thedailycaller--2020-12-13--EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS: Proud Boys, Counter-Protesters Brawl On The Streets Of DC After MAGA March

Members of the Proud Boys and counter-protesters repeatedly clashed on Saturday in Washington , D.C. after a march in support of President Donald Trump .
D.C. saw hundreds of pro-Trump supporters gather for another “ MAGA March ” opposing the results of the 2020 election .
While most appeared to remain peaceful , the event was ultimately overshadowed by the violence that followed between two opposing sides looking to cause trouble .
Hundreds of Proud Boys , a far-right group , began a sunny , warm Saturday afternoon by marching around Washington , D.C. amid the pro-Trump rally , often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with their well-known “ Uhuru ” rallying cry .
In the end , the group would partake in a series of vicious brawls across downtown D.C. , according to reporters on the ground .
The Proud Boys , who started off mingling with Trump supporters , became more tense as the day ticked by and the sun began to set .
They repeatedly shouted chants against Antifa and began to turn confrontational with anyone they deemed to be on the other side .
Eventually , a large number of the Proud Boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aiming to find members of the left-wing group Antifa to fight with .
This marked the start of a cat-and-mouse game between the Proud Boys and counter-protesters , who also arrived on the streets of D.C. ready for a fight .
The counter-protesters clad themselves in black bloc and donned fighting gear that typically included helmets , shields and face masks .
The Proud Boys , on the other hand , appeared to opt more for batons and their fists .
The combination resulted in a bloody night on the streets of D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The New York Times .
Other injuries occurred amid the fighting , and reporters on the ground saw faces bloodied and people disoriented following scuffles .
Both groups taunted each other throughout the evening , amped up for the physical altercations .
At least one of the stabbings appeared to come amid a fight between Proud Boys members and a counter-protester near the popular conservative bar Harry ’ s , reporters on the ground noted .
It is not immediately clear what started the fight , but it ended with arrests and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one police officer who fell down while trying to break up the situation .
As police continuously tried to prevent clashes between the opposing sides , already-high tensions kept rising .
Counter-protesters , Proud Boys and Trump supporters alike redirected their anger towards the police , who would stand in a shoulder-to-shoulder human barricade and keep the groups separate .
At times , tensions boiled over .
Proud Boys were repeatedly seen berating police officers and even getting physical with them – counter-protesters , meanwhile , were seen doing exactly the same thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ batons , bicycles and pepper spray on both sides in an attempt to keep the peace , but this often wasn ’ t enough to disperse the crowds , even as the air filled with spice from the spray .
The police presence in D.C. seemed to fuel the Proud Boys ’ anger towards counter-protesters , and they spent the evening looking for ways around police barricades to no avail .
At one point , hundreds of Proud Boys met downtown to regroup , where they burned a “ Black Lives Matter ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local church .
( RELATED : PHOTOS : Trump Supporters Chased Out Of Black Lives Matter Plaza During Chaotic Demonstrations In Washington , DC ) Another event on Saturday saw an all-out battle between counter-protesters and the Proud Boys on a street downtown that had not been closed off to vehicular traffic .
The two groups brawled out in the open as cars drove past , with each side taunting the other and physical fights breaking out .
Police were nowhere to be seen for this incident , eventually arriving several minutes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued , the Proud Boys continued to hunt throughout the streets of downtown , marching around in search of Antifa .
While some fights continued to break out , the heavy police presence prevented the potential for much more violence and both groups began to tired as midnight rolled around .
The violent day and evening in downtown resulted in at least 23 arrests , the mayor ’ s office said , according to the NYT .
Six people face charges of assaulting a police officer .
And while the two opposing sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police remained , at least for a little while longer , driving around downtown to reopen roads for Sunday drivers .

Members of the Proud Boys and counter-protesters repeatedly clashed on Saturday in Washington, D.C. after a march in support of President Donald Trump.
D.C. saw hundreds of pro-Trump supporters gather for another “MAGA March” opposing the results of the 2020 election. While most appeared to remain peaceful, the event was ultimately overshadowed by the violence that followed between two opposing sides looking to cause trouble.
Hundreds of Proud Boys, a far-right group, began a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon by marching around Washington, D.C. amid the pro-Trump rally, often stopping to re-organize and pump each other up with their well-known “Uhuru” rallying cry.
In the end, the group would partake in a series of vicious brawls across downtown D.C., according to reporters on the ground.
WATCH:
The Proud Boys, who started off mingling with Trump supporters, became more tense as the day ticked by and the sun began to set. They repeatedly shouted chants against Antifa and began to turn confrontational with anyone they deemed to be on the other side.
Eventually, a large number of the Proud Boys mobilized and marched towards BLM Plaza, aiming to find members of the left-wing group Antifa to fight with. This marked the start of a cat-and-mouse game between the Proud Boys and counter-protesters, who also arrived on the streets of D.C. ready for a fight.
The counter-protesters clad themselves in black bloc and donned fighting gear that typically included helmets, shields and face masks. The Proud Boys, on the other hand, appeared to opt more for batons and their fists. The combination resulted in a bloody night on the streets of D.C., with four reported stabbings, according to The New York Times.
Other injuries occurred amid the fighting, and reporters on the ground saw faces bloodied and people disoriented following scuffles. Both groups taunted each other throughout the evening, amped up for the physical altercations.
At least one of the stabbings appeared to come amid a fight between Proud Boys members and a counter-protester near the popular conservative bar Harry’s, reporters on the ground noted. It is not immediately clear what started the fight, but it ended with arrests and multiple people injured – including at least one police officer who fell down while trying to break up the situation.
WATCH:
A lot of police are out now after the fight and alleged stabbing. After milling about for a bit, Proud Boys/pro-Trump people are starting to move: pic.twitter.com/ymqu4dFugV — Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) December 13, 2020
As police continuously tried to prevent clashes between the opposing sides, already-high tensions kept rising. Counter-protesters, Proud Boys and Trump supporters alike redirected their anger towards the police, who would stand in a shoulder-to-shoulder human barricade and keep the groups separate.
At times, tensions boiled over. Proud Boys were repeatedly seen berating police officers and even getting physical with them – counter-protesters, meanwhile, were seen doing exactly the same thing. Officers covered in protective gear used batons, bicycles and pepper spray on both sides in an attempt to keep the peace, but this often wasn’t enough to disperse the crowds, even as the air filled with spice from the spray.
The police presence in D.C. seemed to fuel the Proud Boys’ anger towards counter-protesters, and they spent the evening looking for ways around police barricades to no avail. At one point, hundreds of Proud Boys met downtown to regroup, where they burned a “Black Lives Matter” banner that was reportedly stolen from a local church. (RELATED: PHOTOS: Trump Supporters Chased Out Of Black Lives Matter Plaza During Chaotic Demonstrations In Washington, DC)
Another event on Saturday saw an all-out battle between counter-protesters and the Proud Boys on a street downtown that had not been closed off to vehicular traffic. The two groups brawled out in the open as cars drove past, with each side taunting the other and physical fights breaking out. Police were nowhere to be seen for this incident, eventually arriving several minutes after the fighting began.
WATCH:
Proud Boys cheer upon realizing that the group carrying another BLM flag are actually more Proud Boys. Police just arrived to the area as well. pic.twitter.com/mvb9Jdmd7s — Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) December 13, 2020
As the night continued, the Proud Boys continued to hunt throughout the streets of downtown, marching around in search of Antifa. While some fights continued to break out, the heavy police presence prevented the potential for much more violence and both groups began to tired as midnight rolled around.
The violent day and evening in downtown resulted in at least 23 arrests, the mayor’s office said, according to the NYT. Six people face charges of assaulting a police officer. And while the two opposing sides eventually trickled out of the streets, the police remained, at least for a little while longer, driving around downtown to reopen roads for Sunday drivers.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--PHOTOS: Trump Supporters Chased Out Of Black Lives Matter Plaza During Chaotic Demonstrations In Was

PHOTOS: Trump Supporters Chased Out Of Black Lives Matter Plaza During Chaotic Demonstrations In Washington, DC

A group participating in a pro-President Donald Trump march were chased out of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington , D.C. by counter-protesters Saturday afternoon , with some incidents requiring intervention from the police .
Metropolitan Police Department ( MPD ) officers kept the counter-protesters and demonstrators participating in the pro-Trump march away from each other for the most part , though a few Trump supporters passing through Black Lives Matter Plaza were harassed by protesters .
Members of the Proud Boys and the AP III , also known as three percenters , marched along with other the pro-Trump demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Million MAGA March ” last month , NPR reported .
Few wore masks or practiced social distancing .
Multiple protesters were sprayed with a chemical substance they described as similar to mace by MPD officers near Black Lives Matter Plaza .
Few Trump supporters wore face coverings or practiced in social distancing Saturday afternoon .
( RELATED : EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS : Counter-Protesters Target Trump Supporters After ‘ Million MAGA March ’ As Violence Breaks Out In Downtown DC ) Proud Boys members shouted “ fuck Antifa ” at anyone who wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hyatt Place on K Street , where several members of the group were staying .
Multiple Trump supporters congregated on the sidewalk outside the hotel , where they drank alcohol and a few smoked a substance that smelled like marijuana out of a pipe near the hotel ’ s boarded up revolving door .
Protesters burned MAGA hats and flags in the street of Black Lives Matter Plaza and threw fireworks at members of the Proud Boys and other Trump supporters outside the Hyatt Place hotel .
Content created by The Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

A group participating in a pro-President Donald Trump march were chased out of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C. by counter-protesters Saturday afternoon, with some incidents requiring intervention from the police.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers kept the counter-protesters and demonstrators participating in the pro-Trump march away from each other for the most part, though a few Trump supporters passing through Black Lives Matter Plaza were harassed by protesters.
Members of the Proud Boys and the AP III, also known as three percenters, marched along with other the pro-Trump demonstrators.
Thousands of Trump supporters attended the “Million MAGA March” last month, NPR reported. Few wore masks or practiced social distancing.
Multiple protesters were sprayed with a chemical substance they described as similar to mace by MPD officers near Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Few Trump supporters wore face coverings or practiced in social distancing Saturday afternoon. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS: Counter-Protesters Target Trump Supporters After ‘Million MAGA March’ As Violence Breaks Out In Downtown DC)
Proud Boys members shouted “fuck Antifa” at anyone who wasn’t wearing pro-Trump clothing that passed by the Hyatt Place on K Street, where several members of the group were staying. Multiple Trump supporters congregated on the sidewalk outside the hotel, where they drank alcohol and a few smoked a substance that smelled like marijuana out of a pipe near the hotel’s boarded up revolving door.
Protesters burned MAGA hats and flags in the street of Black Lives Matter Plaza and threw fireworks at members of the Proud Boys and other Trump supporters outside the Hyatt Place hotel.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-14--Police Fatally Shoot Gunman Who Opened Fire At New York City Church Christmas Concert

Police shot and killed a gunman who opened fire at the end of a Christmas concert being held outside of a New York City cathedral on Sunday , numerous sources reported .
Three New York Police Department ( NYPD ) officers fired 15 shots at the unidentified man after he opened fire with two semi automatic handguns while yelling “ kill me ” at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine , according to the Associated Press .
The officers struck him at least once in the head , and the suspect was taken to a nearby hospital in critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said that it was “ by the grace of God ” that no one besides the gunman was injured , according to the AP .
Several officers were being examined for tinnitus , the Wall Street Journal reported .
The man reportedly was carrying a bag with gasoline , rope , knives , and a Bible , and had a lengthy criminal history .
( RELATED : Supreme Court Orders New York To End COVID-19 Restrictions That Discriminate Against Churches , Synagogues ) Officers responded to the church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 3:45 p.m. after residents called 911 to report an active shooter when the 45-minute caroling concert had finished , according to the AP .
People were walking away once the concert concluded , and then began to run once the shots were heard .
Parishioners reportedly walked out of the church with their hands up , ABC 7 reported .
Police said the suspect went to the top of the steps where the concert was held and opened fire into the air , according to ABC 7 .
The suspect reportedly shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No injuries were reported among the attendees of the event , the cathedral announced on Twitter .

Police shot and killed a gunman who opened fire at the end of a Christmas concert being held outside of a New York City cathedral on Sunday, numerous sources reported.
Three New York Police Department (NYPD) officers fired 15 shots at the unidentified man after he opened fire with two semi automatic handguns while yelling “kill me” at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, according to the Associated Press. The officers struck him at least once in the head, and the suspect was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
BREAKING: NYPD respond to shots fired at St. John the Divine Church in New York City @PIX11News pic.twitter.com/VC3GyNesVZ — Cristian Benavides (@cbenavidesTV) December 13, 2020
NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said that it was “by the grace of God” that no one besides the gunman was injured, according to the AP. Several officers were being examined for tinnitus, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The man reportedly was carrying a bag with gasoline, rope, knives, and a Bible, and had a lengthy criminal history. (RELATED: Supreme Court Orders New York To End COVID-19 Restrictions That Discriminate Against Churches, Synagogues)
What we know about the shooting at St John the Divine church so far: A person who appeared to be mentally ill climbed the scaffolding inside the church during a Christmas service at about 4:00 pm. He began shooting a gun indiscriminately in the air. (Cont…) — Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) December 13, 2020
He was yelling that he wanted to be killed. Police arrived quickly. The suspect was shot. His condition is unclear but it appears he has died. No other individuals were injured. More soon. — Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) December 13, 2020
Officers responded to the church, located in Morningside Heights, at around 3:45 p.m. after residents called 911 to report an active shooter when the 45-minute caroling concert had finished, according to the AP.
People were walking away once the concert concluded, and then began to run once the shots were heard. Parishioners reportedly walked out of the church with their hands up, ABC 7 reported.
Police said the suspect went to the top of the steps where the concert was held and opened fire into the air, according to ABC 7. The suspect reportedly shot at police before the police returned fire.
Our Carols for the Community event this afternoon was interrupted by an armed individual, who set off a round of gunfire into the air from our front steps. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the attendees and the suspect is in custody. — Cathedral of St. John the Divine (@StJohnDivineNYC) December 13, 2020
No injuries were reported among the attendees of the event, the cathedral announced on Twitter.


thedailycaller--2020-12-14--After 105 Years, Cleveland Will Drop ‘Indians’ From Baseball Team Name

Cleveland ’ s Major League Baseball team will reportedly drop “ Indians ” from its name as early as this week .
“ For the past 105 years , the team was called the Indians .
That will be no more as Cleveland has decided to change its name , ” New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt tweeted .
( RELATED : ‘ Time To Move Forward ’ : Cleveland Indians Manager Reveals If He Supports Changing The Team ’ s Name ) According to Schmidt ’ s report , the decision was part of “ a wider push for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names and imagery as team names and mascots.
” He cited three sources who had spoken to him about the proposed change on condition of anonymity .
Although the report indicated that the official news could come as early as this week , a full transition away from the name Cleveland ’ s American League team has used since 1915 might not be as immediate .
One source told Schmidt that the name and current logo — the previous mascot Chief Wahoo was phased out in 2019 — would likely remain through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as early as 2022 .
Cleveland follows the steps of the NFL ’ s former Washington Redskins , now known as the Washington Football Team .

Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team will reportedly drop “Indians” from its name as early as this week.
“For the past 105 years, the team was called the Indians. That will be no more as Cleveland has decided to change its name,” New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt tweeted. (RELATED: ‘Time To Move Forward’: Cleveland Indians Manager Reveals If He Supports Changing The Team’s Name)
EXCLUSIVE: For the past 105 years, the team was called the Indians. That will be no more as Cleveland has decided to change its name. Announcement from team could come as early as this week. w/@DavidWaldstein https://t.co/Nnw2nAoKcJ — Michael S. Schmidt (@nytmike) December 14, 2020
According to Schmidt’s report, the decision was part of “a wider push for sports teams to stop using Native American names and imagery as team names and mascots.” He cited three sources who had spoken to him about the proposed change on condition of anonymity.
Although the report indicated that the official news could come as early as this week, a full transition away from the name Cleveland’s American League team has used since 1915 might not be as immediate. One source told Schmidt that the name and current logo — the previous mascot Chief Wahoo was phased out in 2019 — would likely remain through the 2021 season with the change taking effect as early as 2022.
Sources confirm the @nytmike and @DavidWaldstein report that the Cleveland Indians will be dropping their nickname. While it’s unclear what they will replace it with, the Indians — who have been called that for more than a century and nearly 17,000 games — will be no more. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 14, 2020
Cleveland follows the steps of the NFL’s former Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Football Team.
How about “The Cleveland Washington Football Team Baseball Team”? — Scott Stossel (@SStossel) December 14, 2020


thedailycaller--2020-12-14--Some School Districts Are Teaching In-Person. One Will Find ‘Every Excuse We Can To Stay Open’

• Many school districts in the United States have opted to only offer remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic , but some school districts are fighting to remain open .
• Data collected globally indicates that school openings did not cause a surge in coronavirus cases , but schools in major cities such as Chicago , Philadelphia , Boston and San Diego have not reopened — despite Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s recommendations .
• “ We will find every excuse we can to stay open , ” Queen Creek Unified School District board president Ken Brague said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , let them .
We will stay open.
” Many school districts in the United States have opted to switch to virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic , but some school districts are fighting to preserve in-person learning , with one district finding “ every excuse ” they can to “ stay open.
” Elected officials enacted executive orders in the spring requiring Americans to lockdown and stay-at-home , resulting in school closures and remote learning as early as March .
Officials have quarreled over whether schools should reopen in this fall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stances against reopening , arguing that it puts teachers at risk .
Data collected globally indicates that school openings did not cause a surge in coronavirus cases , yet schools in major cities such as Chicago , Philadelphia , Boston and San Diego have not reopened — despite Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s late-November recommendation that schools should reopen .
( RELATED : Lack Of Internet , Technology , Meals : Teachers Detail Pitfalls Of Remote Teaching During Coronavirus Crisis ) A number of school districts have opted to go back to in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , particularly in Georgia and Florida .
One such district is Queen Creek Unified School District in Arizona , which returned to in-person learning on Aug. 17 , though it still offered an online option for students .
“ We will find every excuse we can to stay open , ” Ken Brague , the district ’ s governing board president , said in mid-November according to KTAR News .
“ While others are finding excuses to close , let them .
We will stay open.
” The district did not respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our kids are incredibly safe , ” he added , noting that out of the 10,000 students and staff , there have been less than 70 coronavirus cases within the school district and only five cases reported on average per week .
( RELATED : Joe Biden Pledges To Reopen Most Schools During First 100 Days Of Presidency ) In Nebraska , Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Joel issued a Thanksgiving message to the school ’ s 50,000 students and staff in which he thanked them for abiding by the school ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following safety protocols .
The district is the second largest public school district in Nebraska and has remained open for in-person learning since August .
Officials from the district did not respond to requests for comment .
“ As we head into the holiday week , I want to implore each of our students and staff members to heed the safety protocols so we can drive case numbers down , ” Joel told the school district ahead of Thanksgiving .
“ Our ability to continue having in-person school and getting our athletics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manner in which we each take on this responsibility.
” Another school district that has fought to remain open is Rutherford County School District in Tennessee , which reopened in August for in-person learning .
The school also offers a remote learning option for families that are not comfortable sending their children back to school .
The school district occasionally has turned to remote learning for several days at a time due to a shortage of substitute teachers , a Rutherford County school teacher told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
The teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shortage of teachers in the district .
“ If we just get too many teachers out with not enough subs , then we have to shift to temporary distance until the people can return from quarantine , ” the teacher told the DCNF .
( RELATED : GOP Bill Would Withhold Funding From Schools That Don ’ t Reopen By September ) The teacher asked to remain anonymous out of fear of backlash from his school district and Tennessee teachers unions , which he described as hostile to conservative viewpoints and angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s a clear distinction between teachers who were in the union , and teachers who are not , ” the teacher , who is not part of the local union , told the DCNF .
He expressed frustration at those teachers who push for schools to return to remote learning , emphasizing that children can not learn properly at home .
Families who have the means to hire private tutors , to homeschool or to put their children in private schools are at an advantage , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to help the most vulnerable among us , ” he said .
“ I mean , that ’ s the goal of public schools.
” “ I ’ m seeing across the board , if you ’ re an underprivileged kid , it ’ s almost impossible to do well in distance learning , ” he continued .
He described the high school he works at as “ a good school ” that is now suffering from “ unprecedented failure rates ” — children getting bad grades because “ they turn in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of the distance learners , ” he added .
“ They ’ re just not doing assignments.
” ( RELATED : Dr. Fauci Said To Reopen Schools , And Close Bars — But Major School Districts Continue To Stay Closed ) Rutherford Education Association President Laura L. Schlesinger told the DCNF that the generalization that most teachers unions wish to move to virtual learning is an “ accurate portrayal.
” “ Like quite a few other school systems , including a neighboring school district , we were hoping Rutherford County Schools would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before winter break so as to give educators like me time to quarantine that we might be able to reunite with loved ones we have not seen since the beginning of the school year , ” Schlesinger said .
She said that a week of remote learning following winter break would let educators and students quarantine before returning to school .
“ By and large , ” Schlesinger continued , “ educators are increasingly feeling as though distance learning is the safer option until the numbers of positive cases decline , not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on again off again , comings and goings of educators and students having to quarantine.
” Schlesinger said “ the pandemic has had more devastating effects ” than any negative impact on students ’ learning caused by virtual education .
“ Educators and children are resilient , ” she said .
“ I believe the pandemic that has necessitated distance learning has revealed that our society has become over reliant on schools to raise our children.
” “ As with anything , there is always going to be a learning curve , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
“ If this is the wave of the future , then in the longterm we may be better preparing our students and ourselves for the future.
” Remote teaching requires significant preparation that wasn ’ t afforded in the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak , teachers told the DCNF in March , and constraints such as limited access to adequate technology , a lack of meals and unstable home lives have severely hampered education .
A study from Virginia ’ s largest school system published in November found that virtual learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academic achievement in Fairfax County Public Schools .
The district saw a “ widening gap between students who were previously performing satisfactorily and those performing unsatisfactorily.
” “ Students who performed well previously primarily performed slightly better than expected during [ Quarter 1 ] of this year , ” the report said .
“ In contrast , students who were previously not performing well , performed considerably less well.
” Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said in a statement that the school system is working quickly to help repair the damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many students who were doing well academically before the pandemic hit are still doing well , while others “ who previously struggled in school … continue to do so.
” “ We are working on identifying these students by name and by need and are working on specific interventions to support them right now and as we phase back in person , ” Braband added .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Many school districts in the United States have opted to only offer remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic, but some school districts are fighting to remain open.
Data collected globally indicates that school openings did not cause a surge in coronavirus cases, but schools in major cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and San Diego have not reopened — despite Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recommendations.
“We will find every excuse we can to stay open,” Queen Creek Unified School District board president Ken Brague said. “While others are finding excuses to close, let them. We will stay open.”
Many school districts in the United States have opted to switch to virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic, but some school districts are fighting to preserve in-person learning, with one district finding “every excuse” they can to “stay open.”
Elected officials enacted executive orders in the spring requiring Americans to lockdown and stay-at-home, resulting in school closures and remote learning as early as March. Officials have quarreled over whether schools should reopen in this fall, and many teachers unions have taken strong stances against reopening, arguing that it puts teachers at risk.
Data collected globally indicates that school openings did not cause a surge in coronavirus cases, yet schools in major cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and San Diego have not reopened — despite Dr. Anthony Fauci’s late-November recommendation that schools should reopen. (RELATED: Lack Of Internet, Technology, Meals: Teachers Detail Pitfalls Of Remote Teaching During Coronavirus Crisis)
A number of school districts have opted to go back to in-person learning while still offering remote options to families, particularly in Georgia and Florida. One such district is Queen Creek Unified School District in Arizona, which returned to in-person learning on Aug. 17, though it still offered an online option for students.
“We will find every excuse we can to stay open,” Ken Brague, the district’s governing board president, said in mid-November according to KTAR News. “While others are finding excuses to close, let them. We will stay open.”
The district did not respond to a request for comment.
“Our kids are incredibly safe,” he added, noting that out of the 10,000 students and staff, there have been less than 70 coronavirus cases within the school district and only five cases reported on average per week. (RELATED: Joe Biden Pledges To Reopen Most Schools During First 100 Days Of Presidency)
In Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Joel issued a Thanksgiving message to the school’s 50,000 students and staff in which he thanked them for abiding by the school’s rules and urged them to continue following safety protocols.
The district is the second largest public school district in Nebraska and has remained open for in-person learning since August. Officials from the district did not respond to requests for comment.
“As we head into the holiday week, I want to implore each of our students and staff members to heed the safety protocols so we can drive case numbers down,” Joel told the school district ahead of Thanksgiving. “Our ability to continue having in-person school and getting our athletics and activities back is directly related to the manner in which we each take on this responsibility.”
Another school district that has fought to remain open is Rutherford County School District in Tennessee, which reopened in August for in-person learning. The school also offers a remote learning option for families that are not comfortable sending their children back to school.
The school district occasionally has turned to remote learning for several days at a time due to a shortage of substitute teachers, a Rutherford County school teacher told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The teacher suggested that contract tracing may be causing a shortage of teachers in the district.
“If we just get too many teachers out with not enough subs, then we have to shift to temporary distance until the people can return from quarantine,” the teacher told the DCNF. (RELATED: GOP Bill Would Withhold Funding From Schools That Don’t Reopen By September)
The teacher asked to remain anonymous out of fear of backlash from his school district and Tennessee teachers unions, which he described as hostile to conservative viewpoints and angry that schools are in-person rather than remote.
“There’s a clear distinction between teachers who were in the union, and teachers who are not,” the teacher, who is not part of the local union, told the DCNF.
He expressed frustration at those teachers who push for schools to return to remote learning, emphasizing that children cannot learn properly at home. Families who have the means to hire private tutors, to homeschool or to put their children in private schools are at an advantage, he said.
All Metro Nashville Schools will be moving to distance learning following the Thanksgiving holiday amid the surge in new coronavirus cases across Middle Tennessee, school officials announced Monday. https://t.co/A69XiLwcBM — TN Education Assoc. (@TEA_teachers) November 24, 2020
“These people are supposed to be trying to help the most vulnerable among us,” he said. “I mean, that’s the goal of public schools.”
“I’m seeing across the board, if you’re an underprivileged kid, it’s almost impossible to do well in distance learning,” he continued. He described the high school he works at as “a good school” that is now suffering from “unprecedented failure rates” — children getting bad grades because “they turn in nothing.”
“It’s a majority of the distance learners,” he added. “They’re just not doing assignments.” (RELATED: Dr. Fauci Said To Reopen Schools, And Close Bars — But Major School Districts Continue To Stay Closed)
Rutherford Education Association President Laura L. Schlesinger told the DCNF that the generalization that most teachers unions wish to move to virtual learning is an “accurate portrayal.”
“Like quite a few other school systems, including a neighboring school district, we were hoping Rutherford County Schools would be moved to distance learning the week before winter break so as to give educators like me time to quarantine that we might be able to reunite with loved ones we have not seen since the beginning of the school year,” Schlesinger said.
She said that a week of remote learning following winter break would let educators and students quarantine before returning to school.
“By and large,” Schlesinger continued, “educators are increasingly feeling as though distance learning is the safer option until the numbers of positive cases decline, not to mention less disruptive to learning than the on again off again, comings and goings of educators and students having to quarantine.”
Schlesinger said “the pandemic has had more devastating effects” than any negative impact on students’ learning caused by virtual education.
“Educators and children are resilient,” she said. “I believe the pandemic that has necessitated distance learning has revealed that our society has become over reliant on schools to raise our children.”
“As with anything, there is always going to be a learning curve, and change is not easy,” Schlesinger continued. “If this is the wave of the future, then in the longterm we may be better preparing our students and ourselves for the future.”
Remote teaching requires significant preparation that wasn’t afforded in the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak, teachers told the DCNF in March, and constraints such as limited access to adequate technology, a lack of meals and unstable home lives have severely hampered education.
A study from Virginia’s largest school system published in November found that virtual learning due to the coronavirus pandemic is tanking academic achievement in Fairfax County Public Schools. The district saw a “widening gap between students who were previously performing satisfactorily and those performing unsatisfactorily.”
“Students who performed well previously primarily performed slightly better than expected during [Quarter 1] of this year,” the report said. “In contrast, students who were previously not performing well, performed considerably less well.”
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said in a statement that the school system is working quickly to help repair the damage done to students’ learning, adding that many students who were doing well academically before the pandemic hit are still doing well, while others “who previously struggled in school … continue to do so.”
“We are working on identifying these students by name and by need and are working on specific interventions to support them right now and as we phase back in person,” Braband added.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-14--The Detroit Lions Lose To The Green Bay Packers 31-24

The Detroit Lions dropped a tough one Sunday night to the Green Bay Packers .
Entering the game , I thought it was another great shot for the Lions to earn a win in the second game since firing Matt Patricia .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) As hard as the team fought , we just couldn ’ t get it done during the 31-24 .
There ’ s no such thing as a good loss .
Those don ’ t exist , and anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s a fact .
Having said that , it doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t find positives in a win .
The Lions simply look like the team has a ton of energy , the guys are playing with passion and we look like a very different team from just a few weeks back .
For the first time in a very long time , it feels like we have a squad that can actually compete .
We might have lost today against a really good Green Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the right direction .
Given how bad we ’ ve been the past couple years , I ’ ll take it .

The Detroit Lions dropped a tough one Sunday night to the Green Bay Packers.
Entering the game, I thought it was another great shot for the Lions to earn a win in the second game since firing Matt Patricia. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
As hard as the team fought, we just couldn’t get it done during the 31-24.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Detroit Lions (@detroitlionsnfl)
There’s no such thing as a good loss. Those don’t exist, and anyone who says they do is lying to you. That’s a fact.
Having said that, it doesn’t mean you can’t find positives in a win.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Detroit Lions (@detroitlionsnfl)
The Lions simply look like the team has a ton of energy, the guys are playing with passion and we look like a very different team from just a few weeks back.
For the first time in a very long time, it feels like we have a squad that can actually compete.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Detroit Lions (@detroitlionsnfl)
We might have lost today against a really good Green Bay team, but the Lions are trending in the right direction. Given how bad we’ve been the past couple years, I’ll take it.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--‘Reminiscent Of Cross Burnings’: Pastor Responds After Proud Boys Burn Historic Black Church’s BLM B

‘Reminiscent Of Cross Burnings’: Pastor Responds After Proud Boys Burn Historic Black Church’s BLM Banner

Rev .
Dr. Ianther M. Mills responded Sunday after a group of Proud Boys and Trump supporters burned a Black Lives Matter banner stolen from his church .
A pro-Trump protest ended in violence and vandalism Saturday as multiple stab wounds were reported and at least two churches were stripped of Black Lives Matter signs .
( RELATED : EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS : Proud Boys , Counter-Protesters Brawl On The Streets Of DC After MAGA March ) The Rev .
Dr. Mills issued a statement Sunday likening the Proud Boys ’ actions to the cross-burning that was typical of white supremacist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Last night demonstrators who were part of the MAGA gatherings tore down our Black Lives Matter sign and literally burned it in the street .
The sign burning was captured on Twitter .
It pained me especially to see our name , Asbury , in flames .
For me it was reminiscent of cross burnings , ” Mills wrote .
“ Seeing this act on video made me both indignant and determined to fight the evil that has reared its ugly head .
We had been so confident that no one would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has happened.
” April Goggans , an organizer with Black Lives Matter D.C. , also released a statement accusing the police department of protecting white supremacists throughout the demonstrations .
“ Yesterday , D.C. was invaded by white supremacists who were aided and protected by the Metropolitan Police Department ( MPD ) .
We never expect police to protect Black people or anyone critical of police ; and the people of D.C. need to be clear MPD physically protected white supremacists , as they threatened lives , damaged historic churches and destroyed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to physically attack D.C. residents who stood against white supremacy , ” Goggans said .

Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills responded Sunday after a group of Proud Boys and Trump supporters burned a Black Lives Matter banner stolen from his church.
A pro-Trump protest ended in violence and vandalism Saturday as multiple stab wounds were reported and at least two churches were stripped of Black Lives Matter signs. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS: Proud Boys, Counter-Protesters Brawl On The Streets Of DC After MAGA March)
The Proud Boys and Trump supporters burn the BLM banner while chanting and cheering in downtown DC: pic.twitter.com/L16azBBhbr — Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) December 13, 2020
Proud Boys tear down another Black Lives Matter board from the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church #DC #MarchForTrump #DefendDC #ProudBoys pic.twitter.com/ml1TbhV98Q — Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) December 13, 2020
The Rev. Dr. Mills issued a statement Sunday likening the Proud Boys’ actions to the cross-burning that was typical of white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
The pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in DC responds to the burning of the church’s Black Lives Matter sign last night by people who appeared to be affiliated with Proud Boys. “For me it was reminiscent of cross burnings.” pic.twitter.com/eX3aAE7qTJ — Jack Jenkins (@jackmjenkins) December 13, 2020
“Last night demonstrators who were part of the MAGA gatherings tore down our Black Lives Matter sign and literally burned it in the street. The sign burning was captured on Twitter. It pained me especially to see our name, Asbury, in flames. For me it was reminiscent of cross burnings,” Mills wrote. “Seeing this act on video made me both indignant and determined to fight the evil that has reared its ugly head. We had been so confident that no one would ever vandalize the church, but it has happened.”
April Goggans, an organizer with Black Lives Matter D.C., also released a statement accusing the police department of protecting white supremacists throughout the demonstrations.
“Yesterday, D.C. was invaded by white supremacists who were aided and protected by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). We never expect police to protect Black people or anyone critical of police; and the people of D.C. need to be clear MPD physically protected white supremacists, as they threatened lives, damaged historic churches and destroyed and burned property. MPD allowed Proud Boys to physically attack D.C. residents who stood against white supremacy,” Goggans said.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--‘An Absurdity’: Chris Christie Unloads On Trump Team’s Legal Theory

Former Republican New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie let loose Sunday on President Donald Trump ’ s team , saying that their legal theory was “ an absurdity.
” Christie joined Martha Raddatz on ABC ’ s “ This Week ” to discuss the president ’ s continued efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election .
( RELATED : ‘ You ’ re Not Welcome To Your Own Set Of Facts ’ : Chris Christie Spars With Joy Behar Over Reopening ) Raddatz began by noting that Christie has said that President Trump “ should just end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and asked what he had to say to Republicans — especially those who had signaled their support for the Texas case aimed at overturning the election .
“ Well , listen .
The legal theory put forward by his legal team and by the president is an absurdity , and the reason why the Supreme Court didn ’ t take it is because it ’ s an absurd idea to think that any state or any number of states , no matter how good they are , can challenge another state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they see fit , ” Christie replied .
“ And also , there ’ s no evidence .
As I have been saying since election night , show us the evidence , ” Christie continued .
( RELATED : ‘ Sick Of The Kabuki Theater ’ : Meghan McCain And Chris Christie Tag-Team Attack On Media And Trump For Constant Bickering ) Christie then pivoted to say that the real problem in his mind was the way President Trump had turned on Republican governors like Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey and Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve seen his attitude towards these folks change , and let ’ s think about why , ” Christie went on to say that Trump had been very complimentary toward both Ducey and Kemp until it became apparent that he had lost the election in their states , at which point he accused them of working against him .

Former Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie let loose Sunday on President Donald Trump’s team, saying that their legal theory was “an absurdity.”
Christie joined Martha Raddatz on ABC’s “This Week” to discuss the president’s continued efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election. (RELATED: ‘You’re Not Welcome To Your Own Set Of Facts’: Chris Christie Spars With Joy Behar Over Reopening)
WATCH:
Raddatz began by noting that Christie has said that President Trump “should just end his quest to overturn the election results,” and asked what he had to say to Republicans — especially those who had signaled their support for the Texas case aimed at overturning the election.
“Well, listen. The legal theory put forward by his legal team and by the president is an absurdity, and the reason why the Supreme Court didn’t take it is because it’s an absurd idea to think that any state or any number of states, no matter how good they are, can challenge another state’s right to run the election as they see fit,” Christie replied.
“And also, there’s no evidence. As I have been saying since election night, show us the evidence,” Christie continued. (RELATED: ‘Sick Of The Kabuki Theater’: Meghan McCain And Chris Christie Tag-Team Attack On Media And Trump For Constant Bickering)
Christie then pivoted to say that the real problem in his mind was the way President Trump had turned on Republican governors like Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
“You’ve seen his attitude towards these folks change, and let’s think about why,” Christie went on to say that Trump had been very complimentary toward both Ducey and Kemp until it became apparent that he had lost the election in their states, at which point he accused them of working against him.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--‘The New Birtherism’: Biden Attorney Trashes Trump Lawsuits And Fraud Claims

Democratic attorney Marc Elias said Sunday that President Donald Trump ’ s continued legal challenges amounted to “ the next iteration of birtherism.
” Elias joined CNN ’ s Brian Stelter on “ Reliable Sources ” to discuss Trump ’ s efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election as well as how he believed the media ’ s coverage of those efforts might need to change .
( RELATED : Democratic ‘ Super Lawyer ’ Is Trying to Get Kanye West Off The Ballot In Virginia ) The segment began with a conversation about the lawsuits that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which had not resulted in wins for the Trump team , and Elias noted that the Electoral College was still set to meet as planned .
“ But what happens when tens of millions of people believe it was stolen ?
How do you see this playing out in the months to come ?
” Stelter asked .
“ Look , I think it ’ s very dangerous .
And I always knew that Donald Trump would act irresponsibly , ” Elias replied , saying that he believed Trump had acted irresponsibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocked to see that hadn ’ t changed .
“ What is really , really distressing is to see the other senior Republican officials going along with this , ” Elias continued , saying that his real concern was the attorneys general from other states — and over 100 Republicans in Congress — who had signed on to a Texas lawsuit aimed at overturning the election .
Stelter went on to ask whether Elias believed that media coverage would have to change in order to adapt to the new environment .
( RELATED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
’ : A Self-Righteous Stelter Upbraided By 30-Year News Veteran In Testy Exchange Over Hunter Biden Emails ) “ It does , because , as you said , the problem is that the Republicans doing that have let certain news outlets create an equal side , two sides to this , when in fact there is only one factual side , ” Elias explained .
“ I think the press needs to — the media needs to start reporting this for what it is , which is the new birtherism .
Birtherism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lie through and through .
And that ’ s what we are seeing now .
We are seeing the next iteration of birtherism .
”

Democratic attorney Marc Elias said Sunday that President Donald Trump’s continued legal challenges amounted to “the next iteration of birtherism.”
Elias joined CNN’s Brian Stelter on “Reliable Sources” to discuss Trump’s efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election as well as how he believed the media’s coverage of those efforts might need to change. (RELATED: Democratic ‘Super Lawyer’ Is Trying to Get Kanye West Off The Ballot In Virginia)
WATCH:
The segment began with a conversation about the lawsuits that had been filed thus far, most of which had not resulted in wins for the Trump team, and Elias noted that the Electoral College was still set to meet as planned.
“But what happens when tens of millions of people believe it was stolen? How do you see this playing out in the months to come?” Stelter asked.
“Look, I think it’s very dangerous. And I always knew that Donald Trump would act irresponsibly,” Elias replied, saying that he believed Trump had acted irresponsibly as president and wasn’t terribly shocked to see that hadn’t changed.
“What is really, really distressing is to see the other senior Republican officials going along with this,” Elias continued, saying that his real concern was the attorneys general from other states — and over 100 Republicans in Congress — who had signed on to a Texas lawsuit aimed at overturning the election.
Stelter went on to ask whether Elias believed that media coverage would have to change in order to adapt to the new environment. (RELATED: ‘Don’t You Dare!’: A Self-Righteous Stelter Upbraided By 30-Year News Veteran In Testy Exchange Over Hunter Biden Emails)
“It does, because, as you said, the problem is that the Republicans doing that have let certain news outlets create an equal side, two sides to this, when in fact there is only one factual side,” Elias explained. “I think the press needs to — the media needs to start reporting this for what it is, which is the new birtherism. Birtherism was a lie and it was a lie through and through. And that’s what we are seeing now. We are seeing the next iteration of birtherism.”


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Alabama Leads The Latest National Title Odds, Clemson And Ohio State Follow

Alabama is still favored to win the national title .
In the latest odds from SuperBook Sports , the Crimson Tide are at 1/2 to take home the national title .
Clemson is second at 7/2 , Ohio State is third at 5/1 and Notre Dame is fourth at 12/1 .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) No other team really is really close to the top four .
You can see the full list below .
The oddsmakers are more or less predicting the field is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio State and Notre Dame , and the seeding will likely be in that order .
Right now , I think it ’ d be insanely difficult for a different team to break into the field assuming things go as planned .
If Alabama , Clemson and Ohio State all win , then they ’ re all locks .
Even with a loss , you still probably put in the Crimson Tide .
The question then becomes do you put in Notre Dame if they lose to Clemson in the ACC title game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I still think they go .
So , all that needs to happen is that the teams favored to win their respective conference title games get their jobs done .
If they do , then the four teams listed above are the four I ’ d put in the field .
That includes Notre Dame with a loss to Clemson .
Let us know in the comments who you ’ d take to win the playoff .

Alabama is still favored to win the national title.
In the latest odds from SuperBook Sports, the Crimson Tide are at 1/2 to take home the national title. Clemson is second at 7/2, Ohio State is third at 5/1 and Notre Dame is fourth at 12/1. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
No other team really is really close to the top four. You can see the full list below.
New @CFBPlayoff title odds via @SuperBookSports entering conference championships: Bama 1/2
Clemson 7/2
Ohio State 5/1
Notre Dame 12/1
Texas A&M 60/1
OU 80/1
Cincinnati 100/1
USC 100/1
Northwestern 300/1
Iowa State 500/1
Coastal Carolina 1,000/1
No odds listed for Florida — Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 13, 2020
The oddsmakers are more or less predicting the field is going to be Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame, and the seeding will likely be in that order.
Right now, I think it’d be insanely difficult for a different team to break into the field assuming things go as planned.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
If Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State all win, then they’re all locks. Even with a loss, you still probably put in the Crimson Tide.
The question then becomes do you put in Notre Dame if they lose to Clemson in the ACC title game? If it’s close, I still think they go.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clemson Football (@clemsonfb)
So, all that needs to happen is that the teams favored to win their respective conference title games get their jobs done.
If they do, then the four teams listed above are the four I’d put in the field. That includes Notre Dame with a loss to Clemson.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Fields (@justnfields)
Let us know in the comments who you’d take to win the playoff.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Alabama Opens As A 16-Point Favorite Over Florida

Alabama is expected to dominate Florida in the SEC championship game .
Circa Sports dropped their opening lines for this @ @ @ @ @ is at -16 against the Gators .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True @ @ @ @ @ It Comes To College Football ) It ’ s hard to disagree with the oddsmakers @ @ @ @ @ just watched LSU move the ball all over the field against Florida .
If the @ @ @ @ @ to score on the Gators , what do we all think the Crimson Tide are @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to be ugly .
Honestly , I wouldn ’ t be surprised @ @ @ @ @ 20 very quickly once the game starts .
The Crimson Tide have an outrageously impressive @ @ @ @ @ no reason to believe that Florida will be able to do anything to slow them @ @ @ @ @ the game at 8:00 EST on CBS .
It should be a fun one !

Alabama is expected to dominate Florida in the SEC championship game.
Circa Sports dropped their opening lines for this upcoming Saturday, and Alabama is at -16 against the Gators. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
College Football ???? Opening Lines
Week 16 & Conference Championship Games pic.twitter.com/dS9FOtq5V8 — Circa Sports (@CircaSports) December 13, 2020
It’s hard to disagree with the oddsmakers on this one. We just watched LSU move the ball all over the field against Florida.
If the Tigers didn’t struggle to score on the Gators, what do we all think the Crimson Tide are going to do? It’s going to be ugly.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Alabama gets up by 20 very quickly once the game starts. The Crimson Tide have an outrageously impressive offense.
We have literally no reason to believe that Florida will be able to do anything to slow them down.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
You can catch the game at 8:00 EST on CBS. It should be a fun one!


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Wisconsin Will Play Minnesota This Saturday At 4:00 EST On BTN

Wisconsin and Minnesota will play this season .
After our game against the Gophers scheduled for earlier in the season was canceled because of coronavirus , it looked like the longest running FBS rivalry would have the streak broken .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Well , we can breathe easy because the Badgers announced Sunday that we ’ ll be playing the Gophers this upcoming Saturday at 4:00 EST on BTN .
As tough as this Wisconsin football season has been for everyone involved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Minnesota is still happening .
We need something to get excited about and get amped up for .
Continuing the streak for Paul Bunyan ’ s Axe is good enough for me .
Honestly , this season is a wash when it comes to winning big games , we had several games canceled and I don ’ t even know if we ’ ll play in a bowl .
If we end the year by crushing Minnesota , it ’ d be more than enough to put a smile on my face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pads on and remind Minnesota where they belong in this world !
Go , Badgers , go !

Wisconsin and Minnesota will play this season.
After our game against the Gophers scheduled for earlier in the season was canceled because of coronavirus, it looked like the longest running FBS rivalry would have the streak broken. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Well, we can breathe easy because the Badgers announced Sunday that we’ll be playing the Gophers this upcoming Saturday at 4:00 EST on BTN.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Football (@badgerfootball)
As tough as this Wisconsin football season has been for everyone involved, I love the fact that the game against Minnesota is still happening.
We need something to get excited about and get amped up for. Continuing the streak for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is good enough for me.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Football (@badgerfootball)
Honestly, this season is a wash when it comes to winning big games, we had several games canceled and I don’t even know if we’ll play in a bowl.
If we end the year by crushing Minnesota, it’d be more than enough to put a smile on my face.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Football (@badgerfootball)
So, let’s get the pads on and remind Minnesota where they belong in this world! Go, Badgers, go!


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Former UCF Quarterback McKenzie Milton Is Transferring To Florida State

Former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton has found a new team .
Milton , who recently announced that he was leaving UCF , revealed on his Instagram page Sunday afternoon that he ’ s taking his talents to Tallahassee to play for the Florida State Seminoles .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) I told everyone that Milton would have no trouble finding a new team to play for .
There was never a doubt in my mind at all .
Prior to his horrific and gruesome injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an absolutely electric quarterback .
Now , he ’ s found a new team , is healthy and I certainly wouldn ’ t want to bet against his success .
The way he fought back from his leg injury was concrete proof that the young man will push the limits to win .
He ’ s the exact kind of person I would want leading my huddle .
It should be a lot of fun to see what he can do with the Seminoles .
Mike Norvell has found himself a stud at @ @

Former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton has found a new team.
Milton, who recently announced that he was leaving UCF, revealed on his Instagram page Sunday afternoon that he’s taking his talents to Tallahassee to play for the Florida State Seminoles. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by @mckenziemil10
I told everyone that Milton would have no trouble finding a new team to play for. There was never a doubt in my mind at all.
Prior to his horrific and gruesome injury a couple years ago, he was an absolutely electric quarterback.
This just happened to UCF QB McKenzie Milton. Prayers up. A great kid and a true winner. pic.twitter.com/lsFji7LYPi — CFB Home (@CFBHome) November 23, 2018
Now, he’s found a new team, is healthy and I certainly wouldn’t want to bet against his success. The way he fought back from his leg injury was concrete proof that the young man will push the limits to win.
He’s the exact kind of person I would want leading my huddle.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by @mckenziemil10
It should be a lot of fun to see what he can do with the Seminoles. Mike Norvell has found himself a stud at QB.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Auburn Fires Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn

The Tigers announced Sunday afternoon that Malzahn was no longer running the football team .
According to AL.com , he ’ s owed more than $ 21 million in buyout money .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Malzahn went 68-35 during his time coaching at Auburn .
Malzahn is the definition of a slightly above average coach .
His biggest problem wasn ’ t that he didn ’ t win .
Again , he was 68-35 during his time with the Tigers .
He won a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Auburn .
Malzahn ’ s biggest problem was the fact that Auburn was never winning big games and at the same time , Alabama was winning national titles .
Given the stakes of the rivalry , you can ’ t be going 8-4 or 7-5 when Nick Saban is winning national titles all the time .
Saban literally did more to end Malzahn ’ s career than anything he did himself .
The good news for Malzahn is that he ’ s still going to get paid and he ’ ll still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants one .
Hard to shed a lot of tears for a guy being paid north of $ 20 million to not work !

Auburn has fired head football coach Gus Malzahn.
The Tigers announced Sunday afternoon that Malzahn was no longer running the football team. According to AL.com, he’s owed more than $21 million in buyout money. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Malzahn went 68-35 during his time coaching at Auburn.
Auburn Director of Athletics Allen Greene announced Sunday a leadership change for Auburn football as Gus Malzahn will no longer direct the program. — Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 13, 2020
Malzahn is the definition of a slightly above average coach. His biggest problem wasn’t that he didn’t win. Again, he was 68-35 during his time with the Tigers.
He won a lot of football games while coaching at Auburn.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Auburn Football (@auburnfootball)
Malzahn’s biggest problem was the fact that Auburn was never winning big games and at the same time, Alabama was winning national titles.
Given the stakes of the rivalry, you can’t be going 8-4 or 7-5 when Nick Saban is winning national titles all the time. Saban literally did more to end Malzahn’s career than anything he did himself.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Auburn Football (@auburnfootball)
The good news for Malzahn is that he’s still going to get paid and he’ll still be able to get a coaching job if he wants one. Hard to shed a lot of tears for a guy being paid north of $20 million to not work!


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Michael Flynn: US Counterintelligence Effort ‘Should Have Been Focused On Swalwell’ Who Had ‘Massive

Michael Flynn: US Counterintelligence Effort ‘Should Have Been Focused On Swalwell’ Who Had ‘Massive Problem’

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn said Sunday that U.S. counter-intelligence efforts should have targeted people like Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell — not himself and President Donald Trump .
“ The counterintelligence effort , they should have been focused on Swalwell , ” Flynn told Fox News ’ “ Sunday Morning Futures.
” Flynn said Sunday that Swalwell ’ s case is probably just the tip of the iceberg .
“ I will tell you that if there is one smoking bush there with Swalwell , I guarantee , there ’ s others , ” he said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .. need [ s ] to make sure they are really going after the real threats that we have , ” which Flynn said included what “ we have now learned about Swalwell and frankly Hunter Biden and the entire Biden foundation and family.
” “ We deserve accountability in these bureaucrats and these appointed officials in our government , ” he said , noting that the legislative branch of government should be held to more accountability than it currently is .
“ But we have , you know , people like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got this massive problem while the counterintelligence structure and system and leadership was focused on Mike Flynn and President Donald J. Trump.
” ( RELATED : Report : Professor Claims That China Has Long Had ‘ Old Friends Who Are The Top Of America ’ s Core Inner Circle ’ ) “ This is dangerous stuff .
We are playing with fire right now , ” Flynn stated .
Trump last month granted a presidential pardon to Flynn , who had initially pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI .
Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that the Chinese government actively attempts to attract allies in Congress as part of a “ massive ” campaign to gain influence over the United States .

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn said Sunday that U.S. counter-intelligence efforts should have targeted people like Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell — not himself and President Donald Trump.
“The counterintelligence effort, they should have been focused on Swalwell,” Flynn told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
Swalwell said there was no “wrongdoing” committed during his relationship with Fang and insisted the connection was released because of his opposition to President Donald Trump and his support for impeaching him.
Flynn said Sunday that Swalwell’s case is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
“I will tell you that if there is one smoking bush there with Swalwell, I guarantee, there’s others,” he said, adding that “the counter-intelligence system in our country .. need[s] to make sure they are really going after the real threats that we have,” which Flynn said included what “we have now learned about Swalwell and frankly Hunter Biden and the entire Biden foundation and family.”
Flynn said transparency was key.
“We deserve accountability in these bureaucrats and these appointed officials in our government,” he said, noting that the legislative branch of government should be held to more accountability than it currently is.
“But we have, you know, people like Swalwell over there [who] has got this massive problem while the counterintelligence structure and system and leadership was focused on Mike Flynn and President Donald J. Trump.” (RELATED: Report: Professor Claims That China Has Long Had ‘Old Friends Who Are The Top Of America’s Core Inner Circle’)
“This is dangerous stuff. We are playing with fire right now,” Flynn stated.
Trump last month granted a presidential pardon to Flynn, who had initially pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI.
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said this month that the Chinese government actively attempts to attract allies in Congress as part of a “massive” campaign to gain influence over the United States.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Bill Gates Says Presidential Transition Is ‘Complicating’ Vaccine Distribution

Microsoft founder Bill Gates responded to a question Sunday about President Donald Trump ’ s failure to concede the results of the 2020 election , suggesting that the transition process is “ complicating ” the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine .
Though Trump has thus far refused to formally concede the election to President-elect Joe Biden , the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday dealt the latest and most significant in a series of legal defeats for his campaign ’ s efforts to overturn the results .
During a Sunday morning interview on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Trump ’ s actions could “ complicate the process ” of vaccine distribution , set to begin next week after the FDA approved Pfizer ’ s vaccine for emergency use .
“ Yeah , the transition is complicating [ things ] , but the new administration is willing to rely on actual experts and not attack those experts , ” Gates responded .
“ They ’ re laying out clear plans , so I think we ’ ll get through this in a positive way , ” he continued .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority that President-elect Biden and his team are bringing to bear on this problem.
” ( RELATED : FDA Commissioner : ‘ No External Pressure ’ Guided Decision For Vaccine Approval ) Several hundred distribution sites are slated to receive the first Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shipments Monday and Tuesday .
The Trump administration has predicted that up to 100 million doses could be distributed by the end of 2020 .

Microsoft founder Bill Gates responded to a question Sunday about President Donald Trump’s failure to concede the results of the 2020 election, suggesting that the transition process is “complicating” the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine.
Though Trump has thus far refused to formally concede the election to President-elect Joe Biden, the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday dealt the latest and most significant in a series of legal defeats for his campaign’s efforts to overturn the results.
During a Sunday morning interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” anchor Jake Tapper asked Gates whether Trump’s actions could “complicate the process” of vaccine distribution, set to begin next week after the FDA approved Pfizer’s vaccine for emergency use.
WATCH:
“Yeah, the transition is complicating [things], but the new administration is willing to rely on actual experts and not attack those experts,” Gates responded.
“They’re laying out clear plans, so I think we’ll get through this in a positive way,” he continued. “I’m pleased with the people and priority that President-elect Biden and his team are bringing to bear on this problem.” (RELATED: FDA Commissioner: ‘No External Pressure’ Guided Decision For Vaccine Approval)
Several hundred distribution sites are slated to receive the first Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shipments Monday and Tuesday. The Trump administration has predicted that up to 100 million doses could be distributed by the end of 2020.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Mac Jones Is The Strong Favorite To Win The Heisman In The Latest Odds

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is becoming a heavy favorite to win the Heisman .
In the latest Heisman odds posted by SportingNews.com , Mac Jones is in first place at -300 .
Florida ’ s Kyle Trask is a distant second at +250 and Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith is at +1000 .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) At this point , I ’ d be shocked if Mac Jones didn ’ t take home the prestigious award at the end of the season .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Not only is Jones playing at an incredibly high level , but Alabama looks unstoppable .
Everything is lining up for him to win the trophy .
It had looked like Florida gunslinger Kyle Trask was a heavy favorite to win the award a couple weeks ago , but his chances took a monster hit after losing to LSU .
Short of a hall of fame kind of game against Alabama in the SEC championship , I ’ d say Trask ’ s chances are shot .
Jones deserves the award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end up winning it .
We ’ ll see if I turn out to be correct in a few weeks !
Let us know in the comments who you think will win !

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is becoming a heavy favorite to win the Heisman.
In the latest Heisman odds posted by SportingNews.com, Mac Jones is in first place at -300. Florida’s Kyle Trask is a distant second at +250 and Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith is at +1000. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
At this point, I’d be shocked if Mac Jones didn’t take home the prestigious award at the end of the season. He’s playing out of his mind right now.
Not only is Jones playing at an incredibly high level, but Alabama looks unstoppable. Everything is lining up for him to win the trophy.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
It had looked like Florida gunslinger Kyle Trask was a heavy favorite to win the award a couple weeks ago, but his chances took a monster hit after losing to LSU.
Short of a hall of fame kind of game against Alabama in the SEC championship, I’d say Trask’s chances are shot.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kyle Trask (@ktrask11)
Jones deserves the award and I think he’s going to end up winning it. We’ll see if I turn out to be correct in a few weeks! Let us know in the comments who you think will win!


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Michael Flynn Says He Was Target Of ‘Political Persecution’

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn said Sunday that he was the target of “ political persecution ” when he was interviewed by the FBI and eventually charged with lying to its agents .
“ My persecution was a political persecution and that ’ s really clear and the evidence has come out in spades , ” Flynn told Maria Bartiromo , host of Fox News ’ “ Sunday Morning Futures.
” “ Basically it was a get Flynn to get [ President Donald ] Trump direction.
” Flynn was commenting on a video of former FBI Director James Comey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the segment that he sent agents over to interview Flynn when he was alone in the White House without a lawyer present .
“ Nobody else was there .
They interviewed him in a conference room at the White House Situation Room and he lied to them , ” Comey said in the video .
( RELATED : Michael Flynn : ‘ I Regret Pleading Guilty ’ ) “ Yeah , a big ‘ ha ha moment ’ for Cardinal Comey , ” Flynn responded after watching the segment .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so that ’ ll be my last comment about him , ” the former U.S. Army general said .
“ The culture and the behavior that was developed or allowed or enabled under the previous administration in elements of the Department of Justice , the Federal Bureau of Investigation , the United States intelligence community and other parts of our institutions is outrageous .
The culture and that behavior has to change .
It has to be corrected , ” Flynn continued .
He described that culture as a “ kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than thou attitude within our government institutions ” that is directed inconsistently at the American public .
“ America deserves accountability .
We deserve accountability [ from ] these bureaucrats and appointed officials in our government.
” Flynn has been active in the Trump campaign ’ s efforts to dispute the results of the 2020 presidential election .
He recently signed a petition from the non-profit group “ We The People Convention ” that said there was “ no peaceful way left to preserve our Union ” if President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his “ extraordinary authority ” in order to avoid another civil war .
( RELATED : FBI Planned To Close Michael Flynn Investigation , And Then Peter Strzok Intervened ) Trump last month granted a presidential pardon to Flynn , who had initially pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI .

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn said Sunday that he was the target of “political persecution” when he was interviewed by the FBI and eventually charged with lying to its agents.
“My persecution was a political persecution and that’s really clear and the evidence has come out in spades,” Flynn told Maria Bartiromo, host of Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” “Basically it was a get Flynn to get [President Donald] Trump direction.”
Flynn was commenting on a video of former FBI Director James Comey being interviewed by MSNBC. Comey explained during the segment that he sent agents over to interview Flynn when he was alone in the White House without a lawyer present.
“Nobody else was there. They interviewed him in a conference room at the White House Situation Room and he lied to them,” Comey said in the video. (RELATED: Michael Flynn: ‘I Regret Pleading Guilty’)
Bartiromo asked Flynn what he thought Comey’s comments.
“Yeah, a big ‘ha ha moment’ for Cardinal Comey,” Flynn responded after watching the segment. “What an arrogant smug person that he is, so that’ll be my last comment about him,” the former U.S. Army general said.
“The culture and the behavior that was developed or allowed or enabled under the previous administration in elements of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States intelligence community and other parts of our institutions is outrageous. The culture and that behavior has to change. It has to be corrected,” Flynn continued.
He described that culture as a “kind of smugness and arrogance and basically a holier than thou attitude within our government institutions” that is directed inconsistently at the American public.
“America deserves accountability. We deserve accountability [from] these bureaucrats and appointed officials in our government.”
Flynn has been active in the Trump campaign’s efforts to dispute the results of the 2020 presidential election. He recently signed a petition from the non-profit group “We The People Convention” that said there was “no peaceful way left to preserve our Union” if President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated and said Trump needs to intervene with his “extraordinary authority” in order to avoid another civil war.(RELATED: FBI Planned To Close Michael Flynn Investigation, And Then Peter Strzok Intervened)
Trump last month granted a presidential pardon to Flynn, who had initially pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI.


thedailycaller--2020-12-13--Hoober: It’s Time To Talk About Biden

Hoober: It’s Time To Talk About Biden

Political content is a subject that this column tends to steer clear of , but with a looming Biden presidency – if you ’ re really convinced it won ’ t happen , I have a lovely bridge for sale – is a topic worthy of talking about .
If there ’ s a theme with anything I ’ ve ( poorly ) written in this space over the last few years , it ’ s hopefully been something like keeping a firm grounding in reality and/or practicality .
When it comes to politics that means looking at the nuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carnival barking .
There are plenty of people who do that better elsewhere .
So , what is a Biden presidency likely to mean ?
As most are aware , comprehensive gun reform was part of Joe Biden ’ s proposed agenda .
If you ’ re curious or missed it , here is the Biden Plan To End Our Gun Violence Epidemic .
Among his proposed policies is a renewal/new version of the assault weapon ban he helped pass in the 90s .
Now , it ’ s been reported by various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Examiner – that executive action on gun control may take place in the first 90 days of the Biden administration .
Whilst the imagination of many people may run wild about just what that portends , let us remember the reality of presidential executive orders : they have the power of law so long as they fall within presidential purview .
Now , what does that actually mean ?
Executive actions are perfectly legal and binding if said executive action is exercising existing law instead of creating new ones .
Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells federal agencies how to enforce it .
To illustrate the difference , federal law only allows ownership of a machine gun ( select-fire capable , full auto , whatever term you want to use ; feel free to debate semantics in the comments section ) under certain circumstances as we all know .
You have to have the tax stamp , and then purchase a transferable gun .
Pretty simple .
Bump stocks are not machine guns , but a person could argue they effectively modify an otherwise semi-automatic rifle into being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
Granted , was it that simple ?
No ; they just force the stock of a semi-automatic rifle to rebound faster from recoil .
If the shooter just holds their trigger finger in place , it causes something like fully automatic fire to take place , although at a far slower cyclic rate than an actual fully automatic firearm .
The Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ( the BAFTE , the ATF , the alphabet boys ) had ruled by 2010 that bump stocks were just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold without issue .
In 2018 , President Trump had ordered that they be treated as machine guns ( or modifications that create them ) and that they were hereby prohibited .
This was done without an act of Congress , but instead by executive order .
Since the ATF has jurisdiction over guns and so on , their decision of whether a bump stock was a firearm was entirely based on their interpretation of federal law .
Executive orders can direct federal agencies , such as the Department of Justice , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case of bump stocks , the aforementioned executive order was entirely within President Trump ’ s purview ; he directed the DOJ , and thereby the ATF , to recognize firearms with bump stocks as de facto machine guns and therefore , were illegal under the National Firearms Act .
Now , a person can make the argument that they aren ’ t machine guns because they have none of the mechanical parts requisite to make one , but it doesn ’ t matter .
The ATF , per federal law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t a firearm and also what accessories are allowed or not if said accessory happens to potentially modify a gun from one that is perfectly okay for sale into one that isn ’ t .
It ’ s sort of like how you can put a hand stop ( such as a Kag ) on an AR pistol , but you can ’ t add a vertical fore grip .
The former is specifically prohibited on pistols , as it converts the weapon to a long gun since it is no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one hand.
” The ATF , again , interprets those rules as regarding firearms accessories unless directed by the DOJ and/or the President on how to interpret them .
Now , what the heck does any of that have to do with Biden ?
!
When inaugurated , President Biden ( it ’ s gon na happen unless he keels over from a massive stroke , folks – which means we then get President Harris ) will only be able to direct the ATF on how to enforce existing laws .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start with .
However , he COULD direct the ATF to definitively nix AR and AK pistols with braces based on a more Draconian interpretation of the NFA .
So , the first 90 days may be eventful , but aside from pistol braces what will that amount to ?
Probably not much ; the promise to end online sales of ammunition or firearms would require a law be passed by Congress and , well , see above .
So would a federal universal background check law since that would regulate private sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overhaul of the Brady Act , since that ’ s the law that governs the NICS .
Point being that while he has promised much concerning guns and gun crime , there ’ s not much he ’ s going to be able to do by executive order .
But what about past that ?
The political reality is that Joe Biden will take office with a slim Democrat majority in the House .
It ’ s also likely to be the case that many Republican challengers will be emerging as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case that some Democrats may be slightly reticent to appear too liberal for fear of losing their seats , inspiring cooperation across the aisle .
Biden will also have a deadlocked senate , should the two Democratic candidates win in Georgia ’ s runoff election with Vice President Harris as the tie-breaker .
If not , there will be a razor-thin Republican majority of 51-49 or 52-48 .
This does not bode well for passing sweeping gun reform legislation .
Bill Clinton enjoyed clear majorities in both houses when the assault weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also enjoyed interns , but that ’ s a discussion for another time .
So what does this mean as far as a Biden presidency ?
It means that while the looming specter of gun control is there , we have something keeping it at bay .
That means it will be important in coming months to write to your representatives .
To donate to gun rights groups that actually litigate .
Such groups include the Gun Owners of America , the Second Amendment Foundation , the Firearms Policy Coalition and – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rifle Association all have taken up the cause in court at various times .
Vote in the midterms .
A lot of people do their duty every four years , but lots of folks don ’ t do much in between .
One-third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives will be up for re-election in 2022 , so bear that in mind .
Click here to get your 1911 Pistol Shopping Guide .
Click here to get The Complete Concealed Carry Training Guide Sam Hoober is a Contributing Editor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ID , based Tedder Industries , where he writes about gun accessories , gun safety , open and concealed carry tips .
Click here to visit aliengearholsters.com .

By Sam Hoober, Alien Gear Holsters
Political content is a subject that this column tends to steer clear of, but with a looming Biden presidency – if you’re really convinced it won’t happen, I have a lovely bridge for sale – is a topic worthy of talking about.
If there’s a theme with anything I’ve (poorly) written in this space over the last few years, it’s hopefully been something like keeping a firm grounding in reality and/or practicality.
When it comes to politics that means looking at the nuts and bolts of government rather than partisan carnival barking. There are plenty of people who do that better elsewhere.
So, what is a Biden presidency likely to mean?
As most are aware, comprehensive gun reform was part of Joe Biden’s proposed agenda. If you’re curious or missed it, here is the Biden Plan To End Our Gun Violence Epidemic. Among his proposed policies is a renewal/new version of the assault weapon ban he helped pass in the 90s.
Now, it’s been reported by various outlets – here is an example from the Washington Examiner – that executive action on gun control may take place in the first 90 days of the Biden administration.
Whilst the imagination of many people may run wild about just what that portends, let us remember the reality of presidential executive orders: they have the power of law so long as they fall within presidential purview.
Now, what does that actually mean?
Executive actions are perfectly legal and binding if said executive action is exercising existing law instead of creating new ones. Congress makes new laws, the executive branch tells federal agencies how to enforce it.
To illustrate the difference, federal law only allows ownership of a machine gun (select-fire capable, full auto, whatever term you want to use; feel free to debate semantics in the comments section) under certain circumstances as we all know.
You have to have the tax stamp, and then purchase a transferable gun. Pretty simple.
Bump stocks are not machine guns, but a person could argue they effectively modify an otherwise semi-automatic rifle into being a machine gun or at least like one.
Granted, was it that simple? No; they just force the stock of a semi-automatic rifle to rebound faster from recoil. If the shooter just holds their trigger finger in place, it causes something like fully automatic fire to take place, although at a far slower cyclic rate than an actual fully automatic firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (the BAFTE, the ATF, the alphabet boys) had ruled by 2010 that bump stocks were just a firearm part and therefore, could be sold without issue.
In 2018, President Trump had ordered that they be treated as machine guns (or modifications that create them) and that they were hereby prohibited. This was done without an act of Congress, but instead by executive order.
Here’s how that worked:
Since the ATF has jurisdiction over guns and so on, their decision of whether a bump stock was a firearm was entirely based on their interpretation of federal law. Executive orders can direct federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice, on how federal laws are enforced.
In the case of bump stocks, the aforementioned executive order was entirely within President Trump’s purview; he directed the DOJ, and thereby the ATF, to recognize firearms with bump stocks as de facto machine guns and therefore, were illegal under the National Firearms Act.
Now, a person can make the argument that they aren’t machine guns because they have none of the mechanical parts requisite to make one, but it doesn’t matter.
The ATF, per federal law, gets to decide what is or isn’t a firearm and also what accessories are allowed or not if said accessory happens to potentially modify a gun from one that is perfectly okay for sale into one that isn’t.
It’s sort of like how you can put a hand stop (such as a Kag) on an AR pistol, but you can’t add a vertical fore grip. The former is specifically prohibited on pistols, as it converts the weapon to a long gun since it is no longer designed to be fired “by only the one hand.”
The ATF, again, interprets those rules as regarding firearms accessories unless directed by the DOJ and/or the President on how to interpret them.
Now, what the heck does any of that have to do with Biden?!
Simple!
When inaugurated, President Biden (it’s gonna happen unless he keels over from a massive stroke, folks – which means we then get President Harris) will only be able to direct the ATF on how to enforce existing laws.
That DEFINITELY means no assault weapons ban to start with. However, he COULD direct the ATF to definitively nix AR and AK pistols with braces based on a more Draconian interpretation of the NFA.
So, the first 90 days may be eventful, but aside from pistol braces what will that amount to? Probably not much; the promise to end online sales of ammunition or firearms would require a law be passed by Congress and, well, see above.
So would a federal universal background check law since that would regulate private sales of private property. So would an overhaul of the Brady Act, since that’s the law that governs the NICS.
Point being that while he has promised much concerning guns and gun crime, there’s not much he’s going to be able to do by executive order.
But what about past that?
The political reality is that Joe Biden will take office with a slim Democrat majority in the House.
It’s also likely to be the case that many Republican challengers will be emerging as part of a conservative backlash and it may be the case that some Democrats may be slightly reticent to appear too liberal for fear of losing their seats, inspiring cooperation across the aisle.
Biden will also have a deadlocked senate, should the two Democratic candidates win in Georgia’s runoff election with Vice President Harris as the tie-breaker. If not, there will be a razor-thin Republican majority of 51-49 or 52-48.
This does not bode well for passing sweeping gun reform legislation. Bill Clinton enjoyed clear majorities in both houses when the assault weapons ban was passed in the 90s. He also enjoyed interns, but that’s a discussion for another time.
So what does this mean as far as a Biden presidency?
It means that while the looming specter of gun control is there, we have something keeping it at bay. That means it will be important in coming months to write to your representatives. To donate to gun rights groups that actually litigate.
Such groups include the Gun Owners of America, the Second Amendment Foundation, the Firearms Policy Coalition and – like them or not – the National Rifle Association all have taken up the cause in court at various times.
Vote in the midterms. A lot of people do their duty every four years, but lots of folks don’t do much in between. One-third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives will be up for re-election in 2022, so bear that in mind.
Click here to get your 1911 Pistol Shopping Guide.
Click here to get The Complete Concealed Carry Training Guide
Sam Hoober is a Contributing Editor to AlienGearHolsters.com, a subsidiary of Hayden, ID, based Tedder Industries, where he writes about gun accessories, gun safety, open and concealed carry tips. Click here to visit aliengearholsters.com.