To: Friends & Supporters
From: Carol Bauer
Capital Prayer Alert
Yet again, we find ourselves in shock and disbelief at the terror that breeds and grows among us. Too many people in public life with the bully pulpit at their disposal seem intent on ignoring obvious root causes of the desire to commit terrorist acts against the American people. They blithely blame any number of predictable causes, while refusing to name the one cause each attack has in common -- radical Islam.
And then there is the growing frustration with the exhortation that if we "see something" we should "say something." There are those who did speak up, investigations ensued and over time those investigations were all dropped.
Were the signals there but missed? Did the individual become more radicalized over time after the investigations had been dropped? As has been the case too many times before, others close to the killer saw foreshadowing of what was to come, at least one even participating in an examination of targets. Authorities were not notified as the pieces of the puzzle plot were assembled.
The killer among us assembled what he needed, talked about his affinity for radical Islam, married, worked, fathered a child, claimed discrimination because of his faith and cased the nightclub. Signs were studied but then authorities moved on.
And then came the night a single terrorist claimed the lives of 49 in the name of the god he worshipped and served. He cruelly announced his actions in real time and promised more death. Another deranged killer who left behind bread crumbs of evidence that were missed.
Those who seek to pause the tide of immigrants from countries that are hotbeds of radical Islam are ridiculed and called "fascists," even by party colleagues. With no reliable paper trail to vouch for those who seek to come and live here, we are expected to accept the status quo and our motives are questioned when we ask too many questions. We are scolded and told "That's not who we are."
But shouldn't we be a country focused on protecting its own while we adjust to a more dangerous world? Yes, we can welcome immigrants who come legally with a desire to uphold our values. But why should we be bullied into thinking the new norm is hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants or unvetted immigrants from countries whose leaders shout for our demise?
Lord, guide us as we seek the means to protect America from terrorism prompted by hatred of our Judeo-Christian values. Help our law enforcement community to think outside the box, to anticipate what the next wave of terrorism will look like. Prompt us to be nimble, quick thinking and anticipatory in our approach rather than in denial, sluggish or reactive. Give us leaders whose words inspire and unite us rather than words that divide and place blame where it does not belong.
Dear God, embolden those who are courageously seeking new, workable solutions. We pray, Lord, that the American people would be entrusted with the gift of a comprehensive and adult conversation on potential solutions, devoid of knee-jerk rhetoric, accusations and arguments based on false premises.
The coming months will be dotted with large public gatherings -- two political conventions with worldwide audiences, hundreds of large sporting events, parades, festivals, air shows, state and county fairs and countless church picnics. Families enjoy being outside together during the summer months and yet in today's atmosphere these events could easily become soft targets for terrorism.
Pray for our beleaguered law enforcement personnel whose work is seldom acknowledged as it should be. Ask God to give them stamina and the ability to think quickly, clearly and decisively. Ask God to give them vigilance in changing circumstances and surroundings.
Finally, ask our Heavenly Father to give each of us good judgment in evaluating our surroundings and the people in our vicinity. Pray that we would have the courage to tell a law enforcement officer if we see something suspicious. Keep us safe, Lord. "
Amen
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