Day 9 - January 28, 2013 - Senator Harry Blevins
Friends, thank you for hanging in there with me and (I hope!) sending e-mails to these Senators who have been entrusted with the high duty of lawmaking. I believe that we are planting seeds that will, at some point, bear fruit. Just a few more days to go...
If you read Day 7, you will recall that the Senate Education and Health Committee, which hears all abortion-related bills in the Senate, is comprised of 8 Republicans and 7 Democrats. The 7 Democrats reliably vote against any measure that would provide greater protection for pre-born human life. 7 of the Republicans consistently vote for these measures, leaving one Republican "swing vote" in the middle. Meet Senator Blevins.
In the meetings I have had with Senator Blevins, he has always insisted that he will not decide (or at least not announce) his position on pro-life legislation before the Committee hearing. I can respect this decision, and I have spent my time with him simply offering to answer any questions he might have about House Bill 1 (the quintessential life-at-conception bill). When HB1 was heard in Committee last year, many, many questions were raised, and I believe each one was answered definitively by either Delegate Bob Marshall (the bill's patron) or myself. This, I believe, is why Senator Blevins voted for the measure, and it was reported to the floor.
Mere hours later, when Republican leaders teamed up with Democrats to spring a rarely-used procedural maneuver to send the bill right back to the Committee for "further study," Senator Blevins voted with the leadership to send back the bill he had just voted to report! I don't know what his reasons were, and he has since refused my requests for a meeting.
Let's reach out to Senator Blevins today.
Dear Senator Blevins,
I understand that you have sent mixed signals about your support for a bill that would recognize, for purposes of Virginia law, that human life begins at conception. As a Virginian who believes that it is imperative for our laws to recognize this basic scientific fact, I implore you to take a strong, consistent stand on this matter. While many elected officials choose daily to bow to pressures of party leaders or the political climate on a host of issues, this is one issue that is too fundamental to admit compromise. I am praying for you today--that you would have great courage to pursue principle over politics.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Senator Blevins' e-mail address: district14@senate.virginia.gov
Please pray for Senator Blevins, that he would take a stand against those who would use him as a pawn for their own political purposes.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
5 Minutes a Day - Day 8
Day 8 - January 27, 2013 - A Day of Rest
I am so thankful for the Sabbath! As we pause from our labors today, reflect on these verses from Psalm 22:
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord,
And all the families of the nations will worship before You.
For the kingdom is the Lord's and He rules over the nations.
All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship,
All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.
Posterity will serve Him;
It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.
They will come and will declare His righteousness
To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
What hope we have!
I am so thankful for the Sabbath! As we pause from our labors today, reflect on these verses from Psalm 22:
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord,
And all the families of the nations will worship before You.
For the kingdom is the Lord's and He rules over the nations.
All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship,
All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.
Posterity will serve Him;
It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.
They will come and will declare His righteousness
To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
What hope we have!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
5 Minutes a Day - Day 7
Day 7 - January 26, 2013 - Senator Steve Martin
Senator Martin is running for Lieutenant Governor. He is currently the Chairman of the Education and Health Committee--the Senate Committee that hears all abortion-related legislation and determines whether or not to report it to the Senate floor for a recorded vote. The Committee is comprised of 8 Republicans (including Senator Martin) and 7 Democrats. While the 7 Democrats consistently vote against measures to protect life in the womb or restrict funding for abortion, one of the 8 Republicans is an uncertain swing vote. This means that we are never assured of the outcome of legislation that goes before the Committee, and that the hearings are tough--sometimes even vicious.
Last year, when I testified before the Ed & Health Committee in support of House Bill 1 (the quintessential "life begins at conception" bill), the hearing room was literally overflowing with people. Many of them were there for Planned Parenthood's "lobby day." Those who could not squeeze into the room waited in a queue outside for a turn to enter the fray. After the Committee surprised us by voting to report HB1 to the floor following a grueling debate, I was accosted by two Planned Parenthood supporters who hurled insults at me and assured me that if I had a daughter, someday she would be ashamed of what I had just done.
Senator Martin is not only charged with presiding over these heated, highly emotional debates; he also faces the pressures of a "moderate" Republican leadership in the Senate--a leadership that, unfortunately, does not share our convictions that the battle to protect human life must be waged whatever the political conditions. This is the leadership that teamed up with Senate Democrats to "recommit" HB1 right back to the Committee for "further consideration" (mere hours after its passage in the Committee) instead of allowing the Senate to vote on it.
Many of us were disappointed that Senator Martin chose not to call a special meeting of the Committee last fall to again report HB1, which would have then required the full Senate vote that could have made the bill law. Because he was not assured of the Republican swing vote on the Committee, Senator Martin chose not to incur the wrath of the party leaders by holding the hearing. But Senator Martin is not solely at fault, here. Unfortunately, the biggest "pro-life" organizations in Virginia chose not to encourage him to hold the hearing. I won't speculate as to their reasons.
Let's reach out to Senator Martin today.
Dear Senator Martin,
Thank you for consistently voting for measures that would restore the sanctity of human life in Virginia. I realize that you face fierce opposition in these efforts, even within your own party. I want to encourage you to stand firm against those who would cause you to "grow weary in doing good." It is important to me and my family that the laws of Virginia recognize that human life begins at conception, and that every human being—from conception until natural death—has basic human rights.
I am looking for a Lieutenant Governor who will not only "support" the cause of life, but who will lead it. I am praying specifically for you today, that God would give you great courage to work toward this end. Thank you.
Senator Martin is running for Lieutenant Governor. He is currently the Chairman of the Education and Health Committee--the Senate Committee that hears all abortion-related legislation and determines whether or not to report it to the Senate floor for a recorded vote. The Committee is comprised of 8 Republicans (including Senator Martin) and 7 Democrats. While the 7 Democrats consistently vote against measures to protect life in the womb or restrict funding for abortion, one of the 8 Republicans is an uncertain swing vote. This means that we are never assured of the outcome of legislation that goes before the Committee, and that the hearings are tough--sometimes even vicious.
Last year, when I testified before the Ed & Health Committee in support of House Bill 1 (the quintessential "life begins at conception" bill), the hearing room was literally overflowing with people. Many of them were there for Planned Parenthood's "lobby day." Those who could not squeeze into the room waited in a queue outside for a turn to enter the fray. After the Committee surprised us by voting to report HB1 to the floor following a grueling debate, I was accosted by two Planned Parenthood supporters who hurled insults at me and assured me that if I had a daughter, someday she would be ashamed of what I had just done.
Senator Martin is not only charged with presiding over these heated, highly emotional debates; he also faces the pressures of a "moderate" Republican leadership in the Senate--a leadership that, unfortunately, does not share our convictions that the battle to protect human life must be waged whatever the political conditions. This is the leadership that teamed up with Senate Democrats to "recommit" HB1 right back to the Committee for "further consideration" (mere hours after its passage in the Committee) instead of allowing the Senate to vote on it.
Many of us were disappointed that Senator Martin chose not to call a special meeting of the Committee last fall to again report HB1, which would have then required the full Senate vote that could have made the bill law. Because he was not assured of the Republican swing vote on the Committee, Senator Martin chose not to incur the wrath of the party leaders by holding the hearing. But Senator Martin is not solely at fault, here. Unfortunately, the biggest "pro-life" organizations in Virginia chose not to encourage him to hold the hearing. I won't speculate as to their reasons.
Let's reach out to Senator Martin today.
Dear Senator Martin,
Thank you for consistently voting for measures that would restore the sanctity of human life in Virginia. I realize that you face fierce opposition in these efforts, even within your own party. I want to encourage you to stand firm against those who would cause you to "grow weary in doing good." It is important to me and my family that the laws of Virginia recognize that human life begins at conception, and that every human being—from conception until natural death—has basic human rights.
I am looking for a Lieutenant Governor who will not only "support" the cause of life, but who will lead it. I am praying specifically for you today, that God would give you great courage to work toward this end. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your name].
Senator Martin's e-mail address: district11@senate.virginia.gov
Please take a moment to pray for Senator Martin.
Friday, January 25, 2013
5 Minutes a Day - Day 6
Day 6 - January 25, 2013 - Senator Tom Garrett
Senator Garrett is a relatively new Senator--this is his second year in office. He has already demonstrated a willingness to sponsor life-protective legislation, and we should encourage him to do so. Our voices must be the counterpoint to the resistance he will face--is facing--from Republican party leaders who would prefer to just leave this issue alone. We must remind him that this is a human rights issue, a truth and justice issue, that cannot be left alone for a moment.
Dear Senator Garrett,
Thank you for your willingness to use your office to sponsor legislation that would restore the sanctity of human life in our Commonwealth. It is important to me and my family that the laws of Virginia recognize that human life begins at conception, and that every human being—from conception until natural death—has basic human rights. I am aware that there are some Republican Senate leaders who would prefer to ignore this issue, but because it is a human rights issue, it cannot be ignored. I am praying specifically for you today, that God would give you great courage to stand for the cause of life. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Here is Senator Garrett’s e-mail address: district22@senate.virginia.gov
Please pray for Senator Garrett.
Senator Garrett is a relatively new Senator--this is his second year in office. He has already demonstrated a willingness to sponsor life-protective legislation, and we should encourage him to do so. Our voices must be the counterpoint to the resistance he will face--is facing--from Republican party leaders who would prefer to just leave this issue alone. We must remind him that this is a human rights issue, a truth and justice issue, that cannot be left alone for a moment.
Dear Senator Garrett,
Thank you for your willingness to use your office to sponsor legislation that would restore the sanctity of human life in our Commonwealth. It is important to me and my family that the laws of Virginia recognize that human life begins at conception, and that every human being—from conception until natural death—has basic human rights. I am aware that there are some Republican Senate leaders who would prefer to ignore this issue, but because it is a human rights issue, it cannot be ignored. I am praying specifically for you today, that God would give you great courage to stand for the cause of life. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Here is Senator Garrett’s e-mail address: district22@senate.virginia.gov
Please pray for Senator Garrett.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
5 Minutes a Day - Day 5
Day 5 - January 24, 2013 - Senator Chuck Colgan
Senator Colgan is another "profile in courage." Like Senator Puckett (see yesterday's post), he has consistently stood against his political party to vote for the protection of life in the womb. In fact, he has actually co-patroned legislation that would recognize the humanity of unborn children.
Let's encourage Senator Colgan today.
Dear Senator Colgan,
Thank you for consistently using your vote to protect human life, even though this has required you to defy the will of your party. You have acted as a statesman rather than an ordinary politician, and I admire your courage. I am praying specifically for you today.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Senator Colgan's e-mail: district29@senate.virginia.gov
Please take a moment to pray for Senator Puckett.
Senator Colgan is another "profile in courage." Like Senator Puckett (see yesterday's post), he has consistently stood against his political party to vote for the protection of life in the womb. In fact, he has actually co-patroned legislation that would recognize the humanity of unborn children.
Let's encourage Senator Colgan today.
Dear Senator Colgan,
Thank you for consistently using your vote to protect human life, even though this has required you to defy the will of your party. You have acted as a statesman rather than an ordinary politician, and I admire your courage. I am praying specifically for you today.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Senator Colgan's e-mail: district29@senate.virginia.gov
Please take a moment to pray for Senator Puckett.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
5 Minutes a Day - Day 4
Yesterday the Richmond Times Dispatch featured my Op-Ed on pro-life activism. You can read it by clicking here. Make sure to read the comment, calling God "the biggest abortionist of all." This is one of the worldviews that lies at the heart of legalized abortion: that we have just as much of a "right" to control life and death as the Creator.
Now for the daily e-mail:
Day 4 - January 23, 2013 - Senator Phillip Puckett
Senator Puckett is a true "profile in courage." Representing southwestern Virginia in the Senate since 1998, he has consistently stood against his political party to vote for the protection of life in the womb. This cannot have been easy for him over the years. I wish that all of our elected officials were so bold as to consistently vote according to their consciences, without regard to political ramifications.
Let's take a moment to encourage Senator Puckett.
Dear Senator Puckett,
Thank you for consistently using your vote to protect human life, even though this has required you to defy the will of your party. You have acted as a statesman rather than an ordinary politician, and I admire your courage. I am praying specifically for you today.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Senator Puckett's e-mail: district38@senate.virginia.gov
Please take a moment to pray for Senator Puckett.
Now for the daily e-mail:
Day 4 - January 23, 2013 - Senator Phillip Puckett
Senator Puckett is a true "profile in courage." Representing southwestern Virginia in the Senate since 1998, he has consistently stood against his political party to vote for the protection of life in the womb. This cannot have been easy for him over the years. I wish that all of our elected officials were so bold as to consistently vote according to their consciences, without regard to political ramifications.
Let's take a moment to encourage Senator Puckett.
Dear Senator Puckett,
Thank you for consistently using your vote to protect human life, even though this has required you to defy the will of your party. You have acted as a statesman rather than an ordinary politician, and I admire your courage. I am praying specifically for you today.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Senator Puckett's e-mail: district38@senate.virginia.gov
Please take a moment to pray for Senator Puckett.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
5 Minutes a Day - Day 3
Day 3 – January 22, 2013 – Senator Emmett Hanger
Friends, today is the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the decision that led to legalized abortion on demand. Since that fateful day, well over 50 million abortions have been performed. And while abortion advocates often recite the mantra that abortion should be “safe, legal, and rare,” Planned Parenthood is holding a rally at the Capitol in Richmond today to “celebrate” the decision that has resulted in these millions upon millions of destroyed human lives. Whatever your position on abortion, celebrating an event that has caused such massive death is nothing less than barbaric.
Senator Emmett Hanger represents parts of Rockingham and Culpeper County, along with Staunton, Waynesboro, and August, Greene and Madison Counties. Senator Hanger was once a very outspoken advocate of pro-life legislation, and is still very consistent in voting for these measures. He needs to be encouraged, however, to return to his former role as a leader on this issue. His website states, “Social issues, and in particular, matters of faith, are areas where I cannot compromise. I believe that the dignity of life should be protected and honored from conception until natural death.”
I believe that Senator Hanger is a man of integrity. Let’s ask him to use his position to lead the charge for the protection of human life.
Here is a short message you can copy, then click on the link to Senator Hanger’s e-mail below, paste in the message, sign your name, and Send! Or compose your own, personalized message if you like.
Dear Senator Hanger,
Thank you for all the times when you have used your position to advocate for legal protection of the unborn. Virginia’s Senate needs strong statesmen who recognize that whatever other priorities may be set by party leaders, this is a cause that can never be ignored—not for a single year—because of political expediency. It is important to me and my family that the laws of Virginia recognize that human life begins at conception, and that every human being—from conception until natural death—has basic human rights. I am praying specifically for you today, that God would give you great courage to work toward this end. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Senator Hanger’s e-mail address: district24@senate.virginia.gov
Please pray for Senator Hanger.
Friends, today is the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the decision that led to legalized abortion on demand. Since that fateful day, well over 50 million abortions have been performed. And while abortion advocates often recite the mantra that abortion should be “safe, legal, and rare,” Planned Parenthood is holding a rally at the Capitol in Richmond today to “celebrate” the decision that has resulted in these millions upon millions of destroyed human lives. Whatever your position on abortion, celebrating an event that has caused such massive death is nothing less than barbaric.
Senator Emmett Hanger represents parts of Rockingham and Culpeper County, along with Staunton, Waynesboro, and August, Greene and Madison Counties. Senator Hanger was once a very outspoken advocate of pro-life legislation, and is still very consistent in voting for these measures. He needs to be encouraged, however, to return to his former role as a leader on this issue. His website states, “Social issues, and in particular, matters of faith, are areas where I cannot compromise. I believe that the dignity of life should be protected and honored from conception until natural death.”
I believe that Senator Hanger is a man of integrity. Let’s ask him to use his position to lead the charge for the protection of human life.
Here is a short message you can copy, then click on the link to Senator Hanger’s e-mail below, paste in the message, sign your name, and Send! Or compose your own, personalized message if you like.
Dear Senator Hanger,
Thank you for all the times when you have used your position to advocate for legal protection of the unborn. Virginia’s Senate needs strong statesmen who recognize that whatever other priorities may be set by party leaders, this is a cause that can never be ignored—not for a single year—because of political expediency. It is important to me and my family that the laws of Virginia recognize that human life begins at conception, and that every human being—from conception until natural death—has basic human rights. I am praying specifically for you today, that God would give you great courage to work toward this end. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Senator Hanger’s e-mail address: district24@senate.virginia.gov
Please pray for Senator Hanger.
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