OpEd: Florida Abortion Amendment 4 Not What it Seems

   Op Ed: "Florida Abortion Amendment 4 Not What it Seems"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

October 2024

The most controversial issue on the November ballot is Amendment 4, titled the “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” Abortion is, unfortunately, divisive, but this amendment is deceptive. This change to the state’s Constitution would forever alter Florida. While Amendment 4 is being marketed as a means to "restore reproductive rights," in reality, it allows unlimited abortion, strips away parental consent laws, and removes doctors from the equation.

The Deceptive Language of Amendment 4

Amendment 4 does not define one term used in the amendment. All constitutional amendments are carefully crafted with specific terms and detailed language, leaving less room for misinterpretation. Amendment 4, however, has no such clarity. Words like "viability," "health," and "healthcare provider" are undefined. This opens the door to extreme interpretations that will be exploited by lawyers, making abortion in Florida a legal quagmire.

For instance, the term "viability" typically refers to the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 22-24 weeks. However, Amendment 4 leaves this term up for interpretation. This ambiguity creates one of the many dangerous loopholes.

The phrase “patient’s health” is equally concerning, which could be defined as physical, mental, emotional, and even financial well-being. By using vague and undefined language, Amendment 4 will allow abortion at any stage during the nine months if the “health” of the mother is deemed at risk. That “risk” could include emotional stress or financial strain. The life of the mother is already covered.

Parental Consent Stripped Away

Amendment 4 attacks the family because it obscures its impact on parental consent laws. While its proponents argue that “parental notification” remains intact, the reality is that this amendment, if passed, would repeal Florida’s parental consent laws. Think about it! Every other medical procedure performed on a minor requires parental consent—why should abortion be the ONLY exception?

Who’s Behind the Amendment?

Florida voters should ask themselves: Who stands to benefit from this radical amendment? Groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Open Society Fund, led by George Soros, have poured millions of dollars into this initiative. These are not grassroots organizations, but well-funded, out-of-state interests determined to make an example of Florida by creating an abortion destination state.

In 2022, Michigan passed a similar state constitutional amendment. What has followed are taxpayer-funded abortions and the removal of all restrictions, including late-term abortions. If Amendment 4 passes, Florida will follow the same path, forcing taxpayers to pay the bill and allowing abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. Even most proponents of abortion do not believe in third-trimester abortions.  

Why This Amendment is Too Extreme for Florida

Amendment 4, as an amendment to the Constitution, will result in an almost irreversible outcome. Once enshrined in the state Constitution, our elected representatives will be powerless to fix any problems. If passed, this amendment would turn Florida into a haven for limitless abortions, drawing individuals from states with more common-sense abortion guidelines. The lack of definitions and legal loopholes would enrich attorneys, sparking years of costly litigation. The taxpayers will be adversely affected and have no hope of finding a solution.

A Call for Informed Voting

The supporters of Amendment 4 want to deceive voters into thinking that the amendment's real outcomes are unknown. Floridians deserve to be fully informed, not misled by deceptive language and hidden agendas. If parents no longer must give permission for a juvenile to have an abortion, be honest!

During all the heated rhetoric surrounding Amendment 4, one crucial element is often overlooked: love and understanding for the women who have experienced abortion. While some may be satisfied with their decision, others carry a lifetime of regret, and every time this issue ignites another firestorm, those emotions are stirred anew. As we engage in this important debate, let us not forget that compassion must remain at the heart of our conversations. Regardless of our views, every person, including those who have walked this difficult path, deserves our love, respect, and empathy.

 

Hit "Home" to watch Amendment 4 video

Op Ed: Amendment 4 Not What it Seems

  Op Ed: "Florida Abortion Amendment 4 Not What it Seems"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

October 2024

The most controversial issue on the November ballot is Amendment 4, titled the “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” Abortion is, unfortunately, divisive, but this amendment is deceptive. This change to the state’s Constitution would forever alter Florida. While Amendment 4 is being marketed as a means to "restore reproductive rights," in reality, it allows unlimited abortion, strips away parental consent laws, and removes doctors from the equation.

The Deceptive Language of Amendment 4

Amendment 4 does not define one term used in the amendment. All constitutional amendments are carefully crafted with specific terms and detailed language, leaving less room for misinterpretation. Amendment 4, however, has no such clarity. Words like "viability," "health," and "healthcare provider" are undefined. This opens the door to extreme interpretations that will be exploited by lawyers, making abortion in Florida a legal quagmire.

For instance, the term "viability" typically refers to the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 22-24 weeks. However, Amendment 4 leaves this term up for interpretation. This ambiguity creates one of the many dangerous loopholes.

The phrase “patient’s health” is equally concerning, which could be defined as physical, mental, emotional, and even financial well-being. By using vague and undefined language, Amendment 4 will allow abortion at any stage during the nine months if the “health” of the mother is deemed at risk. That “risk” could include emotional stress or financial strain. The life of the mother is already covered.

Parental Consent Stripped Away

Amendment 4 attacks the family because it obscures its impact on parental consent laws. While its proponents argue that “parental notification” remains intact, the reality is that this amendment, if passed, would repeal Florida’s parental consent laws. Think about it! Every other medical procedure performed on a minor requires parental consent—why should abortion be the ONLY exception?

Who’s Behind the Amendment?

Florida voters should ask themselves: Who stands to benefit from this radical amendment? Groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Open Society Fund, led by George Soros, have poured millions of dollars into this initiative. These are not grassroots organizations, but well-funded, out-of-state interests determined to make an example of Florida by creating an abortion destination state.

In 2022, Michigan passed a similar state constitutional amendment. What has followed are taxpayer-funded abortions and the removal of all restrictions, including late-term abortions. If Amendment 4 passes, Florida will follow the same path, forcing taxpayers to pay the bill and allowing abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. Even most proponents of abortion do not believe in third-trimester abortions.  

Why This Amendment is Too Extreme for Florida

Amendment 4, as an amendment to the Constitution, will result in an almost irreversible outcome. Once enshrined in the state Constitution, our elected representatives will be powerless to fix any problems. If passed, this amendment would turn Florida into a haven for limitless abortions, drawing individuals from states with more common-sense abortion guidelines. The lack of definitions and legal loopholes would enrich attorneys, sparking years of costly litigation. The taxpayers will be adversely affected and have no hope of finding a solution.

A Call for Informed Voting

The supporters of Amendment 4 want to deceive voters into thinking that the amendment's real outcomes are unknown. Floridians deserve to be fully informed, not misled by deceptive language and hidden agendas. If parents no longer must give permission for a juvenile to have an abortion, be honest!

During all the heated rhetoric surrounding Amendment 4, one crucial element is often overlooked: love and understanding for the women who have experienced abortion. While some may be satisfied with their decision, others carry a lifetime of regret, and every time this issue ignites another firestorm, those emotions are stirred anew. As we engage in this important debate, let us not forget that compassion must remain at the heart of our conversations. Regardless of our views, every person, including those who have walked this difficult path, deserves our love, respect, and empathy.

 

Hit "Home" to watch Amendment 4 video

The Media's Attempted Assassination of President Trump

The corporate media has spent ten years singling out one man for an unprecedented hate campaign. That hate campaign on Saturday, June 13th, almost paid off.

Here are a few of the falsehoods propagated about Donald Trump:

1. They LIED about him colluding with Russia to steal a presidential election.

2. They LIED about him being a unique threat to democracy.

3. They LIED about him being a rapist.

4. They LIED about him, describing Nazis as “very fine people.”

5. They LIED about him being a racist.

6. They LIED about him trashing WWII troops.

7. They LIED about him launching an insurrection.

8. They LIED about him wanting to inject bleach into the sick.

9. They LIED about him putting kids in cages.

10. They LIED about him assaulting Secret Service agents.

11. They LIED about him being the second coming of Adolf Hitler.

How does Biden calm down the media in one day? The only way is if you have a plan to defeat your opponent. If President Trump had not turned his head at the last second, causing the shooter to pull the trigger in haste, it would not have been an assassination ATTEMPT.

 Trump is an imperfect man, but the Trump derangement syndrome must be derailed. 

The Deficit: A Ticking Time Bomb for America by Doug Stauffer, PhD, CPA (retired)

 The Deficit: A Ticking Time Bomb for America

(Pictured above is a ONE MILLION MARK bill from Germany that I received upon my dad's death). 

The deficit has potentially catastrophic effects on our nation. We can draw chilling parallels between our current financial trajectory and historical examples of economic collapse, such as Germany in the 1920s. The hyperinflation that plagued Germany before Hitler's rise to power serves as a stark warning of what unchecked fiscal irresponsibility can lead to. Politicians do not even talk about the national deficit except to point to the other party's spending. Both are guilty!

The Historical Lessons of Germany

In the aftermath of World War I, Germany faced immense economic strain. The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations, and to pay these debts, the Weimar Republic resorted to printing more money. Initially, the exchange rate was relatively stable, with nine marks equaling $1.00US. However, hyperinflation set in as the government continued to print money without backing it with real economic value. By 1923, the exchange rate had skyrocketed to 4.2 million marks to $1.00. The once-stable economy was plunged into chaos, leading to widespread poverty, social unrest, and the eventual rise of totalitarianism. Add open borders to the equation, and you will see the future of the United States without drastic and unpopular actions.

America’s Debt Crisis: A Modern-Day Warning

Fast forward to today, and we see the United States grappling with a similar yet distinct problem: a staggering national debt. It has been estimated that governments worldwide owe a combined $91 trillion, a figure nearly equivalent to the global economy's total value. This level of debt is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to living standards, even in wealthy nations like the U.S.

The Consequences of Inaction

If the United States fails to address its growing deficit, the consequences could be dire:

• Inflation: Just as in Weimar Germany, printing more money to cover debt can lead to hyperinflation, eroding the value of savings and incomes.
• Economic Instability: A high national debt can lead to decreased investor confidence, higher interest rates, and reduced economic growth.
• Social Unrest: Economic hardship often leads to social and political unrest, as historical examples show.

The Need for Fiscal Discipline

Addressing the deficit requires a commitment to fiscal discipline. This means making hard choices about spending cuts and tax increases, which stifle the economy. It also necessitates honest communication from our leaders about our finances and the sacrifices needed to stabilize them. Unfortunately, political leaders often shy away from these difficult conversations, especially during election years.

Conclusion

The United States stands at a critical juncture. Without decisive action to address our national debt, we risk following in the footsteps of Germany in the 1920s, facing economic collapse and the accompanying social turmoil. We must learn from history and take proactive measures to secure our financial future. The time for responsible fiscal policy is now before it’s too late, but it may already be too late? 

www.BibleDoug.com 

Pastor's Ponderings: "Studying the Book of Revelation"

  Pastor's Ponderings: "Studying the Book of Revelation"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

March 2023--Article 44 (2023-03-044)

I have taught Revelation several times and written several books on the subject. Starting in March, we will study the Book of Revelation verse-by-verse at 7 PM every Wednesday. Everyone is welcome to attend or watch online.

High-Level Overview of Revelation                                                           

Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;    

Verse 19 offers an overview of the book of Revelation from John’s first-century perspective. It is a high-level—past, present, and future—viewpoint.              

1.         PAST: The things which thou HAST SEEN

2.         PRESENT: The things WHICH ARE 

3.         FUTURE: The things which SHALL BE HEREAFTER 

The simplified outline: Verse 19 first points to the things which “thou (John) hast seen,” with verse 20 pointing to what John already SAW. Revelation chapters 2 and 3 chronicle what John SAW.

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

I.       THE PAST: John writes in verse 20 that he already SAW the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks. He records what he saw in chapters 2 and 3, making these chapters already PAST. Verse 20 defines the CANDLESTICKS as the seven churches. It designates the seven STARS. These stars are the seven angels of each of those seven churches. The first verse of each church epistle addresses the angel of each of the seven churches.

·            “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus” (Revelation 2:1-2:7)

·            “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna” (Revelation 2:8-2:11)

·            “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos” (Revelation 2:12-2:17)

·            “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira” (Revelation 2:18-2:28)

·            “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis” (Revelation 3:1-3:6)

·            “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia” (Revelation 3:7-3:13)

·            “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans” (Revelation 3:14-3:22)

The two words following chapter 3 in Revelation 4:1 reveal the passage of time: “After this.” After what John SAW (the churches of chapters 2 and 3, the last one mentioned in Revelation 3:22), John is now revealed as being in the PRESENT as he is transported to Heaven (Revelation 4:1). It is essential not to miss this point: John moved from speaking of the PAST to writing concerning the PRESENT!

II.    The PRESENT: the book of Revelation reveals the PRESENT as John appears in heaven. The timing indicates he has been transported thousands of years into the future. A door in heaven opens. God transports (or raptures) John from the earth. John shows up in the present, where God reveals the “hereafter”—the future.

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

III. The FUTURE: Notice the keyword at the end of Revelation 4:1—“hereafter.” This word links the event to the outline delineated in Revelation 1:19—the “hereafter” ending that verse. One might view HEREAFTER as AFTER HERE since John PICTURES the Rapture of the New Testament Church AFTER revealing the entire 2,000-year Church Age in chapters 2 and 3.

The “hereafter” divides further into three sections: These divisions run from:

·            2^nd Viewpoint—God transports John TO heaven (from Revelation 4:2 to Revelation 17:2)

Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

>>From heaven, John views the 21 judgments on earth during Daniel’s Seventieth Week.

·            3^rd Viewpoint—God transports John TO the wilderness (from Revelation 17:3 to Revelation 21:9)

Revelation 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

>>From the wilderness, John views God’s destruction of the world powers and the end of all that offends God.

·            4^th Viewpoint—God transports John TO a great and high mountain (from Revelation 21:10 to Revelation 22:21)

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

>>From the mountain, John views Eternity.

·            Note: The 1^st Viewpoint was skipped but it was from Patmos (Revelation 1:9), where John views the Church Age. He describes what these seven churches are doing right and wrong and God’s expectations of each. The Spirit speaking to the churches happens before God transports John to the other three locations.

 

You can also tune in live or archived: 

Facebook.com/douglasstauffer1611

Youtube.com/@FaithIndependentBaptistChurch/streams

www.FaithNiceville.com

Sermonaudio.com/docdoug45

Let’s study to show ourselves approved unto God!

 

 

 

Between Land and Sea: A Nonfiction Tom Clancy-type Book

  "Between Land and Sea: A Nonfiction Tom Clancy-type Book"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

March 2023--Article 46 (2023-0-046)

Rear Admiral (RADM) Dur’s rare combination of intellect, military expertise, and true patriotism helped shape this country during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras.  He has a deep knowledge of naval operations at sea and this nation’s national security affairs. His career as a surface warfare officer specializing in national policy helped him funnel his Cold War experiences into the geo-political environment. Imagine rising from the rank of ensign to flag officer to serve at the highest levels in the Navy and the U.S. government’s executive branch—that’s Phil Dur! 

His book, “Between Land and Sea,” offers the reader a front-row seat to thirty years of American and world military and diplomatic history. This fact-based analysis and reflection centers around the national security bureaucracy and operating at sea throughout the Cold War.

Read about challenges commanding ships and a Carrier Battle Group and strategy and policy assignments, including leading the Navy’s strategy division and serving as Director of Political-Military Affairs on the NSC staff, advising and briefing President Ronald Reagan on critical events in the Middle East. Discover opportunities overseas, such as the admiral’s assignment as a U.S. Defense attaché in Paris, working with the highest levels of the French national security establishment as the Cold War ended and as War erupted in the Persian Gulf.

Philip Dur witnessed history and had a hand in shaping its course! From growing up in post-WW2 Europe and Japan, through historical events including the behind-the-scenes views of the attack on USS Liberty, the gun line off Vietnam, the Reagan White House, and more, Phil Dur was on the scene, not as an observer, but as an engaged and aggressive participant and contributor.

RADM Dur participated in the last great act of the Cold War:  a serious and intentional bumping of his command ship, the USS Yorktown, by the Russian Navy during maneuvers in the Black Sea. This confrontation was one of those cat-and-mouse events that could have started World War III.

As a flag officer, he was the chief architect of the Navy’s strategy. RADM Dur’s story provides a concise description of the Navy’s role in the Cold War from the 1960s to its end with the fall of the Soviet Union. His seat at the table during most of the critical events of that period offers an insightful perspective of policy formation and execution.

This book is highly relevant and essential reading today for anyone seeking to understand the current European security environment, including the present Russian-Ukranian conflict. As someone completely unfamiliar with the workings of the Navy, reading about his command of two great warships—a destroyer and a cruiser—was mind-boggling and fascinating. His book “Between Land and Sea” is a must-read for those interested in a better understanding of military, political, and national security issues. This instructive book is fast-moving, a real page-turner, very well-written, and hard to put down.

Vice Admiral Doug Crowder, USN (Ret), Former Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, reviewed the book as follows: “If you have loved Tom Clancy’s novels of Cold War intrigue, military operations, grand strategy, and political policy-making, then you will enjoy Admiral Philip Dur’s new book, BETWEEN LAND & SEA.

Read the Newspaper (page 11)

Former Press Secretary Opens NWFSC Speaker Series

  "Former Press Secretary Opens NWFSC Speaker Series"

By Pastor Doug Stauffer

Faith Independent Baptist Church

Journalist for Bay Life Newspaper

March 2023--Article 45 (2023-03-045)

Kayleigh McEnany opened this year’s President's Speaker Series at Mattie Kelly Arts Center. While introducing Kayleigh, President Devin Stephenson NWFSC stated, "Northwest Florida State College is certainly honored to do our part in improving the quality of place in our community by enhancing our regional cultural activities." Last year's speakers were former federal prosecutor and Congressman, Trey Gowdy, and financial journalist Charles Payne with Fox Business Network. February's speaker was Dr. Ben Carson. 

I was fortunate to spend some one-on-one time with Kayleigh McEnany, so I thought I would begin this story by describing my impression of her in one word: Authentic, Personable, Sacrificial, Fearless, Patriotic, Conservative, Christian. Well, that adds up to seven one-word descriptions. But then I could add: Working-mom, Brave, and Articulate, and no, she is not the One that walked on water, but she often speaks of her personal relationship with the Creator. And I thought I would add that she was born and raised in the Free State of Florida.  

Who is Kayleigh McEnany? She was the former White House Press Secretary and the national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee (RNC). She now Co-hosts Outnumbered on the Fox News Channel. Before joining the RNC, she worked as the lone conservative political commentator at CNN and as a producer for the Mike Huckabee Show. She has also authored several outstanding books.

As I read her book, I was overwhelmed to learn about the many sacrifices her family experienced for the American people. Some may recall that her tenure at the White House commenced during the earliest days of the COVID-19 lockdowns. The CDC guidelines curtailed (or discouraged) travel, forcing some difficult choices. It was also during the death of George Floyd. Unfortunately, some people used this tragedy to threaten Kayleigh and her family.

Kayleigh tells of balancing her concern for her family with her job's demands. She strove to be much more than a press secretary. Kayleigh wanted to be a voice for those who do not "qualify" for national attention and are often ignored and certainly overlooked. She strove for substance over sensationalism.

Her motto in the press secretary’s office was "Offense!" intending to challenge the media, never allowing others to drive the narrative. She insisted on holding the press accountable. I will hone in on her beginnings at the White House because there is not enough ink and paper to cover the highlights of her life.

When President Trump called to ask if Kayleigh was interested in becoming Press Secretary, she was in the backseat of her car with her baby girl while her mother was behind the wheel. The phone rang with the White House switchboard on the line. "Would you take a call from the President?" A quick answer of "yes" followed an even faster prayer. The President asked if she would consider becoming the White House press secretary. Without hesitation, she responded, "Mr. President, that would be the honor of my lifetime." Thus, Kayleigh's story took another turn.

She was understandably nervous about taking on this enormous task, especially in the middle of a novel pathogen just entering the country. However, she also realized the honor it would be to communicate clearly to the American people. She began reading everything, calling everyone for advice, but her dad sent her the best advice. "Kayleigh, maybe you were made for such a time as this," a direct reference to the book of Esther. She knew God wanted her to hear this and believes He wants us all to understand that we are on this earth for a specific purpose and reason.

Her first day at work was April 13, 2020. It had been 400 days since a press secretary, Sarah Sanders Huckabee, had gone to the podium. Her first press briefing was less than three weeks later. On that day, she tweeted out Philippians 4:13 about being able to do all things which strengthen us through Christ. She had prepared herself academically. Still, the spiritual preparation gave her peace—listening to sermons on faith over fear, Christian music, and prayer.

As she sat in the Press Secretary's office wondering how the first day would go, the Chief of Staff's office called and told her to go to the Oval Office because the President was preparing to do a Coronavirus task force briefing. She was asked for input and then watched as the President used some of her feedback during the briefing.

That week, she fielded texts from Christians who said they were praying for her. One text was from Sarah Sanders Huckabee with advice: "Pray and let God carry you through the tough times and give you strength when you don't have the wisdom."

Sarah then sent Kayleigh the day's devotional from when Sarah was Press Secretary - "You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life … As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time to worry." Never a more true statement! Her assistant entered her office and got her parents on speakerphone to pray together. As she walked through the President's private dining room, the Vice President motioned with praying hands that he would continue praying for her.

Finally, she slipped into the private West Wing bathroom, got on her knees, and prayed yet again. She retells the story of going to the podium, and everything changed. Her fears and worries vanished and turned to complete serenity. That divine intervention made her feel like she had been at that podium her whole life. She pointed out that the peace came from the millions of Christians who prayed for the administration. She mentioned being a personal testament to the fact that those prayers made a difference. Her speech contained so much more thought-provoking, uplifting, and inspirational material.

Her family almost moved to this area but settled in the Tampa Bay area. She agrees with many of us that Northwest Florida has the best beaches and promises to vacation here during the offseason. Another example of the Emerald Coast drawing the best and the brightest. I look forward to tuning in for the next chapter of the Kayleigh McEnany Woman of Faith saga. 

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