# 799 (2/22) ("A Time to Shock? - Using Images of Abortion in the Public Square,"

The Bulletin Board:(Please SCROLL DOWN this page to find the article titled on this post. Thank you.)

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! - Brutal Crackdown in Ukraine, Feb. 20 (see today's featured post)- 
LET'S BE IN PRAYER: 1) for an end to the violence, 2) America to act with wisdom and effectiveness to intervene; and 3) the efforts of many Ukranian Christians to reach out with the gospel to those on both sides fighting in this conflict

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! : South Korean ChristianTourists Killed in Sinai Terrorist Attack- "What Sinai Attack Means for Israel's Security" - By George Thomas and Tzippe Barrow,CBN News, February 18, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2014/February/S-Korean-Tourists-Killed-in-Sinai-Suicide-Bombing/  LET'S CONTINUE TO BE IN PRAYER for 1) the comfort of the families of those killed and injured, and 2) future acts of terrorism to be prevented and peace re-established in the Sinai area.

* THANK YOU for NOT buying  any Girl Scout Cookies! [Check out post # 782 below.]

SIGN NEW PETITION - (Jan. 27) American Pastor Saheed Abidini -  An Iranian leader has said that clemency for the pastor after almost 1 and 1/2 years being falsely imprisoned. Please sign this new petition at: http://beheardproject.com/ 2/6 - PRAISE GOD that after pastor Abedini has been unjustly imprisoned for over a year and a half, President Obama finally spoke out himself for the pastor's release as well as that of Ken Bae from North Korea (see below)!

SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november

WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:

PRAYER ALERT! - Soci, Russia, Olympics -1) TERRORISM THREAT: Let's be sure to be praying for God to move against all who would bring harm to the athletes and others. Pray that the security forces would be effective in rooting out any terrorist plans and preventing them from being carried out. Pray for the families of the athletes who must be very anxious for their loved ones being in harm's way; 2) EVANGELISM EFFORTS: Let's also be praying that the many efforts being made to share the gospel with athletes and visitors to the Olympic Games will be effective in seeing many respond positively and make decisions for Christ. Pray esp. that athletes and visitors from little evangelized countries will take the gospel back with them and share it with others.

Oct. 23: "Christians Fleeing IRAQ Area Once Considered Safe," - CBNNews.com, http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/October/Christians-Fleeing-Iraq-Area-Once-Considered-Safe/ PRAY that believers in Iraq will know God's protection and provision; that believers will know[ whether they are called to flee or remain and persevere; and that their persecutors  may come to hear the gospel and come to faith in Christ. - Stan] 

Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]  

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.] Monday, 

November 04, 2013 - Saeed's Life in [Greater] Jeopardy After Prison Transfer - CBNNews.com, ; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/November/Saeeds-Life-in-Jeopardy-after-Prison-Transfer/ IRAN - Vigils Mark One Year Imprisonment of Pastor Saeed - CBNNews.com, Thursday, September 26, 2013 - Today marks one-year that American pastor Saeed Abedini has been held in an Iranian prison. He is serving an eight-year sentence because of his Christian faith. It has been a year of torment as he has suffered beatings, physical pain from untreated medical conditions, and separation from his wife and two children... The suffering has not dampened his passion for Jesus. Pastor Abedini has led more than 30 prisoners to Christ during his time in prison. This afternoon, thousands of Americans from coast to coast will pray for his release. Events will be held in 40 states at capitols, city halls, parks and churches. Thousands more will join from 15 nations around the world 

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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"A Time to Shock? - Using Images of Abortion in the Public Square," By: John Stonestreet|Breakpoint.org: January 30, 2014; http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/breakpoint-commentaries-archive/entry/13/24428

There are pro-life picketers who choose to carry gruesome signs outside abortion clinics that show the bloody aftermath of abortion. Most of the pro-life community chooses not to use graphic images, but the pictures are, of course, true to what actually happens.

The arguments against using these pictures include that they’re in poor taste, they’re manipulative, inappropriate for children, or perhaps that it’s just better to appeal to someone’s reason instead of their emotions. The goal is to persuade, not to shock.

I understand. For most of my life, I doubted the wisdom of using these images at any time for any reason. I seriously questioned whether it was ever a good idea to use shocking abortion pictures. Well, the interaction I’ve had with pro-life speaker Scott Klusendorf has mostly changed my mind.

First, images have been powerfully used throughout history to stop evil and change the way people think. Think of the campaign to abolish the British slave trade, when William Wilberforce asked Josiah Wedgewood to create a seal with the image of an African in chains with the words, “Am I not a man and a brother?” And who can forget the scene in “Amazing Grace,” where Wilberforce took a pleasure boat by a slave ship in the bay so that the affluent, unconcerned passengers could smell the human degradation and see their own responsibility. That scene reflected the sort of persuasion that Wilberforce used.

The image of the little Vietnamese girl with her clothes burned off by napalm was one of the catalysts for ending the Vietnam War. And Rosa Parks decided not to move to the back of the bus because she saw a newspaper photo of the corpse of Emmett Till, who had been murdered by white supremacists in Mississippi. Till’s mother and the editors of Jet magazine courageously forced America to see the true face of homicidal racism.Evil flourishes when hidden. Images expose.



In a new Youtube video, “Stand for Life 2014,” pastor and author John Piper points out, “It’s the pictures from Dachau that revealed the horrors of [the Holocaust].” Indeed. We put pictures of starving children in Africa on TV, asking people to help. We use images to even fight animal cruelty. So why wouldn’t we use images, at least sometimes, to change hearts and minds about abortion? Perhaps it’s time.

Now let me be clear: I am completely against blindsiding people with images of aborted babies. It’s not only unfair; it can be a visual form of assault. But this evil must be brought to light For example, academic settings are fair game. Invited to speak to students across America, Scott Klusendorf and the Life Training Institute team begin by telling the story of Emmett Till, and they then inform the audience a video showing the aftermath of abortion will be shown, inviting them to look away. There’s no narration, no sound,no manipulative music; It’s just images. Scott and his team have seen thousands of high-school students, adults, parents, teachers, everyday Americans change their minds.

In the same video with John Piper, Francis Chan says he shows abortion images in his church. Though it upsets some, Chan says he has a responsibility to preach the full counsel of God. “I’m praying,” Chan says, “that this is a generation that just rises up and says, ‘I’m not going to sit quietly. I’m going to do it in love and humility, but I’m not going to be a coward.’ ” Amen.

Recently, Eric Metaxas suggested that we show our fellow citizens the facts about abortion. Humbly sharing the true pictures of this grisly industry of death in appropriate ways at appropriate times is one way to do it. And I think another way is to show the beauty of the unborn. Technology, after all, allows us to look into the womb. Remember that famous picture of a baby reaching out to hold his surgeon’s finger? My old college basketball coach once told me that love does two things. Sometimes love covers; sometimes it exposes. God give us the wisdom to know when to do which.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

FURTHER READING AND INFORMATION
Stand for Life 2014: Francis Chan, John Piper, John Ensor, Youtube video | January 22, 2014; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIUN-ZR5xzM&feature=youtu.be
"Hand of Hope: The Story Behind The Picture" - Michael Clancy | August 19, 1999; http://michaelclancy.com/
"Drama of Life Before Birth: Landmark Work, Five Decades Later "- Life Magazine | March 2013;http://life.time.com/culture/drama-of-life-before-birth-landmark-work-five-decades-later/#1
Life Training Institute - http://www.prolifetraining.com/
The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture - Scott Klusendorf | Crossway Books | March 2009

# 798 (2/21) Afghanistan: "Another Galling Betrayal "

The Bulletin Board:(Please SCROLL DOWN this page to find the article titled on this post. Thank you.)

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! - Brutal Crackdown in Ukraine, Feb. 20 (see today's featured post)- 
LET'S BE IN PRAYER: 1) for an end to the violence, 2) America to act with wisdom and effectiveness to intervene; and 3) the efforts of many Ukranian Christians to reach out with the gospel to those on both sides fighting in this conflict

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! : South Korean ChristianTourists Killed in Sinai Terrorist Attack- "What Sinai Attack Means for Israel's Security" - By George Thomas and Tzippe Barrow,CBN News, February 18, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2014/February/S-Korean-Tourists-Killed-in-Sinai-Suicide-Bombing/  Let's continue to be in prayer for 1) the comfort of the families of those killed and injured, and 2) future acts of terrorism to be prevented and peace re-established in the Sinai area.

* THANK YOU for NOT buying  any Girl Scout Cookies! [Check out post # 782 below.]

SIGN NEW PETITION - (Jan. 27) American Pastor Saheed Abidini -  An Iranian leader has said that clemency for the pastor after almost 1 and 1/2 years being falsely imprisoned. Please sign this new petition at: http://beheardproject.com/ 2/6 - PRAISE GOD that after pastor Abedini has been unjustly imprisoned for over a year and a half, President Obama finally spoke out himself for the pastor's release as well as that of Ken Bae from North Korea (see below)!

SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november

WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:

PRAYER ALERT! - Soci, Russia, Olympics -1) TERRORISM THREAT: Let's be sure to be praying for God to move against all who would bring harm to the athletes and others. Pray that the security forces would be effective in rooting out any terrorist plans and preventing them from being carried out. Pray for the families of the athletes who must be very anxious for their loved ones being in harm's way; 2) EVANGELISM EFFORTS: Let's also be praying that the many efforts being made to share the gospel with athletes and visitors to the Olympic Games will be effective in seeing many respond positively and make decisions for Christ. Pray esp. that athletes and visitors from little evangelized countries will take the gospel back with them and share it with others.

Oct. 23: "Christians Fleeing IRAQ Area Once Considered Safe," - CBNNews.com, http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/October/Christians-Fleeing-Iraq-Area-Once-Considered-Safe/ PRAY that believers in Iraq will know God's protection and provision; that believers will know[ whether they are called to flee or remain and persevere; and that their persecutors  may come to hear the gospel and come to faith in Christ. - Stan] 

Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]  

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.] Monday, 

November 04, 2013 - Saeed's Life in [Greater] Jeopardy After Prison Transfer - CBNNews.com, ; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/November/Saeeds-Life-in-Jeopardy-after-Prison-Transfer/ IRAN - Vigils Mark One Year Imprisonment of Pastor Saeed - CBNNews.com, Thursday, September 26, 2013 - Today marks one-year that American pastor Saeed Abedini has been held in an Iranian prison. He is serving an eight-year sentence because of his Christian faith. It has been a year of torment as he has suffered beatings, physical pain from untreated medical conditions, and separation from his wife and two children... The suffering has not dampened his passion for Jesus. Pastor Abedini has led more than 30 prisoners to Christ during his time in prison. This afternoon, thousands of Americans from coast to coast will pray for his release. Events will be held in 40 states at capitols, city halls, parks and churches. Thousands more will join from 15 nations around the world 

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

"Another Galling Betrayal "- Thomas Sowell | Feb 18, 2014; http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2014/02/18/another-galling-betrayal-n1796355/page/full  [AS I SEE IT - It's hard to disagree with this analysis of the war in Afghanistan and be similarly upset with how politicians AGAIN have made me wonder just what  the sacrifice of so many Americans accomplished. PRAY that going forward, our leaders would exercise more wisdom and less political reasons for engaging us in aiding other countries with the lives of our servicemen. - Stan]



The Afghanistan government's recent release of dozens of imprisoned terrorists, many of whom had killed Americans, was a galling betrayal of those Americans who died defending Afghanistan against the Taliban terrorists -- as well as those Americans who have returned home with arms or legs missing, or with minds traumatized beyond repair. If we learn nothing else from the bitter tragedy of the war in Afghanistan, it should be that we should put an end forever to the self-indulgence of thinking that we can engage in "nation-building" and creating "democracy" in countries where nothing resembling democracy has ever existed. It would be a feat to achieve one of these objectives, but to achieve both at the same time is a gamble that makes playing Russian roulette look like a harmless pastime.

F.A. Hayek said, "We shall not grow wiser until we learn that much that we have done was very foolish." Nothing is more foolish -- and immoral -- than sending men into battle to risk their lives winning victories that are later lost by politicians for political reasons.That started long before the war in Afghanistan. Vietnam was a classic example. Years after that war was over, the Communist victors themselves admitted that they lost militarily in Vietnam, as they knew they would. But they won politically in America, with the help of Americans, including the media -- as they also knew they would.
The war in Iraq was more of the same. American troops won that war but our politicians lost the peace. Terrorists have now taken over, and raised Al Qaeda flags, in some Iraqi towns that American troops liberated at the cost of many lives.

How did this happen? It happened much the same way it happened in Afghanistan. We insisted on trying to create a "democracy" in the Middle East -- a place with a history going back thousands of years, without a single democracy. What we created instead was a local ruler, placed in charge as a result of the blood and treasure of Americans, but independent of us, because he won an election that we insisted on holding -- as if there are no prerequisites for democracy.To compound the problem, we had members of Congress constantly talking about pulling out of Iraq, and demanding a timetable -- despite what military madness it is to tell your enemy when you will be gone. With American military support likely to be temporary and Iran's military presence next door certain to be permanent, how surprising is it that Iraq's leadership took Iran much more seriously than it took the United States?

Today, the Iraqi government is much more accommodating to Iran than to the United States, despite the fact that Americans put them in power. The very same scenario was repeated in Afghanistan, with President Obama himself announcing a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai saw the handwriting on the wall -- and what it said was that American support was temporary but the Taliban was going to be around long after the Americans were gone. He too decided that it was better to try to get on the good side of our enemies, in this case by turning loose some terrorists.

It doesn't have to be this way. After World War II, the American military took over the governments of Japan and West Germany. We did not start out by setting up some local leader who would be able to put his own interests above ours and work at cross purposes against us. Nor did we announce to the whole world when we planned to start reducing our troop levels in these countries. Under the unchallenged supremacy of General Douglas MacArthur, Japan was indeed turned into a very different country, one in which democratic institutions could be phased in, at whatever pace the circumstances made prudent. Something similar happened in West Germany.

But this was not something that could be done quickly or on the cheap, with politicians sounding off in Congress about pulling out, and trying to micromanage from thousands of miles away. If we can't be serious, we have no right to send young Americans out into the hell of war.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

#797 (2/20) "Yanukovich’s Brutal Crackdown in Ukraine: Why the U.S. Should Act"

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! - Brutal Crackdown in Ukraine, Feb. 20 (see today's featured post)
LET'S BE IN PRAYER: 1) for an end to the violence, 2) America to act with wisdom and effectiveness to intervene; and 3) the efforts of many Ukranian Christians to reach out with the gospel to those on both sides fighting in this conflict

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! : South Korean ChristianTourists Killed in Sinai Terrorist Attack- "What Sinai Attack Means for Israel's Security" - By George Thomas and Tzippe Barrow,CBN News, February 18, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2014/February/S-Korean-Tourists-Killed-in-Sinai-Suicide-Bombing/  Let's continue to be in prayer for 1) the comfort of the families of those killed and injured, and 2) future acts of terrorism to be prevented and peace re-established in the Sinai area.

* THANK YOU for NOT buying  any Girl Scout Cookies! [Check out post # 782 below.]

SIGN NEW PETITION - (Jan. 27) American Pastor Saheed Abidini -  An Iranian leader has said that clemency for the pastor after almost 1 and 1/2 years being falsely imprisoned. Please sign this new petition at: http://beheardproject.com/ 2/6 - PRAISE GOD that after pastor Abedini has been unjustly imprisoned for over a year and a half, President Obama finally spoke out himself for the pastor's release as well as that of Ken Bae from North Korea (see below)!

SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november

WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:

PRAYER ALERT! - Soci, Russia, Olympics -1) TERRORISM THREAT: Let's be sure to be praying for God to move against all who would bring harm to the athletes and others. Pray that the security forces would be effective in rooting out any terrorist plans and preventing them from being carried out. Pray for the families of the athletes who must be very anxious for their loved ones being in harm's way; 2) EVANGELISM EFFORTS: Let's also be praying that the many efforts being made to share the gospel with athletes and visitors to the Olympic Games will be effective in seeing many respond positively and make decisions for Christ. Pray esp. that athletes and visitors from little evangelized countries will take the gospel back with them and share it with others.

Oct. 23: "Christians Fleeing IRAQ Area Once Considered Safe," - CBNNews.com, http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/October/Christians-Fleeing-Iraq-Area-Once-Considered-Safe/ PRAY that believers in Iraq will know God's protection and provision; that believers will know[ whether they are called to flee or remain and persevere; and that their persecutors  may come to hear the gospel and come to faith in Christ. - Stan] 

Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]  

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.] Monday, 

November 04, 2013 - Saeed's Life in [Greater] Jeopardy After Prison Transfer - CBNNews.com, ; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/November/Saeeds-Life-in-Jeopardy-after-Prison-Transfer/ IRAN - Vigils Mark One Year Imprisonment of Pastor Saeed - CBNNews.com, Thursday, September 26, 2013 - Today marks one-year that American pastor Saeed Abedini has been held in an Iranian prison. He is serving an eight-year sentence because of his Christian faith. It has been a year of torment as he has suffered beatings, physical pain from untreated medical conditions, and separation from his wife and two children... The suffering has not dampened his passion for Jesus. Pastor Abedini has led more than 30 prisoners to Christ during his time in prison. This afternoon, thousands of Americans from coast to coast will pray for his release. Events will be held in 40 states at capitols, city halls, parks and churches. Thousands more will join from 15 nations around the world 

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

"Yanukovich’s Brutal Crackdown in Ukraine: Why the U.S. Should Act" - By Ariel Cohen, February 19, 2014

Emeric Fohlen/NurPhoto/Sipa USA/Newscom [1]


The worst crisis since the wars in Yugoslavia is convulsing Eastern Europe. Ukraine is on the brink of a civil war, and Russian intervention may be possible despite the Sochi Olympics. An East-West confrontation may be imminent.

On Tuesday, the brutal Berkut riot police stormed the main anti-government protest camp at the Independence Square (Maidan). Twenty-two people were killed [2] and hundreds wounded. Violence is spreading beyond the ancient capital Kyiv to the country’s nationalist West.

The attack began as the Ukrainian Parliament was due to debate the return to the constitution of 2004, which would limit presidential powers [3]. However, the presidential Party of Regions refused to debate the amendments and triggered violent protests — just hours after the Kremlin went through with $2 billion [4] in Ukrainian government’s junk bond purchases to aid Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich. This is a part of a bigger $15 billion aid packet that Moscow promised.

Ukrainians have been protesting in the country’s capital, Kiev, since late November, when Yanukovich refused to sign an Association Agreement with the EU. Yanukovich on several occasions tried to crack down on the demonstrators using riot police and “titushki” – pro-government plainclothes thugs who infiltrate the protesters’ ranks in order to provoke clashes and justify police violence.

Yanukovich is reaping what he has sowed. On Jan. 16, pro-Yanukovich members of parliament passed sweeping anti-protest legislation. This move only intensified demonstrations, which spread beyond Kiev, even to the pro-Yanukovich eastern and southern Ukraine [5]. The president backed down and reversed [6] the anti-demonstration legislation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin used Ukraine’s outstanding gas debt to Russia of $2.7 billion to put pressure [7] on Yanukovich to continue the crackdown during the presidents’ meeting in Sochi on Feb. 7.
Russia is willing to use its vast oil revenues to bring Ukraine to heel. The question is whether Russia would be willing to use its military force – overtly or covertly. On Jan. 30, one of Putin’s advisors accused the U.S. of arming the protesters and threatened Russia’s intervention [8] to maintain “security” in Ukraine. It is likely that Russia will encourage Yanukovich to continue to use force against the protesters. It is unclear, though, if he succeeds.

Ukraine is strategically important. It has a massive industrial base; abundant agriculture; and a lengthy shoreline along the Black Sea. It also borders four NATO allies: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Russia covets it for its renewed sphere of influence.

A lot is riding on next steps by the U.S. and our European allies. Washington has to exhibit strong leadership to resolve the crisis in Ukraine peacefully – and in accordance to strategic U.S. interests. It should call for an immediate cessation of government brutality and violence and helping Ukrainians to map out a path to a constitutional reform and the new elections this spring. America and the Europeans should work with international and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations to document human rights violations committed by Ukrainian leadership and law enforcement authorities.U.S. and our European allies should impose targeted sanctions, such as asset freezes and visa bans against all Ukrainian officials responsible for violence against protesters. The U.S. Congress is demanding as much

Finally, the U.S. and its European partners should support an IMF bailout package only if conditioned on massive economic reform by a new government, and the release of all political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, without any preconditions.

The world is looking at Kyiv. The U.S. needs to show leadership.

[bold and italics emphasis mine] 
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Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org; URL to article: http://blog.heritage.org/2014/02/19/u-s-act-face-yanukovichs-brutal-crackdown-ukraine/

URLs in this post:
[1] Image: http://blog.heritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2014_02_19_Ukraine_Ariel.jpg
[2] killed: http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv/renewed-violence-breaks-out-today-near-ukraines-parliament-at-least-one-injured-336993.html
[3] powers: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26236860
[4] $2 billion: http://www.svoboda.org/content/article/25268528.html
[5] Ukraine: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/27/world/europe/ukraine-protests-spread-as-overture-is-spurned.html
[6] reversed: http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/ukraine-pm-azarov-tenders-resignation-parliament-revokes-anti-protest-laws?utm_source=World+Affairs+Newsletter&utm_campaign=be4c847853-WNN_01_28_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f83b38c5c7-be4c847853-294631389
[7] pressure: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/08/us-ukraine-russia-idUSBREA1707820140208
[8] intervention: http://www.businessinsider.com/alastair-macdonald-russia-threatens-intervention-in-ukraine-2014-2

Copyright © 2014 The Heritage Foundation. All rights reserved.

Powerful: "I Am A Ukrainian" Video Showing Ukrainians' Plight Goes Viral - Christine Rousselle | Feb 19, 2014; http://townhall.com/tipsheet/christinerousselle/2014/02/19/powerful-i-am-a-ukranian-video-showing-ukranians-plight-goes-viral-n1797365?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl

# 796 (2/19) "Parents Can Soon Kill Their Sick Children in Euthanasia in Belgium" -

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! : South Korean ChristianTourists Killed in Sinai Terrorist Attack- "What Sinai Attack Means for Israel's Security" - By George Thomas and Tzippe Barrow,CBN News, February 18, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2014/February/S-Korean-Tourists-Killed-in-Sinai-Suicide-Bombing/ JERUSALEM, Israel -- Islamists targeted a tour bus of South Koreans as it neared the Taba border crossing between Egypt and Israel on Sunday. Four people -- the Egyptian bus driver and three South Korean passengers -- were killed, and at least 13 others injured...Members of the terror posted a statement on al Qaeda-affiliated websites, calling Sunday's bombing part of an "economic war" against the army-backed government...The busload of 31 pilgrims -- all members of Jincheon Jungang Presbyterian Church out of Seoul -- had visited St. Catherine's Monastery in central Sinai. They were on a 12-day tour to Turkey, Egypt and Israel..." Let's be in prayer for 1) the comfort of the families of those killed and injured, and 2) future acts of terrorism to be prevented and peace re-established in the Sinai area.

* THANK YOU for NOT buying  any Girl Scout Cookies! [Check out post # 782 below.]

SIGN NEW PETITION - (Jan. 27) American Pastor Saheed Abidini -  An Iranian leader has said that clemency for the pastor after almost 1 and 1/2 years being falsely imprisoned. Please sign this new petition at: http://beheardproject.com/ 2/6 - PRAISE GOD that after pastor Abedini has been unjustly imprisoned for over a year and a half, President Obama finally spoke out himself for the pastor's release as well as that of Ken Bae from North Korea (see below)!

SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november

WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:

PRAYER ALERT! - Soci, Russia, Olympics -1) TERRORISM THREAT: Let's be sure to be praying for God to move against all who would bring harm to the athletes and others. Pray that the security forces would be effective in rooting out any terrorist plans and preventing them from being carried out. Pray for the families of the athletes who must be very anxious for their loved ones being in harm's way; 2) EVANGELISM EFFORTS: Let's also be praying that the many efforts being made to share the gospel with athletes and visitors to the Olympic Games will be effective in seeing many respond positively and make decisions for Christ. Pray esp. that athletes and visitors from little evangelized countries will take the gospel back with them and share it with others.

Oct. 23: "Christians Fleeing IRAQ Area Once Considered Safe," - CBNNews.com, http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/October/Christians-Fleeing-Iraq-Area-Once-Considered-Safe/ PRAY that believers in Iraq will know God's protection and provision; that believers will know[ whether they are called to flee or remain and persevere; and that their persecutors  may come to hear the gospel and come to faith in Christ. - Stan] 

Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]  

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.] Monday, 

November 04, 2013 - Saeed's Life in [Greater] Jeopardy After Prison Transfer - CBNNews.com, ; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/November/Saeeds-Life-in-Jeopardy-after-Prison-Transfer/ IRAN - Vigils Mark One Year Imprisonment of Pastor Saeed - CBNNews.com, Thursday, September 26, 2013 - Today marks one-year that American pastor Saeed Abedini has been held in an Iranian prison. He is serving an eight-year sentence because of his Christian faith. It has been a year of torment as he has suffered beatings, physical pain from untreated medical conditions, and separation from his wife and two children... The suffering has not dampened his passion for Jesus. Pastor Abedini has led more than 30 prisoners to Christ during his time in prison. This afternoon, thousands of Americans from coast to coast will pray for his release. Events will be held in 40 states at capitols, city halls, parks and churches. Thousands more will join from 15 nations around the world 

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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"Parents Can Soon Kill Their Sick Children in Euthanasia in Belgium" - by Wesley J. Smith | Brussels, Belgium | LifeNews.com | 2/14/14; http://www.lifenews.com/2014/02/14/parents-can-soon-kill-their-sick-children-in-euthanasia-in-belgium/ [AS I SEE IT: As so many in America these days seem to like to take their cues from Europe (go figure!), don't be surprised that this horrific "advancement in medical ethics" is proposed in this country. It's not enough they find reason to kill the unborn child, now they've determined that children already born WANT TO be killed. Welcome to the slippery slope of the culture of death! - Stan]

Well, they went and did it: Belgium has legalized child euthanasia. There is no age limitation. Here is how it is supposed to work from the Washington Post story: "The child must have a terminal and incurable illness, with death expected to occur “within a brief period.” The child must also be experiencing “constant and unbearable physical suffering.” Like for adults desiring euthanasia, that diagnosis and prognosis must be agreed upon by the treating physician and an outsider brought in to give a second opinion. The child is to be interviewed by a pediatric psychiatrist or psychologist, who must determine that the child possesses “the capacity of discernment” and certify that in writing. After that, the parents are to consent and the child has to ask to be killed in writing. Good grief!




Killing sick children is wrong on its face–but given the history of Belgian euthanasia (and the euthanasia/assisted suicide movement generally), there is no way these “protective guidelines” will stick or be enforced. For example, one reason cited for legalizing child euthanasia was that doctors were already doing it even though it was against the law. This is typical euthanasia metastasizing: Doctors break the guidelines and then the answer is to expand the guidelines rather than punish the doctors.

Now, that process will begin anew with children. Don’t be surprised if five years from now, the (cruel, in my view) requirement that the child ask to be killed is eliminated, as well as the “terminal” requirement to match Belgian law for teenagers and adults. And what does parental consent have to do with it when there is “suffering” to eliminate?

Once again I am reminded of the-too-true observation of Canadian journalist Andrew Coyne. When analyzing the popularity of Robert Latimer, who–relevantly–murdered his daughter Tracy because she had cerebral palsy, Coyne wrote: "A society that believes in nothing can offer no argument even against death. A culture that has lost its faith in life cannot comprehend why it should be endured."

Culture of death, Wesley? What culture of death?

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

LifeNews.com Note: Wesley J. Smith, J.D., is a special consultant to the Center for Bioethics and Culture and a bioethics attorney who blogs at Human Exeptionalism.[http://www.nationalreview.com/human-exceptionalism]

"Belgium Child Euthanasia 'Opens Door None Can Shut' " - By Dale Hurd, February 16, 2014;http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/February/Belgium-Child-Euthanasia-Opens-Door-None-Can-Shut/
But critics asked how anyone could gauge a child's capacity for discernment in such a situation.

And news reports showed that when it comes to euthanasia, some Belgian doctors ignore the law and do what they think is best. "I think the fact that Belgium is passing this law should sound as a warning bell to other countries which might be tempted to legalize euthanasia," professor Michel Ghins, co-founder of Euthanasie Stop, warned. "Because once the step has been made it's very difficult to prevent all kinds of extensions to take place." ... "We are opening a door that nobody will be able to close," Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels Andre Leonard warned.

# 795 (2/18) "Obamaphones: Rife with Waste, Fraud, and Abuse"

NEWS/PRAYER ALERT! : South Korean tourists killed in Sinai terrorist attack- "What Sinai Attack Means for Israel's Security" - By George Thomas and Tzippe Barrow,CBN News, February 18, 2014; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2014/February/S-Korean-Tourists-Killed-in-Sinai-Suicide-Bombing/ JERUSALEM, Israel -- Islamists targeted a tour bus of South Koreans as it neared the Taba border crossing between Egypt and Israel on Sunday. Four people -- the Egyptian bus driver and three South Korean passengers -- were killed, and at least 13 others injured...Members of the terror posted a statement on al Qaeda-affiliated websites, calling Sunday's bombing part of an "economic war" against the army-backed government...The busload of 31 pilgrims -- all members of Jincheon Jungang Presbyterian Church out of Seoul -- had visited St. Catherine's Monastery in central Sinai. They were on a 12-day tour to Turkey, Egypt and Israel..." Let's be in prayer for 1) the comfort of the families of those killed and injured, and 2) future acts of terrorism to be prevented and peace re-established in the Sinai area.

* THANK YOU for NOT buying  any Girl Scout Cookies! [Check out post # 782 below.]

SIGN NEW PETITION - (Jan. 27) American Pastor Saheed Abidini -  An Iranian leader has said that clemency for the pastor after almost 1 and 1/2 years being falsely imprisoned. Please sign this new petition at: http://beheardproject.com/ 2/6 - PRAISE GOD that after pastor Abedini has been unjustly imprisoned for over a year and a half, President Obama finally spoke out himself for the pastor's release as well as that of Ken Bae from North Korea (see below)!

SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november

WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:

PRAYER ALERT! - Soci, Russia, Olympics -1) TERRORISM THREAT: Let's be sure to be praying for God to move against all who would bring harm to the athletes and others. Pray that the security forces would be effective in rooting out any terrorist plans and preventing them from being carried out. Pray for the families of the athletes who must be very anxious for their loved ones being in harm's way; 2) EVANGELISM EFFORTS: Let's also be praying that the many efforts being made to share the gospel with athletes and visitors to the Olympic Games will be effective in seeing many respond positively and make decisions for Christ. Pray esp. that athletes and visitors from little evangelized countries will take the gospel back with them and share it with others.

Oct. 23: "Christians Fleeing IRAQ Area Once Considered Safe," - CBNNews.com, http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/October/Christians-Fleeing-Iraq-Area-Once-Considered-Safe/ PRAY that believers in Iraq will know God's protection and provision; that believers will know[ whether they are called to flee or remain and persevere; and that their persecutors  may come to hear the gospel and come to faith in Christ. - Stan] 

Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]  

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.] Monday, 

November 04, 2013 - Saeed's Life in [Greater] Jeopardy After Prison Transfer - CBNNews.com, ; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/November/Saeeds-Life-in-Jeopardy-after-Prison-Transfer/ IRAN - Vigils Mark One Year Imprisonment of Pastor Saeed - CBNNews.com, Thursday, September 26, 2013 - Today marks one-year that American pastor Saeed Abedini has been held in an Iranian prison. He is serving an eight-year sentence because of his Christian faith. It has been a year of torment as he has suffered beatings, physical pain from untreated medical conditions, and separation from his wife and two children... The suffering has not dampened his passion for Jesus. Pastor Abedini has led more than 30 prisoners to Christ during his time in prison. This afternoon, thousands of Americans from coast to coast will pray for his release. Events will be held in 40 states at capitols, city halls, parks and churches. Thousands more will join from 15 nations around the world 

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Obamaphones: Rife with Waste, Fraud, and Abuse" -  By Matthew Sabas , November 24, 2013 [NOTE: Like me, you probably so commercials for these phones offered to low income people and wondered what was behind such a generous offer. Well, here's what you probably didn't know.]

Free cell phones for low-income Americans, one of the fastest growing welfare programs in the United States, is—by the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) own admission [2]—rife with “waste, fraud and abuse.” And who is paying for these free Obamaphones? If you have a phone subscription, you are.

The program, officially called Lifeline, predates Obama’s presidency but has earned the colloquial name “Obamaphone” after nearly tripling in cost since 2008.

Almost everyone who pays a phone bill has an extra monthly charge that contributes to the Universal Service Fund, which covers Lifeline access. The government pays [3] companies $9.25 for every person connected through Lifeline. Recipients typically receive a free wireless phone and a certain amount of airtime.These Obamaphones aren’t iPhones, but they typically have nearly all the capabilities offered through a standard phone contract.

SafeLink [4], for example, offers government-sponsored plans that not only include basics like local, long distance, and emergency calls, but other amenities such as international calls, 1,000 texts, carry-over minutes, call waiting, roaming, and a choice of 67, 125, or 250 minutes—all at no cost and contract-free. If 250 monthly minutes are not enough to call potential employers, no problem! Referring a friend for a free cell phone will score [5] an additional 100 minutes.A comparable paid plan available at SafeLink’s parent company, TracFone Wireless, would cost almost $400 annually [6] per phone.

By law, [7] Lifeline is restricted to one phone per household and only available to those who have an income below 135 percent of the federal poverty line or enrolled in a means-tested entitlement program. In practice, it is simple to obtain multiple Obamaphones: The FCC announced that duplicate Lifeline subscriptions topped 2 million [2], warranting millions in fines to companies for failing to verify recipients’ income.

Jillian Melchoir of the Franklin Center wanted to find out just how easy it would be. She managed to collect [8] three of her very own Obamaphones, even though her income disqualifies her from any government support. Melchoir is in the company of millions: According to figures supplied by the FCC to The Wall Street Journal, 41 percent [3] of subscribers were unable to prove their eligibility for the program.

Indifference to abuse of the program is appalling. In an undercover investigation [9] by conservative activist James O’Keefe, prospective recipients openly discussed selling their phones for handbags and heroin—only to be reassured by the Obamaphone vendors they would not be judged.

Lifeline has mutated from a program designed to help the needy into a glorified corporate subsidy. Abuse of the program will continue while the FCC scrambles to fix it.

An all-expense-paid cell phone, courtesy of those who actually pay for their own service, is not a human right; it’s an insult to struggling families who are reminded every month that their money is lost in yet another sloppy government slush fund.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

Matthew Sabas is currently a member of the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation. For more information on interning at Heritage, please click here [10].
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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/2013/11/24/obamaphones-rife-waste-fraud-abuse/

URLs in this post:
[1] Image: http://blog.heritage.org/wp-content/uploads/upiphotostwo247855.jpg
[2] admission: http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-33-m-penalties-against-three-lifeline-providers
[3] pays: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323511804578296001368122888
[4] SafeLink: https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Public/WelcomeCenter.html
[5] score: https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Safelink/referFriends
[6] $400 annually: https://www.tracfone.com/direct/Purchase?payGo=true&app=TRACFONE&lang=en
[7] By law,: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/lifeline-and-link-affordable-telephone-service-income-eligible-consumers
[8] managed to collect: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/354867/me-and-my-obamaphones-jillian-kay-melchior/page/0/1#!
[9] undercover investigation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzViw2ipw5k
[10] click here: http://www.heritage.org/about/departments/ylp.cfm

Copyright © 2013  The Heritage Foundation. All rights reserved.

# 794 (2/17) PRESIDENT'S DAY - "When Presidents Upheld the Law" ; "7 Times Obama Ignored the Law to Impose His Executive Will"

* THANK YOU for NOT buying  any Girl Scout Cookies! [Check out post # 782 below.]

SIGN NEW PETITION - (Jan. 27) American Pastor Saheed Abidini -  An Iranian leader has said that clemency for the pastor after almost 1 and 1/2 years being falsely imprisoned. Please sign this new petition at: http://beheardproject.com/ 2/6 - PRAISE GOD that after pastor Abedini has been unjustly imprisoned for over a year and a half, President Obama finally spoke out himself for the pastor's release as well as that of Ken Bae from North Korea (see below)!

SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november

WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:

PRAYER ALERT! - Soci, Russia, Olympics -1) TERRORISM THREAT: Let's be sure to be praying for God to move against all who would bring harm to the athletes and others. Pray that the security forces would be effective in rooting out any terrorist plans and preventing them from being carried out. Pray for the families of the athletes who must be very anxious for their loved ones being in harm's way; 2) EVANGELISM EFFORTS: Let's also be praying that the many efforts being made to share the gospel with athletes and visitors to the Olympic Games will be effective in seeing many respond positively and make decisions for Christ. Pray esp. that athletes and visitors from little evangelized countries will take the gospel back with them and share it with others.

Oct. 23: "Christians Fleeing IRAQ Area Once Considered Safe," - CBNNews.com, http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/October/Christians-Fleeing-Iraq-Area-Once-Considered-Safe/ PRAY that believers in Iraq will know God's protection and provision; that believers will know[ whether they are called to flee or remain and persevere; and that their persecutors  may come to hear the gospel and come to faith in Christ. - Stan] 

Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]  

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.] Monday, 

November 04, 2013 - Saeed's Life in [Greater] Jeopardy After Prison Transfer - CBNNews.com, ; http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/November/Saeeds-Life-in-Jeopardy-after-Prison-Transfer/ IRAN - Vigils Mark One Year Imprisonment of Pastor Saeed - CBNNews.com, Thursday, September 26, 2013 - Today marks one-year that American pastor Saeed Abedini has been held in an Iranian prison. He is serving an eight-year sentence because of his Christian faith. It has been a year of torment as he has suffered beatings, physical pain from untreated medical conditions, and separation from his wife and two children... The suffering has not dampened his passion for Jesus. Pastor Abedini has led more than 30 prisoners to Christ during his time in prison. This afternoon, thousands of Americans from coast to coast will pray for his release. Events will be held in 40 states at capitols, city halls, parks and churches. Thousands more will join from 15 nations around the world 

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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"When Presidents Upheld the Law" - By Rich Tucker,February 17, 2014 


Today is known as “President’s Day,” a three-day weekend retailers use to lend an air of Founding-era seriousness to their sales. But its legal name is Washington’s birthday—and how appropriate to reflect on a President who took his bearings from the Constitution while serving in office.

George Washington “understood himself to be the President of a Republic in which the people, through their elected representatives in Congress, make laws,” Heritage’s David Azerrad writes [1]. As the chief executive, Washington recognized that his constitutional charge to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed” was a duty rather than an optional responsibility to exercise at will. Laws, no matter how unpopular, had to be upheld, so long, of course, as they were constitutional.

Perhaps no law was more despised in Washington’s time than the excise tax on whiskey. It fell especially hard on farmers on the frontier of Pennsylvania, for whom whiskey was the drink of choice and grain the most lucrative crop. Washington saw the farmers’ violent resistance to the tax—the so-called Whiskey Rebellion—as a direct threat to the rule of law. If “the laws are to be so trampled upon with impunity,” Washington noted [2], “nothing but anarchy and confusion is to be expected hereafter.” The President’s response was therefore swift and forceful: He personally led more than 12,000 troops to western Pennsylvania and quashed the rebellion.

What a contrast to President Barack Obama’s “I can do whatever I want” attitude toward the rule of law. In light of Washington’s constitutional leadership, Obama’s dereliction of duty when it comes to enforcing Obamacare—today’s most unpopular law and the President’s namesake—is especially clear. The President has unilaterally made changes to the law [3] that was passed by Congress.

[Check out: "7 times Obama did “do whatever I want” during his presidency" [4] ]

Other examples of the President’s selective enforcement of laws duly passed by Congress abound. Among those cited [3] by legal experts Elizabeth Slattery and Andrew Kloster:

Abdicating the Administration’s duty to defend and enforce federal laws.
Gutting the work requirement from welfare reform.
Implementing the DREAM Act granting amnesty to some illegal immigrants by executive fiat.
See more Obama overreach [5]

“We are not just going to be waiting for legislation in order to make sure that we’re providing Americans the kind of help that they need,” Obama announced last month [6].

It is inconceivable that such words would have ever come out of President Washington’s mouth. The current occupant of the White House may want to take some time today to read up on how our first and greatest President understood his role.

Read the Morning Bell and more en español every day at Heritage Libertad [7].

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
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Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org; URL to article: http://blog.heritage.org/2014/02/17/presidents-upheld-law/

URLs in this post:
[1] Heritage’s David Azerrad writes: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/02/20/morning-bell-washington-the-indispensable-man-of-the-revolution/
[2] noted: http://oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Ftitle=2416&layout=html
[3] made changes to the law: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2014/02/an-executive-unbound-the-obama-administrations-unilateral-actions
[4] 7 times Obama did “do whatever I want” during his presidency: http://blog.heritage.org/2014/02/11/7-times-obama-whatever-want-presidency/
[5]  See more Obama overreach: http://blog.heritage.org/2014/02/14/7-times-obama-ignored-law-impose-executive-will/
[6] Obama announced last month: http://blog.heritage.org/2014/01/15/executive-pen-ready-imperial-obama-will-limit-congress/
[7] Heritage Libertad: http://www.libertad.org/

Copyright © 2011 The Heritage Foundation. All rights reserved.
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[The following is from "7 Times Obama Ignored the Law to Impose His Executive Will" - http://blog.heritage.org/2014/02/14/7-times-obama-ignored-law-impose-executive-will/ ]

1. Delaying Obamacare’s employer mandate - The Administration announced that Obamacare won’t be implemented as it was passed, so employers with 50 or more employees don’t have to provide the mandated health coverage for at least another year (and longer if they play their cards right [5]). Slattery and Kloster observe [4] that “The law does not authorize the President to push back the employer mandate’s effective date.”

2. Giving Congress and their staffs special taxpayer-funded subsidies for Obamacare -  It was uncomfortable for Members of Congress when they realized that, through Obamacare, they had kicked themselves and their staffs out of the taxpayer-funded subsidies they were enjoying for health coverage. But the Administration said no problem and gave them new subsidies [6]. In this case [4], “the Administration opted to stretch the law to save Obamacare—at the taxpayers’ expense.”

3. Trying to fulfill the “If you like your plan, you can keep it” promise—after it was broken - When Americans started getting cancellation notices from their insurance companies because Obamacare’s new rules were kicking in, the President’s broken promise was exposed. He tried to fix things by telling insurance companies to go back to old plans that don’t comply with Obamacare—just for one year. Slattery and Kloster note [4] that “The letter announcing this non-enforcement has no basis in law.”

4. Preventing layoff notices from going out just days before the 2012 election - There’s a law that says large employers have to give employees 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs. And layoffs were looming due to federal budget cuts in 2012. But the Obama Administration told employers to go against the law and not issue those notices—which would have hit mailboxes just days before the presidential election. The Administration [4] “also offered to reimburse those employers at the taxpayers’ expense if challenged for failure to give that notice.”

5. Gutting the work requirement from welfare reform - The welfare reform that President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1996 required that welfare recipients in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program work or prepare for work to receive the aid. The Obama Administration essentially took out that requirement by offering waivers to states, even though the law expressly states that waivers of the work requirement are not allowed. “Despite [the law’s] unambiguous language, the Obama Administration continues to flout the law with its ‘revisionist’ interpretation,” write [4] Slattery and Kloster.

6. Stonewalling an application for storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain - This was another case where the Administration simply refused to do what was required by law. An application was submitted for nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain [7], but “Despite the legal requirement, the Obama Administration refused to consider the application.”

7. Making “recess” appointments that were not really recess appointments - Slattery and Kloster explain [4] that “In January 2012, President Obama made four ‘recess’ appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, claiming that, since the Senate was conducting only periodic pro forma sessions, it was not available to confirm those appointees.” The catch: The Senate wasn’t in recess at the time. Courts have since struck down the appointments, but the illegitimate appointees already moved forward some harmful policies.

MORE: Slattery and Kloster list even more actions that, while they might not be illegal, are definitely abuses of executive power. That list includes [4] imposing new immigration law by executive fiat and refusing to enforce more than one federal law.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

URLs in this post: 
[4] explain: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2014/02/an-executive-unbound-the-obama-administrations-unilateral-actions
[5] longer if they play their cards right: http://blog.heritage.org/2014/02/11/obamacare-great-just-cant-wait-oh/
[6] gave them new subsidies: http://blog.heritage.org/2013/08/16/morning-bell-obama-gives-congress-obamacare-relief-illegally/
[7] Yucca Mountain: http://blog.heritage.org/2013/11/19/yucca-mountain-nrc-takes-first-step-follow-law/

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