Jan. 20, 2016
BLOOMBERG
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Thomas Donohue tells Bloomberg Television there’s 75% chance Congress passes the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal before President Obama leaves office early next year.
A study released Tuesday by the Pew Research Center estimated that a growing population of U.S.-born Latinos coming of age and immigrants becoming naturalized citizens will bring the number of eligible Hispanic voters to 27.3 million, a 40 percent increase since 2008 and the most ever. They will compose 12 percent of all U.S. voters on Nov. 8.
The gun industry is struggling with good times. Firearm sales are soaring. Gun company stocks are way up, despite a market-wide January slump. But as gun makers, wholesalers, and retailers gather in Las Vegas for their annual industry convention, leading executives are striving to accentuate the negative. The perceived threat of stiffer gun control laws historically drives buyers to the stores to stock up on firearms and ammunition.
The first mantra of the oil crisis was “lower for longer.” Then “lower for even longer.” Now in Davos, oil executives are starting to talk — or rather, whisper — about a new nightmare scenario: “A lot lower for a lot longer.”
The cost of living in the U.S. dropped in December, led by a slump in commodities that’s roiling global markets.
New-home construction in the U.S. unexpectedly fell in December, indicating the industry lost some momentum entering 2016. Residential starts declined 2.5 percent to a 1.15 million annualized rate, from the prior month’s revised 1.18 million pace.
The ruble slumped to an all-time low as oil’s retreat choked revenue of the world’s largest energy exporter and restricted Russia’s ability to lift its economy out of a recession.
Consumers trolling Shop.com may have noticed a marketing hook more often associated with big-box stores like Best Buy than an online retailer. Under the product description for a Dell Inspiron laptop there’s a PayPal Credit button that says: “Enjoy Easy Payments.”
AP Top Stories
Republican Ben Carson temporarily suspended his US presidential bid Tuesday when four members of his campaign team were involved in a fatal car accident in Iowa, where the first votes in the nomination process will be cast.
A Danish nightclub has been accused of discrimination over its language requirements for entry by asylum seekers, prompting fears more establishments could follow suit amid a spate of reports of sexual harassment.
Twenty people have died after several gunmen stormed a university in Pakistan and opened fire today, according to Pakistani officials. At least 50 more have been injured in the attack.
Denver’s fire chief was stabbed multiple times on Tuesday by a woman who jumped into his unmarked vehicle while he was stopped at a red light, said authorities, who added he was expected to make a full recovery.
China and Saudi Arabia sign 14 mainly economic agreements after President Xi Jinping arrived in Riyadh on the first stage of a trip to raise the economic giant’s political profile in the troubled Middle East.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused on Tuesday to revive an Arkansas law that would have banned abortions after the 12th week of pregnancy if doctors can detect a fetal heartbeat.
Russian air strikes in Syria have killed 1,015 civilians, including more than 200 children since they were launched nearly four months ago, a monitor said Wednesday.
BBC
The US Coast Guard is halting its search for 12 marines missing since two helicopters crashed near the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Satellite images confirm that the oldest Christian monastery in Iraq has been destroyed by the jihadist group Islamic State (IS).
The Colombian government and the left-wing Farc rebel movement have both asked the UN for a mission to oversee the end of their decades-long conflict. Negotiators for the two sides at peace talks in Cuba said they would ask the UN to send a 12-month mission to oversee any ceasefire.
The Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, has signed a $5m deal for an Ebola vaccine, to protect against future outbreaks of the deadly disease. The deal commits pharmaceutical company Merck to keeping 300,000 vaccines ready for emergency use or further clinical trials.
A Muslim teacher who shielded Christian fellow passengers when their bus was attacked by Islamist militants has died in surgery to treat his bullet wound.
A detained Swedish rights activist has appeared on Chinese state television apparently confessing to breaking the law through his group’s activities.
A suicide bomber has launched an attack in the diplomatic area of the Afghan capital Kabul, officials say, killing at least four people. Officials say about 20 others have been wounded in the attack.
WND
A federal judge on Tuesday ruled President Obama cannot use executive privilege to keep records on the “Fast and Furious” gun-tracking program from Congress.
More than half a million aliens overstayed their temporary visas in the United States in 2015, with more than 482,000 of those individuals believed to be still residing illegally in the United States, according to a new report by the Department of Homeland Security.
The surge of criminal background checks required of new gun purchasers has been so unrelenting in recent months that the FBI had been forced to temporarily halt the processing of thousands of appeals from prospective buyers whose firearm purchase attempts have been denied.
Top Ten Giant Discoveries in North America
Over 1000 accounts of seven-foot and taller skeletons have reportedly been unearthed from ancient burial sites over a two-hundred-year period in North America. Newspaper accounts, town and county histories, letters, scientific journals, diaries, photos and Smithsonian ethnology reports have carefully documented this.
Winter Storm Jonas to Become Major East Coast Snowstorm; Blizzard Watch for D.C., Baltimore
The nation’s capital is now under a blizzard watch, the first watch of its kind issued in advance of Winter Storm Jonas. Now is the time to prepare for Winter Storm Jonas, which is expected to kick into high gear Friday and pummel parts of the East through the weekend with heavy accumulations of snow and ice.
Oldest Christian monastery in Iraq razed
Satellite photos obtained by The Associated Press confirm what church leaders and Middle East preservationists had feared: The oldest Christian monastery in Iraq has been reduced to a field of rubble, yet another victim of the Islamic State group’s relentless destruction of heritage sites it considers heretical.
These Four Contenders for Biblical Villain Gog Might Surprise You
Today, in Jewish sources, there are four contenders for the title: former US President George H.W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir Putin, current US President Barack Obama, and, in a surprising new twist, the United Nations itself. In chapters 38 and 39 of the Book of Ezekiel, Gog is mentioned a number of times. Gog is generally understood to be a political and/or military leader and Magog is his nation.
These Four Contenders for Biblical Villain Gog Might Surprise You
Today, in Jewish sources, there are four contenders for the title: former US President George H.W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir Putin, current US President Barack Obama, and, in a surprising new twist, the United Nations itself. In chapters 38 and 39 of the Book of Ezekiel, Gog is mentioned a number of times. Gog is generally understood to be a political and/or military leader and Magog is his nation.
Delusional EU Releases Peace Process Guidelines
“The EU is convinced that only the reestablishment of a political horizon and the resumption of dialogue can stop the violence,” the statement read. “Security measures alone cannot stop the cycle of violence. The underlying causes of the conflict need to be addressed.” In hoping to achieve its vision of a two-state solution, the EU stated that it will continue to ensure the viability of its two-state vision for both Israel and the PA.
Emergency planners work on playbooks for the deadly Big One
Seismologists say a full rupture of a 650-mile-long offshore fault running from Northern California to British Columbia and an ensuing tsunami could come in our lifetimes, and emergency management officials are busy preparing for the worst. Federal, state and military officials have been working together to draft plans to be followed when the “Big One” happens.
Israel to announce major land appropriation in Jordan Valley
The Israeli government will announce the allocation of 370 acres of West Bank agricultural land near the Palestinian city of Jericho as state lands, the largest such land appropriation since August 2014.
Swedish MPs challenge Wallström to debate over Israel comments
As relations between Sweden and Israel grow increasingly tense, a small group of Swedish MPs vowed Tuesday to publicly challenge their foreign minister’s controversial call last week for an investigation into what she termed Israel’s “extrajudicial executions” of Palestinians.
Lawmaker: Journalists should register with government
State Rep. Mike Pitts, R-Laurens, filed a bill in the S.C. State House Tuesday to establish a “responsible journalism registry.” The registry would be run by the S.C. Secretary of State’s office.
Burqa-clad special ops raid ISIS bunker, kill chief
Burqa-clad special operations forces from Britain’s Special Air Service raided a bunker on the Islamic State group’s home turf and killed a terror chief. An eight-man squad went behind enemy lines in Raqqa, Syria, earlier this month and posed as ISIS wives before taking out a high-value target.
SOUTHERN CORONAL HOLE
High above the sun’s south pole, a vast hole has opened in the sun’s atmosphere. This is called a “coronal hole”, Coronal holes are places in the sun’s atmosphere where the magnetic field opens up and allows solar wind to escape.
‘Time to help them’: Israeli justice minister calls for independent Kurdish state
Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has spoken out in favor of an independent Kurdish state. She also urged increased cooperation between Israel and the Kurdish people. Shaked sees this as an opportunity to weaken Israel’s rivals in the region.
European liberal left leaves Europe in decay, Wallstrom-style
Wallstrom has a talent for finding Israel guilty for all of Sweden’s woes. When, according to Swedish intelligence, over two hundred Swedes were reported to have joined ISIS, Wallstrom pointed at Israel when she said, “Clearly we have a reason to be worried not only here in Sweden but around the world because there are so many who are being radicalized.
Putin offers European Jews refuge in Russia
As anti-Semitic attacks increase throughout Europe, Russian president Vladimir Putin has invited European Jews to immigrate to Russia. Putin made the offer on Tuesday in a meeting with members of the European Jewish Congress (EJC) that took place in the Kremlin.
China tells Taiwan to abandon independence ‘hallucination’ after vote
Taiwan should abandon its “hallucinations” about pushing for independence, as any moves towards it would be a “poison”, Chinese state-run media said… Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won a convincing victory in both presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, in what could usher in a new round of instability with China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own.
Kuwait Air Ends New York City Flights Rather Than Carry Israelis
After Kuwait Air was ordered by the US Department of Transportation to cease “unlawful discrimination,” regarding their refusal to carry Israeli passengers — the carrier doubled down and ended the flight route entirely. …Kuwait Air announced that they will cease passenger service from New York JFK airport to London Heathrow by January 18, and as of the 19th the route is no longer an option on their website.
Federal deficit to soar in 2016 after Ryan-Obama tax deal
The tax-cut deal inked by President Obama and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan last month has put a major dent in the federal budget, helping send the deficit soaring by 24 percent… The $544 billion deficit projected for 2016 marks the first year since 2009 that the red ink has grown, and it powers the deficit back up over the half-trillion mark, where it had been for most of Mr. Obama’s tenure.
Barack Obama’s migrant plan taken up by US Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court has said it will consider a challenge to one of President Barack Obama’s key immigration reform plans. The plan would lift the threat of deportation from five million migrants living illegally in the US. A coalition of 26 mostly conservative states, led by Texas, has been successful in lower court challenges.
Pakistan Taliban kill at least 19 as they storm university
Islamist Taliban militants stormed a university in volatile northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens as the army hunted for any gunmen still holed up on the campus, officials said. A security official said the death toll could rise to as high as 40 as army commandos cleared out student hostels and classrooms.
‘WORSE THAN 2007’: Top banker warns of looming wave of worldwide bankruptcies
The world’s financial system has become dangerously unstable and faces an avalanche of bankruptcies that will test social and political stability, according to a leading global banker.
50 percent pay cut: a tough break for ISIS fighters
Violent jihad, it turns out, is a rough business. According to documents leaked from inside the Islamic State (IS) group, all IS fighters have reportedly had their salaries cut by half.
In besieged Syrian city, hungry residents sell gold for food
In Syria’s eastern city of Deir el-Zour, supplies are running so short that desperate residents are selling their gold, valuables and even their homes for food or an exit permit allowing them to escape a siege by both government troops and Islamic State militants.
IS Acknowledges Death of ‘Jihadi John’ in Magazine
The Islamic State group has acknowledged the death of the masked militant known as “Jihadi John,” who appeared in several videos depicting the beheadings of Western hostages, in an article in its online English-language magazine Dabiq.
Here’s the Bomb the US Hopes It Never Has to Use Against Iran
The good news: Iran seems to be living up to its end of the treaty with six other nations that requires a halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment and processing activities. In short—they can’t make nuclear weapons. The bad news: Last December, Iran launched the second ballistic missile test in violation of its nuclear arms agreement. The missiles are housed in an underground storage bunker 1,640 feet underground.
A ‘gay lobby’ at the Vatican? One cardinal says it’s real, and Pope Francis is responding
The influential Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga has acknowledged the presence of a “gay lobby” in the Vatican. In a new interview, he says that Pope Francis has adopted a gradual approach to address it – and that Catholic teaching won’t change.
France might not have any Jews in the future – and here’s why
An increasingly violent wave of anti-Semitic words and acts in France threatens the very existence of Jewish communities there, one human rights advocacy group warned in a new report. The attacks are “a harbinger of societal breakdown,” said Susan Corke of Human Rights First. “Left unchecked, antisemitism leads to the persecution of other minorities, and to an overall increase in repression and intolerance.”
Humans as we know them to be GONE by 2100 and replaced by ALIEN children
Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer, said this may be the last century humans as we know them dominate the earth. Desinger babies and artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to a new dominant species, he said.
Headlines – 1/20/2016
Iran’s Khamenei welcomes sanctions lift, warns of U.S. ‘deceit’
Iran, China eye constructing nuclear power plants
Saudi Arabia warns against ‘nefarious activities’ by Iran
Israel’s Defense Minister Ya’alon: In choice between Iran and ISIS, I prefer ISIS
Report: Israel proposed that PLO form community police in east Jerusalem
Israel to announce major land appropriation in Jordan Valley
Netanyahu Responds to U.S. Ambassador’s ‘Uncharacteristically Sharp’ Criticism of Israel
Netanyahu: Israel strives for quiet, and ‘ultimately, for peace’
‘We will protect interfaith coexistence in Israel’
German Jewish leaders: We are no longer safe here
Putin to European Jews who feel unsafe: ‘Come to us’
Syrian opposition faction: Russia is bombing civilians, not ISIS
In besieged Syrian city, hungry residents sell gold for food
Nearly 19,000 civilians killed in Iraq in 21-month period, report says
Islamic state frees 270 of 400 people it kidnapped from Syrian city
Americans missing in Baghdad kidnapped by Iran-backed militia
Russian Orthodox Leader Blames ‘Godless Secular Civilization’ for Rise of ISIS
ISIS destroys Iraq’s oldest Christian monastery, satellite photos confirm
British Special Forces Disguised in Burkas Raid Islamic State Bunker Housing Jihadi Chief
About 3,500 slaves held by Islamic State in Iraq: U.N. report
Islamic Professor: Muslims Can Rape Non-Muslim Women to Humiliate Them
UN seeks $1.3 billion in humanitarian funding for South Sudan
Brooklyn men sue American Airlines over alleged Muslim discrimination
Pakistan attack: Dozens killed and injured as militants storm university
ISIS calls on Muslim couples in the West to imitate San Bernardino shooters
White House: Obama, Erdogan pledge to boost cooperation against terrorism
Bomb threats at more than a dozens schools in US Northeast, Midwest
FBI: Violent crime rose in first 6 months of 2015 over 2014
Gun background checks hit record number in 2015, despite Obama agenda
Balance of Asia-Pacific military power shifting against U.S.: report
Inspector General: Clinton emails had intel from most secretive, classified programs
The Download – Hi, I’m a digital junkie, and I suffer from infomania
Italian town shuts down Wi-Fi over health fears
Report: U.S. Looking Into Cyber Attack on Ukraine’s Power Grid
Docs shows security concerns, no ‘authorization to operate’ for ObamaCare website
Federal deficit to soar in 2016 after Ryan-Obama tax deal
Here’s a list of Bernie Sanders’ $19.6 trillion in tax hikes
Walmart Closes LA Store Over $15 Minimum Wage
Oil falls 2-3 percent on surplus worries, as U.S. drops toward $27
5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near Ile Hunter, New Caledonia
Zhupanovsky volcano on Kamchatka, Russia erupts to 27,000ft
Colima volcano in Mexico erupts to 18,000ft
Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupst to 16,000ft
Sinabung volcano in Indoensia erupts to 12,000ft
Tengger Caldera volcano in Indonesia erupts to 12,000ft
Copahue volcano in Argentina erupts to 11,000ft
Forecasts converging on severe, potentially historic Friday-Saturday snowstorm
Could this be humanity’s last century? – ‘Re-engineering our children’
Schools Implant IUDs in Girls as Young as 6th Grade Without Their Parents Knowing
Adult Industry Sees Potential for Real Dollars in Virtual Reality
Hillary Clinton is endorsed by largest LGBT rights group
A ‘gay lobby’ at the Vatican? One cardinal says it’s real, and Pope Francis is responding
Episcopal Church ‘Deserves’ to Be Suspended by Anglicans Over Gay Marriage, Franklin Graham Says
David Barton and Wallbuilders Double Down on The Jefferson Lies Accusations
Falwell Jr. Compares Trump to King, Reagan, Falwell Sr. & Jesus at Liberty U. Speech
Former Members Allege NJ Doomsday Cult Coerced Women Into Abortions
Hebrew Graffiti at Jerusalem Monastery Threatens Christians
Sweden Offers State Funded Sniper Training for Immigrants
Joel Mc Durmon – Do You Polish the Brass on a Sinking Ship?
Massive High Heel Shaped Church Built in Taiwan to Attract Female Worshippers
Anne Graham Lotz Responds Regarding Promotion of Honi, the Mystic and Prayer Circles
Dr Brown “went through every possible explanation” to justify Hillsong’s sinful song?
First Baptist Church Memphis approves gay marriage and ordination
Episcopal Church Suspended from Anglican Communion over Same-Sex Marriage
ZeroHedge Frontrunning: January 20
- Oil slump rocks markets again in equity rout (Read More)
- Global Stocks on Brink of Bear Market as Oil Slides; Ruble Drops (Read More)
- Global Stocks Slide on Oil Rout (Read More)
- Emerging Markets Roiled as Stock Selloff Surpasses Asian Crisis (Read More)
- Rising Debt in Emerging Markets Poses Global Threat (Read More)
- China shares slip as oil slides, outweighing stimulus hopes (Read More)
- Europe Stocks Fall to 13-Month Low as Results Stoke Growth Fears (Read More)
- Former U.S. VP candidate Palin endorses Trump with a ‘hallelujah’ (Read More)
- Americans missing in Baghdad kidnapped by Iran-backed militia (Read More)
- Hong Kong Dollar Forwards Sink to Weakest Since ’99 on Peg Bets (Read More)
- Saudi Arabia and Iran Tussle Over Exports to China (Read More)
- A GoldMAN? What Kind of Man Spends Millions to Elect Ted Cruz? (Read More)
- Militants kill at least 19 as they storm Pakistan university (Read More)
- Michigan Governor Seeks $28 Million in Emergency Funding for Flint (Read More)
- UBS’s Weber Says China Has ‘Plenty Ammunition Left’ Amid Turmoil (Read More)
- Some Bankrupt Oil and Gas Drillers Can’t Give Their Assets Away (Read More)
- VW’s German Union Supports CEO’s Efforts to Solve Diesel Crisis (Read More)
- Billionaire green activist Steyer says not yet ready to back Clinton, open to Sanders (Read More)
The Briefing
1) US-Iranian hostage swap prime example of moral dilemmas often faced in a fallen world
U.S.-Iranian Swaps Pit Compassion Against Costs, New York Times (Peter Baker)
2) Hawking makes end-of-world predictions, illustrates hopelessness of secular naturalism
Hawking: Humans at risk of lethal ‘own goal’, BBC (David Shukman)
3) Custody battles over frozen embryos underscore personhood of unborn from conception
Anti-Abortion Groups Join Battles Over Frozen Embryos, New York Times (Tamar Lewin)
4) Rising trend to abort babies with Down’s Syndrome an affront to the image of God
Down’s Syndrome people risk ‘extinction’ at the hands of science, fear and ignorance, The Telegraph (Tim Stanley)
5) New government guidelines for Canadian schools reveal the reaches of the LGBT revolution
Alberta students to define their own gender: 5 big changes in new school guidelines, CBC News
In other news…
‘Natural’ fertilisation device for IVF, BBC (Michelle Roberts)
You Are Stronger Than You (and Your Therapist) Think, The New York Times (Michael I. Bennett)
This mother drank while pregnant. Here’s what her daughter’s like at 43, The Washington Post (Alexandra Rockey Fleming)
On Paper, Italy Allows Abortions, but Few Doctors Will Perform Them, NY Times (Gaia Pianigiani)
The Oil Crash Of 2016 Has The Big Banks Running Scared
Last time around it was subprime mortgages, but this time it is oil that is playing a starring role in a global financial crisis. Since the start of 2015, 42 North American oil companies have filed for bankruptcy, 130,000 good paying energy jobs have been lost in the United States, and at this point 50 percent of all energy junk bonds are “distressed” according to Standard & Poor’s. As you will see below, some of the big banks have a tremendous amount of loan exposure to the energy industry, and now they are bracing for big losses. And the longer the price of oil stays this low, the worse the carnage is going to get. (Read More….)
Something has just happened that has signaled a recession every single time that it has occurred since World War I. 16 times since 1919 there have been at least 8 month-over-month declines in industrial production during the preceding 12 month period, and in each of those 16 instances the U.S. economy has plunged into recession. Now that it has happened again, will the U.S. economy beat the odds and avoid a major economic downturn? I certainly wouldn’t count on it. As I have written about repeatedly, there are a whole host of other numbers that are screaming that a new recession is here, and global financial markets are crumbling. It would take a miracle of epic proportions to pull us out of this tailspin, and yet there are many people out there that are absolutely convinced that it will happen. (Read More….)
Report: Only One Christian Admitted to US Among Nearly 500 Muslim Syrian Refugees Resettled
Only one of the 483 Syrian refugees approved by the United States for settlement was Christian, since the refugee admission program came under more scrutiny after Paris terror attacks last November increased concerns about security risks and terrorists posing as refugees. Christians account for an estimated 10 percent of the Syrian population. One Canadian religious group now is focusing on trying to provide refugees spiritual assistance through various ministries.
Candace Cameron Bure Gets Sick, Leaves ‘The View’ Set After Whoopi Goldberg Mocks Christian Faith
Christian actress Candace Cameron-Bure left the set of The View on Tuesday during a commercial break, causing fans to speculate she may have been offended by comments made by co-host Whoopi Goldberg.
Study: monthly porn exposure the norm for teens
Half of teenagers and nearly three-quarters of young adults come across pornography at least monthly, and both groups on average consider viewing pornographic images less immoral than failing to recycle. Those are among the findings of a survey of 2,700 Americans released Monday (Jan. 19) by Josh McDowell Ministry and the Barna Group.
Are These 7 Sins Really Deadly?
I’ve heard about the seven deadly sins but I’m wondering which sins they are. Why are they more deadly than any other sin?
What’s the Big &%#*! Deal about Profanity?
You might be like a lot of people who say, “Profanity, violence, and sex in the movies don’t really bother me. If you’re a Christian, though, wouldn’t you agree that there has to be a boundary somewhere?
Terrorists Kill Seven Missionaries in Burkina Faso
Two missionaries kidnapped on same day by al Qaeda affiliate.
Franklin Graham Praises Suspension of Episcopal Church Over Same-Sex Marriage, ‘They Deserve to be Called Out’
Franklin Graham has praised the Anglican Communion for suspending the Episcopal Church due to its embracing of same-sex marriage and expressed hope that the move will prompt the church to return to Biblical principles.
Islamic Extremists Kidnap 80 Y/O Missionary Couple, Murder Christian Orphanage Director in Burkina Faso
Suspected Islamic extremists kidnapped an elderly missionary couple in northern Burkina Faso on the same day al-Qaeda launched a deadly attack in the country’s capital, Ouagadougou, killing 28 people, including a Christian orphanage director.
7 familiar types of Pharisee
Pharisees don’t get a very good press in the New Testament. They are usually portrayed as Jesus’ enemies, but that isn’t a complete picture of them.
Have You Lost the Courage to Hope in the Lord?
What happened to the courage to endure and the valor to persevere? Instead, those feelings that invade many are now becoming the enemies we cannot fight off.
Jerry Falwell Jr. Praises Donald Trump; Here’s How Other Evangelicals Compare
Yes, ‘The Donald’ draws five times more admiration than Billy Graham. But polls of religiosity and leaders tell a different tale.
“If Assets Remain Correlated, They’ll Be A Depression”: Ray Dalio Says QE4 Just Around The Corner
I heard this interview this morning in the car as I drove my kids into school. Mr. Dalio makes the point that nearly everything went down last year. (With the exception of Bitcoin.) He argues that if this continues, all asset classes moving down together, we’ll be looking at a “depression.”
That’s why he thinks the Fed will turn on its heals and ease and then print.
There appears to be no way out of this thing other than to let markets correct to proper levels.
Hillary Clinton’s 12 Speeches to Banks netted her $2.9 Million
The Clintons have got to be the best paid speakers of all time. I mean they command big bucks. They must be fantastic.
New World Order Power Broker George Soros Predicts The Collapse Of The EU
Billionaire financier George Soros has warned that the European Union is on the “verge of collapse” over the migrant crisis and is in “danger of kicking the ball further up the hill” in its management of the issue which has seen more than a million migrants and refugees arrive in the region in 2015.
George Soros, for those of you who don’t know him, is the “money man” behind the coming New World Order. Starting from his early days as a young Jewish teenage who betrayed his own people to work with the Nazis, to his rise as a multibillionaire financier, George Soros is the man who ‘get it done’. In 1992, he single-handedly broke the Bank of England, and in 2015 spent 33 million dollars on financing the Ferguson race riots in St. Louis. Anywhere you find Liberals working to overthrow the rule of law and order, you will invariably find Soros there as well.
In an interview with the New York Review of Books, George Soros warned of the coming collapse of the European Union, and puts the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of German chancellor Angela Merkel.
Merkel led Europe’s response to the Muslim migrant crisis, opening Germany to the refugees that had travelled from the Middle East, in particular Syria, to try and find a new home in Europe. The decision by the German leader marked a sea-change in her policy. In the interview, Soros said he welcomed Merkel’s move.
“There is plenty to be nervous about,” the financier said.
“As she (Merkel) correctly predicted, the EU is on the verge of collapse. The Greek crisis taught the European authorities the art of muddling through one crisis after another. This practice is popularly known as kicking the can down the road, although it would be more accurate to describe it as kicking a ball uphill so that it keeps rolling back down.”
“Merkel correctly foresaw the potential of the migration crisis to destroy the European Union. What was a prediction has become the reality. The European Union badly needs fixing. This is a fact but it is not irreversible. And the people who can stop Merkel’s dire prediction from coming true are actually the German people. ”
“Now it’s time for Germans to decide: Do they want to accept the responsibilities and the liabilities involved in being the dominant power in Europe?”
What Soros conveniently leaves out in the his interview, however, is that at it’s core it is not a refugee problem, but rather an invasion problem. George Soros knows the true mission of these militant Muslim jihadi “migrants”, and has spent millions of dollars of his own money to finance their migration. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Mr Soros – who was born in Hungary – of deliberately encouraging the migrant crisis.
“This invasion is driven, on the one hand, by people smugglers, and on the other by those (human rights) activists who support everything that weakens the nation-state,” Mr Orban said. “This Western mindset and this activist network is perhaps best represented by George Soros.”
Mr Soros has now issued an email statement to Bloomberg Business, claiming his foundations help “uphold European values”, while Mr Orban’s actions in strengthening the Hungarian border and stopping a huge migrant influx “undermine those values.”
George Soros is a firm backer of transnational bodies such as the European Union, and his Open Society Foundation (OSF) provides assistance for pro-migration activists. He is well-known for his support for “progressive” causes such as the Center for American Progress, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Is George Soros really so powerful that he can bring about the collapse of the European Union? Just ask the Bank of England how much power Soros has.
They’ll be happy to tell you all about Black Wednesday.
Facebook Partners With Germany To Launch Anti-Hate Speech Campaign
Facebook Inc began a Europe-wide campaign on Monday to thwart extremist posts on social media, after German politicians in particular raised concerns about a rise in xenophobic comments linked to an influx of refugees.
I am all in favor of removing posts by terror groups to help prevent their spread and to not allow them to use social media as a recruiting tool. But that’s only part of Facebook’s new campaign to control the global narrative on the Muslim migrant explosion. They also want to prevent people from posting stories and links that expose the Muslim migrant situation for what it truly is – an invasion.
Facebook launched its “Initiative for Civil Courage Online” in Berlin, pledging over 1 million euros to support non-governmental organisations in their efforts to counter racist and xenophobic posts. Top German politicians and celebrities have voiced concern about the rise of anti-foreigner comments on Facebook and other social media as the country struggles to cope with a tide of new migrants that amounted to 1.1 million last year alone.
Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said hate speech “has no place in our society”, including in the Internet.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Facebook to do more, and the Justice Ministry set up a task force with Facebook and other social networks and Internet service providers with the aim of identifying criminal posts more quickly and taking them down.
It’s chilling to think that Facebook and Merkel have launched this campaign in Berlin, the same place where in the 1930’s Adolf Hitler held book burning rallies to prevent opposing views from being shared. It is not “hate speech” to hold the opinion that there are Muslim jihadis mixed in with legitimate refugees, and to post about that on social media. There is nothing “hateful” about the speaking the truth.
Instead of admitting she made a mistake by letting in hundreds of thousands of undocumented Muslim migrants who then proceeded to rape and pillage their way across Germany, Merkel now wants to prevent people from talking about the horrific crimes being committed by Muslim migrants.
Consider the following that has occurred in Germany since the Muslim migrants were allowed in:
- Although the rape took place in June, police kept silent about it for nearly three months, until local media published a story about the crime. According to an editorial comment in the newspaper Westfalen-Blatt, police are refusing to go public about crimes involving refugees and migrants because they do not want to give legitimacy to critics of mass migration.
- A 13-year-old Muslim girl was raped by another asylum seeker at a refugee facility in Detmold, a city in west-central Germany. The girl and her mother reportedly fled their homeland to escape a culture of sexual violence.
- Approximately 80% of the refugees/migrants at the shelter in Munich are male… the price for sex with female asylum seekers is ten euros. — Bavarian Broadcasting (Bayerischer Rundfunk).
- Police in the Bavarian town of Mering, where a 16-year-old-girl was raped on September 11, have issued a warning to parents not to allow their children to go outside unaccompanied. In the Bavarian town of Pocking, administrators of the Wilhelm-Diess-Gymnasium have warned parents not to let their daughter’s wear revealing clothing in order to avoid “misunderstandings.”
- “When Muslim teenage boys go to open air swimming pools, they are overwhelmed when they see girls in bikinis. These boys, who come from a culture where for women it is frowned upon to show naked skin, will follow girls and bother them without their realizing it. Naturally, this generates fear.” — Bavarian politician, quoted in Die Welt.
- A police raid on the Munich refugee facility found that guards hired to provide security at the site were trafficking drugs and weapons and were turning a blind eye to the prostitution.
- Meanwhile, the raping of German women by asylum seekers is becoming commonplace.
TOWNHALL — The American Founders and signers of the Constitution, despite their brilliance, failed to anticipate a president who would take the law-making powers they had given solely to the peoples’ Congress into his own hands…. (more)
WASHINGTON TIMES — The Obama administration on Saturday lifted economic sanctions against Iran after the U.N. atomic watchdog agency determined that Tehran has complied with the deal to curb its nuclear program in exchange for the sanctions relief…. (more)
WASHINGTON TIMES — Late-night talk show host Bill Maher on Friday said the idea that Syrian refugees can assimilate into Western countries and culture is a “fantasy.”… (more)
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — Ted Cruz reiterated his criticism of Donald Trump’s “New York values” Saturday, releasing a video showing Trump supporting same-sex marriage and abortion rights while crediting his New York roots for those beliefs…. (more)
THE RIGHT SCOOP — While everyone in the media freaks out over Ted Cruz’s comments aligning Trump with “New York values,” the Tednado is doubling down by poking a little fun at New Yorkers at a campaign stop today…. (more)
BRYAN FISCHER — One of the remarkable things about the current race for the presidency is the virtually complete absence of any discussion of Donald Trump’s troubled marital history by social conservatives in evaluating his fitness for office…. (more)
TELEGRAPH — The suicide bomber who killed 10 people in Istanbul registered as a refugee in Turkey just one week before the attack after entering the country from Syria, according to Turkish media…. (more)
BREITBART — President Obama traveled to Nebraska after his State of the Union speech, where he spoke to an enthusiastic group of supporters – – some even wanted him to serve as president for a third term…. (more)
NEWSMAX — A Fox News focus group of 26 South Carolina Republicans were near unanimous in their view that Texas Sen. Ted Cruz won Thursday’s GOP presidential debate on Fox Business Network…. (more)
WASHINGTON TIMES — Among the 10 Yemeni terrorists released by the Obama administration this week, one is Muhammad Salih Husayn al-Shaykh, a man who has pledged to kill as many Americans as possible. Another of the latest group is Abu Bakr Ibn Muhammad al-Ahdal, an al Qaeda member described by the intelligence community as a “willing terrorist against the U.S.”… (more)
VARIETY — Michael Bay’s “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” does not contain any mention of Hillary Clinton. Also not named is President Obama. At times, the movie even goes out of its way to avoid politics, as the director has said that he has no political agenda…. (more)
WASHINGTON TIMES — The National Rifle Association has taken cryptic note of the White House following President Obama’s very vocal push toward gun control as a part of his future legacy. NRA executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre says that Mr. Obama has chosen to attack “what he misunderstands most about America – – the Second Amendment, gun owners and the NRA.” Mr. La Pierre also has issued an invitation to the president via a public video message…. (more)
NEW YORK TIMES — Planned Parenthood mounted a legal counterattack Thursday against the anti-abortion activists who used covertly taped videos to accuse the organization of trading in aborted baby parts, charging in a federal lawsuit that “anti-abortion extremists” had engaged in a three-year “complex criminal enterprise.”… (more)
The Looming Collapse
God is in control of the economy and allows it to flourish or fail in order to serve His purposes. The idea that mankind can control the economy is an illusion that will eventually become apparent to all. But until then, mankind’s solution to fix the economy will be to double-down on the flawed policy to seek a bail-out from a higher governmental authority.
This is the dynamic that will eventually give us a global government. This world will experience the ultimate in human control over mankind and Revelation 18 says it will fail spectacularly.
Obama, King Of The World? It’s Quite Possible
Investors Business Daily warned over a year and a half ago that President Obama wasn’t about to spend his post-presidency building houses, like Jimmy Carter, but that there were discernible signs that he would seek to become secretary-general of the United Nations.
Why so many evangelicals have faith in Donald Trump
It’s not that Trump is the most religious or pious of the candidates, Falwell said, although he described Trump as a “servant leader” who “lives a life of helping others, as Jesus taught.” It’s that Trump is a savvy businessman who “speaks the truth publicly, even if it is uncomfortable for people to hear,” and who is not a puppet of major donors.
Falwell, who said his comments were not an endorsement, compared Trump to Ronald Reagan…
New Law Vastly Expands Government Surveillance Powers
For those nervous about digital and physical privacy intrusions and the reach of Big-brother type surveillance tactics, things just got a lot worse. President Barack Obama recently signed into law a bill that includes new spying powers and reporting powers for government, corporations, and private citizens willing to spy on others.
Dear Christians, If You Vote For A Godless Man, You Are Asking For Tyranny
It’s very simple. If a man has no moral center, if he has ambition but no faith, if he does not demonstrate humility or integrity, I will never vote for him for president. I don’t care who he is, what he’s done, what he says, or what positions he holds. None of that will matter when we are living under his tyranny, and tyranny is sure to follow when you give unspeakable power to a man who believes he is God.
800 Wheaton College Grads Threaten to Stop Financial Support If ‘Same God’ Prof. Isn’t Reinstated
A group of over 800 Wheaton College alumni are threatening to withdraw their financial support for the Evangelical institution until the school reinstates a tenured professor who was suspended last month for asserting that Christians and Muslims worship the same God.
Could Obama’s nuke deal unleash Iran’s Apocalyptic Muslims? – Joel Rosenberg/Todd Starnes
By Joel Rosenberg and Todd Starnes
“Apocalyptic Islam doesn’t want to simply attack us, it wants to annihilate us,” Rosenberg told me during an interview broadcast on my podcast. “Apocalyptic Muslims like the leaders of Iran and the leaders of the Islamic State believe that we are living in the End Times and that it’s their mission from Allah to bring about the end of the world as we know it.”
Will Twitter Declare War On Religious Conservatives?
With that in mind, Twitter’s guidelines are understandable, stating, “You may not promote violence against or directly attack or threaten other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability or disease.”
But what exactly does this mean?
A Time of Trouble and Distress
Sept. 25, 2014 through Sept. 13, 2015 was a Shemitah year. Jonathan Cahn caused quite a stir when he warned that there could be economic problems as the end of the year approached.
Many questioned his theology, but in late June and early July of 2015 China’s stock markets lost about 35-40%. A few weeks later (mid-Aug. of 2015), China devalued its currency three days in a row. Less than five months later (early Jan. of 2016), China’s stock markets plunged again and trade was suspended two days in a row. It took Chinese intervention to settle the collapsing market down.
Welcome to Our Banana Republic
With a wave of his wand, Obama defies the law.
In case you were just enjoying the weekend with your family and not listening to the news, the world changed over the past 48 hours.
The United States has now officially become a Banana Republic.
“Progressives” Turning Evangelicals Against Israel
Anti-Zionist films have also been used to influence evangelicals, portraying rocket-launching Palestinians as peace-loving victims of brutal Israeli aggression. One, titled “With God on Our Side,” features a young Palestinian claiming his people “really want his peace.” Another, produced by Hobby Lobby heir Mart Green, portrays Israelis as warmongers.
Christ at the Checkpoint, which claims to encourage people to “take an active role as followers of Christ in spreading justice and peace,” has gone even farther, employing Third Reich-style propaganda techniques against Israel.
Sozo – a dangerous “inner healing and deliverance ministry”
Before I get to Kim Olsen’s blog post, those who are unfamiliar with Sozo prayer need to know more about it. First of all, Sozo prayer is the brain child of husband and wife team Bill (self-proclaimed modern-day apostle) and Beni (New Age guru) Johnson, both of whom are pastors of the infamous Bethel Church in Redding […]
What was wrong with Trump’s appearance at Liberty
According to Denny Burk, Professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College, “Donald Trump doesn’t have to be a Christian in order to run for president or to speak at Liberty University. But Liberty University—as a Christian institution of higher learning—has a responsibility not to confuse people about what Christianity is. And today they fell short of that in a big way.” Burk writes:
Perhaps the best way to explain what went wrong with Donald Trump’s appearance at Liberty University earlier today is to clarify what wasn’t wrong with it.
There’s nothing wrong per se with a Christian university hosting a presidential candidate for a speech on their campus. In a university setting—even in a Christian one—a speech need not equal an endorsement. If other candidates are given equal access and if it is clear how such a visit might contribute to robust Christian thinking and conviction, there is no necessary offense in this. In fact, it could be a win.
There’s nothing wrong per se with a Christian university hosting a non-Christian for a speech or a lecture on campus. We should encourage a robust exchange of ideas—even with voices we might otherwise disagree with. And there is no necessary violation of principle to have, for example, an atheist participate in a symposium on the plausibility of belief. In fact, in that setting it would be profoundly beneficial to have an actual atheist come and make his case alongside that of Christians and to hear each side hash the issues out in reasoned debate. We can imagine any number of scenarios in which it might be helpful to hear from a non-Christian on a Christian campus. And I can even imagine a setting in which hearing from a non-Christian politician might actually be helpful and in keeping with a school’s mission.
Daily Digest
January 20, 2016
THE FOUNDATION
“The most sacred of the duties of a government [is] to do equal and impartial justice to all citizens.” —Thomas Jefferson, 1816
TOP RIGHT HOOKS
More Petraeus Punishment Looms as Hillary Evades Scrutiny
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Defense Secretary Ash Carter is weighing whether to add to retired General David Petraeus’s punishment for the latter’s confessed mishandling of classified information. The Pentagon could demote Petraeus, stripping him of one of his four stars — a move that could cost Petraeus not only hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost pension money but deal yet another blow to his once-sterling reputation as one of the most brilliant military men of this generation. His “surge” saved Iraq — until Barack Obama abandoned it. According to The Daily Beast’s initial report, Carter is seeking to “to send a message that even men of Petraeus’s fame and esteemed reputation are not immune to punishment.” But it’s more likely the Obama administration leveling retribution for a commander who has criticized Obama’s strategy. As Investor’s Business Daily put it, “The real goal is a Chicago-style warning flare to any retiring military to keep your mouth shut. And don’t testify before the Benghazi committee, as Petraeus just did.”
Equal application of justice is a welcome idea, but will the same level of punishment and scrutiny apply to another famous person who happens to be running for president? A newly disclosed letter from intelligence Inspector General Charles McCullough reveals that Hillary Clinton had “several dozen emails containing classified information determined by the [intelligence community] element to be at the CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET, and TOP SECRET/SAP levels.” SAP stands for “special access programs, and that information is even more sensitive than “top secret.” Some 1,300 classified emails have so far been discovered. There’s no way Clinton didn’t know exactly what she was doing, and her actions did far more damage to national security than Petraeus’s. She’s the one who might best preserve Obama’s legacy, but we still think it’s possible she’ll be indicted by the FBI, and that her candidacy is serving as a placeholder for Joe Biden or Elizabeth Warren at the Democrat convention.
SCOTUS to Review Obama’s Unilateral Amnesty
Finally, after a year of legal hurdles in the lower courts, the Supreme Court will determine the constitutionality of Barack Obama’s unilateral amnesty. On Tuesday, the justices agreed to hear United States v. Texas, the subject of two executive actions. “One, known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA), would halt deportations and offer work permits to the parents of U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents,” The Hill explains. “The other would expand Obama’s 2012 program — the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative — which provides the same protections to some high-achieving illegal immigrants brought to the country before age 16. The expanded program would simply extend DACA eligibility to a greater number of people.”
Twenty-six states sued to stop Obama’s amnesty shortly after it went into effect. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen issued a temporary injunction last February, correctly accusing Obama of exceeding his executive authority. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit agreed in November and upheld the injunction. But the Supreme Court will ultimately have the final say. The timing is interesting to say the least. The Hill notes, “If the justices had declined to [take up Obama’s amnesty] in the next round of cases, it would have solidified the Fifth Circuit’s injunction through the end of Obama’s White House tenure.” Since a Republican president could undo these actions as early as next January, the justices’ decision to take up the case leaves open the possibility that they have enough support to uphold Obama’s amnesty. The administration’s track record in cases regarding executive overreach, however, suggests otherwise. We’ll find out by June.
Iran Embarrasses U.S. in Prisoner Swap
In a twist of statecraft, the United States waited until the five Iranian-Americans held prisoner by Iran were safely on an airplane out of Iran before slapping sanctions against the country for test-firing ballistic missiles — sanctions that prevent 11 organizations and individuals associated with the tests from using U.S. banks. But it sure wasn’t the diplomatic victory Obama wants us to believe. Iran still gets its $150 billion in unfrozen money thanks to the nuclear deal. And the administration left a man behind: Former FBI agent Robert Levinson still remains in Iranian custody. Furthermore, the administration claims it learned about Levinson’s fate the same way Obama learns about so many other major news events: through the news.
State Department spokesman John Kirby said, “Unfortunately, so many other people found out about it through press reports because the Iranians leaked the information early, too early for us to have made the phone calls and notifications that we wanted to make. Believe me, nobody is happy about the way that went down. That’s not the way that we wanted it to happen.” In the same way Iran humiliated Obama when it broadcasted the images of detained U.S. sailors when their boats drifted into Iranian waters last week, the country is trying to embarrass the United States by broadcasting news of Levinson so that the U.S. couldn’t notify Levinson’s family in a respectful way. The missile tests and failed swap of Levinson could be another sign that Iran’s hard-line leaders are marginalizing moderates. Iran will hold parliamentary elections soon, and of the 12,000 candidates, nearly two-thirds of the candidates, the majority of them moderate, were disqualified by Iran’s Guardian Council. Even Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s grandson was disqualified because the candidate advocating for reform missed a test into his knowledge of Islamic law.
FEATURED RIGHT ANALYSIS
Of Course the Establishment Backs Trump
By Lewis Morris
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In the days leading up to the Feb. 1 Iowa Caucus, the Republican presidential field has undergone some significant shifts. After last Thursday’s debate, the consensus seemed to favor a three-man race — Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. But some would go even further to say it’s really down to Trump and Cruz. Establishment versus Outsider. But who is who?
As for the rest of the field, Rubio’s path to the nomination seems to be getting more, not less, difficult. His battles with Cruz and Chris Christie have exposed the problems his record poses for both conservatives and the rest of the base, particularly on immigration. And without a win in the early states, as seems likely, many wonder if Rubio can stay strong long enough to turn the tide.
And what of establishment darling Jeb Bush? Well, Jeb! has spent much of this contest polling in the single digits, and despite (or rather because of) his attacks on Trump and his numerous and uninspiring policy speeches, he just isn’t gaining traction with an electorate looking to throw the bums out. An almost sure loss in New Hampshire could mark the end for Bush.
As for Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, Rand Paul and the rest? We can expect to see them all to be picked off in the early primaries as their predictably meager showings lead to a bleeding of cash and supporters and the inevitable campaign suspension announcements.
How did it come down to Trump vs. Cruz? And what about the framing of Establishment versus Outsider? Trump has never held elective office, so he is perceived as an outsider. But he has long been a backer of Democrat politicians and has held a number of progressive views (New York values, one might say) that don’t match the conservative base of the party. So does that make him Establishment?
Cruz is a senator in Washington, so by comparison to Trump, is he Establishment? Hardly, considering that Cruz has made his name by tweaking the nose of the GOP establishment (including calling Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell a liar on the Senate floor) and generally taking on what he calls the “Washington cartel.” He is arguably the most resolutely conservative of all the Republican candidates, and his voting record and his public stance on the issues bears that out.
Take Cruz’s stance against ethanol subsidies. He refused to pander to Iowa power brokers, while other candidates dutifully bowed to King Corn and the mandates and subsidies that undermine the free market and exceed the government’s constitutional role. Trump on Tuesday called for increasing the ethanol blended into gasoline.
If there are any other questions as to whether Cruz is indeed the outsider candidate, just take a look at Iowa Republican Governor Terry Branstad’s words on the subject: “Because as Iowans learn about his anti-renewable fuel stand, and that it will cost us jobs, and will further reduce farm income, I think people will realize that it’s not in our interest. I don’t think that Ted Cruz is the right one for Iowans to support in the caucus.”
Traditionally, Iowa governors, regardless of party affiliation, have steered clear of offering opinions of the caucus. But Branstad’s son runs a group that’s part of the ethanol lobby, so he couldn’t remain silent.
The establishment’s rejection of Cruz is due to his solid conservatism and his combativeness with his fellow Republicans in Washington. In fact, there are reports that the establishment is beginning to coalesce around Trump — not because he represents the establishment GOP, but because he is the leading Not-Cruz. The establishment would rather have a dealmaker who boasts of having bought politicians and, more importantly, a moderate-to-liberal candidate, than a principled conservative.
Republican donors and consultants now don’t seem so quick to write off a Trump nomination. Is it because his momentum now makes him more viable than originally perceived? Is it because of the staunch support of his base? Yes, on both counts.
Trump’s supporters are an important asset that cannot be underestimated if Republicans want to win the White House this year. They are motivated because they are fed up with the establishment in Washington. But if that is truly the case, then who would better serve those voters’ interests: Trump or Cruz?
Sarah Palin chose Trump, endorsing him Tuesday. The former vice presidential candidate has been a standard-bearer for the Tea Party movement since she emerged on the national stage in 2008, so her endorsement of Trump is important.
At first glance, it’s also a puzzling move, though it shouldn’t be. On April 15, 2009, a big day in the early life of the Tea Party, Trump said, “I don’t march with the Tea Party.” He also said Obama “really has made a great impact on people,” and, “I think he’s doing a really good job.”
But Palin says, “Enough is enough. These issues that Donald Trump talks about had to be debated. And he brought them to the forefront. And that’s why we are where we are today. … We are mad and we’ve been had.”
Given Palin’s supposed conservative bona fides, she should have endorsed Cruz, particularly when one takes into account Trump’s previous progressive stances on some issues. And Cruz rightly credits Palin with helping secure his Senate seat. Yet Palin went with The Donald, signifying that she has been more populist than conservative from the beginning. Nevertheless, perception is everything, and her endorsement will only help Trump and hurt Cruz, especially in Iowa.
Republicans are highly motivated to win the White House this year. After eight years of Obama, and a potential four years of Hillary Clinton, the GOP needs to be prepared to do whatever it takes to win. However, the party needs to guard against leaving the bedrock principles of conservatism to be trumped by nationalistic populism. Otherwise a White House win will be a pyrrhic victory.
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MORE ORIGINAL PERSPECTIVE
- ANALYSIS: NYT Laments America Doesn’t Love Obama Enough
- State Dept. Shares Blame for Clinton’s Secrets
- Federal Deficit Resumes Upward Climb
- Christians Experiencing More Persecution Worldwide
- The Oscars’ Political Agenda Problem
- The Wall Street Question Plagues Candidates
- What a Failed Libya Means
BEST OF RIGHT OPINION
- Star Parker: Republicans Need Their Own Bernie Sanders in 2016
- Gary Bauer: American Hostages Freed
- Walter Williams: Blacks and the Confederacy
For more, visit Right Opinion.
TOP HEADLINES
- Rifle Found at ‘El Chapo’ Hideout Purchased Through Fast and Furious
- Obama’s Gun Orders Hit With First Lawsuit
- 500,000 Overstayed Their U.S. Visas in 2015
For more, visit Patriot Headline Report
OPINION IN BRIEF
Star Parker: “American voters are looking for honesty today. ‘Stop playing games with us,’ voters are telling politicians. ‘Tell us who you are; give us the facts, and let us choose. Don’t tell us how much you love freedom and then deliver more government.’ For this reason, Bernie Sanders is having surprising success challenging the Clinton machine. Sanders is a socialist, and he’s not afraid to say it. The advantage that Sanders has is he is going with the flow. He is pointing in the direction in which the country is already moving. He is not looking to unwind or turn back against anything. He wants to do more of what we are already doing and is up front about defining ourselves as socialists. Republicans need to be as clear with the country as Sanders with an alternative. … The job for Republicans who want to lead America toward freedom is much harder because it means real change from the status quo. It means telling the truth about abortion and the central importance of sanctity of life; and real reform in Social Security and Medicare, our tax system and our school systems. Throwing hand grenades at the ‘establishment’ doesn’t do this. We need substance. We need real ideas and proposals to change our fiscal and social realities.”
SHORT CUTS
Insight: “The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.” —H. L. Mencken (1880-1956)
Upright: “In truth, we should never be comfortable with our politicians. We should never trust them. Star worship of Ronald Reagan on the right leads establishment Republicans to idolize even his worst failures, like amnesty; star worship of Bill Clinton on the left leads Democrats to pooh-pooh his brutal treatment of women, and his wife’s enabling of that behavior. Our celebrities have become royals, and our politicians have become celebrities. That means we crown ourselves a king or queen every four years. And America needs no kings and queens. We need unimportant, decent people who focus on how to make themselves unimportant in our lives.” —Ben Shapiro
Bad fortune-telling: “[Republicans are] dusting off their three-point plans for $2 gas. I’ll save you the suspense: Step one is drill, step two is drill, and step three is keep drilling. … You know that’s not a plan. … It’s a bumper sticker. It’s not a strategy to solve our energy challenge. … [Y]ou know we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices.” —Barack Obama in 2012 (Now, of course, gas is well below $2 in many parts of the country — no thanks to him.)
Race bait: “[Hollywood is] an industry that’s so white and so male. … Literally I can go to L.A. for two or three days. … [A]nd three days later, i’ve [sic] not encountered a single African-American in any position of any decision making power or authority. It is stunning how segregated the town is, how the industry is.” —Michael Moore
Cognitive dissonance: “I talked to a senior DNC person today. They tell me [there’s a] tremendous amount of regret in the high ranks of the DNC that there aren’t more debates at better times.” —Mother Jones’ David Corn
Getting it right: “[I]t seems to be that there is a kind of creeping totalitarianism in terms of what kind of ideas are acceptable and are debatable on college campuses. And I think that’s hugely unfortunate. I think the answer to bad speech is different speech. The answer to bad speech is not shutting down speech.” —former Harvard president (and ardent liberal) Lawrence Summers
And last… “It’s starting to sound like Hillary should have used a much more abrasive cloth when she wiped that server.” —Jonah Goldberg
Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis!
Managing Editor Nate Jackson
Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform — Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen — standing in harm’s way in defense of Liberty, and for their families.
“The Patriot Post (http://patriotpost.us/subscribe/ )”
The Decline of America and the Rise of the Coming Religious Reich
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/news/article/decline-america-and-rise-coming-religious-reich
Germany’s Ambassador to the Vatican: “Islam…is Part of the
Solution”
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/news/article/germany-s-ambassador-vatican-islam-part-solution
A Biblical Look at Injustice
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/news/article/biblical-look-injustice
Private Property Ownership – the First American Right To Die Under Barack Obama’s Tyranny
The Radical Roots of Black Lives Matter:
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/news/article/eds-exploiting-blacks-roots-black-lives-matter
Wrongfully Convicted Man Finds Jesus, Becomes Pastor | Opinion | ||||||||||||
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Evangelicals looking to the wrong savior
There’s a lot of evangelical hand-wringing of late, over which Christian candidate can bring our nation back into the greatness that it once was. “If we can only elect a true Christian,” is a sentiment often heard among those who see the nation sinking into darkness. The Washington Post reports in an article, Donald Trump […]
Featured Blogs
Popular Christian music groups teaching heresy?
From Berean Research:
The blog post below addresses the astonishing lack of discernment among self-professed Christians when it comes to contemporary Christian music (CCM). The truth of the matter is that most CCM really isn’t Christian at all — not even close! How do I know that? By listening to the lyrics. More often than not CCM is unbiblical, even blasphemous! But many Christians don’t have the spiritual discernment to pick up on it. Sadly, some people who profess Christ really don’t care about the words that go from their lips to God’s ears. Why? Mainly because worship is all about me, not about God, so little or no attention is paid to the words we sing to Him.
But words matter, and what we say to God should matter a lot. Instead, Christians are focusing on themselves — their feelings and experiences….have I hit a nerve?
So now to Learning the Path’s post. Some of the videos are disturbing to watch. I urge you to watch them anyway.
A Little Apologetic Humor
We have had a bit of heavy stuff lately, so here is a bit of apologetic humor.
Trust God When You Are Mistreated
What happens when someone is mistreated for doing good? In this lab, John Piper teaches us how to respond to and endure injustice.
A Simple Way To Spend 45 Minutes A day With The Lord
There is nothing more important than spending regular time with the Lord. In John 15 Jesus said:
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (4, 5)
I have to have my devotions first thing in the day or I get too distracted. Find a time that works best for you and try to establish a consistent habit. Give this little system (or some variation of it) a try and you will find you can easily spend 45 minutes with the Lord. If this seems like too much start with one small part but try to do it every day. For example, try to read the Bible five minutes a day. It may not seem like much, but if you do it consistently you will really benefit from it. Ok, here’s an easy way to spend 45 minutes a day with the Lord:
5 minutes – Scripture memorization
20 minutes – Read or listen to 3 chapters of the Bible
5 minutes – Write things you’re thankful for
15 minutes – Pray
Ok, let’s elaborate:
5 minutes – scripture memorization. There are many ways to reach memorize scripture. You can listen to scripture set to music (e.g. Hide the Word). Or write down a Scripture on one side of a 3 x 5 card and the reference on the back. A good way to memorize is to focus first on key phrases rather than every word. For example Ephesians 3:20-21 says:
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Here are the six key phrases:
far more abundantly
ask or think,
power at work
glory in the church
Christ Jesus
throughout all generations
Focus on key phrases first. As you do the other words will fall into place. Spend 5 minutes at the beginning of your devotions reviewing a scripture or two. If you do this every day it won’t be long before you will have a lot of scriptures memorized.
20 minutes: Read or listen to 3 chapters of the Bible. At 3 chapters a day you read almost the whole Bible in a year (there are 1189 chapters in the Bible. If you divide this by 365 it comes out to 3.26 chapters a day). There are a couple of chapters of names of ancestors and allotments of land to Israel’s tribes which you could skip if you want to listen to the whole Bible in a year.
5 minutes: Write things you’re thankful for. I use a moleskin journal and a nice fountain pen and write a single page of things I’m thankful for. I write it out in prayer form, e.g., Lord Jesus, thank you for another day. Thank you for the gift of sleep, and for your protection during the night, etc.
15 minutes: Pray. Often I use prayers I’ve written out in various categories, e.g. my family, God’s kingdom come, our nation, the persecuted church, etc. I may pray for one or two categories a day. Though I don’t restrict myself to using my written prayers, I’ve found that by referring to them it helps keep me on track. I hope to elaborate more on this in a future blog post.
There you go. Devise your own plan and try to make it a habit. Again, start small if 45 minutes seems too long. Spend 1 minute on a Scripture, read 5 minutes, etc. The key is to try to be consistent. Nothing satisfies or yields more joy than spending time with Jesus.
Dealing with Winter Time Depression
The Cold-Case for the Resurrection by J. Warner Wallace
Check out
Blogs
On happiness: a theological outline | Reformation21 Blog: Scot Swain
Here’s a theological primer on happiness.
There But for the Grace of God Go I | Tim Challies
Tim doesn’t like this phrase, at least not what it often implies.
Your Antidote for Awe Amnesia | Paul Tripp
“We have lost our wonder and, in so doing, have shrunk our souls to the size of momentary, earthbound hopes and dreams. Because we have, we get disappointed, mad, and envious too quickly.”
4 Lessons for the Bedeviling Sanctification Debate
“When we behold the glory of Christ in the gospel, it reorders the loves of our hearts so we delight in him supremely, and the other things that have ruled our lives lose their enslaving power over us. This is sanctification by going deeper into the gospel, but it’s not merely telling yourself you are accepted and forgiven, as foundational as that is. In The Whole Christ, Sinclair Ferguson shows us how important it is for preaching and pastoral effectiveness to get this straight.”
Abortion: A Rational Look at An Emotional Issue | Free eBook by R C Sproul
“Friday will mark the 43rd anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. In light of this, Reformation Trust is making the ebook edition of R.C. Sproul’s Abortion: A Rational Look at An Emotional Issue free to download until the end of the month. We encourage you to download this ebook and share it with your family, friends, and church community.”
What do I love about C.H. Spurgeon’s ministry that is largely overlooked? | Practical Shepherding
“Pastors, don’t lose sight of the sick, suffering, and afflicted in your congregation for the more glamorous parts of pastoral ministry. In fact, I believe it is the faithfulness of our labors in the trenches that God uses to make our public ministries more useful and powerful. Especially, if we are willing to take risks. ”
The Book of Proverbs is Not a Parenting Manual
“Proverbs is not a how-to manual for raising children. There, I’ve said it! Now, before you shoot me, at least hear me out.”
Kindle Books
Innocent Blood: Challenging the Powers of Death with the Gospel of Life by John Ensor $1.99.
Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation by Joel Beeke and William Boekestein $4.99.
Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage by Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet $1.99.
New Book
The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters by Sinclair Ferguson. At last, a book version of the lectures that have helped so many thousands through the years.
Another recent book by Sinclair and Derek Thomas is Ichthus: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Saviour.
Video
‘Miraculous’ results from new MS treatment – Telegraph
“A pioneering new stem cell treatment is reversing and then halting the potentially crippling effects of multiple sclerosis.” A young men in my congregation has already benefitted from this wonderful treatment developed in Chicago.
The Daily Discovery (January 20, 2016)
ARTICLES I LIKE FROM AROUND THE WEB:
(Click title to go to full article)
Christian Cliches: Ask Jesus Into Your Heart – “One doesn’t simply invite himself over to the White House for a night in the Lincoln Bedroom, or into Buckingham Palace for tea with the Queen. No matter how earnest your desire or assertive your request, you will be denied access. And that’s no surprise to most people. We understand that monarchs and heads of state require a certain level of exclusivity, and we generally respect those boundaries. However, we don’t have that understanding when it comes to the Lord and His heavenly kingdom. Too many people assume their entrance into God’s family is a function of their own earnest desire. Phrases like ‘Asking Jesus into my heart’ or ‘Accepting Jesus as my personal Savior’ are emblematic of a mentality that carelessly reverses the roles in salvation.”
Bill Cosby, Martin Luther King, Abortion and Injustice – “In an incredible change of development, Bill Cosby could get away with rape. Allegedly, over the course of the last 50 years, Cosby has drugged and raped over 50 women. But a recent story came out claiming that Bill Cosby admitted to using sedatives to drug women back in 2005, but was promised by the prosecutor that it would never be used against him in court, and there is an email to prove this agreement. It is very likely that his confession, as well as any evidence gathered as a result of that confession, will not be allowed in court. If this turns out to be true Bill Cosby could go free. If the allegations are true, I can’t help but wonder what those women would go through if he ends up getting away with it.”
“Donald Trump is Not Capable of Serious Moral Reasoning” – “When Ben Carson was rising in the polls, Donald Trump was quick to attack the former neurosurgeon for being ‘pro-abortion not so long ago.’ The attack was more than a bit hypocritical because Trump himself was ‘very’ pro-abortion not so long ago. In 1999, Tim Russert asked Trump if he would support a ban on ‘abortion in the third-trimester’ or ‘partial-birth abortion.’”
Wheaton College and the Courage of Being Confessional – “The uproar over Wheaton College’s recent decision to begin termination proceedings for a tenured professor was oh-so-predictable. When Larycia Hawkins sought to show solidarity with her Muslim neighbors by donning a hijab and declaring that Muslims and Christians ‘worship the same God,’ the college sought clarification and then placed her on administrative leave while it investigated whether her theology was out of step with the school’s statement of faith.
7 Ways to Grow in the Art of Communication – “We need to understand that communication is an art that we all must learn better. It does not come naturally. Here are seven principles to help you to grow in this art, that you might teach your children…”
SERMON:
Nate Pickowicz – Jesus’ Trials & Peter’s Denials (John 18:12-27)
VIDEOS:
The Gospel Sermon Jam
Christians are the world’s biggest micro-aggressors.
“All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus. It brings us into the eternal presence of our Savior.” – John MacArthur
The post The Daily Discovery (January 20, 2016) appeared first on Entreating Favor.
A La Carte (January 20)
I am heading south today to speak at this year’s G3 Conference. G3 is almost always my first conference of the year and it is one I always look forward to. I hope to see many of you there!
Elderly Missionary Couple Kidnapped
It’s quite a religion that kidnaps medical missionaries in the name of its god.
Frozen Soap Bubbles
What an amazing little video. How can there be so much beauty in something so simple and so ordinary?
The Future of Retail
“Amazon Books is now open for business in Seattle. The floor is hardwood and the shelves and displays are weighed down by beautiful, physical books. It looks and smells like any ordinary bookstore. But make no mistake. It’s anything but.” Could it represent the future of retail?
A Simple Way
Mark Altrogge offers up a simple way to spend time with the Lord every day. He structures it for 45 minutes, but that can easily be scaled down (or up).
How You Will Die
Here’s how you will die. Maybe.
Hillary Clinton’s Email
Joe Carter has a Facebook post that explains why recent revelations about Hillary Clinton’s emails are a very, very big deal.
This Day in 250. 1,766 years ago today, Fabian, bishop of Rome, was martyred. He was the first person martyred under Emperor Decius. *
Pastor, Mind Your RBM or Risk Burnout
Here’s wise counsel for pastors (and everyone else).
Google Maps Goes Mini
Google Maps decided to go miniature by setting Street View loose on a miniature world.
What will it profit a man if he silences his adversary and loses that humble spirit in which the Lord delights? —John Newton
Christian Headlines Daily –
http://www.christianheadlines.com/
Our Time is Short
What is The Gospel?
God made everything out of nothing, including you and me. His main purpose in creation was to bring him pleasure.
The chief way in which we as humanity do this is through loving, obeying, and enjoying him perfectly.
Instead of this, we have sinned against our loving Creator and acted in high-handed rebellion.
God has vowed that he will righteously and lovingly judge sinners with eternal death.
But God, being merciful, loving, gracious, and just, sent his own son, Jesus Christ, in the likeness of man to live as a man; fulfilling his perfect requirements in the place of sinners; loving, obeying, and enjoying him perfectly.
And further, his son bore the eternal judgment of God upon the cross of Calvary, as he satisfied the eternal anger of God, standing in the place of sinners. God treated Jesus as a sinner, though he was perfectly sinless, that he might declare sinners as perfect.
This glorious transaction occurs as the sinner puts their faith (dependence, trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ as their substitute. God then charges Christ’s perfection to the sinner, and no longer views him as an enemy but instead an adopted son covered in the perfect righteousness of his son.
God furnished proof that this sacrifice was accepted by raising Jesus from the dead.
God will judge the world in righteousness and all of those who are not covered in the righteousness of Christ, depending on him for forgiveness, will be forced to stand on their own to bear the eternal anger of God.
Therefore, all must turn from sin and receive Christ Jesus as Lord.
What Is the Gospel?
There is no greater message to be heard than that which we call the gospel. But as important as that is, it is often given to massive distortions or over simplifications. People think they’re preaching the gospel to you when they tell you, ‘you can have a purpose to your life’, or that ‘you can have meaning to your life’, or that ‘you can have a personal relationship with Jesus.’ All of those things are true, and they’re all important, but they don’t get to the heart of the gospel.
The gospel is called the ‘good news’ because it addresses the most serious problem that you and I have as human beings, and that problem is simply this: God is holy and He is just, and I’m not. And at the end of my life, I’m going to stand before a just and holy God, and I’ll be judged. And I’ll be judged either on the basis of my own righteousness–or lack of it –or the righteousness of another. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus lived a life of perfect righteousness, of perfect obedience to God, not for His own well being but for His people. He has done for me what I couldn’t possibly do for myself. But not only has He lived that life of perfect obedience, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the justice and the righteousness of God.
The great misconception in our day is this: that God isn’t concerned to protect His own integrity. He’s a kind of wishy-washy deity, who just waves a wand of forgiveness over everybody. No. For God to forgive you is a very costly matter. It cost the sacrifice of His own Son. So valuable was that sacrifice that God pronounced it valuable by raising Him from the dead – so that Christ died for us, He was raised for our justification. So the gospel is something objective. It is the message of who Jesus is and what He did. And it also has a subjective dimension. How are the benefits of Jesus subjectively appropriated to us? How do I get it? The Bible makes it clear that we are justified not by our works, not by our efforts, not by our deeds, but by faith–and by faith alone. The only way you can receive the benefit of Christ’s life and death is by putting your trust in Him–and in Him alone. You do that, you’re declared just by God, you’re adopted into His family, you’re forgiven of all of your sins, and you have begun your pilgrimage for eternity.
The Gospel on 5 Fingers
If you picked up a hitchhiker (not that I recommend doing that) and he saw a Bible on your car seat and said, “I’ve heard about this thing called the Gospel – can you explain it to me before you drop me off in one minute up the street?” What would you say?
Can you explain the gospel in 30 seconds? In one minute? In five minutes?
Here’s one way I have found helpful. The five main components of the gospel can be remembered on 5 fingers of one hand. Here they are:
1) Jesus’ birth
2) Jesus’ life
3) Jesus’ death
4) Jesus’ resurrection
5) Jesus’ ascension
Obviously each point can be elaborated on depending on how much time you have. Here’s the short version:
1) Jesus’ birth – Jesus, God himself, the creator of the universe, the Messiah, became a human being – took on flesh, and was born of a virgin.
2) Jesus’ life – Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to his Father. Though he was tempted in every way as we are, he never once sinned.
3) Jesus’ death – on the cross, Jesus himself took all our sins and paid for them. God the father counted all our sins to Jesus as if he himself had personally committed them. Then Jesus bore God’s wrath towards sin – the punishment we deserved – as a substitute for us.
4) Jesus’ resurrection – within 3 days, Jesus rose physically from the dead, proving that his sacrifice for sins have been accepted by God, since the punishment for sin was death. Jesus was seen by numerous people after he rose including 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15).
5) Jesus’ ascension – Jesus ascended physically into heaven where he reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. And someday he will return to the earth.
That’s the gospel, the good news, and if we believe in Jesus Christ and this good news and call upon him he will save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
That’s a simple way to remember the gospel – five fingers. Even a child can do it. So ask God to give you opportunities to share his good news today.
Ready to start your new life with God?
Who do you think that I am?
With that brief question Jesus Christ confronted His followers with the most important issue they would ever face. He had spent much time with them and made some bold claims about His identity and authority. Now the time had come for them either to believe or deny His teachings.
Who do you say Jesus is? Your response to Him will determine not only your values and lifestyle, but your eternal destiny as well.
Consider what the Bible says about Him: Read more
Resource Links
CanIKnowGod.com is a website inspired by LifesGreatestQuestion.com, with new content, images, audio and video that will help you understand more about who God is and how to know Him. The site is mobile responsive and has an infinite scroll which makes for a very user-friendly experience. After you indicate a decision on CanIKnowGod.com, you are directed to a page that details what it means to have a new and transformed life through Jesus Christ. There’s even a Facebook page for daily updates, encouragement and scripture sharing.
Look to Jesus
Have you ever felt a little lost and wished there was a quick-start guide to your relationship with God? This is it!
30 Day Next Steps
John Beckett, a leading Christian businessman, has written a series to read over 30 days for new believers.
New Believers Guide
The New Believer’s Guide is a series of articles designed to show you how to walk in the new life Christ has given you— a life of faith and freedom.
Jesus Booklet
Jesus is the Savior of the world. Discover who Jesus is today in this series.
About Christianity
Know Jesus Christ and your life will be transformed
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“A simple layman armed with Scripture is to be believed above a pope or a council without it…” – Martin Luther
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
— Augustine
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