Army of God - Homeland Security to Help Spread Faith

[lala_rawraw]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060307-5.html

Executive Order: Responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security with Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to help the Federal Government coordinate a national effort to expand opportunities for faith-based and other community organizations and to strengthen their capacity to better meet America's social and community needs, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of a Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the Department of Homeland Security.

(a) The Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) shall establish within the Department of Homeland Security (Department) a Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (Center).

(b) The Center shall be supervised by a Director appointed by Secretary. The Secretary shall consult with the Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (WHOFBCI Director) prior to making such appointment.

(c) The Department shall provide the Center with appropriate staff, administrative support, and other resources to meet its responsibilities under this order.

(d) The Center shall begin operations no later than 45 days from the date of this order.

Sec. 2. Purpose of Center. The purpose of the Center shall be to coordinate agency efforts to eliminate regulatory, contracting, and other programmatic obstacles to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the provision of social and community services.

Sec. 3. Responsibilities of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In carrying out the purpose set forth in section 2 of this order, the Center shall:

(a) conduct, in coordination with the WHOFBCI Director, a department-wide audit to identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the delivery of social and community services by the Department, including but not limited to regulations, rules, orders, procure-ment, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal programs;

(b) coordinate a comprehensive departmental effort to incorporate faith-based and other community organizations in Department programs and initiatives to the greatest extent possible;

(c) propose initiatives to remove barriers identified pursuant to section 3(a) of this order, including but not limited to reform of regulations, procurement, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities;

(d) propose the development of innovative pilot and demonstration programs to increase the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal as well as State and local initiatives; and

(e) develop and coordinate Departmental outreach efforts to disseminate information more effectively to faith-based and other community organizations with respect to programming changes, contracting opportunities, and other agency initiatives, including but not limited to Web and Internet resources.

Sec. 4. Reporting Requirements.

(a) Report. Not later than 180 days from the date of this order and annually thereafter, the Center shall prepare and submit a report to the WHOFBCI Director.

(b) Contents. The report shall include a description of the Department's efforts in carrying out its responsibilities under this order, including but not limited to:

(i) a comprehensive analysis of the barriers to the full participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the delivery of social and community services identified pursuant to section 3(a) of this order and the proposed strategies to eliminate those barriers; and

(ii) a summary of the technical assistance and other information that will be available to faith-based and other community organizations regarding the program activities of the agency and the preparation of applications or proposals for grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and procurement.

(c) Performance Indicators. The first report shall include annual performance indicators and measurable objectives for Departmental action. Each report filed thereafter shall measure the Department's performance against the objectives set forth in the initial report.

Sec. 5. Responsibilities of the Secretary. The Secretary shall:

(a) designate an employee within the department to serve as the liaison and point of contact with the WHOFBCI Director; and

(b) cooperate with the WHOFBCI Director and provide such information, support, and assistance to the WHOFBCI Director as requested to implement this order.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented subject to the availability of appropriations and to the extent permitted by law.

(b) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

March 7, 2006.

[autorank]

1. Just what I needed to give me the "Power of Nightmares";) Recommend! n/t

[lala_rawraw]

3. welcome to Germany circa 1936...

The department of moral hygiene.

[autorank]

4. I was raised until 5 by Germans who left around 1936!!!

My Nazi-Fascist radar is in very good shape.

Here's why they left, btw...



Sweet dreams (and link my Katrina article while you're at it;)

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00016.htm# (We can always say it's the 11th)

[lala_rawraw]

5. will email it to

front page editor now... i have no control over the site updaes (the boys have all the fun :( )

[Nothing Without Hope]

25. I've emailed it to Olbermann, Brad(Blog), Digby, Buzzflash n/t

[Bluebear]

28. Thank you NWH

[Nothing Without Hope]

32. YVW. Gotta get the word out. I've also emailed Jane Hamsher at

Firedoglake, but she and Redd are on vacation and have left Steve Gilliard and others in charge. So I've emailed Steve too.

[Nothing Without Hope]

35. Also sent it to Crooks & Liars n/t

[Nothing Without Hope]

42. Also sent it to Glen Greenwald, whose excellent blog is here:

http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com

Note my post downthread (Reply #40) on the PAGE TWENTY WaPo coverage - it's presented very calmly as a nice response for Katrina victims.

One more way for them to USE the hurricane tragedies as an enabler for a POWER GRAB, as was clear from the start:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4790112

[wordpix2]

117. thanks - WTF does this have to do w/DHS? Our tax dollars at work

[lectrobyte]

46. What's the translation of that poster? Thanks.

[autorank]

140. "Millions stand behind me" -- Title of pic...between the financier &

Hitler, Amazing isn't it. So current too. Sorry for the delay.
:hi:

[Art_from_Ark]

176. At the bottom of the Hitler poster, I believe it says

"A small man asks for big gifts"

[malaise]

17. Hayek and Nozick may be dead

but daily I see more and more of their ideas turning intopolicy. DHS now appears to be Nozick's 'dominant protection agency'. Be afraid; be very scared.

[FreedomAngel82]

87. And they're all a bunch of hypocrites

[file83]

94. Here a photo of the official announcment of this new DHS Department

I'm joking - but then again, 6 years ago if someone had told me about this Executive Order I would have thought they were joking too.

[eleny]

2. Bernie Ward was just discussing this on KGO

Churches have their price, too.

[Bluebear]

38. .

[FreedomAngel82]

88. Only friendly Bush churches of course

My church doesn't get political thank God. If they did I would leave.

[radfringe]

6. Cloning of Moses program

despite White House objections to cloning - a super-double-secret project is underway to clone Moses

Should the project be successful - the "NEW IMPROVED" Moses will be sent to various parts of the country during hurricanes and flood conditions where he will Part the Waters threatening towns and homes.

Speaking on a condition of anonymity, a White House spokesperson explained "We just have the one Moses for now, if it works we'll produce more and permanently assign them to specific locations. We are also exploring a 'Jesus Gene' that could be injected into people living in flood prone areas which would allow them to walk on water"

:sarcasm:

[rucky]

7. This is the feds' answer to their own incompetence

and a motive for their depraved indifference during & after Katrina

[sutz12]

8. WHOFBCI

Who's Fucking Buying this Christian Bullshit?

[Bluebear]

18. It's an Executive Order, looks like we are!

:scared:

[file83]

91. We're not buying it.....We're PAYING FOR IT!!!!

[progressivebydesign]

128. Scary shit... n/t

[Niccolo_Macchiavelli]

9. imperial inquisition anyone?

woahh :shudder:

[TrogL]

10. The United States is now a theocracy

Backed by force of law at the point of a gun.

Congratulations.

[Starfury]

14. Yup. It's now official.

I try not to engage in hyperbole, but between sections 3 and 5(b), I don't see any other way of reading it. This is the price of not filibustering Roberts and Alito (among many, many other steps over the last 10+ years).

I'm now officially depressed. :hurts: :cry:

-----------------

Hey, wait a minute! Does that mean that DHS now has to support Ossama wherever possible? After all, OBL's the head of a faith-based organization....

[formercia]

57. See what happens when Muslim groups ask for money

right....

[Maraya1969]

80. They already support Osama but you have a good point.

[FreedomAngel82]

89. Hey good point

Maybe this is why Bush hasn't caught Usama? Heh heh.

[file83]

96. Let me rephrase your last statement, if I may....

...I'm now officially repressed.

[file83]

93. Viva La Resistance!!!

Our Nation is now under Christian Occupation.

[wordpix2]

118. With King George W. the absolute ruler by divine right

[Bluebear]

11. Holy moly. The United Christian States of America. nt

[Random_Australian]

12. Emigrate! I could use the company...

No weit, no-one replied to my thread. Well then... *Akward silence* I hear the Federated Stated Of Micronesia is lovely right now.

But seriously... what are you going to do about it?

[Bluebear]

15. Sorry, American Idol is in full swing.

And God made Adam and Eve, not Steve.

This is about the political reality of the average American nowadays :(

[mom cat]

63. What are the regulations for immigration?

[SmokingJacket]

165. Give me some ideas.

Worked my buns off the last two elections.

I'm thinking these fellows will bring themselves down -- just hope too many people aren't hurt in the process.

But I am also renewing my passport this week...

[NMMNG]

13. Be prepared to swear your allegiance to the Fundie God

if you want to live in freedom.

[undergroundpanther]

16. When do we fight fire with fire?

How much tolerance do we owe sociopathic fanatic thugs?

[NMMNG]

20. I've never shown them any tolerance

They deserve none, as they show none.

[Nothing Without Hope]

19. OH. MY. GOD. K & R

[earth mom]

21. Unbelievable!

Am I the only one freaked out by this?! :scared:

[Nothing Without Hope]

26. No, you are not the only one freaked out by this.

:scared: :nuke: :scared: :nuke: :scared: :nuke: :scared: :nuke: :scared: :nuke:

Clearly, the GOP owership of Congress and the packed SCOTUS have signaled the next stage of the final destruction of the Constitution. Democracy has been gone for some time now.

[DemReadingDU]

33. Unreal

This administration makes its own rules. When are people going to wake up and see what is going on in our country!

[davekriss]

168. We see, close to 60% of us see...

...but like NYC mafia heavies, the Cheney-Bush crew just push forth outrage after outrage, saying in thick John Giotti-like accents, "the public? f*ck 'em, what are they gonna' do about it?!" as they take their skim.

That is the question, you know. What are *we* going to do about it? Is this the end of the Wiemar Republic? Are we all good, quiet Germans too anxious and too naive to know what needs to be done? Meanwhile the Reich roles over another Europe and gasses anyone who even frowns when the Fuhrer walks by!

Unbelieveable outrage. I'm still reeling from the full meaning of the establishment of the SSUD (Secret Service Uniform Division), who can arrest anyone they judge breaking a crime at any "significant event". Is that the complete end of the right to dissent and protest in any meaningful way?

Remember the remark from one PNACer (was it Bolton?), they're off to the next history-making outrage while we're busy analyzing what just happened, paralyzed into inaction. It is the Straussian MO.

[earth mom]

72. Will this be the final outrage that will finally wake the people up?!

Because it's one of the things that woke me up a couple of years ago-when idiot son started talking religion. I was like :wtf: because I'd never heard a president talk that way before.

And this? It is just so outrageous that I can hardly believe it.

I sure hope it trips the warning bell in most peoples minds. Because if not...be prepared everyone:

:scared: :nuke: :scared:

[Nothing Without Hope]

151. Nope, in fact hardly anybody is even noticing. It's a sleeper. I sent it

to about half a dozen progressive blogs this AM, and NOTHING. It's not even on the home page at DU. There is also a media blackout on it - only a very few short and misleading articles. One is an AP article, very brief, and one is a Wash Post article -- buried on PAGE 20 of the March 8 edition -- that frames it as a nice gesture for Karina survivors. Neither the AP nor the WaPo piece gives the full text of the executive order or a link to it - THEY ARE SUPPRESSING THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS ALL THE WAY and so far the progressive internet is meekly sleeping through it too.

This is a major move, another UNCONSTITUTIONAL power grab by the Bush Administration, the official ending of any pretense of separation of church and state, and it's slipping right past.

:banghead:

[donkeyotay]

170. Executive orders can't violate the law

"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America..."

king george can't just issue decrees and rule by memo. Impeach this mofo.

[DemonGoddess]

22. I think I'm going to be sick

[file83]

97. I think I'm going to be a "freedom fighter"...

...if you catch my drift.

[kestrel91316]

142. You won't be alone.

[Cooley Hurd]

23. K & fucking R!

:grr:

[Maraya1969]

24. Well if these things ever happen bring your VooDoo dolls and blood

from a chicken to work. Take time out of your day to perform some rituals. Do Taro Card readings. Make sure to wear your Pentagram every day.

Let the fundies freak about the DARK SIDE!

EDIT: I just realized this is true! I thought it was a freaking joke! I HOPE there are some alternative faiths in HS to bring this thing to a halt.

http://www.erzulies.com/magic_ritual_items.php

[FreedomAngel82]

90. Good plan!

[xchrom]

27. k & r

the followers of leo strauss are having a wet dream come true with this.

[Bluebear]

29. kick

[Hissyspit]

30. Holy Theocratic F*ck, Batman!

...just shoot me now. Sigh.

[file83]

98. No - they want your TAX DOLLARS - you are more valuable to the Churches

being alive. :puke:

[muriel_volestrangler]

31. Religious police: not just for Saudi Arabia any more

What the hell are "social and community" services doing being run by the Department of Homeland Security anyway? And "coordinate a comprehensive departmental effort to incorporate faith-based and other community organizations in Department programs and initiatives to the greatest extent possible" - that's not even limited to the fuzzy (but insidious) "social and community services".

Note also they are claiming they are discriminated against: "to identify all existing barriers ... that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal programs". Yeah, play the victim - "we're not allowed to set government policy! Oh, poor us, we just have massive influence on politicians, and get to talk to the president whenever we demand it!"

And there was me arguing on DU only a few days ago that the threat of theocracy was overblown. Looks like I'm eating my words now. This is far worse than the faith-based charity efforts - this really is combining religion and government to tell people how they should live their lives. If they say 'faith' is part of security, then they're promoting some sects as the 'proper' American thing. Chilling. :scared:

[MetaTrope]

34. Amazing, there's virtually no independent reporting out there on this yet

Googled 50 news stories, all of them the very same AP story which is virtually a WH press release.

[Nothing Without Hope]

36. I wish that WERE amazing...but this doesn't surprise me at all. n/t

[Bluebear]

37. Nor I. nt

[Armstead]

39. IF there's no public Democratic response there will be no coverage

[Nothing Without Hope]

40. ***Wash Post has it on page 20 and playing it that it's only about Katrina

Hey, wiping out the separation of church and state by imperial fiat is no biggie! :sarcasm: Page 20 and no hint that this might actually be a "questionable" move:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/07/AR2006030702065.html

Bush Orders DHS to Create Center for Faith-Based Aid

By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 8, 2006; Page A20

President Bush ordered the Department of Homeland Security yesterday to create a center for faith-based and community initiatives within 45 days to eliminate regulatory, contracting and programmatic barriers to providing federal funds to religious groups to deliver social services, the White House announced last night.

Pressed both by churches that have not received privately raised Hurricane Katrina relief funds as promised and by the outpouring of help of religious groups to Gulf Coast storm victims, Bush also called on the department by September "to identify all existing barriers . . . that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation" of such groups in federal programs.

(snip)

FEMA has announced, however, that it will reimburse religious organizations for feeding and sheltering storm victims. It has also contracted with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, an arm of the United Methodist Church, for $60 million to provide case management for the neediest storm victims.

Last week, a coalition of clergy members enlisted to help distribute $20 million raised by the relief fund set up by Bush's father, former president George H.W. Bush, and former president Bill Clinton, complained that churches had seen none of the money yet.

Otherwise, there's just the brief AP story showing up in a few places.

[Nothing Without Hope]

126. ***NOTE THAT THE WAPO STORY DOES NOT LINK TO THE EXEC ORDER

OR GIVE ITS TEXT!!!!!

They are SUPPRESSING the real significance of this sweeping executive order!!!

And other venues are just giving the brief AP story if they mention it at all.

[Starfury]

148. Now, now, how could you think that?

After all, when people talk about disaster relief, don't they immediately associate that with FEMA, er, I mean, Homeland Security? It's perfectly understandable that the WaPo story would omit that piece of trivia!

:sarcasm:

[Dinger]

41. Open Phones On C-Spin NOW (7:45 cst)

Tell them about this - I'll try!

[Nothing Without Hope]

43. See the page 20 Wash Post artice posted in Reply #40 - this is being

played as a nice response for Katrina victims. Also "bipartisan" because they talk about Bill Clinton begging for it.

It's a power grab and the destruction of separation of church and state by imperial fiat - and it's just sailing along under the guise of holy works. :grr:

[suffragette]

56. It is a power grab and they're opportunistically using the tragedy

of Katrina to do it.
This is bad news.
They have also had Warner pushing for an end to Posse Comitatus, both right after Katrina and at the Katrina hearings. I hope that's not the next change in line, but from the way they're just ramming their agenda through, I fear it may be.

[file83]

99. This is Karl Rove turning LEMONS (Katrina) into LEMONADE (Church Aid). n/t

[donkeyotay]

171. Stealing your Social Security and giving it to the American Ayatollahs

Pat Robertson and the Dept of Homeland Security in the same sentence. What a bad joke dimson has turned America into.

[LibertyLover]

44. This executive order

creeps me out. As a member of a non-Christian religion I feel threatened and afraid. It's been years since I was in High School and frankly never took a Civics class even then. Civics was in the history department in our school, which was pretty small, and if you were in the college prep track, like I was, you took a year of world history, 2 years of American history and 1 year of Humanities, which combined English and Social Studies and was about as useful as udders on a bull. Anyway, I don't understand how Executive Orders, which amount to nothing more than rule by personal whim and fiat, can be permitted on anything more important than proclaiming Arbor Day. Can an EO be appealed in the courts? Can one be declared unconstitutional? Do EOs from previous administrations remain in effect past the termination of that administration? Given the harm that EOs have caused over the years (Japanese internment camps for example), why do we permit presidents to churn them out and circumvent the law making bodies of the House and the Senate? Heck, even this one doesn't formally proclaim the US to be a "Christian" nation, what's to prevent Bush, or some other fundy nutcase that gets elected down the road, to do so? Be afraid, be very afraid.

[leeroysphitz]

45. Wow, things are happening pretty fast now. Hope folks

are getting themselves and their families ready...

[earth mom]

75. To leave the country or what?

Please clarify. Because I'm thinking it's time to get the hell out of dodge.

:scared:

[leeroysphitz]

79. Uncertain times appear to be ahead. If you have a place to go

maybe that's one way to prepare. I was thinking more along the lines of stockpiling essentials to weather the storm. I personally would be more willing to take the fight "to them" when and if the time comes if I know my family is safe and secure.

But upon further reflection maybe we should all just start brushing up on our bible verses so when the Jesus police knock on the door we can pass as good little christian consumer bots. I'm being flippant with that statement, of course, but read the articles and look at the speed with which the fundamentalist agenda has been expanded (roe, of course, but on several other fronts besides) since the Alito confirmation and tell me you aren't feeling at least a "twinge" of fear in your belly...

[earth mom]

82. Heck yeah, I'm afraid.

I'm not a Christian, though I am spiritual. Which doesn't count for much with these wackos. My husband is a Catholic, so maybe that will save me, though I'm doubtful since they have issues with Catholics too.

Judging from the reaction to this thread, there are probably more of us in this boat then they are expecting. Wonder if there is enough room in the camps for all the dissidents and non Christians? :scared:

BTW-Thanks for the clarification. :hi:

[file83]

100. There is NO WHERE to run - if they can do this in the USA, then they

can get this done ANYWHERE. Running only puts off the inevitable: The War of Resistance.

[wordpix2]

119. nowhere to run. Stand and fight the bastards, we DO have a Constitution

and it separates church and state

[file83]

124. We are arm in arm.

:thumbsup:

[donkeyotay]

172. Will the Repo's rise up on their hind legs?

Executive orders can't replace law. Those Republicans who were thumping their chests over the ports - all they have to do is stand up and say this goes beyond the preznit's authority. Think the one-day wonders will do it, or will they remain silent and complicit?

[glitch]

136. That won't be good enough. You need to join a megachurch and be vouched

for by them. There will be heavy tithing requirements as well.

[leveymg]

47. It's just the ERW's version of affirmative-action for religious groups

It's NOT saying that DHS is going to turn law enforcement functions over to Fundamentalists. But, if DHS is offering public contracts for social services (day care, community release programs, disaster relief), etc., the agency is now supposed to offer them bids. It isn't even clear that this gives these groups any sort of preference.

We may not like giving churches public money, but this isn't the sort of stuff one would associate with Nazi Germany or Saudi Arabia. This doesn't establish Religious Police in America.

[kestrel91316]

143. "This doesn't establish Religious Police in America" .........

nope, but Bush can do that any time he wants, by executive order.

Methinks that's next.

[lectrobyte]

48. Between this and the other thread or two about Germany in the 1930s,

I'm wondering one thing: How do you know when it's time to leave? I don't want to wait until troops from "DHS Special Plans/God's Lightning - UNIT 47, North Caroline Protection Zone 4" kick in my door and take me away for attempting to accessing subversive sites on the internet or something.

[Nordmadr]

51. I told my wife this morning in all seriousness this morning that

this country is lost, and to remember everything I've warned her about when I get arrested for being a subversive dissident.

Olafr

[file83]

102. First thing: Learn Morse Code - it'll help you communicate with fellow

inmates. Very useful. I'm serious.

[Solly Mack]

49. Life and death at the hands of theocrats

Want hurricane relief? Better convert!
Want flood relief? Better Pray MY way!
Want help with the mudslides? Kiss my ring!
Tornado take everything? Have you been saved?
Ice storm of the century? Oh well, the wages of sin (and we decide what sin is) is death - but if you just pray along with us, we'll give you a blanket with Bush's face on it.
Blizzard? Can you answer these 3 questions with a NO?
1- ever had an abortion?
2- are you homosexual?
3- ever committed adultery?
If "yes" to any of the questions - then DIE. No help from us.
Are you hungry? Have you found Jesus?

Thank you from the Department of Homeland Security. And by homeland, we don't mean America.

[Nordmadr]

52. No one ever expects a Spanish Inquisition. N/T

[Solly Mack]

54. I wish it were as funny as a Python skit

but I'm not laughing.

[Nordmadr]

58. Unfortunately, I'm not either. Like Gore said in his big speech,

"Fear drives out reason. Fear suppresses the politics of discourse and opens the door to the politics of destruction. Justice Brandeis once wrote: "Men feared witches and burnt women."

Full speech to get your blood boiling again:
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Text_of_Gore_speech_0116.html

I don't know how anyone can listen to, or read that speech, and not think that man Presidential.

Olafr

[Solly Mack]

59. I'm more driven by disgust than anything

That was a very good speech.

[Nothing Without Hope]

50. A later DU thread on this:

So far, it has much less discussion, but it's best to cross-link to keep this all together:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x603315
thread title (3-8-06 GD): ALERT: Bush Orders Homeland Security To Help Religious Groups

[Canuckistanian]

53. How in HELL does this help national security?

In the whole EO, I see nothing that directly or indirectly contributes ANYTHING to the task of protecting people.

Or am I mistaken?

Maybe DHS isn't about helping citizens, after all.

[file83]

95. It doesn't. It helps BUSINESS INTERESTS....

...or at least it seems to suggest so in cryptic form:

Section 3.(e) develop and coordinate Departmental outreach efforts to disseminate information more effectively to faith-based and other community organizations with respect to programming changes, contracting opportunities, and other agency initiatives, including but not limited to Web and Internet resources.

"Contracting opportunities"? So now Churches are going to start getting special contracting opportunities from the Department of Homeland Security? I can almost here it now...

The Church of Halliburton

[Iowa]

139. This is also about privatizing government services...

Churches pay their employees like slaves (while the top dogs often live like royalty) - it all fits perfectly with the republican world-view. And some of these social services will be provided for free by amateur, do-gooder, busy-bodies. Picture the church-lady providing case management services; the lack of competence and professionalism will be a sight to behold. This is yet another way to destroy the safety net - and yet another segment of the middle class (government employees) who are under attack by this pack of hyenas.

[kestrel91316]

144. Hmmmm, but I bet the top dogs at the fundie churches don't have

very tight personal security, though........

Just another idle thought...............

[suffragette]

163. Yes that is another reason they are doing this

And with these services privatized, who gets to decide what services will be provided and to whom they'll be provided.
Bad, bad news.

[Iowa]

167. We can expect little or no oversight... A little background

I have had relevant experience. As a human services government employee (in a previous life) I contracted with and supervised the work of private agencies. We hired such agencies as a last resort (to handle overflow and specific tasks we weren't set up to do), and my agency's culture was such that we viewed private contractors with skepticism. In other words, we made damn sure they did the job well and completely, that their staff held all the necessary credentials, that our clients were satisfied (and if they weren't, we intervened), and that their charges were legit. We realized that it was well within the realm of possibility that they might just try to screw the system, and we knew that it was up to us to make sure they didn't. We were all that stood between the taxpayer and the private sector, and we took that obligation very seriously.

A few years ago that all began to change. Contracts became more lucrative... more "open ended", and the culture of skepticism was discouraged - we were all supposed to be part of the same "team" - blah, blah, blah. Rookie managers with no experience in the field made it their mission to encourage a kind of blind trust. Those of us with decades of experience didn't buy into it, but management pushed it, and it became much more difficult to ensure our clients were getting what we (the tax-payers) were paying for. The cost of services went up to ridiculous heights, and quality declined. Many of my colleagues with professional training and decades of experience began looking for an exit. Some of the least bright, most compliant, and biggest lightweights were sought out for advancement into management. End result: The private sector exerts a great deal more influence now. Cost have increased and quality has plummeted. Morale among professional career employees has plunged. Many of the very best people bailed. The worst occurred under the watch of Tom Vilsack, our current Dem governor who now chairs the DLC.

Keep in mind that until now the private agencies we have been dealing with have been secular. Religious organizations simply haven't been players to any large extent. Why? I suspect it's because (1) there has been no money in it for them, (2) it would require effort and expense to create programs, and (3) because they simply have nothing much to offer in the sense that it takes training, skill, and commitment to provide human services (there's a lot more to it than handing out checks after skimming off some for themselves).

So... I believe that we're moving toward a scenario where churches will be handed money to do with as they wish. Unfortunately, they simply aren't up to the task - such work requires high-quality professionals who have the commitment to seek out necessary training and adhere to rigorous ethical codes. Such people will not work for less than a living wage and churches won't pay a living wage. Human services will descend into chaos with money squandered and misappropriated. Services will be doled out as "charity" and those in need will be required to sacrifice their dignity in order to access services. Amateur "do-gooders" will run amok. And cronyism will rule the day. Churches will constitute just one more corporate-type lobby at the public trough. Meanwhile, the noble cause born in the minds of those who conceived, created, and nurtured the social safety net will be a distant memory. The alleviation of human suffering will take a back seat to money.

[suffragette]

173. I fear your experience has become all too commonplace

Dedicated civil servants have been the backbone of our government and in every department and agency, they have been under attack. This really is the purposeful, wholesale replacement of people and services critical to all of us.
And all of us lose.

[AzDar]

55. I thought this was satire..He is INSANE. n/t

[YankeyMCC]

60. Existing Barriers?!?

"(a) conduct, in coordination with the WHOFBCI Director, a department-wide audit to identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the delivery of social and community services by the Department, including but not limited to regulations, rules, orders, procure-ment, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal programs;"

I can think of one barrier - the Frackin' US Constitution!

[file83]

103. The U.S. Constitution is in the cross hairs....

...of this Executive Order. Once we loose that - we are finished. All Bush has to do now is pull the trigger.

("cross" hairs - pun not intended, yet, entirely appropriate.):yoiks:

[Nothing Without Hope]

61. ****Another DU thread linking to a dKos diary on this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x603025
thread title (3-8-06 GD): Merging of the 'christian' Right and the DHS, it's happening people
links to a dKos diary: http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/3/8/0440/73933

Counting the current thread, that makes three DU General Discussion threads on this so far that I know of. Here's the third (I also linked to it upthread):
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x603315
thread title (3-8-06 GD): ALERT: Bush Orders Homeland Security To Help Religious Groups

[Nothing Without Hope]

150. Note that this dKos diary which is credited with breaking the story was

posted OVER THREE HOURS AFTER Sabra's thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2151727

[Nothing Without Hope]

62. The WaPo article frames this as just a reponse to Katrina but the language

in the exec order is SWEEPING. This is very big - once again the Bush WH has used the plight of the hurricane victims, for which BUSH and CHERTOFF have significant responsibility, as an enabling event for a presidential power grab. This time he's combining RW Christianity (you really think they'd give money to atheists or Muslims?) with the powerful Department of Homeland Security, which is in turn tied to the military.

So far, not a whimper of opposition, except for internet-based progressives.

(The Wash Post article on this is linked to and excerpted in Reply #40. It's a travesty, buried on page 20 and presented as nothing special, just helping those hurricane victims.)

[woodsprite]

76. The Bible talks about the battle between good and evil.

It would have been so much more straight forward if he had just said Democrats and Republicans.

[Norquist Nemesis]

64. Taxes for Jesus

Good Lord, help us all.

[Az_lefty]

65. these Faith Based initiatives need to go away...

there's no telling how much of this money, targeted for the poor, has gone into the pockets of politicians and their campaigns. How about an audit Congress?
:grr:

[Pacifist Patriot]

85. Great idea! But considering they won't even investigate the illegal...

wiretapping I sure hope you aren't holding your breath for an audit.

[mom cat]

66. This looks like the core of it: Getting around anti-discrimination laws:

Sec. 3. Responsibilities of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In carrying out the purpose set forth in section 2 of this order, the Center shall:

(a) conduct, in coordination with the WHOFBCI Director, a department-wide audit to identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the delivery of social and community services by the Department, including but not limited to regulations, rules, orders, procure-ment, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal programs;

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is a huge issue with "faith based" orgs. This last week in Boston, the Catholic Diocese
was told by the United Way that they could lose all of their funding because od discriminatory practices. Catholic Charities had just announced that they wound no longer offer adoption services to gay couples. It sounds like this "homeland security" regulation is meant to help religious groups cut through red tape so they can more effectively discriminate against gays.

[sable302]

70. that's what all the language of

'removing barriers' means. Circumventing anti-discrimination laws.

[mom cat]

73. Exactly. It just chaps their ass if they have to follow laws about

discrimination. Watch out. Gays are going to be the new "Jews" a la Hitler.

[Wordie]

164. And what this even REMOTELY has to do with HS is anybody's guess!

I wish there was as great an outcry against this Bush action as there was in the Dubai deal.

Something's wrong in government when these totally unrelated issues get mixed into other legislation, or in this case, presidential directive.

As I think about it more, this is not clarifying the intent of any HS legislation, this is a presidential attempt to MAKE law! And subvert that pesky little separation between church and state that the fundies hate so much, while he's at it.

I think you are completely right there, mom cat. It looks like an attempt at an end run around anti-discrimination laws. Dems need to be careful on this, though. It also may be an attempt to make the Dems look like they are "anti-religion" in an election year. There should be a well-thought out strategy for fighting this; one that can appeal to a broad spectrum of Americans.

[sable302]

67. I usually try to ignore DU freakout sessions, but...

This time I'm with ya.

What a bunch of freaking crap! This is so unconstitutional I'm practically gasping for breath. We've got to impeach these people now.

Jesus freaking Christ this is beyond disgusting.

[leveymg]

81. This is no more threatening than Gov't $$$ for the Salvation Army

Distasteful for someone used to separation of C&S, but not Darth Vader.

[Clara T]

68. Der Fuhrer Just Helping Us Get Rapture Ready

"... Art thou come to take a spoil? ..." (Ezekiel 38:8-13 KJV)

http://www.tribulation.com/gogmagog.htm

RAPTURE RADICALS: Bush and the fundamentalists



Is George W. Bush insane?
Tour recent 'episodes'
and decide for yourself

in·sane   adj.
1 : mentally disordered : exhibiting insanity
2 : used by, typical of, or intended for insane persons (an insane asylum)
3 : ABSURD (an insane scheme for making money)

in·san·i·ty   n.
1 a : a deranged state of the mind usually occurring as a specific disorder (as schizophrenia) and usually excluding such states as mental retardation, psychoneurosis, and various character disorders
b : a mental disorder
2 : such unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding as prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or as removes one from criminal or civil responsibility
3 a : extreme folly or unreasonableness
b : something utterly foolish or unreasonable

http://www.unknownnews.net/apocalypsenow.html



An introduction to Christian Bible Prophecy.
Examine biblical prophets and their writings and much more! Information-rich web site. We offer free searchable manuscripts by e-mail. Links to online Bibles; most major churches; many Christian resources; visionary sites; museums, and church documents; maps and graphs.

http://goodnewschristianministry.org/goodnews.htm



Biblical Prophecies

Predictions of the End of the World
Many people believe that the Bible says the Battle of Armageddon, the Antichrist and the return of Jesus will occur in 2007. On this page I elaborate on this prediction and outline the reasons why.

The Scenario
The war will start in 2007. The antichrist will stand in the Jewish Temple of Jerusalem and declare that he is God. The Bible calls this the 'abomination of desolation'. Shortly after this the Arab nations will unite against Israel. Egypt will lead Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan - every nation with a border with Israel - against it. Russia and its allies will join on the side of the Arabs. During the fight the US and Russia will use nuclear weapons against each other. The war will leave 2 billion dead.

<snip>

What will the war be like?
Revelation 9:13-16 states that the war will involve '200 million soldiers and 'slay the third part of men.' This means that 2 billion (1/3 of the Earth's population) would die - a conceivable figure for a nuclear war. Such a war could use 200 million men. ..........
Conclusion
So that is the evidence. In 2007 the Battle of Armageddon will take place, there will be nuclear war and Jesus will return. However, some of these interpretations of the text are fairly loose, so if in doubt read through them again and make your own mind up. Whether you believe in this or not is largely a matter of faith, and either way, we will know in 6 years.

http://armageddononline.tripod.com/bible.htm

Whack jobs. All of them.

[Usrename]

157. Maybe when he comes back to Florida we can Baker Act his ass.

What are the criteria for involuntary psychiatric exams in Florida?

Florida law permits a mental health professional, law enforcement officer, or judge who issues an ex parte order to initiate an involuntary examination only when a person meets the following criteria:

f there is reason to believe that he or she is mentally ill and because of his or her mental illness:

(a) 1. The person has refused voluntary examination after conscientious explanation and (a) disclosure of the purpose of the examination; or

(a) 2. The person is unable to determine for himself or herself whether the examination is (a) necessary; and

(b) 1. Without care or treatment, the person is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to care for himself or herself; such neglect or refusal poses a real and present threat of substantial harm to his or her well-being; and it is not apparent that such harm may be avoided through the help of willing family members or friends or the provision of other services; or

(a) 2. There is a substantial likelihood that without care or treatment the person will cause serious bodily harm to himself or herself or others in the near future, as evidenced by recent behavior.

http://www.psychlaws.org/PressRoom/faqonbakeract.htm If the shoe fits.

[sable302]

69. Paragraph 3c

'Outreach activities'

I've been a Christian long enough to know exactly what that means. They want the taxpayer to fund church evangelism, because 'outreach' always means getting people to join up.

That's the centerpiece of the order, I think, and unconstitutional.

[file83]

106. Thanks for decoding that term! "Outreach" = "Evangelism"

This EO is coded in relgious and legal code that mainstream America won't be able to decypher. This is very troublesome.

[wordpix2]

120. thanks

[kestrel91316]

145. "Unconstitutional" doesn't even slow these people down anymore.

[woodsprite]

71. Anybody wanna bet Dobson gets appointed? n/t

[woodsprite]

74. Ewwww - or Moonie. n/t

[Nothing Without Hope]

159. Yeah, that's about right. He's already under investigation for fraud

in his bogus "charity" program for African genocide victims, so he'd fit right in.

[stepnw1f]

77. Brownshirts

[file83]

108. Bingo.

[EVDebs]

78. Do the Freemasons qualify as a 'faith-based' organization ?

Just asking.

Also, you may want to read this
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=215343

[ClayZ]

83. Thirsty anyone? YIKES!

http://www.holybottledwater.com/index.htm

[Pacifist Patriot]

84. My non-Christian stomach is churning.

As I imagine tons of other Christian and non-Christian ones are as well. I'm feeling another overwhelmed day coming on.

I just found two Scottish Unitarian churches without ministers. Wonder if I could get my family to relocate. No, no. I won't abandon my country. But damn it's tempting some days.

[LisaLynne]

92. Yours and mine, both.

I've been sick all day after reading this this morning. That, coupled with the Camp Halliburtons being built is really getting out of hand ...

[FreedomAngel82]

86. I really don't like this at all

:\ Even though I'm Christian myself I don't like mixing politics and religion. Fascism anyone? It makes me uncomfortable and everyone should be equal etc. :\

[electropop]

101. We already have Faith-Based Homeland Security.

From the inside, there does not appear to be anything else it's based upon.

[Nothing Without Hope]

104. I've sent this to a lot of blogs but no one has picked it up - it's not

even on the DU home page.

Why aren't more people concerned about this? Read the language of the executive order and see for yourself just how dangerous and unconstitutional it is!!!!


KICK!!!!!

[file83]

109. I salute you!

:patriot: I'm glad your helping with the resistance against this! :patriot:

[Janice325]

105. I'm at a loss for words.

Just when I think things can't get any worse....they do.:hide:

[hunter]

107. It's about controlling the churches too.

Get them hooked on the funding, and then any threats to withdraw this funding will be very effective.

Churches that help homosexuals and undocumented workers will be the first to be threatened this way.

[Nothing Without Hope]

110. PLEASE, DU ADMINS, PUT THIS ON THE HOME PAGE!!! I've sent it around

to a number of blogs early this AMand so far nobody has responded. Why aren't more people CONCERNED about this????

It's damn near a media blackout. The WaPo article, buried on p 20 (linked to and excerpted in Reply #40) is an outrage in itself - it just frames this as a nice thing to do for Katrina victims and IGNORES what it really is. The brief AP article says very little.

RAW STORY just put it up - I'll post again here with the link and an excerpt.

[file83]

113. I second THAT!!! n/t

[Initech]

111. That's it. We're officially a theocracy.

:nuke:

[file83]

115. And it will only get worse from here on out.... n/t

[Initech]

155. And the worse it gets, the more I want to leave.

Fuck it, I dont want to pay taxes for a government I dont support. If it's theocracy they want, I'm out of here.

[file83]

112. Gives new meaning to the term: "Army of One" (God). Don't it? n/t

[Nothing Without Hope]

114. ****RAW STORY has the story on this outrage up - LINK & EXCERPT****

There is NO STORY, just one sentence on how a diarist at dKos broke the story (but no link to it) and the text of the executive order. There is no link given to the White House press release on the executive order, either. What are they thinking? I'm glad to see it up SOMEWHERE, but with no links to the original or to the dKos diary it cites, it won't be taken as seriously as it would be otherwise. No links in the few (26) comments to the story either. I'll post some there shortly in a new comment.

http://rawstory.com/news/2006/Bush_executive_order_creates_faithbased_community_0308.html

Bush executive order creates faith-based community center at Homeland Security

RAW STORY
Published: March 8, 2006

The following, posted at the White House website, was discovered by a diarist at DailyKos.

(snip - the text of the executive order follows, but there is no link)

I assume that the dKos diary they are talking about is this one, though with no link, it's a guess:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/3/8/0440/73933

[file83]

116. They now have the LINK to the Whitehouse EO - but still no link to

the Dkos diary - that's strange to not give credit where credit is due. They'll probably get it up after they get a few hundred emails.

[Nothing Without Hope]

125. Actually, there is an earlier post HERE than at dKos, and it's not even

on the Greatest Page:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2151727

That's assuming that the Daily Kos diary on this posted at 10:44 PM PDT yesterday (March 7) by Jeffrey Feldman is the first there to break the story - it has almost 300 comments so far:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/3/8/0440/73933

Not that it matters terribly, but it's nice to know that Democratic Underground is once again a place where important news appeared very quickly.

[wordpix2]

121. pls. send this link to your representatives in Congress---maybe they'll do

something about it.

Then again, maybe the sleeping Congressmen won't.

[Miss Chybil]

122. More government to get rid of government.

I'm dizzy.

[wordpix2]

123. We should start some faith-based environmental, education, healthcare orgs

(a) conduct, in coordination with the WHOFBCI Director, a department-wide audit to identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the delivery of social and community services by the Department, including but not limited to regulations, rules, orders, procure-ment, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal programs;

[progressivebydesign]

127. This not a joke? OMG. Tell me why I can't say this is getting Hitler-like?

Why is it that if you mention the similarities to the rise of the Third Reich, that people get upset? When the evidence is mounting. Forced religion, spying, demonizing a segment of the population (liberals), attacking the weak, war profiteering.

[nomo]

132. Anything they did we can do better

Why is it that if you mention the similarities to the rise of the Third Reich, that people get upset? When the evidence is mounting. Forced religion, spying, demonizing a segment of the population (liberals), attacking the weak, war profiteering.

Why? You make it sound as if the Nazis had a monopoly on that, that's why. This is America, bub. Ain't no way those damn Krauts were better totalitarians than we! USA = #1 !!

Now keep on shopping.

[Initech]

156. The comparisons to Hitler are more than welcome now.

Really, I'm waiting for the point where they start putting liberals and non-Christians in internment camps. :scared:

[Nothing Without Hope]

129. ***HERE ARE LINKS IN TinyURLs SO YOU CAN SEND THEM AROUND***

by just copying and pasting in an email:

White House Press Release with text of the Executive Order:
http://tinyurl.com/zoubl

March 8 Washington Post story on this - buried on page 20!!! - which frames it as just a nice thing to do for Katrina survivors, no evidence of concern about what it really means AND NO LINK TO THE TEXT OF THE EXECUTIVE ORDER SO THAT READERS CAN SEE FOR THEMSELVES:
http://tinyurl.com/f5xaa

Two of the Democratic Underground threads on this – the first has the most discussion, the second may be the first report on it (Mar-07-06 10:33 PM ET)
http://tinyurl.com/ealk7
http://tinyurl.com/fveue

Daily Kos diary on this, posted at 1:44 AM ET March 8 by Jeffrey Feldman:
http://tinyurl.com/ff8r7

[readmoreoften]

130. I don't want to rely on a local Baptist Church to get disaster relief.

I want to rely on a streamlined sensible process that has been vetted by experts in disaster preparedness. If a church wants to give me vittles after a disaster, that's very kind of them. But what else would I rely on them for?

Housing? Will they let my girlfriend and I live together?
Healthcare? Will they let me see her on her deathbed?

Why would we give these organizations our tax dollars? And why HOMELAND SECURITY???

[Senator]

131. Theocracy == Monarchy == Fascism (don't mince words)

Fascism -- monarchism -- theocracy -- it's all the same thing.

A belief that some minority has the right to rule the majority. It matters little if it's the true believers, a master race, a family dynasty, a ruling class, or the current DC/Euphemedia Analstocracy. It's all anti-democratic, thus Anti-American*.

This is what the stolen election of 2000 was all about. There was zero attention paid to the Will of the People of Florida and the nation. The result of the vote (not the vote count**) was well known shortly after the election when the uncounted ballots were extrapolated by precinct, and Gore won FL by tens of thousands. Any ethical, moral, real American would have conceded to Gore at that point. (Note: It is at this point that many of you have been trained by fascist propaganda to think "electoral college" and/or "close election" and that somehow some quirk in the system makes what was perpetrated legal or constitutional or something not as disturbing as the truth.)

The contract generally known as the US Constitution was put into breach on January 6th, 2001. This is the "original sin" that must be remedied.

It was this overruling of the will of the (former) American People that left us open to the 9-11 attack, which was a far less important event compared with the election theft. It simply allowed the 21st Century Neo-Fascists to have their "Reichstag fire" to consolitdate control.

The more important part was that the only global force for good in the past several decades -- the public opinion of the American People -- was taken out of the global, moral equation. Which is why prior to the election theft we could stop plane-crashing over the Pacific at the Millenium with help from Jordanian Intelligence, and after... well, not so much. We had lost our moral ascendency, our place as the court of last resort.

Certainly this is a "kinder, gentler" fascism. But did you expect goose-stepping, tanks in the streets and racial hate speech? It's much more efficient to simply scream "Mushroom clouds in 45 minutes!!" through every Euphemedia outlet in order to terrorize a population into compliance (20 guys with boxcutters pales in comparision, doesn't it?).

But make no mistake, it is fascism pure and simple.

_________
*"After Socialism, Fascism combats the whole complex system of democratic ideology, and repudiates it, whether in its theoretical premises or in its practical application. Fascism denies that the majority, by the simple fact that it is a majority, can direct human society" - Benito Mussolini 1932

**"Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decided everything." -- Josef Stalin (echoed by Pol Pot, Bushes, Scalia, Rehnquist, Harris, Blackwell, etc...)

--
www.january6th.org

[Nothing Without Hope]

133. WHY IS THIS OUTRAGE BEING IGNORED????

THE CORPORATE NEWS MEDIA ARE SUPPRESSING AND DISTORTING IT. They don't link to the executive order text so that you can see for yourself what is happening. Instead, it's falsely framed as just a bit of help for the Katrina survivors.

Early this AM I sent it to about half a dozen blogs but NONE HAVE MENTIONED IT.

IT's not even on the DU home page, though the story was broken at DU in this earlier thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2151727
(A Daily Kos diary posted over THREE HOURS LATER is being credited with breaking the story)

This whole thing is another choreographed POWER GRAB. Those Katriina survivors NEED HELP BECAUSE OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S DELIBERATE SEQUENCE OF ACTIONS AND INACTIONS. NOW THEY'RE BEING USED AS AN EXCUSE TO MAKE THE US A THEOCRACY, with funds and all support for "faith-based initiatives" - read "CHRISTIAN-only" and open the door to more money laundering for GOP and CARTE BLANCHE FOR PRESSURE TO CONFORM WITH EXTREME RIGHT WING CHRISTIAN "RULES."

[Kerrytravelers]

134. I love my country... but fear my Government. This is further proof why!

[Duncan Grant]

135. Check out this graphic from The Propaganda Remix Project:

This graphic was created by Micah Wright. It's been a part of his website The Propaganda Remix Project for three years.

Prescient, no?

[tandot]

137. Praying is a helluva cheaper than actually saving lives

We have to finance the Iraq war and all the other wars somehow. Isn't it just logical to just spend less $$$ on prevention of terrorist acts and even less when a disaster or terrorist attack happens? :sarcasm:


"George W. Bush has more of us praying than ever before" (bumper sticker)

I pray that we'll survive the next 2 years of that incompetent, ignorant, and evil moron.

[Sanity Claws]

138. In case of emergency, pray to God because FEMA can't

do anything. I think that is what this executive order means.

[Swamp Rat]

141. Wahrheit marken frei

[AnnieBW]

146. Faith Based Security?

Have faith that our first responders will be able to communicate with each other.

Have faith that no WMDs are coming in through our ports.

Have faith that, if an "Act of God" occurs, FEMA will evacuate the rich and leave the poor to fend for themselves.

Have faith that, no matter what happens, Halliburton will get the contract.

[mia]

147. Chertoff's statement on Faith-based and Community Initiatives

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5472

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Creation of a Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
March 8, 2006

President Bush has signed an Executive Order that directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to advance our overall mission and strengthen the department's preparedness efforts. This Center will be a part of the Preparedness Directorate and it will help to advance several core elements of the department’s mission, in particular building a culture of preparedness in every community across America.

As directed by the President, the Center will conduct a department-wide audit to identify barriers to faith-based and other community organizations’ participation in our programs and activities, and propose ways to remove these barriers and to better integrate the community into our efforts. As a result, the department will more effectively channel the unique resources and capabilities of faith-based and other community organizations in times of crisis, and on an ongoing basis, in preparing for catastrophes of all types.

Faith-based and community organizations played an instrumental role in response to Hurricane Katrina and they continue to be an essential partner in helping victims in the Gulf States region rebuild their lives and communities. I commend their service and look forward to building upon several long-standing relationships, as well as forging new ones, through the department’s new Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

[Nothing Without Hope]

149. Thanks for this. It's new information. So far, basically NOBODY

but us and dKos is reacting to this sweeping executive order. No one in the corporate media is questioning its cloaking as a nice thing to do for Katrina survivors - if they mention it at all. And neither the page 20 Wash Post piece nor the even briefer AP piece give a link to the full text so people can see for themselves the scope of this blatantly unconstitutional outrage.

And it is STILL not even on the DU home page.

I sent off the information to about half a dozen progressive blogs this morning and NADA. I am beyond frustrated. :banghead:

[Wordie]

152. At first, I thought this was one of those gag posts.

But it isn't, is it? Has Bush gone completely berserk??? How can he DO things like this?

I just don't understand how this makes anyone safer, or what it has to do with Homeland Security. We are having so many other problems, how can we spend money for this? How can anyone possibly see this as constitutional???

Happy to provide recommendation #75.

[specimenfred1984]

160. I See It as Ass-Covering for the Katrina Disaster

Now the neopukes can blame churches for not helping too. Piggov't exuse no. 5001: "It's the church's fault".

Confcks spend their entire lives looking for others to blame and people to hate.

[mmonk]

153. What does the constitution say about combining or promoting religion

and government?

[paineinthearse]

154. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...

"Amendment I - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Guess there are no words prohibiting the executive from establishing a religion.

:shrug:

[Nothing Without Hope]

158. Again: PLEASE, DU ADMINS, PUT THIS ON THE HOME PAGE

It's going under most people's radar and that's a terrible mistake. We need to do what we can to get this into public consciousness.

[Nothing Without Hope]

161. STILL not on the DU home page, ignored by the blogs and now just

being allowed to disappear. What a disaster. :banghead: If I can find the time I'll repost with links and summary.

[Nothing Without Hope]

162. KICK, dammit!!! This outrage is being IGNORED

and it is so very important!!!!

[Duncan Grant]

166. So call me "Chicken Little". Please note Sec. 3 (c - e)

:kick:

[suffragette]

169. more info here

http://www.au.org/site/News2?abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=8033&security=1002&news_iv_ctrl=1241

Americans United Criticizes Bush Push For 'Faith-Based' Funding

“The president seems to have little or no regard for the separation of church and state,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director. “This initiative clearly rolls back constitutional safeguards and civil rights protections that people count on.
“Bush is slashing social service spending across the board and using the faith-based initiative to divert attention from the cuts,” said Lynn. “This initiative is a scam, and I hope America’s religious leaders and the American people don’t fall for it.”
Under executive orders issued by the president, tax dollars can go to religious groups to operate social services even if they discriminate in hiring on religious grounds. Thus, taxpayers are being required to pay for programs where they would not be allowed to work or even volunteer.

~snip~
The initiative, Lynn said, has clearly been used for partisan purposes. He noted that in February, Towey spoke at a conference on the initiative for religious leaders in Pennsylvania, where U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, who is locked in a tight re-election bid, appeared via video.

Looks like Homeland Security is the most recent federal office to get one of these centers, so recent it hasn't been added to the list on the White House page yet, which I found after I searched for OFBCI.

This page is scary. I didn't realize that so many of these centers had been established. Looks like they're slowly creating one for each Federal Agency/Dept.

Go to the page, then click on one of the links on the right. that takes you directly to the "Center" for that particular Dept.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/

[Nothing Without Hope]

175. So this has been silently proceeding and, like this most recent outrage,

virtually everyone, including "progressives" are just IGNORING IT. Not on the DU home page - guess it "wasn't important." Not on any of the half-dozen blogs I sent it to, "not important." Just like all those other incursions in the other departments "aren't important."

So, when do people start thinking it's important enough to stop yawning? If even at DU the management is utterly uninterested by this, where do we turn?

[suffragette]

177. I wish I knew

I had been looking in google news to see if anything other than the same freakin' WH puff piece was wriiten about (or really just copied and pasted from that release and labelled with a different paper's name) and only found one that actually analysed what was behind it.
That was the one I posted above.

I went to that site, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, read that article, then saw another that was about the same topic, and in it, the author said that faith-based offices were already in many other departments and this was an expansion of that. I poked around more and found that .gov site with all those links. It looks like it's been going on since right after he assumed office.

I feel so damn frustrated. Why haven't I heard about this before? Why aren't we hearing about this every damn time another Dept. is added? From the .gov site, it looks like they have some ongoing road show promoting them doing this. Yet, no major outcry?

[Nothing Without Hope]

180. Yes, the Wash Post article mentions that it has been happening in

other fed departments already but gives no other information excerpt for a partial list.

WHY IS THERE NO OUTCRY?

Thanks for your research. I guess we few interested ones will just have to keep posting and reposting and hoping somebody finally notices. This is a vitally important thread with over 80 votes, but it was rejected for the DU home page and has now fallen off the Greatest Page. So we keep kicking for now.

If someone posts a new thread on this topic, please PM me and I'll help support it. If I manage to do so in the next week, I'll PM several of the responsive people from this thread. Got to keep this going and beat back the silence.

[suffragette]

183. I'm with you, NWH

Please do PM me if you post another thread on it. And I'll do the same if I do one.
And I want to express my thanks here to Larissa for once again bringing attention to an issue that is otherwise being ignored. If she hadn't posted this, we might never have become aware of this. I am deeply grateful for her fine reporting on issues that matter.

[incapsulated]

179. To be fair...

There is so much shit going on, it is difficult to keep up with it, most days.

Still, I appreciate it brought to our attention.

I think.

[drm604]

174. Kick

:kick:

[InkAddict]

178. Kicking this again, again, again!

:kick:

[symbolman]

181. Did you get your

Church Card Punched today? Remember, if you don't get your church attendance card punched then you are not allowed to shop for groceries.

The Church folk will now be greeting those returning to america from foreign countries and testing them for drugs, so if they have defiled their bodies while in an unHoly country they cannot be allowed to return to this one.

Praise Jesus, or die.

[BootinUp]

182. For the Fatherland!

Holy crap.