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C O M M U N I T Y, Vol. 21 No. 026

City honors Volunteers

Volunteer Tyler hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Day for those who have dedicat...See VOLUNTEERS on Page 2

Repair Café: Last Call for Volunteers The Library needs those who are good with their hands! Library staff is in search of handy men and women who can repair broken things like ...See REPAIR CAFE on Page 5

Liberty Hall welcomes “The King” On Friday, July 21 at 7 p.m., the King will be in the building. Liberty Hall is proud to welcome award winning Elvis im...See LIBERTY on Page 2

East Texas Month continues

Fionn Whitehead: Dunkirk Movie: WW2 Mayhem, Miracles

PAGE 5

Eufy RoboVac II says Your Vacuuming Days Are Over

E D U C AT I O N ,

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B U S I N E S S ,

P O L I T I C S

&

You Can Have Your Smashed Avacado and House, Too

R E L I G I O N

N E W S

Complimentary Copy

July 20-27, 2017

KC Readjusts for Small Business Training

By Kelly Bell

A

fter Kilgore College (KC) Small Business Development Center (KCSBDC) Director Brad Bunt joined some other SBDC employees this spring in an exodus to another community college, KC took time to re-evaluate its focus as pertaining to small business development center outreach efforts.

“Of concern was whether the model of indirect or non-education and training service delivery was still a good fit with KC’s mission,” said KC President Dr. Brenda Kays.

This overhaul in priorities and return to being a direct provider of education and training procedures is the reason KC will be leaving the North Texas Small Business Development Center (NTSBDC) Network in September. After that point, the college will

concentrate on supplying education and training to nascent business people in Gregg, Rusk and Upshur counties.

“The college will continue to have a strong reciprocal working relationship with the NTSBDC Network, and anticipates further economic development assistance to small businesses,” said Kays.

In 1990, KC joined the NTSBDC Network in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration with the aim of providing small business training and opportunities, but during the interim the emphasis on direct education and training services has diminished.

Via its membership in the Network KC had been providing little education and only indirect services to the counties of Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk and Upshur. Only ...See KC on Page 2

Brad Bunt

LCC announces new Leadership Longview Class

On Thursday, July 20 at 7 p.m., Liberty Hall will continue its month of “East Texas Films” with a screening of director Del Shores’ Sordid Lives, an ...See EAST TEXAS on Page 3

The Longview Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the members

It’s that time of the week again.

Pet of the Week is looking for a lovely home.

Princess Sweety came in as a stray.

She is 8 years old and weighs 41lbs.

She has a long scab that runs down the middle of her back and is missing a majority of her teeth.

Princess Sweety is spayed, vaccinated, chipped and heartworm negative.

She is located at Longview Animal Care & Adoption Center 303 H.G. Mosley Pkwy.

Princess Sweety is available as part of the “Free over Three” program.

Her adoption fee is waived with an approved application.

Give a Pet a new story and adopt PRINCESS SWEETY today.

PAGE 7

selected for the upcoming Leadership Longview 2017-2018 class.

Con-

gratulations to Kimberly Adams, City of Longview; Scott Baggett, City of

Longview; Nick Bowen, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Julie Burn-

Get What You Bargain BBB Warns Consumers for When Shopping Online About East Texas Roofing Shopping online has become a normal routine for many Americans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated e-commerce sales for the first quarter of 2017 was $105.7 billion, a 4% increase from the fourth quarter of 2016. While an increasing number of consumers are turning to the internet to shop, all too often, consumers find what they received is not what they ordered.

In 2016, BBB received over 13,000 complaints against on...See SHOPPING ONLINE on Page 2

Financial Tips for Traveling Abroad Travel, especially abroad, can become very expensive, very quickly. Many of us give up the opportunity to travel because of the financial burden it may cause. Fortunately, there are strategies for traveling for less. Check out these tips on how to see the world without breaking the bank. ...See FINANCIAL TIPS on Page 3

and Construction Company BBB serving Central East Texas is alerting consumers about an East Texas roofing and construction business after several consumers filed complaints alleging the business did not complete projects, deliver materials, or refund their money.

Complainants state they paid several thousand dollars for JW Roofing and Construction in Winona to begin their project, however, all claim the work was never started and were only given excuses as to why the

work could not be done.

BBB has reached out several times to Mr. Jerry Whitley, owner of JW Roofing and Construction, however, to this date BBB has not received a response.

JW Roofing and Construction has an F rating on its BBB Business Profile which alerts consumers that the business has not responded to BBB. “It’s important to do your homework before choosing any company,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas. ...See BBB on Page 3

field, East Texas Council of Governments; Elizabeth Chappell, Longview Transit; Kristina Coolidge, Carol Coolidge Real Estate; Dustin Drueckhammer, Eastman Chemical; Colt Edwards, Texas Bank & Trust; Amy Hill, Community Healthcore; Alicia Johnson, Expectant Heart ...See LEADERSHIP on Page 2

AG Paxton Nails Collection Attorneys

Obtains $25 Million for the State of Texas in Illegal Debt Collecting Suit

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last week obtained a final judgment and permanent injunction against Samara Portfolio Management, LLC, Law Office of Joseph Onwutea...See AG PAXTON on Page 3

When should farmers retire?

By Wyatt Fraas Retirement from a farm business may not mean moving away or giving up on mentoring the next gen...See FARMERS on Page 5

An d m y G o d w i l l m e e t a l l y o u r n e e d s a c c o r d i n g t o t h e r i c h e s o f h i s g l o r y i n C h r i s t J e s u s . P h i l i p p i a n s 4 : 1 9 N I V

2

Local News

KC Readjusts for Small Business Training ...From Page 1

three of these counties are within KC›s service area. The college will still be offering education courses and business software classes in support of entrepreneurs and local small business development.

“Business Plan Development, Securing Start-Up Funding, Sales and Marketing; Navigating Legal Issues; Utilizing Social Media, E-Commerce and QuickBooks are just a few of the topics covered in courses developed to support entrepreneurs and small business development,” said KC Executive Dean Dr. Julie Fowler.

The NTSBDC Network will still be maintaining counseling services and outreach throughout East Texas.

“The North Texas SBDC Network is still very committed to maintaining close relationships and continuing to offer entrepreneurial assistance to small businesses in the market area,” said NTSBDC Network Executive Director Mark Langford. “The many community

stakeholders and partners offer great support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in East Texas.”

Former executive director of the KCSBDC Brad Bunt and his team are working in cooperation with the North Texas SBDC. “My greatest joy has been working with the entrepreneurs and business owners of East Texas,” he said. “Our SBDC created real economic impact for the thousands of people we worked with over the years.”

Bunt also points out how the KC center was recognized as Texas› SBDC of the Year six times, and as best nationally three times by the American SBDC. Bunt and his team trained more than 4500 people on how to start and operate businesses in East Texas, and many of these are still in profitable operation 27 years later.

“This is what brings a smile to my face, and our staff was always dedicated to going the extra mile to help them succeed. Best of all, we are proud of the jobs we created.”

City honors Volunteers

...From Page 1

ed time to serving as City volunteers.

Volunteers were recognized by Mayor Heines in the City Council meeting and the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award was announced. This year’s Volunteer of the Year was awarded to David Lee, Jr., who has volunteered at the Tyler Public Library in the Resources Division for the past year.

Other volunteers were honored with Top Star

awards. Russell Korbol, Margie Johnson, and William Etuk are Top Stars for being the top three volunteers with the most hours.

The City has more than 350 volunteers serving in 31 different departments and facilities throughout the organization. Volunteer Tyler encourages participants to use their talents and skills to make our community a better place to live, work and visit. Volunteer opportunities include clerical work, special event

assistance, database entry and maintenance, filing and more. This program aids the City’s mission for full transparency in local government by providing citizens the opportunity to take part in a department’s daily activities and events.

Volunteer efforts help City staff to better respond to the needs of Tyler’s citizens and visitors, ensuring the City provides the most efficient and quality services to the community.

“Last year alone, our volunteers collectively gave 7,237 hours of their time to the City of Tyler,” said Volunteer Tyler Coordinator Yolanda Prince. “That means the City was able to save $101,138 by utilizing volunteers through our program. We [the City] couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers.”

For more information on Volunteer Tyler, please contact Yolanda Prince at (903) 531-1100 or yprince@tylertexas.com.

July 20-27, 2017

Get What You Bargain for When Shopping Online

...From Page 1

line retailers from consumers. BBB urges consumers to shop smart by taking your time to understand all of the retailer’s policies before clicking the checkout button.

“It’s because shopping online is quick and convenient that an increasing number of consumers are swindled by dishonest merchants,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas. “That’s why it’s important to make sure you only shop on secure, legitimate websites.”

BBB urges online shoppers to be savvy with the following tips: Know the advertiser.

Check out the retailer’s Business Profile at bbb. org before shopping. Some of the best deals are only available online, but make sure you are shopping with a company who has a good track record.

Check a site’s security

settings. If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with https:// and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page.

Shop savvy. When shopping online, take your time and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for a return policy; although many online orders can be returned for a full refund, some may have restocking fees. Know before you buy.

Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If a site doesn’t have a privacy policy, you have no way of knowing what they will do with your personal information.

Shop with a credit card.

In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections and allows you to

Liberty Hall welcomes “The King” ...From Page 1

personator, Travis Powell, to the stage in One Night with Elvis.

The show will feature Powell with band Spinout performing songs from the 1968 Comeback Special, as well as Presley’s hits of the 1970’s.

“Elvis was one of the greatest entertainers ever,” said Powell. “Audience members should expect to have fun and go back in time to the 70’s. The audience is going to get the closest tribute that I can give to them, one that is worth watching.”

Powell began as a tribute artist in 2012 when he competed in his first “Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.” In 2013, he was crowned the grand champion in the “Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” in Memphis. That same year, he was awarded grand champion at the “Lake George Elvis Festival.” He was also the champion of the “2016 Tribute to the King” contest.

Special guest opening performers will be the all-female doo-wop group, Shake, Rattle, & Roll.

For information and tickets to the show, contact Steve Fountain at (832) 312-0074 or email stevemdxelvis@ gmail.com. The show will begin at 7 pm.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsoring an event or renting The City of Tyler’s Liberty Hall, go to www.LibertyTyler.com, or call Interim Manager John Baggett at (903) 595-7274.

The mission of Liberty Hall is to create an exciting arts and entertainment experience that will integrate the arts into the downtown’s social, economic and community fabric by providing diverse opportunities for entertainment, through film, theater, comedy and music.

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dispute any unauthorized charges. Debit cards, prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card.

Keep documentation of your order. Save a copy of the confirmation page or email confirmation until you receive the item and are satisfied.

Keep a clean machine.

Being on unfamiliar sites can lead to malware or viruses being downloaded on to your computer. Make sure you have the most up to date firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

Check for and install the latest updates and run virus scans regularly on your computer, tablet and smart phone.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call the BBB Hotline: 903-5818373 or report it via BBB ScamTracker.

LCC announces new Leadership Longview Class ...From Page 1

Pregnancy Resource Center; Mike Johnson, Coldwell Banker Lenhart; Lee’ah Joseph, Southside Bank; Sabrina Lang, Community Healthcore; Shellie Littlejohn, Eastman Credit Union; Polly Maines, HeartsWay Hospice; Roberto Monsivais, Citizens National Bank; John O’Pry, Eastman Chemical; Roy Palacio, Rusk County Adult Probation; Ryan Small, Guaranty Bank & Trust; David Stanley, Winn Professional Engineers and Constructors; Magan Tyler, TeamAptitude.

L e a d e r s h i p Longview, a program of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 36th year in 2017-2018. To learn more about the Leadership Longview program, contact Dave Jochum at 903.237.4000 or djochum@longviewtx. com or go to www.

L ong vie wC hamb er. com.

July 20-27, June 22-29, 2017 2017

Local News

Financial Tips for Traveling Abroad

East Texas Month continues

Sordid Lives was adapted for the screen ...From Page 1 off-color comedy about and directed by Del country, convert some cash at your local white trash.

Shores, based on his play bank before you leave. Keep in mind that When Peggy Ingram Get the best exchange rate. of the same name. The you should: (Gloria LeRoy) trips series was also continThere are three ways to exchange Compare bank exchange rates to get the over her lover G.W.’s ued as a TV series for currency: converting cash at a bank before best currency conversion.

(Beau Bridges) wood- the Logo channel. Most your trip, using a currency exchange Watch out for fees and make sure to en leg in a motel room recently, a sequel, A Very service like the ones in airports, or simply inquire about extra charges before agreeing and hits her head on the Sordid Wedding, has using a credit card, in which case your to a conversion rate. sink, her death sends the been completed and will money is converted automatically with a Convert just the right amount. Get small town of Winters, screen at Liberty Hall on purchase. enough cash to comfortably cover your Texas into an uproar. As Saturday, July 22, as part According to an exchange rate study initial expenses but not more than you feel the family prepares for of “A Very Sordid Weekconducted by Card Hub, international comfortable carrying. the funeral, several crises end.” travelers can save up to 15 percent by using Consider these tips. arise. Peggy’s daughter a credit card. More specifically, major Please note that this Regardless of which debit or credit Latrelle (Bonnie Bedeworldwide credit networks automatically card you use while traveling overseas, it›s film was rated R and is lia) wants to prevent her provide the best exchange rates possible recommended for maimportant to take these precautions: The house was packed with Longview residents eager to get to know more about Islam and the Islamic center mother from being bur— currently 14.7 percent better than the ture audiences.

Call your issuer before leaving. ied in a mink stole in the currency exchange companies that operate Make sure to notify your bank of the exact Tickets are available at summer, her sister Sissy out of airports and 7.9 percent better than countries and territories where you›ll www.LibertyTyler.com.

(Beth Grant) is desperate The prices for this film the average major bank. be traveling as well as the dates you’ll to stop smoking, and her are $5 online and $7 at Get a no-foreign-fee credit card. be abroad to prevent your cards being brother, “Brother Boy” the door.

Over 90 percent of all credit card issuers suspended for suspicion of fraud.

(Leslie Jordan), has been charge foreign usage fees, which inflate For more information Avoid dynamic currency conversion. locked in a mental in- about upcoming events, the cost of any transaction processed Merchants may offer to convert the price stitution for 23 years for sponsoring an event or outside the United States. No-foreign- of a purchase from the local currency into cross-dressing. Latrelle’s renting The City of Tytransaction-fee credit cards are perfectly U.S. dollars, but some merchants push son, Ty (Kirk Geiger), ler’s Liberty Hall, go to suited to overseas spending. Follow these dynamic currency conversion in order is also mentally prepar- www.LibertyTyler.com, guidelines to use no-foreign-fee cards to to apply an unfavorable exchange rate to ing to come home, after or call Interim Managtheir full advantage: a transaction and increase their profits. leaving for West Holly- er John Baggett at (903) Get your card before booking flights, Avoid that by only signing bills and wood to become an ac- 595-7274. hotels and activities. Foreign fees apply receipts expressed in the local currency. tor. And there is the small to purchases made through foreign- Use a smartphone for currency conversion The mission of Liberty matter of G.W. ’ s wife based companies whether you are outside on the go.

Hall is to create an excitNoleta (Delta Burke), ing arts and entertainthe U.S. or not. Make sure your credit Check if your trip is covered. Travel who is just a little upset ment experience that will card issuer does not charge these types insurance can be a great way to reduce about her husband hav- integrate the arts into of international fees before you book any unexpected expenses when you travel ing an affair with the the downtown’s social, your trip to avoid surprises on your abroad. Between lost luggage and missed recently deceased. The economic and commustatement. connections, travel can present many film also stars Olivia nity fabric by providing Check to see how much coverage your financial risks. Travel insurance can help Newton-John as Bitsy diverse opportunities for credit card includes, remembering that put your mind at ease.

Mae Harling, who also entertainment, through most companies do not provide worldwide Overseas travel can be expensive, but it’s sings the films theme film, theater, comedy coverage. possible to minimize costs with discipline Tariq Bashir and daughter Amna Tariq Tayseer Ali, Rehan Tariq, Fahad Noman, Anwar Khalifa, Zain Khen, Saad Noman song.

Withdraw cash before you leave. and music. and careful planning. Looking for more If you›d rather not worry about finding travel tips? Consider these Five Ways to an ATM as soon as you arrive in a foreign Save on an Overseas Trip. ...From Page 1

LONGVIEW: Muslims Seek Peaceful Co-Existence

From Page 1 “I believe in live and let live,” said McLeroy. “Let them worship the way they want. They don’t bother anyone.”

Bashir says some Muslims do give Islam a bad name.

“We call these people extremists,” he said. “ We want peace. Everyone wants peace. The people who disrupt peace in the name of Islam are not Muslims.”

Bashir reports his congregation is building an open-to-the-public basketball goal. Anyone can use ...From Page 1 it. The goal of the Center is to reach the community, “It’s even more so they invited theimportant public to to do sohouse. when the cost of the open the service is “Weproduct want theorcommunity considerable of toa know who weamount are,” he

said. “We are humans, and we have the same blood flowing in our veins. We respect every religion, and we want to tell the community who we are.”

The mosque has emerald green and creme-colored carpets imported from Turkey. They are there because nobody is permitted to wear shoes in the main mosque where prayers are spoken and worshippers listen to the Imam.

In addition, the event included a question-and-answer session(see separate stor y).

Guest Jean Wheatfall was ting corners mayopen not impressed withorthe understand your work house. requirements.

“It was very informative [I’m] surprised,” she • Getquite it in writing.

Always said.

I can in saywriting is we get“All estimates need understand each andtonever let any work

3

AG Paxton Nails Collection Attorneys ...From Page 1

ka, P.C., and Joseph O. Onwuteaka, for violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices—Consumer Protection Act (DTPA), Texas Debt Collection Act and the Identity Theft Protection and Enforcement Act (ITPA).

The defendants violated the DTPA by filing 898 consumer debt collection cases in Harris County against debtor-defendants who neither signed the underlying loan contract in Harris County or lived in Harris County at the time they were sued. In violation of the ITPA, defendants also failed to implement reasonable procedures to protect sensitive personal information in 123 of the lawsuits by filing unredacted social security numbers and driver’s license numbers.

Furthermore, defendants violated the Texas Debt Collection Act by attempting to collect on 63 motor vehicle debts without a license. The jury awarded civil penalties of $25,165,500 and attorneys’ fees of $559,231.30. Assistant Attorneys General Rick Berlin and Stephanie Eberhardt represented the State of Texas.

The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division receives and reviews complaints submitted to the office by consumers. While the attorney general is prohibited from representing such individuals, these complaints are used by the office to help shape priorities and identify issues affecting Texans. Consumers can file complaints by visiting: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/file-a-consumer-complaint

other. I enjoyed it all” Another guest, Gail Cochrane, lived in Washington for 25 years, and is shocked by the racism prevalent in Longview.

“There is so much ignorance about other people and cultures,” she said. “We need to do more of this.”

The packed house was delighted by the sumptuous cuisine the hosts provided. There were both Far Eastern and homespun American offerings. Many carried heaping plates home with them.

Most important of all, it ended as an evening of not throw your contract genuine fellowship.

Guests awayarmed after thewith project is were true completed.of Keep for knowledge Islam;it not what news punditsor tend to future reference if any feed their audience for ratquestions arise after the ings. work is complete.

BBB Warns Consumers About East Texas Roofing and Construction Company

money.”

When considering hiring a contractor, BBB offers the following tips: • Check out the business.

Go to bbb.org for business profiles that contain customer reviews and complaint details.

• Ask for multiple quotes.

You should always shop around and get at least three quotes from different businesses. Make sure all bids consider the same set of criteria.

Remember, the lowest bid may not necessariOfficer John Rolls was at bid; if one ly on be duty the best thebid opening is significantly lower than the others are, the contractor may be cut-

begin without a written and signed contract. Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready and make sure you read and understand everything before signing.

• Arrange a payment schedule. Never pay in full up front. The rule of thirds is great to use: a third up front, a third in the middle and a third when the project is complete.

• Get a receipt. Request a receipt marked “Paid in Full” when the job is completed and your final payment is made.

• Keep your contract. Do

• Think about future service issues. Make sure you are aware of your warranty coverage and how to deal with service issues.

BBB serving Central East Texas fosters a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising and by investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses. Please go to bbb.org or call 903-5815704 24 hours a day for information on businesses throughout North America. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, go to BBB Scam Tracker.

Vision Services Optometry & Optical

Wellness Pointe accepts most medical and dental insurance plans, CHIP, Medicaid, and Medicare. Affordable payment options are available for qualified patients.

Walk-ins and new patients are welcome at all locations!

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4

Opinion

July 20-27, 2017

Camera-Shy Cops Have No Legal Recourse

By Jacob Sullum

Last month former FBI Director James Comey said he was relieved to hear there might be “tapes” of his conversations with Donald Trump, since the audio record would confirm his account of those interactions. Last year Comey was less keen on recordings of law enforcement officials, worrying that “viral videos” of police encourage a dangerous passivity that may contribute to rising homicide rates.

Those dueling reactions reflect the dual potential of ubiquitous recording technology, which can expose bad behavior or exonerate cops falsely accused of it. Police across the country will have to adjust to the reality that any citizen with a smartphone can record them when they are on duty, because there is nothing they can legally do to stop it, as a federal appeals court confirmed last week.

The decision, established by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, involved two incidents in which Philadelphia police officers forcibly interfered with people who were trying to record them. Such harassment, which often involves phone confiscation and trumped-up criminal charges, is sadly common, even though every federal appeals court to consider the issue has said it violates the First Amendment.

In 2012, Amanda Geraci, a member of a police watchdog group, was observing an anti-fracking protest at the Philadelphia Convention Center when she tried to record an arrest. As the 3rd Circuit describes it, “An officer abruptly pushed Geraci and pinned her against a pillar for one to three minutes, which prevented her from observing or recording the arrest.”

In 2013, Richard Fields, then a Temple University soph-

omore, was standing on a sidewalk when he noticed cops breaking up a house party. After he took a picture and refused to leave the area, the police grabbed his phone and cited him for obstructing a public passage.

After Geraci and Fields sued the cops and the city, the defendants did not challenge their claim that the First Amendment protects the right to record police in public places.

That would have been hard to do, since the Philadelphia Police Department has officially acknowledged as much since 2011.

Instead the officers argued that they should be immune from liability because the right to record the police was not “clearly established” when they violated it. U.S. District Judge Mark Kearney gave them a victory they were not seeking, saying what Geraci and Fields were trying to do was not sufficiently “expressive” to be protected by the First Amendment.

According to the 3rd Circuit, Kearney missed the point.

“This case is not about whether Plaintiffs expressed themselves through conduct,” the appeals court says. “It is whether they have a First Amendment right of access to information about how our public servants operate in public....Recording police activity in public falls squarely within the First Amendment right of access to information.”

The appeals court nevertheless concludes that the law was not clear enough on this point in 2012 or 2013 to hold the officers responsible for violating it. As Judge Richard Nygaard notes in his partial dissent, that aspect of the ruling is hard to swallow.

When the cops roughed up Geraci and detained Fields, four circuit courts had already ruled that recording police is protected by the First Amendment. Even more tellingly,

Nygaard notes, “the Police Department’s official policies explicitly recognized this First Amendment right well before the incidents under review here took place.”

The department’s rule against interfering with recordings, established in 2011, was reiterated in 2012, when “the Department mandated that a sergeant read it at every roll call.” Nygaard notes that “each police officer also received a copy of the Directive and was required to sign that they received it.”

Given this background, it’s hard to believe the cops who assaulted Geraci and stole Fields’ phone did not realize their actions were illegal. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for the people cops arrest, and it should not protect police when they violate our constitutional rights.

Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @jacobsullum. To find out more about Jacob Sullum and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists.

The 16 Things You Must Believe If the ‘Witch Hunt’ Accusation Is True

By Mona Charen One column cannot accommodate the list of things you must believe if you trust that Donald Trump is truly the victim of a baseless witch hunt. Consider this a mere stab.

1) Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner did nothing wrong by meeting with a Kremlin-connected Russian offering dirt on Hillary Clinton. The emails requesting the meeting specifically mentioned a “Russian government attorney” and added that the requested meeting concerned “very high level and sensitive information” ... that “is part of Russia and its government’s

support for Mr. Trump.”

That doesn’t prove a willingness to collude.

2) Concern about Paul Manafort’s extensive links with Vladimir Putin’s former puppet in Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, including at least $12.7 million in payments, is, to quote Manafort’s words, “silly and nonsensical.”

3) That Jared Kushner’s attempt, during the transition, to secure a back channel with the Russian government using their secure communications equipment in the Russian embassy was not alarming/inexplicable.

4) That Donald Trump’s stubborn refusal ever to breathe a critical word about

Vladimir Putin, even as he has freely criticized U.S. allies, or acknowledge Russian meddling in our election, is not strange.

5) That Michael Flynn’s firing after less than a month on the job was really just because he had misled Mike Pence.

6) That Donald Trump’s pressure on James Comey to go soft on Michael Flynn was purely a measure of loyalty and friendship from a person who has rarely shown those traits before.

7) That Comey’s firing, at least according to evolving White House accounts, was due to his mishandling of the Clinton file — no, wait. It was due to poor management of the FBI, which was suffering from low morale — uh, no. It was because of two factual errors Comey made in congressional testimony. Finally, that it was really over the “Russia thing” — but only because Trump was an innocent man frustrated by Comey’s unwillingness to clear him publicly.

8) That it was irrelevant

that Trump told the Russian ambassador and foreign minister in the Oval Office the day after Comey’s sacking that the FBI director was a “nut job” whose removal had relieved “great pressure because of Russia. That’s taken off.”

9) It’s pure coincidence that one of the only foreign policy advisers on the Trump campaign was Carter Page, who was under FBI investigation for Russia ties. In Moscow, he gave a speech denouncing U.S. policy, saying, “Washington and other Western capitals have impeded potential progress through their often hypocritical focus on ideas such as democratization, inequality, corruption and regime change.” Anti-anti-corruption isn’t disturbing.

10) That White House objections to sanctions against Russia, which passed the Senate 98-2, are purely procedural.

11) That former Manafort partner and Trump surrogate Roger Stone, who boasted about links to WikiLeaks founder and America-hater

Julian Assange, and accurately predicted in August 2016 that John Podesta would be next “in the barrel,” was just lucky.

12) That statements by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. about Russian financial ties are not revealing. Golf writer James Dodson quoted Eric as explaining in 2014 how the Trump organization was able to get financing for various golf courses even after the Great Recession. “Well, we don’t rely on American banks. We have all the funding we need out of Russia.

We’ve got some guys that really, really love golf, and they’re really invested in our programs. We just go there all the time.” Donald Trump Jr., who also traveled to Russia frequently, spoke at a 2008 real estate conference and noted that “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.” When Donald Trump stated, “I have zero investments in Russia,” he did not say that Russia had

zero investments in him, but we should believe his other claim, “I have nothing to do with Russia.”

13) That President Trump’s failure to release his tax returns, despite repeated promises to do so, is because he is under audit.

14) That it’s unremarkable that presidential spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders refuses to say whether Russia is an adversary, a friend or a nation about whom we should be wary.

15) That Donald Trump is the first president since 1949 to cast doubt on America’s commitment to NATO, but this is overdue and good for the U.S. 16) That Donald Trump’s obsessive attacks on “fake news” are not an attempt to inoculate himself against future revelations but just good old-fashioned rightwing hatred of liberals.

Mona Charen is a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists.

1984 at the Grocery Store Amazon is buying Whole Foods, and that’s bad news for humans.

By Jim Hightower Wall Street analysts tell us that Amazon’s $14 billion buyout of Whole Foods isn’t only a win-win for both of them, but also for consumers, for Amazon intends to lower the organic grocer’s prices.

Really? Yes, they say, because Amazon will use its amazing computer-driven tactics to cut Whole Foods’ cost of selling groceries.

But Amazon’s robotic “efficiency” is achieved by cutting people.

It ruthlessly squeezes suppliers, for example, demanding that they give bankruptcy-level wholesale prices to the retail colossus.

That means that small organic

farmers and food artisans are destined to be squeezed out of Whole Foods, displaced by deep-pocket, global food makers who are willing to cut corners on quality and the environment in order to get on Amazon’s new grocery shelves.

Next on the chopping block is Whole Foods’ helpful and friendly work force.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO, doesn’t view workers as assets, but as costs. So to jack up the grocery chain’s profits, he’ll cut those “costs” — aka, people.

He’s already testing a store concept that has no cashiers to interfere with your shopping “experience.” It uses computer sensors to take your money electronically, instead of paying bothersome humans to do the job of

checking you out and — God forbid — conversing with you.

Oh, another plus of connecting us to the corporate computers is that they’ll track and record our every move and every purchase, building a detailed personal profile on each of us in order to… well, to do what? And why?

According to the calendar, we’re living in 2017. But the Brave New Future of Amazon’s electronic, robotic Whole Foods Market tells us we’re living in the corporatized version of 1984, where human needs for jobs and personal relationships are subverted to the corporate love of automation and avaricious profits.

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Business

July 20-27, 2017

Repair Café: Last Call for Volunteers

A Robot Vacuum That Really Works – and It’s Inexpensive

...From Page 1

household objects and small appliances. To encourage people to repair their household items, a new initiative called Repair Café is coming to the Library and needs volunteers for July 22 and 23. A Repair Café is a place where people come together to learn how to repair household items from those who are knowledgeable.

When items are repaired instead of thrown away and replaced, the need for new products to continuously be remade from raw products lessens.

“Too often people throw away items that only have one small defect and go out and buy it again brand new,” says, Connie Greer, access librarian.

The Library is looking for volunteers with the following skills: small engine repair, carpentry, small appliance repair, jewelry, sewing, electrical, IT devices, toys or bicycles.

Volunteers must bring their own tools and have completed volunteer orientation.

For more information, contact Connie Greer, access librarian, at cgreer@tylertexas.com or Yolanda Prince, volunteer coordinator, at VolunteerTyler@tylertexas.com.

Potential volunteers may also visit VolunteerTyler.com to get started!

When should farmers retire?

5

By Mary Hunt Vacuuming sucks. My idea of giving our adult sons robot vacuums for Christmas one year was intended to rid them of that odious chore.

What a disappointment. Both robots got thrown out after only a few months because they were ridiculously noisy, needed constant supervision and were more trouble than they were worth. They just couldn’t do their job.

But that was then, and this is now. There’s a new robot vacuum in town, and it is the Eufy RoboVac 11 (www.everydaycheapskate.com/robovac), brought to you by the same folks who make my beloved Eufy Stick Vac. This robot has renewed my faith in robotic vacuuming — it’s possible and amazing.

Not only is the RoboVac 11 extremely quiet; it works on hardwood floors and low-pile carpet (although it’s not suitable for very dark hardwood). It’s programmable, and it has multiple functions and a killer battery that offers at least an hour of runtime on maximum cleaning which I use it on carpet.

I’ve run it every day since I got it. The amount of dirt, dust and hair it picks up every day freaks me out a little. RoboVac 11 easily navigates over area rugs and isn’t even fazed by tassels or electrical cords.

And this little thing is so smart it knows when it needs to be recharged and most of the time takes itself home to the charging dock for a refill. He is only 3.1 inches tall, which means he can go under furniture and beds.

We call him Guffy.

One of my staff members got

a Eufy RoboVac 11 about the same time that I did. You can be sure that we’ve been comparing notes. Before you read his review, let me tell you that Max is not easily impressed. He has high standards and is intolerant of products that promise but cannot deliver.

He said: “As a homeowner with four cats, my vacuum and myself have a very intimate relationship. I used to spend 30-40 minutes every day vacuuming up stray kitty litter, cat hair, and who knows what else.

“I’ve always wanted a Roomba to help me with this process, but with them costing up to $900 for the higher end models it was just out of my price range.

I’m also an avid tech-nerd so when I saw that Eufy (an offshoot of Anker, which is known for high-end mobile charging accessories) was releasing its

...From Page 1

eration, but it does entail transferring management decisions to someone else. It can be a gradual or sudden process. It may be driven by longterm goals, by sudden health issues, or events outside your family.

When should farmers retire? The answer is related to choices and goals, and can happen at any time. While many can’t imagine doing anything else except farming, their families may have other ideas and want to share more time with them. Discussions with your family can help design the retirement process.

Allan Nation, of Stockman Grassfarmer magazine, observed that a farmer or rancher is at his peak combination of labor, innovation, and management skills at age 50.

To maintain or grow the farm business after 50 can require an additional infusion of labor and maybe of innovation. That often means a young partner with energy and new ideas.

Such a partnership process can greatly improve the income of the business, which may be the means to fund retirement savings after a lifetime of investing in farm assets.

A farmer can look for someone to work into the business at any time, but a planned process will take several years of testing the relationship, training to the uniqueness of the business, and a gradual shifting of management. A five-year time frame can work well to ensure a smooth transition and to demonstrate steady progress to the new farmer. Add ample time for readying the business framework and selecting the best candidate.

The Center for Rural Affairs has resources for retiring and beginning farmers at www.cfra.org/beginning-farmer-rancher.

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

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own robot vacuum (just over $200), I bit the bullet.

“All I can say is WOW. I wish I had this little guy years ago.

Honestly, it has completely changed my life. I value my time immensely. I also have back issues so vacuuming wasn’t the most pleasant experience. Instead of three and a half hours a week of vacuuming upstairs, I spend maybe 10-15 minutes emptying out the RoboVac 11 storage bin, cleaning the filters, and puling any stuck hairs on the brushes. Billy (yes I named it) also gets to places where I can’t, but cats can, like under the bed and sofas. I don’t really understand the method to his madness and navigation but he cleans my entire upstairs (four bedrooms) and gets EVERYTHING including edges of walls and around baseboards - areas I tend to frequently miss.

“When Billy’s done making my house look magical, he wanders his way back to the base station and gets himself juiced up to clean the next day at his scheduled time. I just may get another RoboVac 11 for downstairs — or maybe a whole army of Billy’s!”

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740.

6 6 Gospel Spotlight Gospel Spotlight What Can We Learn From Suffering?

DON’T Why Is Doing What is 6GIVE Help Gospel Spotlight Right June 22-29, 2017

Help When When You UP! Help YouNeed

By Michael A. Guido, D.D. It The Most

Why Is Doing What is Right Always Best?

(Part(Part 1 of 2)1 of Always Best?

July 22-29, 20-27, 2017 June 2017

June 22-29, 2017 fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4).

Even the “We learn that even can though something bad young Psalm 23 speaks of the

By Carey Kinsolving overcome the may happen, in the end, Lord leading his people in Psalm 23 speaks of the

By Carey Kinsolving paths of righteousness. A something good will hap- fear of death.

“When you have a baby Lord leading his people in biblical proverb promises sister, sometimes you pen,”andsays Elizabeth, 9. Nicole, 11, tells paths of righteousness. A that the Lord will direct “When trick her,cousin’s thenyou God have will nota baby “My parents got how a 6-yearbiblical proverb promises the paths of those who aclike that,” and says Victoria, 8. sister, sometimes you old girl named divorced, but it turned knowledge him in all their that the Lord will direct Baby her, sisters trick thenseem God towill not ways (Proverbs 3:6).

Psalm 23 of the By radar Carey Sidney died have forKinsolving discovering out to be kind of a good the paths of speaks those who aclike that,” says Victoria, 8.

Doing good or evil begins Lord leading his people in they’ve been duped — at of a brain tuthing because she got to knowledge him in all their with the decisions we make. sisters seem to leastBaby my baby sister did. paths of righteousness.

A you a baby mor with grace get“When a kitten. ”forhave Paths, the directions ways we (Proverbs 3:6).

Parents also possess this have radar discovering biblical proverb promises sister, and sometimes you travel in life, start with pathWell, even cat 8,lovers same radar, as Katelyn, Doing good or evil begins they’ve been duped — at and courage. that the Lord will direct ways in the brain. Whatevtrick her, then God will not can testify: “I was faking “One night will agree that a kitten with the decisions we make. least my babyVictoria, sister er we fix our minds onthe will paths of those who acsick, and I got says grounded for did. like that,” 8. they knew she is no substitute for lovPaths, the him directions we influence our brain’s pathParents this three weeks.also I got possess in trouknowledge in all their Baby sisters seem to wasn’t going to ways and our life’s paths. ing, responsible parents, travel in life, start with pathble with my dad, and that’s same radar, as discovering Katelyn, 8, ways (Proverbs 3:6). have radar for The results of a 17-year bad.” make it.

EveryElizabeth.

But I’m glad ways in the brain.

Doing good or evilWhatevbegins can testify: “Iduped was faking study in the journal Science they’ve beenlife at Katelyn, your will be —has body gathered er wethe fixdecisions our minds on will this new feline friend with we make. sick, and I got grounded for reported that 5.7 percent of least more my peaceful baby sister much and did. influence our brain’s patharound her.

All comforted your cousin. youths who watched Paths, less the directions we three Ipossess got in troufun if youweeks. do the right thing.

Parents also this than one hour of television ways and ourbecome life’swith paths. of a sudden, a big smile three weeks.” so easy to proud Grandma left Olivia, 7, Take a tip from Keeleigh, travel in life, start pathble with my dad, and that’s same radar, as Katelyn, 8, a day committed aggres11: “Ifincredible you do right all the legThe results of a 17-year covered Sidney’s face and Of course, it all deand self-sufficient.

Sufferways in the brain.

Whatevan spiritual bad.” can testify: “I was faking sive acts against others in time, you won’t get in trouin journal Science er fixthe our minds on real will what football ing us into the acy inwon’t a simple act ofwill faith years. Thatstudy fig-webrings Katelyn, your lifeat, be then she died. Her mom pends onsubsequent sick, I get got grounded for ble, youand fussed influence our 5.7 brain’s pathreported that percent of uretalking jumped to 22.5 percent about. world where only God is onyouher deathbed. three weeks.

I gotfun.in “My trouand will have more much more peaceful and said that Jesus was com- game we’re for thoseI who watched one ways and our life’s paths. youths who watched less That means you will make ing to take her to heaven.”

Living in Texas, can unself-sufficient, and we are great-grandma knew she ble if with dad,right and thing. that’s fun youmy do the time for children: Good or bad? to three hours a day and God happy and have a bet- Too much television Theone results a 17-year hour of television bad.”

Suffering can teach you derstand how this might than totally dependent upon was dying and she wanted Take a tip from Keeleigh, who ter relationship with Him.” real life, the “fun” ended few it’ll be grief/ To the law 28.8 percent for those study in the journal Science a day committed aggresKatelyn, your life will be “to think about how you happen, especially if your him. watched more than three to die with her glasses on 11: “If you do right all the Doing the right thing when Bonnie Parker and a relief/ But it’s death for reported 5.7 percent of a day. siveMemorize acts that against others in much more peaceful and can do better time,” drove into next Bonnie and Clyde.” and fun may sound friend is hours a Washington this truth: so having sheyou could see in Barrow time, won’t getJesus in Clyde trouyouths who watched less Think about this: You You don’t have to be a a hail of bullets fired by contradictory, but the Bible fun if you do the right thing. subsequent years.

That fig“Though He was a Son, heaven.

We put glassble, you won’t gether fussed at, says Robbie, 11. “If you Redskin fan. than one hour of television lawmen waiting in ambush bank robber to know that are what you think. Parents calls thisa fun state “blessTake tip from Keeleigh, ure jumped to 22.5 percent are getting a bad grade, Holding grudges reyet He learned obedience es on. ” and you will have more fun. a ed.” Many people think fun along a tree-lined Louisiana the Bible says, “The wages who consider television aforday committed aggres11: “If you do right all the who watched one babysitter you can study of and a duces to a small, pet- should by those the things which He That youbreak will make I means doubt seriously road. sin get is death.”

We’ve you all benign comes when they sive acts against others in time, you won’t get in trouthink again.

Children are Too much television time for children: Good or bad? to three hours a day and Shortlybetter before grade.” her death, earned those wages.

Many Instead, forgive rules.

Many movies God happy and depict have needa betty person. suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). whether Grandma subsequent years.

That figvulnerable to the strangble, you won’t get fussed at, Parker gave a poem times, the second part of lawless people having all Bonnie percent those who ter relationship with Him.” real life, the it’ll have be grief/ the law 28.8 Robbie, this“fun” wiseended ob- few as you beenTo forgiven. thistofor question: Is edfun. her glasses when she ureAsk jumped 22.5 percent her mother, which proved that scripture is not quot- ers who invade your home the and you will have moretofun. watched more than three Doing the right thing it’s death for Doing when Bonnie and through television. servation will help offense you will ever God trying teach you saw Jesus heaven. for those whoto watched one ed: “butyou the giftaNo ofrelief/ God is But toBut be prophetic.

Here’s how Parker Remember the movie That meansin you will make hours a day. right begins by to thinking and having fun may Bonnie and Clyde.”

Clyde Barrow drove into eternal life in Christ Jesus the poemToo ends: “They don’tsuffering.

“Bonnie andshe Clyde”?

Rob- sound avoid much A much television time for children: Good or bad? suffer can come close something from your sufI’m sure wanted Olivto three hours a day and God happy and have a betright.

Think about this: You think they’re tough or desour Lord” (Romans 6:23).

If bing banks looked like so contradictory, but the Bible You don’t have to be a a hail of bullets fired by 28.8 percent for those who great deal of our suffering what the Lord Jesus fering? ia to see Jesus through her few it’llsecbe grief/ To the law life, the thelaw“fun” ended ter relationship withInHim.” Memorize thissuftruth: “For Bonnie had known the perate./ real They know much fun in the movie. are what you calls funGrandma state lawmen waiting in ambush bank robber to know that watched thanParents three is self-induced.

Bad decifered on your behalf when to athink. talking book, actDoing ofthis faith. left as he thinks in his heart, soListen more when Bonnie Parker and a relief/ But it’s death for the right “blessthing always wins./ They’ve been ond half, she might have who consider television a is he” (Proverbs 23:7). hours a day. the Bible says, “The wages ed.”

Many people think fun along a tree-lined Louisiana sions cause suffering.

It’s he hung on an ignoble download the “Kids Color a legacy of triumph over avoided a life of crime. shot at before/ But they do and having fun may sound Clyde Barrow drove into Bonnie and Clyde.” benign babysitter should Ask this question: If you Think this:watch You notinignore/ That of death is “Doing what of is You rightto isbear sin is death.” comes when but they break road. easy tobullets blame circumcross yourWe’ve sins.

Bible”about for free, death instead of the fear asohail fired by don’t have to bealla Me contradictory, Bible feed on a diet of television think again.

Children are the wages ofShortly sin. always best because once are what you think.

Parents earned those wages.

Many before her death, rules.

Many movies depict robber to know that you lawmen waiting in ambush bank calls thisoffun state “blessstances and people.

“Yes, I think suffering Kid TV Interviews and the face death.

“Someday they’ll go you do it the first time, you violence, what are vulnerable to the strang-a the second of who Bonnie Parker gave a poem lawless people all together/ along aAnd tree-lined Louisiana the Bible says, “The wages ed.” people thinkdown fun prone to do?

Take responsibility forstoptimes, makes you closer topart God,” travelconsider around television the world I Many wonder if having she was can’t doing it,” they’ll almost ers who invade yourshould home benign babysitter to her mother, which proved that scripture is not quotthe fun. of sin is death.”

We’ve all road. comes when they break bury them side by side./ To says Cecile, 10. thinking of this portion your own actions, and says Samuel, 10. “Once I by viewing the “Mission through television.

Doing think again.

Children are “butthose thea gift ofofGod is Explorers Streaming Vidbe prophetic.

Here’s how ed: the famous movie to earned wages.

Many Shortly her death, rules.

Many most movies depict break thebefore downward spistepped on piece glass. ofRemember David’s vulnerable the thinking strangbeginsto by second part of right Parker a poem lawless havingRoball the ends:gave “They don’t eternal life in IChrist Jesus “Bonnie and ral poem of self-pity, which will times, It reallythe hurt. think it got eo”whoat invade www.KidsTalkPsalm: people “Yea,Clyde”? though I Bonnie ers your right. to her mother, which proved that Lord” scripture is not quotthe fun.

(Romans 6:23).

If AboutGod.org. Biblehome they’re tough or des- our bing looked like of so think cause you even more sufme closer to God because quowalk banks through the valley television.

Doing Memorize this truth: “For ed: “buthad the gift of the God is through to be prophetic.

Here’s Remember the movie Theyone know thehow law secmuch fun inofthe movie.

In perate./ fering. No wants to Bonnie I prayed forknown healing. The tations are from the New the shadow death, I will right begins by thinking he thinks in his heart, so eternal lifeshe in Christ Jesus the poem ends: “They don’t “Bonnie and Clyde”? Rob- always wins./ They’ve been ond half, might have as be around a self-absorbed worst things that happen King James Version, right. is he” (Proverbs 23:7). unour Lord” (Romans 6:23).

If they’re tough or desbing banks looked like so think a life of crime. shot at before/ But they do avoided whiner. to someone can turn out less otherwise noted.

To Memorize this truth: Ask this question: If “For you TheyThat knowdeath the law Bonnie hadwhat known the secmuch fun in the movie. In perate./ “Doing is right is find notOwen, ignore/ is 11, provides a to be the best.” out more about Caras he thinks in his heart, so half, shebecause might once have feed on a diet of television always wins./ They’ve been ond always best the wages of sin.

(Proverbs goodat example: “I they had do a We’re going encoun- iseyhe”Kinsolving and life first of to crime. shot before/ they’ll But what 23:7). are read you “Someday go avoided you do ita the time, you violence, Ask this question: If you time when I let a footter a certain amount of features by other Creators “Doing what is right is prone to do? not ignore/ That death is down together/ And they’ll almost can’t stop doing it,” feed on a diet of television ballwages gameofcome suffering because we once live Syndicate writers, visbest because the sin. between always bury them side by side./ To says Cecile, 10. what Syndicate are you my“Someday friend andthey’ll me. We go you it the where first time, you violence, in adoworld people it the Creators prone to do? down they’ll didn’ttogether/ see eachAnd other or almost sin. can’t stop doing it,” website at www.creators. says Cecile,about 10. this: It’s com. bury them side by side./ To talk to each other for Think

By Carey Kinsolving

2) Why Is Doing What is Right When Need It The Most Always Best? (Part 1 of 2)

The endless questions of growing children often

By Michael A. Guido, D.D. become boring and frustrating. There are times We are all grateful for our “first responders.” They when no answer will doD.D. and bring no explanation is ever

By Michael Guido, saveA. lives, bind wounds, food, give clothing, prosufficient. vide Theshelter childand persists, refuses to be satisfied restore power. They have become our “rescuers.”

And, indeed, they fulfill a criticalstop. role.They Weour arebest all grateful forThe ourquestions “first responders.” with answers. never But as Christians, when we face a time of trial tragsave lives, bind wounds, bringinfood, give as clothing, proPerhaps David had times his life, we allor do, edy, we have One who has been waiting for us to call vide andHim restore power.

They become our whenshelter it seemed aswhen though his help.

“King” not anupon we need Hehave iswould always waiting for

By Michael A. Guido, D.D. “rescuers.”

And, indeed, they fulfill a critical role. an opportunity prove Hisas power whenever face a swer his questions.

Ittoseemed though theweLord difficult situation.

But as when we face a time of trial orThey tragstood farChristians, beyond and him, unavailable, unWe are all grateful forabove our “first responders.”

One morning, about four o’clock, Peter was in seriedy, we have One who has been waiting for us to call able and unwilling to answer when he called.

So, save lives, ous bind wounds, bring give clothing, protrouble.

He and a fewfood, of his friends were in a small upon Him when we need help.

He is always waiting for whatshelter did David do? thought he understood vide and power. have become our boat farrestore fromHe shore whenThey a that fierce storm arose out of an opportunity prove His whenever wetoface nowhere.

Fearing forpower their lives they became evena “rescuers.”

And,to they fulfill a critical role.

God, did what heindeed, knew God expected of him the more frightened when saw what they thought was difficult situation.

Butofashis Christians, when we face a time of trial or tragbest ability. Yet we seethey him standing there in a ghost. They screamed in terror. And over the howling One about four o’clock, Peter was seriedy, wemorning, have One has been waiting usinto call wonder – wind wanting waiting hear afor voice, uncamewho aand stern voice thatto said, “Stop being afraid.” ous He aassuring fewhelp. of his friends were innoa reason small upon Him when we need He is always waiting for It was Jesus them that there was abletrouble. to bear theand silence. for them to fear for their lives because He was there toa an What opportunity to prove His power whenever we face boat far from shore when a fierce storm arose out was his problem? And do we have this sameof save them when they needed Him thebecame most. difficult situation. nowhere.

Fearing for their lives they even problem today?

Perhaps.

“If it is really four you,” o’clock, said Peter,Peter “tell me to in come to Onefrightened morning, about was serimore they saw what“Certainly,” they thought was – letwhen me walk on the water!” said Instant You gratification and sudden success do Jesus, not ous trouble.

He and a few of his friends were a small abreed ghost.

They screamed innothing terror. over howling “come on.

You’ve toAnd fear!”

He the gotinout of the faith in God. But patient expectation and boat far from shore when a fierce storm arose outbeof boat, felt the wind that and the waves, lost being His faithafraid.” and wind came a stern voice said, “Stop utter dependence on Him does.

Perhaps our “fastgan to sink.

He shouted, “Save me, Lord,” and He did. nowhere.

Fearing for their lives they became even It was Jesus and assuring them that there washave no reason food-lanes” “any-time-bank-tellers” erodIt is never thethey eloquence or length of thought our prayer that more frightened when saw what they was for them tocounts, fear for lives because He was there to but their our simplicity andand sincerity.

It is never a fored the importance of waiting watching and asave ghost.

They screamed in terror.

And over the howling them when needed Him thecome most. mula butthey our faith.

He will always to our rescue if wondering. deep within usin we believe wind camewe a Hopefully, stern voice said, “Stop being afraid.” call on Him in athat faith that believes Him. “If it is really you,” said Peter, “tell me to come to that HeJesus will Prayer: answer our prayers and meet our needs.

It was assuring them there wasin no reason Lord, we dothat indeed believe Your power You – let me walk on the water!” “Certainly,” said Jesus, and Your promises. our faith whenever Wethem knowtothat His is Increase beyond ourHe imagination. for fear forpower their lives because was therewe to “come on. doubt.

You’ve nothing toAmen. fear!” He got out of the In Jesus’ Name, save them whenthis, they needed Him the most.

David realized too. boat, felt windyou,” andforthe waves, His faith beScripture this week: lost Psalm 12:1 Help,and LORD, “If it isthe really said Peter, “tell me to come to David had intimate knowledge of are God and forHe noan one is faithful anymore; those who loyal have gan to sink. shouted, “Save me, Lord,” and He did.

You – let me walk on the water!”

“Certainly,” saidquesJesus, knew Him personally.

Yet, he race. askedofthe who vanished from the human It is never the eloquence or length our prayer “come on.

You’ve nothing to fear!”

He got out of that the tion twice as though Hisand power was Itnot available. counts, but our simplicity sincerity. is never a forboat, felt the wind and the waves, lost His faith and beBut it was! wanted David tocome wait to and trust and mula ourGod faith.

He will“Save always gan tobut sink.

He shouted, me, Lord,” our andrescue He did.if grow. we on Him a faith thatorbelieves inour Him. Itcall is never theineloquence length of prayer that Prayer: We know, Lord, thatbelieve Your power is more Prayer: we do indeed counts, but Lord, our simplicity and sincerity.

ItinisYour neverpower a forthan sufficient to meet our needs.

Increase our faith and promises. ourcome faithtowhenever we mulaYour but our faith. HeIncrease will always our rescue if and trust.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen. doubt.

Name, we call In onJesus’ Him in a faithAmen. that believes in Him. ScriptureLord, for Psalm 24:8 Who isYour thisLORD, King Prayer: we indeed believe power Scripture forToday: thisdoweek: Psalm 12:1inHelp, of glory?

The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD andno Your Increase those our faith we for one promises. is faithful anymore; who whenever are loyal have mightyIninfrom battle. doubt.

Jesus’ Name, Amen. vanished the human race.

You Need It The Most

Scripture for this week: Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.

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July 20-27, 2017

Dunkirk Movie: WW2 Mayhem and Miracles

By Rusty Wright When your back’s against the wall, and the enemy’s closing in fast, and all hope appears lost, it might be a good time to consider praying.

That’s what faced England in May 1940. In early World War 2, Hitler’s war machine had roared through France, pinning about 400,000 Allied troops on the beaches at Dunkirk, by the English Channel. German Panzer tanks were advancing quickly. Surrender or annihilation seemed imminent.

Against huge odds, the Brits mounted a sea evacuation. From May 26 to June 4, a drama unfolded that inspired millions and significantly influenced the war’s outcome. Warner Bros.’ Dunkirk brings this epic story to the big screen.

The cast includes Oscar winner Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies), Oscar nominees Tom Hardy (The Revenant) and Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn), plus One Direction band member Harry Styles. Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) wrote and directed.

Miracle needed The film focuses on land (infantry on the beach), sea (navy and civilian evacuation efforts), and air (plane combat).

Initial prospects looked bleak.

British General Alan Brooke said, “Nothing but a miracle can save the BEF [British Expeditionary Force] now.” New Prime Minister Winston Churchill (he took office May 10) had predicted that 30,000 could be evacuated successfully. In the end, 338,000 troops crossed the Channel. What happened?

A fortuitous – some would say providential – combination of courage, civilian involvement, German errors, and weather intervened. It’s been called

7

Local/State

the “Miracle of Dunkirk.”

Hitler’s error; England’s prayers and ships On May 24, Germans halted their tanks near Dunkirk, letting their Luftwaffe (air force) take over. Big mistake, creating extra Allied evacuation preparation time.

Why the decision? Several theories: Some German generals said Hitler wanted peace with Britain; capture or slaughter could have hampered that. Perhaps Hitler deferred to Luftwaffe chief Hermann Göring. Possibly a Hitler power play reigned in an overly aggressive Panzer commander.

Across the Channel, British civilians mobilized their motorboats, yachts and lifeboats to help the Royal Navy bring troops to safety.

King George (the current Queen Elizabeth’s father) called for a national day of prayer. Millions across England entered churches on May 26 to pray for success.

Starting May 27, a flotilla of naval and civilian vessels – “The Little Ships,” sailed by both naval and civilian personnel – crossed the Channel in “Operation Dynamo.” The Luftwaffe attacked the boats and the Allies on Dunkirk beaches.

Weather coincidences?

Timing was critical.

Nature intervened, in two ways.

Historian Alan Axelrod notes, “Fortunately for the Allies, the notoriously treacherous English Channel was calm [facilitating The Little Ships’ crossing], yet the weather was overcast, greatly limiting the Luftwaffe’s ability to launch attacks.”

Weather coincidences?

Hmmm. After the evacuation, British churches sang biblical Psalm 124: “Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.

The trap is broken, and we

are free! Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Dunkirk downsides As with any war, not everything went well.

Around 3,500 British perished; about 60,000 French became POWs. At first, Brits concealed evacuation plans from the French and Belgians, counting on them to continue combat.

Nevertheless, French, Belgians and Poles composed 140,000 of the 338,000 evacuees.

Critics feel some “Dunkirk miracle” accounts inflate The Little Ships’ contribution. Civilians rescued only 26,500 of the 338,000 evacuees. But seafaring civilians’ courage and sacrifice – “the Dunkirk spirit” – certainly boosted national morale.

That spirit plus the successful evacuation helped motivate a somewhat reticent US to support the British war effort. (Pearl Harbor was still eighteen months future.)

“We shall fight on the beaches….”

Director Nolan has described Dunkirk as “an essential … decisive moment” in WW2: “If this evacuation had not been a success, Great Britain would have been obliged to capitulate. And the whole world would have been lost, or would have known a different fate: the Germans would undoubtedly have conquered Europe, the US would not have returned to war. It is a true point of rupture in war and in [the] history of the world.”

Churchill – admitting evacuation was not victory – portrayed it as a successful retreat to regroup and fight another day. In his famous June 4 address to Parliament, he vowed, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender.”

Dunkirk – both the film and the entire story – can inspire today’s generation to persist in opposing evil despite overwhelming odds. The film omits the national prayer element, but the film website includes it. Knowing the whole story especially made me want to stand up and cheer as I watched.

Rated PG-13 (USA) “for intense war experience and some language.” w w w. D u n k i r k M o v ie.com Opens July 21 (North America) International Release Dates

You Can Have Your Smashed Avocado, House Too

By Mary Hunt I love a good story, especially one that goes viral for some unknown reason, setting off a media firestorm.

On a recent episode of the Australian “60 Minutes,” real estate mogul and self-avowed millionaire Tim Gurner casually suggested that the reason some millennials cannot afford to buy a house is they’re addicted to $19 avocado toast and $4 coffee.

Say, what?

I love avocados and I’m a big fan of toast, but I must admit that I’d never heard of this avocado toast — an apparent delicacy that has the younger generation so strapped a good number are back living with their parents.

Oh, man, did that not sit well with a lot of millennials. The internet was ablaze with snarky comments and every effort imaginable to set this Gurner fellow straight.

I read with a bit of glee as one money expert after another did the math to prove that giving up $19 avocado toast would not make a dent in a millennial’s ability to save for a 20 percent down payment on a house.

They did this by dividing $19 into a typical 20 percent down payment on an average American house. It got quite funny. My curiosity kicked in, prompting me to figure out this avocado toast thing. And figure it I did. Here’s what my research turned up: Avocado toast consists of a piece of toast spread with smashed up avocado and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Seriously? That’s it? For that price, I was expecting this controversial delicacy to be topped with creme fraiche and caviar.

There are variations where the avocado toast is topped with a perfectly poached egg or feta cheese. Or

shrimp, perhaps. Or you could just go crazy by adding tomatoes and basil atop a smear of mayo.

Now that I have experienced the goodness of avocado toast, I’m going to side with those who believe this guy is out of his mind if he thinks we’ll give up avocado toast anytime soon. And, yes, I’m talking to you, millennials. Is there a house in the world worth owning at the expense of never enjoying avocado toast again as long as we live? I think not!

But, just wait a minute. Nineteen dollars?! No way. I can’t abide $17, or even $6 or $3.

Here’s the deal: If you want to get your finances on track to where you are consistently saving and spending less than you earn, you’d best stop eating out. That’s what killing your future, not a couple of $19 avocado toasts a month.

Here’s an idea: Learn to make avocado toast yourself. Make it a project to try every possible variation you can think of. By my best estimations, a slice of high-quality hearty bread plus a perfectly ripe avocado comes in at about $1.65 tops. And that’s when avocados are most expensive. If you can find them for 49 cents each, well, you do the math. Amazing, no? And I promise you can learn to make avocado toast that tastes even better than that chi-chi restaurant you used to patronize.

Now, take that attitude and apply it to every area of your life and you won’t be giving up the things you enjoy. You’ll be finding frugal ways to enjoy the life you love, and buy a home, too.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually.

Rusty Wright is an author and lecturer who has spoken on six continents. He holds Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively. www.RustyWright.com

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8

Health

June July 22-29, 20-27, 2017

Local Physician Physician Talks Talks

Dr. Christopher ChristopherYancey Yancey

D D

By Joycelyne Joycelyne Fadojutimi and Kelly Kelly Bell, Bell, East East Texas Review By Fadojutimi and Texas Review r. Christopher Yancey is a local.

He He r. Christopher Yancey is a local. attended Mozelle Johnston Elementaattended Mozelle Johnston Elemenry School, Judson MiddleMiddle SchoolSchool and tary School, Judson and Longview High His School.

His Longview High School. brothers brothers became but became engineers, butengineers, when the oilfields whenproducing, the oilfields stopped stopped one of thoseproducbrothone Christopher of those brothers ers ing, advised to takeadvised another Christopher to take route--specifically thehad onethe route--specifically theanother one leading to medicine. He leading to medicine.

He had the grades and did indeed grades and did indeed take this direction. He has spent the take 20 this direction.

He has spent the past 20 years as a past years as a beloved specialist in delivering babies beloved specialist in delivering babies and treating some and treating some forms of infertility. He loves his work, forms of infertility.

He loves his work, and his patients and his patients love him. love him. has served as Chief of the Division of OB/GYN Yancey Yancey has served Medical as ChiefCenter. of the Division of OB/ at Longview Regional He matriculated GYN at Longview Regional Medical Center.

He matricfrom the University of Texas Medical School in Houston ulated from theofUniversity Texas Medical in and University MississippiofMedical Center inSchool Jackson, Houston and University of Mississippi Medical Center Mississippi. He is a member of the American Medical in Jackson, Mississippi.

HeAssociation, is a member of the the Wiser American Association, Texas Medical and MedicalIn Association, TexasisMedical and Society. addition, Yancey a FellowAssociation, of the American the Wiser Society.

In addition, Yancey is a Fellow of the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“I love delivering babies,” he says. “My work has diversi“I love delivering babies,” he says. “My work has ty of what I do. There is more than delivering babies in my diversity of what I do. There is more than delivering practice. I have delivered everybody, and have walked with babies in my practice. I have delivered everybody, and some to the grave.” have walked with some to the grave.”

Still some of his patients are have difficulty having chilStill some of his patients are have difficulty having dren. This condition is known as infertility. Infertility is children. This condition is known as infertility. Infertility the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple is the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting to achieve pregnancy in one year. couple to achieve pregnancy in one year.

Some while Some of of his hispatients patientscannot cannotbecome becomepregnant, pregnant, while others cannot carry a pregnancy full term.

The emotional others cannot carry a pregnancy full term. The emotionheartbreak of this statestate is crushing.

When couples cannot al heartbreak of this is crushing.

When couples conceive, it is vital that both husband and wife see doccannot conceive, it is vital that both husband andthe wife tor because in 30% of cases, the problem lies with the man. see the doctor because in 30% of cases, the problem lies Age another factor. withisthe man. Age is another factor.

A 21-year-old woman has has time A 21-year-old woman time on on her herside, side,but butififa a woman to to attend to her woman is is 38 38 and and still stillchildless, childless,she sheneeds needs attend to biological clock while it is still ticking.

There are many her biological clock while it is still ticking. There are factors to consider. many factors to consider.

Smoking, specific lifestyles and some medications can

Smoking, specific lifestyles and some medications can cause infertility.

Women who smoke increase the chanccause infertility.

Women who smoke increase the chances they will be unable to become pregnant or will suffer es they will be unable to become or willtheir suffer miscarriage.

Yancey urges them to pregnant wisely manage miscarriage.

Yancey urges them to wisely manage their lifestyles so as to not work against themselves. lifestyles so as to not work against themselves.

“Healthcare is a relationship,” he says. “So, I do my part “Healthcare is part a relationship,” says.

“So, the I dogoal my of and you do your so the couplehecan achieve part and you do your part so the couple can achieve the having a baby.” goal of having a baby.”

Yancey treats specific aspects of infertility, recommends Yancey treatsspecialists specific aspects of infertility, recomother infertility if necessary, and sends husmends other infertility specialists if necessary, and sends bands to urologists for examination and treatment when husbands to urologists for examination and treatment needed. He also has personal reasons for pursuing this when needed. He also has personal reasons for pursuing calling. this calling.

“My wife and I always wanted a large family, but wanted “My wife and I always wanted a large family, but to wait until I finished school,” he says. “The prospect of wanted to wait until I finished school,” he says. “The starting a family was exciting. First bath, first words, first prospect of starting a family was exciting. First bath, first steps, riding a bike,riding coaching littlecoaching league, dance words, first steps, a bike, little recitals, league, pinewood derby, fishing, bedtime stories, tea parties, playdance recitals, pinewood derby, fishing, bedtime stories, ing dress up, building forts.

It was all too exciting.

When tea parties, playing dress up, building forts. It was all too do we start?

Signdo uswe up.start? ” exciting.

When Sign us up.”

It did not work out as and It did not work out as expected. expected.One Oneyear, year,two twoyears, years, thenthen threethree with with no babies.

WhenWhen they went an infertility and no babies. they to went to an inspecialist he could find no problem to treat, and told fertility specialist he could find no problem to treat,them and theythem wouldthey likely neverlikely have never children.

Knowing sheKnowwould told would have children. be crushed, Yancey did not share thisdid lastnot bitshare of informaing she would be crushed, Yancey this last tion with his wife. bit of information with his wife.

The loneliness ofof The lonelinessofofinfertility infertilityset setin–the in--thesensation sensation having lost something having had having somethingprecious preciousbefore beforeeven even having had it. It It is a problem understand. it. problem one onehas hastotoexperience experiencetoto understand.

The afflicted must mustresist resistbecoming becomingembittered, embittered, espeThe afflicted especially cially around with children.

It was difficult doubly around those those blessedblessed with children.

It was doubly difficult for Yancey because of the medical capacity for Yancey because of the medical capacity in which hein which served.he served.

“I obstetricalresident residentininaalarge, large,inner-city inner-cityhospihos“I was was an an obstetrical pital.

We cared for people who did not want to get pregtal. We cared for people who did not want to get pregnant,” nant,” says.

“Wefor cared forwho people did not need he says.he“We cared people didwho not need to get to get pregnant.

We cared for patients with serious drug pregnant. We cared for patients with serious drug probproblems, prostitutes, people angry at their unwanted lems, prostitutes, people angry at their unwanted pregnanpregnancies.

I didn’t understand.

It just fair.” cies. I didn’t understand.

It just wasn’t fair.wasn’t ” Yancey gavehis hiswife wifeaayellow yellowlab labpuppy–Sadie puppy--Sadie HawYancey gave Haw-Lo-

kins Dance. This canine Yancey becamekins a substitute cal Physician Talkswonderful Dr. Christopher Dance. child.

Climbing fences, climbing onto furniture This wonderful canine became a substitute child. and climbing them.

She was going Climbingonto fences, climbing ontopriceless furnituretherapy, and climbing everywhere with them. onto them. She was priceless therapy, going everywhere “She loved riding in the car. We would never dream of with them. putting her in a kennel if we on a trip, so dream she went “She loved riding in the car.went We would never of with us,” he says.

“She was our child and she was our putting her in a kennel if we went on a trip, so she went therapy, what“She she was did most for us was there.

She with us,”but he says. our child and shebe was our therwould be there as we suffered the pain of infertility. She apy, but what she did most for us was be there. She would never spoke, she never gave advice, she never told us be there as we suffered the pain of infertility. She never she knew ‘how we felt.’ A lesson in unconditional love.” spoke, she never gave advice, she never told us she knew In time the couple’s problem was solved, and they ‘how we felt.’ A lesson in unconditional love.” were blessed with two wonderful children who came to In time the couple’s problem was solved, and they were love Sadie as much as their parents did. She was their blessed with two struggle wonderfulwith children who taught came tothem love first child.

Their infertility Sadie as much as their parents did.

She was their first the value of life, and Sadie taught them the value of child.

Their struggle “being there.” with infertility taught them the value of life, and Sadie them “being there.” fixaYancey’staught devotion tothe hisvalue workof and a compulsive Yancey’s devotion to his work and a compulsive tion on doing everything in his power to help his fixation patients on doing everything in his power to help his patients has actually led to him being labeled “overcautious.”has actually ledadmits to himto being “overcautious. ” Hestems readily He readily this,labeled and that this tendency admits this,personal and that this tendencywith stems his own, from histoown, experience thefrom heartbreak personal experience with theofheartbreak of infertility.

His of infertility.

His treatment childless couples and his treatment of childless couples and his success in treating success in treating them means he has no interest in themnumbers. means he has no interest in case numbers. case “I’ve never never kept up with “I’ve with how how many manybabies babiesI’ve I’vedelivered delivbecause then they a number, ” he says.he says. ered because thenjust theybecome just become a number,” “Every itsown ownstory, story,life lifeand andfamily–not family--notjust a “Every delivery delivery isisits just a number.” number. ” He how infertility infertility infuses infusesits itsvictims victimswith witha He knows knows well well how alife lifeperspective perspective incomprehensible to those incomprehensible to those whowho havehave never never experienced it. experienced it.

“This deepenedfor forme mebecause because a “This life life perspective perspective deepened ofof a yelyellow Labrador who provided comfort taught low Labrador who provided comfort andand taught empathy,” empathy,” he says. he says.

At developedaatumor tumorthat thatslowly slowlycrippled cripAtage age 13, 13, Sadie Sadie developed pled her.she Asslipped she slipped Dr. Phillip her. As away, away, all Dr.all Phillip YanceyYancey could do could do was “be there” for her.

He was. was “be there” for her. He was.

For or to to contact contact Dr DrChristopher Christopher For more more information information or Yancey, call(903) (903)757-6042.

757-6042.

Yancey, please please call

Withevery everyheart heart help, With wewe help, we help another heart keep smiling.

That’s why our patients say their heart belongs to Longview Regional Medical Center.

Our cardiac care team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We offer: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Chest Pain Center Heart Risk Assessment P.A.D. Coalition Stroke Center

2901 N Fourth Street • Longview • 903-758-1818 • www.LongviewRegional.com Longivew Regional is recognized as Certified Stroke and Chest Pain Accredited facility

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