OUR COLUMNISTS (Click on photos for archives) 'Red-Letter Christians' and Their Dangerous Omissions Commentary by Matt Friedeman Many heretics get their start by differentiating between parts of Scripture they want to believe and parts they don't. Soon, the object of their faith becomes only a reflection of themselves and their preferences. A Tale of Two Presidents Commentary by Joe Murray The immigration crisis stemming from Mexico is unlike any other in history. Do we believe the arguments that it is impractical to deport illegals and resurrect the American melting pot? It depends on which President you ask. Worst-Case Scenario Commentary by Jane Jimenez What's the "worst-case scenario" when it comes to the sexual pressures on college campuses? Contracting an STD or AIDS? Having to get an abortion? Getting pregnant? Parents need to convey the "best-case scenario" -- one that captures life. Conquering Giants Commentary by Brad Locke Giants aren't always as scary as they seem. That point was driven home brilliantly by a movie I just screened. Alcohol and the Mel Gibson Saga Commentary by Mark Creech Mel Gibson's alcohol problem is simply a reflection of a much deeper national issue. As evident in this case, America's focus is blurred by its love for booze.

...Jewish War Veterans and other plaintiffs have filed a federal lawsuit demanding the removal of San Diego's Mount Soledad cross. President Bush signed legislation last week making the 29-foot cross, which has been part of a Korean War memorial for 50 years, a federal property. Federal law permits religious displays on public property if they have a secular meaning. But Bob Zweiman, who chairs the coordinating committee for Jewish War Veterans, says the cross unconstitutionally endorses one religion and is offensive to non-Christians. [AP]

...Despite the pro-homosexual political positions of the American Psychological Association (APA) and its refusal to recognize former homosexuals, the U.S. psychologists group's leader recently affirmed the right of patients struggling with unwanted same-sex desires to receive help. Recently, at the APA's annual convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, the organization's President Gerald P. Koocher stated that the "APA has no conflict with psychologists who help those distressed by unwanted homosexual attraction." This came as encouraging news to Exodus International, an international outreach to those affected by unwanted same-sex attractions. Exodus International had joined with several U.S. groups to protest the APA at the 2006 convention, with more than 50 former homosexuals protesting outside the event and respectfully greeting attendees with signs proclaiming "Change is Possible," "Diversity Includes Us," and "APA, We Need Your Support." Alan Chambers, who participated in the protest, hailed Koocher's acknowledgement as significant progress. "This recognition of an individual's autonomy and right to self-determination is a positive step for the APA," Chambers observes. Thousands of people across the U.S. are struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction and want help from professionals, he says; but instead of getting that help, he contends, many have been marginalized instead. Chambers says he and Exodus International "hope the APA will consider these clients and initiate inclusive principles that affirm real diversity," and that the organization will also continue dialogue regarding these individuals' right to receive help. [Jenni Parker]

...A critic of the modern homosexual activist movement believes its advocates have blundered in their latest effort to "normalize" homosexuality. Bob Knight of the Culture and Family Institute says a new coalition whose membership list includes 27 pages of pro-homosexual organizations, support groups, and individuals, has made a big mistake in adopting an extremist "vision statement" that calls for a complete redefinition of the family. "For years," he notes, "homosexual activists have said, 'We only want two people married. We want [homosexual marriage] to be identical to man-woman marriage, and we have no further agenda.'" But now, Knight says, this coalition has come out with a vision statement document that has many signatories, "and it basically destroys marriage completely and opens the door to everything from polygamy to incest." In adopting this statement, the pro-family spokesman asserts, what these homosexual activists have done "is show their hand," revealing the true extent of their radical effort to redefine the term "family." Knight says he expects a huge backlash to follow the disclosure of the coalition's vision statement. [Bill Fancher]

...Wal-Mart's recent decision to partner with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and to begin talks with homosexual activist groups about extending domestic-partnership benefits to its employees (see related AdAge article) has prompted several pro-family leaders and groups to express disappointment and heap criticism on the retail giant. The Family Research Council's Tony Perkins is urging pro-family consumers to join him in opposing Wal-Mart's "offensive move." He says the company has obviously caved in to pressure tactics from groups who "demand that Wal-Mart take sides in the great cultural clash over marriage." But the retailer's capitulation "is an affront to the millions of traditional families" that patronize its stores, Perkins asserts. He adds, "I wouldn't be surprised if this causes a rollback in Wal-Mart's customer base." And Americans for Truth Founder Peter LaBarbera says he is "very surprised" that this corporation, which has enjoyed broad support from Middle American customers with traditional values "would now bite the hand that feeds it and thumb its nose at those very customers." LaBarbera says the retailer's "unsavory alliance" with extremist homosexual activists "risks entirely alienating the vast majority of its customer base." Meanwhile, Matt Barber, Corporate Outreach Director for American's for Truth, calls Wal-Mart's partnership with the NGLCC "a real shame." Barber says consumers who value traditional marriage and biblical values need to take note of Wal-Mart's support lately for radical groups and policies that "seek to destroy the time-honored institutions of marriage and family" and that try to "silence proponents of traditional family values." [Jenni Parker]

...A federal judge in Louisiana has ruled that minors should be allowed to purchase violent video games. Associated Press reports that U.S. District Judge James Brady, a Bill Clinton appointee, ruled today that a state ban against such sales violates an individual's free-speech rights. Governor Kathleen Blanco signed the law in June. It placed a ban on video games sold to minors if an "average person" would conclude they appeal to a "morbid interest in violence." Brady ruled the law could not be enforced. The Entertainment Software Association brought the case to court. [Fred Jackson]

...Some of the major hotel chains in the United States are defending their sale of pornography, and Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins is expressing shock. In recent days, the FRC and an Ohio group, Citizens for Community Values, teamed up to run a full-page ad in USA Today, drawing attention to what they describe as in-room, illegal, hardcore pornography being offered in hotels. Perkins says one would think some of the popular, respected hotel chains would be embarrassed; but that has not proven to be the case. An FRC press release quotes Kathy Shepard of Hilton Hotels, who charged, "in their zest to have their personal morals prevail, these groups are eliminating choice for others." The FRC also quotes Roger Conner of Marriott, who said, "In-room movies are a revenue stream. This is a business matter." Perkins feels the U.S. Department of Justice needs to do more to crack down on the sale of this material; but until that happens, he says, pro-family customers should choose to stay in hotels that do not offer in-room pornographic movies. [Fred Jackson]

...A new society of priests focused on fighting abortion and euthanasia has received the Vatican's blessing at a dedication ceremony in Amarillo, Texas. The Missionaries of the Gospel of Life is a diocesan society under the authority of Amarillo Bishop John Yanta. Rev. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, became the new society's first member at last night's ceremony, at which Lay Associates also were admitted. Plans call for the society's priests and seminarians to take on political as well as religious roles, from conducting voter-registration drives and lobbying elected officials to developing strategies for anti-abortion groups. [AP]

...A national defense analyst says many members of the Israeli Defense Forces are frustrated with the apparent lack of resolve on the part of the Israeli government to finish off the terrorist group Hezbollah. Former presidential military attaché Buzz Patterson of the David Horowitz Freedom Center believes Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is far too willing to appease the terrorists, and many of Patterson's contacts in the Israeli military tend to agree. Just this week, Olmert announced that the Israeli forces will lift their air and sea blockade of Lebanon once an international peacekeeping force moves in. But Patterson says some Israeli soldiers are frustrated that the Prime Minister agreed to a cease fire instead of allowing them to finish off Hezbollah. "They really were manning an all-out effort at this and had their hands tied behind their back," the military analyst says. "You cannot fight a war against evil Islamofascists under the Marquis of Queensbury rules," he adds. "Those things don't apply anymore." Patterson believes there may be a shakeup in the Israeli government as a result of this latest appeasement. He says Olmert and his family come from a long line of pro-communist appeasers and if the Israelis only had "somebody the like of Netanyahu, they would have taken the fight to the enemy much more aggressively." [Chad Groening]

...Israel is buying two new submarines from Germany that have the capability of firing missiles with nuclear warheads. Analysts says the deal acts as a clear signal from Israel that it can strike back should Iran try to carry out its threat to destroy the Jewish State. Associated Press quotes a British-based defense expert, Paul Beaver, who says the Iranians "would be very foolish if they attacked Israel." He also calls the submarines, "a very good insurance policy" for Israel in deterring such an attack. The Jerusalem Post says the deal with Germany was struck July 6, and the two new submarines are expected to be operational soon. [Fred Jackson]

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