In This Issue• NIGHTMARE IN TUCSON
• THE SHOOTER
• THE AFTERMATH
• 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 XVIII, Number 2
January 10 - 14, 2011
January 10 - 14, 2011
SPECIAL EDITION
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10,11)
Please note: This edition of On Capitol Hill This Week is dedicated to the events that transpired in Tucson, Arizona, this past weekend -- and to how those events are now impacting life here on Capitol Hill. Although the House and the Senate are still technically in session, no votes are scheduled in the House and no committee meetings have been scheduled in the Senate.
It is indeed time to "be still, and know that I am God."
Our other news of importance for prayer will be featured throughout this week on upcoming issues of The Daily Brief.
Thank you for your continued prayers for healing for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, as well as for all others who were wounded by the shootings in Tucson. We also join you in praying for God's comfort for those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Amen.
NIGHTMARE IN TUCSON
PART ONE: THE SHOOTING
1. NIGHTMARE IN TUCSON
The murderous attack by 22-year-old Jared Loughner on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and dozens of other Americans is yet another body blow to our constitutional republic. Congresswoman Giffords is in critical condition. Six people were killed including federal judge John Roll and a nine year-old girl, Christina Green, who was born on September 11, 2001. Fourteen other people are being treated for their wounds.
We join millions of Americans in praying for Congresswoman Giffords' recovery, along with the others who were wounded, and for the families who lost loved ones. We ask for God's comfort for all the families touched by this evil act. (Gary Bauer)
- And we, too, join Gary Bauer in asking prayers to comfort those who have lost loved ones in this violent act, and healing for those who are yet wounded and hospitalized. In response to this shooting, Speaker of the House John Boehner has suspended House business. May we, too, take time to suspend "business as usual" this week, and consider the weightier issue set before each one of us. Are you, too, ready to meet your Maker, should you be called home suddenly? Pray!
- "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
2. DOCTORS OPTIMISTIC, BUT GIFFORDS IS IN FOR A LONG RECOVERY
Recovering from a gunshot wound to the head depends on the bullet's path, and while doctors are optimistic about Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' odds, it can take weeks to months to tell the damage. Doctors say the bullet traveled the length of the left side of the Arizona congresswoman's brain, entering the back of the skull and exiting the front.Fortunately, it stayed on one side of her brain, not hitting the so-called "eloquent areas" in the brain's center where such wounds almost always prove fatal.
Importantly, Giffords was responding nonverbally Sunday to simple commands in the emergency room _ things like "squeeze my hand." That implies "a very high level of functioning in the brain," said Dr. Michael Lemole of Tucson's University Medical Center, Giffords' neurosurgeon.
(Washington Times) - The news tonight has reported no increased swelling in Rep. Giffords' brain, which so far is also very good news and a direct answer to prayer. We want to thank the thousands of our prayer partners who forwarded our email alert to others on Saturday, decreeing the Word of God for the congresswoman, which will not return void. We thank the Lord that He is continuing to heal Rep. Gifford and to restore her to complete health. (Washington Times)
- "She shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." (Psalm 118:17)
3. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS: FIRST JEWISH WOMAN IN AZ STATEHOUSE
Giffords once began an op-ed piece for the Arizona Jewish Post with a proud recital of her family roots, explaining that she is the grandchild of Akiba Hornstein, who was "the son of a Lithuanian rabbi." Her grandfather changed his name, she said, as did so many others who came to United States, to Giffords "for reasons of anti-Semitism." More than 50 years later, "like my grandmother, I am a lifetime member of Hadassah and now a member of Congregation Chaverim," she wrote.
The Congresswoman supports direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, believing that "peace between Israel and her neighbors can only be achieved by direct talks between the parties. Until the Palestinian leadership and other hostile regimes are willing to accept Israel's right to exist, it will be impossible to achieve peace," she wrote in 2006. "I believe that the United States can help by providing a mediator who can be trusted by both sides. . ."
During her tenure in the Arizona State Senate, Giffords had the opportunity to visit Jerusalem. "It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life," she said. "I got to see firsthand the sacrifices that Israelis make in the name of security because of the dangerous state of affairs there. I will always be a strong supporter of Israel." (Arutz Sheva News)
- Offer praise for Rep. Giffords' strong stand for Israel's "right to exist," and continue in prayer for her complete healing and recovery . . . in God's timing. Call forth the blessing of healing that is due untio her, because of her strong love for Zion. We need her voice in Congress!
- "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)
4. DHS MEMO NOTES GIFFORDS' JUDAISM IN MOTIVES OF ALLEGED ATTACKER
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security memo reportedly notes that Gabriel Giffords is Jewish in describing the possible motives of the Arizona congresswoman's alleged assailant.
The memo, obtained by Fox News Channel, says that Jared Lee Loughner mentioned American Renaissance, an extremist anti-immigrant group, in some of his own postings. "The group's ideology is anti-government, anti-immigration, anti-ZOG (Zionist Occupational Government), anti-Semitic," says the memo sent to law enforcement, which also notes that Giffords, a Democrat, was the first Jewish congresswoman from Arizona. (JTA News Alert, January 09, 2011) Read more.
- Pray for clarity in understanding the motives, if any, on the part of the shooter.
- "For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." (Mark 4:22)
THE SHOOTER
PART TWO: THE SHOOTER
1. WHO IS THE KILLER?
Jared Lee Loughner appears to be a seriously mentally ill individual who had been obsessed with Congresswoman Giffords for years. He attended one of her "Congress On Your Corner" events in 2007 and kept the form letter he received after that event in a safe in his parent's home. A former classmate, Caitie Parker, called Loughner "left wing" and "a pothead."
Among his favorite books are Hitler's Mein Kampf and Marx's Communist Manifesto. Some reports indicate he hated religion and often railed against God. The New York Daily News reports that he had a "sinister shrine" in his backyard revealing a possible occult influence. From February to September 2010, campus police at Pima Community College were called to subdue Loughner five times for causing classroom disruptions. I'm sure we will learn more in the days ahead. (Gary Bauer)
- The story of this young man is becoming more complex by the hour. Read on . . .
- "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13)
2. FRIGHTENING SHRINE IN LOUGHNER'S YARD REVEALS OCCULT MINDSET
A sinister shrine reveals a chilling occult dimension in the mind of the deranged gunman accused of shooting a member of Congress and 19 others. Hidden within a camouflage tent behind Jared Lee Loughner's home sits an alarming altar with a skull sitting atop a pot filled with shriveled oranges. A row of ceremonial candles and a bag of potting soil lay nearby, photos reveal.
Experts on Sunday said the elements are featured in the ceremonies of a number of occult groups.Investigators have focused on Loughner's online anti-government ramblings as the chief motivation for the shooting Saturday of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.). The discovery of the shrine raises the possibility that Loughner, 22, may have been driven by other forces. (New York Daily News) Read more.
- As we continue to intercede that the motives of this shooter be revealed, we may need to brace ourselves for the truth. Some deranged individuals are, indeed, guided by evil forces. Thank God that He has made the way of escape for each one, for He has come to set the captives free. Let us all be on the alert for such individuals, and take the action necessary to report their behavior to the correct authorities, lest they become a danger to themselves or others. Pray for the soul of Jared Lee Loughner. Pray!
- "Be on guard! Be alert!" (Mark 13:33a)
3. DEATH PENALTY LOOMS IN KILLING OF FEDERAL JUDGE
Gunman who terrorized Tucson during shooting rampage that killed six - and also critically wounded a congresswoman - could face the death penalty for the killing of Judge John Roll The shooting rampage in Arizona Saturday also killed U.S. District Judge John M. Roll, and while his death initially was overshadowed by news of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' injuries, Roll's murderer is sure to face the harshest justice provided by law. Roll was killed while just passing through an outdoor town-hall style event called "Congress on your Corner" held by Giffords in a Safeway parking lot in Tucson. "My understanding is he just went to the Safeway to do some shopping . . . and he just stopped to chat and say hi, " C.J. Karamargin, Giffords communications director, told Fox News.
Roll's murder drew a rare public statement from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. "We in the judiciary have suffered the terrible loss of one of our own," he said. "Chief Judge John Roll was a wise jurist who selflessly served Arizona and the nation with great distinction, as attorney and judge, for more than 35 years. I express my deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his children, as well as the other victims and their families," Roberts continued. "Chief Judge Roll's death is a somber reminder of the importance of the rule of law and the sacrifices of those who work to secure it." (Fox News)
- Father, we ask that You will bring Your perfect justice, wisdom and understanding in the aftermath of the killings and woundings of those attending last Saturday's event in Tucson. We pray for forgiveness and salvation for the killer who gunned down many and killed six people including Justice John Roll. There is no law or punishment that will ever bring back a murder victim, but there is Your divine justice, that seeks to be recognized and upheld. We agree that this killer, no matter what his motive might be, must face the full extent of the law of our land and of Your Kingdom, embodied in the Ten Commandments.
We prayerfully ask that those who need healing and comfort will be held close by Your Holy Spirit, who seeks to walk closely with all of us like a brother. May many good things come out of this tragedy, and may Your Peace, Your Divine Shalom, descend upon our country, America. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "Thou shalt not murder." (Exodus 20:13)
THE AFTERMATH
PART THREE: THE AFTERMATH
1. HOUSE DELAYS VOTE ON HEALTH CARE REPEAL
Floor Vote Had Been Scheduled to Take Place on Wednesday
All Legislative Action Postponed This Week
The House is delaying a vote on repealing the recently enacted health care law because of the shooting rampage in Arizona Saturday that killed a federal judge and wounded Rep. Gabrielle Gabby" Giffords (D-AZ.) House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said all legislative action "is being postponed so that we can take whatever actions may be necessary in light of today's tragedy. Along with our nation, this institution has suffered a horrible tragedy," Cantor said in a statement. "We are saddened, mourn those who lost their lives, and stand together in hopeful prayer for the recovery of the victims and their families." (Fox News)
- Gracious Father, only You knew the tragic events that would unfold at the La Toscana Village Shopping Center in Tucson last Saturday morning. We thank You that Congress, especially the House side, has chosen to take a respite from their legislative agenda to remember those who were slain and injured as innocent lambs while meeting with their Congressional member. Please grant wisdom to all involved in the shootings, and to those such as Speaker Boehner and House Majority Leader Cantor as they continue their duties including scheduling votes on divisive issues like repealing Health Care. May naysayers and accusers be silenced to stop evil from taking root and dividing our country along party and religious lines. May all truth be revealed and proclaimed. What man meant for evil, may You triumph in, and save many alive unto Your Plan of Salvation. In Jesus' Mighty Name we pray. Amen.
- "Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught...Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life." (Proverbs 3: 25-26; 4: 7,13 NKJV)
2. CAPITOL HILL ON HIGH ALERT
In the wake of the shooting that critically wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and killed one of her aides, a federal judge and four others, U.S. Capitol Police spent the weekend fielding calls from lawmakers with concerns over potential threats and questions about what more should be done to protect staffers and family members at home. The law enforcement agency is chiefly responsible for protecting members of Congress on Capitol Hill and across the country. The force of about 1,800 officers guards Capitol Hill entrances, parking lots and park grounds, as well as the 535 lawmakers. Capitol Police Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said the force remains on high alert.
In an extraordinary conference call convened Sunday by House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and other top leaders, the House sergeant at arms and the FBI briefed about 600 aides, members of both parties and their spouses about Giffords's condition and reminded them to report any suspicious activity to Capitol Police and local law enforcement agencies. Members are expected to be given additional recommendations on security measures during a meeting Wednesday. The FBI also contacted several lawmakers to ask for details about their schedules, according to a senior Democratic aide. The calls appeared designed to help law enforcement officials keep track of how many public events are scheduled in the coming days, said the aide, who was not authorized to speak on the record.
On the Senate side, Sergeant at Arms Terrance W. Gainer said that aides are asking about security for upcoming events but that there's been no uptick in reported threats. "I believe we have a good sense of what's going on in Tucson and we have a collective judgment on how to proceed from here," said Gainer, former chief of the Capitol Police. (Washington Post) Read more.
- Father God, we ask You to be with the Capitol Police as they work to increase security on the Hill. Give them Your wisdom and Your guidance. Amen.
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5).
3. CONGRESSMAN CARSON INCREASES INDIVIDUAL SECURITY
Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), one of two African-American Muslim members of Congress, is increasing his security following the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). "Part of this is making sure we can do what we need to do to protect the Congressman and staff," said spokesman Justin Ohlemiller. "And part of this is protecting constituents who interact with the Congressman as well." Ohlemiller would not elaborate on the steps being taken. He did say that Carson's office has spoken with the Department of Homeland Security but would not say whether the U.S. Capitol Police were involved.
Carson and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a civil rights figure who was beaten by the Alabama State Police during the March to Selma, were the targets of racial slurs as they walked between a House office building and the U.S. Capitol the day before the House approved the health care reform law last spring. (Fox News)
- Abba Father, we ask that You will destroy the spirit of fear that is seeking to overtake this country and replace it with Your Spirit of Perfect Love in the wake of the Tucson shootings Saturday morning. May congressional members and elected officials throughout the nation not be divided by ethnic, ideological or religious backgrounds, but may they see that this murderous rampage was the handiwork of one individual who desperately needs Your help. May America remain a nation where candidates can meet with their constituents and not hide behind protective barriers. May the Second Amendment of our Constitution, that gives the right to bear arms, be upheld. And, may America remain the land of the "Free and the Brave" in which many will be saved unto Your Son Jesus Christ. In Jesus' Name we pray and praise You. Amen.
- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3: 5-6 NKJV) "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18 a NKJV)
4. SHOOTING PROMPTS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT LAWMAKERS, OFFICIALS
Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pennsylvania, said he will introduce legislation making it a federal crime for a person to use language or symbols that could be perceived as threatening or inciting violence against a Member of Congress or federal official.
Brady's decision to offer the legislation comes less than 24-hours after a gunman attempted to assassinate Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona, in a shooting that claimed the lives of a federal judge, and a nine year-old girl, among others. "The president is a federal official," Brady said in a telephone interview with CNN. "You can't do it to him; you should not be able to do it to a congressman, senator or federal judge. "This is not a wake up call, this is major alarms going off," he said. Brady said he has not spoken to his House colleagues about the bill or a senator who might offer similar legislation. But Brady noted that he hoped to have it ready as soon as possible. Brady stressed he is not "pointing at any particular party" noting that there is Democratic rhetoric and actions at times that he thinks is out of bounds. "You can disagree without being disagreeable," he said. As for support for the bill, Brady said, "Why would you be against it?" (By: CNN Senior Political Editor Mark Preston) Read more.
- Gracious Father, the One Who Comforts and Defends, we ask that this potentially incendiary piece of legislation and others like it, will be stopped and modified with Your wisdom and guidance, to protect not only those elected and appointed to legislative office, but those who also support conservative as well as liberal ideals. May America again be a place where you "can agree to disagree" without violence. We pray for those who are so afraid of harm to themselves that they blame others before knowing all the facts. May they may turn to You for real comfort and protection. In Jesus' Powerful and Mighty Name we pray. Amen.
- "So rend your hearts and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger; and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Joel 2: 13 and 32 NKJV)
5. LEFT EXPLOITS THE TRAGEDY
As millions of Americans heard the news of this vicious attack, the natural reaction to pray and be concerned for the dead and wounded. But on the ideological left, there was an immediate, shameless attempt to exploit the incident and smear conservatives.
MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, whose own vitriolic rhetoric against conservatives is legendary, blamed Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly for the assassination attempt. Within in an hour of the shooting, left-wing websites like the Democratic Underground and Daily Kos were filled with comments from left-wing activists suggesting that the Tea Party, Rush Limbaugh and anyone opposing Barack Obama were responsible. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) blamed conservative Sharron Angle, who lost her race against Harry Reid.
Congressman Robert Brady (D-PA) used the murder spree as an excuse to promote legislation that would criminalize certain criticisms of elected officials. New York Times left-wing columnist Paul Krugman intoned that "violent acts are what happens when you create a climate of hate. And it's long past time for the GOP's leaders to take a stand against the hate mongers." The Washington, D.C., newspaper Politico quoted an unnamed Democrat political consultant as saying that President Obama and his operatives needed to hang this event around the necks of the right.
To blame conservatives for the action of this assassin is to engage in exactly the kind of "hate speech" the left claims it wants to end. In fact, it has been the political left that has regularly tried to demonize millions of Americans who hold conservative views.
Tea Party supporters have been regularly labeled as racists. Conservatives who cite moral values in debates over same-sex "marriage" or abortion have been repeatedly called "the American Taliban." Just a few weeks ago, Democrat senators and even Barack Obama suggested that negotiating with Republicans on tax cuts was like negotiating with hostage takers. The smear campaign against conservatives in the wake of the shooting spree is beyond disgusting. It is a part of the ongoing campaign to demonize, delegitimize and ultimately silence millions of Americans who want constitutional government, lower taxes, less power concentrated in Washington, life to be protected and marriage to remain the union of one man and one woman. To Krugman, Olbermann and the rest of their ilk: You should be ashamed of yourselves! (Gary Bauer)
- Come against any and all agendas to turn this seemingly random act of violence into an excuse to release the vitriolic rhetoric that is so common in our nation today. Pray that Americans will return to the ways of a civil society, where each one is given the respect due to him or her. Hatred simply breeds more hatred, and is Satan's tool to ultimately bring the death and destruction he desires. May the grace of God now intervene, and let the nightmare in Tucson be the "line in sand" -- the turning point in our civil discourse . . . returning us to a sane and stable society. In Jesus' Name, we ask this prayer. Amen.
- "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)
6. IN WAKE OF SHOOTING, REP. MCCARTHY TO PROPOSE GUN CONTROL MEASURE
Following a shooting in Arizona that seriously wounded Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and killed six others, New York Democrat Carolyn McCarthy is preparing to introduce a new gun control measure on the floor of the House. The law would ban larger magazines like the one allegedly used by shooting suspect Jared Lee Loughner. Standard Glock magazines hold up to 15 bullets, but according to CBS News, Loughner's magazine held up to 33. "Looking at the number of clips that he was able to fire, from 15 to 20 rounds, we need to look at those and say, 'Why should an average citizen be able to have that?'" McCarthy told New York's Newsday. "If you have a semiautomatic and can't take someone down with a standard clip, you shouldn't have one."
Although she understands the chances of the Republican controlled House passing the measure are slim, McCarthy remains committed to passing her bill. "I know that I will not be able to save every life in every situation, but that doesn't mean that we should not do anything," she said. (Daily Caller) Read more
- We pray that our Second Amendment right to bear arms would not be impeded by the tragedy in Tucson. May our legislators think long and hard before they even consider passing a bill of this nature. Pray!
- "Deliver me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF ALL COMFORT (Eholhay Khawl Nakhamah)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. . ." (2 Corinthians 1:3)
What a comfort to know You, the God of all comfort. No matter what my affliction, Your comfort is greater. Thank You that in the midst of a storm, You are my peace, my Shalom, oh God of all comfort.
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. " (Psalm 7:17)
(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)
