bonginoreport--2020-12-01--Marco Rubio Slams Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey for Allowing CCP Propaganda While Censoring Conservatives

After a Chinese diplomat tweeted a photoshopped image of an Australian soldier knifing an Afghani girl , Florida Sen. Marco Rubio slammed Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey for the site 's unwillingness to crack down on Chinese Communist Party propaganda .
`` Twitter has had more than 36 hours to identify , investigate , and evaluate a tweet sent by Zhao Lijian , the deputy director-general of China 's Information Department , that contains the doctored image that depicts a violent act that may in turn inspire other violent acts , '' Rubio prefaced a letter addressed to Dorsey .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which falsely portrays a smirking Australian soldier holding a bloody knife to the throat of a young Afghan child .
`` Shocked by [ the ] murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers .
We strongly condemn such acts , & call for holding them accountable , '' he tweeted .
Amid outrage from conservatives , Zhao has pinned the post Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison even requested for the graphic image to be taken down .
Rubio , whose Senate persona has spotlighted confrontations with the CCP , reprised increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the geopolitical arena .
Distinguishing the stark contrast between how the social media platform handles provocations from Beijing and how the medium frames President Donald Trump ‘ s fiery election-related tweets , Rubio contended that Twitter “ made an intentional decision not to remove the tweet or even issue a warning label.
” “ We know your company has the ability to move rapidly , as it frequently issued warning labels on tweets of prominent Americans during the election — sometimes within minutes of a tweet being sent , ” Rubio remarked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` right as a private company '' to `` regulate , moderate , and censor speech , '' Rubio pointed to this alleged `` inconsistency '' that `` raises questions of whether Twitter specifically should be eligible for Section 230 protections that alleviates liability that publishers bear as content owners .
As Congress continues to evaluate outdated technology laws , Rubio prodded Dorsey to answer a series of questions on Twitter 's review process .
“ The American people increasingly see mainstream social media , especially Twitter , as little more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I share their concern , especially when enemies of America are allowed to post falsified and dangerously misleading images with no consequence , ” Rubio concluded .
In mid-October , the senator asserted that “ egregious instances of censorship & partisan content moderation by social media companies like Twitter and Facebook are brazen attempts to twist & manipulate America ’ s public square.
” Urging Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai to take action amid Twitter 's suppression of the New York Post 's Hunter Biden bombshell , Rubio fired : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that benefited from the protections afforded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act have become Goliaths intent on twisting and manipulating America ’ s public square to their liking . ''
“ The New York Post censorship saga is only the latest example of this consistent effort by Silicon Valley giants , '' the senator wrote in an Oct. 15 press release .
`` Twenty days before the presidential election , it is also one of the most egregious.
” This manipulation appears to be in play beyond the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dorsey boils down to , Whose side are you on ?

After a Chinese diplomat tweeted a photoshopped image of an Australian soldier knifing an Afghani girl, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio slammed Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey for the site's unwillingness to crack down on Chinese Communist Party propaganda.
.@MarcoRubio’s letter to @Jack on Twitter being used to spread CCP propaganda. pic.twitter.com/MSWmoufOhv — JERRY DUNLEAVY (@JerryDunleavy) December 1, 2020
"Twitter has had more than 36 hours to identify, investigate, and evaluate a tweet sent by Zhao Lijian, the deputy director-general of China's Information Department, that contains the doctored image that depicts a violent act that may in turn inspire other violent acts," Rubio prefaced a letter addressed to Dorsey.
The Chinese spokesperson captioned the sensationalist photo, which falsely portrays a smirking Australian soldier holding a bloody knife to the throat of a young Afghan child. "Shocked by [the] murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers. We strongly condemn such acts, & call for holding them accountable," he tweeted.
Amid outrage from conservatives, Zhao has pinned the post Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison even requested for the graphic image to be taken down.
Rubio, whose Senate persona has spotlighted confrontations with the CCP, reprised increasing concerns about Big Tech's gatekeeping power in the geopolitical arena.
Distinguishing the stark contrast between how the social media platform handles provocations from Beijing and how the medium frames President Donald Trump‘s fiery election-related tweets, Rubio contended that Twitter “made an intentional decision not to remove the tweet or even issue a warning label.”
“We know your company has the ability to move rapidly, as it frequently issued warning labels on tweets of prominent Americans during the election — sometimes within minutes of a tweet being sent,” Rubio remarked.
Conceding that it is Twitter's "right as a private company" to "regulate, moderate, and censor speech," Rubio pointed to this alleged "inconsistency" that "raises questions of whether Twitter specifically should be eligible for Section 230 protections that alleviates liability that publishers bear as content owners.
As Congress continues to evaluate outdated technology laws, Rubio prodded Dorsey to answer a series of questions on Twitter's review process.
“The American people increasingly see mainstream social media, especially Twitter, as little more than a liberal echo chamber inclined to censor conservatives. I share their concern, especially when enemies of America are allowed to post falsified and dangerously misleading images with no consequence,” Rubio concluded.
In mid-October, the senator asserted that “egregious instances of censorship & partisan content moderation by social media companies like Twitter and Facebook are brazen attempts to twist & manipulate America’s public square.”
This is long overdue.
As I wrote yesterday, the egregious instances of censorship & partisan content moderation by social media companies like @Twitter & @Facebook are brazen attempts to twist & manipulate America’s public square.
https://t.co/au4qCGBVUr https://t.co/pJeaPXZzmH — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 16, 2020
Urging Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai to take action amid Twitter's suppression of the New York Post's Hunter Biden bombshell, Rubio fired: "The once nascent, scrappy internet companies that benefited from the protections afforded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act have become Goliaths intent on twisting and manipulating America’s public square to their liking."
“The New York Post censorship saga is only the latest example of this consistent effort by Silicon Valley giants," the senator wrote in an Oct. 15 press release. "Twenty days before the presidential election, it is also one of the most egregious.”
This manipulation appears to be in play beyond the nation’s borders. Rubio's implicit question to Dorsey boils down to, Whose side are you on?


bonginoreport--2020-12-01--Michigan Witness Says All Military Ballots Looked Like Xerox Copies – Had ZERO Trump Votes

A witness at the Michigan election integrity hearing alleged that all the military ballots she observed looked like `` xerox copies '' of each other .
The witness said that none of ballots were from registered voters and all were for Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
`` Not one of the military ballots was a registered voter and the ballots looked like they were all exactly the same xerox copies of the ballot , '' the witness testified to the state 's Senate Oversight Committee at the Binsing Office Building in Lansing , Mich .
This testimony on the absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Detroit came approximately a month after the Senate and House Oversight Committees first approved subpoenas related to Michigan ’ s general election .
She continued : `` They were all for Biden across the board .
There was n't a single Trump vote .
And none of the voters were registered . ''
`` They had to manually enter the names and addresses and the birth date of 1-1-2020 , which would override the system , '' the witness stated .
`` And a lot of them had to enter non-registered voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Throughout the day , that 's how they would override voters that were neither in electronic poll book or the supplemental updated poll book . ''

A witness at the Michigan election integrity hearing alleged that all the military ballots she observed looked like "xerox copies" of each other. The witness said that none of ballots were from registered voters and all were for Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
"Not one of the military ballots was a registered voter and the ballots looked like they were all exactly the same xerox copies of the ballot," the witness testified to the state's Senate Oversight Committee at the Binsing Office Building in Lansing, Mich.
This testimony on the absentee ballot counting process at the TCF Center in Detroit came approximately a month after the Senate and House Oversight Committees first approved subpoenas related to Michigan’s general election.
A witness at the Michigan hearing says that the Dominion voting machines were connected to the internet. If true, that's such a security vulnerability I don't even know where to begin.pic.twitter.com/6hs3vUxAtH — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 1, 2020
She continued: "They were all for Biden across the board. There wasn't a single Trump vote. And none of the voters were registered."
"They had to manually enter the names and addresses and the birth date of 1-1-2020, which would override the system," the witness stated.
"And a lot of them had to enter non-registered voters, which I saw several that day. Throughout the day, that's how they would override voters that were neither in electronic poll book or the supplemental updated poll book."


bonginoreport--2020-12-01--Leaked Documents Prove China Underreported Coronavirus Death Toll, Mishandled Pandemic

China underreported Covid-19 numbers by more than half as it downplayed the severity of the virus and their failure to quickly diagnose cases in the early stages of the pandemic , according to leaked documents .
A series of revelations in 117 pages of internal documents from the Hubei Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention , obtained by CNN , shows how the Chinese Communist Party withheld vital information as the world grappled to contain the rapidly spreading virus .
On 17 February , China publicly reported new deaths in Hubei province , where the pandemic is believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while privately reporting 196 – a difference of more than double .
The documents provide insight into the health care system 's response to the pandemic between October 2019 and April 2020 .
As recently as March near the peak of the pandemic , Chinese authorities took an average of 23.3 days – more than three weeks – from the onset of symptoms to positively diagnose confirmed cases of Covid-19 .
An audit of testing kits found they were ineffective at detecting Covid-19 , while lack of personal protective equipment forced health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Retrospective testing on the early samples … found that the samples that showed negative Sars testing kits are mostly positive for the new coronavirus , '' the document said , according to CNN 's reporting .
`` [ Private companies contracted by the CDC used extraction re-agents and simple liquids ] that inhibit each other , and false negative results appear . ''
The documents also showed an undisclosed outbreak of influenza from December 2019 in Hubei province , more severe in Yichang and Xianning than in Wuhan .
The internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 2018 that had not been previously reported .
China 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs , National Health Commission and the Hubei Health Commission did not respond to the documents ' findings when contacted by CNN .
`` It was clear they did make mistakes – and not just mistakes that happen when you 're dealing with a novel virus – also bureaucratic and politically-motivated errors in how they handled it , '' Yanzhong Huang , a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations , told the outlet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can never guarantee 100 per cent transparency .
It 's not just about any intentional cover-up , you are also constrained with by technology and other issues with a novel virus . ''

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bonginoreport--2020-12-01--Nasdaq Moves to Require Diversity on Boards of Companies Listed on Exchange

Nasdaq on Tuesday moved to require that companies on its exchange include a woman and a person of a minority racial background or sexual orientation on their boards of directors .
“ This proposal and partnership gives companies an opportunity to make progress toward increasing representation of women , underrepresented minorities and the LGBTQ+ community on their boards , ” said Nelson Griggs , president of Nasdaq Stock Exchange , in announcing the proposal .
Listed companies would have to include “ one who self-identifies as female and one who self-identifies as either an underrepresented minority or LGBTQ+ , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
This rule would not apply to foreign companies or smaller reporting companies , but they would have to include at least two female directors .
Nasdaq filed the proposal with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for approval .
If approved , all companies will be expected to have one director from the specified categories within two years of the SEC ’ s approval .
These companies would have between four and five years to announce their second such director .
Companies that do not comply with the rule , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exchange , but they will have to publicly explain why they are not following the rule .
“ Our goal with this proposal is to provide a transparent framework for Nasdaq-listed companies to present their board composition and diversity philosophy effectively to all stakeholders ; we believe this listing rule is one step in a broader journey to achieve inclusive representation across corporate America , ” said Adena Friedman , Nasdaq 's president CEO .

Nasdaq on Tuesday moved to require that companies on its exchange include a woman and a person of a minority racial background or sexual orientation on their boards of directors.
“This proposal and partnership gives companies an opportunity to make progress toward increasing representation of women, underrepresented minorities and the LGBTQ+ community on their boards,” said Nelson Griggs, president of Nasdaq Stock Exchange, in announcing the proposal.
Listed companies would have to include “one who self-identifies as female and one who self-identifies as either an underrepresented minority or LGBTQ+,” according to the company’s press release.
This rule would not apply to foreign companies or smaller reporting companies, but they would have to include at least two female directors.
Nasdaq filed the proposal with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for approval.
If approved, all companies will be expected to have one director from the specified categories within two years of the SEC’s approval. These companies would have between four and five years to announce their second such director.
Companies that do not comply with the rule, if approved, will not be delisted from the exchange, but they will have to publicly explain why they are not following the rule.
“Our goal with this proposal is to provide a transparent framework for Nasdaq-listed companies to present their board composition and diversity philosophy effectively to all stakeholders; we believe this listing rule is one step in a broader journey to achieve inclusive representation across corporate America,” said Adena Friedman, Nasdaq's president CEO.


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--CDC Panel Votes on Who Will Receive Coronavirus Vaccine First

An advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday set out how any COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed .
The CDC 's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ( ACIP ) voted to direct that health-care workers and residents of long-term care facilities will be the first to get the shots in the initial rollout – once federal regulators authorize use of a vaccine .
The recommendation must be approved by CDC Director Robert Redfield , but governors will eventually have the final say on who gets the vaccine first .
But those two top-priority groups total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk .
`` Protection of health care personnel leads to preservation of health care capacity , and better health outcomes for all , '' said Dr. Kathleen Dooling , medical officer for the Division of Viral Diseases , the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases , and the CDC .
`` It promotes justice because health care personnel put themselves at risk and will be essential to carry out the vaccination program .
Vaccinating healthcare personnel also has the potential to mitigate health inequities , because the group includes a broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wage earners and racial and ethnic minority groups , '' Dooling also said .
In a formal vote , ACIP voted 13 to 1 to prioritize the two groups .
The advisory group in later meetings will make recommendations for priority groups in the next phases , which include essential workers and older adults .
Three vaccines are in the pipeline .
Biotech firm Moderna on Nov. 23 said it would ask the Food and Drug Administration to approve its experimental COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use .
Moderna is the second pharmaceutical company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( EUA ) for a COVID-19 vaccine , after Pfizer filed its application earlier this month .
Moderna said new data showed the vaccine was 94.1 % effective in its late-stage clinical trial , just under Pfizer ’ s efficacy rate of 95 % .
The Moderna vaccine was developed in conjunction with the Trump administration ’ s Operation Warp Speed .
“ We believe that our vaccine will provide a new and powerful tool that may change the course of this pandemic and help prevent severe disease , hospitalizations and death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
Bancel said last week that 20 million doses will be available by the end of the year .
A third vaccine is also in the pipeline .
AstraZeneca and Oxford University last week said their jointly created COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be up to 90 % effective and that the makers claims will be easier to distribute .
“ These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives , ” said Oxford University professor Andrew Pollard , who served as the lead investigator for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures , it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system .
And so our goal ... to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere , I think we ’ ve actually managed to do that.
” Moncef Slaoui , who oversees vaccine development for the White House , said on CNN that once a vaccine is approved for emergency use by the FDA , all 50 states will be able to begin immunizations .
“ Our plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the immunization sites within 24 hours from the approval , so I would expect maybe on Day Two after approval , ” Slaoui said on CNN 's `` State of the Union . ''
`` On the 11th or the 12th of December , hopefully , the first people will be immunized across the United States , across all states.
” In an exchange with host Jake Tapper , Slaoui said if things go as expected , the country can reach herd immunity by May 2021 , which means the population can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threshold of vaccination is reached .
`` You 've said you plan to vaccinate 20 million people in the month of December in the United States and up to another 30 million per month after that .
How many Americans need to be vaccinated for life to be able to return to normal , and when might that happen ? ''
Tapper asked .
`` So , normally , with the level of efficacy we have 95 % , 70 % or so of the population being immunized would allow for true herd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` That is likely to happen somewhere in the month of May , or something like that based on our plans . ''

An advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday set out how any COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to direct that healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities will be the first to get the shots in the initial rollout — once federal regulators authorize use of a vaccine. The recommendation must be approved by CDC Director Robert Redfield, but governors will eventually have the final say on who gets the vaccine first.
But those two top-priority groups total nearly 25 million Americans and are most at risk.
"Protection of healthcare personnel leads to preservation of healthcare capacity, and better health outcomes for all," said Dr. Kathleen Dooling, medical officer for the Division of Viral Diseases, the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, and the CDC.
"It promotes justice because healthcare personnel put themselves at risk and will be essential to carry out the vaccination program. Vaccinating healthcare personnel also has the potential to mitigate health inequities, because the group includes a broad range of occupations, inclusive of low wage earners and racial and ethnic minority groups," Dooling also said.
In a formal vote, ACIP voted 13 to 1 to prioritize the two groups. The advisory group in later meetings will make recommendations for priority groups in the next phases, which include essential workers and older adults.
Three vaccines are in the pipeline. Biotech firm Moderna on Nov. 23 said it would ask the Food and Drug Administration to approve its experimental COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.
Moderna is the second pharmaceutical company to request a so-called emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine, after Pfizer filed its application earlier this month.
Moderna said new data showed the vaccine was 94.1% effective in its late-stage clinical trial, just under Pfizer's efficacy rate of 95%. The Moderna vaccine was developed in conjunction with the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed.
"We believe that our vaccine will provide a new and powerful tool that may change the course of this pandemic and help prevent severe disease, hospitalizations and death," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement. Bancel said last week that 20 million doses will be available by the end of the year.
A third vaccine is also in the pipeline. AstraZeneca and Oxford University last week said their jointly created COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be up to 90% effective, and they claim it will be easier to distribute.
"These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives," said Oxford University professor Andrew Pollard, who served as the lead investigator for the drug's trials. "Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures, it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system. And so our goal ... to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere, I think we've actually managed to do that."
Moncef Slaoui, who oversees vaccine development for the White House, said on CNN that once a vaccine is approved for emergency use by the FDA, all 50 states will be able to begin immunizations.
"Our plan is to be able to ship vaccines to the immunization sites within 24 hours from the approval, so I would expect maybe on Day Two after approval," Slaoui said on CNN's "State of the Union." "On the 11th or the 12th of December, hopefully, the first people will be immunized across the United States, across all states.”
In an exchange with host Jake Tapper, Slaoui said if things go as expected, the country can reach herd immunity by May 2021, which means the population can be protected from the virus after a threshold of vaccination is reached.
"You've said you plan to vaccinate 20 million people in the month of December in the United States and up to another 30 million per month after that," Tapper noted, asking, "How many Americans need to be vaccinated for life to be able to return to normal, and when might that happen?"
"So, normally, with the level of efficacy we have, 95%, 70% or so of the population being immunized would allow for true herd immunity to take place," Slaoui said. "That is likely to happen somewhere in the month of May, or something like that based on our plans."


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Bipartisan Senators Unveil $908 Billion Coronavirus Relief Bill

A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday unveiled a $ 908 billion coronavirus relief deal after months of congressional gridlock over another emergency aid package for American workers and businesses still reeling from the pandemic .
`` It wo n't make everyone happy , '' Sen. Mark Warner , D-Va. , said during a press conference on Tuesday .
`` But there 's been an enormous amount of work done . ''
The bipartisan agreement allocates about $ 300 billion in funding for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program , $ 240 billion in aid for state and local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosted unemployment benefits at $ 300 per week for four months and a temporary moratorium on COVID liability lawsuits to allow states enough time to design their own laws .
It notably does not include a second stimulus check .
BIDEN CALLS FOR ERASING SOME STUDENT LOAN DEBT , FACES PROGRESSIVE PRESSURE TO GO FURTHER The proposal from the group of 10 senators — including Sens .
Joe Manchin , D-W.V .
; Susan Collins , R-Maine ; Bill Cassidy , R-La .
; Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska ; Mitt Romney , R-Utah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shaheen , D-N.H. ; Angus King , I-Maine ; and Warner — represents a compromise between the $ 500 billion package backed by Republicans and the $ 2.2 trillion in spending that Democrats maintain is needed .
It was endorsed by the House Problem Solvers Caucus , a 50-member bipartisan group that 's evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats .
Negotiations on Capitol Hill have been stalled for months despite seemingly endless meetings between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — who will be speaking again by phone on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government spending deal .
While there is broad support among members of both parties to pass another coronavirus relief bill , they disagree sharply over the size and scope of it even as lifelines that propped up the economy in the early weeks of the pandemic — like the $ 670 billion Paycheck Protection Program , a one-time $ 1,200 stimulus check and sweetened unemployment benefits — lapsed months ago .
Key policy differences , including funding for a virus testing plan , aid to state and local governments and tax cuts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers since May , and they remain no less of a challenge in the weeks after the 2020 election .
The expiration of the aid comes at an increasingly perilous time for the nation as it teeters on the brink of another economic downturn : COVID-19 infections are surging , state and local governments are implementing more restriction measures and new unemployment insurance claims rose for two consecutive weeks for the first time since July .
`` It 's simply unacceptable for us to not help in this circumstance , '' Romney told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes $ 560 billion in repurposed funding from the March CARES Act and just $ 348 billion in new funding .
`` I happen to be a deficit hawk ...
But the time to borrow money , maybe the only time to borrow money , is when there 's a crisis .
And this is a crisis . ''
Economists are increasingly warning of a bleak winter unless Congress manages to overcome a monthslong impasse and pass another round of emergency relief for workers and businesses reeling from the virus .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for it in a long , long time here , ” Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said recently , his latest appeal to Congress and the White House regarding another stimulus package .
With just seven legislative days left on their calendar , it 's unclear whether lawmakers will be able to reach an agreement before year 's end .
`` We have to do something in the next two weeks , '' Manchin said .
`` We have to . ''

A bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday unveiled a $908 billion coronavirus relief deal after months of congressional gridlock over another emergency aid package for American workers and businesses still reeling from the pandemic.
"It won't make everyone happy," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said during a press conference on Tuesday. "But there's been an enormous amount of work done."
The bipartisan agreement allocates about $300 billion in funding for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, $240 billion in aid for state and local governments, $180 billion to extend boosted unemployment benefits at $300 per week for four months and a temporary moratorium on COVID liability lawsuits to allow states enough time to design their own laws. It notably does not include a second stimulus check.
BIDEN CALLS FOR ERASING SOME STUDENT LOAN DEBT, FACES PROGRESSIVE PRESSURE TO GO FURTHER
The proposal from the group of 10 senators — including Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.V.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Mitt Romney, R-Utah; Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.; Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Angus King, I-Maine; and Warner — represents a compromise between the $500 billion package backed by Republicans and the $2.2 trillion in spending that Democrats maintain is needed.
It was endorsed by the House Problem Solvers Caucus, a 50-member bipartisan group that's evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.
Negotiations on Capitol Hill have been stalled for months despite seemingly endless meetings between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — who will be speaking again by phone on Tuesday regarding a COVID-19 relief bill and a government spending deal.
12 MILLION AMERICANS FACE LOSS OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
While there is broad support among members of both parties to pass another coronavirus relief bill, they disagree sharply over the size and scope of it even as lifelines that propped up the economy in the early weeks of the pandemic — like the $670 billion Paycheck Protection Program, a one-time $1,200 stimulus check and sweetened unemployment benefits — lapsed months ago.
Key policy differences, including funding for a virus testing plan, aid to state and local governments and tax cuts for low- and middle-income families, have confounded lawmakers since May, and they remain no less of a challenge in the weeks after the 2020 election.
The expiration of the aid comes at an increasingly perilous time for the nation as it teeters on the brink of another economic downturn: COVID-19 infections are surging, state and local governments are implementing more restriction measures and new unemployment insurance claims rose for two consecutive weeks for the first time since July.
"It's simply unacceptable for us to not help in this circumstance," Romney told reporters, noting that the price tag includes $560 billion in repurposed funding from the March CARES Act and just $348 billion in new funding. "I happen to be a deficit hawk...But the time to borrow money, maybe the only time to borrow money, is when there's a crisis. And this is a crisis."
PELOSI, SCHUMER URGE MCCONNELL TO RESTART CORONAVIRUS RELIEF TALKS
Economists are increasingly warning of a bleak winter unless Congress manages to overcome a monthslong impasse and pass another round of emergency relief for workers and businesses reeling from the virus.
“There hasn’t been a bigger need for it in a long, long time here,” Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said recently, his latest appeal to Congress and the White House regarding another stimulus package.
With just seven legislative days left on their calendar, it's unclear whether lawmakers will be able to reach an agreement before year's end.
"We have to do something in the next two weeks," Manchin said. "We have to."


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Project Veritas Exposes CNN Suppressing New York Post’s Hunter Biden Bombshell

Project Veritas released another batch of explosive tapes .
The latest recordings reveal that CNN executives suppressed coverage of the New York Post 's Hunter Biden laptop bombshell .
“ Obviously we ’ re not going with the New York Post story right now on Hunter Biden , ” CNN political director David Chalian stated on the recordings , `` which seems to be giving its marching orders to Fox News and the right wing echo chamber about what to talk about today . ''
Chalian continued : `` Obviously , Hunter Biden 's lawyer is quoted in the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to report out—this is the very stuff that the president was impeached over . ''
`` This is the stuff that Senate Committees looked at and found nothing wrong in , '' Chalian said , referring to Democratic nominee Joe Biden 's interactions with Ukraine .
Acknowledging the widely-circulated overseas business dealings email , Chalian admitted that `` perhaps there was a meeting with someone from Burisma . ''
He rebutted that the scandal seems like `` Rudy Giuliani 's sort of 'dream-of-vision ' of how to throw stuff at the wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Project Veritas has launched an undercover investigation that captured CNN president Jeff Zucker 's editorial phone calls over the past couple of months .
`` I do think , on the Breitbart , New York Post , Fox News rabbit hole of Hunter Biden , which I do n't think anyone outside of that world understood last night , '' Zucker claimed in a recent soundbite .
`` The Wall Street Journal reported that their review of all corporate records showed no role for Joe Biden on the Chinese deal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more credibility '' in the latter publication in contrast to the New York Post .
CNN general counsel David Vigilante told Zucker that `` we should be awfully careful '' on the Burisma scoop .
`` But I do think there 's a media story , '' Vigilante interjected .
Vigilante questioned `` what in the world '' The New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman and Politico reporter Jake Sherman are doing by retweeting the story .
CNN Communications has since responded on Twitter : `` Legal experts say this may be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement . ''
`` And we welcome legal threats , '' Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe jested , attaching a `` Say When '' gif .

Project Veritas released another batch of explosive tapes. The latest recordings reveal that CNN executives suppressed coverage of the New York Post's Hunter Biden laptop bombshell.
“Obviously we’re not going with the New York Post story right now on Hunter Biden,” CNN political director David Chalian stated on the recordings, "which seems to be giving its marching orders to Fox News and the right wing echo chamber about what to talk about today."
Chalian continued: "Obviously, Hunter Biden's lawyer is quoted in the New York Post, and we'll just continue to report out—this is the very stuff that the president was impeached over."
"This is the stuff that Senate Committees looked at and found nothing wrong in," Chalian said, referring to Democratic nominee Joe Biden's interactions with Ukraine.
Acknowledging the widely-circulated overseas business dealings email, Chalian admitted that "perhaps there was a meeting with someone from Burisma." He rebutted that the scandal seems like "Rudy Giuliani's sort of 'dream-of-vision' of how to throw stuff at the wall in those closing days of the campaign."
Project Veritas has launched an undercover investigation that captured CNN president Jeff Zucker's editorial phone calls over the past couple of months.
"I do think, on the Breitbart, New York Post, Fox News rabbit hole of Hunter Biden, which I don't think anyone outside of that world understood last night," Zucker claimed in a recent soundbite. "The Wall Street Journal reported that their review of all corporate records showed no role for Joe Biden on the Chinese deal."
Zucker added that he places "more credibility" in the latter publication in contrast to the New York Post.
CNN general counsel David Vigilante told Zucker that "we should be awfully careful" on the Burisma scoop. "But I do think there's a media story," Vigilante interjected.
Vigilante questioned "what in the world" The New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman and Politico reporter Jake Sherman are doing by retweeting the story.
CNN Communications has since responded on Twitter: "Legal experts say this may be a felony. We've referred it to law enforcement."
"And we welcome legal threats," Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe jested, attaching a "Say When" gif.


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Trump Admin Orders Withdrawal of Baghdad Embassy Staff

The Trump administration ordered a drawdown of diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad , Iraq until some time in January due to risks of a potential attack , according to a new report .
Anonymous officials told The Washington Post that some staff members were withdrawn from the embassy for a “ de-risking ” period that will extend until after the one-year anniversary of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani , who was killed by a U.S. airstrike on Jan. 3 , 2020 .
The drawdown will include “ dozens ” of people — up to half the staff at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq , Politico also reported , citing a U.S. official and a State Department Official .
The State Department did not confirm the drawdown , but did tell The Post , “ The State Department continually adjusts its diplomatic presence at Embassies and Consulates throughout the world in line with its mission , the local security environment , the health situation , and even the holidays.
” U.S .
Ambassador Matthew Tueller will reportedly remain at the embassy , which will also remain open .
Tensions are high ahead of the Soleimani killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientist , Mohsen Fakhrizadeh , was assassinated on Friday .
Iran has blamed the U.S. and its close ally Israel for the attack , and has threatened to retaliate .
In late September , the Trump administration reportedly considered closing the embassy unless the Iraqi government could stop rocket attacks against U.S. forces and facilities .
Preparations to withdraw staff from the embassy were reported to have taken place at that time .
“ What we ’ re being told is that it is a gradual closure of the embassy over two to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Wall Street Journal in September , adding that moving slowly to close the embassy would allow the U.S. to halt the closure if the Iraqi government takes the necessary action to protect U.S. assets .

The Trump administration ordered a drawdown of diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq until some time in January due to risks of a potential attack, according to a new report.
Anonymous officials told The Washington Post that some staff members were withdrawn from the embassy for a “de-risking” period that will extend until after the one-year anniversary of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. airstrike on Jan. 3, 2020.
The drawdown will include “dozens” of people — up to half the staff at the Baghdad embassy and other diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Politico also reported, citing a U.S. official and a State Department Official.
The State Department did not confirm the drawdown, but did tell The Post, “The State Department continually adjusts its diplomatic presence at Embassies and Consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, the health situation, and even the holidays.”
U.S. Ambassador Matthew Tueller will reportedly remain at the embassy, which will also remain open.
Tensions are high ahead of the Soleimani killing anniversary as Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated on Friday. Iran has blamed the U.S. and its close ally Israel for the attack, and has threatened to retaliate.
In late September, the Trump administration reportedly considered closing the embassy unless the Iraqi government could stop rocket attacks against U.S. forces and facilities. Preparations to withdraw staff from the embassy were reported to have taken place at that time.
“What we’re being told is that it is a gradual closure of the embassy over two to three months,” one Iraqi official told Wall Street Journal in September, adding that moving slowly to close the embassy would allow the U.S. to halt the closure if the Iraqi government takes the necessary action to protect U.S. assets.


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--McEnany Schools Democrat Leaders Over Their Lockdown Hypocrisy

Speaking to the White House press room on Wednesday , press secretary Kayleigh McEnany slammed Democratic leaders for their hypocrisy over their own lockdown orders .
McEnany pointed out New York Governor Andrew Cuomo 's unconstitutional edicts to close churches and limit houses of worship from operating in that state .
`` Quite clearly , '' she said , `` these Democrats do not follow their own edicts .
They act in a way that their own citizens are barred from acting .
Governor Cuomo 's decision to impose restrictions on the size of religious gatherings was rebuked by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But what was Cuomo 's response ?
Instead of showing deference to the Constitution , he attacked the legitimacy of the Court .
Governor Cuomo said this 'you have a different court and I think that was the statement that the court was making .
We know who he appointed to the court , we know their ideology . '
`` Well in fact the ideology of those on the Supreme Court who made the decision to support the First Amendment are in favor of freedom , the Constitution , that survives even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Governor Cuomo strikes at the heart of the issue : Democrats seek control .
These images behind me make clear Democrats ' mindset : Rules for thee , and not for me .
`` The President stands with you , your freedom , your ability to decide how to protect your help .
We all know how to protect ourselves from Covid-19 : wash your hands , socially distance , wear a mask .
`` But as one federal court put it , there is no pandemic exception to the Constitution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court 's emergency ruling , issued late on Thanksgiving Eve , Nov. 25 .
The Supreme Court heard an emergency case from religious leaders from both the Catholic and Jewish communities in New York who had claimed that their First Amendment rights to freedom of religion were being unjustly infringed upon by Cuomo .
In a 5-4 decision , the Justices blocked the restrictions imposed by Cuomo of New York which restricted the number of people allowed to worship together .
`` Even in a pandemic , the Constitution can not be put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their reasoning for issuing the emergency order was on the basis of three criteria , stating that if a case were brought to full trial before the court , there was a `` likelihood of success on the merits '' of that case .
Second , they stated that the restrictions on religious worship caused `` irreparable harm '' to First Amendment rights .
Third , they noted the `` public interest '' of the case , saying that `` it has not been shown that granting the applications will harm the @ @ @

Speaking to the White House press room on Wednesday, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany slammed Democratic leaders for their hypocrisy over their own lockdown orders.
McEnany pointed out New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's unconstitutional edicts to close churches and limit houses of worship from operating in that state.
"Quite clearly," she said, "these Democrats do not follow their own edicts. They act in a way that their own citizens are barred from acting. Governor Cuomo's decision to impose restrictions on the size of religious gatherings was rebuked by the highest court in the land.
"But what was Cuomo's response? Instead of showing deference to the Constitution, he attacked the legitimacy of the Court. Governor Cuomo said this 'you have a different court and I think that was the statement that the court was making. We know who he appointed to the court, we know their ideology.'
"Well in fact the ideology of those on the Supreme Court who made the decision to support the First Amendment are in favor of freedom, the Constitution, that survives even during a pandemic.
"This statement from Governor Cuomo strikes at the heart of the issue: Democrats seek control. These images behind me make clear Democrats' mindset: Rules for thee, and not for me.
"The President stands with you, your freedom, your ability to decide how to protect your help. We all know how to protect ourselves from Covid-19: wash your hands, socially distance, wear a mask.
"But as one federal court put it, there is no pandemic exception to the Constitution."
McEnany was referring to the Supreme Court's emergency ruling, issued late on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 25. The Supreme Court heard an emergency case from religious leaders from both the Catholic and Jewish communities in New York who had claimed that their First Amendment rights to freedom of religion were being unjustly infringed upon by Cuomo.
In a 5-4 decision, the Justices blocked the restrictions imposed by Cuomo of New York which restricted the number of people allowed to worship together. "Even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten," they wrote.
Their reasoning for issuing the emergency order was on the basis of three criteria, stating that if a case were brought to full trial before the court, there was a "likelihood of success on the merits" of that case.
Second, they stated that the restrictions on religious worship caused "irreparable harm" to First Amendment rights. Third, they noted the "public interest" of the case, saying that "it has not been shown that granting the applications will harm the public."


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Nevada Lawsuit Alleges 40,000 People Voted Twice

President Donald Trump 's legal team will be presenting testimony today demonstrating that over 40,000 people in Nevada voted twice in the election .
`` We are going to provide evidence of real voter fraud—thousands and thousands of instances of voter fraud in Nevada alone—by 5 o'clock today that will be submitted to the court , '' Trump lawyer Jesse Binnall told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo on Mornings With Maria on Thursday morning .
Binnall reported that Team Trump has found 40,000-plus individuals who have voted twice in the election .
`` That 's real voter fraud .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the record as having voted by mail did n't even receive ballots and say that they did n't vote , '' Binnall stated .
The team will also reveal evidence that purportedly proves that Nevada voters were disenfranchise , because `` every single time there is a fraudulent vote cast—put into the system—it dilutes the vote of honest voters , '' Binnall fired .
`` It will be that election officials in Nevada , legislators , put together an election plan that was ripe for the picking , '' claimed Binnall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud came . ''
Two whistleblowers are slated to explain `` how they logged these disks containing votes in and out magically in the middle of the night—votes appearing and disappearing from disks , '' cited Binnall .
`` Election officials did nothing in order to make sure they would secure these ballots and the votes and guard against fraud . ''
One of the witnesses will be a Clark County poll worker who observed individuals near her polling location approaching a Biden-Harris van and filling out dozens of ballots to be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been several incidents of the team being stonewalled at `` every turn '' with its investigation .
`` We have a whistleblower that came forward and told us about a postal meeting where they told people to deliver ballots to undeliverable addresses , '' said Binnall .
`` That resulted in ballots being strewn all over , littered across Las Vegas ...
The post office is refusing to allow those people involved in that to be deposed . ''

President Donald Trump's legal team will be presenting testimony today demonstrating that over 40,000 people in Nevada voted twice in the election.
"We are going to provide evidence of real voter fraud—thousands and thousands of instances of voter fraud in Nevada alone—by 5 o'clock today that will be submitted to the court," Trump lawyer Jesse Binnall told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo on Mornings With Maria on Thursday morning.
Binnall reported that Team Trump has found 40,000-plus individuals who have voted twice in the election.
"That's real voter fraud. We have data showing that people who were on the record as having voted by mail didn't even receive ballots and say that they didn't vote," Binnall stated.
The team will also reveal evidence that purportedly proves that Nevada voters were disenfranchise, because "every single time there is a fraudulent vote cast—put into the system—it dilutes the vote of honest voters," Binnall fired.
"It will be that election officials in Nevada, legislators, put together an election plan that was ripe for the picking," claimed Binnall. "When the election came, the fraud came."
Two whistleblowers are slated to explain "how they logged these disks containing votes in and out magically in the middle of the night—votes appearing and disappearing from disks," cited Binnall. "Election officials did nothing in order to make sure they would secure these ballots and the votes and guard against fraud."
One of the witnesses will be a Clark County poll worker who observed individuals near her polling location approaching a Biden-Harris van and filling out dozens of ballots to be "fraudulently submitted."
Binnall recounted that there have been several incidents of the team being stonewalled at "every turn" with its investigation.
"We have a whistleblower that came forward and told us about a postal meeting where they told people to deliver ballots to undeliverable addresses," said Binnall. "That resulted in ballots being strewn all over, littered across Las Vegas...The post office is refusing to allow those people involved in that to be deposed."


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Two Suspected Far-Left Militants Face Federal Terrorism Charges

Two suspected militant far-left activists in Washington state have been federally charged for a terrorist attack following an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation into dozens of attempts to derail trains .
Ellen Brennan Reiche , 27 , and Samantha Frances Brooks , 23 , were arrested over the weekend by federal authorities in Bellingham , Wash. and charged with committing a terrorist attack on a railroad facility .
According to the criminal complaint , Reiche and Brooks were placing wired devices known as “ shunts ” over BNSF Railway tracks in the middle of the night on Nov. 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a train ’ s electrical signal and cause it to erroneously brake .
“ Depending on the location , the shunt may also interfere with the proper operation of crossing gates at railroad/traffic intersections , causing the gates to allow vehicular traffic across the tracks even when a train is oncoming , ” wrote the officer assigned in the Seattle Division of the FBI in the affidavit .
The two suspects were caught by a Whatcom County deputy .
Reiche was carrying a bag that contained gloves , supplies and tools needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copper wire Reiche was carrying was similar to what was used in 41 other attacks on the railway this year , including an incident on Oct. 11 where a train carrying combustible material was decoupled from the engine after riding over a shunt .
Reiche was parked nearby at the time of the duo ’ s arrest and their vehicle has a sticker on the back with the text “ INDIGENOUS LAND ” over a map of the entire United States .
The affidavit names extreme Antifa website It ’ s Going Down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pacific Northwest earlier this year .
The site said in a post that the direct actions were done to “ fight against colonial invasion ” in relation to the building of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline project in British Columbia , Canada .
It called for others to carry out more attacks .
Reiche and Brooks have mostly scrubbed their online presence but some remaining clues give insight into who Reiche is .
Reiche , who identifies as “ non-binary ” and uses “ they/them ” pronouns , was the deputy field organizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their now-deleted LinkedIn profile .
( The official Democrat organization has been reached for comment . )
Additionally , Reiche is a radical queer and environmental activist who co-founded the Bellingham Lesbian Collective .
They are a co-host on “ The L World ” lesbian-themed podcast .
Reiche and Brooks made their first court appearance on Monday and have been released on pre-trial .
Their next court date is scheduled for Dec. 14 .
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Western District of Washington .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine .

Original Publication Date: December 2, 2020
Two suspected militant far-left activists in Washington state have been federally charged for a terrorist attack following an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation into dozens of attempts to derail trains.
Ellen Brennan Reiche, 27, and Samantha Frances Brooks, 23, were arrested over the weekend by federal authorities in Bellingham, Wash. and charged with committing a terrorist attack on a railroad facility.
According to the criminal complaint, Reiche and Brooks were placing wired devices known as “shunts” over BNSF Railway tracks in the middle of the night on Nov. 28. The wires are capable of disrupting a train’s electrical signal and cause it to erroneously brake.
“Depending on the location, the shunt may also interfere with the proper operation of crossing gates at railroad/traffic intersections, causing the gates to allow vehicular traffic across the tracks even when a train is oncoming,” wrote the officer assigned in the Seattle Division of the FBI in the affidavit.
Ellen Brennan Reiche, 23, of Bellingham, Wash., has been charged with a federal terrorism offense
The two suspects were caught by a Whatcom County deputy. Reiche was carrying a bag that contained gloves, supplies and tools needed to make the wired devices. The insulated copper wire Reiche was carrying was similar to what was used in 41 other attacks on the railway this year, including an incident on Oct. 11 where a train carrying combustible material was decoupled from the engine after riding over a shunt.
Reiche was parked nearby at the time of the duo’s arrest and their vehicle has a sticker on the back with the text “INDIGENOUS LAND” over a map of the entire United States.
Ellen Brennan Reiche was parked nearby the scene of the terrorist attack in November. Photo: US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington ??
The affidavit names extreme Antifa website It’s Going Down for claiming responsibility for railway attacks in the Pacific Northwest earlier this year. The site said in a post that the direct actions were done to “fight against colonial invasion” in relation to the building of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline project in British Columbia, Canada. It called for others to carry out more attacks.
Reiche and Brooks have mostly scrubbed their online presence but some remaining clues give insight into who Reiche is.
Reiche, who identifies as “non-binary” and uses “they/them” pronouns, was the deputy field organizer for Washington State Democrats, according to their now-deleted LinkedIn profile. (The official Democrat organization has been reached for comment.)
Ellen Brennan Reiche co-founded and leads the ‘Bellingham Lesbian Collective’
Additionally, Reiche is a radical queer and environmental activist who co-founded the Bellingham Lesbian Collective. They are a co-host on “The L World” lesbian-themed podcast.
Reiche and Brooks made their first court appearance on Monday and have been released on pre-trial. Their next court date is scheduled for Dec. 14. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Senate Remains Divided on Additional Coronavirus Relief Details

Democratic and Republican party leaders in the Senate are at odds over the aid they would give unemployed Americans in any upcoming coronavirus relief package , according to outlines of their legislative proposals .
Their positions , which have endured despite months of negotiations over the contours of more stimulus , suggest it may be hard to reach a compromise .
More from Personal Finance : Nine months later , unemployment claims still near record high Why a second round of PPP loans may fall short for small businesses 42 % of people falling behind as Covid-19 widens the wealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jobless are set to expire by the end of December .
That would leave millions without unemployment benefits at the same time that protections for renters and student loan borrowers would end .
Democrats and Republicans in Congress — including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. — issued a flurry of proposals on Tuesday .
The GOP leader 's plan would extend the duration of jobless benefits for self-employed , gig and other workers by up to three months and would n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schumer 's plan would re-up a prior $ 600 a week enhancement to benefits and extend benefits for a longer period of time .
`` They seem far apart at the moment , '' Mike Leachman , vice president for state fiscal policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities , a left-leaning think tank , said of the lawmakers .
`` But the need is significant . ''
Attaching relief measures to a spending bill that must pass by Dec. 11 to avert a government shutdown seems the most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell 's plan would extend unemployment benefits by a month through two temporary programs created by the CARES Act .
However , it would n't offer a supplement to weekly unemployment benefits — an approach that differs from a plan he issued in September , which gave workers a $ 300 weekly subsidy .
The CARES Act , a $ 2.2 trillion relief law passed in March , gave unemployed workers an extra $ 600 a week on top of their typical benefit .
It expired in July .
Absent a weekly supplement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received $ 318 a week in benefits in October , according to the Labor Department .
In addition , the CARES Act offered jobless benefits to self-employed , gig , freelance and other workers traditionally ineligible for state unemployment insurance .
The law also offered up to 13 extra weeks of aid to workers collecting state benefits .
Both programs are scheduled to end the last weekend in December .
Around 12 million workers would lose their benefits if the programs lapse , according to a recent analysis published by the Century Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal would allow workers to apply for program benefits until the end of January .
At that point , anyone receiving aid could do so up to the end of March .
The Republican leader has supported about $ 500 billion in new aid spending and said he prefers a smaller , `` targeted '' relief bill .
McConnell said he spoke with White House officials about what President Donald Trump would sign into law .
His proposal also includes money for small businesses and child care and offers liability protections for businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his plan , McConnell on Tuesday shot down a $ 908 billion stimulus compromise reached by a bipartisan group of House and Senate members .
That plan offered a $ 300 weekly boost in benefits through March .
On Wednesday , Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said that measure `` should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan , bicameral negotiations . ''
`` Of course , we and others will offer improvements , but the need to act is immediate and we believe that with good-faith negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the lawmakers said in a statement .
Meanwhile , Schumer , along with four other Democratic senators , introduced a bill on Tuesday that , relative to McConnell 's proposal , offers more benefits to the unemployed .
The Democrats would reinstate the $ 600 weekly boost for all unemployed workers through October 2021 .
Some workers would be able to collect the $ 600 subsidy until early January 2022 , according to the proposal .
The legislation — the American Worker Holiday Relief Act — would offer the benefit retroactively to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, talks with reporters following the weekly Republican Senate conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol Dec. 1. The Senate GOP leaders were asked about the chances of Congress passing another coronavirus relief bill along with must-pass government funding legislation. Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images)
McConnell stimulus
Attaching relief measures to a spending bill that must pass by Dec. 11 to avert a government shutdown seems the most likely route for success, experts believe. McConnell's plan would extend unemployment benefits by a month through two temporary programs created by the CARES Act.
watch now
However, it wouldn't offer a supplement to weekly unemployment benefits — an approach that differs from a plan he issued in September, which gave workers a $300 weekly subsidy. The CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion relief law passed in March, gave unemployed workers an extra $600 a week on top of their typical benefit. It expired in July. Absent a weekly supplement, the average jobless American would have received $318 a week in benefits in October, according to the Labor Department. In addition, the CARES Act offered jobless benefits to self-employed, gig, freelance and other workers traditionally ineligible for state unemployment insurance. The law also offered up to 13 extra weeks of aid to workers collecting state benefits.
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
Both programs are scheduled to end the last weekend in December. Around 12 million workers would lose their benefits if the programs lapse, according to a recent analysis published by the Century Foundation, a progressive group. McConnell's proposal would allow workers to apply for program benefits until the end of January. At that point, anyone receiving aid could do so up to the end of March.
Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
The Republican leader has supported about $500 billion in new aid spending and said he prefers a smaller, "targeted" relief bill. McConnell said he spoke with White House officials about what President Donald Trump would sign into law. His proposal also includes money for small businesses and child care and offers liability protections for businesses, among other things. Before unveiling his plan, McConnell on Tuesday shot down a $908 billion stimulus compromise reached by a bipartisan group of House and Senate members. That plan offered a $300 weekly boost in benefits through March. On Wednesday, Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said that measure "should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral negotiations." "Of course, we and others will offer improvements, but the need to act is immediate and we believe that with good-faith negotiations we could come to an agreement," the lawmakers said in a statement. Spokespeople for McConnell didn't return a request for comment.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, holds a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 1, 2020 in Washington. Tasos Katopodis | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Schumer stimulus
Meanwhile, Schumer, along with four other Democratic senators, introduced a bill on Tuesday that, relative to McConnell's proposal, offers more benefits to the unemployed. The Democrats would reinstate the $600 weekly boost for all unemployed workers through October 2021. Some workers would be able to collect the $600 subsidy until early January 2022, according to the proposal. The legislation — the American Worker Holiday Relief Act — would offer the benefit retroactively to weeks of joblessness dating to Sept. 5, 2020.
watch now


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Lamar Alexander Bids Farewell to the U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON ( WTVF/AP ) — Retiring U.S .
Senator Lamar Alexander ( R -- Tenn. ) gave his farewell address from the Senate floor Wednesday morning , urging for a `` change of behavior '' and asked his colleagues to stop blocking each other 's amendments .
Alexander is retiring after more than 40 years in public service .
In his farewell address to the Senate , Alexander said : “ It ’ s hard to get here , it ’ s hard to stay here , and while we ’ re here we might as well try to accomplish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He advised his colleagues to seek broadly backed , durable solutions to the nation ’ s problems rather than succumb to easy partisanship .
The three-term Republican had his most noteworthy success on education and health policy over the 18-year tenure , becoming a beloved bipartisan figure in an increasingly polarized , dysfunctional Senate .
Alexander 's career began in 1978 when he famously walked more than 1,000 miles across Tennessee to make his case to be governor .
He served two terms , and later took the helm at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George H.W .
Bush ’ s Secretary of Education .
Alexander has been in the Senate since 2002 .
Read more : Sen. Lamar Alexander reflects on his time in office

WASHINGTON (WTVF/AP) — Retiring U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R -- Tenn.) gave his farewell address from the Senate floor Wednesday morning, urging for a "change of behavior" and asked his colleagues to stop blocking each other's amendments.
Alexander is retiring after more than 40 years in public service. In his farewell address to the Senate, Alexander said: “It’s hard to get here, it’s hard to stay here, and while we’re here we might as well try to accomplish something good for the country."
He advised his colleagues to seek broadly backed, durable solutions to the nation’s problems rather than succumb to easy partisanship. The three-term Republican had his most noteworthy success on education and health policy over the 18-year tenure, becoming a beloved bipartisan figure in an increasingly polarized, dysfunctional Senate.
Alexander's career began in 1978 when he famously walked more than 1,000 miles across Tennessee to make his case to be governor. He served two terms, and later took the helm at the University of Tennessee. He also served as President George H.W. Bush’s Secretary of Education.
Alexander has been in the Senate since 2002.
Read more: Sen. Lamar Alexander reflects on his time in office


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--CDC Reduces Recommended Quarantine Time to as Few as Seven Days

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shortened the required quarantine time after being exposed to the coronavirus from 14 days to as few as seven in the hope of increasing public compliance , just ahead of an anticipated high volume of holiday travel .
“ If people do decide to travel , then CDC does recommend that travelers consider getting tested … one to three days before their trip , and again … after their trip at three to five days with reducing nonessential activities for a full seven days after travel , even if their test is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chief of The Travelers ' Health Branch at the CDC .
The agency still recommends that people quarantine for 14 days after being exposed to the virus or after they have arrived at their destination , but modified that guidance to allow people to remain isolated for 10 and as few as seven days .
The quarantine period can end after seven days if the person has not experienced symptoms and can prove they have tested negative .
After 10 days , the person can leave quarantine if they have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a negative test .
While the modifications to the guidance come from a federal agency , states have the final say in whether or not to impose quarantine restrictions .
Dr. Henry Walke , the CDC ’ s COVID-19 Incident manager , told reporters that the objective is to improve public compliance with the quarantine guidelines and to lift the strain that longer quarantine periods have on state public health officials .
“ Many times the public health authorities are responsible for monitoring people during quarantine and they have to follow them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We believe that if we can reduce the burden , a little bit , accepting that it comes at a small cost , we may get a greater compliance overall with people … that will result in fewer infections.
” The latest update from the CDC comes just as the winter holiday season gets underway , and public health experts worrying that the high volume of travel could lead to another devastating surge in new cases and hospitalizations .
Top government infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci last week that holiday travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge superposed upon the [ current ] surge.
” The number of new daily cases is already growing .
On Nov. 29 , 135,239 new cases were reported in the United States .
More than 176,700 new cases were reported on Dec. 1 , to the COVID Tracking Project .
To date , more than 13.7 million cases and over 271,000 have been reported in the U.S .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shortened the required quarantine time after being exposed to the coronavirus from 14 days to as few as seven in the hope of increasing public compliance, just ahead of an anticipated high volume of holiday travel.
“If people do decide to travel, then CDC does recommend that travelers consider getting tested … one to three days before their trip, and again … after their trip at three to five days with reducing nonessential activities for a full seven days after travel, even if their test is negative,” said Dr. Cindy Friedman, the chief of The Travelers' Health Branch at the CDC.
The agency still recommends that people quarantine for 14 days after being exposed to the virus or after they have arrived at their destination, but modified that guidance to allow people to remain isolated for 10 and as few as seven days. The quarantine period can end after seven days if the person has not experienced symptoms and can prove they have tested negative. After 10 days, the person can leave quarantine if they have not experienced any symptoms even without proof of a negative test.
While the modifications to the guidance come from a federal agency, states have the final say in whether or not to impose quarantine restrictions. Dr. Henry Walke, the CDC’s COVID-19 Incident manager, told reporters that the objective is to improve public compliance with the quarantine guidelines and to lift the strain that longer quarantine periods have on state public health officials.
“Many times the public health authorities are responsible for monitoring people during quarantine and they have to follow them to the end,” Walke said. “We believe that if we can reduce the burden, a little bit, accepting that it comes at a small cost, we may get a greater compliance overall with people … that will result in fewer infections.”
The latest update from the CDC comes just as the winter holiday season gets underway, and public health experts worrying that the high volume of travel could lead to another devastating surge in new cases and hospitalizations.
Top government infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci warned last week that holiday travel for Thanksgiving could lead to “another surge superposed upon the [current] surge.” The number of new daily cases is already growing. On Nov. 29, 135,239 new cases were reported in the United States. More than 176,700 new cases were reported on Dec. 1, according to the COVID Tracking Project.


bonginoreport--2020-12-02--Obama’s Former Solicitor General Argues U.S. Corporations Shouldn’t be Punished for Aiding and Abett

Obama’s Former Solicitor General Argues U.S. Corporations Shouldn’t be Punished for Aiding and Abetting Child Slavery

Barack Obama ’ s former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal recently argued before the Supreme Court , advocating for U.S. corporates to not be punishable for “ aiding and abetting ” child slavery .
Katyal , who is a staunch critic of President Trump and author of Impeach : The Case Against Donald Trump , argued that if an American corporation aids and abets child slavery in a foreign country , its victims can not sue the company in an American court .
Advocating on behalf of companies Nestle and Cargill , Katyal ’ s case focused on a class-action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allegedly trafficked to the Ivory Coast between the ages of 12 and 14 .
“ Once there , they were allegedly forced to work on cocoa plantations for no pay and little food .
They say they were regularly whipped and tortured by overseers who routinely inflicted sadistic punishments .
One plaintiff tried and failed to escape ; when he was caught , his overseers allegedly cut the soles of his feet , rubbed chile pepper into the wounds , then tied him to a tree and beat him until he sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the case note .
In response , Katyal proposed that all corporations should be shielded from legal punishment for “ aiding and abetting ” child slavery , as the former slaves allege Nestle and Cargill “ knew their suppliers enslaved children yet continued to provide financial and technical assistance to cocoa plantations.
” “ The companies allegedly exerted substantial influence over the plantations to maintain the supply of cheap cocoa even after discovering human rights abuses , ” summaries added .
Katyal attempted to broaden the immunity foreign corporations have from Alien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguing to expand the immunity , which would allow foreigners to sue over violations of international law , to American corporations .
In effect , no corporations , foreign or domestic , could ever be sued under the statute .
He attempted to draw a distinction between “ allowing ” and “ aiding and abetting ” child slavery ” Even conservative Justice Samuel Alito told Katyal , “ your arguments lead to results that are pretty hard to take .
”

Barack Obama’s former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal recently argued before the Supreme Court, advocating for U.S. corporates to not be punishable for “aiding and abetting” child slavery.
Katyal, who is a staunch critic of President Trump and author of Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump, argued that if an American corporation aids and abets child slavery in a foreign country, its victims cannot sue the company in an American court.
Advocating on behalf of companies Nestle and Cargill, Katyal’s case focused on a class-action lawsuit filed by six citizens of Mali, allegedly trafficked to the Ivory Coast between the ages of 12 and 14.
“Once there, they were allegedly forced to work on cocoa plantations for no pay and little food. They say they were regularly whipped and tortured by overseers who routinely inflicted sadistic punishments. One plaintiff tried and failed to escape; when he was caught, his overseers allegedly cut the soles of his feet, rubbed chile pepper into the wounds, then tied him to a tree and beat him until he sustained severe, permanent injuries,” summaries of the case note.
In response, Katyal proposed that all corporations should be shielded from legal punishment for “aiding and abetting” child slavery, as the former slaves allege Nestle and Cargill “knew their suppliers enslaved children yet continued to provide financial and technical assistance to cocoa plantations.”
“The companies allegedly exerted substantial influence over the plantations to maintain the supply of cheap cocoa even after discovering human rights abuses,” summaries added.
Katyal attempted to broaden the immunity foreign corporations have from Alien Tort Statute (ATS) lawsuits, arguing to expand the immunity, which would allow foreigners to sue over violations of international law, to American corporations. In effect, no corporations, foreign or domestic, could ever be sued under the statute.
He attempted to draw a distinction between “allowing” and “aiding and abetting” child slavery”
First: Clarence Thomas (!) asks Katyal, isn’t there an international norm allowing corporate liability for slavery? Katyal says: Well, this is just *aiding and abetting* slavery, so it’s different. pic.twitter.com/Tf72y4TKU7 — Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) December 1, 2020
Even conservative Justice Samuel Alito told Katyal, “your arguments lead to results that are pretty hard to take.”


bonginoreport--2020-12-03--Mnushin Says President Trump Will Sign McConnell’s Skinny Stimulus Bill

WASHINGTON — President Trump is ready to sign a new , slimmed-down COVID-19 relief bill from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speculated Wednesday , as Congress remained gridlocked on another round of aid .
“ The president will sign the McConnell proposal that he put forward yesterday , and we look forward to making progress on that , ” Mnuchin told reporters as he walked into a House committee hearing on his department ’ s response to the pandemic .
Mnuchin would not comment on the outcome of his brief phone call with House Speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but suggested that a new $ 908 billion bipartisan stimulus proposal seeking to end the California Democrat ’ s all-or-nothing strategy was also on the table .
There are currently three paths to more relief : McConnell ’ s plan , the bipartisan proposal from frustrated lawmakers , and the omnibus still being hammered out by Pelosi and Mnuchin .
The latest relief proposal from McConnell ( R-Ky. ) is still being negotiated behind closed doors but will likely mirror the two $ 500 billion skinny bills he offered earlier this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still pushing Pelosi ’ s $ 2.4 trillion grab-bag .
Sources told The Post that the new Senate GOP bill will consist of targeted items including an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program for struggling small businesses , unemployment insurance for gig workers , a $ 332 billion grant program for shuttered live venues and theaters , liability protection for schools and businesses , $ 16 billion for increased testing , $ 20 billion in additional farm assistance and $ 31 billion for vaccine development .
Popular items like another round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600-per-week federal boost to unemployment insurance are not included , but a source familiar with the negotiations said McConnell ’ s bill ought to receive bipartisan support as the pandemic continues to rage .
On Tuesday , a group of GOP and Democratic senators concerned by the gridlock unveiled their own $ 908 billion plan that would include a $ 300-per-week federal unemployment boost , $ 160 billion for state and local governments , and $ 45 billion for struggling airlines and mass transit systems .
“ It would be stupidity on steroids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interim package , ” Sen. Mark Warner ( D-Va. ) , one of the negotiators , said at a press conference .
Legislators returned to work Monday in the hopes of passing another round of relief in the final weeks before Christmas , but Democrats and Republicans remain far apart on how much should be spent , and months of negotiations between Pelosi and Mnuchin have failed to yield a deal .
Congress faces a Dec. 11 deadline to pass more government funding to prevent a shutdown and it ’ s likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added onto that .
“ We don ’ t have time for messaging games .
We don ’ t have time for lengthy negotiations , ” McConnell said Tuesday .
“ I would hope that this is something that could be signed into law by the president , be done quickly , deal with the things we can agree on now.
” Democrats want a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package including funding for state and local governments , but Republicans are wary of adding to the national debt after spending trillions in earlier relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the president in August signed executive orders to establish a national ban on evictions during the pandemic and defer student loan payments while continuing the $ 600-per-week unemployment boost , but those funds have since been depleted .
Tens of millions of Americans remain out of work or are experiencing food insecurity , while many states around the nation are being forced into another round of lockdowns as infection rates soar to new records .
As of Wednesday , the virus has infected 13.8 million people in the US and killed 271,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for failing to reach a deal with the GOP after Democrats spurned smaller , targeted bills with unemployment assistance and relief for small businesses .
Democrats have not been willing to go along with the piecemeal approach being presented by Republicans , and insist that having come down to $ 2.4 trillion from their $ 3 trillion bill passed in May was enough .
The next session of Congress begins Jan. 3 and will see House Democrats led by Pelosi with a reduced majority .
President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to stand with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would break with her in order to reach a deal with Republicans .

WASHINGTON — President Trump is ready to sign a new, slimmed-down COVID-19 relief bill from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speculated Wednesday, as Congress remained gridlocked on another round of aid.
“The president will sign the McConnell proposal that he put forward yesterday, and we look forward to making progress on that,” Mnuchin told reporters as he walked into a House committee hearing on his department’s response to the pandemic.
Mnuchin would not comment on the outcome of his brief phone call with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday but suggested that a new $908 billion bipartisan stimulus proposal seeking to end the California Democrat’s all-or-nothing strategy was also on the table.
There are currently three paths to more relief: McConnell’s plan, the bipartisan proposal from frustrated lawmakers, and the omnibus still being hammered out by Pelosi and Mnuchin.
The latest relief proposal from McConnell (R-Ky.) is still being negotiated behind closed doors but will likely mirror the two $500 billion skinny bills he offered earlier this year, which were blockaded by Democrats, who are still pushing Pelosi’s $2.4 trillion grab-bag.
Sources told The Post that the new Senate GOP bill will consist of targeted items including an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program for struggling small businesses, unemployment insurance for gig workers, a $332 billion grant program for shuttered live venues and theaters, liability protection for schools and businesses, $16 billion for increased testing, $20 billion in additional farm assistance and $31 billion for vaccine development.
Steven Mnuchin AP
Popular items like another round of $1,200 stimulus checks and the $600-per-week federal boost to unemployment insurance are not included, but a source familiar with the negotiations said McConnell’s bill ought to receive bipartisan support as the pandemic continues to rage.
On Tuesday, a group of GOP and Democratic senators concerned by the gridlock unveiled their own $908 billion plan that would include a $300-per-week federal unemployment boost, $160 billion for state and local governments, and $45 billion for struggling airlines and mass transit systems.
“It would be stupidity on steroids if Congress left for Christmas without doing an interim package,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), one of the negotiators, said at a press conference.
Legislators returned to work Monday in the hopes of passing another round of relief in the final weeks before Christmas, but Democrats and Republicans remain far apart on how much should be spent, and months of negotiations between Pelosi and Mnuchin have failed to yield a deal.
Congress faces a Dec. 11 deadline to pass more government funding to prevent a shutdown and it’s likely that a pandemic relief package would be added onto that.
“We don’t have time for messaging games. We don’t have time for lengthy negotiations,” McConnell said Tuesday.
“I would hope that this is something that could be signed into law by the president, be done quickly, deal with the things we can agree on now.”
Democrats want a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package including funding for state and local governments, but Republicans are wary of adding to the national debt after spending trillions in earlier relief deals.
Frustrated by the months-long impasse, the president in August signed executive orders to establish a national ban on evictions during the pandemic and defer student loan payments while continuing the $600-per-week unemployment boost, but those funds have since been depleted.
Mitch McMcConnell AP
Tens of millions of Americans remain out of work or are experiencing food insecurity, while many states around the nation are being forced into another round of lockdowns as infection rates soar to new records.
As of Wednesday, the virus has infected 13.8 million people in the US and killed 271,000.
Pelosi has come under increasing fire for failing to reach a deal with the GOP after Democrats spurned smaller, targeted bills with unemployment assistance and relief for small businesses.
Democrats have not been willing to go along with the piecemeal approach being presented by Republicans, and insist that having come down to $2.4 trillion from their $3 trillion bill passed in May was enough.
Donald Trump AP
The next session of Congress begins Jan. 3 and will see House Democrats led by Pelosi with a reduced majority. President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to stand with Pelosi and quashed a report that he would break with her in order to reach a deal with Republicans.


bonginoreport--2020-12-03--Dr. Thomas Sowell: Walter E. Williams 1936-2020

Walter Williams loved teaching .
Unlike too many other teachers today , he made it a point never to impose his opinions on his students .
Those who read his syndicated newspaper columns know that he expressed his opinions boldly and unequivocally there .
But not in the classroom .
Walter once said he hoped that , on the day he died , he would have taught a class that day .
And that is just the way it was , when he died on Wednesday , December 2 , 2020 .
He was my best friend for half a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trusted more or whose integrity I respected more .
Since he was younger than me , I chose him to be my literary executor , to take control of my books after I was gone .
But his death is a reminder that no one really has anything to say about such things .
As an economist , Walter Williams never got the credit he deserved .
His book `` Race and Economics '' is a must-read introduction to the subject .
Amazon has it ranked 5th in sales among civil rights books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another book of his , on the effects of economics under the white supremacist apartheid regime in South Africa , was titled `` South Africa 's War Against Capitalism . ''
He went to South Africa to study the situation directly .
Many of the things he brought out have implications for racial discrimination in other places around the world .
I have had many occasions to cite Walter Williams ' research in my own books .
Most of what others say about higher prices in low income neighborhoods today has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his doctoral dissertation decades ago .
Despite his opposition to the welfare state , as something doing more harm than good , Walter was privately very generous with both his money and his time in helping others .
He figured he had a right to do whatever he wanted to with his own money , but that politicians had no right to take his money to give away , in order to get votes .
In a letter dated March 3 , 1975 , Walter said : `` Sometimes it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , particularly the ones who do not realize that help is needed . ''
In the same letter , he mentioned a certain hospital which `` has an all but written policy of prohibiting the flunking of black medical students . ''
Not long after this , a professor at a prestigious medical school revealed that black students there were given passing grades without having met the standards applied to other students .
He warned that trusting patients would pay — some with their lives — for such irresponsible double standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person , Walter Williams was unique .
I have heard of no one else being described as being `` like Walter Williams . ''
Holding a black belt in karate , Walter was a tough customer .
One night three men jumped him — and two of those men ended up in a hospital .
The other side of Walter came out in relation to his wife , Connie .
She helped put him through graduate school — and after he received his Ph.D. , she never had to work again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walter liked to go to his job at 4:30 AM .
He was the only person who had no problem finding a parking space on the street in downtown Washington .
Around 9 o'clock or so , Connie — now awake — would phone Walter and they would greet each other tenderly for the day .
We may not see his like again .
And that is our loss .
Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution , Stanford University , Stanford , CA 94305 .
His website is www.tsowell.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sowell and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists , visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com .

Walter Williams loved teaching. Unlike too many other teachers today, he made it a point never to impose his opinions on his students. Those who read his syndicated newspaper columns know that he expressed his opinions boldly and unequivocally there. But not in the classroom.
Walter once said he hoped that, on the day he died, he would have taught a class that day. And that is just the way it was, when he died on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.
He was my best friend for half a century. There was no one I trusted more or whose integrity I respected more. Since he was younger than me, I chose him to be my literary executor, to take control of my books after I was gone.
But his death is a reminder that no one really has anything to say about such things.
As an economist, Walter Williams never got the credit he deserved. His book "Race and Economics" is a must-read introduction to the subject. Amazon has it ranked 5th in sales among civil rights books, 9 years after it was published.
Another book of his, on the effects of economics under the white supremacist apartheid regime in South Africa, was titled "South Africa's War Against Capitalism." He went to South Africa to study the situation directly. Many of the things he brought out have implications for racial discrimination in other places around the world.
I have had many occasions to cite Walter Williams' research in my own books. Most of what others say about higher prices in low income neighborhoods today has not yet caught up to what Walter said in his doctoral dissertation decades ago.
Despite his opposition to the welfare state, as something doing more harm than good, Walter was privately very generous with both his money and his time in helping others.
He figured he had a right to do whatever he wanted to with his own money, but that politicians had no right to take his money to give away, in order to get votes.
In a letter dated March 3, 1975, Walter said: "Sometimes it is a very lonely struggle trying to help our people, particularly the ones who do not realize that help is needed."
In the same letter, he mentioned a certain hospital which "has an all but written policy of prohibiting the flunking of black medical students."
Not long after this, a professor at a prestigious medical school revealed that black students there were given passing grades without having met the standards applied to other students. He warned that trusting patients would pay — some with their lives — for such irresponsible double standards. That has in fact happened.
As a person, Walter Williams was unique. I have heard of no one else being described as being "like Walter Williams."
Holding a black belt in karate, Walter was a tough customer. One night three men jumped him — and two of those men ended up in a hospital.
The other side of Walter came out in relation to his wife, Connie. She helped put him through graduate school — and after he received his Ph.D., she never had to work again, not even to fix his breakfast.
Walter liked to go to his job at 4:30 AM. He was the only person who had no problem finding a parking space on the street in downtown Washington. Around 9 o'clock or so, Connie — now awake — would phone Walter and they would greet each other tenderly for the day.
We may not see his like again. And that is our loss.
Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305. His website is www.tsowell.com. To find out more about Thomas Sowell and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
Image courtesy of Texas Tech University