• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• DOMA Ruled Unconstitutional
• Obama Sings While America Sinks
• News from New Jersey
• Obama and the Koran
• "Stoning" Attack on Israeli Car
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, February 24, 2012
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14)
The Daily Brief
1. Afghan protesters storm US embassy, 2 killed - RT News
At least two people have been killed as protesters stormed the US embassy in Kabul, outraged by a Koran-burning incident at a NATO base in Afghanistan. The four days of violent anti-American protests have already left 13 dead and dozens injured.
- Father, we ask for Your intervention concerning the violence taking place at the US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. We pray for cooler heads to prevail. May this onslaught be stopped against our citizens, and everyone else involved. We ask wisdom for our diplomats and government, as they try to diffuse this situation. We thank You that we can call upon You in the day of trouble, and You will deliver us!
- "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." (Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 25:28)
2. FBI offices confer on domestic threat from Iran - CBS News
The FBI made it clear today that it's seriously concerned about a possible attack by Iran on U.S. soil. The FBI held a conference call Thursday involving all 56 FBI field offices and led by the bureau's chief of counter-terrorism, to discuss evidence that Iran may be casing potential targets.
- Father, we thank You that these plans conceived in the darkness have been exposed to the light. We ask that You would bless the efforts of our FBI, Homeland Security, etc, giving them Your wisdom, and direction as to how to deal with these potential threats and neutralize them. Protect Your people, O Lord, we pray. Amen!
- "He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him!" "If you say, 'The LORD is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent." (Daniel 2:22; Psalm 91:9,10)
3. States, Catholics sue over contraceptives rule - Chicago Tribune
Seven states, Catholic groups and individuals on Thursday filed the first major lawsuit challenging the Obama administration's new contraceptive regulations, arguing that the policy violated the constitutional rights to religious freedom.
B.) Poll shows sharp division on Obama contraception order - Washington Times
Americans are divided on the Obama administration's decision to require private employers to provide free birth control with health-insurance plans, and a majority wants the "Obamacare" law to be repealed, according to a poll released Thursday.
- Abba, we pray that You would expose the true "hidden agenda" of this administration, so that all Americans can see and respond at the polls this November. We pray that once again we would become a nation, "of the people, by the people, and for the people", as stated in our Constitution. We ask You to prosper the efforts of those who seek to overturn this provision in the heathcare bill - and the bill itself - as it violates the Constitution,the will of the people, and the convictions of many of our citizens. Amen.
- "Put Me in remembrance, let us argue our case together; state your cause, that you may be proved right." (Isaiah 43:26)
4. Obama Promotes Plan to Fight Rising Fuel Prices - VOA News
As Americans worry about rising gasoline prices, President Barack Obama is defending his energy policy. The president went on the road Thursday to answer Republican election-year criticism that he is not doing enough to solve the problem.
- Abba, we thank You that You meet all of our needs - including fuel for our cars. We know this is an election year, and that all the politicians are endeavoring to "look good" in the eyes of the voters. We ask that You expose - for all to see - whose plan is the best plan to solve these issues. We ask for Your candidate, who will walk in righteousness, integrity, and accountability. We throw ourselves on Your mercy and grace. Amen.
- "And then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men-men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible-and appoint them as leaders over groups." (Exodus 18:21)
5. Valerie Jarrett: Unemployment Stimulates the Economy - Weekly Standard
White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett has adopted a stance on unemployment that is sure to infuriate many, arguing that it stimulates the economy because people who receive unemployment checks are going out and spending them, reports The Weekly Standard.
- Lord, we are sometimes amazed by the "logic" of some folks who seem to see good, even in bad news. We again come to You and ask that You give the unemployed creative ideas, as to how they can provide for their families. We ask that they be encouraged to persevere in their search, and have hope. Amen.
- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable." (Psalm 145:1-3)
1. Danon peddles bill to annex Judea and Samaria - Jerusalem Post
MK Danny Danon has renewed his efforts to pass a Knesset bill annexing Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria so that Israeli law fully applied to those settlements.
2. Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran - Ynet News
Russia warned Israel on Wednesday that attacking Iran would be a disastrous and played down the failure of a UN nuclear agency mission to Tehran, saying there is still a chance for new talks over the Iranian atomic program.
3. Planning underway for other 'options' on Iran - Jerusalem Post
Not only are all options "on the table" regarding Iran, but planning is under way to ensure those other options can be exercised if it becomes necessary, US Ambassador Dan Shapiro said on Thursday.
4. Israel should annex 60% of Area C - Ynet News
Former Yesha Council Director Naftali Bennett has presented a new initiative meant to conquer the prolonged stalemate plaguing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
5. Hamas will demand key positions in unity gov't - Jerusalem Post
Hamas will demand that members of its organization fill key roles in the unity government with Fatah if it is to agree to allow Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to serve as the interim government's prime minister, Egyptian daily Al-Ahram reported on Thursday.
The Daily Jot
America reaps prophetic seeds with White House behavior on Koran burnings
Thousands of rioters chanting "Death to America" in Afghanistan over an apparent inadvertent burning of a few Korans by NATO security forces at the Parwan Detention Facility have left at least nine people dead, including two American soldiers. Meantime, the man who occupies the Oval Office sent a letter to Afghan President Karzai expressing "deep regret" and "sincere apologies" for the burnings, which appear to be an accident. Yet two American soldiers were murdered over the incident by an Afghan soldier, who turned his weapon on the US soldiers instead of helping them contain the protests. There was no apology issued from the Afghan government over the killings.
NBC News reports General Karsten Jacobsen said there were unconfirmed reports that prisoners at the detention facility were using the Korans to pass extremist and inflammatory messages to other prisoners. Jacobsen said, however, that the person giving the burn order was unaware that Korans and other religious materials were included in "the materials marked for disposal." Meanwhile, the Taliban, with whom the White House has been currying favor as a peace partner in Afghanistan, called for a Jihad against all Westerners, issuing a statement: "They have to kill them, beat them, and capture them to give them a lesson to never dare desecrate the holy Koran again."
Apparently, the White House is falling all over itself to apologize for the Koran burnings. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney sternly told reporters that the apology was appropriate: "It is wholly appropriate, given the sensitivities to this issue, the understandable sensitivities. His primary concern as Commander-in-Chief is the safety of American men and women in Afghanistan, of our military and civilian personnel there. And it was absolutely the right thing to do." Then Carney added, "And I would simply note that Secretary Panetta, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dempsey and I have all conveyed apologies on behalf of the United States for this incident."
The Commander in Chief appeasing these barbarians with dozens of apologies is extremely disappointing behavior. The medieval hoards in Islamic Afghanistan riot and kill over the inadvertent burning of a book, but Americans barely raise an eyebrow when two of their finest sons are murdered because of it, and Obama is the one apologizing. Galatians 6:7 says, "Be not deceived; YHVH (God) is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he reap also." This president is the harvest of the seeds of apathy, indifference, tolerance for all things evil, and disrespect for God. How big of a crop are we to sow? And what evil will beset us at the next harvest? Our economy, our moral condition, our leadership, our Christian walk are indicators.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
DOMA Ruled Unconstitutional
Defense of Marriage Act Ruled Unconstitutional
A judge on Wednesday declared the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and ordered the federal government to ignore the statute and provide health benefits to the wife of a lesbian federal court employee.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White was the first since the Obama administration announced a year ago that it would no longer defend a law it considers discriminatory and reflective of a long history of denying equal rights to gays and lesbians.
White ordered the federal Office of Personnel Management to enroll the wife of Karen Golinski, an attorney for the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in the health benefits program available to other employees of the federal judiciary. The Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the extension of federal benefits to same-sex spouses, and Golinski's wife, Amy Cunninghis, had been repeatedly denied coverage since the couple married in 2008. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.
Obama Sings While America Sinks
Last night . . . the nightly news put another pro-Obama ad disguised as news in their evening broadcast. This time it was Obama crooning at a White House party. A few weeks ago, we saw him belting out Al Green tunes at a New York fundraiser.
Meanwhile, you're on your way to paying $4.00 or $5.00 dollars a gallon for gas. Long-term unemployment is the worst it has been since the Great Depression. Iran is marching toward nuclear weapons while promising another Holocaust. And we are marching toward the abyss of bankruptcy. But don't worry -- Obama is having a blast, partying with the likes of Mick Jagger and B.B. King.
Now just imagine for a moment how the media would have reacted if George W. Bush had been throwing regular parties in the White House in which he belted out country music songs. Do you think there would have "heart-warming" scenes of President Bush signing on the nightly news? Not on your life!
If Bush had been caught signing at such lavish events, you would have heard endless commentary by the talking heads about how tone deaf he was or how out of touch he was. I can hear it now: "Doesn't the president know there are still caskets coming home from Afghanistan? Doesn't he realize how hard it is for folks on Main Street? John Smith facing foreclosure because of Bush's bad economy doesn't have anything to sign about tonight!"
The media's double standard is disgusting, and to most conservatives it is obvious. But for many of our friends and relatives, who may not follow the issues as closely, it is not. Please share these reports with them. Help them see through the spin and bring them to our side. Working together we can take America back! (Gary Bauer)
News from New Jersey
New Jersey Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Same-Sex Marriage Ban
A New Jersey Superior Court judge said Tuesday that a group of same-sex couples could sue the state for violating their constitutional rights when it passed a law creating civil unions rather than same-sex marriage.
Judge Linda Feinberg based her opinion partly on the Feb. 7 ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declaring the California marriage amendment unconstitutional. Seven same-sex couples and a gay-activist group filed the lawsuit last June, but Feinberg dismissed all but one count in November - the question of whether they were provided equal protection under the state constitution.
"At this juncture, the court is satisfied there is sufficient state action to permit the claim under the federal equal protection clause to proceed," Feinberg wrote.
That opens the way for a new marriage challenge against New Jersey, which passed a same-sex marriage bill through both chambers of the Legislature last week. Gov. Chris Christie vetoed it on Friday. (CitizenLink) Read more.
Obama and the Koran
Obama apologizes for Koran burnings
Obama has written a letter to his Afghan counterpart apologizing for the burning of copies of the Koran at a NATO military base in the country. Two U.S. soldiers were also shot dead Thursday at a protest about the desecration of the (two) books.
In the letter, which is quoted in the statement, the U.S. president expressed his "deep regret for the reported incident" and offered his "sincere apologies."
According to the statement, Obama wrote: "The error was inadvertent; I assure you that we will take the appropriate steps to avoid any recurrence, to include holding accountable those responsible." (MSNBC) Read more.
"Stoning" Attack on Israeli Car
Caught on Camera: "Stoning" Attack on Israeli Car
How often are Palestinian stone throwing attacks presented by the media as a minor nuisance or a merely symbolic form of resistance against well-armed Israelis?
The reality is that such attacks can seriously injure or kill as was the case in September 2011 when Asher Palmer and his infant son Yehonatan were killed when their car crashed as a result of a stoning attack.
As YNet News reports, Israeli teacher Zehava Weiss is extremely lucky to have escaped unharmed in another such attack this week:
Luckily, Weiss said, her car is armored, but even so "the windshield was shattered and the exterior was dented in several places. They were throwing bricks, not stones."
The moment of the attack was caught by both AFP and AP photographers.
These images beg the question about the role of those photographers in this incident. We've seen many times how incidents such as this only occur if Palestinian youths have an audience. Clearly the presence of the media influences the situation. There have even been suggestions of active collusion with the stone throwers in order to create the perfect image for the watching media. (Honest Reporting) Read more.
NOTE:
Do you see the role that media plays in giving a platform and an audience to the Islamic cause? This one might have backfired, as the photos got into the hands of the Jews. It shows the real situation. These are not pebbles being tossed in frustration. These are jagged ROCKS being thrown to kill. Get the word out!
Blessings,
Kathleen
The Good News Corner:
Judge says Washington State can't make pharmacies sell Plan B
TACOMA, Wash. - (AP) -- In a ruling that appears headed toward appeal, a federal judge has ruled that Washington state cannot force pharmacies to sell Plan B or other emergency contraceptives.
The state's true goal in adopting the rules at issue was not to promote the timely access to medicine, but to suppress religious objections by druggists who believe that such drugs can have an effect tantamount to abortion, U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton said in his ruling Wednesday.
Washington's rules require that pharmacies stock and dispense drugs for which there is a demand. The state adopted the dispensing regulations in 2007, following reports that some women had been denied access to Plan B, which has a high dose of medicine found in birth-control pills and is effective if a woman takes it within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
State lawyers argued that the requirements are legal because they apply neutrally to all medicines and pharmacies, and because they promote a government interest -- the timely delivery of medicine, including Plan B, which becomes less effective as time passes.
But a pharmacy and two pharmacists sued, saying the rules infringed on their religious freedom, and the judge agreed. . . "The most compelling evidence that the rules target religious conduct is the fact the rules contain numerous secular exemptions," the judge said. "In sum, the rules exempt pharmacies and pharmacists from stocking and delivering lawfully prescribed drugs for an almost unlimited variety of secular reasons, but fail to provide exemptions for reasons of conscience."
Leighton, in his decision Wednesday, did not strike down Washington's rules, but said simply that the way they were applied to the plaintiffs in this case was unconstitutional. (Newsday) Read more.
- We rejoice with the saints of the State of Washington at this decision. We note, too, that this decision by U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton will impact the attack on religious freedom by the Obama administration.
Please keep all involved (including Judge Leighton) covered in prayer. This is not over.
Pray, too, that the State will now drop this issue, and that there will be no appeals.
- "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." (Psalm 89:14)
Worship with Us Today!
Everything I Need - Kutless
When every step is so hard to take
And all of my hope is fading away
When life is a mountain that I can not climb
You carry me, Jesus carry me.
You Are strength in my weakness
You are the refuge I seek
You are everything in me time of need
You are everything, You are everything I need
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• DOMA Ruled Unconstitutional
• Obama Sings While America Sinks
• News from New Jersey
• Obama and the Koran
• "Stoning" Attack on Israeli Car
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, February 24, 2012
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14)
The Daily Brief
1. Afghan protesters storm US embassy, 2 killed - RT News
At least two people have been killed as protesters stormed the US embassy in Kabul, outraged by a Koran-burning incident at a NATO base in Afghanistan. The four days of violent anti-American protests have already left 13 dead and dozens injured.
- Father, we ask for Your intervention concerning the violence taking place at the US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. We pray for cooler heads to prevail. May this onslaught be stopped against our citizens, and everyone else involved. We ask wisdom for our diplomats and government, as they try to diffuse this situation. We thank You that we can call upon You in the day of trouble, and You will deliver us!
- "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." (Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 25:28)
2. FBI offices confer on domestic threat from Iran - CBS News
The FBI made it clear today that it's seriously concerned about a possible attack by Iran on U.S. soil. The FBI held a conference call Thursday involving all 56 FBI field offices and led by the bureau's chief of counter-terrorism, to discuss evidence that Iran may be casing potential targets.
- Father, we thank You that these plans conceived in the darkness have been exposed to the light. We ask that You would bless the efforts of our FBI, Homeland Security, etc, giving them Your wisdom, and direction as to how to deal with these potential threats and neutralize them. Protect Your people, O Lord, we pray. Amen!
- "He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him!" "If you say, 'The LORD is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent." (Daniel 2:22; Psalm 91:9,10)
3. States, Catholics sue over contraceptives rule - Chicago Tribune
Seven states, Catholic groups and individuals on Thursday filed the first major lawsuit challenging the Obama administration's new contraceptive regulations, arguing that the policy violated the constitutional rights to religious freedom.
B.) Poll shows sharp division on Obama contraception order - Washington Times
Americans are divided on the Obama administration's decision to require private employers to provide free birth control with health-insurance plans, and a majority wants the "Obamacare" law to be repealed, according to a poll released Thursday.
- Abba, we pray that You would expose the true "hidden agenda" of this administration, so that all Americans can see and respond at the polls this November. We pray that once again we would become a nation, "of the people, by the people, and for the people", as stated in our Constitution. We ask You to prosper the efforts of those who seek to overturn this provision in the heathcare bill - and the bill itself - as it violates the Constitution,the will of the people, and the convictions of many of our citizens. Amen.
- "Put Me in remembrance, let us argue our case together; state your cause, that you may be proved right." (Isaiah 43:26)
4. Obama Promotes Plan to Fight Rising Fuel Prices - VOA News
As Americans worry about rising gasoline prices, President Barack Obama is defending his energy policy. The president went on the road Thursday to answer Republican election-year criticism that he is not doing enough to solve the problem.
- Abba, we thank You that You meet all of our needs - including fuel for our cars. We know this is an election year, and that all the politicians are endeavoring to "look good" in the eyes of the voters. We ask that You expose - for all to see - whose plan is the best plan to solve these issues. We ask for Your candidate, who will walk in righteousness, integrity, and accountability. We throw ourselves on Your mercy and grace. Amen.
- "And then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men-men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible-and appoint them as leaders over groups." (Exodus 18:21)
5. Valerie Jarrett: Unemployment Stimulates the Economy - Weekly Standard
White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett has adopted a stance on unemployment that is sure to infuriate many, arguing that it stimulates the economy because people who receive unemployment checks are going out and spending them, reports The Weekly Standard.
- Lord, we are sometimes amazed by the "logic" of some folks who seem to see good, even in bad news. We again come to You and ask that You give the unemployed creative ideas, as to how they can provide for their families. We ask that they be encouraged to persevere in their search, and have hope. Amen.
- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable." (Psalm 145:1-3)
1. Danon peddles bill to annex Judea and Samaria - Jerusalem Post
MK Danny Danon has renewed his efforts to pass a Knesset bill annexing Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria so that Israeli law fully applied to those settlements.
2. Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran - Ynet News
Russia warned Israel on Wednesday that attacking Iran would be a disastrous and played down the failure of a UN nuclear agency mission to Tehran, saying there is still a chance for new talks over the Iranian atomic program.
3. Planning underway for other 'options' on Iran - Jerusalem Post
Not only are all options "on the table" regarding Iran, but planning is under way to ensure those other options can be exercised if it becomes necessary, US Ambassador Dan Shapiro said on Thursday.
4. Israel should annex 60% of Area C - Ynet News
Former Yesha Council Director Naftali Bennett has presented a new initiative meant to conquer the prolonged stalemate plaguing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
5. Hamas will demand key positions in unity gov't - Jerusalem Post
Hamas will demand that members of its organization fill key roles in the unity government with Fatah if it is to agree to allow Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to serve as the interim government's prime minister, Egyptian daily Al-Ahram reported on Thursday.
The Daily Jot
America reaps prophetic seeds with White House behavior on Koran burnings
Thousands of rioters chanting "Death to America" in Afghanistan over an apparent inadvertent burning of a few Korans by NATO security forces at the Parwan Detention Facility have left at least nine people dead, including two American soldiers. Meantime, the man who occupies the Oval Office sent a letter to Afghan President Karzai expressing "deep regret" and "sincere apologies" for the burnings, which appear to be an accident. Yet two American soldiers were murdered over the incident by an Afghan soldier, who turned his weapon on the US soldiers instead of helping them contain the protests. There was no apology issued from the Afghan government over the killings.
NBC News reports General Karsten Jacobsen said there were unconfirmed reports that prisoners at the detention facility were using the Korans to pass extremist and inflammatory messages to other prisoners. Jacobsen said, however, that the person giving the burn order was unaware that Korans and other religious materials were included in "the materials marked for disposal." Meanwhile, the Taliban, with whom the White House has been currying favor as a peace partner in Afghanistan, called for a Jihad against all Westerners, issuing a statement: "They have to kill them, beat them, and capture them to give them a lesson to never dare desecrate the holy Koran again."
Apparently, the White House is falling all over itself to apologize for the Koran burnings. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney sternly told reporters that the apology was appropriate: "It is wholly appropriate, given the sensitivities to this issue, the understandable sensitivities. His primary concern as Commander-in-Chief is the safety of American men and women in Afghanistan, of our military and civilian personnel there. And it was absolutely the right thing to do." Then Carney added, "And I would simply note that Secretary Panetta, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dempsey and I have all conveyed apologies on behalf of the United States for this incident."
The Commander in Chief appeasing these barbarians with dozens of apologies is extremely disappointing behavior. The medieval hoards in Islamic Afghanistan riot and kill over the inadvertent burning of a book, but Americans barely raise an eyebrow when two of their finest sons are murdered because of it, and Obama is the one apologizing. Galatians 6:7 says, "Be not deceived; YHVH (God) is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he reap also." This president is the harvest of the seeds of apathy, indifference, tolerance for all things evil, and disrespect for God. How big of a crop are we to sow? And what evil will beset us at the next harvest? Our economy, our moral condition, our leadership, our Christian walk are indicators.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
DOMA Ruled Unconstitutional
Defense of Marriage Act Ruled Unconstitutional
A judge on Wednesday declared the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and ordered the federal government to ignore the statute and provide health benefits to the wife of a lesbian federal court employee.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White was the first since the Obama administration announced a year ago that it would no longer defend a law it considers discriminatory and reflective of a long history of denying equal rights to gays and lesbians.
White ordered the federal Office of Personnel Management to enroll the wife of Karen Golinski, an attorney for the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in the health benefits program available to other employees of the federal judiciary. The Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the extension of federal benefits to same-sex spouses, and Golinski's wife, Amy Cunninghis, had been repeatedly denied coverage since the couple married in 2008. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.
Obama Sings While America Sinks
Last night . . . the nightly news put another pro-Obama ad disguised as news in their evening broadcast. This time it was Obama crooning at a White House party. A few weeks ago, we saw him belting out Al Green tunes at a New York fundraiser.
Meanwhile, you're on your way to paying $4.00 or $5.00 dollars a gallon for gas. Long-term unemployment is the worst it has been since the Great Depression. Iran is marching toward nuclear weapons while promising another Holocaust. And we are marching toward the abyss of bankruptcy. But don't worry -- Obama is having a blast, partying with the likes of Mick Jagger and B.B. King.
Now just imagine for a moment how the media would have reacted if George W. Bush had been throwing regular parties in the White House in which he belted out country music songs. Do you think there would have "heart-warming" scenes of President Bush signing on the nightly news? Not on your life!
If Bush had been caught signing at such lavish events, you would have heard endless commentary by the talking heads about how tone deaf he was or how out of touch he was. I can hear it now: "Doesn't the president know there are still caskets coming home from Afghanistan? Doesn't he realize how hard it is for folks on Main Street? John Smith facing foreclosure because of Bush's bad economy doesn't have anything to sign about tonight!"
The media's double standard is disgusting, and to most conservatives it is obvious. But for many of our friends and relatives, who may not follow the issues as closely, it is not. Please share these reports with them. Help them see through the spin and bring them to our side. Working together we can take America back! (Gary Bauer)
News from New Jersey
New Jersey Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Same-Sex Marriage Ban
A New Jersey Superior Court judge said Tuesday that a group of same-sex couples could sue the state for violating their constitutional rights when it passed a law creating civil unions rather than same-sex marriage.
Judge Linda Feinberg based her opinion partly on the Feb. 7 ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declaring the California marriage amendment unconstitutional. Seven same-sex couples and a gay-activist group filed the lawsuit last June, but Feinberg dismissed all but one count in November - the question of whether they were provided equal protection under the state constitution.
"At this juncture, the court is satisfied there is sufficient state action to permit the claim under the federal equal protection clause to proceed," Feinberg wrote.
That opens the way for a new marriage challenge against New Jersey, which passed a same-sex marriage bill through both chambers of the Legislature last week. Gov. Chris Christie vetoed it on Friday. (CitizenLink) Read more.
Obama and the Koran
Obama apologizes for Koran burnings
Obama has written a letter to his Afghan counterpart apologizing for the burning of copies of the Koran at a NATO military base in the country. Two U.S. soldiers were also shot dead Thursday at a protest about the desecration of the (two) books.
In the letter, which is quoted in the statement, the U.S. president expressed his "deep regret for the reported incident" and offered his "sincere apologies."
According to the statement, Obama wrote: "The error was inadvertent; I assure you that we will take the appropriate steps to avoid any recurrence, to include holding accountable those responsible." (MSNBC) Read more.
"Stoning" Attack on Israeli Car
Caught on Camera: "Stoning" Attack on Israeli Car
How often are Palestinian stone throwing attacks presented by the media as a minor nuisance or a merely symbolic form of resistance against well-armed Israelis?
The reality is that such attacks can seriously injure or kill as was the case in September 2011 when Asher Palmer and his infant son Yehonatan were killed when their car crashed as a result of a stoning attack.
As YNet News reports, Israeli teacher Zehava Weiss is extremely lucky to have escaped unharmed in another such attack this week:
Luckily, Weiss said, her car is armored, but even so "the windshield was shattered and the exterior was dented in several places. They were throwing bricks, not stones."
The moment of the attack was caught by both AFP and AP photographers.
These images beg the question about the role of those photographers in this incident. We've seen many times how incidents such as this only occur if Palestinian youths have an audience. Clearly the presence of the media influences the situation. There have even been suggestions of active collusion with the stone throwers in order to create the perfect image for the watching media. (Honest Reporting) Read more.
NOTE:
Do you see the role that media plays in giving a platform and an audience to the Islamic cause? This one might have backfired, as the photos got into the hands of the Jews. It shows the real situation. These are not pebbles being tossed in frustration. These are jagged ROCKS being thrown to kill. Get the word out!
Blessings,
Kathleen
The Good News Corner:
Judge says Washington State can't make pharmacies sell Plan B
TACOMA, Wash. - (AP) -- In a ruling that appears headed toward appeal, a federal judge has ruled that Washington state cannot force pharmacies to sell Plan B or other emergency contraceptives.
The state's true goal in adopting the rules at issue was not to promote the timely access to medicine, but to suppress religious objections by druggists who believe that such drugs can have an effect tantamount to abortion, U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton said in his ruling Wednesday.
Washington's rules require that pharmacies stock and dispense drugs for which there is a demand. The state adopted the dispensing regulations in 2007, following reports that some women had been denied access to Plan B, which has a high dose of medicine found in birth-control pills and is effective if a woman takes it within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
State lawyers argued that the requirements are legal because they apply neutrally to all medicines and pharmacies, and because they promote a government interest -- the timely delivery of medicine, including Plan B, which becomes less effective as time passes.
But a pharmacy and two pharmacists sued, saying the rules infringed on their religious freedom, and the judge agreed. . . "The most compelling evidence that the rules target religious conduct is the fact the rules contain numerous secular exemptions," the judge said. "In sum, the rules exempt pharmacies and pharmacists from stocking and delivering lawfully prescribed drugs for an almost unlimited variety of secular reasons, but fail to provide exemptions for reasons of conscience."
Leighton, in his decision Wednesday, did not strike down Washington's rules, but said simply that the way they were applied to the plaintiffs in this case was unconstitutional. (Newsday) Read more.
- We rejoice with the saints of the State of Washington at this decision. We note, too, that this decision by U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton will impact the attack on religious freedom by the Obama administration.
Please keep all involved (including Judge Leighton) covered in prayer. This is not over.
Pray, too, that the State will now drop this issue, and that there will be no appeals.
- "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you." (Psalm 89:14)
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Everything I Need - Kutless
When every step is so hard to take
And all of my hope is fading away
When life is a mountain that I can not climb
You carry me, Jesus carry me.
You Are strength in my weakness
You are the refuge I seek
You are everything in me time of need
You are everything, You are everything I need
