#617 (8/22) Egypt's Christians and the Threat of the Muslim Brotherhood

PRAYER REQUESTS: ["To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world." - Karl Barth]

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST- Update on Kenneth Bae: "US Ready to Bargain with N. Korea for Bae's Release,"-  CBNNews.com,  Aug 14, 2013  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/S-Ready-to-Bargain-with-N-Korea-for-Baes-Release/  - The United States is willing to engage North Korea to secure the release of imprisoned American Christian Kenneth Bae. 

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the United States is "willing to consider a number of different options" to bring him home.In a video recently released by a North Korean newspaper, Bae requested the United States send a high-ranking official to North Korea to seek his pardon. It is unclear if he spoke of his own volition in the video. Bae, 45, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for sharing his faith. He suffers health problems such as diabetes and is currently hospitalized.[PRAY for 1) God's healing of and presence with Pastor Bae, 2) His earliest release by the North Korean government, and 3) God's comfort for his family and friends.] 

“Abandoned” For Christ" - 

Graham Calls On White House To Support Abedini - By Dr. Tom Askew, Aug.8,  http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/opinion

Franklin Graham is the latest to join the chorus of voices calling for U.S. State Department and White House officials to take a more vocal role in protesting the Iranian imprisonment of American pastor Saeed Abedini. September 26 will mark the one year anniversary of Abedini’s imprisonment for allegedly “endangering the national security” of Iran.

Graham pointed out that, in contrast to Iranian accusations, “Pastor Saeed was in Iran trying to help children. With the permission of Iran’s government, he was working to build an orphanage. But his humanitarian mission led to an arrest on bogus charges and nearly a year of inhumane treatment, simply because he loves Jesus Christ.”...

Behind the scenes, more than 600,000 people around the world have signed a petition sponsored by ACLJ in support of pastor Abedini. A concerted movement this past May brought together Christians from many nations to set aside Pentecost to pray for Abedini. On June 13, demonstrations were held at Iranian embassies in at least six countries to protest Abedini’s treatment. And, on July 29, Arizona Republican Representative Trent Franks spoke on the floor of the House to urge other Congressmen to join him in “adopting” Pastor Abedini through the bipartisan Defending Freedoms Project.

Saeed’s response…and yours

Through his family living in Iran, Pastor Abedini has been made aware of these efforts on his behalf, and is grateful. “I heard that the persecution, my arrest and imprisonment has united churches from different denominations, from different cities and countries. That the churches have united together in prayer to put one request (my freedom) on one day (Pentecost) before God,” he wrote in a letter.

The story of Saeed Abedini, the jihad against Syrian Christians, the attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the ongoing desecration of churches in Nigeria and India should cause every American to reflect on the blessings of freedom still enjoyed in this nation.

PRAY: For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.

• For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
• For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
• BOLDly (Beside Our Leaders Daily) for leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
• Go to SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release.

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Egypt, the Church and Jerusalem - Chris Mitchell - CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief, Aug 20,. 2013 ;http://blogs.cbn.com/jerusalemdateline/archive/2013/08/20/egypt-the-church-and-jerusalem.aspx

Flames seared dozens of churches throughout Egypt last week. Islamic terrorists killed several Christians. Muslim mobs destroyed the offices of the Bible Society of Egypt. Two Franciscan nuns were paraded in the streets as "prisoners of war."

For the first time in 1,600 years, priests did not celebrate mass in the Virgin Mary and Anba Abraam monastery in southern Egypt. Egyptian expert Samuel Tadros said these events represented the worst attack the on Christian church in Egypt in nearly 1,400 years. He vowed to rebuild. Many Christians professed that their faith is gaining strength in these challenging times.

The Muslim Brotherhood and their supporters perpetrated most of these attacks. They targeted followers of Jesus Christ and blamed them for the overthrow of former Egyptian president Mohammad Morsi and the Egyptian army's destruction of the two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo.

Yet many Christians stood firm against this onslaught. For example, Ramez Attallah, general secretary of the Bible Society of Egypt told CBN News they would continue their ministry of distributing Bibles. Despite the carnage of the Muslim mobs, many other Muslims came to the aid of their Christian neighbors. The Egyptian government also announced they would help rebuild the damaged and destroyed churches.

Yet many Egyptian Christians in the midst of this carnage were dismayed at the coverage of recent events by much of the Western media. Here's part of the Coptic Church statement: “The Egyptian Coptic Church is following the unfortunate developments on the ground of our country Egypt and emphasizes its strong stance with the Egyptian police, armed forces and other organizations of the Egyptian people in the face of groups of armed violence and black terrorism. While we appreciate the sincere and friendly position that understands the nature of the developments, we strongly deplore the media fallacies that are prevalent in Western countries …”

The Christian satellite ministry SAT 7 made its own statement: "The Muslim Brotherhood have been, and remain very effective in portraying themselves as the victims to the media, pointing to how Morsi had been 'democratically' elected and that the army 'coup' was a major setback to the country’s democratic progress. They have known what buttons to push with the Western press and this seems to be the version that most of the World is hearing - but it is not a version of truth that resonates with the vast majority of Egyptians."

The version that resonates with the vast majority of Egyptians is that they rose up to oppose what they say was a dictatorship in the making with the presidency of Mohammad Morsi. More than 30 million took to the streets on June 30 to demand his ouster and on July 3, with the imprimatur of most Egyptians the army assumed power. Since Morsi's election (in what many contend was flawed) he set about imposing a version of totalitarian Islam similar to the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Most Egyptians rebelled against this "creeping Islamist coup."

Who then is the Muslim Brotherhood? It's important to know and to help understand what's behind the blur of images flying across today's TV and computer screens.

Hassan al-Banna formed the group in 1928. He based the Muslim Brotherhood on the premise that Islam is the solution. Its motto: "Allah is our objective. The Prophet is our leader. The Qur'an is our law. Jihad is our way. Dying in the way of the Prophet is our highest hope." Al-Banna started the Muslim Brotherhood to restore the Islamic caliphate. Four years earlier in 1928 the Turkish leader Ataturk abolished the last remaining caliphate of the once mighty Ottoman Empire. For centuries various caliphs ruled over a large swath of the earth with the Qur'an as their guide. Al-Banna's dream was to re-establish this Islamic empire not only throughout the Middle East but eventually the whole world. They abhorred the Muslim nations they saw as increasingly secular and who had lost their way. The Muslim Brotherhood is also violently anti-Semitic and, as shown by recent events, anti-Christian.

How would they proceed? Their first goal was to overthrow secular governments throughout the Middle East. Egypt was a prime target. So was Jerusalem. In the upcoming book, Dateline Jerusalem, by yours truly, I connect the link between the Muslim Brotherhood and Jerusalem. 

When Mohammad Morsi campaigned for Egypt's presidency, Safwat Higazi, one of the speakers who introduced him declared "… the capital of the Caliphate – the capital of the United States of the Arabs – will be Jerusalem, Allah willing.  He went on: "Our capital shall not be Cairo, Mecca, or Medina. It shall be Jerusalem, Allah willing. Our cry shall be: 'Millions of martyrs march toward Jerusalem. Millions of martyrs march toward Jerusalem." (MEMRI, Special Dispatch No. 4739, May 18, 2012.)

Now that Morsi has been detained, much of the leaderships of the Muslim Brotherhood arrested, that dream has been delayed. But millions of the Muslim Brotherhood followers still believe, still hope, and are still working for the day when they can march on Jerusalem.

In the meantime, many Egyptian Christians are pleading with fellow Christians around the world to pray with them for Egypt, the largest Arab country with the largest Christian community in the Middle East.  Here are the prayer requests SAT 7 released:

* The current violence will end soon

* The effective rule of law and order will be re-established for the benefit of all citizens

* There will be effective protection of church and other property against attacks by extremists

* Egypt will be governed for the benefit of all its citizens, with people of different persuasions able to live alongside one another peaceably

* Egyptian Christians will have opportunity to play an increasingly prominent and effective role in addressing the needs of all Egyptians and helping to bring healing and reconciliation in the country

Please join them in prayer.

[bold, italics, and underline emphasis mine]

#616 (8/21) "What Obama Wants for Your Children and Grandchildren"

[NOTE – THANK YOU for your prayers about the meeting I had this past Sunday. It was definitely a difficult meeting as I think we were all guilty of not really letting the Lord lead the discussion. It ended with an impasse and for me a great sense of sadness. It was clear to me at the end that I should proceed in a certain direction. So God did answer THAT portion of the prayer I had asked for. I would appreciate your prayers as I continue to seek His leading.- Stan]

PRAYER REQUESTS:

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST- Update on Kenneth Bae: "US Ready to Bargain with N. Korea for Bae's Release,"-  CBNNews.com,  Aug 14, 2013  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/S-Ready-to-Bargain-with-N-Korea-for-Baes-Release/  - The United States is willing to engage North Korea to secure the release of imprisoned American Christian Kenneth Bae. 

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the United States is "willing to consider a number of different options" to bring him home.In a video recently released by a North Korean newspaper, Bae requested the United States send a high-ranking official to North Korea to seek his pardon. It is unclear if he spoke of his own volition in the video. Bae, 45, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for sharing his faith. He suffers health problems such as diabetes and is currently hospitalized.[PRAY for 1) God's healing of and presence with Pastor Bae, 2) His earliest release by the North Korean government, and 3) God's comfort for his family and friends.] 

"Muslims Bomb Christian Homes, Church in Egypt," - CBNNews.com; Aug. 12, 2013; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/Muslims-Bomb-Christian-Homes-Church-in-Egypt/ http://blogs.cbn.com/globallane/archive/2013/08/15/egypt-bible-society-attacks-detailed.aspx[CONTINUE TO KEEP THE CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT IN PRAYER as they increasingly have become the targets of Islamic extremists during this uncertain time in one of the largest Arab countries in the Middle East.] Angry Muslims tossed gasoline bombs into a Christian church and four Christian homes in southern Egypt over the weekend, wounding 15 people. Officials say the incident began Sunday, when two families started fighting after a Muslim tried to stop a Christian neighbor from building a speed bump in front of her home. Tensions between Egypt's Muslim and Christian communities have been high ever since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was ousted from power last month.

“Abandoned” For Christ" - 

Graham Calls On White House To Support Abedini - By Dr. Tom Askew, Aug.8,  http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/opinion

Franklin Graham is the latest to join the chorus of voices calling for U.S. State Department and White House officials to take a more vocal role in protesting the Iranian imprisonment of American pastor Saeed Abedini. September 26 will mark the one year anniversary of Abedini’s imprisonment for allegedly “endangering the national security” of Iran.

Graham pointed out that, in contrast to Iranian accusations, “Pastor Saeed was in Iran trying to help children. With the permission of Iran’s government, he was working to build an orphanage. But his humanitarian mission led to an arrest on bogus charges and nearly a year of inhumane treatment, simply because he loves Jesus Christ.”...

Behind the scenes, more than 600,000 people around the world have signed a petition sponsored by ACLJ in support of pastor Abedini. A concerted movement this past May brought together Christians from many nations to set aside Pentecost to pray for Abedini. On June 13, demonstrations were held at Iranian embassies in at least six countries to protest Abedini’s treatment. And, on July 29, Arizona Republican Representative Trent Franks spoke on the floor of the House to urge other Congressmen to join him in “adopting” Pastor Abedini through the bipartisan Defending Freedoms Project.

Saeed’s response…and yours

Through his family living in Iran, Pastor Abedini has been made aware of these efforts on his behalf, and is grateful. “I heard that the persecution, my arrest and imprisonment has united churches from different denominations, from different cities and countries. That the churches have united together in prayer to put one request (my freedom) on one day (Pentecost) before God,” he wrote in a letter.

The story of Saeed Abedini, the jihad against Syrian Christians, the attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the ongoing desecration of churches in Nigeria and India should cause every American to reflect on the blessings of freedom still enjoyed in this nation.

PRAY: For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.

• For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
• For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
• BOLDly (Beside Our Leaders Daily) for leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
• Go to SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release.

"What Obama Wants for Your Children and Grandchildren," - by Lindsey Burke, Aug. 14, 2013

Proud parents and grandparents are sharing photos of their kids’ first day of school. And as students head back, many states are pushing back—telling the Obama Administration that its federal education plan isn’t right for their students.

Anyone who has taught in a classroom knows how different children are from school to school—even from class to class. Teachers understand that the content, methods, and evaluations they use will differ depending on the makeup of the class. A teacher might teach her 9:40 a.m. Algebra II class differently than her 1:40 p.m. Algebra II class. And she’ll make that decision based on the pace of her students and their comprehension levels.

Kids have different needs and dreams. Are they working toward Advanced Placement Calculus with the hopes of attending a selective college, or are they planning to use the math skills they acquire in high school in a technical field in the workforce shortly after graduation?

The Common Core State Standards Initiative—an effort underway to set national standards and tests for what every child in public school will learn—turns a blind eye to the unique nature of teaching and learning, and to the fact that education is a quintessentially local issue. The Obama Administration has tried to entice states into Common Core by tying states’ acceptance of the standards to education funding [1] and waivers [2].

As Sen. Marco Rubio recently cautioned [3] in an interview with Hugh Hewitt:
"…the federal government never knows when to stop. When [it] starts taking, it never gives back and, quite frankly, I don’t think we need a National School Board. I think that we have local school boards for a reason because that’s where parents can most influence the process and get good results."

But what the Obama Administration wants for American children isn’t inevitable. Thankfully, state and local leaders concerned with Common Core’s impact have begun to push back. BL-common-core-update-AUG-2013_600 [4]

After putting Common Core implementation on “pause,” Indiana is now withdrawing as a governing member [5] of Common Core’s national tests. Alabama, Oklahoma, and Georgia have now withdrawn from the national tests. Utah withdrew [6] from one of the testing consortia last year. There are indications that other states are growing concerned about the national standards push. An Ohio legislator has a proposal to repeal Common Core [7], and Florida and Arizona have voiced concerns over the cost of the endeavor.

These are good first steps. But to ensure excellence in education, states should completely hop off the national standards bandwagon. You can read the Heritage proposal for how they can get started here [8].

America has reached an education policy fork in the road. One path leads toward choice and customization; the other, centralization and uniformity. If student-centered learning is our goal, only the path toward choice will take us there—and that includes choice in standards and assessments.

[bold  and italics emphasis mine]

- Lindsey Burke is Heritage’s Will Skillman Fellow in Education and a former high school teacher.
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    Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org; URL to article: http://blog.heritage.org/2013/08/14/back-to-school-states-pushing-back-on-common-core-national-standards/

URLs in this post:
[1] education funding: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/08/17/race-to-the-top-for-school-districts-more-federal-education-intervention/
[2] waivers: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/09/no-child-left-behind-waivers-bogus-relief-genuine-overreach
[3] Sen. Marco Rubio recently cautioned: http://www.hughhewitt.com/senator-marco-rubio-on-defunding-obamacare-aid-to-egypt-and-the-common-core/
[4] Image: http://blog.heritage.org/?p=127576
[5] withdrawing as a governing member: http://blog.heritage.org/2013/08/04/indiana-set-to-withdraw-from-common-core-national-assessments/
[6] Utah withdrew: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/07/utah-withdraws-from-smart_n_1752261.html
[7] a proposal to repeal Common Core: http://eagnews.org/ohio-republican-offers-common-core-repeal-bill-despite-long-odds/
[8] how they can get started here: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/04/states-must-reject-national-education-standards-while-there-is-still-time

Copyright © 2013 The Heritage Foundation. All rights reserved.

#615 (8/20) - People in “Vegetative” State Incorrectly Diagnosed

PRAYER REQUESTS:
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST- Update on Kenneth Bae: "US Ready to Bargain with N. Korea for Bae's Release,"-  CBNNews.com,  Aug 14, 2013  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/S-Ready-to-Bargain-with-N-Korea-for-Baes-Release/  - The United States is willing to engage North Korea to secure the release of imprisoned American Christian Kenneth Bae. 

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the United States is "willing to consider a number of different options" to bring him home.In a video recently released by a North Korean newspaper, Bae requested the United States send a high-ranking official to North Korea to seek his pardon. It is unclear if he spoke of his own volition in the video. Bae, 45, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for sharing his faith. He suffers health problems such as diabetes and is currently hospitalized.[PRAY for 1) God's healing of and presence with Pastor Bae, 2) His earliest release by the North Korean government, and 3) God's comfort for his family and friends.] 

"Muslims Bomb Christian Homes, Church in Egypt," - CBNNews.com; Aug. 12, 2013; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/Muslims-Bomb-Christian-Homes-Church-in-Egypt/ http://blogs.cbn.com/globallane/archive/2013/08/15/egypt-bible-society-attacks-detailed.aspx[CONTINUE TO KEEP THE CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT IN PRAYER as they increasingly have become the targets of Islamic extremists during this uncertain time in one of the largest Arab countries in the Middle East.] Angry Muslims tossed gasoline bombs into a Christian church and four Christian homes in southern Egypt over the weekend, wounding 15 people. Officials say the incident began Sunday, when two families started fighting after a Muslim tried to stop a Christian neighbor from building a speed bump in front of her home. Tensions between Egypt's Muslim and Christian communities have been high ever since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was ousted from power last month.

“Abandoned” For Christ" - 

Graham Calls On White House To Support Abedini - By Dr. Tom Askew, Aug.8,  http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/opinion

Franklin Graham is the latest to join the chorus of voices calling for U.S. State Department and White House officials to take a more vocal role in protesting the Iranian imprisonment of American pastor Saeed Abedini. September 26 will mark the one year anniversary of Abedini’s imprisonment for allegedly “endangering the national security” of Iran.

Graham pointed out that, in contrast to Iranian accusations, “Pastor Saeed was in Iran trying to help children. With the permission of Iran’s government, he was working to build an orphanage. But his humanitarian mission led to an arrest on bogus charges and nearly a year of inhumane treatment, simply because he loves Jesus Christ.”...

Behind the scenes, more than 600,000 people around the world have signed a petition sponsored by ACLJ in support of pastor Abedini. A concerted movement this past May brought together Christians from many nations to set aside Pentecost to pray for Abedini. On June 13, demonstrations were held at Iranian embassies in at least six countries to protest Abedini’s treatment. And, on July 29, Arizona Republican Representative Trent Franks spoke on the floor of the House to urge other Congressmen to join him in “adopting” Pastor Abedini through the bipartisan Defending Freedoms Project.

Saeed’s response…and yours

Through his family living in Iran, Pastor Abedini has been made aware of these efforts on his behalf, and is grateful. “I heard that the persecution, my arrest and imprisonment has united churches from different denominations, from different cities and countries. That the churches have united together in prayer to put one request (my freedom) on one day (Pentecost) before God,” he wrote in a letter.

The story of Saeed Abedini, the jihad against Syrian Christians, the attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the ongoing desecration of churches in Nigeria and India should cause every American to reflect on the blessings of freedom still enjoyed in this nation.

PRAY: For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.

• For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
• For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
• BOLDly (Beside Our Leaders Daily) for leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
• Go to SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release.
• ------------------------------------------------------------

"Study Shows People in “Vegetative” State Were Incorrectly Diagnosed,"  - by Bobby Schindler | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 8/13/13 http://www.lifenews.com/2013/08/13/study-shows-people-in-vegetative-state-were-incorrectly-diagnosed/


There is more encouraging news coming out of Canada regarding the very unscientific persistent vegetative state (PVS) diagnosis. Once again there has been a study regarding three people who were incorrectly thought to be in a PVS.

Why is this so important? One reason is that the PVS diagnosis can be used as a motive to kill a person with a brain injury, as it was in my sister, Terri Schiavo’s case. This is not the first time this type of testing has taken place with similar types of results.

From the story, “Brain scans reveal which ‘vegetative’ patients are alert, trapped in bodies”:

A man who had appeared to have been in a vegetative state for 12 years knew his name and knew where he was, Canadian researchers report in a study showing it’s possible to use MRI brain scans to establish communication with people who seem completely unconscious. Three people tested using a special form of MRI called functional magnetic resonance imaging were able to answer simple “yes” or “no” questions, the team at Western University in London, Ontario report.

And once again, just like most of these reports where they find people have been wrongly diagnosed as being in a PVS, they felt it necessary to point out that there is no way possible that they were wrong when Terri Schiavo was diagnosed as being in PVS and then subsequently killed because of it. In fact, they often say, as in this report, the autopsy proved it. To help strengthen their claim, they bring in the “experts” like the “omniscient” bioethicist, Art Caplan who believes it was okay to deny Terri the same tests he seems to approve for others in similar conditions: “It is important to keep in mind that not all persons who are not responsive fit these findings,” said Art Caplan, head of medical ethics at New York University Langone Medical Center and a frequent NBC News contributor. Those who have gone without oxygen for long periods of time, like Terri Schiavo, will not be mentally present inside unresponsive bodies since their brains will have been too damaged,” Caplan said.

It has been almost nine years since Terri’s death and she is still being referenced in articles throughout the mainstream media, and the vast majority of time what is reported or what people are saying is wrong. In many of these instances, the statements made are egregiously inaccurate, just as in the case of what Caplan said.

Unfortunately, many of those in the media who were responding to these inaccuracies about Terri back when her case was making news, have moved on. However, those with a death agenda have not, and as much as my family tries to correct what is being said, most of what is reported or said is never corrected.

First of all Terri was not “unresponsive” as Caplan states (as if that would justify her death anyway). That couldn’t be further from the truth. It is amazing how all of these people who assert that Terri was unresponsive, never once visited her. The truth is that Terri was very much alive and at times, very responsive. All you have to do is watch just this one example of Terri responding to a neurologist back in 2002, to realize how foolish it is what Caplan said and all of these other claims that Terri wasn’t responsive and in a PVS.

Even more, if you took the time to read Terri’s medical records when she was getting aggressive rehabilitation – this was in the early 90’s – Terri was improving, so much so, that she was beginning to form words. Not to mention the 40 affidavits from physicians that were admitted into the court, some being from the most prominent neurologists in the nation, all believing the Terri was not in a PVS and/or could have benefited from ongoing therapy and rehabilitation. In reality, there were more physicians on record that believed Terri was not in a PVS and could have been helped, than physicians who thought otherwise.

The sad truth is that despite Terri improving when she was receiving therapy, and despite how responsive she was, and the dozens of doctors who wanted to help her, all of Terri’s rehabilitation and therapy subsequent to 1992 was denied to her by her guardian and estranged husband, Michael Schiavo. For what turned out to be almost 13 years, Terri was warehoused, abandoned and neglected until her death in 2005.

To try and use the autopsy or the “irreversible brain damage” claim (what about the part of the brain that was not damaged?) to support Caplan’s belief that Terri was unresponsive or in a PVS and could not have benefited from help or from the type of testing referenced in this article, is disingenuous and a deflection from the truth. No person that has already died can ever be diagnosed as being in PVS because the person must be alive for this diagnosis. Something that this reporter or Caplan fails to mention.

The simple truth is that we just don’t know how much Terri could have benefited from these studies because she was deliberately and purposely killed by these same people who now claim she could never have been helped.

It is my belief that when we see these types of media reports and remarks by some of these so-called experts, it is to somehow justify the barbaric and torturous death in the minds of people who can never fully admit that they deliberately starved and dehydrated to death a woman who simply had a disability.

[bold  and italics emphasis mine]

LifeNews Note: Follow Bobby Schindler on Twitter at @BobbySSchindler

#614 (8/18) SUNDAY SPECIAL - "Christian Chorus Rising Among Tribal Hindus"

REMINDER: Check out this week's broadcast of ''Truth That Transforms'' at .http://www.truthinaction.org/index.php/truth-that-transforms/It talks about being “good finders’ rather than fault finders. It also includes a feature that looks at the new opportunities to reach many with the gospel with today’s technologies.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST- Update on Kenneth Bae: "US Ready to Bargain with N. Korea for Bae's Release,"-  CBNNews.com,  Aug 14, 2013  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/S-Ready-to-Bargain-with-N-Korea-for-Baes-Release/  - The United States is willing to engage North Korea to secure the release of imprisoned American Christian Kenneth Bae. 

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the United States is "willing to consider a number of different options" to bring him home.In a video recently released by a North Korean newspaper, Bae requested the United States send a high-ranking official to North Korea to seek his pardon. It is unclear if he spoke of his own volition in the video. Bae, 45, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for sharing his faith. He suffers health problems such as diabetes and is currently hospitalized.[PRAY for 1) God's healing of and presence with Pastor Bae, 2) His earliest release by the North Korean government, and 3) God's comfort for his family and friends.] 

"Muslims Bomb Christian Homes, Church in Egypt," - CBNNews.com; Aug. 12, 2013; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/Muslims-Bomb-Christian-Homes-Church-in-Egypt/ http://blogs.cbn.com/globallane/archive/2013/08/15/egypt-bible-society-attacks-detailed.aspx[CONTINUE TO KEEP THE CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT IN PRAYER as they increasingly have become the targets of Islamic extremists during this uncertain time in one of the largest Arab countries in the Middle East.] Angry Muslims tossed gasoline bombs into a Christian church and four Christian homes in southern Egypt over the weekend, wounding 15 people. Officials say the incident began Sunday, when two families started fighting after a Muslim tried to stop a Christian neighbor from building a speed bump in front of her home. Tensions between Egypt's Muslim and Christian communities have been high ever since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was ousted from power last month.

“Abandoned” For Christ" - 

Graham Calls On White House To Support Abedini - By Dr. Tom Askew, Aug.8,  http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/opinion

Franklin Graham is the latest to join the chorus of voices calling for U.S. State Department and White House officials to take a more vocal role in protesting the Iranian imprisonment of American pastor Saeed Abedini. September 26 will mark the one year anniversary of Abedini’s imprisonment for allegedly “endangering the national security” of Iran.

Graham pointed out that, in contrast to Iranian accusations, “Pastor Saeed was in Iran trying to help children. With the permission of Iran’s government, he was working to build an orphanage. But his humanitarian mission led to an arrest on bogus charges and nearly a year of inhumane treatment, simply because he loves Jesus Christ.”...

Behind the scenes, more than 600,000 people around the world have signed a petition sponsored by ACLJ in support of pastor Abedini. A concerted movement this past May brought together Christians from many nations to set aside Pentecost to pray for Abedini. On June 13, demonstrations were held at Iranian embassies in at least six countries to protest Abedini’s treatment. And, on July 29, Arizona Republican Representative Trent Franks spoke on the floor of the House to urge other Congressmen to join him in “adopting” Pastor Abedini through the bipartisan Defending Freedoms Project.

Saeed’s response…and yours

Through his family living in Iran, Pastor Abedini has been made aware of these efforts on his behalf, and is grateful. “I heard that the persecution, my arrest and imprisonment has united churches from different denominations, from different cities and countries. That the churches have united together in prayer to put one request (my freedom) on one day (Pentecost) before God,” he wrote in a letter.

The story of Saeed Abedini, the jihad against Syrian Christians, the attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the ongoing desecration of churches in Nigeria and India should cause every American to reflect on the blessings of freedom still enjoyed in this nation.

PRAY: For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.

• For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
• For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
• BOLDly (Beside Our Leaders Daily) for leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
• Go to SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release.
• ------------------------------------------------------------

"Christian Chorus Rising Among Tribal Hindus," - by George Thomas,August 16, 2012 http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2012/July/Christian-Chorus-Rising-Among-Tribal-Hindus/ [Please go to this weblink and watch the video of this news report.]

RAJASTHAN, India -- A large portion of India still lives in tribes, and one of the largest of these communities is witnessing a Christian revival. Hundreds of men, women and children who used to follow Hinduism are now embracing Christianity.

Ask Dinesh Shur why so many tribal people are accepting Jesus Christ and he gets teary-eyed. "When you do God's work for years and begin to see the fruits of your labor, it is overwhelming," Shur told CBN News."You see the changed lives, you see the eternal happiness on the faces of people, and how can it not move me," he said.

Here, in a corner of Rajasthan where the majority follow Hinduism, a Christian chorus is rising."The transformation is almost immediate," Shur said. "Families stop praying to their ancestors, they stop drinking, they stop their witchcraft practices. Their entire life is turned upside down when they accept Jesus."

India's Biblical Jonah - Shur is part of the reason why so many are turning to Christ. For 10 years, Shur, known as Pastor Dinesh, served in a big city. But then God tugged on his heart and told him he had to go back to his village, go back to his roots, to his own people and share the good news of Jesus Christ."I was like Jonah in the Bible," Shur said. "I didn't want to live in my village. I wanted to serve God in the city where things are easier. I wanted to reach others with the gospel, not my own people."

Shur pointed to Sohan Lal's life as fruit of his decision to return."One day Pastor Dinesh told me about Jesus Christ," Lal, who recently converted to Christianity, said. "He told me that if I put my trust in Him, I would be healed, that my life would be different. I did."

A New Life - Lal joined 178 of his tribe's people recently at the edge of this river not too far from their village. Here they were baptized by Pastor Dinesh. "I know all these men and women personally. I know what their lives were like before they met Christ. And now to be part of this spiritual milestone in their lives is an enormous privilege," Shur said.

Theru Bhai has been waiting for this day a long time. Like Lal, Bhai too is a recent Christian convert. "After I accepted Christ I stopped drinking, I stopped smoking, and I stopped getting into fights," Bhai said. "Getting baptized was my way to show the community that I am a changed man. Today Jesus Christ is my savior."

Mannu was among the dozens of Hindu women who also got baptized in the river that day. "I feel very happy after my baptism and thankful that I received Christ in my heart," she said. "I will now follow Him the rest of my life." Mannu's husband, Shantu, and children also decided to follow Christ after Pastor Dinesh spent several occasions with them. "My family is blessed today because of Christ and because someone was willing to come and share the gospel with us," Shantu said.

Unreached Peoples - Pastor Dinesh is a member of the Bhil community, one of the largest tribes in the central states of India. "The Bhil are mainly farmers. They are very poor and still follow centuries old-practices. In many ways they live a life far different from those in the cities," he explained. Shur said foreign missionaries have ministered to this area for more than 135 years and have never seen the results he's witnessing today. Christians are still a minority within a minority in these parts. However, there are reports that as many as 300,000 people have become believers in just the last 10 years, many of them from among the Bhil tribe.

Tribal Missionaries - "We have 42 house prayer groups meeting in about 22 villages. We also have 32 workers from our church going from village to village as evangelists sharing the gospel," Shur said."In the coming year my goal is to send out missionaries to neighboring states to reach other Bhil villages," he added. Jeevani Karadi, a church leader in a remote part of Rajastan, is one of those who travels from village to village.

When she's not on the road, you'll find this spry 65-year-old helping lead a house group with Pastor Dinesh. On the day CBN News met her, she and dozens of believers were having church under a tree."Our group is getting so large I don't have enough space in my house to fit all these people so we come here," she said. Karadi's testimony is the reason this meeting is even happening.

Learning to Trust God - About six years ago, she used to roam the streets of this remote village, in essence, as a mad woman, even walking around naked. Then she had an encounter with Jesus. Today she leads a thriving church in Rajasthan. "The village used to make fun of me. They would shout nasty things as I walked on the streets," Karadi recalled. "People said I was cursed." "Then I met Pastor Dinesh, and he prayed for me, and I was healed," she continued. "I was delivered. Jesus set me free." Her healing led many to receive Christ and helped start the first house prayer group in the village. Shur said these testimonies are just another reminder for him of how important it is to obey and trust God.

"Today I'm living the fruits of my decision to come back to my village. Is it easy? No. Do we face challenges? Yes," he said. "But we have Christ to lean on. He is all we need to see change among my people."

[bold and italics emphasis mine] 

#613 (8/17) A Japanese-American's Shame; Another Shameful Obama Vacation

PRAYER REQUESTS:

[URGENT PERSONAL PRAYER REQUEST – I believe that sometime back in April, I asked you to pray about a difficult situation I was dealing with. That “happening” resulted in my feeling hurt and confused and since then I have spent MANY hours seeking the Lord about it. Well, finally, THIS SUNDAY, Aug. 18^th, I will have a chance to meet with those involved and by God’s grace the matter will be cleared up then. PRAY that God would guide the discussion and that afterwards I would clearly know what the mind of the  Lord is as to how I should proceed. It is scheduled to take place after the church worship service, around NOON, EST. If God happens to bring me to your mind at that time, I would esp. appreciate your intercession that I would express myself clearly and fully guided by the Spirit. Thank you VERY MUCH. Stan]

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST- Update on Kenneth Bae: "US Ready to Bargain with N. Korea for Bae's Release,"-  CBNNews.com,  Aug 14, 2013  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/S-Ready-to-Bargain-with-N-Korea-for-Baes-Release/  - The United States is willing to engage North Korea to secure the release of imprisoned American Christian Kenneth Bae. 

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the United States is "willing to consider a number of different options" to bring him home.In a video recently released by a North Korean newspaper, Bae requested the United States send a high-ranking official to North Korea to seek his pardon. It is unclear if he spoke of his own volition in the video. Bae, 45, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for sharing his faith. He suffers health problems such as diabetes and is currently hospitalized.[PRAY for 1) God's healing of and presence with Pastor Bae, 2) His earliest release by the North Korean government, and 3) God's comfort for his family and friends.] 

"Muslims Bomb Christian Homes, Church in Egypt," - CBNNews.com; Aug. 12, 2013; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/Muslims-Bomb-Christian-Homes-Church-in-Egypt/ [CONTINUE TO KEEP THE CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT IN PRAYER as they increasingly have become the targets of Islamic extremists during this uncertain time in one of the largest Arab countries in the Middle East.] Angry Muslims tossed gasoline bombs into a Christian church and four Christian homes in southern Egypt over the weekend, wounding 15 people. Officials say the incident began Sunday, when two families started fighting after a Muslim tried to stop a Christian neighbor from building a speed bump in front of her home. Tensions between Egypt's Muslim and Christian communities have been high ever since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was ousted from power last month.

“Abandoned” For Christ" - 

Graham Calls On White House To Support Abedini - By Dr. Tom Askew, Aug.8,  http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/opinion

Franklin Graham is the latest to join the chorus of voices calling for U.S. State Department and White House officials to take a more vocal role in protesting the Iranian imprisonment of American pastor Saeed Abedini. September 26 will mark the one year anniversary of Abedini’s imprisonment for allegedly “endangering the national security” of Iran.

Graham pointed out that, in contrast to Iranian accusations, “Pastor Saeed was in Iran trying to help children. With the permission of Iran’s government, he was working to build an orphanage. But his humanitarian mission led to an arrest on bogus charges and nearly a year of inhumane treatment, simply because he loves Jesus Christ.”...

Behind the scenes, more than 600,000 people around the world have signed a petition sponsored by ACLJ in support of pastor Abedini. A concerted movement this past May brought together Christians from many nations to set aside Pentecost to pray for Abedini. On June 13, demonstrations were held at Iranian embassies in at least six countries to protest Abedini’s treatment. And, on July 29, Arizona Republican Representative Trent Franks spoke on the floor of the House to urge other Congressmen to join him in “adopting” Pastor Abedini through the bipartisan Defending Freedoms Project.

Saeed’s response…and yours

Through his family living in Iran, Pastor Abedini has been made aware of these efforts on his behalf, and is grateful. “I heard that the persecution, my arrest and imprisonment has united churches from different denominations, from different cities and countries. That the churches have united together in prayer to put one request (my freedom) on one day (Pentecost) before God,” he wrote in a letter.

The story of Saeed Abedini, the jihad against Syrian Christians, the attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the ongoing desecration of churches in Nigeria and India should cause every American to reflect on the blessings of freedom still enjoyed in this nation.

PRAY: For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.

• For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
• For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
• BOLDly (Beside Our Leaders Daily) for leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
• Go to SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release.
• ------------------------------------------------------------

Remembering World War II With Shame (a short personal essay) - As an American, I have always remembered this time of year with pride in what our troops and the Allies did to win that tragic war. However, recently, as I was reading a guide on praying for Japan written by a Japanese pastor (translated into English).that reminded me of a perspective I tend to forget. On p. 103 of Operation Japan, he writes the following;

          "On August 14, 1945, Japan accepted the Postdam Proclamation and surrendered unconditionally, ending the Pacific Ocean side of World War ii. It also brought closure to the three-year-long Greater East Asia fighting, the eight-year Sino-Japanese War, and the 15 year invasion of the Chinese continent by the Japanese military. It brought an end to 50 years of colonial rule in Taiwan, and to 35 years of cruel treatment to the people of Korea. [This list of nations brutalized by the Japanese does not include the hundreds of thousands of those  Southeast Asia and does not mention the documented (as did the Nazis) experiements on live Chinese and probably other prisoners of war.]"

       "On May 3, 1947, Japan was given a new constitution. For the next six years and eight months Japan was, for the first time ever, under the control of a foreign power. August 15th has been set aside [in Japan] to observe the ending of World War II. The phrase, "ending of a war," gives the impression that the war ended itself. We Japanese must never forget our responsibility in beginning the war, [the atrocities Japanese committed during the war] and our defeat in the war.[This sentence reminded me of when I was studying the Japanese language while a missionary in Japan. One day, in the midst of a lesson (in what context I do not remember), our male instructor (someone who could easily have been a soldier himself during the war) proudly looked at us and made the statement, "We Japanese didn't lose the War. We merely made to surrender to a conquering foreign power'' (or words to that effect). Though I instinctively knew that was incorrect and felt incredulous, I was not in a position to say anything.] The same is true with Jesus. Unless we unconditionally accept the truth that we are sinners, true salvation and peace through Jesus Christ will never come. [This sentence reminds me of hearing that Japanese textbooks have (had?) long practiced history revisionism that retold the details of World War II to present a more sympathetic view of the nation. It also reminded me to of hearing of another pastor in Japan saying that he believes that God has purposely closed the hearts of the Japanese people to the gospel (much as He did with the Egyptian pharaoh in the book of Exodus) because as citizens of the war-making nation,the Japanese people  had never truly repented of their culpability in the war. While some may disagree with this assessment, it does make one think when Japan continues to be called "the graveyard of missionaries."

        Now, as a  Japanese-American, there is no other time when I feel ashamed of my ancestry as when I am reminded of what those of my racial descent did for many decades. It is why it always bothers me that to be "politically correct" these days, you have to only focus on America's dropping the atomic bomb as the definitive story of World War II. Personally, that kind of selective historical revisionism is repulsive to me. In closing, I must also say that one thing the prayer guide I read did encourage me about  was telling me of  the many efforts being made by the Japanese churches to reach out with the gospel in particular to the peoples of those nations Japan victimized for so  many years. At least among  Japanese Christians, there is tangible evidence of genuine repentance that offers hope of God's blessing on all the Japanese people.- Stan

"Living Like Royalty" - from The Tea Party.Net (info@theteaparty.net) Aug. 13, 2013 [NOTE:To be fair, its not just the First Family that has a reputation of excesses in  spending on themselves. For instance, not many months ago, the Vice-President and his wife (you may remember) spent $1 million at taxpayer expense for an overnight stay in a Paris hotel.]    

        I don’t know about you, but I am deeply disturbed by the Obama’s frivolous spending of taxpayer money. During a time when Americans are having to cut back, with many living in fear of losing their homes and/or their jobs, and with a vacation out of reach for many people because of the damaging economic effects of Obama’s destructive policies, the president has no business going on a nearly $8 million vacation. When was the last time they simply went back home to Chicago? I can only recall once or twice that Obama went there for an overnight trip. The First Family seems to think that they are royalty with the lavish life of luxury they live with their vacationing on the taxpayer dime.

To add insult to injury, the word has gotten out that First Dog Bo will have his own special trip to the family vacation. Rather than leaving him with a boarder, White House staff, or having him fly on the plane with the Obama family, Bo was airlifted aboard his own aircraft to join the family at Martha’s Vineyard.

From the UK Telegraph:  "Bo, the president’s Portuguese Water Dog, arrived separately on one of two MV-22 Ospreys, a hybrid aircraft which takes off like a helicopter but flies like a plane. It was the first time the Ospreys have been taken on holiday by a US president."

Yet more evidence from our president that he sees us as serfs, peons, peasants. I’m sure left will compare apples to oranges in talking about how many ‘days of vacation’ that Bush took. What they fail to mention and compare, however, is that Bush’s vacation was to his own personal ranch in Crawford, TX that was set up so that he could work. I do not recall tens of millions of dollars being spent yearly on rooms running $5,000+ a night and more on a regular basis and his dog Barney being given the royal treatment with his own personal airplane.
.
Obama’s summer vacation (away from his daily vacation of golf and campaigning) is yet another example of the “Do as I say, not as I do” world Obama lives in.

[bold  and italics emphasis mine]

#612 (8/16) "Social Security Turns 78: What Was It Meant to Do?"

PRAYER REQUESTS:

[URGENT PERSONAL PRAYER REQUEST – I believe that sometime back in April, I asked you to pray about a difficult situation I was dealing with. That “happening” resulted in my feeling hurt and confused and since then I have spent MANY hours seeking the Lord about it. Well, finally, THIS SUNDAY, Aug. 18^th, I will have a chance to meet with those involved and by God’s grace the matter will be cleared up then. PRAY that God would guide the discussion and that afterwards I would clearly know what the mind of the  Lord is as to how I should proceed. It is scheduled to take place after the church worship service, around NOON, EST. If God happens to bring me to your mind at that time, I would esp. appreciate your intercession that I would express myself clearly and fully guided by the Spirit. Thank you VERY MUCH. Stan]

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST- Update on Kenneth Bae: "US Ready to Bargain with N. Korea for Bae's Release,"-  CBNNews.com,  Aug 14, 2013  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/S-Ready-to-Bargain-with-N-Korea-for-Baes-Release/  - The United States is willing to engage North Korea to secure the release of imprisoned American Christian Kenneth Bae. 

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the United States is "willing to consider a number of different options" to bring him home.In a video recently released by a North Korean newspaper, Bae requested the United States send a high-ranking official to North Korea to seek his pardon. It is unclear if he spoke of his own volition in the video. Bae, 45, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for sharing his faith. He suffers health problems such as diabetes and is currently hospitalized.[PRAY for 1) God's healing of and presence with Pastor Bae, 2) His earliest release by the North Korean government, and 3) God's comfort for his family and friends.] 

"Muslims Bomb Christian Homes, Church in Egypt," - CBNNews.com; Aug. 12, 2013; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/August/Muslims-Bomb-Christian-Homes-Church-in-Egypt/ [CONTINUE TO KEEP THE CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT IN PRAYER as they increasingly have become the targets of Islamic extremists during this uncertain time in one of the largest Arab countries in the Middle East.] Angry Muslims tossed gasoline bombs into a Christian church and four Christian homes in southern Egypt over the weekend, wounding 15 people. Officials say the incident began Sunday, when two families started fighting after a Muslim tried to stop a Christian neighbor from building a speed bump in front of her home. Tensions between Egypt's Muslim and Christian communities have been high ever since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was ousted from power last month.

“Abandoned” For Christ" - 

Graham Calls On White House To Support Abedini - By Dr. Tom Askew, Aug.8,  http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/opinion

Franklin Graham is the latest to join the chorus of voices calling for U.S. State Department and White House officials to take a more vocal role in protesting the Iranian imprisonment of American pastor Saeed Abedini. September 26 will mark the one year anniversary of Abedini’s imprisonment for allegedly “endangering the national security” of Iran.

Graham pointed out that, in contrast to Iranian accusations, “Pastor Saeed was in Iran trying to help children. With the permission of Iran’s government, he was working to build an orphanage. But his humanitarian mission led to an arrest on bogus charges and nearly a year of inhumane treatment, simply because he loves Jesus Christ.”...

Behind the scenes, more than 600,000 people around the world have signed a petition sponsored by ACLJ in support of pastor Abedini. A concerted movement this past May brought together Christians from many nations to set aside Pentecost to pray for Abedini. On June 13, demonstrations were held at Iranian embassies in at least six countries to protest Abedini’s treatment. And, on July 29, Arizona Republican Representative Trent Franks spoke on the floor of the House to urge other Congressmen to join him in “adopting” Pastor Abedini through the bipartisan Defending Freedoms Project.

Saeed’s response…and yours

Through his family living in Iran, Pastor Abedini has been made aware of these efforts on his behalf, and is grateful. “I heard that the persecution, my arrest and imprisonment has united churches from different denominations, from different cities and countries. That the churches have united together in prayer to put one request (my freedom) on one day (Pentecost) before God,” he wrote in a letter.

The story of Saeed Abedini, the jihad against Syrian Christians, the attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the ongoing desecration of churches in Nigeria and India should cause every American to reflect on the blessings of freedom still enjoyed in this nation.

PRAY: For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.

• For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
• For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
• BOLDly (Beside Our Leaders Daily) for leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
• Go to SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release.
• ------------------------------------------------------------

"Social Security Turns 78: What Was It Meant to Do?" - By Romina Boccia, August 13, 2013 

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law on August 14, 1935, he referred to it as “a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.” But today’s Social Security is an entirely different thing.

It fails to protect too many seniors from poverty, while threatening younger generations with punitive tax rates or massive cuts to promised benefits—hurting their opportunities and means of building financial security. The program needs a major overhaul. (continues below chart)

BL-social-security-deficits [1]

Here are three problems with Social Security:

1. The trust fund is a liability.

The $2.7 trillion in IOUs [2] counted in the Social Security trust fund are part of the $16.7 trillion national debt. Congress immediately spent the surpluses Social Security collected from workers and counted on taxpayers to pay off this debt in the future. Even though Social Security is considered solvent through 2033, it is only so on paper.

2. The program is already running chronic and growing deficits.

Social Security has been running cash flow deficits since 2010, and the gap between what Social Security pays out in benefits and what it collects through its 12.4 percent payroll tax is only growing. The difference is paid for by general revenues or borrowing, imposing a large and growing burden on the federal budget.

3. Seniors remain in poverty while the wealthy get benefits.

There are about 9 million seniors left in poverty despite the program, while more than 47,000 millionaires get Social Security benefits [3], regardless of need. A flat benefit that focuses benefits to eligible seniors who need them most and phases them out for wealthier retirees would return Social Security to its original purpose of providing protection “against poverty-ridden old age.”

To reform the program, lawmakers should immediately: 1) Replace the current COLA adjustment with the more accurate chained CPI [4]; 2) Raise the early and full-retirement ages gradually and predictably and index both to longevity; and 3) Focus Social Security benefits on those who need them most and alleviate poverty in old age with a minimum flat benefit [5].

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org; URL to article: http://blog.heritage.org/2013/08/13/social-security-turns-78-what-was-it-meant-to-do/

URLs in this post:
[1] Image: http://blog.heritage.org/wp-content/uploads/BL-social-security-deficits.jpg
[2] $2.7 trillion in IOUs: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/05/2013-social-security-trust-fund-reports-massive-deficits-benefit-cuts
[3] more than 47,000 millionaires get Social Security benefits: http://www.facethefactsusa.org/facts/millionaires-receiving-social-security
[4] more accurate chained CPI: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/05/social-security-benefits-and-the-impact-of-the-chained-cpi
[5] minimum flat benefit: http://www.savingthedream.org/what-it-covers/social-security/
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