wnd--2020-08-22--Obama unwittingly gives Trump opportunity to claim full credit for rebuilding the economy

One of Barack Obama 's apparent points of frustration has been President Donald Trump taking full credit for overseeing the strongest U.S. economy in decades .
However , during his remarks at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night , the 44th president , perhaps unwittingly , opened the door for his successor to take full credit for the economy going into the November election .
Before the COVID-19 outbreak , the United States was enjoying its lowest unemployment rate in 50 years ( 3.5 percent ) , along with strong economic and wage growth .
In fact , wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earners and at a rate not seen in over a decade thanks to the tight labor market , The Washington Post reported in January .
The unemployment rate is poised to drop remarkably from a high of 14.7 percent in April into single digits this month , and 9.1 million jobs were added from May through July .
On multiple occasions , Obama has tried to take at least some credit for the Trump economy .
In a September 2018 speech at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , Obama said , `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic recovery ] continued , but when you hear of this ‘ economic miracle ’ that ’ s been going on when the jobs numbers come out , monthly job number .
`` Suddenly Republicans are saying , ‘ It ’ s a miracle.
’ I have to kind of remind them , ‘ Actually the job numbers are the same as they were in 2015 , and 2016 . '
`` Similarly , in February 2020 , Obama tweeted , `` Eleven years ago today , near the bottom of the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recovery Act , paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history . ''
He appeared to be referencing the Great Depression of the 1930s , when the unemployment rate reached over 25 percent , according to CNBC .
When Obama took office in 2009 during the “ Great Recession , ” unemployment peaked at 10 percent .
President Ronald Reagan , a generation or so before Obama , faced an even higher 10.8 percent figure during a recession in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quibble : Both presidents grappled with major economic challenges .
The difference is Obama oversaw the worst economic recovery from a major recession since World War II and Reagan oversaw the best .
By raw numbers , Trump was staring at numbers not seen since the Great Depression , with an official unemployment rate of 14.7 percent this past April , but CNBC estimated the actual figure was closer to 20 percent .
Obama placed all the blame of the job loss on Trump during his DNC convention speech Wednesday night .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job because he ca n't , '' the former president said .
`` And the consequences of that failure are severe .
170,000 Americans dead .
Millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever . ''
So Trump is responsible for every job lost due to COVID-19 ?
Never mind , it was the governors in the individual states that decided whether -- and to what extent -- to shut down their economies because of the coronavirus outbreak , and how quickly they would open them back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , the Democrat-led states , by-in-large , had the most severe shutdowns and have been the slowest to reopen .
It 's neither here-nor-there now , because Trump owns it all , according to Obama , which means he also can take full credit for what is turning into the quickest recovery on record .
The unemployment rate is heading toward single digits in August , having reached 10.2 percent last month .
The robust recovery began in May , when 2.5 million jobs were created , which caught analysts completely off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June shattered that benchmark with 4.8 million jobs added , and the trend continued in July with another 1.8 million .
One reason the economy has been bouncing back so quickly is all the fundamentals were in place .
After taking office , Trump made four very un-Obama like moves : He cut government regulations on businesses more than any president in U.S. history ; he signed tax cuts for businesses and individuals into law ; he promoted domestic energy production ; and he negotiated new pro-American trade deals .
The first year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic growth shot up to 3 percent in 2018 , and it fell back in 2019 to 2.2 percent , which can be attributed , at least in part , to tough trade stands Trump took against China that led to a deal .
Additionally , the Federal Reserve tightened the money supply and raised interest rates .
The last year Obama was in office , the GDP grew at a paltry 1.7 percent .
So it was Trump 's economy , even if his predecessor did n't want to admit it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the blame on Trump for the COVID-19 shutdown job losses , he has officially ceded the ground to the 45th president to receive all the credit for the recovery .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

One of Barack Obama's apparent points of frustration has been President Donald Trump taking full credit for overseeing the strongest U.S. economy in decades.
However, during his remarks at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, the 44th president, perhaps unwittingly, opened the door for his successor to take full credit for the economy going into the November election.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States was enjoying its lowest unemployment rate in 50 years (3.5 percent), along with strong economic and wage growth.
In fact, wages were growing the fastest for the lowest earners and at a rate not seen in over a decade thanks to the tight labor market, The Washington Post reported in January.
The unemployment rate is poised to drop remarkably from a high of 14.7 percent in April into single digits this month, and 9.1 million jobs were added from May through July.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
On multiple occasions, Obama has tried to take at least some credit for the Trump economy.
In a September 2018 speech at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Obama said, "I mean I’m glad [the economic recovery] continued, but when you hear of this ‘economic miracle’ that’s been going on when the jobs numbers come out, monthly job number.
"Suddenly Republicans are saying, ‘It’s a miracle.’ I have to kind of remind them, ‘Actually the job numbers are the same as they were in 2015, and 2016.' "
Former President @BarackObama says the current strong economy is as much his responsibility as it is @realDonaldTrump MORE: https://t.co/4esdn82R74 pic.twitter.com/7RJs9cVb3c — Globalnews.ca (@globalnews) September 7, 2018
Similarly, in February 2020, Obama tweeted, "Eleven years ago today, near the bottom of the worst recession in generations, I signed the Recovery Act, paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history."
Eleven years ago today, near the bottom of the worst recession in generations, I signed the Recovery Act, paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history. pic.twitter.com/BmdXrxUAUf — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 17, 2020
He appeared to be referencing the Great Depression of the 1930s, when the unemployment rate reached over 25 percent, according to CNBC.
When Obama took office in 2009 during the “Great Recession,” unemployment peaked at 10 percent. President Ronald Reagan, a generation or so before Obama, faced an even higher 10.8 percent figure during a recession in the early 1980s. But no need to quibble: Both presidents grappled with major economic challenges.
The difference is Obama oversaw the worst economic recovery from a major recession since World War II and Reagan oversaw the best.
By raw numbers, Trump was staring at numbers not seen since the Great Depression, with an official unemployment rate of 14.7 percent this past April, but CNBC estimated the actual figure was closer to 20 percent.
Obama placed all the blame of the job loss on Trump during his DNC convention speech Wednesday night.
"Donald Trump hasn't grown into the job because he can't," the former president said. "And the consequences of that failure are severe. 170,000 Americans dead. Millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever."
So Trump is responsible for every job lost due to COVID-19?
Never mind, it was the governors in the individual states that decided whether -- and to what extent -- to shut down their economies because of the coronavirus outbreak, and how quickly they would open them back up.
Not surprisingly in an election year, the Democrat-led states, by and large, had the most severe shutdowns and have been the slowest to reopen.
It's neither here nor there now, because Trump owns it all, according to Obama, which means he also can take full credit for what is turning into the quickest recovery on record.
The unemployment rate is heading toward single digits in August, having reached 10.2 percent last month.
The robust recovery began in May, when 2.5 million jobs were created, which caught analysts completely off guard and set an all-time record.
June shattered that benchmark with 4.8 million jobs added, and the trend continued in July with another 1.8 million.
One reason the economy has been bouncing back so quickly is all the fundamentals were in place.
After taking office, Trump made four very un-Obama like moves: He cut government regulations on businesses more than any president in U.S. history; he signed tax cuts for businesses and individuals into law; he promoted domestic energy production; and he negotiated new pro-American trade deals.
The first year after the tax cuts were implemented, economic growth shot up to 3 percent in 2018, and it fell back in 2019 to 2.2 percent, which can be attributed, at least in part, to tough trade stands Trump took against China that led to a deal. Additionally, the Federal Reserve tightened the money supply and raised interest rates.
The last year Obama was in office, the GDP grew at a paltry 1.7 percent.
So it was Trump's economy, even if his predecessor didn't want to admit it.
Now, if Obama wants to place all the blame on Trump for the COVID-19 shutdown job losses, he has officially ceded the ground to the 45th president to receive all the credit for the recovery.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-08-22--Former AG: Durham can release FBI-corruption findings close to election, not violate DOJ policy

Former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker believes findings from U.S. Attorney John Durham 's investigation into alleged Obama administration wrongdoing during the 2016 election would not fall under the Justice Department 's so-called `` 60-day rule '' with regard to this fall 's election .
The Justice Department has an unwritten policy of seeking not to release information or take actions within 60 days of an election that could have a direct impact on the contest .
That deadline would be in early September , if it applied to the Durham probe .
On Wednesday , former FBI lawyer Kevin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the bureau used in an application to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Court to spy on former Trump campaign aide Carter Page in 2017 .
Clinesmith 's is the first criminal case to arise from Durham 's investigation , according to The Washington Post .
Whitaker told The Western Journal he expects this is just the first shoe to drop and that more cases could be pursued going into the fall without running afoul of the DOJ 's 60-day policy .
The Iowa native served as attorney general following Jeff Sessions ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was confirmed to the post in February 2019 .
Part of Whitaker 's responsibilities included overseeing then-special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia investigation .
`` I think Bill Barr and John Durham are going to be bringing anyone that can be brought to justice , '' Whitaker said .
`` I think that 's what we saw with Mr. Clinesmith , '' he added .
`` And I think that 's a very important step in really revealing sort of how insidious , ultimately , this Russian collusion fable ended up being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what would ultimately [ be ] the basic premise that there was allegedly some criminal conspiracy or relationship between the Trump campaign and the Russian government .
`` There was never any evidence of that , '' Whitaker said .
`` And in fact , it appears that there were a lot of things that were changed or manufactured in order to keep that investigation going . ''
The former top DOJ official said he is pleased that the people who falsely promulgated the Trump-Russia collusion conspiracy will now `` pay a price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book `` Above The Law : The Inside Story of How the Justice Department Tried to Subvert President Trump , '' in which he details how the agency was steered off course by actors within the `` Deep State . ''
Whitaker told The Western Journal he does not believe the 60-day policy applies to Durham 's probe .
`` If a prosecution is going to impact an election -- usually it 's involving the candidates in an election -- then nothing proactively is going to be done in that 60-day window before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explaining the policy .
`` In this case , we 're not talking about any candidates for public office .
This is something that 's looking retrospectively into what happened in 2016 in the investigation , '' Whitaker added .
`` And so I do n't see where that kind of rule at the Department Justice would impact anything that they 're going to do in that investigation . ''
Last month , Fox News reported , based on unnamed sources , that Durham planned to either release his findings by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could n't meet that deadline , wait until after the election .
However , Barr has not ruled out releasing Durham 's report in the fall , according to Politico .
“ I will be very careful .
I know what Justice Department policy is , ” Barr said while testifying before the House Judiciary Committee in late July .
“ Any report will be , in my judgment , not one that is covered by the policy and would disrupt the election.
” Asked directly by Democratic Rep. Debbie Murcasel-Powell of Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report within 60 days of the election , Barr replied flatly , `` No . ''
Former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy argued in an Op-Ed for The Hill earlier this month that `` the elusive 60-day rule has always been trained on candidates involved in imminent elections .
`` Now , however , the rule is being massaged into a purported prohibition on any Justice Department actions that could 'influence the outcome ' of the election , '' he continued .
McCarthy highlighted that Barr has made it clear Durham is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November .
`` That should be the end of any '60-day rule ' gibberish , '' McCarthy wrote .
`` But it ’ s not , of course , because Democrats are determined to avoid a Russiagate reckoning of any kind .
Consequently , no more focus on candidates .
Now , the '60-day rule ' is translated : 'Don ’ t dare bring any cases or make any disclosures that could cast the Obama administration in a bad light . '
'' Whitaker participated in a two-day bus tour through the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other Trump re-election backers , including Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs and former state Treasurer Jeff DeWit , who now serves as the Trump campaign 's chief operating officer .
The former acting AG said Trump is a `` true American patriot . ''
`` I think another four years of Donald Trump is really going to be necessary in order to implement ... his priorities , '' Whitaker added , `` and make sure ... ‘ Make America Great ’ is locked in for ... the future . ''
This article appeared @ @ @ @ @ @

Former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker believes findings from U.S. Attorney John Durham's investigation into alleged Obama administration wrongdoing during the 2016 election would not fall under the Justice Department's so-called "60-day rule" with regard to this fall's election.
The Justice Department has an unwritten policy of seeking not to release information or take actions within 60 days of an election that could have a direct impact on the contest.
That deadline would be in early September, if it applied to the Durham probe.
On Wednesday, former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith pleaded guilty to doctoring an email that the bureau used in an application to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Court to spy on former Trump campaign aide Carter Page in 2017.
Clinesmith's is the first criminal case to arise from Durham's investigation, according to The Washington Post.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Whitaker told The Western Journal he expects this is just the first shoe to drop and that more cases could be pursued going into the fall without running afoul of the DOJ's 60-day policy.
The Iowa native served as attorney general following Jeff Sessions' resignation in November 2018 until William Barr was confirmed to the post in February 2019. Part of Whitaker's responsibilities included overseeing then-special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.
"I think Bill Barr and John Durham are going to be bringing anyone that can be brought to justice," Whitaker said.
"I think that's what we saw with Mr. Clinesmith," he added.
"And I think that's a very important step in really revealing sort of how insidious, ultimately, this Russian collusion fable ended up being, what turned into the Mueller investigation, what would ultimately [be] the basic premise that there was allegedly some criminal conspiracy or relationship between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.
"There was never any evidence of that," Whitaker said. "And in fact, it appears that there were a lot of things that were changed or manufactured in order to keep that investigation going."
The former top DOJ official said he is pleased that the people who falsely promulgated the Trump-Russia collusion conspiracy will now "pay a price."
Whitaker authored the recently released book "Above The Law: The Inside Story of How the Justice Department Tried to Subvert President Trump," in which he details how the agency was steered off course by actors within the "Deep State."
Whitaker told The Western Journal he does not believe the 60-day policy applies to Durham's probe.
"If a prosecution is going to impact an election -- usually it's involving the candidates in an election -- then nothing proactively is going to be done in that 60-day window before Nov. 3," he said, explaining the policy.
"In this case, we're not talking about any candidates for public office. This is something that's looking retrospectively into what happened in 2016 in the investigation," Whitaker added.
"And so I don't see where that kind of rule at the Department Justice would impact anything that they're going to do in that investigation."
Last month, Fox News reported, based on unnamed sources, that Durham planned to either release his findings by the end of the summer, or if he couldn't meet that deadline, wait until after the election.
However, Barr has not ruled out releasing Durham's report in the fall, according to Politico.
“I will be very careful. I know what Justice Department policy is,” Barr said while testifying before the House Judiciary Committee in late July.
“Any report will be, in my judgment, not one that is covered by the policy and would disrupt the election.”
Asked directly by Democratic Rep. Debbie Murcasel-Powell of Florida if he would commit to not releasing the report within 60 days of the election, Barr replied flatly, "No."
Former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy argued in an Op-Ed for The Hill earlier this month that "the elusive 60-day rule has always been trained on candidates involved in imminent elections.
"Now, however, the rule is being massaged into a purported prohibition on any Justice Department actions that could 'influence the outcome' of the election," he continued.
McCarthy highlighted that Barr has made it clear Durham is not investigating any candidate on the ballot in November.
"That should be the end of any '60-day rule' gibberish," McCarthy wrote. "But it’s not, of course, because Democrats are determined to avoid a Russiagate reckoning of any kind. Consequently, no more focus on candidates. Now, the '60-day rule' is translated: 'Don’t dare bring any cases or make any disclosures that could cast the Obama administration in a bad light.'"
Whitaker participated in a two-day bus tour through the heart of battleground Arizona on Thursday and Friday with other Trump re-election backers, including Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs and former state Treasurer Jeff DeWit, who now serves as the Trump campaign's chief operating officer.
The former acting AG said Trump is a "true American patriot."
"I think another four years of Donald Trump is really going to be necessary in order to implement ... his priorities," Whitaker added, "and make sure ... ‘Make America Great’ is locked in for ... the future."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-08-22--Auto-repair chain's anti-Goodyear video shows what happens when companies go woke

At Balswick 's Tire & Auto Service & Detail in Turlock , California , you probably should n't ask for any Goodyear tires .
In fact , owner Bret Balswick has taken down the company 's logo from the wall of his shop -- and the tires , one assumes , will come next .
Goodyear , in case you have n't heard , has gone woke .
Well , at least one regional diversity training may have done so -- but Goodyear corporate is n't necessarily averse to that kind of wokeness , should it happen to pop up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its customers nonplussed .
This was the wokeness in question , which was first reported on by WIBW-TV in Topeka , Kansas .
It 's a slide , allegedly from a diversity training program Goodyear has its employees going through .
At least in this case , an anonymous employee said it was from Goodyear 's corporate office in Akron , Ohio .
Acceptable forms of expression under the company 's zero-tolerance policy : `` Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) , Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual , Transgender Pride . ''
Unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter , MAGA Attire , Political Affiliated Slogans or Material . ''
`` If someone wants to wear a BLM shirt in here , then cool .
I 'm not going to get offended about it .
But at the same time , if someone 's not going to be able to wear something that is politically based , even in the farthest stretch of the imagination , that 's discriminatory , '' the employee told WIBW .
`` If we 're talking about equality , then it needs to be equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
At first , a Goodyear spokeswoman gave WIBW this statement about the wokeness slide : `` Goodyear is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where all of our associates can do their best in a spirit of teamwork .
As part of this commitment , we do allow our associates to express their support on racial injustice and other equity issues but ask that they refrain from workplace expressions , verbal or otherwise , in support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party as well as other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scope of equity issues . ''
That got plenty of attention -- including from the White House .
After President Donald Trump and others expressed their disgust with the policy on social media , Goodyear made it clear in a statement that it was n't part of a diversity training program , nor did it come from corporate .
The statement was deliberately hazy on whether or not it was part of some sort of presentation , which would lead one toward some conclusions .
The company also made it clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program , what was being shown was n't necessarily in conflict with company policy , it just had n't been hedged properly .
In the statement , Goodyear said `` the visual in question was not created or distributed by Goodyear corporate , nor was it part of a diversity training class .
To be clear on our longstanding corporate policy , Goodyear has zero tolerance for any forms of harassment or discrimination .
To enable a work environment free of those , we ask that associates refrain from workplace expressions in support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political party , as well as similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues . ''
`` Goodyear has always wholeheartedly supported both equality and law enforcement and will continue to do so .
These are not mutually exclusive . ''
This statement is exceptionally well-crafted , but it does n't say two things about the slide : It does n't say the picture was a fake and it does n't say what was on it was necessarily in conflict with company policy .
Granted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only including conservative causes on the `` unacceptable '' side of the ledger would be a type `` of advocacy that fall [ s ] outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues . ''
The company expressed pro forma support for law enforcement .
Aside from that , however , the statement made it clear that a form of advocacy typically associated with liberal social causes is perfectly fine while other forms of political advocacy are n't .
Whatever the case , Bret Balswick -- who owns a small chain of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week when he expressed his opinions about Goodyear : '' I am a conservative !
I am a patriot ! ''
Balswick responded when The Western Journal reached him via Facebook .
`` I support our president !
We are in the middle of a war for our country !
I am fighting for my children and my grand children ! ''
Generally speaking , the reaction to the sign removal on Twitter was positive .
It even got the tire shop featured on Tucker Carlson 's Fox News show : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that 's the point -- there are people who are n't going to go to Balswick 's now , the same way that there are going to be people who do n't buy Goodyear tires .
What was funny is that the same people who were talking about boycotting Balswick 's likely do n't get why people would boycott Goodyear .
Both are private companies , of course , and both can do whatever their little corporate hearts desire .
That being said , Goodyear made it quite obvious where its sympathies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have said the slide was fake and did n't represent its values .
It did n't .
You can make very clear assumptions from that .
Bret Balswick did , and he 's taking down the Goodyear sign .
There are n't going to be a whole lot of people who do this publicly , but there are going to be quite a few who do it privately .
Wokeness leaves a foul taste in many a mouth .
Most of those who experience it , however , are n't going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Balswick did .
But a few more might after this one went viral .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

At Balswick's Tire & Auto Service & Detail in Turlock, California, you probably shouldn't ask for any Goodyear tires. In fact, owner Bret Balswick has taken down the company's logo from the wall of his shop -- and the tires, one assumes, will come next.
Goodyear, in case you haven't heard, has gone woke. Well, at least one regional diversity training may have done so -- but Goodyear corporate isn't necessarily averse to that kind of wokeness, should it happen to pop up. And that has a lot of its customers nonplussed.
This was the wokeness in question, which was first reported on by WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas. It's a slide, allegedly from a diversity training program Goodyear has its employees going through. At least in this case, an anonymous employee said it was from Goodyear's corporate office in Akron, Ohio.
Goodyear got caught with a discriminatory slide and now that Trump threatens with the boycott Goodyear backtracks good for Trump pic.twitter.com/2ZkjKchiSU — Dennis McLellan (@nutquacker1) August 19, 2020
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Acceptable forms of expression under the company's zero-tolerance policy: "Black Lives Matter (BLM), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride." Unacceptable: "Blue Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, MAGA Attire, Political Affiliated Slogans or Material."
"If someone wants to wear a BLM shirt in here, then cool. I'm not going to get offended about it. But at the same time, if someone's not going to be able to wear something that is politically based, even in the farthest stretch of the imagination, that's discriminatory," the employee told WIBW.
"If we're talking about equality, then it needs to be equality. If not, it's discrimination."
At first, a Goodyear spokeswoman gave WIBW this statement about the wokeness slide: "Goodyear is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where all of our associates can do their best in a spirit of teamwork. As part of this commitment, we do allow our associates to express their support on racial injustice and other equity issues but ask that they refrain from workplace expressions, verbal or otherwise, in support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party as well as other similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of equity issues."
That got plenty of attention -- including from the White House.
Don’t buy GOODYEAR TIRES - They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for far less! (This is what the Radical Left Democrats do. Two can play the same game, and we have to start playing it now!). — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2020
After President Donald Trump and others expressed their disgust with the policy on social media, Goodyear made it clear in a statement that it wasn't part of a diversity training program, nor did it come from corporate. The statement was deliberately hazy on whether or not it was part of some sort of presentation, which would lead one toward some conclusions.
The company also made it clear that while not part of any corporate-approved training program, what was being shown wasn't necessarily in conflict with company policy, it just hadn't been hedged properly.
In the statement, Goodyear said "the visual in question was not created or distributed by Goodyear corporate, nor was it part of a diversity training class. To be clear on our longstanding corporate policy, Goodyear has zero tolerance for any forms of harassment or discrimination. To enable a work environment free of those, we ask that associates refrain from workplace expressions in support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party, as well as similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues."
"Goodyear has always wholeheartedly supported both equality and law enforcement and will continue to do so. These are not mutually exclusive."
Yesterday, Goodyear became the focus of a conversation that created some misconceptions about our policies and our company. Goodyear has always wholeheartedly supported both equality and law enforcement and will continue to do so. pic.twitter.com/oO6jUg2rTR — Goodyear (@goodyear) August 19, 2020
This statement is exceptionally well-crafted, but it doesn't say two things about the slide: It doesn't say the picture was a fake and it doesn't say what was on it was necessarily in conflict with company policy.
Granted, you could probably make a case that only including conservative causes on the "unacceptable" side of the ledger would be a type "of advocacy that fall[s] outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues." The company expressed pro forma support for law enforcement.
Aside from that, however, the statement made it clear that a form of advocacy typically associated with liberal social causes is perfectly fine while other forms of political advocacy aren't.
Whatever the case, Bret Balswick -- who owns a small chain of California-based auto repair shops -- went viral earlier this week when he expressed his opinions about Goodyear:
"I am a conservative! I am a patriot!" Balswick responded when The Western Journal reached him via Facebook.
"I support our president! We are in the middle of a war for our country! I am fighting for my children and my grand children!"
Generally speaking, the reaction to the sign removal on Twitter was positive.
Good for you Balswick Tires! https://t.co/JinbPO7Eyo — Ambellina (@Ambellina77) August 20, 2020
I don't know where this is, but if I knew of a place that did this where I live, I would be a customer for life! Guaranteed. — 🤭🤭🤭Average American #keepingPAred (@ILND1) August 20, 2020
I just called Balswick Tires in Turlock California to voice my support for them no longer going to be selling Goodyear anymore. Spoke to a great patriot there. Major props to them. Trump 2020 and take back the house. — Jack Dedrick (@JackDedrick2) August 20, 2020
It even got the tire shop featured on Tucker Carlson's Fox News show:
Balswick’s Tire and Auto Shop in Turlock was featured on Tucker Carlson’s show tonight for removing their Goodyear sign. pic.twitter.com/nA1HsGQ4P3 — Angelina Martin (@angieeesunshine) August 21, 2020
Of course, there were dissenters, and that's the point -- there are people who aren't going to go to Balswick's now, the same way that there are going to be people who don't buy Goodyear tires.
What was funny is that the same people who were talking about boycotting Balswick's likely don't get why people would boycott Goodyear.
Both are private companies, of course, and both can do whatever their little corporate hearts desire. That being said, Goodyear made it quite obvious where its sympathies were in this matter.
The company could have said the slide was fake and didn't represent its values. It didn't. You can make very clear assumptions from that. Bret Balswick did, and he's taking down the Goodyear sign.
There aren't going to be a whole lot of people who do this publicly, but there are going to be quite a few who do it privately. Wokeness leaves a foul taste in many a mouth. Most of those who experience it, however, aren't going to express it quite as publicly as Bret Balswick did. But a few more might after this one went viral.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-08-22--GOP Rep. Andy Biggs says why Trump voters are so energized: 'He's kept his promises'

Crowd sizes are beginning to grow as President Donald Trump continues a long-awaited return to the campaign trail .
As August rolled around and the Democratic Party prepared for its 2020 nominating convention , the Trump campaign and its surrogates pulled out all the stops , setting out on two large-scale bus tours across key swing states , according to CBS News .
Moreover , reports from Heavy.com indicate that , despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic 's restrictive effects on large political gatherings , Trump managed to turn out hundreds of supporters at rallies this week in Oshkosh , Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a spillover crowd may have numbered in the thousands ) .
Stumping for the president 's re-election in the Phoenix area , Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs told The Western Journal on Thursday that the current administration 's delivery on major policy promises from the 2016 presidential election cycle have been crucial in keeping the base energized for November in spite of recent circumstances .
`` We started in Flagstaff and everywhere we 've been today , from Flagstaff to Payson to Fountain Hills , we 've had big crowds come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of enthusiasm , a lot of energy . ''
`` We were 110 degrees or whatever it was in Fountain Hills , [ an ] outside event , and we still drew a nice crowd .
And so , I was really surprised by how strong and energetic those crowds were , '' Biggs said .
The congressman went on to say that Trump 's accomplishments highlight a rapidly growing ideological divide within the United States -- another political development that will help drive turnout among concerned and passionate voters .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election turnout is the dichotomy in policy perspectives that the left has versus the right , '' Biggs said .
`` Think of it this way .
You 've never had a more disparate choice : Donald Trump and everything that he 's done -- and he 's kept his promises -- and then an extremely left-leaning Joe Biden and Kamala Harris . ''
This is not the only time that the Trump administration has leaned on its tangible accomplishments during an election cycle in which a major ideological rift between the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In September 2018 , just two months before the hotly contested midterm elections , a list of 53 achievements appeared on the White House website .
Among the accomplishments listed were the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 , a series of border security developments and the nomination of two Supreme Court justices in Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh ( who had yet to be confirmed at the time ) .
In the months since , the Trump administration has also achieved a 50-year-low unemployment rate , inked the newly agreed upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominations to the point at which one in four U.S. circuit court judges is now Trump-appointed .
With many of the administration 's economic gains wiped out by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , however , much uncertainty remains as to whether or not such accomplishments will translate into voter turnout .
Biggs , for his part , praised Trump for his handling of the pandemic , particularly with regard to the preservation of individual liberties amid widespread public health lockdowns and church closures .
`` [ Trump has ] done a pretty good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biggs said .
`` I 'm much more discouraged and disappointed in governors and mayors , who actually were the ones who implemented policies to close the economy , close people 's rights to worship . ''
`` They did n't address the most vulnerable populations immediately , even though we knew coming in that the elderly and those with comorbidities were really the populations you wanted to address first . ''
`` That issue is big across all party lines , and I know people are concerned .
Some people think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others think we should have done something less .
Almost everybody thinks we should have done something differently , '' the congressman added .
`` I think you 're going to see a response on that . ''
According to the RealClearPolitics polling aggregates , Trump trails Biden by 7.4 percentage points nationwide and roughly 4.2 points in the key battleground states of Arizona , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
Regardless of the election results , however , recent data from the Pew Research Center indicates strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 85 percent of self-professed Biden supporters saying they are `` certain '' to cast their ballot for the Democratic nominee this November and 84 percent of Trump supporters saying the same with regard to their candidate .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Crowd sizes are beginning to grow as President Donald Trump continues a long-awaited return to the campaign trail.
As August rolled around and the Democratic Party prepared for its 2020 nominating convention, the Trump campaign and its surrogates pulled out all the stops, setting out on two large-scale bus tours across key swing states, according to CBS News.
Moreover, reports from Heavy.com indicate that, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic's restrictive effects on large political gatherings, Trump managed to turn out hundreds of supporters at rallies this week in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Old Forge, Pennsylvania (where a spillover crowd may have numbered in the thousands).
Stumping for the president's re-election in the Phoenix area, Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs told The Western Journal on Thursday that the current administration's delivery on major policy promises from the 2016 presidential election cycle have been crucial in keeping the base energized for November in spite of recent circumstances.
"We started in Flagstaff and everywhere we've been today, from Flagstaff to Payson to Fountain Hills, we've had big crowds come out," Biggs said. "A lot of enthusiasm, a lot of energy."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"We were 110 degrees or whatever it was in Fountain Hills, [an] outside event, and we still drew a nice crowd. And so, I was really surprised by how strong and energetic those crowds were," Biggs said.
The congressman went on to say that Trump's accomplishments highlight a rapidly growing ideological divide within the United States -- another political development that will help drive turnout among concerned and passionate voters.
"What's going to really drive the election turnout is the dichotomy in policy perspectives that the left has versus the right," Biggs said.
"Think of it this way. You've never had a more disparate choice: Donald Trump and everything that he's done -- and he's kept his promises -- and then an extremely left-leaning Joe Biden and Kamala Harris."
This is not the only time that the Trump administration has leaned on its tangible accomplishments during an election cycle in which a major ideological rift between the Democratic and Republican parties could be emphasized.
In September 2018, just two months before the hotly contested midterm elections, a list of 53 achievements appeared on the White House website.
Among the accomplishments listed were the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a series of border security developments and the nomination of two Supreme Court justices in Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh (who had yet to be confirmed at the time).
In the months since, the Trump administration has also achieved a 50-year-low unemployment rate, inked the newly agreed upon United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and continued its judicial nominations to the point at which one in four U.S. circuit court judges is now Trump-appointed.
With many of the administration's economic gains wiped out by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, much uncertainty remains as to whether or not such accomplishments will translate into voter turnout.
Biggs, for his part, praised Trump for his handling of the pandemic, particularly with regard to the preservation of individual liberties amid widespread public health lockdowns and church closures.
"[Trump has] done a pretty good job of handling the issue," Biggs said. "I'm much more discouraged and disappointed in governors and mayors, who actually were the ones who implemented policies to close the economy, close people's rights to worship."
"They didn't address the most vulnerable populations immediately, even though we knew coming in that the elderly and those with comorbidities were really the populations you wanted to address first."
"That issue is big across all party lines, and I know people are concerned. Some people think that we should have done something more or others think we should have done something less. Almost everybody thinks we should have done something differently," the congressman added.
"I think you're going to see a response on that."
According to the RealClearPolitics polling aggregates, Trump trails Biden by 7.4 percentage points nationwide and roughly 4.2 points in the key battleground states of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Regardless of the election results, however, recent data from the Pew Research Center indicates strong partisanship will undoubtedly play a roll, with 85 percent of self-professed Biden supporters saying they are "certain" to cast their ballot for the Democratic nominee this November and 84 percent of Trump supporters saying the same with regard to their candidate.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-08-22--Illegal alien Dems used to attack Trump was actually deported under Clinton, flagged under Obama

When the Republican National Convention opens Monday , Democrats are probably going to insist on running an ongoing fact check of GOP speakers -- particularly President Donald Trump .
If only they 'd insisted on a similar fact check for their own convention .
There are plenty of reasons why , but let 's take the case of Alejandra Juarez .
She 's the mother of 11-year-old Estela Juarez , who made headlines this past week when she spoke at the convention about how her mother was deported to Mexico in 2018 .
“ Instead of protecting us , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , addressing Trump .
“ Every day that passes , you deport more moms and dads and take them away from kids like me.
” The problem is that Alejandra Juarez was marked for deportation in 1998 , and then flagged by immigration officials in 2013 -- both times under Democratic administrations , not Republican ones .
“ It wasn ’ t Trump that went out and found this woman .
It was Biden , ” Andrew R. “ Art ” Arthur , a senior fellow with the Center for Immigration Studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's first brush with deportation was during the Bill Clinton administration -- and it came shortly after she arrived in the country .
On May 21 , 1998 , she was caught while trying to cross the border and promptly issued an expedited order of removal .
Immigration and Customs Enforcement says she had falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen during the process .
ICE says that just two days later , she attempted the crossing again .
She was caught again and again said she was a citizen , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application '' and admitted she was fibbing , The Times reported , then waited a short time before re-entering again undetected .
According to Stars and Stripes , she would go on to marry Cuauhtemoc `` Temo '' Juarez , a Marine and National Guardsman .
This caused a certain amount of cloudiness , because -- as Stars and Stripes pointed out -- `` [ t ] raditionally , spouses and family of U.S. military members have enjoyed a certain latitude from immigration authorities .
People like Alejandra Juarez would be tagged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , therefore , blame Alejandra Juarez 's 2018 deportation on the Trump administration 's `` zero tolerance '' illegal immigration policies .
Certainly , that was the impression we got when Estela Juarez read out her letter .
The problem with that is , however , that Alejandra Juarez 's deportation saga began anew back in 2013 -- under the Obama administration .
Her identification was likely the result of a program that expanded the use of fingerprint checks by local police to identify illegal immigrants .
The program , Secure Communities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Obama administration `` vastly expanded '' it , according to The Times .
While fingerprints would normally be sent to the FBI to see if the person in question had outstanding warrants or a criminal record , Secure Communities allowed the fingerprints to be shared with the Department of Homeland Security so ICE could flag illegal aliens who it wished to deport .
`` In Mrs. Juarez ’ s case , it was the 2013 encounter in Iowa that alerted Homeland Security to a deported migrant who reentered the U.S. without permission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICE did n't necessarily pursue her deportation under then-President Barack Obama -- The Times used the term `` slow-walked '' -- it also did n't revoke the deportation order , either .
Furthermore , immigration authorities were n't able to normalize her status thanks to the fact that she had been deported in 1998 and quickly re-entered the country , which is a felony .
Their best chance to normalize her -- which Arthur says would have been if Juarez had been put into normal deportation proceedings where she could have made her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the deportation order revoked -- did n't happen because Obama 's ICE did n't do this .
“ You can blame the Trump administration all you want .
The problem is the Obama administration decided to reinstate the prior order , ” Arthur said .
Estela says her father cast his ballot for President Trump in 2016 but does not plan to do so again this year .
One certainly ca n't blame the man , given how close he is to the situation .
However , he had a different take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I don ’ t blame him at all because the laws were already on the books , so he was just enforcing them , ” he said .
Juarez was originally deported under Clinton .
And while she was deported the second time under Trump -- thanks to a deportation order dating back to the Clinton administration -- the Obama administration had three years and change to make sure that did n't happen .
( It 's not as though Joe Biden was banging on the Oval Office door to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to her being removed from the country in 2018 . )
In 2020 , thanks to one party 's willingness to exploit an 11-year-old girl , Estela Juarez was addressing a convention at which both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were also featured speakers in order to assure America none of this would have happened if the Democrats were in office .
If only those two men , with their combined 16 years in office , could have done something about it .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

When the Republican National Convention opens Monday, Democrats are probably going to insist on running an ongoing fact check of GOP speakers -- particularly President Donald Trump.
If only they'd insisted on a similar fact check for their own convention.
There are plenty of reasons why, but let's take the case of Alejandra Juarez. She's the mother of 11-year-old Estela Juarez, who made headlines this past week when she spoke at the convention about how her mother was deported to Mexico in 2018.
“Instead of protecting us, you tore our world apart,” Estela said, addressing Trump. “Every day that passes, you deport more moms and dads and take them away from kids like me.”
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The problem is that Alejandra Juarez was marked for deportation in 1998, and then flagged by immigration officials in 2013 -- both times under Democratic administrations, not Republican ones.
“It wasn’t Trump that went out and found this woman. It was Biden,” Andrew R. “Art” Arthur, a senior fellow with the Center for Immigration Studies, told The Washington Times.
Juarez's first brush with deportation was during the Bill Clinton administration -- and it came shortly after she arrived in the country. On May 21, 1998, she was caught while trying to cross the border and promptly issued an expedited order of removal. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says she had falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen during the process.
ICE says that just two days later, she attempted the crossing again. She was caught again and again said she was a citizen, according to the agency. She "withdrew her application" and admitted she was fibbing, The Times reported, then waited a short time before re-entering again undetected.
According to Stars and Stripes, she would go on to marry Cuauhtemoc "Temo" Juarez, a Marine and National Guardsman. This caused a certain amount of cloudiness, because -- as Stars and Stripes pointed out -- "[t]raditionally, spouses and family of U.S. military members have enjoyed a certain latitude from immigration authorities. People like Alejandra Juarez would be tagged, but left in place."
Some, therefore, blame Alejandra Juarez's 2018 deportation on the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" illegal immigration policies. Certainly, that was the impression we got when Estela Juarez read out her letter.
The problem with that is, however, that Alejandra Juarez's deportation saga began anew back in 2013 -- under the Obama administration.
Her identification was likely the result of a program that expanded the use of fingerprint checks by local police to identify illegal immigrants.
The program, Secure Communities, was originally a Bush-era initiative, though the Obama administration "vastly expanded" it, according to The Times. While fingerprints would normally be sent to the FBI to see if the person in question had outstanding warrants or a criminal record, Secure Communities allowed the fingerprints to be shared with the Department of Homeland Security so ICE could flag illegal aliens who it wished to deport.
"In Mrs. Juarez’s case, it was the 2013 encounter in Iowa that alerted Homeland Security to a deported migrant who reentered the U.S. without permission," The Times reported.
"ICE then renewed the 1998 deportation order."
While ICE didn't necessarily pursue her deportation under then-President Barack Obama -- The Times used the term "slow-walked" -- it also didn't revoke the deportation order, either.
Furthermore, immigration authorities weren't able to normalize her status thanks to the fact that she had been deported in 1998 and quickly re-entered the country, which is a felony. Their best chance to normalize her -- which Arthur says would have been if Juarez had been put into normal deportation proceedings where she could have made her case to stay in the country and have the deportation order revoked -- didn't happen because Obama's ICE didn't do this.
“You can blame the Trump administration all you want. The problem is the Obama administration decided to reinstate the prior order,” Arthur said.
Estela says her father cast his ballot for President Trump in 2016 but does not plan to do so again this year. One certainly can't blame the man, given how close he is to the situation.
However, he had a different take on the president's complicity in 2018.
“I don’t blame him at all because the laws were already on the books, so he was just enforcing them,” he said.
Juarez was originally deported under Clinton. And while she was deported the second time under Trump -- thanks to a deportation order dating back to the Clinton administration -- the Obama administration had three years and change to make sure that didn't happen. (It's not as though Joe Biden was banging on the Oval Office door to change the policies or deportation order that eventually led to her being removed from the country in 2018.)
In 2020, thanks to one party's willingness to exploit an 11-year-old girl, Estela Juarez was addressing a convention at which both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were also featured speakers in order to assure America none of this would have happened if the Democrats were in office.
If only those two men, with their combined 16 years in office, could have done something about it.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-08-22--Biden faces new plagiarism accusation

Biden faces new plagiarism accusation

( LONDON DAILY MAIL ) Joe Biden is facing accusations he plagiarized a section of the acceptance speech he gave @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday night .
While the 77-year-old was widely praised for the 25-minute address , @ @ @ @ @ of his lines sounded suspiciously similar to those penned by politician , Jack Layton .
@ @ @ @ @ of the left-wing New Democratic Party from 2003 until his death in 2011 .
Prior @ @ @ @ @ the age of 61 , Layton penned a letter , which read in part : @ @ @ @ @ .
Hope is better than fear .
Optimism is better than despair . '

(LONDON DAILY MAIL) Joe Biden is facing accusations he plagiarized a section of the acceptance speech he gave at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night.
While the 77-year-old was widely praised for the 25-minute address, several Canadians claimed that some of his lines sounded suspiciously similar to those penned by politician, Jack Layton.
Layton served as the leader of the left-wing New Democratic Party from 2003 until his death in 2011. Prior to his passing, at the age of 61, Layton penned a letter, which read in part: 'Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair.'
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-08-22--Woman who stole 7-year-old boy's MAGA hat, harassed his mother arrested

( WDEL ) A 21-year-old Wilmington woman was arrested in connection with an anti-Trump incident , that was captured on @ @ @ @ @ , on the final night of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Wilmington 's Riverfront @ @ @ @ @ handcuffed Friday , August 21 , 2020 , after Wilmington Police were called to the @ @ @ @ @ the evening before for reports of an offensive touching incident involving a 7-year-old boy .
@ @ @ @ @ , by Students for Trump , shows two girls , one police said was Winslow @ @ @ @ @ and stealing the young boy 's `` Make America Great Again '' hat .
The @ @ @ @ @ , and his mother encouraging him to get his hat back .

(WDEL) A 21-year-old Wilmington woman was arrested in connection with an anti-Trump incident, that was captured on video that's gone viral, on the final night of the virtual Democratic National Convention on Wilmington's Riverfront.
Olivia M. Winslow was handcuffed Friday, August 21, 2020, after Wilmington Police were called to the 600 block of Justison Street the evening before for reports of an offensive touching incident involving a 7-year-old boy.
Video circulated on social media, by Students for Trump, shows two girls, one police said was Winslow, tearing up Trump signs and stealing the young boy's "Make America Great Again" hat. The video shows the boy crying, and his mother encouraging him to get his hat back.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-08-22--Mexico's Jalisco cartel adopts new tactic: Drones armed with C-4 explosive

( MEXICO NEWS DAILY ) More evidence has surfaced to indicate the Jalisco New Generation Cartel ( CJNG ) is @ @ @ @ @ explosives to attack its enemies .
A citizens ' militia group in Tepalcatepec , Michoacán @ @ @ @ @ inside an armored car that cartel hitmen had abandoned after an attempted raid on the @ @ @ @ @ , on July 25 .
The C4 was packed with ball bearings to serve as @ @ @ @ @ were equipped with a remote detonation system and duct-taped to the drones , militia members @ @ @ @ @ found in a cardboard box that was soaked in blood , indicating to the militia @ @ @ @ @ to fly the drones was injured before they could be launched .

(MEXICO NEWS DAILY) More evidence has surfaced to indicate the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is using drones armed with C4 explosives to attack its enemies.
A citizens' militia group in Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, reports finding two drones inside an armored car that cartel hitmen had abandoned after an attempted raid on the city, which borders Jalisco, on July 25.
The C4 was packed with ball bearings to serve as shrapnel in Tupperware-like containers that were equipped with a remote detonation system and duct-taped to the drones, militia members explained. The drones were found in a cardboard box that was soaked in blood, indicating to the militia members that whoever was intending to fly the drones was injured before they could be launched.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-08-22--Thousands put up 'Jesus 2020' signs ahead of election

( FOX NEWS ) He ’ s not a third-party presidential candidate up for election in November , but thousands @ @ @ @ @ up “ Jesus 2020 ” yard signs .
More than 5,000 signs have shipped out @ @ @ @ @ , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Texas , and other states from a campaign that began @ @ @ @ @ in Ramer , Ala. “ People need Jesus with everything that ’ s going on @ @ @ @ @ one of the Jesus 2020 co-organizers , told Fox News .
“ He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ can count on .
He ’ s the one that keeps His promises .
He @ @ @ @ @ .
”

(FOX NEWS) He’s not a third-party presidential candidate up for election in November, but thousands across the country are putting up “Jesus 2020” yard signs.
More than 5,000 signs have shipped out to California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and other states from a campaign that began at Sampey Memorial Baptist Church in Ramer, Ala.
“People need Jesus with everything that’s going on,” Joyce Hubbard, one of the Jesus 2020 co-organizers, told Fox News. “He’s the only one that we can count on. He’s the one that keeps His promises. He’s already the winner.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-08-22--Kanye reportedly misses critical FEC deadline, presidential bid could be falling apart

New reports paint Kanye West ’ s presidential campaign as being on the rocks now that it has failed to meet a major Federal Election Commission deadline .
FEC rules require any campaign that has spent or plans to spend $ 100,000 or more to make a filing that was due Aug. 20 .
The West campaign has not filed , TMZ reported Saturday , citing an FEC official .
According to the New York Post , the blown deadline suggests `` West 's campaign has either stalled , or still isn ’ t together enough to meet the required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been struggling , as Illinois , Montana , Ohio , West Virginia and Wisconsin have rejected West 's petitions to get on the ballot .
`` In Illinois , Montana , and West Virginia , it was because he filed an insufficient number of valid signatures , '' New York magazine reported .
`` In Wisconsin , it was because West did not file on time .
In Ohio , the information and signature on West ’ s nominating petition and his statement of candidacy did not match those on petitions circulated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed to make the ballot in Louisiana , Minnesota , Tennessee and Virginia , but has not yet heard whether he was successful .
His Virginia chances seem long after New York magazine reported that the majority of his electors were not even aware they had been named by his campaign .
“ I ’ m certainly not supporting Kanye West , ” she said .
“ We shouldn ’ t do things in a rush , ” she said .
“ I didn ’ t even know it was for him.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grocery store when she agreed to what she was asked , but did not recall having signed on to be an elector for West .
“ I have a very vivid memory , I don ’ t remember hearing his name , ” she added .
“ I ’ m not a big fan but I know who he is.
” West is on the ballot in Arkansas , Colorado , Oklahoma and Vermont .
In July , West told Forbes that contrary to the conventional wisdom that his candidacy would detract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances , a black American running for president does automatically split the black vote .
“ That is a form of racism and white supremacy and white control to say that all black people need to be Democrat and to assume that me running is me splitting the vote .
All of that information is being charged up on social media platforms by Democrats , '' he said .
West made it clear that a comment from Biden in May claiming that anyone not voting for him in November is not really black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` threatening '' to have a `` white man can tell a black man if you don ’ t vote for me , you ’ re not black.
” “ A lot of times just like political parties they feel all blacks have to be Democrat , '' West said .
`` This man , Joe Biden , said if you don ’ t vote for me , then you are not black .
Well , act like we didn ’ t hear that ?
We act like we didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That man said that . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

New reports paint Kanye West’s presidential campaign as being on the rocks now that it has failed to meet a major Federal Election Commission deadline.
FEC rules require any campaign that has spent or plans to spend $100,000 or more to make a filing that was due Aug. 20.
The West campaign has not filed, TMZ reported Saturday, citing an FEC official.
According to the New York Post, the blown deadline suggests "West's campaign has either stalled, or still isn’t together enough to meet the required filings."
The campaign has already been struggling, as Illinois, Montana, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin have rejected West's petitions to get on the ballot.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"In Illinois, Montana, and West Virginia, it was because he filed an insufficient number of valid signatures," New York magazine reported.
"In Wisconsin, it was because West did not file on time. In Ohio, the information and signature on West’s nominating petition and his statement of candidacy did not match those on petitions circulated to be signed."
West has also filed to make the ballot in Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee and Virginia, but has not yet heard whether he was successful.
His Virginia chances seem long after New York magazine reported that the majority of his electors were not even aware they had been named by his campaign.
“Is this a joke?” West elector Ilisa Stillman asked. “Holy guacamole."
“I’m certainly not supporting Kanye West,” she said.
Elector Courtney Brown was also surprised.
“We shouldn’t do things in a rush,” she said. “I didn’t even know it was for him.”
Brown said she had been approached outside a grocery store when she agreed to what she was asked, but did not recall having signed on to be an elector for West.
“I have a very vivid memory, I don’t remember hearing his name,” she added. “I’m not a big fan but I know who he is.”
West is on the ballot in Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Vermont.
In July, West told Forbes that contrary to the conventional wisdom that his candidacy would detract from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's chances, a black American running for president does automatically split the black vote.
“That is a form of racism and white supremacy and white control to say that all black people need to be Democrat and to assume that me running is me splitting the vote. All of that information is being charged up on social media platforms by Democrats," he said.
West made it clear that a comment from Biden in May claiming that anyone not voting for him in November is not really black stuck in his craw, saying that it was "threatening" to have a "white man can tell a black man if you don’t vote for me, you’re not black.”
“A lot of times just like political parties they feel all blacks have to be Democrat," West said.
"This man, Joe Biden, said if you don’t vote for me, then you are not black. Well, act like we didn’t hear that? We act like we didn’t hear that man say that? That man said that."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-08-22--'Shame' and 'guilt' campaign planned to coerce COVID-19 vaccination

Some government leaders have insisted that the economy must remain locked down until a coronavirus vaccine is available .
President Trump has confirmed that several companies are rushing the development of a vaccine , and one could be available by winter .
But the non-profit Citizens ' Council for Health Freedom in Minnesota is warning the impact of a vaccine could be worse than not having one .
CCHF said a vaccine could `` backfire , '' noting Dr. Anthony Fauci 's Senate testimony May 12 that there are `` two major unknowns '' about a vaccine .
`` First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 vaccine will work and second , it could 'backfire , ' strengthening the virus , CCHF said .
Fauci , the council noted , referenced two previous vaccines that produced a `` suboptimal response '' that `` enhanced pathogenesis of the disease , which is always worrisome . ''
`` I think we should very carefully listen to Dr. Fauci ’ s concerns , '' said Twila Brase , R.N.
, president and co-founder of CCHF .
`` No coronavirus vaccine has been developed despite earlier coronavirus pandemics . ''
She pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus funded by Fauci 's department made the virus more virulent in the test animals .
`` The American public should be concerned about the possibility that a COVID-19 vaccine may 'backfire , ' '' Brase said .
In the 2012 study , CCHF said , SARS coronavirus vaccines were tested on mice , which were then exposed to the virus .
`` Researchers discovered the mice , who were believed to have developed antibodies , had actually gotten sicker , '' CCHF said .
`` The study concluded the vaccines had made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'caution in proceeding to application of SARS-CoV vaccine in humans . '
'' In fact , the study found the SARS-CoV vaccines `` all induced antibody and protection against infection with SARS-CoV . ''
`` However , challenge of mice given any of the vaccines led to occurrence of Th2-type immunopathology suggesting hypersensitivity to SARS-CoV components was induced .
Caution in proceeding to application of a SARS-CoV vaccine in humans is indicated . ''
A separate study by Yale on how to market a COVID-19 vaccine advised using messages of `` shame '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take it , even calling those who choose not to vaccinate `` not brave . ''
The study advised using terms such as `` self-interest , '' `` community interest , `` economic benefit , '' `` guilty , '' `` embarrassment , '' `` anger , '' `` trust in science '' and `` not bravery . ''
The study explained that part of the sample group `` will be assigned to this message ( not bravery ) which describes how firefighters , doctors , and front-line medical workers are brave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinated against COVID-19 are not brave .
`` The ( anger ) message is about the danger that COVID-19 presents to the health of one 's family and community .
The best way to protect them is by getting vaccinated and by working together to make sure that enough people get vaccinated .
Then it asks the participant to imagine the anger they will feel if they do n't get vaccinated and spread the disease .
`` Some vaccine proponents are skipping the public relations campaign altogether and have called for mandatory vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services and ‘ nonessential government benefits ’ to those who refuse – eliminating any exemptions for religious or personal beliefs , '' CCHR said .
`` Despite the danger of the vaccine backfiring , and before any of the vaccine trials have proven a vaccine to be safe and effective , proponents are busy figuring out how to force the public to get vaccinated , '' Brase said .
`` Proponents want the unvaccinated banned from airplanes , buses , or trains , and want everyone to provide ‘ evidence of immunization ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces .
But Americans should be concerned about these proposals , this vaccine , and those who wish to ‘ plunge it into their arm.
’ People have no idea what they ’ re signing up for with this vaccine , ” she concluded .

Some government leaders have insisted that the economy must remain locked down until a coronavirus vaccine is available.
President Trump has confirmed that several companies are rushing the development of a vaccine, and one could be available by winter.
But the non-profit Citizens' Council for Health Freedom in Minnesota is warning the impact of a vaccine could be worse than not having one.
CCHF said a vaccine could "backfire," noting Dr. Anthony Fauci's Senate testimony May 12 that there are "two major unknowns" about a vaccine.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"First, there's 'no guarantee' a COVID-19 vaccine will work and second, it could 'backfire,' strengthening the virus, CCHF said.
Fauci, the council noted, referenced two previous vaccines that produced a "suboptimal response" that "enhanced pathogenesis of the disease, which is always worrisome."
"I think we should very carefully listen to Dr. Fauci’s concerns," said Twila Brase, R.N., president and co-founder of CCHF. "No coronavirus vaccine has been developed despite earlier coronavirus pandemics."
She pointed out that a 2012 study on the coronavirus funded by Fauci's department made the virus more virulent in the test animals.
"The American public should be concerned about the possibility that a COVID-19 vaccine may 'backfire,'" Brase said.
In the 2012 study, CCHF said, SARS coronavirus vaccines were tested on mice, which were then exposed to the virus.
"Researchers discovered the mice, who were believed to have developed antibodies, had actually gotten sicker," CCHF said. "The study concluded the vaccines had made the coronavirus more virulent, and issued 'caution in proceeding to application of SARS-CoV vaccine in humans.'"
In fact, the study found the SARS-CoV vaccines "all induced antibody and protection against infection with SARS-CoV."
"However, challenge of mice given any of the vaccines led to occurrence of Th2-type immunopathology suggesting hypersensitivity to SARS-CoV components was induced. Caution in proceeding to application of a SARS-CoV vaccine in humans is indicated."
A separate study by Yale on how to market a COVID-19 vaccine advised using messages of "shame" and "guilt" to coerce subjects to take it, even calling those who choose not to vaccinate "not brave."
The study advised using terms such as "self-interest," "community interest, "economic benefit," "guilty," "embarrassment," "anger," "trust in science" and "not bravery."
The study explained that part of the sample group "will be assigned to this message (not bravery) which describes how firefighters, doctors, and front-line medical workers are brave. Those who choose not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 are not brave.
"The (anger) message is about the danger that COVID-19 presents to the health of one's family and community. The best way to protect them is by getting vaccinated and by working together to make sure that enough people get vaccinated. Then it asks the participant to imagine the anger they will feel if they don't get vaccinated and spread the disease.
"Some vaccine proponents are skipping the public relations campaign altogether and have called for mandatory vaccination and government penalties that deny access to services and ‘nonessential government benefits’ to those who refuse – eliminating any exemptions for religious or personal beliefs," CCHR said.
"Despite the danger of the vaccine backfiring, and before any of the vaccine trials have proven a vaccine to be safe and effective, proponents are busy figuring out how to force the public to get vaccinated," Brase said.
"Proponents want the unvaccinated banned from airplanes, buses, or trains, and want everyone to provide ‘evidence of immunization’ to enter public and private auditoriums and spaces. But Americans should be concerned about these proposals, this vaccine, and those who wish to ‘plunge it into their arm.’ People have no idea what they’re signing up for with this vaccine,” she concluded.


wnd--2020-08-22--San Francisco needs to admit it was wrong on vaping

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy . ]
San Francisco cares about your health — so much so that they outright banned the sale of e-cigarettes in 2020 .
As usual for SF , the ultra-progressive city sought to be a leader in the fight against electronic cigarettes , issuing one of the most stringent measures taken in the U.S .
However , a recent study shows that the measure was probably a costly mistake .
After all , the very bans enforced by the city may well have ended up doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no reason to argue that smoking is a good thing , whether e-cigarettes or regular .
The science is fairly clear on what happens when people smoke , it can be extraordinarily harmful to their bodies .
Smoking cigarettes after all , is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. , killing just under half a million a year .
San Francisco passed the measure as a precautionary principle , saying `` This is a decisive step to help prevent another generation of San Francisco children from becoming addicted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relying on bad science as a basis for their decisions .
For example , the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) , knowingly executed a campaign against vaping and e-cigarettes littered with misinformation about the products .
It is unfortunate that such an important institution would rely on such tactics , as it takes away from having a genuine conversation .
As health care writer Elise Amez-Droz put it , “ Exaggerating the severity of a problem in the effort of catching public attention and bringing awareness to a harmful trend is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another to paint a highly effective alternative like vaping as a great danger and make it an imaginary public health threat — when it ’ s not.
” The reality is that the data doesn ’ t back either the FDA or the city of San Francisco in their claims .
A simple look at the Health and Human Services Department can tell one as much .
They report a consistent decline in usage of cigarettes in high school going back decades .
In 2018 , only 3.6 % of high school seniors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of high school students had reported smoking a cigarette in the past month .
None of this even takes into account solid evidence showing that smoking e-cigarettes is a path to quitting from smoking in general .
In the recent study looking at the ban in San Francisco , researchers studied over 200 young adults in San Francisco who smoked e-cigarettes .
The results weren ’ t all that great for the city .
For example , one result they found was that the sale of traditional cigarettes surged in San Francisco .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the option of e-cigarettes was taken away from smokers .
The study also found that the ban was essentially ineffective , as people just went to retailers online and out of the city to get the thing they wanted .
The ban also did not curb the use of flavored e-cigarettes , since 60 % of people still used them after the ban .
Additionally , instituting the ban did the city little favors with their citizens .
Most of the people who commented in the study about the ban did not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ban as “ stupid , ” “ ridiculous , ” and invasive .
One commenter astutely stated that banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes “ does nothing except make people want it more.
” Prohibition style bans do nothing to solve the problem cities like San Francisco seek to answer .
It ’ s as if they ’ ve forgotten what happened in Prohibition — in banning alcohol across the states , Prohibition made the process of buying alcohol less safe for everyone .
While the culture things that popped up were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gang wars break out and perverse incentives show up when both Baptists and Bootleggers were on the same side for keeping alcohol banned , even though the two groups fundamentally thought about the substance differently .
Trying to restrict cigarettes based on age wasn ’ t much more effective , as it drove the sale into less safe environments .
Rather than have a conversation that could be uncomfortable for a parent with their child , San Francisco needlessly closes the door and demonizes the practice , which does little to address the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The issue of teenage vaping is certainly prevalent , and it should be addressed .
However , in doing so , the city of San Francisco must acknowledge its policy failure in this arena .
Their ban isn ’ t achieving their stated goals , preventing the city 's citizens from having an option to pursue that could help them overcome their addiction to smoking .
It ’ s time to have a real discussion on the issue , so policymakers can come up with an innovative solution — without engaging in policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and time again .
James Czerniawski is a Young Voices Associate Contributor .
His work has been featured in The National Interest , RealClear Policy , The Salt Lake Tribune , and more .
Follow him on Twitter @ JamesCz19 .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy.]
By James Czerniawski
Real Clear Policy
San Francisco cares about your health — so much so that they outright banned the sale of e-cigarettes in 2020. As usual for SF, the ultra-progressive city sought to be a leader in the fight against electronic cigarettes, issuing one of the most stringent measures taken in the U.S. However, a recent study shows that the measure was probably a costly mistake. After all, the very bans enforced by the city may well have ended up doing more harm than good.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
There’s no reason to argue that smoking is a good thing, whether e-cigarettes or regular. The science is fairly clear on what happens when people smoke, it can be extraordinarily harmful to their bodies. Smoking cigarettes after all, is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., killing just under half a million a year. San Francisco passed the measure as a precautionary principle, saying "This is a decisive step to help prevent another generation of San Francisco children from becoming addicted to nicotine." But they’re relying on bad science as a basis for their decisions.
For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), knowingly executed a campaign against vaping and e-cigarettes littered with misinformation about the products. It is unfortunate that such an important institution would rely on such tactics, as it takes away from having a genuine conversation. As health care writer Elise Amez-Droz put it, “Exaggerating the severity of a problem in the effort of catching public attention and bringing awareness to a harmful trend is one thing. It’s quite another to paint a highly effective alternative like vaping as a great danger and make it an imaginary public health threat — when it’s not.”
The reality is that the data doesn’t back either the FDA or the city of San Francisco in their claims. A simple look at the Health and Human Services Department can tell one as much. They report a consistent decline in usage of cigarettes in high school going back decades. In 2018, only 3.6% of high school seniors smoked cigarettes daily. Only 5% of high school students had reported smoking a cigarette in the past month. None of this even takes into account solid evidence showing that smoking e-cigarettes is a path to quitting from smoking in general.
In the recent study looking at the ban in San Francisco, researchers studied over 200 young adults in San Francisco who smoked e-cigarettes. The results weren’t all that great for the city. For example, one result they found was that the sale of traditional cigarettes surged in San Francisco. That’s unsurprising, given that the option of e-cigarettes was taken away from smokers. The study also found that the ban was essentially ineffective, as people just went to retailers online and out of the city to get the thing they wanted. The ban also did not curb the use of flavored e-cigarettes, since 60% of people still used them after the ban.
Additionally, instituting the ban did the city little favors with their citizens. Most of the people who commented in the study about the ban did not have flattering things to say. They described the ban as “stupid,” “ridiculous,” and invasive. One commenter astutely stated that banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes “does nothing except make people want it more.”
Prohibition style bans do nothing to solve the problem cities like San Francisco seek to answer. It’s as if they’ve forgotten what happened in Prohibition — in banning alcohol across the states, Prohibition made the process of buying alcohol less safe for everyone. While the culture things that popped up were fascinating like speakeasies, you also saw gang wars break out and perverse incentives show up when both Baptists and Bootleggers were on the same side for keeping alcohol banned, even though the two groups fundamentally thought about the substance differently.
Trying to restrict cigarettes based on age wasn’t much more effective, as it drove the sale into less safe environments. Rather than have a conversation that could be uncomfortable for a parent with their child, San Francisco needlessly closes the door and demonizes the practice, which does little to address the overarching issue of children smoking underage.
The issue of teenage vaping is certainly prevalent, and it should be addressed. However, in doing so, the city of San Francisco must acknowledge its policy failure in this arena. Their ban isn’t achieving their stated goals, preventing the city's citizens from having an option to pursue that could help them overcome their addiction to smoking. It’s time to have a real discussion on the issue, so policymakers can come up with an innovative solution — without engaging in policy that’s been proven ineffective time and time again.
James Czerniawski is a Young Voices Associate Contributor. His work has been featured in The National Interest, RealClear Policy, The Salt Lake Tribune, and more. Follow him on Twitter @JamesCz19.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy.]


wnd--2020-08-22--'As easy as going to Starbucks' - Dr. Birx says in-person voting safe in November

( ZERO HEDGE ) `` If you go into Starbucks in the middle of Texas and Alabama and Mississippi that @ @ @ @ @ , then I ca n't say that it would be different waiting in line in @ @ @ @ @ Deborah Birx , a key member of President Trump 's coronavirus task force , told @ @ @ @ @ .
During the interview , Birx said she 's traveled across Sun Belt states to @ @ @ @ @ shops as she could find , which was an attempt to see if average Americans @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
Her experiences at the coffee shops , in states with high COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ to believe the country is more than ready to go to polls in November .
@ @ @ @ @ tell you it has been safe for me to go to Starbucks and pick up @ @ @ @ @ told Brody , advising masks and social distancing measures would need to be enforced at @ @ @

(ZERO HEDGE) "If you go into Starbucks in the middle of Texas and Alabama and Mississippi that have very high case rates, then I can't say that it would be different waiting in line in the polls," Dr. Deborah Birx, a key member of President Trump's coronavirus task force, told CBN News' David Brody.
During the interview, Birx said she's traveled across Sun Belt states to visit as many Starbucks coffee shops as she could find, which was an attempt to see if average Americans were wearing masks and socially distancing. Her experiences at the coffee shops, in states with high COVID-19 cases and deaths, led her to believe the country is more than ready to go to polls in November.
"Well, I can tell you it has been safe for me to go to Starbucks and pick up my order," Birx told Brody, advising masks and social distancing measures would need to be enforced at polling stations.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-08-22--Virginia plans mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for all residents

( ZERO HEDGE ) As Friday 's hospitalization numbers across the Sun Belt appear to confirm CDC head Dr. Robert @ @ @ @ @ American COVID-19 outbreak has peaked and is starting to fade , the State of Virginia @ @ @ @ @ by seriously discussing forcing Virginians to be vaccinated with whatever rushed-to-marked candidate the FDA approves @ @ @ @ @ that aired on Friday , the state 's health commissioner said he planned to invoke @ @ @ @ @ mandatory - once a western product is available , presumably .
State Health Commissioner Dr. @ @ @ @ @ Friday that he plans to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for Virginians once one is made available @ @ @ @ @ state law gives the Commissioner of Health the authority to mandate immediate immunizations during a @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is available .
Health officials say an immunization could be released as early as @ @

(ZERO HEDGE) As Friday's hospitalization numbers across the Sun Belt appear to confirm CDC head Dr. Robert Redfield's assertion that the American COVID-19 outbreak has peaked and is starting to fade, the State of Virginia is setting a new precedent by seriously discussing forcing Virginians to be vaccinated with whatever rushed-to-marked candidate the FDA approves first.
During an interview that aired on Friday, the state's health commissioner said he planned to invoke state law to make vaccinations mandatory - once a western product is available, presumably.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver told 8News on Friday that he plans to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for Virginians once one is made available to the public.
Virginia state law gives the Commissioner of Health the authority to mandate immediate immunizations during a public health crisis if a vaccine is available. Health officials say an immunization could be released as early as 2021.
Read the full story ›