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July 5, 2024 Edition
John,
I hope you all had a great 4th of July yesterday and took a moment to step away from the relentless tide of headlines to celebrate the founding of our nation and the freedoms we have as Americans. These past two weeks have been action-packed, and we dive into the latest developments that are shaping our political landscape. From the fallout from the debate to critical Supreme Court rulings, there’s a lot to cover.
Also, in case you missed it, we recently relaunched our podcast From the Frontline, and have released three new episodes. The first is a great discussion with Senator Ed Setzler, and the following two episodes are Cole’s analysis, predictions, and insights on the debate last week. You can tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
A Week Since the Debate
It has been over a week now since the first presidential debate. If you've been following the news, you're likely aware of the multitude of headlines that have surfaced since. It's crucial, however, to look beyond the immediate spectacle and understand the significant shifts now defining our political landscape.
The performance of President Biden during the debate was obviously concerning – not just as a “bad night,” but as a demonstration of his capacity to lead, something that many of us have seen for a while now despite the media’s “shock” at his performance.
While talk about replacing Biden started the night of the debate, the focus is now on Vice President Kamala Harris and if she will take over. This situation puts the Democratic Party in a precarious position, as it is forcing many to walk the tightrope between demonstrating loyalty to a sitting president and addressing the pragmatic need to maintain competitiveness in the upcoming election.
Moreover, the Republican response has been strategically muted, which is telling. The calculated decision to step back and allow the Democratic turmoil to speak for itself suggests a confidence that the opposition may self-sabotage without external interference.
For those interested in a deeper analysis of the fallout from the debate and the paths forward from here, I encourage you to listen to the latest episode of our podcast, From the Frontline, where Cole provides his take. Listen to the full episode here.
Dobbsiversary Celebration: A Milestone of Life
Last Monday, we celebrated the second anniversary of the landmark Dobbs Decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, an event we’ve termed "Dobbsiversary." We marked the occasion by sharing videos, resources, articles, and a live time of worship.
In case you missed it, we also relaunched our podcast, From the Frontline, with a focus on pivotal discussions about news, policy, and cultural engagement from a Christian perspective.
Our first episode, released for our Dobbsiversary celebration, features an insightful conversation with State Senator Ed Setzler about the ongoing pro-life fight in a post-Roe world. Don't miss this deep dive into the strategies and convictions that drive our legislative successes.
Frontline Joins the Platform Integrity Project
This past week, Frontline was proud to partner with the Family Research Council to sign on to the Platform Integrity Project. This initiative seeks to uphold the foundational values that are central to our mission and essential to the conservative movement at large. In a time when there are significant internal pressures to weaken key elements of the Republican platform—particularly regarding life and traditional marriage—we felt compelled to act. Alongside allied state and national organizations, we are committed to ensuring these core principles remain intact.
These issues are at the heart of why Christians actively participate in the political process and support candidates who champion our values. I encourage you to visit www.platformintegrityproject.com to learn more about our efforts and join us in praying for the protection and promotion of critical values!
The Biden Administration’s Dangerous Departure from Science
In a news update that should alarm every parent, recent court documents have exposed a deeply troubling manipulation of health guidelines that affects the most vulnerable among us—our children.
The Biden Administration, through interactions detailed in emails involving staff from the office of Rachel Levine at the Department of Health and Human Services, successfully pressured the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to drop age limits for “gender reassignment” surgeries in adolescents.
Let's be clear: there is a fundamental difference between compassionate care for individuals struggling with gender identity issues and the radical endorsement of irreversible surgical interventions on minors. This stark removal of age limits not only undermines scientific standards but also dangerously accelerates the push toward surgeries that are experimental, irreversible, dangerous, and mostly likely to be regretted.
This is not just egregious; it's morally reprehensible.
We are talking about minors—individuals not yet capable of voting, yet under these guidelines, they can make irreversible decisions about their bodies. As Georgians, as Americans, and as advocates for the true well-being of every individual, we cannot stay silent.
We must demand that medical guidelines be governed by the best scientific understanding available, not by political pressures or ideological wars. Our children deserve protection, not to be placed on the altar of radical ideology.
SCOTUS Victory Against Regulation
In a landmark decision that fundamentally reshapes the power dynamic between the legislative and executive branches, the Supreme Court has decisively overturned the 1984 Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council ruling. This decision, which stood for nearly four decades, allowed executive agencies broad leeway to interpret ambiguously written laws—a practice that expanded the influence of unelected bureaucrats and enabled successive administrations, particularly Democratic ones, to enforce progressive regulations without direct congressional approval.
The case at hand, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, involved fishermen challenging the financial burdens imposed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, which had been justified under Chevron's deference. The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores a pivotal return to constitutional principles: that legislative powers reside firmly in the hands of elected representatives, not appointed officials. This recalibration of power not only curtails the executive branch's reach over regulatory interpretations but also reaffirms the judiciary's role in resolving statutory ambiguities. For those of us advocating for limited government and greater accountability, this decision is a significant victory, reinforcing that laws should be made by those directly accountable to the people.
Praying for Protection in United States v. Skrmetti
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear United States v. Skrmetti, a case that will determine whether states can shield minors from irreversible and barbaric “gender reassignment” surgeries, we need to be in consistent prayer - not only for SCOTUS to make the right decision, but for our country to reject radical gender ideology.
We are hopeful that the Court will rule that these laws are constitutional, setting a precedent for states like Georgia where we are diligently working on our 2025 agenda to ensure that children that are protected from dangerous puberty blockers and experimental procedures in any circumstance.
So, as this case advances, we must pray fervently. Pray for wisdom for the justices, that their decisions reflect both legal and moral clarity. Pray that our country takes a stand against dangerous gender ideology. And pray for our General Assembly as we prepare for the 2025 legislative session.
A Step Back in Idaho for the Fight for Life
Last week, the Supreme Court sent the case challenging Idaho’s pro-life law back to the 9th Circuit, allowing the law to remain broadly in effect as litigation continues. The challenge from the Biden Administration claims that Idaho’s Defense of Life Act conflicts with EMTALA, a federal statute that requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide necessary stabilizing treatment to anyone who shows up to the emergency department. This is 100% a lie.
Idaho’s pro-life law already includes provisions for the life of the mother, and there is absolutely no conflict with EMTALA. And, while we want to see a nation where abortion is unthinkable in any situation, this is clearly a tactic from the Biden administration to undermine state-level pro-life protections and perpetuate the false narrative that pro-life laws harm women.
As SBA Pro-Life America Policy Director Katie Daniel stated, "The Biden administration’s EMTALA charade is a PR stunt to spread the lie that pro-life laws prevent women from receiving emergency care. It is clear that the abortion lobby has created confusion on this fact for political gain and Democrats have to rely on this false talking point because their agenda for all-trimester abortion is wildly unpopular with support from only 10% of Americans."
News updates like this one remind us that we MUST stay vigilant, support life-affirming policies, and elect leaders who reflect our values.
Catch Up on the Latest from Frontline
Join us for the Gala at Hotel Avalon
Last week, most of the Frontline team drove up to Alpharetta to see the venue for our upcoming September gala, The Hotel Avalon. And, WOW, I already know this is going to be a can’t-miss event.
This premiere event, featuring keynote speaker Ben Sasse, former U.S. Senator and current President of the University of Florida, promises to be an inspiring evening under the theme "Believe" - which encapsulates our conviction that through faithful prayers, humble repentance, and sincere actions, healing can come to our land.
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Hotel Avalon, 9000 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Sponsorship opportunities are available now, offering a chance to support our mission and connect with other leaders. Learn more and secure your sponsorship here.
Stay tuned as general admission and VIP tickets will go on sale shortly. Don't miss out—sign up on our waiting list today to be the first to secure your tickets! Click here to be notified when tickets go live!
Paige Morris
Communications Director, Frontline Policy Council
[email protected]
www.fpcgeorgia.com
