Focus on the Family Action's 2008 Christmas-Friendly Shopping Guide
How Leading Retailers' Messages Rate
We welcome your use of these ratings in your shopping decisions. As an additional way to help you communicate with the retailers we evaluated, we are providing the convenience of a petition which you can sign by visiting focuspetitions.com.

Retailers will be presented with petitions – thanking those that embrace "Christmas," and alerting those that have purged or marginalized "Christmas" that you object to the secularization of Christmas. We hope you will "stand for Christmas" with us and encourage the continued acknowledgement of this historic Christian observance in our culture.

"Christmas-friendly" retailers – prominent acknowledgment of "Christmas"

Cabela's
Crate & Barrel
Dillard's
Eddie Bauer
JCPenney
Kohl's
L.L. Bean
Lands' End
Linens 'n Things
Lowe's
Macy's
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Pier 1 Imports
Sears
The Home Depot
Target
Toys "R" Us
Wal-Mart

"Christmas-negligent" retailers – marginalized use of "Christmas"

Barnes & Noble
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
Borders
Circuit City
Dick's Sporting Goods
GAP
KB Toys
Kmart

"Christmas-offensive" retailers – apparent abandonment of "Christmas"

American Eagle
Banana Republic
Bloomingdale's
Lane Bryant
Old Navy

EPA Has Glade Concerns
An environmental study of Glade Reservoir and the Northern Integrated Supply Project offers "insufficient information" and does not adequately describe the project's impacts, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for NISP, which would include Glade Reservoir, EPA officials said they are concerned about the project's impact on water quality, stream morphology and wetlands.

Opponents of Glade said the EPA's comments validate what they've been saying all along: Scientific analysis doesn't support the project.

"The EPA is saying the same thing," said Gary Wockner, spokesman for the Save the Poudre Coalition.

"There are major environmental problems with this project, and participants should be considering alternatives that are less damaging."

Wockner said the agency's comments could portend a veto of the project if it is permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

But Glade supporters say the comments are just part of the process of developing a final EIS for the project, which would provide water for 15 regional municipalities and water districts.

"We're already working with EPA to address their concerns," said Brian Werner, spokesman for the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. "There is no fatal flaw here."

Glade Reservoir would be built north of Ted's Place and draw from the Poudre River, primarily during times of peak flow. The reservoir would hold 170,000 acre-feet of water, about the same as Horsetooth Reservoir.

The EPA's comments are among several hundred received on the project. The agency takes issue with several areas of the draft EIS, including its analysis of impacts of Glade on the Poudre, the South Platte River and Horsetooth Reservoir.

The draft document also does not support the contention that Northern Water's plan for Glade is the "least environmentally damaging practicable alternative" for NISP, according to the EPA.

Studies by the city of Fort Collins and other entities have raised concerns about how the project would affect the Poudre's water quality through the city and on to its confluence with the South Platte at Greeley.

Werner said Glade proponents "are very comfortable the water-quality issues can be dealt with" in the final EIS for the project.

The draft EIS is so flawed the Corps "should start all over" with a new analysis, Wockner said. The EPA's view of the document is "extremely significant," he said.

"I think this is potentially devastating for the entire project," he said. "The participants would do well to pay attention to what the EPA says."

Longview residents together with local public relations and advertising firms will play a major role in the city's continued efforts to complete its branding campaign, while North Star Destination Strategies will not.

North Star's contract will be terminated, Mayor Jay Dean announced Thursday. The decision to fire the Tennessee-based firm hired to develop Longview's marketing campaign was the recommendation from the newly-formed Branding Process Review Committee.

"It is the opinion of the committee that North Star will be unable to regain the level of confidence from the Longview citizens necessary to deliver the branding product results we intended from the beginning," Dean said.

In March, the city unveiled a branding campaign developed by North Star that included the logo and tagline, "Longview, East Texas, Pure and Simple."

Though the logo was touted to be unique for Longview, within days of its unveiling at least two other U.S. cities were found to be using the same "pure and simple" phrase.

Longview and the sandy white Beaches of South Walton in the Florida Panhandle share nearly identical phrases, featuring the words "pure and simple" above the logo.

In Colorado, ski resort Gunnison-Crested Butte, has a trademark on its version of "pure and simple."

With the discovery, city officials opted to discontinue use of the tagline and began talks with North Star about the development of another logo and tagline that would be unique to Longview.

The firm submitted numerous proposals which were reviewed by the Branding Process Review Committee, but the committee decided instead to terminate the contract, Dean said...

Sherry Koonce (06-Apr-07), Mayor: Longview to fire North Star: Committee suggests use of local resources to create new logo, Daily Sentinel [Nacogdoches, Texas], online at dailysentinel.com (accessed 07-Jun-08).

Peoria's new branding slogan "Naturally Connected" is catching flak from residents and city officials.

The West Valley city spent more than $100,000 to develop the branding slogan, including paying $81,000 to North Star Destinations Strategies to come up with a catchphrase it hopes will help grow its economy, including attracting a major corporation, medical center and college.

But few seem happy with the catch phrase that some say seems confusing because it can mean so many different things: that Peoria is naturally connected to Lake Pleasant, its rivers and trails, employment opportunities and amenities.

"I do have a real concern with the tagline 'Naturally Connected,' " said Councilman Ron Aames, who has a marketing background. "I think this is off-mark. I think this is a strikeout."

Aames said, a tagline should be immediately recognizable, such as Budweiser's "The King of Beers," Coca Cola's "It's The Real Thing" and Home Depot's "You Can Do It, We Can help." He suggested using "At the Heart of the Valley of the Sun."

The logo/catchphrase issue was the subject of heated debate at a recent City Council meeting. One resident, Dolores Ceballos, spoke against the tagline and questioned whether the city could get back the $81,000 paid to the consultant.

"It's not a unique tagline," she said. "I want to see something that really defines us."

•Cecilia Chan (26-May-08), Peoria's new slogan catching flak from all sides: Tagline 'a strikeout,' not catchy, Arizona Republic [Phoenix, Arizona], formerly online at azcentral.com/arizonarepublic (accessed 07-Jun-08). •For a discussion of how the Peoria tagline and alternate tagline both duplicate those used by Canadian cities, see Steve Wright (30-Nov-07), What's the deal with Americans ripping off our tourism slogans? Brand Canada Blog [tourism, marketing and destination branding], online at cblog.brandcanadablog.com (accessed 15-Nov-08).

While his exact plans remain unclear, Haggard is unmistakably making himself a public figure again, nine months after his former church said he walked away from an oversight process meant to restore him.

Big 35s whinin' on the asphalt
Grabbin' mud, and slingin' up some red dirt

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

You may have seen news articles with blaring headlines such as 'Congressman Warns of Obama Dictatorship' written by the AP's Ben Evans hyperlinked above with regard to remarks that I recently made regarding statements by our president-elect.

Personally, I think that such headlines are a bit sensationalistic. Because they accurately summarize what you said, Congressman, and focus attention on your demagoguery? What's sensational are your untoward accusations about the President-elect. That's where the news lies. The focus really should be more on Barack Obama's remarks than upon what I have said about them. Barack Obama's spokespeople and national commentators have described how your interpretation of Obama's remarks is taken out of context, partisan, and independent of the standard definitions for the ideological affiliations you accuse Obama of holding.

Mr. Obama certainly did state in a July speech that 'We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded.' Give it up, man.

One would think that back in July members of the media should have begun asking Mr. Obama exactly what he meant. Since they did not, I think it is perfectly appropriate for members of Congress to do so. As I serve on the House Committee on Homeland Security, I think it is particularly appropriate for me to raise questions. Indeed, bringing accountability to the Executive Branch is what Congress is suppose to do, and we can only wish that our various Republican Congresses over the last eight years had not abdicated that responsibility. Still, Congressman, try hard not to confuse accountability with calling the President-elect a terrorist, OK?

Perhaps Mr. Obama's call for a civilian national security force on par with the authority and funding of the military is innocuous. However, historical examples of such organizations in other countries, present ample cause for concern. Unfortunately for demagogues everywhere, rhetorical posturing isn't the same thing as asserting an historic parallel.

Furthermore, the vicious attacks upon Joe the Plumber, Forget about Joe the Plumber, Congressman; everything about Joe is a fraud, which may explain why Republicans who invent their own realities – such as yourself – find him so convenient... for asking a simple question regarding Obama's tax plans, and upon Barbara West, the Orlando television reporter who dared to ask the obvious-How is wealth redistribution not a Marxist idea?-and upon her husband as well, cause one to wonder to what extremes the Obama political machine will go to suppress dissent. You've made the national news. What's your beef?

Attacking private citizens and members of the media for simply asking questions is hardly a shining example of adherence to democratic principle. Anyone who is not alarmed by such intimidation tactics needs to think again. You sound paranoid.

I firmly believe that we must not fall victim to the 'it can't happen here' mentality. I adhere to the adage 'eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.' It's a shame you couldn't have turned that "eternal vigilance" onto the authoritarian consequences of Bush's unitary executive.

By the way, why has no one asked Mr. Obama about the premise of his remark: 'we cannot continue to rely only on our military' for national security? Because it wasn't a policy statement. Why exactly do you think your loaded question about something you've taken out of context would interest a wide audience? As a United States Marine and former Navy medical officer, I take exception to his assertion. I take exception to your divisive partisanship.

It seems that during the campaign, the 'mainstream media' was strangely disinterested in Mr. Obama's personal history, particularly his long-time associations with the most radical, fringe-elements of the American Left, including those with a history of violence, such as William Ayers, and bitter anti-American rhetoric such as Rev. Wright and Louis Farrakhan. Those accusations have been aired and addressed (unlike Sarah Palin's and her husband's comradery with secessionists); Obama has disassociated himself from Wright (something McCain has never done with Rod Paisley and only belatedly did with John Hagee). The issue's a non-starter for anyone who follows the news. Isn't it interesting that in the post-election world, these characters have gone public? No.

As to socialistic/Marxist principles, Mr. Obama's confiscatory tax and wealth redistribution schemes (once that cat got out of the bag) are a self-indictment. The question by Barbara West was never answered by Joe Biden and has never been answered. It also has never been asked again of Mr. Obama or Mr. Biden by any major journalist. Why not? Let's think about it. Obama has proposed tax-relief for the middle class and tax increases for wealthy Americans like yourself, Congressman. Your name-calling smells like sour grapes. Furthermore, I don't recall hearing you pound your chest in protest against "socialism" during the last eight years, when Bush tax policies were precipitating history's largest redistribution of the wealth upwards from the poor and middle classes to the wealthy. But Republicans are like that. They're all for redistribution of the wealth when it's driven by economic fundamentalism that benefits them.

Finally, Mr. Obama's political record shows that he is no friend of the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment is rooted in the understanding of our Founders that only armed citizens can remain truly free. Or dead. Like that 8-year-old boy who recently killed himself with an Uzi at a gun show, while being supervised by a certified instructor.

I never called Mr. Obama a communist, nor did I accuse him of being Hitler, We heard your dog whistle, Congressman, and your words included, "[Obama]'s showing me signs of being Marxist"... but I do not apologize for stating the obvious: his socialist views are out of the mainstream of American political thought, and history shows that 'civilian national security forces' bode ill for citizens. You're just mad and acting badly because Americans elected Obama and rejected the right-wing politics that Republicans have traded in for so long. Like I said before, Congressman, you need to figure out what Obama and the Democrats have done right, and try to emulate it.

It is perfectly appropriate for members of Congress, members of the media, and private citizens to hold Mr. Obama accountable for his views and his intentions. When we do, we should not be marginalized. At least you understand where your trash talk has gotten you.

I hope my concerns are completely unfounded, They are... as I am eager to work with our president-elect when he is constitutionally correct. True to your right-wing breed, you claim your own views are the only ones legitimate. I hope Mr. Obama will embrace his executive role by becoming a bipartisan leader. Bipartisanship is a two-way street, Congressman, and there's nothing in what you say that would make anyone believe it's a street you intend to cross. I am extremely pleased to witness the election of our nation's first African American president, and I wish Mr. Obama much success as he leads Americans forward.

The authority of Scripture is a key issue for the Christian Church in this and every age. Those who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are called to show the reality of their discipleship by humbly and faithfully obeying God's written Word. To Stray from Scripture in faith or conduct is disloyalty to our Master. Recognition of the total truth and trustworthiness of Holy Scripture is essential to a full grasp and adequate confession of its authority.

The following Statement affirms this inerrancy of Scripture afresh, making clear our understanding of it and warning against its denial...

Being wholly and verbally God-given, Scripture is without error or fault in all its teaching, no less in what it states about God's acts in creation, about the events of world history, and about its own literary origins under God, than in its witness to God's saving grace in individual lives...

It was at the foot of Mount Sinai, in the Convent of St. Catherine, that I discovered the pearl of all my researches. In visiting the monastery in the month of May 1844, I perceived in the middle of the great hall a large and wide basket full of old parchments; and the librarian who was a man of information told me that tow heaps of papers like these, mouldered by time, had been already committed to the flames. What was my surprise to find amid this heap of papers a considerable number of sheets of a copy of the Old Testament in Greek, which seemed to me to be one of the most ancient that I had ever seen. The authorities of the monastery allowed me to posses myself of a third of these parchments, or about forty three sheets, all the more readily as they were designated for the fire. But I could not get them to yield up possession of the remainder. The too lively satisfaction which I had displayed had aroused their suspicions as to the value of the manuscript. I transcribed a page of the text of Isaiah and Jeremiah, and enjoined on the monks to take religious care of all such remains which might fall their way (Constantin von Tischendorf [1866], When were our gospels written? The Religious Tract Society, London, page 23; quoted in Ehrman, 2005).

To: Interested parties
From: Udall for Colorado
Date: October 9, 2008
Re: Bob Schaffer's radical ideas – Wrong for Colorado

SUMMARY

• Bob Schaffer is "a self-admitted right-winger."

• Right after the attacks on 9-11, Schaffer voted against screening one hundred percent of checked bags on airplanes, and against requiring stronger cockpit doors.

• Bob Schaffer has compared Medicare to "socialism," health care reform to "fascism," and the US Department of Education to "the Communist legacy."

• Schaffer even voted against funding for every program to help America's military veterans four times.

• Bob Schaffer's radical ideas are wrong for Colorado.

BACKGROUND

Fact: The Rocky Mountain News has referred to Schaffer as a "self-admitted right-winger" (Rocky Mountain News, 25-Aug-04)

According to a 2006 academic study, out of the 3,425 members of Congress to serve since 1937 Schaffer ranks as the 14th most conservative member over the last 70 years. According to a 2006 study by Professor Keith Poole of the University of California-San Diego. This analysis of Schaffer's three-term congressional record places him as the 14th most conservative out of more than 3,400 lawmakers to go to Washington since 1937 (Denver Post, 09-Mar-08).

"Schaffer became known for his uncompromising and unapologetically conservative views" and "that hasn't changed." According to a July 4, 2004 Fort Collins Coloradoan article, Schaffer was characterized as confident and sometimes brash. "Schaffer became known for his uncompromising and unapologetically conservative views", said the Coloradoan. The Coloradoan continued, "That hasn't changed" (Fort Collins Coloradoan, 04-Jul-04).

Schaffer has "Manufactured an image of himself as being on the far-right fringe." According to the Washington Times, Colorado State University political science professor John Straayer said, "I think what's happened is that you have a lot of people in the Republican Party who were nervous about a Bob Schaffer candidacy." "He's manufactured an image of himself as being on the far-right fringe, not just on fiscal issues, but he's also carrying a good deal of the religious right agenda with him" (Washington Times, 04-Apr-04).

"On the rare occasions when Schaffer departs from the GOP leadership line, it is to stake out an even more conservative position" (CQ member profile, 2002 edition).

Fact: The Denver Post called Schaffer "too ideological, too prone to follow a narrow set of political principles

Schaffer is "too ideological, too prone to follow a narrow set of political principles to the exclusion of other considerations" (Denver Post, 11-Oct-98).

Fact: Just two months after 9-11, Schaffer was one of just nine Representatives to vote against the post 9-11 air security plan (Roll Call 448 [16-Nov-01], Associated Press [17-Nov-01], Knight Ridder [17-Nov-01])

Components within this bill (S 1447, 107th Congress) included:

• 100% inspection of checked bags.
• Increased number of armed air marshals on flights.
• Anti-hijacking training for flight crews.
• Stronger cockpit doors.
• Background checks on individuals enrolling in flight schools.

Fact: Schaffer has described Medicare as "socialist"

"Tape from that debate shows that Schaffer labeled Medicare and Medicaid as 'socialist aspects of how we deliver health care'" (Fort Collins Coloradoan, 13-Jun-96).

Schaffer voiced support for the Newt Gingrich approach to choking off Medicare. "Schaffer said he supported a slower rate of growth for the Medicare fund…" (Fort Collins Coloradoan, 06-Apr-97). "Slower rate of growth" was Gingrich's term for his plan to cut $270 billion from Medicare and allow it to "wither on the vine" (HR 2491 [17-Nov-95], CQ #812).

Schaffer voted to cut Medicare funding by $115 billion. Schaffer voted to bring up a bill to cut $115 billion in funding for Medicare (Roll Call 343, H. Res. 202, 30-Jul-97).

Fact: Schaffer called universal health care "fascist"

Schaffer voted against a 1995 resolution that would have put a Colorado universal health care proposal on the ballot, calling it "a fascist economic model" (Denver Post, 20-Apr-95).

"Schaffer stands by his characterization of the plan, which would put health care under government control. That, he said, is economic fascism" (Fort Collins Coloradoan, 28-May-95).

Fact: Schaffer equated public education with a "failed communist legacy"

"Mr. Speaker, just look at the Communist legacy in every single case, especially education. The bureaucrats who just love their government-owned schools and want to protect their monopoly will do so at just about any cost, regardless of whether kids have to receive an inferior education and blighted futures" (Congressional Record, 10-Sep-97).

Schaffer Called Public Schools a "government-owned, unionized, bureaucratized monopoly" (Rocky Mountain News, 10-Apr-06).

Schaffer advocated eliminating the Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy (Fort Collins Coloradoan, 13-Feb-96).

"I can't think of a single thing the Department of Education does that really helps kids," Schaffer said shortly after joining Congress in 1997 (Denver Post, 17-Mar-97).

Fact: Bob Schaffer voted four years in a row against funding the Veterans Administration – nearly $200 billion total

1998. Bob Schaffer was one of just 14 members to vote against $42.3 billion for Veterans Administration programs and benefits (Roll Call 483, HR 4194, 16-Oct-98, failed 409-14).

1999. Bob Schaffer was one of just 18 members to vote against $44.3 billion for Veterans Administration programs and benefits (Roll Call 500, HR 2684, 14-Oct-99).

2000. Bob Schaffer was one of just 24 members to vote against $47 billion for Veterans Administration programs and benefits (Roll Call 536, HR 4635, 19-Oct-00, passed 386-24).

2001. Bob Schaffer was one of just 18 members to vote against $51.1 billion for Veterans Administration programs and benefits. The bill provides $27.3 billion for mandatory veterans programs and $23.8 billion in discretionary funding for the VA including $21.3 billion for veterans medical care (Disabled American Veterans Magazine [Jan-02], Roll Call 434 [HR 2620, 08-Nov-01, passed 401-18]).