In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Pro-Life News
• Update: Texas Plane Crash
• The U.N.'s Belated Discovery
• The Good News Corner
• Worship With Us!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, February 19, 2010
God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor. (Job 37:5-7)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Army Investigates Alleged Attempt by Soldiers to Poison Food at Fort Jackson - Fox News
The U.S. Army is investigating allegations that soldiers were attempting to poison the food supply at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. The ongoing probe began two months ago, Chris Grey, a spokesman for the Army's Criminal Investigation Division, told Fox News. The Army is taking the allegations "extremely seriously," Grey said, but so far, "there is no credible information to support the allegations." Five suspects, detained in December, were part of an Arabic translation program called "09 Lima" and use Arabic as their first language, two sources told Fox News. Another military source said they were Muslim. It wasn't clear whether they were still being held.
- We thank You that this threat is being investigated and that the Army is alert for the threat of radicals after the attack on Fort Hood. Lord, continue to bring into the light all plans like this, and bring revival into the military so that these terrorists can be saved.
- "The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him." (Psalm 37:40)
2. Justice Department Clears Bush Interrogation Lawyers of Misconduct - Fox News
Justice Department lawyers showed "poor judgment" but did not commit professional misconduct when they authorized CIA interrogators to use waterboarding and other harsh tactics at the height of the U.S. war on terrorism, an internal review released Friday found.
- We praise You that these workers were vindicated again. May those in Washington start to debate policies without threatening jail to those with a different recommended course of action. We pray the review will not hinder those who are working for the security of this nation.
- "'Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,' declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 1:8)
3. Austin plane crash exposes gap in US air security - AP
After 9/11, cockpit doors were sealed, air marshals were added and airport searches became more aggressive, all to make sure an airliner could never again be used as a weapon. Yet little has been done to guard against attacks with smaller planes. That point was driven home with chilling force on Thursday when a Texas man with a grudge against the IRS crashed his single-engine plane into an office building in a fiery suicide attack. One person inside the building was also killed.
- Lord, we pray for the family of the person who was killed in this act and for the family of the murderer. We praise You that only one person died in this attack and hope this will cause an awakening for those who work in the airports across this nation.
- "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
4. Obama forms bipartisan debt panel - Fox News
President Obama created a bipartisan commission Thursday to cut the growing federal deficit, which he called "an economic crisis brought on by years of bad habits in Washington." "These are tough times, and we cannot be spending like they are not," Mr. Obama said before signing the executive order establishing the Bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. Mr. Obama appointed as co-chairmen Erskine Bowles, a chief of staff in the Clinton administration, and former Senate Whip Alan K. Simpson, Wyoming Republican.
- As we sink deeper and deeper into debt, we pray that this panel will be a real force for change. May we be better stewards of Your blessings both privately and corporately.
- "The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave." (Proverbs 22:7)
5. Reid Intransigence on Substitute Jobs Bill Leaves Lawmakers Scratching Heads - Fox News
Despite calls for bipartisanship -- most notably in an unceremonious retirement announcement by Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind. -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will not allow amendments to a jobs bill he substituted last week in place of a popular measure that had won across-the-aisle support. A spokesman for the leader told Fox News on Wednesday that Reid will allow tax provisions in subsequent legislation passed after his $15 billion Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act, which Reid swapped in to replace an $85 billion bill crafted by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D- Mont., and ranking member Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. Reid jettisoned the Baucus-Grassley bill in a surprise move that provoked bipartisan head-scratching and even a bit of outrage. Disdain for the process by which Reid offered his replacement measure put the leader on the defensive, and Reid was forced to call the Senate's newest Republican, Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts, and others to try and win votes for his pared down, incremental bill. But Republicans are at a loss about why the majority leader bailed on the first bill, and they're unlikely to be pacified by efforts to reach out on his measure. "I just don't get it," a senior Senate GOP leadership aide told Fox News. "Reid is literally snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory here."
- We pray the officials on Capitol Hill will begin to work in the interests of the people instead of working in secret to wipe out any cooperative plans. Thank You that there are Congressmen who will still stand publicly to challenge the secret dealings of those in power.
- "On account of the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, Let them even be caught in their pride, And on account of curses and lies which they utter." (Psalm 59:12)
6. Ahmadinejad: Israel planning war this summer - World Tribune
Iran has charged that Israel is planning to launch a regional war by the summer of 2010.
- As threats like this arise, we pray that the US government and governments across the world will stand behind Israel. May You continue to keep Your wing of protection over Israel despite the efforts of Iran to attack.
- "And he said, 'Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, "Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's."'" (2 Chronicles 20:15)
7. Russia Delays Arms Delivery to Iran - Voice of America
Russia is delaying delivery of its S-300 air-defense system to Iran and is also calling for Tehran to adhere to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines for enrichment of nuclear fuel. The moves follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's two-day visit to Moscow.
- Lord, this is a mighty answer to prayer. We pray this delay will continue until Russia finally cancels the order.
- "They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.'" (2 Chronicles 20:20)
8. More than 75,000 computer systems hacked in one of largest cyber attacks, security firm says - Washington Post
More than 75,000 computer systems at nearly 2,500 companies in the United States and around the world have been hacked in what appears to be one of the largest and most sophisticated attacks by cyber criminals discovered to date, according to a northern Virginia security firm.
- We give You thanks that You have exposed this threat. We pray for the focus and insight for all those who are working to keep these attacks from happening in the future.
- "For my haters are waiting secretly for me; and those who are watching for my soul are banded together in their evil designs." (Psalm 71:10)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" For ever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)
1. Iran vows to stand by Hezbollah against Israel - AP
Iran's president on Thursday said that if the Israelis launch a new war against Lebanon's Hezbollah, the militant group should retaliate strong enough to "close their case once and for all."
2. Britain 'knew Mossad was using fake passports for Dubai hit' - Ha'aretz
Israeli agents tipped off British intelligence that they were going to carry out an 'overseas operation' using fake British passports before assassinating a Hamas official in Dubai, the Daily Mail reported on Friday.
3. Barak due in US to discuss Iran, Goldstone - Ynet News
Defense Minister Ehud Barak is scheduled to visit the US next week, where he will meet senior figures in the Obama administration including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, National Security Advisor James Jones, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen.
Pro-Life News
Obama and House Leaders Urged to Protect Preborn
Obama and Republican lawmakers will each get a letter signed by pro-life leaders urging them to protect preborn children, ahead of the White House's health care summit scheduled for Feb. 25.
There are two drafts. The president will receive a letter addressed specifically to him, and the GOP leadership in the House will receive a separate letter.
Joy Yearout, communications director with the Susan B. Anthony List, said Obama's letter will remind him of a promise made last fall that he would protect the conscience of taxpayers. "Really, the only way he can do that for pro-life taxpayers," she said, " is to make sure abortion is not covered in this health care bill."
The GOP letter is a reminder that America is experiencing "a springtime of pro-life activism, the likes of which has not ever been seen before." (CitizenLink)
View copies of the letter to Obama and GOP House leadership.
Update: Texas Plane Crash
Texas Plane Attack Blamed on Conservatives
Well it didn't take long. Just a few hours after deranged Joseph Stack flew his plane on a "Kamikaze" attack into an IRS building in Austin, liberals were trying to link the madman to conservatives. The left-wing web site Daily Kos said the incident was a case of Tea Party "anti-government forces" launching their "first 9/11 inspired terrorist attack." Jonathan Capehart writing in his blog at The Washington Post said Stack's "alienation" reminded him of "the extreme elements of the Tea Party movement." Unbelievable! When a jihadist yells radical Muslim slogans while shooting U.S. soldiers, the left tells us it doesn't have anything to do with Islam. But a deranged tax evader in Texas suddenly morphs into every conservative. Before the day is over they will be blaming Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and Dick Cheney!
Here is the dirty secret the Left doesn't want you to know. Joseph Stack's "philosophy," to the extent he had one, was closer to the left-wing drivel at Daily Kos and moveon.org than it is to the patriots who are in the Tea Party movement.
The U.N.'s Belated Discovery
Drop everything! Sit down and take a deep breath. The United Nations yesterday issued a shocking, mind-blowing report declaring for the first time that it has evidence that one of the world's nastiest governments has been developing a nuclear warhead. The name of rogue regime U.N. nuclear inspectors say has been developing nukes is: wait for it . . . Iran.
Yes, I know: we've known for many years, through reports by Israel and others, that the Mullahs have been working feverishly to develop a nuclear weapon. But an American intelligence assessment concluded in 2007 that Iran's work on a bomb had been suspended in 2003.
Iran's nuclear program did not end. The new U.N. report, according to the New York Times, also presented evidence that Iran had tested ways of detonating weapons and had worked extensively to design warheads small enough to fit atop a missile.
The scandal here is that while the entire intelligence community was berated when no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq, there won't be much criticism of its incorrect Iran-nuke assessment. This even though the potential consequences of failing to identify the nuclear threat of a regime led by a man who thinks of America as "the Great Satan" and vows to "wipe Israel off the map" are much more dire.
No one is certain whether Iran already has a nuclear capability or merely is on the cusp of attaining it. What we can be certain of is that if the U. N. has determined that the Iranians are developing nukes, they are probably already past the point of no return. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 2-19-10)
The Good News Corner
THE MOUNT VERNON STATEMENT
Conservative Leaders Unite to Put Government in Its Proper Place
More than 80 conservative leaders, representing millions of Americans, have signed a statement that seeks to limit government. The Mount Vernon Statement was unveiled at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C., yesterday.
REPORT FROM CITIZENLINK:
Tom Minnery, senior vice president of Public Policy at Focus on the Family Action, is one of the signers. "Social conservatism, which defines Focus on the Family Action, is part of a larger conservative movement," he said, "that seeks to limit government, to put it back into its natural boundaries."
Minnery, along with many other conservatives, is troubled by the expansion of the federal government. "In the last era, government has grown way outside its proper sphere by getting into moral and spiritual realms," he explained, "such as redefining marriage, such as encouraging women to leave their children at home and go into the work force."
REPORT FROM FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL:
More than 100 conservative leaders joined together today to celebrate the release of the Mount Vernon Statement -- a document in which the conservative movement has reaffirmed its commitment to Constitutional Conservatism and the principles of the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a significant moment as social, fiscal, and national security conservatives joined together to declare the importance of working in partnership to defend our nation's founding principles.
Sign the Mount Vernon Statement today to stand with us on the historic principles of Constitutional Conservatism. You can read The Mount Vernon Statement and sign by going here.
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
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