CONCERNED CITIZEN January 2004

A publication of Concerned Women for America of - /Imperial Counties

The California Legislature reconvened January the bill signed by Gov. Davis granting drivers’ licenses 5 and Congress will resume its work later this month in to illegal immigrants, was rescinded by the legislature our nation’s capital. It’s time to prayerfully consider even before it went into effect!) making your voice heard on important legislation! Please pray that Assemblyman Haynes’ next attempt to provide important and necessary protection THE STATE for parents and students will be successful. Pray that Parental Notification Petitions Coming Soon! legislators who hold to Biblical values will find ways to CWA will have petitions for a parental notifica- win their opposition over to the Truth. And remember, tion ballot initiative soon. We will be sending out an e- your voice counts! mail update on this issue during January to let you know how you can get involved, so please be sure you are on THE NATION our mailing list by subscribing at Life and Family Bills Need Your Support [email protected]. We’ve discussed them at And can the liberties of a length before, but we’d like to briefly Parental Rights Bill Dies nation be thought secure remind you of several important There may be new pending federal bills. leadership at the top in Sacramento, when we have removed their The Parents Right to Know Act of 2003 but in the legislature it appears to be only firm basis, a conviction (H.R. 2444) requires clinics receiving business as usual. A case in point is a in the minds of the people federal Title X funds to notify a parent parental rights measure, AB 950, by that these liberties are the gift or legal guardian three days prior to Assemblyman Ray Haynes (R- of God? That they are not to dispensing prescription contraceptives Temecula). to a minor. Rep. Hunter is currently a Last year, CWA opposed SB be violated but with his co-sponsor. 71, a bill to change our sex-education wrath? Indeed I tremble for The Marriage Protection Act of curriculum that was supported by my country when I reflect 2003 (H.R. 3313) limits the power of Planned Parenthood and the ACLU. that God is just: that his unelected federal judges and the U.S. SB 71, which adds sexual orientation justice cannot sleep forever. Supreme Court in defining or granting language to our state’s sex-education ~Thomas Jefferson marriage rights. Given the long-term program and allows students to be nature of any attempt to amend the surveyed on sexual practices without Constitution, this bill is very important direct parental permission is now law. in restraining the power of the judiciary on this issue AB 950 would have helped regain some rights during the lengthy process involved in a federal marriage of parents in this sensitive subject within public educa- amendment. tion, but died quickly in the liberal-dominated Assembly The RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2003 Education Committee on January 7. Specifically, AB (H.R. 3453) withdraws FDA approval of the dangerous 950 would have ensured that local school districts can abortifacient RU-486 pending a review by the Comp- adopt an “opt-in” procedure that would require parental troller General of the process by which the Food and consent prior to sex-education instruction. The language Drug Administration approved the drug. in SB 71 was unclear and might be construed as prohib- Action: Please call or e-mail your representa- iting this important parental rights practice from this tives in the House expressing your support for these point forward. The bill also would have required that measures and requesting that they become co-sponsors. school districts using outside speakers in their sex- Contact information is on page 4. education or HIV/AIDS programs provide parents with the name of the organization those speakers represent. Politics Trump Health at FDA AB 950 was defeated along party lines despite A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advi- its very minor and reasonable changes to the new law. sory committee has recommended that the “morning- Even attempts to drop some of the provisions were re- after pill” be made available over the counter. Ingesting buffed. Committee Chair Jackie Goldberg (D-L.A.) as- the drug, also known as “Plan B,” is approximately equal serted that it was simply too early to amend a new law, to taking 50 birth-control pills in a 24-hour period. It is but gave her word that she would allow a similar bill to generally prescribed after unprotected sex to prevent a be presented later in the session. (Consider that SB 60, pregnancy or terminate one that has already occurred. Aside from its harm to a newly conceived human, the disease and early death, especially among homosexual medication carries potentially serious risks and its origi- men.” nal FDA approval process, as with RU-486, was defi- Jan LaRue, CWA’s chief counsel, weighed in as cient and suspect. well stating, “Marriage is protected by law as the unique Standard birth-control pills are not available relationship and foundation of civilization. The president without a prescription because the risk of complications has courageously led the war on terrorism. We were such as blood clots and heart attacks require a physi- counting on him to exhibit the same leadership in the war cian’s oversight. Now, the FDA would have us believe on marriage. His stated position on civil unions is greatly that a high-dose pill can be safely dispensed over the disappointing, and we hope he reconsiders what’s at counter. Further, “Plan B” was not tested on adolescents, stake.” a group that is likely to use the drug if available, nor Americans want marriage protected. Last were its long-term effects on women’s health or the risks month, a USA Today/CNN poll showed that 65 percent of repeated use studied prior to approval. The drug com- oppose homosexual marriage. In Massachusetts, where a pany’s own study indicated that one-third of the women 4-3 decision by the state’s Supreme Judicial Court de- who read the label did not understand that “Plan B” clared denying homosexuals the right to marry uncon- could not be used as a regular form of birth control, and stitutional, 69 percent of residents told Zogby pollsters among those less literate lack of comprehension grew. that they want to keep Massachusetts a traditional mar- CWA’s senior policy director, Wendy Wright is riage state. concerned about support from the American College of Action: Please pray for President Bush. We Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). “ACOG continues hope that you already regularly lift him up in prayer, but to put politics above women’s health,” stated Wright. please specifically pray for him on this issue. As well, “Sexual politics, that is, that promiscuous sex is a right contact the White House with your concerns over coun- that everyone should accommodate, has blinded many of terfeit marriages such as the domestic partnerships, the medical elite to the dangers of personal as well as which will take effect next January here in California if public health.” Wright is also concerned that the drug not stopped in the courts. Phone 202-456-1111 or 202- could be used by statutory rapists to cover up their abuse. 456-1414 (6 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST), fax 202-456-2461, or e- While the American Medical Association supports the mail [email protected]. drug’s increased availability, their Australian counter- parts have just reversed their prior support and are asking NEWS DESK the Australian government to stop over-the-counter sales. Life Wins in the Polls Action: The FDA will make its final decision on Yes! Another poll has shown that the tide has “Plan B” next month and CWA will continue to urge the turned and more and more Americans understand that commissioners not to make this drug as readily available there is life in the womb—valuable human life. A Zogby as aspirin or candy. To share your concerns about the poll of 1200 likely voters conducted last month found risks to women’s health the over-the-counter sale of this that 52 percent of respondents consider that “abortion drug presents, contact FDA Commissioner Mark destroys a human life and is manslaughter.” Just 36 per- McClellan via e-mail at [email protected] or via cent held the opposite view. U.S. mail at U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Further, in a recent poll of women by the pro- Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. abortion Center for the Advancement of Women, just 30 percent felt abortion should generally be available. Sev- President’s Comments Troubling enteen percent said abortion should be illegal and 34 per- Last month, during an interview with ABC cent believed it should only be available in cases of rape, News’ Diane Sawyer, President Bush shared some incest or to save the life of the mother. Faye Wattleton, thoughts regarding the Federal Marriage Amendment president of the group, was disappointed in the results, stating, “If necessary, I will support a constitutional which she considered “alarming news.” “There is sig- amendment which would honor marriage between a man nificant and growing support for severe restrictions on and a woman, codify that, and will – the position of this abortion rights,” she complained. Praise God that people administration is that whatever legal arrangements peo- are recognizing the truth: Abortion kills an unborn child ple want to make, they’re allowed to make, so long as and harms women physically and emotionally. it’s embraced by the state or … start at the state level.” In other words, if states want to create counterfeit “mar- Celebrate Life This Month riages” via civil unions or domestic partnerships, his ad- January 22 marks the 31st anniversary of the ministration would support that. Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Many CWA’s President, Sandy Rios responded to the churches, crisis pregnancy centers and other groups will these comments saying, “The president is right on mar- be remembering some 40 million unborn children who riage, but tragically wrong on civil unions. Whether it’s have died since that ruling by recognizing Sanctity of done by a state, a court or the federal government, cre- Human Life Sunday on January 18. Consider organizing ating counterfeit marriage is immoral and destructive. It donations for a crisis pregnancy center or some other is not compassionate to create incentives for people to event to help your church celebrate God’s precious gift engage in homosexual behavior which leads to rampant of life! 2 Consumers Talk, Corporations Listen—Again register. Please note that this is a primary election and in Last month, we highlighted several incidents of order to vote for candidates vying for partisan offices in corporations run morally amok. There is some good November’s general election you must declare a party af- news this month. Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) has can- filiation. To declare a party or change your party you celled the publication of its pornographic catalog, carried must re-register. in its stores since 1998. A news release indicated, “While The registration deadline is February 17. To it has enjoyed success with the Quarterly over the years, obtain a registration form for yourself or a larger quantity the company believes it is time for new thinking and for your church, contact the County Registrar’s office at looks forward to unveiling an innovative and exciting 800-696-0136 or visit the County’s Web site. campaign in the spring.” Corporate representatives do Next, know the candidates and the issues. Now not admit to having dropped the perverse sex-laden is the time to find candidates who share your Biblical catalog as a result of consumer pressure, but A&F re- values and support them with your time and your fi- ports that a four-year slide in sales has continued, with a nances. Attend candidate forums, listen to talk radio, 13 percent drop in November as compared with last year. seek good information and share your knowledge with Although A&F appears to be moving in the right direc- your family, co-workers, and friends in your church or tion, we suggest waiting to return to the stores until the neighborhood. “innovative and exciting” spring campaign is revealed. In another positive, Dodge has pulled its spon- PRAYER POWER sorship of a raunchy pay-per-view “Lingerie Bowl” dur- As we take our desires to our Father this month, ing halftime at Super Bowl XXXVIII. Company vice keep in mind the words of 19th century preacher and president George E. Murphy explained, “Dodge’s brand author Charles Spurgeon who said, “Mind how you pray. sponsorship of the Lingerie Bowl has become a distrac- Make real business of it. Let it never be a dead formality. tion. The event was diverting media and consumer atten- Plead the promise in a truthful, business-like way. Ask tion from … the great new products we are preparing to for what you want, because the Lord has promised it. launch next year.” No kidding! Consumer attention was Believe that you have the blessing, and go forth to your diverted to calling Dodge dealerships and corporate of- work in full assurance of it. Go from your knees singing, fices suggesting the company locate its moral compass. because the promise is fulfilled: thus will your prayer be In some not-so-good news, late last month 7- answered. The strength [not length] of your prayer ... Eleven announced that, for the first time in 17 years, its wins ... God; and the strength of prayer lies in your faith corporate stores would at least briefly return to the porn in the promise which you pleaded before the Lord.” business by carrying Playboy’s 50th anniversary issue. While the corporation says that it has no current plans to Pray for the protection of marriage between one regularly carry porn, parents are cautioned to check out man and one woman in our country. Pray that this divine their local 7-Eleven and ask that offensive material be institution will be neither fabricated nor manipulated in removed. its original design. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the Election Nearing – Be Part of the Process two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but The California primary election is March 2. I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians There are several things you can do to be salt and light in 5:31-32) the democratic process. First, in order to exercise your right and responsibility to vote, you must be registered. If you have moved or changed your name you must re-

For Your Information... This publication is provided at no charge to Concerned Women for America members and other interested parties to offer information that will spur the readers to prayer and action on critical issues. If you wish to have this publication forwarded to you via e-mail, send a request to subscribe to: [email protected]. Your name, address, and phone would be helpful. Concerned Citizen is provided through CWA of California - San Diego/Imperial Counties and deals primarily with legislation on the federal level as well as the state of California, though you need not be a California resident to subscribe. If you wish to join CWA, we welcome you to become one of more than 500,000 members in the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization. Men are en- couraged to join and make an impact as well. You may join by completing the membership application on page 4. If you have any ques- tions, please call our local office at 760-929-0352. Your financial contribution will assist the work right here in our area. One final note: As we work to rebuild the network of CWA in this Southern California area, we invite you to prayerfully consider becoming a Prayer/Action Chapter leader or joining an existing chapter. Part of our goal is to have a presence in every church in our area. You could be part of that plan. For more information on these options, and others, please contact our Area Director Cindy Moles (760-929- 0352 or [email protected]). Whatever the issue, you can have an impact in your community.

Thanks for making a difference! Penny Harrington, Legislative Liaison/Editor 3 CONTACT INFORMATION Please note: When sending e-mails, always reference the action you wish the recipient to take in the subject line (ex. “Veto AB 123” or “Oppose H.R. 456”). This ensures that even if the e-mail is not opened, your message has been seen!

President George Bush 202-456-1414, Fax 202-456-2461 [email protected]

Local Congressional Representatives: (To view all CA representatives: http://clerk.house.gov/members/index.php) 49th District - Darrell Issa (R) 760-940-4380 http://www.house.gov/issa/contact.htm 50th District - Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R) 760-737-8438 http://www.house.gov/cunningham/IMA/get_address3.htm 51st District - Bob Filner (D) 619-422-5963 (through http://www.house.gov/writerep/ only) 52nd District - Duncan Hunter (R) 619-579-3001 (through http://www.house.gov/writerep/ only) 53rd District - (D) 619-280-5353 [email protected] Mailing address for Representatives: House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Switchboard: 202-225-3121

CA Senators Dianne Feinstein (D) 619-231-9712 http://feinstein.senate.gov/email.html Barbara Boxer (D) 619-239-3884 http://boxer.senate.gov/contact Mailing address for senators: Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Capitol Switchboard: 202-225-3121

CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) 916-445-2841, Fax 916-445-4633 [email protected] San Diego Office: 619-525-4641, Fax 619-525-4640

State Capitol Operator: 916-322-9900 Find your CA legislator by zip code: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html

CA State Senators (San Diego Area) First number is Sacramento office, second is local office 36th District - Dennis Hollingsworth (R) 916-445-9781 909-699-1113 [email protected] 37th District - Jim Battin (R) 916-445-5581 760-568-0408 [email protected] 38th District - Bill Morrow (R) 916-445-3731 760-434-7930 Web site http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/38/feed.asp 39th District - Dede Alpert (D) 916-445-3952 619-645-3090 [email protected] 40th District - Denise Moreno Ducheny (D) 916-445-6767 http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/ducheny/

CA State Assemblymembers (San Diego Area) 66th District - Ray Haynes (R) 916-319-2066 909-699-1113 [email protected] 73rd District - Patricia Bates (R) 916-319-2073 760-757-8084 [email protected] 74th District - Mark Wyland (R) 916-319-2074 760-631-7670 [email protected] 75th District - George Plescia (R) 916-319-2075 858-385-0070 [email protected] 76th District - (D) 916-319-2076 619-294-7600 [email protected] 77th District - Jay La Suer (R) 916-319-2077 619-465-7723 [email protected] 78th District - Shirley Horton (R) 916-319-2078 619-462-7878 [email protected] 79th District - Juan Vargas (D) 916-319-2079 619-409-7979 [email protected] 80th District - Bonnie Garcia (R) 916-319-2080 760-336-8912 [email protected]

------If you are concerned about the future of the American family, you can make a difference by becoming involved with Concerned Women for America in your state and community. JOIN US TODAY! Enclosed is my contribution (minimum $20, please) for the work of Concerned Women for America in my state. This membership includes an annual subscription to the Family Voice newsletter. All contributions are tax-deductible. Name:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______Phone:______E-mail:______

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