tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82798282024-03-14T04:10:55.204-07:00Jakubczyk on Lifecommentary, analysis and reflection on the life issuesJakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.comBlogger486125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-4331547881147001662021-09-24T12:58:00.002-07:002021-09-24T12:58:26.690-07:00Two Years <p><br /></p><p></p><p>It has been two years since my father, Stanley Walter Jakubczyk, better known to everyone as "Stan," passed away. He died on September 23, 2019 on the feast of Saint Pius (Padre Pio), the great mystic of the 20th Century. </p><p>Mom had died five years earlier after suffering for so ling with crippling arthritis. </p><p>So what did on do in this day?</p><p>I talked with my sister. That was sweet. She is so wonderful. My brother was busy talking to customers. We talk all the time anyway.</p><p>I started my morning in prayer thanking God for their lives. </p><p>Throughout the day both of them frequently came to mind. </p><p>My older children wanted to get together and toast their lives. So we met over at Kristan's and enjoyed stories and libations.</p><p>God has blessed our family with amazing parents. Yesterday we had a special memory of their love.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-82708441615404794392019-07-19T23:11:00.002-07:002019-07-19T23:11:31.580-07:00the More Things Change the More They Remain the SameAnother year has gone by. July 19, 2019. Friday night. Another classic hot night in Scottsdale, Arizona. and I though to myself that I have not written a post in over a year. So here is a rundown of what has been happening and where we all are in the scope of things.<br />
<br />
Lets start with Dad. Last December he had a series of medical issues which put him in the hospital. after a week at St. Joe's, he stayed with us for almost a month. Then he went to stay with Kathleen. Finally he felt well enough to return to his apartment over at SGR. He was doing real well until two weeks ago. He found himself going to the ER at Mayo. so prayers continue for his recovery and return to good health.<br />
<br />
Petra is back at school taking classes to be a third grade teacher's assistant. She enjoyed being a TA for the Kindergarten class last school year. The school - Archway Veritas - thought she would be a great addition to the third grade.<br />
<br />
Anthony graduated from Veritas and turned 18 all within a month. Now he is on his way to ASU and the Air Force ROTC program. He will stay at home giving William some company.<br />
<br />
William will turn 16 next week. He is so very excited about driving. a junior this fall, he will also play football again.<br />
<br />
Everyone else is out of the house and doing well.<br />
<br />
I should mention that Sam is aboard ship in the Arabian Gulf and Peter is back at Camp Pendalton. He has a second deployment in the fall.<br />
<br />
As for major events, we refurbished the pool completely removing the plaster, tile, coping and cool deck. Petra found two new lion heads to replace the old ones. We removed the fence. The new tile looks great. Such a blessing.<br />
<br />
As for me I continue to practice law, though not at the crazy pace of the past. I appreciate all the support from my family and friends duing the last three years. I continue to grow stronger slowly. Thanks be to God.<br />
<br />
I remain somewhat active in pro-life affairs though not as much as I wish. All in God's time.<br />
<br />
I hope to get back in the habit of writing. In the meantime take care and let us pray for one another.<br />
<br />
As Always,<br />
<br />
John<br />
<br />
Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-54299346641787282622018-05-17T14:42:00.000-07:002018-05-17T14:42:01.465-07:00Deja vu All Over AgainWhen I last wrote on these pages, I was thanking everyone for helping me to get through a benign brain tumor and the surgeries involved.<br />
<br />
Then I went silent for the next year and a half.<br />
<br />
While my friends and colleagues know what happened, many of you do not.<br />
<br />
<br />
Simply stated - I had two more tumors and two more brain surgeries to remove them. The second surgery was on May 25, 3017. The third occurred on February 2, 2018. Following the third operation, I lined up to have six weeks of radiation. I am in week five and almost finished.<br />
<br />
By God's grace, I have kept the office open and have been working half days.<br />
<br />
I thank everyone for their prayers and support during this time of continued healing. While my vision remains seriously compromised, I am thankful for everything and especially my wife and my family.<br />
<br />
Hopefully soon I will be back at writing down my thoughts and ideas.<br />
<br />
Till then, God bless you all.<br />
<br />
JohnJakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-56604723496921282042016-09-14T18:09:00.001-07:002016-09-15T01:10:09.896-07:00Staying EngagedIf anyone is still actually reading this blog, then they will have realized that there have been no posts since March of this year. Now the reasons are multiple. Facebook has definitely interfered with my blogging and posting not just on my site but others as well. Then there was the little matter of my hospitalization at the end of April and throughout the first two weeks of May to remove a brain tumor. Lots of fun. The convalescence included my not driving for six weeks. Not to completely out of the woods, another event required my visit to the Barrow Neurological Institute over at St. Joseph's Hospital in late July for almost a week. Recovery continues but ....well ... no need to be maudlin. The simple joy of being alive knocks everything out of the room. Events like these remind you that God is good and always watching over you.<br />
<br />
My wife and the family were (and remain) wonderful. My brother, sister and Dad were there throughout all of this. Three of my young men went to Krakow for World Youth Day and came back very refreshed and kinder to one another. They are now, with the exception of the college student, playing football ( the varsity won their first two games) although Anthony injured himself during practice and is scheduled for surgery on Friday.<br />
<br />
My sincere appreciation goes to the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for me. Thank you and may God continue to guide you in the very important work you do.<br />
<br />
Finally, please pray for the repose of the soul of my aunt Dorothy Jakubczyk who died this week. Her husband John passed away a few years back. Her children will also need your prayers during this time of loss.<br />
<br />
I managed to speak at the sixth annual Sidewalk counseling Symposium in New York (Staten Island) in early August. I have been giving counsel to many on a one-to-one basis. The elections are on everyone's mind but I will hold off on any comments until later.<br />
<br />
Again thank you for your prayers. God bless you all.<br />
<br />
<br />Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-43232422478527917002016-03-16T16:14:00.000-07:002016-03-16T16:14:30.303-07:00Keeping one's head in turbulent times<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can keep your head when all about you </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> But make allowance for their doubting too; </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: </i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
I could not help but think of Kipling's poem given the current events of the day. When one opens the newspaper or turns on the computer, ones sees so much angst and frustration over the failures of government, the statements of politicians, the articles on the media, the rudeness and discourtesies on social media. It is not unusual to simply want to throw up one's hands and scream.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
Then I think again of the lines in this poem;</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> And treat those two impostors just the same; </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools: </i></div>
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
A lot of people are mourning the "death" of the "conservative" movement. Some are proclaiming its demise with gleefulness. Others are perplexed and do not know what to to. Again the poem offers a way of thinking that gives one a direction that is neither depressing nor foolish. </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can make one heap of all your winnings </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>And lose, and start again at your beginnings </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> And never breathe a word about your loss; </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> To serve your turn long after they are gone, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>And so hold on when there is nothing in you </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ </i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> </i> </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
Now is not the time to quit. now is not the time to give up. Now is the time to demand accountability and honesty from those who would claim the role as leaders and policy makers. You and I have the responsibility to demand them to act consistent with the promises they have made. As for those who would abuse the system, ask a simple question. Is this the way my mother would want ME to behave? Now presuming your mother was not Ma Barker, the answer is pretty straight forward. Yet for many years now people have ignored this simple test for behavior. Then again the other question is, are your actions something you can live with and come judgment day explain to the Judge of all. </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
It brings us back to the final stanza and what we are all called to be.</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> If all men count with you, but none too much; </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>If you can fill the unforgiving minute </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i>Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, </i></div>
<i>
</i><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
<i> And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
note: no disrespect intended toward women - obviously we are all called to be the persons God intends us to be and so such direction applies also to everyone.</div>
</div>
Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-5671678568072402212015-08-30T09:04:00.002-07:002015-08-30T09:04:30.960-07:00Today's Widows and Orphans and What to DoIn the Scriptural readings for this Sunday in the Catholic calendar, there is a great discussion about the law. However, rather than comment on the obvious admonitions presented in the gospel, I would draw your attention to the second reading taken from the Letter of St. James (1:17-18, 21b-22, 27).<br />
<br />
James reminds us that all good things come from God. He calls us to welcome the Word of God and be "doers" of the Word and not hearers only.<br />
<br />
Then he explains what "religion," that oft times picked on word, truly is in the eyes of God.<br />
<br />
<b>To care for orphans and widows in their affliction </b><br />
<b> and </b><br />
<b> to keep oneself unstained by the world.</b><br />
<br />
Now I do not intend to go into a discussion on the origins of the word "religion." There is an interesting commentary on the subject one may find <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/3087765?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contenthttp://www.jstor.org/stable/3087765?seq=1#page_scan_tab_content" target="_blank">here</a>. For my purpose in writing is to focus on the point and purpose of living out ones religion, that is our concern for our neighbor and specifically identified in the widow and the orphan.<br />
<br />
God calls us to love him with our whole heart, our whole mind and our whole soul. Christ explained that this was the first and greatest commandment. He then explained that the second is to love our neighbor. James reminds us that religion "that is pure and undefiled" before God is caring for the widow and orphan.<br />
<br />
So who are today"s widows and orphans?<br />
<br />
Who are the women and children abandoned by the men in their lives?<br />
<br />
Who are the women and children being told their relationship is of no consequence?<br />
<br />
<b>The unwed mother and her unborn child.</b><br />
<br />
For the last 42 plus years, our society has told women that their relationship to their child is only important if someone says so. For the last 42 plus years, the culture has thrown women "under the bus" and told them to handle the "complications" that happen after intimacy. Fro the last 42 years women have been told they have a right to "choose" but are never reminded that the "choice" means death to their child and death or damage to their own soul.<br />
<br />
And we as a society are obsessed by our smartphones, the latest fads, the most recent scandal..<br />
<br />
So what to we as believers do?<br />
<br />
How do we practically help the modern day widow and orphan?<br />
<br />
Here are so very practical things one can do NOW.<br />
<br />
1. Join your local pro-life or right to life group.<br />
2. Once you join, offer to help.<br />
3. Learn the arguments that support and explain why the law should protect unborn children. These will be based upon biology (science) and logic. Natural reason compliments Divine revelation (the gospel). however using religious arguments will not impress skeptics and non-believers. Stick with science and reason,.<br />
4. Help out at your local pregnancy resource center.<br />
5. Participate in pro-life protests, demonstrations, pickets.<br />
6. Know where the candidates stand on the issue and ONLY support pro-life candidates. If they cannot pass over your threshold of being pro-life, then you do not even consider them. once they pass the threshold, then you should examine everything else, i.e. elect-ability, etc.<br />
7. Donate. These organizations cost money to operate. Find a few that are being good stewards and supports them.<br />
8. Contact your legislator and thank them if they are pro-life and if they are not....explain what they should be..<br />
9. Ask your minister, priest or religious leader to preach on the subject.<br />
10. Learn about post abortion groups and organizations that offer help and healing to women, men and others who have been affected by abortion. Pass the word. support their efforts.<br />
11. Talk about current events such as the planned parenthood scandal use such events as teaching moments to promote the Gospel of Life.<br />
12. PRAY ALWAYS. There is a phrase "Ora et Labora." Pray and work. We need to be in union with the Lord's will and give our best efforts.<br />
<br />
These are practical ways to help the widow and orphan.<br />
<br />
Now let us begin (or continue as the case may be).Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-30977524461470501172015-08-12T18:35:00.002-07:002015-08-12T20:41:55.933-07:00Who needs consent? The Stem Express Planned Parenthood Baby Parts Scandal ContinuesWhile the nation, especially Cecile Richards and Planned Parenthood, waited all day Tuesday for the Center for Medical Progress to release the next video of their underground investigation on Planned Parenthood's illegal trade in fetal body parts, many of us were hoping that CMP would wait just another day to keep the pro-abortion media on the edge.<br />
<br />
Well, CMP did wait until today, Wednesday August 12, to release its next video which consisted of an interview with a young woman who worked for Stem Express, explaining what happens when the Stem Express employees go to retrieve "specimens" (read body parts) from the aborted babies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ABzFZM73o8M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ABzFZM73o8M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
The ensuing conversation reveals violations of <span class="st">the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) at many levels, including the failure to obtain proper consent from the women having the abortions.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">Ms O'Donnell explains that Stem Express and Planned Parenthood conspired to obtain bodies without the patient's consent.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Watch the video. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Then call your local news station and ask them if they intend to tell the story. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Ask them if they have been bought off by Planned Parenthood's million dollar PR firm.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Ask them if they have even watched the videos.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Then pass this on to your friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and people you know. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">This nation needs to be outraged.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Otherwise we owe an apology to the German people.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-76847348310254768702015-08-11T02:33:00.005-07:002015-08-11T02:33:49.938-07:00Planned Parenthood - Public Enemy #1Five videos released by the <a href="http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/" target="_blank">Center for Medical Progress</a> showing planned Parenthood executives discussing the sale of fetal body parts have unleashed a firestorm that shows no sign of abating. Indeed Tuesday another video is expected to make its way into the public consciousness challenging conventional wisdom and calling for the de-funding of Planned Parenthood by the federal government.<br />
<br />
But no one should be fooled into thinking that Planned Parenthood is going to walk away from 500 million dollars without a fight. <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/2015/07/28/planned-parenthood-hires-pr-firm-to-run-damage-control-after-its-exposed-selling-aborted-babies/" target="_blank">It has already hired a major public relations firm to deal with the fallout.</a> Its success can be seen in the silence of the big 3 television news networks. ABC, CBS and NBC all have quarantined the story. The standard line is that the videos are heavily edited (not true, one can watch the unedited versions on the<a href="http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/" target="_blank"> CMP website.</a> The next line is that PP only does 3% of its business on abortions. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKIOBOFaVYs" target="_blank">A nifty video put out by Students for Life of America puts that argument to rest in short order.</a> Planned Parenthood leaders claim PP is only getting "reimbursed for costs. Another <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlPeLqmpr_4" target="_blank">SFLA video destroys that argument. </a> Finally the leadership at PP has been claiming that the people behind the videos are evil extremists. That is so absurd. The fellow behind the videos is 26 years old and was not even born in those days of rage. So much for the pot calling the kettle black.<br />
<br />
So here are my thoughts as we look at week 6.<br />
<br />
Expect the debate to get uglier.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/10/i-don-t-know-if-i-m-pro-choice-anymore.html" target="_blank">Expect more in the media to finally have their "come to Jesus" moment.</a><br />
<br />
Expect the Washington insiders to try to<a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/07/29/meet-the-nasty-pr-people-just-hired-by-planned-parenthood/" target="_blank"> muzzle</a> it again. They are very frustrated. and this includes some who are suppose to be on our side. In fact unless GOP leadership gets an earful during this recess, they will do nothing when they return. Many are truly afraid of PP. It is critical that your elected representatives know you will hold them accountable if they do not do EVERYTHING in their power to de-fund PP.<br />
<br />
Expect the media to continue its blackout of the story. Note the media likes diversions. Two weeks ago it was Cecil the lion. Last week it was Trump. Look for them to find something this week to distract the public.<br />
<br />
<b>So what do we do.</b><br />
<br />
It was the social media, including Facebook and Twitter that has delivered a staggering blow to PP. It still has not figured out the truly guttural anger and outrage of the American people toward PP and its actions.<br />
<br />
1. Keep talking and writing about it.<br />
<br />
2. Participate and join in any public protest against PP. The next nationwide event is AUGUST 22 in front of a local PP abortion mill in your home town.<br />
<br />
3.Call your elected representatives and voice your outrage that PP is getting funded at all (especially when the government is broke).<br />
<br />
4. Contact your local right to life organization and make sure you are getting the latest in information. Sign any legitimate petitions to stop the funding of PP by state or federal governments.<br />
<br />
5. PRAY<br />
<br />
6. Speak to your priest, pastor, minister, rabbi or preacher and ask him to mention the current scandal. Inform him of what is happening in your state. ask him to have the congregation pray for an end to abortion.<br />
<br />
7. Participate in the social media and comment on the various websites and blogs. always act and write charitably. We are seeking the conversion of the lost.<br />
<br />
<br />
8. Know what is happening. do not speculate. READ up on the latest. Know the talking points. Again SFLA has some great links to bring you up to date.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are a few.<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/human-capital/documentary-web-series/" target="_blank">The videos speak for themselves. The PP executive is talking about body parts. That is proof of the child's humanity.</a><br />
<br />
2. The ends never justify the means. "killing" a baby to help research so we can save lives. . Do you not see the craziness of such a position. Kill a healthy child to help save another - are we nuts!<br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/human-capital/documentary-web-series/" target="_blank">The PP executives are haggling over price. </a><br />
<br />
3.<a href="http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/human-capital/document-vault/" target="_blank"> The Stem Express paperwork and promotional material clearly promote a profit motive for the "clinic."</a><br />
<br />
4. The lawsuits do not prevent CMP from publishing the videos that do not involve Stem Express or NAF.<br />
<br />
5. The videos show in all their starkness that abortion kills a human being.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are points more but these are the clearest.<br />
<br />
Finally what Planned Parenthood and its minions have relied upon is the short attention span of the public. It is crucial that the story remain in the public eye. Only our efforts will make that happen. And every day that the story continues to be discussed provides another opportunity for lives to be saved.<br />
<br />
<br />Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-84061026220598655462015-07-15T10:08:00.003-07:002015-07-15T10:08:24.796-07:00Racist Planned Parenthood ONCE AGAIN Caught Selling Baby Body Parts The latest scandal to make its way to the news involves something that we in the pro-life movement have known for years. Abortion mills were selling the body parts of babies killed by late term abortions. In the early 1990s when activists discovered the intact D and X techniques pioneered by late term practitioners, questions were asked as to why and what as done with the bodies. Soon we learned that the bodies were being harvested.<a href="http://www.lifedynamics.com/Abortion_Information/Baby_Body_Parts/" target="_blank"> Mark Crutcher and Life Dynamics did a thorough investigation but the congress failed to act. </a> The money that Planned Parenthood had to stop any investigation of its illegal practices was more powerful than the truth at that time. Frustrated by the failure of those who should have in the lead demanding the end to all federal funding of this <a href="http://www.maafa21.com/" target="_blank">racist organization</a>, pro-lifers worked on other strategies to stop the killing of the unborn.<br />
<br />
Until now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/undercover-video-shows-planned-parenthood-exec-discussing-organ-harvesting/2015/07/14/ae330e34-2a4d-11e5-bd33-395c05608059_story.html" target="_blank">Yesterday a shocking new undercover expose reveals once again Planned Parenthood to be the mercenary racist organization we in the pro-life movement have known for years.</a> The Washington post reports that a high ranking Planned Parenthood official - the director of medical research - cavalierly discussing the "sale" of baby body parts following abortions. While casually sipping her wine and eating her lunch, Dr. Deborah Nucatola explains what body parts are in greatest demand.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32.4000015258789px;">“I’d say a lot of people want liver,” she says in the video posted on the Center for Medical Progress’s Web site, between bites of salad. “And for that reason, most providers will do this case under ultrasound guidance so they’ll know where they’re putting their forceps.”</span></blockquote>
Outrage has come from many sources including various presidential candidates. The governors of Louisiana and Texas have called for investigations at the state levels. Congressional leaders are also calling for hearings and investigations.<br />
<br />
But unless the people of this nation exhibit a true disgust for this illegal and morally bankrupt behavior, nothing is going to change. Planned Parenthood has its closest friend in President Obama. This is a man who was willing to shut down the federal government rather than allow Planned Parenthood to lose its half a billion dollars in <a href="http://www.gao.gov/products/HEHS-98-171R" target="_blank">federal taxpayer funding.</a><br />
<br />
Contact your congressional representative. Demand action. The federal government is running a deficit. We do not have the money to give to a racist bigoted organization. If the confederate battle flag is an affront to people and should be out of sight, how much more an organization that makes money by killing children and then selling the body parts of those dead babies?<br />
<br />
Stop funding Planned Parenthood now. <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jun/18/planned-parenthoods-missing-millions/?page=all" target="_blank">Demand that Planned Parenthood comply with the GAO audit requests from years ago.</a>Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-22823031320709462162015-04-30T02:16:00.000-07:002015-04-30T17:36:20.626-07:00It Takes Courage to Believe - Reflections on the new movie "Little Boy"Imagine you are a little boy whose dad has gone off to war and you want him home in the worst way.<br />
And you will do anything to bring him back.<br />
<br />
Such is the premise of the new movie "<a href="http://littleboymovie.com/" target="_blank">Little Boy</a>."<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a2/Little_Boy_poster.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a2/Little_Boy_poster.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Actually there is a lot more to the movie - a whole lot more - but I would prefer to let it unfold before your eyes while you sit in the theater and take yourself back to a little California coastal town during World War II.<br />
<br />
There you will meet Pepper Busby and his brother London and his dad and mom. You will meet Fr. Oliver and his associate Fr. Crispin. You will meet Dr. Fox and his bully of a son along with all of the other boys and girls in O'Hare, California. <br />
<br />
And you will meet Hashimoto,<br />
<br />
This is a story about relationships - relationships strained, broken, and damaged. Relationships strengthened, tested and proved. Relationships born from a willingness to look beyond what is seen to believe what cannot be seen.<br />
<br />
In other words - faith.<br />
<br />
Sidebar: the secular critics did not like the movie. Ignore them. Go see the movie. Invite a friend. True, everyone is talking about going to see the new Avengers movie. But it will be around for awhile and there will be long lines. Go see Little Boy. Do something good for your soul. Feed yourself with a story that will ask you to think - am I doing all I could do - to make this world a better place?<br />
<br />
Then after you have seen the movie, tell me what relationship affected you the most.<br />
<br />
Final point - the acting is wonderful. The characters are well developed and the Jacob Salvati is excellent in the title role. Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson are masters of their craft and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is compelling as the hated "enemy" who moves into town. David Henrie shows us a dramatic side and Kevin James offers us a smile in his role as Dr. Fox.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://littleboymovie.com/" target="_blank"> Little Boy</a> is currently in theaters nationwide.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-91568627153920377012015-02-26T00:05:00.001-07:002015-02-26T00:05:04.112-07:00Stolen Moments #1 - Pro-Life Texas<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hlb1XC4zPMM" width="480"></iframe>Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-69662918176167075212015-02-21T01:34:00.003-07:002015-02-21T01:37:02.923-07:00another song affirming life<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zC4Q8RArmS8" width="560"></iframe>Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-55762640537585645602015-02-21T01:10:00.000-07:002015-02-21T01:11:50.558-07:00A Tale of Two MenWisdom - Chapter 3<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" style="width: 450px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and no torment will ever touch them.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and their departure was thought to be an affliction,</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and their going from us to be their destruction; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">but they are at peace.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For though in the sight of men they were punished, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">their hope is full of immortality.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Having been disciplined a little, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">they will receive great good, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because God tested them </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and found them worthy of himself;</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">like gold in the furnace he tried them, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and will run like sparks through the stubble.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They will govern nations and rule over peoples, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and the Lord will reign over them for ever.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="40"><br /></td><td align="left" valign="top" width="400"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Those who trust in him will understand truth, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and the faithful will abide with him in love, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because grace and mercy are upon his elect, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and he watches over his holy ones.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Two men died in the last two days. Both were giants in their own right, having served the pro-life community for most of their respective lives. They were good men and I had the privilege and pleasure of calling them friends.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will speak of Brother Paul O'Donnell first because his passing was unexpected. The shock and surprise at his death was underscored by the fact that so many of us had just seen him at the March for Life this past January. But Thursday night he died in his sleep, so we deal with the loss of a friend, a brother, a mentor, a leader - but mostly a humble servant of God.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Paul and his close friend Mike Gaworski accepted the call from the Holy Spirit in 1982 to start another Franciscan order of brothers understanding that the special charism was to support of the gospel of life. Having been involved in the pro-life movement prior to starting the brotherhood, they knew what had to be done to save the lives of the unborn children. They also knew that in their role people might be more presupposed to do the right thing. Helping the poor, protecting the unborn and addressing the important end of life issues became Brother Paul's life work. He was involved deeply in assisting the Schindler family in their efforts to secure the life of their daughter Terri Schiavo. And while tragically unsuccessful as to Terri, they nevertheless have been instrumental in saving and protecting other lives who were threatened with death. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The shock of Brother Paul's death is only softened by our trust in the Lord who has called him home. He shall be greatly missed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dr John C Willke, M.D. was one of the original founders of the pro-life movement. An obstetrician married to Barbara Willke, they founded Ohio Right to Life of Cincinnati, Ohio Right to Life and later with Dr. Carolyn Gerster, Dr. Mildred Jefferson and others started the National Right ot life Committee. He served as president following Dr. Gerster and later started the international Right to Life Federation. He co-founded the life Issues Institute and was a world wide speaker and writer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the Jack Willke I knew when I first got involved in the pro life effort back in 1975 was someone approachable and always ready to help make things happen. As a college student and later poor law student, I would show up at the NRLC conference and ask the good doctor if there was anything I could do to help and was there an extra couch or bed to rest my weary bones. On both counts Jack was ready to help and thus did this pro life activist begin his calling in the movement. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After I became a lawyer, Jack was one of the first to appreciate what this next generation of pro-life activists could do. He always encouraged us to be engaged and creative in our efforts. Not always appreciated by some in the movement, the activists could always look to encouragement from Jack. And though we sometimes differed on strategy, we never let differences cloud that fact that we wanted the same thing - an end to the killing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Both Brother Paul and Dr. Willke were men of tremendous generosity. They were never too busy to help at a moment's notice. and both were extremely modest in their work, willing to share or defer the credit when things went right.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One last story about Dr. Willke. In 1985 after a rescue in Washington, DC during on the the NRLC conventions, a number of por-life activists were arrested. A few of the lawyers were attempting to secure their release without great success. We learned that one woman had been injured by DC police and we were especially concerned with her well-being. Drs. Gerster and Willke were the only doctors who would come out to the jail so that we could demand the woman';s release to medical personnel. At first the jail guards would have none of it. But persistence and the physical presence of two practicing physicians at 3:00 a.m. finally wore them down ( plus the threat of a lawsuit) and the woman was released.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We will miss these two pro-life heroes. May God grant them eternal rest and may perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-13676379379428640152015-02-16T15:52:00.001-07:002015-02-17T10:28:55.585-07:00Random comments on President's Day So I noticed that I had not posted in a while. In fact I had not posted since before Christmas. There were many reasons. The most obvious was that I just had hip replacement surgery in December. I've been recovering from the surgery and between the physical therapy and trying to get the practice back up and running, there was not been a lot of time to think about writing about current pro-life events happening around the country and the world.<br />
<br />
I did attend the March for Life in late January. I also spoke at the Life and Law Summit while in DC. I very much enjoyed seeing some great friends and making new acquaintances. <br />
<br />
The size of the March was amazing. Over 650,000 people attended and marched according to reliable estimates. The media and press of course ignored it for the most part. Fortunately for us the alternative media, social media, Facebook, Twitter all took account of what was happening. Various websites that track the bias of the establishment media took them to task for ignoring a march of this magnitude. Still when I returned to Arizona, I learned that most people did not know the march took place or had absolutely no idea how many people marched on January 22, 2015.<br />
<br />
One can say that with great certainty the movement is growing. It is younger than ever and more vibrant and than ever before. If there is any criticism it is that most of the next generation of pro-lifers have absolutely no idea what the last 40 years have been like. Those that are getting involved for the first time had no idea what this country has been through. Understandably so as it is next to impossible to put one's mind around the fact that Americans using abortion have killed over 55 million people. Indeed when I think about how many have died, I am tempted to think that perhaps the movement has been a total failure.<br />
<br />
Of course I cannot live in that moment. I understand the reality of what has happened over the last 42 years. I accept the fact that most Americans are law-abiding citizens, and that if their government tells them they can or cannot act, they will listen. I also recognize that the movement is fighting not only the government, not only the media establishment, not only the judges, is not only the courts of law, but also the inertia that comes from an individual's unwillingness to act because of the cost involved.<br />
<br />
And yet we have kept abortion a dirty word. We have educated hundreds of thousands of people over the years and have saved millions of children. So we cannot dwell on that our failures in the past but we can learn from them. The important lessons include<br />
1) no longer fighting among ourselves or at least reducing the amount of fighting we do; <br />
2) focusing on helping women avoid the abortion situation and reaching out to those involved in the abortion industry; <br />
3) continuing to press on with both legal and political efforts to make abortion unthinkable, keep it an ugly word, change the mentality of those who promote it; change the law. <br />
<br />
So I encourage everyone to continue to stay the course, do not quit, remain involved.<br />
<br />
If you have not been involved, seriously think about getting involved. Pray about it. If you are a believer, ask God what you can do to advance the cause of life to protect his little ones. Consider how we applaud the firefighter who runs into a burning building to save a life. Imagine you being that firefighter. Now imagine you being in front of an abortion mill and offering to a woman help, hope, a chance to not have a lifetime of guilt hanging over her head because of an action that she's taken due to the pressures and problems of the particular moment. Imagine yourself helping that woman to save her baby. Imagine if she continues to raise the child and looks at the child every day, she will know that you were responsible for this child being alive. Imagine that she places the child for adoption and there's a couple who every day thanks God that you were there to save their child from being killed. These are the reasons why we must be involved. These are the reasons why we cannot ignore the situation. These are the reasons why we have to encourage our brothers and sisters to stand up and defend life. And finally these are the reasons why we have to instill in our political leaders the courage to defend life without reservation, and without compromise. I will write more as the Spirit moves me. I appreciate all of you who are involved in the cause.<br />
<br />
God bless you.Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-4945602239072991762014-12-28T03:02:00.000-07:002014-12-28T03:13:41.198-07:00IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - REVISITED<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Strange, isn't it? Each man's life
touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole,
doesn't he?"</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My
thirteen year old son Anthony asked to watch "It's a Wonderful Life"
the other night as he claimed never to have seen it start to finish. Of course
I happily obliged. While watching it I
thought about how much has been written about the Frank Capra's classic. I thought about my own ideas - especially with
a pro-life angle, but the idea that I could add something new might be a
challenge. But the next day there was a post with this picture of Clarence
sitting on the log and George Bailey looking at the angel second class. My
friend Sue Joan had shared her thoughts similar to mine about what Clarence
said, that is, how many children are
lost who could have made such a difference in the world. With that came the notion that "It's a
Wonderful Life" may be the most powerful pro-life movie ever made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
all know the story about George Bailey, the fellow who time and again
sacrifices for the sake of others, who at times is miserable wishing he could
do the things he always wanted to do and yet happy in having helped so many
realize the dignity of their humanity. Many have written on the dark side of
the film, the frustrations, the angst, the disappointments and the selfish side
of human nature. At the same time the film conveys a realism especially in the
dream sequence when George Bailey is given a vision of the town had he not been
born. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This
impact one person's life can have upon a family, a community, a society is
universally recognized both in art and literature. So why in today's upscale and ever expanding
society, is this concept ignored or missed by so many at every age level? Have we become so myopic to miss the amazing perspective
that each of us has an effect on those around us and that for the most part
that effect is a good thing? Have we
tuned out this message? Why are we not
realizing this on an everyday level?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Clarence points
out to George, "<b>Strange, isn't it?
Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an
awful hole, doesn't he?"</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
Those of us
committed to the pro-life movement have seen this little scene played out so
many different times in so many different situations. Yet there are still so many good people who
simply do not connect the dots and see how this fundamental respect for the
human person must be the cornerstone of our moral foundation. Whether one is a politician or a voter, a minister or a union steward, a lack of
respect for the human person is the cancer that destroys a culture. And the
concern we wish others to show toward the immigrant, the refugee, the elderly
or poor must be rooted in something transcendent that starts with the unborn
child. How can we then ask people to
care about someone half way around the globe, if we do not respect the unborn
child? How can we call upon people to look beyond the color of another person's
skin, if aborting them is a part of a government population control philosophy?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">How can we teach
restraint in the exercise of power, if there is no universal moral code?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What the movie
can remind us to do is to look deep within ourselves and imagine a world
without someone dear to us? Then realize that there are thousands of children
every day denied the opportunity to make a difference. There are thousands of mothers every day who
will live with the regret of their actions because we as a society did not
reach out to help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Fortunately most
of us do identify with George Bailey. We
like to think of ourselves as caring and generous. Watching the movie allows us to claim that
mantle. We really want to be that friend who will be there to help our
neighbor. So let us make a resolution
for 2015. Let us be George Bailey in our world.
Let us reach out an help the unwed mother and child by supporting the local pregnancy
resource center. Let us demand our priests, ministers, pastors and religious
leaders speak clearly on the moral imperative to act in justice and mercy. Let us pick one thing within this pro-life
work that will make a real difference - for example - how many beds are
available in your community to house homeless pregnant mothers. Perhaps if each church or parish could
support a location with four beds, there would be "room at the Inn." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In a similar
vein, the need to educate at the local level is so critical. Perhaps a series
of presentations would instill greater understanding of the issue at all
different levels. Just as George Bailey had to explain to the customers
during the run on the bank where their
money was and how it was being use, so too both clergy and politician need to
understand the primary role of a pro-life position and how to influence others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Ultimately we
need to take that pro-life message contained in "It's a Wonderful
Life" and apply it to our own lives. As
George remarked about his father's beliefs, "People were human beings to him,"
we need to live this mantra. From the womb to the tomb, all human life is sacred. Every human being has a reason and purpose
for being. We must remind our neighbors
of this notion. Using a film such as
It's a Wonderful Life" is one such way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-71010939604121807192014-10-23T02:27:00.002-07:002014-10-23T02:28:59.366-07:00Puerto Rico Federal District Court Judge gets it right on MarriageI will applaud a judge when he gets it right. This judge got it right. Read this cogent reasoned opinion by a federal district court judge declaring Puerto Rico's laws on marriage valid and dismissing the complaint by same sex marriage advocates.<br />
<br />
Ryan Anderson does an excellent job of summarizing the matter. Read about it <a href="http://dailysignal.com/2014/10/22/democrat-appointed-federal-judge-right-sex-marriage/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For my part I read the <a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/243888222/3-14-cv-01253-57-Puerto-Rico-Decision" target="_blank">Opinion</a> by Judge <span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 26px;">Juan Pérez-Giménez</span> . I encourage anyone who wants to examine a well articulated defense of law, precedent, stare decisis and logic to read the opinion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally he chides his fellow judges for failing to act as judges by asking some very interesting questions. Again nothing can substitute for reading the actual<a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/243888222/3-14-cv-01253-57-Puerto-Rico-Decision" target="_blank"> opinion.</a></span>Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-17850433579833449032014-10-15T00:00:00.003-07:002014-10-15T00:01:37.171-07:00Judicial OligarchyI have said this before and today's pronouncement from the U.S. Supreme Court only confirms it once again. We do not live in a democratic republic. We do not live in a federal system of government where there are states that have rights, duties, responsibilities and limitations on what they can do and a federal government that is "limited" in its jurisdiction.<br />
<br />
Today's decision by the Court to enjoin enforcement of some of Texas' new abortion regulations law is a perfect example of federal over-reaching. The law passed addressed regulatory rules for free standing surgical centers (read abortion mills) that would protect patients from shoddy abortionists like Kermit Gosnell of Philadelphia or Stephen Bingham, lately of New Jersey.<br />
<br />
How many women have to die before these justices recognize the error they have made?Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-76075226631269572132014-09-24T22:51:00.001-07:002014-09-24T22:51:34.913-07:00ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS - Talking about the new book " The Race to Save Our Century" by Jason Jones and John Zmirak I must confess at beginning that I am a little biased when it comes to reviewing good books. There is something wonderful about reading a tome that exudes logic, common sense and a proper turn of a phrase. Considering the general poor writing one finds in the mainstream press, the lack of logic in editorials and commentary, and the overall reduction of language to 140 characters, it was refreshing to peruse the pages of Jason Jones and John Zmirak's new book, <a href="http://saveourcentury.com/">The Race to Save Our Century.</a><br />
<br />
<b>Imagine a book that connects the dots.</b><br />
<br />
That is what <u>The Race to Save Our Century</u> does for its readers. It explains the crisis of belief in values, in the truth, in the objective moral order, walking the reader through the past - history - exploring the reasons why we are at this pivotal fork in the road between chaos and darkness and order and light.<br />
<br />
Jason and John have distilled these concepts into a bold powerful elixir. I know Jason well. We have discussed these ideas over the years in a variety of settings; sometimes in the foyer of a hotel, sometimes at the Dubliner with other pro-life activists, sometimes on the way to the airport or on the phone as we were driving to our respective homes after being on the road. The passion they both have for defending life is found in this book. They provide the reader with the historical supports to their arguments and the citations to those works. The book should be mandatory reading for every senior in high school and every freshman in college.<br />
<br />
I will let you read the book and draw your own conclusions on how significant is the subject matter. What is it that we are called to do in our own personal lives? What is the role of government in protecting the lives of people? Why do governments do what they do? As the fighting continues in the Middle East, as the babies continue to be slaughtered in the abortion mills throughout the world, and as the millions of refugees continue to struggle to survive in camps throughout much of the Third World, we need to take stock of who we are as individuals as communities, as nations and ask ourselves - what is it all about?<br />
<br />
Reading this book will help to decipher the answers to these profound questions.Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-23947482257636949492014-09-23T00:45:00.000-07:002014-09-23T00:45:57.103-07:00PENALOSA FOR ARIZONA - The INDEPENDENT PRO-LIFE OPTIONCentral, south and west Phoenix have a unique opportunity this November to elect a genuine pro-life candidate to Congress. Since 1991 the area - now known as Congressional District 7 - has had to suffer with the likes of Ed Pastor, a person who turned his back on his heritage and his voting record as a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to support the extreme pro-abortion position of the national Democrat leadership.<br />
<br />
This summer the primary race among the Democrats pitted the old guard in Mary Rose Wilcox against a young and determined Ruben Gallego, who was a member of the state legislature. Gallego defeated Wilcox in the primary on August 26 by a little over 3000 votes in a primary that only saw 30,000 voters go to the polls.<a href="http://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/elections-politics/newsroom/press-releases/planned-parenthood-advocacy-groups-endorse-ruben-gallego-arizona-congressional-race/"> Gallego is an extreme pro-abortion candidate who is endorsed by Planned Parenthood.</a> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/05/13/planned-parenthood-counselor-withheld-info-on-rape-police-report-claims/">Planned Parenthood is currently under investigation for failing to report and withholding information regarding a rape because it would have been a "hassle." </a> Gallego has yet to disavow his relationship with the abortion provider.<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="http://www.penalosaforarizona.com/">Jose Penalosa</a> - the independent candidate for congressional district 7.<br />
<br />
Penalosa has been an<a href="http://attorneyjosepenalosa.com/"> attorney</a> for the last 24 years representing and serving the people of south and west Phoenix not only as an attorney but as a member of various community boards and organizations. He is well respected in the community and especially because of his level of knowledge and sophistication on the subject of immigration.<br />
<br />
But here is the best part - he respects the dignity of each and every human person - including those in the womb.<br />
<br />
Unlike his opponent who thinks it is permissible to destroy the precious bond between mother and child, Jose believes in life. He believes the law should protect life. and he also believes that the community should help mothers and the unborn babies by supporting organizations that assist them through their pregnancies. He strongly believes that men should shoulder the responsibility of being fathers and doing their duty to provide for their children and the mothers who give birth to them.<br />
Penalosa is endorsed by the National Right to life Committee.<br />
<br />
In addition to his expertise in the area of immigration - something that is so needed if the nation is to ever solve the problem, Jose is a small businessman and knows the importance of fiscal responsibility. He realizes that government cannot spend its way out of problems and that there must be a serious examination as to the way Washington operates.<br />
<br />
Jose Penalosa offers the people of Phoenix an alternative to he way things have been done in the past. He offers fresh ideas and will not be controlled by any party or interest group. He will represent all the people of his district, He will not be owned by Nancy Pelosi or the democrat machine. Instead he will offer Arizona a truly conscientious independent voice to address the critical issue of the day.<br />
<br />
This November send a message back to Washington. Tell them you are mad as hell and you are not going to take it anymore.<br />
<br />
On November 4, 2014 Democrats, Republicans and Independents should all vote for Jose Penalosa for Congress.<br />
<br />
VIVA Jose Penalosa<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-4527380392104579662014-08-27T02:08:00.002-07:002014-08-27T02:08:52.448-07:00Powerful Message in The Giver needs to be heard todayAfter seeing the movie The Giver, I wanted to shout to all the world how important this movie could be to a generation who has grown up with visual images and a certain infatuation with technology. At the same time I did not want to give away the plot line and ruin the awakening that takes place both for the character and the viewer alike. So while encouraging people to see the film, I did not reveal the story line or the symbolism rampant throughout the movie.<br />
<br />
Well now a couple of weeks after opening, I will repeat myself in this regard. Please do yourself a big favor and go see the movie. Do not wait. And if you have nay children older than 10, bring them with you. And then discuss the movie when you leave the theater. Our children need to hear the message of this film. In fact, directing a conversation is extremely important after watching the movie. You will be surprised at what the children will reveal.<br />
<br />
I still do not intend to give away the plot. But I will tease you all a bit and suggest that the world is supposedly free from pain, sorrow, hurt, and loss. Indeed all sadness has been removed. And there is no memory of the past, of war, or all things tragic. Everyone is the same and everyone enjoys being the same. It is the story of one young man and his selection - what that selection means - and how he confronts this supposedly perfect world.<br />
<br />
As predicted the critics are not fond of this film or its message. This factor almost requires us to see the film over and over again.<br />
<br />
If you want a treat, read the books. Yes books. Lois Lowry, the author, decided to finish the story that she starts in The Giver. There are three companion books which simply are amazing and profound. <br />
<br />
Understand this - if the young audience truly understands the message of this movie, then the ranks of our pro-life movement will swell and positive change will happen. And then everyone will finally begin to see what the world was intended to be.Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-58246246619924984202014-08-16T01:26:00.004-07:002014-09-23T14:27:36.595-07:00the labeling of persons<br />
<br />
Not much to say when a master explains it all. Just read <a href="http://www.firstthings.com/article/2014/03/against-heterosexuality">this.</a><br />
<br />
Although I will say I thought about and spoke about the very idea of true friendship over 20 years ago. ( Yes I am getting old.) <br />
<br />
I was really upset with the characterizing of true filial affection for homosexual inclination.<br />
<br />
Now when you are done reading the first article from First Things, read<a href="http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2014/08/against-obsessive-sexuality"> this.</a><br />
This gentleman explains it quite well.<br />
<br />
Friendship - that sweet elixir from the gods.<br />
<br />
How sad that so many people have no idea of it.<br />
<br />
<br />Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-76733888502418453572014-08-16T00:45:00.002-07:002014-08-16T00:45:17.964-07:00What the movie "The Giver" can give to viewersTonight was opening night for the new movie,<a href="https://thegiverfilm.com/"> The Giver.</a> Based upon the 1994 Newbery Medel winning novel by Lois Lowry, the movie tells a story of a world where "sameness" is held in the highest regard, everything is peaceful and calm and only the government can make any decisions. The lives of the members of the "Community" are controlled from birth through death and in its desire for "peace, , contentment and no pain," the community has given up freedom. We follow the life on one young man who confronts this reality and watch how he deals with it.<br />
<br />
Do not expect the critics to like this film.<br />
<br />
The pro-life themes are quite apparent and will slap the secular mindsets, some of whom would actually prefer this kind of world if they could be in control.<br />
<br />
If you have read the book, you may be surprised to see that the film takes the story line and brings it to life in some very unique ways. However to explain them now would rob the viewer of the thrill of having it revealed. So I will avoid saying anything about the story other than to say the leads - Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep provide excellent performances. The rest of the cast does a very fine job of inviting the viewer consider what this kind of world means.<br />
<br />
The movie asks the viewer to think - these days that is a bit of a novelty - and to consider what kind of world one would have that robs every person of their unique individuality.<br />
<br />
Much to think about.<br />
<br />
Go see the film and then tell me what you think.Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-30888256393740231572014-07-02T01:32:00.000-07:002014-07-02T01:54:24.154-07:00Random Reflections Random Reflections<br />
<br />
<b>Dateline: Saturday April 19, 2014 </b>and the afternoon is slipping away. The morning work in the backyard is a memory and the short visit with one of the grandfathers was a pleasant diversion. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Life goes on.<br />
<br />
Life. It is what this column or blog has been all about. Life. Protecting life. Nurturing life. Promoting life. Encouraging life. Defending life. Saving life.<br />
<br />
Why.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a conversation the other day about the purpose and function of the law. The law is quite complex. Every aspect of our lives touches upon the law in some degree. But the fundamental purpose of the law remains quite simple and straight forward. One could look up the definition and find a general understanding that the "law" is a a body of rules that direct or prohibit certain activity. but what is the purpose for these rules. Cicero states that the <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">purpose of positive laws is to provide for "the safety of citizens, the preservation of states, and the tranquility and happiness of human life."</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span> I explained it in similar terms to my friend. "The purpose of the law is to protect people and property through a series of reasonable rules."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of this is consistent with a natural law view because it places the individual and the community at the heart of why we as a society have need for law. It also naturally leads us to discuss who are the persons who need protection and who are the communities who have interests that should be protected.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Dateline: Tuesday, May 27, 2014.</b> This morning my mom died. I got the call about 10 o'clock in the morning from Dr. Agnone. Mom was there for a check up and after a couple of deep breaths expired. It was a quiet and all too orchestrated an event – something my mom would do. You see May 26 was their 63rd Wedding Anniversary. The day before on Sunday, May 25, Mom and Dad came over the house for pancake breakfast. They would come over after eight o'clock mass. This was a tradition that had been going on for the last ten to fifteen years. Some of the children would come over. Sometimes the grandchildren and great-grandchildren would be there. It was a chance for mom and dad to see my children every week. Because the next day would be their anniversary, I encouraged my brother and his family and my sister and her family to come over to visit. It was good that they did. But I could tell the mom looked worn out. She wasn't interested in eating. She wasn't too responsive to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would smile on occasion but seemed somewhat distant. Dad remarked that she kept asking about that Tuesday doctor's appointment. I told him that she did not look good. On their anniversary they spent the day watching old "I Love Lucy" TV shows. They were among her favorites. Dad said that she had a good day. I think she knew that it was time for her to go to her heavenly home. And so she decided to the doctor's office was the best place for her to make her exit. You have to hand it to my mom. She was always thinking of everyone else.<br />
<br />
<b>Dateline: Monday June 1, 2014.</b> Today we held a funeral for my mom. My daughter and some of my sons sang. My boys acted as pallbearers. We said the rosary before mass began. We did the joyful mysteries because those are the mysteries mom loved best. She was always praying the rosary for someone. She was a true prayer warrior. Fr. Schlarb celebrated mass and gave a beautiful sermon. We prayed mom's Litany for for the Unborn during the eulogy. We continued the celebration over the house and I was touched by the warmth not just of the day but of all of those who attended mass and came to the house of the reception. my father was in rare form. He provided all of us men with an excellent example of someone who truly loved his wife and now that she was gone, appreciated even more how much God loved all of us. He told the story of his own mother and how she constantly reminded him that "we are only here (on earth) to get there (to heaven)." We all agreed that given the level of mom's suffering and pain she endured every day that death is a release to the loving arms of Christ. We could not be sad now that she was with Our Lord. We set the burial for the next day. As the last of the guests left our house close to midnight, I once again reflected in how our church is so wise to center all the major activities of our life around the Mass. It is so important to remember to keep Christ as the center of our life. He is our rock, our stronghold, our deliverer. His mercies boundless, His peace comforting.<br />
<br />
<b>Dateline July 1, 2014.</b> A month has passed. During that time we celebrated Father's Day. My fraternity brother Bill and his wife KK visited us from San Diego. They came over to see my dad especially. I went to the NRLC convention in Louisville, Kentucky. I have another graduate from high school. The Supreme Court handed down to decisions favorable the pro-life cause: McCullen vs. Coakley was a victory for the First Amendment. The Hobby Lobby case was a victory for religious liberty. It never ceases to amaze me how ridiculous the liberal press can be a misunderstanding decisions handed down by the court. So I suspect that we will be discussing this for awhile. Finally I must note that this particular summer has been very hot.<br />
<br />
Throughout all of these events I am once again reminded of the cycle of life and how each of us must find our way. For me, my mother's death reminds me of our long time commitment to the right to life. Both of us worked closely for many years and she never gave up. Up to her last breath I am sure she offered her pain and suffering for the sake of the little ones. It is my responsibility to continue to do everything mindful that she is now watching me. All of us have something to do. Let us be about doing it.Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-49718796017022710142014-01-28T01:43:00.001-07:002014-01-28T01:43:12.600-07:00"Gimme Shelter" tells a powerful true story the country needs to hear.I saw the movie "Gimme Shelter" on Friday in Alexandria, VA outside of Washington, DC. The performances were very
real and the first thirty minutes of the film were very gritty and
powerful. Vanessa Hudgens does an excellent job of portraying someone scared and
angry; her transformation is not forced but comes from deep inside. She
is a fine young actress. I had not seen any of her previous work. Her
scenes with the great James Earl Jones were touching - especially when
she talks to him in the chapel. If one can put aside ones emotions on
the abortion issue, one discovers that there are people who actually
care about these young girls who are desperate for a second chance. And
Gimme Shelter is about second chances.<br />
<br />
After the movie was over, I spoke with a number of theater goers who were very much impressed with the film. One lady wanted to donate to the shelter featured in the movie. It was clear from the various conversations that many of the viewers had no idea that such shelters even existed. It was also clear that they were impressed by the dedication and passion of those who cared about the girls at the shelter.<br />
<br />
But these homes do exist and so do scared young girls like Apple, the subject of this true story. When people like Kathy Defiore are willing to help these girls, then hope comes to life and they find a way for them to not only survive but to thrive.<br />
<br />
Gimme Shelter needs to be seen by the general public so that homes such as these can get the support of the general community in order to be an avenue of assistance for women in need.<br />
<br />
<br />
I strongly recommend this film. See it this weekend.Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8279828.post-70552181619445719352013-10-25T04:00:00.000-07:002013-10-25T04:00:19.751-07:00Crescendo <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw the movie short <a href="http://www.cpcmovie.com/">Crescendo</a> last night. I had seen it
many times previous and think it is a beautiful powerful artistic film. But
last night’s viewing at the theater offered another opportunity to reflect on
the pressures that people have affecting their lives and how their own
particular sense of God plays a role in how they respond to such pressures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I look at myself as an example. When the going gets tough,
really tough, I fall on my knees, sometimes literally and beg for help. I have
learned over these last fifty plus yeas that I cannot do it alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may come across as – well whatever – but
the truth is, that I need Him and His presence when the daily pressures of life
and work bear down on me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to be blunt, sometimes He leaves me hanging – just to
help me understand how dependent we all are on Him and His grace. There are
those moments when I can plainly see my own ineptness and confusion. There are
times when the frustration is overwhelming. But deep down I know He is there
and that He will never abandon me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I ache when I think of those women and sometimes men who
facing the unexpected pregnancy feel so alone and confused. The lack of support
or perhaps just the concrete needs that have to be met on a daily basis can be
oppressive. And in a fractured society that we currently observe, who is there
to help them?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is that we – you and I – should be there these
young mothers for they are “our neighbor.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To truly live the Gospel, we are to be His hands and feet,
His arms of loving embrace, His words of soothing support.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good news is that the pro-life movement at the grass
roots is doing just that every day. The pregnancy resource centers offer real
hands on hope and help to those women in need. Maternity homes such as Maggie’s
place provide real concrete places for young mother to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the demand is great and the current
resources are always tapped. These places need our financial assistance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then again so do the pregnancy centers. That is why films
like Crescendo offer us an opportunity to help these centers and at the same
time provide a means to spread the message that every life has meaning and
purpose. Perhaps you have the connections to get this film on your campus or at
your church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are in college, you
can partner with <a href="http://studentsforlife.org/">Students for Life i</a>n their efforts to bring the film to
university campuses throughout the country. If you have a pregnancy center that
you would like to support, perhaps you can sponsor a theater showing to raise
awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many ways that
you can help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we can offer alternatives, women will choose life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to get the message out. There is a
better way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jakubczyk on Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293621396979440833noreply@blogger.com0