On Capitol Hill This Week
Volume XIV, Number 24
September 10 - 14, 2007
SPECIAL EDITION: REMEMBERING 9/11
"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will
1. OPINION: 9/11 FATIGUE IGNORES REAL MEANING OF DATE
2. PRESIDENT BUSH TO ATTEND 9/11 REMEMBRANCE SERVICES
3. JUDGE STRIKES DOWN PART OF PATRIOT ACT
4. NEW BIN LADEN VIDEO TELLS AMERICANS TO CONVERT TO ISLAM
5. PRESIDENT BUSH: BIN LADEN VIDEO UNDERSCORES THREATS
6. AL QAEDA PLANNING FRESH ATTACKS ON U.S.: CIA CHIEF
7. ISLAMIC WEB POST WARNS U.S. OF "SPECIAL GIFT"
8. SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
9. GEN. PETRAEUS; RYAN CROCKER TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS
10. RAMADAN BEGINS NEXT THURSDAY: PRAY FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD
11. JEWISH NEW YEAR BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY EVENING
1. OPINION: 9/11 FATIGUE IGNORES REAL MEANING OF DATE
Six years after planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, a lot of Americans are getting bored with the obsessive desire to commemorate the events of Sept. 11, 2001. That was the essence of a front-page story in the Sunday New York Times on Sept. 2 and, it must be admitted, reflects a growing tendency to downplay both 9/11 and the need to mourn its victims. After all, we are told, more than sixty years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans no longer obsess about Dec. 7. In that light, some believe it is time to start ratcheting down the hype about 9/11 and placing in its proper historical perspective as a national tragedy but not one that that should dominate our thinking or the way we live our lives.
But the problem with this line of thought is that, as grievous as the murder of the nearly 3,000 souls who perished on that day was, the horror of the events of 9/11 went deeper than the loss of those persons. On 9/11, Americans understood that what had happened was not an isolated criminal act but a direct assault on the symbols of American sovereignty and commerce. Though it was not the first time Al Qaeda had attacked us, it was the moment that most of us understood that there was a war going on between Islamists and the West. We also knew that the United States must start taking that war seriously. Implicit in this understanding was the notion that our national apathy about Islamic terrorism had to end.
And that brings up a major difference between 9/11 and Dec. 7. If we no longer think much about the latter, it isn't only because of the passage of time but because the war against Japanese imperialism that it symbolized was won. Our battle against Islamism is not only not over, it may well still be in its opening stages. Though some of us may be tired of remembering 9/11, a return to the apathy of 9/10 is a luxury that no one in the West can afford. (By Jonathan Tobin, Jewish World Review, 9/5/07; excerpted)
"The Islamofascists still are at war with us and are striving day and night to find ways to kill many times over the number of Americans they murdered on 9/11." (Gary Bauer; End of Day; 9/7/07)
· We agree!! The message and the lessons of September 11, 2001 are not the same as those of December 7, 1941. We are dedicating this Special Edition of "On Capitol Hill This Week" to that very theme. May we NEVER FORGET that terrible day, and may we ALWAYS REMEMBER to pray that any more terrorist attacks on our soil be averted!
· "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart." (Gal. 6:9)
2. PRESIDENT BUSH TO ATTEND 9/11 REMEMBRANCE SERVICES
On Tuesday morning, September 11, President George W. Bush will attend services at St. John's Episcopal Church, near the White House, at 7:30 a.m. to observe a time of prayer and remembrance of the attacks on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon, six years ago this week. Shortly thereafter, the president will stand on the South Lawn with others in prayer at 8:46 a.m. -- the exact moment when the attacks began that day.
Last week, the White House released a proclamation declaring September 7th, 8th and 9th as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance as we approached the sixth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. In his proclamation, President Bush stated, in part: "During this year's National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we honor the thousands of victims who died in the brutal and ruthless attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Our Nation remembers with gratitude the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens who acted with courage and compassion to save the lives of others, and we pray for the families whose loved ones were taken from them. Never forgetting that terrible day, we remain determined to bring our enemies to justice, defy the terrorists' ideology of hate, and work to make our world safer."
"During these days of prayer and remembrance, we reflect on all we have lost and take comfort in each other and in the grace and mercy of our Creator. May God guide us, give us strength and wisdom, and may He continue to bless our great country."
· Offer praise that our Lord has blessed us with a Commander-in-Chief who has not lost sight of the vision of the War on Terror: a war that must be won against the Islamofascists that so brutally attacked our nation six years ago this week. Offer a prayer, too, for those now serving in Congress: may they not "let down" their guard and may they offer President Bush all the support he needs to continue to fight this fight -- no matter WHERE the battle takes us!
· "Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness." (Pr. 20:28).
3. JUDGE STRIKES DOWN PART OF PATRIOT ACT
A provision of the Patriot Act that requires people who are formally contacted by the FBI for information to keep it a secret is unconstitutional, a federal judge ruled on Thursday. U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero sided with the American Civil Liberties Union, which brought the lawsuit and argued that an FBI letter requesting information -- called a National Security Letter -- is effectively a gag order but without the authorization of a judge. The FBI tells people who receive the letters to keep them secret, but recipients can challenge the secrecy order in court under a 2006 congressional amendment to the NSL law. The law says judges must defer to the FBI's view that secrecy is necessary, undermining the judiciary's check on the power of the executive branch, the ACLU said.
In a written ruling issued on Thursday, Marrero said the gag order violated the First Amendment guarantee of free speech and was unconstitutional. Marrero based his ruling on the seriousness of the potential intrusion on privacy and on "the significant possibility of a chilling effect on speech and association -- particularly of expression that is critical of the government or its policies."
The U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan is considering an appeal, a spokeswoman said. (Reuters)
· In our post-9/11 culture, continue in intercession that the new laws that have been generated in the effort to locate and apprehend the terrorists in our midst continue to be tempered by the need to honor the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches of our government. May our Lord grant to our leaders the wisdom of Solomon as they attempt to safeguard our liberties while keeping us safe in these perilous times.
· 'By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly." (Proverbs 8:15-16)
4. NEW BIN LADEN VIDEO URGES AMERICANS TO CONVERT TO ISLAM
Usama bin Laden appeared for the first time in three years in a videotape Friday released ahead of the 6th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, telling Americans they should convert to Islam if they want the war in Iraq to end, according to a transcript obtained by FOX News. Bin Laden made no overt threats and did not directly call for attacks, according to the transcript. Instead, he addresses Americans, lecturing them on the failures of their leaders to stop the war in Iraq despite growing public opposition in the U.S.
Several current and former government officials said they believed an American - 28-year-old Adam Gadahn - may have written at least part of the speech. Gadahn, who has been charged with treason and supporting terrorism for serving as an Al Qaeda propagandist, has appeared in several past Al Qaeda- produced videos, lecturing against capitalism and globalization and making insider references to American culture. "It has Adam Gadahn written all over it," one former senior intelligence official said of bin Laden's tape, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
· This tape is actually a very dangerous signal to all Americans, for before a Moslem attacks, he must invite his intended target to embrace the teachings of Islam. Continue to stand your watch against any and all incursions in the days immediately ahead. Cry out for mercy for our nation -- a mercy which we do not deserve, but which is the nature of our heavenly Father to bestow, even so. Stay alert and be prepared in all ways: spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. Intercede for the salvation of Adam Gadahn, for this is not the first time we have seen the name of this deceived young man in the news.
· "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." (Proverbs 3:25,26)
5. PRESIDENT BUSH: BIN LADEN VIDEO UNDERSCORES THREATS
President Bush said Saturday that Osama bin Laden's first video appearance in three years is a reminder of "the dangerous world in which we live." "It's important that we show resolve and determination to protect ourselves, to deny al-Qaida safe haven and support young democracies, which will be a major defeat to their ambitions," Bush said about the video released just days before the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
"I found it interesting that on the tape, Iraq was mentioned, which is a reminder that Iraq is a part of this war against extremists," Bush said. "If al-Qaida bothers to mention Iraq, it's because they want to achieve their objectives in Iraq, which is to drive us out and to develop a safe haven. And the reason they want a safe haven is to launch attacks against America or any other ally." (AP)
· Clearly, Iraq remains the current battleground in the war on terror. Pray that Congress finds the courage to stay the course in Iraq until all of the goals of the Bush administration for that fledgling democracy have been achieved.
· "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim. 4:7a)
6. AL QAEDA PLANNING FRESH ATTACKS ON U.S.: CIA CHIEF
CIA director Michael Hayden warned on Saturday that al Qaeda was plotting fresh attacks on the United States aimed at sowing death and destruction on a massive scale. His comments came just days ahead of the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks and as the US government said it was analysing a copy of the latest video message said to have been made by elusive al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. "Our analysts assess with high confidence that al Qaeda's central leadership is planning high impact plots against the American homeland," Hayden told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. "Al Qaeda is focusing on targets that would produce mass casualties, dramatic destruction and significant economic aftershocks," he added.
"I want to be as clear as I can about the threat we face," Hayden said, saying the Central Intelligence Agency would use "every inch we're given" by the US government to wage the "war on terror" and hunt down militants. "We bear responsibility for standing watch on this threat," he said. "Our nation is in a state of armed conflict with al Qaeda and its affiliates. It's a conflict that is global in scope," he added. "It's very hard to see this thing as anything less than war" criticizing the media for references such as a "so- called war on terror." (Washington Times)
· Pray that all wicked schemes of the enemy would be found out and of rendered null and void -- through the shed Blood of Jesus!
· "He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success." (Job 5:12)
7. ISLAMIC WEB POST WARNS U.S. OF "SPECIAL GIFT"
Federal counterterrorism officials are analyzing a posting on an Islamic forum Web site that warns of "a special gift" to be given on the sixth anniversary of Sept. 11, FOX News has learned. The warning was posted Sept. 2 on a site frequented by radical groups and said in part that "there will be a special gift coming on the day of the blessed invasion of Manhattan." Federal officials told FOX News they are trying to determine if it might be a specific warning or just part of broad chatter that has been heard during the last few months.Postings talking about "gifts" have been seen before in the days leading up to the anniversary of Sept. 11. (Fox News; 9/6/07)
· Pray that all nuclear devices that are hidden on American soil would be revealed and dismantled.
· "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light." (Job 12:22)
8. SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
This month is National Preparedness Month. The following are links to three resources to help you and your family BE PREPARED for any emergency.
US Prepared: Free Emergency E-Book
Ready.Gov
What To Do If Nuclear Attack Imminent
· "Go to the ant . . . Consider her ways and be wise, which . . . provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest." (Prov. 6:6,8)
9. GENERAL PETRAEUS; RYAN CROCKER TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS
Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are scheduled to testify before four congressional committees on Monday and Tuesday. Lawmakers will hear how the commander and the diplomat assess progress in Iraq and offer recommendations about the course of war strategy. Officials familiar with their thinking told The Associated Press over the weekend that the advisers would urge Congress not to make significant changes. Their report will note that while national political progress has been disappointing, security gains in local areas have shown promise, according to the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations.
Petraeus and Crocker will say the buildup of 30,000 troops, which bring the current U.S. total to nearly 170,000, is working better than any previous effort to quell the insurgency and restore stability. The officials also disputed suggestions that Petraeus and Crocker would recommend anything more than a symbolic reduction in troop levels and then only in the spring. The testimony sets the stage for an announcement by Bush later in the week about how he will proceed in the face of widespread public unhappiness and growing congressional discomfort with the war. (AP)
· Barring another terrorist attack, these congressional hearings will be at the top of the news all week this week. Intercede in the spirit over every report you see, for God knows it all and the media cannot report everything. Pray for wisdom for General Petraeus and for Ambassador Ryan Crocker as they seek to give Congress their most accurate assessment of the military, security, and political situation in Iraq at this time. Pray, too, for the members of Congress who sit on these committees -- that their questions will be fair, insightful, and well- balanced. Pray for ALL in authority over the war in Iraq; God promises to give His wisdom, if we but ask . . .
· "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
10. RAMADAN BEGINS NEXT THURSDAY: PRAY FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD
24/7 Prayer Initiative 13 September - 12 October 2007
Join other Middle East nations and pray with us day and night (24/7) from 13 September - 12 October 2007. Commit to an hour of prayer. We will post the prayer topics each day. More details on the www.prayforkuwait.com website.
Background:
A group of Christian leaders were praying about the Islamic world during a meeting in the Middle East in April 1992. God put a burden on the hearts of these men and women to call as many Christians as possible to pray for the Muslim world. It was the birth of "30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World". Global Perspective
Today this event draws Christians worldwide to a united, global prayer meeting. The 30-Days Muslim World Prayer Guide is now produced in more than 42 languages each year and distributed from more than 32 regional offices. Millions of Christians have joined together in prayer, across denominations, languages and cultures to pray for the Muslim world. As a result, a wave of missions mobilisation and Muslim missions awareness is occurring across the globe.
Ramadan
This prayer event is planned to coincide with the Islamic month of Ramadan so that we, the Body of Christ, would get God's heart for the Muslim world. We pray for greater breakthroughs for the Gospel among Muslims, an increased commitment to prayer by Christians, and for more missionaries to be released to work among Muslims.
Will you pray? Get involved through the www.30- days.net website where you can order the booklet, join the e-mail prayer list or sign up for the 24/7 prayer thrust, download the materials, etc.
· "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."(Matthew 24:14)
11. JEWISH NEW YEAR BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY EVE
Happy New Year - L'shana Tova
Leviticus 23:24
"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD."
Next Wednesday evening begins the feast of Rosh haShannah, biblically Yom Teruah - literally, the Day of the Blowing, referring to the shofar, usually a ram's horn. That starts a 10 day period of deep introspection and repentance between man and God and man and man with the hope that on Yom Kippur - the 10th day - God would grant the individual salvation. What a great time to join with the Jews worldwide and pray for all Israel to be saved - through a revelation of Messiah Yeshua.
- "No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him." (John 1:18)
- Lord Yeshua, please come and dine with families in this land - as You did when You lived on earth - especially those families who have lost loved ones this past year for whatever the reasons.
- Father, open up the eyes of those to whom the gospel message has been proclaimed this past year. Let those seeds bear fruit for Your glory.
- Abba, we lift up to You the following specific groups for salvation: Israel MIAs; Holocaust survivors and their children; Gaza refugees; active IDF soldiers; folks living in Sderot and other communities who are constantly under attack; new immigrants; the ultra Orthodox; and the religious Zionist youth.
- Lord, use the believers in the IDF to be lights to all who are around them.
- Use the prayer books that are read in the synagogues during the holidays. They contain much that is taken directly from the Word. May that not return unto You void (Isaiah 55:11).
Intercessors for Israel
Thank You for Joining Us in Prayer
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (I Timothy 2:1,2 NKJV)
