Lynn v. Sekulow

Lynn v. Sekulow

Friday November 6, 2009

Categories: Courts, Planned Parenthood

Why Push Planned Parenthood?

I knew you were a staunch supporter of Planned Parenthood, but there's one comment in your response that really has stunned me.  And, that's not easy to do.  I can't believe that you really believe that it is "morally outrageous that one of the most well-respected sources of information on sexuality and pregnancy prevention is given so little government funding..."   Barry, "so little" government funding?  Planned Parenthood receives hundreds of millions of dollars in federal taxpayer money each year - some $350-million last year alone.  You believe they need more taxpayer money?  How much more would you like to give them?  And, the only thing that's "morally outrageous" is the fact that the federal government continues to fund the nation's largest abortion provider with our tax dollars, year after year.

 

Not only are Americans fed up with subsidizing Planned Parenthood at the federal level, there's growing concern at the local level as more communities take action to keep their state and local taxes from going to subsidize Planned Parenthood.

Monday November 2, 2009

Halloween Continued...And Planned Parenthood

Little did I know when I started writing about Halloween that new "research" by the Christian Broadcasting Network uncovered that witches were contaminating Halloween candy and allowing demons to be ingested by "Trick or Treaters."  But here it is.

Now moving on to Planned Parenthood.  I think it is morally outrageous that one of the most well-respected sources of information on sexuality and pregnancy prevention is given so little government funding, and that their clinics providing abortion services are not funded by the federal government at all.  Why Congressman Mike Pence wants to cut funding even more is beyond me. Does he want young people to remain ignorant of human sexuality, or would he prefer they learn about it by finding their father's stash of old Playboy magazines? We are either going to be honest with young people or we have nobody to blame but ourselves when things go wrong.

Obviously, I am not privy to the details of your lawsuit regarding one or more Planned Parenthood affiliates' alleged "over billing."  It seems that the state of California has already conceded that the rules were unclear and doubt that Planned Parenthood will ever owe anything.  In addition, the state was apparently investigating this even before your "whistleblower" suit.  We'll see where all this goes.

Monday October 26, 2009

No Halloween Outcry; Concern Over Use of Taxpayer Funds

Barry, we don't get a lot of calls about Halloween.  Over the years, it's not something we hear much about.  And this year is no exception.  What we are hearing about from a lot of folks, though, is the continued frustration and concern about the use of taxpayer dollars to fund organizations like Planned Parenthood - the nation's largest abortion provider.

 

A recent example is what's taking place in Ohio where a local government body approved a $50,000 grant to Planned Parenthood to provide 'sex education' in public schools.  

 

At the national level, as Planned Parenthood continues to receive hundreds of millions of federal taxpayer dollars each year, debate is intensifying over whether the organization should receive ANY federal funds in the future.  In Congress, Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana has introduced H.R. 614 which would prohibit federal dollars from going to Planned Parenthood.

Wednesday October 21, 2009

Categories: Public Schools

Halloween, Religion and the Public Schools

Every year about this time Americans United starts getting calls about celebrations of Halloween in public schools.

They come from two kinds of people.  First, we get calls from Christians wondering why Pagans are able to get decorations and parties at schools around one of their holidays, but Christians can barely get a tree in the schoolhouse door in December, much less have a Christmas party.  Second, we get calls from Pagans and Wiccans wondering why their local schools are insulting their religious traditions by putting up ugly pictures of "witches" and acting like Halloween is just about loading your mouth with chocolate bars and gumdrops.

Do you get these calls, too?  Do both sides have a point?  Would you, Jay, suggest schools put up--oh, maybe-- maps and math puzzles from October to January and leave black cats and pine trees out of the decor?

Friday October 16, 2009

Purging Religious References: If at First You Don't Succeed . . .

Barry, you pose an interesting question.  I believe that end of life decisions should be made primarily between an individual and that individual's family and trusted advisors, including spiritual counselors.  An individual should certainly be able to consult his physician, if the individual so chooses.  I would imagine that most health care plans would cover an annual physical exam during which a person could consult with his physician. 

 

I do think it is inappropriate for the government to give physicians an incentive to initiate this conversation and mandate what should be covered in the counseling.  That could all too easily lead to a scenario where the federal government makes care decisions based on life expectancy.

 

And, now from the category... if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  That's exactly what Michael Newdow, an atheist, and his fellow plaintiffs are doing - this time in a federal appeals court - this time appealing a lower court decision that dismissed their lawsuit challenging prayers offered at the presidential inauguration - including the phrase used in the oath, "So help me God."

Wednesday October 14, 2009

Categories: Health Care

Did We Get Rid of Good Medical Care...And Death Panels

I have just one comment on the cross controversy at the Supreme Court.  In my view, the Court will probably end up not resolving the core issue of the legitimacy of the land tranfer and resolve this either on standing...

Friday October 9, 2009

Cross Should Survive Challenge

Barry, I believe the Supreme Court ultimately will conclude that the plaintiff did not have legal standing here - that this challenge was legally flawed from the very start.    Merely being 'offended' does not give the plaintiff a legal...

Wednesday October 7, 2009

Mojave Cross -- A Constitutional Crisis Indeed

Jay, It was a pleasure seeing you, too. I always am up for a great photo-op, too. As you know, I'm heading to New York right now to appear on CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight to discuss this very case. But...

Wednesday October 7, 2009

Mojave Cross - No Constitutional Crisis

Barry, it was good to see you today.  I always enjoy an opportunity to sit next to you during oral arguments at the Supreme Court - especially with a case like the one we witnessed today.  As we both know,...

Thursday October 1, 2009

From Commandments to Pledge - Federal Court Win Upholding "Under God"

Ok, Barry - looks like we won't agree on the Ten Commandments and what we consider to be the proper and constitutional displays present in Judge DeWeese's courtroom.   Let's try this one.    A federal district court in New...

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About Lynn v. Sekulow

Lynn v. Sekulow is an ongoing debate blog--a blogalogue--about how big (or little) a role faith and religion should play in American politics and government, featuring the two leading voices of the church/state battle: American Center for Law & Justice Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow and Americans United for Separation of Church and State Executive Director Rev. Barry W. Lynn.

Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates’ positions and political party statements, the Rev. Barry Lynn and Jay Sekulow are offering analysis in their individual capacities as lawyers and commentators. They are not speaking on behalf of Americans United for Separation for Church and State or for the American Center for Law & Justice. Those organizations do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this dialogue should be construed as the positions of the respective organizations.

About the Authors

Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit educational organization that defends religious liberty by opposing government interference in religion
» Posts by Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Jay Sekulow
Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a law firm and educational organization focused on protecting religious freedom, American families, and human life.
» Posts by Jay Sekulow
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