More than a thousand pastors this election year have, once again, defied the contested regulations of the Internal Revenue Service that forbid church leaders to tell their flocks for whom to vote. The liberal media are clearly lamenting the lack of enforcement by the IRS because most Christians vote conservatively and few Democrat voters even attend church.
For background, read Pastors Inflame IRS Scandal for Religious Liberty
And read the Pew Research poll showing a growing number of Americans who say that religion should play a greater role in politics.
Also read Houston: Ground Zero in Obama's War on Christianity
-- From "Political pastors openly defying IRS rules on candidate endorsements" by Josh Hicks, Washington Post 11/4/14
The IRS has taken virtually no action against the pastors . . .
The defiance movement, known as Pulpit Freedom Sunday, has grown from a few dozen ministers to more than 1,600 over the past six years, according to the alliance [ADF].
Church leaders involved in the effort have weighed in on key races that could tip the balance of power in the Senate during this year’s midterms, openly endorsing candidates such Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) over Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) and Thom Tillis (R) over Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.).
The IRS’s reluctance to enforce the tax law suggests it has grown timid about dealing with tax-exempt groups . . . The IRS did not respond Monday to repeated requests for comment about whether it plans to crack down on the movement. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pastors endorsing candidates, in defiance of IRS rules" posted at FoxNews.com 11/3/14
Christian pastors reportedly are defying IRS rules and endorsing political candidates at an unprecedented rate.
Under IRS rules, nonprofits -- such as churches -- are allowed to discuss politically sensitive subjects in their sermons, but historically have been barred from actively campaigning and endorsing particular candidates. But a growing number of pastors are challenging that standard – and the IRS may be looking the other way.
. . . the IRS may be gun-shy after its high-profile fight with Tea Party groups and virtually all Republicans on Capitol Hill over its targeting of conservative groups.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rogue pastors endorse candidates, but IRS looks away" by Rachael Bade, Politico 11/3/14
It’s another sign of the tax agency turned upside down by the tea party targeting controversy. Although the IRS is under fire from the right for being heavy-hand with conservative tax-exempt entities, it’s also getting hit from the left [including atheists suing the IRS] for failing to enforce decade-old rules governing churches and politics.
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen in an interview last month with Tax Analysts suggested the IRS isn’t planning to crack down on churches anytime soon. He said the [atheists'] lawsuit news “spread out into the world … somehow we are doing something very different and we are going to show up either more aggressively or more often in a different way than we have in the past, and that is not what that case was about at all.”
The pastors, who make it easy for the IRS by often taping their sermons and mailing them to the tax agency, argue that it infringes on their First Amendment rights.
Their ultimate goal: igniting a lawsuit with the IRS and taking the issue to the Supreme Court.
“If by chance a member of the IRS gets this sermon and is listening, sue me,” said evangelical pastor Jim Garlow of the San Diego-based Skyline Church . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read about nationwide efforts to register more Christians to vote.
And read Proved: Tea Party Movement is Christian
Showing posts with label Tea Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tea Party. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Wisc. GOP Sen. Johnson: Moral Values a Non-issue
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin made clear that he will not let his claimed moral beliefs get in the way of the codification of deviant sexual behavior via "gay marriage," or stem the flowing river of blood killing America's future via abortion. Johnson indicated that he has no intention of discouraging Americans from voting for such destruction of the nation, if that's what the people he represents want.
GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters
GOP in Illinois Proclaims Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable
GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates
GOP Has Failed the Nationwide Marriage Amendment Test
GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage' at Nevada Convention
. . . better watch out Republicans: Christian Tea Party Defeats GOP in Virginia: Dave Brat
UPDATE 6/27/14: GOP Maine Senator Favors 'Gay Marriage' to Get Elected
-- From "GOP senator won't oppose gay marriage if voters want it" by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY 6/23/14
Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican elected in 2010 with Tea Party support, says he won’t oppose gay marriage if that’s what the voters decide.
“I’m a pretty traditional guy, almost 60 years old,” the Wisconsin senator said during an interview on CNBC. “I think marriage is between a man and a woman. But again if the voters decide that they want gay marriage, I’m not going to oppose it.”
Johnson’s comments Monday on CNBC’s Squawk Box program came amid a broader discussion in which he emphasized that Republicans should stress economic and fiscal issues . . . [w]hen pressed about the “right mix” for Republicans on social issues vs. economic issues . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ron Johnson: If voters want same-sex marriage, 'I’m not going to oppose it'" by Steven Elbow, The (progressive) Capital Times 6/23/14
Asked what Republicans need to do to win votes in national elections, Johnson said they need to focus on issues that everyone can agree on, particularly "getting a prosperous America."
“From my standpoint it’s really the fiscal issues, economic issues that overweigh all the other ones,” he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "If Voters Want Gay Marriage, GOP Senator Ron Johnson Is 'Not Going To Oppose It'" by Sara Bondioli, The Huffington Post 6/24/14
Johnson's comments on gay marriage are in line with what he has said previously -- that gay marriage is an issue to be decided by a state's voters.
Johnson represents a state that elected the first openly gay senator, Tammy Baldwin, in 2012. The state's gay marriage ban was struck down earlier this month. However, the U.S. District Court judge who did so ordered a halt on same-sex marriages in the state while GOP Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's appeal of the ruling is pending.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
And read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians as well as America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
". . . social issues are going to primarily be decided in the states through democratic process … then I’ll certainly go with the judgment of the American people in terms of where they want to fall on, whether it’s abortion issues or gay marriage or whatever. Let the voters decide that."For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Sen. Ron Johnson, Wisconsin Republican who appealed to Tea Party voters to get elected
GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters
GOP in Illinois Proclaims Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable
GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates
GOP Has Failed the Nationwide Marriage Amendment Test
GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage' at Nevada Convention
. . . better watch out Republicans: Christian Tea Party Defeats GOP in Virginia: Dave Brat
UPDATE 6/27/14: GOP Maine Senator Favors 'Gay Marriage' to Get Elected
-- From "GOP senator won't oppose gay marriage if voters want it" by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY 6/23/14
Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican elected in 2010 with Tea Party support, says he won’t oppose gay marriage if that’s what the voters decide.
“I’m a pretty traditional guy, almost 60 years old,” the Wisconsin senator said during an interview on CNBC. “I think marriage is between a man and a woman. But again if the voters decide that they want gay marriage, I’m not going to oppose it.”
Johnson’s comments Monday on CNBC’s Squawk Box program came amid a broader discussion in which he emphasized that Republicans should stress economic and fiscal issues . . . [w]hen pressed about the “right mix” for Republicans on social issues vs. economic issues . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ron Johnson: If voters want same-sex marriage, 'I’m not going to oppose it'" by Steven Elbow, The (progressive) Capital Times 6/23/14
Asked what Republicans need to do to win votes in national elections, Johnson said they need to focus on issues that everyone can agree on, particularly "getting a prosperous America."
“From my standpoint it’s really the fiscal issues, economic issues that overweigh all the other ones,” he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "If Voters Want Gay Marriage, GOP Senator Ron Johnson Is 'Not Going To Oppose It'" by Sara Bondioli, The Huffington Post 6/24/14
Johnson's comments on gay marriage are in line with what he has said previously -- that gay marriage is an issue to be decided by a state's voters.
Johnson represents a state that elected the first openly gay senator, Tammy Baldwin, in 2012. The state's gay marriage ban was struck down earlier this month. However, the U.S. District Court judge who did so ordered a halt on same-sex marriages in the state while GOP Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's appeal of the ruling is pending.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
And read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians as well as America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Christian Tea Party Defeats GOP in Virginia: Brat
Republican voters swept economics professor Dave Brat into the congressional race in Virginia's 7th District, giving the boot to Eric Cantor, the GOP establishment's House majority leader. Brat ran on a platform to restore America to its constitutional and moral founding including pro-life principles and the preservation of natural marriage.
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters
GOP in Illinois Proclaims Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable
GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates
GOP Has Failed the Nationwide Marriage Amendment Test
GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage' at Nevada Convention
-- From "Who is Dave Brat?" by Alex Isenstadt, Politico 6/10/14
Brat, a Michigan native, is 49 years old. He’s spent the last 18 years working as an economics professor at Randolph Macon College, a school of around 1,200 students located in Ashland, Va. According to news reports, he also spent time working as an economist in the Army and at the accounting firm Arthur Andersen.
He earned his bachelors degree from Hope College, a small liberal arts college in Holland, Mich. He would go on to get a doctorate in economics from American University. Brat, who is Catholic, got his masters from Princeton Theological Seminiary, an institution that, according to its mission statement, “prepares women and men to serve Jesus Christ in ministries marked by faith, integrity, scholarship, competence, compassion, and joy, equipping them for leadership worldwide in congregations and the larger church, in classrooms and the academy, and in the public arena.”
Brat launched his campaign in January. Like many tea party-aligned candidates, he said he wanted to address the nation’s ballooning deficit and that he wanted to be Cantor’s “term limit.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "David Brat’s Writings: Hitler’s Rise ‘Could All Happen Again’" by Reid J. Epstein, Wall Street Journal 6/11/14
In his 13-page essay titled “God and Advanced Mammon — Can Theological Types Handle Usury and Capitalism?” Mr. Brat [wrote:]
From "Protecting Values" posted at Dave Brat for Congress website
On Eric Cantor’s watch, our treasured American values have taken a hit. Our Freedoms and Rights have been diminished. Since 2008, the Obama administration has systematically trampled on Constitutional protections with little opposition from Eric Cantor and the Republican Establishment which has either been utterly ineffective, completely silent, or outright complicit in this administration’s assault on our values.
Conservative leader Dave Brat is the strong voice we need to restore those values. Specifically, Dave believes the Declaration to be true. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights."
Dave has spent a life time learning and educating others about these fundamental rights and values. Dave respects and values every person he meets because he truly sees them as Children of God. Our Rights come from God and not from Government. Government is instituted to protect these rights.
Additionally, Dave Brat respects the Constitution, and he will oppose the efforts of the Obama administration to curtail freedom of speech, freedom of the press, religious liberty, and our Second Amendment rights.
Dave understands that the most important factor in our nation’s success is the strength of the family unit. As our congressman, Dave will protect the rights of the unborn and the sanctity of marriage, and will oppose any governmental intrusion upon the conscience of people of faith.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cantor challenger, Dave Brat, 'shocked' as results rolled in" by Deirdre Walsh, CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent 6/11/14
"This is the happiest moment, obviously, of my life," Brat told his supporters at a post-election event in Glen Allen, outside Richmond, on Tuesday night. "The reason we won this campaign, there is just one reason, and that's because dollars do not vote -- you do."
Brat, who raised less than $300,000 to the House majority leader's campaign war chest of $5.4 million, said, "It's not about David Brat winning tonight, it's about returning the country to its principles."
Many political pundits were quick to credit the tea party for boosting Brat's campaign, but his campaign did not get any significant financial support from conservative groups because they were funneling money into other primary challengers they believed had a better shot at beating GOP incumbents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "David Brat’s Biblical Views Shape His Tea Party Politics" by Elizabeth Dias, Time Magazine 6/11/14
[David Brat] waved a piece of paper with a Bible verse in the air when he won: “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God!’” he announced to the crowd’s applause.
But there was another reason as well. Brat’s spiritual life has long been as central to his identity, even though it has also been difficult to pigeonhole. He currently attends a Catholic church, but he also identifies as a Calvinist, and he lists four churches as affiliations on his resume: St. Michael’s Catholic, Christ Church Episcopal, Third Presbyterian, and Shady Grove Methodist. . . .
Like many of his Tea Party colleagues, Brat is an Ayn Rand enthusiast, and coauthored a paper assessing the moral foundations of her writings in 2010. Like many Protestants in the classic Calvinist tradition, he believes Christ is the transformer of culture, and that capitalism is the key to this world transformation. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "David Brat Just Became the Christian Right’s Favorite Economist" by Kevin Roose, New York Magazine 6/11/14
. . . one subset of Republican voters — namely, evangelical Christians with an interest in economics — should be more excited than most. Because, in addition to getting a tea-party conservative on the ballot, they just got a new poster boy for their cause.
. . . A review of several of Brat's academic papers reveals that he sees free-market economics as being intricately linked to ethics and faith. He's not just a professor who happens to believe in God; he wants to put God at the center of his work.
. . . As Vox's Zack Beauchamp puts it, Brat believes that "most economists are motivated by philosophy rather than science: they're secretly utilitarians who believe that the goal of public policy is to produce the greatest good for the greatest number."
The Christian right can be a lonely place for serious academics. Especially in the hard and social sciences . . . when a professor comes along who has both impressive secular credentials and a strident religious worldview, they're immediately moved to the front lines of the culture war.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
“I think the people are just ready for some major changes in this country, and I was blessed. It’s a miracle.”The Tea Party is NOT an organization, it's a movement of individual, faithful American citizens.
-- Dave Brat, Virginia congressional candidate
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters
GOP in Illinois Proclaims Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable
GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates
GOP Has Failed the Nationwide Marriage Amendment Test
GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage' at Nevada Convention
-- From "Who is Dave Brat?" by Alex Isenstadt, Politico 6/10/14
Brat, a Michigan native, is 49 years old. He’s spent the last 18 years working as an economics professor at Randolph Macon College, a school of around 1,200 students located in Ashland, Va. According to news reports, he also spent time working as an economist in the Army and at the accounting firm Arthur Andersen.
He earned his bachelors degree from Hope College, a small liberal arts college in Holland, Mich. He would go on to get a doctorate in economics from American University. Brat, who is Catholic, got his masters from Princeton Theological Seminiary, an institution that, according to its mission statement, “prepares women and men to serve Jesus Christ in ministries marked by faith, integrity, scholarship, competence, compassion, and joy, equipping them for leadership worldwide in congregations and the larger church, in classrooms and the academy, and in the public arena.”
Brat launched his campaign in January. Like many tea party-aligned candidates, he said he wanted to address the nation’s ballooning deficit and that he wanted to be Cantor’s “term limit.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "David Brat’s Writings: Hitler’s Rise ‘Could All Happen Again’" by Reid J. Epstein, Wall Street Journal 6/11/14
In his 13-page essay titled “God and Advanced Mammon — Can Theological Types Handle Usury and Capitalism?” Mr. Brat [wrote:]
Capitalism is here to stay, and we need a church model that corresponds to that reality. Read Nietzsche. Nietzsche’s diagnosis of the weak modern Christian democratic man was spot on. Jesus was a great man. Jesus said he was the Son of God. Jesus made things happen. Jesus had faith. Jesus actually made people better. Then came the Christians. What happened? What went wrong? We appear to be a bit passive. Hitler came along, and he did not meet with unified resistance. I have the sinking feeling that it could all happen again, quite easily. The church should rise up higher than Nietzsche could see and prove him wrong. We should love our neighbor so much that we actually believe in right and wrong, and do something about it. If we all did the right thing and had the guts to spread the word, we would not need the government to backstop every action we take.To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protecting Values" posted at Dave Brat for Congress website
On Eric Cantor’s watch, our treasured American values have taken a hit. Our Freedoms and Rights have been diminished. Since 2008, the Obama administration has systematically trampled on Constitutional protections with little opposition from Eric Cantor and the Republican Establishment which has either been utterly ineffective, completely silent, or outright complicit in this administration’s assault on our values.
Conservative leader Dave Brat is the strong voice we need to restore those values. Specifically, Dave believes the Declaration to be true. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights."
Dave has spent a life time learning and educating others about these fundamental rights and values. Dave respects and values every person he meets because he truly sees them as Children of God. Our Rights come from God and not from Government. Government is instituted to protect these rights.
Additionally, Dave Brat respects the Constitution, and he will oppose the efforts of the Obama administration to curtail freedom of speech, freedom of the press, religious liberty, and our Second Amendment rights.
Dave understands that the most important factor in our nation’s success is the strength of the family unit. As our congressman, Dave will protect the rights of the unborn and the sanctity of marriage, and will oppose any governmental intrusion upon the conscience of people of faith.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cantor challenger, Dave Brat, 'shocked' as results rolled in" by Deirdre Walsh, CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent 6/11/14
"This is the happiest moment, obviously, of my life," Brat told his supporters at a post-election event in Glen Allen, outside Richmond, on Tuesday night. "The reason we won this campaign, there is just one reason, and that's because dollars do not vote -- you do."
Brat, who raised less than $300,000 to the House majority leader's campaign war chest of $5.4 million, said, "It's not about David Brat winning tonight, it's about returning the country to its principles."
Many political pundits were quick to credit the tea party for boosting Brat's campaign, but his campaign did not get any significant financial support from conservative groups because they were funneling money into other primary challengers they believed had a better shot at beating GOP incumbents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "David Brat’s Biblical Views Shape His Tea Party Politics" by Elizabeth Dias, Time Magazine 6/11/14
[David Brat] waved a piece of paper with a Bible verse in the air when he won: “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God!’” he announced to the crowd’s applause.
But there was another reason as well. Brat’s spiritual life has long been as central to his identity, even though it has also been difficult to pigeonhole. He currently attends a Catholic church, but he also identifies as a Calvinist, and he lists four churches as affiliations on his resume: St. Michael’s Catholic, Christ Church Episcopal, Third Presbyterian, and Shady Grove Methodist. . . .
Like many of his Tea Party colleagues, Brat is an Ayn Rand enthusiast, and coauthored a paper assessing the moral foundations of her writings in 2010. Like many Protestants in the classic Calvinist tradition, he believes Christ is the transformer of culture, and that capitalism is the key to this world transformation. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "David Brat Just Became the Christian Right’s Favorite Economist" by Kevin Roose, New York Magazine 6/11/14
. . . one subset of Republican voters — namely, evangelical Christians with an interest in economics — should be more excited than most. Because, in addition to getting a tea-party conservative on the ballot, they just got a new poster boy for their cause.
. . . A review of several of Brat's academic papers reveals that he sees free-market economics as being intricately linked to ethics and faith. He's not just a professor who happens to believe in God; he wants to put God at the center of his work.
. . . As Vox's Zack Beauchamp puts it, Brat believes that "most economists are motivated by philosophy rather than science: they're secretly utilitarians who believe that the goal of public policy is to produce the greatest good for the greatest number."
The Christian right can be a lonely place for serious academics. Especially in the hard and social sciences . . . when a professor comes along who has both impressive secular credentials and a strident religious worldview, they're immediately moved to the front lines of the culture war.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, May 16, 2014
100s Detroit Black Pastors Denounce 'Gay Rights'
Catholic leaders and pastors of many denominations across Michigan are unified in their message calling all Christian leaders to boldly speak to their congregations and to their government to dispel the fiction of the "Gay Agenda" and make clear the reality, the truth, of "God's Agenda" regarding marriage and family.
"We believe that marriage between one man and one woman creates the best possible environment for the health and wellness of children. While we agree that every American has a right to choose to live as he or she wants, no one is entitled to redefine marriage."
-- Pastor Lennell Caldwell, First Baptist World Changers Detroit
"God does not agree with this kind of [homosexual] behavior; [it's] despicable -- an abomination."
-- Rev. James Crowder, president of Westside Ministerial Alliance Of Detroit
"We love everybody, but we don't love the [homosexual] lifestyle. [It's a] small group of people trying to destroy the [country's] foundation. It's time to take our nation back."
-- Pastor Rex Evans, Free Will Baptist Church (Ypsilanti, MI)
"We will not follow men who would rather believe a lie than the truth. We cannot and we will not endorse anyone who blatantly blasphemies the Word of God and leads people in the wrong direction."
-- Rev. Dr. Randolph Thomas, Senior Pastor of Greater Bethlehem Church (Detroit, MI), president of the Baptist Pastors Fellowship of Detroit and Vicinity
-- Pastor Lennell Caldwell, First Baptist World Changers Detroit
"God does not agree with this kind of [homosexual] behavior; [it's] despicable -- an abomination."
-- Rev. James Crowder, president of Westside Ministerial Alliance Of Detroit
"We love everybody, but we don't love the [homosexual] lifestyle. [It's a] small group of people trying to destroy the [country's] foundation. It's time to take our nation back."
-- Pastor Rex Evans, Free Will Baptist Church (Ypsilanti, MI)
"We will not follow men who would rather believe a lie than the truth. We cannot and we will not endorse anyone who blatantly blasphemies the Word of God and leads people in the wrong direction."
-- Rev. Dr. Randolph Thomas, Senior Pastor of Greater Bethlehem Church (Detroit, MI), president of the Baptist Pastors Fellowship of Detroit and Vicinity
For background, read Judge Negates Michigan Voters' Marriage Amendment
Also read Black Pastors Split with NAACP, Obama on Gay Agenda as well as Illinois Black Churches, RC Diocese Block 'Gay Marriage'
-- From "Black pastors protest gay marriage in Michigan" by CBS News - posted at WCSC-TV5 CBS (Charleston, SC) 5/14/14
"There's no surer way to destroy the backbone of a society, the family, than to destroy an institution like marriage and destroy its meaning," said Pastor Stacy Swimp of the Revive Alive Missional Ministry [Flint, MI].
"A lot of the exceptional nature of our country is Judeo-Christian," said Dr. Rader Johnson of the Greater Bible Way Temple. Johnson believes those values are under attack, "By an immoral, materialistic culture, namely, the gay rights movement," he said.
Gay rights supporters compare their legal win at the federal courthouse to the one blacks received with the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Pastors say there's no comparison.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Conservative Christian groups join legal fight to keep Michigan's gay marriage ban" by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press Staff Writer 5/14/14
Representing potentially millions of worshipers in the state, the Michigan Catholic Conference, the Thomas More Law Center in Ann Arbor, and a national coalition of Baptists, Lutherans, Mormons and evangelicals led by Catholic bishops filed three separate briefs Wednesday in the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The briefs back Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette in his efforts to defend the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, which was overturned earlier this year by a federal judge in Detroit.
Joining [Pastor Stacy Swimp] were leaders with various Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic and non-denominational churches in Michigan, including the head of the influential Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity. The pastors represent hundreds of churches across metro Detroit and included leaders with denominations such as Church of God in Christ (COGIC) that are popular in Detroit and strongly opposed to same-sex marriage.
Catholic leaders in Michigan also oppose same-sex marriage, saying in their brief Wednesday that the voters' will must not be overturned. Archbishop of Detroit Allen Vigneron, spiritual leader of 1.3 million Catholics in metro Detroit, has said that people who support gay marriage should not present themselves for holy Communion.
A separate brief was filed Wednesday by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the lead public voice of the Catholic Church in the U.S.
They were joined by the National Association of Evangelicals, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church), the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protest denomination in the U.S., and Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. All of the groups have substantial numbers in Michigan.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Coalition of Michigan ministers voices opposition to same-sex marriage" by Charles E. Ramirez, Detroit News 5/14/14
"God has left that on record in the Bible," said [Rev. James] Crowder, pastor of the St. Galilee Baptist Church in Detroit. . . .
Crowder made the remarks during a Wednesday media conference where a coalition of mostly African-American ministers announced plans to file a brief with the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals opposing the legalization of gay marriage in Michigan.
Also Wednesday, the Michigan Catholic Conference filed a brief with the court on behalf of diocesan Catholic bishops.
"We have made this legal contribution to preserve and promote the time-honored institution of marriage that brings male and female together in a unique way for children and for the common good," Paul Long, the Catholic Conference's president and CEO, said in a statement. "... The legal briefs to be filed today make clear that support for natural marriage does not impugn the dignity that must be afforded to all human persons, regardless of their orientation."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "100 Black Pastors Denounce Gay Rights-Civil Rights Comparison; Join Legal Fight for Michigan's Marriage Amendment" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 5/15/14
"We wanted to hold the press conference to help get the message out that God is not dead. Moreover that there is yet a remnant of God's people who are willing to contend for the faith in the churches and in our local communities," said Swimp.
"The Civil Rights movement was based upon a righteous cause. Pastors led Christians around the nation to demand that government be true to the U.S. Constitution and uphold our God-given right of freedom," said Swimp.
"It was not a movement to break down the family or strip children of the only thing that can possibly unite them with their mom and dad: marriage."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Graham: `True Followers of Jesus...Cannot Endorse Same-Sex Marriage'" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 5/16/14
Rev. Franklin Graham, son of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham, said [the following:]
"In the end, I would rather be on the wrong side of public opinion than on the wrong side of Almighty God who established the standard of living for the world He created. Marriage is a biblically moral issue, not a political or theological one."
"This debate is ultimately about something much more important than the question of same-sex marriage," said Rev. Graham. "It is about the great compromise, calling into question the authority of Scripture. If Christians do not agree concerning the authority of Scripture, we will eventually disagree about all sorts of things."
He continued, "The church is on dangerous ground when it departs from the teaching of Christ and attempts to redefine His commands and compromise His truth. There are many things in Scripture that Christians disagree on, but the Bible is crystal clear about the sanctity of life and marriage. It is also clear that homosexuality is spelled out as sin-there are no ifs, ands or buts."
"In our country today, there is tremendous pressure on Christians, churches, and Christian organizations to lower our moral standards. God is clear in His Word, and His standards never change."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates
This week's congressional budget deal demonstrated that winning power in D.C. is priority "numero uno" for the Republican Party -- principles and moral beliefs "take a back seat." In fact, House Speaker John Boehner is backing the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) in its financial support for at least two openly homosexual candidates who vehemently advocate the Gay Agenda and abortion on demand, in opposition to the GOP platform.
Also read GOP Congressman Proudly Fund Abortionists, Gay Agenda
In addition, read New Jersey GOP Gov. Christie Says Homosexuality is NOT a Sin and read of so many Republicans "evolving" to support the Gay Agenda.
UPDATE 4/14/14: GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage' at Nevada Convention
-- From "Rep. Randy Forbes [R-Va.] pressuring national Republicans to withhold money from gay candidates" by CNN Wire 12/9/13
The NRCC is tasked with recruiting and helping to elect candidates, as well as incumbents, to the House every two years. For part of its financial substance, it collects millions of dollars in membership dues from incumbent lawmakers.
In next year’s midterm elections, there are two openly gay GOP candidates who are well positioned to challenge Democratic incumbents. Richard Tisei, a former state lawmaker who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2012, is running again for a Massachusetts seat.
In San Diego, former city councilman Carl DeMaio is challenging Democratic Rep. Scott Peters. DeMaio ran for San Diego mayor last year, but lost to the now-disgraced Democrat Bob Filner, who resigned after facing a barrage of sexual harassment claims.
Both candidates would have to face primaries before being guaranteed a spot on the November general election ballot. But if they do win their respective primaries, they’ve been widely praised as potential pick-ups for the GOP in the House. Rep. Patrick McHenry, who serves as the NRCC’s top recruiter, has touted both as top-tier candidates.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rep. Randy Forbes: Deny money to gay candidates" by Austin Wright and Jake Sherman, Politico 12/4/13
On Thursday, following POLITICO’S report, House Speaker John Boehner said his party should support gay Republican congressional candidates. . . .
In recent years, Republicans have slowly tried to make inroads with the gay community. As gay marriage becomes more common, many GOP officials have softened their stance. Since the 2012 election, Republicans have similarly tried to make inroads with other neglected voting blocs, including women and Hispanics.
Many senior House Republicans haven’t shied away from giving money to Tisei or DeMaio. The NRCC supported Tisei in 2012, and many top Republicans contributed to his campaign. The political arm of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) gave DeMaio $10,000 in June. And Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) chipped in $5,000 the same month.
Many Republicans seem willing to back DeMaio. Rep. Darrell Issa, a senior California Republican who has endorsed him, said that “he will be supported by the NRCC when he wins the primary.”
Rep. Duncan Hunter, a California Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said if DeMaio is the “Republican candidate, that’s who we’re going to back.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP will keep supporting gay candidates despite congressman's complaints" by Rebecca Berg, Washington Examiner 12/6/13
"Typically, most, if not all, members of the House Republican Conference were focused on one thing — winning the majority," said one former NRCC senior aide. "That requires diversity in the candidate recruitment class whether it that has to do with positions on issues from the Second Amendment to abortion rights or a candidate's ethnicity or sexual orientation."
"Most of the people who are really wealthy, they don’t care about gay marriage, for or against it," said one Republican fundraiser. "The NRCC is not going to lose any donors because they give to gay candidates."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP says it will continue to fund homosexual candidates despite Congressman’s objections" by Kirsten Andersen, LifeSiteNews 12/9/13
Despite – or perhaps because of – their unorthodox positions on social issues, both DeMaio and Tisei have become darlings of the GOP leadership, who have named both men as picks for the NRCC’s “Young Guns” program, which funds the most promising would-be Congressional freshmen. Their candidacies are part of a larger strategy being referred to among Republican insiders as the “new generation,” seemingly a reference to a 95-page election year post-mortem by the College Republicans examining what went wrong between the GOP and young voters.
That report, titled “Grand Old Party for a Brand New Generation,” argued that as public support for same-sex “marriage” increases, especially among so-called “Millennials” between the ages of 18 and 29, the party should downplay its opposition to gay unions and seek out “diversity of opinion” in its candidates.
“There is hardly an appetite from this generation to see the GOP crusade against same-sex marriage,” the group wrote. “In the short run … the best course of action for the party may be to promote the diversity of opinion on the issue within its ranks (after all, for quite some time, former vice president Dick Cheney was to the left of President Obama on same-sex marriage) and to focus on acceptance and support for gay people as separate from the definition of marriage.”
The same report described the party’s pro-life platform as a liability with young voters who, although largely supporting limits on legal abortion, see the Republican Party as “extreme” on the issue.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Committee Financially Backs 2 Pro-Abortion, Pro-Gay Marriage Candidates" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 12/13/13
Concerning Tisei’s congressional run, [GOP House Minority Leader Eric] Cantor said, "We all came here from somewhere. It is the opportunity that drew us here, and he will have every bit of opportunity, as an openly gay Republican, as any other Republican. I told him, we're fully behind him. I'm supportive of his candidacy and look forward to serving with him."
According to the Washington Post, Tisei’s candidacy “has won the support of the entire House Republican leadership, including a $5,000 check from the PAC run by the vice-presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).”
The 2012 Republican Party Platform opposes abortion and homosexual marriage. The GOP Platform references abortion in several sections and says, among other things, “Through Obamacare, the current Administration has promoted the notion of abortion as healthcare. We, however, affirm the dignity of women by protecting the sanctity of human life. Numerous studies have shown that abortion endangers the health and wellbeing of women, and we stand firmly against it.”
As for “gay marriage,” the 2012 Republican Party Platform says, “We reaffirm our support for a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We applaud the citizens of the majority of States which have enshrined in their constitutions the traditional concept of marriage, and we support the campaigns underway in several other States to do so.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP's 'Young Guns' Program Backs Pro-Abortion, Pro-Gay Marriage Candidates for Congress" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 12/13/13
The National Republican Congressional Committee announced on Nov. 21 that Tisei and DeMaio were among 36 candidates placed "On the Radar" level of the "Young Guns" program.
"‘On the Radar’ is the first level of the committee’s ‘Young Guns’ program, and will help to provide candidates and their campaigns the tools they need to run successful, winning campaigns against their Democratic opponents," states the NRCC. "As participants in this program, these candidates will continue to work with the committee and the program’s original founders to ensure that their campaigns remain competitive, well-funded and communicative within their districts."
On the "About" page for "Young Guns," it states the program was co-founded in 2007-08 by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and that it "seeks to grow the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives." It further says, "Candidates who achieve Young Gun status have successfully collaborated with the NRCC and completed the benchmarks that establish a path to victory on Election Day."
Neither the DeMaio ["Young Guns"] page nor the Tisei page mentions that the candidate is gay or that both men support abortion and same-sex marriage. Nor does Tisei's "Young Guns" page mention that he is "married" to his partner.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read how the GOP Has Failed the Nationwide Marriage Amendment Test; and the answer to this question is now known: Will the GOP Go Pro-abortion in Addition to Pro-Gay?
In addition, read Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
“Our decisions on the Republican nominees we support will not be based on race, gender or sexual orientation but will be based on the strength of their candidacy and their ability to defeat Democrats.”For background, read GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters
-- Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), chairman of the NRCC
Also read GOP Congressman Proudly Fund Abortionists, Gay Agenda
In addition, read New Jersey GOP Gov. Christie Says Homosexuality is NOT a Sin and read of so many Republicans "evolving" to support the Gay Agenda.
UPDATE 4/14/14: GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage' at Nevada Convention
-- From "Rep. Randy Forbes [R-Va.] pressuring national Republicans to withhold money from gay candidates" by CNN Wire 12/9/13
The NRCC is tasked with recruiting and helping to elect candidates, as well as incumbents, to the House every two years. For part of its financial substance, it collects millions of dollars in membership dues from incumbent lawmakers.
In next year’s midterm elections, there are two openly gay GOP candidates who are well positioned to challenge Democratic incumbents. Richard Tisei, a former state lawmaker who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2012, is running again for a Massachusetts seat.
In San Diego, former city councilman Carl DeMaio is challenging Democratic Rep. Scott Peters. DeMaio ran for San Diego mayor last year, but lost to the now-disgraced Democrat Bob Filner, who resigned after facing a barrage of sexual harassment claims.
Both candidates would have to face primaries before being guaranteed a spot on the November general election ballot. But if they do win their respective primaries, they’ve been widely praised as potential pick-ups for the GOP in the House. Rep. Patrick McHenry, who serves as the NRCC’s top recruiter, has touted both as top-tier candidates.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rep. Randy Forbes: Deny money to gay candidates" by Austin Wright and Jake Sherman, Politico 12/4/13
On Thursday, following POLITICO’S report, House Speaker John Boehner said his party should support gay Republican congressional candidates. . . .
In recent years, Republicans have slowly tried to make inroads with the gay community. As gay marriage becomes more common, many GOP officials have softened their stance. Since the 2012 election, Republicans have similarly tried to make inroads with other neglected voting blocs, including women and Hispanics.
Many senior House Republicans haven’t shied away from giving money to Tisei or DeMaio. The NRCC supported Tisei in 2012, and many top Republicans contributed to his campaign. The political arm of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) gave DeMaio $10,000 in June. And Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) chipped in $5,000 the same month.
Many Republicans seem willing to back DeMaio. Rep. Darrell Issa, a senior California Republican who has endorsed him, said that “he will be supported by the NRCC when he wins the primary.”
Rep. Duncan Hunter, a California Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said if DeMaio is the “Republican candidate, that’s who we’re going to back.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP will keep supporting gay candidates despite congressman's complaints" by Rebecca Berg, Washington Examiner 12/6/13
"Typically, most, if not all, members of the House Republican Conference were focused on one thing — winning the majority," said one former NRCC senior aide. "That requires diversity in the candidate recruitment class whether it that has to do with positions on issues from the Second Amendment to abortion rights or a candidate's ethnicity or sexual orientation."
"Most of the people who are really wealthy, they don’t care about gay marriage, for or against it," said one Republican fundraiser. "The NRCC is not going to lose any donors because they give to gay candidates."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP says it will continue to fund homosexual candidates despite Congressman’s objections" by Kirsten Andersen, LifeSiteNews 12/9/13
Despite – or perhaps because of – their unorthodox positions on social issues, both DeMaio and Tisei have become darlings of the GOP leadership, who have named both men as picks for the NRCC’s “Young Guns” program, which funds the most promising would-be Congressional freshmen. Their candidacies are part of a larger strategy being referred to among Republican insiders as the “new generation,” seemingly a reference to a 95-page election year post-mortem by the College Republicans examining what went wrong between the GOP and young voters.
That report, titled “Grand Old Party for a Brand New Generation,” argued that as public support for same-sex “marriage” increases, especially among so-called “Millennials” between the ages of 18 and 29, the party should downplay its opposition to gay unions and seek out “diversity of opinion” in its candidates.
“There is hardly an appetite from this generation to see the GOP crusade against same-sex marriage,” the group wrote. “In the short run … the best course of action for the party may be to promote the diversity of opinion on the issue within its ranks (after all, for quite some time, former vice president Dick Cheney was to the left of President Obama on same-sex marriage) and to focus on acceptance and support for gay people as separate from the definition of marriage.”
The same report described the party’s pro-life platform as a liability with young voters who, although largely supporting limits on legal abortion, see the Republican Party as “extreme” on the issue.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Committee Financially Backs 2 Pro-Abortion, Pro-Gay Marriage Candidates" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 12/13/13
Concerning Tisei’s congressional run, [GOP House Minority Leader Eric] Cantor said, "We all came here from somewhere. It is the opportunity that drew us here, and he will have every bit of opportunity, as an openly gay Republican, as any other Republican. I told him, we're fully behind him. I'm supportive of his candidacy and look forward to serving with him."
According to the Washington Post, Tisei’s candidacy “has won the support of the entire House Republican leadership, including a $5,000 check from the PAC run by the vice-presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).”
The 2012 Republican Party Platform opposes abortion and homosexual marriage. The GOP Platform references abortion in several sections and says, among other things, “Through Obamacare, the current Administration has promoted the notion of abortion as healthcare. We, however, affirm the dignity of women by protecting the sanctity of human life. Numerous studies have shown that abortion endangers the health and wellbeing of women, and we stand firmly against it.”
As for “gay marriage,” the 2012 Republican Party Platform says, “We reaffirm our support for a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We applaud the citizens of the majority of States which have enshrined in their constitutions the traditional concept of marriage, and we support the campaigns underway in several other States to do so.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP's 'Young Guns' Program Backs Pro-Abortion, Pro-Gay Marriage Candidates for Congress" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 12/13/13
The National Republican Congressional Committee announced on Nov. 21 that Tisei and DeMaio were among 36 candidates placed "On the Radar" level of the "Young Guns" program.
"‘On the Radar’ is the first level of the committee’s ‘Young Guns’ program, and will help to provide candidates and their campaigns the tools they need to run successful, winning campaigns against their Democratic opponents," states the NRCC. "As participants in this program, these candidates will continue to work with the committee and the program’s original founders to ensure that their campaigns remain competitive, well-funded and communicative within their districts."
On the "About" page for "Young Guns," it states the program was co-founded in 2007-08 by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and that it "seeks to grow the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives." It further says, "Candidates who achieve Young Gun status have successfully collaborated with the NRCC and completed the benchmarks that establish a path to victory on Election Day."
Neither the DeMaio ["Young Guns"] page nor the Tisei page mentions that the candidate is gay or that both men support abortion and same-sex marriage. Nor does Tisei's "Young Guns" page mention that he is "married" to his partner.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read how the GOP Has Failed the Nationwide Marriage Amendment Test; and the answer to this question is now known: Will the GOP Go Pro-abortion in Addition to Pro-Gay?
In addition, read Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
Monday, September 30, 2013
Prayer: Gov't Shutdown Brings D.C. to its Knees
Who'da thunk it? Washington D.C. seeks God!
People whose livelihood depends on federal government spending are praying that God will bless a never-ending flow of taxpayer dollars.
On a rare, dull Sunday stuck in D.C. with nothing to do, some congressmen go to church, while others go hiking instead.
For background, read Prayer Needed - Government Isn't the Solution and also read Congress: America No Longer a Christian Nation as well as Most States Tell Supreme Court: We Pray in Jesus' Name
In addition, read President Obama Prays to an Unknown God
-- From "Faced with a shutdown, federal workers turn to prayer and preparedness" by Emily Wax-Thibodeaux and Lisa Rein, Washington Post 9/29/13
At Washington’s National Zoo . . . electrician Stephen Gripper planned to check the lighting in the Great Cats exhibit. Then he was going to bow his head and pray. “I’m literally praying for God’s grace to set America straight.” . . . he said that government work was once synonymous with job security.
. . . [co-worker] Valerie Dyson, said she has enough savings to manage for two or three weeks. “I just pray.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "How Congress kills time on a rare Washington weekend" by Ed O’Keefe, Washington Post 9/29/13
With precious hours remaining until the end of the fiscal year, there were no meetings between House and Senate leaders Sunday to break the logjam and avoid a government shutdown. Both sides dug in, leaving lawmakers with plenty of free time.
[Rep. Vicki] Hartzler [R-Mo.] did what many Washingtonians do on a Sunday morning and headed for the pews. She started with a rare hour-long prayer service in the House chapel and later attended services at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.
The prayer service was the idea of Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), who remembered how Benjamin Franklin summoned the Founding Fathers to prayer during a deadlock at the Constitutional Convention.
[In contrast, Hawaii Democrat Rep. Tulsi] Gabbard spends several weekends in the District because a flight to Hawaii can take a whole day. Knowing that many of her colleagues were in town with nothing to do, “I woke up and gave a few people a phone call and said, ‘Hey, let’s go for a hike.’ ”
She piled into a car with Reps. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) and Beto O’Rourke (D-Tex.) and headed for the Billy Goat Trail along the Potomac River in Maryland.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "With A Call For Prayer, Cruz Wraps Up Protest Against Obamacare" by Mark Memmott and Doreen McCallister 9/25/13
Saying that "it's fitting that this debate concludes with a prayer" because he believes Americans are pleading with Congress to defund President Obama's health care law, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas just wrapped up his marathon protest on the Senate floor.
"The pleas from the American people," he said of what he sees as the public's opposition to Obamacare, "are deafening."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pastor Warns America of Socialism, Calls for Prayer
People whose livelihood depends on federal government spending are praying that God will bless a never-ending flow of taxpayer dollars.
On a rare, dull Sunday stuck in D.C. with nothing to do, some congressmen go to church, while others go hiking instead.
For background, read Prayer Needed - Government Isn't the Solution and also read Congress: America No Longer a Christian Nation as well as Most States Tell Supreme Court: We Pray in Jesus' Name
In addition, read President Obama Prays to an Unknown God
-- From "Faced with a shutdown, federal workers turn to prayer and preparedness" by Emily Wax-Thibodeaux and Lisa Rein, Washington Post 9/29/13
At Washington’s National Zoo . . . electrician Stephen Gripper planned to check the lighting in the Great Cats exhibit. Then he was going to bow his head and pray. “I’m literally praying for God’s grace to set America straight.” . . . he said that government work was once synonymous with job security.
. . . [co-worker] Valerie Dyson, said she has enough savings to manage for two or three weeks. “I just pray.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "How Congress kills time on a rare Washington weekend" by Ed O’Keefe, Washington Post 9/29/13
With precious hours remaining until the end of the fiscal year, there were no meetings between House and Senate leaders Sunday to break the logjam and avoid a government shutdown. Both sides dug in, leaving lawmakers with plenty of free time.
[Rep. Vicki] Hartzler [R-Mo.] did what many Washingtonians do on a Sunday morning and headed for the pews. She started with a rare hour-long prayer service in the House chapel and later attended services at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.
The prayer service was the idea of Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), who remembered how Benjamin Franklin summoned the Founding Fathers to prayer during a deadlock at the Constitutional Convention.
[In contrast, Hawaii Democrat Rep. Tulsi] Gabbard spends several weekends in the District because a flight to Hawaii can take a whole day. Knowing that many of her colleagues were in town with nothing to do, “I woke up and gave a few people a phone call and said, ‘Hey, let’s go for a hike.’ ”
She piled into a car with Reps. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) and Beto O’Rourke (D-Tex.) and headed for the Billy Goat Trail along the Potomac River in Maryland.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "With A Call For Prayer, Cruz Wraps Up Protest Against Obamacare" by Mark Memmott and Doreen McCallister 9/25/13
Saying that "it's fitting that this debate concludes with a prayer" because he believes Americans are pleading with Congress to defund President Obama's health care law, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas just wrapped up his marathon protest on the Senate floor.
"The pleas from the American people," he said of what he sees as the public's opposition to Obamacare, "are deafening."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pastor Warns America of Socialism, Calls for Prayer
Friday, July 26, 2013
Sen. Ted Cruz: Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
Shortly after the Supreme Court ruled favorably to the Gay Agenda, the Christian Tea Party Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said that the objective of same-sex "marriage" advocates in America is to criminalize the belief that homosexual behavior is sinful. Cruz also agrees that America is in desperate need of spiritual revival.
UPDATE 8/22/15: Sen. Cruz Hosts Religious Liberty Rally in Iowa
For background, read the myriad articles of Christians arrested, fined, and jailed for quoting the Bible in public (including in California), as well as court rulings denouncing Christianity in favor of the Gay Agenda.
UPDATE 10/19/14: Idaho Pastors Face Fines, Jail for Refusing 'Gay Wedding'
UPDATE 2/22/14: Homosexualists Admit Goal to End Religious Liberty, Enable Liberal Media to Defeat Religious Liberty in Arizona
And also read how Christians who refuse to participate in same-sex "weddings" are sued by the government and how they are personally threatened. And read of the arrests at a Seattle homosexual event where Christians were beaten.
UPDATE 8/7/13: Church Sued Weeks After 'Gay Marriage' Legalized
UPDATE 6/20/15: Homosexuals Force Closure of Iowa Wedding Chapel
-- From "Ted Cruz: Gay marriage could lead to prosecution of pastors for ‘hate speech’" by Lexi Smith, San Antonio Express-News 7/24/13
Gay marriage could lead to American pastors being charged with hate speech for preaching the Bible, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said in a recent TV interview.
Cruz thinks that there is no doubt that the advocates who are driving this effort in the United States want to see us end up in the same place as the other countries where individuals are essentially prohibited from speaking out against homosexuality.
The intersection of equality for homosexuals and the freedom to express religious beliefs is a controversial issue . . .
When asked whether or not our country needs a spiritual revival, Cruz stated that it is without a doubt needed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ted Cruz's impassioned conservatism has many on right viewing him as a presidential contender" by Wayne Slater, Senior Political Writer, Dallas Morning News 7/25/13
The freshman Texas senator’s foray into early primary and caucus country — South Carolina earlier this year, Iowa last week and New Hampshire next month — puts the deep division within the GOP between mainstream and tea party factions in a bright light.
Just seven months into his term, Cruz has emerged as a national model for those in the GOP who want the party to give full voice to the instincts of the base. On the issues they care about — gun rights, immigration, Obamacare — Cruz does not compromise.
“If you look at the last 40 years, a constant pattern emerges,” Cruz told ABC. “Any time Republicans nominate a candidate for president who runs as a strong conservative, we win. And when we nominate a moderate who doesn’t run as a conservative, we lose.”
Last week, in a closed-door gathering of Christian conservatives at a Des Moines hotel, Cruz quoted Scripture and preached small government for nearly an hour, pacing the stage with an ecclesiastical flair. Pastors laid hands on Cruz in prayer for him and the direction of the party.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rand Paul, Ted Cruz encourage Christian conservatives to engage in politics" by Tom Hamburger, Washington Post 7/19/13
Sens. Ted Cruz (Tex.) and Rand Paul (Ky.), both mentioned as possible presidential candidates, were the key speakers at a meeting of 400 Iowa ministers and their spouses. The senators also attended an Iowa Republican Party fundraiser.
Cruz drew a strong response Friday from the religious leaders with an emotional appeal to Christians “to hold party leaders accountable” and to engage politically. Paul issued a similar call to action in a more low-key address to the Iowa Renewal Project, the state chapter of a national organization that is likely to begin similar operations soon in other states.
In addition to the Iowa pastors, there were several African American and Latino church leaders from other states in attendance.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 5/23/14: Sen. Ted Cruz' father, Rev. Rafael Cruz says Christians are under attack (video):
UPDATE 1/10/14: From "The Day Religious Liberty Died" by Austin Ruse
The [U.S. Supreme] Court established the Sherbert Test [in the 1960s] with some criteria to determine if the government had violated a person’s religious liberty. The person had to have a sincere religious belief upon which the government had placed a substantial burden for acting on that belief. The government must show there was a “compelling state interest” to burden the believer and that the government has acted in the least restrictive manner to further this compelling interest.
This is a high bar.
The 1990 [Supreme Court] Smith decision [which gutted the Sherbert decision] precipitated a huge reaction from the religious community and civil libertarians. Christians of right and left, along with the secular left, were galvanized. This unique coalition, which included the ACLU, World Jewish Congress, along with the Christian Legal Society and the Traditional Values Coalition, demanded redress.
. . . The coalition called a meeting on July 22, 1999 [which became its last] . . . The new objection from the left was that religious freedom would be used to trump the rights of gays. Such objections were not part of the debate only a few years before. But now they stopped legislation to protect religious believers, and sundered one of the most potent left-right coalitions in U.S. history.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
In addition, read Nationwide Marriage Amendment Puts Republican Party to the Test
And read this poll: Gay Agenda Complete when Christians Muzzled
It all comes down to this: 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (full movie on YouTube):
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Full Movie) FREE to watch for a limited time (click here)! from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.
“If you look at other nations that have gone down the road toward gay marriage, that’s the next step of where it gets enforced. It gets enforced against Christian pastors who decline to perform gay marriages, who speak out and preach biblical truths on marriage, and that has been defined elsewhere as hate speech.”UPDATE 9/29/15 - President Obama Speech: Gay Agenda Trumps Christianity
-- Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas)
UPDATE 8/22/15: Sen. Cruz Hosts Religious Liberty Rally in Iowa
For background, read the myriad articles of Christians arrested, fined, and jailed for quoting the Bible in public (including in California), as well as court rulings denouncing Christianity in favor of the Gay Agenda.
UPDATE 10/19/14: Idaho Pastors Face Fines, Jail for Refusing 'Gay Wedding'
UPDATE 2/22/14: Homosexualists Admit Goal to End Religious Liberty, Enable Liberal Media to Defeat Religious Liberty in Arizona
And also read how Christians who refuse to participate in same-sex "weddings" are sued by the government and how they are personally threatened. And read of the arrests at a Seattle homosexual event where Christians were beaten.
UPDATE 8/7/13: Church Sued Weeks After 'Gay Marriage' Legalized
UPDATE 6/20/15: Homosexuals Force Closure of Iowa Wedding Chapel
-- From "Ted Cruz: Gay marriage could lead to prosecution of pastors for ‘hate speech’" by Lexi Smith, San Antonio Express-News 7/24/13
Gay marriage could lead to American pastors being charged with hate speech for preaching the Bible, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said in a recent TV interview.
Cruz thinks that there is no doubt that the advocates who are driving this effort in the United States want to see us end up in the same place as the other countries where individuals are essentially prohibited from speaking out against homosexuality.
The intersection of equality for homosexuals and the freedom to express religious beliefs is a controversial issue . . .
When asked whether or not our country needs a spiritual revival, Cruz stated that it is without a doubt needed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ted Cruz's impassioned conservatism has many on right viewing him as a presidential contender" by Wayne Slater, Senior Political Writer, Dallas Morning News 7/25/13
The freshman Texas senator’s foray into early primary and caucus country — South Carolina earlier this year, Iowa last week and New Hampshire next month — puts the deep division within the GOP between mainstream and tea party factions in a bright light.
Just seven months into his term, Cruz has emerged as a national model for those in the GOP who want the party to give full voice to the instincts of the base. On the issues they care about — gun rights, immigration, Obamacare — Cruz does not compromise.
“If you look at the last 40 years, a constant pattern emerges,” Cruz told ABC. “Any time Republicans nominate a candidate for president who runs as a strong conservative, we win. And when we nominate a moderate who doesn’t run as a conservative, we lose.”
Last week, in a closed-door gathering of Christian conservatives at a Des Moines hotel, Cruz quoted Scripture and preached small government for nearly an hour, pacing the stage with an ecclesiastical flair. Pastors laid hands on Cruz in prayer for him and the direction of the party.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rand Paul, Ted Cruz encourage Christian conservatives to engage in politics" by Tom Hamburger, Washington Post 7/19/13
Sens. Ted Cruz (Tex.) and Rand Paul (Ky.), both mentioned as possible presidential candidates, were the key speakers at a meeting of 400 Iowa ministers and their spouses. The senators also attended an Iowa Republican Party fundraiser.
Cruz drew a strong response Friday from the religious leaders with an emotional appeal to Christians “to hold party leaders accountable” and to engage politically. Paul issued a similar call to action in a more low-key address to the Iowa Renewal Project, the state chapter of a national organization that is likely to begin similar operations soon in other states.
In addition to the Iowa pastors, there were several African American and Latino church leaders from other states in attendance.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 5/23/14: Sen. Ted Cruz' father, Rev. Rafael Cruz says Christians are under attack (video):
UPDATE 1/10/14: From "The Day Religious Liberty Died" by Austin Ruse
The [U.S. Supreme] Court established the Sherbert Test [in the 1960s] with some criteria to determine if the government had violated a person’s religious liberty. The person had to have a sincere religious belief upon which the government had placed a substantial burden for acting on that belief. The government must show there was a “compelling state interest” to burden the believer and that the government has acted in the least restrictive manner to further this compelling interest.
This is a high bar.
The 1990 [Supreme Court] Smith decision [which gutted the Sherbert decision] precipitated a huge reaction from the religious community and civil libertarians. Christians of right and left, along with the secular left, were galvanized. This unique coalition, which included the ACLU, World Jewish Congress, along with the Christian Legal Society and the Traditional Values Coalition, demanded redress.
. . . The coalition called a meeting on July 22, 1999 [which became its last] . . . The new objection from the left was that religious freedom would be used to trump the rights of gays. Such objections were not part of the debate only a few years before. But now they stopped legislation to protect religious believers, and sundered one of the most potent left-right coalitions in U.S. history.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
In addition, read Nationwide Marriage Amendment Puts Republican Party to the Test
And read this poll: Gay Agenda Complete when Christians Muzzled
It all comes down to this: 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (full movie on YouTube):
AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Full Movie) FREE to watch for a limited time (click here)! from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.
Saturday, June 01, 2013
God Intervenes to Preserve Marriage in Illinois
In a state where liberal Democrats have a stranglehold on government, and where most Republicans are liberal as well, a diverse Christian coalition convinced a majority of legislators to oppose a same-sex "marriage" bill, even though they easily passed a same-sex civil unions law just two years ago.
For national background, read Obamanation: Gay Agenda Carries in 4 More States and also read 'Gay Marriage' Sweeps New England. D'ya Notice? as well as Media Say Law Forces Christians into Gay Agenda
In addition, read about the Colorado baker and myriad other Christians sued in states with same-sex unions/marriage laws.
-- From "House adjourns without voting on same-sex marriage bill" by Lauren Leone-Cross, The State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) 5/31/13
The Illinois House adjourned Friday without voting on same-sex marriage legislation, meaning gay and lesbian couples in Illinois anxious to tie the knot will have to keep waiting.
Supporters had all the reason to be optimistic back when the historic measure passed out of the Senate 34-21 on Valentine’s Day. Since then, however, the bill remained stalled in the House . . .
The upset for gay-marriage supporters comes just two years after lawmakers narrowly approved civil unions in 2011, giving same-sex couples state-level legal recognition and health care benefits similar to those of married couples.
While civil unions give couples some benefits, such as automatic hospital visits, and adoption and parental rights, gay and lesbian couples have argued they remain second-class citizens in the eyes of the state without the right to marry.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "House declines same-sex marriage vote" by Mike Riopell and Doug T. Graham, Daily Herald (suburban Chicago) 5/31/13
. . . emotion displayed itself on the House floor via a tearful speech by the legislation's sponosor, [proudly homosexual] Democratic Rep. Greg Harris [Chicago], and loud yells from onlookers.
Harris announced he'd put off a vote until November. He said lawmakers appear to be more likely to sign off then.
Both Republicans who have said they'll support it — state Reps. Ed Sullivan of Mundelein and Ron Sandack of Downers Grove — have faced immense pressure from religious groups after they went public with their opinions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "No same-sex marriage vote until November: ‘I’ve never been sadder,’ sponsor says" by Dave Mckinney and Natasha Korecki, staff reporters, Chicago Sun-Times 5/31/13
Stubborn resistance within the House Black Caucus, a 20-member bloc of African-American lawmakers who have faced a withering lobbying blitz against the plan from black ministers, has helped keep Harris’ legislation in check, with several House members still undecided.
“The sense I have is blacks are tired of being lobbied or targeted. They’ve kind of turned back on some of the advocates and lobbyists and are asking, ‘Why don’t you get some Republicans?’” one high-level Democratic insider said Friday.
Two House Republicans have publicly endorsed the legislation, Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Antioch) and Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove). A likely third GOP supporter, Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Westchester), switched to a no as he contemplated a possible run for House Republican leader.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay marriage bill fails to go to vote in Illinois House" by Monique Garcia, Rex W. Huppke and Cynthia Dizikes, Chicago Tribune reporters 6/1/13
Illinois had appeared poised to become the 13th state to approve same-sex marriage. Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn promised to sign the bill. Democrats held veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate. President Barack Obama called for its passage during a Thursday night fundraiser in his home city, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was a major backer as well.
While advocates have brought forth a lengthy lineup of religious [leftist] leaders who endorse gay marriage, Catholics and conservative African-American church groups have provided fierce opposition. They argue that same-sex marriage violates the basic tenets of the Bible, which call for marriage to be only between a man and a woman.
"This was a recipe for disaster from the beginning, because when Rep. Harris introduced the bill, there were no African-American or Latino co-sponsors on it," said Rick Garcia, political director of the Civil Rights Agenda. "And the problem we have now was among the black caucus."
But Democratic Rep. Ken Dunkin, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the blame shouldn't fall on a bloc of 20 legislators, arguing that more support must come from Downstate, rural and suburban lawmakers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ill. House adjourns without vote on gay marriage" by The Associated Press 5/31/13
[President] Obama exhorted legislators to approve the measure at a fundraising event Wednesday [in Chicago].
"Here in Illinois, we've got a vote on same-sex marriage that's going to be coming up in the state Legislature," Obama told the attendees. "And I just want to say for the record it's something that I deeply support."
Opponents of the legislation — which included some of the most powerful religious leaders in the state — have said the bill would force religious organizations to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their fellowship halls, parish centers and sanctuaries. The bill, however, states that churches are immune from being sued should they refuse to provide their religious facilities to celebrate a same-sex wedding. Yet, businesses, health care and educational facilities, and social service agencies are not exempt.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Homosexuals Sue Illinois Christians for not Celebrating Same-sex Union
Illinois' proud homosexual legislators Greg Harris and Deborah Mell lament defeat of the same-sex "marriage" bill on the House floor (video):
"Today our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has won! Pastor James Meeks, Bishop Lance Davis and I are so proud of the God fearing Black Caucus [Illinois legislature] members who withstood the pressure of the LGBT forces and allowed God's word concerning marriage to remain between one man and one woman in Illinois."For background, read Illinois Democrats Maneuver Lock on 'Gay Marriage'
-- Bishop Larry Trotter, co-chairman of the African American Clergy Coalition
For national background, read Obamanation: Gay Agenda Carries in 4 More States and also read 'Gay Marriage' Sweeps New England. D'ya Notice? as well as Media Say Law Forces Christians into Gay Agenda
In addition, read about the Colorado baker and myriad other Christians sued in states with same-sex unions/marriage laws.
-- From "House adjourns without voting on same-sex marriage bill" by Lauren Leone-Cross, The State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) 5/31/13
The Illinois House adjourned Friday without voting on same-sex marriage legislation, meaning gay and lesbian couples in Illinois anxious to tie the knot will have to keep waiting.
Supporters had all the reason to be optimistic back when the historic measure passed out of the Senate 34-21 on Valentine’s Day. Since then, however, the bill remained stalled in the House . . .
The upset for gay-marriage supporters comes just two years after lawmakers narrowly approved civil unions in 2011, giving same-sex couples state-level legal recognition and health care benefits similar to those of married couples.
While civil unions give couples some benefits, such as automatic hospital visits, and adoption and parental rights, gay and lesbian couples have argued they remain second-class citizens in the eyes of the state without the right to marry.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "House declines same-sex marriage vote" by Mike Riopell and Doug T. Graham, Daily Herald (suburban Chicago) 5/31/13
. . . emotion displayed itself on the House floor via a tearful speech by the legislation's sponosor, [proudly homosexual] Democratic Rep. Greg Harris [Chicago], and loud yells from onlookers.
Harris announced he'd put off a vote until November. He said lawmakers appear to be more likely to sign off then.
Both Republicans who have said they'll support it — state Reps. Ed Sullivan of Mundelein and Ron Sandack of Downers Grove — have faced immense pressure from religious groups after they went public with their opinions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "No same-sex marriage vote until November: ‘I’ve never been sadder,’ sponsor says" by Dave Mckinney and Natasha Korecki, staff reporters, Chicago Sun-Times 5/31/13
Stubborn resistance within the House Black Caucus, a 20-member bloc of African-American lawmakers who have faced a withering lobbying blitz against the plan from black ministers, has helped keep Harris’ legislation in check, with several House members still undecided.
“The sense I have is blacks are tired of being lobbied or targeted. They’ve kind of turned back on some of the advocates and lobbyists and are asking, ‘Why don’t you get some Republicans?’” one high-level Democratic insider said Friday.
Two House Republicans have publicly endorsed the legislation, Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Antioch) and Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove). A likely third GOP supporter, Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Westchester), switched to a no as he contemplated a possible run for House Republican leader.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay marriage bill fails to go to vote in Illinois House" by Monique Garcia, Rex W. Huppke and Cynthia Dizikes, Chicago Tribune reporters 6/1/13
Illinois had appeared poised to become the 13th state to approve same-sex marriage. Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn promised to sign the bill. Democrats held veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate. President Barack Obama called for its passage during a Thursday night fundraiser in his home city, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was a major backer as well.
While advocates have brought forth a lengthy lineup of religious [leftist] leaders who endorse gay marriage, Catholics and conservative African-American church groups have provided fierce opposition. They argue that same-sex marriage violates the basic tenets of the Bible, which call for marriage to be only between a man and a woman.
"This was a recipe for disaster from the beginning, because when Rep. Harris introduced the bill, there were no African-American or Latino co-sponsors on it," said Rick Garcia, political director of the Civil Rights Agenda. "And the problem we have now was among the black caucus."
But Democratic Rep. Ken Dunkin, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the blame shouldn't fall on a bloc of 20 legislators, arguing that more support must come from Downstate, rural and suburban lawmakers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ill. House adjourns without vote on gay marriage" by The Associated Press 5/31/13
[President] Obama exhorted legislators to approve the measure at a fundraising event Wednesday [in Chicago].
"Here in Illinois, we've got a vote on same-sex marriage that's going to be coming up in the state Legislature," Obama told the attendees. "And I just want to say for the record it's something that I deeply support."
Opponents of the legislation — which included some of the most powerful religious leaders in the state — have said the bill would force religious organizations to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their fellowship halls, parish centers and sanctuaries. The bill, however, states that churches are immune from being sued should they refuse to provide their religious facilities to celebrate a same-sex wedding. Yet, businesses, health care and educational facilities, and social service agencies are not exempt.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Homosexuals Sue Illinois Christians for not Celebrating Same-sex Union
Illinois' proud homosexual legislators Greg Harris and Deborah Mell lament defeat of the same-sex "marriage" bill on the House floor (video):
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
IRS Gave Homosexualists Private Info of Christians
The Internal Revenue Service leaked confidential personal data of donors of the National Organization for Marriage. That data was then published by the Human Rights Campaign (the nation's largest homosexual advocacy organization) in searchable form on the Internet, thus allowing homosexualists to target pro-marriage Christians for harassment, assault, and terrorist attacks.
In addition, read Homosexualists' Terrorist Attack on Christians and also read Militant Homosexualists Vandalize Illinois Christian Academy as well as Homosexualists Issue Death Threats to Christians
-- From "NOM accuses IRS of politically motivated theft" by Byron Tau & Anna Palmer, Politico 5/13/13
The Human Rights Campaign published NOM's 990 tax form in 2012 on a website called “NOM Exposed,” revealing the identities of major donors, in March. Although 990s are public, the sections revealing major donors are not. In a separate incident, the IRS also released [Karl Rove's] conservative outside group Crossroads GPS's nonprofit status application to ProPublica.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "IRS released confidential info on conservative groups to ProPublica" by Josh Hicks, Washington Post 5/14/13
ProPublica on Monday reported that the same IRS division that targeted conservative groups for special scrutiny during the 2012 election cycle provided the investigative-reporting organization with confidential applications for tax-exempt status.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Report: IRS leaked confidential documents to investigative media" by Jonathan Easley, The Hill 5/14/13
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) leaked confidential materials submitted by some conservative groups to investigative journalists at ProPublica, the group reported on Tuesday.
“In response to a request for the applications for 67 different nonprofits last November, the Cincinnati office of the IRS sent ProPublica applications or documentation for 31 groups,” ProPublica reports. “Nine of those applications had not yet been approved—meaning they were not supposed to be made public.”
ProPublica says it followed up with the IRS at the time to find out why it had been provided the confidential materials. The IRS responded by saying it would be illegal for ProPublica to publish the documents.
ProPublica published the materials but redacted some financial information.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New IRS scandal revives past allegations against agency" by Barnini Chakraborty, FoxNews.com 5/14/13
Critics had long questioned how ProPublica got that information. . . .
NOM claimed that someone from the IRS fed the liberal Human Rights Campaign documents listing its 2008 contributors. On that list was a $10,000 donation from Romney’s political action committee. The Human Rights Campaign then published the documents online, saying it had uncovered one of the group’s “top secret donors,” and accused Romney of attacking lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.
The donation came as NOM and other conservative groups were fighting for the Proposition 8 measure banning gay marriage in California.
Conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation said they, too, were targets of the IRS years ago.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham: IRS targeted us, too" by Reid J. Epstein, Politico 5/14/13
With the IRS admitting it gave extra scrutiny to conservative political organizations, Graham says he now believes that the review was part of an Obama administration effort of “targeting and attempting to intimidate us.”
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association urging of voters to back “candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel” during last year’s presidential race was the reason why IRS agents visited the North Carolina offices of both Graham groups, the letter [from Graham to President Obama] accuses.
The Graham organizations kept their federal income tax exemptions after the audit — but were not told they’d be able to until after the November election, he wrote.
The IRS review . . . followed the Billy Graham ministry publishing newspaper ads in North Carolina backing a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Proved: Tea Party Movement is Christian
“There is little question that one or more employees at the IRS stole our confidential tax return and leaked it to our political enemies, in violation of federal law.”For background, read 'Gay Hate Crimes' Against Christians Planned
-- Brian Brown, President, National Organization for Marriage
In addition, read Homosexualists' Terrorist Attack on Christians and also read Militant Homosexualists Vandalize Illinois Christian Academy as well as Homosexualists Issue Death Threats to Christians
-- From "NOM accuses IRS of politically motivated theft" by Byron Tau & Anna Palmer, Politico 5/13/13
The Human Rights Campaign published NOM's 990 tax form in 2012 on a website called “NOM Exposed,” revealing the identities of major donors, in March. Although 990s are public, the sections revealing major donors are not. In a separate incident, the IRS also released [Karl Rove's] conservative outside group Crossroads GPS's nonprofit status application to ProPublica.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "IRS released confidential info on conservative groups to ProPublica" by Josh Hicks, Washington Post 5/14/13
ProPublica on Monday reported that the same IRS division that targeted conservative groups for special scrutiny during the 2012 election cycle provided the investigative-reporting organization with confidential applications for tax-exempt status.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Report: IRS leaked confidential documents to investigative media" by Jonathan Easley, The Hill 5/14/13
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) leaked confidential materials submitted by some conservative groups to investigative journalists at ProPublica, the group reported on Tuesday.
“In response to a request for the applications for 67 different nonprofits last November, the Cincinnati office of the IRS sent ProPublica applications or documentation for 31 groups,” ProPublica reports. “Nine of those applications had not yet been approved—meaning they were not supposed to be made public.”
ProPublica says it followed up with the IRS at the time to find out why it had been provided the confidential materials. The IRS responded by saying it would be illegal for ProPublica to publish the documents.
ProPublica published the materials but redacted some financial information.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New IRS scandal revives past allegations against agency" by Barnini Chakraborty, FoxNews.com 5/14/13
Critics had long questioned how ProPublica got that information. . . .
NOM claimed that someone from the IRS fed the liberal Human Rights Campaign documents listing its 2008 contributors. On that list was a $10,000 donation from Romney’s political action committee. The Human Rights Campaign then published the documents online, saying it had uncovered one of the group’s “top secret donors,” and accused Romney of attacking lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.
The donation came as NOM and other conservative groups were fighting for the Proposition 8 measure banning gay marriage in California.
Conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation said they, too, were targets of the IRS years ago.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham: IRS targeted us, too" by Reid J. Epstein, Politico 5/14/13
With the IRS admitting it gave extra scrutiny to conservative political organizations, Graham says he now believes that the review was part of an Obama administration effort of “targeting and attempting to intimidate us.”
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association urging of voters to back “candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel” during last year’s presidential race was the reason why IRS agents visited the North Carolina offices of both Graham groups, the letter [from Graham to President Obama] accuses.
The Graham organizations kept their federal income tax exemptions after the audit — but were not told they’d be able to until after the November election, he wrote.
The IRS review . . . followed the Billy Graham ministry publishing newspaper ads in North Carolina backing a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Proved: Tea Party Movement is Christian
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Warning GOP Against Dumping Christians & Morals
Conservatives, including Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee, say that if the Republican Party launches a hopeless attempt to gain favor with liberal, young voters by abandoning its long-standing positions on abortion, marriage, and religious liberty, the result will be the loss of its largest voting block: The Christian base.
UPDATE 4/30/13:
Huckabee and Santorum are reacting to the conventional wisdom that has swept through much of the Republican political class since the party’s latest presidential thumping last November: We’re getting our hats handed to us because young voters, minorities and women are turned off by our social stances and rhetoric.
Yet during this season of Republican soul-searching, comparatively little has been heard from the party’s social conservatives. It has been the would-be reformers — citing gay marriage, politically damaging comments on abortion and the need for immigration reform — who have dominated the discussion. Given the makeup of the modern Republican coalition, the social conservatives’ relative absence has been striking.
Yet as some party intellectuals openly wonder if the heyday of the religious right has come and gone, social conservatives are responding with ferocity, indicting John McCain and Mitt Romney for their losses and bluntly warning that the GOP will cease to exist if the party abandons those voters who are in the party because of, not despite, its platform on values. If cultural conservatives are headed toward extinction, they are making clear they won’t go away without a fight.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum, Huckabee Resist GOP Call for Compromise on Social Issues" by Cyrus Afzali, Newsmax 4/1/13
While many argue that Republicans’ recent losses were due to a lack of enthusiasm among young voters, women and minorities who were turned off the party’s stance on issues such as gay marriage and abortion, some, including Santorum, argue the party would have been better to focus on the very issues that the establishment wants to avoid.
Social conservatives such as Gary Bauer, who ran for president in 2000, call many of those pushing for change on social issues “elites,” saying that changing positions on marriage will simply cause many of the GOP base to stay home on election day. Moderates respond that the stance is much like liberals of the 1980s who believed the reason they failed to win was solely because the faithful stayed home.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Is evolving GOP leaving conservatives behind?" by Bruce Maiman, Special to The Sacramento Bee 4/2/13
. . . it appears Republicans want what Democrats have got: Latinos, women and younger voters. Is that the reason for revising previously bedrock beliefs on immigration, Obamacare, defense spending and even gay marriage?
If that's the case, is this about what the Republican Party stands for, or, to paraphrase Reagan, is the Republican Party in the process of leaving you? And if so, why has there been no effort to form a third political party that actually represents you?
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read More GOP Congressmen Proudly Fund Abortionists, Gay Agenda as well as GOP House Rebuffs Conservatives' Religious Liberty
The question for Christians to discern: Are Republicans abandoning a God-fearing Party platform?
“I would caution the donor wing of the Republican Party . . . If they think social conservatives are the only thing preventing Republicans from winning, they’ll learn that their economic agenda will go down the tubes along with the Republican Party’s prospects.”For background, read GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters and also read More High-profile Republicans Going Gay Agenda as well as GOP Moderation Lost the 2012 Presidential Election, Say Evangelicals
-- Gary Bauer, Christian conservative
UPDATE 4/30/13:
“When a democracy bases itself on moral relativism and when it considers every ethical principle or value to be negotiable (including every human being’s fundamental right to life), it is already, and in spite of its formal rules, on its way to totalitarianism.”-- From "Social conservatives fight back" by Jonathan Martin, Politico 4/1/13
-- Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Miami, FL
Huckabee and Santorum are reacting to the conventional wisdom that has swept through much of the Republican political class since the party’s latest presidential thumping last November: We’re getting our hats handed to us because young voters, minorities and women are turned off by our social stances and rhetoric.
Yet during this season of Republican soul-searching, comparatively little has been heard from the party’s social conservatives. It has been the would-be reformers — citing gay marriage, politically damaging comments on abortion and the need for immigration reform — who have dominated the discussion. Given the makeup of the modern Republican coalition, the social conservatives’ relative absence has been striking.
Yet as some party intellectuals openly wonder if the heyday of the religious right has come and gone, social conservatives are responding with ferocity, indicting John McCain and Mitt Romney for their losses and bluntly warning that the GOP will cease to exist if the party abandons those voters who are in the party because of, not despite, its platform on values. If cultural conservatives are headed toward extinction, they are making clear they won’t go away without a fight.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum, Huckabee Resist GOP Call for Compromise on Social Issues" by Cyrus Afzali, Newsmax 4/1/13
While many argue that Republicans’ recent losses were due to a lack of enthusiasm among young voters, women and minorities who were turned off the party’s stance on issues such as gay marriage and abortion, some, including Santorum, argue the party would have been better to focus on the very issues that the establishment wants to avoid.
Social conservatives such as Gary Bauer, who ran for president in 2000, call many of those pushing for change on social issues “elites,” saying that changing positions on marriage will simply cause many of the GOP base to stay home on election day. Moderates respond that the stance is much like liberals of the 1980s who believed the reason they failed to win was solely because the faithful stayed home.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Is evolving GOP leaving conservatives behind?" by Bruce Maiman, Special to The Sacramento Bee 4/2/13
. . . it appears Republicans want what Democrats have got: Latinos, women and younger voters. Is that the reason for revising previously bedrock beliefs on immigration, Obamacare, defense spending and even gay marriage?
If that's the case, is this about what the Republican Party stands for, or, to paraphrase Reagan, is the Republican Party in the process of leaving you? And if so, why has there been no effort to form a third political party that actually represents you?
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read More GOP Congressmen Proudly Fund Abortionists, Gay Agenda as well as GOP House Rebuffs Conservatives' Religious Liberty
The question for Christians to discern: Are Republicans abandoning a God-fearing Party platform?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters
The fiscal conservative media have joined the liberal media in the drumbeat to convince Republican Party strategists to abandon “Evangelical whites, tea-party Republicans, older voters, and whites that do not have a college degree.”
So, the establishment GOP thinks it has had difficulty reigning in the Tea Party voters, "well, they ain't seen nothing yet!" How many Republicans will be elected when the Christians support a new third party?
As always, GOP leaders are lobbying church leaders to vote Republican, but the question for Christians to discern is, Are Republicans abandoning a God-fearing Party platform?
UPDATE 9/22/14: Republicans Going Gay, to be 'Moderate' & Likeable
UPDATE 6/24/14: Wisconsin GOP Sen. Johnson Says Abortion & "Gay Marriage" are Non-issues
UPDATE 4/14/14: GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage:' Nevada
UPDATE 3/4/14: GOP Coalition Favors 'Gay Marriage' in Appeals Court
UPDATE 3/19/14 - 'Gay Marriage' Divides GOP: Rand Paul vs. Ted Cruz
UPDATE 1/24/14: Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable to GOP Illinois Leaders
UPDATE 12/14/13: GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates
UPDATE 4/7/13: Warning GOP Against Dumping Christians & Morals
-- From "Republicans for Gay Marriage?" by Daniel Foster, National Review Online 3/13/13
. . . “If you look at the crosstabs, the opposition [to gay marriage] is really concentrated in a few really small groups,” van Lohuizen says. “Evangelical whites, tea-party Republicans, older voters, and whites that do not have a college degree.”
. . . gay marriage enjoys majority support from all major religious confessions except white evangelical Protestantism — including mainline “non-evangelical” Protestants, Catholics, and Jews. And while a majority of whites without college degrees oppose gay marriage, majorities of whites with college degrees, and nonwhites of all education levels, support it.
Even among Republicans, opposition to same-sex marriage is increasingly tenuous, particularly along two axes. First, self-described tea-party Republicans oppose gay marriage 84/13, while Republicans who describe themselves as neutral toward or opposed to the Tea Party oppose gay marriage by smaller 62/34 and 52/47 splits, respectively. This is a more or less momentous split depending on how credible one finds evidence that tea-party membership is in sharp decline.
Second, and perhaps most critically, exit polling shows that 51 percent of Republicans under 30 support gay marriage in their state. If this datum alone holds, one might think, gay marriage is a fait accompli in the near to medium term. And indeed, the polls report just that feeling among the broader public: 83 percent of voters, supporters and opponents included, think that gay marriage will be legal nationally in the next five to ten years.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rand Paul on Gay Marriage: If We 'Make the Tax Code Neutral,' We 'Don't Have to Redefine What Marriage Is'" by David Weigel, Slate Magazine 3/13/13
At yesterday's briefing for reporters at National Review's D.C. offices . . . I asked [Sen. Rand] Paul how Republicans would have to tweak their messages if they competed in California. What about immigration, what about gay marriage? I paraphrased a joke Paul had told last year in Iowa, after Barack Obama had flip-flopped -- sorry, EVOLVED -- on gay marriage, and Paul told social conservatives that Obama couldn't "get any gay-er."
"I've been told that joke wasn't very funny," deadpanned Paul. "I'm not going to change who I am or what I believe in. I am an old-fashioned traditionalist. I believe in the historical definition of marriage. That being said, I think contracts between adults -- I'm not for limiting contracts between adults. In fact, if there are ways to make the tax code more neutral where it doesn't mention the word marriage, then we don't have to redefine what marriage is. We just don't have marriage in the tax code. If health benefits are a problem, why don't we not define them by marriage? Why don't we say, you have another adult who lives in the house, and a kid who lives in the house can be part of family coverage? Then you don't have to redefine, and have people like myself, and people who live in the Southeastern part of the country, we don't have to change our definition of what we think marriage is, but we allow contracts to occur so there is more ability to [make] the law neutral."
. . . And Paul says this a month after Marco Rubio says marriage should be "left to the states."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Party of Liberty vs. the Party of Coercion" by Jeffrey H. Anderson, The Weekly Standard 3/13/13
In the aftermath of Mitt Romney’s defeat in last fall’s election, and the defeat of a myriad of Republican Senate candidates (establishment and Tea Party alike) in Romney’s wake, Republicans are getting no shortage of free advice.
. . . a fair amount has been written about the need to make the moral case for conservatism. But to be particularly effective, that case must transcend strictly material concerns. After all, the core of the case for what we now call “conservatism” is the revolutionary idea that every human being has a God-given right to be free. As Thomas Jefferson put it, “The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen, in his person and property, and in their management.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Religious Liberty vs. Anti-Christian Totalitarianism in America
As well, read GOP Moderation Lost the 2012 Presidential Election, Say Evangelicals
. . . and be reminded, it's been proved: The Tea Party Movement is Christian
So, the establishment GOP thinks it has had difficulty reigning in the Tea Party voters, "well, they ain't seen nothing yet!" How many Republicans will be elected when the Christians support a new third party?
“I have any number of gay friends who are Republicans, but what makes me tick is that I have concerns that this is another issue that would limit the growth of the Republican party.”For background, read GOP House Rebuffs Conservatives' Religious Liberty and also read More GOP Congressmen Proudly Fund Abortionists, Gay Agenda as well as GOP Rising Star Jindal Pushes Liberalized Contraceptives
-- Dr. Jan van Lohuizen, former George W. Bush pollster
As always, GOP leaders are lobbying church leaders to vote Republican, but the question for Christians to discern is, Are Republicans abandoning a God-fearing Party platform?
UPDATE 9/22/14: Republicans Going Gay, to be 'Moderate' & Likeable
UPDATE 6/24/14: Wisconsin GOP Sen. Johnson Says Abortion & "Gay Marriage" are Non-issues
UPDATE 4/14/14: GOP Platform OKs Abortion & 'Gay Marriage:' Nevada
UPDATE 3/4/14: GOP Coalition Favors 'Gay Marriage' in Appeals Court
UPDATE 3/19/14 - 'Gay Marriage' Divides GOP: Rand Paul vs. Ted Cruz
UPDATE 1/24/14: Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable to GOP Illinois Leaders
UPDATE 12/14/13: GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates
UPDATE 4/7/13: Warning GOP Against Dumping Christians & Morals
-- From "Republicans for Gay Marriage?" by Daniel Foster, National Review Online 3/13/13
. . . “If you look at the crosstabs, the opposition [to gay marriage] is really concentrated in a few really small groups,” van Lohuizen says. “Evangelical whites, tea-party Republicans, older voters, and whites that do not have a college degree.”
. . . gay marriage enjoys majority support from all major religious confessions except white evangelical Protestantism — including mainline “non-evangelical” Protestants, Catholics, and Jews. And while a majority of whites without college degrees oppose gay marriage, majorities of whites with college degrees, and nonwhites of all education levels, support it.
Even among Republicans, opposition to same-sex marriage is increasingly tenuous, particularly along two axes. First, self-described tea-party Republicans oppose gay marriage 84/13, while Republicans who describe themselves as neutral toward or opposed to the Tea Party oppose gay marriage by smaller 62/34 and 52/47 splits, respectively. This is a more or less momentous split depending on how credible one finds evidence that tea-party membership is in sharp decline.
Second, and perhaps most critically, exit polling shows that 51 percent of Republicans under 30 support gay marriage in their state. If this datum alone holds, one might think, gay marriage is a fait accompli in the near to medium term. And indeed, the polls report just that feeling among the broader public: 83 percent of voters, supporters and opponents included, think that gay marriage will be legal nationally in the next five to ten years.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rand Paul on Gay Marriage: If We 'Make the Tax Code Neutral,' We 'Don't Have to Redefine What Marriage Is'" by David Weigel, Slate Magazine 3/13/13
At yesterday's briefing for reporters at National Review's D.C. offices . . . I asked [Sen. Rand] Paul how Republicans would have to tweak their messages if they competed in California. What about immigration, what about gay marriage? I paraphrased a joke Paul had told last year in Iowa, after Barack Obama had flip-flopped -- sorry, EVOLVED -- on gay marriage, and Paul told social conservatives that Obama couldn't "get any gay-er."
"I've been told that joke wasn't very funny," deadpanned Paul. "I'm not going to change who I am or what I believe in. I am an old-fashioned traditionalist. I believe in the historical definition of marriage. That being said, I think contracts between adults -- I'm not for limiting contracts between adults. In fact, if there are ways to make the tax code more neutral where it doesn't mention the word marriage, then we don't have to redefine what marriage is. We just don't have marriage in the tax code. If health benefits are a problem, why don't we not define them by marriage? Why don't we say, you have another adult who lives in the house, and a kid who lives in the house can be part of family coverage? Then you don't have to redefine, and have people like myself, and people who live in the Southeastern part of the country, we don't have to change our definition of what we think marriage is, but we allow contracts to occur so there is more ability to [make] the law neutral."
. . . And Paul says this a month after Marco Rubio says marriage should be "left to the states."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Party of Liberty vs. the Party of Coercion" by Jeffrey H. Anderson, The Weekly Standard 3/13/13
In the aftermath of Mitt Romney’s defeat in last fall’s election, and the defeat of a myriad of Republican Senate candidates (establishment and Tea Party alike) in Romney’s wake, Republicans are getting no shortage of free advice.
. . . a fair amount has been written about the need to make the moral case for conservatism. But to be particularly effective, that case must transcend strictly material concerns. After all, the core of the case for what we now call “conservatism” is the revolutionary idea that every human being has a God-given right to be free. As Thomas Jefferson put it, “The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen, in his person and property, and in their management.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Religious Liberty vs. Anti-Christian Totalitarianism in America
As well, read GOP Moderation Lost the 2012 Presidential Election, Say Evangelicals
. . . and be reminded, it's been proved: The Tea Party Movement is Christian
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