The Last Straw for Mayor Big Gulp
June 25, 2012 - Monday
Gay pride wasn't the only thing on parade in New York City yesterday--so were the Mayor's double standards. Throughout his three terms, Michael Bloomberg has made quite a hobby out of policing people's meals. From trans fats to Big Gulps, the Mayor has insisted that the city's interest in "public health" excuses his overreach on things like dietary choices. So it was more than a little ironic Sunday when the man who declared war on 32-ounce sodas told the crowd, "The government should get out of your personal life! New York is a place where you can do whatever you want to do."
First of all, refusing to redefine marriage or refusing to dispense with our First Amendment freedoms to accommodate homosexuals is not government in "your personal life." A man who outlawed school bake sales should know the difference! Doesn't the Mayor's definition of "personal life" include the kitchen and dining room? On one hand, he's happy to legislate people's food choices, using the dangers of obesity as justification. On the other, he not only promotes--but forces others to embrace--a sexual behavior that carries just as many public health risks. If that isn't hypocrisy, I don't know what is.
When the Mayor came under fire earlier this month for his Big Gulp ban, he was adamant that "We're not taking away anybody's right to do something; we're simply making it difficult for them [in hopes that it will lead to different behavior]." On the "Today" show, Bloomberg reiterated that all he wants to do is improve life expectancy. If that's the case, then perhaps the Mayor should reconsider his endorsement of homosexuality, which, as Peter Sprigg explains, is one of the greatest public health hazards in America. As it stands, New York City's AIDS rate is three times the national average. And HIV, according to the New York Health Department, is the third leading cause of death for residents aged 35-54. To me, that says a lot about the city's misguided priorities. It's also tragic.
If Mayor Bloomberg spent as much time encouraging healthy behavior as he did on restaurant menus, the entire country would be a better place. Unfortunately, the other thing Mayor Bloomberg wants people to use in moderation is religion. The Mayor is famous for banning prayers from the 9/11 memorial service and kicking churches out of their Sunday space.
Old Line Crosses Big Line on Marriage
It's been weeks since Maryland hit the magic number of petitions necessary to put a marriage referendum on the ballot. But today, Derek McCoy and the entire Maryland Marriage Alliance have something else to celebrate--exceeding their personal goal of 150,000 signatures for the campaign. This afternoon, a crowd gathered at the Secretary of State's office to submit the final batch of petitions to put the issue on the ballot this November. Under state law, Derek's team needed 55,736. By the end, they had more than tripled the state's requirement with 162,000. Congratulations to the hundreds of volunteers, including FRC staffers, who helped make this repeal a possibility! Now, the real work begins. If you'd like to contribute to the next phase of the fight, click here.
Meanwhile, Marylanders have more than marriage to cheer about. In reaction to a horrible botched abortion in Elkton, state officials have introduced new regulations that will clamp down on abortion clinics across the state. Like Pennsylvania, the Maryland Health Department plans to increase oversight of abortion clinics by requiring them to "meet new guidelines on anesthesia, emergency services, lab work, and other areas." As many as 20 facilities will have to be licensed. Victories on life and marriage? Not a bad week for one of the most liberal states in the union!
Kirk Cameron is "in." Are You?
The star of "Growing Pains" and Left Behind is joining FRC on Sunday, July 1st for Call2Fall in prayer for our nation. "I made the film Monumental because I love God and my family," he wrote on his Facebook page. "My friend Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council has asked me to set aside the Sunday before the 4th of July, when we celebrate our independence from England, and first declare my family's dependence on the Lord. I've told Tony that as for me and my family, we're all in. So is my pastor and our church. Now we are spreading the word. Folks, our nation is in trouble. We need to come together and pray like never before. Please pass this on to your friends, and join with my family in the Call2Fall on July 1st, by registering 'I'm in.' You will find great resources and videos to give you ideas on how to make this a personal and powerful spiritual event in your home and church. May God hear us clearly as we answer the Call2Fall."
** If you didn't catch last week's "Two Weeks for Freedom" webcast, click on the video for a clip from CNSNews editor-in-chief, Terry Jeffrey.
