thetennesseestar--2020-09-06--Governor DeWine: Punts Real Issue, Hands-Off 6,000-Fan Variance to Browns and Bengals, Continues to

Governor DeWine: Punts Real Issue, Hands-Off 6,000-Fan Variance to Browns and Bengals, Continues to Penalize Ohio

Governor Mike DeWine announced on Saturday his grant of a spectator variance for the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals .
Both NFL clubs received exceptions to the current state order limiting spectators to the lesser of 1,500 people or 15 percent of the fixed , seated capacity .
The variance allows 1,500 people to sit at each end of the stadium – north , south , east and west – for a maximum capacity of 6,000 during the following games : The variance comes two days after DeWine said in a COVID press conference “ … people have to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of year , you need to be outside.
” The consistency regarding orders seems to be distance – Cedar Point ( Sandusky , Ohio amusement park ) can have up to 25,000 people on the grounds during a weekend .
That capacity limit seems to be due to the expansive site on which the park sits versus the area of a football stadium .
“ These very thorough plans and safety precautions warrant a two-game trial to try and accommodate fans , at reduced capacities with social distancing and masks , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Browns and Bengals organizations submitted that the state approved .
Still at odds though : 1 ) people are not yet restored to “ personal choice ” – they can not get back to normal life because the narrative is that their freedoms may put them in contact with COVID and they may contract and carry the virus without even knowing it and then pass it along to a more vulnerable person ( or as DeWine says “ kill Grandma ” ) ; 2 ) All of Ohio ’ s direct indicators show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected strength and deadliness – R-Naught is below one and has been since June 28 ; Positive test rate is below five percent ; increased testing has increased cases but hospitalization and deaths have been trending downward since July– fewer cases from April to May resulted in more hospitalizations and deaths than multiple-more cases have at present .
The decline in hospitalizations and deaths comes even as both categories have wide and liberal definitions , warned CDC Director Robert Redfield .
Redfield said hospitals are incented to count patients as COVID-positive .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 6 % of current deaths were due to only COVID and the other 94 % were due to COVID and pre-existing conditions ( although some causes should absolutely be removed from the toll – suicides , overdoses and domestic violence , to name a few ) .
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star .
Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV .
Follow Jack on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Cleveland Browns Stadium ” by Ak169808 .
@ @ @ @

Governor Mike DeWine announced on Saturday his grant of a spectator variance for the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.
Both NFL clubs received exceptions to the current state order limiting spectators to the lesser of 1,500 people or 15 percent of the fixed, seated capacity.
The variance allows 1,500 people to sit at each end of the stadium – north, south, east and west – for a maximum capacity of 6,000 during the following games:
September 17: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
September 27: Washington at Cleveland Browns
October 4: Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals
October 25: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
The variance comes two days after DeWine said in a COVID press conference
“… people have to make choices. Inside or outside? This time of year, you need to be outside.”
The consistency regarding orders seems to be distance – Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio amusement park) can have up to 25,000 people on the grounds during a weekend. That capacity limit seems to be due to the expansive site on which the park sits versus the area of a football stadium.
“These very thorough plans and safety precautions warrant a two-game trial to try and accommodate fans, at reduced capacities with social distancing and masks,” said Governor DeWine of the plans the Browns and Bengals organizations submitted that the state approved.
Still at odds though:
1) people are not yet restored to “personal choice” – they cannot get back to normal life because the narrative is that their freedoms may put them in contact with COVID and they may contract and carry the virus without even knowing it and then pass it along to a more vulnerable person (or as DeWine says “kill Grandma”);
2) All of Ohio’s direct indicators show that the virus is nowhere near its projected strength and deadliness – R-Naught is below one and has been since June 28; Positive test rate is below five percent; increased testing has increased cases but hospitalization and deaths have been trending downward since July– fewer cases from April to May resulted in more hospitalizations and deaths than multiple-more cases have at present.
The decline in hospitalizations and deaths comes even as both categories have wide and liberal definitions, warned CDC Director Robert Redfield. Redfield said hospitals are incented to count patients as COVID-positive.
The CDC indicated the week of August 24 that 6% of current deaths were due to only COVID and the other 94% were due to COVID and pre-existing conditions (although some causes should absolutely be removed from the toll – suicides, overdoses and domestic violence, to name a few).
– – –
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star. Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV. Follow Jack on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Cleveland Browns Stadium” by Ak169808. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-06--Trump Boat Parade Trend Comes to Minnesota

Supporters of President Donald Trump are planning to hold a number of boat parades across the state this weekend .
The president discussed the new political trend during his recent stop in Minneapolis .
“ Boaters for Trump – this just started .
It started with one great gentleman , he had a boat and they didn ’ t want him to put up a little sign on his lawn that said ‘ Trump Pence.
’ Right ?
Little sign .
He said , ‘ I ’ ll put it on my boat.
’ He put it on the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sudden they had thousands of boats .
Really what happened – it developed all over the country .
Where there ’ s a lake , a river , or an ocean , you got thousands of them every weekend , ” said Trump .
According to Guinness World Records , the largest parade of boats occurred in Malaysia in 2014 and consisted 1,180 boats as part of the Malaysia Day celebrations .
Guinness World Records confirmed that it is reviewing an August Trump boat parade that took place in Clearwater , Florida to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least four similar events are planned for this weekend in Minnesota , including one boat parade that will process from Prescott , Wisconsin , to Stillwater , Minnesota .
A second is scheduled for Saturday afternoon on Lake Minnetonka .
A third parade will take place Sunday in Champlin while a fourth event is scheduled for Monday at Leech Lake .
Trump supporters in Alexandria paraded across Lake Carlos last Sunday to show their support for the president .
“ Let me tell you , Donald Trump , our president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Mary Franson said during the event .
“ Look at all these boats today .
We have an amazing , amazing amount of support for our president here in Minnesota and we are going to do it .
”

by Anthony Gockowski
Supporters of President Donald Trump are planning to hold a number of boat parades across the state this weekend.
The president discussed the new political trend during his recent stop in Minneapolis.
“Boaters for Trump – this just started. It started with one great gentleman, he had a boat and they didn’t want him to put up a little sign on his lawn that said ‘Trump Pence.’ Right? Little sign. He said, ‘I’ll put it on my boat.’ He put it on the side of his boat and all of the sudden they had thousands of boats. Really what happened – it developed all over the country. Where there’s a lake, a river, or an ocean, you got thousands of them every weekend,” said Trump.
According to Guinness World Records, the largest parade of boats occurred in Malaysia in 2014 and consisted 1,180 boats as part of the Malaysia Day celebrations. Guinness World Records confirmed that it is reviewing an August Trump boat parade that took place in Clearwater, Florida to determine if it broke the world record.
At least four similar events are planned for this weekend in Minnesota, including one boat parade that will process from Prescott, Wisconsin, to Stillwater, Minnesota. A second is scheduled for Saturday afternoon on Lake Minnetonka.
A third parade will take place Sunday in Champlin while a fourth event is scheduled for Monday at Leech Lake.
Trump supporters in Alexandria paraded across Lake Carlos last Sunday to show their support for the president.
“Let me tell you, Donald Trump, our president, is going to win Minnesota,” Rep. Mary Franson said during the event. “Look at all these boats today. We have an amazing, amazing amount of support for our president here in Minnesota and we are going to do it.”
– – –
Photo “Donald Trump Boat Parade” by Mary Franson.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-06--Battleground Minnesota Saga: Donald Trump Jr. and Jill Biden to Host Campaign Events on the Same Day

Battleground Minnesota Saga: Donald Trump Jr. and Jill Biden to Host Campaign Events on the Same Day Next Week

Both Donald Trump Jr. and Jill Biden on September 9 will arrive in Minnesota as part of campaign efforts for the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates .
Trump Jr. will host a “ Make America Great Again ” rally in Duluth , while Jill while host a “ Back to School Tour ” in the Twin Cities .
These visits are the latest in a campaign tug of war over Minnesota .
Most recently , President Donald J. Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden released back-to-back campaign ads in the state .
Both opponents pointed fingers at the other as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s appearance is the first in-person visit from Biden ’ s campaign .
Joe Biden ’ s running-mate , Kamala Harris , appeared in a virtual roundtable with several Democratic state leaders .
Joe Biden will not visit Minnesota until after Labor Day .
“ I do believe a path to victory runs through Minnesota , ” Harris said in an interview with WCCO .
Prior to the ads , Vice President Mike Pence also visited Duluth a few weeks after President Trump stopped briefly to speak in Mankato .
Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formally endorsing Trump .
Just before Pence ’ s visit , C-SPAN had to change their phone line labels after an “ overwhelming amount ” of Democrats called declaring their vote for Trump following the Republican National Convention .
The polling group that correctly predicted many of the 2016 voting outcomes reports an ever-closing gap between Democratic candidate Joe Biden and President Donald Trump .
Trump narrowly lost Minnesota to Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
If Trump wins the electoral vote in this state , it will mark the first time in nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican president .
Trump Jr ’ s event will occur at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center at 5 p.m. Jill ’ s event does not have an official time or place as of yet .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Donald Trump Jr. ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Both Donald Trump Jr. and Jill Biden on September 9 will arrive in Minnesota as part of campaign efforts for the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates. Trump Jr. will host a “Make America Great Again” rally in Duluth, while Jill while host a “Back to School Tour” in the Twin Cities.
These visits are the latest in a campaign tug of war over Minnesota. Most recently, President Donald J. Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden released back-to-back campaign ads in the state. Both opponents pointed fingers at the other as the blame for nationwide riots.
Jill Biden’s appearance is the first in-person visit from Biden’s campaign. Joe Biden’s running-mate, Kamala Harris, appeared in a virtual roundtable with several Democratic state leaders. Joe Biden will not visit Minnesota until after Labor Day.
“I do believe a path to victory runs through Minnesota,” Harris said in an interview with WCCO.
Prior to the ads, Vice President Mike Pence also visited Duluth a few weeks after President Trump stopped briefly to speak in Mankato. Pence’s visit saw six Democratic mayors formally endorsing Trump.
Just before Pence’s visit, C-SPAN had to change their phone line labels after an “overwhelming amount” of Democrats called declaring their vote for Trump following the Republican National Convention.
The polling group that correctly predicted many of the 2016 voting outcomes reports an ever-closing gap between Democratic candidate Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. Trump narrowly lost Minnesota to Hillary Clinton in 2016. If Trump wins the electoral vote in this state, it will mark the first time in nearly fifty years that Minnesotans have voted for a Republican president.
Trump Jr’s event will occur at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center at 5 p.m. Jill’s event does not have an official time or place as of yet.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Donald Trump Jr.” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-06--Former Vanderbilt University Professor Carol Swain Weighs in on Constitution Question Scandal at Her

Former Vanderbilt University Professor Carol Swain Weighs in on Constitution Question Scandal at Her Teaching Alma Mater

Dr. Carol M. Swain appeared on Fox News Channel ’ s Fox and Friends Weekend Edition to discuss the recent backlash facing Vanderbilt University for asking a quiz question suggesting the Constitution may perpetuate White supremacy by protecting the institution of slavery .
Host : Vanderbilt University is facing backlash for a quiz asking students this question .
“ Was the Constitution to perpetuate White supremacy and protect the institution of slavery ?
” One student in the class telling The Federalist that he was penalized for agreeing with the statement although the university claims that is not the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Trump advisory board member and former Vanderbilt professor Dr. Carol Swain .
Dr. Swain this is your alma mater in terms of teaching .
What is your reaction to this story of whether or not the Constitution was founded on the protection of white supremacy ?
Swain : Well we know that the true answer is false .
And I ’ m not surprised that a question like that might appear on a university quiz because today the political left they walk in lockstep .
And The 1619 narrative , The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dialogue today .
Host : Vanderbilt University by the way said the following in response to this controversy .
The question was supposed to stimulate conversation .
The intent behind the purpose of the academic exercise has been misconstrued .
Still doctor .
This is is an issue not just at Vanderbilt but across higher education and perhaps lower education as well .
I want to ask you about this story from USC where a professor in a language course at the business school was talking about Chinese filler words .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we use them as filler words we use in English and the Chinese filler word sounded like a racial slur in English and for that he has been placed on leave because some students were purportedly offended .
Swain : Well students are always offended about something .
And what has happened in this culture of political correctness is that anyone at any time can claim to be offended and the professor bears the burden of that .
And even if you are a tenured professor you are not protected .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer be educated because there is no way to educate students when you can ’ t teach your subject matter because someone in the classroom might be offended and complain .
And what they have given at many universities because of the multiculturalism and diversity inclusion equity they have given minority students a veto power over everything that a professor does .
And it means that no real education is taking place at most institutions .
And it ’ s not just colleges and universities .
It ’ s also K-12 now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ theory .
It ’ s destroying American education just like it ’ s destroying other institutions .
Host : I want to get to that theory in just a moment , the one you mentioned , critical race theory .
Do you believe this is driven out of students who are offended or is this a power grab ?
Something designed and used to take down a professor or a history book or whatever the target may be .
Swain : I think we ’ ve been training our students for a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The whole concept of a micro-aggression is a perceived slight .
And so universities have asked professors to give trigger warnings before they teach any subject that might offend someone or what offends a person today .
The rules change constantly .
There is no way you can teach or operate in an environment where the rules change daily .
Host : Again this was a word in Chinese that sounded liked an English language racial slur .
The USC put out a statement , a USC faculty member during a class used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a racial slur in English .
We acknowledge the historical and cultural impact of racist language .
The faculty member agreed to take a short term pause .
Another professor teaches that one course but he continues to teach his others .
We are reviewing to better understand the situation and take the appropriate steps .
Let us return now Professor Swain to what you mentioned about critical race theory .
Just last night the White House said federal agencies who teach critical race theories with a divisive racial sensitivity training will no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting an end to any types of these programs .
What are your thoughts on that ?
Swain : I would say , praise the Lord !
Because I think the diversity , equity , and does the opposite it says it will do .
It is divisiveness training .
And what I believe what America needs is unity training .
And it ’ s something that I will be speaking and writing more about .
But corporations and schools , they need people that respect everyone ’ s rights that are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goals of the institution .
We do not need divisiveness training .
We need unity training .
We need teams to come together .
And what ’ s taking place today comes out of critical race theory and critical theory .
It is Marxist .
It is destroying America and its institutions .
Host : I hope you do write more about it .
Critical race theory is something not many people understand or know much about and yet it ’ s the underpinning of so much of this going on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and higher education as well .
Swain : And churches .
Churches as well .
Host : Alright Dr. Carol Swain .
Thank you so much for your time today .

Dr. Carol M. Swain appeared on Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends Weekend Edition to discuss the recent backlash facing Vanderbilt University for asking a quiz question suggesting the Constitution may perpetuate White supremacy by protecting the institution of slavery. Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Host: Vanderbilt University is facing backlash for a quiz asking students this question. “Was the Constitution to perpetuate White supremacy and protect the institution of slavery?” One student in the class telling The Federalist that he was penalized for agreeing with the statement although the university claims that is not the case.
Here to react is Black Voices for Trump advisory board member and former Vanderbilt professor Dr. Carol Swain. Dr. Swain this is your alma mater in terms of teaching. What is your reaction to this story of whether or not the Constitution was founded on the protection of white supremacy?
Swain: Well we know that the true answer is false. And I’m not surprised that a question like that might appear on a university quiz because today the political left they walk in lockstep. And The 1619 narrative, The New York Times project seems to be driving the dialogue today.
Host: Vanderbilt University by the way said the following in response to this controversy. The question was supposed to stimulate conversation. The intent behind the purpose of the academic exercise has been misconstrued. Still doctor. This is is an issue not just at Vanderbilt but across higher education and perhaps lower education as well.
I want to ask you about this story from USC where a professor in a language course at the business school was talking about Chinese filler words. The equivalent of um’s you know how we use them as filler words we use in English and the Chinese filler word sounded like a racial slur in English and for that he has been placed on leave because some students were purportedly offended.
Swain: Well students are always offended about something. And what has happened in this culture of political correctness is that anyone at any time can claim to be offended and the professor bears the burden of that. And even if you are a tenured professor you are not protected. What it means is that students can no longer be educated because there is no way to educate students when you can’t teach your subject matter because someone in the classroom might be offended and complain.
And what they have given at many universities because of the multiculturalism and diversity inclusion equity they have given minority students a veto power over everything that a professor does. And it means that no real education is taking place at most institutions. And it’s not just colleges and universities. It’s also K-12 now. And its all part of this critical theory. It’s destroying American education just like it’s destroying other institutions.
Host: I want to get to that theory in just a moment, the one you mentioned, critical race theory. Do you believe this is driven out of students who are offended or is this a power grab? Something designed and used to take down a professor or a history book or whatever the target may be.
Swain: I think we’ve been training our students for a long time to be offended by everything. The whole concept of a micro-aggression is a perceived slight. And so universities have asked professors to give trigger warnings before they teach any subject that might offend someone or what offends a person today. The rules change constantly. There is no way you can teach or operate in an environment where the rules change daily.
Host: Again this was a word in Chinese that sounded liked an English language racial slur. The USC put out a statement, a USC faculty member during a class used a Chinese word that sounds similar to a racial slur in English. We acknowledge the historical and cultural impact of racist language. The faculty member agreed to take a short term pause. Another professor teaches that one course but he continues to teach his others. We are reviewing to better understand the situation and take the appropriate steps.
Let us return now Professor Swain to what you mentioned about critical race theory. Just last night the White House said federal agencies who teach critical race theories with a divisive racial sensitivity training will no longer receive federal funding. They are putting an end to any types of these programs. What are your thoughts on that?
Swain: I would say, praise the Lord! Because I think the diversity, equity, and does the opposite it says it will do. It is divisiveness training. And what I believe what America needs is unity training. And it’s something that I will be speaking and writing more about.
But corporations and schools, they need people that respect everyone’s rights that are going to bring everyone together and focus on the goals of the institution. We do not need divisiveness training. We need unity training. We need teams to come together. And what’s taking place today comes out of critical race theory and critical theory. It is Marxist. It is destroying America and its institutions.
Host: I hope you do write more about it. Critical race theory is something not many people understand or know much about and yet it’s the underpinning of so much of this going on, not just in government but corporate America and higher education as well.
Swain: And churches. Churches as well.
Host: Alright Dr. Carol Swain. Thank you so much for your time today.
Watch the full segment here:


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Truancy Letters Sent to Parents of Virtual Learners Should Be ‘Thrown in the Trash,’ Metro Nashville

Truancy Letters Sent to Parents of Virtual Learners Should Be ‘Thrown in the Trash,’ Metro Nashville School Board Member Fran Bush Says

Metro Nashville reportedly sent nearly 6,000 truancy letters to the parents of students doing virtual learning , and one school board member says that is wrong and the letters should be “ thrown in the trash.
” School Board member Fran Bush made the comment to The Tennessee Star on Sunday .
MNPS sent the truancy letters because of poor student attendance in distance learning , NewsChannel 5 said .
The letters threaten legal action against parents or guardians of students who have five or more unexcused absences .
NewsChannel 5 quoted the mother of a kindergarten student whose son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he gets headaches and needs to be in class with students and a teacher .
Bush said she disagrees that the state law is relevant .
“ It should never have been an option to threaten parents during virtual learning , ” Bush said .
“ Virtual learning is very new to Metro Schools , and therefore there should always be … an adjustment .
Parents are trying their best to support their students .
It is absolutely absurd to send truancy letters to any parents who are struggling with virtual learning.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding truancy for virtual learning , Bush said .
Metro should never consider attacking parents as its first reaction to such a situation .
Bush said several parents contacted her about having issues getting computers , finding hotspots and so on .
MNPS has several substations around the city to help families log in , but some parents have transportation issues or have to work when they might otherwise visit those centers .
“ I am appalled we would even think about sending out any kind of truancy letter , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most insulting , non-compassionate thing .
We should be thinking about how we can get back in the classroom safely ” like surrounding counties .
She said MNPS needs to think outside the box .
“ We are a reactive district and not a proactive district , ” Bush said .
When the district launches a plan , “ We don ’ t think about what ’ s next .
We think about getting it out there and things fall apart.
” Bush said her message to parents is to not let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ write “ return to sender ” on the letters and mail them back .
She has another suggestion too , she said .
“ These truancy letters should be thrown in the trash because we need to do a better job supporting parents.
” Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .

Metro Nashville reportedly sent nearly 6,000 truancy letters to the parents of students doing virtual learning, and one school board member says that is wrong and the letters should be “thrown in the trash.”
School Board member Fran Bush made the comment to The Tennessee Star on Sunday.
MNPS sent the truancy letters because of poor student attendance in distance learning, NewsChannel 5 said. The letters threaten legal action against parents or guardians of students who have five or more unexcused absences.
NewsChannel 5 quoted the mother of a kindergarten student whose son leaves the computer during lessons. She said he gets headaches and needs to be in class with students and a teacher.
The TV station cited the state’s Compulsory Attendance Law.
Bush said she disagrees that the state law is relevant.
“It should never have been an option to threaten parents during virtual learning,” Bush said. “Virtual learning is very new to Metro Schools, and therefore there should always be … an adjustment. Parents are trying their best to support their students. It is absolutely absurd to send truancy letters to any parents who are struggling with virtual learning.”
Metro does not have a policy regarding truancy for virtual learning, Bush said. Metro should never consider attacking parents as its first reaction to such a situation.
Bush said several parents contacted her about having issues getting computers, finding hotspots and so on. MNPS has several substations around the city to help families log in, but some parents have transportation issues or have to work when they might otherwise visit those centers.
“I am appalled we would even think about sending out any kind of truancy letter,” she said. “I think it’s the most insulting, non-compassionate thing. We should be thinking about how we can get back in the classroom safely” like surrounding counties.
She said MNPS needs to think outside the box.
“We are a reactive district and not a proactive district,” Bush said. When the district launches a plan, “We don’t think about what’s next. We think about getting it out there and things fall apart.”
Bush said her message to parents is to not let the letters scare them. They should write “return to sender” on the letters and mail them back. She has another suggestion too, she said.
“These truancy letters should be thrown in the trash because we need to do a better job supporting parents.”
– – –
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Commentary: We Know Why Donald Trump Wins Re-Election

Donald Trump wins reelection because his supporters enjoy but one means of political expression : the ballot box .
Donald Trump loses reelection because his supporters enjoy but one means of political expression : the ballot box .
We do not know who claims victory for another two months but we already know why it happened .
One side can not shut up .
The other side can not speak .
Whereas sports , comedy , school curricula , library story hours , awards shows , and even restaurants become ideological instruments for Democrats , the ballot box alone acts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expression .
For one group of Americans , everything is politics ; for another group of Americans , nothing , save for the voting booth , is politics .
Republicans know the bumper sticker that says “ Trump 2020 ” to some announces “ smash my windshield ” to others .
Lawn signs , a target of the intolerant so often in 2016 and again in 2020 that homeowners devise clever means to anchor them into the ground or for the signs to shock aspiring thieves , subconsciously though loudly promulgate a self-imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leads to bigoted crusades to boycott the businesses owned by the Trump campaign donors .
Cheering for the president on social media comes at the expense of employment for a few ( polling indicates liberals support the idea of termination for conservative political beliefs far more than the reverse ) .
Even the governor of New York tells the president to bring extra bodyguards should he dare campaign in their shared hometown .
This suppression creates a chilling effect so profound that a sizable number of people even refrain from revealing their support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your windshield , your social standing , and your livelihood , then keep quiet .
Speech remains positively unfettered for the president ’ s political enemies .
In addition to traditional methods such as bumper stickers and lawn signs , safe political expression for Trump opponents includes arson , looting , and assaulting police officers with rocks , frozen water bottles , and sundry debris , all of which falls under the rubric of “ protest ” when described by journalists .
Slandering people who vocally criticize such behavior as “ white supremacists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets appears , at filing time , entirely lawful , at least in Portland , Oregon .
Megaphones for them , muzzles for us seems to advantage the loud over the silenced .
People censor because censorship works .
But it also breeds resentment in the captive , closed-mouth audience .
When first they find a vehicle for their pent-up concerns , they jump at the opportunity .
Election Day becomes something akin to Purge Night .
In The Purge , citizens expunge repressed emotions through a 12-hour period of state-sanctioned lawlessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their only opportunity to express their political beliefs without direct social consequence to them as individuals but nevertheless with profound consequence to the nation .
The movie purge occurs in the open .
The real-life purge necessarily occurs through a secret process bequeathed to Americans by Australians .
Hollywood might allow people to murder and rape with impunity .
But supporting Trump comes without repercussion only in the privacy of the voting booth .
Therapeutic politics leads not to healing but to the need for more catharsis .
Every time a radical smashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — just not in the manner the radical intended .
The person looking out the broken window seeks catharsis , too .
Law-abiding people victimized by , or merely witnessing , the urban brat-fits do not , generally , strike back with bullets .
They do so with ballots .
They do so on Election Day in inspired numbers and in an intense fashion , or stay home defeated before the first ballot falls in a box , because cultural guardians mute other forms of unauthorized communication .
Comes the reckoning .
Whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editor of The American Spectator , is the author of Cult City : Harvey Milk , Jim Jones , and 10 Days That Shook San Francisco ( ISI Books , 2018 ) , The War on Football ( Regnery , 2013 ) , Blue Collar Intellectuals ( ISI Books , 2011 ) , A Conservative History of the American Left ( Crown Forum , 2008 ) , Intellectual Morons ( Crown Forum , 2004 ) , and Why the Left Hates America ( Prima Forum , 2002 ) .
His articles have appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tribune , Boston Globe , New York Post , City Journal , National Review , and his own website , www.flynnfiles.com .

by Daniel J. Flynn
Donald Trump wins reelection because his supporters enjoy but one means of political expression: the ballot box. Donald Trump loses reelection because his supporters enjoy but one means of political expression: the ballot box.
We do not know who claims victory for another two months but we already know why it happened.
One side cannot shut up. The other side cannot speak.
Whereas sports, comedy, school curricula, library story hours, awards shows, and even restaurants become ideological instruments for Democrats, the ballot box alone acts as a safe space for Republican political expression. For one group of Americans, everything is politics; for another group of Americans, nothing, save for the voting booth, is politics.
Republicans know the bumper sticker that says “Trump 2020” to some announces “smash my windshield” to others. Lawn signs, a target of the intolerant so often in 2016 and again in 2020 that homeowners devise clever means to anchor them into the ground or for the signs to shock aspiring thieves, subconsciously though loudly promulgate a self-imposed social banishment on the homeowner. Generosity leads to bigoted crusades to boycott the businesses owned by the Trump campaign donors. Cheering for the president on social media comes at the expense of employment for a few (polling indicates liberals support the idea of termination for conservative political beliefs far more than the reverse). Even the governor of New York tells the president to bring extra bodyguards should he dare campaign in their shared hometown. This suppression creates a chilling effect so profound that a sizable number of people even refrain from revealing their support in anonymous surveys. If you value your windshield, your social standing, and your livelihood, then keep quiet.
Speech remains positively unfettered for the president’s political enemies. In addition to traditional methods such as bumper stickers and lawn signs, safe political expression for Trump opponents includes arson, looting, and assaulting police officers with rocks, frozen water bottles, and sundry debris, all of which falls under the rubric of “protest” when described by journalists. Slandering people who vocally criticize such behavior as “white supremacists” and then summarily executing them on the streets appears, at filing time, entirely lawful, at least in Portland, Oregon.
Megaphones for them, muzzles for us seems to advantage the loud over the silenced. People censor because censorship works. But it also breeds resentment in the captive, closed-mouth audience. When first they find a vehicle for their pent-up concerns, they jump at the opportunity.
Election Day becomes something akin to Purge Night. In The Purge, citizens expunge repressed emotions through a 12-hour period of state-sanctioned lawlessness. On November 3, Republicans experience their only opportunity to express their political beliefs without direct social consequence to them as individuals but nevertheless with profound consequence to the nation. The movie purge occurs in the open. The real-life purge necessarily occurs through a secret process bequeathed to Americans by Australians. Hollywood might allow people to murder and rape with impunity. But supporting Trump comes without repercussion only in the privacy of the voting booth.
Therapeutic politics leads not to healing but to the need for more catharsis. Every time a radical smashes a window, a citizen becomes radicalized — just not in the manner the radical intended. The person looking out the broken window seeks catharsis, too. Law-abiding people victimized by, or merely witnessing, the urban brat-fits do not, generally, strike back with bullets. They do so with ballots. They do so on Election Day in inspired numbers and in an intense fashion, or stay home defeated before the first ballot falls in a box, because cultural guardians mute other forms of unauthorized communication.
Comes the reckoning. Whose?
– – –
Daniel J. Flynn, a senior editor of The American Spectator, is the author of Cult City: Harvey Milk, Jim Jones, and 10 Days That Shook San Francisco (ISI Books, 2018), The War on Football (Regnery, 2013), Blue Collar Intellectuals (ISI Books, 2011), A Conservative History of the American Left (Crown Forum, 2008), Intellectual Morons (Crown Forum, 2004), and Why the Left Hates America (Prima Forum, 2002). His articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, New York Post, City Journal, National Review, and his own website, www.flynnfiles.com.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--From Nixon to Trump: EPA Chief Touts Environmental Gains, Hits ‘Single Issue Advocacy’

Under President Donald Trump ’ s leadership , the government has reduced air pollution by 7 % , declared Superfund sites safe again at a record pace , and directed tens of billions of dollars to ensuring clean water , Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Thursday in a speech marking the agency ’ s 50th anniversary .
Wheeler , speaking at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda , California , drew a sharp contrast between the Trump administration ’ s environmental achievements and the “ poor choices ” made by some policymakers at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the modern environmental movement began—and from where President Nixon brought it to the rest of the country—it ’ s important to acknowledge the role states have in being laboratories for democracy , and in this case , laboratories for environmental policy , ” Wheeler said .
“ But for environmental policy to work nationally , the federal government and states must work together as partners , not as adversaries , ” the Environmental Protection Agency administrator added .
Wheeler was particularly critical of New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for impeding construction of natural gas pipelines .
New England states now must import natural gas from Russia , Wheeler said , because Cuomo has stood in the way of pipelines that could have transported gas supplies from Pennsylvania .
The EPA chief also called attention to “ rolling blackouts ” in California and the public policy hostile to natural gas power plants that he said led to those blackouts .
President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970 and the agency officially will celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act and Clean Water Act during Nixon ’ s first term from 1969 through 1972 .
Wheeler , who became acting EPA administrator in November 2018 after the resignation of Scott Pruitt , won Senate confirmation to the post in February 2019 .
In his speech at the Nixon Library , Wheeler stressed the need for cooperation between the federal government and state governments rather than animosity .
“ To do this involves a new vision , ” he said , “ and for a country searching for a new consensus on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , this can seem tough .
But I believe we can find a new consensus , if we strive to.
” Wheeler highlighted several areas where he said the Trump administration had made significant environmental progress that largely went unheralded in the media .
“ During the first three years of the Trump administration , air pollution in this country fell 7 % , ” he said .
“ Last year , EPA delisted 27 Superfund sites , the most in a single year since 2001 .
And agency programs have contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean water infrastructure investment during President Trump ’ s first term.
” But the EPA administrator also lamented the emergence of “ single issue advocacy , ” often focused on climate change , that has disrupted a broad , bipartisan consensus on environmental policy in line with Nixon ’ s vision that made legislation such as the Clear Air Act and Clean Water Act possible : Wheeler also said that climate change policies pursued at the state level often are detrimental to the environment and the economy .
Although Cuomo has moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Pennsylvania to New York and New England “ in the name of climate change , ” Wheeler told his audience , the carbon footprint of natural gas pipelines is much smaller than what it takes to transport gas supplies across the ocean from Russia and other parts of Europe .
The environmental problems with Cuomo ’ s anti-pipeline stance don ’ t end there , he said .
“ These poor choices subject Americans to imports of gas from places like Russia , even in the face of evidence that U.S. natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than imported gas from Europe , ” Wheeler said .
And in the absence of pipelines , citizens in Vermont , New Hampshire , and Maine must “ use more polluting wood and heating oil to heat their homes because of gas shortages in the winter months , which in turn creates very poor local air quality , ” he said .
The EPA administrator cited California as an example where environmental policies don ’ t produce good environmental outcomes .
He also cautioned policymakers to refrain from becoming overly reliant on renewable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Wheeler expressed concern that “ environmental accidents will happen more often ” if state policymakers persist in pushing “ more renewables onto the grid at times of the day when renewables aren ’ t available.
” Looking ahead , Wheeler said the Trump administration intends to focus on “ community-driven environmentalism ” that promotes revitalization efforts , “ meeting the 21st-century demands for water , ” “ reimagining the Superfund program as a project-oriented program , ” “ reforming the permitting process to empower states , ” and “ creating a holistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Superfund program dates to 1980 , when Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response , Compensation and Liability Act .
The law provided funds for cleaning up thousands of sites across the country laced with contaminants such as lead , asbestos , and dioxin-infused soil as well as radiation .
Superfund sites include “ manufacturing facilities , processing plants , landfills and mining sites , ” according to the EPA website .
During his speech , Wheeler said about 16 % of the U.S. population , or slightly more than 50 million Americans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site .
Although in the past the EPA “ allowed litigation and bureaucracy to dictate the pace of Superfund projects , instead of focusing on improving environmental indicators and moving sites to completion , ” Wheeler said , he sees an opportunity to “ reimagine ” the program by implementing the recommendations of the 2018 Superfund Task Force .
Wheeler also outlined “ five new pillars ” at the EPA : 1 .
“ Cost-benefit rulemaking ” that determines how costs and benefits of proposed rules are calculated .
“ The American public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the benefits are for each of our rules , ” Wheeler said .
“ We are starting with the Clean Air Act , which will provide much better clarity to local communities , industry , and stakeholders .
And we will implement a cost-benefit regulation for all our environmental statutes by 2022.
” 2 .
“ Science transparency ” to bring “ much-needed sunlight ” to the regulatory process .
“ The American public has a right to know the scientific justification behind a regulation , ” Wheeler said .
“ Some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science rule .
Those who oppose it want regulatory decisions to be made behind closed doors .
… I want to bring our environmental decision-making process out of the proverbial smoke-filled back room.
” 3 .
“ Guidance documents ” accessible to the public in a searchable database .
“ Last year , EPA went through all our guidance documents from the agency ’ s beginnings , and we put all 10,000 documents onto a searchable database , ” Wheeler said .
“ We also rescinded 1,000 guidance documents.
” Each office would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division , a lands division , and a chemical division .
5 .
A management system that tracks “ real metrics ” to measure successes and failures within the agency .
Kevin Dayaratna , a research fellow and principal statistician at The Heritage Foundation , said he is particularly impressed with Wheeler ’ s efforts to tighten the rules that govern how the agency conducts cost-benefit analysis .
Dayaratna also credited the EPA administrator with advancing the cause of scientific transparency .
“ It is terrific to hear Secretary Wheeler considering explicit requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis of rules that the EPA may consider pursuing , ” Dayaratna said , adding : Going forward , Wheeler said , the federal government and states should collaborate rather than operate as adversaries .
He expressed some confidence that policymakers can reach a new consensus on environmental questions .
“ We are a nation made up of communities , and communities are the foundation of this nation , not the other way around , ” the EPA chief said .
“ If we can do the work before us—break down the silos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe we can both protect the places we love and bring back the places that have been hurt by pollution and make them even better than they were before.
” Wheeler ’ s complete remarks may be viewed here on YouTube .
Kevin Mooney is an investigative reporter for The Daily Signal .

by Kevin Mooney
Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the government has reduced air pollution by 7%, declared Superfund sites safe again at a record pace, and directed tens of billions of dollars to ensuring clean water, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Thursday in a speech marking the agency’s 50th anniversary.
Wheeler, speaking at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, drew a sharp contrast between the Trump administration’s environmental achievements and the “poor choices” made by some policymakers at the state level.
“Here in California, where the modern environmental movement began—and from where President Nixon brought it to the rest of the country—it’s important to acknowledge the role states have in being laboratories for democracy, and in this case, laboratories for environmental policy,” Wheeler said.
“But for environmental policy to work nationally, the federal government and states must work together as partners, not as adversaries,” the Environmental Protection Agency administrator added.
Wheeler was particularly critical of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and other East Coast governors for impeding construction of natural gas pipelines.
New England states now must import natural gas from Russia, Wheeler said, because Cuomo has stood in the way of pipelines that could have transported gas supplies from Pennsylvania.
The EPA chief also called attention to “rolling blackouts” in California and the public policy hostile to natural gas power plants that he said led to those blackouts.
‘A New Vision’
President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970 and the agency officially will celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year.
Congress also passed the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act during Nixon’s first term from 1969 through 1972.
Wheeler, who became acting EPA administrator in November 2018 after the resignation of Scott Pruitt, won Senate confirmation to the post in February 2019.
In his speech at the Nixon Library, Wheeler stressed the need for cooperation between the federal government and state governments rather than animosity.
“To do this involves a new vision,” he said, “and for a country searching for a new consensus on the environment as well as on many other things, this can seem tough. But I believe we can find a new consensus, if we strive to.”
Wheeler highlighted several areas where he said the Trump administration had made significant environmental progress that largely went unheralded in the media.
“During the first three years of the Trump administration, air pollution in this country fell 7%,” he said. “Last year, EPA delisted 27 Superfund sites, the most in a single year since 2001. And agency programs have contributed more than $40 billion dollars to clean water infrastructure investment during President Trump’s first term.”
But the EPA administrator also lamented the emergence of “single issue advocacy,” often focused on climate change, that has disrupted a broad, bipartisan consensus on environmental policy in line with Nixon’s vision that made legislation such as the Clear Air Act and Clean Water Act possible:
Unfortunately, in the past decade or so, some members of former administrations and progressives in Congress have elevated single issue advocacy—in many cases focused just on climate change—to virtue-signal to foreign capitals, over the interests of communities within their own country. Communities deserve better than this, but in the recent past, EPA has forgotten important parts of its mission. It’s my belief that we misdirect a lot of resources that could be better used to help communities across this country.
Wheeler also said that climate change policies pursued at the state level often are detrimental to the environment and the economy.
How Cuomo’s Climate Agenda Benefits Russia
Although Cuomo has moved to block pipelines that would transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York and New England “in the name of climate change,” Wheeler told his audience, the carbon footprint of natural gas pipelines is much smaller than what it takes to transport gas supplies across the ocean from Russia and other parts of Europe.
The environmental problems with Cuomo’s anti-pipeline stance don’t end there, he said.
“These poor choices subject Americans to imports of gas from places like Russia, even in the face of evidence that U.S. natural gas has a much cleaner emissions profile than imported gas from Europe,” Wheeler said.
And in the absence of pipelines, citizens in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine must “use more polluting wood and heating oil to heat their homes because of gas shortages in the winter months, which in turn creates very poor local air quality,” he said.
The EPA administrator cited California as an example where environmental policies don’t produce good environmental outcomes. He also cautioned policymakers to refrain from becoming overly reliant on renewable energy during periods that demand reliable energy:
It should go without saying that dumping sewage into San Francisco Bay without disinfection, indeed without any chemical or biological treatment, is a bad idea, but that’s what’s been happening for many years, against federal law. And just last month, the rolling blackouts created by California’s latest electricity crisis—the result of policies against power plants being fueled by natural gas—spilled 50,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Oakland Estuary when back-up wastewater pumps failed.
Wheeler expressed concern that “environmental accidents will happen more often” if state policymakers persist in pushing “more renewables onto the grid at times of the day when renewables aren’t available.”
5 New ‘Pillars’
Looking ahead, Wheeler said the Trump administration intends to focus on “community-driven environmentalism” that promotes revitalization efforts, “meeting the 21st-century demands for water,” “reimagining the Superfund program as a project-oriented program,” “reforming the permitting process to empower states,” and “creating a holistic pesticide program for the future.”
The Superfund program dates to 1980, when Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The law provided funds for cleaning up thousands of sites across the country laced with contaminants such as lead, asbestos, and dioxin-infused soil as well as radiation.
Superfund sites include “manufacturing facilities, processing plants, landfills and mining sites,” according to the EPA website.
During his speech, Wheeler said about 16% of the U.S. population, or slightly more than 50 million Americans, lives within 3 miles of a Superfund site.
Although in the past the EPA “allowed litigation and bureaucracy to dictate the pace of Superfund projects, instead of focusing on improving environmental indicators and moving sites to completion,” Wheeler said, he sees an opportunity to “reimagine” the program by implementing the recommendations of the 2018 Superfund Task Force.
Wheeler also outlined “five new pillars” at the EPA:
1. “Cost-benefit rulemaking” that determines how costs and benefits of proposed rules are calculated.
“The American public deserves to know what the costs and the benefits are for each of our rules,” Wheeler said. “We are starting with the Clean Air Act, which will provide much better clarity to local communities, industry, and stakeholders. And we will implement a cost-benefit regulation for all our environmental statutes by 2022.”
2. “Science transparency” to bring “much-needed sunlight” to the regulatory process.
“The American public has a right to know the scientific justification behind a regulation,” Wheeler said. “Some people oppose it, calling it a Secret Science rule. Those who oppose it want regulatory decisions to be made behind closed doors. … I want to bring our environmental decision-making process out of the proverbial smoke-filled back room.”
3. “Guidance documents” accessible to the public in a searchable database.
“Last year, EPA went through all our guidance documents from the agency’s beginnings, and we put all 10,000 documents onto a searchable database,” Wheeler said. “We also rescinded 1,000 guidance documents.”
4. Reorganization of EPA’s 10 regional offices.
Each office would have an air division, a water division, a lands division, and a chemical division.
5. A management system that tracks “real metrics” to measure successes and failures within the agency.
Kevin Dayaratna, a research fellow and principal statistician at The Heritage Foundation, said he is particularly impressed with Wheeler’s efforts to tighten the rules that govern how the agency conducts cost-benefit analysis.
Dayaratna also credited the EPA administrator with advancing the cause of scientific transparency.
“It is terrific to hear Secretary Wheeler considering explicit requirements for the EPA to engage in cost-benefit analysis of rules that the EPA may consider pursuing,” Dayaratna said, adding:
In the past, we have repeatedly heard rhetoric about catastrophic outcomes regarding climate change only to find out that the policies intended to avert such changes will come with tremendous costs and virtually no environmental impact whatsoever. We have repeatedly emphasized in our research at Heritage that lawmakers and rulemakers should engage in cost-benefit analysis of policies they are pursuing. I am thrilled to hear that the EPA is pushing for further transparency. Several years ago, I found a mistake in one of the EPA’s climate economics models, which would not have been possible had the models not been made publicly available. … Sadly, however, there are many other models used to guide climate policy that are still essentially black boxes. It will be terrific if the EPA can require those models to be made publicly available as well, so the public can also test their robustness and legitimacy.
Going forward, Wheeler said, the federal government and states should collaborate rather than operate as adversaries. He expressed some confidence that policymakers can reach a new consensus on environmental questions.
“We are a nation made up of communities, and communities are the foundation of this nation, not the other way around,” the EPA chief said. “If we can do the work before us—break down the silos between us as an agency and elsewhere—I believe we can both protect the places we love and bring back the places that have been hurt by pollution and make them even better than they were before.”
Wheeler’s complete remarks may be viewed here on YouTube.
– – –
Kevin Mooney is an investigative reporter for The Daily Signal.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Coalition Argues Taxpayer Dollars Should Fund Students, Not Institutions

More than 60 organizations in the U.S. have created a movement – “ Yes .
Every kid ” – promoting policies and funding at a national and local level that focus on the needs of families and students over institutions .
At a time when tens of millions of students face nearly six months without consistent schooling , and while many schools are not reopening , the coalition argues that tax and other dollars should be sent directly to families to determine which educational opportunities are best for them .
“ Families have already paid for the ability to access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coalition says .
“ Any additional funds should be provided directly to families via grants , stipends , rebates , or other mechanisms designed to help cover the schooling , courses , devices , connectivity , tutoring , socialization , extracurricular activities , and other forms of learning that have been left to parents to pay for.
” Consternation continues over public schools reopening , the group argues : “ Tens of thousands of schools will be closed partially or for the entirety of the fall semester .
This comes after weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , school , and public health officials at all levels regarding what could be expected for the 2020-21 school year.
” As a result , “ extraordinary hardships will be put upon parents and guardians who are working to ensure their child or children continue to learn while simultaneously making a living , whether in an office or at home .
Too many are unable to return to work because they have been thrust into the role of full-time childcare provider and at-home teacher .
Many more are struggling to balance work while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program for multiple children.
” Instead of waiting for which policy politicians decide to implement , parents have turned to their friends , neighbors and family for practical solutions .
Some have created micro-schools .
Others in record numbers have decided to homeschool .
“ Yet the main response from politicians and policymakers has focused on institutions , not families , ” the coalition argues .
And their efforts have “ lost sight of one important fact : plans to reopen schools should be designed for the needs and desires of families , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve them.
” According to an American Enterprise Institute report , from 1970 to 2016 , the number of students attending public schools increased by 10.3 percent while the number of public school teachers increased by 57 percent .
Over the same time period , the number of non-teaching staff at public schools increased by 147 percent .
“ As a direct result of public school staff ( both teachers and non-teachers ) growing so much greater ( 57 percent and 157 percent respectively ) than the increase in public school students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , the inflation-adjusted cost of educating a student in U.S. public schools increased by 150 percent between 1970 and 2016 , from $ 4,934 to $ 12,220 , ” Mark J. Perry , author of the report , writes .
U.S. K-12 spending “ already far outpaces that of most other developed countries , ” the Goldwater Institute notes , adding , “ school choice options have routinely rescued students whom the unions have failed.
” In Pennsylvania , parents are still waiting for the legislature to allow for school choice opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Educational Improvement Tax Credit ( EITC ) program expanded by $ 10 million , increasing the number of available student scholarships by 3,000 and the average amount of each scholarship .
But 49,356 student tax credit scholarship applications were denied – nearly half ( 49 percent ) of all applications .
To meet the current demand for scholarships , lawmakers would need to increase tax credit caps by $ 100 million .
“ Each child deserves an education that fits their unique needs , ” Marc LeBlond , senior policy analyst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ For hundreds of thousands of low to moderate-income Pennsylvania students , tax credit scholarships have offered an educational lifeline .
But arbitrary tax credit caps on these popular programs limit the supply.
” The coalition calls for supporting a more “ student-centered and resilient education system.
” “ Yes .
Every Kid ’ s ” website provides free instructional material , videos , and information for parents about the quality of education .
It also provides policy recommendations and ways for parents to get involved .
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by Yes Every Kid .

by Bethany Blankley
More than 60 organizations in the U.S. have created a movement – “Yes. Every kid” – promoting policies and funding at a national and local level that focus on the needs of families and students over institutions.
At a time when tens of millions of students face nearly six months without consistent schooling, and while many schools are not reopening, the coalition argues that tax and other dollars should be sent directly to families to determine which educational opportunities are best for them.
“Families have already paid for the ability to access public education” through tax dollars, the coalition says. “Any additional funds should be provided directly to families via grants, stipends, rebates, or other mechanisms designed to help cover the schooling, courses, devices, connectivity, tutoring, socialization, extracurricular activities, and other forms of learning that have been left to parents to pay for.”
Consternation continues over public schools reopening, the group argues: “Tens of thousands of schools will be closed partially or for the entirety of the fall semester. This comes after weeks of conflicting statements and guidance from government, school, and public health officials at all levels regarding what could be expected for the 2020-21 school year.”
As a result, “extraordinary hardships will be put upon parents and guardians who are working to ensure their child or children continue to learn while simultaneously making a living, whether in an office or at home. Too many are unable to return to work because they have been thrust into the role of full-time childcare provider and at-home teacher. Many more are struggling to balance work while trying to implement an effective at-home learning program for multiple children.”
Instead of waiting for which policy politicians decide to implement, parents have turned to their friends, neighbors and family for practical solutions. Some have created micro-schools. Others in record numbers have decided to homeschool.
“Yet the main response from politicians and policymakers has focused on institutions, not families,” the coalition argues. And their efforts have “lost sight of one important fact: plans to reopen schools should be designed for the needs and desires of families, not the institutions that have been designated to serve them.”
According to an American Enterprise Institute report, from 1970 to 2016, the number of students attending public schools increased by 10.3 percent while the number of public school teachers increased by 57 percent. Over the same time period, the number of non-teaching staff at public schools increased by 147 percent.
“As a direct result of public school staff (both teachers and non-teachers) growing so much greater (57 percent and 157 percent respectively) than the increase in public school students (10.3 percent) between 1970 and 2016, the inflation-adjusted cost of educating a student in U.S. public schools increased by 150 percent between 1970 and 2016, from $4,934 to $12,220,” Mark J. Perry, author of the report, writes.
U.S. K-12 spending “already far outpaces that of most other developed countries,” the Goldwater Institute notes, adding, “school choice options have routinely rescued students whom the unions have failed.”
In Pennsylvania, parents are still waiting for the legislature to allow for school choice opportunities. From 2017 to 2018, Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program expanded by $10 million, increasing the number of available student scholarships by 3,000 and the average amount of each scholarship. But 49,356 student tax credit scholarship applications were denied – nearly half (49 percent) of all applications. To meet the current demand for scholarships, lawmakers would need to increase tax credit caps by $100 million.
“Each child deserves an education that fits their unique needs,” Marc LeBlond, senior policy analyst at the Commonwealth Foundation, said. “For hundreds of thousands of low to moderate-income Pennsylvania students, tax credit scholarships have offered an educational lifeline. But arbitrary tax credit caps on these popular programs limit the supply.”
The coalition calls for supporting a more “student-centered and resilient education system.”
“Yes. Every Kid’s” website provides free instructional material, videos, and information for parents about the quality of education. It also provides policy recommendations and ways for parents to get involved.
– – –
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square.
Photo “Kids” by Yes Every Kid.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Harris’ Mostly Virtual Campaign to get Wisconsin Road Test

SACRAMENTO , California ( AP ) — Kamala Harris told a friendly crowd of Hollywood donors on Thursday they ’ d be surprised by how many states she ’ s visiting daily , if only virtually .
Earlier in the week , she ’ d campaigned before supporters in Minnesota , California and Connecticut , and she was greeting Missouri donors next .
Harris hasn ’ t been on a plane in more than a month .
Three weeks after joining Joe Biden as the Democratic vice presidential nominee , the California senator is still campaigning largely in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s about to change .
On Monday , Harris will travel to Milwaukee on her first traditional campaign trip .
Biden ’ s campaign hasn ’ t yet said what she plans to do in the critical swing state .
Her trip to Wisconsin comes after Biden visited Kenosha this past week to meet with the family of Jacob Blake , who was shot by police , and talk to the community about racial justice and protests in the city .
The coronavirus pandemic has radically altered campaigning for Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely avoiding in-person gatherings and organizing digitally .
For Harris , that ’ s so far meant a mix of fundraising and organizing events , along with local press interviews and one speech aimed at President Donald Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus .
Leaning into her role as the first Black woman on a major party ’ s presidential ticket , Harris has spoken with Black leaders and activists in events that aren ’ t open to the press , but she did not travel with Biden to Kenosha .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She ’ s out herself , ” Biden said Friday .
“ I talk with her almost every day .
I speak with her and we work together and I have every confidence in her .
There ’ s nothing about not campaigning together , it ’ s about being able to cover more territory.
” Harris , who has not held a wide-ranging news conference since joining the ticket , was making her first solo Sunday show appearance as the nominee , a taped interview with CNN ’ s “ State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excerpt released Saturday , Harris would not say directly whether she would get a coronavirus vaccine if one were ready before Election Day .
She also suggested public health experts will be “ muzzled ” from having the last word about a vaccine ’ s effectiveness .
“ I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever he ’ s talking about , ” she said .
Democratic observers say Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that ’ s expected for a running mate .
It ’ s the role of the vice presidential nominee to boost the presidential candidate ’ s agenda , as Harris has done , and reach out to constituencies that may not be as natural for the nominee , said Karen Finney , a Democratic strategist who ran communications for Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia , Hillary Clinton ’ s running mate in 2016 .
Vice President Mike Pence , for example , was chosen in part to help boost Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican constituency not originally seen as natural Trump allies .
Harris , meanwhile , counters the 77-year-old Biden as a 55-year-old Black woman .
“ They have similar values , but she also has had a different experience , ” Finney said .
In private events over the past two weeks , Harris has met with Black leaders and activists to thank them for their support and motivate them as the campaign enters the final stretch .
Last Saturday , Harris held one with Black women leaders who had urged Biden to choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another with Black men , said Donna Brazile , a former head of the Democratic National Committee , who was on the first call , where singer Bebe Winans serenaded Harris with his song “ Born for This.
” “ We had a wonderful time just showering her with powerful energy for the battles ahead , ” Brazile said .
Brazile said it will be important for Harris to get out for non-virtual events “ where she can actually see the pulse of people , ” but she said the digital organizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brazile joined a video call with students from historically black colleges and universities as they spoke about how to boost Harris and hold campus voter registration drives .
She ’ s also been invited by friends to join organizing groups of suburban women supporting Harris and marveled at the Harris-specific T-shirts and other merchandise people are creating and selling online .
“ She did something to make the VP seem like a rock star and people are just donating , ” Brazile said .
The campaign declined to release fundraising numbers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizers said on calls that interest in giving rose sharply when Harris joined the ticket .
That ’ s despite her own presidential bid ending last year before primary voting began as she struggled to raise money .
Biden raised a record $ 365 million in August .
In video calls featuring dozens of donors , Harris talks about Biden and their platform before taking questions on everything from the coronavirus to protest violence and what to do if Trump refuses to accept the election results .
( “ If he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , he will fail , ” she said . )
Attendees range from Hollywood powerhouses like TV director Chuck Lorre and actress Kate Hudson to friends and top Kaine donors .
“ It ’ s been increasingly clear that the response from contributors went up dramatically when you were named as vice presidential nominee , ” Merle Ginsburg , a donor who helped organize a Connecticut-based fundraiser on Tuesday , told Harris .
Beyond raising cash , she ’ s joined calls focused on returning to school in Minnesota , mobilizing Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Hispanic voters in Miami .
In those events , she often gives remarks at the top and , if she takes questions , takes them from event organizers rather than participants .
Minnesota , Michigan and Florida are key swing states .
Steve Benjamin , mayor of Columbia , South Carolina , said Friday it makes sense that Harris has been used mainly in a fundraising role thus far but that voters wanted to see her more .
“ The importance of on-the-ground exposure , people seeing you in the community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who initially supported Mike Bloomberg ’ s 2020 Democratic presidential bid before backing Biden .
He joined Harris ’ s private call with Black male leaders , discussing issues like racial injustice and economic inequality .
He said he expects there will be opportunities for Harris to get out in swing states like Wisconsin , Pennsylvania , North Carolina , Florida and Georgia .
“ It matters right now , ” he said .
“ More and more citizen engagement by Sen. Harris is what people want.
” Kathleen Ronayne is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Meg Kinnard in Columbia , South Carolina , and Will Weissert in Wilmington , Delaware , contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : In this Aug. 27 , 2020 , file photo Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , speaks in Washington .
On Monday , Sept. 7 , Harris will travel to Milwaukee , her first traditional campaign trip .
( AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster , File )

by Kathleen Ronayne
SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — Kamala Harris told a friendly crowd of Hollywood donors on Thursday they’d be surprised by how many states she’s visiting daily, if only virtually.
Earlier in the week, she’d campaigned before supporters in Minnesota, California and Connecticut, and she was greeting Missouri donors next.
Harris hasn’t been on a plane in more than a month. Three weeks after joining Joe Biden as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, the California senator is still campaigning largely in front of a computer screen to relatively small audiences.
That’s about to change. On Monday, Harris will travel to Milwaukee on her first traditional campaign trip. Biden’s campaign hasn’t yet said what she plans to do in the critical swing state. Her trip to Wisconsin comes after Biden visited Kenosha this past week to meet with the family of Jacob Blake, who was shot by police, and talk to the community about racial justice and protests in the city.
The coronavirus pandemic has radically altered campaigning for Democrats, who, unlike Republicans, are largely avoiding in-person gatherings and organizing digitally.
For Harris, that’s so far meant a mix of fundraising and organizing events, along with local press interviews and one speech aimed at President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus. Leaning into her role as the first Black woman on a major party’s presidential ticket, Harris has spoken with Black leaders and activists in events that aren’t open to the press, but she did not travel with Biden to Kenosha.
“She’s been on the road. She’s out herself,” Biden said Friday. “I talk with her almost every day. I speak with her and we work together and I have every confidence in her. There’s nothing about not campaigning together, it’s about being able to cover more territory.”
Harris, who has not held a wide-ranging news conference since joining the ticket, was making her first solo Sunday show appearance as the nominee, a taped interview with CNN’s “State of the Union.”
According to an excerpt released Saturday, Harris would not say directly whether she would get a coronavirus vaccine if one were ready before Election Day. She also suggested public health experts will be “muzzled” from having the last word about a vaccine’s effectiveness.
“I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever he’s talking about,” she said.
Democratic observers say Harris is so far complementing Biden in a way that’s expected for a running mate. It’s the role of the vice presidential nominee to boost the presidential candidate’s agenda, as Harris has done, and reach out to constituencies that may not be as natural for the nominee, said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who ran communications for Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016.
Vice President Mike Pence, for example, was chosen in part to help boost Trump’s support among evangelical voters, a key Republican constituency not originally seen as natural Trump allies. Harris, meanwhile, counters the 77-year-old Biden as a 55-year-old Black woman.
“They have similar values, but she also has had a different experience,” Finney said.
In private events over the past two weeks, Harris has met with Black leaders and activists to thank them for their support and motivate them as the campaign enters the final stretch. Last Saturday, Harris held one with Black women leaders who had urged Biden to choose a Black woman as his running mate and another with Black men, said Donna Brazile, a former head of the Democratic National Committee, who was on the first call, where singer Bebe Winans serenaded Harris with his song “Born for This.”
“We had a wonderful time just showering her with powerful energy for the battles ahead,” Brazile said.
Brazile said it will be important for Harris to get out for non-virtual events “where she can actually see the pulse of people,” but she said the digital organizing has created strong enthusiasm. This week, Brazile joined a video call with students from historically black colleges and universities as they spoke about how to boost Harris and hold campus voter registration drives. She’s also been invited by friends to join organizing groups of suburban women supporting Harris and marveled at the Harris-specific T-shirts and other merchandise people are creating and selling online.
“She did something to make the VP seem like a rock star and people are just donating,” Brazile said.
The campaign declined to release fundraising numbers for Harris’s events, but several organizers said on calls that interest in giving rose sharply when Harris joined the ticket. That’s despite her own presidential bid ending last year before primary voting began as she struggled to raise money. Biden raised a record $365 million in August.
In video calls featuring dozens of donors, Harris talks about Biden and their platform before taking questions on everything from the coronavirus to protest violence and what to do if Trump refuses to accept the election results. (“If he’s foolish enough to try a stunt like that, he will fail,” she said.)
Attendees range from Hollywood powerhouses like TV director Chuck Lorre and actress Kate Hudson to friends and top Kaine donors.
“It’s been increasingly clear that the response from contributors went up dramatically when you were named as vice presidential nominee,” Merle Ginsburg, a donor who helped organize a Connecticut-based fundraiser on Tuesday, told Harris.
Beyond raising cash, she’s joined calls focused on returning to school in Minnesota, mobilizing Black women voters in Detroit and reaching out to Hispanic voters in Miami. In those events, she often gives remarks at the top and, if she takes questions, takes them from event organizers rather than participants. Minnesota, Michigan and Florida are key swing states.
Steve Benjamin, mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, said Friday it makes sense that Harris has been used mainly in a fundraising role thus far but that voters wanted to see her more.
“The importance of on-the-ground exposure, people seeing you in the community, is so important,” said Benjamin, who initially supported Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 Democratic presidential bid before backing Biden. He joined Harris’s private call with Black male leaders, discussing issues like racial injustice and economic inequality. He said he expects there will be opportunities for Harris to get out in swing states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
“It matters right now,” he said. “More and more citizen engagement by Sen. Harris is what people want.”
– – –
Kathleen Ronayne is a reporter with The Associated Press. AP writers Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, and Will Weissert in Wilmington, Delaware, contributed to this report.
About the Headline Photo: In this Aug. 27, 2020, file photo Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks in Washington. On Monday, Sept. 7, Harris will travel to Milwaukee, her first traditional campaign trip. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Trump, Including Lodge in Biden’s Home State

The Fraternal Order of Police , one of the nation ’ s largest law enforcement organizations , on Friday unanimously gave its national endorsement to President Trump ’ s re-election , while its local lodge in Delaware turned its back on home state son Joe Biden to also support the GOP nominee .
“ Look at what the national discourse has focused on for the last six months .
President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day , ” FOP National President Patrick Yoes said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FOP is proud to endorse a candidate who calls for law and order across our nation .
He has the full and enthusiastic support of the FOP.
” The national FOP , which represents 355,000 officers , endorsed Trump in 2016 but sat out the 2012 race between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama .
It last endorsed a Democrat in 1996 when Bill Clinton won re-election .
Also Friday , the Delaware State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police also threw its support behind Trump , snubbing its longtime home state figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Castle County Police , the Delaware lodge president , said 8 of the state ’ s 13 voting lodges supported Trump while the other five abstained mostly for logistical reasons .
Calhoun said police unions in the state have often sided with Democrats on labor issues but that Trump ’ s unwavering support of law enforcement during a tumultuous era was key to the local endorsement .
He noted many local officers remember support Trump gave law enforcement back when he was a private businessman .
“ I think the overall factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has given for the law enforcement community and its safety , ” Calhoun said .
“ ….Officers know their lives and their wallets on are on the line .
”

by John Solomon
The Fraternal Order of Police, one of the nation’s largest law enforcement organizations, on Friday unanimously gave its national endorsement to President Trump’s re-election, while its local lodge in Delaware turned its back on home state son Joe Biden to also support the GOP nominee.
“Look at what the national discourse has focused on for the last six months. President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day,” FOP National President Patrick Yoes said in announcing the endorsement. “The FOP is proud to endorse a candidate who calls for law and order across our nation. He has the full and enthusiastic support of the FOP.”
The national FOP, which represents 355,000 officers, endorsed Trump in 2016 but sat out the 2012 race between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. It last endorsed a Democrat in 1996 when Bill Clinton won re-election.
Also Friday, the Delaware State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police also threw its support behind Trump, snubbing its longtime home state figure Biden.
Lt. Fred Calhoun of the New Castle County Police, the Delaware lodge president, said 8 of the state’s 13 voting lodges supported Trump while the other five abstained mostly for logistical reasons.
Calhoun said police unions in the state have often sided with Democrats on labor issues but that Trump’s unwavering support of law enforcement during a tumultuous era was key to the local endorsement. He noted many local officers remember support Trump gave law enforcement back when he was a private businessman.
“I think the overall factor was the support he (Trump) has given for the law enforcement community and its safety,” Calhoun said. “….Officers know their lives and their wallets on are on the line.”


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Steve Bannon Presents: CCP’s Plan for Global Domination

An all new LIVE STREAM of War Room : Pandemic starts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday .
Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon began the daily War Room : Pandemic radio show and podcast on January 25 , when news of the virus was just beginning to leak out of China around the Lunar New Year .
Bannon and co-hosts bring listeners exclusive analysis and breaking updates from top medical , public health , economic , national security , supply chain and geopolitical experts weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET .
The show ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voice News , the John Fredericks Radio Network , Salem Media Group , and Newsmax TV and the podcast is available on Apple , Spotify , Stitcher , SoundCloud , and Google Play .
You can watch past episodes here .
Previously , Bannon hosted a series of three , two-hour long special programs entitled Descent into Hell : The Chinese People Confront the CCP .
The groundbreaking specials aired live on the John Fredericks Radio Network , America ’ s Voice Network , Dish TV Channel 219 , The Epoch Times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mandarin .
For more information , visit www.pandemic.warroom.org and @ WarRoomPandemic .

An all new LIVE STREAM of War Room: Pandemic starts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday.
Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon began the daily War Room: Pandemic radio show and podcast on January 25, when news of the virus was just beginning to leak out of China around the Lunar New Year. Bannon and co-hosts bring listeners exclusive analysis and breaking updates from top medical, public health, economic, national security, supply chain and geopolitical experts weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET.
The show’s broadcast partners are America’s Voice News, the John Fredericks Radio Network, Salem Media Group, and Newsmax TV and the podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, and Google Play.
You can watch past episodes here.
Episode 373: The CCP’s Plan for Global Domination – 9am
Ep 374: Ride the Dragon: the Film – 10am
Previously, Bannon hosted a series of three, two-hour long special programs entitled Descent into Hell: The Chinese People Confront the CCP.
The groundbreaking specials aired live on the John Fredericks Radio Network, America’s Voice Network, Dish TV Channel 219, The Epoch Times, ND TV, GTV and GNews in Mandarin.
For more information, visit www.pandemic.warroom.org and @WarRoomPandemic.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Peter Strzok Defends FBI Against FISA Abuse Allegations, Says Agents Were ‘Overworked’

Former FBI official Peter Strzok defended the bureau ’ s surveillance of former Trump aide Carter Page in an interview aired Sunday , attributing failures found in a government watchdog report to agents being “ overworked.
” “ I don ’ t think at all that it ’ s anything improper .
You get people who are overworked , who make mistakes — and don ’ t get me wrong , inexcusable mistakes , ” Strzok said in an interview with “ CBS Sunday Morning.
” Strzok , the former FBI deputy chief of counterintelligence , was asked about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that blasted the FBI for a series of errors and omissions in applications for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) warrants against Carter Page .
The IG found 17 “ significant ” errors in the FISA applications , including omissions of exculpatory evidence and failure to investigating information in the infamous Steele dossier .
Strzok oversaw the Trump-Russia investigation , dubbed Crossfire Hurricane , and drafted the paperwork that authorized opening the probe on July 31 , 2016 .
He also lobbied aggressively to obtain the initial FISA warrant against Page , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
Strzok sent an email on Oct. 14 , 2016 entitled “ Crossfire FISA ” suggesting that then-FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe needed to contact the Justice Department to help authorize the FISA .
“ At a minimum , that keeps the hurry the F up pressure on him , ” Strzok wrote in the email .
The IG faulted the FBI for relying heavily on the unverified Steele dossier in the FISA application .

by Chuck Ross
Former FBI official Peter Strzok defended the bureau’s surveillance of former Trump aide Carter Page in an interview aired Sunday, attributing failures found in a government watchdog report to agents being “overworked.”
“I don’t think at all that it’s anything improper. You get people who are overworked, who make mistakes — and don’t get me wrong, inexcusable mistakes,” Strzok said in an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning.”
Strzok, the former FBI deputy chief of counterintelligence, was asked about a Justice Department inspector general’s report that blasted the FBI for a series of errors and omissions in applications for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants against Carter Page.
The IG found 17 “significant” errors in the FISA applications, including omissions of exculpatory evidence and failure to investigating information in the infamous Steele dossier.
Strzok oversaw the Trump-Russia investigation, dubbed Crossfire Hurricane, and drafted the paperwork that authorized opening the probe on July 31, 2016.
He also lobbied aggressively to obtain the initial FISA warrant against Page, which was granted on Oct. 21, 2016.
Strzok sent an email on Oct. 14, 2016 entitled “Crossfire FISA” suggesting that then-FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe needed to contact the Justice Department to help authorize the FISA.
“At a minimum, that keeps the hurry the F up pressure on him,” Strzok wrote in the email.
The IG faulted the FBI for relying heavily on the unverified Steele dossier in the FISA application.
– – –
Chuck Ross is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-07--Michigan’s Top Elections Official Says That Results Won’t Be Available November 3

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Sunday that it could take up to a week to count all of Michigan ’ s absentee ballots for November ’ s election .
“ We should be prepared for this to be closer to an election week , as opposed to an Election Day , ” she said on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
” “ The bottom line is we are not going to have the full results and a counting of all of our ballots on election night.
” Benson said that Michigan ’ s election officials were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots are counted accurately , and referenced how her office had purchased more voting tabulators in order to ensure that the influx of absentee ballots could be counted as efficiently as possible .
“ If it takes a few extra days to ensure we have a full and accurate counting of the results of every race , that ’ s what it ’ s going to take .
And we ’ re going to be transparent throughout that whole process to make sure every citizen knows exactly where we are in the counting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to get through , ” Benson said .
Benson also mentioned the legal changes that her office has proposed in order to count Michigan ’ s ballots more efficiently , including expanding early voting and allowing for election officials to record ballots days before November 3 , but acknowledged that the state legislature has “ not acted for reasons that I don ’ t fully , completely understand.
” Though Benson conceded that the delays in results could allow for false narratives to spread , she said that her office would counter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benson ’ s comments come as Michigan has taken steps to prepare for an unprecedented election which is expected to have record-high turnout , a spokeswoman for her office told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
In addition to allocating over $ 11 million towards voting machines , personal protective equipment and more , the state launched its “ Democracy MVP ” campaign in April , which recruited more than 6,500 poll workers , Tracy Wimmer , Benton ’ s spokeswoman , told the DCNF in August .
“ Turnout has been predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are preparing for that possibility , ” Wimmer said , referencing both those new measures and proposed legal changes .

by Andrew Trunsky
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Sunday that it could take up to a week to count all of Michigan’s absentee ballots for November’s election.
“We should be prepared for this to be closer to an election week, as opposed to an Election Day,” she said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “The bottom line is we are not going to have the full results and a counting of all of our ballots on election night.”
Benson said that Michigan’s election officials were “laser-focused” on ensuring that all ballots are counted accurately, and referenced how her office had purchased more voting tabulators in order to ensure that the influx of absentee ballots could be counted as efficiently as possible.
“If it takes a few extra days to ensure we have a full and accurate counting of the results of every race, that’s what it’s going to take. And we’re going to be transparent throughout that whole process to make sure every citizen knows exactly where we are in the counting process and how many more ballots we have to get through,” Benson said.
Benson also mentioned the legal changes that her office has proposed in order to count Michigan’s ballots more efficiently, including expanding early voting and allowing for election officials to record ballots days before November 3, but acknowledged that the state legislature has “not acted for reasons that I don’t fully, completely understand.”
Though Benson conceded that the delays in results could allow for false narratives to spread, she said that her office would counter “misinformation with truth and accuracy.”
Benson’s comments come as Michigan has taken steps to prepare for an unprecedented election which is expected to have record-high turnout, a spokeswoman for her office told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
In addition to allocating over $11 million towards voting machines, personal protective equipment and more, the state launched its “Democracy MVP” campaign in April, which recruited more than 6,500 poll workers, Tracy Wimmer, Benton’s spokeswoman, told the DCNF in August.
“Turnout has been predicted to double or even triple, and we are preparing for that possibility,” Wimmer said, referencing both those new measures and proposed legal changes.
– – –
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.