bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Rand Paul: The Election Was Stolen “in Many Ways”

Sen. Rand Paul railed against voter fraud in the 2020 election during a Senate hearing , saying voter fraud happened and that the election was “ in many ways stolen.
” “ The fraud happened , ” the Kentucky Republican said during a Wednesday Senate hearing on election security .
“ The election in many ways was stolen , and the only way it 'll be fixed is by in the future reinforcing the laws . ''
“ We can ’ t just say , 'It didn ’ t happen , ' ” Paul said about fraud allegations across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just say , 'Oh , 4,000 people voted in Nevada that were noncitizens , and we ’ re just going to ignore it . '
” President Trump and Republicans nationwide have taken legal action in several states amid accusations of widespread voter fraud , which the president and many of his supporters believe changed the outcome of the race .
Republicans have provided examples of irregularities in key swing states , including , Arizona , Pennsylvania , and , and 17 states filed a suit challenging the election results , which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Wednesday 's hearing , attorney Jesse Binnall testified that Nevada 's election was `` inevitably riddled with fraud , '' pointing out tens of thousands of votes he said should not have been counted .
Trump has consistently stated that he believes the 2020 election was stolen and said Wednesday that it is `` too soon to give up '' on his legal challenges .

Sen. Rand Paul railed against voter fraud in the 2020 election during a Senate hearing, saying voter fraud happened and that the election was “in many ways stolen.”
“The fraud happened,” the Kentucky Republican said during a Wednesday Senate hearing on election security. “The election in many ways was stolen, and the only way it'll be fixed is by in the future reinforcing the laws."
“We can’t just say, 'It didn’t happen,'” Paul said about fraud allegations across the country. “We can’t just say, 'Oh, 4,000 people voted in Nevada that were noncitizens, and we’re just going to ignore it.'”
.@RandPaul: "The fraud happened. The election in many ways was stolen and the only way it will be fixed is by in the future reinforcing the laws." pic.twitter.com/o0iBhe9ois — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 16, 2020
President Trump and Republicans nationwide have taken legal action in several states amid accusations of widespread voter fraud, which the president and many of his supporters believe changed the outcome of the race.
Republicans have provided examples of irregularities in key swing states, including Michigan , Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Nevada , and 17 states filed a suit challenging the election results, which the Supreme Court declined to take up.
In Wednesday's hearing, attorney Jesse Binnall testified that Nevada's election was "inevitably riddled with fraud," pointing out tens of thousands of votes he said should not have been counted.
"The [Nevada] election was inevitably riddled with fraud."
Attorney @jbinnall alleges:
•Over 42,000 people voted more than once.
•At least 1,500 dead people are recorded as voting
•More than 19,000 people voted even though they didn’t live in Nevada pic.twitter.com/40CuwPt0ES — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 16, 2020
Trump has consistently stated that he believes the 2020 election was stolen and said Wednesday that it is "too soon to give up" on his legal challenges.


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Fed Raises Economic Outlook – Expects 5% Unemployment Next Year

The central bank now expects real gross domestic product to fall just 2.4 % in 2020 , compared to a decline of 3.7 % predicted in September .
The Fed also upped its 2021 real GDP forecast to 4.2 % from 4.0 % expected previously .
The Federal Reserve dialed up its economic expectations slightly for the end of this year as well as for 2021 , according to the central bank 's Summary of Economic Projections released on Wednesday .
The Jerome Powell-led Fed estimates the unemployment rate to fall to 6.7 % this year , further below the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate should fall to 5.0 % in 2021 , compared to the central bank 's previous estimate of 5.5 % .
The Federal Open Market Committee said in its statement Wednesday that it would continue to buy at least $ 120 billion of bonds each month `` until substantial further progress has been made toward the Committee 's maximum employment and price stability goals . ''
The Fed kept its inflation estimates for 2020 unchanged at 1.2 % .
The FOMC now sees PCE inflation running to 1.8 % next year , slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Core PCE inflation is expected to come in at 1.4 % this year , down slightly from September 's projection of 1.4 % .
Next year , core PCE inflation is estimated to reach 1.8 % , up from September 's forecast of 1.7 % .
The Fed decided to keep interest rates unchanged in its December meeting after slashing them to near-zero in an emergency meeting in March due to the fast-spreading coronavirus .
Subscribe to CNBC PRO for exclusive insights and analysis , and live business day programming from around @ @ @

The central bank now expects real gross domestic product to fall just 2.4% in 2020, compared to a decline of 3.7% predicted in September. The Fed also upped its 2021 real GDP forecast to 4.2% from 4.0% expected previously.
The Federal Reserve dialed up its economic expectations slightly for the end of this year as well as for 2021, according to the central bank's Summary of Economic Projections released on Wednesday.
Source: Federal Reserve
The Jerome Powell-led Fed estimates the unemployment rate to fall to 6.7% this year, further below the 7.6% previously predicted. The unemployment rate should fall to 5.0% in 2021, compared to the central bank's previous estimate of 5.5%.
The Federal Open Market Committee said in its statement Wednesday that it would continue to buy at least $120 billion of bonds each month "until substantial further progress has been made toward the Committee's maximum employment and price stability goals."
The Fed kept its inflation estimates for 2020 unchanged at 1.2%. The FOMC now sees PCE inflation running to 1.8% next year, slightly above its previous estimate of 1.7%.
Core PCE inflation is expected to come in at 1.4% this year, down slightly from September's projection of 1.4%. Next year, core PCE inflation is estimated to reach 1.8%, up from September's forecast of 1.7%.
The Fed decided to keep interest rates unchanged in its December meeting after slashing them to near-zero in an emergency meeting in March due to the fast-spreading coronavirus.
Subscribe to CNBC PRO for exclusive insights and analysis, and live business day programming from around the world.


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Texas Leads Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google

Sundar Pichai , chief executive officer of Google Inc. , attends a news conference in New Delhi , India , on Wednesday , Jan. 4 , 2017 .
Google is facing a new antitrust lawsuit from a group of state attorneys general led by Texas , this time targeting its advertising technology services .
The lawsuit claims Google unlawfully acquired , attempted to acquire , or maintained a monopoly in several steps of the online ad market including both buy and sell sides .
It also alleges Google has engaged in unlawful tying arrangements between its ad products so publishers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they chose to operate on its ad exchange .
The lawsuit alleges that Google 's 2008 acquisition of ad tech company DoubleClick marked a `` fundamental change '' where the company began to `` exert leverage '' as a middleman to extract payments from all steps of the complex online ad-buying process .
The complaint also claims Google and Facebook , which it names a `` co-conspirator , '' harmed competition through an unlawful agreement to rig auctions and fix prices .
According to the complaint , when Facebook announced in 2017 plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech space , the search giant allegedly cut a deal to stem the competition .
As part of the alleged arrangement , Google would grant Facebook certain advantages in auctions it runs for mobile app advertising inventory .
A Google spokesperson told CNBC that the lawsuit 's claim of an unlawful auction rigging agreement with Facebook is not accurate .
Facebook Audience Network is involved in exchanges outside of Google 's , such as Fyber , MoPub ( Twitter 's ad exchange ) , Applovin MAX and Ironsource , the spokesperson said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to work with a variety of ad networks and exchanges .
Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The states are seeking remedies that could include a break up and fines .
They also demanded a jury trial .
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a video announcing the lawsuit that Google `` effectively eliminated its competition and crowned itself the head of online advertising . ''
`` If the free market were a baseball game , Google positioned itself as the pitcher , the batter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video .
Nine Republican-led states are joining Texas as co-plaintiffs : Arkansas , Idaho , Indiana , Kentucky , Mississippi , Missouri , North Dakota , South Dakota and Utah .
`` Attorney General Paxton 's ad tech claims are meritless , yet he 's gone ahead in spite of all the facts , '' a Google spokesperson said in a statement .
`` We 've invested in state-of-the-art ad tech services that help businesses and benefit consumers .
Digital ad prices have fallen over the last decade .
Ad tech fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech fees are lower than the industry average .
These are the hallmarks of a highly competitive industry .
We will strongly defend ourselves from his baseless claims in court . ''

Sundar Pichai, chief executive officer of Google Inc., attends a news conference in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017.
Google is facing a new antitrust lawsuit from a group of state attorneys general led by Texas, this time targeting its advertising technology services.
The lawsuit claims Google unlawfully acquired, attempted to acquire, or maintained a monopoly in several steps of the online ad market including both buy and sell sides. It also alleges Google has engaged in unlawful tying arrangements between its ad products so publishers had to use another Google tool if they chose to operate on its ad exchange.
The lawsuit alleges that Google's 2008 acquisition of ad tech company DoubleClick marked a "fundamental change" where the company began to "exert leverage" as a middleman to extract payments from all steps of the complex online ad-buying process.
The complaint also claims Google and Facebook , which it names a "co-conspirator," harmed competition through an unlawful agreement to rig auctions and fix prices. According to the complaint, when Facebook announced in 2017 plans to compete with Google in the ad tech space, the search giant allegedly cut a deal to stem the competition. As part of the alleged arrangement, Google would grant Facebook certain advantages in auctions it runs for mobile app advertising inventory.
A Google spokesperson told CNBC that the lawsuit's claim of an unlawful auction rigging agreement with Facebook is not accurate. Facebook Audience Network is involved in exchanges outside of Google's, such as Fyber, MoPub (Twitter's ad exchange), Applovin MAX and Ironsource, the spokesperson said, adding that its Open Bidding program was designed to work with a variety of ad networks and exchanges.
Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The states are seeking remedies that could include a break up and fines. They also demanded a jury trial.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a video announcing the lawsuit that Google "effectively eliminated its competition and crowned itself the head of online advertising."
"If the free market were a baseball game, Google positioned itself as the pitcher, the batter and the umpire," Paxton said in the video.
Nine Republican-led states are joining Texas as co-plaintiffs: Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah.
"Attorney General Paxton's ad tech claims are meritless, yet he's gone ahead in spite of all the facts," a Google spokesperson said in a statement. "We've invested in state-of-the-art ad tech services that help businesses and benefit consumers. Digital ad prices have fallen over the last decade. Ad tech fees are falling too. Google's ad tech fees are lower than the industry average. These are the hallmarks of a highly competitive industry. We will strongly defend ourselves from his baseless claims in court."
Here's the full complaint:


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bill Protecting Unborn Children Capable of Feeling Pain From Abortion

After introducing a bill to protect abortion survivors last week , Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard ( D-Hawaii ) has introduced a second pro-life bill .
HR 8939 aims to protect pain-capable preborn children from abortion .
The full text of the bill is currently unavailable , but Democrats for Life of America ( DFLA ) wasted no time in thanking Gabbard .
“ Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Tulsi Gabbard introduced her SECOND Pro-Life bill this week , which would amend Title 18 of the U.S. code to give pain-capable fetuses rights under the law , ” the group said on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this bill three times , but is now the SPONSOR of the new bill .
[ … ] thank you Tulsi !
” DFLA has created a petition asking members of Congress to support Gabbard ’ s pain-capable abortion bill .
The organization also has a petition asking Congress to support her abortion survivors protection bill .
Pro-Life San Francisco also thanked Gabbard on Facebook .
“ Democratic House Rep and former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard has introduced two crucial bills , one to protect pain-capable fetuses and another to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the group wrote .
“ Both are fundamental to ensuring justice for UCSF ’ s most vulnerable victims of fetal organ harvesting , and we are inspired to see them originate from a left-leaning national legislator .
The future of California , the Democratic Party , and all of America is pro-life !
” In the past , Gabbard has had a 100 % pro-abortion voting record , including voting against similar pro-life bills to the ones she has introduced this month .
However , Gabbard ’ s desire to see restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earned her criticism from many in the Democratic Party .
Despite this , she has not backed down from this new stance .
In a September 2019 interview , Gabbard said she was once pro-life but now holds “ a more libertarian position on this issue.
” The previously introduced Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would have banned abortion after 20 weeks when it is generally believed that preborn children can feel pain , though more than one study has found that pre-born children are capable of feeling pain by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies found that the nervous system develops sooner than previously believed .
The other study found that by 13 weeks , the ability to feel pain is nearly certain .
Despite this , anesthesia is never used on preborn children before they are suctioned , dismembered , or lethally injected during abortion procedures .
“ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !

After introducing a bill to protect abortion survivors last week, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) has introduced a second pro-life bill. HR 8939 aims to protect pain-capable preborn children from abortion.
The full text of the bill is currently unavailable, but Democrats for Life of America (DFLA) wasted no time in thanking Gabbard. “Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Tulsi Gabbard introduced her SECOND Pro-Life bill this week, which would amend Title 18 of the U.S. code to give pain-capable fetuses rights under the law,” the group said on Facebook. “Tulsi has previously voted against this bill three times, but is now the SPONSOR of the new bill. […] thank you Tulsi!”
DFLA has created a petition asking members of Congress to support Gabbard’s pain-capable abortion bill. The organization also has a petition asking Congress to support her abortion survivors protection bill.
Pro-Life San Francisco also thanked Gabbard on Facebook. “Democratic House Rep and former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard has introduced two crucial bills, one to protect pain-capable fetuses and another to ensure the provision of healthcare for abortion survivors,” the group wrote. “Both are fundamental to ensuring justice for UCSF’s most vulnerable victims of fetal organ harvesting, and we are inspired to see them originate from a left-leaning national legislator. The future of California, the Democratic Party, and all of America is pro-life!”
In the past, Gabbard has had a 100% pro-abortion voting record, including voting against similar pro-life bills to the ones she has introduced this month. However, Gabbard’s desire to see restrictions on abortion in the third trimester has earned her criticism from many in the Democratic Party. Despite this, she has not backed down from this new stance. In a September 2019 interview, Gabbard said she was once pro-life but now holds “a more libertarian position on this issue.”
The previously introduced Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would have banned abortion after 20 weeks when it is generally believed that preborn children can feel pain, though more than one study has found that pre-born children are capable of feeling pain by the end of the first trimester. One of those studies found that the nervous system develops sooner than previously believed. The other study found that by 13 weeks, the ability to feel pain is nearly certain.
Despite this, anesthesia is never used on preborn children before they are suctioned, dismembered, or lethally injected during abortion procedures.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Sen. Ron Johnson Holds Hearing Probing the 2020 Election

At a Senate oversight committee hearing on Wednesday , chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ron Johnson ( R-Wisc . )
said that experts must be given the opportunity to examine and investigate the Dominion Voting Systems machines used during the 2020 presidential election .
`` The most difficult allegations to assess involve vulnerabilities in voting machines and the software used , '' said Johnson during his opening statement .
`` In order to effectively determine the extent to which voting machines were subject to nefarious intrusion or other vulnerabilities , computer science experts must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he continued .
Johnson cited letters from his Democratic colleagues that questioned the safety and security of Dominion Voting System machines .
Ranking committee member Senator Gary Peters ( D-Mich. ) told Johnson that he believes Wednesday 's hearing provides a fundamentally dangerous opportunity provide `` a platform to conspiracy theories and lies . ''
`` I don ’ t see anything dangerous about evaluating information , about doing legitimate congressional oversight .
Close-mindedness is a real problem for a lot of issues we face today , '' responded Johnson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ testifying during the oversight committee , told the panel of senators that his team was thwarted at every turn in Nevada when attempting to seek transparency during their legal fights post-election .
`` We were denied ( transparency ) in Nevada at every single turn , '' testified Binnall .
`` The legal system did n't allow for transparency . ''
`` They refused to accept subpoenas , '' said Binnall of the election officials in Nevada , who he says refused to accept the legal documents that would compel them to cooperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To protect the integrity of the American election system , `` we have to make sure that there 's transparency , '' said Binnall , which he does not believe occurred in this case .
Former Clinton impeachment investigator Ken Starr was invited by Republicans to testify today at the hearing , specifically about the state of Pennsylvania 's game time election law changes .
Responding to a question from Senator Rand Paul ( R-Ky. ) about the legality of Pennsylvania secretaries of sate to change election laws without the approval of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The principle here is … [ the ] Constitution is very clear that it is the prerogative of state legislatures to determine what these rules and laws are , and that was , I must say , flagrantly violated in Pennsylvania , and perhaps elsewhere as well . ''
Christopher Krebs , the former cybersecurity official who was fired for claiming that no widespread voter fraud occurred during the 2020 presidential election , began his testimony by thanking the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA ) .
He then described improvements made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which Russia interfered .
`` This was a secure election , of that I have no doubt , '' said Krebs under oath .
`` Current wild and baseless domestic claims of hackers and malicious algorithms flipping the vote in states across the country due to ties to deceased foreign dictators serve only to confuse , scare , and ultimately undermine confidence in the election , '' he continued .
`` All authorities and elected officials in positions of power or influence have a duty to reinforce to the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think we 're past the point where we need to be having conversations about the outcome of this election , '' he concluded .
On Wednesday , Senator Ron Johnson ( R-Wisc . )
is holding a hearing to probe the 2020 presidential election .
Johnson , who is the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , will hear from several Trump campaign attorneys , who have been running a series of lawsuits across the country .
Ken Starr , who was part of the president 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Democratic members of the committee have invited Christopher Krebs , the former cybersecurity official who was fired in the wake of the election for asserting that no widespread voter fraud occurred , to testify .
Senator Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) is declining to participate in the hearing , siting his fear that such an event will undermine the results of a free and fair U.S. election .
`` We have a process in this country , under the Constitution and our judicial system , which should be followed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or interrupt it is , in my opinion , a grave mistake , '' Romney told CNN last week .
Despite continued litigations efforts from Trump 's legal team , the Electoral College voted on Monday to affirm Joe Biden as the president-elect of the United States .
On Tuesday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged on the chamber floor the win for the Biden/Harris ticket -- though some Republicans have objected to McConnell 's actions .
When asked Monday whether Biden is the president-elect , Johnson said it is `` certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't it ? ''
Adding that he maintains his belief in the necessity of Wednesday 's hearing because there is `` a large percentage of the American population that just do n't view this as a legitimate result for a host of reasons . ''
Though , on Tuesday , Johnson said , `` I have n't seen anything that would convince me that the results -- the overall national result -- would be overturned . ''
On January 6 , Congress will meet fo formally count the Electoral College vote .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in acting to challenge the results of the count .
In order to move from a challenge to a debate , at least one Senator must join the objection .
Last week , Senator Johnson said that today 's hearing will help him decide if he should join the objection .
Rand Paul , another member of Johnson 's committee , has also hinted that he could join with the objecting congress members .

At a Senate oversight committee hearing on Wednesday, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) said that experts must be given the opportunity to examine and investigate the Dominion Voting Systems machines used during the 2020 presidential election.
"The most difficult allegations to assess involve vulnerabilities in voting machines and the software used," said Johnson during his opening statement. "In order to effectively determine the extent to which voting machines were subject to nefarious intrusion or other vulnerabilities, computer science experts must be given the opportunity to examine these allegations," he continued.
Johnson cited letters from his Democratic colleagues that questioned the safety and security of Dominion Voting System machines.
Ranking committee member Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) told Johnson that he believes Wednesday's hearing provides a fundamentally dangerous opportunity provide "a platform to conspiracy theories and lies."
"I don’t see anything dangerous about evaluating information, about doing legitimate congressional oversight. Close-mindedness is a real problem for a lot of issues we face today," responded Johnson.
Jesse Binnall, a Trump backed attorney testifying during the oversight committee, told the panel of senators that his team was thwarted at every turn in Nevada when attempting to seek transparency during their legal fights post-election.
"We were denied (transparency) in Nevada at every single turn," testified Binnall. "The legal system didn't allow for transparency."
"They refused to accept subpoenas," said Binnall of the election officials in Nevada, who he says refused to accept the legal documents that would compel them to cooperate with the Trump legal team's investigation.
To protect the integrity of the American election system, "we have to make sure that there's transparency," said Binnall, which he does not believe occurred in this case.
Starr Report
Former Clinton impeachment investigator Ken Starr was invited by Republicans to testify today at the hearing, specifically about the state of Pennsylvania's game time election law changes.
Responding to a question from Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) about the legality of Pennsylvania secretaries of sate to change election laws without the approval of state legislatures, Starr said, "The principle here is … [the] Constitution is very clear that it is the prerogative of state legislatures to determine what these rules and laws are, and that was, I must say, flagrantly violated in Pennsylvania, and perhaps elsewhere as well."
Krebs asks to move on
Christopher Krebs, the former cybersecurity official who was fired for claiming that no widespread voter fraud occurred during the 2020 presidential election, began his testimony by thanking the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). He then described improvements made by the agency since the 2016 election, in which Russia interfered. "This was a secure election, of that I have no doubt," said Krebs under oath.
"Current wild and baseless domestic claims of hackers and malicious algorithms flipping the vote in states across the country due to ties to deceased foreign dictators serve only to confuse, scare, and ultimately undermine confidence in the election," he continued. "All authorities and elected officials in positions of power or influence have a duty to reinforce to the American people that these claims are false."
"I think we're past the point where we need to be having conversations about the outcome of this election," he concluded.
Developing ...
On Wednesday, Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) is holding a hearing to probe the 2020 presidential election. Johnson, who is the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, will hear from several Trump campaign attorneys, who have been running a series of lawsuits across the country. Ken Starr, who was part of the president's impeachment defense team, will also attend.
The Democratic members of the committee have invited Christopher Krebs, the former cybersecurity official who was fired in the wake of the election for asserting that no widespread voter fraud occurred, to testify.
Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) is declining to participate in the hearing, siting his fear that such an event will undermine the results of a free and fair U.S. election. "We have a process in this country, under the Constitution and our judicial system, which should be followed. The idea of trying to change that process or interrupt it is, in my opinion, a grave mistake," Romney told CNN last week.
Despite continued litigations efforts from Trump's legal team, the Electoral College voted on Monday to affirm Joe Biden as the president-elect of the United States. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged on the chamber floor the win for the Biden/Harris ticket -- though some Republicans have objected to McConnell's actions.
When asked Monday whether Biden is the president-elect, Johnson said it is "certainly walking walking down that path, isn't it?" Adding that he maintains his belief in the necessity of Wednesday's hearing because there is "a large percentage of the American population that just don't view this as a legitimate result for a host of reasons."
Though, on Tuesday, Johnson said, "I haven't seen anything that would convince me that the results -- the overall national result -- would be overturned."
On January 6, Congress will meet fo formally count the Electoral College vote. Some Republican members of Congress have expressed interest in acting to challenge the results of the count. In order to move from a challenge to a debate, at least one Senator must join the objection. Last week, Senator Johnson said that today's hearing will help him decide if he should join the objection. Rand Paul, another member of Johnson's committee, has also hinted that he could join with the objecting congress members.


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Seattle’s Plan to Decriminalize Theft for Poor People Will Destroy the City’s Small Businesses

Matthew Humphrey recently lost $ 4,000 worth of goods in a theft of his Seattle barbershop .
Under a new proposal the Seattle City Council is considering this month , what happened to him wouldn ’ t even be a crime—if the thieves claimed they were driven by poverty , that is .
“ I think it ’ s insane , ” the victimized barber told a local news outlet .
“ It ’ s one of these well-intended concepts ( of ) we want to take care of people that ca n't take care of themselves .
But what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people . ''
Up for debate is a reform proposed by Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold .
For up to 100 different misdemeanor crimes , including theft , harassment , shoplifting , trespassing , and more , an individual could be excused if he or she claims poverty was their motive .
“ In a situation where you took that sandwich because you were hungry and you were trying to meet your basic need of satisfying your hunger ; we as the community will know that we should not punish that , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khandelwal said of the proposal , which she helped craft .
“ That conduct is excused.
” The intent of the proposal is to avoid punishing desperate people just trying to survive .
But the provision exempts not only stealing food or similar necessities , but stealing anything—if you claim the money gained from its sale would be used for essentials .
First and foremost , this policy would obviously incentivize more crime and more theft .
It would basically give anyone with a good sob story a green light to violate property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would condemn Seattle to economic decline.This policy would basically give anyone with a good sob story a green light to violate property rights at will .
In a free market with secure property rights , people can engage in mutually-beneficial commerce .
In working to earn a profit , they will create employment opportunities and provide others with the goods and services they need .
Businesses can invest and communities can grow .
Without secure property rights , none of this is possible .
Think about it using Humphrey , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a small business owner , he employs people in his Seattle neighborhood .
They go out and spend their money elsewhere around town .
Meanwhile , locals can get haircuts they want at a price that ’ s worth it to them ( otherwise , he ’ d be out of business with no one willing to pay ) .
Yet if the Seattle proposal became law , Humphrey and thousands of other small business owners would likely have to shut down .
“ It ’ s a little upside-down world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result is small companies like mine have to close their doors because they ca n't afford to be broken in [ to ] all the time.
” You certainly can ’ t blame him .
There ’ s no way any small business owner could possibly operate when anyone who is poor or homeless—or claims to be—is able to rob their store and get away with it .
Survival , let alone profitability , is impossible amid such unpredictability and lawlessness .
And so , while perhaps some homeless or poor people might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-term , this reform would almost certainly destabilize and erode the city ’ s economy and incentivize crime .
If businesses can not operate , jobs will not exist , wages will not be offered , taxes will not be paid , and , in short order , crime and poverty will only increase.If businesses can not operate , jobs will not exist , wages will not be offered , taxes will not be paid , and , in short order , crime and poverty will only increase .
This is why free-market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights “ belong legally to individuals , but their real function is social , to benefit vast numbers of people who do not themselves exercise these rights.
” None of this is conjecture .
The strength of property rights in a nation ( and it ’ s certainly true for a city as well ) closely correlates with its average per-person income .
So , the takeaway here is clear .
Progressive Seattle officials might have the best of intentions behind their proposal to create a hardship exemption to property crimes .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would undermine the rule of law and property rights necessary for Seattle ’ s economy to survive .

Matthew Humphrey recently lost $4,000 worth of goods in a theft of his Seattle barbershop. Under a new proposal the Seattle City Council is considering this month, what happened to him wouldn’t even be a crime—if the thieves claimed they were driven by poverty, that is.
“I think it’s insane,” the victimized barber told a local news outlet. “It’s one of these well-intended concepts (of) we want to take care of people that can't take care of themselves. But what you are really doing is hurting other people."
Up for debate is a reform proposed by Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. For up to 100 different misdemeanor crimes, including theft, harassment, shoplifting, trespassing, and more, an individual could be excused if he or she claims poverty was their motive.
“In a situation where you took that sandwich because you were hungry and you were trying to meet your basic need of satisfying your hunger; we as the community will know that we should not punish that,” King County Director of Public Defense Anita Khandelwal said of the proposal, which she helped craft. “That conduct is excused.”
The intent of the proposal is to avoid punishing desperate people just trying to survive. But the provision exempts not only stealing food or similar necessities, but stealing anything—if you claim the money gained from its sale would be used for essentials.
First and foremost, this policy would obviously incentivize more crime and more theft.
It would basically give anyone with a good sob story a green light to violate property rights at will. In doing so, it would condemn Seattle to economic decline.This policy would basically give anyone with a good sob story a green light to violate property rights at will.
In a free market with secure property rights, people can engage in mutually-beneficial commerce. In working to earn a profit, they will create employment opportunities and provide others with the goods and services they need. Businesses can invest and communities can grow.
Without secure property rights, none of this is possible.
Think about it using Humphrey, the aforementioned barber, as an example. As a small business owner, he employs people in his Seattle neighborhood. They go out and spend their money elsewhere around town. Meanwhile, locals can get haircuts they want at a price that’s worth it to them (otherwise, he’d be out of business with no one willing to pay).
Yet if the Seattle proposal became law, Humphrey and thousands of other small business owners would likely have to shut down.
“It’s a little upside-down world,” he said. “The end result is small companies like mine have to close their doors because they can't afford to be broken in [to] all the time.”
You certainly can’t blame him. There’s no way any small business owner could possibly operate when anyone who is poor or homeless—or claims to be—is able to rob their store and get away with it. Survival, let alone profitability, is impossible amid such unpredictability and lawlessness.
And so, while perhaps some homeless or poor people might benefit from lawless looting in the very short-term, this reform would almost certainly destabilize and erode the city’s economy and incentivize crime. If businesses cannot operate, jobs will not exist, wages will not be offered, taxes will not be paid, and, in short order, crime and poverty will only increase.If businesses cannot operate, jobs will not exist, wages will not be offered, taxes will not be paid, and, in short order, crime and poverty will only increase.
This is why free-market economist Thomas Sowell once said that property rights “belong legally to individuals, but their real function is social, to benefit vast numbers of people who do not themselves exercise these rights.”
None of this is conjecture. The strength of property rights in a nation (and it’s certainly true for a city as well) closely correlates with its average per-person income.
Source: Alexander Hammond on FEE.org
So, the takeaway here is clear.
Progressive Seattle officials might have the best of intentions behind their proposal to create a hardship exemption to property crimes. But, if successful, their naïve efforts would undermine the rule of law and property rights necessary for Seattle’s economy to survive.


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Bitcoin Blows Past $20,000 and Hits All Time High

Bitcoin , after bouncing around under $ 20,000 per bitcoin for the last month , has smashed through the psychological price barrier .
The bitcoin price , hitting $ 20,440 on the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp exchange before falling back slightly , is up around 200 % over the last 12 months as governments ramp up spending in the wake of coronavirus lockdowns , investors look to bitcoin as a hedge against inflation , and institutional interest in bitcoin rises .
Bitcoin investors , who have cheered the bitcoin price rise this year , are feeling increasingly bullish going into 2021—with many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As we come to the end of what has been an iconic year for bitcoin , I can only see more positive growth in 2021 , '' the chief executive of Isle of Man-based bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange CoinCorner Danny Scott said via email , pointing to U.S. business intelligence company MicroStrategy adding bitcoin to its corporate treasury and payments giant PayPal rolling out bitcoin buying and spending services as primary drivers of the 2020 bitcoin bull run .
Bitcoin 's surge over $ 20,000 comes after a Reuters report claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around $ 675 million of its clients ' money into bitcoin .
Earlier reports had suggested the London-based firm , which manages around $ 27 billion worth of assets , had allocated a far smaller sum to bitcoin .
`` Compared to 2017 when demand came from the retail market , this will eventually happen again , of course , the current demand is coming from an institutional level completely flying under the radar for many people and it looks set to continue through 2021 , '' Scott added .
MicroStrategy has bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far this year , last week doubling down on its bitcoin bet and raising a further $ 650 million via a bond sale to buy more bitcoin .
Other companies have followed MicroStrategy 's lead and a number of high-profile investors have named bitcoin as a potential hedge against the inflation they see on the horizon .
Earlier this month , Ray Dalio , the legendary billionaire founder and co-chairman of the world 's biggest hedge fund , Bridgewater Associates , admitted bitcoin 's now established itself as a `` gold-like asset alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traders offered words of warning to potential bitcoin buyers .
`` History has a warning for people buying at the new all-time-high , '' financial author and trading veteran Glen Goodman said via email .
`` While I 'm optimistic about the long-term prospects for bitcoin , four years ago we had a very similar situation with bitcoin breaking new ground , but just two weeks later its price plummeted by more than a third .
`` History does n't always repeat itself , of course , but the lesson is to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teaches harsh lessons in humility to those who risk too much on what they 're told is a sure thing .
`` Some of the biggest investors in the world have been singing bitcoin 's praises in recent weeks .
This suggests they already own bitcoin and are hoping to encourage more people to buy and boost the price upwards .
Sometimes Wall Street 'whales ' do this in order to sell their bitcoins to the little guys at higher prices . ''

This article is more than 2 years old.
Bitcoin, after bouncing around under $20,000 per bitcoin for the last month, has smashed through the psychological price barrier.
The bitcoin price, hitting $20,440 on the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp exchange before falling back slightly, is up around 200% over the last 12 months as governments ramp up spending in the wake of coronavirus lockdowns, investors look to bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, and institutional interest in bitcoin rises.
Bitcoin investors, who have cheered the bitcoin price rise this year, are feeling increasingly bullish going into 2021—with many predicting the price will continue to climb.
MORE FROM FORBES Another Billionaire Wall Street Legend Has Changed His Tune On Bitcoin
The bitcoin price has soared this year, rising around 200% and breaking into its all-time highs. Getty Images
"As we come to the end of what has been an iconic year for bitcoin, I can only see more positive growth in 2021," the chief executive of Isle of Man-based bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange CoinCorner Danny Scott said via email, pointing to U.S. business intelligence company MicroStrategy MSTR adding bitcoin to its corporate treasury and payments giant PayPal PYPL rolling out bitcoin buying and spending services as primary drivers of the 2020 bitcoin bull run.
Bitcoin's surge over $20,000 comes after a Reuters report claiming fund manager Ruffer Investment Management has moved around $675 million of its clients' money into bitcoin. Earlier reports had suggested the London-based firm, which manages around $27 billion worth of assets, had allocated a far smaller sum to bitcoin.
"Compared to 2017 when demand came from the retail market, this will eventually happen again, of course, the current demand is coming from an institutional level completely flying under the radar for many people and it looks set to continue through 2021," Scott added.
MORE FROM FORBES Why 2021 Is Set To Be Even Bigger For Bitcoin
The bitcoin price soared to over $20,000, up around 3% on the last 24 hours. Coinbase
MicroStrategy has bought around $500 million of bitcoin so far this year, last week doubling down on its bitcoin bet and raising a further $650 million via a bond sale to buy more bitcoin.
Other companies have followed MicroStrategy's lead and a number of high-profile investors have named bitcoin as a potential hedge against the inflation they see on the horizon.
Earlier this month, Ray Dalio, the legendary billionaire founder and co-chairman of the world's biggest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, admitted bitcoin's now established itself as a "gold-like asset alternative."
However, some experienced bitcoin traders offered words of warning to potential bitcoin buyers.
"History has a warning for people buying at the new all-time-high," financial author and trading veteran Glen Goodman said via email.
"While I'm optimistic about the long-term prospects for bitcoin, four years ago we had a very similar situation with bitcoin breaking new ground, but just two weeks later its price plummeted by more than a third.
"History doesn't always repeat itself, of course, but the lesson is to be on your guard. The market often teaches harsh lessons in humility to those who risk too much on what they're told is a sure thing.
"Some of the biggest investors in the world have been singing bitcoin's praises in recent weeks. This suggests they already own bitcoin and are hoping to encourage more people to buy and boost the price upwards. Sometimes Wall Street 'whales' do this in order to sell their bitcoins to the little guys at higher prices."


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Project Veritas Releases Audio of Call Between Julian Assange and Clinton State Department

Project Veritas has released audio allegedly between the Hillary Clinton-led U.S. State Department and Wikileaks chief Julian Assange .
In @ @ @ @ @ be heard warning U.S. authorities about impending classified leaks .
Assange remains in prison in @ @ @ @ @ of a Presidential pardon circulate .

Project Veritas has released audio allegedly between the Hillary Clinton-led U.S. State Department and Wikileaks chief Julian Assange.
In the audio, Assange can be heard warning U.S. authorities about impending classified leaks.
Assange remains in prison in the United Kingdom while rumors of a Presidential pardon circulate.
Listen now:


bonginoreport--2020-12-16--Unity! Top Biden Staffer Says Republicans “Are a Bunch of F***ers”

In an interview with Glamour Magazine , the incoming Biden administration 's Deputy Chief of Staff Jen O'Malley Dillon addressed the need for unity in the nation , calling Republicans `` a bunch of f—kers . ''
Megyn Kelly blasted Dillon on Twitter , mocking her , saying `` Unite you F*ckers ! ''
Dillon spoke about `` passion and belief in values , '' saying that `` those are the things that drive the work . ''
Her parents , she said , were teachers , and one thing they taught her was `` that it was important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find ways to give back . ''
She brought these lessons with her into community organizing , where she worked on `` figuring out what other people cared about and what mattered to them . ''
Dillon said this showed her `` that you could n't be successful in politics if you didn ’ t understand what another person needed , if you didn ’ t understand what a community needed .
And you had to be open to listening . ''
Going on to talk about the political polarization in America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that `` compromise is a good thing . ''
Dillon said `` I believe in it so much that I 'm going to work to find a path we can both go down together .
That feels to me like the heart of relationships and love and success across the board . ''
But this pretty much only applies to people that she already agrees with .
While she said that compromise is `` what we need , '' she said also said that Biden 's attempts at compromise were mocked and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though Republicans are `` a bunch of fuckers '' and `` Mitch McConnell is terrible . ''
She and Biden , she said , are all about compromise , and she said Biden is looking for a `` bipartisan ideal . ''
`` From start to finish , '' she told Glamour , `` he set out with this idea that unity was possible , that together we are stronger , that we , as a country , need healing , and our politics needs that too . ''
But she blamed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attain that bipartisan ideal .
`` It is like a relationship , '' Dillon said .
`` You ca n't do politics alone .
If the other person is not willing to do the work , then that becomes really hard . ''
From her new White House post , Dillon intends to `` break down '' the `` overhang of this negative , polarized electorate that politics has created . ''
Prior to coming aboard the Biden campaign , Dillon was campaign manager to former Texas representative Beto O'Rourke during his failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory gun buybacks .

In an interview with Glamour Magazine, the incoming Biden administration's Deputy Chief of Staff Jen O'Malley Dillon addressed the need for unity in the nation, calling Republicans "a bunch of f—kers."
Megyn Kelly blasted Dillon on Twitter, mocking her, saying "Unite you F*ckers!"
Dillon spoke about "passion and belief in values," saying that "those are the things that drive the work." Her parents, she said, were teachers, and one thing they taught her was "that it was important to be part of your community and to find ways to give back."
She brought these lessons with her into community organizing, where she worked on "figuring out what other people cared about and what mattered to them."
Dillon said this showed her "that you couldn't be successful in politics if you didn’t understand what another person needed, if you didn’t understand what a community needed. And you had to be open to listening."
Going on to talk about the political polarization in America, she noted the challenges, and she said that "compromise is a good thing."
Dillon said "I believe in it so much that I'm going to work to find a path we can both go down together. That feels to me like the heart of relationships and love and success across the board."
But this pretty much only applies to people that she already agrees with.
While she said that compromise is "what we need," she said also said that Biden's attempts at compromise were mocked and they shouldn't have been, even though Republicans are "a bunch of fuckers" and "Mitch McConnell is terrible."
She and Biden, she said, are all about compromise, and she said Biden is looking for a "bipartisan ideal."
"From start to finish," she told Glamour, "he set out with this idea that unity was possible, that together we are stronger, that we, as a country, need healing, and our politics needs that too."
But she blamed the Republicans for their unwillingness to work to attain that bipartisan ideal. "It is like a relationship," Dillon said. "You can't do politics alone. If the other person is not willing to do the work, then that becomes really hard."
From her new White House post, Dillon intends to "break down" the "overhang of this negative, polarized electorate that politics has created."
Prior to coming aboard the Biden campaign, Dillon was campaign manager to former Texas representative Beto O'Rourke during his failed presidential run, where she called for mandatory gun buybacks.


bonginoreport--2020-12-17--French Court Convicts 14 People for Supporting Charlie Hebdo Attackers

PARIS ( Reuters ) - A French court on Wednesday convicted 14 people of crimes ranging from financing terrorism to membership of a criminal gang in relation to Islamist attacks in 2015 against the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and a Jewish supermarket .
The trial has reopened one of modern France ’ s darkest episodes , just as another wave of Islamist attacks on home soil this autumn , including the beheading of a schoolteacher , prompted the government to crack down on what it calls Islamist separatism .
Brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi stormed Charlie Hebdo ’ s offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 , on Jan. 7 , 2015 , nearly a decade after the weekly published cartoons mocking the Prophet Mohammed .
A third attacker , Amedy Coulibaly , killed a police woman and then four Jewish hostages in a kosher supermarket in a Paris suburb .
Like the Kouachis , Coulibaly was killed in a shootout with police .
Among the 14 accomplices sentenced on Wednesday was Hayat Boumeddiene , the former partner of Coulibaly and one of three defendants tried in absentia .
Believed to be still alive and on the run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to her as an “ Islamic State princess ” .
The judges convicted Boumeddiene , 32 , of financing terrorism and belonging to a criminal terrorist network , and sentenced her to 30 years in jail .
The attacks , claimed by al Qaeda and Islamic State , laid bare France ’ s struggle to counter the threat of militants brought up in the country and of foreign jihadists .
“ The fact of choosing victims precisely because they were journalists , or a member of the security forces , or of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their desire to sow terror in Western countries , ” the presiding judge told the court .
Terrorism-related charges were dropped for six of the defendants who were found guilty of lesser crimes .
Journalists from Charlie Hebo testified during the trial .
After Wednesday ’ s ruling , the magazine ’ s lawyer , Richard Malka , described the defendants as part of a nebulous support network that enabled the attackers to spill blood .
“ Without these nebulous networks , attacks can not occur , ” he told reporters , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its representatives to the verdicts .
On the eve of the trial ’ s opening , Charlie Hebdo , which has long tested the limits of what society will accept in the name of free speech , re-printed the cartoons that had stirred outrage in the Muslim world when they were first published by a Danish paper in 2005 .
A month later , history teacher Samuel Paty was decapitated by a teenage Islamist who said in a recorded message that he was avenging Paty ’ s use of the cartoons in a @ @ @ @ @

PARIS (Reuters) - A French court on Wednesday convicted 14 people of crimes ranging from financing terrorism to membership of a criminal gang in relation to Islamist attacks in 2015 against the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and a Jewish supermarket.
Slideshow ( 4 images )
The trial has reopened one of modern France’s darkest episodes, just as another wave of Islamist attacks on home soil this autumn, including the beheading of a schoolteacher, prompted the government to crack down on what it calls Islamist separatism.
Brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi stormed Charlie Hebdo’s offices in Paris, spraying gunfire and killing 12, on Jan. 7, 2015, nearly a decade after the weekly published cartoons mocking the Prophet Mohammed.
A third attacker, Amedy Coulibaly, killed a police woman and then four Jewish hostages in a kosher supermarket in a Paris suburb. Like the Kouachis, Coulibaly was killed in a shootout with police.
Among the 14 accomplices sentenced on Wednesday was Hayat Boumeddiene, the former partner of Coulibaly and one of three defendants tried in absentia. Believed to be still alive and on the run from an international arrest warrant, prosecutors referred to her as an “Islamic State princess”.
The judges convicted Boumeddiene, 32, of financing terrorism and belonging to a criminal terrorist network, and sentenced her to 30 years in jail.
“DESIRE TO SOW TERROR”
The attacks, claimed by al Qaeda and Islamic State, laid bare France’s struggle to counter the threat of militants brought up in the country and of foreign jihadists.
“The fact of choosing victims precisely because they were journalists, or a member of the security forces, or of Jewish faith, clearly demonstrates in itself their desire to sow terror in Western countries,” the presiding judge told the court.
Terrorism-related charges were dropped for six of the defendants who were found guilty of lesser crimes.
Journalists from Charlie Hebo testified during the trial.
After Wednesday’s ruling, the magazine’s lawyer, Richard Malka, described the defendants as part of a nebulous support network that enabled the attackers to spill blood.
“Without these nebulous networks, attacks cannot occur,” he told reporters, in the first reaction from the magazine or its representatives to the verdicts.
On the eve of the trial’s opening, Charlie Hebdo, which has long tested the limits of what society will accept in the name of free speech, re-printed the cartoons that had stirred outrage in the Muslim world when they were first published by a Danish paper in 2005.
A month later, history teacher Samuel Paty was decapitated by a teenage Islamist who said in a recorded message that he was avenging Paty’s use of the cartoons in a class on civil liberties.


bonginoreport--2020-12-17--Trump Peace Deals Essentially Killed the Divest-From-Israel Movement

The U.S.-brokered normalization accords between Israel and an ever-growing list of Arab states has effectively neutralized the threat posed by the anti-Israel boycott , divest , and sanction movement ( BDS ) , the New York Post ’ s op-ed editor Sohrab Ahmari wrote Tuesday .
According to Ahmari , the so-called Abraham Accords will be remembered as “ Team Trump ’ s greatest foreign achievement.
” He went on to say that the accords will “ utterly delegitimize those in the West who seek to delegitimize Israel , ” including , chiefly , the BDS movement .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinkers and activists to name the biggest threats to the Jewish state , a nuclear Iran would no doubt top the list — but BDS and delegitimization more generally would come a close second , ” writes Ahmari .
He went on to note that the goal of the boycott movement was to simulate the international standing of apartheid South Africa during the mid 1980s , and portray Israel as a pariah state .
He added that while it is “ unfair and ahistorical to compare Israel with that grotesque racial regime…fairness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Jewish state ’ s haters.
” He noted the movement had some measure of success , especially in Europe and among certain celebrities , including , famously , Roger Waters , who has actually called for Palestinians to take over the Jewish state .
Was Israel ’ s economy ever in serious peril ?
Probably not .
Europe remains the Jewish state ’ s biggest trade partner , though boycotts and labeling could bite if widened to include firms that operate in Israel or Palestinian territories .
The real danger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succeeded , it would make permanent Israel ’ s status as an abnormal country , rather than a normal fixture of the Mideast map .
That would demoralize the Israeli people and compound the hostility they already face in global forums like the United Nations .
Well , so much for all that .
Today , a little more than a year since the EU labeling decision , you can find Israeli products — prominently displayed , sometimes with Israeli flags to promote them — on the shelves of grocery stores in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BDS go in a world where once-sworn enemies of the Jewish state enjoy Israeli citrus products and myriad cultural exchanges ?
Who exactly do Western champions of the Arabs represent , when the Arabs themselves want to live peacefully alongside Israel and accept the Jewish state ’ s fundamental legitimacy ?
Isn ’ t it more than a bit condescending for , say , Roger Waters — place of birth : Great Bookham , Surrey , England — to tell Arabs whom they can do business with ?
Ahmari stresses that BDS isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it continues to legitimize the funneling of billions of dollars in international aid to the Palestinians “ in exchange for refusing to accept reality ” as well as old-fashioned Jew hatred by “ fanatic college professors and students.
” However , he concludes , the world and the Middle East , has just moved on .
“ For God ’ s sake , when Sudan , once one of the world ’ s most virulently anti-Israel states , has made its peace with Jerusalem , BDS looks like a boutique cause for gentry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pronouns in their Twitter bios , ” writes Ahmari .

The U.S.-brokered normalization accords between Israel and an ever-growing list of Arab states has effectively neutralized the threat posed by the anti-Israel boycott, divest, and sanction movement (BDS), the New York Post’s op-ed editor Sohrab Ahmari wrote Tuesday.
According to Ahmari, the so-called Abraham Accords will be remembered as “Team Trump’s greatest foreign achievement.”
He went on to say that the accords will “utterly delegitimize those in the West who seek to delegitimize Israel,” including, chiefly, the BDS movement.
“A decade ago, if you asked pro-Israel thinkers and activists to name the biggest threats to the Jewish state, a nuclear Iran would no doubt top the list — but BDS and delegitimization more generally would come a close second,” writes Ahmari.
When Sudan, once one of the world’s most virulently anti-Israel states, has made its peace with Jerusalem, BDS looks like a boutique cause for gentry leftists, the kind who put their pronouns in their Twitter bios. My Wednesday column. https://t.co/a5ulS8bhOR — Sohrab Ahmari (@SohrabAhmari) December 16, 2020
He went on to note that the goal of the boycott movement was to simulate the international standing of apartheid South Africa during the mid 1980s, and portray Israel as a pariah state. He added that while it is “unfair and ahistorical to compare Israel with that grotesque racial regime…fairness and historical probity aren’t exactly hallmarks of the Jewish state’s haters.”
He noted the movement had some measure of success, especially in Europe and among certain celebrities, including, famously, Roger Waters, who has actually called for Palestinians to take over the Jewish state.
Writes Ahmari:
Was Israel’s economy ever in serious peril? Probably not. Europe remains the Jewish state’s biggest trade partner, though boycotts and labeling could bite if widened to include firms that operate in Israel or Palestinian territories. The real danger, however, was moral-cum-political. If BDS succeeded, it would make permanent Israel’s status as an abnormal country, rather than a normal fixture of the Mideast map. That would demoralize the Israeli people and compound the hostility they already face in global forums like the United Nations. Well, so much for all that. Today, a little more than a year since the EU labeling decision, you can find Israeli products — prominently displayed, sometimes with Israeli flags to promote them — on the shelves of grocery stores in the United Arab Emirates. How far can BDS go in a world where once-sworn enemies of the Jewish state enjoy Israeli citrus products and myriad cultural exchanges? Who exactly do Western champions of the Arabs represent, when the Arabs themselves want to live peacefully alongside Israel and accept the Jewish state’s fundamental legitimacy? Isn’t it more than a bit condescending for, say, Roger Waters — place of birth: Great Bookham, Surrey, England — to tell Arabs whom they can do business with?
Ahmari stresses that BDS isn’t going away anytime soon: it continues to legitimize the funneling of billions of dollars in international aid to the Palestinians “in exchange for refusing to accept reality” as well as old-fashioned Jew hatred by “fanatic college professors and students.”
President Donald Trump on Tuesday celebrated the signing of the “Abraham Accords,” a peace deal between Israel and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates brokered by the United States. https://t.co/kim5DSQiPs — Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) September 15, 2020
However, he concludes, the world and the Middle East, has just moved on.
“For God’s sake, when Sudan, once one of the world’s most virulently anti-Israel states, has made its peace with Jerusalem, BDS looks like a boutique cause for gentry leftists, the kind who put their pronouns in their Twitter bios,” writes Ahmari.
Follow @danandeborah on Twitter


bonginoreport--2020-12-17--The Grinch Tells Americans Not to See Their Kids for Christmas

Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , said this week that he and his wife will not be seeing his three adult children for Christmas or for his birthday on Christmas Eve amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , and urged other Americans to do the same .
Fauci made the comments during an interview with the Washington Post ’ s Power Up newsletter .
He said it would mark the first Christmas not spent with his three daughters since they were born .
`` I ’ m going to be with my wife – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` The Christmas holiday is a special holiday for us because Christmas Eve is my birthday , '' said Fauci , who is turning 80 .
`` And Christmas Day is Christmas Day .
And they are not going to come home … That ’ s painful .
We don ’ t like that .
But that ’ s just one of the things you ’ re going to have to accept as we go through this unprecedented challenging time . ''
Fauci , noting that many Americans ignored health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be `` business as usual . ''
FAUCI SAYS BIDEN , HARRIS SHOULD GET COVID-19 VACCINE ASAP ‘ FOR SECURITY REASONS ’ '' Stay at home as much as you can , keep your interactions to the extent possible to members of the same household , '' Fauci said .
`` This can not be business as usual this Christmas because we ’ re already in a very difficult situation , and we ’ re going to make it worse , if we don ’ t do something about it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic is `` an unusual situation '' and is `` not going to last forever . ''
`` It is highly likely that with vaccines being distributed , that we will be back to normal by next Christmas , '' Fauci said .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The number of people who have died from the coronavirus in the U.S. passed a staggering 300,000 on Monday , according to Johns Hopkins University , with about 2,400 people now dying per day on average .
The Associated Press contributed @ @ @ @

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said this week that he and his wife will not be seeing his three adult children for Christmas or for his birthday on Christmas Eve amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and urged other Americans to do the same.
Fauci made the comments during an interview with the Washington Post’s Power Up newsletter. He said it would mark the first Christmas not spent with his three daughters since they were born.
"I’m going to be with my wife – period," Fauci told the outlet on Monday. "The Christmas holiday is a special holiday for us because Christmas Eve is my birthday," said Fauci, who is turning 80. "And Christmas Day is Christmas Day. And they are not going to come home … That’s painful. We don’t like that. But that’s just one of the things you’re going to have to accept as we go through this unprecedented challenging time."
Fauci, noting that many Americans ignored health guidelines over Thanksgiving, warned that Christmas cannot be "business as usual."
FAUCI SAYS BIDEN, HARRIS SHOULD GET COVID-19 VACCINE ASAP ‘FOR SECURITY REASONS’
"Stay at home as much as you can, keep your interactions to the extent possible to members of the same household," Fauci said. "This cannot be business as usual this Christmas because we’re already in a very difficult situation, and we’re going to make it worse, if we don’t do something about it."
Fauci urged resilience, qualifying that the pandemic is "an unusual situation" and is "not going to last forever."
"It is highly likely that with vaccines being distributed, that we will be back to normal by next Christmas," Fauci said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The number of people who have died from the coronavirus in the U.S. passed a staggering 300,000 on Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University, with about 2,400 people now dying per day on average.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


bonginoreport--2020-12-17--French President Macron Tests Positive for Coronavirus

France 's president Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for coronavirus , his office has said .
The Elysee Palace in Paris said on Thursday the 42-year-old was tested after showing early symptoms .
He will now isolate for seven days but will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely .
The brief statement did not give details of the symptoms the French president was experiencing .
`` He will continue to work and take care of his activities at a distance , '' it added .
His wife Brigitte , 67 , is also self-isolating , her office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any COVID-19 symptoms .
Mr Macron was due to visit Lebanon next week on 22 December .
The trip has now been cancelled , a spokeswoman said .
It was not immediately clear what contact tracing efforts were in progress , but palace officials added he was trying to assess where he may have contracted the virus .
He met several world leaders and top officials during the 10 days before he tested positive for coronavirus - with several images showing close contact with some .
Portugal 's Prime Minister Antonio Costa cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Macron for a working lunch at the palace on Wednesday .
He is said to be displaying no symptoms and is awaiting the result of a COVID test to took earlier today which had already been booked before his official trips to Sao Tome and Principe and Guinea Bissau in Africa between 18 and 20 December .
`` The prime minister decided to cancel the trip , as well as any public agenda that implies his physical presence , '' a statement from his office said .
`` He will keep all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be carried out remotely . ''
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez - who met Mr Macron on Monday - is suspending all public activities and is in quarantine until Christmas Eve .
He was among guests invited to the Elysee Palace as part of events marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) convention at the start of the week .
These included European Council President Charles Michel and Angel Gurria , Secretary-General of the OECD .
An EU spokesman said Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macron 's positive test .
There was no immediate response from Mr Gurria 's office .
The French president was among EU leaders and delegates at a European Council heads of state meeting at the end of last week in Brussels , Belgium , between 10 and 11 December .
Those in attendance included German Chancellor Angela Merkel , Dutch PM Mark Rutte , Belgian PM Alexander De Croo , Italian PM Giuseppe Conte , European Parliament President David Sassoli and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen .
Only two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Estonia 's prime minister Juri Ratas and Croatia 's Andrej Plenkovic .
The diagnosis also comes nine days after a state visit to Paris by Egypt 's president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi .
During the two-day trip , Mr Macron presented his Egyptian counterpart with the Legion of Honour - the highest French award .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ms von der Leyen were among the first to wish Mr Macron a return to good health .
Mr Johnson tweeted : `` Sorry to hear my friend @ EmmanuelMacron has tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you a speedy recovery . ''
`` I am wholehartedly with you , '' she tweeted , adding : `` This pandemic , we are going to defeat it together .
We will continue to work hand in hand to immunise and protect our citizens . ''
France 's Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self isolate after coming into contact with Mr Macron over the last few days , said Gerard Larcher , head of the Senate , the upper house of the French parliament .

France's president Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for coronavirus, his office has said.
The Elysee Palace in Paris said on Thursday the 42-year-old was tested after showing early symptoms.
He will now isolate for seven days but will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely.
Image: Mr Macron's wife, Brigitte, is not showing any symptoms but is also in quarantine
The brief statement did not give details of the symptoms the French president was experiencing.
His wife Brigitte, 67, is also self-isolating, her office said, although she is not showing any COVID-19 symptoms.
Mr Macron was due to visit Lebanon next week on 22 December. The trip has now been cancelled, a spokeswoman said.
It was not immediately clear what contact tracing efforts were in progress, but palace officials added he was trying to assess where he may have contracted the virus.
He met several world leaders and top officials during the 10 days before he tested positive for coronavirus - with several images showing close contact with some.
Image: Portugal's prime minister Antonio Costa is self-isolating and has cancelled an upcoming trip to Africa
Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa, 59, cancelled official trips and is isolating after meeting Mr Macron for a working lunch at the palace on Wednesday.
Advertisement
He is said to be displaying no symptoms and is awaiting the result of a COVID test he took earlier today which had already been booked before his official trips to Sao Tome and Principe and Guinea Bissau in Africa between 18 and 20 December.
Mr Macron also held a weekly cabinet meeting yesterday.
Image: Mr Macron welcoming Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Monday
Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez - who met Mr Macron on Monday - is suspending all public activities and is in quarantine until Christmas Eve, the Spanish government said.
The 48-year-old was among guests invited to the Elysee Palace as part of events marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) convention at the start of the week.
These included European Council President Charles Michel, 44, and Angel Gurria, 70, Secretary-General of the OECD.
Image: European Council President Charles Michel (R), like Mr Sanchez, is also self-isolating after attending the same event
Image: Angel Gurria was also a guest at the OECD anniversary celebrations
An EU spokesman said Mr Michel was also in self-isolation as a precaution. There was no immediate comment from Mr Gurria's office.
The French president was among EU leaders and delegates at a European Council heads of state meeting at the end of last week in Brussels, Belgium, between 10 and 11 December.
Image: Mr Macron speaks with Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban next to Poland's PM Mateusz Morawiecki, Austria's chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Greece's PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis during an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, on 10 December
Image: Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, (R), pictured with Slovenia's PM Janez Jansa, was also at the EU summit attended by Mr Macron (L)
Those in attendance included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ireland's PM Micheal Martin, Dutch PM Mark Rutte, Belgian PM Alexander De Croo, Italian PM Giuseppe Conte, European Parliament President David Sassoli and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Only two leaders were missing from the summit - Estonia's prime minister Juri Ratas and Croatia's Andrej Plenkovic.
Mr Martin is limiting his contacts and is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, a spokesman said.
The German government said Ms Merkel tested negative for the coronavirus after the summit.
Image: Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin (L) is awaiting the results of a coronavirus test
The diagnosis also comes nine days after a state visit to Paris by Egypt's president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, 66.
During the two-day trip, Mr Macron presented his Egyptian counterpart with the Legion of Honour - the highest French award.
Image: French President Emmanuel Macron welcoming Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Elysee Palace in Paris during his official visit to France last week
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who contracted the virus himself in March, and Ms von der Leyen were among the first to wish Mr Macron a return to good health.
Mr Johnson tweeted: "Sorry to hear my friend @EmmanuelMacron has tested positive for coronavirus. We are all wishing you a speedy recovery."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Ms von der Leyen also wished the French president a "quick recovery".
"I am wholeheartedly with you," she tweeted, adding: "This pandemic, we are going to defeat it together. We will continue to work hand in hand to immunise and protect our citizens."
France's Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self isolate after coming into contact with Mr Macron over the last few days, said Gerard Larcher, head of the Senate, the upper house of the French parliament.
For several months, masks have been required in all indoor public places in France and outdoors in big cities.


bonginoreport--2020-12-17--Terrence P. Jeffrey: Has a Chinese Virus Made Us More Like the People’s Republic?

Something that began in Wuhan , China , in December 2019 continues , a year later , to have a monstrous impact on the way Americans live their lives .
We are less free today because a Chinese virus came our way — and because of the way some politicians have reacted to it .
Start with the science : COVID-19 originated in China .
`` As COVID-19 began spreading in Wuhan , China , it became an epidemic , '' says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` Because the disease then spread across several countries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was classified as a pandemic . ''
Specifically , as this column has reported before , the CDC confirmed that the first 11 cases of COVID-19 in the United States all traced back to Wuhan , China .
Nine were in people who had just returned from Wuhan .
Two were in people who lived in the same household as one of those nine .
As of Dec. 15 , according to the CDC , there have been 16,317,892 COVID-19 cases in the United States and 300,032 deaths .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus has made the way Americans live — under restrictions imposed by government — a bit more like the way people live in the People 's Republic .
In China , says the State Department 's human rights report for 2019 ( before the pandemic ) , the `` government restricted freedoms of peaceful assembly and association . ''
`` Concerts , sports events , exercise classes , or other meetings of more than 200 persons require approval from public security authorities , '' says the report .
`` Large numbers of public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the last minute or denied government permits , ostensibly to ensure public safety . ''
In California , Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued a `` stay at home order '' this month for regions where the `` Intensive Care Unit capacity drops below 15 percent . ''
Under the order , when that threshold is reached , everything from `` outdoor playgrounds '' to `` movie theaters '' to `` bars '' to `` live audience sports '' must be closed .
For the counties in the San Francisco Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far enough .
They mandated an immediate shutdown .
The Bay Area county of Santa Clara went even further , issuing an order stating that `` all athletic activities that involve contact or close proximity are prohibited during this time . ''
As a result , the Santa Clara-based San Francisco 49ers moved to Arizona — where they now play in an empty stadium .
Similarly , the Rose Bowl , a New Year 's Day tradition in Los Angeles county , will be played in front of zero fans this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` due to COVID-19 protocols set forth by state , county , and city of Pasadena officials . ''
Would `` social distancing '' not be possible for 1,000 or 2,000 people in a stadium that seats 91,136 ?
In China , the government restricts the movement of people within its borders .
`` The law provides for freedom of internal movement ... but the government at times did not respect these rights , '' says the State Department 's report .
Maryland is not as strict .
It `` recommends that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryland due to the recent increase in COVID-19 infections in other states , '' according to a travel advisory issued Nov. 10 under orders from Republican Gov .
Larry Hogan .
`` You should immediately cancel or postpone travel to any of these states with spiking metrics , '' Hogan said , according to the Baltimore Sun .
In New York , Democratic Gov .
Andrew Cuomo requires two tests and a three-day quarantine for people entering from another state of the union .
`` Travelers must get tested within three days prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least three days upon arrival , and get a test on day four of arrival , '' says his order .
In China , the government restricts religious practices , including when and where people can gather to worship .
`` Worshipping in a space without prior approval , gained either through the formal registration process or by seeking an approval for each service , is considered an illegal religious activity , which may be criminally or administratively punished , '' says the State Department report on religious freedom in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill de Blasio threatened to close churches permanently if they did not follow his orders .
`` So , the NYPD , Fire Department , Buildings Department , and everyone has been instructed that if they see worship services going on , they will go to the officials of that congregation , they 'll inform them they need to stop the services and disperse , '' said de Blasio .
`` If that does not happen , they will take additional action up to the point of fines and potentially closing the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo issued an order allowing only 10 people at a time into `` houses of worship '' in regions he calls `` red zones '' and only 25 at a time in regions he calls `` orange zones . ''
He placed no similar restrictions on large retail stores .
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and Agudath Israel of America took Cuomo to the Supreme Court and won an injunction .
`` They have shown , '' said the court , `` that their First Amendment claims are likely to prevail .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment of churches was too lenient .
`` For counties in high-risk areas , which covers most of the state , '' the San Francisco Chronicle reported this month , `` the governor is forbidding all indoor worship services because of the rise in COVID cases , while allowing 25 % indoor attendance in moderate-risk counties . ''
This , too , is now being challenged in court .
The State Department human rights report says : `` The People 's Republic of China is an authoritarian state in which the Chinese Communist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The United States is not an authoritarian state .
Nor are we run by the Communist Party .
But the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated there are politicians in this country who are quite willing to issue unilateral orders on issues as profound as where and when a person can go to church .
Terence P. Jeffrey is the editor in chief of CNSnews.com .
To find out more about him , visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com .

Something that began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 continues, a year later, to have a monstrous impact on the way Americans live their lives.
We are less free today because a Chinese virus came our way — and because of the way some politicians have reacted to it.
Start with the science: COVID-19 originated in China.
"As COVID-19 began spreading in Wuhan, China, it became an epidemic," says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Because the disease then spread across several countries and affected a large number of people, it was classified as a pandemic."
Specifically, as this column has reported before, the CDC confirmed that the first 11 cases of COVID-19 in the United States all traced back to Wuhan, China. Nine were in people who had just returned from Wuhan. Two were in people who lived in the same household as one of those nine.
As of Dec. 15, according to the CDC, there have been 16,317,892 COVID-19 cases in the United States and 300,032 deaths.
In addition to sickening and killing people, this Chinese virus has made the way Americans live — under restrictions imposed by government — a bit more like the way people live in the People's Republic.
In China, says the State Department's human rights report for 2019 (before the pandemic), the "government restricted freedoms of peaceful assembly and association."
"Concerts, sports events, exercise classes, or other meetings of more than 200 persons require approval from public security authorities," says the report. "Large numbers of public gatherings in Beijing and elsewhere were canceled at the last minute or denied government permits, ostensibly to ensure public safety."
In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a "stay at home order" this month for regions where the "Intensive Care Unit capacity drops below 15 percent." Under the order, when that threshold is reached, everything from "outdoor playgrounds" to "movie theaters" to "bars" to "live audience sports" must be closed.
For the counties in the San Francisco Bay Area, the state order did not go far enough. They mandated an immediate shutdown.
The Bay Area county of Santa Clara went even further, issuing an order stating that "all athletic activities that involve contact or close proximity are prohibited during this time."
As a result, the Santa Clara-based San Francisco 49ers moved to Arizona — where they now play in an empty stadium.
Similarly, the Rose Bowl, a New Year's Day tradition in Los Angeles county, will be played in front of zero fans this year, as the Pasadena Star-News has reported, "due to COVID-19 protocols set forth by state, county, and city of Pasadena officials."
Would "social distancing" not be possible for 1,000 or 2,000 people in a stadium that seats 91,136?
In China, the government restricts the movement of people within its borders. "The law provides for freedom of internal movement ... but the government at times did not respect these rights," says the State Department's report.
Maryland is not as strict. It "recommends that all Marylanders refrain from non-essential travel outside of Maryland due to the recent increase in COVID-19 infections in other states," according to a travel advisory issued Nov. 10 under orders from Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.
"You should immediately cancel or postpone travel to any of these states with spiking metrics," Hogan said, according to the Baltimore Sun.
In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo requires two tests and a three-day quarantine for people entering from another state of the union. "Travelers must get tested within three days prior to landing in New York, quarantine for at least three days upon arrival, and get a test on day four of arrival," says his order.
In China, the government restricts religious practices, including when and where people can gather to worship.
"Worshipping in a space without prior approval, gained either through the formal registration process or by seeking an approval for each service, is considered an illegal religious activity, which may be criminally or administratively punished," says the State Department report on religious freedom in China.
In March, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio threatened to close churches permanently if they did not follow his orders.
"So, the NYPD, Fire Department, Buildings Department, and everyone has been instructed that if they see worship services going on, they will go to the officials of that congregation, they'll inform them they need to stop the services and disperse," said de Blasio. "If that does not happen, they will take additional action up to the point of fines and potentially closing the building permanently."
On Oct. 6, Cuomo issued an order allowing only 10 people at a time into "houses of worship" in regions he calls "red zones" and only 25 at a time in regions he calls "orange zones." He placed no similar restrictions on large retail stores.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and Agudath Israel of America took Cuomo to the Supreme Court and won an injunction. "They have shown," said the court, "that their First Amendment claims are likely to prevail."
Newsom must have thought Cuomo's treatment of churches was too lenient. "For counties in high-risk areas, which covers most of the state," the San Francisco Chronicle reported this month, "the governor is forbidding all indoor worship services because of the rise in COVID cases, while allowing 25% indoor attendance in moderate-risk counties."
This, too, is now being challenged in court.
The State Department human rights report says: "The People's Republic of China is an authoritarian state in which the Chinese Communist Party is the paramount authority."
The United States is not an authoritarian state. Nor are we run by the Communist Party. But the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated there are politicians in this country who are quite willing to issue unilateral orders on issues as profound as where and when a person can go to church.
Terence P. Jeffrey is the editor in chief of CNSnews.com. To find out more about him, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.


bonginoreport--2020-12-17--Goodwin: How a Great AG Could Set Barr Higher — Protect Hunter Biden Probe

President Trump will name Jeffrey Rosen as the next deputy ...

President Trump could not have chosen a better Attorney General than Bill Barr. Had Trump picked Barr at the start of his presidency instead of the hapless Jeff Sessions, the first two years would not have been consumed by the false Russia, Russia, Russia charges and the partisan Robert Muellerinvestigation.
Barr would not have recused himself, as Sessions did, and Democrats and the media could not have browbeaten Barr into appointing Mueller. Nor would Barr have tolerated the sabotage of the administration carried out by corrupt Justice Department officials, FBI agents and others.
The rearview-mirror moment is prompted by the announcement that Barr is leaving next week instead of waiting until Joe Biden’s inauguration. No doubt he is tired of the merciless attacks from the left and the president’s criticisms over his refusal to agree there was vast election fraud, though Trump praised him by saying, “Our relationship has been a very good one, he has done an outstanding job!”
In his resignation letter, Barr praised the president’s record of achievement while noting that Trump faced a “relentless, implacable resistance . . . in which no tactic, no matter how abusive and deceitful, was out of bounds.”
Yet as Barr prepares to ride off into the sunset, he should finish one more piece of crucial business. He should appoint a special counsel to complete the probe into Hunter Biden.
The probe is uniquely important, and not just because Hunter is the next president’s son. Barr should act because it’s increasingly obvious that a thorough probe of the son will almost certainly implicate the father.
Already we know “The Big Guy” was not just an adoring parent or an innocent bystander. Joe Biden’s claims about having never discussed his son’s business and insistence that Hunter never made a dime from China are blatantly false. So why did he say those things if he wasn’t trying to hide something?
And thanks to The Post’s stories about e-mails on Hunter’s abandoned laptop, we know that Joe Biden, as vice president, met with an adviser to Burisma, the corrupt Ukrainian energy company that hired Hunter for up to $83,000 a month. That fact casts even more suspicion on the video of Joe Biden bragging that he tied American aid to the demand that Ukraine fire a certain prosecutor — who just happened to be investigating Burisma.
President-elect Joe Biden and his son, Hunter AP
There’s more. Other e-mails and witness statements by Tony Bobulinski remove any doubt that Joe Biden was in line to get a secret 10 percent stake in a joint venture with a Chinese oligarch tied to the Communist Party, a deal that took shape while he was still vice president and the nation’s point man on China. Bobulinski, who was going to be CEO of the joint venture, says he also met with Joe Biden, who was knowledgeable about the family business.
To judge from yet another e-mail, this one focused on Hunter’s failure to report $400,000 from Burisma on his 2014 taxes, the list of large payments he received over several years show he earned all or nearly all of his money from foreign sources. The significance is that his livelihood apparently depended entirely on selling access to his father.
Then there’s the recently surfaced 2017 e-mail where Hunter asks the manager of the building where he had an office to make keys for Joe Biden and a Chinese man close to the nation’s Communist leadership.
If Joe Biden were still a private citizen, these issues would be important but would not rise to the level of requiring a special counsel. But as the incoming president who will set American policy toward China, Ukraine and the other countries that hired Hunter Biden and Jim Biden, Joe’s brother, the possibility that our next president has been compromised by our adversaries cannot be ignored, no matter how hard Big Media and Big Tech try.
As I wrote Sunday, what does China know about Joe Biden that Americans don’t? Most crucial, did he just allow Hunter and Jim to profit from his official positions, or was Joe getting a secret cut all along?
Barr made the special-counsel designation for John Durham, who is conducting a criminal probe into the FBI’s spying of the 2016 Trump campaign and after the president took office. In making the designation, Barr said he did so to protect Durham from political interference in a new administration.
The same logic clearly applies to the Hunter Biden investigation. A new president usually fires all or nearly all top federal prosecutors scattered around the nation, and that would spell the end of the Biden probe, which is being run out of Delaware. A new attorney general could easily insist that it be allowed to die a quiet death.
A special-counsel designation would make that scenario nearly impossible. Joe Biden or his new AG would have to justify the firing, and it’s likely the political fallout would make the price too high.
If Barr fails to act, his replacement, Jeff Rosen, could legally make the appointment anytime until Jan. 20. But the implication would be that Barr refused and that would diminish the appointment and make it more politically vulnerable.
Of course, there is another path to the same outcome, albeit a very unlikely one.
Because Joe Biden is preaching national unity, he could lead by example. Biden himself could ask Barr to appoint a special counsel.
Yes, yes, I know, fat chance. But if Biden has any hopes of moving the nation even a few steps toward unity, he must do something dramatic to give the 74.2 million Americans who voted for Trump a reason to trust him.
Showing that he and his family have nothing to hide by backing a special counsel would certainly be dramatic. And if no evidence of corruption emerged, Biden’s presidency would get a huge boost.
C’mon Joe, what do you say?
Blas’ tardy ‘show’ of concern
From The Post, after Mayor de Blasio agreed with a reporter’s suggestion that he ride mass transit to quell fears: “Hizzoner, who has not eaten indoors at a restaurant or taken a ride on the subway since the city first shut down in March, has said he plans to publicly receive the vaccine ‘to show it’s safe.’ ” Given de Blasio’s demonstrated lack of concern about the safety of New Yorkers for seven years, that would be something new.
School fools
The dumb get dumber: San Francisco is going to rename Lincoln High School because the president who freed the slaves didn’t show that “black lives mattered to him.”
Eric in a ‘honey’ jam
Reader Joseph Alloy spots a politician’s dilemma, writing: “Rep. Eric Swalwell’s decision to neither confirm nor deny that he had sexual relations with that Chinese Honey Pot is quite telling. If he denies it, there is a good chance the Chinese have photos. If he confirms it, he denies himself a shot at higher office.”