Keywords by David Yonke

Just fyi ... official White House press release. No big news here but I thought it is of interest and something you won't find in most mainstream media. -- David.

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release September 1, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

AT IFTAR DINNER

State Dining Room

8:08 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Please, everybody have a seat. Thank you. Well, it is my great pleasure to host all of you here at the White House to mark this special occasion -- Ramadan Kareem.

I want to say that I'm deeply honored to welcome so many members of the diplomatic corps, as well as several members of my administration and distinguished members of Congress, including the first two Muslims to serve in Congress -- Keith Ellison and Andre Carson. Where are they? (Applause.)

Just a few other acknowledgements I want to make. We have Senator Richard Lugar here, who's our Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Where is Dick Lugar? There he is. (Applause.) Representative John Conyers, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. (Applause.) Representative Rush Holt is here. Thank you, Rush. (Applause.) Have we found you a seat, Rush? (Laughter.)

REPRESENTATIVE HOLT: I’m on my way to the train. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: I got you.

We also have here -- Secretary of Defense Gates is here. Secretary Gates. (Applause.) Our Attorney General, Eric Holder. (Applause.) And Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius is here. (Applause.)

And most of all, I want to welcome all the American Muslims from many walks of life who are here. This is just one part of our effort to celebrate Ramadan, and continues a long tradition of hosting iftars here at the White House.

For well over a billion Muslims, Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection. It's a time of service and support for those in need. And it is also a time for family and friends to come together in a celebration of their faith, their communities, and the common humanity that all of us share. It is in that spirit that I welcome each and every one of you to the White House.

Tonight's iftar is a ritual that is also being carried out this Ramadan at kitchen tables and mosques in all 50 states. Islam, as we know, is part of America. And like the broader American citizenry, the American Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity -- with families that stretch back generations and more recent immigrants; with Muslims of countless races and ethnicities, and with roots in every corner of the world.

Indeed, the contribution of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalog because Muslims are so interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our country. American Muslims are successful in business and entertainment; in the arts and athletics; in science and in medicine. Above all, they are successful parents, good neighbors, and active citizens.

So on this occasion, we celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, and we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture -- in ways both large and small. And with us here tonight, we see just a small sample of those contributions. Let me share a few stories with you briefly.

Elsheba Khan's son, Kareem, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country when he lost his life in Iraq. Kareem joined the military as soon as he finished high school. He would go on to win the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, along with the admiration of his fellow soldiers. In describing her son, Elsheba said, "He always wanted to help any way that he could." Tonight, he's buried alongside thousands of heroes in Arlington National Cemetery. A crescent is carved into his grave, just as others bear the Christian cross or the Jewish star. These brave Americans are joined in death as they were in life -- by a common commitment to their country, and the values that we hold dear.

One of those values is the freedom to practice your religion -- a right that is enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. Nashala Hearn, who joins us from Muskogee, Oklahoma, took a stand for that right at an early age. When her school district told her that she couldn't wear the hijab, she protested that it was a part of her religion. The Department of Justice stood behind her, and she won her right to practice her faith. She even traveled to Washington to testify before Congress. Her words spoke to a tolerance that is far greater than mistrust -- when she first wore her headscarf to school, she said, "I received compliments from the other kids."

Another young woman who has thrived in her school is Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir. She's not even 5'5 -- where's Bilqis? Right here. Stand up, Bilqis, just so that we -- (laughter) -- I want everybody to know -- she's got heels on. She's 5'5 -- Bilqis broke Rebecca Lobo's record for the most points scored by any high school basketball player in Massachusetts history. (Applause.) She recently told a reporter, "I'd like to really inspire a lot of young Muslim girls if they want to play basketball. Anything is possible. They can do it, too." As an honor student, as an athlete on her way to Memphis, Bilqis is an inspiration not simply to Muslim girls -- she's an inspiration to all of us.

Of course, we know that when it comes to athletes who have inspired America, any list would include the man known simply as The Greatest. And while Muhammad Ali could not join us tonight, it is worth reflecting upon his remarkable contributions, as he's grown from an unmatched fighter in the ring to a man of quiet dignity and grace who continues to fight for what he believes -- and that includes the notion that people of all faiths holds things in common. I love this quote. A few years ago, he explained this view -- and this is part of why he's The Greatest -- saying, "Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams -- they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do -- they all contain truths."

They all contain truths. Among those truths are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings. That must always form the basis upon which we find common ground. And that is why I am so pleased that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, but people of many faiths -- Christians, Jews, and Hindus -- along with so many prominent Muslims.

Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect. And that's one of my fundamental commitments as President, both at home and abroad. That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season.

So tonight, we celebrate a great religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We honor the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world.

So thanks to all of you for taking the time to be here this evening. I wish you all a very blessed Ramadan. And with that, I think we can start a feast. I don't know what's on the menu, but I'm sure it will be good. (Laughter.) Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)

END 8:16 P.M. EDT

Associated Press reports on a church marketing campaign -- one that was used locally a few years ago by CedarCreek Church, which borrowed the idea from Lifechurch.tv in Oklahoma... Still an attention-getter. -- David

Michigan church enlists Satan in advertising campaign

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 6:27 AM EST

TRENTON, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan church is enlisting Satan in a bid to drum up attendance at services.
Metro South Church in the Detroit suburb of Trenton is posting signs saying the non-denominational Christian congregation "sucks" and "makes me sick." The ads are signed by Satan.
The campaign even has a Web site explaining why Satan hates the church.
Youth Pastor Adam Dorband tells WJBK-TV the church is trying to reach out to people and cut through the "noise."
Dorband said Jesus "wants us to be creative and he wants us to ... use whatever it takes to reach people."
Pastor Jeremy Schossau says the campaign is meant to be whimsical and isn't intended to upset anyone.

Light a candle, ring a bell, say a prayer, or simply reflect for a moment on those whose lives were lost on 9/11/01.-- David

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release September 3, 2009
NATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
They were daughters and sons, sisters and brothers,
mothers and fathers, spouses and partners, family and friends,
colleagues and strangers. They hailed from cities and towns
across our Nation and world. On September 11, 2001, thousands
of innocent women and men were taken from us, and their loss
leaves an emptiness in our hearts.
Hundreds perished as planes struck the skyline of New York
City, the structure of the Pentagon, and the grass of
Pennsylvania. In the immediate aftermath of these tragedies,
many victims died as they sought safety. Selflessly placing
themselves in danger, first responders, members of the Armed
Forces, and private citizens made the ultimate sacrifice working
to assist others. During the National Days of Prayer and
Remembrance, Americans across the country cherish the memory of
all those who passed and honor and pray for their families and
friends.
Americans also remember and pray for the safety and success
of the members of the United States Armed Forces, who work every
day to keep our Nation safe from terrorism and other threats
to our security. Military members assisted those in need on
September 11, 2001, and serve now in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
around the world. They have left the safety of home so that
our Nation might be more secure. They have endured great
sacrifice so that we might enjoy the blessings of liberty.
Our servicemembers represent the best of America, and they
deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.
The threat of terrorism has denied too many men, women,
and children their right to live in peace and security. As
the United States works to defeat terrorists and build a more
hopeful future for our children and young people across the
world, we seek humility and strength. We reflect upon the
lessons drawn from our national tragedy, seek God's guidance
and wisdom, and, never forgetting the lost, commit to working
in common cause with our friends and allies to create a safer
and brighter world for current and future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby
proclaim Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, as
more
National Days of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people
of the United States, each in their own way, honor the victims
of September 11, 2001, and their families through prayer,
memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight
remembrance vigils. I invite the people of the world to share
in this solemn commemoration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand
nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
# # #

Nothing major to report. It's Labor Day weekend and has American labor ever been in such dire straits? I think the U.S. labor movement "is going down like a dinosaur," as Bob Dylan sang more than 20 years ago. In the meantime, I won't belabor that point so let's take a little stroll around the blogosphere:

* The government loves you: Michigan officials have announced that anyone living within 10 miles of the state's nuclear power plants can get free anti-radiation pills. Potassium Iodide (known as KI pills for the elements' symbols) can help protect the thyroid gland from radiation exposure if there's a nuclear accident. Won't that make you sleep better at night, especially if you live in the shadow of a cooling tower?

* U2 and Academia: My favorite current band, U2, is heading to America with the opening U.S. show of its 360-degree tour set for Chicago next weekend. Meanwhile, a group of professors and scholars are meeting in Durham, N.C., in October for the world's first-ever academic conference on U2. You can read about it here. I, meanwhile, am just glad I'll be sitting in the stands at Soldier Field. Nothing against academia but I think rock and roll is an experience that does not translate easily or directly to scholarly studies nor museum exhibits.

* The Invisible Volunteers: I worked a volunteer job at my church this weekend and last that is one of the most difficult, demanding, unpredictable and thankless tasks anyone can perform. It's a job that if you do everything right, nobody notices. But if you make one tiny mistake, you can get glares and stares. So on a good day, if everything goes right and you don't mess up and forces beyond your control don't throw you any curveballs, you are almost totally invisible. What is the job? Glad you asked: Sound technician. If you forget to un-mute a microphone or if there's feedback or someone's mic is too loud or too soft or somebody thinks the music is too loud or someone else thinks it's too low, then people look at you. But it's OK, I don't do it for my own glory or recognization, that's for sure.
It's something I happen to have a knack for, something I used to do a lot, and when a longtime sound tech left our church recently there was an urgent need. So I help out when I have the time. This weekend I worked on the board for two rehearsals and two services, more than 8 hours. Fortunately there were no fiascos and it went smoothly.
Take a minute after service and pat your own church's (or synagogue's or temple's) sound technician(s) on the back and tell them you appreciate them. Believe me, it's nice to hear from people at times other than when you goof up.

* When Pigskins Fly: College football started this weekend. I like Michigan and my wife likes Ohio State. Both of our teams won yesterday, but Michigan's victory was especially sweet. The team has been through a lot of drama this preseason and is coming off a 3-9 year, the worst in school history. So to win handily and to see our two freshmen QB's play so well made for a great day.
I can't believe Rich Rodriguez cried during a press conference when he denied breaking NCAA rules on lengths of practice. How un-macho can you get, R-Rod? It would have been more understandable if he cried over the $3.9 million lawsuit a bank filed against him for nonpayment on a condo project he's invested in.
Ohio State, meanwhile, barely managed to squeak by Navy, so despite the "W there is a lot of concern among Buckeye fans. And mighty USC is up next for Columbus. Should be interesting!

* Twin Cities Visit: I'm heading to Minneapolis this coming week for the Religion Newswriters Association's annual convention. I always enjoy these conferences; they have great workshops, panel discussions, and speakers plus I get to hang out with colleagues from around the world who write about religion for mainstream newspapers. We have lots of fun just talking about our jobs with people who really understand one another.
I've never been to Minneapolis so if anybody has any recommendations let me know. I do have the Mall of America on my list of things to see -- what can be more American than a massive place to spend money?

* Insulted Indirectly: I was watching "State of Play" the other night, a pretty good suspense story about a shabby seasoned crusty sly and wily journalist (isn't that always the way we're portrayed in Hollywood?) played by Russell Crow who gets involved with a ruthless money-grubbing mercenary corporation that will squash like a bug anyone or anything that tries to get in its way.
I wasn't insulted by Crow's greasy-haired caricature of a journalist until he got into a confrontation with one of his sources who drove some high-powered Cadillac model. The source asks Crow what he drives and he says "a 1990 Saab" and the guy says, "I'm sorry." Crow responds by saying it's got velour seats but one of them is ripped. The guy sneers at Crow and his "Saab lawnmower."
Foul! I drive a 1996 Saab and I would still be driving a 1990 Saab if the transmission on that beloved old car hadn't blown out. I love that Saab 900 classic! I saw one at the Detroit auto show a few years ago that had been drive a million miles!
I love old Saabs even more than the new ones, although I konw that one of these days I'll have to get myself a 21st century model Saab. However, I am NOT in any hurry

* What I'm Reading: I just started reading "The Dude Abides," the new book by Cathleen Falsani. The Chicago Sun-Times religion columnist dissects the Coen Brothers' films for their spiritual insights and implications. So far, so good. ... But I'm only a few chapters into it. I've got a stack of books to read and am also reading "The Invisible Wall" by Harry Bernstein. Now that guy is a masterful writer. And next on my list are the latest books by Bishop John Shelby Spong and Elie Wiesel, both of whom I have interviewed at length in the past and have great respect for.

* Hollywood's (Still) Calling: I got a phone call this week from a Hollywood movie producer who is looking at possibly making a movie based on my book. This has happened quite a few times, and so far I've got nothing to show for it. But all it takes is one person to make it happen. I am eternally optimistic and firmly believe that "Sin, Shame & Secrets" is perfectly suited for a feature film.

... or should I say "Back at the Grind"?

I did something really dumb when I left for Minneapolis last Wednesday morning. I packed my laptop and forgot to bring the power cord. I was able to check emails and go online on my phone but couldn't really update my blog. So I apologize for being away from the blogosphere for six days.

A lot happened in that stretch. I don't have time to run down all the details but here's an overview:
First of all, I attended a Religion Newswriters Conference from Wednesday through Saturday night. Every day was jammed with lectures, workshops, panel discussions and other events geared to help educate and inspire journalists who cover religion for mainstream media.

President Obama messed up two of the conference highlights: a talk by Joshua DuBois, the president's director of faith-based outreach. Rev. DuBois canceled without explanation. Second, the keynote speech was supposed to be given by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the first Muslim elected to Congress. But he was supposed to speak on Saturday 9/12 and Obama scheduled a stop at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis that day. He had Ellison fly to Washington so that the congressman could ride back to Minnesota on Air Force One with him.

But Ellison delivered a speech by video recorded specifically for the RNA conference, and it was pretty good.

We heard talks last week on everything from the New Reformed Movement (featuring John Piper) to the Emerging Church Movement (with Doug Pagitt and Tony Jones) to the Future of Faith (by Harvey Cox) and Science and Spirituality. We also toured the largest Hindu temple in North America.

My head is spinning with information and ideas and I am excited about all the great stories that will come out of this conference.

Second, I met up with Janet in Chicago last night and we saw U2 in concert at Soldier Field. I think this is the sixth time I've seen the group and it was one of the best shows yet. The stage was so big and bizarre and mesmerizing that it could have stolen the show, except the band was too good and Bono too charismatic to let that happen. I took some great photos and will post them soon. One funny side note: I took some photos of Adam Clayton leaning at the edge of the stage playing his bass with the crowd right at his feet. It wasn't until I looked at it on a big screen that I could see nobody was even looking at him -- all eyes were stage left, where Bono was standing. Must be frustrating at times to see Bono getting the lion's share of attention.

I was sad to see that Patrick Swayze died today. I enjoyed some of his movies, especially "Ghost," and my wife absolutely loves "Dirty Dancing." She must have seen that movie at least a dozen times. I pray for God's grace on Swayze's family and friends in this difficult time.

I read a book on the plane called "The Invisible Wall" by Harry Bernstein. What a powerful memoir, about growing up in abject poverty in pre-World War I days on a street near Manchester, England, where Jews and Christians lived on opposite sides of the street and never socialized. That was the "invisible wall." Harry was 96 years old when the book was published -- his first! -- and then wrote a sequel, called "The Dream." He is a gifted writer and an inspiration to those who have dreams yet to accomplish, no matter how advanced in age they might be.
* * *
Well that's enough for tonight. We'll be catching up a lot this week.

Mick Taylor, former Rolling Stones guitarist? Here is a link to an article from Sunday's edition of the Daily Mail that gives the scoop.
Quite an amazing story, with a few sad twists. Mick and Keith, won't you throw your old "Honky Tonk Woman" guitarist a few crumbs from your tables?

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction... these two news items are from http://www.ananova.com

A novice nun is suing her ex-boyfriend in Italy after he uploaded pictures of her naked on Facebook.

The 31-year-old woman who lives in Turin said she was devastated when she saw the pictures, taken in summer 2006 during a holiday in Sicily, on the social networking site.

The man who said he wanted to stop her becoming a nun has refused to remove the pictures despite the woman's requests.

Now lawyer Anna Orecchioni has taken action and said: "My client doesn't want money, she only wants that he respects her decision to become a nun."

Large numbers of Italians meanwhile have logged on to see the pictures leaving comments like: "If all the nuns are like that, I want to become a priest."
* * *
And here's another doozy:

Woman, 107, seeks 23rd husband
A 107-year-old Malaysian woman is looking for her 23rd husband - because she fears her marriage is on the rocks.

Wook Kundor married a man 70 years her junior four years ago, reports the BBC.

But now she fears her husband will not return home after completing treatment for drug addiction in Kuala Lumpur.

She told reporters she felt "lonely" without her husband, ahead of the Muslim feast at the end of Ramadan.

Wook Kundor, of Kuala Terengganu state, plans to visit her husband, Muhammad Noor Che Musa, if her neighbours would drive her to the capital.

She said she would re-consider her plans if the 37-year-old told her he still had feelings for her.

Speaking to The Star newspaper in Malaysia she said: "Lately, there is this kind of insecurity in me.

"I realise I am an aged woman... My intention to re-marry is to fill my forlornness, and nothing more than that."

Her husband, who used to be her lodger, had previously said it was "God's will" that he fell in love with her.

I heard through the grapevine that Father Gerald Robinson gave a prison interview to a reporter from Columbus.
I don't know many details but will let you know when it is published and will provide a link. Apparently his defense attorney John Donahue was there to oversee things and make sure that the priest, who is serving time for the murder of a nun, did not say anything that could hurt his appeal(s).

Dilbert is such a great cartoon. But sometimes it hits a little too close to home. Today's edition is a good example, illustrating the thin line between humor and pain. Click on the cartoon below to read the whole thing (the righthand panels don't show up on the blog):

* * *
I still miss "The Far Side!"
* * *
Mea culpa, I've been slipping as a blogophile lately and visits to my website have dropped accordingly. I am not overly concerned, however, because I only blog for fun. But I don't want to disappoint anyone either. I try to keep a happy and healthy balance of weblogging and the real world. My own personal jury is still out on Twitter, however. Until I can figure out how to link Twitter with my blog and Facebook, I think Tweeting is going to be the odd bird out.
* * *
I went to breakfast after church with some friends today and one of them has been reading about electromagnetic bombs. He is concerned enough to be shopping around for a cabin in the remote woods in a sparsely populated state, just in case of an attack by these devices.
I haven't done any research on them but he said electromagnatic bombs can be triggered high in the atmosphere and knock out all electronics within 100 miles -- not just phones and tv's but also automobiles that rely so much on electronics and computers.
The only way to get around in that scenario would require humanpower and/or nature -- walking, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, horseback riding, sailing, etc.
Or, if you have an old auto or truck from the 1960s or earlier that were built before the advent of all the computer chips and electronic ignition that make our cars go these days.
These electromagnetic bombs cost just a few hundred thousand dollars to build, my friend says, so they are accessible to terrorists and other evildoers.
I wonder if his cabin in the woods has an extra bedroom? But then, how would I get there? I like to rollerblade and bike, but it would be a long trek to Idaho or Canada or Maine or the U.P.
* * *
Spotted in an airport storefront in Minneapolis: A purple T shirt with a No. 4 and the words: "He's heeeere!"
* * *
A pastor at my church got home last night about 11 p.m. and found that his home in South Toledo had been burglarized and everything was in disarray.
It's such a sickening feeling to know some intruder has been inside your house with the intention of stealing your hard-earned possessions and tossing your personal stuff around like it's trash.
It's a violation of your personal space and peace of mind.
Fortunately nobody was hurt, and almost any material item can be replaced (except photos and memorabilia, I suppose).
I am concerned that crime and violence will continue to escalate as the economy keeps shedding jobs and cutting wages, leaving people in increasingly desperate states.
* * *
I've got a stack of books waiting to be read, including Bishop John Shelby Spong's "Eternal Life" and Donald Miller's new release. Several others are priorities as well. But first, I am finishing "The Dream" by Harry Bernstein.
This is the sequel to "The Invisible Wall" I mentioned a few days ago. Bernstein is an amazing writer who published his first book at age 96 and then "The Dream" two years later.
The first book is his well-penned memoir about growing up in Lancashire, England, on a narrow street where Jews lived on one side and Christians on the other -- and they might as well have been living on opposite sides of the Grand Canyon.
"The Dream" is about the family moving to America, land of milk and honey, something his mother had always dreamed of doing. When the family finally arrives in Chicago in 1922, life turns out to be as cruel and difficult here as it was in England. I've not even gotten to the part about the Great Depression yet...
* * *

I have just committed to moderating a forum on religion and values with Toledo's two mayoral candidates, Mike Bell and Keith Wilkowski, live on TV at 8 p.m. next Tuesday, Sept. 29, at WLMB-TV studios. It's a Christian station and I'll be asking the candidates about issues involving faith, religion, values and morals.
* * *
Secondly, I am speaking on the Father Gerald Robinson case at Ski's Restaurant on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.
* * *
I really don't have time for either of these appearances but I tend to say yes when asked and then figure out how to juggle everything else going on in my life. I am feeling quite harried today. But hopefully both appearances will be worthwhile.

I had to get a new phone the other day because my blackberry was malfunctioning. The girl at Verizon who helped me out saw my U2 screensaver and we started chatting about music.
According to Kristi, Larry Mullen Jr. of U2 bought a bar in Nyack, N.Y., just outside NYC, about 5 years ago and called it Vertigo, after the hit song by the band. That bar got to be such a popular pilgrimage site for U2 fans that he sold it, unbeknownst to most U2 pilgrims, and bought a different bar just down the street called the Old Village In (or OVI, as the locals call it).

Kristi said she has a friend who lives in Nyack who was invited to a private "dinner" at the OVI, which was closed to the public that night, and U2 came out and played an acoustic set in the bar.
That would be the dream show for me and most other of U2's millions of fans. I wish the band would do a small-theater stripped down acoustic show following the amazing stadium spectacles of their current 360 degree tour.

Did you know that Newt Gingrich is now a Roman Catholic?
He was received into the Catholic Church on March 30 at St. Joseph's Church in Washington, according to the National Catholic Register.
It was his experience of being with Pope Benedict XVI in Washington last spring that led to his final decision to become Catholic.
A former Baptist, Gingrich discusses his conversion with NCR's Time Drake here.
Gingrich had been one of the highest-ranking politicians in the United States, having served as Speaker of the House.
He also was a controversial and polarizing figure in Washington. Accused of 84 ethics violations while serving as a Congressman, the House ordered him to pay $300,000 to cover the costs of an investigation, and he resigned his post in 1998.
Gingrich was married 3 times and says the biggest hurdle to joining the Catholic Church was having his marriages annulled.

I'm not sure how this correspondence between the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and Pope Benedict XVI became public but I believe it's authentic. I received this via email from a Catholic priest who is careful about the notes he forwards. It reads like the real deal. -- David

Sen Kennedy’s letter to Pope Benedict XVI

Most Holy Father, I asked President Obama to personally hand-deliver this letter to you. As a man of deep faith himself, he understands how important my Roman Catholic faith is to me, and I am so deeply grateful to him.
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I pray that you have all of God’s blessings as you lead our church and inspire our world during these challenging times. I am writing with deep humility to ask that you pray for me as my own health declines. I was diagnosed with brain cancer more than a year ago, and although I continue treatment, the disease is taking its toll on me. I am 77 years old and preparing for the next passage of life.
I have been blessed to be part of a wonderful family. And both of my parents, particularly my mother, kept our Catholic faith at the center of our lives. That gift of faith has sustained and nurtured and provided solace to me in the darkest hours. I know that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith, I have tried to right my path.
I want you to know, Your Holiness, that in my nearly 50 years of elective office, I have done my best to champion the rights of the poor and open doors of economic opportunity. I have worked to welcome the immigrant, to fight discrimination and expand access to health care and education. I have opposed the death penalty and fought to end war. Those are the issues that have motivated me and have been the focus of my work as a United States senator.
I also want you to know that even though I am ill, I’m committed to doing everything I can to achieve access to health care for everyone in my country. This has been the political cause of my life. I believe in a conscience protection for Catholics in the health field and I’ll continue to advocate for it as my colleagues in the Senate and I work to develop an overall national health policy that guarantees health care for everyone.
I have always tried to be a faithful Catholic, Your Holiness, and though I have fallen short through human failings, I have never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings of my faith. I continue to pray for God’s blessings on you and on our church and would be most thankful for your prayers for me.
————
Response from the Vatican as read by Cardinal McCarrick:
The Holy Father has read the letter which you entrusted to President Obama, who kindly presented it to him during their recent meeting. He was saddened to know of your illness, and asked me to assure you of his concern and his spirtual closeness. He is particularly grateful for your promise of prayers for him and for the needs of our universal church.
His Holiness prays that in the days ahead you may be sustained in faith and hope, and granted the precious grace of joyful surrender to the will of God, our merciful father. He invokes upon you the consolation and peace promised by the risen savior to all who share in his sufferings and trust in his promise of eternal life.
Commending you and the members of your family to the loving intervention of the blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord.