The Daily Brief:
Monday, October 23, 2017
President Donald Trump hinted Friday that his top two candidates to chair the Federal Reserve are Fed Governor Jerome Powell and Stanford economist John Taylor - though he left the door open to other contenders. POLITICO reported Thursday that Powell is the leading candidate to chair the central bank after current Chair Janet Yellen's term ends in January. The president has interviewed five finalists: Powell, Taylor, Yellen, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn.
White House spokeswoman Natalie Strom said Thursday that all five candidates are "at the same level of consideration," and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday was careful not to step on Trump's forthcoming announcement. "We still don't have an announcement on that," Sanders told reporters. Asked about the possibility of Powell and Taylor both joining the Fed as chair and vice chair, Sanders said it's "certainly under consideration." (Read more)
- Father God, we ask that You guide our President with Your eye, that He might know Your wisdom in making this critical decision. The position of the Chairman of the Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful on earth. May President Trump rely upon Your power, in choosing wisely. Amen.
- " . . . see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart . . ." (I Kings 3:12)
2. McMaster says Trump 'absolutely' prepared to terminate Iran deal - Jerusalem Post
US President Donald Trump is prepared to withdraw from a nuclear agreement reached with Iran and other international powers in 2015, his national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, said on Thursday.
Speaking at a forum hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank that contributed research and scholarship to the Trump administration's new strategy on Iran unveiled last week, McMaster said the president's first choice is to get Congress and European allies on board with a "pressure" strategy that will force Iran back to the negotiating table.
Trump's national security team hopes to negotiate an addendum to the nuclear deal that will address its greatest concerns with the current agreement: its expiration dates, its omission of any restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile work and its opaque language on granting international nuclear inspectors swift access to Iran's military bases. If Congress fails to pass legislation that helps bolster Trump's diplomatic leverage, and if European powers refuse to come along with his strategy, the president will "absolutely" terminate the deal, McMaster said. Trump last week threatened to terminate the accord wholesale if his more measured approach fails to deliver. (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank You for a President who stands by his word. We ask Your Hand of blessing to rest upon President Trump, today and always, in Your Name, amen.
- "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
3. John Kelly shames the shameless media - Washington Examiner
Kelly said at the press briefing Thursday that he was "stunned" and "brokenhearted" when he saw Wilson in TV interviews and quoted in news reports divulging details about a personal call from Trump to Myeisha Johnson, whose husband died in an enemy ambush earlier this month in Niger. In front of a room of uncharacteristically hushed reporters, Kelly said he was dismayed to see Wilson politicize one of the few sacred things left: The mourning of a fallen soldier. In this case, Sgt. La David T. Johnson.
Wilson told reporters earlier in the week that she was there for the on-speaker call between President Trump and Myeisha Johnson. She said Trump was "insensitive" because, according to Wilson, Trump told Johnson, "Well, I guess he knew what he signed up for, but I guess it still hurts."
There is no recording of the conversation to corroborate Wilson's quote or even her ungenerous interpretation of the phone call. Assuming the quote is accurate, Kelly said he had told Trump to say something along those same lines, because it was what most comforted Kelly after his own son died serving in Afghanistan.
News publications running articles on Wilson's story botched it even further, readily printing the first half of Wilson's Trump quote ("He knew what he was getting into when he signed up . . .") while disregarding the rest (". . . but I guess it still hurts.") The New York Times, the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and NBC all ran pieces that included the first half of Wilson's quote without the second. (Read more)
- Father in heaven, we pray that You will cover President Trump with Your presence so the attacks by the enemy against him will be dropped. Block and render powerless all that Rep. Wilson said in TV interviews that would swing the minds of the public away from the mourning of the death of Sgt Johnson. May the memory of this man's bravery and faithful service to our country long outlive any words spoken by Ms. Wilson. We pray in the Name of Jesus.
- "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge." (Proverbs 14:7)
4. Frank Gaffney: Abandoning Kurds in Iraq Is a 'Strategic Mistake of Epic Proportions' - Breitbart
Marlow turned to the conflict between independence-seeking Kurds and the Iraqi government, which launched military operations against Kurdish positions this week with the assistance of Iran-backed Shiite militia forces. Marlow expressed concern that the Trump administration is remaining neutral while the Kurds, a vital U.S. battlefield ally in the successful war against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, are assaulted by Baghdad and Tehran.
Gaffney said it was "tragic" and a "strategic mistake of great proportions" for President Trump to withhold his support from the Kurds. "Their enemies are our enemies, virtually without exception," he noted. "The Kurds are surrounded by nations that are not just hostile to them, but hostile to us. What I think has happened here, tragically, is a very clear byproduct of the bad advice the president has been getting from H.R. McMaster, his national security adviser," Gaffney postulated. (Read more)
See also: Report: Shiite Militias Hang Photo of Ayatollah Khamenei in Kirkuk Following Invasion - Breitbart
(Read here)
- Father God, we repent before Your Throne of Grace that we have so terribly let these precious ones down. Lord God, the Kurds were there for us when we needed them, and now we are not there for them when they need us. Forgive us, Lord, and bring forth policy that will fully undergird the Kurdish people in their time of need, we pray, amen.
- "Do unto others as You would have them do unto You." (Matthew 7:12)
5. Congress Probes Whether Obama DOJ Used The 'Trump Dossier' Before Surveillance Court - Daily Caller
Both the House and the Senate are investigating whether the former President Barack Obama's administration used intelligence in a salacious "Trump Dossier" as "evidence" before a secret federal surveillance court to obtain permission to spy on Donald Trump campaign aides and later his transition team. The FBI used the dossier to secure permission to monitor the communications of Trump associate Carter Page, based on U.S. officials briefed on the Russia investigation, CNN reported in April.
The latest inquiries began Oct. 4, when the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence subpoenaed Fusion GPS, a political opposition research firm based in Washington, D.C., to appear before the committee and turn over bank documents. The committee is also seeking all Justice Department applications before the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Court, also called the FISA court, to determine if any of the applicants rely on information from the dossier. The Senate Judiciary inquiry is also questioning ethical decisions demonstrated by former director James Comey when the bureau reportedly sought to pay Steele for his services, according to The Washington Post. (Read more)
- God, we pray that no invasion into President Trump's Dossier will go unpunished. Father God, we ask that all bank documents and all Justice Department applications will reveal just how deep this information was used against Trump. Stand against any damage that resulted in this invasion of privacy. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- "That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning these secret things." (Daniel 2:18)
6. Trump admin scraps EPA's deceitful 'sue and settle' trick - WND
Limited government advocates and property-rights champions are cheering Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt for publicly announcing he will scrap the tactic known as "sue and settle" for as long as he is in office.
"We will no longer go behind closed doors and use consent decrees and settlement agreements to resolve lawsuits filed against the Agency by special interest groups where doing so would circumvent the regulatory process set forth by Congress," Pruitt said in a statement.
So what is "sue and settle?" In short, it's a way that politicians and bureaucrats shift policy by pretending to be in a legal fight with a political ally and altering a specific rule to supposedly avoid a lawsuit. Patrick Hedger, manager of the Regulatory Action Center at the FreedomWorks Foundation, offers a more detailed description of how this political and legal charade plays out. (Read more)
- Jesus, let the truth be unveiled and let confusion and disorder be brought to light to be dealt with as You see fit. It seems too hard for our lawmakers to move forward in agreement on so many government issues. Let the Holy Spirit lead the Congress and all agencies to the right decisions with no strongholds of confusion. Amen.
- "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace-as in all the congregations of the Lord's people." (1 Corinthians 14:33)
7. Trump administration considers pausing U.S. refugee family reunification program - Reuters
President Trump's administration has drafted a plan to pause a program that allows family members join refugees already settled in the United States until they can undergo increased security checks, two sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. The proposals, if implemented, could significantly slow down refugee admissions and leave refugees who thought they were headed to the United States in perilous situations abroad, say refugee advocates and former officials.
Refugees currently undergo differing levels of security checks when applying for admission to the United States in a process that can take 18-24 months. "When you put in additional security checks you can basically halt the system," said Robert Carey, the former director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement under former President Barack Obama, a Democrat.
"Every check is only good for a finite period of time and they expire and the whole process has to start all over again," he said, adding that the level of scrutiny is higher for refugees than most any other visa applicant to the United States.
Trump also lowered the maximum number of refugees to be allowed into the United States in 2017 to 50,000 from the 110,000 originally set by Obama. The 2018 level has been set at 45,000, the lowest number in decades. (Read more)
- Father, let the refugees coming into the U.S. be those that You say may come. There are laws required for legal entrance into our country. If limiting the number who enter so be it. As U.S. citizens we are required to follow the laws of the land. Give President Trump the wisdom to lead the U.S. in the ways directed by You. We ask in Your Holy name.
- "Solomon son of David established himself over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great." (2 Chronicles 1:1)
8. Florida police arrest 277, including cops and doctors, in sex sting - Fox News
Florida police arrested 277 people -- including doctors, cops and pharmacists -- during a weeklong undercover sex sting operation. "Operation No Tricks, No Treats" began Oct. 10 and ran until Oct. 15, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Judd identified some of the other suspects arrested as a cancer surgeon, teacher, pediatrician, Air Force veteran, retired deputy sheriff, retired police officer, active colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and several pharmacists. They range in age from 16 to 74 years old.
"That's the most we have ever arrested in the history of the sheriff's office," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. The suspects face 334 charges, including human-trafficking and soliciting another for prostitution. The office stated 215 people traveled to Polk County from other areas in Florida or were visiting the state from Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. "We are committed to fighting human trafficking, by arresting those who engage in prostitution and trying to identify human trafficking victims," Judd said. "It's no secret. You need to stay out of Polk County if you're going to commit crime." (Read more)
- Praise God from the highest heaven for guiding Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to set up this sting operation and bring down this major sex trap working to enslave hundreds of victims. God, we ask that You surround the entire area of Polk County and even the State of Florida with angels dispatched by the Lord to uncover every hidden area where human sex trafficking, prostitution and kidnapping of innocent victims has been taking place. Encircle Sheriff Judd with godly protection so no harm can reach him. Empower him with holy intelligence to see into the hidden areas of evil and rout out all enemy forces. In the Name of Jesus we pray.
- "And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth, for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them. And I will send the sword, the famine and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers." (Jeremiah 24:9-10)
9. Illegal immigrant's abortion demand turns into major battle over Constitution - Washington Times
The fight over whether the government must facilitate an illegal immigrant girl obtaining an abortion has exploded into a full-blown legal battle over the future and limits of Roe v. Wade, according to pro-life and pro-choice groups anxiously awaiting a ruling. A federal appeals court in D.C. heard oral argument on the case Friday and the judges are rushing to rule, with the girl's advocates saying she's 15 weeks pregnant and needs to have the abortion now or else she'll run into later-term restrictions that would make the procedure complicated.
But the Trump administration is balking, saying the 17-year-old girl - known in court documents only as "J.D." - is a juvenile in the custody of federal health officials in a shelter in Texas, and they cannot facilitate the abortion or else they'll run afoul of federal prohibitions on spending taxpayer money on abortion.
Texas, meanwhile, says it fears become a "sanctuary state for abortion" if the courts rule in favor of the girl, while pro-life groups say they fear a surge of illegal immigrant women and girls hoping to take advantage of relatively unfettered access to abortion in the U.S.
"This is a case which would incentivize an abortion-import business for illegal immigrant minor girls in defiance of state laws. And who is being asked to run the business? Taxpayers and the government Office of Refugee Resettlement," said Majorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List. (Read more)
- Abba Father, abortion is murder no matter citizen or refugee. God bless Texas for trying to avoid becoming the "sanctuary state of abortion." Protect the babies and give them the opportunity to live the life You have designed for them. Let the mothers protect their children and teach them Your ways. If the mothers know You not, send someone to lead them to You. Thank You for the love and mercy You give each of us. Amen.
- "You shall speak to him saying, "Thus says the Lord, have you murdered and taken possessions?" And you shall speak to him saying, "Thus says the Lord: In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, the dogs shall lick your blood, even your blood." (1 Kings 21:19)
10. Air Force punishes colonel who refused to affirm gay marriage, attorney says - Fox News
The Air Force has punished a highly-decorated and respected colonel after he refused to publicly affirm the same-sex spouse of a retiring subordinate. Col. Leland Bohannon, who was on the verge of being promoted to a one-star general, was suspended from command and orders were handed down recommending he not be promoted. "His career is likely over and he will likely have to retire as a colonel instead of as a general," First Liberty Institute attorney Michael Berry told the Todd Starnes Show.
First Liberty Institute, one of the nation's most prominent religious liberty law firms, is representing the distinguished military officer. "This sends a clear message - if you do not have the politically correct viewpoint, you are not welcome in the military," Berry said. "The military is no longer a place of diversity and inclusion if you are a person who holds to a traditional belief on marriage." (Read more)
- Dear Lord, we are grieved at the hearing of this misapplication of justice and of good being called evil. We pray for a turnaround in this case and that the righteousness of the Lord will prevail. Thank You for this brave and honorable man who is willing to stand up to the god of political correctness. Please provide for the future for him and his family.
- "Judge me, O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me." (Psalms 35:24)
11. Why millennials are ditching religion for witchcraft and astrology - MarketWatch
Melissa Jayne, owner of Brooklyn-based "metaphysical boutique" Catland, said she has seen a major uptick in interest in the occult in the past five years, especially among New Yorkers in their 20s. The store offers workshops like "Witchcraft 101," "Astrology 101," and a "Spirit Seance."
"Whether it be spell-casting, tarot, astrology, meditation and trance, or herbalism, these traditions offer tangible ways for people to enact change in their lives," she said. "For a generation that grew up in a world of big industry, environmental destruction, large and oppressive governments, and toxic social structures, all of which seem too big to change, this can be incredibly attractive." (Read more)
- Father in heaven, we pray Your powerful healing, which is accomplished through the Blood of Jesus Christ, go all over the world at large. Dispatch a myriad of angels from heaven to walk across the land and minister holiness into every dark, sinister area where witchcraft and satan's deceptive practices are wooing the millennials, and all the world irrespective of age, into a web of evil that will destroy their lives, and ultimately they all will spend eternity in a lake of fire with satan. God, we pray for lost souls to be saved by believing in Jesus' sacrifice of Himself on the Cross. We pray this in the Name of Jesus.
- "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
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