Don’t you wish you could click your ruby shoes together and just go home — back to a time when our government was on the right track? Unfortunately, I believe those powerful heels are property of the Smithsonian and don’t likely have enough juice left to fix the mess in which we find ourselves today.

This week topped off a trifecta of government abuse. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) targeted conservative groups seeking tax exempt status; the Department of Justice secretly led an investigation into phone records of Associated Press (AP) journalists; and the icing on the cake, which can’t be set on a back burner to cool, is the continued struggle for answers on Benghazi.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) sums it up perfectly, “Scandals represent Americans’ worst fears about big government: government is spying on you, targeting you, and lying to you.” Ouch!  You can say that again, Senator!  You know the saying, “The truth hurts.”  I hope the truths of these sandals are enough to activate the American people, because ultimately, they are the ones being abused by their government.  Let’s remember, targeting those who are criticizing our government is not just an issue of concern to conservatives, but one that should be of concern to anyone who might want to question the government.

These scandals show what happens when those in power overlook the purpose of government and, instead, see only a chance for political indoctrination.

For the head of our government to tell the American people he “found out” about the IRS overreach of power at the same time they did, when it was leaked, is simply inexcusable — especially since that same sentiment seems to have become a favorite last line of defense: “I don’t know.”  Eric Holder, who has been caught with his hands in the proverbial cookie jars of multiple scandals, recently told elected officials during Congressional hearings that he doesn’t know the specifics within his own department regarding the AP phone grab. Hillary Clinton said the same when she was asked questions about the State Department’s involvement in Benghazi, and President Obama can’t say whether the White House had any involvement in this trio of scandals.

This is not about partisan issues; the buck stops with the person in charge. The fact of the matter is, unfortunately, that this administration cannot run its offices with integrity. It’s time for those who have been entrusted with authority to take responsibility for the positions they’ve chosen to accept; and with that responsibility comes accountability.  An answer like, “I don’t know,” is simply unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. They’re not figureheads; it’s part of their job to know.

And if everyone is on the same page, uttering the same “I don’t know/it wasn’t me/mistakes were made” mantra, then it stands to reason that they’re not just protecting themselves; there must be someone else, higher up, pulling the strings … someone else, higher up, who will ultimately be damaged by these scandals … someone else, higher up, who doesn’t want to be seen … someone else, higher up, who doesn’t have the moral fiber or requisite integrity to take responsibility for his brazen and foolish actions.

So it’s “Deflect, deflect, deflect.”  Pay no attention to the little tyrant behind the curtain.

How can Senate Democrats blatantly snub women this way?

A Senate resolution to honor Lady Margaret Thatcher was supposed to be passed Wednesday night. Nevertheless, per a Senate source, the resolution fell subject to partisan politics. It’s no secret in Washington, D.C., that both sides hold different measures to antagonize the other side. But it’s petty and disgraceful to use a measure like this for political gain. Not only did Margaret Thatcher make the history books for being appointed prime minister of Great Britain, she also helped the United States wipe out communism.

We aren’t talking about some one-trick pony like Sandra Fluke. We’re talking about a foreign leader who held one of the most powerful offices in the world — a leader who conquered overwhelming odds.

Despite one’s political leanings, you can’t dispute the accomplishments of Margaret Thatcher. In only highlighting one of her accomplishments — being the first and only female prime minister of Britain to this day — those of others seem dismal by comparison. So why, then, do Senate Democrats seek to degrade her by blocking a resolution honoring her achievements (achievements, I might add, that have done more for women’s rights then any left-leaning feminist)?

Where’s the cry of “foul”? Where are the Senate’s progressive women, and why are they not standing up for such a remarkable female who made feminine history?  Oh, that’s right; she was conservative, so they’re silent. Talk about pushing women’s rights back!

A woman such as Lady Thatcher deserves respect and honor for her great achievements. Instead, her legacy is mocked and blocked by hypocritical sycophants. I leave you with Lady Thatcher’s own words “If they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left.”

Wife and warrior Naghmeh Abidini testified at a Congressional hearing last Friday to raise national awareness for her husband, Pastor Saeed Abedini, and to urge the State Department and President Obama’s Administration to take long-overdue action. Saeed is an Iranian-born U.S. citizen who was arrested in Iran last July and imprisoned in the notoriously brutal Evin prison.  The Islamic Regime of Iran claims that Pastor Saeed is a national security threat, and yet, even they have stated that the real reason for his imprisonment is his Christian faith.  Saeed converted from Islam to Christianity in 2000 and subsequently started an underground church movement.  He and his wife have been living in America as U.S. citizens and have traveled back to Iran many times.  This past July, Saeed made another trip to Iran in order to gain final approval for the orphanage he is building.  This project had the full approval of the Iranian government, and he has complied with all of their past demands with regards to his activities in the country.  However, he was arrested in July 2012 and, at the beginning of this year, he was sentenced to eight years in Evin prison.

The U.S. State Department and the Obama Administration have been glaringly absent in this case.  In fact, they have done more in the past for non-U.S. citizens imprisoned in Iran than they have been willing to do on behalf of Pastor Saeed.  They were notified about the hearing, but their response was that they had no one available to attend. Quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer during the hearing, Naghmeh said, “Silence in the face of evil, in itself is evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak; not to act is to act.”  The State Department’s shameful lack of acknowledgement of this issue, especially their refusal to send a representative to the hearing, is absolutely appalling.  Congress has acted on this issue, but it is the State Department and the Obama Administration’s responsibility to lead this case and demand Saeed’s release.  While White House Press Secretary Jay Carney has made mild comments in response to media questioning on this issue, President Obama has remained entirely silent. Likewise, the only comments that have been made by the State Department have been in response to questions from the media or from Members of Congress.

During the recent U.N. meetings, the E.U. spoke out specifically on behalf of Pastor Saeed, and yet, when it came time for the U.S. delegation to speak, they made no mention of his name.  “Imagine you’re a U.S. citizen detained for your faith abroad, and the E.U. is speaking out, but your own country is remaining silent,” said Jordan Sekulow, attorney with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and Nagmeh’s legal counsel.

However, thanks to the tireless efforts of Naghmeh, the relentless work of the ACLJ, the extensive and regular coverage by Fox News, the over 100 Congressmen who signed a letter to the State Department, especially the specific leadership of Congressman Trent Franks (R-Arizona) on the Hill with this issue, Congressman Frank Wolf’s (R-Virginia) leading of the Congressional hearing, and the 538,000 Americans who have signed the petition and called their representatives, a State Department representative did finally agree to meet with Naghmeh to discuss her husband’s imprisonment and torture.

Congress has done what it needs to do. Americans are doing their part, as the petition for Saeed’s release increases by about 15,000 signatures a day; it is now at nearly 600,000.   Many public figures, including several Christian recording artists and politicians, have spread the news about this issue to their audiences. Now is the time for the State Department and the Obama Administration to get their act in gear or face the growing outrage of the rapidly increasing number of Americans who are following this case.  Naghmeh and her ACLJ attorney, Jordan Sekulow, appeared on Fox News this morning setting this Friday as a deadline for the State Department to make a clear statement demanding Saeed Abedini’s release.

Please join CWA and continue to pray for the immediate release of Pastor Saeed Abidini. If you were not able to watch the Congressional hearing and Naghmeh’s moving testimony, you can watch it here.

Chelsen Vicari, CWA’s Communications Strategist, contributed to this article.

Entertainer Jamie Foxx adopted a well-worn tune Sunday night, proclaiming President Barack Obama “our lord and savior” during a televised music awards ceremony.  Whether or not Foxx’s comment was meant seriously, he is only the most recent of a whole string of popular figures to express similar adulations for the president.  Many of these comments, sadly, were entirely serious, including First Lady Michelle Obama’s remark to supporters in April, “This president has brought us out of the dark and into the light.”

President Obama himself has not sought to quiet these praises.  Rather, he has encouraged this pervasive messianic aura for his own benefit.  As Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, Director and Senior Fellow of Concerned Women for America’s Beverly LaHaye Institute, noted in the days leading up to the recent election, “Since in 2012 Mr. Obama cannot run on his record, he is justifying his most controversial decisions and programs by invoking his faith and twisting Biblical references toward his ends,” a tactic he has employed ever since his original campaign in 2008.

Basic human nature pushes every person to put their trust in something higher than themselves.  While this urge is meant to drive us toward God — to put our faith in Jesus Christ — we all too often decide to trust in causes, material possessions, or other people instead.  President Obama and his campaign have tapped into this instinct very effectively, especially targeting selected demographics with their message, including women, young people, and minorities.

But trusting in anyone or anything except for the real Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is bound to disappoint.  As we read in Psalm 146:3, “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.  When this breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”  When President Obama leaves office, he is bound to leave at least some promises unmet, goals unaccomplished, and supporters disillusioned.

In contrast, the Lord God is “a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16) for every Christian.  None of His promises will ever prove untrue; He will accomplish everything He has set out to do, and no one who puts their faith in Him will ever be underwhelmed.

As Christians, we must ensure that our family, friends, and neighbors hear and understand the hope of the Gospel.  Only then can we break the cycle in American politics of constantly electing and putting our trust in the newest and most dazzling leaders, who tell us they can save our country but are destined to eventually fall short.  Simply put, we need to introduce those around us to our perfect Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who we know will never disappoint.

Ovulation is not a sexy topic.  But sometimes it’s an unavoidable discussion.  Especially when CNN publishes a study alleging that women tend to support President Barack Obama when they ovulate because — and yes, I quote — “they feel sexier.”

Like wildfire, this study spread across social media.  More than 2,100 mentions were posted on Twitter alone, according to The Daily Caller.  None of them were nice.  I can tell you that women don’t respond pleasantly to the kind of blatant sexism entrenched in CNN’s article.

“As if my ability to make decisions depends on my cycle!” tweeted one female reader.  Another woman wrote, “I think I am done with CNN.”

CNN responded to women’s outrage by deleting the study.  You can still visit the page, but in place of the study is a statement by CNN editors saying, “After further review it was determined that some elements of the story did not meet the editorial standards of CNN.  We thank you for your comments and feedback.”  No apology, no remorse, nothing.  But can we expect much more from the biased, Left-leaning news outlet?  Of course not!

This was just another bid by an Obama-supporting lapdog to secure women’s vote based on our ovaries.

In the interest of real women, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee conducted its own women’s study two weeks ago.  The number one issue was not abortion and birth control.  In fact, those issues were at the bottom of women’s laundry list of concerns.  Top issues important to women were economic growth, jobs, and the national debt.  Women of this country are looking for a leader who will lift us out of our current economic turmoil and keep us safe abroad.  Women are looking for leadership that we currently don’t have.

Political pundits are going to be shocked come November 6, when women vote with their lady smarts, not their lady parts.

************************

Update: The misogynistic Obama Campaign has released an obnoxious, double-entendre of a Web ad, featuring a woman who looks and acts like an overly immature, tattooed twelve-year-old.  Once again, Obama is reducing women to — do we have to say it again? — “lady parts.”   Well, the pimply faced adolescents over at Obama HQ need to grow up and realize that we think with our brains and act with our hearts — again, “Lady Smarts, Not Lady Parts.”  Obama’s good ‘ol boys may have their minds in the gutter, but our minds are on our pocketbooks.  In every sense of the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.”  Did they miss the headline about the “gender gap” between Obama and Romney disappearing?  Maybe it’s because we’re not  a bunch of cheap floozies, easily bought with condoms and free pills.

According to poll results tweeted by CNBC last night, 56 percent of viewers herald Paul Ryan as the winner of the first and only vice-presidential debate, and only 36 percent determined Biden the champ.  Yet, due to Vice President Biden’s rousing display of eccentric claims, this morning, mainstream media outlets are calling the debate a draw.

In truth, the winner of this debate depends on who you ask.

Women took note that in this debate a wide-range of issues important to us were brought to the table.  After last week’s presidential debate failed to focus on abortion or religious liberty, it was heartening to hear both Biden and Ryan respect the sanctity of life.  But it was Ryan who came across as steadfast on faith and the need to protect life, “Our faith informs us in everything we do.  My faith informs me about how to take care of the vulnerable, of how to make sure that people have a chance in life.  Now, you want to ask basically why I’m pro-life?  It’s not
simply because of my Catholic faith.  That’s a factor, of course.  But it’s also because of reason and science. … I believe life begins at conception.”

But the major sticking point for women in this debate had more to do with style than actual substance.  Vice President Biden’s unprecedented strategy called for 82 interruptions, eye-rolling, and laughing during serious discussion of the War Against Terror.  Not the type of behavior voters found flattering to America’s second in command.

Women were unconvinced by Biden’s over-the-top antics.  All of the women on a CNN post-debate panel criticized Biden’s rude behavior and condescending tone.  Though Ryan remained composed, he was not short of quips and snarky remarks, going so far as to say, “I know you are under duress to make up for lost ground, but I think people would be better served if we don’t interrupt each other.”

Undecided voters, too, found Biden’s tone unprofessional.  Every undecided women participating in a CNN focus-group panel criticized Biden for his distasteful manner.  One undecided woman commented, “I thought Paul Ryan … was trying to educate us, teach us, until Joe Biden would bumble in and tried to distort things by overriding him, talking, and being a buffoon in general.”  Another undecided North Carolina voter, Nella Stevens, commented, “I’m not totally decided, but the vice presidential debate has swayed me toward Romney/Ryan.”  When Stevens was asked how she graded the candidates, she answered, “C– for Biden , if for no other reason than rudeness and aggression; B+ for Ryan for poise, articulate answers, calmness and overall good sportsmanship.”

Overall, many believe Ryan could have aggressively tackled Biden’s points with potency, but his restrained attitude showed a humility and respect not normally seen in politicians.  Ryan’s strategy was simple.  Knowing his off-the-cuff attitude, Ryan let the truth shine through facts and statistics and sit back and allowed Biden to self-destruct.  American women and undecided voters needed to see steady, consistent leadership.

Apparently, those who saw the debate via split screen opined that Ryan won, while those who watched the debate without a split screen labeled the debate a draw.

Independents finally woke up during last night’s presidential debate.

This debate wasn’t a popularity contest or one of those “let’s see who has the last word” kind of things. It was about providing Americans with real solutions to the ever-increasing fiscal crisis. Let’s face it, Romney hit this one out of the ball park as he reminded Americans of the limited role of government and the liberties endowed by our Creator, stating, “We are endowed by our Creator with our rights, I believe we must maintain our commitment to religious tolerance and freedom in this country.”

Obama appealed to his audience, wishing his wife a happy anniversary, but failed to woo all other women when he was unable to articulate his economic policies. Women make 80 percent of all consumer purchasing decisions and needed to hear how the president will overhaul the nation’s ever-increasing spending habits.

According to a Las Vegas-area focus group, America’s moms have a new perspective on this presidential election after watching last night’s debate. The focus group was comprised of moms who shop at the discount retail chain Wal-Mart (a.k.a., “Wal-Mart moms”) and have children under the age of 18. Such women represent 27 percent of all registered women voters. Many of these Wal-Mart moms were undecided before this debate, but they now favor Romney, saying that he “seemed more aggressive and very forthright,” and “I was undecided and [now] I’m more leaning towards Romney.”

For us Wal-Mart moms and all Americans across the country, this debate was about answers to jobs and desperately needed leadership.

Finally, we have some answers and direction. Even if you disagree with Romney’s policies, you must admit he successfully communicated his economic recovery plans and addressed the president’s failing policies over the last four years.

Yesterday, I gathered all of the Concerned Women for America (CWA) staff to pray that God would grant both candidates wisdom and peace of mind as they entered the debate. But above all, CWA prayed that truth would shine through the candidates’ answers. That prayer was answered.

One down, two debates to go.

Have no fear, the federal government is here! Wait… that isn’t right.

I’m no damsel in distress, and neither are you. The days of a masked hero helping those in need are, so it seems, nonexistent. But that is exactly what’s unfolding before our very eyes.

The government wants to tell “we the people” how to live. Citizens, if you think politics won’t directly affect you, think again.  New York City’s mayor decided to ban sugary drink sizes to 16 ounces, putting a limit on buying soda in order to thin out an obese New York populace.  Michelle “The Lunch Lady” Obama has implemented an Orwellian lunch program to regulate what American children can and cannot eat, and health (for the mother, not for the abortion-targeted baby) mandates are being shoved down citizens’ throats despite how deeply they offend citizens’ religious convictions.

And it doesn’t stop there.  As if forcing you to pay for abortions weren’t enough, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius blatantly ignored — and arrogantly violated — federal law by using her Cabinet position to tell Americans to vote for President Obama.

Where are the outraged media elites?  Where’s the lone, masked hero who fights against those who abuse their power?  As you’ve heard, time and time again, this election is one of the most important elections of our life time.  We cannot allow our government to keep implementing laws that go against “we the people.”

Americans, listen up!  If you want a government that will cater to your every need, you’re living in the wrong country.  This country — the one built on freedom and liberty, bought by the blood and sweat of our ancestors, and lusted after by the rest of the world — is not a country of equal handouts, but of equal opportunity to work hard to achieve our ambitions.  Yet, that is not what we are seeing.  Instead, we have an administration that has implemented more federal control over American citizens’ everyday lives, and what are Americans doing about it?  Nothing!

It’s the American citizens’ choice, but I urge you to take a good, hard look.  It’s time to bring our country back to its founding.  Ben Franklin once said, “It is a republic, if we can keep it.”  So, I ask, can we?

Concerned Women for America (CWA) is doing what it takes to keep our government accountable to the taxpayers.  CWA’s She Votes 2012 project is working to make sure Americans are registered to vote in this extremely important election.  Are you ready?  Are you registered?  With voter registration ending on October 8 in most states, now is not the time to idly wonder.  Click here now to see if you’re registered. … And if you aren’t, stay on the site and do something about it.

The deaths on September 11, 2012, permeated the media and news headlines. People were shocked and appalled that of all days — the day we remember the biggest assault on American soil — American embassies were attacked, our flag was burned, and Americans were killed.  But do the attacks and deaths really surprise anyone?  Haven’t we seen this coming?  Our nation continues to fund Libya, and the current administration refuses to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Our president apologizes for the United States and doesn’t believe we’re exceptional.  He doesn’t see us as a “Christian nation.”  The DNC’s party platform committee removed references to God and to Jerusalem as Israel’s capital from the Democrat platform, and then both references were embarrassingly reinstated over the loud objections of a large number of the delegates.

It is time for Christians to stop worrying about being politically correct and become Biblically faithful. James 4 states that “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world maketh himself the enemy of God.”  Are American citizens afraid to speak out in fear of upsetting others?  Are we afraid of what the media or our “friends” will think of us?  As Christians, we know that we will face trials and tribulations.  But we can take heart, because He has overcome the world.

It’s time for Christians to pray and become active.  Christians have been in leadership and at the forefront during pivotal times in our nation’s history.  The Pilgrims came from England seeking religious refuge.  Our Founders included preachers, doctors, judges, and teachers.  They were all well read and educated on the issues that came before them.  The Great Awakening, Temperance Movement, Civil Rights — you name the movements for good in U.S. history, and they were headed by Christians.

It is not fun to be mocked, ridiculed, slandered, and/or shunned.  It’s not easy.  But Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the Gospel will save it.  What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Each of us must choose to be an enemy of God or an enemy of the world.  We cannot serve both masters.  If being a Christian and always doing the right thing were easy, we wouldn’t be in the situation we are now.  We could make the case that the past 40-50 years of changes in values in America came about because Christians were not as Biblically faithful as they were called to be.  But today, we face stark choices — economic, fiscal, and social crises abound.  Each candidate and party has a position that is, in many important ways, the antithesis of the other.  Sadly, too many Americans who hold to Judeo-Christian values are not willing to talk about the economy, unemployment rate, food stamps, ObamaCare, debt, or the fact that Moody’s is threatening to downgrade us yet again.  Why are so many backing away from the fight?

We are at the point in our history where our children will look back on and ask us what we were doing.  What were we thinking?  What did we do that changed the direction?  Will we speak the truth, or will we cower in fear?  It’s our choice; but in the end, we will be called to judgment for what we do or don’t do.

Our guest blogger today is Breanna Haupt, an intern with Concerned Women for America’s Ronald Reagan Memorial Internship Program. 

According to the Washington Examiner, abortion activist Sandra Fluke’s bitter DNC Convention speech included this gem of a not-so-well-thought-out broadside against vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan, whom she said if elected would give us an America in which “you have a vice president who co-sponsored a bill that would allow pregnant women to die preventable deaths in our emergency rooms.”

What this political youngster failed to remember is that she’s stumping for the abortion president — a man who, as an Illinois senator, voted several times to allow the intentional deaths of infants who survived the abortion procedure.  Then-Senator Obama went so far as to argue that, while babies might be aborted alive, it would be a “burden” to a mother’s “original decision” to assess and treat them.

Oh no, Miss Fluke.  Copious blood has already been spilled.  However, it is not on Mr. Ryan’s record, nor is it on his hands.