In This Issue• SPECIAL ALERT
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 18a-1
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 18a-2
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 18a
July 12 - 16, 2010
July 12 - 16, 2010
- - DOMESTIC ISSUES - -
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." (2 Samuel 22:31)
SPECIAL ALERT
D-DAY IS TOMORROW TO STOP PLANS TO BUILD "GROUND ZERO MOSQUE"
Hearing tomorrow in New York City is the last chance to see this plan killed.
A proposed Ground Zero mosque will hit its first -- and likely only -- city hurdle tomorrow when the Landmarks Preservation Commission holds a hearing to determine whether a historic building now at the site should be protected from demolition.
But the battle will draw few if any of the city's preservation groups, which for now appear ready to sit on the sidelines rather than weigh in on the fate of the 152-year-old building at 45-47 Park Place, which would be demolished to build the mosque. (New York Post)
Prayer:
- Intercede for this historic building to be named a landmark, that this site be kept sacred, as so many of our citizens were murdered in cold blood here. Ask righteously, for the battle is the Lord's, for New York City to wake up and to show up on behalf of all Americans. We all suffered a blow on 9-11. Ask that this blow will not turn into a mockery, as Islam's claims are world domination and this would only provide a huge foothold. Summon heaven's help tonight and tomorrow to win this for the innocent people America lost.
Decree:
- "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; For the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands." (I Samuel 17:47)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 18a-1
Part One: ON THE HILL
1. DISCHARGE PETITION LAUNCHED IN HOUSE TO REPEAL OBAMACARE
2. THE DISCLOSE ACT PASSES HOUSE; SENATE NEXT
3. UPDATE: SENATORS PROPOSE GRANTING OBAMA EMERGENCY INTERNET POWER
4. H.R. 2847: "HIRE ACT" ESTABLISHES CAPITAL CONTROLS IN THE U.S.
5. ONE JUDGE IN BOSTON REJECTS PART OF DOMA; NULLIFIES LAW
6. ELENA KAGAN VERSUS DOMA
7. SENATE TO DEBATE FUNDING ABORTIONS IN MILITARY HOSPITALS
8. "DON'T ASK DON'T TELL" WILL ADVERSELY IMPACT MILITARY CHAPLAINS
1. DISCHARGE PETITION LAUNCHED IN HOUSE TO REPEAL OBAMACARE
Your help is requested: please contact your member now!
One of the most activist and courageous members of the United States Congress, Iowa Republican Congressman Steve King, has stepped forward to begin the arduous task of repealing Obamacare. What Congressman Steve King has done is to introduce a discharge petition, which is a very public way of knowing which member of the House of Representatives who talks about repeal of Obamacare -- and there are a lot of moderate Democrats who say they want to repeal Obamacare to the voters in their congressional districts -- will actually vote for repeal of Obamacare. This will get them on record before the November election.
Indeed, with the new rules regarding the discharge petition procedure which a previous Republican-controlled Congress installed, American citizens can check this link to the Clerk of the House's website each and every day to see if their Congressman has signed the discharge petition. Once 218 members of the House of Representatives sign the discharge petition, Speaker Nancy Pelosi must bring the legislation to repeal Obamacare up for a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Already, all the members of the House Republican leadership have signed on to Congressman King's discharge petition. If all House Republicans sign the petition beginning the process of abolishing the abominable Obamacare legislation, 41 Democrats in the House will also need to sign the discharge petition. Americans need to put pressure on their congressman to sign Congressman King's discharge petition.
Americans need to follow-up each day by going to the House Clerk's link and see if their member of the House of Representatives has signed on to the discharge petition. If they have not signed it, voters should contact their relatives, friends and neighbors to ensure that these Democrats who say they are for repeal actually sign the discharge petition. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Ask the LORD God Jehovah to send forth His heavenly host so that the news of this opportunity to overturn Obamacare will go forward throughout the land. Spread the word yourselves, too -- it's time to TAKE ACTION to rescue our nation from this wicked law. Pray and act, today!!
- "Your people shall volunteer freely in the day of Your power." (Psalm 110:3 NASB)
2. THE DISCLOSE ACT PASSES HOUSE; SENATE NEXT
Liberal Democrats want to save American jobs all right--their own! Yesterday, House leaders managed to squeak out a bill that could help Democrats do exactly that. The DISCLOSE Act, which would silence some of the Left's biggest critics heading into the midterm elections, passed 219-206. For Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and company, who see the writing on the Election Day wall, this legislation is the closest they may get to shutting up conservatives before November 2. Thirty-six Democrats opposed the bill, which would force corporations and non-profit groups like FRC Action to reveal the names of their top five donors on any political advertising. As the Hill newspaper describes it, "CEOs would be required to appear on camera . . . just as candidates must do now."
Unfortunately for House leaders, Thursday's victory is only the beginning of what will be a bitter debate in the upper chamber. Some of the Senate's most vocal opponents to H.R. 5175 are liberals. Both Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) have fired away at the bill, and the chances of hooking some key moderates like Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) are slim. Republican Scott Brown (Mass.) told The Hill on Thursday that he questioned the Democrats' motivation. "To do any type of campaign finance reform before an election cycle to gain some type of strategic advantage is inappropriate... It's being done strictly for a tactical advantage, and that's not right." It's ironic. Liberals insist on transparency for everyone but the candidates. America doesn't need to know where political donors stand, but where its future leaders do. And unfortunately, if it comes to choosing between the First Amendment or reelection, we know where this Majority stands. (Family Research Council)
• Why does the Obama team need disclosure? Answer not given. Pray that this House bill is aborted and dies before the Senate has any chance of working on it. Shame on Sen. Dianne Feinstein! She should know better than to squelch the voice of the people and their Constitutional rights. Call your Congressmen and let them know the unacceptability of this new bill. Even more maddening is the thinking of Nancy Pelosi and her ilk that Americans are so stupid.
- "Send Your hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children." (Psalm 144:7)
3. UPDATE: SENATORS PROPOSE GRANTING OBAMA EMERGENCY INTERNET POWER
INTERNET "KILL SWITCH" BILL APPROVED BY SENATE COMMITTEE;
PRESIDENT COULD GET POWER TO TURN OFF INTERNET
A US Senate committee has approved a wide-ranging cybersecurity bill that some critics have suggested would give the US president the authority to shut down parts of the Internet during a cyberattack. Senator Joe Lieberman and other bill sponsors have refuted the charges that the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act (S.3480) gives the president an Internet "kill switch." Instead, the bill puts limits on the powers the president already has to cause "the closing of any facility or stations for wire communication" in a time of war, as described in the Communications Act of 1934, they said in a breakdown of the bill published on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee website. The committee unanimously approved an amended version of the legislation by voice vote Thursday, June 24, a committee spokeswoman said. The bill next moves to the Senate floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled.
A companion bill has been introduced in the House as H.R.5548, and is sponsored by Rep. Jane Harman. That bill is now lodged in six different committees.
On Wednesday, 24 privacy and civil liberties groups sent a letter raising concerns about the legislation to the sponsors. The bill gives the new National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications "significant authority" over critical infrastructure, but doesn't define what critical infrastructure is covered, the letter said. Without a definition of critical infrastructure there are concerns that "it includes elements of the Internet that Americans rely on every day to engage in free speech and to access information," said the letter, signed by the Center for Democracy and Technology, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and other groups. "Changes are needed to ensure that cybersecurity measures do not unnecessarily infringe on free speech, privacy, and other civil liberties interests," the letter added. (TechWorld)
- The ability to shut down the internet is called a "kill switch." Ask our LORD to "kill the kill switch" that is proposed in this bill, bot offer praise that "warrantless wiretaps" would still be held illegal under this legislation.
- "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
4. H.R. 2847: "HIRE ACT" ESTABLISHES CAPITAL CONTROLS IN THE U.S.
A new law in the so-called Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE) H.R. 2847 -- effectively establishes capital controls in the US. In brief, the Act requires withholding 30% for tax of all outgoing capital flows in excess of $50,000 unless an exemption is approved by the Treasury; and, requires disclosure of the full details of non-exempt account holders to the IRS. The 30% tax is on capital, not on interest or dividend earnings from the capital, as previously. [Noteworthy is that non-residents of the US will continue to earn US interest tax free, unlike US citizens, even though the source of the money is illegal, think drug lords' loot.] How one becomes acceptable to the Treasury for exemption to the 30% withholding tax on capital is unknown, but massive new power accrues to the Federal Government while connections may help get an expedited exemption. The effective date is after December 31st, 2012.
Conclusion: This will bear careful watching, especially given the precedent of post World War II capital controls exercised by European and British Governments, while the US remained free. Unless one is a tax specialist, reading the attached material is not being urged, but is included for the convenience of tax advisors.
The attachment is from: the Staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, an excerpt from pp 22 - 49. [Source: one of our prayer partners, who is a retired CPA]
- Please pray for this stunning act of theft to be repealed ASAP. Pray that this and other laws like it will never see the light of day. Such reckless new laws would almost be funny, were they not so scary. Ask that the Lord personally deal with the likes of those who would push back years of good and decent transformation and make a mockery of a system of government that is supposed to be a blessing and an honor to God and His people. Intercede that the plans of those who covet so much taxpayer money would turn on them and that they would be found wanting.
- "This is the message that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN. This is what these words mean: Mene means 'numbered'-God has numbered the days of your reign and has brought it to an end. Tekel means 'weighed'-you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up." (Daniel 5:25-27)
5. ONE JUDGE IN BOSTON REJECTS PART OF DOMA; NULLIFIES LAW
FRC Calls this Decision the "Boston Massacre of Marriage"
On Friday, a federal judge in Boston, Judge Joseph Tauro, invalidated a significant portion of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that covers federal benefits for same-sex couples. Sadly, this day seemed inevitable. For years, the militant homosexual movement has relied on unelected liberal activists in the courts to force its morality on the overwhelming majority of the public; to impose results that could not pass in elected legislatures.
Many expect this case, and a similar lawsuit in California, to end up before the Supreme Court. It is one more example of why elections are so important and why men and women of faith must be engaged. The politicians we elect to office nominate and confirm the judges who sit on our federal courts, including the Supreme Court. Liberal politicians will give us liberal judges and conservative politicians will give us conservative judges. (Gary Bauer)
- Tony Perkins reports: Four hundred twenty-seven. That's how many members of Congress voted to pass the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. One. The number of activist judges it took to strike the law down. Men are standing in confusion, but the Word of God is clear and true: homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord.. Stand in repentance for our wicked ways as a nation. Ask the Lord, in His mercy, to reveal common sense to those in authority, in both the church and in our civil government. Pray!
- "Therefore you shall keep My ordinance, so that you do not commit any of these abominate customs which were committed before you, and that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the Lord your God." (Lev. 18:30)
6. ELENA KAGAN VERSUS DOMA
It was an omission so stunning that Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) brought it up in her Supreme Court confirmation hearings last week. "Could you please explain why the Justice Department abandoned the argument that traditional marriage rationally serves the legitimate interest of promoting the raising of children by both parents, which Congress could reasonably conclude is the optimal environment for raising children?" he asked. She stammered through a response, claiming that she wasn't the "decision-maker."
Now, Kagan may delegate some details to other Justice Department attorneys, but as the White House's chief litigator, she has the final say. That bothered Sen. Grassley, along with Kagan's open hostility for DOMA. "You took an oath to defend the laws of the United States, including DOMA.
Would you agree that calling a law discriminatory and advocating for its repeal is no defense?" Kagan tried to convince Sen. Grassley that her office "vigorously defended" DOMA before Judge Tauro. How? By renouncing the most powerful justification for DOMA used by Congress? The bottom line is that defending marriage was Elena Kagan's responsibility as Solicitor General. But if she won't fight for the law when she's paid and appointed to, then she certainly won't fight for it when she's an unaccountable Supreme Court justice.
All eyes will now be on the Kagan, the Justice Department, and the Obama administration to see if they will appeal yesterday's rulings to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. If the DOJ does respond, the federal Office of Personnel Management would be a defendant. (Family Research Council)
- Pray that this decision IS appealed by the Department of Justice. Pray for a miracle!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
7. SENATE TO DEBATE FUNDING ABORTIONS IN MILITARY HOSPITALS
The military may want to limit civilian casualties, but Senate Democrats are doing everything they can to increase them. When they trek back to Washington this week, members will take another crack at taxpayer-funded abortions--this time on foreign and domestic military installations. If they succeed, it would be the government's second largest expansion of abortion this year. And, like the health care law, it will be just as unpopular.
Democrats will try to argue that overturning the 1996 ban on military abortions wouldn't cost Americans anything. Nice try. Apart from the actual abortion fee, there's no telling how many hundreds of thousands of dollars would be spent outfitting the current facilities with new equipment, staffs, extra beds, transportation, office space, medicine, sanitation, and the list goes on. And since the military is a relatively conservative group, it would be nearly impossible to find personnel who are willing to perform the procedure.
That's one reason why President Bill Clinton's abortion experiment failed after three years in the military. The armed services couldn't identify enough people to participate in his anti-life agenda. Instead, they had to hire what were essentially abortion mercenaries, outside contractors who would provide the procedure at--you guessed it--taxpayer expense. And by expanding the policy to U.S. facilities, military hospitals wouldn't be bound by parental involvement laws or other pro-life laws in the state the base is located. The bottom line is that our troops' mission is to protect all innocents--including the unborn. (Family Research Council)
- Murder is murder is murder. Pray that this initiative dies on the floor of the Senate, never to see life again. Pray that LIFE is honored in every law passed by Congress.
- "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." (Dt. 30:19)
8. "DON'T ASK DON'T TELL" WILL ADVERSELY IMPACT MILITARY CHAPLAINS
Chaplains, Service Members in Harm's Way if Homosexuality is Normalized in the Military As the nation's armed forces valiantly serve in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, a cultural battle here at home has the Chaplaincy Corps in its cross-hairs. The Obama Administration and the congressional Democrat majority are closer than ever to repealing the 17-year-old "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy" policy, which disqualifies gay-identified men and women from openly serving in the armed services. The U.S. House and the Senate Armed Services Committee passed a measure to repeal the policy on May 27. The amendment, which was added to the Defense Reauthorization bill, has yet to be voted on by the full Senate.
What has not been openly debated is the devastating effect the repeal will have on military chaplains - a vital resource to the armed forces - as well as on pastors across America. If the policy is changed, it may silence many chaplains from speaking or counseling on the biblical view of sexuality. If chaplains cannot adhere to their religious beliefs, how would they be able to serve in good conscience? (Family Research Council)
- What God has authorized is what His people will say "Amen" to. Please ask for the authorization of the Lord to be impressed on every heart and mind voting in the Senate. May they strike this bill down as soon as it comes to the floor. The research has been done and is overwhelmingly clear. This is an obstruction which dangerously impedes our military, men and women alike. Pray that this will not pass the Senate and that this issue be closed, once and for all.
- "For you have proudly defied the LORD of heaven." (Daniel 5:23a)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 18a-2
Part Two: AT THE WHITE HOUSE
1. OBAMA APPOINTS RADICAL TO KEY HEALTH POSITION
2. WHITE HOUSE OK'S GAY AGENDA IN HUD, FEDERAL AGENCIES
3. OBAMA ADMIN MOVES SHARIA LAW INTO US BANKING SYSTEM
4. WHITE HOUSE PREPARING NATIONAL ONLINE ID PLAN
5. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION SUES ARIZONA OVER IMMIGRATION LAW
1. OBAMA APPOINTS RADICAL TO KEY HEALTH POSITION, USES RECESS APPOINTMENT
With Congress out of session for the July 4th holiday, President Obama seized the opportunity to recess-appoint Dr. Donald Berwick as the new director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Recess appointments are legal, and there is generally nothing unusual about them.
But it is highly unusual for a president to recess-appoint a nominee when his party has a huge majority in the Senate and does not even bother to schedule a hearing on the nominee, as is the case with Berwick.
In fact, the Democrat chairman of the Senate Finance Committee blasted Obama's action. Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) had not even scheduled a hearing on Berwick's nomination; yet, Obama used his authority to skip the confirmation process entirely. Baucus said, "Senate confirmation of presidential appointees is an essential process prescribed by the Constitution that serves as a check on executive power and protects all Americans by ensuring that crucial questions are asked of the nominee - and answered."
Why is Obama skipping the Senate's "advice and consent" requirement for Berwick? I suspect it is because Obama doesn't want Berwick to be asked any "crucial questions" about his extremely controversial views regarding healthcare rationing, using healthcare "reform" as a vehicle for the redistribution of wealth and his opposition to free markets.
As Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell noted, "Americans' worst fears about [ObamaCare] are being realized every day. The fact that this administration won't allow the man charged with implementing the president's plan to cut $500 billion out of Medicare to testify about his plans for the care of our nation's seniors is truly outrageous." (Gary Bauer)
- Stand against the circumvention of proper governmental procedure, praying for the Lord to bring wisdom to Congress and others to somehow turn this around and stop the confirmation of Mr. Berwick. Ask the Lord to deal with the transparency promises that were made, for what is a man when he does not carry out his own word? Pray that all nominees will walk the full course, passing through only after full hearings. Pray for an ear-splitting message to be sent to leaders in Washington, D.C. via the Holy Spirit.
- "If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me- Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end". (Psalm 73:15-17)
2. WHITE HOUSE OK'S GAY AGENDA IN HUD, FEDERAL AGENCIES
With the blessing of the Obama administration -- and as a signal to other federal agencies -- the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced a policy that "provides lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and families with further assistance when facing housing discrimination." The announcement was the fulfillment of several proposals outlined on Oct. 21, 2009, by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.
Despite the outreach, gay activists are not satisfied with the administration's progress. Fearing a political sea-change coming this November -- and, thus, a limited time to secure several key initiatives -- activists are resurrecting "The American Equality Bill."
This proposed legislation, not yet introduced by Congress, would amend all existing laws pertaining to civil rights, employment, housing, credit, public places and facilities, schools, adoption, health care and more -- and would elevate sexual orientation and gender identity/expression as federally protected classes alongside race, gender, national origin and others.
"A federal law codifying sexual orientation and gender identity rights as 'civil rights' would be another nail in the coffin for religious liberty," said Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst for CitizenLink.
"It would mean the official sanctioning in federal law the special rights afforded to gay and transgender individuals that President Obama and his administration have already been granting piecemeal by executive order fiat." (Citizen Link)
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Read "The American Equality Bill."
- Call forth a "withering spirit" upon this proposed bill, that its life would wither and die before it even gets off the ground. Its "root" is homosexuality, which bears no fruit. Pray that this bill does the same.
- "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Mt. 18:19)
3. OBAMA ADMIN MOVES SHARIA LAW INTO US BANKING SYSTEM
U.S. Marine fires back over Shariah loans
Shariah already is moving into some elements of American society, with a lawsuit pending over U.S. government involvement in a financial institution that accommodates Shariah requirements in its business operations. (For details, go here.)
WND also reported in November 2008 that the Treasury Department sponsored and promoted a conference titled "Islamic Finance 101." Islamic finance is a system of banking consistent with the principles of Shariah, or Islamic law. It is becoming increasingly popular, having reached $800 billion by mid-2007 and growing at more than 15 percent each year. Wall Street now features an Islamic mutual fund and an Islamic index. However, critics claim anti-American terrorists are often financially supported through U.S. investments - creating a system by which the nation funds its own enemy. (For details, go here.)
- This is a must read. Please take the time to check it out. Pray that Americans will wake up before its too late. WorldNetDaily Reports on Sharia Law infiltrating US Banking: Read full article by going here. (Source: Embassy for World Peace)
- Offer praise for watchmen on the wall, as above, who can sound the alarm when danger is on the horizon. Take whatever action you can to alert others about the encroachment of Shari'a Law in our financial institutions. Pray!
- This is what the Lord says to me: "Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees. (Isaiah 21:6)
4. WHITE HOUSE PREPARING NATIONAL ONLINE ID PLAN
The Obama administration is set to propose a new system for authenticating people, organizations and infrastructure on the Web. The online authentication and identity management system would be targeted at the transactional level -- for example, when someone logs into their banking website or completes an online e-commerce purchase. (Information Week) Read more.
- Another Trojan horse? Looks good on the outside but the inside carries the enemy? While some internet users fall for schemes of con artists, is a national ID the best way to prevent thieves? Pray that the suggestions coming from the White House reflect the Lord's principles, not those of men who try to direct every aspect of national life. Pray that voices of our representatives and senators are not deceived by "good" suggestions.
- "Whoso is partner with a thief hates his own soul; he hears cursing and betrays it not." (Proverbs 29:24)
5. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION SUES ARIZONA OVER IMMIGRATION LAW
Last week, the Obama Administration filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Phoenix, Arizona, seeking to strike down that state's tough new anti-illegal immigration law. Just like in its push for socialized medicine (60% of voters favor repealing ObamaCare), the administration is sharply at odds with the American people on immigration.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell blasted the lawsuit, saying, "If the president wants to make real progress on this issue, he can do so by taking amnesty off the table and focus his efforts on border and interior security." Twenty House Republicans sent a blistering letter to Attorney General Eric Holder. They wrote that the lawsuit "reflects the height of irresponsibility and arrogance" and "reveals contempt for the majority of the American people."
Several Democrats are also standing up against Obama's lawsuit. Dick Lamm, a former Democrat governor of Colorado said, "This is a tough issue for Democrats. Politically, I just can't think of any place in the West where this is going to play well."
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) denounced the lawsuit as "a sideshow," adding, "Washington failed us on this issue again today, and Arizonans have had enough. Our law enforcement and communities are at risk right now - this is a time for solutions, not new obstacles." Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) said the lawsuit was "the wrong way to go," and accused the Obama Administration of "grandstanding." (Gary Bauer)
- If the intelligentsia at the White House think that they know it all, they need to really hear the American people to see who has the proper understanding and common sense. This nation, given to us by the Lord, has been blessed beyond measure; in the long view, the land belongs to the Lord. Ask the Lord to send the Holy Spirit to hover over this land, especially Arizona at the moment, and to hover over our November elections so that those who are motivated by arrogance and ambition for power are thrown out of office. Also, taxpayers do not need money wasted on frivolous lawsuits. Call forth for the Lord's mercy.
- "Deliver me. Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; which imagine mischiefs in their hearts; continually are they gathered together for war." (Psalm 140:1,2)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 18b
- - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES - -
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." (2 Samuel 22:31)
1. PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU VISITS THE WHITE HOUSE
2. OBAMA TELLS ISRAELIS HE IDENTIFIES WITH JEWISH STRUGGLE
3. EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MUBARAK HAS CANCER OF THE ESOPHAGUS
4. SYRIAN MILITARY HIT WITH PLAGUE
5. MOSCOW TO HAVE IRAN'S NUKE REACTOR RUNNING BY SEPTEMBER
6. IRAN SAYS U.S. MUST STATE POSITION ON ISRAELI NUKES
7. HEZBOLLAH ADVANCES 20,000 TROOPS TO ISRAELI BORDER
8. ISRAEL LOSES TURKEY, GAINS GREECE AS STRATEGIC PARTNER
9. IRAN AIR GROUNDED BY U.S. SANCTIONS
10. EU DEAL SET TO TRACK TERROR FINANCING WITH U.S.
1. PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU VISITS THE WHITE HOUSE
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was back at the White House last week, and what a contrast to his last visit. When Netanyahu last visited Washington, he was treated more like the illegitimate leader of a pariah state. He was denied the traditional protocols of an official visit and told not to speak to the media. Obama even refused to have his picture taken with Netanyahu.
This time the White House rolled out the red carpet as Obama tried his best to reverse course, saying that he's always trusted Prime Minister Netanyahu and denying reports of a growing rift between Israel and the United States. When pressed by an Israeli reporter why he has distanced himself from Israel, the president responded, "The premise of your question was wrong." He then added, "If you look at every public statement I have made it has been a constant reaffirmation of the special relationship between the United States and Israel."
Many experts, however, are unconvinced that yesterday's meeting represents a sincere change of heart by this White House. Today's Wall Street Journal editorial took issue with the president's remarks. It stated, "Note the lawyerly use of the word 'public.' The reality is nearly the opposite . . ."
The Journal then noted how Hillary Clinton had rejected agreements with Israel negotiated by the Bush Administration; how the administration backed an absurd U.N. resolution on nuclear disarmament that targeted Israel, while ignoring Iran; and how "the White House reacted with bullying fury to the news" that a municipal zoning board had approved the construction of new homes in Jerusalem.
Even the leftwing New York Times suggested there may be ulterior motives at work in yesterday's meeting. The Times wrote, "And with Democrats facing a tough time in the midterm elections in November, Mr. Obama has reasons for softening his public stance on Israel." As I noted yesterday, many Jewish donors are increasingly concerned with the administration's hard line stance against our ally and are withholding contributions from the party. (Gary Bauer)
- Nothing like a loss of money and support to make a tiger change its stripes! Praise the Lord that many prayers throughout our nation were able to call upon the Lord's mercy for Netanyahu to be respected by the yahoos at the White House! When we surround our president with prayers for righteousness, he is confined to do what is right. Praise You,Father, that the Holy Spirit walks in the White House in spite of all efforts to ignore Him. Praise the Lord that the media is questioning Obama's motives!
- "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
3. EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MUBARAK HAS CANCER OF THE ESOPHAGUS
Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, 83, arrived in Paris this week - officially for meetings with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Lebanese Prime Minister Sa'ad Hariri. But our Middle East sources say he went for medical tests at the exclusive Percy Military Hospital of Clamart, outside Paris. His son, Gemal Mubarak, 52, has been quietly endorsed as successor by Egypt's military and intelligence leaderships. He must now show he is fit to fill his father's shoes.
An undisclosed prominent Palestinian leader is also rumored to have cancer. Both men's conditions have the potential to threaten Middle Eastern stability. (DEBKAfile Exclusive Report) Read more
- We ask Lord, that You will handpick the successors to President Mubarak of Egypt and the undisclosed Palestinian leader. May their illnesses divinely show terrorist leadership, as well as established, elected leaders; that man only has a few days to live on earth and the need for them to know Jesus as their Savior before their deaths.
- "But God draws the mighty away with His power; He rises up, but no man is sure of life. He gives them security, and they rely on it; yet His eyes are on their ways. They are exalted for a little while, then they are gone; they are brought low; they are taken out of the way like all others; they dry out like the heads of grain. Now if it is not so, who will prove me a liar, and make my speech worth nothing?" (Job 24: 22-24 NKJV)
4. SYRIAN MILITARY HIT WITH PLAGUE
According to the Syrian opposition in exile, the Syrian president, who is visiting Latin America, has ordered the shutdown of all Syrian military exercises due to a plague that currently affects a large number of military, especially conscripts doing their training. Drinking water and food in the bases and the current heat wave are the cause of the epidemic.
Touched by a terrible drought, this epidemic (which reminds us of the Middle Ages) could cause extensive damage to elements of the Syrian army in the coming weeks. Military sources have completely rejected the possibility of outside intervention that could be causing the epidemic.
Syria is currently facing the worst drought in 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of people are experiencing food shortages; peasants have been decimated, and many people are fleeing the country. Already, nearly 60 000 small livestock owners have lost all their animals, and 50 000 others have lost 50-60 percent of their cattle.
If the early symptoms of plague have occurred in the military (the Syrian army has 215 000 men, plus 300 000 reservists), it is probable that the soldiers will spread the disease, especially with the approach of Ramadan [11 Aug-9 Sep 2010] when a great number of soldiers return to their villages.
The last plague epidemic in Europe was in 1910. (International Society for Infectious Diseases)
- Please pray for the Syrian peoples, for the ruling leadership is playing games with the United States and other Western countries while "playing footsies" with Iran and Russia. The Syrian people need to believe in God and Jesus Christ for the hope of living. (If you recall, Syria was one of the first Christian countries because of the Apostle Paul.) There is fertile spiritual soil there if it can be "plowed" up with our prayers. Rebuke the spirit of infirmity that seems to be overwhelming Syria.
- "Whenever there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when the enemy besieges them in the land of their own heart, and spreads out its hand towards the temple; then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for you alone know the hearts of all the sons of men." (1 Kings 8: 37,38)
5. MOSCOW TO HAVE IRAN'S NUKE REACTOR RUNNING BY SEPTEMBER
Moscow and Tehran have announced that the nuclear reactor Russia is building Iran at Bushehr has completed all its test-runs and will be up and running in early September - ahead of schedule. debkafile's military sources have repeatedly reported that the Iranian reactor at Bushehr is not just a power plant but also has military applications. Chief among them is the reuse of its fuel rods to produce plutonium as atomic weapon fuel. (DebkaFile) Read more.
- Father God, You gave man the ability to create nuclear energy and You can take that ability away. We pray that any and all countries possessing nuclear energy capabilities will harness this power and use it for good. We humbly come before You and ask that before this joint project between Iran and Russia develops nuclear warheads capable of destroying Israel and her allies, that their leadership and scientists will use their nuclear gift from You for good. May Iran, Russia and the whole world that You ordained, come to know You as their Savior and King and realize that You are the Great Scientist and Mighty God who created all things, including life and death. May they choose life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. But the Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge. He has brought on them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their wickedness. The Lord shall cut them off." (Psalm 94: 12-13 and 22-23 NKJV)
6. IRAN SAYS U.S. MUST STATE POSITION ON ISRAELI NUKES
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that the United States must make its position on Israel's nuclear strategy clear before talks on Tehran's atomic program could resume. Sanctions imposed by "arrogant" Western powers would not slow Iran's nuclear progress, he said.
The United States, Europe and the United Nations have imposed sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program. Iran says its aim is to generate electricity and rejects Western suspicions it is seeking to build a nuclear bomb.
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator suggested in a letter to the European Union's foreign affairs chief this week that talks could be held as soon as September on issues including Tehran's atomic program.
Speaking in Nigeria after a summit of the D8 group of developing nations, Ahmadinejad said Iran supported dialogue but blamed the United States for the failure of previous talks. "The first condition is they[USA] should express their views about the nuclear weapons of the Zionist regime. Do they agree with that or not. If they agree that these bombs should be available to them, the course of the dialogue would be different," he said.
Israel is widely assumed to have the only nuclear arsenal in the region but it refuses to confirm or deny having such weapons. The Jewish state has usually been spared scrutiny by its guardian ally but the Obama administration alarmed Israel in May by backing an Egyptian initiative for talks in 2012 on a Middle East free of weapons of mass-destruction.
However, hosting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama echoed Israel's veiled justifications for having the bomb and said Israel had "unique security requirements". The White House said Obama had further pledged to keep Israel, which has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty, from being "singled out" at a meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog in Vienna in September as well as at the Egyptian-proposed regional conference.
Ahmadinejad, speaking to reporters through an interpreter, said the United States must also clarify its own commitment to non-proliferation and its position on its readiness to "resort to force". (YNET)
- While Ahmadinejad has some rhetorical gifts, we pray that his mouth will be like Balaam's ass: able only to bless and not to curse. His lying techniques are as old as man. Pray for this man, for he seems totally possessed by lying spirits and manipulated by the mullahs of Iran's ruling regime. Pray that his words are scattered in the wind so that nobody listens.
- "Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults." (Isaiah 51:7)
7. HEZBOLLAH ADVANCES 20,000 TROOPS TO ISRAELI BORDER
Hizballah ammo bunker in Al-Khiam
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu keeps on vowing that Iran will not be allowed to establish an outpost on Israel's borders, but he has not lifted a finger to stop this menace ensconcing itself in the north. He cannot realistically expect feeble UN reprimands and the puny French contingent of UNIFIL to blow away the 20,000 Hizballah troops dug in in 160 new positions in South Lebanon, backed by a vast rocket arsenal - even though this is a gross violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701.
Iran's proxy has therefore won the first round of its drive to recover the forward positions lost in the 2006 war and stands ready for the next. Israel has reinforced its border defenses against this massed Hizballah strength just a few hundreds meters away.
Following a French complaint, the UN Security Council convened Friday, July 9 and passed a resolution "strongly deploring the recent incidents involving UNIFIL peacekeepers which took place in southern Lebanon on June 29, July 3 and July 4." All parties in Lebanon were urged "to respect the safety of Saturday, a Hizballah spokesman responded: "All three (UN, France, Israel) are preparing something, but we are ready," it said. "Our forces in the South are on the highest level of war preparedness."
The next conflagration may be just a single lighted match away. It could be ignited by some local incident, a terrorist event outside the Middle East or an order from Tehran. (DebkaFile)
- Dearest HaShem, the Name above all Names. May Israel turn to You in this great time of need. We very humbly come before Your throne and ask that You will hold back the advancing enemies of Your nation, Israel. We ask You to assemble Your Heavenly Warring Angels and Hosts and amass them directly opposite the Hizballah troops. Let them see them and their armament flashing in the sun and glowing at night, and tell them with their presence, "No More, Leave!" May Israel's foes look and flee, for no one can stand in the presence of the Living God. We pray that Your Holy Spirit will intercede for the ongoing and present needs of Your Nation, Israel, and may America and other countries that You choose for Your purposes, be inspired by You to come to their aid. And, may we, as Your intercessors, be given knowledge how to pray for Israel and for the whole world that You have created. In Yeshua's Mighty Name we pray. Amen.
- "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked." (Psalm 91: 7-8 NKJV)
8. ISRAEL LOSES TURKEY, GAINS GREECE AS STRATEGIC PARTNER
As Western and Turkish media outlets harped on Israel's loss of its only Muslim ally in the Middle East, Jerusalem was busy acquiring a new strategic partner: Greece, a NATO member like Turkey with plenty of Middle East interests, has shown interest in stepping into Turkey's shoes and investing in stronger military and intelligence ties. This development was . . . initiated by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, who boasts many Jewish and Israeli friends and business contacts, some of whom hold high political and intelligence positions in Israel. He saw Athens' chance to slot into Ankara's place in Jerusalem and transform their present diplomatic, economic, military and intelligence ties into a thriving strategic alliance, that would carry the same advantages to both sides as did Israel's former relations with Turkey.
According to some sources, Papandreou also hopes this alliance will help ease some of his country's financial woes. But most of all, he is looking to Israel for help in speeding the upgrade of his armed forces and helping transform them into the Christian mainstay of NATO in the Balkans and southern Europe - in place of the Muslim Turkish army. The severe financial crisis besetting Greece this year enhanced the friendly ties between Athens and Jerusalem. While European Union countries spent long months discussing whether to bail Greece out and save it from collapse (eventually granting a 110 billion package), Papandreou turned to Jewish financial titans in Europe and the United States for help to keep the Greek economy afloat. (DEBKAfile) Read more.
- The Hand of God is surely at work here, for Greece has serious military strength and outflanks Turkey, while being a Christian enemy of the Ottoman Turks for 6 ½ centuries. Praise God for the favor shown to Israel by its new ally in the Middle East, and call forth every blessing due to both nations in the days ahead.
- "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Gen. 12:3)
9. IRAN AIR GROUNDED BY U.S. SANCTIONS
Reprisals feared for UK-German-UAE-Kuwait refusal to refuel Iranian jets
The new US sanctions covering the sale to Iran of refined oil products including gasoline and jet oil, which Obama signed into law Friday, July 2, have gone into action, debkafile's Iranian and military sources report. Since Friday, Iranian leaders have been telling the public that the new US sanctions will not affect their lives and their government has set up alternative arrangements to bypass them. But they will now have a hard time explaining away penalties that affect the life of every individual and family.
Saturday, after learning its passenger flights would be denied fuel, Iran's leaders held an emergency conference to decide how to react. When Obama signed the new sanctions Friday, our Iranian sources reported that Tehran was bound to retaliate - either against oil shipping bound for the US, Europe and the Far East from Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf - with immediate effect on world oil prices - or some other means. (DebkaFile) Read more.
- Offer praise for this bold new move by Obama and ask that this ban continue to be fully enforced. Pray that those countries who now fear retaliation would find coiurage to help "stand down" this enemy of the world. Pray!
- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
10. EU DEAL SET TO TRACK TERROR FINANCING WITH U.S.
The European Parliament approved a deal Thursday that allows the sharing of sensitive financial data with U.S. counterterrorism officials that the Obama administration had been urgently seeking since the previous system went dark at the start of the year. The controversial agreement had been voted down by the parliament in February 2009 amid privacy concerns, particularly in Germany, where Bush-era anti-terrorism policies have been hugely unpopular.
The vote now renders the bill legally binding, after months of tough negotiations with the European Council, which represents the 27 member countries, and the European Commission, the bloc's executive power. The bodies were struggling to find an acceptable level of data privacy the bill should provide for European Union citizens. (Europe News; Wall Street Journal)
- On the surface, this agreement looks like a "good" thing: Europe and the USA working together to stop terrorists. However, note the empowerment of Europe's criminal intelligence agency, Europl, to block data transfers from the USA. No fine print yet has been published to reveal what other restrictions the American agencies may have to yield to or how the intelligence will be used. Pray that the sovereignty of our nation is not compromised in any way by this agreement.
- "At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes." (Matthew 11:25)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
KING OF THE NATIONS (Meh-lekh Ha Goy-yeem)
"Who should not revere You, O King of the nations? This is Your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all the kingdoms, there is none like You." (Jeremiah 10:7)
King of the nations, Meh-lekh Ha Goy-yeem, how I praise Your name, for there is none like You. Others may try to usurp Your kingly reign, but they are fools in Your sight. Thank You that no matter where I am, You are King. Amen.
(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)
