The Christian nationalist organization "Liberty Counsel" held a fundraising gala called
"A New Birth of Freedom"
at which Rep. Byron Donalds,
who is now running for governor in Florida,
delivered the keynote address.

Hosted by Mat Staver, the anti-LGBTQ and anti-vax right-wing conspiracy theorist who founded and runs Liberty Counsel,
the event also presented a 💥"Defender of Freedom" award to #John #Strand,
a model and right-wing activist who was sentenced to more than two years in prison for his actions during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021,

-- only to be pardoned by President Donald Trump upon his return to office.

Strand was convicted of illegally entering the Capitol and refusing to leave.

As Mother Jones reported, he openly bragged his actions

In presenting the award to Strand, Staver and his wife Anita insisted that Strand had "committed no crime"
and was, in fact,
a "true patriot"
who was persecuted and became a "political prisoner."

"May God use this unspeakable experience to bring a new birth of freedom that will last for generations," declared Anita Staver, in presenting the award.
https://www.peoplefor.org/rightwingwatch/liberty-counsel-honors-jan-6-insurrectionist-defender-liberty

Storm King Comics & John Carpenter at Midsummer Scream
Filmmaker to Make Exclusive Saturday Appearance as World's Largest Halloween Convention Spotlights Horror Comics August 15-17 in Long Beach

Storm King Comics, the award-winning graphic novel publisher founded by film producer Sandy King, will headline Midsummer...
https://comiccrusaders.com/comic-books/comic-book-previews/storm-king-comics-john-carpenter-at-midsummer-scream/
#horror con #mid summer scream #convention #john carpenter

#Gospel Reading: #John 20:1-18

#John related the realization of Jesus' #resurrection.