Friday, October 26, 2007

Week Ending October 26, 2007 - Washington, DC

THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT WILL VETO GAY BILL

The White House warned the Democrat Congress that a pending piece of legislation to create new rights for homosexuals would be unconstitutional and it would be vetoed. H.R. 3685, the Employment Non- Discrimination Act, if passed would grant special employment rights and protected minority status to individuals based upon sexual behaviors. The law is based on the individual's "perception" of being persecuted. Under this bill, non-denominational Christian schools would be forced to hire homosexuals. Click here for the White House SAP.

THE HOUSE
PELOSI SETS RECORD-

Congress has failed to send a single annual spending bill to the President's desk for fiscal Year 2008 which actually began nearly a month ago. While several have passed the House and Senate in different versions, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has failed to appoint any conferees to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. The bill providing funding for our Veterans passed 133 days ago, but Speaker Pelosi continues to delay getting this and other bills to the President to sign. See dates of budget bills going back 20 years for comparison

TAX RELIEF -
Congressman Rangel (D-NY), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, offered a new tax plan to "lower" the taxes of 90 million Americans. However, most of those he proposes to help already pay no income tax at all. His bill would eliminate the dreaded Alternative Minimum tax by increasing the tax on small businessmen. Oddly, it is small independent businessmen who pay most of the AMT now. Republican presidential candidates seized on the moment. ``We certainly shouldn't raise taxes the way Charlie Rangel wants to,'' said former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. ``It would devastate the economy.'' Even Hillary Clinton is afraid to back the proposal, fearing it will expose her future plans to tax and spend. Clic k here for Bloomberg coverage of the tax hike.

ENDA - THE GAY RIGHTS BILL -
Please see coverage under "President"

THE SENATE
NO ABORTION FUNDING -
Sen. Vitter (R-LA) intends to file an amendment to S. 1200, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The amendment would codify a longstanding policy against funding of abortions with federal Indian Health Service (IHS) funds. The Senator has already offered an amendment to the Title X Family Planning amendment to the Labor Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill that would prohibit the distribution of taxpayer dollars to abortion providers. "The federal government should not redirect taxpayer dollars to pay for acts that so many Americans find morally wrong," said Vitter. "This amendment closes a loophole for taxpayer funded abortions." Click here for his press release.

HOW DUMB IS SCHIP? -
Congress is going to pay for children's medical expenses with higher taxes on smoking. The problem with this is that there are not enough smokers ... Watch this clip on youtube.

RELIGION AND CULTURE
ALL NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT -
The October 11, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. This issue contains new information on the Pledge Protection Act and Thought Crimes legislation. There is new material on George Soros and MoveOn.org. Also read about our participation in a Saudi Arabia human rights event on Capitol Hill. Much more! Click here to read.

INTERNATIONAL
FACT FINDING MISSION RETURNS -
Our fact finding mission to the Middle East to determine the condition of Iraqi Christian Refugees returned to the United States late Wednesday the 24th. The delegation, which was led by Governor David Beasley (R-SC), visited government officials and refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Visas to Syria were withdrawn by that nation. A complete report and finding will be prepared and distributed.Overall the situation is not good for Iraqi refugees. In Jordan, our State Department has directed the Embassy to abdicate its responsibility for the refugees to the United Nations. The intake staff at the UNHCR is almost 100% Muslim, and Christian refugees seem to be mishandled. The situation in Lebanon appears to be somewhat better at the UNHCR because our embassy there appears to be more engaged in the refugee situation. On the other hand the Lebanese government is less tolerant of the refugees than is the Jordanian government. View some video clips from the fact finding mission at http://www.youtube.com/pro%20file?user=ChristianRefugees

ATTACK NEAR OUR MISSION -
Gunmen in a blue van fired automatic weapons at the busy Ariel junction close to the Eshel Hashomron hotel. This is the main entrance to Ariel and the mission we support there. Evangelist David Ortiz told us this is the same location where in 2002, three soldiers were killed and 19 people were wounded by a suicide bomber. I have visited both the hotel and the gas station at the intersection. Both have been bombed. Click here for news report.

SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION
THE PLEDGE -
My new book, The Pledge: One Nation Under God has been released and is now available online and at bookstores. The book has a forward by Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) who is the primary sponsor of the Pledge Protection Act to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Please order The Pledge from the RFC bookstore, as the funds will be used to help fight to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Click here or on Image to learn more.

CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE -
There are literally tens of thousands of Christian theme items available at our affiliate store including jewelry from the Holy Land. It is a great place to shop for gifts. The store is located at http://www.rfcstore.com/. Please help us with our various projects on Capitol Hill and in the Holy Land by shopping at our affiliate Christian Superstore . Contributions to the work of the Religious Freedom Coalition can be made at http://www.rfcnet.org/donate.html

Week Ending October 19, 2007 - Washington, DC

NEW: See the daily video blogs of our Middle Eastern fact finding mission at: http://youtube.com/profile? user=ChristianRefugees

ALL NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT for October 11, 2007 now available!

FACT FINDING MISSION

OUR EMBASSY SENDS IRAQI REFUGEES TO THE UN -
Lets get real! The continued fighting in Iraq is causing a refugee crisis. Many of the refugees are Christians who have been forced out of their homes by radical Islamists. When these refugees come to the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan they are sent away to a United Nations refugee office. We have washed our hands of them and that includes many who were wounded while working for American contractors in various fields including security. It is our war, these are our refugees and they are our responsibility. Sending them to the United Nations for vetting to determine "what nation" they should apply to for asylum is a cop out.

JORDANIAN HIRED SECURITY SHOULD NOT GIVE COUNSELOR ADVICE -
When Iraqi refugees approach the US Embassy in Amman they never see an American Counselor nor do they receive any information sheet of options. Hired Jordanian guards direct them to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees. Even those who were wounded working for our nation are sent to the United Nations when in fact they are allowed to apply directly. Worse, those who have direct relatives in the United States are also sent to the UN even though they have other options including a form I-130. This is a shameful situation that must be corrected.

FEAR FEAR FEAR -
Iraqi Christian refugees we talked to are intimidated by the hired Jordanian guards at the Embassy and many do not even approach it. At the United Nations the staff is nearly 100% Muslim and act with disdain toward the Christians who are virtually never called back. Proper advice is not given out by the United Nations to those who seek help. Of 50 in one group we interviewed 48 had relatives in the United States and no one had told them their relative could sponsor them into the United States. Some who had parents who were naturalized US citizens did not know that a simple form could speed up their applications. Meanwhile, the Bush Administration wants to fast track literally millions of Mexican illegals into the United States. WHY?

READ FIRST HERE -
Journalist Ken Timmerman who is traveling with our mission team has written an expose for NewsMax that is a must read. Click here to read. Click here for our daily video blog!

RELIGION AND CULTURE
ALL NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT -

The October 11, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. See photos of petition deliveries! This issue contains new information on the Pledge Protection Act and Thought Crimes legislation. There is new material on George Soros and MoveOn.org as well. Click here to read.
SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION

THE PLEDGE -
My new book, The Pledge: One Nation Under God has been released and is now available online and at bookstores. The book has a forward by Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) who is the primary sponsor of the Pledge Protection Act to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Please order The Pledge from the RFC bookstore, as the funds will be used to help fight to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Click here or on Image to learn more.

CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE -
There are literally tens of thousands of Christian theme items available at our affiliate store including jewelry from the Holy Land. It is a great place to shop for gifts. The store is located at www.rfcstore.com. Please help us with our various projects on Capitol Hill and in the Holy Land by shopping at our affiliate Christian Superstore . Contributions to the work of the Religious Freedom Coalition can be made at www.rfcnet.org.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Week Ending October 12, 2007 - Washington, DC

President Bush celebrates Iftar / Bush and state of Texas fight it out in Supreme Court / The Flag flap in the House / Dems need shots to go to NASCAR event? / Summary of deaths in Congress this year / Another Senator retires / Dividing Jerusalem for peace or a step closer to war?

ALL NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT for October 11, 2007 now available!

THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT CELEBRATES MUSLIM HOLY DAY -
On October 5th the President celebrated a Ramadan Iftar dinner with Muslims at the White House. In his remarks the President said, "Ramadan is also a good time for Americans of all faiths to reflect on the values we hold in common -- including love of family, gratitude to the Almighty, devotion to community, and a commitment to religious liberty." The President forgot to include the facts that Islam has a polygamous structure that teaches that women are property and have virtually no rights, and that that those of other religions should be treated no better than slaves. Click here for the President's statement.

TEXAS FIGHTS PRESIDENT BUSH IN COURT - Jose Medellin, an illegal in the United States, was tried and convicted of the gang rape and murder in 1994 of two young girls and was sentenced to death. After losing a number of appeals he claimed in 1997 that he did not get a fair trial because he didn't get help form the Mexican consulate. Siding with the Mexican government President Bush has ordered that the execution not take place and that there be a new trial based on a decree by a foreign court. The state of Texas has told the President this is a state issue and none of his business. This week the case between Texas and the President was heard by the Supreme Court. This is the issue: can Texas and other states have their laws changed by foreign courts and should the President enforce the decrees of those courts? Click here for CNS story on this issueMeanwhile two border patrol agents the Administration ordered prosecuted because they shot a fleeing illegal who was smuggling drugs, are still in prison. No international court has intervened to free these men, whose only crime was defending our border.

THE HOUSE
THE FLAG FLAP -
My dear friend Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) went to be with the Lord this week. A few years ago she gave me a flag that was flown over the Capitol and dedicated to me as chairman of the Religious Freedom Coalition. Congressmen frequently dedicate flags at the request of constituents as well. This week a huge brawl began between San Francisco radical Nancy Pelosi and Republicans about whether to honor requests that the word "God" be used in some flag dedications. In the end Pelosi was forced to fold and "God" was allowed to be mentioned. Should there ever have been a question about this? Click here for more.

CONGRESSIONAL DEATHS THIS YEAR - There have been several deaths among members of Congress so far this year. Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, (R-VA) mentioned above, died of breast cancer this week. She was 57 years old. Rep. Charles Norwood, (R-GA), died in February of cancer at age 65. Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, (D-CA), died in April of cancer at age 68. Sen. Craig Thomas, (R-WY), died of leukemia at age 74. Rep. Paul Gillmor, (R-OH), died from a fall in his Washington, DC apartment last month at age 68.

DEMS IMMUNIZED FOR NASCAR - In an absolutely incredible story, Democrat staffers of the Homeland Security Committee received immunization shots to ward of disease before attended a NASCAR event in North Carolina. Immunization shots for a trip inside the United States? Click here to read what sports pages have to say about it. The message here is that Democrats think that NASCAR fans are all diseased red-necks.

THE SENATE
SENATE TAKES WEEK OFF -
The Senate was not in session this week in celebration of Columbus Day. The House remained in session.

ANOTHER SENATOR RETIRES - Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM), an influential voice in Congress on budget and energy issues, is retiring at the end of his sixth term because of a degenerative brain disease. "I come here today, to the site of the school that I attended as a boy, to tell you that I will not run for re- election to the United States Senate," Domenici said at a news conference in the Albuquerque neighborhood where he grew up. He is 75 years old and the 4th Republican Senator to announce a retirement at the end of this term.

RELIGION AND CULTURE
ISLAM TO THE POPE: THESE ARE THE TERMS -
A "peace" letter to the Pope from 138 "Islamic leaders" basically demanded that he find "common ground" between Christianity and Islam to avert war. The letter stated the terms of a dialog, giving the Pope little choice but to comply or not respond. Then there is the fact that half of these "religious leaders" have held governmental positions, raising the question of who speaks for Islam.

ALL NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - The October 11, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. See photos of petition deliveries! This issue contains new information on the Pledge Protection Act and Thought Crimes legislation. There is new material on George Soros and MoveOn.org as well. Click here to read.

INTERNATIONAL
OUR MIDDLE EAST MISSION - Next week our fact finding team leaves for the Middle East to investigate the conditions of Iraqi Christians who have been forced to flee to Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Click here to view a short pre- mission video prepared by me. Please consider a contribution to our mission. Click here to help!

DIVIDING JERUSALEM - The current government of Israel, under pressure from our State Department, is considering handing over a section of Jerusalem to Palestinians for their new capital. This is a secular decision for a temporary peace. I tremble for Israel when I think of the spiritual repercussions. Has no one in the current government read the Bible to learn of what has happened in the past when Israel surrendered herself to other gods? Click here to read author Joel Rosenburg's blog for some good insight.

SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION
THE PLEDGE - My new book, The Pledge: One Nation Under God has been released and is now available online and at bookstores. The book has a forward by Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) who is the primary sponsor of the Pledge Protection Act to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Please order The Pledge from the RFC bookstore, as the funds will be used to help fight to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Click here or on Image to learn more.

CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE - There are literally tens of thousands of Christian theme items available at our affiliate store including jewelry from the Holy Land. It is a great place to shop for gifts. The store is located at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=lvs8ofcab.0.0.9i6rr8bab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rfcstore.com. Please help us with our various projects on Capitol Hill and in the Holy Land by shopping at our affiliate Christian Superstore . Contributions to the work of the Religious Freedom Coalition can be made at http://www.rfcnet.org/donate.html

Friday, October 5, 2007

Week Ending October 5, 2007 - Washington, DC

Religious Right to form 3rd party? The Administration, 3Com and China / President to veto Defense Authorization / New push for Pledge Protection Act / LOST - Law of the Sea Treaty needs to get lost / Three giant crosses in Virginia and a boycott of Miller beer in California / Human Rights in Saudi Arabia - an oxymoron / Syria closes border to refugees

THE PRESIDENT
RELIGIOUS RIGHT TO FORM "3rd PARTY?- Several Christian conservative leaders have openly advocated the formation of a third political party because of the lead in the presidential race held by pro-abortion, pro-gay mayor Rudy Giuliani. A Washington Times front page story on the movement was titled "Religious Right Aims to Hurt GOP. I have confidential information that the group is attempting to recruit a Christian billionaire who is unknown and has no public record of positions to run for president.MEANWHILE: Governor Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist minister, has moved well ahead of Senator John McCain in Iowa and is solidly in third place. (Check Real Clear Politics) In New Hampshire he is now tied with former Senator Fred Thompson. Why won't James Dobson consider backing Mike Huckabee? You ask him, he doesn't return my phone calls.

THE ADMINISTRATION, 3COM and CHINA - A Chinese company with ties to that communist nation's military is trying to buy an American company that holds the keys to the Pentagon's communications system. Oddly, American businessmen don't seem to have a problem with this as long as money is made on the deal. Now, Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson has recused himself from the government review of the merger because of his past relationship with the investment firm that put the deal together. Contact your congressman and Senators and share your thoughts on our national security being sold to a Chinese company.

THE PRESIDENT TO VETO DEFENSE BILL - It is very rare for a President to veto a Defense Authorization particularly during war time. Yet the White House has issued an SAP (Statement of Administration Policy) giving the reasons why the President intends to veto the bill. The press is reporting that the President has "yielded" to the Christian right because Senator Kennedy has placed special rights for homosexuals in the authorization. HOWEVER: When I read the SAP I found no mention of a veto because of a "hate crimes" amendment. Check here for full copy of White House SAP

THE HOUSE
PLEDGE PROTECTION ACT - Congressmen Todd Akin (R-MO) has begun a major push to pass the Pledge Protection Act. ( Read his letter) The act would protect the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. In the last Congress we had 196 co-sponsors and so far this year we have 107. San Francisco radical Nancy Pelosi can block a vote unless we reach 218 cosponsors for a discharge petition. Is your congressman one of the 107 backing the PPA? (See list) If not, contact your congressman now and ask him to support HR- 699, the Pledge Protection Act.

THE SENATE
LAW OF THE SEA - The Bush Administration is rushing a United Nations treaty through the Senate that would give the UN authority over the stream that runs past my back yard. WHAT DID I SAY? The stream in my back yard runs to the Rappahannock River, which runs to the Chesapeake Bay which opens to the Atlantic Ocean. The treaty gives the United Nations authority to "protect" the environment of the ocean. Not only can I be told by the United Nations not to use pesticides in my lawn, but major manufacturing companies in the United States that "pollute" by the UN's definition, could be shut down as well. In a recent Senate hearing the Democrat Chairman who is pushing the treaty for President Bush allowed just two of nine witnesses who opposed the treaty. Click here for joint letter against LOST signed by me.
SENATE TAKES WEEK OFF - The Senate will take next week off in celebration of Columbus Day. The House will stay in session (For what reason I do not know.)

RELIGION AND CULTURE
THREE GIANT CROSSES - There is a new landmark in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley off Interstate 81. Three crosses, one of which is 150-feet tall, dominate the landscape for motorists in the area. Pastor Jay Ahlemann of the Church of the Valley hopes the Freedom Memorial Park will become a national point of interest just a short drive from the Capitol.
MILLER BEER - Catholic organizations have organized a boycott of Miller Beer because of its sponsorship of a San Francisco homosexual festival that ran an advertisement depicting the Last Supper with Jesus Christ and the Disciples as homosexual sadomasochists. I would join in on the boycott, but I don't drink.
ALL NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - The September 19th, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. See photos of petition deliveries! This issue contains information that has not appeared in weekly updates. Click here to read.

INTERNATIONAL
OXYMORON: HUMAN RIGHTS IN SAUDI ARABIA - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the most repressive nation in the world. Not even the brutal dictator of North Korea is as repressive as the Saudi monarchy. Despite this fact the monarchs are to this day protected by American troops because they can't trust any of their own citizens. On October 3rd I spoke at a reception held in the Rayburn House Office Building for the The Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia. At the event the group unveiled a comprehensive policy paper addressing political/judicial reform in Saudi Arabia, women's rights, religious freedom, and economic reform. CDHR founder, Dr. Ali Alyami, is a Saudi. If he were to return to that nation he would be hung without trial.

SYRIA CLOSES BORDER TO REFUGEES - Syria says it has absorbed more than one million Iraqi refugees and cannot support any more. About 200,000 of those are Christians who have fled persecution in Iraq. The cost to Syria last year was $2.5 billion dollars. We consider Syria a terrorist state and an enemy. Meanwhile our ally in the region, Saudi Arabia, will accept no Iraqi refugees at all. Read more.

IRAQI MISSION UPDATE - The Religious Freedom Coalition fact finding mission to the Middle East will depart in mid-October. We will visit with just some of the hundreds of thousands of Christians who have been forced to flee Iraq in the last four years. Your prayers and your help are needed! Please consider a contribution to our mission. Click here to help!

SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION
THE PLEDGE - My new book, The Pledge: One Nation Under God has been released and is now available online and at bookstores. The book has a forward by Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) who is the primary sponsor of the Pledge Protection Act to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Please order The Pledge from the RFC bookstore, as the funds will be used to help fight to keep "under God" in the Pledge. Click here or on Image to learn more.

CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE - There are literally tens of thousands of Christian theme items available at our affiliate store including jewelry from the Holy Land. It is a great place to shop for gifts. The store is located at www.rfcstore.com. Please help us with our various projects on Capitol Hill and in the Holy Land by shopping at our affiliate Christian Superstore . Contributions to the work of the Religious Freedom Coalition can be made at http://www.rfcnet.org/donate.html