Bishop E.W. Jackson: Believe in the Resurrection

From the crucifixion until Sunday morning, everything was bleak. It was hopeless! Everything that they had worked for was gone. Their Leader was dead and buried and there was nothing more that they could do. And then it was Sunday! Everything was new again! What they had thought and felt on Friday was wrong. The power of Jesus' Resurrection created new vision and hope for the future. The Apostle Paul said "…if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!…But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." [1 Corinthians 15:17,20] America is a nation of hope because our culture is rooted in Christianity. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead tells us that no matter how hopeless the situation may appear, resurrection power is our inheritance. Death is swallowed up in victory. That is why we won the Revolutionary War and went on to become the most successful nation in history. There are some in our country who see how bad things are today and think that all is lost. They are wrong. Because of Jesus Christ, the cross we bear is not our end, but a pathway to new life for our nation. May God renew in our hearts the reality and power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and may the hopes and dreams of patriotic Americans for our country find new life in Him.

CAPT Hung Cao: Happy Easter!

Martha,   Hallelujah!   He is risen.   Happy Easter from my family to yours!   CAPT Hung Cao USN (Ret)

Cameron Hamilton: Wishing you a joyous weekend!

Despite everything going on in the world, one thing remains… Even in the darkest times, God is doing amazing things. Since my family and I decided to undertake this campaign last June, we have been continually amazed at the immense generosity and strength of so many people. We have truly been blessed by the Lord, and I will sing his praises. Politics can be an all-encompassing ordeal. Frankly, I am not happy with the direction this nation is headed, which is why I am seeking to serve this great nation once again with your support and help. We face a crisis of leadership, or as C.S. Lewis said: "Men without chests". Despite what we are up against, there is always hope when we reflect on our faith, family and freedoms.

My faith has defined my character, and I am immeasurably grateful for what the Lord has done in my life and the life of my family. This weekend marks the greatest celebration of the Christian faith, and the ultimate testimony of sacrifice for the sake of others. I wish you a joyous celebration of the resurrection, and a wonderful spring season.    May the Lord Bless you and keep you, May his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, May the Lord lift his countenance upon you, And give you peace. Thank you for being a patriot, Cameron Hamilton Navy SEAL Veteran Republican Candidate for Congress, VA-07

Florida Senator Rick Scott's Week in Review

I took my third trip to visit Israel as your U.S. senator and sixth since I was elected as your governor in 2011. I met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and delivered an important message: my commitment to supporting Israel and protecting the valuable relationship Florida and America have with the Jewish State will never falter. We will see this through until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages, which includes Americans, that have now spent over 170 days in Hamas captivity are home.

Israel changed on October 7, 2023, when Iran-backed Hamas terrorists attacked and killed thousands of innocent people – but I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu and members of his administration that I stand firmly with them in making sure this day will not mark the end of the Jewish State. I reiterated this commitment when I spoke to family members of individuals taken hostage and IDF Soldiers who have seen and fought terrorism firsthand. They're scarred by the unimaginable horrors of Iran-backed Hamas terrorists beheading babies, raping young women, murdering their loved ones and capturing their children to be held hostage. 

I saw the devastation Israel faces with my own eyes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The joyous community I visited years ago is now destroyed and reeling from the aftermath of October 7, with so many of its residents missing or dead. I also visited the site of the massacre at the Supernova Music Festival. It was difficult to walk through that place and see the hundreds of memorials to innocent young people that were ambushed and brutally murdered by Hamas. My visit to Israel has only reinforced the undeniable fact that the United States and Israel have a common security interest in destroying Hamas and getting hostages back home TODAY. President Biden and Democrats in Washington have abandoned Israel at the United Nations and on the world stage. I urge them to reverse course and I will not be silent until I see Biden's administration stand strongly with our ally.

As we mark Holy Week, I visited the Western Wall and I left a prayer for every hostage taken on October 7 to be freed today and returned home. As you and your family gather for Easter, I ask that you join me in also praying for every hostage and their loved ones. War is terrible, but Israel cannot rest until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages, including Americans, are home. I know that God is with the Israeli people and will deliver victory to his people and the Jewish State.

Congressman Good Update: Have a Blessed Easter

Whenever I am back in the 5th District, I enjoy touring local businesses, visiting schools and speaking to students, honoring our veterans, and connecting with constituents. During this past week's district work period away from Washington, I heard from people across the 5th District about how they feel our nation's foundational values are slipping away. These conversations renew my resolve to fight for the sanctity of life, defend our constitutional freedoms, preserve our safety and security, and restore our nation's economic strength and fiscal solvency.

While I will continue to stand strong on your behalf for the God-given rights enshrined by our Founders in the Constitution, my hope does not ultimately rest in government. As a born-again Christian, I place my trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate Easter, I wish you and your family a blessed Resurrection Sunday.

Good News from MoveOn: "The RFK Jr. problem"

 

"...Timothy Mellon, heir to the Mellon banking fortune He's poured millions of dollars into craven efforts to support RFK Jr., who has absolutely no chance of winning the general election but whose candidacy could very well throw the election to Trump."

Bishop E.W. Jackson: Celebrate 15 Years Of Ministry At The STAND Awards Dinner!

Jon Myers: Happy Easter

As we prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday, I am reminded of the profound significance of this holy day and the values it represents. Easter is a time of resurrection and renewal—a reminder of the enduring power of faith, family, and community. Our country faces many challenges: the southern border crisis, a poor economy that is crippling our middle class, and a frightening escalation of national security threats. As we face these challenges as a nation, let us draw strength from the timeless message of Easter—that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a new beginning.  From my family to yours, we wish you a blessed Easter that brings you and your loved ones peace, joy, and hope for the future. Semper Fidelis,

Jon Myers Republican for Virginia's 7th congressional district

America's Frontline Doctors: Movie Suggestion

Flynn: Deliver the Truth. Whatever the Cost.

This gripping documentary explores the life of General Michael Flynn, from his rise in the US Army to the political storm he faced as a National Security Advisor, highlighting his commitment to disrupting endless warfare and the intense investigations that challenged his career.    Learn more about the film, purchase live event tickets and pre-order the DVD at: https://www.flynnmovie.com

 

 

Senator Bryce Reeves - Guest Speaker in Madison on April 16th

Senator Bryce Reeves

will be the Guest Speaker at

Madison County Republican Women's

Monthly Dinner Meeting

featuring savory Ham plus great side dishes and desserts by MCRW Members.

Tuesday, April 16th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Fellowship Baptist Church Hall Annex, 725 Gate Road

Madison, VA  22727

Dinner donation $10.  Everyone is invited to attend this informative meeting.

Constitutional Nobody: The Afternoon Update from USSA News

Gary Bauer: The Good News

There has been plenty of bad news lately. The invasion of our southern border continues unabated. Israel is under siege. Anti-Semitism is on the rise. The war in Ukraine rages on, as does the left's unrelenting assault on our values.

 

But today, on Good Friday, we focus on the perfect Lamb, the truth of scripture and exactly what it is that we as Christians are celebrating. (Hint: It's not chocolate bunnies, spiral hams or marshmallow chicks!)

 

As a child, I wanted a different ending to the Easter story. If only Christ had come down from the cross and destroyed His enemies -- that would have demonstrated His power. That is what I thought then. Of course, I learned how wrong that impulse was.

 

Christ had to die so that we might have everlasting life. His sacrifice on the cross saved all who believe in Him. As Charles Wesley wrote in his famous hymn: "Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me?"

 

Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

 

While some worship a god who commands men to die for him, we worship a loving God who gave His son to die for us. What a contrast! What a savior!

 

Of course, Christ did more than just give up His life. He conquered death and rose from the grave. Obviously, Christmas is earthshattering in that God took on human form. But the Resurrection was the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation.

 

If Christ had not risen from the grave, He would have been forgotten as a common criminal, a rabble-rouser whose birthday would have no significance.

 

With Christ's resurrection, we have confidence.

 

Confidence in a caring Creator, rather than the chaos of the cosmos.

 

Confidence in a glorious future, rather than the finality of the grave.

 

Confidence that sustains us in times of trial and tribulation, especially in times such as these.

 

Today, my friends, let us focus on the Good News that on Resurrection Sunday, we do not remember a prophet or a martyr. We worship the risen Son of God!

 

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Institute for Energy Research: 🔌 Higher Oil Demand for 2024 Predicted

• China is the driver of demand, as it has passed the United States in refining capacity, and is also the world's largest consumer of energy and its largest emitter of carbon dioxide.

Read More...

Amanda Chase: Actions Taken by Governor Youngkin on Bills As of Today

Great news! On Tuesday, March 26, Governor Youngkin vetoed 30 bills that targeted law abiding gun owners, including measures that would have halted the sale of certain semi-automatic firearms. To date, the Governor has vetoed 32 such bills.

That said, the Governor also signed into law gun control bills HB22 and SB210 regarding auto sears, and SB44, regarding  abuse and neglect of children; causing or enabling child to gain possession of a firearm, penalty. He also offered amendments to 6 gun control bills.

The Virginia General Assembly will reconvene on Wednesday, April 17 for consideration of the Governor's amendments and vetoes. With only a one member majority in each house, it is unlikely that the Democrats will be able to override any of Governor Youngkin's vetoes.

Derrick Max, Thomas Jefferson Institute: The Jefferson Journal: Governor Youngkin uses his veto pen to protect farmers and lower-skilled workers

By Derrick Max

 

3/29/2024 -- There is a near-universal consensus among economists that increases in the minimum wage harm low-skilled workers the most. Originally designed to mimic racially discriminatory laws elsewhere, the minimum wage continues to be a means of picking certain classes and geographic locations over others. For example, the minimum wage benefits the high-cost-of-living areas in the Northeast over the lower-cost-of-living areas in the South. It also benefits the more educated over the less educated, and as I have noted before in the Jefferson Journal, increases in the minimum wage benefits the healthy over the handicapped.

Governor Youngkin's understanding of the dangers of government intervention in wages is best summarized in the Governor's defense of his veto of HB1 and SB1 -- which would have raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour. In his veto explanation, the Governor notes, "The free market for salaries and wages works. It operates dynamically, responding to the nuances of varying economic conditions and regional differences. This wage mandate imperils market freedom and economic competitiveness."

Acknowledging the regional differences in impact, the Governor noted, "Implementing a $15-per-hour wage mandate may not impact Northern Virginia, where economic conditions create a higher cost of living, but this approach is detrimental for small businesses across the rest of Virginia, especially in Southwest and Southside. A one-size-fits-all mandate ignores the vast economic and geographic differences and undermines the ability to adapt to regional cost-of-living differences and market dynamics."

Even without the Governor's signature, Virginia's minimum wage was set to be indexed to the consumer price index beginning in October of 2024. This will keep the earning power of the current minimum wage intact going forward -- which is a much more reasonable approach and will prevent a wage shock that will surely have an immediate negative impact on Virginia's most vulnerable workers.  

The Governor also vetoed a companion bill, HB157, that would have removed the long-standing exemption from the minimum wage for migrant and farm labor. Governor Youngkin clearly understands the truism written on many bumper stickers that "farmland lost, is farmland lost forever," when he wrote in his veto explanation: "The agricultural sector has thin margins, and this bill will significantly affect the industry. The data from the USDA Census of Agriculture and the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Policy further emphasize the importance of supporting our agriculture industry. The loss of five thousand farms and nearly five hundred thousand acres of farmland in the last five years has dramatically altered our economy and communities."

It is refreshing to have a Governor who understands and can articulate important economic principles so clearly. We applaud Governor Youngkin for his bold use of the veto in defense of those the General Assembly foolishly put at risk when they passed these bills. We are thankful for the Governor's clear desire to see the Commonwealth move forward with continued job growth, a strong economy, and healthy farming communities. 

Derrick Max is the President of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy. He may be reached at dmax@thomasjeffersoninst.org. 

Dean Clancy, Americans for Prosperity: Obamacare birthday no cause for celebration

President Joe Biden has been making the rounds and bragging about Obamacare, which turns 14 on Saturday. ‌ But Obamacare is nothing to cheer about. Remember, President Obama told us repeatedly that his plan would reduce health insurance premiums for all Americans. ‌ "My plan begins by covering every American. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money that you will spend on premiums. That will be less than what you're spending now." ‌ How much lower would premiums be? According to Obama, his plan would "bring down premiums by $2,500 for the typical family." Of course, we've seen just the opposite. Average premiums for Obamacare plans have more than doubled since 2014. And average deductibles — the amount you must pay before your insurance kicks in — are up nearly 60 percent! ‌ The only ones that have benefitted from Obamacare are the health insurance companies. According to the Paragon Institute: ‌ "In fiscal year 2023, federal subsidies through the ACA Medicaid expansion and the exchanges, which almost all flowed to insurers, totaled $218 billion. About half of all health care spending and the majority of health insurer revenue now comes directly from the government." ‌ Does all that taxpayer spending mean better health care? No. As the Los Angeles Times reported: ‌ "Medicaid is rarely associated with getting rich…But some insurance companies are reaping spectacular profits off the taxpayer-funded program in California, even when the state finds that patient care is subpar." ‌ Pay more for subpar care. Yep, sounds like Bidenomics.   Learn more at Bidenomics.com

There is a better way: the Personal Option. The Personal Option focuses on funding individuals and families, not insurance companies or the government. With a Personal Option, you're in control of your own healthcare. You decide what coverage works best for you and your family. You decide what doctors you want to see. And you decide what treatments you're willing to try.

Office of U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn: The Blackburn Report: Reflecting On The Covenant School Tragedy One Year Later

This week marks one year since the tragedy that occurred at the Covenant School in Nashville. Violence against children is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable — especially in schools where they should be safe to learn, play, and be children. My heart breaks for the families of those who lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence, and my prayers are with them on this solemn day. 

___________________________________________

In Congress, Senator Hagerty and I introduced the SAFE School Act to allow schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers and provide funding to harden schools and increase physical security.

________________________________________

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." – 1 Peter 1:3

From my family to yours, I hope you have a blessed Easter weekend, reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

_________________________________________

As we celebrate Women's History Month, I was honored to speak with three strong Tennesssee women: Diana Harshbarger, U.S. Representative for Tennessee's first congressional district; Dr. Nancy Dishner, President and CEO of the Niswonger Foundation; and Dr. Carol Swain, an author, former professor, and well-respected political scientist. They each have such an inspiring story that you won't want to miss. Click here to listen to these accomplished women talk about how they got to where they are, how they overcame obstacles, and how they have broken barriers in their fields.

Virginia Faith & Freedom Coalition

"Last week, Democrats on Fairfax County's board of supervisors voted to designate Easter Sunday as Transgender Visibility Day. The proclamation goes far beyond the supposed intent of making transgender people and gender ideology activists feel seen. Members of the board are also sending a message to Christians that they do not matter as they turn one of their holiest days into a celebration of an ideology that undermines the church's core convictions...... If McKay [Chairman Jeff McKay, a Democrat] and other members of the board were serious about their stated commitment to representing constituents, there are many other days they could have designated as Transgender Visibility Day." Read the complete article HERE.

The Fairfax County Republican Committee has an established outreach effort to the Christian community and is seeking volunteers to assist with a postcard campaign (planned start in early July). If you would like to help, please drop Rev. Mosley an email with your contact information. Thank you! Rev. Steven Mosley Fairfax GOP Evangelical Outreach Chair Former Candidate for Fairfax County School Board  mrstevenmosley@gmail.com

Jason Miyares: This weekend

As we approach this holy weekend, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a solemn Good Friday and a joyous Easter.

Today is a time for reflection and remembrance, as we contemplate the sacrifice made for us and the profound love of Good Friday. 

As we anticipate the celebration of Easter, let us rejoice in the promise of renewal. May the resurrection of our Lord remind us of the power of redemption and the triumph of good over evil.

Wishing you and your family a blessed weekend,
Jason Miyares

Quote of the Day

"Hate crimes laws only serve to make examples of people the government hates."

Not the Bee

https://notthebee.com/article/the-followup-here-are-updates-to-stories-everyone-stopped-talking-about-to-let-you-know-how-they-ended

Rocky Mountain Black Conservatives: What happened to Facebook?

After the last newsletter I received several, "So what happened that you're not on social media anymore?" messages. Guess there are more of you out there who don't know than I'd realized, so I'll solve the puzzle here...

In 2020 I made the decision to pull the plug on social media for both myself (personally) & the RMBC. Man has it ever been liberating! At the time I had somewhere around 450,000 Facebook fans spread amongst multiple sites. The RMBC page was the biggest. Along with my friend Jim I also was behind Red, White & Blue News. I also had Black & Conservative, which I believe still exists as some of my friends/page admins - Casper, Ken and Nathan, said they'd like to keep it alive and I think they have. I was also a lead admin on Black Tea Patriots.

All of these combined to a pretty good online presence, so what happened?

As those of you who were around in those days will remember, I was constantly getting put into Facebook jail. Not for profanity or indecency or anything of the sort, but just the Facebook police deeming my content or comments 'in violation of community standards.' A day here, a week there, then eventually (as my minor celebrity status grew & I began popping up more and more on national news outlets) months at a time. But even that didn't do it. Here's what did.

The end of the Obama years & beginning of Trump were the height of the RMBC's Facebook page. So we're talking 2014 - 2019. Page visits, growth and volume were huge in those days. A good post on the RMBC page would garner 5,000+ shares and 500+ comments. A great one could triple those numbers. In a good week we would add 800 - 1,000 new fans.

By mid 2020, the time I decided to end it all, a good post would garner 20 - 50 shares and 10 or 12 comments and the page would add 3 or 4 new fans per week. Not 3 or 4 hundred - three or four!

This is no exaggeration.

In those days I was also a writer for a much, much larger page and website. I don't have permission to name names here (many of you know anyway) but that page had 2 million fans, a good post could easily get 50 - 80,000 shares and 5-6,000 comments. By mid-2019 a strong post would be shared 1,500 times and have a handful of dozens of comments.

This is what's known as 'shadow banning.' In addition to literally banning me/us for weeks sometimes months at a time Facebook and Twitter were clearly, blatantly muzzling conservative speech. They'd turned the spigot down so low our voice was little more than a trickle. Daily we got messages and posts from years-long followers saying, "I thought you guys were gone", "You don't show up in my newsfeed anymore", "I haven't seen anything from this page in forever." All this while they were at the same time promoting the voices of leftists. I know it, I saw it, I lived it.

[and I'm not going into Youtube terminating monetization of my channel, which is a story for another day]

Then, as the 2020 election drew near we saw those companies quit the subtle, shadow tactics. The NYPost uncovered very, very damaging information connecting Joe Biden and his son Hunter to a world of malfeasance & began reporting on it. This information would clearly be damaging at the ballot box. What did Facebook & Twitter do? Completely took down the Post's pages. Remember that?

Then they blocked Trump's accounts followed by a 'permanent suspension.' They banned the sitting president of the United States of America. The man had the largest number of Twitter followers on earth, it was a medium thru which he communicated with millions, and in the months leading up to his potential re-election they silenced him. We all know why.

I am a principled man. Perhaps zealously so. There is a long list of companies to whom I flatly refuse to give my hard-earned dollars. Social media is free to the end user. These companies - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, etc. - make money by monetizing your clicks. I reached the point where I could no longer in clear conscience 'fund' these outfits and thereby participate in funding their desires and efforts by not only giving them my clicks but also ushering the clicks of hundreds of thousands of others. So I signed off.

I lived and worked in Silicon Valley where these tech giants are located. I've spent time in the belly of that beast. I simply cannot participate in feeding it. And while I wish millions more would do the same, b/c every time you hop on Facebook each day you're funding liberty's demise, all I can do is take care of me. I'm out with no intention of coming back.

Now you know.

-dw

Best Headline of the Day

MoveOn Political Action email

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Center for Security Policy Daily Brief

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The Babylon Bee

Aides Wake Biden To Play That Fun 'President' Game Again

Team Youngkin: Happy Easter Weekend

"We join Virginians across the Commonwealth as we remember the sacrifice and passion of Jesus Christ this Good Friday. We wish you and your loved ones a blessed weekend, as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Easter Sunday!" - Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin