Thursday, February 6, 2014

CHPP Daily Brief Wednesday, February 5, 2014





The National Prayer Breakfast will be
live streaming, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, EST. Three events are scheduled.
Please go here to register
to view each event.


Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"A National Prayer Alliance"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Wednesday, February 5, 2014



"I delight to do Your will, O my God. Your law is within my heart."
(Psalm 40:8)
Thank you for praying for the Persecuted Church!
Please visit the website for the International Christian Concern to find ongoing needs for prayer among the persecuted around the world. Thank you.


The Daily Brief

1. Dow Industrials fall 326 points

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes at 15,372, a loss of 326 points, amid concerns about emerging-market currencies and worries about global economic growth.

More on this story:

For more news, please go to FoxNews.com and watch Fox News Channel.

- Holy Father, we pray that You will move upon those controlling the financial market, and put a halt to those leading America into chaotic financial ruin. We ask You to take over the market, and in Your wisdom keep our country safe from the dictates of wicked self-seeking men. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:19)


2. Syria stalls as chemical weapons deadline looms - BBC

The deadline is looming for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to sacrifice his complete chemical arsenal - and it looks increasingly likely he will miss it.

- Father, put a strict watch over this president and hold him back from using his complete chemical arsenal to start another war. Subdue under the power of the Blood of Jesus, the powers of darkness which control his actions. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another."(Psalm 75:4-7)


3. Currency crisis at Chinese banks 'could trigger global meltdown' - UK Telegraph

The growing problems in the Chinese banking system could spill over into a wider financial crisis, one of the most respected analysts of China's lenders has warned.

- Father in heaven, the shadow government is moving like a ticking clock across the nations to bring them under a one world dictator by causing financial crisis worldwide. The times are in God's hands and we ask that no earthly power moves ahead of prophecy in the Written Word of God. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "But whoso harkens unto God shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."(Proverbs 1:33)


4. Iranian executions spiking despite thaw with West, 'moderate president' - Washington Times

The number of executions carried out by Iranian authorities -- often hanging dubiously convicted citizens from construction cranes in public -- has risen sharply since President Hassan Rouhani took office in August, a surge most likely because of a secret power struggle within Iran's notoriously veiled political system.

- Lord God, we pray that the evil spirits influencing this president be bound by the Blood of Jesus, and confined to lead Iran with civility for the people. God, stop the heinous murders and strip him of his power. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Revelation 9:21)


5. Web companies give first look at secret government data requests - Reuters

Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo and Google on Monday began publishing details about the number of secret government requests for data they receive, hoping to show limited involvement in controversial surveillance efforts.

- Father, restrict the power of our government's surveillance efforts over the American people. Bring us under the shadow of the Lord's protection and save us. In Jesus' Name we pray.

- "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which is, and was, and is to come; because You have taken to Yourself Your great power, and has reigned." (Revelation 11:17)


The Middle East in Focus

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

'Thus says the Lord of hosts, "I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion . . . Therefore thus says the Lord, "I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it," declares the Lord of hosts, "and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem." (Zech. 1:15,16)


1. Report: Hamas leadership prevents military wing from attacking Israel - Jerusalem Post

Hamas canceled plans for retaliatory strikes against Israel last week at the urging of the head of the organization's administration in Gaza, the London-based pan-Arabic daily Asharq Alawsat reported on Tuesday.


2. Hamas: Peace talks with Israel aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause - Jerusalem Post

Hamas on Tuesday reiterated its opposition to the peace talks with Israel.


3. Israel rejects US request to re-open anti-incitement council with Palestinians - jpost

Israel has rejected a US proposal to launch an anti-incitement council for the purpose of preventing provocative statements from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. . . The proposal was offered. . . after many complaints had been made by the Israeli government itself charging the Palestinian Authority with constant hate-mongering and incitement within their educational system and government.


The Daily Jot (I)

The New America


I don't know if you get out much. I don't. I read a lot. Research a lot. But don't travel as much as I once did. But I can tell you first hand that if you want to see what America will look like in a few years by allowing amnesty to illegal aliens, you can see it today in New York City. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on January 17, "Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are? Because if that's who they are and they're the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that's not who New Yorkers are." He was right, it is no place for conservatives. In fact, not much of a place for Americans.

New York City dwellers long have been known for their lack of tact, but these days it goes to a new level. They are like zombies with an attitude. The "in" color is black. Everybody seems to be wearing black. Up and down the sidewalks, there are people dressed in black. They look straight ahead. No eye contact. No smiles. No greeting. Just on their way. The people are generally rude. I think it is symbolic. Its all dark. It seems to lack the light of Christ. You see people walk into traffic and when a vehicle doesn't stop for them, they kick at it and curse in some foreign language. It does not seem like anyone foreign wants to be American, they just want what America has.
According to the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, Muslim cab drivers comprise over 50% of the city's driving community. It shows. A good part of the street venders are also from various Islamic parts of the Middle East. While many people find this charming, I find it very disturbing. It is not so much about foreigners coming to New York, or what religion they are, but rather that they bring their culture to New York and expect Americans to cater to it. When you come to America, you should simulate into American culture--become an American--you know, the melting pot. But what we are seeing is something different. These people are imposing their beliefs and culture on America. They are colonizing. Pushing Americans out.

The result of this is a very hostile environment to any American. So much so that New York boasts approximately 46,000 police, auxiliary police, traffic police, and school police. This does not count DHS gestapo. There are two types of people who have guns--law enforcement and criminals. Conservatives have no place because New York City has become everything that "conservative" America would never be. It's like the judgment on Babylon in Jeremiah 51:14, "I will fill thee with men, as with locusts; and they shall lift up a shout against thee." In fact, I remember walking with my son past the Empire State building and the hawkers were selling tickets to go inside. Christian said, "This place is like the tower of Babel." Hmmmm. . . the New America?

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


The Daily Jot (2)

Behind the scenes at SB XLVIII

Published on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014


As part of our ministry, the Lord has granted me favor with the NFL where I consult on player engagement--anything that touches the player off the field. Much of the work I do is associated with life skills, character development and professionalism. There are many strong Christian men with whom I work. They are former players who have dedicated their service to mentoring younger, current players and to assisting youth and others in their communities across the country. Whatever you may believe about the NFL, one thing I know from first hand experience is that the organization is all about excellence and building character and leadership. Like all things, though, it takes both parties to succeed.

On the set of NFL Player Engagement TV over 60 players were interviewed by former players such as Aeneas Williams (just selected to the Hall of Fame), David Tyree (the "catch" in Super Bowl XLII), and Keith Elias (former running back for the Colts). One thing they all have in common is their love of the Lord. They all either pastor churches or run ministries. Their interviews brought out the best in spirit from the players--a more interesting, helmet off, kind of approach that stress how these men attained success, the role their faith played, their message for today's youth, and some great anecdotal stories about their youth, other players they know and their lives in general. These are real people.
Interesting that as we walked around Met Life stadium before the game on Sunday, inspiring readings from the Declaration of Independence were being announced over the stadium broadcast system. Within the NFL-controlled environs, there was great salute to service and patriotism--real God and country kinds of stuff. This was in stark contrast to getting to the stadium and leaving it. Logistics were advertised as the first "public transit" Super Bowl. Everyone was supposed to take the mass transit trains to the stadium. Trouble is, they were totally unprepared for the tens of thousands who used the system. Thousands were standing body to body on train platforms waiting to get through "security."
It was dangerous and volatile. People were treated like criminals going through security--"raise your hands" in surrender position. New Jersey police (not military) were lined up with assault rifles. Others were in their dress uniforms that looked like a version of the SS--no smiles, no courtesy, plenty of intimidation. Leaving the stadium was the same picture--not enough trains, thousands waiting for hours and propaganda on the loudspeakers encouraging people to enjoy the stadium experience and stay in their seats until transportation was available. People were angry. There was pushing and shoving. And some 29,000 people were funneled through four doors of about four feet each to get to the train platform. . .
All in all, it was the tale of two systems--the private enterprise system and the government system. The NFL was customer friendly, the government was citizen adverse. I know that many disagree here and there with the entertainment choices made by the NFL, but I know first hand the character development and the examples that are intended. I also see first hand the police state of the government and how inept it is at serving the people. It is a stark contrast. As Christians in this country, we have a lot to overcome to live up to the standard of culture that Christ has called us to. As in 2 Thessalonians 3:13, "But ye Brethren, be not weary in doing good." We have challenges ahead.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


Pro-Life Bill Passes House

No Taxpayer-Funding for Abortion Act Passes House


By 227-188, the House passed the bipartisan bill to expand and make permanent provisions of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortion except in cases of life of the mother, rape, and incest. As it stands, the Hyde Amendment requires annual approval. The bill would prevent taxpayer funds from being used for abortion coverage in subsidized insurance policies under Obamacare and more. However, the bill faces a steep hurdle in the Senate and would have to be signed by the most pro-abortion President in history.

- May God, whether now or later, make this bill law. If not now, may He make it so by putting new pro-life men and women into both Houses of Congress this November.

- "You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You shall not commit murder' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.'" (Matthew 5:21)

(Source: Family Research Council; Prayer Targets)

Prayer for the NPB

Prayer for the National Prayer Breakfast


Tomorrow, the National Prayer Breakfast will take place in Washington, D.C. The event always has two speakers: the President and another, whose identity is kept secret until the morning of the breakfast. Last year, world-renowned neurosurgeon and author Ben Carson, burst onto national stage when he graciously explained why many of the President's policies will not work and are bad for America. In the 90's, Mother Teresa criticized Pres. Bill Clinton for his abortion advocacy at the breakfast.

- May the Prayer Breakfast be used to pray genuine Spirit-led prayers and may Christ and Truth be exalted in every aspect of the breakfast activities.

- "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. . ." (Romans 8:26)

(Source: Family Research Council; Prayer Targets)

Selling Out Israel

Selling Out Israel


The U.S. is pressuring Israel to hand over large portions of the West Bank and Jerusalem to the PLO, now the Palestinian Authority (PA) whose largest party, Fatah, and its rival party, Hamas (which controls Gaza), are both major terrorist groups who call for the elimination of Israel.

Meanwhile a majority of Israelis now have no confidence in the U.S. Israeli alliance, or that the U.S. will come to her aid against Iran. Under the new Obama/Kerry brokered deal, the U.S. has lifted sanctions against another certified terrorist state, Iran. Businesses around the world are rushing to cut business deals.

Meanwhile, even before the latest interim deal John Kerry brokered with nuclear Iran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the deal would mark U.S. 'Surrender.' Iranian leaders have repeatedly pledged utterly to destroy Israel.

Meanwhile some Senate Democrats, in response to President Obama's appeals, are pulling back from a strong bipartisan bill to impose new sanctions on Iran if they fail to keep the terms of the interim nuclear deal

- God, your blessing upon America is tied to Your covenant promise to bless those who bless Israel. Please deal with our President and State Department to rightly represent the American people and our support for Israel!

- "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it." (Zech. 12:3)

(Source: Family Research Council; Prayer Targets)

The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Guttmacher: Abortions Reach Lowest Rate in 40 Years


The abortion rate decreased - from 2008 to 2011 - and reached its lowest rate since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.

The Guttmacher Institute, the research arm of the abortion industry, released the report Monday. Pro-lifers note that its finding coincides with other data reflecting a decrease in abortion over the last couple of years. They also note, though, the study's lack of attribution to the significant increase in pro-life laws.

"The authors of the Guttmacher report downplay the more than 40 new state laws passed between 2008-2010 as having an impact on the abortion drop," said Carrie Gordon Earll, senior director for public policy at Focus on the Family. "Yet, they also admit their survey of the abortion industry wasn't designed to measure the impact of new laws." (Beth Monk; CitizenLink) Read more.

Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders:

Meteorologists in Australia See a Potential "Fujiwhara" Approaching


The Fujiwhara effect is when two cyclonic vortices orbit each other and eventually merge.


Queensland could see two Fujiwhara effects as ex-Cyclone Fletcher and ex-Cyclone Edna threaten to merge with lows.

EX-Cyclone Fletcher and a low heading towards Queensland from the NT may merge into a large tropical storm, possibly Thursday.

At the same time, ex-Cyclone Edna, 1230km northeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea, also may merge with another low, creating a rarely seen phenomena that has excited meteorologists and storm chasers across the nation.

It is known as the Fujiwhara effect and occurs when two cyclonic vortices orbit each other and eventually merge.

It is named after Sakuhei Fujiwhara, the Japanese meteorologist who described it in 1921.

Weather Bureau forecaster Steve Hadley said the event occurred only once in years and he had never seen a situation where it might occur twice at the same time. (The Courier Mail; Australia) Read more.


"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
(Luke 11:25-28)


Worship With Us Today!

Worship With Us Today!

"I Need You More" - Kim Walker

More than the air I breathe
More than the song I sing
More than the next heartbeat
More than anything
And Lord as time goes by
I'll be by Your side
Cause I never want to go back to my old life

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

CHPP Daily Brief - Tuesday, February 4, 2014





Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"A National Prayer Alliance"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief
"Praying for All in Authority"
Tuesday, February 4, 2014



"I delight to do Your will, O my God. Your law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:8)
Thank you for praying for the Persecuted Church!
Please visit the website for the International Christian Concern to find ongoing needs for prayer among the persecuted around the world. Thank you.


The Daily Brief

1. Fears death toll could rise in Indonesia volcano eruption - AFP

Indonesian officials searched through thick ash for bodies Sunday after Mount Sinabung volcano erupted, killing at least 15 people, with the only sign of life an ownerless mobile phone ringing inside an abandoned bag.

- Lord, we intercede for those in Indonesia that have been affected by this volcano. We pray for the families that have lost their loved ones. We ask Your mercy and grace upon them.

- Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)


2. South Sudan conflict: 3.7m in 'need of food', says UN - BBC

The United Nations has said it estimates 3.7 million people are in acute need of food in South Sudan as a result of the civil conflict there.

- Father, we pray the needed food in Sudan will be provided. Clear the path so the food can get through to those who need it so badly.

- Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11)


3. Iran receives $500 million installment, says it won't give up centrifuge research - Jerusalem Post

Iran has received the first portion of unfrozen funds, $500 million, that they are set to receive as the beginning phases of the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers sets into motion, AFP reported on Sunday.

- Father, forgive us for being part of a coalition of countries that have consented to release funds to the enemy of Israel and of our country and have not stood firm in resistance to obviously wicked plans.

- "Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction." (Proverbs 10:14)


4. Assad said to be hoarding chemical weapons - Times of Israel

Syrian President Bashar Assad has been stockpiling chemical, biological and other advanced weapons in Syria's Alawite areas so that they will remain in his hands in the event that the country is partitioned, London's Sunday Times reported.

- Since You are the Omniscient God of the Universe, You know exactly what is happening in Syria. We pray You will make a display of all hidden weapons that would be used in the pursuit of evil and that they will be intercepted and disabled.

- "How are the things of Esau are searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!" (Obadiah 1:6)


5. US warships sail to Black Sea before Olympic Games begin - Fox News

The first of two American warships heading to the Black Sea in advance of the Olympic Games has set sail from Italy, U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News.

- Dear Lord, we speak peace to the entire area where the Olympics are being held. In the name of Jesus, we bind up all attempts to bring harm to the participants and spectators and bind up all plans to cause an international incident resulting in armed conflict. Precious Lord, we pray for laborers to go into this harvest to win souls for You and that people will seek You during this time of possible danger.

- "The righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalms 34:17)


6. House vote on Obamacare alternative coming this year, majority leader says - Washington Examiner

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said Sunday that the House will vote on a bill to replace Obamacare this year, which would be a major development for the Republican Party that has not clearly spelled out its alternative to the law that passed in 2010.

- Father, we pray for a successful bill to replace Obamacare. Give wisdom and knowledge to create a bill that would pass both the Senate and the House.

- And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)


The Middle East in Focus

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

'Thus says the Lord of hosts, "I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion . . . Therefore thus says the Lord, "I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it," declares the Lord of hosts, "and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem." (Zech. 1:15,16)


1. Abbas suggests NATO troops be stationed in future Palestinian state - Jerusalem Post

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has suggested that a US-led NATO force remain in the West Bank and east Jerusalem in a future Palestinian state in order to ensure Israel's security.


2. US expects delay on Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Kerry framework rollout - Jerusalem Post

Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians will likely require more time than previously anticipated, US officials acknowledged to The Jerusalem Post on Monday, as the nine-month deadline for peace talks set last July by US Secretary of State John Kerry is on the verge of expiring in two months.


3. Kerry is putting pressure only on Israel - Israel Hayom

High-level Israeli criticism of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry continued on Monday, in the wake of Kerry's assertion this weekend at the Munich Security Conference that Israel might suffer boycotts and further delegimization if the current peace talks with the Palestinians fail.


4. Attacks from Gaza skyrocket in January - Times of Israel

After one of the quietest years on the Gaza front in recent memory, the first month of the new year saw a drastic increase in attacks originating from the coastal enclave, according to the security services.


Please read this

American Minute with Bill Federer

FEB. 4:

Nazi healthcare, gun confiscation, holocaust,
and Dietrich Bonhoeffer martyred


(Excerpts . . . to read this entire article, please go here.)


The head of the National Socialist Workers' Party, Adolph Hitler, became Chancellor of Germany, January 30, 1933, and began implementing a plan of universal healthcare, with no regard for conscience.

The New York Times reported October 10, 1933:

"Nazi Plan to Kill Incurables to End Pain; German Religious Groups Oppose Move."

The Ministry of Justice, explaining the Nazi aims regarding the German penal code, today announced its intentions to authorize physicians to end the sufferings of the incurable patient in the interest of true humanity."

When Germany's economy suffered, expenses had to be cut from the national healthcare plan, such as keeping alive handicapped, insane, chronically ill, elderly and those with dementia. They were considered "lebensunwertes leben"-life unworthy of life.

Then criminals, convicts, street bums, beggars and gypsies, considered "leeches" on society, met a similar fate.

Eventually, to rid the human gene pool of what Nazi's considered "untermensch" -under mankind, Hitler's immoral plan sent 6 million Jews, along with millions of others, to the holocaust gas chambers and ovens.

The German Reichstag (Capitol building) was set on fire under suspicious conditions, after which Hitler forced old military leaders to retire. He accused political opponents, then had them arrested and shot.

An SA Oberführer warned of an ordinance by the provisional Bavarian Minister of the Interior: "The deadline set for the Surrender of Weapons will expire on March 31, 1933. I therefore request the immediate surrender of all arms . . .

Whoever does not belong to one of these named units (SA, SS, and Stahlhelm) and...keeps his weapon without authorization or even hides it, must be viewed as an enemy of the national government and will be held responsible without hesitation and with the utmost severity."

Heinrich Himmler, head of Nazi S.S. ("Schutzstaffel"-Protection Squadron), stated:

"Germans who wish to use firearms should join the S.S. or the S.A. Ordinary citizens don't need guns, as their having guns doesn't serve the State."

Some Church leaders resisted Hitler, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Bonhoeffer, born FEBRUARY 4, 1906, studied in New York in 1930, where he met Frank Fisher, an African-American seminarian who introduced him to Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church.

He was inspired by African-American spirituals and the preaching of Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., who helped Bonhoeffer turn "from phraseology to reality," motivating him to stand up to injustice.

Bonhoeffer helped found the Confessing Church in Germany, which refused to be intimidated by Hitler into silence.

In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer rebuked nominal Christians:

"Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ."

Bonhoeffer stated in a 1932 sermon:

"The blood of martyrs might once again be demanded, but this blood, if we really have the courage and loyalty to shed it, will not be innocent, shining like that of the first witnesses for the faith. On our blood lies heavy guilt, the guilt of the unprofitable servant."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned Germans not to slip into the cult of Führer (leader) worship, as he could turn out to be a Verführer (mis-leader, seducer).



On February 16, 2002, Dr. James Dobson told the National Religious Broadcasters:

"Those of you who feel that the church has no responsibility in the cultural area. . .

What if it were 1943 and you were in Nazi Germany and you knew what Hitler was doing to the Jews . . . Would you say, 'We're not political-that's somebody else's problem'?"

Dobson concluded:

"I thank God Dietrich Bonhoeffer did not give that answer, and he was arrested by the Nazis and hanged in 1945, naked and alone because he said, 'This is not right.'"




A note from CHPP:

Today, we honor Dr. Ben Carson, a physician who, one year ago this week, spoke truth to power, challenging the policies of the Affordable Care Act (i.e. Obamacare). The President was close at hand when Dr. Carson spoke those words.

We ask protection at this time for Dr. Carson, his family and his associates, as well as all who will attend the National Prayer Breakfast this week, on Thursday, Feb. 6. As in past years, the speaker will not be known until that day, but our Lord knows his or her name. Pray, too, for the protection of that one as well.

And for all who will read this news today, we ask, as Dr. Dobson did in 2002: WHEN WILL YOU SPEAK UP?

Thank you.


The Madison Report

The Madison Report

www.MadisonProject.com

THE MADISONIAN:

Week of February 3 - 7, 2014


Immigration

Last week, at the annual House GOP retreat the Republican leadership unveiled their plan for passing amnesty sometime this year or next. Thankfully, their proposal was met with ubiquitous opposition from the conservative movement as well as from most rank-and-file members. As the week begins, most news reports are portraying their proposal as a dead man walking. However, conservatives must not let their guard down over the next few months. The entire GOP donor class is behind this push for amnesty and they have no intention of giving up without a fight.


The "Other" Super Bowl

Sunday's Super Brawl: Obama v. O'Reilly


If you thought the Super Bowl was rough, you should have seen the pregame. President Obama squared off against Bill O'Reilly for a match-up that proved a lot more spirited than the actual game. Two hours before kick-off, O'Reilly and Obama sparred over a range of topics -- from the White House's missteps on everything from ObamaCare and the IRS to the tragedy in Benghazi. Both men got their jabs in, with the President occasionally showing his annoyance with Fox News along the way.

For his part, President Obama offered many of the same explanations for the botched ObamaCare roll-out, insisting that no one, not even his team of experienced contractors, could have known that HealthCare.gov was so deeply flawed. "I don't think anybody anticipated the degree of problems," President Obama said. Three years and millions of tax dollars later, shouldn't someone have known, O'Reilly asked? And if they didn't, isn't that ultimately the responsibility of Secretary Kathleen Sebelius?
"Why didn't you fire [her]?" O'Reilly pressed. As a taxpayer, Bill said, "I'm paying Kathleen Sebelius's salary, and she screwed up. And you're not holding her accountable." The President testily responded that he holds "everybody up and down the line accountable" -- a claim that doesn't exactly hold true with ObamaCare or the IRS's conservative targeting scandal. As Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) pointed out last week, it's been 280-plus days, and the Justice Department still hasn't filed a single indictment. "I try to focus, not on the fumbles," President Obama replied, "but on the next plan." But the ObamaCare "fumble," as he called it, isn't going away any time soon, O'Reilly pointed out. "Last week, there was an Associated Press call of people who actually went to the website and only 8% of them feel that it's working well." Still, the President fired back, three million people are enrolled.
As for one of the biggest black eyes of the Obama presidency, Benghazi, the President continues to evade the truth as he maneuvers his way through the events of that fateful September day. "Your commanders and the Secretary of Defense know it's a terror attack," O'Reilly pushed. "Did he tell you, Secretary Panetta, that it was a terror attack?" Bill asked point blank. When the President tried to dodge the question, O'Reilly posed it again. "I'm answering your question," a frustrated President Obama said. "What he said to me was, we've got an attack on our compound. We don't know yet... we don't know yet who's doing it. Understand, by definition, Bill, when somebody is attacking our compound... that's an act of terror, which is how I characterized it the day after it happened. So the -- so the question ends up being who, in fact, was attacking us?"
In the "heat of the moment," the President insisted, the White House was more focused on what was happening on the ground -- not defining it. "We -- we revealed to the American people exactly what we understood at the time. The notion that we would hide the ball for political purposes when, a week later, we all said, in fact, there was a terrorist attack taking place the day after, I said it was an act of terror, that wouldn't be a very good cover-up."
More than a year later, we all agree that it wasn't a good cover-up -- but even independent investigators believe that it was one. Last month, Senate Democrats and Republicans made the case that the President willingly lied about what the White House knew and when it knew it. But instead of admitting to the American people that the pre-election attack was the work of terrorists -- or even suggesting that the administration didn't have all the details -- the President spent the first several days blaming the violence on a ridiculous internet video. Even now, 17 months later, the White House can't bring itself to admit what most of us suspected all along. Under Barack Obama, truth -- whether about your health care, the nation's military, or foreign policy -- is sacrificed to political expediency. (Family Research Council)

Iranian General Threatens America

Iranian General Threatens America


While the Obama Administration is threatening Israel, Iranian military leaders continue threatening us. In a televised interview this weekend, Brigadier General Hossein Salami said, "The U.S. military option is of no care to us. They can use this option but should take the responsibility for its destructive consequences too."

Salami said that if the United States attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, Iran would "recognize no boundary for its response." Translation: Iranian terror cells, led by Hezbollah, would strike U.S. interests all over the world, including inside U.S. borders. The general added, "We have . . . identified centers in America [for attack] that will create a shock. We will conduct such a blow in which they [America] will be destroyed from within."

If this is the way the Iranians are talking before they have a nuclear weapon, just imagine how they will act once they become a nuclear power. (Gary Bauer)


The Good News Corner

The Good News Corner:

Oscar-Winning Producer Blasts Academy for Rescinding Christian Film's Nomination for Best Song; Demands it be Retracted


[We are posting this report under our Good News section, because it is, indeed, good news that a voice from within the Hollywood community is calling the Oscar Committee to account for this decision.]


"Critics will pounce and accuse us of being out of touch and needlessly offending middle America by stripping this song-a song sung by a quadriplegic hero to evangelical Christians who has captured the imagination of the American people-of its nomination." -Gerald Molen


(Hollywood, CA)-Gerald Molen, the Academy award winning producer of "Schindler's List," has accused the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences of bigotry and discrimination after they rescinded their nomination of the Christian film "Alone Yet Not Alone" for best music.

The reason used the Academy was "improper lobbying done by the songwriter before the initial nomination," according to a report in The Blaze.

But, wrote Molen in a letter he penned to Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy, and obtained by the Hollywood Reporter: "Every film, director, writer, cinematographer, actor, art director, costume designer and effects house finds a way to pitch or promote their work. Many will see this decision as faith-based bigotry, pure and simple."
"In my humble opinion," he added, "it seems to me that this has turned a Cinderella story that America loves into a story of the wicked stepmother who wants to keep her daughter from the ball, with we, the Academy, cast as the villain."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Molen also addressed the accusation that a private investigator had been hired by some to investigate the film in order to disqualify it

"It has been reported," he said, "that a rival firm hired a private investigator to find dirt on the film. . . I urge you and the Academy to reconsider this decision and restore the song and integrity to our process." (Breaking Christian News) Read more here.

Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders:

Mass sea star deaths off US west coast puzzle scientists


Starfish have been mysteriously dying by the millions in recent months along the US west coast, worrying biologists who say the sea creatures are key to the marine ecosystem. Scientists first started noticing the mass deaths in June 2013. Different types of starfish..., were affected, from wild ones along the coast to those in captivity, according to Jonathan Sleeman, director of the US Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center. (AFP) (Read more)


"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
(Luke 11:25-28)


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