In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Senate To Vote on Health Care Bill Monday
• The Daily Jot
• Zawahiri Accuses Obama
• The Good News Corner
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The Daily Brief - Friday, Dec.18, 2009
"Your people shall volunteer freely in the day of Your power . . ." (Psalm 110:3 NAS)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Online posting of women's abortion information challenged in Oklahoma - CNN
A judge in Oklahoma extended on Friday a temporary restraining order on a law that would post information online about women who get abortions in the state. In extending the restraining order, Oklahoma County District Judge Daniel Owens denied the state's motion to dismiss the case, putting the measure on hold until a February 19 hearing. The law, passed in May, requires doctors to fill out a 10-page questionnaire for every abortion performed, including asking the woman about her age, marital status, race and years of education. In all, there are 37 questions the women are to answer.
- May the truth of the evil of abortion be brought to light. We pray for provisions for crisis centers who are challenging the strength of the abortion providers. May the attorneys who are defending this law be given wisdom so they may succeed.
- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)
2. A. Franken takes on Lieberman as tensions builds in Senate - CNN
Tensions stemming from the prolonged debate on health care flared Thursday afternoon when Democratic Sen. Al Franken, who was the presiding officer, refused to let Sen. Joe Lieberman finish his speech on the senate floor. Lieberman, the bane of the Democratic Party's liberal base because of his opposition to creating a public option and expanding Medicare, was speaking about preserving the Medicare trust fund. After his allotted ten minutes, Lieberman - an independent from Connecticut who sits with the Democratic caucus - asked for more time to finish his speech, a request customarily granted in the venerable chamber. "In my capacity as the senator from Minnesota, I object," replied Franken. "Really?" Lieberman asked, seeming surprised by the rejection. "Okay," he continued with a chuckle, "I don't take it personally." Immediately following the exchange, Lieberman's closest Republican ally, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, came to his defense. "I must say that I don't know what's happening here in this body, but I think its wrong," said McCain. "I have been around here for 20-some years. [This is] the first time I have ever seen a member denied an extra minute or two to finish his remarks."
B. It's payback: Liberals angry with Lieberman over health care target his wife, Hadassah - New York Daily News
Progressive Democrats are so angry at Sen. Joe Lieberman, they want to punish his wife, Hadassah. Lieberman stunned and infuriated Democrats - most recently this weekend - by saying he will oppose the health care reform plan Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is currently finalizing.
The liberal activists want to see Hadassah Lieberman booted from her position as "Global Ambassador" for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. And they've called on a range of stars, including Andie MacDowell, Christie Brinkley, Cynthia Nixon and Ellen DeGeneres, to help pressure the famed breast- cancer research group.
- Lord, we pray for a rebirth of civility in the nation's capital. May the families of legislators be protected from attacks that come out of political motivations.
- "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man." (Matthew 15:18)
3. Obama brokers a climate deal, doesn't satisfy all - AP
Two years of laborious negotiations on a climate agreement ended Friday with a political deal brokered by President Barack Obama with China and other emerging powers but denounced by poor countries because it was nonbinding and set no overall target for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a leading proponent of strong action to confront global warming, gave the Copenhagen Accord grudging acceptance but said she had "mixed feelings" about the outcome and called it only a first step. Obama's day of frenetic diplomacy produced a three- page document promising $30 billion in emergency aid in the next three years and a goal of channeling $100 billion a year by 2020 to developing countries with no guarantees. The five-nation agreement includes a method for verifying reductions of heat-trapping gases - a key demand by Washington, because China has resisted international efforts to monitor its actions.
- We know that You are in control of the entire earth, and we pray that world leaders will be exposed to truth so they can make wise decisions.
- "Moses said to him, 'As soon as I go out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD; the thunder will cease and there will be hail no longer, that you may know that the earth is the LORD'S.'" (Exodus 9:29)
4. Military: Burn pits could cause long-term damage to troops - CNN
The military is backing off its previous position and acknowledging that some troops exposed to the burning of refuse on military bases could be susceptible to long-term health effects. Since the issue first arose two years ago, Pentagon health officials have insisted that, based on its analysis, troops who were near burn pits at Joint Base Balad in Iraq -- the largest base in that country -- faced no long-term health hazards. That covered most of the troops who passed through the base. The Department of Defense found that the burn pits, which are used instead of incinerators on some bases and outposts in Iraq and Afghanistan, could cause effects in the short term -- including irritated eyes and upper respiratory system problems -- that can lead to persistent coughing. But the department said "it is less clear what other longer-term health effects [there] may be."
- Keep your protective and healing hand over all those who are seeking to spread peace. We pray for both the soldiers who have been exposed and any civilians, whether American or Iraqi.
- "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you." (Isaiah 43:2)
5. Democratic Districts Won Twice as Much Stimulus as GOP Districts, Study Shows - Fox News
Democratic districts have received nearly twice as much stimulus money as Republican districts and the cash has been awarded without regard to how badly an area was suffering from job losses, according to a new study. The Mercatus Center at George Mason University reviewed the distribution of $157 billion in stimulus dollars based on publicly available reports and found that there was "no statistical correlation" between the amount of money a district got and its income or unemployment rate.
- Lord, we pray that the leaders of this nation will be fair in their allocation of help and will consider the needs of the people rather than politics.
- "And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike." (1 Samuel 30:24)
6. Hackers steal SKorean- US military secrets - AP
South Korea's military said Friday it was investigating a hacking attack that netted secret defense plans with the United States and may have been carried out by North Korea. The suspected hacking occurred late last month when a South Korean officer failed to remove a USB device when he switched a military computer from a restricted-access intranet to the Internet, Defense Ministry spokesman Won Tae-jae said.
- Lord, please continue to grant focus and insight to all security officers charged with protection the military secrets of this nation. May the eyes of evil regimes be blinded to any information that may cause the death of innocents.
- "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)
7. A. US Lawmakers Approve Sanctions Measure Against Iran - Voice of America
US lawmakers have criticized Iran's government for continuing its uranium enrichment program as House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation that, if passed by full Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, would expand existing sanctions targeting Iran's refined petroleum infrastructure.
B. Iraq's Government Orders Iranian Troops to Withdraw From Iraqi Oilfield - Fox News
Iraq's government has ordered Iranian troops to withdraw from the oilfield which they have taken control of in southern Iraq, Reuters reported. "Iraq demands the immediate withdrawal from well No. 4 and the Fakka oilfield, which belongs to Iraq. Iraq is looking for a peaceful and diplomatic settlement to this issue," said government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh, according to Reuters. Iranian troops crossed into Iraqi territory Thursday and seized an oil well that lies in a disputed area along the two countries' southern border, Iraq's deputy foreign minister said Friday.
- We pray that Iran's aggression will not be allowed to continue. We pray for safety for all those being threatened by Iran and special protection for Israel who is the focus of much of Iran's wrath.
- "Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence." (Psalm 27:12)
8. Auschwitz sign stolen 'by neo-Nazis' - London Telegraph
The infamous "Work Sets You Free" sign at the entrance to the Auschwitz concentration camp has been stolen in an audacious overnight raid provoking Jewish groups to condemn the theft as a "declaration of war". Neo-Nazi groups were immediately blamed for the act described by police as "professionally planned", and which happened at three o'clock on Friday morning.
- May those who carried out this heinous act be caught and prosecuted. We pray this act will call people forward who will speak in defense of the Jews and Christians murdered in this and other concentration camps.
- "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, behold, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of you, says LORD [YHWH]." (Zechariah 2:10)
1. Mitchell aide meets Syria FM to discuss Israel peace talks - Ha'aretz
An aide to U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell met the Syrian Foreign Minister in Damascus on Thursday in an apparent attempt to advance Israel-Syria talks, Israel Radio quoted Lebanon's Al Safir newspaper as saying on Friday.
2. Israel: EU official's 'occupation' remark casts pall on ties - Ha'aretz
Government officials in Jerusalem harshly criticized the new European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, for her scathing remarks about the "Israeli occupation" in her maiden speech.
3. Report: Israel refusing to release senior Hamas prisoners - Ynet News
Israel is refusing to release senior leaders of the Hamas movement currently imprisoned in Israel for security reasons as part of a Shalit prisoner swap deal, according to a report published Thursday by the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper.
4. Israel's Iron Dome interceptor downs missile in first live fire test - World Tribune
Israel's new rocket defense system has proven a hit-to-kill capability.
5. IDF bolstering computer defenses - Jerusalem Post
In the face of a growing cyber warfare threat, the IDF is beefing up its defenses against enemy hackers.
Senate To Vote on Health Care Bill Monday
Government to Fund Abortion!
Call your Senators and tell them to "Vote No on Cloture to end debate on HR 3590 the Senate health care bill unless it includes the Nelson-Hatch-Casey abortion anti-funding amendment."
Senator Harry Reid has filed a procedural motion called "cloture" that would end debate on the health care bill. If it passes with the 60 votes required, then a vote on Reid's abortion funding health care bill would only require 50 votes to pass which is easily done in this majority liberal Senate. As of today, it is unclear whether Senator Reid has the 60 votes he requires. Senators need to hear from you all weekend that you oppose the "vote to end debate on this bill."
The bill still contains government funding of abortion and subsidies for plans that cover abortion--so please call your Senators today at 202-224-3121.
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
The Daily Jot
Wolves in Sheep's Clothing--The Social Imorality of Congress
The man who occupies the Oval Office says the government will go bankrupt if Congress does not pass socialized health care. The bill right now is held up because pro-abortion Democrats are trying to work out a smoke and mirrors compromise with Nebraska Democratic Senator Ben Nelson, who says that taxpayer money should not be used for abortions. Another so-called pro-life Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania, Bob Casey, says his compromise on abortion will satisfy both sides of the issue. But he will not make the compromise public. In fact, the entire 2,000-plus pages of the health care bill has not been made public--these socialists are hiding the bill from the public until after it is made law.
This bill is not only bad because it forces taxpayers to pay for abortion on demand. Its bad because it is unconstitutional, it takes away freedoms, it makes Americans slaves to their government and it places a form of life determination tyranny in the hands of an increasingly powerful federal government. These treasonous usurpers have tried to convince the American people that it is their God-given right to have government run health care. They have hidden behind the cloak of compassion to lead people down the dangerous path of socialism. But even so, that many have been gullible enough to believe them, now, depending on the poll, from 47 to 51% of Americans are against government health care.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said from the Senate floor: "Americans were told the purpose of reform was to reduce the cost of health care. Instead, Democrat leaders produced a $2.5 trillion, 2,074-page monstrosity that vastly expands government, raises taxes, raises premiums, and wrecks Medicare." The Kentucky Senator continued, "And they want to rush this bill through by Christmas...And here's the most outrageous part: at the end of this rush, they want us to vote on a bill that no one outside the Majority Leader's conference room has even seen.That's right. The final bill we'll vote on isn't even the one we've had on the floor. It's the deal Democrat leaders have been trying to work out in private."
It was the Democratic Party throughout the 80's and 90's that scared senior citizens to death saying the Republicans were going to take away their Medicare benefits. Now the Democrats have not only proposed $500 billion in Medicare cuts, they have also proposed setting up mandatory government run tribunals to counsel senior citizens on "end of life" decisions. America's aging should be outraged. Jesus said in Matthew 7:15,16, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits." This is what happens when Christians do not elect moral people to office.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Zawahiri Accuses Obama
Zawahiri Accuses Obama of Trying to Enslave Arab World
Al Qaeda's deputy leader on Monday accused President Barack Obama of deceiving the Arab world and failing to advance Middle East peace talks, and said the militants' struggle against the United States and its allies is "a war between Muslims and infidels." In a new message posted on the Internet, Ayman Al- Zawahiri claimed Obama has brought the region nothing but "blockade and siege" despite efforts to reach out to Arabs. "Obama's plan, though wrapped in smiles and calls for respect and understanding, aims only to support Israel," al-Zawahiri said in a 26-minute audio message. Usama bin Laden's deputy has been critical of Obama since his election, even releasing a message that referred to the U.S. president as a "house negro," a slur for a black subservient to whites. "Obama's policy is nothing but another cycle in the Crusader and Zionist campaign to enslave and humiliate us, and to occupy our land and steal our wealth," al-Zawahiri said. (AP) Read more.
The Good News Corner
"Silent Night" by Libera Boys' Choir
Christmas Day is now only one week away. . . Let's begin now to praise our Savior by enjoying the hymns of the season.
You can sing along with the Libera Boys' Choir by going here.
AMEN!!!
[Publishing notice: in honor of this very special holiday season, and with Congress soon out of session, we will adjust our publishing schedule as follows:
During the next two weeks, only the Daily Brief will be posted, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We will resume our normal schedule after the New Year. Thank you all, and God bless you, too!]
