newswars--2020-09-07--Bankruptcies Rise Despite Trillions in New Liquidity

Misguided lockdowns have destroyed the global economy and the impact is likely to last for years .
The fallacy of the “ lives or the economy ” argument is evident now that we see that countries like Taiwan , South Korea , Austria , Sweden , and Holland have been able to preserve the business fabric and the economy while doing a much better job managing the pandemic than countries with severe lockdowns .
One of the most alarming facts about this crisis is the pace at which bankruptcies are rising .
Despite an $ 11 trillion liquidity injection and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonds at all-time highs , and sovereign as well as corporate yields at all-time lows , companies are going bust at the fastest pace since the Great Depression .
Why ?
Because a solvency crisis can not be disguised by liquidity .
Trillions in liquidity are giving investors and governments a false sense of security , because yields are low and valuations are high , but it is a mirage driven by central bank purchases that can not disguise how quickly companies are entering into long-term solvency issues .
This is important because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies means less employment , less investment , and lower growth in the future .
Liquidity only disguises risk ; it does not resolve solvency issues driven by collapsing cash flows while costs remain elevated .
According to the Financial Times , large US corporate bankruptcy filings are now running at a record pace and are set to surpass levels reached during the financial crisis in 2009 .
As of August 17 , a record forty-five companies , each with assets of more than $ 1 billion , have filed for Chapter 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundred thousand companies are considered insolvent and have been zombified by a pointless “ insolvency law ” that simply extends the pain of businesses that are technically bankrupt .
In Spain , the Bank of Spain alerted that 25 percent of all companies are on the verge of closing due to insolvency .
According to Moody ’ s estimates , more than 10 percent of businesses in the leading economies are in severe financial stress , many in technical bankruptcy .
How could this happen ?
Since the 2008 crisis all policy actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yields low , bailing out bloated government spending and deficits ; and the massive liquidity injections have benefited the large quoted companies that have used the money to shield their valuations through buybacks and cheap debt .
However , cheap money has also triggered malinvestment , poor capital allocation , and higher-than-normal levels of debt .
Small businesses did not see the alleged benefits of the massive liquidity and deficit programs , while large companies became too comfortable with elevated levels of debt , poor return on capital employed , and solvency ratios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing economy .
Cheap money and massive bailouts have planted the seeds of a solvency crisis that was triggered by the irresponsible decision of some governments of shutting down entire economies .
If you have an economy that is highly leveraged and with weak productivity and solvency ratios , shutting down the economy for two months is the last nail in the coffin .
And the ramifications will last for years .
Bailing out zombie firms will only make things worse , and new lockdowns could be lethal .
The solution is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not grab large headlines or give the impression that politicians are saving the world : Supply-side measures that activate the mechanisms of refinancing , restructuring , and efficiency improvement .
More demand-side policies , pointless stimulus plans driven at building anything at any cost , and more liquidity injections will only make things worse and drive the economy to a stagflation crisis where the next problem will be entering into a financial crisis as bankruptcies soar and banks ’ asset valuations fall as nonperforming loans balloon despite massive central bank action .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan route : more debt , more bailouts , and massive government spending .
However , that will only lead to stagnation and perpetuating imbalances that can not be hidden when the mistakes of Japan are implemented by the eurozone , China , and the United States .
There is no possible way in which large spending and liquidity binges will deliver anything but higher debt , weaker growth , and lower real wages .
To end the zombie firm problem and the risk of even more bailouts we need more open market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexible restructuring mechanisms .
Anything else will simply deliver stagnation .
People are being increasingly harassed by mobs while eating at restaurants .

Misguided lockdowns have destroyed the global economy and the impact is likely to last for years.
The fallacy of the “lives or the economy” argument is evident now that we see that countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Austria, Sweden, and Holland have been able to preserve the business fabric and the economy while doing a much better job managing the pandemic than countries with severe lockdowns.
One of the most alarming facts about this crisis is the pace at which bankruptcies are rising. Despite an $11 trillion liquidity injection and government aid in 2020, stocks and bonds at all-time highs, and sovereign as well as corporate yields at all-time lows, companies are going bust at the fastest pace since the Great Depression. Why? Because a solvency crisis cannot be disguised by liquidity.
Trillions in liquidity are giving investors and governments a false sense of security, because yields are low and valuations are high, but it is a mirage driven by central bank purchases that cannot disguise how quickly companies are entering into long-term solvency issues. This is important because soaring bankruptcies and the rise in zombie companies means less employment, less investment, and lower growth in the future.
Liquidity only disguises risk; it does not resolve solvency issues driven by collapsing cash flows while costs remain elevated.
According to the Financial Times, large US corporate bankruptcy filings are now running at a record pace and are set to surpass levels reached during the financial crisis in 2009. As of August 17, a record forty-five companies, each with assets of more than $1 billion, have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In Germany, about five hundred thousand companies are considered insolvent and have been zombified by a pointless “insolvency law” that simply extends the pain of businesses that are technically bankrupt. In Spain, the Bank of Spain alerted that 25 percent of all companies are on the verge of closing due to insolvency. According to Moody’s estimates, more than 10 percent of businesses in the leading economies are in severe financial stress, many in technical bankruptcy.
How could this happen? Since the 2008 crisis all policy actions have been aimed at keeping sovereign bond yields low, bailing out bloated government spending and deficits; and the massive liquidity injections have benefited the large quoted companies that have used the money to shield their valuations through buybacks and cheap debt. However, cheap money has also triggered malinvestment, poor capital allocation, and higher-than-normal levels of debt. Small businesses did not see the alleged benefits of the massive liquidity and deficit programs, while large companies became too comfortable with elevated levels of debt, poor return on capital employed, and solvency ratios that were simply too low in a growing economy.
Cheap money and massive bailouts have planted the seeds of a solvency crisis that was triggered by the irresponsible decision of some governments of shutting down entire economies. If you have an economy that is highly leveraged and with weak productivity and solvency ratios, shutting down the economy for two months is the last nail in the coffin. And the ramifications will last for years.
Bailing out zombie firms will only make things worse, and new lockdowns could be lethal. The solution is what no government wants to do because it does not grab large headlines or give the impression that politicians are saving the world: Supply-side measures that activate the mechanisms of refinancing, restructuring, and efficiency improvement.
More demand-side policies, pointless stimulus plans driven at building anything at any cost, and more liquidity injections will only make things worse and drive the economy to a stagflation crisis where the next problem will be entering into a financial crisis as bankruptcies soar and banks’ asset valuations fall as nonperforming loans balloon despite massive central bank action.
Governments will prefer to go down the Japan route: more debt, more bailouts, and massive government spending. However, that will only lead to stagnation and perpetuating imbalances that cannot be hidden when the mistakes of Japan are implemented by the eurozone, China, and the United States. There is no possible way in which large spending and liquidity binges will deliver anything but higher debt, weaker growth, and lower real wages.
To end the zombie firm problem and the risk of even more bailouts we need more open market, less red tape, and more flexible restructuring mechanisms. Anything else will simply deliver stagnation.
People are being increasingly harassed by mobs while eating at restaurants.


newswars--2020-09-07--The Collapsing Universities—and What We Can Do About It

America ’ s universities have been taken over by the Left , but the way they are reacting to the fake Covid-19 crisis gives us a chance to reconstitute higher education on sound free market principles .
In the name of “ diversity , ” academic standards have been gutted .
Here are some examples .
Emily Walton , a sociology professor at Dartmouth , teaches her students about “ white blindness ” Everyone learns , but I find that the small handful of white students in the class usually learn the most .
That ’ s because for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin to look at themselves as members of a racial group .
They understand that being a good person does not make them innocent but rather they , too , are implicated in a system of racial dominance .
After spending their young lives in a condition of “ white blindness , ” that is , the inability to see their own racial privilege , they begin to awaken to the notion that racism has systematically kept others down while benefiting them and other white people .
As Karen Kwiatkowski sums up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expression – we ’ ve observed and lived this for decades as political correctness , maturing into blanking , canceling , me-tooing and doxxing the other .
Strait-jacketing critical thought and destruction of the tools of debate , complete .
Instead of looking forward we look at the fearful horde beside us and wonder what it is thinking and what direction it will take in order to inform our decisions – which will be to conform with it , lest we become oblivion.
” The brilliant young engineering student Atilla Mert Sulker points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the STEM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , and Mathematics ) disciplines : The effort to “ close the gender gap ” in STEM represents a preference for minority status over merit that deems a student ’ s performance less important than her female-ness .
Yet it only hurts individuals to put them in a field in which they will be unhappy or perform poorly , regardless of gender .
If an individual , no matter how gifted , is averse to the risk of possibly burning out and forgoing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the right field .
STEM curricula are deliberately rigorous , as their subjects are not easy , and bridges tend to collapse when things go wrong .
This is why there are weed-out classes to discourage students from pursuing them lightly .
As if this weren ’ t bad enough , many universities are imposing draconian restrictions on students to cope with covid-19 .
Jordan Schachtel has written an important article about this .
At Baylor University , The university has announced that there will be weekly mandatory tests….If any student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are subject to suspension or expulsion .
Students are not making friends with their classmates….No one can recognize who ’ s who with a mask on , so there has been a significant increase of phone usage on campus and a significant decrease of socialization .
Students show up for their in-person class , sit there , and head back to their apartment as soon as they are finished with classes .
Everyone expects to move online before the semester is over .
We all suspect that the university is postponing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full tuition without much grounds for a lawsuit .
At the University of Iowa , “ They have ‘ isolation dorms ’ for COVID kids , but they are horrid .
Guys in hazmat suits come….2 week isolation , no visitors .
Nurse on call but up to 3 hour wait if you need something….kids at school now are not getting tested so they don ’ t get sentenced to the isolation prisons.
” At St. Lawrence University , “ 1 positive case out of 2k tests .
Kids limited to ‘ family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dorm room .
Masks when outside dorm and wrist band indicates you can go outdoors .
Very limited social interaction.
” 11 days to get the required COVID test back .
Isolated the whole time .
No in person eating at the dorms as a norm .
Training in the heat with masks for hours .
Masks 24/7 on campus inside and out .
Social isolation .
2 classes a week in person , everything else virtual .
Can ’ t come home until end of fall semester as you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omaha .
Aren ’ t allowed to go anywhere or do anything except local restaurant pick ups and run to the store .
If you are mildly exposed to a person with COVID , 14 day mandatory quarantine .
The universities will tell you that they need to impose these restrictions to cope with a raging pandemic , but they are lying .
University students have almost no risk of dying from covid-19 .
Bill Sardi says , “ In the first 8 months of 2020 there were only ~1200 excess deaths per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusively due to COVID-19 coronavirus infections , with 80 % of those among Americans age 65 and older .
By extrapolation , there were only ~8 excess COVID-19 only deaths per day among working-age adults and school-age children.
” In order to understand what is happening to universities , we need to bear in mind something essential .
The crisis did not begin with the diversity movement .
After World War II , the government began a long-term effort to take over higher education .
As Tom DiLorenzo has pointed out , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than fiscal .
It made the centralization of education possible for the first time in American history .
That in turn opened the door to the ruinous politicization of higher education that has marked the past half century .
The tool used by government was the college accrediting agency….After the Second World War , the federal government used various college accrediting agencies to ostensibly guarantee a quality education for veterans .
Only accredited schools could receive G.I .
Bill funds , so the accrediting agencies quickly transformed themselves .
They became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjuncts of federal power .
This gatekeeper role expanded as federal funding of higher education escalated….This new world arrived almost immediately , as virtually every college and university in the country clamored for money and students , and willingly threw out traditional standards .
This infusion of tax dollars created , notes Robert Nisbet , “ the single most powerful agent of change that we can find in the university ’ s long history.
” Had anyone objected at the time , he would have been put down as selfish and undemocratic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ name only , have tremendous power over colleges and universities , and they are slavish to government ’ s agenda .
Today , these agencies are the major source of political correctness and big-government ideology on college campuses .
What can we do about this disaster ?
Karen Kwiatkowski is right .
With the covid-19 restrictions , universities have gone too far .
Students are fed up , and lawsuits for failing to fulfill contractual obligations may ruin many universities .
She says , One of the worst things that can happen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Especially in the eyes of the young , who have had their expectations disappointed , their plans disrupted by mandate , their elders shown to be idiotic and frightened , their government greedy , avaricious , sadistic .
The state itself has assisted the liberty movement , with its lumbering broad-brush sadism .
It far prefers physical destruction , marches and riots , police brutality and the outright rage of its citizens to the cuts of a thousand poems – and 40 million awakening children who suddenly become aware that the King is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vile , and simultaneously weak and wasted .
There is an additional reason we should view today ’ s universities with skepticism , even if the leftists get tired of covid-19 and move on to some other craze .
Tuition costs are enormous , and most students have to assume crippling loan burdens to get by .
“ Today , roughly 70 % of American students end up taking out loans to go to college .
The average graduate leaves school with around $ 30,000 in debt and all told , some 45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student loans — and counting.
” Most of these loans can ’ t be discharged through bankruptcy , and students may have to work decades to pay them off .
What makes this even worse is that most of the tuition money goes into building lavish and unneeded buildings , perks for administrators , and “ diversity ” programs that undermine our culture .
“ Die-versity ” is a better name for these programs .
The university was one of the foremost institutions of the High Middle Ages , and it is sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so low from the heights of medieval Oxford , Cambridge , Paris , and Salamanca .
But we must face facts .
What , then , can students and their parents who are fed up do ?
Private education and homeschooling are blossoming , creating a wide variety of choices for families and students .
I confess that one such alternative institution is foremost in my mind .
A long-held vision of both Ludwig von Mises and Murray N. Rothbard is now a reality .
Their vision ?
A graduate school of Austrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Mises Institute has been focused on providing support to students of other educational institutions .
Helping students discover the economics of freedom and inspiring them to go on to teach at the university level is and has been a priority for the Institute .
Excellent service that is personal , responsive , and geared toward assisting students in reaching their individual educational and career goals has been emblematic of all Mises Institute programs .
At the Mises Institute , we aim to continue the tradition of education so eloquently expressed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were among the highest exemplars of the values of Western civilization , and this is what we endeavor to transmit to our students .
People are being increasingly harassed by mobs while eating at restaurants .

America’s universities have been taken over by the Left, but the way they are reacting to the fake Covid-19 crisis gives us a chance to reconstitute higher education on sound free market principles.
In the name of “diversity,” academic standards have been gutted. Here are some examples. Emily Walton, a sociology professor at Dartmouth, teaches her students about
“white blindness” Everyone learns, but I find that the small handful of white students in the class usually learn the most. That’s because for the first time in their lives, they begin to look at themselves as members of a racial group. They understand that being a good person does not make them innocent but rather they, too, are implicated in a system of racial dominance.
After spending their young lives in a condition of “white blindness,” that is, the inability to see their own racial privilege, they begin to awaken to the notion that racism has systematically kept others down while benefiting them and other white people.
As Karen Kwiatkowski sums up the situation: “Imprisonment of speech and expression – we’ve observed and lived this for decades as political correctness, maturing into blanking, canceling, me-tooing and doxxing the other. Strait-jacketing critical thought and destruction of the tools of debate, complete. Instead of looking forward we look at the fearful horde beside us and wonder what it is thinking and what direction it will take in order to inform our decisions – which will be to conform with it, lest we become oblivion.”
The brilliant young engineering student Atilla Mert Sulker points out that the diversity poison has spread to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines:
The effort to “close the gender gap” in STEM represents a preference for minority status over merit that deems a student’s performance less important than her female-ness. Yet it only hurts individuals to put them in a field in which they will be unhappy or perform poorly, regardless of gender. If an individual, no matter how gifted, is averse to the risk of possibly burning out and forgoing a good grade, then maybe STEM isn’t the right field.
STEM curricula are deliberately rigorous, as their subjects are not easy, and bridges tend to collapse when things go wrong. This is why there are weed-out classes to discourage students from pursuing them lightly.
As if this weren’t bad enough, many universities are imposing draconian restrictions on students to cope with covid-19. Jordan Schachtel has written an important article about this. At Baylor University,
The university has announced that there will be weekly mandatory tests….If any student refuses to take the COVID-19 test, they are subject to suspension or expulsion. Students are not making friends with their classmates….No one can recognize who’s who with a mask on, so there has been a significant increase of phone usage on campus and a significant decrease of socialization. Students show up for their in-person class, sit there, and head back to their apartment as soon as they are finished with classes. Everyone expects to move online before the semester is over. We all suspect that the university is postponing the move so that they can get the full tuition without much grounds for a lawsuit.
At the University of Iowa, “They have ‘isolation dorms’ for COVID kids, but they are horrid. Guys in hazmat suits come….2 week isolation, no visitors. Nurse on call but up to 3 hour wait if you need something….kids at school now are not getting tested so they don’t get sentenced to the isolation prisons.”
At St. Lawrence University, “1 positive case out of 2k tests. Kids limited to ‘family groups’ and no more than four in dorm room. Masks when outside dorm and wrist band indicates you can go outdoors. Very limited social interaction.”
At Creighton University,
11 days to get the required COVID test back. Isolated the whole time. No in person eating at the dorms as a norm. Training in the heat with masks for hours. Masks 24/7 on campus inside and out. Social isolation. 2 classes a week in person, everything else virtual. Can’t come home until end of fall semester as you can’t travel more than 100 miles from Omaha. Aren’t allowed to go anywhere or do anything except local restaurant pick ups and run to the store. If you are mildly exposed to a person with COVID, 14 day mandatory quarantine.
The universities will tell you that they need to impose these restrictions to cope with a raging pandemic, but they are lying. University students have almost no risk of dying from covid-19. Bill Sardi says, “In the first 8 months of 2020 there were only ~1200 excess deaths per month or 40 extra deaths per day exclusively due to COVID-19 coronavirus infections, with 80% of those among Americans age 65 and older. By extrapolation, there were only ~8 excess COVID-19 only deaths per day among working-age adults and school-age children.”
In order to understand what is happening to universities, we need to bear in mind something essential. The crisis did not begin with the diversity movement. After World War II, the government began a long-term effort to take over higher education. As Tom DiLorenzo has pointed out,
The damage caused by the program was much more than fiscal. It made the centralization of education possible for the first time in American history. That in turn opened the door to the ruinous politicization of higher education that has marked the past half century.
The tool used by government was the college accrediting agency….After the Second World War, the federal government used various college accrediting agencies to ostensibly guarantee a quality education for veterans. Only accredited schools could receive G.I. Bill funds, so the accrediting agencies quickly transformed themselves. They became the gatekeepers of the tax money and virtual adjuncts of federal power. This gatekeeper role expanded as federal funding of higher education escalated….This new world arrived almost immediately, as virtually every college and university in the country clamored for money and students, and willingly threw out traditional standards. This infusion of tax dollars created, notes Robert Nisbet, “the single most powerful agent of change that we can find in the university’s long history.” Had anyone objected at the time, he would have been put down as selfish and undemocratic.
Today, accreditation agencies, private in name only, have tremendous power over colleges and universities, and they are slavish to government’s agenda. Today, these agencies are the major source of political correctness and big-government ideology on college campuses.
What can we do about this disaster? Karen Kwiatkowski is right. With the covid-19 restrictions, universities have gone too far. Students are fed up, and lawsuits for failing to fulfill contractual obligations may ruin many universities. She says,
One of the worst things that can happen to a state is to appear ridiculous.
Especially in the eyes of the young, who have had their expectations disappointed, their plans disrupted by mandate, their elders shown to be idiotic and frightened, their government greedy, avaricious, sadistic.
The state itself has assisted the liberty movement, with its lumbering broad-brush sadism. It far prefers physical destruction, marches and riots, police brutality and the outright rage of its citizens to the cuts of a thousand poems – and 40 million awakening children who suddenly become aware that the King is buck naked, ugly, angry, vile, and simultaneously weak and wasted.
There is an additional reason we should view today’s universities with skepticism, even if the leftists get tired of covid-19 and move on to some other craze. Tuition costs are enormous, and most students have to assume crippling loan burdens to get by. “Today, roughly 70% of American students end up taking out loans to go to college. The average graduate leaves school with around $30,000 in debt and all told, some 45 million Americans owe $1.6 trillion in student loans — and counting.” Most of these loans can’t be discharged through bankruptcy, and students may have to work decades to pay them off. What makes this even worse is that most of the tuition money goes into building lavish and unneeded buildings, perks for administrators, and “diversity” programs that undermine our culture. “Die-versity” is a better name for these programs.
The university was one of the foremost institutions of the High Middle Ages, and it is sad that the contemporary American university has sunk so low from the heights of medieval Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, and Salamanca. But we must face facts. What, then, can students and their parents who are fed up do? Private education and homeschooling are blossoming, creating a wide variety of choices for families and students.
I confess that one such alternative institution is foremost in my mind. A long-held vision of both Ludwig von Mises and Murray N. Rothbard is now a reality. Their vision? A graduate school of Austrian economics.
Throughout its nearly forty-year history, the Mises Institute has been focused on providing support to students of other educational institutions. Helping students discover the economics of freedom and inspiring them to go on to teach at the university level is and has been a priority for the Institute. Excellent service that is personal, responsive, and geared toward assisting students in reaching their individual educational and career goals has been emblematic of all Mises Institute programs.
At the Mises Institute, we aim to continue the tradition of education so eloquently expressed by Ludwig von Mises and Murray Rothbard, who were among the highest exemplars of the values of Western civilization, and this is what we endeavor to transmit to our students.
People are being increasingly harassed by mobs while eating at restaurants.


newswars--2020-09-07--State May Take Over Austin Police to Prevent Defunding – Texas AG

Citizens around the country are hurriedly working out ways to try and prevent their local police from falling victim to the ridiculous demands of “ defunding ” being pushed by Marxist social justice groups and socialist politicians across the country .
The Texas Attorney General appears to have come up with one such solution : enact legislation that puts Austin ’ s police under state control .
Governor Greg Abbott is considering the legislation , according to Attorney General Ken Paxton .
The move comes in response to Austin ’ s Mayor , Steve Adler , seeking to defund $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Paxton told Fox News : “ That makes little to no sense and makes our city less safe .
We can fund the police in a way that will keep the city safe , which is what we all want.
” Abbott Tweeted about the proposal late last week : “ We can ’ t let Austin ’ s defunding & disrespect for law enforcement to endanger the public & invite chaos like in Portland and Seattle.
” Mayor Steve Adler has blamed President Trump for the unrest in the city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote of “ no confidence ” in the city ’ s police leadership back in June to try and spur changes to end police violence against people of color – none of which appeared to be an issue in Austin .
“ I think they ’ re appeasing left-wing radicals who think this is a good idea , ” Paxton concluded .
A new report shows that a recent outbreak of polio in Sudan was the result of a vaccine designed to treat polio .
This is a damning disclosure and shows the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO , can ’ t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety .

Citizens around the country are hurriedly working out ways to try and prevent their local police from falling victim to the ridiculous demands of “defunding” being pushed by Marxist social justice groups and socialist politicians across the country.
The Texas Attorney General appears to have come up with one such solution: enact legislation that puts Austin’s police under state control.
Governor Greg Abbott is considering the legislation, according to Attorney General Ken Paxton. The move comes in response to Austin’s Mayor, Steve Adler, seeking to defund $150 million from the Austin Police Department.
Paxton told Fox News: “That makes little to no sense and makes our city less safe. We can fund the police in a way that will keep the city safe, which is what we all want.”
Abbott Tweeted about the proposal late last week: “We can’t let Austin’s defunding & disrespect for law enforcement to endanger the public & invite chaos like in Portland and Seattle.”
Mayor Steve Adler has blamed President Trump for the unrest in the city. The city’s council issued a vote of “no confidence” in the city’s police leadership back in June to try and spur changes to end police violence against people of color – none of which appeared to be an issue in Austin.
“I think they’re appeasing left-wing radicals who think this is a good idea,” Paxton concluded.
Local NBC affiliate KXAN also covered the story.
A new report shows that a recent outbreak of polio in Sudan was the result of a vaccine designed to treat polio. This is a damning disclosure and shows the UN and it’s health wing, the WHO, can’t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety.


newswars--2020-09-07--First Presidential Debate Set for September 29

Now that the U.S. presidential nominating conventions have ended , the next key date on the campaign calendar is Tuesday , September 29 — the race ’ s first presidential debate .
Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic Party rival , former vice president Joe Biden , spent the week after the conventions making their opening arguments in some of the U.S. States critical to winning the election , Wisconsin , Pennsylvania , North Carolina .
“ I think that we can expect to see a rowdy debate between the two presidential candidates , ” said Jennifer Mercieca , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & M University .
“ Both of these candidates are fighters.
” Mercieca says indications of Trump ’ s debating style can be found in how he described his 2016 campaign as a “ counterpunch.
” “ He regularly uses ad hominem attacks , which is attacking the person instead of their argument .
And he isn ’ t shy to do that , to mock people and bully them during a debate .
He did that in 2016 , ” she said , adding that Biden ’ s debating history shows he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw in 2012 that his vice-presidential debate was similar , I think , to Trump in style and that he [ Biden ] sort of mocked his opposition a little bit .
He laughed at him [ Paul Ryan ] , you know , sort of right in his face , ” Mercieca said .
“ I don ’ t think that he [ Biden ] goes to the extremes that Donald Trump does in terms of mocking his opposition or threatening them .
But , you know , he ’ s definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing himself to be intimidated.
” Since the first presidential debate in 1960 and since their resumption in 1976 , the format has generally been the same : candidates answering questions from a moderator .
“ What they basically are , are joint press conferences where they share , you know , press conference soundbites back and forth and they stay on their own message , ” says John Koch , director of Debate at Vanderbilt University .
Koch proposes different formats , including taking questions from experts instead of a moderator and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The debate would start with : Here ’ s the issue or the situation .
You have 30 minutes or whatever it is to meet with your consultants and advisers and then we want you to come back with a position , explain your position .
The other candidates will explain their position .
And then we ’ ll have a debate about how you arrived at that decision and then the quality of those decisions , because what we really want out of a president is somebody who can , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself to meet with their consultants or advisers , make a decision and then be able to defend it , ” Koch explained .
“ It is actually informative to see both candidates in contrast to one another .
So , to hear how they speak , the tone they use , but also to hear about their policies , ” Mercieca said .
“ It allows them to directly accuse one another of doing things .
And it also allows them to make rebuttals so that they can defend themselves.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched the first debate between then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton .
The high interest in the 2020 election may set a new record , but whether it sways voters is questionable .
“ A lot of the research on presidential debates have shown that it kind of lets people identify with the candidate that they kind of already identify with and it just kind of lets them see who shares their positions , ” said Koch .
“ There ’ s not a lot of evidence per se @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Pew Research , 10 % of 2016 voters said they decided their vote during or just after the debates .
Mercieca says it is “ a shame ” that America ’ s political polarization has gotten this bad .
“ I really think that , you know for these debates to have any kind of effect like they should , that the audience itself has a responsibility to listen with an open mind.
” A new report shows that a recent outbreak of polio in Sudan was the result of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a damning disclosure and shows the UN and it ’ s health wing , the WHO , can ’ t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety .

Now that the U.S. presidential nominating conventions have ended, the next key date on the campaign calendar is Tuesday, September 29 — the race’s first presidential debate.
Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic Party rival, former vice president Joe Biden, spent the week after the conventions making their opening arguments in some of the U.S. States critical to winning the election, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina.
“I think that we can expect to see a rowdy debate between the two presidential candidates,” said Jennifer Mercieca, assistant professor of Communications at Texas A&M University. “Both of these candidates are fighters.”
Mercieca says indications of Trump’s debating style can be found in how he described his 2016 campaign as a “counterpunch.”
“He regularly uses ad hominem attacks, which is attacking the person instead of their argument. And he isn’t shy to do that, to mock people and bully them during a debate. He did that in 2016,” she said, adding that Biden’s debating history shows he will stand his ground.
“We saw in 2012 that his vice-presidential debate was similar, I think, to Trump in style and that he [Biden] sort of mocked his opposition a little bit. He laughed at him [Paul Ryan], you know, sort of right in his face,” Mercieca said. “I don’t think that he [Biden] goes to the extremes that Donald Trump does in terms of mocking his opposition or threatening them. But, you know, he’s definitely capable of standing his ground and not allowing himself to be intimidated.”
Debates format
Since the first presidential debate in 1960 and since their resumption in 1976, the format has generally been the same: candidates answering questions from a moderator.
“What they basically are, are joint press conferences where they share, you know, press conference soundbites back and forth and they stay on their own message,” says John Koch, director of Debate at Vanderbilt University.
Koch proposes different formats, including taking questions from experts instead of a moderator and watching the candidates tackle the issues.
“The debate would start with: Here’s the issue or the situation. You have 30 minutes or whatever it is to meet with your consultants and advisers and then we want you to come back with a position, explain your position. The other candidates will explain their position. And then we’ll have a debate about how you arrived at that decision and then the quality of those decisions, because what we really want out of a president is somebody who can, in a crisis or when an issue presents itself to meet with their consultants or advisers, make a decision and then be able to defend it,” Koch explained.
“It is actually informative to see both candidates in contrast to one another. So, to hear how they speak, the tone they use, but also to hear about their policies,” Mercieca said. “It allows them to directly accuse one another of doing things. And it also allows them to make rebuttals so that they can defend themselves.”
Do debates change minds?
In 2016, an estimated 84 million Americans watched the first debate between then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The high interest in the 2020 election may set a new record, but whether it sways voters is questionable.
“A lot of the research on presidential debates have shown that it kind of lets people identify with the candidate that they kind of already identify with and it just kind of lets them see who shares their positions,” said Koch. “There’s not a lot of evidence per se that changes presidential debates changed minds.”
According to Pew Research, 10% of 2016 voters said they decided their vote during or just after the debates. Mercieca says it is “a shame” that America’s political polarization has gotten this bad.
“I really think that, you know for these debates to have any kind of effect like they should, that the audience itself has a responsibility to listen with an open mind.”
A new report shows that a recent outbreak of polio in Sudan was the result of a vaccine designed to treat polio. This is a damning disclosure and shows the UN and it’s health wing, the WHO, can’t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety.


newswars--2020-09-07--Watch: Spanish Police Berate Beachgoers Over COVID Rules From Helicopter

Spain ’ s Civil Guard has confirmed that it will now deploy helicopters and other vehicles to remind tourists of growing coronavirus restrictions , amid concerns online that the government is becoming increasingly authoritarian .
Footage has been shared widely online showing Spanish police barking instructions at beach goers in Mallorca from a helicopter .
Some commentators described the video as “ creepy , ” as others decried the huge waste of police resources to harass a practically empty beach while the streets of Palma are filled with people “ not wearing masks , smoking , not distancing while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be proud .
Total state control .
Extreme authoritarian govt machine turned against the people who it extracts resources from to fund the heli covid nazi regime , ” wrote one shocked Twitter user , highlighting mass unemployment and rising public anger over restrictions .
Others still shared footage of a woman being arrested by a group of police in Madrid for not wearing a mask as yet further evidence of the country ’ s slip towards increased authoritarianism .
RT contributor Neil Clark suggested that Spain had become “ even more authoritarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reference to Francisco Franco who ruled Spain as a dictator from 1939 to 1975 .
“ The broadcast of messages using megaphones from vehicles and helicopters at beaches and parks is being carried out on a daily basis , ” a Civil Guard spokesman said , amid a spike in Covid-19 cases since an air corridor was opened between UK and the Balearic Islands without the need to quarantine .
The popular UK tourist destination is already subject to increased restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus : beaches are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also being closed overnight to prevent partygoers from congregating there after nightclubs and bars close .
The resort of San Antonio in Ibiza and Deia in Majorca are among 15 municipalities which could soon be subject to strict nocturnal curfews and a five-person social gathering limit .
An announcement from local authorities with more details is expected Monday .
Reports online suggest authorities in the Balearic Islands are preparing to impose a night time curfew in the areas hardest-hit by the recent uptick in cases .
A new report shows that a recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of a vaccine designed to treat polio .
This is a damning disclosure and shows the UN and it ’ s health wing , the WHO , can ’ t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety .

Spain’s Civil Guard has confirmed that it will now deploy helicopters and other vehicles to remind tourists of growing coronavirus restrictions, amid concerns online that the government is becoming increasingly authoritarian.
Footage has been shared widely online showing Spanish police barking instructions at beach goers in Mallorca from a helicopter.
🚁 Sinceramente me parece espeluznante .. Mallorca. España 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/2DAVGRNrLw — Noelia de Trastámara (@N_Trastamara) September 5, 2020
Some commentators described the video as “creepy,” as others decried the huge waste of police resources to harass a practically empty beach while the streets of Palma are filled with people “not wearing masks, smoking, not distancing while the police do nothing.”
“Hitler would be proud. Total state control. Extreme authoritarian govt machine turned against the people who it extracts resources from to fund the heli covid nazi regime,” wrote one shocked Twitter user, highlighting mass unemployment and rising public anger over restrictions.
Others still shared footage of a woman being arrested by a group of police in Madrid for not wearing a mask as yet further evidence of the country’s slip towards increased authoritarianism.
Hoy 05/09/2020 a las 19 h en la Calle Arenal (Madrid).
Detenida por NO llevar mascarilla.
Un 👏👏👏👏 para ella. pic.twitter.com/9qkaV4J7Km — enelpaisvasco (@enelpaisvasco) September 5, 2020
RT contributor Neil Clark suggested that Spain had become “even more authoritarian than it was under Franco,” in reference to Francisco Franco who ruled Spain as a dictator from 1939 to 1975.
“The broadcast of messages using megaphones from vehicles and helicopters at beaches and parks is being carried out on a daily basis,” a Civil Guard spokesman said, amid a spike in Covid-19 cases since an air corridor was opened between UK and the Balearic Islands without the need to quarantine.
The popular UK tourist destination is already subject to increased restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus: beaches are closed between 9pm and 7am, parks are also being closed overnight to prevent partygoers from congregating there after nightclubs and bars close.
The resort of San Antonio in Ibiza and Deia in Majorca are among 15 municipalities which could soon be subject to strict nocturnal curfews and a five-person social gathering limit. An announcement from local authorities with more details is expected Monday.
Reports online suggest authorities in the Balearic Islands are preparing to impose a night time curfew in the areas hardest-hit by the recent uptick in cases.
A new report shows that a recent outbreak of polio in Sudan was the result of a vaccine designed to treat polio. This is a damning disclosure and shows the UN and it’s health wing, the WHO, can’t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety.


newswars--2020-09-07--Video: Black Woman Confronts Antifa Rioters, Claiming They Called Her Racial Slur

A video out of Portland shows a black woman involved in a confrontation with Antifa rioters who she accuses of calling her racial slurs as they temporarily block her vehicle .
The clip begins with the African-American woman telling the white Antifa rioters to get out of the way as they claim they are engaged in a “ non-violent protest.
” “ You setting fires in the street , no that ’ s violence , ” responds the woman .
The rioters position themselves in front of her car as she tells them to go and “ tear up ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how ignorant this looks , you don ’ t let someone call me a fucking nigger bitch , you don ’ t want no race war out here…fucking nigger bitch , that ’ s what you called me , ” says the woman .
The Antifa rioters deny being responsible for the racist slur before accusing the woman of pushing them with her car .
“ If I was pushing you with my car , you ’ d be laying the fuck over , ” responds the woman as the confrontation becomes more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to let the woman pass .
One suspects that if she was white , they would have physically attacked her .
“ What ’ s it called when a bunch of masked white people with a history of violence looting and burning black communities block a black woman from driving while calling her racial slurs ?
” asked journalist Tim Pool .
The video emerged after yet another weekend of terrible optics for Antifa and BLM which included them once again aggressively confronting diners outside restaurants in Rochester and Pittsburgh .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is crucial that we stay in touch .
I need you to sign up for my free newsletter here .
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A video out of Portland shows a black woman involved in a confrontation with Antifa rioters who she accuses of calling her racial slurs as they temporarily block her vehicle.
The clip begins with the African-American woman telling the white Antifa rioters to get out of the way as they claim they are engaged in a “non-violent protest.”
“You setting fires in the street, no that’s violence,” responds the woman.
The rioters position themselves in front of her car as she tells them to go and “tear up” another neighborhood.
“Now they see how ignorant this looks, you don’t let someone call me a fucking nigger bitch, you don’t want no race war out here…fucking nigger bitch, that’s what you called me,” says the woman.
“You’re setting fires in the streets?” asks a black female driver tonight who is stopped by antifa rioters in north Portland. “Get out of my way!” She refuses to follow their orders. Video by @BGOnTheScene. #PortlandRiots pic.twitter.com/pd3cSN0Ikx — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) September 7, 2020
The Antifa rioters deny being responsible for the racist slur before accusing the woman of pushing them with her car.
“If I was pushing you with my car, you’d be laying the fuck over,” responds the woman as the confrontation becomes more heated.
The rioters are finally forced to let the woman pass. One suspects that if she was white, they would have physically attacked her.
“What’s it called when a bunch of masked white people with a history of violence looting and burning black communities block a black woman from driving while calling her racial slurs?” asked journalist Tim Pool.
The video emerged after yet another weekend of terrible optics for Antifa and BLM which included them once again aggressively confronting diners outside restaurants in Rochester and Pittsburgh.
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newswars--2020-09-07--Power May Be Cut to San Francisco Amid Wildfires, Rolling Blackouts

US utility giant PG & E Corp. said it may have to intentionally cut power early next week in large portions of northern California , including the San Francisco Bay and Sierra Nevada foothills noted for their hire fire risk , as hot dry winds are expected to sweep through the region , it follows from a notice posted on its website .
The company ’ s weather models show the winds are expected to follow a dangerous heatwave that gripped vast parts of the states over the weekend .
PG & E said that scorching heat could further dry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bushes , and other vegetation , while also posing a danger to California ’ s grid operator .
The latter warned of possible power shortages for Sunday due to the ubiquitous use of power-consuming air conditioners .
Years of deadly fires caused by wind storms shattering PG & E ’ s wires forced California ’ s largest utility supplier to file for bankruptcy protection last year .
In July , the company finally agreed to pay $ 25.5 billion to settle wildfire lawsuits .
The company ended up in public officials ’ crosshairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way it conducted shutoffs that left millions without electricity for days all across the San Francisco Bay Area , the New York Times reported .
PG & E responded saying the practice was meant to reduce the risk of its power lines sparking devastating wildfires , and promising to bring down the scope of new shutoffs if they prove necessary this year .
A new report shows that a recent outbreak of polio in Sudan was the result of a vaccine designed to treat polio .
This is a damning disclosure and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health wing , the WHO , can ’ t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety .

US utility giant PG&E Corp. said it may have to intentionally cut power early next week in large portions of northern California, including the San Francisco Bay and Sierra Nevada foothills noted for their hire fire risk, as hot dry winds are expected to sweep through the region, it follows from a notice posted on its website.
The company’s weather models show the winds are expected to follow a dangerous heatwave that gripped vast parts of the states over the weekend.
PG&E said that scorching heat could further dry out the green belts – trees, bushes, and other vegetation, while also posing a danger to California’s grid operator. The latter warned of possible power shortages for Sunday due to the ubiquitous use of power-consuming air conditioners.
Years of deadly fires caused by wind storms shattering PG&E’s wires forced California’s largest utility supplier to file for bankruptcy protection last year. In July, the company finally agreed to pay $25.5 billion to settle wildfire lawsuits.
The company ended up in public officials’ crosshairs last fire season irking the public with the way it conducted shutoffs that left millions without electricity for days all across the San Francisco Bay Area, the New York Times reported.
PG&E responded saying the practice was meant to reduce the risk of its power lines sparking devastating wildfires, and promising to bring down the scope of new shutoffs if they prove necessary this year.
A new report shows that a recent outbreak of polio in Sudan was the result of a vaccine designed to treat polio. This is a damning disclosure and shows the UN and it’s health wing, the WHO, can’t be trusted when it comes to vaccines and their safety.


newswars--2020-09-08--Australia: Riot Police Drag Journalist to the Ground, Arrest Him For Covering Anti-Lockdown Protest

Video footage out of Australia shows a journalist being dragged to the ground and arrested by riot police for the ‘ crime ’ of reporting from an anti-lockdown protest .
Rebel Media ’ s Avi Yemeni was doing a piece to camera at an anti-lockdown Freedom March in Melbourne on Saturday when he was suddenly approached by a police commander .
“ This bloke here is not here for any purposeful reason , I want him under arrest , ” states the officer , ordering other cops , some of whom are dressed in riot gear , to arrest him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the police yell as Yemeni is dragged to the turf .
His protestations that he is media and that he has a press permit in his pocket fall on deaf ears as the cops continue to manhandle him , before placing him in handcuffs and marching him off .
After possibly realizing the embarrassment and criticism they faced for arresting a journalist , police later claimed that Yemeni had been “ hindering ” by getting between police lines after being asked to move and was given a caution .
The video footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yemeni to move .
Australia has proven itself to be the most dictatorial developed country in the world when it comes to the draconian enforcement of coronavirus rules .
As we highlighted last week , a pregnant woman was arrested in her home in front of her own kids for the crime of posting about the protest on Facebook .
Authorities have also given themselves the power to have police remove children from the custody of their parents in order to ensure compliance with coronavirus rules .
Police in Melbourne also announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch people who don ’ t wear masks and to keep track of cars that travel further than 5km from home .
Authorities have also been given the power to enter people ’ s homes without a warrant and perform quarantine spot checks .
In the age of mass Silicon Valley censorship It is crucial that we stay in touch .
I need you to sign up for my free newsletter here .
Also , I urgently need your financial support here .

Video footage out of Australia shows a journalist being dragged to the ground and arrested by riot police for the ‘crime’ of reporting from an anti-lockdown protest.
Rebel Media’s Avi Yemeni was doing a piece to camera at an anti-lockdown Freedom March in Melbourne on Saturday when he was suddenly approached by a police commander.
“This bloke here is not here for any purposeful reason, I want him under arrest,” states the officer, ordering other cops, some of whom are dressed in riot gear, to arrest him.
“Down on the ground!” the police yell as Yemeni is dragged to the turf.
His protestations that he is media and that he has a press permit in his pocket fall on deaf ears as the cops continue to manhandle him, before placing him in handcuffs and marching him off.
Police claim they arrested me for not moving when the Police Commander asked me to. Problem is, he NEVER asked me anything. He just ordered the ARREST of a journalist because he doesn’t like what I report. RT the truth. #AviYemini WATCH the full vid👉 https://t.co/6EoL6gD7Dq pic.twitter.com/qQt0DdtPfW — Avi Yemini 🇦🇺🇮🇱 (@OzraeliAvi) September 8, 2020
After possibly realizing the embarrassment and criticism they faced for arresting a journalist, police later claimed that Yemeni had been “hindering” by getting between police lines after being asked to move and was given a caution.
The video footage does not show any police officer asking Yemeni to move.
Australia has proven itself to be the most dictatorial developed country in the world when it comes to the draconian enforcement of coronavirus rules.
As we highlighted last week, a pregnant woman was arrested in her home in front of her own kids for the crime of posting about the protest on Facebook.
Authorities have also given themselves the power to have police remove children from the custody of their parents in order to ensure compliance with coronavirus rules.
Police in Melbourne also announced that they would be using surveillance drones to catch people who don’t wear masks and to keep track of cars that travel further than 5km from home.
Authorities have also been given the power to enter people’s homes without a warrant and perform quarantine spot checks.
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In the age of mass Silicon Valley censorship It is crucial that we stay in touch.
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newswars--2020-09-08--Spain: Locals Ordered Off Beach by Police Helicopter Loudspeaker

Video footage shows a Spanish police helicopter hovering low above a beach ordering families via a loudspeaker to leave due to coronavirus rules .
The chopper was patrolling the coastline on Palma Beach and Calvia Beach on Majorca , one of Spain ’ s Balearic Islands .
Respondents on social media expressed their fury at how police resources were being misappropriated .
“ We are in the police and oppressive state without realizing it .
Monitoring the population with helicopters instead of monitoring the drain of our borders or the real criminals .
We are left with a precious dictatorship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state control .
Extreme authoritarian govt machine turned against the people who it extracts resources from to fund the heli covid nazi regime , ” added another .
Authorities brushed off the complaints without even addressing the substance of them .
“ The diffusion of messages using megaphones from vehicles and helicopters at beaches and parks is being carried out daily , ” said a statement by a Civil Guard spokesman .
“ This is happening to make sure the new rules established by the Balearic Islands regional government regarding the new timetables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also using surveillance drones to ensure compliance with ‘ social distancing ’ rules on its beaches .
As we previously highlighted , some Spanish police officers also appear to enjoy beating people for not wearing their masks properly .
In Spain , it ’ s the law the wear a mask everywhere outside , including on many beaches .
If only Spain ’ s socialist government was as serious about patrolling beaches for COVID curfew violators as it was patrolling them for illegal boat migrants that arrive on a regular basis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population .
In the age of mass Silicon Valley censorship It is crucial that we stay in touch .
I need you to sign up for my free newsletter here .
Also , I urgently need your financial support here .

Video footage shows a Spanish police helicopter hovering low above a beach ordering families via a loudspeaker to leave due to coronavirus rules.
The chopper was patrolling the coastline on Palma Beach and Calvia Beach on Majorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
Respondents on social media expressed their fury at how police resources were being misappropriated.
“We are in the police and oppressive state without realizing it. Monitoring the population with helicopters instead of monitoring the drain of our borders or the real criminals. We are left with a precious dictatorship,” said one.
“Total state control. Extreme authoritarian govt machine turned against the people who it extracts resources from to fund the heli covid nazi regime,” added another.
🚁 Sinceramente me parece espeluznante .. Mallorca. España 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/2DAVGRNrLw — Noelia de Trastámara (@N_Trastamara) September 5, 2020
Authorities brushed off the complaints without even addressing the substance of them.
“The diffusion of messages using megaphones from vehicles and helicopters at beaches and parks is being carried out daily,” said a statement by a Civil Guard spokesman.
“This is happening to make sure the new rules established by the Balearic Islands regional government regarding the new timetables, are adhered to.”
Spanish authorities are also using surveillance drones to ensure compliance with ‘social distancing’ rules on its beaches.
As we previously highlighted, some Spanish police officers also appear to enjoy beating people for not wearing their masks properly.
In Spain, it’s the law the wear a mask everywhere outside, including on many beaches.
If only Spain’s socialist government was as serious about patrolling beaches for COVID curfew violators as it was patrolling them for illegal boat migrants that arrive on a regular basis and often just run away and disappear into the population.
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newswars--2020-09-08--VIDEO: Homeowner Catches Leftist Urinating on Trump Sign, Blasts Miscreant With Paintball Gun

Video footage shows a Trump supporter using a paintball gun to dispel a leftist who was trying to urinate on the homeowner ’ s Trump-Pence lawn sign .
After catching the vandal leering over the lawn sign and fiddling with his pants on a night-vision CCTV camera , the Trump-supporting homeowner retrieves a semi-auto paintball gun and heads to the front door , with a pistol holstered on his hip for good measure .
“ What the f**k ?
” he calls out to the trespasser .
“ F**k you !
” comes the reply , as well as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the miscreant .
Unsatisfied with this response , the homeowner shoulders the CO2 rifle and proceeds to spray down the vandal with a fusillade of rubber paint pellets , prompting the latter to cry out in pain , lose his balance , and tumble into the street .
The vandal scurries away into the night , as the homeowner pelts him a few more times for good measure and calls out “ F**k outta here !
” You think things are bad now ?
Wait until election day .
The Democrats are slowly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take the reigns of power by any means necessary .
Whether that is the plunging of the stock market , secession , economic terrorism , or a new wave of the Corona virus .
The Democrats are war gaming all of the possible outcomes and strategies right now .
Ultimately , their plans will become a recipe for their own failure .
Vandalism of pro-Trump signage has become increasingly commonplace in recent months .
In Boulder , Colorado an adult woman attacked a 12-year-old boy after spotting a Trump campaign sign on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The suspect made a U-turn and approached the victim and began assaulting him because of his political banner .
The suspect then “ attempted to take the banner but was unsuccessful , ” police said as a woman rode her moped through a Boulder neighborhood .
Boulder police spokeswoman Shannon Aulabaugh affirmed that the woman pulled a U-turn before approaching the preteen and told him “ you want something to look at , ” or something to that effect before launching her assault , per Denver Post .
Aulabaugh then said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck the boy four or five times on the back of the head and arm before scratching her victim .
The woman reportedly tried to take the pro- Trump lawn sign before leaving the scene .
Investigators believe the woman to be either in her 20s or 30s wearing a tan jacket , blue shirt , and blue jeans , and the woman rode a blue or gray moped , according to CBS Denver .

Video footage shows a Trump supporter using a paintball gun to dispel a leftist who was trying to urinate on the homeowner’s Trump-Pence lawn sign.
After catching the vandal leering over the lawn sign and fiddling with his pants on a night-vision CCTV camera, the Trump-supporting homeowner retrieves a semi-auto paintball gun and heads to the front door, with a pistol holstered on his hip for good measure.
“What the f**k?” he calls out to the trespasser. “F**k you!” comes the reply, as well as a derisive flash of the middle finger from the miscreant.
Unsatisfied with this response, the homeowner shoulders the CO2 rifle and proceeds to spray down the vandal with a fusillade of rubber paint pellets, prompting the latter to cry out in pain, lose his balance, and tumble into the street.
The vandal scurries away into the night, as the homeowner pelts him a few more times for good measure and calls out “F**k outta here!”
That will leave a mark! 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/FuHwtpzMS2 — Karli 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) September 7, 2020
You think things are bad now? Wait until election day. The Democrats are slowly informing the American public about their plans to take the reigns of power by any means necessary. Whether that is the plunging of the stock market, secession, economic terrorism, or a new wave of the Corona virus. The Democrats are war gaming all of the possible outcomes and strategies right now. Ultimately, their plans will become a recipe for their own failure.
Vandalism of pro-Trump signage has become increasingly commonplace in recent months. In Boulder, Colorado an adult woman attacked a 12-year-old boy after spotting a Trump campaign sign on his family’s front lawn:
The suspect made a U-turn and approached the victim and began assaulting him because of his political banner. The suspect then “attempted to take the banner but was unsuccessful,” police said as a woman rode her moped through a Boulder neighborhood. Boulder police spokeswoman Shannon Aulabaugh affirmed that the woman pulled a U-turn before approaching the preteen and told him “you want something to look at,” or something to that effect before launching her assault, per Denver Post. Aulabaugh then said that the woman, with a closed fist, struck the boy four or five times on the back of the head and arm before scratching her victim. The woman reportedly tried to take the pro- Trump lawn sign before leaving the scene. Investigators believe the woman to be either in her 20s or 30s wearing a tan jacket, blue shirt, and blue jeans, and the woman rode a blue or gray moped, according to CBS Denver.


newswars--2020-09-08--American Airlines Slammed For Advocating Employees Wear BLM Pins

American Airlines has come under criticism from employees who were told that the company now encourages them to wear black lives matter apparel on their uniforms , and is having badges made specifically for this purpose .
“ We are working with our Black Professional Network on designing a specific pin that may be worn with the uniform .
In the interim until this pin is produced , to recognize the significance of this moment in history , we are allowing people to wear a Black Lives Matter Pin , ” Jill Surdek , senior vice president for flight services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that some employees and their relatives are disgusted by American promoting a group that engages in violence .
“ I take offense to this , ” a long time flight attendant reportedly complained to management , adding “ Serious offense .
My husband is a LEO ( Law Enforcement Officer ) , as was my deceased father and as far as I ’ m concerned ALL LIVES MATTER.
” “ I am completely disgusted at the fact that we can ’ t show support for our GOD , our COUNTRY , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization ( which is controversial in itself ) , American Airlines says that ’ s obviously different , ” the attendant added in an email obtained by the newspaper .
“ How is that right ?
Well , I don ’ t feel included , ” the attendant emphasised .
According to the report , one flight attendant asked American if they could wear a ‘ Blue Lives Matter ’ pin instead , and they were told that wouldn ’ t be allowed .
Another flight attendant who asked to be identified only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear the pin will now “ be ostracized and labeled as racist , ” and described BLM as “ a terrorist organization that promotes violence to further their agenda.
” “ If this pin is sanctioned , I will wear my NYPD pin supporting the police department , ” he said .
The violent crime rate for black folks is what it is because Democrat run cities have created a sociological economic nightmare for black Americans for decades .
Responding to the complaints , a statement from American claimed that the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ doesn ’ t mean other lives don ’ t matter , rather that in our society black lives should matter and be valued the same as others.
” The report also notes that American ’ s move comes after Delta Airlines announced a similar policy .
This past weekend , Senator Rand Paul called for an investigation into where financial support for the BLM movement is going , given the rioting and violence that is occurring at many BLM marches .
“ Black Lives Matter is out there collecting corporation money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public that they ’ re not racist .
But these corporations need to know if that money is going to Black Lives Matter and if Black Lives Matter is giving it to hooligans to cause and create havoc in cities , ” Paul emphasised .

American Airlines has come under criticism from employees who were told that the company now encourages them to wear black lives matter apparel on their uniforms, and is having badges made specifically for this purpose.
“We are working with our Black Professional Network on designing a specific pin that may be worn with the uniform. In the interim until this pin is produced, to recognize the significance of this moment in history, we are allowing people to wear a Black Lives Matter Pin,” Jill Surdek, senior vice president for flight services, announced.
The New York Post reports that some employees and their relatives are disgusted by American promoting a group that engages in violence.
“I take offense to this,” a long time flight attendant reportedly complained to management, adding “Serious offense. My husband is a LEO (Law Enforcement Officer), as was my deceased father and as far as I’m concerned ALL LIVES MATTER.”
“I am completely disgusted at the fact that we can’t show support for our GOD, our COUNTRY, our LEOs but when it comes to BLM organization (which is controversial in itself), American Airlines says that’s obviously different,” the attendant added in an email obtained by the newspaper.
“How is that right? Well, I don’t feel included,” the attendant emphasised.
According to the report, one flight attendant asked American if they could wear a ‘Blue Lives Matter’ pin instead, and they were told that wouldn’t be allowed.
#AmericanAirlines Instead of supporting Blue Lives or All Lives, this company is supporting a Hate group! BLM pins are being made for all their workers to wear! A Flight Attendant asked if they could wear a Blue Lives Matter pin instead, they were told, NO! COMMENTS? pic.twitter.com/wuT4rTqPVG — sharannp (@sharann1gmailc1) September 6, 2020
The report adds that:
Another flight attendant who asked to be identified only as John said staffers who refuse to wear the pin will now “be ostracized and labeled as racist,” and described BLM as “a terrorist organization that promotes violence to further their agenda.” “If this pin is sanctioned, I will wear my NYPD pin supporting the police department,” he said.
The violent crime rate for black folks is what it is because Democrat run cities have created a sociological economic nightmare for black Americans for decades.
Responding to the complaints, a statement from American claimed that the company’s move is “not political” and “doesn’t mean other lives don’t matter, rather that in our society black lives should matter and be valued the same as others.”
The report also notes that American’s move comes after Delta Airlines announced a similar policy.
This past weekend, Senator Rand Paul called for an investigation into where financial support for the BLM movement is going, given the rioting and violence that is occurring at many BLM marches.
“Black Lives Matter is out there collecting corporation money from corporations who want to show the public that they’re not racist. But these corporations need to know if that money is going to Black Lives Matter and if Black Lives Matter is giving it to hooligans to cause and create havoc in cities,” Paul emphasised.


newswars--2020-09-08--Video: Black Lives Matter Using White People As Human Shields Against Police

Black Lives Matter organisers have taken to using white people marching with them as human shields to separate themselves from @ @ @ @ @ Rochester , New York , shows organisers demanding that white people form a front line @ @ @ @ @ police .
“ If you ’ re white and you got a shield , you @ @ @ @ @ perimeter from whatever this street is to whatever that street is .
If you are @ @ @ @ @ middle , ” an organiser with a megaphone is heard ordering in the footage .
@ @ @ @ @ witnessed in Portland , among other places : The idea is that police are less @ @ @ @ @ against white people , and if they do… well , whitey takes the beating so @ @ @ @ @ was the site of more rioting this past weekend : further footage revealed one agitator @ @ @ @ @ be directed more “ toward the white folks ” :

Black Lives Matter organisers have taken to using white people marching with them as human shields to separate themselves from police.
Video out of Rochester, New York, shows organisers demanding that white people form a front line between black protesters and the police.
“If you’re white and you got a shield, you need to be making a perimeter from whatever this street is to whatever that street is. If you are black, stay in the middle,” an organiser with a megaphone is heard ordering in the footage.
“White shields! White shields make a circle!” another person demands.
White shields
City Hall – Rochester, NY pic.twitter.com/Zfcp21W8GI — Kitty Shackleford (@KittyLists) September 6, 2020
White bodies to the front! (See it a lot) The only good ally is a battered ally! — Wanderscholar (@wanderingsoundr) September 6, 2020
It’s actually written into their game plan for Whites to be cannon fodder. — TimeTimeTime (@IsItTimeForA) September 6, 2020
White privilege to deflect the pepper balls — 🏴☠BSC Hooah 🇺🇸 (@ol_ironsight) September 6, 2020
What if you’re mixed? Do you get to pick where you go? — Mike Hunt716912 (@mike_hunt716912) September 6, 2020
The tactics have also been witnessed in Portland, among other places:
The shield line moving forward towards the police, prompting them to declare a riot minutes later #Portland #PortlandProtests pic.twitter.com/xk0PrFvUaH — Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) August 22, 2020
Front line wall of shields and umbrellas at the Portland Police Bureau #Portland #PortlandProtests pic.twitter.com/Be6aHBE4Lu — Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) August 22, 2020
The idea is that police are less likely to respond with force against white people, and if they do… well, whitey takes the beating so it’s ok.
Rochester was the site of more rioting this past weekend:
#HappeningNow the protesters in Rochester NY are “shutting down restaurants”, tables are broken, people running off scared #rochesterprotests pic.twitter.com/oxmlZp526w — @SCOOTERCASTER (FNTV) (@ScooterCasterNY) September 5, 2020
Black Lives Matter rioters try to break into apartment buildings. pic.twitter.com/xcEb6fns9F — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 5, 2020
BLM rioters in Rochester, N.Y. set a bus stop on fire earlier tonight. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/cvKO8L3SBj — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) September 5, 2020
Black Lives Matter rioters in Rochester are now launching fireworks attacks on police. pic.twitter.com/cY7XSLz2C7 — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 5, 2020
further footage revealed one agitator declaring that the violence should be directed more “toward the white folks”:


newswars--2020-09-08--Sweden Close To Victory Over Coronavirus; Never Had A Lockdown Or Mask Mandate

As the rest of Europe and the world remains under the grip of draconian rules and the threat of new lockdowns , Sweden , which allowed its citizens to remain free throughout the entire pandemic , has declared victory over the coronavirus .
The country now has one of the lowest infection rates on the planet , and it ’ s difficult not to admire how it has handled the past year , with no strict lockdown or compulsory face mask rules .
All businesses , schools and public places remained open in Sweden for the duration .
“ Sweden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most infections in Europe to the safest one , ” Sweden ’ s senior epidemiologist Dr. Anders Tegnell commented to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera .
“ What we see now is that the sustainable policy might be slower in getting results , but it will get results eventually , ” Tegnell clarified .
“ And then we also hope that the result will be more stable , ” he added .
Tegnell previously warned that encouraging people to wear face masks is “ very dangerous ” because it gives a false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stem the spread of the virus .
“ The findings that have been produced through face masks are astonishingly weak , even though so many people around the world wear them , ” Tengell has urged .
Last week , the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control confirmed Sweden ’ s drop in infection rate , with only 12 cases per million , compared to 18 in neighbouring Denmark and 14 in nearby Norway .
At the peak of the Sweden ’ s outbreak , it was seeing 108 new infections per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ herd immunity ” strategy .
The figures also show that out of 2500 randomly selected and tested people in Sweden , none tested positive , compared to 0.9 percent positive in April , and 0.3 percent in May .
“ We interpret this as meaning there is not currently a widespread infection among people who do not have symptoms , ” said Karin Tegmark , deputy head of the Public Health Agency of Sweden .
When compared to the rest of Europe , Sweden ’ s death rate sits somewhere in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that playing the long game will see this improve drastically .
Alex Jones breaks down all the key-points that reveal how the COVID scamdemic is falling apart .

As the rest of Europe and the world remains under the grip of draconian rules and the threat of new lockdowns, Sweden, which allowed its citizens to remain free throughout the entire pandemic, has declared victory over the coronavirus.
The country now has one of the lowest infection rates on the planet, and it’s difficult not to admire how it has handled the past year, with no strict lockdown or compulsory face mask rules. All businesses, schools and public places remained open in Sweden for the duration.
“Sweden has gone from being the country with the most infections in Europe to the safest one,” Sweden’s senior epidemiologist Dr. Anders Tegnell commented to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
“What we see now is that the sustainable policy might be slower in getting results, but it will get results eventually,” Tegnell clarified.
“And then we also hope that the result will be more stable,” he added.
Tegnell previously warned that encouraging people to wear face masks is “very dangerous” because it gives a false sense of security but does not effectively stem the spread of the virus.
“The findings that have been produced through face masks are astonishingly weak, even though so many people around the world wear them,” Tengell has urged.
Last week, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control confirmed Sweden’s drop in infection rate, with only 12 cases per million, compared to 18 in neighbouring Denmark and 14 in nearby Norway.
At the peak of the Sweden’s outbreak, it was seeing 108 new infections per million people, as it pursued a “herd immunity” strategy.
The figures also show that out of 2500 randomly selected and tested people in Sweden, none tested positive, compared to 0.9 percent positive in April, and 0.3 percent in May.
“We interpret this as meaning there is not currently a widespread infection among people who do not have symptoms,” said Karin Tegmark, deputy head of the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
When compared to the rest of Europe, Sweden’s death rate sits somewhere in the middle. However, officials are confident that playing the long game will see this improve drastically.
Alex Jones breaks down all the key-points that reveal how the COVID scamdemic is falling apart.


newswars--2020-09-08--Joe Biden Admits Own National Mask Mandate Proposal Is Unconstitutional

Joe Biden admitted on Monday that his own proposed national mask mandate is unconstitutional .
Biden has repeatedly called for a federal mandate , often using it as an example of what he would do differently about the coronavirus than President Trump , whom Biden claims “ failed to act.
” But he told CBS 5 in Arizona , “ There ’ s a constitutional issue whether the federal government can issue such a mandate.
” He added , “ I don ’ t think constitutionally they could , so I wouldn ’ t issue a mandate.
” On Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate and claimed he was a “ constitutionalist.
” The violent crime rate for black folks is what it is because Democrat run cities have created a sociological economic nightmare for black Americans for decades .
While committing an accepted genocide on black babies decimating the numbers of black Americans by roughly 250 black babies everyday .
The very same Democrats these useful idiots support .
Ignoring with a visceral stupidity that the current President has lowered the black unemployment rate to historic levels and increased economic opportunity even in the oppressive Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , this modern black civil rights movement against police brutality has been hijacked by white Marxists posing as their saviors .
Harboring a skewed message of hate , paranoia , and demoralization that is terrifying the rest of America smack dab in the middle of an election year .

Joe Biden admitted on Monday that his own proposed national mask mandate is unconstitutional.
Biden has repeatedly called for a federal mandate, often using it as an example of what he would do differently about the coronavirus than President Trump, whom Biden claims “failed to act.”
But he told CBS 5 in Arizona, “There’s a constitutional issue whether the federal government can issue such a mandate.”
Biden now says a national mask mandate is probably unconstitutional and he wouldn’t do it. This is a full 180-degree reversal. pic.twitter.com/cSxo6Q5LCD — Alex Marlow (@AlexMarlow) September 7, 2020
He added, “I don’t think constitutionally they could, so I wouldn’t issue a mandate.”
On Wednesday, he denied ever calling for a mandate and claimed he was a “constitutionalist.”
Read more
The violent crime rate for black folks is what it is because Democrat run cities have created a sociological economic nightmare for black Americans for decades. While committing an accepted genocide on black babies decimating the numbers of black Americans by roughly 250 black babies everyday. The very same Democrats these useful idiots support. Ignoring with a visceral stupidity that the current President has lowered the black unemployment rate to historic levels and increased economic opportunity even in the oppressive Democrat held cities the rage is generated from. Instead, this modern black civil rights movement against police brutality has been hijacked by white Marxists posing as their saviors. Harboring a skewed message of hate, paranoia, and demoralization that is terrifying the rest of America smack dab in the middle of an election year.


newswars--2020-09-08--Liberals & hawks accuse Trump of ‘attack’ on military after he says Pentagon chiefs ‘fight wars to k

Liberals & hawks accuse Trump of ‘attack’ on military after he says Pentagon chiefs ‘fight wars to keep arms dealers healthy’

US President Donald Trump accused the Pentagon ’ s top brass of starting wars in order to hand billions to arms makers , drawing shocked reactions from his liberal critics and foreign policy hawks – some playing both roles at once .
“ I ’ m not saying the military ’ s in love with me – the soldiers are , ” the president said at a White House press conference on Monday .
Trump ’ s comments come as his latest response to a September 3 story in the Atlantic , which alleged the president had denigrated fallen American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly dubbing them “ losers ” and “ suckers.
” Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations , which were based on the claims of anonymous officials and aides , reiterating on Monday : “ Who would say a thing like that ?
Only an animal would say a thing like that.
” Alex Jones breaks down all the key-points that reveal how the COVID scamdemic is falling apart .
His scathing critique of the Pentagon ’ s top leadership prompted a new wave of controversy , however , as a number of media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy commentators lined up to voice horror at the “ unprecedented public attack ” on the military .
“ Perhaps [ Defense Secretary Mark Esper ] should defend the honor of those with whom he serves at the Pentagon ?
He has little to lose , since he ’ s probably going to be fired anyway .
Why not go out on a high note ?
” tweeted neoconservative luminary Bill Kristol , a top booster of the disastrous US invasion of Iraq and a vocal # NeverTrumper .
The president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighed into the fray , arguing that a “ permanent moratorium ” on retired generals serving on the boards of defense contractors – a phenomenon known as the ‘ revolving door ’ – would “ end the endless wars immediately.
” He pointed to a series of former officials who left their posts in the Pentagon for cushy jobs in the weapons industry , where retired officers often work as lobbyists helping to grease the skids for lucrative government contracts .
Between 2008 and 2018 , at least 380 high-ranking Pentagon officials were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public office , including 25 generals , 9 admirals , 43 lieutenant generals and 23 vice admirals , according to a report by the Project On Government Oversight ( POGO ) .
Many became lobbyists , board members , executives or consultants for firms such as Lockheed Martin , General Dynamics , Raytheon and Northrop Grumman .
Some netizens , as well as progressive lawmaker Ro Khanna ( D-California ) , took up a wholly different criticism of the president , arguing that while Trump is correct about the Pentagon , he himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US military budgets and feeding billions to arms dealers .
“ This is correct but Trump has increased the military budget and the amount of bombs we drop , which means larger profits for defense contractors .
So he ’ s right but he is also complicit , ” one user wrote .
Despite his withering attack on the Pentagon ’ s revolving door , Trump has frequently boasted of “ rebuilding ” the US armed forces with vast military expenditures , which continue to outspend the world ’ s next 11 largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly touted multi-billion dollar weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and other allies , insisting they support American jobs and bring money into the country .

US President Donald Trump accused the Pentagon’s top brass of starting wars in order to hand billions to arms makers, drawing shocked reactions from his liberal critics and foreign policy hawks – some playing both roles at once.
“I’m not saying the military’s in love with me – the soldiers are,” the president said at a White House press conference on Monday.
The top people in the Pentagon probably aren’t because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay healthy.
Trump: “I’m not saying the military’s in love with me. The soldiers are. The top people in the Pentagon probably aren’t because they want to do nothing but fight wars, so all of those wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy” pic.twitter.com/uu1UnBnHbT — CBS News (@CBSNews) September 7, 2020
Trump’s comments come as his latest response to a September 3 story in the Atlantic, which alleged the president had denigrated fallen American soldiers throughout his time in office, reportedly dubbing them “losers” and “suckers.” Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations, which were based on the claims of anonymous officials and aides, reiterating on Monday: “Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that.”
Alex Jones breaks down all the key-points that reveal how the COVID scamdemic is falling apart.
His scathing critique of the Pentagon’s top leadership prompted a new wave of controversy, however, as a number of media pundits, Democratic lawmakers and bellicose foreign policy commentators lined up to voice horror at the “unprecedented public attack” on the military.
“Perhaps [Defense Secretary Mark Esper] should defend the honor of those with whom he serves at the Pentagon? He has little to lose, since he’s probably going to be fired anyway. Why not go out on a high note?” tweeted neoconservative luminary Bill Kristol, a top booster of the disastrous US invasion of Iraq and a vocal #NeverTrumper.
Dear @realDonaldTrump: You have attacked servicemembers who died in war; Gold Star families; POWs; and now military leadership. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? You are the Commander in Chief. Please stop denigrating our military. Also when will you condemn Putin?#TrumpPressConference https://t.co/wSnjuCCJ5n — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) September 7, 2020
Everyone is entitled to their opinion about the US military. But this comes during 9-11 commemoration here at Pentagon & military bases around the world. Generals have held dying troops in their arms, buried them at Arlington and 19 years later still comfort families. https://t.co/8W6vom3gsF — Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) September 7, 2020
Wait, so after insisting he’d never insult military veterans, Trump goes on live television and accuses military leaders of being warmongers? — Josh Campbell (@joshscampbell) September 7, 2020
The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., also weighed into the fray, arguing that a “permanent moratorium” on retired generals serving on the boards of defense contractors – a phenomenon known as the ‘revolving door’ – would “end the endless wars immediately.” He pointed to a series of former officials who left their posts in the Pentagon for cushy jobs in the weapons industry, where retired officers often work as lobbyists helping to grease the skids for lucrative government contracts.
If you want to end the endless wars immediately put a permanent moratorium on retired General’s serving on the boards of defense contractors.
We would be out of Afghanistan by Wednesday. https://t.co/99QkLgZ7Uj — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 7, 2020
Between 2008 and 2018, at least 380 high-ranking Pentagon officials were hired by top defense contractors after leaving public office, including 25 generals, 9 admirals, 43 lieutenant generals and 23 vice admirals, according to a report by the Project On Government Oversight (POGO). Many became lobbyists, board members, executives or consultants for firms such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.
What’s next, calling out military brass for retiring to plum positions on military industrial company boards and then appearing on cable news to drum up support for war without disclosing their conflicts of interest? No, sir! I won’t hear of it!!!! — Eoin Higgins (@EoinHiggins_) September 7, 2020
Some netizens, as well as progressive lawmaker Ro Khanna (D-California), took up a wholly different criticism of the president, arguing that while Trump is correct about the Pentagon, he himself has been “complicit” in expanding US military budgets and feeding billions to arms dealers.
“This is correct but Trump has increased the military budget and the amount of bombs we drop, which means larger profits for defense contractors. So he’s right but he is also complicit,” one user wrote.
I know you do not believe facts matter. But if you are really opposed to companies that make bombs and planes making money, why have you proposed over $140 billion MORE in defense spending than Obama, including a slush fund for endless wars. https://t.co/W18IN0WGFM — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) September 7, 2020
“President Trump has accused US military leaders of seeking to start wars to boost the profits of defense contractors” Aren’t there historical facts to back this up? Ever heard of the USS Maine? Or the Gulf of Tonkin? How about ‘weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.’ pic.twitter.com/FVgVmDhPrT — Cognitive Dissident-I Believe 6% of What CDC Says (@farmingganja) September 7, 2020
People are so focused on saying he’s wrong that they don’t realize the real issue – he’s right, but he’s made the problem WORSE. He’s given them MORE money. Only Trump could get away with calling out a problem that he’s contributing to — Abolish the DSCC (@bluefacebabyyy_) September 7, 2020
Despite his withering attack on the Pentagon’s revolving door, Trump has frequently boasted of “rebuilding” the US armed forces with vast military expenditures, which continue to outspend the world’s next 11 largest defense budgets combined. He has also repeatedly touted multi-billion dollar weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and other allies, insisting they support American jobs and bring money into the country.