PHILADELPHIA PA–(July 11, 2013)In a few months we’ll close out the Year of Faith that began under Pope Benedict and was highlighted so beautifully in Pope Francis’ first encyclical, Lumen Fidei. In the past year – in fact, in every year now, according to the Holy See – more than 100,000 Christians are killed worldwide for reasons related to their faith. That’s the real cost of discipleship. That’s a measure of heroic character.

the late Lewis Israel Atkinson. Cherished brother of Dorothy M. (Edward) Holpak, David J. (Marcia) Atkinson, Joanne (David) Howey and the late MaryBeth Merryfield. Beloved uncle of George, Lewis, Dacia, Tanya, Michael, Christina and Rachael. 

Lou was born in Philadelphia, PA and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic Grammar School in South Camden on June 14^th, 1959. He graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School on June 3, 1963.

Lewis proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force from November 25, 1964 and was made a Sgt. and a SSgt. on September 1, 1973. He was skilled at map-compiling and was an analyst for the U.S. Air Force. Lewis was honorably discharged on January 28, 1976 from March Air Force Base in Riverside County, California.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies in August 1976 from Chapman College in Orange County, California. He earned a teaching certificate in Social Studies from Glassboro State College. Lewis had a true passion for teaching and a believer in children to learn. He taught United States History, World History and Economics at Camden County Technical High Schools for 25 years in Sicklerville. Lewis was a substitute teacher at the Camden County Technical High School Pennsauken Campus and taught adult evening high School at Camden County Technical High School for 20 years. He served as the advisor for the school newspaper and student council for five years. Lewis served as the advisor for the \”Voice of Democracy\” speech contest sponsored by the VFW for five years. He coached the track and field team for eight years. Lewis retired from teaching on October 1, 2003.

 Lewis was devoted to his Roman Catholic faith and was a lifelong devoted parishioner of Saint Mary’s R.C. Church in Gloucester City where he served on Parish Council, President for two years, Lector , Extraordinary Minister, Usher at 11:30 am Mass, taught Religious Education and was on the Church Finance Council. Lewis was very involved in the planning of the Christmas Pageant in Advent and the Church Seder Meal during Lent.

Lewis enjoyed traveling to most part of the United States of America and lived in the State of New Jersey, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida and California.

Relatives, friends, former teachers, former students and members of the Knights of Columbus are kindly invited to attend his viewing on Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Saint Mary’s R.C. Church (photo): 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM in the church. Interment with U.S. Air Force Military Honors New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. Family prefers in lieu of flowers memorial donations in Lewis’ memory to Saint Mary’s R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please write in memo: Lewis Atkinson.

Judge Presiding Over Zimmerman Trial Repeatedly Put Thumb On Scales – Investors.com

 The bias of Nelson, Florida Circuit Court judge and a lifelong Democrat, in favor of the prosecution and its efforts to railroad Zimmerman as a racist murderer has been palpable throughout the case. Her actions, which have actively aided the state, could poison jurors and factor into future litigation.

Her shameful rulings and behavior, therefore, are worth cataloging, and include:

• Suppressing exculpatory evidence recovered from the (double-password-protected) cell phone of Trayvon Martin that reveal deleted texts of the 17-year-old bragging about street-fighting with friends and relatives and photos showing him brandishing guns, gangsta-style. This evidence supports Zimmerman\’s claim he feared Martin and shot in self-defense.