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Heavenly Father, we thank you for Attorney General Barr and for his stand to protect religious liberties especially during this pandemic.
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Attorney General William Barr on Monday directed U.S. attorneys to “be on the lookout” for state and local governments violating constitutional rights of individuals during the strict COVID-19 restrictions at the state and local level.

“Many policies that would be unthinkable in regular times have become commonplace in recent weeks, and we do not want to unduly interfere with the important efforts of state and local officials to protect the public,” Barr states in a memo to U.S. attorneys.

DOWNLOAD BIG BROTHER: NEVER LET A CRISIS GO TO WASTE

“But the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis,” he added. “We must therefore be vigilant to ensure its protections are preserved, at the same time that the public is protected. I thank you for your attention to this important initiative and for your service to our country.”

Barr is directing Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband, and U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, of the Eastern District of Michigan, to monitor state and local policies and, “if necessary, take action to correct them,” the memo says.  

“These kinds of restrictions have been necessary in order to stop the spread of a deadly disease but there is no denying that they have imposed tremendous burdens on the daily lives of all Americans,” Barr acknowledges in the memo.  

In the memo Barr specifically notes the importance of upholding the rights of religious believers, writing:

As the Department of Justice explained recently in guidance to states and localities taking steps to battle the pandemic, even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers.

“The legal restrictions on state and local authority are not limited to discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers,” the Monday memorandum adds.

“For example, the Constitution also forbids, in certain circumstances, discrimination against disfavored speech and undue interference with the national economy,” Barr continues.

“If a state or local ordinance crosses the line from an appropriate exercise of authority to stop the spread of COVID19 into an overbearing infringement of constitutional and statutory protections, the Department of Justice may have an obligation to address that overreach in federal court.”

Barr previously directed federal prosecutors to prioritize cases against price gauging from the pandemic, from either hoarding scarce medical resources to sell them for extortionate prices or committing fraud against the ill.

(Used with permission from The Daily Signal. Article by Fred Lucas.)

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Kathy hardisty
April 30, 2020

Thank you for all you do for this country I keep you in my prayers and hope you stay safe if your fig he against the beast. They are viscous please be careful

Donna
April 29, 2020

Thank you, Father for giving wisdom to Attorney General Barr to do that which is right and just in your sight.

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Darlene Estlow
April 29, 2020

Father thank you for Attorney General Barr for his stand on Constitutional rights of citizens. Bless him and give him strength. I pray you would touch the heats of governors that they would submit to you and the Constitution.

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Steven Olson
April 29, 2020

In my mind it boils down to a matter of where do we place our trust. Do we place it in man (the government, science, etc) or do we place our trust in God? The media has done a masterful job in creating and promoting fear among the people. It is amazing that people will surrender their freedoms and their rights to feel safe. But can man (the government, science) really keep us safe? “The Models” developed by science, predicted the millions would die in America alone. Science told us that hospitals would be overwhelmed, our national ventilator supply would be exhausted and medical supplies would become scarce. 50 people (governors) brought a $22 trillion economy to its knees with mandatory stay at home orders, setting down industries (restaurants have been decimated), and increasing unemployment to levels not seen since the Depression. As of the time of this writing, after a month of mandatory restrictions of our liberties, we have had just north of 50,000 deaths and with the exception of New York (maybe) hospitals have not been overrun and the supply of ventilators has been sufficient. Might we have been sold a lie?
If we are confident of our eternal destination, we should not be afraid. I submit that we have an opportunity to see the Lord do great and marvelous things. Science can be a tool for us to use in responding to the pandemic but science is not our savior. Our Lord Jesus Christ already did that. This can be an opportunity for those who are secure in their faith to demonstrate the peace that surpasses human understanding. We can be a source of comfort to those who are afraid and be a witness for the reason for our serenity. I don’t think God created this COVID crisis, but I believe He can use it to provide a bridge to those that don’t yet know Him. May God be glorified in this crisis.

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    Donna
    April 29, 2020

    Reading your post, I am reminded of the story of Joseph in Genesis when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and helped not only Egypt to prosper in a time of famine but his own family also thrived, which shows how God’s wisdom always surpasses the wisdom of men.

    I especially love Joseph’s response to his brothers when they realize who he is and ask for forgiveness. “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20

    As dire as things may seem for many at this time, reflecting on your words and the story of Joseph, I can see a real opportunity for much that is good to emerge. Just like with the crucifixion of Jesus. The disciples were devastated by what had happened because they could not see what lie ahead, but then they saw the risen Lord and 50 days later a movement began that would forever change the world. Thank you for your encouraging words.

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    Elijah
    April 30, 2020

    Let us not start pointing fingers and AC accusing one another for we know Satan is an accuser of the brethren finding fault with everybody but oneself

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