A reporter dispossessed by SoCalif wildfires, Peter Duke, searches for plausible causes

The family of independent reporter, Peter Duke, were involuntary victims of wildfire damage in their Pacific Palisade residence. Mr. Duke delivered this presentation to What Matters Los Angeles, at the Lighthouse Church in Santa Monica, an adjacent city just south of Pacific Palisades, which forced some residents to evacuate as the fires approached mid-January.

Mr. Duke questions the "confluence of unfortunate events" explanation as to the cause of the fires. He presented a background on influential political families' interests in California. He addresses theories regarding fire-prevention, and possible causes of the disaster - theories that mainstream media have not addressed.
 

 

Mr. Duke's presentation was organized by What Matters Los Angeles at the Lighthouse Church in Santa Monica, just south of Pacific Palisades, on Tuesday 11 February 2025.

Peter Duke discusses possible motives with audience members following his presentation.

Christian newsmen candidly revealed their experience on Islamists' War's effect on Israel - at '24 Nat'l Religious Broadcasters' confab

In a discussion held at the last National Religious Broadcasters Association ("NRB") Convention in Nashville, Christian media-creators stationed in Israel -- CBN News' Chris Mitchell, ICEJ President, Dr. Jurgen Buhler, and author/journalist Joel Rosenberg -- discussed the complex realities of the ongoing conflict in Israel, contrasting Israel's military actions aimed at protecting Palestinian civilians with Hamas's disregard for civilian safety. The discussion, held before a packed ballroom, was moderated by Billy Hallowell, a host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News.

The reporters' recount harrowing personal stories from the violence, emphasizing the brutal attacks on October 7 and the ensuing desperation of those trying to rescue loved ones amidst chaos. The speakers highlight the ideological battle, noting that Hamas's goals extend beyond territorial claims to a broader aim of subjugating non-Islamic nations, and express concern about the radicalization of youth in the West supporting such ideologies. They stress the importance of international cooperation for securing hostage releases, reflect on the emotional toll on Israeli families, and underscore a rising openness to faith discussions despite the ongoing strife. The conversation concludes with calls for sustained U.S. support for Israel, the critical need for prayer amidst uncertainty, and an acknowledgment of the profound spiritual impact the crisis has had on the Israeli populace, who are increasingly seeking spiritual solace during these tumultuous times. Dr. Jurgen Buhler spoke with us after the session (which we summarize after this interview video).

• 00:00  The speakers discuss Israel's military actions and the contrasting behavior of Hamas during the ongoing conflict. They emphasize that Israel takes measures to protect Palestinian civilians, such as issuing warnings and sending leaflets before military operations, while Hamas actively places civilians in danger and disregards their safety. The speakers paint a stark picture of the atrocities committed by Hamas, describing horrific violence on October 7 that included indiscriminate killings and extreme brutality. They recall a story about a family forced to hide in a bomb shelter, emphasizing the inadequacies of these shelters against the actual threat posed by invading terrorists. Additionally, the speakers illustrate the desperation of loved ones attempting to rescue family members amidst the chaos.
  

• 5:00  The speakers share intense personal accounts from the recent violence involving Hamas and Israelis, highlighting a couple who, while under threat, help others escape a dire situation and later find themselves in the midst of combat. They discuss the ideology behind the conflict, emphasizing that Hamas's goal is not merely about territory but a broader mission to subjugate non-Islamic nations. The conversation also touches upon the troubling response to the violence seen in Western college campuses, where pro-Palestinian sentiments echo support for Hamas, raising concerns about the radicalization of youth globally. The speakers stress the importance of Israel receiving unwavering support from the United States and advocate for a firm stance against negotiating with terrorists to prevent further emboldenment of extremist movements worldwide.

• 10:00  The discussion centers around the urgency for Israel to negotiate the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the recent conflict, highlighting the collective pressure within Israel to bring all hostages home. Participants emphasize the need for coordinated international efforts, particularly through partnerships with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, to secure their release. They reflect on the complex situation stemming from the surprise attack on October 6, which undermined Israeli security and illustrates the tactical challenges posed by Hamas, including their extensive network of tunnels throughout Gaza. The conversation underscores both the humanitarian imperative to free those kidnapped and the strategic necessity of addressing the broader security concerns within the region.
  
  
• 15:00  The speakers share their experience of visiting a site in Gaza where hostages were held, reflecting on the emotional impact of witnessing the conditions and the presence of evil as they prayed for the hostages' freedom. Joel Rosenberg recalls taking communion in a highly charged atmosphere of conflict, highlighting the surreal contrast between their faith and the ongoing violence surrounding them. The discussion pivots to the Western response to the current situation in Israel, with Dr. Buhler noting an initial wave of support from various political groups that later seems to wane under pressure from the Islamic world, leading to concerns about long-term support for Israel amidst calls for a ceasefire and a Palestinian state, while expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the Palestinian Authority's governance.
  
  
• 20:00  The discussion focuses on the emotional and spiritual toll of the ongoing conflict on Israeli families, particularly those with children serving in the military. Jurgen Buhler shares his concern for his two sons, one stationed in Gaza, and reflects on the shared experience of anxiety and fear faced by many Israeli families. He expresses the deep need for global support and prayer for the Jewish people and the Palestinian population suffering under Hamas. A story is shared about an encounter that brought peace to a mother worried for her son, bolstered by dreams of divine protection, highlighting the importance of faith and community support during such challenging times. The speaker emphasizes that prayer has played a critical role in their lives and the lives of soldiers, recounting miraculous moments of safety amidst danger, while calling for continued global prayer for Israel and its people.
  
  
• 25:00  The discussion highlights the profound impact of the current conflict in Israel, describing it as the nation's darkest hour since 1948, with many believers actively supporting their country in various capacities. Individuals and families are struggling with uncertainty, yet there is a growing openness to conversations about faith and spirituality, especially around the figure of Jesus. Many efforts are underway to provide humanitarian aid and strengthen local churches, emphasizing the unusual spiritual openness among Israelis to consider faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The speakers call for prayer on multiple fronts, including the safety of soldiers, the return of hostages, and the spiritual well-being of countless Israelis who are grappling with existential fears. They also stress the importance of U.S. support for Israel in the context of the current political landscape and the moral imperative of blessing Israel as outlined in biblical texts.
  
  
• 30:00  The discussion highlights ongoing political tensions and the significant decisions Israel faces regarding the situation in Rafa and potential conflicts in the northern regions, particularly concerning the Iranian nuclear threat. The importance of vigilance, likened to the "Watchman on the wall" from Isaiah 62, is emphasized, urging that prayer and support for Jerusalem should continue until it becomes a source of praise throughout the world. The panelists' insights underline the urgency and complexity of the geopolitical landscape, concluding with applause for their contributions.

 

Propaganda Then and Now: Lessons From Nazi Germany to Today’s Anti-Israel Narratives

On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, it’s worth reflecting on a disturbing pattern: how propaganda has been used to vilify Jews in different eras. The lessons we thought we learned from World War II—about the dangers of hateful narratives—seem to be fading. Today, some of the same tactics used by the Nazis are being deployed by groups like Hamas and their supporters to turn public opinion against Israel, with worrying consequences.

A copy Adolf Hitler’s sick autobiography, “Mein Kampf,” was found inside a child’s bedroom at a Hamas base in the
Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities said. The copy of the Nazi leader’s 1925 autobiography outlining his deadly journey into antisemitism and the genocide of millions of Jews and other ethnic minorities during the Holocaust included “annotations and highlights,” The book was discovered among the personal belongs of one of the terrorists,” the IDF said in the online post. “Hamas embraces the ideology of Hitler, the one responsible for the annihilation of the Jewish People.” - NY Post 11/12/23

What Happened in Nazi Germany

The Nazis used propaganda to convince Germans that Jews were the root of society’s problems. Newspapers, posters, and films portrayed Jewish people as subhuman and dangerous, blaming them for economic woes and cultural decay. These messages played on centuries-old prejudices in Europe, where anti-Semitic stereotypes had taken root in Christian doctrine and culture. The propaganda worked. Ordinary Germans accepted these lies, enabling the persecution and eventual genocide of six million Jews. 

How It’s Happening Again

Fast forward to today, and we see a similar playbook being used by Hamas and its allies, including Qatar. Through modern media and social networks, they spread the message that Israel is an oppressor, responsible for all Palestinian suffering. Casualty figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health—controlled by Hamas—are often inflated or misleading, but they’re repeated by Western media without much scrutiny. Staged events and manipulated images also flood the internet, painting Israel as a brutal aggressor.

Phrases like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” or “Free Palestine” have become rallying cries in protests worldwide. But few stop to question the implications—these slogans call for the elimination of Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s side of the story, including its right to defend itself against rocket attacks and terrorism, is often ignored.

Why It Matters

Just as Nazi propaganda dehumanized Jews to justify their persecution, today’s anti-Israel narratives have made it acceptable to vilify and scapegoat Jewish people once again. In cities across the West, we’ve seen people tearing down posters of kidnapped Israelis, vandalizing Jewish schools and synagogues, and chanting slogans that call for Israel’s destruction.

This isn’t just about spreading lies and hatred; it’s about how those lies pave the way for authoritarian tyranny. The Islamo-Marxist scapegoating of the Jewish state echoes Nazi tactics: using propaganda to consolidate power by uniting people against a common enemy. In Nazi Germany, this propaganda enabled National Socialists to dominate Europe, suppress dissent, and commit atrocities not only against Jews but against all who opposed their rule. Today, Hamas and its allies exploit similar methods to justify their authoritarian agendas and silence diverse voices within their societies.

The Bigger Picture

What’s most alarming is how easily the media and the public have bought into this propaganda. On this solemn day of remembrance, we should ask ourselves: Have we really learned the lessons of the Holocaust? The Nazis taught the world that scapegoating Jews isn’t just dangerous for them—it’s a tool for tyranny that harms everyone. If we fail to recognize and challenge these tactics, we risk enabling the rise of new authoritarian movements that use hatred and division to manipulate society under absolute power.

January 6th political-prisoner returns to L.A. rallies; Shares experience that mainstream media intentionally misrepresents

Manny Melo and Ed Badalian, who demonstrated at the US Capitol Bldg on
January 6th, 2021, reunited at a Beverly Hills Freedom Rally group march
around Westwood, Los Angeles on October 19, 2024. Mr. Badalian served
50 weeks in federal detention for entering the Capitol Building 
 

Our interview with a pair of participants at the January 6th, '21 D.C. Trump Rally sheds light on their perspectives and experiences, particularly focusing on claims of government overreach and the narrative surrounding the events of that day.

Voices from the Rally

Two weeks before the November 2024 election, members of the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally group, like Manny Mello (pictured here) reunited with group member, Ed Badalian, who then was recently  released from 50 weeks in federal incarceration.

Mr. Melo emphasizes his activism rooted in a desire to promote an "America First" message. He noted that, despite marching in a liberal area like Westwood, California, he and his fellow conservatives receive support from those who are often afraid to speak out. This sentiment reflects a broader struggle among conservatives in traditionally liberal regions, where expressing their views can lead to backlash. 

Edward Badalian shared his journey into activism, which began in 2018. He described how the COVID-19 pandemic led him to engage in rallies such as the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally. Badalian's narrative took a darker turn when he recounted being raided by the FBI on April 1, 2021, following his participation in the January 6th events. He claimed that he was treated harshly during this encounter, which he described as a form of punishment for his political beliefs. 

Government Overreach Allegations 

Both men expressed strong feelings about their treatment by law enforcement and the judicial system. Badalian detailed his experiences in various prisons, emphasizing what he described as abusive conditions and unjust treatment of January 6th participants. He argued that the charges brought against him were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence. He also highlighted his belief that no one has been charged with insurrection because there was no legitimate basis for such claims. According to him, many participants were merely there to hear President Trump speak and did not intend to engage in violence or insurrection. 

Claims of Agitation by Outside Forces 

A significant part of their narrative revolves around the assertion that outside agitators, particularly Antifa members, infiltrated the rally to instigate violence. Badalian recounted an incident where he attempted to stop individuals from breaking windows, suggesting that these actions were not representative of the rally-goers' intentions. He claimed that many attendees were unarmed and were there peacefully, contrasting their behavior with those he identified as provocateurs.

 

Badalian's assertion that some individuals at the rally were paid agitators adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate about January 6th. He pointed to a specific incident where an individual admitted to being part of an organized effort to disrupt the event.

 

Manny Melo, Shiva Bagher of Bev Hills Freedom Rally and Ed

Conclusion

The interview reflects a deep-seated frustration among participants regarding how they perceive their actions have been mischaracterized by media narratives and government responses. They argue for recognition of their intentions as peaceful protesters rather than insurrectionists, while also calling attention to what they see as a pattern of government overreach and manipulation by outside forces during politically charged events. As discussions about January 6th continue, these voices underscore the ongoing divide in American political discourse and highlight concerns about civil liberties among conservative activists.