America's Chronic Disease Epidemic - How RFK Jr. Could Take On The Ultra-Processed Culprit By Nina Teicholz, PhD January 15, 2025 Share America may be poised for a nutrition policy reset, one that starts to reverse the epidemic of chronic disease afflicting a majority of Americans. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, the incoming administration has an opportunity to scrutinize a once-rare but now pervasive ingredient in our diet: seed oils. Over the last 125 years, our consumption of these oils, extracted from soybeans, peanuts, sunflowers, safflower, and other seeds and beans, has multiplied more than any other food source. That rise has far-reaching health implications that have been downplayed or dismissed by some of our nation's foremost nutrition experts. To turn the page on our chronic disease crisis, the new administration should initiate a thorough, science-based review of seed oils. Seed oils were largely developed as machine lubricants during the Industrial Revolution. It was Procter & Gamble that introduced them into the food supply via its product Crisco in 1911 and aggressively marketed them as a modern-day alternative to lard. That push got a massive boost in 1961 from the American Heart Association, when it recommended consuming polyunsaturated seed oils over saturated fats as the key strategy for preventing heart disease. This advice launched a new era for seed oils: Now they could be marketed as "heart-healthy." But the AHA position may have been shaped by a sizable donation from P&G in 1948, equivalent to $20 Million today, that, according to the AHA, was the "bang of big bucks" that "launched" the group. Findings of seed oil researchers have been troubling. Studies show these oils oxidize easily, which fuels inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils displace healthier omega-3s in cell membranes. Large, gold-standard clinical trials found that lowering cholesterol, whether through seed oil consumption or other means, increased cancer mortality rates. By the 1980s, these findings were worrisome enough that the National Institutes of Health convened four high-level workshops. Rather than issue public warnings on seed oils, the NIH decided any concerns shouldn't "contradict" its message about lowering cholesterol. It was a pattern — ignoring evidence of seed oils' harm in favor of preserving prevailing orthodoxy on dietary fats. Seed oil is chemically unstable. Its fatty acids degrade into oxidation products such as free radicals and degraded triglycerides. In one analysis, 130 volatile compounds were isolated from a piece of fried chicken, and these oxidation products can pass through the blood-brain barrier. Industry experts are aware of these problems. Yet, public health institutions remain staunch supporters. Federal dietary guidelines still recommend consuming about 5.5 teaspoons of industrial seed oils daily while limiting saturated fats. We made the wrong choice on good vs. bad fats. Whole, natural animal fats are stable when heated and don't produce the same harmful byproducts as seed oils. While seed oil must be refined, bleached, deodorized, "winterized," and stabilized in factory settings, butter requires nothing more than shaking milk in a container. Furthermore, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on randomized, controlled clinical trials routinely find that saturated fats have no effect on cardiovascular or total mortality and little to no effect on cardiovascular events. It's time to correct course. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans should eliminate outdated caps on saturated fats and the new administration should prioritize a comprehensive review of the seed oils that have largely replaced them. Our policies and diets should align with science. Nina Teicholz is a science journalist and author with a Ph.D. in nutrition. This piece originally ran in the Washington Examiner. < Previous News Next News >

For 2022 Everyone Should Be Resolved To Make Changes By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper December 30, 2021 Share “For 2022 everyone should be resolved to go and get a vaccine. You should stand up and talk about this issue. I have resolved that I will not be silent.” Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper This weekend marks 2022! Like many of you I was hoping not to be dealing with Covid. It seems it will still be around. I am calling out those that have still refused to get a vaccine. Sadly, recently an Emergency Operations Center call with all the mayors was held due to the current situation that shows infection rates up to 20% plus. Over 80 percent of those presenting to the hospital are due to individuals that still have not gotten a vaccine. I keep thinking to myself how could people be so challenged, so afraid, as to not simply go and get a simple vaccine shot? For over two centuries we have had vaccines. Children cannot attend school without having received vaccines that prevent life threatening diseases and more importantly the spread of diseases like Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Influenza Type B, Hepatitis A and B and even now a shot to prevent certain cancers. Hospital workers for years have been required to have flu vaccines to go to work. But now even with a proven safe vaccine many are not getting the vaccine. Could you imagine having an elder parent in a nursing home knowing someone could give them Covid. It is unconceivable. My biggest complaint is this freedom argument. My father like many young men went to fight for freedom overseas in planes, on land and at sea. They made sacrifices not seeing their loved ones for years living day to day not knowing if it would be their last. Sadly, many died as heroes for the true freedom we have. Now that’s courage. That’s strength. That’s the real machismo we need now in this country. We have individuals that aren’t even patriotic enough to take a shot for our country. The vaccine is safe. While you may be young and healthy it still does not mean you cannot die from the complications of Covid. More importantly you are hurting those at high risk. I challenge these individuals. You are not patriots at all. For 2022 everyone should be resolved to go and get a vaccine. You should stand up and talk about this issue. I have resolved that I will not be silent. I will call those out that are hurting others by not helping to stop the spread of Covid, stifling our economy and hiding under the guise of freedom. Have we all really become a country of selfish cowards? Also is 2022 I want to congratulate our Team Hallandale Beach. Dr. Jeremy Earle under the leadership of a civil collegial commission has put together a game plan that will not only take us thru 2022 but has laid the groundwork for another 4 years. He has made significant hires across all departments who have proven to be hardworking, innovative, and committed to excellence. We certainly have many challenges to address in the coming year, but I am confident with us all remaining focused on the goal of financial stability and improvement of service within all areas of the city, we will continue to see results. As of January 2, all parking regulations will be fully enforced. The new parking program has been in effect but not fully enforced yet. With the increase in our traditional enforcement, we have seen revenues that will be able to pay for the parking program and create additional funds to pay for much needed vehicle replacements that were put off for years. Our new Director of Code Enforcement has geared up and is finally addressing cases that have been left idle for years. This will result in hopefully a much cleaner safer city. Property owners that have not been taking care of their liens have been put on notice. They need to address property deficiencies. Once addressed they can ask for fine mitigation. I must note there is not a free ride for absentee landlords or owners that have down work without permits. Owners will have to pay at least a portion by law for their neglect. Code enforcement takes staff time and city resources. Another great change has been taking place in our Police Department. Under the leadership of Acting Chief Michel many of our safety programs are being implemented and expanded. They have activated the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection service which alerts officers to gunshots within an expanded coverage area. The system alerts officers on their laptops and/or cellphones as well as over police radio through the BSO dispatch. ShotSpotter detects and accurately locates within 25 meters of the actual gunshot location 90% of unsuppressed, outdoor gunshots and alerts police in less than 60 seconds. The coverage area is approximately 2.18 miles and includes the I-95 to Federal Highway and from Pembroke Road to County line. This technology will increase our response time during life threatening incidents. I will cover our Police Department changes as well as discuss the critical support of our department in my first article of the new year. Please have a safe and blessed 2022! As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place, on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >

City Of Hollywood Programs Help Homeowners Improve Safety, Comfort And Affordability By City of Hollywood Feb 11, 2026 The City Of Hollywood Continues To Invest In Neighborhood Stability And Housing Quality By Offering Programs That Help Eligible Homeowners Make Important Repairs And Upgrades To Their Homes. Through The Neighborhood Pride Program And The Housing Rehabilitation Program, Residents May Receive Financial Assistance For Improvements That Enhance Safety, Improve Energy Efficiency And Help Preserve The Long-Term Value Of Their Homes. The Neighborhood Pride Program provides eligible homeowners with a conditional grant of up to $40,000 for exterior improvements. Funding may be used for projects such as roof replacement, impact windows and doors, fencing, driveway repairs, exterior painting and landscaping. The program is designed to help maintain neighborhood appearance while improving resilience and safety for residents. Homeowners can learn more about eligibility requirements and income limits by visiting: www.hollywoodfl.org/1194/Neighborhood-Pride-Program-ILA . For homeowners in need of more extensive repairs, the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Program offers assistance through a deferred loan of up to $150,000, with no monthly payments required. Eligible improvements may include HVAC systems, electrical upgrades, roofing, structural repairs and other interior or exterior improvements that address health, safety or code-related concerns. Additional information and eligibility details are available at: www.hollywoodfl.org/200/Home-Rehabilitation-Repair . Both programs include eligibility requirements and income limits, and interested homeowners are encouraged to review program guidelines online before applying. “We’re investing in affordable and workforce housing for both our existing residents and future residents who choose Hollywood as their home,” said Josh Levy, Mayor of Hollywood. IGNITE Broward 2026 Lights Up Hollywood at ArtsPark at Young Circle South Florida’s immersive light and sound art festival returns to Broward County this February, and Hollywood’s ArtsPark at Young Circle will once again be one of its featured destinations. Now in its fifth year, the 2026 festival is the most ambitious yet, featuring more than 25 large-scale installations, projection mapping experiences, interactive sculptures, sound-based works and live performances created by local, national and international artists throughout Broward. ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood Address: 1 North Young Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33022 Hours: Friday and Saturday - 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Sunday through Thursday - 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The City of Hollywood is proud to once again be a featured destination for IGNITE Broward, South Florida’s premier festival of interactive light, art and technology. For more information, visit: www.ignitebroward.com . Previous Next

Understanding The Tax Roll: Many Newer Residents May Not Be Aware, It's Not Just City Taxes Thu Oct 06 2022 04:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

New In Town, Already Connected - Fresh Ride, Bright Vibe: Your Ride. Your Space. Your Community. By BCT Oct 1, 2025 When Jordan Moved From Orlando To Broward County For College, He Knew Life Was About To Change. He Was In A New City, With New Friends And A New Campus, But He Did Not Have A Car. At First, That Felt Like A Problem. “I thought I’d be stuck biking everywhere in the heat or spending a lot on Uber,” he remembers. “I didn’t know if I’d be able to explore much without a ride.” That changed quickly. During orientation week, someone mentioned Broward County Transit. Curious, Jordan looked it up and found out that students not only get a discounted fare, but BCT offers dozens of routes connecting the whole county, from major universities and libraries to the beach, shopping centers, and nightlife. “It honestly surprised me how easy it was,” he says. “I downloaded the app, checked the real-time tracking, and caught the bus near my dorm the next day. The bus was spotless, cool, and calm. Way different from what I imagined.” What started as a practical choice soon became a lifestyle. Jordan now takes the bus to class every day and uses weekends to explore. One week, he’ll head to Hollywood Beach. Next, he’ll hit the Galleria Mall, stop for coffee on Las Olas, or check out a local food truck event near Sunrise. And because he's using the student discount, it barely touches his budget. “It’s one of those things where you think, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’” For Jordan, the best part is the feeling of independence. He’s building a new life in Broward, and BCT gives him the freedom to discover it on his own terms. “Fresh Ride, Bright Vibe isn’t just a catchy slogan. It actually feels like that. The bus gives me space, freedom, and peace of mind. I never thought public transit could be this good.” Fresh Ride. Bright Vibe. Affordable, clean, reliable, and yours. Learn more about student fares and trip planning at: www.Broward.org/BCT - Or call: (954) 357-8400. Previous Next

The TikTok Challenge: Curbing Social Media’s Influence On Young Minds Thu May 11 2023 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hot Acts & Cool Sounds: The Broward Center Raises the Temperature This Summer Thu Jul 14 2022 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

"Hi Grandma I Need Help" Scam: Florida Attorney General Arrests Six Fraudsters For Stealing Nearly $250,000 From Seniors July 4, 2024 Share Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announced recently the arrest of six fraudsters for stealing nearly $250,000 from Florida seniors through grandparent scams. The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Vice Intelligence Squad reports that the defendants contacted seniors posing as lawyers or legal representatives of one of the victim’s grandchildren. The fraudsters told the targets that the grandchildren were arrested after hitting a pregnant woman with a vehicle and needed bail money, then arranged for the victim to send payment. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These fraudsters know that most grandparents would do anything to help a grandchild in need, and through a convincing imposter scheme they used fear and family to extort Florida seniors—stealing nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Working with our great law enforcement partners in South Florida, we were able to shut down this far-reaching grandparent scheme and now six fraudsters will have to answer for their crimes.” Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels said, “I am immensely proud of the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Vice Intelligence Squad, for their exceptional collaboration with the Florida Attorney General, and federal agencies in successfully apprehending individuals involved in extorting the elderly population. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to protecting our community's most vulnerable population are truly commendable.” After telling the targets the falsified story about the grandchildren in jail, the fraudsters pressured seniors to provide bail money. According to the investigation, the defendants directed the victims to obtain the bail amount in cash, then place it into a box to be picked up by a courier. The couriers — unknowing ride - share drivers booked by the criminals — picked up the cash and transported the money back to the scammers at an arranged rendezvous spot. In a few instances, the scammers contacted the same victim multiple times pressuring for more cash. In one instance, a Palm Bay victim made an initial bond payment of $9,000, but fraudsters told the victim that the pregnant woman miscarried and the grandchild required an additional $18,000 because authorities upgraded the charges. The defendants then told the same victim the baby’s father attacked the senior’s grandson for causing the miscarriage, and during the course of the attack the grandchild elbowed a police officer, causing an additional $20,000 needed for bail, as well as $7,500 in court fees. The victim ended up paying the fraudsters more than $54,000. Nearly identical events happened to a Melbourne victim, who paid $53,000 to the criminal group. In another case, a Sarasota victim sent $8,000 and the fraudsters called back the next day saying the pregnant woman lost the child and requested another $4,000 for bail. The day after that, the defendants claimed the grandson owed medical bills due to the accident and required another $1,700. A victim in Pompano paid $30,000 for bail and later sent an additional $7,000 because the fraudsters claimed the pregnant woman died and the bond increased. These defendants preyed upon seniors in multiple counties, including Brevard, Broward, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach and Sarasota. The Miami-Dade Police Department, Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boca Raton Police Department, North Port Police Department, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Bay Police Department, Jupiter Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff's Office and West Palm Beach Police Department partnered together on the investigation. All six defendants, Jairo Izquierdo, Gennesis Castro, Wendy Angelina Ortiz, Ada Tido, Wandy Castro and Olfa Cornielle, face multiple First-Degree Felonies, including organized scheme to Defraud, Grand Theft, Criminal Use of Personal Identification and more. Attorney General Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case. < Previous News Next News >

A Tasty Meal For A Heart-Healthy Summer By Family Features May 24, 2023 Share As you plan your summer fun, think also about adopting healthy habits that can help keep your Blood Pressure under control. When your Blood Pressure is consistently high - it is a condition called Hypertension - blood flows through Arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. This can cause serious health problems not just for your Heart, but also for your Blood Vessels, Kidneys, Eyes and Brain. Hypertension affects women and men of all ages but making small lifestyle changes can go a long way toward prevention. Start with updating your summer menu with delicious, heart-healthy recipes, like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Following a Heart-Healthy eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which emphasizes Vegetables, Fruits, Whole Grains, Fish, Poultry, Beans, Nuts, Low-Fat Dairy and Healthy Oils, can help keep your Blood Pressure in a healthy range. Developed through research by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DASH focuses on reducing Sodium and limiting foods that are high in Saturated Fat, including Fatty Meats, Full-Fat Dairy and Tropical Oils. Along with adding healthy recipes to your summer menu, NHLBI's The Heart Truth Program encourages these healthy habits that can help you control Blood Pressure: Move more: Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of physical activity each week. Try keeping yourself on pace each week by shooting for 30 daily minutes of activity over five days. Aim for a healthy weight: Research shows overweight adults and Obesity can lower their Blood Pressure by losing just 3-5% of their weight. Ask a friend or family member to join a weight loss program with you; social support can help you both stay motivated. Manage Stress: Reduce Stress - which can increase Blood Pressure - with meditation, relaxing activities or support from a counselor or online group. Quit smoking: Smoking damages your Heart and Blood Vessels. Call: 1 (800) QUIT-NOW - 1 (800) 784-8669 or find other resources available online. Get your summer off to a Heart-Healthy start by talking to your Healthcare Provider about your Blood Pressure numbers and what they mean. To learn more about Heart Health and Blood Pressure, visit: www.hearttruth.gov - Find DASH-friendly recipes at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/eat-right/hawaiian-chicken.htm Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Sauce: • 2 Tablespoons of Ketchup • 2 Tablespoons of Light Soy Sauce • 2 Tablespoons of Honey • 2 Teaspoons of Orange Juice • 1 Teaspoon of Garlic (about 1 clove), minced • 1 Teaspoon of Ginger, minced • 12 Ounces of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes) • 1 Cup of Fresh Pineapple, diced (about 24 pieces) • 8 Wooden skewers (6 inches each), soaked in water To make the sauce: Combine the Ketchup, the Soy Sauce, the Honey, the Orange Juice, the Garlic and the Ginger; mix them well. Separate them into two bowls and set them aside. Preheat the grill to Medium-High Heat. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Alternately, thread three Chicken Cubes and three Pineapple Chunks on each skewer. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes on each side. Brush or spoon the sauce from one bowl onto the Chicken and the Pineapple every other minute. Discard the remaining sauce from the first bowl. To prevent the Chicken from drying out, finish cooking it to a minimum internal temperature of 165˚ F in the oven. Using a clean brush or spoon, coat with sauce from the remaining bowl before serving it. < Previous News Next News >

Head To Bikini Bottom: The SpongeBob Musical Presented By Slow Burn Theatre May 30, 2024 Share A legendary roster of Grammy® Award winners including Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper and John Legend help bring one of the world’s most beloved characters to the stage as the 2023/2024 Slow Burn Theatre Company Season presented by American National Bank in the Amaturo Theater culminates with the bold, original musical The SpongeBob Musical Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 23. Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation — until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage and the power of optimism saves the world. Hailed as “effervescent candy for the spirit!” by New York Magazine, the musical is based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg. Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has generated a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases and consumer products. The SpongeBob Musical earned 12 Tony Award nominations, making it the most nominated musical of the 2017-2018 theatre season, and was named Outstanding Musical by the Drama Desk Awards in addition to its wins as both Outstanding New Broadway Musicial and Outstanding New Score from the Outer Critics Circle. With musical production conceived by Tina Landau, the musical has a book by Kyle Jarrow and original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I. The score also features songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton with additional music by Tom Kitt. Anthony Llerandi portrays the title role and is joined by Marc Christopher as Patrick, Dominique Kempf as Sandy Cheeks, Brian Klimowski as Squidward Q. Tentacles and Ryan Crout as Mr. Eugene Krabs. Other well known characters in Bikini Bottom are portrayed by Aaron Atkinson, Alexander Blanco, Nayomi Braaf, Jonathan Eisele, Lauren Horgan, Gianfranco Imbert, Michael Materdomini, Nate Promkul, Natasha Ricketts, Jack Rodman, Britte Steele and Paul Tuaty. Rounding out the cast is a talented ensemble featuring Kalista Curbelo, Madeline Dunn, Tyler Johnson Grimes, Mason Materdomini, Emily Tarallo and Corey Vega. Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater directs and is joined by a creative team of choreographer Reynel Reynaldo, tap choreographer Nicolette Quintero, music director Eden Marte, scenic designer and technical director Timothy Dickey, costume designer Rick Peña and lighting designer Clifford Spulock. The talented technical team includes production stage manager Matthew W. Korinko, assistant stage manager Jolie Rubinchik and wardrobe assistants Liz Ortega and Fionnegan Amygdalitsis. Performance times vary with an open captioned performance on Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s upcoming 2024/2025 Season go on sale June 8. Supported by American National Bank, the season in the Amaturo Theater features five musicals with enduring stories that have captivated audiences in movie theaters and on stage: The Witches of Eastwick (October 19 – Nov. 3); Anastasia The Musical (Dec. 21 – Jan. 5); Parade (Feb. 8 – 23); Something Rotten! (March 29 – April 13); and The Bodyguard The Musical (June 7 – 22). Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. This show is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at www.BrowardCenter.org - or www.Ticketmaster.com - by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is one of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, like them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - follow them on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to their channel at www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

Then And Now By John W. Whitehead & Nisha Whitehead January 5, 2022 Share What If Jesus Had Been Born 2,000 Years Later? Two weeks ago we celebrated Christmas, the story of a baby born in a manger, it’s a familiar one. The Roman Empire, a police state in its own right, had ordered that a census be conducted. Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary traveled to the little town of Bethlehem so that they could be counted. There being no room for the couple at any of the inns, they stayed in a stable (a barn), where Mary gave birth to a baby boy, Jesus. Warned that the government planned to kill the baby, Jesus’ family fled with him to Egypt until it was safe to return to their native land. Yet what if Jesus had been born 2,000 years later? What if, instead of being born into the Roman police state, Jesus had been born at this moment in time? What kind of reception would Jesus and his family be given? What would Jesus’ life have been like if, instead of being born into the Roman police state, he had been born and raised in the American police state? And how would Jesus—the baby born in Bethlehem who grew into an itinerant preacher and revolutionary activist, who not only died challenging the police state of his day (namely, the Roman Empire) but spent his adult life speaking truth to power, challenging the status quo of his day, and pushing back against the abuses of the Roman Empire—react to the American Police State? Consider the following if you will. Had Jesus been born in the era of the America police state, rather than traveling to Bethlehem for a census, Jesus’ parents would have been mailed a 28-page American Community Survey, a mandatory government questionnaire documenting their habits, household inhabitants, work schedule, how many toilets are in your home, etc. Instead of being born in a manger, Jesus might have been born at home. Rather than wise men and shepherds bringing gifts, however, the baby’s parents might have been forced to ward off visits from state social workers intent on prosecuting them for the home birth. Had Jesus been born in a hospital, his blood and DNA would have been taken without his parents’ knowledge or consent and entered into a government biobank. Then again, had Jesus’ parents been undocumented immigrants, they and the newborn baby might have been shuffled to a profit-driven, private prison for illegals where they first would have been separated from each other, the children detained in make-shift cages. Rather than disappearing from the history books from his early teenage years to adulthood, Jesus’ movements and personal data—including his biometrics—would have been documented, tracked, monitored and filed by governmental agencies and corporations such as Google and Microsoft. From the moment Jesus made contact with an “extremist” such as John the Baptist, he would have been flagged for surveillance because of his association with a prominent activist, peaceful or otherwise. Jesus’ anti-government views would certainly have resulted in him being labeled a domestic extremist. Rather than being permitted to live as an itinerant preacher, Jesus might have found himself threatened with arrest for daring to live off the grid or sleeping outside. Viewed by the government as a dissident and a potential threat to its power, Jesus might have had government spies planted among his followers to monitor his activities, report on his movements, and entrap him into breaking the law. Had Jesus used the internet to spread his radical message of peace and love, he might have found his blog posts infiltrated by government spies attempting to undermine his integrity, discredit him or plant incriminating information online about him. At the very least, he would have had his website hacked and his email monitored. Had Jesus attempted to feed large crowds of people, he would have been threatened with arrest for violating various ordinances prohibiting the distribution of food without a permit. Had Jesus spoken publicly about his 40 days in the desert and his conversations with the devil, he might have been labeled mentally ill and detained in a psych ward against his will for a mandatory involuntary psychiatric hold with no access to family or friends. Without a doubt, had Jesus attempted to overturn tables in a Jewish temple and rage against the materialism of religious institutions, he would have been charged with a hate crime. Had anyone reported Jesus to the police as being potentially dangerous, he might have found himself confronted—and killed—by police officers for whom any perceived act of non-compliance (a twitch, a question or a frown) can result in them shooting first and asking questions later. Rather than having armed guards capture Jesus in a public place, government officials would have ordered that a SWAT team carry out a raid on Jesus and his followers, complete with flash-bang grenades and military equipment. Instead of being detained by Roman guards, Jesus might have been made to “disappear” into a secret government detention center where he would have been interrogated, tortured and subjected to all manner of abuses. Charged with treason and labeled a domestic terrorist, Jesus might have been sentenced to a life-term in a private prison where he would have been forced to provide slave labor for corporations or put to death by way of the electric chair or a lethal mixture of drugs. Indeed, as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, given the nature of government then and now, it is painfully evident that whether Jesus had been born in our modern age or his own, he still would have died at the hands of a police state. Thus, as we just celebrated Christmas with its celebration of miracles and promises of salvation, we would do well to remember that what happened in that manger on that starry night in Bethlehem is only the beginning of the story. That baby born in a police state grew up to be a man who did not turn away from the evils of his age but rather spoke out against it. We must do no less. Editor’s Note: John W. Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John W. Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

‘What Happens When We Go Dark’: Legally Blind Author Draws Vivid Urban Crime Characters Fri Nov 17 2023 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)