rightwingwatch--2020-03-06--The Right’s Alternate Reality, as Seen from the CPAC Exhibit Hall

This year ’ s Conservative Political Action Convention is now in the books .
Held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Prince George ’ s County , Maryland , CPAC 2020 drew thousands of conservatives gathering together to ostensibly fight socialism , as signaled by this year ’ s pithy theme , “ America v. Socialism.
” Donald Trump himself finished off the four-day conference with a—ahem—zestful 90-minute speech .
Here we take you on a spin through the CPAC 2020 exhibit hall , which abounded with evidence of Trump-worship .
The Make America Great Again dress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famously worn by singer Joy Villa at the Grammy Awards in 2017 , was the first sight to greet all who entered the main exhibition hall .
This chimeric donkey-elephant hybrid was part of the ‘ Heroes & Zeroes ’ event , sponsored by the American Conservative Union Foundation , at which attendees were to place blue ballots in the box of the Republican politician they believed to be the “ phoniest ” to have secret Democratic leanings , and red ballots for their “ favorite conservative lawmaker.
” Such names for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Alaska and former governor of New Jersey Chris Christie ; Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio had boxes on the red side .
“ Buck the Chuck ” is a children ’ s book series created by the husband-and-wife team of Jeff and Lynn Yelton .
The series follows the titular character , Buck , living a peaceful life in colorful Chucksville where freedom reigns supreme .
Then one day , the no-good , ( probably ) socialist “ BoozleBoops ” come to town to steal all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his fellow whistlepigs to fight back and defend their town .
Jeff Yelton , whose wife was not present for CPAC , said the story was intended to teach children about “ freedom , in general.
” The NRA does not like Mike At the National Rifle Association ’ s “ Students for 2A ” event , a roughly four-feet-tall cardboard cutout of Michael Bloomberg was propped up for selfie action , alongside a huggy Joe Biden photo stand-in , not shown here , beside it .
Gun rights activists have criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draconian gun-control policy prescriptions .
At the American Conservative Union booth , as part of a new initiative for criminal justice reform , virtual reality headsets were offered to attendees curious to know what it was like to be an inmate in solitary confinement—an actually useful exercise .
( Criminal justice reform is one of the few policy ideas on which there are points of agreement between Democrats and some Republicans . )
The ACU is the organization that hosts CPAC each year .
At the far end of the exhibit hall where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other Trumpian paraphernalia , the woven cotton Trump-themed hammocks stood out above the rest .
The word “ Deplorable ” embroidered into the hammock at the top of the photo refers to the “ basket of deplorables ” comment made by Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign , in which she bemoaned the observation that a great number of Trump supporters held hateful , troublesome views .
Banners and shirts in support of Trump ’ s reelection were colorful , as usual .
The Fox News channel ’ s side project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform on a wing truck selling a plethora of Fox-related merchandise such as coffee mugs , t-shirts and even discounted subscriptions to Fox Nation content .
The most noteworthy feature of the display , however , was the claw machine full of Fox Nation hats ; attendees could try as many times as they want without having to put in a single coin… The grift goes on Project Veritas had its own display , which was graced with the arrival of their founder , James O ’ Keefe , who signed copies of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : My Fight For Truth In the Era of Fake News.
” O ’ Keefe ( seen here with a fan ) was signing hats and clothes , as well .
O ’ Keefe is known for manipulating video footage to push his agenda , as well as that one time he tried to “ punk ” a CNN journalist in the most awkward way imaginable .
At the Trump Towel display , an effigy of Donald Trump greeted passersby in a rather Supermanesque fashion .
Created by sculptor Bill Secunda , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of welded nails ( hence the “ tough as nails ” inscription at its feet ) and is available for the modest price of $ 69,000 .

This year’s Conservative Political Action Convention is now in the books. Held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Prince George’s County, Maryland, CPAC 2020 drew thousands of conservatives gathering together to ostensibly fight socialism, as signaled by this year’s pithy theme, “America v. Socialism.” Donald Trump himself finished off the four-day conference with a—ahem—zestful 90-minute speech.
Here we take you on a spin through the CPAC 2020 exhibit hall, which abounded with evidence of Trump-worship.
Dressing for success
The Make America Great Again dress, designed by fashionisto Andre Soriano and famously worn by singer Joy Villa at the Grammy Awards in 2017, was the first sight to greet all who entered the main exhibition hall.
‘Heroes & Zeroes’
This chimeric donkey-elephant hybrid was part of the ‘Heroes & Zeroes’ event, sponsored by the American Conservative Union Foundation, at which attendees were to place blue ballots in the box of the Republican politician they believed to be the “phoniest” to have secret Democratic leanings, and red ballots for their “favorite conservative lawmaker.” Such names for the phony side included U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and former governor of New Jersey Chris Christie; Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio had boxes on the red side.
‘Buck the Chuck’—and the evil ‘BozzleBoops’
“Buck the Chuck” is a children’s book series created by the husband-and-wife team of Jeff and Lynn Yelton. The series follows the titular character, Buck, living a peaceful life in colorful Chucksville where freedom reigns supreme. Then one day, the no-good, (probably) socialist “BoozleBoops” come to town to steal all its color for themselves, prompting Buck and his fellow whistlepigs to fight back and defend their town. Jeff Yelton, whose wife was not present for CPAC, said the story was intended to teach children about “freedom, in general.”
The NRA does not like Mike
At the National Rifle Association’s “Students for 2A” event, a roughly four-feet-tall cardboard cutout of Michael Bloomberg was propped up for selfie action, alongside a huggy Joe Biden photo stand-in, not shown here, beside it. Gun rights activists have criticized Bloomberg for what they see as his draconian gun-control policy prescriptions.
Virtual solitary
At the American Conservative Union booth, as part of a new initiative for criminal justice reform, virtual reality headsets were offered to attendees curious to know what it was like to be an inmate in solitary confinement—an actually useful exercise. (Criminal justice reform is one of the few policy ideas on which there are points of agreement between Democrats and some Republicans.) The ACU is the organization that hosts CPAC each year.
Deplorable hammocks, fake news and Satan
At the far end of the exhibit hall where various vendors sold t-shirts, banners, and other Trumpian paraphernalia, the woven cotton Trump-themed hammocks stood out above the rest. The word “Deplorable” embroidered into the hammock at the top of the photo refers to the “basket of deplorables” comment made by Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign, in which she bemoaned the observation that a great number of Trump supporters held hateful, troublesome views.
Curb appeal and sartorial flair
Banners and shirts in support of Trump’s reelection were colorful, as usual.
Arcade nation
The Fox News channel’s side project, Fox Nation, had its own platform on a wing truck selling a plethora of Fox-related merchandise such as coffee mugs, t-shirts and even discounted subscriptions to Fox Nation content. The most noteworthy feature of the display, however, was the claw machine full of Fox Nation hats; attendees could try as many times as they want without having to put in a single coin…
The grift goes on
Project Veritas had its own display, which was graced with the arrival of their founder, James O’Keefe, who signed copies of his latest book, “American Pravda: My Fight For Truth In the Era of Fake News.” O’Keefe (seen here with a fan) was signing hats and clothes, as well. O’Keefe is known for manipulating video footage to push his agenda, as well as that one time he tried to “punk” a CNN journalist in the most awkward way imaginable.
400 pounds and tough as nails
At the Trump Towel display, an effigy of Donald Trump greeted passersby in a rather Supermanesque fashion. Created by sculptor Bill Secunda, the roughly 400-pound statue is made entirely out of welded nails (hence the “tough as nails” inscription at its feet) and is available for the modest price of $69,000.


rightwingwatch--2020-03-06--Anti-Muslim Activist Frank Gaffney is a Jerk, National Religious Broadcasters Discover

Anti-Muslim activist and conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney drew an on-stage rebuke from National Religious Broadcasters chair Janet Parshall during last week ’ s NRB Christian media convention after he used his time on stage to smear an upcoming panelist as an apologist for “ Sharia supremacists , ” a term he has also applied to Muslim candidates for public office .
Gaffney ’ s extremism and obnoxiousness should not have come as a surprise to conference organizers .
He was banned from the Conservative Political Action Conference for several years for making baseless charges that CPAC ’ s sponsor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infiltrated by the Muslim Brotherhood .
Back then , former ACU chairman David Keene publicly called Gaffney a “ conspiracy nut ” who “ has managed to convince himself that anyone with whom he disagrees is not just wrong but an agent of one conspiracy or another.
” But in the Trump era , anti-Muslim extremism is apparently back to being acceptable in the conservative movement and Gaffney has been welcomed back into the CPAC fold since 2016—with foreign policy hawk John Bolton reportedly playing a “ crucial role ” in Gaffney ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen whether Gaffney will be invited back to the NRB convention .
Here ’ s what happened .
Gaffney has created a new group called Save the Persecuted Christians , and that group sponsored the NRB session at which Attorney General William Barr spoke , followed by a panel conversation on religious liberty issues .
The panel included Asma Uddin , a Muslim lawyer and Aspen Institute fellow who used to work for Becket , a conservative legal organization focused on religious liberty cases .
Gaffney ’ s group ’ s sponsorship of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a short presentation .
Just before Barr ’ s appearance , Gaffney praised Barr and described the persecution of Christians around the world as “ the most extraordinary and horrific crime against humanity in the history of mankind.
” Then he said he wanted to “ clarify ” something : We had sponsored the attorney general .
We sponsored Christians .
We have not sponsored , despite what it says in your published program , the next program .
And that is because we do not support as an organization those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharia supremacists , who are responsible for persecution of approximately 80 percent of those Christians who are being now terribly oppressed around the world .
We don ’ t sponsor or support those who engage in that behavior , of course .
We don ’ t support or sponsor those who enable it .
In fact , we believe in holding accountable those who are engaged in persecution is our unique mission and trying to prevent them from doing more of it by creating costs to them for engaging in persecution—a systemic approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of anti -Christian persecution .
We do not support Sharia supremacists themselves or their enablers or their apologists .
And it pains me beyond words that this program that will be coming up after the attorney general ’ s remarks , you have such an individual who will be presented to you , I ’ m afraid , as someone who is a perfect example of moderate Muslims and a perfect interlocutor for us in interfaith dialogue and bridge building and the like .
I regret to say that Asma Uddin has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She may do it yet again on this stage .
I simply want to leave you with this important message : I have not sponsored , my organization has not sponsored , this program .
And I hope that you will not be misled into believing that this individual—I ’ ve nothing against her personally—but this individual and what she stands for and most especially what she is doing with organizations like the Council on American Islamic Relations—one of the most aggressive Muslim Brotherhood front organizations in the country—must not be endorsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by this organization .
I had hoped that she would not be given a platform .
She is .
I trust you listen attentively .
But I hope that you will not give her yourselves a platform .
At that point , music began to play , Academy Awards-style , and Gaffney closed with , “ Thank you for hearing me out .
God bless you all.
” Craig Parshall followed Gaffney to the microphone and , with Attorney General Barr at his side , said “ Thank you , Frank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ And let me say that we believe in the full , unfettered freedom of speech and freedom of religion of every sincerely held religious belief , because without it , the gospel of Christ would end up being disadvantaged.
” Janet Parshall moderated the panel that followed Barr ’ s speech and she began by addressing Gaffney ’ s “ ill-timed , inappropriate , and hurtful ” comments about Uddin .
She quoted author C.S .
Lewis as saying that “ Christians are the best argument for and against Christianity.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience that Uddin had worked for Becket , which she called “ one of the most prominent religious liberty organizations in the country—while General Barr served on their board of directors , ” adding , “ No problem there.
” Toward the end of the panelists ’ conversation , author Steven Waldman also took a moment to criticize Gaffney .
Waldman said Christians do face threats and challenges to their religious liberty , but that “ at exactly the moment that Christians need to be respected and heard on this , they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking Muslims.
” “ Frank Gaffney was exhibit A , ” Waldman continued , citing some of the extreme positions he said Gaffney has staked out , including the assertion that Islam is not a religion and Muslims should not be protected by the First Amendment .
“ It is an extreme view , ” Waldman said .
It is true that Gaffney ’ s anti-Muslim positions are extreme , but it is also true that other prominent proponents of similar extremism—including the Family Research Council ’ s Jerry Boykin , the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ACT for America ’ s Brigitte Gabriel—are welcomed and celebrated by other religious-right and right-wing movement leaders .

Anti-Muslim activist and conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney drew an on-stage rebuke from National Religious Broadcasters chair Janet Parshall during last week’s NRB Christian media convention after he used his time on stage to smear an upcoming panelist as an apologist for “Sharia supremacists,” a term he has also applied to Muslim candidates for public office.
Gaffney’s extremism and obnoxiousness should not have come as a surprise to conference organizers. He was banned from the Conservative Political Action Conference for several years for making baseless charges that CPAC’s sponsor, the American Conservative Union, had been infiltrated by the Muslim Brotherhood. Back then, former ACU chairman David Keene publicly called Gaffney a “conspiracy nut” who “has managed to convince himself that anyone with whom he disagrees is not just wrong but an agent of one conspiracy or another.”
But in the Trump era, anti-Muslim extremism is apparently back to being acceptable in the conservative movement and Gaffney has been welcomed back into the CPAC fold since 2016—with foreign policy hawk John Bolton reportedly playing a “crucial role” in Gaffney’s rehabilitation.
It remains to be seen whether Gaffney will be invited back to the NRB convention. Here’s what happened.
Gaffney has created a new group called Save the Persecuted Christians, and that group sponsored the NRB session at which Attorney General William Barr spoke, followed by a panel conversation on religious liberty issues. The panel included Asma Uddin, a Muslim lawyer and Aspen Institute fellow who used to work for Becket, a conservative legal organization focused on religious liberty cases.
Gaffney’s group’s sponsorship of the session apparently bought him the right to make a short presentation. Just before Barr’s appearance, Gaffney praised Barr and described the persecution of Christians around the world as “the most extraordinary and horrific crime against humanity in the history of mankind.”
Then he said he wanted to “clarify” something:
We had sponsored the attorney general. We sponsored Christians. We have not sponsored, despite what it says in your published program, the next program. And that is because we do not support as an organization those who I think are best described as Sharia supremacists, who are responsible for persecution of approximately 80 percent of those Christians who are being now terribly oppressed around the world. We don’t sponsor or support those who engage in that behavior, of course. We don’t support or sponsor those who enable it. In fact, we believe in holding accountable those who are engaged in persecution is our unique mission and trying to prevent them from doing more of it by creating costs to them for engaging in persecution—a systemic approach, if you will, to this form of anti -Christian persecution. We do not support Sharia supremacists themselves or their enablers or their apologists. And it pains me beyond words that this program that will be coming up after the attorney general’s remarks, you have such an individual who will be presented to you, I’m afraid, as someone who is a perfect example of moderate Muslims and a perfect interlocutor for us in interfaith dialogue and bridge building and the like. I regret to say that Asma Uddin has attacked me personally for opposing Sharia supremacism. She may do it yet again on this stage. I simply want to leave you with this important message: I have not sponsored, my organization has not sponsored, this program. And I hope that you will not be misled into believing that this individual—I’ve nothing against her personally—but this individual and what she stands for and most especially what she is doing with organizations like the Council on American Islamic Relations—one of the most aggressive Muslim Brotherhood front organizations in the country—must not be endorsed, even if it’s implicitly, by this organization. I had hoped that she would not be given a platform. She is. I trust you listen attentively. But I hope that you will not give her yourselves a platform.
At that point, music began to play, Academy Awards-style, and Gaffney closed with, “Thank you for hearing me out. God bless you all.”
Craig Parshall followed Gaffney to the microphone and, with Attorney General Barr at his side, said “Thank you, Frank, for your honest comments,” adding, “And let me say that we believe in the full, unfettered freedom of speech and freedom of religion of every sincerely held religious belief, because without it, the gospel of Christ would end up being disadvantaged.”
Janet Parshall moderated the panel that followed Barr’s speech and she began by addressing Gaffney’s “ill-timed, inappropriate, and hurtful” comments about Uddin. She quoted author C.S. Lewis as saying that “Christians are the best argument for and against Christianity.”
Parshall apologized to Uddin and told the audience that Uddin had worked for Becket, which she called “one of the most prominent religious liberty organizations in the country—while General Barr served on their board of directors,” adding, “No problem there.”
Toward the end of the panelists’ conversation, author Steven Waldman also took a moment to criticize Gaffney. Waldman said Christians do face threats and challenges to their religious liberty, but that “at exactly the moment that Christians need to be respected and heard on this, they have forfeited their credibility in many cases by attacking Muslims.”
“Frank Gaffney was exhibit A,” Waldman continued, citing some of the extreme positions he said Gaffney has staked out, including the assertion that Islam is not a religion and Muslims should not be protected by the First Amendment. “It is an extreme view,” Waldman said.
It is true that Gaffney’s anti-Muslim positions are extreme, but it is also true that other prominent proponents of similar extremism—including the Family Research Council’s Jerry Boykin, the American Family Association’s Bryan Fischer, and ACT for America’s Brigitte Gabriel—are welcomed and celebrated by other religious-right and right-wing movement leaders.


rightwingwatch--2020-03-06--Fear and Freedom at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention

The National Religious Broadcasters hosted its 2020 Christian media convention last week in Nashville last week , where the association ’ s leaders and guest speakers warned attendees of what they said were threats to religious liberty and freedom of speech by anti-freedom liberals and Big Tech .
Unlike the Conservative Political Action Conference or the Values Voter Summit , the NRB convention is not entirely about politics .
Many of the ministries and media operations represented are focused more on evangelizing and spreading the gospel , and many of their staff took part in workshops offered on the nuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a broadcaster in the current disruptive media environment .
But when the presentations turned to policy and politics , they generally took a hard-right turn , which is not surprising given that the group ’ s chairman is religious-right broadcaster Janet Parshall , whose husband Craig serves as the organization ’ s general counsel .
Craig Parshall is also a senior council at the American Center for Law and Justice , the legal group helmed by Jay Sekulow , a personal attorney to President Donald Trump .
The Trump administration was represented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William Barr , along with Sekulow ’ s son Jordan , who , like his father , is an ACLJ attorney and was a member of Trump ’ s legal team during the impeachment trial .
Other right-wing political figures addressing the convention included Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and former Arkansas governor and failed presidential candidate Mike Huckabee .
Allegations of anti-Christian persecution in the U.S. began even before the official opening session Tuesday evening .
That afternoon , a forum focused on international evangelism featured Pastor Andrew Brunson , an American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years imprisoned in Turkey before pressure from the Trump administration won his release .
Brunson said he was afraid that American Christians are not prepared for persecution coming their way in the U.S. “ The media , political , the business classes , most of academia are becoming increasingly hostile to those who identify publicly with Jesus Christ and with his teaching , ” Brunson said .
That message would be repeated frequently by convention speakers .
Barr warned that courts and “ totalitarian ” progressives are promoting a culture of hostility toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the convention , Janet Parshall described Washington , D.C. , as her “ foreign mission field ” and her job as host of a radio show as being “ a war correspondent in Babylon.
” “ I ’ m pretty convinced that most 21st Century Christians in America don ’ t have a clue about what it means to live in a hostile culture , ” she said , unlike Christians living in hostile countries like China who she said expect fiery trials as part of their daily life .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials are coming here.
” The NRB was founded 75 years ago , she said , when broadcast networks resisted broadcasting religious messages that were deemed divisive in “ a far less hostile culture than we find ourselves in today.
” “ Suit up !
” she said .
“ It ’ s war !
And we need to understand that !
” Politician-pundit Mike Huckabee warned , “ If we do not stand and fight hard for the basic constitutional liberties and religious freedom , we not only will lose them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding or knowledge of what this country is about.
” One front in the war being waged by the NRB is Silicon Valley , whose giant tech firms are repeatedly charged by right-wing activists with acting from an anti-conservative bias and imposing outright censorship on conservatives .
( Gizmodo ’ s Tom McKay heard the same message last week at CPAC but had a hard time finding people who could give him concrete examples of the unjustified censorship they say they are facing . )
The technology conversation at NRB was complicated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most powerful tool ever for evangelization , making it feasible to fulfill Jesus ’ s Great Commission and the biblical prophecy that all nations will be reached with the gospel .
Workshops explored the use of social media tools that enable ministries and broadcasters to capture the attention of spiritually searching people online , and to learn from and mimic online marketing techniques deployed by corporations and other groups .
One presentation about using the internet for “ stealth evangelism ” touted a video called “ Love is Love ” that presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racking up 6 million views with an ad budget of just $ 100 .
But on the political side of things , Big Tech was portrayed as a repressive force led by people hostile to conservative evangelicals ’ biblical worldview—this era ’ s version of those gatekeeping broadcasters that spurred NRB ’ s founding .
Craig Parshall declared that Silicon Valley leaders are “ captive to the enemy ” and “ they don ’ t see the truth.
” He claimed that the big online platforms are “ closing down Christian opinions one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Speaking of those who developed Silicon Valley enterprises , Parshall said , “ If you look at the worldview , their life philosophy , it is antithetical to the gospel of Christ.
” A workshop called “ Google vs. God ” combined these messages , teaching people how to use digital tools and tactics in the face of what its presenter called HATE—a “ Hostile Anti-Truth Environment ” —online .
The workshop leader said some Silicon Valley leaders have a “ blasphemous belief system ” but said that using the right techniques @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show up at the top of Google searches for questions like “ Why am I here ?
” But it ’ s a constant struggle , he said , to deal with shifting algorithms and people down-voting results .
But the solution to conservative complaints about Big Tech is also complicated by their fervent belief in the free market and distrust of government regulation of private companies .
Blackburn described the fact that the same kind of platforms that have the power to create a nationwide town hall have also created a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as an “ impossible predicament.
” “ Secular society has gotten very , very comfortable ” with going beyond muting a person whose opinion they don ’ t like and trying to prevent them from being able to say what they have to say , according to Blackburn , an apparent reference to the deplatforming of some right-wing personalities based on anti-hate-speech policies of platforms such as Twitter and YouTube .
“ The left is so good at making limits sound reasonable , ” she said , adding that companies default to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the room .
Blackburn warned that “ if we don ’ t rein in these companies now , we are going to be in for some very tough times.
” She said that she and other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have created a technology task force and held roundtable discussions with Big Tech to find ways to address concerns over privacy and censorship without relying on overregulation and government mandates that would get in the way of innovation .
“ I think that the problem is that we all are believers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Craig Parshall , adding that his father was a successful businessman .
“ But we also believe in the value of free speech , particularly for the gospel of Jesus Christ .
We need these platforms.
” Craig Parshall touted NRB ’ s John Milton Project for Digital Free Speech and a report he co-authored called “ Chokepoint , ” which he said he has been distributing on Capitol Hill .
Parshall said that he and a colleague have come up with a solution that would protect free enterprise and free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NRB attendees what it was .
He said he ’ s saving it for an all-day conference on the future of technology he is attending this month .
Conference speakers ’ warnings about a dire threat to religious freedom echo the rhetoric of religious-right political leaders and demonstrate a fear-based political strategy recently analyzed by scholar Paul Djupe .
“ A major strategy to keep conservative Christians unified in the 2020 election season is to ramp up perceived and anticipated persecution , ” Djupe wrote at the Religion in Public blog .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under threat and the only thing that is holding back the persecution dam is Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
” Djupe dug deeper into statistics showing that evangelicals are almost twice as likely as Americans on the whole to believe that there is a lot of discrimination against American Christians .
Djupe theorized that those beliefs were based on the communications that evangelicals consumed , not on their lived experience .
He found evidence to support his theory ; Christians living in more secular states—where you might think they would face greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that Christians face discrimination in the U.S. than those living in states with conservative Christian cultures .
Djupe concludes that “ if people believe that they will be persecuted and act accordingly , it helps generate the war they anticipated in their own minds.
” “ That ’ s precisely the point of the elites [ of their movement ] encouraging these beliefs , ” he added .
And that ’ s one reason conservative Christian media will be a powerful tool in Team Trump ’ s 2020 arsenal .

The National Religious Broadcasters hosted its 2020 Christian media convention last week in Nashville last week, where the association’s leaders and guest speakers warned attendees of what they said were threats to religious liberty and freedom of speech by anti-freedom liberals and Big Tech.
Unlike the Conservative Political Action Conference or the Values Voter Summit, the NRB convention is not entirely about politics. Many of the ministries and media operations represented are focused more on evangelizing and spreading the gospel, and many of their staff took part in workshops offered on the nuts and bolts of surviving and thriving as a broadcaster in the current disruptive media environment. But when the presentations turned to policy and politics, they generally took a hard-right turn, which is not surprising given that the group’s chairman is religious-right broadcaster Janet Parshall, whose husband Craig serves as the organization’s general counsel. Craig Parshall is also a senior council at the American Center for Law and Justice, the legal group helmed by Jay Sekulow, a personal attorney to President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration was represented by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Attorney General William Barr, along with Sekulow’s son Jordan, who, like his father, is an ACLJ attorney and was a member of Trump’s legal team during the impeachment trial. Other right-wing political figures addressing the convention included Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and former Arkansas governor and failed presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.
Allegations of anti-Christian persecution in the U.S. began even before the official opening session Tuesday evening. That afternoon, a forum focused on international evangelism featured Pastor Andrew Brunson, an American who faced harsh persecution and spent two years imprisoned in Turkey before pressure from the Trump administration won his release. Brunson said he was afraid that American Christians are not prepared for persecution coming their way in the U.S. “The media, political, the business classes, most of academia are becoming increasingly hostile to those who identify publicly with Jesus Christ and with his teaching,” Brunson said.
That message would be repeated frequently by convention speakers. Barr warned that courts and “totalitarian” progressives are promoting a culture of hostility toward religion.
In her opening address to the convention, Janet Parshall described Washington, D.C., as her “foreign mission field” and her job as host of a radio show as being “a war correspondent in Babylon.”
“I’m pretty convinced that most 21st Century Christians in America don’t have a clue about what it means to live in a hostile culture,” she said, unlike Christians living in hostile countries like China who she said expect fiery trials as part of their daily life. “I’m here to tell you, fiery trials are coming here.”
The NRB was founded 75 years ago, she said, when broadcast networks resisted broadcasting religious messages that were deemed divisive in “a far less hostile culture than we find ourselves in today.”
“Suit up!” she said. “It’s war! And we need to understand that!”
Politician-pundit Mike Huckabee warned, “If we do not stand and fight hard for the basic constitutional liberties and religious freedom, we not only will lose them, but the future generations will lose any understanding or knowledge of what this country is about.”
One front in the war being waged by the NRB is Silicon Valley, whose giant tech firms are repeatedly charged by right-wing activists with acting from an anti-conservative bias and imposing outright censorship on conservatives. (Gizmodo’s Tom McKay heard the same message last week at CPAC but had a hard time finding people who could give him concrete examples of the unjustified censorship they say they are facing.)
The technology conversation at NRB was complicated. Operationally, the internet was portrayed as the most powerful tool ever for evangelization, making it feasible to fulfill Jesus’s Great Commission and the biblical prophecy that all nations will be reached with the gospel. Workshops explored the use of social media tools that enable ministries and broadcasters to capture the attention of spiritually searching people online, and to learn from and mimic online marketing techniques deployed by corporations and other groups. One presentation about using the internet for “stealth evangelism” touted a video called “Love is Love” that presented an anti-gay message and went viral, racking up 6 million views with an ad budget of just $100.
But on the political side of things, Big Tech was portrayed as a repressive force led by people hostile to conservative evangelicals’ biblical worldview—this era’s version of those gatekeeping broadcasters that spurred NRB’s founding.
Craig Parshall declared that Silicon Valley leaders are “captive to the enemy” and “they don’t see the truth.” He claimed that the big online platforms are “closing down Christian opinions one at a time, with increasing ferocity.” Speaking of those who developed Silicon Valley enterprises, Parshall said, “If you look at the worldview, their life philosophy, it is antithetical to the gospel of Christ.”
A workshop called “Google vs. God” combined these messages, teaching people how to use digital tools and tactics in the face of what its presenter called HATE—a “Hostile Anti-Truth Environment”—online. The workshop leader said some Silicon Valley leaders have a “blasphemous belief system” but said that using the right techniques had helped his group get its messages to show up at the top of Google searches for questions like “Why am I here?” But it’s a constant struggle, he said, to deal with shifting algorithms and people down-voting results.
“So it’s a battle,” he said. “It’s a war.”
But the solution to conservative complaints about Big Tech is also complicated by their fervent belief in the free market and distrust of government regulation of private companies.
Blackburn described the fact that the same kind of platforms that have the power to create a nationwide town hall have also created a culture of hostility toward “traditional viewpoints” as an “impossible predicament.”
“Secular society has gotten very, very comfortable” with going beyond muting a person whose opinion they don’t like and trying to prevent them from being able to say what they have to say, according to Blackburn, an apparent reference to the deplatforming of some right-wing personalities based on anti-hate-speech policies of platforms such as Twitter and YouTube. “The left is so good at making limits sound reasonable,” she said, adding that companies default to censorship to appease the loudest voices in the room.
Blackburn warned that “if we don’t rein in these companies now, we are going to be in for some very tough times.” She said that she and other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have created a technology task force and held roundtable discussions with Big Tech to find ways to address concerns over privacy and censorship without relying on overregulation and government mandates that would get in the way of innovation.
“I think that the problem is that we all are believers here in America in free enterprise,” said Craig Parshall, adding that his father was a successful businessman. “But we also believe in the value of free speech, particularly for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need these platforms.”
Craig Parshall touted NRB’s John Milton Project for Digital Free Speech and a report he co-authored called “Chokepoint,” which he said he has been distributing on Capitol Hill. Parshall said that he and a colleague have come up with a solution that would protect free enterprise and free speech but he didn’t tell NRB attendees what it was. He said he’s saving it for an all-day conference on the future of technology he is attending this month.
Conference speakers’ warnings about a dire threat to religious freedom echo the rhetoric of religious-right political leaders and demonstrate a fear-based political strategy recently analyzed by scholar Paul Djupe. “A major strategy to keep conservative Christians unified in the 2020 election season is to ramp up perceived and anticipated persecution,” Djupe wrote at the Religion in Public blog. “As the story goes, Christians are under threat and the only thing that is holding back the persecution dam is Donald Trump and the Republican Party.”
Djupe dug deeper into statistics showing that evangelicals are almost twice as likely as Americans on the whole to believe that there is a lot of discrimination against American Christians. Djupe theorized that those beliefs were based on the communications that evangelicals consumed, not on their lived experience. He found evidence to support his theory; Christians living in more secular states—where you might think they would face greater prejudice and discrimination—were found less likely to believe that Christians face discrimination in the U.S. than those living in states with conservative Christian cultures. Djupe concludes that “if people believe that they will be persecuted and act accordingly, it helps generate the war they anticipated in their own minds.”
“That’s precisely the point of the elites [of their movement] encouraging these beliefs,” he added.
And that’s one reason conservative Christian media will be a powerful tool in Team Trump’s 2020 arsenal.


rightwingwatch--2020-03-09--Right Wing Round-Up: An Army of Spies

Right Wing Round-Up: An Army of Spies

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rightwingwatch--2020-03-09--Right Wing Bonus Tracks: Worse Than Murder


rightwingwatch--2020-03-09--Mike Huckabee: Israelis ‘Very Close’ to Cure, Vaccine for Coronavirus

At the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville , Tennessee at the end of February , former Arkansas governor and failed presidential candidate Mike Huckabee declared , “ The Israelis are very close to finding a cure , a vaccine to the coronavirus .
They expect that they will have it in the marketplace within a few weeks.
” “ Let them boycott that , ” Huckabee said of proponents of the Boycott , Divestment , Sanctions movement , ( commonly abbreviated BDS ) , which promotes boycotts of Israel as a means to protesting that government ’ s policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been based on news reports quoting an Israeli government official saying that scientists were “ on the cusp of developing the first vaccine against the novel coronavirus.
” The CEO of the research institute predicted that with the government promising to fast-track approval processes , it could “ achieve safety approval in 90 days , ” though it would take longer to actually bring the vaccine to market .
Last week , President Donald Trump publicly sparred with U.S. government public health experts on the amount of time it would take to develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a meeting with health officials , Trump expressed hope that a vaccine could be ready in a couple of months ; Dr. Anthony Fauci , head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases explained it would be possible to have a vaccine ready to begin testing within a few months but that it would take 12 to 18 months of safety and efficacy testing before a vaccine is available to the public .
Meanwhile , Behold Israel , a group run by Israeli Christian End Times author Amir Tsarfati @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fulfillment of biblical prophecy that Abraham and his descendants would be “ a blessing to the whole world.
” Scientists around the world are working to develop a vaccine .
In February , a U.S. biotech company reportedly shipped an experimental vaccine to U.S. government researchers with hopes that trials could begin in April , but testing and approvals would be expected to take at least a year .

At the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, Tennessee at the end of February, former Arkansas governor and failed presidential candidate Mike Huckabee declared, “The Israelis are very close to finding a cure, a vaccine to the coronavirus. They expect that they will have it in the marketplace within a few weeks.”
“Let them boycott that,” Huckabee said of proponents of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, (commonly abbreviated BDS), which promotes boycotts of Israel as a means to protesting that government’s policies.
Huckabee’s claim may have been based on news reports quoting an Israeli government official saying that scientists were “on the cusp of developing the first vaccine against the novel coronavirus.” The CEO of the research institute predicted that with the government promising to fast-track approval processes, it could “achieve safety approval in 90 days,” though it would take longer to actually bring the vaccine to market.
Last week, President Donald Trump publicly sparred with U.S. government public health experts on the amount of time it would take to develop and deploy a vaccine against the coronavirus. In a meeting with health officials, Trump expressed hope that a vaccine could be ready in a couple of months; Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases explained it would be possible to have a vaccine ready to begin testing within a few months but that it would take 12 to 18 months of safety and efficacy testing before a vaccine is available to the public.
Meanwhile, Behold Israel, a group run by Israeli Christian End Times author Amir Tsarfati, called reports of an Israeli-developed vaccine a fulfillment of biblical prophecy that Abraham and his descendants would be “a blessing to the whole world.”
Scientists around the world are working to develop a vaccine. In February, a U.S. biotech company reportedly shipped an experimental vaccine to U.S. government researchers with hopes that trials could begin in April, but testing and approvals would be expected to take at least a year.


rightwingwatch--2020-03-09--FDA and FTC Order Jim Bakker to ‘Immediately Cease’ Making False Claims That His Silver Solution Kil

FDA and FTC Order Jim Bakker to ‘Immediately Cease’ Making False Claims That His Silver Solution Kills the Coronavirus

Last week we noted that the New York Attorney General ’ s office had sent Jim Bakker a cease and desist order instructing him to stop “ making misleading claims ” regarding the silver solution that his network sells .
That order came after we posted of clip from Bakker ’ s program in which he and a guest suggested that the solution can kill the coronavirus and heal those who have been infected .
Today , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission followed suit , sending Bakker a letter informing him that he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims ” and that he has 48 hours to “ review your websites , product labels , and other labeling and promotional materials to ensure that you are not representing your products for a COVID-19 related use for which they have not been approved by FDA , and that you do not make claims that misbrand the products in violation of the FD & C Act.
” The full letter is below : This is to advise you that the United States Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) and the Federal Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Internet address www.jimbakkershow.com on February 21 , 2020 and February 13 , 2020 , respectively .
We have also reviewed your social media page at https : //www.facebook.com/jimbakkershow/ , where you provide a link to your website www.store.jimbakkershow.com to purchase your products .
The FDA has determined that your website offers products labeled to contain silver , such as “ Silver Sol Liquid , ” for sale in the United States and that these products are intended to mitigate , prevent , treat , diagnose , or cure COVID-191 in people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unapproved new drugs sold in violation of the Federal Food , Drug , and Cosmetic Act ( FD & C Act ) , 21 U.S.C .
§ 355 ( a ) .
Furthermore , these products are misbranded drugs under section 502 of the FD & C Act , 21 U.S.C .
§ 352 .
The introduction or delivery for introduction of these products into interstate commerce is prohibited under section 301 ( a ) and ( d ) of the FD & C Act , 21 U.S.C .
§ 331 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Secretary of Health and Human Services , under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act , 42 U.S.C .
§ 247d , has determined that a public health emergency exists nationwide as a result of confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
Therefore , FDA is taking urgent measures to protect consumers from certain products that , without approval or authorization by FDA , claim to mitigate , prevent , treat , diagnose or cure COVID 19 in people .
We request that you take prompt action to cease the sale of such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevention , treatment , diagnosis , or cure of COVID-19 .
Some examples of the claims on your website that establish the intended use of your products and misleadingly represent them as safe and/or effective for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 include : • “ But this influenza [ sic ] that is now circling the globe , you ’ re saying that Silver Solution would be effective ?
Well let ’ s say it hasn ’ t been tested on this strain of the coronavirus , but it ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours , totally eliminate it , kills it , deactivates it ” [ from your video entitled “ A Close Look At What ’ s Not Being Said About the Coronavirus ( Day 1 ) ” at [ 44:48 ] , https : //jimbakkershow.com/watch/ ?
guid=3861 ] • “ Silver Solution has been proven … to kill every pathogen it has ever been tested on … and it can kill any of these known viruses … ” • “ So the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about … affects the lung tissue so what you can do … put it straight … in a nebulizer which then creates a steam and you breathe it in and it will go directly into your lungs where that virus is and any other infection ” “ You should take immediate action to correct the violations cited in this letter .
The violations cited in this letter are not meant to be an all-inclusive list .
It is your responsibility to ensure that the products you sell are in compliance with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s implementing regulations .
We advise you to review your websites , product labels , and other labeling and promotional materials to ensure that you are not representing your products for a COVID-19 related use for which they have not been approved by FDA , and that you do not make claims that misbrand the products in violation of the FD & C Act .
Within 48 hours , please send an email to [ email protected ] describing the specific steps you have taken to correct these violations .
Include an explanation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recurrence of violations , as well as copies of related documentation .
Failure to immediately correct the violations cited in this letter may result in legal action , including , without limitation , seizure and injunction .
FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or use certain products that have not been approved , cleared , or authorized by FDA and that are being misleadingly represented as safe and/or effective for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 .
Your firm will be added to a published list on FDA ’ s website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning letters from FDA concerning the sale or distribution of COVID-19 related products in violation of the FD & C Act .
This list can be found at www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/fraudulent-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-products .
Once you have taken corrective actions and such actions have been confirmed by the FDA , the published list will be updated to indicate that your firm has taken appropriate corrective action .
If you can not complete corrective action within 48 hours , state the reason for the delay and the time within which you will complete the corrections .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violation of the FD & C Act , include your reasoning and any supporting information for our consideration .
If you are not located in the United States , please note that products that appear to be misbranded or unapproved new drugs are subject to detention and refusal of admission if they are offered for importation into the United States .
We may advise the appropriate regulatory officials in the country from which you operate that FDA considers your product ( s ) listed above to be unapproved and misbranded products that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
Please direct any inquiries to FDA at [ email protected ] .
In addition , it is unlawful under the FTC Act , 15 U.S.C .
41 et seq.
, to advertise that a product can prevent , treat , or cure human disease unless you possess competent and reliable scientific evidence , including , when appropriate , well-controlled human clinical studies , substantiating that the claims are true at the time they are made .
To make or exaggerate such claims , whether directly or indirectly , through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website name , metatags , or other means , without rigorous scientific evidence sufficient to substantiate the claims , violates the FTC Act .
There currently are no vaccines , pills , potions , lotions , lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) .
Thus , the claims cited above are not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence .
You must immediately cease making all such claims .
In addition , you are advised to review all claims for your products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence .
Violations of the FTC Act may result in legal action seeking a Federal District Court injunction and an order may require that you pay back money to consumers .
Within 48 hours , please send an email to Richard Cleland , Assistant Director of the FTC ’ s Division of Advertising Practices , via electronic mail at [ email protected ] describing the specific actions you have taken to address the FTC ’ s concerns .
If you have any questions regarding compliance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleland at 202-326-3088 .
William A. Correll Director Office of Compliance Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Last week we noted that the New York Attorney General’s office had sent Jim Bakker a cease and desist order instructing him to stop “making misleading claims” regarding the silver solution that his network sells. That order came after we posted of clip from Bakker’s program in which he and a guest suggested that the solution can kill the coronavirus and heal those who have been infected.
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission followed suit, sending Bakker a letter informing him that he is to “immediately cease making all such claims” and that he has 48 hours to “review your websites, product labels, and other labeling and promotional materials to ensure that you are not representing your products for a COVID-19 related use for which they have not been approved by FDA, and that you do not make claims that misbrand the products in violation of the FD&C Act.”
The full letter is below:
WARNING LETTER
Date: March 6, 2020
TO: [email protected], [email protected] – James Bakker, The Jim Bakker Show
180 Grace Chapel Rd.
Blue Eye, MO 65611
RE: Unapproved and Misbranded Products Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
This is to advise you that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reviewed your website at the Internet address www.jimbakkershow.com on February 21, 2020 and February 13, 2020, respectively. We have also reviewed your social media page at https://www.facebook.com/jimbakkershow/, where you provide a link to your website www.store.jimbakkershow.com to purchase your products. The FDA has determined that your website offers products labeled to contain silver, such as “Silver Sol Liquid,” for sale in the United States and that these products are intended to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-191 in people. FDA has determined that these products are unapproved new drugs sold in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), 21 U.S.C. § 355(a). Furthermore, these products are misbranded drugs under section 502 of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. § 352. The introduction or delivery for introduction of these products into interstate commerce is prohibited under section 301(a) and (d) of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. § 331(a) and (d).
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. § 247d, has determined that a public health emergency exists nationwide as a result of confirmed cases of COVID-19. Therefore, FDA is taking urgent measures to protect consumers from certain products that, without approval or authorization by FDA, claim to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose or cure COVID 19 in people. We request that you take prompt action to cease the sale of such unapproved and unauthorized products for mitigation, prevention, treatment, diagnosis, or cure of COVID-19.
Some examples of the claims on your website that establish the intended use of your products and misleadingly represent them as safe and/or effective for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 include:
“But this influenza [sic] that is now circling the globe, you’re saying that Silver Solution would be effective? Well let’s say it hasn’t been tested on this strain of the coronavirus, but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus, and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours, totally eliminate it, kills it, deactivates it” [from your video entitled “A Close Look At What’s Not Being Said About the Coronavirus (Day 1)” at [44:48], https://jimbakkershow.com/watch/?guid=3861]
“Silver Solution has been proven … to kill every pathogen it has ever
been tested on … and it can kill any of these known viruses …”
been tested on … and it can kill any of these known viruses …” “So the virus, like the coronavirus that we’re talking about … affects the lung tissue so what you can do … put it straight … in a nebulizer which then creates a steam and you breathe it in and it will go directly into your lungs where that virus is and any other infection”
“You should take immediate action to correct the violations cited in this letter. The violations cited in this letter are not meant to be an all-inclusive list. It is your responsibility to ensure that the products you sell are in compliance with the FD&C Act and FDA’s implementing regulations. We advise you to review your websites, product labels, and other labeling and promotional materials to ensure that you are not representing your products for a COVID-19 related use for which they have not been approved by FDA, and that you do not make claims that misbrand the products in violation of the FD&C Act. Within 48 hours, please send an email to [email protected] describing the specific steps you have taken to correct these violations. Include an explanation of each step being taken to prevent the recurrence of violations, as well as copies of related documentation. Failure to immediately correct the violations cited in this letter may result in legal action, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction.
FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or use certain products that have not been approved, cleared, or authorized by FDA and that are being misleadingly represented as safe and/or effective for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Your firm will be added to a published list on FDA’s website of firms and websites that have received warning letters from FDA concerning the sale or distribution of COVID-19 related products in violation of the FD&C Act. This list can be found at www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/fraudulent-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-products. Once you have taken corrective actions and such actions have been confirmed by the FDA, the published list will be updated to indicate that your firm has taken appropriate corrective action.
If you cannot complete corrective action within 48 hours, state the reason for the delay and the time within which you will complete the corrections. If you believe that your products are not in violation of the FD&C Act, include your reasoning and any supporting information for our consideration.
If you are not located in the United States, please note that products that appear to be misbranded or unapproved new drugs are subject to detention and refusal of admission if they are offered for importation into the United States. We may advise the appropriate regulatory officials in the country from which you operate that FDA considers your product(s) listed above to be unapproved and misbranded products that cannot be legally sold to consumers in the United States. Please direct any inquiries to FDA at [email protected].
In addition, it is unlawful under the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 41 et seq., to advertise that a product can prevent, treat, or cure human disease unless you possess competent and reliable scientific evidence, including, when appropriate, well-controlled human clinical studies, substantiating that the claims are true at the time they are made. To make or exaggerate such claims, whether directly or indirectly, through the use of a product name, website name, metatags, or other means, without rigorous scientific evidence sufficient to substantiate the claims, violates the FTC Act.
There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, the claims cited above are not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. You must immediately cease making all such claims. In addition, you are advised to review all claims for your products and immediately cease making claims that are not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. Violations of the FTC Act may result in legal action seeking a Federal District Court injunction and an order may require that you pay back money to consumers. Within 48 hours, please send an email to Richard Cleland, Assistant Director of the FTC’s Division of Advertising Practices, via electronic mail at [email protected] describing the specific actions you have taken to address the FTC’s concerns. If you have any questions regarding compliance with the FTC Act, please contact Mr. Cleland at 202-326-3088.
Sincerely,
/S/
William A. Correll
Director
Office of Compliance
Center for Food Safety
and Applied Nutrition
Sincerely,
/S/
Richard A. Quaresima
Acting Associate Director Division of Advertising Practices
Federal Trade Commission


rightwingwatch--2020-03-09--Josh Bernstein: Bernie Sanders Is a ‘Self-Hating Anti-Semite’ Who ‘Would Have Marched the Other Jews

Josh Bernstein: Bernie Sanders Is a ‘Self-Hating Anti-Semite’ Who ‘Would Have Marched the Other Jews Right Into the Gas Chambers’

Radical right-wing broadcaster Josh Bernstein posted a video on Saturday in which he declared that Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie @ @ @ @ @ ” Jew who “ would have marched the other Jews right into the gas chambers.
@ @ @ @ @ family in the Holocaust , whereas Bernstein can not even accurately recount the story of @ @ @ @ @ he is a “ true Jew ” and Sanders is nothing more than a “ @ @ @ @ @ “ Bernie is the type of quote-unquote Jew , in my opinion , who would @ @ @ @ @ right into the gas chambers , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ a true Jew.
” Bernstein ’ s comments came just days after a far-right activist @ @ @ @ @ a Sanders campaign event in Vermont .
In February , Bernstein claimed that he had @ @ @ @ @ to cover a Trump rally in Arizona .

Radical right-wing broadcaster Josh Bernstein posted a video on Saturday in which he declared that Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders is a “self-hating” Jew who “would have marched the other Jews right into the gas chambers.”
Even though Sanders lost family in the Holocaust, whereas Bernstein cannot even accurately recount the story of Hanukkah, Bernstein insisted that he is a “true Jew” and Sanders is nothing more than a “self-loathing, self-hating anti-Semite.”
“Bernie is the type of quote-unquote Jew, in my opinion, who would have marched the other Jews right into the gas chambers,” he said. “I don’t believe that Bernie Sanders is a true Jew.”
Bernstein’s comments came just days after a far-right activist unfurled a Nazi flag at a Sanders campaign event in Vermont. In February, Bernstein claimed that he had received White House press credentials to cover a Trump rally in Arizona.


rightwingwatch--2020-03-10--Right Wing Round-Up: How Republics Fail

Right Wing Round-Up: How Republics Fail


rightwingwatch--2020-03-10--Right Wing Bonus Tracks: The Medical Deep State


rightwingwatch--2020-03-10--Missouri AG Sues Jim Bakker Over Fake Coronavirus Cure

End Times pastor Jim Bakker ’ s effort to promote a silver solution sold by his network as a possible cure for the coronavirus has reportedly been quite lucrative , but it has also caused a host of problems for his network .
In recent days , Bakker has been warned by the New York Attorney General ’ s office to stop “ making misleading claims ” about the product and also ordered by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission to “ immediately cease making all such claims ” about the effectiveness of the silver solution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watch posted of clip from Bakker ’ s program in which he and a guest suggested that the silver solution can kill the coronavirus and heal those who have been infected .
Things have now gotten even worse for Bakker and his Missouri-based ministry , as “ Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against Jim Bakker and Morningside Church Productions , Inc. for misrepresentations about the effectiveness of ‘ Silver Solution ’ as a treatment for 2019 novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , ” according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General office .
The press release continued : The lawsuit alleges that in a February 12 , 2020 Jim Bakker Show production that aired nationwide , Bakker and guest Sherill Sellman , a “ naturopathic doctor ” , claimed that “ Silver Solution ” can cure coronavirus .
The broadcast and representations made on Bakker ’ s website led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the New York Attorney General ’ s Office to issue cease and desist letters to the Jim Bakker Show directing Bakker to cease making claims about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reliable scientific evidence .
The letter from the FDA advises that currently , there are no vaccines , pills , potions or other prescription or over-the-counter products to treat or cure coronavirus disease .
Anyone who has bought “ Silver Solution ” from the Jim Bakker Show should know that it can not cure or treat coronavirus .
The lawsuit filed this morning requests a restraining order and permanent injunction ordering Bakker to stop selling Silver Solution as a treatment for coronavirus .

End Times pastor Jim Bakker’s effort to promote a silver solution sold by his network as a possible cure for the coronavirus has reportedly been quite lucrative, but it has also caused a host of problems for his network. In recent days, Bakker has been warned by the New York Attorney General’s office to stop “making misleading claims” about the product and also ordered by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission to “immediately cease making all such claims” about the effectiveness of the silver solution.
These orders came after Right Wing Watch posted of clip from Bakker’s program in which he and a guest suggested that the silver solution can kill the coronavirus and heal those who have been infected.
The Jim Bakker Show is suggesting that the silver solution it sells can kill the coronavirus within 12 hours. pic.twitter.com/kbUGnUp69m — Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) February 12, 2020
Things have now gotten even worse for Bakker and his Missouri-based ministry, as “Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against Jim Bakker and Morningside Church Productions, Inc. for misrepresentations about the effectiveness of ‘Silver Solution’ as a treatment for 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19),” according to a press release by the Missouri Attorney General office. The press release continued:


rightwingwatch--2020-03-10--Meet the Q-Obsessed Scientologist Trying to Cozy Up to TPUSA and Trump

Wealthy Scientologist John Mappin lives in a castle , loves President Donald Trump , and spends his time online boosting byzantine conspiracy theories , including QAnon .
He ’ s a British right-wing political aficionado with ties to Trump ’ s 2016 presidential campaign and one of the GOP ’ s most powerful youth organizations .
On Sunday , Mappin said he met with a prominent U.S. intelligence official who told him QAnon is real .
A giant “ Q ” flag waves above Mappin ’ s King Arthur-themed castle in southwest England , drawing the attention of The Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection to the bizarre pro-Trump conspiracy theory in January .
Online , Mappin frequently posts pro-Q messages to his social media accounts and boosts some of the most popular Q community creators .
Over the weekend , he uploaded a video with an odd message .
“ When I was in Washington , D.C. , I did have the opportunity to sit next to somebody who is very , very highly respected within intelligence circles in Washington and he did indeed confirm to me that one should ignore the utterances of Q at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He also posted a similar message in a tweet and has conveyed his desire for world leaders to investigate what he says is a possible connection between 5G wireless networks and the worsening coronavirus pandemic .
It is not immediately clear when Mappin would have had his Washington meeting or who he may have met with .
Right Wing Watch attempted to reach Mappin via Twitter direct message and email but did not receive a response .
What makes Mappin ’ s remark distinct from run-of-the-mill online QAnon chatter is Mappin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United Kingdom and America .
Mappin generated headlines in 2018 when he hosted Turning Point USA figures Charlie Kirk , its founder and president , and Candace Owens , a former communications director who currently leads the “ Blexit ” campaign , for the debut of Turning Point UK .
The event , which Mappin emceed at the Royal Automobile Club in London , was reportedly disastrous .
Owens made comments that seemed to defend Nazi leader Adolf Hitler , which she later clarified and claimed “ leftist journalists ” had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John , ” Kirk told the crowd , prompting applause at the end of the event .
Britain-based anti-fascist nonprofit Hope Not Hate wrote that Mappin played a major role in organizing Turning Point ’ s overseas operation and was “ earmarked as the contact point for high end donors ” to the organization .
Right Wing Watch emailed a Turning Point USA spokesperson for clarification on the organization ’ s relation to Mappin but did not receive a response .
In 2016 , Mappin announced he had awarded Trump the “ Honorary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Trump was at his cliffside castle , he would be addressed as “ Sir Donald Trump of Camelot.
” Mappin mailed Trump a replica sword styled after Excalibur , the fabled sword of King Arthur .
Additionally , Mappin won a six-figure sum betting that Trump would be elected president .
In 2017 , Cornish & Devon Post reported that Trump ’ s son Eric Trump called Mappin before the president ’ s inauguration to thank Mappin for his support and to invite him to visit the first family in Washington .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo with Trump and first lady Melania Trump .
The same year , he also took a photo with Trump campaign senior adviser John Pence , who is Vice President Mike Pence ’ s nephew , at Trump ’ s Washington hotel .
We emailed the Trump campaign for clarification on its relationship with Mappin but did not receive a response .
Since getting cozy with the Trump family , Mappin appears to have remained politically active .
In 2019 , British politician Nigel Farage reportedly asked Turning Point UK backers at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for “ any help , any support , whether it ’ s verbal , whether it ’ s getting your friends involved , whether it ’ s giving us money , whatever it is , we need all the help we can get.
” Several Brexit Party and Turning Point UK officials were reportedly present , but Mappin dismissed the event to BuzzFeed News as “ simply a tea party ” and described it as “ more a meeting of intellectuals rather than a fundraiser.
” It also seems that he still maintains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Point USA .
In a publicly visible Facebook post this month , Mappin congratulated Kirk on scoring an interview with right-wing pundit Ben Shapiro and wrote that he considered Kirk “ among our closest friends.
” Hope Note Hate researcher Simon Murdoch told Right Wing Watch that while Mappin has appeared in proximity with prominent political figures in the U.K. and the U.S. , “ in each case it has been brief and without lasting consequence.
” Turning Point UK , Murdoch said , managed to earn some press attention at its inception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irrelevancy , having no noticeable impact on university campuses or wider political debate in the U.K. since.
” As for Mappin ’ s QAnon claims , Murdoch expressed strong doubts .
“ Given Mr. Mappin ’ s track record promoting conspiracy theories and other bizarre claims , his claim that he met with members of the U.S. intelligence community , let alone a respected member , should be viewed with skepticism , even more so given the apparent theme of the conversation , ” Murdoch said .
“ Moreover , even it if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconsequential political involvement would suggest such a meeting will likely lead to little.
” Trump and his allies have received support from the Scientology community , which has been the subject of massive public scandals in recent years , particularly in Los Angeles .
Last year , Scientology whistleblower Leah Remini called out the Trump administration for cozying up to Scientologists , including recording artist Joy Villa , who has appeared close to the Trump White House and presidential campaign .
The Church of Scientology also threw its weight behind Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-Scientologists said its support of the bill was a recruitment scheme .
At Mappin ’ s castle , the helipad is always waiting to accommodate Trump , whom Mappin has described as “ the most intelligent being to have occupied the presidency in 100 years , ” should he accept Mappin ’ s open invitation .
Trump hasn ’ t landed there—yet .

Wealthy Scientologist John Mappin lives in a castle, loves President Donald Trump, and spends his time online boosting byzantine conspiracy theories, including QAnon. He’s a British right-wing political aficionado with ties to Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and one of the GOP’s most powerful youth organizations. On Sunday, Mappin said he met with a prominent U.S. intelligence official who told him QAnon is real.
A giant “Q” flag waves above Mappin’s King Arthur-themed castle in southwest England, drawing the attention of The Guardian, which reported the flag’s connection to the bizarre pro-Trump conspiracy theory in January. Online, Mappin frequently posts pro-Q messages to his social media accounts and boosts some of the most popular Q community creators. Over the weekend, he uploaded a video with an odd message.
“When I was in Washington, D.C., I did have the opportunity to sit next to somebody who is very, very highly respected within intelligence circles in Washington and he did indeed confirm to me that one should ignore the utterances of Q at one’s peril,” Mappin said. He also posted a similar message in a tweet and has conveyed his desire for world leaders to investigate what he says is a possible connection between 5G wireless networks and the worsening coronavirus pandemic.
It is not immediately clear when Mappin would have had his Washington meeting or who he may have met with. Right Wing Watch attempted to reach Mappin via Twitter direct message and email but did not receive a response.
What makes Mappin’s remark distinct from run-of-the-mill online QAnon chatter is Mappin’s reported connections to political power-players in the United Kingdom and America.
Mappin generated headlines in 2018 when he hosted Turning Point USA figures Charlie Kirk, its founder and president, and Candace Owens, a former communications director who currently leads the “Blexit” campaign, for the debut of Turning Point UK. The event, which Mappin emceed at the Royal Automobile Club in London, was reportedly disastrous. Owens made comments that seemed to defend Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, which she later clarified and claimed “leftist journalists” had mischaracterized.
“Give it up for John,” Kirk told the crowd, prompting applause at the end of the event. Britain-based anti-fascist nonprofit Hope Not Hate wrote that Mappin played a major role in organizing Turning Point’s overseas operation and was “earmarked as the contact point for high end donors” to the organization.
Right Wing Watch emailed a Turning Point USA spokesperson for clarification on the organization’s relation to Mappin but did not receive a response.
In 2016, Mappin announced he had awarded Trump the “Honorary Camelot Castle Knighthood” and deemed that while Trump was at his cliffside castle, he would be addressed as “Sir Donald Trump of Camelot.” Mappin mailed Trump a replica sword styled after Excalibur, the fabled sword of King Arthur. Additionally, Mappin won a six-figure sum betting that Trump would be elected president.
In 2017, Cornish & Devon Post reported that Trump’s son Eric Trump called Mappin before the president’s inauguration to thank Mappin for his support and to invite him to visit the first family in Washington. Mappin seized the opportunity and took a photo with Trump and first lady Melania Trump. The same year, he also took a photo with Trump campaign senior adviser John Pence, who is Vice President Mike Pence’s nephew, at Trump’s Washington hotel. We emailed the Trump campaign for clarification on its relationship with Mappin but did not receive a response.
Since getting cozy with the Trump family, Mappin appears to have remained politically active. In 2019, British politician Nigel Farage reportedly asked Turning Point UK backers at a Ritz tea party where Mappin was present for “any help, any support, whether it’s verbal, whether it’s getting your friends involved, whether it’s giving us money, whatever it is, we need all the help we can get.” Several Brexit Party and Turning Point UK officials were reportedly present, but Mappin dismissed the event to BuzzFeed News as “simply a tea party” and described it as “more a meeting of intellectuals rather than a fundraiser.”
It also seems that he still maintains a warm relationship with Kirk and Turning Point USA. In a publicly visible Facebook post this month, Mappin congratulated Kirk on scoring an interview with right-wing pundit Ben Shapiro and wrote that he considered Kirk “among our closest friends.”
Hope Note Hate researcher Simon Murdoch told Right Wing Watch that while Mappin has appeared in proximity with prominent political figures in the U.K. and the U.S., “in each case it has been brief and without lasting consequence.” Turning Point UK, Murdoch said, managed to earn some press attention at its inception, but “it has sunk into irrelevancy, having no noticeable impact on university campuses or wider political debate in the U.K. since.” As for Mappin’s QAnon claims, Murdoch expressed strong doubts.
“Given Mr. Mappin’s track record promoting conspiracy theories and other bizarre claims, his claim that he met with members of the U.S. intelligence community, let alone a respected member, should be viewed with skepticism, even more so given the apparent theme of the conversation,” Murdoch said. “Moreover, even it if were true, his track record of inconsequential political involvement would suggest such a meeting will likely lead to little.”
Trump and his allies have received support from the Scientology community, which has been the subject of massive public scandals in recent years, particularly in Los Angeles. Last year, Scientology whistleblower Leah Remini called out the Trump administration for cozying up to Scientologists, including recording artist Joy Villa, who has appeared close to the Trump White House and presidential campaign. The Church of Scientology also threw its weight behind Trump’s criminal justice reform bill last year; ex-Scientologists said its support of the bill was a recruitment scheme.
At Mappin’s castle, the helipad is always waiting to accommodate Trump, whom Mappin has described as “the most intelligent being to have occupied the presidency in 100 years,” should he accept Mappin’s open invitation. Trump hasn’t landed there—yet.


rightwingwatch--2020-03-10--Ed Martin: The Left Is Blowing Coronavirus and Stock Market Plunge ‘Out of Proportion’

Right-wing political activist Ed Martin told readers of his email newsletter Tuesday , “ The Left is doing everything they can to blow COVID-19 and the fluctuating economy out of proportion.
” Martin , who runs Phyllis Schlafly Eagles , part of the late activist Schlafly ’ s splintered political legacy , ran for a seat on the Fairfax County board of supervisors last year and lost by about 30 percentage points .
“ Let ’ s not forget that the stock market corrects itself all the time , ” he said in his Tuesday morning email , downplaying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have accompanied the spread of the coronavirus and President Donald Trump ’ s not exactly confidence-inspiring public pronouncements about the virus .
Martin charged that Democrats “ know Joe Biden can ’ t take down Trump , so they are hoping the Wuhan coronavirus will do the job for them.
” Some conservatives have begun calling the virus by the name of the location where it originated , in a seeming effort to focus blame on China .
Martin is far from alone , of course .
Fox Business host Trish Regan contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heights of propagandistic self-parody , fulminating that Democrats are demonizing Trump and blaming him for the virus , calling it “ another attempt to impeach the president ” and blaming Democrats for the plunging stock market .
Not everyone on the right is trying to downplay concerns about the impact of the virus or portray them as a political ploy by Trump ’ s enemies .
In National Review Tuesday morning , Jim Geraghty wrote , “ Italy is more or less in lockdown .
Japan is preparing steps to instruct residents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down their populations because of media hype or a desire to make the American president look bad .
”

Right-wing political activist Ed Martin told readers of his email newsletter Tuesday, “The Left is doing everything they can to blow COVID-19 and the fluctuating economy out of proportion.” Martin, who runs Phyllis Schlafly Eagles, part of the late activist Schlafly’s splintered political legacy, ran for a seat on the Fairfax County board of supervisors last year and lost by about 30 percentage points.
“Let’s not forget that the stock market corrects itself all the time,” he said in his Tuesday morning email, downplaying the historic drops in the stock market that have accompanied the spread of the coronavirus and President Donald Trump’s not exactly confidence-inspiring public pronouncements about the virus.
Martin charged that Democrats “know Joe Biden can’t take down Trump, so they are hoping the Wuhan coronavirus will do the job for them.” Some conservatives have begun calling the virus by the name of the location where it originated, in a seeming effort to focus blame on China.
Martin is far from alone, of course. Fox Business host Trish Regan contributed an over-the-top performance Monday that achieved new heights of propagandistic self-parody, fulminating that Democrats are demonizing Trump and blaming him for the virus, calling it “another attempt to impeach the president” and blaming Democrats for the plunging stock market.
Not everyone on the right is trying to downplay concerns about the impact of the virus or portray them as a political ploy by Trump’s enemies. In National Review Tuesday morning, Jim Geraghty wrote, “Italy is more or less in lockdown. Japan is preparing steps to instruct residents to remain indoors. Major countries do not shut down their populations because of media hype or a desire to make the American president look bad.”


rightwingwatch--2020-03-10--Mark Taylor: The Coronavirus Is a ‘Cover’ to Carry Out the Mass Arrests Long Promised by QAnon

So-called “ firefighter prophet ” and radical right-wing conspiracy theorist Mark Taylor appeared on “ The MC Files ” last night , where he suggested that the coronavirus outbreak is really just a cover for the Trump administration to finally make the mass arrests long promised by conspiracy theorists .
Taylor , about whom Liberty University made a movie in 2018 , is an ardent believer in the QAnon conspiracy theory , which posits that President Donald Trump has been working diligently to arrest countless prominent political , media , and business leaders for allegedly being part of a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor has been predicting that mass arrests were imminent , but they have never materialized .
Now Taylor suspects that the current coronavirus outbreak is possibly a cover to get leading Republicans—like Reps. Matt Gaetz , Paul Gosar , Doug Collins , and Sen. Ted Cruz , who are all under self-quarantine after coming into contact with a coronavirus-infected attendee at the recent CPAC conference—out of Washington , D.C. , so the Trump administration can carry out the mass arrests .
“ They ’ re using the coronavirus as a cover to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go in and start making arrests , ” Taylor said .
“ Are they pulling these guys out , like Matt Gaetz , are they getting them out of D.C. for a reason ?
” “ They ’ re pulling these guys out of D.C. , the good guys , before they lock D.C. down , possibly , and go in and really start arresting people , ” Taylor speculated .
“ Or could they be sending these guys home , and then they lock D.C. down in a way so that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go get these guys at their houses ?
I don ’ t know.
” “ The corona thing I believe is a front , it ’ s a cover as an excuse to be able to lock stuff down , and go in and get some of these people out of here , ” he added .
“ This to me is a good thing .
”

So-called “firefighter prophet” and radical right-wing conspiracy theorist Mark Taylor appeared on “The MC Files” last night, where he suggested that the coronavirus outbreak is really just a cover for the Trump administration to finally make the mass arrests long promised by conspiracy theorists.
Taylor, about whom Liberty University made a movie in 2018, is an ardent believer in the QAnon conspiracy theory, which posits that President Donald Trump has been working diligently to arrest countless prominent political, media, and business leaders for allegedly being part of a global satanic pedophile ring. For years, Taylor has been predicting that mass arrests were imminent, but they have never materialized.
Now Taylor suspects that the current coronavirus outbreak is possibly a cover to get leading Republicans—like Reps. Matt Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Doug Collins, and Sen. Ted Cruz, who are all under self-quarantine after coming into contact with a coronavirus-infected attendee at the recent CPAC conference—out of Washington, D.C., so the Trump administration can carry out the mass arrests.
“They’re using the coronavirus as a cover to go in, shut places down, and go in and start making arrests,” Taylor said. “Are they pulling these guys out, like Matt Gaetz, are they getting them out of D.C. for a reason?”
“They’re pulling these guys out of D.C., the good guys, before they lock D.C. down, possibly, and go in and really start arresting people,” Taylor speculated. “Or could they be sending these guys home, and then they lock D.C. down in a way so that it’s secure, and then they go get these guys at their houses? I don’t know.”
“The corona thing I believe is a front, it’s a cover as an excuse to be able to lock stuff down, and go in and get some of these people out of here,” he added. “This to me is a good thing.”


rightwingwatch--2020-03-12--Right Wing Round-Up: ‘A Major Failure’

Right Wing Round-Up: ‘A Major Failure’


rightwingwatch--2020-03-12--Right Wing Bonus Tracks: ‘The Chinese Flu’


rightwingwatch--2020-03-12--Roy Moore Group Asks Supreme Court to Overturn Marriage Equality Ruling

The Foundation for Moral Law , a group founded by the intensely anti-gay former Alabama chief justice and failed Senate candidate Roy Moore and currently headed by his wife Kayla Moore , filed an amicus brief Thursday urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider and overturn its 2015 decision in Obergefell , which ruled that it was unconstitutional for states to ban same-sex couples from getting married .
The Foundation for Moral Law ’ s brief was filed in a case involving Kim Davis , the Kentucky county clerk who became a religious-right folk hero when she refused a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ruling and issue a marriage license to a gay couple .
Two same-sex couples who were refused a marriage license by Davis brought a civil case against her , and she made a claim of qualified immunity .
After a district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled against Davis , who is represented by Liberty Counsel ’ s Mat Staver , she asked the Supreme Court to review the case .
And that smelled like an opportunity to the Foundation for Moral Law .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the author of the Obergefell ruling , former Justice Anthony Kennedy , has since been replaced by Brett Kavanaugh , who nomination and confirmation were supported and celebrated by anti-equality religious-right groups .
“ Now that Justice Kavanaugh has replaced Justice Kennedy , we hope that the Supreme Court will once again allow the states to recognize marriage for what it is : a union between one man and one woman for life , ” Kayla Moore said in the foundation ’ s press release .
Religious-right groups denounced Obergefell as illegitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are intent on reversing it and stripping same-sex couples of the right to get married .
Roy Moore created the foundation between his two stints as Alabama chief justice , both of which ended with his removal for refusing to abide by federal court decisions .
In 2015 , he called the Obergefell ruling “ an immoral , unconstitutional and tyrannical opinion ” and urged states to defy the Supreme Court ’ s “ tyranny.
” He hired Christian Reconstructionist John Eidsmoe—who former Rep. Michele Bachmann calls a mentor—to join the foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obergefell “ disobedience against God ” and urged lower courts and elected officials to “ nullify ” it .
Like Roy Moore ’ s political career , the Foundation for Moral Law has received funding from Michael Peroutka , a supporter and funder of Christian Reconstructionist and neo-Confederate groups and causes .
Peroutka believes that “ sodomite-unmarriage ” is one consequence of the Union victory in the U.S. Civil War , or as he calls it , “ The War Between the States .
”

The Foundation for Moral Law, a group founded by the intensely anti-gay former Alabama chief justice and failed Senate candidate Roy Moore and currently headed by his wife Kayla Moore, filed an amicus brief Thursday urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider and overturn its 2015 decision in Obergefell, which ruled that it was unconstitutional for states to ban same-sex couples from getting married.
The Foundation for Moral Law’s brief was filed in a case involving Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who became a religious-right folk hero when she refused a court order to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling and issue a marriage license to a gay couple. Two same-sex couples who were refused a marriage license by Davis brought a civil case against her, and she made a claim of qualified immunity.
After a district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled against Davis, who is represented by Liberty Counsel’s Mat Staver, she asked the Supreme Court to review the case. And that smelled like an opportunity to the Foundation for Moral Law. A Thursday press release from the group noted that the author of the Obergefell ruling, former Justice Anthony Kennedy, has since been replaced by Brett Kavanaugh, who nomination and confirmation were supported and celebrated by anti-equality religious-right groups.
“Now that Justice Kavanaugh has replaced Justice Kennedy, we hope that the Supreme Court will once again allow the states to recognize marriage for what it is: a union between one man and one woman for life,” Kayla Moore said in the foundation’s press release.
Religious-right groups denounced Obergefell as illegitimate from the moment it was announced, and are intent on reversing it and stripping same-sex couples of the right to get married.
Roy Moore created the foundation between his two stints as Alabama chief justice, both of which ended with his removal for refusing to abide by federal court decisions. In 2015, he called the Obergefell ruling “an immoral, unconstitutional and tyrannical opinion” and urged states to defy the Supreme Court’s “tyranny.” He hired Christian Reconstructionist John Eidsmoe—who former Rep. Michele Bachmann calls a mentor—to join the foundation’s legal team. Eidsmoe called Obergefell “disobedience against God” and urged lower courts and elected officials to “nullify” it.
Like Roy Moore’s political career, the Foundation for Moral Law has received funding from Michael Peroutka, a supporter and funder of Christian Reconstructionist and neo-Confederate groups and causes. Peroutka believes that “sodomite-unmarriage” is one consequence of the Union victory in the U.S. Civil War, or as he calls it, “The War Between the States.”