Dear Pro-lifers, Merry Christmas!

On November 4, a record number of Americans turned out to elect the first African-American as President. Barack Obama won 52% of the vote, riding a massive wave of anti-Bush sentiment. This is indisputably a historic occasion for the United States as one’s character is no longer discredited on the basis of one’s skin colour But, as Martin Luther King Jr.’s niece, Dr. Alveda King, has noted, Obama doesn’t fulfill her uncle’s famous dream. While Obama has made history as the first black elected president, he may also make history as the most pro-abortion president to lead the United States.

Alveda King has noted that since the abortion industry has especially targeted blacks and set up a disproportionate number of abortion mills in black neighbourhoods, Barack Obama’s extreme support of abortion is bad for blacks – and for the country. As The Interim noted in an editorial recently, the candidate of hope and change doesn’t offer either hope or change when he defends the abortion status quo – worse, he seeks to make abortion easier and more prevalent. More abortion is not good change and abortion is the negation of hope.

In an August 10th interview on “Your Show”, Obama voiced his proposed plan of action regarding embryonic stem cell research. He said, “we should all agree that [embryonic] stem cell research is something right to do and George Bush has unfortunately vetoed [embryonic] stem cell research twice. I will sign it when I am President of the United States”.

An Obama presidency is dangerous, especially with a pro-abortion Congress behind him. He has vowed to fight for and sign the Freedom of Choice Act, which if not struck down by the courts, would eliminate all Federal and State restrictions on abortion. No more partial-birth abortion ban. No more prohibition on taxpayer funding of abortion. No more State laws on parental consent, informed consent or even abortuary hygiene laws. Whatever happened to safe, legal and rare? Abortion hurts women and kills children, so it is not safe. There are about 1.3 million surgical abortions in the United States every year, so it is not rare. But it is legal – and at great cost and consequence: lower population growth, physically and psychologically afflicted women, increased health costs due to abortion complications... the list of negatives from abortion is endless. Why Obama wants to make abortions more accessible is beyond comprehension.

An Obama administration is likely to change the abortion debate and reality for a long time to come, both in the U.S. and abroad. He will appoint liberal, pro-abortion judges, including those to the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justices John Paul Stevens and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are both expected to step down in the next four years. They support Roe v. Wade and replacing them with younger, pro-abortion judges, means the day that infamous decision is overturned will be farther and farther away. Moreover, there is the possibility that one of the four pro-life justices might retire early or pass away prematurely. If President Obama selects a replacement for Chief Justice John Roberts or Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, or Antonin Scalia, the pro-abortion majority on the Supreme Court increases from 5-4 to 6-3 and makes protecting sensible pro-life laws all that much more difficult.

The Court ruled 5-4 in 2007, that partial-birth abortion bans were constitutional but if one of the aforementioned justices were replaced by a pro-abortion judge, such restrictions would be struck down. The issue of the Supreme Court is so important that many social conservatives, distrustful of the Republican candidate John McCain, voted Republican for the sole purpose of trying to prevent Obama from influencing the composition of the Supreme Court.

There are also big changes expected at the international level. Obama is expected to follow the lead of President Bill Clinton who used an executive order to strike down the Mexico City Policy that prohibits American taxpayer dollars from going to international organizations that pay for or promote abortion. Pro-life Congressmen are already gearing up for a huge battle on funding for international programs that will promote condoms and downplay (or eliminate) the abstinence message to fight AIDS/HIV. And George W. Bush’s pro-life policies at the UN – opposing abortion as a human right and upholding the family and traditional values – are probably going to be reversed.

After Bush’s re-election in 2004, the United Nations put most of its large conferences and conventions on hold, waiting for the Bush administration to be replaced by one that would support its radical social agenda. Many people there, no doubt, expected to see Hillary Clinton elected president of the United States, a friend and ally to those championing the causes of abortion, radical feminism, gay rights, and other policies that undermine families. But President Barack Obama will fit their agenda quite nicely, too.

In many States, voters elected not only the President, Senators and Members of Congress, but also got to decide a number of important ballot initiatives. Californians voted 52%-48% for Proposition 8 which would amend the State constitution to outlaw same-sex ‘marriages’. Arizona and Florida both passed measures to prevent same-sex ‘marriages’ and, in the case of Florida, a host of other benefits for homosexual couples. Arkansas voters supported (57%) a ballot measure that prohibits homosexual and common-law couples as well as singles from adopting children.

Unfortunately, the life issues did not fare as well. Washington voters passed Initiative 1000 which permits euthanasia by a margin of 59%-31%. This is troubling because euthanasia advocates hope now that two States have permitted euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (Oregon did so in the 1990s). Other States will liberalize their laws, too. In Michigan, voters backed an initiative to fund embryonic stem cell research (53%). In Colorado, a bill that would have recognized human life from the moment of conception was overwhelmingly defeated (73% against) and South Dakotans opposed an initiative that would have recriminalized abortion except in cases of rape and incest by a margin of 55-45%. In liberal California, voters narrowly defeated a bill that would have required parental notification when a minor seeks an abortion (52%-48%).

There is still a lot of work that needs to be done. But what is exciting and positive is that, unlike here in Canada, the important issues affecting life and family are debated vigorously and decided within the political arena – not ignored by politicians and decided by unelected judges.

Long-time pro-life activist Frank Mountain passed away on October 31. His tenacious example will live long with those who knew him. In 1988, Frank was in a car accident that made him a quadriplegic although his physical condition did not prevent him from being a tireless advocate for the unborn. Indeed, those who know him say his pro-life involvement intensified after the accident. He passed away at the age of 75 after a lingering illness and just months after three of his children (Mary-Ann, Mary-Teresa, and David) got married.

Frank lost the use of his limbs when he was in a car accident on the way to picket against abortion outside an Ottawa hospital in 1988. He swerved to miss an oncoming car and his station wagon veered off the road and rolled. His wife Margaret and five children were in the car, but only Frank was hurt.

Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition, recalled working nearly three decades alongside Frank, calling him an “outstanding pro-lifer, a tremendous example to everybody, and a rock-solid activist.” Hughes said of Mountain that he “knew it in his gut as well as in his head that killing children was wrong.” Karen Murawsky, another longtime pro-lifer and former director of Campaign Life Coalition’s Ottawa office, agreed. She described Frank as the “heart and soul” of the pro-life movement in Ottawa. She said that following his paralysis he intensified his efforts to protect Canada’s most innocent and vulnerable citizens. She also remembered his vehicles – station wagons and vans turned into mobile testaments to the evil of abortion. Countless people saw those vehicles emblazoned with large signs that said “Abortion kills babies.” At least two mothers decided against having an abortion after seeing Frank’s traveling witness.

During his recovery he was visited by Mother Teresa after the nun and founder of the Missionaries of Charity heard that he was injured en route to a pro-life witness. She changed her busy schedule to visit him. When he recovered, the Mountains, including Frank, resumed weekly pickets at the hospital. Hughes says most people would have given up pro-life work but Frank recommitted himself to protecting the unborn. “He still had so much pro-life work to do,” said Hughes, “that the good Lord saw to it that he had another 20 years.” He served as co-chair of the National March for Life from the event’s inception and organized fundraising initiatives such as the Hike for Life and Pennies for Life. As LifeSiteNews.com reported: “Canada’s unborn children today have lost one of their greatest champions and defenders, and the country as a whole is impoverished as a result.”

The Mountain family encourages donations to be made to Campaign Life Coalition in memory of Frank and to which Frank was tirelessly dedicated.

On October 30, Pope Benedict XVI addressed Canadians as he greeted the new Canadian Ambassador to the Holy See, Anne Leahy. Pope Benedict noted his concern for Canada’s growing lack of respect for life and family, despite the fact that Canadian culture has Catholicism as one of its cornerstones and has been recognized as a champion of human rights and dignity. He said, “Nevertheless, profound changes can be noticed today, which are seen in different sectors and at times cause concern to the point of asking ourselves if it does not mean a regression in the understanding of the human being.

These changes mainly concern the areas of defense and the promotion of life and the family based on natural marriage.” The Pope said there is hope: “I would like to encourage all Canadians to reflect deeply on the path that Christ calls us to follow” – a path that is “bright and full of truth.” He said it was not too late to restore a Culture of Life that would “nourish anew the personal and social existence of Canada as a whole.” He critiqued the false understanding of freedom that justifies excess and licentiousness and said true freedom “is ultimately based on and develops in God” and “implies reference to a natural moral law that is universal, which precedes and unifies all rights and duties.” He said he supported all initiatives undertaken by the Canadian bishops in favour of family life and the dignity of the human being.

Early in 2007, Richard Marchak of CLC Kitchener suggested that we consider a special theme for the 2009 National March for Life, because it would be 40 years since Trudeau’s Omnibus Bill opened wide the doors to abortion on demand.

Because the number 40 had special Biblical significance, it was suggested that we adopt Exodus 2009 as our theme.

It was brought to our attention that David Bereit in the U.S. has established 40 Days for Life, a period of prayer and fasting and we decided to adapt it for Canada.

Ottawa, our nation’s capital was suggested as the ideal place to start. So, 40 Days for Life was established in September to coincide with the effort in the U.S.

A beautiful pro-life witness of prayer and fasting concluded across the United States and Canada on November 2, including at two Canadian locations in Halifax and Ottawa. Tens of thousands of pro-lifers took part in the 40 Days for Life, including hundreds in Canada, during which 24-hour vigils were set up in front of abortuaries or hospitals that commit abortions. It also provided grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformations in 40-day periods. 40 Days for Life was a resounding success, with 441 babies confirmed saved and some abortion facilities in the United States scaling back their hours due to lack of business.

People who could not make the 40 Days for Life vigils often offered their own prayers and fasting to be with them spiritually. A person from Holy Family Church in Hanover, Ontario, wrote in to the 40 Days Ottawa website with this note: “We are doing a daily holy hour in support of the 40 Days for Life in Ottawa as well as other cities … We pray for an end to abortion and for mercy on our country … Even though we are not physically present with you, we are there in mind, spirit and prayer.”

There were several incidents of violence and abuse by abortion supporters. On October 15, a woman began screaming obscenities at the people holding vigil in Ottawa before becoming physically aggressive, throwing punches and kicking. The belligerent woman approached an elderly lady and said, “You’re old, why don’t you die,” according to an eyewitness. She then hit Suzanne Poulin, 51, in the face repeatedly. The police arrested the assailant who fled into a nearby building. Paramedics were needed to treat Suzanne but she returned to the vigil the next day.

Two weeks later, a suitcase left two doors from the abortuary caused a stir when police were called thinking it might be a bomb. The Ottawa police bomb squad cordoned off and evacuated the area, while police checked the contents of the suitcase, which turned out to be empty. News reports initially suggested the suitcase might be a bomb planted by pro-lifers. LifeSiteNews.com reported, “The suspicious manner in which it was discarded has led some to wonder if the action was intended to cause a disturbance that would reflect negatively on the pro-life demonstrators.”

But these disturbances were rare. The 40 Days for Life was prayerful, uplifting, and powerful. The one in Ottawa began with a rally that attracted at least 400 people and an equal number of people joined the special prayer vigil at the halfway mark, and 500 people came out for the closing vigil and Mass. In Ottawa, a moving silent procession went from the Morgentaler abortion mill to St. Patrick’s Basilica where Archbishop Terrance Prendergast celebrated Mass. The church was packed.

In total, 750 people helped hold a 960-hour continuous vigil in front of the Morgentaler abortuary on Bank Street in Ottawa, helping change the hearts of hundreds of men and women and literally saving the lives of at least three babies. Organizers say that they may continue the vigils in some form beyond the 40 Days for Life. More 40 Days for Life are being planned for 2009 to help mark the 40th year of legal abortion in Canada. Stay tuned for details.

In a November 10th media release, the Christian Heritage party announced the election of Jim Hnatiuk of Nova Scotia as their new leader. After 13 years as CHP party leader, Ron Gray is passing the torch to Hnatiuk who received nearly undivided support among his fellow partisans at the party’s convention in London, Ontario.

Hnatiuk is looking forwad to strengthening the party and to building membership across Canada. He also plans on developing new policies to deal with the concerns of the poor and low-income Canadians.
The London convention, to Hnatiuk’s pleasure, turned out an exceptionally large crowd in comparison to years gone by. “Many of the delegates here are young people,” he mused, “and they are the ones at the microphones, debating the resolutions.”

Hnatiuk has been married to Ellen for 35 years and he is the father of two and grandfather to two more. After his 1995 retirement from 25 years of service in the Canadian Forces, Hnatiuk started what is now the largest hunting, fishing and taxidermy business in Nova Scotia.

A last reminder that the deadline for the Fr. Ted Colleton Scholarship is approaching quickly. The topic changes each year, and this year’s essay topic is: In 2008 the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights is 60 years old. From a pro-life perspective, what needs to be done to make it properly and fully applicable in our nation?

The Father Ted Colleton Scholarship Program is sponsored by The Interim and Niagara Region Right to Life and it is intended to celebrate Fr. Ted’s lifetime of service to God and His human family and to inspire young people to learn more about pro-life issues, and the pro-life movement so dear to his heart. There are three prizes of $1000 each, awarded to high school students in their senior years (grades 11 or 12). They must submit one letter of reference from a school staff member or community representative, provide a brief self-profile outlining participation in school life/community activities and a description of their interest/involvement in the pro-life cause and the student must submit (preferably by e-mail) a typed original essay, of 800-1000 words. The deadline is January 8, 2009 (e-mailed or postmarked by that date). The winners will be announced by March and their essays will be reprinted in The Interim. For more information contact Dan Di Rocco, (416) 204-1687 or email him at dirocco@theinterim.com.

Interim Publishing has released a new book, The Tyranny of Nice: How Canada Crushes Freedom in the Name of Human Rights (and why it matters to Americans). The book is written by Pete Vere, an Interim reporter, and Kathy Shaidle, a widely read blogger (internet-based journalist). The book looks at several high profile recent cases, including complaints against Ezra Levant and Mark Steyn (for offending Muslims) plus Pastor Stephen Boissoin and Fr. Alphonse de Valk (for offending homosexuals), as well as a number of lesser known cases. Mark Steyn, one of the North America’s best and most popular columnists whose book excerpt in Maclean’s was the target of three human rights complaints, writes the introduction.

The book is getting massive attention in the United States with the authors being interviewed on the radio and internet and the book being mentioned twice on Fox News! Unfortunately, the Canadian media is less interested, with only a few radio talk show hosts interviewing the authors. It is a short and easy-to-read book that delves deeply into the problem of Human Rights Commissions. You can order The Tyranny of Nice on line at thetyrannyofnice.com for $9.95 plus $2.50 S/H or by calling us at (416) 204-9749 or toll free at 1-800-730-5358.

Once again, Fr. Louis DiRocco has put together a beautiful CD of Christmas music, entitled ‘Sing Noel’. It features 22 beautiful songs, in several languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Polish. You can listen to such classics as ‘O Come O come Emmanuel’, Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and ‘Stille Nacht’ (‘Silent Night’ in German). The songs are performed by gifted soloists and choirs, with full orchestral arrangements.

By purchasing ‘Sing Noel’ you can brighten your Christmas with uplifting Christmas songs and help Campaign Life Coalition. They are just $20 including shipping and handling. If you purchase two to ten, they are just $17 apiece and if you want eleven or more, they are a mere $15 each. They make great stocking stuffers and gifts for co-workers and employees. You can order Fr. Louis’ 2007 Christmas CD ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ for $5 each. Call (416) 204-9749 or 1-800-730-5358 to order today to make it in time for Christmas.

We are also offering the Agenda for Life, a daily agenda and calendar with lots of fun extras – inspirational quotes, jokes, delicious recipes and need-to-know facts. The planner has weekly and monthly sections so you can write down all the important dates you need to remember and schedule appointments or jot reminders. Everyone needs a calendar, so why not buy one that supports the pro-life cause. The attractive and colourful Agenda for Life is just $11.50 including shipping and handling. But order two or more and the price drops to just $7.95 each, so why not order a bunch as gifts. Contact Dan DiRocco at The Interim to order: (416) 204-1607 or 1-800-730-5358.

One of the best means of spreading the pro-life message and keeping people informed about life and family issues is through the pages of The Interim, your pro-life newspaper that has been publishing monthly for 25 years. If you do not have a paid subscription, order one today. It is one of the best things you can do to promote pro-life news and views. A regular paid subscription is $40 per year, but a special rate is offered to CLC supporters, only $25 for a one year subscription. E-mail dirocco@lifesite.net or phone 416-204-1687.

Occasionally, it is necessary to activate pro-lifers for immediate action. For those of you with access to the internet, please forward your email address to clc@lifesite.net. This will enable us to enhance our communications with supporters for specific action items.

May Almighty God Bless You and Yours this Christmas.
Jim Hughes
CLC National President