News Updates, 3/18

Wisconsin pastoral associate fired for feminist [heretical] views
Madison, Wis. -- Ruth Kolpack, pastoral associate since 1995 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Beloit, Wis., was fired earlier this month after a brief meeting with Madison Bishop Robert Morlino...
[She would not make a profession of faith nor would she agree to only teach what the Church teaches - Sorta like St Cronan's Sr Louise Lears...Oh the Church is sooooooo "patriarchal" they whine.]

Pope Benedict XVI announces special year for priests
Pope warns of 'dilution' of priestly ministry

Dead Sea scholar: Essenes never existed
Is the 1st century celibate Jewish community fiction?

There's a new power in America: atheism
Nonreligious are now third biggest grouping in the US

Pope in Africa: no condoms against AIDS
Says world economic crisis due to 'deficit of ethics'

Pope says condoms are not the solution to Aids - they make it worse
The Pope courted further controversy on his first trip to Africa today by declaring that condoms were not a solution to the Aids epidemic – but were instead part of the problem.
[He spoke the TRUTH - but many refuse to listen!]

S Africa protest over new Mass translation
Critics whine 'it's too hard to understand'

Church anti-abortion [PRO-LIFE] campaign launched in Spain
Spanish government plans to ease restrictions

Group quietly marks anniversary of Cuba crackdown
Ladies in White decide to pray instead of protest

Rabbi: Pope should not wear cross at Western Wall
Says it's like a Jew going into church with phylacteries

Cardinal Mahony to testify in clergy abuse suit
Mahony served as administrator in the Fresno Diocese
[Odds are the standard response will be "I can't recall..."]

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Other Issues
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Highest Foreclosure States: Top 10

Dodd to give back AIG contributions
When it comes to donating to politicians and filling their coffers, bonus-and-bail-out embattled American International Group Inc.'s Financial Products unit in Wilton has a stimulus record of its own, providing Sen. Christopher Dodd's presidential campaign with more than $103,000 during the 2008 election cycle. AIG's contributions to Dodd outpace the financial firm's $101,000 contribution to President Barack Obama's election bid.
[Would he be giving it back if he had not been caught? No, he's a liar and a cheat and he should have been excommunicated years ago for he avowed promotion of the culture of death!!! And what about the muslim mulatto marxist? Sure, right!]

FANNIE plans bonuses of up to $611K for 4 execs...

AIG boss asks bonus recipients to return half the cash...
Concerned for safety of employees; doesn't want to disclose names...

National debt hits record $11 trillion
The eye-popping national debt surpassed $11 trillion Monday, the largest in U.S. history. The new Treasury Department figures on the national debt were released as the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office is expected to project that the annual budget deficit will be higher than previously estimated by the White House's Office of Management and Budget.

Pentagon Readies Big Cuts in Weapons
Two defense officials who were not authorized to speak publicly said [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates will announce up to a half-dozen major weapons cancellations later this month. Candidates include a new Navy destroyer, the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet, and Army ground-combat vehicles, the officials said. More cuts are planned for later this year after a review that could lead to reductions in programs such as aircraft carriers and nuclear arms, the officials said.

Russia May Send Strategic Bombers to Cuba, Venezuela
Russia could base strategic bombers at Cuban and Venezuelan airfields, the head of the Russian strategic air force was quoted as saying by the Interfax news service.