- PRESIDENT BUSH TO COMPLETE LATIN AMERICAN TOUR THIS WEEK
- BUSH CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORT TROOPS IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN
- AFTER BAGHDAD CONFERENCE: BUSH LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR IRAN TALKS
- S. 5: THE HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL DESTRUCTION ACT
- MORE LEGISLATIVE NEWS FROM THE HILL
- CAIR OK'D TO MEET IN CAPITOL
1. PRESIDENT BUSH TO COMPLETE LATIN AMERICAN TOUR THIS WEEK
In Colombia yesterday, President Bush braved a different kind of terrorism from paramilitary groups that control parts of this South American country. Mr. Bush is the first U.S. president to visit Bogota since Ronald Reagan made the trip 25 years ago, and security was heavy. Even before landing, many on Air Force One saw a travel advisory flash on their monitors: "Colombia presents the most significant threat environment of this five-country trip." The warning said the threat was "high" from both terrorists and criminals, and offered common-sense precautions such as traveling in groups. At the airport, Air Force One parked behind an embankment that shielded Mr. Bush's arrival from the open runway, and there was even a decoy motorcade that left from the airport to try to confuse would-be attackers. (New York Times)
• Offer praise that President Bush has been kept safe on his journey, and pray that his security personnel will continue to develop creative strategies to fool his enemies and allow him to conclude this trip unhindered and unharmed. The president is visiting Guatemala today; and then finishes his trip with a two-day stopover in Mexico. Please continue to pray Psalm 91 over President Bush, the First Lady, and all personnel who are traveling with our head of state on this mission.
• "He will give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways . . ."(Psalm 91:11)
2. BUSH CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TROOPS IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN
Calls on Congress to support the troops "without any strings attached."
President Bush on Sunday called for Congress to provide financing for the Iraq war “with no strings attached.” And he defended his decision, made formal this weekend, to send more than 8,000 more troops to Iraq and Afghanistan by saying they would be dedicated to training and support missions. Referring to the increase of 21,500 troops that he announced in January, Mr. Bush said during a press briefing here, “Those combat troops are going to need some support, and that’s what the American people are seeing in terms of Iraq — the support troops that are necessary to help the reinforcements do their job.”
The president’s aides announced this weekend that Mr. Bush had formally approved the deployment of 4,700 more troops to Iraq — on top of the 21,500 troops being sent as part of his new war plan — and 3,500 to Afghanistan. The Pentagon had already indicated that it would need to send additional troops to Iraq to support the increases Mr. Bush announced in January. But the specific increase for Afghanistan had not been previously mentioned. (NYT)
Last week, in Congress, Senate and House Democrats announced competing legislation that for the first time would set deadlines to withdraw all combat troops from iraq -- by fall, 2008 -- provoking a veto threat from the White House. Republican leaders in both chambers, meanwhile, said their caucuses were united in support of funding the troops. (Washington Times)
• Pray for a breakthrough in the policy in Congress regarding the funding of the war in Iraq, tearing down the wall of opposition the president is facing there. We need to be able to fight to WIN, and to finish the course we have started. Amen!
• “ Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" (Jer. 23:29)
3. AFTER BAGHDAD CONFERENCE: BUSH LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR IRAN TALKS
President Bush said Sunday that Iran and Syria need to follow through on pledges to help Iraq, but left the door open to additional contacts between Washington and its chief Mideast foes. "If they really want to help stabilize Iraq, there are things for them to do, such as cutting off weapons flows and or the flow of suicide bombers into Iraq," Bush said during an appearance here with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. As a sign of the U.S. commitment, he said, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will be the nation's representative next time. "People are now committed publicly to helping Iraq, which I thought was very positive. The other benefit from the conference was that the government gained some confidence," he said. "In terms of the expectations of the next meetings, we'll see." (AP)
On NBC's "Meet the Press," U.S. Ambassador To Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad said he was also encouraged by the International Conference On Iraq. "[The meeting] focused on how to help Iraq deal with the problems that emanate from the neighborhoods and also facilitate reconciliation in Iraq. The exchanges were good. There was agreement that there will be working groups formed involving Iraq and its neighbors to deal with security, to deal with the issue of oil and electricity, and also with the refugees. So, there [was] agreement on practical steps to move forward. We will see what happens on the ground. But I think, as a meeting goes, as a first step, it was a good meeting."
• Offer praise for this good beginning, and ask that any future discussions would bear even more fruit in the future towards peace in that region. Come against words that were spoken over the weekend by Iran's President Ahmadinejad.
• VERSE FOR BARBARA??
4. S. 5: THE HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL DESTRUCTION ACT
A thoroughly immoral bill, S. 5, the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Destruction bill, sponsored by Nevada Democrat Senator Harry Reid and Iowa Democrat Senator Tom Harkin, will be up for a vote on the Senate floor next week. Senate liberals are actually attempting to get Americans to fund with their tax dollars the killing of human embryos which are left behind during in vitro fertilization for pie-in-the-sky research which has resulted in absolutely zero successes. This is the same bill which President George W. Bush vetoed last year, and the United States Congress was unable to override his veto. President Bush has promised to veto any bill which emerges in the Democrat-controlled 110th Congress which kills human embryos. Those supporting such immoral research are far short of the number required to override President Bush's veto in the House of Representatives.
The left-wing media and their counterparts in Congress have for years been pushing taxpayer- funding for this abominable research. On the other hand, they are generally mute about the huge successes which adult stem cell research have attained including cures and advances in curing over 70 diseases. Umbilical Cord blood collection is one of several non-controversial ways of gathering stem cells without destroying human embryos. Cord blood stem cells are one kind of "adult" stem cell that are currently treating patients across the nation and the world.
Patients with the following diseases have been treated using cord blood: Several varieties of Leukemia; Several varieties of Anemia, including Sickle Cell; Cerebral Palsy; Hodgkin's Disease (Lymphoma); Hurler Disease; Krabbe Disease; Osteopetrosis; Sickle Cell Disease; Myelofibrosis; Sandhoff Disease, etc. On the other hand there have been zero successes resulting from research which kills human embryos, the object of the Senate bill, S. 5, to be voted on in the Senate next week.
• Our Heavenly Father, we know that the number "5" is Your number of grace. May You be gracious to our Nation and provide for the defeat of Senate Bill S. 5. We thank You, Lord, that those supporting this abominable legislation and research have been few in number for legislative passage in the House of Representatives. We now humbly pray for the same defeat in the Senate this week! We pray that there will be no deception or postponement of this bill so it would be soundly defeated for Your glory! May You have mercy on the souls of those who advocate slaying children for their own health and political needs!
• God points out in the Proverbs He gave to Solomon, the things that He hates the most. "These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6: 16-19 NKJV)
5. MORE LEGISLATIVE NEWS FROM THE HILL
IN THE HOUSE:
a. REP. WAXMAN (D-CA) PRESENTS "BIG BROTHER BILL" BEWARE!
If an onerous and clearly unconstitutional piece of legislation called the ""Executive Branch Reform Act," H.R. 984 -- authored by the Henry Waxman, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, a Democrat who represents Hollywood -- becomes law, citizens expressing themselves directly to an important federal government official (perhaps by sending an e-mail or Fax or even in a direct conversation), could have their names and the topic of the citizen's communication be reported into a government-maintained database, accessible to the left-wing news media and the public in general. Unfortunately, many of the Republicans who voted for this unconstitutional bill during a committee vote on February 14, had no idea what they were voting for, it has been reported.
Henry Waxman has said that his bill, H.R. 984, "promotes openness and accountability in government by banning secret meetings between lobbyists representing special interests and senior government officials." In reality, those who have thoroughly read the bill have stated that the legislation makes it plain that Mr. Waxman must regard virtually any citizen as a "lobbyist" if she or he is so bold as to express herself or himself directly to a government official on a policy matter. Mr. Waxman's bill is unconstitutional in that it takes away the First Amendment rights of Americans to petition their government officials: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the right of freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (Christian Coalition of America)
• Ask the Lord to abort this bill before it is birthed! Pray for godly wisdom for Rep. Waxman and for his growth in the Lord.• "The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but mouth of the upright shall deliver them." (Proverbs 12;6)
b. GLOBAL DEMOCRACY PROMOTION ACT: H.R. 619
Every year the same battle is fought in Congress over the budget, as liberal Democrats seek to force American taxpayers to fund overseas abortions and conservative Republicans defend against this since it is a violation of conscience for taxpayers who are pro- life.
In this Congress, the newly empowered Democrats lost no time introducing the Global Democracy Promotion Act, H. R. 619, as it easily sailed out of Committee. This legislation, which already has 50 sponsors in the House, would remove the current prohibitions on abortions at clinics receiving American foreign aid. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
• God of Life, we zealously speak "death" to the roots of this deceiving Global Democracy Promotion Act and that it shall wither away, in Jesus' Powerful Name. Amen! • ". . . and because it had no root it withered away." (Mark 4:6b)
IN THE SENATE:
a. BROWNBACK INTRODUCES PARENTS’ TAX RELIEF ACT
U.S. Senator Sam Brownback yesterday introduced the Parents’ Tax Relief Act, which would offset current penalties in the tax code for married couples and stay- at-home parents. “Our tax code punishes all married couples and parents who wish to leave the workforce and take a more active role in raising their children,” said Brownback. “The Parents’ Tax Relief Act makes it easier for parents to work from home or leave the workforce during their children’s preschool years and offers incentives to workplaces so that more employees can telecommute. In order to keep America’s economy strong we must ensure our families are healthy. No parent should be punished for choosing to stay home with their children.” The Parents’ Tax Relief Act extends the Dependent Care Tax Credit to stay-at-home parents; makes permanent the $1,000 Child Tax Credit and fixes it to inflation; and permanently eliminates the marriage tax penalty. The bill also encourages telecommuting, adjusts Social Security credits for stay-at-home parents, and streamlines the home office deduction. Similar legislation yesterday was introduced in the House by Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE). (Office of Senator Sam Brownback) • Mighty God, we pray protection and passage of Sen. Brownbacks Parents' Tax Relief Act as well as the legislation introduced in the House by Congressman Lee Terry. We give thanks for this Act being another victory for parental rights, In the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ. • "A good man obtaineth favor of the Lord." (Proverbs 12:2a)
b. CEDAW: CHINESE OR VENEZUELAN JUDGES TO ALTER U.S. LAWS?
How about any judge in the entire world having the right to dictate changes to any law in any state in the United States, plus having the power to force any private organization to alter how it does business? That is what the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) proposes.
Article 5 of the treaty would require us "to modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women." This treaty never had a chance to be ratified under a Republican Senate, but now the Democrat leaders are bringing it forward and women in the United States may not understand that it will actually erase the special status they have in this nation. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
• God of All Truth, open the eyes and ears of our President Bush, and all legislators to the foolishness and the evil deception of this wicked bill, so that it is permanently discarded and destroyed -- never being enabled to become law in our Nation, in the Name of Jesus our Faithful One, Amen. • "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thess. 3:2)
6. CAIR OK'D TO MEET IN CAPITOL
A House Democrat has arranged for a conference room in the Capitol building to be used tomorrow by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim advocacy group criticized for its persistent refusal to disavow terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. The District-based group also is singled out by other Democratic lawmakers and some law-enforcement officials because of financial ties to terrorists. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., (D-NJ), reserved the basement conference room for CAIR's panel discussion Tuesday titled "Global Attitudes on Islam- West Relations: U.S. Policy Implications." Although Rep. Pascrell viewed the conference as valuable, the event's sponsor raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill, even if all sorts of groups routinely hold receptions and meetings in the Capitol, but not groups with ties to terrorism. The room -- H-137 -- is controlled by the Ways and Means Committee, of which Rep. Pascrell is a member.
CAIR, our country's largest Islamic civil liberties group with 31 chapters nationwide, has never been charged with terrorism crimes, and the organization is known to cooperate with the FBI and the Justice Department. However, CAIR officials have been charged with -- and some convicted of -- offenses related to the support of terrorism, including CAIR fundraiser Rabih Haddad, founding board member Ghassan Elashi and former CAIR civil rights coordinator Randall Royer. CAIR's headquarters is located just a few blocks from the Capitol. CAIR also was named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit relating to the September 11 attacks.
Prominent lawmakers, watchdog organizations and law-enforcement authorities insist CAIR has terrorist ties, despite the group's endorsement by Republican and Democratic leaders, including President Bush and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat. "We know [CAIR] has ties to terrorism," said Sen. Charles Schumer, (D-NY) and vice chairman of the party's Senate conference. He also criticized the group for having "intimate links with Hamas." Late last year, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) withdrew a "certificate of accomplishment" that she had awarded to CAIR official Basim Elkarra, citing concern over the group's relationship with terrorist groups. (Washington Times)
• Pray that this conference does not take place in our nation's Capitol building and that CAIR's presence is removed from the nation's capital city. Pray for godly wisdom and for eyes to see truth for Rep.Pascrell and his staff. Praise the Lord that many other representatives and senators do see the subtle dangers of CAIR. Pray against the spirit of tolerance that allows ungodly thinking to permeate the Capitol and our society as a whole. • "For it is written. 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1Corinthians 19, 20b)
[THIS BULLETIN WILL BE CONTINUED IN PART B.]
