See the word file attached along with the mail for viewing the Images incorporated in the Column.
I have not filed IT return for AY 2013-14.
I have purchased equity shares in a recognized stock exchange in 2012 & sold equity shares (settled by the actual delivery of transfer) in a recognized exchange in 2012.
I have purchased a flat in joint name with my wife in FY 2012-13 costing Rs. 29 lakhs & not Rs. 30 lakhs as mentioned by IT department.
I am a defense pensioner with 30% disability. As per CBDT circular No. 2/2001 Dated 02nd July 2001, my complete pension (retiring & disability) is exempt from tax.
Am I liable to file IT return for AY 2013-14 and for subsequent years?
If yes, then what is the penalty for not filing IT return for AY 2013-14 & for subsequent years?
What will be my reply to the notice?
The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to get the most feathers with the least hissing - Jean Baptist Colbert.
The time has changed and so is the working of tax department of the country. Income tax department is capturing & analyzing the multiple data relating to financial transactions of the taxpayers. If a person makes huge or high-value transactions & not filing income tax return, there are every chances of getting a notice if Income Tax Return is not filed. The department is getting strict with the non filers & sending notices to non-filers for even earlier assessment years as well. The data analysis is done at the compliance Management cell (CM) of Centralized Processing Cell (CPC) of Income Tax Department through Non-filers Monitoring System (NMS). Most of the taxpayers are getting panic after the receipt of the notice from CPC-CM. However, notice may not always mean that the recipient is viewed as a tax evader. NMS is implemented to identify non-filers with potential tax liabilities. Data analysis is carried out to identify PAN holders who had not filed Income tax returns despite conducting high-value transaction as extracted from Annual Information Return (AIR), Central Information Branch (CIB) data or TDS/TCS returns. Bulk Data matching exercise is carried out with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to include non-filers who had conducted high-value cash transactions. Before undertaking the detailed analysis, Compliance Management Cell (CMC) sends letters to PAN holders communicating the information summary and seeking to know the details of income, Income tax return etc so as to decide further course of action for each individual noticee. Online monitoring system will ensure further follow-up action and track return filing and tax payment of the target segment. An online monitoring system will also ensure that information related to non-filers is effectively used by the field formation officers.
Taxpayers have a curiosity to know the reason for receipt of notice or about the information the tax department are compiling for monitoring. Below are some of the information's collected by the department through AIR, CIB and TDS return for which notices are being served to non-filer.
If the noticee don't submit a response within the prescribe limit, CPC-CM may send information available with them to concerned assessing officer. With the available information, the assessing officer, if he has reason to believe that any income chargeable to tax has escaped assessment, may take up your case for scrutiny and assess tax liability subject to other provisions of the income tax. In such case, taxpayer may be unnecessarily required to represent and attend the case on regular basis with the assessing officer. Obviously, responding to the notices would be the best option.
To reply, first & foremost the taxpayer should ascertain the reasons for issue of notices. The reason is available on the notices received by the taxpayers and normally pertains to one or more of the reasons mentioned in point no. 1 to 4 above.
To reply to such notices, taxpayer would be required to log in at www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in wherein click would be required at the compliance menu which would reflect the details of the assessment years for which return has not been filed and for which certain information is available with the department. [If you are not registered with the e-filing portal, use the "registered yourself" link to register your PAN. The response has to be submitted electronically by clicking Compliance link after logging into the e-filing portal].
ii. ITR has not been filed.
Additionally, related information summary would also required to be submitted against the specific transactions mentioned in the notice. The reply could be done in most of the cases by clicking various readymade options like Self-Investment/ expenditure is out of exempt income, Self-Investment/ expenditure is out of accumulated savings, Self-Investment/ expenditure is out of gifts/ loans from others, Self-Income from transaction is below taxable limit, Transactions doesn't pertain to taxpayer, Taxpayers need more information about the transactions etc.
It's time for the non filers to be very cautious. If the income of any individual is above the basic exemption limit, file the return within time. And the most important, don't ignore such notices by the CPC-CM. Non-responding to the notices would not end up the proceeding.
1. If your income is below the basic exemption limit, you would not be required to file the return of income.
3. No Penalty/fine would be imposed in such cases as there is no violation at your end.


text:
July 13: Unity in Adversity
1 Samuel 22:1–23:29; 1 Peter 1:13–19; Psalm 123:1–124:8
Distress can unite people. In difficult moments, in shared pain, we discover our true friends. When David fled from King Saul, his divided family was suddenly supportive of him, as was every man in the region who was distressed or indebted (1 Sam 22:1–2; compare 1 Sam 17:28–30). A shared sense of despair reveals the humanity in us all, helping us to get past our disputes and work together for one purpose.
For a disjointed band of brothers to be united beyond initial circumstance, they must have one purpose. That's precisely what David gave his motley crew: They would fight the Philistines (Israel's greatest enemies) together (1 Sam 23:1–5). David took a terrible situation and turned it into an opportunity to do what needed to be done. As rightful king, David was obligated to protect Israel. Yet it still took outstanding courage and raw leadership to act upon that obligation. When most people would have been paralyzed by fear, David was prepared for action—and that marked him as Israel's new leader. David's strength in adversity enabled him to unite people for a cause, and his God-centered focus made him the ideal leader of God's people.
Peter's remark in his first letter resonates with this idea: "When you have prepared your minds for action, by being self-controlled, put your hope completely in the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former desires you used to conform to in your ignorance" (1 Pet 1:13–14). The ignorance Peter addresses is sin. Although David was dealing with someone else's sin, both he and Peter identify the same solution: Focus on God and His work.
When things get difficult, we should be aware of how we are being subtly drawn away from God's work. If we can stay focused on Christ, we can stay focused on God's purposes. In return, we will find the ability to lead any motley crew toward redemption.
Where is God calling you to lead? How can you shift your focus to be stronger in this task?
John D. Barry[1]
[1] Barry, J. D., & Kruyswijk, R. (2012). Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
This entry was posted in Connect the Testaments, Daily Devotional Guide on July 13, 2018 by Truth2Freedom.
July 13 Rejecting Christ
"For those who disbelieve, 'the stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,' and, 'a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense'; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed" (1 Peter 2:7–8).
✧✧✧
Rejecting Christ leads to spiritual damnation.
Israel was a unique nation, chosen by God to be the guardian of His Word and the proclaimer of His Kingdom. The Old Testament records His miraculous and providential care for her throughout the centuries, and the prophets told of One who would come as her great Deliverer. Israel eagerly awaited the promised Messiah.
But the story has a surprise ending. In the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah finally came and presented Himself to Israel. The religious leaders examined Him carefully, measuring Him in every way they could. But He didn't fit their blueprint. They expected a reigning, political Messiah who would instantly deliver them from Roman oppression. They felt no need for a spiritual deliverer, so they rejected Him and tossed Him aside like a worthless rock.
That rejected cornerstone is precious to believers but remains "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to unbelievers. A "stone of stumbling" was a stone on which someone tripped while walking along the road. A "rock of offense" was a rock large enough to crush a person. The point is, rejecting Christ brings spiritual devastation of enormous proportions.
All who reject Christ do so because they are disobedient to the Word. Rebellion against the written Word inevitably leads to rejection of the living Word. Of such people Peter said, "To this doom they were also appointed" (v. 8). They weren't appointed to reject Christ but to receive the judgment that their rejection demands. That's a frightening reality that should motivate you to take every opportunity to evangelize the lost.
Suggestions for Prayer: If you have family or friends who are rejecting Christ, pray for them often, asking God to grant them saving faith.
For Further Study: Read Romans 9:30–10:17, noting Israel's false standard of righteousness and Paul's prayer for her salvation.[1]
[1] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith (p. 207). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
This entry was posted in Daily Devotional Guide, John MacArthur on July 13, 2018 by Truth2Freedom.
Mueller's Latest Indictments Show That 'Witches' Are Very Real
Special Council Robert Mueller (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Four vital takeaways from today's charges
Earlier today the Grand Jury for the District of Columbia charged twelve Russian intelligence officers with conspiring "to gain unauthorized access (to 'hack') into the computers of U.S. persons and entities involved in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, steal documents from those computers, and stage releases of the stolen documents to interfere with the 2016 presidential election." The operation was sustained and sophisticated, and it targeted "over 300 individuals affiliated with the Clinton Campaign, DCCC, and DNC," according to the indictment.
Furthermore, the operation was consequential. When, in February, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office released its indictment of Russians involved in the effort to impact American debate through social media, there was some justified chuckling at the small scale and amateurishness of that effort. The messages were silly, and the spending was a drop in the ocean compared to the massive, sustained, and coordinated social-media spending of American political parties and their allies.
The hacking scandal was different. The hacking scandal mattered.
There's no way to know if it moved enough votes in key states to swing the election, but the leaks of hacked emails dominated multiple news cycles, embarrassed key Democrats, and sowed a degree of discord within the Democratic party. Republicans, including Donald Trump, exulted in the revelations and sometimes explicitly called for more. "Russia, if you're listening," Trump said publicly on July 27, 2016, "I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing."
Interestingly, it appears the Russians may indeed have been listening. "After hours" on July 27, the conspirators "for the first time" targeted "email accounts at a domain hosted by a third-party provider and used by Clinton's personal office," according to Friday's indictment.
There will be much more analysis and dot-connecting in the coming days, some of it valuable and much of it specious. But for now here are four key takeaways:
Read more: Mueller's Latest Indictments Show That 'Witches' Are Very Real
This entry was posted in Uncategorized on July 13, 2018 by Truth2Freedom.
Rudy Giuliani: Latest Russian Indictments Are Good News for President Trump – Time to End Mueller Probe — The Gateway Pundit
On Friday Dirty Cop Robert Mueller indicted 12 Russian military officers for conspiring to interfere with the 2016 US election.
It was the latest junk indictment by the Mueller witch hunt.
This comes two days before President Trump is to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin
This also comes a day after the horrendous testimony by Deep State operative, liar and cheater Peter Strzok.
Dirty Cop Rosenstein said the DNC was not a victim of hacking (the FBI never inspected the DNC servers!) and were the victims of spear-phishing instead.
On Friday afternoon Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani cheered the news that once again shows NO COLLUSION between any American and the Russians.
Rudy is right.
Shut the witch hunt down.
via Rudy Giuliani: Latest Russian Indictments Are Good News for President Trump – Time to End Mueller Probe — The Gateway Pundit
Flashback Friday: Not Afraid To Fear The Lord
The Outspoken TULIP
I originally published this article on May 19, 2017.
Evangelicals in the past 50 or so years have carefully minimized (or avoided altogether) the subject of fearing God. When, in the course of a group Bible Study, they inadvertently encounter verses about fearing God, they cough out a few sentences about simply revering Him before rapidly moving on to more manageable verses.
Fearing God isn't politically correct anymore, even among Bible-believing Christians. We much prefer dwelling on the Lord's goodness, compassion and love. That way, we keep Him much more approachable, even when we persist in our pet sins. Even more to the point, we make Him more attractive (we think) to non-Christians when we evangelize them. Talking about fearing Him, we reason, makes Him less marketable.
Scripture, however, never seems all that concerned with the Lord's marketability, nor with keeping us comfortable even in our disobedience. Even the beloved…
As Satan Comes Disguised as An Angel of Light – So Does RACHEL HELD EVANS: Pretty as a Picture Yet Slippery As a Snake
Absolute Truth from the Word of God
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works" (2nd Corinthians 11:13-15)
I write this article in hopes that many parents of young people who are seeking the Truth from the Word of God, will know that the writings and so-called "ministry" of Rachel Held Evans is NOT from our God nor His Word.
Her words are neatly packaged in a form of sweetness and sincerity; but don't fall for it. She is a servant of the devil, and many vulnerable people are following her right into hell.
We must pray for this woman, that God would reach her and open her eyes and heart to…
07/13/2018 — Wretched
WR2018-0713
•Your response to The Gathering Storm of Social Justice
•Let's have a discussion about the roles of Men in the Church
•Ecclesiastes has a different emphasis on the oppression of the poor
•Pastor Don Green explains the dangers of the Social Justice movement
•Mark Driscoll has new friends
•Get ready for more Wretched Gospel pamphlets
•Where do we get "God willing" from?
•Should we reserve evangelism for church events only?
•Is Westboro Baptist doing any good?
•How should I let my toddler interact with a children's Bible
•My pastor is pushing for revival
Download Now (right click and save)
via 07/13/2018 — Wretched
JULY 13 OUT OF BALANCE
If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
We must admit that in the evangelical Christian churches of our day, almost all of us are guilty of a lopsided view of the Christian life—all is made to depend upon the initial act of believing. At a given moment a decision is made for Christ, and after that everything is "automatic."
This is because of our failure to lay a scriptural emphasis in our evangelical preaching.
In our eagerness to make converts, we allow our believers to absorb the idea that they can deal with their entire responsibility once and for all by an act of believing. This is in some vague way supposed to honor grace and glorify God, whereas actually it is to make Christ the author of a grotesque, unworkable system that has no counterpart in the Scriptures of Truth.
In the New Testament accounts, faith was for each believer a beginning, not an end. Believing was not a once-done act; it was more than an act. It was an attitude of heart and mind which inspired and enabled the believer to take up his cross and follow the Lamb whithersoever He went!
Lord, the Christian life is a lifelong maturing process. And some days are better than others! Help me to continue to progress in my walk of faith with You.[1]
[1] Tozer, A. W. (2015). Mornings with tozer: daily devotional readings. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.
This entry was posted in A. W. Tozer, Daily Devotional Guide on July 13, 2018 by Truth2Freedom.
Franklin Graham's Bus Ads Removed After Massive Uproar — Faithwire
Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, has come up against some fierce opposition as he attempts to organize a gospel crusade in the northern British town of Blackpool.
As a result of increasing pressure from LGBT groups, the local governing authorities have decided to remove promotions for the event, which were placed on the side of the town's buses.
Franklin Graham Opens Bible on Jimmy Carter After He Says Jesus Would Approve Gay Marriage
"Blackpool Transport has recently been made aware of an [advertisement] in place on the side of some of our double-decker buses," said a spokesperson for the company, according to the Blackpool Gazette. "In light of customer feedback and reactions on social media which has resulted in heightened tension, we have taken the decision to remove all adverts relating to the 'Time for Hope' Festival with immediate effect. We will reimburse any income back to the advertising company."
"We work with multiple advertisers and third-parties and in no way do we endorse or support any advertisement which is placed on our vehicles," the agency added.
Franklin Graham's Lancashire Festival of Hope is due to take place at the Winter Gardens Blackpool on Sept. 21-23.
Blackpool is regularly described as one of the worst towns in Britain and boasts the lowest life expectancy anywhere in England. It is known for its grimy "drag" clubs, spiraling substance dependency and "loan shark" payday lenders who do nothing but plunge the town into an ever-deepening chasm of financial hardship.
According to the Guardian:
"More than half of the local population smokes, the highest rate in the country. One in three pregnant women, even up to the point they go into hospital to give birth, are still smoking. Alcoholism is rife, while deaths from drug abuse rival those of the worst estates in London or Glasgow."
It is certainly a place that needs the life-giving message of the Gospel. But due to the unprecedented action from authorities, this may not come in the form of a Franklin Graham outreach event.
Jane Cole, managing director at Blackpool Transport, further explained the controversial decision to remove the ads.
"Blackpool Transport is a proud ongoing supporter of the Pride and LGBT+ communities and in no way did we intend to cause any distress or upset," she said. "All buses carrying the advert will remain off the road until they have been removed."
Graham, who affirms a traditional biblical view of marriage as being between one man and one woman, responded to the controversy in an interview with British faith news outlet Premier UK.
"I'm not coming to preach hate, I'm here to preach about a savior, Jesus Christ who can make a difference in our lives if we put our faith and trust in Him," Graham stated. "We're not here to preach against anyone, we're here to talk about God."
The reverend added that his father, Billy Graham, also came up against some staunch opposition when traveling to preach in the United Kingdom.
"They tried to stop him coming," he recalled. "He was due off a boat into Southampton and there were petitions to stop him coming and members of parliament speaking against him."
Graham noted that even Jesus himself "offended many people," before noting that the Gospel "still offends people today."
Watch the full interview below:
via Franklin Graham's Bus Ads Removed After Massive Uproar — Faithwire
The Bee Explains: Democratic Socialism — The Babylon Bee
You can't go into a Whole Foods or indie record store without hearing somebody talk about it: democratic socialism. Is it a radical new idea that we should try out in our nation, or is it an old idea with the word "democratic" stapled to the front to make it sound more palatable? Find out in this handy explainer from your friends at The Babylon Bee:
What is Democratic Socialism?
Democratic Socialism is a growing movement in America promising every citizen the most basic human rights, including but not limited to free healthcare, a government-guaranteed job making at least $15 per hour, free college tuition, guaranteed housing, broadband internet access, and cage-free vegan lattes.
How would the government pay for all of that?
By rightfully appropriating money from terrible, evil, oppressive, hardworking, enterprising citizens who have earned wealth via the dreaded free market economy that has led to unprecedented human flourishing. Governments are known for being the most efficient spenders of money, and so surely would do an excellent job as stewards of your wealth—err, we mean, the public's wealth.
Isn't it immoral to take most of the money people earn?
No—actually, it's the right thing to do. People with money only got that money because of inherent privilege, racism, sexism, bigotry, homophobia, transphobia, patriarchy, and all kinds of other unfair power structures and phobias. You know what, we're a little concerned with all the questions you're asking here. It sounds like someone needs to spend a little more time in a democratic re-education loyalty center! KILL THE KULAKS!
How does Democratic Socialism differ from just "Socialism"?
It has the word "Democratic" in front of it, you see, which means it is achieved by promoting identity politics, stoking class warfare, and cranking that entitlement mentality up to 11, instead of literal violent overthrow of the government. Besides, voting for the government to seize people's wealth is totally different from the government deciding to do so on their own, right? Err… uh… DID WE MENTION YOU GET FREE STUFF?? Say it with us: Socialism good, Democratic Socialism better!
It seems like if you try to run the numbers, there's just no way Democratic Socialism is a fiscally feasible form of government.
"Run the numbers"? "Fiscally feasible"? Have you been paying attention, like, at all? Do you want free money, or are you part of the problem? YOU GET FREE MONEY, AND YOU GET FREE MONEY—ERRYBODY GETS FREE MONEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!
Is there an example of this form of government working out well in the world?
YES! Venezuela is a socialist paradise, having achieved an almost totally equal distribution of hunger and lack of basic necessities. With features like 46,000% inflation, mass starvation, empty grocery stores, and total economic collapse, it's a great real-world example of a socialist utopia! THAT'S HOW YOU STICK IT TO THE CORPORATE OLIGARCHY, BABY! OWN THE CAPITALISTS WITH THIS ONE GREAT TRICK!
As you can see, the centralization of wealth and power to an elite few in government is perfectly in line with the ideas America was founded on. Now let's get out there and democratically seize the means of production, comrades!
via The Bee Explains: Democratic Socialism — The Babylon Bee
July 13, 2018 Truth2Freedom Briefing Report (US•World•Christian)
A federal judge on Friday will consider imposing tougher rules on the U.S. government to ensure it reunites as many as 2,000 immigrant children with their parents by July 26.
The White House has ordered that a wider group of lawmakers have access to classified information about an informant the FBI used to investigate possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing two American officials with knowledge of the decision.
A civil rights group asked a federal judge on Thursday to order the U.S. government to provide mental health counseling for the around 2,000 immigrant children separated from their parents by officials at the U.S.-Mexican border.
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators said on Thursday they want the government to reinstate penalties on ZTE Corp, despite a Trump administration agreement paving the way for an end of a ban on the Chinese telecommunications company.
Israel's military said it had fired a missile at a drone that approached from Syria on Friday, and a witness on the Syrian side of the frontier said the aircraft had been brought down.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow on Saturday. They are expected to discuss the Middle East, bilateral projects and the transfer of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
France will close the Eiffel Tower and mobilize 110,000 security staff as the weekend World Cup soccer final and Bastille Day festivities are expected to send hundreds of thousands of people into the streets, from Paris to the smallest of villages.
China's trade surplus with the United States swelled to a record in June as its overall exports grew at a solid pace, a result that could further inflame a bitter trade dispute with Washington.
AP Top Stories
More victims of domestic abuse and gang violence seeking safety in the U.S. could be turned away thanks to a Trump administration policy now formally in effect at the border ― including parents separated from their children.
Tariff threats on $200 billion in Chinese goods would hit close to home, impacting many household products, like appliances or televisions.
Guard against exploitation: that's the message Chilean miners have offered the 12 Thai boys and their football coach following the harrowing ordeal of spending 18 days trapped in a cave.
A U.S. service member died on Thursday from wounds sustained in a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan, according to a brief statement from the Department of Defense.
Survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida file a federal lawsuit claiming authorities "failed to act."
Quiet, confused and exhausted, 11 families who had been detained and separated after they were caught crossing the U.S. border illegally returned home Tuesday to Guatemala aboard a U.S. government-chartered flight that read "World Atlantic." They lined up on the tarmac, shuffling – their shoelaces had been taken as a security precaution. U.S. immigration officials handed over paperwork in manila envelopes to Guatemalan officials. The immigrants walked single-file into a squat gray building at the country's military base to be processed back into their country, along with dozens of others also deported. Tuesday's flight was among the first containing families separated at the border under President Donald Trump's contentious zero-tolerance policy. More than 2,300 children were separated from their families before a June 20 order stopping the practice.
A bomb killed at least 25 people and injured more than 30 Friday in southwestern Pakistan, in the day's second attack on a political rally as fears of violence rise ahead of nationwide polls.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday that North Korea's criticism of the United States after recent talks on denuclearization was part of its strategy and negotiations between them are on the "right track".
An air strike on one of the last holdouts of the Islamic State group in Syria has killed 54 people, more than half of them civilians, a war monitor said on Friday.
Oil prices fell sharply on Wednesday on news that Libya was suddenly set to restore hundreds of thousands of barrels per day, and the U.S. struck a softer line on Iran sanctions.
Seven endangered black rhinos have died while being transported to a new wildlife reserve in Kenya, reports said. The dead animals were among 14 black rhinos being transported to Kenya's biggest national park, Tsavo East, AFP news agency reports.
Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $4.7bn in damages to 22 women who alleged that its talc products caused them to develop ovarian cancer. A jury in the US state of Missouri initially awarded $550m in compensation and added $4.1bn in punitive damages.
An explosion at an industrial park in China's Sichuan province has left 19 people dead and 12 others injured, officials said.
Germany has deported to Tunisia a man who once allegedly protected Osama Bin Laden and had been living in Germany with his family since 1997, despite a German court ruling against his deportation.
The rise of robots in manufacturing in Southeast Asia is likely to fuel modern slavery as workers who end up unemployed due to automation face abuses competing for a shrinking pool of low-paid jobs in a "race to the bottom", analysts said on Thursday.
Starbucks will actually be increasing its plastic use. As it turns out, the new nitro lids that Starbucks is leaning on to replace straws are made up of more plastic than the company's current lid/straw combination.
News – 7/13/2018
Syrian Locals Denounce Assad, Putin; Plead With Israel for Protection
video footage obtained by TPS shows hundreds of locals in recent days denouncing Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin and gathering at the Syria-Israel border to ask for IDF protection against possible reprisals by the victorious forces.
Exclusive: PayPal closes French BDS media account
The giant US online payment service PayPal shut down the account of a major French boycott,sanctions, divestment (BDS) organization targeting Israel on Thursday, The Jerusalem Post has learned. PayPal's services to Agence Media Palestine–the Paris-based BDS organization–now reads on the group's website: "This recipient is currently unable to receive money."
Lindsey Graham to Netanyahu: Assad and Iran are a package deal
Just to be clear: Without Iran/Hezbollah, Syria's Assad would not be in power and would not have the ability to slaughter almost a half-million Syrians. Without Assad's blessing, the flags of Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard would not be on Israel's front door."
Giuliani slams Strzok for refusing to admit different versions of Trump dossier
"Isn't that called collusion or conspiracy to gin up a totally inappropriate, totally illegally wire based on national security? And doesn't it taint the entire Russian probe?" Giuliani told Fox News' Laura Ingraham on "The Ingraham Angle." "That's a disgrace, [Special Counsel Robert] Mueller should be ashamed of himself. Those Democrats trying to protect that liar, Strzok, should be ashamed of themselves. And every FBI agent I know wants to see this guy drummed out of the bureau," he said.
Netanyahu: Nationality bill is what the majority wants
"We will continue to protect the rights of the individual and the group, but the majority also has rights, and the majority rules," the prime minister said at the annual memorial service to Ze'ev Jabotinsky. "The vast majority of the people want to ensure the Jewish character of our state for generations," he asserted.
Majority of Conservatives Oppose All Immigration to the U.S
The majority of conservatives and nearly half of Republican voters say that they somewhat or strongly oppose all immigration to the United States. Just a few years since President Trump took his message of economic nationalism through fair trade and reduced immigration to the American people, the majority of conservative voters say they generally oppose immigration.
Gohmert: Watchdog Found Clinton Emails Were Sent To 'Foreign Entity'
The Intelligence Community Inspector General (ICIG) found an "anomaly on Hillary Clinton's emails going through their private server, and when they had done the forensic analysis, they found that her emails, every single one except four, over 30,000, were going to an address that was not on the distribution list," Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas said during a hearing with FBI official Peter Strzok. "It was going to an unauthorized source that was a foreign entity unrelated to Russia," he added. Gohmert said the ICIG investigator, Frank Rucker, presented the findings to Strzok, but that the FBI official did not do anything with the information.
Reports: Air strike in eastern Syria kills at least 28 people
An air strike killed at least 28 people in an Islamic State-held area of eastern Syria near the border with Iraq, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday. The Syrian state news agency and the pro-Damascus al-Watan newspaper, in its online edition, said the U.S.-led coalition carried out the air strike near the town of Albu Kamal east of the Euphrates River.
Saudi Prince Alwaleed pledges support for crown prince's reforms
Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who was detained for three months in an anti-corruption campaign under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pledged support on Thursday for the young leader's program of sweeping reforms. "I was honoured to meet with my brother HRH the Crown Prince and to discuss economic matters and the private sector's future & role in #Vision2030 success," he tweeted…
Putin, Trump to discuss Syrian deployment along Israel border
Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun…efforts ahead of the Helsinki summit next week with his US counterpart Donald Trump to formulate an agreement in Syria that will include removing Hezbollah and Iranian forces from the Syrian-Israeli border…Putin and Trump are likely to reach an agreement…about …Syrian forces on the border with Israel in the Golan Heights and about Iranian and Hezbollah forces vacating the area…
Donald Trump and Theresa May meet amid Brexit storm
Theresa May and Donald Trump are holding talks at her country retreat Chequers, following his controversial comments on the PM's Brexit plan. In an interview with the Sun, Mr Trump said the PM's plan would "probably kill" any trade deal with the US. But on Friday, he said he and Mrs May had "probably never developed a better relationship" than during this trip – his first to the UK as president.
Source of cosmic 'ghost' particle revealed
Ghost-like particles known as neutrinos have been puzzling scientists for decades. Part of the family of fundamental particles that make up all known matter, neutrinos hurtle unimpeded through the Universe, interacting with almost nothing. The majority shoot right through the Earth as though it isn't even there, making them exceptionally difficult to detect and study.
Christians Under Attack in Nigeria
It's one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. What's going on right now in Nigeria is "pure genocide."
Vatican: Priests Have 'More Power Than God Himself'
…the priest brings Christ down from heaven, and renders Him present on our altar as the eternal Victim for the sins of man – not once but a thousand times! The priest speaks and lo! Christ the Eternal and Omnipotent God, bows His head in humble obedience to the priest's command.
Coming up: Solar eclipse today, longest lunar eclipse in century and date with Mars later this month
People are in for a triple celestial treat this month with a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse set to happen and Mars expected to come closest to Earth than it has in nearly two decades.
Pedophilia Included As 'Sexual Orientation' On New LGBT Pride Flag
Pedophiles are attempting to rebrand themselves as "MAPs" or "Minor Attracted Persons" in an effort to normalize pedophilia and gain acceptance in mainstream America by being included as part of the expanding LGBT+ community umbrella.
Irrefutable proof we are all being sprayed with poison: 571 tons of toxic lead 'chemtrailed' into America's skies every year
America is being doused every minute of every day with the toxic heavy metal lead as it is burned in "avgas" — aviation gas, the fuel that powers most piston-driven aircraft (i.e. anything with a propeller). A grand total of 571 tons of lead are dumped each year into the air over our heads from aircraft alone, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
OUTBREAK ALERT: Viral Illness That Infects Children SPREAD In Virginia
A contagious virus which infects children is spreading through Virginia. Childcare providers and schools are sounding the alarms after several hundred cases of "hand, foot, and mouth" disease have sickened young kids.
Democratic Socialists Of America Endorse Rabid Anti-Semitic Candidate In Los Angeles
It's amazing how the left wants to paint literally everyone on the right as a white supremacist neo-Nazi, when there is pretty much no one running for any kind of serious office that holds these views.
Joining 'Soros Funded' Antifa Is Now Illegal, Punishable By 15 Years In Prison
A new bill proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives named the "Unmasking Antifa Act of 2018" will make it a criminal offense to "committing certain offenses while in disguise" and make joining Antifa illegal.
Woman Found Dead in Anthony Weiner's Trash Chute is Connected to George Soros
The woman who was discovered dumped in the trash chute of disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner's New York home has been identified by police, with her connection to George Soros exposed.
Firefighters Suffer Neurological Damage After Contact With 5G Cell Towers
Firefighters in Sacramento, CA have reported neurological damage including memory problems and confusion after new generation 5G cell towers were installed outside their fire station.
"It is of great importance to set a resolution, not to be shaken, never to tell an untruth. There is no vice so mean, so pitiful, so contemptible; and he who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and a third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good disposition." —Thomas Jefferson (1785)
In Today's Edition
Peter Strzok's theatrics on Capitol Hill only underscore his contempt.
House Republicans were having none of Strzok's defiant attitude
Trump pardons the Hammonds, victims of "an overzealous appeal."
Papa John's founder is finally taken down by a "social justice" lynch mob.
Daily Features: Top Headlines, Memes, Cartoons, Columnists and Short Cuts.
Peter Strzok's Contemptuous Testimony
His theatrics before the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees served only to underscore his arrogance and contempt.
Peter Strzok's Bias Exposed
Republicans repeatedly blast the arrogant FBI agent who had the audacity to claim he had no anti-Trump bias.
A Pardon Too Late
Trump pardoned Dwight Hammond Jr. and his son Steven, who were victims of "an overzealous appeal."
Papa John's Founder Ousted Over Racism Conversation
John Schnatter resigns after being blasted for using the N-word in a training session on racism.
Friday Short Cuts
"It matters very little whether or not the rest of the world likes us, as long as they respect us." —Allie Beth Stuckey
Friday Top Headlines
Trump throws fuel onto UK's Brexit debate, Dems file "Abolish ICE" bill but won't vote on it, migrant children used as "commodity," and more.
Today's Opinion
Marc A. Thiessen
Trump Isn't Attacking NATO. He's Strengthening It.
What the Cave Boys Teach Us About Abortion
Yes, the Supreme Court Is Undemocratic
David Harsanyi
Democrats Don't Fear Brett Kavanaugh; They Fear the Constitution
Adoption Finds a Home in House
Today's Meme
Today's Cartoon
Headlines – 7/13/2018
Hamas leaders in Cairo for talks on Gaza crisis, 'reconciliation'
Israeli Ambassador Urges Top UN Environmental Advocate to Condemn Hamas Arson Attacks
Israel to impound Gaza flotilla ships to benefit terror victims
East Asian countries back development in Palestine
Israeli professor attacked by Palestinian in Germany
Bomb threat called into Jewish military history museum in DC
Stunning biblical 'spies' mosaic discovered in Israel
Israeli official: 'There's realistic opportunity to push Iran out of Syria'
Lindsey Graham doubles down against Israel-Russia deal on Syria
Netanyahu: Israel completely coordinated with U.S. regarding Syria
Netanyahu: Our problem is with Iran, not Assad
Syrian colonel: 'Our eyes are set on Palestine, soon we will fight Saudi Arabia and Israel'
Tensions soar as Syrian fight nears Israeli border – with possible Iranian military presence
Report: Israel attacks Syrian army positions in Golan Heights
Assad's forces retake Daraa, birthplace of Syria's uprising
WHO seeks access to Syrians dying from heat, disease in South
Saudi envoy to UN says kingdom will confront Hezbollah 'everywhere'
Report: Experts urge Congress to designate Muslim Brotherhood as terror group
Massive fuel tank explosion rocks Cairo airport
Twelve hospitalized from blast outside Cairo airport – Egyptian state news agency
Top adviser to Iran's Khamenei says meeting with Putin was 'very constructive'
Iranian police kill demonstrator during protest over water scarcity
US official links economic protests in Iran to sanctions
Trump: Iran will seek fresh deal as looming sanctions hit economy
Trump at NATO Summit: Iran Is in Pain, They Will Call Me and Ask for a Deal
US State Secretary Pompeo urges EU to get tough on Iran
Trump forecasts 'escalation' with Iran, but says Tehran showing more respect
UN set to impose arms embargo on war-torn South Sudan
Kim Jong Un sends Trump a 'very nice' letter, teases possible 2nd meeting
US accuses N.Korea of UN sanctions breach, demands end to fuel sales
Trump says Putin 'competitor', not enemy
Germany isn't the only country that still needs cheap Russian gas
'Unprecedented unpredictability': UK braces for Trump visit
Trump blasts May over Brexit during UK visit, casting pall over ties
Trump slams May over 'very unfortunate' Brexit plan, says 'it will probably kill' US trade deal
Trump Says Europe Is 'Losing' Its Culture Because Of Immigration
Jared Kushner still lacks top-most security clearance
FBI agent clashes with GOP at hearing on Russia probe
Fireworks at Strzok hearing as GOP reps fume at anti-Trump FBI agent, threaten contempt
Democrats demand Steve Bannon testify to counter Peter Strzok testimony
New Mechanisms "Guarantee" Transparency Ahead of U.S. Midterm Elections, Facebook Executive Says
Facebook labels Russian users as 'interested in treason'
Obama Loses 2 Million Followers in Twitter's Crackdown on Fake Accounts
The online battle for the truth
All Ears: Always-On Listening Devices Could Soon Be Everywhere
Industrial park blast kills 19, hurts 12 in southwest China
Jeff Bezos plans to charge at least $200,000 for space rides
NASA will consider sending another Israeli astronaut into space
5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near Volcano, Hawaii
5.2 magnitude earthquake hits near Murghob, Tajikistan
5.2 magnitude earthquake hits near Ohonua, Tonga
Reventador volcano in Ecuador erupts to 18,000ft
Agung volcano in Indonesia erupts to 16,000ft
Fuego volcano in Guatelama erupts to 14,000ft
FEMA says it underestimated the devastation Hurricane Maria would have on Puerto Rico
New tropical threat may create hazards for northern Philippines, Taiwan early next week
Japan flooding disaster: Death toll hits 200; Building heat creates new dangers for survivors
Japan hit by worst weather disaster in decades: Why did so many die?
Japan floods: Deadliest natural disaster to hit there since 2011
Hundreds of homes destroyed as dike bursts amid melting snow in northern Afghanistan
Meth, 'the Devil's drug,' is back and killing more people than ever
Arkansas dad, 19, tried using extension cord shock to revive baby after smothering her, report says
Poll: 64 percent of Americans want Roe v. Wade to stand
Andrew Cuomo draws chuckles with threat to sue Supreme Court over Roe v. Wade: 'Whom would he sue?'
Abortion Rights Advocates Preparing For Life After Roe v. Wade
After voting for abortion, why is Ireland still snapping up tickets for Pope Francis?
Once Militantly Anti-Abortion, Evangelical Minister Now Lives 'With Regret'
Israeli army promotes first openly gay major general
May God's Underground Church in America Arise
(By Bert Farias) Someone recently asked me what I see for America and the church's future. Right now, I am seeing the beginning and mushrooming of an evolution of sorts concerning both the nation and the church. Not everything is as it appears. Here's a powerful word from the Spirit of God that I've shared before: Do not look at the TV and larger media ministries to try to understand what I am doing in my body today. They have a part to play, but they are the visible to the eye veneer of the body that people see.
Those who are carnal and immature see the outward appearance and are impressed, thinking that these are the height of ministry and where the Spirit is concentrating today. But they are mistaken. See what I see, many small churches and ministries investing in relationships, walking in love, pouring their lives into each other; this is where the Spirit is moving today. There is a revolution taking place in my body, a revolution of relationships, discipleship, and love. This will affect whole communities and economies." —John Fenn, Church Without Walls International. CONTINUE
Alabama Man Takes Over Church Pulpit and Pulls Out Gun
An Alabama man who allegedly took over a church pulpit during a worship service Sunday, July 8, tried to pull out a gun before being tackled by congregation members, according to AP. No shots were fired. The irate man reportedly talked about his pending divorce while in control of the pulpit at O'Neal Church of Christ in Athens, Alabama, reports say.
The suspect, 34-year-old Thomas Zebulun Lewter, has been charged with making a terroristic threat at the church, says Limestone County Sheriff's Office spokesman Stephen Young. "During the service, he approached the pulpit and announced that he was sorry he was going to have to do what he had to do," says wife Kathryn Lewter, who filed for divorce last month. Since the incident, she has petitioned the court for protection from abuse. READ MORE
DEVELOPING: Eruptions intensify, off scale seismicity at Anak Krakatau, Indonesia
Explosive activity at Anak Krakatau in Indonesia continues and its seismicity is reportedly going off the scale today, July 12, 2018. "Krakatau is going crazy … 100 times explosion a day. Very loud and could be heard until Carita, 42 km (26 miles) away," Volcano Discovery's Indonesian volcano expedition leader
said July 12. Just a few hours ago, photographer and volcano-enthusiast Øystein L. Andersen, said activity at the volcano is quite unique now. "It seems like you can now see a bright glow from the eruption from the coast of Java, 50 km (31 miles) away." MORE
Extreme hot weather in UK producing plague of bloodsucking horse-flies
The hot weather has seen populations of bloodsucking clegs – or horse-flies – reach Mediterranean levels. The insects have sharp jaws and can cause a very painful bite. What makes them unusual is that, unlike midge bites, they cut into the skin rather than pierce it. Antibiotic Research UK (ANTRUK) has
warned that bites could result in painful swellings and the possibility of infections which might not be treatable with our existing antibiotics. The charity's chief executive professor Colin Garner said: "It is entirely possible in 2018 that you can die of an insect bite, not just in some hot foreign clime, but here in Britain." There is also a chance of infectious that may not respond to current antibiotics. READ MORE
Franklin Graham: President Carter 'Absolutely Wrong' on Jesus Approving of Gay Marriage
Evangelist Franklin Graham responds to former President Jimmy Carter's recent assertion that Jesus himself would approve of gay marriage, saying the former president is "absolutely wrong." In a short video clip of an interview published to the news website HuffPost Live Sunday and picked up by Breitbart.com, Carter spoke about his religious faith. He said as a politician he never ran across "any really serious conflicts between my political obligations and my religious faith."
When asked about gay marriage, the 39th president said " That's no problem with me. I think everybody should have a right to get married regardless of their sex." Carter told the interviewer that the "only thing he would draw a line on is… I wouldn't be in favor of the government being able to force a local church to perform gay marriages if they didn't want to." READ MORE
GOG AND MAGOG WATCH: Iran coordinates military presence in Syria with Russia
Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Friday that Tehran coordinates positions on its military presence in Syria with Moscow and Damascus. He made his comments at a conference in Moscow,
in response to a question about whether Iran might withdraw its forces from Syria's southern border region, near Israel. Velayati also said that U.S. sanctions against Iran could raise oil prices and harm oil consumers. MORE
Two Sizable Asteroids Were Spotted Zooming Past Earth
The Earth had some visitors not too long ago in the form of two asteroids. The asteroids are officially known as 2018 NW and 2018 NX, according to a report from CNet, and they were said to be about the size of a school bus, with both estimated to have a diameter of 33 feet. At their closest points, scientists
noted that they got within 72,000 miles of Earth, meaning they were significantly closer to the planet than the moon. 2018 NW was observed to be the faster of the two, with a recorded velocity of 47,647 mph. Asteroids moving close to and eventually past the Earth happens relatively often, with the report noting that something like that takes place every few weeks or so. READ MORE
Nigerian Christians Unite to Pray for 'Carnage' of Believers to End
The Christian Association of Nigeria held a national prayer session on Wednesday against the "barbaric killing" of Christians at the hands of radical Muslim herdsmen, as the country reels from another deadly rampage this week where 39 people were killed in the north. "The church wants the carnage to stop," CAN President Rev. Supo Ayokunle said.
CAN is considering a nationwide protest against the killing of believers, according to ThisDayLive. Ayokunle said that the ongoing killings, where some estimate as many as 6,000 believers have been slaughtered since the start of the year, are turning Nigeria into a "deserted land." The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Metropolitan See, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said that now more than ever, it is time for Christians to unite. READ MORE
Franklin Graham Event Bus Ads Pulled in UK After Outcry From LGBT Community
Posted: 12 Jul 2018 12:36 PM PDT
Bus ads promoting an upcoming evangelistic festival with Franklin Graham in England were pulled in response to outcry from LGBT communities. "Blackpool Transport has recently been made aware of an advert in place on the side of some of our double-decker buses," said a spokesperson for the company, according to the Blackpool Gazette.
"In light of customer feedback and reactions on social media which has resulted in heightened tension, we have taken the decision to remove all adverts relating to the 'Time for Hope' Festival with immediate effect. We will reimburse any income back to the advertising company. "We work with multiple advertisers and third-parties and in no way do we endorse or support any advertisement which is placed on our vehicles." READ MORE
Evangelist Todd Bentley Claims Shirtless 'Financial Angel' Visited Him in Hotel Room, Another Wrestled Him at Home
Fresh Fire USA founder and healing evangelist Todd Bentley claimed during a "Supernatural Debt Forgiveness Jubilee Service" Sunday that he has had live encounters with angels during his ministry similar to those experienced by biblical figures, including a visit from a shirtless "financial angel" in a dingy hotel room and another in his home where the angel wrestled him in his bed. "It (angel) appeared to me as a person. A man.
So I'm not having a dream. It's not a trance. I'm wide awake. I'm in my bathroom. And I've never had an angelic encounter where it's like in this world. A messenger from Heaven," Bentley said in the service of his first encounter with an angel which he said happened in Albany, Oregon, around 2004 or 2005. He explained that at the time he was an evangelist based in Canada and was invited by a group of churches in Oregon to minister due to his reputation as a "miracle healing guy." READ MORE
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RenewAmerica Newsletter for July 13, 2018
Strzok smirks through testimony, insists distaste for Trump didn't taint investigations
WASHINGTON TIMES — FBI Agent Peter Strzok admitted Thursday he doesn't like President Trump but insisted his personal political views, including text messages promising to "stop" Mr. Trump or facilitate his impeachment, did not influence two of the country's most important investigations…. (more)
Peter Strzok is asked to read Trump-related texts [VIDEO] (C-Span)
MUST SEE: Trey Gowdy vs. FBI Peter Strzok in EXPLOSIVE exchange at Congress hearing on anti-Trump texts [VIDEO] (YouTube)
Complete exchange between Rep. Trey Gowdy and FBI Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok [VIDEO] (YouTube)
Peter Strzok denies bias affected his work, claims he sent anti-Trump text messages 'out of deep patriotism'
NATIONAL REVIEW — During his congressional testimony Thursday, anti-Trump FBI agent Peter Strzok denied that political bias affected his professional conduct and said that the opinions he expressed in the text messages that resulted in his firing were sent "out of deep patriotism."… (more)
Strzok: FBI-bias probe will 'tear down underpinnings' of 'law & order' (National Review)
Peter Strzok defiant, apologetic as Congress shows its combative side
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — FBI agent Peter Strzok, whose anti-Donald Trump text messages have become fuel for the Republicans, was defiant and apologetic during a blockbuster hearing on Capitol Hill…. (more)
CNN political chief: Of course Strzok showed bias in texts
NEWSMAX — Embattled FBI agent Peter Strzok drew fire from CNN on Thursday, with the network's political director saying he should have been more careful with his text messaging habit…. (more)
Rep. Gohmert to Strzok: How many times did you lie to your wife about Lisa Page
WASHINGTON TIMES — Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert on Thursday blasted FBI agent Peter Strzok for his affair with former FBI attorney Lisa Page, drawing outrage from his Democratic cohorts. Mr. Strzok was testifying before the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform committees investigating the FBI and Justice Department's role investigating the 2016 presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and President Trump…. (more)
Lisa Page to meet with Congress behind closed doors on Friday and Monday (CNN)
Is Brett Kavanaugh 'one of us?'
TIMOTHY P. CARNEY — The populism and identity politics of the moment have some odd and confusing contours. The white working class recently took over a party from a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant Connecticut dynasty with CIA roots. They took over by electing a billionaire real estate heir who lives in a golden mansion with his immigrant wife atop a tower on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan…. (more)
What we can learn about abortion from the Thailand cave disaster
MONA CHAREN — Twelve boys and their adult coach trapped in a dank, oxygen-deprived cave in Thailand riveted the world's attention for two weeks. Why, people ask at times like this, are we so focused on these individuals when half a million Rohingya refugee children are in danger of starving on the Bangladesh border, or when 400,000 Yemeni children are severely undernourished?… (more)
MUST SEE: Trey Gowdy vs. Peter Strzok in EXPLOSIVE exchange at House Oversight Hearing on anti-Trump texts [VIDEO]
YOUTUBE — 'Anti-Trump texts' FBI Agent Peter Strzok testifies before Congress on Russia probe…. (more)
Agent Peter Strzok faces the music
WASHINGTON EXAMINER — FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok will face hostile questions from Republicans on Thursday when he appears before the House Judiciary and Oversight committees for a public hearing. In his first public hearing since the Department of Justice inspector general released a report outlining his anti-Trump texts to his FBI lawyer mistress, GOP lawmakers will be looking hard for signs that Strzok's bias swayed decisions he made in the FBI's investigations of Hillary Clinton and then-candidate Donald Trump…. (more)
Mark Meadows dispels Lisa Page's claim on FBI documents
NEWSMAX — House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows tweeted Wednesday that lawmakers learned that former FBI lawyer Lisa Page "did review documents" at the agency on Tuesday, contrary to what her lawyer had told Congress…. (more)
Paul Ryan warns ex-FBI lawyer Lisa Page over defying subpoena (Newsmax)
Lisa Page threatened with contempt of Congress for ignoring subpoena (Washington Times)
The judicial mindset of Brett Kavanaugh
CAL THOMAS — If Alexander Hamilton had been nominated for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court today, Democrats would likely oppose him. About the court, Hamilton said: "[A] limited Constitution can be preserved in practice no other way than through the medium of courts of justice, whose duty it must be to declare all acts contrary to the manifest tenor of the Constitution void. Without this, all the reservations of particular rights or privileges would amount to nothing. To deny this would be to affirm that men acting by virtue of powers may do not only what their powers do not authorize, but what they forbid "… (more)
Judge Kavanaugh: Not the best choice
BONNIE CHERNIN — Judge Brett Kavanaugh has stellar credentials, an impeccable resume, and a long track record of over three hundred published opinions, holds a conservative judicial philosophy, and believes a judge must interpret the Constitution as written. How many times have you heard that repeated in the past 24 hours?… (more)
On Kavanaugh: What now?
BRYAN FISCHER — While we here at AFA vigorously supported Amy Coney Barrett to be President Trump's next nominee to the Supreme Court, the president instead selected Brett Kavanaugh, whom we initially opposed. However, we have withdrawn our official opposition and will allow the process to play out. We are not in a position to endorse him, but neither will we fight this nomination…. (more)
Brett Kavanaugh's Obamacare decision is a reason for concern, not panic
PHILIP KLEIN — Though President Trump's pick of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court has been broadly praised among the conservative legal establishment, it has produced its share of grumbles among other conservatives. Part of the division is based more on intangible cultural factors. Though nobody would question his credentials, there's fear among a subset of conservatives that as a Washington insider and former Bush administration lawyer, Kavanaugh could turn out to be overly cautious and fearful about upsetting elites, thus upholding unconstitutional laws and sustaining bad precedents…. (more)
Democrats cast Kavanaugh pick as a battle for the future of Obamacare (Washington Examiner)
Liberal media scream: Joy Behar rants 'how dare' Trump pick a Supreme Court justice
PAUL BEDARD — There were a lot of warnings from left-leaning pundits that President Trump's pick of U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh could mean the end of America, but The View's Joy Behar stood out and is our Liberal Media Scream of the week…. (more)
Dear America: Who's Driving the Bus?
LINDA GOUDSMIT — Dear America: Who's Driving the Bus? is a philosophy book that offers a universal paradigm for understanding the often confounding and contradictory ways in which people behave. America is currently embroiled in a second civil war that it is unaware of and that threatens our way of life. The civil war in this country is being fought over the same thing all great wars are fought over: power. But in this war, the adversaries are ourselves. Civil War II is not a race war, an economic war, or a war between states. It is a psychological battle between states of mind that will determine who has the power in our society, who is in control…. (more)
Trump pardons ranchers whose arrests led to armed occupation of wildlife refuge
FOX NEWS — President Trump on Tuesday pardoned the father and son ranchers from Oregon whose imprisonment for setting fires on federal land sparked a 41-day takeover of a wildlife refuge in the state. Trump signed the order granting clemency to 76-year-old Dwight Hammond and his son, Steven Hammond, 49, who were convicted of arson in 2012 for fires that burned on federal land in 2001 and 2006…. (more)
Trump pardons Oregon ranchers who sparked armed standoff (National Review)
Unlikely alliance set Oregon ranchers' pardons in motion (Oregon Live)
Cliven Bundy speaks out on Trump's pardon of imprisoned Oregon ranchers; says president backs their cause (Gephardt Daily)
Why some hate the Declaration of Independence
Alan Keyes on 'the spiritual force that powered the nation's common heart'
ALAN KEYES — I recently came across an article entitled "The Fourth of July once meant speeches, not fireworks." I thought it would be a thoughtful piece about the reasons why July 4th was once observed as a political memorial day – – i.e., a day on which citizens in the United States remembered the basis for their rights, including the right of self-government. Instead, it turned out to be a denigration of the emphasis on speechifying that was once characteristic of the observance. It sneeringly portrays Fourth of July speeches as boring displays of bombast and verbal fireworks…. (more)
Trump plays it safe: picks more moderate, Bush-connected Brett Kavanaugh
'There is no one in America more qualified or deserving'
ART MOORE — Democratic activists and lawmakers already are nearly two weeks into their "resistance" of President Trump's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court to succeed the retiring Anthony Kennedy, and now they have a name and face for their campaign…. (more)
Who is Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump's pick for the Supreme Court?
NPR — President Trump has chosen Brett Kavanaugh, a conservative judge from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit – often thought of as the second-most-powerful court in the country – to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court…. (more)
Supreme Court pick Kavanaugh's role in Obamacare's survival fiercely debated by conservatives
FOX NEWS — Did Judge Brett Kavanaugh write the roadmap for saving ObamaCare? That question has dwelled at the center of passionate debate in the conservative legal community for days as Kavanaugh, a federal appeals judge in the District of Columbia, finds himself as one of President Trump's four finalists for a place on the U.S. Supreme Court…. (more)
How SCOTUS pick Brett Kavanaugh wrote a roadmap for saving Obamacare (The Federalist)
Sources: A private meeting with Kennedy helped Trump get to 'yes' on Kavanaugh
While stoking the suspense, the president always leaned toward Kennedy's choice of successor
POLITICO — After Justice Anthony Kennedy told President Donald Trump he would relinquish his seat on the Supreme Court, the president emerged from his private meeting with the retiring jurist focused on one candidate to name as his successor: Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Kennedy's former law clerk…. (more)
Mueller's 'pit bull' arranged meeting with reporters to discuss Manafort investigation
DAILY CALLER — Justice Department documents released on Friday confirm that the DOJ attorney known as Robert Mueller's "pit bull" arranged a meeting with journalists in April 2017 to discuss an investigation into Paul Manafort. The documents show that Andrew Weissmann arranged a meeting with DOJ and FBI officials and four Associated Press reporters on April 11, 2017, just over a month before Mueller was appointed special counsel…. (more)
Meet the very shady prosecutor Robert Mueller has hired for the Russia investigation (Daily Caller)
Texas property owners getting requests from feds to survey land for border wall
NEWSMAX — Texas property owners along the border with Mexico are getting notices from the federal government seeking permission to survey their lands for the construction of a possible wall, KENS 5 News reported on Sunday…. (more)
Ted Cruz: Mexico's new 'far-left socialist' leader proves need for wall
NEWSMAX — Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has labeled Mexico's President-elect Andres Manuel López Obrador a "far-left socialist" whose victory Sunday shows the need for President Donald Trump's wall to be built along the U.S.-Mexico border…. (more)
This entry was posted in Truth2Freedom Headline Alerts on July 13, 2018 by Truth2Freedom.
Study: Average American Now Complains More In A Week Than People Living Through The Black Plague Did Their Entire Lives — The Babylon Bee
U.S.—Demonstrating just how bad modern life has gotten, surveys now show that the average American today complains more in a week than people living during the black plague complained throughout their entire 30-year life span. "There's just so much more going wrong now," said Karen Maxwell, a college student. "Things were just much simpler during…
via Study: Average American Now Complains More In A Week Than People Living Through The Black Plague Did Their Entire Lives — The Babylon Bee
July 13, 2018 Afternoon Verse Of The Day
Confirmation by the Father
and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." (3:17)
All the Trinity participated in Jesus' baptism. The Son had confirmed His own kingship by saying, "It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (v. 15), and the Spirit had confirmed His right of messiahship by resting on Him (v. 16). The final aspect of Jesus' coronation, or commissioning, was the Father's confirming word. For a sacrifice to be acceptable to God it must be pure, spotless, without blemish (Ex. 12:5; Lev. 1:3; Deut. 17:1; etc.). Of this One who willingly identified Himself with sinners by His baptism and who was marked by the Holy Spirit as the dove of sacrifice, the Father now said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.
No Old Testament sacrifice, no matter how carefully selected, had ever been truly pleasing to God. It was not possible to find an animal that did not have some blemish, some imperfection. Not only that, but the blood of those animals was at best only symbolic, "for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Heb. 10:4; cf. 9:12). But the sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross would be "with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:19). Thus God could say He was well-pleased with the perfection of Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 17:5; John 12:28, where God repeats this superlative commendation).
Beloved (agapētos) connotes a deep, rich, and profound relationship. It is used here of the Father's great love for His Son, but it is also used elsewhere of His love for believers (Rom. 1:7) and for what believers' love toward each other should be (1 Cor. 4:14). Jesus is the Father's beloved above all those He loves, the beloved apart from whom no other could ever be beloved (cf. Eph. 1:6). Only in His Son could the Father ever be fully well-pleased (eudokeō). God had examined, as it were, His beloved Son, who would offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of those with whom He was willing to identify Himself. No imperfection could be found in Him, and God was delighted.
As believers, we too are a delight to the Father, because we are now in the Son. Because the Father finds no imperfection in His Son, He now by His grace finds no imperfection in those who trust in Him (cf. Rom. 3:26; 5:17, 21; Gal. 2:20; 3:27; Eph. 1:3–6; etc.).
The fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is central to the gospel. In no passage is that made more clear than in Hebrews 1:1–8:
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels did He ever say, "Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee"? And again, "I will be a Father to Him, and He shall be a Son to Me"? And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels He says, "Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire." But of the Son He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom."
Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God, superior to and exalted above everything and everyone else. He is the beginning of all things, Creator; the middle of all things, Sustainer and Purifier; and the end of all things, Heir (see also Rom. 11:36; Col. 1:16).
The Son is the manifestation of God, the radiance of God's personal glory, the image of God (2 Cor. 4:4). In Him all deity dwells (Col. 1:15–19; 2:9). Because of His deity, He is superior to the angels who worship Him. (For a fuller explanation of Jesus' sonship, see the author's Hebrews [Chicago: Moody Press, 1983], pp. 27–29.)
Even God's title as Father is a reference to His essential relationship to Jesus Christ. God is presented in the New Testament more as the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:27; John 5:17–18; 10:29–33; 14:6–11; 17:1–5; Rom. 15:6; 2 Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:3, 17; Phil. 2:9–11; 1 Pet. 1:3; 2 John 3) than as the Father of believers (Matt. 6:9).
When Jesus called God "Father," He was not emphasizing primarily submission or generation but sameness of essence—that is, deity. John 5:23 sums it up by demanding "that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father." No one can worship God unless he worships Him as the God who is one with King Jesus—"the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."[1]
17 Some see in the "voice from heaven" the batqôl (lit., "daughter of a voice"), the category used by rabbinic and other writers to refer to divine communication echoing the Spirit of God after the Spirit and the prophets through whom he spoke had been withdrawn. The point, however, is stronger than that. This voice is God's ("from heaven") and testifies that God himself has broken silence and is again revealing himself to human beings—a clear sign of the dawning of the messianic age (cf. 17:5; Jn 12:28). What heaven says in Mark and Luke is "You are my Son"; here it is "This is my Son." The change not only shows Matthew's concern only for the ipsissima vox (not generally the ipsissima verba; see Notes) but also assumes someone besides Jesus heard heaven's witness. There may have been a crowd; if so, that does not interest Matthew. But John needed to hear the Voice confirm his decision (v. 15).
Despite arguments to the contrary (e.g., Hooker, Jesus and the Servant, 70ff.), the utterance reflects Isaiah 42:1: "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit upon him"; and this has been modified by Psalm 2:7: "You are my Son" (cf. Gundry, Use of the Old Testament, 29–32; esp. Moo, Old Testament in the Gospel Passion Narratives, 112ff.). The results are extraordinarily important.
These words from heaven link Jesus with the Suffering Servant at the very beginning of his ministry and confirm our interpretation of v. 15.
God here refers to Jesus as "my Son"; implicitly the title "Son of God" is introduced and picked up immediately in the next chapter (4:3, 6). Psalm 2 is Davidic. Though it was not regarded in the first century as messianic, the link with David recalls other "son" passages where David or his heir is seen as God's son (e.g., 2 Sa 7:13–14; Ps 89:26–29).
Jesus has already been set forth as the true Israel to which actual Israel was pointing and as such God's Son (see comments at 2:15); now the heavenly witness confirms the link.
At the same time, the virginal conception suggests a more than titular or functional sonship: in this context there is the hint of an ontological sonship, made most explicit in the gospel of John.
These things are linked in the one utterance. At the very beginning of Jesus' public ministry, his Father presented him, in a veiled way, as at once Davidic Messiah, very Son of God, representative of the people, and Suffering Servant. Matthew has already introduced all these themes and will develop them further. Indeed, he definitely cites Isaiah 42:1–4 in Matthew 12:18–21, which ends with the assertion (already made clear) that the nations will trust in this Servant.
"Son of God" has particularly rich associations. Therefore it is hard to nail down its precise force at every occurrence. As it is wrong to see ontological sonship in every use, so is it wrong to exclude it prematurely. (For more adequate discussion, see, in addition to the standard dictionaries, Blair, Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, 60ff.; Cullman, Christology, 270–305; Kingsbury, Structure, 40–83 [though he exaggerates the importance of the theme in Matthew: cf. Hill, "Son and Servant," 2–16]; Ladd, Theology of the New Testament, 159–72; Moule, Origin of Christology, 22ff.)
The Spirit's descent in v. 16 needs to be understood in the light of v. 17. The Spirit is poured out on the servant in Isaiah 42:1, to which v. 17 alludes. This outpouring does not change Jesus' status (he was the Son before this) or assign him new rights. Rather it identifies him as the promised Servant and Son and marks the beginning of his public ministry and direct confrontation with Satan (4:1), the dawning of the messianic age (12:28).[2]
[1] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1985). Matthew (Vol. 1, pp. 80–82). Chicago: Moody Press.
[2] Carson, D. A. (2010). Matthew. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Matthew–Mark (Revised Edition) (Vol. 9, pp. 137–138). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
This entry was posted in Daily Devotional Guide, Verse of the day on July 13, 2018 by Truth2Freedom.
Canada Forces Christians into the Closet
Eradicate: Blotting Out God in America
Between its progressive history, Canada's Supreme Court, and far left leader, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, our northern neighbors are gradually forcing Christians into the closet. But before you say 'that could never happen in America' or, 'as long as it doesn't affect me,' let's look at three disturbing news stories.
Just across the U.S./Canadian border, a Christian bus driver wasarrested and chargedwith a hate crime for evangelizing. Bill Whatcott gave out gospel pamphlets at a Pride parade saying homosexuality can lead to diseases, (which it can) and Jesus can save gay people if they repent of their sins (which He can).
Toronto Police said in a statement that Whatcott "distributed anti-gay material which promoted hatred toward the gay community." The 51-year-old Christian man was charged with "willful promotion of hatred against an identifiable group, namely the gay community."
Apparently, they've reinterpreted John 3:16 to suggest God so loved…
More Black Babies in New York City are Killed in Abortions Than Born Alive — Christian Research Network
"The magnitude of the death toll is nothing short of staggering." (Dan Undrusko – Life News) Can you imagine the response of Planned Parenthood or New York's reliably pro-abortion-to the-max Gov. Andrew Cuomo to this proposal made yesterday by Wall Street Journal columnist Jason L. Riley? Let's Talk About the Black Abortion Rate How about no,…
via More Black Babies in New York City are Killed in Abortions Than Born Alive — Christian Research Network
Reciprocity Is the Method to Trump's Madness — Christian Research Network
"During the lifetime of NAFTA, Mexico has encouraged millions of its citizens to enter the U.S. illegally. Mexico's selfish immigration policy is designed to avoid internal reform, to earn some $30 billion in annual expatriate remittances, and to influence U.S. politics."
(Victor Davis Hanson – National Review) Critics of Donald Trump claim that there's no rhyme or reason to his foreign policy. But if there is a consistency, it might be called reciprocity.
Trump tries to force other countries to treat the U.S. as the U.S. treats them. In "don't tread on me" style, he also warns enemies that any aggressive act will be replied to in kind.
The underlying principle of Trump commercial reciprocity is that the United States is no longer powerful or wealthy enough to alone underwrite the security of the West. It can no longer assume sole enforcement of the rules and protocols of the post-war global order.
This year there have been none of the usual Iranian provocations — frequent during the Obama administration — of harassing American ships in the Persian Gulf. Apparently, the Iranians now realize that anything they do to an American ship will be replied to with overwhelming force.
Ditto North Korea. After lots of threats from Kim Jong-un about using his new ballistic missiles against the United States, Trump warned that he would use America's far greater arsenal to eliminate North Korea's arsenal for good.
Trump is said to be undermining NATO by questioning its usefulness some 69 years after its founding. Yet this is not 1948, and Germany is no longer down. The United States is always in. And Russia is hardly out but is instead cutting energy deals with the Europeans. View article →
via Reciprocity Is the Method to Trump's Madness — Christian Research Network
July 13 Jesus and the Leper, Part 1
When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."—Matt. 8:1–2
Leprosy was a most feared and contagious disease in the ancient world. Spongy, tumor-like swellings grew on the face and body, and eventually leprosy affected the internal organs and bones.
In ancient Israel lepers were vivid object lessons regarding sin. Like leprosy, sin infects the entire person (cf. Eph. 2:1) and is ugly, corrupting—incurable without extraordinary means.
Several things stand out about the leper who came to Jesus for healing. First, he came to Him with confidence. He obviously sensed Jesus' love and tenderness and somehow knew the Lord did not mind associating with him. The leper's primary concern was his tremendous need and Christ's all-sufficient ability and willingness to meet it.
Second, the leprous man approached Jesus with reverence. His boldness in calling out to Jesus and coming near derived not from presumption but from humble adoration. The word rendered "bowed down" means to prostrate oneself and is also translated "worship" in the New Testament (cf. Acts 7:43; Rev. 4:10). The leper's attitude suggests he addressed Jesus as Lord, not simply as "sir" but in recognition of His deity. He knew that as God's Son, Jesus could heal his horrible disease.
Ironically, this man is a striking contrast to the Jewish leaders. They were always clean and lavishly attired, but inwardly were corrupt and unbelieving. The man with leprosy, on the other hand, was outwardly repulsive in appearance, but inwardly he was worshipful and full of sincere faith.
Noting the analogy between sin and leprosy, imagine if sin's effects actually did show themselves on our faces and skin. How would this affect our behavior and obedience? What does that tell us about the deceitfulness of sin and how to counteract it?[1]
[1] MacArthur, J. (2008). Daily readings from the life of Christ (p. 203). Chicago: Moody Publishers.
Despite Russian Restrictions, Evangelism Prospered During World Cup | BCNN1 – Black Christian News Network
Russia's 2016 law restricting evangelism may have curtailed some traditional Gospel-sharing efforts at World Cup venues this summer. But through innovative witnessing techniques — like soccer viewing parties at churches and jazz band concerts — evangelicals still have managed to harness the world's largest sporting event for Gospel witness.
"I don't know anything about soccer," said Justin Pierce, assistant professor in instrumental music at Oklahoma Baptist University. But "God orchestrated everything and lined it up" for members of the university's Bison Jazz Orchestra to take a mission trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, at the height of World Cup play.
A 10-piece jazz group led by Pierce partnered with St. Petersburg Christian University and the mission groups International Sports Federation and Young Life to play concerts, conduct sports camps and do other service projects in St. Petersburg June 13-24.
The June 14-July 15 World Cup has featured 32 teams playing in 11 Russian cities, including St. Petersburg. The World Cup final, featuring a matchup between France and Croatia, will be held Sunday in Moscow.
Former International Mission Board worker Jerry Barnwell teamed with the OBU jazz band in the outreach effort as part of a mission team from Gateway Church, a nondenominational congregation in Austin, Texas. Barnwell served with the IMB for 17 years in Europe.
Together, the two teams planted Gospel seeds at their concerts and camps, with at least two young men they worked with coming to faith in Christ following the teams' departure, Barnwell told Baptist Press. The teams also built relationships and engaged in Gospel conversations at "fan zones," where locals and tourists gathered to watch soccer matches.
Barnwell remembers one fruitful spiritual conversation at a jazz club the mission teams rented for an afternoon concert.
"We had a big party on the rooftop" of the club for attendees of soccer and volleyball camps, Barnwell said. "We just had chances to talk and then walk downtown, where there was one of the fan clubs, and we watched one of the games."
Pierce said the jazz band presented the Gospel at its concerts and shared testimonies of how God has worked in band members' lives through music.
Source: Baptist Press
— Read on blackchristiannews.com/2018/07/despite-russian-restrictions-evangelism-prospered-during-world-cup/
Majority Of Russians Believe Shadowy Global Government Exists | Zero Hedge
An overwhelming majority of Russians believe that a shadowy one-world government exists – and that it's hostile to the Russian nation, RT reported. State-run Russian public opinion research agency VTSIOM released the results of a poll in which 67% of Russian citizens said they believe there is a secret world government, while 21% said they don't believe in the idea of a one-world government. the rest were undecided.
That marks a significant increase from two years ago, when only 45% of Russians said they believed in the existence of a global shadow government, while over 30% rejected the idea. The survey also showed that the percentage of people who believe in the one-world government is higher among older adults (over 70% said they believed in it) but even among people aged 18-34, more than half (55%) believed in it. About one-third of believers said they didn't have any evidence to support the existence of a one-world government. Those who did cite evidence mostly pointed to the existence of supranational organizations like the UN and NATO – or referenced TV shows or popular culture.
Remarkably, around 74% of those who believe said they think the one-world government is hostile toward Russia, while only 10% said it acts in Russia's best interest. Asked about who they believe to be a part of the one-world government, 23% of believers cited the heads of major banks and other oligarchs. Eight percent said the government is led by senior politicians. Only 2% said they believe Vladimir Putin is a member. And less than 1% said they believe Donald Trump is a member.
Another poll conducted by VTSIOM in April showed that 49 percent of Russians consider their country to be a great world power, down from 57 percent a year ago. However, about one-third told researchers that they expect Russia to become a leading world nation over the next 10 to 15 years. When asked what makes Russia strong and respected, 26% said the military, 22% said "the strong spirit and will of the Russian people," and 17% attributed Russia's success to the "good and powerful president" Vladimir Putin.
— Read on www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-07-11/majority-russians-believe-shadowy-global-government-exists

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Ann Arbor declares September Psychedelics Awareness Month — and we're tripping
By Jerilyn Jordan
Don't trip — or do. Ann Arbor just took its progressive stance on entheogenic plants and psychedelics a step further.
September is officially Entheogenic Plants and Fungi Awareness Month, thanks to a resolution introduced by Ann Arbor city councilmember Jeff Hayner (D) with support from Decriminalize Nature Ann Arbor (DNA2). The resolution passed in a unanimous vote earlier this week, Marijuana Moment reports.
The resolution cites research, some of which stems back to the 1960s, that has found the use of entheogenic plants and fungi to be beneficial and therapeutic when it comes to improving one's health, mental wellness, and spiritual growth.
"Practices with entheogenic plants/fungi have been considered sacred to human cultures and human relationships with nature for thousands of years," the resolution text reads.
The resolution also addresses the Food and Drug Administration's recent Breakthrough Therapy Designation for psilocybin which, along with other naturally occurring psychedelic plants, have been found to treat major depressive disorders like treatment resistant depression, end-of-life anxiety, cluster headaches, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
To honor Entheogenic Plants and Fungi Awareness Month, the city of Ann Arbor will host Entheo Fest each year, starting Sep. 19. The event will celebrate sacred plants and fungi, as well as inform the community of their benefits. The three-hour festival will be held at the Diag on the University of Michigan's campus and will feature speakers, educational vendors, and live music.
"We're going to have Entheo Fest here in Ann Arbor and I think it's kind of exciting that we're exploring these new boundaries, that we're looking at alternatives to mental health solutions, improvements to mental health solutions, and so on," Hayner said Monday.
Ann Arbor is one of six cities across the U.S. to decriminalize possession and cultivation of naturally occurring psychedelics. However, Oregon is the only state to decriminalize and legalize ;psilocybin for therapeutic use.
To read the full resolution, visit a2gov.com.
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News Hits psychedelics magic mushrooms
Detroit voters just decriminalized magic mushrooms and other 'entheogenic' plants
By Jerilyn Jordan | Nov 3, 2021
Dem introduces bill decriminalizing psychedelics, hopes to reverse some 'War on Drugs' impacts
By Julia Forrest, Michigan Advance | Sep 14, 2021
Ann Arbor has decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms and plants
by Lee DeVito | Sep 22, 2020
Ann Arbor to consider decriminalizing psychoactive mushrooms, plants
Anitram/shutterstock.com
U of M Medical School to host first Psychedelic Symposium
by Anthony Spak | Sep 4, 2019


text:
In win for press, judge halts CA ordinance that set buffer zones around encampment sweeps
Stephanie Sugars from Freedom of the Press Foundation
A federal court has halted a new city ordinance that allowed for law enforcement in Fresno, California, to create cordons around homeless encampment sweeps, which press freedom groups argued hampered journalists' ability to cover them.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom cleans up a homeless encampment in San Diego in January. In Fresno, a judge halted a new law allowing barriers around sweeps after the ACLU, press freedom groups challenged it as unconstitutional.
— REUTERS/MIKE BLAKE
The ordinance, which went into effect on March 31, grants city officials or their contractors the authority to establish buffers around "abatements" on private or public property, but without defining how far press or advocates can be pushed back. The ACLU Foundation of Northern California filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Fresno to challenge the new law. A coalition of press freedom organizations filed an amicus brief in support of the ACLU's suit and its request for a preliminary injunction, which a federal judge granted on May 24.
Journalists who have covered homelessness in California told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that police have become increasingly aggressive toward anyone trying to document encampment sweeps or evictions.
In 2020, in the first encampment-related incident for the Tracker, photojournalist Glenna Gordon was arrested while covering an encampment cleanup in LA on May 7 after she walked into the street in compliance with police orders to move back. The charges against her — for blocking the roadway — were dropped before her hearing.
Gordon told the Tracker that police were hostile with her every time she was out at camps on assignment for The New York Times Magazine, and that sanitation employees would call for officers whenever they saw her and the sweeps.
"Their default is antagonism and they'll act in big and small ways against the media," Gordon said. "They don't see the media as a tool of democracy, they think the press makes their jobs harder. They absolutely don't want you there and they're going to do everything to make your job harder."
In the years since Gordon's arrest, police evictions of camps and the protests around them have already proven to be tense sites for journalists. Members of the press have been assaulted at least a dozen times on the beat, the vast majority of time at the hands of law enforcement.
Incidents documented by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker across the U.S. with the "encampment" tag.
— U.S. PRESS FREEDOM TRACKER
The Tracker has also documented 26 journalists arrested at encampment sweeps or eviction protests, and those charged faced counts ranging from blocking a roadway to obstructing a clean up operation to trespassing. Three reporters are still facing charges, and one is set to go to trial at summer's end.
Radio reporter April Ehrlich was arrested after she refused to be pushed back to a media staging area while police evicted an encampment in Medford, Oregon, in September 2020. She was charged with resisting arrest, trespassing and obstructing a public officer; after multiple postponements, her trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 16, 2022. If convicted, Ehrlich faces more than a year in prison and fines up to $7,500.
"April is a professional journalist and part of her job is being present during charged situations that sometimes involve law enforcement," Jackson Public Radio Executive Director Paul Westhelle said in a statement at the time. "She knows how to be close enough to report without interfering.
"There was no compelling public safety issue in the park that day, no violent person, no weapons, no threats – just a group of homeless people with stories," Westhelle said.
Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, who co-authored the municipal code amendment, told the Fresno Bee that public safety was their primary concern when rewriting the city's ordinance.
"I can tell you that the intention of the council when it adopted it was to ensure city staff could create a protective area when the heavy equipment moves in to pick up the ton of material that is left behind by these encampments," Arias said. "At no time did the council discuss the ordinance as a strategy to keep people from observing, recording, and engaging with the homeless."
The ordinance grants city officials or their contractors broad authority to remove press and advocates during sweeps, but does not define when an abatement action begins or guarantee that journalists will be able to observe from a reasonable distance. Under the new law, entering the restricted area "without express authorization" would result in a fine of up to $250 or a misdemeanor charge.
When the ACLU filed its lawsuit on March 16, it argued that the law strips the press of their ability to document sweeps and further silences the unhoused community. Tracker partners First Amendment Coalition, National Press Photographers Association and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press were among the coalition that filed an amicus brief on April 12 in support of the ACLU.
In a hearing on May 11, James Betts, an attorney for the City of Fresno, asserted that safeguards for press and advocates are implicit in the ordinance. He added that in practice cordons would only be used when it is determined that the abatements "pose a particular danger because of the proximity of heavy equipment to individuals within the encampment zone."
But, just over 200 miles south of Fresno in Los Angeles, a similar city ordinance resulted in the arrest of a journalist in 2021.
Sean Beckner-Carmitchel told the Tracker he arrived on July 1, 2021, to document a cleanup operation in LA's Harbor City neighborhood alongside two activists. They reached an agreement with an LA Sanitation & Environment worker to observe from a location further back, away from the trucks, but when LAPD officers arrived they were told to move even further. As they tried to comply with the officer's conflicting directions, they were all detained and cited with "delaying/obstructing dept sanitation clean up operation."
"Tell me exactly how far I should be, and if it's in the realm of reasonable I'll probably do it," Beckner-Carmitchel told the Tracker in April 2022. "When you say 'buffer' or 'barrier' — that's when the issue becomes, 'Are people going to be able to do their jobs or not?'"
"When you say 'buffer' or 'barrier' — that's when the issue becomes, 'Are people going to be able to do their jobs or not?'"
Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, journalist
That LA ordinance has been challenged as unconstitutional, and a January 2021 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a preliminary injunction that included barring the city from charging anyone under the law.
Monica Price, a legal fellow at the First Amendment Coalition, told the Tracker the Fresno law is particularly alarming because of how broadly it is phrased.
"They gave themselves very wide latitude. The ordinance doesn't restrict how wide the buffer zone can be and it's unspecific on the timing of when the buffer zone should be set up," Price said. "They could block off the whole park when they're only doing a sweep in one corner of it."
District Judge Dale Drozd of the Eastern District of California granted the ACLU's request for a preliminary injunction on May 24, which bars the city from creating any such buffer zones or otherwise enforcing the ordinance until the case is resolved.
"The amended ordinance applies to reporters and the media in general, who are not by its terms even granted any opportunity to enter the 'buffer zones' afforded to persons providing services to the occupants or advocating on their behalf," Drozd wrote in his order granting the motion. "Defendant has simply offered no explanation as to how having the press on the location of abatement activities it carries out would interfere with defendant's health and safety goals."
Price told the Tracker that the presence of members of the press and public at abatement operations is critical.
"This is, for me, a classic case where having observers — anyone in the public or the press — really matters and really makes a difference in terms of following policy," Price said. "The government employees and law enforcement conducting the sweeps behave very differently when they know that someone is watching."