Tracy Press - Take a stand for life

November 20, 2008 Tracy, CA

Search

Polls

Login

RSS Feed: Local News

RSS Feed: Sports

RSS Feed: Voice

Take a stand for life

Written by Ruben Martinez / For the Tracy Press /

Friday, 16 May 2008

The Rev. Ruben Martinez asks you wear a black ribbon in memory of those who were never born.

Take a stand for life

EDITOR,

June is the month that most young people graduate from high school. By the time this letter is printed in the paper, I should be in Louisiana, attending my granddaughter’s graduation ceremony. She has accomplished much. She has been accepted to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. She was voted a most valuable player in soccer. She also made the state’s first soccer team.

I have said all this for a reason, and it is not to boast. Because of the legalization of abortion, many who would have been born in 1990 and would be graduating from high school this year aren’t — because they are not here. If my granddaughter had been aborted, I would not be making this trip to Louisiana.

About three years ago, after I read how many babies had been aborted and would not be graduating from high school, I decided to wear a black ribbon in their memory. Today we wear or display ribbons for just about everything. How about wearing them in memory and honor of those who would be graduating every June?

I fully realize that many will not agree with me and this idea, but if you do agree, would you join me in wearing a black ribbon in memory of all these little ones? Who knows, someone might just ask you, "Why the black ribbon?" You can give them the answer and at the same time make a stand for life. By the way, I would still be proud of my granddaughter, even if she had not accomplished what she did.

Rev. Ruben Martinez, Tracy

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email This

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (56)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

...
written by scott hurban , May 17, 2008

Thank you Pastor Rueben for taking a stand. I wish other pastors had your courage to publically take a stand for life. t is one thing to speak it from the pulpit and another thing to say it in the public square where you subject yourself to the same hatred that our Lord suffered for the truth. In this, there can be no compromise. We must love those who oppose us and recognize our own failings , but this doesn't mean we stand by and not force them to see that their choices are terribly immoral.

...
written by Stop the killing , May 17, 2008

I agree with you Rueben all life is precious. But along with that why is it that no pastor in this town will take a stand against war from the pulpit or in the newpaper. Killing is killing no mater how you choose to frame it. Do you think its is because pastors are afraid their church will lose its non profit status or are they afraid some parishoners will leave. Rueben do you agree with your grandaughters decision to join the air force she may be called to end somone's life as part of her duty. All life is precious. Abortion and war are both wrong.

...
written by scott hurban , May 17, 2008

Understand that there are justified wars. The Jihadists in the Middle East are true belivers in the Qu'ran who believe that the world should be converted to Islam by force if needed. They believe their holy book tells them to enslave women and infidels and if they won't submit, to cut off their heads ( read the Qu'ran yourself. They also want to annihilate the Jews they consider born of pigs, There is a difference between murdering the innocent and stopping a foe whose only desire is to spread evil in the name of religion. I suppose this is the time for all the atheists to equate Christianity to Islam. My son is in the air force and I couldn't be more proud. In fact I encouraged him to go.

...
written by Stop the killing , May 17, 2008

Scott what did Jesus say to do when the other guy slapped your cheek. He said turn the other cheek. He didnt say you were justified in slapping him back. If you want to be christian Scott there is no place for war. I have seen you advance the justified war theory before basing it on some cathloic bishop St. Augustine?? or something. Jesus would condon no war. The commandment does not say thou shalt not kill unless your government says its a justified war. I know your son and he is a good kid and I will pray nothing happens to him or that he is placed in a position to kill or hurt someone. its easy to justify war and abortion both are wrong. Have a good day Scott may God open your eyes.

...
written by scott hurban , May 17, 2008

Perhaps you have never read the Old Testament nor recall the words of Jesus commending the Roman Centurian for having greater faith than those in Israel even though he remained a Centurian. St Augustine was an early church father much closer to the Apostles who got their teaching from Christ himself. If you think sitting idly by while someone comes into our household and slaughters your entire family is the Lord's will, then you are seriously misled. Pleasse read the early church fathers who sat at the feet of the disciples to get the truth. I'm glad you like my son. So do I. If he died for his country, I would be heart broken but no less proud of his sacrifice. Nor would I be sad or less proud if he executed an Islamic murderer who tended harm to him or the innocent. Are you a Jehovah Witness?

...
written by womans_choice , May 18, 2008

You all are ignorant. Abortion is a WOMANS choice. She has the capability to make that decision. What if she was raped? Would she be forced into keeping that child? If you dont know the situaion, then you shouldnt be so quick in judging that woman. Every individual has a choice and that choice is theres and theres alone.
smilies/angry.gif

...
written by scott hurban , May 19, 2008

It isn't the babies fault if the mother is raped. The child should not be murdered for the sins of the father. A mother has no moral right to kill their child . The only time it would be morally acceptable would be an atopic pregnancy when both would die. I don't have to be in the situation where I would have the choice to kill my child to know it is wrong. I don't want that child's blood on my hands.

...
written by Dog , May 19, 2008

Sorry but I will take a stand for FREEDOM OF CHOICE. A womans body belongs to her and not the church or god.

...
written by scott hurban , May 19, 2008

Dog, a child's body belongs to the child and not the mother. You are misled if you think the child is a part of the mother's body.
Are you a part of your mother's body or are you your own person with your own identity?

...
written by school employee , May 19, 2008

I'm with Scott... I am so tired of it all being about the mother. The mother does have a lot of choices that do not have to include killing the baby. How many of these women ask the father involved if they want their child first so that they could take the baby? Happens all the time... and they don’t even know about it. If daddy doesn't want the baby either, there is a thing called adoption! In favor of choice? Then encourage the good choices!

...
written by Dog , May 19, 2008

Sorry but I believe both of you are wrong. A baby is part of a womans body until it is born and then it has it's own identity. It is physically attached and dependent on the mother. Do not force your beliefs on to others. I respect your beliefs but do not force them onto others.

...
written by MISSV , May 19, 2008

acctual a baby isnt apart of a womans body..it just protecting it so i agree with scott also and if you know about babies 99.9 percent of the blood line comes from the daddy.

...
written by Dog , May 19, 2008

A womans body is not protecting a baby. Remove the baby and cut the umbilical cord and it will die. Please go take an anatomy class and learn how a baby is formed.

...
written by theDream , May 19, 2008

Ok??? so going on that theory Mr. Dog then a grown person on a breathing machine, a feeding tube or with a prosthetic heart belong to Who, The Hospitals, the doctors, the creator of the plastic that is helping to sustain life. I am sooo tired of people trying to justify murder by devaluing others. Why sugarcoat it, sucking a child from the mother’s womb limb by limb into a trash can. A child at this stage is sooo hypersensitive that they feel the pain greater then we could even imagine. In some cases if it were not for the fact that this procedure is done inside the womb you would here the screeching cries of pain from this helpless little one. I understand that some feel a rape is an unjust cause to have a child but the experience of being shredded limb from limb does not bring justice to any rapist. I makes one wrong that much worse rape should not equal murder.

No this is not a choice that women should feel they are entitled to because it should never have been handed over to begin with!
Life is precious whether it be the life of a mother fighting to give birth to a special needs child, a father recovering from heart surgery, a teenager fighting to survive with the assistance of life support , an Iraqi child hiding from the constant gunfire and bombs or a child of a mother whom cannot see beyond her own temporary setbacks to see the pending agony looming above the baby already on death row.

...
written by Dog , May 19, 2008

WHO DIED AND MADE YOU PEOPLE GOD? Hand over the right of free choice from whom? A womans choice is not for you or anybody to make except for that woman.

...
written by theDream , May 19, 2008

Do you not hear the double standard in your talk???
in your logic apparently I guess a baby dying makes the mom God.
A baby's choice to live is not for you or anybody to make except nature or in more plain terms GOD whom by the way is still ALIVE!!!

...
written by rla , May 19, 2008

Ask the father first? What about all the fathers who have neglected their child support an estimated $89 Billion in past-due child support is currently uncollected in the United States.

Adoption? There are 800,000 in or entering the foster care system and out of that only 51,000 actually adopted.

It isn't the babies fault if the mother is raped? So what you are saying is that the unborn fetus is more important? Who cares what the mother is going to have to endure for probably the rest of her life.

What happens if abortion becomes illegal? You seriously think it won't create more babies being dumped after birth, more women dying who seek abortions from non medical facilities, more women on welfare and more unwanted children.

I personally would never abort but hey guess what that would be my choice!

...
written by theDream , May 19, 2008

Ok so let genocide be the answer for all those children that have deadbeat dads, and "potential" foster kids that's lives were deemed less valuable then their counterpart, it worked for hitler..almost. What the heck lets follow China's example of limiting the # of children born per couple to avoid the burden of welfare, the poor kids lives’ are worth less then that of the rich or "wanted" kids right? A woman that has been raped has her life to recover and heal. A child (also the rape victim) doesn’t even get that chance; they are not "worth It".

There are plenty of safe surrender locations in every town that would bring no legal repercussions to the mother. Fact is the number of dumped babies has dropped since this new legislation was passed.

Keep in mind this abortion debate has also become an industry, a lot of people make a living from this practice..pobrecistos you've got to feel for those poor doctors, nurses and medical assistance that would loose so much if we stop killing babies. Not to mention the legislative supporters and major entities that support such procedures how would Planned Parenthood survive??

As for the mother not seeking medical facilities to get the abortions your watching to many "Lifetime" movies. Seems kind of ironic that a women would die trying to actively kill the life within her.

Life seems to be the obvious choice here.

...
written by K.D. , May 19, 2008

I won't wear a black ribbon, because there are different reasons for having an abortion. The justifications lie in the eyes of the beholders.

I would assume that clergy members are hesitant to take a position on abortion due to one of the simplest tenets in the Bible:

Matthew 7:1-2
7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

...
written by rla , May 19, 2008

LOL thats funny "Lifetime". Even though thats a good channel, I desire the "History" channel and I read alot. Thats also my choice. smilies/cheesy.gif

...
written by theDream , May 19, 2008

sorry about the novel guys

K.D.
Again, JUSTIFICATION- Sooo who cares if you don’t wear a black ribbon, believe me, it’ll go unnoticed. As for the beauty in the eye of the beholder stuff, we are not appraising art here, it’s about appraising the value of a life, a heart beat, a soul.
Why is it soooo important to feel that human behavior must be justified? We all feel that inclination to explain our certain actions or choices and why is that? Because it urks us when there are feelings of not being just or “justified”. We tend to run to the first arguable excuse or situation. If were going to get biblical then look at the example of Adam and Eve: going against direct orders invoked in them 2 things. Shame and Blame.
They knew what they were contemplating to do felt wrong; they were told not to,they had doubts about it. But of course in the case of eve she had this ”supporter” telling her its your decision, He just doesn’t want you to be like him, you won’t die. The personal conviction of their actions was so great they hid behind bushes not wanting to face the truth of their actions.
part-1

...
written by theDream , May 19, 2008

part 2
Once confronted what else did they do? They played the Blame game Adam said the wife YOU gave me made me do it and Eve blamed it on the serpent and so on…many people play a certain role by whispering the same lie “ its your choice, You won’t die, He just doesn’t want you to be like him”
Truth is a choice is always given hence “free will” and it’s important that the one’s we make are healthy for our physical and spiritual life. Eve did die spiritually and ask any one that has experienced an abortion, they feel a form of death within them and that’s not to mentions the life they took from inside of them.
This brings it to playing the part of God. When a mother chooses to end the life of her baby she is actively usurping that control from the creator. So for those that are encouraging this form of death yet proclaim to never make the same decision if placed in that position; stop being hypocritical and know what you believe.

...
written by theDream , May 19, 2008

part 3

Please refrain from manipulating scripture to “Justify” your personal beliefs or lack there of. If you’re going to talk the talk then you better walk the walk. God did not say to refrain from judging he, just wants to make sure we hold ourselves to those same standards. If you pay attention to the Pro-life comments No one is accusing anyone of anything thus far so stop running to hide behind the bush, it’s called personal conviction. Oh and By the Way Clergy doesn’t have to say anything. We all Know where they stand on this issue, I’m sure they do not feel the urge to justify their actions. And please…When reading the bible don’t just google your thought for the day to see what pops up, please by all means keep on reading there’s a lot of good stuff in there!

...
written by B-dub , May 20, 2008

Ok, I just had to get my .02 in. No, this response does not have anything to do with religion. I believe that the pregnant person has the right to abort her pregnancy if: It is caused by rape and the mother would have psychological problems keeping it full term. If the fetus would be a health hazard to the mother. If the mother decides not to have it. I would be opposed if the infant were close to 36 weeks or if it would stand any chance of survival if brought to this world earlier than its 40 weeks. It's the woman's choice, it's her body.

...
written by theDream , May 20, 2008

I was trying to respond to the issue without reference to religion but some one brought it up so I went there.
If psychological issues are the reason for an abortion then keep in mind that they also come along after an abortion is performed. Either way the person that has suffered a rape will still have to seek counseling services. Unless that individual is null of any feelings then they would not need counseling for rape either. Fact is both occurrences rape and abortion can bring on severe mental distress. As for the issue of the mothers life being at risk
Of course this gets to be an even touchier subject. I would personally value the life of my unborn child enough to trust in God that everything would be alright. That’s me of course that’s my faith and I know that makes a world of difference. My husband might disagree for the moment and might even struggle with risking my life, its a natural human inclination to be fearful and doubt but all in all it would not be in our hands. Although I know Gods forgiveness covers all ,He also says to whom much is given much is expected and I know that he would expect more of me personally. A life is precious and as a mother that would die for either of my children that means the same love should be shared with the child in or outside my womb.

there have been plenty of parents that have chosen to deliver children that were going to die either during birth or shortly after, this type of death is far less stressful and less painful for the child and even the parents. I applaud parents that give their child that much respect.

...
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , May 20, 2008

This subject, we will never come to an agreement on. It seems like we are really Pro or Con, never in between, IMO.

...
written by rla , May 20, 2008

We can argue about this subject all day. There is always going to be a debate among pro choice and pro life. The following website shows just that.

http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/a/AbortionArgumen.htm

Read it and you decide what makes more sense. It doesn't even bring up religion. If you believe placing the child up for adoption as an option then I ask, just how many of them have you adopted! Or is that not your concern? smilies/cry.gif

...
written by scott hurban , May 20, 2008

Many of my friends have adopted children. No, not me. So, let me get this straight,the child is better off murdered than not being adopted. That is your argument, right? Quit chanting the mindless mantra that it is a women's body. You may believe such nonsense for the purpose of self-delusion, but it is a lie.
Just argue, I don't want a child and if I want to kill her, that's my right! At least that would be an homest view even if awful.

...
written by B-dub , May 20, 2008

Wearing a black ribbon in remembrance of babies not born is like me going out and buying a Ferrari in rembrance of a Super Lotto not won.

...
written by theDream , May 20, 2008

b-dub

no the difference would be you tearing up someone else's winning lottery ticket
and then saying it was your right to do so because you were the guy that does the maintenece on lotto machine.

Sorry but your Ferrari dreams have no relation to your analogy.

...
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , May 20, 2008

scott hurban, your opinion, and thank God that is all it is, is way to stagnate for these times. You sound like women are to be owned and controlled. Men can do their part as well in this and neither is a pretty picture. Should we all pay and pay and reward those women that have babies that can't afford them. And not to mention we will have more garbage can babies too, which makes me ill. Better they go to God right away than be tortured in life if only for a few minutes because that is what will happen.

...
written by theDream , May 20, 2008

What is the measure of "stagnant times" since when do certain people decide what is out dated?? We’re not editing teen vogue here the discussion is on setting a degree of value to life. Seems so easy to just come up with a so-called allowable measure of timed torture as acceptable. Even convicts are protected from inhumane practice and they are usually all guilty of some horrendous crime. In this case its the innocent bystander that gets the death sentence by limb amputaion and physical mutilation. If I were the child in question the fact that I was a given a chance whether it be in the projects, a foster home, with a single young inexperienced mother, or even a garbage can (which is now highly unlikely) is better off then no chance at all. And yeah it’s not only the poor that have abortions; there are plenty of people that have the financial, educational and emotional support to raise a child. To them it’s simply a matter of inconvenience and FYI-abortions are covered through medi-cal so that’s your money at work as well.

...
written by rla , May 20, 2008

The difference here Scott is your perception is murder, mine is not. Since we disagree the only fact here is that abortion is legal, so in the eyes of the law there is no debate. What if the law told you that you are not to reproduce therefore; you should be castrated. Would you still believe it has nothing to do with ones body or ones choice? I know, I know you are saying that its not the same thing. An abortion is murder, one definition of the word murder(unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being). So the argument begans again, when does a fetus become a human being!

...
written by K.D. , May 21, 2008

TheDream-

Your response to me is bordering on the absurd considering:

1) I did not state my personal religious beliefs.
2) I did not state, or allude to my position on abortion.
3) I did not "manipulate" Scripture, I provided two simple verses, without an iota of spin.

My quoting a Bible verse was not supporting my position or refuting anyone else's.

Why you are calling my personal convictions into question is rather amusing, considering you haven't a clue what they are.

Go back to your pulpit, and spare me your ridiculous rigmarole.

...
written by theDream , May 21, 2008

KD-

Who's calling it to question, I was just pointing out what is coming out in the comments. My personal convictions are very obvious; they are what partly drives my responses. If you have a passion for something or against it is because of the convictions or burdens that you carry.

In the case of Adam and eve they hid in the bushes because of what they did. In the case of others they hide behind various theories that touch only on the woman's "choice" instead of the whole picture. Attempting to disregard the life at hand does not mean it does not exist.

Conviction is not always a bad thing, in some cases it impulses us to take consequences into consideration when contemplating actions or in others it cause them to dance around an issue or hide.

Why so sensitive??
sheeesh smilies/shocked.gif

as for the pulpit comment, call it what you want others prefer soap boxes,
either way you like to use them too or else why would you bother to reply?

...
written by K.D. , May 22, 2008

TheDream-

Well, thus far, you've misquoted me, accused me of "hiding behind a bush" (whatever the hell that means), and claim I lack personal conviction.

I'm morbidly curious, I can't look away!

What on earth are you TALKING about?

Again, I have not stated my position on anything.

I do not "run to the first arguable excuse", nor do I present the findings of a 2-second Google search as my opinion or fact.

In fact, my post was left deliberately ambiguous WITHOUT my opinion on the topic at hand. If you look closely, you'll see the word "assume" used.

I was not "justifying" anything. I stated that I would not wear a black ribbon because there are different reasons for abortions. The justification behind the decision to have an abortion lies with the person HAVING the abortion.

That has nothing to do with ME. Or you. Or Pastor Martinez.

So spare me your condescension, blurbs about art and beauty. Go whack your Bible over someone else's head.

...
written by rla , May 22, 2008

LOL, I liked the last paragraph. Thanks for the laugh!

...
written by maybenotdumBcommenT , May 22, 2008

What is the measure of "stagnant times" since when do certain people decide what is out dated??Since this is the 21st century We’re not editing teen vogue here the discussion is on setting a degree of value to life.We answer to God not theDream about the degree on life. Seems so easy to just come up with a so-called allowable measure of timed torture as acceptable.You just want it to sound gross Even convicts are protected from inhumane practice and they are usually all guilty of some horrendous crime.Don't agree convicts should get such a cushy lifestyle, and BTW, off subject. In this case its the innocent bystander that gets the death sentence by limb amputaion and physical mutilation.How do you know this unless you've seen this? hmmmm If I were the child in question the fact that I was a given a chance whether it be in the projects, a foster home, with a single young inexperienced mother, or even a garbage can (which is now highly unlikely)false is better off then no chance at all.Thats your opinion of better off? Better start praying now! And yeah it’s not only the poor that have abortions; there are plenty of people that have the financial, educational and emotional support to raise a child. To them it’s simply a matter of inconvenience and FYI-abortions are covered through medi-cal so that’s your money at work as well.I wonder where you get your info on this pile of cr*p you spew.!

...
written by rla , May 22, 2008

What the heck TP. Why did you delete my last comment. That just makes no sense. I used my regular ID, I have been corresponding on this topic for days, I did not offend anyone. I simply thanked KD for making me laugh. Are you just delete happy? Keep deleting peoples posting for no apparent reason and you are going to lose them to other online papers. Those comments are what gets your readers coming back (note the hits).

...
written by rla , May 22, 2008

Thank you TP