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Donald Trumps “North Carolina Girls.” Ta-Nehisi Coates and His Book "The Message.” Rick Smith Shows Appreciation for the Medical Community.

October 9, 2024

In today’s newsletter:

  • Donald Trump’s “North Carolina Girls”

  • Ta-Nehisi Coates and His Book “The Message”

  • Rick Smith Shows Appreciations for the Medical Community

The Word of Faith Fellowship, a North Carolina church known for its controversial prayer practices and allegations of abuse, remains deeply intertwined with U.S. politics. Church leaders argue that news accounts of their practices are exaggerated, and stand by their support for Donald Trump, citing his policies on economics, immigration, and national security. During the 2022 midterms, members of the church campaigned for the now-disgraced, Trump-endorsed,  Madison Cawthorn, highlighting the congressman’s commitment to making their voices heard.

Ta-Nehisi Coates appeared on the CBS Morning Show to promote his new book, "The Message," which includes a section about his trip to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This experience deeply informs his criticism of what he describes as "apartheid" in Israel. In this video, we explore Coates' reflections on his visit, the impact of seeing the situation firsthand, and how it has shaped his understanding of systemic oppression. Coates' perspective adds an important voice to the ongoing conversation about the responsibility of writers to influence societal narratives, particularly around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

Rick Smith reflects deeply on the recent accident involving his wife, expressing immense gratitude for the outpouring of care and expertise from the medical community. He recounts how doctors, nurses, and first responders acted swiftly, prioritizing her well-being and doing everything in their power to save her life. Rick is moved by the way people, regardless of their backgrounds, came together with a singular focus on helping someone in need. The unity and compassion he witnessed reaffirmed his belief in a world where humanity takes precedence over politics. He dreams of a society where we can set aside our divisions more often to care for one another, just as he saw.

 

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