on faith, family and freedom encountered this year.

1. Atheist Michael Newdow went to federal court seeking to stop prayers at President Obama's inauguration, and the use of "So help me God" in the presidential oath. PJI successfully represented defendants Drs. Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery, Jr., in getting the suit dismissed. It is now on appeal.
   
   
2. A school board in Alameda, California, turned a deaf ear to hundreds of parents and adopted a curriculum that pushed acceptance of homosexuality to students beginning in early elementary grades. After the school district then rejected parents' attempts to opt out of the curriculum, PJI filed suit.
   
   
3. A church appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals after a federal judge in San Francisco decided that the church had grown too much and should split into smaller congregations, rather than turning a vacant building into a worship center. PJI represents the church.
   
   
4. Atheists asked a federal appeals court to ban the use of memorial crosses to mark spots along Utah highways where officers were killed in the line of duty. PJI filed an amicus brief opposing the atheists.
   
   
5. Gov. Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill encouraging schools to celebrate the birthday of homosexual icon and sexual predator Harvey Milk.
   
   
6. The Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened city councils in California and elsewhere over traditional invocations at meetings. PJI sent legal opinion letters to several city councils offering advice as to how they could constitutionally continue their invocations.
   
   
7. A school district in Castro Valley, California, refused to provide information to parents about a talk given by a lesbian minister to math and science classes. PJI filed suit on the parents' behalf.
   
   
8. A school district in Oakley, California, stopped a second-grader from performing sign language in a talent show because her chosen song had Christian lyrics.
   
   
9. Pres. Obama signed a controversial federal hate crimes bill into law. The bill prioritizes crimes based on sexual orientation over crimes against the elderly. It also could be used by overzealous prosecutors to intimidate and punish pastors who preach against immorality.
   
   
10. The City Council of Washington, D.C., voted to allow same-sex marriage while refusing to allow citizens a vote on the issue.

'Tyranny Eve': Early Morning Christmas Eve Gathering on Capitol Hill to Protest Health Care Reform Bill

As the Senate prepares to vote on historic health care legislation on Christmas Eve morn, concerned citizens from across America organized through TyrannyEve.com will be gathering on the Capitol steps at 6:00am to peacefully protest the move by lawmakers to assume greater control of the private sector. "Tyranny Eve" -- a term meant to describe what's at stake with tomorrow's health care vote -- was coined by Peter Bradrick, a concerned North Carolina father who is spearheading tomorrows effort to assemble freedom loving Americans in Washington who oppose further statist encroachments into arenas beyond the governments rightful purview.

"Tomorrow, the day that the world celebrates as Christmas Eve, has been uniquely positioned to become 'Tyranny Eve,'" stated Peter Bradrick, founder of TyrannyEve.com. "Liberal lawmakers have scheduled two monumental votes on bills which, if carried into law, will propel us deeper toward statist socialism than many of us ever believed possible in America."

"While most citizens across America will be enjoying cozy pajamas and crackling fires, we call upon 'Sons of Liberty' to recognize this crucial moment -- to eschew comfort and stand with us on the Capitol steps," continued Bradrick. "To stand not only against socialistic health care and unlimited government spending, but for our children and their freedom."

Bradrick was compelled to launch TyrannyEve.com as he observed a change in public mood over the past few months from outspoken protests toward the health care bill in late summer to one of complacency in recent weeks as the legislation has moved through Congress. "Several months ago, town hall meetings across America pulsed with the outrage of concerned citizens who said 'enough is enough' with the government's attempts to encroach on our freedom by taking greater control over the private sector," Bradrick noted. "Now, on the eve of an historic vote on health care legislation in the Senate, that spirit has waned as the passage of this behemoth bill that will deprive us of liberties and bankrupt our children's future is considered inevitable. Now is not the time for apathy. Now is the time to stand."

Bradrick explained that, while others who have stood against the health care bill have gone home to be with their families, he believes it is vital for citizens to stand in Washington now as the critical vote in the Senate is put to the floor: "Why are we gathering while others have gone 'home for the holidays'? Because we believe that American patriots should not be lulled into easy peace while such a galactic blow to American Liberty is being dealt. The festive cheer of the season cannot mask the ugly reality that is being advanced on 'Tyranny Eve' by legislators drunk, not with spiked eggnog, but with the sense of unchecked power that is run amok."

Bradrick also indicated that his call for Americans to stand with him tomorrow was about much more than the health care debate; it is a battle over liberty.

"We are not gathering merely to protest these bills," remarked Bradrick. "We are gathering to oppose the idea that it is the government's place to solve our problems. We say with the founding fathers of America that it is not. The solution is in our homes, our businesses, and our churches across America. We affirm our constitution's bill of rights which states 'The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.'"

"Join us as we peacefully stand together to defy tyranny and proclaim our allegiance to the God who this nation was founded upon." Bradrick concluded.

"Stand with us as we proclaim to lawmakers in Washington DC that statist power grabs are not the solution. They are the problem."

For more information about the event or to interview Peter Bradrick visit: www.tyrannyeve.com.

New "Great Books" College to Honor C. S. Lewis

One of the great, counter-cultural, signs of hope in recent decades has been the establishment of "great books" colleges. Rather than a menu of trendy, politically correct courses from which students may choose, at the great books colleges students and professors mine the best works of western civilization for the truth. In small seminar classes utilizing the socratic method, students learn to think and defend that truth in debate and in writing. In this regard, we particularly admire Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California.

This classical approach to education is a growing movement and a sure antidote to much that ails the modern world. We were, therefore, particularly pleased to learn of a new college in the Oxford tradition, named for and inspired by the great Christian author, C. S. Lewis.

Property purchased by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. from Northfield Mount Hermon School will become the home of a college to be established by the C. S. Lewis Foundation, the organizations announced Wednesday.

Hobby Lobby, a privately held national retail chain of more than 400 arts and crafts stores, purchased property in Northfield, Mass., from the Northfield Mount Hermon School (NMH).The property will become the home of C.S. Lewis College, a college of great books and visual and performing arts.

Once in Royal David's City

Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall;
with the poor, the scorned, the lowly,
lived on earth our Savior holy.

And, through all his wondrous childhood,
he would honor and obey,
love and watch the lowly maiden
in whose gentle arms he lay:
Christian children all must be
mild, obedient, good as he.

For he is our childhood's pattern,
day by day like us he grew;
he was little, weak and helpless,
tears and smiles like us he knew.
and he feeleth for our sadness,
and he shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see him,
through his own redeeming love;
for that Child who seemed so helpless
is our Lord in heaven above;
and he leads his children on
to the place where he is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
with the oxen standing round,
we shall see him; but in heaven,
set at God's right hand on high;
when like stars his children crowned,
all in white shall wait around.

Health Care Nullification: Who Will Begin the Process in South Carolina?

One can only wonder at what price Senator Ben Nelson sold his soul and his vote in agreeing to support ObamaCare. Or what threats of blackmail the White House thugs may have used on the pathetic Nelson; but his betrayal will only strengthen the much needed revolution underway. It is a revolution of resurgent states' rights and the refusal by every citizen to don shackles. We are beginning to learn that the exercise of Constitutional rights is their surest protection.

Who will begin the nullification process in South Carolina?

“The several States composing the United States of America, are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their General Government.”

–Thomas Jefferson

From The Tenth Amendment Center
By Michael Boldin

For the past few days, I’ve received loads of emails urging me to get active regarding the healthcare vote – most of which had a subject line similar to: “Last Chance to Stop National Healthcare!”

Well, if you believe the only way to protect your rights is by begging federal politicians to do what you want, then these emails are certainly right. The vote went as expected, and so will the next.

So if you think marching on D.C. or calling your Representatives, or threating to “throw the bums out” in 2010 or 2012 or 20-whatever, is going to further the cause of the Constitution and your liberty – you might as well get your shackles on now. Your last chance has come and gone.

But, those of you who visit this site regularly already know that the Senate’s health care vote is far from the end of things – and you also know that even when it goes into effect (which I assume some version will), it’s still not the end of the road for your freedom.

The real way to resist DC is not by begging politicians and judges in Washington to allow us to exercise our rights…it’s to exercise our rights whether they want to give us “permission” to or not.

Nullification – state-level resistance to unconstitutional federal laws – is the way forward.

When a state ‘nullifies’ a federal law, it is proclaiming that the law in question is void and inoperative, or ‘non-effective,’ within the boundaries of that state; or, in other words, not a law as far as that state is concerned.

It’s peaceful, effective, and has a long history in the American tradition. It’s been invoked in support of free speech, in opposition to war and fugitive slave laws, and more. Read more on this history here.

Regarding nullification and health care, there’s already a growing movement right now. Led by Arizona, voters in a number of states may get a chance to approve State Constitutional Amendments in 2010 that would effectively ban national health care in their states. Our sources here at the Tenth Amendment Center indicate to us that we should expect to see 20-25 states consider such legislation in 2010.

20 States resisting DC can do what calling, marching, yelling, faxing, and emailing has almost never done. Stop the feds dead in their tracks.

For example, 13 states are already defying federal marijuana prohibition, and the federal government is having such a hard time dealing with it that the Obama administration recently announced that they would no longer prioritize enforcement in states that have medical marijuana laws.

Better yet, in the last 2+ years more than 20 states have been able to effectively prevent the Real ID Act of 2005 from being implemented. How did they do that? They passed laws and resolutions refusing to comply with it. And today, it’s effectively null and void without ever being repealed by Congress or challenged in court.

While the Obama administration would like to revive it under a different name, the reality is still there – with massive state-level resistance, the federal government can be pushed back inside its constitutional box. Issue by issue, law by law, the best way to change the federal government is by resisting it on a state level.

That’s nullification at work.

Over the years, wise men and women warned us that the Constitution would never enforce itself. The time is long overdue for people to start recognizing this fact, and bring that enforcement closer to home.

The bottom line? If you want to make real change; if you want to really do something for liberty and for the Constitution…focus on local activism and your state governments.

Thomas Jefferson would be proud!

Michael Boldin is the founder of the Tenth Amendment Center

Christmas Message of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal

"Christmas approaches. Therefore I wish peace and Grace to all the inhabitants of this Holy Land: Palestinians and Israelis, Christians, Muslims, Jews and Druses. I extend these greetings to our faithful in Jordan and Cyprus who are also part of this diocese. The Birth of Christ offers several values to meditate upon: peace, hope, love, sharing, hospitality, compassion and human dignity."

Christmas Message 2009

First of all, I want to welcome you, all the journalists gathered here today, and thank you for the good but difficult work you perform. Through this work you have the opportunity to seek and serve the truth. Many journalists have paid and continue to pay a real cost to their lives due to their dedication to the truth. Information is not neutral. It has a real ethical dimension. Through informing the readers about what happens in the world, you help them to have an objective and ethical evaluation of the events themselves. Thank you and welcome.

Christmas approaches. Therefore I wish peace and Grace to all the inhabitants of this Holy Land: Palestinians and Israelis, Christians, Muslims, Jews and Druses. I extend these greetings to our faithful in Jordan and Cyprus who are also part of this diocese. The Birth of Christ offers several values to meditate upon: peace, hope, love, sharing, hospitality, compassion and human dignity.

1. Our dreams for a reconciled Holy Land seem to be utopia. Despite the praiseworthy efforts of politicians and men of good will to find a solution to the ongoing conflict, all of us, Palestinians and Israelis, have all failed in achieving peace. The reality contradicts our dreams. Here are some examples:

A. Palestinians still do not have their own State where they can live in peace and harmony with their Israeli neighbors; they still suffer from Occupation, difficult economical situation, destruction of houses in East Jerusalem and internal divisions, thousands of persons living in Jerusalem or Gaza or the Palestinian Territories are waiting for family reunion; one year after Gaza war, Gaza still suffers from economical siege, lack of freedom of movement and from the contamination of its sea and water, which endangers the health of 1.500.000 citizens among which 50% are under the age of 14.

B. The final status for Jerusalem is still under discussion. Many changes are taking place in the Holy City which may alter its vocation as a Universal city for three religions and two peoples, making it into an exclusive city. Indeed, Jerusalem is called to be a city of peaceful co-existence between its inhabitants. Unfortunately, the Al Aksa compound recently witnessed confrontations between Fundamentalists Jews who tried to invade Al Haram Al Sharif and the young Palestinians, who wanted to defend their Holy Place. The impact of these regrettable events should not be underestimated.

C. Israelis live under great fear which prohibits them from taking courageous decisions to end the conflict. The Separation Wall is a material manifestation of this fear. On another side, we had strongly hoped that the exchange of prisoners between Israelis and Palestinians would succeed and give hope to the Palestinians and Israelis. We feel frustrated by the delay.

2. Nevertheless, our hope is still alive. Hope is the "capacity to see God in the midst of trouble. It encourages us to change the reality in which we find ourselves. Hope means not giving in to evil, but rather standing up to it” (Kairos Palestine Document, 2009). In the Holy Land, everything is not desperate. There are a few signs of hope which are:

A. The partial freeze on the construction of settlements and the removal of over fifty checkpoints within the West Bank. This decision from the Israeli Military has markedly improved the freedom of movement for Palestinians and the economic situation. It is not enough, but, a step forward. We hope that other steps may soon follow. On the other hand, Palestinians are more and more expressing resistance in a non violent fashion. It is a positive sign pointing in the right direction.

B. The generosity of the international community: the financial support of the international community is a strong sign of hope. After the Gaza war, there came into being a chain of solidarity from governments, churches and individuals. We thank all the donors and promise to pray for them on Christmas.

C. The visit of the Holy Father in May 2009. Pope Benedict was well received in Jordan, Israel and Palestine. A great thanks to the governments of the three countries. He came here as pilgrim of peace and reconciliation. “No more bloodshed! No more fighting! No more terrorism! No more war! Instead let us break the vicious circle of violence.” We can add: “No more anti-Semitism, no more Islamophobia, no more fear and hatred”. With such words, the Holy Father addressed us during His visit. His different speeches, homilies, meetings and gestures aimed at promoting inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue, reconciliation and justice and at encouraging the Christian community to remain in the Holy Land and to take an active role in the life of the Country. We continue to gather fruit from his visit:

a. The massive arrival of pilgrims. Last October, according to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, 330.000 pilgrims visited the Holy Land. The year 2009 will be equal to the year 2000, which was a record in the history of pilgrimages, with 2,700,000 pilgrims.

b. The construction of a new pediatric Hospital in Bethlehem named after Benedict XVI, mainly financed by the John Paul II Foundation and other church and civil institutions in Italy.

c. Madaba University in Jordan. Pope Benedict XVI blessed the cornerstone during his last visit. Such a project will represent our contribution in offering excellence in education as we try to do in Bethlehem University.

d. Construction of a housing project in Jerusalem for 72 young couples: Eastern Jerusalem suffers from a severe shortage in housing. Permits are given only with difficulty. Construction is expensive. This project should be a pilot for others.

e. The courageous decision of Benedict XVI to summon a Synod for the Middle East to take place in October 2010. This will give us the opportunity to focus again on the big challenges facing the Churches in the Middle East.

f. The beatification of sister Marie Alphonsine, foundress of the Rosary Sisters. This great event means that the faithful, with real pride and joy, find in her a model of heroic virtues and an intercessor. I want to highlight the fact that this sister was born in Jerusalem, some meters away from the Latin Patriarchate. She also served in different parishes of the Holy Land, including Jordan. She is a model to follow. We will celebrate her feast each 19th of November.

Conclusion. The best gift we seek, above money and wealth, is peace. It is the wish of all the inhabitants of this Land: Israelis and Palestinians alike. Peace is a gift of God for men of good will. We have to deserve it. We are sure that there are many men and women of good will among Israelis and Palestinians. We pray that one day, the beautiful vision of Isaiah will become a reality: "In days to come, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it (…) they shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Is. 2: 2-5).

Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year to all of you.

+ Fouad Twal, Patriarch