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December 20, 2022

Daily Headlines for Tuesday

Title 42 was supposed to end on Wednesday, prompting concern that our southern border would see a massive rush of asylum seekers seeking a better life here in America. That was until Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily halted Wednesday’s planned lifting of the Trump-era Title 42 health program Monday after more than a dozen Republican-led states filed an emergency application to the high court. In his order, he gave the DOJ until 5 pm Tuesday to respond to the state's request to halt the ending of the rule, which allows border officials to automatically refuse entry to migrants who may have been infected by the deadly virus.

In the latest episode of the #twitterfiles release Monday, we learned that the relationship between Twitter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation was much more complex than Americans really knew. In an email from February 2021, a Twitter employee bragged to the once-FBI lawyer, turned Twitter Chief council Jim Baker that since Oct 2019, the FBI Has ...

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SteveOatley@SteveOatley

June 28, 2023

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June 27, 2023

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June 26, 2023

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AprilMcAbee@April-McAbee

June 15, 2023

U.S. Army Soldier Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges for Attempting to Help ISIS Conduct Deadly Ambush on U.S. Troops

U.S. Army Private First-Class Cole Bridges Provided Tactical Guidance in Attempt to Help ISIS Attack and Murder U.S. Service Members in the Middle East

A US Army soldier, who had sworn to protect his country, turning against it by attempting to aid ISIS in their mission to ambush American troops. Shocking, right? Well, it's not the first time we've heard of such incidents, and unfortunately it won't be the last.

On Wednesday, an Ohio man pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to murder U.S. military service members based on his efforts to help the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to attack and kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East.

Cole Bridges, aka Cole Gonzales, 22, of Stow, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.

Bridges was charged in the Complaint with (1) attempting to provide material support to ISIS, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (2) attempting to murder U.S. military service members, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1114, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

According to court documents, Bridges joined the U.S. Army in approximately September 2019 and was assigned as a cavalry scout in the Third Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Beginning in at least 2019, Bridges began researching and consuming online propaganda promoting jihadists and their violent ideology. Bridges also expressed his support for ISIS and jihad on social media. In or about October 2020, Bridges began communicating with an FBI online covert employee (the OCE), who was posing as an ISIS supporter in contact with ISIS fighters in the Middle East.

Bridges also expressed his support for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”) and jihad on social media. In or about October 2020, Bridges began communicating with an FBI online covert employee (the “OCE”), who was posing as an ISIS supporter in contact with ISIS fighters in the Middle East.

During these communications, Bridges expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid ISIS. Bridges then provided training and guidance to purported ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City, such as the 9/11 Memorial. Bridges also provided the OCE with portions of a U.S. Army training manual and guidance about military combat tactics for ISIS.

Bridges described how an assault on the memorial at Ground Zero “could honestly be a sniper kill and then getting out quietly for a second attack,’’ according to Manhattan federal-court papers.

Court documents also contained a posting on the same account that month featuring a quote by a jihadist leader whose followers included one of the plane’s hijackers that crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

“Everyone has to see which side he is on,” the quote reads in part.

While becoming radicalized online, Bridges researched such terms as “badass jihadi,’’ “green beret ambush’’ and “us soldier shooting’’ in late 2019 and through 2020, the papers said.

At one point, he allegedly admitted to the undercover, “I hate displaying the US flag on my shoulder,’’ apparently referring to his military uniform.

Bridges also provided training and guidance to purported ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City. Bridges also provided the OCE with portions of a U.S. Army training manual and guidance about military combat tactics, for use by ISIS.

In or about December 2020, Bridges began to supply the OCE with instructions for the purported ISIS fighters on how to attack U.S. forces in the Middle East. Among other things, Bridges diagrammed specific military maneuvers intended to help ISIS fighters maximize the lethality of attacks on U.S. troops. Bridges further provided advice about the best way to fortify an ISIS encampment to repel an attack by U.S. Special Forces, including by wiring certain buildings with explosives to kill the U.S. troops.

Then, in January 2021, Bridges provided the OCE with a video of himself in his U.S. Army body armor standing in front of a flag often used by ISIS fighters and making a gesture symbolic of support for ISIS. Approximately a week later, Bridges sent a second video in which Bridges, using a voice manipulator, narrated a propaganda speech in support of the anticipated ambush by ISIS on U.S. troops.

Attempting to provide material support to ISIS carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and attempting to murder U.S. military service members carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Bridges is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 2.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety of our soldiers and the security measures in place to prevent such incidents from occurring. It is feared that similar attacks could be carried out in the future, putting our troops at risk.

While the exact motivations behind the soldier's actions are still unclear, there court records show that he was radicalized by extremist ideologies and had a strong desire to join ISIS. The US Army and government have since taken measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, including increasing surveillance and implementing more effective counter-terrorism and radicalization programs.

This case highlights the need for improved prevention measures in the US Army and the military organizations as a whole. It also emphasizes the importance of effective counter-terrorism and radicalization programs aimed at preventing soldiers from being radicalized. The case also raises questions about recruitment policies for the military and the need for stricter background checks.

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AprilMcAbee@April-McAbee

June 10, 2023

The Alarming Reality: The Vulnerability of American Youth to Sexual Exploitation and Commercial Sexual Exploitation

The dark web hosts the evil that victimizes innocent children

The most vulnerable among us are subject to some of the worst horrors that humanity can muster up. Why? Because it is difficult for a child to fight back. An adult has the power in this situation, despite the strength and mental toughness of any child. And so, these monsters never miss an opportunity to add to their collection of stolen innocence. Who is at risk? What are the signs? And what can you do to become the hero so many children desperately need?

It's a harsh reality that sexual exploitation, commercial sexual exploitation, and child sex trafficking is a pressing issue in the United States. It's devastating to know that such a large number of young individuals are at risk of falling prey to this heinous crime.

According to the Justice Department, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) refers to a “range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits) given or received by any person.”

Child sex trafficking is a form of child abuse that occurs when a child under 18 is advertised, solicited or exploited through a commercial sex act. A commercial sex act is any sex act where something of value – such as money, food, drugs or a place to stay – is given to or received by any person for sexual activity.

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is content that depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 18-years-old.

Factors contributing to youth at Risk of commercial sexual exploitation

Let's face it, commercial sexual exploitation is a heinous crime that affects the most vulnerable in society. Sadly, it is the reality for many young people in the United States. So, what factors contribute to young people being at risk of commercial sexual exploitation?

Poverty and economic instability play a significant role. Youth who are economically disadvantaged are more likely to face situations where they may be lured into exploitation. Without access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare, these young people are at risk of falling prey to opportunistic perpetrators.

A history of abuse and trauma can contribute to vulnerability. Studies have shown that young people who have faced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma are more likely to resort to activities like prostitution as a means of survival, often as a form of self-medication.

Homelessness and lack of stable housing can make young people more vulnerable. Without a stable housing situation, these youth may turn to commercial sexual exploitation out of desperation. In addition to the lack of safety and security, they may also experience exploitation and abuse from those who offer them temporary shelter in exchange for sexual favors.

Perpetrators of commercial sexual exploitation

Perpetrators of commercial sexual exploitation come in different forms. Pimps and traffickers are often the most publicized perpetrators. These individuals exploit vulnerable youth, coercing them into the sex industry for their financial gain.

They are known to make serious threats to maintain their power and authority over the youth in their control. Buyers or 'johns' are the customers of the sex industry. Some of these buyers are aware of the exploitation and harm caused to the youth they are engaging with.

However, they still choose to participate in the industry, perpetuating the demand for CSE. Online predators have also emerged to exploit youth online. They use the internet to lure children into exchanging sexual acts for money or other incentives.

The anonymity of the internet makes it easier for them to hide their identity and continue preying on children. It's crucial to acknowledge how each of these individuals contributes to the cycle of CSE. Efforts to address this issue should include not only holding them accountable but also changing the societal attitudes that allow for this exploitation to happen in the first place.

The use of the Internet in CSAM offenses has caused substantial concern over the last decade, especially as it relates to the use of the Dark Web, or content hosted on anonymized software services such as The Onion Router (Tor). Internet users can browse the web while ensuring that their browsing activity and identities are kept anonymous from government entities and companies. Although the majority of these users do not misuse the software, recent reports have shed light on the popularity of child pornography sites among users of hidden services.

For instance, one study found that about 80% of hidden service traffic is dedicated to websites hosting CSAM. Therefore, a large portion of commercial CSAM is conducted through anonymous web software.

The value of child sexual abuse material lies in how recent the images are. Prices for these images can be as low as $10 for a video clip or $50 for a monthly membership. However, newer depictions of abuse may cost up to $1000 per download. Perpetrators may also pay to watch live-streamed sexual abuse and pay for a 30-minute session or screenshots of the abuse. This kind of abuse has caused significant international concern, with the Philippines being a hotspot for cybersex trafficking.

The price of online child sexual abuse material may be influenced by various factors. One of these is the age of the victim, with videos depicting very young victims potentially fetching higher prices due to their perceived deviance.

Additionally, the severity of the abuse experienced by the victim can also impact the price, with particularly violent or sadistic acts commanding higher prices. Shockingly, the majority of commercially available content depicts penetrative sexual violence and includes acts that are both deviant and sadistic.

Unfortunately, minors may be influenced or forced into creating inappropriate content involving themselves or other minors around them, which is often streamed live. Shockingly, approximately 90% of this type of content depicts children within their own homes being coerced into creating such content.

Consequences of commercial sexual exploitation

The consequences of commercial sexual exploitation are vast and devastating. Victims' physical health is often severely impacted, with high rates of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and abortion.

The psychological effects of CSE are equally severe, causing long-term damage to a child's mental health, self-esteem, and trust in others. Socially, CSE traps its victims in a cycle of poverty and exploitation, making it challenging to escape economic instability and improve their quality of life. Moreover, survivors of CSE face barriers to education and employment opportunities, depriving them of skills needed to achieve career advancement and economic independence. Among those who undergo this experience, the stigma and shame associated with this form of abuse often hinder their ability to seek help and report their abusers.

Unfortunately, the consequences of CSE do not end when the survivor becomes an adult. Adults who experienced commercial sexual exploitation as children are more prone to further exploitation, including being re-victimized as adults, becoming involved in criminal activity or drug addiction, and even committing suicide.

It is imperative that we continue to strive for more significant awareness and collaborative community efforts to address CSE. By joining the fight against commercial sexual exploitation, we can raise awareness of its impact on society and support organizations working to provide survivors with the resources and services that they need to rebuild their life. Remember, every single person can make a difference.

Sex trafficking of children used to create such material has become a devastating consequence that has no end in sight. In fact, the situation has become a devastating statistic that leaves families in ruin and law enforcement scrambling to find a solution.

In 2021, of the 25,000 children reported missing to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who had run away, 1 in 6 were likely sex trafficking victims. 19% of the children who ran from the care of social services and were reported missing to NCMEC in 2020, were likely victims of child sex trafficking.

The most alarming statistic is that it affects an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 minors each year in America alone. It's disheartening to know that most of these victims remain unnoticed and voiceless, pushed to the fringes of society.

While any child can be targeted by a trafficker, research, data and survivor lived experience and expertise have revealed traffickers and buyers often target youth who lack strong support networks, have experienced violence in the past, are experiencing homelessness, or are marginalized by society.

When youth feel like they are not loved, supported in their identity and voice, or like they don’t belong they become ever more vulnerable to unsafe situations. Traffickers are masters of manipulation and prey upon vulnerabilities using psychological pressure, false promises actions of perceived love/support, and intimidation to control and sexually exploit the child for their benefit.

Traffickers can be anyone who profits from the selling of a child for sex to a buyer, including family members, foster parents, gangs, and perceived trusted adults or romantic partners. In some cases, there is no identified trafficker, and it is the person buying sex from the child who is exploiting the child’s vulnerabilities. For instance, if a child runs away, a buyer may exploit the child’s need for food and shelter by offering to provide that in exchange for sex.

In many situations, due to the trauma and manipulation from the trafficker, survivors will feel as if they are responsible for their own victimization. In some cases, even defend their abuser. It’s important to remember to meet survivors where they are at in understanding their victimization while also ensuring their rights and access to services as a victim of a crime are honored.

The issue of child sex trafficking is complex. Understanding the various forms of child sex trafficking and indicators can create opportunities for prevention, identification, and response. Most importantly NCMEC embraces and encourages all efforts on this issue to be survivor-informed, child-centered, and trauma-informed.

Below are some examples of child sex trafficking:

Pimp-Controlled Trafficking

The child is trafficked by an unrelated individual, male or female, who often develops an intentional relationship with the child which is later used as leverage in the exploitation.

Familial Trafficking

The child is trafficked by a relative or a person who is perceived by the child to be a family member such as individuals referred to as “auntie” or “uncle” but are not directly related to the child.

Gang-Controlled Trafficking

The child is trafficked by a member of a gang or trafficked by the gang. Gangs leverage their organizational structure, violence, and local, national, and international networks to instill fear and loyalty in the child victim.

Buyer-Perpetrated Trafficking

The child is being trafficked but does not have a trafficker. Instead, the buyer is directly exploiting the child’s vulnerabilities by offering money, food, and/or shelter in exchange for the sexual exploitation.

What to Look For

Child sex trafficking victims often are unable to self-identify as victims or disclose their abuse because of fear, shame or loyalty to their abuser(s). It is not a child’s responsibility to ask for help. It is up to the professionals and trusted adults in these children’s lives to recognize the signs associated with child sex trafficking, so they can intervene and help them get the support they deserve. These red flags or indicators should not be considered a checklist or an assessment tool. Rather, if observed they may be an opportunity to ask more questions, make a report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline or connect the child to resources for prevention or intervention.

Physical Indicators:

Signs of sexual or physical abuse
Symptoms of neglect such as malnourishment
Unaddressed or chronic medical/ dental issues or STIs
Close association with an overly controlling adult
Recovered at hotels, street tracks, truck
stops, or strip clubs; or other locations where
trafficking or commercial sex is known to occur
Has secret cell phones or apps providing
multiple cellphone numbers
In possession of material goods,
inconsistent to the child’s access to
money or socioeconomic status
In possession of bulk sexual paraphernalia
(such as bulk condoms or lubricant)
Living out of suitcases, at motels, or in a car,
or other evidence of housing insecurity
Unexplained access to large amounts of
cash, pre-paid credit cards, or hotel keys
Tattoos or branding, such as those
indicating money, matching those of
other known trafficking victims or that
the child is reluctant to explain
References traveling to other cities or
states while missing or lack of knowledge
of their current whereabouts
Drug dependency or frequent abuse of “party
drugs” such as GHB, Rohpnol®, Ketamine,
MDMA (Ecstasy), Methamphetamine

Current efforts to address CSE

The response to CSE has been multi-faceted, with a range of legislative, law enforcement, and community-based efforts aimed at ending this exploitation of our youth. Law enforcement efforts have included increased training for officers to recognize and identify victims of CSE, as well as investigations and prosecutions of those who engage in this activity. I

Legislation aimed at targeting and punishing those who exploit children through prostitution has been passed on both the federal and state levels. Non-profit organizations have also played a key role in the efforts to address CSE, with groups offering direct services to victims, such as counseling, medical care, and transitional housing.

These organizations have also focused on prevention efforts, offering education and outreach programs to youth who may be at risk of exploitation while advocating for stronger laws to protect victims and punish perpetrators.

Collaborative community efforts have also been successful in addressing CSE in local communities by bringing together law enforcement, advocates, and service providers to work towards identifying victims, providing support services, and collaborating on prevention efforts.

Building community awareness through outreach and education has been central to these efforts, and engaging community members in identifying and reporting potential indicators of exploitation has been a crucial step in preventing this exploitation from occurring.

We cannot ignore the alarming statistics of youth at risk for commercial sexual exploitation in the United States. Raising awareness about this issue is crucial to protect vulnerable youth and prevent CSE. We can make a difference by supporting non-profit organizations, volunteering our time, and donating resources. Collaborative community efforts and advocacy can also contribute to addressing CSE.

It is essential to understand the devastating consequences of CSE, including physical and psychological harm, and its socioeconomic impact. Therefore, we must continue the fight against CSE by supporting legislative and law enforcement efforts, engaging in meaningful conversations, and spreading awareness.

By joining the fight against commercial sexual exploitation, we can raise awareness of its impact on society and support organizations working to provide survivors with the resources and services that they need to rebuild their life. Remember, every single person can make a difference.

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AprilMcAbee@April-McAbee

June 09, 2023

Christians and Muslims are uniting to stand up to LGQBT agendas in schools

Have the minority populations reached a breaking point?

Parents of all faiths and backgrounds who would typically not stand shoulder to shoulder are doing so because of what they claim is the indoctrination of their children. Indoctrination is defined as the act of indoctrinating, or teaching or inculcating a doctrine, principle, or ideology, especially one with a specific point of view.

Picture this: Christians and Muslims, people who have traditionally been seen as coming from two different corners of the ring, are uniting for a common cause. What is this cause, you may ask? LGBTQ+ issues in schools.

It's not a secret that the topic of LGBTQ+ has been a controversial one for a while now. However, with more and more schools introducing LGTBQ+ agendas into their curriculum, it has only gotten more complicated and resulted in a spike of protests.

One may wonder why this topic is important. Well, at its core, opponents believe that it is about protecting children. They claim that by introducing such sensitive issues at a young age, without the proper context and guidance of parents and teachers, children might be left feeling confused and violated.

Of course, the introduction of LGTBQ+ programs in schools also raises religious concerns. Both Islam and Christianity hold conservative views when it comes to homosexuality and other LGBTQ+ matters.

It is because of this that a lot of religious groups have come together in unity to protect their children's spiritual and mental well-being. Together, Christians and Muslims have been vocal in expressing their disapproval of the LGTBQ+ agenda being pushed into schools. They know that a united front is key to ensuring that schools do not neglect the values, beliefs, and rights of parents and their children.

One such showdown is happening right now in Ottawa where Christian and Muslim communities joined hands with concerned parents in Ottawa in opposition to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s plan to force non-binary pronouns on all students.

CHAOS & ARRESTS: Several Antifa/pro-Ottawa School Board activists have been arrested. This one landed a punch on an elderly man. Ottawa police step in and immediately make the arrest. "If you don't let us give young girls mastectomies' we'll get violent!" pic.twitter.com/PqyrSBB5Qo
— Keean Bexte (@TheRealKeean) June 9, 2023

On Tuesday, while administrators discussed the differences in opinion over the district’s LGBTQ+ policies inside a California school board meeting, a brawl broke out outside and at least three people were arrested, police said.

Parents are tired of the LGBTQ+ education in their children's schools and are fighting back, literally. Police rushed in as a large brawl ensued with parents, Antifa, far-left protesters, and counter-protestors at the LA Glendale Unified School board meeting. pic.twitter.com/Dumo8GW6I3
— Larry Dean Jones Jr. (@LarryDJonesJr) June 8, 2023

A small group among the several hundred protesters outside the Glendale Unified School Board meeting engaged in what police called “unsafe behavior” and posed “a risk to public safety.”

The school board was set to take action on a resolution proclaiming June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, according to the meeting agenda.

Dozens of parents, students, and other members of the public weighed in during the public comment session, some pushing for inclusion and respect, others expressing concern over indoctrination and grooming.

The protest outside the Glendale Unified School Board meeting has turned violent, with protesters clashing. pic.twitter.com/6aazaH6DZL
— RawNews1st (@Raw_News1st) June 7, 2023

Several punches were thrown outside within the group of protesters before police were able to separate the crowd.

Religious stance on LGBTQ+

Religious stance on LGBTQ+ Religion and sexuality have often had a tumultuous relationship, and the LGBTQ+ agenda has further incited this debate. Islam condemns homosexuality, considering it a grave sin under its law, and the punishment ranges from imprisonment to strict religious punishments. Christianity also preaches that homosexuality is a sin.

The Bible clearly mentions specific verses that state it is wrong. These two religions differ in their approach toward homosexuality. While Muslims prescribe strict punishments, some Christians advocate for repentance and reform through conversion therapy and counseling.

The LGBTQ+ agenda clashes with many religious beliefs because they say that it disrupts the creation order that God intended for humanity. The doctrines of Christianity and Islam teach that God created man and woman to be fruitful and multiply; the LGBTQ+ agenda, therefore, contradicts these religious beliefs.

The LGBTQ+ agenda promotes the idea that gender is fluid and a long-standing social construct, a notion that is alien to both religions.

The LGBTQ+ advocacy in schools has created a clash of beliefs, where school systems must respect parental and religious rights while promoting inclusion. A balance between social agendas and religious beliefs must be achieved to protect the interests of all parties concerned.

When it comes to the LGBTQ+ agenda in schools, there are many hazards that opponents say come into play. One of the most concerning issues they claim is the exposure of children to sensitive topics at a very young age.

Many believe that the idea of introducing children to various sexual orientations and gender identities before they even fully grasp the concept of sexuality itself is quite alarming.

Another concern is the content of the LGBTQ+ curriculum that is being taught in schools. Examples of the curriculum include books with graphic and sexually explicit content, which can psychologically endanger children. Furthermore, this is all being done without the consent of parents, which is a severe breach of trust on the part of the schools.

The psychological concerns for children subjected to such curriculums and disruptions in their normal lifestyles are alarming. It is widely believed that the LGBTQ+ movement negatively impacts the mental health of children and adolescents, and that it can result in an increase in illnesses due to unnatural lifestyles.

The push for kids to be exposed to such topics can be quite unnerving for some parents, as they feel hijacked over parenthood by school systems.

This is why Christians and Muslims are coming together and uniting against this agenda that has been pushed in schools.

The common theme of the LGBTQ+ movement is something that we see is strictly being objected to across both religious lines. Parents have started to protest against the LGBTQ+ curriculum and are attempting to take back control of their children's education.

This opposition to LGBTQ+ programming has been echoed by many religious leaders, as they believe that such curriculums should not be taught in schools that are supposed to be "religion-neutral". It's fairly ironic that in the name of equality, many parents are expressing a feeling of being robbed of any opportunity to protect and secure the innocence of their own children.

Islam and Christianity Unite

It's not every day you hear about two religions coming together for a common goal. But that is precisely what we are seeing from the Muslim and Christian communities.

One significant event that led to this unification was the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting. The attackers' motivations were reportedly tied to their beliefs on same-sex relationships, which initially sparked tension between the LGBTQ+ community and the Muslim community.

However, both communities banded together, recognizing that violence is never the appropriate response to hatred.

Muslim-Christian partnerships have also emerged across a range of initiatives around the world. The Sant'Egidio Community, a Catholic lay organization, has actively worked with both Christian and Muslim leaders to fight for peace between communities in Africa.

The organization has demonstrated that cooperation between communities can lead to more significant progress than competition or opposition. This partnership between the Muslim and Christian communities sends a powerful message. In an era of division, two groups are finding common ground in defending the traditional family concept that has been a fundamental part of our culture for centuries. They are standing together to defend their beliefs, families, and children.

In October of last year, at a school board meeting at which about 1,000 people gathered in Dearborn, Michigan, Muslim Arab Americans joined with Christians to ask district officials to censor books with LGBTQ+ themes was in most ways similar to hundreds of other recent book ban hearings across the US.

Speakers alleged the books “promote mental health issues” and “self harm”, while the school district and liberals were seeking to “indoctrinate children”. Gay people, they said, were “creeps and pedohiles”, and gay lifestyles were equated with zoophilia.

“American values and the American way is not child pornography,” one angry parent told the Dearborn public school board.

Arab Americans stated that they are willing to put aside conflicts with Christian conservative Americans to fight for their beliefs. Several parents who spoke with several outlets insisted the effort had nothing to do with politics and when asked why they would campaign alongside Donald Trump supporters, their answers highlighted the ability of the two political and religous sides to put their differences aside for what they see as the greater threat.

“This has nothing to do with Trump,” Hassan Anoun, a Dearborn schools parent, said, adding that he is a Republican. “We don’t want our kids to be exposed to this. These books should be banned.”

Voices against LGBTQ+ programming in schools

Ah, here we go - people have had enough! Parents all over the world, in different cultures and countries have decided that it’s about time they band together – whatever their beliefs.

They’ve decided they’ve had enough of what they think is an inappropriate agenda for schools. From the United States to the United Kingdom, from the Middle East to Africa, parents of all beliefs have been protesting against the LGTBQ+ curriculum.

From teaching children about sexual preferences to denying parental consent, the LGTBQ+ agenda has been a hot button issue in schools worldwide. Religious leaders have also raised concerns over the indoctrination of religion-neutral schools.

But it doesn't stop here. Parents have also been standing up to the LGTBQ+ community by denying their children's attendance to public events and influencers.

Political response to LGTBQ+ programs in schools

Politicians have been responding to the issue of LGBTQ+ programming in schools in various ways. While some have shown support, others have resisted these programs.

In the US, for example, Betsy DeVos, the then Education Secretary, announced that she had withdrawn federal guidance issued by the Obama administration that allowed transgender students to use bathrooms and similar facilities that corresponded with their gender identity. This decision was praised by many conservative groups.

A comparison of LGBTQ+ programming in schools across multiple countries reveals stark differences. While some countries like Canada, UK, and Sweden have integrated LGBTQ+ programming into their schools' curriculums, others such as Russia and Saudi Arabia outlaw any LGBTQ+ teaching in schools.

This reflects the varying attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community globally. Noncompliance with state laws mandating the implementation of LGBTQ+ programs in schools could lead to dire consequences. In the UK, for example, the education regulator, Ofsted, downgraded the rating of different schools that failed to implement the LGBTQ+ programs to "inadequate."

This affected the schools' reputation and funding. These political responses show that the issue of LGBTQ+ programming in schools has become a polarizing topic.

There is no doubt that the issue of LGBTQ in schools will continue to be a flashpoint for parents and community members for the foreseeable future. Can there be a compromise made that does not vilify each side for their beliefs?

Most people that I know, do not care if someone is gay, or trans. They do have an issue with kids being dragged into the mix at early ages.

Can those proponents of the LGBTQ+ agenda find a way to respect a person's deeply held religious beliefs without labeling them all evil fascists?

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