IRS Scandal Update 

Yesterday afternoon more emails related to the IRS scandal were released. They make two things perfectly clear: First, there was a coordinated, intentional effort to target Tea Party groups. Second, senior members of Congress demanded it. 

The first point is worth repeating because the liberal media insist there is no scandal. But the IRS was clearly targeting conservative and Tea Party groups. It developed a BOLO list (Be On the Look Out) of groups to single out for extra scrutiny, scrutiny which officials now admit was inappropriate. "Be On The Lookout" was the IRS equivalent of the FBI's "Most Wanted" posters. If you are not targeting specific groups, why develop the list?

What was on the BOLO list? Anything that referenced: "1. 'Tea Party', 'Patriots' or '9/12 Project' … 2. Issues include government spending, government debt and taxes. 3. Educate the public through advocacy/legislative activities to make America a better place to live. 4. Statements in the case file that are critical of the how the country is being run." 

The second revelation is that Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) demanded that the IRS crack down on conservative groups. 

Correspondence obtained by Judicial Watch between Senator Levin and then-IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman strongly implies that Levin was not merely seeking information about the legitimate activities of the IRS. Instead, Levin appears to be directing the IRS and demanding punitive actions. 

When news of the IRS Tea Party scandal broke, there was universal outrage and condemnation. President Obama said, "If you've got the IRS operating in anything less than a neutral and non-partisan way then that is outrageous ... People have to be held accountable and it's got to be fixed." 

What has been fixed? Who has been held accountable? 

9/11 Museum Opens 

The National September 11 Memorial Museum opened to the public today after more than a decade of painstaking work. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani described the museum as "well done" and "beautiful." One columnist for the New York Post called it "gut-wrenching" and "as beautiful as it is horrific." 

The 9/11 Cross remains despite a multi-year legal battle that threatened to keep it out. The lawsuit is an example of the incredible idiocy in our country! 

Speaking of idiocy, the museum's brief video, narrated by Brian Williams, continues to be the subject of controversy. Some Muslims claim they are offended that the film refers to "jihad" and "Islamists." The fact that there is even argument about that is evidence of the sickness that has infected our leadership at all levels. Consider this statement from Rev. Chloe Breyer, who was on the museum's advisory council:
 

"The film loosely and without sufficient definition or context describes the rise of al Qaeda and uses terms that are confusing and controversial. It's the one thing in there that suggests who to blame. And to do that, it requires the kind of depth and nuance and sophistication that the rest of the museum has. It's a very delicate and difficult complex question, and they don't go anywhere near addressing it."

How on earth did Revered Breyer get on the advisory council? It is not a difficult or complex question. Osama bin Laden proudly took credit for 9/11. Where is the nuance in the 9/11 hijackers' shouts of"Allah Akbar"? This kind of nonsense exemplifies what is wrong with so many of our political, cultural and media elites.

If Winston Churchill were alive today and watching this debate, I think he would likely say that a great nation unwilling to identify the enemy that attacked it is guaranteed to be attacked again and again. 

The Latest Casualties Of The Culture War 

I had a great conversation this week with David and Jason Benham. I called to encourage them and in the course of our conversation was encouraged myself. 

If you don't know their story, here's a bit of background. The Benham brothers are former professional baseball players and successful real estate investors. And, until recently, they had a TV show onHGTV called "Flip It Forward."

But the network cancelled the show after the Benham brothers were "outed" as conservative Christians by the radical leftwing outfit "Rightwing Watch," a group that has attacked me, Jim Dobson and Franklin Graham. 

The Benham brothers responded with amazing grace. They issued a statement, which read in part: 
 

"Our faith is the fundamental calling in our lives, and the centerpiece of who we are. …With all of the grotesque things that can be seen and heard on television today you would think there would be room for two twin brothers who are faithful to our families, committed to biblical principles, and dedicated professionals. If our faith costs us a television show then so be it."

I admire their courage and commitment to their faith. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

But add the Benham brothers to the growing list of victims in the left's culture war. The demands of the intolerant homosexual movement are being used as a battering ram against our First Amendment rights of free speech and religious liberty. This is no longer about expanding "gay rights," but shrinking the rights of religious conservatives.

The attack on the Benhams is frustrating enough. But most disappointing has been the silence from pastors who are supposed to be advocates for eternal truths. 

How many more Brendan Eichs must there be?

How many more Elaine Huguenins must there be?

How many more Angela McCaskills must there be?

How many more Aaron and Melissa Kleins must there be?

How many more Barronelle Stutzmans must there be?

How many more David and Jason Benhams must there be before America's pastors rally their congregations, rise up and make their voices heard?