In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XVI, No. 22
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Partners in Prayer for the Nation
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVI, Number 22a
July 13 - 17, 2009
July 13 - 17, 2009
"For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)
1. DEMOCRATS PUSH FOR PROBE INTO BUSH POLICIES
2. CONFIRMATION HEARINGS HAVE BEGUN FOR JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR
3. HATE CRIMES BILL MOVED TO NEW SENATE COMMITTEE
4. OBAMA THREATENS TO VETO HIS OWN DEFENSE BILL OVER F-22 FUNDING
5. DEMOCRATS' HEALTH CARE BILL WILL GREATLY INCREASE ABORTIONS
6. OBAMA NOMINATES FIRST BLACK WOMAN FOR SURGEON GENERAL
7. SWINE FLU SHOTS AT SCHOOL; BRACING FOR FALL RETURN
8. U.S. REGULATORY CZAR NOMINEE WANTS NET "FAIRNESS DOCTRINE"
9. TWO CONGRESSMEN INTRODUCE AMENDMENT TO BLOCK "FAIRNESS DOCTRINE"
10. GOOD NEWS UPDATES FROM THE HILL: BECAUSE YOU PRAYED
1. DEMOCRATS PUSH FOR PROBE INTO BUSH POLICIES
Obama Agenda Could Be Upstaged by Furor Over Bush
President Barack Obama has been reluctant to probe Bush-era torture and anti-terrorism policies, but his Democratic allies aren't likely to let the matters rest. "I've always preferred my idea of a commission of inquiry to look at all these issues," Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said Sunday. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., head of the intelligence committee, suggested that the George W. Bush administration broke the law by concealing a CIA counterterrorism program from Congress. The Wall Street Journal, anonymously citing former intelligence officials, reported Monday the secret program was a plan to kill or capture al-Qaida operatives. The Journal's sources said the plan, which was halted by CIA Director Leon Panetta, was an attempt to carry out a presidential finding authorized in 2001 by President George W. Bush.
Meanwhile, a series of developments halfway through Obama's first year related to the Bush administration's prosecution of the War on Terror are threatening to undermine the president's agenda and overshadow his message going forward, analysts say. "If Congress is going to get sidetracked on trying to get Bush administration officials ... every moment that's spent doing that is not spent trying to get through health care reform or cap-and-trade," said William Jacobson, associate clinical professor at Cornell Law School. "It would create years of legal investigation," said David Rivkin, a Justice Department official during the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations. "It would be polarizing. It would be bad for (Obama's) agenda. It would be bad for national security." (AP)
• The Lord be praised.
• "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)
2. CONFIRMATION HEARINGS HAVE BEGUN FOR JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR
The confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court, began today. I was encouraged to read that Senate Republicans will be calling Frank Ricci to testify. You may recall that Mr. Ricci was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the city of New Haven, Connecticut. He and several other firefighters had passed a promotional exam only to have the results thrown out by the city because no blacks passed the exam. Judge Sotomayor demonstrated no empathy whatsoever for the white and Hispanic firefighters who passed the exam, and sided with the city. Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court overruled her decision. While I'm certain the Ricci case will get much attention, there are other important issues that I hope are not neglected during the hearings.
For example, will a Justice Sotomayor uphold religious liberty and free speech or will she vote to restrict both? In a 2003 case, Judge Sotomayor ruled that local laws intended to promote "tolerance" trumped a pastor's First Amendment rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion. Senators should question Judge Sotomayor on how religious liberty might be impacted if the so-called "hate crimes" bill now pending in the Senate becomes law.
Senators should also question Judge Sotomayor on the right to life, especially in view of Justice Ginsburg's outrageous statement over the weekend about Roe v. Wade. Unbelievably, Justice Ginsburg told the New York Times Sunday magazine, "Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don't want to have too many of." Justice Ginsburg also went on to express her view that the Supreme Court was wrong to uphold the Hyde Amendment, which restricted taxpayer funding of abortions in Medicaid.
Does Judge Sotomayor share the view that our Constitution permits the destruction of certain people that we "don't want to have too many of"? Would a Justice Sotomayor join Ginsburg in ruling that taxpayers must subsidize abortion through Medicaid or a new socialized healthcare scheme?
Senators should also ask Judge Sotomayor if she still stands by her decision in Maloney v. Cuomo, in which she ruled that cities and states can impose restrictions on an individual's Second Amendment rights. These are just a few questions that the American people deserve to have answered before senators vote to promote Judge Sotomayor to the highest court in the land. (Gary Bauer)
• Continue to pray, asking our Lord to grant His wisdom to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee when questioning of Judge Sotomayor begins tomorrow. Pray that any hidden agenda or possible twisted or biased opinions be clearly exposed now, before she is confirmed. May God's will be done!
• "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10)
3. HATE CRIMES BILL MOVED TO NEW COMMITTEE
Senate Armed Services Chair Carl Levin (D-Mich.) confirmed that a "hate crimes" bill will make its debut in a matter of days. Levin said he plans to attach an expansion of hate crimes law to the defense policy bill, meaning that a vote on the legislation, S. 909, could be as early as this week. Conservatives have been bracing for a fast and furious push, but we need you to engage immediately. Contact your senators today and urge them to reject the bill. Both Republicans and Democrats need to be reminded that our laws should not create special protections for people based upon their sexual behavior.
And don't assume that Democrats won't listen to your objections. There are plenty of Democrats who are either conservative or represent conservative states, and they can't afford to turn a deaf ear to voters. Sens. Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), Evan Bayh (Ind.), Mary Landrieu (La.), Byron Dorgan (N.D.), Bob Casey (Penn.), Tim Johnson (S.D.), Jim Webb (Va.), and Mark Warner (Va.) promised to govern from the middle. Ask them to prove it by voting against S. 909. (Family Research Council)
• Please pray first for the American voter to rise up and move in the direction of active participation in taking back his country, item by item if need be. Intercede, as the heart of God is on full display through the resolution of our forefathers in creating The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution, that the trappings of this bill be hurled to the forefront and exposed for what they are - an effort to once again circumvent the framers' original intent. Decree by the spirit that this attempt to create a breach in the rule of law be filled with the truth and nothing but. Pray without ceasing for a true and productive relationship and connection between all elected officials and their constituents. Ask that the voters would put forth the effort to stay abreast of these important issues.
• "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?" (Proverbs 20:6)
4. OBAMA THREATENS TO VETO HIS OWN DEFENSE BILL OVER F-22 FUNDING
It's not every day that a president threatens to veto his own defense spending bill. But that's the rare position President Obama finds himself taking after senators made an 11th hour addition of $1.75 billion to buy seven F-22 fighter jets whose price tag has ballooned to about $350 million apiece. The fifth generation fighter jet has been overtaken by the newer F-35, critics argue, and Obama wants to keep with the recommendation of former President George W. Bush and cap the purchase at 187 jets.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote to senators Monday to express their dismay at the 11th hour addition. Analysts say it would be unprecedented for a defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs to urge the president to veto their own defense bill. But they, and Obama, have made clear that they view such expenditures as wasteful. "We do not need these planes. That is why I will veto any bill that supports acquisition of F-22s beyond the 187 already funded by Congress," Obama said in a letter Monday to senators.
Meanwhile, another last-minute potential showdown is brewing that could stall the defense bill. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., told FOX News she plans to introduce an amendment Tuesday that would halt the enforcement of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation for 18 months. The amendment would halt the Defense Department from removing any openly gay members of the military from serving for the next 18 months while the administration and the Pentagon review the policy. (AP)
• The LORD works in strange and wonderful ways . . . this is also the bill that Senator Carl Levin was going to use as a "stealth maneuver," attaching the "hate crime" language as an amendment to defense appropriations. WOW. Pray that Obama sticks to his word; that this bill is vetoed; and in the process, that no "hate crime" language will be added to it, as well.
• "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)
5. DEMOCRATS' HEALTH CARE BILL WILL GREATLY INCREASE ABORTIONS
During President Barack Obama's presidential campaign, he campaigned under the premise that abortion would be safe, legal and rare or words to that effect. Unfortunately, the Democrats' proposed health care legislation will only increase abortions in America which are already being performed at the stunning rate of 1.2 million abortions each year. Indeed, according to the Guttmacher Institute, there were 1.37 million abortions in America in 1996.
In the Democrats' proposed health care legislation, abortion on demand would be mandated by the federal government in medical insurance policies. There would be massive federal subsidies for abortions in America, even though a majority of Americans do not want their tax dollars to pay for abortions. New abortion clinics would be mandated in the Democrats' bill. Health care workers would be forced to participate in abortions or lose their jobs.
All in all, the Obama and Democrats' health care proposals will be disastrous for the health care of families and individuals in America. Worse yet, abortion will be mandated in insurance policies forcing the majority of Americans who are pro-life to pay for the gruesome procedure of abortion against their conscience. The Obama/Democrat health care legislation must be defeated. Americans need to call their Congressmen to tell them to vote no on the Obama/Democrat health care bill. (Roberata Coombs, President, Christian Coalition of America)
[Editor's note: We recommend you read this article in its entirety, by going here.]
• Please ask that the heart of America be broken for that which breaks God's heart, once and for all, and for the millions of lives disposed of due to mind-sets like this. Pray against the stronghold of indifference and irresponsibility when it comes to human life. Ask that there be a re-education of the American conscience, that turning a deaf ear or a blind eye would no longer be an option. Intercede with the heart of the Father for the lives at stake, that this legislation would be denied print, and that American families would find the righteous and moral protection that they so desperately need. Please pray that life and the value thereof, from conception to finality, would cease to be found in the hands of any politician or political party.
• "I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh." (Genesis 9:15a)
6. OBAMA NOMINATES FIRST BLACK WOMAN FOR SURGEON GENERAL
President Obama is counting on the woman he's tapped to become the next surgeon general to be a top advocate for his health care reform plan. Regina Benjamin, the youngest doctor and first black woman admitted to the American Medical Association's board of trustees, is President Obama's pick to be surgeon general.
Benjamin said Monday that becoming the nation's chief public health advocate is very personal to her after having watched her brother die at age 34 of HIV-AIDS, her mom die of lung cancer and her dad die of complications related to diabetes. "This is a physician's dream, but for me this is more than just a job," she said. "My family is not here with me today, at least not in person, because of preventable diseases. While I can not change my family's past, I can be a voice in the movement. ... My hope, if confirmed as surgeon general, is to be America's doctor." Her nomination for surgeon general requires Senate confirmation.
• At first glance, Dr. Benjamin certainly does appear to be an outstanding candidate for Surgeon General. Once again, as the Senate prepares for her confirmation hearings, ask that they be granted "wisdom from above" in all matters related to this nomination. As a supporter of Obama's health care plan, for example -a plan which would provide for taxpayer-funded abortions - Dr. Benjamin's position on these and other issues are key. Remember: the shedding of innocent blood brings a curse upon a nation!
• "For he (Manasseh) had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not pardon." (2 Kings 24:4)
7. SWINE FLU SHOTS AT SCHOOL; BRACING FOR FALL RETURN
U.S. swine flu vaccinations could begin in October with children among the first in line - at their local schools - the Obama administration said Thursday as the president and his Cabinet urged states to figure out now how they'll tackle the virus' all-but-certain resurgence. "We may end up averting a crisis. That's our hope," said President Barack Obama, who took time away from the G-8 summit in Italy to telephone another summit back home - the 500 state and local health officials meeting to prepare for swine flu's fall threat. (AP)
• As in this matter reports are so varied, pray for God's mercy concerning what we are not hearing. Ask that the confusing information and hasty embarking be replaced with truth and that God's wisdom would stand out for the American people. At the very least, trust our God and pray for the right of the American people to "self quarantine" in the event of any mandatory swine flu vaccinations.
• "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you." (Proverbs 9:10-11)
8. U.S. REGULATORY CZAR NOMINEE WANTS NET "FAIRNESS DOCTRINE"
Barack Obama's nominee for "regulatory czar" has advocated a "Fairness Doctrine" for the Internet that would require opposing opinions be linked and also has suggested angry e-mails should be prevented from being sent by technology that would require a 24-hour cooling off period.
The revelations about Cass Sunstein, Obama's friend from the University of Chicago Law School and nominee to head the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, come in a new book by Brad O'Leary, "Shut Up, America! The End of Free Speech." OIRA will oversee regulation throughout the U.S. government.
Sunstein also has argued in his prolific literary works that the Internet is anti-democratic because of the way users can filter out information of their own choosing. "A system of limitless individual choices, with respect to communications, is not necessarily in the interest of citizenship and self-government," he wrote. "Democratic efforts to reduce the resulting problems ought not be rejected in freedom's name." (WorldNetDaily)
• As over 38 unelected czars or "Emperors" have been given official authority over American life, and as big government is insatiably hungry for more big government, please decree now that the thoughts, beliefs, and opinions of the American people will remain in the minds and on the lips of the American people. Pray against the fears of leaders who highly oppose the people's rights to think and speak for themselves. Ask that these absurdities be addressed before the court of the Most High God who has given to every man a thinking brain to process his own views and opinions. Intercede for the hearts of these men, as fear grips them to push for this kind of "mind-control," that they would turn and embrace the First Amendment to the Constitution and the free thinkers of America that our forefathers fought so hard to protect.
• "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city. She speaks her words: 'How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?' For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge." (Proverbs 1:19-22)
9. TWO CONGRESSMEN INTRODUCE AMENDMENT TO BLOCK "FAIRNESS DOCTRINE"
U.S. Representatives Greg Walden, R-Ore., and Mike Pence, R-Ind., will offer the Walden-Pence Broadcaster Freedom Amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations this week. If it passes it would kill funding for the so-called Fairness Doctrine, which would force radio stations to "balance" opinions on controversial issues.
Some lawmakers have brought up the idea of reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, which was in effect for nearly four decades. During that time religious radio stations rarely engaged in public policy talk radio, according to Pence. He explained that stations were forced to offer equal time on any issue the government deemed controversial.
"We just really believe this is an issue of censorship," Pence said. "The American people ought to ultimately be who decides what is on the airwaves of radio -- of Christian talk radio -- not bureaucrats in Washington D.C."(CitizenLink)
• Offer praise for the efforts of Congressmen Walden and Pence. Ask our Lord To bless their work, and pray that a groundswell of support be raised, by the Spirit of the Most High God, towards passage of this amendment for broadcaster Freedom. Praise God!
• "Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalm 110:3)
10. GOOD NEWS UPDATES FROM THE HILL: BECAUSE YOU PRAYED
• Offer praise for the three reports, below. All have happened, in part, because you prayed. Thank you!
• "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
a) H.Res.397, "America's Spiritual Heritage Resolution"
There is growing support for Randy Forbes' H.Res.397, "America's Spiritual Heritage Resolution." We have 66 co-sponsors from both parties so far. This resolution details the Judeo-Christian heritage of our nation. Momentum began to build when Dr. Tom Price (R-GA), who leads the Republican Study Committee, recommended it to the group. Within 24 hours of his recommendation, twenty members of the Republican Study Committee signed on. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
b) "In God We Trust" Resolution Passes
Congressman Dan Lungren's (R-CA) resolution in the House will correct a problem in the new Capitol Visitor Center, through which everyone entering the Capitol must now pass. Although planned and built during the Bush Administration, there were no references to God in the new facility, not even the National Motto, "In God We Trust." On July 9th, House Resolution 131 was passed by a huge margin. Only the hard core socialists in the Democrat Party and Ron Paul voted against it. The full title of the bill was: Directing the Architect of the Capitol to engrave the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the National Motto of "In God we trust" in the Capitol Visitor Center. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
c) S. 1435: The Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act
Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), introduced the Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act (S.1435) in July. The bill would prohibit the creation of human-animal hybrids. "This legislation works to ensure that our society recognizes the dignity and sacredness of human life," said Brownback.
"Creating human-animal hybrids, which permanently alter the genetic makeup of an organism, will challenge the very definition of what it means to be human and is a violation of human dignity and a grave injustice." Commercial laboratories claim combining animal and human DBA can help create cures for various illnesses. Social conservatives see a huge moral issue. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVI, Number 22b
1. "PUT NOTHING IN WRITING" BROWNER TOLD AUTO EXECS
2. HEAD OF TERRORIST-LINKED GROUP INVTED TO JOIN ADMINISTRATION
3. WHITE HOUSE AMONG TARGETS OF SWEEPING CYBER ATTACK
4. SECRETARY CLINTON: OBAMA TOO TIMID ON IRAN
5. IRAN PRODUCING LONG-RANGE SOLID-FUEL MISSILES
6. BARAK: ISRAEL WILL DISMANTLE OUTPOSTS WITHIN MONTHS
1. "PUT NOTHING IN WRITING" BROWNER TOLD AUTO EXECS IN SECRET MEETINGS
Sensenbrenner wants investigation
Carol Browner, former Clinton administration EPA head and current Obama White House climate czar, instructed auto industry execs "to put nothing in writing, ever" regarding secret negotiations she orchestrated regarding a deal to increase federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-WI, is demanding a congressional investigation of Browner's conduct in the CAFE talks, saying in a letter to Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, that Browner "intended to leave little or no documentation of the deliberations that lead to stringent new CAFE standards." Federal law requires officials to preserve documents concerning significant policy decisions, so instructing participants in a policy negotation concerning a major federal policy change could be viewed as a criminal act. Waxman is chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Sensenbrenner is the ranking Republican member of the panel.
Browner's informal directive was previously reported by The New York Times. Sensebrenner's letter is being made public tomorrow. A copy was made available to The Examiner by an official with knowledge of the controversy. (The Examiner; 7/8/09)
• Please pray as politicians work very hard to keep lobbyists and special interest groups happy, that sound principle and simple ethics in government would not be discarded in the process. Ask that those who would subvert the law and take it upon themselves to hide valid information from the American people be found out and processed accordingly. Please lift up Rep. Sensenbrenner for strength and energy as he has rightly decided to take on this challenge. Ask God to cloak him and others with wisdom and tenacity until those in question are brought to bear record concerning their conduct and can no longer frustrate and mislead the American people.
Intercede that well-substantiated findings concerning our energy independence be given free course and that the EPA and other federal agencies be given a thorough cleaning out, that the rule of law, high standards, and much transparency will again become the norm and not the exception.
• "The righteousness of the blameless keeps their ways straight, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright saves them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their schemes." (Proverbs 11:5-6)
• "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." (Proverbs 25:28)
2. HEAD OF TERRORIST-LINKED GROUP INVTED TO JOIN ADMINISTRATION
A top aide to President Barack Obama provided a keynote address at last weekend's 46th Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) national convention, a gathering that attracted thousands of people and also featured anti-Semitic, homophobic rhetoric and defense of the terrorist group Hezbollah.
In her remarks, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement and International Affairs Valerie Jarrett noted she was the first White House official to address ISNA. She spoke in general terms about interfaith dialogue and cooperation. She praised her hosts for "the diversity of American organizations, and ideas that are represented and will be debated" at the convention. And she openly invited ISNA President Ingrid Mattson to work on the White House Council on Women and Girls that Jarrett leads. (Jewish World Review)
• Offer praise that this information has surfaced, so that the public can respond, as needed. The majority of the citizens of our nation can easily "see through" the subterfuges and lies of Islam. Pray that a groundswell of opposition will be voiced to this appointment, so that the voice of Islam will not find its way into the inner circles of this administration. Pray!
• "Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalm 110:3 NASB)
3. WHITE HOUSE AMONG TARGETS OF SWEEPING CYBER ATTACK
The powerful attack that overwhelmed computers at U.S. and South Korean government agencies for days was even broader than realized, also targeting the White House, the Pentagon and the New York Stock Exchange.
An early analysis of the malicious software used in the attack found its targets also included the National Security Agency, Homeland Security Department, State Department, the Nasdaq stock market and The Washington Post. Many of the organizations appeared to successfully blunt the sustained attacks. The Associated Press obtained the target list from security experts analyzing the attack. It was not immediately clear who might be responsible or what their motives were, although the attack was later identified as probably coming out of North Korea. The attack was remarkably successful. Some of the affected government Web sites -- such as the Treasury Department, Federal Trade Commission and Secret Service -- were still reporting problems days after it started during the July 4 holiday. (AP)
• As of today, these cyberattacks seem to have subsided. Pray MUCH for the hard-working tech specialists, whose job it is daily to safeguard all of our government computers from hacking incidents. These men and women are the "unsung heroes" of hiomeland security: often working long hours, several levels below ground in deep bunkers, securing our internet networks from infiltration. May each one be given strength for the task, and wisdom to see and to know when another cyberattack is imminent. Pray!
• Psalm 91: for our people and for our infrastructure
4. SECRETARY CLINTON: OBAMA TOO TIMID ON IRAN
Numerous reports in the past week or so documented a split between Secretary State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama with regards to how the administration should react to the Iranian street protestors following the apparent stolen presidential election in Iran.
Secretary Clinton advocated a tougher approach and it took a long time before Obama adopted Clinton's position, although he refused to give her a heads-up when he finally adopted her position. She believed after the killing of the young woman, Neda Agha-Soltan -- seen on a video which went around the world -- that it was time for the president to get tougher against Iran.
As an article in yesterday's "The Washington Times" said: "Mrs. Clinton had been advocating the stronger U.S. response, but the president resisted." It added that "Mrs. Clinton did not know (of Obama's adopting her position) until he uttered the words that he would choose that moment to make them public." (Christian Coalition of America)
• Offer praise that Secretary of State Clinton is "calling a spade a spade" regarding the danger now posed by a nuclear Iran; and that she is not afraid to speak her own mind on this issue, no matter what the president says or believes. Pray that Mr. Obama "gets it," and that he will find the courage to call evil what it is - evil. Pray!
• "The Lord opens the eyes of the blind . . ." (Psalm 146:8a)
5. IRAN PRODUCING LONG-RANGE SOLID-FUEL MISSILES
The Israeli Intel site "Debka" is reporting that Iran has begun the mass production of long-range, solid-fuel Sejil surface missiles. The two-stage 2,000-kilometer range Sejil II ballistic missile effectively annuls the effectiveness of American and Israeli satellite-based early warning systems that provide an integral element of their regional defense strategies.
Debka goes on to report that Iran has recruited Chinese missile experts to assist in the production of mobile launchers for the Sejil II. The combination of the solid-fuel Sejil mounted on mobile vehicles will give an Iranian missile attack the advantage of surprise, because of the difficulty of tracking and targeting them from space or the air.
Iran's willingness to participate in the arming of rogue regimes such as Syria and North Korea is of particular concern to Gerard Group analysts. The new Iranian missiles are designed to be highly mobile with a multiplicity of launch options that would seem irresistible to terror organizations and their state sponsors. Concealed in false flagged freighters, the Sejil II missiles would provide an un-stoppable terror weapon with the ability of hitting targets throughout North America. (Gerard Group)
• Continue in prayer over this report, and ask our Lord to raise up even millions of saints in America, and in Israel, who will build a "wall of defense," through prayer, against these missiles, through the might of the Spirit of the Most High God. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. May our Lord hear our prayers, and our hearts of repentance, in this truly dangerous hour for our land. Amen.
• "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." (Col. 2:15)
6. BARAK: ISRAEL WILL DISMANTLE OUTPOSTS WITHIN MONTHS
Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with US Middle East envoy Senator George Mitchell in London on July 6 for their second meeting in the space of a week. The defense minister told Mitchell that "Israel is committed to evacuating the 23 illegal outposts [established without Israeli governmental approval] within weeks or months."
Barak's entourage characterized the meeting, which lasted little over an hour, as positive, and said progress had been made on several issues-including clarifying the status of construction in existing settlements [legally approved by the Israeli government] and Israel's willingness to enter negotiations with the Palestinians and other Arab nations in exchange for a normalization of relations.
"I think there is progress. There's still a way to go," Barak said. He added that he expects no imminent announcement on settlement building, a key issue in the talks. Barak also told Mitchell that Israel expects to see trust-building gestures from Arab states, as well as Palestinian reciprocation for Israeli gestures.
Israel is demanding, among other things, that the Palestinians acknowledge a future agreement as an end to the conflict, recognize Israel as the national home of the Jewish people, establish law-and-order systems, and provide an answer on the status of the Gaza Strip and Hamas. (By Roni Sofer, Ynetnews.com, July 6, 2009) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
• Pray that the families being evacuated from the outposts will be able to find homes and jobs quickly, and that the evacuations will be peaceful.
• "'For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,' says the LORD; 'I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.'" (Psalm 12:5)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF PEACE (Elohay Ha-Shalom)
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 16:20)
You are the God of Peace, yet I thank You because You go to battle for me. How glad I am that I need not trust in my hands, my ability, or my strength for defense. I simply put my life into Your hands, and have all the help I need. How I praise You!
(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)
