The Pour Over Today - University Presidents in D.C., Cuban Spy Arrested, & More | 12.6.23

Episode Date: December 6, 2023

Today we’re talking about University presidents testifying before Congress, the arrest of a Cuban spy in the U.S. government, a Supreme Court case that could upend the tax code, and other top news for Wednesday, December 6th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Sponsored by Global Gift Guide

Today we're talking about a university president testifying before Congress, the arrest of a Cuban spy in the U.S. government, a Supreme Court case that would upend the tax code, and other top news for Wednesday, December 6th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over today. Here's the quote of the day. We must sow the seed, not hoard it. St. Dominic. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Representing some of the nation's top universities, the presidents of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT were on Capitol Hill yesterday to testify about college campus

anti-Semitism before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Chairwoman Representative Virginia Fox said the committee seeks appropriate action to stand strong against anti-Semitism in clear statements that the presidents would grow some spine and speak out. The presidents acknowledged the rise of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic behavior on their campuses since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, with Harvard's president saying that finding balance in allowing free speech but preventing hate has been difficult. In Gaza, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire has ceased. Israel-bound rocket fire

resumed and Israeli ground forces are pushing into southern Gaza, where residents say the bombings are the heaviest wave of attacks yet. where residents say the bombings are the heaviest wave of attacks yet. Christians don't need to gloss over evil to maintain our joy and hope. Our Savior Jesus confronted darkness directly and overcame it through his death and resurrection. Pray for the Middle East with renewed thankfulness for eternal hope in our dark world. John 16, verses 22 through 23 and 33 say, You have sorrow now, but I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you,

whatever you ask of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the U.S. government by a foreign agent. Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, worked for the American government for 25 years, beginning in 1981. He wore several hats at the National Security Council and State Department, including postings across Latin America and a stint as ambassador to Bolivia. The Justice Department alleges that for over 40 years, Rocha has been a secret agent for Cuba, seeking U.S. government positions to access classified information and affect foreign policy. An undercover FBI agent smoked out the alleged mole by posing as a Cuban intelligence officer.

During their meetings, Rocha referred to the U.S. as the enemy and said that his spying successfully strengthened the revolution in Cuba. Here's a verse to consider when you're not sure who to trust. If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2 verses 3 through 8.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments to determine the meaning of income. Nope, they didn't lose their dictionary. They're looking at tax law. In 2018, Charles and Kathleen Moore paid $14,729 in taxes as a one-time repatriation tax on an overseas investment. The Moores argue this tax, specific to foreign investments, violates the 16th Amendment because it taxes unrealized gains, not actual income. In other words, their investment went up in value, but they hadn't sold the investment and received the profit. The dispute is over $15,000, but it could cost Uncle Sam trillions. Former Speaker Paul Ryan said nearly one-third of the tax code could be challenged if the Moores win. It would also kill the foundation of the

billionaire wealth tax President Biden has supported. A decision is expected in June. Moore v. United States may have big implications for the U.S. and its tax code, but will likely have little impact on the kingdom of God. This does not mean that we shouldn't care at all, but we should not let it steal our focus from eternity. Colossians 3 verses 2 through 4 says, Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ and God.

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Today's episode is sponsored by Global Gift Guide. This Christmas, give a goat, or ten, to families in need. Most of us are fortunate enough to be bothered by things like not having the really good stick vacuum cleaner, or our iPhone battery draining too quickly, or our diamond shoes being too tight. We joke, sorta. It's easy to forget our own fortune and forget how many people want simple things like food, basic health, and education. Amazingly, a $43 goat can provide all these things for an entire family.

Nutritious milk improves health, and offspring provide income to feed the family and send children to school. So no matter your plans, join us in also gifting a few goats at GlobalGiftGuide.org. That's GlobalGiftGuide.org. Or check out the link in our show notes. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. After nearly a year, Senator Tommy Tuberville announced yesterday that he's mostly done blocking military nominations in protest of the Pentagon's abortion travel policy.

A Senate vote quickly followed, confirming over 400 backlogged military officer promotions by unanimous consent. Still, Senator Tuberville plans to keep a dozen of the highest-ranking nominees on hold. Time to start melting your earrings. The market price of gold hit an all-time high on Sunday, over $2,100 an ounce, before falling 2% on Monday. Gold tends to perform well during times of uncertainty, and prices of the precious metal have risen for two consecutive months as global conflicts boost demand for safe haven assets.

That's a wrap for 17% of Spotify's workforce. CEO Daniel Ek announced Monday that the Swedish streaming giant was taking substantial action to right-size our costs, including laying off 1,500 employees. It's Spotify's third round of layoffs this year and follows massive hiring in 2020 and 2021. The company's stock jumped 7% on the announcement. Your lie about being related to Princess Diana may soon be exposed. Genetic testing company 23andMe reported that data, including names, birthdates, ancestry reports, DNA data, and profile pictures, belonging to 6.9 million of the company's 14 million customers, was compromised in a data breach. All customers are required to reset

their passwords and enable two-factor authentication. You may get a sentimental feeling when you hear this. Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, recorded in 1958 when she was just 13, has hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. Coinciding with its 65th anniversary, the holiday classic also got its first music video, starring Lee alongside country stars like Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. And that's all we have for today. Thanks so

much for listening. If you're listening on the Apple Podcasts app, give us a five-star rating and drop a review. If you're listening on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to never miss a new episode. We appreciate your support. We hope you have a great day. We'll see you on Friday.