thetennesseestar--2020-10-12--Tennessee Republicans Voice Support for Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination to Supreme Court

Tennessee ’ s Republican leaders are voicing their support for Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s nomination for the U.S. Supreme Court .
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn : “ After my conversation with Judge Amy Coney Barrett today , I understand why attorneys and legal experts describe her as the finest constitutional scholar of her generation .
As a professor , she shared her love of the law with her students and shaped countless careers through patient instruction .
As an attorney and judge , her diligent application of the law has contributed to a truly impressive body of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s role .
In the coming weeks I look forward to listening as Judge Barrett presents her record before the Senate Judiciary Committee , and demonstrates her ability to rule fairly , justly , and with utmost faith to the Constitution.
” ’ Blackburn provided a list of quotes from other Tennessee Republican leaders : U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander : “ I have voted to confirm Justices Roberts , Alito , Sotomayor , Gorsuch and Kavanaugh based upon their intelligence , character and temperament .
I will apply the same standard when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace Justice Ginsburg.
” U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett ( TN-02 ) : “ When I hear folks say # AmyConeyBarrett can ’ t help raise a family and have a career I think of my sweet Momma.
” U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann ( TN-03 ) : “ I too am a Catholic who tried to save money on housing in law school and got married shortly after law school .
Amy Coney Barrett is a fantastic judge and she will be confirmed because of that .
Desperate attacks on her religion have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DesJarlais ( TN-04 ) : “ Amy Coney Barrett has impeccable credentials as a jurist and would make a fine addition to the Supreme Court .
Her life experiences , scholarship , and previous judicial work all point to her being an excellent justice capable of making constitutional decisions in line with precedent and original intent .
I urge the Senate to move forward expeditiously.
” U.S. Rep. David Kustoff ( TN-08 ) : “ I applaud President Trump ’ s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
Throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unwavering commitment to the Constitution .
As a former law clerk for the late Justice Antonin Scalia , in her private law practice , and as a law professor , Judge Amy Coney Barrett has unique experience and expertise to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Furthermore , I am proud that a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis has received this nomination from the President .
I fully support the President ’ s selection of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court and look forward to her confirmation by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee : “ I believe she also carries the principles and has a desire to uphold the principles that a vast majority of Tennesseans hold , specifically regarding Second Amendment rights and the right to life .
I believe she is a highly qualified candidate and I look forward to her swift confirmation.
” Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery : “ Judge Amy Coney Barrett is an exceptional jurist and will make an exceptional justice .
She appreciates that a judge ’ s role is not to create the law but to apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States as written .
I encourage the Senate to give her a respectful hearing and a speedy vote .
And I hope that many of those who are anxious about her nomination will over time come to appreciate her commitment to the rule of law and her fidelity to our Constitution.
” Lieutenant Gov .
Randy McNally : “ Congratulations to Amy Coney Barret on her nomination to the Supreme Court by @ realdonaldtrump .
A strong , conservative jurist who will interpret the law as written .
The nomination of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SCOTUS and a fitting nod to the legacy of RBG.
” Tennessee Senate Majority Leader and State Senator Jack Johnson : “ It is crucial that we # FillTheSeat and appoint Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
” Tennessee State Senator Shane Reeves : “ Judge Barrett is clearly the right person at the right time for this position .
With her Tennessee connections , as a graduate from Rhodes College , she clearly understands the values of faith , family and freedom that Tennesseans hold near .
I look forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s highest court.
” Tennessee State Rep. Jeremy Faison : “ Judge Amy Coney Barrett embodies what the founders intended for this country ’ s justices .
She believes you , not the government can rule your life best , and your elected officials represent you , not a court.
” Tennessee State Rep. Robin Smith : “ A brilliant , accomplished woman who loves her husband , family , “ the United States & the constitution.
” The disdain , contempt will be steep , as will the many things said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and role model.
” Tennessee State Rep. Rick Tillis : “ In this critical time it is necessary for the Senate to perform its duty to hold hearings for the President ’ s nominee to the Supreme Court .
Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a strong candidate to be the next Associate Justice on the Supreme Court .
I have full confidence in the Senate Judiciary Committee to perform their duty to vet Judge Barrett in a thoughtful and deliberate way.
” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs : “ Amy Coney Barrett is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
A clerk for Justice Scalia , she follows a strict constructionist interpretation of the Constitution making her a wonderful candidate.
” Dr. Marjorie Hass , President of Rhodes College : “ I stand by the words in my letter to our community and my public remarks acknowledging the facts of Judge Barrett ’ s exceptional record of academic achievement while a student at Rhodes .
The college will continue to speak of her with respect and friendship… ” Brad Todd , Rhodes College Class of ’ 92 ; Co-Author , “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alumni everywhere should be proud of Amy Coney Barrett.
” Stacey Heck , Rhodes College Class of ’ 94 : “ Even at 17 , 18 years old when we first met , she just had this poise and grace and brilliance about her and you knew she was going to go far.
” Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--After Nearly Ten Thousand People Gather for Nashville Worship Event, Metro Public Health Investigati

After Nearly Ten Thousand People Gather for Nashville Worship Event, Metro Public Health Investigating to File Charges

An estimated nine to ten thousand people attended a “ Let Us Worship ” protest in downtown Nashville on late Sunday afternoon .
The event was hosted by Sean Feucht , a Christian artist known for his leadership in the California-based megachurch , Bethel Church .
Attendees flocked to the Public Square in downtown Nashville , in front of Metro Courthouse .
The day of the event , Feucht announced in a Twitter video the last-minute arrangements for time and location .
According to Feucht , police officers estimated that nine to ten thousand people were in attendance .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permit .
The Metro Public Health Department issued a statement Monday that the city would take action against Feucht .
“ The Metro Public Health Department is working with other Metro Departments to investigate the event that took place Sunday in front of the Metro Courthouse .
The event organizer did not submit an application to the Health Department or permit application to any Metro department .
We have worked very hard to slow the spread of COVID by taking a measured approach to the community .
The Health Department is very concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event and we are investigating and will pursue appropriate penalties against the organizer.
” The department didn ’ t issue any statements on adherence to pandemic mandates following the George Floyd protests and riots back in May .
Nashville is currently in Phase III .
Any events over 25 people must have approval from the Metro Department of Health , with a maximum of 500 people or 30 percent capacity .
All event attendees must wear masks .
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake also issued a statement on the matter rebuking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when Nashville has been making real progress at controlling the spread of coronavirus , I am greatly disappointed that the organizer of Sunday ’ s event and those in attendance did not better prioritize their health and the health of others through social distancing and the wearing of face coverings .
Personal responsibility is a necessity regardless of the purpose for a public event .
The chief added that their department is assisting the Metro Health Department in reviewing the event .
“ Let Us Worship ” is one in a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 restrictions across the nation .
The movement began in California following Governor Gavin Newsom ’ s ban on singing in churches .
In the past month alone , Feucht hosted events attended consistently by thousands in Georgia , North Carolina , California , Texas , Florida , Ohio , Illinois , Wisconsin , Minnesota , and Colorado .
Feucht is also known for founding “ Hold the Line , ” a political activism movement encouraging Christians to get involved in politics .
Feucht ran for California ’ s 3rd Congressional District , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another “ Let Us Worship ” occurred in Charleston , South Carolina on Monday night .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Image “ Let Us Worship ” by Sean Feucht .

by Scott McClallen
About $13.5 million in taxpayer grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund will help train 8,500 workers across nearly 300 Michigan businesses to earn industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state’s greatest asset – our people – helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and ‘make it’ in Michigan,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “These grants help us put thousands of Michiganders on paths to good-paying jobs and empower hundreds of Michigan businesses across the state develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy.”
The program launched in 2014. Since then, more than 6,000 Michigan businesses have received Going PRO Talent Fund awards to train 175,000 new and existing workers.
More than 60% of the employers receiving funds are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and result in the employee acquiring a credential for a transferable skill recognized by the industry.
Susan Corbin, the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said these grants keep Michigan businesses competitive globally.
“Programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund help businesses throughout Michigan train the talent they need in order to stay competitive in the global economy,” Corbin said in a statement. “Investments like these help us connect individuals and business leaders with tailored opportunities and unique resources they need to prosper. Together, we are creating a competitive and innovative environment that improves the quality of life for people who live, work and do business in Michigan.”
The average training cost per worker is $1,250. According to 2021 data, average hourly wages for Going PRO Talent Fund participants increased by $5.71 six months after completing training.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund has continued to help Michigan employers retain their workers by providing the necessary support for them to help upskill their workforce,” LEO’s Office of Employment and Training director Stephanie Beckhorn said in a statement. “These trainings have also provided an opportunity for employees to gain industry-recognized credentials they need to grow and thrive in these in-demand careers.”
LEO makes Going PRO Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their crucial training needs, then work with their local MWAs and other partners to develop strategic training plans.
David Worthams, director of Employment Policy for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said the talent fund is “arguably the best talent development program the state of Michigan has to offer.”
“As we get into the next cycle of grants, employers and their employees will see huge strides in new skills that we need as we move into the future of manufacturing in the state, Worthams said in a statement. “This is another reason why Michigan is one of the best states to do business in.”
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi. In 2021, he published a book on technology and privacy. He co-hosts the weekly Michigan in Focus podcast.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Commentary: Big Tech Is Breaking Campaign Finance Laws Openly Campaigning on Behalf of Democrats

A mayoral candidate in Texas was arrested October 8 and charged with 84 counts of mail application ballot fraud ; Zul Mohamed , running for mayor of Carrollton , forged nearly one hundred voter registration applications .
“ At the time of arrest , Mohamed was in the process of stuffing envelopes with additional mail ballot applications for neighboring Dallas County , ” law enforcement officials reported .
He also was charged with 25 counts of “ unlawful possession of an official mail in ballot ” and faces up to 20 years in prison .
The incident was just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week about rampant voter fraud .
But facts are a tough thing for our Big Tech overlords to accept .
The day after the Texas arrest , Twitter issued another election-related decree allowing the company to censor and suppress posts critical of mail-in voting .
In September – the same month the company ’ s public policy director left to join Joe Biden ’ s transition team – Twitter announced a “ Civic Integrity ” policy informing users how the platform would be monitored before and after Election Day .
“ We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how to participate in an election or other civic process , ” the policy warns .
Posts deemed inaccurate about “ election rigging , ballot tampering , [ and ] vote tallying ” will be subjected to Twitter ’ s heavy hand .
The new policy will enable Twitter censors to slap an alert that reads “ This is disputed ” and redirect users to what it considers “ credible information.
” An example cited by the company in its announcement shows a user comment flagged for expressing concern about unreliable results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged to give “ context ” to trending topics – purportedly so users get an idea why a subject is popular and “ to reduce the potential for misleading information to spread.
” On Sunday , the company added a disclaimer to the “ 82 % of Americans ” trend , which referred to the percentage of Americans who will see a tax hike if Biden repeals the 2017 tax cut .
Twitter cautioned users that the figure promoted by RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel “ creates some mathematical inconsistencies.
” This is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president and Republicans headed into Election Day .
Several Trump tweets criticizing mail-in ballots already have been flagged ; Twitter last week locked the account of Richard Grenell , the former acting Director of National Intelligence and popular Trump advisor , for posting a photo of mail-in ballots sent to the long-dead parents of his friend in California .
The company ’ s denial of legitimate and widespread examples of vote-by-mail fraud amounts to one thing : Electioneering on behalf of the Democratic Party .
Twitter , of course , isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Google are imposing similar restrictions .
Mark Zuckerberg , under immense pressure from left-wing activists to ban any content that contradicts their narrative , warned that election results won ’ t be finalized for weeks after Election Day to make sure “ all the votes are counted , ” a central Biden campaign theme .
Big Tech will ban posts by any candidate , including the president , who declares victory before results officially are certified .
Big Tech corporations undoubtedly are helping Democrats in 2020 – and it might be against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret that Democratic Party oligarchs who rule Silicon Valley want Donald Trump out of the White House .
As I reported earlier this month , Big Tech billionaires including Google ’ s Eric Schmidt and Snapchat ’ s Evan Spiegel are declared foes of the president ; LinkedIn ’ s Reed Hoffman plans to spend $ 100 million this election cycle to elect Biden and Democrats .
But corporations themselves are forbidden from directly donating to political candidates or office holders .
“ [ C ] orporations organized by authority of any law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribution…in connection with any election to any political office , including local , State and Federal offices , or in connection with any primary election or political convention or caucus held to select candidates for any political office , including any local , State or Federal office , ” according to federal election regulations .
There are plenty of ways around this law ; corporations form political action committees that can in turn donate to politicians .
Executives , board members , and employees can directly contribute or otherwise engage in political activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is clear , however , that Big Tech corporations are violating the spirit if not the letter of the law .
The policy of every social media and Internet company blatantly favors Democrats and cripples Republicans – and not in a minor way .
Twitter , Facebook , Google , and Snapchat dominate their respective spaces online ; even as alternatives such as Parler gain ground , their influence is infinitesimal compared to the near-monopolistic stranglehold of the Silicon Valley oligarchy .
It would be nearly impossible to calculate the total amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent to the Biden campaign and Democratic Party but it ’ s likely in the range of hundreds of millions of dollars , which also would flagrantly violate campaign finance law .
Of how much value to the Democratic Party is an orchestrated effort to silence any criticism of mail-in voting ?
How valuable is it to Joe Biden if Twitter runs interference on his tax plan or his numerous flip-flops on coronavirus , mask mandates , or court packing ?
How much value is a censored post on the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Joe Biden , is subjected to the same level of scrutiny ?
“ This is a legal gray area , ” Jon Schweppe , director of policy for the American Principles Project , told American Greatness on Sunday .
“ These platforms could be violating campaign finance law by limiting the message of one candidate and helping the message of another .
When Twitter editorializes on behalf of one candidate , it ’ s arguable that constitutes a material contribution to that campaign.
” The conservative think tank sent a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of congressional candidate Laura Loomer , who has been banned by nearly every tech company including Facebook and Twitter , which gives her Democratic opponent a huge advantage .
Schweppe notes that the FEC , the agency tasked with enforcing federal campaign law , is short a commissioner and can ’ t even reach a quorum in order to conduct business .
( Even if they could , the agency is a joke .
Ellen Weintraub , a Democratic activist and former Perkins Coie lawyer , remains on the board even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely trolls the president on Twitter . )
The courts might be the only venue for relief .
“ A lot of enterprising young lawyers will have a real shot at being successful by looking at this unchartered territory , ” Schweppe said .
“ The Trump campaign should look at all of its options right now.
” The president , the Justice Department , and Congressional Republicans have fixated on reining in biased , Big Tech companies by eliminating Section 230 protections .
Time and resources , however , might be better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for openly campaigning on behalf of Democrats in possible violation of federal law .
Another angle could involve accusing the Biden campaign and Democratic Party of failing to report in-kind campaign contributions from Big Tech behemoths during the 2020 election cycle .
Since this is indeed unchartered territory , plenty of options are on the table .
But the GOP and Team Trump shouldn ’ t dawdle .
It ’ s too late for remediation before Election Day but a judgment in their favor could have a lasting impact in future elections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lose .
Julie Kelly is a political commentator and senior contributor to American Greatness .
She is the author of Disloyal Opposition : How the NeverTrump Right Tried―And Failed―To Take Down the President Her past work can be found at The Federalist and National Review .
She also has been featured in the Wall Street Journal , The Hill , Chicago Tribune , Forbes , and Genetic Literacy Project .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore CC2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Nashville Rally Against John Cooper Draws In People With No Prior Interest in Politics

NASHVILLE , Tennessee — A Monday rally that called upon voters to recall Nashville Mayor John Cooper attracted people who previously had little or no interest in politics but now want to force Cooper from office .
Nashville resident Larryon Minks , who works as a barback at a downtown bar , was among them .
Organizers held the rally in front of the Metro Courthouse .
As The Tennessee Star reported , some Davidson County voters are furious that Cooper imposed COVID-19 mandates that they said crippled their businesses .
And they said Cooper ’ s intent to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up for lost revenue will make matters worse .
Minks said he had never before voted .
But Minks said Cooper ’ s actions this year motivated him to register .
He came to Monday ’ s rally and proudly showed off his new voter registration card .
“ After almost 10 years of work I thought that half of us were going to die .
We don ’ t close for anything .
Not Thanksgiving .
Not Christmas .
Not Jesus .
Not the Easter Bunny .
We are open every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suddenly in March they called us all in and announced we ’ re shutting down .
So I took it serious .
I spent four months thinking half of us were going to die and spent the past three months mad because half of us didn ’ t. ” COVID-19 , Minks said , is the same as the flu .
He ridiculed Cooper ’ s mask mandate .
Minks said he ’ s currently three months behind on all of his bills , and he also said Cooper ’ s property tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he doesn ’ t understand why Cooper won ’ t tighten up the city ’ s own finances and cut city spending .
Randall Moore , another Nashville resident , said he rents an apartment and fears Cooper ’ s property tax increase will prompt his landlord to raise his rent an additional 40 percent .
Rally spokeswoman Kimberly Edwards , who also lives in Davidson County , called the movement to oust Cooper “ a bipartisan movement.
” “ Before it was the people only upset about the tax [ who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of a conservative-driven thing .
Now you have people upset about the disparity that is happening with schools being closed .
We know wealthy people can ride that storm .
They can put their kids in private schools .
They can afford to homeschool , but our Metro kids can not do that , ” Edwards told The Star .
“ These parents are not able to work .
They are stuck at home with their own kids in this despair , and this creates a much bigger disparity .
That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot .
We are seeing a lot of people who lean left who work downtown who are musicians who are all on board with us.
” Edwards said anyone who wants more information or who is interested in helping should visit RestoreNashville.org Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Commentary: The Obama-Biden ‘Ostracize and Punish Israel’ Legacy Will Return if Democrats Win the Wh

Commentary: The Obama-Biden ‘Ostracize and Punish Israel’ Legacy Will Return if Democrats Win the White House in 2020

Joe Biden portrays himself as Israel ’ s ally and a friend of the Jewish people .
Obama did the same when he was running for president and then he played bait and switch .
It ’ s time voters wizen up because Biden vows to repeat the Obama-Biden playbook on Israel and the Middle East .
It ’ s even worse : today ’ s Democrat party leadership has taken a major turn to the left .
They are no friend of the Jewish people here or in Israel .
A quick history lesson is instructive : In 2008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security was “ sacrosanct ” and “ non-negotiable ” with “ secure recognized defensible borders , ” where Jerusalem would “ remain ” Israel ’ s capital and “ must remain undivided.
” Fast forward , months later in 2009 , then President Obama wasted no time abandoning his empty words .
Embarking on their true agenda , Obama-Biden declared a “ serious problem ” existed precisely because there was no daylight between the United States and Israel .
Obama-Biden was determined to change that and , off to the races , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embraced the Muslim Brotherhood , awarded millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to the Palestinians despite their killing Israelis and Americans , pressured Israel to release Palestinian terrorists from jail , insisted Israel suspend “ settlements ” in its ancestral home , calling these an “ occupation , ” advocated for the physical division of Jerusalem and surrendering its defensible borders .
That ’ s just a highlight of what this writer refers to as the “ Obama-Biden Ostracize and Punish Israel ” campaign .
A bit of insight into their “ why behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with Obama ’ s own words in 2009 .
“ The aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that can not be denied .
On the other hand , it is also undeniable the Palestinian people … has suffered.
” Shocking really .
In Obama-Biden world , the Holocaust was simply “ tragic history ” and the ancestral ties of the Jewish people to the land of Israel , as written in the Old Testament were erased .
Poof .
Gone from history was the biblical homeland of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Israel began in 1948 according to Obama-Biden .
Add in their moral equivalent of the Holocaust to the Palestinians , and these words well-illustrate the Obama-Biden psyche .
Obama-Biden ’ s “ Ostracize and Punish Israel ” tactics are well-illustrated by their disgraceful treatment of PM Netanyahu .
From having Netanyahu enter and leave the White House from a side door , serving him non-Kosher food while Obama dined separately with his family , to Obama-Biden ’ s cleverly-timed announcement that Israel should return to its 1967 lines while Netanyahu was flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Obama ’ s snarky comment to France ’ s Sarkozy that Sarkozy “ may be sick of [ Netanyahu ] but I have to deal with him every day , ” Obama-Biden ’ s contempt for Israel was glaringly clear .
And then there was Obama-Biden ’ s meddling into Israel ’ s 2015 elections .
( Their affinity to election meddling sounds familiar , no ? )
They actually funneled U.S. taxpayer dollars to try to oust Netanyahu from office through the group OneVoice .
A 2016 Senate report about Obama-Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OneVoice was even permitted to use State Department funds to hire an American political consulting firm called 270 Strategies — run by Obama 2008 campaign veterans — to train its activists … ” The Obama-Biden ends justified their means .
And while continuously hostile toward Israel , Obama-Biden ignored much of the nefarious activity of the Palestinians , thereby emboldening them .
They continued to teach their children to hate Israelis , engage in terrorist acts , deny Israel ’ s right to exist , garner empathy at the UN without repercussions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Obama-Biden ’ s Ostracize and Punish posture was in full swing , both chambers of Congress objected to Obama-Biden ’ s activities as early as April 2010 when 76 senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Clinton , rebuking Obama-Biden ’ s treatment of Israel , urging them to , “ reaffirm the unbreakable bonds that tie the United States and Israel together and to diligently work to defuse current tensions.
” A similar letter was sent by more than 300 House members .
Obama-Biden remained undeterred .
They didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanction ( BDS ) movement , whose goal is to economically isolate and punish Israel .
Even WaPo ’ s liberal commentator Jennifer Rubin observed , “ [ t ] hat the administration would in any way encourage BDS practitioners or suggest that some forms of BDS might not be so objectionable is as unprecedented as it is unsurprising .
It is increasingly difficult for fair-minded people to deny the president ’ s [ Obama ] anti-Israel animus.
” As Rubin so succinctly described their behavior , “ Obama Winks at BDS.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitution ’ s treaty clause , Obama-Biden entered into the dangerous deal with Iran , the world ’ s largest state sponsor of terrorism .
Obama-Biden ’ s “ deal ” remains as shocking today as it was in 2015 when Obama-Biden gave away the security store to Iran .
Ignoring “ Death to America ” and “ Death to Israel ” chants , Obama-Biden gave Iran a clear pathway to nuclear weapons and advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles to transport the same .
They handed $ 150 billion to Iran , plus $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran in the dark of night in an unmarked plane .
What did Big Satan , Iran ’ s name for the United States , get in return ?
Nothing .
Quite the “ deal.
” And , to make sure Obama-Biden kept the pulse on what lawmakers and others were saying about the negotiations , Obama-Biden ’ s NSA surveilled Israeli officials , diplomats , members of Congress and private citizens affiliated with Jewish groups .
Obama-Biden let no grass grow under their spy feet .
And then , because they knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unleashed their Deputy NSA Advisor Rhodes , who created a “ war room ” and “ echo chamber ” to dupe Congress and the American people about the deal .
Rhodes later admitted he lied to “ spin ” the deal to get the Hill and public to buy-in to the deal .
And let ’ s not forget Obama-Biden ’ s final act of Ostracize and Punish in December 2016 , only weeks before they left office , this time at the U.N .
It was Biden who served as the point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his pal Ukrainian President Poroshenko , asking that Ukraine vote in favor of the resolution .
( Biden and Ukraine ; sound familiar ? )
And then there was this .
Choreographing the passage of U.N .
Resolution 2334 vote , falsely providing the Old City of Jerusalem was “ illegal ” and “ Occupied Palestinian territory , ” Obama-Biden took its Ostracize and Punish campaign even a step further by instigating the humiliation of Israel ’ s U.N .
Ambassador Danon .
Like bullies on a playground , Obama-Biden had every other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and applaud the Resolution ’ s passage as Danon sat there .
Ambassador Haley ’ s reaction when she learned how Obama-Biden contributed to the U.N. ’ s anti-Israel stance ?
“ What really broke my heart … was how much the Obama Administration contributed to it.
” By the time Obama-Biden left office , they achieved more than daylight between the two countries , it was more like a perpetual summer solstice .
Obama-Biden ’ s hostile attitude toward Israel even elicited this from WaPo ’ s Jennifer Rubin ; “ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S.-Israel relationship is likely to improve .
Nevertheless , Obama ’ s successor would do well to apologize to Israel for the current president ’ s divisiveness.
” Obama-Biden ’ s “ divisiveness ?
’ Quite the understatement .
It would take far more than an apology to repair the fractured U.S.-Israel relationship .
It required action , and that is exactly what President Trump did and continues to do .
Put simply , Trump ’ s Israel policy is exactly the opposite of the Obama-Biden Ostracize and Punish campaign because Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
He understands the United States is stronger and the world is safer when we stand unequivocally with Israel , the one and only Jewish state .
Trump took immediate action to repair the Obama-Biden destruction campaign and ensure there is no daylight between the United States and Israel .
Trump acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel ’ s undivided capital , which Obama-Biden ’ s Secretary of State Kerry wrongly said would cause “ an explosion in the region.
” Trump then moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem , the opening ceremony for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Senate or House member .
( Biden , by the way , told PBS ’ Judy Woodruff in 2019 he wouldn ’ t have moved the embassy “ in the first place.
” ) Trump recognized Israel ’ s sovereignty over the Golan Heights , supports Israel ’ s right to defensible borders and , as a sovereign country , to defend itself , made clear settlements are not illegal , closed the PLO office in Washington , DC , defends Israel at the International Criminal Court , cut off funds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force Act , vigorously defends Israel at the U.N. , left the U.N. Human Rights Commission for its abusive treatment of Israel , shredded the Iran deal and imposed snapback sanctions on the terrorist regime , and ceased payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency ( UNRWA ) for misusing funds .
Trump doesn ’ t just talk the talk ; he walks the walk .
Then there is the Middle East Peace Plan , historic in content and unparalleled in approach , Trump tackled peace between Israel and the Palestinians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to President Trump ’ s diplomacy and leadership , Israel has signed the Abraham Accords , historic peace agreements and normalization of relations , with the U.A.E .
and Bahrain , and other Arab countries are expected to follow suit .
Kerry was wrong again when he opined in 2016 that , “ there will be no advanced and separate peace with the Arab world without the Palestinian process and Palestinian peace .
Everybody needs to understand that .
That is a hard reality.
” Actually , the hard reality is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama-Biden ’ s antipathy for Israel .
The other hard – but unsurprising – reality is that Kerry was wrong yet again .
This peace deal is more than a rapprochement ; it actually brings together not just the governments of these predominantly Muslim countries with Israel , but their citizens , as well , who welcome this bottom-up , warm peace , that includes technological , economic , energy , security , tourism , health-care and other outreach among these nations .
It is this that will cause a long-lasting and positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Netanyahu succinctly said , “ Thank you President Trump .
You have unequivocally stood by Israel ’ s side and boldly confronted the tyrants of Tehran .
You ’ ve proposed a realistic vision for peace between Israel and the Palestinians .
And you have successfully brokered the historic peace that we are signing today.
” President Trump has been nominated for three Nobel Peace prizes , newsworthy unless you ’ re the mainstream media and then its kept under wraps .
Trump understands the United States is stronger and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the one and only Jewish state .
As a true friend of the Jewish people , Trump ’ s determination to combat anti-Semitism is unshakable .
He condemns acts of anti-Semitism in the strongest terms .
He signed an Executive Order last year to fight the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses by extending protections to Jewish students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act , which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race , color and national origin at colleges and universities receiving federal funding .
Trump succinctly stated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message to universities .
If you want to accept the tremendous amount of federal dollars that you get every year , you must reject anti-Semitism.
” Thanks to Trump ’ s EO , NYU recently settled an anti-Semitism complaint with the Department of Education .
Trump also signed the JUST Act , strengthening Holocaust restitution efforts , and the Never Again Education Act providing federal funding for Holocaust education , the purpose of which the Trump Administration stated , “ will always work to ensure future generations never forget the Holocaust , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that they always work to protect the right of all people to worship freely.
” What a contrast to today ’ s Democrat Party , the party of anti-Semitism .
As Biden said during the first debate , “ I am the Democratic [ sic ] party.
” He is responsible for the six speakers at Biden ’ s Democrat National Convention who are fans of anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan ( gentle reminder , he calls Jews “ termites ” and Hitler a “ very great man ” ) .
These include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Farrakhan the “ greatest of all time , ” the rapper Common , Cory Booker , James Clyburn , and Freddy Haynes , who called Farrakhan a “ wonderful and great man.
” Recently Biden released an ad with Rapper Jeezy , who has called Farrakhan a “ mentor ” and a “ great guy.
” The Biden campaign initially distanced itself from Sarsour ’ s disgraceful appearance , stating she had “ no role in the campaign whatsoever.
” Yet it didn ’ t take too long for the campaign to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it received a backlash from Sarsour sympathizers .
You are the company you keep , Joe .
This is also the party of the squad , AOC , Rashida Talib , Ilhan Omar , and Ayanna Pressley .
They ’ re known for their anti-Semitic statements and their hostility toward Israel .
When Omar spoke anti-Semite tropes in 2019 , a House resolution was introduced to condemn Omar and her anti-Semitic words .
Speaker Pelosi and fellow Democrats watered it down so Omar wasn ’ t named and anti-Semitism was not singularly condemned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution , while Republican Congresswoman Cheney called the resolution a “ sham … by Democrats to avoid condemning one of their own and denouncing vile anti-Semitism.
” President Trump wrote , “ [ i ] t is shameful that House Democrats won ’ t take a stronger stand against Anti-Semitism … and it ’ s inconceivable they will not act to condemn it !
” Omar advocates cutting aid to Israel , endorses the BDS movement , lifting sanctions on Iran , and more .
Pelosi is an Omar supporter , endorsing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s political action committee and her own campaign committee .
Other Senate and House Democrats share Omar ’ s views .
Just last month more than 160 Democrats voted against a Republican-offered amendment to expand protections by including anti-Semitism as a form of discrimination under the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act .
That ’ s more than 70 % of House Democrats .
It said a lot when the anti-Israel organization J Street endorsed Biden and confirmed its “ core ideas and core vision are already at the center of the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Embassy in Jerusalem as “ highly provocative , ” supports a divided Jerusalem , a U.S. Embassy in the capital of a future Palestinian state in East Jerusalem , a return to 1967 lines , ending “ occupation ” ( aka denying Israel sovereignty over its own land ) , the BDS movement , and rejoining the Iran deal .
Biden welcomed the endorsement and agrees with J Street .
He promises to re-engage the terrorist , hegemonic regime of Iran by re-joining the Iran deal , and he ’ ll lift sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli sovereignty over its own land , and said he will rejoin the U.N. Human Rights Commission , will resume funds to UNWRA and to the PA despite its “ pay to slay ” practices .
He will “ find a way to re-open ” the PLO DC office .
Harris agrees .
She said it was a “ huge misstep to pull out of the Iran deal , ” and “ one of the first things [ she ] would do ” would be to re-join it .
That her husband is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Harris voted against the bi-partisan 2019 bill , Strengthening America ’ s Security in the Middle East Act , which included security assistance to Israel , the Israel Anti-Boycott Act , and Combatting BDS Act .
She opposes Israel ’ s sovereignty in Judea and Samaria .
She refuses to condemn Talib and Omar ’ s anti-Semitic statements , and as California ’ s AG , refused to take investigatory action into claims of anti-Semitism on CA campuses .
And yet , she cheers on the anarchists , ignoring the violent anti-American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose actions she has called “ brilliant.
” The contrast between Trump and Biden-Harris couldn ’ t be clearer .
While President Trump is committed to ensuring there ’ s no daylight between the United States and the Jewish state , Biden embraces the Obama-Biden Ostracize and Punish era .
Only now it will be 2.0 given today ’ s Democrat party .
Biden will resume massive daylight between the U.S. and Israel , and far-left , anti-Semitic members of Biden ’ s party , self-described Democrat socialists Sanders , AOC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As AOC confidently stated last month , “ [ o ] verall , we can likely push Vice President Biden in a more progressive direction across policy issues.
” And if that ’ s not frightening enough , recall when Obama-Biden ’ s Secretary of Defense Gates said Biden “ has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.
” A perfect storm for disaster .
No wonder the mullahs of Iran , the PA , Hamas , Hezbollah , Antifa , BLM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that seeks the demise of the United States and Israel are rooting for Biden to win .
That says it all , and we can ’ t let that happen .
Julie Strauss Levin is an attorney who loves her country and the Jewish homeland of Israel .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Microsoft Attempts Takedown of Global Criminal Botnet

Microsoft announced legal action Monday seeking to disrupt a major cybercrime digital network that uses more than 1 million zombie computers to loot bank accounts and spread ransomware , which experts consider a major threat to the U.S. presidential election .
The operation to knock offline command-and-control servers for a global botnet that uses an infrastructure known as Trickbot to infect computers with malware was initiated with a court order that Microsoft obtained in Virginia federal court on Oct. 6 .
Microsoft argued that the crime network is abusing its trademark .
“ It is very hard to tell how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident it will have a very long-lasting effect , ” said Jean-Ian Boutin , head of threat research at ESET , one of several cybersecurity firms that partnered with Microsoft to map the command-and-control servers .
“ We ’ re sure that they are going to notice and it will be hard for them to get back to the state that the botnet was in.
” Cybersecurity experts said that Microsoft ’ s use of a U.S. court order to persuade internet providers to take down the botnet servers is laudable .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apt to be successful because too many won ’ t comply and because Trickbot ’ s operators have a decentralized fall-back system and employ encrypted routing .
Paul Vixie of Farsight Security said via email “ experience tells me it won ’ t scale — there are too many IP ’ s behind uncooperative national borders.
” And the cybersecurity firm Intel 471 reported no significant hit on Trickbot operations Monday and predicted ” little medium- to long-term impact ” in a report shared with The Associated Press .
But ransomware expert Brett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a temporary Trickbot disruption could , at least during the election , limit attacks and prevent the activation of ransomware on systems already infected .
The announcement follows a Washington Post report Friday of a major — but ultimately unsuccessful — effort by the U.S. military ’ s Cyber Command to dismantle Trickbot beginning last month with direct attacks rather than asking online services to deny hosting to domains used by command-and-control servers .
A U.S. policy called “ persistent engagement ” authorizes U.S. cyberwarriors to engage hostile hackers in cyberspace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cybercom did against Russian misinformation jockeys during U.S. midterm elections in 2018 .
Created in 2016 and used by a loose consortium of Russian-speaking cybercriminals , Trickbot is a digital superstructure for sowing malware in the computers of unwitting individuals and websites .
In recent months , its operators have been increasingly renting it out to other criminals who have used it to sow ransomware , which encrypts data on target networks , crippling them until the victims pay up .
One of the biggest reported victims of a ransomware variety sowed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universal Health Services , which said all 250 of its U.S. facilities were hobbled in an attack last month that forced doctors and nurses to resort to paper and pencil .
U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials list ransomware as a major threat to the Nov. 3 presidential election .
They fear an attack could freeze up state or local voter registration systems , disrupting voting , or knockout result-reporting websites .
Trickbot is a particularly robust internet nuisance .
Called “ malware-as-a-service , ” its modular architecture lets it be used as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of criminal activity .
It began mostly as a so-called banking Trojan that attempts to steal credentials from online bank account so criminals can fraudulently transfer cash .
But recently , researchers have noted a rise in Trickbot ’ s use in ransomware attacks targeting everything from municipal and state governments to school districts and hospitals .
Ryuk and another type of ransomware called Conti — also distributed via Trickbot — dominated attacks on the U.S. public sector in September , said Callow of Emsisoft .
Alex Holden , founder of Milwaukee-based Hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely and said the reported Cybercom disruption — involving efforts to confuse its configuration through code injections — succeeded in temporarily breaking down communications between command-and-control servers and most of the bots .
“ But that ’ s hardly a decisive victory , ” he said , adding that the botnet rebounded with new victims and ransomware .
The disruption — in two waves that began Sept. 22 — was first reported by cybersecurity journalist Brian Krebs .
The AP could not immediately confirm the reported Cybercom involvement .
Frank Bajak is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Headline Photo : A woman walks in front of the Microsoft stand during the Cybersecurity Conference in Lille , northern France , Wednesday Jan. 29 , 2020 .
Microsoft announced legal action Monday , Oct. 12 , 2020 seeking to disrupt a major cybercrime digital network that uses more than 1 million zombie computers to loot bank accounts and spread ransomware , which experts consider a major threat to the U.S. presidential election .
( AP Photo/Michel Spingler )


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Barrett Vows to Interpret Laws ‘as They are Written’

WASHINGTON , D.C. ( AP ) — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett declared Monday that Americans “ deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written , ” encapsulating her approach to the law that has Republicans and conservatives excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day .
Barrett spoke about her judicial philosophy , her experience and her large family at the end of the first day of her fast-tracked confirmation hearings that Senate Democrats are using to try and brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care during the coronavirus pandemic .
After sitting in silence through nearly four hours of opening statements from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee , the 48-year-old federal appeals court judge laid out her approach to the bench , which she has likened to that of her conservative mentor , the late Justice Antonin Scalia .
“ Courts have a vital responsibility to the rule of rule of law , which is critical to a free society .
But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement she delivered after removing the protective mask she wore most of the day .
“ The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the people .
The public should not expect courts to do so , and courts should not try.
” She told senators that she is “ forever grateful ” for Ginsburg ’ s trailblazing path as a woman on the court .
Yet Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-CA ) , who is vying for the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s running mate , said the court is “ often the last refuge for equal justice ” and a Barrett nomination puts in jeopardy everything Ginsburg fought to protect .
Testifying from her office over COVID-19 concerns , Harris said that not only healthcare but voting rights , workers ’ rights , abortion rights and the very idea of justice are at stake .
Barring a dramatic development , Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm her to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court .
If she is confirmed quickly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it hears the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act , a week after the election .
One after another , Democrats sought to tie her nomination to the upcoming court case .
“ Health care coverage for millions of Americans is at stake with this nomination , ” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California , the committee ’ s senior Democrat .
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , D-R.I. , said the nomination is a “ judicial torpedo ” aimed at the law ’ s protection for people with pre-existing health conditions among its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated statements vowing to protect such protections .
The Trump administration wants the court to strike down the entire law popularly known as “ Obamacare ” on November 10 .
Barrett has criticized the court ’ s two earlier major rulings supporting the law .
Among Republicans , Sen. Chuck Grassley ( R-IA ) dismissed warnings Barrett will undo the Obama-era healthcare law as “ outrageous.
” Trump himself seemed to be watching , tweeting several times about the hearing .
In one message , he tweeted that he ’ d have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with lower costs and protections for pre-existing conditions .
But he has not , as yet , discussed what the specifics of that health care plan might be .
Republicans also warned against making Barrett ’ s Catholicism an issue in the confirmation debate , especially in regard to her stance on abortion , with Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri lambasting what he called a “ pattern and practice of religious bigotry ” by Democrats .
However , Democratic senators made clear in advance of the hearing that they didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifics of her religious faith .
Democratic presidential nominee Biden , who also claims to be a practicing Catholic , told reporters ahead of a campaign trip to Ohio that he doesn ’ t think “ there ’ s any question about her faith.
” Barrett ’ s religious views and past leadership role in a Catholic faith community pose a challenge for Democrats as they try to probe her judicial approach to abortion , gay marriage and other social issues without veering into inappropriate questions of her faith .
The Senate Judiciary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , kicked off four days of statements and testimony in an environment that has been altered by the coronavirus pandemic .
Some senators were taking part remotely , and the hearing room itself was arranged with health concerns in mind .
Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , opened the hearing acknowledging “ the COVID problem in America is real.
” But he said , “ We do have a country that needs to move forward safely.
” Graham acknowledged the obvious : “ This is going to be a long , contentious week.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the hearing room largely closed to the public .
Capitol Police said 22 people were arrested and charged on suspicion of crowding , obstructing or other violations .
Republicans are moving at a breakneck pace to seat Barrett before the Nov. 3 election to secure Trump ’ s pick , which would put her on the bench for any election-related challenges .
Democrats are trying in vain to delay the fast-track confirmation by raising fresh concerns about the safety of meeting during the pandemic after two GOP senators on the panel tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Lee ( R-UT ) , one of those who tested positive , was in the hearing room Monday after his spokesman said he was symptom-free .
The other affected senator , Thom Tillis of North Carolina , was participating remotely , though he , too , is symptom-free , his spokesman said .
Both tested positive 10 days ago .
Trump chose Barrett after the death last month of Ginsburg , a liberal icon .
It ’ s the opportunity to entrench a conservative majority on the court for years to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are pushing Democrats to make a strong case against what they call an illegitimate confirmation , when people are already voting in some states , saying the winner of the presidency should make the pick .
No Supreme Court justice has ever been confirmed so close to a presidential contest .
The country is getting an extended look at Barrett this week in hearings like none other during the heated election environment and the pandemic limiting public access .
Faith and family punctuated her testimony , and she said she would bring “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first mother of school-age children on the nine-member court .
Barrett said she uses her children as a test when deciding cases , asking herself how she would view the decision if one of her seven children were the party she was ruling against .
“ Even though I would not like the result , would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law ?
” she said .
Mark Sherman , Lisa Mascaro and Mary Claire Jalonik are reporters for The Associated Press .
Associated Press writers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Elana Schor in New York and Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento , California , contributed to this report .
Star News Network ’ s Christina Botteri contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is sworn in during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington , Monday , Oct. 12 , 2020 .
( Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP , Pool )


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Democrats Give ‘Panicked Stump Speech’ in Opposition to Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Sen. Marsha Blackbu

Democrats Give ‘Panicked Stump Speech’ in Opposition to Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Sen. Marsha Blackburn Says in Opening Remarks at Confirmation Hearing

Democrats are “ trying to create a panic ” and turn Americans against Judge Amy Coney Barrett , U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn said during opening statements Monday at the Supreme Court confirmation hearing .
Video of Blackburn ’ s remarks is available here .
“ You would think that my colleagues would jump at the opportunity to support a successful , female legal superstar , who is highly regarded by both her Democratic and Republican colleagues , and who is a working mom , ” Blackburn said .
Blackburn told Steve Hilton with Fox News ’ The Next Revolution that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not do our Constitutional duty .
They ’ re wanting the President to not do his Constitutional duty… We are moving forward with the process as we are Constitutionally mandated to do.
” The full transcript from Blackburn ’ s opening statements follows : Judge Barrett , congratulations to you and your family .
I ’ m delighted to see you back in the room .
I am thrilled to see you are here with us today .
We have had 164 American citizens nominated to the Supreme Court , and today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a female judge come before us .
We welcome you .
I will say this .
Unfortunately , it ’ s neither rare nor remarkable to see the kind of performance my Democratic colleagues have put on today .
What they are trying to do is convince the American people that they should be terrified of Judge Amy Coney Barrett .
If you listen closely to their full statements , they betray their true intent .
You will not find a coherent legal counterargument , but a panicked stump speech on behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewing your judicial philosophies , they are instead choosing to project their own desires and fears onto the American people .
It sounds as if they are trying to create a panic .
They decided to drum up indignation over the fact that you dared to present a counterargument against the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act .
A difference of opinion between two brilliant jurists who often disagree is just too much for them .
Their rhetoric is unsettling , but after listening to them , I worry more about its underpinnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troubling belief that nothing but an activist judiciary will do for them .
You would think that my colleagues would jump at the opportunity to support a successful , female legal superstar , who is highly regarded by both her Democratic and Republican colleagues , and who is a working mom .
As today ’ s increasingly paternalistic and disrespectful arguments have shown , if they had their way , only certain kinds of women would be allowed into this hearing room .
On that note , not long ago , they scrutinized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to use that as a way to question your competency and professionalism .
They know that that is unconstitutional .
The Constitution forbids it .
You will be an intellectual powerhouse on the Supreme Court and steer their focus toward textualism and originalism as rightful guiding philosophies .
I love Justice Scalia ’ s definition of textualism .
“ Textualism in its present form begins and ends with what the text says and implies.
” He explains this method can lead to both conservative and liberal outcomes .
Similarly , originalism does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path they would most like to follow .
This method of interpretation holds that the meaning of a legal document like our constitution remains fixed over time even when applied to new questions .
This requires more study and patience than other methods that allow judges to reinvent the law , for the activist , when things get tricky .
I appreciate that you have written nearly 100 opinions and have participated in over 900 appeals where you have applied this complex reasoning .
Thank you for that .
We know that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a dozen articles on the courts and the Constitution .
The ABA has rated you as well qualified to serve as a Supreme Court justice .
I appreciate that many times you have probably done this with a child in your arms , on your hip , or somewhere in tow , maybe waiting for a ballgame to begin .
You have done all of this even as you have been a friend , a mentor , a wife , and a mom .
These are impressive qualifications by any standard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fielding attacks from other angles .
Many of my colleagues have wasted a lot of their time complaining about the process in an effort to delay and obstruct a legitimate , constitutionally sound confirmation hearing .
Let ’ s not forget it was the Democrats who took an axe to process in 2018 when they dropped unsubstantiated allegations against Justice Kavanaugh .
We still do not have the full story about their level of coordination with activists and mainstream media outlets , but we know they turned that confirmation into a circus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to take seriously their complaints about moving too quickly .
We have heard about the timeline for Justice O ’ Connor , 33 days , Justice Ginsburg , 43 days .
Just a word on Justice Ginsburg , whose seat we are feeling : she was a role model for many because she fought to open more doors for women in the law and beyond .
I sincerely hope that I am as effective an advocate in the Senate as she was on the Court .
We know from studying American history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a seat at the table .
This goes back to Abigail Adams , who urged her husband John to please “ remember the ladies ” in their fight for independence .
We know it took 150 years for women to get the right to vote , but fortunately the Constitution allowed for that amendment process .
Unfortunately , what we see today is that radical activists would like nothing more than to take a hatchet to process .
Their favorite play is to confront us with the supposed illegitimacy of the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flaws—and they were flawed , as all humans are—invalidate the principles that bind this country together .
This betrays a dangerously naive understanding of the point and purpose of our founding legal document .
The timeless principles contained in that document were written to protect individual rights absolutely .
These principles , of course , include the separation of powers , and federalism in our government—a system of checks and balances that prevents encroachment by one branch on another .
If Congress acts beyond the scope of its legislative authority or the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the authority to rain that branch in .
And states and citizens have the right to stand up and challenge that overreach as being beyond the scope of federal power .
Together , the separation of powers and federalism have protected our republic from falling into the hands of tyrants , but keep in mind that the founders despised the tyranny of British rule just as much as they despised the whims of the mob .
Flash forward to today .
American exceptionalism is under bitter attack from yet another mob .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a vocal minority finds fault at every turn .
They demand to know , can we still call the Constitution a relevant , valid source of law even if no women or people of color participated in the drafting ?
Are the principles in that document still capable of curbing abuses of power and safeguarding freedom ?
Can we have faith that the future of democracy remains strong despite a summer of looting and violence in the streets ?
The answer to each question is yes .
Over the next few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett , will explain why .
So many families are watching today and we are all going to be listening .
Thank you for appearing before us .
We look forward to your answers .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Three Members of the Tennessee General Assembly Voice Support for Amy Coney Barrett

Three members of the Tennessee General Assembly co-signed a letter this week calling for the swift confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett .
This , they said , because of her support for limited government , free markets , and federalism .
The three Tennessee legislators — State Rep. Martin Daniel ( R-Knoxville ) , State Sen. Janice Bowling ( R-Tullahoma ) , and State Sen. Shane Reeves ( R-Murfreesboro ) — co-signed the letter alongside several other state legislators nationwide .
The Arlington , Virginia-based American Legislative Exchange Council published the letter on their website Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state legislators who support limited government , free markets and federalism , according to its website .
“ As state legislative members dedicated to those principles , we believe Judge Barrett is tremendously qualified to serve on the Supreme Court and has a keen understanding of the country ’ s federalist principles , ” the state legislators said .
“ Judge Barrett has a proven track record of originalism and judicial precedent .
She has also promised to follow in the footsteps of one of her mentors , Justice Antonin Scalia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from acting as a policymaker .
She will analyze the text , structure and original meaning of the Constitution .
Importantly then , while she has a clear , publicly stated judicial philosophy , she has also shown the judicial temperament to not presuppose an outcome of a case but to respect and listen to all sides.
” The state legislators touted Barrett ’ s academic credentials .
She graduated magna cum laude from Rhodes College and was first in her class from Notre Dame Law School , where she served as executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After law school , Barrett obtained two very prestigious clerkships : one for D.C .
Circuit Judge Laurence Silberman and another for the late former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia .
After starting her career in private practice , Judge Barrett began her teaching career , including 15 years at Notre Dame Law School , where three graduating classes voted her “ Distinguished Professor of the Year.
” In addition , when confirmed to serve as a judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in 2017 , Barrett received bipartisan support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scholarship , particularly on originalism and judicial precedent , has earned her national acclaim .
In a 2003 article , she argued that reliance on previous Supreme Court decisions should be ‘ flexible in fact , not just in theory , ’ and should not serve to inhibit parties the chance to fully present their case , ” state legislators wrote in their letter .
“ By pledging to interpret the law as written , Judge Barrett ’ s philosophy will protect essential principles such as individual liberty , federalism , limited government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understands the role of a judge is different than that of a policymaker .
Elected representatives of the people should determine policy solutions for states and the federal government .
As a jurist committed to the text of the Constitution and statutes , Judge Barrett understands the boundaries placed upon the federal government and the authorities of state governments.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Delaware’s Democrat Governor in 2019 Pardoned Defendant in Michigan Kidnap Plot

Delaware Gov .
John Carney , an ally of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , confirmed Friday that last year he pardoned one of the men charged this week by federal prosecutors in a violent plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
Barry Gordon Croft Jr. , one of several men charged Thursday in federal court in Michigan , was pardoned in April 2019 for a two-decade old conviction for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony , assault and burglary , according to court records first reported by the Delaware News Journal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirming the pardon , saying it had been recommended by the state ’ s Board of Pardons .
“ The charges brought in Michigan are disturbing , and everyone charged in this plot should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law .
This is also another warning sign about the growing threat of violence and radicalization in our politics , ” the statement by Carney ’ s office said .
Carney ’ s spokesman didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment from Just the News on Friday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Senate office , according to his official biography , and was one of the earliest Democrats to endorse Biden ’ s run for president in 2019 .
Carney was endorsed by the former vice president during his 2016 run for office and endorsed again this week for reelection this November .
Croft was singled out in the FBI affidavit supporting Thursday ’ s charges for playing a key role in the alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer at her Western Michigan vacation home , allegedly building an improvised explosive device to be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kidnapping .
“ On July 11 , at the exercise , CROFT and a member of the militia group attempted to construct an improvised explosive device ( “ IED ” ) , using black powder , balloons , a fuse , and BBs for shrapnel .
CROFT , GARBIN and the militia group member attempted to make a second IED using similar components .
The construction of the devices was faulty , and they did not detonate as planned , ” the FBI affidavit said .
You can read the full affidavit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigative journalist , author and digital media entrepreneur who serves as Chief Executive Officer and Editor in Chief of Just the News .
Before founding Just the News , Solomon played key reporting and executive roles at some of America ’ s most important journalism institutions , such as The Associated Press , The Washington Post , The Washington Times , Newsweek , The Daily Beast and The Hill .
Photo “ Governor John Carney ” by Gov .
John Carney .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Declassified FBI Spreadsheet Exposes Folly of Steele Dossier’s Uncorroborated Claims

An FBI spreadsheet that evaluated the credibility of Christopher Steele ’ s dossier found almost no corroborating evidence from official intelligence reporting , leaving analysts to grope after flimsy sources like a Democratic operative , a Russian propaganda news site and U.S. news media story leaks that amounted to circular reporting .
In one entry , FBI analysts tried to evaluate one of Steele ’ s most lurid claims — later debunked — that Trump was videotaped committing lewd sex acts with prostitutes at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Moscow .
“ There is no confirmation that Trump stayed here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no ‘ Presidential Suite ’ currently listed.
” The 94-page document was obtained Monday by Just the News in a mostly declassified state , with some redactions .
You can read it here .
Another entry encapsulated much of the FBI ’ s assessment of Steele ’ s reporting : It seemed based on Internet rumors that could never be corroborated .
“ Other than open source speculation , the only reporting that mentions this is the Steele Reporting from 5 July 2016 and 2 August 2016 , ” the analysts wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian spy agency known as the FSB had a “ pervasive and sophisticated ” operation focused on Trump .
Other entries dinged the Steele dossier for sloppiness like misspellings of key names , or for making claims that were debunked by official travel records like passport entry records .
“ There doesn ’ t appear to be any record of Trump visiting Baku or the presidential palace , ” one entry read , knocking down a claim the future president visited the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan .
Added another : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizing a Congressional Delegation ( CODEL ) visit to Baku.
” Likewise , one of the most famous claims of the now-discredited dossier — that Trump lawyer Michael Cohen flew to Prague in summer 2016 to help cover up a Russia-Trump plot — was debunked by analysts .
“ The CROSSFIRE HURRICANE team has been unable to verify travel by Cohen to the Czech Republic in August 2016 , ” analysts wrote .
With little formal intelligence reporting to back anything Steele had offered the FBI , analysts often turned to suspect sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic National Committee or leaked news media stories that could be traced back to Steele and his boss , Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson .
“ On September 23 , 2016 Yahoo News published an article claiming Carter Page was under investigation by the FBI and US intelligence due to his ties with Russia , ” analysts wrote , citing that source as the only piece of evidence corroborating former Trump adviser Carter Page ’ s alleged meeting with a senior Russian official .
The FBI later determined the meetings never happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted — he and Simpson were the source of the article , meaning the FBI ’ s use for corroboration was what is known in the intelligence world as circular reporting .
The Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik — often derided as Vladimir Putin propaganda in the Western world — was cited several times by the FBI as the lone source or corroboration for some Steele claims .
But perhaps most remarkable of all , FBI analysts used an article written by the journalist sister of DNC contractor Alexandra Chalupa — a prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election — as possible support for Steele ’ s claim about the Moscow hotel sex story .
“ An uncorroborated source , journalist and author Andrea Chalupa , was cited in an Australian magazine article dated 1 November 2016 as mentioning Trump having an orgy in Russia , ” the analysts noted , before noting Chalupa ’ s story and Steele ’ s had important differences .
In another words — as with so much Steele peddled to the FBI — there was no official corroboration .
John Solomon is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media entrepreneur who serves as Chief Executive Officer and Editor in Chief of Just the News .
Before founding Just the News , Solomon played key reporting and executive roles at some of America ’ s most important journalism institutions , such as The Associated Press , The Washington Post , The Washington Times , Newsweek , The Daily Beast and The Hill .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Analysis: CNN Butchers the Facts on Late-Term Abortions

In a so-called “ fact check ” of the vice-presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris , CNN reporter Caroline Kelly presents a barrage of disinformation that hides the realities of late-term abortion and the agenda of the Biden–Harris campaign .
During the debate , Pence stated that “ Joe Biden and Kamala Harris support taxpayer funding of abortion all the way up to the moment of birth , late-term abortion.
” CNN , which begins each of its fact checks with the phrase “ Facts First , ” uses a flurry of falsehoods to undercut Pence ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check with an attempt to delegitimize the phrase “ late-term ” abortion by declaring it “ is not a medical term.
” This claim is flatly disproven by medical journals that have published articles with titles like : • “ Late-Term Elective Abortion and Susceptibility to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms ” – Journal of Pregnancy These medical journals and others , along with Planned Parenthood , abortion clinics , and media outlets have used the phrase “ late-term ” on numerous occasions to describe abortions that are performed from as few as 14 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks or later .
More importantly , a vice-presidential debate is not a medical forum , CNN is not a medical periodical , and journalism guidelines bluntly instruct reporters to avoid medical jargon : • The book English for Journalists emphasizes : “ A common source of jargon is scientific , medical , government and legal handouts , ” and “ if you write for a newspaper or general magazine you should try to translate jargon into ordinary English whenever you can.
” • The New Oxford Guide to Writing states : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language , the precise diction demanded by any specialized trade or profession , is necessary when experts communicate with one another .
It becomes jargon when it is applied outside the limits of technical discourse.
” • The book Writing for Journalists drives home the point : “ Never use a foreign phrase , a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
” In violation of that journalism standard , journalists selectively use medical jargon in ways that obscure the facts that : • the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismemberment , a procedure that is illegal under the federal humane law for slaughtering livestock because it requires that animals be killed in a manner that renders them immediately unconscious .
• a late-term abortion at 22 weeks of pregnancy kills a human several weeks after he or she is capable of conscious “ motor planning ” ( PLoS ONE ) , “ now sleeps and wakes and hears sounds , ” ( American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia ) , and looks like this : A common example of how media outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of abortion is by inconsistently and incorrectly using the word “ fetus , ” a medical term derived from a Latin word meaning “ offspring ” or “ newly delivered.
” Reporters frequently use this term to describe the object of an abortion , but they use the word “ mother ” to refer to a pregnant woman instead of the clinically accurate term , “ gravida.
” And when the topic is not abortion , journalists often shun the word “ fetus ” and use “ baby ” or “ child ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ombudsman of the Boston Globe once apologized to its readers because the paper used the term “ fetus ” to describe an unborn child who was killed when his mother was shot in the stomach .
The apology was sparked by a flurry of criticism from readers who objected that the Globe “ truly dehumanized ” the “ child ” and that “ every other news channel , TV , and newspaper called it a baby.
” Beyond their double standards , reporters often misuse the term “ fetus , ” revealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Per Dorland ’ s Illustrated Medical Dictionary , a fetus is “ the unborn offspring in the postembryonic period , after major structures have been outlined , in humans from nine weeks after fertilization until birth.
” Simply put , the word “ fetus ” applies from nine weeks after fertilization until birth .
Yet , numerous major news organizations have misapplied this term to both before and after this period .
According to CNN , “ Doctors say abortions performed later in pregnancy are exceptionally rare.
” In truth , late-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the media portrays as frequent occurrences like firearm homicides , young adult Covid-19 fatalities , and murders committed by police officers .
A 2013 paper in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health estimates that “ more than 15,000 ” abortions are performed each year in the U.S. “ at 21 weeks or later.
” The authors note that this amounts to about 1 % of all abortions , “ but given an estimated 1.21 million abortions in the United States annually , ” “ later abortions ” add up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hence , these “ exceptionally rare ” late-term abortions are more numerous than the : • 6,000 Covid-19-related deaths of people under the age of 45 .
• 50 people per year who are executed under the death penalty .
• 7 police officers per year who are arrested for murder or manslaughter in an on-duty shooting , and the 1–2 officers who are ultimately convicted of such crimes .
Most Late-Term Abortions Are Not for Medical Reasons CNN claims that “ abortions performed later in pregnancy ” are “ often ” because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be treated or in cases of maternal health endangerment.
” This is a common talking point of abortion proponents , but the disclosures of abortion providers reveal just the opposite : • Martin Haskell , who is credited with inventing the partial-birth abortion procedure stated , “ I ’ ll be quite frank : most of my abortions are elective in that 20-24 week range… .
In my particular case , probably 20 % are for genetic reasons .
And the other 80 % are purely elective.
” • Renee Chelian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abortion Providers , said of late-term abortions , “ The spin out of Washington was that it was only done for medical necessity , even though we knew it wasn ’ t so.
” • Doctors at two New Jersey abortion clinics independently revealed that each of their clinics was performing roughly 3,000 late-term abortions per year and nearly all of them were elective and not for medical reasons .
• Ron Fitzsimmons , executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers , stated that late-term abortion are “ primarily done on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements above are corroborated by a study conducted by the Guttmacher Institute—a research organization whose “ Guiding Principles ” include support for legalized abortion .
As summarized by the New York Times , the study found that “ only 2 percent of abortions done after 16 weeks of pregnancy are done because of fetal abnormalities , ” and such abortions are “ most often performed to end healthy pregnancies because the woman arrived relatively late to her decision to abort.
” Biden and Harris Support Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Up Till Birth According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Biden and Harris is “ partially misleading and partially false ” because “ a Biden campaign official told CNN that Biden supports Roe v. Wade—the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide , as amended by Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
” However , the plain words of those court decisions prove that Pence ’ s statement is entirely accurate .
This is because these rulings prohibit states from banning abortions at any stage of pregnancy if any abortionist claims it is for “ the health of the mother.
” Importantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health so broadly that they can include practically anything .
Some eye-opening examples of what Roe deems to be hazardous to “ health ” are the work of “ child care , ” the “ stigma of unwed motherhood , ” and “ the distress ” of parenting “ an unwanted child.
” In Casey , the Supreme Court ruled that “ Roe ’ s essential holding be retained and reaffirmed , ” including “ a confirmation of the State ’ s power to restrict abortions after viability , if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman ’ s life or health.
” Furthermore , Roe places all decisions about what constitutes “ health ” into the hands of abortionists .
It does this by mandating that Roe “ be read together ” with Doe v. Bolton , a companion case that the Supreme Court issued on the same day .
In Doe , the Court ruled that all abortion providers have full authority to decide if an abortion is necessary to protect a woman ’ s “ health ” based solely on their “ best clinical judgment.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roe and Casey , and Biden and Harris say that they will overturn all of them through a federal law that codifies Roe .
They also support “ repealing the Hyde Amendment , ” which has restricted taxpayer funding of abortion for more than 40 years except in cases of rape , incest , and if the life of the mother is endangered .
CNN also alleges without evidence that “ no candidate in either political party supports abortion ‘ up to the moment of birth ’ , ” but the fact is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would have required healthcare providers to “ preserve the life and health ” of children who are aborted and born alive .
Harris was among the 42 Democrats who filibustered this bill in the Senate .
James D. Agresti is the president of Just Facts , a think tank dedicated to publishing rigorously documented facts about public policy issues .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Big 12 Athletic Conference Makes Push for Social Justice During Fall Season

As college football season is well underway , the Big 12 conference announced that it will be going all-out on social justice messaging with public announcements , scoreboard messages , and more .
This comes amid a nationwide push for BLM messaging in sports .
According to ESPN , the conference made the decision in early September , which includes the college allowing athletes wearing social justice patches on uniforms .
Conference commissioner Bob Bowlsby said that the conference wants to use “ our platforms ” to make a difference .
“ Each of our schools will be doing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show , ” Bowlsby said .
“ We ’ re using a wide variety of our platforms to do the advertising and the programming that will make a difference.
” While the conference commissioner has to approve the social justice patches before they can be worn on the field , he told the Star-Telegram that he has not denied any patch so far .
In addition to the in-game initiatives , the conference is also forming a “ chief diversity officers ” committee with senior campus administrators , as well as a Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative from each campus , according to the Star-Telegram .
In addition , the conference will attempt to ensure that student-athletes are registered to vote in the upcoming election .
The social justice focus is not unique to the Big 12 .
Schools outside the conference have taken this concept further than messaging , and have begun to speak out against coaches who may be against the Black Lives Matter group .
At the University of South Carolina-Aiken , the head baseball coach , Kenny Thomas was criticized by school officials for speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , commenting on a Facebook post that “ It is 100 % shameful , I promise you will never see anything like this on my field .
I support the Blue and not ashamed to say it !
” According to WRDW , USC-Aiken Chancellor Sandra Jordan released a statement expressing her disappointment and said that “ appropriate personnel action ” would be taken .
“ Words simply can not express my disappointment of a publicly known university member who last night posted a remark on a personal social media page that seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter movement , ” Jordan said .
“ The university is taking appropriate personnel action with this matter .
The posted remarks stand in sharp contrast with the work being done in offices across this university by men and women who are committed to diversity , inclusion , belonging , and equality.
” Hector Pimienta is a California Campus Correspondent with Campus Reform .
He is a senior at California State University – San Bernardino studying Information Systems Technology .
On campus , Hector is involved with Young Americans for Liberty , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization .
Photo “ Texas University Stadium ” by Randall Chancellor CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-13--Commentary: Fear of a 2016 Repeat Inspires Anti-Trump Hysteria

Over the past four years , American news organizations have not merely shredded their own credibility , but have piled those tattered shreds into a heap , poured gasoline onto the pile , and incinerated it .
Anyone who still believes what they see on CNN or read in the New York Times is in the throes of a delusion .
As much as we might wish to laugh at the plight of the media , now so obviously lost in the helpless hysteria of Trump Derangement Syndrome , we are not better off as a nation as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Consider the current state of the presidential campaign .
With barely three weeks to go until Election Day , any responsible citizen might like to know the answer to the question , “ Who is winning ?
” And the honest answer is , we have no earthly idea , because the media organizations that ought to be reporting the actual state of the race are instead pumping out partisan propaganda on behalf of the Democrat nominee , former Vice President Joe Biden .
What ’ s that you say ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll “ found Biden leading Trump by 14 points , his largest advantage ever in the survey .
Among seniors 65 and older , Biden led by a startling 27 points , marking a 23-point swing in his direction in one month.
” Does anyone really believe that Biden gained a net 23 points among senior citizens in a single month ?
Perhaps this is true , but one of the most experienced poll-watchers in the country , Sean Trende of RealClearPolitics , is dubious : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means is that he fears a repeat of the 2016 debacle , when every major pollster had Hillary Clinton as the all-but-guaranteed winner , only to be shocked on Election Night by the results of the actual voting .
President Trump ’ s upset victory four years ago delivered a stunning blow to the media establishment he calls “ fake news.
” Everything that has happened since then has been a consequence of the media ’ s failure to anticipate Clinton ’ s defeat , and to inform the public in advance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own triumphant narrative — that Democrats were on “ the right side of history , ” and that Hillary was therefore destined to become the first female president — the media were as shocked as anyone when voters rejected this narrative .
Think back to the scene in the Javits Center on that fateful night of November 8 , 2016 .
The Clinton campaign had chosen the location of their planned victory party because of its symbolism , quite literally under a glass ceiling , a feminist metaphor .
After months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ I ’ m With Her ” message , journalists inside their self-constructed echo chamber of quasi-religious liberal faith would have denounced as heresy any expression of doubt in Hillary ’ s victory .
So the crestfallen faces of Democrats in the Javitz Center on Election Night were mirrored in the gloomy expressions of the allegedly non-partisan “ reporters ” and “ analysts ” on CNN , NBC , ABC , and CBS .
The Media Research Center compiled a video montage of the worst reactions , including NBC News solemnly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the world ’ s shining light of democracy has gone dark.
” The most obvious consequence of that unexpected defeat was the media ’ s eager embrace of the “ Russian collusion ” conspiracy theory by which the Clinton campaign sought to explain Trump ’ s election .
For three years , journalists promoted this bogus narrative , portraying Trump as a Kremlin asset , whose election had been made possible by the shadowy online influence of Russian intelligence agents .
Even after that narrative was completely debunked — proven to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded by the Clinton campaign — the media still refused to admit they had been bamboozled .
Having convinced themselves that Trump was indeed Putin ’ s puppet , the media enthusiastically climbed aboard Nancy Pelosi ’ s impeachment bandwagon over the nonsensical “ Ukrainegate ” conspiracy theory .
No one in the media last December paid attention to a warning from Professor William Jacobson : “ Democrats will rue the day they forced this impeachment through the House.
” Nothing could have done more to solidify the bond between Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haste with which Pelosi and her colleagues rammed through that impeachment vote — only to wait two months before presenting the charges to the Senate , which predictably voted to acquit .
This reality , that Democrats ’ attacks on the president only served to reinforce Trump ’ s popularity among the voters who elected him , has had no apparent impact inside the liberal media echo chamber .
Viewers of CNN and the other so-called “ mainstream ” networks are clueless about this factor , and this cluelessness is only reinforced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead .
One reporter who makes a habit of venturing outside the bubble , Salena Zito of the Washington Examiner , tried to explain what she perceives in a Sunday column filed from the suburbs of Pittsburgh : Trump was never the cause of the conservative populist coalition that put him in office .
He was the result of it .
After decades of voters ’ dissatisfaction with both political parties , institutions , government , and culture , they voted for themselves and their communities over both party ’ s establishments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
A lot of very smart people keep missing that critical nuance .
If Trump ’ s opponents , or those who cover him , spent any time listening to voters and not making fun of them , categorizing them as a cult , racists , stupid , or whatever word of the day they are using to describe them , they would understand that .
Those “ very smart people ” in the media also seem to place more confidence in the polls ( Biden is supposedly heading to a nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average ) than to evidence that the Democrat is on the wrong side of a distinct “ enthusiasm gap ” among voters .
If Biden is cruising toward a November landslide , why aren ’ t voters showing up at his campaign events ?
Why is it that every anecdotal report I hear is that Trump signs vastly outnumber Biden signs , even in reliably “ blue ” states ?
After the absence of supporters at a Biden event in Arizona drew attention this weekend , Professor Glenn Reynolds piled on the sarcasm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN says he ’ s 16 points ahead .
No reason even to bother voting , it ’ s over .
Stay home , Biden voters .
Stay safe , while you await his inevitable landslide victory.
” Meanwhile , the media have emulated This Is Spinal Tap ’ s Nigel Tufnel , turning up their amplifiers to 11 as they shriek out anti-Trump messages at maximum volume .
But why has this journalistic jihad assumed such manic intensity ?
Charlie Hurt of the Washington Times is puzzled , too .
After summarizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden enjoys an overwhelming lead , Hurt asked Thursday , “ If all this is true and Democrats have the election so deep in the bag , why are they so terrified ?
Why , if this is such a done deal , are Democrats so desperate right now ?
” It is a profound mystery , although we can understand why people who have spent too much time inside the media echo chamber would behave irrationally .
Immersing yourself in politics 24/7 — your emotions whiplashed by every poll , every press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — is not conducive to good mental health .
The only way to stay sane is to ignore it .
Turn off the cable news , find a good book to read , and hope for the best .
Or as I have advised my Republican friends worried about the polls : Keep calm and vote Trump .
Robert Stacy McCain is the author of Sex Trouble : Essays on Radical Feminism and the War Against Human Nature .
He blogs at TheOtherMcCain.com .
Photo Caption .