Geepers, what to do if abortion comes up in the conversation on Thanksgiving Day? Here's Planned Parenthood with some helpful tips on how to deal with your conservative relatives and friends around the turkey should that occur. This is tip number 6:

Oftentimes it’s easier to dismiss abortion or other health care procedures as “bad” when it’s framed as a political issue. But when you’re talking about an individual woman making a personal decision, it’s harder to just write off. Also keep in mind that everyone doesn’t have to feel the same way about an issue to find something to agree on. For example:

• A woman may have an abortion for any number of reasons. Some of these reasons may not seem right to us, but even if we disagree, it is better that each person be able to make her own decision.


• I can accept someone’s decision to end a pregnancy, even if I wouldn’t make the same decision myself.


• There’s just something about pregnancy—everybody has feelings about it. Each circumstance is different, so we should respect and support women and families who must make life-altering decisions about whether or not to have a child.


• We can try to imagine the heartbreak of a family when they get the news that a test has shown there is something wrong with their baby.


• Ultimately, we all want healthy, thriving families and that is why we need policies that respect our ability to make thoughtful decisions and support us in our roles as caregivers and breadwinners.

Buried in all that fluffery is a basic truth that Planned Parenthood accidentally admits.

To get an idea of Presidential classiness, we have had two games in the past month -- one a golf tournament put on by President Bush -- golf being one of his favorite games, and the other a basketball game put on by President Obama -- basketball being one of his favorite games.

In the case of President Bush, his golf tournament donated the proceeds to several organizations dedicated to providing care for those wounded in the service of the United States.

In the case of President Obama, his basketball tournament will donate the proceeds to several organizations dedicated to his reelection.

Who's the real President of the United States here?

Some animals are more important than others.

HONOLULU (AP) — Apparently the new White House "swag" rule doesn't apply to diplomatic protocol.

First lady Michelle Obama presented sterling silver orchid brooches and sterling silver cufflinks with Hawaiian Koa Wood to the leaders and spouses who gathered for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The gifts came only days after President Barack Obama signed an executive order banning souvenirs that federal agencies buy with taxpayer money to promote their work — items like coffee cups, T-shirts and pens.

I like the way they looked down from the sky
And didn't seem to mind the way I cried
And didn't say, 'Now wipe away those tears,'
Or, 'Tell us, tell us what's the matter here!'
But shining through the dark they calmly stayed
And gently held me in their quiet way.
I felt them watching over me, each one
And let me cry and cry till I was done.

The story of Peter Negron, who lost his father on September 11, 2001
Ground Zero readings, September 11, 2003

Wrath and anger are hateful things,
yet the sinner hugs them tight.
The vengeful will suffer the LORD's vengeance,
for he remembers their sins in detail.
Forgive your neighbor's injustice;
then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Could anyone nourish anger against another
and expect healing from the LORD?
Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself,
can he seek pardon for his own sins?
If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath,
who will forgive his sins?
Remember your last days, set enmity aside;
remember death and decay, and cease from sin!
Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor;
remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults.
Sirach 27:30-28:7

First Reading, September 11, 2011 (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

NEW DELHI (AP) -- More and more Indian families with one girl are aborting subsequent pregnancies when prenatal tests show another female is on the way, according to a new study published Tuesday.

After all, it's a mother's Choice.