In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 8a-1
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 8a-2
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 8a-3
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 8a
February 21 - 25, 2011
February 21 - 25, 2011
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
NEWS FROM ISRAEL
1. U.S. VETOES U.N. ANTI-SETTLEMENT RESOLUTION
2. ISRAEL ON HIGH ALERT FOR IRANIAN WARSHIPS' SUEZ TRANSIT
3. NETANYAHU LETS EGYPT BUILD UP ITS SINAI ARMY TO 4,000 TROOPS
4. ISRAELI EMBASSIES THREATENED, POSSIBLY BY HZBULLAH
5. GANTZ TAKES OVER AS IDF CHIEF OF STAFF
1. U.S. VETOES U.N. ANTI-SETTLEMENT RESOLUTION
The United States vetoed the Palestinian proposal to condemn settlement construction by Israel at the United Nations Security Council Friday. The other 14 Council members voted in favor of the draft resolution. But the US, as one of the five permanent council members with the power to block any action by the Security Council, voted against it and struck it down.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told council members that the veto "should not be misunderstood to mean we support settlement activity." She added that the US view is that Israeli settlements lack legitimacy. But she said the draft "risks hardening the position of both sides" and reiterated the US position that settlements and other contentious issues should be resolved in direct peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel's Foreign Ministry expressed its appreciation for the US veto, stressing that direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are the only way to resolve the conflict between the sides. (IsraelNationalNews) Read more.
- Praise God that, in the end, the United States did cast the "lone vote" to stand by the Israeli's right to build houses in their neighborhoods!! [They are not "settlers," but rather they are living on their own land.] If there is any hidden agenda at work here from within the Obama administration, cast it down under the Blood of the Lamb, and thank God that He is LORD of Israel.
- Call forth the BLESSSING due our nation in answer to this action today at the United Nations. It is written: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Gen. 12:3)
2. ISRAEL ON HIGH ALERT FOR IRANIAN WARSHIPS' SUEZ TRANSIT
Cairo's approval Friday, Feb. 18 for two Iranian warships to transit the Suez Canal on their way to the Mediterranean has brought Israel and Iran closer than ever before to a naval collision at sea. debkafile reports: Israel has learned that the Iranian cruiser Kharg is carrying long-range missiles for Hizballah which it plans to unload at a Syrian port or Beirut harbor.
Friday, Israeli government and military officials were urgently casting about for a way to prevent those missiles reaching the Lebanese terrorists. Heavy US and Israeli pressure failed to dissuade Egypt's military rulers from letting the Iranian flotilla through Suez. So now the waterway has been opened wide for Iran to consign heavy weapons deliveries to Syria and Lebanon - in the first instance, and eventually to try and break Israel's naval blockade on the Gaza Strip and bring Hamas the heavy munitions that were impossible to transport through smuggling tunnels.
On February 16, debkafile reported: Twenty-four hours after Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the Egyptian upheaval had no military connotations for Israel, Tehran applied for the Iranian frigate Alvand and cruiser Kharg to transit the Suez Canal on their way to Syria Wednesday night, Feb. 16. Their passage was termed "a provocation" by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. In Beirut, Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah said he was looking forward to Israel going to war on Lebanon because then his men would capture Galilee.
- The arrogance of Iran in such wickedness is startling! To create a crisis where there was none does not even occur to rational people, but the mullahs ruling Iran are trying to create chaos to bring in the 12th iman. Pray that Israel does not lose its cool mind, nor the rest of the world which understands how dangerous Iran's government is. Pray that these mullahs lose their control over Iran. Pray that America continues to stand with Israel.
- "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, When it cannot rest, Whose waters cast up mire and dirt, 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked." (Isaiah 57: 20,21)
3. NETANYAHU LETS EGYPT BUILD UP ITS SINAI ARMY TO 4,000 TROOPS
Egyptian troop buildup in Sinai. For how long?
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak waved through another 3,000 Egyptian troops into North Sinai, raising their number to 4,000 and virtually scrapping the key demilitarization clause of the 1979 peace treaty. No conditions were laid down and no timeline or operational limits set, debkafile's sources report. Israel asked the military rulers in Cairo - directly and through Washington - to deny Iranian warships passage through the Suez Canal - but was ignored. (DEBKAfile Special Report) Read more
- We have to trust that Prime Minister Netanyahu knows what he is doing. Pray, asking our Lord to grant His wisdom to the Prime Minister and all of his military advisors in the rapidly changing picture in the Middle East. Thank God that, in the end, it is Abba Himself who promises to be the defense of Israel.
- "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people." (Psalm 125:2)
4. ISRAELI EMBASSIES THREATENED, POSSIBLY BY HZBULLAH
Israel's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday [February 15] said that multiple Israeli missions abroad were assessed to be "under threat," according to a press statement posted on their Web site. "Unusual occurrences have been identified recently around a few Israeli missions abroad. Our assessment, at this point, is that these sites are under threat, and this is being taken care of. The relevant Israeli authorities are in touch with relevant authorities in the countries concerned." Jerusalem Online.com said that Israel temporarily closed the threatened embassies, while also noting that the Foreign Ministry had said needed precautions were being taken.
JerusalemOnline.com reported that the threats were "allegedly" from Hizbullah, although the Foreign Ministry statement did not specify a threat source. This past Saturday [February 12] marked the three-year anniversary of the car bomb that killed key Hizbullah operative Imad Mughniyeh, an anniversary that Israel is watching with concern. Hizbullah blames Israel for the assassination, although Israel has not claimed credit.
The travel warning, posted on the Israeli Prime Minister's Office Web site on February 11, noted the anniversaries of the terrorists' deaths and said, "Concomitantly, there is a growing threat of attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets abroad, especially in Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania and Venezuela."
The warning said that in light of the threat, the Counter-Terrorism Bureau "recommends not visiting places in which there is a high concentration of Israelis and listening to directives from local security elements."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, February 15, 2011) [Bridges for Peace]
- Pray shields of protection around all of Israel's embassies. Pray that any plots and schemes of the enemy will be revealed.
- "Your hand will find all Your enemies; Your right hand will find those who hate You. For they intended evil against You; they devised a plot which they are not able to perform. Therefore You will make them turn their back; You will make ready your arrows on Your string toward their faces." (Psalm 21:8, 11-12)
5. GANTZ TAKES OVER AS IDF CHIEF OF STAFF
The Israel Defense Forces' [IDF's] 20th Chief of Staff Benny Gantz on Monday [February 14] received the rank of lieutenant-general from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a special ceremony at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem.
The new chief of staff . . . thanked outgoing Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. He thanked the prime minister and defense minister for "their faith in me" and said it was his privilege to assume "this important mission of commanding the IDF. This is an exciting day for me. This is an exciting day for the IDF and the State of Israel."
The outgoing army chief concluded by wishing his replacement success: "Benny, I have no doubt that your unique calm and abilities will help you recruit the IDF's soldiers and firmly and safely navigate our vessel of security to a haven of rest. We all believe in you. Good luck."
Prime Minister Netanyahu wished Gantz success. He mentioned the recent developments in Muslim countries. "An earthquake is rocking the Arab and Muslim world, and we still don't know how things will end," the prime minister said. "Those who wish to destroy us are still here, and so are we. We are strong because the IDF is strong. There is no one who understands this context better than you, Benny."
Netanyahu noted that Gantz's mother weighed 28 kilos (62 pounds) when she was released from the Bergen-Belsen [holocaust] concentration camp. "I am convinced that she never dreamed that 66 years later, her son would be 20th chief of staff of the State of Israel's, the Jewish state. Perhaps she never dreamed of it, but this dream is being realized before our eyes today." (YnetNews) Read more.
- Pray that God will give Gantz wisdom and fully prepare him for whatever is ahead so that this transition in leadership will not cause Israel to be vulnerable.
- "I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 8a-2
NEWS FROM IRAN AND EGYPT
1. IRAN ERUPTS
2. IRAN STRENGTHENING ITS HAND AT SUEZ CANAL
3. IRAN: ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE ATTACK
4. AHMADINEJAD SAYS "THE FINAL MOVE HAS BEGUN"
5. EGYPT: MILITARY OPENS TAHRIR SQUARE FOR ISLAMIC RADICAL TO PREACH JIHAD
6. THE NEW EGYPT
7. EGYPT OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZES MODERATE ISLAMIC PARTY
1. IRAN ERUPTS
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated across Iran yesterday against the Islamist government that runs their country. These are the most significant street protests in Iran since the 2009 uprising, when citizens demanded basic rights like freedom of assembly and freedom of speech after the fraudulent re-election of "President" Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iranian police beat and fired tear gas at the protestors yesterday. Cell phone service has been shut down across the country, and the Internet has slowed significantly. The protestors were in the streets again today. At least two were killed by government thugs, and the Iranian "parliament" ended with a loud call for opposition leaders to be executed.
The major news networks and other Big Media outlets have been reporting the protests, but they have spent much less time on them than they did on the street protests in Egypt and Tunisia. And, other than a statement in support of the demonstrators by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Obama Administration has reacted with relative silence.
Years ago, Jeane Kirkpatrick, ambassador to the United Nations under President Reagan, wrote an essay called "Dictatorships and Double Standards." Kirkpatrick wrote that there was a tendency on the Left to be less critical of autocratic dictators who were also anti-American than of those with which the U.S. at least had a working relationship. A prime example is the Left's unwillingness to criticize Cuba's Castro regime. The Left's double standard on dictatorships explains why it was so vocal in its support for the ouster of Egypt's Hosni Mubarak, yet so quiet as protesters demonstrate against the far more dangerous Iranian regime. Speak up Mr. President. (Gary Bauer)
- Intercede for this president, asking the LORD to remove the scales from off of his eyes. When men see evil, as evil, then policy follows suit. Ask the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to intervene . . . for only Abba can do this work in a man's heart.
- "Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again." (Acts 9:18)
2. IRAN STRENGTHENING ITS HAND AT SUEZ CANAL
Iran is rapidly seizing the fall of the Mubarak regime in Cairo and the Saudi King Abdullah's falling-out with President Barack Obama as an opportunity not to be missed for establishing a foothold along the Suez Canal and access to the Mediterranean for six gains:
1. To cut off, even partially, the US military and naval Persian Gulf forces from their main route for supplies and reinforcements;
2. To establish an Iranian military-naval grip on the Suez Canal, through which 40 percent of the world's maritime freights pass every day:
3. To bring an Iranian military presence close enough to menace the Egyptian heartland of Cairo and the Nile Delta and squeeze it into joining the radical Iranian-Syrian-Iraqi-Turkish alliance;
4. To thread a contiguous Iranian military-naval line from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea through the Suez Canal and the Gaza Strip and up to the ports of Lebanon, where Hizballah has already seized power and toppled the pro-West government.
5. To eventually sever the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, annex it to the Gaza Strip and establish a large Hamas-ruled Palestinian state athwart the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. By comparison, a Fatah-led Palestinian state on the West Bank within the American orbit be politically and strategically inferior.
6. To tighten the naval and military siege on Israel. (see debkafile of Feb. 10, 2011)
- Pray that our American intelligence agencies are equally alert to the dangers posed by the Iranians and their goals for the Suez Canal. Pray that we have plans in place to deal with these dangers as well as our allies of western Europe. These diabolical plans to eliminate Israel are stunning and must not be allowed to reach any fruition. Ask the Lord for His intervention in this matter of the Suez Canal, which must be kept free for world commerce. No wonder that the Iranian people are rebelling against the wicked regime in control in their country. Pray for them.
- "Because you rage against Me and your tumult Have come up to My ears, Therefore, I will put My hook in your nose And My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back By the way you came." (Isaiah 37:29)
3. IRAN: ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE ATTACK
Security Threat: In an interview with Newsmax TV, Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said he is concerned about the threat of an electromagnetic pulse attack from nations like North Korea and Iran. He warned that America's enemies see this as an attractive form of attack because it provides an alternative to direct competition with a large military and increases leverage for further conflict. Rumsfeld's new memoir, "Known and Unknown," describes his unsuccessful efforts to persuade the White House and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to take a harder look at nuclear threats from Iran. (Incidentally, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a hearing last week that America's terror threat is the highest it's been since 9/11, with radicalized U.S. residents willing to implement attacks with "little or no warning.") [Intercessors for America] Read more.
- Pray for continued wisdom for U.S. leaders weighing ongoing threats from Iran and the need to intervene for those who are oppressed under Ahmadinejad's regime. Intercede for the spiritual battle being waged in the heavenly realm - that our leaders in places of influence and authority would be given wisdom and understanding, and would be shielded from spiritual attack, blindness, ignorance and apathy. Pray for freedom for the people of Iran, equal rights for women, and for the underground Church to be radiant with the light and hope of Christ their coming Savior.
- "But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come." (Daniel 10:13-14) "Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand." (Daniel 12:10)
4. AHMADINEJAD SAYS "THE FINAL MOVE HAS BEGUN"
Revolution in Egypt managed by the Twelfth Imam
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is telling the people of Iran that the Twelfth Imam is managing the the revolution now underway in Egypt and in various parts of the Islamic world, and that "the final move has begun" to destroy America, Israel and the influence of the Western powers in the epicenter. "We will soon see a new Middle East materializing without America and the Zionist regime and there will be no room for world arrogance (the West) in it," Ahmadinejad told a crowd chanting "Death to America, death to Israel and death to Mubarak" last Friday.
Agence France Presse reported that "in his fiery style, Ahmadinejad, showed his messianic beliefs on Friday, saying the world was witnessing a revolution managed by Imam Mahdi, the 12 Shiite imam who disappeared as a five-year-old in the 10th century and who Shiites believe would return on the judgement day." "The final move has begun," said Ahmadinejad. "We are in the middle of a world revolution managed by this dear (12th Imam). A great awakening is unfolding. One can witness the hand of Imam in managing it."
I am grateful to Agence France Presse and the Monitor for covering the story. Most of the rest of the mainstream media worldwide, however, have ignored Ahmadinejad's comments this week, even amidst provocative new moves by Iran to send two warships through the Suez Canal and close to the Israeli coastline and to aggressively fix the damage done by the Stuxnet computer virus and accelerate the enrichment of uranium. . . (Joel Rosenberg) Read more.
- The Twelfth Imam and Iranian eschatology are topics that deserve more attention than they are getting from the media or our government officials. Let us pray that our leaders wake up to the true gravity of the threat posed by Iran's apocalyptic regime before it is too late.
- Pray in agreement with Joel's prayer request. It is written: "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."(Jer. 32:17)
5. EGYPT: MILITARY OPENS TAHRIR SQUARE FOR ISLAMIC RADICAL TO PREACH JIHAD lSLAMANIC IDEAS
In their first week in power, Egypt's new military rulers took two steps that had nothing to do with democratic reform. They allowed Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the radical Sunni preacher exiled by Hosni Mubarak, to return home and lead a victory assembly in Tahrir Square Friday night, Feb. 17 with a call to march on and pray in security at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. From Qatar, al-Qaradawi repeatedly justified suicide bombings against Israelis. The second was permission for two Iranian war ships to transit the Suez Canal. (Debka) Read more.
- Continue to put a hedge around the forces of radical Islam that would now seek to take control of this precious nation. Bind the spirits that have been unleahshed by this man's words in Tahrir Square; loose peace, joy, love, and the fruit of the spirit in its place.
- "Father, forgive him, for he knows not what he does."(Luke 23:34) "This far and no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped!" (Job 38:10)
6. THE NEW EGYPT
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square again today (Friday). They were there to listen to Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a prominent Moslem "scholar" who was banned from Egypt under Mubarak. Al-Qaradawi is a fanatic and a hater. His entry into the new Egypt and his selection to lead Friday prayers in the square are an ominous sign of where the Egyptian revolution may lead.
Al-Qaradawi has a television show called "Sharia and Life [death]" with an estimated audience of 40 million. He routinely attacks Christians, Jews, the U.S., Israel and Muslims who he deems are insufficiently committed to Jihad. Hitler is one of his favorite historical figures. He has repeatedly said that as he grows older his dream is to conduct jihad in a wheelchair and kill Allah's enemies - the Jews.
I am just guessing, but I doubt if U.S. television networks had their cameras in Tahrir Square today as Al-Qaradawi received a hero's reception from the cheering Islamaniacs and spouted his message of jihad and hatred. Nor do I expect the Obama White House to utter a word of condemnation of the Hitler fan. (Gary Bauer)
- Again we pray that the silence from the White House regarding the danger of these Moslem extremists/jihadists be lifted; and that the media, too, would begin reporting the TRUTH about what is happening now in the Middle East.
- It is written: "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."(Jer. 32:17)
7. EGYPT OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZES MODERATE ISLAMIC PARTY
A moderate Islamic party outlawed for 15 years was granted official recognition Saturday by an Egyptian court in a sign of increasing political openness after the fall of autocratic President Hosni Mubarak. Al-Wasat Al-Jadid, or the New Center, was founded in 1996 by activists who split off from the conservative Muslim Brotherhood and sought to create a political movement promoting a tolerant version of Islam with liberal tendencies. Its attempts to register as an official party were rejected four times since then, most recently in 2009. The founder of the newly recognized party, Abu al-Ila Madi, said Saturday's ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court was "a positive fruit of the Jan. 25 revolution of the freedom generation." Madi said his party would immediately get to work organizing its membership and opening branches to freely participate in Egypt's political life.
Egypt's largest and most popular opposition movement, the Moslem Brotherhood, was also outlawed under Mubarak but ran candidates in parliamentary elections as independents. There is some concern in Washington and other world capitals that the Brotherhood, which calls for the formation of an Islamic state in Egypt, could now dramatically increase its influence in Egyptian politics. Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie sought in a statement Saturday to calm fears about his movement's intentions in post-Mubarak Egypt, saying the Brotherhood is part of Egyptian society but does not seek to control it. He repeated that the group would not put up a candidate for the presidential election later this year.
Seeking to prove Al-Wasat Al-Jadid has a more moderate position, Madi said two Coptic Christians and three women were among the party's 24 top members. "We will cooperate with all political powers, secular or democratic, to develop the democratic process," Madi said. (AP)
- These announcements seem to call for praises to our God. However, knowing the Islamic principle for lying to infidels, perhaps we should receive this seemingly wonderful news with some skepticism. Maybe the Muslim Brotherhood will lie low for several months, meanwhile working clandestinely to gain power and influence. Pray that the Egyptians will be alert to any gains in power of this wicked organization and that Egyptian youth will not fall prey to any of the MB's clalms. Pray for the moderate Moslems in Egypt so that the people really can enjoy freedom and democracy. Ask the Lord to embolden the Christians and to protect them to spread the Gospel.
- "And the Lord will strike Egypt. He will strike and heal it: they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them to heal [save] them." (Isaiah 19: 22)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 8a-3
MORE INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. CHINA TRIES TO STAMP OUT "JASMINE REVOLUTION"
2. GADDAFI TO ARAB REFUGEES:"MARCH ON ISRAEL"
3. LIBYA, YEMEN CRACK DOWN; BAHRAIN PULLS BACK TANKS
4. PROTESTS CONTINUE IN BAHRAIN; IRAN
1. CHINA TRIES TO STAMP OUT "JASMINE REVOLUTION"
Jittery Chinese authorities staged a show of force Sunday to squelch a mysterious online call for a "Jasmine Revolution" apparently modeled after pro-democracy demonstrations sweeping the Middle East. Authorities detained activists, increased the number of police on the streets and censored online calls to stage protests in Beijing, Shanghai and 11 other major cities. Citizens were urged to shout "We want food, we want work, we want housing, we want fairness" - a slogan that highlights common complaints among ordinary Chinese. China's authoritarian government has appeared unnerved by recent protests in Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria and Libya. It has limited media reports about them, stressing the instability caused by protests in Egypt, and restricted Internet searches to keep people uninformed.
The call for a Jasmine Revolution came as President Hu Jintao gave a speech to top leaders Saturday, asking them to "solve prominent problems which might harm the harmony and stability of the society." Hu told the senior politicians and officials to provide better social services to people and improve management of information on the Internet "to guide public opinion," the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
- As the wave of unrest that was unleashed in Egypt begins to move into other nations, pray for wisdom for all authorities, and for justice for those who are protesting. Pray that the hearts of all demonstrators be turned towards Messiah, for only He can bring the true "food" that sustains life. Pray!
- Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
2. GADDAFI TO ARAB REFUGEES:"MARCH ON ISRAEL"
Libyan dictator Muammer Gaddafi has called for a mass Arab march on Israel, in an attempt to force Israel into accepting Arab demands. He directed his call to Palestinian Authority Arabs and to the millions of Arabs who define themselves as "Palestinian refugees" that seek to "return" to Israel.
"Fleets of boats should take Palestinians . . . and wait by the Palestinian shores until the problem is resolved," Gaddafi said on Libyan television. Now is the time for PA Arabs to capitalize on the wave of Middle East revolts, he added. The purpose of the mass march would not be to declare war, but rather "to create a problem for the world," Gaddafi explained.
Hundreds of thousands of Arabs fled Israel during the War of Independence. Many Arab leaders demand that Israel accept those who fled and their millions of descendants as citizens. In some countries, among them Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, the descendants of Arabs who fled Israel have not been granted citizenship, and live in their own separate neighborhoods and cities. (Israelnationalnews.com) Read more.
- Just after Qaddafi issued this call to march on Israel, his own nation began to blow up in his face. To date, tens of thousands have now marched in the streets all over the nation, and up to 230 protestors have lost their lives since then. It never pays to come against Israel . . . never.
- " . . . whoever curses you I will curse . . ." (Gen. 12:3)
3. LIBYA, YEMEN CRACK DOWN; BAHRAIN PULLS BACK TANKS
Security forces in Libya and Yemen fired on pro-democracy demonstrators Saturday as the two hard-line regimes struck back against the wave of protests that has already toppled autocrats in Egypt and Tunisia. At least 15 died when police shot into crowds of mourners in Libya's second-largest city, a hospital official said. Even as Bahrain's king bowed to international pressure and withdrew tanks to allow demonstrators to retake a symbolic square in the capital, Libya's Moammar Gadhafi and Yemen's Ali Abdullah Saleh made clear they plan to stamp out opposition and not be dragged down by the reform movements that have grown in nations from Algeria to Djibouti to Jordan.
Libyans returned to the street for a fifth straight day of protests against Gadhafi, the most serious uprising in his 42-year reign, despite estimates by human rights groups of 84 deaths in the North African country - with 35 on Friday alone.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the uprising that toppled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, President Obama on Tuesday sharply criticized Iran for using force against protesters and said that governments in the region "can't maintain power through coercion" and must recognize their populations' "hunger for freedoms." "The world is changing," Obama said at White House news conference, in a message directed at autocratic rulers across the region. (Washington Post) Read more
- Father, as "change" is demanded across the Middle East, we ask that You protect the "hunger for freedom" from those who would destroy it. We pray for an Awakening of the One True God all across the region!
"Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter." (Psalm 118: 19-20)
4. PROTESTS CONTINUE IN BAHRAIN; IRAN
Tanks rolled into Pearl Square, Manama, early Thursday, Feb. 17, personally commanded by King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in full military regalia, hours after his police firing live ammunition and tear gas failed to break up the tent city set up by protesters against his rule. At least four protesters were killed and dozens injured.
The Bahraini ruler's most acute problem is that while the Arabic and world media lump the protest movement in his kingdom with the pro-democracy uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, it is not the same in that it does not just represent genuine people power fighting an autocratic regime for reforms, but is fomented from Tehran.
Iran's objective is to overthrow the Al-Khalifa regime and replace it with the first pro-Iranian government in the Arabian Gulf region. A Shiite regime in Manama will stir the Shiite minorities to revolt in other oil-rich Gulf states - and especially in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where they make up around one-fifth of the population.
In Tehran itself, meanwhile, debkafile's Iranian sources report that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad early Thursday conferred with Revolutionary Guards and Basij leaders on ways to further crack down on opposition protests after two days of harsh measures. Since Monday, 1,400 protesters have been arrested and their whereabouts are unknown. At least two died of bullet wounds. (DEBKAfile)
- Bahrain, a small island country lying just below Kuwait and just above Saudi Arabia, has been a peaceful nation. The British have a large colony there and the USA has a huge naval base located on the island. Therefore, when the native population becomes restless, someone is stirring things up! Tehran is the likely culprit. Pray that Sheikh Hamad is able to bring order and peace back to his island country without bloodshed. Ask the Lord to protect our naval base, whose job it is to keep peace in this area, especially in the Straits of Hormuz, where oil tankers transit to the world. People of various religions live together peacefully, although the Gospel has not been spread as it should have been.
- "But glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good." (Romans 2:10)
5. BREAKING! QADDAFI: "WE WILL FIGHT TO THE END"
Warns of Civil War AS Thousands Clash in Tripoli
Libyan leader's son warns protesters the government will fight until 'the last bullet' and proclaims the army is backing his father as thousands of anti-government demonstrators clash with Moammar Qaddafi supporters. A human rights watch group says more than 230 people have been killed since protests began, according to Reuters. Qaddafi's son denies hundreds have been killed.
The son of Libya's leader Moammar Qaddafi is blaming external forces for violence as thousands of protestors clash with Qaddafi supporters in central Tripoli Sunday.
Seif Al-Islam Qaddafi admits on Libya's state television that the country's army and police did make mistakes dealing with protesters and that the country is running the risk of plunging into civil war. He claimed that there is a plot to break Libya into small Islamic states.
- Another nation, this one bordering Egypt, is again in turmoil and seemingly out of control. Ask for protection for all the people of Libya, and call forth the redemptive purposes that God has planned for all the nations of the Middle East tonight that are also in chaos. Praise God; He is in control!
- "This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain." (Hebrews 12:27)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 8b
FOCUS ON CONGRESS
NOTE: CONGRESS IS IN RECESS THIS WEEK
1. HOUSE PASSES FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
2. SENATE NEGOTIATIONS ON DEFICIT REDUCTION DRAWS EARLY FIRE
3. HOUSE VOTES TO DEFUND "OBAMACARE"
4. HOUSE DEFUNDS PLANNED PARENTHOOD
5. SUMMARY: PRO-LIFE POLICIES IN H.R. 1
6. HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES "PROTECT LIFE ACT"
7. PROSPECTS FOR INTERNATIONAL PARENTING LAW
8. REP. FORBES INTRODUCES MEASURE TO BLOCK CLOSURE OF JFCOM
9. INCLUDED IN H.R. 1: AMENDMENT TO OVERTHROW NINE "CZARS"
10. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION WEAKENS CONSCIENCE PROTECTION POLICY
11. HOUSE PASSES AMENDMENT TO BLOCK FUNDS FOR NET NEUTRALITY ORDER
1. HOUSE PASSES FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
"Whatever side you're on in this week's great House spending debate, it's hard to argue about one thing: It's been great. Great political theater. A great civics lesson. A great range of federal agencies being challenged in public, from the NEA to the IRS. A great percentage of roll calls that are NOT falling on party lines, as GOP moderates bond with Democrats to ward off some of the deepest possible cuts. A great display of the legislative process at its most robust and its most nuanced. (There have even been some great uses of points of order!) Veteran lawmakers and freshmen alike showing great stamina - three nights in a row after midnight - and great preparation" (CQ Roll Call, 2/18).
Speaker Boehner also got rave reviews of last week: "It may have looked like chaos at times, but House Speaker John Boehner got what he wanted from a five-day debate on a bill that would cut $61 billion from this year's budget and set up a showdown with President Barack Obama and Majority Leader Harry Reid in the two weeks before the government runs out of money March 4. The new speaker turned loose his legion of tea-party freshmen for an epic spending fight and gave Republicans free rein to go after all aspects of government operations. The new GOP majority responded by targeting dozens of federal programs for cuts, including Planned Parenthood, the new health care law, and even an engine for the military's Joint Strike Fighter that benefits Boehner's home region in Ohio. Democrats joined in the action, too, with members of both parties combining to write 583 amendments" (Politico, 2/19).
- Praise the Lord for a "House back to its more freewheeling roots." May this be the beginning of a the People's House being more truly open and members interacting more with one another. We praise the Lord for the policy victories and the relational improvements in the process on Capitol Hill.
- "The LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king." (Ezra 6:22)
2. SENATE NEGOTIATIONS ON DEFICIT REDUCTION COMMISSION
DRAWS EARLY FIRE
A brief essential piece of background for this item: the federal budget generally comes in two parts: (1) mandatory/entitlement spending (Social Security, Medicare, etc.) and (2) discretionary spending (defense, federal departments and agencies) as handled in the appropriations bills or omnibus bills as we saw last week. The majority of federal spending is on paying entitlement benefits through Social Security and Medicare--things never voted on in each Congress.
Frequently observed during last week's debate in the House on discretionary spending for fiscal year 2011 was a lack of substantive addressing of our core fiscal challenges in the President's budget for fiscal year 2012. Since the House was only dealing with discretionary spending last week, it is likely any attempt to modify entitlement spending would have been subjected to a point of order. Given the vacuum of leadership on submitting long-term viable fixes to our fiscal problems, the Senate, led by a bipartisan group of six senators, is negotiating on soon-to-be-released legislation based on recommendations from the bipartisan Fiscal Commission that sets the stage for significant changes.
One proposal, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, "would establish caps on discretionary and entitlement spending" with "automatic, across-the-board spending cuts if they fail" and on the spending side, Congress "would have two years to raise revenue by simplifying the tax code, killing deductions and credits and lowering overall rates" or "provisions would kick in automatically to trim tax deductions." Reaction before the proposal is even introduced has not been quiet in public, nor in private negotiations at the White House with Obama himself.
At the end of the day, proposals will be submitted that will not make everyone happy. Indeed, no one may be happy with the end result, though if it starts us moving in the right direction, they may be a good thing, just what need, and a very merciful gift from God. Also at the end of the day, Americans alive today are going to be left with the bill for problems they did not create. These programs from decades past were built on assumptions of population growth that have not become reality. (Tim McGhee/CHPP)
- Pray for members of Congress to lead to actually solve the problem, and not just fulfill electoral or ideological agendas. With God's help, these problems can be solved, and doing so will be nothing short of a miracle--a miracle God can easily work. May God give soft hearts to generations handed situations not as well off than generations before them enjoyed.
- "I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel." (Isaiah 45:3)
3. HOUSE VOTES TO DEFUND "OBAMACARE" IN BURST OF ACTIVITY
ON SPENDING BILL
The House voted to defund Obama's health care overhaul on Friday during a sustained burst of floor activity on a temporary spending bill. The House passed the health care measure, 239-187, as an amendment to a bill that would keep the government lights on through the end of the fiscal year but also impose deep cuts on domestic programs. (Fox News)
- Father, we thank you for this Congress and we pray that you would continue to give them favor in turning the country back to fiscal responsibility and morality. Keep them true to their promises to the American people; that you would give them perseverance and endurance to fight the battles that are ahead.
- "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."(Proverbs 29:2) "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."(2 Thessalonians 3:5)
4. HOUSE DEFUNDS PLANNED PARENTHOOD
The House has approved a proposal to block federal aid for Planned Parenthood. The 240-185 vote on Friday is a victory for pro-life forces led by Indiana Rep. Mike Pence. He says taxpayer money should not go to groups that provide or promote abortion. (AP)
- We seem to be have ended this past week on Capitol Hill with a great chorus of PRAISE for several measures we have been praying over. This victory is especially key, as our taxpayer money should not go to groups that provide or promote abortion, just as Congressman Pence has stated.
Pray that the momentum towards the passage of pro-life measures in the House would continue in the Senate. PRAY!
- "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalm 150:6)
5. PRO-LIFE POLICIES PASSED LAST WEEK IN H.R. 1
Last night the House passed the Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1). As passed it continues pro-life policies included in the FY10 Appropriations Acts and makes the following changes:
Abortion Funding in the District of Columbia: H.R. 1 restores the Dornan amendment to ensure that no Congressionally appropriated funds (whether locally or federally generated) may pay for abortion in the District of Columbia.
Mexico City Policy and UNFPA: H.R. 1 restores the Mexico City Policy, which prohibits funding for foreign nongovernmental organizations that promote or perform elective abortion. H.R. 1 also eliminates funding for UNFPA, which supports, and participates in the management of China's one child policy.
Title X Funding: Funding for Title X, a domestic family planning program, is eliminated.
International Population Control and Family Planning Funding: Funding for international family planning/reproductive health is reduced from $648 million in FY10 to $440 million.
- Praise the Lord for continuing to retain and improve pro-life policy in the United States Code and in our appropriations of tax dollars. Pray that these provisions would be retained in negotiations with the Senate and that the President would sign them into law.
The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)
6. HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES "PROTECT LIFE ACT"
The Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 358, the "Protect Life Act" today by a vote of 33-19. Democrats Mike Ross (AR) and Jim Matheson (UT) and all Republicans on the Committee voted for passage of the bill. Several hostile amendments were offered, and Democrat Mike Ross (AR) joined all Republicans on the Committee to defeat each hostile amendment.
H.R. 358, introduced by Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts (R-PA) and Representative Dan Lipinski (D-IL), would prohibit funding for abortion and abortion coverage under P.L. 111-148, the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (PPACA). The legislation also protects conscience rights for health care providers by specifying that Federal agencies and State or local governments funded by PPACA may not discriminate against health care entities that refuse to be involved in abortion.
It's next stop would be the floor of the House for amendment and final passage.
- Praise the Lord for Chairman Pitts, his leadership, and for each member in committee who voted for this bill. Praise the Lord amendments that would have undermined this legislation were defeated. Praise the Lord for a pro-life majority and pro-life leadership in the House. Pray for passage in the full House next.
Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life (Acts 5:20).
7. PROSPECTS FOR INTERNATIONAL PARENTING LAW AT THE U.N.
We have received word that more important legislation is planned for reintroduction in this Congress such as S.Res. 519. That resolution expresses "the sense of the Senate that the primary safeguard for the well-being and protection of children is the family, and that the primary safeguards for the legal rights of children in the United States are the Constitutions of the United States and the several States, and that, because the use of international treaties to govern policy in the United States on families and children is contrary to principles of self-government and federalism, and that, because the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child undermines traditional principles of law in the United States regarding parents and children, the President should not transmit the Convention to the Senate for its advice and consent."
- Pray for this resolution to be reintroduced soon. Pray that the President indeed would "not transmit the UN Convention on the rights of the Child to the Senate for its advice and consent." Pray for the parents and children in our land.
- "Instruct a child in the way he should go." (Proverbs 22:6)
8. CONGRESSMAN FORBES INTRODUCES MEASURE TO BLOCK CLOSURE OF JFCOM
Friday evening, about 10 hours before final passage, an amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used to take any action to effect or implement the disestablishment, closure, or realignment of the United States Joint Forces Command. The amendment was passed by voice vote.
Rep. Forbes office explained this was to allow Congress the time to study how restructuring JFCOM could impact national security and the ability of the Armed Forces to work jointly. Forbes' amendment does not prevent the closure of JFCOM but delays it until Congress can hold hearings on the future of jointness under the realigned command structure.
- Pray for openness and not secrecy in the Pentagon. Pray that defense dollars would be spent based on defense strategy rather than budget pressures.
- "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the Lord.." (Psalm 118:19)
9. INCLUDED IN H.R. 1: AMENDMENT TO OVERTHROW NINE "CZARS"
The House successfully added an amendment to the continuing resolution that would leave Obama's senior advisers on policy issues including health care, energy and others out of a job. The vote was 249-179.
Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) offered the amendment that blocks funding for various policy advisers to combat what he called "a very disturbing proliferation of czars" under Obama. "These unappointed, unaccountable people who are literally running a shadow government, heading up these little fiefdoms that nobody can really seem to identify where they are or what they're doing," Scalise said Thursday. "But we do know that they're wielding vast amounts of power."
The jobs on the chopping block: White House-appointed advisers on health care, energy and climate, green jobs, urban affairs, the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center, oversight of TARP executive compensation, diversity at the Federal Communications Commission and the auto industry manufacturing policy (Conservative Action Alerts).
- Praise the Lord for successfully keeping our governing structures sound, and for stopping the proliferation of governing alternatives. Pray for political courage for members of both the legislative and executive branches to deal directly with difficult problems.
- "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities." (Romans 13:1)
10. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION WEAKENS CONSCIENCE PROTECTION POLICY
Obama has overturned conscience protections the Bush administration put in place to protect pro-life medical workers who don't want to be involved in certain medical procedures. In 2008, the Bush administration issued a rule that prohibited recipients of federal money from discriminating against doctors, nurses and health care aides who refuse to take part in medical procedures to which they have religious or moral objections. The rule implemented existing conscience protection laws that ensure medical professionals cannot be denied employment because they do not want to assist in abortions.
At the end of February 2009, the Obama administration announced it began "reviewing" the regulations implementing conscience laws, the first step toward rescinding the rule.
The administration rescinded part of the protections with the Health and Human Services Department scrapping a portion of the rule, which it called "unclear and potentially overbroad in scope." Obama officials put a new rule in place that leaves in place protections on abortion but offers no protection for medical workers who have moral or religious objections to dispensing or giving to women the Plan B drug or other emergency contraception that could act in some cases as an abortion drug (LifeNews.com).
In it's broadest form, efforts to undermine religious freedom in America and the exercise of the rights of conscience could affect any licensed profession. As we can clealy see here, some of the more immediately consequential results of rights of conscience are in the health care field, and the clearest example of this is as it relates to abortion. H.R. 361, the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act has already been reintroduced in this Congress to protect rights of conscience as it relates to abortion. Rep. Fortenberry plans to reintroduce H.R. 6570, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, as it relates to conscience protection more broadly in the health care field.
- Praise the Lord the conscience protections related to abortion remained. Pray for broader conscience protections related to life, in the medical and other professional fields in general. Pray for passage of legislation that would ensure these freedoms are protected. Pray for more people to follow in the steps of the Great Physician, and for a medical field that welcomes their ideals. Praise the Lord for our friends from the Christian Medical Association and their work on the Hill.
- Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:4) Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. (Colossians 4:14)
11. HOUSE PASSES AMENDMENT TO BLOCK FUNDS FOR NET NEUTRALITY ORDER
The House passed an amendment Thursday that would bar the Federal Communications Commission from using any funding to implement the network-neutrality order it approved in December. President Obama, who supports the FCC's net neutrality order, has threatened to veto the spending measure if it cuts government programs too deeply. (National Journal)
- O, Father, how we thank you for this initiative on the part of our newly elected Congress. We ask Lord, that our President listen to the advice of Godly men and women, and that this bill would not be vetoed. If vetoed, we ask that you open the eyes of understanding to those opposing it. Reveal to them the benefits of the bill and to the desires of their constituents. Father, we ask that our Congress would not vote on bills based on party lines, but on the benefit of the bill to the nation. Where ideologies are not in line with yours, Lord, we ask that you give Your perspective, understanding and insight to our Members of Congress. We ask that you draw each one of them to you.
- Rehoboam, "Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men - So the king did not listen to the people." (1 Kings 12:13,15)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 8b-2
FOCUS ON THE WHITE HOUSE
1. IT'S CERTAIN: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IS COMING IN JUST TWO WEEKS
2. FCC: PRESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY ALERTS TO BE TESTED
3. THE PRESIDENT CAN "KILL" YOUR INTERNET
4. THE CYBERSECURITY FREEDOM ACT OF 2011: KILLING THE "KILL SWITCH"
5. PUBLIC WORKER PROTESTS SPREAD FROM WISCONSIN TO OHIO
6. SUPREME COURT TO GIVE ELIGIBILITY CASE ANOTHER LOOK
7. OBAMA'S EGYPTIAN VICTORY
8. MUSLIM CLERIC PLANS WHITE HOUSE PROTEST
1. IT'S CERTAIN: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IS COMING IN JUST TWO WEEKS
Barring some sort of deus ex machina, it seems certain that a government shutdown is coming in just two weeks (March 4, when the existing temporary funding bill runs out). After the GOP-led house passed its bill in the early hours of Saturday morning, the spending debate moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate, which will pass a totally different bill that the House would never approve. But, as the Washington Post notes, the Senate is on break all next week, which means there will be just four working days to hammer out an agreement. That is really unlikely, since Speaker Boehner has said his side won't even agree to very short-term stopgap measures, as has sometimes been done in the past. Yes, this is happening. (Business Insider) Read more
- There have been several times in past decades that the government has also been shut down for short periods of time. The "threat" of the same thing happening this time however, seems to be more severe.
When a wrench is thrown into the gears of a machine, it stops working. In this case, Satan is using men to throw a huge wrench into the gears of our government so that it, too, would stop working. Using the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, declare and decree that all wicked behind-the-scenes maneuvers designed to cripple our government would be destroyed, and ask our Lord to send forth His angel to yank that wrench out of that machine so that the gears of our federal government would once more function. Ask, too, for the oil of the Holy Spirit to flow through this system to preserve it in days ahead. Ask . . .and receive . . . amen.
- "In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them." (Isaiah 63:9a)
2. FCC: PRESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY ALERTS TO BE TESTED
Alerts are slated to begin deployment in April 2012
Everybody has heard the national Emergency Alert System (EAS). Those familiar "duck calls" that reassure listeners "THIS is a test . . . this is ONLY a test. . . " The FCC is planning an upgrade to the tests by including presidential announcements in the system.
Lisa Fowlkes, deputy chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau of the FCC, explained to the Federal Drive the Presidential Alert isn't new. "The primary goal is to provide the President with a mechanism to communicate with the American public during times of national emergency," said Fowlkes. . . "There's never been a test from top to bottom where it's issued by FEMA and it goes straight down to all the different levels of EAS to the American public. So this is a way for us to glean, okay, if there were an actual emergency and the federal government needed to activate the Presidential EAS, making sure that it actually works the way it's designed to."
At the same time, said Fowlkes, the FCC is looking at how wireless broadband could also enhance the EAS as part of a recommendation that was in the FCC's National Broadband Plan from last year. The idea is to leverage broadband and the Internet for emergency alerting with the "Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) being developed by FEMA and the wireless industry."
CMAS would allow three kinds of text messaging or wireless alert to be sent, said Fowlkes:
• Presidential Alerts - "Which would be the same as what the president might issue or FEMA might issue through the EAS system,
• Imminent Threat Alerts - Which Fowlkes said would warn when "there's a hurricane coming or a tornado coming," and then the
• Child Abduction Emergency/AMBER Alerts - Alerts related to missing or endangered children due to an abduction or runaway situation. (Federal News Radio) Read more.
- "Big Brother is watching you."
We understand that the intent of this initiative is for the safety of the public, but reports are that, if impemented, the president will be able to come on the air -- or the internet -- anytime of the day or the night with an emergency announcement. Pray for the FCC Commissioners and all officials who are working on this project . . . that they be granted "wisdom from above" as they activate this program. Pray!
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
3. THE PRESIDENT CAN "KILL" YOUR INTERNET
Obama has the authority to to shut down the Internet in a "National Emergency," because the Federal Communications Commission gave it to him when they passed the "Net Neutrality Act" in late December of last year.
We know other governments have the power as well. Australia was the first to test-drive an Internet "kill-switch" on September 2, 2009 when they shut down the Internet for one hour to see if they could.
Then, just after unrest exploded in Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak used their "kill-switch." We saw the results live on television.
It is chilling to think that governments have the ability to silence the voice of their citizens by simply shutting off access to the Information Super Highway. It's even more chilling to know that it could happen here in America. With a "kill-switch," government can "pull the plug" if it feels that government is being threatened by terrorists, or any national emergency that will disrupt the nation. Now, that power is in Obama's hands. (Tony Adkins, Conservative Action Alerts)
4. THE CYBERSECURITY FREEDOM ACT OF 2011: KILLING THE "KILL SWITCH"
Sens. Joe Lieberman, Tom Carper and Susan Collins introduced a cybersecurity reform bill that explicitly prohibits the president from shutting down the Internet. The Cybersecurity Freedom Act of 2011, introduced late Thursday, is nearly identical to the legislation introduced last year by the trio, except for two changes. First, it adds language explicitly stating the president can't shut down the Internet. Second, it includes language permitting the owners of assets deemed critical infrastructure by the federal government - and therefore subject to additional Department of Homeland Security regulations - to appeal that decision in a federal court.
- Offer praise to the LORD that this bill has been introduced in the Senate, and intercede for its swift passage in both houses of Congress. The new "kill switch" became effective today (February 21), but Congress can overrule this dangerous provision. Call your own two senators and one representative this week and ask that they support the Cybersecurity Freedom Act. The need is urgent.
- "This far and no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped." (Job 38:10)
5. PUBLIC WORKER PROTESTS SPREAD FROM WISCONSIN TO OHIO
Obama's political operation is directly involved
In what union leaders say is becoming a national fight, protests against legislation to restrict public employees' collective-bargaining rights spread from Wisconsin to Ohio. The White House's political operation, Organizing for America, helped to build crowds using social media, the Washington Post reported today, citing an unidentified Democratic Party official. (Bloomberg)
- Father, we ask that those in the White House be forbidden from using their positions of influence to promote personal/partisan agendas. We ask that any and all collusions with unions would be exposed; that all citizens would be willing to make sacrifices where necessary for the benefit of their States and nation.
- "Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain." (Psalm 119:36) "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)
6. SUPREME COURT TO GIVE ELIGIBILITY CASE ANOTHER LOOK
Challenge to Obama getting 2nd conference before court
In a stunning move, the U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled another "conference" on a legal challenge to Barack Obama's eligibility to occupy the Oval Office, but officials there are not answering questions about whether two justices given their jobs by Obama will participate.
The court has confirmed that it has distributed a petition for rehearing in the case brought by attorney John Hemenway on behalf of retired Col. Gregory Hollister and it will be the subject of a conference on March 4. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.
- Please go to the link and read this article in its entirety. The legal system in our nation is a complex set of checks-and-balances, but our Judge Advocate knows it all. Ask the God of the Breakthrough to breakthrough the logjams that are keeping this case from being heard, and then ask that the Supreme Court justices be granted a spirit of wisdom in doing so.
- "Is not My word like fire," saith the Lord, "and as a hammer that shatters a rock into pieces?" (Jer. 2w3:29) [To break the stonewall around this case.]
7. OBAMA'S EGYPTIAN VICTORY
The left leaning media is celebrating Obama's "stunning" diplomacy in handling the crisis in Egypt and congratulating him for establishing democracy there. Hello! The Egyptian constitution has been suspended, Parliament has been dissolved and a military council is in charge of the country. On top of that, the largest organized group in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood, has declared it will accept nothing short of sharia law. As for Obama, one day he called for democracy, the next day said Mubarak was a friend of America, and the day following that said the people should rule. In other words he flipped and flopped for several days until events played out. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- The "fourth estate" -- the media -- is the unofficial branch of our government. Sadly, the minds of many of today's journalists have been "brainwashed" to view the world through the lenses of an almost Marxist perspective. Pray for a miracle for the members of the press -- that they will "wake up", see the truth, and begin to REPORT THE TRUTH to the people. As they gain understanding, may they also be granted the COURAGE to do this. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
- "Only be strong and very courageous." (Joshua 1:7)
8. MOSLEM CLERIC PLANS WHITE HOUSE PROTEST
Call to arms: Moslem extremist Anjem Choudary will call for Sharia law to be established across the U.S.
A Moslem cleric who called Americans "the biggest criminals" during a recent interview has announced he will hold a protest outside the White House, according to the Daily Mail.
Anjem Choudary, who once said "the flag of Islam will fly over the White House," says he will lead a demonstration rallying Moslems to establish cultic Sharia law across the United States.Choudary, 43, called Americans "the biggest criminals in the world today" during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity this month.
Choudary, who is the former leader of the outlawed British-based group Islam4UK, says the March rally at the White House is being organized by the extremist group Islamic Thinkers Society, which is based in New York.
"The event is a rally, a call for the Sharia, a call for the Muslims to rise up and establish the Islamic state in America," Choudary told London's Daily Mail in an interview. (Fox News)
[The following report is from Newsmax]
Extremist Cleric: Time for Islamic State in America
An extremist Moslem cleric is planning a March rally at the White House in hopes of sparking a revolution that would turn the United States into an Islamic state. According to the Daily Mail newspaper, Anjem Choudary told a reporter that "The event is a rally, a call for the Sharia, a call for the Moslems to rise up and establish the cultic Islamic state in America."
The cultic Sharia is Islamic law, and Choudary says he expects the March 3 rally to draw thousands of supporters. The event will be sponsored by the New York-based extremist group Islamic Thinkers.
Choudary is a British cleric who said insisted that one day "the flag of Islam will fly over the White House" and that Americans "are the biggest criminals in the world today." - (From Mary Murphy)
It is time for Christians to be as determined to protect and promote our faith as Islam is to promote their ideology. They will not give up-the question is-WILL WE?
Part of our problem is that so few in the United States are truly informed of the dangers of militant Islam and their goal to bring Shariah law to our America.
• PRAY FOR A GREAT AWAKENING IN OUR COUNTRY-SPIRITUALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY.
• PRAY THAT ISLAM IS STOPPED FROM PROGRESSING IN OUR NATION.
• PRAY THAT CHRISTIANS BECOME INFORMED CITIZENS TO THE TRUTH.
• PRAY AGAINST THIS RALLY AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
- "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered, And let those who hate Him flee before Him." (Psalm 68:1)
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
You are cordially invited to join us at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 1, at a site near Capitol Hill for a special briefing on news out of Israel and the Middle East.
For details, please visit our website at: http://chpponline.blogspot.com/
WELCOME!!!!!
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
HOPE OF ISRAEL (Meekvay Yisrael)
"O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame." (Jeremiah 17:13)
You are my Hope, O God my Father. My sorrows may endure for the evening, but joy comes in the morning. You are my Hope, when all else fails, there is You. Help me to never give up on Your wonderful Name!
(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)
