In This Issue• SIX MONTHS LATER
• GUN CONTROL
• THE SOTOMAYOR HEARINGS END
• HATE CRIME BILL UPDATE
• HEALTH CARE PACKAGE
• To Be Continued --
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Partners in Prayer for the Nation
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVI, Number 23
July 20 - 24, 2009
July 20 - 24, 2009
PART ONE
"And the LORD said to me, 'See, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to possess it, that you may inherit his land.'" (Deut. 2:31)
"Occupy till I come. . . " (Luke 19:13)
Note to our Readers:
You will find a new format in this edition of our weekly bulletin. Please scroll down the list and find the section that you wish to pray over, and be led by the Spirit of the Lord in all you do. Amen!
SIX MONTHS LATER: THE TIDE IS TURNING
July 20, 2009
Today is Monday, July 20th: six months since the new administration took office, to bring "hope and change" to the nation. Well, we certainly have seen changes, in sweeping measures. Indeed, for many of us, our heads are spinning!
We at Capitol Hill Prayer Partners want to thank all of our friends in this growing network for continuing to pray for "all in authority", that they "be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth," in obedience to the command of our Father. May we each be strengthened anew as we move into the second half of this momentous year. Praise God for faithful friends like you!
Please find below a good report from Mark Williamson, President of Federal Intercessors. Your prayers ARE making a difference! Amen!
• Thus says the LORD, "Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears; For your work will be rewarded," declares the LORD. (Jer. 31:16)
Sara Ballenger, President, Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
A Report from Federal Intercessors:
Many thanks for your prayer and financial support. Thanks for continuing your intercession for our nation and our federal government. Your prayers are having an effect. Obama's agenda is suddenly starting to show cracks: Cap and Trade is effectively dead in the Senate, the Hate Crimes Bill has several more hurdles to clear before it gets to Obama for signature.
The push to socialize health care is beginning to meet resistance from the President's own party and will meet more resistance nationwide as the reality of rationed care leading to de-facto euthanasia becomes realized in combination with the massive tax-increase necessary to pay for it, the huge increase in our national debt, the ruination of the private health insurance industry, and "free" health care for 12 million illegal aliens, and all of this still leaving 10s of millions uninsured.
The "card-check" bill failed, two important immigration bills have gone the right way, the fraudulent "stimulus" package(s) have and are increasingly failing (further exposing the radical Marxist agenda of the left), and on and on and on.
Although it may be painful, I believe God is moving mightily to bring this nation back to Himself! Let us give Him praise and worship, glory and honor for what He is doing, and for what He is yet going to do!
Many thanks and blessings,
Mark Williamson, President
Federal Intercessors
GUN CONTROL
1. THE DICK ACT OF 1902: PRESERVING THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
2. TOP REPUBLICAN QUESTIONS SOTOMAYOR'S ANSWERS ON SECOND AMENDMENT
3. H.R. 45: MORE TROUBLING THAN THE AVERAGE ANTI-GUN BILL
1. THE DICK ACT OF 1902: PRESERVING THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
The Dick Act of 1902 also known as the Efficiency of Militia Bill H.R. 11654, of June 28, 1902 invalidates all so-called gun-control laws. It also divides the militia into three distinct and separate entities. It is named after Senator Charles Dick, who served in the Senate on behalf of the people of Ohio under President Taft.
The three classes H.R. 11654 provides for are the organized militia, henceforth known as the National Guard of the State, Territory and District of Columbia, the unorganized militia and the regular army. The militia encompasses every able-bodied male between the ages of 18 and 45. All members of the unorganized militia have the absolute personal right and 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms of any type, and as many as they can afford to buy.
The Dick Act of 1902 cannot be repealed; to do so would violate bills of attainder and ex post facto laws which would be yet another gross violation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The President of the United States has zero authority without violating the Constitution to call the National Guard to serve outside of their State borders.
The National Guard Militia can only be required by the National Government for limited purposes specified in the Constitution (to uphold the laws of the Union; to suppress insurrection and repel invasion). These are the only purposes for which the General Government can call upon the National Guard.
The Honorable William Gordon
Congressional Record, House, Page 640 - 1917
• Thank the Lord for the wisdom of Senator Charles Dick, as he wrote this law for our nation in 1902. Offer praise for the safeguards that have built into this legislation, preserving our right to bear arms and clearly defining the rights of the states to form a National Guard, with specific boundaries for their deployment. Intercede that this present Congress not forget bills like these that have become established law in days past, and pray that every piece of legislation passed today would honor the stipulations of the Dick Act. Pray that the Dick Act would remain as a "tent peg" set in a firm place, to protect our freedoms as American citizens.
• "Do not move the ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers." (Proverbs 22:28)
2. TOP REPUBLICAN QUESTIONS SOTOMAYOR'S ANSWERS ON SECOND AMENDMENT
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) told CNSNews.com that he is not satisfied with Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's answers to questions about the Second Amendment, particularly her ruling that the right to bear arms does not apply to the states. This leaves unresolved the depth of her understanding of the Second Amendment, as well as a 2008 Supreme Court case, District of Columbia v. Heller, which ruled that individual Americans have the right to keep and bear arms, said Sessions.
When CNSNews.com asked whether he was satisfied with Sotomayor's answers about the Second Amendment, Sessions said: "Not really. I think that remains a huge issue. "The reason that it is really important is that post-Heller, after the Heller decision, she rendered an opinion," said Sessions, ranking member of the Judiciary Committee. "She'll soon be on the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court alone can reverse that opinion."
In the Heller case, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit first ruled in 2007 that gun ownership is an "individual right" guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the Constitution. Then, in June 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the appeals court's ruling.
On Thursday, the multi-million member National Rifle Association indicated it was not satisfied with Sotomayor's answers regarding the Second Amendment and stated it would oppose her confirmation. (CNSNews.com)
• Once again, the more carefully one examines the judicial rulings of Judge Sotomayor, the more one questions her suitability to serve on the Supreme Court. Continue to pray for wisdom for the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee as they weigh the evidence presented in the hearings last week. The Committee is expected to vote on this nomination by the end of the month. Pray!
• "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan." (Proverbs 29:2 NLT)
3. H.R. 45: MORE TROUBLING THAN THE AVERAGE ANTI-GUN BILL
The first anti-gun bill of the 111th Congress -- Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush's H.R. 45 -- has caught the attention of many in the Second Amendment community as something we need to be worried about. This is because of the extremity of the bill:
H.R. 45 would require a federal license for all handguns and semiautomatics, including those you currently possess; and it would require handgun and semi-auto owners to be thumbprinted at the police station and to sign a certificate that, effectively, the firearm will not be kept in a place where it would be available for the defense of the gun owner's family.
And make no mistake about it: Licensing is only a way-station to discouraging, arresting, or humiliating gun owners and outlawing guns. Under H.R. 45, for example, the applicant must also make available ALL of his psychiatric records, pass an exam, and pay a fee. So . . . are you a veteran who has ever consulted a psychologist or psychiatrist? Guess what? The FBI would soon be examining every confidential statement you have ever made during those consultations.
Private sales of handguns and semi-autos would be outlawed, and reports to the attorney general of all transactions would be required, even when -- as the bill allows -- the AG determines that a state licensing system is sufficiently draconian to substitute for the federal license.
Combined with the Ammunition Accountability effort to outlaw ammunition in numerous states, this two-pronged attack would soon make gun ownership a thing of the past. (Gun Owners of America)
• Whether or not one chooses to possess a firearm, the right to bear arms is guaranteed in our Constitution in the Second Amendment, and does deserve our prayer support. Please lift up both H.R. 45 AND the Ammunition Accountability effort before our Lord, asking Him to cause our people to take note of these unconstitutional bills, and to take action to see that they are not passed by this Congress. Pray!
• "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
THE SOTOMAYOR HEARINGS END
For Sotomayor, There's Precedent --and Then There's Same-Sex 'Marriage'
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor has promised to be bound by the Court's existing precedents. This is a convenient way to pledge fidelity to the abortion-on-demand regime of the Court's decisions without appearing to take sides ideologically. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) caught her in a contradiction, however, by asking about Baker v. Nelson--the first American court case ever to assert a right to same-sex "marriage." The Minnesota Supreme Court refused to redefine marriage in a 1971 decision, and when the case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, it was "dismissed for want of substantial federal question." This kind of dismissal "is a disposition on the merits" and "constitutes a binding precedent," as one textbook puts it.
Liberals don't like to admit that the U.S. Supreme Court has already decided that the U.S. Constitution does not create a right to same-sex "marriage"--and Sotomayor refused to be pinned down by this "binding precedent" either. She distinguished Baker from cases like Roe v. Wade and Griswold v. Connecticut (dealing with abortion and contraception), saying that "those cases have holdings that are not open to dispute," while downplaying the Baker precedent by saying that "the meaning of that dismissal is actually an issue that's being debated in existing litigation." Her pledge at another point to approach same-sex "marriage" with "an open mind" is a bad sign when Supreme Court precedent has already shut the door to it.
This afternoon, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced he would vote against Judge Sotomayor's confirmation. While the nominee tried to distance herself from her liberal activist ideology and record, those things stand, however artfully she tried to obscure them. For that reason, I commend Sen. McConnell for his leadership. (Family Research Council)
• Is Juge Sotomayor suffering from the same mind-set as the president - ignoring the law when its purposes do not suit the ideology? Pray that no one is deceived by the judge's responses at the hearings and that many in the Senate are alarmed by her avoidance of clarity in answers. Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict her of sin of deception and to lead her to the Scriptures and to salvation in Jesus Christ.
• "Therefore, you shall love the Lord your God, and keep His charge. His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always." (Deuteronomy 11: 1)
HATE CRIME BILL UPDATE
• SENATE PASSES "THOUGHT CRIMES" BILL
• SENATOR BROWNBACK OFFERS AMENDMENT TO PROTECT FREE SPEECH
1. SENATE PASSES "THOUGHT CRIMES" BILL
Last night, the U.S. Senate passed its version of a federal "hate crimes" law, which allows violent criminals to be punished for their thoughts as well as their actions if their victims are within a protected category. Homosexuals and cross-dressers will receive more protection against violence than children or the elderly if the bill becomes law. The roll call vote was 63-28, with five Republican senators joining virtually all of the Democrats in support.
Concerns raised by FRC and other faith-based organizations about the potential threat to free speech and religious liberty did lead to passage of an amendment clarifying that the bill was not intended to infringe on First Amendment rights in the absence of planned or actual violence (thirteen Democrats refused to even agree to that!). However, the bill still creates unequal justice for victims of crime, stigmatizes disapproval of homosexual conduct as a form of "hate," and puts us on a slippery slope toward further restrictions.
Passed as an amendment to a defense bill, it must first be reconciled with the House version before being sent to President Obama. Ironically Obama, a supporter of the hate crimes bill, has threatened a veto of the defense bill to which it's attached because of a dispute over F-22 fighter planes. The dogfight over "thought crimes" is not over yet. (Family Research Council)
• Pray that this scheme will die in Conference Committee. Please see additional information on this, below. Pray!
• "Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
2. SENATOR BROWNBACK OFFERS AMENDMENT TO PROTECT FREE SPEECH
Last night, the Senate voted to invoke cloture on the hate crimes amendment to the DOD authorization bill. Before the cloture vote, Senator Brownback offered a second degree amendment to the hate crimes bill. The Brownback amendment strengthens the protection of free speech and the free expression of religion. The language of the amendment is taken from the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which Congress passed by an overwhelming majority in 1993 after the protection for free religious exercise was substantially weakened by the Supreme Court in the Employment Division v. Smith case in 1990. It also protects the courts from considering pure expressive conduct as "intimidating" according to this hate crime law. Finally, the amendment stipulates that it does not protect any exercise of religion, speech, expression, or association that is used to plan or prepare for physical violence or incite an imminent act of violence against another person. The amendment was endorsed by the National Religious Broadcasters association.
Given the concern of so many Americans that their free speech and exercise of religion will not be protected under the current hate crimes bill, the Brownback language was necessary to tighten the protection of these freedoms and was adopted from the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which passed into law overwhelmingly by a previous Congressional body.
The Brownback amendment was . . . voted on and was a agreed to by a vote of 78-13. A conference committee will form to look at the DOD bill in the next few weeks, and we are concerned that the Brownback language may be stripped during Conference. We are looking to send a letter to the conference committee once it forms. (Office of Senator Sam Brownback)
• Pray that the Brownback Amendment will STAND in the final version of this bill, and NOT be stripped In committee! Pray!
• "And now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage." (Ezra 9:8)
HEALTH CARE PACKAGE
Senate Committee Approves Health Care Package
Debate Continues on the Hill
1. IN THE HOUSE: 19 PRO-LIFE DEMOCRATS OPPOSE ABORTION IN HEALTH CARE BILLS
2. IN THE SENATE: COBURN AMENDMENT FORCES MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO USE OBAMCARE
3. HR 615: REQUIRING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO ENROLL IN OBAMACARE
1. IN THE HOUSE: 19 PRO-LIFE DEMOCRATS OPPOSE ABORTION IN HEALTH CARE BILLS
"I'm skeptical that nationalizing health care would make America's health care problems go away. Without cost-cutting restrictions, a massive new government entitlement would crush the federal budget. A national health care board would inevitably lead to health care rationing and put the government in charge of which treatments people can get and what doctors they can see. The nation's Founders reasoned that governments derive their "just powers from the consent of the governed." The people's government should not overstep that boundary." (Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee)
Abortion is emerging as a flashpoint in the congressional debate over health care reform. Pro-life Democrats in Congress say they're concerned that abortion procedures will be covered under the legislation. Nineteen of them, including Ohio's Marcy Kaptur and Steve Driehaus, sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that vowed opposition to any health care reform package that spends tax dollars on abortion.
"We cannot support any health care reform proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan," says the June 25 letter. "By ensuring that any health care package will not fund or require funding for abortions, we will take this controversial issue off the table so that Congress can focus on crafting a broadly supported reform package." (The Plain Dealer 7/8/09) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
• Offer thanksgiving for the courageous pro-life stand being taken by pro-life Democrats in Congress; pray they prevail. They are: Reps. Dan Boren (D-OK); Bart Stupak (D-MI); Colin Peterson (D-MN); Tim Holden (D-PA); Travis Childers (D-MS); Lincoln Davis (D-TN); Heath Shuler (D-NC) Solomon Ortiz (D-TX); Mike McIntyre (D-NC); Jerry Costello (D-IL); Gene Taylor (D-MS); James Oberstar (D-MN); Bobby Bright (D-AL); Steve Driehaus (D-OH); Marcy Kaptur (D-OH); Charlie Melancon (D-LA); John Murtha (D-PA); Paul Kanjorski (D-PA); and Kathleen Dahlkemper (D-PA).
Pray that the American people will "see the light" regarding the impact the current legislation - now estimated to cost $1.5 trillion - will have in each of our lives, and respond accordingly. Pray!
• "They shall be like mighty men, Who tread down their enemies In the mire of the streets in the battle. They shall fight because the LORD is with them." (Zech. 10:5)
2. IN THE SENATE: COBURN AMENDMENT FORCES MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO USE OBAMCARE
Senator Tom Coburn, a physician who until recently still went home to Oklahoma to deliver babies, believes Congress should weigh the dangers of a nationalized health system much more seriously than it has. In the tradition of someone using a 2x4 to win the attention of a mule, yesterday he successfully pressed the Senate Health Committee to approve his idea of requiring members of Congress themselves to enroll in whatever "public plan" is passed to compete with private insurance companies.
"Let's demonstrate leadership -- and confidence in the system -- by requiring that every member of Congress go into it," Mr. Coburn told his colleagues as they were marking up the health care proposal championed by Sen. Ted Kennedy. Therefore, if Congress decides a government-run health plan is good enough for the American people, it should be willing to put itself under its care umbrella.
By a 12 to 11 margin, the Senate Health Committee agreed. Senator Chris Dodd, the committee's acting chairman, and Senator Kennedy were absent from the committee but sent in proxy votes in favor. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D - MD) was the only other Democrat to back the measure. Every Republican save for New Hampshire's Judd Gregg voted in favor of the Coburn mandate.
Obviously, many members of Congress -- who are used to a generous and flexible set of health benefits -- have no intention of letting the Coburn mandate become law. They will undoubtedly try to strip it from the bill at some point, in a conference committee between the two houses if necessary. But for now it is embedded in the bill and any overt attempt to remove it would be met with howls of public outrage.
3. HR 615: REQUIRING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO ENROLL IN OBAMACARE
Louisiana Republican Congressman John Fleming has a capital idea. If House members vote for Government Health Care, Fleming has introduced House Resolution 615, which would require them enroll in the same Obamacare healthcare plan they're approving, dropping their current "Capital Hill" healthcare plan.
Under the current draft of the Democrat healthcare legislation, members of Congress are curiously exempt from the government-run health care option, keeping their existing health plans and services on Capitol Hill. If Members of Congress believe so strongly that government-run health care is the best solution for hard working American families, I think it only fitting that Americans see them lead the way. Public servants should always be accountable and responsible for what they are advocating, and I challenge the American people to demand this from their representatives. (Office of Congressman John Fleming)
• Praise the Lord that a number of members of both the House and Senate are seeing the truth of ObamaCare and shrewdly have placed the matter where neither chamber can ignore the president's proposed plan. Pray for the passage of Sen.Coburn's amendment in the Senate and Rep. John Fleming's resolution in the House. Let no wickedness nor confusion interfere with either of these bills.
• "There is one who speaks like the piercings of the sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health." (Proverbs 12:18)
On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XVI, Number 23b
PART TWO
LIFE AND DEATH ISSUES
1. IN THIS HOUSE, DEATH PREVAILS
2. CONGRESSMAN PENCE SAYS NO TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD
3. HOUSE DEMOCRATS PROHIBIT VOTE TO STOP OBAMA'S TAX-FUNDED ABORTIONS IN D.C.
4. REP.JOSEPH PITTS DENOUNCES GINSBERG EUGENICS COMMENT ON HOUSE FLOOR
5. OBAMA SURGEON GENERAL PICK SUPPORTS ABORTION
1. IN THIS HOUSE, DEATH PREVAILS
It was also a busy week in the House of Representatives with some health care hearings going into the wee hours of the morning. In the Ways and Means Committee, Reps. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Sam Johnson (R-Texas) offered life-related amendments to the Democrats' massive health care bill. Rep. Johnson's would have explicitly excluded abortion from the minimum benefits and mandates provided for in the bill, and Rep. Cantor's would have prevented taxpayers from being forced to subsidize abortions. Both amendments failed, further solidifying the Democrats' health care overhaul as one big abortion industry bailout. In addition, a special order was called on the House floor last night where a number of Members spoke on abortion concerns in the health care proposals.
Life was dealt another heartbreaking blow when the Financial Services legislation passed, allowing the nation's capital to use taxpayer monies to pay for abortions. The last time the District of Columbia was allowed to do this they took the money away from crucial AIDS services and put it towards abortion. History reveals the consequences of abortion coverage not being explicitly excluded from federal programs. The Medicaid program from 1973-1976 funded as many as 300,000 abortions per year until the Hyde amendment was enacted. Even Planned Parenthood's Guttmacher Institute recently stated that if abortion is taxpayer funded, abortions would rise by at least 30 percent.
With all this mounting evidence, does anyone still believe this President's talk of reducing "the need for abortion" means reducing the number of abortions? Lastly, Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kans.) offered a motion that would have amended the bill to reinstate the abortion funding ban. However, this effort was rebuffed in a procedural vote of 225 - 195. The news was mostly bad, but I want you to know that there are some true leaders on Capitol Hill working with us to protect the unborn, and defend faith, family and freedom. It is not time to retreat! (Family Research Council)
• Clearly, we are now living in a culture of death. We're in for a fight against death and destruction on many levels. Thank God for HIS WORD, which is our "weapon of warfare." His Word will not fail, when spoken forth, to accomplish His will . . . in His time. Continue to decree decrees of righteousness and victory, even as we bow before His Throne in repentance for our own personal and national sins. Ask our LORD to strengthen the hands of those in Congress who turn the battle at the gate. Pray!
• "I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, Because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; For I am the LORD their God, And I will hear them." (Zech. 10:6)
2. CONGRESSMAN PENCE SAYS NO TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) has offered an amendment to the appropriations bill that funds the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS). The amendment would stop this department's Family Planning funding (Title X) from going to Planned Parenthood of America.
Planned Parenthood is the largest recipient of Family Planning money and is also the largest abortion provider in America. Although Planned Parenthood is prohibited from using federal funds for abortions, the funds are used to teach young women that abortion is a normal part of sexual conduct. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
• Offer praise for this move by Congressman Mike Pence. May his work be blessed!
• "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7)
3. HOUSE DEMOCRATS PROHIBIT VOTE TO STOP OBAMA'S TAX-FUNDED ABORTIONS IN D.C.
House Democrats have once again prevented pro-life lawmakers from obtaining a vote on an amendment that would limit taxpayer funding of abortions. As it did on the Mexico City Policy, Democratic leaders are preventing a vote on an amendment that would stop tax-funding of abortions in the nation's capital. Last week, pro-life Reps. Tod Tiahrt, a Republican, and Lincoln Davis, a Democrat, floated an amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill, H.R. 3170. Their goal was to stop President Barack Obama's request that the longstanding ban on publicly-funded abortions in the District of Columbia be overturned.
The House Appropriations Committee rejected the amendment on a 33-28 vote. Tiahrt and Davis were joined by eight other congressmen from both parties who wanted to have a chance to vote on the amendment on Thursday on the House floor when the full House considers the legislation. However, on Wednesday night, the Democratic-controlled House Rules Committee voted against allowing consideration of the Tiahrt/Davis amendment to restore the District of Columbia abortion funding ban. "Instead of allowing a full and open debate in the House of Representatives, Democrats rejected our amendment to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions in our nation's capital," Tiahrt told LifeNews.com. (LifeNews.com)
• Continue to pray fervently for the House, for the majority of its members, especially the Democrats, seem to have morally lost their way. They have even lost the knowledge that they represent their constituents and instead follow their Speaker only. Pray that God's warrior angels stand fast in the House so that truth and justice emanate from its chamber. More bloodguiltiness is being heaped on the District of Columbia as well as on the nation as a whole.
• "Behold,children are a heritage of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth." (Psalm 127:3,4)
4. CONGRESSMAN JOSEPH PITTS DENOUNCES GINSBERG EUGENICS COMMENT ON HOUSE FLOOR
Rep. Joseph Pitts, a Republican from Pennsylvania, had a strong reaction to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's comments about doing away with people "we don't want to have too many of." Pitts declared Ginsburg's "eugenics way of thinking debases all human life" and he expressed shock that a Supreme Court justice would suggest certain categories of people are not worthy of life and should have been aborted. (Capitol Hill Prayer Partners) To view the video, go here.
• Pray against any comments or rulings that promote eugenics. Pray that Justice Ginsberg will be drawn to the Scriptures to learn the truth about the value of human life in God's eyes.
• "Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; let them be turned back and confused who desire my hurt." (Psalm 70: 2)
5. OBAMA SURGEON GENERAL PICK SUPPORTS ABORTION
Obama announced his nominee for Surgeon General, Regina Benjamin, at the White House Monday. Benjamin, 52, is a family doctor in Alabama who established the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic "to provide health care with dignity to impoverished residents." Benjamin rebuilt her clinic three times after it was destroyed by Hurricane George in 1998, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and in a later fire.
On the issue of abortion, Benjamin has advocated more training for doctors on how to terminate pregnancy. In December 1996, Benjamin "spoke in favor of a vote by the AMA's governing body to 'urge medical schools to expand their curriculum' to teach 'more about abortion,'" LifeNews reported.
Benjamin, a professed Catholic, told the Catholic Digest in 2007: "The most important thing to me is when I walk into a room and tell a mother that her baby's going to be all right. It lets me know that I'm doing the right thing in life." If she is confirmed by the Senate, Benjamin said she hopes "to be America's doctor, America's family physician." (WorldNetDaily.com 7/14/09) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
• Pray that the Lord would instruct Dr. Benjamin's heart regarding the sanctity of human life from conception, throughout all of life, to natural death. Pray that black pro-life advocates address this issue with her. Pray that, as a Catholic, Dr. Benjamin will heed her church's teaching.
• "Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness." (Psalm 51: 14)
WHITE HOUSE NEWS
1. ELIGIBILITY ARGUMENTS TO GET COURT HEARING
2. FIRED INSPECTOR GENERAL SUES OBAMA TO GET JOB BACK
3. OBAMA'S SIGNING STATEMENT MADNESS
1. ELIGIBILITY ARGUMENTS TO GET COURT HEARING
In what ultimately could prove to be a turning point in the legal challenges to Barack Obama's eligibility to be president, a federal judge in California has planned a hearing on the merits of a federal court case raising those questions.
According to attorney Orly Taitz, who is working on multiple cases alleging Obama is a "usurper" because he doesn't meet the constitutional requirement that only a "natural born citizen" can be president, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ruled in a hearing today (July 16) that her case will move forward.
The hearing was on her motion for a default order against Obama, because although Taitz said she notified him of the action, Obama's attorneys did not make an appearance. Her complaint was filed against the president on Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration, over his actions before he became president. The judge ordered them to accept service of the lawsuit immediately and then continued the case to an unannounced date. Taitz told WND, "For first time, we have a judge who's listening." (World Net Daily)
• Offer praise for the tenacity of Dr. Orly Taitz, who has been working nonstop on this eligibility question for almost one year now. Pray for protection for Judge Carter and his family as he sets his heart to weigh the evidence that will come before him. May he be granted "wisdom from above" when this case is heard, later this year.
• "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9)
2. FIRED INSPECTOR GENERAL SUES OBAMA TO GET JOB BACK
The government watchdog President Obama fired last month for allegedly being "confused" and "disoriented" filed a lawsuit Friday to reclaim his job, the Washington Times reported. Gerald Walpin, who was the inspector general for the Corporation for National and Community Service until President Obama removed him, argues in the lawsuit that the firing was politically motivated and broke a 2008 law governing how watchdogs can be dismissed, the newspaper said.
Obama hastily removed Walpin after a board meeting in May in which, the White House says, he was "unduly disruptive," and exhibited a "lack of candor" in providing information to decision makers.
Walpin has emphatically disputed the charge, calling it baseless. Walpin believes his firing was a result of bad blood between him and the board over his investigation of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, an Obama supporter, for alleged misuse of federal funds. Walpin said in his lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Washington, D.C., that the administration violated a 2008 law meant to protect government watchdogs by not interviewing him or any of his staff before canning him. The law requires that Congress be notified 30 days before an inspector general is dismissed and Walpin argues that the administration has yet to meet the requirements for who should be notified and what reasons must be given. (Washington Times)
• Is the president ignoring the law again? until he is caught? Proclaim a decree that the president must follow the laws just any other American is required to do. Pray for success for Inspector General Walpin in his lawsuit, and add requests for Walpin's protection while the lawsuit is pending. Ask the Holy Spirit to remove any attitude of "you can't fight city hall" and to give strength and boldness to those who have been harmed.
• "Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7)
3. OBAMA'S SIGNING STATEMENT MADNESS
When a president signs a bill into law he may add a signing statement telling how he intends to implement the law. Obama has made a practice of saying in his signing statements that he intends to ignore provisions in the law. This practice has become so flagrant that even the far left homosexual Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) is now angry. Concerning Obama's signing statement on a war supplemental bill Franks' said, "There's kind of a unilateralism, an undemocratic, unreachable way about these signing statements." Obama had said he would ignore an amendment to the bill that was passed by the House. Members of the House are so outraged that they passed the amendment restricting funds to the World Bank again, this time by a margin of by 429 to 2 with support of both parties. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
• Pray that the president's American upbringing will remind him of the purpose of Congress - to enact laws that serve our country. Pray for his mind so that thoughts of ignoring laws is not foremost as he signs new bills from Congress and that he remembers that he is "under law" as is any citizen. Give thanks to the Lord that Rep. Barney Franks has shown boldness to speak out against this pattern of the president.
• "For the people of Ammon and Moab stood against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another." (2 Chronicles 20:23)
NATIONAL SECURITY
GINGRICH SAYS COUNTRY IS ON "EDGE OF CATASTROPHE"
Government leaders are not adequately protecting America and are setting the country on a course toward catastrophe if national security policy is not dramatically changed, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Monday.
In a speech full of dire scenarios and gloomy predictions, the former House speaker argued that no price is too high for the federal government to pay when it comes to shoring up national security. "We are living at the edge of catastrophe," Gingrich said while laying out the flaws of the current governmental approach to security as well as his own framework for policy change. (Fox News)
• Pray that a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit would begin to move through the Department of Defense and others charged with our national security, so that quick improvements can be made for our land, lest we be destroyed. Let us remain on our faces in true repentance, for then and only then will God heal our land.
• "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
NEWS FROM ISRAEL:
OBAMA RESTORES AMBASSADOR TO SYRIA
As President Obama's administration tries to talk to the Moslem nations, Israel often finds herself as a sacrificial lamb on the altar. With the US restoring their ambassador to Syria, the pressure for Israel to give up the Golan Heights grows.
* We bless You for restoring the Golan to Israel in the 1967 Six Day war.
* We confess that Israel has had the Golan - biblically part of Bashan - ever since Moses and Israel defeated Og, King of Bashan, in battle (Numbers 32:33; Nehemiah 9:22).
* Abba, allow the Israeli Parliament to pass that bill that would make it much harder to "trade away" any land to Syria - especially the Golan Heights.
* Guard the Golan's water sources for Israel. Since it contains about one-third of Israel's water sources, it would be foolish to give it away on that basis alone.
* Cause more people to settle there and then save them - like You said. I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan [the Golan], and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, and in that time, says LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve. (Jeremiah 50:19-20) [Source: Intercessors for Israel]
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
THE LORD YOUR GOD (Adoni Ehlohehekha)
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Exodus 20:2)
How glorious is Your hand of deliverance. I have much inner assurance just knowing that You see me, You know me, and You will perfect that which concerns me. Thank You for being sovereign over all of Your children.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
