Psalm 127

A Song of degrees for Solomon.

1Except the LORD build the house,

They labour in vain that build it:

Except the LORD keep the city,

The watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows:

For so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:

And the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

So are children of the youth.

5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:

They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Meanwhile in America...

 Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in the United States today (August 19, 2025):

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🇺🇸 Top National News

1. Federal Control of D.C. Police

President Trump has declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., placing the city’s police department under federal control and deploying National Guard troops from several states [1]. This move is sparking legal challenges and concerns over civil liberties.

2. Target Store Shooting in Texas

A gunman opened fire at a Target store in Austin, Texas, killing three people and injuring one. The suspect is in custody, and the motive is still under investigation [1].

3. CDC Building Attack

A separate incident involved a gunman firing over 180 shots at a CDC building, breaking more than 150 windows. The attack is being linked to anti-vaccine rhetoric, and staff are voicing frustration over political tensions [1].

4. Explosion at U.S. Steel Plant in Pennsylvania

Closer to home, in Clairton, PA, two people died and ten were injured in a massive explosion at the U.S. Steel Coke Works plant. One person remains missing [1].

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🌀 Weather & Environment

• Hurricane Erin has re-strengthened to a Category 4 storm, threatening the East Coast with dangerous rip currents and storm surges [2].
• Flash flooding has hit Milwaukee and parts of the Midwest, prompting emergency declarations and widespread damage [1].

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🌍 International Relations

• President Trump is preparing for a summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aiming to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. European leaders are joining Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Washington to present a united front [2].

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🧬 Health & Safety

• The U.S. State Department has suspended medical-humanitarian visas for people from Gaza, citing security concerns [2].
• A rabies scare has emerged in Wyoming after bats were found in cabins at a national park, potentially exposing hundreds [2].

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Would you like updates on a specific topic—like politics, weather in your area, or health news?

References

[1] Google News - U.S. - Latest

[2] U.S. News: Latest Breaking Stories, Video, and Photos on American ...

What if it had happened to us?

 If a situation similar to the current Israel-Gaza conflict were to occur in America, the dynamics would likely be dramatically different due to several key factors:

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🇮🇱 Current Situation in Israel (August 2025)

Israel is facing intense internal and external pressure due to its military operations in Gaza:

• Military escalation: Israel has launched a new offensive to take control of Gaza City, despite widespread international condemnation [1] [2] [3] [4].
• Humanitarian crisis: Over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, with severe malnutrition and starvation affecting thousands, especially children [2] [3] [4].
• Domestic unrest: Massive protests have erupted across Israel, led by families of hostages demanding a ceasefire and a negotiated deal. Demonstrators blocked roads and called for a nationwide strike [3].
• Global backlash: Countries including Germany, France, Canada, and the UN have condemned Israel’s actions, warning of violations of international law and worsening humanitarian conditions [4].

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🇺🇸 Hypothetical Scenario in America

If a similar conflict unfolded within U.S. borders, several differences would likely shape the outcome:

1. Scale and Infrastructure

• The U.S. has vastly more territory and resources. A localized conflict would likely be contained more quickly due to advanced surveillance, logistics, and military capabilities.
• Civilian evacuation and aid distribution would be more efficient, though still chaotic.

2. Public Response

• The U.S. public is deeply polarized. A domestic war involving high civilian casualties could trigger massive protests, civil unrest, and possibly armed resistance, depending on the context.
• Media coverage would be relentless, and social media would amplify every incident, potentially destabilizing public trust in government institutions.

3. Legal and Political Constraints

• U.S. military actions on domestic soil would face intense scrutiny under constitutional law and civil rights protections.
• Congress and the courts would likely intervene quickly, especially if civilian casualties mounted or if executive overreach was suspected.

4. International Reaction

• The U.S. is a global superpower. A domestic conflict would have ripple effects worldwide—economically, diplomatically, and militarily.
• Allies might offer mediation, but adversaries could exploit the situation to challenge U.S. influence or sow discord.

5. Humanitarian Response

• Unlike Gaza, where aid is severely restricted, the U.S. would likely see a massive mobilization of domestic and international humanitarian aid.
• However, if the government restricted access or targeted aid-seekers, it would provoke a constitutional crisis and global outrage.

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Final Thought

The key difference lies in scale, governance, and global standing. While Israel is facing existential threats and regional instability, the U.S. would be dealing with a crisis that could redefine its democracy, civil liberties, and global leadership.

Would you like to explore how historical U.S. events (like the Civil War or 9/11) compare to this kind of scenario?

References

[1] Israel at War day 672: What is going on in Israel, Gaza?

[2] Updates: Israel pounds Gaza City, shoots at crews trying to rescue ...

[3] Israel nationwide protests war in Gaza - CNBC

[4] Israel faces growing global condemnation over military expansion in ...

 

Psalm 126

A Song of degrees.

1When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,

We were like them that dream.

2Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

And our tongue with singing:

Then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them.

3The LORD hath done great things for us;

Whereof we are glad.

4Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

As the streams in the south.

5They that sow in tears

Shall reap in joy.

6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.