Current News & Events

Watchdog Alert: British Rape Gangs

Rick TryonLeave a comment
image from Korhan Erdol pexels.com

The rape gang scandal has been making big news in Great Britain recently and has been hammered on by Elon Musk on his Twitter platform in recent days. I was not aware of the issue until recently and did a little bit of digging for a better understanding. Here’s a very brief summary of the problem:

From Wikipedia – The Huddersfield child sex abuse ring is one of the most notorious cases in the UK. A group of men were convicted of sexual offences against girls in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The offences took place between 2004 and 2011, and the men were charged following the Operation Tendersea inquiry. The trials began in April 2017, and 20 men were convicted in 2018 in three separate trials. By August 2021, a total of 41 perpetrators had been convicted.

From BBC News – Recently, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for a full national public inquiry into the UK’s “rape gangs scandal”. This comes after Home Office minister Jess Phillips rejected Oldham Council’s request for a government-led inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation.

From Times of India – The debate has intensified on social media, with public figures like Elon Musk and JK Rowling demanding accountability over the UK’s handling of child sexual abuse cases.

It’s a deeply troubling issue that has sparked significant public outcry and calls for justice, because what we’re talking about here is basically child sexual exploitation.

And justice will come one way or another for such evil, as Jesus reminded his disciples in Luke 17:2 – “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (KJV)

Watchdog Alert: Jabbar The Killer

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Shamsud-Din Jabbar was a monster. He intentionally plowed a truck into a bunch of innocent folks in New Orleans celebrating the New Year, killing at least 14 and injuring at least 37.

It is being reported that the killer was shot and killed by police at the scene and that the pickup truck he used to slaughter his victims had a black ISIS flag inside.

The name ‘Jabbar’ has special meaning in Arabic. According to the website myislam.org, “…there are several accepted meanings to this name. The most often quoted is The Compeller. He implements His decree without any opposition. There is no one that prevails over Him. The other interpretation is the repairer. He restores all of creation. He heals the broken-hearted, binds their wounds, and brings comfort to the weak. He compels each and everything to His divine will but is never Himself compelled.”

Right.

A more apt description for Shamsud-Din Jabbar and his hideous crime can be found in 1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (KJV)

What a horrible and tragic way to start 2025. My heart breaks for the victims of this evil madness and their families.

Be sober. Be vigilant. Remember, we are watchdogs.

Farewell To Jimmy Carter

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Air Tragedies

There were two airplane disasters within days of each other during Christmas week.

A Jeju Air passenger jet crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea early Sunday morning – 179 fatalities out of 181 people on board. Two crew members survived.

Also there was a Christmas Day crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, which resulted in 38 fatalities.

If there’s a God why does he allow this kind of death and suffering to happen? I heard a thought provoking reply to that question recently that went something like this – If there is no God then why are death and suffering considered bad?

I don’t necessarily think that’s a convincing or satisfying answer but it does deserve some thoughtful consideration, in my opinion. As an ongoing exercise on this blog we’ll be diving into the issue of why God allows evil , so stay tuned.

Former President Jimmy Carter passes away

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, died at the age of 100 on Sunday. Carter was the longest-living former president in U.S. history.

Carter called himself a born again Christian and he certainly walked the talk during his long life. Regardless of what one thinks about his liberal politics, he was a great example of what service to country and community looks like.

A good man who will be missed by many. Rest In Peace, Jimmy.

Which Country Is The Smallest And Has A Lot Of Gossip?

Rick TryonLeave a comment
Photo via Julius Silvers, pexels.com

The smallest country in the world is…drumroll please…and the answer is – Vatican City, covering only 0.27 square miles.

Did you know that? I didn’t. But now we do.

Speaking of Vatican City, Pope Francis gave his annual Christmas address on Saturday at the Vatican, and as reported by the National Catholic Register, talked about a bit about Vatican City:
In a separate address to Vatican employees and their families, the Pope compared Vatican City to “a large beehive” bustling with activity in its streets, courtyards, corridors and offices. He thanked those working and unable to attend the gathering but made it possible.

The Pope also addressed gossip amongst Vatican employees and officials:

The Pope warned that gossip “damages social bonds, poisons hearts, and leads nowhere,” as he addressed cardinals and senior Vatican officials. He urged them to practice self-accusation rather than accusation of others, drawing on the teachings of early Christian spiritual masters.

The Apostle Paul agrees. In his second letter to the church at Corinth, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Paul admonishes the Corinthian believers: “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults”.

Sounds a bit like what goes on behind closed doors in the Biden White House or a recent meeting of the Democratic National Committee. I kid – kind of.

Watchdog Alert: Do We Call Evil Good?

Rick TryonLeave a comment

There have been numerous news reports recently about Luigi Mangione, the 26 year old man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in cold blood on a New York City street.

One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is that many people actually consider Mangione a hero rather than a villain for allegedly shooting a father of two young girls in the back, then viscously finishing him off execution style.

In fact, according to an article on ABC News website folks are not only swooning over and lionizing the accused killer but also raising lots of money for his defense fund:
The crowdfunding campaign prompted donations from thousands of anonymous donors across the country, many of them leaving messages of support for Mangione, including one person who called themselves “A frustrated citizen” and thanked Mangione for “sparking the awareness and thought across this sleeping nation.”

This morning Mangione pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges.

A court will decide his guilt or innocence in this matter, but what does it say about our society when we glorify an accused assassin because his victim represented the healthcare insurance industry.

Isaiah 5:20 – Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! KJV

Muslims And Christians And Jews, Oh My!

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Treatment of Women Under Sharia Law in the UK

A recent report from the Times of London have highlights the challenges faced by Muslim women in the UK seeking Islamic divorces. An investigation by The Times reveals that some women encounter significant obstacles when attempting to dissolve their marriages through sharia councils.

These councils, estimated to number around 85 in Britain, often impose stringent conditions that favor men, leaving women like Aisha—who was asked for a large financial payment by her husband—feeling as though they must “pay ransom” to exit their marriages. The report underscores concerns about discriminatory practices within these councils and calls for greater oversight to ensure fair treatment of women.

Thankfully there are no U.S. communities currently under sharia law or subject to sharia councils. Lets be sure to keep it that way.

Clergy Sexual Abuse in Michigan

This from the New York Post:
A five-year investigation by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has identified over 50 clergy members, including 48 priests, accused of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Lansing, with cases dating back to the 1950s. This investigation led to 11 charges and nine convictions, highlighting systemic issues within the diocese.

Bishop Earl Boyea has issued an apology, condemning the abuse and expressing deep sorrow for the victims.

Jesus also had something to say about this kind of behavior: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (KJV)

Resisting the Draft in Israel

In Israel, Ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews are facing increased pressure to serve in the military, despite their traditional exemptions. Recent conflicts have intensified calls for their enlistment, leading to thousands of draft notices and arrest warrants for non-compliance.

The Haredi community argues that their religious studies are essential for Israel’s spiritual protection and fear that military service would force them to abandon their religious practices.

This issue has created tensions within the coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is attempting to balance national security needs with the demands of his Haredi political partners.
https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war/article/ultra-orthodox-jews-israel-military-service-gaza-xqkwzr688

Haredi Jews, often referred to as Ultra-Orthodox Jews, are a religious subgroup within Judaism characterized by their strict adherence to Jewish law (Halakha) and traditional practices. They prioritize Torah study and observance of commandments, often maintaining a distinct lifestyle that separates them from broader secular society.

Latest Holy Land Updates – 12/17/24

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Israel’s Occupation of Syrian Buffer Zone

Israel has occupied a buffer zone within Syria, coinciding with ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas in Gaza.

In Syria, the new rebel administration has expressed willingness to cooperate with the UN on humanitarian aid, and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have proposed demilitarizing Kobani to address Turkey’s security concerns. Despite these developments, efforts for a permanent ceasefire have failed. Additionally, countries like Qatar and France have reopened their embassies in Damascus, indicating a shift in diplomatic relations following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The discovery of mass graves in Syria has further highlighted the atrocities committed during Assad’s rule.

Meanwhile, Hamas remains hopeful for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza amid ongoing international efforts to resolve the conflict stemming from Hamas atrocities against Israeli citizens and the taking of hostages, including Americans, on October 7, 2023.
AP News

Discovery of Ancient Chinese Inscription in Jerusalem

Archaeologists in Jerusalem have uncovered a porcelain bowl at Mount Zion bearing the oldest-known Chinese inscription in the city. Dating back to the 16th century, likely from the Ming Dynasty, the inscription reads, “Forever we will guard the eternal spring.”

This finding underscores historical trade relations between Imperial China and the Ottoman Empire, with records indicating Ottoman delegations visiting Beijing and Chinese merchant colonies in regional cities like Beirut, Tripoli, and Jerusalem. The discovery highlights Jerusalem’s historical significance and its extensive trading connections.
New York Post

Vatican’s Nativity Scene Controversy

A Nativity scene in the Vatican featuring a manger draped with a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian identity, has garnered significant attention. Unveiled on December 7 and crafted by Bethlehem-based artisans, the scene initially included the keffiyeh. However, by December 11, both the keffiyeh and the infant Jesus were removed, aligning with Vatican tradition of placing the infant on December 24.

A Palestinian official confirmed the removal without providing an explanation. The Vatican reiterated the adherence to tradition, while the Israeli Embassy did not comment on potential complaints regarding the keffiyeh. Pope Francis has reiterated his call for peace and recognition of Palestine’s struggles and is scheduled to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican soon.
AP News

Watchdog Alert: Is Legal Pot A Good Thing?

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Elton John says legalizing marijuana was a mistake

There’s an interesting news piece on CNN reporting on Elton John’s view of weed.

In an interview with Time magazine as part of their Icon of the Year coverage, the legendary singer shared his thoughts about the legalization of cannabis in parts of the US and Canada.
“I maintain that it’s addictive,” he said. “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.”
“Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.”

This is a bigger deal than it appears at first blush. Sir Elton is a living legend with tons of influence globally, and his statement about marijuana addiction and it’s effect on one’s thinking abilities is worth noting. Is the cultural landscape as it relates to marijuana legalization shifting?

School shooting at Wisconsin private Christian school

What a brutal, sad, and tragic day on Monday. One student dead. A teacher dead. Teen shooter dead. Six more injured.

Fox News report and updates here.

There are lots of questions that come to mind about this horrible incident, but the obvious one is: Why does God allow this kind of evil to happen?

The world is a dark and broken place. Evil is real. It’s all too obvious that the ‘Christian’ designation on a school, or church, or person doesn’t provide an automatic exemption from the harm our spiritual adversary always seeks to inflict.

God can and does protect his people, but that requires an intentional applied faith through ever vigilant prayer on OUR part.

We are also advised to be wise as serpents. It is reported that the Wisconsin Christian school doesn’t have metal detectors or a school resource officer.