In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Repeal ObamaCare
• Time To Get Serious
• Watching Chinese President Hu
• Bush's Last Pro-Israel Act
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Tuesday, January 18, 2011
"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." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
The Daily Brief
1. Alaska Oil Pipe Restarts, Normal Production Resuming - Reuters
Alaska's crude oil pipeline resumed operations on Monday, restoring the flow of about 12 percent of U.S. oil production nearly a week and a half after the line was shut due to a leak. The leak, discovered on January 8, had forced Alaska's oil producers to slow output to a trickle, helping drive oil prices to near $100 a barrel, their highest in two and a half years. Prices fell by more than half a percent on Monday, the biggest one-day decline since before the line was shut.
• Thank you, Lord that the pipeline is open once more. We pray the harsh rules that have crippled the industry will be relaxed. We pray for rules that will give us safety, yet ones that will allow our businesses to provide for our fuel needs.
• And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; (1 Kings 2:3)
2. Parents of Dead Mexican Teenager Sue U.S. Government - Fox News
The parents of a Mexican teenager allegedly killed last year by a bullet fired by a U.S. Border Patrol agent across the Rio Grande river, on Monday sued the U.S. government for $25 million. The U.S. Border Patrol says Sergio Hernandez Guereca, 15, was pelting U.S. agents with rocks from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande river last June when Border Patrol agents on the U.S. side shot him to death. The FBI has claimed that Hernandez was a known immigrant smuggler who had been pressed into service by smuggling gangs taking advantage of his youth. They said that Hernandez guided illegal immigrants into the United States, and they have said that he was attacking the border agents with rocks at the time.
Hilliard said that since the gunman was a U.S. federal agent firing from U.S. soil, and the bullet traveled into another country and killed a person, jurisdiction will also be a major issue in this case. The shooting has been condemned by Mexico's president Felipe Calderon and has been the cause of demonstrations in Juarez, which is located across the river from El Paso and is one of the most violent cities in the world due to the ongoing war between powerful smuggling and drug gangs.
• Heavenly Father, we pray for this situation concerning violence and criminals coming across our borders. We pray for judges and juries to not rule in favor of people who have broken the laws. We bind the violence and the murder. We speak peace and salvation to those areas. Help us find a solution to secure our borders.
• Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him." (Psalms 140:11)
3. New Calls on GOP Side Not to Lift Debt Limit - Wall Street Journal
Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana and former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Monday joined former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty in calling for spending cuts and opposing any increase in the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling without them. Mr. Pawlenty on Sunday called on congressional Republicans to block an increase and instead proposed legislation that he said would prevent a U.S. default. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Pawlenty said Congress should pass legislation that would put interest and debt payments ahead of other federal spending and allow the federal government to pay its creditors as tax revenue flows in. With the surge of tax payments that come in between April and June, that would at least buy time to try to cut spending dramatically, he said.
A compromise package that would "cut spending, rein in government, and get this country's fiscal House in order," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said, could "really start to force the president and Leader Reid in our direction and begin to steer the country back to fiscal responsibility."
• Lord, we pray that the new congress be strong on the decision to not raise the debt limit - but like families when they have reached their limit - have them reassess their strategies and cut back on all unnecessary spending projects like NEA and foreign aid to countries that are against us. Let the Democrats be in agreement with the Republicans.
• Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake! For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. (Psalms 143:10, 11)
4. Boston and Denver Archbishops Differ on Permitting Children of Gay Couples in Catholic Schools - Lifesite
Following directions from Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the Archdiocese of Boston has formulated a Catholic schools admission policy that prohibits "discrimination" against students who come from a homosexual household, a move that has won praise from dissident "Catholic" gay rights leaders. In announcing the new Boston policy, Cardinal O'Malley said that the archdiocese has "never had categories of people who were excluded" and that "Catholic schools exist for the good of the children and our admission standards must reflect that."
Last year Archbishop Chaput decided differently for Catholic schools in his diocese saying: "Most parents who send their children to Catholic schools want an environment where the Catholic faith is fully taught and practiced. That simply can't be done if teachers need to worry about wounding the feelings of their students or about alienating students from their parents." The dissident group Catholics for Equality hailed the new Boston archdiocesan policy on its Facebook page as "a good news story." "Let's work to implement similar policies in Catholic schools nationwide!" said the group, half of whose board members hold leading positions at the top homosexualist group Human Rights Campaign.
• Heavenly Father, the liberals and the gay groups are plotting and winning more victories to cause our nation to accept a lifestyle that is an abomination to you. Give us victory in protecting our children from these leaders who want to implement gay rights policies in our schools. Do not let homosexuality touch our children in any way.
• You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination . . . Therefore you shall keep My ordinance, so that you do not commit any of these abominable customs which were committed before you, and that you do not defile yourselves by them: I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 18:22, 30)
5. Ahead Of Hu Visit, Senators Push China Trade Legislation - Fox News
As Washington prepares to roll out the red carpet for President Hu Jintao's state visit, three Democratic senators have introduced legislation aimed at punishing China for what they call a repeated failure to correct the value of its currency, which they say creates a negative impact on U.S. trade. Analysts agree the Chinese Yuan is undervalued by as much as 20-25 percent. That means Americans are able to buy cheap Chinese imports but makes it expensive for the Chinese and others to buy American exports, choking off demand and hurting American manufacturers.
"China's currency manipulation has contributed to job loss and weakened economic growth in Pennsylvania and across the country," Casey said. "China has been allowed to develop an unfair advantage while going virtually unchecked." But the Obama administration must walk a fine line since China holds around $1 trillion in federal debt. And many say the U.S. has much more to lose than China if a trade war develops.
• We are now being owned by a foreign nation because of our rebellious hearts. You warned us, and we did not listen. We pray for our leaders - through the help of the Holy Spirit - to reverse all the damage that has been done to our nation. Let nothing be given away during Hu's visit.
• 'But if you do not obey Me . . . and if you despise My statutes, so that you do not perform all My commandments. I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you and you shall flee when no one pursues you. (Leviticus 26:14, 17)
6. Abbas: U.S. Not Working Hard Enough for Palestinian State - Haaretz
Abbas told Al-Jazeera that the Palestinians would agree to return to peace talks with Israel only if the United States agreed to recognize a state within 1967 borders and adhere to security accords reached during the Bush administration. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also called on Arab states to join the U.S. in asking "what more can we do to help the Palestinian people continue their state-building efforts," which she called "a very positive development of the last several years."
"Israel is a sovereign country and it makes its own decisions," Clinton said. "You often make decisions based on your own experience and history," she said. "And when the Israelis pulled out of Lebanon they got Hezbollah and 40,000 rockets and when they pulled out of Gaza they got Hamas and 20,000 rockets." She also said that the U.S. "can't stop a lot of countries from doing things that we disagree with and we speak out against."
• Lord, we come against this continued pressure to support the establishment of a Palestinian state regardless of the dangers to Israel's defenses. We pray that America will stand with Israel and help them in every way possible. Bless and protect Israel.
• I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. (Joel 3:2)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Who is like unto You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? (Exodus 15:11)
1. Netanyahu determined to advance peace talks - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to speed up the dialogue with the United States in a bid to renew the regional peace process, state officials said Monday night.
2. Netanyahu: Barak's split from Labor strengthens Israel's government - Ha'aretz
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Defense Minister Ehud Barak's split from the Labour Party has strengthened Israel's governing coalition.
3. Israel concerned Russia will recognize Palestinian state - Ha'aretz
Israeli officials fear that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will announce on Tuesday during a visit to Jericho that Russia recognizes a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
The Daily Jot
Prophecy in Action: America courting enemies of Israel has severe consequences
Strange that the nations the United States is courting to be allies and trading partners, has given billions of taxpayer money for foreign aid, and has allowed to take America's textile, oil and other manufacturing jobs, are considered countries that do not respect civil liberties and are enemies of Israel. Washington-based watchdog group, Freedom House, says in its annual "Freedom in the World 2011" report that global freedom has declined for the fifth straight year. China, whose leader is getting a red carpet welcome at the White House, owns nearly a trillion dollars of America's debt, supplies America with products built by slave labor, and is an enemy of Israel, is considered an oppressive country.
In Muslim countries freedom has continued to decline since these reports were first issued in 1972. The report says, "Muslim-majority countries have failed to make significant progress over the past decade. Only two are ranked as Free, with 19 Partly Free and 26 Not Free." Saudi Arabia, considered one of America's strongest Islamic allies, is rated among the worst in the world, as is China. In recent days, Lebanon, another Islamic country courted by the United States, has undergone an essential terrorist takeover as Hezbollah has dissolved the government because it is on the verge of being condemned by the United Nations for assassinating Lebanon's Prime Minister.
The report says, "Israel remains the only country in the region to rank as Free and qualify as an electoral democracy. While there was relatively little violence between Israel and the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza during the year, there were a series of conflicts over security, land, and human rights. Some Israelis have become concerned about the role of NGOs that criticize Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories and often receive funding from foreign donors. Legislation to compel NGOs to publicize details of any foreign funding has been presented in the Knesset drawing considerable opposition from democracy and human rights advocates."
The only free state in the Middle East is Israel and Israel's attempts to undermine organizations threatening Israel's freedom are met with "considerable opposition from democracy and human rights advocates." For example, America has given billions to the Palestinian Authority. The LORD says of Israel in Genesis 12:3, "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curses thee, and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Many argue that today's Israel is not the Biblical Israel, but look at the prophecy, and look at America's support of the enemies of Israel and, quite frankly the enemies of freedom, civil rights and mankind. Then consider the condition of our nation.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Repeal ObamaCare
Today the House of Representatives begins debating H.R. 2 -- a bill to repeal ObamaCare -- with a vote expected tomorrow. ObamaCare has done nothing to bring down the cost of health insurance. To the contrary, it has caused health insurance rates to skyrocket, and, according to one poll, likely voters want it repealed by a 15-point margin.
One of the main Democrat talking points against repealing ObamaCare is that doing so will add $230 billion to the debt. That argument doesn't pass the straight face test, but it will be repeated over and over again in the days ahead. How does spending $1 trillion on a massive new entitlement program save money? How does repealing it cost money?
It's "logic" only a big government liberal could love. Here's how the Congressional Budget Office put it: "CBO anticipates that [repealing ObamaCare] would probably yield, for the 2012-2021 period, a reduction in revenues in the neighborhood of $770 billion and a reduction in outlays in the vicinity of $540 billion. . ." Thus, the $230 billion deficit -- assuming you believe the government's projections, which is another debate entirely.
Rather than looking at lost revenue from President Obama's new tax hikes, we ought to be focused on the money that would be saved by not enacting a massive new entitlement program. Repealing ObamaCare will stop the government from spending $540 billion over the next ten years!
It's a question of priorities: Is Washington spending too much or is it taxing too little? Republicans believe that we can't afford ObamaCare, while Democrats believe that we are not taxed enough. On November 2nd millions of American voters expressed the view that we are taxed enough already, and Republicans are acting on their wishes.
While the Republican House is expected to vote to repeal ObamaCare, Senate Democrats are digging in for a fight. Here are some poll numbers they should consider: Only 29% of likely voters believe the Democrats' argument that repealing ObamaCare will increase the deficit. And according to a new USA Today/Gallup poll, only 13% of Americans support ObamaCare "as is."
By the way, the Congressional Budget Office recently recommended the full privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, arguing that "market discipline" and "increasing competition" are in the best interests of taxpayers. The CBO report noted, "Government entities often have weaker incentives to control costs and risks than the private sector does." Obama and his socialist allies don't understand that, which is why they want a government takeover of our healthcare system. (Gary Bauer)
ACTION ITEM: Click here to send a message to your elected representatives urging them to repeal ObamaCare.
Time To Get Serious
The overwhelming media pressure for a "civility crusade" continues. The media had no interest in civility when George W. Bush was being sliced and diced by the left and the militant anti-war movement. Where were the self-appointed "civility czars" when Bush was being compared to Hitler, accused of war crimes and when movies were made about his assassination? Even on the day when Bush left office, he was booed by Democrat VIPs as he walked onto the stage for the inaugural ceremonies.
But here's the latest in meaningless symbolism: Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) are going to sit together at the State of the Union address. . . With all due respect to my friend, Senator Coburn, the divide in America has nothing to do with whether or not members of Congress sit together. It has everything to do with very different ideas about what America should look like.
There is a tremendous cacophony about both sides working together for the good the country. If it were only that easy. How do you work together on spending when one side wants to cut spending and the other side wants to spend more?
How do you work together on marriage when one side wants to preserve the meaning of marriage, while the other side wants to radically redefine it?
How do you work together on abortion when one side believes that an unborn child has a right to life and the other side thinks that baby is equivalent to a Styrofoam cup that can be destroyed and thrown away at whim?
I'm all for civility, but the differences in America are huge and literally involve issues of life and death. Our values, and the values we will pass on to our children and grandchildren, are tremendously important. They generate passion and spirited discussions around the dinner table and in the halls of Congress. They deserve serious debate. (Gary Bauer)
Watching Chinese President Hu
We've Got Our Eye on Hu!
As I arrived in D.C. this week I noticed the Chinese flags flying next to the American flag along Pennsylvania Ave. The flags are a part of the welcome to Chinese President Hu Jintao who arrived in Washington today for talks with Obama about a variety of issues--everything from currency valuation to China's new fighter aircraft.
But underneath all of the diplomacy, there's an irony to this visit. Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, is welcoming a Chinese leader who jailed his country's Nobel Prize winner, Liu Xiaobo. Mr. Hu, who supported the bloody crackdown of dissidents in Tienanmen Square, is head of a government that advances China's notorious "one-child" policy, which is responsible for aborting tens of millions of unborn babies. He helps advance an aggressive--and increasingly militant--Chinese foreign policy in Asia and even Africa. Under his rule, hundreds if not thousands of Christians are persecuted for having the courage to follow Jesus Christ.
While he's in town, maybe Hu would like to stop by Capitol Hill, where Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Frank Wolf (R-Va.) are holding a hearing about his country's continued pattern of human rights abuses. If not, let's hope that Obama will raise these concerns with China's leader and uphold America's historic commitment to religious liberty. True peace comes only through moral courage. Let's pray Washington exercises it. (Tony Perkins; Family Research Council)
Bush's Last Pro-Israel Act
Over the weekend, the New York Times reported a story that has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks -- the Stuxnet computer worm. Stuxnet is an extraordinarily sophisticated computer virus. So much so that experts quickly concluded that it was not the work of rogue hackers, but of nation states. It struck Iran's nuclear weapons program at Natanz in June 2009, destroying nearly 1,000 centrifuges and setting the program back several years.
The Times credits George W. Bush for launching the Stuxnet program. According to the article, "The project's political origins can be found in the last months of the Bush administration. . . [when] Mr. Bush authorized a covert program to undermine the electrical and computer systems around Natanz, Iran's major enrichment center." I'm thankful Mr. Bush authorized the program when he did. I have little confidence that his successor, who has repeatedly reached out to the leadership of Iran's Holocaust-denying regime, would have permitted the program to go forward.
Unfortunately, some Obama officials are acting as though the Iranian nuclear threat has been neutralized. It has not; it has only been delayed. More must be done to make sure that the world's most dangerous regime does not develop the world's deadliest weapons. (Gary Bauer)
The Good News Corner
Thirty-Five States Take Steps to Keep Abortion Out of Health Care Plans
Summary: Federal law requires states to operate and maintain insurance exchanges.
Five states have passed laws to prevent plans in the new "health insurance exchanges" from covering abortions. And more than 30 states have introduced an opt-out bill, are planning to introduce a bill shortly or are laying the groundwork to introduce a bill.
The health care reform law requires states to operate and maintain the exchanges. Health insurance plans offering abortion coverage are allowed to participate in a state's exchange and to receive federal subsidies unless the state legislature opts out of offering the plans.
"I predict that we will see changes in President Obama's pro-abortion health care plan and in other pro-life measures as a result of pro-life leadership taking their places in Washington," said Charmaine Yoest, president and CEO of Americans United for Life (AUL).
AUL has developed "The Federal Abortion Mandate Opt-Out Act" to assist state legislators.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
a) Learn more about the process of opting out. Go here.
b) Twenty-five states have sued over the health care law. Go here.
(Source: Citizen Link)
Worship with Us Today!
"Worthy" by Paul Wilbur
Enter into our work week by entering in . . . amen.
