The Million Mom March to speak at Catholic Church- "Can We Prevent Gun Violence"

Highlands Peace Action ^ | 07.22.03

[Coleus]

WEST MILFORD - A leader of the Million Mom March is coming to town Thursday to speak to parents about the consequences of keeping a gun at home.

Joyce Sooy, joyces3@excelonline.com  president of the Bergen/Passaic chapter of the Million Mom March, will speak on the topic, "Can We Prevent Gun Violence?" at 7:30 p.m. Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church on Union Valley Road.

Sooy led a bus caravan from Bergen County on Mother's Day in 2000 to attend the Million Mom March in Washington, D.C. Thousands of mothers around the nation gathered to call on lawmakers to enact stricter gun laws.

The discussion is co-sponsored by the church and http://www.highlandspeaceaction.org/ Highlands Peace Action, a group of citizens who support grass-roots efforts toward peace.

highlandspeace@yahoo.com

Chapter Name:	Bergen/Passaic County
Contact Name:	Joyce
E-Mail:	Click here to contact this chapter

http://www.millionmommarch.org/chapters/list.asp?state=nj

http://www.millionmommarch.org/index.asp

http://mmmnj.bizland.com/

Joyce Sooy of Emerson was among those taking part in the anti-gun gathering. She said gun control has been an important issue to her ever since her adult son, Eric, killed himself with his brother-in-law's gun while suffering from depression 10 years ago. She said gun control is an important step toward preventing suicide.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/impeach-bush/message/2361

"We don't believe him," said Joyce Sooy, a Republican from Emerson Township."Now he's trying to backtrack and appeal to the moderates."

http://www.southjerseynews.com/issues/november/m110201kk.htm

Our Lady Queen of Peace

1911 Union Valley Road
Hewitt NJ 07421
973-728-8162 Fax: 973-728-4650
Founded: 1931; Parish: 1945; 1900 Families

MASSES: Saturday - 9 a.m., 5, 7 p.m.; Sunday - 7:30, 9 (children's Liturgy), 10:30 & noon; Holyday Masses-See Sunday Bulletin on Sunday prior; Weekday - Mon., Fri., Sat., - 9 a.m., Tues & Thurs. 7:30 a.m.; Wed., Communion Service 9 a.m.; Vespers & Rosary 7 p.m.; PENANCE: Saturday - 4-4:30 p.m.

CCD Enrollment 700
Queen of Peace School: 1905 Union Valley Rd., Hewitt 07421 973-728-9339, FAX 973-728-6850
Faculty: 1 Sister, 11 Lay teachers, 5 p/t lay teachers
Convent: 1905 Union Valley Rd., Hewitt 07421, 973-728-8840

Bishop Frank Rodimer
http://www.patersondiocese.org
shepherd@patersondiocese.org

[Coleus]

I think the Church should be more concerned about violence in the womb rather than worrying about law abiding citizens owning guns and protecting themselves against intruders.  I truly feel sorry for her over the loss of her son; however, he is dead because of his disease and by the fact that it was HE who pulled the trigger.  Who knows what was wrong with him: alcohol, drugs, Prozac, etc. it could have been anything. And why penalize millions because a few do these horrendous things.  Why didn't she have her son committed?  So many unanswered questions which should have been addressed while he was alive.  NJ residents shouldn't have their rights taken away because of the tragic loss of her son. And the Church shouldn't facilitate the Hysterical 90,000 mom march.

 

Andrea Yates exhibited many symptoms before she MURDERED her FIVE children in the bathtub where she did not receive the death penalty and will be released in only 40 yrs.  Are we now going to license those who sell bath tubs and water, are we going to register bath tubs and water with the sate and federal government, shall we send all Americans for safety training for those who use bath tubs and water?  I think not.  Let's take care of the mentally ill people before the big problems and tragedies start.

 

Ukrainian immigrant Nikolay Soltys, killed his wife, kids, aunt and uncle and cousins with a KNIFE!!! Are we now going.....
 
http://www.perspicacityonline.com/109/Guncontrol10903.htm

 

etc. etc.

[Coleus]

`

[Joe Brower]

[Paul Atreides]

She said gun control is an important step toward preventing suicide.

She's correct. No one EVER commits suicide by hanging themselves, overdosing on drugs, jumping off of a building, slitting the wrists, etc. I hate that her brother committed suicide, but she needs to quit being such a ditz.

[Coleus]

I used to work on an ambulance squad and I never had a suicide case with a gun. Hanging, walking in front of a train, OD on prescription pills, slit wrists, and I think that's about it.

[NeoCaveman]

I think the Church should be more concerned about violence in the womb rather than worrying about law abiding citizens owning guns and protecting themselves against intruders.

You got that right!

[kstewskis]

She said gun control is an important step toward preventing suicide.

I'm sorry for that mother's grief, it is clouding any rational judgement that she might have. Gun control laws will do absolutely nothing to prevent suicide.

Ilicit drugs, heroin, PCP, ect...are illegal....yet we have so many die of overdose. Getting that person professional help will be the only hope of preventing suicide, not taking a gun away from him.

[SnuffaBolshevik]

I think the Church should be more concerned about violence in the womb rather than worrying about law abiding citizens owning guns and protecting themselves against intruders

'Round these parts, when the priest gives a sermon about evil guns, the good ole boys toss a handful of spent brass in the plate instead of cash.

[onedoug]

...the consequences of keeping a gun at home.

The ability to protect one's self during the '92 LA riots when police services broke down completely for 3 days.

[SnuffaBolshevik]

I think the Church should be more concerned about violence in the womb rather than worrying about law abiding citizens owning guns and protecting themselves against intruders

Around these parts, when the priest gives a sermon against those evil guns, the good ole boys throw a handful of spent brass in the plate instead of cash.

[SnuffaBolshevik]

Sorry about the double post.

[XRdsRev]

I see this is headlined West Milford. I bet there are alot more folks packing heat in West Milford these days not because of crime but because of hungry black bears.

I hate to be cruel but if my kid committed suicide, I think I be a little less worried about guns and a little more concerned about what I could have done as a parent to make sure my kid never looked to snuffing themselves out as a solution to their problems.

[nickcarraway]

Let's get rid of cars too. They cause even more deaths.

[joesnuffy]

As long as she was in the Catholic Church did she check the suicide stats for
the molestation victims of Catholic priests?
Hardly a guns fault eh?

[henderson field]

This does not look good for the Catholic Church. It portray them as being against American laws and culture. But they like American money. They need to straighten themselves out if they want to stay here.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

bump

[Oztrich Boy]

She said gun control is an important step toward preventing suicide.

It works so well in Japan

[ninenot]

Unfortunately, it's not too easy to get people committed for help with mental disease--which, by the way, is the reason for the "homeless" problem.

Back in the mid-70's (??) some brain-dead Dimowit (my guess) proposed and passed legislation which made it virtually impossible to have someone 'involuntarily committed' to a mental institution.

In effect, if they don't wanna go get help, there's not a damn thing you can do about it UNLESS you can prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are an immediate grave danger to themselves or others.

I think the idea that "gun control" will prevent suicide is ludicrous on its face. The "million moms" are deluded babes with either 1) an agenda like Hillary's; or 2) a serious mental deficiency.

Further, the church's pastor ought to be questioned about the utilization of resources for this "event."

But don't pick on the mom in question for not committing her son. Likely that she just could not do it, under the law.

[ninenot]

It's one thing to bash Catholics.

It's another entirely to babble like..., well, a Million Mom March Leader Idiot.

Catholics make up about 25% of the population of the USA. You would throw them all out?

You and who else?

[CHICAGOFARMER]

Joyce Sooy

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

who cares what this anti liberal, socialist, has to say!!!!

[Trailerpark Badass]

They need to straighten themselves out if they want to stay here.

Is that some kind of threat?

Who's going to throw me out? You?

[Coleus]

I was thinking of that too when doing this post. None of the Korean Stores were vandalized because they were on the rooftops holding shotguns, while OJ Simpson's Chicken Restaurant was thrashed.

[fatima]

Coleus,Here's a bump.

[armymarinemom]

She can't see the forest for the trees. Her brother should have been in a mental hospital but he obviously didn't fit liberal criteria for commitment. Depression killed him no matter what method he chose to end his life.

[Coleus]

Back in the mid-70's (??) some brain-dead Dimowit (my guess) proposed and passed legislation which made it virtually impossible to have someone 'involuntarily committed' to a mental institution>>>

I think the ACLU went to the US supreme court on this one, and if they didn't probably in each state supreme court.

Here in NJ we had Greystone Park Institution where they worked during the day at park with farming, gardening, taking care of the animals, cooking, the whole place was almost self sufficient, then the liberals took the state to court because they weren't being paid wages. So, now you have them wondering aimlessly all day long, smoking, drinking gallons of coffee, watching TV, getting fat, making babies and just existing every day doing absolutely nothing. Talk about having no self worth and self esteem. The Democrats made it worst.

[jmc813]

Hey! Who here posted the "Wanaque" keyword? I live less than a mile fom there.

[Coleus]

Are you going to hear her speak? Bring a tape recorder, I would love to hear what she and the others have to say.

Wanna Q?

http://www.wanaqueborough.com/municipality/home.htm

[jmc813]

I was actualy considering doing a mini-FReep and standing on the road outside of the church holding a sign that says "Rapists fear homes with guns" or something to that effect, but now after reading closer and realizing she lost her son to suicide, I would feel somewhat guilty. I don't blame those sort of gun-grabbers at all. It's the scumbags who take advantage of them to advance the anti-2nd Amendment cause that infuriate me.

[Ann Archy]

The Catholic Church has NO BUSINESS hosting an event like this about Guns. Stick to religion and saving souls.

[itzmygun]

GLORIA: Did you know that 45% of all murders last year were caused by handguns?

ARCHIE BUNKER: Well, little girl, would it make you feel any better if they was pushed outta windows?



Amen!

[FITZ]

The American Catholic Church has become quite Marxist.

[jjm2111]

Is this meeting going to take place in the future, or did it already happen. And can we attend?

[jjm2111]

Could we just go to the meeting and if she says stuff like lock up your guns, fine, but if she wants to force people who don't even HAVE kids to lock up their guns, then FReep?

[d-back]

Good work as usual, Coleus. Here's my letter to Bishop Rodimer, sent by email:

"Your Excellency:

I understand that Our Lady Queen of Peace in Hewitt has invited someone from the so-called “Million Mom March” to speak in favor of gun control. Since gun control is neither wise nor mandated by any Catholic doctrine, I respectfully submit that it is improper for any Catholic parish to sponsor speakers from the Million Mom March.

The Million Mom March (the "MMM") is a political group advocating principles that are controversial at best and dangerous at worst. By focusing their wrath on inanimate and socially useful objects, namely guns, as opposed to focusing on criminals and their free choice to sin, the MMM has everything precisely backwards. MMM would disarm honest citizens, leaving the weakest and most vulnerable members of society without the means for self-defense. Women are particularly vulnerable to MMM's policies, given their smaller size and lesser strength in relation to most men.

Moreover, MMM's beliefs are not compelled by Catholic theology. The Catholic Church has always recognized an individual's right to self-defense. In 1994, the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace stated: "In a world marked by evil and sin, the right of legitimate self-defense by armed means exists." The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another's life, the common good of the family or the state." (CCC at 2265.) Finally, the Church honors Saint Gabriel Possenti, renowned for defending a village and his monastery from Garibaldi's mercenaries with his astonishing marksmanship.

The Bible expressly supports the right of self-defense. Jesus does not rebuke the Apostles for carrying swords on their missions (Luke 22: 36-38). When Our Lord admonishes Peter for defending Him with his sword in Gethsemene, He does not condemn the instrument used by Peter, but the effort to frustrate God's will. (John 18:10; Luke 22: 49-51.) Examples of God's approval of self-defense in the Old Testament are too numerous to catalogue. (See, e.g., Exodus 22:2.)

Nor is there any factual basis for MMM's claims of the "dangers" of gun ownership. As documented by Professor John Lott of Yale, guns are used by Americans over 2 million times per year for self-defense. The Centers for Disease Control show that more children under age 15 die accidentally from drowning in plastic 5-gallon water buckets (40) or in bathtubs (80) than from accidental discharge of firearms (21). Yet there is no hysteria over either buckets or bathtubs. Socially useful objects, from automobiles to vitamins, sometimes injure people. We don't ban them, we don't subject them to expensive "safeguards" that render them socially useless, we don't let the government take steps to confiscate them, and we don't demonize those who disagree with us about the objects. The Million Mom March does all of the above in their hysteria over guns.

Gun ownership is a revered right of Americans, enshrined in the Second Amendment. Good Catholics can, and do, disagree with this controversial group's views.

Your Excellency, I respectfully urge you to consider taking steps to prevent Our Lady Queen of Peace from sponsoring, promoting, and otherwise getting itself entangled in this political issue. The invitation to the Million Mom March should be withdrawn.

Sincerely, [D-BACK]"

[jmc813]

Wow! That was an incredibly well written letter.

[freepatriot32]

Fact: According to the National Safety Council's 1997 Accidental Fact Book, firearm misuse causes only a small number of accidental deaths in the U.S.   For example, compared to accidental death from firearms, you are:

• Eight times as likely to suffocate on a swallowed object

• Sixteen times more likely to be poisoned

• 17 times more likely to die falling

• And 54 times more likely to die in an automobile accident

 

Fact: According to the Center for Disease Control, in 1996, there were only 21 accidental gun deaths for children under age 15. About twice as many children under the age of ten die from drowning in bathtubs.

 

Fact: According to the National Center for Health Statistics, and the National Spa and Pool Institute, In 1993, there were 1,334 drowning and 528 firearm-related accidental deaths from ages 0-19. Firearms outnumber pools by a factor of over 30:1. Thus, the risk of drowning in a pool is nearly 100 times higher than from a firearm-related accident for everyone, and nearly 500 times for ages 0-5.

2000 United States
Unintentional Injuries
All Ages, All Races, Both Sexes
Total Deaths: 97,900 (Source:  Center for Disease Control)

Cause of Death	Number of Deaths		Percentage of Deaths
1. MV Traffic	41,994		42.9%
2. Fall	13,322		13.6%
3. Poisoning	12,757		13.0%
4. Unspecified	6,673		6.8%
5. Suffocation	5,648		5.8%
6. Fire/burn	3,487		3.6%
7. Drowning	3,482		3.6%
8. Natural/ Environment	1,643		1.7%
9. Other Transport	1,413		1.4%
10. Other Land Transport	1,412		1.4%
11. Pedestrian, Other	1,272		1.3%
12. Other Spec., classifiable	1,238		1.3%
13. Struck by or Against	938		1.0%
14. Other Spec., NECN	903		0.9%
15.  Firearm	776		0.8%
16. Machinery	676		0.7%
17.  Pedal cyclist, Other	168		0.2%
18. Cut/pierce	85		0.1%
19. Overexertion	13		0.0%
Total Deaths	97,900

 

Fact: Medical mistakes kill 400,000 people per year – about one fully loaded jumbo jet crash per day – or about 286 times the rate of all accidental firearm deaths. This translates into 1 in 6 doctors causing an accidental death, and 1 in 56,666 gun owners doing the same.

 

Fact: Around 2,000 patients each year – six per day – are accidentally killed or injured in hospitals by registered nurses.

[Coleus]

Great letter, you sure did your homework and hit the main points. I forgot the name of the saint, Gabriel Possenti, even though I did a FR link about him, I guess I should start saving my threads. Let me know if the Bishop responds. I forgot to post an editorial about the MMM written by the Editor of their Diocesan Newspaper. There are about 3 or 4 columnists, ALL are left wingers. Also, you may want to fax or mail your letter since the Bishop isn't internet literate. Who knows if the stuff is printed up for him to read, I hope it is. Once again, thanks for the letter, I hope it wakes up some people.

Supporting the Million Moms March
Page Address: http://www.patersondiocese.org/article.cfm?Web_ID=130

May 11, 2000 - by Richard A. Sokerka

Mother's Day is always thought of as a Hallmark kind of day. Moms are honored with expressions of love as their children give them special greeting cards and small tokens of their appreciation for all they have done for them.

This Mother's Day on Sunday, May 14, a determined group of mothers hope this will be a different kind of hallmark day for them as they take part in the Million Mom March in Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about gun violence.

These mothers have marshalled their efforts to show Congress the need to take action and pass common-sense gun laws such as requiring that all gun owners be licensed, including mandatory safety training.

The march has drawn across the board support including the U.S. Catholic Conference which supports all of the policies advocated as part of the march, the National Council of Catholic Women, Pax Christi, Bishop Rodimer, religious and many mothers across the Paterson Diocese who will make their Mother’s Day one to educate a nation about the life-threatening danger of guns, and to show that the proliferation of firearms for one purpose only – killing another human being – has become untenable.

When we consider that every day 12 children die from gunshot wounds, this Mother's Day march deserves our support, our prayers and our call to our legislators to act now to save lives.

Only a mother knows the heartache of losing the child she bore. May the efforts of these mothers marching on Mother's Day make a difference so that not one more mother will suffer the loss of her child from gunfire.

[bmwcyle]

Freep them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[technochick99]

. I don't blame those sort of gun-grabbers at all.

I do. We have choices in how we respond to our grief. Lashing out in a moment of pain is one thing, going on a crusade is another.

SAS's NJ coordinator is aware of this, and I am not sure if she has any plans at this point.

And before you think that I am cold-hearted and indifferent to this woman's tragedy, my own father committed suicide. No, not with a gun, but I never once held anyone accountable but him.

[Coleus]

You can freep or should we say, Protest, anywhere you want on public property outside on the sidewalk, if there is one. Let's face it, the place will be full of left wingers from the njpeaceaction.org and the highlands peace action, many won't be religious or Catholic, most will be Greenies, socialists, tree huggers, gun grabbers and pro abortion.

It would be good to attend the meeting to see what they say ( bring a small tape recorder if you have one) then speak up during the Q and A if there is one. Then hold up your signs as they leave the parking lot by the driveway.

I noticed that she is a Republican who voted against Schundler. Many of these so-called republicans are left wingers, Carolyn McCarthy comes to mind. She lost her husband and almost her son (who was permanently brain damaged) during the Colin Ferguson shooting spree on the Long Island railroad.

She, a life-long republican and nurse until her candidacy, ran for congress as a Democrat, for the "ONLY" purpose of voting for gun control. Well as it turned out, he voting record was that of a typical liberal democrat. It turns out she voted against the ban on Partial Birth abortion, against making the marriage penalty tax and death tax permanent, etc. In other words they were always RINO's and Feminists deep down.
http://www.acuratings.com/acu.cgi?ACT=1&USER_ID=65&YEAR=2002

[300winmag]

'Round these parts, when the priest gives a sermon about evil guns, the good ole boys toss a handful of spent brass in the plate instead of cash.

ROFL! I'm gonna remember that if I hear a gun-grabbing "sermon". Of course, they'd probably call the cops when they see spent brass in the plate.

[jmc813]

I noticed that she is a Republican who voted against Schundler.

Oh boy, I have more disdain for DiFrancesco Republicans than I do fo the McSkeevyites.

[Search4Truth]

"Joyce Sooy of Emerson was among those taking part in the anti-gun gathering. She said gun control has been an important issue to her ever since her adult son, Eric, killed himself with his brother-in-law's gun while suffering from depression 10 years ago. She said gun control is an important step toward preventing suicide."

If there in any justice in this world, this woman will one day come to the conclusion that the death of her son was her fault. And that her efforts to deprive law abiding Americans the right to protect themselves and their loved ones, only resulted in the deaths of many others.

I hope that it is on her deathbed that she comes to the realization that she was a purveyor of death. Not only of her son, but that of innocent strangers. I wish that her last moments on earth are a realization of all that she is denying now, and of the tragedies created by her, as a result of that denial. That would be justice.

[Coleus]

SAS's NJ coordinator is aware of this, and I am not sure if she has any plans at this point.>>>

Does Marilyn plann on attending?

[Seamus Mc Gillicuddy]

Bump on the West Milford residents packing. Bears and Deer aplenty up there and around Greenwood Lake. If I can recall correctly, the church is across the street from a strip mall. There may still be a pizza place in the strip called: "De Marco's." It was pretty good. If anyone wants to freep them up there, we should all go for pizza afterwards.

[Coleus]

West Milford Man Bitten On Wrist By Bear :Another bear attack has occurred in the Garden State.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/916856/posts

Bear mauls W. Milford man
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/917190/posts

Man who shot bear near house charged by DEP
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/928120/posts

Boy's bear visit speaks volumes about hunt
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/916315/posts

Citizen's Group Blasts New Jersey Legislation For Endangering Civilians While Exempting Police
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/814854/posts

Lawmakers to vote on 'smart guns' bill today
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/keyword/Smart%20guns

[Mr. Silverback]

Locals need to freep this gathering like a rented mule.

[Coleus]

`

[autoresponder]

NYC GUN CONTROL EXAMPLE

BROOKLYN COUNCILMAN DAVIS SHOT

LIGHT SKINNED BLACK SHOOTER AT LARGE

satellite feed poor on CNN

MSNTV email snapshot/Yahoo email decoded image to URL

[utahagen]

That's the right idea! To be a member of any church in any denomination is to suffer occasionally a priest or minister who uses the pulpit as a bully pulpit from which to expound his own (usually asinine) purely political views. I don't get angry anymore; I just throw in the collection basket a note that reads, "I'll start giving money when you stop talking politics and start talking religion".