In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• You Might Be A Rightwing Extremist
• Another White House Appointment is Questioned
• OBAMA OFFICIALS WORKING AGAINST NETANYAHU?
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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, April 15, 2009
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." (Micah 7:18)
The Daily Brief
1. Tea parties going global - World Net Daily
More than 2,000 protests planned for Tax Day - even in Denmark. While WND has found information for more than 700 tea parties, the American Family Association is reporting Tax Day protests for 2,000 cities - and Tax Day Tea Party claims the movement has now spread overseas.
With less than two days before citizens take to the streets, the mainstream media are beginning to report the widespread movement - but many major outlets are doing so in critical columns and television reports.
• As people gather around the globe in a cry for freedom from slavery and bondage, ask the God of our fathers to take note and rise up with healing from all oppression for the nations of the world.
• Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. (Habakkuk 1:12)
2. Tax Day Becomes Protest Day - Reuters
Today American taxpayers in more than 300 locations in all 50 states held rallies -- dubbed "tea parties" -- to protest higher taxes and out-of-control government spending. There is no political party behind these rallies, no grand right-wing conspiracy, not even a 501 (c) group like MoveOn.org. (Reuters) [Read more] • Father, the people of this nation desire to rally in protest of the federal government by making their voices heard against it's drastic and radical behavior. Pray that God will use every voice to speak loudly of true fairness. Pray that "reason" will prevail and that we will not be paying government debts long beyond our years on earth. Pray for a heavenly and an earthly breakthrough due to the prayers, bravery, and persistence of so many. Ask God to reward every righteous act of the people.
• For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it. (Proverbs 2:21) "
3. The Tea Party Revolution - Cross Action News
Congratulations to the hundreds of spontaneous grassroots organizers who have successfully organized the over 300 tea party events that will take place today across the country. Such events have already been widespread, and highly successful, with sudden big crowds: 2,000 in St. Louis, 3,000 in Cincinnati, 6,000 in Orlando, as recently reported by Peter Roff in a Fox News blog.
• Celebrate the great truths of our Constitution which depicts a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people". Ask God to open closed eyes and give great "voice" to all who cry out against extremism. Intercede for ears to hear the truth about balance and integrity. Thank Him for a peaceful event as this genuine outpouring is successful in making it's mark on history and in it's attempt to turn the tide of "out of control" government spending.
• So the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." (Exodus 4:11-12)
4. Pawlenty May Delay Certifying Franken - Newsmax
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is hedging on whether he'll sign Democrat Al Franken's election certificate, should GOP Sen. Norm Coleman lose his expected election appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court. "I don't know whether [a certificate] would be required to be issued," Pawlenty told Minnesota Public Radio on Monday. "I'm not saying I wouldn't issue the certificate. I'm just saying we should have all of the facts in front of us before we pre-commit to something like that."
That prompted Franken attorney Marc Elias to remark, "With all due respect to Gov. Pawlenty, it's not his job or his role to try to second-guess the state Supreme Court."
On Monday evening, the three-judge panel hearing Coleman's election contest ruled that Franken had won the election. During the election lawsuit, Franken's lead over Coleman actually increased from 225 to 312 votes.
Coleman's lawyers have promised to appeal that verdict to the Minnesota Supreme Court, and have 10 days to do so.
As the political battle heats up over when Minnesota's next senator should be seated, Pawlenty is bracing to address a politically explosive issue: At what point is he required to sign the certificate of election that would result in Franken becoming the 59th Democratic vote in Congress?
• Father, we thank you for leaders who will not proceed in haste but will stand firm, without guessing, in executing the laws of this land. We ask for Your complete and entire will to be done in this process, but especially in the hearts of men.
• Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good. (Proverbs 4:25)
5. Electricity Grid in U.S. Penetrated By Spies - Wall Street Journal
Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, according to current and former national-security officials. The spies came from China, Russia and other countries, these officials said, and were believed to be on a mission to navigate the U.S. electrical system and its controls. The intruders haven't sought to damage the power grid or other key infrastructure, but officials warned they could try during a crisis or war.
• Father, as it seems the enemy may have the US in it's crosshairs, we raise up a cry to You for a complete nullification of any plan that does not fit with The Word of God for this hour. We thank you for your protection and Your wisdom flowing through the hearts and minds of Your people. Nothing can happen that Your timing will not preempt. Please, intercede for every aspect of American life to be under the Hand and the Purposes of God.
• And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings. (Acts 17:26)
[Prayer repeated from last week; please continue to "press in" on this one.]
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
1. Bedouin tribes said to be replenishing Hamas rocket aresenal - World Tribune
Palestinian militias have ordered short-range missiles from neighboring Egypt to replace those fired against Israel in last year's war.
2. Mitchell to Feel Out New Israeli Government's Positions on Existing Peace Deal - Fox News
President Obama's envoy for Middle East peace George Mitchell is meeting with the new Israeli government during his travels to the Middle East beginning this week, and is expected to hear doubts from them as well as Arab diplomats about the prospects of peace in the region.
3. Israel, US to hold largest-ever joint missile defense drill - Jerusalem Post
In the face of Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear capability, Israel and the United States will hold an unprecedented and massive exercise later this year to jointly test three different ballistic missile defense systems, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
The First 100 Days
DAY 86
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. Texas, Arizona Lawmakers Considering Ban on Sanctuary Cities
Lawmakers in Texas and Arizona are weighing bills that would prevent cities and towns from having policies that hinder enforcement of federal immigration law.
2. Governor Says Texans May Want to Secede From Union But Probably Won't
Texas Gov. Rick Perry fired up an anti-tax "tea party" with his stance against the federal government and for states' rights.
Perry told the Austin crowd Wednesday that officials in Washington have abandoned the country's founding principals. He says the federal government is strangling Americans with taxation and spending.
During his speech to hundreds in a U.S. flag-waving crowd, there were several shouts of "Secede!"
Later, answering news reporters' questions, Perry suggested Texans might at some point get so fed up they would want to secede from the union. However, Perry says he sees no reason why Texas should make such a move.Governor Says Texans May Want to Secede From Union But Probably Won't
3. Obama Adviser: Compromise on Government Health Care Plan Within Reach
Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House health reform office, said a public plan could be designed to address concerns about the federal government overreaching in its role.
Obama's top health care adviser said Wednesday a compromise is within reach on a government health plan for the middle class that wouldn't drive private insurers out of business.
4. U.S., Europe Weigh Next Steps on Iran
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana met for talks on Iran just hours after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he was open to finding new ways to deal with the United States.
5. Clinton Announces New Efforts to Fight Somali Piracy
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced a series of diplomatic steps by the Obama administration to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia.
6. Obama Taps Former Federal Prosecutor to Be 'Border Czar'
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano named Alan Bersin to the position on Wednesday during a visit to the Southwest border.
7. Chorus of Protest Grows Over Report Warning of Right Wing Radicalization
Conservative groups are up in arms following a recent Department of Homeland Security report that warns of the possible radicalization of right-wing extremists.
The government considers you a terrorist threat if you oppose abortion, own a gun or are a returning war veteran.
That's what House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said Wednesday in response to a Department of Homeland Security report warning of the rise of right-wing extremist groups. (All articles from Fox News)
You Might Be A Rightwing Extremist
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is perhaps best known for his line, "You might be a Redneck if. . ." Evidently, someone at the Department of Homeland Security thinks he may be the next Jeff Foxworthy. According to today's Washington Times, DHS has just released a report warning law enforcement officials across the country about a resurgence of "rightwing extremist activity." But DHS so broadly defines "rightwing extremism" that half of the country could be considered suspect. For example:
• You might be a rightwing extremist if you believe in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which protects the rights of the states and the people, falling into the category of "groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority."
• You might be a rightwing extremist if you believe in the sanctity of human life and the rule of law, along with all the other "groups and individuals that are dedicated a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration." The report even expresses concerns about Americans who demonstrate "strident pro-enforcement fervor" of our immigration laws.
• You might be a rightwing extremist if you have any disagreement with Barack Obama, because "Many rightwing extremists are antagonistic toward the new presidential administration and its perceived stance on a range of issues. . ."
• And you might be susceptible to "recruitment and radicalization" by other rightwing extremists if you a returning veteran from Iraq or Afghanistan who is "disgruntled, disillusioned, or suffering from the psychological effects of war. . ."
Sadly, this isn't a joke, and it is just more evidence of the administration's pre-9/11 mentality. If the Department of Homeland Security is serious about cracking down on organized violence, then it should look to the Left. Investigate the anarchists and communists who stormed the streets of Minneapolis- St. Paul during last year's Republican National Convention.
What about the animal rights groups that bomb medical labs and threaten university researchers with violence? Or the homosexual activists who attacked churches after voters passed Proposition 8 to defend traditional marriage? While the Obama Administration is busy cracking down on the "vast rightwing conspiracy," hopefully it won't forget about the Islamofascists who want us all dead.
(Gary Bauer; End-of-day; April 14, 2009)
• As men cry one thing and then another, stay your prayers on God's ability to work best in adversity. We know that people across all parties denounce the lack of integrity we are now seeing at the top levels of our government. Ask God to reveal His plan to deal with the issue of taxation and spending, for one example, that is of growing concern in this country. Pray for God's hand of protection over everyone gathering to exercise their right to be heard.
• "And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (I John 5:15)
[See also: "Homeland Security on guard for 'right-wing extremists.'" Reported by WorldNetDaily.]
Another White House Appointment is Questioned
WHITE HOUSE APPOINTS 'RADICAL COMMUNIST' WHO SEES ENVIRONMENT
AS RACIAL ISSUE
The man appointed as a special environmental adviser to the White House recently was an admitted radical communist and black nationalist leader.
Van Jones, president and founder of Green For All, a nonprofit organization that advocates for building a so- called inclusive green economy, has been tapped to serve as the special adviser for green jobs, enterprise and innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. According to the White House blog, Jones' duties will include helping to craft job- generating climate policy and ensuring equal opportunity in the administration's energy proposals. Jones, formerly a self-described "rowdy black nationalist," boasted in a 2005 interview that his environmental activism was a means to fight for racial and class "justice."
Jones was a founder and leader of the communist revolutionary organization Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement, or STORM. That organization had its roots in a grouping of black people organizing to protest the first Gulf War. STORM was formally founded in 1994, becoming one of the most influential and active radical groups in the San Francisco Bay area. STORM worked with known communist leaders and led the charge in black protests against various issues, including a local attempt to pass Proposition 21, a ballot initiative that sought to increase the penalties for violent crimes and require more juvenile offenders to be tried as adults. The leftist blog Machete 48 identifies STORM's influences as "third-worldist Marxism (and an often vulgar Maoism)."
At the Clinton Global Initiative in 2007, Jones announced the establishment of Green For All, which in 2008 held a national green conference where most attendees were black. Jones also released a book, "The Green Collar Economy," which debuted at No.12 on the New York Times' bestseller list - the first environmental book written by an African American to make that list.
His appointment as a White House environmental adviser was announced on March 10. (World Net Daily)
• Pray for the soul of Mr. Van Jones, for he obviously has rejected Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior or never has known Him. Jones' words reveal the cloud of deception in his mind. Ask the Lord to block this appointee to the White House, for we do not need a Communist advising the president. Pray also that the Senate will so question Jones' ability to lead the USA on environmental issues that Jones will not be confirmed.
• "Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you to pieces, and there be none to deliver." (Psalm 50:22)
OBAMA OFFICIALS WORKING AGAINST NETANYAHU?
RALLYING CONGRESS FOR FEAR ISRAELI PM WILL BYPASS WHITE HOUSE
In anticipation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington next month, the Obama administration has been briefing Congress on its position regarding establishing a Palestinian state, according to informed Israeli diplomatic sources.
The sources said Obama's team fears Netanyahu may try to rally support in Congress against the president's policies, prompting the White House to act first by detailing for members of Congress Obama's positions regarding a Palestinian state and freezing Jewish construction in the West Bank. The White House is stressing that it holds Israel's security paramount but that Obama believes establishing a Palestinian state is crucial for Middle East peace. Diplomatic sources said Obama anticipates a possible clash with Netanyahu on several issues, particularly the freezing of Jewish construction in both the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem.
The officials said that in recent meetings month Obama's Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, strongly protested Jewish construction in eastern Jerusalem. Mitchell also condemned the work of nationalist Jewish groups to purchase property in Jerusalem's Old City, including in areas intimately tied to Judaism. (WND'S Jerusalem Bureau)
• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Ask the Lord to have mercy on American citizens for electing leaders who are working against Israel. Pray for the Israelis' retention of the settlements in East Jerusalem and for the situation to turn so that Palestinians may not become squatters on Israeli-owned land.
• [Redemption of Property] "The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me." (Leviticus 25:23)
