FPL Daily News Reel: July 19, 2012
The FPL News Reel is a daily round-up of the top faith and politics stories in the news. You can sign up for the email version of the News Reel here, subscribe to the RSS feed here, and follow it on twitter at @FPLNewsreel.
What Obama Needs to Know Before Meeting Rick Warren Again
By Amy Sullivan — The New Republic
Finally, Obama should consider that Warren either lied about his plans for the 2008 forum or bowed to pressure from other conservatives regarding the topics up for discussion.
Philosophic Clash Over Government’s Role Highlights Parties’ Divide
By Peter Baker — New York Times
More perhaps than any presidential contest in years, the choice between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney presents voters with starkly different philosophies about the role of government in American society.
The Beltway’s Destructive Obsession with the Deficit
By Jamelle Bouie — American Prospect, Opinion
Indeed, listening to the panelists, you wouldn’t know that 12.7 million Americans are unemployed, and that millions more have dropped out of the workforce altogether.
Catholic Bishops Promote ‘Natural’ Family Planning Amid Battle Over Contraception Mandate
By Lauren Markoe — Religion News Service
When Catholics go to their church for premarital counseling, and it’s time for the natural family planning discussion, “most people just look at their shoes, pass the time and hope that the hour goes very quickly,” said O’Brien.
House Republicans Revive The Contraception Wars
By Sahil Kapur — Talking Points Memo
House Republicans renewed their effort Wednesday by advancing a measure through the Labor-HHS appropriations subcommittee with a rider to roll back President Obama’s contraception mandate.
McCain says conservative attacks on Clinton aide ‘need to stop now’
By McClatchy Newspapers
The attacks have been led by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., chairwoman of the Tea Party Caucus in the House, and four other conservative lawmakers including Trent Franks of Arizona, who have asked federal officials to investigate whether Abedin, a Muslim American who is deputy chief of staff at the State Department, is using her influence on U.S. policy toward the Islamic group.
Bachmann’s former campaign chief — shame on you, Michele
By Ed Rollins — Fox News, Opinion
You should stand on the floor of the House and apologize to Huma Abedin and to Secretary Clinton and to the millions of hard working, loyal, Muslim Americans for your wild and unsubstantiated charges.
Federal judge clears way for new Tennessee mosque to open for Ramadan
By CNN
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Todd J. Campbell is the latest development in a two-year battle over the opening of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, near Nashville, that has been marked by legal challenges and anti-Muslim sentiment.
Faith leaders support Tenn. mosque
By Bob Allen — Associated Baptist Press
More than 100 religious leaders signed an open letter July 18 voicing support for a Tennessee mosque asking a federal judge to permit use of its newly built building to celebrate Ramadan, which begins July 19.
Family Research Council Hires Controversial Former Army Officer, Jerry Boykin
By David Gibson — Religion News Service
Since his retirement from the military, Boykin has toured churches around the country. He is now an ordained minister and preaches from a different pulpit almost every Sunday – and he has ramped up his rhetoric against Islam and its perceived influence in the U.S.
Big Brain. Big Heart?
By Bill McKibben — Sojourners
Climate change—the biggest thing ever to happen on our planet—strikes me as a test not just of whether the big brain was a good adaptation, but also whether it’s attached to a big enough heart to matter. At this point the scientists have done all they can to speak for the brain; our religious leaders have done precious little to make the case for the heart.
