In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 6a
• Corrected Links . . .
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 6a
February 7 - 11, 2011
DOMESTIC ISSUES
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14 NKJV)
1. FEDERAL JUDGE RULES OBAMACARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL
2. VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL TAKES ACTION ON REPEALING OBAMACARE
3. SENATE FAILS TO REPEAL OBAMACARE
4. SENATE REPEALS KEY SECTION OF OBAMACARE IMPACTING BUSINESSES
5. BATTLE TO DE-FUND ABORTION, OBAMACARE BEGINS THIS WEEK
6. AULA CALLS FOR CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS/ACTION ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD
7. GOP TO PUSH TO OVERTURN D.C. GAY MARRIAGE LAW
8. HOUSE GOP TO PROPOSE ROLLBACK OF SPENDING TO 2008 LEVELS
9. SENATE FORT HOOD REPORT BLASTS DEFENSE TIMIDITY
10. WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO FLORIDA RULING ON OBAMACARE
11. OBAMA NAMES NEW MEMBERS OF FAITH-BASED ADVISORY COUNCIL
12. HOUSE BILL WOULD CREATE A RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ENVOY
1. FEDERAL JUDGE RULES OBAMACARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL
The federal judge presiding over the case challenging ObamaCare that was brought by twenty-six states has ruled that it is unconstitutional, null and void.
Judge Vinson agreed with the states bringing the suit that the law was unconstitutional in that Congress has no authority to mandate the purchase of health insurance by individuals, or to make them face a penalty if they fail to do so.
The argument centers around the Constitution's "commerce clause", which gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The administration, and Democrats supporting the law claim that the mandate qualifies as a regulation of interstate commerce, but conservatives have pointed out that the mandate to purchase a product is essentially a regulation of activity that has not occurred. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Thank and praise God for the vigilant urgency of all of the attorneys general and that none will not give up until God strikes the hearts of those bent on government mandates with His fear and truth. Intercede for a quick resolution by the Supreme Court, nationwide, of this matter, asking God for His bulwark authority to come back into the lives of America's government leaders. Decree out loud that the days of "duping" America are over.
- "Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them-one percent of the money, grain, new wine and olive oil." (Nehemiah 5:11)
2. VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL TAKES ACTION ON REPEALING OBAMACARE
Seeks Quick Supreme Court Review of Obamacare Lawsuit
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced today that he will file a petition on behalf of the state with the Supreme Court to ask it to take an expedited review of the lawsuit he filed to declare Obamacare unconstitutional.
Leading pro-life groups are united in their opposition to Obamacare because of abortion-funding and rationing concerns within the legislation.
Cuccinelli's move comes just days after a Florida federal judge ruled the entire Obamacare law unconstitutional in a separate lawsuit Florida and more than two dozen other states filed. They challenged the individual mandate - which compels Americans to purchase health insurance that could fund abortions with taxpayer funds or premiums - and the federal judge in the case ruled the mandate, and therefore the entire law, unconstitutional.
A Virginia federal judge ruled the individual mandate invalid but not the entire Obamacare law in his decision in the lawsuit Cuccinelli filed. Two other federal judges have issued rulings saying the individual mandate is constitutionally valid. It is because of these varied decisions that the Virginia attorney general is moving ahead. (LifeSiteNews.com)
- Pray that ultimately the United States Code (federal law) would protect human life, and insofar as Obama's 2010 health care law needs to be repealed, may the courts strike down those parts of the law that do not protect that "certain unalienable Right" of Life.
- I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
3. SENATE FAILS TO REPEAL OBAMACARE
Last night, Senate Republicans kept their promise and forced a vote to repeal ObamaCare. As was widely predicted it lost 47-to-51. Before I get emails asking why Senate Republicans "wasted time" on a symbolic vote, let me explain why I think this vote was necessary. As Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell explained yesterday:
"It's not a waste of time. We promised the American people we would try to repeal this job-crushing Washington takeover of our healthcare, and we're keeping that commitment. This is what we told [voters] we would do and we are doing it. They voted for us. They expect us to keep our commitments, and we intend to do it."
Here's another point to consider: Every Senate Democrat just went on the record in support of ObamaCare EVEN AFTER it was declared unconstitutional! What does that say about how seriously these politicians take their oath to defend and protect the Constitution? The voters deserve better.
Don't be discouraged by this vote. It should drive each of us to redouble our commitment to educate our friends and family members about the importance of public policy and voting. Elections have consequences. And as many Democrats learned last year, their votes have consequences too. Unfortunately, some Democrats have yet to learn that lesson, but they will.
For example, Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska said earlier this week that he didn't think the individual mandate was "a good idea" and that it needed to change. But he voted for it last night. Just a few months ago, when he was running in a special election for West Virginia's open Senate seat, Senator Joe Manchin said that he would not have voted for ObamaCare. But he did last night. Manchin and Nelson will have to face the voters in 2012. With your support, we will do everything we can to remind the electorate about their hypocrisy. (Gary Bauer)
- Praise the Lord for 47 Senators who voted to repeal Obama's 2010 health care law. Pray that the 51 senators who voted against the repeal would be willing to make corrections in the law to protect human life. Pray that those senators who are unwilling to make those corrections would soon be replaced with those who are willing.
- Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! (Psalm 81:13)
4. SENATE VOTES TO REPEAL KEY SECTION OF OBAMACARE IMPACTING BUSINESSES
ObamaCare's most anti-business mandates. Unbelievably, in the middle of the "Great Recession" Senate Democrats included a provision in ObamaCare that would have required every business to issue a 1099 tax form to the IRS any time it did more than $600 worth of business with any vendor or another company. It would have been a record-keeping nightmare that would have overburdened small businesses and vastly expanded the IRS bureaucracy.
Fortunately, 81 senators, including all Republicans, realized that the 1099 tax form mandate had to go. But the vote should have been unanimous! Not surprisingly, all the votes in favor of keeping this outrageous, anti-growth, pro-IRS provision came from left-wing Democrats. (Gary Bauer)
- Praise the Lord for the courage displayed by members of Congress and their staffs to address the issue of the deficit and the national debt (the intent behind the 1099 provision). Pray that our leaders would make the tough choices needed to correct our fiscal imbalance. Pray that Americans who did not create these problems will be willing to accept necessary changes to currently unsustainable programs.
- Silver was considered of little value in Solomon's days. (1 Kings 10:21)
5. BATTLE TO DE-FUND ABORTION, OBAMACARE BEGINS THIS WEEK
The battle to stop all federal taxpayer funding of abortions, and to ensure the Obamacare health care reform law does not allow abortion funding, starts in hearings in the House next week. Two House committees will hear two of the billsthat are the highest items on the priority list for pro-life organizations: the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act sponsored by pro-life Reps. Chris Smith and Dan Lipinski and the Protect Life Act, sponsored by pro-life Rep. Joe Pitts.
The Smith-Lipinski bill would compile all of the annual provisions that prevent federal funding of abortions into one piece of legislation. The beauty of the bill lies in its ability to make what are annual battles to stop abortion funding permanent federal law. When it comes to taxpayer funding of abortions from the federal government, pro-life advocates have to fight several battles annually in Congress to ensure abortions are not funded in programs ranging from HHS and USAID to health care and the District of Columbia. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Father, give all of our leaders great clarity on the purpose of federal tax dollars, and that no public funding would go anywhere near the very profitable abortion industry, including any organizations that have any connection to abortion in any way. May this be true of the private sector as well.
- But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. (Acts 16:19)
6. AULA CALLS FOR CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS/ACTION ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD
AULA Calls on Congress to Freeze Planned Parenthood's Funding and to Investigate Its Clinics for Possible Criminal Misconduct
WASHINGTON, D.C. (02-03-11) -- Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life Action (AULA) called on Congress to freeze the millions of dollars going to Planned Parenthood and to open an investigation into allegations of illegal activities by clinics affiliated with the nation's largest abortion provider.
"It is time to hold Planned Parenthood accountable for their seedy business practices," said Dr. Yoest. "For too long, they've lived off the American taxpayer with little or no oversight. In the last week alone, we've seen proof in Philadelphia that women's lives were at risk while officials turned a blind eye to what goes on at an abortion clinic. Then we saw video of a Planned Parenthood clinic manager in New Jersey talking about how to manipulate the law to cover up the abuse of underage girls captive in the sex trade. Today we see video from Virginia of possible misconduct in a Richmond Planned Parenthood clinic.
- "How many girls have to suffer and die before we investigate the abortion industry? At some point, substandard care for women becomes criminal." (Press Release; AULA) Read more.
- Pray for federal and state leaders to open investigations into Planned Parenthood and its practices. May justice be served, and may the people in Planned Parenthood protect human life and serve and glorify God!
- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. (Ephesians 5:11-13)
7. GOP TO PUSH TO OVERTURN D.C. GAY MARRIAGE LAW
The battle over gay marriage could soon be resurrected in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said conservative Republicans in Congress will almost certainly push a bill to overturn the city's law legalizing same sex marriage. The measure was approved by the city council in 2009 despite efforts stay the law's mandate to recognize gay ceremonies, The Christian Post reported.
"I think RSC will push for it, and I'm certainly strongly for it. I don't know if we've made a decision, if I'll do it or let another member do it, but I'm 100 percent for it," Jordan told The Hill newspaper. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Praise the Lord for the pushback on this incremental undermining of religious liberty in America. May the enemy know that America and the nation's capital are not his territory for the taking.
- Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the sacred pillars in pieces, cut down the wooden images, and threw down the high places and the altars-from all Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh-until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned to their own cities, every man to his possession. (2 Chronicles 31:1)
8. HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO PROPOSE ROLLBACK OF SPENDING TO 2008 LEVELS
Earlier this morning, Heritage Action told you the focus in Washington was shifting to spending. Sure enough, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) unveiled his budget numbers for the remainder of 2011. The proposal would cut non-security spending by $58 billion, but it falls $42 billion short of the Republicans' Pledge to America to cut $100 billion in the first year.
From the Pledge:
"With common-sense exceptions for seniors, veterans, and our troops, we will roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, prebailout levels, saving us at least $100 billion in the first year alone and putting us on a path to balance the budget and pay down the debt. We will also establish strict budget caps to limit federal spending from this point forward."
To clarify, House Republicans pledged to rollback non-security discretionary spending to 2008 levels. Heritage Action supported that effort, considering it the bare minimum. Chairman Ryan's proposal would reduce non-security discretionary spending to $420 billion, down from the President's requested $478 billion, but $42 billion higher than the promised 2008 level of $378 billion. (Heritage Foundation) Read more.
- Praise the Lord for good first steps in serious efforts to correct the course of our fiscal freight train. With God's help, this is not runaway spending; Washington can be reined in. May spending levels not just cut back to FY 2008 levels, but stay there until ALL of our fiscal problems are corrected. May the new majority be willing to explore available and necessary cuts in security and entitlement/mandatory spending as well. Pray for the installation of fiscal systems in the department of defense to increase its fiscal integrity.
Use the same "circuit breaker" strategy of intercession we are employing to block the forces of evil in Egypt . . . to block the spirit that is causing this runaway spending in Washington. As a nation, we can do better.
- When I have cut off your supply of bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall bring back your bread by weight, and you shall eat and not be satisfied. (Leviticus 26:26)
9. SENATE FORT HOOD REPORT BLASTS DEFENSE TIMIDITY
Major Nidal Malik Hasan's odd behavior - telling colleagues that the United States was at war with Islam, justifying suicide bombing and saying his religious loyalties outweighed his oath to protect America - provided ample justification to kick him out of the Army under existing policies. But a Senate committee report issued Thursday faults a culture of timidity toward violent Islamist extremism within the Department of Defense (DoD). That culture not only allowed Hasan to continue to serve as an Army psychiatrist, but contributed to glowing performance evaluations that helped the DoD and the FBI miss critical signs that Hasan was a "ticking time bomb."
It offers a detailed narrative of Hasan's behavior leading up to the attack, most of which is already known, including his radical statements and communication with American-born al-Qaida cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. It repeatedly emphasizes the military's refusal to invoke the violent Islamist extremism that drove him to act, refering instead to mere violent extremism. "We are concerned that DoD's failure to address violent Islamist extremism by its name signals to the bureaucracy as a whole that the subject is taboo," the report said, "and raises the potential that DoD's actions to confront radicalization to violent Islamist extremism will be inefficient and ineffective." (Steve Emerson) Read more.
- Offer praise for the release of this accurate and balanced assessment of the Fort Hood massacre. Pray that more details will come to light, and that corrective measures would follow. Pray that justice will be served.
- "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24)
10. WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO FLORIDA RULING ON OBAMACARE
The White House and its Democrat allies are scrambling in the wake of Judge Roger Vinson's ruling that ObamaCare is unconstitutional. Just as Obama verbally attacked the Supreme Court justices during his 2010 State of the Union address, White House operatives are now attacking Judge Vinson.
One White House advisor called Judge Vinson's ruling, "thoroughly odd" and "unconventional." Stephanie Cutler, a deputy senior advisor to Obama, provided the official White House reaction in a blog post that accused Judge Vinson of "judicial overreaching" and "judicial activism" for striking down the government's attempt to mandate how we must spend our own money. (Click here for a thorough rebuttal to Cutler's "counterproductive" criticism.) Cutler clearly has no clue what "judicial activism" means . . .
But Judge Vinson has it right and conservatives ought to be celebrating. Consider this quote from his ruling: "This case is not about whether the act is wise or unwise legislation, or whether it will solve or exacerbate the myriad problems in our health-care system. In fact, it is not really about our health-care system at all. It is principally about our federalist system, and it raises very important issues regarding the constitutional role of the federal government . . . Congress exceeded the bounds of its authority in passing the act with the individual mandate."
Florida's insurance commissioner is returning a federal grant from the Obama Administration to help with implementation of the law, and Governor Rick Scott said, "We are not going to spend a lot of time and money with regard to trying to get ready to implement it." J. B. Van Hollen, Wisconsin's attorney general, said, ". . .for Wisconsin, the federal health care law is dead -- unless and until it is revived by an appellate court." (Gary Bauer; edited)
- Offer a huge chorus of praise for this verdict rendered by Judge Vinson who is, indeed, one who "has it right." Pray that officials of the Obama administration would also understand what true "judicial activism" is all about, and would begin to take aggressive action to defend the rights of our citizens in the courts. Amen.
- Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. (Amos 5:15)
11. OBAMA NAMES NEW MEMBERS OF FAITH-BASED ADVISORY COUNCIL
"Yesterday Obama announced his intent to appoint twelve individuals to Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Apparently this group replaces 15 members whose one-year terms are expiring."
Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships brings together religious and secular leaders as well as scholars and experts in fields related to the work of faith-based and neighborhood organizations in order to make recommendations to the government on how to improve partnerships. Obama will announce additional members to this Council at a later date.
Obama said, "I am pleased to announce that these experienced and committed individuals have agreed to join this Administration, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead." (White House Press Office) To see the list of the members of this council, go here.
- We encourage you to go to this link and print out the list of these members. Lift up each one as they serve the president, and as they serve the nation in this key role. Pray that they would each be an effective voice for religious freedom in our nation . . . and for the advancement of God's kingdom on earth. Pray!
- "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
12. HOUSE BILL WOULD CREATE A RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ENVOY
In the wake of increasing violence, targeted attacks and heightened discrimination against Christians in Iraq and Egypt, and persistent concerns in Afghanistan and Pakistan, among other nations, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., has introduced bipartisan legislation calling for the creation of a special envoy at the U.S. State Department for religious minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia.
Wolf, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, said the U.S. has an obligation to speak out for the voiceless, to develop policies to protect and preserve these communities, and to prioritize these issues in its broader foreign policy.
"If the international community fails to speak out, the prospects for religious pluralism and tolerance in the region are bleak," Wolf said. "President Ronald Reagan once said that the U.S. Constitution is a 'covenant that we have made not only with ourselves, but with all of mankind." (Citizen Link)
- As persecution of believers continues to increase exponentially around the world, it is clearly "due time" for the creation of this very strategic post. Praise the Lord for the vision of Congressman Wolf and others to introduce this bill in Congress, and pray for its swift passage.
- "Ask, and ye shall receive . . ." (John 16:24)
Corrected Links . . .
For those of you who are trying to reach Rick Ridings' links, here are two alternatives you can research. Please note, however, that these videos were filmed over a week ago, so the news here may not be the most current.
Part One is here.
Part Two is here.
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 6b
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Part One: INSIDE EGYPT
1. OBAMA EGYPT PLAN INCLUDES ROLE FOR MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
2. OBAMA STANDS BY MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD ENDORSEMENT
3. EGYPT UNREST: US DISOWNS ENVOY COMMENT ON HOSNI MUBARAK
4. ASSASSINS FAIL TO MURDER EGYPTIAN VICE PRESIDENT SULEIMAN
5. EU AND US WARN AGAINST EARLY EGYPT ELECTIONS
6. EGYPT'S INTERNET CRACKDOWN "HAD US HELP"
7. JIHADISTS ESCAPE EGYPTIAN PRISONS
1. OBAMA EGYPT PLAN INCLUDES ROLE FOR MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
The Obama administration is secretly crafting a plan for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to leave office immediately - a plan that includes a place for the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood to be in an interim government, The New York Times reported Thursday night.
The paper detailed a process in which administration officials are discussing with Egyptian officials the exit strategy. A transitional government would be headed by Vice President Omar Suleiman with the support of the Egyptian military, administration officials and Arab diplomats told the Times Thursday.
More importantly, though, the proposal calls for the transitional government to invite members from the banned Muslim Brotherhood to begin work to open up the country's electoral system in an effort to bring about free and fair elections in September, the officials told the Times. (Newsmax)
- The more we learn about the Muslim (Moslem) Brotherhood, the less we like them. Pray that this plan falls apart. To learn more about the Moslem Brotherhood, go here.
- "Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; State a proposal, but it will not stand, For God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
2. OBAMA STANDS BY MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD ENDORSEMENT
For the first time, a U.S. government supports granting a government role to an extremist Islamic organization: the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. On Monday, Jan. 31, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Egypt's new government will have to include a "whole host of important non-secular actors." Most prominent among these is clearly the Muslim Brotherhood - which has made Islamic world domination one of its ultimate goals. It also opposes Egypt's 30-year-old peace treaty with Israel.
Gibbs said the Muslim Brotherhood must reject violence and recognize democratic goals for the U.S. to be comfortable with it assuming a role in the new government. This caveat does not significantly alter the new American approach, which is very different than that of the previous Administration, in which George W. Bush pushed Mubarak for democratic reforms but never publicly accepted a role for Islamists.(Israelnationalnews.com)
- Ask the LORD to take the blinders off the eyes of the President of the United States regarding this hidden, evil empire. Pray for a miracle!
- Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name. (Jer. 10:25)
3. EGYPT UNREST: US DISOWNS ENVOY COMMENT ON HOSNI MUBARAK
The US state department has distanced itself from comments by a US special envoy, to the effect that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak should stay in office during a power transition. Spokesman Philip Crowley said Frank Wisner's views were his own, and not co-ordinated with the US government. Mr Wisner, a former ambassador to Egypt, was sent by Obama to Cairo on Monday, apparently to urge Mr Mubarak to announce his departure. "We need to get a national consensus around the pre-conditions for the next step forward. The president must stay in office to steer those changes," he told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. "I believe that President Mubarak's continued leadership is critical - it's his chance to write his own legacy. "He has given 60 years of his life to the service of his country, this is an ideal moment for him to show the way forward."
But in Washington, state department spokesman PJ Crowley said: "We have great respect for Frank Wisner and we were deeply appreciative of his willingness to travel to Egypt last week. He has not continued in any official capacity following the trip. The views he expressed today are his own. He did not co-ordinate his comments with the US government." (BBC)
- How odd for the State Department to betray the very envoy it sent to Egypt by denying his message! Please pray for those officials in the State Department who seem not to understand the threats coming from the Islamic world. If Philip Crowley is speaking for the White House, pray against any support for the jihadists and the Muslim Brotherhood that may be occurring behind the scenes. Ask the Lord to make it very clear who should be the leader of Egypt to bring about reforms that will benefit the people. Pray for Frank Wisner that he will not be discouraged.
- "The Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;" (Proverbs 2:6)
4. ASSASSINS FAIL TO MURDER EGYPTIAN VICE PRESIDENT SULEIMAN
Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman survived an attack on his convoy in central Cairo a week ago just after he was sworn in by President Hosni Mubarak. This is denied by Cairo. debkafile: This and other untoward incidents tend to occur every time the US President Barack Obama turns up the heat for ending the Mubarak presidency. The latest was the sabotage of the Egyptian-Israeli gas pipe in northern Sinai Saturday, Feb. 5 which cut off supplies to Israeli and Jordan. (Debkafile)
- Pray for the safety of all Egyptians during ths time of transition . . . from the "top down." May this nation learn the true ways of democracy, operating under the legal system of a constitution, and providing a smooth transition of power. Pray!
- "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." (Isaiah 32:18)
5. EU AND US WARN AGAINST EARLY EGYPT ELECTIONS
EU and US leaders have warned of the "chaos" that could result if President Hosni Mubarak steps down immediately, with a top US diplomat describing the role of the hardman as "utterly critical" and praising his "legacy." "Early elections at the beginning of the democratization process is probably the wrong approach," German Chancellor Angela Merkel told some 400 senior government officials and security experts at a high-level conference in Munich over the weekend. (EU Observer)
- Praise the Lord that common sense is beginning to dominate the situation in Egypt. Probably the fear of Islamic uprisings in European countries is influencing the EU's views about the role of Mubarak and his stay in office until September. The silence from the US State Department is thundering! Bind the spirit of confusion that is speaking in the USA. Call for truth. Pray for peace and stability in Cairo and other Egyptian cities. Continue to pray for the safety of the Christians in Egypt.
- "There are many plans in a man's heart. Nevertheless the Lord's counsel - that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)
6. EGYPT'S INTERNET CRACKDOWN "HAD US HELP"
A California-based company helped Egypt surreptitiously inspect internet messaging by protesters since the beginning of the uprising in Cairo and other cities, according to an advocacy group. "Free Press" says the firm, located in Sunnyvale, Ca., provided Telecom Egypt with the technology enabling government security forces to "peek in" on internet traffic from browsers, emails, Twitter and Facebook posts.
Network providers have used so-called "deep packet inspection" (DPI) software for years in order to examine the bits of digital information, called packets, that make up an email or other transmission, in order to find spam, computer viruses, and other malicious code on their systems. "Anything that comes through (an Internet protocol network), we can record. We can reconstruct all of their e-mails along with attachments, see what web pages they clicked on, we can reconstruct their [Voice Over Internet Protocol] calls," the Vice President of Marketing for the company, Steve Bannerman, told Wired Magazine.
Kerr warned that such commercial software systems are "being used by regimes in Iran, China, Burma and others for far more suspicious, and possibly brutal, purposes." Free Press describes itself as a "nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to reform the media." (IsraelNationalNews.com)
- Praise the Lord for this warning and information about the depth that investigation of the internet can pursue. Pray against any takeover by the US government of the internet in America. The White House has made soundings about the internet, but so far any official takeover has not occurred. Pray that Congress addresses this issue and preserves our privacy and our freedom from intrusion.
- "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light ; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:23)
7. JIHADISTS ESCAPE EGYPTIAN PRISONS
Some of the thousands of prisoners who have escaped from Egyptian jails during the current unrest are radical Islamists, including members of the terrorist organization Hamas.
Al-Jazeera aired this report about one of the escapees, a Palestinian radical captured by Egyptian forces in the Sinai while planning an attack on Israel. The man, who escaped from prison on Saturday and returned to Gaza, vowed to continue his "armed resistance" against the Jewish State.
At least eight Hamas prisoners from Gaza were reported to have broken out of a Cairo-area jail during the recent wave of unrest centered on calls for President Hosni Mubarak's ouster. By Monday, three of them had re-entered Gaza through underground tunnels used to smuggle people and weapons.
- Once again, pray for the safety of all Egyptians. Ask our Lord to dispatch His angelic host to help the police find and arrest these escaped convicts. Pray!
- All of Psalm 91 over Egypt AND Israel.
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 6b-2
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES:
Part Two: OUTSIDE EGYPT
1. ISRAEL MILITARILY PREPARED FOR A HOSTILE REGIME IN EGYPT
2. GRAD ROCKETS HIT NEAR NATIVOT, OFAKIM
3. BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL MOVE AGAINST PALESTINIAN UN POPULATION
4. JORDANIAN KING REPLACES PRIME MINISTER AMID PROTESTS
5. YEMEN'S PRESIDENT WILL END 30-YEAR REIGN AMID MASS DEMONSTRATIONS
6. AL-QAEDA ON BRINK OF USING NUCLEAR BOMB
7. SINAI GAS PIPELINE EXPLODES
1. ISRAEL MILITARILY PREPARED FOR A HOSTILE REGIME IN EGYPT
American military support - and the spare parts to keep the equipment running - comes with conditions attached, including that they aren't used against Washington's Israeli ally. Nevertheless, Israel never abandoned its doctrine to maintain forces capable of fighting a two-front war, even if it hadn't faced Egypt on the battlefield for over 37 years and has formally been at peace with it since 1979.
At army headquarters in Tel Aviv, lights burned bright over the weekend as Defense Minister Ehud Barak convened top commanders and intelligence officers to assess the possible scenarios of the Egyptian upheaval. Sunday [January 30] morning, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet he was "anxiously monitoring" events in Egypt. "Our efforts are designed to continue and maintain stability and security in our region. I remind you that the peace between Israel and Egypt has endured for over three decades and our goal is to ensure that these relations continue."
Still, 30 years of "cold peace" have never eliminated the deep-rooted insecurities and mutual distrust between the Israeli and Egyptian armed forces. While the peace treaty has given the IDF relief in building its battle order, the military has never taken its eye off its southern neighbor, and war plans still call for a hefty reserve force to be set aside for dealing with Egypt, no matter where a confrontation may break out. (Media Line; edited) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
- Pray that the recent upheaval in Egypt will make way for a government favorable to Israel, helping to maintain peace and stability in the region.
- "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth; that Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me." (Psalm 108:5-6)
2. GRAD ROCKETS HIT NEAR NATIVOT, OFAKIM
Tensions in Egypt appear to be spreading to Gaza: Grad rockets fired from the Hamas-ruled territory Monday [January 31] night landed near the southern Israeli cities of Ofakim and Netivot. Also Monday, a Kassam rocket exploded in an open area in the Eshkol Regional Council. No injuries or damage were reported.
During the rocket attack on Netivot - the first attack on Israel since the mass protests against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak began a week ago - four people suffered from shock, and damage was caused to a road and a parked car. The rocket landed near a residential neighborhood. Another Grad hit the Ofakim area a few minutes later, but there were no reports of injury or damage.
"It was terrifying," an Ofakim resident said. "We heard a boom-like a nuclear bomb. We thought it was thunder; there was smoke and explosions. We're dying of fear that another wave of Grads and Kassams will begin. We have no shelters or secure rooms, and the rocket fell about 10 meters [33 feet] from the houses." (Ynet News) [Bridges for Peace]
- Pray that the Lord will bring these attacks to an end without Israel being forced to launch an offensive to protect its citizens. Pray for the safety and peace of mind of the people of this area.
- "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:15-17)
3. BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL MOVE AGAINST PALESTINIAN UN POPULATION
Bipartisan opposition to the forthcoming Palestinian resolution condemning Israeli building on land acquired in the 1967 war [such as East Jerusalem and the West Bank, also known as Judea and Samaria] is taking shape in the U.S. Congress. President Obama has been placed on notice by both Democrat and Republican leadership that lawmakers expect the administration to exercise its veto in the U.N. Security Council when the measure is voted upon.
In a letter to Obama, House Republican Leader Eric Cantor, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and others called the Palestinian effort "without merit" and urged its public condemnation. The Congressional leaders argued that the resolution was an effort by Palestinian leaders to "circumvent the negotiating process." They urged the president to remind the Palestinian Authority "that any path towards statehood must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians, not imposed."
The resolution presents a particularly difficult conundrum for President Obama because its opponents are demanding the veto of a measure in-line with administration policy [of opposing the Israeli construction]. Palestinian leaders have warned the president that he cannot veto the resolution and expect to retain credibility as an honest broker in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
(By The Media Line, January 30, 2011)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
- Pray that this strong stand by the American Congress will result in a US veto of this Palestinian resolution.
- "For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever." (Psalm 44:6-8)
4. JORDANIAN KING REPLACES PRIME MINISTER AMID PROTESTS
With massive protests demanding governmental change in Egypt, Jordan's King Abdullah II heeded protests in his own nation on Tuesday [February 1] by replacing his prime minister. The New York Times said King Abdullah named Marouf al-Bakhit - who previously served as prime minister from 2005-07 and is a former general and Jordanian ambassador to Israel - as the new prime minister.
Jordan and Egypt are the only two nations in the Arab world that have full diplomatic ties with Israel. The protests in Jordan have generally not demanded King Abdullah's resignation, unlike in Egypt, where dismissing President Hosni Mubarak has been the protestors' primary goal.
Perhaps the biggest question now is whether the protestors ultimately will be satisfied with the government shuffle. In Jordan, where there are millions of Palestinians, there are two primary opposition groups protesting: the traditional Islamists opposition and the Transjordanian group, which includes public sector employees and retired military officials. David believes that Bakhit will satisfy the Transjordanian opposition, which he said is "very important."
While he can't predict what will happen, Dr. Assaf David, an expert on Jordan, said that shift to Hamas could come in a shrewd, secret manner rather than a dramatic move that is a big blow to the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority - especially as the US may not appreciate such a step from their ally. However, despite his interest in talking to Israel's enemy, Bakhit's appointment shouldn't signal a shift in Jordan's relationship with Israel. "I don't expect any change on this issue," said David.
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, February 1, 2011)
- The relationship between Israel and Jordan is critical for peace and stability. Pray that the Lord will protect that relationship and prohibit anti-Israeli Islamist groups from gaining power.
- "Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield, for our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You." (Psalm 33:20-22)
5. YEMEN'S PRESIDENT WILL END 30-YEAR REIGN AMID MASS DEMONSTRATIONS
Another 30-year ruler in the Arab world will end his reign amid mass protests in the streets. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Tuesday [February 1] that he will not seek re-election when his term expires in 2013. Thousands of demonstrators have filled the streets of the capital, Sana'a, for a week, following the trend that began in Tunisia.
Yemen is the most impoverished nation in the Arab world, with most of its population living on less than US $2 per day. Illiteracy and hunger abound with a massive gap between the rich and the poor.
Because of its geographical location and the infiltration of Al-Qaeda into what it sees as a strategic base, the American government has supported Saleh despite the transparent corruption associated with his regime. When the unrest began, Saleh immediately raised the salaries of the military, apparently seeking to shore up its support as demonstrations intensify. (By The Media Line, February 2, 2011) [Bridges for Peace]
- Pray that the Lord will establish a government in Yemen that is not only pro-Israel and willing to cooperate with the West against terrorism but also genuinely cares for the needs of the people.
- "LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more." (Psalm 10:17-18)
6. AL-QAEDA ON BRINK OF USING NUCLEAR BOMB
Al-Qaida is on the verge of producing radioactive weapons after sourcing nuclear material and recruiting rogue scientists to build "dirty" bombs, according to leaked diplomatic documents. A leading atomic regulator has privately warned that the world stands on the brink of a "nuclear 9/11". Security briefings suggest that jihadi groups are also close to producing "workable and efficient" biological and chemical weapons that could kill thousands if unleashed in attacks on the West. Thousands of classified American cables obtained by the WikiLeaks website and passed to The Daily Telegraph detail the international struggle to stop the spread of weapons-grade nuclear, chemical and biological material around the globe.
Alerts about the smuggling of nuclear material, sent to Washington from foreign U.S. embassies, document how criminal and terrorist gangs were trafficking large amounts of highly radioactive material across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The alerts explain how customs guards at remote border crossings used radiation alarms to identify and seize cargoes of uranium and plutonium.
Freight trains were found to be carrying weapons-grade nuclear material across the Kazakhstan-Russia border, highly enriched uranium was transported across Uganda by bus, and a "small time hustler" in Lisbon offered to sell radioactive plates stolen from Chernobyl. (The Daily Telegraph) Read more.
- Declare that the plans and plots of al-Qaeda are null and void and that they will come to nothing. Decree that every bomb will malfunction and, if necessary, boomerang on the perpetrators. Such wickedness cannot be tolerated. Pray that the spirit of deception be lifted from the eyes and hearts of all those working for and with al-Qaeda and that many of these people will have such fervent encounters with Jesus Christ that they will spread the gospel to others.
- "In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you." (Isaiah 54:14)
7. SINAI GAS PIPELINE EXPLODES
Cairo diverts supplies to Israel, Jordan for domestic use
Egypt's suspension of gas supplies to Israel after the North Sinai pipeline was blown up Saturday, Feb 5 has suddenly cut Israel off from 25-30 percent of its gas needs and 80 percent of Jordan's. A few hours after the blast, Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmad Shafiq announced the gas supplied to both countries under contract would henceforth be diverted to domestic requirements.
With Egyptian gas cut off for the foreseeable future, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu went into hasty non-stop consultations with ministers and energy military and security officials. Alongside the emergency declared by Israel's electricity corporation, those consultations centered on three additional facets of the crisis: The expanding occupation of North Sinai by Palestinian Hamas extremists from Gaza and anti-Egyptian Bedouin tribesmen, culminating in the gas pipeline explosion; the failure of joint Israeli and Egyptian military efforts to contain it and, thirdly, concerns that Hamas may cross into Israel and sabotage Israeli power stations or fuel reservoirs to bring about the collapse of Israel's electrical power system. debkafile reported earlier Saturday.
The pipeline supplying Egyptian gas to Israel and Jordan was blown up near the North Sinai town of El Arish early Saturday Feb. 5. Egyptian state TV reported "terrorists" had carried out the attack which caused a huge explosion and fire. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu conferred urgently with Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau and energy firms over the abrupt cutoff of 25 percent of Israel's gas needs and ordered security beefed up at energy installations.
Israel's power stations will have to switch immediately from gas to heavy oil or coal, a complicated technical process that will have a bad effect on the environment. Energy officials told debkafile Saturday that the power stations affected are Hadera, Haifa (which is partly gas-fueled) and the Tel Aviv Reading facility which was only recently converted to gas. All Israel's emergency electricity stations are also powered by gas.
- Pray much over this critical emergency in Israel, and in Jordan. Ask the Lord to show His grace upon the Israeli authorities, as they rush to develop other sources of energy now. Praise God, because His oil never fails. Amen.
- For wisdom for Israeli authorities: "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)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
KING OF KINGS (Meh-lekh Ha-M'lah-kheem)
"And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:16)
That You are the King of all the kings who ever was, are, or ever will be, is sometimes too much for me to fully comprehend. Thank You for the imperishable inheritance that awaits me from the KING OF KINGS. Amen!
"All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." (Psalm 66:4)
(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)
