In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 7a
• More News From the Hill
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 7a
February 14 - 18, 2011
DOMESTIC ISSUES February 14 - 18, 2011
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
1. BUDGET WEEK ON THE HILL AND AT THE WHITE HOUSE
2. CAPITOL HILL ABORTION RHETORIC HEATS UP
3. HELP STOP TAXPAYER FUNDED ABORTIONS!
4. HOUSE COMMITTEE OK'S BILL TO REMOVE ABORTION FUNDING FROM OBAMACARE
5. RESTORE MILITARY READINESS ACT: RESTORING DADT AS POLICY
6. THE BROADCAST FREEDOM ACT: PRESERVING FREE SPEECH ON THE AIRWAVES
7. THE FREE SPEECH RESTORATION ACT: PRESERVING FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THE PULPIT
8. THE PARENTAL TITLE PROTECTION ACT: PRESRVING THE INTEGRITY OF PARENTHOOD
9. THE "STOP" ACT: A PRACTICAL WAY TO LIMIT SPENDING
10. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR MEMBERS' MORAL FAILINGS
11. U.S. FOOTING $100M BILL FOR U.N. SECURTIY UPGRADE
12. JANET NAPOLITANO: U.S. TERROR THREAT HIGHEST SINCE 9/11
13. REP. GIFFORDS SPEAKS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE SHOOTING
1. BUDGET WEEK ON THE HILL AND AT THE WHITE HOUSE
a) The White House released its budget for fiscal year 2012 today. The overall formula for stanching some of the red ink is about two-thirds spending restraint, one-third new revenue - from, for example, limiting some deductions available to the rich and ending many tax breaks for energy companies. Senate Democrats and Obama are compelled by the current political climate to acquiesce in the sorts of domestic spending reductions that they abhor (CQ Roll Call).
- Praise the Lord that the "current political climate" has finally caught up to our current fiscal climate.
b) In Congress, The Republicans will reclaim the budget headlines tomorrow, when the House begins three days of wide-open debate on H.R. 1, cutting spending for the rest of fiscal year 2011. The amounts GOP leaders proposed Friday night - $58 billion below the current level, $100 billion below what Obama asked for a year ago, at the time of his previous budget submission - probably will get a bit bigger by the time all the amendments are considered and the bill passes on Thursday (CQ Roll Call).
- Praise the Lord for an open debate. Praise the Lord for a debate where both sides want to cut spending instead of increasing it. Pray for a God-honoring complete spending plan for fiscal year 2011. Pray for action to come in the Senate on completing FY 2011 spending.
c) Last week there was a report that House Republicans would attempt to block funding for President Obama's health care reforms in this year's budget. This language is not included in the base bill, H.R. 1, but is expected to be offered as an amendment.
- Pray for passage of the amendment to cut off implementation of the health care law.
- "He delivers the poor in their affliction, And opens their- ears in oppression. Indeed He would have brought you out of dire distress, Into a broad place where there is no restraint; And what is set on your table would be full of richness." (Job 36:15-16)
2. CAPITOL HILL ABORTION RHETORIC HEATS UP
Three Pro-Life Bills Introduced; One Will Defund Planned Parenthood
As three different pro-life, GOP-sponsored measures wind through the House, pro-choice Democrats are firing back, calling the bills "extremely dangerous."
The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith [1] (R-N.J.), would take away tax benefits for employers who provide health care if the plans offer abortion coverage. The Protect Life Act, introduced by Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.), is aimed at those who would get insurance through state exchanges. It would block those consumers from purchasing abortion coverage.
Wednesday, Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) called the measures "draconian" and "despicable," and warned that they would allow hospitals to deny life-saving abortions to dying women. Slaughter was joined by a number of pro-choice Democrats who voiced similar concerns. "The Republican leadership has prioritized divisive and extreme legislation, and we will just not stand for it," said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), adding, "We don't think the American people will either."
A third GOP bill, backed by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), aims to block health clinics, specifically Planned Parenthood, from receiving federal funding if they perform abortions. Pence says the American public is "learning that their taxpayer dollars are subsidizing these organizations that are promoting abortion across this country."
Republicans say their intention is not to block access to abortions, but to make sure that taxpayers aren't forced to fund them.
Note, too: The battle on the Hill is playing out as Ohio considers what could become the most restrictive law in the nation: no abortions permitted once a heartbeat is detected, as early as 18 days after conception. State Representative Lynn Wachtmann (R) formally introduced the bill Wednesday. He has also been criticized for prioritizing an abortion measure over economic bills. Wachtmann responded today that he will "always put life first." (Fox News) Read more.
- Praise the Lord for the strong stand taken by Rep. Wachtmann. Pray for more men like him to rise up!
- "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'" (Matthew 5:21)
3. HELP STOP TAXPAYER FUNDED ABORTIONS!
[The information below is from the Christian Coalition of America. This alert gives more details on the impact of all three bills and offers you an opportunity to TAKE ACTION to support their passage. Thank you.]
For years, pro-life Americans have been forced to watch as their tax-dollars subsidize the barbaric practice of abortion. Whether at government healthcare facilities, in federal health programs, or even direct funding for the abortion industry, our values have been under attack. But conservative members of Congress are introducing new legislation to put an end to this tragedy and end ALL federal taxpayer funding of abortion - and they need our support!
The three new bills (cited above) are the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act", the "Protect Life Act" and the "Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act."
These bills would: 1) Permanently ban taxpayer funding of abortion across all federal programs; 2) End use of federal facilities, such as military hospitals; 3) Ban publicly subsidized coverage of abortion in the new "ObamaCare" health system; 4) Prevent any abortion funding via ObamaCare; 5) End federal funding for Planned Parenthood (and other abortion providers); and 6) Provide conscience protections for health care workers who refuse to perform abortions. (Christian Coalition of America)
- "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Take action by going here.
- Father, we do ask for swift passage of all three bills in both the House and in the Senate. By Your spirit, we ask You to raise up a groundswell of support among voters for their passage so that, together, we can indeed take a stand for LIFE on Capitol Hill. In Your Name, Amen.
- "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,Your youth are to You as the dew." (Psalm 110:3)
4. HOUSE COMMITTEE OK'S BILL TO REMOVE ABORTION FUNDING FROM OBAMACARE
A House of Representatives Committee on Friday approved legislation that would remove any potential abortion funding the Obamacare health care web site may allow.
The Protect Life Act, is one of three measures pro-life groups are supporting to remove governmental financial support for the aborton industry. Earlier this week, Republicans and Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on health sparred over the measure, HR 358, sponsored by the subcommittee's chairman, pro-life Republican Rep. Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania.
Before the final vote on the measure, pro-life Republican lawmakers turned back weakening amendments sponsored by pro-abortion Democrats Henry Waxman, Jan Schkowsky and Elliot Engel.
Republican lawmakers pointed to the Stupak amendment the House added to its version of the Obamacare bill as proof there is substantial support for removing any concerns the Obamacare law will fund abortions while Democrats relied on scare tactics by saying the Protect Life Act would somehow result in women losing their ability to purchase health care insurance that may cover abortions with premiums. (Christian Coalition of America; LifeSite News) Read more.
- Praise the Lord for an open debate. Praise the Lord for a debate where both sides want to cut spending instead of increasing it. Pray for a God-honoring complete spending plan for fiscal year 2011. Pray for action to come in the Senate on completing FY 2011 spending. Last week there was a report that House Republicans would attempt to block funding for President Obama's health care reforms in this year's budget. This language is not included in the base bill, H.R. 1, but is expected to be offered as an amendment. Pray for passage of the amendment to cut off implementation of the health care law.
- "He delivers the poor in their affliction, And opens their ears in oppression. Indeed He would have brought you out of dire distress, Into a broad place where there is no restraint; And what is set on your table would be full of richness." (Job 36:15-16)
5. THE RESTORE MILITARY READINESS ACT OF 2011: RESTORING DADT AS POLICY
The repeal law of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the U.S. military, requires a two-month delay before the law is implemented. In the meantime President Obama, Admiral Mullen, and Secretary Gates must verify that permitting homosexuals to serve will not have a negative impact for the military. Under the Freedom Foundation, Faith-based and policy organizations representing an estimated 40 million constituents have issued a letter to the House Armed Services Committee asking the members to consider the flaws in a comprehensive review and to push for a vote on Rep. Hunter's bill H.R. 337, the Restore Military Readiness Act of 2011, which would amend the repeal. (Intercessors for America)
- Intercede for the Restore Military Readiness Act of 2011, amending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal. Ask that God would grant His followers compassion, so that His name would be "proclaimed in all the earth" through the decisions made in the House and Senate this week.
- "It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 'Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden." (Romans 9:16-18)
6. THE BROADCAST FREEDOM ACT: PRESERVING FREE SPEECH ON THE AIRWAVES
U.S. Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) and U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act to prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, which would suppress free speech by requiring the government to monitor political views and decide what constitute fair political discourse. "The American people cherish freedom, especially freedom of speech and of the press. Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would amount to government control over political views expressed on the public airways," said Pence, a former broadcaster. "We must pass the Broadcaster Freedom Act and bury the Fairness Doctrine once and for all." (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Pray for continued freedom of speech wherever it can be found in our country.
- "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
7. THE FREE SPEECH RESTORATION ACT: PRESERVING FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THE PULPIT
In Washington, there's an expression, "People are policy." In 1954, then-Senator Lyndon Johnson didn't like what a some people in some non-profit organizations were saying about him, so he quietly inserted language into a bill that prohibited any 501(c)(3) organization from saying anything in favor or against a candidate for office. This has consequently affected anyone in any tax exempt organization, including pastors, from speaking on behalf of their organization for or against any candidate for office. This law effectively and unconstitutionally flies in the face of the First Amendment, both "respecting an establishment of religion" and "prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
The office of Rep. Jones of North Carolina tells us he plans to reintroduce his Free Speech Restoration Act to repeal 1954 Johnson Amendment. (CHPP)
- Pray for many "original cosponsors" (Members signing on to the bill as it's introduced). Pray for a hearing on this bill. Pray for the Church to pray for itself, our society, and our leaders.
- "Proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." (Isaiah 61:2)
8. THE PARENTAL TITLE PROTECTION ACT: PRESRVING THE INTEGRITY OF PARENTHOOD
Washington, D.C. - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) today announced that he has introduced legislation to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of the relationships between mothers, fathers, and their children. The Parental Title Protection Act, H.R. 635, would require all Federal agencies, contractors, and government-sponsored enterprises to use the words "mother" and "father" when describing parents in all official documents and forms.
"Symbolism is important and this legislation seeks to preserve the sacred relationship mothers and fathers share with their children. Referring to parents as "Parent 1" or "Parent 2" on official government documentation is a bureaucratic attempt to redefine traditional parent roles. These subtle, but nonetheless significant, changes undermine the traditional American family relationships that have served as the bedrock of our nation since its inception," Forbes said.
In a December 22, 2010 news release, the United States State Department announced that it was making passport applications "gender neutral" by replacing all references to "mother" and "father" with "Parent 1" and "Parent 2".
- Pray that the United States Government would honor mothers and fathers of people from this country and around the world so that all the earth may know the God whom we serve.
- "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2-3)
NOTE: For more information on Congressman Forbes' work on protecting traditional family values, visit the Congressman's website. (Office of Congressman Randy Forbes)
9. THE "STOP" ACT: A PRACTICAL WAY TO LIMIT SPENDING
In the 110th Congress, the Government Printing Office printed 2.8 million paper copies of 14,042 pieces of legislation because of a mandatory requirement that 200 paper copies be printed of any bill or resolution introduced in Congress. Last year's healthcare law was approximately 2,300 pages; the required printing for that one piece of legislation alone amounted to 747,500 pages of printed paper. In total, bill printing costs American taxpayers a whopping $7 million.
In this age of electronic communication, there is no reason we need to print 200 copies of each bill or resolution introduced in Congress. In fact, many of these bills end up in the recycling bin.
This is the type of waste that needs to be trimmed from federal spending. The Stop the Over Printing (STOP) Act, which I supported when it was before the House last month, eliminates the 200 paper copy requirement. The Act would require all bills and legislation be made available in an electronic format accessible on the internet and permit 75 copies of a bill or legislation be printed upon request by either a Member of Congress or a Congressional Committee.
I'm happy to share that the STOP Act passed the House of Representatives unanimously at the end of January. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. (Office of Congressman Randy Forbes)
- Pray that Congress would be wise in how it orders the use of paper. Pray that Congress would make wise use of other means of publications such as online. Pray that Congress and the Government Printing Office would publish that data in an accessible manner, not only for people reading the content, but those who seek to structure that information and make it more useful and accessible for everyone.
- "Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel." (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)
10. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR MEMBERS' MORAL FAILINGS
There are two big reasons why Chris Lee was transformed in less than an afternoon from a prince in the Republican House (with a brand-new seat on Ways and Means) to just the sort of out-of-work toad he'd promised his potential Craigslist paramour that he wouldn't be. Both things should be cautionary for other lawmakers out on the prowl:
One is that Boehner already had made clear he was going to insist on the political death penalty, and very quickly - because he has no patience for colleagues whose moral transgressions threaten to hinder the advancement of "the team." (Remember how long Mark Souder lasted in his Indiana seat after his parked-car affair with an aide was exposed last spring?) And that will be especially true for Republicans who have been warned by the leadership that their behavior is bordering on out-of-bounds. During the height of the fall campaign, upstate New York's Lee, Omaha's Lee Terry and a handful of others were told by Boehner to "knock it off" because their carousing with female lobbyists was drawing serious gossip and ridicule.
The other reason is that (apparently in a misguided effort to draw less attention to his social life) Lee was steering clear of the downtown steakhouses and instead had gone online. Which meant, inevitably, that there would be a picture. The sight of his flexed right bicep and hirsute chest on every cable news station in the world was in no way survivable, politically. But any photographic evidence of a congressman stepping out will be a career-ender. There's no doubt that if Larry Craig had been snapped in that airport men's room he would not have been able to serve out his senate term - and that if David Vitter had been filmed leaving a New Orleans cathouse, or Jon Ensign had been photographed with his chief of staff's wife, they would not be senators today.
- Praise the Lord for this amazing strong moral stand by the Speaker of the House!! Enough is enough, and he means it. Even if the motivation is more political than moral (as seen through the eyes of the CQ Roll Call reporter), it's still a good stand to make. (CHPP; CQ)
- "Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good." (Proverbs 28:10)
11. U.S. FOOTING $100M BILL FOR U.N. SECURITY UPGRADE
House Fails to Pass Bill Demanding a Refund
Months after top New York City officials expressed intense behind-the-scenes frustration at the security vulnerabilities at the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, the U.N. is now planning to spend $100 million -- donated by the U.S. -- on the upgrade. That has created a new controversy: critics want to know why the U.S. is footing the entire bill, and why that money is not being credited against U.S. dues for the following year.
"If the U.S. overpays the U.N., those funds should be returned in full to the U.S. Treasury," declared Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., who heads the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "To allow the U.N. to redirect those U.S. taxpayer dollars for unrelated projects is unjustifiable." Ros-Lehtinen is led a charge in the House of Representatives Wednesday, with a bill that demanded the U.N. refund not only the $100 million but the entire $179 million overpayment collected from the U.S. for the United Nations Tax Equalization Fund (TEF), an obscure financial device used to reimburse U.S. citizens who work for the U.N. for U.S. income taxes they pay. (The U.S. is the only major country to levy income taxes on U.N. salaries.)
Few expected the bill, which required two-thirds approval, to pass - and it didn't, failing 259-169. But it is an early salvo in House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's online YouCut campaign to get public backing behind the Republican push to cut the mammoth U.S. deficit. Voters pushed the measure to the head of the queue in an online poll used to set YouCut's weekly priorities. (Fox News).
- Pray that the House leadership would bring up this bill under regular order and pass it. Seek justice for the nations!
- "You shall not pervert justice due the stranger " (Deuteronomy 24:17).
12. JANET NAPOLITANO: U.S. TERROR THREAT HIGHEST SINCE 9/11
Warned that attacks could be carried out with little warning
The threat of terrorism against the US homeland is in some aspects "at its most heightened state" since the 9/11 attacks, US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has said. "The terrorist threat facing our country has evolved significantly," she told members of Congress.
The US faced new threats by groups already inside the country, inspired by al-Qaeda, she said. Al-Qaeda and Taliban-linked individuals have attempted a number of recent attacks against the US, including a Nigerian who tried to blow up an aircraft with explosives hidden in his underwear, and a man who plotted to attack the New York subway.
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and US-born Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who has been labelled a "specially designated global terrorist" by his native country, pose the most significant threats to the US, Michael Leiter, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told the committee. Al-Qaeda was at its weakest point in the past 10 years, but it remained "a very determined enemy", he said. (Fox News)
- Ask the Father to crush the very ambitious goals for destruction by Al-Qaeda for human loss and suffering in the United States. May Americans learn to trust in their heavenly Father alone for their security.
- "And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (Romans 16:20)
12. REP. GIFFORDS SPEAKS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE SHOOTING
Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords spoke for the first time since she was shot in the forehead, her spokesman said Wednesday, yet another significant milestone in her recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
Giffords spoke first several days ago and is speaking "more and more," spokesman C.J. Karamargin said Wednesday. He didn't know what her first words were, but said at breakfast one morning she asked for toast. "She's working very hard and it's paying off," he told The Associated Press. "We're elated at this. We always knew Gabby is a fighter and that she's not going to let this thing win. And you know, every day is proof of that."
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Giffords' husband Mark Kelly said his wife had her appetite back and was eating three times a day, "even though it's hospital food." "It is hard to believe that only one month has passed since Gabrielle was shot," he wrote. "The doctors say she is recovering at lightning speed considering her injury but they aren't kidding when they say this is a marathon process." He said "there are encouraging signs every day," pointing to her renewed appetite.
"Your prayers are being heard, so don't stop," he wrote. (AP)
- We agree with this astronaut's prayer request! God IS answering our intercession for Rep. Giffords' healing in a mighty way. Let's continue to press in, for as long as it takes, fighting the good fight of faith while "Gabby" fights to restore all of her faculties since the shooting.
- "She will not die, but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done." (Psalm 118:17)
More News From the Hill
For more detailed and current information on what Congress has done and is doing in the House and Senate, please visit Deeper Inside the Mountain.
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 7b-1
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
PART ONE: NEWS FROM EGYPT
1. EGYPT: THE SECRET RALLY THAT SPARKED AN UPRISING
2. OBAMA SEEN AS ANXIOUS FOR ISLAMIST RULE IN EGYPT
3. DNI JAMES CLAPPER TRAPPED
4. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA: FRIEND OF SHARIAH
5. MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD BANNED IN MUBARAK'S EGYPT - WHAT'S NEXT?
1. EGYPT: THE SECRET RALLY THAT SPARKED AN UPRISING
Cairo Protest Organizers Describe Ruses Used to Gain Foothold Against Police
CAIRO-The Egyptian opposition's takeover of the area around the parliament this week began with a trick-the latest example of how, for more than two weeks, young activists have outwitted Egypt's feared security forces to spur an uprising many here had long thought impossible . . .
On Jan. 25, the first day of protests, the organizers from the youth wings of Egypt's opposition movements created what appeared to be a spontaneous massing of residents of the slum of Bulaq al-Dakrour, on Cairo's western edge. These demonstrators weren't, as the popular narrative has held, educated youth who learned about protests on the Internet. They were instead poor residents who filled a maze of muddy, narrow alleyways, massed in front of a neighborhood candy store and caught security forces flatfooted.
That protest was anything but spontaneous. How the organizers pulled it off, when so many past efforts had failed, has had people scratching their heads since. (Wall Street Journal) Read more.
- Pray now for these citizens of Egypt, who so hungered and thirsted for the freedom of true democracy. Pray that, in the excitement that has followed their victory, they not be seduced by the lies of deceitful enemies. Pray for the new government that is now taking shape, that it will, in the end, move in the center of God's perfect will for these people. Pray for the salvation of all in the land. Pray.
- "Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped." (Psalm 124: 6,7)
2. OBAMA SEEN AS ANXIOUS FOR ISLAMIST RULE IN EGYPT
Obama's top officials have continued to lay the groundwork for a Muslim Brotherhood takeover in Egypt that would be accepted and recognized by the international community. In what was either an unprecedented display of naivete or a revelation of what the Obama Administration's true agenda is, US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper had this to say during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Thursday: "The Muslim Brotherhood is a very heterogeneous group, largely secular, which has eschewed violence and has decried al-Qaeda as a perversion of Islam. There is no overarching agenda, particularly in pursuit of violence, at least internationally."
In an interview with Fox News earlier in the week, Obama himself refused to describe the Muslim Brotherhood as an Islamist threat. He also brushed off speculation that the Brotherhood will take over if Mubarak is toppled, arguing that the group is not a majority in Egypt. The president's reasoning completely ignored the fact that neither Hamas nor Hizbullah enjoy majority support among their respective peoples, yet managed to rise to power anyway.
The White House appears determined to downplay the severity of what a Muslim Brotherhood takeover would mean. But the Brotherhood itself has been kind enough to clarify exactly what it is all about. . . Their official website continues to promote jihad as the duty of all Muslims who wish to achieve global domination for their religion and the establishment of a new Islamic empire.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have expressed concern and even outrage at the behavior of the Obama Administration, warning that a Brotherhood-led Egypt, or even an Egypt under the influence of a Muslim Brotherhood operating behind the scenes would represent a new "Islamic Republic," like Iran. (Israel Today)
- To quote from today's Daily Jot: While most of the Islamic rhetoric is focussed on the "Great American Satan" and "Illegitimate Israel," what has happened in Egypt over the past two weeks indicates a radical change in American policy toward Islam. The diplomatic signals are clear--a willingness to work with, even hold talks, with the Muslim Brotherhood, the godfather of surrogate terrorist activities; the demand that the Egyptian ruler step down in response to protests; the guise of democracy that is covering the true nature of the move by Islamists in Egypt; the ignoring of advice from the most experienced democracy and faithful ally in the Middle East--Israel. This American presidency is Islamist-friendly and is endangering both Israel and America.
- It is time to weep between the porch and the altar on behalf of our nation, for we have surely elected a leader who is at best blind to the security needs of Israel, and is at worst, its enemy. A nation cannot come against "the apple of God's eye" and not suffer severe consequences . . . may God have mercy upon us.
- "Let the priests, who minister to the LORD, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, "Spare Your people, O LORD, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them." (Joel 2:17)
3. DNI JAMES CLAPPER TRAPPED
A spokeswoman for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) James Clapper has clarified his comments Thursday that the Muslim Brotherhood is "a very heterogeneous group, largely secular, which has eschewed violence." "In Egypt the Muslim Brotherhood makes efforts to work through a political system that has been, under Mubarak's rule, one that is largely secular in its orientation," said spokeswoman Jamie Smith. Clapper "is well aware that the Muslim Brotherhood is not a secular organization." Be it ignorance of a key player in an evolving foreign policy crisis or a poor choice of words, Clapper's clarification isn't quieting his critics. Among Friday's headlines are "Kirk to Clapper on Muslim Brotherhood: WTF?" from Foreign Policy's website and "Clapper's crass Bro'hood bungle" in the New York Post.
Even with the clarification, "the damage has been done," the Heritage Foundation's Peter Brookes writes in the Post. "The DNI's testimony makes it appear that the US government either doesn't know the facts on the ground in Egypt or has mistakenly concluded that we shouldn't be concerned about the Brotherhood being large and in charge of that strategic Mideastern country. Either case is troubling."
M. Zuhdi Jasser, founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, said Clapper "is either grossly naïve or covering up for an ideology that is in an ideological war with the United States and western society." (IPT News)
- Pray that our intelligence agencies will tell the truth about Islamic situations throughout the world, especially in Egypt at this critical time. Any kind of deception must not be allowed, neither from the Islamic world nor from our own government. Pray for the removal from office of Mr. James Clapper, since he certainly lied in front of this Congressional hearing. Pray also that he has a dynamic, personal encounter with Jesus Christ and can find not only his salvation but also what truth means. Praise the Lord that we do have some in the media who immediately recognized the error of Mr. Clapper's testimony.
- " . . . we.do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1: 9,10)
4. HUSSEIN OBAMA: FRIEND OF SHARIAH [as all Moslems are]
"Obama is pursuing policies favored by those who adhere to the repressive, supremacist and virulently anti-American Islamic political-military-legal program its adherents call shariah," according to security expert Frank Gaffney. In a recent article on the Egyptian crisis Gaffney went on to explain, "In Iran, shariah is already the law of the land, ruthlessly enforced by the Shiite theocrats of Tehran. In Egypt, the Mubarak regime's failure faithfully to enforce shariah is one of the principle impetuses behind the Iranian mullahs' Sunni wannabe counterparts, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB or, in Arabic, Ikhwan)." That is just part of the indictment of President Barack Obama by former Undersecretary of Defense Frank Gaffney. In his latest article Gaffney details how Obama is supporting the advancement of the radical Islamic agenda either by ignorance or deliberate intent. (Religious Freedom Coalition) Read more
- Shariah law and that of the U.S. Constitution simply cannot coincide with each other. We will either live as the free people we have been since 1789, or we will suffer under Shariah. With a man in the White House that seems to so prone to embracing the tenets of Shariah, it is time to be very watchful for our freedom. Pray!
- "Be on guard . . . lest that day come upon you suddenly like a trap . . ." (Luke 21:34)
5. MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD BANNED IN MUBARAK'S EGYPT - WHAT'S NEXT?
The Muslin Brotherhood has been banned in Egypt for decades because of its Jihadist roots. The Brotherhood has made clear that if it takes over in Egypt the treaty with Israel will be torn up, and that war will follow soon after. Hamas, a front organization of the Muslim Brotherhood, currently controls the Gaza Strip; another associated organization, Hezbollah, is moving toward a ruling position in Lebanon. The Muslim Brotherhood's goal is for the Qur'an to become the sole law of the land for the entire world, thus eliminating all other forms of government and eventually creating a worldwide caliphate. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Tonight, millions of believers worldwide, who are praying for the peace of Jerusalem, are also praying that the Muslim Brotherhood not take over in Egypt. Praise God for the wisdom of the Egyptian people in former years, and intercede that - in the excitement of forming a new government - they not lose sight of who their enemy really is. PRAY!
- "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 7b-2
PART TWO: NEWS FROM ISRAEL
1. FROM INTERCESSORS FOR ISRAEL (IFI): UPHEAVAL IN EGYPT TROUBLES ISRAEL
2. FROM IFI: PRAYING FOR THE BODY MESSIAH IN THE MIDST OF THE SHAKING
3. FROM IFI: PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN YESHUA IN EGYPT
4. FROM IFI: PRAYING FOR ISRAEL TO BE PREPARED FOR WHAT MAY COME
5. OBAMA, SOROS CREATE 'PALESTINE'
6. ISRAEL'S MILITARY CAUGHT UNREADY FOR SINAI FRONT
7. EGYPTIAN PIPELINE ATTACK LEADS TO HALT OF GAS TO ISRAEL
1. FROM INTERCESSORS FOR ISRAEL (IFI): UPHEAVAL IN EGYPT TROUBLES ISRAEL
[Note: this alert was published early on Friday morning, before Mubarak stepped down.[
The upheaval in Egypt is very troubling to Israel - and should be to the rest of the West. From Israel's point of view, President Mubarak has been the best of a number of bad options. If he is toppled, the Moslem Brotherhood rises in influence and eventually takes over. This moves the whole world into another game completely. Yet most Western leaders are worshipping at the idol called "Democracy." Many in the Church are also worshipping this thing. This is all very dangerous - yet God is still in control, and is watching over His Word to perform it.
- Is this what is happening to those worshipping "democracy"?
- ". . . because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved . . . God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie . . ." (2 Thess. 2:10-11)
2. FROM IFI: PRAYING FOR THE BODY MESSIAH IN THE MIDST OF THE SHAKING
a) Next we prayed for the Body of Messiah, both in Israel and worldwide, to have their feet upon the Rock so that the shaking does not harm them.
- "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb. 12:26-29)
b) God, wake up the American church to see the danger the Obama administration has done to their nation - both internally and in the eyes of the rest of the world. - May You find many who stand in the gap before You for that nation and for all the other Western nations who are turning their backs on Israel and bowing to Islam.
- "I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it. But I found none. Therefore have I poured out My indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, says the Lord GOD." (Ezek. 22:30-31)
c) Remind believers that democracy does not set one free - Yeshua does. Democracy is not the answer - Yeshua is.
- "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Yeshua, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:1-2)
3. FROM IFI: PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN YESHUA IN EGYPT
Protect our brothers and sisters in Yeshua in Egypt. Give them wisdom individually as to whether they should stay and share the good news - or whether they should flee as Lot did from Sodom.
We recognize that there are multitudes of suffering Egyptians. Reveal to them Your Suffering Servant, Messiah Yeshua. (Isa. 52:13-53:12)
We looked at Ezekiel 29:6-7 as a possible reason why these troubles have come on Egypt. If true, most Western nations need to take heed and repent from not being the kind of ally to Israel that they should be.
- "And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. When they took hold of you by your hand, you did break, and tore all their shoulder: and when they relied upon you, you broke, and made all their loins to shake."
4. FROM IFI: PRAYING FOR ISRAEL TO BE PREPARED FOR WHAT MAY COME
We next interceded for Israel to be prepared for what is happening all around her. God is shaking all that can be shaken, and Israelis need to look to Him. a) Lord, God of Israel, help this nation, especially the media and government, realize that they can no longer afford to see America as the one to protect them. We who are of the remnant, look to You and plead for the nation of Israel to do the same.
- "Hear the word of the LORD, O you gentiles, declare it . . . afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd does his flock." (Jer. 31:10)
b) Provide for the IDF contingency plans for the day when the Moslem Brotherhood takes over Egypt and all that advanced American weaponry falls into their hands. Keep the IDF alert to what is happening on the other borders - in the north in Lebanon with Hizbullah; in the northeast with Syria; in the east with Jordan - as well as with Iran.
c) Prepare this younger generation who have never been in a situation where Israel is totally surrounded by those sworn to destroy her, to be able to deal with it with courage. Draw them to Yourself and save many.
- O LORD, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!' (Jer. 31:7b)
5. OBAMA, SOROS CREATE 'PALESTINE'
In partnership with a government fund initiated by Obama, philanthropist and billionaire activist George Soros is investing in a private equity company that just launched in the Palestinian territories. The company, Siraj Fund Management Company, says it was created "for the sole purpose of managing investment Palestine." funds in Palestine. The new company's website repeatedly refers to what it calls the "country" of "Palestine." There is, however, no such country as Palestine. Siraj is apparently referring to territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority.
"Siraj has plans to launch future funds focused on the Palestinian market thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the country," states the website. This marks the latest involvement of Soros in Middle Eastern affairs.
WND reported last week Soros has been funding groups pushing for democracy in Egypt and is associated with an opposition leader there who has been fueling protests toppling the regime of President Hosni Mubarak, a key U.S. ally in the region. WND also reported an international "crisis management" group led by Soros long has petitioned for the Egyptian government to normalize ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, the main opposition in Egypt.
This week, Siraj Fund Management Company, the first private equity fund in the Palestinian territories, officially launched in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Soros' Economic Development Fund invested in the new group alongside the U.S. government-owned Overseas Private Investment Corporation, or OPIC. OPIC is an independent agency of the US government that mobilizes private sector investment in new and emerging markets overseas. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.
- Praise the Lord for good investigative reporting from World Net Daily! America seems to be "sleeping with its enemy" who lives in the White House! While we know about Soros and his enjoyment of playing the power broker, where are the patriotism and loyalty of the other "Americans" named in this article? Pray that all their influence is removed from the affairs of the USA. Why has Obama surrounded himself with people who support the Moslem Brotherhood? Ask the Lord to expose the infiltration of the Brotherhood here in the United States so that we with Him can remove them from our states. Wickedness like a serpent has been slithering in.
- "He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66:7)
6. ISRAEL'S MILITARY CAUGHT UNREADY FOR SINAI FRONT
Tantawi is No Friend
Friday night, Feb. 11, as Cairo's Tahrir Square rejoiced over Hosni Mubarak exit, Israel counted the cost of losing its most important strategic partner in the region.
Thirty-two years of peace with Egypt leave Israel militarily unprepared for the unknown and unexpected on their 270-kilometer long southern border: the current generation of Israeli combatants and commanders has no experience of desert combat, its armor is tailored for operation on its most hostile fronts: Iran, Lebanon's Hizballah and Syria; it is short of intelligence on the Egyptian army and its commanders and, above all, no clue to the new rulers' intentions regarding Cairo's future relations with Israel and security on their Sinai border.
The Israeli Defense Forces are trained and equipped to confront Iran and fight on the mountainous terrain of Lebanon and Syria. After signing peace with Egypt in 1979, Israel scrapped the combat brigades trained for desert warfare, whose last battle was fought in the 1973 war, and stopped treating the Egyptian army as a target of military intelligence. Israel's high command consequently knows little or nothing about any field commanders who might lead units if they were to be deployed in Sinai.
Our military sources note that Field Marshall Tantawi has never attached much strategic importance to the Sinai Peninsula, which is why Mubarak transferred responsibility for its security from the army to Suleiman. Its reversion to the army and the field marshal would be bad news for Israel and its future relations with Egypt. (Debka).
- Gracious Father, we cry out for Egypt and her new military leadership that they will continue to be kind to Your nation Israel who shares a southern border. If these men have hard hearts, we pray that You will soften them so that they will allow Your Holy Spirit to work through them and to save many peoples alive.. May the entire Middle East be saved for Your glory. In Yeshua's mighty and powerful Name we pray. Amen.
- 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.'"(Isaiah 19: 25 NKJV)
7. EGYPTIAN PIPELINE ATTACK LEADS TO HALT OF GAS TO ISRAEL
Concerns about violence in Egypt potentially affecting Israel directly resurfaced on Monday [February 7], when a judge said a bomb placed by masked men caused an explosion near a gas pipeline terminal in the Egyptian Sinai last weekend, according to the BBC Web site.
Prior to the statement by the investigating judge, Egypt's natural gas company had said the explosion was caused by a gas leak. CNN reported that as a precaution following the blast, the natural gas supply from the area, including gas to Israel, was halted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday [February 6] that Israel was prepared to handle incidents like this, and it should not harm Israel's overall gas supply. Israel currently receives 40% of their natural gas from Egypt.
In comments regarding the explosion made at the weekly cabinet meeting and posted on the Israel Prime Minister's Office Web site, Netanyahu said, "Israel is prepared for such situations and has the possibility of immediately switching to alternative energy sources. It is important to note that we are prepared for any scenario . . In any case, due to these advance preparations, no problems are expected in the supply of gas to the State of Israel." Continued Netanyahu, "I believe that the shocks in our region underscore and reiterate that Israel is an island of stability in a turbulent area, and we will continue to do everything to ensure the security and vital interests of the State of Israel, in the face of the major challenges yet before us as well." (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, February 7, 2011)
[Bridges for Peace]
- Pray that the Lord will protect Israel's interests as turmoil continues in the region.
- "Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help." (Psalm 35:10)
IS IRAN NEXT?
IRAN AGAIN TURNS TO FORCE AGAINST DEMONSTRATORS
Iranian officials last week tried to co-opt the peaceful Egyptian revolution, saying it resulted from "decades of bad rule under a suffocating regime" and was inspired by Iran's 1979 uprising. In a speech Friday, President Mahmud Ahmadinejad' said "the Iranian nation is witnessing the echo of its voice in other parts of the Muslim world." Egyptians should continue until they "free" themselves," he said hours before Hosni Mubarak stepped down.
What's good for Egyptians is not so good for Iranians, though, as the Islamic republic sent its Basij militia and security forces into the streets and arrested two opposition leaders in advance of demonstrations in Tehran Monday. Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who challenged Ahmadinejad in disputed 2009 elections, were placed under house arrest. Thousands of people still showed up for the demonstrations, which riot security forces armed with batons tried to break up. Clips posted to YouTube showed glimpses of the scene. Foreign media, which helped show the magnitude of Egypt's protests and the violence by pro-Mubarak forces, have been blocked from providing live coverage of events in Tehran.
Security forces are trying to stop protestors from gathering or to physically disperse them, the Agence France Presse reports. They fired tear gas and paint ball pellets at crowds chanting "Death to the Dictator." Iran beat back the 2009 Green Movement through force and political crackdowns.
The U.S. State Department has started a Twitter feed in Farsi, sending messages about the Iranian government's hypocrisy on the respective demonstrations. "Iran has shown that the activities it praised Egyptians for it sees as illegal, illegitimate for its own people," said one tweet.
Security forces are trying to stop protestors from gathering or to physically disperse them, the Agence France Presse reports. They fired tear gas and paint ball pellets at crowds chanting "Death to the Dictator." Iran beat back the 2009 Green Movement through force and political crackdowns.
The U.S. State Department has started a Twitter feed in Farsi, sending messages about the Iranian government's hypocrisy on the respective demonstrations. "Iran has shown that the activities it praised Egyptians for it sees as illegal, illegitimate for its own people," said one tweet. (IPT)
- So now the pot is calling the kettle black. Funny how Ahmadinejad supports protests for "democracy" in Egypt, but does all he can to squealch freedom of speech in his own nation. What a hypocrite! Pray for strength, courage, and boldness to be with the precious people of Iran, who want nothing more than their own voices to be heard. May the wave of freedom, now birthed in Egypt, visit Iran, too, bringing a new day to a nation now held in bondage to mullahs and the mad dictator, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
- "To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy." (Psalm 59:16)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF MY FATHER ( Ehlohay Ahvee)
"I see that your father's attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me." (Genesis 31:5)
How grateful I am for the assurance of Your presence with me. I need not worry about the future, or others' opinions of me, for I know that You will be with me. Thank You, the God of my Father. Amen.
"Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes." (Psalm 44:5)
(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)
