thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Lee Authorizes Tennessee National Guard to Serve in Hospitals as COVID-19 Surges

National Guard personnel with appropriate training soon will be deployed to Tennessee hospitals to relieve capacity strain brought on by a surge in COVID-19 cases .
Gov .
Bill Lee issued an executive order Friday permitting National and State Guardsmen with appropriate training and skills to serve as nurses and ambulance drivers , and to conduct COVID-19 testing in hospitals , emergency rooms , and alternative care facilities .
Only National Guard personnel with appropriate training and skills are authorized to serve under the order , and assignments are required to be approved by state officials .
Specific destination hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined , a Tennessee Department of Health ( TDOH ) spokesperson said .
The order also cuts certain red tape , giving hospitals more flexibility to respond to rising cases .
Certificate of need requirements are temporarily suspended , allowing hospitals to increase the number of hospital beds at any location or temporarily establish a hospital or nursing home at any location to treat the virus .
The order also authorizes registered nurses to delegate certain tasks – including vaccine administration – to medical assistants under their supervision .
“ The governor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee hospitals manage capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic , and that ’ s what today ’ s executive order will help accomplish , ” Lee spokesperson Gillum Ferguson told The Center Square in an email .
Ferguson noted the TDOH also is providing $ 51 million in hospital staffing assistance grants for hospitals to hire additional staff .
Lee ’ s executive order comes as a rise in coronavirus cases is causing significant strain on county health departments and hospitals .
The Hamilton County Health Department suspended COVID-19 contact tracing efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test result to self-isolate and notify close contacts of exposure .
“ These changes in mitigation strategy are due to an increased number of positive cases in Hamilton County , an increase in testing , test result delays , and a strain on computer reporting systems , ” Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes said in a statement .
In East Tennessee , only eight of the region ’ s 284 intensive care unit beds remain available , according to the Knox County Health Department .
Eight percent of ICU beds across the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Friday , 2,485 Tennesseans are hospitalized with the virus .
Lee authorized the National Guard response within hours of the state setting a record for COVID-19-related deaths in a single day .
The TDOH reported 95 new COVID-19 fatalities Friday , breaking the previous record set Thursday and bringing the total to 4,876 Tennesseans who have died from COVID-19 since March .
“ Because Gov .
Bill Lee has failed to take the most basic steps to protect Tennesseans , we are in a crisis where he has to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmed hospitals and literally thousands of preventable deaths , ” Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro , D-Nashville , said in a statement .
“ In what sane universe is a crisis severe enough to call in the National Guard for overflowing hospitals , but not severe enough to issue a mask mandate ?
” The TDOH also reported record highs this week for the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases .
The department reported 3,967 new cases Friday , down from Monday ’ s all-time high of 7,975 and bringing the seven-day average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Vanderbilt University Medical Center ’ s Department of Health Policy , it ’ s taking the state more than a week , on average , after the date of a positive COVID-19 test to report new positive cases .
Tennessee is on track to receive about 56,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by mid-December , according to state officials .
Health care workers and first responders will be prioritized to receive the vaccine first .
Vivian Jones reports on Tennessee and South Carolina for The Center Square .
Her writing has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill , and publications of The Heartland Institute .
Photo “ Tennessee National Guard ” by The National Guard .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Vivian Jones
National Guard personnel with appropriate training soon will be deployed to Tennessee hospitals to relieve capacity strain brought on by a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Gov. Bill Lee issued an executive order Friday permitting National and State Guardsmen with appropriate training and skills to serve as nurses and ambulance drivers, and to conduct COVID-19 testing in hospitals, emergency rooms, and alternative care facilities.
Only National Guard personnel with appropriate training and skills are authorized to serve under the order, and assignments are required to be approved by state officials.
Specific destination hospitals for National Guard personnel have not been determined, a Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) spokesperson said.
The order also cuts certain red tape, giving hospitals more flexibility to respond to rising cases. Certificate of need requirements are temporarily suspended, allowing hospitals to increase the number of hospital beds at any location or temporarily establish a hospital or nursing home at any location to treat the virus. The order also authorizes registered nurses to delegate certain tasks – including vaccine administration – to medical assistants under their supervision.
“The governor is committed to reducing regulatory barriers to help Tennessee hospitals manage capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that’s what today’s executive order will help accomplish,” Lee spokesperson Gillum Ferguson told The Center Square in an email.
Ferguson noted the TDOH also is providing $51 million in hospital staffing assistance grants for hospitals to hire additional staff.
Lee’s executive order comes as a rise in coronavirus cases is causing significant strain on county health departments and hospitals.
The Hamilton County Health Department suspended COVID-19 contact tracing efforts Friday, asking patients with a positive test result to self-isolate and notify close contacts of exposure.
“These changes in mitigation strategy are due to an increased number of positive cases in Hamilton County, an increase in testing, test result delays, and a strain on computer reporting systems,” Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes said in a statement.
In East Tennessee, only eight of the region’s 284 intensive care unit beds remain available, according to the Knox County Health Department. Eight percent of ICU beds across the state remain available, according to the TDOH. As of Friday, 2,485 Tennesseans are hospitalized with the virus.
Lee authorized the National Guard response within hours of the state setting a record for COVID-19-related deaths in a single day. The TDOH reported 95 new COVID-19 fatalities Friday, breaking the previous record set Thursday and bringing the total to 4,876 Tennesseans who have died from COVID-19 since March.
“Because Gov. Bill Lee has failed to take the most basic steps to protect Tennesseans, we are in a crisis where he has to call in the National Guard to deal with overwhelmed hospitals and literally thousands of preventable deaths,” Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, said in a statement. “In what sane universe is a crisis severe enough to call in the National Guard for overflowing hospitals, but not severe enough to issue a mask mandate?”
The TDOH also reported record highs this week for the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases. The department reported 3,967 new cases Friday, down from Monday’s all-time high of 7,975 and bringing the seven-day average to 5,125 cases.
According to research from Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Health Policy, it’s taking the state more than a week, on average, after the date of a positive COVID-19 test to report new positive cases.
Tennessee is on track to receive about 56,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by mid-December, according to state officials. Health care workers and first responders will be prioritized to receive the vaccine first.
– – –
Vivian Jones reports on Tennessee and South Carolina for The Center Square. Her writing has appeared in the Detroit News, The Hill, and publications of The Heartland Institute.
Photo “Tennessee National Guard” by The National Guard. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Commentary: Ivy League Study Shows How U.S. Media Created a Climate of Fear Over COVID-19

On February 18 , the Oxford Mail published an article headlined “ Scientists working on a coronavirus vaccine in Oxford.
” The article explained that Sarah Gilbert , a British vaccinologist and professor at the University of Oxford , was leading a team of scientists at Oxford ’ s Jenner Institute in rapid development of a vaccine .
The article was short ( less than 200 words ) , featured a quote from Gilbert , and was reported without any predictions on possible death tolls .
For months , Gilbert ’ s research was not covered in the US .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ months later , the successful track record of the Oxford researchers was downplayed , as was the possibility of getting a vaccine developed quickly .
“ The earliest available ( major outlet ) U.S. story is from CNN on April 23rd and begins with a quote from England ’ s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty saying that the probability of having a vaccine or treatment ‘ anytime in the next calendar year ’ is ‘ incredibly small , ’ ” authors of a new National Bureau of Economic Research paper explain .
Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the NBER paper—titled “ Why Is All COVID-19 News Bad News ?
” —use media coverage of Gilbert ’ s vaccine research as a case study to highlight a larger trend : the unique way US media covered the coronavirus pandemic .
The authors of the paper—Bruce Sacerdote , Ranjan Sehgal , and Molly Cook , who hail from Dartmouth College and Brown University—analyzed the tone of COVID-19 related news articles written since January 1 and found a striking difference in the way US media covered the pandemic compared to media in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stories by U.S. major media outlets are negative in tone versus fifty four percent for non-U.S. major sources and sixty five percent for scientific journals , ” the authors concluded .
To be sure , pandemics are hardly a cheerful topic .
We ’ re not talking about a firefighter rescuing a kitten from a tree or a local man winning the lottery .
But that wouldn ’ t explain the discrepancy in media coverage or the fact that positive developments do occur in pandemics .
This invites an important question : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developments ?
“ The negativity of the U.S. major media is notable even in areas with positive scientific developments including school re-openings and vaccine trials , ” the authors found .
“ Stories of increasing COVID-19 cases outnumber stories of decreasing cases by a factor of 5.5 even during periods when new cases are declining.
” ( emphasis added ) The trend toward pessimistic news coverage was so acute , James Freeman noted in the Wall Street Journal , that the media mostly missed the amazing vaccine development story that took place right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report states , US media stories discussing President Donald Trump and hydroxychloroquine alone outnumber all the stories on vaccine R & D media produced during the pandemic .
In his classic book Dune , Frank Herbert wrote about the power of fear .
“ Fear is the mind-killer , ” wrote Herbert .
“ Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
” For many , 2020 has been the most fearful year of their lives .
The coronavirus pandemic has brought uncertainty , change , and deadly risk .
A certain amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course .
But there are rational ways to respond to threats and irrational ways , and that is a line America crossed in 2020 .
Indeed , new research developed by scientists working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the virus appears to have arrived in the US in December 2019 .
This would mean the coronavirus was in the US for months and Americans didn ’ t even know it .
But once the media caught wind of the disease and fanned the flames of public panic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its own .
Americans and , worse , lawmakers , began to respond to the virus in irrational ways .
Basic virology went out the window as 15 days to flatten the curve devolved into a mad idea that we must close down society and shelter from the virus , unleashing unprecedented restrictions on economic freedom and destroying untold numbers of lives and livelihoods in the process .
This is the power of fear .
It caused many rational people , such as Rich Lowry of National Review who in April called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suddenly view the sacrifice of timeless civil liberties as entirely reasonable because they believed it would save lives .
Today , of course , we know the lockdowns were worse than useless .
While they did little to nothing to slow the spread of the virus , their collateral damage speaks for itself .
A global collapse in economic output .
A projected 150 million people falling into extreme poverty .
A historic surge in depression and social isolation that will have consequences that reverberate for decades .
Millions of children thrust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even worse than their previous situations , despite the fact that health officials have for months said closing schools is not an effective way to curb the spread of the virus .
Again , this is the power of fear , and it caused Lowry and lockdown proponents to forget an age-old truism from Benjamin Franklin .
“ Those who would give up essential Liberty , to purchase a little temporary Safety , deserve neither Liberty nor Safety , ” Franklin once observed .
Sadly , that is usually what they get .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ FEE.org .
His writing/reporting has been the subject of articles in TIME magazine , The Wall Street Journal , CNN , Forbes , Fox News , and the Star Tribune .

by Jon Miltimore
On February 18, the Oxford Mail published an article headlined “Scientists working on a coronavirus vaccine in Oxford.”
The article explained that Sarah Gilbert, a British vaccinologist and professor at the University of Oxford, was leading a team of scientists at Oxford’s Jenner Institute in rapid development of a vaccine.
The article was short (less than 200 words), featured a quote from Gilbert, and was reported without any predictions on possible death tolls.
For months, Gilbert’s research was not covered in the US. And when US media did cover it months later, the successful track record of the Oxford researchers was downplayed, as was the possibility of getting a vaccine developed quickly.
“The earliest available (major outlet) U.S. story is from CNN on April 23rd and begins with a quote from England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty saying that the probability of having a vaccine or treatment ‘anytime in the next calendar year’ is ‘incredibly small,’” authors of a new National Bureau of Economic Research paper explain.
Why all the Bad News?
The authors of the NBER paper—titled “Why Is All COVID-19 News Bad News?”—use media coverage of Gilbert’s vaccine research as a case study to highlight a larger trend: the unique way US media covered the coronavirus pandemic.
The authors of the paper—Bruce Sacerdote, Ranjan Sehgal, and Molly Cook, who hail from Dartmouth College and Brown University—analyzed the tone of COVID-19 related news articles written since January 1 and found a striking difference in the way US media covered the pandemic compared to media in other countries.
“Ninety one percent of stories by U.S. major media outlets are negative in tone versus fifty four percent for non-U.S. major sources and sixty five percent for scientific journals,” the authors concluded.
To be sure, pandemics are hardly a cheerful topic. We’re not talking about a firefighter rescuing a kitten from a tree or a local man winning the lottery. But that wouldn’t explain the discrepancy in media coverage or the fact that positive developments do occur in pandemics.
This invites an important question: how did US media respond to positive developments?
“The negativity of the U.S. major media is notable even in areas with positive scientific developments including school re-openings and vaccine trials,” the authors found. “Stories of increasing COVID-19 cases outnumber stories of decreasing cases by a factor of 5.5 even during periods when new cases are declining.” (emphasis added)
A new @nberpubs paper shows how US media created a climate of #COVID19 fear. “Ninety one percent of stories by US major media outlets are negative in tone versus fifty four percent for non-U.S. major sources and sixty five percent for scientific journals,” the authors concluded. pic.twitter.com/wIXRQYiuKw — Jon Miltimore (@miltimore79) December 1, 2020
The trend toward pessimistic news coverage was so acute, James Freeman noted in the Wall Street Journal, that the media mostly missed the amazing vaccine development story that took place right under their nose.
As the NBER report states, US media stories discussing President Donald Trump and hydroxychloroquine alone outnumber all the stories on vaccine R&D media produced during the pandemic.
The Mind Killer
In his classic book Dune, Frank Herbert wrote about the power of fear.
“Fear is the mind-killer,” wrote Herbert. “Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.”
For many, 2020 has been the most fearful year of their lives. The coronavirus pandemic has brought uncertainty, change, and deadly risk. A certain amount of fear during a pandemic is warranted, of course. But there are rational ways to respond to threats and irrational ways, and that is a line America crossed in 2020.
Indeed, new research developed by scientists working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the virus appears to have arrived in the US in December 2019. This would mean the coronavirus was in the US for months and Americans didn’t even know it.
But once the media caught wind of the disease and fanned the flames of public panic, the fear took on a life of its own. Americans and, worse, lawmakers, began to respond to the virus in irrational ways. Basic virology went out the window as 15 days to flatten the curve devolved into a mad idea that we must close down society and shelter from the virus, unleashing unprecedented restrictions on economic freedom and destroying untold numbers of lives and livelihoods in the process.
This is the power of fear. It caused many rational people, such as Rich Lowry of National Review who in April called opponents of lockdowns “absurd,” to suddenly view the sacrifice of timeless civil liberties as entirely reasonable because they believed it would save lives.
Today, of course, we know the lockdowns were worse than useless. While they did little to nothing to slow the spread of the virus, their collateral damage speaks for itself. A global collapse in economic output. A projected 150 million people falling into extreme poverty. A historic surge in depression and social isolation that will have consequences that reverberate for decades. Millions of children thrust into learning environments that appear to be even worse than their previous situations, despite the fact that health officials have for months said closing schools is not an effective way to curb the spread of the virus.
Again, this is the power of fear, and it caused Lowry and lockdown proponents to forget an age-old truism from Benjamin Franklin.
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety,” Franklin once observed.
Sadly, that is usually what they get.
– – –
Jonathan Miltimore is the Managing Editor of FEE.org. His writing/reporting has been the subject of articles in TIME magazine, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, and the Star Tribune.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Senator-Elect Hagerty Joins President Trump in Georgia to Support Sens. Perdue and Loeffler

Tennessee Senator-elect Bill Hagerty ( R-TN ) joined President Donald Trump in Valdosta , Georgia Saturday night as the Republican Party comes together to make sure it holds onto the Senate majority in Washington , D.C. Trump held the rally in Valdosta to garner support for Republican Senate candidates Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue .
“ The answer to the Democrat voter fraud is not to stay at home – that ’ s what Pelosi and Schumer want you to do , ” Trump tweeted .
“ If you want revenge on the Democrats for their efforts to steal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard , you have to show up and vote in RECORD numbers !
” Trump endorsements in the past have done well for Senate candidates just like Hagerty who the president mentioned during his speech Saturday night .
“ The next senator from Tennessee – just got elected .
Did my endorsement help ?
You better believe it – we love Tennessee .
“ Bill Hagerty : he ’ s going to be a great Senator for a long time , ” Trump said .
In a tweet , Hagerty thanked the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Thank you , President @ realDonaldTrump !
Tennessee stands with you all the way , ” he said .
Echoing President Trump ’ s sentiments , Hagerty endorsed Loeffler and Perdue for U.S. Senate .
“ President @ realDonaldTrump is absolutely right .
The stakes are high in the # GASen races .
We must do everything we can to re-elect @ KLoeffler and @ Perduesenate .
# HoldTheLine , ” Hagerty tweeted .
Currently , the Republicans have a slim 50-48 seat majority over Democrats in the US Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star News Digital Media .
Email tips to Zachery at [ email protected ] .
Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .

Tennessee Senator-elect Bill Hagerty (R-TN) joined President Donald Trump in Valdosta, Georgia Saturday night as the Republican Party comes together to make sure it holds onto the Senate majority in Washington, D.C.
Trump held the rally in Valdosta to garner support for Republican Senate candidates Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.
“The answer to the Democrat voter fraud is not to stay at home – that’s what Pelosi and Schumer want you to do,” Trump tweeted. “If you want revenge on the Democrats for their efforts to steal the Presidential election, where we are fighting hard, you have to show up and vote in RECORD numbers!”
The answer to the Democrat voter fraud is not to stay at home – that’s what Pelosi and Schumer want you to do. If you want revenge on the Democrats for their efforts to steal the Presidential election, where we are fighting hard, you have to show up and vote in RECORD numbers! pic.twitter.com/XAJ0F2JmeL — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2020
Trump endorsements in the past have done well for Senate candidates just like Hagerty who the president mentioned during his speech Saturday night.
“The next senator from Tennessee – just got elected. Did my endorsement help? You better believe it – we love Tennessee.
“Bill Hagerty: he’s going to be a great Senator for a long time,” Trump said.
In a tweet, Hagerty thanked the president for his rally in Georgia Saturday night.
“Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Tennessee stands with you all the way,” he said.
Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Tennessee stands with you all the way. pic.twitter.com/CenaclHffw — Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) December 6, 2020
Echoing President Trump’s sentiments, Hagerty endorsed Loeffler and Perdue for U.S. Senate.
“President @realDonaldTrump is absolutely right. The stakes are high in the #GASen races. We must do everything we can to re-elect @KLoeffler and @Perduesenate. #HoldTheLine,” Hagerty tweeted.
President @realDonaldTrump is absolutely right. The stakes are high in the #GASen races. We must do everything we can to re-elect @KLoeffler and @Perduesenate. #HoldTheLine We need all hands on deck. Show your support: https://t.co/b9xZUtZ0gM pic.twitter.com/7zPWRvaTUS — Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) December 6, 2020
Currently, the Republicans have a slim 50-48 seat majority over Democrats in the US Senate.
– – –
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. Email tips to Zachery at [email protected]. Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Minnesota Health Agency Suspends License of Defiant Restaurant Owner

A local health agency has suspended the food service license of a Lynd , Minnesota , restaurant owner after she opened her café for in-person service in defiance of Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s orders .
Southwest Health and Human Services ( SWHHS ) sent a letter last week to Larvita McFarquhar , owner of Haven ’ s Garden , warning her that a scheduled open-mic night would violate the state ’ s COVID-19 regulations .
McFarquhar was also threatened with thousands of dollars in fines , up to a year in jail and a lawsuit by the Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
She proceeded with the event anyway .
On Wednesday , SWHHS sent McFarquhar a letter to inform her that her food service license has been suspended , meaning she can not operate her restaurant .
The letter notes that an SWHHS employee “ observed approximately 80 to 100 people consuming food and beverages inside Haven ’ s Garden.
” “ Indoor dining that occurred on November 27 is a violation of EO 20-99 , ” the letter says , referring to an executive order issued by Walz .
“ Therefore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Administrative/Food and Beverage Ordinances and being the appointed representative for the SWHHS Community Health Board , the license to operate your food establishment is suspended , ” it continues .
The letter , which labels McFarquhar ’ s case “ high ” risk , warns that she could face additional fines and jail time for operating her restaurant during a license suspension .
The local agency is also requiring her to pay a “ re-inspection fee ” for “ follow-up inspections related to the enforcement ” of Walz ’ s orders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then will be required to participate in a hearing .
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 .
Photo “ Havens Garden ” by Havens Garden .

by Anthony Gockowski
A local health agency has suspended the food service license of a Lynd, Minnesota, restaurant owner after she opened her café for in-person service in defiance of Gov. Tim Walz’s orders.
Southwest Health and Human Services (SWHHS) sent a letter last week to Larvita McFarquhar, owner of Haven’s Garden, warning her that a scheduled open-mic night would violate the state’s COVID-19 regulations.
McFarquhar was also threatened with thousands of dollars in fines, up to a year in jail and a lawsuit by the Attorney General’s Office, Alpha News reported. She proceeded with the event anyway.
On Wednesday, SWHHS sent McFarquhar a letter to inform her that her food service license has been suspended, meaning she cannot operate her restaurant.
The letter notes that an SWHHS employee “observed approximately 80 to 100 people consuming food and beverages inside Haven’s Garden.”
“Indoor dining that occurred on November 27 is a violation of EO 20-99,” the letter says, referring to an executive order issued by Walz.
“Therefore, under authority of the Lyon County Public Health Administrative/Food and Beverage Ordinances and being the appointed representative for the SWHHS Community Health Board, the license to operate your food establishment is suspended,” it continues.
The letter, which labels McFarquhar’s case “high” risk, warns that she could face additional fines and jail time for operating her restaurant during a license suspension. The local agency is also requiring her to pay a “re-inspection fee” for “follow-up inspections related to the enforcement” of Walz’s orders.
McFarquhar plans to appeal the suspension and then will be required to participate in a hearing.
– – –
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.
Photo “Havens Garden” by Havens Garden.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Elizabeth Guzman Says She Will Bring a Progressive Voice to the Senate as Virginia Lieutenant Govern

Elizabeth Guzman Says She Will Bring a Progressive Voice to the Senate as Virginia Lieutenant Governor

State Delegate Elizabeth Guzman ( D-Prince William ) is determined to bring a fresh progressive voice to the Democratic-controlled Virginia Senate and advocate for the Commonwealth ’ s working class if elected as lieutenant governor next November .
Guzman , who has represented the 31st House of Delegates District since 2018 , announced her campaign for the 2021 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election at the beginning of October .
“ I think that we need more progressive voices in the Senate and more diversity as well , ” Guzman said in an interview with The Virginia Star .
“ There has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person to hold the position of lieutenant governor , and I think that our perspectives are important and representation matters.
” “ I deliver on the promises I make to my constituents , ” Guzman added .
“ And I ’ m very proud of the work I ’ ve done to champion bills that have expanded healthcare access , raise the minimum wage , make historic investments in public education , reform our criminal justice system and give our workers a voice.
” Guzman said that she sees lieutenant governor position as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , because of her experience in the General Assembly , she could hit the ground running and be active in the role by caucusing with Senate Democrats every day .
The sophomore legislator also mentioned that a factor in deciding to run was due to a Senate committee killing her legislation – calling for businesses with 25 workers or more to give their employees paid quarantine leave – during the recent special session and a desire to be a part of that process within the chamber .
If elected , Guzman ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the issues she finds important as a legislator .
Those priorities include : helping Virginia ’ s working class , criminal justice reform , public education , healthcare – specifically lowering drug prices and expanding telehealth services – as well as protecting the environment , she said .
As far as an agenda , Guzman said that will be up to the people .
“ The agenda is built by people , by having conversations with voters , ” Guzman told The Star .
“ I ’ m planning to hold listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This campaign is not going to be about only one area , I want to be a leader that believes in inclusiveness and that means listening to the voices from every corner of Virginia.
” That plan has already been put in action as Guzman has visited several counties and cities , Richmond , Newport News , Virginia Beach , Loudoun and Campbell counties and other places , throughout the Commonwealth so far .
Guzman , who described herself as a progressive leader that believes in participation and listening , has worked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the current division chief for the City of Alexandria ’ s Center for Adult Services , helping vulnerable populations like the elderly .
Guzman also holds two master ’ s degrees : one in social work and the other in public administration .
Also featured on the Democratic ticket is Del .
Sam Rasoul ( D-Roanoke ) , Del .
Hala Ayala ( D-Prince William ) , former Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Paul Goldman , lobbyist Xavier Warren as well as former NAACP President Sean Perryman .
The Republican candidates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , former state legislator Tim Hugo , veteran Lance Allen and lobbyist Puneet Ahluwalia .
Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman has been rumored to be entering the race .
“ I think for this job , at the end of the day , [ the winner ] is going to be someone who has delivered on the promises they ’ ve made , ” Guzman said .
“ Everything that I promise , I deliver on and I always fight for the things Virginians care for the most , and I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

State Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (D-Prince William) is determined to bring a fresh progressive voice to the Democratic-controlled Virginia Senate and advocate for the Commonwealth’s working class if elected as lieutenant governor next November.
Guzman, who has represented the 31st House of Delegates District since 2018, announced her campaign for the 2021 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election at the beginning of October.
“I think that we need more progressive voices in the Senate and more diversity as well,” Guzman said in an interview with The Virginia Star. “There has never been a woman or a Latinx person to hold the position of lieutenant governor, and I think that our perspectives are important and representation matters.”
“I deliver on the promises I make to my constituents,” Guzman added. “And I’m very proud of the work I’ve done to champion bills that have expanded healthcare access, raise the minimum wage, make historic investments in public education, reform our criminal justice system and give our workers a voice.”
Guzman said that she sees lieutenant governor position as a promotion for an effective legislator, and, because of her experience in the General Assembly, she could hit the ground running and be active in the role by caucusing with Senate Democrats every day.
The sophomore legislator also mentioned that a factor in deciding to run was due to a Senate committee killing her legislation – calling for businesses with 25 workers or more to give their employees paid quarantine leave – during the recent special session and a desire to be a part of that process within the chamber.
If elected, Guzman’s top priorities will not be different from the issues she finds important as a legislator. Those priorities include: helping Virginia’s working class, criminal justice reform, public education, healthcare – specifically lowering drug prices and expanding telehealth services – as well as protecting the environment, she said.
As far as an agenda, Guzman said that will be up to the people.
“The agenda is built by people, by having conversations with voters,” Guzman told The Star. “I’m planning to hold listening sessions in every area of Virginia. This campaign is not going to be about only one area, I want to be a leader that believes in inclusiveness and that means listening to the voices from every corner of Virginia.”
That plan has already been put in action as Guzman has visited several counties and cities, Richmond, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Loudoun and Campbell counties and other places, throughout the Commonwealth so far.
Guzman, who described herself as a progressive leader that believes in participation and listening, has worked in government for the past 17 years and is the current division chief for the City of Alexandria’s Center for Adult Services, helping vulnerable populations like the elderly. Guzman also holds two master’s degrees: one in social work and the other in public administration.
Also featured on the Democratic ticket is Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke), Del. Hala Ayala (D-Prince William), former Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Paul Goldman, lobbyist Xavier Warren as well as former NAACP President Sean Perryman.
The Republican candidates are Del. Glenn Davis (R-Virginia Beach), former state legislator Tim Hugo, veteran Lance Allen and lobbyist Puneet Ahluwalia. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman has been rumored to be entering the race.
“I think for this job, at the end of the day, [the winner] is going to be someone who has delivered on the promises they’ve made,” Guzman said. “Everything that I promise, I deliver on and I always fight for the things Virginians care for the most, and I will continue to do that.”
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Republican Party of Virginia Chooses Convention for 2021 Nominations

Chase announced her candidacy for governor in February 2020 , and she ’ s spent the following months campaigning across Virginia .
Her take-no-prisoners speaking style , combined with a hard-line pro-gun , pro-monument stance has attracted a core of committed supporters .
As an independent candidate , Chase may spoil the governor ’ s race for Republicans in the general election .
“ I don ’ t want to say I think the governor ’ s race is lost already , I won ’ t go that far , ” Brown said .
“ I ’ m just saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms. Chase.
” Brown said Chase has been campaigning like she was hoping for a convention , and Brown thinks Chase would have a solid chance in the convention nomination process .
Additionally , Brown said independents don ’ t win races .
Republicans had hoped to win the 2021 governor ’ s race in part because of the “ Virginia curse , ” a phenomenon where the party that controls the presidency loses Virginia ’ s executive seat .
However , it ’ s unclear if that pattern remains as Virginia shifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the general election is good news for down-ballot Republican candidates .
With redistricting occurring in Virginia , the House of Delegates will be in play .
Chase juices enthusiasm among voters who would be ambivalent about Cox or Snyder , meaning more Republican-leaning voters will vote in local General Assembly House races .
A convention is a big win for Delegate Glenn Davis ( R-Virginia Beach ) .
In 2017 , Davis toured Virginia in “ Mellow Yellow , ” his Winnebago motor home .
As a result of that campaign for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state and has broad grassroots connections .
Davis wouldn ’ t say what his preference was .
However , on Saturday evening , he told The Virginia Star that he was glad for the clarity , since they ’ ve been preparing to run in either process .
“ We ’ re just excited .
My team is pumped right now .
They ’ ll redouble their efforts starting tomorrow morning , ” Davis said .
Candidate Lance Allen faces tougher odds as a newcomer to the RPV .
“ As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its advantages and disadvantages.
” Allen added , “ We ’ ll have to change our game because it is not exactly what we were expecting.
” “ At the end of the day I ’ m happy to participate in whatever the nomination method is that the party chooses , ” Allen said .
The choice of a convention is a blow to candidate Tim Hugo .
A primary would have allowed Hugo to leverage large amounts of voters in Fairfax and Northern Virginia ; Hugo has years of experience representing Fairfax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was defeated in 2019 .
“ I look forward to running in the RPV convention for the office of Lieutenant Governor , ” Hugo said in a statement .
“ Our campaign is working hard to build a statewide operation that will not only win us the nomination , but also defeat the Democrats next November .
In the months ahead , we will be taking our conservative message to Republican voters in every corner of our Commonwealth.
” Delegate Jason Miyares ( R-Virginia Beach ) would have been the favorite in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given him fundraising connections that candidate Chuck Smith has had to build from scratch .
However , with the convention format , Smith could become the E.W .
Jackson of 2021 .
In 2013 , Jackson gave a fiery speech and leveraged grassroots connections to win the convention nomination .
“ I look forward to running in a party-run nomination for Attorney General next year , ” Miyares said in a statement on Facebook .
“ With today ’ s State GOP Committee vote , the Republican Party of Virginia launches a 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight back against progressive one-party rule in Richmond.
” Smith ’ s Campaign Manager David Knupp told The Star that they had no preference between primaries or conventions .
“ We ’ re just delighted to be part of the process and to get out to every corner of the state to have Chuck tell his message to the [ delegates , ] and we think that that message he has will resonate with everybody.
” According to candidate for the House of Delegates 83rd District Tim Anderson , RPV nominees coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their general election races .
That will be made even tougher this year if Chase splits the conservative vote for governor .
“ Virginia wants more moderate candidates on a lot of these issues , ” Anderson said on Friday .
“ But generally the conventions push out a hard-right candidate .
And we ’ ve been doing it over and over and over again , and these candidates lose.
” “ I think it ’ s a mistake , ” Brown said of the choice for a convention .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , I think that there ’ s a few people that have always been [ in favor of ] primaries before that changed their minds for some reason .
”

Chase announced her candidacy for governor in February 2020, and she’s spent the following months campaigning across Virginia. Her take-no-prisoners speaking style, combined with a hard-line pro-gun, pro-monument stance has attracted a core of committed supporters.
As an independent candidate, Chase may spoil the governor’s race for Republicans in the general election.
“I don’t want to say I think the governor’s race is lost already, I won’t go that far,” Brown said. “I’m just saying somebody needs to talk some sense into Ms. Chase.”
Brown said Chase has been campaigning like she was hoping for a convention, and Brown thinks Chase would have a solid chance in the convention nomination process. Additionally, Brown said independents don’t win races.
Republicans had hoped to win the 2021 governor’s race in part because of the “Virginia curse,” a phenomenon where the party that controls the presidency loses Virginia’s executive seat. However, it’s unclear if that pattern remains as Virginia shifts increasingly blue.
Guaranteeing Chase a spot in the general election is good news for down-ballot Republican candidates. With redistricting occurring in Virginia, the House of Delegates will be in play. Chase juices enthusiasm among voters who would be ambivalent about Cox or Snyder, meaning more Republican-leaning voters will vote in local General Assembly House races.
Lieutenant Governor
A convention is a big win for Delegate Glenn Davis (R-Virginia Beach). In 2017, Davis toured Virginia in “Mellow Yellow,” his Winnebago motor home. As a result of that campaign for lieutenant governor, Davis is known across the state and has broad grassroots connections. Davis wouldn’t say what his preference was. However, on Saturday evening, he told The Virginia Star that he was glad for the clarity, since they’ve been preparing to run in either process.
“We’re just excited. My team is pumped right now. They’ll redouble their efforts starting tomorrow morning,” Davis said.
Candidate Lance Allen faces tougher odds as a newcomer to the RPV. “As a new candidate I think each one has its advantages and disadvantages.” Allen added, “We’ll have to change our game because it is not exactly what we were expecting.”
“At the end of the day I’m happy to participate in whatever the nomination method is that the party chooses,” Allen said.
The choice of a convention is a blow to candidate Tim Hugo. A primary would have allowed Hugo to leverage large amounts of voters in Fairfax and Northern Virginia; Hugo has years of experience representing Fairfax in the House of Delegates, although he was defeated in 2019.
“I look forward to running in the RPV convention for the office of Lieutenant Governor, ” Hugo said in a statement. “Our campaign is working hard to build a statewide operation that will not only win us the nomination, but also defeat the Democrats next November. In the months ahead, we will be taking our conservative message to Republican voters in every corner of our Commonwealth.”
Attorney General
Delegate Jason Miyares (R-Virginia Beach) would have been the favorite in a primary. Miyares’ experience has given him fundraising connections that candidate Chuck Smith has had to build from scratch. However, with the convention format, Smith could become the E.W. Jackson of 2021. In 2013, Jackson gave a fiery speech and leveraged grassroots connections to win the convention nomination.
“I look forward to running in a party-run nomination for Attorney General next year,” Miyares said in a statement on Facebook. “With today’s State GOP Committee vote, the Republican Party of Virginia launches a 2021 election cycle where Republicans are fired up to fight back against progressive one-party rule in Richmond.”
Smith’s Campaign Manager David Knupp told The Star that they had no preference between primaries or conventions. “We’re just delighted to be part of the process and to get out to every corner of the state to have Chuck tell his message to the [delegates,] and we think that that message he has will resonate with everybody.”
Tough Road Ahead
According to candidate for the House of Delegates 83rd District Tim Anderson, RPV nominees coming out of a convention struggle to win their general election races. That will be made even tougher this year if Chase splits the conservative vote for governor.
“Virginia wants more moderate candidates on a lot of these issues,” Anderson said on Friday. “But generally the conventions push out a hard-right candidate. And we’ve been doing it over and over and over again, and these candidates lose.”
“I think it’s a mistake,” Brown said of the choice for a convention. “I’m honestly really surprised that they did that, I think that there’s a few people that have always been [in favor of] primaries before that changed their minds for some reason.”


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Ohio Gov. DeWine Makes Good on Promise to Veto Oversight of Health Orders

Saying he has the backing of health care professionals and business leaders , Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would give the General Assembly oversight over health orders .
In a statement of reasons for the veto of Senate Bill 311 , DeWine , a Republican , said medical experts think it restricts public health officials ’ ability to react to public health threats and is “ not in the best interest of protecting the health and safety of all Ohioans.
” “ I don ’ t think it has a limit on the health orders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vast majority of members of the legislature do not support the specific idea of stay-at-home orders .
[ The bill ] largely says you can not have a mandatory statewide or regional quarantine of people who haven ’ t come in contact with the virus .
You can not have a stay-at-home order with criminal penalties.
” The measure , easily passed with Republican majorities in both the House and Senate , prohibits a statewide stay-at-home order like the one enacted by DeWine in the spring , and it gives the legislature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other orders that shut down businesses .
DeWine , who earlier called the legislation a disaster , had said all along he planned to a veto , but Republicans in both the House and Senate believe there are enough votes to override .
Ohio Speaker of the House Bob Cupp , R-Lima , said he was disappointed in the veto and discussions will begin on the next steps .
“ We are disappointed with the governor ’ s veto of Senate Bill 311 , ” Cupp said .
“ This is a balanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative oversight of these health orders and ensure Ohioans voices are heard and their rights protected .
I will be discussing next steps with the members of our caucus.
” Obhof said he had productive conversation with the administration this week , and he hopes to be able to work out a compromise .
However , he added the Senate has the votes to override .
“ We have the votes to do that .
If we are able to work productively on the situation , we all want the same things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant portion of the legislature and the public that think government shouldn ’ t have the authority to make you stay in your home.
” When passed , the bill did not include an emergency clause , which would have made it effective when signed by DeWine or a veto override .
The law would not go into effect until 90 days after both chambers override .
With state and federal officials hoping a COVID-19 vaccine will be ready by the middle of the month , there is potential for DeWine to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets an opportunity to begin the process of examining them .
“ Since we couldn ’ t get Democrats to be part of this bill , we are looking at 90 days , ” State Rep. Scott Wiggam , R-Wooster and bill sponsor , said .
An Ohio native , J.D .
Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio , Georgia , Alabama and Texas .
He has served as a reporter , editor , managing editor and publisher .
Davidson is a regional @ @ @ @ @ @

by J.D Davidson
Saying he has the backing of health care professionals and business leaders, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would give the General Assembly oversight over health orders.
In a statement of reasons for the veto of Senate Bill 311, DeWine, a Republican, said medical experts think it restricts public health officials’ ability to react to public health threats and is “not in the best interest of protecting the health and safety of all Ohioans.”
Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina, disagreed.
“I don’t think it has a limit on the health orders,” Obhof said. “I think the vast majority of members of the legislature do not support the specific idea of stay-at-home orders. [The bill] largely says you cannot have a mandatory statewide or regional quarantine of people who haven’t come in contact with the virus. You cannot have a stay-at-home order with criminal penalties.”
The measure, easily passed with Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, prohibits a statewide stay-at-home order like the one enacted by DeWine in the spring, and it gives the legislature the ability by concurrent resolution to end other orders that shut down businesses.
DeWine, who earlier called the legislation a disaster, had said all along he planned to a veto, but Republicans in both the House and Senate believe there are enough votes to override.
Ohio Speaker of the House Bob Cupp, R-Lima, said he was disappointed in the veto and discussions will begin on the next steps.
“We are disappointed with the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 311,” Cupp said. “This is a balanced and reasonable plan that would provide appropriate legislative oversight of these health orders and ensure Ohioans voices are heard and their rights protected. I will be discussing next steps with the members of our caucus.”
Obhof said he had productive conversation with the administration this week, and he hopes to be able to work out a compromise. However, he added the Senate has the votes to override.
“We have the votes to do that. If we are able to work productively on the situation, we all want the same things,” Obhof said. “There is a significant portion of the legislature and the public that think government shouldn’t have the authority to make you stay in your home.”
When passed, the bill did not include an emergency clause, which would have made it effective when signed by DeWine or a veto override. The law would not go into effect until 90 days after both chambers override.
With state and federal officials hoping a COVID-19 vaccine will be ready by the middle of the month, there is potential for DeWine to pull back current orders before the legislature gets an opportunity to begin the process of examining them.
“Since we couldn’t get Democrats to be part of this bill, we are looking at 90 days,” State Rep. Scott Wiggam, R-Wooster and bill sponsor, said.
– – –
An Ohio native, J.D. Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. He has served as a reporter, editor, managing editor and publisher. Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--President Trump Holds a Victory Rally in Valdosta, Georgia; Calls on Voters to Support Senators Perd

President Trump Holds a Victory Rally in Valdosta, Georgia; Calls on Voters to Support Senators Perdue and Loeffler in Runoff

President Donald Trump spoke to raucous crowd of tens of thousands of Georgia voters Saturday evening in Valdosta , Georgia vowing to “ never surrender , ” in the important runoff in January .
Although Trump did not mention anything of a special session from Georgia Governor Kemp .
As previously reported by The Georgia Star News , “ legislators have petitioned for a special session ahead of the runoff election for several weeks.
” The president spoke on behalf of Republican Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler .
Both are running against Democratic candidates in the Georgia January 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rafael Warnock and Perdue will run against Jon Ossoff .
Under Georgia law , if neither candidate in the initial election breaks over 50-percent-plus-one , the top two vote-getters run again to determine a winner .
The runoff in Georgia will be the determining factor on whether or no the Democrats will retake the Senate .
“ If you don ’ t vote , the socialists and the communists win , ” Trump said .
At the rally , Trump said the runoff election is crucial to the future of America ; with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said that Georgia voters can not let it happen again .
“ Go vote and vote early .
They cheated and rigged our presidential election , but we will still win it… they ’ re going to try and rig this election , too , ” Trump said .
It is important to have somebody with courage to do what Loeffler and Perdue have to do , the president said .
Furthermore , Trump expressed his concerns of the stances and goals of the Democratic party for the upcoming years , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , universal healthcare for all , and more .
“ We want people to come here legally and with merit , ” Trump said .
Another important topic that Trump spoke about was Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act or what is known as “ Big Tech Companies.
” According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation : “ Section 230 says that “ No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider ” ( 47 U.S.C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words , online intermediaries that host or republish speech are protected against a range of laws that might otherwise be used to hold them legally responsible for what others say and do .
The protected intermediaries include not only regular Internet Service Providers ( ISPs ) , but also a range of “ interactive computer service providers , ” including basically any online service that publishes third-party content .
Though there are important exceptions for certain criminal and intellectual property-based claims , CDA 230 creates a broad protection that has allowed innovation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasis added ) Trump encouraged Georgia Republicans to never give up the fight and to vote on January 5 .
“ We are Americans and our hearts bleed red , white and blue , ” Trump said to the roaring cheers of the crowd .
Trump tweeted prior to the rally that both US Senators are “ fantastic people who love their Country and love their State .
We must work hard and be sure they win.
” In addition to the Senators Perdue and Loeffler , the president and First Lady was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives Dan Crenshaw and Louie Gohmert , Georgia ’ s Doug Collins , GOP Chair Ronna McDaniel , and Tennessee ’ s Senator-elect Bill Hagerty , among others .
Tiffany Morgan is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

President Donald Trump spoke to raucous crowd of tens of thousands of Georgia voters Saturday evening in Valdosta, vowing to “never surrender,” in the important runoff in January.
“We will not bend. We will not break. We will not yield. We will never give in. We will never give up. We will never back down. We will NEVER, ever surrender!”@realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/pVnxF8Obr6 — Dan Scavino🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) December 6, 2020
Although Trump did not mention anything of a special session from Georgia Governor Kemp. As previously reported by The Georgia Star News, “legislators have petitioned for a special session ahead of the runoff election for several weeks.”
The president spoke on behalf of Republican Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. Both are running against Democratic candidates in the Georgia January 5 runoff election.
Loeffler will run against Rafael Warnock and Perdue will run against Jon Ossoff. Under Georgia law, if neither candidate in the initial election breaks over 50-percent-plus-one, the top two vote-getters run again to determine a winner.
The runoff in Georgia will be the determining factor on whether or no the Democrats will retake the Senate.
“If you don’t vote, the socialists and the communists win,” Trump said.
At the rally, Trump said the runoff election is crucial to the future of America; with Democrats “planning to cheat,” he said that Georgia voters cannot let it happen again.
“Go vote and vote early. They cheated and rigged our presidential election, but we will still win it… they’re going to try and rig this election, too,” Trump said.
It is important to have somebody with courage to do what Loeffler and Perdue have to do, the president said.
Furthermore, Trump expressed his concerns of the stances and goals of the Democratic party for the upcoming years, including open borders, taking down the wall, universal healthcare for all, and more.
“We want people to come here legally and with merit,” Trump said.
Another important topic that Trump spoke about was Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act or what is known as “Big Tech Companies.”
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation:
“Section 230 says that “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider” (47 U.S.C. § 230). In other words, online intermediaries that host or republish speech are protected against a range of laws that might otherwise be used to hold them legally responsible for what others say and do. The protected intermediaries include not only regular Internet Service Providers (ISPs), but also a range of “interactive computer service providers,” including basically any online service that publishes third-party content. Though there are important exceptions for certain criminal and intellectual property-based claims, CDA 230 creates a broad protection that has allowed innovation and free speech online to flourish.” (emphasis added)
Trump encouraged Georgia Republicans to never give up the fight and to vote on January 5.
“We are Americans and our hearts bleed red, white and blue,” Trump said to the roaring cheers of the crowd.
Trump tweeted prior to the rally that both US Senators are “fantastic people who love their Country and love their State. We must work hard and be sure they win.”
Will be going to Georgia for a big Trump Rally in support of our two great Republican Senators, David and Kelly. They are fantastic people who love their Country and love their State. We must work hard and be sure they win. #USA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2020
In addition to the Senators Perdue and Loeffler, the president and First Lady was joined on Air Force One by Texas Representatives Dan Crenshaw and Louie Gohmert, Georgia’s Doug Collins, GOP Chair Ronna McDaniel, and Tennessee’s Senator-elect Bill Hagerty, among others.
Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! Tennessee stands with you all the way. pic.twitter.com/CenaclHffw — Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) December 6, 2020
Watch the full broadcast on RSBN:
– – –
Tiffany Morgan is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--Michigan Senate Approves Tax Breaks in the Face of a Looming Budget Deficit

The GOP-led Michigan Senate passed bills that , if passed , will reduce government revenue in a year when the state will soon be strapped for cash .
Currently , the state is facing a projected deficit between $ 170 million and $ 1.17 billion for fiscal year 2022 .
Senate Bill 54 would restore the individual income and corporate tax credit program to give qualified taxpayers who have a certificate of completed historical building rehabilitation , granted by the State Historic Preservation Office , the ability to credit 25 % of qualified expenditures for eligible rehabilitation resources to future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could carry the tax credit to offset tax liability for up to 10 years or until the credit is depleted , whichever happens first .
The certificate of completed rehabilitation would have to be issued between Dec. 31 , 2020 and Jan. 1 , 2031 .
The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency ( SFA ) estimated the bill , if enacted into law , would reduce general fund revenue by an average of $ 5 million each fiscal year .
The impact would extend beyond the 2030 expiration date for credit preapprovals .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a calendar year to $ 5 million , credits can be claimed up to five years after project completion , so revenue depleted could exceed $ 5 million per year .
The SFA said the credit has previously reduced state revenue between $ 10 million and $ 12 million per year , “ I prefer across-the-board tax relief and as we get into the next year , we ’ re not sure what the fiscal picture will look like , ” Nesbitt told The Center Square .
“ We did away with it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flatter and fairer and historic restoration is still happening.
” The Senate also passed SB 1153 , which aims to give wholesale companies a tax break if they are fully automated and the building comprised of at least 190,000 square feet .
If passed , the bill will become effective Jan. 1 , 2021 .
The SFA said the bill would have a negative fiscal impact on state and local governments since an exemption would reduce local property tax revenue and School Aid Fund revenue , which must be reimbursed through the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the exempted personal property and millage rates .
“ The state tends to bend over backwards to get new companies into the state by offering tax incentives and lucrative packages to lure these companies here , and that ’ s not a level playing field , ” McMorrow said .
“ We ’ ve seen over the past decade or so , the tax burden shift radically from companies onto the backs of taxpayers so people who live in our communities every day feel like they ’ re paying much more and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In October , the Michigan Economic Development Corporation ( MEDC ) announced a giveaway of $ 5.1 million of taxpayer money to three companies .
John Mozena , president of the Center for Economic Accountability , has previously told The Center Square that corporate tax giveaways are ineffective – citing Amazon ’ s HQ2 , choosing Alexandria , Va. over Bethesda , Md.
, even though the former offered roughly $ 5 billion more in subsidies .
“ If $ 5 billion can ’ t convince Amazon to move 10 miles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the MEDC are handing out going to make any difference in what these corporations do ?
” Mozena asked .
Michigan ’ s business incentive programs have increased a company ’ s employment and sales but cost taxpayers an average of $ 593,913 per job created per year .
Both bills still must pass the House and be signed by Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer to become law .
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .

by Scott McClallen
The GOP-led Michigan Senate passed bills that, if passed, will reduce government revenue in a year when the state will soon be strapped for cash.
Currently, the state is facing a projected deficit between $170 million and $1.17 billion for fiscal year 2022.
Senate Bill 54 would restore the individual income and corporate tax credit program to give qualified taxpayers who have a certificate of completed historical building rehabilitation, granted by the State Historic Preservation Office, the ability to credit 25% of qualified expenditures for eligible rehabilitation resources to future taxes.
A person issued a certificate could carry the tax credit to offset tax liability for up to 10 years or until the credit is depleted, whichever happens first.
The certificate of completed rehabilitation would have to be issued between Dec. 31, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2031.
The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency (SFA) estimated the bill, if enacted into law, would reduce general fund revenue by an average of $5 million each fiscal year. The impact would extend beyond the 2030 expiration date for credit preapprovals.
Although the bill limits the preapproved credits in a calendar year to $5 million, credits can be claimed up to five years after project completion, so revenue depleted could exceed $5 million per year.
The SFA said the credit has previously reduced state revenue between $10 million and $12 million per year,
Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, voted against the bill.
“I prefer across-the-board tax relief and as we get into the next year, we’re not sure what the fiscal picture will look like,” Nesbitt told The Center Square. “We did away with it in 2011 to make the tax code flatter and fairer and historic restoration is still happening.”
The Senate also passed SB 1153, which aims to give wholesale companies a tax break if they are fully automated and the building comprised of at least 190,000 square feet. If passed, the bill will become effective Jan. 1, 2021.
The SFA said the bill would have a negative fiscal impact on state and local governments since an exemption would reduce local property tax revenue and School Aid Fund revenue, which must be reimbursed through the general fund.
The revenue reduction would depend on the exempted personal property and millage rates.
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, voted “no.”
“The state tends to bend over backwards to get new companies into the state by offering tax incentives and lucrative packages to lure these companies here, and that’s not a level playing field,” McMorrow said.
McMorrow disagreed with spending taxpayer money to incentivize automation.
“We’ve seen over the past decade or so, the tax burden shift radically from companies onto the backs of taxpayers so people who live in our communities every day feel like they’re paying much more and getting much less,” McMorrow said.
In October, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced a giveaway of $5.1 million of taxpayer money to three companies.
John Mozena, president of the Center for Economic Accountability, has previously told The Center Square that corporate tax giveaways are ineffective – citing Amazon’s HQ2, choosing Alexandria, Va. over Bethesda, Md., even though the former offered roughly $5 billion more in subsidies.
“If $5 billion can’t convince Amazon to move 10 miles, then how are any of these subsidies that the MEDC are handing out going to make any difference in what these corporations do?” Mozena asked.
Michigan’s business incentive programs have increased a company’s employment and sales but cost taxpayers an average of $593,913 per job created per year.
Both bills still must pass the House and be signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to become law.
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-06--MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Nashville on Drug and Firearms Charges

A federal grand jury in Nashville late last month returned a 16-count superseding indictment charging seven MS-13 gang members with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana , along with serious firearm-related offenses .
This , according to a press release that Davidson County officials published on their website .
Those charged are Carlos Ochoa-Martinez , 31 ; Jason Sandoval , 35 ; Jorge Flores , 28 ; all of Nashville .
Authorities also charged Jose Pineda-Caceres , 22 , and Franklin Hernandez , 21 , both of Honduras ; Gerson Serrano-Ramirez , 33 , of El Salvador ; and Juan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The indictment alleges that beginning in 2014 and continuing until yesterday , the defendants conspired with each other to obtain bulk quantities of marijuana and cocaine for redistribution in and around Middle Tennessee .
Once the drugs were received , the defendants would reduce them into smaller quantities and sell them in and around nightclubs in Nashville , and from the parking lots and restrooms of these establishments , ” according to the press release .
“ In order to maximize drug distribution in these nightclubs , the defendants would threaten rival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to sell cocaine and marijuana in the nightclubs .
The indictment further alleges that , in order to protect their drugs , territory and proceeds , the defendants would acquire , carry and discharge firearms , and to maintain and extend control over their drug distribution they would commit acts involving murder , intimidation and assault against individuals who jeopardized their operations , including rival drug dealers.
” The defendants , if convicted , face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to 40 years .
As reported last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee unsealed a complaint charging the leader of an MS-13 Gang with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm .
As The Tennessee Star reported last year , authorities arrested an alleged MS-13 member and illegal immigrant for allegedly kidnapping and beating a local high school student .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

A federal grand jury in Nashville late last month returned a 16-count superseding indictment charging seven MS-13 gang members with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, along with serious firearm-related offenses.
This, according to a press release that Davidson County officials published on their website.
Those charged are Carlos Ochoa-Martinez, 31; Jason Sandoval, 35; Jorge Flores, 28; all of Nashville.
Authorities also charged Jose Pineda-Caceres, 22, and Franklin Hernandez, 21, both of Honduras; Gerson Serrano-Ramirez, 33, of El Salvador; and Juan Melendez, 25, of Lebanon.
“The indictment alleges that beginning in 2014 and continuing until yesterday, the defendants conspired with each other to obtain bulk quantities of marijuana and cocaine for redistribution in and around Middle Tennessee. Once the drugs were received, the defendants would reduce them into smaller quantities and sell them in and around nightclubs in Nashville, and from the parking lots and restrooms of these establishments,” according to the press release.
“In order to maximize drug distribution in these nightclubs, the defendants would threaten rival and competing drug dealers who sold and attempted to sell cocaine and marijuana in the nightclubs. The indictment further alleges that, in order to protect their drugs, territory and proceeds, the defendants would acquire, carry and discharge firearms, and to maintain and extend control over their drug distribution they would commit acts involving murder, intimidation and assault against individuals who jeopardized their operations, including rival drug dealers.”
The defendants, if convicted, face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to 40 years.
As reported last month, officials with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee unsealed a complaint charging the leader of an MS-13 Gang with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
As The Tennessee Star reported last year, authorities arrested an alleged MS-13 member and illegal immigrant for allegedly kidnapping and beating a local high school student.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-07--Ballot Transfer Forms Show Cobb County Violated Georgia Election Rule Requiring Absentee Ballots fro

Ballot Transfer Forms Show Cobb County Violated Georgia Election Rule Requiring Absentee Ballots from Drop Boxes ‘Be Immediately Transported to the County Registrar’

A review of drop box ballot transfer forms reveals that Cobb County violated the Rules of the State Election Board for Absentee Voting that requires absentee ballots from drop box locations be “ immediately transported ” to the county registrar .
Specifically , the Rule of the State Election Board of the Georgia Election Code Chapter 183-1 for Absentee Voting states , “ The ballots from the drop box shall be immediately transported to the county registrar and processed and stored in the same manner as absentee ballots returned by mail are processed and stored.
” The definition of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention ; at once ; instantly , ” according to thefreedictionary.com .
Yet , in some cases , absentee ballots collected from ballot drop boxes placed in 16 locations around Cobb County were not transported for hours and sometimes not for days after being collected from the drop box .
This , according to copies of 400 Drop Box Ballot Transfer forms provided to The Georgia Star by the Cobb County Election Director in response to an open records request , after initially not producing documentation for more than 89,000 absentee ballots delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests were also made by The Star to Georgia ’ s DeKalb County , Gwinnett County , and Fulton County .
As reported , DeKalb County Assistant District Attorney responded Friday instead of the election offices to the request , saying that they did not know if the records exist that document the critical chain of custody for absentee ballots exist .
Gwinnett County advises they are working on locating the forms but has not produced them yet , and Fulton County has not even responded to The Star ’ s requests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Transfer of Absentee Ballots serves as part of the critical chain of custody .
Included on the forms is the location , date and time of collection of the absentee ballots from the drop box , the number of absentee ballots , the collection team who “ surrender ” the absentee ballots to the registrar , as well as the name and signature of the registrar or designee receiving the absentee ballots and the time of the transfer of the ballots .
Very telling is that , in keeping with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being “ immediately transported , ” there is no separate date line for the time of transfer from the collection team to the county registrar , indicating that the transfer at the very least must take place on the same day .
In addition to other stipulations , the rules also require that the collection of ballots from a drop box must be made by a team of two people that have sworn an oath in the same form as the oath for poll officers set forth in O.C.G.A .
21-2-95 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer forms , received by The Star in five separate files , it appears that during the early voting period of September 18 to November 2 , there were four , two-person teams that made the collections from the 16 drop box locations .
The team members , at least one of whom remained constant throughout the period , are identified only by using their initials .
Team 4 – N.D. and C.S .
or M.T .
or D.M .
or C.D .
Teams 2 , 3 and 4 for the most part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering multiple drop box locations for each run .
As for the role of the registrar or designee , forms were signed by one of three different individuals : C.R.
, S.P.
, and J.M .
The C.R .
that signed as the registrar in many instances , is the same C.R .
that was part of collections Team 1 .
However , C.R .
did not sign any of the drop box ballot transfer forms as the registrar when acting as a member of collection Team 1 .
Rather noticeable on review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transporting absentee ballots from the drop boxes to the country registrar , the collections from multiple boxes per run – sometimes covering all 16 locations – necessitated several hours between the team ’ s first collection location and the transfer of the ballots to the registrar .
A far cry from “ immediately transported , ” the total time between collection of absentee ballots from a drop box and transfer to the registrar ranged from 1 hour and 30 minutes to as much as 7 hours and 15 minutes .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box absentee ballots actually occurred on the same day .
However , there were at least 6 separate instances involving a total of more than 1,800 ballots when Team 4 collections were not officially transferred to the registrar until the next day .
Even more egregious , one collection by Team 4 of 227 drop box absentee ballots was transferred 2 days later and another collection by Team 4 of 274 ballots was transferred 3 days later .
Another three collections by Team 4 totaling over 800 drop box absentee ballots had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of hours or days between collection and transfer to the registrar .
All of the Team 4 drop box ballot transfer forms were signed by S.P .
as the registrar or registrar ’ s designee .
Other anomalies revealed in the audit of the drop box ballot transfer forms included at least one instance of : – No signature and name of the registrar or designee at the time the drop box absentee ballots were surrendered by the collections team – No “ transfer time ” of the drop box ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or designee – No collection time of the absentee ballots from the drop box by the collections team – No closing seal number at the registrar when the drop box ballots were transferred Data from Cobb County election officials indicates that 89,445 absentee ballots were submitted via drop box , the vast majority of which were in violation of Georgia Election Code by not being “ immediately transported ” from the drop box to the county registrar .
Just 11,928 votes separate President Donald Trump from Joe Biden in Georgia , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Star reported , fraud-prone absentee ballot drop boxes will have cost Trump the election if Biden should win the state , according to a pollster .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star .
Photo “ Cobb County Drop Box Website Lookup ” by Cobb County and “ Cobb County Ballot Drop Box ” is by Cobb County .
Editor ’ s note : Although the election workers ’ full names are included on the Cobb County Ballot Drop Box Transfer Forms , only the first and last initials @ @ @ @ @ @

A review of drop box ballot transfer forms reveals that Cobb County violated the Rules of the State Election Board for Absentee Voting that requires absentee ballots from drop box locations be “immediately transported” to the county registrar.
Specifically, the Rule of the State Election Board of the Georgia Election Code Chapter 183-1 for Absentee Voting states, “The ballots from the drop box shall be immediately transported to the county registrar and processed and stored in the same manner as absentee ballots returned by mail are processed and stored.”
The definition of “immediately” is “without delay or intervention; at once; instantly,” according to thefreedictionary.com.
Yet, in some cases, absentee ballots collected from ballot drop boxes placed in 16 locations around Cobb County were not transported for hours and sometimes not for days after being collected from the drop box.
This, according to copies of 400 Drop Box Ballot Transfer forms provided to The Georgia Star News by the Cobb County Election Director in response to an open records request, after initially not producing documentation for more than 89,000 absentee ballots delivered from drop boxes.
Other open records requests were also made by The Star News to Georgia’s DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, and Fulton County.
As reported, DeKalb County Assistant District Attorney responded Friday instead of the election offices to the request, saying that they did not know if the records exist that document the critical chain of custody for absentee ballots exist.
Gwinnett County advises they are working on locating the forms but has not produced them yet, and Fulton County has not even responded to The Star’s requests.
The Drop Box Ballot Transfer Form used for the Transfer of Absentee Ballots serves as part of the critical chain of custody.
Included on the forms is the location, date and time of collection of the absentee ballots from the drop box, the number of absentee ballots, the collection team who “surrender” the absentee ballots to the registrar, as well as the name and signature of the registrar or designee receiving the absentee ballots and the time of the transfer of the ballots.
Very telling is that, in keeping with the requirement for absentee ballots from drop boxes being “immediately transported,” there is no separate date line for the time of transfer from the collection team to the county registrar, indicating that the transfer at the very least must take place on the same day.
In addition to other stipulations, the rules also require that the collection of ballots from a drop box must be made by a team of two people that have sworn an oath in the same form as the oath for poll officers set forth in O.C.G.A. 21-2-95.
In reviewing the Cobb County drop box ballot transfer forms, received by The Star News in five separate files, it appears that during the early voting period of September 18 to November 2, there were four, two-person teams that made the collections from the 16 drop box locations.
The team members, at least one of whom remained constant throughout the period, are identified only by using their initials.
Team 1 – C.R. and D.R. or O.A.
Team 2 – W.S. and S.C. or J.W.
Team 3 – J.T. and A.T.
Team 4 – N.D. and C.S. or M.T. or D.M. or C.D.
Teams 2, 3 and 4 for the most part made a similar route each time, covering multiple drop box locations for each run.
As for the role of the registrar or designee, forms were signed by one of three different individuals: C.R., S.P., and J.M.
The C.R. that signed as the registrar in many instances, is the same C.R. that was part of collections Team 1. However, C.R. did not sign any of the drop box ballot transfer forms as the registrar when acting as a member of collection Team 1.
Rather noticeable on review was the fact that rather than immediately transporting absentee ballots from the drop boxes to the country registrar, the collections from multiple boxes per run – sometimes covering all 16 locations – necessitated several hours between the team’s first collection location and the transfer of the ballots to the registrar.
A far cry from “immediately transported,” the total time between collection of absentee ballots from a drop box and transfer to the registrar ranged from 1 hour and 30 minutes to as much as 7 hours and 15 minutes.
That’s when the collection and transfer of drop box absentee ballots actually occurred on the same day.
However, there were at least 6 separate instances involving a total of more than 1,800 ballots when Team 4 collections were not officially transferred to the registrar until the next day.
Even more egregious, one collection by Team 4 of 227 drop box absentee ballots was transferred 2 days later and another collection by Team 4 of 274 ballots was transferred 3 days later.
Another three collections by Team 4 totaling over 800 drop box absentee ballots had no record of a.m. or p.m. to determine the number of hours or days between collection and transfer to the registrar.
All of the Team 4 drop box ballot transfer forms were signed by S.P. as the registrar or registrar’s designee.
Other anomalies revealed in the audit of the drop box ballot transfer forms included at least one instance of:
– No signature and name of the registrar or designee at the time the drop box absentee ballots were surrendered by the collections team
– No “transfer time” of the drop box ballots from the collection team to the registrar or designee
– No collection time of the absentee ballots from the drop box by the collections team
– No closing seal number at the registrar when the drop box ballots were transferred
Data from Cobb County election officials indicates that 89,445 absentee ballots were submitted via drop box, the vast majority of which were in violation of Georgia Election Code by not being “immediately transported” from the drop box to the county registrar.
Just 11,928 votes separate President Donald Trump from Joe Biden in Georgia, according to unofficial election results in Georgia.
As The Star News reported, fraud-prone absentee ballot drop boxes will have cost Trump the election if Biden should win the state, according to a pollster.
View the Cobb County Ballot Drop Box Transfer Forms:
– – –
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star.
Photo “Cobb County Drop Box Website Lookup” by Cobb County and “Cobb County Ballot Drop Box” is by Cobb County.
Editor’s note: Although the election workers’ full names are included on the Cobb County Ballot Drop Box Transfer Forms, only the first and last initials are used in this article.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-07--Etsy Bans MAGA Knitter’s Hats for ‘Harmful Misinformation’

E-commerce platform Etsy that sells handmade , vintage items and craft supplies , says it is stamping out “ harmful misinformation… from knitters making MAGA-themed beanies , according to Breitbart .
“ Conservative author and activist Michelle Malkin reported that Etsy user “ Deplorable Knitter ” had her beanie hats bearing the “ Stop the Steal ” slogan , a Republican rallying cry against voter fraud , banned from the platform , ” Breitbart reports .
“ Trump Derangement Syndrome strikes crafters AGAIN .
My friend Deplorable Knitter told me her # StopTheSteal hats have been banned on Etsy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The hats are still available for purchase via Deplorable Knitter ’ s Instagram page .
Malkin , a self confirmed crocheter , wrote , “ Here ’ s the email notification from Etsy : ‘ Certain types of content are not appropriate for the Etsy marketplace .
This includes content that promotes or endorses harmful misinformation , including items that can obstruct election integrity.
’ ” Etsy confirmed that Deplorable Knitter ’ s hats were indeed removed for violating the platform ’ s rules on “ harmful misinformation.
” Harmful misinformation is characterized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information to cause real-world harm .
This includes misinformation that endangers a member ’ s or the public ’ s health or safety , or that obstructs civic engagement or election integrity .
It also includes content that amplifies people , places or organizations as targets of harassment or violence based on misinformation .
Examples include , but are not limited to : • Items or listings with misinformation that impedes a member ’ s civic engagement , such as registering to vote , voting , or participating in the census • Items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health or safety of the public or members , such as anti-vaccine claims • Items or listings with misinformation that encourages harassment or violence towards people or groups , such as holocaust denial claims According to Breitbart , Etsy is banning MAGA-supporting hats , however many items dedicated to the violent , extremist “ Antifa ” movement are available for purchase through the platform .
These include a button featuring a spiked , bloody baseball bat featuring the slogan “ bash the fash.
” Many of the Antifa-themed listings are still available as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breitbart reported .

by Catherine Smith
E-commerce platform Etsy that sells handmade, vintage items and craft supplies, says it is stamping out “harmful misinformation… from knitters making MAGA-themed beanies, according to Breitbart.
“Conservative author and activist Michelle Malkin reported that Etsy user “Deplorable Knitter” had her beanie hats bearing the “Stop the Steal” slogan, a Republican rallying cry against voter fraud, banned from the platform,” Breitbart reports.
“Trump Derangement Syndrome strikes crafters AGAIN. My friend Deplorable Knitter told me her #StopTheSteal hats have been banned on Etsy,” said Malkin in a tweet.
The hats are still available for purchase via Deplorable Knitter’s Instagram page.
Malkin, a self confirmed crocheter, wrote, “Here’s the email notification from Etsy: ‘Certain types of content are not appropriate for the Etsy marketplace. This includes content that promotes or endorses harmful misinformation, including items that can obstruct election integrity.’”
THREAD: Trump Derangement Syndrome strikes crafters AGAIN. My friend Deplorable Knitter told me her #StopTheSteal hats have been banned on Etsy. /1 pic.twitter.com/APcEoZIhXg — Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) December 2, 2020
Etsy confirmed that Deplorable Knitter’s hats were indeed removed for violating the platform’s rules on “harmful misinformation.”
Etsy’s policy states:
Harmful misinformation is characterized by the propensity for false or inaccurate information to cause real-world harm. This includes misinformation that endangers a member’s or the public’s health or safety, or that obstructs civic engagement or election integrity. It also includes content that amplifies people, places or organizations as targets of harassment or violence based on misinformation. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Items or listings with misinformation that impedes a member’s civic engagement, such as registering to vote, voting, or participating in the census
Items or listings with misinformation that risks the health or safety of the public or members, such as anti-vaccine claims
Items or listings with misinformation that encourages harassment or violence towards people or groups, such as holocaust denial claims
According to Breitbart, Etsy is banning MAGA-supporting hats, however many items dedicated to the violent, extremist “Antifa” movement are available for purchase through the platform. These include a button featuring a spiked, bloody baseball bat featuring the slogan “bash the fash.”
Many of the Antifa-themed listings are still available as of this article’s publication, Breitbart reported.
– – –
Catherine Smith is a reporter at American Greatness.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-07--Sheriff Slams California COVID-19 Orders, Says He Won’t Restrict ‘Civil Liberties’

A California Sheriff criticized recent coronavirus regulations and vowed that his department would not be used as “ muscle ” to enforce the orders on the residents of his county in a Friday announcement .
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco spoke out in a video against Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s recent COVID-19 mandate that restricts businesses and requires residents to stay home if intensive care unit capacity drops below 15 % in certain areas .
The sheriff also lambasted state authorities who threatened to withhold state funding from counties that defied virus regulations in early September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are flat-out ridiculous , ” Bianco said in the video .
“ The metrics used for closures are unbelievably faulty and are not representative of true numbers and are disastrous for Riverside County .
“ He is expecting us to arrest anyone violating these orders , cite them and take their money , close their businesses , make them stay in their homes and take away their civil liberties or he will punish all of us , ” he continued .
“ I believe that all jobs are essential to someone .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state has threatened action against violators , the Riverside County Sheriff ’ s Department will not be blackmailed , bullied or used as muscle against Riverside County residents in the enforcement of the governor ’ s orders.
” The sheriff also referred to Newsom ’ s personal behavior during the pandemic as “ extremely hypocritical.
” The governor was seen in photographs appearing to dine indoors with a crowd at a luxury restaurant , despite passing a slew of restrictive COVID-19 measures .
“ The dictatorial attitude toward California residents while dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business open and sending his kids to in-person , private schools is very telling about his attitude toward California residents , his feelings about the virus , and it is extremely hypocritical , ” Bianco said .
“ It appears part of the new goal is to shift attention away from his and others personal behavior with a ‘ do as I say , not as I do attitude ’ by turning public opinion against California sheriffs .
”

by Jake Dima
A California Sheriff criticized recent coronavirus regulations and vowed that his department would not be used as “muscle” to enforce the orders on the residents of his county in a Friday announcement.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco spoke out in a video against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent COVID-19 mandate that restricts businesses and requires residents to stay home if intensive care unit capacity drops below 15% in certain areas. The sheriff also lambasted state authorities who threatened to withhold state funding from counties that defied virus regulations in early September.
“These closures and these stay-at-home orders are flat-out ridiculous,” Bianco said in the video. “The metrics used for closures are unbelievably faulty and are not representative of true numbers and are disastrous for Riverside County.
“He is expecting us to arrest anyone violating these orders, cite them and take their money, close their businesses, make them stay in their homes and take away their civil liberties or he will punish all of us,” he continued. “I believe that all jobs are essential to someone.
“While the governor’s office and the state has threatened action against violators, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will not be blackmailed, bullied or used as muscle against Riverside County residents in the enforcement of the governor’s orders.”
The sheriff also referred to Newsom’s personal behavior during the pandemic as “extremely hypocritical.” The governor was seen in photographs appearing to dine indoors with a crowd at a luxury restaurant, despite passing a slew of restrictive COVID-19 measures.
“The dictatorial attitude toward California residents while dining in luxury, traveling, keeping his business open and sending his kids to in-person, private schools is very telling about his attitude toward California residents, his feelings about the virus, and it is extremely hypocritical,” Bianco said.
“It appears part of the new goal is to shift attention away from his and others personal behavior with a ‘do as I say, not as I do attitude’ by turning public opinion against California sheriffs.”
EXCLUSIVE: We've obtained photos of Governor Gavin Newsom at the Napa dinner party he's in hot water over. The photos call into question just how outdoors the dinner was. A witness who took photos tells us his group was so loud, the sliding doors had to be closed. 10pm on @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/gtOVEwa864 — Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) November 18, 2020
– – –
Jake Dima is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-07--Raphael Warnock Refused to Say if He Supports Expanding the Supreme Court During Georgia Senate Deba

Raphael Warnock Refused to Say if He Supports Expanding the Supreme Court During Georgia Senate Debate

Democratic senate candidate Raphael Warnock refused to say during a debate Sunday whether he supports “ court packing , ” or adding seats to the Supreme Court .
“ As I move all across the state … people aren ’ t asking me about the courts and whether we should expand the courts , ” Warnock said at the debate against Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler , a Republican .
“ I know that ’ s an interesting question for people inside the beltway to discuss , but they are wondering when in the world they are going to get some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pastor at Atlanta ’ s Ebenezer Baptist Church .
Asked again by a debate moderator whether he supports adding seats to the court , he replied : “ I ’ m really not focused on it.
” Majority control of the Senate next year depends on the outcome of the Loeffler-Warnock race , as well as another race in Georgia between incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff .
Republicans have asserted that , should Democrats take control of the Senate , they will enact a series of radical measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tax hikes and ending the filibuster .
Republicans have to win at least one of the races in order to retain majority control of the Senate .
Should both Warnock and Ossoff win their races , Senate Democrats will likely face pressure from some in their party to expand the court .
Progressives began pushing the idea during the Democratic primaries last year .
It gained steam after President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court after she died in September .
President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say whether he supports the measure .
He has not staked his position on the measure since winning the election last month .

by Chuck Ross
Democratic senate candidate Raphael Warnock refused to say during a debate Sunday whether he supports “court packing,” or adding seats to the Supreme Court.
“As I move all across the state … people aren’t asking me about the courts and whether we should expand the courts,” Warnock said at the debate against Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a Republican.
“I know that’s an interesting question for people inside the beltway to discuss, but they are wondering when in the world they are going to get some COVID-19 relief,” added Warnock, a pastor at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Asked again by a debate moderator whether he supports adding seats to the court, he replied: “I’m really not focused on it.”
Georgia senate candidate Raphael Warnock refuses to answer whether he supports packing the court: "I'm really not focused on it." pic.twitter.com/YQTCjeAW6W — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 7, 2020
Majority control of the Senate next year depends on the outcome of the Loeffler-Warnock race, as well as another race in Georgia between incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff.
Republicans have asserted that, should Democrats take control of the Senate, they will enact a series of radical measures, including expansion of the Supreme Court, tax hikes and ending the filibuster.
Republicans have to win at least one of the races in order to retain majority control of the Senate.
Should both Warnock and Ossoff win their races, Senate Democrats will likely face pressure from some in their party to expand the court.
Progressives began pushing the idea during the Democratic primaries last year. It gained steam after President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court after she died in September.
President-elect Joe Biden also refused during the presidential campaign to say whether he supports the measure. He has not staked his position on the measure since winning the election last month.
Watch the full debate:
– – –
Chuck Ross is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.