Daniel G. Cowart and Paul M. Schlesselman are charged with conspiracy, interstate unlawful transportation of an unregistered firearm, interstate transportation of a firearm with the intent to commit a felony, transporting a short-barreled shotgun across state lines without a license, unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun and threatening to kill and inflict bodily harm upon a major presidential candidate. The indictment also charges Cowart with damage to religious property and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The indictment alleges that beginning on Sept. 1, 2008, and continuing until Oct. 22, 2008, Cowart and Schlesselman conspired to engage in a killing spree of African-Americans on streets and sidewalks. The indictment also alleges that beginning on or about Sept. 1, 2008, and continuing until Oct. 22, 2008, Cowart and Schlesselman conspired to transport firearms and ammunition in interstate commerce, steal firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and transport in interstate commerce a short-barreled shotgun, all for the purpose of committing murders, robberies and burglaries.

The indictment alleges that on Oct. 20, 2008, the two unlawfully transported an unregistered short barreled shotgun across state lines, transported the shotgun and a .357 magnum caliber handgun across state lines for the purpose of committing felonies, including the racially targeted murders, and transported a short barreled shotgun across state lines without a license.

Further, the indictment alleges that on Oct. 23, 2008, Schlesselman threatened to kill and inflict bodily harm on President-elect Barack Obama, who was a presidential candidate at the time, and that Cowart threatened to kill and inflict bodily harm on then-candidate Obama, on May 16, 2008.

The indictment goes on to allege that on Oct. 21, 2008, Cowart damaged Allen Baptist Church in Brownsville, Tenn., and that Cowart used a firearm during a crime of violence.

Cowart faces a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted, and could face up to 90 years in prison. Schlesselman faces up to 60 years in prison.

Cowart and Schlesselman were previously indicted on the firearms conspiracy, firearms and threats charges on Nov. 5, 2008. The two were arrested on Oct. 22, 2008, by the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office.

An indictment is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Secret Service; the FBI; and the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Powell and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Jonathan Skrmetti.

According to historians, the planned museum site was once the largest Muslim cemetery in Palestine. Companions of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and Islamic jurists and scholars are said to be buried there. The Israeli government go-ahead for construction of the museum came only after a lengthy court battle.

An article in yesterday’s Haaretz newspaper states “The Simon Wiesenthal Center has won its day in court. But in doing so, it defeated the very tolerance, human dignity, mutual trust, and brotherhood for which the center stands. What is compassion, what is tolerance, if not the ability to reconsider one’s own actions in the light of the ways in which they may injure others?”

A letter to the Wiesenthal Center, signed by CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush, Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs (Progressive Faith Foundation), Sydney Levy (Jewish Voice for Peace), and Rabbi Haim Beliak (Jews on First) stated in part “Building a ‘Museum of Tolerance’ atop the cemetery, unlike the admirable goal of furthering tolerance and understanding, will only add to the existing pain and suffering of Palestinians and Israelis, irreversibly damage relations between Muslims and Jews worldwide and sow new feelings of animosity and division for generations to come…”

Ayloush urged that burial sites of all faiths be respected “Does Jerusalem not belong to all faiths? We all have a responsibility to promote tolerance through our actions and not just with empty slogans or names on buildings.”

Herod was the Roma n-appointed king of Judea from 37 to 4 B.C.E., who was renowned for his many monumental building projects, including the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the palace at Masada, the harbor and city of Caesarea, as well as the palatial complex at Herodium, 15 kilometers south of Jerusalem.


Mural decoration of the theatre’s loggia (Photo courtesy HUJ)
On the basis of a study of the architectural elements uncovered at the site, the researchers have been able to determine that the mausoleum, among the remains of which Herod’s sarcophagus was found, was a lavish two-story structure with a concave-conical roof, about 25 meters high – a structure fully appropriate to Herod’s status and taste. The excavations there have also yielded many fragments of two additional sarcophagi, which the researchers estimate to have been members of Herod’s family.

The mausoleum, says Prof. Ehud Netzer, director of the excavations, was deliberately destroyed by the Jewish rebels who occupied the site during the First Jewish Revolt against the Roma ns which started in about 66 C.E.

Also found in the latest excavations are the remains of an intimate theater just below and to the west of the mausoleum, with seats for some 650 to 750 spectators, and a loggia (a kind of VIP viewing and hospitality room) located at the top of the theater seats and decorated with wall paintings and plaster moldings in a style that has not been seen thus far in Israel. The style is known to have existed in Rome and Campania in Italy and is dateable between 15 and 10 B.C.E. Thus far, only one wall painting scene has been found intact, though there are traces of others in the room. .

The dating of the wall paintings makes it reasonable to assume, says Prof. Netzer, that the construction of the theater might be linked to Roma n general and politician Marcus Agrippa’s visit to Herodium in 15 B.C.E. The theater and its lavish loggia were deliberately destroyed for the creation of the conical artificial mount that constitutes the widely known popular image of the Herodium site and that apparently was built at the very end of Herod’s reign.

Prof. Netzer is convinced that Herodium would never have been built had it not been for Herod’s known determination, made at the beginning of his career, to be buried in this isolated, arid area. He undoubtedly personally chose the exact location for his mausoleum since it overlooks Jerusalem and its surroundings. This led to his decision to make the entire complex the “crowning glory” of his outstanding building career and to name it after himself.

The extensive site, which probably will not be fully excavated for many years to come, if ever, includes a huge palatial complex, the theater, and a “country club” of sorts, including a large pool, baths and gardens, in addition to Herod’s burial installations and mausoleum. The palace was the largest of its kind in the Roma n world of that time and must have attracted yearly hundreds, if not thousands, of guests, says Prof. Netzer.

A description of Herodium, as well as of Herod’s funeral procession there, can be found in the writings of the ancient Roma n-era historian, Flavius Josephus.

Prof. Netzer is hopeful that with the further findings at Herodium, there will be increased visits to the site by Israelis and tourists, and that the overall area might be converted into a national park.

Dr. Netzer’s work is the cover story of the December issue of National Geographic magazine, published in English and 31 local-language editions. In addition, a documentary film on the subject, “Herod’s Lost Tomb,” will premiere on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 9 p.m. (Eastern U.S. Time and Pacific Time) on the National Geographic Channel-US and internationally at various times in 166 countries, beginning in late November.

Two years ago, the UN General Assembly decided to convene in Geneva in 2009 the Durban Review Conference, as a follow-up to “the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance” held in Durban in September 2001. The Durban Conference of 2001 became a forum for pernicious accusations and incitement against Israel, attacks against Zionism libeling it as a form of racism, denial of the unique and special nature of the Holocaust, and a distortion of the meaning of the term anti-Semitism.

Although we had many reasons to believe that the Review Conference will be a repetition of Durban 1, Israel announced in February 2008 that it would wait for an assurance that the incitement and gross excesses of 2001 will not be repeated in the upcoming Review Conference. Since then, unfortunately, we have not seen any proof that things would be better. On the contrary - the Asian Group paper which was submitted to the Preparatory Committee contains the same language of hate which undermined the first Durban Conference. The document reproduces, almost word-by-word, the rhetoric of the Tehran Planning Meeting in 2001, a meeting which led to the Durban 1 farce. Once again extremist Arab and Muslim states wish to control the content of the conference and derail it from its original mission.

Regrettably the Asian document was compiled into the “Draft Outcome Document”, which appears now on an official UN website. In this “Draft Outcome Document” no particular country is named or singled out, except for Israel .

During recent months, we expressed the hope that the language of hatred will not repeat itself; we declared that we will not agree to the singling out of Israel , and we will object to incitement and condemnation of Israel . Despite our efforts and those of friendly countries, for whose position we are grateful, the conference appears to be heading once again towards becoming an anti-Israeli tribunal, which has nothing to do with fighting racism.

Israel is fully aware of the importance of the international fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance, and, therefore, looked forward to the success of the review conference.

The vitriolic tone and context of the “Draft Outcome Document” continue to undermine the genuine aims and objectives of the Durban Conference, and leave us no choice, but to withdraw from what, once again, will apparently become a platform for denigrating Israel .

In view of this situation, Israel will not participate and will not legitimize the Review Conference, which will be used as a platform for further anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic activity. We call upon the international community not to participate in a conference which seeks to legitimize hatred and extremism under the banner of the “fight against racism”.

In a statement reacting to the new video, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said “As Muslims and as Americans, we will never let terrorist groups or terror leaders falsely claim to represent us or our faith. The legitimate grievances of Muslims in many areas of the world can never serve as an excuse or a justification for attacks on civilian populations. We once again repudiate Al-Qaida’s actions, rhetoric and worldview and re-state our condemnation of all forms of terrorism and religious extremism.”

CAIR took particular offense to al-Zawahri’s use of the offensive term “house Negro” in reference to President-elect Barack Obama. “Islam rejects racism and seeks universal peace and brotherhood. We repudiate any and all use of racial slurs or insults.”

The Washington-based council recently welcomed the arrest of two teenagers who allegedly assaulted a New York Muslim of African heritage on Election Night after reportedly shouting ‘Obama’ and condemned a cross-burning on the lawn of an Obama supporter in New Jersey.

Overman explores fundamental questions about why our world exists and how it functions, using principles of logic, physics, and theology. In a time when religion and science are often portrayed as diametrically opposed, “A Case for the Existence of God” presents a refreshing view of the interplay between science and religion and makes a compelling case for the existence of God and his role in our world.

“Like a rare wine, Dean Overman is to be savored, not gulped. Crystal clear in his thinking and wide-ranging in his reading and discussion, he is a shining example of those who believe in thinking and think in believing.” — Os Guinness, Oxford University, author of “Long Journey Home”

“Why is there something rather than nothing? Why is the universe deeply and beautifully transparent to scientific enquiry? Dean L. Overman argues with clarity and care that theism offers the most illuminating response to such profound questions. His book will be found helpful by many thoughtful seekers after truthful understanding.” — Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, Cambridge University, author of “Belief in God in an Age of Science”, Templeton Prize recipient

The report is being submitted to the World Congress III Against Sexual Exploitation of Adolescents and Children - a major international conference taking place in Rio de Janiero, Brazil next week.

While the report found many important steps have already been taken in Canada and the U.S. to confront child sexual exploitation, notably the passage of strong laws in both countries, it also highlights gaps that must be filled.

“One of the major gaps in Canada highlighted in this report is our very weak and ineffective sex offender registry”, says Rosalind Prober, President of Beyond Borders. “If we are serious about child protection, this registry needs an immediate upgrade.”

The Canadian federal law that makes sexually exploiting a child in another country a crime punishable in Canada was found to not be adequately enforced.

“In Canada, the lack of legal action against child sex tourism is the most glaring law enforcement gap,” states the report. “While child trafficking is beginning to be recognized in Canada with several recent prosecutions, there remains significant room for further enforcement action against traffickers and commercial child sex abusers.”

According to Benjamin Perrin, Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, “Canada convicted just one of its child sex tourists in the decade after promising to crack down on them in 1996 at the First World Congress Against Sexual Exploitation of Children.”

In the U.S. commercially sexually exploited children are too often arrested instead of offered assistance and protection, because there are so few shelters equipped to care for their special needs. “Police officers are really in a bind in most cities. Girls as young as 12 years old are rescued from their pimps, but there are so few places to bring them. They end up in jail, with a criminal record. This has to stop,” says Carol Smolenski, Executive Director of ECPAT-USA.

It is a tragedy that a child who is prostituted in American almost always goes to jail for the crime that is committed against her, while her trafficker is sometimes punished and her buyer rarely faces any punishment at all,” said Shared Hope International President and Founder Linda Smith.

Other recommendations that emerged from the meeting include: creating a national plan of action in the United States, developing Child Advocacy Centers in Canada and focusing on prevention in both countries.

According to the indictment, on Dec. 28, 2007, Timothy York assaulted his prison cell-mate with intent to commit murder, by using a ligature made from his prison clothing. At the time, York was detained at Seagoville Federal Correctional Institution. The grand jury further alleged that York targeted his cell-mate, who was Jewish, because of his actual or perceived race, religion, national origin and ethnicity.

If convicted, York faces up to 30 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Jared Fishman, Trial Attorney for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Sarah Saldana, Assistant U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

The Lennon Prophecy offers a new interpretation of the hidden messages and symbols that have ornamented Beatles mythology for years and offers the view that Lennon joined historical figures such as Mississippi “Crossroads” blues guitarist Robert Johnson, Dr. Johann Faust, Pope Sylvester II among others who entered into a pact with the devil to exchange their souls for earthly successes. Niezgoda dissects and examines the Beatles’ and Lennon’s recordings and album artwork and follows a fascinating and unique trail of sorcery, mysticism, numerology, backward masking, anagrams and literary and theological writings to explain his conclusions.

The Lennon Prophecy puts forth the theory that a 20-year-old Lennon, so disillusioned with a life of sadness and disappointment where he was abandoned by his father and stricken with the death of his mother, entered into a deal with the devil to achieve fame and fortune. Niezgoda alleges that a 20-year pact began in December of 1960, shortly before a night when Beatlemania first struck audiences on December 27, 1960, when the Fab Four played at Town Hall Ballroom in Litherland, England. During that performance, as Niezgoda writes, “The Beatles evoked a response noticeably different from anything in their past.” From there, The Beatles inexplicably and immediately shot to global fame at a level never seen before or since. The 20-year pact came to its tragic conclusion on December 8, 1980, when Mark David Chapman, who testified he was possessed by demons, fulfilled the end of the contract by murdering Lennon outside of his apartment at The Dakota in New York City.

Clues foretelling the death of Lennon are revealed in album covers such as Rubber Soul, Yesterday and Today, A Collection of Beatles Oldies, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Yellow Submarine, Magical Mystery Tour, Abbey Road as well as Lennon solo albums Imagine and Walls and Bridges. Songs that also reveal the mysterious prediction of death and connections to the devil include “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “I Am The Walrus,” “Come Together,” “One After 909,” “Let It Be,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Revolution No. 9,” which Niezgoda reveals is in itself a step-by-step preview of the actual assassination. The video for the biggest hit off Lennon’s last album “(Just Like) Starting Over” also reveals an intriguing clue that brings the literary world of James Joyce into the myriad clues.

Lennon’s alleged anti-Christian behavior as well as his infamous declaration that the Beatles were “Bigger than Jesus” are also presented as evidence of a possible pact. Niezgoda also dispels the “Paul-is-Dead” mythology that theorized that the Beatles inserted clues in their songs how Paul McCartney was killed in a car crash.

A lifelong Beatles fan, collector and scholar, Niezgoda has researched John Lennon and the band for more than 25 years. He works in analog and digital music recording with an extensive background in music theory. The Lennon Prophecy will be available for purchase in December.

During a visit by a delegation led by California Congressman Leo Ryan, Jones and members of the group felt threatened by the investigation along with the fact that some of the members had requested the delegation’s help to leave the camp. As Ryan’s delegation and the defecting members were boarding planes on an air strip preparing to leave, a group from the Temple’s security forces gunned down and killed several of the passengers, including Ryan. Following the air strip shootings, Jones led over 900 members of his group in a mass suicide.

“The Jonestown massacre is one of the worst cases of abuse in any religious setting in the 20th century. What is particularly tragic is that trust was breached on a huge scale, allowing one dying man to abuse 900 by taking their lives with him,” states Peter Holmes, author of Church as a Safe Place.

In their new book, Church as a Safe Place, authors Peter R. Holmes and Susan B. Williams expose the truth about abuse in the church, challenging churches to be the safe places God has created them to be. People come to church looking for a haven from this abuse. Unfortunately, they often discover that the church isn’t so different from the rest of the world, after all.

Many ask what exactly does abuse in the church look like? Holmes and Williams contend that “abuse” includes the many different ways people mistreat each other and create an environment that makes people feel unsafe and uncomfortable. It can happen when church leaders become “Messiah figures” and misuse their power or when a church member lashes out at someone else in anger—even when portions of Scripture or the use of the phrase “It’s God’s will” are used to inflict additional pain on someone who is already suffering.

“Many aspects of the Jonestown massacre, continue to be tragic. What is still unclear is what drove these 900 people to follow their leader, to suicide. Of all things the most unthinkable is that some of these people believed in what they were doing,” co-author Dr. Susan B. Williams explains. “When people become unsafe they create unsafe environments, and before long the shared dynamic they create builds a self-perpetuating deception with the power to gently entrap many.”

Holmes adds, “Many people thought they had found paradise, following their leader to Guyana. What proved most tragic was that not all found it was paradise, so when they tried to leave found themselves trapped in a deadly cult. Human need remains the same, for us to be safe people so we can create safe places.”

Church as a Safe Place takes a comprehensive approach to confronting, resolving, and minimizing abuse in the church. Drawing from both Scripture and their many years in therapeutic church ministry, the authors have set up a framework for dealing with complaints of abuse in the church and taking steps to prevent abuse from occurring in the first place. The handbook includes many specific suggestions for handling difficult situations and covers topics ranging from the proper protocol for individual counseling sessions to the correct use of confidentiality. The authors also devote a chapter to resisting the blame culture, a natural response many feel when they begin to recognize that they have been mistreated.