Week Ending December 7, 2007

Iraqi Refugees and the State Department / The Race for 2008 / What are iPS cells? / Conservatives move on iPS cells / In God We Trust on our dollar coins? / Ted Kennedy's "Hate Crimes", Atheist Newdow back in court / RFC meeting at State Department / No more Christians in Bethlehem?

The President IRAQI REFUGEES AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT- Inside the Beltway, the State Department is referred to as "Foggy Bottom," partly because of the building location, but mostly because of the logic by which it operates. On Monday, December 2nd, members of our fact finding team who had traveled to the Middle East met with Assistant Secretary Sauerbrey and seven fairly high ranking members of her department concerning a draft of our report on the condition of Iraqi refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Secretary Sauerbrey is a George W. Bush political appointee to the State Department; the rest of those present were "career" officers. While the Secretary was present, the tone of the meeting was conciliatory, and it appeared that progress was being made. Upon her departure from the room, the tone quickly changed to one of an aggressive defense of status quo policy. Ninety-nine percent of State Department employees, including most ambassadors, are "career" people who have their own agendas while working under various presidents. Often their own agendas and desire to protect their careers overshadows the will of the political leaders of the nation. Unlike career professionals in the Armed Forces, those at State rarely are obedient to the desires of the elected political leaders of this nation. A report on the meeting and the "progress" made there to better the situation for Iraqi refugees is in the International section.

THE RACE FOR 2008 - The establishment media anointed two candidates for the presidential election next fall: Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Democrat Hillary Clinton, both New York liberals. Despite pounding away at Americans night and day, the elite media bosses just can't seem to get their candidates to stay on top. Despite nearly constant attacks by the conservative Wall Street Journal and the far left including the New York Times and CNN, the candidacy of Mike Huckabee continues to soar. One national poll had him tied for first place. Virtually the entire Republican establishment here in Washington fears and hates this man, probably because he speaks honesty about his beliefs.

THE HOUSE

WHAT ARE iPS CELLS?- Social conservative, pro-life Members of Congress are on the attack against embryonic stem cell funding since scientists announced the recent breakthrough with iPS cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells are created from human skin cells and there is no need to kill a human embryo to obtain them. Most scientists admit the use of iPS cells means that cures will be developed faster, and in fact there is already one major breakthrough.

CONSERVATIVES MOVE ON iPS CELLS - The "Patients First Act" offered by Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) would prioritize funding for iPS cell research at such time as the research demonstrates potential for patient benefit. Pro-life Members and groups support the "Patients First Act" because it encourages stem cell research that is most likely to provide near term treatments for patients while also respecting the dignity of all human life beginning at the earliest stages. Contact your congressman about HR-2807

THE SENATE

IN GOD WE TRUST - Senator Sam Brownback introduced legislation this week to move the inscription, "In God We Trust" from the edge of the new one dollar coins to the front of them. Brownback said, "Since the colonial beginnings of the United States, citizens of this nation have officially acknowledged their dependence on God. It is important that our national motto, 'In God We Trust,' is prominently displayed on all of our currency." Brownback earlier this week met with officials from the United States Treasury to discuss moving the national motto from the side of one dollar coins to the face. Presidential one dollar coins are the only U.S. coins currently being issued by the National Mint that have inscriptions along the edge. Contact you Senator about S-2417

"HATE CRIMES DROPPED - FOR NOW - I was on a national Christian radio program Friday when it was announced that Ted Kennedy's pro-gay Hate Crimes legislation had been "barred by Congress." If that is what you heard forget about it. Ted Kennedy's pro-gay legislation was simply dropped from the Defense Authorization bill because at the conference committee level it was determined that there were not enough votes in the House for his Senate version to pass. Next week Kennedy could add this vile legislation onto the Health and Human Services (HHS Authorization), or for that matter any bill dealing with employment or law enforcement. The battle is far from over and now is not the time to declare victory. We must remain vigilant to stop Ted Kennedy's anti-family agenda.

RELIGION AND CULTURE

ATHEIST NEWDOW IN COURT- On Tuesday, December 4, 2007 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments from atheist Michael Newdow's latest lawsuit to have "under God" removed from the Pledge to our flag. Only one of the three judge panel appeared to side with the government in the case. I expect the panel to side with Newdow in outlawing "under God" in the Pledge. Click here for Law.com review of the hearing. Have you read my book, The Pledge, One Nation Under God! ?

NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - The November 21, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. This is the latest Chairman's Report and has new information on lawsuits filed by atheist Michael Newdow. The atheist Newdow has filed a new lawsuit against "under God" in the Pledge, this time in New Hampshire. Click here to read the new Chairman's Report.

INTERNATIONAL

OUR MEETING AT STATE - At the December 2, 2007 meeting with Secretary Sauerbrey, our fact finding team learned for the first time that there is a Jordanian-American staffer at the embassy in Amman tasked with the duty of "refugee liaison." However, when we were in Jordan, Ambassador Hale told us flatly that no one was actually meeting with refugees outside the Embassy walls. One of his staff, the USAID officer, told us "It isn't our job to go to church." Not a single church leader or member of the refugee community we met with had ever met this individual and did not know of the person's existence. Perhaps this individual was meeting with UNHCR, CARITAS, and other NGO's. But, to the knowledge of church leaders in the refugee community there was no contact with this individual. Several weeks after our departure from Jordan our team received reports from church leaders saying the Embassy had begun to have contacts with the refugee community.

When we departed from the meeting on Monday we were all very concerned about the "on paper" presence of the officer tasked with refugee liaison verses the personal witness of virtually every church leader in Jordan including Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical. Click here for more complete report on our meeting with Assistant Secretary Suaerbrey.

EXPERT: CHRISTIANS VANISHING IN BETHLEHEM - Speaking at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, International human rights lawyer Justus Weiner this week said, "The systematic persecution of Christian Arabs living in Palestinian areas is being met with nearly total silence by the international community, human rights activists, the media and NGOs," He cited Muslim harassment and persecution and said there was an "acute human rights crisis" facing Christian Arabs. He predicted that there will be no more Christian communities in Palestinian controlled territories within 15 years and that only a few token Western Christian clergymen would be in the area. Click here for full story.

VISIT OUR CHRISTMAS STORE

THE PLEDGE - My most recent 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.

OUR CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE - We have lots of great stuff for Christmas at our Internet store. Not only are there books and CD's, but everything from candy to jewelry and all of it has a Christian theme. Unlike Amazon and other major Internet stores we do not sell porn and satanic materials right beside Christian books. Ours is a real Christian store with tens of thousands of items. Please take a look. The store is located at www.rfcstore.com. Contributions to the work of the Religious Freedom Coalition can be made at www.rfcnet.org.

Week Ending November 30, 2007

New Iraqi refugee policy? / Stem Cell vindication for President Bush / Passing of a great pro-life leader / Another GOP Senator leaves town / Atheist Newdow in court next week / Is "under God" in danger? / Jailed for a Teddy bear - the Islamic way / Have you visited our Christmas store?

THE PRESIDENT

NEW IRAQI REFUGEE POLICY- The Bush Administration has somewhat changed its policy toward Iraqi refugees who have worked for Coalition forces. As reported by the Religious Freedom Coalition fact finding mission in October, all Iraqi refugees had to go through the United Nations before being interviewed at one of our embassies. In other words the UN decides who should be interviewed for refugee status. Further, our embassy in Iraq would take no applications at all. Iraqis had to flee Iraq to apply to come to the USA. The Administration has now ordered that State Department employees in Baghdad can apply there. The policy will take effect in about one month and really only apply to a few hundred people. Unfortunately, all those who have fled Iraq or do not work for the State Department must rely on the United Nations for assistance.

STEM CELL VINDICATION- In 2001 I received a short note from President George W. Bush thanking me for being one of the few who supported his stem cell research policy. He refused to allow the continued creation of human embryos destined only to be destroyed in the laboratory and their stem cells extracted. This ban angered liberals, but the President's allowing the use of existing lines of stem cells angered many conservatives. Even Washington Post columnists now say he was right in his decision to allow what already existed while looking for alternatives. The alternative was found and stem cells can now be made from common skin cells. Click here to read Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer.

THE HOUSE

HOUSE IN RECESS - The House went into recess on Thursday for Thanksgiving and will not return until December 3rd.

GREAT PRO-LIFE CHAMPION PASSES - It was just last year that Congressman Henry Hyde left the Congress of the United States after 32 years of service. Following the Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion in the United States, he became the single greatest champion of the pro-life movement, giving eloquent speeches. Mr. Hyde's efforts against abortion began in 1976, when his amendment to an appropriations bill prohibited Medicaid from paying for abortions. Known as the Hyde Amendment, it is still the law today. The world will miss this great pro-life champion.

THE SENATE

ANOTHER GOP SENATOR LEAVES- Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) has announced that he is resigning his seat from the Senate. He did not intend to run for this current term, but did anyway to help get federal funds for his home state after the Katrina disaster. His own home was lost to Katrina and he is not a wealthy man as are most Senators. He will take a position with a lobbying firm in DC that pays probably triple his Senate salary. Republican Governor Haley Barber will appoint his successor.

RELIGION AND CULTURE

THE ATHEIST'S DAY IN COURT- On Tuesday, December 4, 2007 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, otherwise known as the Nutty Ninth, will hear atheist Michael Newdow's latest lawsuit to have "under God" removed from the Pledge to our flag. There will be a lot of publicity on this next week! Have you read my book, The Pledge, One Nation Under God! ?

NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - The November 21, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. This is the latest Chairman's Report and has new information on lawsuits filed by atheist Michael Newdow. The atheist Newdow has filed a new lawsuit against "under God" in the Pledge in New Hampshire. Click here to read the new Chairman's Report.

INTERNATIONAL

JUST PUT EVERYONE IN JAIL - A court in Sudan has sentenced a British elementary school teacher to 15 days in prison and deportation on charges of inciting religious hatred. British citizen Gillian Gibbons, who had been teaching in Sudan just since August, allowed her class of 7-year-olds to name a teddy bear "Mohammed" as part of a school project. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband expressed his "concern" and not much more. Gibbons could have faced longer jail time plus lashes on the back. Not a single feminist organization, teachers' union or liberal "civil rights" group has spoken up on this outrage. Click here for UK Times story.

VISIT OUR CHRISTMAS STORE

THE PLEDGE - My most recent 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.

OUR CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE - We have lots of great stuff for Thanksgiving and Christmas at our Internet store. Not only are there books and CD's, but everything from candy to jewelry and all of it has a Christian theme. Unlike Amazon and other major Internet stores we do not sell porn and satanic materials right beside Christian books. Ours is a real Christian store with tens of thousands of items. Please take a look. The store is located at www.rfcstore.com. Contributions to the work of the Religious Freedom Coalition can be made at www.rfcnet.org.

email: support@rfcnet.org
phone: 202.742.8990
web: http://www.rfcnet.org
William J. Murray, Chairman Religious Freedom

Thanksgiving Week - Washington, DC

The real meaning of Thanksgiving - Read the first Thanksgiving Proclamation / Thanksgiving proclamations of Presidents Washington, Lincoln and the most recent / Lump of coal - Atheist Newdow files new lawsuit against "under God." / Our new Internet store has thousands of Christmas items

THANKSGIVING

A PSALM OF THANKSGIVING
1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
3Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;[1]
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100 -NKJV

REAL MEANING OF THANKSGIVING - The documents below clearly show the meaning of Thanksgiving as intended by the nation's Founders. Today in most public schools God is not mentioned and Thanksgiving becomes a historical event rather than a Christian celebration of thanks to God. Please pass the document links on to others or print them out for distribution.

The First Thanksgiving Proclamation - Click here

Continental Congress 1782 Thanksgiving Proclamation - Click here

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation - Click here

Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation - Click here

Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation for 2007 - Click here

THE HOUSE

HOUSE IN RECESS - The House is in recess for Thanksgiving and will not return until December 3rd. There is no mention of Thanksgiving at Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Internet site at www.speaker.gov.

SHOPPING AT WWW.RFCSTORE.COM HELPS TO SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION

THE SENATE

SENATE IN RECESS - The Senate is in recess for Thanksgiving and will not return until December 3rd. There is no mention of Thanksgiving at the Democrat Majority Leader's Internet site.

SHOPPING AT WWW.RFCSTORE.COM HELPS TO SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION

RELIGION AND CULTURE

NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - The November 21, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. This report is brand new this week and has new information on lawsuits filed by atheist Michael Newdow. The Atheist Newdow has filed a new lawsuit against "under God" in the Pledge in New Hampshire. Click here to read the new Chairman's Report.

CAN NEWDOW WIN? - The atheist movement is literally swimming in money given by the rich perverts who run Hollywood. To protect the Christian heritage of this nation the Religious Freedom Coalition needs your help. Please give a year end gift to the Religious Freedom Coalition at our secure server. Donate now!

SHOPPING AT WWW.RFCSTORE.COM HELPS TO SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION

INTERNATIONAL

IRAQI CHRISTIAN REFUGEE REPORT - The draft report on the Religious Freedom Coalition fact finding mission to the Middle East on Iraqi Christian Refugees is now available on line. The report contains both findings and recommendations. Click here to read.

SHOPPING AT WWW.RFCSTORE.COM HELPS TO SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COALITION

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?

OUR CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE - We have lots of great stuff for Christmas at our Internet store. Not only are there books and CD's, but everything from candy to jewelry and all of it has a Christian theme. Unlike Amazon and other major Internet stores we do not sell porn and satanic materials right beside Christian books. Ours is a real Christian store with tens of thousands of items. Please take a look. The store is located at www.rfcstore.com.

Week Ending November 16, 2007 - Washington, DC

IN THIS ISSUE: There really is a Vice President / Cheney and the special elections / Thanksgiving Proclamation / Nancy's House - why people are angry at her / Fairness Doctrine is back / Roy Blunt's Little Book of Big Government / Kennedy and his "Hate Crime" / Faith is a winning message / Catholic Bishops on Faithful Citizenship / More arrests of Christians in Egypt

HEAR WILLIAM J MURRAY ... Click here to listen to William J. Murray on Leading the Majority. Murray talks about repression of religious speech in America and the situation of Christians in the Middle East.

NEW: This e-mail is posted as a blog at MurrayOnTheHill.blogspot.com. You can post comments there!

THE PRESIDENT

THERE REALLY IS A VICE PRESIDENT- The press and the late night comics are always making jokes about Vice President Cheney being in an "undisclosed location," and it is true he is rarely seen. However, he did manage to make it to a fund raising event on Thursday night for two candidates my political action committee supports, Bob Latta (OH-5) and Rob Wittman (VA-1) Both candidates, who are running for the House in special elections on December 11th, are 100% pro-life social conservatives and emphasize that fact at their Internet sites. In his remarks not even once did the Vice President mention the social issues these men support. Rather, he talked about how they would lower taxes and vote to protect the nation. There is just a disconnect between Republican leadership and the party base.

THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION - President George W. Bush has issued his annual Thanksgiving Proclamation saying, "Our country was founded by men and women who realized their dependence on God and were humbled by His providence and grace." Click here to read the full proclamation.

THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE - Surprise, Surprise .... The respected Rasmussen Poll now shows Gov. Mike Huckabee tied for 2nd place nationally. Another poll shows Romney and Huckabee within 2 points of each other in Iowa. Meanwhile Rev. Pat Robertson has bet his reputation on pro-abortion candidate Mayor Rudy Guiliani. Read my view at Newt Gingrich's site, Newt.org.

THE HOUSE

HOUSE IN RECESS - The House went into recess on Thursday for Thanksgiving and will not return until December 3rd. The House will then be in session for about one week before the Christmas break, (holiday break if you're a Democrat.) Meanwhile the House has passed only 105 bills, and 47 of those were to name buildings such as post offices. More than 40 other bills were extensions of previous Republican legislation. Not a single appropriations bill to fund the government for the fiscal year has been passed, but there have been 58 votes on withdrawing our troops from Iraq. So little actual work is being done under radical Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi that we may hit 2008 with virtually nothing on the President's desk for his signature.

LITTLE BOOK OF BIG GOVERNMENT- Will Rogers said, "The only difference between death and taxes is that death does not get worse every time Congress meets." The Democrat controlled Congress wants to spend $2.17 trillion next year. Minority Whip Roy Blunt has put together an amazing little book of facts and figures about big government that includes fascinating information such as how long it takes to spend a billion dollars at $1,000 a day. The small book is available to view or download at www.republicanwhip.house.gov .

FAIRNESS DOCTRINE- Congressman Mike Pence has now persuaded all but six House Republicans to sign a discharge petition to bring legislation to the floor that would stop a future Administration from imposing the FCC "fairness doctrine" which is a killer of free speech. Pence introduced the legislation because radical Democrats want to "level the playing field" by forcing conservative talk show hosts to give equal time to liberals. Information on the Broadcaster Freedom Act is available at Congressman Pence's site.

WHAT HAPPENED NANCY? - The latest Gallup Panel survey, conducted Oct. 25-28, 2007, asked Americans whether they were "pleased," "neutral," "disappointed," or "angry" about the way the Democrats in Congress have been dealing with major issues under San Francisco radical Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Few Americans are pleased. Only 7% approved of the handling of the federal budget deficit and just 17% approve of their handling of terrorism. Between 12% and 26% are angry about various issues. In general the majority of Americans say they are disappointed with the congressional Democrats' performance so far. Click here for Gallup story.

THE SENATE

KENNEDY'S "HATE CRIMES" ALIVE- Senator Ted Kennedy's bill to punish people for having bad thoughts about homosexuals has been hidden in the DOD (Department of Defense Authorization Bill) in a dishonest attempt to try to force President Bush to sign it into law. Like ENDA in the House, Kennedy's legislation would give homosexuals super rights not enjoyed by the rest of Americans. Under his bill, if there is a mass shooting, such as there was at Virginia Tech, it would be more of a crime to shoot a homosexual than a normal heterosexual. Does this make sense at all? Conservative Senators are holding the line so far. if Kennedy's super rights for homosexuals is part of the DOD authorization, President Bush has said he will veto it.

HEATED PRIMARY - This week I met with Dr. Walter "Buddy" Witherspoon of South Carolina. He is a Committeeman to the Republican National Committee and has set up an "exploratory committee" to perhaps run against oddball Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Last year Senator Graham told South Carolinians that they were just bigots if they didn't want to share their state with illegals. His popularity is way down and a conservative Democrat could win the seat if someone does not get the Republican nomination away from Graham. He just cannot be trusted on social conservative issues.

FAITH IS A WINNING MESSAGE - In an article written for the Washington Post, Senator Sam Brownback said,

"On the campaign trail I talked about being pro-life and whole-life. This is, first and foremost, recognition of the fundamental dignity of every human person. It says that every person, at every stage and in every place, is a beautiful and unique child of God. It says that every life, everywhere, has value and is worth fighting for. I think this is a winning message. Unfortunately, the GOP primary process this year, as in times past, has been more focused on "electability" than on message. I believe that's the wrong focus. Recent history has shown that when we as a party focus on message, we win; when we get bogged down with questions about which personality is most 'electable,' we lose."

The Senator dropped out of the race for lack of funds just as the winds began to shift and GOP voters started to look past the "electability" of Rudy Giuliani toward the "message" of Mike Huckabee. I authored similar remarks that are now on several blog spots including those of Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee. Click here to read.

RELIGION AND CULTURE

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP - Catholic Bishops meeting in Baltimore, Maryland this week passed a statement entitled "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship." The document outlines the citizenship and voting responsibilities of Catholics in the United States. The liberal press immediately attacked the statement and liberal "scholars" promptly stated that Catholics would ignore it. It is true that many who were born Catholics and have not attended Mass in years may not pay too much regard to the Bishops' statement. Practicing Catholics, however, probably will. Click here to view a PDF of Faithful Citizen booklet issue by the Bishops.

NEW YORK'S ILLEGAL DRIVERS - With the polls showing more than 70% of New Yorkers against him, Democrat Gov. Eliot Spitzer gave up on his plan to issue drivers' licenses to tens of thousands of illegal aliens. He made the bizarre claim that he planned to issue the licenses to force the illegals to pay for auto insurance. The ruling class in America, including the liberal media, see nothing wrong with giving anyone entering the nation illegally a driver's license. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was all for it until she saw the poll numbers; now she just is not sure. FEAR NOT ILLEGALS! You can still get a license in Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.

Hillary take note: Every single state in Mexico requires that a valid Mexican visa must be presented by a foreigner to obtain a driver's licnese. Click here of details of Mexico requirments.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - The November 2, 2007 issue of the Chairman's Report is now available online. This all-new issue contains information on our fact finding mission to the Middle East. There are photos from the mission as well as photo links. New Capitol Hill action as well. Click here for the new Chairman's Report. A new report will be issued next week.

INTERNATIONAL

MORE PERSECUTION IN "SECULAR" EGYPT - Two members of a Canadian based human rights organization in Egypt and their attorney were arrested in Cairo on November 10 by State Security Investigations (SSI). Wagih Yaakoob, official spokesman for the Middle East Christians Association (MECA) and Victor George, an administrator of the association's voice room on the "Pal Talk" messenger, were taken to Lazoghly State Security headquarters in Cairo for interrogation. Later in the day SSI officers in Alexandria arrested the association's attorney, Mamdouh Azmy, who was also taken to Cairo for interrogation. Reportedly, they are being accused of belittling Islam. Click here for details

IRAQI CHRISTIAN REFUGEES - Father Keith Roderick and I are just about done with the final report on our Fact Finding mission on Iraqi Christian Refugees. The final report and recommendations have taken longer than we thought; however, I believe a full report will be available by the next update release next week.

THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS

OUR CHRISTIAN INTERNET STORE - We have lots of great stuff for Thanksgiving and Christmas at our Internet store. Not only are there books and CD's, but everything from candy to jewelry and all of it has a Christian theme. Unlike Amazon and other major Internet stores we do not sell porn and satanic materials right beside Christian books. Ours is a real Christian store with tens of thousands of items. Please take a look. The store is located at www.rfcstore.com. Contributions to the work of the Religious Freedom Coalition can be made at www.rfcnet.org.