thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Commentary: Reviving The Conservative Heart of Organized Labor

It is no coincidence that what finally broke the Soviet Union was a Catholic trade union — a group of shipyard workers , led by an electrician and motivated by a faith that their oppressors deemed an opiate .
Christianity and its sweeping social vision enlivened the workers in Gdansk and their entire nation and , a decade later , a totalitarian superpower claiming to speak on behalf of all workers around the world had vanished .
The forbidden revolution of workers bound together in solidarity around a shared vision of dignity , work , and the common good did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do : it ended communism and gained freedom for millions .
When we celebrate the triumph of Solidarnosc over Stalin ’ s heirs , we should never forget that the movement that toppled the Soviets started because a woman was unjustly fired .
It was a workers ’ movement before it was a political movement .
The Cold War is receding into history , but conservatives rightly hold fast to its vital lessons .
One of those lessons is that the conservative mind and the conservative heart should take a keen interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions — associations of workers who organize together for the purpose of achieving justice in the workplace — are not , and should not be considered , the exclusive domain of the political left .
Rather , the principles of a vital labor movement have more in common with the principles of the healthiest tenets of conservatism today .
The institutional representatives of the conservative movement ought to take organized labor seriously .
Labor and the Right Enthusiasm for a strong labor movement is anything but Marxist .
Labor in America — while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intellectual and religious sources — has been pragmatic and should cast doubt on any narrative that places ideology at the center of its history , past or present .
It was not simply a matter of workers looking after their stomachs — there is plenty of concern and discussion about what constitutes life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness in American labor history .
But in most cases , one finds less concern with Marx and a workers ’ revolution than with dignified work that provided for a well-stocked family kitchen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graduate students hired as union administrators in Washington might be interested in social constructs , but most moms with SEIU membership cards are more interested in a job that allows time to help with their kids ’ social studies .
Even on purely theoretical grounds , thriving trade unions are a failure of the Marxist program .
Karl Marx saw trade unions as integral parts of a capitalist system to be “ dispensed with ” as soon as capitalism was overthrown .
By contrast , and contrary to common conceptions , a thriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on improving the lives of working people is indicative of robust and mature democratic capitalism , not Marxism .
This is why communist countries such as China and Cuba will not tolerate free trade unions , even today .
The compromise , trust , integrity , and democratic character needed to make trade unions flourish are the very things that totalitarian regimes wish to suppress .
Unions are , in many ways , a quintessentially Tocquevillian association .
Conservatives , who pride themselves on their support of liberty , emergent order , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the spontaneous ordering and pre-political nature of organized labor as something in line with — not opposed to — their principles .
Trade unions can , in turn , bolster other social institutions — most notably the family .
Good education allows for good work , good work allows for good wages , good wages provide security to form a family , a stable family provides the best context in which to receive a good education , and so on .
As Andrew Cherlin and others note , labor unions have played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important role in providing Americans with the financial and social stability to proceed along that virtuous circle .
We know , for instance , that stable income from the state can function as a stabilizer on marriages — at least for men .
Why , if we care about restraining the role of the state , should we not look upstream to institutions that secure higher wages that might also help to stabilize marriages ?
We know that parenting with less stress leads to better outcomes for children ’ s educational and economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the wealthy .
Why should it stay that way ?
Why not support institutions that give workers real input on their work schedules ?
Most conservatives today see matters quite differently .
The right-of-center ’ s conventional narrative about labor markets is one in which individuals — totally unconstrained by any other institution — form contracts with their employer in their personal interest and in response to the laws of supply and demand .
If trade unions arise , it ’ s because an employer failed in some way — either to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ demands — or else because unions have coerced workers into joining .
In a debate about Catholic social teaching on labor , Charles Baird encapsulated this perfectly when he said : “ Good jobs are union-free jobs.
” This conservative hostility is perhaps grounded in politics more so than ideology .
American labor unions have in practice been owned by — or , in a sense , are the owners of — the Democratic Party .
In the last presidential election , America ’ s big unions spent hundreds of million of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Left ’ s political causes , and Hillary Clinton received over 97 % of labor ’ s spending on the presidential race .
This , despite union households favoring Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by only 8 points according to exit polls .
Among national politicians , only one Republican is among the top 20 recipients of labor ’ s contributions .
The relationship goes far beyond the cash .
Most of labor ’ s activism — from its on-the-ground support of Democratic candidates to the proliferation of labor-funded community organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , most people , both right and left , believe the principles of labor — its intellectual , even spiritual roots — to be fundamentally leftist .
The story goes something like this : Organized labor assumes that capital , usually in the form of the business corporation , is inherently exploitative .
Both assume an adversarial relationship between the worker and the employer in which collective bargaining is but a means of achieving a ceasefire that can never yield lasting peace .
This plays out not just in constant martial metaphors — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ union busting !
” — but in the legal structures of labor relations .
The Wagner Act , created in the middle of the Great Depression , and which forms the backbone of American labor relations law , manifests an ideological belief that workers and owners are adversaries .
Other , more cooperative or communal structures of labor relations are , in most cases , explicitly prohibited .
Instead , the law requires that workers , their unions and the companies they work with act in opposition as they organize and bargain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ interests — even if it comes at a cost to the company or the economy ; even it means that labor uses the powers of the state to achieve those interests .
So yes , the way trade unions work in America today is unquestionably a problem .
They force membership — either through the law , through thuggery or through sweetheart deals with government .
One can ’ t deny that most of this behavior is a violation of what Pope St. John Paul II called “ the subjectivity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitable .
The conservative tendency to reject labor outright , rather than inquire how such a vital institution might be better ordered , is neither appropriate nor conservative .
The vision of labor espoused by many conservatives ( and embodied in much right-to-work rhetoric and law ) leaves individuals to deal directly with companies and leaves the state to adjudicate between them .
The result has been an expansion of state authority into all sorts of areas — health and safety , wages , and even in some jurisdictions , scheduling .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christian tradition , the subjectivity of the individual is not complete unless it is expressed socially .
Now put this conception of subjectivity alongside the high view of work rightly held by most conservatives and which was expressed so well by John Paul II : “ Human work has an ethical value of its own , which clearly and directly remains linked to the fact that the one who carries it out is a person , a conscious and free subject , that is to say a subject that decides about himself.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worker is able to “ decide about himself ” in the workplace .
She is not simply a tool of the corporation , nor someone whose agency is subsumed by her ability to leave the workplace if she doesn ’ t care for it .
There is more to agency than the right to exit .
Trade unions , at their best , help workers exercise this agency within , alongside , and sometimes against , the business corporation .
They also serve a key social function .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a drink at the union hall doesn ’ t really happen these days ) , but they do serve as institutions that provide a community of practice which , in our bifurcated society , can provide real meaning .
Knowing that your colleagues value your work and acknowledge your excellence is a type of more immediate and valuable social judgment of which America could use more .
They might not vote the same way , but a plumber from the Bronx has plenty in common with a plumber from Boise .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always with a view to the common good , ” is key , and it is also what differentiates a conservative view of labor unions from socialist ones .
This view recognizes that there will be regular occasions during which employers and employees are at odds and will work , as Jacob Levy notes , “ to mitigate workplace power imbalances between managers and employees.
” But it also recognizes that both worker and boss are members of a community that will only thrive if the greater good is kept front of mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more in common with a renewed conservative movement than it does with the current left or right .
But it will also seek , find and engage with the voices within the existing labor movement that are calling for something new — identifying points of agreement and starting there .
Conservatives should actually live out the belief that the responses to a social problem are best led by voluntary organizations .
They should work to form worker associations that enable individuals and families to thrive and articulate the grounds on which to approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work and business that supports it .
In doing so , the conservative movement will come to better understand the existing limits of policy on organized labor in America and can begin to build support for reforms among conservative voters .
This doesn ’ t preclude current politicians from starting the renewal on their own — they should !
— but structural change will be far more likely , and far more stable , if it starts from the ground up .
In all cases , the conservative movement should listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in classic American fashion , to meet those needs .
American conservatives are proud of America ’ s tradition of government of the people , by the people and for the people .
In the nation ’ s labor movement , they should see an opportunity to advance it .
This essay was adapted from “ Labor ’ s Conservative Heart ” originally published by American Compass .
Brian Dijkema is the Vice President of External Affairs with Cardus and an editor of Comment .
He can be found on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Labor Union ” by WisPolitics.com CC2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Dan Bongino Takes a Stand Against Conservative Censorship, Invests in Video Platform Rumble

Radio and TV personality Dan Bongino is upping the pressure on YouTube and other social platforms that censor conservatives , acquiring a stake in the online video platform Rumble that honors free speech .
“ YouTube has taken advantage of conservatives for far too long , ” Bongino told Just the News on Thursday night .
“ We give them high-quality conservative content , and they demonetize us and spit in our faces .
It ’ s the most backward business model I ’ ve seen in a long time .
It ’ s time to stop talking and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s why I partnered up with Rumble.
” Rumble is an online video hosting , sharing and monetization platform started in 2013 that is growing in popularity .
It powers the video platform on Just the News .
Bongino , a former Secret Service agent and congressional candidate , has grown a popular following on Fox News and his own podcast and has been outspoken about the growing censorship and cancel culture movements in the technology space .
His partnership with Rumble is the latest step he has taken to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative values .
He started the Bongino Report earlier this year to counter a leftward trend at the Drudge Report aggregation site , and also has partnered with Parler , the Twitter alternative that is widely popular with conservatives .
John Solomon is a reporter at Just the News .
Photo “ Dan Bongino ” by Gage Skidmore CC2.0

by Tom Joyce
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is leading a group of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief regarding federal immigration law.
The attorneys general are asking the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold a federal statute to enforce federal immigration law in United States v. Hansen.
“In the middle of this man-made disaster at our southern border, we need every tool and law available,” Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in a press release. “The last thing we need is anyone incentivizing migrants to come here illegally and further straining our social safety net. Border communities are being overwhelmed by the influx of people.”
A grand jury charged California resident Helaman Hansen with multiple crimes in 2017 for scamming hundreds of noncitizens out of more than $1 million by promising them a nonexistent path to citizenship.
According to the release, Hansen was charged under a federal statute for encouraging people to come to the United States illegally for “commercial advantage or private financial gain,” according to the release.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals then struck down the statute arguing that the words “encourage” and “induce,” in the law are too broad.
General Brnovich and the attorneys general argue in their amicus brief that the Ninth Circuit decision jeopardizes the constitutionality of criminal law in all 50 states. They worry that the decision may cause other state and federal courts to invalidate existing criminal laws.
The other attorneys general who signed the brief is from the states of: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
– – –
Tom Joyce is a contributor to The Center Square.
Photo “Mark Brnovich” by Mark Brnovich. Background Photo “U.S. Supreme Court” by AscendedAnathema. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Tennessee Comptrollers: Memphis-Area Nonprofits Wrongfully Obtained More Than $37,000 in Taxpayer Mo

Tennessee Comptrollers: Memphis-Area Nonprofits Wrongfully Obtained More Than $37,000 in Taxpayer Money

Tennessee Comptrollers have released two investigations revealing what they describe as fraudulent actions by two Memphis-area nonprofits .
Red Robins Academy of Learning , Inc. ( RRAL ) , and Giving Youth a Chance ( GYAC ) both participated in the Summer Food Service Program in 2018 .
The Tennessee Department of Human Services ( DHS ) administers this federal program and provides free meals to children during summer months when school is not in session .
This , according to a press release that Comptrollers released this week .
“ RRAL and GYAC both sponsored multiple feeding sites in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reimbursed for meals served based on meal count sheets submitted to DHS .
Comptroller investigators and auditors , working in cooperation with the Memphis Police Department , used video surveillance to determine if the organizations were actually serving the number of meals and snacks they claimed in July 2018 , ” the press release said .
“ Investigators and auditors determined that Red Robins Academy of Learning , Inc. wrongfully obtained at least $ 19,539.74 in federal funds .
Investigators and auditors obtained the daily meal count forms submitted by RRAL and compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from three different feeding sites .
At two of those sites , RRAL claimed thousands of meals and snacks were served when , in fact , RRAL did not feed a single child .
The investigation also found that Giving Youth a Chance wrongfully obtained at least $ 17,601.72 in federal funds.
” Comptroller investigators and auditors said they once again discovered a pattern of falsified meal count sheets .
Based on video surveillance evidence from four feeding sites , investigators determined GYAC requested reimbursement for thousands of meals and snacks that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the press release .
The Comptroller ’ s Office has shared the results of these investigations with the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Western District of Tennessee and the Office of the District Attorney General of the 30th Judicial District , according to the press release .
“ Our Office has repeatedly reported on weaknesses within the Summer Food Service Program , ” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson .
“ It is imperative that the Tennessee Department of Human Services continue to ensure that all participants maintain complete and accurate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Indianapolis Racial Justice Activist Admits She is White, ‘Used Blackness’ for Own Gain

A leading activist for racial equality in Indianapolis , Indiana apologized for misleading people about her race for years in order to grow in prominence .
Satchuel Cole has been highly a visible racial justice activist in Indianapolis , has worked with the local Black Lives Matter chapter and was even the spokesperson for the family of Aaron Bailey who was killed by police during a June 2017 traffic stop , according to The Indy Star .
Her apology , which she posted Wednesday on Facebook , came after Black Indy LIVE published an article detailing Cole ’ s family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space as a Black person while knowing I am white , ” Cole said in her social media post .
“ I have used Blackness when it was not mine to use.
” She continued : “ I have caused harm to the city , friends and the work that I held so dear .
I will do the work to take responsibility for my actions and try to reduce the harm that I have already caused.
” Cole ’ s original name was Jennifer Benton before she legally changed it in 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Indy LIVE .
After her name change she began identifying as bi-racial telling fellow activists that she had a black father who she never met .
Further , documents obtained by Black Indy LIVE indicated Cole ’ s parents were both white .
Cole ’ s most prominent public role was on the Bailey case .
U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler announced in April 2019 that the officers involved wouldn ’ t be charged due to insufficient evidence , according to The Star .
“ Those officers are never , ever , ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And that ’ s just really difficult to stomach , ” Cole said on behalf of Bailey ’ s family after Minkler ’ s announcement , The Star reported .
“ And we know that this was the last hope at getting that justice and it ’ s not going to happen.
” In addition to her work on the Bailey case and with Black Lives Matter , she worked with Indy Showing Up For Racial Justice , Indy Pride and was vice president of the social justice organization DONT SLEEP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Questions Asked Food Pantry , which partnered with Black Lives Matter among other organizations .
“ If there are ways to repair the harm , I will do the work that is required to do so , ” Cole said Wednesday .
“ I will continue to seek the help necessary to heal myself .
I am sorry for the harm I have caused .
I am sorry for the hurt and betrayal.
” Cole ’ s apology comes after Jessica Krug , a George Washington University professor who pretended to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school .
“ I should absolutely be cancelled , ” Krug said in a Medium post on September 3 .
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation Photo “ BLM ” by Anthony Quintano CC2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Census Data Boosts Trump, Showing Record Income Gains and Historic Low Poverty

As he heads into the final stretch of the election , President Trump is getting a boost from new census data showing historic , broad-based economic gains for U.S. households in 2019 .
The U.S. Census Bureau on Monday released data showing median household income surging to a record high of more than $ 68,700 last year .
The increase of 6.8 % in household income was the largest one-year increase on record .
The poverty rate , meanwhile , fell to 10.5 % last year , a record low , with 4.2 million Americans lifted out of poverty last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1966 .
“ We ’ ve done a tremendous job in poverty for all people in our nation , in particular for African-Americans , ” Trump told Just the News when asked about the census data at the White House on Wednesday .
“ I ’ m very proud of the numbers — African-Americans , Hispanic Americans , they had the best numbers … both employment and unemployment , depending on the definition.
” The new data shows median household income increased by 9 % in the first three years of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % under eight years of the Obama-Biden administration .
Census figures show 6.6 million Americans were lifted out of poverty from 2016 to 2019 , “ the largest 3-year reduction ” in poverty to start a presidency since 1964 .
The White House noted that while Biden was vice president , the number of Americans in poverty increased by nearly 787,000 .
Median household incomes for African-Americans , Hispanics , and Asian-Americans all hit record highs last year , along with a record-high median income for women .
The income gains for blacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-year record increases .
According to the Council of Economic Advisers , “ the poverty rate fell to an all-time record low for every race and ethnic group in 2019 , ” and the child poverty rate hit a 50-year low .
At the White House , Trump noted that the new census data showed income inequality has fallen over the last two years .
He noted that COVID-19 presented challenges during 2020 to American households but predicted a robust economic recovery , which to date has exceeded many economists ’ forecasts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength very soon , ” Trump said on Wednesday at the White House .
“ We will be back to full strength very soon .
We ’ re going to have a fantastic year next year .
It ’ s looking like that .
I think you ’ re going to have an incredible third quarter .
The numbers are looking very , very strong for the third quarter.
” Jack Brewer , a former NFL football player and a member of the Black Voices For Trump Advisory Board , told Just the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty among black Americans was due to a focus on welfare reform , jobs training programs and school choice .
“ Getting out of poverty is a deep issue , ” Brewer said in a video interview with Just the News .
“ I think the reason why you saw so much progress — pre-coronavirus — from this president is because he actually went at the core of issues issues like welfare reform .
When I say welfare reform , I mean the fact that the president , through his policies , [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people off of welfare and give them actual jobs , so to incentivize folks to actually get off welfare to start jobs.
” Brewer praised the Trump administration for implementing jobs training programs , singling out Ivanka Trump for her work in this area .
He also said Trump ’ s policies on school choice and vouchers allowed black families to take their children out of failing , inner-city schools and give them another chance elsewhere .
“ And so these are deep , systematic issues , and you ’ re just not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty , ” Brewer said .
“ But what it really takes is it takes passing policies like school choice , that allow a mother to have some control over where her city or state is spending $ 20,000 or $ 25,000 per kid on their child ’ s education , yet failing them.
” Brewer praised the Trump administration for securing permanent funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities , which previously had to repeatedly ask for public funding .
“ I know that ’ s what took me to another level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family to get a chance to go to school , ” Brewer said .
“ And so these are the real policies that need to be put in place to end poverty .
It ’ s more than just the unemployment rate .
It ’ s actually being bold enough to go into the deep , systematic issues.
” Carrie Sheffield is a reporter at Just the News .


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Nashville Mayor John Cooper on July 2: ‘Our Public Health Investigators Have Found a Record Number o

Nashville Mayor John Cooper on July 2: ‘Our Public Health Investigators Have Found a Record Number of Clusters Originating from Bars within the Past Week’

Here are Nashville Mayor John Cooper ’ s exact words , delivered at his July 2 , 2020 press conference , beginning at 3:01 mark in the video of that press conference .
It ’ s worth noting the Nashville rate of confirmed cases did decline while bars and restaurants operated at 50 percent capacity in May .
The Metro Parks facilities opened in phase three will remain open including dog parks , skate parks , basketball courts , and playgrounds .
And recreational leagues and pools will still be permitted as outbreaks have not been traced back to these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , we urge you to practice safe social distancing around swimming pools this weekend .
Additionally , all bars in Davidson County known as limited-service restaurants that derive the majority of their revenue from alcohol sales will close for a minimum of 14 days beginning tomorrow which is equal to one incubation cycle of the coronavirus .
Our public health investigators have found a record number of clusters originating from bars within the past week which affected employees , patrons , and musicians .
Multiple bars in the downtown and midtown neighborhoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their staff and patrons .
Every decision related to our phased economic re-opening has been made with unanimity among our public health experts including these announced this morning .


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Students Call Out Tuition Theft as Gettysburg College Tells Most to Go Home

After quarantining students in their dorms for days , Gettysburg College decided to send most of its resident students home in early September .
On September 4 , Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano sent a message announcing that the Pennsylvania institution would implement a “ de-densification ” plan , citing high rates of COVID-19 transmission .
More than 1,000 students were required to move off-campus , according to Gettysburg ’ s administration .
A limited number of students were allowed to remain on campus .
Students who have research or teaching responsibilities , freshmen , and international students were given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not meeting these criteria were also allowed to remain on campus , but all students who wanted to remain in college-sponsored housing had to petition the administration to do so .
This “ de-densification ” comes at the tail end of an “ all-student ” quarantine which began on September 1 .
The restrictions put in place were some of the strictest yet .
This caught the attention of national media outlets like The Washington Post , which reported that Gettysburg was rarely allowing students to leave the confines of their dorm rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rooms to retrieve food or use the restroom .
Activities like strolls outside or use of fields and facilities for exercise were strictly prohibited .
The restrictions detailed on Gettysburg ’ s website stated that students who needed to travel off campus would need to gain permission , and suggested that it may be difficult to be allowed back after traveling .
Gettysburg College ’ s abrupt decision to quickly push students off-campus was met with near-immediate blowback from frustrated students .
In an email obtained by Campus Reform , student leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving students sufficient time to plan .
The email also asked that students resist the administration ’ s hasty plans : “ We are calling all students to protest this displacement by standing their ground , remaining within their closed quarters until Gettysburg College truly decides to communicate and negotiate with its students .
This is not an act of defiance .
This is a demand for justice.
” Parlaying this email into action , a protest took place where students aired grievances at their college ’ s handling of COVID-19 cases on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further escalated by the College ’ s lack of communication about whether tuition and fees paid would be reimbursed .
Many students enrolled at Gettysburg paid prices they expected would cover a traditional educational experience , rather than a less resource-intensive model of remote delivery .
Andrew Breschard , who serves as Chairman of Gettysburg ’ s chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom , told Campus Reform that he is disappointed with how the college has handled this crisis .
“ I believe that not only did the College impose an undue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they needlessly decided to send us home , robbing us of our tuition dollars once again , ” Breschard said .
Breschard also suggested that the college ’ s move was likely to spread the coronavirus across the country , rather than mitigate its spread locally .
He said that “ they are sending us all across the country to spread COVID-19 to our families and their close contacts.
” Breschard believes that the administration ’ s decision lacked foresight , transparency and that it “ is putting far more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we remained on campus.
” Breschard also expressed a sentiment that many other student leaders and dissenters at the College have expressed : that the administration cares more about public image and financial gain than the fiscal and academic well-being of its students .
He believes that “ the college is putting money over health by sending us home early , cutting their own expenses , in exchange for risking the lives of our parents and loved ones.
” Campus Reform reached out to Gettysburg College but did not get a response .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Correspondent , reporting on liberal bias and abuse for Campus Reform .
He is a Senior at Case Western Reserve University and is majoring in Political Science and Minoring in Economics , as well as being on the pre-law track .
At school , he serves as Policy Advisor of the Case College Republicans and is an occasional volunteer at the Boys and Girls Clubs .
Photo “ Gettysburg College ” by Smb51095 CC4.0


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Virginia 2021 Gubernatorial Election: Amanda Chase Hopes to Bring Strong Leadership and Restore Virg

Virginia 2021 Gubernatorial Election: Amanda Chase Hopes to Bring Strong Leadership and Restore Virginia

State Senator Amanda Chase ( R-Chesterfield ) believes she is the right person for the Virginia governorship who will bring the necessary changes for the people of the Commonwealth .
The Virginia 2021 gubernatorial election will not take place until November , 2021 , but that does not stop Chase from working in the intermediary to achieve her goal .
The Virginia Star recently spoke with Chase about her candidacy , policies and why she decided to run .
“ I am running for Governor because after I spoke at the 2nd Amendment rally , my office was bombarded with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Governor from 2025 to 2021 since the people said I am the only voice that ’ s out front and center speaking on behalf of the people , ” Chase said in an interview with The Star .
[ They said ] we want you to run for office to support the people.
” Another reason Chase decided to enter her name into the race is because of , what she describes as , a lack of strong leadership under current Governor Ralph Northam .
“ When I entered in this race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls , I said that this is a need for Virginia , ” Chase said .
“ [ The Commonwealth ] needs a strong leader that is going to stand up to the pay-to-play system and be a voice for the people.
” Chase , who has been a member of the Senate since 2016 , is never afraid to speak her mind or offer opinions on controversial subjects and believes that she has the requisite tools for the job .
“ It takes someone that is both smart business wise and understands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chase said .
“ I ’ ve got the education , the experience , the background to be ready day one as Governor .
And I think I ’ m the voice of the people , I have tremendous support.
” Originally from the small town of Sheffield , Alabama , Chase has served as political director for two congressional campaigns and a lieutenant governor campaign .
She has also worked for several banks , including the Federal Reserve , and currently works at Primerica Financial Services alongside her legislative duties , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and government .
If elected Governor , the unbashful lawmaker promises swift executive action and already has several policies and ideas she intends to implement .
“ I will set a Guinness book of world records for the number of executive orders that I file in my first month of office , ” Chase said .
Among her proposed ideas , Chase plans to restore 2nd Amendment rights for Virginians , strengthen law enforcement agencies with additional funding , helping small businesses by diversifying the state economy and overhauling the education system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ creation of a call center for parents and teachers to report incidents when public colleges and universities are “ cited for indoctrinating our students to leftist and Marxist ideologies.
” When asked if she could win the gubernatorial election , Chase simply responded : “ Oh , I know I will win , absolutely.
” As a result of her never-back-down style , Chase has garnered many critics throughout Virginia .
In November of 2019 , Chase announced that she would no longer caucus with the state Republican Party citing a broken and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2019 , Chase reportedly berated and cursed at a Capitol Police officer who would not let her park in a secure area outside of Capitol Square .
Currently , Chase is the only Republican candidate that has officially announced their intention to run .
U.S. Representative Denver Riggleman ( R-VA-05 ) said he has formed an exploratory committee and former House speaker Del .
Kirk Cox ( R-Colonial Heights ) has unofficially said he is running .
Democrats running for Governor include Sen. Jennifer McClellan ( D-Richmond City ) , Del .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and current Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax .
Former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe has filed paperwork to run .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Mike Fonseca CC2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Mixed, Mostly Quiet Response to Supreme Court Vacancy by Ohio Legislators

After the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , most of Ohio ’ s congressional representatives expressed condolences , almost none weighing in on whether or not Ginsburg ’ s replacement should be chosen before the election .
Of Ohio ’ s 16 congressional representatives , it appears only Representative Marcia Fudge of Ohio ’ s 11th district has taken a stand on the issue , and then only by retweeting Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy ’ s statement on the subject .
Members of the House of Representatives are not directly involved in the process to select supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate , and the President .
Senator Sherrod Brown said in a statement that “ the American people deserve a voice in the momentous decision we now face , and it was her dying wish , according to her family , that we wait for their choice to lead us to take office in January to confirm a new justice.
” Brown doubled down on the sentiment on Twitter , saying that “ the American people deserve a voice in the momentous decision we now face.
” In a 2016 statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination of Merrick Garland by President Obama to fill the supreme court seat vacated by Antonin Scalia “ President Obama is doing his job and nominating Judge Merrick Garland to fill the Supreme Court vacancy .
Now it ’ s time for Senators to do our jobs.
” Brown went on to call Garland an “ unquestionably qualified nominee who has earned support from both Republicans and Democrats in the past ” and said that he expected his “ colleagues to put politics aside , do the job we were elected to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration .
Anything less undermines our democracy.
” Ohio Senator Robert Portman took a different approach to the issue saying in a statement that “ In the more than two dozen vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court during a presidential election year in our nation ’ s history , the sitting president made a nomination in every single case .
Leader McConnell has said that he will hold a vote on any nominee President Trump sends to the Senate , and I intend to fulfill my role as a U.S .
Senator and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her merits.
” While Portman helped oppose Garland ’ s appointment in 2016 Portman said that “ In 2016 , when the vacancy occurred following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia , I said ‘ the president has every right to nominate a Supreme Court justice … But the founders also gave the Senate the exclusive right to decide whether to move forward on that nominee.
’ Since the 1880s , no Senate has confirmed an opposing-party president ’ s Supreme Court nominee in a presidential election year .
Ben Kolodny is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star News Network .
You can follow Ben on Twitter .
Tips can be sent to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Mayoral Candidate Kim Gray: RVA is My Home, not a Stepping Stone

In a virtual town hall , candidate Kim Gray said her experience as a council member and commitment to connected , honest government make her the best choice to be Richmond ’ s next mayor .
The Youtube livestream had been watched by around 175 people by Sunday evening .
“ I ’ ve spent the last 12 years of my life as a public servant , as an elected official , and the past four years have been very challenging .
I want to overcome the corruption and cronyism and lack of common sense approaches , ” Gray said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected life as a school board member because children are , I think , the foundation for a prosperous locality and making sure that we have a sound education system in place for our students and that children are safe and protected in our community.
” Gray added that she wants to address a problem with virtual learning — some students don ’ t have the computers or internet access they need to attend classes .
Gray said that part of solving Richmond ’ s education problems means addressing challenges for small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important if we want to pay for all the amenities , and to pay for great schools and modernize school buildings .
We have to support our local businesses and make sure they are thriving and generating the revenue needed to move us forward.
” She pointed to her record on the city council , where they used grants to help businesses meet COVID-19-related costs .
Gray said her top priorities were focused on restoring relationships between citizens and government .
“ We are coming out of a serious crisis with COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the future holds .
And I think that with the civil unrest , I do think there ’ s a connection there ; people are sensing a level of frustration and want to be heard by their government , ” Gray said .
“ Building community policing , community trust , community planning back into every aspect of what we do in city hall is an utter priority.
” Gray said she wants to encourage more dialogue , including peaceful protesting .
“ I think we have to engage and we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s what we have to do and sometimes it ’ s difficult conversations that we need to have .
But if we don ’ t allow that space and opportunity for people to be heard and have a dialogue , we can ’ t move forward.
” “ I also think we need to address when people are crossing the lines and not treating our businesses respectfully.
” Gray added , “ I do draw the line there.
” Gray said she ’ s worked to reestablish that community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that as a 27-year resident of Jackson Ward , she ’ s invested in Richmond for the long haul .
“ I ’ ve been a public servant for over 25 years , going on 30 years .
And I understand who I work for , who my bosses are — the people of the city of Richmond.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Richmond ” by Ben Schumin CC2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar: Trump Shouldn’t Pick the New SCOTUS Justice

Senators Tina Smith ( DFL-MN ) and Amy Klobuchar ( DFL-MN ) stated that President Trump shouldn ’ t pick the Supreme Court of the United States ( SCOTUS ) nominee .
Instead , Smith and Klobuchar say that the newly-elected president should , and the Senate should wait to vote until then .
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday from cancer complications .
The SCOTUS vacancy is now the epicenter of political leaders ’ attention .
A few days later , Trump stated that he intends to announce a female nominee sometime this week .
Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump ’ s nominee will receive a Senate vote .
However , Smith disagrees with voting on a SCOTUS pick so close to the presidential election .
“ It ’ s an example of rank hypocrisy , and a blatant power grab .
I think it ’ s essential that the Senate – that Mitch McConnell – not push through the nomination , ” stated Smith .
“ This is a vitally important decision , and the American people are currently voting right now for the president of the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ here.
” In the days following Ginsburg ’ s passing , Smith promised she would try and prevent another filling the SCOTUS seat .
She tweeted she would “ fight to stop McConnell from confirming a SCOTUS nominee before Inauguration Day , ” along with a petition .
Smith is in a race of her own against former Republican congressman Jason Lewis .
Klobuchar , a member of the Committee on the Judiciary , also wants to wait until the newly-elected president puts forth a SCOTUS nominee .
In an interview with CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if Democrats could do anything to stop a confirmation .
The senator would only say that it was on her Republican colleagues ’ shoulders to decide .
“ The voters are voting .
And a number of them have already said that the next president , whoever wins should be able to pick the Justice .
The people pick the President , the President picks the Justice .
That was the McConnell rule and that is the precedent they set.
” Tapper repeated his question , and asked if Democratic senators would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote .
Klobuchar would only say that she would rely on individual Republican consciences , and didn ’ t address the idea of blocking the bill .
Tapper brought up Klobuchar ’ s apparent contradictory statement on previous President Barack Obama ’ s 2016 nominee : Klobuchar urged the Senate to vote immediately .
Klobuchar stated that her current stance is based on rules McConnell set after refusing to consider Obama ’ s nominee .
Klobuchar also dismissed new concerns over Ginsburg ’ s death possibly impacting the upcoming Supreme Court case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the stances of Senators Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) and Cory Gardner ( R-CO ) will decide whether or not a confirmation vote will occur before Election Day .
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 ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--TRUMPDATE: Latest from the Team Trump Virginia Campaign for September 21

Welcome to another Monday edition of our daily Virginia Trump campaign update !
We will provide our readers with daily updates on the Trump Virginia campaign from today to November 3 ( and after…if need be ! )
.
It ’ s officially 43 days until the election on November 3 – and 8 days until President Trump and Joe Biden square off in the first presidential debate .
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer .
As many across the nation mourn the loss of Ginsburg as a more liberal feminist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration shifts to who will fill the new vacancy .
President Trump has the opportunity to make his third nomination for the nation ’ s highest court .
Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh were previously nominated by President Trump , and successfully confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate .
The president and some Republicans are optimistic they ’ ll be able to have a nominee confirmed before the upcoming election , while others , including Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski , want to see Ginsburg ’ s replacement come after the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more conservative justices are seated on the court , and successfully confirming a new justice just prior to the election would be a key victory for the president just before the majority of the nation heads to the polls .
There are no marquee events slated to take place in Virginia this week at this time , but that doesn ’ t mean that Team Trump Virginia is taking the week off .
According to Samantha Cotten , Regional Communications Director for the Trump campaign , Team Trump Virginia will be in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call .
“ We ’ re recruiting volunteers and making sure we ’ re contacting voters , ” Cotten said .
“ We ’ re continuing to mobilize , knocking on doors , doing what we can in Virginia.
” Echoing the sentiments of RNC co-chair Tommy Hicks , who told The Virginia Star recently that the Commonwealth is in play for President Trump , Cotten said the Team Trump campaign isn ’ t overlooking the importance of the race in Virginia .
“ We ’ re taking Virginia very seriously , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving no stone unturned .
Our ground game is definitely what differentiates us from the Biden campaign.
” In addition to the work Team Trump Virginia is doing here , the national Team Trump campaign is going to continue dominating the digital space this week with a number of online broadcasts available to view live for free .
President Trump will be speaking at campaign events in Ohio today , and tomorrow Vice President Pence will be speaking in New Hampshire .
Events will stream on Team Trump ’ s Facebook and Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , YouTube , and Twitch accounts , and at www.donaldjtrump.com/online .
Check back every day for more Trump Virginia campaign updates !
If you want to join the volunteer team or if you need signs email John Fredericks or Justin Rice .
To Donate to our Virginia campaign click here .
For more information , or to sign up to become a volunteer , click here .


thetennesseestar--2020-09-21--No Credible Evidence to Support Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s July Shutdown of Bars and Reduction of

No Credible Evidence to Support Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s July Shutdown of Bars and Reduction of Restaurant Capacity, Despite Bullying Tactics by His Administration

When Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced at a July 2 press conference that he was shutting down all the city ’ s bars for 14 days , reducing restaurant capacity from 75 percent to 50 percent , and temporarily closing event venues and entertainment venues , all due to “ record ” cases of COVID-19 traceable to restaurants and bars , he apparently knew that his own Metro Health Department said less than two dozen cases of COVID-19 could be traced to those establishments .
But he failed to disclose that the “ record ” of bar and restaurant traceable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about one tenth of one percent of Davidson County ’ s 20,000 cases of COVID-19 .
In essence , there was no credible evidence to support the draconian shutdown measures Mayor Cooper took that have had a devastating impact on one of the city ’ s most important industries , and the tens of thousands of Nashvillians whose lives depend on that industry .
“ Our Phase Three has not been effective , and we ’ re going to back to what we know is effective in slowing the spread of the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for the next several weeks at least , Nashville will revert to a Phase Two with modifications for the road map for reopening Nashville , ” Cooper began .
“ The modified plan is tailored to what we ’ ve learned in contact tracing investigations over the past several weeks .
It is in response to sharp recent increases in cases and clustering of cases , ” he continued .
( emphasis added ) .
You can watch the full video of the July 2 press conference here : Go to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about bars and restaurants .
It ’ s worth noting that Nashville ’ s rate of confirmed cases did decline while bars and restaurants operated at 50 percent capacity in May .
Now , Metro parks facilities opened in Phase 3 will remain open , including dog parks , skate parks , basketball courts and playgrounds .
And recreational leagues and pools will still be permitted , as outbreaks have not been traced back to these venues or activities .
Now , of course , we urge you to practice safe social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , all bars in Davidson County known as limited-service restaurants that derive the majority of their revenue from alcohol sales will close for a minimum of 14 days , beginning tomorrow , which is equal to one incubation cycle of the coronavirus .
Our public health investigators have found a record number of clusters originating from bars in the past week , which have affected employees , patrons and musicians .
Multiple bars in the downtown and midtown neighborhood have recently closed because of outbreaks among their staff and patrons .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been made with unanimity among our public health experts — including these announced this morning .
Cooper is a defendant in a lawsuit brought by bar owners over his tight coronavirus restrictions .
The complaint says that from the Metro Health Director ’ s first order , “ restaurants and bars were consistently treated differently than other similarly situated businesses and entities , ” especially bars on Broadway .
Dennis Ferrier of Fox 17 News was the first to report that the mayor ’ s office decided not to release the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of COVID-19 cases were associated with bars and restaurants .
He obtained copies of emails exchanged between members of Cooper ’ s staff and the health department , and he showed those emails in his story .
Fox 17 News seems to have removed the printed version of Dennis Ferrier ’ s story , which was here , but so far has left the video version on YouTube here .
Ferrier ’ s story mentioned how nursing homes and construction workers contributed to high case counts , about 1,000 each , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of June 30 .
The reporter showed copies of emails of officials as late as June 29 working out a decision to not release the low numbers to the public .
A month later , a reporter asked the health department about rumors that only 80 of more than 20,000 cases in Davidson County were attributable to bars and restaurants , Ferrier reported .
Officials talked by email about how to deflect away from giving a specific answer .
Ferrier ’ s reporting drew national headlines , and the mayor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to a story Friday by WSMV ’ s Nancy Amons .
Around the 2:50 mark , Amons asked Cooper about the July 2 press conference , the emails and his decision to close bars for 14 days even though , she said , there were only about 16 cases .
Cooper blamed young people .
I think , if you look into it — and we ’ re happy to go into all the correspondence — you began to have bar outbreak in June .
And that was telling you that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave , the second spike , that you had to be especially careful about any outbreak in that area because young people spread it .
Young people naturally see more people in a week .
They ’ re out , and they ’ re about .
They may not be symptomatic , but they spread it .
And , that is frankly what we saw .
Our count went from something kind of manageable in June but by mid-July it was really high .
Cooper deflected Amons ’ question about the cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month in the bars and said his responsibility is to protect the entire county .
During a press conference Thursday , Cooper spokesman Chris Song verbally berated Ferrier , as The Tennessee Star reported .
Song said Ferrier did not go through proper channels , and he told the audience that the reported had exercised “ a lapse in journalistic judgement and due diligence.
” There are reports that Fox 17 News ’ management reacted to Cooper ’ s bullying by issuing a retraction , while other reports call it an apology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dictionary.com defines “ cover-up ” as “ any action , stratagem , or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure.
” Despite what Cooper told WSMV , is this fake news ?
Chris Butler of The Star on Friday ran an interview with Mark Cunningham , spokesman for the Beacon Center of Tennessee , in which they discussed Cooper .
Cunningham discussed Ferrier ’ s story on how Cooper and the city ’ s health department hid the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in lower Broadway ’ s bars and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , with this news , every bar in the city should open back up .
“ The issue is that the data had showed very few cases from bars , and he knew that and he shut them down anyway .
That ’ s the bombshell .
He [ Cooper ] knew that there wasn ’ t an issue with the bars , yet he shut them down , ” Cunningham said .
“ Science only seems to follow the CDC recommendations when it fits his preconceived agenda , and he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite the contrary evidence , he basically has cost business owners , performers , and employees of their livelihoods with numbers that were contradictory to what he was saying publicly.
” Even if Fox 17 News ’ management will not stick up for Ferrier , his wife will .
Lindsay Ferrier spoke out on his challenges on her blog titled , Suburban Turmoil , available here , as well as her Facebook page here .
On her Facebook post , she linked to a video clip of her husband ’ s story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s story blows up and goes national and ever more hyperbolic headlines are being used to describe it , I ’ d encourage you to watch the story Dennis himself wrote and reported , and then make up your own minds .
Click on the link below and watch the video — That ’ s his actual story about the emails .
Everything else you ’ re seeing is a report on his report along with that author ’ s spin , and it may or may not be accurate .
I also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourselves .
I ’ ve seen Dennis ’ s story on the news twice now and in it , he asked all the same questions I had after reading the emails .
I was disappointed the mayor ’ s office was unable or unwilling to answer any of those questions at the press conference this morning and I hope Mayor Cooper really is willing to ‘ get to the bottom of this ’ in an interview .
Dennis Ferrier on Sunday posted this on his personal Facebook page : Public opinion seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group called “ Re-Open Nashville ” held a “ Reopen & Resign Rally ” Sunday at Woodmont Park in BelleMeade , reportedly near Cooper ’ s home on Woodlawn Drive .
A drive-by rally with people staying inside their cars should satisfy Cooper , who has frequently called for social distancing .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .
Photo “ Nashville at Night ” by Jeffry Salazar CC2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--Marsha Blackburn Says She Will Vote for a Constitutionalist to Replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) said this week that she and her colleagues will soon seek someone to replace the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg — as they are supposed to , regardless .
Blackburn also said that she wants a person with constitutionalist views .
Blackburn said this while she appeared on FOX News .
“ The Senate is going to do its job .
Those of us at the Judiciary Committee will do our due diligence .
We will prepare properly for the hearing , ” Blackburn told host Steve Hilton .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutionalist to go onto the Supreme Court.
” But , as Blackburn warned , Democrats will insist on delaying the matter .
“ The [ Democratic Party is ] fighting this [ and ] wants to delay .
They ’ re having a good old fashioned come apart , if you will .
Steve , they are the ones that want to pack the Supreme Court , ” Blackburn said .
Blackburn described U.S. President Donald Trump ’ s potential nominee Amy Coney Barrett as “ a tremendous story ” and Barbara Lagoa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve on the Supreme Court.
” As reported this week , Blackburn praised Ginsburg as someone who didn ’ t have an easy path .
“ Women have a much more circuitous route in their careers than men , and certainly we see that in Justice Ginsburg ’ s career , ” Blackburn said .
“ Women who have had to fight to make their way really appreciate the opportunity…to do a job that they truly love , and she loved this.
” Blackburn also said that Ginsburg relied on an inner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg fought back against cancer .
She also said she appreciated how Ginsburg refused to cave to pressure from the political left and allow someone else to take her seat on the U.S. Supreme Court .
Blackburn serves on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee .
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) has already said that Trump ’ s nominee to replace Ginsburg will get a vote on the U.S. Senate floor .
Blackburn told Bream that a confirmation process for a replacement U.S. Supreme Court justice can take upwards of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Senator Marsha Blackburn ” by Sen. Marsha Blackburn .

The Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) recently revealed that 22 Arizonans have been indicted for drug-related charges following a multi-year investigation of a South Phoenix criminal street gang.
“According to the criminal complaints filed last week, in January 2020, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) began an investigation targeting a drug and firearms supplier in South Phoenix. In February 2021, in conjunction with the DPS investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Violent Street Gang Task Force began investigating the Lindo Park Crips (LPC), a criminal street gang operating in South Phoenix,” according to a press release from the USAO.
The release outlined that DPS and FBI investigators targeted LPC members and drug suppliers, ultimately leading to a major bust. Investigators reportedly found over 2,000 grams of cocaine, 35,000 counterfeit pills suspected to contain fentanyl, 26 grams of methamphetamine, four and a half grams of crack, 32 doses of MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy or XTC), and weapons, including 17 firearms and eight Glock conversion devices.
All 22 defendants are charged with either conspiracy to distribute cocaine or fentanyl, and some are charged with actual possession of the drugs. Furthermore, several are charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.
According to the release, these charges incur heavy fines and jail time if convicted. For the drug charges, a conviction for conspiracy to distribute or intent to sell the amount of cocaine charged in the complaint carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine, while a conviction for the amount of fentanyl can be up to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Moreover, a conviction for illegally possessing a firearm carries jail time up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
Most of the 22 individuals come from Phoenix, but others hail from cities across Arizona, including Avondale, Florence, Buckeye, and Goodyear. The youngest defendant is Jesus Salazar, 24, of Avondale, while the eldest is 62-year-old Terry Lee King of Phoenix.
The USAO stated that this case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCFETF) operation which seeks to dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States.
All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
As The Arizona Sun Times reported, Border Patrol agents recently seized 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.1 kilograms of heroin at a highway checkpoint at the El Centro Station. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBS) said the drugs confiscated had an estimated street value of $190,000. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on the person’s tolerance. Based on that statistic, this bust alone involved enough fentanyl to kill over 2 million people.
According to statistics from CBS, 3,513.15 kilograms of illicit fentanyl were confiscated in May, which would hypothetically be enough to kill 1,756,575,000 people under the DEA’s metric.
– – –
Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Phoenix Police Department” by Phoenix Police Department.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--Commentary: The True Impact of Virtual Learning on our Families and our Future

This morning , my son , a high school senior doing virtual learning , texted me , “ I didn ’ t get out of bed for first period.
” I replied , “ Yikes !
” To which he shot back , “ It ’ s okay , I just did the class from bed.
” This can not be a thing !
Kids should not be going to school from their beds !
A few hours later , a friend on Facebook posted : “ I ’ m totally winning at this parenting thing !
I slept through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s calendar time right as they were saying goodbye to everybody .
So , he got marked tardy for today .
And then I was trying to help my daughter with her math , but I don ’ t know the current math jargon , so I wasn ’ t able to explain it without making her cry .
It ’ s only 11:00 am .
This is going to be a stellar day.
” Another girlfriend posted in a Facebook group dedicated to reopening schools : “ I went in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was yelling at her class – well it was at her computer .
She was in tears telling me she was going to have to drop out or fail because there are too many tabs , and too much technology , and she doesn ’ t understand where she is supposed to find all her work .
She said she asked for help but got kicked out of the group and couldn ’ t get back on and when she tried to talk to the teacher , they couldn ’ t hear her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in because I can ’ t find it .
I can ’ t understand it when I do find it .
Why can ’ t they just give me a sheet of work to do , I can do that , but I can ’ t do this computer stuff .
It ’ s going to kill me.
’ And I ’ ve been in tears since.
” Another friend , a therapist who works with youth , said all of her patient visits are done remotely and many of the young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
“ Yesterday I spoke to a 12-year old patient who is home with three younger siblings , ” she said .
Whether parents are home , at work , or working from home , virtual learning is not working for anyone .
A parent at the office can not fully focus on their job because they are worried about their child at home .
Similarly , it is difficult for a parent to productively work from home if they have children who need help .
In the short term the schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a 37 percent drop in non-farm worker output from May to July and nation ’ s economy contracting by 31.7 percent in the second quarter .
With the economy now on the rebound , those losses appear to be temporary , however , scholars from The Brookings Institution looked into the long-term consequences of virtual learning and it ’ s not good .
From the COVID-19 cost of school closures report finding “ lost earnings of $ 1,337 per year per student : a present value loss of earnings of $ 33,464 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s salary at current average wage rates ) … [ and ] a look at the impact on the whole of the country is much more sobering .
In this model , the cost to the United States in future earnings of four months of lost education is $ 2.5 trillion—12.7 percent of annual GDP… Extrapolating to the global level , on the basis that the U.S. economy represents about one-quarter of global output , these data suggest the world could lose as much as $ 10 trillion over the coming generation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The human and economic costs of virtual learning are real .
Our kids are losing years right now .
By ignoring them we are placing our future in peril — and the cost may be more than we can bear .
Catherine Mortensen is the Vice President of Communications at Americans for Limited Government .
Photo “ Virtual Learning ” by Brad Flickinger CC2.0


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--DOJ Identifies New York City, Portland, Seattle as Violent Anarchist Jurisdictions in Move to Revoke

DOJ Identifies New York City, Portland, Seattle as Violent Anarchist Jurisdictions in Move to Revoke Federal Funding

The Department of Justice on Monday identified three cities – New York City , Portland , and Seattle – as jurisdictions that have permitted “ violence and destruction of property , ” thereby meeting President Trump ’ s criteria for withholding federal funding to those areas .
Earlier this month , the president issued a memorandum asking the Director of the Office of Management and Budget , Secretary of Homeland Security , and Attorney General Barr to list the areas that “ have permitted violence and the destruction of property to persist and have refused to undertake reasonable measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cities “ anarchist jurisdictions ” and asked the OMB to issue guidance to the heads of executive departments and agencies “ restricting eligibility ” and “ disfavoring ” them from federal funding .
“ My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones .
To ensure that Federal funds are neither unduly wasted nor spent in a manner that directly violates our Government ’ s promise to protect life , liberty , and property , it is imperative that the Federal Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurisdictions that permit anarchy , violence , and destruction in America ’ s cities , ” Trump wrote .
The DOJ noted that all three cities rejected federal law enforcement support amid skyrocketing increases in crime .
In July and August of 2020 , shootings in New York City increased 177 percent and 166 percent from last year , according to the DOJ statement .
While the city faced increased unrest , gun violence , and property damage , the New York City Council cut $ 1 billion from NYPD ’ s FY21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation of the new police recruiting class , cuts to overtime spending , and the transfer of certain police functions , including school safety , out of the NYPD .
Meanwhile , the Manhattan and Brooklyn District Attorneys have declined to prosecute charges of disorderly conduct and unlawful assembly arising from the protests , and the District Attorneys in Queens and the Bronx have declined to prosecute other protest-related charges .
The DOJ noted that both Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo forcefully rejected Trump ’ s offer of federal law enforcement support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , increased by more than 140 % in June and July 2020 compared to the same period last year , amid more than “ 100 consecutive nights of protests marred by vandalism , chaos , and even killing , ” according to the DOJ ’ s statement .
Those bent on violence regularly started fires , threw projectiles at law enforcement officers , and destroyed property .
Numerous law enforcement officers , among others , suffered injury .
Shootings increased by more than 140 % in June and July 2020 compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the midst of this violence , the Portland City Council cut $ 15 million from the police bureau , eliminating 84 positions .
Crucially , the cuts included the Gun Violence Reduction Team , which investigates shootings , and several positions from the police team that responds to emergency incidents .
Portland Mayor Wheeler also rejected Trump ’ s offer of federal law enforcement to stop the violent rioting .
The DOJ statement goes on to excoriate Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan for allowing “ anarchists and activists to seize six square blocks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , naming their new enclave the “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ” ( CHAZ ) and then the “ Capitol Hill Occupied Protest ” ( CHOP ) ” for nearly a month starting in June .
Law enforcement and fire fighters were precluded from entering the territory .
The Seattle Police Department was ordered to abandon their precinct within the CHOP .
Like Portland and NYC , the Seattle City Council , Mayor Durkan , and Washington Governor Jay Inslee also expressly rejected federal law enforcement support within the city of Seattle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general said in a statement that state and local leaders in these cities have endangered citizens , including protestors , by their dereliction .
“ When state and local leaders impede their own law enforcement officers and agencies from doing their jobs , it endangers innocent citizens who deserve to be protected , including those who are trying to peacefully assemble and protest , ” Barr said .
“ We can not allow federal tax dollars to be wasted when the safety of the citizenry hangs in the balance .
It is my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Justice today will reverse course and become serious about performing the basic function of government and start protecting their own citizens.
” The DOJ said that it is continuing to evaluate other cities using the criteria set out in the president ’ s memorandum , therefore the list will be updated periodically .
Debra Heine is a conservative Catholic mom of six and longtime political pundit .
She has written for several conservative news websites over the years , including Breitbart and PJ Media .
Photo “ CHOP ” by Mike @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Rejects Mark Green’s Request to Assist Churches Through FM Transmitter Regulat

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Rejects Mark Green’s Request to Assist Churches Through FM Transmitter Regulations

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has rejected U.S. Rep. Mark Green ’ s ( R-TN-07 ) request to grant churches and other houses of worship a temporary waiver to use long-range FM transmitters without fear of harsh government fines .
Green , in a letter he sent to the FCC in June , specifically cited the COVID-19 pandemic as prompting him to request this .
“ During the coronavirus pandemic , America ’ s communities of faith have sought innovative ways to gather without putting their members at risk .
Some houses of worship have even held ‘ drive-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses of worship to do this , they must be able to operate without the fear of heavy penalties threatening their services , ” Green wrote .
“ I am writing to ask you to consider granting a temporary waiver for houses of worship to operate FM transmitters with an effective service range greater than 200 feet .
Such a waiver would enable our faith communities to continue congregating while abiding by the CDC ’ s recommended social distancing measures .
The coronavirus pandemic has forced houses of worship to find alternative ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Federal government can do is to get out of their way , so they can serve their communities without fear of violating a government rule.
” Pai , three months later , responded with a letter of his own and denied Green ’ s request .
Pai cited FCC rules and what he described as a need to protect licensed stations .
“ A waiver of these requirements would undermine the Commission ’ s goal of ensuring the integrity of the already-crowded FM radio spectrum and would deny existing licensees the opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pai wrote .
As an alternative , Pai said churches can ask their local broadcast stations to air their weekly services .
He also said churches could take advantage of either “ call-to-listen ” services — where congregants only need a phone — or streaming services .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
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thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--Michigan-Ohio State Finale Highlights Third Big Ten Schedule

by The Associated Press The Big Ten ’ s third football schedule of the 2020 season is highlighted by Michigan-Ohio State on Dec. 12 , the final day of the conference ’ s regular-season and the latest date the rivals have ever played .
The Big Ten released an eight-games-in-eight-weeks schedule on Saturday that will start the weekend of Oct. 24 .
Just three days ago , the conference reversed course and decided to play a fall football season after postponing on Aug. 11 because of concerns about COVID-19 .
Week 1 features Nebraska at Ohio State , two teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grassroots push to play fall ball in the Big Ten .
Michigan will play at Minnesota in the Little Brown Jug rivalry to open the season .
In Week 2 , Ohio State will play at Penn State on Halloween .
The Buckeyes at No .
2 and Penn State at No .
7 were the highest ranked Big Ten teams in the preseason AP Top 25 .
The regular season concludes as usual with the Buckeyes and Wolverines facing off .
Michigan and Ohio State have played 103 times , but never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship game will be played Dec. 19 in Indianapolis , matching the East and West Division champions .
The conference has said it will give all its teams the opportunity to play on Dec. 19 .
The tentative plan is to match teams with similar finishes in the respective division standings .


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--Arizona State University Journalism School Removes People, News Items Decried as too Pro-Police

In the last four months the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University has repeatedly removed pro-police related items after students and activists cried foul .
In June , the school rescinded a job offer to the new dean of its journalism school , Sonya Forte Duhé , after students accused her of past microaggressions and other insensitive comments .
Mostly notably , Duhé had recently tweeted support for “ good police officers who keep us safe.
” Also that month , Cronkite News , the news division of Arizona PBS produced by content from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter poll that had been accused of being too soft on police .
In a separate incident in June , Cronkite News also removed an interview with a former police officer after complaints it did not provide “ sufficient context ” or “ alternative viewpoints.
” Finally , earlier this month , the station manager of its student-run radio station was removed from her position after she tweeted an article revealing details behind Jacob Blake ’ s arrest warrant .
It was accused of downplaying police violence .
“ If things continue as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no conservatives left to cancel , and progressive journalists will only be left to cancel themselves like a scorpion stinging itself to death , ” opined Brian Anderson in a piece headlined “ Cancel Culture Comes to Cronkite ” for National Review .
With regard to the controversial Twitter poll , the uproar was reportedly focused on its wording , deemed by some as too soft on police .
Cronkite News took down the poll .
“ Our goal is not to create more divisiveness , ” they said in their apology tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poorly worded.
” Many also criticized Cronkite News after it published an interview with an ex-police officer on “ Arizona Horizon , ” a nightly public affairs show on Arizona PBS .
“ Cronkite News has removed this interview with a former police officer who spoke to Arizona Horizon host Ted Simons , ” said Christina Leonard , the executive editor of Cronkite News , in an editor ’ s note .
“ After hearing feedback from our readers and student journalists , we recognize the piece did not include sufficient context , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the source ’ s comments.
” She stated its removal was due to “ failings ” on her part and the “ newsroom ’ s editorial process.
” Leonard also said that Cronkite News faculty is working with students to “ evaluate how to cover these issues in ways that better serve and represent our communities , especially the black community and other communities of color.
” She added that such discussions would impact Cronkite News ’ story selection , approval process , social media and language .
Meanwhile , the student station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been removed from her position this month after outcry over a post she made on social media .
Rae ’ Lee Klein , a senior at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism , on August 29 had shared on Twitter a New York Post story that revealed additional details about the August 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
“ Always more to the story , folks , ” Klein had reportedly tweeted .
“ Please read this article to get the background of Jacob Blake ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgusted.
” Last week , ASU Walter Cronkite School ’ s Interim Dean Kristin Gilger told Klein that staying on as station manager is not an option , but that she only had three other options : “ Reassignment to another student worker position ; remain on the board with the assignment I outlined ; start your own station , ” according to a Sept. 15 email Klein shared with Campus Reform .
Karen Bordeleau , director of communications and professor of practice at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism , told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ASU has not taken any action to remove Rae ’ Lee from the station manager position while discussions are ongoing.
” In her email , Bordeleau said that the students involved in Blaze Radio , a student-run organization at ASU , had made their “ own decision about whether to recognize her as their leader ” and included a copy of Interim Dean Gilger ’ s statement .
Klein ’ s tweet had drawn a fierce response from other students , which led fellow Blaze Radio board members , who had supported her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for her removal as station manager .
In a phone interview with The College Fix , Jordan Spurgeon , production director of Blaze Radio and a board member who voted to not recognize Klein as station manager , said that he and other board members had been contacted by so many students in the first three to four hours after Klein ’ s Jacob Blake tweet that they realized their making a statement wasn ’ t the “ right move.
” He said it would “ look performative , rather than that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the rest of the country—and journalism as a whole—is trying to do.
” “ It was a barrage … I had about ten different students call me ; some in tears just about the frustration they felt , ” he said .
“ So , for me , I just had to put myself in their shoes with that.
” Klein , who had first accepted The College Fix ’ s interview request but then stopped responding , had clarified in a tweet : “ It was not my intent to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blake.
” But Spurgeon told The Fix that the board , excluding Klein , decided that “ while it wasn ’ t her tweet itself , it was the outcry of a majority of our students , at least what we felt was a majority and still feel is a majority of students based on meetings that we ’ ve had .
We thought it was in the best interest of them to basically tell Rae ’ Lee to step down or ask her to step down.
” “ Our intention was never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
“ We ’ ve stated multiple times that we don ’ t think she ’ s racist.
” Sarah Imgrund is a junior at Liberty University , majoring in government with a concentration in politics and public policy .
She has interned with the GOP for gubernatorial , congressional , and local races and has interned at a local law firm .
She currently works part-time for an international agricultural publication , designing and editing a digital newsletter and in sales .
Photo “ Cronkite School ASU ” by Gage @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--Kumar: Why Trump Still Has Time to Win Back the Hindu-American Vote

The Indian-born Chicago industrialist who takes credit for flipping the Hindu-American vote for candidate Donald J. Trump in the 2016 campaign is warning that unless something is done quickly , those voters will desert Trump his 2020 reelection fight .
“ This time around , as far as the Indian-American or Hindu-American vote is concerned for Trump – it is completely , totally screwed up , ” said Shalabh “ Shalli ” Kumar , who is the founder of the AVG group of companies that supply technology parts solutions to the automotive and telecommunications industry .
Although , Kumar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s Aug. 28 acceptance speech on the White House ’ s South Lawn , he said he can not get a meeting with the Trump campaign – nor can he get permission to organize a Hindu-American committee for Trump – yet .
“ They should celebrate if they get 30 percent .
They could get as little as 10 percent that would be my guess , ” he said .
To put that in perspective , Kumar said Republican W. Mitt Romney garnered 16 percent of the Hindu-American vote in 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If there are 2.5 million Hindu-American voters , that is a swing of 400,000 for Romney to 1,625,000 to Trump four years later .
“ There are two reasons the Democrats are doing so well with Hindus .
One , having suffered a major reversal in 2016 , Democrats organized themselves really well , ” he said .
“ They paid a lot of attention to it and in the summer of 2018 , they launched different organizations and they started to campaign with all the Obama senior-level executives.
” A textbook example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s administration campaigning for the Democrats is former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy , he said .
“ Murthy gives talks to Indian-America groups and he vouches for Joe Biden and he tells the story about when Biden swore him in as surgeon general – he says before the ceremony , Biden asks to meet his grandmother in a wheelchair and he tells his grandmother how proud she should be of her son – and then , Biden touches her feet .
Murthy is crying .
People in the audience are crying.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Joseph R. Biden Jr. put Sen. Kamala Harris ( D.-Calif. ) , whose mother is Indian , on the ticket as his running mate , he said .
“ Harris , she is coming out hot into the Indian-American community , she had gone to an Indian-American home and someone released the video – and that video has gone wild , ” he said .
“ At this time , they have a phenomenal apparatus , a phenomenal operational structure – they have 5,000 volunteers , who are going door-to-door-door , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battleground states , they have gone to 200,000 homes – and they have pledged , and they will come close , they have pledged to deliver 1,000,000 votes in the nine battleground states.
” The nine battleground states are the six from 2016 : Ohio , Florida , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , Michigan , Wisconsin , plus Arizona , Georgia and Minnesota , he said .
Kumar is not a newcomer to Republican politics and he marks credits his conversion to Ronald Reagan , whom he met by accident in 1979 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ten years ago , Kumar said he started working on how to improve Republican outreach to the Hindu-American community , partly by Nikki Haley ’ s 2010 run for South Carolina governor and partly out of frustration with the GOP ’ s own ham-fisted attempts .
“ Republicans talk to your brain , but Democrats reach out to your heart.
” Beyond his emphasis on emotional appeals , Kumar paid for an intense demographic project , so he could accurately poll Hindu-Americans , who even now are hardly ever isolated out as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are mixed in with “ Asians , ” which means the pollster assumed , Hindus , who hail from not just India , agree have the same political views as Koreans and Filipinos .
In his research of Hindu-American demographics , Kumare said he struck upon the similarities between his people and Jewish-Americans , especially when it came to the focus on education and cultural resilience .
Using the Republican Jewish Coalition as he model , he founded the Republican Hindu Coalition in 2015 as a way for Hindus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class .
In the 2016 election cycle , Kumar was authorized to operate an officially affiliated campaign committee .
In August 2016 , the industrialist met at Trump Tower with Campaign Manager Kellyanne Conway and Campaign CEO Stephen K. Bannon—just after they took over the campaign—about his plan to flip the Hindu-American vote .
With official status , Kumar was allowed to raise millions for the 2016 Trump campaign and to make ads buys , such as for the Trump commercial he shot in Trump Tower .
In the commercial , Trump says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which means : This time , a Trump government .
This was a play on the slogan : This time , a Modi government , used by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi .
Jimmy Kimmel ’ s take on the commercial has more than 12 million views on YouTube , which Kumar said was fine with him , because the Hindus watching were not laughing – they were impressed Trump was making the effort .
Kumar : Trump still has time to win over Hindu-American votes Despite the Democrats making inroads on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , most Hindu-American voters are more concerned about Islamic terrorism and the rise of China as regional aggressor , Kumar said .
“ It is telling that the Democrats always talk about Indian-Americans – not Hindu-Americans , ” he said .
“ It is because they know if they say the word ‘ Hindu , ’ they will upset their Muslim supporters.
” Kumar said there is still a chance to take hundreds of thousands of votes away from Biden in the last weeks of the 2020 campaign – if he can gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , he said he can not even get a meeting .
Neil W. McCabe is a Washington-based national political reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network .
In addition to the Star Newspaper , he has covered the White House , Capitol Hill and national politics for One America News , Breitbart , Human Events and Townhall .
Before coming to Washington , he was a staff reporter for Boston ’ s Catholic paper , The Pilot , and the editor of two Boston-area community papers , The Somerville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public affairs NCO in the Army Reserve and he deployed for 15 months to Iraq as a combat historian .


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--Carmichael Weighs in on President Trump’s Two Supreme Court Nominees and Historical Precedents

Live from Music Row Monday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio .
At the end of the second hour , Leahy and Carmichael discussed Hillary Clinton and John Kerry ’ s inability to create peace in the Middle East , lack of accomplishments , and Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominees Barrett and Lagoa .
Leahy : Well , Crom , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back up like a bad penny .
( Laughs ) Carmichael : I ’ ll tell you what .
She is the gift that keeps on giving .
( Leahy chuckles ) I don ’ t know who makes more outrageously stupid statements .
Hillary Clinton or John Kerry .
Leahy : They are both pretty bad .
Carmichael : Both of them are so wrong so often it ’ s almost funny .
The only one who is wrong more often is Joe Biden .
( Leahy laughs ) And I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Carmichael : For 50 years you can ’ t find a single decision or position that he ’ s taken that could be supported either by history or by logic .
Leahy : Wrong as rain for 50 years .
Let ’ s give him five more .
Carmichael : But I saw quotes of Kerry saying , ( Uses deep Kerry-like voice ) let me make this very clear .
There will be no peace in the Middle East that does not include the Palestinians .
I will repeat that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not include the Palestinians .
They will be at the table .
Well if you believe that the Palestinians must be satisfied in order for there to be peace , there will be no peace in the Middle East because there is no way to satisfy them .
Leahy : They will totally never be satisfied .
Carmichael : They won ’ t be satisfied .
So what Trump has done in the Middle East , and this is in the context of what Hillary Clinton is talking about here .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have peace in the Middle East , and that is that you ignore the Palestinians .
You marginalize them .
You marginalize Iran and you get peace with everybody else , and eventually , the Palestinians are required to come to the table if they want to negotiate in good faith .
And that is the key here .
Hillary Clinton never negotiated in good faith , which is why she didn ’ t accomplish anything .
Now Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s accomplished a lot .
Hillary Clinton hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t .
Look at her time as Secretary of State .
What did she accomplish ?
Carmichael : One thing after another .
Leahy : They sold our uranium to a Russian company after her husband got a half a million dollar speaking fee in Moscow .
Carmichael : And the Clinton Foundation got tens of millions of dollars in contributions from the parties that benefited .
So , Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi , she ’ s been truly hysterical over this thing .
Carmichael : Pelosi just kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington .
Hillary Clinton makes her statement in which she takes a single precedent , which wasn ’ t even a precedent .
Mitch McConnell was following 170 years of precedent .
Carmichael : Saying we are not going to take up this nominee because the president is in one party and they are in another party .
If they were in the same party , we would take it up because historically , the Senate has taken up nominees if the president is of the same party .
That is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up .
Now Pelosi , for her part , she ’ s actually threatening to impeach the president .
Now let me say this , please , please , please , Nancy , impeach the president before the election .
( Leahy laughs ) Please impeach the president .
And then for the Democrats , when Trump is going to pick one of two women , because he ’ s made it clear that he ’ s going to pick a woman .
It ’ s going to be either Barrett who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leahy : Seventh District out of Chicago .
She ’ s a fabulous jurist and legal scholar .
And a great story .
Carmichael : Here life story .
Then the other one that has come up is the judge who is from Florida .
What court is she on ?
Carmichael : What does that mean ?
Leahy : A federal district judge is the lowest level of federal .
Then you have the Court of Appeals .
And then you have the Supreme Court .
I ’ ll double-check that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a position , I think on the state supreme court in Florida .
But at any rate , her life story is very , very compelling .
Her parents fled from Cuba .
And she regularly talks about the constitution and the rule of law and checks and balances .
I mean she really understands .
Leahy : I stand corrected .
It is Barbara Lagoa , 52 , of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit Court .
So she is a circuit court judge .
Carmichael : So that ’ s right under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the two whose names have come up over and over again .
First of all , I only know what I read about them and what I hear about them , and they both have great life stories .
They both have a wonderful history on their judicial rulings .
The judge whose parents fled Cuba she , therefore , is I think the term is Latina as opposed to Hispanic ?
Is that correct ?
Carmichael : I think that ’ s correct .
So from a political standpoint , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all other things being equal , they are both about the same age .
What day of the week do you think Trump will make his announcement ?
Carmichael : Do you think it will be that late ?
Leahy : Yes .
During a 2019 news conference in Miami announcing her appointment to the Florida supreme court , she told the crowd that her father had to give up his dream of becoming a lawyer because of Castro .
She served on the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals for less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and confirmed by the Senate on an 18-15 vote .
I ’ ll come back .
She ’ s been on the Florida supreme court .
Carmichael : She ’ s right under the supreme court , which also means that she ’ s been vetted .
Listen to the full second hour : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Supreme Court ” by Scott @


thetennesseestar--2020-09-22--Up to 52 Million New Immigrants Could Settle in the US Under the Biden-Harris Plan, Analysis Finds

The Biden-Harris immigration plan could allow up to 52 million new immigrants to settle in the U.S. , according to a Federation for American Immigration Reform analysis provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ This dramatic increase would eclipse the entire current foreign-born population of the country , ” the Federation for American Immigration Reform ( FAIR ) , a nonprofit that advocates for reduced immigration , stated .
The campaign ’ s proposals , which include eliminating detention for many illegal border crossers , halting border wall construction , and scaling back deportation , would also increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for illegal immigrants to more than $ 200 billion annually — a 50 % increase , according to FAIR ’ s analysis .
“ Campaigns are an opportunity for candidates to present to the voters their vision on important policy matters , ” FAIR President Dan Stein said said in a statement .
“ To their credit , the Biden-Harris campaign has done just that on immigration policy.
” “ But policy proposals are not just words on paper , ” he continued .
“ If implemented , they will have quantifiable results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal immigration or less ; greater costs to taxpayers , or less.
” The Biden-Harris immigration plan would enable 43 million individuals to participate in family-chain migration through an amnesty program , according to FAIR .
The analysis determined that figure based on its estimate that 12.6 million adult illegal immigrants reside in the U.S. , and according to the Department of Homeland Security , each immigrant sponsors 3.45 family members for green cards .
Former Vice President Joe Biden proposes “ providing a roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal immigrants that attempt to cross the southern border , according to FAIR .
The Democratic presidential nominee also plans to reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ) program .
The FAIR analysis noted that , according to the Migration Policy Institute , there are at least 1.3 million illegal immigrants eligible for DACA .
According to FAIR , the illegal alien population has increased by 3.1 million primarily because “ there have been few consequences for employers who hire illegal aliens.
” FAIR projects that the total illegal immigrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Biden ’ s plan to end large-scale workplace raids “ will only incentivize more illegal immigration , ” meaning that FAIR ’ s “ estimate is almost certainly on the conservative side ” if he is elected , the analysis said .
“ It is important to get beyond rhetoric and look at the real-world implication of policy proposals if they become law , so that voters can understand the choices they are making , ” Stein said in his statement .
FAIR ’ s analysis concludes : “ During a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are out of work , the focus of all presidential candidates needs to be on how to help American citizens find gainful employment , not importing millions of new migrants to compete for the few jobs currently available .
“