Pompeii

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Do It Again - Steely Dan | The Midnight Special

So, I ended up actually going to take photos of the fireworks over Pittsburgh. I really wasn't going to go but man am I happy that I went. I ended up with more good fireworks shots than I have EVER taken. > Location: Standing on the West End Bridge looking at the City of Pittsburgh, PA> Mike Puhalla

Addiction affects thousands of Pennsylvanians and their families (July 5, 2023, DuBois, Pennsylvania) In the United States, addiction affects millions of people, including thousands in Pennsylvania. Addiction, also known as substance abuse disorder, is a chronic medical condition characterized by a compulsion to use substances despite losing money, relationships, family members, employment, freedom, health, dignity and even life. Addiction can be a devastating condition, but there is hope. Substance abuse disorder is treatable, and there are many ways healthcare professionals can help those suffering from addiction. "Addiction is a complex medical condition that affects the brain's reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry," said Ramez Altuwijri, MD, a psychiatrist at the Penn Highlands Behavioral Health Outpatient Center in DuBois. "It is characterized by the pathological pursuit of reward and/or relief through substance use and other behaviors, which results in biological, psychological, social and spiritual consequences. It is important to note that addiction can impact anyone. It is not associated with a certain social or economic status, age, sex or race." There is a common misconception that drug addiction is a result of moral weakness or a lack of willpower. This type of thinking leads many to believe that quitting drugs is as simple as making a choice to stop. In reality, addiction is a chronic disease that alters the brain, making it difficult to quit even for those who desire to do so. There is no single factor that can determine whether or not a person will develop a drug addiction. Rather, addiction risk is influenced by a variety of factors. Addiction is characterized by an intricate interplay between brain circuits, genetics, the environment and a person's life experiences. The more risk factors a person has, the higher the likelihood that drug use can lead to addiction. Addiction involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without proper treatment or recovery efforts, addiction can worsen and cause significant behavioral and social dysfunction. Addiction medicine specialists offer evidence-based prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and medical management services for individuals dealing with substance-related health conditions or unhealthy substance use. It is common for family members who are impacted by their loved ones' substance abuse to seek help from addiction medicine specialists. "Medication-assisted treatment is a structured approach used to treat various types of addiction, including opioids, alcohol and tobacco," said Dr. Altuwijri. "The medication helps patients remain in treatment, abstain from drug use and stay alive." For opioid addiction, drugs such as Suboxone and Zubsolv are used to decrease cravings and limit withdrawal symptoms by occupying the receptors in the brain that would have been stimulated by drugs like heroin. These medications are not a cure for addiction but allow patients to quickly resume their daily lives and begin counseling to address other issues associated with addiction. Treatment for alcohol use disorder involves three FDA-approved oral and injectable medications. The length of medication-assisted treatment is indefinite, as patients need to develop the ability to cope with stressors and triggers that previously led to drug or alcohol use before they can discontinue medication. The initial step towards recovery is acknowledging the issue. Lack of awareness can hinder the recovery process. Although concerned friends and family can intervene and prompt treatment, self-referrals are always welcomed and encouraged. Penn Highlands Healthcare offers outpatient and intensive outpatient (IOP) addiction care. Outpatient treatment serves those with both substance and behavioral (gambling/gaming, sexual, pornography) addictions. The substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is addiction focused and includes individual and/or group therapy. Specialized groups, such as trauma-informed care and relapse prevention also are offered. IOP treatment addresses stress and emotional well-being, as well as the ability to develop and implement skills to increase proper communication and reduce likelihood of relapse and stress. To learn more, visit https://www.phhealthcare.org/addiction/

528Hz SUPER POSITIVE Energy In Your HOME - Miracle Healing Frequency Music To Cleanse Yourself Hello! We would like to introduce and welcome you to this profound, soothing, loving, and beautiful 528 Hz music release. This 528 Hz release is a release for super positive energy in your home and yourself. This release is a miracle-frequency music track to help you heal and cleanse negativity, anxiety, and traumas both physical and emotional. It's a release made to help you cleanse your spirit, soul, and mind. We hope this release can help heal and cleanse your spirit from old traumas and wounds. It's when we heal old wounds and trauma both physical and emotional that we let our subconscious mind can start attracting and noticing new and positive impulses. Our subconscious mind thinks 90-95% of the same thoughts every day. So it's when we heal traumas and wounds we erase this from the subconscious mind we make room for new thoughts and inputs. This is why self-healing and self-love are so important and necessary for us humans as spiritual beings. The 528 Hz frequency is a miracle tone to help you cleanse yourself from negativity, traumas, and anxiety. Music tuned in 528 Hz can help you boost or better your mood. It's when we have our body tuned into positivity that change and evolvement of our body, soul, mind, and spirit can happen. Miracle-tuned frequency music can be used for sleeping, healing, doing yoga, meditating, and relaxation. It's when we take care of ourselves and let the healing start. It's only then we can thrive in our own spirit. When we are thriving in our own spirit and soul is when positivity, change, and attracting what we deserve will begin. So take a step back and let this lovely track help you guide you into a state where healing can start. We create and release music we have carefully made purposely to help with self-healing, enter deep meditation, and connect with your higher and inner self and consciousness. We believe that everyone on this planet earth needs some time on their own to start healing their old wounds, traumas, and negative energy. In elevated states is where you can learn to heal emotional and physical traumas. So we hope this track can help you achieve cleansing of negativity, negative energies, wounds, and traumas. So you can evolve, succeed and manifest the life and lifestyle you deserve and desire. Benefits of listening to the 528 Hz Frequency: - It’s a frequency resonating with nature, harmonizing vibrations. - The frequency keeps one in ecstatic states such as deep inner peace. - The 528 Hz frequency gives your mental clarity and awareness. - It is said To Heal DNA & Harmnoize cells - Elevated consciousness & levels of self-love - Spiritual connection / Oneness

Who's in the News? ▫️Deputies rescue girl after Florida Amber alert activation After The Florida Department of Law Enforcement activated an Amber alert at about 9.30 a.m., on Monday, deputies rescued a 12-year-old girl who they believed had been kidnapped in Duval County. Detectives detained Jorge Reyes who they suspected was driving a dark Honda with a large rear spoiler when he abducted Fernanda at about 3 a.m., according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Deputies told News 4 Jax that they had detained Reyes in the vicinity of the girl’s home. » https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/07/03/florida-activates-amber-alert-male-in-honda-abducts-12-year-old-girl-deputies-report/ » https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/07/03/missing-12-year-old-girl-last-seen-on-southside-jso-says/ » ▫️Texas DPS recover two abandoned young Guatemalan children in Eagle Pass Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers rescued two abandoned migrant children from Guatemala near the Texas border on Monday morning. Over 900 children have been recovered by Texas DPS personnel during smuggling and trafficking-related events, the spokesperson said. https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-dps-recover-young-guatemalan-children-alone-eagle-pass ▫️Child sex offender arrest: Del Rio Sector agents arrest convicted child sex offender EAGLE PASS, Texas - A convicted child sex offender was arrested near the Texas border last week following his deportation in 2022, officials said. The U.S. Border Patrol announced that 23-year-old Celso Noe Chacon-Arriaga from Honduras was detained near Eagle Pass on June 28. Following his arrest, records revealed Chacon-Arriaga was convicted last year of statutory rape and possession of child pornography in a Missouri case. » https://abc13.com/child-sex-offender-arrest-celso-noe-chacon-arriaga-deportation-missouri-crime/13457275/ » https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/del-rio-sector-agents-arrest-convicted-child-sex-offender ▫️Amherst police net five arrests in human trafficking, prostitution sting During the operation, officers and investigators made contact with several men at a North Leavitt Road establishment. “Officers communicated with these individuals, and after they agreed to pay for sex acts and arrived at the establishment, they were charged accordingly,” the release stated. https://www.morningjournal.com/2023/07/03/amherst-police-net-five-arrests-in-human-trafficking-prostitution-sting/ ▫️Aurora Avenue Human Trafficking Operation Yields Seven Arrests An emphasis aimed at the buyers of victims of human trafficking netted seven arrests along the Aurora Avenue corridor last Wednesday evening.A total of seven men approached undercover officers posing as prostitutes and agreed to exchange money for sex acts. Arrest teams contacted each suspect and took them into custody without incident. https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2023/07/03/aurora-avenue-human-trafficking-operation-yields-seven-arrests/ 🇺🇸 ▫️7 arrested during two-day anti-human trafficking operation in St.Louis The operation was focused on identifying suspects who sought to engage in commercial sex acts with minors. ▫️Deputies arrest attempted kidnapping, trafficking suspect in Los Angeles County The vehicle and the driver were apparently wanted in connection with the attempted kidnapping and trafficking case, officials said. No further details about the case, the arrest or the suspect have been released. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/attempted-kidnapping-suspect-arrested-in-la-canada/ ▫️Undercover sting operation arrests Fairfax man on child exploitation charges The operation, launched on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, witnessed detectives posing as underage victims online to expose individuals seeking to exploit minors sexually. The suspect, unaware that he was communicating with an undercover officer, solicited explicit materials and photos from what he believed to be a minor under the age of 15. The man in question, identified as Roberto V. Picha, a 57-year-old resident of Fairfax, VA, was apprehended when he arrived at a prearranged meeting place within Front Royal, expecting to meet the minor he had been engaging with online. https://royalexaminer.com/undercover-sting-operation-arrests-fairfax-man-on-child-exploitation-charges/ ▫️Kentucky man arrested for alleged child exploitation in Tuscaloosa County BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Aden Willis Yeager, 21, of Louisville, is charged with one count of production of child pornography, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Yeager was previously charged with sexual extortion and over ten counts of obscene matter charges involving victims under the age of 17 in 2020. https://www.cbs42.com/news/crime/kentucky-man-arrested-for-alleged-child-exploitation-in-tuscaloosa-county/ ▫️North Texas man arrested in Europe after fleeing from 2003 sex abuse case SHERMAN, Texas - A Grayson County man who was accused of sexually abusing a child nearly two decades ago is finally behind bars in North Texas. The Grayson County District Attorney’s Office said 49-year-old Anthony Rae was arrested in Val Alstyne on multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child back in 2003. An international taskforce, including a Grayson County investigator, found him in Britain using the name Tony Campbell. » https://www.fox4news.com/news/grayson-county-child-abuse-suspect-anthony-rae » https://www.kxii.com/2023/07/03/wanted-grayson-county-man-back-texas-after-two-decades-run/ » ▫️An extensive investigation into sex trafficking led to the arrest of a Hagerstown man who was allegedly exploiting women in Maryland; facing sex trafficking charges FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. — The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested a man from Hagerstown who is accused of trafficking people for sexual exploitation and prostitution. Arcelius Dunbar Lyle III, 56, faces three charges that came from an investigation by the Human Trafficking Response Team. A total of five women were involved in the operation. » https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/56-year-old-man-charged-in-connection-to-human-trafficking-throughout-frederick-county-police-say » https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/maryland/frederick-county-md/hagerstown-man-facing-sex-trafficking-charges/ » https://dailyvoice.com/maryland/frederick/undercover-investigation-leads-police-to-human-trafficker-in-frederick-county-sheriff/ ▫️Kenai grand jury indicts former SoHi teacher on 61 counts of sexual abuse of a minor, possession of child pornography A former Soldotna High School teacher and head of the local teachers union is facing 61 counts of sexual abuse of a minor and possession of child pornography following an indictment handed down by a Kenai grand jury last Wednesday. Nathaniel Erfurth, who was arrested in May on two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, now faces 61 counts total, including 42 counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, seven counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the fourth degree and six counts of possession of child pornography. Six additional counts are still pending. https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/news/kenai-grand-jury-indicts-former-sohi-teacher-on-61-counts-of-sexual-abuse-of-a-minor-possession-of-child-pornography/ ▫️2 ministers, one with ties to Baylor University, accused of forcing kids to perform sex acts in sauna at Houston home HOUSTON – A former Houston minister who is a registered sex offender is accused of grooming young people for decades, with the most recent allegations coming from a child who said they were forced to perform depraved sexual acts in front of adults. Daniel Savala, 67, was arrested in early June and has been charged with continuous sexual assault of a child. https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/07/03/2-ministers-one-with-ties-to-baylor-university-accused-of-forcing-kids-to-perform-sex-acts-in-sauna-at-houston-home/ (VIDEO) ▫️Conviction, life sentence upheld in child sexual assault case A state appeals court has upheld the conviction and life sentence handed down to a Hunt County man after a jury found him guilty of the sexual abuse of children. Robert James Wallen of Quinlan was convicted in in the 354th District Court in October 2022 on one indictment of continuous sexual assault of a child of less than 14 years of age. He had pleaded not guilty. https://www.heraldbanner.com/news/conviction-life-sentence-upheld-in-child-sexual-assault-case/article_a62cc076-16b8-11ee-a7fd-cfc846954b0c.html ▫️Gov. Youngkin donates salary, taking steps to ‘end scourge of human trafficking’ Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit organization working to end human trafficking, recently received a donation from Gov. Glenn Youngkin – his second-quarter salary. Operation Light Shine created the INTERCEPT approach, or the Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking task force. “Operation Light Shine is an important partner in the process of eliminating human trafficking in the Commonwealth,” said Youngkin. “Together we are taking comprehensive steps to end the scourge of human trafficking. It’s a cancer, it’s an abuse, and it’s a blight on our Commonwealth, nation and world. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, it’s a human rights issue that we all know affects every community, every race, every socio-economic group, and it’s on the rise globally.” https://augustafreepress.com/news/governor-donates-salary-taking-steps-to-end-scourge-of-human-trafficking/ _____________________

Steely Dan on Letterman, October 20, 1995, >>> Josie

"Punk Rock". Green Heron, North Park, PA.

Is there a single Hollywood star who would give this performance today? Happy 4th!!

Oh, by the way ...

Oh, by the way ...

Have a wonderful 4th of July!!

July 4th: https://www.angel.com/tickets/sound-of-freedom?msclkid=46c9e6abf1351b4bc3ff820fd3ee5864&zip=15801&date=2023-07-04 July 5th : https://www.angel.com/tickets/sound-of-freedom?msclkid=46c9e6abf1351b4bc3ff820fd3ee5864&zip=15801&date=2023-07-05 ONLY $5.83 per ticket today only (July 4th) https://www.angel.com/pay-it-forward/sound-of-freedom?utm_campaign=sound-of-freedom-theatrical&utm_medium=web&utm_source=tickets-footer-ad#

The Sweet - 4th of July

I did my periodic maintenance and cleaning up at St. Margaret's Shrine on Rt 948 this morning. If you have never been there before, you should check it out. It's a very special place in the woods. There is parking for probably 2 cars on the side of 948 and as of this morning there is a nice wide open walkway going back to the shrine. Once you have visited this place you can't ride by without thinking about it. For me, this is a very special place. It's on 948 about 3/4 mile before the Summit intersection (219). Right now it so nice but being in the woods that can change quickly. > Tom Dorsey

Who's in the News? ▫️2-year-old kidnapped Michigan girl still missing after suspect in Amber Alert arrested LANSING, Mich. - Police say a Michigan man listed as a suspect in an Amber Alert was arrested, but the 2-year-old subject of the alert is still missing. Police were also looking for Rashad Maleek Trice, who they said was wanted in Wynter’s kidnapping. In a Monday morning update, police said Trice was arrested in St. Clair Shores. If you have any information on where Wynter could be, you are asked to contact the Lansing Police Department at 517-483-4600. » https://news.yahoo.com/kidnapping-suspect-custody-2-old-111856477.html (VIDEO) » https://www.westernmassnews.com/2023/07/03/amber-alert-issued-kidnapped-2-year-old-michigan-girl/ » https://wwmt.com/news/local/winter-smith-missing-rashad-trice-arrested-lansing-toddler-kidnapping-st-clair-shores-police-crime-ingham-county-west-michigan ▫️Henrico Police charge 11 men with soliciting minors HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Eleven men are facing charges after a Henrico Police vice operation targeting people who solicit minors for sex online. » https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/henrico-police-charge-11-men-with-soliciting-minors/ » ▫️Florida lawyer 'paid to rape four children multiple times' while visiting Cambodia An American lawyer who has spent the past two-and-a-half years in Cambodian prison for raping four children is now facing five federal counts in the US - after being deported back to the states earlier this month. Currently being kept under house arrest in Tampa, 42-year-old Rugh James Cline is facing 170 years in prison for his alleged crimes, which include alleged payments to rape four minors in the Southeast Asian nation back in 2019. According to the lawman's indictment, he arrived in Cambodia in May of that year with a photo or video showing two Cambodian children engaged in sex acts - before and after raping two minors under the age of 15 on multiple different occasions. » https://www.newsweek.com/lawyer-deported-back-us-charges-sexually-abusing-cambodian-girls-1810335 » https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12257693/Florida-lawyer-paid-rape-four-children-multiple-times-visiting-Cambodia.html » https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/man-given-24-hour-house-30378414 » https://nypost.com/2023/07/03/florida-lawyer-rugh-cline-deported-back-to-us-after-allegedly-paying-to-sexually-abuse-kids-in-cambodia/ » https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-attorney-deported-united-states-after-being-charged-sexually-abusing-children ▫️CBI issues Endangered Missing Person Alert for 4 children out of Arapahoe County ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. - Colorado law enforcement need your help finding four missing siblings who could be in danger. Jyron Gardette, Jehoward Gardette, Israel Gardette and Heaven Myles were all last seen on the afternoon of June 30. They are believed to be with 47-year-old Howard Myles. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) says authorities are “very concerned” for the safety of these four children. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office at 303-795-4711. » https://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/cbi-issues-endangered-missing-person-040400925.html (VIDEO) » https://www.kktv.com/2023/07/03/cbi-4-kids-missing-arapahoe-county-could-be-danger/ ▫️Two massage parlor owners charged with running brothels, SC police say After receiving information from CrimeStoppers and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Charleston officers investigated both the Orange Massage Spa (at 1124 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.) and the Golden Massage Spa (at 1649 Savannah Highway), police said in a news release. The officers discovered illicit services were being offered and sold, and the owner of both businesses, 56-year-old West Ashley resident Wen Xu, was arrested and charged with two counts of sex/prostitution for operating a brothel. Despite the arrests, the investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 843-720-2422, or Lowcountry CrimeStoppers at 843-554-1111. https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article276952568.html » https://www.aol.com/news/two-massage-parlor-owners-charged-165456254.html ▫️Hotel guest faces charges for sexual abuse of a child VERNAL, Utah — A Vernal hotel guest is facing three first-degree felony charges after alleged sexual abuse of a child. Michael J Grant, 31, who is not from the area, has been arrested on two counts of forcible sodomy and one count of object rape, all first-degree felonies, on Sunday, July 2 at around 3 a.m., according to court documents. The victim, 14, was walking by Grant’s hotel room when Grant grabbed them by the wrist, pulled them into his room, and sexually abused them, according to court documents. » https://www.abc4.com/news/northern-utah/vernal-hotel-guest-faces-felony-charges-after-alleged-sexual-abuse-of-a-child/ (VIDEO) » https://gephardtdaily.com/local/vernal-hotel-guest-jailed-after-alleged-sexual-abuse-of-child-pulled-into-room/ ▫️Former Papillion-La Vista High coach charged with sexual assault of child A former Papillion-La Vista High School assistant wrestling coach was charged Monday in Sarpy County with first-degree sexual assault of a child. Avery Rhodes, 36, of Omaha, was ordered held on $250,000 bail during a court hearing Monday. He must pay 10% of the bail amount, $25,000, to be released from the Sarpy County Jail. Rhodes also was charged with third-degree sexual assault of a child, child abuse and incest. https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/former-papillion-la-vista-high-coach-charged-with-sexual-assault-of-child/article_17cb05de-1999-11ee-9235-efd9429e492b.html ▫️EPD: Sex offender arrested after resisting law enforcement EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Evansville Police officials say a man was arrested Sunday morning after fleeing and hitting police officers while being taken into custody. Officials say upon arrival, the victim told authorities a man, later identified as Christian Kimpling, had been on their property of which he was barred from. Officials say Kimpling was taken to the hospital and then later transported to the Vanderburgh Community Corrections Center. Kimpling is charged with false reporting, resisting law enforcement, failure to possess a driver’s license as a sex offender and battery. » https://www.14news.com/2023/07/02/epd-sex-offender-arrested-after-resisting-law-enforcement/ (VIDEO) » https://www.wdbj7.com/video/2023/07/02/epd-sex-offender-arrested-after-resisting-law-enforcement/ (VIDEO) ▫️Port Angeles man indicted on federal child sex abuse charges PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man is set to be arraigned July 10 after he was indicted late Wednesday by a federal grand jury on two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, who later attempted to kill himself, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Briceson R. Standley, 34, has been held at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac, south of Seattle, since his arrest on June 15. https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/crime/port-angeles-man-indicted-on-federal-child-sex-abuse-charges/

Oh, by the way ... Wake up and think for yourself people Turn off your TV. Open your eyes Get off your couch and take action Don’t believe everything you hear Don’t believe everything you see Don’t believe everything you read Do some actual researching for yourself Read between the lines We have been misled and lied to our whole lives. We’ve been led down The Corridor. Nothing is what it seems Use common sense and discernment We have been brainwashed We have been deceived We have been told what to think We have been told what to believe We have been told who to hate We have been living in an illusion We have been misguided We have been diverted from our True self We’ve been taught to trust the wrong people We’ve been taught to give our power to the wrong people We put scum on pedestals And we’ve been taught to look down on those who stand up for what is right We’ve been misinformed We’ve been told to trust traitors We’ve been told to believe lies We’ve been told that good is bad We’ve been told that right is wrong We’ve been taught left versus right And we’ve been manipulated to think common sense isn’t common. We are in the midst of a war on consciousness They are trying to buy our minds We aren’t selling anymore We are taking back our truth We are taking back our minds We are taking back our freedom We are taking back our rights We are taking back our country We are taking back our duty as free and sovereign people We are putting the tyrants back in their place We are exposing the lies and corruption of tyrants We are choosing light over darkness We are choosing truth over lies We are choosing right over wrong We are choosing Freedom over oppression We are choosing clarity over blindness We are choosing strength over weakness We are choosing good over evil We are choosing faith over fear We are taking our power back We are not backing down We are not surrendering We are not giving in We are not going away We will NEVER give up We the people are awake and aware The sleeping giant is awakening We shall commence again. We are witnessing the rebirth of America We are witnessing the restoration of the Republic of 1776 We are witnessing the Second American Revolution We are witnessing the draining of the deep state swamp We are witnessing the destruction of the deep state cabal We are witnessing the dismantling of the central bank system We are witnessing the dismantling of the Federal Reserve system We are witnessing the new guard replacing the old guard We are witnessing the darkness being exposed out into the light We are witnessing the wrong being turned into what's right Trust God, trust His plan, trust His timing

It's official: Lindsey Graham is a BACK STABBER!!

Pastor Bob Joyce Sermons Jesus of Nazareth (Sermon 7/2/2023)

Colt Clark and the Quarantine Kids play "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay"

One Thing, Jesus Christ - Article #2 - Fifth Series - July 3rd, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir Editor's Note: This article is an adapted version of a homily preached on July 4, 2021. Fr. Ben Daghir was a transitional deacon at the time of this homily and studying for the priesthood. The scripture readings come from the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ezekiel 2:2-5, Psalm 123:1-4, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, and the Gospel of Mark 6:1-6. Article: Today we celebrate Independence Day as a nation. It's beautiful to see so many of you wearing red, blue, and white. You know, throughout Catholic history red and blue have always signified humanity and divinity. Take a moment and look at an image of the Virgin Mary - she's always wrapped in blue. This is because she is the Mother of God - it's only fitting that she's wrapped in blue. Notice, too, that Jesus is often portrayed with both red and blue. Jesus is both human and divine. "The word was made flesh and dwelt among us" - we hear these words in the opening of John's Gospel. The word and flesh (blue and red) embrace in the person of Jesus without any mixing, mingling, or confusion. Here's an image to ponder: there is a remarkable encounter in the Old Testament between God and Moses. Moses sees a burning bush that is on fire, but the fire is not consuming the bush. Moses, of course, hears God from this strange, intriguing bush. God answers him with, "I am who I am." The early Church Fathers saw this image as a perfect illustration to understand how divinity and humanity are not at odds with one another, but rather can fit together without any mixing, mingling, or confusion. In other words, when God enters into creation he does not diminish the integrity of the creature he becomes. Also, God does not lose any of his divinity in the process. This image of the burning bush points to the most peculiar, interesting, strange, and remarkable doctrine of the Catholic faith - the Incarnation. God enters into our human condition in the person of Jesus Christ. Like the burning bush, the divinity of God is not undermined in the Incarnation and the human he becomes is also not diminished. The red and the blue, much like the United States flag, can be side by side - without mixing, mingling, or confusion. This incarnate movement of God enters into our humanity through the sacraments. We receive God and our humanity is not diminished, restricted, or manipulated. Rather, we become fully alive. St. Irenaeus once stated, "Gloria Dei est homo vivens" (The glory of God is the human being fully alive). In other words, just as God entered into the burning bush without diminishing the bush itself, God became human without diminishing the human being he became. So too, God enters into our lives without diminishing us but rather enabling, illuminating, and enhancing who we truly are. I immediately think of St. Paul's words in his letter to the Galatians, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Paul understood this encounter with God - that he could become fully alive and be filled with the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. In other words, he could have remained just a bush, but he accepted the invitation to be on fire. Such is the power of Christ. You can see the logic that flows from here: the bush, Christ himself, and Christ living in us. The same logic flows for God entering into our country and helping us to thrive as a united nation. The blue and the red (as our American flag suggests) can be together - divinity and humanity are not at odds with one another. Every one of the Founding Fathers had a Christian, biblical worldview. They understood that it is only with God (who is the source of life, liberty, and happiness) that a nation such as the United States of America could become a reality. President Abraham Lincoln who brought this nation together during her most vulnerable, weakened chapter had a Christian, biblical worldview. He understood that God is not a threat to our human flourishing but rather the sheer grace, the sheer fire of this nation. Think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - he also had a Christian, biblical worldview. Consider his remarkable "I have a Dream" speech from 1963, "When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children...will be able to join hands." Only the biblical imagination can conceive of this vision - of humanity and divinity in an embrace which endures. All divisions can only be cured and healed through the embrace of humanity and divinity. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew this deep within his mind and heart. It's this biblical vision of humanity and divinity embracing which brings us to the roots of America on this Independence Day. Our nation has many threats, and I have no desire to be a prophet of doom. Predictions of doom are simply not helpful. There are false philosophical ideas though which have bled into this nation and throughout the world. I think of Ludwig Feuerbach who stated that God is simply a projection of our own, idealized self. In other words, "I wish I were all powerful" so I project this image of an omnipotent God. Or, "I wish I were all knowing" so I project this image of an omniscient God. He even went as far to say that the "no to God is the yes to humanity." Feuerbach encouraged people to throw out the projections, stop praying to a fantasy, and go realize yourself. For Feuerbach, the burning bush was simply a figment of Moses' imagination. I also think of Jean-Paul Sartre who saw the embrace of divinity and humanity as a threat to the human person's freedom. He stated it in this syllogism, "If God exists, then I am not free. But I am free, therefore - God does not exist." Simply put, God is a threat to Sartre's understanding of freedom. Blue and red cannot be side by side but rather one restricts and even chokes the other. These philosophical ideas of Feuerbach and Sartre are no longer simply ideas in university classrooms, but rather have bled into every facet of society. These ideas are quite present in the United States of America today. The great Christian claim is that God became man and that humanity and divinity are not at odds with one another. Paul articulates this downward trajectory of God entering into our humanity like this, "Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave...it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross" (Philippians 2: 6-11). Peace. Justice. Equality. Liberty. Unity. Sacrifice. Truth. All of these virtues and values that we hold so dear to our American hearts are found in the embrace of divinity and humanity - in and through the person of Christ. It's the sacrificial, downward movement of divinity into our fallen state and the upward movement of humanity toward the heavens which provides the true soil for our nation. Take a look at our American flag when you get the chance - notice how the blue and the red only compliment one another. Christianity, philosophy, and history couldn't agree more. Happy Independence Day. ======================== Fr. Ben Daghir is a priest for the Diocese of Erie. He is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, and St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He considers writing one of his favorite hobbies.

The haze from the wildfire smoke made the sun and moon look neat with red and pink hues. (south of Lewistown) > Ashley Conrad

Who's in the News? ▫️Sheriff's Office looking for two teenage girls believed to be kidnapped The Roscommon County Sheriff's Office is currently working to locate two missing teens that were taken from a residence in Prudenville, Michigan. According to police, 15-year-old Tamara Perez and 13-year-old Iris Perez were taken from their adopted home between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. on 6/28/23. Anyone with info is urged to call the Sheriff's Office at 989-275-5101. https://midmichigannow.com/news/local/sheriffs-office-looking-for-two-teenage-girls-believed-to-be-kidnapped ▫️Alleged Pimp Arrested After Woman Falls into Human Trafficking Trap Miami Beach, FL - A woman from Texas, who had previously suffered abuse from her former "pimp," found herself entangled in a human trafficking situation in Miami Beach. Police say Wynston Fleming, the victim's alleged "pimp," coerced the woman into prostitution after deceiving her with promises of a better life. Flemin has been arrested on three felony charges. https://wiod.iheart.com/featured/florida-news/content/2023-06-29-alleged-pimp-arrested-after-woman-falls-into-human-trafficking-trap/ ▫️Georgia hotel owner who forced women to have sex for housing pleads guilty A former hotel owner in Bartow County pleaded guilty to coercing labor and sex acts. He’ll be sentenced in September. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Shreesh Tiwari forced women he hired to have sex with him in exchange for living in the hotel. https://news.yahoo.com/georgia-hotel-owner-forced-women-173440964.html ▫️Fairfax County Public Schools employee arrested for having child sex abuse material A Fairfax County Public Schools employee is accused of having child sex abuse material at his home. Cybercrime detectives arrested 32-year-old Aaron Matthew Betts Friday in the 6300 block of Saddle Tree Drive in the Rose Hill neighborhood. In March, detectives began investigating a Cyber Tip submitted by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating a CSAM video had been uploaded to an online platform. » https://www.fox5dc.com/news/fairfax-county-public-schools-employee-arrested-for-having-child-sex-abuse-material » https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2023/07/fairfax-co-school-employee-charged-with-possession-of-child-sexual-abuse-material/ ▫️Former Iowa police officer accused of sex with teenagers while on duty and at police station A former Iowa police officer already facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor is now being sued by two sisters who claim he had sex with them while they were teenagers and he was on duty. Michael Tobin, 35, who was fired from the Clarksville Police Department in March 2022, is currently facing three felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and eight misdemeanor charges of sexual exploitation through the use of images of minors engaged in sexual acts. https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/06/30/former-iowa-police-officer-accused-of-sex-with-teenagers-while-on-duty-and-at-police-station/ ▫️Affidavit: Convicted sex offender charged with sexual exploitation of a minor CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office arrested a convicted sex offender on several charges Friday. William Lloyd Hepburn, 23, of Charleston, is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. » https://www.live5news.com/2023/06/30/affidavit-convicted-sex-offender-charged-with-sexual-exploitation-minor/ (VIDEO) » https://www.kwch.com/video/2023/06/30/video-affidavit-convicted-sex-offender-charged-with-sexual-exploitation-minor/ ▫️West Michigan men charged for separate child sex crimes in Grand Haven, Rockford GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two West Michigan men face decades behind bars after being arrested for separate child sex crimes in Grand Haven and Rockford, according to Michigan State Police. Randy Roossien, 63, of Rockford, was arrested for allegedly downloading, viewing and sharing files of child sexually abusive material online, troopers said. Brian Stefono, 54, of Grand Haven was arrested for child sex crimes after a tip by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led troopers to digital evidence inside Stefono’s home, according to state police. https://wwmt.com/news/local/randy-roossien-brian-stefono-child-sex-crimes-charged-rockford-grand-haven-state-police-troopers-crime-kent-ottawa-county-west-michigan ▫️Human smuggler from Guatemala sentenced to 5 years for crash that killed 4, injured 6 ALPINE, Texas — A Guatemalan national was sentenced in federal court June 26 in Pecos, Texas, to 63 months in prison for transporting undocumented noncitizens resulting in death. According to court documents, David Alexander Gonzalez-Diaz, 24, of Santa Rosa, Guatemala, was transporting 14 undocumented noncitizens north of Van Horn, Texas, on Oct. 29, 2021, when he lost control of his vehicle, crashing and ejecting several occupants. Four of the migrants were killed and six were critically injured. https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/human-smuggler-guatemala-sentenced-5-years-crash-killed-4-injured-6 ▫️Waco man receives 7 life sentences for sexual abuse WACO, Texas — The McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens announced that 58-year-old Luckus Moore has received seven life sentences for sexually assaulting a child back in the 1990's and early 2000's. Tetens says a jury took less than 30 minutes to sentence Moore to life in prison on seven counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child on Thursday, June 29. An additional 20-year sentence was given on two counts of sexual assault of a child. https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/crime/texas-man-receives-7-life-sentences-sexually-assaulting-a-child/500-41d2d540-a2c6-44c9-a0c7-075d8bba111f ▫️Texas pastor pleads guilty to federal charge of possessing child pornography A Georgetown, Texas, man who served as the pastor at a Round Rock church pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to an enhanced charge of child pornography possession. David Lloyd Walther, 57, admitted to knowingly searching for, downloading, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material, including child pornography. The Texas pastor who was caught with more than 100,000 images of child pornography and bestiality faces 20 years in jail if convicted. Walther, who admitted to the facts at the time of his arrest, even downloaded content from the church in which he had been preaching for about 18 years. » https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-pastor-pleads-guilty-federal-charge-possessing-child-pornography » https://morningexpress.in/texas-pastor-who-downloaded-more-than-100000-images-of-child-pornography-and-bestiality-also-committed-the-crimes-from-church/ ▫️Indian boarding schools: St. Labre launches investigation into unmarked graves ASHLAND — A Montana school system is digging deep into a dark period of history, when Native American children were forced to attend government and religious-operated boarding schools, and some children never returned home. It's a first-of-its-kind investigation in Montana, as the school commissioning the investigation is examining its own history and the potential of unmarked/undocumented graves on its property. The findings report is expected in 2024, and the commission hopes this deep dive into a dark place of U.S. and Montana history brings a new era of closure. If you have questions about this project, listening sessions, or would like to participate, email Please at peasej@lbhc.edu. https://www.ktvq.com/news/local-news/indian-boarding-schools-st-labre-launches-investigation-into-potential-unmarked-graves more mass graves https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zo-OPvXfg4kqksKaW4RhTVuaDpBna34O/view)_____________________ More Arrest Updates: HSI/ICE Newsroom Child Exploitation https://www.ice.gov/newsroomfield_news_release_topics_tag_target_id=All&field_field_location_administrative_area=All&field_published_date_value[min]=&field_published_date_value[max]=&combine=Child+Exploitation&field_field_location_country_code=All)FBI Arrests & Violent Crimes Against Children News ▫️Sheriff’s Child Rescue Unit Receives National Honor COOK COUNTY, IL – Cook County Sheriff’s Child Rescue Unit has been named the 2023 National Sheriffs’ Association Crime Victim Services Award recipient in recognition of outstanding achievement by a Sheriff’s Office in support of crime victims, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today. Since the unit’s inception, more than 1,100 children have been rescued throughout Cook County. https://www.cookcountysheriff.org/sheriffs-child-rescue-unit-receives-national-honor/ ▫️Men Solicit Sex from Undercover Deputies They Thought Were Prostitutes The Orange County Sheriff’s Office busted nine men who thought they were hiring prostitutes for sex, but they were actually soliciting undercover deputies. https://westorlandonews.com/men-solicit-sex-from-undercover-deputies-they-thought-were-prostitutes/ ▫️Redding felon held to answer on rape, child porn charges: hearing date set REDDING, Calif. — A man from the Redding area was held to answer on all charges filed against him, including pimping, rape, and for creating, possessing and distributing child porn. The Shasta County District Attorney's Office says Anthony Diamond Augustus' next hearing is set for July 13, for arraignment on the information. https://krcrtv.com/news/local/redding-felon-held-to-answer-on-rape-child-porn-charges-hearing-date-set ▫️Lancaster County man sentenced after arrest in child sex solicitation sting operation LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A Lancaster County man will spend one and a half to five years behind bars plus probation for attempted solicitation of sex from a minor. 69-year-old Jeffrey Fralich, of the 100 block of South Walnut Street, Lititz, pled guilty to five third-degree felonies and one second-degree felony for agreeing to pay for sex with a minor. https://local21news.com/news/local/lancaster-county-man-sentenced-after-arrest-in-child-sex-solicitation-sting-operation ▫️San Antonio man sentenced to 99 years in child sexual abuse case with no chance for parole SAN ANTONIO - A San Antonio man was sentenced to nearly a century in prison after abusing several victims for nearly four years. According to Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales, Wesley Henderson, 56, was given a prison sentence of 99 years in prison Friday afternoon. https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-antonio-man-sentenced-to-99-years-in-child-sexual-abuse-case-with-no-chance-for-parole-crime-local-community-children-police-district-attorney ▫️2 active East Bay priests accused in recent child sex abuse suits At least two priests actively serving Catholic parishes in the East Bay are among hundreds of Bay Area clergy being accused of abusing children in a flood of recent lawsuits. On a legal call with its bankruptcy creditors last week, the Diocese revealed two of its accused priests are still in ministry, according to a plaintiff’s attorney and a former Oakland priest who were on the call. One of the active priests now facing abuse allegations is Fr. George Mockel, the current pastor of Santa Maria parish in Orinda, which NBC Bay Area has confirmed through a review of state court records. » https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/east-bay-priests-accused-child-sex-abuse-suits/3263850/ (VIDEO) » https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/07/2-active-east-bay-priests-accused-in-recent-child-sex-abuse-suits/ ▫️Former priest gets 7 years for sexual abuse of boy at Evanston hotel A former Catholic priest has been sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to molesting a boy more than two decades ago at an Evanston hotel. Kenneth Lewis, 62, entered the plea Thursday to felony aggravated sexual abuse in a deal with Cook County prosecutors that saw other charges dropped, including predatory criminal sexual assault, court records show. » https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/6/29/23778811/clergy-sexual-abuse-kenneth-lewis-evanston-hotel-catholic-church » https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/07/former-priest-gets-7-years-for-sexual-abuse-of-boy-at-evanston-hotel/ ▫️42 names added to list of Baltimore Archdiocese employees accused of sex abuse BALTIMORE -- The Archdiocese of Baltimore added 42 names to its list of those accused of child sexual abuse, but some survivors told WJZ the church should have made them public long ago. Thirty-three of the newly-named people on the list are dead. » https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/42-names-added-to-list-baltimore-archdiocese-employees-accused-of-sex-abuse/ » https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/07/42-names-added-to-list-of-baltimore-archdiocese-employees-accused-of-sex-abuse/

"Law & Border" - Real America's Voice News Part 1,2 & 3

MSM is Treasonous ...