thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Martha Boneta Commentary: Many of Trump’s Massive Foreign Policy Gains Would Be Threatened If Biden

Martha Boneta Commentary: Many of Trump’s Massive Foreign Policy Gains Would Be Threatened If Biden Takes Over

It was hard to help but notice – and be somewhat sad about – all those happy faces Thursday afternoon when President Trump announced that Morocco had become the fourth Arab country , after Bahrain , Sudan and the United Arab Emirates to formally recognize Israel .
These four agreements – all achieved in the last four months – establish Jared Kushner , the president ’ s son-in-law and leader of his negotiating team on this , as one of the preeminent diplomats of our generation .
These accomplishments , along with the president ’ s withdrawal of U.S. forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have dramatically remade America ’ s role in the Middle East .
Instead of trying to bribe the mullahs of Iran to hold off on provocative actions , President Trump has aligned Arabs with Israel against the country the State Department has identified as the world ’ s leading state sponsor of terrorism .
That the Iranians see their position as significantly weakened by this was proven last month when they failed to respond in any way to the killing of a key scientist in their nuclear weapons program .
Morocco ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ right ” things about continuing to stand by the efforts of the Palestinians to form their own independent nation and how the Moroccans really were more interested in the part of the deal in which the U.S. recognized their control of the Western Sahara .
But the fact is Morocco had one of the largest Jewish communities in North Africa just a few decades ago , and the country is savoring a capital infusion to help with their development plans in the desert and the extensive tourism expected from Israelis looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has remade the Middle East .
He has extracted U.S. soldiers from Afghanistan , Iraq , Syria and Somalia with little apparent harm to American interests .
He ’ s done the same in Europe , where he has inspired conservative governments in Poland , Austria and elsewhere , helped nudge Brexit to passage and , by pressuring countries to meet their requirement of spending 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense , added $ 130 billion in military capability to NATO – our most important alliance .
In our hemisphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27,000 soldiers on its southern border to prevent migrants from coming to the U.S. from Central America .
He also has made deals with Central American countries to strengthen their economies and thus discourage people from wanting to come north .
He has spent nearly $ 12 billion on construction of a wall that would be completed if construction could be continued for just one more year .
The result is stability on the borders at a level not seen in generations and , before the pandemic hit , full employment and rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stability , President Trump ’ s first few months in office were marked by near-continuous threats of nuclear attack from North Korea .
Hardly a week went by without the Hermit Kingdom firing missiles into the Sea of Japan as a show of force .
President Trump managed to pull off two summits and a surprise visit to the DMZ with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un , and the saber-rattling from Pyongyang has ceased .
Unless President Trump prevails in court in Texas v. Pennsylvania or other litigation , though , Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress will disappear .
Biden is not interested in keeping China in check – he already has said his message will be that we are “ open for business ” again , presumably the kind of business that resulted in him receiving “ 10 for the big guy , ” and selling out American interests and jobs .
Biden has returned John Kerry , President Obama ’ s hapless Secretary of State , to a role in government – albeit as climate czar – so the progress in the Middle East , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countries in the region agreed to with U.S. help and without regard to the Palestinians ’ pursuit of an independent nation , can be expected to stall .
Biden was part of the Obama administration , which did little to get countries in Europe to meet their NATO obligations and did not support Brexit .
On the subject of climate , the U.S. is the only country currently meeting its emissions reduction targets under the Paris agreement , even though President Trump withdrew us from it .
We ’ re doing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil and gas jobs and $ 2 per gallon gas .
Will Kerry , who wants to discourage car use by any means , continue that success ?
Does he even want to ?
Goals that have eluded U.S. diplomats for decades came to fruition on a regular basis under President Trump , and the world is without doubt a safer place for it .
Moreover , what conflicts do continue are less likely to produce U.S. casualties because so many of our brave fighters have been removed from combat situations in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been made .
But unless President Trump prevails in court , many of these significant gains could be lost .
Martha Boneta is an American policy advisor , commentator , and farmer .
Martha is also the President of Vote America First .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Questions Surrounding Administration of ‘Rollover’ Absentee Ballots in Fulton County Remain Unanswer

Questions Surrounding Administration of ‘Rollover’ Absentee Ballots in Fulton County Remain Unanswered Days Before Georgia U.S Senate Runoff Elections

Just days before the statewide January 5 U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia , questions surrounding the administration of the “ rollover ” absentee ballot program and the timing of the mailing of approved ballot applications for those who were ostensibly on the “ rollover ” lists in Fulton County remain unanswered .
Also unclear is the legal authority by which the “ rollover ” absentee ballot program was established .
“ Georgians who are over the age of 65 , members of the military or are physically disabled have the option of receiving absentee ballots for an entire election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Atlanta radio station WABE reported in November .
Voters who fit one of these criteria and have applied for the program were put on what is called a “ rollover ” list .
That means their absentee voter status rolls over from November into January , and they are supposed to receive two absentee ballots , one for each election .
According to Newsweek , the “ rollover ” system is not new to the 2020 election cycle .
Voters in Georgia who meet the “ rollover ” criteria “ can check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application each year and have an absentee ballot sent to them automatically for every election in that year.
” However , the official Absentee Voting Guide provided by the state of Georgia , released in 2014 , does not specifically reference “ rollover ” ballots , but does say the following : That qualification process is markedly different than the one used in the 2020 election cycle , as described by WABE and Newsweek .
According to the official Absentee Voting Guide , a voter must be physically disabled and over the age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualify for the “ rollover ” list .
The official Absentee Voting Guide also makes no reference to military personnel , and requires a written request in order for a voter to be added to the “ rollover ” list , instead of simply checking a box on an absentee ballot application .
Though the official Absentee Voting Guide dates back to 2014 , it is where voters are currently directed for questions about Georgia ’ s absentee voting process when visiting Georgia ’ s official state website .
The Georgia Star News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office for clarity about when the “ rollover ” list law was implemented , and what laws , if any , dictate the “ rollover ” list rules .
The office did not respond to the comment request .
The “ rollover ” list is not working for everyone .
A source in Fulton County , Georgia , the county that is home to Atlanta , who meets the criteria to receive “ rollover ” absentee ballots told The Star News that despite voting absentee in November and applying on time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second absentee ballot has not arrived for the January runoff received .
The source said that the absentee ballot had still not arrived as of Friday .
Regina Waller , a public affairs manager for Fulton County elections told The Star News that the state mailed out the last of the “ rollover ” ballots on November 30 .
The Star News ‘ source said that when speaking with an election worker in Fulton County , the worker said rollover ballots for those over 65 and in the military the January runoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But in an email to The Star News , Waller said that “ rollover ” ballots were mailed “ first.
” Waller did not respond to further inquiries .
Meanwhile , some Georgians who are on the “ rollover ” list still need to request a second ballot for the January runoff , according to WABE .
“ Residents of the 5th Congressional District in Fulton , Clayton and DeKalb counties who are on the rollover list will still need to request a ballot if they plan to vote absentee , ” WABE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate to fill the remainder of the term of the late John Lewis.
” Early voting in that race has been underway since late November .
According to the Fulton County voting website , if a voter is signed up for the “ rollover ” absentee voting list , “ there are several reasons why you might not have received your absentee ballot.
” The site does not explain what those reasons are .
Instead it directs voters to the Fulton County Election Registration office .
The Georgia Star News called that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not receive an absentee ballot , even if that voter is on the “ rollover ” absentee list .
“ I can ’ t talk to reporters .
You have to talk to my communications department , ” a man who identified himself as Ralph Jones said .
Jones directed The Star News to back to Waller for further explanation .
“ Some ballots may still be in the mail meaning the ballot has been mailed , but not yet delivered , ” Waller said by email .
“ If a voter calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquire about his/her ballot , Elections will check the system to let them know when the ballot was mailed.
” Waller was part of the public relations team that spoke to the media about the “ pipe burst ” in State Farm Arena , where ballots were being counted on Election Day .
The burst delayed the counting process for several hours , as ballot counters were sent home from the facility .
The Star News asked the Fulton County Elections Board and the Georgia Secretary of State ’ s Office whether there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization about the procedures by which absentee ballots are sent , and by which signatures on those ballots are verified upon receipt .
Neither organization responded to that inquiry .
Democrat challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock square off against incumbent Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler on January 5 .
Pete D ’ Abrosca is a contributor at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network .
Follow Pete on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Mail in Ballots ” by Cindy Shebley .
CC BY 2.0 @

Live from Music Row Wednesday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio for another edition of Crom’s Crommentary.
CROM CARMICHAEL:
Michael, yesterday, the Supreme Court heard a very, very important case, Texas versus Biden. And the Wall Street Journal wrote a very interesting article about that case. It appeared on Monday. So it was before the case was heard. There was a law passed in 1996 and Biden voted for the law. The law says that migrants who are, ‘Not clearly and beyond doubt, (not reasonable doubt, beyond doubt,) entitled to be admitted shall be detained.’ It goes on to say that the law also says that DHS can parole individual migrants on a case by case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
That’s what the law that was passed in 1996 says. According to some reports I read this morning about the hearing yesterday, the case by case part of the 1996 law is what some justices may try to hang their hat on to allow Biden to eliminate or rescind Trump’s Remain in Mexico policy on the basis that we only can detain 34,000 illegal immigrants at the same time. That’s all we can detain. And so Trump said we can’t follow the law, so we’re going to make them stay in Mexico.
Now, the left says, well, you can’t make them stay in Mexico because Mexico won’t necessarily agree to that. Well, they already have. Under Trump they did agree to it and they did do it. So it’s not a function of whether or not Mexico can and will do it because they did do it under pressure, but they did do it. This is going to be a very interesting decision that will come down from the courts to see whether or not the courts believe that the law itself has written is what the administration should adhere to. I think that decision will come out very quickly. I don’t think it’ll be months. I think it will be weeks, and maybe even days before that decision comes out.
Listen to the Crommentary:
– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Tom Emmer Only Minnesota Rep to Vote Against $2,000 Stimulus Checks

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer , a Republican , was the only member of Minnesota ’ s congressional delegation to vote against a measure to increase COVID-19 stimulus checks to $ 2,000 .
All of Minnesota ’ s Democratic members of Congress voted in favor of the proposal , which passed the U.S. House Monday in a vote of 275-134 .
President Donald Trump signed a coronavirus relief package Sunday , but has continued to call for increasing direct payments to Americans from $ 600 to $ 2,000 .
“ $ 2,000 for our great people , not $ 600 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virus , ” Trump wrote on Twitter Tuesday .
Emmer was the only Minnesota Republican to vote against the Trump-backed proposal .
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber voted in favor of the stimulus increase , while U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn didn ’ t vote on the legislation because he was undergoing surgery to treat his kidney cancer .
A total of 44 House Republicans voted in favor of the increase , compared to just two House Democrats who voted against it .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prevented the Senate from considering the proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unless Republicans have a death wish , and it is also the right thing to do , they must approve the $ 2,000 payments ASAP .
$ 600 is not enough , ” Trump said in response .
Stauber said he voted in favor of the stimulus increase “ because many Minnesota families are hurting.
” “ I believe this investment in the American people to be a worthwhile one , ” he said in a statement .
“ However , stimulus checks can never replace a functioning economy .
Rather than continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I believe it is past time Gov .
Walz lifts his harmful shutdown , allows Minnesota ’ s small businesses to reopen and gives Minnesotans their God-given right to work and provide for their families.
” Minnesota ’ s entire congressional delegation , including Emmer , voted in favor of the COVID relief bill that passed last week .
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News .
He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform , and reported for The Daily Caller .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Exams Not Weighed During COVID-19 School Year, But Will for 2

Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Exams Not Weighed During COVID-19 School Year, But Will for 2020-21

The Georgia Department of Education ( GDOE ) unanimously voted to approve State School Superintendent Richard Woods ’ recommendation of a .01 percent course grade weight for Georgia Milestones End-of-Course ( EOC ) exams for the 2020-21 school year .
The exam is a part of state and federal requirement .
According to Meghan Frick of the GaDOE Communications Office , it is a federal requirement to take one-time exams – from third grade to senior year – in math , English language arts , science , and social studies .
Woods proposed earlier in the year to relax federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic but was denied by U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos .
Due to the impact COVID-19 , students and teachers had to adapt to the new regulations and procedures to focus on new ways of learning and teaching in a virtual manner ; instructed by the state and DOE .
“ I wish to thank the State Board of Education for their unanimous support of this proposal , ” Superintendent Woods said .
“ I firmly believe this is the right thing for kids – we must ensure students and teachers are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A public survey was conducted by the Department and participants had a total of three choices to choose from for course grade weight : Frick said that the survey was not limited and that students , teachers , parents , and concerned citizens took part .
The exam initially counted towards 20 percent of students ’ cumulative grade .
But last month , the DOE changed the exam weight to 10 percent .
From the survey , they received 93,079 responses with 86.31 percent said the weight should be .01 percent , 11.35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 2.34 percent said it should be 20 percent .
“ As I ’ ve said since the beginning , who we are will be measured not by a test score , but by how we meet this moment , which is why we plan to resubmit our request for federal testing and accountability waivers to the U.S. Department of Education , ” Woods said .
The Georgia Department of Education plan to reapply for the waiver request in the early months of the New Year .
Tiffany Morgan is a reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star News Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Michigan Gov. Whitmer Signs $106 Million COVID-19 Relief Bill

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed the $ 106 million Enrolled Senate Bill 748 , which includes $ 55 million to assist the state ’ s small businesses and $ 45 million for laid off and furloughed workers .
Whitmer also signed bipartisan Senate Bill 604 , which extends unemployment benefits for Michiganders from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of March 2021 .
SB 604 was sponsored by state Sen. Curtis Hertel .
“ These bipartisan bills are an important step in providing immediate relief for working families , but there is more work to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I urge the legislature to take further action to make this permanent.
” The governor noted 40 states , including Michigan ’ s neighboring states , automatically provide at least 26 weeks of unemployment relief .
“ Michiganders deserve better than a short-term extension that expires in March .
It ’ s time to work together on a bipartisan , long-term solution for working families , ” she said .
Whitmer also called for the Michigan legislature to pass a public health resolution , which would require citizens to wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 statistics in the state are a marked improvement over the past month , she gave no indication of relaxing current restrictions issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
SB 748 was passed with bipartisan support .
Whitmer signed the bill shortly after President Donald Trump announced he would sign the $ 2.3 trillion coronavirus and government funding bill , which will send $ 600 to each qualified U.S. resident .
Trump has asked Congress to increase the relief checks to $ 2,000 .
The U.S. House of Representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase , and that $ 1,400 additional amount will be debated in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday .
SB 748 also budgets $ 3.5 million for Michigan ’ s live music and entertainment venues , which have been shuttered for the most part since March .
The Michigan relief money will provide grants of up to $ 20,000 for qualifying small businesses and entertainment venues in all sectors of the state ’ s economy .
“ I proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November because I know how much our families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need relief , ” Whitmer said .
“ This bipartisan bill will provide families and businesses the support they need to stay afloat as we continue working to distribute the safe and effective vaccine and eliminate COVID-19 once and for all , ” she added .
Whitmer line item vetoed several items included in SB 748 .
Among those items was a $ 220 million appropriation to Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund – a pool of funds owned by private employers designed to help businesses fund benefits for laid off workers .
Bruce Walker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Square .
He previously worked as editor at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy ’ s MichiganScience magazine and The Heartland Institute ’ s InfoTech & Telecom News .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Criminal Records Expungement Expansion in Georgia Takes Effect January 1

Millions of Georgians will start the new year with a second chance .
A new law that increases the number of criminal records that can be sealed takes effect Friday .
The law , the result of Senate Bill 288 , allows certain misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies to qualify for expungement .
More than 4 million Georgia residents had a criminal record in 2016 , according to the Georgia Center for Opportunity ( GCO ) .
Georgia is joining 41 other states that have eased record-sealing restrictions .
“ It is vital that we continue to reform Georgia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reintegration is the goal , and not just punishment , ” said Corey Burres , GCO ’ s vice president of communications .
“ With SB 288 , we are making real efforts to help past offenders access opportunities that may not be available to them due to their criminal record.
” The new law allows Georgians to petition the court to have some misdemeanor convictions restricted and sealed four years after completing their sentence if they have no new convictions and pending charges .
Sex crimes , family violence and DUI offenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have been pardoned for nonviolent felony offenses can apply for expungement , under the law .
It also would grant liability protection for employers who hire former felons .
Records of certain restricted charges would remain available for employers who serve vulnerable populations .
Still , several major Georgia companies have shown support for the bill .
Gov .
Brian Kemp signed SB 288 into law after full bipartisan support from the General Assembly .
“ Georgia Justice Project has seen firsthand the many challenges our clients face due to their criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families and communities , ” said Douglas Ammar , Georgia Justice Project ’ s executive director .
“ We are grateful that so many groups across the political spectrum recognized the importance of removing barriers to equity and economic mobility for the 4.3 million Georgians with a criminal record.
” Proponents of the bill said it would decrease recidivism rates and allow more Georgians to join the workforce .
In addition to employment , studies show a criminal record also can restrict access to housing and occupational licenses .
“ We are encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back by their criminal record and will be able to find the dignity of work , ” Burres said .
“ We must continue down this path and remove the barriers that oftentimes drive returning citizens to a place of hopelessness and lead to re-offending.
” Nyamekye Daniel has been a journalist for four years .
She was the managing editor for the South Florida Media Network and a staff writer for The Miami Times .
Daniel ’ s work has also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel , Miami Herald and The New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Ohio Gov. DeWine Extends Overnight Curfew Through January 23

Ohio will be extending its overnight curfew until January 23 , the second extension the state has seen .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine originally announced a 21-day curfew in November .
He then extended it until January 2 , followed by the most recent extension .
The curfew , meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the state , runs from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and targets retail and indoor dining for restaurants .
The order bars everything except trips for food , supplies and medical needs , as well as travel for work or emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeWine said that while Ohio ’ s numbers of coronavirus confirmed deaths are not rising , they are also not decreasing .
“ As you can see , our numbers are sort of in a flux , ” DeWine said on Wednesday .
“ They are not going down , and we have to see what happens in regards to the holiday , if there ’ s an aftermath in regards to the holidays.
” Both cases and hospitalizations have seen a slight dip since mid-December , although it is unclear what impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state has seen thousands of new confirmed cases of the coronavirus daily , seeing at least 5,000 new confirmed cases daily since the beginning of December , some days topping 11,000 cases , according to data from The COVID Tracking Project .
Simultaneous hospitalizations have hovered between 4,000 and more than 5,000 through the month .
DeWine said the numbers had “ plateaued at a very , very high level.
” Ohio currently has more than 600,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and nearly 8,000 deaths , according to The COVID Tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with The Ohio Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Princess Blanding Announces Third-Party Run for Virginia Governor

Community activist and mental health advocate Princess Blanding , whose brother was fatally shot by Richmond Police in 2018 , announced her entrance into the 2021 Virginia governor ’ s race on Tuesday as a third-party candidate , joining a group of hopefuls featuring former and current state politicians .
Blanding , 38 , will be running as an independent candidate under the Liberation Party , whose mission to advance equity by uplifting traditionally underserved and oppressed communities , according to a press release .
“ For too long , the two-party system has failed to listen to everyday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and calls to end systemic racism , Virginia is in need of courageous , progressive leadership that can lead us out of these uncertain times , ” Blanding wrote in a Facebook post for her campaign announcement video .
“ That ’ s why I , Princess Blanding , am running to be the next Governor of Virginia under the newly-formed Liberation Party.
” According to her website , Blanding ’ s policy stances include criminal and racial justice , food sovereignty , housing , environmental justice , education as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together we will address our broken criminal injustice system and the racial inequalities that ensure liberty and justice for some , but not all , ” Blanding said in the video .
Blanding is the sister of Marcus-David Peters , a 24-year-old former high school biology teacher , who was shot and killed by a Richmond police officer in May of 2018 as he ran nude on Interstate-95 while experiencing a mental health crisis .
Back in early November , current Richmond Commonwealth ’ s Attorney , Colette McEachin , released a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined that the deadly use of force by the officer was justified .
In the two years since Peters ’ death , Blanding maintains her brother just needed help from the officer and has become an advocate in the Richmond area for mental health and policing reforms .
Blanding founded Justice and Reformation , a community group calling for more accountability from elected officials and police , in honor of Peters and worked with members of the General Assembly to help introduce and pass the “ Marcus Alert ” bill , which establishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creates teams of law enforcement and mental health specialists to respond to situations where people are in crisis or having breakdowns .
At the ceremonial signing of the bill in mid-December , Blanding slammed Virginia Democrats and Governor Ralph Northam who were in attendance over the final version .
During short remarks , she called the bill ineffective and watered down .
Having no experience running for political office , Blanding is facing tough competition for the Executive Mansion .
The Democrats vying for the party nomination are former governor Terry McAuliffe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the current Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and former legislator Jennifer Carroll Foy – who resigned from the House of Delegates earlier this month to focus on the gubernatorial race .
Another Democratic hopeful is Del .
Lee J. Carter ( D-Manassas ) , who has filed paperwork to raise money for a campaign , but has not officially joined the race yet .
So far only two Republican candidates have declared : former House Speaker Del .
Kirk Cox ( R-Colonial Heights ) and Sen. Amanda Chase ( R-Chesterfield ) .
Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as Sen. Emmett Hanger ( R-Augusta ) are expected to announce bids in the coming days .
The Republican candidate will be selected through a convention instead of a primary after the state party chose to change the nomination process for the 2021 races in December .
“ I look forward to working alongside you as we move toward a party that elevates the voices , priorities and needs of the people , ” Blanding said in the video .
“ Virginia , we are stronger together and with your support we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusive [ and ] liberated Virginia for all.
” Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Princess Blanding ” by Princess Blanding .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Ohio AG Yost Files Brief in Favor of Religious Schools, Says Health Department Orders Unconstitution

Ohio AG Yost Files Brief in Favor of Religious Schools, Says Health Department Orders Unconstitutional

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Monday that he filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals backing three Ohio Christian Schools and a community organization that brought a lawsuit against the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department .
The suit seeks to halt an order the department issued barring in-person learning for all students in grades 7-12 from December 4 to January 11 .
In addition to the appeal filed in mid-December , the schools filed an Emergency Motion on Tuesday to stop the health department order .
Monclova Christian Academy , Emmanuel Christian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Community Values ( CCV ) are the plaintiffs .
The Court demanded a response from the defendant – Toledo-Lucas County Health Department by Tuesday .
Toledo-Lucas Health Department responded through the Lucas County Prosecutor .
In their response , it states : Consequently , the response concludes that the Court should deny the request for preliminary injunction .
At issue , according to Yost ’ s brief , is the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment – “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend of the court ’ brief states : On its face “ [ t ] his order violates the Free Exercise Clause .
That Clause prohibits the government from discriminating against religion .
And that prohibition on discrimination means that , “ once a State creates a favored class of businesses , ” it “ must justify why [ religious institutions ] are excluded from that favored class.
” Yost expresses two reasons why Ohio has an interest in the matter .
First , because Ohio has a compelling interest in stopping government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of religion.
” Second , after 10 months the Ohio Attorney General finds significant evidence that remote learning is causing more harm than good : Courts consider four factors when issuing an injunction , as Yost cites in the brief , concluding that the case brought by the three schools and CCV meets all the considerations to issue an injunction – The full brief can be viewed here .
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star .
Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Biden and Harris to Stump for Warnock, Ossoff in Georgia Ahead of Senate Runoffs

Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will visit Georgia to support the Senate election runoff candidates , Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff , next week .
Biden and Harris will arrive in the days preceding the runoff elections , according to a press release from their team .
Harris will precede Biden by a day , showing up to Savannah on Sunday .
Biden will arrive on Monday in Atlanta .
Both Biden and Harris visited car rallies in Georgia earlier this month to support the two Democratic Senate candidates .
Biden stumped for Ossoff and Warnock previously over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to Georgia a little over a week ago .
Harris tweeted the announcement of her and Biden ’ s impending visit on Wednesday morning .
“ Georgia – @ JoeBiden and I are headed your way soon ahead of the Senate runoffs , ” wrote Harris .
“ It is within your power to change the course of our country ’ s history but we need you to get out and vote .
What we did in November , we can do it again.
” Harris ’ s announcement came weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for incumbent Senators David Perdue ( R-GA ) and Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) .
The president will be in Dalton on January 4 – the eve of the election runoffs .
Nearly 2.6 million early votes have been cast as of Wednesday , according to the secretary of state ’ s office .
Due to reported strains on the counties , Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and county election officials have requested that the general assembly reform the no-excuse absentee ballot request rule .
Several weeks after announcing a statewide signature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated that their Cobb County audit confirmed that near-perfect signature matching had taken place .
Early voting is underway currently in Georgia , and ends on Friday .
The election date for the runoffs is January 5 .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Jon Ossoff ” by Jon Ossoff .
Photo “ Raphael Warnock ” by Raphel Warnock .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--$50 Insulin Co-Pay Cap Goes into Effect in Virginia in 2021

Monthly co-pays for insulin will be capped at $ 50 on January 1 in Virginia , thanks to HB 66 , which the General Assembly passed in Spring of 2020 .
Politicians from both parties have called for strategies to make insulin more affordable .
Delegate Lee Carter ( D-Manassas ) introduced the bill , initially calling for an even lower co-pay cap of $ 30 that was later amended to $ 50 .
“ From 2007 to 2017 , the wholesale price of insulin has tripled , and the handful of pharmaceutical companies manufacturing insulin have reaped profits into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. market consists of about 15 percent of insulin users globally , reporting suggests about 50 percent of worldwide insulin revenues come from the United States , ” Carter ’ s 2019 press release said .
“ It ’ s unconscionable that – while these companies are raking in obscene profits – everyday folks are rationing their insulin , going without , and in the most tragic cases dying.
” Carter ’ s bill received broad bi-partisan support in the House , receiving only four “ nay ” votes .
However , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the bill .
The cap comes as prices for the life-giving drug have skyrocketed — one study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found the mean price of insulin increased by 197 percent from 2002 to 2013 .
A study by the Health Care Cost Institute showed average insulin sale costs doubled from 2012 to 2016 — from $ 7.80 per day for an average patient to $ 15 .
Even with private insurance , many patients pay up to 20 percent of the cost of their insulin , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was invented nearly a century ago , as pharmaceutical companies develop more effective types of insulin that can be more effectively tailored to individual patients ’ needs , costs have risen for both older and newer forms of insulin .
According to the American Action Forum , there are three factors driving increased cost : a lack of competition , lower revenues triggered by the American Care Act , and rebate structures that incentivize raising list insulin prices and disincentivize insurers from covering lower-cost insulins .
A 2018 study of rising insulin costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used strategies including missing doses , taking less insulin than prescribed , and switching to lower-cost insulins .
“ Insulin users for whom cost affected their purchase/use of insulin experience adverse health effects at higher rates than those for whom cost did not affect purchase/use , ” the American Diabetics Association found .
However , co-pay caps don ’ t help uninsured patients and might cause insurance premiums to rise .
“ Among those under age 65 , increasing access to insurance coverage and the generosity of that coverage are the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the Commonwealth Fund study states .
President Donald Trump helped introduce a $ 35 co-pay cap for certain Medicare users that also goes into effect in the new year .
“ Americans pay more per capita for prescription drugs than residents of any other developed country in the world .
It is unacceptable that Americans pay more for the exact same drugs , often made in the exact same places , ” Trump said in an executive order .
A wave of legislation similar to Virginia ’ s is sweeping across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caps at $ 100 , while others have caps as low as $ 35 .
On Monday , Delegate Michael Mullin ( D-Newport News ) tweeted , “ Shoutout to @ carterforva for making Virginia the first in the South to cap the price of insulin .
Most important bill of last session nobody was talking about.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Georgia Senate Hearing on Election Integrity Concludes with Order for Fulton County to Turn Over All

Georgia Senate Hearing on Election Integrity Concludes with Order for Fulton County to Turn Over All Absentee Ballots to Investigators

Georgia State Senate Judiciary Subcommittee held another hearing on election fraud on Wednesday .
Chairman William Ligon ( R-GA-White Oak ) oversaw the hearing .
Witnesses testified to multiple variants of election integrity issues , including the voting machines , voting systems , poll workers and adjudicators , and even the printed QR ballots themselves .
A consistent message throughout the testimonies reflected a lack of helpfulness from the secretary of state ’ s office .
Witnesses included those who weren ’ t able to speak during prior hearings .
Each individual was given a time limit .
The opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party of Georgia Under 80,000 Caucus chair and Coffee County Republican Party chair .
Latham alleged that ballot scanners were having multiple issues , and that they didn ’ t receive new scanners to replace the broken ones .
She also alleged that election officials discovered that ballots could be altered ballots during the adjudication process .
Latham added that officials couldn ’ t see from their end who had adjudicated which ballots .
Latham explained that Coffee County couldn ’ t duplicate their results .
She alleged that they ran 15,000 ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received five different numbers each time .
Latham shared that the county was intimidated into certifying their results .
“ Three people from the secretary of state ’ s [ office ] showed up with guns and badges and handcuffs , and two Dominion tech reps – they came with the intent of intimidation , ” stated Latham .
“ [ The official ] said , ‘ You want a recount ?
We ’ ll have a recount.
’ There were no Democrats , no Republicans there to watch this recount , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , got a group of sophomores .
They sat there and divided the ballots into 100-count batches and they proceed to scan them – and they wouldn ’ t scan .
The Dominion tech ran into the [ same ] problems that Coffee County ran into .
The Dominion tech sat on the floor for two hours with a manager trying to figure out why they couldn ’ t get the machines to do what they needed to do.
” In addition to Coffee County , Latham added that six other counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to certify their recount results by the Georgia Secretary of State ’ s office .
“ One county was 106 votes off , and the secretary of state ’ s office told them they must certify that number , ” stated Latham .
“ Another county , which was a small county , was 2.3 percent off – they were told they had to re-certify .
Another county was off – they questioned it .
The Secretary of State said , ‘ Upload your stuff , let us look at it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Oh , we found a missing batch , ’ and then [ the totals ] magically matched.
” Other witnesses alleged additional , varied problems with the voting systems .
Testimonies included ballots that were sent to incorrect addresses and barcodes on absentee mail-in ballots consistently scanned incorrectly when checking them in .
The witnesses testified that they ’ d reported these issues to the secretary of state ’ s office , but the officials were unable to explain or rectify them .
Witnesses also alleged improper ballot processing , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots and ballot shredding .
Another witness , technology expert Jovan Hutton Pulitzer , alleged that fake , printed ballots were scanned at Fulton County .
Pulitzer also alleged that ballots were printed differently – such as with or without barcodes – depending on what political leanings the county had .
The reliability and origins of Arlo , the risk-limiting audit process used by the secretary of state ’ s office last month , was also brought into question .
Fulton County received its fair share of scrutiny from multiple witnesses .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suitcase ballots ” video , shared by President Donald Trump .
As a result , the subcommittee passed a motion to have Fulton County turn over all absentee ballots processed at the State Farm Arena to the Cheeley Law Group for investigation .
The hearing took around 5 hours total , hosting almost twenty witnesses in total , including Trump legal team attorney Rudy Giuliani .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--More Than 1,200 Citizens Apply for Virginia Redistricting Commission

The application window for citizens to apply for the Virginia Redistricting Commission closed on Monday and a final tally from the Virginia Public Access Project ( VPAP ) showed that 1,238 Virginians are interested in serving on the extremely important and influential panel .
Just two weeks ago , however , only 88 citizens had applied for the commission since November 30 and Virginia Division of Legislative Services ( DLS ) Director Amigo Wade said they received 600-650 applications during the final days before the deadline .
“ I am certainly happy that we had as many [ applications ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow start , ” Wade said in an interview with The Virginia Star .
Among the group of applicants , 34 percent are from Northern Virginia , 25 percent live in the greater Richmond region and 17 percent hail from Hampton Roads – the Commonwealth ’ s three primary urban areas .
The region with the fewest applicants is Northern Neck with just 2 percent , followed closely by Southwest and South at 3 percent each , according to VPAP .
The majority of applicants are male ( 62 percent ) compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of the group are aged 51-80 and 41 percent reported an income between $ 101,000 and $ 200,000 , VPAP found .
When distinguishing the applicants by race , 76 percent are White , 19 percent are Black , 4 percent identified as Hispanic , 2.4 percent are Asian and 16 people did not respond , according to VPAP .
For comparison to the overall picture of the state , as of 2019 , Virginia ’ s population was 50.8 percent female , 19.9 percent Black , 9.8 percent Hispanic or Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ median household income in the Commonwealth from 2015-19 was $ 74,222 ( 2019 dollars ) , according to U.S. Census figures .
In terms of preferred political party affiliation , 48 percent of applicants reported as Democrats , 31 percent had no party and 18 percent were Republicans , according to VPAP .
Wade told The Star that he was not surprised by the demographic breakdown of the group because this application process , along with the entire redistricting commission , is new for every party involved and there is nothing to gauge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application window is closed , the four legislative leaders from the House of Delegates and Senate – Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn ( D-Fairfax County ) ; House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert ( R-Shenandoah ) ; Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas ( D-Portsmouth ) ; and Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment ( R-James City ) have until Friday to each submit a list of at least 16 applicants to the redistricting commission selection committee .
The selection committee , consisting of five retired circuit court judges , must approve two citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When making their determinations , the judges must make sure the group is representative of the Commonwealth ’ s racial , ethnic , geographic , and gender diversity .
A helpful visual representation of that process can be found here .
Those eight citizens will join eight current lawmakers on the commission and help redraw the state ’ s 11 congressional and 100 House districts , hopefully in time for the 2021 elections for governor , lieutenant governor , attorney general and all 100 seats in the House .
The eight legislative commissioners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of December .
The legislators are Senators Steve Newman ( R-Bedford ) , Ryan McDougle ( R-Hanover ) , George Barker ( D-Fairfax County ) , Mamie Locke ( D-Hampton ) and Delegates Delores McQuinn ( D-Richmond City ) , Marcus Simon ( D-Fairfax County ) , Les Adams ( R-Pittsylvania County ) and Margaret Ransone ( R-Caroline County ) .
The commission will be using population data from the 2020 Census to redraw the districts , but the data has been delayed to the spring and is expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st as possible , according to the Census Bureau .
It is unclear at this time if the commission will wipe the slate completely clean and redraw every district or use the old lines as a starting point and adjust from there .
In a previous interview with The Star , Brian Cannon , executive director of Fair Maps VA , said it is more likely the commission chooses the latter approach given the time constraints .
The commission will hold its first public meeting on February 1 , 2021 and can begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy lifting will need to wait until the updated population data is delivered .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Taber Andrew Bain CC BY 2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Georgia GOP Alleges Jon Ossoff Promoted Chinese Propaganda Outlet After Stint as National Security A

Georgia GOP Alleges Jon Ossoff Promoted Chinese Propaganda Outlet After Stint as National Security Aide

Members of the Georgia Republican Party alleged this week that U.S. Senate candidate Jon Ossoff ’ s ties to China run deeper than originally thought .
Specifically , Georgia GOP officials , citing a new article in The Washington Free Beacon , said Ossoff once encouraged Twitter users to follow China state media .
This happened in November 2012 , according to Ossoff ’ s own Twitter feed .
Ossoff , a Democrat , wants to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate .
“ Months after leaving Rep. Hank Johnson ’ s ( D-GA-04 ) office – where he spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security aide ’ with top-secret clearance — in August 2012 , Ossoff urged his Twitter followers to read Xinhua News Agency , a Chinese Communist Party-run propaganda organ , ” The Free Beacon reported .
The Xinhua News Agency , according to The Free Beacon , is China ’ s largest media outlet and “ the communist nation ’ s primary state-run mouthpiece.
” GA GOP spokeswoman Abigail Sigler said in an emailed press release that Ossoff “ is a shill for the Chinese Communist Party ” and “ poses a serious security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier this month , members of the Georgia GOP have also alleged that Ossoff has : • Accepted money from PCCW , a Chinese company tied to the country ’ s communist government .
• Failed to disclose his relationship with PCCW in his May disclosure .
• When pressed about why he did not include PCCW in his document , Ossoff called it a “ paperwork oversight.
” • Earlier in December , Ossoff ’ s campaign “ changed its tune on payments the Democrat received from a Chinese Communist Party-linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia Republicans filed an ethics complaint alleging he ‘ knowingly and willfully ’ failed to disclose the payments in a May financial disclosure.
” • Declined to say whether China is the only Communist government he has done business with .
As reported , U.S. Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) and U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) are on the January 5 , 2021 ballot for the U.S. Senate against Ossoff and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Raphael Warnock , respectively .
The two races will determine whether Republicans or Democrats control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-31--Tennessee U.S. Rep. Mark Green Explains Why He Supports Objection to Electoral College Certification

U.S. Rep. Mark Green ( R-TN-07 ) announced Wednesday that he will support an objection to the Electoral College certification on January 6 of next year to determine who next occupies the White House .
Green announced this in a press release that he published on his website .
“ Over the last two months , I ’ ve heard from countless constituents who have no confidence in the outcome of the presidential election in certain states .
And who can blame them ?
I tried to sound the alarms for nearly a year in House Homeland Security Committee and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in balloting and last-minute changes to election laws could lead to confusion , fraud , and distrust .
Sadly , those warnings were not heeded , ” Green wrote .
“ On January 6 , 2021 , Congress will receive and certify the Electoral College results .
Congressman Mo Brooks and Senator Josh Hawley are filing objections to certain states ’ electors , which will force the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to examine and debate the evidence from each state.
” The Tennessee Star reached out Wednesday to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. House of Representatives as well as U.S. Rep.-Elect Diana Harshbarger .
Harshbarger is scheduled to replace the retiring U.S. Rep. Phil Roe ( R-TN-01 ) .
Harshbarger spokesman Zac Rutherford said in an emailed response that “ we will be challenging them [ the results ] as well.
” Richard Vaughn , spokesman for U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais ( R-TN-04 ) , emailed the following statement : “ Congressman DesJarlais has been long engaged with the Trump campaign and also has concerns about the conduct and transparency of many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Vaughn said .
“ An overwhelming number of people in Tennessee ’ s Fourth District have asked for a full debate and vote , and the Congressman believes that it is worthy of discussion and debate by the House before a vote on certification .
He has agreed to join the effort.
” Staff for all of the other sitting congressmen did not return The Star ’ s requests for comment before Wednesday ’ s stated deadline .
Green , in his press release , said that “ Congressional Democrats have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certification of certain states ’ Electoral College results.
” “ In 2005 , then-Senator Barbara Boxer became the only Senator in recent history to join a Member of the House in filing an objection , to draw attention to election laws that , in her view , needed reform , ” Green said .
“ I believe there ’ s nothing more important than giving the American people confidence in our election system .
While I do share serious concerns about Congress ’ Constitutional role in our federalist system of government , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason do we have to oppose such a motion , so the entire nation can see the evidence presented clearly and make a determination on their own ?
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen Trash Talks MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell

MyPillow , Inc. CEO Mike Lindell has apparently triggered U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen ( D-TN-09 ) .
As The Star reported this week , Lindell appeared alongside U.S. Republican President Donald Trump at a press conference and announced his company will manufacture face masks for hospitals across the country .
Lindell said his company will do this to help alleviate the national shortage of N95 respirator masks in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak .
While there , Lindell encouraged Americans to start reading the Bible .
But Cohen , on Tuesday , took to Twitter to bash Lindell as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and unless Lindell makes personal protective equipment “ shouldn ’ t have been allowed to use the Bible and kiss # trump posterior.
” “ There was absolutely no reason for this Guy to appear in a # coronaviruspress conference , ” Cohen wrote .
Tweeting back at Cohen , the congressman ’ s supporters also took the occasion to deride and disrespect Lindell .
But certain other people said Cohen acted out of line .
One Twitter user , @ Absolutsam18 , asked Cohen if he even listened to Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ converting 75 % of his company to make masks .
He plans on 50,000 masks a day by the end of the week , ” @ Absolutsam18 wrote .
“ I ’ m pretty sure masks are in GREAT need and are part of PPE .
Thank goodness you are not on the frontlines.
” @ DannyTaylor64 said Lindell behaved no differently than an entertainer spouting politics at the Grammy Awards .
Another critic , @ Friendspolitics , said he lived in Cohen ’ s district .
“ Once again My @ RepCohen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive for Trump instead of caring for the American people , ” @ Friendspolitics wrote .
@ stevieboy2967 , meanwhile , addressed Cohen as “ Col .
Sanders ” and told him to “ sit down and shut up already.
” Finally , Twitter user @ 007Durham lectured Cohen with the following : “ Yes , how dare he help people by converting his pillow company into making face masks .
You could act like a rep and say Thank You.
” This is not the first time Cohen has scorned people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who testify before the U.S. House of Representatives no longer must say “ so help me God ” under oath .
This delighted Cohen , who chairs the House Judiciary Committee ’ s Subcommittee on the Constitution , Civil Rights and Civil Liberties .
Cohen reportedly said the following about people who want “ so help me God ” to come back : “ I think God belongs in religious institutions : in temple , in church , in cathedral , in mosque — but not in Congress , ” Cohen reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to be used.
” Also , as reported , Cohen ’ s remarks at the time troubled evangelist Franklin Graham .
“ We need more of God , not less !
What @ RepCohen is suggesting is what Communism did in Eastern Europe & is still doing in places around the world like Cuba .
Communism only allows worship inside approved churches .
God is our Creator & the maker of the universe , ” Graham wrote at the time .
“ He is present everywhere ; He is not limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the issue is that many politicians don ’ t want God in any part of their politics or our country ’ s business because His standards condemn their sins.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Mike Lindell ” and Background Photo “ MyPillow Factory ” by Mike Lindell .

MyPillow, Inc. CEO Mike Lindell has apparently triggered U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-09).
As The Star reported this week, Lindell appeared alongside U.S. Republican President Donald Trump at a press conference and announced his company will manufacture face masks for hospitals across the country. Lindell said his company will do this to help alleviate the national shortage of N95 respirator masks in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. While there, Lindell encouraged Americans to start reading the Bible.
But Cohen, on Tuesday, took to Twitter to bash Lindell as just some guy who “makes pillows” and unless Lindell makes personal protective equipment “shouldn’t have been allowed to use the Bible and kiss #trump posterior.”
“There was absolutely no reason for this Guy to appear in a #coronaviruspress conference,” Cohen wrote.
Tweeting back at Cohen, the congressman’s supporters also took the occasion to deride and disrespect Lindell. But certain other people said Cohen acted out of line.
One Twitter user, @Absolutsam18, asked Cohen if he even listened to Trump’s press conference.
“He is converting 75% of his company to make masks. He plans on 50,000 masks a day by the end of the week,” @Absolutsam18 wrote.
“I’m pretty sure masks are in GREAT need and are part of PPE. Thank goodness you are not on the frontlines.”
@DannyTaylor64 said Lindell behaved no differently than an entertainer spouting politics at the Grammy Awards.
Another critic, @Friendspolitics, said he lived in Cohen’s district.
“Once again My @RepCohen rather keep the hate in his heart alive for Trump instead of caring for the American people,” @Friendspolitics wrote.
@stevieboy2967, meanwhile, addressed Cohen as “Col. Sanders” and told him to “sit down and shut up already.”
Finally, Twitter user @007Durham lectured Cohen with the following:
“Yes, how dare he help people by converting his pillow company into making face masks. You could act like a rep and say Thank You.”
This is not the first time Cohen has scorned people of faith.
As reported last year, people who testify before the U.S. House of Representatives no longer must say “so help me God” under oath. This delighted Cohen, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
Cohen reportedly said the following about people who want “so help me God” to come back:
“I think God belongs in religious institutions: in temple, in church, in cathedral, in mosque — but not in Congress,” Cohen reportedly said.
“And God doesn’t want to be used.”
Also, as reported, Cohen’s remarks at the time troubled evangelist Franklin Graham.
“We need more of God, not less! What @RepCohen is suggesting is what Communism did in Eastern Europe & is still doing in places around the world like Cuba. Communism only allows worship inside approved churches. God is our Creator & the maker of the universe,” Graham wrote at the time.
“He is present everywhere; He is not limited to churches or temples. The root of the issue is that many politicians don’t want God in any part of their politics or our country’s business because His standards condemn their sins.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Mike Lindell” and Background Photo “MyPillow Factory” by Mike Lindell.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Governor Lee Issues Executive Order Requiring Residents to Stay Home

Gov .
Bill Lee signed Executive Order 23 on Thursday that requires Tennesseans to stay home unless they are engaging in essential activities .
( emphasis added ) Lee issued an executive order Monday that urged , but didn ’ t require , residents to stay at home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Under his new order , staying at home isn ’ t “ an option – it ’ s a requirement for the swift defeat of COVID-19 , ” said Lee .
The governor said data from the Tennessee Department of Transportation indicated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 after traffic patterns showed a steep drop-off in vehicle movement between March 13 and 29 .
“ Over the last few weeks , we have seen decreases in movement around the state as Tennesseans socially distance and stay at home , ” Lee said in a statement released Thursday .
“ However , in recent days we have seen data indicating that movement may be increasing and we must get these numbers trending back down .
I have updated my previous executive order to clearly require that Tennesseans stay at home unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he continued .
He said cell-phone data from Unacast also showed that movement of Tennesseans was trending toward pre-COVID-19 levels .
“ The month of April stands to be an extremely tough time for our state as we face the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases , ” said Lee .
“ Every Tennessean must take this seriously , remain at home and ensure we save lives.
” The modified executive order will remain in effect through April 14 , Lee ’ s office said .
The announcement comes after doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his handling of the pandemic and demanded he issue a stay-at-home order .
Tennessee Lt. Gov .
Randy McNally ( R-Oak Ridge ) said in a statement released Thursday that he appreciates the governor ’ s “ ability to adapt to this fluid situation.
” “ As the peak of the COVID crisis approaches , it is more important than ever that we flatten the curve and prevent a run on needed resources .
Gov .
Lee has consistently been committed to a data-focused approach and he has proven it again today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers don ’ t lie and it is clear at this moment a stronger mandate is needed .
He is doing everything in his power to both save lives and minimize economic disruption .
I applaud his efforts .
I support this order .
And I implore all Tennesseans to stay at home and stay apart.
” As of Thursday afternoon , Tennessee had 2,845 confirmed COVID-19 cases , 263 hospitalizations , and 32 deaths , according to the Tennessee Department of Health .
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton ( R-Crossville ) said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor ’ s decision .
“ We have been , and we will remain flexible as we continue to receive additional data and input from medical experts as we fight to reduce the projected strain on our health care system , and keep our citizens , their families and communities across this state safe , ” he said .
“ A healthy economy starts with having healthy Tennesseans.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ @ @ @ @

Gov. Bill Lee signed Executive Order 23 on Thursday that requires Tennesseans to stay home unless they are engaging in essential activities. (emphasis added)
Lee issued an executive order Monday that urged, but didn’t require, residents to stay at home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Under his new order, staying at home isn’t “an option – it’s a requirement for the swift defeat of COVID-19,” said Lee.
The governor said data from the Tennessee Department of Transportation indicated that travel started trending upwards again on March 30 after traffic patterns showed a steep drop-off in vehicle movement between March 13 and 29.
While many Tennesseans have made good faith efforts to remain at home, recent @myTDOT traffic patterns indicate that some citizens are beginning to disregard safer at home measures. This is dangerous, unacceptable, and a threat to lives in our state. pic.twitter.com/fTaljG4U8Z — Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) April 2, 2020
“Over the last few weeks, we have seen decreases in movement around the state as Tennesseans socially distance and stay at home,” Lee said in a statement released Thursday.
“However, in recent days we have seen data indicating that movement may be increasing and we must get these numbers trending back down. I have updated my previous executive order to clearly require that Tennesseans stay at home unless they are carrying out essential activities,” he continued.
He said cell-phone data from Unacast also showed that movement of Tennesseans was trending toward pre-COVID-19 levels.
“The month of April stands to be an extremely tough time for our state as we face the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Lee. “Every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.”
The modified executive order will remain in effect through April 14, Lee’s office said.
The announcement comes after doctors across the state continued to criticize Lee for his handling of the pandemic and demanded he issue a stay-at-home order.
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said in a statement released Thursday that he appreciates the governor’s “ability to adapt to this fluid situation.”
“As the peak of the COVID crisis approaches, it is more important than ever that we flatten the curve and prevent a run on needed resources. Gov. Lee has consistently been committed to a data-focused approach and he has proven it again today,” he said.
“The numbers don’t lie and it is clear at this moment a stronger mandate is needed. He is doing everything in his power to both save lives and minimize economic disruption. I applaud his efforts. I support this order. And I implore all Tennesseans to stay at home and stay apart.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Tennessee had 2,845 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 263 hospitalizations, and 32 deaths, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) said in a statement that he fully supports the governor’s decision.
“We have been, and we will remain flexible as we continue to receive additional data and input from medical experts as we fight to reduce the projected strain on our health care system, and keep our citizens, their families and communities across this state safe,” he said. “A healthy economy starts with having healthy Tennesseans.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Commentary: Small Businesses Urge Federal and State Governments to Reopen America ASAP

Due in large part to government edicts , religious , social , and political gatherings , have been cancelled or drastically altered to meet government requirements .
Schools and colleges have closed so there will be no proms or graduations to attend this spring .
Restaurant dining rooms are closed , as are community centers , fitness centers , salons , barbershops , theaters , retail stores , and malls .
Theme parks , beaches , and even some public parks are closed .
Air travel and the use of public transportation has declined precipitously .
Traffic on the roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are nearly empty .
Of the businesses that have remained open , many have reduced their operating hours .
While one can reasonably expect that stay-at-home orders will reduce Chinese coronavirus cases , it remains to be seen what the human and economic toll of these orders will be ; but we do know that they are devastating to small businesses and their employees .
We have been hearing a lot lately from politicians , public health experts , and pundits about their view of the coronavirus outbreak , but we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners .
Congress has passed $ 2.2 trillion legislation to help those businesses to meet payroll .
Some pundits act as if we can just freeze the economy , thaw it at will , and it will immediately spring back to life as if nothing happened .
These business owners seem to think otherwise .
Fatima Caldas is the president of the Ashland , Virginia-based Fire Solutions , which installs and services fire sprinkler systems : “ My concern is most small business owners and their hardworking employees will suffer the financial consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very hard working people who know to follow the hygiene recommendations… The solution is to keep business open and we will protect each other and keep America great.
” Bill Mountain is the owner of Bill Mountain ’ s Thorough Clean , which is a residential and commercial floor cleaning business based in Blakely , Pennsylvania : “ While our business is listed as an essential business — we ’ re allowed to be open here in PA… our clients aren ’ t calling us because they ’ re afraid as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they ’ ve… been forced to shutdown .
We know that small business people are the backbone of our country , and … many small business people will be going out of business in… a very short period of time .
We need to get back to work .
We need to get America running again… We ’ re not afraid of the virus ; we ’ re afraid of losing our businesses and our livelihoods.
” Stephanie Pipkin is a recent college graduate and the owner of Black Bear Falls Cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bear Falls , Wisconsin : “ The government mandate of all of the businesses shutting down has greatly affected our business in a very negative way .
Our revenue is down about 25 percent this month , and that number continues to grow as more of the businesses we clean for are forced to shut down — thus resulting in us not having any work to do .
The government needs to let us work because If they don ’ t it means… basically , our local economy going down the drain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re not able to earn money.
” Pipkin added , “ As I speak to all of these other local business owners and I see their livelihoods being… pushed down the drain… It ’ s absolutely heart wrenching .
I know for me , I could operate for about four to five weeks and drain all of my accounts to continue paying my employees if that is what I ’ m forced to do , and then my business will go under.
” Of course , it is not only business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdowns ; social workers and mental health professionals are also concerned .
For example , they fear that keeping everyone at home could lead to more alcohol and drug abuse as well as domestic and child abuse .
There is also reason to expect that a recession could lead to an increase in suicides .
Those suffering from depression , loneliness , suicidal thoughts , addiction , or abuse during the lockdown will not get anywhere near the amount of attention that those suffering from the coronavirus will , but their lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory , and one wonders how long people ’ s patience will hold when they are trapped at home for weeks at a time with virtually nowhere to go and little to do other than surf the internet , watch TV , play video games , and walk around the neighborhood .
That is why policymakers should be consulting with a broad range of advisors including business leaders , mental health professionals , social workers , clergy members , etc .
and not just medical professionals before taking such sweeping actions to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when the virus is contained and we go back to our normal lives , these businesses will be able to come back quickly .
We ’ re about to find out if that ’ s really true , or if we find ourselves in the midst of a long , deep recession or even a depression .
Richard McCarty is the Director of Research at Americans for Limited Government Foundation .
Images by Americans for Limited Government .

by Richard McCarty
Due in large part to government edicts, religious, social, and political gatherings, have been cancelled or drastically altered to meet government requirements. Schools and colleges have closed so there will be no proms or graduations to attend this spring. Restaurant dining rooms are closed, as are community centers, fitness centers, salons, barbershops, theaters, retail stores, and malls. Theme parks, beaches, and even some public parks are closed. Air travel and the use of public transportation has declined precipitously. Traffic on the roads is eerily light, and parking lots are nearly empty.
Of the businesses that have remained open, many have reduced their operating hours. While one can reasonably expect that stay-at-home orders will reduce Chinese coronavirus cases, it remains to be seen what the human and economic toll of these orders will be; but we do know that they are devastating to small businesses and their employees.
We have been hearing a lot lately from politicians, public health experts, and pundits about their view of the coronavirus outbreak, but we’ve not been hearing much from small business owners. Congress has passed $2.2 trillion legislation to help those businesses to meet payroll. Some pundits act as if we can just freeze the economy, thaw it at will, and it will immediately spring back to life as if nothing happened. These business owners seem to think otherwise.
Fatima Caldas is the president of the Ashland, Virginia-based Fire Solutions, which installs and services fire sprinkler systems: “My concern is most small business owners and their hardworking employees will suffer the financial consequences of the … shutdown. Americans are very hard working people who know to follow the hygiene recommendations… The solution is to keep business open and we will protect each other and keep America great.”
Bill Mountain is the owner of Bill Mountain’s Thorough Clean, which is a residential and commercial floor cleaning business based in Blakely, Pennsylvania: “While our business is listed as an essential business — we’re allowed to be open here in PA… our clients aren’t calling us because they’re afraid as well as the commercial clients are no longer there because they’ve… been forced to shutdown. We know that small business people are the backbone of our country, and … many small business people will be going out of business in… a very short period of time. We need to get back to work. We need to get America running again… We’re not afraid of the virus; we’re afraid of losing our businesses and our livelihoods.”
Stephanie Pipkin is a recent college graduate and the owner of Black Bear Falls Cleaning Services, a new business in Black Bear Falls, Wisconsin: “The government mandate of all of the businesses shutting down has greatly affected our business in a very negative way. Our revenue is down about 25 percent this month, and that number continues to grow as more of the businesses we clean for are forced to shut down — thus resulting in us not having any work to do. The government needs to let us work because If they don’t it means… basically, our local economy going down the drain. People aren’t spending money because they’re not able to earn money.”
Pipkin added, “As I speak to all of these other local business owners and I see their livelihoods being… pushed down the drain… It’s absolutely heart wrenching. I know for me, I could operate for about four to five weeks and drain all of my accounts to continue paying my employees if that is what I’m forced to do, and then my business will go under.”
Of course, it is not only business owners who are concerned about the costs of lockdowns; social workers and mental health professionals are also concerned. For example, they fear that keeping everyone at home could lead to more alcohol and drug abuse as well as domestic and child abuse. There is also reason to expect that a recession could lead to an increase in suicides.
Those suffering from depression, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, addiction, or abuse during the lockdown will not get anywhere near the amount of attention that those suffering from the coronavirus will, but their lives also matter. We are in uncharted territory, and one wonders how long people’s patience will hold when they are trapped at home for weeks at a time with virtually nowhere to go and little to do other than surf the internet, watch TV, play video games, and walk around the neighborhood.
That is why policymakers should be consulting with a broad range of advisors including business leaders, mental health professionals, social workers, clergy members, etc. and not just medical professionals before taking such sweeping actions to address the current outbreak. Congress is assuming that when the virus is contained and we go back to our normal lives, these businesses will be able to come back quickly. We’re about to find out if that’s really true, or if we find ourselves in the midst of a long, deep recession or even a depression.
– – –
Richard McCarty is the Director of Research at Americans for Limited Government Foundation.
Images by Americans for Limited Government.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Commentary: Experts and Statesmen in the Time of Coronavirus

Nowhere is this more evident than in the way the two men approach the expert advice of Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and member of Trump ’ s COVID-19 Task Force .
Trump is adamant that he will listen to and consider what Fauci has to say , but in the end he , as the elected president , will determine the right course of action .
For Trump , politics is the overarching art : immunology and epidemiology are subordinate sciences .
Biden promises the opposite , saying “ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will always lead the way with science .
I will listen to the experts and heed their advice .
I will do the opposite of what we ’ re seeing Donald Trump do every day.
” This is the choice before us .
Are we to be ruled by experts as if they are our guardians simply because they might be smarter than us in specific fields , or are we to rule ourselves ?
The supposed legitimacy of the former approach comes from fear .
We are told the world is too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide us , protect us , and save us .
We need an elite guardian class to rule over us because we can not make it on our own .
But this cowardice makes us nothing more than slaves , not citizens .
The legitimacy of self-rule springs from our love of justice and our virtue .
In our republican system , it requires a commitment to the truth that all men are created equal , and to the proposition that the just powers of government are derived by consent .
It requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grace .
It is these virtues that allow us to live free , apart from the “ chains of despotism ” as Madison says in Federalist 55 .
The rule of expertise is not politics rightly understood ; it is management .
There is no deliberation involved .
Instead , there is only bureaucracy , administration , and a religious—actually , cultish—devotion to what we now call science .
The rule of the people allows for statesmanship and liberty .
Though statesmen might not always be “ at the helm , ” we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our own liberty , can elect representatives with wisdom and prudence or pay the price when we don ’ t .
We evaluate how well they do , discuss , debate , and then decide who should govern through elections .
The rule of expertise , while on the surface promising intelligent leadership , is incapable of prudent government .
The rule of expertise leads to incompetence , strife , and corruption instead of scientific precision and impartiality .
This is because the rule of expertise is built on a weak foundation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is often misplaced .
Most of what we call science is really just scientism—the foolish belief that men cease to be men when they put on white lab coats and begin charting numbers and lines .
Scientism overstates what men can actually know .
Moreover , the rule of expertise stands or falls on the belief that men are basically good and scientists are immune to the unjust desire to rule for their own benefit .
Admittedly , it is hard to convince anyone in the grips of this false religion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinions of ( necessarily ) flawed experts .
The warm embrace of the dream world provides great comfort that somehow the right human beings are in control .
Most people will fight to stay asleep in the cave of shadows , insisting that they know the truth .
Regardless , the vast majority of “ experts ” are useless academics and professional bureaucrats .
Their fields of study are full of jargon and credentials that lead to conformity and groupthink .
Experts learn early that challenging the authorities in one ’ s field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whatever thinking is involved quickly devolves into vague , abstract theorizing about ideas that are unable to be proven or disproven and thus do not threaten the ideas of one ’ s peers or superiors .
Often , what is supposed to be science ends up being just another form of cronyism , and what we call “ expertise ” ends up being knowledge of otherwise useless jargon and how to navigate a career field .
The government bureaucracy that results is incompetent , often harmful , and tyrannical .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart men whom we can legitimately call experts—men like Dr. Fauci .
But even at their best , these experts are incapable of prudence .
Their knowledge is specific and precise , limiting their ability to consider circumstances broadly .
Their skillset is often highly technical , built on years of experience and careful adherence to established protocols , limiting their ability to consider new solutions .
And , besides , they typically confront only one problem a nation faces , not the full spectrum of the problems we must face .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonderful things that help us to know what is , but they can not answer the question of what we ought to do .
This is the difference between science and politics .
One is about knowing ; the other is about acting .
Expertise and science are subordinate to the art of politics .
Experts make terrible rulers .
Those who don ’ t presume to be experts , on the other hand , tend to be more attuned to actual circumstances .
Whereas experts often enjoy the comfort of abstract thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the harsh realities of life and the consequences of their decisions .
A miscalculation might be professionally embarrassing for an expert , if anyone even notices .
In real life , a miscalculation hurts one ’ s business or family .
Likewise , the normal man is often better equipped to consider the highest things .
Less enamored of his own knowledge of or power over the world , he tends to rely more on pre-scientific knowledge , or common sense .
He tends to be more aware of what he doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on conscience , and to have more faith in the divine .
In short , normal people tend to be comfortable looking to the heavens for help and guidance .
The American regime is founded on the idea that common citizens with common sense can achieve sensible politics .
This can lead to a sort of local statesmanship , often manifested in family , small businesses , and peaceful communities , where people live with the consequences of their actions .
Occasionally it leads to statesmanship proper : the ability to look after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prudence , wisdom , and faith .
If you listen carefully to the White House press conferences on the coronavirus pandemic , you will notice that Trump emphasizes the newness of the problem , the complexity of the circumstances , common sense , community , and action .
Expertise has a place , but it is and must remain in a subordinate role .
He sees the inherent connection between Easter and getting through this and doesn ’ t shy away from prayer .
His critics , on the other hand , whine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and science , as if these are gods who will save us if we just submit to them .
It is not by happenstance that the choice between republican and progressive government aligns with a choice between a party of people who worship God , promote families , seek to protect babies , care about local business , and respect science in its place , and a party of people who worship “ science , ” eschew religion , promote abortion , are cosmopolitan , and sneer at traditional families .
It should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one party wants local control with federal support and one party wants local submission to federal control .
One is the party of the people ; one is the party of scientism .
The war against COVID-19 puts the choice between expertise and common sense front and center .
Are we to be ruled by statesmen or experts ?
As we emerge from this crisis , I predict that we will find the battle lines between the two camps have only hardened and the stakes are higher than ever .
But at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the pseudonym of a writer who has studied American political thought and politics .

by Adam Selene
The Chinese virus is a clarifying agent. Among other things, one can see the choice between republican and progressive government—the rule of the people on the one hand and the rule of experts on the other. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden perfectly embody this choice in response to the crisis.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the way the two men approach the expert advice of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and member of Trump’s COVID-19 Task Force.
Trump is adamant that he will listen to and consider what Fauci has to say, but in the end he, as the elected president, will determine the right course of action. For Trump, politics is the overarching art: immunology and epidemiology are subordinate sciences. Biden promises the opposite, saying “If I’m elected president, I will always lead the way with science. I will listen to the experts and heed their advice. I will do the opposite of what we’re seeing Donald Trump do every day.”
Who Rules?
This is the choice before us. Are we to be ruled by experts as if they are our guardians simply because they might be smarter than us in specific fields, or are we to rule ourselves?
The supposed legitimacy of the former approach comes from fear. We are told the world is too complex. We need the experts to guide us, protect us, and save us. We need an elite guardian class to rule over us because we cannot make it on our own. But this cowardice makes us nothing more than slaves, not citizens.
The legitimacy of self-rule springs from our love of justice and our virtue. In our republican system, it requires a commitment to the truth that all men are created equal, and to the proposition that the just powers of government are derived by consent. It requires courage, moderation, friendship, and grace. It is these virtues that allow us to live free, apart from the “chains of despotism” as Madison says in Federalist 55.
The rule of expertise is not politics rightly understood; it is management. There is no deliberation involved. Instead, there is only bureaucracy, administration, and a religious—actually, cultish—devotion to what we now call science.
The rule of the people allows for statesmanship and liberty. Though statesmen might not always be “at the helm,” we the people, as the safeguard of our own liberty, can elect representatives with wisdom and prudence or pay the price when we don’t. We evaluate how well they do, discuss, debate, and then decide who should govern through elections.
Expertise Is Not Prudence
The rule of expertise, while on the surface promising intelligent leadership, is incapable of prudent government. The rule of expertise leads to incompetence, strife, and corruption instead of scientific precision and impartiality.
This is because the rule of expertise is built on a weak foundation. People’s faith in “science” is often misplaced. Most of what we call science is really just scientism—the foolish belief that men cease to be men when they put on white lab coats and begin charting numbers and lines. Scientism overstates what men can actually know. Moreover, the rule of expertise stands or falls on the belief that men are basically good and scientists are immune to the unjust desire to rule for their own benefit.
Admittedly, it is hard to convince anyone in the grips of this false religion that there is more to governance than the opinions of (necessarily) flawed experts. The warm embrace of the dream world provides great comfort that somehow the right human beings are in control. Most people will fight to stay asleep in the cave of shadows, insisting that they know the truth.
Regardless, the vast majority of “experts” are useless academics and professional bureaucrats. Their fields of study are full of jargon and credentials that lead to conformity and groupthink. Experts learn early that challenging the authorities in one’s field is risky for one’s career. Whatever thinking is involved quickly devolves into vague, abstract theorizing about ideas that are unable to be proven or disproven and thus do not threaten the ideas of one’s peers or superiors.
Often, what is supposed to be science ends up being just another form of cronyism, and what we call “expertise” ends up being knowledge of otherwise useless jargon and how to navigate a career field. The government bureaucracy that results is incompetent, often harmful, and tyrannical.
This is not to say there are not very smart men whom we can legitimately call experts—men like Dr. Fauci. But even at their best, these experts are incapable of prudence. Their knowledge is specific and precise, limiting their ability to consider circumstances broadly. Their skillset is often highly technical, built on years of experience and careful adherence to established protocols, limiting their ability to consider new solutions. And, besides, they typically confront only one problem a nation faces, not the full spectrum of the problems we must face.
In short, science and expertise can be wonderful things that help us to know what is, but they cannot answer the question of what we ought to do. This is the difference between science and politics. One is about knowing; the other is about acting. Expertise and science are subordinate to the art of politics. Experts make terrible rulers.
Prudence and Common Sense
Those who don’t presume to be experts, on the other hand, tend to be more attuned to actual circumstances. Whereas experts often enjoy the comfort of abstract thinking, regular people are more immediately connected to the harsh realities of life and the consequences of their decisions. A miscalculation might be professionally embarrassing for an expert, if anyone even notices. In real life, a miscalculation hurts one’s business or family.
Likewise, the normal man is often better equipped to consider the highest things. Less enamored of his own knowledge of or power over the world, he tends to rely more on pre-scientific knowledge, or common sense. He tends to be more aware of what he doesn’t actually know, more reliant on conscience, and to have more faith in the divine. In short, normal people tend to be comfortable looking to the heavens for help and guidance.
The American regime is founded on the idea that common citizens with common sense can achieve sensible politics. This can lead to a sort of local statesmanship, often manifested in family, small businesses, and peaceful communities, where people live with the consequences of their actions. Occasionally it leads to statesmanship proper: the ability to look after the wellbeing of the whole nation with prudence, wisdom, and faith.
The Present Moment
If you listen carefully to the White House press conferences on the coronavirus pandemic, you will notice that Trump emphasizes the newness of the problem, the complexity of the circumstances, common sense, community, and action. Expertise has a place, but it is and must remain in a subordinate role. He sees the inherent connection between Easter and getting through this and doesn’t shy away from prayer. His critics, on the other hand, whine about the need to listen to expertise and science, as if these are gods who will save us if we just submit to them.
It is not by happenstance that the choice between republican and progressive government aligns with a choice between a party of people who worship God, promote families, seek to protect babies, care about local business, and respect science in its place, and a party of people who worship “science,” eschew religion, promote abortion, are cosmopolitan, and sneer at traditional families. It should not surprise anyone that in this crisis one party wants local control with federal support and one party wants local submission to federal control. One is the party of the people; one is the party of scientism.
The war against COVID-19 puts the choice between expertise and common sense front and center. Are we to be ruled by statesmen or experts?
As we emerge from this crisis, I predict that we will find the battle lines between the two camps have only hardened and the stakes are higher than ever. But at least things will be clear.
– – –
Adam Selene is the pseudonym of a writer who has studied American political thought and politics.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Thirty States Have Issued Stay-at-Home Orders So Far

As of March 31 , 30 of the 50 states have issued stay-at-home orders to residents .
Although the names of the orders – shelter-in-place , stay-at-home , stay home , stay safe – vary from state to state , they include at least two common elements : the closure of nonessential businesses and requesting all residents to stay home except for essential trips .
California was the first state to issue a stay-at-home order .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D ) did so on March 19 .
In total , 19 Democratic governors and 11 Republican governors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , there are 24 Democratic and 26 Republican governors .
Of those stay-at-home orders , 24 of the 30 have a specified end date , while the other six are indefinite .
The soonest an order expires is April 6 ( in Indiana , Ohio , and Washington ) and the latest an order is set to expire is June 10 ( Virginia ) .
The exact definitions of nonessential businesses and critical industries vary from state to state , but a memo released by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , outlined “ the critical infrastructure sectors and the essential workers needed to maintain the services and functions Americans depend on daily and that need to be able to operate resiliently during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
” The majority of states either use the CISA in whole or in part .

As of March 31, 30 of the 50 states have issued stay-at-home orders to residents. Although the names of the orders – shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, stay home, stay safe – vary from state to state, they include at least two common elements: the closure of nonessential businesses and requesting all residents to stay home except for essential trips.
California was the first state to issue a stay-at-home order. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) did so on March 19. In total, 19 Democratic governors and 11 Republican governors have issued stay-at-home orders. Across all 50 states, there are 24 Democratic and 26 Republican governors.
Of those stay-at-home orders, 24 of the 30 have a specified end date, while the other six are indefinite. The soonest an order expires is April 6 (in Indiana, Ohio, and Washington) and the latest an order is set to expire is June 10 (Virginia).
The exact definitions of nonessential businesses and critical industries vary from state to state, but a memo released by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on March 19, 2020, outlined “the critical infrastructure sectors and the essential workers needed to maintain the services and functions Americans depend on daily and that need to be able to operate resiliently during the COVID-19 pandemic response.” The majority of states either use the CISA in whole or in part.
– – –
Written by The Center Square.