Public Safety committee STIFFS Zimmerman (and Abbott) over Syrian "Refugees"

Council Members Don Zimmerman, Ora Houston, and Greg Casar

"Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel."
Proverbs 20:17



This afternoon, the Austin City Council's Public Safety Committee rejected Council member Don Zimmerman's (Far Northwest Austin) resolution to support Governor Abbott's refusal to participate in the Obama administrations Syrian 'refugee' resettlement program.  Council members Ora Houston (East Austin) and Greg Casar (Northeast Austin) voted against the resolution, Zimmerman voted for it.  Council Member Leslie Pool was not present.

Colonel Clarke Straughn testified first.  He fully supported the Governor and Council member Zimmerman.  Straughn pointed out that some of the Paris bombers entered Europe as 'refugees.'  He reminded the committee about the 2013 threat against Sixth Street.  Zimmerman asked him several questions.

Multiple representatives from the local refugee resettlement agency Caritas spoke against the resolution.  Their message was essentially: "trust the Feds."  They described how the alleged 'refugees' would be 'vetted' by the NSA, the CIA, and the State Department.  We find it difficult to think of three Federal agencies we trust less (though they could have thrown in the Federal Reserve and IRS for good measure).  Putting it mildly, the Federal Government does not deserve our trust.

To be fair, the Caritas representatives may have given a decent description of how the refugee program has functioned in the past.  But if anyone trusts the lawless Obama administration to maintain the program as it has existed historically, we have some mineral rights in South Texas we would LOVE to sell them.  Seriously, they cited the freakin' NSA favorably....

Two other people, including Williamson County Sheriff Candidate Bill Kelberlau, also testified in favor of Zimmerman's resolution.  They pointed out that Syria doesn't have the capability to share the information the United States would need to properly vet these folks.  Kelberlau also discussed the need for a "comprehensive risk analysis."

This author had also signed up to testify, but we were pushed back to citizens communication due to time constraints and decided not to wait until the end of the hearing.  Had we testified, we would have pointed out the similarities between the discussion Austin is having and the sanctuary city policies in San Francisco that led to the tragic murder of Kate Steinle this past summer.  Remember, the pro-Sanctuary City Sheriff of San Francisco county LOST his election earlier this month following Steinle's murder.

Bottom Line: Given how the votes on Council are structured (for now), the fix was in on this hearing before it began.  It still was a useful discussion to have and got several more Council members on the record.  If, God forbid, something happens a la Kate Stienle in San Francisco, the Council members who promoted this recklessly INSANE policy are going to OWN it.

Roger Williams votes AGAINST arming Syrian 'rebels'

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass."
Psalm 37:7

Good for Roger:

Republicans — Barton, X; Brady, Y; Burgess, N; Carter, Y; Conaway, Y; Culberson, Y; Farenthold, Y; Flores, Y; Gohmert, N; Granger, Y; Hall, Y; Hensarling, Y; Johnson, Sam, N; Marchant, Y; McCaul, Y; Neugebauer, N; Olson, Y; Poe, N; Sessions, Y; Smith, Y; Stockman, N; Thornberry, Y; Weber, N; Williams, N.

[Emphasis added]

Also, and we don't say this often, but kudos also to Lloyd Doggett for voting against this looming disaster.

Maybe he's smarter than his colleagues.  Maybe he just knows where public opinion stands in his district.  In either case, kudos to Roger Williams!!!

#CANISEE: Frank Gaffney -- Jihad comes to Texas

'But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’
Ezekiel 33:6

Longtime readers know that stealth jihad has always been an interest of this website.  Since Obama's reelection, we've focused on areas where we can make a difference.  However, we remain interested in this topic.

This afternoon, we were privileged to hear from Frank Gaffney of the Center for Security Policy.  Frank was discussing how the Common Core method of education leaves us unprepared to honestly discuss Islamic cultural subversion.  This allows various Muslim Brotherhood front groups to engage in "pre-violent" jihad, where they weaken us internally while preparing to confront us violently.

Gaffney's talk was mostly review for anyone familiar with the topic.  He ran through the usual suspects of Muslim Brotherhood front groups and their ties with the Obama administration.  He also discussed some of their favorite tactics.

The discussion got really interesting, however, when Gaffney discussed jihadist activities in Texas, including the following:

• The Holy Land Foundation -- A Hamas front group that was the subject of the largest terrorism finance trial in American History; based out of Dallas.

• Yaser Abdul Said -- Dallas man who committed an honor killing against two teenage daughters.

• Mohammed Elibiary -- A first class, Dallas-based, dirtbag who illegally hacked sensitive Texas DPS files to dig up dirt on Governor Perry.

• Mufid Adulqader -- The younger brother of a major Hamas leader, who was the front man of a pro-Jihad rock band in the 1990's, who just happened to work as a civil engineer for the City of Dallas overseeing critical infrastructure.

• Nidal Malik Hassan -- Obvioiusly, the (first) Ft. Hood shooting happened in Texas.

• Ghassan Hitto -- A leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, just happens to be from Dallas.

• Gulen Charter schools -- A turkish based group of Islamic charter schools operating in North Texas (and other parts of the country).

Also, keep in mind, Gaffney's talk didn't include Elibiary's February appearance at UT, the recent flare up at the Texas-Mexico border, or this week's arrest of two Austin-area men on terrorism related charges.

Senator Ted Cruz on War in Syria

Senator Ted Cruz appeared on one of the Sunday talking head shows to discuss the ongoing Syria kerfuffle:



Highlights:

• The administration begins from the wrong objective.

• No realistic plan for success.

• U.S. should cut off aid to Iraq unless they halt Iranian overflights.

• Make Russia and China exercise a veto on the world stage.

• "Just because Assad is a murderous tyrant doesn't mean his opponents are any better."

On Syria -- An Open Letter to George W. Bush

Dear Mr. President,

I hope retirement is treating you well.  How are Laura and the girls?!?  41's internet sock phenomenon was awesome.

I'm writing today because, with Syria in the news, people are talking about you.

James Carville:

You know, what I would say and maybe a little bit of a different view here. I think what really is freaking people out is the incompetence of the Bush administration in Iraq.

Sgt. Schultz on MSNBC:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Best of all was Timothy Egan in the New York Times:

Blame Bush? Of course, President Obama has to lead; it’s his superpower now, his armies to move, his stage. But the prior president gave every world leader, every member of Congress a reason to keep the dogs of war on a leash. The isolationists in the Republican Party are a direct result of the Bush foreign policy. A war-weary public that can turn an eye from children being gassed — or express doubt that it happened — is another poisoned fruit of the Bush years. And for the nearly 200 members of both houses of Congress who voted on the Iraq war in 2002 and are still in office and facing a vote this month, Bush shadows them like Scrooge’s ghost.

Mr. President, thank you for keeping America out of Obama's War in Syria.

Mr. President, thank you for disappearing for 12 hours while a(n) CIA Weapons Depot American Consulate was attacked and keeping America out of Obama's War in Syria.

Mr President, thank you for overthrowing Mubarak, and keeping America out of Obama's War in Syria.

Mr. President, thank you for ignoring the Iranian Green Revolution and keeping America out of Obama's War in Syria.

Mr. President, thank you for delivering a timetable to our enemies in Afghanistan and keeping America out of Obama's War in Syria.

Since you control events, Mr. President, America owes you a debt for slowing down Obama's war in Syria.

Sincerely,
Adam Cahn
Austin, TX
September 7, 2013

P.S. Next time you talk to Roger, make sure you tell him to vote NO on Syria.

Would Ron Paul challenge Senator John Cornyn?!?

This is a blog post we never thought we'd write; how times change.

Following their defeat in the 2012 election, the Republican establishment has attempted a massive power-grab, despite the fact that they were the ones who lost back-to-back Presidential elections.

It's not a secret that we've been looking for a primary challenge for John Cornyn for months.  It's also not a secret that we've been working with Ron Paul supporters on local issues.  It might be time to put two and two together.

Cahnman's Musings doesn't agree with Ron Paul on every aspect of foreign policy, but we oppose the current war in Syria.  We also don't trust John Cornyn.  Under current circumstances, Ron Paul would be a substantial improvement over John Cornyn.

A successful primary challenge requires two things: money and name recognition.  Ron Paul would begin a campaign with both.  If he were to run, Ron Paul would instantly become the favorite.

Louie Gohmert remains our top choice to challenge Cornyn, but Cahnman's Musings doubts he will run; assuming Gohmert's out, Ron Paul becomes an acceptable alternative.

Cahnman's Musings is hardly an anti-war publication.  We are, however, anti-THIS-war.  In 2014, an anti-war Republican doesn't frighten us.  A three-issue campaign, based upon avoiding war in Syria, dismantling the Federal Reserve, and dismantling Obamacare would go a long way in Texas.  It would certainly beat whatever horse manure John Cornyn might offer.

On Immigration and Syria: An Open Letter to Congressman Roger Williams

Dear Congressman Williams,

It's been an interesting few months.  We've had our agreements.  We've also had multiple disagreements.

I'm writing today on two topics: Immigration and Syria.

On immigration, I expect you to vote against ANY bill out of the United States' House.  Any bill the House passes will be a Trojan horse for Amnesty in conference committee.  Do not vote for ANY bill related to immigration between now and the end of the 113th Congress.

On Syria, I encourage you oppose any military intervention in Syria that President Obama and Senator McCain might advocate.  Unfortunately, following his record in Libya, I doubt this President will ask Congress for permission.  In that event, I expect you to IMMEDIATELY move to de-fund this action.  Nothing good can come out of military intervention in Syria (at least at this time).  As Sarah Palin said last week, let Allah sort it out.

As I told you during the campaign last year, we're not going to agree on every issue.  That's fine.  If you do the right thing on immigration and Syria, however, I can overlook A LOT of other areas of disagreement.

You'll be in my prayers.

James 4:17

Sincerely,
Adam Cahn
Austin, TX
June, 19 2013

Discovery Missions: Can Christianity Survive in it's Birthplace?!?

This piece from Discovery Missions is a must read.

EXCLUSIVE: GBTV's Erick Stakelbeck on Global Terror Trends

This afternoon, I had the opportunity to speak with Erick Stakelbeck of CBN and GBTV about events in the Middle East and repercussions they could have in the United States.  Unfortunately, I pressed a wrong button on the phone, so there's no recording.  The following write up is from my notes.

Israel and Iran

Erick has been saying for months that he expects Israel to strike the Iranian nuclear program sometime soon. If you look at the history of modern Israel, they always launch pre-emptive strikes when faced with existential threats.  They did it in 1967, they did it in 1981, and they did it in 2007.  A nuclear Iran would be the greatest existential threat to Israel in modern history.

The biggest question we face is when the Israeli strike will happen.  Erick Stakelbeck thinks there is "a good chance" it will occur BEFORE the U.S. Presidential election, possibly October.  The reason for this is that Israeli leaders fear striking Iran in a potential Obama second term, and want to get the strike behind them while Obama is still accountable to U.S. voters.

Another possibility: What if Iran strikes first?!?  Methinks, I've read about this somewhere....

Iranian Retaliation

Hostility between Barack Obama and Bibi Netanyahu notwithstanding, the Iranian regime believes Israel and the United States are joined at the hip; they're the little Satan and we're the Great Satan.  Thus, when Israel strikes the Iranian nuclear program, we should expect some sort of retaliation against U.S. interests.  That could take several forms, including attacking U.S. embassies abroad or terror attacks on U.S. soil.

An open question is how the Islamist groups that have infiltrated the U.S. government during the late Bush and Obama administrations would impact U.S. policy in response to potential attacks.

Iran as the epicenter of Global Islamist Terror

The longer I study Global Islamist Terrorism, especially the work of Yossef Bodansky, the more I think everything boils down to Iran; Erick Stakelbeck agrees.  Iran and all the other various Islamist bad guys have all worked together in the past.

One point that hasn't drawn nearly enough attention is Iran's role in 9/11.  Last year, a Federal Court in New York found Iran guilty of aiding and abetting the 9/11 attack.  That's DIRECT Iranian complicity in 9/11.  Additionally, the 9/11 commission found that the Iranian government let several hijackers pass through Iran unmolested.  Additionally, Bodansky's work makes clear that Iran played a major role in the growth of Usama bin Laden's network in the 1990's.

The bottom line is that Iran has its tentacles in EVERY Islamist operation around the globe.  They're the keystone of global terror.  Dealing with any other Islamist entity before dealing with Iran is pointless.

Syria

Which brings us to Syria.  Syria is an Iranian client state.  If Assad goes, it weakens Iran.  On the other hand,    we shouldn't maintain any illusions about what would replace Assad.  It's a choice between Islamists allied with Iran or Islamists allied with Al Qaeda.  Its a bad choice either way.

One thing to keep in mind:  Assad could decide to go out in a final orgy of sour grapes blaze of glory, and launch chemical weapons at Israel.  Erick Stakelbeck thinks Israel would retaliate directly against Damascus.  Once again, I think I've read about that somewhere.

Afghanistan

Erick Stakelbeck believes we're never going to win the hearts and minds of the Afghans; they'll always be Islamist and tribal.  Furthermore, the rules of engagement our troops are facing are ridiculous.  Erick Stakelbeck believes we need to dramatically lighten our Afghan footprint and focus much more closely on killing Al Qaeda and Taliban.

Conclusion

There are three major global terror trends to watch over the next 6 to 12 months:

1. Iran, Iran, Iran.
2. How will Assad go out?!?  Will he engage in an orgy of sour grapes?!?  Will he launch chemical weapons?!?
3. The Muslim Brotherhood consolidating power in Egypt and 'tweaking' the Camp David accords.

War is coming; be prepared.

Vladimir Putin's Utter Contempt for Barack Obama

Yesterday, I wrote about the intersection of current events in the Mediterranean and Biblical Prophesy.  I stand by what I said.  I do, however, want to accompany that analysis with a comment on Earthly Geopolitics.

In late March, Barack Obama asked Dimitri Medvedev for 'space' until after the upcoming election when he would have more 'flexibility' to address Moscow's concerns.  Vladimir Putin responded by sending Russian Marines to undermine Barack Obama's farce of a Syria policy.  This reveals everything you need to know about Barack Obama's pathetic performance as Commander-in-Chief.

Barack Obama's vaunted 'reset' with Vladimir Putin might be the biggest policy failure of Barack Obama's administration.  I say that fully aware of the Debt and Obamacare.  Barack Obama has surrendered everything to Moscow and gotten nothing in return.

Barack Obama, much like Franklin Roosevelt at Yalta, surrendered Eastern Europe to Moscow.  In return, Moscow helped Iran accelerate its nuclear program.  Under Barack Obama's watch, Vladimir Putin (with Iran) is also selling Hugo Chavez missiles that can hit the United States.

If this is Biblical prophesy, then so be it.  Scripture is quite clear, however, that we don't know when the End is going to occur.  In the meantime, however, Barack Obama's Foreign Policy has been catastrophic for the United States.  From Libya, to Egypt, to Iraq, to Afghanistan, to Latin America Barack Obama has made the United States a Global Laughingstock (and he lied about bin Laden).  Vladimir Putin's contempt over Syria is par for the course.

Mediterranean Update Tuesday: It's all About God

Last Tuesday, I issued an update on the situation in the Mediterranean zone of chaos.  I was thinking about making this a regular feature.  Events over the past 48 hours definitely merit comment.

On Sunday, in the do-over elections, Greece stepped back from the brink.  Greek voters gave the pro-European party a solid, though not overwhelming, victory.  While we're nowhere near out of the woods, this does buy us some time.  A fragile consensus might exist that economic reform, as painful as it might be, beats the chaos that would follow a Greek exit from the Eurozone.  It definitely beats having Nazi's and Communists take power.

I'd barely exhaled over Greece, when this headline about Russia collaborating with Syria came out.  For those of you unaware, Russian collaboration with Israel's enemies 'to the north' is a MAJOR BIBLICAL PROPHESY.  Obviously, we don't know when the end is going to arrive, but when the news of the day reports that Russian Military assets are positioned on Syrian Territory where Iranian proxies can attack Israel, I take notice.  I spent some time yesterday making sure I was ready for the end of the end.  Then, all of a sudden, the Russian ship turned back.

(Sidenote: In the realm of Earthly Geopolitics, Vladmir Putin's utter contempt for Barack Obama must also be noted.)

So, what does this mean?!?

I know some people are going to say I'm crazy for writing this, but I think we've seen two major acts of Divine Protection in the past 48 hours.  I've seen God at work in my own life lately, and I've suspected we'd see His hand in World Affairs.  The Scriptures are clear that He will warn us before the end, and I can't shake the feeling that these were two of those warnings.  Even if one accepts earthly explanations for these events, the fact that Greek voters and British insurance companies are acting courageously is miraculous by itself.  But I don't accept Earthly explanations.

It's easy to get caught up in the affairs of the world and lose perspective.  That's why it's important to check ourselves and make sure we keep Him first.  With God, we can accomplish anything; without Him, we can't do squat.

If I were a Pastor, this is where I'd do the invitation; since I'm not, I'll send you here:



Update (6/20/2012): The Greeks are now paying their back taxes; do you believe in Miracles?!?