Lynn v. Sekulow

Recently in White House Category

Monday August 24, 2009

Outrage In Proportion

I like to think that my outrage is in relative proportion to the outrage that generated it in the first place.  I have never been known to give any politician a "pass" nor to overstate the gravity of a politician's anti-separation errors.

So, as in my earlier blog, or in this interview with Fox News, I said what was on my mind about President Obama's use of religious language to get people to rally around his health care plan.  Similarly, I have criticized the way the President has initiated his version of the "faith based initiative."  It is my hope that this kind of specific criticism is useful.  More will come if changes are not made.

Monday August 17, 2009

White House 'Flagging' Operation Disabled

Barry, it looks like the White House got the message:  its email 'flagging' operation appears to have been disabled.

 

As I reported to you last week, the White House launched in early August what can only be described as a citizen reporting program.  The program was unveiled on the White House website by Macon Phillips, the White House Director of New Media.  As you recall, Phillips claimed that "[t]here is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there" both on the web and floating around in chain emails.  Phillips stated that "[s]ince we can't keep track of all of them here at the White House, we're asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov."

Thursday June 4, 2009

Obama Opens Door - Now Action Must Follow

Barry, President Obama opened the door with a brief mention of religious freedom in his 55-minute speech to the Arab world. To his credit, he did bring up the importance of religious freedom, saying:  "Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it."  It's a good beginning, but President Obama must use this opportunity to take some real action - to engage this issue with those in the Middle East who have a notorious record for persecuting Christians and others who do not embrace Islam.  

 

He did include a couple of lines about 'religious diversity' - "Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of somebody else's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld - whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt."

 

Barry, this is an issue where President Obama must use his presidential clout - this isn't just about religious 'tolerance' - it's about real life-and-death issues facing those who want to practice their religious faith.  We have just completed detailed reports about the persecution of Christians in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Tuesday June 2, 2009

Obama Should Raise Issue of Religious Persecution

Barry, I've just returned from Israel where we have opened an office in Jerusalem.  In addition to our work at the European Court of Human Rights in France, we are working out of Jerusalem on a number of cases involving religious persecution.  We're currently engaged in defending persecuted Christians in places like the Gaza Strip, Syria and Pakistan.  

Not long ago, we assisted in relocating the family of Rami Ayyad of Gaza, an operator of a Christian bookstore, who was brutally murdered by Hamas because of his Christian faith.  We were able to assist in removing the widow and her three children to a safer area and relocating them after his murder.

And with our affiliate organization, the European Centre for Law and Justice, we recently secured an important victory in the United Kingdom  where an immigration court of appeals for the first time recognized the plight of Syrian Evangelical Christians with Muslim backgrounds who faced real danger - including possible death - if they returned home. 

Tuesday May 26, 2009

Supreme Court Nominee Named

Barry, today's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor  to replace Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court of the United States will generate serious debate about the issue of judicial activism on the nation's highest court.

As we learn about Judge Sotomayor's background and judicial philosophy in the days and weeks ahead, it is important to determine how she views the Constitution and the rule of law. For example, will she embrace her past statement that the "court of appeals is where policy is made?" This nomination raises the issue of legislating from the bench and the appropriate role of a Supreme Court Justice.  We will learn more about her judicial temperament and philosophy in the days ahead.

I'm hopeful that the members of the Senate will ask tough questions about her judicial philosophy and temperament when the confirmation hearings get underway this summer.  The American people deserve to fully understand what kind of Justice Sonia Sotomayor would be on the nation's highest court for decades to come.

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Friday May 1, 2009

From Graduation, to Supreme Court Vacancy

Barry, the big news, of course, is the reported retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter.  The news comes just 102 days into the Obama Administration and sets the stage for President Obama to move to put his liberal stamp on...

Wednesday April 22, 2009

With Obama, The Criticism is About Substance, Not Style

Barry, I really don't understand what you are talking about.  Much of what President Obama is being criticized for revolves around substantive issues - not style.  And, it's hardly "nitpicking" as you suggest.  A lot of troubling developments have occurred...

Tuesday April 21, 2009

Carp, Carp, Carp: Must The Right Always Fish For Reasons To Attack Obama?

I've been out in California a few days and I'm constantly hearing people ask: "Why doesn't the Right ever give President Obama a break?"  What they mean is that literally every day the hosts of Fox News, the Drudge Report,...

Thursday April 16, 2009

Homeland Insecurity: Conservatives Shouldn't Worry About U.S. Report On Extremists

Jay, I can't believe you have gotten roped into complaining about the Department of Homeland Security's recent assessment of potential terrorist threats from right-wing groups. You are joining Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council and "columnist" Michelle Malkin in...

Wednesday April 15, 2009

A New Generation of Leadership

Barry, rest assured there is a new and vibrant generation of conservative Christians that are already engaging what are called the "Culture Wars."  I personally have never liked that phraseology. This is really a clash of world views. There is...

Tuesday April 14, 2009

Think the "Culture Wars" Are Over? I Have a Bridge in Brooklyn For Sale

Maybe  James Dobson was just having a particularly bad day.  As the top Religious Right leader gave a "farewell speech" to the staff at Focus On the Family he noted that "we are awash in evil" and that "humanly speaking,...

Wednesday April 8, 2009

Fear Not: One World Government Not Coming

Jay, I'm happy to talk about your fears about creeping internationalism and the end of United States sovereignty.  But wait!  You provide no evidence that this administration wants to give up America's constitutional form of government or even its currency (that fear...

Monday April 6, 2009

U.S. Sovereignty at Risk With Obama?

In this space, we talk about a variety of issues - mostly along 'church/state' lines.  Barry, I am concerned about something I see developing in our 'state' - in our nation - and I want to see what you think....

Thursday April 2, 2009

Dungy Meets Standards Set by Obama White House

Barry, I'm surprised you vigorously oppose former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy joining the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.  You cite his religious beliefs about marriage.  Would you have a different opinion if Dungy supported same-sex...

Tuesday March 31, 2009

Categories: Gay Marriage, White House

More Unwelcome News On Obama Faith-Based Front

Dan Gilgoff is now reporting that former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy has been invited to join the White House "Advisory Panel On Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships".  This unnecessary body already has plenty of people on it who are way off...

Friday March 20, 2009

National Day of Prayer is Constitutional

Barry, I'm sure you're aware of a lawsuit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) in Wisconsin challenging the constitutionality of a 1988 federal law giving the President the authority to designate the first Thursday in May as a...

Sunday March 8, 2009

Tell Rush Limbaugh: His Friends Are Leading Us To Socialism!

Nevada Senator Jon Ensign has leaped into the debate over the District of Columbia's school voucher program with both feet.  Although not usually known in Congress for his interest in education, his interest in ideology is apparent justification for attempting...

Friday March 6, 2009

Obama Keeps Abortion - Not Choice - Promises

Barry, I am stunned by your defense of President Obama's pro-abortion policies.   You say that you're 'delighted' that he's making good on his promises in this area.  Come on, Barry.  Level with me.  You know this is not about choice...

Wednesday March 4, 2009

Categories: Abortion, White House

Obama Keeps Choice Promises: Why Any Surprise?

Jay, I am incredulous about your continued "shock" that pro-choice Presidential candidate Barack Obama is now pro-choice President Barack Obama. The President made it clear throughout the campaign that he was pro-choice: noting that he would overturn the Mexico City...

Tuesday March 3, 2009

A Pro-Abortion Presidential Push

President Obama has wasted little time since taking office staking out positions that are hostile to protecting human life.   Within days of taking the oath of office, President Obama signed an Executive Order repealing what's been called the "Mexico...

Friday February 20, 2009

Categories: White House

No Silence Broken: Just Position Restated

Jay, in spite of your best efforts to create the Fairness Doctrine as a huge issue, you have failed.  The White House did not "break" any silence.  It just reiterated what President Obama had said when he was "candidate" Obama:...

Thursday February 19, 2009

White House Breaks Silence on Fairness Doctrine

Barry, what's with the White House when it comes to the Fairness Doctrine? First, silence from the White House on whether President Obama supports a return to this troubling regulatory measure.  White House spokesman Robert Gibbs repeatedly has refused to...

Monday February 16, 2009

Fairness Doctrine - By Any Other Name - Still Unfair

Barry, it's impossible to ignore the ongoing discussion and renewed calls from members of Congress to bring back the Fairness Doctrine or what many are saying will be legislation that will go by a different name. ...

Friday February 13, 2009

Jay, You're Condemning Obama For Being Obama

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Thursday February 12, 2009

What Will President Obama Do Next?

Barry, I don't think anyone really has a clue on how President Obama plans to move forward with his faith-based efforts.  I am not sure the even the President knows at this point....

Friday February 6, 2009

Don't Force Christian High Schools to Change Curriculum

Barry, there's another troubling development in the education world - this one is not about stimulus funds for higher education facilities - this centers on high school curriculum and focuses directly on what's being taught in many Christian high schools...

Tuesday February 3, 2009

Religious Discrimination - Not Economic Stimulus

Barry, as debate unfolds on the economic stimulus package on Capitol Hill, we've already seen some of the 'spending' priorities of this new Administration and Congress.   President Obama wasted no time in issuing an Executive Order clearing the way for...

Wednesday January 28, 2009

Leave Talk Radio Alone

With each passing day comes more concern about conservative talk radio.  Now, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched an online petition targeting Rush Limbaugh.  That comes just days after President Obama told Republican lawmakers that "they can't just listen to...

Monday January 26, 2009

Categories: Abortion, White House

SHOCKER! REMOVING GAG RULE UPSETS VATICAN

I knew you would not be happy, Jay, that President Obama did what he had always said he would do--remove the restriction against even discussing abortion by groups which are engaged in international family planning and receive any tax dollars. ...

Friday January 23, 2009

Categories: Abortion, White House

A Pro-Abortion President

Barry, it's clear that this President is working quickly to overturn many of the policies of his predecessor.  But, what is most troubling in the flurry of Executive Orders issued by President Obama in the hours of his new presidency,...

Tuesday January 20, 2009

WARREN GETS NO PASS FROM ME

I'm sorry, Jay, but I can't say "amen" to your characterization of Rick Warren's participation in the inaugural ceremony.  Although once you pass the threshold of having two Protestant ministers, it is not unexpected that one or both (in this...

Tuesday January 20, 2009

Intriguing Inaugural Invocation

After much speculation, Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Church, delivered the invocation at the inaugural ceremony - a prayer that was heartfelt and true to his faith tradition.   Warren offered an inclusive prayer for a nation comprised of...

Thursday January 15, 2009

Inaugural Prayer Opponents Are Right In Principle

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Tuesday November 25, 2008

Categories: Education, White House

Under the Magnifying Glass

Barry, you are right on target.  It is certainly up to President-elect Obama and his wife to make the best decision possible for the education of their two daughters.  This is a private, family matter. But, as we both know,...

Sunday November 23, 2008

OBAMA REJECTS RIDICULOUS SCHOOL ARGUMENTS

According to the Washington Post, President-elect Obama has decided to send his two daughters to the Sidwell Friends School.  This is a wise decision.  Earlier in the week both the Post and syndicated columnist Cal Thomas had editorialized that he...

Friday November 7, 2008

Categories: Congress, Courts, White House

A Short Honeymoon

President-Elect Obama is rapidly moving to get up to speed on the many issues he is facing.  It's clear that the economy, which was by far the key issue in the election, is also front-and-center in this post-election/pre-inauguration window.  And,...

Thursday November 6, 2008

RELIGIOUS RIGHT: ONE DOOR SHUTS; FIFTY OPEN

Before I suggest that readers take a look at a more detailed post-election document, I wanted to note something about your last post.  If prayer is to be taken seriously, we have to know what the praying is for.  I'm...

Wednesday November 5, 2008

Pray For Those in Authority

With the history-making election of our first African-American president, Barack Obama begins an important transition time leading up to the inauguration in January.  He will face many challenges - a faltering economy, the need to protect our great nation from...

Monday November 3, 2008

EVERYBODY IS DOING IT

The blogosphere is filled with them: predictions about the outcome of Tuesday's election.  Although a Google search indicates there are even ones made by monkeys, a quick examination of the first few hits indicates this could be a put on....

Friday August 29, 2008

VP Nominee Palin Understands America's Heritage

As I mentioned previously, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice Presidential candidate, signed a proclamation which declared a week in October 2007 as "Christian Heritage Week" in Alaska. Governor Palin's acknowledgment of our nation's history and heritage is welcomed...

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About Lynn v. Sekulow

Lynn v. Sekulow is an ongoing debate blog--a blogalogue--about how big (or little) a role faith and religion should play in American politics and government, featuring the two leading voices of the church/state battle: American Center for Law & Justice Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow and Americans United for Separation of Church and State Executive Director Rev. Barry W. Lynn.

Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates’ positions and political party statements, the Rev. Barry Lynn and Jay Sekulow are offering analysis in their individual capacities as lawyers and commentators. They are not speaking on behalf of Americans United for Separation for Church and State or for the American Center for Law & Justice. Those organizations do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this dialogue should be construed as the positions of the respective organizations.

About the Authors

Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit educational organization that defends religious liberty by opposing government interference in religion
» Posts by Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Jay Sekulow
Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a law firm and educational organization focused on protecting religious freedom, American families, and human life.
» Posts by Jay Sekulow
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