· The Middle East in Focus
· Pray for the Persecuted Church
· The White House in Transition
· Al-Qaida Insults Obama and U.S. in New Tape
· G-20 Financial Summit Follow-up
· Obama Daschles Hopes of Pro-Lifers
· Mrs. Bush Visits Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and power. . . for everything in heaven and earth is Yours." (I Chronicles 29:11)
The Daily Brief
1. Updates: Two Undecided Senate Elections in Georgia and Minnesota - CHPA
[Note: The following report was written by Harry Valentine, Founder, Capitol Hill Prayer Alert. Past issues referenced below are from the archives of CHPA. Thank you.] As we reported to you in our most recent Alert (November 11 - see archives), two Senate races are still "too close to call." The results will determine whether or not the Democrats will have a filibuster proof majority. The Minnesota Senate race between Al Franken (D.) and Sen. Norm Coleman (R.) has Coleman still leading by approximately 206 votes. A recount will begin Wednesday (Nov. 19) and it will probably take about 2-3 weeks to determine the winner. In Georgia, the excerpt below from the Augusta Chronicle explains what's at stake in the December 2 runoff:
"So you thought the election was over? No way. One of the most important elections of the year is taking place right here in Georgia in the runoff between Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss and challenger Jim Martin." "The stakes couldn't be higher . . . Democrats will have a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, giving Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, both . . . liberals, unbridled congressional power." (Augusta Chronicle)
· In the interest of maintaining a balance of power in the Senate, ask our Lord to grant victory to Senators Coleman and Chambliss, for these two votes will secure a filibuster-proof Senate for the next two years. Our system of government thrives on honest debate and forthright discussion, for we are not designed to be under the tyrannical rule of any one political party. Pray!
· "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." (Daniel 4:17)
2. Dow Plummets Below 8,000 - FOXNews.com
Financial crisis has now wiped out 5 1/2 years of gains on Wall Street after Dow drops another 427 points. · No matter what man does to revive the economy, the Lord seems to be executing a heavy hand. Pray that Americans will connect the dots between the economy and our national sins, repent, and turn from our wicked ways so that the Lord can heal our land. Sometimes the punishment must be so strong that man cannot fail to see the connections. Intercessors, please pray!
· "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have spoken, I have nourished and brought up My children, and they have rebelled against Me." (Isaiah 1:2)
3. G-20 Drafts Blueprint for Economic Repair - ABCNews
3. G-20 Drafts Blueprint for Economic Repair - ABCNews
After a working dinner at the White House, the group of 20 of the most industrialized nations worked through long morning meetings released a detailed list of actions to move economies forward: strengthen transparency and accountability; enhance sound regulation; promote the integrity of financial markets; reinforce international cooperation; reform international financial institutions. Evidently, some nations want to place blame for the financial meltdown on the USA. · Pray for public transparency of what has been determined at the summit so that Americans can see exactly what did transpire. Pray for the Lord's forgiveness for American arrogance and pride in what we have enjoyed financially for the last half century. Of course, Americans have given more monies to countries in need than any other nations. Perhaps our Lord would recall our actions of mercy, and then show us mercy, too. · "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" (Proverbs 27:4)
4. Americans feel religious values attacked - Jerusalem Post
Online A majority of the American people believes that religious values are "under attack," and that Hollywood does not share the religious and moral values of most Americans, according to a survey issued Sunday by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). But the majority of Americans disagreed with the notion that "the movie and television industries are pretty much run by the Jews." McCain voters were significantly more likely than Obama voters to agree with the claim that religious values are under attack in America.
· Pray for a renewal of Judeo/Christian values in this nation. Intercede for those young people who are attracted to the film-making industry so that they will fill our screens with values that inspire life. Surveys show that these films make more money than much of the violence and smut that now seems so popular. Americans, stand up for what is right for our nation.
· "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man." (Psalm140:1)
5. Flight Paths Expand For Holidays - Bloomberg
President Bush will take new steps to reduce holiday air traffic congestion, opening military airspace over areas in the Midwest, Southwest, and West Coast after success with the East Coast last year. Citizens are nervous about travel, Bush said, citing long delays, lost bags, and overbooking. The government's job is to make flying as comfortable as possible, he said. "We innovated last year to ease the travel, and now we're expanding that innovation this year," Bush said. The Defense Department will free up airspace from the evening of Nov. 25 through the morning of Dec. 1, said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel. New regulations to be in place before Christmas will afford consumers additional protections, including greater compensation for lost bags and tougher penalties when airlines fail to notify passengers about hidden fees.
· Offer praise for this move by the Bush administration to help ease holiday travel for all Americans. May our holidays be a time of rest, enjoyment, and refreshment with family and friends, rather than one of stress, frustration, anger and fatigue. Praise God!
· "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)
6. IAEA Chief: Uranium Found in Syria - FOXNews.com
6. IAEA Chief: Uranium Found in Syria - FOXNews.com
The head of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Monday the agency needs more transparency from Syria and other nations to determine whether traces of uranium found at a site bombed by Israeli planes indicate Damascus was building a nuclear reactor there. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei confirmed that the radioactive material was found at the site, but said the source was inconclusive. Diplomats told the AP earlier this month that soil samples collected at the bombed site revealed minute traces of processed uranium. Syria's foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, last week that the leaks to the media about the uranium were meant to put pressure on the country. But he also said Israel needs to provide more information to address Syrian allegations that the uranium may have come from Israeli bombs dropped on the site during the September 2007 raid.
· Pray for the truth to be revealed about these traces of processed uranium in Syria. Is Syria trying to deceive the rest of the world into thinking that Israel used nuclear weapons on Damascus? Syria is known to be very sly about its dealings with the USA. Pray that the IAEA is honest and open about its findings.
· "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever; forsake not the world of Thine own hands." (Psalm 139:8)
7. Maliki Defends U.S.-Iraq Deal To Public, Criticizes Opposition - The Washington Post
7. Maliki Defends U.S.-Iraq Deal To Public, Criticizes Opposition - The Washington Post
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addressed the nation Tuesday to defend a security pact that would let U.S. troops stay in Iraq three more years and expressed concern that some lawmakers were trying to block it for political reasons. In his televised speech, Maliki lashed out at politicians who were taking 'double positions' on the accord - speaking one way in public and another in private meetings. Maliki said the agreement was 'a first step to regain Iraq's sovereignty completely within three years.
· Pray for unity within the new government in Iraq, and offer praise that sovereignty for the Iraqi people is now in sight. Praise God!
· "Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no.'" (Matthew 5:37)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming
THIS DECREE: "Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)
1. Peres sees 'fair chance' for peace deal - Ynet News
THIS DECREE: "Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2)
1. Peres sees 'fair chance' for peace deal - Ynet News
President Shimon Peres said on Tuesday that he felt confident about the prospects for a Middle East peace deal next year following the election of Barack Obama as leader of the United States.
2. Israel worried about possible German sub sale to Egypt - Jerusalem Post
2. Israel worried about possible German sub sale to Egypt - Jerusalem Post
Israel is increasingly concerned that Germany might sell Dolphin-class submarines to Egypt, top defense and political officials told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.
3. Israeli Tanks Rumble Into Gaza, Palestinians Open Fire - Fox News
3. Israeli Tanks Rumble Into Gaza, Palestinians Open Fire - Fox News
Israeli tanks forged into the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, drawing mortar fire from Palestinian militants and intensifying violence that has chipped away at a tenuous cease-fire.
4. Obama pledges state to Palestinian leader - World Net Daily
4. Obama pledges state to Palestinian leader - World Net Daily
President-elect Barack Obama today phoned Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and pledged to work to establish a Palestinian state as soon as possible, a senior PA negotiator told WND.
Pray for the Persecuted Church
For all the needs listed below, let's pray THIS PROMISE this week for the persecuted church across the world:
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Matthew 25:40)
1. Iran: Son of Martyred Pastor Free on Bail, Awaiting Trial
Concerns about the health and safety of the son of martyred Iranian pastor Hossein Soodmand are swirling around Ramtin Soodmand as he awaits trial for "promoting anti-government propaganda."
2. China: Legal Wheels Turn Slowly for Uyghur
2. China: Legal Wheels Turn Slowly for Uyghur
Christian Chinese officials have yet to declare a new court date for Alimjan Yimit, a Christian house church leader and ethnic Uyghur in China's northwest province of Xinjiang detained since his arrest on Jan. 12.
3. Pakistan Authorities Threaten To Bulldoze Dozens Of Christian Homes In Lahore
3. Pakistan Authorities Threaten To Bulldoze Dozens Of Christian Homes In Lahore
Dozens of Christian families in Pakistan's second largest city refused to vacate their homes Tuesday, November 11, despite the expiration of an order from authorities to leave immediately, Christian rights investigators said. (Source for all reports above: Worthy News)
The White House in Transition
1. Daschle Tapped for HHS - FOXNews.com
Former Senate majority leader accepts Obama offer to be next Health and Human Services secretary, Daschle was minority leader in the Senate for a number of terms before he lost his race to now Senator Coleman. Like a number of others being picked for Cabinet offices, Daschle worked closely with then President Clinton.
The White House in Transition
1. Daschle Tapped for HHS - FOXNews.com
Former Senate majority leader accepts Obama offer to be next Health and Human Services secretary, Daschle was minority leader in the Senate for a number of terms before he lost his race to now Senator Coleman. Like a number of others being picked for Cabinet offices, Daschle worked closely with then President Clinton.
· No doubt that Daschle has been chosen for his knowledge of working with Congress. Pray that Daschle will be an honorable Secretary of Health and Human Services, being frugal and farsighted in programs, helping citizens to be responsible for their personal behavior.
· "Speak not evil of one of another, brethren: He that speaketh evil of his brother , and judgeth his brother; speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law but a judge." (James 4:11)
2. Clinton Said to Be 'Agonizing' Over Secretary of State Decision - FOXNews.com
An adviser to the former first lady says she is reluctant to accept the secretary of state position in President- elect Obama's administration. An adviser to Sen. Hillary Clinton reportedly said Tuesday the former first lady has reservations about accepting an appointment as secretary of state in President-elect Barack Obama's administration. The adviser told The New York Times that Clinton enjoys being her own boss and is agonizing over giving up the independence associated with her role as a New York senator. "If you are secretary of state you work for the president," the unnamed source told The Times via e-mail. "If you are a senator, you work for yourself and the people that elected you." It was unclear if Clinton's hesitation is a signal she may decline an appointment offer by Obama or if she was instead using it as a bargaining tactic, the paper said. Clinton had engaged a team of prominent lawyers to help Obama vet her candidacy for Secretary of State even as some insiders criticized the pick. Staffers with the Obama transition team are reviewing information about the Clintons' background and finances, including Bill Clinton's post-presidential business deals and relationships with foreign governments.
· Pray that the Lord will choose the person He wants to be Secretary of State for the USA. Is Sen. Hillary Clinton the person whom the Lord has chosen to be a voice for our people among the nations? What influence would former President Bill Clinton have on the work of Mrs. Clinton as Secretary of State? Ask that wisdom be granted to the team of staffers on Obaman's transition team as they vet this candidate for this key role.
· "I am the Lord your God; walk in My statutes, and keep My judgments , and do them." (Isaiah 20:19)
3. Obama pledges state to Palestinian leader - WorldNetDaily
3. Obama pledges state to Palestinian leader - WorldNetDaily
President-elect Barack Obama today phoned Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and pledged to work to establish a Palestinian state as soon as possible, a senior PA negotiator told WND. "Obama expressed his full support for a Palestinian state. He told the president (Abbas) he will continue to promote the peace process, which will end with a two- state solution," said the PA's second most senior negotiator, Saeb Erekat. "Obama said he will keep working in collaboration with the Israeli government and PA to reach a final solution. He said he'll do everything in his power to help create a Palestinian state as soon as we can," Erekat told WND. Read more.
· URGENT! Raise up a MIGHTY WALL OF OPPOSITION in the SPIRIT against this pledge, and ask our Lord to tear down these words and to call them of no effect! May the presumed President-Elect learn quickly the TRUTH of the WORD OF GOD, for to divide Israel is to divide His land, grieve His heart, and bring a curse to our nation.
· "They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly; All who do wickedness vaunt themselves." (Psalm 94:4)
4. Former Obama opponent now suing to prove President-elect's citizenship - NBC Augusta
A former opponent of Barack Obama's has come back to haunt him over questions regarding Obama's citizenship. According to a press release from the American Independent Party, former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and other members of the party have filed suit in California Superior Court in Sacramento to stop the state from giving its electoral votes to President-elect Barack Obama until documentary evidence is provided to prove Obama is indeed a natural born citizen of the United States.
· Lord, may the truth of this matter come to light so that there will be no question as to the veracity of the evidence.
· "The judges shall investigate thoroughly. . ." (Deuteronomy 19:18)
Al-Qaida Insults Obama and U.S. in New Tape African American
· Lord, may the truth of this matter come to light so that there will be no question as to the veracity of the evidence.
· "The judges shall investigate thoroughly. . ." (Deuteronomy 19:18)
Al-Qaida Insults Obama and U.S. in New Tape African American
U.S. officials called "house slaves"
Al-Qaida's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, insulted President-elect Barack Obama and secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, U.S. officials of African American heritage, in a message appearing today, Wednesday, on militant Web sites. Speaking in Arabic, al-Zawahri used the term "abeed al-beit," which literally translates as "house slaves." But al-Qaida supplied English subtitles of his speech that declared the translation as "house negroes" -- a demeaning racial term implying that the president- elect and secretaries of state are black Americans who do the bidding of whites -- slaves in a master's household.
The message appeared chiefly aimed at persuading Muslims and Arabs that President-elect Obama does not represent a change in U.S. policies. Al-Zawahri said Obama's election has not changed American policies he said are aimed at oppressing Muslims and others. "America has put on a new face, but its heart full of hate, mind drowning in greed, and spirit which spreads evil, murder, repression and despotism continue to be the same as always," the deputy of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden said.
Al-Zawahri did not threaten specific attacks, but said efforts in Afghanistan are doomed and warned Obama that he was "facing a Jihad (holy war) awakening and renaissance which is shaking the pillars of the entire Islamic world; and this is the fact which you and your government and country refuse to recognize and pretend not to see."
He said Obama's victory showed Americans acknowledged that President George W. Bush's policies were a failure and that the result was an "admission of defeat in Iraq." But Obama's professions of support for Israel during the election campaign "confirmed to the Ummah (Islamic world) that you have chosen a stance of hostility to Islam and Muslims," al-Zawahri said. (Source: AP Cairo, Egypt 11/19/08) (Reported by: Intercessors for America)
· Pray for the protection of all U.S. officials here and abroad. Pray for all working in intelligence and security agencies. Intercede that Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahri and other al-Qaida operatives are exposed, arrested and brought to justice and redemption. Pray for the protection of Iraqi and other Arab-speaking interpreters working with U.S. and Coalition forces; some 300 of those assisting in interrogation work have been slain since 2003. Pray that the Holy Spirit will confront, redeem and release the truth of Jesus of Nazareth through prominent and influential terrorist leaders.
· "They shall fall. . . . All of them slain . . . who caused terror in the land of the living." (Ez 20:20,23)
"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known....what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops." (Lk 12:2-3)
G-20 Financial Summit Follow-up
President Bush and world leaders gathered Nov. 14- 15 for the first in a series of meetings to discuss efforts to strengthen economic growth, deal with the financial crisis, and to lay the foundation for reform to help to ensure that a similar crisis does not happen again. The White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/) said that the Summit achieved "key objectives" and that the leaders present "reaffirmed their commitment to free market principles."
Leaders present pledged to:
1) Continue to take whatever further actions are necessary to stabilize the financial system;
2) Recognize the importance of monetary policy support and using fiscal measures, as appropriate;
3) Provide liquidity to help unfreeze credit markets;
4) Ensure that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and other multilateral development banks have sufficient resources to assist developing countries affected by the crisis, as well as provide trade and infrastructure financing;
5) Reform international financial institutions by modernizing their governance and membership so that emerging market economies and developing countries have greater voice and representation, by working together to better identify vulnerabilities and anticipate stresses, and by acting swiftly to play a key role in crisis response. [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
Obama Daschles Hopes of Pro-Lifers
Breaking news this afternoon suggests that President- elect Obama is unlikely to govern from the middle. By appointing former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the 44th President provided a frightening glimpse of his new Cabinet. According to Politico, "Daschle was also considered for health care czar in the White House, but the transition team decided he could be more effective with Secretary in front of his name."
As Majority Leader, Daschle was a notorious opponent of every pro-life measure. He blocked the partial-birth abortion ban, voted for taxpayer-funded military abortions, and supported a measure that would have forced Americans to pay for the distribution of the morning-after pill to young school girls. Apart from his extreme political ideology, the selection of Daschle is even more troubling because the South Dakotan lacks any experience in the public health arena.
To most Americans, who thought this election was about "change," these appointments must seem incredibly ironic. So far, the new Obama administration has only managed to change the titles of the same old liberal leadership. (Tony Perkins; Family Research Council)
Mrs. Bush Visits Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace
Leads Fundraising Drive To Preserve Sites Associated With President Lincoln Lincoln Described as "An Ordinary Man Who Answered The Call To Greatness And Led America During A Great Civil War."
Speaking from the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, first lady Laura Bush kicked off an initiative to raise money for the continued preservation of six key sites associated with the 16th president. "The national parks have always relied on the contributions from individual citizens," Mrs. Bush said. Donations will also benefit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Indiana; the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois; the Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldier's Home, and Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, all in Washington, D.C. The last site is where the president was shot by an assassin in 1865.
"Both the Lincoln Memorial in Washington and this Kentucky cabin are fitting tributes to President Lincoln," Bush said. "Together, these monuments tell the story of an ordinary man who answered the call to greatness and led America during a great Civil War." . . . "The founders of our country had already written 'All men are created equal' into our Constitution, but we didn't live that way," the First Lady said. "And it took us a long time, through the Civil War, to abolish slavery, and then even longer than that, through the civil rights movement of the 1960s.'" (Lexington [KY] Herald-Leader, 11/19/08)
· Offer praise for this effort on behalf of our First Lady. May the legacies of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and of the tremendous leader of the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., continue to bear fruit in the days ahead, for both men desired the same goal: that "all men might be treated equally" as ordained in our U.S. Constitution.
· "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:28)
Al-Qaida's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, insulted President-elect Barack Obama and secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, U.S. officials of African American heritage, in a message appearing today, Wednesday, on militant Web sites. Speaking in Arabic, al-Zawahri used the term "abeed al-beit," which literally translates as "house slaves." But al-Qaida supplied English subtitles of his speech that declared the translation as "house negroes" -- a demeaning racial term implying that the president- elect and secretaries of state are black Americans who do the bidding of whites -- slaves in a master's household.
The message appeared chiefly aimed at persuading Muslims and Arabs that President-elect Obama does not represent a change in U.S. policies. Al-Zawahri said Obama's election has not changed American policies he said are aimed at oppressing Muslims and others. "America has put on a new face, but its heart full of hate, mind drowning in greed, and spirit which spreads evil, murder, repression and despotism continue to be the same as always," the deputy of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden said.
Al-Zawahri did not threaten specific attacks, but said efforts in Afghanistan are doomed and warned Obama that he was "facing a Jihad (holy war) awakening and renaissance which is shaking the pillars of the entire Islamic world; and this is the fact which you and your government and country refuse to recognize and pretend not to see."
He said Obama's victory showed Americans acknowledged that President George W. Bush's policies were a failure and that the result was an "admission of defeat in Iraq." But Obama's professions of support for Israel during the election campaign "confirmed to the Ummah (Islamic world) that you have chosen a stance of hostility to Islam and Muslims," al-Zawahri said. (Source: AP Cairo, Egypt 11/19/08) (Reported by: Intercessors for America)
· Pray for the protection of all U.S. officials here and abroad. Pray for all working in intelligence and security agencies. Intercede that Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahri and other al-Qaida operatives are exposed, arrested and brought to justice and redemption. Pray for the protection of Iraqi and other Arab-speaking interpreters working with U.S. and Coalition forces; some 300 of those assisting in interrogation work have been slain since 2003. Pray that the Holy Spirit will confront, redeem and release the truth of Jesus of Nazareth through prominent and influential terrorist leaders.
· "They shall fall. . . . All of them slain . . . who caused terror in the land of the living." (Ez 20:20,23)
"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known....what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops." (Lk 12:2-3)
G-20 Financial Summit Follow-up
President Bush and world leaders gathered Nov. 14- 15 for the first in a series of meetings to discuss efforts to strengthen economic growth, deal with the financial crisis, and to lay the foundation for reform to help to ensure that a similar crisis does not happen again. The White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/) said that the Summit achieved "key objectives" and that the leaders present "reaffirmed their commitment to free market principles."
Leaders present pledged to:
1) Continue to take whatever further actions are necessary to stabilize the financial system;
2) Recognize the importance of monetary policy support and using fiscal measures, as appropriate;
3) Provide liquidity to help unfreeze credit markets;
4) Ensure that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and other multilateral development banks have sufficient resources to assist developing countries affected by the crisis, as well as provide trade and infrastructure financing;
5) Reform international financial institutions by modernizing their governance and membership so that emerging market economies and developing countries have greater voice and representation, by working together to better identify vulnerabilities and anticipate stresses, and by acting swiftly to play a key role in crisis response. [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
Obama Daschles Hopes of Pro-Lifers
Breaking news this afternoon suggests that President- elect Obama is unlikely to govern from the middle. By appointing former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the 44th President provided a frightening glimpse of his new Cabinet. According to Politico, "Daschle was also considered for health care czar in the White House, but the transition team decided he could be more effective with Secretary in front of his name."
As Majority Leader, Daschle was a notorious opponent of every pro-life measure. He blocked the partial-birth abortion ban, voted for taxpayer-funded military abortions, and supported a measure that would have forced Americans to pay for the distribution of the morning-after pill to young school girls. Apart from his extreme political ideology, the selection of Daschle is even more troubling because the South Dakotan lacks any experience in the public health arena.
To most Americans, who thought this election was about "change," these appointments must seem incredibly ironic. So far, the new Obama administration has only managed to change the titles of the same old liberal leadership. (Tony Perkins; Family Research Council)
Mrs. Bush Visits Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace
Leads Fundraising Drive To Preserve Sites Associated With President Lincoln Lincoln Described as "An Ordinary Man Who Answered The Call To Greatness And Led America During A Great Civil War."
Speaking from the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, first lady Laura Bush kicked off an initiative to raise money for the continued preservation of six key sites associated with the 16th president. "The national parks have always relied on the contributions from individual citizens," Mrs. Bush said. Donations will also benefit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Indiana; the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois; the Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldier's Home, and Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, all in Washington, D.C. The last site is where the president was shot by an assassin in 1865.
"Both the Lincoln Memorial in Washington and this Kentucky cabin are fitting tributes to President Lincoln," Bush said. "Together, these monuments tell the story of an ordinary man who answered the call to greatness and led America during a great Civil War." . . . "The founders of our country had already written 'All men are created equal' into our Constitution, but we didn't live that way," the First Lady said. "And it took us a long time, through the Civil War, to abolish slavery, and then even longer than that, through the civil rights movement of the 1960s.'" (Lexington [KY] Herald-Leader, 11/19/08)
· Offer praise for this effort on behalf of our First Lady. May the legacies of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and of the tremendous leader of the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., continue to bear fruit in the days ahead, for both men desired the same goal: that "all men might be treated equally" as ordained in our U.S. Constitution.
· "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:28)
