Weekly Issues Alert

December 1 - 7

"Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one..." --Thomas Paine

The Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941

History
Video

Survivors Honor Pearl Harbor Victims

The Christian Action League of N. C. Honors All Veterans Who Served During World War II. God Bless You for Your Service to Our Country!

NC General Assembly

Black's Troubles Stir Speaker Race — Raleigh News and Observer

N.C. House Democrats face the choice of remaining loyal to House Speaker Jim Black, the architect of the Democrats' return to power, or finding a leader who doesn't risk being indicted. He faces at least seven who want his job. Read
Critics Accuses Black Ally of Violating N.C. Campaign Finance Law — HeraldSun

A frequent critic of state House Speaker Jim Black accused one of Black's allies Tuesday of breaking elections law by delaying the disclosure of more than $41,000 in campaign donations. Read
N.C. Lawmakers Question Land Gift that Includes Debt — Raleigh News and Observer

Several lawmakers questioned Wednesday why the state has accepted a parcel of land from a Carteret County museum that was paid for with taxpayer money a decade ago and now is laden with about $5.3 million in debt. Read

NC Courts

High Court's Eyes on Wake Schools — Raleigh News and Observer

A Supreme Court case might consider Wake's decisions on race's role in school assignments. Wake County's race-blind approach to school assignments may help shape the outcome of a high-profile Supreme Court case being presented Monday that would effectively end the nation's 52-year chapter on desegregation. Read
Student To Get $8 Million In Case Of Sexual Contact By Teacher

A Wake County family should get 8 (M) million dollars from a former teacher convicted of having sexual contact with their daughter. Read

NC Gambling

Some N.C. Lottery Games To Be Phased Out

Starting Friday, four scratch-off ticket games offered by the North Carolina Education Lottery will end. Read

North Carolina Politics

Edwards, Clark Carry Debt >From Unsuccessful 2004 White House Bids — WRAL

Democrats John Edwards and Wesley Clark have debts of several hundred thousand dollars from their unsuccessful White House bids in 2004, a burden as they consider presidential runs in 2008. Read
State Republican Party Elects New Chairman — Raleigh News and Observer

Republican Party leaders elected former Charlotte teacher and longtime party officer Linda Daves as their state chairman, rebuffing calls for an overhaul of the party's top ranks after election defeats last month. Read
High Point resident is Bush's choice for ambassadorship — Raleigh News and Observer

President Bush has picked a furniture executive and Republican fundraiser to become the next U.S. ambassador to Estonia. Read
Easley Appoints Chair of Clean Water Board — Triangle Business Journal

Gov. Mike Easley on Wednesday named former state Rep. Phil Baddour Jr. chairman of the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund's board of trustees. Read

Other North Carolina News

Camp Lejeune Marine killed in Iraq — Raleigh News and Observer

A Michigan native who was serving his second tour of duty has died in Iraq, his family said. Read
North Carolina Sheriff Who is Facing 20-year-old Rape Charges Takes the Oath of Office — International Herald Tribune

A small town police chief who won his campaign for sheriff despite being charged mid-race with raping two young girls nearly 20 years ago was sworn into office Monday. Read
City Council Approves Nativity & Scripture — Called2Action

By a unanimous vote, the Raleigh City Council approved our request to put up a Nativity display along with Scripture! Read
5 Arrested For Making Fake IDs For Illegal Immigrants — WRAL

Five men were arrested in an immigration raid in Hoke County over the weekend. Investigators said the raid stemmed from an anonymous tip that people were making fake driver's licenses and Social Security cards for illegal immigrants. Read
Errors Extend Beyond Apex Site — Raleigh News and Observer

Since 2000, regulators have repeatedly found the ingredients for explosions stacked together inside Apex and Charlotte waste warehouses. Read
Gift Cards Become Targets For Would-Be Thieves — WRAL

Suspected thieves copy the numbers on the back of gift cards on display. Then they call the 1-800 line and punch in the numbers to see if the card is activated and what the available balance is. If the card was sold, chances are it's activated and it's fare game for purchases made online or over the phone. Read
Panel on Hazardous Waste: Clue Neighbors In — Raleigh News and Observer

Neighbors of hazardous waste storehouses should get regular notices, and the facilities should have 24-security or electronic fire detection systems, according to a task force convened by the governor. Read
State Shoots Down Idea Of Sunday Hunting

A survey that found North Carolina's ban on hunting on Sundays is popular convinced state officials to leave the ban in place Wednesday. Read
McCain: More Troops Key to Iraq — Raleigh News and Observer

McCain was in Charlotte and Winston-Salem on Friday. He sat down with Rob Christensen of The News & Observer. This is one of a series of interviews The N&O is conducting with potential presidential candidates. Read
State Seeks Its Share of Defense Dollars — Raleigh News and Observer

North Carolina, home to hogs, newfangled enzymes and incredibly fast cars, now will consider a future in guns.

Or tanks. Or uniforms, or computer programs, or anything else the U.S. Department of Defense might need to defend the nation and fight wars abroad. As the Pentagon prepares to bring more troops and new commanders to Fort Bragg, state leaders have been quietly developing a plan to grow a defense industry as well. The state will launch a private military foundation, led by retired generals, in hopes of bringing more big-time defense dollars — and perhaps a new bullet factory or tank-rehabilitation plant — to North Carolina. Read
Officials Can Take a Lesson from Ethics Panel Chief — Raleigh News and Observer

Tar Heel of the Week: Starting Jan. 1, Perry Newson's duties and those of the State Ethics Commission will increase dramatically. Read
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" House Revealed Today — WPTF

A property in downtown Raleigh has become a construction site and T-V set at the same time as the team from

A-B-C's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" replaces a family home. The new home will be revealed to Linda and William Riggins today. Read
Study: North Carolina Among the 15 Most Unhealthy States — Triangle Business Journal

North Carolina is the 15th least healthy state in the nation, according to a report released Tuesday by the United Health Foundation. Read
N.C. Teens Third in Science Competition — Raleigh News and Observer

A pair of North Carolina teenagers, including one from Cary, have won third place in one of the nation's premier high school science competitions. Read
Triplet Lions at North Carolina Zoo Meet Humans for 1st Time — FOX Carolina.com

The triplet lions at the North Carolina Zoo have had their first face-to-face meeting with humans. Read
Former Police Chief Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge — WRAL

The former police chief of Bethel has pleaded guilty to illegally distributing crack cocaine. Read
Arsonist Strikes Again In North Carolina — WTKR News 3

Camden County fire officials believe one person is responsible for setting six fires over the last few weeks Read
86 DMV Jobs go to Bladen County — Raleigh News and Observer

Eighty-six workers will be uprooted next year when the state Division of Motor Vehicles unplugs its Raleigh call center and moves the jobs 80 miles away to Bladen County in North Carolina's rural southeastern corner. Read
Pat Holshouser, Wife Of Former NC GOP Governor Dies At 67 — WPTF

The wife of former North Carolina Governor Jim Holshouser has died at the age of 67. Read
Rolls-Royce Eyeing North Carolina for Possible Facility — Triangle Business Journal

The company, which provides power systems and services for civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy markets, has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to eight states: Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The RFQ is based on comprehensive business criteria developed by the company. Read
North Carolina issues 2007 withholding tables — CCH-USA

North Carolina has released new wage-bracket and percentage method withholding tables for wages paid on and after January 1, 2007. Read
Continental Tire gives $75K to UNC — Triangle Business Journal

Continental Tire North America Inc. has committed to funding a three-year, $75,000 scholarship program at UNC Chapel Hill. Read

Congress

National Clergy Council, Faith and Action to Combine News Conference with Christian Defense Coalition — Christian Newswire

Today's news conference by the National Clergy Council and its affiliate Faith and Action to announce its ticket give-away to Congress to see The Nativity will be combined with a news conference by the Christian Defense Coalition announcing its Project Nativity initiative. Read

Related
Will Senate Amnesty Bill Trump State Efforts To Curb Illegal Immigration? — Grassfire.org

The real impact of illegal immigration is not felt in Washington, D.C. It is felt in the states — the cities and towns across the nation being forced to foot the bill for the runaway costs and local impact of illegal immigration. That's why it should be no surprise that, with the Senate and the President pushing through an irresponsible blanket amnesty plan, our state legislatures are taking matters into their own hands. As USA Today and others are reporting, 30 states have passed legislation this year to crack down on illegal immigration. Go here to see if your state is taking action. Read

Petition
Global Warming 'Over-Hyped'? — The Washington Times

Sen. James M. Inhofe, in one of his final actions as chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, yesterday held a hearing to investigate whether press accounts have "over-hyped" predictions of global warming. "The media often fails to distinguish between predictions and what is actually being observed on the Earth today," the Oklahoma Republican said. "Rather than focus on the hard science of global warming, the media has instead become advocates for hyping scientifically unfounded climate alarmism." Read
Iraq Group Co-Chairs: Bush, Congress Must Work Together — Chicago Sun-Times

The Bush administration and the Congress must work together in forging a new course in Iraq despite partisan differences over how to end U.S. involvement in the long-running war, the co-chairmen of the Iraq Study Group said Thursday. Read
Read the Iraq Study Group Report — Newsweek

Read
Defense Nominee Gains Approval of Senate Panel — NYT

Robert M. Gates said the recommendations to be made public on Wednesday by the Iraq Study Group would be important but not "the last word." Read
Pro-Life Democrat Will Push Congressional Bill to Reduce Abortions — Lifenews.com

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — When pro-abortion Democratic leaders gain control of Congress next year, pro-life organizations likely won't see any votes on key pro-life legislation that would reduce abortions. The pro-life community may look to a pro-life Democrat's bill as one of the few opportunities to put any measures on President Bush's desk. Read
H.R.864 : To Provide for Programs and Activities with Respect to the Prevention of Underage Drinking — Thomas Library of Congress

Sponsor: Rep Roybal-Allard, Lucille [CA-34] (introduced 2/16/2005) Cosponsors (85) Committees: House Energy and Commerce

Latest Major Action: 12/6/2006 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. Read
House Falls Short of Two-Thirds Vote Needed for Abortion-Fetal Pain Bill — Lifenews.com

The House of Representatives on Wednesday failed to approve a measure that would provide information to women considering an abortion showing it will cause their baby severe pain. Read
H.CON.RES.419 : Recognizing and Supporting the Efforts of the State of New York to Develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Kelly, Sue W. [NY-19] (introduced 5/25/2006) Cosponsors (23) Committees: House Armed Services; Senate Armed Services Latest Major Action: 12/6/2006 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. Read
Lawmaker Wants to Fund Switchgrass for Ethanol — GE Eco-Business Channel

The government should pay farmers to grow 5 million acres of switchgrass, a possible new feedstock for the booming ethanol industry, the incoming chairman of the House Agriculture Committee said on Wednesday. Read
An Urgent Petition Against Hate Crimes Laws — Liberty Counsel

To the Honorable Members of the United States Senate Petition
Muslim-American Group Targets Radio Host Over Koran Oath Comments — FOX News

A Muslim-American advocacy group has called on radio talk show host Dennis Prager to be removed from the governing board of the federally funded U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum after Prager last week blasted a representative-elect for planning to use the Koran at his swearing-in next month. Prager, who is Jewish, slammed Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress, after Ellison announced he plans to have his oath of office photo taken with the Koran instead of the Christian Bible, which is traditional. Read
Sam Brownback, Pro-Life Senator, Starts Presidential Exploratory Committee — Lifenews

One of the leading pro-life lawmakers on Capitol Hill has moved closer to a potential presidential bid for 2008. Read
House to Vote on Abortion-Anesthesia Bill — Washington Post

Republicans vow more tests for Democrats on social issues when Congress returns Read
Pro-Abortion Sen. Evan Bayh Considers Democratic Presidential Bid — LifeNews

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh is the latest Democrat to stick his toe in the water to consider a 2008 presidential bid. The pro-abortion lawmaker made an announcement on a television news program yesterday that he is forming a presidential exploratory committee, which allows him to gauge support for a candidacy. Read
Senate Approves Burr Bioterrorism Bill, but Adjournment Looms — Raleigh News and Observer

Nearly two years of negotiation on a bill to fight bioterrorism ended in a partial win for North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr — the Senate approved the measure, but it will probably die within days when Congress adjourns. Read
Pro-Abortion Groups Split on Opposing Congressional Fetal Pain Bill — Lifenews

Abortion advocates are normally united in their efforts to stop women from knowing the truth about abortion's risks and alternatives. It comes as a surprise to some that the leading pro-abortion groups aren't united against a Congressional bill that would tell women of the pain their babies would feel during an abortion. Read
Senator Lifts Hold on FDA Nominee Over RU 486 Abortion Drug — LifeNews.com

A pro-life senator has lifted the hold he placed on the nomination of Andrew von Eschenbach to head the FDA. Sen. Jim DeMint had been blocking a vote because he was upset with the way the agency has handled the RU 486 abortion drug, which has killed seven women. Read
Dems Press for Paid Sick Leave for All — Citizenlink.com

Some experts say the financial burden on businesses would have a negative impact on employees. Read

Courts

Dwindling Docket Mystifies Supreme Court — NYT

On the Supreme Court's color-coded master calendar, which was distributed months before the term began on the first Monday in October, Dec. 6 is marked in red to signify a day when the justices are scheduled to be on the bench, hearing arguments. The courtroom, however, was empty on Wednesday, and for a simple reason: The court was out of cases. The question is, where have all the cases gone? Read
Liberty Counsel Urges California Supreme Court To Deny Review of Same-Sex Marriage Decision

Liberty Counsel filed a brief this week at the California Supreme Court in opposition to same-sex marriage advocates who failed in their attempt to overturn California's definition of marriage at the state Court of Appeal. Read
Court Rejects Interpretation of Immigration Drug Law — NYT

The Supreme Court ruled that a noncitizen is not subject to mandatory deportation for a drug crime that, while a felony in the state where the crime was prosecuted, is only a misdemeanor under federal law. Read
Attorney Applauds Appellate Court's Decision Favoring Mt. Soledad Transfer — Agape Press

California's Fourth District Court of Appeals has ruled the referendum vote on and transfer of the veterans memorial known as the "Mount Soledad Cross" from the City of San Diego to the federal government was legal. The deciding judges in the case, Paulson v. Abdelnour, say a previous ruling should not have second-guessed the city's voters. Read
Court: Kline Can Investigate Clinics — The Wichita Eagle

Attorney General Phill Kline can continue his investigation of two abortion clinics and refer potential criminal cases to county prosecutors or file charges himself before leaving office. The Kansas Supreme Court refused Thursday to intervene on behalf of the two clinics in their dispute with Kline over patient records and his examination of their activities. Read
Supreme Court Looks at Race and Schools — The Wichita Eagle

Pro-affirmative action demonstrators bearing "Fight For Equality" placards descended on the Supreme Court Monday as justices prepared to hear fresh arguments in cases testing when race may be used as a basis for assigning students to public schools. Read
Court Rejects Class Action Against Banks — NYT

The class action accused banks of manipulating the prices of initial public offerings of technology companies during the market boom of the late 1990s. Read
Court Turns Down Sex Survey Case Review — The Wichita Eagle

Parents who sued a California school district over a sex survey given to students lost a Supreme Court appeal Monday. Justices declined to review an appeals court ruling that dismissed the suit against the Palmdale School District. Read

Christianity/Pro-Family/Religion/Ethics

Faith Organizations to Encourage the Display of Nativity Scenes at Public Buildings All Across America During the Christmas Season — Washington, DC News Conference: "The Nativity Project — A Public Witness to Keep Christ in Christmas," Today, Dec. 7 — Christian Newswire

The Christian Defense Coalition, Faith and Action, Generation Life and members of Congress to kick off "The Nativity Project — A Public Witness to Keep Christ in Christmas," at a Thursday, November 7th news conference. Read
Iraqi Christians Plead for Help from White House — WorldNetDaily

Demonstrators at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue tell of 'ethnic cleansing' Read
Recreating 'A Christmas Story' for Tourists in Cleveland — NYT

Fans of the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story" are flocking to a Cleveland street to visit the home featured in the film, which has been restored to its movie glory. Read
Somalia Town Threatens to Behead People Who Don't Pray 5 Times Daily — FOX

Residents of a southern Somalia town who do not pray five times a day will be beheaded, an official said Wednesday, adding the edict will be implemented in three days. Read
Parade Officials Apologize for Jesus Float — The Christian Post

Organizers of a holiday parade in this northern Idaho city are apologizing for a church-sponsored float that had an actor splashed in fake blood portraying Jesus on the cross. Potter's House Church entered the float in the annual parade that this year had the theme, "A Family Holiday Tradition." "My feeling was it was too graphic for a holiday fun-time event," said Terry Cooper, executive director of the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association, which organized Friday's parade. "It's a lesson learned, and we apologize to anyone offended." Read
Pope hailed for Praying Towards Mecca — ABC Online

Pope Benedict has wound up a visit to Turkey amid praise from the local press for visiting Istanbul's Blue Mosque and praying towards Mecca "like Muslims." Read
Bible-Ban Buster Ships off 100,000th Bible to Egypt — WorldNetDaily

Voice of the Martyrs program gets God's Word into restricted nations Read
Mayor Richard Daley's Chicago Tells Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus That There is no Room in Chicago's Public Square for Them/Blocks Advertising for the Movie "The Nativity Story" Which Begins in Theaters Across America Today — Christian Coalition Washington Weekly Review

Left-wing distain for Christianity continues unabated this Christmas season. The latest outrage is the action taken this week by Mayor Richard Daley's officials in Chicago banning advertisements for the movie, "The Nativity Story" due out today in theaters all around America. Politically-correct Chicago officials are frightened that the America that is not 85% Christian will be offended by advertisements about a movie depicting the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A left-winger working for the mayor of Chicago's Office of Special Events effectively said, "Bah humbug to Christmas" and went on to say that the city of Chicago does not want to appear to endorse one religion over another. The city of Chicago has basically demanded that the German American Chamber of Commerce not allow the movie's producer, New Line Cinema, to be a sponsor of the German Christmas festival because the Daley Administration is afraid that non-Christians would be offended. Worried that ads for the film about Jesus' birth would offend non-Christians browsing at a traditional German Christmas festival, the city has asked the German American Chamber of Commerce to reconsider New Line Cinema as a sponsor. The Associated Press has excerpted the city of Chicago's statement: "Our guidance was that this very prominently placed advertisement would not only be insensitive to the many people of different faiths who come to enjoy the market for its food and unique gifts, but also it would be contrary to acceptable advertising standards suggested to the many festivals holding events on Daley Plaza," Jim Law, executive director of the office, said in a statement. (emphasis added.)

The Willow Creek Association of churches spokesman who is based in the Chicago suburbs objected to Mayor Richard Daley's Administration's barring "The Nativity Story" from a Christmas festival saying that that is like "celebrating Lincoln's birthday without talking about Abraham Lincoln." New Line Cinema is launching a new national TV campaign promoting "The Nativity Story." This new ad features the signature line: "See the movie that puts Christ back into Christmas." The ad is already posted on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoKuFvFjato
Backlash Causes Airline to 'Back Peddle' on Decision re: Employee's Wearing of Cross

British Airways (BA) recently announced that it would again review its dress code policy after initially ruling that one of its employees could not wear a cross to work because it violated the dress code. Back in October, Nadia Eweida, a check-in worker, was told that she would have to either remove her cross or hide it beneath a scarf. Eweida, a Coptic Christian, refused and was ultimately sent home. She was also placed on unpaid leave. Read
Archaeologists Discover 'Church of the Ark' in West Bank — The Christian Post

Emerging from the soil over a few acres in the hills of the Israeli occupied West Bank is believed to be one of the world's first churches, which was uncovered and claimed by archaeologists on Sunday. Built on a site believed to have once housed the Ark of the Covenant, the church is richly decorated with brightly colored mosaics and inscriptions referring to Jesus Christ. According to the team led by Yitzhak Magen and Yevgeny Aharonovitch, the church dates to the late 4th century, making it one of Christianity's first formal places of worship. "I can't say for sure at the moment that it's the very first church," said Mr Aharonovitch, 38, as he oversaw a team carrying out the final excavations before winter. "But it's certainly one of the first." Read
Churches Drop 'Baptist' Label — The Christian Post

One of the city's oldest churches has a new name, reflecting a local trend of moving away from denominational titles in the evangelical movement. The 188-year-old First Baptist Church, one of the first churches built in Concord, was renamed Centerpoint Church earlier this month. According to the Rev. David Spencer, the change was designed to distance the church from some of the negative connotations of the word "Baptist." "People tend to think of Baptists as very narrow-minded, sometimes mean-spirited and self-righteous," he said. "That's not who we are at all." Read
Media No Substitute for Personal Evangelism, Says Pentecostal Leader — The Christian Post

Despite flashy ad spots of "God Gives Hope" running on Times Square's News Astrovision Screen, volunteers quickly found no substitute for personal evangelism. Read
Cardinal Urges Rethink on Marriage Ban — The Christian Post

An influential Brazilian cardinal says the Roman Catholic Church should reconsider its ban on allowing priests to marry.

Cardinal Claudio Hummes, who was recently named to head the Vatican's office in charge of priests around the world, made the comment about two weeks after the Holy See reaffirmed the requirement of celibacy for priests. Read

Abortion/Pro-Life

Abortion Risks: Women Want to Know, Says Study — Agape Press

>From a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics comes the realization that women want to know about all the possible risks related to elective medical procedures, especially abortion. Read
Autopsy Confirms That "Aborted" FL Baby Was Born Alive

An autopsy report released last week, obtained by Operation Rescue, now indicates that a baby that was reportedly born alive then intentionally killed at a Hialeah abortion mill in July was indeed born alive. Read
Actors Felicity Huffman and William Macy Issue Pro-Abortion Fundraiser — Lifenews

While just a handful of Hollywood celebrities take a pro-life position, the list of actors and actresses stumping for pro-abortion groups is lengthy. That list grew longer Monday when Felicity Huffman and William Macy issued a Planned Parenthood fundraising letter. Read
New Jersey Lawmakers Say Stem Cell Research Bill Will Pass — Lifenews

Lawmakers in the New Jersey Assembly say they have enough votes to approve two bills to spend taxpayer dollars on stem cell research. The money would partly fund embryonic stem cell research that destroys human life and is nowhere close to helping patients. Read

Alcohol/Drugs/Health

New York Bans Most Trans Fats in Restaurants — NYT

Some experts said the measure, which is opposed by the restaurant industry, would be a model for other cities. Read

Education/Sex Ed/Teens/Children

Project Focuses on Religious Expression Rights of Students — Agape Pres

A First Amendment and religious speech law firm says it's working to keep public schools from becoming "religion-free zones" and has introduced the "Public School Christmas Project" to begin its educational efforts. Read
Private School is Allowed to Favor Native Hawaiians in its Admissions — LA Times

A sharply divided federal appeals court ruled that a private school can favor Native Hawaiians for admissions in an effort to "counteract the significant, current educational deficits" experienced by the islands' indigenous population. Read
Carleton University May Face Lawsuit Over Restricting Pro-Life Group — LifeNews.com

The student government association at Carleton University in Canada may face a lawsuit over a vote to prohibit the campus pro-life organization from using the same student government resources granted to other college groups. The vote has sparked an international controversy over students' free speech rights. Read
Greece Bans Cellphone Use in Schools to Curb Controversial Pupil Videos — Breitbart.com

Greece's education ministry has banned mobile phones in schools in response to a flurry of cases where pupils used their cells to film sexual activity and violent behaviour. Read
University of Georgia Rejects Religious Fraternity — Citizenlink.com

Attorneys with the Christian Legal Society (CLS) and the Alliance Defense Fund filed suit Tuesday in federal court against the University of Georgia because officials refuse to recognize a Christian fraternity, Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX), as a registered student group. The school objected to the fraternity's requirement that its members and officers hold Christian beliefs. Read

God and Country/National Security/Politics/Economy

U.S. Copter Goes Down in Iraq; 1 Killed — The Wichita Eagle

A U.S. helicopter went down in a lake west of the Iraqi capital, killing one Marine and leaving three missing in the volatile Anbar province, where an Air Force fighter jet crashed last week, the military said Monday. Read
Massachusetts WWI Veteran Dies at 106 — WPTF

Russell A. Buchanan, one of the nation's last surviving World War I veterans, has died. He was 106. The longtime Watertown resident suffered a stroke the day before Thanksgiving and died Wednesday at Mount Auburn Hospital, said Marge Schwendenman, executive director of Brigham House, an assisted living facility in Watertown where Buchanan spent his last two years. Buchanan served in the Navy in the final months of World War I and then enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II when he was in his 40s. Read
Israelis Piqued by Gates Nuclear "Confirmation" — Reuters

Robert Gates, the incoming U.S. secretary of defense, won plaudits in Washington this week for his candour on the Iraq war. Some Israelis were less pleased, however, to hear Gates mention with equal frankness what U.S. administrations have long avoided saying in public — that the Jewish state has the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal. Read
At Least 5 Marines Are Expected to Be Charged in Haditha Deaths — NYT

The charges in the killing of 24 Iraqis, many of them unarmed women and children, are expected to range from negligent homicide to murder. Read
U.S. Troops in Insurgent Stronghold Welcome Plans for Change — Boston Globe

American troops in one of the most dangerous corners of Iraq welcomed plans for change Wednesday as the Pentagon prepared for a new chief and a bipartisan commission urged a new war strategy. Regiment were skeptical they'll be going home anytime soon, despite a high-level U.S. panel's recommendation that most combat troops leave Iraq by early 2008. Read
Six of 1,000 speak Arabic fluently at U.S. embassy in Iraq — World Tribune.com

After more than three years in their country, the U.S. military still can't understand Iraqis. Read
U.S. Hurricane Aid Fraud Likely Tops $1 Bln: Report — Reuters

Fraud involving payments supposed to help victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita likely exceeds earlier estimates of $1 billion and only a tiny fraction of the money has been recovered, according to a U.S. government report released on Wednesday. Read
Israel Rejects Iraq Study Group Proposals — CBS

PM Doesn't See Link Iraq War-Israel Link, Doesn't Want Talks With Syria Read
Dubai To Continental Express: Fly Me — Forbes

For the first time, the passenger name records of a U.S. airline will get turned over to a revenue-management technology firm based in the United Arab Emirates. Read
'US Won't Launch Preemptive Strike Against Teheran' — Jerusalem Post

Predicting Iran will obtain nuclear weapons by the end of the decade, the defense establishment's new and updated assessment for 2007 does not foresee the United States undertaking a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear installations, The Jerusalem Post has learned. Read
NBC Affiliate Solicits Donations for Illegals — WorldNetDaily

Reporter fails to mention 13 immigrants living in 4 rooms were 'undocumented' Read
Senator's Wife Gets Deportation Reprieve — APnews.Myway.com

Emerges from hiding, but immigration judge lifts order Read
Beware Demands For Your Social Security Number — Forbes

Around 1991 credit bureaus began using Social Security numbers to match inquiries from credit grantors with credit reports in their files. They got along nicely without them prior to that. The three major national credit bureaus rely on the Social Security number so much that they accept a match even if the Social Security numbers match but the name or address does not. More than any other action, that gives rise to the national epidemic of identity theft. Identity theft is when a stranger takes your SSN and applies for credit. Your credit file is applied to the impostor, who purchases products and services and leaves the bad debts to you. Read
John Bolton Calls it Quits — WorldNetDaily

U.N. ambassador to step down as recess appointment expires Read
Gates says U.S. Not Winning Iraq War — Breitbart.com

Bush's nominee for Defense warns of possible 'regional conflagration' Read
U.S. Sailor Admits Espionage, Desertion — WRAL

A Navy petty officer is pleading guilty to stealing a military laptop and peddling its contents to a foreign government. Read
Bush Accepts Bolton's U.N. Resignation — The Wichita Eagle

Unable to win Senate confirmation, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his temporary appointment expires within weeks, the White House said Monday. Read
North Korea Suspected of Collecting Millions in Reinsurance Fraud — Fox News

The cash-strapped regime of North Korea, which has a worldwide reputation for its criminal dealings in weapons sales, drugs and near-perfect counterfeit U.S. $100 bills, may have found a new illicit source of hard foreign currency: international reinsurance fraud. Read
Iran Welcomes Chavez Victory as Win against US — Sydney Morning Herald

Iran hailed on Monday the presidential election victory of fellow US foe Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, saying it reflected Latin America's opposition to Washington's "arrogant attitudes." Read
State Starts Crackdown on Uninsured Drivers — LA Times

Hundreds of thousands of car owners must buy coverage or face losing their registration. "It's not fair when people are spending money on auto insurance and other people are driving without it," Bach said. Read
Businesses You Can Start for Under $5000 — Forbes

Entrepreneurship isn't just for rich folks. Here are some ideas that don't need much startup juice. Read
Citizen Test Worries Immigrants: 'Why make it even Harder?' — Chicago Sun-Times

A lengthier test with more thorough questions, along with electronic filing requirements and increased fees, are in the works for 2008, pending the results of a pilot program in 10 cities that will analyze new test questions and procedures. "I'd like to talk to the people who want the changes and ask 'why?' " said Luis Marquez, an immigrant from Mexico who is studying to take the U.S. citizenship exam. "If people want to be citizens, why make it even harder?" Read

Pornography/Homosexuality/Obscenity/Immorality/Sexual Abuse

Homosexual Marraige Bill — Agape Press

...California's homosexual "marriage" bill is "returning from the grave," says a prominent pro-family activist in the Golden State. According to Randy Thomasson of Campaign for Children and Families, Democratic Assemblyman and homosexual activist Mark Leno plans to reintroduce his gender-neutral marriage bill when the California State Assembly reconvenes on Monday (December 4). If that happens, Thomasson says it promises to become the state's "biggest legislative battle of 2007." In March 2000, 61.4 percent of the state's voters approved Proposition 22, an initiative which states that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Yet the traditional institution remains under constant attack by homosexual activists in the state — most recently when Leno's measure, after being passed in the Democrat-controlled Assembly and Senate, was vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2005. Thomasson points out that the continued push for "full-blown gay marriage," as he calls it, is unlawful, unconstitutional, and undemocratic. "The California Constitution specifically prohibits the Legislature from repealing voter-approved initiatives," says Thomasson. And Schwarzenegger, he says, should veto Leno's bill again, if it makes it that far, "because the people have already voted to keep marriage between a man and a woman — just as God created it." Read
AIDS and the Church Summit Speakers Call for Partnership, Action — Agape Press

Today, as concerned individuals worldwide observe World AIDS Day, the man known to many as "America's pastor" is calling on Christians to join in the battle against the HIV-AIDS epidemic. The popular evangelical leader is convening a global summit on AIDS and the Church featuring faith community leaders, politicians, and medical experts from across the United States. The "Global Summit on AIDS and the Church" is being hosted by Warren's congregation, Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest, California. The pastor says the church cannot stand on the sidelines of the AIDS crisis, but must do what it can to "help the helpless." Read
Gay taunt causes uproar in Zimbabwe parliament — International Herald Tribune

A Zimbabwean Parliament session during which neighboring South Africa's gay marriage law was discussed erupted when an opposition lawmaker accused some top government leaders of being homosexuals. Read

Other News

Israel proposes releasing terror group founder — WorldNetDaily

Olmert considers exchanging intifada planner for abducted soldier Read
Israel allowing attacks on Jews? — WorldNetDaily

PM Olmert restricts military from halting rocket onslaught Rea d
Kurdish witness in Saddam's trial recalls 40 villagers died in alleged 1988 chemical attack — USA Today

A Kurdish chemistry teacher gave a harrowing account at Saddam Hussein's genocide trial Monday of the death of 40 fellow villagers, including his mother and two daughters, in an alleged chemical attack in 1988 Read
Blair Unveils Plan for Nuclear Missiles — ABC News

Prime Minister Tony Blair launched plans Monday for a new multibillion-dollar submarine-based nuclear missile defense system, warning lawmakers the future may hold perilous threats from rogue regimes and state-sponsored terrorists. Read
70 to 80 Taliban Killed in Afghanistan — ABC News

An estimated 70 to 80 Taliban militants were killed by NATO soldiers in fighting in southern Afghanistan after police told military authorities where insurgents had gathered, an official said Monday. Read
Gunmen Attack Nigeria Oil Export Station — WPTF

Gunmen attacked a southern Nigerian oil export terminal belonging to a subsidiary of Italy's Eni SpA early Thursday, taking three Italians and a Lebanese hostage and killing another person, officials said. Read

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Index of Weekly Issues Alerts

2007

2006