In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Netanyahu Speaks Out At The UN
• Obama and Afghanistan
• Obama - Student of History?
• Cult of Personality?
• ENDA Set to Trump Religious Rights
• Iran's AWACS destroyed
• The Good News Corner
• Thoughts on Prayer
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The Daily Brief - Friday, September 25, 2009
"And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." (Revelation 14: 15)
ATTENTION TO OUR READERS: We are asking all of you to join us in a time of prayer and fasting for the release of the captives of Islam. Our time of fasting will continue through Saturday, September 26. Thank you.
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? " (Isaiah 58:6)
PUBLISHING NOTICE: Next week, we will NOT publish "On Capitol Hill This Week," on Monday, September 28th. The Daily Brief WILL be published next week on our normal schedule: Tuesday through Friday.
The Daily Brief
1. At Capitol, a Day of Muslim Prayer and Unity - Washington Post
Nearly 3,000 people gathered on the west lawn of the Capitol on Friday for a mass Muslim prayer service that was part religion and part pep rally for the beleaguered U.S. Muslim community. - We are thankful for the ability in this nation for all religions to be able to publicly gather and pray.
We also thank You that Christians in this nation have been called to prayer and fasting to call for Your blessing and for renewed revival.
- "The LORD said to Moses, 'Is the LORD'S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.'" (Numbers 11:23)
2. Two Men in Custody in Separate Texas, Illinois Terror Car Bomb Plots - AP
A Jordanian man living outside Dallas and an ex- convict who wrote letters to John Walker Lindh were in custody on Friday after each tried to blow up what they thought were vehicles packed with explosives outside a Texas skyscraper and an Illinois courthouse, authorities said. - Thank You Lord for the intelligence agents who are working to protect innocents. We give You the glory for the safety in this nation for the last eight years and pray that You will continue to strengthen those on the security front lines.
- "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one." (John 17:15)
3. Top Republican pulls out of intelligence investigation - Washington Times
The top Republican on the Senate intelligence committee has pulled out of the panel's bipartisan review of Bush-era terrorist interrogation techniques, saying Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.'s criminal investigation into the CIA undermines the committee's ability to interview witnesses. "Had Mr. Holder honored the pledge made by the president to look forward, not backwards, we would still be active participants in the committee's review," said Sen. Christopher S. Bond of Missouri, the panel's vice chairman. "Instead, DOJ sent a loud and clear message that previous decisions to decline prosecution mean nothing and old criminal charges can be brought anytime against anyone
- against these odds, what current or former CIA employee would be willing to gamble his freedom by answering the committee's questions?"
- Thank You for those who are standing strong for their beliefs. We know that you will be the bulwark of all who make decisions based on thoughtful, prayerful consideration.
- "Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God." (Daniel 6:23)
4. Ensign receives handwritten confirmation - Politico
Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) received a handwritten note Thursday from Joint Committee on Taxation Chief of Staff Tom Barthold confirming the penalty for failing to pay the up to $1,900 fee for not buying health insurance. Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in jail or a $25,000 penalty, Barthold wrote on JCT letterhead. He signed it "Sincerely, Thomas A. Barthold."
- May all Americans be aware of the details of the health care bills that are currently being considered in Congress and may there be alerts for any worrisome provisions.
- "Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight." (2 Samuel 10:12)
5. Sunstein: Force broadcasters to air 'diversity' ads - WND
The U.S. government should have the right to force broadcast media companies to air commercials that foster a "diversity" of views, argued President Obama's newly confirmed regulatory czar, Cass Sunstein.
- Lord, we pray that members of this administration will be cognizant of the importance of the First Amendment and that there will not be unconstitutional restrictions placed on citizens and companies.
- "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1)
6. Obama: G20 brought economy back from brink - AP
World leaders on Friday issued sweeping promises to fix a malfunctioning global economic system in hopes of heading off future financial meltdowns. President Barack Obama said actions taken so far "brought the global economy back from the brink."
- We know that You are the origin of all treasure in this world, both physical and spiritual. We ask that You will keep us humble to recognize who is our true sustainer.
- "It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes." (Psalm 118:9)
7. Iran Nuclear Site Could Pose Test to U.S., Israel Ties - Fox News
Iran's disclosure that it has been building a secret nuclear site ratchets up already simmering tensions between the Islamic Republic and Israel, raising questions about whether President Obama retains enough influence to prevent Israel from launching a preemptive military strike should Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government turn to its last resort. Polls show Obama's popularity is waning in Israel, where some say his administration is too conciliatory toward the Palestinians.
He also took a beating in the Israeli press for his speech at the U.N. on Wednesday, when he warned that "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements," though Israeli officials continued to publicly praise him for his efforts at restarting peace talks. The president made clear Friday that he remains committed to "serious, meaningful engagement with Iran" to deal with the nuclear issue through upcoming talks among Iran, Germany and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.
- As new revelations keep coming out, we pray that world leaders will step up to support Israel and act against Iran's plans for nuclear weapons.
- "Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him." (Isaiah 1:4)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"You shall arise and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yes, the set time has come." (Psalm 102:13)
1. Quartet keeps pressure for Mideast peace talks - Ynet News
The Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators renewed its call for Israel to freeze settlements in the territories on Thursday, two days after US President Barack Obama appeared to back off this as a precondition for new peace talks.
2. Netanyahu to UN: Iran fueled by fundamentalism - Ynet News
Speaking before the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the forum, saying those who believe Tehran is a threat only to Israel are wrong.
Netanyahu Speaks Out At The UN
Israeli Leader Blasts Ahmadinejad at U.N. - Washington Post
Brandishing Nazi orders for the extermination of the Jews, Israel's prime minister blasted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday for continuing to deny that the Holocaust occurred and rebuked U.N. delegates who politely listened to the Iranian leader's speech Wednesday, demanding, "Have you no shame?" Netanyahu appealed to the U.N. delegates to stand up to Iran, saying that its government could not be trusted and that its nuclear program posed the greatest threat to democratic governments. "Will the international community stop the terrorist regime of Iran from developing atomic weapons?" he said. "Well, ladies and gentleman, the jury is still out on the U.N., and recent signs are not encouraging."
- Praise God for the courage of Israeli PM Netanyahu to speak the truth about the lying and deception being promulgated by the voices at the UN. Netanyahu's speech was well documented by citations from history and from the Bible. Netanyahu is a Joshua in his own person, encouraged no doubt by the prayers of Christians and Jews. Voices such as Netanyahu prove the ineptitude and incompetency of the UN, the organization that receives its largest monetary support from the USA.
- "For Zion's sake I [the Lord] will not keep silent." (Isaiah 62:1)
Obama and Afghanistan
Signs of America's surrender in Afghanistan
Is the Democrat Party getting ready to surrender yet another American ally to our enemies? There are signs that this could be the case. In today's "The Washington Times," a front-page story has the headline: "Will Army brass get day in Congress?" The article says that the Republicans in Congress are eager to help Obama's generals in the Pentagon receive a troop surge in Afghanistan which the generals need to successfully win the war.
The question of the year is, will the president listen to his generals and give them the extra troops needed for victory in Afghanistan? Obama's hero, Republican President Abraham Lincoln, listened to his generals, especially Ulysses S. Grant, and won the Civil War.
Considering the track record of the anti-war majority faction in the Democrat Party, victory against our enemies in Afghanistan does not look promising. The anti-war Democrat majority in the early 1970's forced a surrender to America's communist enemies in South Vietnam. This same anti-war faction almost caused America to surrender in Iraq just a few years ago, but President George W. Bush listened to his generals and gave them the troop "surge" they requested and the war in Iraq has been won.
Time is of the essence for the president to make his decision about a troop surge demanded by our generals or he will not only bring about America's surrender to our enemies in Afghanistan, but he will be endangering our American troops and allied troops who are there right now waiting for him to act. (Christian Coalition of America)
Obama - Student of History?
A Commentary by William J. Federer
In his speech in Cairo, Egypt, June 4, 2009, President B. Hussein Obama stated: "As a student of history, I also know . . . the first nation to recognize my country was Morocco." The Muslim nation of Morocco was indeed the first nation to recognize the United States, but Obama's presentation hints of intentional ambiguity, or "obamaguity." Pilgrims settled Massachusetts in 1620.
Governor William Bradford recorded in his "History of the Plymouth Settlement" that in 1625 two ships sailed back to England filled with dried fish and beaver skins to trade for supplies: "They went joyfully and had such fine weather, till they were well within the England channel . . . "But even there she was unhappily taken by a Turkish man-of-war and carried off to Saller (Morocco) where the captain and crew were made slaves . . . "Thus all their hopes were dashed and the joyful news they meant to carry home was turned to heavy tidings. "Adventurers were so reduced by their losses last year, and now by the ship taken by the Turks that all trade was dead."
. . . By 1640, hundreds of English ships and over 3,000 British subjects were enslaved in Algiers and 1,500 in Tunis. In three centuries, over a million Europeans were enslaved by Muslim Barbary Pirates. . . .Giles Milton wrote of Thomas Pellow, born in an English fishing village in 1704. "At the age of 11, Thomas Pellow was captured by Muslim Barbary Pirates when his uncle's ship was taken. "Thomas Pellow became property of Sultan Moulay Ismail, and, along with 25,000 other European slaves, was put to work building the Sultan's grand palace in Meknes, nicknamed the "Versailles of Morocco." Witnessing tortures, beheadings and forced conversions to Islam, Thomas Pellow escaped after 23 years. A distant relative, Sir Edward Pellew, led the British fleet to bombard Algiers in 1816, freeing thousands of slaves.
William J. Federer is author of the best-selling book, What Every American Needs to Know About the Qur'an- A History of Islam & the United States
Cult of Personality?
Review Ordered of Video Showing Students Singing Praises of Obama - Fox News
The commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Education ordered a review on Friday following the posting of a YouTube video depicting school children singing the praises of President Obama. In a statement to FOXNews.com, Education Department spokeswoman Beth Auerswald said Commissioner Lucille Davy has directed the school's superintendent to review the matter.
Auerswald said Davy wants to ensure that students can celebrate Black History Month without "inappropriate partisan politics in the classroom."
As critics of the video claimed it amounted to "indoctrination," the tension at B. Bernice Young Elementary School escalated to such a degree Thursday that the school was placed temporarily on lockdown after its principal received death threats over a YouTube video that showed nearly 20 children being taught songs lauding the president, though back-to- school night events continuing as planned Thursday night at the school.
Video of the students at the Burlington, N.J., school shows them singing songs seemingly overflowing with campaign slogans and praise for "Barack Hussein Obama," repeatedly chanting the president's name and celebrating his accomplishments, including his "great plans" to "make this country's economy No. 1 again."
One song that the children were taught quotes directly from the spiritual "Jesus Loves the Little Children," though Jesus' name is replaced with Obama's: "He said red, yellow, black or white/All are equal in his sight. Barack Hussein Obama."
Other families arriving at Bernice Young Elementary to pick up their children said they were outraged at the songs, which also tout a fair-pay bill Obama signed in January: "He said we must be clear today/Equal work means equal pay."
"I felt this was reminiscent of 1930s Germany, and the indoctrination of children to worship their leader," said Robert Bowen, father of two children at Bernice Young Elementary.
Lyrics to the Songs: Song 1: Mm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama He said that all must lend a hand To make this country strong again Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama He said we must be fair today Equal work means equal pay Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama He said that we must take a stand To make sure everyone gets a chance Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama He said red, yellow, black or white All are equal in his sight Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama Yes! Mmm, mmm, mm Barack Hussein Obama
Song 2: Hello, Mr. President we honor you today! For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!" Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one! The first black American to lead this great nation! Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans To make this country's economy number one again! Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you! And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue! So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick So here's a hearty hip-hooray ---- Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip hooray!
ENDA Set to Trump Religious Rights
House Committee Hears Arguments for Special Rights
Summary: Employment bill would 'impose a substantial and crippling burden on religious organizations.'
A U.S. House bill that purports to offer employment protection for gays and lesbians, as well as "transgender" individuals, would also trump the rights of religious employers. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would bar employers from making decisions based on the "actual or perceived" sexual orientation or gender identity of employees or job applicants.
Stuart Ishimaru, acting chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, testified before the House Education and Labor Committee today. "Job applicants and employees who are talented, fully qualified and hardworking are denied jobs, fired or otherwise discriminated against in the workplace," he said, "simply because they happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender."
Only one conservative voice was allowed on the panel: Craig Parshall, senior vice president and general counsel of National Religious Broadcasters. "ENDA, if passed into law would impose a substantial and crippling burden on religious organizations," he said. "In the cases I reviewed recently where there's a clash between homosexual rights -- sexual orientation being protected under discrimination laws on one hand and Christian religious liberties on the other -- Christian liberties lose and the homosexual rights win." (CitizenLink)
Iran's AWACS destroyed
Iran's AWACS Destroyed in Parade Collision
Up above a big military parade in Tehran on Tuesday, Sept. 22, as Iranian president declared Iran's armed forces would "chop off the hands" of any power daring to attack his country, two air force jets collided in mid-air. One was Iran's only airborne warning and control system (AWACS) for coordinating long-distance aerial operations, DEBKA file's military and Iranian sources disclose. The proud military parade, which included a march- past, a line of Shehab-3 missiles and an air force fly-past, was planned to give Ahmadinejad a dazzling send-off for New York and add steel to his UN Assembly speech Wednesday.
Dubbed "Simorgh" (a flying creature of Iranian fable which performs wonders in mid-flight), the AWACS' appearance, escorted by fighter jets, was to have been the climax for the Iranian Air force's fly-past over the parade. Instead, it collided with one of escorting planes, a US-made F-5E, and both crashed to the ground in flames. All seven crewmen were killed.
Eye witnesses reported that the flaming planes landed on the mausoleum burial site of the Islamic revolution's founder Ruhollah Khomeini, a national shrine. According to Western observers, no distress signals came from either cockpit indicating that the collision and explosions were sudden and fast.
DEBKA file's military sources say the disaster was a serious blow to the Iranian Air Force not long after its first and only AWACS went into service in April 2008. It was a renovated version of the Russian Ilyushin 76, part of Saddam Hussein's air force before it was transferred to Iran in 1991 during the first Gulf War.
Tehran hired Russian technicians to carry out renovations and install up-to-date radar. At the launching ceremony of the upgraded AWACS, Air Force commander Brig. Gen. Ahmad Miqani boasted its new radar systems were made in Iran and able to spot any airplane or missile at a distance of 1,000 kilometers from Iran's borders. The loss of this airborne control system has left Iran's air force and air and missile defenses without "electronic eyes" for surveillance of the skies around its borders. (DEBKAfile)
- Rejoice at news of this wonderful victory, which has clearly been wrought by the Hand of our God. Lift up the seven Iranian families who have lost loved ones in this accident; may they find comfort in the knowledge of our Savior. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness to protect His own. Praise God!
- "Let my persecutors be put to shame, but keep me from shame; let them be terrified, but keep me from terror. Bring on them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction." (Jer. 17:18)
The Good News Corner
NO GOD LIKE JEHOVAH
On this day, we proclaim, loud and clear: THERE IS NO GOD LIKE JEHOVAH!! Go here. MIGHTY, MIGHTY, MIGHTY . . . GOD!!!!!!!
Thoughts on Prayer
"The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him." - William McGil
