By Billy Atwell|Published Date: September 14, 2009
I hate to say it, but rapper Kanye West and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) have something in common. They do not seem to understand that there is a time and place for their comments.
Last night Kanye West delivered one of the most disgraceful rants of his career. While country music starlet Taylor Swift was giving her acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, West took the microphone from Swift’s hands and said, "Taylor, I'm really happy for you. I'll let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time ... one of the best videos of all time!" He then shrugged his shoulders, as if he had no choice but to open his mouth and embarrass a 19-year-old girl in one of the finer moments of her already impressive career. West was then booed off the stage by the unimpressed crowd, followed by a standing ovation for a speechless Taylor Swift.
Sadly, politics seems to have experienced the same problem. While delivering his health care address to Congress, President Obama was interrupted by an angered Rep. Joe Wilson, who shouted, “You lie!” after President Obama stated that his health care plan would not provide free coverage for illegal immigrants. Since his statement, Wilson has raised $700,000 toward his political campaign.
The response towards the two outbursts has been somewhat different. Though both have apologized for their statements, Kanye West has been universally lashed by the media and bloggers, while Rep. Wilson has been both praised for reflecting the will of many in his constituency and ridiculed for the setting of his statement. Regardless of the public’s response, neither remark was in the appropriate context. West and Rep. Wilson should have kept their comments for the appropriate venue. By stating their beliefs in a public setting in which they were not the focus, they both look as though they are desperate for media attention.
Whether we agree or disagree with their comments, we must demand a certain amount of common sense from our peers, including the recognition that our thoughts are best expressed in certain settings, while in others they're just out of place. I doubt Rep. Wilson and West have a hard time getting the media attention they need, though it might not be the amount they wish.
Five or six years ago Focus on the Family released “The Truth Project” DVD series, and I went through it as a discussion leader of a small group. I haven’t looked at it since, so when a friend of mine said a group was going to go through it and invited me, I agreed. I thought it would be good to refresh what I learned from the DVDs and maybe learn some new things I missed the last time.
What a sad statement about the growing culture of death in the Netherlands: Advocates for euthanasia and assisted suicide are celebrating a decade of their legality by hosting a weeklong film festival called the "Week of Euthanasia."
Sadly, after getting their foot in the proverbial door, the advocates continually redefine the criteria for which people "request," voluntarily or involuntarily, suicide. READ FULL ARTICLE »
Results of the Francis Schaeffer drawing
By: Gina Dalfonzo|Published: February 6, 2012 5:39 PM
The winners of A Christian Manifesto are the following people:
Rev. Paul Atwater Zach Scheller Noele Lang Nancy Chesnutt Jane Holden Harrold Charlotte (no last name given) Cheri and Joey Moschler
Congratulations! Contact me at gina_dalfonzo AT breakpoint DOT org (take out the spaces, substitute the symbols for AT and DOT) to claim your prize. If any of the books go unclaimed for more than a week, we'll draw more names to replace the ones who didn't get in touch. READ FULL ARTICLE »
Susan G. Komen Should Reverse Its Reversal
By: Ginny Mooney|Published: February 6, 2012 2:28 PM
I’ve had two cousins with breast cancer saved by early detection.
I support the tremendous work The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is doing to raise awareness of breast cancer, increase early detection, and help reduce mortality rates form the disease. Yet I believe Komen should reverse its recent "reversal" and stop funding Planned Parenthood -- even though its support is earmarked for breast cancer education, screenings, and mammogram referrals.
Late last week I had a chance to see a new film called October Baby, set to open in theaters March 23. The movie tells the story of a college student who belatedly learns that she was adopted -- and that she's a survivor of abortion.
Give them credit: That's a perspective that I believe has very rarely been shown on film before.
Late last week I had a chance to see a new film called 
